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Ben's Routine:
8-9am Wake, Breakfast (Bottle)
10:30am Nap (usually 1-2 hours)
1pm Lunch (Vegetables) + Water (sometimes diluted juice)
2:30pm Nap (usually 2 hours)
4pm Feed (fruit or Rice pudding) + half a bottle if needed
7:30pm, Bottle
8pm Sleep.
Ben has a bath every second day (washed everyday), usually in the morning after breakfast.
I think we might move back down to 180mls of bottle. 2 weeks ago he started drinking 240mls... But He is putting on weight so fast, i dont think he needs that much, so i might try giving him the lesser amount again.
Having issues with MIL (again). She is still feeding him things that we asked her not to. When we went to Bremen, She asked to make his mashed banana just before we left. I caught her mixing a heap of Sugar into it, looking behind her to see if i was watching (which i was, and i DID catch her). I didnt say anything, and i was beating myself up about it.
I didnt let her prepare anything else that weekend, but during breakfast at the hotel she kept saying that it was mean for us to not give anything to Ben (he was watching from his high chair, with not a care in the world, he just had his bfast) so kept attempting to give him things (dh stopped her).
then yesterday we went to their house for Coffee and cake... Ben was on her lap, and she began to give him a cookie. She looked to see if i was watching, and i WAS watching.. I just shook my head at her, giving her a slight dirty look... and she put the cookie back, looking ashamed. she avoided me for the rest of the day.
I'm not upset at the food so much, im more upset at her ignoring us and never asking if its ok for her to give him things, or put a heap of sugar in his food.
On a happy note: Ben only has 2 more Physio appointments.. YAY!
Ben is still crawling around everywhere... Loves crawling from room to room.. Getting into all the "undiscovered" places. It's really fun to know that you can call him, and he will come to you. So sweet :-)
I hope you all are doing well!!
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Hello girls,
life is getting a bit more organised over here. We are trying out Gymboree at the moment with the kids. I think they really liked it and we will definitely be doing 2 classes for each of them a week.
Re. routine:
Zara wakes around 7, she then gets a bottle
around 9:30 she gets a kind of porridge with fruit
at 10 I put her down for a nap
She only sleeps for 30 mins so is usually not really hungry when she wakes.
We have lunch at 12 and she gets some bread to chew on, yoghurt and a bottle
She gets another bottle around 3
nap time around 4-5
Then at 6 we have dinner and she has veggies & rice or something like that and some water
Then it's bath time at 7
And bed time at 8. she gets a bottle in bed and falls asleep with it. This is when she drinks the most though - she finishes 210ml while during the day she often doesn't drink more than 50-80ml
Yesterday we went to Gymboree from 3:15 to 4pm and she was soooooooo knackered then and slept almost until dinner time. Sometimes she naps 3 times - depends on what is happening. If we are out with the pram or so, she might just fall asleep and have a little sneaky cat nap.
Katie - arrrrg on MIL not quitting to sneak him things / put sugar in his food. You should really print her an article or something that specifies that children under 1 year are not supposed to have sugar (or salt).... arrrrrrrrrg.
Maybe print this: http://www.strampelmax.at/stillen/beikost.htm or http://www.rabeneltern.org/ernaehrun..._beikost.shtml
and highlight the sections on not giving them sugar or honey
So annoying that she won't respect what you say..... though I know that some people of that generation are sooooooo crap with that stuff. My mom told me that one of her friends dipped the dummy in sugar and when her daughter in law complained she said "I'm the grandma, I'm allowed to do that" - WTF!
I can't believe she put sugar in his banana!!! As if a banana isn't sweet enough as it is! Is she not worried about "Karies"?? How are DH's teeth? I find that quite shocking!
Yeah on Ben crawling around so much! He sounds very advanced.
Zara started to commando crawl through the house. She uses a "two-arm" technique to get around, it's so cute. Wolf alternated his arms, so it was quite surprising to see her doing it with both at the same time.
She also cut her first tooth. Just like Nadine, I discovered it just after it had cut through... she had not had a problem cutting that first tooth - neither did Wolf.
I can't believe my baby is growing up so quickly!!
1 month until we fly to Oz! Actually, today in 1 month we'll be sitting on the plane.
Teena - sounds like Allegra is doing well and growing up fast. Looking forward to meeting both of you in person!!
Better get going - I have some work to do, company audit... arrrg...a\ ctually came to the computer to email the auditor but got sidetracked... wooops!
Snowy
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Thank you so much Snowy!! I've saved the sites, and will be telling Dh to read them. I wasnt able to find good information about what to give baby/what not to give, and they are perfect. Maybe now that Dh will have the info in German, he will take more notice to what his dear mama is doing.
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Hello everyone,
well, just wanted to drop in to say a big hello to everyone. I think Allegra is getting more teeth, she is drooling and chewing on everything again... although this time she is not cranky like she was with the first two. I must admit that Brauers Teething relief really helps her lot.
She is also talking a lot more, words like Buba, mama, dada and the odd word here and there.. its also so cute when we sing twinkle twinkle little star and she does little stars with her hands.. its so adorable.
I was thinking I need to buy some wine from this years vintage to put away for her. I remember when I got married my godmother had DH and I over for dinner and we enjoyed 1977 vintage wines... and it was yummmmmmm I suppose I will have to wait a few years for the good stuff to come out. Although for her birth our cousin bought her a bottle of Cristal! I almost died when he bought it around.
Anyone else doing something special for remember the year of bubs birth? Also any ideas for pressies for bubs first Christmas and Birthday's? I was leaning towards shares because she had so many toys and clothes and I know she will get lots from friends and family. Intreasted to hear yours ideas.
Have a great day
T and A xx
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Hi there girls!
Katie - glad I could help!
Teena - I think shares or money in a savings account is a good idea. It's not like they care anyway - they are babies - and with the number of toys they have and they will get... at least that's something lasting (well.. at least til she is 18, ha ha). We did not have many toys for Wolf up until his first birthday and then 1 month later it was Christmas and in those 2 months he got SO MUCH STUFF! Now we look like a toy shop... and the older they get, the more stuff you seem to buy / get...
We bought Wolf a little farm from the Early Learning Centre with sheep and cows and a farmer and a tractor. He loved it and he is still playing with it. DH wants to get Zara the fairy castle or the vet from the same series ("Happyland"). From my parents he got a "Bobbycar" which is a little ride on car (very popular in Germany - Katie: you will probably get one ... they are actually really cool) and from the ILs he got a Wheeliebug (Aussie designed ride on toy - very cute too)
On Wolf's first Christmas he was 1 month old and we didn't give him anything... well.. I thought it was a bit pointless... I kept on joking about tying a bow around my boob for Christmas morning ;)
Zara... well, she'll be 10 months so there are more options but I think it will just be clothes - we have enough toys from Wolf and I am sure she will get heaps of toys from the ILs when we are in Oz.
Well... life here in Switzerland is great. We have been enjoying the mountains and everything... went to Milan on the weekend (yes, Teena, did some shopping :D) and for dinner we went to Nobu Armani and would you believe it: Giorgio Armani was in the bar of Nobu!! So cool. We were definitely the only people with kids there... but both were so well behaved. wolf ate a bunch of rice and edamame and even tried one of my salmon rolls - what a good boy. Zara was also sucking on the edamame but slept for a huge chunk of it. It's so nice to have 2 such well behaved kids you can take to a fancy restaurant to.
We drove back via Lake Como and Lake Lugano and it was soooooooooo beautiful! It's so cool that Italy is just 200km away. We will definitely do this more often!
I have signed up the kids to Gymboree, Wolf for Art & Play and Zara for Music & Play. Hoping to meet some moms that way (and preferably some that aren't 40+... they are all so old here!!! I feel like a teenage mom having 2 kids by 31... how sad is that? )
Today in 4 weeks we will be in Oz! (and tomorrow in 4 weeks my little boy will be 2 years old!!)
Hugs
Snowy
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Hello girls!
Geee, we have slipped to Page 2 - so here's a post from me to *PUSH* us back up to page 1.
All well here. Our nanny is unfortunately leaving. She wants to return to London. So I'll be on my own with the 2. Might have to put Zara into Daycare for 2-3 days a week and Wolf into Kindergarten, so I can work a bit. But am sure I'll survive actually... Wolf is quite sensible by now and he plays so much on his own now.
Zara is such a darling. She bum shuffles around the house now and is just such a delight. I made a little video of her doing her "wounded deer shuffle" (she drags her legs with her as if she can't move them - really weird). Here's a little video:
http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j9...t=MOV05621.flv
I hope you can see it - it's a bit dark... I will have to film it again in better light.
We are going to Oz in less than 3 weeks now!!! So exciting!! Are having some hassle with our tenants and we'll have to go to Tribunal to get some money out of them for ruining our floor boards (resanding will cost 2.5K and they are refusing to pay a penny even though we had a special clause in the rental contract re. the floors*sigh*) but other than that really looking fwd. to Oz.
I am sure the in-laws will be psyched that our nanny is not coming to Oz now... we'll see how much they'll chip in....
Hope everyone is well
Oh - also got some exciting news from my former bridesmaid: she has a new job in Manly, so will get to meet her for lunch every day!! SO cool!!
Snowy
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Snowy - so wonderful that you will be here soon - and basking in the endless Manly sunshine.
Bummer about the Nanny. You could always get one when you are here, even if its for a few days a week so you can get out and enjoy yourself with your girlfriend (not that you cant with kids but you know what I mean)
I'm in the office today working. So many clients wanted me to come back that I have for a day and its really fun. Its nice that Allegra gets to be with her grandmothers.
By the way, I'm doing research for a childrens book for a client. If you were to buy a 'parenting' book what kind of stuff would you like to see in it?
Thanks gorgeous ones!
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snowy - SOOOOOOO CUTE! Thank you for sharing that with us! I will have to look into uploading videos of Ben.. Might be good for the family back home. I envy you, I wish i could go back home, but i have to wait until next year, we really cant afford it just now, especially with Christmas a few weeks away. huge bummer about the floors:( , i hope it all turns out ok for you!
Went to toys-R-Us last night. they have a sale on, buy 3, pay for 2 for certain brands (fisher price, Chicco)... So we got some great stuff for ben. In-laws asked what to get Ben, so i said a bobby car would be ok, they gave me the money to get it for them last night, I'm happy, we found a fantastic one that he can use from now (well, christmas anyway). also got a few other things, and BIL bought Ben a high chair, which was nice of him. We had one, but i hated it, it was given to us, but is very old and horrible and i refused to sit ben in it. ANYWAY, i had fun playing with all the toys.
Teena - i will think about that book question, i have quite a few parenting books (well, baby books), which all come in handy. Do you mean a parenting book for younger babies, or older children/teenagers?
Ben is still gong well. He is growing soooo fast! im still trying to get him to say "mama", but he loves making "p" and "ffff" sounds, and i havent heard him make the "mmm" sounds yet. what sounds are your babies making, do they have a favourite sound that they make?
ben still isnt sitting up properly by himself. which, to me, is strange. He crawls (well, commando mostley), but doesnt seem to be interested in sitting. the physio said not to worry about it, or force him to sit, he will do it himself when he is ready. hmmm.
Take care everyone :)
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Teena - that must be nice to have your clients wanting your back. And I find it nice to have a break from just being a mom. I really enjoy doing some work for our business. re. the baby book... well, for me the perfect parenting book is "Baby Love" - it's really good. It has the medical stuff covered, it goes through developmental phases etc. it presents the options rather than preach one way and is never condescending.
Katie - maybe Ben's stomach muscles are just not strong enough yet. Zara sat really early but I think it's because she is so thin - less weight to hold up with your stomach muscles ;). Yes, it's a great way of sharing stuff with the family in Oz... if you email it, it's always so huge and takes ages to download sometimes. Hosting it on a website is really easy and so much easier to just email a link rather than attaching it as the movies often turn out to be quite a few megabite.
Well, what's to report. Not much - still one tooth only, still bum shuffling... she is getting cuter by the day I reckon... but then again I am biased :)
Snowy
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YOU CHEEKY WOMAN! happy birthday for the 2nd snowy. There is a post in "messages for other members" or whatever its called.. "happy birthday Snowgirl" maybe you havent seen it? should have said it was ur birthday!
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Hi guys, sorry it's been AGES since I have been in - been so busy sorry!
Bonnie is goign good -she's trying desperately to crawl, but loves to stand and 'walk' while you hold her hands. She says da-da, na-na and lots of weird sounds. She has been on solids since 6 months, never been a fan, until the other day when I tried tinned stuff! I should have tried earlier!
It is such a gorgeous age, she's so giggly and loves to play with all of her toys which is lovely.
She's still not doing great with her sleep over night, wakes a fair bit, and usually feeds once. Who knows what else to try!? At least her day sleeps are good.
She now weighs 8.4kg and is about 70cm long.
Sorry this is so short, the dishes are calling me!!
xx
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Hey Apple, its really nice to hear from you! They are at a gorgeous age arent they? I remember strangers telling me when Ben was a tiny tiny baby "this is the best age, isnt it?"... Now i think i might be almost bored with the next baby "hurry up and grow so we can play!". i'm not too sure what you can try with Bonnies sleeping, It just kinda just happened with Ben. Maybe a bath and massage before bed? What time does she go down normally? I give Ben a massage with baby oil after his bath, and then he goes down to sleep in the afternoon for hours.
Dh and I were looking for a baby seat, next stage up. we ended up going to the baby shop last night to have a look. We chose one, but When we went to pay for it, they wouldnt accept our card and were quite rude about it (they only just opened, and were very busy), so we left smiling, knowing that they just lost a customer.. So we looked online for a while and found the exact same one for only €130 ($214), not €170 ($280). So we saved a heap of money. We bought a Maxi-Cosi XP Priori. I don't know if you get them in Oz... Snowy, you will know what it is. Ben looked so proud to be sitting in a big seat! Will be sad to put away the seat he has now though.:( .. I get so attatched to all of Bens things.
Today we are off to a christening (the baby i was looking after). I'm the Godmother. Not too happy about it though, i was kind of forced into it... But that's a different story.
I hope this post finds you all well.
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Apple - i think warm bath with lavender or camomile (sorry bout spelling) before a warm bottle then bed seems to work well. how do you bath bonnie? have you tried filling the large bath with just a couple of inches of water and then let her ly in it. i found with both zara and aiden they loved the freedom and went nuts which completely wore them out. also do you have a cd player in her room? try a relaxing cd playing quietly all night so if she wakes she might just ly their and listen and drop off herself. also cot toys are great...zara use to wake at around 4am have a quick play and them back to sleep. i never got up to her. i hope this helps a little.
kaydee - congrats on the new seat ben must be so proud of himself...its soooo sad how quick they grow!
happy birthday snowy! cute video!
take care narelle
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Happy Birthday Snowy!!! You sly ole girl.. you should have mentioned it was your big day!
Hope the day was filled with lots of pressies and cuddles and kisses.
Apple - good to hear from you. Bonnie sure is a gorgeous bub! Such a pretty little thing. Sleep, hmmm I dont know. I have just let Allegra cry in the past and it did work for us and we were happy to let her cry. Not sure if you would do it or have tried it in the past but it did have its use with us.
Quick hello to Narelle too and Nadine if she is about :)
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Happy (belated) Birthday Snowy :D
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Hello girls,
first of all: thanks for the wishes, but it wasn't my birthday. I don't know what happend - maybe something went wrong when they migrated the forum... my birthday is in June (and thank god that's 7.5 months away ... not too keen for my next birthday.. I'd like to stay this age...)
Katie - yes, we have the Priori for Wolf but I think we might get the Tobi for Zara (latest one from Maxi Cosi). For Australia we just bought the Hipod Madrid. They screwed up at Target and gave FIL a 40% discount (apparently buying 2 car seats at 20% discount added up to 40% on both, lol). He just took it... :D So that was a bargain!
Emma - good to hear from you again. Our group is so quiet - but that's quite fine by me since I don't go online that much either.
Did I mention our nanny is leaving? She wants to go back to London. We are very sad but hey... what can you do. Didn't want to keep her here unhappy. (she would have stayed and wouldn't have said anything but I just could tell she wasn't happy, especially after she went on a weekened trip to London, so I addressed it and she admitted to being homesick for London). So we had to cancel the Oz ticket for her. the ILs will be happy now that she's not coming... let's see how much they will chip in...
We are going to Gymboree twice a week with each kid, and Wolf will go to pre-school from 1 February. We have spend the last few days checking out schools/kindergartens and we found one that takes kids from 2 that is "okay" and a school (3-13 years of age) that we LOVE that he will go to afterwards. I think he will love it. The school is so lovely and bright and friendly and the teachers are all so friendly ... I am so happy. So that will make things easier with Wolf being at pre-school in the mornings. Now I just need to fill the afternoons with activities and we're set.
We've got some lovely neighbours here with kids between 0 (2 actually due in the next 5 weeks) and 3. All expats and so very open and keen to meet others. Very nice. I think it was a great move to come here. I have met more people herei n 5 weeks than in 13 months in London.
Not long now until we go to Oz! Woohoo!!
Snowy
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PS
I have linked the photobucket now to my profile as homepage, so you can check out more photos - recent ones from our trip up the Titlis mountain and to Milan and all the videos of Zara bum shuffling :)
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oh Snowy, I was drooling at the Tobi, but it was too expensive for us... So we settled for the Priori. lol at the 40% mix up too.
At the moment im packing up the house for the "big" move (its only a few blocks away, haha). We dont have much stuff, as i tend to avoid spending money on household things, HOPING we will be moving back home soon. We are moving around the 25th November. Im stressing out Dh will be too busy to organize all the important things that i can't do myself..
Ben is fantastic, his favourite sound SOUNDS like dada.. and he shakes his head in a "no" motion alot, just playing with us. The other day the cashier (spelling?) at the supermarket commented on what a good looking baby i have, that was really nice. Then the old man behind me started going on about the stories where you hear babies being killed by their parents (omg, you have no idea how much i hear about that). I mean, yes, of course it's sad, but what a horrid way to change the mood of the conversation.
Gotta go keep packing.
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Time for a new thread
Love
