July 2016 #2

[Bluebell20]

A new thread as we (hopefully) move towards longer sleeps and lovely little smiles!

Hello! I've been awol for ages and fallen off the thread!
Anna how terrifying about poor Grace being ill - well done for speedy response. She looks awesome now, thank god.
Indians glad Hallie is good, too. Modelling thing is hilaire! She's such a cutie - not just about the hair, she's got such a wise little face too!
Elliz great to hear from you! Sorry you e been awol and having a shit time of it. Having two is pretty full-on, innit?! I've just been cooking and thought of you when I opened my spice drawer not a euphemism
Cookies I know, right? Joss was 16w yesterday. Although he's so massive he looks about 3! We did a few fireworks in the garden but whingebag DD was all 'I don't want to see any more, I want to watch the telly' oh great!!!
Beaut so glad DH's working away is nearly over. Do you think it'll be harder in some ways when he's around more??! I find it easier when DP is at the office, rather than the days he works from home. I get fewer cups of tea but on the whole the day runs more smoothly because it has to, rather than me having my hands full and wondering if he might walk in and pick up a child and me silently fuming when he doesn't!!!

I've been keeping up when I can and had so many instances of starting to post and being interrupted by one or the other child that I can't remember half of what I would've said. All ok with us. Sort of. Joss is just gorge. He's almost out of 3-6m stuff but I don't know what he weighs, maybe 19-20lbs?? I should weigh him. He's a bit less sicky, a bit better at burping. Sleeps through pretty reliably - enough that I was mildly annoyed that he woke up at 5.45 yesterday! This morning it was a more usual 7.30. I feel incredibly lucky as DD didn't sleep through until she was a year. He's so chatty and smiley, it's lovely. He's rolled front to back a few times and is sitting up with very little support. IT'S GOING TOO FAST!!! Wah!
I've not been brilliant. I've had a blocked ear for a few weeks now and this week I've been getting a constant loud hum and it's driving me a bit nuts. I've tried decongestants, driving up and down hills really fast(!), holding my nose and blowing etc. I'm hoping it's some sort of sinus type infection and will clear up. I've also been having quite bad anxiety, catastrophising about everything. Then our cat got run over and killed - which in my anxiety-addled state didn't go down too well (if I can't look after a cat, how can I keep two children safe?, etc, plus reinforcement: 'see? Bad things happen! I am right to freak out about every ridiculous thing'.) It's all been a bit exhausting and I am wondering if my ear thing is stress-related. Anyway, the past couple of days have felt a little less despairing so I'll take that. And if it comes back, I think I'm going to get some help. Oh and DP was up for redundancy last week but fortunately we found out this week that his job is safe.
In between bonkers episodes, we did Halloween stuff, carved pumpkins and made Halloween biscuits. Tonight I made a bloody lovely thing for dinner, a Mexican style quinoa and black bean one-pot thing - it was so so so delicious. Thanks Pinterest!!! And now I'm sat with the woodburner going, a baby asleep on the floor in front of it(!!) and about to do some knitting. So I'm trying to open my eyes as wide as I can and appreciate those things.
Happy Bonfire night xxx

I'VE KILLED THE THREAD!!

dats!!

I'm sorry had a crazy weekend!

dats wow sleeping through!! Are you BF? I'm finding Grace is still feeding ever three hours! I hope you're on the mend now? I'm so sorry about your cat too and I'm pleased your DH's job is safe. I'm not surprised you're feeling anxious with all of that going on. Def go get some help. My BIL does CBT for his and it's made a huge difference. I don't get anxious but even I have moments with two little ones so don't feel alone. Babies are hard work on their own let alone with the other crap life throws at us. Are you managing to get a break at all? Maybe a class or something?

cookies nice to hear from you! Four months!!! It's going so fast! Make it stop!!!!

becks Grace loves the bumbo but DD1 won't let her in it much As it's 'mine' like everything else in the house

indian that face is priceless!!! She's such a babe. How is modelling going?

We've had a busy weekend, ending with a two year old party yesterday afternoon. I had a couple of wines then realised I hadn't eaten much and was feeling a bit pissed lol! Such a lightweight these days! Anyway ate a big dinner and felt more normal lol.
Grace feeding loads which is hardwork but is accelerating weight loss. Two pounds off this week and I've not really been trying. Result!

Hope everyone else is well? X

Hey lovelies, I've missed you all lots! I feel like the last few weeks have been a bit of a blur - H stopped napping during the day and the lack of time to think/stop/not have a baby demanding my attention really got to me. I have so much respect for all of you with more than one. Think I've adjusted to it now and (fingers very tightly crossed) nighttime sleep is still good. There was a routine question a while back - we do 6-ish bathtime, quiet feed and mainly am still cuddling to sleep before H goes down is his cot at 7ish. Anyone else clearly noticing how hard it is to get an overtired baby to sleep?

bluebell we have Superworm from the same series, no longer need to book as know it off by heart! Tabby McTat going on the Christmas list.

Anna I hope everybody is better now and you've all recovered from a scary time. Grace is amazing - can't believe she's rolling and siting so well already. Do you think she's very eager to play with her big sister?
9 months is when I plan to stop too. We've just started doing a second bottle each day, am currently mixing HIPP milk 50-50 with bm to see if it helps H get used to the taste. Main reason is so I can go and do a couple of nights away in the next two months (eek!)

Rolly we bought a secondhand Tripp Trapp and I think it's great. Love that it can be used as a normal chair later on too, plus I actually think it takes up less space than a lot of the plastic ones.

primary very exciting Italian wedding plans, looking forward to hearing all about the planning. H won't take a dummy either, so let me know if you crack that little challenge!

indians also looking forward to hearing about your wedding plans, sounds like you might have a mini celebrity on your hands by then

becks yep, those 16 wk jabs were awful, very sad little boy here too for nearly two days. Plus, I think Calpol gives him awful wind/poos, is this a thing? Go Ben on the rolling

beaut I've been finding hair everywhere for the last few days

julfin so pleased about your DH, and good grief do my ancient knees ache!!

dats the wood burner and knitting sound like excellent therapy for all that ails you - winter is a f*er for bringing on some misery, and the cat situation is very sad. Sounds like you're doing a great job though, so go easy on yourself

Diet, what diet? somebody better eat the left over Halloween chocolate, right? Especially as decided we had to have a good old celebration of a year since our bfp on the 30th and haven't stopped since!

Smear test in two weeks, joy of joys.
But in happier news, told work that I'm going back in April not January, whoop!!

Christmas plans coming along here and have started some crafting (Pom Pom wreath pic attached that is on the go for my SIL) and shopping. Dad and bro coming here and excited about H's first Christmas being at home.

Jobs for this weekend - dig the pushchair seat out of the attic, think it's time to wave goodbye to our carrycot too. Sob, he'son longer a little baby

Can't believe my mini man will be 4 months old on Weds, pic attached of H modelling his Halloween outfit at baby sensory and also wearing the cardigan that I FINALLY finished knitting for him.

Yeah I hate the school run as well Indians, the morning one is the worst here. I rarely bother to get Raffy dressed just bung him in his fleecy star thing and stick him in the sling but now it's getting chillier he is needing an additional layer as well. I have also had Raffys swimming changed so I now need to be at his lesson for 9.15 tomorrow am and its a good 30 minute drive not looking forward to it think I must have been feeling very ambitious when I agreed!!

Ruby the chair is working well here and I can vouch for the older child working my DD has sat in it since it came home it fits nicely under the table which is great. Lovely pics, very clever and crafty!
I am meeting my boss for a coffee next week, going to let him know I would ideally like to come back part time - my fingers are crossed..

We have injections wednesday, not looki

Dats sounds like you have a lot going on, so sorry about your cat. I spend alot of time swearing at mine as he is always trying to trip me up but I would be devastated if anything happened to him. Our last cat was run over and it is horrid. Hope your ear is healing up, a colleague used something called a Chinese ear candle and swore by them for healing up ear problems haven't used one myself though. Sorry to hear about your anxiety as well, the fire and knitting sounds like a soothing combo though!

Anna we love the bumbo here as well, Raffy is enjoying staring everyone out as we eat and making you feel guilty over every mouthful his little face just looks like where is mine ;)

Jealous of all the sleeping through babies. We are still feeding regularly between 2 &3 then feeding and napping on repeat from 5/5.30 onward.

I have been sorting and bagging up clothes here as I now have newborn, 0-3 and most of the 3-6 which are redundant. Time seems to be speeding along.

Going to my friends on Thursday for dinner and I am 90% sure she is going to tell us she is pregnant :) so exciting.

dats you poor poor thing!! So much on your plate. Would be devastated if it were my cat. I hope the pesky ear troubles bugger off for good.. maybe see a doc and get them to have a peer in there?
Wow to the sleeping through. !!! I feed about 11 then either up at 2/3 and again at 5ish. I find he doesn't really go back to a solid sleep after 3am? Did I mention I'm a tired wrek!! Still BF but he also has a bottle of formula at bedtime (on top of boobie feed when I'm here)

ruby I know what you mean - I always think sleep promotes sleep in a lot of circumstances. I've found some days I have to pop G in the sling and go for a walk to make him sleep as that's the only way!

indians I too hate the bloody school run. I have two parts as nursery and school are miles apart. Why did I do that to myself?! GREAT idea with the American school bus!! Sign me up!! How's the modelling?

anna That's amazing on the weight loss front, I'm trying and failing. Grace's appetite must be doing the trick. How much does she weigh roughly these dYs?

We are off to be weighed tomorrow as we haven't been in about 6 weeks when he was 12lb5. By my rough estimations he's about 15lbs. Also all this talk of 3-6 month being outgrown is panicking me he's too small - currently in a 0-3 babygrow?! Also wide awake and chatting lots post feed in his cot next to me. Seriously I ordered a sleeping one?! Talk to me about light projectors /sheep that you would recommend mamas...

dats you poor poor thing!! So much on your plate. Would be devastated if it were my cat. I hope the pesky ear troubles bugger off for good.. maybe see a doc and get them to have a peer in there?
Wow to the sleeping through. !!! I feed about 11 then either up at 2/3 and again at 5ish. I find he doesn't really go back to a solid sleep after 3am? Did I mention I'm a tired wrek!! Still BF but he also has a bottle of formula at bedtime (on top of boobie feed when I'm here)

ruby I know what you mean - I always think sleep promotes sleep in a lot of circumstances. I've found some days I have to pop G in the sling and go for a walk to make him sleep as that's the only way!

indians I too hate the bloody school run. I have two parts as nursery and school are miles apart. Why did I do that to myself?! GREAT idea with the American school bus!! Sign me up!! How's the modelling?

anna That's amazing on the weight loss front, I'm trying and failing. Grace's appetite must be doing the trick. How much does she weigh roughly these dYs?

We are off to be weighed tomorrow as we haven't been in about 6 weeks when he was 12lb5. By my rough estimations he's about 15lbs. Also all this talk of 3-6 month being outgrown is panicking me he's too small - currently in a 0-3 babygrow?! Also wide awake and chatting lots post feed in his cot next to me. Seriously I ordered a sleeping one?! Talk to me about light projectors /sheep that you would recommend mamas...

ruby I'm so glad you posted that about the feeding. I'm thinking of trying a bottle before bed to fill her up and read HIPP was the best for BF babies. Think I'm going to get some and give it a go! Oh amazing! Where are you going? I've got my Xmas do mid December for a night and I'd really like to go. Ha yes def trying to keep up with the big sis! They adore each other. It's heartwarming!
Love the halloween outfit! So gorgeous!

rolly ha ha!! Grace was really staring at my biscuit earlier. Bugger off, its mine I guess soon we will be weaning. I may start at five months but just see how we get on. That feeding pattern is very similar to ours. I'm hoping she drops the 2 feed soon!

cookies sounds like the feeding is the same for you too. It's so tiring, but hopefully they'll drop one soon. I wonder if the formula works to fill them up? Grace was 14 lbs at 12 weeks. Her main thing is she's very long so 6-9 month sleepsuits are ok for now. Hoping she slows down the growing. She's barely wearing things! That doesn't sound too small. They're all different shapes and sizes. DD1 is 22 months and 12-18 months is still big on her. As long as they're eating and happy I wouldn't worry.

I was awful on diet today. Ate so many biscuits!!!! Sometimes you just need the sugar!

Oh and they were the naice m&s Christmas biscuits I'd bought for gifts. Just had to have one / seven!!!

Anna you're eating the Christmas shopping, hilarious!!!! That is something I would definitely do atm, note to self - no food gifts for anyone this year!
As you can see by the fact that an up: formula hasn't made a blind bit of difference yet..
A week on Sat am going to London overnight with a group of friends as we were all invited by one if the group, no real reason, just for fun. Agreed to it months ago when November seemed like a long way off, kind of glad that I did to make me get away at some point, but also feels so weird to think about leaving H behind.

cookies don't worrry about size, absolutely true that they're all different. H had a newborn cardigan on yesterday, and is still in 0-3 everything else, I haven't even started on the 3-6m stuff yet.

I know! I'm foul worth it though. The biscuits are lovely!
Oh a night out sounds fab!!! It will do you good. It's hard to leave them but I think it's important to have a break and time for yourself.
Oh rubbish to the formula!!! I almost said in my post I think sometimes formula is seen as a miracle worker for sleep when often it's not!!!

You haven't killed the thread dats! So many times I start to type a post and end up getting waylaid. Seriously, there are people whose texts I haven't replied to from September Sorry to hear you've been having a stressful time lately and I hope that now the pressure is off with your DHs job you can relax a bit more. The wood burner/sleeping baby/knitting conjures up a lovely gentle image. I'm picturing a tartan throw somewhere in the scene too

Oooh good luck with the audition Indians and Hallie, all the cloak and dagger stuff sounds v exciting! Your morning school run could be about to get colder, I think I'm the other side of the Pennines to you but there's snow forecast where I am tonight and tomorrow morning!

Anna Yay 2lb off is great! I need motivating to go out for a walk each day, especially if the weather is crap. Naice m and s biccies are delish I don't blame you for scoffing some! Call it quality testing, you wouldn't want to give a sub standard gift would you I had to resort to eating the baking chocolate last week.

Ruby fab you get a bonus 3 months mat leave! I'm back in the spring too and I'm dreading how fast it'll come round after Xmas is over. You are so organised with all the Xmas stuff! Really need to pull my finger out and get cracking with presents, I've no idea what to ask for myself when people ask either.

Cookies How old is he? E has only just grown out of his 0-3m stuff and he's 15 weeks (I think). I have to remind myself that I've got one of the youngest babies on the thread so there is almost a month difference when I'm comparing size/development. However I think Annas Grace is the youngest? And she's storming ahead with the rolling! They are all different. I've still got E in size 2 nappies, they are a little too small now but I went crazy and overbought so hes in them until we've used up our stock!

Nothing much to report here. Finally got round to my weigh in and it's static, the lurgy seems to be leaving our household and E has amazingly avoided catching it so far. Nothing exciting planned this week, we've had 1 baby class and 1 outing with friends cancelled as everyone is catching colds and sickness bugs so we are just chilling at home.

Sunday I didn't have thick pregnancy hair either. My hair is fine already so the hair loss isn't helping.

Mrsrolly we have the spit bubbles too. MB constantly blows raspberries. I've had to invest in some dribble bibs.

Indians I don't believe that for a second don't be down on yourself. How exciting for you and Hallie. Let us know how the casting goes.

Anna im hating dh being away it's a case of just having to get in with it I've no other choice.
I have a buggy board for ds3 and it's hard going pushing the pushchair especially as we live up a hill but anything that helps with weight loss is a bonus to me as I don't really have time for formal exercise.

Cookies we opted out of a fireworks party this year. We usually always have one but we are trying to save every penny for a house deposit. All the displays local to us started at 8pm and ds3 goes to bed at 7pm so we decided we didn't much fancy coping with an over tired toddler.
We are the other end of the spectrum everyone keeps telling me MB is too big. He's in 6-9 months and probably in 9-12 soon.
We have Ewan the dream sheep here but I'd say he's more for smaller babies. I think MB is a bit old for him now. He doesn't find it as soothing. I will be getting a moonlight dream show but haven't looked yet.

Dats yes sometimes I do feel I have myself a better routine when dh is working away and the house is tidier. But I would just love 20 minutes of an evening to eat dinner without one hand holding in a dummy or to have a bath.
So sorry about your cat
Go and get your blocked ear checked out. I was really struggling to hear a few weeks ago and turns out I just needed an ear syringed. I thought I was going deaf.

MB is 4 months old today. He is still sleeping through but he does make a lot of noises in the night. Sometimes it's like he's awake but he has his eyes closed and just wants his dummy in. He goes between 8pm and 8am. No sleep in the day just a couple of cat naps.

I think I'm going to sell our Connecta. I've only used it twice. My back is too bad to be baby wearing and I don't have small babies. I'd estimate MB at about 19lb. I need to change the pram again as well as it doesn't have a telescopic handle and my short arms with ds3 on the buggy board mean my back is absolutely killing me.

Just bought a door bouncer for Ben. Happy boy!!!

Look at how happy Ben is! That's amazing, we have a door bouncer that I picked up in a charity shop Raffy loves to stand in it mostly looking delighted to be standing unaided he's not so into the jumping more sticking his chest out in pride ha ha

Rolly Ben didn't really jump, lots of spinning around. Hence the cushions so he doesn't bump his head. He really enjoyed the standing without being held too. Hoping it might entertain him when we're having tea. Also thought I might get the high chair out to get him used to sitting with us at meal times. Not long until weaning!!!!

Raffy sits in the bumbo during tea time now on the table. He can't wait for weaning ha ha

Arghghghgh I just lost a massive post!!!

Great photos everyone - Ben looks ecstatic!

Have started a new thread July 2916 #3 if someone can link? I don't know how!!

Or even July 2016 #3!!

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/postnatal_clubs/2775814-july-2016-3?watched=1&msgid=64768561#64768561

Here's the link to the next thread.

I'll try to catch up soon.

sunday lol at the baking chocolate!!! I've got such a sweet tooth since having kids. I think it's energy? I really need to stop as I think I'm addicted.

beaut it's so hard to do proper exercise. I think walking and pushing a heavy buggy is a fab work out though. I'm so pleased MB sleeps through you must need the sleep with four! I'm bloody knackered with two! I wish Grace would drop this feed so I could get a good chunk of sleep but she's such a hungry baby!!!