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

Hi BS - OMG are you freaking serious!!!!! I'm sorry but that is negligent, they have a duty of care to check if they suspect something is wrong, my goodness I'd be taking her out myself but then that's me. I'm glad she is fine with her toe but still, I just can't believe they didn't even take her shoes off to check her feet, for all they know she could've been bitten by a spider or something! That must have been incredibly painful too poor poppet, tough little cookie she is. Sorry to hear she's always sick too, the downfalls of daycare I guess but you're right, once you get past winter you can hopefully be cough and cold free. Hopefully she won't be too ill for your time away, especially like you said if your grandparents are older but I'm sure even if she is they'll be fine, a bit of fresh air will do her the world of good. How exciting that you're feeling kicks and I absolutely love the name Stella, one of my favourite perfumes:D

Well Amelia is much better this morning, she slept in her own room all night, I did get up to her a couple of times, particularly at 3am but she wasn't crying she was just super thirsty and woofed down a big bottle of water and then went back to sleep after about 15 mins until 6.30 am this morning. I'm still tired though, AF arrived today so that on top of being totally knackered from this week's lack of sleep is making me feel super tired but it doesn't matter, main thing is Millie Moo is feeling better.

Beany, I see you and Michael have been unwell, I hope you are feeling better today sweets, nothing worse than tummy bugs, we've had our fair share of those ourselves. That's one thing I hate about summer, you don't get colds and flu but all the tummy bugs are rife in the heat. Especially here in Perth, 27th consecutive day of over 30 degrees, a record for Perth! I love summer but I'm getting a bit over it now and am hanging out for a nice breeze, of course I'll moan when winter comes as I hate the cold, don't mind a nice rainy day if you haven't got anything to do, but I particularly hate winter clothes ha ha!

Oh and hi Rose, how are you going sweets?

Hello girls!

Alison - Oh my goodness. Poor Amelia! And poor you! What a rough trot you're both having :( It must have been so painful for her to eat with ulcers in her mouth, poor little darling. I would have freaked with the blood too. I've only experience blood a couple of times with Michael, both when his face hit the ground and his teeth went through his lip. Not nice. Gosh, has it really been 27 days over 30? Blimey! We have every right to whinge! :lol: At least its meant to be cooling down over the weekend! Oh, and the idea about the owls with the bowties - LOVE IT!! I'll put my order in now!!

BS - I hope little Eva isn't coming down with another cold. They get sick so often, don't they? I guess how else are they going to build up their immunity? Waaah! Have a fabulous time in Paris, how lovely!

AFM - yes, we have been quite unwell here for the past few days. First my poor little dumpling has been throwing up a LOT. Like, I'm sure he has thrown up just about everything he has eaten and drank :( It started on Wednesday, he had thrown up twice in his cot overnight, there was heaps, it was all in his hair and over his grobag and face. He mustn't have made a fuss about it tho because we didn't hear anything. Then I came down with it last night. Gees. I'd forgotten how much I hate throwing up, the last time I threw up would have been 2005 when I got food poisoning. Ugh...just awful. Much better today tho. But Michael is still being sick, tho not as much. it also seems he is now coming down with a cold on top of it. Poor little darling.

I have joined a Playgroup this week, its quite good and most of the kids are between 1-2 so thats good. Michael loved it to bits, all the cool toys to play with. They're still not at the age of playing with each other, but he loves discovering all the cool play equipment! So I'm thinking thats where he picked up this bug, and possibly the cold too. :(

I'm coming off my AD's!! Yay! :dance: Gradually over 4 months, can't wait!

I'm really down at the moment tho. I had made a wonderful friend from Mothers Group who I met up with quite a few times and really clicked with (same one I babysat for) - we shared a lot of the same issues. She told me she's going to Tasmania for a few months for a break (with hubby & baby). I do have my suspicions that they are planning to move there permanently tho. I'm devastated. I just can't help feeling I FINALLY made a friend, and she gets taken away from me. Story of my life :( I think thats why she suggested me going to her Playgroup, she is worried about me not having any friends. :(

Ok, thats my woe-is-me rant over with.

OH! I keep meaning to ask - does anyone else have seperation of their stomach muscles since having bub? I got a shock when I felt my abs the other day while I was in bed, and theres a whopping great gap right down the middle :o Mentioned it to the doc and he said there's not much you can do about it. Boo. That prolly contributes to me still having such a paunch.

Hi girls :)

Argh, I haven't been getting notifications - way too much to catch up on.

Gentle cuddles to all of the sick bubs, though, and to all of you Mums dealing with the wee sick ones.

This is probably going to be a bit of a selfish ramble, apologies in advance, but I just need to get some of it out.

Things...haven't been good. Liam's sleep has been getting progressively worse, to the point where a normal night now consists of about an hour of settling initially, then if we're lucky a few hours of sleep before he starts waking every hour just *screaming*. We got lucky on the weekend and had one five hour stretch in the middle of the night, but most nights the longest stretch has been 2-3 hours. His daytime nap has gone the same way, too - he's getting two hours or so, but it's usually involving at least one or two wakings and resettlings.

It's really starting to wear on me. I haven't had a proper night of sleep in forever, and even when Liam sleeps for a few hours, I'm up waiting for him to start screaming. DH has tried to settle him a few times, but he just wants me most of the time. I have a bad cold at the moment, too - Liam had it last week, but got over it relatively quickly. I'm fed up with being the only one who can settle Liam, and just absolutely exhausted. Right now as I'm typing this I'm on the verge of crying about it all. I've gotten to the point where I don't enjoy Liam at all, it's all just stressful and exhausting.

And there's Liam with his first wakeup of the night, after only about 40 minutes of sleep. Back later to finish maybe if I can.

:hug: Rose. Is there any chance Liam is teething? Amelia has been having a hell of a time with her molars. She got her first on the 2nd of Feb and the next didn't cut until 1st March and the top two are on the way as well. She's often fine while upright but the throbbing must start once she's been lying down. She's even been needing panadol at care, which she hasn't had before. I think they're all coming out of a wonder week at the moment too. Amelia won't be settled by anyone but me either. That's draining enough without being sick as well. I hope you get over the cold soon and that Liam settles down again to give you a break. Is he sleeping much during the day? If so, are you able to sleep when he does? What about taking him to bed with you at night, in case he just wants to be close to you. Be kind to yourself hun. It's okay if you're not enjoying him at the moment. Sleep deprivation is the pits. Do what you have to ride it out. This too shall pass.....

AFM - Just a quick one tonight girls. Will have a read back and post hopefully tomorrow. I just want to let you know that Amelia is walking. She's been doing it since the weekend before last and each day, she wants to walk more and more. She loves leading us as she does laps of the house. I've finally got off my butt and am taking her swimming now. We're both loving it. My GP ran more blood tests and found I'm vitamin D deficient, so I've been given a supplement. Hopefully it'll be back to normal in a few months, but it explains some of why I've been feeling lousy lately.

I hope all the sick bubbas get well soon.

:grouphug:

Hi girls,

Rose, IT might be teething, or maybe an ear infection? Eva can't sleep whenever she gets an ear infection and usually they are linked...It hurts like hell when they lay down...You pooor thing. I know how it feels and you must be so wiped out. :( I agree with Hannah, maybe just take him to bed with you? Anything that gets him to sleep is better than this...look closely to see if he is pulling his ears, or try to prop him up a bit to sleep. Something must be bugging him. Have you tried giving him something for the pain before trying to settle him down for bed? With Eva sometimes that is the only thing that helps - then during the 30 minutes it takes to kick in, I rock her and get her down....He might wake when it wears off but it shoul dgive you at least 4/5 hours or so. Good luck and keep us posted if you find out anything.

Hannah, yay on Amelia walking!!!!! It is such a wonderful step and she will be so much happier and less clingy....She will find a new level of independence :) It is amazing seeing them do these things isn't it. Good on your for going to the swim class - it will be so nice for the two of you to have some quality time outside of the house. As for the vitamin D, luckily you found the problem! I hope treatment works fast.

Alison, how is amelia doing now?

Beany, ya for getting off of the meds!!!! and I hope Michael is doing better...how awful you both got it. That is the worst - to get sick while baby is not well. Just exhausting.

Eva ended up just having a little cough but the WE went well. We celebrated DH's gradfather's 79 birthday and they were so happy to have her at the house. She really just lights up their life. We strolled a lot and enjoyed sunny cold weather (the sun is good enough for me these days!)...Eva was adorable - walking in and out of shops, waving to everyone...she is really a very nice little girl. She stays close to us but smiles and chats with strangers and is really charming.

Back home now and I am nesting like a nut - I am spring cleaning but like EVERYTHING! And clearing out the guest room this week to start a room for Eva so DD2 can have the nursery :)

Exciting stuff!

xoxo to you all and hope that those of you haveing a hard time get out of it asap!

Hi Everyone!

Rose - I'm so sorry you've been having such a crap time, if it's any consolation I've been in the same boat myself. Amelia had hand foot and mouth last week and was in so much pain, big ulcers in her mouth, wasn't sleeping, eating etc. By the end of the week I was completely at the end of my tether from lack of sleep - she was waking every hour all week. She is also teething, she's cut 3 molars in the last week, great timing huh! Like Hannah said, it's also wonder week time too. Amelia won't go to anyone but me, DH can't even console her at night, it's so draining, especially when I'm having to work 2 days. To make things worse, usually I put Amelia down for 2 naps at 1.5 hours each a day without any fuss, now she's fighting the morning sleep so I have just been letting her stay up as I assume she's transitioning to 1 but then I've just put her down now at 1.00 pm and she was in a happy mood until I tried to walk out, cue the tantrum and crying, this is just not like her and I hate it, I find it very stressful! I'm hoping it's just a phase because I hate doing the controlled crying thing, but what else can you do. The more I stay in there the worse she is, the other day I let her go and she ended up having 20 minutes all day, by the time the evening came she was even worse because she was overtired. Argh I hate these stages. This morning I went shopping as I figured she wouldn't be sleeping anyway and I'm walking along thinking how quiet she was (she's usually very chatty and saying hello to people walking past), I look over the hood and she's fast asleep at 10.45 am, she never sleeps in the pram. So, I figure she's not quite ready to drop the nap but is in the in between stage, anyone else experiencing this and any tips on those who have already transitioned to 1 nap would be great thanks, I am going batty here! So, Rose, as you can see you are not alone ha ha. Let's hope things improve for us soon hey....although Amelia only kicked up a stink for 5 minutes and so far all is quiet, better than yesterday's 30 minutes!

Hi Hannah - yay for Amelia walking, isn't it exciting, there'll be no stopping her now.

Hi Lani - bet you're excited for tomorrow's meet up, super jealous and wish I could be there, would love to meet Suz too as we chat so much in our other thread. Have a great time and can't wait to hear all about it!

Hi BS - welcome back, glad you had a lovely time and that Eva managed to escape a major illness. It will be our turn for colds and flu's soon now we're heading into the cooler months. If it's not summer bugs it's winter ones ha ha! How exciting that you're doing up Eva's room, are you doing a colour scheme/theme? I'm excited to move in a way because I have plans for Amelia's new room, she's having a pink and purple owl themed room, I've bought a duvet cover for her big girls bed (not that she'll use it straight away) but as I didn't know what I was having before I had her I kept her nursery quite plain, so looking forward to making it girlie. Before you know it your new little bundle will be here yippee!!!

Hi Beany - how are you feeling, are you all well again now? Poor things. My decals are coming along nicely, have trialled my first lot of fabric paper and I'm super happy with the results. My sister and I are now busy buying fabrics to make matching cushions, accessories - will do up a few so I have something to advertise and as soon as that's done I'll launch my FB page, I'm calling myself Cutie Hooties - removable wall decals and other cute crafts. I hope people like my stuff and buy it ha ha! My sister is probably going to hand draw some designs (she's an artist) if we can find a good graphics package that we can upload the pics onto, I think it will be more personal if I can do a few original designs rather than just using digital ones all the time, but we will have to see how it goes. Either way we have some great ideas so can't wait to share them with you all......you will get some boy owls Beany don't worry, have a cute as idea for you.

Well, seeing as Amelia is asleep I'd best go get some stuff done so hi to everyone else, Willow, Tilda (how is Matilda by the way)..........and anyone else I've missed. Hope everyone is having a great week and keeping well.
xx

Hi Girls!

I keep meaning to pop in here and post and time has really gotten away from me again.

Rose - Sorry to hear Liam is waking up so often, you must be totally wrecked. I hope it's something like teeth so that there's an end in sight and he will settle again for you.

Beany - That's sad about your Mother's Group friend maybe moving away. But Playgroup sounds good and I hope you make more friends :)

Brussels - Just looked at your ticker and realised that you're 23 weeks pregnant! :omg: Wow! Does Eva seem aware of the new baby yet? Glad you had such a nice weekend away.

Hannah - Good thing your GP ran those extra tests, glad you're feeling better now. This last batch of teeth has been just awful hasn't it, but I'm glad it's passed for you now and that Amelia's walking! Awesome!

Willow - How's Harry and the boys? Bummer that you can't make the meetup due to your Aunty's 50th, would have been great to catch up with you too. After doing our renos we've decided to sell our place and have been looking at houses in Gungahlin so maybe I'll be over your side of town more often in the future? All depends on where we end up buying.

Lani, Carmey, Kanda, Tilda - See you tomorrow! I'm so excited! Am about to sign off and go pack car snacks, lunches, drink bottles, changes of clothes, nappies, etc. etc. The less I have to do when I get up tomorrow the better.

Ali - Promise to hug Lani for you ;)

Kawa - :hello:

Lots going on in our space but will have to fill you all in when we get back from Sydney.

Hi everyone !

Alison, Amelia in those pigtails is tooooooooooooooooooooo cute!!!!!!!!!!!! Eva still does not have enough hair for any kind of styling :))) I'll count myself lucky to not have a lot to shampoo and comb, but am counting down to when I can buy hair accessories!!!! :ROFL:

Suz, yay for the meetup and buying a new place...Give all of the girls a big hug from me too! Be sure one of you takes pics! I know - I am pretty far along! It is coming so soon!!!! I forget it too! With the second pregnancy you don't count day by day like with the first, so I sometimes get surprised by my own ticker!!!!

I think DH and I might have come up with the name....We had a long list that kept changing and everyone gives their opinions non stop, so it gets a bit difficult to choose...but we cannot make everyone happy and are settling for what we like, and everyone will just have to get used to it. Plus they will all have new associations with the name once DD2 is born... So it will be either Stella or Sofia with Maya for a second name.....Stella Maya or Sofia Maya. Now to decide between the two!!!!! (Maya is a shorter variation of my sister's name, who is named Maayan).

Hi BS - firstly thank you and don't worry, I had to scrimp and scrape to get her hair into piggytails, she has my horrible fine hair and hers is also curly at the bottom so it didn't provide me with much ha ha, I thought I'd give it a go for my mum as she was visiting from down south. Secondly, I LOVE the names Stella and Sofia (one of my fave perfumes is Stella (McCartney) and Sofia is another version of Sophie which is one of my fave names, sounds weird but one of my family pets was Sophie and I loved her so much so that name is special to me - she obviously passed away a while ago but still. My cousin just called her little girl Sophia and my friends who are Japanese (he has been living here since he was 10 so sounds as Aussie as me) called their 2nd girl Sophia. Who cares what others think, you'll never keep people happy, that's why we didn't tell anyone until she was born, I didn't want opinions!!!!

Good news girls - Amelia had 1.5 hours this arvo and she let DH put her to bed tonight - first in ages as she's been so clingy to me and she didn't cry, OMG I am feeling so good, I hope it lasts and she's back on track!

lol, re: the hair - we have similar stories as far as baby hair goes :))))

So for the names, I feel like I shoul dnot have told but in a way it was good because Sofia was not in one of my tops until after I got opinions from people.....

But get this FIL is actually trying to propose the name Suzanne to me...I have nothing against the name but it is DH's paternal grandmother's name and she does not like me (and no one likes her)! Like I would name my own child after a mean old woman who does not like me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't get him sometimes. He is a brilliant guy but he has some kooky ideas sometimes!!!!!!

I'm sticking to my guns and just have to decide with DH between the 2...The only thing making me heistate with Sofia is the fact that people will make mistkes writing it with ph or say sophie instead of sofia....Stella is less likely to be turned into a nickname etc...The french nickname Sofias things like SoSo or So or Sof or stuff like that...

I'll keep you girls posted!

Off for a sonogram! I am having my 2nd term full scan with the sono specialist - he has a great machine so I am so excited to see everything clearly!

xoxo

PS, I just saw the BB catchup photos and got all emotional! Must be the hormones of pregnancy!!! :ROFL: It is so nice to see all of you together and all the babies, who have gotten so big playing together!!!!! We have come a long way girls! All you mums look amazing by the way! Nice belly Kate! Kath, dying to see yours too!

Hello all!

Rose - oh gosh, it sounds like you're haivng a really rough time. I think its totally normal to not be enjoying having little quality sleep! But from your fb statuses it sounds like things have improved? I really hope so. I hope you're feeling better too :) We'll have to arrange a catch up for when you're better.

Hannah - Yay for Amelia walking!!! :clap: Sorry to hear about the vitamin D deficiency, I'm hoping you feel better now you're taking a supplement.

BS - You must have had such a lovely time in Paris, Eva sounds quite the star! Sounds like you have a wonderful in-law family. I am in LOVE with Sofia Maya - so feminine and elegant. Stella Maya is beautiful too (one of my fave perfumes as well, Alison!). I think you can't go wrong with either of those names - Maya is such a lovely name. That is a bit odd about your FIL pushing the name of his own mother! Stand your ground, you have beautiful names picked out already :)

Alison - I am feeling better from the tummy-bug, but now I feel like I'm coming down with his cold...I've had a sore throat for about 3 days now. DH has got a full-on cold, and he never gets sick! So I"m copping it from both sides, dunno how long I can keep fighting it off! Cutie Hooties!!! I LOVE it!!! Thats a fantastic name, Alison. Oh I wish you all the luck in the world, good on you for having the idea and acting on it :clap: I'm tryingn to remember what Michael was like when he was dropping down to 1 sleep. I remember he was taking FOREVER to get to sleep for both naps...up to an hour sometimes. That went on for a few weeks until I cottoned-on to the fact that he might be dropping a sleep. Moved his morning sleep to about 11-11.30ish, and didn't bother with an afternoon sleep. There was a week or so there where he'd get a bit more cranky than usual by the time bedtime came around, but he's ok with it now - I just make sure he's in bed by 6.30ish. His day sleep is usually between 1-2 hours. Perhaps you can try a sleep at 11, then maybe go somewhere with the pram in the afternoon, that way if she does get tired she can have a quick nap?

Suz - I have to agree, this lot of teeth have been the worst so far. It seems all 4 came through at once too :(

Hello to everyone!

AFM - My poor darling boy is still sick. While he has recovered from the conjunctivitus, mouth ulcers and tummy bug. I took him to the GP yesterday to make sure his ears were clear (after being on antibiotics for 5 days) and they're both still infected!! :( Plus he has his cold still. I thought he was all better the way he has been acting the past couple of days, I had no idea he still had 2 ear infections. So more antibiotics for him - luckily he loves taking them, I must admit, they're pretty darn tasty!

Found out on fb, of all places, that my boss quit work yesterday. Just great. While I didn't really like him, like him, he was a real cruisey boss, and I felt like he woudl always make sure I was happy, supported, not overloaded, etc. Its going to be wierd having a new boss and building up a relationship with them. Not happy. Plus I'm now shunted to the otherside of the office, which is just as bad as I thought. Very depressing sitting in a cubicle on my own :(

Oh, and fantastic pics from the catch up the other day!! You all look amazing. And Tilda - you are looking so lovely and big (in the nicest possible way, of course! :lol:). And Kanda, I can juuuust see a little bump popping out too! Getting super-clucky over here! Gosh, when you think of us all back, 2 years ago, having just fallen pregnant - we sure have come a long way! All the bubs look so big now, can you believe it??

Cutie Hooties is awesome!

Beany ouchies for the teeth....jeez, eva still only has 6! I have a feeling I will get a mass amount at once again like with her 4 uppers coming in at once, that was no fun at all!!!!

AFM - all is well, getting huge and rolling over at night is a hassle! :) Here I go into the home stretch...Going on 6 months now!!!!

Kanda, Tilda, how is it going? Hello to everyone else!!!

xoxo

Hi everyone. I'm sorry this is going to be a bit of a selfish post. I did a whole lot of persies yesterday and Matilda deleted them. I don't know why I let her near the computer when I'm posting because this has happened several times!! I'm just feeling so tired at the moment. Matilda has been waking between 5 and 5:30am every morning and it's just running me into the ground. It wouldn't be so bad if she did a decent sleep during the day so I could have a rest and some time to myself but she only does one or two half hour naps. It's not even time to make and eat a sandwich. So I'm starting each day feeling angry and resentful. DH just stays in bed or goes back to bed once she's up and fed because she SCREAMS if I try and leave and one of us may as well get some rest, but I still find myself snapping at him out of envy. And I really don't think there's much I can do. Most parents of early wakers say they tried everything and nothing worked. So I just have to hope its a phase. I'm terrified of doing a 4am feed with a newborn and then up for the day with a toddler. And for the daycare update...well I ended up looking at three places and taking the third place I saw which I was really pleased with. It's home based care and really nicely set up and the carer seems really nice and really competent. There were no grown men sleeping on the floor!! Matilda had her first day on Monday and what a big day it was for her! I took her over a 9am and tried to explain I was leaving but I don't think it really occured to her that mummy really would leave her at a complete stranger's house so she wandered off into the cubby and unfortunately didn't see me leave. I think this was a bit of a mistake but it probably wouldn't have made a big difference to the day. I got text updates through the day that she was a bit unsettled on and off, but had her lunch and a nap. But after her nap she went into meltdown and I was called in. I got there and the carer said to me, "Matilda is what I'd call a screamer". Hmmmm. She didn't mean to be critical I don't think and went on to say, this is obviously just something she does when she's very distressed which is why she called me. And next week she only want's to take her for one day rather than two again. So I'm hoping this all works out ok and she doesn't flunk out of daycare!! The other downside was that two other kids had colds and of course Matilda woke up with a cold yesterday. My heart sank when the friend that recommended it told me that Oscar (her nephew who also goes) is "always sick". This means Matilda will "always be sick" because she picks up everything and colds are never just colds. They go to her chest and hang around for a couple of weeks. Sighhhhhhhhhhh. There's no easy way, is there. Anyway, I'd better go and actually do some mothering. Oh and I did write up a big piece on it the post I lost, but I had a GREAT time with all the Sydney/Canberrra girls. It was really special to get together like that and I really hope we can do it again before another 18 months go by!! Hope everyone is doing OK, especially those doing it a bit tough lately.

Hey Tilda, I hoep you're feeling a bit better now...I have an early waker (6am every day, and she goes down at 8 and wakes at night most nights to be settled back down) and there is not much to do. I only get late mornings when she has been up for an hour or two at night, and that is worse. You have to try to to go down at the same time as her, even if it is 8pm....and try to have DH do other stuff like bathtime and story so you can rest for an hour before putting her down (this has helped me enormously during this pregnancy - I just lay on the sofa or prepare myself something to eat while he does the evening ritual. I am not bf so most night he also puts her to bed. It will help you balance out the feelings of resentment you are having. Thge bigger we get, the more help we need...I understand you. I have moments where I just get tired of picking up stuff or doing stuff - and when DH has to go out in the eve, even though it is rare and he really tries to stay put, I get a bit jealous at his freedom (I can go out when I want but am just tird and massive these days...lol)....

As for the daycare thing, I know how you feel. Eva was realllllly difficult to put into daycare and she started at 6 months, so I could not imagine doing it now. Eva spent her first week not eating ANYTHING - they told me they had never seen a baby not eat due to stress. She would go over 6 hours with no milk...it was so stressful...She cried with strangers and refused food. She would not nap well, only a bit after becoming exhausted - it gets better. Does this daycare offer a chance for you to sit in with her? I spent Eva's first week in there with her. You should do that, then the place would not be so strange, gradually leaving her for two hours then three, then fours then a day. Eva goes 5 days a week so maybe it will be a little different for you, but there has to be a way of transitioning smoothly. Ask the lady if she would be ok with you bringing her in the two days but staying along, letting the lady care for her as much as possible (play and feed other ids too, so Matilda can see that, since soon she will have that at home)...Each child expresses themselves in their own way. Don't let the lady make you feel bad. Imagine her not having seen you leave then spending a day with a starnger who does not know her habits and how to handle her like her mum does. In our daycare you are REQUIRED to spend one week with your child for five days straight starting from a whole day, then one hour less every day until Friday where you just stay for a bit in the morning to play and feed the baby then leave them for their nap and afternoon....they insist you be on call for that week so that they can better take care of the child. I am sure that if you propose being present during her regular days then the lady will not refuse - you are paying anyway, so you will just be helpful and be a helping hand in any case...I think it is wierd that the lady asked you to only bring her one day the next week...diminishing her days won't help her get used to it...try to call her and find a solution where you make the transition with Matilda. I hope hse can be flexible.

As for the sick thing, they are always sick in daycare and there is nothing to do about it. You have kids with parents who work and sometimes even if the child is a bit sick the parents can't take time off and birng in their child to infect the others...BUT a year later, she should be pretty resistant. Eva gets a lot less sick and a lot shorter nowadays...and to be honest now is prob a good time for her to be exposed to all of this, since you will be home with a baby and will be able to take care of her when she needs to stay home - can you imagine having to call out of a job every time she gets sick when she is older? ITis annoying and exhausting and DH and I have already considered pulling Eva out of daycare because of her being sick, but that is how it is...if this is something that really poses a problem then don't put her in, but remember that the beginning is the HARDEST PART! I went through a month of suffering when Eva started daycare. Just take it day by day...you will appreciate the rest and having some time to yourself. She just has to get used to it. But you should do what feels right to you...you know what is best for her.

I am thinking of you, and feel free to write me if you need to vent, I totally get it. Eva is very attached to us and still cries every morning when we leave her (for like 1 minute - she stops as soon as we are out of eyesight)...I still have guilt about leaving her but I feel like it has helped her become really social and well adjusted. She was so clingy with us that it is nice to have her learn to let other people hold her and take care of her and now I can leave her with MIL and not worry....before she would be hysterical without me around....now she is as attached to DH as to me....but when we leave her with other people, apart from the initial panic, she gets along very well. Just feel it out - if you feel like the lady at daycare does not like her or is complaining about her "difficult" personality, maybe somewhere else would be better....It is hard to choose a place to leave them and you want to just be sure that the carers are patient and kind to her.

I hope you manage to get some rest and am sending positive vibes your way...all this plus prego hormones...it isn't easy...it will get better.

xoxoxo

Hi BS - thank you so much for your reply! It makes a real difference to feel like someone is listening! We've just had such a bad couple of weeks. And yesterday it really peaked. Matilda had been coughing all night and finally woke up for good at 4.30am completely miserable and sleep deprived herself. That's the worst thing about her waking early - she's sooooo miserable and that makes everything else difficult because she won't let me put her down or let DH do anything for her without getting hysterical. And DH really does try. It was just an awful day. We were all beside ourselves with exhaustion. But last night Matilda slept 11 hours from 7 - 6 and she is a completely different child today! Happy, playing with toys, letting DH do things for her. Oh, if only we could get on top of this early waking!! And your daycare system sounds sooooooo much better. I think that's fantastic that they let you spend a week with them. They are so anti having the mothers around at all here and I think it's short sighted. They tell you different reasons for it but I think it's because they don't like parents hanging around seeing what goes on. But I'm going to have a talk to my carer tomorrow about it because I don't think Matilda is going to respond to the deep end approach and I have this feeling in my gut that it will just end with the carer telling me that Matilda isn't ready and shouldn't be in care. DH thinks I should just pull her out anyway and get more help at home but I would like to give this a go for everyone's sake.

Alison - how did your decals go? I can't wait to hear!

Beany - how is Michael going? I saw in another of your posts that he is waking early too! I keep meaning to reply to it! I feel your pain! Let's just hope this is a passing phase for both of us.

Hannah - that's great about Amelia walking. It makes a big difference doesn't it.

Suz - how's things down in Canberra, is it as wet as Sydney?

Kanda - did you get the house?????

Hi Rose, Carmie, Lani, Willow, Kawa, and anyone else that I've missed due to sleep deprivation! Thinking of you all and hoping I can post a bit more often soon.

Tilda, you should def see about staying with Matilda a few days at care...please keep me posted...If the carers don't try to adjust to Matilda's needs (at least at first until she gets comfortable) then that is not the place for her. I feel like Matilda SHOULD adjust, but the carer SHOULD also understand that it takes a bit of time and if she is not willing to be flexible to try to help her transition smoothly, that also means that she won't be more patient with her when she is teething or grumpy etc...At least you would have given it a try and worst case scenario you either ask around for other great centers, or you get someone in house...that would never work for me though because if Eva knows I am around she won't let starngers take care of her (unless it is DH or family that she sees often)...Plus, I have a hard time letting go of taking care of her when I am nearby...so even if someone else is there to do it, I would run to help all the time...but if your issue is housework and stuff like that, maybe some help with the housework and laundry would be enough...but I am thinking that a newborn and toddler at home might also be a lot to handle, although tons of people do it and are just fine :) I just need a bit of time for managing our lives (administrative, finanacial etc..) even when I am home full time.

You should also maybe try bigger structures like Montessori schools, if you have those there...(I mention Montessori because they are really very individual based programs and follow the desires of each child rather than forcing schedules etc...Matilda might like that). The bigger programs tend to be more "customer service" oriented...my daycare is part of a school, so they want the parents to see what is going on and they hold themselves responsible for the child's well being (needless to say, accidents like Eva's foot thing still happen :( ) No matter how you look at it, coming into someone's house is bound to annoy them, no matter what, it is still their personal space...whereas is a school or daycare center, the employees feel less connected to the space, and don't have their personal stuff sorrounding them (and you don't run the risk of the carer "throwing in a load of laundry" while the kids nap or whatever)...On the other hand the more personal care might be nicer for more sensitive babies who need more intimacy - Eva is super sensitive and does not like too much mess and noise, but I find that she is happy in her system and I am happy that she is in an environment that is more crowded, where meals are taken together, they have holidays and birthday with the bigger kids, and the carers only have their children to worry about since there is the school cleaning staff, kitchen and administrators at their disposition...I am happy knowing that they are 100% focused on the children and not worried about preparing meals or cleaning up (of course they have to cut up fruit and clear the table but there are ladies who come around to clear the dishes and change the garbage bins etc...)...

Another thing I do often is pop in at random hours of the day to see what is going on...and apart from a few times where I thought Eva's nose needed to be wiped, I was pretty happy to see them playing with the children, feeding them etc...

I am glad she had a good night's sleep and seems to be back in order, and I hope it stays that way!!!!!

Keep me posted on what ends up happening with the whole situation!

xoxo

Is anyone out there? ;)

Is it possible that Eva could be dropping naps this early on???? It has been a week where it is impossible to get her down (even putting her down later than usual) and she then naps ( or just stays in her bed playing) for 20-30 minutes!!!! I usually come in to check on her and she is in bed with a book so not even sure if she is sleeping that!

When do toddlers usually drop naps and is anyone else having this?

Hope you are all well!!!

Hi Bs - it's quiet on here isn't it!!! I keep meaning to get on but its been really busy with my patents here. Its fantastic having them but unfortunately all the extended family go nuts organizing get togethers so it gets frenetic. I can empathize with the nap dilemma. On a normal/good day Matilda will sleep for 11-11.5 hours at night and then only have one 30-40 minute nap during the day. It doesn't give you much of a break - especially when you're pregnant like us!!! And I've read that they can drop naps all together from 12 months and sometimes even earlier. Does Eva get very tired and grumpy when she doesn't have a nap? If not maybe she's ready just to have quiet time instead of a nap. But if she's getting beside herself with tiredness maybe something else is going on. I can't remember if I've already mentioned that I seem to have solved our early waking problem! I just happened to open a book I had more or less written off as too long winded and came across some advice to reduce the amount of food they eat between 7 and 11am so that they're hungry enough to eat a decent meal later in the day. Otherwise they don't eat much dinner and wake up early starving. I realized Matilda's breakfasts had been getting bigger and bigger. She was having porridge, fruit, yoghurt and an egg! So I dropped the egg and reduced everything else and voila she ate more for dinner and slept until 7.15 the next morning!! And we've only had one early wake up on a cold morning since then. Sorry if that went on a bit but I thought it's worth knowing about! As for daycare, the second trip was just as bad as the first and she screamed the whole time. And the poor thing was so unsettled and clingy for the rest of the week. She wouldn't even let my parents look after her and she adores them! The carer was inflexible about trying different ways of helping her settle in like letting me stick around or doing very short days so I called it quits. I'm going to do as you suggest and look at the bigger centers including Montessori which might be more flexible and have more carers to help her settle in. When there's only one woman they don't have the time to focus on one child while they settle in. In the meantime I'm going to focus on encouraging her to be more independent at home and get some home based help. Anyway M has just woken up. Better get going...

Hi Girls,

Sorry I've been MIA, life is just so busy lately, busy and stressful. Working 2 days takes up so much of my week and poor Amelia has has one sickness after the other lately. We finally got back to playgroup last week after missing 3 weeks with hand foot and mouth and 2 days later she comes down with a horrible head cold - playgroup is as bad as daycare for germs - it's no different really. Here's me avoiding daycare for that very reason and it still happens ha ha. I've decided to cut back on going every week, the doctor said I need to allow her immune system to recover before exposing her again or she's just going to be sick one after the other - this is the 3rd sickness in as little as 8 weeks, not only is it horrible for her but I feel like I've had no sleep for the last 2 months bar 1 week where it went back to normal. Trying to work alongside looking after a baby has me completely exhausted and I'm almost at the end of my tether. Besides that I am finding trying to fit everything in each week is getting harder and harder, by the time I lose 2 days working, 1 day on playgroup only leaves me 2 days to do everything else, including nothing/relaxing - which seems to never happen these days. I really want to either put Amelia back in swimming or doing toddler bop but both are on the day I have playgroup, plus I would like a day to get stuck into my decal business so I can actually launch it soon! Once I give up work things will be easier in that respect, but by then I'll hopefully be pregnant and not feeling like doing much if I'm unlucky enough to get 24 hour nausea/morning sickness again, groan. Aaargh whinge whinge, sorry ladies, just one of those weeks. On a better note Amelia is feeling and looking much better today, still a bit of a snot machine but she's much chirpier and starting to sleep better again, she still fussed quite a few times last night but we're getting there. The last week we've been lucky to get 3 hours sleep a night and anything at all during the day! So BS, on the sleep thing, not sure but if Eva is dropping her sleep I feel for you as it's hard work when they won't sleep! Of all the sleep books I've read they do suggest if you can keep the 1 nap till at least the age of 2 it's advisable, but as with everything all kids are different and some just don't need it. My sister told me recently that my nephew dropped all sleeps at 13 months, was a killer she said as he was a very active/naughty little boy at the time ha ha! He's now about to turn 18 and thankfully a nice boy now though lol. Amelia has only just dropped from 2 naps to 1 a couple of weeks ago, we had only just got her into a routine of going down at 12.00 pm for anywhere between 1.5 to 2 hours, then she got sick so she's been all over the place the last week. Yesterday she had 2 1 hour naps again, today I'm hoping to start getting her back on track. I prefer 1 nap of around 2 hours which most of the girls' at groups toddlers are doing, but we shall see, another good friend from the group's little girl only has 1 hour a day and that is all she seems to need. In all honesty, as long as they sleep well at night I guess the day is not as big a deal, just means it's harder to get anything done in peace and quiet huh.

Tilda - I hope you can sort out your daycare issues soon. My brother in law's daughter who is now 5 goes to a Montessori school over here, it's very expensive, like $5000 a year, the same as the private primary school/secondary school fees where we're sending Amelia! It's really one of those programs that is individual for everyone, I personally don't really agree with the concept and seeing my niece in law she is a cute little girl but has become a little precocious, they are basically allowed to do what they want, so not sure I agree.....I think this next generation are selfish and over confident as it is I'm not sure we need any more of that ha ha, at the age of 4 she was learning to sing Twinkle Twinkle in Italian and her mother would get her up and say, sing for everyone and she was like a robot, it was really sad and so show-offy. Over here if you send your kids to Montessori you basically have to have money and unfortunately my sister in law is very much the type to look good to her friends who are all lawyers, architects etc so it's more a show thing - but like I said, it's an individual choice and it might work in a different way for Matilda. Best to go check it out and get a feel for it yourself, it may be perfect for you guys.

So how is everyone else? Anyone else looking at starting for another soon? My weight loss took a halt and I think I've probably put on, since Amelia has been constantly sick and dropping down to 1 nap I haven't figured out the time or energy for the treadmill. So bummed as I was starting to look and feel so much better. I'm going to start making an effort and go walking with a friend as of today, have to do something, I don't want to get pregnant with 3 kgs too many already on me, it will just make things that much harder to lose next time!!!

Anyway, best go, Amelia's just fallen over and put her tooth in her lip so she's bleeding a little, poor thing can't take a trick lately. You should hear her voice, it's all raspy from this cold...I have to say though she's learnt so many new words in the last week and with The Wiggles, she can now say Dorothy as clear as day, wasn't even attempting it until the other day. We do laugh though as she has also learnt to say drink (albeit it jink) - so she can say Dorothy clearly, but says jink for drink, crack up!

Hope everyone is well, sorry to rant on and moan, just been one of those weeks or 2 or 4!!!!

xx

Hey girlies, Alison, I am glad she is doing a bit better....I think the change in weather has to do with it too - you guys are going into winter soon, no? There is just nothing to do about getting sick - it either happens in daycare or she will get it all in playgroup or preschool or whatever. Singing in italian...sounds useless :) lolololol - wierd they would teach kids that in daycare...lololololol - I think 5000 a year is pretty reasonable actualy :) But it all depends on what you are used to...In nyc good daycares start at 1000 a MONTH! I pay 500€ a month here so like around 700AUS dollars (and in sept that is going up to 600 for everyone), and that is reasonable pricing! So it is all relative, I guess...Daycare has a lot more equipement and insurance and feedings to pay for, so I am willing to pay as long as I am happy and Eva is happy! It is such a reliefe to not stress where your child is during the day!

Tilda, glad you decided to pull out of that care situation - sounds like it is not for her....

As for montessori - I looked into it for Eva, it is great I think during the early years but I would not leave her in until preschool, just daycare until like 3 or 4 max....It is individual oriented, but for MAtilda, that might be amazing....the transition might be easier than trying to fit into a schedule - Amelia was always so great with schedules, so maybe she is just easier in that regard....Eva's daycare is also individual oriented until 3 years where there is structure and mealtimes - for the first year they nap eat and play when they feel and now they only have imposed nap and meal time and random activities (like going outside or events in the school) otherwise the kids do what they want. I appreciate the fact that the structure was introduced slowly. Tilda, Montessori, from what I heard is really great for individual development, but then sometimes it is harder for the children to assimilate to "disciplined schedules" when real school starts....or if they stay through until college or whatever they have a really hard time buckling down for that...Personally, I think it is a great program for young years but I would prob not leave Eva in for school....go and see, only you know your child, and you can feel it if something is wrong. The resources in a bigger center will just be much more varied and she will have more toys activities and diff people around. You know what is best for her...As for it being pretentious...I don't know - In NYC it is just seen as a sort of alternative to regular schooling and my best friend's borther has his son in daycare there and is super happy. He feels like they really encourage his individuality and the things he likes, and they never complain about him (which is what I did not like about that other carer)...They call him the "loudest singer in the group", not "the screamer" for example :)

Good luck - it is a hard decision....

I've been having some night sleep issues with Eva - she has a tooth coming in as well as the cold/conjunctivitis she had the past week - she falls asleep exhausted after no napping then gets up systematically around 12/1 screaming for ELMO! She loves sesame street so much and does not want to go back to bed. I don't allow her to go watch TV or this will never end but this has really put me in a state....I worry she watches too much TV now, I worry she is having nightmares (but from sesame street?) - she only watches baby einstein or sesame street and once a day at most (and not even every day).....I hope this is just because of her teething but for the mo I have decided to not let her watch anymore TV except for one video a day on the WE (about 30min). How much TV are your kids watching?

Anyone else having this waking screaming for TV or play? I have not had this happen since a long time and don't know what the issue is - I hope it is just a teething thing and will pass...She just went back to daycare this morning so let's see if she settles back into her sched.

Off to lunch with the ils

xoxoxoxo

Hi BS - just a quick one as about to have dinner but Amelia is the same! Amelia loves The Wiggles here and while she was sick we were letting her watch it on the portable dvd player as it was the only way to get her to sleep, she doesn't seem to have wanted to carry it on the last 2 nights but I did wonder. She also loves Elmo! Amelia watches tv most days, not all day of course but while I'm getting dinner or something or getting lunch I let her watch Sesame Street or a Wiggles DVD, I don't see any harm in a little bit, it's taught her how to dance and say lots of words, not that I don't teach her as well but you know what I mean. hee hee. Amelia has been waking between midnight and 1am as well, apparently their sleep cycle changes at this age and midnight/1am is the new wake time, they say they get past it so let's hope so huh! Anyway best run and get dinner finished. Will get back on for more later. xx

Thanks for reassuring me Alison...I feel like Eva has learned so much from the shows as well -she gets so into them and repeats back words and learns dances and stuff (head shoulders knees and toes was not taught to her by me and frankly, I was so surprised to see her doing it after seeing it once in a baby einstein DVD)....I did not realize this waking thing is normal....I saw her bottom teeth poking through today so here's hoping for a restful night...Let's see. I'll keep you guys posted!

xoxo

Hi girls, I haven't had time for a long post so I haven't popped in lately I feel bad if I just do a quick one and miss people. But thought I'd pop in and say hi:hello: Hope everyone is ok I'll try to get in later and catch up. We still have visitors and we're heading out soon.

Hey BS - yes it's all normal don't worry, Amelia is a lover of her programs and I believe as long as they have balanced time outside etc it's not harmful. My sister's son (who is now 21) learnt to count off Sesame St ha ha! Was thinking of you this morning, Amelia went to the fridge and asked for "melmo" aka Elmo - she is a yoghurt addict and I buy the Yoplait brand and they have Elmo on the packaging hee hee. How cute she has some teeth, that's probably why she's been fussing too, Amelia has just got her 4 molars but two of them are still to come down fully so they are definitely bothering her. It's the canine's I'm dreading, I've heard they are the worst ones!!

Hi Willow - don't worry I hardly get on these days either, life's so busy huh. Hope little Harry is doing well. xx

Helloooooo darlings! I haven't been on in yonks!

Tilda - Oh I'm sooo glad Matilda's sleep has improved. What a great idea giving them a bigger meal in the evenings. I try to do that, but I think maybe he has too much during the day as well? Hmm. I think you did the right thing cancelling with that carer, she doesn't sound very flexible, or willing to do what is best for you and Matilda. I don't really know anything about Montessori, so I can't help you with that one. But I think just visit a few places a few times, and you'll get a feel of what you think is best for Matilda. You have to trust your instinct.

Alison - oh poor little Amelia. She's been so sick lately. I agree, I think its playgroup too. Michael has never got sick from daycare, and as soon as we started playgroup....wammo! He got everything. I've been back twice since and so far he hasn't picked anything else up...lets hope it stays that way. Not looking forward to winter in that respect :( when are you finishing work? We won't be trying for a 2nd till May next year (when we get back from our UK trip). Tho I must admit I"ve been getting sooooooooooooo clucky lately (really must stop watching those baby documentaries!!).

BS - Eva's behaviour when you put her down for a nap sounds a lot like how Michael was when he dropped from 2 to one. Tho, sometimes he does take a bit longer to go to sleep...I think it just depends what they've got running around in their little heads! Michael has been waking at odd times during the night the past few nights too. I am putting that down to his canine's coming down (the points are sticking out ever so slightly), plus the fact that DH won't let me put his amber teething necklace on his foot cos he says its too tight. Its not THAT tight, I mean, its not leaving marks on him or anything. Is everyone else still using their necklaces? As for TV, Michael doesn't watch any yet. I put a CD on at least once a day with songs and rhymes on it and he seems happy enough with that for now. Tho I'm sure the day will come when he asks for TV! :rolleyes:

Hello to everyone else!

AFM - Things are going along quite well at the moment (touch wood). Michael has been sickness-free for a couple of weeks, hoorah! He has also started saying some more words "bikkie", "cracker", "spoon", "car" - all his own versions of those words of course. And he's learning lots of animal noises - cow, lion, cat, dog, monkey, sheep, snake and I'm trying to teach him duck atm.

Has anyone else noticed any aggressive behaviour? When we went to playgroup this week Michael pushed a few kids when they were playing with something he watned to play with. I was really shocked and completely overreacted nearly shouting at him, which scared the other kids and I felt like everyone was looking at me. I was so embarrassed :redface: and I feel awful. I need to approach it much more calmly, but its hard when I'm actually very angry about him behaving like that, its not like him at all. I checked with his carer and she said she's never seen him do that and none of the other kids do it. So I'm guessing he hasn't learnt it from anyone else. Hmm.

I've been on half-dose of my AD's for a month now, and its going really well! Woo hoo!

Hey alison, willow and everyone else who does not have time to post! Eva is on the mend so I am home organizing (nesting nesting nesting!) and I have time to post :)

Beany, don't overreact to that - Eva is the gentlest of little girls but if she is tired or grumpy and I drop her off in the morning and someone gets in her face or too close to me she will nudge them away (not aggressive but for her it is aggressive lol)...He is a baby and for now an only child, so he does not know how to share, and he does not know how to talk yet, so he is expressing his unhappiness with something like that. Don't make him feel worse. I just pull Eva aside, or stop her wherveer she is standing or if she is on my lap turn her to look me in the eyes and tell her calmly, "Eva, we don't push/hit/grab/whatever...they all want to be your friends and play with you, so you have to share" - she sometimes repeats it a few times, but I just repeat, eva, be nice to your friends, they are sharing toys with you/ or giving you a hug/ or happy to see you" or whatever...She seems to understand.Keep a calm cool voice because if you overreact he will either continue when he wants to get reactions out of you or it will become something that you react to with agression, sort of mirroring the behavior you would like him to stop - his hitting or pushing is his way of yelling STOP.

It is normal to get upset - the first time I saw eva hit her friend on the head (when she was bigger after starting daycare) I realized that she must have picked it up there...I got so upset to see her acting out like that but then imagine if you could not talk....you would slap a table or shove DH when upset...see what I mean? He'll stop as he gets used to sharing and being sorrounded by pushy kids :) Unfortunately, mommy baby playtime is not the same as a group or kids fighting over the coolest loudest toy. They think that whatever they covet is theirs! Try inviting friends to the house a bit - with Eva that helped loads. She is not at all possessive with her toys, and I have been to many homes where the child does not have friends over very often since they go to daycare longer hours and on WE the parents are running around with the child, and the children are more possessive. One of my friends has a son and anything Eva lays a finger on at his house he grabs from her and hides in a corner, not even to play with, but just to get it away from her. His mother just comes in and tells him he must share (they are TTC#2 so she is prepping him!) and hands the toys back to Eva - 8 times out of 10 he throws a fit on the floor but it is usually over in ten seconds and he gives up and goes to play with something else :)

Ok, off to eat! lol

Hi BS - I haven't looked at Montessori in detail but I roughly know what it's philosophy is and I'm like you I'd only send her there for the younger years. I worry that life isn't really all about doing what you want when you want and that Montessori might not prepare them for the rough reality that we don't always get to do what we want. But I should find out more before making a judgement. There's a montessori pre-school in our area but I think the closest montessori daycare is in the city centre. But maybe DH could take her one way on when he goes to work. And LOL about Elmo. Actually, it would only be funny if it weren't the middle of the night!! I haven't been asked to turn the tv on during the middle of the night but I get hassled a lot during the day if Matilda is bored. We got into a bit of a bad habit when she was sick and getting up early of having it on a bit too much. She even asks me to fast forward the bits she doesn't like!! So I've put some routine around it which has helped. Basically she's allowed to watch sesame street in the morning when I'm cleaning up breakfast after DH has gone to work. And she's alllowed to watch playschool at around 4.30 when I'm getting her dinner ready. And of course In the Nightgarden before bed. And this routine has helped manange her expectations I think. She has stopped running to me with the remote control as soon as she gets up in the morning. I went to a parenting seminar run by child psychologists the other night and they were really hardlined about it. NO TV for under twos and only 30 minutes per day for over twos. But I'm sorry, I'm a full-time, pregnant, stay at home mum whose toddler does one 40 minute sleep during the day. I would go nuts if I didn't let her watch a little bit. Sometimes its the only way I can get something done efficiently. So in short, Eva is completely normal to have a thing for TV. Does she have an Elmo doll? I wonder if this would help. But I'm sure its a passing phase. And avoid putting the TV on as soon as she gets up so she doesn't associate getting up with TV (but it sounds like you're already doing this).

Alison- LOL about your niece being called upon to sing Twinkle Twinkle in Italian! Shoot me if I ever treat Matilda like a performing seal! I have the the same issues with Montessori as you I think. Sounds like you've had such a rough couple of months you poor thing. And poor Amelia having bug after bug. If it's any consolation we went through a few months of that last year and it has improved so much this year. I think it does build up their immune system and eventually they stop picking up everything. BTW I keep meaning to mention to you that I don't think Matilda had hand foot and mouth in the end. She only ever had one ulcer and a spotty bum. And maybe something that looked like a blister on her finger. But it never went any further and she seemed to get over whatever was making her so unhappy after a couple of days. I hope you can get some time to work on those decals. I want to see them!!

Beany - Don't worry, it's normal for toddlers to push and shove before they can ask for what they want and negotiate. It doesn't mean they're going to grow up into roughians at all. And I think BS is right, the less reaction you give negative behaviours the better. Robin Barker (who I always think is really practical) recommends a quick reprimand, give and alternative, give a reason, and move on. Don't let what other parents around you think worry you. There's no point getting really angry at them at this age.

Willow - lovely to see you pop in. Don't worry if you don't have time to post. A quick hello is great.

AFUS - just let me quickly say I hate the end of daylight savings! Matilda chose this morning to do one of her early wake ups which she hasn't done for awhile. So it was a 4:30 start!! Which I'm afraid will start a vicious circle. So, doing our best to make sure she has a full tummy and stays up for a bit tonight. But thank god she seems to be settling down again after the daycare debacle. She was quite happy for me to duck out for an hour while MIL and DH stayed with her today. Anyway, I think I've yammered on enough. Hope everyone is doing well.

Hi Tilda - Amelia sounds like Matilda with the remote hee hee - she pretty much asks for giggles (which is The Wiggles) within 5/10 minutes of having her breakfast - it's easy to get into a habit so like you I've started just limiting it to certain times of the day. She is so Wiggles mad at the moment, last weekend she just started saying Dorothy (the Dinosaur) out of the blue, clear as day, sounds so cute! My good friend (who's also in my mum's group) is a child psychologist and she does the same with her little girl, I've spoken to her about this quite a bit and she said in moderation it's totally fine and can actually be a good learning tool and also help teach them to play independently or something. So, I wouldn't worry - you will always get people telling you do this, don't do that, use a dummy, don't use a dummy, bf vs formula feeding, co-sleeping vs cot, vaccinate don't vaccinate, the list goes on! Like you said though, in a perfect world it's easy to say no tv, but the fact is we're all hard working (and yes working includes home duties) mums who will do what we need to get a break or to keep our kids happy even if it's just for 5 minutes! My decals will be ready soon, just waiting on my logo to be done, hopefully get that this week, I'm getting a professional graphic designer to do it for me, weird given my sister who is making crafts with me is one but she is old school ie hand drawing and isn't so good on the old computer graphic packages ha ha. Oh and I still say that was HF&M for Matilda, like anything they all get it at differing degrees, I know kids who have had just the rash on the bum, nothing in the mouth, or just the mouth nowhere else, Amelia was unlucky and got quite a dose of it. Anyway once they've had it they are generally immune so hopefully that one's gone for good! This darn cold she's had has dragged on, she is much much better but the snotty nose is still continuing a bit, poor thing has a dry red face from the constant wiping of her nose etc, but at least her sleep has improved, that nearly killed me, I'm so exhausted from the last few weeks or so!

Hi Beany - sucks when they're constantly sick huh! It really drains you doesn't it. I'm hoping like Michael Amelia can stay healthy for a while now, they've certainly had their fair share! I have to say, playgroup vs daycare, the dr did ask if she was a daycare child as he said kids who go to daycare are obviously at more risk for constantly catching things, but I wonder if the playgroup area is worse, I mean, daycare they probably clean the toys and equipment more often yes? At playgroup it doesn't really happen, well the centre we're at has 2 scheduled toy cleans a year and it's open 5 days a week, 2 groups a day, that's pretty ferral if you ask me! We are paying good money for our centre too as it's one of the nice ones, makes you wonder! Anyway we must catch up soon, you, me and Rose, it's been ages!

Hi Everyone else, sorry for the quick hi but I'm so knackered. We had my sister and brother in law's 25th wedding anniversary last night, they had a Bollywood Party as you've probably seen by my FB pics. She bought us all sari's in Malaysia last year, don't know why she picked mint green for me, it's not a colour I would normally wear but it was ok in the end. My other sister loves orange hence the orange one. Anyway it was a good night, the MIL and FIL came and sat at home, my sister only lives 5 mins away so we were home by midnight. My MIL is such a pain though, I think babysitting at night is not very interesting for her as Amelia is asleep, she couldn't get out of here quick enough when we walked in the door - Amelia hadn't woken so she was probably disappointed lol. I had put a dvd on for her - The Notebook - my fave and she hadn't seen it before. Anyway, being the negative nancy that she is I said, did you enjoy the movie and in her abrupt usual tone back she says, well it was ok but I couldn't hear it properly. She had it up so loud I turned it down before we left, you could hear it from upstairs where Amelia was sleeping. So I just said, gosh you must be going deaf then as it was pretty loud to me! lol. Grrrrr MIL's hey!

Right, gotta run, Paul's at the farm again tonight (had to go down and finish building the dam before the rain comes this week)...I am shattered after a late night last night, why can't toddlers sleep in till 9am or something, I'd kill for a lie in.

Hope you all had great weekends, love to you all and your gorgeous bubs and bellies. xx

Hey girlies,

Tilda, in any case keep us posted on what happens with the daycare situation. Did you ever try feeding her in the dark and putting her back down? Eva sometimes gets up at 6, has her milk and drops back to bed until 8:30....most of the time if fhe is up at 6:30 it is impossible to get her back down...but anything 6 or earlier will usually be ok for trying to put her back down - try to feed her in the dark, change her if necessary and put her back down - worth a shot and at least you'll get an extra hour or two...

Alison, you look gorgeous in that sari! And you are looking great in general - you look tanned and like your diet is working well. boo for MIL, but at least she babysat :)

Eva is back to sleeping full nights but back to waking at 6/630 the latest...I managed to get her back down on monday morning after the 6am wakeup and got back to bed until 830...but then was late for daycare..IT felt good to get that sleep though! It is wierd, when she has a rough night she wakes up in a great mood and when she sleeps through she wakes up cranky...I don't get it! I don't care, just sleep through :)

Everything is ok with me - getting bigger and organizing...Wardrobe for baby#2 is already growing...These girls...I can't resist the clothes!

Hugs to everyone and have a great week!

Hi Girls, how are we all?

Hi Hannah - how are you, everything going ok with you and Amelia? What happened to that poor baby Sophie who died?

Hi BS - oh thanks for your lovely comments, not sure why I looked tanned, must have been good lighting, although I do put tanning moisturiser on so maybe it was that ha ha. As for the weight, actually I think I've put on, I haven't weighed myself, too scared but I know my tummy has expanded, really annoyed with myself but since Amelia's dropped to 1 nap I'm finding it impossible to get on the treadmill now and I'm too knackered at night. Have started going walking with a friend twice a week in the evenings after the kids have gone to bed, easier to do that as it's socialising as well so doesn't feel like exercise ha ha. Stupid theory I know! I particularly wanted to be in better condition before getting pregnant again but next month is May and we were going to start trying in May so don't know what to do. I'm scared of getting pregnant and being already 3 kgs over what I feel healthy at.......at my age it's so darn hard to lose! Aaaagh! Guess I should get off my butt then huh!

Hope everyone else is doing well. What's everyone been up to this past week?

Amelia had her first blood nose yesterday, she fell over at my sister's and landed face first on the tiles, poor thing, it's still crusty and bloody today but she won't let me wipe it properly, must be too sore.

Right, gotta run, off to chop up some vegies ready for roast lamb for dinner. It's finally rainy here after 3 months of over 30, it's so nice for a change although I know I'll be whinging of the cold/wet weather soon enough.

xx

Hi Alison - I'm okay. A BB member (RockingBaker) lost her 2 week old little girl last night. There aren't any details, but I suspect it might have been SIDS. There was another member whose daughter was stillborn at 40w4d a couple of weeks ago. It's been a rough year around here and it's only just April!

On the weekend, Kelly posted a thread in the Depression & Anxiety forum with the title "why depressed people stay depressed". It was about Tony Robbins (life coach/motivational speaker) and his idea that people choose to be depressed because it fills some need. She did move the thread to another area and changed the title, but it upset quite a few of us over there. That's what all those posts on FB about losing my safe place were about. Maybe I should just stay in here with you girls...we seem to have our own little bubble and aren't very much affected by what happens on the rest of the site.

Well, Amelia is running around now. She was so frustratingly slow to walk. I knew she could do it, but had to wait for her to realise that herself. But now she's running around, getting into everything. Her sleep has improved too. All 4 molars have cut and now she's mastered walking, so I think she's more relaxed than she ever has been. She's been going down at 7:30-8pm and sleeping until 12-12:30. Then she might be up for an hour max before sleeping until 7-8am. Much better than playing from 11pm-2am. I think she only wakes so she can spend some time with DH.

She is still sleeping in our bed and we have no plans to kick her out just yet. She seems to need someone with her or she wakes up crying. Like last night, after I put Amelia down at 12:30am, DH was about to go to bed and got sidetracked. Amelia woke up screaming, but settled down as soon as he went in there. I think if we just go with it for now, she'll realise that she doesn't really need us, but if she does then she also knows that we will be there for her, ITMS?

I'm not really enjoying work at the moment. It might still be sleep deprivation affecting my brain function. (Even though Amelia is sleeping, I'm not). But I don't know what to do. I think I'd be quite happy as a SAHM but I feel as though I'd be letting my mum down in a way. She always put my studies first and growing up I always knew I'd have a career, but not necessarily a family. Now I find myself wanting to prioritise my family. I want to make a home for DH, Amelia and I (which is why the state of our house bugs me so much). I want to take care of them. But I can't silence the voice in my head that suggests that isn't enough? My mum worked while raising and taking care of us (and she did everything for us) and I feel inadequate for being overwhelmed. And that's with one child, how will I cope with another?

Oh well. I've just signed my contract for another year so I've got some time to work out my priorities. And then there's what we can manage financially. I don't want to put too much pressure on DH. He's not enjoying his job at the moment either and wants to be a SAHD.

BTW, I'm not suggesting in anyway that SAHMs aren't as good as working mums. It's just another example of the high expectations I have for myself. If any one of my friends came to me and told me what I've just said, I'd tell them to stay at home because that's what their heart is telling them. But me? I think I'm just finding my priorities are heading in a direction I had never considered before Amelia and I just need to get my head around that. I'm giving up on the dreams I've had since I was very young.

Oh, there's Amelia now....gotta go. Sorry for no persies. I'm too wrapped up in my own head at the moment to really offer advice/support etc to anyone else.

I hope everyone is well. Rose and beany, I hope you and your boys get over all these bugs soon.

Hi Hannah - oh that's just so sad, how dreadful for that poor mum. I saw some pics on FB of a stillborn yesterday, one of the girls in my November thread knows her and had made a comment hence why I could see it. Assuming it's the same one, was the mum's name Koby or something? Such sad stories lately, not good at all. As for Amelia, like you said just go with the flow, whatever works mate. My Amelia still struggles to self settle if she has a bad night - it might only take me to go in, give her a dummy, pat her on the bum or give her a quick cuddle and she's fine then, goes straight back to sleep - luckily she doesn't do this every night but still, I hear of people who's bubs wake up crying and go back to sleep on their own, that doesn't happen/work very often here. I guess they're all different!

With regards to your work, I'm sorry you're feeling that way. I do understand as I've been feeling that way for the past 6 months that I've been back at work. But then again I didn't want to go back in the first place. I don't have anything against anyone working, some need to whether it be for financial reasons or for sanity, but sanity wise while I like aspects of it - ie of course the money, getting dressed into a different type of outfit and catching up with work colleagues and even eating lunch at 12.00 pm without having to share it ha ha.....the rest of it can go jump. I'm really just sticking it out until I'm pregnant again really, DH has had hardly any work on lately so while we are doing ok financially the extra is still helpful. Besides, I'm so used to earning my own money I'm happy to have some spending without having to ask etc. I've never not had my own ever ha ha! But don't beat yourself up about your feelings, they're all very normal ones and you do what is best for you and your family, not your mum. My mum was a working parent as well, but only because she was a single parent to 3 girls so had no choice. She was always around after school when I was younger but once I hit high school she took on normal full time day jobs, mind you, by then I was happy not to have her around when I got home, it meant I could hang with my friends ha ha. But, neither of my sisters who are 10 and 7 years older than me worked, one is a graphic artist so has done some freelance of course but the other one now has a 21 and almost 18 year old and hasn't had a job since she left to have her first! She too makes crafts and sells them but that's not what I consider a normal job, it's more a hobby that pays. I am a bit old fashioned and I really want to be around for my kids while they're so young, I've heard so many people say how fast these years go and you can't get them back, once they're at school you realise the time has just gone by and then you have more time to go back to work if you want to. And I figure if we can afford for me not to work then that's my preference. For now DH enjoys his day at home with Amelia while I go to the office, Wednesday I work at home but it's getting harder having Amelia here, I feel so terrible as I mostly send her off to watch the Wiggles or ABC2 for Kids, or I plonk her in front of some paper with crayons or pens. Of course I play with her and pay attention throughout the day but it's sporadic. So this week I sent her to my sister's, my mum is up from down south and staying there so she asked to have her for the day, I got so much done and they had such a ball. I missed her terribly though, 2 days in a row is tough for me, when I'm not with Amelia I feel like I'm missing a limb.

Anyway, I've gone off on a tangen here, I just wanted you to know that you should do what suits your family best and makes you feel happiest. Life's too short to worry about pleasing others and while money is obviously helpful, we have to remind ourselves occasionally that it's not everything, like these girls who have lost their bubs, if you gave them the option of having their babies back or being rich, it doesn't take a mathematician to know which they'd pick. Oh and as for BB, I don't look at anything else anymore, a lot of the crap that goes on in here disgusts me. I have had a few things with that Kelly girl on FB where she's upset and offended me. I have been made to feel terrible about having a c-section, formula feeding, using a dummy, etc etc., they are very one sided and quite hypocritical. I'm surprised they can keep going with the amount of upsetting people they seem to do these days! Hows that girl not being allowed to put her pic in her ticker because the baby was not alive, if I didn't love talking to you girls so much I would've removed myself from this site after that, utterly disgusting!

Right, now I've had my rant I'm off to bed. Going to Ikea tomorrow, that's always a big tiring day, I just hope Amelia will have her nap in the pram because I highly doubt we'll be back in time, I'm going with mum and my sisters, no such thing as a quick shopping trip with them!

Hi Everyone!
xx

Hey all, Hannah, good to see you on here...I never read outside of here and now my belly buddies group but this sounds awful :( I would avoid negativity if I was you...you don't need that in your life.

As for the work thing. I am like you - I NEVER imagined myself not working! MY mother always worked was always an entrepeneur and my father is as well and the ils too...But once I had Eva I took 6 months off, when I was planning on going back after 3...and that was hard and only because I had to....now that we are selling the company, I am very happy just being home and plan on not really doing much for the moment until DD2 is at least 4/5 months (which is when I plan on starting to think over what I would like to do!)....I can't deal with thinking of leaving Eva in daycare from 730 to 6 so I can have a full time job! Although even as a stay at home mom i would prob still put my children in daycare part time from around a year old or so...what i am saying is that there is no "correct" way to do it...if you would have asked me twobyears ago what i planned i would have said to work...And trust me, I am as career as they get! I am a pretty true New York City girl....

What I think you need to do, is what makes you happy. If DH is unhappy maybe hold out for a bit longer, until he settles into another job that he likes then stop. Your mother will not be disappointed. I am sure that if she could look back at everything she would choose her children as the most substantial thing in her life. If being with your baby is what makes you happy, then do it. You can always work! Taking of a year or a few won't change the fact that you can go out and get a job, but Amelia won't be this age forever. You might enjoy the time with her now, and later when she starts school and settles into a rythm, you might feel the urge to go back to work naturally. No two lives are the same, so don't put pressure on yourself based on something you decided would be right for you at this point before you even reached this point. Like Alison, I agree that being happy is important, for you and your child and your husband. If you feel awful, and can't support DH, Amelia will feel it. If DH is depressed, Amelia will sense it. So just do your best as a team to get everyone to the best place they can be. IT won't be perfect - there is always something we want to change but try taking care of one thing at a time...Maybe stay at work but clean house (organization always makes me feel better for some reason), or help DH start looking for other work then you resign, or go spend a WE somewhere as a family. sometimes we just need to step out of it all for a second to feel better.

Stay off of those negative threads. :)

ALison, well, you're welcome - you do look great :) Enjoy Ikea, we just did our massive shopping spree for Eva's bedroom - we got her a big girl bed with a travel barrier. She came home to find her pink bed with the big leaf canopy over it and ran onto it and was so excited! She got some books and stayed on it reading! Then after dinner I went looking for her and found her there again! This shift mght end up being easier than I hoped for :) Let's see!

AFM, baby turned head down since my last appt 2 weeks ago and is measuring over a week ahead in size (just like Eva was) - DR is happy since he knows I am likely to deliver earlier than my EDD, so bigger size is better for survival :)

DH is out with his business club for dinner, I am going to watch a chick flick and go to bed!

xoxo

Thanks Alison and Brussels.

Alison - Yes Koby is another one who lost her baby. It turns out that the ticker guidelines stated no pics of angel babies were allowed, but nobody questioned it until now. I agree it's so unfair. It should be one rule for everybody. The mods are running a poll to help determine a new guideline. I just can't believe how nasty people get. They get so caught up in semantics and take things out of context instead of showing understanding and accepting that everyone is entitled to their opinion. Emotions are running so high at the moment and I think a lot of people just need to step away from the computer for 5 minutes and actually think before they hit 'submit'. Okay, I'm ranting now lol.

With work, I think I just need to get my head around the fact that my priorities have changed. Even if I was to give it up, I'd still put Amelia in care at least one day per week. It allows her to socialise without me having to see people. And she loves it so much (it's a push to get a wave when I drop her off in the morning) I don't think I could take it away from her.

How was your trip to Ikea? Did you spend big?


BS - You're so right that what is right for our families now will change over time. Statisticians are always in demand so I don't think I'd have any issues getting back into the workforce if I was to take a few years off. But then, the field changes so much and I'd have to keep up somehow. Maybe staying at home would be bearable if I'm disciplined enough to keep up some study. I've been making a real effort to keep work at work this week and I think that's helping.

I brought up the idea of hiring a cleaner to come in once a week or fortnight, just to take some of the pressure off. I could cope with tidying and decluttering if someone else was to take care of the bathroom, kitchen and dusting. Driving home after work yesterday I was sitting behind a car that had advertising for a cleaning company on it. Then this morning, I was behind them again! I think it's a sign.

Wow, that's great that Eva loves her new bed so much already. Should make for an easy transition. And :happydance: for bubs being head down and a good size. Not long to go now.


As you probably know from FB, Amelia slept through last night! The only times she's ever done that were after her first 2 osteo appointments and she was 5 months old then. I put her down around 8. She woke at 9:15 crying, so I went in to lay with her. She settled again and the next thing I knew it was 2:20 :o. I panicked slightly at first, like I woke up and didn't know where I was. First I'd just had 5 hours straight of sleep. Second, Amelia hadn't woken me up and was still sleeping soundly. I couldn't get back to sleep, but it doesn't matter. I got some quiet time to myself to actually enjoy the fact that my daughter was sleeping! I just hope it continues.

Hi Hannah - I was so happy for you when I saw your FB post about Amelia sleeping through! How fantastic! Isn't it ironic that you wake up in a panic, I've been doing that a lot lately because Amelia has been sleeping pretty crap the last couple of months with sickness after sickness, this last week she's started sleeping through again and I've been waking about 3am (her usual wake time) expecting her to do the same, it's crazy ha ha! DH is away again tonight, down at the farm yet again finishing off the dam before the rain comes, for some reason she tends to wake up when he's not here, like murphy's law. We had a big day at Ikea too, she missed her usual sleep - of course she only slept 30 mins in the pram so I hope it doesn't come back and bite me in the bottom tonight, sometimes she ends up sleeping worse when she's had little sleep and a full on day. I hope not though! The cleaning van - OMG - definitely a sign, I hope you wrote the number down!!! I could do with a cleaner, I just don't have the time and that's only working 2 days a week, argh!

As for what I bought at Ikea, BS will laugh at this. I saw the cutest bed canopies, they're leaves and then I thought - I think Aya said she had these for Eva! ha ha so sorry I think I copied if they're the same ones. They are super cute though and will go perfectly for when I do up Amelia's next bedroom, I'll use them when she goes into her big girls bed later in the year but they go perfect with her owl theme. Then I got home and saw your pics BS and noticed I also bought the green table and pink chairs that Eva has too hee hee! How cute are they! Amelia loves to draw so thought it would be perfect, we really need to move as I've run out of room for her stuff that's for sure. I only got 2 chairs for now but will get a couple more later.....the green and pink matches her owl doona (again for her big girls bed) perfectly so will great in her room down the track! That place is dangerous, all day and spending dollars later.....lol.

Hope everyone is well and has a great weekend!
xx

lololol- Alison, we do have all the same stuff! I even got her that pink bed, so she has a pink bed, with those bright sheets you saw her sitting on in my fb pics, then the green leaf thing (that was such a massive hit! she kept looking up at it and reaching up to it as if it was just the coolest thing ever invented! We got her a series of closets from ikea too in all bright colors pink, green blue :) that room is going to be pretty damn cool - she shoul dbe proud of it, which is what we are hoping eases the transition :)

Thoise chairs and table are great - I got two stools because the stools are actually better for adults since the chairs with the backs don't support weight well on the backrest - so she has two backed chairs and two stools, which I am sure she will start using more as she gets bigger - but you'll see she will love them. Eva has a whole crafts box with stamps, stickers, markers, crayons etc...she sits for an hour at a time just designing on paper after paper (they also have a cool pack of multicolored paper at Ikea). The rest of the furniture we are getting is more designer-ish stuff...we were going to get a very cool designer bed but finally decided Eva would appreciate the pink one more...we have to think for our kids, not for ourselves ;)

Hannah, great to hear yous ounding a bit better! The cleaning service is a sign! I have a housecleaner and must say it is really nice. IT is a luxury to have but one of those things where, I get home everything is shiny and clean and I go, god, this is so worth it! At least to get to the toilets and kitchen and stuff that is really physical...Organization is up to you...nothing to do about that, but to have someone keeping the place in proper order so you can get to the organization, that is key!

I am glad you seem to be getting some perspective on everything. D on't compare yourself with others and don't care what people think. Since I had Eva I only care what she thinks! :) You're a great mum and yuo really are good at going at her pace and doing what is good for her, so don't worry so much about decisions like this, just be sure not to forget what you want in the process :) - it is great that she loves daycare so much - Eva does too but cries every morning when we leave (until we are out of her vision, then she just stops - i keep telling myself she just loves us so much she wants us to stay all day...lol). I think that even if you stop working it is nice to take a day or two for yourself to be more efficient to take care of yourself, to read, to study, to organize, whatever!

Today when I dropped Eva off at DC the lady was chatting with me a bit and she tols me that Eva is such a darling, so calm and so intelligent. I was so happy to hear that. She told me she found her the other day in bed tucking in her doll and playing with her...she was saying that it is very early for role playing games (Eva has been doing this since about 1yr) - she remarked about how much she loves books, how great she is at playing all by herself and entertaining herself, how gentle she is - non aggressive with other children etc...I was really happy to hear all of these nice things :) I don't know what is normal sinc eI have nothing to necessarily compare to. One of the things I like about DC is that she does build a strong individual personality, and I can see how she is when I am not around, so I was really happy to see that she seems to be doing really well. She really has great days in DC, apart from two minutes of crying when I walk out, I never get complaints about her and I always pick her up playing and happy. I remember being so worried about putting her in DC at first and this sort of stuff helps to reassure me so much...just a side note :)

Ok, Going back into Eva's new room to finish organizing closets! I love setting up new rooms!

xoxo

hee hee BS sorry to be a copycat but I think our girls are going to have fab rooms, Eva's sounds amazing!!!! I bought 2 of the leave canopies as they had them displayed over the bed and looked so cool! :p I think I might get 2 stools, my friend has those as well for the same reason, good idea! Oh that is so sweet about Eva role playing, don't you just love that. Funnily enough Amelia is very much the same, in fact, my mum was just saying today that it's like she's been here before the way she does things. She carries her dolly around, feeds her, puts her in her dolly stroller and puts a blanket on her, gorgeous. I wonder if it's because we have dogs? Sounds weird but Amelia is so smitten with our dogs, she is always cuddling them and sharing her food with them, they are getting fat. I often wonder if it helps to teach them about sharing and caring??I wish you lived here, I would so love to get together and have a good chat about everything. xx

Hi Girls! It's been nearly a month since I last posted and I don't seem to have been getting notifications again. Just spent ages reading through to catch up and now it's bed time so no time to write persies or the big long post I've been meaning to write :( But I'll be back tomorrow hopefully to post, got lots to tell you girls.
MWAH!

Alison, I know - I wish I was closer to you girls :) The role playing thing is the same here, Eva feeds her, puts her to bed, covers her with a blanket and her favorite is putting accessories on her! The room will be fab - I'll post some pics once we are done - It should be in order by the end of this WE - not fully done, but the basic stuff should be in place. I do think the dog helps...Eva also feeds the dog and pets her all the time...sometimes she runs after her, not realizing my dog does not like that and since I am always telling her to be gentle, she does learn to be. I hope that training comes in handy for the baby :) I can't wait until you start TTC ! I am sure Amelia will be an amazing sister !

Suz! Hiiiiiiii!!!! Well, waiting for your post! We have all been MIA or not posting much...

Great news! Eva had her first pee by herself on the potty today!!!!! We leave it in the bathroom and since she walks around naked before her bath, during which time she usually pees somewhere in the bathroom, we just tell her casually to pee in there next time and clean up the mess like nothing happened. Today she went to sit on it on her own - she kept standing and sitting but over the potty, then sat and peed and got up to show us! We made a whole big huge deal about it of course!!!!! I will keep it in the bathroom and see if this happens again and if so, I am launching operation potty! YAY!