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!