December 08 Supermums: We are all doing fine and our LOs love us!!

[kayzr]

Hello.

Trace I went with your idea!!

Afternoon all,

Cat You can get foam earplugs which you squish between your fingers and push almost completely into the ear canal. They shouldn't be able to fall out. If you have trouble getting some I have a few pairs left from my stint in a factory during university holidays. I could send you a couple of pairs if you email me your address. I am right in thinking that your LO is in their own room? You could try changing your monitor sensitivity settings so it only picks up crying rather than the grunts and groans. Sorry to hear you are so down, you are doing the right thing in going to see your GP.

LadyT Jethro Bear sounds grand! Great news on the house and car. What car have you plumped for? I hope it has 5 doors. Ours is 3 door and I'm desperately trying to convince DH we need a new car. It is so hard to get the seat in and out.

trace Love your cats name! Trace, do stop googling. These measurements are never accurate because two people never measure exactly the same. You may find it reassuring that DD's head has never been measured - they only check weight round here for some reason . If you lived here you wouldn't be worrying yourself!

WG There is a bit of MN with IT bods on. I posted there once when I lost some work. They were very helpful . Love the dress by the way

Verso Sounds like the HV have got hold of the wrong end of the stick! Great news about DD's weight.

nolda Your DC's are gorgeous! Re the gown, I've been to christenings where boys have worn smart pale coloured boys clothes but if you like the gown then go for it!

DD and I have had fun this afternoon making prints of her feet! I tried to do her hands as well but she wouldn't open them out properly. I wanted some prints to go in her baby album but we also printed a few onto cards ready for my mum and MIL for mothers day. I think I enjoyed it more than DD .

Cat, I am sorry your trip to your friend's was spoiled. I wish things would get better for you.

Jolly, I wish I had got prints of DD's hands and feet when she was tiny. They're like shovels now, like her father's... That's a really good idea though, making cards for Mothering Sunday with prints like that. My Mum would love it. She told me on Sunday she gets little twinges of jealousy about my DD, but I would never hold it against her, she is amazing and she meant it in a nice way, and she loved having my sister and I. Oh, we got an Audi, an Audi A8, which sounds grand but it is ancient, 12 years old. It's a nice car though, and comfy too. We're collecting it on Thursday.

What's babytv Ros? We have just watched an episode on Bagpuss on dvd but that was more for my benefit than DD's - she wasn't concentrating! It's rainy, windy and grey here so a real getting cosy and watching Bagpuss afternoon. 'Cept I've not done any work yet today and have to fit some in before I go to London and back this eve for a house meeting at my flat - we are trying to buy the freehold and it's all very complicated, and people also seem to be falling out with the managing agents. Flats are a pain, aren't they?

Ladyt, its a channel on Sky, not sure what number but its in with all the children's ones. Though Bagpuss sounds great

Cat, I'm sorry you didn't have a good visit with your friend [hugs]

All miserable & rainy here as well. I'm just getting ready to do some painting & sticking with ds1.

Hi y'all! Nolda that is so sweet of your DD with the pic of the opera costume. It's really pretty actually (lots of sparkles - the whole thing is sequined and there are lots of gems etc sewn on) so I'll have to email you some closeups of it for her! The only thing though, is it does look a little saucy with my massive norks as it is quite low cut

Turnip & Nolda glad you liked the link for pumping with compression etc, I found the video really very useful myself. My other top tip, is to lube up your knockers with a bit of olive oil prior to pumping I started getting a bit sore (as I'm now pumping exclusively) and have found that it really helps to stop any chaffing. I've got the oil in a little dropper bottle so I can just put a few drops on and smear around the areola.

Jolly LOL @ 'smeartastic'! I had mine done at 8 weeks - is there a specific reason why it's not suggested you have it done till 12? If it's the stitches issue then hopefully I'm ok as I ended up having to have a C/S.

WG shocking about your email acct - I'm sure you should be able to contact hotmail and get them to send you a new password. You can always prove your identity by letting them know about any specific emails/info you have in your acct? Do let us know how you get on. Also, LUUUUUURRRRRVVVVED your photo of 'the dress'!

Cat & Verso am hoping you both start to have a slightly easier time of it v.soon. For what it's worth Verso my bub certainly doesn't sleep through. We've gone from 1 feed in the night to now having about 3/4! Aaaaarrrgh. I agree with LadyTs view on this though, there will always be someone else whose baby is an 'angel' compared to mine! So I am trying not to compare but instead think about how great it will be in a few months when he is (hopefully) sleeping a bit better. Fingers and toes and everything else crossed for us all!

On the sleep topic - can babies talk in their sleep/have nightmares? Just today, baby J has been doing what I can only describe as vocalising in his sleep. And then later on he cried too, but not from wind or gas, it was very unusual. Anyone else had this?

And lastly - I've found a solution to feeling sad about DS not fitting his small clothes any more (although at 4.4kg there were quite a few things that he didn't fit straight off). Today I went shopping and bought him some cute things in bigger sizes! Got some great bargains sorting through the sale racks including a very cute one piece for less than £1! Gotta love that retail therapy.

ps LadyT flats ARE a pain - I really wish we owned the freehold on our London flat. Can't agree with you on the renovation issue though - I loved renovating it (unlike DH who said next time he'll stay elsewhere while it's being done!) I'm a big DIY nut so if you need any advice on kitchen planning/project managing/tiling then let me know!

Jam I liked those t-shirts too - particularly the one that says "mama's home grown melons". So funny.

bisou DD has what I think must be little nightmares in her sleep. She makes a horrible distressed cry, it's really upsetting.

ladyT I wish I had prints of her tiny hands and feet too. DD has her father's massive flipper feet!

I can't recommend this book enough. DD loves it! The daddy picture looks a lot like DH.

I just rang for the results of my x-ray and it is normal and all is well. So why does my knee still really hurt? Might be another trip to the gp.

cat I could send you earplugs too. I got some from the pharmacy but didn't get on with them at all, so ordered a sample pack for women (apparently our ear canals are smaller) from snorestore and discovered the perfect fit. I bought two boxes so could definitely spare some if you like. I hope you get on ok at the Drs.

kayzr I watched University Challenge and had no idea about the disqualification.

DH has been a total star today and got a half day and tomorrow off to look after me as I had a bit of a meltdown this morning and was in floods when he left for work . I'm going to try to schedule some things to look forward to in order to get through the rest of the week and next.

The HV message was a mistake! She thought I was going back to work in five weeks and having trouble weaning to a bottle - had me confused with someone else.

bisou dd2 sometimes vocalises/cries out in her sleep too. I think they do have REM sleep.

AArrgghh!!!!!!!!!!

Have just rung work to sort out my wages (I've been paid too much), and according to them they have no records/forms/MAT B1 etc of me being on maternity leave I can't believe how bloody incompetent they are. I've not been at work since October yet I am being paid as normal Perhaps I hould have stayed quiet and see if they ever realised.

Bisou DS was crying the other night when we went to him he was fast asleep. He has done it a couple of other times too.

Hi all, sorry I've been very remiss about posting recently but am finidng life with two kids quite busy. My own fault as I hate being stuck at home so am constantly out and about with them, not leaving time for much else. We're all stuck at home with various viruses at the moment though, which is pretty depressing.

Nolda DS wasn't christened until he was 9 months and DH point blank refused to let me put him in the family Christening gown, not that he would have fitted anyway. So I bought him some very cute pale blue dungarees which he wore with a white long sleeved vest underneath. DD is being Christened next month so I am going to attempt to put her in the dress,although we may have to leave buttons undone as she is so big. Iwas thinking about having my wedding dress made into a Christening dress but haven't yet managed to find anyone to do it and am presuming that it would be quite expensive. As my Mum has about 5 antique family gowns though it seems a bit pointless. Talking of which I must get the invites out.
Cat & Verso Sorry you're having a hard time of it, but at least you recognise the problem and are getting help. All babies are so different and there is no right or wrong, which both of you know.
Kayz I admire your forward planning for your anniversary and great to have something to look forward to and aim for on the weight loss side of things.
Bisou Not sure about the sleeptalking but when we went away to IL's last w/e I doscovered that DD snores like a fully grown, very overweight and drunk man, not very ladylike! She certainly whimpers in her sleep too.
WG Nightmare about your Hotmail, I'll ask DH when he gets home from work as he is an IT Bod. And loved the photo, hilarious.

Have only managed to catch up on this page, but DS is bored. It's miserable here today so he is watching Bolt for the umpteenth time, I'd better go and find something to entertain him.

One last thing, has anyone started their LO's on solids yet? I started DS at 31/2 months as he was such a big baby and very hungry. That's only two weeks away for DD, so have ordered Annabel Karmel books in readiness.

Hope everyone has a decent night, and I will try not to be so lax about posting in future. x

Oh, and something that really made my day. I have been lusting after a new handbag that I have seen and was complaining about lack of funds, maternity allowance etc the other day to my parents. Then this afternoon my Dad handed me £20 and said it was to put towards a new bag. It mademe feel like a kid again taking handouts from my Dad, but really sweet nonetheless.

LadyT great news about your house, and how exciting to be doing it up. We project managed our house when it was built and it was great fun (she says now, there was the odd fraught moment, but all worth it, or will be, as just like Nolda we?re still living in a bit of a building site) ? my tip for project managing is to get a darned good builder and use joiners, electricians etc that they recommend, and then get the builder to project manage the schedule of work and all you have to do is choose paint colours and the nice bits. And sadly we?re not that busy this year, its just the friends we want to make a date with are ? oh to be so popular and in demand!

Cat sorry to hear you?re still so down, maybe you should have a chat with your GP and see what they advise. And Verso, I have my fingers crossed that your pills kick in very soon. Can?t remember when you started on them, but my friend said she had a turning point between 2 and 3 weeks, so I hope that comes very quickly for you. My LO does a 5 hour stint, then wakes every 2 hours, so it sounds rather like your DD, so there?s at least 2 of us on that pattern. And like trace I often go to bed at the same time as DD to make the most of that first stretch. Lots of good wishes and hugs to both of you

Kayz I bet there will be some sales on between now and July, so maybe you could give Monsoon or Coast a look then and bag a bargain.

Jolly we did foot prints at post natal group and DDs now has pride of place on the mantelpiece. I think she liked the paint being brushed on her feet as she got all kicky and excited, resulting in a rather smudgy print. Great fun!

Bisou a friend of mine said that her DD was once really upset in her sleep and she thinks she was having a nightmare, so I bet your boy was dreaming too (what do babies dream about? Milk maybe?)

Just called DH to see what time he?ll be home tonight, and it sounded like he was still in a meeting and has a 4 hour drive ahead of him. He was away last night and will be tomorrow, so he really wanted to get home tonight to see DD. I think she?ll be sad too, as she adores her daddy. So tea for one tonight, tut. Guess I?ll be back later. Ta ra for now xx

LadyT that is great news on the house. Can you tell us more about it? I love the Cotswolds and so am very envious. Arti, what is happening with yours?

Cat and Verso, I am so sorry you are feeling so low. Have you got a decent HV (not a tautology really - there is one round here who helped me when I struggled a bit after DD2 and she was fab)? Sometimes just having an external person to rant at and chat things through with can really help.

Jolly - there is a company called happy hands who do hand prints etc on mugs, mouse mats etc as well as just prints if you are interested. THe link is here. I had these done for thank you cards for M when he was born and so have prints of his wee feet at 8 days. They send you special paper so that you don't have to do paint etc. Better than with DD2 when I tried to get her and DD1's footprints on a plate when DD2 was 11 days and DD1 was not yet 2 - not a happy couple of hours!

It's been a bit of a day here. Trooped everyone down to the Drs to find the receptionist had ballsed up on the day and booked us in for yesterday, but finally saw a Dr for DD1 who has referred her for blood tests. Later on, DD1 managed to drop M on his head by getting him out of his seat and then discovering that he is quite heavy and letting go. Finally DD1 has nearly strangled herself on the cord which holds her gloves in place. Am a jibbering wreck. Downstairs for an alcohol (and fun)free beer and calm down.

Hope you are all well.

Thats a good idea Zoe, I'll have to keep an eye open for sales.

I think I might do some hand and footprints of the boys, maybe just DS2 as DS2 probably won't stay still and he'll put paint footprints everywhere.

hello, have been away for a few days and no hope in hell of catching up properly = I did get as far as WG's pink dress though . What a sensible DD you have,

SLEEP: DS gets a longish stretch of about 4 hours on a good night, then wakes at least once, usually twice. I regard this as PRETTY DAMN GOOD after months of DS1 refusing to g more than 2 hrs between feeds night and day. I do get to sllep between times tho which makes a huge difference. The prob is when dS1 starts waking up and wailing at me at 6am...

Cat: hope you got to the GP and they were helpful. Don't feel guilty about your friend: we've all been there with crying babies and it is never as stressful with someone else's.

Verso: I'd go back to your GP, if the meds aren't working by now they need to know as they may need to change the dose or prescription. I know from friends; experiences that it can take a while to find a combination of pill type and dose that suits you.

DS2 had his first lot of jabs today and has been unhappy all afternoon, now dozing on my lap. Hope yous are all OK

Evening all!
Verso and Cat I really hope things improve for you soon. As someone mentioned before all kids are so different. I can't believe the difference between my two. DS woke up constantly and still wakes alot now. DH has been on DS duty since H was born and has had the rough end of the stick. I think that DS is having really bad nightmares (not quite night terrors but not far off). He was up loads last night and DH gave up and got up in the front room with him at 4.45. I have offered to do tonight as DH is knackered and went to bed at 8pm. I only hope that I hear DS. I think I have tuned him out as I feel he isn't my responsibility at night at the moment so am worried I wont hear him.

I phoned Kew today and no sign of Scuba Man. I'll have to try again in a few days!

It's belting down here and really windy too. Thats all we need with 'nightmare boy'. He already thinks that there is a T Rex in his room .

I've got baby tv on on Ros's suggestion. It's really trippy!!!

Right, of to bed. Wish me luck with the big one! Ooh might have to stay up a bit it's now a pretty fish tank scene!

Hi All

Verso and Cat - like everybody else I am so sorry that you are having such hard times. Cat, have you considered turning your monitor off completely? If T really cries you will still hear him (unless you live in a palace). None of our parents had monitors and I do think they can induce alot of stress. The Baby Whisperer even advocates throwing them away.

Kayz - sorry your knee is still hurting but your anniversary plans sound fab.

WG - any news on your hotmail account? LOL at the screaming dress photo.

Katie - talk of weaning makes our babies sound soooooooo old!!!! I did not wean DD1 until 6 months which I guess is what I will do with DD2 too. I found weaning a real pain, once DD1 was on solids it was harder to go out and about and be flexible with times. I want to put it off until after our first holiday in June.

Turnip - I am off to google Alfie's Antiques. We went to Lotts Road to watch on Sunday. It was so much fun. We are not going to start bidding until we have exchanged on the new house. If we buy stuff earlier you can bet we will lose the house and will be left with loads of furniture and nowhere to put it. Am I right in thinking you are an interior designer? The woman who owns the house we are buying is an interior designer and it is done so nicely. I am worried that once she takes all her stuff out I won't like the house so much!

LadyT - Hooray on the new house and the new car. You are making a real commitment to the country now aren't you?

Jollybear - we did hand and foot prints with DD2 a few weeks ago. I put them in a little box of things I keep for both girls (hospital tag, first lock of hair, charm cracelts I bought them both at brith and which I intend to add one charm to each year to reflect something they have done that year etc etc etc).

DD1's nanny has returned to health so today I had by first day alone with DD2 in a little while. We went to a baby cinema screening which was really nice. I am totally in love with DD2 at the moment (not that I was not before). Her little personality is starting to emerge and she is so thoughtful and gentle. I just want to cuddle her all the time. She however does not like being held that much which seems odd for a baby. She seems to prefer life in her bouncy chair from where she likes to watch me intently.

WG Don't know if you've already sorted your Hotmail problem but DH says to contact Miucrosoft straight away (through Hotmail homepage) and you should be able to reset your password by answering some security questions that you would have answered when you first set up the account. He also said to change all the passwords you have on the interent, because if they have access to your emails and you are like me and keep registration details then they will be able to access all sorts of things.
Hope that helps.

aaargh

On the advice of the bloody night nanny we have been trying cluster feeds at 8pm and 10pm to get DD2 to move her long block of sleep later in the night.

DH didn't understand at first, so he was doing the 8pm feed and then going to bed and expecting me to stay up to do the 10pm feed. The nanny pointed out he was meant to do both feeds but he just can't seem to make it work . DD2 has just woken me up (despite a different room and earplugs) because she protested so much at being offered a bottle. Turns out the bottle he offered her was stone COLD and she dislikes bottles anyway but particularly HATES cold bottles.

So - being wide awake - I have now fed her back to sleep as I could hear her getting more and more upset being rocked in her moses basket.

Thing is, I know she will wake again at 1.30, 3.30 and 5.30, despite these stupid feeds. The whole point of this bloody exercise was for ME to get A BLOCK OF SLEEP between 8pm and 1.30am - and now not only have I not had that, but we've also b*ggered up her one big chunk of sleep .

I AM SO ANGRY AND UPSET. So much for thinking the antidepressants were starting to work... I JUST WANT A FEW HOURS' SLEEP. WHY IS THIS SO DIFFICULT FOR DH TO UNDERSTAND????????????????

quick one,
Cat, sorry about how you are feeling and hope the situation improves soon.
LadyT I thought B had improved from his jetlag etc, but today during the day at a friends he was an angel, and tonight he screamed for 3 hours - I think he was over tired. Then he guzzled 5oz of expressed milk and went in his cot and now fingers crossed he is asleep. I had already given him warm water (not sure the theories on that) Anyway, hope he is ok tomorrow. He is all spotty I guess from crying so much . Thanks for asking too.
I am feeling a bit tonight. Not sure why. Just poured a glass of cheerfulness, but it hasn't made me cheerful yet.
DH is only just coming back from work now and will go straight to bed.
Verso hope it gets better soon.

think it a homesick thing... friends at home are such a close group... Been away too long

Just woke at 1:20am and (D)H has asked me for a divorce

sorry you're feeling homesick, kmp. Sorry I just came on and posted without reading yours which was incredibly selfish of me. Depression has turned me so inward-looking it's horrible.

I really hope you feel better tomorrow.