It's been a busy couple of days on here - does this mean everyone is gradually getting acclimatised to life with their newborns? Hope so!
cupcake - I'm usually a big reader too, but for some reason I've hardly read anything since Felix was born. I've read the whole booker longlist each of the last three years, which is announced in July, so I'll have to get back in the reading habit again in time for this year's list!
molly sorry you were denied your day with just Molls and DH. I hope you get another opportunity soon.
angel you must be thrilled to have your washing machine back at long last !
newmomma i really feel for you with your DD's relentless crying, it must be incredibly frustrating and distressing for you not knowing what's bothering her, especially having tried one remedy after another. I'm afraid I have no advice to offer, but it sounds like others on here have made some good suggestions. Keeping my fingers crossed that one of them, or your HV tomorrow or BF'ing clinic today provides some relief for your DD and you.
Homebirth - how did the meeting with the milk bank lady go? Next time you want to embark on an ironing marathon to take your mind of things, you're welcome to come and tackle mine!! I don't do ironing as a rule, as I find that folding things up immediately they're finished in the dryer works a treat. But these days if Felix is mid-feed when the dryer finishes, I don't always get to it straight away, and then things get crumpled. Very annoying, especially since it's currently linen-trouser-weather!
SK don't feel bad about your eldest two feeling like they're missing out. They'll benefit in loads of ways from being part of a big loving family.
I read the last two days' posts with lots of green face moments, especially at Alle and AlexW! Alle because you're in Brighton! I love Brighton (my wedding dress came from a shop there!), it's a fantastic place and must be especially great in this weather (although probably overrun with tourists). And Alex, because of your 6.30-6.30 sleep!
Alex - it's fantastic to hear that your Dad has taken a turn for the better, fingers crossed that the improvements continue. How was the BCG jab this morning? We've just had a letter through with a date for Felix to have his, but it's two days before we go on holiday, and I'm in two minds as to whether to postpone it until after we get back. How did Julia react to it? My Dsis is in South Bucks, so not far from you probably. She mentioned that there are lots of classes for things like baby massage, baby signing etc. at local surestart centres, that are either free or just have a nominal charge. I'm quite a shy person too, and hate going up to people I don't know and starting a conversation, but find that it's a bit easier in a class type environment where people expect a bit of chat and won't thing it's weird, and also where there is a ready-made thing to talk about / comment on as a way to starting conversations. It might be a gentle way for you to meet other mums in a friendly environment.
Pigley - glad to hear the baby massage had a soporific effect on Lucy. Felix and I are starting our baby massage class tomorrow, so hopefully it will have a similar effect on him!
sassles - I can sympathise on Sam's catnap day - Felix has occasional days like that too, but seems to go back to normal a couple of days later. I think it might be when he has a growth spurt and just wants to feed constantly. It's frustrating, isn't it, because you can't get anything done. On days like that I end up with loads of half-finished jobs around the house, like washing that never makes its way from the machine to the dryer, a half empty dishwasher, and half-eaten food!
kateyjane - I know what you mean about feeling like you know everyone on here despite never having met in RL. Like you, I'm also pretty knew to the chatting online thing!
ml - can't believe you're back at work already, are you wonderwoman or something?! WAG party sounds fab!
tomllin - had to laugh at the actions of your DH. Mine is usually a complete star, but last night managed to do something really annoying. While I was feeding Felix before putting him down to sleep for the night, DH popped out to get us each a beer to have with dinner. I asked if he had his keys on him, and he said yes. 5 minutes later, the doorbell went, and I decided to ignore it as Felix was just dropping off to sleep and I knew DH would be home any minute and could intercept whoever it was at the door. But then a few seconds later I heard an apologetic and rather embarrassed voice coming through the letterbox. It was DH, who had somehow mislaid his keys. I still don't know if he had them before leaving the house or if he just hadn't checked his pockets and automatically said he had them. Needless to say Felix woke up when I went to answer the front door and then wouldn't go to sleep for another hour. DH was very sheepish and pretty contrite!
Pamelat - hope you had a better day today after your awful disturbed night last night. Also hope your DH recovers from his op quickly.
Ande - congrats on finally choosing a name - and a great one it is too!
Moggmum at catsick on carpet - yuk! Hope you found it before the hot weather got to it!
First1 - So sorry to hear your latest update. It really can't be easy to go through that at any time, but especially right now with a newborn. At least Chloe sounds like a little angel.
den I hope you get some answers to your question on the developmental thread. I'm afraid I can't provide any enlightenment.
DH just texted to say he'll be home before 7, hooray! That's very unusual, it's usually closer to 8. (Pigley and kateyjane I can sympathise on the commuting DHs). We only live 6 miles from his office but in London that's an hour's commute - 30 minutes on the train (which goes in a big loop) and then a 25 minute walk from the station to his office. Fortunately we're only 2 minutes from the station at our end, otherwise it would be a nightmare. I'm not looking forward to having to do that again when I go back to work next year. Not sure how I'll make it back in time to collect Felix from nursery as most of them seem to close at 6 or 6.30 and I never used to finish work before 6.30 at the earliest, usually closer to 7. Things will have to change. But I won't think about that until much closer to the time, as I'm planning to have a whole year off!
Hope everyone has more settled nights tonight. Sorry for mammoth post!