May 2009: Brides and bibs

[EtherealFiByTheSea]

Here we go...

Sparkle- I was quite PFB with DD - no chocolate, sweet biscuits etc before the age of 2 (although my mum gave secret chocolate buttons when she looked after DD ). I also used some jars but made a lot of stuff myself. With DS1 i was a lot more lazy relaxed (he would have what his big sister was having) and with DS2, I don't bother checking labels at all although when i tasted his breakfast the other day (hipp breakfast) it tasted very sweet. Just do whatever makes you feel comfortable, and encourage H to try lots of different tastes, sweet and savoury.

dandy LOL at the dancing lion.

BLW we've been at it now for just over 2 weeks. Started with banana but soon realised this is nigh on impossible as its too slippy for him to hold. Moved on to toast with butter and then cream cheese. Big success!! SImilarly bread sticks dipped in hoummous or cream cheese. But the huge massive success has been strawberries. I have found that the best way for R to have them is whole with the leaf bit cut off. He is also digging in to blueberries too.

I've also been loading spoons with yoghurt or porridge and he thrusts them in the general direction of his mouth.

The, ahem, interesting part is seeing what is in his nappy . I know the blue berries are getting down him as the skins have exited the other end. Nice.

spangle I doubt he is getting much TBH but I keep the Gill Rapley book in the kitchen and flick through if I begin to waiver and its all about discovering rather than actual eating at this stage.

Had a really bad night with R last night. He was awake every 2 hours. Seems a far cry (ha ha) from the baby that went 12 hours last Sat. I was too tired to go to my gym class this morning so am being bad mummy and both DSs are going to creche for an hour so I can have an hour in the gym. Then will swim with DS1 to make up for it. Better go....

Just quickly though while I think about it:

looby for your mum
jennster yikes about the chemistry!! Hope you get something sorted.

Hello ladies,

Looby sorry you are feeling so down. It must be a nightmare trying to juggle everything with your mum. Hope she gets better soon.

Running re the nature nappies, I use them as I am too lazy to do the cloth ones this time and especially at night I find I have to make sure that the front tabs go as far back as I can get them and make it as tight as possible (without making it uncomfortable) so that there are no leaks. Most of the time it works, but if I don't change ds2 straight away in the morning it usually leaks cos the nappy is too full! I hope you can make sense of what I've just written!!

Momi with ds1 I used to give him a spoon and I had a spoon when I fed him. There was alot a chopping and changing of spoons but it worked!

I am soooooo tired. Ds2 keeps waking up in the night squealing. It was 3 times last night. He goes to bed about 7-8pm as he's so tired but that means he's ready to start his day about 4am. He makes so much noise that we can't ignore him or he'll just wake ds1 up. He's not upset or distressed, rather the opposite he's as happy as larry! Anyone got any words of wisdom?

Was also going to ask - how long you were weaning before you got your dc onto 3 meals a day? We've been doing it for a week now and I'm only just introducing the 3rd meal today. I can't remember what I did with ds1 I gave ds2 a piece of raw broccoli the other day, man he was sucking on it for ages!!

Right I must make use of sleeping children time and do the dishes or the ironing! Sorry if I've missed anyone.

sparkler, Harper hates to be spoon fed as well! I'm going to do what muddled suggests and have 2 spoons going at a time (thanks Muddled!).

headless, dd1 used to hold strawberries whole and bite into them. she weaned earlier at 5 months but she was ready. I think H is a bit slower.

muddled, no words of wisdom re: waking up at 4. H has done this a few times and all i can do is bring her into bed, feed her, leave her gurgling next to me for an hour. it's been happening less so i hope she's growing out of that.

Pula, I think that's how mornings are going to be in our house: downstairs by 8am, shoes and coats 8.20 etc. it's just so difficult to get a toddler to move quickly.

oh, and I called my HR mgr re: email from my line Mgr. She said she'd rung my LM to ask her to answer my questions and to call me instead of emailing. so, my HR mgr would agree my LM isn't very tactful at writing email. i feel better as my HR Mgr agreed the communication was very negative, dismissive and unsupportive.

i feel so much better now because I was starting to blame myself about all this. a bit relieved. thanks for listening to me rant about this .

BLW I've found this thread useful for sharing blw experiences, ideas.

Thanks for the link momi Like others I hardly venture onto other threads at all, just read a few when/if I have time but that one is probably going to be useful!

I went to a mum and baby group today where there were lots of babies around the same age as A. All are already well into weaning via the baby rice and purees route and when I told them A ate a whole pear yesterday as well as some sticks of cucumber one mum told me it was highly dangerous and reckless of me to let her do that I tried to explain the idea of BLW but got the impression that they all think I'm crazy. I am a bit annoyed tbh as I haven't and didn't criticise their choices to wean at 17 weeks or their method of weaning. Mind you they all think I'm mad for using cloth nappies as well so I'm obviously going to be labelled as some kind of lentil-weaving hippy nutcase from now on

aargh massive bangers going off outside, they better not wake up A, have just poured myself a large glass of wine

Aaarghhhh, I have decided that's the last time I'm taking the DCs out to tea on my own for a long while! DD and DS1 were so naughty. DS2 was really good, although he did a mahoosive semi-solid poo which leaked up his back and involved a complete change of clothes whilst DD/DS1 messed around in the toilet cubicles. The worst moment was when I was trying to pack up our stuff and DD ran off and DS1 followed - I thought they were fine until I saw the door open in the distance as people were leaving, so i ran to check they hadn't escaped (which they hadn't phew). But then I was still panicking as I couldn't see them. They were hiding under a table and I was so . I am getting really down again, what with DS2 being unsettled still, and DD/DS1 running rings around me. I am getting really rough with them - I grab them by the hand and pull them along roughly .

Glad to see you have a good HR dept momi. SOunds like they were onto your LM!

Both DSs asleep. Cream crackered after swimming.

Have lost another 1lb this week so am treating myself to a glass or two of wine tonight whilst DH is out playing tennis. He and his pal are playing some 16 year olds in the club tournament. If I were a betting lady, I would guess DH and pal will be get whipped by the 2 whippersnappers!!

Am unlikey to be around much at the weekend. Am on a hen weekend. Its "at home" so at least I don't have to go away but am quite concerned about my staying power and stamina to do 2 nights out on the trot and a days activity in between. Did buy some fantastic shoes today to wear tomorrow eve though. Electric blue (yes really!) peep toe heels with a flower on the front. As for the ability to walk in them, well, I don't think I'll be able to! I believe there may be scantitly clad butlers on the sat evening do as we are round at the hens house. Thats where the hot tub has been mentionned too. Shame that sexybuilder isn't about!!!

Oh pula sounds like you really have your hands full as well as being sleep deprived. Sorry I can't offer any decent advice but please don't be hard on yourself, sounds like you are a pretty fab mum for taking them out in the first place

Runningmonkey- how rude and ill-informed was that mother!

Ladyh that sounds like a fab weekend (and fab shoes too). Well done on the weight loss as well.

pula don't get down. It sounds like to did well to get all three of them out and eating and on your own too!! You are a brave lady.

running I feel that I kind of have to justify BLW to other mums too. The standard is "but he will choke won't he" , but quite often aswell (and this one really bugs me) OOooh you did really well to wait till 6 months. Well, actually its what the guidelines are and was no bother at all not to have to faff about with purees ,baby rice and all that!

running- thanks for the support. I took them out because i was feeling tired and lazy DH wasn't due home til late and it was easier than me making their tea, and because they like going out for tea so it would be a nice treat. They were really good during the meal, but it all just went to pieces afterwards .

I was hardly preaching about it either, just answering their question about whether I was weaning A yet. Ah well each to their own I suppose.

Thanks Headless- I was thinking of calling the PIL and seeing if they fancied joining us, but decided I was feeling confident enough to manage on my own. Might have to call them next time so I am not outnumbered!

xposts there!

pula I'm sorry I can't remember how old your lo's are (apart from DS2 of course ) but would they understand the 'if you don't listen to mummy, we won't be able to have any more treats' type approach?

Hi all .

Pula much respect for taking 3 dc's out. I've had the pleasure of both kids all to myself this week as dh has been working stupid hours. I really look forward to my their bedtime!

Looby sorry to hear about your mum. Please don't forget to take some time to look after yourself though - it sounds like you are doing too much .

Running am at that mum's comment re BLW. Just goes to show her ignorance though. I am getting much better in my old age at laughing at people who insist on commenting on other people's business.

Momi am pleased you have had good support from the HR Manager.

Hello everyone else.

All well here. Recovered from D&V thankfully. Have potty trained dd this week and all is well with the world of pants .
B on week 3 of weaning - puree (but no baby rice. I think like someone else here (Dandy?) I have an irrational dislike of baby rice) and BLW together. He seems a little lazy though and just likes to bounce and be spoon fed. He looks quizically at small sticks of pepper and discards them whilst opening his mouth for more lumpy avocado....oh, and Jael, B is still having similar amounts of formula to you plus 3 small meals a day.

Fireworks going off outside. Can hear the tannoy from the organised display at the park a couple of miles away......

Hi everyone

Howzzz everyone doing No, I'm not drunk at all Only had a bo'l of wine.

Will catch up properly later.

BLW Not much happening yet here. C just sort of stares at what's in her hand.

nature nappies No probs with them. I use cloth during the day and nature at night and never ever had any leaks with them.

Can I just have one moan: Why doesn't anyone ever take not of my b'day/xmas wish lists. I showed my mum this sling I really really want and she said getting another one is a waste of money, nor does anyone want to give me an iPod nano. Apparently I don't need one

Finally why is everything spinning around?

Welcome back Reggiee Congrats on potty training!

weaning - I'm planning to start BLW this weekend. O is 26 weeks on Saturday. I too have had comments of "You've done really well to wait til 6 months". Actually I'm tempted to continue just BF as it's easier (on the whole!) But O deserves the opportunity to start to play with eat some solids. I'm going to start off by putting some sticks of carrot and a bit of broccoli on his high chair tray and see what happens!

cloth nappies - hats off to all you using them. I use the nature babycare disposables which makes me feel a bit better...

We've had a really busy day here. Met up with a friend and her DC this morning, then went to Bumps&Babes where the babies were having their photos taken. I think we got a really cute one of O pusing up on his tummy wearing his blue and red polo shirt and jeans.

Aaargh! O is stirring now the fireworks have stopped!!! (What's all that about?!)

You'll thank me for that in the morning. And of course, you need a Nano. As for slings don't you have quite a lot already????

Only on glass no 2 here!

pula - well done on taking all DCs out! Sorry it went down hill though, maybe next time will be better?

running - not fair at all of the other mums to comment on your choices. I'm quite confident that most of my mum friends think I'm a mad hippy (slings? cloth nappies? blw? No hope ) but they've learned to tolerate me and my foolish ways!

belgian - ask for money, then you can get what you want! Enjoy your wine.

momi - glad your HR manager is more supportive than your line manager!

reggiee - glad you're all on the mend.

headlessladyh - enjoy your weekend, and at your shoes.

waves at muddled. Three meals a day? DD1 was probably 7.5-8 months I think, I used to foget to offer her stuff .

sparkler - v v v of H's staffordshire oatcakes, they are possibly one of my favourite foodstuffs in the world . I have family in N-u-L, when they visit my parents they bring stacks of oatcakes for the freezer.

Anyone got any ideas for Christmas presents? I've managed to think of stuff for DD1 (Little Miss Independent!), but really struggling for A - we really don't need anything as we've still got all DD1's stuff (clothes, toys etc, there's only 2.5 years between them) and anyway we've got a tiny house and no room for the tat generosity of others.

Dandy - thanks for asking. I'm ok, I think. Now that I've acknowledged/recognised what is going on I'm making more of an effort, iyswim. It's really hard to find the energy and enthusiasm but I'm trying to be nicer all round (but especially to DD1, poor little thing got shouted at a lot). Hopefully the counselling appt will come through soon and I can make a proper start. I haven't made an appt with the GP as I'm still undecided about that - I keep thinking he'll just try to make me go on ADs, so I'm going to see how the counselling goes and make a decision after that. DH is being ok about it all, he's really supportive around the house and with the girls, but he keeps trying to find the reason for this happening, or some kind of explanation for it all.

Bonsoir mes amies!

Why will my child not sleep? Aaaaaargh

Re blw, S has been eating yoghurt/fromage frais and bits and bobs, mainly because she tries to snatch food from my hands and cries. She knows what a spoon is for . She's also had a good chew on melon and apple - she really enjoys her food, the chubster! She is still taking loads of bf's as well.

I hope everyone is having a great Bonfire Night (Momi, give George a reassuring pat from me, and btw, Beebee has a boyfriend, some big, thick, French Rottweiler. I'm not impressed).

S is still not asleep, she is groaning and thrashing about to keep herself awake.

Back soon....

flippineck- make sure you chase up your counselling appt - I've heard these things can take months so keep pushing.

I'm struggling for ideas for DS2 for the same reasons. I am tempted to start asking for money for his trust fund (must find the voucher and set it up ). I guess if people don't want to give money, then i could think of some activity they could pay for (e.g. swimming, baby music classes etc). The only present ideas i have so far are some of those tommee tippee rubber pelican bibs that are easy to wash and you can roll them up and take them out and about, and maybe some more cutlery, bowls etc as with more DCs you do go through them quite quickly.

flippin we're in the same boat re Christmas presents, well, a similar one anyway, as although H doesn't have many hand-me-downs he has lots of generous relatives and we have a very small house. We'll just get him a few little things, like a nice sleepsuit, a couple of books and maybe one or two small toys. May as well make the most of a cheap Christmas!

Headless at your hen weekend and lovely shoes. And at sexy waiters in hot tubs. Mmmmmm.....

Belgian I think slings are like shoes for you - ie you can never have too many!

running at that mum's comments. My NCT friends haven't made any comment but they look at me a bit uncomprehendingly when I talk about what H is eating (or not). Eg the other week I was telling them that H had been waking up more frequently, and the reaction was that I should increase his solids, so I said no, I can't do that as I don't control what he eats. Or when we were talking about introducing meat - a HV had advised one mum to start by giving her DS chicken stock, and I told them I'd let H have a go at pieces of roast chicken from my plate. When I think about it, there are so many books out there with prescriptive plans for weaning it probably does seem a bit crazy to just to let the babies do whatever.