The all new and exciting May TODDLERS thread...

[GeorginaA]

... it's May 1st folks...

Wow, congratulations Susi! This couple of years is pretty mad for you isn't it?! two babies and a wedding... how much more can you pack in?

I'm quite impressed with DD's talking myself. but she doesn't do it without something to copy IYSWIM. it's just parrotting. Apart from the most common ones. Clarity wise it's fairly muddy, it's the context that gives you the clue. DH reports that he was putting her in the backpack the other day and she was saying 'ba'pa', ba'pa',' which I hadn't told him she could do so he wasn't looking out for it. It's well cute.

Wish she would walk so I could buy her grooovy shoes! ah well mustn't wish her days away I suppose.

Bozza yes I agree that would be more of a concern and it's a more difficult thing to offer thoughts on, as it depends so much on the child and on your attitudes towards death etc. (not sure what that etc refers to!) Suppose you could always concentrate on the 'celebrating grandad's life' aspect of things. Could you say to him that everyone wanted to get together and think about what a nice person g'dad was etc... what does he like to think of best about g'dad... etc? It's a real old difficult one but I would always swing towards feeling that he will come across death at all points in his life to some degree or other and the most 'palatable' death to explain is that of an elderly person. It might give him a useful touchstone for such an otherwise incomprehensible notion, for the future. without wishing to sound tooo morbid!

Didn't watch Horizon! don't tell me it encouraged singles just when I'd decided to just go for the MMR...

no it didnt encourage singles, actually said there was no proof for any links with autism and mmr. but were parents on there talking about their autistic children and they are convinced in their own minds that it was the mmr that caused it. i think i would be happy to go for the mmr actually, and i certainly was before, but dh isnt too much and now i have doubts!

oh and congrats susi!!! you must be so pleased. xxx

Hi everyone.

We watched Horizon as well. Didn't really surprise me too much, i knew most of it already from internet research. I had decided to go for the singles (not sure if i'd said this already!)but dp is convinced that the MMR is safe, especialy since the bloke that started the MMR/Autism link has now started saying that there isn't a link at all. We would go for the singles for my own piece of mind if money were no object but, right now, it is. So given our (endless!) research and now this bloke retracting what he said + Funds and lack thereof means we're going for MMR.

Congratulations Susi! Fab news, can you get your dp to talk to my dp and persuade him it's a good idea as well

Bozza- So sorry about your news. I don't really have any constructive advice about the funeral, just would say you know you ds better than anyone else and if you think he would like the chance to say goodbye and would be okay then take him. Like Egypt says, it's about his attitude to death i suppose and how he will cope. Hugs to you.

Egypt- Happy birthday to your dd!!! Sounds like you had a really nice day.

Spots- So impressed with the talking, can't wait for Kiera to start saying words like that.

We had our first enormous vomit in public yesterday. Kiera was eating her dinner perfectly happily and suddenly it just all came back up again!! everywhere she was sitting in her pushchair so it went all over that, all over dp all over her clothes. And of course all the shops had closed so we could get her replacment clothes. We ended up having to strip her off completly and just put her coat on over her napppy. Fortunatly it was a warm evening and the car wasn't too far away! She's fine now.

Right, i'll stop babbling now, i have ironing to do.
Lots of love guys xxx

hi, sorry bozza, i hadnt mentioned the funeral. sorry to hear abour dh's grandad. i guess a young face will lighten the day perhaps, if you can say that. depends if your ds is ok with the idea and how much of it he understands. is he able to be quiet during occasions like this? i mean, does he tend to realise where is appropriate to behave in such a way? would somebody not look after him just for the ceremony? like outside the church.

Congratulations Susi. You must be very excited.

Re the funeral - my friend is going to have DS. Think it would confuse him because he hasn't seen Grandad for ages because of him having MRSA. And DD will be going along to brighten things up. Also think I can cope with one child, but two together might be an issue, plus want to leave DH free of child responsibilities. So its sorted OK.

Re the MMR. DS had his at 13 months and DD will be having hers when she gets called for it. I might reconsider if we had any contra-indications (autism in family, egg allergy etc) but no issues at all. Also both my children are in daycare 3 days a week and so exposed to any diseases that are around.

DD has started to do a fake laugh. Quite often she does it towards the end of a mealtime when she is getting bored. She does the fake laugh to get our attention and because it so funny we all laugh back and she thinks it is brill.

We bought two photos totalling £150 btw (for 7 by 5s). A brill one of DS with his head between his legs totally spontaneous. And one of DD walking, holding on to my hands. Then we got a freebie family one of DH and I laid on the floor with DS laid in the middle (all on front facing camera) and DD climbing over DS. Was supposed to be all of us in a line but DD had other ideas.

I think that's £150 well spent Bozza! Proper photos are great.

Hello. Everyone is one now, right? Hope all the parties went well. Ours was lovely.

Just come back from a few days in a caravan in mid-Wales with family. I can't remember the last time I was in a caravan, but they've changed! This just looked like a house that belonged to a retired couple - ornaments, flowery wallpaper, display cabinets and lots of room. Only problem was not a lot of clear crawling space.

We were thinking about having proper photos done for dd2's birthday, but nursery did some at the end of April so I left it.

Re: MMR - we got a letter the day before she was one. I was supposed to make an appointment this week so will do it in the next few weeks or so. We thought and researched a lot into the triple jab four and a half years ago when dd1 was coming up for it and the panic was at its height, and we decided to go for the triple in the end - couldn't find any proof that having them singly was any safer than all together - but we did make sure she was feeling very well when we took her.

Congratulations Susi!

On food - dd2 is now having a bottle of formula when she wakes up in the morning, a cup of cows' milk at nursery in the afternoon and a bottle at night before bed. She has weetabix for breakfast at about 9.30, toast at 10.30 and lunch at 11.30 (when she's in nursery - I feed her at about 1 and give her her snack a bit later in the morning). She's still mainly on jars for lunch and has a yoghurt in the afternoon, but I'm trying to move to real food for tea. I gave her raw apple yesterday but she wouldn't chew it. She only has five teeth - too ambitious? I even grated it but she spat it out.
Dd1 is now pulling herself up and cruising the furniture. I'm at home all this week - I work school term-times only - and it makes me sad to think how much I miss when I'm at work. She says "nose" and "there", but the rest is just babble. She is also good at objecting very loudly if I take something or don't do something she wants!

With you on that last sentence helsy. In DD's case its also a shaking of the entire body (ie a paddy).

DD has a cup of milk in the morning but still struggles to wait until 8 for her breakfast. She would never make it until 9.30! Then has a small snack at 10 but often doesn't have lunch until between 2 and 3 because she's too tired to have it before her nap. She is still on a bottle at night but I think I will stop that after the holiday - thought it might be useful to settle her in strange environments. DD is funny about eating fruit - she will eat stewed/mashed fruit off a spoon but spits out finger food fruit - apart from banana and sometimes plums. Its obviously not the taste because she will eat stewed apple but not a slice of apple. And she has 11 teeth. But she will eat any veg as finger food - carrot, swede, parship, brocolli, cauliflower, spinach, kidney beans, courgette, onion - you name it and she's fine. Hmmm.

Quick question for everyone - how often do you go out without your children? DS is going to stay overnight at MILs on Saturday and have just asked if DD can stay too. But MIL unsure - "will she settle, I'd hate her to be crying all night". Well how do I know if she will settle for anyone else because no-one ever tries. Bit p'ed off because DH and I have not been out alone together since last March. Have been out 3 times with other people in that time but have always put the children to bed first. Because its an hours drive they have prefered to have DS go there and stay than come here and babysit so we waited until we thought DD was old enough. DH annoyed because they have had DNephew overnight about a month ago and he is younger than DD (born October).

opposite problem to Egypt's I think - where the ILs were determined to have DD.

Bozza, impressed at the amount of finger veg your child will eat! Presumably all the veg is cooked, though? Haven't tried bananas - the easiest - because DH is seriously allergic to them and we want to try dried first now she's a year.

We left both dds with my DM for two nights when dd2 was 9 months, and I think we left them for one night recently too. Same thing - they live an hour away and when we've been out and left dds with non-family I've put them to bed first. Not that that's happened much. She whinges (DM, that is) and is definitely not fair in the way she treats different family members, but I figure it's family and that's what they're there for!

Bozza, dh and I have been out together 4 times since having ds. First time we took ds with us to a wedding (had a babysitter in hotel), and left dd with MIL at our house. 2nd time we left both overnight with my parents and sister at our house. We've had a babysitter twice, but as you said, you have to get them to bed tehn, so by the time you get out you are frazzled anyway (dd has also developed the lovely trick of being able to vomit on demand whcih he has displayed for our babysitter both times - thank God she's experienced and lovely)

When we move, we will be only 1.5 hours from my Mum and Dad, and they are going to be having them more - starting with the weekend of the move. I had a different prolem again - because of my relationship with my mother, I didn't want to ask her to have them, as I have a thing about her doing stuff for me and then expecting me to be eternally grateful. But when I asked she was really pleased - I realised she didn't see looking after my kids as the chore that I do, and was really looking forward to it!

DS is getting very difficult to feed due to a strong independant streak and a wicked temper. He refuses anything on a spoon held by me, and is even refusing finger foods, insisting on eating everything from a spoon he holds himself. As he can't really keep the spoon straight on it's journey from bowl to mouth, he's getting a bit hungry.

Bozza, sorry to hear about your loss. That's a shame that your MIL isn't too keen on taking DD. I wonder if you can get her to have her overnight just once, she'll be fine (?)
11 teeth! Impressive. DS has 4 and seems to have stopped teething altogether.

Congratulations Susi.

Judd, snap. We got Ds's first shoes on Sunday, too. We got Clark's Doodles because he's not walking properly yet. Although, he does want to walk all the time with our help and loves walking outside so we decided it was time to get properly fitted.

Well, DS was 1 on Saturday. We had a lovely time. It was a house - full because it was so windy we couldn't go outside for long. I'm sure that DS was close to taking- off in his new inflatable car!

Woah spots. That's so cute all that talking. DS is just attempting to say a couple of words, not loads. DH is teaching him "Banana", one of his favourites. He has had me in tears of laughter because he calls it a "Balardle-ardle-ardle-ardle" and then looks up with a big grin.

Hiya everybody! Glad it's Friday - we've got no preschool for TWO WEEKS......Stockport seems to be the only place having such a long half term and so we're having stimulating trips to M&S in the rain rather than toddler group!
We got our letter through for DS's MMR today, he'll be having it in 2 weeks' time providing he's fit and able. We're also investigating whether he may be sensitive to tomatoes - his unconsolable sobbing fits in the night seem to be linked to the times he has had a tomato based tea, whereas for the last 3 nights he has slept fabulously well (obv. jinxed now) after a non tomato tea (and non cheese too, as we also have suspicions). Trouble is, I don't know how to proceed! Do we avoid them forever, or go to the doctor's or HV and try and get a definitive test? We've also put a pillow under his matress to prop him slightly which may also have made a difference....but enough to allow tea time tomato consumption? Now we seem to have found a link, there's no way I want to test out the theory by giving tomatoes incase it does make him uncomfortable! Any advice/websites would be gratefully received by anybody still awake after that long ramble! (oh and I meant to say yonks ago, thank you Spots for your comforting words viz a vis vegetable consumption).
My new find in the vegetable world, as DS is the opposite to Bozza's DD and will only eat fruit, no veg, as finger food is.......bubble and squeak! Dead easy to make, easy to eat and full of veg!
It's really strange to look up and see DS strolling across the room. usually with something in both hands (bath plug is a particular favourite). Yesterday loud crying was heard and I rushed in to find DD on the floor. "I fell off the chair when I was trying to kick DS!" Oh jolly good.
Bang, bang, bang, I can really go on when I put my mind to it! Is anybody watching Big Brother at all? Only I've.....er......got "a friend" who is really drawn to it even though she knows it is mindless trash

I think it's inconsolable. Once I would have known

Re: leaving children. PILs live 1.5 hours away and so have tended to take DD for the weekend or even longer (in fact they wanted to take her to Cornwall for the week in September but we thought it was too far ...so we're going too!) We are in the village babysitting circle so use them for nights out. Haven't left DS overnight so far, only had babysitters and put him to bed ourselves beforehand. My mum is an hour away and is mid seventies so don't expect anything from her in that way. I'm just grateful that she still manages to come over and spend a day with us from time to time and enjoy the children.

Judd, I have a friend who likes watching Big Brother too.

Guess we are pretty much on a par with the rest of you then with the going out. BTW I meant March last year not this year before you all think I am a really spoilt cow! Anyway ILs decided not to have DS either so that was the end of our idea for a night out. Think the sorting out of the funeral etc has taken more out of them than they expected because they seemed OK on Monday. Funeral went as well as can be expected. DH v upset but think it has got it out of his system. DD good. DS wanted to sleep at his friend's house and had to be dragged away. Dunno when DH is going to get to see his Star Wars film though.

Tried to go shopping with the kids today. Wasn't fun. Then took them to this place called Lotherton Hall where they have a bird garden. Just managed to choose the weekend when the Love Leeds Dance Festival is on there. So we're in this queue of festival goers to get into the carpark! DD loved the birds. And pointed. We sat on a bench and parked her in front of two parrots and she chatted away to them. Very sweet. Then went and played football. Apparently DH running is higly amusing.

On the fingerfoods, yes DD has the veg cooked. Managed to get her to eat some blackberries off the spoon today. Although have to confess that they were laced with slightly defrosted in the microwave ice cream.

She's not walking but has started doing much better with one hand and also standing unsupported.

morning ladies!!!
i think we are getting there! lucas tends to sleep a bit longer now in the mornings - woheyyyy! (6.30 )

and he can't be stopped anymore. he prefers 2 legs now to crawling; and as soon as any door is open whhoooooosh he is outside! he loves it
and he can climb like a monkey
keeps me well busy

foodwise he is as good as ever! eats just everything but doesn't like raw veggies. comes out as it goes it
he did eat some tomato the other day; after a few times conviencing him it actually IS nice! (and after a few times picking it up from the floor )

bump is growing like mad (23 weeks today!) and she is a very active little lady already!! kicking lots
anybody remembers the waddling??? i've started already

Hi,
Sorry been busy this week. DD's birthday was last Friday so we had the day off work and went to the park and lake and out for food then saturday we had a family bar b q in the wind and cold and sunday was her official baby 1st party. It all went very well and I cant believe shes 1.
This week she was sick all over DH on thursday and off her food but then back to normal on Friday.
Shes started to walk she stil preferes crawling but if I call her from the other side of the room she drunkingly walks over, and shes walking short distances. Shes also started saying 'all gone' and raises her hands above her head.
Bozza - My mum has had dd every saturday night since she was 12 weeks old. She has her overnight. At the start she would have her 9 until 8am just so that we could get a full night sleep but now its from 6pm sat to 11am sunday. DD loves it as she gets played with all the time over there and we enjoy it as its nice to have a lie in or shower in peace.
Sleeping seems to have settled down a bit( am I GOING TO REGRET SAYING THAT) Sorry about the caps. Weve stuck with the half cc half pu/pd and now she just wakes once for 4oz milk at night. We now need to crack this waking.
Sorry for the rambling message. Congrats to susis

MEET UP ALERT MEET UP ALERT MEET UP ALERT MEET UP ALERT MEET UP ALERT

Would anybody who is interested in the great May Babies 2004 meet-up please e-mail me at prufrock at hotmail dot co dot uk? Calling Helsy, Bozza, Kbaby and Linnett in particular. And those who got my e-mail, but have not yet replied - Hurry up!

23 weeks Susi ! I would start playing the "lying down and throwing toys at Lucas" game immediately!! How heavy is he now? I am plucking up the courage to take DS to the HV tomorrow for the grand weigh-in. Mind you, I have got lovely toned arms from all the carrying
Ds has started enjoying taking things out of bags, boxes etc. and then putting them all back in again. Ball Blaster seems to be less exciting these days......
We got some lovely pictures this afternoon of him and DD in the hammock together, both laughing their heads off - very cute indeed.

hello everyone...Susi I love the sound of your kicking baby! Glad Lucas sleeps longer now. Does he nap in the morning? DD goes down at 8.30 having woken at 6.30... and she is still asleep now.

I am having a busy old time of it. Last week I ran in a local race where you go out on the huge tidal beach and run through the sea to a rock where a bagpiper is piping. That was loovely. And we have some heavyweight work opportunities to throw energy at; one of them tonight. It's a swanky networky dinner thing. I am bricking it. Hate doing that sort of stuff.

The long and the short of it is that poor old DD is being slightly passed around from pillar to post atm. At least, spending time with her dad and granny! which is hardly pillar or post, but might as well be for all the fuss she makes. Terrible separation screams. it's horrible.

She had her one year check last week and that was unremarkable. The health visitor said 'slow to walk, quick to talk' and we both nodded sagely. I couldn't care les that DD doesn't walk yet! though she is making alarming progress with the baby walker. She's mastered it on grass and when she takes it onto our wooden floorboards... she makes alarming progress! (insert picture of DD shooting across floor at top speed with eyes wide open)

Wonder how Libb is doing? Prufrock did you hear from her?

Hi all,

I've been soooo busy since last Wednesday! Dp's parents and sister descended on us until Saturday afternoon, which was really nice as dp and i got to do some stuff we'd planned to do for yonks but never got round to because of Kiera. We all get on really well and it was good to see them

Susi- Lovely hearing about kicking baby

Gerogina- Hello! Speak to you soon on MSN

Prufrock- Good to chat to you today, looking forward to meeting up soon.

We're stuck in teething hell atm (tooth no 7), i think it's a back molar and kiera is waking regularly with snotty nose and pain. She has perfect timing, dp is off to Malta tomorrow for a work conference and i am frazzled already.
She's still not walking on her walker or standing on her own!! She'll be 13 months on the 13th and i reall am starting to worry now. She will walk holding onto two hands when she feels like it and stands holding on to stuff, but isn't even cruising yet

She can say "woof" "cat" "oink" "dadda" and baba"

Lots of love to all

xxx