Rubystar is still not really doing anything milestoney so to speak! She has no teeth, is not crawling although trying to get around, and is almost sitting for about a minute before falling in slow motion to one side! oh yeah! she did say Muma this morning! but just to herself in the playpen, still...pretty cool. I'm trying to teach her to say Dad first (as I did with Giorgia) cause they say Mum often enough later, and it's great to be able to say to DH "no she's wants you, mate!"

The housework division conference went really well. It just helps knowing that I don't need to feel guilty to ask him to do things. And it helps if I think, "well this is my job" and know that not everything is my job to do. We pretty much just verbalised what we already do, but having it "formalised" was very helpful. I also told him he needed to help out more in the mornings, and not just get up, shower and go to work. (aaah, remember those days?)

We were minding another little girl this weekend which was great for our eldest as it keeps her entertained. I think she really enjoyed helping someone younger than her. Unfortunately having her around reminded me of how impatient and selfish I am. Not that I would ever be that way to someone's elses child, but I know what I was thinking inside ("NO - not again" and "@#$@$@#@' ) as i cheerfully said "sure we can play the princess game for the 159th time this hour..."

IK - you (almost) make me wish I could cook, but I'll just have to be happy with my chef hubby.

Oh #KAREN# - how hard for you! You must be exhausted from the travel alone, and the emotional distress too. Really thinking of you and sending you some positive coping vibes. Look after yourself as you hold everyone together ok?

AMANDA3 - Thanks for defn. re. Reiki. does that mean you need to have a good connection with the practitioner? BTW I'm hoping to get to 12 months too, aren't we doing well on the breastfeeding front! (no pun intended)
Is Cody shuffling on his bum or tummy?

NICKERS - that's a LOT to cope with. Make good decisions won't you? Awesome that you can transfer your job though, that's great. I think if you are aware that you don't want stress you'll make decisions based on what's best for you and your family, remember you are not obliged to anyone except them!

ALI(27)- YAY! YAY! YAY for you! I'm so happy for you, it's sounds like life is starting to pull together for you, you deserve it!

DEE78 - you are not neglectful! Even if you went out every two weeks - that is hardly neglectful! But I DO know what you mean, you sometimes just have to leave places early, or not go because it's best for your kids. I have started having to be home at 5 each day to start the girl's night-time routine started as it's just better for them, so having to get myself organised to make sure this happens!DF can't babysit? or is it a work day?

BaTHSHEBA - sounds like you need to start telling the kids that Mummy is having some quiet time. Are Niall and Wade in the same room? Wade wouldn't just play quietly or at least just play while Niall is asleep? or is that hoping too much? You might just have to use a DVD every now and then for 30 minutes to yourself each day - it's really important that you have a break and just a little bit of down time. I know the zombie on caffiene feeling, you take heaps to get through the morning and then can't have a nap in the afternoon, and then go to bed early and wake up at 4.30 am with insomnia and it starts all over again! That's my cycle anyway! I'm seriously surprised at the difference enliven makes, I'm still trying to work out WTF is in the stuff that can make such a difference?
BTW - you were having a great up time recently, so it may have taken it out of you a bit - so rest and recuperate, oh and win the lottery while you're at it!! (So hard to do these things with little children!!)

Bellasmum - is Pat teething and that's why he;s a bit whingey? I swear babies just have an inner stress radar that knows the exact moment that you need to focus on other kids because they need dinner, they are in the bath or whatever, and they let it rip. Does that happen much to you? I find cooking and bathing with a baby in one arm a bit difficult on the dexterity side of things!!

Hi everyone else! How were your weekends?
Has anyone spoken to Neeny lately or did I miss a post?
Ok, ciao bellas!