TTC First Baby Catch-up With Our Babies Continued!!

[ELW85]

Hi all

As I’m rubbish and keep double posting I thought I’d start a new thread as we’re nearly at 1k.
I don’t have all of the OG’s so apologies for anyone I miss or anyone I miss in general (blaming lack of coffee this morning!!)

@Delilah7 @RanchoRelaxo @MrsR16 @thumper59 @trashkitten10 @Bostonfern @crossfitgirl @Fivebyfive2 @MrsEG @purplefig @LarryDavid @Lemonysherbet @Stormtrooperjulian @MrsH497 @LokiCat @Cupcakesandglitter

@MrsR16 a 4:30 start oh my god 🙈 I count my lucky stars sometimes these boys sleep as I would be like a bear with a sore head pre-5 am!! I already go to bed at 9:30!! Hope you’re feeling okay!

@ELW85 Yeah I learned a good while ago that if they’ve crashed out, no matter what position they’ve landed themselves in, just leave them be!!
Oh how wonderful for them haha, our first house we bought off my parents with a gifted deposit! I don’t know how anyone gets on the property ladder alone anymore! Fingers crossed it’s snapped up and SSTC very soon!

@Fivebyfive2 we gave cucumber today and they loved it! I made the purée a bit lumpier and Conor did gag a bit but sorted himself right out. They both successfully put the batons in their mouths too (hurray!) but just sucked on them!! Baby steps haha. That lasagne sounds so good it’s making my mouth water!

Our trip out went really well! They slept on the way there and were good as gold in their carriers for an hour. Got a bit cranky so we stopped to feed and change them on a park bench (not the easiest thing I’ve ever done haha!) then grabbed the pram and they snoozed in that for 45 mins while we had a wander around. And slept all the way home in the car! It’s tough; I can’t do these things without DH with two of them so I do feel so restricted and like I force DH out on these excursions on his only day off when I’m sure he’d rather just chill!! But it was a really lovely day :)

@MrsEG How's weaning going today? We did the veg first approach first too and so far so good as she literally has ate everything! Though multiple people have told me not to get too carried away as she'll still probably be a fussy toddler . Your day out with DH sounds lovely. I can't imagine how full on it would be being out and about with two babies, I get nervous enough with just one.

@ELW85 your house is gorgeous! Totally get what you mean about it being jarring, but it sounds like you're moving for a good reason and what an excellent time with the tasty stamp duty saving! Sorry to hear it's so hard to settle Finn at the moment, it's so soul destroying when you try and try to no avail.

@Fivebyfive2 that lasagna sounds amazing!! Bet Joe can't wait until he's old enough. Oh I really feel like lasagna now .

We're just back from a trip up country to see family (at a distance). We stayed overnight in a hotel and my god it was hard work. M wouldn't be put down in the travel cot, so we co slept and I'd be surprised if I got more than a few hours sleep.

Grateful to be home and back to the normal routine now! I thought she'd be tricky to settle after a funny 48 hours of being rocked/fed to sleep again, but fortunately she's got pretty good at putting herself to sleep and our little blip doesn't seem to have had much impact. She is still waking up at least 3 times a night though. Whyyyyyyyyy.

@ELW85 that would be a nice position to be in for my second house, let alone a first! 😂 I'm actually doing ok. I had a nap this morning when Ethan was having his first nap. I told DH to go back to bed as I could see he was knackered (self-inflicted!) so he did and I just cracked on with the day! We went to see some friends this afternoon, which was lovely. Ethan didn't nap though... he was awake from half 11 till about 5 mins after we started the drive home (about 4:50!) which I panicked would mess his bedtime up. However, I managed to get him bathed, booked, bottled and bed by 7 this evening! I have no idea how long he'll stay settled, but I'm also taking a small win in that he woke up when I put him in the cot - I tried to roll him onto his side, which he refused. He then rolled himself onto his side and went to sleep! 🎉🎉

@Fivebyfive2 why do these babies not like lie ins?!? Aw, your day sounds fantastic!! 😊

@MrsEG I still "sleep when the baby sleeps" 😂 that's how I survive at the moment! I'd give anything for a 6am start to my day! Your day sounds great too! I think it's a miracle you even manage to get out the house with two, regardless of DH helping! 😂 the boys look very happy with the world!

@purplefig oh that sounds like a small success! I've only ever stayed at my parents' with Ethan... I'm glad M seems to have gone straight back to normal 😊

How is everyone doing today? Out of interest - what do your days look like? I'm feeling so hemmed in and want to get out more, but we live in a tourist area and it is absolutely rammed everywhere. It's really stressful. I know it is what it is so there's no point moaning but omg I wish everything was normal and we could have a regular maternity leave of coffee catchups and swimming lessons and baby groups in draughty church halls.

@MrsR16 think I spoke too soon - she was up 1am - 3am last night. Aghrrrr. How was Ethan? X

@purplefig I miss "normal" too!! Oh dear, it's horrible when they wake up for such a long time overnight! It feels like 9 hours! 😔 Ethan did alright! He didn't wake up till 4:45 this morning (woohoo!) haha so that was better than yesterday. I've also been out today, went for a drive to just drop off a present for one of my friends and his wife who had a baby last week, then went to Tesco. Wearing a mask while in there was weird and Ethan didn't know what to make of it, but it was alright. There was only a small handful of people who weren't wearing masks for whatever reason.

@purplefig Weaning is going fine! We’re only 4 day’s in and they barely actually eat anything but I’m seeing the veg intro as more of an activity to get them used to it! Going straight in with the ‘proper’ (for lack of a better word!) grub after the two weeks though, found a fab carrot cake porridge recipe for them and some amazing lunch ideas! My sister keeps laughing at me though, telling me of the devastation when you see it all over the floor haha. But I’m keeping my optimism high for now!! Yeah days out with two can be nigh impossible sometimes, it feels quite rewarding when we get a good day!
Days/routine we don’t have much of one - we’re in Manchester so have a stricter lockdown at the moment too. I always try and get out for a walk with them and try and time it around them being tired so they have a ‘fresh air nap’, other than that just a lot of play at home. On DH day off we‘ll do something, we all went for a pub lunch once or we go to a NT park for a picnic. We start baby sensory tomorrow though!
Sorry to hear you had a rough time in the travel cot! A few NCT mums have gone on trips and they’re all having a nightmare with sleep too, they think it’s a combo of a new environment, routine going to pot and being really overstimulated. Currently now dreading our trip in November haha!

@MrsR16 I’m a big fan of sleep when the baby sleeps too! I’ll always have a quick catnap during one of the boys naps, I really struggle to get to the end of the day without it haha!

The boys had their first bath together last night and they loved it; oh the giggles!! We had sweet potato today; I know technically it’s more ‘sweet’ than normal spuds but it’s all I had in! They loved it but Jesus the mess. My god. I take my hat off to anyone who weaned early and did all this before hand! I’m finding the prep and clean up intense and they’re only on lunch! When they’re on 3 meals I may not even bother dressing them!!!

Evening all

I’ve been trying to break through Finn’s overtired cycle today but it MUST be the regression and a leap too; he’s really highly strung at the moment.
Although I put him in the Snuzpod this morning, went to fold washing, cane back and he was asleep!
No white noise, no sleeping bag. Nothing. WTF?!
Just had a nightmare getting him down for the last nap but I know it’s the hardest.

@purplefig - sorry M is still having her moments! It’s awful isn’t it?! Maybe developmental?
@MrsR16 - yes Ethan, what a great night!! Fingers crossed tonight is good too 😊
@MrsEG - does your place basically look like modern art with weaning two twins? 😂

I’ll catch up properly soon, just bracing myself for bath and bed settling. God help me!!

@MrsEG the day of my interview, I was dead on my feet by 5! It's not even the night wake ups now, but I think Ethan's now so active that it wears me out too! 😂 I saw your video on Insta and omg it was just adorable!!

@MrsEG ahh fair enough, sure they'll be mega into it soon! I started M earlier than 6 months after reading the Annabell Karmel weaning book and wanting to go straight into "proper" meals at 6 months. But she's a big baby (17 lbs at just over 5 months 😳) and right from the off she gobbled up loads, so I think she really was quite hungry. She'll be 6 months soon so I'm looking forward to trying out some non veg/fruit options...though less so watching out for choking. We've done spoon feeding so the mess hasn't been too bad, but she's taken to feeding herself which is considerably messier!
We did sweet potato with carrots for dinner and somehow it also ended up in her ears 😂. Your day sounds similar to ours, though we haven't got the dog this week and it's making me lazy with walks! Where are you off to in November? Aww bet the boys are adorable in the bath together!

@MrsR16 was he up for the day then?! Aghrrr. Sounds like you're doing a grand job of getting out and about. I think I need to get out more really.

@ELW85 cross post!! I think you're absolutely spot on with the regression and the leap... just crazy, hey? I know it sounds really stupid (and feel free to send me a virtual slap if it comes across patronising - I really don't mean it like that!), but try and relax when you're going through your nighttime routine - it'll help Finn as he'll feed off of your feelings. And you are the best mummy for Finn! He thinks you're wonderful, even if you're struggling x

@ELW85 cross post! Oh man the regression is a dick isn't it?! Solidarity!!! Amazing he put himself to sleep though. Hope bedtime goes well. I'm currently in the bath while DH handles it 😳

@purplefig cross post with yours too!! He was up for the day, although he managed to fall asleep between us for half an hour about an hour after he woke up. One day I'll suck it up and get up with him at stupid o'clock, but today was not that day... I still find getting out quite difficult, but i know that's mainly because of lockdown. The more I do it, the easier it's becoming! Practice makes perfect, as they say.

@ELW85 Agg that damn regression, just hang on in there!! good luck tonight. Ha, modern art would be one way of looking at it - it’s unreal the places it ends up!

@MrsR16 I’m finding that with the boys at the moment, they’re so mobile, trying so so hard to crawl, sitting etc that I never ever stop when they’re awake I’m bouncing between the two of them all day! It doesn’t sound like it should be as exhausting as it is, but it really is!!!

@purplefig Oh with weaning I say just follow your gut and do whatever works for you - I’ve found it similar to BF/formula - everyone has an opinion on it!! I spoke to two HV about weaning the boys and they both gave me completely different guidance 🙈 so I just decided to do my own reading and take it from there! I just hate purées though, the steaming, blending, the MESS, etc - so the less time for me spent on them the better! Sooner I can give these guys some toast, I’ll be happy haha! Sounds like M is doing great!! Ruairí is an absolute tank too, he was weighed last week at 25 weeks and is 18lb 12.... I was gobsmacked!
We’re going to the Lakes for a few days - Covid permitting!!

Morning all

I’m so annoyed and just had to vent. A McDonalds close to us shut yesterday after 5 staff tested positive for COVID - DH and I stopped at their drive thru on the way to our little day out on Sunday. We’re now waiting on home testing kits, although they say the risk is low with takeaway. It means I can’t go to my baby sensory first session today and I’ve been so, so looking forward to it. Of course I’d never risk the other mums/babies health on the small chance I do have it but I’m still just feeling really upset. First ‘baby thing’ I’ve been able to do in 6 months and now I can’t do it because of a stupid McMuffin. Long week of self isolation coming up - good job I ordered the boys some new toys yesterday!! Ugh. When will it all end?!

@MrsEG That sucks 😩 Hopefully your tests will soon be back negative. Bloody McMuffin! So disappointing though to build yourself up to it and then not be able to go :(
I'm desperate for some groups to restart here, we are climbing the walls. What toys have you got ordered?

Morning all!

So you can now set your watch by Finn waking up at midnight and then 3.30am. WTAF? It’s gone from being able to settle him back in the crib to him needing a bottle. And he’s draining them to be fair. After that, straight back in crib and he sends himself off to sleep in minutes...I know the regression is linked to a growth spurt to I’m putting it down to that.

@MrsR16 - that’s a lovely thing to say, thank you! I did have a moment at 4am where I cried into a pillow but it was frustration. I’m sure Finn was happy just dreaming away, face buried in his hands!
Doesn’t sound patronising at all, don’t worry 😊
Did you have a decent night?
I’m struggling to get out too, wish I was braver! X

@purplefig - this regression can totally do one. It’s better than it was but he’s showing every sign of the leap from the crap sleep to the frustration and boredom/anger at things. Where did my smiley little man go?!
I hope you and M are getting on ok?

@MrsEG - oh no! It’s awful that you can’t go to the sensory class but I’m sure you’ll be ok.
I’ve just bought a clever mama box from Amazon if you’re looking for tips on that stuff but you’re always many steps ahead of me so I’m sure you’ve already got it nailed.

We’re going away to a lodge at the end of the month and I’m dreading it in case it screws Finn’s sleep even more. Should we cancel?! Am I being ridiculous?!

@TrashKitten10 The bloody McMuffin! We’ve ordered the Tomy eggs and some building blocks (that double as teethers!) They sit unaided now so I need like sitting up toys, if that makes sense (it does in my sleep deprived head!!)
How’s Daisy getting on?

@ELW85 I haven’t even heard of that box, I’ll take a look! I’d personally go, but just be prepared routines kinda go out of the window from what I’ve heard so try not to worry too much about it!! One NCT friend is currently in France for 2 weeks and it’s all gone a bit pear shaped so the last 2 nights she’s made sure she’s home for ‘normal’ bath and bedtime and it seems to have made a difference so then they’re just having drinks at the villa. In over a week they’ve made it to the pub once! But they say it’s still worth it as he’s having a ball during the day.

@MrsEG I feel ya on the trying to crawl! Ethan's so close now but gets annoyed when he can't do it! Oh bloody hell... just what you need! Hopefully the tests will be with you quickly and you'll get to know the results soon!

@ELW85 it is so frustrating when they were sleeping/self settling, but now seem to have forgotten! It does get better... Ethan managed from 6:30 till 1, then 1:40 till 6:45! I was a happy bunny! Although DH apparently is better at resettling him in the night than I am! 😂 I think you should go to the lodge! It'd be a new experience for Finn and sometimes it does wonders at helping them sleep! Other times it does not, but the memories will long outlast the bad sleep if it happens!

@ELW85 Daisy was starving during the 4 month regression! I remember one day her draining a big bottle then screaming with hunger less than 2 hours later and draining another. I was at my parents at the time without the perfect prep and didn't expect her to be hungry again so soon so I was faffing about with the kettle and trying to cool it all whilst she screamed her head off. Remember that regression vividly! 🥴 If he's draining the bottles it sounds like he's definitely peckish. Hopefully his appetite and sleep will settle and he'll suddenly jump up a clothes size. Don't cancel your holiday! It might be a bit disruptive but you'll make some amazing memories. We went to Center Parcs just before lockdown and had a 2 bed villa. Daisy wasn't a fan of the travel cot and nor was I having to pull my back keep leaning in to settle her. So DH got sent off to the spare room and Daisy and I co-slept in the double. Never co-slept before or since. It was fine and all went back to normal once we were home. If Finn does have some rough nights then send him out for some walks with daddy whilst you nap. You're on holiday after all :)

@MrsEG It does make sense ☺️ They progress so quickly they sort of grow out of their toys and need something new to keep them occupied in their next stage of development. Daisy is just desperate to walk so I'm wondering what to get her as 'standing/walking' toys. Thinking of getting her a climbing frame and hoping the little daredevil doesn't land us in a&e again. My poor back is suffering as she wants her hands held to walk around ALL DAY. Cruising around the furniture isn't cutting is anymore, she wants to be properly walking (with some poor sod stooped over like the hunchback walking with her). I'm trying to get her to play with something-anything- on the floor but she just wants to be up and about. If she doesn't get her way she has a tantrum and smacks her little hands. Child has zero chill 😂🙄

Hi all!

@Fivebyfive2 thanks for thinking of me. Hope you and joe getting on?

We had an amazing holiday in Skye, didn't do an awful lot but was so great to be somewhere different. Esme even managed the very very long car journey without too many tears. I sat in the back with her as her personal entertainer, was knackered by the time we got home 😂😂

@ELW85 Definitely do on your holiday! Esme slept better on holiday that she does here. Mostly just one wake up overnight, where as we're back to 2+ and it's taking much longer to get her back down again, nearly 2 hours last night 😴. If I remember rightly you've got a snuzpod too? We just took the top bit with us instead of a travel cot which worked really well . Just packed loads of her stuff in it for the journey.

@MrsEG that's so infuriating about missing your class! Hopefully you'll all test negative too.

Having a nightmare at the mo trying to get Esme down, she's v overtired and grumpy and has been awake since half 7!- send help!

Hi all, sorry I went mia and missed loads!!

@MrsEG, if it's toys for sitting up you're after, I can recommend some stacking rings and also I got Joe a little 'bucket' of different coloured shapes. When he's a bit older they'll be great for teaching him colours and shapes (the lid has the different shaped holes) but for now he loves just sitting and taking them in and out of the bucket and chewing them! He also has an' abbicus' which is a 3d triangle thing with mirrors, rings, a spinner etc. I'm not explaining it well, but he loves it!

@likethefruit, so glad you all had a lovely time! We're thinking of going away at the end of the month, but nothing concrete yet.

So joe has been sleeping a bit better and even got himself back to sleep after a feed twice last night!! He has been super fussy today though, not sure if he's teething or what. Bless him. Here he is looking like a dude 😎😂

Morning all

I’m so tired. The only hour I didn’t see last night was 2am.
Poor Finn had a feed and then projectile threw up all over me and the bed and then had hiccups so couldn’t get to sleep.
We’re both knackered. He was waking up every single hour. First stretch of the night he was settling himself but the second one stretch, not a chance.

I’ll catch up properly later but seriously considering driving to Starbucks right now!

@TrashKitten10 - God being stuck without a perfect prep when they’re screaming the house down. Awful!
I’m not sure if co-sleeping settles Finn or not but I can see us doing that on holiday!

@LikeTheFruit - we do have a Snuzpod thanks for the tip!

Also, I don’t know if it’s the lack of sleep but I’m really worried about Finn.
He’s just turned 4 months and he’s still really wobbly with his head when I’m sitting him up.
Obviously I’ve gotten myself into such a massive state googling things and so far he’s either autistic or has cerebral palsy.
I’m getting the HV out tomorrow but any words of wisdom to stop me crying my eyes out in the meantime are much appreciated!

@ELW85 Wipe those tears and take a deep breath :) Every baby develops differently and less than perfect head control at 4 months shouldn't be a concern unless there are other glaring issues.

I was there panicking too when the health visitor picked up how crap Daisy was at tummy time. It was about 4 months and she still lay flat on her tummy and made little to no effort to raise her head. At 9 months she's edging ever closer to walking- they progress very quickly! But I was also deep in google panic and testing all of her physical skills.

Are you concerned about anything else? Does Finn turn his head? Sleep facing both ways? Move his arms and legs with equal strength? We realised that Daisy had a preference for one side and I think she had a bit of a stiff neck so we did a fair amount of gentle stretching exercises to help her and it quickly improved. If there's nothing else troubling you then the likelihood is he's absolutely fine and will get there in the coming weeks. Cerebral palsy would cause a lot more issues than a wobbly head and no research has ever been able to show any signs of autism at anywhere close to 4 months.

Talk to your health visitor and in the meantime give Finn lots of opportunities to improve his neck strength- tummy time, flying him around like an aeroplane, cuddles tummy to tummy, carrying him around on your shoulder and increasing his 'high up' he is so he has to work more to hold his head instead of lean on you. And STEP AWAY from google. Don't waste Finn's precious first months worrying, I wish I hadn't wasted so much time whittling about Daisy's early development when she was completely fine and I've pledged to step away from development checklists :)

@TrashKitten10 - I remember you having some concerns so thank you so much for the really supportive reply!
He definitely turns his head both ways and sleeps on both sides.
When you say arms and legs equally, he hasn’t found his feet yet and he’s definitely stronger with his legs I think as he makes anti gravity movement with his arms but not loads?
He’s reaching and grabbing things to put in his mouth but not consistently if that makes sense?
I’m so scared.
I totally get what you mean about backing away from Google and I should but I can’t under it now.
Your reply has made me feel better though ❤️ Thank you