Michelle, you are in my thoughts today, I am sending lots of positive energy into the universe. I too love the name Omar..........another example of Greg's wicked humour. Hang in there babe, you can do this
All the best for your scan today Michelle. I love your sense of humor and you just do/say whatever you need to to get through.
Lee - Thanks for pointing that out. I wondered if one of my previous posts may have been a bit iffy...
Just a vent: Well Miss Eva's sleep is just not getting any better. She is down to 1 hour sleep for the whole day most days (some times 2 hours) and then she is up 2/3 hourly at night. On top of this she is biting me all the time. I've called ABA and done everything they suggested but this has been going on for 3 weeks now..There we go she is awake again ..bbl
BEK _ Big hugs to you honey, I know how tiring that can be, but you have 2 other precious little girls that you need to be awake for. Have you tried some music on in her room?? It's just a thought, you know you get those rainforest type sounds or something, just so there is noise happening all the time. Is she waking because she has heard a sound of Loren or Sara or the phone or something? Maybe some continual noise?? Have you thought about maybe trying to wrap her again? Or introducing a 'sleepy time' toy, that she will cuddle for sleep time??? Is sleep school an option?
Omar (I too have difficulty calling the in utero little one George but I am working on it ) is perfectly fine. Lots of kicks and measuring well. Uterine artery resistance is a little high so we will have another scan in 4 weeks but I think that is partly to monitor me. I am more than ok with that.
I knew there was a reason I loved my OB and followed him across the city. He will be on paternity leave when Omar is due (his first child is due to arrive late June) and yet he is going to be there for the birth with me. I am eternally grateful that someone who has known Greg and has shared the journey of the birth of all of our children will be present for the arrival of this one. Between the OB and my midwife I feel I have birthing support and a plan of sorts. For the moment, that will be just fine.
I got home from the scan to find a beautiful gift basket of fruit and flowers from some very special ladies. You will never know how much it means to me Thank you.
That is wonderful news Michelle I'm the same, I can't quite come at George just yet, so if it's OK, I will stick with Omar too until the little dude arrives earthside. I have done the same with all my babies, I just can't seem to officially name a bub in utero PS I am glad to hear it arrived safely
Bek - You poor thing. I understand how you must be feeling, it is so awful. I don't know what to suggest but Jayne has some good ideas - have you tried music or wrapping? D is still wrapped and I find it does help him to settle because he can't crawl around the cot so much. I leave one arm out and he usually gets the other arm out too and rolls over on to his tummy so I am confident it is safe for him. I have been thinking this week about trying music with him at night too. We have been having our own issues and they don't seem to be getting any better either but I am getting two good sleeps a day and he is generally waking twice at night. But early evenings are a nightmare, especially since he's been sick, as he has suddenly decided to stop self settling at bedtime. It literally happened overnight and I am praying it will pass soon. It is soooo tiring and frustrating. If you ever want to talk you know where to find me
I'd better go... just popping on to check on Michelle and Omar. BBL
Last edited by Willow; April 8th, 2010 at 02:48 PM.
Glad to hear all is great with baby George. What a lovely Ob
Thanks Willow for organizing everything. mwah
Jayne - I've pretty much tried everything. We have resorted to doing a bit of comforted crying and it does get her to sleep when she really has to go down.
She has improved a little bit but she just doesn't seem to need a lot of sleep. Is it possible that a little one just doesn't need much sleep? I thought she should be having about 3 during the day.
DH reckons she is hungry and is pushing the good old bottle theory. I am really struggling with bfing too at times.
She is still in our room and I am thinking of moving her out, but then I'll be running a mile numerous times per night to assist her before she wakes up the girls.
Michelle, as I said on the phone - I'm so glad the scan went well and I completely get that dark sense of humour as it tends to be the way I deal with things too. Even though we had decided on Sam's name before he was born, I just couldn't call him Samuel until he was here. It didn't matter how sure I was - he was just the munchkin until he was out, but from that moment on he was Samuel/Sam.
Now that I'm home, I have a little more time to post... and there's something that has thrown me for six in a way. I'd always been thinking that we would have a large age gap between kids, if we ever went back to IVF anyway... I got an odd look from DH when I told his sister that I was thinking of going back and trying again when Sam was around 4... It was part of the reason I was tending to draw away, too - I just didn't feel like I fitted with Sam getting older and no new kids on the horizon any time soon... Well, on the way to Newcastle DH tells me that he'd rather go sooner rather than later. I think with him turning 40 recently he is feeling his age, and I think the news about Greg has touched him more deeply than he will admit - so now I'm struggling with the decision of how to get back to IVF, which doctor, which clinic, how to juggle getting off my arthritis meds and the 3-6 month gap in between finishing them and being allowed to have a transfer... It's all a bit much to deal with at the moment, especially as I was quite comfortable with waiting until Sam is older and more self-sufficient, etc, etc. I don't really know what to think now!
Freya - how's the house of illness going? Are things improving yet?
Mako - I think that little park is a feature in the memories of all children that grew up there. I recall a very high wooden pyramid with a pole to slide down in the middle, and various other bits of playground equipment - it's a bit of a shame now that it's just the generic playground equipment you find everywhere... And yes, I was paranoid and checked the bark VERY carefully for strange objects before letting Sam run around!
Michelle your Ob sounds so lovely. I'm pleased your scan went well today and that Omar(George) was playing nicely We'll be all there holding your hand at the next scan too
Oh and I'm pleased your basket was waiting for you when you got home
Willow Thanks again for organising that
Bek Have you heard of "white noise" for helping babies sleep? I have a CD somewhere here I think that a friend gave me to try when we were having an awful time with DS sleeping but I never tried it. If you like I can post it up to you. I don't mind if you don't want it but its just a thought
BW I remember that wooden play equipment too lol and the step near the side door of the hall brings back memories of a very naughty 7 year old girl having her very 1st cigarette with her best friend at the time (yes I said 7 ) Luckily I got a good hard kick up the backside when we were caught lol. I'm lucky I can laugh about it 25 years down the track.
Bek- I'm fairly confident in saying that she wouldn't need 3 sleeps during the day at her age. I think 2 is appropriate. General 'recommendations' (and pretty much what D does) is 1-1.5 hours (although some babies might do 2 hours, lucky mums!) in the morning and again in the afternoon and then bed at about 7-7.30pm (depending on what time they wake in the afternoon). That's pretty much up until at least 12 months when they start to transition to one sleep. Can you run us through what you do at sleep time? It might help us to offer some suggestions?
Mako - You little shocker!!
Last edited by Willow; April 8th, 2010 at 03:16 PM.
Michelle - Have been thinking about you and am sooo glad the scan went well.. what an amazing OB you have. I too just can't go past calling your precious bundle OMAR until the birth (I still absolutely love it... but equally love the name George)!! And I totally get the dark sense of humour too... I think I'd be a bit the same... iykwim... so go for it hun!!
Bek - I wish I had some more suggestions for you.. if you're struggling with the bf though, maybe it might be time to try a bottle... it's a very personal decision and one you have to be totally ok with! I had so many dramas that we had to go there!
Mako - OMG... you little terror!!! 7 years old. My god. LOL.
BW - Ooohhhhh sounds exciting hun but wow, sounds like you've got a lot to go through and a lot to think about. Just make sure you're ready for it (although I don't thing you're ever really ready for it)!!!
Jayne - Any more shopping expeditions??
Well we're doing ok.. have taken a step back and trying to put eveything into perspective. Only have 5 more days until our scan.. not long really, so I need to chill a bit. Can't change anything anyway so trying to change my outlook. I think I've just been feeling so homesick and shaken by the news of Greg, that I've let everything get on top of me.. well it's not happening anymore!! I'm stronger than that and want to thank you all for that.. especially Michelle and Lee.. you're strength is inspiring.
Michelle - so glad Omar G is perfect like we all knew he would be. Your OB sounds wonderful, I want to kiss him for being there for you. You are one special lady that obviously makes an impact on everyone who comes into your world.
Bek - awww hun - I know ppl might at me, but try the bottle for her last feed - she may sleep a bit longer - I know with DD1 when she went to Formula she slept 6 hours straight. Sometimes you have to do something to save your sanity
Just a quick pop in to check on Michelle. I am so glad today's scan went well and that you have a wonderful Ob. George Gregory is a perfect, strong name and will forever be the name Mummy and Daddy chose for him. I wish I could be there to give you a big cuddle IRL but here's a cyber one instead
bek
Be back in a day or two to catch up on persies. Just difficult to get time while away.
Just checking in on Michelle aswell - so glad Omar (yeah I'm still on the Omar bandwagon for now) is looking good - all our babes are extra special, but I think little George Gregory will hold a special place in so many people's hearts. Michelle, hope you are coping with the incredible deulge and mountain of arrangements hon, it's a goddam marathon you are running. It's a big lead up to Greg's funeral, and I'm sure you want to make it perfect for him - it's after the funeral I'm going to worry even more about you - but we will all be here in whatever capacity we can be, to help hold you up
Bek - There's so many things to consider with the sleep thing. I have found Flynn is a real catnapper in the day - and he still wakes 1 or 2 times a night - admittedly he's 4 months. By Eva's age, it tends to be less about food, and more about other things, that wakes them through the night. You REALLY would be desparate for some uninterrupted sleep. If I were you (and I'm not ;-) ) I would consider letting DH a bottle feed before bed, maybe just wean her off that one feed (and he can do a few night of night-duty, while you sleep). Just a thought, it might help her ease up a bit on her night calls on you? Sleep deprivation is the PITS, and I've had a bit of it myself since having Flynn - a baby and todder can be a potent mix at night time.
Mako - I was 12 and hiding in a shed with my girlfriend/partner in crime, so a late bloomer compared to you dear girl
Kelly - good to hear your fighting spirit is returning, atta girl
Willow - thanks for being so efficient and organised.
to everyone tonight.
Yawn, yawn, nearly bed time - I had a girlfriend call in tonight with take-away curry and strawbs/ice-cream - she knew I'd got more bad sad news on the Luc front today - it was just what I needed tonight, I'm blessed with beautiful friends, including you all, so I'm truly a very rich person
Off to bed - and I'm not 'praying' to the sleep gods to be kind tonight - I'm BLEEDING WELL ORDERING THEM TO SERVE IT UP TO ALL OF US, DAMM IT !!!!!!
I'm off indoor skiing today, my poor thighs are screaming out in pain already. LOL. The sides of my thighs are actually sore to the touch from sleeping in the rock hard bed - it's so weird, I must be sleeping ultra heavy or something??
KEL _ Yes, I have started going shopping on my own in the afternoon, I can even buy stuff in the supermarket. LOL, I'm very proud of myself! Yesterday I got the kids 4 pairs of shoes & 2 more handbags for myself. I have 2 more pairs of shoes on hold at the markets as well, although we need to discuss the price further. hahahah
We are flying to Hong Kong on Sunday afternoon, I can't believe our time in Beijing is already drawing to a close.
last night we went to the most amazing restaurant. It was a tepanyaki place where you sit in front of a giant barbecue & you have your own chef, & you order from the menu & watch the chef cook it right before your eyes. I took colouring books for the kids, but they didnt' even ask for them - they were totally in awe. Claudia ate bucket loads as well, it was really great. The squid that he fried was just out of this world. At the end we had these bananas rolled in coconut, he fried them for a little bit, then put some icecream on top & lit the whole thing up - the flames were almost to the roof. Both my kids nearly fell off their chairs, but it was just brilliant.
MICHELLE _ Do you have somebody staying with you atm? Are you sleeping better now that you're in your own home? I'm sure your putting beautiful plans together for Greg's funeral - that include his humour. You amaze me woman, you really do. xx
Jayne, I spoke to Michelle yesterday and she does have family staying with her at the moment.
I'm having a little freak out at the moment, and it just seems stupid, but I'm sure the lovely women in here will understand. I think the reality of returning to IVF has hit me today... the reality that to try again could lead to another wonderful addition to the family, but that it could also open myself up to more heartbreak - another opportunity for this body of mine to fail and let me down. A fear so profound and deep that it all but took my breath away. I know that getting to the point where I'm off medication for long enough to be able to have a transfer is still a long way off - but there's also a lot of fear to overcome between now and then as well as the physical issues.
I just don't know where to go from here - and would desperately love to just sit down and snuggle my boy... and I'd have done just that recently in cuddling him to sleep for his morning nap - only he's at daycare today. It feels very odd to be at home without him.
I want to say more... but I think the best thing for my headspace is to just get up and go away from the computer - to get out so I don't feel Sam's absence so deeply, distract myself so that I don't focus on the fear so much... But I will just leave a for everyone... and the comment that I must be a massive goody-two-shoes because at the age of 35 I have never smoked a cigarette (nor anything else for that matter!) at all! Unfortunately, poking fun at myself isn't really helping all that much today.
Jayne - Sounds like you are having a wonderful time hun.
Mako - I have a lent a white noise dvd from my SIL, unfortunately nothing music wise helps. Thanks for the lovely offer mwah. How is Sage?
Bel here is a rough guide to Eva's sleep: Are you ready. It is all over the shop
Wake - 6am Feed
Breakfast and play another feed at around 8.30am
9.30/10am she usually looks tired so I offer a feed and try to put her down. At this point if she feeds she'll happily snooze on me for around 20 mins. I then transfer her and hey presto she screams and won't go back down.
So I get her up and she plays.
Around 11am I try and put her down again. This some times works and if it does she stays asleep for 1 to 2 hours.
If it doesn't work she has lunch and I offer another feed and try to put her down again. This can take up to 2 hours of boob feeding, patting, rocking, crying (me and her).
Today I didn't get her down until 2pm.
So the pattern I see is that she will have either an 11am or 1/2pm sleep. Or she will have a earlier sleep if we are in the car
Now is she has a 11am sleep she will go down earlier in the evening around 7.30/8.30pm, if she has a late sleep I won't get her to settle until 9.30/10.30pm.
With her night routine I start feeding her after dinner and bath and once the others are down at around 7/8pm. She will feed and fuss for up 2 hours. If i do get her down easily, she be awake in 20 mins guaranteed.
Ok so from there she may wake at 11pm, 1am, 3am and then 6am (or there abouts)
Last night I actually gave her a bottle after an hour of feeding and for the first time ever she took it and downed 120mls as quick as we could blink. OMG is she hungry???? Have I been starving her??? Now I am guilty for that too..grrr
As a side note: She has still got a startled relex and she just loves to roll and stand up and play trampoline in her cot. I've tried wrapping her but it is too hot here still and she hates it.
Ok if you got through all of that than you need a drink.
BW - Wow you do have a lot to think about and consider. FWIW I wouldn't go ahead until you feel that you are ready mind, body and soul hun.
Lisa - I meant to say how cute it is when the girls do booby feeding. I bet Miss A is adorable.
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) is perfectly fine. Lots of kicks and measuring well. Uterine artery resistance is a little high so we will have another scan in 4 weeks but I think that is partly to monitor me. I am more than ok with that.
Thank you.
PS I am glad to hear it arrived safely
with her best friend at the time (yes I said 7
) Luckily I got a good hard kick up the backside when we were caught lol. I'm lucky I can laugh about it 25 years down the track.
You little shocker!!
to everyone tonight.
A fear so profound and deep that it all but took my breath away. I know that getting to the point where I'm off medication for long enough to be able to have a transfer is still a long way off - but there's also a lot of fear to overcome between now and then as well as the physical issues.
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