Babies Born June 2006 #19

HI all

Well have been busy at work the last two days. Was a ghost town for most of the day today as most of them attended the funeral of a 42yr old Police Officer who was tragically killed on the highway near Coffs last weekend, coming back from a job. He was part of team ARGOS which tackles child sex abuse. Even though I didn't know him it was pretty sad as he leaves behind his wife and two teenage kids. You never expect a police officer to die that way!

MIL babysat Aleise today as Matt had to work. She also did ALL our washing - including stuff that just sits at the bottom of the basket that we don't use ie. a bra that no longer fits me! She tidied Aleise's room, organised her clothes into her tallboy (I jsut leave it in the basket until I'm ready) and swept the floors. Makes me feel like a lazy housewife in some ways!

Melb meet up: Glad to hear you had a great day girls - just think of some of us who were trapped in an office today! :(

Charmaine: Welcome! Glad you could join us. Chiara is a lovely name and I had a uni class with a girl with that name last year so its not that rare!

Chocoate: What's all this talk about it in last thread? I'm trying to cut down and yesterday was the first day in 3 weeks I had some lollies! I blame a lady at work who offered me one of hers that got the ball rolling. Haven't lost any more wieght and beginning to think I should be going to WW meetings instead of going it alone via online program.

Aleise: Loving her baby food and doens't like my home made apple puree anymore! *Sniff*. The daycare lady gave her a whole jar yesterday and she yummed it up and here's me depriving her by only giving her half! Anyway I gave her the rest of her apple and cereal before bedtime as MIL wasn't told how much to give her.

Rory: NO harm in upping Flynn's solids a bit - especially if he gets upset when you stop!

IK: why do you have to go into hospital? I'm not totally up to date with what's going on here - anyway hope it all goes well if you need an op.

Simone: You should get that package by Monday at latest. Congrats on the testing sesssions but will you have to move if you get a job? Who would take care of your kids whilst you're at work?? I hope it pans out for you darls. :hug: OH and good you got PINK tickets.. she's pretty cool!

Amanda: Cirque tickets -- YAY! they're not cheap so hope you enjoy it! We're going to Billy Joel on Tuesday but tickets were like $130 'cause the cheapest ones were sold out in 20 mins and I coudln't get onto the site until 9.20am to buy mine by then only B reserve left! Matt's been before and he said he's brilliant! Besides how often does a good international act come along?? Oh and loved the pics btw.. Cody is soooo cute in his swimmers and towel hoodie! :)

Okay I've dribbled long enough hello to everyone else sorry I didn't do marathon personals but its nearly 11pm. Weekend is the only time I get to catch up on BB so hope to read a few new posts soon.
Take care.

xoxox

hi all,
yawn.. Ally was up again all night, I went to bed at 9.30pm, she woke for a feed at 9.40pm,1.30am.3.30am,5.30am and has has been awake since then. She also cried at 2.30, but I refused to get up as it was an "I'm awake cry", not a "I'm hungry" cry. Is this normal??? She still only has about 3-4 x 45min naps a day...no long ones (i.e so I can't catch up on any sleep). I swear, I think I'm losing my mind, I'm sooo tired. If this is normal I will just shut up and deal with a smile...but I swear if there is an alternative (like starting solids or even dare I say control crying) I would take it at this stage!

Ho hum

IK -

:

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If I can find my hotpants and bra top, CC, I'll take you up on the club tonight

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would that be a maternity bra!!!!HOT HOT HOT.. He Hee

Rory - can I ask why you started solids before 6 months? Was Flynn waking too? Or did you just think he was hungry????
Sorry bout the sunburn - I got caught the other day too!!! looks like we need to start carrying it with us as summer is here!

Hi Karen... - [QUOTE] It is only the last 2 days that he has actually been having 2 good sleeps a day. QUOTE] Ohh, that is good news, if Ally could even have one good sleep a day I could catch up on some..what did you do different besides stay home???I'm often at home all day??? Do you just think it is an age thing?

IK - what a busy weekend for you...but we all know you - you won't be able to stay away...what is the date of your op????

Nenny - are you enjoying work? it is nice to hear from you - we miss you during the week...

CC - maybe her teeth activity is waking her? Also, if you can't believe me, believe many other women who will testify that solid feeding does not equal sleeping longer! If that is the only reason you are considering it, then I would leave off for a while longer, because you may well kick yourself. Put it this way, I know of a few breastfed babies who 'sleep through', so it's not necessarily related. I have a feeling that if she's been good at sleeping till now, then this is a temporary episode, and it may be something like teeth or just a growth spurty thing.
And, mmm, maternity bra top - can see it now, being sold on the front racks of dance shops everywhere!
Sunny day in Melbourne today - girls, don't forget the sunscreen!
Funny thing - well, not too funny. DP changed Oscar last night before we were to put him to bed. I didn't even think about it when he gave him to me to put in the HAB. I got him to sleep, transferred him to bed and then I hopped in myself. This morning during Oscar's first morning wake (after 7am, cos the radio was already on...and he'd gone to bed at about 11.30) I felt his bum when I was turning him to his side to feed (can't wait for him to be able to do this himself!) it was WET! I realised...out loud...that DP hadn't put him into a sposie, grrrr! So, I insisted that he change the nappy, just so that he could appreciate exactly why I leave him in a sposie and what I used to deal with when we had him in cloths overnight (wasn't so bad when he was a week old, but as he got older the nappies got wetter sooner!). And yep, his skin was soaked and ammonia smelling. I think DP has learned that lesson - not to forget that the last nappy change is into a sposie! Lucky for all involved I'm taking Oscar swimming so he can soak in chlorine!
better go, the boys are calling for me...they are still in bed and I just had a big glass of water and cereal...
nice and humid out!

good morning and sorry girls... been hectic here... we're all sick with this chesty sore throat cold thing and life's getting busy... I think the silly season has begun! I've been moving furniture in preparation for the tree going up on the 1st of Dec... now I'm just about to go out to do a bit of pressie shopping.

Welcome Charmaine! :) I hope you enjoy being part of this lovely group of ladies. Sounds like a great walk yesterday Rory! Oh and congratulations IK on becoming an aunty! Gee there's lots I want to reply to but it'll just have to wait... got to get an early start before the shops get too busy... catch you all later!

What another gorgeous day - would you believe I am heading into the Bot Gardens AGAIN, for the second time in two days? DH and I and Flynn are catching up with mates who have a 1yo girl for a picnic in the gardens - should be a lovely afternoon. IK, this time I will screen up!

Bath, we (or should I say I - I am married to Scrooge McDuck!) am putting up the tree on 1 December too - not long now!!

Ceecee, I decided to put Flynn on solids because there is apparently as great a risk of a kid developing coeliacs disease when gluten is introduced late (ie: after 7 months) as there is when it is introduced early (ie: before 3 months). So given it will probably take about a month to build him up to eating weetbix I figured I would start him on solids at 5 months. I did want to wait till 6 months but once I read some reports on CD I decided to err on the side of caution (neither DH or I have CD, but we are both intolerant of bready-type products). As it turns out, Flynn is "ready" in terms of development - he takes a spoon really well and swallows without a problem, so I have become increasingly comfortable with the decision.

And no - he hasn't slept through the night anymore than before! :angry: Little bag of rats is still all over the place with sleeping - one night he slept from 9.30pm till 6am, but last night he fed at 11.30 then woke up screaming at 3am (I settled him without a feed) and was up again at 6am.

Neeny, your MIL sounds great for doing all that housework! But don't feel bad about it - you know what its like when you are at someone else's house - it is always easier to do their housework than your own!

Speaking of housework - my house is still being FlyLady-ed, but some of the novelty has worn off in that I only do the "glamour" jobs regularly, like cleaning the sink and sweeping the floorboards. I keep reading the daily missions and this eeeuw! I don;t want to do that job! Like the other day I was supposed to wipe down the pipe at the back of the toilet. I wasn't gonna get down and do such a dirty job - LOL! So I am back to "pretending" to be a hosuewife!!

And Simone and I didn't spend ANY money at Melb Central yesterday. Ok, she bought a hotdog and me a doughnut - but I don't think snacky-cakes counts!!

ciao bellas:hello:

hi Baths - been wondering where you were honey... hope you all feel better soon.. i've almost done all my Xmas shopping - I agree that it pays to get it done early as possible!

IK - he hee, well once my DH put a cloth napppy on but no cover - that was even worse! He he.. gee men are silly sometimes!
Not sure what to do about Ally - I don't want to start solids, (I'm way to lazy and I LOVE breast feeding) and once you start there is no going back (and I want my baby as long as possible), but really can't keep going like this.. it has been this way for almost 2 weeks... I know it is worse atm as DH is away, but it is not only the lack of sleep, as if she is hungry then I feel mean for not feeding her.. you know? I'm so confused as to whether to start solids or not.... I am seeing a nurse on Wed. so will of course hold out till then...
sunny here in Sydney too... but I'm inside still clean that gross cot...
chat later!

Hi guys,

Feel like I have missed so much!! Had a fantastic time yesterday meeting Rory & Simone and their beautiful babies. Bot Gardens was fantastic - can't believe I haven't be there before. Train ride was better on way home as I could chat to IK!!! Had an interesting ride in - that's a whole other story LOL!!!! Got sunburnt to - forgot to slip slop slap!

Rory - Glad to hear you and simone didn't go crazy - donuts are allowed LOL!!!

Bath - how did Verity's graduation go?

Amanda - enjoy Cirque du Soleil. I was going to get tickets for DH and I, but couldn't get good enough seats. My friend went a few years ago and said it was one of the best shows she has ever seen.

CC - you're not losing your mind - she will settle into a pattern soon. It does get frustrating but know we are here so you can vent LOL! It feels better to get it out. Wish I could offer some advice, but not really sure what you should try. Maybe try one thing, see if it works, if it doesn't, try another - you are bound to find something that works for you both. Sorry I am not much help!

Char - you sound very similiar in your approach to most of us here - our Junies motto should be "go with the flow". I think it suits us LOL!!!

Sorry if I have missed anyone (hi to you!) - it always throws me if I haven't been on for a while.

After getting home for our meet, had to get changed, MIL came over and I went to dinner with friends to a Korean restaurant (never been to Korean and it was beautiful!). DH took Chelsea to Hi-5 but I think she was more excited about the train ride!!!!! She had dancing this morning, then we have a 1st birthday and naming day to go to. What a beautiful day for a party. Glad we are doing nothing tonight as I am pooped LOL!

Everyone enjoy their day! I'll pop back tonight to see what everyone's day has been like.

Rory - re solid...thanks for sharing! CD is pretty horrible, my sister's friend has it, poor thing has many "accidents" and always has to travel with a change of pants. One "crumb" will set it off!

Me: did not clean the cot.. I dragged the cot mattress (plastic cover is still on it) outside and lay under the bamboo in the sun while Ally chilled in her chair in the shade - almost fell asleep it was so nice..........

Mel - got to see what you look like in IK's photo..but Simone had her head turned - so still can't put a face to a name yet! I'm so jelous of your met ups, oh well, maybe next year as I will be going to Melbourne a lot for work. that would be funny - as I would be turning up with no baby!

Mel - thanks for your advice - re one thing at a time... I have a hammock (which worked till about a month ago), a toy in the hammock - the same cloth in the hammock, soft baby sleep music, she gets a massage every day, a bath/boob/bed routine...I just don't know what else to try except for things I don't want too (ie control crying or starting solids early)... anyway... glad Chelsea had a good day - what did your DH think of Hi5???

Nenny - forgot to say that I would love my MIL to do our housework...she came over when Ally was 7 days old and made us dinner, but then left all the dishes/pots/plates etc for me to clean up! Not happy about that one! I say get it while you can.. I would even leave a list! LOL!

How could I forget? Bath, how WAS the grad??
Mel - glad you liked Korean! There's a couple of Korean places in Box Hill, too, if you like it enough to go again but not traipse so far :)
Today would be an even better day for the Bot Gardens. I spent my whole childhood there - so many photos of me from a newborn to about 9 or 10...ok, so not a WHOLE childhood, but it was a favourite family hang out :)
Better go have a shower while DP can look after Oscar.
Oooh, oooh, big news! We did submersions in class today...and we're allowed to do them on our own now!!! Woo hoo, go Scuba Oscar!

CC - I've bottle fed Aja since day 2, and she started solids just under 4 months, she got extremely grumpy when we'd eat in front of her but she's very happy having her puree for brekky! She still manages to have 5 bottles through the day though! Ask you health nurse, mine said it was fine to start Aja then so I'm sure she'll say the same - although they all do seem to contradict eachother!

IK - yep horse country!! Do look me up when you're out this way next, I never bothered with mothers group so I don't have any friends with kids :(

Neeny - I think you might have me confused with someone else? My daughters name isn't Chiara haha

Well nothing exciting happening, Aja is sleeping - YAY! But she's due to wake up soon and I haven't really got everything I wanted done yet.
Last night I went to the casino with my friend, while Michael stayed at home minding Aja, it was a night full of crazy desperate men but otherwise still funny. Got home at 3 and Michael and Aja were up because apparently there were possums outside our door fighting and carrying on so it woke them up haha But it was nice to come home to them both being awake so I could give them a big kiss and cuddle.

So thats my little update!

Yep, Neeny, it was my niece who was named Chiara, yesterday :) I missed that.
Just had a lovely al fresco feed on the lawn. The dog thought we might like to play ball if he left it at our feet...hint hint...but we didn't play, poor puppy!
Char - is Aja's name pronounced 'a-ya'? Like the Croatian/Serbian/Czech pronunciation? Shame you don't know any other kiddies - if you join your local CFA you're sure to hook up with some mummies :) That's how I know most of the toddlers in my circle (and a baby on the way).
Got a social event on this arvo and Oscar's just gone to sleep. DP is out at a car accident and I was going to leave Oscar here so that they could both come up later for the BBQ that follows the Learning Ladder party plan thingy...but I can't if DP's not home! Will put the bedsheets in the wash and then the nappies out before putting Oscar in the buggy (party is not far from here by foot and it's too nice a day not to walk!).
Have a great afternoon!
ETA: it WAS a good plan to put Oscar in the buggy...but the buggy's in the car and DP took mine! Might have to use the spare...
ETA again: CC, I've put in a lightened pic of Simone and Mel on PB, but it doesn't really do either of them justice, that's why I didn't put it in before :(

IK - our teacher does submersions "when the are ready"...Ally is not ready yet, but the others do their babies - it is very cute. She is the youngest in that group as well.

Char - OMG 3am...you go girl...i was up as well but NOT having fun - he hee..I think that is what I need a big night out..

No news here, Ally does not want to sleep today, the day has been a blur between feeding and trying to put her to sleep, and when she goes to sleep she will only sleep for 20 mins and then wake crying and tired,so I put her back on the boob so she can fall alseep again, but that does not work so she is up but tired and well.. anyway.. she has been very very talkative too.. all day it is "ahhhhh.""" yawahhhhaaa".. "rrerrrr"...
starting to drive me crazy actually..just want a little more sleep I think - amazing how sleep depratation can impact your every though...i love her but am so over it today!!!!!!!!thank GOD for the hammock, I really think I would be in tears by now if I did not have it.
edit - oh,thanks IK - will go look now! have a nice day..

ohhh..Ally is asleep - yeah........going to bed now myself!

CC - sorry to hear you're having a hard time, I doubt solids would improve things. Nathan is on solids and last night was waking as frequently as Ally. During the day I sleep him on his tummy(I know it's not recommended) cos he wakes himself on his back. I put him in his cot when I notice his tired signs and pat his bum. I kind of control cry in that I may leave him a couple of mins to cry so he tires himself out and then just pat him until he's asleep. If he wakes crying I try patting him 1st if that doesn't work I top him up.
Hi to everyone, have to go finish the dinner (roast chook)
Hope everyone is having a good weekend.

IK - Aja is pronounced 'asia', yes completely different! But it looks nicer.

CC - God they can be little horrors some days! Aja is going through the teething stage so she's been very difficult to get to bed! She keeps biting her dummy so it falls out and then she wants it back again! I really hope Ally cheers up and gives her mummy a break! You best be off to get that extra sleep, although if you're anything like me you wake up feeling more tired?

Well Aja slept majority of the day, and she's just gone back down after being up for about 2 hours :) but gee she is such a horror to get to sleep these days, I just about pull my hair out having to keep running back to her because she's lost her dummy. I'm thinking about taking it away from her but because she wants to munch if she gets a hold of her fingers she turns them red raw and ends up screaming because she's hurt herself.

Good evening :) Finally I can catch up! Just put Niall down for his shortest nap of the day/night. When he wakes up he'll have a play, a shower, another play a big feed supplemented with frozen EBM via bottle which I have to use up because they are approaching the 3 month-in-the-freezer mark. I've been doing this for the past few nights... i wonder if it's helped him sleep a bit better because he's been on a dream run of late! I know it won't last... teething will become an issue soon and that always really mucks things up. It's so true about not believing the myth that solids help then sleep longer at night... I've never noticed it with my previous 2. I just give Niall an extra 60ml of EBM btw. I've still got another huge batch of frozen EBM but that bag is only 2 months old. I've also bought a container of formula but that's only an insurance policy just incase something unexpected occurs and I don't have time to express and I need to be away. I also have this irrational fear that we'll experience a blackout and I'll "lose" all my precious frozen EBM. It took so long to build up. My own supply is still very good... infact it doesn't take long before I get engorged so if anything it's an oversupply situation... it's a real juggling act trying to use up what's frozen but making sure i don't interfere with what Niall is regulating. I guess they would recommend I just throw out the expired BM from the freezer... but I just can't bring myself to do that!

Karen: All my children have always slept on their tummies... but with Niall I "confessed" to my MCHN that I did this and she was surprisingly ok with it when I said we had no other risk factors (non smoking household, firm mattress, no cot bumpers etc etc etc)... she said that from her experience about 1 out of every 10 babies refuses to settle on their backs to sleep and it usually runs in families... well I'm sure our family is one of these... she also said that Niall had unusually strong neck muscles and that it would be ok. However I'm not saying that every baby should tummy sleep... there are good reasons why back sleeping is more commonly recommended... maybe raise it with your MCHN and she what she says.

Verity's graduation went very well, thanks for asking :) Niall came along and spent nearly the whole 2 hours attached to me (I'm sure THAT helped my over supply issue!) but at least he didn't cry. Wade on the other hand was a bit teary with the babysitter... he told her he wanted his bottle (we STILL haven't weaned him off that... I know, it's crazy) and that he wanted to go to bed early. He rarely has a sitter but he's had this lady before... he's shy with most people at the best of times. Verity thoroughly enjoyed herself. She loves singing on stage as part of a large performance. We went to a cafe on the way home and had hot chocolates and cake. For our new June mummys we've struggled and sacrificed since Verity was in 4yo kinder to send her to private schools. $60,000 later and we figured we've made a good investment... but we are only half way there! I was saying to IK the other day that it really doesn't matter now if we have a financial crisis and she has to go public because her character is nicely formed and she has a great attitude to learning (she LOVES school). She also has values such as personal presentation firmly ingrained and when she sees girls wearing dog collars and purple hair to school she leans toward me and says: "that's not really appropriate is it Mum?" LOL I don't want to start a debate over public vs private... this is just how we choose to spend our money (we know people who have chosen to spend the same ammount on a wedding/honeymoon, and we bite our tongues... wish they would do the same for us... not many of our friends seem to think private education is necessary so we don't get much support :( )... anyhow I don't judge others who make different choices :) I actually had an ok public education but it was in the country 20 years ago and so it's a very different situation for our children... oh and DH and I haven't had a wedding ceremony/honeymoon yet.... we'll do that after we educate our kids... if we can afford it! LOL

uh oh... Niall awake... better go... back later

ETA: checked out the piccys on your PB IK: thanks for taking them ... The lightened one is good... others a tad dark.

CC - babies love to test our patience! Not really sure what else you can do. Does Ally like being wrapped. Rory showed me the best way to wrap in hot weather - she might need to explain it as it took me a while to work it out LOL!! You can try the tough love (controlled crying) but I have heard it isn't very effective for babies under 6mths - but in saying that, what have you got to lose. I don't think it hurts to try these things. We did it with Chelsea and it was very hard, but persistance paid off and she started sleeping better. Her issue was going off for her night sleep and she didn't like us leaving the room. You could always head out into the backyard with some earplugs and a good trash mag LOL!!!! Keep smiling, it will get better. Hopefully we can get to meet up - with or without baby. Hi-5 was really good but other friends said it wasn't as good as last year (I took Chelsea last year). A little boy behind Chelsea kept pulling her hair so DH had to politely ask the mother to control her child (GO DH!!!!!). The came home with a big Hi-5 hand cushion and insists on sleeping with it. It was a good day out with her DH, their daddy/daughter day.

IK - go Scuba Oscar!!!!! Box Hill has some beautiful cheap restaurants esp Vietnamese. We should venture down their one day and pig out!!! What was learning ladder like?? Any good? How is your sister going with the new bub?

Char - it's nice to have a night out isn't it? I think we all need that once in a while but it usually takes me longer to recharge now (must be getting old LOL!!!).

Bath - glad Verity's graduation was success. I bet she looked beautiful. She sounds like a very sensible and respectful girl, you should be very proud. When I look around at what young girls are wearing these days - it's scary. The public/private debate will rage forever unfortunately and everyone has an opinion (and they love to voice it LOL!!!). Sounds like yours has been a very good investment. In 20 years time, you'll be looking forward to that honeymoon (and deserved it) LOL!!! Hopefully get to meet you at our next Junnies meeting (and talk lots about food!)

Party was great and a beautiful venue in Malvern East. They older kids had a visit from Fairy Twinkletoes and she was fantastic - kept them entertained for ages. Food was beautiful and the birthday girl enjoyed herself. Poor Marley had trouble sleeping as it was hot in her pram but she was a good little bubba and kept smiling despite her tiredness. Needless to say that we arrived home and she zonked!

Whoa, Bath - $60K!! That is huge! I can imagine the kind of sacrifices you guys have made to do that. My ma sent me to Lowther Hall in Essendon from yr 7 till half way through yr 10 (when I went all Marxist and started rebelling:) ) and I think she was paying $1000 a term back then. Are you planning on sending the boys to a private school too? I have my fingers crossed that Flynn can get into Melbourne High!!!

Charmaine, Flynn used to suck his fingers raw as well, but luckily he will take a dummy. Do you still swaddle Aja? We give Flynn the "Wally Wrap" (Mel saw it, heh heh!!) which totally prevents him from getting his hands any where near his face while in bed.

Karen, I am doing the pat-pat thing with Flynn too - it seems to be working so far.

Ceecee, sending sleeping vibes your way as I type!!!

IK, hope the party went well - did ya buy any books for the boy?

Mel, you have to elaborate about the train ride!

I wonder how Simone is going at the Wiggles concert tonight at Fed Square??

DH and I printed a whole heap of our photos, some of which date back to December 2000! So far we've got through half of the discs and printed 796 photos - DH is trying to put them in date order with the use of files on the PC and my travel diaries. It is great to look at pics of our 2 NZ trips, our most recent Tassie trip, our Qld holiday in 2003, driving trips around Vic......ahhh, all a distant memory!!! What is the biggest blast is seeing all the pics of our house renos in one hit - it was such a dive when we moved in!!

better go - getting late - zzzzzzzzz

Rory: 4yo Kinder: $5000, Prep: $6000, year 1 $6500 year 2 $7000, year 3 $7500, year 4 $8500, year 5 $9500, year 6 $10,000. Very rough figures. Not including uniforms.... comes to $60K. We aren't sure where we are going to send the boys yet...

ETA: one baby settling tip I discovered with Wade was to find something to do like fold the laundry or nappies after you have placed them in theirs cots... do it in their room so they can see you... when they cry attend to them... do a bit of 'pat pat pat' on their bottoms or stroke their foreheads (this is what Niall likes) then when they calm down a bit return to the folding as they watch you... then leave the room for a bit while you put it away... then return and soothe... fold... put away... return ... sooth... put away etc etc. Soon they get the idea that you'll always return but it's not really control crying because you sooth them when needed. Plus you are feeling "productive" as you fold the laundry. Niall settles a lot easier than Wade so we haven't had to do this yet but things might change. I've found that my previous two became ALOT more clingy after 6 months of age.

Hey I'd better go to bed too... DH has managed to settle Niall... so had better make the most of it!

Nighty nite girls :)

Rory - you rebel you!!!! The train ride is was interesting, but it might need to wait until our next meet. I couldn't possibly explain it in writing with the same humour as I saw it IYKWIM? Remind me because it was very funny.

With 796 photos to go through, you might be there all night. I love going back and looking at old photos esp the bad fashion and hideous hair do's (like the big quiff at the front - sound familiar LOL!!!!!).

Bedtime for me!

Char - it's hard when they keep losing the dummy, then when they are older they lose it down the side of the cot, I remember fossicking under the cot in the dark in the middle of the night with my older two looking for lost dummies. nathan won't have anything to do with dummies.
Bath - I don't think I want the conflict with my MCHN (lol). I mentioned feeding on demand and she wanted to send me to all sorts of clinics. My 2nd slept on his tummy too. My 1st I didn't and I probably should have as he slept no longer than 2 hrs at any given time. Interesting that it runs in families, that would explain a lot. Your settling routine sounds lovely, very serene.
Mel - sounds like you had a nice day out, what a good little girl you have, smiling in the face of adversity. Nathan gets feral in hot weather.
Rory - It's so good dh is involved with your photo sorting, that's a job I desperately need doing but have no space or time to do so, can't imagine anyone in my house wanting to help.
Well, have to go soak some pooey clothes, after Nathan leaked all over me. You gotta love it.

Karen, eeeuw! I hate the leaky bum!

Trying to get some work work done - too hard when weather outside is so sunny.
Mum and stepdad are comming over at noon to watch the Royal Command Performance of Flynn Eating Carrot for the First Time. God first gradchildren get fussed over!!

LOL at the "performance" Rory!
Char: Niall is my first baby to refuse a dummy... woohoo! Like Karen I've spent many an hour under the cot fossiking in the wee hours. They are a two edged sword: fantastic and frustrating. It will be interesting to see how I cope on public transport when Niall becomes more vocal... how many people are going to complain? I had one woman highly indignant once because she wasn't able to read her book despite my best efforts at trying to settle Wade... thankgod other passengers lept to my defence!

I'm having a Delia Smith moment: making my Traditional Christmas Pudding... it calls for stout! I think I might just use ordinary beer... we have a lot of Stella Artois (Sp?) left over from DH's 40th ... I think that will do... maybe next year I'll try the stout.

ETA: Hmm, I seem to have 2/3 of a bottle of nice cool beer left over... DH, V and W at Little Athletics and N asleep... I think I'd better drink it... be a shame to waste... ah! bliss :)

Wonder how Simone's going... I'll do her job of providing Melbourne's weather forecast:

Tomorrow is going to be slightly warmer at 33'C perfect nappy washing weather :)

Tuesday Change. Late shower. Min 19 Max 32
Wednesday Mainly fine. Min 13 Max 21
Thursday Shower or two. Min 13 Max 20
Friday Fine. Min 11 Max 25
Saturday Mainly fine. Min 13 Max 24

When Chelsea was little I had a little container beside her cot with spare dummies!!! Sometimes I would leave a few in her cot and when she was older she could find a spare one.

Rory - hope the carrot performance goes well. It is getting so hot outside.

Bath - some people are so rude, I am glad some of the other commuters weren't! Don't people understand that babies don't have an on/off or volume switch LOL!!!

Karen - she is a good bubba but we'll see what happens today - it's hotter than yesterday and she might not be as happy (plus her eczema is playing up!). Cleaning up poo - isn't it great LOL!!!

IK & Dee (7th Heaven) - Happy 5 months to our beautiful babies!!!

Off to visit my nan who just turned 90! Then off to my brother and SIL for atea. Chelsea can play with her cousin and we can have coffee and cake!!!

Marley's eczema has broken out today - the hot weather always sets it off. Hopefully it wont get too much worse as she scratches it and sometimes draws blood! I cut her nails nearly every second day - does anyone else's babies have nails that grow fast?

I hope everyone enjoys their Sunday - will pop back tonight to see what's happening.

Mel, Flynn seems to have a harder time with his skin when its hot. I am forever cutting his nails too.

The carrot didn't go down as well as the rice cereal (which is made up with mummy milk). He sort of gagged on it and pulled faces but ate about 1 tsp. I will persevere, though!

Karen- hope your chook was yummy..i've also tried Ally on her tummy..but she is not a fan...
Char - yes, an extra 20 min nap makes me more tired, i don't nomally sleep during the day, but yesterday was overwhelming for me. i here that dummy can be a blessing,then a curse..have you tried a teething ring? Ally will often sleep with hers and if it falls out of her mouth she does not care.
Baths - I had to throw my EBM out the other day.. so sad..DH said we could give it to teh dog - but then we both thought.. nahh.. that is way to gross...i applaud you for sending Verity to a private school..i think it shows amazing love. Verity will always thank you and know that she is deeply loved.
Mel - Ally has never liked to be wrapped, like the dummy I try it again every week or so, but without success...how funny about your Hi5 pillow - our homes soon become kid zones don't they! My Nana turns 90 next weekend...we are having a big party for her..sorry about the eczema. I bath Ally in Almond Oil and only use MooGoo to wash her hair. It seems to be working?? you can google moogoo - if you want more info.(i can't post the website here)


Rory - amazing how many photos we accumulate - you should wait for a special at Harvey Norman and get them printed -

well, Ally was a dream baby today. she even slept for 2 hours at lunch time today.. Dh is home, yeah.. I miss him so much when he is away.. he is back to Melbourne on Monday and Tuesday, ho hum...not sure how single mum's do it. I rely on him so much.

well, off to check on the roast, having guests for tea.
have a nice night ladies!
luv
CC

Hey Ladies...

Sorry been a no show today, didnt end up going to the wiggles last night, Declan wasnt very well and Xande was a bit wheezy. Today Xander ended up having an asthma attack, and Delcan vomited everywher all day (mostly on me though!!) and had a temp of 38+ all day, it got up to 39.5 for a while there... the fever finally broke this evening, and he's a little happier, but still clingy...

I had a great day friday, thanks girlies :)

Ill be hovering for a while tonight, DH has gone home and its just me. *sigh*

BTW IK - you didnt offend me the other day :)

Hey to everyone, missed you there last few days!!!

What a weekend...and the running around doesn't stop till I'm in the prep ward on Wednesday! Today I went to my club's rally, to watch some lessons and see people I haven't seen in ages and to get my horsey fix. Straight from there I took Oscar and Odin to B&SIL's for my nephew's birthday. DP is still there, quite enebriated, but he knows that his place is on the couch tonight. He has not once spent a night on the couch because his consciousness was altered...till now. His brother, on the other hand, spends most nights on the couch or in a spare mattress in the kids' rooms cos he drinks most nights, which is quite sad, really. I get the bed to myself, though, which is nice on a hot night!
Tomorrow I'm out again all day, going to pay a short visit to Oscar's grand-aunt down at the peninsula before meeting my friend at her house for lunch in the same vicinity. I might even take Oscar to the beach while I'm there. DP's never been a beach baby, but I was and I'm damned if Oscar isn't going to have a healthy relationship with the ocean! Well, I may just take him to the bay side tomorrow, but you know what I mean. Salt water instead of tannin water (although I'm starting to like river swimming).
I spoke to my sister tonight and she's pretty happy and travelling well with Chiara. She's got a strong neck and body like Oscar's, so we reckon it's come from my mum's side, and that it's a native american thing. Oscar was crawling around today and flipping this way and that - precocious little monkey that he is. Anyway, Chiara is doing really well and they'll be leaving the birth centre on Tuesday - in NZ they get to stay in BC's for 5 days, and hospital stays are shorter...I like that! Although I still would have just been dying to get home.
Simone - I hope the kidlets get better soon! Sounds like you're having a trying weekend :hug:
CC - I'm glad you got a good sleep out of Ally today - I hope she keeps those eyes closed tonight, too!
Mel - I didn't spend any money at the party - most of the books are for slightly older kids and when she said that it doesn't matter what you read to babies as long as you read, I thought I'd save my money and keep reading Oscar Wordsworth, Kipling, Tennyson etc!
Well, Oscar has fallen asleep and I will put him down so that I can do some more washing, hang it out first thing in the morning before heading out.
Bath - I washed some nappies today and they are so fluffy! More tomorrow, so we might both be spending tomorrow night folding nappies :)
Night girlies!

Well, just when i though things were looking up, Declan's fever is rising again, Xander spewed everywhere and his wheezing is starting back up again - i think he has what declan has, and the high pollen count isnt helping. Im running out of towels and buckets!!! Anneliese has finally dropped off, i had to let her scream as im just so frustrated, im just having a little trouble coping on my own. The kids are meant to be in daycare tomorrow, but i think Anneliese will be the only one going. Unless Declan's just hot because his room doesnt get any fresh air. I tried calling Dh to come over and help me, but he's working tonight, going to pack up the U2 concert, ready to be sent off to the next destination. So no help coming from there. Well, at least they've all stopped screaming now. Sorry to vent guys. im just not coping very well at all, might feel better after i have a little "feeling sorry for myself" cry. BBS.

Simone - :hug: for you sweetie. Your poor bugger, sick kids are hard at the best of times but with 3 kids and 2 sick, you must be exhausted!!! Vent as much as you like, it makes you feel better and will be here if you need to chat. I hope the boys get better soon and hopefully Anneliese won't get it.

Rory - carrot isn't the nicest of veg (esp mashed), I think I'd screw my face up too LOL!!! Have you tried pumpkin? They say because it is slightly sweeter the bubbas love it or pototoe (probably just as bland as rice cereal and you could make a mash with breastmilk). He is doing great with his solids though.

CC - will definately google! Where do you buy the almond oil and how do you use it? I am looking for anything that works. Sorbolene helps the dry skin but she still gets itchy. I used Pinetarsol today (used for kids with chicken pox) but that didn't seem to do to much. It is hard with only one parent home. I get that too, but DH is only away for the day or night, not for days at a time. It's nice that you miss him and I am sure he misses you and Ally terribly. Hope you roast was yummy!

IK - glad you didn't spend money - there are so many beautiful classic books around. Chelsea has Anne of Green Gables and Little Women - still a few years off reading these though! Glad to hear your sister is doing well. What perfect weather for drying nappies. Tomorrow is going to be a stinker.

Bath - your pudding sounds yummy and I am sure that nice cold beer was well deserved.

On a really sad note - our beautiful great dane Cooper passed away tonight :crying: . He was nearly 8 years old and we came home from a evening out and he had died. Poor thing. It looks like he died in his sleep, which I am so relieved about. I really have no idea what to tell Chelsea. We have never had anyone die before, so I don't know what to say - any one who has some ideas please let me know. We are getting him picked up tomorrow morning to be cremated (like our previous great dane) and returned to us in a lovely mahogany box with his name on the front. He can then stay with us forever.

Mel :hug: The only pets we've had are hermit crabs, and when they died, we told Xander they had gone to sleep. He loved them so much, and was always playing with them. So i let his blow kisses to them, and say goodbye (before i threw them in the bin, but he doesnt know that!!) Thats lovely that you cremate your pets, so you can keep them forever.

I got Oscar to sleep and some washing loads were done during that time. I was hoping to do some sewing, but he woke up hungry! He is in the shoulder sling and looks like he might drop off again. We may have a late bath.
Mel - I am so sorry about your puppy dog :crying: I don't really know exactly how you feel, because I've always had our dogs put down - none of them have just died in their sleep, the buggers! I would say that it's best to stick to the truth with kids as much as you can. Maybe you can start by finding a way to say that our pets never live as long as we do and that part of loving them is loving them until they are not here anymore. Also, as I may have told you on Wednesday, each pet teaches us something that helps us love the next pet in a better way. The Animal Aid has some good articles on grieving for pets, it would be the www's and then vaat.com.au, for Victorian Animal Aid Trust. They might have something that helps. I feel your pain, though - especially after you told me his story only this week :( What a treasure he was to your family! And ashes or no, you know he will be with you forever, they always are...
Simone - thinking of you! I know thinking isn't going to help you get through tonight, but you know you will and tomorrow is another day. Cry all you need to, sweet girl...

Oh, and Rory, i agree with Mel - carrots might be a little yuck for the little man's taste, definately start with Potato or pumpkin (or maybe even a fruit, like puree pear or apple) once you know they have no prob, you can start mixing them... i have a great recipe, i'll write it out and give it to you later. You can make up a big batch and freeze it in little ice cubes. Very handy and healthy. Sweet potato is also a good one.

IK - tomorrow is going to be awful, especially as the BOM website is now predicting 36*C... and Declan has a temp (not as bad as earlier, but he's sweating LOTS) Xander has only thrown up once thanks goodness, just had some tummy cramps though. :pray: anneliese doesnt get this... atm she's still going to daycare, the boys both showed symptoms within 8 hours of each other, so anneliese should show by morning at the latest. Otherwise, maybe she can avoid it altogether!!

and BTW, Happy 5 months to all those babies born on the 19th!! (Oscar, Marley... anyone else??)

Hi all

Its late (again) but only just managed to get puter from Matt and caught up.

Simone: Sorry to hear you're having a rough time I wish I lived closer so I could help you out. Hopefully you'll get my package tomorrow and that will cheer you up darls!

Ceecee: Hang in there with Ally. Aleise has a Tomy music box that zonks her out in 10 mins if that fails we put her in the babyswing and she's out like a light!

Karen: Aleise hasn't wanted a dummy since early October so I guess that's one thing less I have to stress about.

Solids: Someone said their bub didn't like carrot and rice cereal.. try the Golden Circle 1st Foods range (eg Fruit Salad Gel) and mix it with the cereal - worked with Aleise. She doesn't like rice cereal anymore though so she now goes through a jar and a half of baby food a day. Bought more bananas today ($6 kilo at markets yay!) so am going to mash some up for her tomorrow. Good luck!

Me: Was a bit upset last night as my neighbour had her birthday party and didnt invite me! I gave her a lovely hairclip and chocolates since it was her 40th on Thursday. When we walked our pooch and Aleise we discovered they had a BBQ on! I went to bed crying and was very offended. Needless to say we won't be inviting them over for dinner anymore!

Well not much to report so hope to catch up when I can this week. Tuesday Billy Joel, Friday work Xmas party and Saturday is my bro's engagement party (the one where I have to bring my OWN food!)..

Take care all and good luck IK on your op - although I've got no idea why you need it (and s'pose its none of my business anyway).

NIght!

Neeny - Im sorry your neighbour left you out like that. Maybe she just had family around??

IK needs on op to straighen her nose (apparently its bent, i never notice!!!) Second op on it (from what i can remember LOL :P)

Simone & IK - thank you so much girls.

IK - as you said
"each pet teaches us something that helps us love the next pet in a better way". I think this is so true. I keep saying to DH that at least he had a great life with us and was loved and looked after like our babies are. He was very spoilt but we loved him and I am sure he loved being with us. I will check out the website, thanks for directing me.

Are you going to think about getting another dog in time??

Yep, I got my nose out of joint as a very active kid! Can't breathe properly from one side, even after surgery when I was 16, so must go again to see if this time it can be done better, once and for all.
Oscar is on the floor...in his wally wrap! My SIL was very impressed with it, so I'll have to teach it to her.
Happy 5 months Marley and Nathan :)
Might run a bath and make this boy sleepy in it...

OMG i cant believe oscar is still up!! I make Anneliese go to bed at about 8.30, Xander goes to bed at 8pm, declan between 7 and 7.30. That way i get some Me time (none of that tonight though, just started watching Monsters Inc for a second time in my bed with Xander. At least he isnt crying anymore...)

Simone - we will probably get another dog, I have always grown up with one and so has DH. It will take a bit of time I think, we don't want to rush into it. I used to love having a big dog around especially when DH work nightshift and I am home alone! His very loud bark would scare anyone away. Might be a bit spooky the first time DH is away. Monsters Inc is good - hopefully Xander will nod off soon and get a good nights sleep (and you too)

IK - the wally wrap is the best (Rory you are a legend!!!!!LOL). I am still trying to perfect it, but it is working great esp in todays weather. Hope Oscar enjoys his bath and sleeps well tonight.