Babies Born August 1st ~ 15th 2009

[~Trish~]

Trish and I are old pros - our 2 year old boys both did this for weeks and weeks when they were little!

Oh man, those were the days! I wonder if we'll be reliving old times soon LOL!

Yep, just ask Willow or myself about babies sleep cycles, we are absolute pros now .

[Willow]

I wonder if we'll be reliving old times soon LOL!

Oh man I SERIOUSLY hope not!!!

Isn't it funny though how we can look back on it now and almost be nostalgic about it??!! Our little boys have grown up

[salboo]

Just popping in to say Hi, whilet I'm feeding Max.

Saffi- I think I'll definitely be investing in a bumbo seat, they sound great!

I'm very pleased to say also that last night Max slept from 8pm until 5am, had a feed and slept till 8am, YAY!!!! Looking forward to beginning to feel "normal" again!

Gotta run and pick up DS1 from kindy,

[misty]

Hi everyone,
I have been MIA for a while, visiting DH's family and his father in Singleton. So glad to be home. To be honest, I didn't even really want to go, but it isn't like I can say 'no we cann't go and see your dying father'.

How have you all been going?

Baz is growing up so fast. He is sooo interactive now. He loves playing games (ie, peekaboo) and is a very hapy little boy. Although he is definitely not a fan of the car anymore after being stuck in it so much.

DH is disappearing with the army reserves this weekend, so I will be stuck at home alone with the kids. yay. NOT! I thik I need to get myself a life. Something that doesnot involve having a child around. I ALWAYS have kids with me. Even when I go to Weight watchers I have to take Baz with me, because DH doesn't think he can look after all three on his own at that time of night. hhmmm... I might change that. I have weigh in tonight. Maybe I'll just leave Baz here. If DH complains I can always point out that I have all three ALL the time - and that this weekend he is dissapearing for 72hrs, and somehow I am supposed to manage that. Surely he can manage one hour (granted it is dinner and bedtime hour) without me. Ok I've talked myself into it, now I just have to not let him guilt me out of it. i feel like I do everything for everyone else and not myself.

well this post turned into a little winge, didn't it.

I gotta go and change a smelly bum.

[MeganH]

Misty I do know how you feel with having all Three all the time. Im the one who has to get them up in the morning. Im the one who deals with all the tantrums and is constantly tidying up after them. I am the one who has to take them with me all the time. I often even make an effort when DH is home to take them all out to give him a rest. But what about me? I cant go out for much more than a couple hours without Emily coz I am BFing.

When DH gets home from work I always give him time to have a **** shower and a shave before I ask him to do anything. But its funny how he wont come inside when he gets home. He finds things to do outside and wont even say hello when he gets home just in case I pass Emily over to him to get tea cooked or something.

I admit I do go to the gym and put the kids in the creche for a bout an hour 4 days a week, but I still have to get them ready get there and deal with all the crap. When do I get my time, when do I get to go out for a while or get left home while he takes the kids out.

I could go on and on.

Sorry this was supposed to be in sympathy for you Misty but Ive ended up having a big whinge of my own. LOL!

Will come back later when Im feeling more positive.

[nicjay]

Have been MIA for a while with school holidays and a DD1 with gastro last week, but just wanted to say everyone. We are doing well, still feeding 2 or 3 times a night but I don't mind really. At least I can catch a nap during the day most days

Hugs misty and Megan - its hard having a DH that doesn't pull his weight I guess Mine is not too bad fortunately.

tk - We are the same, I just go with the flow too To each their own I say!

Saffi and salboo - You lucky things getting that much sleep!!

[Willow]

Double post

[Willow]

Man, I think we're having a growth spurt...or at least I hope so. Little man is not sleeping as well as he usually does and feeding more frequently. Could also be the heat, it's been 35 here the last two days.

Tried the dream feed and decided to ditch it. Didn't make any difference to his waking overnight and in fact the second and third night he woke more often

Has taken ages to settle him tonight which is unusual.

Also - he has teeth coming through???!!! I noticed little white spots on his bottom gum when he was born but didn't think too much of it. But in the last few weeks they've become much more noticeable. This week everyone is commenting on them so I'm not seeing things. Might be weeks and weeks before they actually pop but they're definitely there

[Saffi]

Misty and Heather - its crap that your DHs don't help out more. I can sort of understand how they may not be confident taking care of a newborn.
Willow - teeth already? I think L was about 4 months when his first teeth came through. Not looking forward to those gunky nappies.
Megs - yeah, but she doesn't sleep long during the day. She's been waking at 5am so my days are pretty long.

Anyway, going to feed the little miss and get her to bed and myself.

Night all.

[misty]

I better put in here that my DH more then pulls his weight in regards to housework (he does 90% of the housework) and childrearing. He is the one who gets up at 5am every morning when my two older kids wake up. And he takes Baz when he has had a feed and lets me sleep in.

The problem is that my life revolves in every aspect around my children. I am a SAHM, every waking moment is spent with my kids. DH is fabulous, but he gets away from it with work and with army reserves (his downtime activity). I don't have anything for myself (well now I have WW) because I am breastfeeding - it makes it much harder logistically. Plus DH works every weekday until 6pm, travels away for work overnight or for a couple of days and is away with reserves one weekend a month - which means I have NO choice but to look after the kids at these times. And then I am restricted from doing things on my own (to an extent) when DH is home to look after the kids because I do not have a liscence, so me going anywhere requires EVERYONE going (I plan on remedying this next year by getting my liscence). With 3 kids under 4 and one of them breastfeeding, two in nappies, it can be hard work for one person if they are having a ratty day (when they are having a good day it can be a peice of cake). The truth is it is only a temporary situation, but it is so easy to loose myself and my 'me' time, because it is easier to do things this way and not make time for myself. So really it is my fault. I have even given up my gym membership temporarily, because even though I would get an hour to myself when the kids are in the creche, it takes a mamoth effort to get them all prepared and to the gym on time (working around DH's work sechedule - and provided there are available spots in the creche at that particular time for all three kids). Often the effort of doing things like that is more stressful then it is worth.

But now that I have said all that, DH did take all three kids tonight and it was nice to have an hour to myself, doing something 'un-family related'. That is something that is going to stay. Also as I said, I am working on getting my car liscence next year (which will make things alot easier) and I plan on stealing my mums riding boots and then hopefully getting my own for christmas, so I can start riding my motorbike again ( I haven't riden since I was 5months pg with DD and I really miss doing this). I will also be going back to work next may, which is only 4-6hrs a week - but which has been that one outlet that has kept me sane for the last few years since having kids.

wow - sorry that turned into an essay I just wanted you all to know that it is really circumstances (mostly caused by my personal choices) that have led to this - But I still retain the right to winge about my lack of freedom, because that is the only freedom I have left

[Willow]

Misty - I completely, totally understand where you're coming from. I have 3 under 5 so a bit older but still it's pretty much the same here, my youngest are both under 2 so I have two in nappies, am breastfeeding 2 etc.

I have made much more of an effort this time to get out on my own and do the things I enjoy. I made that mistake with DS1 who was not a very settled newborn and had a few sleeping issues. I let it really restrict my life and now that I've experienced that, I know that it's all just a temporary state and to make sure I have a bit of 'myself' through it all.

DH is great and encourages me to go out on my own but there are often stretches when that's just not possible because I have to work around him. I haven't had any 'me' time without the kids for 3 weeks now because DH has had stuff on or we've had family commitments. I am really looking forward to tomorrow because I am going to express so I can miss a feed and am heading out shopping on my own (and might even manage a pedicure ) It's so, so important to do these things.

We are also going away for the weekend in a few weeks - we're renting a house on Lake Macquarie and spending 2 nights. I NEVER would have done that when DS1 was a baby because like you said the stress of it all didn't seem worth it. But now I've changed my attitude and I think that no matter what happens, we'll survive it and you never know - we just might end up having a fantastic weekend. You don't know until you try

Anyway, I'm not trying to lecture you, just saying that I really understand

[Saffi]

Misty - I misinterpreted your post. Sorry. But you're right, it is a temporary thing. Kind of like doing it tough now to reap the benefits later.

[nicjay]

misty - Sorry I did too Your situation is not too different to mine really, I have a DH that travels for work fairly often and also works till 6pm most nights too. I'm breastfeeding as well and when E is distressed she just screams louder if she is with DH So in that case even if he is around there is not much he can do to help. I know how you feel about the me time - I'm dying to have a hair colour and/or facial, not much really but it is just so hard to fit it in now! Anyway, I'm glad you got a bit of time to yourself last night I just keep telling myself that it is not forever, before I know it she will be a "big girl" like her big sister is.

Saffi - Yeah, I hadn't though of it that way, 5am is not good either when they don't sleep much during the day At least I can sometimes get a sleep in till 8am if E goes back to sleep after her 6 or 7 am feed. I have to say I would not cope well with 5am starts at all, I'm so not a morning person!

Geez I had a shocker posting yesterday didn't I? Sorry ladies

[koru]

Hiya all,
I wrote a great big long post earlier this week then it disappaered when I hit 'submit'! Then Orla and I were struck down with a cold so I haven't had a chance to get back on the net til now.
Hats off to you ladies with 3 littlies all at home - I find it hard enough to get 'me time' with one! My mother's group started this week I was feeling pretty inadequate - seems everyone else is going to the gym, eating out 'sans bebe', and has their kids 'sleeping thru'
Actually it was probably only a couple of people doing one of those things each but y'know!
I was going to go to yoga last sunday but Orla's cold made her very chucky that morning (all the gunk in her throat poor pet).
I had written a big long explanation as to why I am going to get her the 6-in-1 vaccination next week but basically i want to cover her for whooping cough and it's the only way I can do it. So much for delaying til 6 months..... I feel a bit of a hypocrite but if it weren't for this WC outbreak I would have waited....
What's a Bumbo? We had to return the loaned swing so now I'm hanging out for Orla to be big enough for a Jolly Jumper cos she's reliant on me to move her again
Oh and welcome Trish! Yeah I was having trouble posting in two threads so went back to my original thread - maybe we should invite the other August gals to 'play' in here?

[~Trish~]

Hi everyone,

Salboo - Wow, what a great sleep Max had the other night, I hope he is keeping it up! I second getting a Bumbo, I borrowed one for DS2 and he LOVED it! I bought a second hand one recently for DD, it will be great when she's old enough to sit in it.

Misty - I hear you on having no "me" time. I have absolutely nothing for me atm. DH gets to go out and he plays tennis once a week, I have no problem with him doing that, but I wish I had that freedom sometimes! I think it really hits you when you have bub #3? It won't be like this forever though, that's what I keep reminding myself . That's great that you're going for your licence next year, you won't know yourself

Megan - Just some sympathy from a fellow mum of three LOL!

Willow - Ugh at the extra night wakings, hopefully it's just a growth spurt and it ends quickly. I found the same thing happened when I first tried Alana with the dream feeds, she'd wake up more often too. I stopped doing them, then tried again a week or so later and it started working better. I have no idea why that happened! Wow, I can't believe D is getting teeth already . I guess it's better to get them out of the way as quick as possible!

Saffi - 5am is a bit rough you poor thing . It definitely makes for a long day. I hope you are able to get some rest throughout the day.

Koru - Great idea about inviting the other August mums over to this thread, I'll have to post in there later. PLEASE don't compare yourself or your baby with the others in your mother's group! All is not as it seems, I'm sure! It can seem like everyone else has it all "perfect", but if you chat to them all individually you'll see it's not that way at all. I bet they all feel the same way that you do . A Bumbo is a kind of rubbery type seat that your baby can sit in on the floor, it's a deep seat so they can't really fall out of it and it's handy to carry around the house or to people's homes etc. Google them and you'll see what they look like.

AFU - All is going pretty well. Alana is still feeding once overnight and usually gets up for the day at around 7:45am which works out well because I can have the boys up and fed before she gets up. She was having problems going to sleep today (i.e - refusing to sleep) and I was pulling my hair out. Then for her last nap I put on this Fisher Price thing that has a light projector that projects pictures on the ceiling and plays nature sounds and she went quiet straight away, then she fell asleep. Woohoo! I hope it works again for the next nap LOL!

She's really getting into the toy arch that we have. She bats at the toys and smiles and talks to them, it's so sweet. She is trying to laugh now too, not quite there yet, but she's working on it! She is growing so quickly, I feel kinda sad that she's not a newborn any more, but I also love watching her change. I look forward to seeing what she looks like at 12 months old.

Hope you are all having a great day!

[Saffi]

Morning all!

Things going well here atm. After a couple of 4am wake-ups this morning Immi decided to wake just before 5am which is A LOT better. I actually tried side lying when feeding her which I have never done before as my back is still giving me a lot of trouble. Was worried that I would fall asleep and roll on her but didn't.

Immi has been doing her big sleep in the morning. I really should go back to bed myself but not tired and need to get stuff around the house done. The washing pile is scary as it is.

koru - 6 in 1 vax? Immi still hasn't had her 2month shots as the GP wanted her to get over her cough. Well that was three weeks ago and she still has it. We're off to the GP tomorrow for her shots or a script for some anti-biotics if he still won't vaccinate her.
I second what Trish has said about comparing. I guess its human nature to always look to what others are doing, compare and then to judge and question yourself. Being a first time mum is tough as you don't have that "been there and done that all before" experience to fall back on.

Nothing much happening. Its DS's 2nd birthday tomorrow. We are having a party on Thursday which have been preparing for. It is kinda sad that my little boy is no longer a baby. But I guess in other ways he always will be.

[MeganH]

Hi all,

Just a little woohoo from me quickly. Emily has slept through the WHOLE night three nights in a row. I cant believe it! I mean, I wasnt fussed about getting up once or twice during the night but if she wants to sleep through Im more than happy not to get up at all LOL! The only thing in my boobs are hard as rocks and very sore in the morning and my manual breast pump has buggered up in the last couple days too. So I reckon Im gunna fork out an get an electric one. After she has her first feed in the morning I will express whatever is left over and freeze it. It would be nice to get a decent stock up of frozen breast milk.

[misty]

Megan - wow on the sleeping through! that is great!
Saffi - I hope Immi is feeling better.

I am in singleton living in a hotel for the next couple of weeks as my FIL passed away on sunday.