August 2008: Sleep is for the weak

[SazzlesIsASleighBell]

DUE AUGUST 2008 STATS_
[update 20 Dec 08]
GROUP TOTAL: 62 [BIRTHS: 62]
DELIVERIES [BOYS (34) vs. GIRLS (28 )]
17JUL WhippyVoodoo (29) lives in the West Midlands; delivered DC#2, a BOY named JJ. DD1 19 mths
21JUL IlanaK (35) lives in Central London delivered DC#3, a BOY named Saul. 2DS?s, 6yrs & 3 yrs
24JUL Alittlebitshy (29) lives in East London/Essex; delivered DC#2, a BOY named Henry. DD1 5yrs
29JUL Jennylee (30) lives in West Lothian delivered DC#2 , a GIRL named ?. DS1 9yrs
30JUL Miamla (32) lives in North London; delivered DC#1, a BOY named Theodore 31JUL Dizzydixies (32) lives in Fife delivered DC#3, a GIRL named Cordelia nn Dylan. 2DD?s, 5yrs &2 yrs
31JUL ChaCha (32) lives in Oxford; delivered DC#3, a BOY named ?. 2DC?s, 2&1 yrs
01AUG Gigglegirl (32) and lives in Stockport; delivered DC#4, a GIRL named Imogen. DD1 5yrs, and 2DS?s 3yrs & 2yr
01AUG CaptainCaveman (35) lives in Nottingham; delivered DC#2, a BOY named Oliver. DS1 4yrs
01AUG Alieight (29) delivered DC1, a BOY named Adam 02AUG Daisy26 (??) delivered DC#1, a GIRL named Sophia 03AUG Buckets (32) lives in Southampton delivered DC#3, a BOY named Kurt. DD1 5yrs, DS1 3yrs
04AUG MrsMagooo (25) delivered DC#2, a BOY named Elijah. DD1 2yrs
04AUG Vintagegardenia (35) lives in Dublin; delivered DC#2, a BOY named Edward. DS1 9yrs
04AUG Skytvaddict (40) lives in Lincolnshire; delivered DC#4, a BOY named Lewis. DS1 8mths, and 2DD?s, 7yrs & 11yrs
05AUG Sassylou (35) lives in Cheshire; delivered DC#3, a GIRL named Annie. 2DD?s 7yrs & 5yrs
06AUG Newmum0808 (31) lives in London; delivered DC#1, a GIRL named Emmeline 07AUG PunksNotDead (??) delivered DC#3, a GIRL named ?. 2DD?s
08AUG Expectant (32) lives in Singapore (+7hrs GMT); delivered DC#1, a BOY named Samuel 08AUG Pertelote (31) lives in East London; delivered DC#1, a GIRL named Marianne 08AUG Poppysocks (31) lives in St Andrews delivered DC#2, a GIRL named Emily. DD1 2yrs
08AUG Rotterpotter (39) lives in Wakefield delivered DC#2, a BOY named Isaac. DD1 3yrs
09AUG Babieseverywhere (??) delivered DC#2, a BOY named Edward ??AUG Bigboydiditandranaway (36) lives in the Midlands; delivered DC#2, a BOY named ?. DS1 2yrs
10AUG Bealcain (21) lives in Kent; delivered DC#3, a GIRL named Delilah. 2Ds?s 2yrs & 1yr
11AUG Chequersandchess (30) delivered DC1#, a GIRL named Amelia
12AUG SazzlesA (35) lives in Cheltenham; delivered DC#2, a GIRL named Emma. DD1 2yrs
12AUG Sarahnh (32) lives in the West Midlands delivered DC#2, a GIRL named Tess; DD1 3yrs
13AUG Shazza2002 (28) lives in West London; delivered DC#2, a GIRL named Lexie. DD1 5yrs
13AUG Sibh (36) lives in Ireland; delivered DC#3, a GIRL named Eibhlin. DS5yrs & DD2yrs
13AUG Longwayfromhome (30) lives in Argentina (-2hrs GMT); delivered DC#1, a BOY named Tomás 13AUG PhilB (31) lives in SE London; delivered DC#1, a GIRL named Polly 15AUG Foghornleghorn (23) lives in Northampton delivered DC#3, a GIRL named Lara. 2DD?s 3yrs & 1yr
15AUG SausageAndMash (37) delivered DC#2, a BOY named ? 15AUG Briwash (??) delivered a GIRL named Leila 18AUG TwilightSurfer (37) lives in Tennessee, USA (-5hrs GMT); delivered DC#2, a GIRL named Reese. DD1 4yrs
20AUG Karney (39) lives in Glasgow; delivered DC#1, a BOY named Sonny 21AUG LadyofWaffle (22) lives in Berkshire; delivered DC#2, a BOY named Joseph. DS1 2yrs
21AUG Mummypud (28) lives in Wiltshire; delivered DC#2, a GIRL named Olivia. DD1 2yrs
22AUG No1putsbabyinthecorner (31) lives in South Yorkshire; delivered DC #2, a BOY named Marcus. DD1 21mths
23AUG HazieDazieandBaby (26) lives in Aberdeen; delivered DC#1, a GIRL named Gabriella 23AUG Bohemianbint (??) delivered DC#2, a BOY named ? 23AUG Stickybean (27) lives in North London; delivered DC#1, a GIRL named ? 25AUG Warthog (??) delivered DC#2, a GIRL named ?. DD1 2yrs
25AUG Lcy (30) lives in Wales; delivered DC#1, a GIRL named ? 26AUG Libbyssister (34) lives in Oxfordshire; delivered DC#2, a BOY named Nathan. DS1 3yrs
26AUG Micromum (??) delivered DC#4, a GIRL named ? (6lb 8oz), via VB [EDD 26AUG].
27AUG Iliketosleep (24) lives in Wolverhampton; delivered DC#4, a GIRL named Brooke. 2DDs, 7y & 6y & DS, 4y
27AUG Nezzi (??) delivered DC#1, a BOY named ? 29AUG Petitfilou (36) lives in S Oxfordshire; delivered DC#3, a BOY named Toby. DS1 4yrs, & DD1 2.6yrs
29AUG Cheerfulvicky (24) lives in Cornwall; delivered DC#1, a BOY named Felix 30AUG Oopsacoconut (32) lives in Wiltshire; delivered DC#1, a GIRL named Poppaea 30AUG Ellasmum1 (30) lives in Newcastle under Lyme; delivered DC#2, a BOY named Jack. DD1 5yrs
30AUG Dancerandprancer (31) lives in Devon; delivered DC#2 , a BOY named Oliver. DD1 28 mths
01SEP Cyteen (32) lives in Leicester; delivered DC#1, a BOY named Joseph 01SEP Stillhere (36) lives in Yorkshire; delivered DC#2, a BOY named Owen. DS1 2.5yrs
01SEP Goodie2shoes (??) delivered DC#2, a BOY named Elliot 03SEP Waytoomuchchocolate (??) delivered DC#1, a BOY named Samuel 04SEP Sambo303 (37) lives in Chessington, Surrey; delivered DC#1, a BOY named Felix 05SEP Skybluebelle (34) lives in Birmingham; delivered DC#1, a BOY named Jamie 13SEP Ataraxis (37) delivered DC#3, a GIRL named Lana. 2DS?s 5yrs & 3yrs
16SEP AnnVan (26) lives in Kent; delivered DC#1, a BOY named Sebastian

TS maybe your DD1 was just hoping for a baby to carry around in her childsize Moby (how did she like it, by the way?)

Am laughing at the mental image of muslin-headed babies, although perhaps I should try it with Joe seeing as he is resolutely not staying asleep in the day

Bit of a funny one last night; I had expressed 4oz in the day so decided to treat myself to a few glasses of wine and give DS the bottle at his 11pm wake-up. Had drunk two large glasses of red when DS woke very upset at 10.30pm - think it was a similar thing to what happened before, trapped wind leading to scary sudden jolt awake - and he flat refused the bottle, just would not have it. Obviously wanting the comfort of me, so I ended up having to feed him rather boozy milk This led to DP and I having a long and involved conversation about breastfeeding, formula feeding, clingy babies, me being an anxious mum...and has made me think a lot. Am very confused now.

Have also today put myself on the waiting list for bereavement counselling (eek). It feels good...but I am frightened.

Good for you Cyteen-that's a big step. Especially with Joe around, it will be good to have a bit of time and space to sit and think things through.

You are doing such a fab job of settling in to being a mum. Anxiety and confusion are perpetually part of the deal I think ... When I was a lecturer I realised that the students who were worried sick about mucking up their essays were always the ones who were doing ok, because the worry was a sign they were approaching things carefully and thoughtfully. I often spend time awake at night worrying about how I am cocking up DS1's life/personality/confidence and it would be lovely to take the guesswork out of the whole thing.

I will post something upbeat soon I promise Fecking inlaws have given me a very serious head ....

ah sibh wishing you peace from the joy that is inlaws

cyteen a little boozy milk will do him absolutely no harm in the long run. I was about to say trust me but then I'm hardly an example of great parenting Delighted to hear about your counselling - will hopefully help bring you some peace

have survived the afternoon with my brother, dad and nephew. Fed them bacon butties for lunch when they arrived, took them off for lovely long walk to park and then some Pictureka before steak pie for tea. Dylan bathed and down, the other two in their pyjamas about to aim for bed and then am doing sod all for the rest of the night frankly!

was really chuffed with Dad tbh, where we live is really flat so very good for walking and he did very well considering his first really long walk since his op. 2009 could be a very good year!

Cor, quiet on here this evening .

Hi Dizzy. Hope you're having a nice quiet evening with feet up. Glad all good with you Dad.

Breath deeply sibh. ILs will be off soon!

Congrats cyteen on your brave decision. It's great to hear that you're feeling strong enough to deal with things.

Horrendous evening here. cyteen and other cat lovers, look away now... I accidentally tumble dried our lovely cat this evening. She must have jumped in on top of the washing when I turned my back for 10 seconds to hang up a couple of things. The really awful bit is that I thought the excessive banging was DD1's rather large coat and didn't admit defeat that I'd have to leave it to drip dry for a good 5, maybe 10 minutes.... Cue all hell breaking loose when I opened the dryer and the cat jumped out. I realised, screamed and burst into tears. DD1 came running and she joined me in tears (although not really knowing why), meanwhile DD2, who was on a stunning cough-related grump just continued to scream. Poor DH. As always he was v. calm and called DD2's vet godmother and did what she said. The cat is alive, and seems ok. Her breathing returned to normal pretty quickly considering all the heat in there and she's only got one small cut on her foot. Think there may be some damage to her tail though so will be off to the vet in the morning. In the meantime she is being utterly spoiled, purring back at us (thank God) and I feel SO guilty.

Plus DD2's cough is starting to sound chesty to get her to Dr tomorrow.

Well she won't do that again will she! Seriously, your blood must have run cold, what a shock. Chocolate frogs all round to soothe you all, a la Harry Potter after a visit form the dementors.

Sorry that sounds unsympathetic to the puss, I am a cat lover but your feelings are more important - don't beat yourself up about it.

Goodness poppy poor wee puss, glad she's ok though

Well, Christmas was survived - 3 LOs under 6 months and one out of control 5.5 year old, nuff said

Have spent the last 2 days decorating DS's bedroom, single handedly (DP did the prep work back in July!!) I am shattered! Now just the hall to paint and some shelves to put up and we can start living in this house instead of camping amongst boxes.

Ah bless you, I have heard that happen a few times when I worked at the vets.
Hope you have calmed down, I am sure the cat will forgive you.
Hope doc finds dd2 chest to be clear.

cyteen that is a brave, I hope it helps you.

buckets hows the uke going???
dizzy thats great your dad is managing to get about so well.
My fil is terrible he hobbles all the time.However he rushed back to work against docs advise, then his walking stick he was using for a while went down a hole outside his house (workmen not filled it properly and floor literally sank)
he fell and injured hip/leg even more.
Hi sibh hope you are ok
Where is sazzles?????????
does she have a life outside of MN??
I am very

I have felt very lonely these last few days.

I am now on my 2nd glass of red, I need it after tonight s bedtime saga.

Without boring you all too much.
DD was sick all over my fav red leather chair in her bedroom.
Not sure if it was beacuse she was crying so much or because she banged her head on the floor when she threw herself out of bed in a strop.

you may be wondering how on earth I have felt lonely with baby and toddler, but I dont know I just have.

sorry x post Hi sambo

Thanks for all the sympathy re: cat. Poor thing. Curled up purring next to me at the mo. In the most awful way, I'm reassured to hear that I'm not the first to do this. Thanks No1.

Sorry you feel lonely No1. We're always here for you, so hopefully we can help with the loneliness and I hope you know you're never alone. I'm in awe of the fact that you care for two tinies each day. After this you will be able to do anything!

Awww thanks poppy glad pussy cat is purring.

I think its because dh works shifts, so have been on my own a lot. also I sat at hair dressers today (which I normaly hate) and I enjoyed it being on my own for a few hours, although I was constantly worrying if dh would cope with both of them, and then feeling guilty because he was going to work at 12 etc....

Think It made me realize I selfishly need some regular me time.
I think I took for granted all the little things.
Also was easier to get someone to watch one dc than 2 IYKWIM

let me know how E gets on at Dr tomorrow - am just a shout/text/call away if you need any help

No1 there is sometimes no lonelier job in the world than being a mother - tis why I rely on you lot on here so much

how many times in one day can you ask yourself if you're doing something right? never mind doing it right but are you doing it the best you can? can you really afford to relax and sit down for 5 minutes when there is this/that and the other to be done?

I don't know about anyone else but I do tend to find it lonely and overwhelming a LOT of the time - conversations with toddlers are lovely and in my mind Dylan can speak, like the baby from Family Guy admittedly but its still speaking, but everynow and then its nice to have some grown up chat without judgement or rivalry

sambo glad it all seems to be coming together, we're in here over 6yrs now and its still not decorated properly

dizzy I agree with all that.
I also think just 1 uninterupted night sleep is all I need.

I am also tormented by this whole parenting lark. Prob drink talking but here goes....

DD sort of fell in a routineish it was ok.
She was bf and ff.
Slept well (until now)
more or less always went down awake.

Ds exclusivly bf routineish, I am more relaxed this time (for sanity sake i think)

My dilema/concern/moan is am I trying too hard with this whole get them to bed routine, as it had been great with dd going to bed at 7ish and having evening to ourselves.
Will letting them cry just a little be good for them/good for me/worth it in the end??
Or will running to there every cry/murmour/ demand make me a better parent or them better for it???
Am I making life harder for myself by not introducing the occasional ff like I did with dd.(because I can then have more me time)

I realize maybe I am the only one who can decide what works best for me/our family,I also realize I have probably drank to much.
If you have read this far thanks, not even sure if Im etting across what I mean.

No1 I think you're being far too hard on yourself. DS is still too young to be in a proper routine and you cracked it with DD it will just take a period of adjustment to get back there now there are 2 of them

no the world will not stop turning if you're not in a routine and they will not remember in 20yrs time if you managed to get them to bed at the same time everynight when they were wee

BUT it will in the long run make things easier for you having your evenings back. they will remember having a safe and cosey environment to sleep in every night and parents who spent time with them in that space

as long as they are fed, dry, warm, safe then you've done your check list - don't be trying to make long lasting decisions at the moment because as sure as you get into a routine something (weaning/cold/teething etc) will knock you right back out of it and you'll have to start again

one day at a time and sod the housework

Poppy, you poor woman! What an awful fright for you all. Glad that things seem to have settled down.

No1 - I'd second everything Dizzy has said, and it's great we all have somewhere we can share the highs and lows. Your two are so small and that must make it harder aswell ... I wish I'd had you all to call on when DS was two and stropping with the best of them.

DD2 has a voice too Dizzy - except ours is out loud, invented first for DD1 when I got tired of telling DS to be nice to her. Her voice was kind of Jane Horrocks-ish, DD2 is more Mrs Doyle from Father Ted channelling Marge Simpson. She pokes fun at the older two, gets the name of everything wrong and generally provides a really good way of breaking up tensions. I think Tanya Byron would have me locked up though . It has given DS and DD1 the most amazing bond though as he took her seriously as a person very early on and it seems to be having the same effect this time. It keeps me amused anyway .

I must post some pics of DS being Joseph in his school play when I get back from a few days away with my sisters and my mum and dad. As DH said, who knew that Joseph went to Specsavers ... He was beyond adorable.
He nearly bolted when he saw the crowd, but was saved by mini-TS. Her experience reminded me to have a chat with him about
what it might feel like to be on the stage and when he came down to us the first thing he said was 'Mum, I DID get a strange feeling in my tummy.' He has had some spectacular meltdowns in his time, so it was lovely that it went so well ...

Fab news about dizzydad too. The inlaws are gone now so I've got my happy face back on, , thank God.

oohh sibh well done one remaining sane and I LOVE DD2's voice, sounds perfect!!

I've just always been convinced my kids are plotting against me to take over the world in their own baby mind

I took ages to write that and cross-posted. I'd say, it will take time to get them settled into a routine that works for both of them-DS is still only small. He hasn't been well and DD is old enough to get excited and disrupted by all the fuss over Christmas too.

I'd have a big picture of what I want on the go -so you might say you'd ideally like to have time for yourselves in the evening. But there'll be a rake of things that will mean that big idea won't work or will have setbacks at times as Dizzy said. There are people who seem to have foolproof, never-deviated-from routines, but most of us would recognise far more easily the picture you've drawn of spending time weighing up the cries and murmurs to see if they need responses the routine can't account for.

One day at a time and sod the housework. Can we adopt this a battlecry?

Plotting, you say?
{runs off to cross-examine small fellas under the desk-lamp}

tis my daily mantra Sibh and btw I find a constant drip of water right in the middle of their forehead is much better at extracting info than a desklamp!!!

Sibh I am touched. How wonderful things went well for your ds after "the talk". I kick myself daily for forgetting to prep my dd1 KNOWING her anxieties. It's nice that my error had a positive outcome.

Poppy cats have 9 lives. Yours obviously is down a few now. You might think of changing her name to Twister.

No1 you are in desperate need of a good nights sleep and then a few wonderful hours with good friends minus the children. I've been where you are and it's not a nice place. A large bowl of spagetti with meat sauce is required then some form of chocolate pastry to follow. {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}

does anyone else have a dc who thinks that 5am is the morning?

he is being particularly cute at the moment, but still ...

morning all!

mince pies and toast with hummous available for breakfast this morning.

thoughts for all

lwfh I had to get up with ds2 at 5am as he was cooing away at me like it was the middle of the day! Got back to bed around 6am....

poppy your poor moggy! And poor you! How is s/he this morning?

lol no1 at your hairwashing conversation from 12 yr old . It's hard not to feel selfish when you've spent the last 5 months singularly co-parenting your newborn. Besides, NO ONE else can care for them like you do, so you're bound to feel anxious whether your dp can cope with 2. Dh always takes them out in the car when he has them both, as ds2 ususally falls asleep! (cheat!)

ts does dd1 know something you don't re. mini-ts version 3.0?

captain....NO. Was just pondering the fact that my body is back to being MY BODY and that feels NICE. I still have time to be the incredible looking 40 year old mom of young kids. There's an idea that puts a on my face.