FEB 07 - 6 months down already!

[suzi2]

A new thread for the second half year

DCMY, I saw it advertised and purposefully didn't watch it as I knew I'd end up shouting at the telly!

DCMY I saw the programme last year where they set them up in houses.

I saw it advertised too and decided to come on MN instead! How is everyone? How many hundred first birthday parties are you going to? I'm starting to feel a bit guilty as we keep being invited to them but I wasn't planning on doing one.

We did a little bit of baby signing and Dom has just started to sign 'more' It looks like dodgy clapping but we are very proud.

Sorry to hear that nights are still hard for some. Is there slow progress though? Dom has eventually started sleeping through and I don't think we did anything different. I know what you mean about not wanting to just leave them to cry. I guess they are experts at tugging on the heart strings though!

Hello all - keep reading and meaning to post, but the pc is having a fit and keeps crashing, then the internet went doen, and then the thread disappeared from my 'threads I;m on list'..... all well here - T is the worst sleeper in the work=ld (well a bit of an exaggeration, but...) - he does down well at 7pm, has a little cry at 10.30pm, sometimes a cry around 3am, then wakes up clapping at 5am - snuggles in with us for half an hour, has milk, messes in our bed for half an hour, then either falls a sleep or insists on getting up... suffice to say, we are not getting much sleep - not great when you are back at work! Dont know what to try, but keep tweeking things to see if anything works! he is on the urge of walking - can do it holiding onto one of your hands, loves kicking a ball (much to the delight of his dad) and is eating us out of house and home!

I am starting to get him onto cows milk - mixing formula and full fat milk at the moment, he has a beaker inthe day but still likes a bottle morning and at bedtime - keep trying a beaker though - paranoid about it as nephew still has bottle at 3.5 years for goodness sake! T seems to be very similar to his cousin, which is not good!!! (in the nicest way!)

Will try to pop in more often - and see how all are getting on!

DCMY, I purposely decided not to watch that. I get really emotional these days if I see babies not being properly cared for - I just want to pick them up and mother them! I never used to be like that at all - how having your own changes you!

Andy, how have you got DS onto a beaker? DS won't have one unless it has water in it - absolutely point-blank refuses to have anything to do with it if it contains milk! He's very proficient at drinking his water and am keen to get him off bottles now he's coming up to a year - but fear battles ahead!

Suzi2, sorry to hear of ongoing sleep woes. Much as you hate it, the 'cry it out' approach might be your only solution. It doesn't have to be done in an extreme way. We did it with DS at about 4 months when he had a patch of several days where, having slept through the night, he started waking up every hour. I couldn't face doing it at night so I used a controlled crying approach during his day naps. I never let him cry for longer than 2 minutes before going in to reassure him (without picking him up or touching him - just using my voice). It took several attempts the first time, then it lessened so that within two days he was sleeping all night again and has never cried in the night since. He does occasionally wake in the night, but I hear him chattering to himself until he settles himself back off to sleep again. When he wakes in the morning he is perfectly content to lie in his cot and chatter or play with his soft toys until we go in to get him up. I was really worried about trying controlled crying as I'd read all sorts of nasty things about how it emotionally damages the child etc, but DS is honestly the most happy, contented baby you could wish for. He's so smiley all the time, and is a joy to have around.

Whatever you decide, I hope something works for you soon as sleep deprivation sends even the sanest of us over the edge.

We've tried CC a few times for a few days currantbun with no success. It might be that CIO is the only way to success, but I'm not sure I want the success if I have to let her cry herself to sleep without any comfort from me IYKWIM. Last night though she did 8pm to midnight... that's a long stretch for her. I have no idea what I got right though! I've pretty much decided to keep chipping away at it with little milestones for her - at least until she's nearer 2 and we can talk to her a bit better. I'd have no problems doing it with DS I don't think - just because he's older.

sorry the sleep clininc wasn't able to give you better advice suzi.
DD has been better for us lately and has been settling quicker but.. yes we did leave her to cry. For up to 15 minutes and then went back if she didn't stop. I did however find another tooth had come through which I hasn't notice at the time - naughty mummy.
We still have bottles for milk and a beaker for water It's a tommee tippee one and only in the last couple of weeks has DD drunk succesfully out of it for big drinks. I have a doidy too but have been very busy recently (bit of extra work here and there, swapping days etc ) so haven't really got going with it.
We at the moment are going to one birthday party. I think most of my friends are just doing the family thing although we are having a trip to a farm or soft play with my antenatal group at the beginning of March to celebrate everyone's birthday. I feel a bit guilty as One of my friends was saying she was thinking about a big party as they had been invited to lots and she felt she had to invite them back. I told her not to feel she had to (IYKWIM) I think she was a bit shocked!!
I think next year will be so much more meaningful to the babies so will probably have friends round then.
OK anyone want to give me advice about shoes. DD is toddling round quite confidently and had her feet measured over new year because John Lewis had some good stuff in the sale. You know I love a bargain! but they didn't have her size. Now I am in a dilemma as to wait it out for proper shoes or go for the soft crawler type.. A colleague at work recommended the soft ones to get their feet used to shoes and the CM said she relly wanted to toddle round the park today.. what do you think??

T is in Clarks cruiser shoes, she's a size 2.5, I think they start at size 2. They're soft soled so they don't squish feet/toes but are tough enough for outdoors.

We got DS some cruisers when he was just walking as he wouldn't wear the first shoes. It can be hard for them to get used to the first shoes and they can be heavy for them and put them off a bit. He wasn't outside that much but they were handy for those occasional toddles and lasted him a few months until he was easily in need of shoes.

DD still isn't a size 2 so we're stumped.

Oh, is my DD the only one on here without any teeth?

Hello All

Not sure if you'll remember me as I dropped off the thread a while ago. I had my DS 8 weeks early (I think the first of the thread) back in Jan 07. He is fab and a joy to us. We, however, are a mess - I've been off work for a few months, having been diagnosed with M.E. and my DH has just been diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis.

How is everyone? I see there are a couple of pgs announced! CONGRATULATIONS! Any other news? There are too many threads to catch up on.

Mazaa, sorry to hear about your ME but if you would like to do get in touch with me through CAT as My DH has Crohns disease/ ulcerative colitus - (they never really decided which one as he had symptoms for both)and has been really well for the last few years just with drugs.
If you haven't paid for CAT try
gmpschool at yahoo dot co dot uk

Maazaa of course we remember you. T even got a Happy birthday mention earlier in the thread when someone clever (Moosma)remembered that he was the early bird! Sorry to hear about the diagnoses at your house. Sounds tough. I hope that you get some support and practical help.
Suzi2, we still haven't got any teeth either. DS has been really grumpy though but I think he was just tired.
We are in Clarke's crawlers because they didn't start the cruisers in his width fitting until a size3. He's a 2.5G. They are fine for him to have a bit of a toddle outside though and given we got them in the sale and we've had them 6 weeks already, I don't feel too bad. Suiz2 perhaps you could just put bags over DD feet?

Hi Maaza - yep i remember you and given they way my brain is these days that's saying something! Sorry to hear about you and your DH. My brother has suffered from ME for a while now and it's a horrid thing. I was suspected to have it for a few years following glandular fever but didn't. I can't imagine how you're both looking after a wild 1 year old!

PMSL smudgemum. My friend did suggest that condoms would be a good use for keeping her feet dry. I'm sure DH would rather see them put to another use though... if they're not out of date that is!

hi everyone - again I always forget to pop in here when Im on as it takes me ages to hunt for the thread when it goes off 'threads im on' so finally added to 'threads im watching'.

Congratulations on the pregnancies! Sorry about your news Mazzaa.

DD2 is in Clarks cruising shoes here - size 3F! Must have big feet! DD1 wore these til about 6 weeks after she started walking. DD2 is cruising really well - took a few steps unaided a few weeks back but had resorted to crawling/climbing everywhere again. Will walk holding a hand but sits down if you attempt to let go. She is saying a few words now too - mamma, dadda(her fav person in the world), papa, ga (gran), ca ca (aunt carol), juice (at her cup). She is still breastfeeding morning and night and drinks water from her cup in the day, I am trying to stop but finding it soo difficult. Any ideas welcome.

Today 3 have:

8 steps
Tooth no. 3

Hooray!

That should be we have. Duh

SOS Peachygirl...
I have been loaned an Ergo carrier for the weekend by a friend and am trying to work out how to get DCMMY on my back without dislocating my shoulder or putting him in upsidedown. Advice please - bearing in mind I have no fellow adults on hand for assistance. Can you not put them in front-facing (on your front)? I just tried and it seemed really weird. Plus the other day we went out and I could really feel it pulling on my shoulders, as if I had a twisted bra strap or something. Please help...

Oh, and I've just about calmed down now after watching the Baby Borrowing Fwits, I noticed it was on again the other night and watched Big Brother instead - so my brain has shrunk to the size of an egg yolk but at least I'm serene and my tv isn't getting shouted at. In case anyone is wondering I'm referring to my television, I don't have a long-suffering man in a dress in the corner of my living room.

Don't Call My Mummy Yummy's Current Stats:
Weight: 21lb 9oz / 9.76kg
Teeth: 8
Eats: Toast, apple, porridge, books
Milk: Still breastfeeding (minimal nipple damage)
Language: Still babybabble and shrieking
Activities: Flirting with strangers on the bus, swimming, clapping, pulling keys off computer keyboard
Mobility: Standing, crawling quickly, launching self off the bed/sofa (with the bumps to prove it)
Sleep: Maybe one day

Well done on the steps and teeth babymoosma.

Yelnats, best thing if you want to stop the breastfeeding is to cut one feed first then the other. Morning is probably easier to ditch than the evening... get her up and about and into breakfast before she has a chance to notice! Just out of interest, why are you stopping? I have heard from friends that the 1yr+ breastfeeding is the easiest. Great for calming wild, excitable children and also great for making sure they're getting some goodness.

DCMY, not sure exactly how the ergo works with back carries, but with other slings the usual methods of getting baby on your back are the hip toss/hip scoot, santa toss and superman toss. I favour the superman toss. Google them... erm, maybe toss isn't a good word to google actually... google back carries sling, that's safer! The other way that might work is get DCMMY to sit on the sofa and lift him up that way.

I'm liking DCMMY stats. We also have a bus flirter. He has a penchalance (is that the right word?) for 14 year old school girls and old ladies with mars bars!!!!

Very impressed with the walking and the teeth babymoo. We don't have either but the talking is coming along quite well. He copies lots of sounds tick tick, quack (which has to be whispered for some reason) but doesn't seem to say them spontaneously. We are doing bilingual stuff, Dutch and English is anyone else?

Just remembered to do my stats!

Weight: haven't had her weighed in months but doubt she's put on much. She's about 18lb on bathroom scales.
Teeth: NONE!
Eats: Anything put within reaching distance. Occasionally IAMS cat biscuits. Dislikes pinto beans.
Milk: Still breastfeeding
Language: "bye bye", "night night" and "down" used a lot. "GGGRRRRAAAANNNN DAAADDD" screamed all the time at my poor dad. Some evidence of "cat, meow and 'ni gar' (night garden!)"
Activities: Climbing anything her short legs allow, shaking her head, giving cheeky grins, slamming cupboard doors.
Mobility: Very mobile. Walking between furniture if it suits, occasional steps alone when encouraged. Enjoys climbing and standing alone dancing.
Sleep: Is apparently still for the weak. I live in hope of a miracle. MIL suggested I turn catholic and get down the church with ehr on a Sun to light some candles...

Hello again Ladies, thanks for the welcome back and for the yahoo details, peachy - will take you up on that.

Will add some details of DS to bring myself up to date with the thread!

Age: Turned one on 2nd January!
Weight: No idea, must go to clinic
Teeth: 3 1/2 - 2 bottom, 1 top and 1 nearly through
Mobility: Crawling, rolling, pulling up. Walks when hands are held, lets go and falls on bottom. We have some way to go!!

Language: Dadadadadadada, momomomomomom, "ob" (we think Jac-ob"). "Adja" (no idea). "Yeah!!" (When asked do you want a biscuit...)

Food: Table food - steamed veg, bread, banana, chicken/fish. Rice Krispies, toast, fromage frais. We're trying to branch into more exciting food this week.

Milk: Whole Milk in the day, formula in the evening, beaker/bottle, juice with water.

Funny Bits: "Give Mummy a kiss" prompts and lovely big, open mouth, dribbling headbutt on lips! "Where's Jacob", where he covers himself up and then pops out laughing. Shakes his head a lot even when he thinks he is saying yes!

Sleep: A total nightmare. He was sleeping through and because of teeth (we think) wakes a couple of times a night wanting a bottle. With our health problems, it is too easy to give in to get back to sleep. ANY ADVICE PLEEEEEASE?????????!!!!!!!!

Sorry this has turning into a bit of an epic [shame]

DCMY Hmmm I think you should put the ergo on round you waist first and then side scoot DS into it
although for a mei tai here are some pictures

and here from their website instructions

and youtube which has videos.

I looked at youtube after I bought the babyhawk, which I haven't used that much.

We went to the park yesterday and DD loved wandering about in her shoo shoos but they just weren't durable enough so we went to the shoe shop today. She has some startrite prewalkers. Yelnats DD is a 3F too I don't think it's particularly big

our stats are
weight , I think about 18-19 lbs
food, mix of mash and 'normal' food, sausages (good quality) shepherds pie,banana, chicken, ham and cheese, toast, soup and bread, pasta, rice, Jacket potato and cheese and anything we are eating, even if she has refused it previously. Iams here too.
Do your babies come up to you and look at you longingly as if to say 'mummy I'm starving give me that food?'
Teeth, 4 and two halves!
Mobility, walking, can crouch and rise, stroking the cat nicely - most of the time.
Milk, breastfeed 1st thing in the morning formula at 2pm and bedtime, water in between.
Yelnats I cut out the bedtime feed 1st, replaced with formula and took it from there. One of the reasons I still do the morning feed is that I just can't be bothered to get out of bed and make up the bottle! I just get DD in with us and let her get on with it
Language, babbling still and shrieking.
Funny stuff, another bus flirt here .. or very stern staring. Loves the cats waterbowl
Sleep pretty good but a bit of an earlier riser 5.30 - 6ish most days.
Finally Mazaa if you email the yahoo address pop a note on here I don't check it that regularly as it get loads of spam.

Phew

Some of bethanys stats!
Weight-18lb 4 last time i took her about a month ago
Food- Eats most things...when she can be bothered, feeding is a battle ground!
Milk-formula 3 times a day
Teeth- 6
Mobility-crawling, crusing around the funiture, no steps alone yet
Language- dada, mama, nana, whispering(sounds like whats that!), shaking her head, playing bebo
Sleep....whats that

Love the stats idea - here are ours:

Weight: 19lb/8.6kg (as of yesterday) - will be 11 months on Sunday.
Teeth: 6
Eats: Chicken casserole or fish in cheese sauce with broccoli and courgette are the current favourites; finger-food it's grapes, banana, apple, rice cakes, toast, bread, cheese and Organix crunchy carrot sticks or their sweetcorn snacks.
Milk: 3 bottles a day (afternoon one is just a nip though). Drinks water very happily from a cup but won't touch milk that way!
Language: Dad, Mum, Nana, yum (when eating), "mou" (=mouse, from one of his books), and "moo" (when asked what noise a cow makes).
Activities: Flirting with strangers on the bus, waving, smiling at old ladies in the supermarket, opening the cupboard in our lounge and taking out the contents.
Mobility: Almost crawling, currently "commando style" using arms, legs and tummy but not knees! Pulling up on sofa.
Sleep: 6:45-7am (will go longer in the morning if not woken).

Right. This is beyond a joke now. Flirty boy after being a little whinge bag all morning, flirted on the bus and got given £1!!!

Our stats properly:
Age: 11.5 months
Weight: 22lb
Teeth: none
Eats: Anything from mammie's plate. Cake is a favourite, as are figs, bread, soup, basically most foods but especially fruit.
Milk: BF morning and night and sometimes one in the afternoon. Will drink a bit of cows milk from beaker but just as a joke! Drinks lots of water though.
Mobility: pulls up, crawls dead fast, uses anything going as a walker but doesn't let go yet
Language: mamamamam, dadadad, yeah, boo, and maybe bear.
Activities: dancing and flapping hands like mad, singing, flirting on the bus, playing peekaboo
Sleep: (whispers 7-7.30)