May 07 - Some have produced new anklebiters, but the rest have more sense.

[twelveyeargap]

See i knew there would be someone that could help and who better than SOH

Elkie..The hospital should have given you more support.Although I heard a thing on radio 4 the other day with a midwife describing her shift and it was criminal how busy she was-and the same on the postnatal ward.
When L was born she lost weight too and became quite poorly.(I was not a natural bf'er, and found it painful and difficult)Eventually it was suggested that we try her on formula and we did.She thrived from then onwards.I dont see this as a failure at all.It was just what needed to be done.BF is best of course.But >>whispers

OK I've tried to catch up.

Hope you're all very lovely and well. AM - I am soooo excited about this weekend. Although I am concerned about L's sleep habits, which I choose not to bore you all with any more, , I think I'll just have to go with the flow if that's OK with you.

Scoot - I'm not feeling Season 2 of OTH. Very dull, I hope it picks up. However Season 4 of 90210 has now arrived!!

Still not sure whether M is coming with me, I think the prospect of a weekend on his own is rather tempting for him, but he is slightly concerned that you are a serial killer or that I am entering a prostitution ring.

Nothing to report here, L is marvellous and has developed a fixation on Upsy Daisy. I bought her it on Saturday morning and she hasn't put it down yet, the poor thing is filthy already.

TYG-Am with you on Jonothan Rhys Meyers..I know The Tudors is horrifically inaccurate (it really is, the History student in me winces every time I watch it), but really-he's just so pretty..

CAQL will see lots of boys that look like him in Ireland I am sure

I am coming on Sunday!I am coming Sunday!I am over excited.
SOH get the train to Cambridge and I will pick you up and you come too...>>invites people randomly to AM's palace, but am sure she wont mind

Oh my God, this is so exciting!!!

Yay that is fantastic!!!!!!!!!!

PJ, you do whatever you like. You have a room with a double bed and a travel cot so whatever you want to do is fine by us.

Scoot, new car sounds very nice. It does make such a difference when you are that little bit higher up.

SOH, you are more than welcome to come down as well.

You all have my fackbook details/email details so just drop me a line and i will send you my address

PJ, lol at Mark thinking we are all nutters (some, not all)

Meh, bah

Harryjoesmum, welcome, you are not crashing at all, we like to give a hard time welcome all newcomers. Ignore the talk of meet-ups, it's all a show.

As for your sleep issues, I agree with SOH when she says that separation anxiety is a major 'issue' at this age. They are just learning that you and they are seperate beings and that scares them a great deal. Also falling asleep is something they have to learn to do themselves, some cruel mummies like me, help them to learn how to fall asleep at a very early age by letting them cry it out. However even I don't believe that at this age, a child should learn to fall asleep by being left to cry for long amounts of time. Can your ds fall asleep by himself? Does he go to bed on his own or by being rocked/pushed etc? What about daytime naps does he go down to sleep then with no problems?

First rule out anything that may cause your ds to wake as SOH suggests. He has now developed a habit of falling asleep with you in your bed and it will be difficult for him to break it unless he re-learns how to fall asleep on his own, but being used to you coming when he wakes and then falling asleep with you by his side means he feels safe and secure. I would suggest (and this takes time and commitment and a few tedious and potentially long nights for you) that when he wakes, you reassure him, pat on the back, with the light off, tell him its night time and time to sleep. Then stand over him and not touch him but reassure through words and sounds, without picking him up. He may cry quite a bit but after a wee while should drop off happily knowing you are there. Each night you do the reassuring for a little less time, he will still cry for a bit, but should learn to settle himself, until, hopefully he is happy again settling himself without you there.

Fwiw I have been blessed with 3 exceptionally good sleepers, but even my ds who is the same age as yours cries out in his sleep, without really waking. If I go in, give a quick reassurance and a pat he settles back down without really waking up.

Sorry for the essay, hope this helps a bit. Do let us know how you get on.

Harryjoesmum - all I can say is, I'm with you. xx

PJ, why aren't you boring sharing your sleep ishoos with us any more? You can talk to us you know. I thought it was getting better, no?

Oh how I wish I could come to your meet but I have no money. I'd have to hitch hike and the tractors wouldn't get me there before Christmas. Gutted really as I want to see AM again and PJ and Scoot haven't had the privilege of seeing my dubious dress sense in person. PJ, tell Mark not to worry. AM's totally normal for a posh bird. The first time I stayed with GinnTonic her dh waited up for us with his sword out (oo er) to make sure I wasn't a crazy knife-wielding, gingerbread-eating loon.

Scoot, why would I thump you? Do I come across as a bfing militant? I'm not you know.

No-but I no you are very passionate about it and I dont want to offend

Although now I think of it I do always picture you with your norks out for some reason (in a non sexual way!)

I am bringing L on Sunday now too, so apologies in advance ..dh says he is going to do some work watch the cricket.Hope to get there for 11.30 ish..will this be ok AM?What should I bring? (Raw carrots for me obv, detox bleuuurgh)

I have got a cold and can only hear out of one ear.FFS.My health of late has been akin to that of a Dickensian orphan during a particularly harsh winter.I will come down with The Consumption next..

I 'know'.God almighty, I'm losing the ability to write.

SOH - it's just so boring for everyone to listen to me going blah blah she won't sleep. I'm bored of listening to myself talking about it.

Scoot - stop ignoring my inane television comments woman, or I will spray water on your straightened hair on Sunday.

Talking on inane tv PJ - who do you want to win BB ?

I'm struggling to care Tilly, to be honest. Kat makes me want to spit nails, as does Mo, who makes me want to puke, and Mikey who also makes me want to puke. It's a bad year. I'm going to say Sara, as although she is a big tease, I think she's generally a nice person. Rachel just winds me up with her passive aggressive, 'thanks for your honesty, Rex' comments. I find Rex mildy entertaining, but MG tipped me over the edge.

I'll be glad when it's over and I can give all my attention to The X Factor and SCD.

What a saddo I am.

I know what you mean - I wanted Lisa to win I think - just the right side of bonkers. I'd agree with Sara.

X Factor is genius again this year. I'm gutted we're off on hols for SCD premiere (thank god for sky plus )

What on earth are you talking about? BB is Big Brother, yes? No idea what the other stuff is.

I watched a film the other night that had this Jonathan Rhys whatsit bloke in it. He is very pretty.

Strictly Come Dancing. Does it start a week on Saturday Tilly? I thought it was this Saturday, but went to Sky + and obviously not!

Aah, I get ya. Is it good? Is it something I should try? I've watched a couple of X Factor programmes this time round out of interest. It's amusing in parts but some of those auditionees are poorly and in need of help, not mocking.

PJ-Have you see the trailer for the new 90210?Is on You tube.Quite Quite beside myself IKWYM re OTH.I used my GHD's this morning.Twas like reuniting with an old friend..

I too cannot wait for the dancing Tilly..There is nothing I dont like about that programme..I've never really watched X factor but I was baby sitting on Saturday for someone so thought would have a go.I got quite interested in it .

He is isnt he SOH?..I could show him a thing or two I tell ya!Actually he is a raging alchoholic in RL but never mind..

He's only a raging alcoholic because you haven't soothed his aching soul.

[MillsAndBoon]

And bring on the unhealthy Matthew Cutler obsession. I start dreaming about him and everything . I think Rachel Stevens and Vincent will be fab. Although looking at her dancing in gorgeous outfits every Saturday may bring me down a bit! Not seen the trailer Scoot - but I cannot WAIT!!!

I will be GHD'ing for this weekend. You are not ready for my natural 80s curls.

I think you'd quite like Strictly Come Dancing SOH - honestly - its brilliant and totally amazing how skillful some of the celebrities become in a reasonably short space of time. I'd love to be able to dance properly like that. I did ask DP if he fancied taking lessons so we could do a quick step for the first dance but he sadly declined

X Factor can be amusing but I agree it can be uncomfortable viewing sometimes when the auditionees are clearly not the full shilling. I much prefer it when it gets to the live shows

Don't get Jonathan Rhys Meyers really. I love Matthew McConnaughey though.

No, no, no Matthew McConnaughey is too self-absorbed. He'd be admiring his own body instead of yours. Although if you wear that wedding dress you've just linked to, I'm sure he couldn't help but stare.

Now Damian Lewis on the other hand...