Babies born ~ September 16-30th 2010 #3

Hahaha no worries ladies... I promise I'm not offended!

However, I am offended by that woman who was giving you (Bec) looks because of you starting Isaac on solids now... ummm does she realise that he is your baby and it's YOUR decision. Btw, babies do not get their nutrition from food at this age, that is sooo wrong. George has been on solids for almost 4 months now, and yes, he is loving it, but he still loves his milk aswell. I also make sure he gets at least 600ml of milk each day (this is what the paed told me should be our aim), and if he is not meeting that requirement, his food gets cut back.
Is there not a midwife involved in your MG meetings who can set her straight when she says things like that?

Seriously, some mothers are ridiculous. You should see the looks I am getting when I say George is 8 months old and has no teeth. I feel like I have to sit there an justify it by explaining that he is premature, so actually 6.5 months old and that the paed told us prem babies can take longer to start teething etc etc. Bloody hell, it's not my fault he isnt teething, what am I meant to do? He also is a bit wobbly when sitting up on his own, he hasnt quite mastered... so I get 'Are you letting him play on his own and sit with pillows around him?' Or the other good one... he is in the 97th percentile for his weight - 'He's a big boy, are you sure you're not feeding him too much?' Umm yes actually. I shove food down his throat while he sleeps in an attempt to fatten him up, but please continue to ignore the fact that he is in the 97th percentile for his height aswell! If those stupid graphs took into account his weight and height, he is perfectly healthy.

Ok, vent over....

Buzzie - I had to turn George around a few weeks ago, simply because he was too big/long and his legs were being squashed against the back seat. But I kept him rear facing for as long as possible, I agree that it seems to be safer and provide more support for their necks. I've had the same experience as belfie, George now doesn't sleep in the car unless is he totally exhausted - there is just way too much happening that he refuses to miss out on!

Dory - I would start offering some fruit with the cereal either apple or pear... they do say that because the cereal is so iron rich it can cause constipation. Some fruit should help... my SIL also swears by prune juice, but I never had to try it, the fruit worked for us.

Belfie - Oh no... good luck with it all. Is Losec something you can add to her milk?

Connie - thanks! I usually give fruit and vege with cereal, just yesterday someone else was feeding her and didn't listen to my request to stop the cereal and give the fruit. Grrr. Of course, just ignore the primary carer in favour of the occassional visitor who last had to introduce solids 30 years ago.....

I am sorry that you get such ridiculous comments about George... some people. Maybe you could tell these busy bodies that in fact you've just invented a topical cream for gums that helps promote teeth growth... called nature taking it's course. See if they fall for it!

Good work on G being 97th percentile. I get "how old?' "oh big baby" all the time. I don't care. Hannah is healthy and doing what she needs to do. She is 97th for weight and length too.

The thing that is hard is that there are so many "little" comments that people can make that really just erode your confidence as a mother. Basically I try to ignore them. Not trying to say I know everything, but just having faith in myself.

Bec - hope your arvo improves.... I agree with Connie that advice is just WRONG. Stand by what you believe in. Remember some people are just wrong.

Just did a HPT in the vain hope it might be a bfp ... LMAO BFN! Anyway, blossom is awake now. Time for a BF.

Wow George and Hannah both in the 97th percentile! Well done :D

Connie - that really sucks after everything you went through with George being premmie now you have to deal with stupid comments from people.

I know that advice is totally wrong (about food being the main source of nutrition for a 6 month old). It's ridiculous, and I have no idea who would even think such a thing. Our mothers group has finished now so there is no midwife, but we all go to the same swim class and the same play group so unfortunately there's no expert to correct her.

Dory - Isaac had the constipation problem for ages (he went almost two weeks). A good thing to do is massage her belly in small circles, do it on the left for a few circles, then in the middle then on the right. After a warm bath is a good time with a little oil, and also a few times during the day. I did that and Isaac broke his poo drought after a day or two. Also some cooled boiled water helps. I wouldn't give sugar in water or anything which might be too strong for her tummy just yet.

Bec - jeepers that chick from your MG would really be giving me the hairy eyeball - my 7 month old is not on solids and seems to be still alive!

Dory - I have done 2 HPTs since I had Pearl - I just felt really sick and wondered - but the way P feeds at night I'll never get preggers again!

Connie - G is not that old to not have teeth some bubs don't start to get them until they are 12 months!

Buzzie - my car seat says to turn them around when they hit 9kg so I am glad Pearl is small because we do some super looooong trips in the car and it is easier for her to sleep in the reclined position I will be keeping her that way for as long as possible.

AFM - totally know what you all mean about the comparing babies thing - my MIL is the worst at the mo - have been to two drs in the last week to find out if there is anything wrong with P that would explain her not sleeping - the losec seems to be working but I picked up a referal at one of them for a pead as she has never been seen by one. I am yet to make an appt at the paed though because I don't feel like he will tell me anything the 2 drs have not already said (basically babies cry at night, maybe she has colic, is this your first baby etc!) My MIL keeps telling me about these 4 month old babies who are sleeping 12hours at night (they are always ff!!) And making comments about how their mothers must be doing something right! (as if I am not!) v frustrating esp when I am as tired as I am. For the first time last night I began to wonder is P is hungry because she was having a good feed every time she woke (every 1.5hrs!!!) I might think about trying solids again.

Chuckie - I really think you should try solids. You might find that she is genuinely hungry during the night because she needs something more substantial in the day. Obviously, if she isnt interested, you cant force her. But no harm in giving it a go.

Chuckie - how annoying. No new mum needs to be told they are not doing it right, not all babies can sleep for 12 hours.. it's not a fault, it's just how they are! Did you try solids again? I started Isaac on solids when he was waking every hour or so for a feed, he seemed to be ready then. Is Pearl satisfied with her day feeds? That's another way to tell, if she's feeding more in the daytime.

Isaac likes a food! Pears! I'm so happy, he's really not impressed with potato or pumpkin and had been closing his mouth, or when I did get some in there he would just hold it in his mouth and spit it out so it was so great to see him actually opening his mouth and swallowing the pear. He ate the whole lot (a whopping ice cube full) and probably would have kept going if there was more. I was a bit worried he didn't really know how to eat, but he does! Yay! Will try more tomorrow. After veg of course :)

Oh and he has me a little worried, yesterday mum noticed what she thought was a mozzie bite on the sole of his foot. Well today it is a dark red rash going up the side of his foot. I took him to get weighed today and asked about it, MCHN said it was a bite of some sort and said if it changes overnight go to the dr. He has no temp or anything and seems normal so I'll just wait and see if it changes.

Chuckie - how is Pearl going? I would try solids. If it doesn't work out or help, you can try again next week, no harm. But if it works, than yay for Pearl. I am sorry about your MIL. I am really lucky with my MIL, she is just so sweet - she says supportive things like "you're such a good mum" or "you're doing much better than I ever did". It's nice to hear. But my family? More like your MIL.

Bec - yay for pears! Glad you had some success. It's so nice to see them accepting something. It gets disheartening, even though you know its part of the process to see them spit it out or not open their mouth. I hope Isaacs rash/bite is better soon. A bit scary. When I used to lie on the rug with Hannah I would make a big game out of doing "ant patrol". I got bitten once and wanted to howl, it hurt so much, so no way was I letting H get bitten.

Wite - how are you going?

Belfie - thinking of you on your hols.

Buzzie - have you moved house yet or just about to?

Fuzzy - I hope that things are ok with you and Chloe. You've not been on for a while, after your trip to the hossy with Chloe. Thinking of you.

We're just back from swimming and Hannah had a ball. Only one in the class today though there were supposed to be 5. She had a bit of fun today. Sometimes I think the lessons are as much about teaching me how to do things the right way as Hannah.

Oh well, better be off.

Hi ladies,

I tried solids again yesterday - rice cereal and pears at lunch time - P was feral all arvo but slept better than the night before??? and I realised today that I am not eating any processed foods so they don't get into my milk so I def should not be giving her any cereal - fruit and veg only for her - gave her some pears tonight will see how we go!

Belfie - I hope you made it to Tassie today!!

Fuzzie - I hopy you and Miss Chloe are ok.

Chuckie - glad that things seemed to improve in one way, but sorry Pearl was out of sorts. Just a note about the rice cereal, it contains iron, which bubs need about now as their own stores start to run low. If you're not giving Pearl rice cereal, then I'd recommend looking into other ways that you can get some iron into her diet. It's too early for meat just yet, if you've only just started on solids. The robin barker book Baby Love has a recipe for making your own rice cereal. There's also another mineral that the run low on about now, maybe zinc? Can't remember.

AFM - had a great day. Went for a walk in the botanic gardens with a friend ( and talked non stop) and then lunch at a nice new cafe. I am going to have to scale down my socialising. I didn't feed Hannah her solids at breakfast this morning as I was squeezing it tight to get out the door. I did take them with me, but it sort of ended up being more like lunch for her. And I promised myself I would start to fit two meals in as of today. There's still time, it's just I am going to have to learn how to manage it all a bit better.

Here's a question... Hannah is sometimes really interested in eating and leans forward and opens her mouth. Other times, and I can't pick what the difference is, she's not really interested, she accepts a little but then seems bored and uninterested. I try not to push it, as she gets to choose how much she eats. But do others bubs do that? Just curious.

Sorry guys, been MIA. I took Chloe to the hospital as I was worried about her. That was Friday. All weekend she had a fever and then I took her to the doc on Monday. She had Roseola. Has just goten past the rash now. Gotta run, more soon.

Oh she also went to daycare yesterday!!

Fuzzy - a few kids around here have had that - although they were all calling it the spotty disease! P has been to occasional care twice now (2hrs 45mins) she is fine there (it is just around the corner) and it gives me the chance to sleep or clean. How did Chloe go at day care?

Dory - I have seen the ABA describe bub's changing food habits using lasagne - as in just like you don't feel like eating a huge piece of lasange, chips and salad for every meal, your baby does not always feel hungry for a huge meal (or feed) either. As soon as you bring food into the picture it makes outings more complicated - I am sure HB will adapt to work around your social schedule - you can just pop her meal, spoon and bib into the nappy bag and give it to her when you are out. Thanks for letting me know but I'm not to concerned re the iron stores issue - I have spoken to the nurse, a midwife (who's kids would not eat anything but breastmilk until they were 13month and 14months!!!), my LC and a friend who is currently preggers with number 6!!! and they have all told me not to worry about it - I am eating meat 3 times a day so surely she is getting some iron through my breastmilk.

Bec - what's the go with giving Isaac veg first? I have just been giving Pearl one food at a meal (Pears at the mo as they are the safest food allergy wise). Does he get two courses? Lucky boy! Also I was going to suggest you try him of sweet potato next - it is really easy for them to digest (potato is stachy) and it is quite sweet so he might like it - breast milk is sweet and if he likes pears. Also my mate who is a organic freak and has had five bubs swears by avocado and banana for first foods.
What was the go with the foot rash?

Connie - have offered her pears for the last three days and she ate it the first two but was not that interested yesterday - will keep giving it to her.

AFM - last night was the best in a while - only up twice between 10pm and 6am - thank goodness - here's hoping the trend continues - I have a new rule that if she wants a feed less than three hours since her last one I try to resettle her without feeding - have also been looking at the No Cry Sleep Solution and using the pull off technique (which I was sort of doing anyway) Hopefully we are getting there as I have the job as the Census Area Supervisor and start work in the next few weeks!

fuzzy - I hope Chloe is ok.

Dory - your day sounds like it was so nice.

Chuckie - Congrats on the new job! And yay for Pearls sleep improving :)
I have been giving Isaac an ice cube sized portion of pear for the last three or four nights after a few teaspoons of veg. I don't know if that's the right thing to do. I feel so lost with it, I have no idea what I am doing really. I was thinking I might put the pear in his cereal in the mornings as he has been really gulping that down the last two mornings.

Isaacs foot is clearing up. I didn't really explain it properly, it wasn't a rash. It was more like dark red lines under his skin extending from a red lump. According to my friend who is a nurse, it was the 'poison' from the bug or spider tracking in the direction of blood flow. It looked pretty scary but it is fading now. It is so weird, if it was something like an ant or bee he would have screamed for ages, and I don't remember that happening.

Had a shocker here yesterday. Isaac didn't sleep, don't know why. Early afternoon after more than an hour and a half of trying to get him to sleep, Isaac was crying, nothing I was doing was working, I hadn't eaten, I was in tears and so upset and angry, just waiting for mum to come over and take him for me at 3.30. By 4.20 she hadn't turned up so I rang her and she said she decided not to come, but didn't think to let me know. Felt more than a bit let down, it was such an awful day emotionally I just needed someone here. Oh well today is a new day and all that.

Isaac is having his immunisations today, wish us luck.

Bec - Oh hun... I know exactly how you feel. Especially if you have had a hard day, all you want is someone to come and give you a break and if they let you down it's heartbreaking.
G was a terror yesterday as well. I dont know why, but he was just having tantrums all day... when he is angry he just screams and screams. Thankfully, I had an appointment with my therapist, so DH had to take over from 5pm. I got home and he said 'Wtf? You left me with the angry boy!' Haha Welcome to our world!

Just to each of you that are trying solids, a few points from my experience:

- George really struggles with avocado. Its texture makes it pretty difficult to eat, it tends to just stick to the top of his mouth, so I have avoided avocado.

- Solids are so confusing, but once you get into it, you will work out what suits your bub and what doesnt. I just keep reminding myself that G is a little human being. So just like me, some days he is hungrier than others, and some foods he wont particularly like, and thats ok - solids are about trial and error at this age anyway.

- Things like sweet potato, pumpkin and carrot have definitely been crowd pleasers here. Potato on its own is a bit starchy (as Chuckie said) - you could add some milk to make it a bit more creamy though?

- It was suggested to me that I offer G 2 courses in the beginning, just so he would get used to a variety of tastes. I was worried about doing too many fruit in a row, as I thought he might end up getting used to the sweet taste and then end up not liking vegies.

- I actually find it easier to take food out with us rather than milk - but thats because I was FF, so it's not very different for me I guess.

- There's no harm in missing a solid meal at this point, they really arent relying on it anyway, so dont feel bad about missing one. I remember at G's christening the day flew and we completely missed his dinner, he was fine as long as he still got his bottle before bed.

AFM - I feel like our house will never be ready. Every time I go to see it I just get more and more disheartened. Tradies are the most unreliable people I have ever met in my life. How do these people ever make any money? Oh thats right... they rip people off! Grrr... I am so frustrated.

Dory - Chloe does the same thing with food. Sometimes she wants a lot (ie 4 ice cube size portions) and other times she wont take anything at all! Its been worse this week since she went completely off her food when she had Roseola.

Bec good luck Isaac! (and goodluck Bec haha). Hope you are feeling better today.

Connie - thats why I get DH to do everything. He cant rip himself off! But then I end up helping which I dont like.

Chuckie - hope you are getting some zzzz's.

Chloe has gotten over Roseola thankfully. The rash was awful but only lasted less than a day. She still has diarrhoea though so I run for the change table whenever she pulls a face. Not sure how she got it. Probably sucking on something. She started crawling yesterday - well she goes about 2 feet and then drops onto her tummy. And yep she started daycare this week. She was there from 7:30am - 2:30 pm on Wed. I survived!! haha. The only problem was she didnt sleep as well as normal. She had three short sleeps, likely because she was in the room with other kids making noise. So its been a busy week or two so Im sorry I havent posted more.

Have a great weekend everyone! We are off on an outing tonight to check on my sisters new practice (she is a psychologist) - Chloe's first time out at night where we are keeping her up!

Hi everyone, hope you all had a great weekend.
..
I hardly got any sleep last night. I think Isaac is constipated again and is having terrible belly pains at night. I am going to stop the rice cereal and just do veg/fruit at dinner time, and try yoghurt with pear in the morning instead of cereal with pear. I hope that helps, it feels terrible not being able to do anything for him when he is crying from the pains.

Seems I am having some progress with David (baby daddy.. haha). I got a facebook friend request a few weeks ago from one of his friends and I ignored it until I realised who he was. So anyway, today I got a message from this friend, saying David got the photos (pics of Isaac I had printed and sent over with a friend a couple of months ago). Then later tonight I got another message saying that David had asked for my phone number, and that he said hello to Isaac. Wow. I am actually very happy that he has acknowledged him finally!

Just this last week or so I've been trying to plan a trip somewhere, anywhere. Mum suggested Tanzania the other day, but I said no because of the long flights etc. Then I thought maybe I could go, visit my friends and do some days volunteering for a couple of NGO's I'm close to, teaching sewing skills etc while I'm there. I would really love to do that. Now I'm also thinking maybe I could introduce Isaac to David. But then I think of all the challenges I'll face while I'm there, different this time around with a baby. Transport problems (no car seats, crazy crowded mini vans etc), hygiene issues (I 'showered' with a bucket outside for a year in one of the places I'll be going back to), trying to prevent Isaac from getting malaria and typhoid etc etc.. the list goes on. I need to think about it, but I'm feeling pulled back to Africa! Apparently it does that to people.

Well last night was so much better. Back to normal, Isaac fed at 10ish, 3ish then 6am. No crying at all overnight. So I think it was the rice cereal. Last night was the first time I have given him just veg and fruit with no cereal so I think I'm going to stop cereal altogether.

I vaguely remember someone saying they have an Ergo carrier, can't remember who.. possibly Belfie? I'm thinking about getting one, a Performance. What do you think of your Ergo? Do you use it much? How does in compare comfort wise to the sleepywrap? $200 seems expensive but if it's comfy then I'll get lots of use out of it over the next couple of years. I just won't be able to try one on first, so that's why I'm asking all the questions :)

Bec- That is SO great your having some progress with Isaacs dad :)

Sorry girls- just popping in too quickly say hi, harlow is teething or just being a feral child at the moment and will NOT let me leave the room without her screamingso I have been a bit quiet lately-hope all is well with everyone xox

bec - i have one. performance. it distributes the weight more on the hips than either the baby bjorn or sleepy wrap. baby can not face out to the world, like they can on the baby bjorn, but can be worn on the hip or back. i am still getting used to it, but it's pretty comfy ans easy to use. bulkier to store than the bjorn or wrap. i am not using slings as much as I used to and I am not sure why.

africa calling? good news david acknowledged Isaac.

glad Isaac is better again.

Wite - hugs! those days are super tough.

Fuzzy - glad Chloe is better.

Chuckie - good news about your job!

got to run....hopefully will be back later.