May 2010: All the babies have arrived, welcome to the other side!

[rachelfruitloop]

Here we are ladies, a new Postnatal thread! I wonder if we'll fill this one up as fast with one-handed typing?!

Typing from my hospital bed ...
Tuesday morning I had a very very heavy bleed. Soaked through my pjs and bed sheet with clots. Terrified me. Was admitted back on to the postnatal ward where they thought I had some retained tissue. Yesterday had an internal pelvic scan which fortunately showed nothing was remaining. Consultant (Mr Pooley ande such a lovely lovely man) thinks I have a hormone imbalance worsened by all the antibiotics Ive been on over the past 6 weeks. Bleeding is settling a bit now but it was so frightening. Horrible especially because all the other ladies have their babies here so I can hear them crying and makes me want to leap up and cuddle Chloe but I know she's safe with my mum. Apparently the HV visited yesterday and she now weighs 10lb 3oz, put on 2 lbs since birth. Can anyone tell me if thats a normal weight gain? I've just been told over the phone so havent seen it plotted on a graph or anything. Anyway, going to try and get some sleep finally after a totally sleepless night. Impossible to here.

Will catch up with everyone soon.

first1 poor you though glad to hear that it hopefully isn't anything too major and that it can get sorted pretty quickly. I hope you make the most of your time apart from Chloe to catch up on sleep so you're feeling great when you see her

As for the weight gain, I try not to pay too much attention - DD1 went all over the place, from the 50th centile down to the 9th and back up somewhere else. I've now decided with DD2 that I'm not going to pay any attention as long as she looks healthy & does regular nappies. She'll actually be weighed today as we have our postnatal check but I think she looks pretty good

Tomlin I don't have experience of a DC as old as your DS, but DD1 (15mo) has taken to trying to bash DD2 when she thinks I'm not looking; I thought that she had accepted her as she often tries to give her kisses etc but this is now interspersed with DVD cases/toys/feet landing on her head . She got a severe telling off the other day which sent her in to meltdown (I've never really told her off before - we've just spent hours saying 'no' to things and moving her away from places) but I don't know that it's made too much difference...

I went out last night so DH could experience bedtime with both girls and I thought he might have some difficulty, however he was the picture of calmness when I got home. He thought he'd done really well until I pointed out that the dinner dishes were still on the table and he still hadn't put DD2 in her sleepsuit even though I'd given it to him before I went out. At least DD2 managed to survive until I got home for a feed as although I left some formula for DH to give, I didn't really want her to have it...

first1, you poor thing, you really do seem to be getting hit by one awful thing after another.i know just how awful it is to be without your baby. i am afraid i have no coping techniques but as carikube says, try to catch up on your sleep and paint your nails (you cant do that easily with chloe around) i am quite sure though, that you will pick yourself up and be a picture of calmness and strength when everything is done. i am sure that within the year you will be so strong that NOTHING will be able to get to you and that you will look back on these months and see that they have made you stronger. i wish you all the best.

cupcake, i will try the muslin! thanks for the advice

tomlin and carikube, i do remember having new babies and toddlers, you have reminded me of their jeolousy. my eldest got her first proper telling off and putting in her room for tipping her 3 week old sister out of her seat. it got better when dd2 was more active and fun. i didnt get her sitting on dd2 when feeding as i was one of those mad women who was feeding toddler and baby together. when dd3 came, dd2 was 15 months old and she too used to bash dd3 with anything, the phone, a shoe, whatever was to hand. not easy to deal with i remember as dd2 was too little to understand but she was reasonably easy to distract...loved dancing so put on music for her often. now, 12 years later, they get on very well, but of the 3 older children they are the 2 that will fight like cat and dog. hope it all works out for you, the pleasure of watching them build cities out of wooden blocks, make up plays together and things like that more than made up for the hard times.

Hi first1 - how horrible. Glad Chloe is ok with her Granny and you'll be home soon. Weight gain sounds spot on. Average would be 5-7 ozs a week but first week up to 7 ozs so total 2lbs on by 6 wks sounds right to me.

Ds used to sit on dd1 - he was 3 when she was born. It was a challenge to keep her safe from him until at about 11 months he was taking her toys away from her and she leaned over and bit him. He was a bit more careful after that. They do still fight though. Dd1 is majorly jealous of Molly though. No lashing out at her but huffing and general grumpiness. Not easy.

Dh came home late last night after his trip away re work. He was investigating a possible opportunity but hasn't fed anything back as yet as he's exhausted. I'm trying to be patient. He's asleep at present.

I've been to GP today for 6 wk check. Very proud of myself for actually getting there by 9am - showered and with Molly. Had nice chat and he was well taken with Molls.

oh first1, sorry to hear you're in hospital, but same advise, sleep, sleep, slep, good to hear you're mother is taking care of chloe, you'll be reunited soon.

we had our first 9 hours night, 11 till 8

right, i just put oscar in the cot, didn't stay asleep, but i might just get a chance to have lunch, precooked by dh.

Hi Den

My nephew had his operation on Monday and things seem to have gone really well.

Hope you're coping ok and not worrying too much.

x

Hi everyone, haven't been on for a while as we've had tummy bugs to deal with this week and I'm trying to pack for holiday on Saturday.

Dancing - sorry to hear about your grandad, at least he got to see Darcy

Alle - hope Oscar was ok after his jabs and fingers crossed you get another good night

Homebirth - there is no diet or rest pattern. We're lucky in that Grace has been sleeping through for a week now except a couple of night feeds however once she's up at 5:30 there is no stopping until bedtime at about 11pm, she really only cat naps during the day. We also eat what and when we can, I try to make a meal at tea time most nights but we have had days where we are scoffing cereal at 10pm as we haven't had a chance to sit down. Well done on your weightloss, hope DD's foot is better, ouch!

Schipo/Cupcake - Grace has the baby acne too, all over her face, ears, shoulders and back. We've left it alone and it seems to ease and then come back again. The hv told me it's worse in the heat and I think the closeness of bf won't help either.

Millington - hope Harry is ok after his jabs.

Pigley - at your break, its inevitable here when dd1 has a nap (which she rarely does now) dd2 is up and wanting fed. I can't seem to get anything done.

Tomlin - haven't got much experience with disciplining lo's yet but we find the naughty spot is very effective for dd1 (2.5yrs). She doesn't hit but likes to ignore instructions or do the opposite of what you say like hiding under the table when you want to go out etc..

First1 - hope your feeling ok, it's all happening to you at the moment. I hope you are keeping your chin up and staying relaxed, stress will have a massive impact on your health.

Carikube - my dh would be the same if he was left with both girls, keeping the place tidy wouldn't even cross his mind and he has suggested putting Grace to bed in her clothes before.

Molly - fingers crossed for your dh's job opportunity.

We had our 6 week check yesterday, Grace was prescribed some oral antibiotics as her wound is still slightly infected but her stitch has eventually fell out . I was also prescribed Ultraproct ointment, not sure if that was one mentioned but looking forward to trying it and getting some relief.

Grace has only put 2oz on this week which takes her to 7lb 14oz, I think she's the littlest on the thread at 6 weeks. She only put on 1lb 3oz since birth, should I be worried or is any weight gain ok as long as their going in the right direction?

Molly..glad six week check went well

homebirth..baby sensory class sounds fun..there doesnt seem to be anything like that around here..no breast feeding cafe..nothing..

Hollyoaks. hope LO's wound heals soon..

Alle..ouch..red milk..thast happened to me in the first week after I had Olivia..

Dancing..so sorry to hear about your grandad

Den..Im sorry you are facing the possibility of Rhian being operated on so tiny.. the surgeons are skilled and used to performing this type of op, he will be in good hands honestly

Kaffa,..I have tried instilling some sort of routine but am failing miserably..I seem to spend most of the day answering calls to clients, answering emails etc with Olivia on my arms or boob!

sibling jealousy I had this big stylee with DD1 (who is now 19) she was 2 years and 9 months when DS1 was born and was not impressed..she would pinch DS, drop toys on his head..when he was in his baby swing..she would push it so it clanked into the sides, terrifying newborn DS..she used to look at him with pure hatred...Im afraid it didnt improve..when he was 16 months old, she pushed him off a bed, out of the front door..tied him to a slide with a skipping rope...then somewhere..alomng the line..she realised she quite liked him..and they started getting on..now aged 19 and 16, they are very close..but its taken a long time!

weve noticed that DD2 is very jealous of DD3..shes taken to poking things in her face and a couple of weeks ago, ran over her feet with her toy pushchair...

Ive been struggling to keep up with DD;s ferocious feeding demands and she is getting more formula top ups..I feel so sad as I have gallons of milk..but she now gets topped up after her early evening feed and her late night feed and guzzles about 3 ounces..dont know if its cos Im tired and stressed..I squeezed my nipple in front of DH the other day to demonstate that there was oodles of milk..and nearly had his eye out!..man that stuff can shoot a long way!

Ive noticed that sometimes Olivia yanks my nipple aboit..quite painful..and she has started to pummle my breast with her hand..
she is 12 weeks today..aecond lot of jabs on Tuesday..not looking forward to that

hi ladies still here and reading not getting much time to post though, all fine here still no routine and Jacob still grumpy in the evenings, currently asleep on DP and once I have finished this message I will be taking him up to bed.

first1 - so so sorry to hear you are poorly wish I could come and visit you, hope you are on the mend soon and back with Chloe

no sibling jealously between DD3 and Jacob thought there would be but she adores him and is jealous of the other 2 being close to him, pushes them out the way

Got Jacob weighed at BF group on Tues 14lbs he is such a little pudding. His baby acne has all but gone took about 2 weeks whoever had asked.

Tomlin - great news on the house I think you have done the right thing

pamelat - how is Alex getting on now? I always start to waiver about this time and think would a bottle make a difference in the evening, have always been told a resounding no but would like to know if formula does make a difference to feeding and sleeping.

Right better go Jacob is stirring

We had our 6 week check today and everything seems ok. DD2 has put on 2lbs 7oz since birth - hollyoaks I don't know what is 'normal' or not in terms of weight gain but I think as long as Grace is happy, feeding and doing wet/dirty nappies then she should be ok. The GP did agree that we have thrush though so we are starting treatment today and hopefully that will improve the sore nipple/problem latching situation.

There's no routine here but I think we might need to start one soon - DD2 spends a lot of the evening awake and then has a lie-in in the morning after her early feed...I think we need to bring that one back a bit.

Hope you have another good night alle. We did 11pm -6.30am last night and I'd definitely like a repeat of that again tonight

morning, all
it seems we are starting to sleep now, another night, 9- 6 this time, i get a chance of a bit of an evening with dh, we need it, being arguing a bit(not to worry, we both know it's 'cos we are tired) and also sleep.

jabs went quite well, but oscar was crying really hard that night, but 24h he was back to his normal self.

help: my nipples are healing and now i feel reluctant to put him back to the breast, i think he can sense my anxiety and gets himself in a fit, any tips?, didn't lost my flow 'cos being expressing like an industrial cow.

don't have a brain for personals today, but hope we all got goodnights with nice happy babies, even those that need a bit of medical help,

funny siblings, not brothers but cousins, xmas time two boys one was four the other one, 4 yo asked for all the toys he already had, so i asked why, not for me, for Ian so he won't take mine, silly aunty... they are 6 and 3 and you need boiling water to separate them, even at nap time, but the older gets a bit bored, he can't sleep that long in the afternoon, he does not dare move as not to wake up the other. i don't know what's worse.

Morning all, busy packing as off to Alton Towers this weekend and then Centre Parcs for a week. I bet I will have loads to catch up on when I get back. We were also thinking about visiting Chatsworth house tomorrow too, has anyone been? Pleased to be getting far away from the gunman on the loose in Rothbury, it's all happening within miles of where we live.

Carikube - thanks for the reassurance.

ML - at hitting your dh with your squirting milk, with a shot like that we could do with you up here on the hunt for Raoul Moat.

SK - Grace's acne seems to settle and then flare up again if she gets hot, does jacob's do this or could she have something else? HV and gp aren't concerned about the spots though.

Hope everyone has a calm and easy week

first1 and carikube my email is sarah at sivyer dot net if you do want to try and arrange something, obviously when you're back on your feet first

Hope you are feeling better soon x

Sounds like a good time to get away, Hollyoaks! have a lovely break!

All's well here. In fact TOO well. I'm worried that LO sleeps too much. 9 hours last night, with a brief wake for a feed at 3am. Then this morning I had to wake her to do the school run. She was awake for an hour and is now asleep again! She usually isn't awake for more than an hour, two at the most, but she always gives me at least five hours at night. I was so worried, I've asked the doc and the HV about it, but since she's fighting fit when awake - alert, strong (rolling over already!), gurling away etc - they aren't worried.

DD1 was the complete opposite - didn't sleep through until she was three and a half years old, cried a lot, demanded attention alllll the time... Whereas DD2 is so easy - happy to go on her playmat or in her chair while I make a cuppa, where DD1 would have screamed the house down if I wasn't constantly entertaining her!

Had our 8-wk check. LO hasn't strayed from the 91st centile at all! For weight, height and head. Every check she's the same! Textbook baby!

Trouble is, she tops up lots in the evening, ready to go through for hours in the night, and then, by the morning, my boobs are so engorged where thye haven't been needed!

We're away with grandparents this weekend - our first nights away with LO. So lots of packing to do... Should be a good rehearsal for our hol at the end of the month.

So sorry to hear you're having such a rough time, first1 - things can only get better from here on in.

Hope everyone else is well - I'm reading all the posts daily, but never find time to reply personally to everyone - it's endless washing, ironing, making lunchboxes, cooking, school homework etc... Thank God LO sleeps! We all need more hours in the day!

Hello all!

yaaaaaaaaaaaawn.......

Sleep deprived here. DD3 been very demanding. She will feed constantly for 2 hours and still take a 4oz formula top up, so 2 and a half hours spent doing what I can get her to take in formula with just a 5oz feed in just half an hour. My nipples are actually bruised shes just so ravenous and chomps at me really hard. She only seems to be content after a formula feed. Getting so stressed really. Time to crack out the rest of the bottles I think Disappointed really, as I really want to feed her but I am struggling more this time than ever. I can't get anything done, I don't like feeding in public so have been pretty much housebound apart from school runs and it's making me miserable. DH said that if she is more content on bottles then whats the problem. That in the end I will be more content as she is. She is now asleep in her pram.

ML, like you, I have plenty there, but it just doesn't seem to satisfy dd3

first1, I hope things improve for you soon

hollyoaks, enjoy your weekend!

Hi everyone, thanks for all your kind comments. It's the funeral next Tuesday. We're all feeling pretty philosophical about it - he was 92 and had a fantastic long life. It's just that he outlived 2 wives and got to the end - he's been slowly giving up since my 'step'nan died a couple of years ago. At least he can be at peace now. But we will still miss him loads of course.

Angel Sorry you're still stressed out. Really, get in touch if you want to meet. My email is [email protected]

Hobnob my boobs do that too! Darcey has been sleeping through for a week now, and my boobs haven't caught on that they're not needed overnight. Cue me waking up in a wet patch in the morning...

Tomlin Have you thought about cutting the feet off the babygrows? I have the same thing with Darcey (she has whopper feet!) and her feet are almost too long for 0-3 sleepers even though the necks fall off her shoulders And I can't wait for Christmas this year! Another big xmas fan... It's going to be fab to introduce our babies to the wonders of twinkly lights and fairies with trees up their bums!

Millington Angers is one of my Mom's favourite places, can't wait to go on a daytrip!

Alle I sort of had that with Darcey - she wouldn't go on one side because I got so tense about the pain. Even once I'd fixed the latch and it wasn't as painful, we still had leftover tenseness from before. I tried to sing a nursery rhyme as she was latching on - distracted both of us (a bit) and it stopped my face scrunching a bit as I was trying to do happy 'you-are-my-sunshine' faces while I was doing it. Eventually it stopped being as painful and we both kind of forgot that it was ever stressful. Hope it helps.

ML rofl at squirting DH! I've been expressing milk this week, with a view to DH taking her out for an afternoon without me (possibly so I can get my hair cut, the luxury!). I've never felt so much like a cow... even DH has to laugh at the sound of the milk spraying the bottle! Maybe I'll spray him next time he laughs...

quick post, am pushing my luck!!

Tried to implement loose routine since Monday of basically getting him to have half an hour nap when he has been up for an hour in the morning, then 2 hours at lunch (which seemed ambitious until success today!!) and then anything frm 30 to 60 minutes about 430pm.

Monday was lovely, Tuesday was ok and Weds and Thurs were awful. I was all set to give up yesterday, and angel all set to fully bottle feed as he simply would not go more than 2 hours and take an hour, which I cant keep doing. He was then very windy and unhappy as a result but has put 6lbs on in 7 weeks, but am not surprised with frequency and length of feeds!

Anyway today for first time I let him cry/grmble to sleep (yesterday spent 3 hours doing pram/car/sling and almost went mad) after 3 mins 24 secs (horrid) he went, woke after 45 mins, gave a dummy and still asleep - its been 2 hours now!! Its meant DD and I have had some lovely time together making cakes

now we will wake him up, feed him and go and feed the ducks, feels much more manageable s

feed wise I am trying to do 7, 9, 11am and then 130/230ish, 4 ish and then 6 and 930pm ish - still more than most people it would seem!! Bearing in mind he feeeds twice at night still but he obviosly wants to be a big lad.

6, 930pm and 5am are now formula - doesnt make him go any longer really but gives me a break.

will catch up properly later when both monkeys in bed. other positive is that with more sleep in day he is ready for bed by 8pm ish instead of 10pm! more time to argue alle (like you!) with my DH!

Quick 1 handed post here to mark thread. Been reading your posts but inlaws now here.

Remember the compromise dh and I made that his folks would come wed till sun? Well he didn't ever tell them and they think they are here till tues nite!!!!!!!!! They only live 2 hrs away!

Hi All...sorry feel like i've been neglecting you all as i've found a support group for parents with kids who have craniosynostosis. So here goes my catch up...

Kaffa - bed time routine sounds good sounds very relaxing. We are trying same here with varied success!!

Pamelat - your night time feeds sound the same as here, difficult to get wee man to settle after second feed and sometimes ends up in bed with me & settles quicker - they definately know what they want eh?!!!!

Alle - glad you are feeling more chilled about it all. I feel we have to do what makes mum and baby happiest I had red milk around days 4,5,6 - ouch, feel for you Have you tried nipple shields (sorry if you've already had this conversation!!) i used them when my nipples were healing and found it helped, now don't need them.

Cupcake - glad your nips nearly healed. Re smiling & cooing - don't think i'll ever tire of that!!!

Tomlin - thanks, having researched into it now (the health prof/mum in me wont let it lie!!) i'm amazed at how many kids have gone through it and successfully. Glad to hear your friends was successful too.

First 1 - oh my gosh!! Hope you are ok. what a time you're having

Re weight gain - Rian is a monster he is 11lb.13oz at 7 weeks, visited my friend who has a 1.5 wk old girl and he looks massive compared to her. Scared i wont be able to lift him by his 1st birthday!!!!

Newmomma - thats great news!! Rian has same condition. If you don't mind me asking how old is your nephew and how long did he have to wait for op since being diagnosed? wishing him a speedy recovery

Hollyoaks - have a lovely holiday hope tummy bugs gone

Angel - sorry to here your having a time of it. Having to add in more bottles here too as rian not settling upsetting as feel i'm failing bfing but he needs to be happy.

Consultant called today, he has spoken with neurosurgeon in Glasgow who specialises in Rian's condition. He is happy that diagnosis is correct and is sending us out an appointment to go and meet with him so looks like the balls rolling and we are in for a rollercoaster ride Trying not to panic yet but always at back of my mind obviously. No point in worrying until the time comes.

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend

Den - I have to admit I googled craniosynostosis and immediately saw it is associated with Crouzon's syndrome, there is a little boy who was born the same time as DD3 and his mum is a MNer. He had an op a while back to correct his skull as it was endangering his life, the change in him is amazing. It's his second birthday today and he wasn't expected to get to see it (he has other conditions as well) he's utterly amazing as is his Mum. You and your LO will get through it too.

Sassles - yuck about the in laws

Well tonight is the first time Jacob has not been downstairs with us, I took him to bed at 8pm and fed him and he is asleep am going to start implementing a bedtime for him. I am not introducing any sort of daytime routine yet as I think once the schools go back and we have school run/toddlers etc he will fall into a routine and right now we have holidays so are out a lot.

DP is on holiday for 2 weeks now yippee, we aren't going away (have a week booked at Centerparcs in Oct) having a few daytrips though. DP's birthday on the 14th, DD3 the 15th, DD1 the 20th so busy time.

pamelat - hope the new routine works for you all

dancingthroughlife - good age to get to 92, am sure you will miss him, hope the funeral goes as well as these things can

anangelwithin - I think you have to do what is best for you both (and the rest of your family) and don't feel guilty about it, some breastmilk is still better than none. You probably are making enough milk to satisfy her but babies are lazy and prefer bottles as it's easier for them, also formula is harder for them to digest so lies in their stomach longer making them feel fuller for longer. You could take bottles of EBM out if you don't want to feed in public although if your like me you don't get 5 minutes to express. I really need to do it more as I bet Jacob won't take a bottle now.

hobnob - glad your doing well too

hollyoaks - yes his acne flares up from time to time, we aren't as hot as down South but if he is sweating you can see it more. Their skin is so new and sensitive it will settle down soon. I agree that there is no "normal" weight gain, as long as Grace is putting on weight and pooing/peeing and generally happy then all is well. They don't put on a regulation Xozs a wee either it goes up and down. My last 2 all caught down which meant they started off on high centiles and then dropped down through them settling on one and following it. I'm quite small and so is DP so we were never going to have big babies, the 3 girls are all skinny minnies.

another one handed response, alex sept from 630pm!! bed time routine (since monday) is paying off. admittedly he theen woke 10, 2, 3 and 5 but its loveely to have our evenings back!!! our daughter didnt have a bed time until 3 or 4 months and cried until 10pm most nights so we are considering ourselves very lucky at 7 weeks!!

had row this morning but resolved - we seem to chore barter and I am in trouble for dishing out constant demands, oops.

Hello Ladies,

I hope everyone is having a good weekend! I'm trying desperately to catch up! It's going to be a long post again I think!

First1 I hope you feel better soon! That must have been so scary to be bleeding and I can imagine how much you miss Chloe when you're apart!

I'm all for North/South meetups if we can get it together!

All of you succeeding with and attempting swimming, you are very brave! I can't imagine even attempting right now! Though in this heat I really wish I could go swimming!

ItsHappened congratulations on graduating! That's wonderful!

Sassles I've been thinking about the three-course meal parallel with breastfeeding and being careful not to take Eric off before dessert! I really hope you survive the in-laws visit without too much hiding away! How annoying your DH didn't tell your in-laws about the compromise!! I'd be fuming mad! I've also been watching Big Bro when I can, I can't help it that I like bad TV!

SK I hope that Jacob is ok now since being fretful after his jabs! 14 lbs, he's doing really well, that must be reassuring! I can't imagine how overwhelming it would be to have a new baby, 3 other children, your DH looking for a new job and trying to get your MIL's house on the market!!! I think I would lose my mind, I really do!

Carikube The situation you described with your family and the lack of a will really makes me nervous. Getting our wills made was one of the jobs I left with my DH when we bought our house over 2 years ago. I seem to remember we need the wills otherwise our insurance won't be valid or something (?!) and he has yet to sort it out. We had a row over it about a year ago and he claims that he never said he'd be the one to take care of it, but he did!! I begrudgingly started
looking up people to phone to have the wills done and again he said he'd do it, he was going to get the forms you could just fill in yourself [the famous tightwad emoticon] and he STILL hasn't done it. What would you do ladies, keep nagging him until it gets done, or just phone someone and pay them to do it behind DH's back?

HBMummy ouch, your poor DD, I hope her foot is feeling better!! So sorry about
your poor budgie!! I hope Virginia is sleeping better!

Pigley I hope you had a great birthday!!! I know what you mean about the frumpy mummy uniform, mine is a long tshirt and jeans (still maternity!) I feel so bad about my figure right now but I'm just trying to avoid mirrors and pray I get back to my size 12 as easily this time as I did with DS1. I remember being quite frumpy for about 6 months with him. I should be doing the exercises the physiotherapist gave me to do to pull my stomach muscles back together but I've hardly found the time or thought about doing them! When I go back for my next appointment I think I'll be shouted at!

Pamelat I hope things get easier on the feeding front with Alex. Sounds like he's a very hungry boy! I am also normally an A cup, but seem to do ok producing milk so I know it can't be relative!

Kaffa glad to hear that you're having some success with a routine! That's funny you had the same 4th of July meal as I did - are you American?

Dancing I'm so sorry your grandad passed away. The photos of him and Darcey on your FB page are so lovely. I really wish my grandpa had gotten to meet Eric, he died four days before Eric was born. I know how sad you must be feeling to have lost him. Hugs to you!

Alle I hope you got down to the bottom of Oscar's spots, it never hurts to get it checked out just in case. It sounded to me like a bit of heat rash, Eric's been getting that, too!

Mollycuddles sounds like you have your hands full there! It's very reassuring to know that we have a medical professional in our midst! I like the look of Rockhill, if you go you'll have to let us know how it is!

BRB that's great that your DD2 is thriving! I hope things are getting better with your DS. I think my DS1 is also realising that Eric is staying. He asked me where Eric lives and I told him that he'll live here with us until they're grown up and they move to their own houses. He said that he wants to live with us even when he's grown up but that Eric will need to move to his own house.

hollyoaks Enjoy your holiday!!!!

Alle when I've flown to the States they've let people take on bottles of formula, even more than 100 mls. They just made you take a sip of it at security to prove it wasn't something harmful! Not sure if it's still like that, but you should be able to find out on the airport's website, I'm sure that's an FAQ.

Tomlin your DS sounds exactly like mine. My DS1 is also just 3 and is doing pretty much everything you described (apart from sucking the dishcloth, bleurgghh, but wouldn't be surprised!) so I'd say it's normal behaviour, just wonder how long it will last, too! I also wonder if this sort of defiance and lashing out would have appeared at this age whether there was a new baby to be jealous of or not?!

I've been typing this post for a few days now and I'm determined to just finish it otherwise I could just go on adding bits indefinitely! My DSis has arrived from Los Angeles and is staying for 2 weeks, I am so excited to have her here. The past week of evenings without my DH since he's been on a late shift have been very trying and it's nice to have an extra pair of hands at bedtime especially!

I went to a post natal group session at the town hall on Tues and it was good, lots of friendly ladies. I'm a bit disappointed that I missed the first session last week as I missed the group introductions so am not sure who everyone is and how old their babies are. Also, I was looking forward to telling about pushing out my 11 pounder and my under 3 hour labour, I know that sounds really obnoxious of me, but after the hard time I had with DS1 I want to tell anyone who will appreciate it about what a great birth experience I had with Eric. Now I suppose I'll end up telling everyone individually and sounding REALLY boastful!

I can't believe Eric is 7 weeks old already, it's going so fast!! I had him weighed on Tues and he was 16lbs! and 1oz! Put him in a 6-12 month outfit the other day, he's nearly grown out of some of the 3-6 month clothes already and I'm probably going to move him into size 4 nappies soon! We had our 6 week check on Thurs and GP said that Eric is perfectly proportioned, well off the curve! I got some of the Xyloproct cream (thanks for the recommendation Kateyjane!) and it is really helping the piles! I'm going back in 2 weeks to have the coil put in as I really don't want to take the mini pill again as I hear it can increase the chance of depression and I don't need any help in that area! I don't want to take any chances as we wait for DH to have the snip, I could just imagine falling pregnant again at the beginning of September as I tend to do!! As broody as I am, we have to be practical about what we can afford.

We're going to try Eric in his cot this week, he's just way too big for the moses basket. I've had him in bed with me most nights, he's just been waking once, around 3.30-4.30 for a feed, so it's been a lot better lately. DH tried to put Eric in the cot the other day and I started crying and told him I wasn't ready for that. It surprised me that I felt that way, but I think it's because once he's out of the moses basket, my little baby will be gone and I won't have another baby by my bed again.

I hope that all of you are well and managing to get some sleep! All of you with sore nipples I really sympathise, it is one of the most painful feelings!! I hope you feel better soon!

Rachel..know what you mean about moving LO from the moses basket..it seems to signal the end of newborn baby stage....Olivia is still in her moses basket but is really ready to move out of it now she is 12 weeks..the cot is set up in our room but I cant quite seem to make that step to moving her...

had a rough few days..had a horrible virus and feel really poorly..Olivia has been very unsettled last couple of days and tbh..I think Im doing too much..I feel run down and worn out..Im off to work in an hour or so and wont be in until 11 pm..tomorrow..I leave at 9 am and wont be in until 7 pm..I have a lot of driving to do tomorrow as well..one of my bookings is in Macclesfield which is over an hour away.. I then have 6 trainees coming for one of mycourses on weds..however I do have next weekend off..albeit admittedly DH will be at work so I will still be run ragged..the following week is DD2's birthday..I cant beleive that she will be 6..Its funny but everytime I hear take me out by Franz Ferdinand..it takes me back to the first week after she was born..watching music channels whilst feeding her...I feel very sad because most of her baby hood was stolen by my illness and I dont want the same thing to happen with Olivia..but I have to work..am feeling kind of tired and weepy today,..I wanted to enjoy my little babys first few months..but it hasnt happened

sorry for the me post..

First1..how are you? hope you are home now..you are really going through it

ML - I know what you mean Jacob is nearly out his moses basket as well, I was going to give it away but I think I may wrap it up well and put it up theloft, not for another baby but just because 4 of my babies were in it. That's right your DD2 is the same age as my DD1, such a grown up little girls now but too.

Rachel - you forgot to add, one DD starting school, one going back to school and the house extension into the mix. DP and I were talking about it and once July birthdays are out the way, it's back to school (August 16th here), holiday in Oct, then it will be Christmas countdown and it will go so quick, plus we have this extension to do. Am I mad? With 4 DC but we so need the space have no choice. We have postponed Jacob's Christening until next year, well and DD3's as she was going to be Christened last year but MIL died, we will get them both Christened together now I think (saves on the buffet!)

Well done Eric on fantastic weight gain but I know what you mean about the clothes, I am going to have to pack away the 0-3 month ones this weekend (keeping them in case a friend has a boy), our babies are growing far too fast. DP is also going for the snip but says he is in no rush as it's no as if we are at it every night

Formula and flying - can you not take ready made cartons and disposable bottles? Was thinking if you can prove the carton hadn't been tampered with.

DD3 still besotted with Jacob I think she thinks he is hers, no one else allowed to touch him. She does try and get him to hold toys though!

pamelat - Jacob had his first proper bedtime last night, put him down at 8, I woke him briefly when I went to bed at 10.30ish changed and fed him, he was up about 2.30am then just before 7 so pretty good. It's interesting that you said formula makes no difference, I am a bit dubious about trying it as he has never had any and have been told it can make them windy and have dodgy guts so maybe not worth it. A friend was also saying her baby sleeps better after a bottle whether it is EBM or formula, she reckons it's because on the boob they are lazy and say take 4oz which is enough to fill them up for just now whereas a bottle is easier so they will take 5ozs or more which keeps them going longer IYSWIM, makes a bit of sense doesn't it.

As much as I don't want to rush him being a baby there is part of me cannot wait for solids, anyone else feel like that?

SK..ah yes we were on the postnatal thread together..cant b eleive Ive been on MN six years!!