Babies born ~ December 1st-15th 2009 #5

[Rose_Red]

Hi girls

Just popping in quickly - am way behind on BB, so no time for proper persies.

But Lani - I'm thinking of you a lot.

And thank you everyone for your kind words about Dad. We're all still feeling like it's a bit of a dream. He was doing really well, then developed some complications suddenly. He was ready to go, and had everything organised, but it still feels like there's a hole in the world right now.

We've been having a bit of a nightmare with Liam lately, too. Don't really know why, but he's been fighting sleep badly at all naps and at night, and waking *screaming* multiple times a night. We're thinking separation anxiety right now. That, and transitioning to only one nap. Thankfully, today he's been pretty good with his nap - down easily for two hours or so. Now he's just running around being a holy terror Not fully walking all the time, but he's on the way to it.

[Tilda]

Rose - good to see you popping in! It doesn't sound like Liam is giving you an easy time of it on top of everything. I can empathise - Matilda has just recently come out of a similar phase. I think they get a burst of separation anxiety around this age and it really plays havoc with their sleep because they wake up and wonder where mummy is. And then they're tired and grumpy and even more clingy during the day. Don't worry. It will pass!! Matilda was really dreadful for a couple of months but now she's sleeping well and playing on her own more than she ever has.

Beany - I'm so sorry to hear about your MIL. It must be so tough on you and your DH. But she is so lucky to have a daughter in law that cares about her as much as you do. I'm sure she feels blessed. And I'm sure the BF will be so much easier next time. Maybe it would be worth getting to know a lactation consultant ahead of time. I saw a really good one at the Hobart Private Hospital who made a huge difference. And get the midwives to help you has much as possible. I barely did a feed on my own in the first few days. They pretty much sat there and did it for me!!!

BS - Glad the stitches aren't worrying you too much. I feel a bit guilty that I don't feel as excited as you about this next baby. I'm sure it will come but it still feels weird to think of another person joining our little unit. I wouldn't worry about Eva being shy and getting bullied later on. Often its the more obnoxious kids that tend to make themselves targets for bullies. And they have so much growing and developing to do yet that its hard to know exactly how certain traits will come out later. Matilda was sooooo serious as a young baby. I used to joke she was born with a frown on her face. And now she's actually bubbly at times. So I think as they become more multi-layered different traits will come into play. Matilda is also slow to warm up to people but once she does she's all over them like a rash. Probably the trait I wonder most about is how strident she can be. I think I may have to coach her on communicating sensitively with people. I suspect she's going to have very strong opinions and not be backwards in expressing them. People are always telling me how emphatic she is about everything. And like I was saying to Rose, we have just been through a period of intense separation anxiety. I think its OK for them to get a bit upset when you're leaving if they're OK for the rest of the time you're away. It's just their way of expressing themselves.

Anyway, I should really get ready for bed. I'm sleeping terribly, even though Matilda is sleeping quite well. I'm waking up a lot and finding it difficult to get back to sleep. I should have mentioned it to my OB today. I met him for the first time today. I'm not sure what to think about him to be honest. But its a bit late to change. It's so hard to get into anyone in Sydney. Hope everyone is doing well. Sorry I didn't get to all the personals!

[Alison1973]

Hi Girls!

Firstly, yet again I'm not getting notifications, I hate BB for that, it happens to me ALL the time!

Lani - my beautiful friend my heart bleeds more and more for you, please remember to call if you need to talk - don't let what happened to me in the past make you feel bad about talking about it, chatting to someone who's been through it helps more than you think and I honestly don't mind, live and learn I say. I take it from your post that Paul is living elsewhere at present? When do your parents get back? I can't believe she's engaged, actually yes I can, our stories are the same I tell you! Keep strong, he will get his own back and you will get what you deserve, a happy, loving future with a prince charming. xx

BS - I'm really glad the little op went well, I saw a pic of you on FB just earlier and was looking for your belly but you're covering up hee hee - have you announced it yet? How exciting for you and I did chuckle as Amelia started walking a few days before Christmas as well!

Rose - I'm sorry again about your dad, I don't think you can ever be prepared can you, perhaps he wanted to go on a "high" note so to speak, on his terms which I guess in hindsight is the best way to go if you have to go, not when you're down and out. Does that make sense?

Beany - sorry about MIL, have they said how long she might have? That's just the pits isn't it. But as for your new car, wahoooooo - can't wait to see it, let's organise a catch up soon so we can have a squizy. Where are you off to for your holiday? Have fun wherever it may be! My work is doable but I'm getting a little annoyed by the girl who replaced me so to speak, she treats me like I'm her junior which is not how it's meant to be and takes advantage of me, not sure how long I'll last, will try and hold out till I'm pregnant again as the money is really good for what I do, but otherwise whatever happens I'm going to do what makes me happy. It's not the work (even though I'm finding it boring) it's more just in general the fact I've moved on from that part of my life, if I work I want to do something I really enjoy. I used to love my job but things changed in my head while I was on leave. Hope you're still enjoying yours.

Hi Tilda, Hi Hannah Everything seems to be going well with you all and your lovely girls.

AFM - Amelia is walking/running/you name it, she's all over the place ha ha - no rest for the wicked in my house anymore! I think she's teething again, she's had her hands in her mouth the last few days and did a couple of "teething poos" today, they always smell distinct those ones don't they and she's been whingey on and off....very clingy as well and had a few nights the last couple of weeks like Liam has Rose.......same as you, I think it's a combo of teething, just a stage (ie wonder week) and transitioning to 1 nap, when she sleeps well at night she goes down at 7pm and doesn't wake until 7.30 pm but then is harder to get down for her morning nap. I just try and go with the flow these days.

Anyway, Amelia has just gone to bed so I'm off to have a shower and get some dinner. work tomorrow, booooo.
xx

[Plinky]

Hello!

BS - Thats good that you don't really feel your stitches! I can kind of imagine the feeling you describe...a bit like after a pap smear? Periody-sore. Speaking of which, I just had another. I know you're meant to only have them every 2 years, but I felt like I needed to have once after having Michael, just wanted to make sure everything was still ok. She felt my womb and my ovaries and said it all feels good Haha...yes, we're obsessed with baby names at the mo. Every now and then one of us will go "What about....?". Good job we've got a bit of a wait till we need them! I don't think you need to worry too much about Eva...I'm sure we'll all go through the stage of them being very clingy, I think its quite normal. She sounds just wonderful, I love that she's playing with her tea set and feeding her dolls! Thats amazing. Michael I'm finding is very easy going at the moment, will go to most people willingly, and smiles at strangers. But the thing that concerns me is his temper! He can get real cranky if you don't let him do what he wants, or do something he doesn't want (like nappy change). Hopefully that too will just be a phase. He is seriously obsessed with books, he needs to have a book with him most of the time. Very cute tho! Oh, and great that Eva is walking! Yay!

Lani - how are you going? Are your parents back yet? Thinking of you

Rose - Good to see you on BB We had similar trouble with Michael when we experimented with 1 day sleep...he would get really upset when put down for night time, and generally more cranky than usual. So at the mo we're still hovering between 1 and 2 day sleeps. Hopefully his sleep sorts itself out soon tho. Good to hear he's walking more too! Michael is walking heaps more now that he's feeling better. Still not walking properly...but not doing too bad...14 steps in a row unaided is his record so far!

Tilda - Thanks for the kind words. Yes, I will make sure I see an LC before the birth and have some sort of plan if things start to go wrong, that will make me feel a lot better. Sorry to hear you've not been sleeping well, do you think its because of the pregnancy? But thats great Matilda is sleeping well! Haha, people say Michael frowns a lot too...I think he's just figuring things out, thats all

Alison - they can't really say how long she has left - it all depends on how she takes to the chemo. But I'd say it will be a matter of weeks, possibly a few months at the most. Yes, we most definitely need to have another Perth catch up...I'd really love that. We're just going down to Dunsborough for a few days (a couple of hours drive south of perth for those who don't know), we're staying at a holiday home there. Seriously CAN'T WAIT!! That would be really hard if you're not enjoying the people you work with. That would do my head in. Its good that you're not in a position that you have to keep going to work. But definitely do whatever makes you happy, its not worth it if you're miserable. My work is going well thanks, I love the work...different to what I used to do as I'm doing Payroll, but I love the feeling of ticking things off, making sure all the figure are right, reconciling. I love that stuff!

Hello to everyone!

AFM - Had to take Michael to PMH emergency on Sunday night. His temp got to 39.5oC, he threw up all of his dinner and some of his lunch, he was crying and whiney, and I thought he was very tender around his upper-thigh. So we took him just as a precaution. They said it was likely a virus and there's not much we can do other than give panadol if he's in pain. He is a lot better now, tho he does get the odd high temps, so perhaps he's fighting something off. Oh, and something the doc mentioned...apparently they no longer advise giving panadol just for a high temp. As its the body fighting infection and it needs to keep itself at a high temp to do so. She said only give it if the baby seems in pain. So that was interesting. It was funny tho, the nurse took us into a little room and told us to try and catch his wee so they can test for a UTI. Blimey, I had no idea how much wee he could hold! when he went...he really went!! He filled up the container and got heaps on the floor! We had a bit of a giggle about that

MIL didn't get her chemo yesterday as she has an infection they want to try and get rid off first. So looks like Wednesday now. Its so hard, especially for FIL. He is caring for her round the clock, often getting very little sleep. He's exhausted himself. And she needs full-on care. She can't go to the toilet on her own, can't do anything really. She's pretty much bed-ridden. And when she has her fevers, she's mentally not with it and tells FIL to get stuffed, and won't take her tablets, its just awful. And don't get me started on SIL. She's recently split from her hubby and moved back in with the IL's. We al thought "oh good, now FIL can get some rest and help with MIL". Nope. She's hardly ever home (we all suspect she has a new bf), she makes more work for FIL, she doesn't seem like she's any help at all...in fact I'm sure FIL preferred it before she moved back in. We're all SO angry at her...and then she whinges to DH about how its hard living with her mum & dad, she can't wait to move out, etc, etc. EXCUSE ME??? Your mum is dying...what the hell is wrong with you?? GRRRR! I get so worked up about it, its so wrong. I know if it was my mum in this situation, I'd be spending every minute with her and helping out as much as I can.

[Alison1973]

Hi Beany - I'm having my 2 yearly pap smear tomorrow, I avoided it after having Amelia as I'd had one done just before getting pregnant. I had them, do you ever get used to them? I want to make sure everything's in top top shape before I even think about getting pregnant again. I'm really sorry to hear about your MIL Beany, she sounds in a bad way and your SIL is not helping at all, how selfish. If there's anything I can do to help let me know. And sorry to hear Michael's been unwell poor sweetie, interesting about the panadol comment, makes sense though. Amelia's teething again I think so I try not to give her panadol/nurofen unless I really have to, it's hard to know isn't it. xx

So girls, who's into clairvoyancy etc? I wasn't going to say but one of the girls on my November forum put me onto an online lady in canada, I got my reading yesterday and it's so interesting ha ha. She gave me a rundown on Amelia and what she will do in life etc, including when she'll marry and how many kids she'll have. Plus she told me the sex of the next baby and she gave the month as February - she said it's either when I conceive, when I find out, or when the baby is born. Given I was planning on starting April/May that puts me to Feb so we shall see how correct she is lol! I don't take it as gospel but it's definitely fun. If anyone's interested let me know and I'll FB message you her details - she does free ones, the one I had done was $15.00. She has predicted both of this other girl's pregnancies down to the month and sex. hee hee.

[Plinky]

Oh good luck! I hate getting them too...they always seem to be painful for me Yeah, she is in a bad way...just found out she's been taken back to hospital this morning because she's so bad.

Oh gosh, I love hearing clairvoyancy stories!! Only $15? Thats v good. Does she tell you the bad stuff as well as the good? Hmm....very tempting!!

[Tilda]

Alison - What's going on with the BB notifications do you think? I wonder if they know about it. It's such a pain to have to keep checking. Boo to the pap smear tomorrow. I hate them. I had to have an internal yesterday at the OB and it was awful. I never had one during my last pregnancy. It will be interesting to see how much of the clairvoyant's predictions come to pass...

Beany - Your SIL sounds like she's not really with the program if you know what I mean?? It must drive you all crazy with frustration. Especially when she's in the ideal position to help.

Lani - Thinking of you. You must be so mad to have been dragged into such a mess. I hope Paul cleans it up very soon!!!

BS - Have you thought about what sort of help you'll get leading up to and after the baby? Are you going to keep sending Eva to daycare full time? And are you going to get any extra house help? I don't have the support of my mum or my MIL so I'm trying to work out what to do. I'm not sure whether to try and put Matilda into daycare for a couple of days a week or get someone to come to the house who can help with both babies and the housework as well. Or a combination...This is going to be such an expensive year! Baby doctor bills, new car, overseas trip (that DH has to take - long story). Argh!

[Tuesday's Child]

Hi girls! I've left it so long since my last post, I know. I've kind of been avoiding this thread. It doesn't stop me thinking about you all and I do stop in to read from time to time. I can't really explain why I've been avoiding my girls...doesn't make sense after we've shared our pregnancies and our babies' first year. I guess it's too easy to measure myself against you all and find myself lacking. I know it probably sounds dramatic, but I feel I should be honest with you.

In some ways I'm doing really well. I've asked my friends for help (a VERY big deal for me) and they're taking turns this month to come and entertain Amelia on Sundays so I can get my house in order. I also met some Adelaide BB girls last weekend. It was great spending some time with other mums and I'm considering going to the next meetup.

In other ways I'm barely coping. I'm getting further and further behind and am waiting for someone to figure out I'm a fraud. I bring work home to try to catch up, but it isn't easy with constant interruptions. Then I get frustrated with Amelia when she isn't the problem. I think I really just don't want to work. We're getting an idea of what mum's estate is worth now and Simon is staying open to the idea of me staying home.

Also I had such high hopes for 2011 (I think a lot of people did) but there's been so much sadness and destruction. At times I wonder what is the point? willow, I'd only just started reading Lulu's blog. I wish I'd gotten to know her better. I remember when she gave me rep points once. I was so honoured. It was like being acknowledged by one of the cool kids at school Maybe it's because of Lulu's passing (as well as her sister, Lolli's DH plus TC Yasi and the floods) that I'm making an effort to form new IRL friendships and work on maintaining my existing ones.

Amelia still isn't walking independently. She can, she just doesn't know she can lol. But she is talking a lot now. Every other day she'll say a new word. Then again, sometimes it'll take me a day to figure out what she is actually saying. Night times have improved too. One of the Adelaide mummies I met suggested giving Amelai dinner while at daycare. That way I don't have to worry about it when we get home and we have playtime before her bath. This improved our evenings and she'll sleep for 3 hours without a peep before waking for a night feed. I also had a phone consultation with Pinky McKay to try and solve the night time play time. I try to be disciplined and go to bed before she wakes so that she doesn't wake fully and will go back to sleep. I got a shock when it worked the very first night. I have tried dream feeds on and off since the day she was born and she always woke afterwards anyway. I'm also letting her have a short second nap late in the afternoon and have pushed back her bedtime. Last night we were up again, but Amelia didn't seem herself. Then today I'd noticed her first molar is coming through.

Well I'd better get going and try to sneak into bed before she wakes. Will try to be around a bit more.

Love to all,
Hannah

[Alison1973]

Hi Hannah I was just thinking about you this week how weird is that! Please don't feel bad, you are doing such a fab job of being a mum, we all have our struggles and brickwalls that we hit, it's just a normal part of being a mum I think. Never question how you're doing because you're doing great. I love your pics you put up on FB, Amelia is such a gorgeous little girl and I love that our girls share a birthday AND name I rarely get on these days, spend so much time on FB and now I'm back at work 2 days a week I find less time for the things I truly love, that's one of my demons, work, but hopefully not for much longer. So your comments about your job, I could've written that myself as that's EXACTLY how it's going for me too. Life's to short to be miserable so I'm giving it until I'm pregnant again (depending if I last that long) and resigning. We are intending on trying again around April, I'm a bit scared - especially at times when Amelia is unwell, last weekend I didn't cope very well and started to doubt how I'd go with 2 but I guess we get better at is as time goes on, at least I'm hoping ha ha.

Well done with Amelia's sleep, sounds like she's going great guns!!!! Boo on the teeth, I think my Amelia is getting ready for the molars too, am dreading losing my nice 7-7 night sleep throughs as I just know they'll turn to crap when she's teething, as they always do!

Anyway gotta run but make sure you don't leave it so long, talking helps ok.
xx

[Tilda]

Hannah - you are so hard on yourself!! Don't be!! You have the proof of being an amazing mum in that beautiful little girl of yours. I'm so glad you're asking friends for help and I'm really impressed about how organised you are about it. Good on you! And that's amazing about Amelia's talking. Matilda still doesn't say many words. She runs around like a little olympic sprinter but not a lot of real words. They're all so different aren't they.

Alison - great to see you. Aren't those bad tummy bugs the worst!!! We had one last year and it was the worst week. And that's great that you're thinking of doing exactly what you want and giving the job up when you get pregnant. Will you start TTC soon?

Suz - thanks for going over your daycare experiences with me. It really helps to hear about other people's experiences.

Kanda - thanks for getting on and giving me your vote of support - I really appreciate it!

Well sorry I haven't got to everyone else but I've got to get out and leave for a new mothers group I'm trying out. I'll try and get on again later.

[Tuesday's Child]

kanda - Congratulations! Good luck with the blood tests

suz - I was wondering what you were doing up! Well done on passing the boat licence test. Wow a move on the cards. Exciting. Have fun house hunting.

kawa - I'm glad Maree passed her hearing test. You must be relieved.

BS - I'm so jealous. Good on you and DH for taking some time out before #2 arrives. Hope your still enjoying being pampered

willow - I don't have any advice for the nappy wars your having. Amelia seems to have settled down on her own. Getting her nappy on after her bath was a nightmare and would get the both of us really worked up right before I had to try to get her to sleep. She settled down a lot once she realised that it was part of her routine and she would get to go to bed once her nappy was on. Not much help to you though, sorry. And I notice that my concentration and memory are still pretty lousy too (work makes it so much more noticeable) Thanks for your words hun.

Tilda - Thanks for your kind words too. I've yet to see any fussiness from Amelia but she hasn't been eating as much lately. I think she's pausing between growth spurts. It must be hard when you've worked hard preparing a nice meal and she doesn't want it. But try not to let it to get to you too much. There's no sense in battling over food. Toddlers don't starve themselves voluntarily. How is Matilda's sleep going? I hope she continues to sleep through for you.

Alison - Thankyou hun. I love that our girls share a name and birthday too (and very nearly birth time). I'm actually finding work is a little easier since I stopped trying to bring it home. I'm less stressed because I'm giving myself a break while at home and then I'm able to concentrate more when I am at work. I was thinking about asking to work from home, but I think I'm better off going into the office. It's easier to compartmentalise. Hope you and Millie are well.

Rose - Thankyou also. I'm sorry your health is still lousy. I wish there was more that could be done for you. You seem a little down in your FB posts too

Lani - How are you and Jett doing? I hope he's recovering from his dogbite.

AFUS - Amelia took 2 steps on her own yesterday. She walks really well holding on to our hands, but I'm noticing that her right hip seems stiff. She'll lift her left leg nice and high, but not her right. She kind of twists her whole body around to bring her right leg forward rather than moving from the hip and stepping. DH has booked her in to see his chiro tomorrow so we'll see what she says. I'm also taking her to the osteo for a checkup on Saturday. It's the same hip that's given her trouble all along. She doesn't seem uncomfortable though. In the meantime her speech and fine motor skills are developing almost daily.

[kawazuki]

hey everyone.

I'm new in here my Miss M was born 29th dec 2009.
hope you don't mind me crashing

just worrying about her development.
she isn't talking at all makes noises like grunting and groaning but no words.
and she clicks her tongue a lot.

how are all you lovely ladies going.
I am about to go and back read a bit lol

kell

[willow5]

LOL Hi Kawa good to see you back...you were joking about being new here yeah? Or has it been that long you've forgotten us

Harry used to do a lot of tongue clicking, he clicked his tongue when he liked something. He still does grunts and groans, it's almost like he's trying to get the words out. He does have a couple of words now but he's one of the slower in the group, he's not walking either, slacker!

Are you all settled in up North now? I can't remember exactly where you went, Mackay? How'd you fair in the floods and cyclone?

Gotta go sorry to not get to everyone, well no one except Kawa lol trying to eat my dinner before it gets cold.

[kawazuki]

LOL Hi Kawa good to see you back...you were joking about being new here yeah? Or has it been that long you've forgotten us

Harry used to do a lot of tongue clicking, he clicked his tongue when he liked something. He still does grunts and groans, it's almost like he's trying to get the words out. He does have a couple of words now but he's one of the slower in the group, he's not walking either, slacker!

Are you all settled in up North now? I can't remember exactly where you went, Mackay? How'd you fair in the floods and cyclone?

Gotta go sorry to not get to everyone, well no one except Kawa lol trying to eat my dinner before it gets cold.

hey willow, yes was having a joke, lol been so long i feel like the new kid on the block again

all settled in up north, yep in mackay, we faired well in the cyclones and floods.
she si getting her hearing tested on monday so excited and nervous..

oh he is just having a ball getting around other ways.. go enjoy a nice warm dinner.

TILDA wow sorry i missed your PA, congrats hun, you will have soo much fun with 2 little ones
yes it is soo hard to remember just how little they were when born