babies born~December 1st-15th 2009 #2

Hi everyone, its ages since I posted! So sorry in advance if I miss heaps of stuff!

Kanda - that's fantastic news that the nodules are something pretty manageable! And what fun to have met the Wiggles!

Alison - It's great you were able to introduce Amelia to your grandmother. Like you said, they love babies even if they're not aware who you or the baby are. We visited DH's surrogate grandmother in Perth who is turning 100 this year. She had no idea who we were but loved seeing Matilda. And hey, just read the post you just put up. That's just great that you're feeling so good about the feeding stuff. It sounds like your CHN really has her head screwed on. Maybe you should just let the expressing go altogether. And I thought Amelia was quite a tall, trim little thing (not like rolly polly Matilda lol).

BS - Glad you enjoyed Paris. But its no good to hear Eva has been so unsettled. It's tiring isn't it! We've been up and down ourselves.

Beany - Don't worry, I haven't been shopping on my own yet either! I cringe to admit but I haven't really taken her anywhere much on my own because I'm nervous about lifting the stroller. But I'm going to bite the bullet and take the stroller out in the car tomorrow. And a couple of posts back you were asking for ideas on stuff to do. I can't remember if you mentioned it or not, but have you tried giving him a massage? I tried one for the first time today with Matilda and she had a feed and went off to sleep really quickly afterwards. Not a bad life being a baby these days! I also find Matilda loves having songs sung to her (even though I have a horrible voice). Especially ones with actions along with it. The raising children website has a baby karaoke page - great for brushing up on all those kiddie songs. I liked BS's idea about fabrics! Did that with the laundry today.

Suz - Things are always 2 steps forward one step back with babies and kids. I'm sure Craig will get back into the swing of potty training after a couple of days at home. My copy of Wonder Weeks arrived this week too.

Carmey - I'm so impressed Jack can roll! Whenever I try and give Matilda a bit of a helping hand to roll she looks terrified. She swings her legs around in the air so much she almost throws herself over. One of these days she's going to go smoosh on her face and there will be many tears I fear. I'm still wrapping because of the same dilemma. You might want to try and get a larger wrap. Living Textiles sells one online which is 150cm x 150cm. Most of the ones in the stores are only 120 x 120. I think until this hands obsession thing ends I'm going to have to keep wrapping her, because like Jack she just wakes herself up with the hands all over the face and in the mouth thing.

Hi Lani, Rose, Hannah, Sesame and anyone else I've forgotten.

AFM - Well, god, it's been awhile since I've had a chance to post. The flight home from Perth on our own was manageable but not easy. It was hard trying to manage her and luggage even with a bit of help from attendants. But we survived. And her cold had improved a lot so her ears didn't seem to worry her as long as I fed her on take off and landing. And let me tell you girls, infant panadol is a godsend. Her poor little throat was hurting too much to feed I think unless I gave her the panadol. And I think I might have caught what she had because I've had a really sore throat for a couple of days. At least I'm hoping that is what it was and that I haven't caught some new bug that I'll pass on to her.

Matilda was really difficult to get to sleep for a few days after we got home. Gone were the blissful 2-3 hour sleeps and easy settling. I think after 2 weeks away everything seemed very new and interesting again so she was a complete rubber neck and was pretty disinterested in going to sleep or staying asleep. I felt quite low myself and have been stomping around blaming our house for being cluttered, uncomfortable, and noisy. But she's improved a bit and I'm going to rearrange things to make the house a bit more workable. But nights are a bit all over the place. One night she'll only wake once and then the next she'll wake three times. Grrrrr.

DH has started working several days a week for a company in Sydney so he's not quite as available as usual. Its been mostly from home but next week he has to go up to Sydney for 3 days and I'll be on my own for the first time with her. I'm a bit nervous because we don't have any family here or even really close friends that I could get to help out if needs be. It wouldn't worry me except I'm often quite sore towards the end of the day and its great to be able to give Matilda to DH for a break.

Anyway, I should finish this marathon post. It's been very therapeutic to get on finally and say hello. Missed you all!

Hi Tilda - we miss you here in Perth! Glad Matilda is feeling better and I'm not surprised it took her a few days to get back on track, it does that to us let alone a little bubba! Bummer hubby has to go away to work, I still think you should head back this way... :p

I forgot to mention in my other post for those interested Amelia is now 6.3kgs and 61.4cms in length.

Sorry for quick reply/post but gotta have a shower while Amelia is quiet, DH is at indoor cricket. I'm hanging to eat these shanks so wish he'd hurry home!!

Hello my lovelies!

BS - thanks for the suggestions, I'll try them for sure! I've tried getting to touch his feet...hmm, his belly seems to get in the way!! Sorry to hear Eva is waking up more again. Fingers crossed its just a phase and it passes soon :crossfingers:

Alison - Yeah, I'm back on the pill now, so back to the usual every 4 weeks. It was heavy, but not too bad, heavier than normal yeah. Feels really wierd since I haven't been on the pill for over 2 years! Yess! Haha, I remember the TTC forum, all the DTD, CM, TWW, etc etc. They were fun times tho, was pretty cool to hear people getting positive tests :) Oooh, wanna send some of those lamb shanks this way?? We're having hungry jacks for tea - oh dear :shakehead: Great to hear your appt went well, thats really good to hear what she was saying about BF, makes me feel better too! Hee...my DH would dearly love to be back playing indoor...he had a pretty bad eye injury so he is forbidden!

Tilda - Yaaaay! Lovely to hear from you :) Thanks for those suggestions. I did a massage once, not sure why I haven't again...I really should do. And thanks for the tip about the kareoke page, will look at that too! Sorry to hear DH has to work away. Bummer :( I'm with Alison...you should come back to Perth, we love you here!

AFM - had a lovely meeting with the Mothers Group this arvy, was just 4 of us so a bit more comfortable for me. Its at my house next week...eeek! Need to get things in order a bit!

Hope you all have a good night xx

Hi Beany - oh lucky you on the pill...I'd love to go back on as I prefer to have control over AF and also it makes them painless, shorter and lighter lol! I don't think I'll bother though as we'll probably be having our bubs close together so no point if we're going to try again in another year (or less if DH has his way!!). :o I found it more weird NOT to be on the pill ha ha, was on it for 19 years!!! ha ha I'd forgotten all those terminologies, TWW (how we all hated that) and DTD......you're right though, how fun was it to wait and see if people got positives. Seems so long ago it was us.....I wonder how many of us were chatting back then before joining the due group and didn't know! Glad you had a nice mothers group meeting, I met mine today too and there was only 4 of us as well, a lot of people are dropping out each week, it's a shame but I don't mind it being smaller either - we're going to start up a playgroup too.

Well, cup of tea for me and then to bed. Nighty night all xx

Thanks Alison and Beany! I would love to be back in Perth! At least I have another visit in May to look forwards to. Well I'm feeling a bit more in control of life. I've done a big cleanup this morning and got a neighbour to help us move some things around. Next I think I'll buy some blackout fabric for the curtains. What's everyone's thoughts on dimming the room during the day? Some people say that it can get them confused between day and night sleeps but our room is soooooo bright in the mornings that even with the curtains drawn you could do with a pair of sunglasses.

Hi Tilda - yay for May, can't wait to catch up with you again! Amelia's room is quite light too even with the blinds so we're putting up curtains, we've got old sheets up at the moment ha ha - it's far too light and even though she'll probably go to sleep I wouldn't like to sleep like that would you? I think they can tell the difference between day and night as long as it's not completely blackened like night time. :p

AFM - well off to aqua class today, it's going to be 38/39 here so not looking forward to the hot steamy indoor pool but I cancelled last time due to the heat so can't really do it again. Besides, I need the exercise! It's also getting Amelia in and out of the car in it too, yuk! The bigger nappies seemed to do the trick last night, Amelia had a great sleep, she woke at 5.00 am jammed up against the cot again so I just moved her back to the middle and she went back down until 7.30 am. Was so cute too cause instead of waking up crying I went in and she was just lying there awake, making her noise that the health nurse said was her way of talking......more like a monotone growl to me ha ha. There's nothing cuter than when they lock eyes on you first thing and give you a big cheesey grin, love love love! Oh and my lamb shanks were yummo last night, got leftovers for tonight, yippee. Who'd have thought you'd get excited over Friday night leftover lamb shanks.......what ever happened to getting excited over which party or restaurant or pub you were going to tonight! lol .......secretly I wouldn't change it for a thing.

kanda - I'm glad the nodules turned out not to be too serious. I hope the treatment helps.

Lani - Great to hear Jett is growing so well.

Carmey - I've just stopped wrapping Amelia at night. She kept wriggling out of her wrap too. I left her with just one arm out for a few nights and now leave both unwrapped. I still wrap her for warmth, but loosely enough that she can straighten her legs.

Alison - That's great that Amelia got to meet your nana, even if neither of them remembers. I think I'd rather lose my mind than to be 'with it' in a body that doesn't work anymore. Dementia always seems harder on the family. Amelia has this high-pitched squeal that can mean either happiness or pain...it took me a while to learn the difference without seeing her facial expression as well. But she is always experimenting with new sounds.

As I said on FB, you're doing a great job. Amelia is happy and healthy and that's all that matters. She does not look fat. But babies tend to 'chub up' and then slim down as they grow in length before getting chubby again. At least, my Amelia does anyway.

BS - I'm so jealous of your trip to Paris. I'll bet it felt good to get away for a while. Well done Eva for being a good girl and letting her mum enjoy it.

beany - Amelia has rolled on her own a couple of times (from tummy to back), but apparently its normal for them to start rolling then go a few weeks without and then start again. I try to give her some floor time on both her tummy and back everyday so she can kick around and get some exercise. I think the activities you do are fine. Babies love repitition but can tire quickly. It might not be so much that he is bored, but that he just needs a break to process all he is learning.

I was scared to leave the house alone with Amelia too, but was forced to when I had to run some errands for Mum during her last hospital stay. I always thought that I'd be embarrassed when she cries in public, but I don't. Amelia rarely cries without a reason. But it has certainly helped for me to have waited until I was familiar with her cries and comfortable answering them before going out on my own.

suz - Sounds to me like Craig is doing great with the toilet training and its natural for things to be thrown out a bit by going away. I'm glad DH is on the mend.

Tilda - Glad Matilda is feeling better and that the flight home went well. I'm so jealous of all you Perth girls getting together, but so glad you all had the chance and had a great time. I wouldn't worry too much about giving her a bug. If you get it, the antibodies will be passed through in your breastmilk and help protect her. Sorry to hear that DH has to go away but I'm sure you'll surprise yourself at how well you'll cope.

AFM - Well after a horror week with reflux Amelia is much better this week. We're still going to see the paed next week and I've got some infant gaviscon but she hasn't needed it yet. She is now regularly sleeping 7-8 hours a night. Its from 3-11am, but at least we get to spend some time with DH when he gets home from work at night. I still feel pretty wrecked most of the time...still having regular headaches, dizzy spells and nausea. I saw my GP and we've increased my meds and she's referred me to a psych her specialises in PND. I'm not happy since I was actually hoping to start coming off my meds altogether, but I need all the IRL support I can get at them moment.

I'm going on regular walks with Amelia...just to get us both out of the house. We've started taking Mum's dog with us as she doesn't have the energy to walk him. He's a 2.5 year old Belgian shepherd so has LOTS of energy. He walks really well with the pram, until we get close to home, he runs in front of it and gets his heels nipped. Oh well, he'll learn soon enough.

Hi Girls, I've finally made it back in after another long absence. I've had a read through the posts I've missed but I don't know if I'll be able to cover everything!

Hannah Sounds like you are doing all the right things re your PND, you are doing a fantastic job!!!!! Amelia doesn't sound like the easiest baby with the reflux and irregular sleep but you are handling it really well. Harry's sleep is very irregular too but he doesn't suffer with reflux as well and I'm wrecked most of the time! So you are doing great!!

Suzi Like some of the others have said...Supermum! I'm sure Craig will get the hang of the toilet all kids are different and go at their own rate, sometimes you think they've got it and they slip back, but he'll get there. I know some people frown on it, but I used "incentives" with my boys when we toilet trained, apricot bites worked a treat. I know people say you shouldn't bribe your kids but it worked for us:p

Alison I definitely don't think Amelia looks fat! Geez have you seen Harry lately now he looks fat!! Bummer on the AF but like you said at least you know everything's working so you'll be good to go again before you know it:p

Tilda Isn't it great when you de-clutter!! Makes such a difference to your mental state I really need to do that myself but we have more crap everywhere than usual as we're clearing out the garage ready for the extension. I have a friend whose just had her 6th baby and she has the block out curtains for day sleeps she swears by it, helps with the bubs being not so stimulated so settle easier I'll be getting some too once the extension is done I think it might help keep Harry asleep for longer through the day...hopefully. If you're worried about it you could make it part of the sleep routine, one of the sleep cues being drawing the curtains I'm sure they won't mistake day and night sleeps, it wouldn't be as completely quiet through the day like it is at night either so I think it'll be fine.

Beany Sounds like you're doing plenty of good activities with Michael, and going by the pics and videos on fb he's developing at a great rate, we only do a few mins of tummy time as Harry hates it! I know they need a bit more than that so we'll lay back with him on our chest which is still helping to work all those neck and chest muscles hopefully he'll like tummy time more as he gets stronger. But all the girls suggestions for play time have been great. I forgot the WW book has ideas too I'll have to look at mine again.

BS Glad Eva is improving hopefully the reflux horrors are behind you now! Oh day care I would be a mess!:hide: I don't have to think about that for another few months yet, but I'm already dreading it, I'm thinking of looking at working from home (no idea what I would do though) or maybe getting some night work so DP is home with Harry, but I can't imagine leaving him:cry: But we have bills to pay!

Carmey Go Jack with the rolling! The more mobile they get the trickier it is with where they can sleep and you can't leave them and turn your back for even a second cos you don't know where they'll end up. We stopped wrapping Harry quite a while ago, he didn't like his arms tucked in, I'd like to get him some growbags as it's starting to cool down at night here now, someone mentioned cheaper bags from the UK, what are they called? Are they growbags too? I'll check them out.

Hi to everyone I didn't get to:hello:

AFM Finally got rid of all the visitors! The building on our extension should start on the 22nd of this month :leap: so now we'll be stupid busy with getting organised and having workmen around for 8 weeks, but it will be sooooooo worth it!!!!!!!!:dance: I hope Harry handles the noise ok, if not we might be spending a lot of time out.
I noticed a lot of you are losing your hair, me too, I remember the same from DS1&2
Harry's quite the chatterbox very cute, he's trying desperately to get his hands under control and do what he wants, so far he can whack the toys hanging from his play gym/bar thingy, and he gets his thumb into his mouth when he's in bed and sucks til he drops off to sleep, also very cute, I sucked my thumb until I was 13 so it's in the genes and may explain why he refused a dummy.
Has anyone noticed a preference of hands in their bubs, like left or right handedness coming out already? Harry seems to favour his left, it's the first one he stared at intently, the first to try and reach the hanging toys and the first to go in his mouth.
Speaking of Harry I'm being called better go.

Hi lovely Hannah and Willow - I've missed you both! Sounds like you are both doing great!

Hannah - you sound so much better and Amelia is doing so well, I hope they can get your meds sorted too so you don't feel sick etc., don't worry if you have to stay on them a bit longer, you're getting better and that's the main thing. I think you've come a long way and have done so well, must be hard having PND. xx Amelia is such a cutie pie, must be the name lol. I love seeing the pics on FB. :p

Willow - yay for getting your house back! Gosh how patient were you! I hear you on the construction going on, Amelia handles the noise but I don't lol! I spend many a day out to get away from it but it's not that bad most days. Like you said though, will be so worth it - well for you maybe, I end up with the inlaws next door! :o And funny you say that about Harry's hands, Amelia is sucking them like crazy and sometimes gags on them but I have noticed she is favouring her left also! My mum is left handed so wondered if it's in the family - she does use her right too but definitely goes for the left when grabbing things - DH was like noooo, I don't want her to be left handed lol - I think it's more to do with being the same as my mum cheeky buggar :o Either way will be interesting to see hey.

Hi everyone else, hope you all had fabbo days. I had aqua class, it was stinking hot in the indoor pool and it's 39 degrees outside today so we both came out with red cheeks but had a great time. I am annoyed though, I missed out by one place to get in for next week and the week after I can't go and then it's Easter so it will be 4 weeks before I can get in again. Sux!!!!!

Well, best go have a shower and get this chlorine off me. Have a great evening all. xx

Hello Lovlies!

No time to post, but on to wish you all a great weekend! Friends coming in this We, so planning on having some bubbly and catching up!

Nice to hear from you both Hannah and Willow!

Will do a proper post next week!

xoxo

Hi girls!

Apologies for not posting for the last week or so - I've managed to pop in and read a couple of times, but that's about it. Nice to see both Hannah and willow posting!

Hannah - I think we could almost be twins with the PND and reflux babies. Either is hard, but both together can be a nightmare :( I don't know how many times I need to tell myself that this will pass and it will get easier.

willow - I've noticed that Liam pretty much always sucks his left thumb. Haven't noticed yet if he favours one hand for grabbing stuff, though.

Tilda - I'm glad that you got through the flight back home. It must be so hard to fly with a bub, but to have poor little Matilda sick with a cold must have made it even harder.

Alison - I wouldn't stress about the feeding at all (not that I think you are). It just doesn't work out for everyone, and you gave it a really good shot. The main thing is that Amelia is nourished and thriving and loved.

Hi to anyone else I missed! I kind of have baby brain today in a huge way.


AFM - We've pretty much had a week from hell. Not sure what's going on - I suspect that it's the three month growth spurt (though we did entertain the thought that Liam might be teething - time will tell with that one). Friday before last Liam was randomly inconsolable - in the morning he was happy and quiet, then started crying and pretty much didn't stop all day, and wouldn't feed or sleep. Cue a week of bad sleeping at night, hardly any napping, lots of crying and grizzling. As the days went on, he started to feed again at least - and didn't stop. I'm a nerd and track everything he does (it makes me feel like I can cope better with the chaos) and he's pretty much tripled the time he spent feeding normally. Madness. I've been chained to the couch feeding all week and hardly ha any sleep at night, both of which are combining to make me feel like I'm going slightly nuts. PND was starting to get bad again because of it, and I had to resort to taking sleeping pills to get some rest again (yay for anxiety and insomnia on top of it all).

The last few days have been better, thankfully. Last night Liam actually slept for eight hours in a row without feeding. I still woke every few hours, half expecting him to be awake. He grizzled a few times, but went back to sleep with his dummy. We've had him out this morning, where he was pretty well behaved, and he's napped a couple of times since we got home (and is napping now). I really hope that this growth spurt, or whatever it was, is over.

Hi Rose - oh that sounds like a horror week alright you poor thing! Definitely a Wonder Week....do you have the Wonder Weeks book? Definitely a must for everyone. But sounds like a text book growth spurt to me.

Hi Beany - was reading your FB status, sounds like you had a fun shopping day! The floor mat with the alphabet on it, was that one of those expensive non toxic rubber mats from Baby on a Budget? My friend from swimming has one and it's soooo good but she paid over $200 for it!!!!

AFM - had a nice day, shopping and what not, going to get Thai takeaway for dinner and relax in front of the telly tonight. Amelia did 10 hours last night again, not sure what time she woke up but I heard her at 8.15 am making her little talky noises and I went in there and she looked up and gave me the biggest smile. It's so adorable, I hope she does more of those!!! Hey Beany, sounds like Amelia and Michael are on the same wavelength lol!

Hi to everyone and hope you're all having lovely weekends so far.

xx

Hello! Oooh, its raining! Can't remember the last time it rained here!

Alison - Oops, I didn't think about whether the mat I bought was non-toxic. I'm guessing it prolly is since it was only $15. Hmm. How does Amelia move around so much in her cot? Is she rolling? haha...we're tossing up between thai and indian for takeaway tonight!

Tilda - Glad to hear you are feeling more on top of things. How is little Matilda going now? I dont' dim the room as such during the day, but I make sure the sun isn't glaring through.

Hannah - You're doing so well :hug: The exhaustion is bad enough when you have a baby to look after, but the headaches, dizzy spells and nausea must be extra tough. I hope Amelia's reflux finishes soon...did I read somewhere that it usually stops by about 4 months? Or is that colic? Hmm, I can't remember.

Willow - Michael hates tummy time too! I don't know how he's ever going to crawl if he can't last more than a minute before he face-plants in a sea of tears. Must be lovely to be finally finished with your visitors! Good luck with the extension :crossfingers: Yeah, I definitely think Michael favours his right hand for sure.

Rose - Sorry to hear you've had a back week :( Sounds like it must have been a growth spurt, hopefully its over now. I can sympathise with the anxiety, I had it really bad for the first month or so, I still have it now tho nowhere near as bad. I've had it most my adult life and I just hate it.

Hello to all the other beautiful mummies!

AFM - had such a wonderful day today. Went proper shopping for the first time since we've had Michael, all three of us. Was brill, Baby on a Budget had 10% off everything, so got a bumbo there. Spotlight next door had 20% off entire store so got his nursery curtains from there plus a big rug for the games room for him to play on. Then went to Garden City shopping centre and bought a few other bits for him. He was such a good boy the whole time. Even had a couple of naps in the pram.

His sleeps are still going well...only the past 3 mornings he's woken up about 4am crying. Not sure what the matter is but the dummy seems to fix it and he'll sleep for a bit longer. Yesterday as I mentioned on fb he had massive sleeps during the day, he hasn't slept like that since he was about 6 weeks old! Today it was back to the old routine of 40 mins here and there. Was nice tho, while it lasted :)

Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend.

Morning Girls!

Hi Beany - I realised it had rained when I got up, how exciting!!! ha ha. I haven't been out yet to see if it's muggy or cool, I will have to do so to see what to dress Amelia in as we're off to the in laws for morning tea lol. Might have to pull out some of her less summery stuff! lol I seriously think Amelia and Michael must be in sync with each other. Amelia has slept 10 hours the last 3 nights in a row, 10.00 pm to 8.00 am and other than one of those nights where she didn't wake at all she has been waking at 4.00 am but isn't crying as such just stirring, I put the dummy in, move her back away from the edge of the cot and she goes straight back to sleep - her eyes don't even open! Isn't it fab! I hope this keeps up.

I have a confession to make however, the last 3 mornings, my only BF of the day and Amelia has decided she doesn't want me anymore. :cry: I wasn't sure if it was because I've had my period this week but it's almost gone now so not sure. I will keep persevering but I think she's just decided it's too easy for the bottle. The morning was the only BF she was taking so I'm going to be devastated if she won't even take that! I'm surprised how sad I feel about it. I tried her after her bottle and she'll go to my boob but was just smiling at me because she was already full! Beforehand she actually pushes away and cries until I give her the bottle.

Anyway, best go, gotta get ready for the in laws.....my sister in law is going to be there with her 2 kids and last I heard one of them had a cold so they'd best not still have one, if so I'll have to stop them from touching her as they put their hands all over her face all the time - she's 4 and the little boy is 2. Don't mean to sound awful but she's having her needles next week which will already bring her immunity down. :shakehead:

Have a great day everyone.

Hi everyone!

Alison - I've been trying to think of something that might cheer you up about the BF but I know it must be really painful. I can imagine those morning feeds were really special. But you need to remember you're number one in her eyes. Just think of that smile she gives you every morning when you go in to pick her up! I hope your sister in law's kids didn't cover Amelia in germs today!

Rose - Oh god, what an awful week you've had. Sleep deprivation is the absolute worst for depression. And it's always so hard seeing the poor little mite so upset (mixed in with a big dose of frustration when it goes on and on!). My fingers are crossed big time that this phase ends soon for you!

Beany - Matilda is all better thankfully. And she didn't seem to pick up another sore throat from me so I think I probably had caught it from her. Isn't it great to get out and do some shopping with a bit of help from our lads!

BS- the bubbly sounds GREAT! I could so do with a glass myself. I think I'll have to get pumping this week and spoil myself one night.

Hi Hannah! It's great you're keeping active. That will help so much with teh PND. And its great that Amelia is sleeping some long stretches even though its at funny times. I wonder if its because DH does shift work and she's trying to be up when he's around. they're clever like that!

Willow!! Great to hear from you! We've missed you! Glad to hear you've got your house back. And what a relief Harry has found his thumb. Matilda is definitely favouring her right hand so far. But she hasn't found her thumb. But she will take a dummy if she's really, really upset or really, really tired. Which suits me!
AFM - Well we had our 5th wedding anniversary on Friday. I think Matilda must have known something was going on because she steadfastly refused to go to bed. DH wanted to fix me a special dinner to mark the occasion but I ended up throwing him the baby to walk the streets while I finished cooking because she wouldn't settle. But even that didn't seem to work. Eventually she was so exhausted and would fall asleep sitting upright in our laps. So we'd put her down and 5 minutes later she was yelling for us and we go through the same routine. It was like she knew there was something special going on that she didn't want to miss. We ended up all going to bed at about 11 exhausted. But she's being really adorable at the moment. Lots of smiles and she's started giggling just in the last week. She loves the paintings in our house for some reason and she'll look at them and giggle as we're walking around. And DH bought her a jolly jumper on Friday which has been a bit of a hit. It really exhausts her even after a few minutes. She has a big feed and goes off to sleep as soon as we get her out of it! She's still getting me up a couple of times a night at the moment. I really wish she would go down to one feed a night consistently. The tales of 10 and 12 hour sleeps I'm hearing are pipe dreams for us at the moment. Anyway, i should get off to bed! Good night all!

Thanks Tilda, that's really so sweet of you.....I know I've done my best in hindsight but I can't help but wonder why my boobs have been so crap and is it my fault, did I not drink enough water, have I rushed around too much, did I give in to the bottle too early.....oh well, I will keep trying and see how I go and I will continue to express as I really want her to still get at least a little of my milk. I know I've done better than some people who can't do it at all so I will try and think of that. Isn't it funny, we all have different things that work and don't, I get the good night sleeps but I can't provide her with much of my own milk, whereas as others get the waking through the night but are still able to BF. I guess it just proves that no two babies are the same and nothing is perfect or "text book"! Happy anniversary for Friday though, even if it was interrupted by cheeky Matilda at least you got repaid with giggles and smiles. I haven't tried Millie in her jolly jumper yet, I was worried about her head but she can hold it up fine, it's just when I sit her down she starts to lean. Would it be ok to try it then?

Morning girls,

How is everyone?

Alison - Three months of BF is a great start for little Amelia. Don't beat yourself up about it. You're a wonderful, loving mother and that's what's Amelia needs most of all. It won't be long and we'll all be talking about the joys of solids!

Tilda - we were given a Jolly Jumper too. I put Jack in it the other day and he cried! Will have to give it another go, perhaps when he's fresh and not tired. And, don't worry. Jack is back to waking me at least twice through the night, too. Last night was a shocker - was up every two hours. I'm trying to wean him from wrapping and it's proving so difficult. But what can you do? They'll be through this stage soon enough.

Beany - have you tried the Bumbo yet? I think I'm going to get one for Jack because he loves sitting up so much.

Rose - you poor thing. I wonder what it was? Any signs of a toothy peg? A friend of mine in my mother's group is experiencing her first tooth - her little one is very grizzly, dribbling etc so it can definately happen. Hopefully whatever it was is over now and you can get some rest! x

Willow - hello! So good to hear from you. How exciting about the renos. Eight weeks will fly. And to answer your question, Jack favours his right. How are you sleeping these days?

Hannah - I'm glad to hear this week (or that's now last week!) was better for you. Hopefully now Amelia is getting older it all gets better for you both. The walking sounds like a great thing - for you and bub!

ATM - Jack has calmed down after his initial excitement of learning to roll. He still does it but not ALL THE TIME like before. ;) He and I went up the coast to visit my parents on Wednesday and stayed three nights. Now I'm getting calls from mum saying, "We miss him". It breaks my heart that they are so far away - they just adore him and spent every available moment with him. My nan misses him too so I'm going to try and get up there every three weeks. It's a big trip for Jack (four hours in the car) but it's worth it. Fortunately he sleeps for 90 per cent of it.

Oh Alison, I got my period the day after you! I'm a bit confused because I'm exclusively BF'ing but I suppose it does happen. What a bummer. I was looking forward to 12 months period-free!

Me and some of the girls in my mother's group have decided to get a personal trainer together. This bloke we're using has someone to mind the bubs while we train, so should be good. I haven't been able to shift any more weight so looking forward to someone pushing me a bit harder.

Sorry if this is TMI, but I'm sometimes feeling a little...sad/disappointed that DH and I don't have much of a sex life these days. We've done it three times in three months. I know it all takes time but I'm so ready for it again. It's more him, actually. And I don't know why. We used to have such a great sex life before bub but now it's just not there. I ask him about it and he says that he's stressed with work and tired from the baby. I just hope it's not me and him finding me unattractive now I've got more weight than I did. He says that's "ridiculous" but I do wonder.

Anyway, hope you're all having a great day!!

xxx

Hi Carmey - thank you, I tried again to BF this morning, nope not interested, she actually arches her back and kicks up a mega fuss until I give her the bottle :shakehead: A friend I met at aqua classes when pregnant had the same problem at the same time so maybe it's a common age for it to happen. She's also a child psychologist so she told me that at the end of the day if she was seeing Amelia as a patient she would consider her a "securely attached" baby as she is happy and content and healthy and that's the main thing - she said if I don't believe her to just look at the photos as she's always smiling or asleep lol.....I felt better after that. As for sex....well we've only DTD 4 times since having Amelia although I wasn't allowed until I'd seen the OB 8 weeks later but to be honest it doesn't really bother me. Not sure why, just not craving it yet, maybe it's because I'm older? DH seems the same as me, it's enjoyable when we have though so that's the main thing lol. Would suck if it wasn't! ;) If DH is tired and stressed that would kill the mood for him, no way would it be you because even if you think you're carrying weight to me your skinny and would swap bodies any day! You look great girl!

After yesterdays far too long day at the in-laws - 9.30 am to 4.00 pm Amelia's usual feeding/awake/sleep routine was all out of whack from over stimulation and DH's mum fed her at one stage and told me afterwards that the bottle had leaked everywhere so she only got half the feed, her bib and clothes were soaked! Why she didn't stop and fix the lid I do not know as they can leak if not screwed on properly. Anyway, just put her out of whack that's all hence why I'm up at 6.00 am instead of 8.00 am lol. Doesn't matter but I was a bit annoyed at DH's mum and DH because we were meant to go for morning tea and come home and do things not go there for the whole day! grrrrr

Woops, I'm a bit wired up this morning lol........DH went to the block again last night until Wednesday too so I didn't sleep too well and am feeling quite tired this morning. Think I might try and get a walk in this morning, get some fresh air while the weather here is cooler for a change!

Have a great day girls. xx