May 2008 bubbas: Walking, Talking (& climbing!) Little Monkeys

[monkeysmama]

Thought we deserved a new thread

BWC Hope Ds is feeling better

MM We have a Maclaren but it's rubbish totally falling apart Would love a new one but no spare cash.

Just had a epic morning - in the garden, finn found the kicked a tin of red metal paint, all over the patio, trying to clear it up and getting covered in paint, Finn tripped over and bumped his head on the concrete (from a step , tried to pick him up all covered in red paint, came inside got mud all over the carpets... Gah, Finn's ok I think (bit worried but seems fine and eating and playing), just putting off clearing up all the mess. Anyone know how to get metal paint of a nice new jacket (DS's)?

Thanks for the messages so far. Surely one of us has a Bugaboo? Aren't our babies supposed to be the Bugaboo generation! My sister has one. Of course.

I think we may go for the Baby jogger city elite which I have heard lots of good things about and seems to fit the bill.

I have a few questions I've been storing up for a day when I could get on the laptop (like now) instead of posting from my phone (dd is watching The Snowman)

Dd is having awful nightmares at the moment and has suddenly become very afraid of the dark and shouts "lights on" whenever she feels it is too dark. My books say it is "normal" but any other LOs being like this? Any thoughts on how to deal with it?

Anyone have any nappy rash miracle cures? Dd's is so bad at the moment she won't sit down. I think it is her last few teeth coming through but it's awful. I'm using Metanium (I think) which is usually brilliant but itsn't helping.

Dd's regressed loads sleep wise in the past 2 weeks and last night was awake from 1:45-330 and again at 6 for 1/2 hour. The night before was worse with a 3.5 hour awake period. It must be teething but I wondered if it is also growth related?

HM - thank you for asking about my dad. He is doing much better thanks. I feel a bit guilty as I haven't seen him for almost 3 weeks but I needed a break - not from him but from life. I've been battered by ulcers and coldsores in the past 2.5 weeks to the extent that my lower face swelled up. I went to the dr who wasn't that helpful but the dentist (I think I forgot to say I've been on several dentist visits ) is referring me for some tests.

Right, I feel so unorganised at the moment. I need to get some shopping in, sort new pram and do a million other things so best say ciao for now.

Big wave to everyone.

MM

quickie- DD1 seems better thanks. Still off school today cos of 48 hr rule, but keeping food down so far.

mitchell we have definitely decided against the swine flu jab too for our girls.

MM re nappy rash, we have always had good success with slapping of sudocrem. The thing I like about it is that you can slap loads on, it just feels like it will help! Next morning, things usually much improved.

I have a bugaboo! I love it and still use it nearly 4 years later, but only with DD2. Not sure I would really recommend you buy one for DD as she is almost 2 so will start to get big for it soon, although saying that DD1 still sat in it until she was about 3.
You will end up with bits you don't need at this stage, like the carrycot. Having said that, if you are planning for another baby, I would highly recommend one for use from birth. I loved the carrycot.
I can't comment on use on public transport, and I know you live in London and don't drive, they don't fold down very easily for those situations (in 2 bits).

We also have a cheapy stroller (a babies r us own brand one that looks identical to the maclaren one, choc brown and pink). It stays in the boot of the car and we probably use both equally. I am really pleased with both. Bugaboo better for walking as opposed to travelling about etc, if that makes sense.

New washing machine arrived!!

I'm embarrassed at how excited I am .

LM xxx

Hey!

Mitchell - I have also def. decided against the SF jab - Mimi had her last set of injections today (yes, very late) and the nurse said she wouldn't recommend it for such little ones (mimi) and, TBH, what's the point in vacinnating Haribo only to leave Mimi exposed?

MM - I have a p&T and would recommend them to anyone. It's fab!! We used to have a Quinny zapp (which worked with haribo's travel seat) but I didn't like it at all (other than the size).

I'm not a fan of Bugaboos - they are too expensive for what they are and ( I hope you don't mind me saying this LM) I think LM got hers discounted... If you CAN get one discounted, then great, otherwise, I'd go for P&T, especially if you are thinking of needing a double buggy at any time - I regulary change mine from a single to a double and back again.

LM - Good news on the washing machine!

MM - re. your other points: Haribo is also regressing on sleep. he def. doesn't like the dark - we let him go to sleep with the light on and then he has a nightlight on after that (which is reasonably bright) he also has one of those 'toys' which change colour and I have a video monitor - so I can see when he's upset... Funny, but sometimes it's like he KNOWS I can see him - he 'waves' at the camera - when he does that, i go and get him so I'm sure it's simply a learned response, but it still makes me smile.

Nappy rash - Def. agree sudocrem - you can't overdose and it works so quickly on young skin.

Funny, we have the same problems - Haribo is getting his last 4 molars (got another dentist appt. for him Monday so will find out how they are coming on). I wonder whether your DD is getting them too?

Funny story to tell you this morning:

I met an (outwardly intelligent) American lady in the gym this morning. She HONESTLY serious thinks that Inglorious Basterds is a true story. I couldn't help but laugh out loud.

I said: SUrely, you KNOW that's not how WW2 ended? lady looks puzzled, as though I don't know what I'm talking about and replies: Titanic was a true story too..

FFS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm still in total shock about it

Yes HM you are right, we got 25% off the cost of our Bugaboo, and we got the cheapest model (the gecko at the time) so it was £350. We didn't need a carseat etc. I agree they are ridiculously expensive. We would never have bought one full price. Having said that, I think I personally have got good value for money, simply because of how much we have used it.

My BF got a mamas and papas huge monstrosity which cost over £800 altogther, only used it for 2 mths before realising how impractical it was and recently sold it in almost as new conditon for £100 !!

A few friends have got them on ebay, in really good condition.

LM x

hi guys,

i need some advice please... strted this thread about haribo? WWYD? should i just call it quits at the gym? i do love the place, but i rarely actually make it the gym cos DS is kicking off and when i do, it's just functional as i know he will have been upset the entire time i was gone...

i go here so i'm paying for alot of stuff i never get to use but i do also use the kids facilities - including the kids pool...

really can't decide whether it's better to try and persevere or whether i'm doing more harm than good...

sorry for attrocious typing - am feeding mimmi.

hm x

oh, and i had a mamas and papas pram - it was huge heavy and cumbersome - not recommened!!

Hey HM that sounds really hard. I sometimes find with dd that when something has become an issue the best thing is to step away from it and build back up to it iyswim. We used to go to a dancing session together which she suddenly decided she hated. I persevered for 3 weeks despite feeling awful and a bit . Eventually I stopped taking her because it had become such an issue for us both but the next week we started going to a different place and class instead. We've been 4 times now and she is starting to actually enjoy it. I have no idea what happened with the other place but she hit a block and I couldn't get her through it. This way I hope she's learnt it is ok not to like something, I'll listen to her if she's upset about something, but that it is worth trying because she might just enjoy it. Does that make sense? Has it coincided with dd's arrival? Does he understand where you're going? Dd understands mama sometimes goes for a nap and is happy with that but if she thinks I am going out for fun all hell breaks loose. They are funny little souls aren't they. My instinct is always to try and give them the courage to do new things and be independent but to stop if they're really upset. HTH a little bit.

Posted on your thread HM.

I do like my Jane pushchair (Slalom) we've had since DS1 was born (4.5yrs ago!), but it is heavier than the P&T's vibe, although not as wide

sorry mm dd has always had the lights off. we also use metanium for the bad rashes.
our pram is graco, our back up buggy is Obaby, it does the job but i wouldnt use it for a long day.

hm i dont have time to read your thread just now, but I would suggest that at the weekend between meal times if need be that you leave the kids with dh, arent the girls old enough to be helping him out with the lo's now?
I hope you get things sorted.

I badly need a child free day! Unfortunatley I dont see one of them happening til early December. It sounds selfish but I really do wish my mums cracked ribs would hurry up and heal so she can start looking after dd when im at work again. It is very draining for all 4 of us having dd at work every day with the twins. When the 3 of them get together they are hyper!! zzzzzzzzz

Have a good weekend everyone
Sho

HM About your gym issue, if it's any consolation, we pay a monthly gym membership and DH only ever uses it to take the girls swimming once a week, and I do that and have done my 'bodyjam' class once a week. I'm upping my game a bit at the moment cos of the weight loss challenge at work and been spinning a couple of times this week too, but for most of last year we were both paying to use it just once or twice a week, to take DDs swimming.
For us, it's worth that, although I'm pretty sure our membership isn't as much as yours. We pay £42 a month for David Lloyd (each). For me, it's the kids facilities I'm paying for. The girls are free until they are 6, which I think is great cos in the summer we will def swim more than once a week, prob 2-3 times now that DD2 will be 2.

If you feel you want to keep the gym for the kids facilities then do so, as DD gets older it will become easier and easier for you to take them both swimming etc on your own (not sure if you do already?).

Obviously it all comes down to cost. With DS being so unsettled, is it because he has always had you and mainly you around, so although you do other things you are in the room with him? I wouldn't want you to stress yourself out over it, but maybe you hangin around for him to settle isn't helping??? When DD1 first started playgroup, she was 2.5 yrs old, she wanted me to stay, and it honestly broke my heart but I had DD1 with me so I just had to say 'I can't darling, Mummies don't stay...I'll see you later..' kiss and cuddle and go. She was fine once I was gone, and I think a lot of kids are worse when they see their Mum come to get them or whatever.
When DD1 went to the CM, I would go to pick her up, hear her laughing her head off and having a great time, as soon as the CM opned the door she would turn the tears on and be all 'MUMMMYYY!'. .

I do believe in gut instinct though, and if you are not happy sending H to the creche, for whatever reason, then don't.

I probably haven't helped much have I????

LM

Lucky - Actually, you really have helped!

You are (as usual!) absolutely right.

How is everyone else?

Sho - sorry to hear that you have so long to wait before your mum will be fully recovered.

And MM - Glad your dad is doing better. Hope that continues.

Hope you are all having lovely weekends.

Hm x

Hey girls

LM we're members of David Lloyd too I only use it rarely (though more and more ) to take dd swimming. Dp takes her at least once a week though and goes a few times a week himself. I pay for better facilities (there is a big kids soft play area) and for the creche facility (which I've never used ), and for cleaner changing rooms which is a major issue for me. We're off there when dd wakes up actually. Daddy and baby are off swimming while mama sits and drinks wine coffee and reads the paper.

How're all the sick bubbas doing? Hope they are all better.

I'm supposed to be going over to my dad's later but am knackered and would love to have a lazy day. Feel a bit guilty so may end up going.

My provisional driving licence has arrived so drivers beware!

Right can hear dd so best run.

Have a happy Sunday everyone.

MM

MM We pay for it for the nicer facilities too. I know it sounds snobby but our public pool is particularly minging [yuk].
I didn't learn to swim until I was 28 and I was so embarrassed a a child to be a non-swimmer, I am determined that DDs will learnt to swim and be confident in water. That's why we take them at least once a week. For me, I agree with MM, I am paying for the much nicer and child friendly changing rooms and showers. Even when DD2 was crawling over the floor at that age, it didn't bother me cos it's so clean in there. The cleaner is always in the changing rooms! The showers are very family friendly too. It makes a big difference.
I reckon that if we take them 3 times a week in the summer, it works out cheaper than us taking them to the public pool, IYSWIM.

Off swimming in a bit actually!!

LM x

the sexy one on the left is one of our juniors at work who teaches my spinning class

so now you see why I like spinning so much [dribble]

Hey girls

Hope everyone is ok. Crap weather today and I have a cold so not too happy.

Had a lazy day yesterday and ended up not even going to the gym. We finally made it out about 2 to collect a canvas we'd had made and stopped for a drink on the way back and ended up having Sunday lunch there so I didn't even have to cook .

Off to see my dad later. Dd's asleep but planning a painting extravaganza when she wakes up. We painted all her thank you cards for her Christmas presents and they went down so well I am going to do a stock to keep for birthdays etc.

Ah, while I remember 2 quick questions (one a bit TMI) - how much milk do your LOs have now? And, um, how many times do they poo every day? Dd used to do a big poo in the morning but has started doing 4 or 5 a day all of a sudden without any change of diet etc. Is going to make potty training fun!

Hello! A bit of Burns for a Scot in the South! Couldn't even find a haggis, hmmph.

MM about twice.

HM Interested to see how you solve this one ('cos I know you will), nothing to add except that if I get this job (interview on Friday, had to wait ages!) then I'll be plunging into the world of childcare for the first time. Saw one nursery this morning, going to visit another one this afternoon and one tomorrow. Quite nervous about leaving DS anywhere, not a trust thing, just that I think he may be very sad but hopefully I'm wrong.

Happy monday ladies!

MM dd poo's once maybe twice a day. As far as milk goes, she has about 8oz formula at night and cows milk in the morning and in cereal, although she has started to complain when i put milk in her cheerios!

baiyu do you mind me asking if these nurseries that you are looking at have gave you appointemnts to visit or if you are going whenever you have time? Im just asking because when i was studying childcare at college we were always told that a nursery that has something to hide only lets you visit by appointment. I dont want to put you off any of them though.
ps my aunts in manchester always get their haggis in morrisons, im looking forward to mine tonight

lucky nice pic!

Thanks Sho! To be honest, the supermarkets are really far and I obviously din't care enough to go and search for one, I'll remember that next time though!

Hmm, one nursery said any time and I gave them one, the one tomorrow is an appointment, I think because someone else is looking at the same time. I don't really kno what to think about that, anyone else have an opinion? That is interesting though. We liked the one this afternoon, only thing is it'll be a bit out of my way to work. Might be worth it though, will keep me fit anyway (going by bike)!

MM milk-wise, DS has a cup of warm milk at bedtime (cows, full fat) and sometimes one in the afternoon, a bit dependant on naps and how much lunch he ate but varies. Milk with cereal in the morning, that's all really. Cheese, yogurts, tofu etc too.

Baiyu is your ds vegetarian?

Dd has a bf when she wakes up, full fat milk in her porridge, either bf or half bottle
milk at am nap and bf before bed at night but can have up to 3 cartons of Aptamil in the night if dp gets up with her (if I do she doesn't have any).

MM DD2 poos 2-3 times a day.
She has cows milk on cereal, and a big cup in the morning and a big cup before bed. Prob about 8oz??

Thanks all for your (well, your LOs thankfully) milk and poo info.

Milk stuff will help me to tackle dp's obsession with feeding our baby bottles of milk throughout the night!

Dd eats like a large horse so am not surprised so much comes out but glad to know it is "normal".

In laws here so best fly.

DS2 has one cup of milk in the morning and only has one dirty nappy a day