Jan - maybe its a gluten reaction to the pasta and its upsetting his little tummy? It could be wind like Tan said, but what you've described is a lot like what Izzy went through early on. Maybe see what happens if you skip pasta for a while, and then reintroduce it. I've had to stick to wholemeal pasta with Iz because of her gluten issues and so far so good. I do notice though on the rare occasions I give her jar stuff she gets a bit grizzly if its had pasta, rice etc in it. Its so hard when they're obviously distressed, rather than just grumpy isn't it. I think we all question our suitability as a mum, and I'm sure it won't stop for the rest of our childrens' lives. I'm sure you're a great mum - its just hard for you to see it sometimes when everything gets a bit much. Not that it helps, but I'm definitely sharing your feelings at the moment. Joining a gym sounds great - time just for you, rather than Julian's mum or Pat's wife.

Tan - glad to hear the work is going well but major bummer that your Iz is being a monster like mine (do you think its the name?!?!) I'm really sorry you're considering giving up boobie juice because I know how important it is to you to keep it going. Having said that, and I'm not suggesting for a second the right thing is dropping it and putting Iz on formula, I can't say enough about how much my life improved when I stopped fighting all the problems and switched Izzy to formula. Completely different situation I know, but nothing is more important than your happiness - if you're not happy, Iz can't be either.

Michelle - you sound a bit like us - DH and I got engaged and sold our houses in 2005 and bought an old crappy one together which we demolished and started building end of that year. Got married and pregnant in 2006, Iz born 2007, Ned born 2008. I've told him we're not doing ANYTHING in 2009!! I wanted to elope too - we had our honeymoon on the most fabulous little island in Fiji and I wanted to get married there but finally gave in to guilt about family, especially oldies, missing out. Glad I did too - my wedding day was such a fabulous day. Kids are a serious strain though aren't they, however solid your relationship is. I find it hard to get time (and energy) for just the two of us too, which I know isn't good.

Sarah - that's brilliant you don't have to pay anything for the poker. I've always wondered if I did anything like that seriously if I'd develop a gambling problem - these things can be so addictive!

Iz was much better last night and she has been brilliant today. Poor little poppet has just had a tooth come through up the top and there are 4 more that I can see about to break through too. Hopefully they won't cause her too much more trouble and the improved sleeping can continue - for all of us!!