March 09 - there is no snooze button on a baby that needs milk.....!

[meep]

over here ladies

I'm around! If only to have a moan...

Melissa's daytime naps are up the spout - today she had a half hour nap in the morning and one at lunchtime (both in the buggy) and then WOULD NOT go down again, try as I might. Cue a grizzle-fest which started at 4pm, followed by a screaming fit at 5pm then sleep at 5.30pm, which is no good to anyone. Thankfully DD1 woke her up at 6pm, which meant I was able to get her into her bedclothes and down again for 7pm, but I really don't want to go through that every day. What's everyone else's nap schedule during the day like?

Laumiere lots of sympathy for the work decision - it's a tricky one. But it sounds like it will facilitate lots of good things and therefore worth it

Meep glad to hear Rosie's on the mend.

Wheely impressive sleep by L! It's funny that 'they' always say that formula/weaning doesn't prompt sleeping through the night, but all the anecdotal evidence I've ever heard always confirms this theory. M is still bf'd and waking at least twice in the night - am stepping up the weaning this week so hoping that will improve things.

Well done on the rolling Rosie and glad she's better meep. MissM - daytime napping here is terrible. Half hours here or there but she's basically ok on it except by 6pm she is v. tired. I know what you mean about the whole formula/solids/breast/sleep debate. IME it has definitely now been the case that formula/food help. I don't expect Lara has been a particularly good breastfeeder in that I think her technique has always been a bit rubbish due to 9 weeks with a severe tongue tie. Although she did improve I wonder if she didn't get it quite right. But, we had another good night last night - 7.30 to 6.30 with no wakings (although dd1 of course lost her bl**dy bunny at 5). Won't start counting any chickens yet but...
Am still feeding her morning and night although my supply has definitely adjusted so not sure if it will last much longer - would like to get to 6 months just because I'm almost there (10 days) and then I think we'll stop completely.

I have two days left of dd1s summer hols and then she starts school on Monday - real proper school. Probably not best time to be playing with my hormones by giving up feeding !!! Think a tear or two may be shed ...

Aw thanks miss! Just finished packing, and had to deal with gas leak just before my work interview, great timing!

Gas is off now and it's not likely to be fixed before we go on hols so it's another thing to sort out when we get back. Now bricking it that I won't be offered a job... esp since DH has handed in his notice, no pressure!

Wheely I SO know where you're coming from with the breastfeeding. Part of the reason I'm continuing with it is because my hormones are vicious buggers that don't like to be disturbed

Ooooh. Hormones. Don't get me started. 'Moaning Hoares' my DH calls them.

Alright peeps! Big Hello from the Reed household.

Quick question. Am I mad in contemplating getting pregnant again now so as to avoid having to go back to work properly? If I get pregnant now, I would only have to go back to work for 8 months before getting another 7 months (full pay) off again to have #2.

Am so disinclined to go back to work that I am seriously considering this plan.

Have to go back in 2 weeks. I just don't wanna - waaaaa (toys out of pram etc etc).

Could you go back part time Boobz, while you try for number 2?

I suppose I am very lucky being self employed that I get to stay at home. Mind you, a 25kg bag of wax is awaiting my attention! Ah, the run up to

Thanks to those who asked about my friends. After the second attempt, he seems to have calmed right down and is back at work now too.They are still together which is good. Obviously we don't know everything, but they seem to be happy. He is getting therepy regularly and fingers crossed it is doing some good.

Permission to be glum please?

I had to go to the hospital yesterday for a follow up scan to check on Freddie the Fibroid. Ah, the joys of the "magic wand" up the fanjo! She didn't look when inserting it, and hurt a bit I can tell you!

Anyway, the bad news is that Freddie is still very happy in there and measures 7cm in all directions. That's quite big

I have been bleeding more days than not, and I had three periods in August, the last one still going.

So... my ovaries are ok which is good, but I was told that I may find it difficult to have another baby, and if I do get pregnant miscarriage will be more likely. I cried.

The trouble was I didn't really understand the accent of the doctor, she talked really fast, and didn't stop when I was upset. She also didn't explain my choices very well, and I am rather confused!

I was given three options, two of which are no-no's as they're contraception, the pill or the coil. The other option was non-hormonal tablets but she said they won't regulise the cycle, so I didn't see any point.

I have to go back in January for another scan and she said "and you will have treatment, won't you". When she asked my age and I told her I'd be 39 soon, she said "well, we'll all catch up with you eventually" !

I just feel like it won't happen for me now, and that my body is totally out of synch. Still, I managed to come home and not eat chocolate or drink wine. I have managed to lose 6.5 pounds in the last three weeks, so that's a positive!

I've been sorting a big pile of clothes this morning to put away, and looking at all the newborn things made me cry again.

Sorry, feeling a bit sorry for myself.

Oh, and for all the hormonal girls here - the last few days I have wanted to commit murder on the roads to anyone who even slightly cuts me up etc. Must be a phase

And lastly in the most mammoth post - is green poo something to be worried about? I think A has a little bug.

Sorry for humungous post

I can't spell either. Regularise? is that better? I dunno.

Time for a cuppa before mopping floors.

Ha-ha! slick thats a good one! Typing this with Ben on my lap, he's geeting sleepy but want to keep him up for a bit more, see if he naps longer. Missmode, mine's actually been napping great, always around 2 hrs in the morning and then 1 or 2 in the afternoon. I went trhough a phase where he had short naps and I spent a while helping him extend them but tbh, I think it's juts a phase they go through.

Ben is sitting! Woohoooo!...sorry, gotta go, he def now tired, till laterx

Boobz

No harm in ttc. We started TTC when Lizzie was 10mths and she was 3.8yrs when we had Lexie (who is 2 on monday). We didn't ttc when i fell pg for Robbie when Lexie was only 11mths.

Can you check your contracted maternity rights.

Meep Roll on Rosie! It is so exciting when they do something new, and although I try not to expect things, it's wonderful when it happens. He just sat yesterday, his six-month 'birthday', wow, although we're playing left and right: is he going to fall to the left or right?
I know that I initially switched him too early to a bigger teat, and he threw up more than usual, because he was taking in too much too quickly, so I went bacl on the nr 1 until a few weeks later, and then it was fine. Hope she's doing better, poor thing! I know this is not 'recommended', but when B has stomack troubles I gave him (from about month 4,5) a bit of rooibos tea, a herbal tea that is native to South Africa, with a tiny bit of sugar. It is very soothing and helps with cramps and constipation, and he enjoys the taste.

Boobz Go for it! I swear, I can't believe I'm saying this, but if my husband was more positive, I'd also try for another one now. The reasons don't matter so much, and it's completely ok to plan it like this. An ex-colleague of mine planned hers so that she was back at work for 6 months before going on another year's maternity leave.

Ahh, grinning, that is such sad news! My heart goes right out to you! I hope you can make another appointment soon and find out what's going for what, the bloody doctor sounds like a monster. Why don't they understand that this is such devastating news? But get all the facts, and I hope you get some good news soon. I cried a lot earlier this week when my best friend, who is 37, told me that she might be infertile: they've been trying for ages and is now on IVF, and she doesn't seem able to produce eggs. It just makes me sooo sad. There is really not much one can say.
About the green poo. I remember B had some as well, but it went away after a few days, I think they said we don't have to worry, except if he develops a fever. Just a wee stomach bug? Sure looks horrible!

I feel guilty to admit that I enjoy being back at work. It's only two days a week, though, and because my dh and sil looks after lo, it's not hard to leave him. I really enjoy being able to do things using more of my brain and tbh, sometimes it can be soooo boring with the baby. He is becoming so interested in other babies and things, and he loved the group we went to once, before I started work. Will have to look for another one.

Slick I downloaded the running plan, but I'm still on the couch, mostly because I haven't been able to find the time to do it. I think I'll make a plan with my neighbour from next week, because I love running and the cycling just doesn't always do it. I try to walk with him although the weather has become nasty. Doing some exercises in the mornings next to him, he's fascinated by it all!!
One of my acquiantances [sic;sic;sic] asked me to start a baby music group, will have to see, it's very tempting..

Enjoy your holiday, laum, your dh sounds like a good one.

hello all

back to school today for the boys...what will me and the dds do now?

meep, glad to hear Rosie got over her bug, its an awful business to clean up. I know what you mean about them being all snugly, but like you i dearly want them back to their boisterous selves asap.

slick, laumiere i am with you on the sleepless babies at night, and daytime naps as well for that matter. it is all over the place with our lo. a 2 hour daytime nap yesterday, followed by up every hour last night. am shattered today. don't know what is going on. her daytime naps are only 30 mins usually. i know when they get more active the naps tend to settle, but is nightmare at the moment...

must go, lo is screaming again

ok,
actually i think maybe she wakes because she is suffering from cradle cap and it is irritating her.

grinning so sorry to hear your news. no wonder you are sad. is there another health professional you can talk to? also re weaning you may have noticed that i started our lo at nearly 20 weeks, i could not wait. GP didn't mind, he wanted her to have more calories. mind you i am doing it very slowly, just baby rice, pear and carrot so far.

boobz you aren't mad at all. i have avoided work since 2004!

am thinking of moving to FF as so tired, feel like i cannot satisfy her hunger, and she started to see what it is like to bite. owwwwww. it is an emotional decision though isn't it?

Evening ladies!

well my lovely calm chilled out Rosie has been showing her demonic side for the past few days. Actually I think she is still having tummy troubles - toxic poos and not being able to finish bottles combined with a lot of back arching and continuous crying. She is hungry but I think it hurts.

slick will know how wet it has been up here today - well the only way I could get Rosie to have a nap was to trudge the streets with her all snuggled up and warm in her pram and me with water dripping off my nose.

I feel so drained now - I hate hearing her cry and howl - nothing I could do was helping - cuddles, leaving her alone, walking around with her, lying on the bed with her - nothing - not even Calpol!

Am hoping tomorrow is easier - fingers crossed.

Anyway - enough of my woes (I can't really complain as it has been quite easy nap/sleep wise until now)!

boobz you are not mad. I was only back at work for about 14 months before I was off again! I would say though that it is quite helpful; to have a fully walking first child when heavily pregnant/with a newborn. Once Rosie was a bit more sturdy I was able to do the double baby/toddler hold - but it is tricky to carry 2 of them at the same time! (maybe Mama kanga can give some tips )

grinning what a horrible thing for you - and what a rubbish doctor - grrr. A friend of mine had a fibroid removed and she has just had a baby and is over 40yo. It can be done - but what a hearbreaking thing to be told that you may be more likely to miscarry.

Mdavsa yay to Ben sitting! I used to drink Rooibos tea myself - 'tis lovely - but think any teabags I have left may be a bit past their sell by date now! And don't feel guilty for enjoying being back at work - I am looking forward to having a lunch hour where I can wander around the shops on my own

Hi all, updating from sunny Spain (30 degrees already!). The boys were both angels travelling yesterday and G didn't even whimper on the flight apart from a 10 min grizzle midway.

DH is a star, and will tell him you all said nice things! The interview went ok (i think) so will be hearing in the next week or 2.

grinning wish I could give you my womb, don't want to have any more....

30 degrees... Have a fab holiday

yes meep i agree that having a walking child is helpful. i have had all sorts of age gaps: 2 years, 16 months, and 3 years, and i would say that if you have the smaller gap you might still have to get a double buggy, which can be an unforseen expense.

there are advantages and disadvantages to all the "gaps". but i do like them being close as it simplifies things like days out, equipment, clothes. belive it or not...

laumiere please send some of that sunshine here, it feels so like summer is over just like that.

ps meep hope rosie is better today.

this morning i gave our lo her first big bath, rather than the more cramped baby bath, and all the cradle cap dropped off after she enjoyed the nice long soak. maybe she'll sleep better tonight.

meant to say "believe it or not", my spelling and typing and proof reading gone to pot...

Hello all. I wondered if I could join you?

I'm a 34yo first time mum to Eti who was born in March. Joined mumsnet once the fog lifted but never really got round to posting and have spent most of the past week just trying to read the August posts on this thread to attempt to get to know you all!

Already have tons of respect for Kanga and her mini "football team"! And also to Loli for already being pregnant (and possibly Emma too )!

You lot sound like you're making great progress with your LOs and will hopefully be able to help me try and do the same.

Eti is a tiny baby despite being 5.5 mths - she has just passed the 12lb mark. But she has the personality (and cheekiness) of a full size bub so it's easy to forget how small she is.

I am currently not working, but have a meeting on Monday to discuss going back (Jan I hope) which is a bit scary - lots of respect to those of you already back (and due to go back imminently).

We are also in the process of buying our first house and a car so all big changes and excitement here. Have been enjoying MN as some light relief from all the big decisions I've had to make recently!

Anyway, enough about me, just wanted to say hi and hope it's ok to join in at this late stage.

Hi mini of course it's ok to join in! The more the merrier. There's a real hard core group here (I'm more of a part timer) who will make you feel really welcome.

Sorry grinning to hear your news - not sure I would be dealing as well as you are with it.

Did a pregnancy test today in the hope of some miracle that I was pregnant (am still breast feeding morning and evening so didn't think it was likely) and the survey said no. Nevermind - to be honest I should really just concentrate on getting my head back in the game with regards to work and think about our lovely skiing holiday we have planned for Feb next year, which would go out of the window if I was preggers again. Haven't been skiing for 3 years now due to cash-flow, pregnancy and the like.

Am starting solids on Monday (have the high chair, little bowl and spoon and all sorts prepared) - just need to go to the supermarket and buy the food to prepare! Better get myself over to the weaning board me thinks, to make sure I get it right. She had a suck on a piece of soggy toast this morning and seemed to like it, so here goes...

Kanga I know what you mean about stopping the BF-ing... I've dropped down to just morning and night feeding and am about to drop the evening feed to so it'll just be the morning for the next 2 weeks before I go back to work and then it will be all bottle. I'd love to be rich enough not to have to go back to work and could just sit and BF Penny all day long - I love it so much, and so does she!

Hi everyone

Am back at work now, 4 days a week. Boo! It's not been traumatic or anything, but it's pretty dull and I would definitely rather be at home with my LOs. I am applying for a new job in an attempt to muster some enthusiasm for my career from somewhere. Probably won't work though!!

Boobz, you are not mad at all. One of my friends is on baby no3 now for that very reason. If you can afford it then it makes sense to do it that way. I am completely broody for another one, have been since practically before I gave birth, but I promised myself not to do it till i'd packed the first two off to school. We shall see...

Grinning, I really feel for you. And what a nasty doctor. Some of them are far too laissez-faire about things.

Lau I am sooooo jealous. Hope you have a great time.

And hi minicorrect. Am sure all the regulars will be along to greet you soon!!

Right, I'm going for a nap. It had never crossed my mind that G wouldn't be sleeping through by the time I went back to work... Ugh ugh ugh. Totally sleep-deprived. Corgi, I feel your pain...

What jobs does everyone do? Maybe I'll fin insentive to go back to work at one of your jobs instead of mine.

I'm the marketing director for an online poker site: Full Tilt Poker.com

Just being nosey really. Go on, what do you all do?

lawyer!

That sounds an exotic job Boobz. I am a chartered accountant by mistake training but have been a SAHM for 4.5 years. Not sure what I'll do when I go back to work as there's no way I'll go back to that. I actually did an MA in heritage Management before being sucked in to the corporate world but not sure there's much future for me there either.

Welcome mini .

Hope Rosie recovers soon meep

30 degrees Lau . I had a panic today that I should dash to the school uniform shop in the morning to buy dd1 a school fleece as its been so autumnal (I thought I could leave it a bit) but actually looks like its getting warmer next week so may get some use out of the summer school dress after all.

congrats on the sitting baby Mdavza.

Lara is sitting a teeny tiny bit but then tends to launch herself forward and overbalance. Today she's just got herself into crawling mode - she's been pushing herself along for a while but today has been getting up onto all fours. Yikes. Can't remember how long it is (generally) from this to actual crawling. Don't think it was long for dd1 as am sure I didn't think she was going to crawl and then one day she just did. She was much much older though.

Has anyone here with older dcs managed without stair gates ? We had them with dd1 as, as soon as she could crawl she was off up the stairs but we were in a different house. We moved here when dd1 was 20 months and pretty reliable on the stairs and am not sure how well stair gates will fit on our stairs. Ideally we'll need 3 lots as we have 2 flights of stairs and can't really face the idea of it but am sure will get sick of trying to keep L away from them.

I do did purchase/sales ledger and credit control. I also did all the bank reconcillations. Small company lots of hats .

Bouncing Bob is in his baby walker as he will no longer stay in either his ring or his gym.

He sitting quite well until he spots his feet, at which point he trys to pick them up without falling over .

Not had a good day today as Lexie cryed all the way home because Lizzie had 'gone'. Lizzie is back at school and lexie not happy until Lizzie home at 3.30pm.