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

Hi Hannah - I'm so sorry you feel down today. And I'm really sorry your mum is so sick, I wish I could make her better for you. :hug: It's tough being a mum and having all the responsibility of another human on your shoulders but remember you are doing a fantastic job so don't beat yourself up lovely girl. It's fantastic Amelia slept 7 hours...I know you said her times are out of whack re day/night but it's a start and she'll get there. It's hard like you say with DH getting home late but if that's how it is for now just go with it. There's no rules or set times I reckon so do what fits in with your life. Who cares if you sleep till 11.00 am! Have you tried Amelia in her cot? I found my Amelia settled so much better in the cot as she was too cramped in her bassinette. I didn't expect to have her out of our room and the basinette until she was 3 months old but I wasn't to know she was going to be a long baby either ha ha. Just remember everyone has different ups and downs and positives and negatives, no-one is a perfect mum and no-one has a perfect baby, we do what we can, the best we can and personally as long as they have food and love that's the most important thing and you're giving her that so there you go! Don't worry about the dummy either, I use one to settle Amelia, she pops it out when she falls to sleep and I don't put it back in. There's nothing wrong with it and it's much easier to take a dummy off them down the track, you can't remove their thumb if they suck that instead! Feel better soon mate, you're doing great remember that. xx

AFM - well how exciting I think the fenugreek tablets are working cause I expressed 60 mls today, the most ever!!! I just said to DH while feeding Amelia, it's pretty sad when the main feed is formula and the top up is breast milk.....something wrong with that equation huh! :o

Right, time for me to eat dinner.....Amelia is in her just ate and cranky cause she's tired mood so DH is trying to settle her while I sit on BB ha ha. Oh well, I do it all day so it won't hurt him.

Thanks so much Alison. As a matter of fact, I just set up Amelia's cot today. I put her in it for a while to see how she liked it. She had a great time looking around and smiling, especially at the mobile. I don't want her out of our room just yet though and the bassinette we've got is quite long (she fills it just over half way). I think wrapping her has made all the difference though. I'd stopped because I thought she didn't like it, but that was just when she had a lot of lower wind issues. Tonight, I put her down at 7. She woke at 7:30, but I just gave her a dummy and rocked her a bit until she went back to sleep. She didn't wake again until 10:30! I heard a couple of little 'shouts' and she was just laying there smiling at the butterflies I'd hung above her. I've fed her and just put her back down. She still needed to be rocked to sleep, but she went to sleep! Its almost as if after my meltdown last night, she and I have both decided to do better today.

Well done on expressing 60mls. The more you express, the more you will build up your supply and its good the fenugreek is helping. Just remember the important thing is that Amelia is happy, healthy and growing. BTW, have you checked out the ABA website for other ideas on how to increase supply?

I can't remember who mentioned that Happy Baby dummies are the brand to use, but wanted to ask if anyone knows whether the cherry or orthodontic ones are better. I have both and Amelia doesn't seem to have a preference, but I keep getting conflicting information.

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BS - I do keep Amelia up for at least 30 minutes after a feed. She hates sleeping on her side unless she's in bed with me, so we curl up together and I give her my finger to suck on if she's unsettled. I have lifted one end of the bassinet but I think she hates it because she can't see out of it, whereas the pram she can still see whats going on if she wants to (although, she is currently sleeping in her bassinet and has been there for over an hour now). I haven't really been avoiding any foods except cabbage. After a whole week without wind issues, I ate some coleslaw and we had issues again, so cabbage is a definite no-no. Since she isn't really having issues with wind anymore, I haven't bothered cutting out anything else, but I don't eat a lot of spicy food anyway. I don't think Amelia's reflux is wind related. It's to do with the sphincter between the throat and the stomach being immature so not keeping the food in the stomach. It's worse when she's stressed, ie right before a big poo or when it the weather is really hot (which it has been quite a bit lately). Today has been a pretty good day though. Well done Eva for sleeping so well. Hopefully its the beginning of a pattern.

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Hey, just to let you know, Eva has the same reflux reason...But the osteo said to avoid those foods since it burns more when it does come up...And he mentioned that if the baby is lactose intolerant, which many babies are it helps a lot to cut lactose. I found it helped me but if you know what to avoid already then that's good :-) - gassy veggies don't really bother Eva, so I avoid the rest of the gamut.

Don't feel bad! Please just remember you have a baby that is slightly more difficult and it makes us feel bad sometimes. I have those moments too when I say what am I doing. You're almost out of it. Just stick through the end. You should try to give her a routine. I found that eva settles now only because I bather her at 6 and go into her room in the dark for her last feed. Be careful with the stimulation late at night - that's prob why she was cranky. Don't beat yourself up over this. Her having reflux is probably so difficult, I know, I had really bad periods too and am still recovering but you're doing great and you're trying to solve the issues (like I told Tilda) so you're a great mom. And I am not just saying that, I really know how you feel. It gets better...Eva is starting to come out of it and your time is coming up. Just try to be strong :comfort:

You might want to try to cut the lactose...It can't hurt and I found that it really helped Eva...you never know...Maybe give it a shot for a few days? Good luck and if you need anything feel free to PM me. I really understand how you feel. Poor thing. :(

Sorry no time for more - time to prepare the bath and get mistress Eva to bed!

xoxo

Hello girlies!

Quick one...

Hannah - so sorry to hear about your mum. I hope she pulls through for you :crossfingers: Don't worry about the breakdown, we all have them!! Things WILL get better, I promise you. You just have to hold on to that thought. With the Happy Baby dummies...its the cherry ones. Tho I haven't tried Michael with the orthodontic ones. but he LOVES his "dodie" as I call it...when I first put it in he sucks so hard and his eyes roll around and he makes these cooing noises, he just loves it! But he's same as Alison's Amelia, he'll spit it out when he's asleep so I don't put it back in.

AFM - he's started giggling!!! I was tickling him on his chest, sort of jiggling him around and he just started this real hearty giggle. DH said he giggled in his sleep while he was on his shoulder after he kissed him on the cheek...cuuute!

Needles today :(

Hi Beany - oh giggles, lucky you! I haven't had that from Amelia yet, can't wait! I think Amelia might be going through a growth spurt??? She was doing 10 hour nights until the last 2 where she's woken after 6, she's also sleeping a bit more during the day than normal (she normally catnaps) and she's quite grizzly when she's tired which she normally doesn't cry much and her appetite increased yesterday. This morning she woke at 5.00 am and I fed her and she went to sleep for 1.5 hours and was up hungry again. She went down again as soon as she'd eaten pretty much, no awake time. Hmmmm. Just when you get used to something it changes! Anyone else notice the growth spurts in the same way?

Hi Hannah - glad Amelia had a nice sleep for you, fantastic! If she fits in the bassinette still then go for it, I would too if Amelia wasn't so squished - she was waking up sideways with her head and feet butting the sides, she's a wriggler in her sleep! I use the standard cherry Happy Baby dummies, I haven't seen the orthodontic ones. Amelia much prefers them over the expensive Nuk and Avent ones, funny as they are only a couple of dollars, bargain! A friend of mine's sister is a dentist and uses the cherry Happy Baby ones and said they do no damage to their mouth or palate or anything - that is a load of crap if people say that. I went out and bought a few after she said that ha ha.

Beany - Liam is sucking his fists too. Apparently they can stick them so far into their mouth they gag! :o Totally normal too.
So cute that Michael's giggling! You'll have to try and catch it on video and post on fb for us.

Rose - I find Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon chills Liam out nicely. Courtesy of his hippy Pa. Thanks for the Catch of the Day tip, I can't wait to get my box in the post!

BS - Awesome about Eva's sleeping! Shame about the snow, it must be annoying being stuck at home.

Hannah - The Metallic lullabies cd sounds awesome! It sounds like you've got a lot on your plate at the moment, and worrying about your Mum sure wouldn't help. Rest assured you're an amazing Mum! You wouldn't be so worried about Amelia's wellbeing if you weren't. I hope your Mum gets well soon, I'm sending you and her lots of positive vibes.
On the dummy issue, I think it's really just whatever your baby seems to like. I read that the orthodontic ones really aren't any better or worse, it's just another marketing thing to make us think they're more "natural" and somehow more beneficial than the old style ones. Try them both and see what Amelia prefers. Liam's not fussy, as long as something's in his mouth, though he seems less reliant on his dummy now that he's discovered his hands.
And Alison's right, there's no evidence to show that dummy use in small babies causes dental problems.

Alison - I hope the fenugreek keeps working for you!

AFM - I kind of got my period back, I've had some spotting over the last few days. I was hoping for a bit longer as I'm exclusively BFing, but oh well, can't win em all.
Liam's a bit scatty today, it's so hot! Better go and tend to him.

Hi Girls,

What a day! I'm totally stuffed.

Sesame - Bad luck about your period returning (or old Aunt Flow, as they say in the TTC forums :) ) It's a real lottery that one. Ryan sucks his fingers and had them so far in to his mouth the the other day that he started gagging.

Alison - That's great that you expressed 60mls! You might even be able to build your supply back up that way. There's another growth spurt at around 12 weeks, so Amelia might be growing again.

Beany - That's gorgeous! I bet the giggles made your day :) Hope Michael's needles go well today and that he has a good sleep tonight.

Hannah - You're a fabulous Mum! Amelia is really lucky to have you as her Mummy. You're doing so well to cope with your Mum's illness and a new baby. We all have those moments where we think we shouldn't have had our babies. I have days where I wonder why I had a 2nd baby when I can't cope with my toddler! Then I have other days where I'm planning my 3rd :) You're doing really well learning what your baby needs. Even if you were able to know before she was born that she would have reflux, you still couldn't have worked what would work best for her until she was here. You're doing fine and it will get easier.

AFM - Met up with some of the other Mum's from my Mother's Group today (those that are either on Mat Leave or don't work Fridays). A few of them share a Personal Trainer and I think I'm going to jump on board too. It only costs $5 a session, plus I'll get to see the other Mum's.

I bought the Lascal Maxiboard for my pram today. Craig likes it, but still wants to run off when we're shopping. I think it will be great for when we walk to the park. He's already 15kg which rules out most of the toddler pram options and a tandem pram will only suit us for 12 months, so I'm going to stick with the skateboard for now.

Sounds like I have 2 nappies to change! Better go.

Hi to anyone else who might be reading but has no time to post.

Hello everybody,
I have not been here for a while but things have been a little crazy here....
I have been reading all the posts on my night feedings on my iPod so I kind of know what's going on but please excuse me for the lack of personal responses.
My dd1... Lila has been having a rough time, major jelousy and it's been really hard.
I also need to tell everyone ( for myself too ) that I have been suffering from post natal depression. It's a very long story yet hard to talk about but I think I am now strong enough to really realize it. So Hannah huge hugs babe...
I'd love to spend ages talking about stuff... In fact every time I have a sec I'd love to write a few paragraphs but it takes so long especially now with two kiddies, the only time alone I have is the miday sleep or late evening when I'm asleep!!
You guys are awesome and all doing so well.
Lots ov love
kath

Hey everyone! Want to try and bang out a post super fast while DH is circling the garden

Hi Kanda - so sorry to hear about your PND. Babies and toddlers have to be one of the hardest gigs out and you've got one of each! But try to remember what an amazing job you're doing. I'm glad you've been able to log in a bit even just to read what's going on with everyone else. We'll be thinking of you even if you don't have time to post.

Hi Hannah - try not to be so hard on yourself. I know its hard (I'm guilty of it too) but you're doing a stellar job to look after a bub while having so much else to deal with.

I think I'm going to run out of time to reply to everyone so I might make a few random comments. On dummies, DH asked a friend of his who is a specialist children's dentist and he said dummies are absolutely fine and have no orthodontic repercussions. Oh dear hear a hysterical baby coming my way....bye....

Hi Girls - buggar, I didn't see Rose's note about Catch of the Day, didn't even know what is was until I just went on. Bummmmmmmmmmmmer!

Hi Kanda - I'm so sorry to hear about your PND but I'm glad you're talking about it. My very good friend suffered from it and didn't want to acknowledge it at first, I didn't even know to be honest but once she realised she got some medication and was so much better. She got over it really quickly and is happy as larry now, her bub is 9 months old. Just remember we're all here for you mate, hugs and kisses to you.

Hi Sesame - I think I'm ovulating, got the old ovulation pains which I forgot what they felt like lol......

Hi Tilda - DH circling the garden ha ha that's funny.

Hi Suz - thanks, I think the fenugreek is working and also taking time out to express more, it's quite exciting really. And boo I missed Catch of the Day too, spewing!

Hi Hannah - hows things today?

Hi everyone else, hope you're all doing well today. Amelia has been ok, still a bit grizzly when hungry and tired but is not too bad, slept for 3 hours this morning though and has been quite sleepy in between feeds, I hope she sleeps ok tonight!!! I want the 10 hours back. Just watching the story of the lady who died after having a baby a couple of years ago from not being treated for a bacterial infection from childbirth.....gosh that could've been me, thank god I had a good OB!!!!!

kanda - As another PND sufferer, I think the most important thing to do is just acknowledge it. Once I started talking about it to family and my doctor (and chose to go onto medication, but that's a personal choice) things got a lot better.

Hi to everyone else!

AFM - I think we're in growth spurt territory again. Liam's been eating and eating and eating - long feeds, too, which is quite unusual for him. I weighed him today and he's 5.8kg. Going to be interesting to see what he weighs in a few weeks!

Hannah, for the dummies, the soteo and pediatricians both said to just get the cheap chemists dummies that are cherry shaped. He explained that all those orthodontic dummies are just ridiculous and that there is no problem if they use one this young. He excplained that babies prefer the cherry or what resembles most the nipple...Another good thing about the dummy that the oste told me is that he said that if your baby has reflux, it helps in producing more saliva which combats the acid coming up. So he highly recommended I use one with Eva for her reflux. I think if she likes it you should do it...He said that ruining their teeth is a ridiculous rumour etc...unless they are 5 and still using it! I am glad she had a good sleep. I hope you have many more to come :)

Beany, Eva giggles so much too and she squeals like alittle pig - it is the cutest thing! Sometimes she'll be in her bed with her mobile and just squealing from delight and then she has this one doll in her bed that she has full discussions with - it is hilarious :) - good luck for the needles...We go in next week! :(

Sesame, I agree totally about the dummy thing - I tried a bunch and finally found one she liked and kept it - she just graduated to the 3-6 month size! And I also found that she is a LOT less relaint on her dummy since she started sucking her hands. She'll just sit there happily shoving her fists in her mouth and drooling all over herself now :ROFL:

Alsion, YAY on the fenugreek! Keep it up girl! It would be funny if you got your supply up so high that you went from formula to breast and not the other way around! :)

Suz, good idea on sharing a trainer - and workin gout in a group is a great way to stay motivated!

Hey Kanda, nice to hear from you. I am so sorry you are having a hard time. Poor Lila, it must be so hard for you to deal with jealousy from a toddler. I am glad you're keeping up with us and I am thinking of you. I hope you are ok with the depression. Are you seeking help? exercise? I am starting to feel like I might be going down that road too...I don't know. Anyway, sending you huge kisses and hugs. Good luck with the two girls and I hope DH helps you out so you can get some rest sometimes.

Tilda, thanks for confirming the dummy thing - I was worried about using it at the beginning too but I cannot deprive Eva. She loves it waaaaay too much. I told DH, if it messes up her teeth, we better have enough money for braces :) (andyway she is genetically inclined to have crooked teeth - DH and I both had orthodontic work on our mouths!).

Anyway, I am starting to feel really down...Eva is sleeping better, skipping her midnight feed for a few nights now...still waking up at 3 though but at least we get some relax time for dinner. I have been really not feeling like myself. I just want to sleep all the time and not see people...I just don't know how to snap out of it and am stuck in the house due to all this bad weather so that is not helping. I am toying with the idea of asking DH to go away for a weekend or 5 days to the sun. I have also been seriously neglecting him but he is being understanding and not mad at me...I just don't want to deal with people...I was used to being very thin and active and well dressed and now I am pudgy and can't get a shower in most days. I am so happy when I am with the baby though so I would not change it for anything, but I feel like I don't exist anymore...This too shall pass...right?

BS - Thanks so much. Der :doh: of course spicy and acidic foods will burn more, I don't know why I didn't think of that before. Probably because my diet has pretty much been cereal, pasta, fruit and veggies, so there hasn't been anything obvious to try eliminating. I might try cutting out the lactose. Its going to be hard though because I've actually been craving dairy foods since Amelia was born. I've been getting stricter with our bedtime routine. At 6 she has a bath, massage, story, feed and then bed. Wrapping her seems to have made all the difference too.

beany - Amelia spits hers out when she's asleep and I haven't been putting it back in either. But she gives me such a funny look when I give it to her...as if to say, "what's this? This doesn't taste like you mummy." How exciting that Michael is giggling already! I can't wait for that. I hope he wasn't too upset by his needles today.

Alison - I initially didn't think there was anything wrong with the cherry ones, but my mum, who is a pharmacy assistant, suggested the orthodontic ones. Maybe they only have issues with their palate if they are used all the time. I only intend to use it when its time to sleep, so I guess it shouldn't matter.

sesame - The CD is done by a company called rockabye baby. I checked out their website and they do a pink floyd one as well. Just in case your interested. That sucks that AF returned.

suz - That's a great idea sharing a personal trainer...it'll keep you active and social all at once (as if Craig isn't keeping you active enough lol).

kanda - Huge hugs back at ya :hug:. I was wondering how you were going today. I'm sorry you're having a hard time with PND. But at least you've recognised it and can get the help you need. We're here for you sweetie. As the girls have been telling me it WILL get easier.

Thanks everyone for your support. I got a bit overexcited last night. Amelia was feeding every 2 hours from 1 until 7 am. By the time I got her down after each feed, I'd get about 10-15 minutes of sleep and then we'd start all over again. I had to wake DH at 7:30 to take over as I was about to collapse (I still have my headache complete with dizzy spells). He woke me to feed her at 9:30. She's been asleep all day waking at 2:30 and 6pm for feeds. So our days and nights are mixed up again. I wonder if she's having another growth spurt. But I am pleased that she is sleeping in her bassinette again as that was worrying me. See, I'm focusing on the positive.....

Hi Hannah - my Amelia is a little all over the place today and yesterday too, not really bad but definitely not her usual routine, I read my book and she's definitely showing signs of a growth spurt which can happen around the 12 week mark give or take a week or two. So I think that's what's happening with us for sure, maybe our girls are doing everything the same ha ha! I guess all we can do is go with the flow huh.

I forgot to mention earlier that at my sister's today we did Amelia's feet and hand prints onto both her birth certificate and also onto paper for her baby album, was funny doing it but she has a little blank leftover ink on her feet, it's non toxic but I'll still give her a nice bath. They came out so cute though. Oh and I emailed the midwife today to find out the exact name of the staph infection I had in hossy cause I couldn't remember what the OB said and it was golden staph, pretty scary huh!

Well finally got Matilda to settle for the night (I think).

Hannah - what a nightmare night!! I throw Matilda at DH in the early mornings sometimes too. I don't even feel guilty about it anymore. :lol: I figure if we're up half the night, they can deal with an hour or so in the mornings.

BS - you poor thing. It might help to find someone to talk to about how you're feeling. It's helped me at times. I know exactly how hard it is to lose that sense of autonomy and being active so I think I know how you're feeling. When I first injured my neck very badly just as we moved to the US for a year I went through a very bad time dealing with not being able to carry groceries or get to the laundromat, or play sport. But these things always improve. And it most definitely will for you. You're strong, young and healthy and winter will soon be over. Be kind to yourself.

Hi Alison - scary about the infection! You should buy a lotto ticket having been so lucky.

AFM - well the 5-9 marathon is over for another night. Matilda is sooooo unsettled at this time of day. The only thing that varies is how bad it is! I'm finding it really difficult to "walk" the halls with her since aggravating my back last week. The dummy helped to just keep her calm for a couple of nights this week, but last night she wouldn't take it. At least we're getting her to sleep better during the day. I'm a bit nervous about how its all going to go back in Perth for 12 days. I'm not sure if Mum and Dad will cope. I'll have to disappear upstairs each night. Is it true they become a bit more settled after 3 months? Please tell me it is! Anyway, I should try and get to bed.

Hi Girls,

Kanda - :hug: Big hugs to you girl. We're here to 'listen' if you need to talk and you get some time. I know how hard it is to get time to yourself with 2 kids under 3. Have you got someone to take DD1 for a playdate to give you a bit of a break? As Rose said, talk to your GP and if you want there's medication and counselling. I got counselling when I had a breakdown after my 2nd miscarriage and it really helped me.

BS - Go somewhere sunny if you can, you could well have a bit of Seasonal Affective Disorder as well as PND. It must be hard when you can't get outside! Having a baby really turns your life upside down and I know lots of women who went from glamourous career women to tracksuit-wearing mothers. In fact, it was the girlfriends who were super organised and in control of their lives before their baby that found it hardest to cope after having one. Eva will get easier to manage and you will be able to shower, wear makeup and yes fit in to your old clothes again. Think of this as temporary and not permanent.

Alison & Hannah & Rose - Ryan seems to be on a growth spurt too, which would make sense with our bubs all being 10-11 weeks old.

Hannah - I hope Amelia gets her nights and days sorted again soon. You must be exhausted.

Alison - Golden Staph! Eeeeek!

Tilda - My evenings are often a bit like that too. With Craig I tried to do as much as possible earlier in the day (even cooking dinner in the morning to heat up in the evening) so I wasn't trying to do it all between 5 and 9 and could then devote my energy to him. Don't worry, your parents will cope.

AFM - Am sitting here not sure what the night will bring me. DS1 Craig has been asleep since 4:30pm (no day sleep). DS2 Ryan has been cluster feeding this evening and unsettled. He's had an enormous poo and a couple of little spews. I got him to bed about 9pm, but he'd been asleep in the rocker for a while. DH went to the 'local' after work to catch up with friends and hasn't gotten home yet. I'm thinking I'll go to bed myself after I post this because I'm exhausted and have no idea how many feeds Ryan will wake for tonight or if Craig will wake up. In fact, Craig keeps calling out 'Mummy' every now and then, but when I go in there he's asleep.

Hope everyone has a good night with their little ones and you are all fabulous, gorgeous and wonderful capable Mummies!

Hannah, I also want dairy really badly and had a hard time at first - everything has dairy! Even salad dressing! You can imagine how hard it is going to eat anywhere other than home and how tired I am of soup and salad at this point :( but really, I found that it helps so much that I deal with it. Later when she is more settled I will introduce it back into my diet slowly. But it helped. I am not sure if it will for Amelia, but like I said worth trying. With babies like ours you have to be willing to try anything :) - Wow what a crazy night you must have had. I really hope she sorts out her hours soon!

Suz, I mentioned to DH that I'd like to leave, but he can't come with me since we are going to NY in April already...taking too much time off of work is complicated especially since I am not in the office either so there is a lot more that he has to do...he said he will look for weekend options today and we'll see. He said I can go anywhere I want though, but I don't want to go alone. His parents are in the mountains (they leave tomorrow...) and he mentioned that if I wanted to I could join them...but a 12 hour car ride might be difficult. I will see...maybe I'll fly down for a few das to be with them in the fresh air.

Alsion, so cute to record her footprints - A friend gacve me an inkpad to do that with but I have not done it yet...hmmm. Maybe I would ask Dh to help me do it tonight...

Anyway, off to get some organization done...I think I'll feel better once everything is organized and my to do list is shorter.

I talked to DH about how I feel and he is very supportive - he says whatever he can do just let him know, but I don' t know...Maybe if we find a nice WE getaway together that would do the trick. In any case, I am already just happier knowing the WE is here and he will be around with me.

Off to do stuff...

xoxo

Morning Girls - how was everyone's nights?

My 5 nights of 10 hours have gone a little AWOL, Amelia did nearly 7 last night but woke up crying, her socks had come off and she had really cold feet so not sure if that's why. I went and got her and heated up a bottle but by the time I came back she was asleep again. Only problem was I'd put her in our bed so DH could watch her. I should've put her back in her cot but I didn't want to wake her, I know I have start doing that don't I!! She slept until 8.00 am in our bed too.....well she woke up about 7.00 am but she just gooed and made little noises next to me so I let her go...I was sooo tired ha ha. Anyway, I need to start trying to let her go back in her cot and see what happens. I'm hoping the 10 hours comes back soon, that was super good.

We have a birthday party to go to tonight, I wanted to take Amelia with me but my 17 year old nephew has asked if he can look after her - we're going with my sister and her husband and it's her son. He's fantastic with Amelia (this is the one we think might be gay, not that that means anything ha ha) so I feel bad saying no. We will only be around the corner and I figure its a good excuse to only go between feeds for a couple of hours so I'm going to do it. Will feel weird, I've only left her with my mum and mum in law while I've been to appointments. I trust him totally as he's really great with her but will just feel weird. I don't even feel like going out, the thought of trying to find something decent that fits scares the crap out of me, too hard basket really!

I just read a great blog that my pregnancy aqua swimming teacher sent me if you're interested I'll send you it by FB as I can't mention web addresses on here can I? It's about people offering help for when you've had the baby and what we really want help with!

Hi girls.

BS - Its great that your DH is so supportive. I bet you're hanging out for your trip to NY in April!! Flying down to see your ILs sounds like a good idea too. It might do you good to have a change of scene and get out of the house. And your ILs sounds great so I'm sure they'll be great with Eva if you want a few afternoon naps. BTW you mentioned your appetite awhile back and I keep meaning to say I've had a HUGE appetite too. I seem to be eating prodigious amounts. I'm not putting on weight but not losing it either. When I get back from Perth I'm going to start being a bit more careful. I'd love to lose 5kg before my sister's wedding in May.

Suz - good idea about cooking dinner early on in the day. I think I might get the slow cooker out a bit more. I'm looking forward to the day when this mythical 7pm bed time actually works for us. I'm hoping Craig and Ryan let you get some sleep last night.

AFM - Matilda slept through from 9:30pm to 7am :confetti: but I didn't! My boobs woke me a couple of times feeling like they would explode. My nightie was drenched! So I had to get up and express anyway. But maybe if she keeps it up my boobs will adjust. I'm feeling ever so slightly queasy today and I'm praying I'm not getting gastro. M's godmother spent Thursday in bed throwing up. Please, please, please let me not get gastro :pray:. Will have to wait and see. Before I sign off does anyone have any advice for crossing time zones with babies? Perth is a 3 hour difference. Not huge but enough to throw things out (and just as I seem to be getting her into more of a routine).

Hi Alison, we seemed to post at the same time!! Your nephew sounds like a real sweetie. I'm sure she'll be fine if you give him the run down of do's and don'ts. I hear you on the finding something to wear. We're going to celebrate chinese new year with some friends today and I think its going to be jeans and a black top. How exciting!

Hey girls.

Alison, I think leaving Amelia at home with your nephew should be great especially since you're around the corner. That is close enough to run back if anything happens. Just be sure to leave him very clear instructions on what to do and not to do (how she sleeps, how to dress her, etc...it is not easy to know that unless you're told)...and tell him to call if he is not sure about ANYTHING. This is a good way for you to be free between feedings and to see if you can trust him in case you need a baby sitter and no one is available...you're right around the corner, so everything should be great.

Tilda, I am not sure what to do for time differences...NYC is 6 hours from here, so I am thinking I'll have to deal with that then. I think I read somewhere that the best thing to do is gradually shift their sched half hour a day until you are on the sched of the other place the day or two before the trip, then gradually do the same in reverse when you get back...I am not sure how I'll be doing that for a 6 hour diff but 3 should be pretty manageable? Let me know how that goes since that is one of those things I am thinking about for april.

Well everyone, it's official, Eva has discovered her hands! I found her in her bed this morning wide awake, dummy in the mouth and opening and closing and opening and closing her hand while staring at it! :) So cute!

I had a big old cry with DH last night who kept telling me to relax and not worry, that I have to nourish a child with my body, that everything will be fine etc...He hugged me for a good hour. We DTD with condoms. I hate condoms. but I do feel better since getting off of the pill...Also another thing that got me down...Last night I wasjed my hair, and while I was combing it out I probably lost half of it! :o Also my body hair, which sort of got darker during the pregnancy is just disappearing (I feel good about that at least!) - I am literally balding everywhere! But anyway, DH put the whole thing into perspective for me and I will keep plugging away. I have my trainer today so that should get my endorphins running. I find I feel better after exercise, but hard to get motivated...

Am off to change into workout gear!

Have a lovely weekend girls!

:loveshower:Happy Valentine's Day Girls!!!:loveshower: and Happy Chinese New Year!!!

Brussels - I'm starting to moult too. The last of the pregnancy hormones are starting to go and our hair will start to fall out again. It just seems like it's all falling out at once. I'm having to wear my hair up when I prepare dinner so I don't choke anyone! That's a bummer about having to stop the mini-pill and change to condoms, but I'm sure you can make it work :)

Tilda - I hope you don't get gastro :crossfingers: and that Matilda keeps up the big night sleeps. Sorry I'm no help with the time zone thingy, I haven't travelled that far with a bub. Hope you had a good time with your friends for Chinese New Year.

Alison - Hope you had fun at the Birthday Party and that Amelia was good for your Nephew.

AFM - The other night Ryan was back to 4 hourly feeds and even woke up once after kicking his blanket off. DS1 woke at 4:30am that night, after falling asleep at 4:30pm. Then climbed in bed with me and was wide awake. DH rang me at 5am to pick him up but it didn't really matter because we were all up anyway. He was out all night drinking and got woken up by the Police asleep in someone's front yard. It's something I would have expected from him in his early 20's but not now. I haven't had to give him a hard time about it because he's so embarrassed he put himself in the doghouse! Last night Ryan was back to a big sleep, 9pm-5am. So I think it was a growth spurt and he's moving to make the big night sleeps more permanent.

Thinking of our belly buddies out there who might be reading but don't have time to post. :hug: :hello:

Happy Valentines Day everyone and Happy Chinese New Year!

Hi BS - So cute to think of Eva looking at her hands like they're the best thing since sliced bread! Matilda has become a bit obsessed with her hands too but I haven't caught her actually looking at them. Its a bit shocking losing so much hair at once isn't it, but remember its only spare hair we didn't lose while we pregnant. I've been expecting mine to start collecting at the bottom of the shower but nothing yet. I think I may have left it to late to start getting ready to change time zones. Maybe coming back....Glad you're sounding like you're feeling a bit better after a big cry and hug with DH. I'm sure the exercise would have helped too.

Hi Suz - Your poor DH. Sounds like he was pretty mortified at himself. Hard to be angry when he's so embarrassed already. Great that Ryan is back to his big sleeps. Matilda slept through until 7:30 this morning but DH woke me at 5am to tell me she was being noisy so I dutifully got up but as usual she was just grunting in her sleep. And I didn't get back to sleep which really sucked. I've told DH he should check on her before waking me next time!!

AFM - well having a nice quiet day on Valentines day. Matilda is asleep on DH's chest. She seems to keep waking up after each sleep cycle today instead of doing her long morning sleep. She's been so gorgeous lately. So smiley and constantly wanting to talk. The better sleep is really doing her good. When she wakes up we think we might go out for oysters on the docks. Even managed to DTD during one her sleeps today! But boy, it burned afterwards - lack of use I think LOL. Hope all the busy mums are having a good valentines day!

Hello ladies!

Hope everyone is having a nice Valentines Day...anyone get spoilt? We couldnt' be bothered doing anything!

Tilda - Michael is doing the same, waking up after every sleep cycle (bout 45 mins, yeah?) during the day. He hasn't had a sleep longer than an hour for weeks and weeks. But he sleeps well at night, so I can't really complain. Haha, we DTD today too. Ye Gods it hurt!!! It seems mega sensitive up there, its horrible :( I hope it gets better!

Suz1 - Thats great Ryan is having some big sleeps now :clap: Do you feel better for it?

BS - oh thats adorable, Eva looking at her hands! I haven't caught Michael doing that yet. Tho today I noticed he seems to be trying to grab things rather than just 'boff' them, like, he's opening up his hand when he touches things. Gosh, I didn't realise we can lose so much hair...I'll have to keep an eye out, not sure if I'm losing any or not. I just wash it, and bung it in a hair-tie and forget about it...too hard trying to style it, plus it needs a cut badly...blahhhh...easier to just ignore it! Ha!

Alison - How'd you go at the bday party? So, is Amelia still liking the cot? I want to move Michael ASAP (the grunting is doing my head in!), but we haven't got block out curtains in his room yet. Plus I worry about him kicking the covers off and getting cold, then waking up so I want to get another grobag yet. Hmm...might be another week before I move him, but we'll see!

kanda - sorry to hear about your PND :hug: It must be very hard with 2 young ones to look after, but you're doing it! And that makes you a wonderful mummy. Things will get better...they will :)

AFM - My mum went back yesterday :( I'll miss her so much...plus it was great having someone to just unload the dishwasher, do the ironing, make dinner...this week is gonna be tough doing it all on my own after all that help!

Michael had his needles on Friday...poor little angel. He was asleep on me when they gave him the first one...he let out this almighty moan and then bawled. Then the second one was even worse than the first, he was just starting to settle down from the first one, then he cried soooo hard...I was completely sobbing with him, I must have looked like an idiot! I just felt so bad to subject him to not just one, but two. I think part of the reason he cried so much (2 girl babies had theirs done without a peep from them!) was cos they were immunising a 4yo boy at the same time and he was shrieking and screaming like a banshee, it took 4 of them to hold him down, so I think that upset Michael too. He was pretty cranky the rest of the day, cried all the way through his bath, which he normally loves, took a long time to get to sleep at night. Even the next day he was still out of sorts in the morning. But he's back to his usual self today. But gees...that was pretty hard...and to think I've got to do it all again on 9th April. :(

Thats about it for me! Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

BS - We must have posted at the same time the other night so I missed your post until now. I'm sorry you've been feeling down :hug: Going away for a few days sounds like a great idea...it must be so hard being stuck in the house. I know what you mean about feeling like you don't exist. While we're pregnant, its all about us but once bubs comes we put them first. Not that I think it should be any other way, but its a big adjustment and its easy to lose ourselves. I'm glad you feel better after talking to DH...keep talking to him because he's the best person to 'find' you when you feel lost.

Isn't it cool when they find their hands? Amelia discovered hers last week. I had her on the change table a couple of days ago and she was watching one hand open and close. Then she held her other hand up and looked at it as if she was amazed that there were too. She's found her feet too. When she's in her swing, she'll watch her toes as she wriggles them. So cute!

Alison - Golden staph...that is scary. Thats so cute with the feet and hand prints on Amelia's birth certificate. I've been meaning to do the same thing. A friend gave me some scrap booking stuff so I can start an album for Amelia. Not sure when I'll get time though...maybe once she graduates from high school lol. How did your nephew go with Amelia? I think its sweet that he wanted to look after her...not many teenage boys I know would offer. At least you know you've got another babysitter if both grandmas are busy.

Tilda - I do still feel guilty giving Amelia to DH in the early morning as he works afternoon shift and often doesn't get to bed until 1-2am. But I guess him getting 4 or 5 hours of sleep is better than me getting none. 5-9 every night must be so rough. Have you tried putting her in her pram and wheeling her back and forth so your back can have a break from holding her? I find that wheeling Amelia back and forth in a doorway so there's a gentle bump moving from one floor surface to another really helps. I'm sure your Mum and Dad will cope fine....babies do cry. At least you'll have an extra set of hands. Well done on Matilda sleeping through. Even if you had to get up, wasn't it nice to have that time to yourself? I'm glad she's sleeping better for you. Amelia is constantly talking now too.

suz - lol at DH. I'm sure he feels terrible today. I'm glad Ryan had a big sleep for you. Seems all our bubs are having growth spurts.

beany - Glad Michael is back to his usual self. Shotsare hard because we have no way of preparing them for whats coming.

Gotta go. Amelia is calling.....

Argh how annoying I haven't been getting notifications since Friday mornIng so much to catch up on.

Happy valentines day to all and also happy Chinese new year.

We have just gotten home from going out for dinner to chinese and they had a big new year celebration with dragons drums fireworks was a really good night.

I have just fed Jett n put him into bed so I must go as I am buggered. We have had a busy weekend. Friday night we went to my parents for dinner Saturday housework in the morning then dh n I went to the movies. We left Jett with my mum n dad, first time since he has been born. It felt very strange. We saw avatar 3d which was really good. Today I had a baby shower then out for dinner.

Jett has been smiling and giggling lots this past week n has sure found his hands he loves sucking on them. I think Jett is the only one that won't take a dummy. I have tried almost every single one on the market. We have about 15 of them. I have given up on them now.

I really hope everyone is well.

Big :hug: to those suffering PND. I think the best thing is to talk about it. Just remember we are all doing a fantastic job as mummies.

Sorry for no personals I must get some sleep. I will try n post tomorrow. Good night all xoxo

Happy heart day everyone! :loveshower:

Suz, poor DH - he must be humiliated! Well, you're nice for not giving him a hard time about it :)

Tilda, the hair loss was so sudden - I didn't lose a single hair since I got pregnant...and now boom! Funny, though I hear it usually does not drop until after we stop breastfeeding so I wonder if it is because I stopped the pill...Congrats on DTD - I had a hard time at first too, but practice helps...lol...DH and I have been getting back into the swing of things...and it feels better everytime, so it will get better :D

Beany, I need a cut too but holdin gout to go to my real stylist in NY...Can't wait! As for the hands thing, I am not sure how long she has been doing that in her bed but I seem to have just caught it. I sneak in to watch her when she sleeps to make sure all is well and happened to cath her awake, so pop in on Michael at the end of his naps to see if he is staring at his hands...Poor boy with the needles. I can't stand that - I have to go this week for round 2 and DH is required to come because I just sit in a corner and don't look :(

Hannah, Eva has not found her feet but they are always covered - it's winter here :( Don't feel guilty about leaving her with DH - I had that issue at first too but I figure, well we did the 9 months and the breastfeeding and our bodies are just more tired. They can handle it and it is just a phase. He'll be fine :)

Lani, glad to hear you were able to get a nice night out with DH - it is important to get back into our relationships even if it is not a lot :)

AFM, DH and I did not plan much for Vday - just a good dinner and champagne in the house, but DH surprised me with a huge bouquet of colorful roses which totally cheered me up. We spent the day in our loungewear hanging out around the house and we got our light fixtures so put the finishing touches on the apt...It was great - then Eva had a gas fit so a bit of a rough patch but once she was in bed we snuggled on the couch with a movie. All in all a great simple night in. I was really happy to get the time with him. I love him so much and with the baby it is somtimes hard to show that or to even have time to think about that so it was nice to focus on each other for a bit.

Eva has been having major gas the past few days...I can't figure out if it is a hindmilk issue again....since she eats and starts crying mid feed and does not finish (it has been like this for three days or so...which stresses me because I had the hindmilk issue and it is bad! I pumped just in case and will give her her night feed in a bottle so that the hindmilk is mixed in...I hope it is just a growth spurt since she has also been feeding every 2 hours :o during the day...She still spaces out her night feeds but no more of those 9 hour sleeps in a while...Well I am seeing the pediatrician this week anyway so if it does not calm down by then I'll ask him for advice...

Kisses to everyone!

Lani - Amelia won't take a dummy either. She took it a few times, but has gone back to spitting it out. Part of me is relieved as at least I won't have to wean her off of it later. On the other hand, she still wants to be rocked to sleep which is getting hard on my back.

BS - It may be a hindmilk issue if she isn't finishing her feeds. Have you tried holding her in the underarm hold while feeding her? I found this really helped Amelia when my milk first came in and would gush at the beginning of a feed. I was able to lean back to try to slow the flow a little, plus hold her more upright. It might help Eva as the mid=feed crying could be due to reflux. It sounds like you had a perfect Valentine's day. The time with DH could have been just what you needed right now.

AFM - Still doing the nightshift here. Our bedtime routine is going well though and Amelia sleeps really well from around 7-11pm for the last 4 nights (although last night she woke at 9:30). It makes such a difference having that time in the evening to myself...I can at least have a good meal and maybe I'll even start cooking again. But the night marathons are exhausting. She'll feed, then be smiling and chatting, then sleep for one cycle (40 mins) at most, then we feed again. It lasts until 7am. I shouldn't complain because she doesn't spend much of that time crying. I'm trying to talk to her during the day when she's awake and to ignore her at night, but its so hard when I'm so exhausted during the day....it's becoming a vicious cycle. I hoping its a growth spurt and she'll settle back down soon. I don't need her sleeping through the night, I just need her to sleep between feeds so that I can sleep.

I feel so bad about this morning though. About 5:30 I started feeling nauseous (have had an upset tummy today) and I needed to lie down. Amelia had just fed and was happy so I put her down in her bassinette to watch her butterflies. I remember listening to her cooing and squealing happily. Next thing I know she is screaming her little lungs out. It was almost 6:30! Of course I had fallen asleep. I have no idea how long she had been crying, but the poor thing was turning purple in her bassinette. I picked her up and tried to calm her. It took 15 minutes of cuddling, rocking and singing to calm her, she was so upset she wouldn't even take the breast. Eventually she fell asleep but I felt so awful. I took her back to bed with me, but was too scared to sleep for quite a while.

I've asked DH to see if he can get a couple of nights off of work. Then we can take shifts and I can hopefully, get some sleep between feeds. I want to feel able to go shopping with Mum tomorrow. Her doctor has given her something to increase her appetite and she has more energy now that she is eating. She wants to check out the Big W baby sale.

Hannah, I have tried putting her under the arm but it seems to be worse. She screams even louder as I think she has gas and that hurts her belly more...She has been calming down a bit today so I hope it gets better...this morning was awful though. She started crying at her 630am feed and would not settle down so I brought her into bed with me since DH was up and getting ready for work. He walked around with her as much as he could before he had to leave and then she fell asleep on my belly around 8, then was up at 9, then up at 1015...The 1230 (which is when I got up officially)...and after that sort of calmed down. She had a poo around 2pm this afternoon so I hope that the gas is starting to pass...I am curious Hannah, does Amelia have a problem pooing? I wonder if the reflux affects that? Her last poo before this was Friday and I had to give her a suppository because ithad been 8 days :o...But then after the suppository poo she had 2 more that night by herself. and today she had one by herself again...Is anyone else having not enough poo?

I was thinking about you all day after reading this post and I wanted to ask...Have you tried putting her in her room. I had the same problems with Eva either being too noisy or waking up to feed non stop (every two hours when she was in our room) and on her second day in her bedroom she spaced her feeds to four hours...I remember reading somewhere that when the baby is close to their mother they wake more often since the smell reminds them to get up and eat...I am not sure if you are ready to put her in her room, but have you tried? Maybe just for naps? I find that Eva sleeps much longer and wakes up and entertains herself in her room since it does not smell like us...and once she is in our bed she wakes up demanding feeds more often (even in the mornings I can see the difference - the mornings when she sleeps through in her own bed she wakes up later and the difficult mornings when she gets into my bed since I'm too tired to walk the halls, she sleeps an hour max between feedings)...

Kanda, I'm thinking of you and hope you're doing ok.

Eva's crying! Off to feed and bathe!

xoxo

Hi Girls,

Hannah & Brussels - I'm so glad we have each other on this forum! Your advice for each other is spot on. I hope both of you get a break soon.

Brussels - No experience here with infrequent pooing. Ryan is the master of the poo explosion and poos most feeds even if it's just a little bit. But he does get irritable right before a big poo. I really need a haircut, but haven't worked out how to do it with the 2 boys. I might have to make an appointment for an evening so DH can mind Craig and I'll take Ryan with me.

Hannah - Don't feel bad about Amelia crying, I'm sure she wasn't crying for long. It's heartbreaking when they get that upset, but there was no real damage done (it's not like you let that happen all the time). :crossfingers: Hope DH can take the time off so that you can get enough sleep to help break the pattern that Amelia has gotten in to. I'm hoping to get to the Big W sale too today.

Lani - Don't worry if Jett won't take a dummy. He must like being settled in other ways and he'll learn to self-settle without a dummy. I haven't used dummies with either of the boys. I had problems BFing Craig, so I was too nervous to try a dummy in case it caused breast refusal. He refused all bottles so instead of weaning from breast feeds to formula in a bottle, I had to replace most feeds with solids (and water in a sippy cup) and the night feed with cow's milk in a sippy cup. I've already tried Ryan once with a bottle of EBM and he went well, but am still not keen to do dummies even though we're doing well with BF. I guess it's because I've survived once without them.

Beany - Glad to hear Michael has settled down after his shots. One of the injections really stings. Ryan was the same. I don't know who it's harder on, them or us!

AFM - Ryan was pulling off crying yesterday and very windy. I'm thinking it's the chocolate that DH gave me for Valentine's Day because that's the only thing I've eaten that's different to usual. Last night was our 3rd night in a row with 9-10 hours. I'd just started dressing Ryan in a grow suit to sleep and he's been sleeping better than in the short onesies. Off to have a shower and then take the boys off to Big W to check out the baby sale.

:hello: to everyone else!

Hi Girls - Happy Valentine's Day and Happy Chinese New Year to you all, I've been down at our holiday house since Sunday so haven't been on! Well, the Year of the Ox has gone and it's now Year of the Tiger. Along with Amelia I was also born in the Year of the Ox so that was a special year for me....you know what they say girls, "strong as an ox"....I think they also say "stubborn as an ox" hmmmmmm. :o

Saturday night's babysitting from my nephew was great, she was very content and happy when we got home a couple of hours later. I did laugh though as he didn't change her nappy so she had the heaviest wee nappy on lol........I think he was a bit nervous about that but he fed her a bottle and burped her and played with her. He said she didn't cry at all so that's good. He's a lovel boy and not like most 17 year old boys that I know so I feel very comfortable leaving her with him. Moreso than my nearly 16 year old niece, she freaks the second Amelia drops her bottom lip!

I had a lovely Valentine's Day, Amelia has definitely softened DH, he surprised me with a gold locket bracelet much like the one mum gave Amelia when she was born and I even got a card!!!! Very exciting as he's terrible at buying cards. I was so chuffed. We then headed down to our holiday house for the night, DH had to work on the house so I went and hung out with my mum as she lives in the same town now. It's nice to be able to do that as she misses Amelia a lot, she hasn't been a nana for ages as my sisters are 10 and 7 years older than me so all the other grandids are in their late teens now. Amelia gets spoilt of course ha ha. Mum can't believe how much she's grown in the 2 weeks since she'd seen her, just goes to show how quickly they grow. How sad is it!!!

Anyway, hope you are all well, haven't had time to read everyone's posts yet so will do so and check back on later. I'm off to the city again today to see my boss as he wasn't there when I visited last time. I really can't be bothered but I've told him I would so I will.

Hugs and kisses to you all and your beautiful bubbies.

Hi girls!

I've had a housefull of rellies from interstate so haven't been able to get on to do a decent post, been jumping onto FB a bit but it's quicker to "like" things and do short responses on there than it is to post on here...when you type as S L O W as I do! LOL

I've only checked the posts on this page so I'll only respond to then till I get back and go through all the others that I've missed...

BS Sounds like Eva's getting better with her wind problems but still not quite there yet, I hope she settles for you soon it's soooo frustrating and heartbreaking when they're like that. But Thank you again for the swing advice!!! Harry still loves it and I think it's helping get him into a better sleep routine through the day! We're not having any poo problems here although Harry does get a bit fussy before a poo sometimes and then very relaxed after. He can be fussy for up to an hour sometimes. I have heard that it's sometimes normal for them to only poo every few days but that's if it's routine like that all the time, not just on and off.

Hannah Harry likes to be rocked to sleep specially when he's having cranky time and my back was suffering! I got a glider/rocking chair which is great for when he wants to be rocked my back is so much better! I hope Amelia works out a better sleep/wake routine soon it is so exhausting and really hard to get motivated to try make a change in her routine when you're exhausted and just want to collapse. I sometimes get nauseated from lack of sleep, maybe that's what upset your stomach? I'm sure Amelia wasn't crying for too long, but you must have really needed that sleep, short as it was!
Excellent that your mum has a bit more energy now she's eating, hope your shopping trip goes well.

I can hear Harry starting to stir, he must know I'm trying to post, hopefully he gives me a little longer....

Lani Harry has rejected a dummy so far too, he does seem to be trying to get his thumb in his mouth though but still doesn't quite have enough hand control, I'm holding off trying the dummy again, I'm pretty sure the sucking would help him settle as he uses me as a human dummy a lot specially at night, if he can get his thumb in I'm happy with a thumb sucker, you can't lose a thumb, you don't have to stress if they're out of your brand at the shop, and they can put it in themselves in the middle of the night. But if he doesn't suck his thumb in a few weeks when he has worked out his hands, then I might try the dummy again.

Suzi I've been tossing up what to sleep Harry in too the last week or so, it's definitely been cooler with the rain...and OMG the RAIN! But still doesn't seem really cool in the house?? I have had Harry in a grow suit too he won't keep his arms covered and they did feel quite cool while he was sleeping so the suit keeps them warm.
Hope you didn't have any water damage or flooding? We held up ok over here.
Hope DH is ok! I don't know what happened yet but something must be up judging by BS's post, I really need to read back through the older posts!!

Kanda Hope you're doing ok, BS sounded worried I'll go back over the older posts later to see what's been up.

Alison Sounds like you had a great :heartbeat:'s day, a card and all!:D He has done well!
It is very scary how fast they grow!!! One minute they're a newborn then it's like overnight they're a giggling infant, omg they're gonna be off to school before we know it! :(

All's been going pretty well with us, cranky time between 8pm and 11pm seems to be getting easier to deal with and not so hysterical more just fussy...now I've said that he'll probably have a shocker! Hopefully not:crossfingers:

Hope everyone else is doing ok!
Well Harry's given me all the time he's willing to give so I'll check in again later.:hello:

Hi Girls!

Alison - Sounds like you had a nice Valentine's Day :) My DH has remembered every one since Craig was born, so maybe they do 'soften' when they have kids? Not that I'm complaining :) Sounds like you had a nice weekend at the holiday house. Hope you have a nice day visiting your Boss tomorrow.

Willow - I actually hopped on FB today to see how you were going. Good to hear you survived the rellies. Wow! Wasn't that rain amazing?! No damage here and both our rain tanks are full. Craig was facinated by the thunder, I think he thought it was fireworks. I bought 2 of the new style Bonds Wondersuits for Ryan. He's in one tonight and seems comfy. Craig was a little older by Summer, but I was still wrapping him and didn't have a fan running. So Ryan must've been cold in short sleeve no-leg onesies, unwrapped and with the fan going :( DH is fine, he just embarrassed himself. He went out for drinks after work on Friday and got woken up by Police in a stranger's front yard and had to ring me at 5am to come and get him.

AFM - We survived the Big W sale, but a lot of the things I wanted I couldn't find. I'm still happy with what I managed to get. Craig fell asleep sitting in the shopping trolley, but didn't chuck any tantrums. We went so well that I stopped to have a coffee at Gloria Jeans before we went home and just as I sat down with Ryan in the Baby Bjorn, he peed on me. All down the front of my cargo pants. I hoped no one would notice and just finished my coffee. Then as I got up to leave this old man smiled at us and said I was doing a great job.

BS - Did Eva continue to settle down yesterday? It could be that she has reached her next developmental leap as this happens around 12 weeks. I used to think Amelia had a problem pooing. Almost every nappy has a little poo in it...it often comes out when she sneezes or coughs. I used to worry that she never seemed to have a complete bowel movement. Now that she is so much happier, I don't worry anymore. Every few days she'll have a 'proper' poo and be a bit cranky beforehand. I don't think breastfed babies can have too little poo. If they're not pooing often its just because their body is using up all the milk and there's no waste.

I have thought about this, but I'm not ready to have Amelia in her own room yet... DH is sleeping on the spare bed in her room anyway. It was actually when we started taking her to bed with us that she started sleeping for 5-6 hours. (But read below, because I have news).

suz - I find chocolate upsets Amelia too. Around Christmas I was eating a little bit each day, but it was a few days before I noticed any effect on Amelia. I read somewhere that it can take up to 97 hours for caffeine to exit an infant's system. So having that little bit each day had a cumulative effect.

Glad you had a good shopping trip. Amelia started getting tired while we were shopping and wouldn't sleep. I did manage to pick up a few bonds wondersuits in size 0 for winter.

Alison - Looks like you've found yourself a good babysitter...you just need to train him to change nappies lol. Glad you had a great Valentine's day.

willow - How did Harry go last night? Glad he's getting easier to deal with at night. I had my rocking chair all picked out but decided against it after going to my breastfeeding class. It didn't offer enough support like they say you need in the early BFing days. Mum's hospital room had a rocking chair in it that I used to nurse Amelia in and I wish I had got one for home now. Our 5th wedding anniversary is in a couple of weeks, so maybe I can convince DH to buy it for me.

AFM - We had a complete turn around yesterday. I was up most of Monday night with Amelia. Think I managed about 3 hours sleep and 2 of those were after waking DH and giving her to him at 6am. I gave up on trying to get her to sleep. How can I expect an 11 week old to sleep if she's not tired? So I just let her go and sat up with her. It was much easier to go with her flow. From 5:30am until 2pm, Amelia had a couple of catnaps but was happily awake for most of that time. She went to sleep in her pram while Mum and I were shopping. But the whole afternoon was characterised by short feeds and short sleeps. Yesterday evening was a bit of a nightmare since she was so overtired. When DH or I managed to get her to sleep she couldn't seem to stay that way for long. DH helped me give her a bath and we put her down at 9pm. She slept until 2am, woke for a feed and went right back to sleep. She woke again at 5, 8 and 11 with sleep in between. She slept the entire time wrapped in her bassinette. It was such a welcome relief after the last few nights.

I'm hoping we can continue this. Mum suggested a 9pm bedtime rather than 7pm. She was sleeping so well from 7-11 but would be awake when DH got home from work. Hopefully, by putting her down at 9, she'll sleep until 1 or 2 in the morning and DH and I won't keep her up with our chatter. Its worth a try. DH was home last night and has tonight and tomorrow night off of work. It makes such a difference just having him home.

In other news, Mum told me that the cancer has spread to her liver and lungs. When she first told me she had cancer she told me there were smaller tumours, but led me to believe they were all in the bowel. I'm glad she told me as I now know what we're dealing with, but she hasn't told my brother yet. But her liver function has started to improve, so that's a sign that the chemo is working.

Hannah! Are you OK? :hug: That's tough news to hear, but as you said, it's good that she told you. That's great news that the chemo is working and she sounds like she's feeling better if she's able to eat and go shopping with you. We'll keep positive for you and hope she continues to improve.

The 9pm bedtime sounds like it works better for you and Amelia. The hard part is making sure that you go to bed when she does so that you get some sleep. That's roughly when I put Ryan to bed, but only because I have trouble getting Craig to bed earlier than that. Ryan also wouldn't wake before 2. Hopefully once Amelia's got the hang of it then you can move her to her own room and she'll probably sleep through the night! You won't know yourself :)

Hi Girls! I've been a bit slow getting on BB today.

Hi Hannah - oh my goodness are you ok, I'm so sorry to hear about your mum. I pray the chemo works for her. It really saddens me to hear stories about cancer and people suffering from it etc......why can't they find a bloomin cure!!!! :hug: Re bedtime with Amelia, I put our Amelia to bed after her last feed around 9.30 pm - sometimes it's 9.00 pm sometimes it's 10.00 pm and she is generally sleeping through until 4.00 am - she was doing 10 hours nights but she's reverted back to 6 the last few. Give it a go, hope it works for you, it makes a big difference when they sleep for longer. You'll get there mate, you're doing really great. It's hard having a bub, Amelia's been quite grizzly when she's tired, gets to me a bit as I'm not used to it but I give her a cuddle and her eyes close and all is well.

AFM - I spent all morning what I thought was burning all my belly pics and pics of Amelia (and there's a lot of them) onto disc so I could get them printed at the shop, I want to start doing my pregnancy album and Amelia's baby album which I'm going to scrapbook and I got all the way to the shop and the friggin disc was empty, it didn't work! Was so p'd off! So have to do it all again and go back another day. grrrrr. Guess I should've checked it properly before I left. I went to the OT today as well, Amelia arked up while I was there - typical so the receptionist had to do bog laps up and down the hallway to keep her quiet ha ha - she was due for a sleep so bad timing I guess.

Is anyone else noticing their bubs are sucking on their hands? Amelia constantly has her hands in her mouth and drools everywhere lol. She's also lifting up her dresses when she wears them ha ha - obviously finding her hands work!

Best run, got a few things to do before preparing dinner. Sorry for no persies, will check back on later. Hope you and your lovely bubbies are all well. xx

Oh Hannah, I'm sorry to hear that. Brilliant that the chemo is working tho. My fingers are crossed for her :crossfingers: and thats great that Amelia had a better night, oh I hope it continues for you.

Suz - poo, I wanted to go to BigW sale too. Apparently Babies R Us had a good sale on too...just realised yesterday and that was the last day. Typical!! Oh dear, thats happened to me too. He was mega cranky at the shopping centre so I was carrying him everywhere...next thing I knew I had a gigantic wet patch on my top and dribbling down my pants! Hehe!

Willow - welcome back! I totally understand how its quicker to hop on facebook! I seem to take an eternity to write a post on BB!

Alison - thats cool you and Amelia were both born in the same chinese year. I have heard its good to be an Ox tho, isn't it? Glad your bday party went well, and you had a lovely time with your mum.

AFM - had a lovely lunch with my Mothers Group today. We decided to meet ourselves since this week was our last session for a while. We're going to meet every Monday at a cafe. Plus some of us (including me) are going to go to Koala Kids (like a playgroup) on a Friday morning together. So, that will be nice. Thats if they'll take us all at once! We shall have to see. I'm putting Michael's name down at our first preference for school now too...stupid that you have to do it so early.

Umm...not much else to report really. OH! Silly me... We slept Michael in his cot in his own room for the first time last night. He went quite well. 7pm-5.30am. Tho of course, I was waking up just as often as if he were in our room anyway! I couldn't sleep from 4.30 onwards cos I was expecting him to start stirring. Hopefully I'll relax tonight!

Hope you're all keeping well.. :)

Oh Hannah, I am so sorry about your mother :( I don't even know what to say. Good idea on the later bedtime...here's hoping that works! I also noticed that Eva sleeps later with a later bedtim but strangely wakes up more often, so I stick to the 7/730pm and sometimes she is up around 11 for a feed but most night goes until 2or 3 am these days...I found that when I put her into bed at 9 she is almsot always up at 12...but every baby is different..Maybe going out for a daily walk is good for her too? It should also help you clear your head and get soem fresh air. Keep us posted! I really hope this is what will help!

Suz, lol on ryan peeing! How does he leak so bad? I almost never get leaks with Eva...I have gotten two when I did nto change her at her 3am feed since she was too sleepy, so now change her every time...You poor thing, sitting there having your coffee covered in pee - I guess boys have more directional pee that the nappies can't always handle! You're right to have stayed for your coffee, you deserve it :) And what's alittle pee these days? I spend my days covered in spit up, vomit, poo (not as often as I'd like...lol), drool etc...I don't even bother with nice clothes anymore!

Alison, not sure if you saw my last fb pics, but yes! Eva has her hands in her mouth and won't even take a dummy anymore except for to sleep! She can't seem to work out how to separate her fingers though to get one in her mouth so just does a lot of fist sucking and drooling! She also has been grabbing things...I have these little cloths that I keep around the house (like soft burping cloths) and she has taken to gripping them and keeping them on her lap in her high chair or swing and putting it in her mouth or just rubbing it. It is cute, and I am ficusing a lot on playing with her hands, giving her textures to touch, letting her touch my face (just have to be careful since sometimes you get a jerky punch in the eye or the glasses get thrown of my face!) etc...I bought her a few new crackly plush toys so she can touch things that make noise and make sure she spends a lot of time on her little playmat...Today she played peek a boo - it was so cute. We have asort of little wrap we put her in in her high chair, and she managed to get her face in the hood and kept doing it and cracking up whenever she got her head out. I made a video but of course once she saw me coming she was a lot less funny :) I can see the golden days of baby hood coming - she is so much more aware and receptive. Another cute thing to do is to put amelia on her changing table and make noises...I find that eva copies us...I stick out my tongue and she does, I gurgle and she does, I go brrrr, and she does and you can actually see them trying to figure out how to make the noises :) I am falling more in love every day with her cuteness! She has full converstaions with me too, so I talk to her and ask about her day and she just goos and gaas and oohs and aahs back to me as if she is having a real conversation! I am preparing her for mother daughter tea time later ;) I have not put her in dresses lately but I should try to see if she will lift them! She has just gone up a size to 3-6 months clothing so the dresses in that size are a bit too large and for warmer weather, but I'll try to put her in one and see if she lifts it :)

Beany, congrats on the big step! I was the same the first few nights I kept waking up and laying there then sneaking over to check on her! Eventually you'll be able to sleep and you'll wake up as soon as he cries. DH is always so surprised at how quick I jump out of bed and am in her room. I don't know how - I can be exhausted and she cries and I'mm like in super mode...lol...I also had to sign eva up for her dayscare when I was still pregnant! The daycares and schools want to reserve the place since they don't want to have too many babies at once...that's what they told me. And she is going to a really good school so space is limited and I had to sign up and pay a deposit when I was still 5 or 6 months pregnant!

AFM - after a few days of eva crying all day with gas, I was dead yesterday. I pumped a bottle of milk and told DH to do her 7ish and 12ish feeds so I can sleep. She did not wake up for her midnight feed and slept through to 2am and of course I woke up but stayed in bed since DH went staright to her but then she was crying a bit (I guess she does not like the bottle as much as boob at night - goes to show that eventually it will drop off since it is probably a comfort feed) and I could not just lay there so I got up! DH is so sweet - he was like go back to bed...but I know he works early in the AM so I just took over...Anyway she needed an extra go at the breat after the bottle before falling asleep. This morning she was def easier - had her 6 am feed then slept through to 930 and I fed and changed her then brought her back to my bed and we napped through until 1130. I needed that - I am exhausted and carrying her on my shoulders for days has taken a toll on me physically!

It is incredible how adorable and well adjusted and giggly she is and then bam, she starts screamin gin pain. I cannot wait for this to end! She is three months on Friday! Time flies so fast!!!! But then I realized that since she was 3 weeks early this might not all end until around 4 months...:pray: that this ends soon and I can have a baby not in pain.

I feel really down so have decided to try to invite friends who have recently had babies over for lunches. That way I won't be bothering them if I breastfeed or if my baby cries...and I can talk to them and they will understand. DH is so supportive and keeps telling me how great I am but I don't feel so great. I just can't wait until I get slightly back to myself physically and mentally. I am really avoiding people which is a problem so I am trying to force myself to invite people I feel good with over to get myself back into reality...

Off to shower while baby naps...She is gassy again this morning, but I hear lots of gurgles so am hoping for a poo day...I never thought my well being and happiness would be so centered around baby poo!

xoxo

BS - Its driving me crazy that I haven't been able to get out for walks (I walked everyday up until I finished work). Its been too hot. We have had cooler weather the last week or so, but I've been too exhausted. Maybe with a later bedtime I'll be able to fit in a walk once it cools in the evening.

I hope Eva settles down soon. Its awful when they're in pain and we can't do much about it. You're doing a great job and this will pass. Inviting other mums over is a fantastic idea...the more support the better.

beany - Yay for Michael sleeping well his first night in his cot. I can't even get DH to take an interest in childcare let alone schools. Its about time we had a proper talk about it though.

Alison - Amelia is definitely sucking on her hands a lot more than she used to, but she much prefers looking at them. She'll spend an hour or so at times just watching her hands as she opens and closes them or twists at her wrists.

suz - I love the new avi.

AFM - Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for my mum. I'm doing okay I guess. At least I have Amelia to keep me occupied so I don't think too much. It just doesn't seem fair. My dad died at 44 and my mum is only 52. But the night Amelia was born, she had a dream that she and Amelia were shopping for my birthday present when Amelia was about 4 years old. It's giving Mum something to aim for. As well as fortnightly lunches, we're going to go back to having Friday night dinner (which we did before Amelia arrived).

Last night wasn't as good. She woke at midnight for a feed and was really spewy at around 2am. I sat up and watched TV while she slept on me as she would scream whenever I tried to put her down. I took her to bed with me and we slept well from 8:30-11am. After the big day we had Tuesday I think I let her sleep too much yesterday. Today she's been awake quite a bit so I'm hoping that tonight will be better. Once I figure out nights, then I'll worry about her day sleeps. I'm getting there. I just have to remember my mantra from last year...to be kind to myself.

I found out today that the girl who replaced me on one of my projects at work is leaving in March. Her husband got a job in Melbourne. So it looks as though I'll be able to get back on that project when I return to work. Before I left, my boss indicated that it would be unlikely for me to go back (not really fair to train someone and then kick them off to another project 6 months later). Going back to work will be much easier if it's something I'm familiar with. As exciting as doing something new would be, I think it'd be daunting while adjusting to being a working mum. Also, the people on that project have all been very supportive through my miscarriage and depression. I know I'm not going back for months yet, but its been weighing on my mind.

Hi Hannah - I'm so glad your mum is feeling positive and I strongly believe in dreams coming true so it's quite possible that she was foreseeing the future, nothing wrong with that!!!

You sound like you're really doing well with Amelia considering you're having such a tough time with the sleeping and you're definitely getting there by the sounds, you're a champ, remember that. I love your ticker pic, Amelia is such a cutie pie - must be the name cause I think my Amelia is a bit of a cutie pie too lol.

AFM - had all my belly pics and Amelia pics (so far taken) printed today, 200 of them, woops! Going to start the albums now yay. I was looking at my belly pics and got all sentimental, I so miss that lovely round hard belly......would rather that then the floppy saggy one I have now, ho hum.