Ttc first baby catch up with our babies!

[Fivebyfive2]

Just putting this on in case anyone wants to catch up? We're all at different stages, so might be able to help each other out?

@Delilah7 @RanchoRelaxo @MrsR16 @thumper59 @trashkitten10 @Bostonfern @crossfitgirl sorry I know I'm missing people, I'm blaming newborn brain!

I'll leave the link on the 'pregnancy' catching up thread xxx

@TrashKitten10 I feel ya with daddy being the favourite! Ethan can be as grizzly as they come, DH wanders into his view and then immediately he had the biggest grin in the world... humbugs aren't they? But they're gorgeous humbugs!

@Fivebyfive2 they went ok! Ethan's been sleeping lots today and has missed just a couple of oz of milk, so he's not doing too badly. First night in his big cot last night too (still in our room, but he is way too big for the swing crib now!) and that went ok. I'm bloody knackered at the moment though! How are you doing? I hope you manage to get out and about even just in the garden over the weekend 😊

@Fivebyfive2 she's doing okay I think, I can't believe she's already two weeks? I still wake up expecting to see my bump some days 😓 aww look at little judge Joe, what a cutie 🥰

@thumper59 awww Freddie looks gorgeous!! How did he find being outside? He looks super happy 😃

@MrsEG I can't believe how quickly the boys are growing! Well done on the tandem feed, looks like you're smashing it!!

@MrsR16 Thankyou lovely, it's honestly the best feeling ever 😭 oh my god look at Ethan, he's so handsome 😭😍

Thankyou @purplefig it's been interesting to say the least 😂 glad you're feeling better now after the mastitis x

Sorry it's taken me a while to get back on here, it's been a whirlwind two weeks, I think my anxiety is slowly creeping up because of being in the house all the time - I'm ready to get out 😓still undecided on whether to take Dina for a walk yet, feeling super paranoid atm 🤦🏻‍♀️ hows everyone getting on? X

@cupcakesandglitter honestly, lovely, take Dina for a walk 😊 doesn't have to be far or long! But you'll feel so much better for getting some fresh air too (I speak from experience with panicking about getting Ethan out the house!) you can avoid everyone - if your local people are anything like round here, they'll move out the way for you! It's much easier for them without a pram 😊

So, Ethan hasn't mastered rolling over yet (we had a fluke front to back roll today) but check this out!

@MrsR16, omg check Ethan out sitting!! That's awesome 😀Joe is nowhere near that I don't think. He did another front to back roll today (from his tummy time log this time) but I'm sure it's just because he hates tummy time so much 😂

@cupcakesandglitter, definitely try to get out for a walk if you can xx

How's everyone doing this weekend? Xx

@TrashKitten10 thanks - I think it's probably a bit inspired by living in lock down, I need some normality! Daisy sounds so cute and like such a little character. I know exactly what you mean about them favouring dad though - excuse me, who carted you about for 9 months and birthed you?! Are you excited for her to start solids? I feel like it'll be so much fun getting to introduce them to new tastes. And probably quite messy

@cupcakesandglitter I found the first month really difficult in all honestly. Your whole world is turned completely upside down and I found it so difficult not knowing her and what she wanted (other than the boob)! But I have found it gets easier (or at least, less overwhelming) every few weeks. We're at 6 weeks now and it's an absolute joy compared to the first bit! (Obviously it's still very early days for me, just wanted to share my experience). Have you got a sling? I found it so much easier to get out with a sling as it's way less bulky than a pram, plus it feels lovely to have them all snuggled safely next to your chest.

How's everyone getting on this weekend? I'm doing OK, but I feel like a lot of friends and family are really down - seems to be a bit of a milestone, the first fortnight.

Hello everyone,

Finally found this thread with @Fivebyfive2 help!

The boys are now 7 weeks old and their personalities are starting Come through and we are starting to really see the difference between both of them 😊 I hope lockdown isn’t going to badly for all you and your shelf to get out for some fresh air everyday with the babies

@TrashKitten10 How is Daisy doing with feeds now? Conor is the exact same - some days he just loses his appetite completely and I’m lucky to get 2-3 oz in, but some days he’ll glug 6oz in like 15 mins 🧐 I never know whether it’s worth calling the HV about it?

@MrsR16 How is Ethan getting on in his big cot?

@cupcakesandglitter Oh definitely take her out for a walk lovely - my pram walks are the only thing keeping me sane. How have you found these early days? I remember how tough it was so I’ve been thinking of you x

@purplefig So good to hear you are fully recovered! How have you all been getting on this week?

The boys 8 week jabs last week went absolutely fine. They screamed as it was done but were already asleep by the time I had them dressed and back in the pram. Very sleepy all day that day and would only sleep on us but they fed and slept fine!

We are having a complete nightmare with naps this last week though! They are 9 weeks old now and have started really fighting their day naps. It’s driving my up the wall!! Other than that though I feel like they’re really coming in to their own now. So, so many smiles all day - makes it all worthwhile! They are sleeping so well at night too - last night we put them to bed at 10 and they slept til 4, then again til 8. For some reason I still feel shattered though haha.

How’s everyone coping with the lockdown? I had a really shit day this week and just cried for hours. Snapped out of it a bit now but it’s just so relentless, every day feels like Groundhog Day. What I wouldn’t give to just go to my sisters house or out for lunch.

Added a pic of the boys just for fun :) They’re loving the playmat now (finally!) and are mesmerised by all the bits hanging down!

@MrsEG hey! He's doing pretty well! Seems more settled although he's still stirring throughout the night... being a humbug with his daytime naps at the moment, so he gets overtired which really doesn't help! Lockdown is driving me nuts. I'd do anything to just go somewhere for a cuppa! 😂 I love Ethan to bits but I am really struggling not being able to get anywhere, then I feel guilty about the whole thing! Loving the mind games at the moment haha!

Hi all! We have Joe's 3rd set of jabs this afternoon... Dun dun duuuunnn!! Hopefully all will be well.

@pippapug, lovely to see you 😀

@MrsEG, aaahh the twins are really coming on! You're doing so well with them sleeping etc, Joe was 3 months before he started doing proper blocks and the day naps are still all over the place now at almost 17 weeks. I'm probably not organised enough to be honest! The nights are soooo much better now though, he does (roughly) 8 till 1 then 2 till 6 and can settle himself to sleep in the night as long as he's full and clean, so I'm calling that a win!

@MrsR16, totally with you and @MrsEG on the lockdown feeling. It is just so weird! I still keep thinking 'ooo I can pop here or see so and so' then remember I can't actually 🙁 But I ordered some bits and bobs to play with, some bubbles, a water bed play mat and some fabric books.

Here is a picture of Joe post bath with his hair brush... We got our first full on laugh today!! Before now he's been doing massive grins and lots of chatting, but got a proper 'haa' this morning 😀

@PippaPug oh they are just a delight! What are some of the differences between them you've noticed? It's fab when you start to see their personality isn't it? So far I'd say M is bloody determined...particularly when she decides she's had enough of her swaddle . We have to get out every day to walk the dog and to be honest I'm very grateful for that - it's keeping me sane.

@MrsEG aw they are just so cute! Great you've got two good sleepers and they don't wake each other up, that's awesome! I had a proper big meltdown a few hours after I posted on Sunday ...felt much better for a big old cry. I even put on some sad music to help me get it all out. I feel much brighter again this week for it. Like you though, what I wouldn't give to be able to see my friends and family or nip out for a cuppa.

@Fivebyfive2 ahh he's gorgeous! I hope the jabs go OK, let us know how you get on. Fab he's laughing, we're still at the smiling stage but even that is just incredible.

She's 6.5 weeks and is a real delight - I feel like I can properly enjoy her now I feel back to normal too. She's smiling loads and now we've got the napping under control (seriously, why isn't overtiredness talked about in NCT etc.!?!?!?!!?) she's so much more content.

Couple of questions from this noob:

• Do you guys put your baby / babies to bed before you do?
• Did you have a 6 week check up for yourself? I haven't heard anything about mine so guessing maybe they're (understandably) on hold atm?
• When did you start exercising again? I have started this week mainly because I bloody well need the endorphins atm . As I mentioned I haven't had my check-up, but it's been 6+ weeks and it was a straightforward (albeit very long!) birth.

@purplefig Last night was the first time we’ve ever put the boys down and then gone back downstairs, at 9 weeks. Worked on getting them to settle well in the weeks before. It went well! I mean I just sat staring at the monitor for 90 mins but still haha. But yeah in the last two weeks we just really made sure they were at a point they were settling for bed easily so they wouldn’t scream the house down, and they didn’t.
I did have a 6-week check, at the boys 8-week jabs. All I know is you are supposed to get GP sign off and not earlier than 6-8 weeks post partum and definitely not if you are still bleeding. I’m 9-weeks post now and just started a core programme today as I have diastasis recti (boys bloody ripped me in two!)
I hate to say it but M could break rank all over again in about two weeks with the day naps haha, that’s what’s happened with us! They used to go down like a dream but they’re so much more alert now it’s like they just want to stay awake all bloody day long!
Ahh the smiles are just the best aren’t they. They only get bigger from here on in!

@Fivebyfive2 Good luck with the jabs! Yep naps are the worst - whenever I have a good day and think it’s nailed they change their minds the next day!! I’ve actually spoken to a sleep consultant who told me not to worry too much until they are about 4 months and can understand routine. Just another two months...!

@MrsR16 yep daytime naps, tell me about it haha! How many times this week have I begged them to nap ‘you’ll miss all this sleep when you’re 30!’ That’s fab he’s adjusting to his big cot! Twins are gonna have to move to theirs soon, they’re fast outgrowing the crib they share.

@purplefig, with exercise I started doing light walks after a week or 2. I don't really do full on exercise, just walks and I used to swim but haven't since Joe arrived... Hopefully soon once lockdown ends though! I had a 6 week check, not sure if they'll be delaying them for a bit now though?

I'll be honest, I stay with Joe once he's down asleep, at night and in the day! But I know that I take the sleep stuff to the more 'extreme' end of the scale in terms of being cautious, for personal reasons. Pretty sure dh thinks I'm a bit nuts with it, but he knows why. His family have made a few comments, but they can go swivel 😂 I do know lots of mums who put them to bed and keep an eye on the monitor, so it's definitely not uncommon. It's just what you feel happy with 😀

@MrsEG, I think 8-10 weeks was a tough time for us too, like you say they are so much more aware and I think it makes them fight napping!! We don't have much day routine, but I do pick up on his cues and can usually get him settled / calm enough to self settle without too much agro at the moment.

Jabs have been rescheduled for tomorrow due to an admin balls up! Sigh. I'll let you know how we get on... Xxx

@MrsR16 @Fivebyfive2 @purplefig thankyou, ended up taking her for a walk in her sling, felt a bit more comfortable with her being closer to me - was lovely apart from a couple of people who wouldn't shuffle over but we were able to cross over so no issues there... didn't realise how weak my body is post birth! Really struggled 🤦🏻‍♀️

@Fivebyfive2 aww how lovely that he rolled over and he's laughed! 😊 has he had his jabs today?

@MrsR16 Ethan is so bloody gorgeous, how lovely that he's sitting too!!

@purplefig im finding it really hard too, yesterday she was screaming at me 😓 I think she was just over tired and hungry but didn't know how to cope, I ended up having a good cry away from her in the evening because I just needed to let it out. It’s really not as easy as just “knowing” - I know it takes time but then when she’s crying and upset I just wish I knew it all now 😞

@PippaPug I can’t believe they’re already seven weeks, they’re beautiful!!

@MrsEG Thankyou lovely, I’m really struggling tbh - I think I may have PND but I’m a little unsure atm, I finally spoke to DH about it last night and I feel a little better - I think it’s just really overwhelming! I love her more than anything but I feel like a zombie right now, and then not being able to even have support from family is really difficult, even a hug from my mum would make me feel a bit better! I’m glad you finally got the jabs sorted for them, and that they slept it off nicely. They’re so gorgeous, I’m so sorry I don’t know which is which but little one on the left looks just like you!!

@Fivebyfive2 Absolutely- I think 8 weeks was a turning point with the boys too; they are so so much more alert and if I don’t pounce on their tiredness queues they become overtired in seconds and then just will not go to sleep. I’ve managed to get them down for a nap this morning though! Hope the jabs go well for you today!

@cupcakesandglitter I have PND but it’s getting much better now at 9 weeks. But I had days where I cried and cried and could not cope at all. The absolute peak I think was about week 4. They’re so young and new and cry so much and you just don’t know what they want or need! The sleep deprivation amplifies it so much too. I saw my GP and she was wonderful. But I am much better these days; I still have a bad day or moment here and there but I can see the light again now!! Please do look after yourself and get DH to take on a good fair share as well.
Ah that’s Ruairí and everyone says he looks like me!

We had to have the boys weighed yesterday as Conor is so small (0.4th centile since birth) - very odd experience in clinic being the only ones there! So pleased to report though that he’s gained so much weight the last few weeks he’s shot up to the 2nd centile now! He’s so dinky. Ruairí is a total chunk in comparison on 25th centile. It’s bizarre to me still that two babies who shared a uterus can be so different!

@MrsEG ahh that's great you got them down successfully last night! Totally normal to just stare at the monitor I'm sure it'll get easier. I've just checked my letter and I too am having my 6 week check at the 8 week jab - missed that in my foggy haze! I'm not bleeding and feel fine, so I've been back to lifting - I know I should probably (definitely) wait but I felt like I was going insane and to be honest I feel so weak from not doing much in the latter stages of pregnancy, I'm actually struggling to pick her up at the moment! So I kind of need to get stronger pronto as she's only going to get bigger...she was 7'7lb at birth and we weighed her last week and she's 11lb...!!!

@Fivebyfive2 that's fair enough - you have to do whatever you're comfortable with. Hope the jabs go well today :)

@cupcakesandglitter well done for getting out on a walk - that is a major accomplishment and it took me bloody ages to do it...and we weren't in a scary lockdown / social distancing situation then, so good on you! Re: struggling - I think pretty much every single new parent goes through this. And you have to remember, we're also living through a pretty anxiety inducing, weird slice of history where all your support network other than your partner has been removed - this means it's way way waaaay harder. We're so not meant to do this alone! What I'm saying is, how you are feeling is absolutely reasonable given the circumstances you find yourself in. I had my mum for the first couple of weeks and I still struggled and cried my way through them. This shit is really, really, really hard. I remember thinking at several bleary 4am moments..what on earth have we done . I loved her immeasurably, but it is a huge transition. But it really does get better in my experience - you will get to know her better and she'll get used to being out of the womb and in the world (huge transition for them). Then she'll smile at you and you'll get to know her little personality and it's just the absolute best. Until then you just have to muddle through and be incredibly kind to yourself. I found this article really comforting - www.scarymommy.com/pep-talk-for-getting-through-newborn-stage/ and I found her advice about things getting better in 2 week increments really helpful and true. We're at 6.5 weeks now and it is a world apart from week 2!

Well, he screamed so much he spat up, but some calpol and a feed in the Dr's car park after calmed him down. He has spent the afternoon sleeping, feeding and crying, with pockets of happy time in between!

@cupcakesandglitter, well done for getting out for a walk, it's definitely a solid achievement! Look after yourself sweet, it's so hard at first, I can't imagine doing the newborn stage in lockdown so you're amazing as far as I'm concerned!! Xxx

@MrsEG, that's fantastic about the boys weight! God I bet it was odd being the only ones there?! It was weird at the Dr's today, waiting in the car park, couldn't take the pram inside and (obviously) all staff wearing masks etc, it felt a bit like a distopian film?!

Sooo... I may have started on the easter eggs a tad early 😂🐰🥚 But feeling like it's well earned today! Currently sitting in a dark room with Joe asleep on me having had a little meltdown... waiting for when I can next give him calpol!!

@MrsR16, how are you getting on? Xx

@purplefig hey lovely, in answer to your questions (that you haven't already answered yourself!) - putting Ethan to bed depends on what we do! Sometimes we keep him down with us if he's had a bad day but when he does go upstairs before we do, then he's perfectly fine. Got the camera on with the sound right up, Ewan the sheep going so he's always been absolutely fine! And I haven't even started thinking about exercising... 😂 not properly anyway! I need to do something because I don't think it's helping this whole lockdown situation, but the only thing I have in the house is my old Wii and Wii Fit! 😂

@MrsEG I bet the boys are so big now compared to when they were born!!

@cupcakesandglitter your body will get used to doing stuff again! Birth isn't easy and is a massive workout in itself, so I think you can chill a bit 😊 well done on getting out on a walk! I still get upset when Ethan's crying for no apparent reason, so don't worry - it is hard!

@Fivebyfive2 oh I'm sorry to see Joe's taken his jabs roughly! Bless him... but awesome that he has happy times still too!! I'm doing ok - feeling loads better for getting out and about as much as I'm allowed. Ethan's been doing better too - he fell asleep during his feed this evening because he decides to not nap during the day for very long haha!

@Fivebyfive2 - how did the jabs go in the end, hope all ok, it’s always sad when they have them but it’s for the greater good!

@purplefig - how are you and M? The boys are getting more different each day I swear! Alexander is more cuddly and “needy” then his brother and Benjamin is quite content on the play mat for 5 mins whilst I do something...both fighting naps especially Benjamin right now - Alexander is better at realising he just needs to sleep!
Got the boys weighed yesterday - they are both over 11oz the little chunky monkeys! The clinic is open but only for certain babies and it’s strictly one in one out right now.

We have started to put the boys in either their room or ours (normally their room) around 7 after bath/stories/milk only in the last week or so have they not been in with us - just they sleep better without us clattering around....we then give them a dream feed around midnight and then they come back into our room for the rest of the night....just do with what your comfortable with however, everyone is different.
As for the six week check - our Gp is combining it with the 8 weeks jabs to save coming in twice in quick succession, may be worth combining the two?

@MrsEG - Hello! How are you and your lovely boys? I’m just wondering do you keep the boys on the same schedule as each other, if one wakes up so you wake the other up and to feed etc?

Hope everyone is having a lovely sunny bank holiday even though it may not be as planned, at least the sun shining 😊

@MrsR16, he's better today, just very sleepy but not as hysterical and no temperature. Hopefully tomorrow he will be back to his usual self!

Our drop in clinic is closed, which is a shame as I'd like to get Joe weighed, haven't had it done in a while. I'm almost tempted to try and get him on my kitchen scales 😂

Here is a pic of him in a calpol haze last night.

@purplefig well done you! The only lifting I do these days is picking up the babies!! I also go for a massive walk with the double pram every day and honestly it kills me - I get the feeling weak thing especially as I was a long distance runner pre-pregnancy!

@Fivebyfive2 oh poor Joe, is he feeling better now? Oh we are our Easter eggs last weekend 🙈 keep wondering if ‘top up Easter eggs’ counts as an essential shop!!

@MrsR16 oh god, they’ve basically doubled in size since birth haha! I’m doing my back in a bit picking them up all the time!

@PippaPug That so interesting you put the boys in their own room for a bit, I’ve been debating that for day naps recently as at the moment it’s either in the pram or a travel cot we keep downstairs. How have they settled in there?
Yep - we keep them both on the same schedule all the time; if one wakes we wake the other and feed both; when one looks tired they’re both put down for a nap. They’ve just gotten used to it now though and I’m finding more and more they are both waking at the exact same times anyway! How are you finding it?

@MrsEG, sounds like you've got the right idea with keeping the boys on the same routine, I can't imagine the chaos of 2 babies on different schedules!! Joe had a terrible night but this afternoon he had a 3 hour nap and woke up loads happier 😀

I got on the bathroom scales with Joe today, he's about a stone now give or take (they're not digital)

Here he is napping in his chair 😍💤

@Fivebyfive2 I'm glad Joe's better today! I'd like to get Ethan weighed too... it's been 4 weeks since last time and I have no scales in my house other than my kitchen scales! 😂 there must be something in the water - Ethan had a pants night too! Although he didn't have the excuse of jabs like Joe does... 🙄 Joe is so beautiful! Such a gorgeous boy 😍

@MrsEG you are superhuman! You do get used to their weight though! Until you pick another baby up (my niece for example, who's 8 weeks younger than Ethan) and realise how much of a lump he is! 😂😂😂

I've already showed you Ethan sitting up, but he's getting better!! His concentration face is epic haha!

@MrsR16, I lov6his determined face! It's fab he can sit up so well already 😀

Joe had another bumpy night, I think we may be heading for the 4 month regression?! He did do a 4 hour stint though and although he had 3 wake ups, 2 were quite short and he self settled twice which I'm taking as a positive.

Everyone enjoying the sun?? Xx

@MrsR16, did you need to do much to encourage Ehan to sit up? I sit Joe on my lap and support him and just try 'letting go' for a second or two. He is OK for really short bursts. Should I be trying to sit him up with pillows or anything?

Joe seems to actually enjoy the bath now 😀 we gave up trying to do relaxing evening baths, he just hated it! Now we do silly daytime baths 😂

All OK here, struggling not seeing family but what can you do? Sleep is going OK, touch wood he's been doing 7 till 7 with 2 wake ups for feeds and is able to self settle alot of the time. Still no nap routine but we're getting better at putting him down before he gets over tired. Tummy time isn't as much of an ordeal, I think because he knows he can flip over when he's had enough! He was on his back on the rug this morning, I turned to get a vest and when I turned back he was on his side!! Definitely need to watch him like a hawk now 😂

A picture of us on our government approved walk 😀

@Fivebyfive2 I’d never get a single thing done if the twins weren’t on the same schedule! Initially we always woke one if the other woke/needed feeding etc but recently they’ve just totally synced up. They aren’t always as hungry as each other but that I can handle! He looks so cute in his chair. His sleep sounds fab - I think the self settling is the most important thing. The boys are only 10 weeks old and already how we can put them down after a bath in their sleeping bags and they go right off.
Also, even though the boys are a good way off sitting up we do sit them up against cushions to get them used to the feeling! I reckon they’re miles off through - Ruairí still sucks even at tummy time, he just licks the mat 🙈

@MrsR16 It’s weird to think they’ll only get heavier and heavier too haha! I really notice if I pick Conor up and then Ruairí as he’s nearly 2lb heavier. My god can your arms tell ha!
Ah his concentration face is so cute!!

The boys have been doing so well with their naps and sleep the last few days, we’ve been doing some gentle sleep training and it’s working fabulously. They slept last night 8:30-4. They’ve also had two 2-hour naps today and are currently napping in their own ‘big boy’ cot in their nursery! They’ve never slept there before and have done so well considering. One thing this lockdown has been good for is just spending time on things like naps ha!