Babies Born February 2007 #6

[KymH]

Long time no chat.... Hi all!

I have just spent 15 min catching up on everyone's goings on and luckily have very little sage advice to impart, 'cos I'm sure I'd forget who said what on what day!!!

So I'll just give an update on us if thats OK, if a little self-indulgent!

Actually, we have several bits of massive news....

1.(the most exciting for DH and I).... Monkey has learnt to go to sleep in her cot!

I should clarify that its with us sitting beside her with 1 hand in with her (on chest, holding hand, chewing on my finger etc....!). Until now, we had been rocking/walking/bouncing on ball/feeding etc.... her to sleep; sometimes a very long and tiring process. But she just kind of let us know she was getting too big and uncomfortable in our arms and so we tried it in the cot and it worked!!! I don't care that we can't yet leave before she's asleep or any of that stuff, it's just huge that getting her to sleep isn't so physically draining on us! And there has been no crying - a must for us - if she does lose it on occasion we just pick her up and do the old stuff again, but generally she's getting herself to sleep in 10-20 min - YAY.

2. Talking has commenced! Lots of ba-ba, bla-bla, a few other sounds that are heading toward ma-ma and da-da. And it goes on ALL day!! I just love it and am totally not sick of it! She's even starting to modify baba to by-by and using it in context with a wave when she hears us say bye on the phone or to each other etc....!

3. Not crawling, but getting way more active and closer to crawling every day. We are going to have to baby-proof soon! and keep saying every night that we should really put her cot to the lower level now... better get to it, we are such lazy parents sometimes!

Monkey's menu is continuing to expand and you'll all be glad to hear that my obsession with what she should and shouldn't have is subsiding!! She had some kiwifruit today and loved it. Though she hasn't been as keen on the salmon I've tried a couple of times.

For those asking about b'fast options - we do weetbix with fruit and water. I blend up heaps of w/bix in the processor in advance and just keep them in tupperware, saves me crushing up each day, then I choose either apple/pear/banana/blueberries/prunes etc.. to mix in. I was giving her Bellamy's baby porridge which she loved, but couldn't find it anywhere for several days so just made the switch and she loves it.

She still eats very variable amounts, but then this is the story for every meal. She can do anywhere from 3 mouthfuls up to about a 1/4 cup of food in a sitting. I'm not that bothered; she's drinking more water now its a bit hotter and is still very much a boobie girl. We still average 5 feeds per day - a good day is 4 in the day and 1 overnight, but of course this is highly negotiable with the boss (ie. not me)!!!

In other news, my Saturday job is going well; DH is still bringing her to me for a morning feed then we are making do and holding out for the afternoon feed. They are having a great time together and most weeks are going swimming in the afternoons. Plus, I just got a new job to start next Jan - 2x 5hr days, 10 min from home - absolutely perfect!! Am very excited about it, plus will also be working with one of my best friends, extra bonus!

I hope this hasn't been too long and arduous...... and just quickly.....

Lisa, glad that you are starting to feel a little "better" (I know that's not really the right word.....)

Jayne, I am thinking of you.... can't imagine how hard life must be.... you always sound like an amazingly strong person in your posts.... just keep getting through each day like you are and I hope those days get easier.....

Tashie and Catherine, I live in Ryde too...... and am a big slacko..... need to organise to catch up with Catherine soon..... you should join us. Maybe next week... I am terribly IT challenged and can't even remember how we got each others numbers, as I'm not too keen to pop it up here; she'll remember!

Oh and absolutely my last thing.... Monkey still has NO teeth! Are we the only ones.....??????

[smylie]

jemima and quinn are just freak children with their gazillion teeth..... i hate it coz i never know if there is actually something wrong with jemima or if she has MORE teeth coming
if i get one more screaming ear pulling fit i am going to the doc to make sure it is not an ear infection poor love, i hate that real true pain scream

i have half a kitchen, a very nice kitchen bench and some cupboards without doors. my hubby (the mechanic) did the sink and mixer tap and moved all the plumbing so i am very very proud of him, it is all closer to finally being finished so can pretend i am a housewife and mother for real and make some food for my baby and my husband!

yippee for cot sleeping monkey, you guys must be exhausted of 8 months of getting baby to sleep on you.... but now i think about it we do the same thing! but jem just needs a cuddle and she sucks her fingers and she is out.... not a long process so i guess that is why i havent bothered trying her to sleep without us.... she did at my friends place today though in my friends bub 2 be's cot but i just find it easier to wait til she is basically asleep in my arms and put her in the cot.....

[Ca Plane Pour Moi]

Hi girls!

I have sleep woes so won't talk sleep - Liebs eats protein for dinner he won't sleep, I have a bite of chocolate he won't sleep... enough!

I love hearing how clever all our babies are. I'm so proud of all of them! Liebs told me "A-ah, I've a cute bum!" in the bath Sat night... well, it sounded like that. And he does have a cute bum! Still hairy... are any other babies still carrying a bit of the fur from birth?

We're on a new page so I forget what to say, but I do cheer every time I hear a new achievement, it's so exciting! Give all the clever little loves a hug from me and tell them they're super-special.

[Impatient]

Hi girls. This is a really really really quick one because we have to leave for swimming soon and I'm having a selfish "all about me" moment! ARGH!

Firstly, and very exciting, Bella can get herself sitting up from being on her tummy now! She started doing it a few days ago, and is soooo proud of herself when she does it! If she wants something, she'll roll to it (like a barrell roll!), she tucks her legs under, then sort of pushes herself up sideways or sort of on an angle. VERY cute! Oh, and we can now see her new tooth rather than just having to feel it now too!

Not sure if I have posted on here since it happened, but last Wed I put my back out at the gym. I was in absolute AGONY and could hardly move! Anyway, I'm almost back to normal and am going back Thursday for one more back-fixing session and after that I should be fine. Let's hope so! DH had to stay home from work on Thursday because I couldn't lift Bella. To make matters worse, I've got some bug thing. I was up at midnight last night throwing up, and even better, I had it coming out both ends (not at the same time, thank god!). It's just been GREAT!!!

Better go - Bri is ready for school! Have a great day!

[~Jayne~]

MICHELLE _ OMG you poor sausage, are you ok now? Was it something that you ate that made you ill? I hope you're ok now. Luckily you're back is on the mend, imagine trying to bend over & puke while you're back was out. LOL, sorry. Did you go to a chiro to help with your back? You're a good girl even going to the gym (mental note to self - must get on treadmill tonight). What a clever girl Bella is! I love the barrel rolling. That's hysterical. I love babies doing that!

SMYLIE _ I'm the queen of ear infections at the moment (with 7 up my belt with Claudia) so ....... does Jemima tilt her head to one side or bang her ear while she is crying? Does she have some white discharge out her ear? Does she have a temp? They are the 3 things I look for with Claudy with a ear infection, I soooo hope she doesn't have one, but please get it checked because with little ones sometimes it goes 'too' far before we realise what's up & then it's harder to get rid of it. WTG on the kitchen, what a clever man you have! When you are making all your gourmet recipes can you send some my way???

KYM _ Awww, shucks, I just do what I can. YES it's been hard but would I change them for the world? NOPE! Absolutely not. I try & be very upbeat & happy & positive in my posts because a lot of the time I need to feel that for myself or else I'd be a wreck I think. There is light at the end of the tunnel, the antibiotics are working & both girls have been happier than they've been in weeks the last 2 days, I'm getting Claudia to sleep longer both day & night & I feel as though I'm on top of things in the house. WOW, you have a clever chicken progressing with the words & how adorable with the 'bye bye'. Awesome with Monkey & the cot, that's a great improvement & YAY for you & the working! I bet it's a nice feeling to be out in the working world. How awesome is your man for bringing Monkey in to be fed & taking her for a swim! Too cute!

MUMMYYCATE _ don't you wish they came with a fuel gauge that you can easily check to see if they need a top up or they're just being difficult!!! Glad to hear that El eventually went down for you.

TASHIE _ How are you honey? Thanks for the book, I have read it, Claudia is not big on the patting during the day, but it helps during the night, I do have to get her up & give her a huggle though & then put her back & pat her to sleep the rest of the way, I'm sure she'll get there. The last two nights have improved so much already.

ME/US _ Well DH Is coming home Thursday now but I have to say, I"m kinda pipped because I had plans on Thursday. LOL. I know it sounds selfish, but I've enjoyed the time with the girls on my own, I feel as though I'm more in control because I don't have anybody questioning me with what I'm doing with the girls, just little things like if Claudia is getting fussy & I say to Alan that she's getting tired he will say 'are you sure, she just woke up not long ago' so then I'll think 'hmmm is she really tired or is it something else' I know that's a stupid scenario but the girls have been happier the last 48 hours than they have in weeks. They are both getting better day by day, although they both cough all night long but they are bright, happy & cheery during the day. I stopped feeding Claudia overnight two nights ago, the first night it took me 90 minutes to get her back down & last night only 20 minutes. She has a habit of waking up at 1am on the dot, both times she has gone back to sleep until 6:30 & she is up for an hour feeding & just lying with me & then she's going back to bed at 7:30 until 9am. It's pure bliss. They are both going to bed late atm - 9pm so that Alan can talk to them on skype. But the sleep ins are bliss! But anyway, Alan is home Thursday so yes, that's exciting & all that, but I had prepared myself to not see him until mid-Nov. I just can't wait to see Jess' face when she sees him. She keeps on telling me she's going to run & jump & daddy will pick me up & twirl me around like a princess. Too cute!

Well I'm off to bed! Night nights.

Love Jayne

[ChristieN]

Jayne - I don't know if I am overly emotional at the moment but when I read that your man is coming back so much earlier I got all teary LOL and then I read your post today and it cracked me up hehehe I know what you mean about doubting your lil decisions with the kids when there's someone else around. I do that all the time too.

Michelle - it sounds like you're falling apart at the moment. When it rains it pours hey!! I hope you're feeling better.

Ryn - you asked about fur. Well my DS doesn't have too much ... never did, but my DD, now 2.5 was born hairy and still has some dark hair. Its not heavily matted or anything :P (other people probably wouldn't notice) but there are some fine dark hairs on her upper back and she definately needs some eyebrow pluckage LOL

Sleep update- All but DH came down with a cold and DS is no longer sleeping through the night He's suffering severe sniffles and has a cough at the same time as teething, poor thing. He's not a happy chappy. I tried adding the phone book under his mattress last night (thanks for the idea Tashie) but what did I find when I went back in to check on him? He was all curled up down the bottom of the bed. He wriggles about so much I never find him in the same spot so I don't know why I thought that would work but it was worth a shot. I think sometimes its good for your own sanity to know that you're doing all you can...

Whilst on the wriggling subject, does anyone use blankets with their lil ones? I just dress DS up in warmer clothes because I know he'll wriggle out from anything I put over him.

Happy Hump Day
~Chris

[Kirsten]

Hi everyone,
Has been ages since I've posted but I've been keeping up to date.
We have a house of exhaustion over here, DP has been in bed with gastro and I have been looking after him and Quinn, luckily Quinn and I don't have it (which makes me suspect it's actually food poisoning)

Re: blankets, I use blankets, Quinn kicks them off before he goes to sleep and I go in when he falls asleep and put them back on, but I always dress him in a warm suit.

all of the babies are doing lots of fun stuff, it's such a great age Quinn is still commando crawling everywhere, he sits up and has almost got the gist of clapping, he loves standing up and bouncing on anything he can bounce on, he loves Gymbaroo and Little Feet music class, dances and yells and plays with instruments! It's so cute.

Anyway I better go, I need to clean the house a bit while Quinn is asleep.

[~Jayne~]

CHRISTIE _ I've had the same predicament just lately on whether I perservere with the blankets or put a heater on low to keep the room warm or just dress warmer??? Sorry to hear the phone book doesn't help, do you have a vaporiser that you could put in his room at night? Baby Balsam on his chest? I have been told that putting it on their feet & then putting socks on does wonders. I haven't triend it myself just yet. Oh & with the eyebrow plucking, both my girls have got picture perfect eyebrows & lashes. They are both beautiful, I hope their eyebrows hold that shape because they are just stunning if I do say so myself! LOL.

RYN _ Jessica was born a hairy ape. She had it all over her ears, back, shoulders & butt. She is still quite hairy but it's a very light colour so nobody but us really notices it. I used to threaten I'd take her for waxing when she was 4 weeks old. LOL. Loving Liebs telling you that he has a cute bum. If you've got it flaunt it!

ME _ Went to swimming today. Claudia couldn't get into the creche quick enough, it was hysterical. She had a whale of a time, so much so she crashed in the car on the way home (less than 2 minute drive). Jessica had a wonderful time swimming, it's going to be interesting tomorrow when it's her who has to go in the creche while Claudia swims. & OMG is everybody ready for this CLAUDIA SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT! She slept from 9pm - 6am then back to bed at 6:30 after a monstorous feed & didn't wake again until 8:24am!!!!!! God I feel like a new woman!

[Lisa]

Christie - Harrison has a sheet and i dress him warmer because he is a worm and ends up at the other end of his cot, across the cot!!! he is a restless sleeper like me. We've had to start putting the sides right up for Harry now because he tries to climb out... he gets the actions right too which is scary! Now, he holds onto the top rail and swings!!! Cheeky boy he is!

[mummycate]

Way to go Claud!!! Glad you're feeling better Jayne.

El is sick again. She appears to have a tummy bug as I have one. She's been vomiting her milk and being very clingy and unsettled. Hopefully it passes soon. We're giving her 50ml bottles at a time. At least 20min in between "doses". So 50ml, 20min, 50ml, 20 min, 50ml for 3-4 lots of 50ml then a break for a couple of hours. So far she's kept down 8 scoops, that's 400ml. Half the daily measure. She's had some water too.

Crawling is going well, and she pulling herself up to her knees.

[~Jayne~]

MUMMYCATE _ Bugger that El is sick, the poor little chicken. I hope that she perks up soon. If she is vomiting so much, maybe just let her sip water. I also find that if I sit in the bottom of the shower with Claudia on my shoulder & aim the shower head so it's on her back that it settles her right now & she becomes less fussy. I hope that she is better soon. Thinking of you.

Love Jayne

[mummycate]

That's a good idea Jayne, maybe I'll do that tomorrow. She has been sipping water and she hasn't vomited that much today. She vomited this morning and a little this afternoon but that's it. And she's been a grumpy bum all day. Napping quite a bit too. She has a very mild fever which I'm keeping an eye on. She's had probably 150ml water and 500ml formula today. So she's not dehydrating I don't think. She'll be ok.

[kristy J]

HI. Im Kristy,

I used to chat a while ago but go so buisy i lost touch, i doubt anyone would remember me though.

I just thought i would come on and say hi.
I hope to get to know a few people and hopefully make a few new friends too.

well i guess ill say a few things about myself just to get started and i hope to learn about everyone too. But just let me know if im intruding.

My son Isaac (whome we call Ike most of the time) is 8 months on the 28th. He just started to crawl this week and has also worked out how to pull himself up to stand, im verry prowd.
He is a pritty good baby. but has a temper and can be stubern.
He loves to go swimming with our mothers group and makes lots of nois.

We have just ( this month) swapped to modern cloth nappies (from sposies) and love them, will recomend them to everyone. and Ike's nappy rash is gone, He has very sensitive skin and suffers from exma, as do I.

John and i have been married for 3 years but together for over 8 years.

We live in Kurrajong (NSW) its a country town, with a nice community, yet only an hour from the citty.

Well I hope to get to know you all soon
Kristy

[~Jayne~]

Hey Kristy,

I too have just joined back in here like you! So welcome back!!!

I love the signature how it says 'monster to be' what a crack-up.

Ike sounds like a gorgeous little bub who of course you adore. Most of us here have just started or have been doing swimming lessons. I start tomorrow with my little Claudia (we couldn't go last week due to illness).

WTG on the crawling, it's another milestone crossed off!

Bugger on the execma, I bet that's going to be a pain in the summer months. Does it flair up on the swimming days? I used to go swimming with a gf who's little one suffered from nappy rash & she had to take him straight from the pool to the shower & than slop loads of cream onto him or else by that afternoon he'd be a mess.

Looking forward to getting to know you!

Jayne

[Tashie]

Well it is midnight and I should be asleep in bed like the rest of my family, but I am not tired!!! I think my body got used to the lack of sleep and I just can't manage to turn my head off, it just keeps thinking and thinking...

Tobi has been really sick this week (still). He and poor little El must have the same bug. After I thought he was getting better and started eating again, the vomiting started. OMG did he vomit. It is so scary to see so much vomit come out of a little one. So that combined with temps of 39, runny poos and a very lethargic, needy and dopey baby we took him up to the hospital again last night. They ran tests this time and luckily it wasn't anything serious and has a virus that is going around. Blood tests aren't fun and my DH cried watching little man scream. He is better today and keeping his food down. On a bright note though... my cleaver boy peed in a cup on command and North Shore paediatrics department is good. I feel like one of those Mums that are always at the doctor with my hypochondriac baby, but it is all so confusing and scary when they are sick and I just don't want to risk it.

Sheets?? Tobi wears summer PJ's to bed with usually a sheet and blanket. His room is about 25 degrees most nights. If it is above 27, then I put the fan on and no blanket. He will kick off the blankets as he is going to sleep and I will check on him after he falls asleep. If I notice the temperature changes a lot during the night I will get up and check on him and adjust his blankets accordingly.
Its not actually the sheets thing that is worrying us at the moment. Tobi has started a habit of flipping onto his belly and sticking his legs out the side of the cot. I don't know whether to just put him onto his belly initially or not. Is anyone else putting their babies on their bellies to sleep or have bubs that roll over onto the bellies during the night?

Jayne - Congratulations for Claudia sleeping through the night. That's fantastic. I hope she keeps it up. It is funny how organised you can be without a man around the house, I totally understand. I hope the homecoming is all you and your girls wish for and more.

Kirsten - What are Little Feet classes? What types of things do you do?

Chris and Catherin - How are your little ones? I hope they are feeling better. Having a sick baby can be soo exhausting.

Michelle - How are you feeling sweetie? If only we could take sick days.

Ryn - Hows the sleeping issues going? I have had to cut out chocolate and caffeine out of my diet from noon so it doesn't affect Tobi, thus I am looking forward to weaning him. I wish I could help you out somehow.

Kym - That's fantastic that Monkey is sleeping in her cot and getting to sleep in 10-20minutes. That's great. You two deserve a pat on the back!!

Kristy - Hi and Welcome. OMG you and I must be twins (a high school saying)!!!! My baby boy was born on the 28th too and I have been married for three years and been with my hubby for eight years too.

Well I think that will do for tonight. I might go and try this sleep thing again.
Take Care
Tash

[kristy J]

Well today is a work day. Ike goes into Day Care today, He Loves it and the ladies are wonderful with him, very loving and playful. I just hope he comes home ok, it seems every thursday he goes to day care and on friday he has a runny nose. the poor bub is sick every week. im told by other mums its normal and happens till there about 6 years and then it's just once a term.

Thankyou for the kind welcomes.....

Tashie- I understand your problem with the cot. Ike is all over the bed including outside the rails with his arma and legs. these days i fing it easier to dress him in a cotton sleeping bag and forget the sheets he just gets to tangles and maybe a blanket if its cold but our place is pritty good and just comfortable.
this also has helpeg stop the legs from making it through the cot bars too.

Well its now 6.10am and i better have a shower and get ready for work. I hope to be able to get a haircut at work today (im a hairdresser) School eunion coming up need to look good.
you know there is nothing like a reunion to force a crash diet.

it was lovely to meet ya'll.

Kristy

[mummycate]

OMG Tashie, El has the EXACT same thing. Runny poos, lethargy, dopey and grumpy and needy, vomiting. Last night she was asleep for an hour and woke crying loudly. I went to check on her, moved the cloth nappy she grabbed and found it was wet. Light on and vomit was everywhere all over her face and sheets. Terry was no help me having to physically wake him up on the couch and then I ended up changing the sheets and looking after her while he lied on the bed falling asleep. Geez I was unwell with the stomach bug and he just lazed about. I hate that. Either get up and help me out or go to bed. Don't just lie on the couch unless you're actually sick.

Anyway as I was wiping her down, she fell asleep. So no bath then. But as I was dressing her, she started retching. And she threw up so much, thankfully into the cloth nappy she was lying on. She did eventually go to sleep but during the night Terry brought her to bed with us as she was very unsettled. I think we gave her a top-up too, I was so sleepy I can't remember. She stirred several times too. I hope that this bug passes soon. After all that vomiting I had to give her paracetamol as her temp was 39.1. It came down during the night and she's been really good this morning. 250ml taken, all kept down. We'll see how she goes and maybe she might have some solids, I'll try her on Farex.

Welcome Kristy, ooh new haircut. Nice.

Ihope Tobi gets better too.

[mummycate]

Tashie, Kym just messaged my phone, we exchanged numbers via email. My email is catemarychurch@hotmail.com
We should catch up sometime. Fridays are no good, I have mothers group.