Babies born ~ September 16-30th 2010 #3

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

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..!!

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

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.

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!

Have a good weekend everyone!

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

Dory - thanks for the kind thoughts. As for MIL, well I'm still keeping my distance there. I think sometimes that's a bit self-protective. Ironically I think she'd have no idea that I was annoyed - hmm what does that tell me hey? ;). The dizzy man is so much better, it's just wonderful. I have my hubby again and truly I appreciate every moment of every day. I still turn around in surprise when he's cleaned up the kitchen or put out the rubbish. He's on meds still, and they have some unpleasant side effects, but hey, it's still so much better for all of us. He's trying to lose some weight (the increase is not great for his back at all) so we're all eating very well & lots of walking which is great for everyone. X is our personal trainer, he tears along ahead of us and we have to keep up!
I'm glad to hear you're over the colds, it's hard work with a bubba huh. So cute re Hannah's first tooth and increased movement (albeit not mobile - neither is Annika). I had some friends over for a playdate with X today, and my GF went to put Annika down so she could crawl... :rofl:... er yeah... explained that she don't move yet! Too funny. She still just rolls front to back... and stands supported but not for long before she plonks on her fat little bottom. She's just such a butterball. Re AF, I take it yours isn't back yet? I'll send you AF (& UTD - if you are trying that is) vibes. I've had AF back since Feb, I'd love to swap you. You can have it, and mine can stay away.

Bec - aah dammed hormones eh. They're the pits. Re the peanut butter, you know I didn't even think about the salt & additives. Oops! I just got Kraft smooth. I know the health food aisle in my supermarket has a natural one that I think doesn't have added salt. Shall have to have a closer look at that. Was also thinking I should try her on nutella for hazelnut too.. but now I'm wondering if the sugar & crap in that isn't a great idea. The interesting thing is that so much literature says to hold off on nuts, there's little suggestions for how to get them onto nuts at such a young age. I suppose I could just grind down hazelnut meal in a mortar & pestle. Or bake it into something. Hmm. Food for thought.

Fuzzy - oh lordy Chloe IS mobile, wow. I think she's gonna be off before you know it! Well done on working, it's such a shift when you start getting back into it - shock to the system I think!

Wite - I'm so sorry to hear you've been having a rough time. Regarding the rocking, I don't know much about it, but sounds like talking to your MHN is a great place to start. Re the separation anxiety, I'm definitely getting more of that from Annika too. I'm not used to it, as X never really went through it, and she's younger than I expected. Maybe it's a girl thing? :dunno:. She is such a cutie though, love the pics on FB.

AFM, well it's not Annika, but Xander finally has a diagnosis of mild asthma. I spent all last winter thinking he had a asthma/chesty tendency so I'm glad to get it confirmed (they don't like to diagnose it before 2 yrs of age) and given he's not bad, it's not surprising they waited. But it is good cos it means he gets an asthma plan & can have a ventolin at daycare. Plus he's been started on a preventer, so shall see how that goes too. Annika is now on nearly all the foods (except hazelnut & a few obscure nuts) that he can't have, so that's fab. Annika is still not moving but has started laughing her head off! The other night at dinner she kept yelling at Xander, and when he laughed, she kacked herself laughing. It was hilarious! It's the first tiem I've seen her act upon her own environment then enjoy the results. Then we got the same in the bath tonight (we bath both together), i think we're in for years of hysterical giggles!! It's just so adorable!

oooo I love baby giggles!! I can just picture it Belfie - how adorable! I crawl after Chloe on our floorboards and it makes a thudding noise and she giggles and goes as fast as she towards me. So cute. She has a 'guppy' leg - she crawls perfectly on her left knee but her right foot. I guess she gets better grip that way! haha.

hmm I will look for the natural peanut stuff

Chloe was in daycare today. They gave her sandwiches! I was a bit miffed about it and told them off as she has never had sandwiches before (let alone vegemite or jam!!). I was peeved they tried it without consulting me.

Dory - I hear you, re: TTC while still having AF (Bec- Aunt Flow..). I still dont have mine either

Belfie - asthma is no fun, even mild. For me, it means colds often turn into chest infections ( might be unrelated I guess) and it means I get really wheezy when I am cold. Hope X is able to have his managed. Preventers work wonders too.

I meant to tell you the other day I bought some of that ABC paste. I was looking at something else in the aisle, turned around and there it was. So I bought it. Not cheap but it looks yummy. I haven't tried it yet. Did you just give it to A?

Love the image of A just cacking herself, esp at X.

So glad DH is much better, just means the load is less on you and that's a good thing.

Yes please - send me AF!!!!

Fuzzy - so cute with you crawling around on your knees. Chloe is very mobile. How is Chloe sleeping now? I met a woman yesterday whose bubs was 2 months and she reckons her baby was sleeping 12 hours! I told DH and he said, that would worry him as they need to eat more frequently than that. Hannah has taken to night waking. At the moment, while she is still recovering from her cold, I BF. I am hoping to maybe cut out the night feeds and just try and re settle without feeding. Does anyone else do that?

AFM - well I had a lunch date today with my aunt ( we have a vexed relationship, at least from my perspective) and she cancelled. It's the second time she's cancelled. Her loss, but I am a bit put out. But at the same time gives me more time to get ready. Going away for the night. DH has to go away for work, so thought we'd all take a trip. There's a lot to get ready with a little one.

Bec - I had a mild panic yesterday thinking I couldn't find my pram snuggle, but I found it in the car. Phew! Oh and the weeds have taken over the back garden, luckily it can't be seen by the outside world. But maybe if it could I would keep it tidier?

AFM - talking about babies laughing, H has taken to laughing when we blow our noses - and that's been happening a lot around here. And I sat her in the shopping trolley seat the other day - OMG she had a ball. Interacting with everyone, reaching for things. I ended up stopping several times to take photos of her. LOL.

QUESTION: She also has the most piercing squeal of delight. Not sure what to do about that. Do I tell her to be quiet? Part of me says just go with it and ignore it, but its starting to happen when we are out. I want to balance her expressing herself with I don't want her doing that when she is older..... hmmm.

Anyway, got a few other little things to do whilst H is asleep.

wow Isaac has had hardly any sleep today, not sure why. After such a good night last night too. Anyway just now I have been bouncing him in his hammock for a while trying to get him to sleep that way instead of rocking him but he just wanted to play with his fingers so I left him there and came on here to catch up. Just checked him and he has fallen asleep by himself. I know, it is probably normal and other have been doing that for a long time now, but I always rock Isaac. Maybe he doesn't really need me to do that any more.

Belfie that is so cute about the laughing. I seen the video you posted on facebook, and Annika was just too cute, she has an infectious laugh. The natural peanut butter I got was Kraft brand, there were other ones in the organic section which I might try next time. I still haven't given any to Isaac but the jar is almost empty! When I was in Tanzania I got addicted to their crunchy peanut butter, the only ingredient was peanuts and it is just so much better than the processed stuff so I am very happy I have found out I can get it here too. I think nutella has lots of sugar. I think you can make any kind of nut paste just by warming them and putting them in a food processor.

fuzzy - omg I can't believe the day care people didn't check with you first about what foods to give Chloe. I would have told them off too.

dory - I would just let her make the noises if she wants. She will stop eventually, they go through phases of making different new noises, she won't be doing it for long. And if she does it while you are out and people hear her then so what.. she is a baby, and people expect babies to be noisy. I don't really know how you would discourage her from doing it anyway. How cute about Hannah in the shopping trolley, sounds like she likes shopping!

Another 'weird' thing I am thinking of doing more of is elimination communication (EC), it's done a lot in Africa and India instead of using nappies. Basically I read Isaacs cues, when he looks like he is about to do number 2's I hold him over the toilet to do it.. I have only caught him in time a few times, but a funny thing is that he only seems to go when he has no nappy on, during his nappy free floor time. It's great, I haven't had a dirty nappy in weeks! Lots of wet ones though lol.

Oh I forgot to ask in my last post, Isaac always uses his left hand to pick up things, it's always the first hand to go towards something. Does that mean he will be left handed or do they change? Not really important, just wondering.

Bec - thanks for your reply! I asked my mum too and she said just let her be ( with the squealing). I agree she's a baby. It certainly does get everyone looking!

Glad Isaac got himself to sleep - that is a pretty clever thing to be doing. Hopefully there is more of it? Although you'll miss the close time you had with him when you were rocking....

Not sure about the lack of sleep except sometimes it just seems to happen, I wouldn't worry about it too much ( except that it means you don't get a break). I was hoping that H would go for a sleep this arvo as we are going out tonight, but she was pretty determined not to sleep.

Hannah is pretty good with getting herself to sleep, except if she's over tired or sick. Then she needs some extra snuggles, but that's ok. I get that, I do too at those times.

They do EC in China too. I had wanted to try it with H but haven't got there yet. I think I am still scarred by the 12 days of diarrhoea. I will though, try.

H is the same with her left hand being her preferred hand. My cousin who's a PE teacher said they can change. I've not done any research on it. I like the idea of H being a lefty though... I sort of am. I do some things much better with my left, especially in sports and it is such an advantage. Not so good for some lecture halls though as they are set up for righties.

Cute alert - H has been sleeping in her own room since 1 May. I cried that first night, but am used to it now. When I was at my mums last night, H's cot is in with us. When we came to bed she stirred, looked up, giggled and then went to back to sleep with a huge smile on her face. Then this morning I was facing her and watched her wake up. When she realised I was there, she smiled and just squealed with delight. It was awesome.

Have a good weekend! We are going swimming tomorrow and then to the beach on Sunday.... weather permitting on the beach though.

Thanks Dory :)

nawww that's so sweet about waking up to Hannah's smiling face. Gorgeous. That's why I love co-sleeping so much. The mornings are priceless.

That's interesting they can change hand preferences. Wonder if they will or not.

I can see why you would be hesitant to try EC after that 12 days! I hope she is better now. I'd like to hear how you go when you do try it. Hope you have a great weekend :)

Last weekend two different people asked me what nationality Isaac is, and someone even asked me if he is adopted. Hardly anyone has asked his background before, so I was a bit surprised.. I had just always assumed no one could tell he is half African. I suppose maybe now he really is looking less and less like me.


Isaac keeps waking up crying looking a bit pained and holding his mouth closed really tightly. Would that be teething pain? Is this when I am supposed to use teething gel??

Bec - I find the question when to use teeth gel so hard to answer. I have only used it once to H's protests. I tend to just H a teeth ring that has been in the fridge ( but that feels callous when it's cold weather) or something to gnaw on or panadol. I have tried the gel, but it didn't seem to help H, if in fact her teeth is what was causing her the pain and discomfort.

I forgot that you co sleep, so that you get to wake up to the smiles everyday! It's addictive. I missed H being in her own room last night. And she is much better thanks. Maybe people were just too "polite" (haha whatever that means) to ask.

Fuzzy - are you TTC again too? I was going to sleep last night and remembered what you'd written at the end of your post.... congrats if you are.... I am hoping that the nausea and tiredness I have been feeling lately is a good sign? Probably not anything as exciting as a bfp. Must go to the chemist and get a HPT to find out.

I was getting really frustrated with H this morning as she was just fussy ( and I was tired and feeling sick, but still no excuse). But then I thought about it and questioned why I was getting so worked up. I mean honestly, it's just noise, and it's not harming me. Not so good for H because being fussy means something isn't right in her world. I am proud of myself that I am able to separate out my frustrations with how I interact with H, well mostly. I did say before my revelation this morning, "oh for gods sake". Not a proud moment. I expect better of myself to be honest, but I am trying not to just be passively guilty about it but rather change the things I am disappointed in myself about. You learn a lot about yourself in this parenting caper. One of the things that does play on my mind though is doubt about how I would have coped with twins, when it's pretty challenging just with one.

Dory - regarding H squealing, I think X did that for a while too. As others said, just ignore it. All these stages pass. Just some of them you'd like to pass a little sooner ;). Annika yells at the moment. I'm fairly keen for the novelty to wear off. my sister called the other day and said it sounds like you're running a daycare! So much noise from 2 small children! As for coping with twins... well from all the mothers I've seen have kids (and one in my MG with twins) I think like anythning you deal with it as best you can and some days are better... and some days are disastrous. My friend with twins is incredibly pragmatic and calm. I don't know how she does it, and like you I feel tempted to say I don't think i could have coped. But I think it's amazing what we can do when we have to, I think you'd surprise yourself. Being a parent is just incredibly challenging and rewarding and I think the key to happy motherhood is not buying into the endless mummy-guilt and shoulds (and beating yourself up for very human frustrations), but rather being able to pick yourself up from bad days and being proud of what you do well. Because really at the end of the day, what we're all doing well is just an amazing effort, the most full-time job in the world. I think we should be getting glowing performance reviews & weekly bonuses lol.. it's just a shame that doesn't come with the job heh heh. And ultimately our children will learn from seeing us cope with our emotions - not from seeing us be eternally & unnaturally calm!

Thanks for your comment re the asthma. With X, yes he doesn't get the traditional wheeze, but he's very prone to getting chesty (as is my DH & my sis) so to me it always gave the hint he was asthmatic. Sometimes we don't even see cold symptoms, just this big chesty cough out of nowhere. I'm happy to have him on the preventer and see if it helps.

Bec - re teeth, I'd try it and see if it eases him? I know with Annika she gets big glowing hot red cheeks, and also when she wakes crying at unusual times. If I give the gel & she goes back off happily then I figure I'm on the right track. I also find they sometimes do unusual things with their mouth & lips when they're teething... I think they kinda wriggle their cheeks or make funny faces cos it feels funny. Or maybe that's just my kids lol.

AFM well Annika is going well. She's a boofer still, 9.2kg at her 8mth check (90th%ile) and her head is also big (90th percentile too) but she's just a shortie, just under 50th percentile which I find rather hilarious. (here's a new pic of my short fat boofy headed beauty) She's still loving her food. I was wondering if she was ready to drop a feed (she has 4 a day) but I tried the other day and she told me in no uncertain terms she still wants that 4th feed! I've just been tweaking her routine now so she's on 2 naps. We've had a funny few days but today it seemed to work better. We've all had mild head colds, so I think that was confusing the nap picture cos she wasn't feeling great. She's still not really moving much (only rolls front to back one side) but my MHN said not to worry unless she gets to 10 mths & still ain't moving much. I reckon she's too fat to go anywhere :lol:. Also my DH just had a specialist review & we're trialling him off the meds in a month with a new one to try. The neuro is hopeful that he might be totally "cured" of his dizzy migraine given his response to the meds was really good, so we have fingers crossed - especially as going onto new meds could mean a month sick again. So we have fingers firmly crossed and we're feeling optimistic. Apparently he treated another patient for the same vestibular migraine (vertigo) who was a helicopter pilot!!! How bad would that be!?!? Apparently this poor man ended up changing careers. Thank goodness my DH didn't have to do that!

hope all the yummy mummies & bubbies are going well

Thanks Dory, I gave Isaac panadol last night at about midnight, I think it was teething pains - he was crying and wouldn't let me touch him anywhere near his mouth but 5 minutes of stroking his forehead after I gave panadol he was asleep. Haven't tried the gel yet. Haha it's weird that people think it's 'polite' not to ask someones heritage.. they should realise that people are proud of where they come and usually like to be asked! But yeah I think you're right. Strange. Yes the morning smiles are addictive.. maybe you could do a bit of co-sleeping here and there so you get to wake up to beautiful baby smiles before she gets too big :)

I totally get what you mean about frustrations. I am finding it very hard not to get frustrated, and I have said much worse than that. Not proud moments. I always feel so guilty for snapping, Isaac is just being a baby and I know that.. I don't know why I find things so hard to deal with sometimes. The more I think about it, the more I would love to have another baby so that Isaac has a sibling and to make our tiny family slightly bigger, but then I think how will I cope with another one?? It's not really like I have the option anyway, just thinking that's all.

Belfie - Isaac hasn't had red cheeks really, just a bit flushed and he holds his mouth tightly closed and turns his head away when I try to touch his mouth. That pic of Annika is just gorgeous, love the beanie. I bet she'll start moving more soon, Isaac all of a sudden just started doing everything. He doesn't roll much though.

All is ok here, getting excited for our trip.. I really need to get away, and two weeks of no washing, no dishes, no cooking (except for a thai cooking class one day) no housework, no washing nappies, lots of sunshine, swimming and food cooked for me just sounds like heaven. I have finally got Isaacs passport application in, along with an extra form they needed as he has no father details on his birth certificate. Apparently his application might take a bit longer than normal, I didn't realise before I booked it. Oh well, I hope we get it in time or we won't be going anywhere.

Hi ladies,

I have been keeping up reading but a bit too busy and tired to post anything. Still on struggle street here with sleep and last night I had a bit of an epiphanie (sp?) at about 2am when I was up rocking P for the 5th time since she went to bed at 7pm and I thought - that's it, I've had enough we are doing controlled crying.

So I started immediately and will let you know how we get on.

I know it is a contensious issue and many people will say they would never do it but one thing I have learned as a mum is that I will never say never again. Until you are in the situation you don't know how you are going to cope.

We are booked in to go to Torrens House in a few weeks and I am sure that is the first thing they will suggest so if it works I will be able to cancel my booking and if it doesn't I will be able to let them know been there, done that.

I am feeling very positive about it though and last night for the first night ever P went without a feed from about midnight until 7am and she was fine this morning. I think what has happened with her is she got into some bad habits because she was in pain with the reflux (and still is sometimes when I eat the wrong things) and got used to feeding ALL the time at night because it soothed her pain. But now she is not in pain anymore because of the meds there is no need for her to feed at night. It was at the point where she was basically refusing to eat much at all during the day and filling up at night so she needs to be re-taught how to sleep on her own and that daytime is for eating.

Gotta go lie down - she has just gone to sleep!

Chuckie I hope you have some luck with this... don't worry about what people say - we did a mixture of controlled crying and crying it out, and George has been sleeping for 13 hours straight every night since he was 5 months old. He's been teething in the last couple of weeks, and still he has been sleeping through, I put that all down to teaching him to self settle!

Hi to everyone else, I have also been reading, but my laptop has died, and replying from the iPhone is a pain!

Hi Chuckie, you've had a pretty tough time lately, :hug:. I'm pretty sure Torrens House is routine based. I can't tell you if they use controlled crying (I'm sure they wouldn't do crying it out though), but from what I have heard I know they will get you on a very strict routine first up. When Isaac was about 6 weeks old and we were still having trouble breast feeding one of the MCHN's tried to get me in to Torrens House. (Looking back, I really don't know why, and she also tried to get me to get me into somewhere in Adleaide to have Isaacs tongue tie snipped which I didn't do either, I think she just wanted me to go to Adelaide!)

Anyway, you are a smart cookie and I know you will have researched and read as much as you can about any direction you take, and it's obvious from your post you have thought about it a lot and are at your wits end. I hope you find something that works for you and Pearl :hug:

Chuckie - good for you for trying something different.... I am glad you got a goodish start - midnight to 7am must feel so good after all the disruption you've had.

I honestly think you're amazing - that really strict diet and the sleep deprivation for so long. I would like to think I was strong enough to tough it out, but I am not so sure.

Connie - that is amazing about George sleeping through. H does 8- 12 hours, at the moment more like 8 straight, then another 2 to 4 depending. Before she got sick with gastro and then a cold, she was much more predictable in her sleep, but is still a little unpredictable at the mo. Replying on your i phone is a pain, I agree.

Bec - you knew best! H's tongue tie has all but disappeared. Oh, and I officially tried peanut butter today. So far so good.

Wite - how are you doing? Thinking of you. Hoping Harlow's separation anxiety is bearable.

AFM - well I went to BB catch up today and it was really great. I am not really good at small talk, nor great in large groups, but I had a really nice time, and felt so positive and uplifted afterwards. It completely disrupted H's sleep routine for today and I am hoping she might have a nap now, and it sounds like after some grizzling that she has. Phew!

Wow guys you have been chatty..and I am supposed to be doing work so I will be quick..

Dory - good luck with the TTC. Did you test?? So cute with Hannah waking and seeing you with a grin:) I still dont have AF so not liking my chances any time soon. But I wouldnt mind
Belfie - haha she is like a little doll! I just want to give her a hug. too cute
Chuckie - good luck. If its any consolation - Chloe still wakes twice a night. I have a rule - if she wakes before midnight she gets resettled without a feed. Its certainly tough to do though!
Bec - ooooh yay you must be excited about your trip. Oh and by the way I have a new appreciation for your solo efforts with Isaac. DH has been away and not back until Friday haha yeh I know - no comparison.
AFM - Chloe is vomiting up her yoghurt but can take milk in her cereal. Dont know what is up with that. Had her 8 month check yesterday. 8.2 kg (50%), but 80% for height and 90% for head. My sister says 'she will be a model with brains' haha yeh right.

Thanks for your kind words of support ladies.

Dory I reckon you would have coped great with your twin bubbus - I sometimes wonder how I would be coping if P's twin had made it and I think the answer is you just do. Great that the BB catch up was good. Just to clarify I was up several times between 12 and 7 (including from 2-4am listening to her cry!) I just didn't feed her. Seven hours straight is an impossible dream here!

Fuzzy - I have also been doing a no feeds less than 3hours apart rule but plan on extending that to basically no feeds overnight - what someone suggested they would do in Torrens House anyway so I thought I would give it a go - maybe no feeds from midnight until 7 or something - will figure it out tonight.

Bec - TH is completley about routines. I realised that our routine is completely out the window and I know exactly what I need to do to get it back starting with feeding mostly in the days again - so far so good today.

Connie - hows the house coming? We got our quote the other day - $330K to build the house! Will have to get working to pay for it!

Morning!

Just a quickie a someone is pooping in her nappy! Musta been a good breakfast. lol

Bec - did you mention something about teething? Alannah practically has all 8 teeth come through in about 2 months! I only used a Amber teething necklace on her......

Fuzzy - Guppy Leg! Is that what it is called. My youngest son crawled like that and I thought it was so he could crawl faster to keep up with his big bro! I wish Alannah would crawl! *sigh*

Dory - how is the PB going? We just did a massive shop on the weekend and I blumin forgot to buy the smooth variety. Doh!!

Best go....nappy full!

Have an awesome week girls!
xxxxx

Hi everyone, I'm expecting Isaac to wake up any minute so I'll be quick

dory - that's great Hannah had no reaction to peanut butter. I'm yet to try it, I finished off the jar myself so I had to buy more haha. The BB catch up sounds great, glad you had a good time :)

Did the Melbourne ladies in here ever manage to meet up?

fuzzy - I hope you had a good few days on your own, it is hard but I think it could actually be harder when you are used to having someone around all the time then suddenly they go away, if you know what I mean. Not that being on my own is easy though, a silly person said to me the other day 'oh Isaac is happy as larry as usual, he must be so easy for you!' Ha. Love the model with brains comment, lol :D

Chuckie - how are you going??

Vixstar - yep I think I might have mentioned teething, I'm not sure if Isaac is or not. He has no teeth yet, but has had some bad nights with crying for no apparent reason so I guessed maybe his teeth are moving. I'm a bit sceptical about teething necklaces, great if it works for you though.

Isaac is great, I can't turn my back on him for a second though. Omg. He is getting into absolutely everything. I put him down, next thing he is on the other side of the room pulling leaves off the potplant or pulling cords out, pulling baskets of fabric down. Yesterday I went to lunch with some friends and he managed to pull a big plastic tree down in the cafe! Last night he slept well, only fed once at 3:30am. That is the first time he has missed his feed around 11pm. I'm a bit worried actually, I don't know how he would be getting enough milk if he starts to skip feeds?? I am about to express to somehow add it to his lunch.

Had a good chat to my mothers grp today about overnight sleeping. I have decided that I am going to only feed Chloe once between 7 and 7. To get there I am not going to feed her if she wakes before midnight and only one feed after that time.

Will see how we go tonight

Good Luck, my only recommendation is that you stick with it for a 3 nights before giving up... 'they' say it takes at least 3 nights to make a change.

fuzzy - good luck, how are you planning to settle her without feeding her if she is hungry? Or maybe if she is not hungry and just wants the comfort of knowing you are there so sitting with her might be all she needs? Hopefully you find something that works for you. Just asking because Isaac seems to have always had very similar night sleeping patterns to Chloe so just curious as to how you do it. Last night he woke at 9pm, quick feed he was back to sleep and then didn't wake at 11 like he usually does so I carried him to bed (he sleeps in the living room until I go to bed), changed him into a night nappy and then he woke up and grizzled. He didn't wake of hunger, just because of the nappy change so I didn't feed him, just gave him a dummy then laid down with him and turned the light off and he just went back to sleep. He fed at 3:30am, the only feed for the night until he woke in the morning. I think they will just naturally develop longer periods of sleeping especially now that they are more mobile. Let us know how you go :)

Good luck fuzzy. My regieme sp? Has worked perfectly for us p is sleeping soo much better and gets one feed between 7 and 7. I am on the itouch! I agree you have to do it for three nights and commit to loosing even more sleep for a couple of nights. The first night was hard but it has just got better and better last night she fed at 11 and when she woke at 4 I just patted her for about five secs and she went straight back to sleep! Soo much better than waking every hour or so! In the morn p is hungry but she still only drinks one boob so she is not starving. The first night I comforted her without picking her up two mins after she woke, left for five min, comforted her, left her for ten mins, comforted her then went back every 15 mins until she went to sleep. I was up for a couple of hours that bight. Ps day sleeps have also improved heaps and she is happier because she is not tired anymore and hopefully soon I will catch up on some sleep too!

Chuckie - that's awesome! Well done. And well done for sticking it out. I am so glad that you're able to get some sleep. I didn't know that Pearl had a twin... hugs. Thanks for the tips too on how you did controlled crying. It's reassuring to know it's worked for you and was worth it.

Fuzzy - oh dear, I can't remember what I was going to say. :(

Belfie - thankyou for what you wrote.... it was just perfect. I am trying not to beat myself up too much for the mistakes, and I just try to "reset" and start again. OMG that picture of Annika is too cute. Hope the dizzy man gets better and the new meds don't make him sick.

Vix - so you liked the amber necklace?

Bec - hope the passport comes through.. how many sleeps til you go? I often wonder that myself, "what I am getting so worked up about?'. I have decided that next time I feel like that I am just going to excuse myself, by saying, back soon, go into another room and hum. I am seriously, if she is grizzling or crying, it's not hurting me, its just noise. Perhaps I am just a closet control freak. Oh I wouldn't worry about Isaac missing his earlier feed. He'll just make it up during the other feeds if he needs it.

AFM - Hannah had her weight etc checked today. 9.03kg, 72cm long and a big boofer head. Remember how she had stranger awareness/anxeity? Well it used to be adults but the last two days it's been other kids. She was playing with babies her own age Wednesday and Thursday and after a while she basically looked at them and cried. Poor wee girl. Apart from that, she is just a delight. It's so nice for us both to be well again. H usually wakes once a night, and I feed her. I had been thinking about night weaning, but I am not prepared to listen to her cry just now. She usually only has one sleep a day ranging from 30 mins to 2 hours ( but the 2 hours is swimming days).

I am really enjoying being Hannah's mum. It's hard work, and I am busy but people ask me what I have been doing and I can't remember. I don't even come on BB that much anymore.

Take care.

Hey guys, well the first night Chloe woke at 10:45 and I left her for about 10 mins before trying to resettle her, i.e. picked her and her stuffed dog up for a cuddle. To cut a long story short, she ended up crying for about 1.5 hours and then crashed until 4:30am. So no feeds between 6:30 and 4:30. I fed her at 4:30 and she slept until 7. Last night was better - she had a short grizzle at midnight (5 mins) then slept until 3 when I fed her then awake at 6. I, however, have had a shocker - got the tummy bug thats going around and was up all night running to and from the toilet. Gotta go have a lie down now while she is asleep - will chat up on posts later

just a quick question for everyone, what kind of play do you do? Sometimes I feel like I don't do enough. Isaac has some playtime by himself with toys, but also we might roll balls around, bang them like drums, 'hide' them under scarves etc, I crawl around with him, hide behind the couch and kind of play peekaboo, hold him on my lap and play with toys or whatever objects are around, lift him in the air, hold him in front of photos or the mirror to 'see the baby', lots of sitting up and standing up, tickling with funny noises, blowing raspberries and lots of kisses, and also reading books and singing songs. But he does have lots of time playing on his own, and now gets into everything now that he is crawling around so I think it might be time that I started to play more with him to keep him from getting into cords and plants etc. So basically I need some more play ideas for this age because I just don't know if the things I am doing are enough for developing his motor and social skills.

Hope everyone is having a nice weekend :)

Fuzzy - feel better soon pet.... must be so hard when you're really ill to take care of Chloe. Sounds though like she's starting to get the hang of this sleeping thingy. Can't say H has at the moment, but she's sick and I reckon all bets are off when the are sick and I just have to suck it up.

Bec - Ah mother guilt. I often wonder too, if I do enough to help stimulate Hannah through play. Sounds like you're doing all the right things with play time. I am not sure of ideas though now Isaac is mobile. I got a book out of the library a while ago by the Gymboree people, might have even been called that. One thing we did that was new this weekend was put H in the swing at the park ( put her in backwards and she sort of flew, lying flat rather than sitting up? hard to explain) and also put her down the slide while holding her. Both were a hit and drew lots of snotty smiles ( H has another cold). Maybe give him some blocks to knock down and build up, some nesting cups, some safe kitchen items? Don't worry too much about Isaac having alone time for playing, he's learning a lot while he's doing that. You're doing a great job.

Bec - I think a bit of alone time is a good thing... it will give him a chance to use his imagination aswell. But it sounds like everything you are doing is great!

thanks Dory, a swing is a great idea. I will see if I can get one of those baby swings from Big W next time I am there. When I read your post I also remembered I had some of those nesting cup things that you can join together to make balls or stack them which Isaac got for christmas so I got those out, he enjoyed playing with them. I hope Hannah's cold clears up soon.

Mother guilt is a shocker, just wait until you start EC'ing, if you decide to. I think I might have mentioned that Isaac has not done number 2's in his nappy for weeks now, I have been reading his cues really well and catching them all in the toilet (I need to buy a potty to make it easier for me). Anyway I missed his cues the night before last and when I changed him into a night time nappy I discovered he had poo in it, and wow.. I just felt disgusted that I had let him sit in his own poo for I don't know how long, and felt so guilty. Now I understand why the African mamas were horrified at the thought of using nappies for the purpose of leaving their babies in their own waste, it's a very unhygenic practise when you think about it. I only hope I have the same level of communication they have with their babies, I'd really love to be able to 'catch' Isaacs wees too but I just can't see any signs that he is about to go. (Just to be clear if anyone doesn't know about EC, it is not potty training, it is about communication. Also I don't mean to offend anyone by saying nappies are unhygenic, I would be offending millions who use them including myself!)

Connie - thanks, I usually do give him lots of time playing alone. I have to so that I can things done but the problem is now he is mobile I can't really just leave him on the floor. He is getting into everything and into places he really shouldn't so I really need to be with him. I did discover a new very safe place he can play on his own today though, the hallway! I don't know why I didn't think of it before. No power points, no cords, and no shelves or chairs he can pull down :)

fuzzy - I hope you're feeling better soon, tummy bugs are awful.

Isaac got his passport delivered today! 20 sleeps to go :leap: