Nov 2008 - because there was no thread space to think of a clever title!

[Yorky]

Had to be done soon, hope it works!

Evening all - am really struggling to keep up at the moment.

Drswife just wanted to say that if your DD needs cuddling to sleep, I would just go with it at the moment. If you don't feel comfortable with CC then it isn't for you or her. I used to sit with DS1 whilst he went to sleep until he was about 18 months old - mainly because I just wanted him to be asleep so I could have the rest of the evening uninterrupted (selfish I know ) and that was the quickest, easiest way of doing it! He is now 3.2 and has no problems falling asleep by himself so it really isn't 'a rod for your own back'

Choc I think we are going to buy Hamster a walker (thinking one of those that has a detachable activity centre with it) - mainly because I am sure he won't need one until he is 1 (bearing in mind he has only just started crawling ). Ds1 has already looked through the Argos catalogue and decided to buy him some interactive Thomas cubes that are in there - I wonder who will play with them more

Hi to everyone else - sorry I can't do more individual replies but this working lark is leaving me very short of time!

Hi everyone, just popping in quickly as I'm supposed to be trying to get an early night. I've had the flu/cold thing that has been going round and A is under the weather so sleep is pretty scarce at the moment.

DH hasn't heard anything back about the interview, despite it seeming to go well I'm really beginning to panic now.

It was DH's birthday on Sunday, managed to buy him a little something from Ava. He's also finally told his mum about DC2, what a waste of time, she literally didn't say anything

I hope everyone is ok and I promise I will try to catch up properly soon

Docswife It was pinky* who suggested the sitting with thing.
But it is a good method.
Is it the No Cry Sleep Solution thing?
That is what I did with DS. My plan was to get him to go to sleep without my boob or a dummy. Once he is asleep he manages fine without, DD needed it in constantly. ( At this stage, with DD, I was still up between 2-4 times to find and replace a lost dummy. With DS it is mainly if he is in pain with teething or hungry but never a straight forward dummy replacement)
But it didn't get rid of it.
Though it did help him to sleep a little better and bit by bit it has all improved.
He now regularly sleeps from 730 to 5.
I would say it was the NCSS that helped us turn a corner.
Though, if she sleeps ok in your bed, why not keep her there?
Who says you can't co sleep if you want to and it works for you?

daisy OUCH!! That does not sound good
But well done on the selling of things. I tried to sell some things on ebay but only sold half of what I put on. I put it on again but it still didn't sell. Feeling a little disillusioned.

suiledon My DS is 11 months at the end of this month and he is weighing in at 19llb8oz. I thought that was a little light.
But he is merrily following the 25th percentile, so I am going to stop worrying.

Morning all, DD slept from 1200 to 545 last night! I feel great! The washing machine and breadmaker are on and we've had scotch pancakes for breakfast!
Feels like such an achievement as the night before she was beyond horrible, and it took me ages to realise she probably had tummy ache from my ABx, poor girl I was just so grateful that DH is on leave this week so we could take turn s having naps!

Thanks for the link to that seat Mummynic, looks very interesting, may get one next year for DS as I'm not convinced about 3seats in a row so DS will probably end up in the boot, much to his delight, but we don't have isofix on the back seats to it seems pointless getting one, and if its easy to put in then bonus! May just put his current priorifix away till needed - we've got 2 of them DW, heavy to move but feel so safe. DDs is filthy though - need a nice drying day when we're not using the car so I can clean it thoroughly

Hope the appt with eye doctor goes well DW, well done on settling her in the cot

Drswife well done you on the sleeping. You have to do what is right for you and your DD but that sounds very much like it is working. Hope it continues and gets easier for you.

J is approx 24lbs ish and a proper little chunk, he follows the 90th centile ish. DS1 was even bigger and regularly went off the top of the scale. He is a little skinny minnie now though and has only just progressed to 2-3 trousers and still needs a belt with them!

I have thankfully managed to sort a new nursery. DS1 starts in 2 weeks and J in 5 weeks. I felt awful when I gave the old one my 'notice' but I just can't see it staying open for much longer and I can't afford to be suddenly without a place when I'm back at work. Anyway it looks really nice so I will see how it goes!

Phee hope you both feel better soon.

Choc DS1 got a smart trike for his 1st birthday and he loved it. I have no idea what we will get for J as he has all of DS1s old stuff and really doesn't need anything at all! I feel a bit sorry for him sometimes - he truly is a second hand baby!

pinky sorry i credited Twink with the advice, i was all in excitement ha ha. DD woke 3 times last night, which is very very good for her. each time took less than ten minutes of lying her back down stroking her hair and she was off again. I put her down for a nap at 9am, it took moments! She woke again 40 mins later but again straight back off. Ive given her a little satin blanket to stroke instead of pinching my skin and that seems to be working too. God I hope this is it, the end of holding her to sleep. Mind you were are trying for number 2 and if i have to do it all again argghhhh!

phee cant believe she didnt say anything about DC2. Everyone says no-one is interested the second time around, i'm banking on that! After FIL rubbed my feet the last time I hope to escape that fate again!

Ladybuzz thats always my worry with having another dc, that they inherit all the stuff off the older one and i'd feel like I hadnt treated them the same i think. (not saying thats what your doing, thats what i would guilty put upon myself im certain). What about a wheelbug? Got one of them already? similar price to the trike and still a "ride on"

We are having the same wuandry re presents as we have everything. DD got a ride on for her 1st borthday that she showed absolutely no interest in so when bumble was born we put it in the loft and it's coming out for his birthday; although I might convince DH that he needs a wheelybug; mainly because they are soooo cute. He and Dd will only fight over things though.

Well done on the sleep achievements DW and Yorky. It's amazing what a good night's sleep does isn't it!

bumble and I are having a lovely day today; he has just started walking with his walker and keeps bringing me things. DD is off out to the seaside with the GPs so it's just us two. We are off out for a walk now though while the sun is still shining

Just bookmarking will pop in later

Oooh I might do some research into a wheelybug. I looked at a rocking horse thing today and also a vtech ride on/rocker thingy. Horse was cute but J is large and might not fit in it very long.

Drswife I constantly feel bad that J is a hand me down child but DS1 grew so fast all his clothes are still perfect and as they are both boys I can't justify spending much more on stuff we don't need. J doesn't know or care. once he is a little older he will need more so we can spoil him then.

Of to look at wheelybugs!

Oh I am converted they are so cute, and a bit different from the norm and also from anything DS1 has. I will have the page up ready for DH getting home!

thanks everyone for your responses re birthday pressies.
DH would just buy him handy manny stuff! More to relive his love of tools as a child than DS actually being able to play with them at the moment.

drswife so glad things are improving on the sleep front with your DD. Really hope it continues.

ladyb glad you got the nursery sorted.

Just in from work, was a busy shift, cant wait to do it all again tomorrow!!

night night everyone

I have a second hand baby too.
I bought him a whole load of the brilo train track stuff at a car boot sale recently, but DD got to it first.
Then I bought him a wooden garage thing, meant to be for his birthday but DD already has her sigts on it.
Ok I shouldn't have let her see it, but it was in the boot and I was in a rush.
So not only is he already getting these things second hand but DD is going to get the first play with them anyway.
She shouts at him if he dares to touch the train track.
She said tonight, 'No it is not Js. He can't play with it, he just eats it.'
All earnest face. How could I argue with her logic, It is all he does with it!!

bumble not a happy camper

can't figure out what's up as we have teething, constipation and a gravelly throat going on. nothing helping, but no temperature. Poor thing

Oh and after you had such a lovely day too.
Thinking of you, but am not sure what I can say that will help.

had to ruch off to him again. he is arching his back, putting his hands above his head and crying, like he wants to get on the floor; put him on the floor and he is sobbing into my feet and wanting to be picked up. Can not figure him out for the life of me. Maybe this is the insettledness associated with a new skill and he'll be walking tomorrow

I have been at the PTA meeting tonight and am now treasurer! There are only eight of us, and the four current officers were standing down from their roles so not a lot of choice really if we wanted to continue. We raised over £5000 for the school last year so we really wanted it to continue; it's just a shame that we can't get more parents interested; we are a very multicultural school and it would be good to have a more vibrant community going on. good thing to come out of it though is that the school wants to use the latest lot of money to get some books for the newly revamped library....and they want to look at my Us borne catalogue . Could be a good earner for me, commission-wise.

DD has started now and I can feel the vibes from DH willing me upstairs to deal with her. arrgh bumble too. shit

Great idea about the wheelybugs, I wanted one for DS. Very or [grr] that we can get them through the nappy people, but have seen better prices elsewhere on the web

Daisy, if your school want to sell fundraising chocolate bars- either run a competition for a winning school design, or I can do kids individual designs for a minimum order of 10 per child/design and give some commission to the school?

Daisy how is Bumble today? Babies are so frustrating sometimes aren't they when you have no idea what is wrong with them??

Twinkle lol at your DD - that is exactly what DS1 is like about Hamster's stuff. Although, the 'dummy fairy' bought DS1 a huge garage a couple of months ago in exchange for all his dummies - and he barely plays with it whereas Hamster will sit there for ages eating playing with the cars and pushing them round it He is definitely a 'car' boy rather than a 'train' boy.

I also looked at the wheelybugs - they have a couple at nursery but DS1 sits on them every time we drop Hamster off in the babyroom so clearly if we had one at home, Hamster would not get a look in

Choc they have some fab Handy Manny stuff in the Disney stores - if you haven't seen it already, definitely worth a look (including a toolbox with all the tools ). We have bought Hamster a Mickey Mouse shape sorter from there (not sure if for birthday or Christmas yet).

Have also bought him a wooden bead frame (you know the ones I mean) but it is a Thomas version - of course DS1 chose that!!

Hamster is also a second-hand baby and I do feel guilty but cannot justify spending more money. Like Buzz says, it doesn't help that he is a boy aswell as there is just no need to buy him new clothes - although I do make sure he gets new babygros (don't know why - it just feels important to me ) Plus I do buy himn new clothes in the sale.

Right better go and do some work!

yorky! You are my secret stork! It has taken me this long to figure it out!!
DS plays with his wooden toy all the time. It goes everywhere with him, attached to his clothes by wooden bead soother saver, so it is a wooden delight!

Can you give me info about your chocolate bars? My toddler group may like the idea as a fund raising thing or a christmas treat/gift or somat.
Maybe a group photo on the front or something, with 'Twinks Toddlers Chritmas 2009'?
I like the idea anyway
Mine were nabbed by, first DD, then DH For some reason I had wanted to keep them and keep them
Yes, I should have kept the paper Maybe I did? I am not sure. I might have popped it into his memory box
Memory not so hot from way back then.

DH has just taken DD and DS out to DDs Messy Play Class! Woohoo!
Only, in the rush to get em outta here, I spilled biscuit crumbs on the living room floor. So, before I can go and soak in an indulgent midmorning bath, I have to hoover.
Not doin the dishes DH has covered the kitchen in though. He commented, when he got home last night, about how lovely the kitchen looked.
I went out to a Jewellery making class (great fun!) I come home and the kitchen is Awful!
I am just not doing it

daisy How is poor bumble this morning?
You are one busy lady!
I missed the AGM for the playgroup DD is in. Just as well, I know I would have put myself in for chairperson if I had been there. I am already chairperson of the toddlers because no-one else would take it on.

sounds like a great idea Yorky; I'll put it to them at the next meeting Christmas designs so they can give tham as Christmas presents to the rellies would be a great idea. Like an edible card

bumble is much better but I'm thinking it's his ears and is a hangover from his cold. I noticed one ear was looking a bit gunky earlier and when he woke up after his nap ther was gink on his cheek and behind his ears and when you press (gently) just in front of his earhole it makes the most charming squelchy noise . He was squealing in a high pitched painful sounding whine when I tried to clean him up a bit. He seems resolutely cheerful though so not sure there is any point in taking him to the GP, especially as there is no temperature. If he kicks off again I'll try nurofen and see if that deals with any inflammation.

He was off with the walker at stay and play this morning, and can turn it round to change direction now! what a difference a day makes!

if you haven't got a wrapper in his memory box I could send another one up to you
I'm probably not allowed to do this Twink but www.specialchocolates.co.uk [shhh emoticon!]
Will get up to date pics on soon

Hope Bumble's ears feel better soon, DD has cold too atm but isn't sleeping any worse than usual!

Hi all, daisy poor bumble. I hope he feels better, wasnt it you who's daughter had a blocked tear duct and you managed to "squish" a worm of gunk out of it? The squishing Bumbles ear reminded me of that. Im sure it was you, or Misdee.

Went to the hospital about DD's eye and the doctor said that he cant see anything obviously wrong. There is an area of difference on her retina but he doesnt think its anything of concern. However as DD was rolling around screaming as he prised her eyelids open with his fingers, he couldnt really get a prolonged look. He told me to keep the nhs appointment in three weeks to be extra sure.

Problem now is that they gave DD drops to dilate her pupils and it lasts all day so she is walking around like that freaky advert for Drug Driving where the teenagers all have massive eyes. She looks really spooky like Puss in Boots on Shrek argghhhhhh! thank god it all seems to be fine. i have never in my life experienced the the level of worry that you feel over your child! off now to give her extra big cuddles. hope everyone has nice plans for the weekend xx

Just a quick one to say DW I am so pleased for you. X I am anxious about Monday's appointment with Becca's hips.

DD1 poory. Temp 39.1. Not good.

Hope you all have lovely weekends.

Coolkat X x

DrsWife I'm glad the eye is not so bad.
Coolkat hope all goes well for monday. I have heardof the leg crease thing before, but I'm not entirely sure what it means. I hope it is a false alarm, so to speak- she certainly seems very physically active!

Mimi is not crawling forwards but is in no desperate hurry to go anywhere after al that! She is waving and clapping and saying 'boh, boh'- not sure what it means but she is very intent on it! She says wow and yes very clearly (DS taught her 'wow') and does this very dramatic "ooh" sound with a slightly ironic smile to it which is very funny.

We had a lucky break in Ikea the other day when we found a wardrobe to match the other one in the bargain corner- so the girls will have a wardrobe each.I just have the window frame and door to paint in their room tomorrow. Going to order the carpet tomorrow. I'm very excited about the girls having their room together, but also not mad keen to have my last baby out of our room. But then they do come back in again, don't they!

Anyhoo will stop talking to myself now.

Love to all.x

Glad the eye appt went OK DW, all you have to hope now is that the NHS appt says the same thing.
Good luck for the hip appt tomorrow coolkat, I'll be thinking of you

Its just be and DD atm, we had late naps (all of us) yesterday so bedtime was late, but wake up time wasn't so I got a lie in while DH got up with the DC, DD has now had a nap and DH and DS are back in bed!

Just given DD rice krispies for breakfast, with ready made follow on milk - it smells foul! No wonder she isn't keen on taking a bottle!

Hi all, sorry pc was playing up and J has had a cold all week!!

carseat the Kiddy car seat isn't an isofix one and is so light that I can pick it up with 1 hand (I'm a weakling). It is very easy to use and you just can't mess it up.

The bumper bit comes up to J's mid chest at the moment but he's fine with it. As soon as I put him in it he lifts his arms ready for the bumper to go in. I have attached a toy to it so he can play but he likes doing 'bang bangs' on it. He seems to adore the freedom of not being strapped in - he used to really struggle (the last couple of months) in his rear facing one.

Another plus is that it's really quite narrow too so it'd be easy to fit a 3 in, they do one for older kids too. I had to make sure that his Scottish GPs will both be able to get in the back with him.

J certainly loves it and the padding makes him look so safe and secure. I love it too - I like anything that's easy to use!!!

Hope everyone's having a good day. Need to do J's lunch so I can watch the grand prix in peace...