Dec 08 mums - embuggerance to it all - sleep or no sleep we love our babes

[waitinggirl]

i hope people don't mind, i took the bull by the horns and did it. title a bit naff, but more important the thread exists rather than search for a better title. hope i haven't stolen anyone's thunder...

evening everyone,

Been at my parents for the weekend - had a lovely time being spoilt and had a few lie ins! Even on Father's day. Apparently dad wanted to get up with him at 7am!

daisy I hope you have recovered from your awful night now.

spot glad you had a good time camping. Were you actually away overnight in the end then?

Being veggie, neither of us are veggie, and most meals tend to have meat in, though I do try to only buy local meat. DH complains if meals don't have meat in but I am doing it more and more often. I made a quiche the other day and he raved about it. Then I pointed out it had a no meat in!! Ha, that will show him. But as such most of my staple/common recipes are not veggie I am afraid. Maybe I will post my easy Thai curry one as that could be made veggie...
Anyway DS will not be brought up veggie, but if I get my way he will not end up with DH's annoying "I am a man, I need meat" mentality.
And I like Nigel S's fast food, but I think I prefer 30 minute cook, which is really similar but has more food from different countries, etc. Can recommend this to anyone who hasn't got it and who likes real fast food!

Re ditching dummies, I will be reading with interest on this, I can't remember who it was who was struggling at the mo, but my friend is having the same problem with her DS waking every hour or so just for her to put it back in again.

On the tired front, here too! I am getting a decentish amount of sleep compared to a lot of people on here, but I am really tired, and a right grumpy bugger. I think you might be right about hormones at 6 months or something. Or maybe we've just all HAD ENOUGH. Come on babies, just sleep ALL NIGHT EVERY NIGHT!!

staines hello and welcome!! Love the username.

lal sorry to hear about your bag getting snatched. I hope the thief appreciated your fine taste in food.

effie PMSL at "daddy share". I'm not surprised the sales assistant laughed!

pmk your naughty DH after those bike cranks for Father's day. Watch out they don't cost as much as a plasma TV we were joking about. I know so many blokes who hide the bike bits they buy from their other halves though so at least he is telling you. One friend of mine has a whole bike in the shed his wife doesn't know about. And another one got in massive trouble when an electrician came round and turned out to be a biking fanatic, and told his wife just how much all his bikes were worth!

trace no advice on the parenting re L...I have all that to look forward to!

Oh and I agree on the job, that you should apply and then see!

veggie amazing that J is crawling!
DS is getting up on his hands and knees, he definitely knows that this is the way to get somewhere cos you can see the concentration on his little face, but he just collapses and this usually sends him further backwards! So cute. But I think it will be a while before he actually crawls.

sybil re food, I would have said yes the same until the last couple of days but DS is now starting to swallow some tastes of things. And I think I saw a bit of carrot in his poo so I think stuff is going down!! But he is mainly just milk. veggie I did laugh at your DH bringing you the pooey nappies to look at!

Evening all,

DS was a good boy again last night Two nights of decentish sleep and I feel like I could conquer Everest, well maybe a smallish hill....

Took DS with me to DD's toddler group today and there was alittle boy born on the same day as DS who could pull himself up against a table Well I thought it was amazing as he was VERy sturdy on his legs ut perhaps its just DS who is a lazy little beggar Anyone else got lo's standing? I know veggie's J is crawling which is very impressive!!!!

Just a quickie from me - I know I keep doing this and I promise a proper catch up tomorrow...

JJ - you are getting a little something on Wednesday Sorry for slight delay and hope you like it...

DaisyD - no standing here and DD is of an age with your DS, who must also be 7 months this week... She is not even close and no hints of crawling either. She has only just learned to roll, bless her

Where's Jam? Well, I know where she is, she is as busy as all hell, but she hasn't been on for a bit. And, Missee Turnip, you bookmarked or never returned. Are we going to have to find you a new nanny to get you back?

Father's Day was quietish for us. We both woke up a bit hungover (only a teeny weeny bit though) at our friend's house after the party then DP got dragged to cricket (we won - just).

Going to view a house on Saturday morn but it's a block viewing where all interested parties tramp round together. I am trying not to get too excited. It's a grotty house which could be really good and I imagine we won't be the only ones interested....

More tomorrow, cool cats.

Oh no standing here, that is quite amazing, crawling is enough for now, this boy is already growing up to fast.

DS2 is loving exploring food but not taking that much in I don't think. Hadn't dropped any feeds yet. He had some butternut squash tonight and attempted peas, which was funny, and also some polenta chips. It is quite easy as I just cook a little extra of DS1's dinner and give him that. I feed him before his has solids though so it really is just exploring food for now.

Oh speaking of food my peas are ready for picking, and my perpetual spinach, so I'm going to make a little salad and rice lunch tomorrow, very excited!!!!

morning all. aren't i lucky that ds has given me the gift of extra time to get up and do washing / feed the cats / watch cbeebies / catch up on mn! silly mummy to want to be in bed before 7am!

thanks to everyone for the warm welcome to this thread - i should have joined ages ago - why did i think i needed permission????

a meet up sounds great - i presume rfh is royal festival hall? south of the river is always good for me. and it will be good practise for dh to spend an evening 'babysitting'

veggiemummy - picking your own peas sounds idyllic. we have some strawberries in the garden, they taste like a different fruit when they're straight off the plant. very of your veg patch! (not of the work you had to do to get it there though!)

Spoke to soon!

DS wide awake at 4.30 wanting to play, went back to bed about an hour ago. Have decided I am going to find the positive in this and seeing as DS slept through from 7-4.30, I can officially say he has slept through

More later, am going to use this time while he is asleep to get on with the ironing. We are off to the Lakes tomorrow back Friday and then Devon on Saturday for the week. I need to get myself organised!

Morning,

I haven't caught up at all

Staines Welcome, lovely thread this!!

Well the hangover has gone. I didn't feel better until 9pm Sunday night. So spent yesterday playing with DS1 as I had been feeling so rubbish Sunday.

Hope everyone is well.

Trace: def go for it, you can always change your mind. But I doubt your job will have got much better in your absence! Sounds like a great opportunity for a move.

Re: discipline, have you read the How to Talk book? Link here: www.amazon.co.uk/Talk-Kids-Will-Listen-Child/dp/1853407054/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245740627 &sr=1-1

I must get it and re-read as it has loads of good tips, esp for those repeating yourself a million times situations . From what I remember you condense your instructions, so 'put on your shoes' then 'SHOES'. Rather than lengthening them which is what I tend to do. They are also big on listening noises and writing notes for older children to remind them of stuff. A bit American (the word 'smarts' is used) but some v helpful stuff.

Re milk, DS2 is dropping some feeds (I think, we've never been big on routine) so I'm expressing a bit in the hope of a Night Out. We got him one of the cow sippy cups and he took some milk from it! And water! May be worth a try for the bottle refusniks.

I'd forgotten the main unpleasant side-effect of weaning: the poos! Yuk.

Oh and I found some baby cereal: the hideously expensive Plum Baby variety with quinoa. DS2 likes the pots as well (he would, they're over 2 quid a pop). All with poncey ingredients to make you feel better . And if you are in a small town with no organic supermarket (pause for Londoners to pick themselves off the floor) you can buy them in Boots.

DS2 has developed a FEED ME cry (mahmahmahmah v high pitched). And he does his best to kill his finger food before eating it by bashing it on his tray. Maybe he was a cat in a former life?

Hi Trace, me too, I say go for it !

I've read that book Effie, its got some good stuff in it, stuff that I use all the time now with DS1. I think he has quite an obedient temperament but I seem to be able to more effectively diffuse situations now.

DS2 rolls and moves around but not sure how he does it. He doesnt stand or sit up or crawl though He did take 100ml of formula for the first time at nursery yesterday from a tommee tipee cup. I thought he might but was really slack trying it out at home myself. I was honest with the keyworker and said I had no intention of giving up breastfeeding soon so hadnt put much effort in, and if they couldnt get him to take I'd pop in to the nursery during the day. Fortunately, like DS1, he is a good eater and drinker hoovering up all solids...

DH says he still wants to be a SAHD. So I've done our budget and written a list of pros and cons. Looks like I will get a day off or two soon while he practices. I was surprised at how glad I felt (Obviously I'd rather they were with him than anyone else, in all honesty, even though the nursery is great), but also how jealous. I'd love to do it myself. But at least we'd have 3 day weekends. And I could just pop another one out

Another baby that is

gah. DH's birthday today so dd celebrates by being up and crying at midnight, 2am, 4 am and then up for the day at 6.30 and won't nap yet - just whinges. Magic B nearly had her off about an hour ago, but then she sensed me leaving the room Currently propped up on the sofa chewing a duck (!)

Any ideas as to how to persuade her to snooze so I'm she's not an old grump bag for the whole day?!

Effie you do make me giggle, the old Londoner in me is still like that, I need to be near me organik veg innit.

I have that book too haven't read it all but same as NJAN it has helped me behave better in little conflict or emotional situations. Instead of excalating and getting shouty, a simple 'what's wrong sweetie?' or even 'what do you want to happen?' is amazing at diffusing. When they are really just getting a handle on speech helping them name their emotions is really helpful too. It sounds a bit lentil weaving and wholemeal but simply saying 'are you feeling sad/angry?' but it is sometimes like turning a light on for them. Though yesterday when DS1 was still a little unwell he seemed a bit quiet and sad, so I asked him 'what is wrong baby, how are you feeling?' he made a big sigh and said 'I'm cold!'

Oh and Staines I like to think that in your head I have a lovely rolling back garden with huge tracts of land beyond and I am out picking my peas from my kitchen garden. Unfortunately we are in a little 2 up 2 down with a teeny tiny garden that I have dug up almost half of to grow my veggies. It's def a steep learning curve, who would have known broad bean plants would grow so tall!!! They ate blocking out the sun for my carrots! Also have lost some broad beans flowers to black aphids I got some off the other week with soap spray (don't want to lose my organic farming status ) but the little buggers are back today so I'm going to make some onions, garlic and soap spray today.

Hi Everyone

I will do a proper catch-up soon but I just wanted to get myself bookmarked back on the thread.

Hello to Staines. Love your name.

And a quick cheer for Trace to encourage you to go for the school nurse job. I think those jobs are pretty scarce so I think you should take the leap while there is one available. Think how brilliantly your hours would fit around Lu's holidays and a change is as good as a rest work wise. Go for it!

Last night was night one with the sleep consultant. It really wasn't that bad, in fact little N woke less than she has for weeks . She first woke at 11pm (as usual) and instead of getting mummy and the breast she got sush-patted by a stranger. After 14 mins of crying she was asleep! Then, would you believe it, she skipped her normal 2am wake (the consultant reckons this is because she had already began to realise she would not get milk on waking) and she did not wake 'til 4.45am. Again the consultant sush-patted and despite it being quite light she went to sleep again after 13 mins of crying!! She then woke for the day at 6.45am and had the best feed she has had in weeks. So the crying was really minimal and the consultant is certain she will be sleeping 12 hours in three nights (touch wood, cross fingers, wear my lucky pants etc etc etc).

My breasts were like rocks which meant I didn't sleep brilliantly but at least I lay there full of hope.

Better go, a small person is calling.

Lovely day here must venture out in a minute... Great new Arti - sounds really promising!
Ds has come along way with the de-dummying in just a few nights! Same kind of thing - last night he slept 700-0445! Woke and was back to sleep after a quick 5 min cry with shush and back rubbing! he too has also realised that the dummy has gone and will not be returning at 3,4 or even 5am! Doesn't seem bothered at all! I would recommend it to anyone who has the waking for dummy reapplication baby

Summer - had a good laugh at your cycling friends stories! (as did dh) Yes I am lucky he tells me! he didn't win the crank set on Ebay but has spotted another oh well, I get my fair share of prezzie's that's for sure!

Staines - yeah meet up has been at Royal FH in the past - but won't you bring your dc? He is a day younger than my ds!

Lady where is the house you are going to view?

Arti that's really encouraging! Glad to hear it's going so well.

Jump those recipes sound yummy. So much so I went and made myself a poached egg with toast & bacon last night... at 3am in the morning!! Luckily DH didn't hear me or I would have been in big trouble SL I'd love to know your easy Thai recipe, meat n' all. I luuuurve Thai. So yummy.

Jump I'm not playing the dramatic sop, I'm a high coloratura soprano so I'm singing the role of the prostitute ('his lover') LOL. Typecast as the floozy as per norm

Veggie ROFL @ your DH (aka the 'poo doctor'). I'm obsessed with poo too... and trying to catch them! (to anyone who thinks this is a bit mad, I should explain that we're using cloth nappies so it saves washing pooey nappies). When I suspect he's about to do the deed, I race him to his bedroom, whip off his pants, and catch it with a few tissues or some toilet paper, then flush it. I'd love to make the graduation to doing them on the potty we have for him (just to start getting him used to it) but he prefers to be on his back with his legs right up when pooing at the moment. I've managed to catch a few opportunistic wees though, which is exciting. Ah what has my life come to?

Daisy 7-4.30 is pretty amazing indeed, I wish my DS would do that! Hope it stretches a bit later in the morning for you soon though. I must also confess to leaving DS in his cot to talk/babble when he wakes too early and thankfully he usually just falls back asleep without too much fuss. Re standing, he can stand for ages unsupported against the couch, and has for a couple of months now. But he is resisting the tummy time and hates using his arms to prop himself up. He has super super strong legs but really weak arms. Time for baby pushups!

Veggie I am so drooling at the thought of your fresh peas, they are my absolute favourite thing in the world to eat. Once I start shelling those babies I just can't stop. Just as well they are healthy, I like to use this excuse to consume copious amounts! Have you heard of lemon spinach? My FIL grows it and it's amazing stuff, really yummy.

Effie my DS also does the "mumma" thing, usually when he's hungry or wants something. Just in his normal voice though, not higher pitched than normal (but kind of sad IYKWIM) It's so cute!

Anyway must get back to work
I'd much rather be MN-ing. I have this little dream sometimes of just being a mum and having more time to be able to sew things, and of course whip up a frenzy in the kitchen. But in reality I know I'd just end up letting the washing pile up and get nothing done (apart from entertain DS of course!) Ah well, it's a lovely dream

Hello!!

We decided to go to Whitby this afternoon. Bloody gorgeous sunshine, lovely and hot. But the tide was out so didn't go for a paddle.

Hope everyone is ok.

Bisou I'm amazed how good straight out of the garden to pot peas taste. Also amazing scenes here, DS1 helped mr shell the peas and then agreed to have some with his lunch, and actually ate them hooray!!! Another food has been added to his repertoire. He wouldn't eat them straight, I had to put them in with some polenta but he chose to have them in their and agreed to eat them so eventually he might actually eat them.

DS2 on the other hand now enjoys more vegetables than DS1 and fruit. He is loving the BLW only wish I'd known about it with DS1 (and a different HV).

Hoorah DD has been accepted into the pre school where we hope she will eventually go to school. We are not quite in the catchment area, but they do 'favour' children who attend the pre school. So I am very pleased.

Gosh it is so bloody warm here! Really humid. DD is going a bit mental in the heat actually. So we have just given her a cool shower and she appears to be calmer. We laid DS in the bath too, he loved the shower on him and was kicking like crazy. DD was having a jolly old time being mum and washing DS. Although she did throw a whole cup of water in his face but he didn't seem to mind one bit!

Right off to feed DS and get him to bed. Fingers crossed he doesn't want to start tomorrow at 4.30!

Well DS2 has felt the painful consequences of development. He tried to climb up the one step out of the bathroom and pushed off to fast with his legs and did a big backwards fall and landed with a bump on his head. He's ok but DH felt a bit bad as he was watching at the time. DS2 was not impressed with pain.

Also keep forgetting to add DS2's 'give me attention now' noise. It can't really be explained in letters, it is more like a girly scream like in the movies, horror movies. It ensures he gets urgently seen to.

Arti I'm glad the first night went well, does she stay until there is a full night of sleep or until she thinks the next night will be a full night of sleep. Well done to your DD by the way, and you, hope your boobies give you more sleep tonight.

Oh and congrats Daisy on the preschool, and finger crossed for another sleep through and a later waking.

veggiemummy, i am still imagining you idylically leaning out of your window and snipping peas from your window box! the morning with the cm was a little disappointing. heat magazine wasn't delivered and the cm forgot all about her water bed offer. and implied that i've spoiled ds a bit cause he was grouchy. but i won't go into that, sure i'm being pfb. we are going again tomorrow. can't believe there's less than a week of mat leave left.

pmk - am making faux pas already! of course i would bring ds. he is a very social baby

Staines I think I missed something, your CM offered you a water bed, was it yours or her Heat Magazine, I hate when people judge me and my children on one meeting.

Can I ask those with subsequent children have you ever left the new one behind? I haven't yet but I nearly left DS2 in the car today when taking DS1 to gymnastics. We were just parking and were a little late so I was going trough my head what to quickly grab before we ran up to the gym place when I suddenly remembered him, he had been so quiet...that's not really an excuse is it.

was my copy of heat (wish there was a small typeface where i could make the admission that i have a subscription) - the water bed is at her house and she had said i could have a nap on it, however today she couldn't wait for me to get out - which was fine too.

she has 5 dc of her own, and she told me that ds is clearly well loved and has been cuddled lots, and you don't have time to do that when you've got more than 3 and i might want to just put him down and shut the door in future. . she is really very nice though! is only our first day. am sure i was just being very emotional about everything today!

Ciao amici...

trace re the school nurse job, they're in such demand and can make such a difference, definitely worth going for it.

veggie v exciting about the crawling, but sorry to hear about the injury poor little soldier! Re counting to 10, I read that it definitely works better to count up rather than down, not sure what the psychological difference is but if it works it works! Oh and peas - mine are starting to be big enough to pick but I bet most will ripen while we're away, have told the guy keeping an eye on the house that he must have them otherwise a horrid waste.

sybil hello [wave] good to see you!

bisou loving the image of you dashing to the potty

daisy fabby news about the pre-school! Have a lovely trip away.

Effie poor old DS2's food... as if it hadn't suffered enough already being cooked, it has to be bashed about as well?!

njan really glad ds seems to be doing so well at nursery,

arti wow, sounds like the sleep consultant is doing great work already. Can you express a bit during the night to ease the rocks?

SL waah about the cycling... and the guy rumbled by the electrician! V naughty.

We've had a bit of a downer alas (and on DH's birthday ) Had been negotiating with work about going back 2 days for a year as part of a graduated return, then full time after that. We asked for Weds and Thurs; DH works til 7 or 8 on Monday and Friday doing 'extended access' and can't change those days, so he wouldn't be able to pick her up from nursery/childminder, and my work means I don't get home til 6 at the earliest which is when her bedtime routine is starting. So we'd rather I was looking after her Monday and Friday. Tuesday is his half day so no point having dd in childcare on that day. We figured this would be ok, but got a phone call today saying they wouldn't be able to do that, if they're getting someone part time for the other days it would have to be 3 days in a row, so I've got to work Mon-Tues or Thurs-Fri. This is a real pain as we'd been under the impression that I could say when i'd like to work

AND we had a letter from our 'back-up' nursery, the one saying they thought they'd be able to offer us a place from this autumn, saying actually no nothing doing til next September. It's really rubbish - the nurseries all go on about how your child will be moved up through the rooms when they're developmentally ready. But clearly the top room will be full until they all go to school in Sept, at which point the kids from the next room can move up, and so on down to the baby room hence the vacancies being anticipated from September. So instead of moving your child up when they're ready, they basically get moved in September whether or not they're still too little or should have been moved earlier. It's as if all babies are born in Sept and develop at exactly the same speed, which is clearly tosh

Oh well - nice bottle of wine in the fridge which was my dad's pressie to DH, time to pootle round the garden with a glass (about 12x4m so won't take very long )