Babies born ~ September 16-30th 2010 #3

[bec293]

Welcome Vixstar Maybe we should swap groups lol (just kidding, I'm sticking around haha), Isaac was due on 23rd Sep but he was late, born on 6th October. I know what you mean, I am the opposite position as Isaac is younger than most of the babies in this group, and I always feel a bit behind, especially at the start. You're more than welcome, it's a great little group in here

Welcome back Deana, we've missed you!

Isaac had the worst tummy pains last night, constipated again. He hadn't done number 2's in about a week. This was normal when exclusively bf, but now he is on solids too so I thought he'd be going every day. Do you think I should be worried? I gave him some egg yesterday and he was ok with it. How old can he be before I try peanut butter? I'm running out of food ideas for him. He would be happy to just eat apple, pear, banana and yoghurt! I cooked some broccoli, cauliflower and chicken for him last night, he ate the broccoli himself, great. But he wouldn't touch the cauliflower or chicken until I put it in natural yoghurt with pears.

Not much going on here, mum has gone away again so it's just Isaac and I until Sunday. I'm hoping I don't go insane. Thinking about going to the travel agent today to book an escape from the winter. I have decided to put off going to Tanzania though as it really is a huge trip, maybe next year.

Hoping everyone had a great mothers day xx

[Vixstar]

Thanks for the welcome Bec and yes, we are at opposite ends!

Peanut Butter and honey are very much recommended to be left until 12 months of age to reduce the risk of any reactions and allergies, even if there are no food alergies in the family. I have not tried Alannah on egg yolk yet....just not something I have gotten around too. She is having spaghetti bolognaise tonight! Have you tried baked beans? I gave Alannah some last week slightly mashed and she devoured them for lunch! Not so nice nappies the next day though! lol Today for lunch she had big bow pasta (she can hold these better than the smaller types of pasta) with mashed up peas and yoghurt mixed through...I was too lazy to make a white cheese sauce! lol Oh yer, grated cheese is another one he can have too, better than sliced fingers of cheese which is more than likely to stick to the roof of his mouth!

Wow Tanzania!! That would be one heck of a trip, esp with a bubba! I have trouble getting three kids ready for preschool twice a week. *blushes*

Have a great arvo.

[CoNNiE_Melb]

Welcome Vixstar! George was born 7 weeks early, but I have stuck with these girls. He fits better in here developmentally.

They really advise against honey before 12 months old, apparently their digestive system isn't able to de-compose it properly at this age.

For lunch I have been offering George - toast with avocado fingers, vegemite sandwich fingers... today I gave him steamed broccoli and caulfilower. For lunch, I tend to give him some yoghurt with fruit which I feed to him, and then something as a finger food that he can feed himself - just for a bit of fun.

For dinner he has vegies, with rice and beef, or cous cous and chicken... I have also given him fish. I have tried pasta a couple of times and he hasnt liked it, I might try again soon.

Oh, I have also given George weetbix for breakfast. He likes them!

Bec - Just be careful that he isn't developing a sweet tooth, and thats why he is wanting the yoghurt and fruit. Keep trying with some vegies I would say.

[Vixstar]

Thanks Connie. Alannah had weet bix last week......wish i had the camera! The faces she pulled were priceless! Do you use the kids weet bix (less sodium)?

Apparently Vegemite is now not recommended for under 12 months and even the news kids vegemite (My First Vegemite) says not for under 12 months......but I say pooey to that! I put it on so lightly that you almost cannot see it. Yesterday I used some Heinz Pumpkin and Cous Cous to spread on her toast!

Best go and do something about these two noisy older children!

xxxxx

[belfie]

Vixstar - welcome! I had wondered why you weren't in here, so I'm glad you're here now that's so funny you have a busy September week for birthdays! We do too. My two were born 17th & 25th. And my DH is 4th Sep. And then I'm 5th Oct. Lol it's gonna be a busy month! I figure I"ll do all the parties then put my feet up in Oct and make them wait on me hahaha.

How old can he be before I try peanut butter?

Sorry Vixstar, I disagree with you on "no peanut butter before 12 months". We've had lots of conversations about those things given my DS is allergic to treenuts and eggs. Everyone (Royal CHildren's Hospital allergy dept + two paeds) have told us that risk of allergy is actually lowered with early introduction (ideally before 6 months I found out recently). So we're doing egg this week with Annika, and have already done peanut butter, and ABC spread (almonds, brazil nuts & cashew nuts). For those who are BF'ing, introducing these foods while bub gets BM is great, as the BM has a protective effect on the gut. This also goes for gluten when there's a family history of gluten issues, earlier introduction while feeding is associated with lower incidence of coeliac disease. Obviously if you've been told something different by your dr or whoever, go with what you're comfortable with, but I'm keen to share our experience of this stuff. Re foods, Annika loves carrot and has been pretty happy with zucchini too (very mushy tho!) and loves toast!

Deana - g'day, nice to see you back in here again.

Connie - does George just love his food? It sounds like he's pretty happy with it all which is great! I'll have to try Annika on weetbix, I have some in the cupboard ready Do you let it go soggy? or does he have it more crispy?

Hi to everyone else, hope you all had a great Mother's Day! Well we finally got out for our wedding anniversary (no more food poisoning lol) so that was nice. Annika has been pretty unsettled with teeth, yowling in evenings and doing about half her normal day sleeps. So I caved and bought an amber teething necklace (never had one for Xander) but of course it arrived today and she's just improved a day or so ago lol. I guess it's murphy's law, but either way it's nice to see her happier again. She was a grumpy little bear, it was doing my head in.

Oh and re bubs being at the opposite ends of the spectrum, well Xander was always just so cruisey I think I've gotten used to having kids that just do things in their own sweet time (seriously he was late doing everything... but just SO happy, really it didn't matter!). I think I'm kinda expecting Annika to be the same, since she certainly isn't on the move! I took a pic of her today (for my 365 project) and I think she looks so OLD! It does my head in... she's 8 months old next week, where is time going?!?!?

[bec293]

Connie - thanks I tried potato, pumpkin and brocolli tonight, and he ate nearlly the whole lot. I mixed yoghurt in with the potato to make it not so dry, but the yoghurt isn't sweet so I think that's ok. I give him natural (biodynamic?) yoghurt that I eat, it's a little bit sour not the sweet stuff, so I'm surprised he likes it. Must try weet bix too soon

Vixstar -haha the faces they pull are just so funny. Sometimes I have to turn away because I can't help laughing at him!

Wow Tanzania!! That would be one heck of a trip, esp with a bubba!

Yeah it is a huge trip. Just to fill you in, Isaacs father lives in Tanzania and I was thinking of taking him over to meet him, and I also wanted to visit friends there and do some work for the NGO I worked for. Not somewhere i would normally go for a short trip!! Maybe I'll do it next year though

Belfie - thanks for that about peanut butter, I think I'll give some to Isaac on Sunday when mum is back. Just because if he does have a bad reaction I'd rather someone else be here too in case I panic. My nephew stopped breathing the first time he had peanuts, he was 4 though. Scary stuff. Your 365 pic today is just gorgeous, and I know what you mean how old they look now - have a look at this one from the other day! Looks more and more like a little boy and not a baby.

I got my new Ergo Performance today! Very happy with it. I was worried it would be too long but it's perfect. Oh and I booked a trip for Isaac and I, we are going to Thailand in 5 weeks! 9 nights in Phuket with a 3 night stopover in Kuala Lumpur on the way. I am so excited, going to get Isaacs passport sorted tomorrow. I'm a bit nervous, it will be his first overseas trip, and the longest flight I've been on with a baby but I think if I don't get out of here during the winter I am going to go insane. I can't wait

[Vixstar]

Belfie - Haha, I have to agree with you on the disagreeing with me. I am only going by what the CHN-"experts" say. (The same ones that blame me for Alannah eating like a sparrow and drinking bugger all milk!) I read maybe two years ago that babies are given nut pastes etc in countries all around the world and they have a far less rate of allergies to nut relate products than we do. They also said that if Mum eats lots of nut products during pregnancy that bubs will already be exposed and therefore the risks are already lower. Hope that makes sense (I just folded two weeks worth of washing in front of the fire and i am a wee bit sleepy now). I always figure my kids would be fine as I live on Super Crunchy Peanut Butter - it is its own food group! lol I breath it all over them. Anyways, getting back to the study report thing I read, they actually exposed kids with known family allergies to such things as nuts, very small doses at a time (not sure how much and over how long) and their resistance increased. I had forgotten about it until you disagreed with me!!! xxxxx

Isn't honey to do with a bacteria or something? I can't remember.

There are so many "experts" out there that I often think raising kids 50 years ago must have been a heck of a lot easier!

I remember you saying ages ago you had a busy Sept and Oct!

Bec - I take photos! Each of our boys and so too will Alannah, have been given a slice of lemon by DH with me standing near by with the camera! lol

AFM - Spag Bog was a kind of success for Alannah tonight.....well the dog enjoyed cleaning the floor afterwards! lol

Nite
xxxxx

[wite_wickah]

Hi girls.
I'm so sorry I haven't been as involved lately,. i been having a really hard time. Started on Anti-depressants for my Anxiety & they seem to be making me feel emotional-crying alot this week, everytings doing my head in right now, i don't know if I am coping or not-DP thinks I am coping fine (Hence why he feels it is ok just to go away on the weekend for UNPAID work).

Harlow's trying to hold me hostage in the loungroom-If I lave, she screams blue murder. I don't know how to stop this, I have reassured her that I will be back, i've given her a million toys, i've got Jett to get all up in her face and distract her..i've let her cyr it out....nothing seems to be working...Any advice on this would be great!!

Can I ask, Now that the bubs have started on Solids- for those Formula feeding, how many bottles/mls are they having Daily. Harlows being very fussy on her bottles and has dropped to about 600mls a day..I'm not sure if this is ok or not, Jett used to just drink his Bottles without any fuss...Harlow sees the bottle and throws a mighty tanty, kicks her legs back, throws her head back..my god!!!!

Apart from having to hold her because she is such a princess-things seem to be going well, I'm a tiny bit concerned about her constantly rocking back and forth non stop...she doesn't lose fosus when she is doing it (I've read that can be a sign of autismn) so I just hope it is a very long phase she is going through, I will mention it to the MCHN when I next see her. (Shes been doing it for months).

Hope everyone had a really lovely Mothers Day, especially for those first time mums! My day was ok...I may have eaten a whole box of chocolates for breakfast though.... ho hum!

Sorry for no personals, I'm really trying to keep up with the group but it's just been so hard lately when Harlow won't even let me pee in peace. I hop onto FB on my phone and look through everyones photos though...so many cute bubs, I can't believe it is only 4-5 months til they will be 1..!!

[dory]

Just quickly from me - I am way behind it feels and hunkered down again. Hannah and I are both miserable with a cold.... yikes this is hard, being sick yourself and having to care for a little one who's also sick.

I'll be back, thinking of you all and welcome to Vix & Alannah

[CoNNiE_Melb]

Wite - 600mls is fine if she is having 3 meals a day. My paed told me that 600 - 700ml is actually the recommended amount, so dont stress about that. It sounds perfect to me. I actually dont think you would want her to be having anymore because, there are heaps of calories in formula.

As for holding you hostage... its seperation anxiety. Its pretty normal at this age, some kids handle it better than others. No real suggestions, you just have to ride it out. Keep giving her a kiss and cuddle when you leave the room, and assure her you'll be back... thats really all you can do at the moment.

[wite_wickah]

Thankyou so much Connie, your reply makes me feel so much better
Jett and Harlow are such different babies that some things are all new to me.
I can stop stressing so much now!

[wite_wickah]

Have a good weekend everyone!

[dory]

Argh, Wite - just lost my post. Separation anxiety is hard to manage....

I have a PPP positive parenting program sheet on it....

spend[LIST][*]quality time with your child - lots of touchy feely smiley interactions[*]minimise separations - talk/sing to your child when out of the room or take them with you ( yikes get out the sleepy wrap again)[*]don't sneak out of the room, children will only watch you more closely[*]respond to your child if they are upset[*]the more anxious they are the more clingy they will be[*]be consistent when you leave - find a phrase to use every time you leave, and every time you come back - eg "bye bye for now" ( I use Mummy will be back soon) and one when you return - "mummy's back again".[*]stay calm ( from my own experience, that is probably the toughest one)[*]encourage desirable behaviour - the example given is if they smile at someone else praise them, so I suppose you could just praise her when she's quiet when you leave the room?[*]Let you child warm up to people
let family/friends know what to expect - if they are upset hold them until they are calm.

Hannah is usually ok when I leave the room - but not always. I just use the same phrases to indicate both that I am going and that I am back. I talk and sing to her whilst I am out of sight, or even in sight but away from her. ( and sometimes mumble under my breath out of her earshot - a habit that I am not proud of and am working on to change). Hannah's biggest issue is stranger ( anyone else but Dh and I ) anxiety. She went through it first at 4 months of age. By 6 months it looked like it was gone, but now it's back. But that may be that it's return has also coincided with her being sick.

Wite - I know it's tough, and I am so sorry that it's hard for you on so many fronts. Keep your head up sweetie. Don't lose heart, get your meds right and the world will seem a different place. And as hard as it is when you're depressed, try to make eye contact with Harlow and Jett and give them lots of touchy feely interactions. I am betting you do already. It will do you all the world of good.

What I want you to do, is each day, as hard as it is, do ONE thing for yourself. It doesn't have to be big, not until you get the hang of it.

It could be just having a quite cup of tea, or could be just looking out the window and taking some deep breaths, it could be just standing at the kitchen sink with your hands immersed in water, breathing deeply, it could be seeing the sun and smiling. Just take a few seconds for yourself.

I know you want more than a few seconds, but you're a busy mum and a few seconds might be the best you can do right now.

I am realising that with Hannah and I both sick that this is a very tough job. My needs def come LAST

[bec293]

Wite, big hugs. I didn't realise you are dealing with so much, I hope things improve for you soon.

Isaac has been doing that too (separation anxiety) especially in the afternoons. The only thing that keeps him happy at those times is to be carried so I compromise and wear him on my back (there is a way to tie the sleepywrap as a back carry). Keeps him quiet for ages and out of the way, just have to make sure his hands are down otherwise he pulls my hair. I know babywearing isn't for everyone when bubs are at this age, just saying it works for us.

Dory - great post, you always have such good advice. Hope you're feeling better soon

[Vixstar]

Wite - Alannah was only hvaing about 300 - 400mls per day of formula. Drove me nuts! She also refused to be fed her solids. I spoke with a CHN last week and ended up crying on the phone. She was an older lady and kinda took the stern approach with me and told me to back off with Alannah and relax. I'll be buggered if she wasn't right. That night she happily fed herself dinner and ever since last MOnday, her milk intake has increased a little everyday! She is on 4 bottles of 3 x 180mls and 1 x 125mls. The 180mls is because she rarely drinks the full amount, saves on waste and the 125mls if because it might be at around 4 - 5pm and she has another one at 7pm. Again, she does and does not drink all of the 125mls.

We have also changed her from a (Avent) 2 flow teat to a 3 flow teat.

Have a great day ladies. BBL
xxxxx

[fuzzy]

OMG have I really not been here for like a week! You guys have been so chatty..oh where to start.

Welcome Vixstar! What state in Aus are you in? My little Chloe was born Sept 21.

Wite - Chloe is BF but at a guess I would say she has about 500 - 600 mls a day plus three meals. I am sorry things are tough for you right now. We are all here for any chatting/advice of course.

Deana - nice to hear from you! I swear we were friends on FB and then you disappeared and then came back? Anyway, Blake is such a little cutie-pie

Hi Dory, Connie, Belfie, Buzzie, Chuckie and everyone else!

Well I managed a working week of 25 hours last week. phew. Chloe in daycare once and with my mum once and I squeezed in some hours wherever I could. Tiring. Chloe is going great guns. She pulls herself up on everything and has started to 'walk' along things, like the couch. She did try to go from the couch to the table and fell flat on her face yesterday but I dont think she is far off. She has just learnt to carefully lower herself back down to her bum rather than plonk down which is great and saves a few tears.

I was thinking about trying peanuts.. and egg. A bit nervous about it. Do you just give them peanut paste? Like salt reduced? Or is there something healthier? I have given her some yoghurt but she tends to throw it back up so I am holding off for a while.

xxx

[bec293]

Hi everyone,

fuzzy, I haven't given Isaac peanuts yet but I did buy some smooth natural peanut butter for when I do. I got the one that is made of only peanuts, no other additives at all. I think the salt reduced ones have some kind of oil or preservatives added, that's why I went for the natural one. Wow Chloe sounds so active, you'll have to keep your eye on her she'll be walking around before you know it!

Isaac has started going from sitting position to crawling position, when he's sitting he puts his hands out in front on the floor then pushes forward onto hands and knees. He did it in the bath last night which was a bit worrying, but while I had my hands on him though obviously. Still only commando crawling though, but the last few days he has looked like he is about to crawl properly. Still standing really well, but no steps around furniture yet. Better go he is disappearing behind the couch haha

I'm doing well, had lots of random teary moments lately but I put that down to getting my AF(means period right lol?) back and hormones going silly again.

[dory]

Bec - I am soooo jealous of your AF.... LOL.... but not the hormones ( oh yeah AF is period). Isaac is impossibly cute. And yay for your trip. Only 4 weeks to go now!

Fuzzy - wow Chloe is really amazing with her activities. And you - however did you manage working? You are a star.

Wite _ how are you doing? About the rocking? I would ask your Dr about it, but I also read that babies can develop some odd behaviours ( including head banging - eek). Sometimes it's just because they find something new or they do it when they are bored. Who knows. Try not to worry is all. Hmm, there was something else too I wanted to respond to but have forgotten.

Chuckie - how are you and Pearl doing now? Is her sleep still much better?

Connie - how about you and George? How is your house coming?

Buzzie - how are you going? Settled in?

Vix - hiya? Can't remember what I wanted to say...

So wish I was UTD again...... sigh.

Belfie - I meant to say I am so sorry you got sick on your anniversary and that your MIL let you down. Totally ok to be annoyed. How is the dizzy man these days?

Deana - how are you doing? And Blake?

I think we are over the colds here. Phew, that was some very hard yards with us both being so sick. Hannah has her first tooth! Too cute. Whilst Hannah is rolling around a lot more and likes to stand when I support her, she's not really mobile.