Dec 08 mums - from rolling to sitting and everything inbetwean

[waitinggirl]

there i've done it - hope that is ok.

Bookmarking you all. Back from Wales, bought a house (hopefully) and still getting no sleep. Loving the sun though

Jump Not sure if we are coming down yet. A pipe burst in Dad's house, rendering the spare room unusable. But I might see about coming down for a day.

hello!
I feel like a stranger! We are having MAJOR phone line and broadband issues but have managed to get a connection using a dongle (?) this evening. We have had no phone line or broadband for 8 days now and the company (Pipex) are being utterly useless and have done nothing to sort out the problem yet. Very frustrating.
ANyway...over the past week the news chez Traceface has been...
Lucy's head lice have all gone
I now have head lice I've just spent the past hour with DH fine combing my hair with 'Full Marks' solution on it How romantic!
I've started weaning Phoebe - just cubes of veggie or fruit mush which she devours - I love the face she pulls when I give her mango! But no magic weaning-sleeping thing - still waking every 2-3 hours but hey ho!
er...as you can see it's all happening here!
I've just had a text from my friend - we were at school together and have been close friends ever since - she's 2 weeks overdue with her first baby and is going in to be induced tomorrow. She's really scared - I wish i could be there with her but she lives near Manchester.
We have our appointment at eczema clinic tomorrow for P, but she's actually already a lot better than she was a month ago.
hmm. I feel rather boring and have nothing of any interest to say - which is a little annoying as it is my only night with internet access! Tomorrow I will probably think of loads of interesting stuff. Hope you've all had a good weekend - back soon I hope xxx

Guten Abends all!

It's been lovely to read and catch up on what you have been up to while I've been away.

veggie What a shame you were in Manchester when I wasn't. If you head back oop north again let me know.

ladyT I chuckled heartily at the fire incident. We've got your DH's book, DH bought it recently. I had no idea that was your late DH. You must be so proud of him.

WG I was nodding in agreement with your comments about your DD coping so well with her change in routine. I was really worried that DD would explode with upset if she wasn't tucked up in her cot by 7 but she was just fine. They're amazing little things!

JJ Crikey, I've never heard of a groom being late before. Is he usually a poor timekeeper? Your DD's cot fall sounded scary. I'm amazed she could get so far! My DD has rolled over about 5 times in total and obviously doesn't enjoy it.

Oh dear I'm struggling to read my notes.. hello PD I had something to say but my scrawl has failed me!

Hello NQSBB Really nice to hear how you and your little ones are.

SL Your DH must have been mortified when he dropped DS! At an ale festival too, he must have looked like he'd enjoyed the beer a bit too much .

verso Good luck with the job interviews! Two second interviews is very impressive indeed.

arti Did you managed to hide the laptop in time? You could have hidden it behind a newspaper or a coffee table book and carried on regardless!

trace Two wakings in night is very impressive for P. I hope she does that again soon.

Hello to everyone else too.

We had a great time in Germany. It was hot, 31 degrees at times . DD was amazlingly adaptable and spent many an evening slumbering in her pram whilst we had a meal in the evenings. The wedding was just wonderful, I loved all the things that you don't get at a british wedding - sawing a log in half, games at the reception. DD was beautifully behaved during the ceremony until the most tremendous poo she has ever produced came pouring out of her nappy, ran onto her legs and pooled in my lap. When we got outside passers by were pointing and laughing at the state of both of us. Great timing eh?! Despite DD's momentary lack of decorum, she was very smiley, giggly and happy with all our friends, which is the main thing I think.

Right, best go, night all.

JB nice to see you again - glad you had a great time in Germany.

I forgot a piece of news...P can roll!

Hi all, just wanted to say that I'm still here, just v knackered as T seems to have gone totally haywire on his feeding and sleeping (yes, even more so than before) and is very cry-y. Am waiting for that goddamn tooth! Have also noticed how much more aware he is these days and how he's started the bursting into tears in order to be picked up and he's all smiles. Coincides with me totally doing my back in from coughing too much .
Can I get your opinions on this? I'm feeling very angry and upset about it but maybe am overreacting as there is probably some truth in this.
Got a letter from the hospital about our visit a month ago to see the allergy specislist, it details all the diagnoses and treatment and then totally apropos of nothing says "Mother needs a lot of psychosocial support". And then nothing else n the subject. I feel really cross because:
a) what the hell does "psychosocial" mean anyway?
b) how is a pediatric allergist qualified to comment on my psychological needs?
c) How appropriate is it, given that there is no context at all and the rest of the letter is about T.
Yes, I have been to see my GP for PND, so would expect this in a letter from her, but this feels a bit leftfield, and has been copied to my GP so is all official and everything. I guess I feel like I'm being talked about behind my back and paranoid that I appear bonkers even when at an appointment to talk about something else.

Trace, top news about P's rolling, it's so great! Does she enjoy it? Hope the clinic appt goes well.
Jolly, so glad you had a good time in Germany, about the massive poo, I bet she upstaged the bride!
JJ, am really pleased about DD's sleeping, you deserve a break and glad you had a really good night as well.

Sorry, I know I have more to say and more personals to write but am really tired today. Oh yes, just wanted to sympathise and commiserate with Tilly about the rowing (similar story here), big thumbs up to PMK's B for his return to sleeping form, and admiration in buckets as ever for LadyT and her shenanigans. Oh, and good luck to Kayzr for the loopy HV visit.

Morning all!
Had a nice BBQ yesterday at mil's. Weather couldn't have been better could it! dropped bil off at Paddington to get the train from there, which was a bit of a mess traffic wise but made it in the end!
JJ well done and fingers crossed with the sleeping baby! Lady is def in the right area for the stewards tickets - bummer about the under 12's - wish I still lived in Henley as I'd love to ponce around! I'll happily take them however if Lady doesn't, but Lady you'd def be in a better position to take up JJ's kind offer!
Spot -ed would be my immediate response too regarding that letter - I will ask dh, I'd be a bit livid myself of what you describe.
Lady, Raynes Park/Wimbledon is where I am!! I will grace you with my presence on the 14th if you like Where in RP will it be?
I had some response to my ad for the flat in Henley, so hopefully will be able to show someone through this week so if you are around I could drive up and say hi!
I've joined the gym - Q for anyone else who take their LO swimming at the gym ?? How do I co-ordinate the changing of me and of DS if you know what I mean? Was going to take him in the Bjorn, but then realised I can't put him down to get myself changed so what should I do? Not sure on baby in gym etiquette. Can anyone shed any light on this or what is the best way to change / transfer baby to pool by one's self?

Just bookmarking myself back on the thread so I can catch-up and write properly later. I think I will spend today on the park with the girls - I am too hot already!

Just quickly to PMK - are there not baby change mats in the ladies change at your gym? There is at mine so DD2 lies there while I change and then I change her. If they don't have them I would consider suggesting they get them for hygeine's sake.

Hi Arti!
It's Virgin Active, and they have an actual seperate kids pool so I'd imagine they must have a change area... I'm going to give them a call now. I doub't I can take the carseat into the pool area right?

ok, called the gym - and yes Arti, they have a family change room attatched to the kids pool I had such a quick tour when I signed up as I was late for a BBQ so didn't look at all the important stuff! [typical me emoticon!] I'm taking my friend and her baby along tomorrow so it should be fun, and I'm not sure I want to go by myself the first time I take him swimming as dh can't go until the weekend.
ok off to get some food now then must take the dog out in this glorious -its a pleasure to live in England- type of weather!

Afternoon!!

Just a really quick hello really. I have an awful headache and I'm going to go lie down before DH goes to work.

I hope you are all well and enjoying the sunshine!!

Having a row with the bank ATM because they have screwed up our loan repayments!

It's fixed!!! Yay! A man in a van turned up at 9 this morning (with no warning!) and has spent 3 hours up and down a pole, drilling holes in my wall, moving wires all over...and we have a phone line back! I have felt quite lost without my internet, but also strangely released having no phone!
Spot - sorry you're so knackered. I would be put out with that letter too. Can you ring or write and ask for an explanation? I have got used to the PND thing popping up everywhere. When my HV came and did our first ever visit, she wrote DEPRESSION all across the first page of my red book. Nice. Then when I was at clinic about Phoebe's skin last time, she saw me there, barged into the room, interrupted the HV I was with and said "Excuse me but Traceface is one of my ladies". When the other HV said it's fine, I wasn't busy so I thought I'd help out in clinic, my one said "no thank you. Tracey has PND. I'll see her" ?!!! Like that's relevant to Phoebe's dry skin? She was then very unprofessional about the other HV when she'd gone, saying she always butts in on things and interferes! And when I went to see her a week ago about weaning, she said there wasn't really a free appointment but she had agreed to see me 'with my history' because I sounded so upset. I was not remotely upset! I can't escape my lovely label!
ANyway...appointment went fine this morning (not my own HV!) and we're just continuing with the treatments we've got for P's skin.
Can I ask about weaning? I have started to give some veg and fruit 3 times a day. I have had conflicting advice from different HVs (just for a change!) about the BF...one says I should offer BF after the solids and at normal BF times as before, and another says I should cut out the BFs between the solids, because she'll be getting to much BF. P doesn't have any other fluid (no bottle or beaker will pass her lips) so if I cut down her BF won't she be lacking fluid?
pmk I took a friend with me to help hold P when I went swimming, but when I used to take L as a baby there was a kind of baby play pen in the change area so you could put the baby down while you got ready. I'd suggest you get yourself into your swim things first, but after swimming get her dry and dressed first then you second. L used to get cold quickly so I dressed her first and she was happy but if I got dressed first she would cry. Others may have had different experiences though...!

trace people always manage to make weaning sound complicated don't they. Just chuck food at her in whatever form you want at meal times and continue to feed on demand.

I have a very wriggly dd on my lap

ah Indith I read your message and little tears have sprung up in my eyes Your little comment is so relaxed and reassuring and comforting. Thank you

Trace: in this weather I wouldn't be cutting down on bfs. Milk is their main food till 1 slo keep feeding on demand as Indith said. Might make sense to try the solids when P is hungry (i.e. before a feed).

Spot: the letter sounds a bit off. Taking a charitable approach, could they be trying to coordinate the different bits of postnatal care? And allergies are so stressful to parents that the consultant may feel justified in pointing out to another bit of the service that you ned support too. It could have been done more sensitively though .

Indith: yay on the house!

JJ: double yay on better nights - you are giving me hope .

News from me: day 2 of potty training so all I can think about is wees and poos... DS1 is doing pretty well, can wee in the potty when prompted but still has a few accidents. We just got DS2 a Bumbo as he now hates his reclining chair and he is most pleased. May put some photos on Facebook while DS1 is asleep

Hi everyone. I'm not even going to try to catch up as I've been gone for so long, but am just popping on to apologise for my absence. Work has picked up a bit, so with that, endless swimming, riding etc with DS and weaning, I'm finding that I really don't have time to keep up. I will try to pop on from time to time, but will nodoubt keep up with most of you on FB.
x

Phew, I don't think DD cares for this weather...I have just had her in her nappy today and despite her grumpiness she looks so utterly cute I can't get annoyed.

I am in a grump also as I haven't got much done today. But I look less cute so no one's letting me off

Jump, I am so glad things may be improving on the sleep front! I would jump for joy if I wasn't so hot. I would love love LOVE the tickets please - are you sure you can spare them? Swank is my middle name And Ponce is my second middle name.

Welcome back Jolly! I am sorry to hear about the poo incident - I think you took it very well. In fact, I am incredibly impressed that you took it so well. I think I'd have cried.

Spot - I was incensed on your behalf. That is actively detrimental. I would be screaming my head off to all and sundry about it, but I suppose that wouldn't help and an icy letter would probably have more effect. Trace - lack of professionalism you have also encountered also makes me very mad. And sad.

PMK - 'twould be lovely to see you if you are in the environs - I am here tomorrow and Weds and then in London on Thurs and Fri. Lunch or coffee Friday anyone?

Indith - what house? Where? In Wales? Brilliant, wherever it may be!

Katie - good to see you!

Woohoo I am excited!! On the Startrite website you can print of a thing that you can use to measure DCs feet!! I am in 2 minds about it but will give it a go!

Evening all,

spot MMmm, I'd be mad about that letter too. If she felt that you needed some support she should have mentioned it to you at the appointment. Very odd just to mention in a letter. Have you been back to the GP with your cough? It sounds like it needs attention. Dentinox teething gel is good, it really seems to help.

trace at the overzealous HV! I did chuckle and shake my head at the idea of 'depression' written at the front of your red book, a lesson in how not to make someone feel better me thinks. Great to hear you are back on-line and hurrah for the rolling.

JJ Great to hear the nights are improving. Are you feeling more human?

effie Finger crossed the potty training continues well. LOL at you having nothing but wees and poos on the mind.

ladyT It was one of those situations where you have to laugh or else you would cry! My poor dress is ruined. I'd spent so long thinking about what to wear and I ended up having to wear a jersey H&M number. Sounds like a scorcher down your way. Still vest and dress weather for the LO up north!

Off to buy a high chair tomorrow as only 2 weeks to go till DD is 6 months - where did my newborn go . Weaning is made to seem really complicated - charts, BLW or purees, mush, mashed etc, I've been reading Annabel Karmel and the BLW book - such polar opposites! I'll try and remember indith's wise words. I'm sure that as long as I'm not starting her off on happy meals and Sara Lee then she'll be grand.

Goodevening all what a gorgeous day. Have been lounging beside the big paddling pool thing at Markeaton park, watching my and a friends DS1 splash about and then had an impromtu picnic dinner when our DHs and my friends SIL turned up. I love days like this.

Trace Indith put it perfectly couldn't have explained it any better.

Spot I cannot work out what the Allergy dude is talking about. We used to use the call a meeting we had regulary at work between different health professionals, ward staff and social workers a Psycho-social meeting. It was a discharge planning meeting for kids on the ward. No idea why they are mentioning it in your letter like that I think it is a typo. Might mean pschological support but again how on earth has he picked that up in a clinic appointment. If he felt you needed referral at all he should have told you that he would be mentioning it, health professionals can't just make a judgement like that and pass it on, they have to tell you that they will be making the recommendation. I'm sorry it has upset you I speak to you almost everyday and I think you are quite sane, well as sane as any of us. Which is probably quite loopy really.

Trace sounds like you needed that HV's 'special' attention like a hole in the head. She's a mental health glorifier. I think some nurses like to think that you need to see them, or want you to need them. Sad really.

I've just put DS2 to sleep and DH is finishing off putting DS1 to sleep, I'm shattered, sitting around doing nothing in the warm sunshine is terribly exhausting.

Oh hi JB I thought someone lived there. No one piped up when I said I was going so figured I was wrong. Why were you at the York meet up? I think DH has more work up there so will let you know. Kayz are you still coming to Nottingham sometime? Hopefully it's a day when DH is home so don't have to race back to pick up DS1 otherwise will be just a quick morning coffee.

I'm in London this weekend and Monday (going to MrWG's recording thingy on Sunday night) so if anyone up for coffee on Monday let me know. Though I'll be in Hampstead so may be difficult to sort out.

yes Veggie I think that's exactly it with the HV - I think she wants me to fall apart on her so she can feel good about supporting me. I have never yet even shed a tear in her presence! Sounds like you've had a lovely day I'm finding it all a bit too hot - I know I shouldn't moan...P slept for an hour and a half at lunch time and I just sat inside and read my book because it was cooler inside. It is lovely to go out in just one layer of clothing though P was in just a vest today and she got lots of attention in the supermarket with many a shopper cooing over her chunky thighs. No-one coos over my chunky thighs. Not fair!
I spent half an hour getting a splinter out of dd1's foot this evening and had to bribe her to stay still reward her with chocolate coins.
Right. Am going to make a cuppa then head to bed. Good night one and all. I sound like I'm in a Dickens novel

hello all - doing a lot of lurking and enjoying people's comments lots.

we have a bottom middle tooth here and the other one on its way, too. madam is also no longer swaddled and in a gro-bag (like my tomato plants!). madam has also started laughing in the bath last night - bless.

am stupidly tired - she is waking 2-3 times every night whereas it used to be once. am also going to have to investigate high chairs soon - indith - wise words re: weaning (or, let's face it more aptly named, "starting solids" - i won't be weaning madam off my boob for a while). can people recommend any high chairs? my friends have got stokke tripp trapps (typically the most expensive!) and rave about those - anyone else?

did i already say that she plays with a bottle but has yet to drink anything from one - i think it has helped with the teething.

the weather is being joyous, but i am wary of taking madam out too much in it - despite being dark haired and olive skinned myself, i seem to have produced a blonde, fair skinned blue eyed madam, so am trying to shade her from the sun all the time - not that easy. can anyone recommend a good baby sunscreen, too?

having a night on my own as dh off to watch a friend's radio recording before his own on sunday (still writing the sodding thing). v excited as vg and spot are coming (suddenly the pressure rises - hope you like it...)

Well I've decided B might be teething but just doesn't complain too much? I think that is why he has started waking in the night after talking to a friend. he is constantly stuffing his muslin in his mouth and chewing down on it. I am going to give him some calpol after the late feed tonight and see if he sleeps through - if not, back to the drawing board!
WG,VG,Spot, what MrWG thingy? I must have missed that post...?
Lady, glad you are going to ponce it up in Henley. I mentioned it to dh and he said we were possiblybeing offered tickets from a friend of his, however we realised it's on the weekend we are more than likely going to Paris - bummer about weekend clash! (however trip not confirmed yet)
The potential tenant seemed a little put off by the 3rd floor arrangment, and has said to "Leave it with me" so I'm assuming she won't be wanting a viewing, so I'd probably be up for a cheeky bit of cheerfulness towards the latter part of the week...! Can anyone else make a mini cheerful gathering?

Hi everyone, back from our hols ? we had a fab time in Portugal, lots of sun, reading and eating ... perfect! The weather here is so great it still feels like we?re on holiday, except 4 loads of washing later I feel a little busier than I was just a couple of days ago. DD was an angel on the flights and just smiled and slept the whole time, mealtimes however were more of a challenge and she screamed through lunch and tea every day (but why not breakfast? )

OK, will now try to catch up. I hope you?re all well and had a good week last week too?