Three spikes and they're out. Whose teeth will be next?

[Essie3]

Seeing as it's a quiet time...

Ryder has just woken up - seriously! He went to bed at 9pm....how do I get this to happen every day?

Opps. He is seriously grumpy. Glad I enjoyed the last few hours because I don't think I'll be enjoying the rest of today.

BF-ers, has anyone else experienced a change in supply? My boobs rarely get hard now, but I am suffering from A LOT of leakage. Every time we feed, the 'unlatched' boob leaks....

Essie how old is Iestyn now? S has had a few extra random feeds over the last couple of days. Figured it's just a growth spurt.

Deb - how are the sizing on those leather shoes? I've been thinking about getting a pair for S (to keep his feet warm when out and about in his sling) but reluctant to buy him anything in 3-6 months now that he's four months in case he doesn't get much wear out of it (the realities of statutory maternity pay hitting home!).

Sponge now that you're good to go with cloth nappies have you thought about washable wipes too? I'm such a convert to them, I keep feeling the need to spread the word!

Back on the dummy front... Aberdeen how did you get Fraser to settle initially with the dummy and have you any top tips you can pass on? S woke us up about 6 times last night. Is anyone still using a dummy at night for sleep without any problems?

Thanks, Poppy! I did knit a little bit when I was young, so I'm hoping it's like riding a bike. Mind you, give me needles and wool this morning and I'd just knot the wool around or something silly. I'll let you know how I get on with your instructions and call for help if necessary!

Penguin my supply is odd too. I only get hard boobs if DH takes the overnight feed, and then I can express 200mls. (Should be but actually smug, although I can't make it onto Britain's Got Talent with that one.) I thought my supply had settled down, so I decided to do a day without breast pads (mainly because they were clean at the end of the day). Silly me; there was extra laundry that day. I also switched to using LilyPadz, but that's been a bit mixed too - my 'spare' boob leaks. Amber was very discreet at the meet up, and caused a distraction with Iestyn, but it happened then, and a little fountain sprung out of my bra! It's bad with them LilyPadz, because they fill up, but shoot the milk out. Shame because they're comfortable and don't show.
I'm so sick of bras with clips. I'm convinced Iestyn will have strange associations for the rest of his life every time he hears a particular click sound.

Weaning - folks with children (I think I'm thinking particularly of Sophie?? I'm sure you mentioned this!), how do you do it and what's the baby led/normal difference? There's no point in pretending it won't happen so I might as well get ready. I think Mr. Sainsbury has pushed me towards the 'conventional' (Annabel Karmel?) route, because there's 1/3 off all baby products at the mo, including baby food (bought tons of the expensive but lovely-sounding Ella's Kitchen, and quite a few jars of Hipp Organic), equipment (weaning bowls, spoons, bibs, pots, etc etc) and nappies and clothes.

However, I then saw a book in a bookshop called 'baby led weaning' which looked interesting and intelligent.

Also, not a baby-related question - do people manage without a microwave? Ours has broken, and we're thinking of saving money, but more importantly SPACE, by not getting another. We only use it for sterilizing really. Anybody managing without?

BDQ yes, I put it down to a growth spurt too! He's 20 weeks today.

And I'm also on washable wipes and they're fab!! Did you see my post on the nappies thread? I've managed to make mine dispense!! (From a pampers wipe pack - the irony!)

Right, have just skimmed the last 10 pages or so so feel like I've caught up a wee bit. Amber I too have a new McLaren which I love! I got the butcher's stripe one. Sponge loved your video, S also has some plastic links which he loves playing with.

Essie I've not spotted that post on the nappies thread! Is is new or old? Re: sterilising - I use cold water sterilising and it's very easy. I change the water each evening after S goes to bed and anything that needs sterilised just gets put in through the day as its washed.

On the weaning front Essie I'm feeling drawn towards the annabel karmel route. I also think that BLW sounds very sensible and is clearly popular on the weaning threads, but I'm drawn to the routine of the annabel karmel route and the fact that its all mapped out for me. Also, as someone who hasn't cooked a proper meal for years, I'm kind of looking forward to making up purees and stuff .

For those that have followed the annabel karmel route what equipment is essential for weaning? Am also drawn to current Sainsbury's offers, and I've got discount at Boots next week so thought I'd stock up!

Oh, the most recent list I could find - have added me back on.

06/05/08 - NEENZTWINZ - Theo and Esther
24/05/08 - KATYJO - Mia , ds 2.5 years
30/05/08 - PAROFLEURMAPU - Fleur
07/06/08 - ABERDEENHIKER - Fraser, ds1 Duncan 25/06/06
11/06/08 - SYBILVIMES - James Dominic, ds1 7yrs and dd 5yrs
11/06/08 - NEEDAHAND - SJ, Eleanor 3 yrs
15/06/08 - AMBRERC - Luke Joseph
15/06/08 - SPONGEBRAINPANTS - Alexander
15/-6/08 - ROLF - Theodora, DS1 (8), DS2 (7), DD1 (3)
16/06/08 - ESSIE3 - Iestyn Seiriol,
17/06/08 - ALIPALLI - Peter Bryce
17/06/08 - DEBINAUSTRIA - Ethan, Stefan 30/03/00 Tristan 20/02/02
18/06/08 - Josie57 - Emma Caitlin, ds1 Oliver 26/08/06
19/06/08 - 5GOMAD - Sebastian Wilfrid Joseph, - Edith Eleanor Mary 21/1/06 nearly 3
23/06/08 - LIBRALADY - Luke Thomas Jacob Griffiths, Samuel William Ronald Griffiths 08/04/04
23/06/08 - THEPENGUINPROJECT - Ryder Henry
24/06/08 - HEDGEHOG979 - Isaac John
28/06/08 - UPSIDEDOWNCAKE - Dorothy Wijnanda Ann, CHRISTIAN RICHARD 20/11/05
02/07/08 - ALLNEW - Alexander
02/07/08 - FUNGLE - Isla Rose. Beth 24/09/03
06/07/08 - BITOFADRAMAQUEEN - Struan

I noticed a few people missing - katyjo, whinegums, LauraT - are they still around?

Hello all. Kids back to school today so hopefully will have a bit more time to post. I have read all the posts but can't remember most of what I was going to comment on so apologies for that.

On the bf boobs question though, I still use/need breast pads (tommee tippee)and did for the other two right up to stopping bfeeding at over a year. I do have random letdowns through out the day though. I only have to think, 'humm, its been a while since Jamie fed' and yep, there they go! Also, mine tend to fill for each feed, so while not hard as such they are certainly harder by the time the next feed comes around, and I always know which one to use by feeling which is firmer. Which is lucky because I doubt I could remember otherwise!

Weaning. I am really not ready! Jamie is only 20 weeks so we have a month or so left yet thank goodness. Dh did offer him a suck of a homemade potatO wedge on sunday, he held a piece in his mouth with a look of great disdain on his face for a few seconds before spitting it out. We are taking this to mean he is not reaDy either!

Wow! poppy, am seriously impressed at your ability to explain knitting!

I just found this:

how to knit

There's loads of them online Essie, but it might be easier to follow poppy's instructions!

Have fun!

Btw, I have just knitted a sheep tea cosy - do you want the pattern?!

oops, missed a whole page before I posted!

BDQ, I already have washable wipes! A friend of mine bought them for me when Alex was born but I've only used them as flannels so far! Not very practical to use washable wipes and disposable nappies! However, now I'm a cloth girl the washable wipes are being used which is great - can't believe the difference in our quantity of rubbish already .

BLW book is available on Amazon - think hedgehog has it. Mine is in the post as we speak. Was going to go the AK route but have definitely decided to go the BLW route now and waiting til 26 weeks. However, I'm the world's worst cook so think that has swayed my decision (philly and crackers anyone?!!).

sponge thanks -gave up trying to video as got screaming baby in background

water back on - someone (prob kids) had switched off mains supply outside -makes me more off halloween than ever

Right just got to wait for last random type to come over before I can go out to go xmas shopping

BDQSponge can you explain annabel karmel route to me? we're back on milk only as feeding seemd to be excuse for licking/mess making (although is interested in tasting stuff like banana -just not ready to eat it). Still not bothered - in a way longer better as got nice system going now on ff

poppy, I have no idea about weaning!! From what I understand (and this is very simplistic!), the Annabel Karmel route is about making purees and feeding the baby yourself, whereas BLW is about putting finger food in front of your baby and letting them pick it up and put in in their mouths themselves so they have more control over how much they eat.

I think that's it anyway!

I'll be able to tell you more when I get my BLW book! There's loads of info on the weaning threads, but I only lurk never post cos there's some seriously scary women on there!!

confused..annabel karmel route sounds suspiciously like the poppy's mum route... quite how you can make millions peddling old rope claim this is your way of doign stuff is mystery (but then I suppose all baby guru type stuff is just reinvention except of course essies dummy theory)

I'm doing purees for ds and I really enjoy it! I have started to offer fingers foods and at dinner yesterday he spend about 10 minutes sucking on some broccoli which was very cute.

bitofadramaqueen Silicon ice cube trays are very useful for freezing purees and a hand blender is pretty much essential.

Sponge - it's amazing isn't it! I love using washable wipes. I was using regular wipes out and about but have started putting washable wipes in one of those sealable freezer bags in my changing bag.

Poppy the 'annabel karmel' route is indeed the traditional route of working from purees through to solid food. Annabel Karmel has put together a meal planner for working through the stages, which I quite like because I've never really done any cooking and I like to have a plan of action!

Oh, lunch ready, gotta go!

SBBP BLW book is on my amazon wishlist for christmas, as I can't afford it at the moment like bdq SMP is kicking in and if I still want to see the London Ladies I need to economise although I am ridiculously excited that Crawley is about to get a Lidl - we have no cheap supermarkets at the moment and so going to the nearest involves petrol.
essie poppys description of how to knit is pretty acurate, although once you start you may find it is addictive - I am currently knitting Isaac a father christmas outfit and only have the jacket left to finish.
DH has returned from Chessington with some weird things - 3kg of Smarties anyone and a case of pepsi max cans and a case of bottled water as well as some pizza hut baseball caps for Isaac to play with

Oh and just to agree - the weaning threads are a bit scary. Unless you're BLW from 26 weeks you need a tin hat. I was really considering BLW but in the end I'm drawn to the puree route. Still planning on trying to hang on until nearer 6 months though.

Hedgehog - could you order the book from the library?

We're off to monkeymusic now and then to ceramic experience to make some christmas presents. Have a good afternoon everyone!

would normally order book from library but ours closed on 1st Nov and reopens in a swanky new building with automatic doors and lifts on 16th Dec - Credit Crunch, what credit crumch!!

BDQ don't worry, the Scottish contingent are all still here! nice to have you back. I've been away for a week and I'm off again for a few days, but will be back...

Afternoon!

felt Fluey yesterday so stayed lounging around doing nothhing and had busy am.

Went to drs for blood tests for coeliacs i should haave had them pre pregnancy but didnt, aall our familiy have to be tested as its genetic and there have been 3 cases diagnosed recently grandad, aunty and cousin so fingers crossed im ok
Then we went to nusery and i went to rehab swimming which was good.

Its cold here too (yes ok i know 15C is not cold for you guys but it is for me!!!) and its peeing down

Fleur likes tv, she loved watching F1 with here papa yesterday

Re spikes yeep fleurs iss still there no movement but llots of drool, rosy cheeks and biting anything that gets into her hands

Funny how countries differ readding what BDQ said re maternity pay I actually earnt more on maternity leave than i did before!! Dont now though, i earnn less as on ssick leave whicch is a different thing, Maternity leaavve is only 16 weeks here though, i was lucky mine caught he summer hols which dont count!

AAnd BDQ suffering here with dummy too but only recently grrrh dont know what to do either!

Weaning- we are following annabel karmel route although i like idea of BLW Im doing a bit of both.

7am BF 8am Breakfast (cereals,fruit etc) 11am FF 12.30/1pm Lunch (veg) 3pm FF 5pm Tea (rice,fruit etc)and BF 7pm FF

WE give mostly purees but then addtional bits of veg at lunch ie brocoli, mash, or fruit or biscuits, rice cakes. Have also tried polenta and couscous ballss which went down well, i normally do a bit of BLW at tea time when i have more time to sit and its when i have a bite to eat too, so she can watch me. The fruit vveg for BLW is stuff we ate night before for dinner ie carrots i do extra put in fridge and then give them to fleur the next day

Re equipment : two bowls, 2 spoons, a blender, ice cube trays, zippy freezeer bags and labels. Lots and lots of bibs. hats whaat we have at mo, do use microwave to defrost and heat up rreally woouldprefer not to but baño maria style takes to long

Anabel recipes are so easy and handy tto plan dinners round them too I hhave enough puree in freezer to feed all your babies i think!!!

Sorry if double letters in my posts or letters missing keyboard is wireless and is cr*p

pheeewwwww just read that back sorry!!! very long and no full stops!!!

bitofadramaqueen when we took away Fraser's dummy we had to let him cry it out for daytime naps and I fed him to sleep for night time. The first two days he was very grumpy but it quickly improved! I think the key is to teach them to sleep on their own at nap time - because that's when it's the hardest for them to fall asleep. If they can do it then, nights are easier (keep in mind my son is still up 2x a night, I'm obviously not a sleep expert!)

We're doing the puree weaning thing again. Baby-led weaning sounds lovely but with yet another underweight baby I really like to know what's going in his mouth! Also feeding Fraser cereal&formula has got him back to only feeding 2x a night and 3x was just exhausting us all! In an ideal world I'd hold off on food for longer but then I'd also have a large extended family to help out, cook our meals, play with Duncan etc. Reality is a bit more about making do....

No tin hat so I'm glad somebody started the weaning talk on here, and also the fact that we have representatives of both camps.
I think it's going to be the Annabel Caramel route here (HH I bought the book - not buying t'other now!) But unlike Annabel Caramel, I'll be feeding quite a lot of them organic ella's kitchen pouches we bought 1/3 off at Sainsbury's...! (Seriously, (organic/pure only) jars will be useful for me because the BLW route means baby gets a bit of what we eat...which means he would be vegetarian; whilst I'm a strict veggie, I'd rather Iestyn was non-fussy and he can make his own decision about that when he's older. So he can have meat without me having to cook it.) Sponge can you puree cream crackers?? Annabel Caramel would probably say add a bit of breastmilk for a runnier consistency...

Sponge at the tea cosy. I doubt I'll ever get to knitting that well, but I do make patchwork quilts. Anybody want to buy a handmade baby quilt? Handmade by a peasant! I've made Iestyn a full-size quilt out of DH's old shirts and a suit! Will put a picture up one of these days.

Now then, let's see if I can write up my dummy theory and make a mint. [pound signs in eyes emoticon]

p.s. in the list of our babies, there's a rather suggestive comma after Iestyn's name. Am I being forced to have a second child here?