Jayne, I'd had 2-3 weeks of DS waking up HOURLY, every hour on the half-hour. That was awful! But now is OK, he only did 3-4 hours last night in one go but that's OK. As for not feeding, DS just stopped feeding back to sleep so I was up for an extra 10-15 minutes if I did feed him, so I just stopped. As for how you're feeling about Alan, I feel like that about DH - he should either be here or not, I dislike him going away for a few days. But then, he does leisure not work when he's on a fishing trip. You just get used to it being you and not having to cope with some other demanding person when the little ones are in bed! My dad was in the Navy so I sort of know what you're going through - you want to see him but when he comes back it all changes and it's so unsettling. At least you have the bonus that you want him around, I hated having my dad around within 2-3 days!

Cate, I hope you're settled ok in Brisbane now. I keep thinking of you and El, hope you're both OK and she gets used to her grandparents soon.

Kel, I'd love a break too! My mum has offered when we're up there, but DS doesn't know her well enough to let her look after him. I wish my in-laws were as good to me as they are to their other DiL - but then again, they have said they'll have him 3 days (well, 2 and a half) when I go back to work until there's a creche space for him. Which I'm not too keen on but it's still good of them. Please tell me you didn't pay the kitchen people in advance!

As for us... DS had his first kiss today with his girlfriend! Oh, it was so cute to watch those two baby-kiss each other, lean forwards with little open mouths... it was so cute. I adore his girlfriend and her family (she's 2 weeks older than DS) so he's made a good choice. Just have to keep encouraging it!