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

Good morning!

Suzi Thanks for that, I've got my Wonder Weeks book sitting out but haven't had the time to have another look at it, I have read it but absorbing the info is another story!:shakehead:
Harry is doing ALL those things except the extra head support thing, I guess it could still come.

Hi Beany Yes DS did end up playing, there was no way I was letting him get out of it after all that! They were playing a team visiting from Japan so it was a good experience for them too, although I don't know how much they learned from being beaten 20-1! LOL But they seemed to enjoy it:D They were a very disciplined team, very talented.

Well we're off today (after very little sleep I might add) to start choosing appliances and tiles etc for the extension, god knows what I'll choose in my sleep deprived state today I might end up hating it once it's in:lol: Oh well has to be done! I hope Harry's good for us while we're out.

Hope you all had a great weekend!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEANY! Hope you have a fab day lovely. :happybirthday:xx

Hi Girls!

Hi Beany - I'm with Suz, def a wonder week, the Wonder Week 19 which can start anywhere around week 19 is a biggen and these are all the symptoms. Have you got the book? It's brilliant. Wonder Week 19 in the book is the thickest section so far, hence it's a big change period for them. He'll revert back so you'll just have to go with it. My friend is going throught it at the moment with her 20 week old who is fully FF'd, sleeping 12 hours at night and now waking for a feed during the night again and not feeding much in the day and not sleeping etc. I'm dreading this stage. I think Amelia is starting to head into it now so we an compare notes real soon I'm sure! :o

Hi Everyone else, how are we all?

I have to take Amelia for her 4 month needles this morning, she's 4 months old today! I'm dreading it. Also going to ask about myself, I haven't been feeling well again, this is the second time in the last couple of months my tummy has been a bit off. Like when I eat wheat but I haven't, I get a rumbly tummy and some tummy pains and lower back pains and then end up on the toilet (sorry TMI). I also have bouts of feeling dizzy still so I think my iron is still too low so might need to check that. Anyway, I'm not sure if it's my body getting back on track after the c-section or infection, or if it's because my insides are touchy due to the intolerance, or if it IS something I'm eating but I'm over it. It just comes and goes so I don't think it was a bug or anything specific. Will ask today.

Well, best run, I have enough time for breakkie and then I have to go to the GP, wish me luck! Will get on when I get back and let you all know how it went.

Hi Girls - Amelia's needles went ok. She screamed louder and cried a little more than last time but she went to sleep after about 10 minutes. Poor petal, I felt so guilty. The doctor did remind me however that she's a week early, she's not 4 months until the 30th, I keep going off the weeks not the days, woops! I have just emailed my OB to ask about my tummy issues, the GP wants to send me for ultrasounds and come back for swabs and urine tests...........I nearly fell over when she called my name, she looked about 20!!! Anyway, she was very nice but before I go through the hassle of doing all that I thought I'd check with my midwife if the OB thinks it's necessary. The GP said it's highly unlikely it's a uterine infection again but best to be safe. I was hoping she was going to just say I had a bit of a bug and so be it!!!! Will see what the OB comes back with. She did feel my stomach and it felt ok, just a little tender on the right side but she couldn't feel anything sinister.

Oh, Amelia is awake, feeding time, will check back later. xx

Hi girls!

Alison - Hope all goes well with the tests and they can sort out what's going on with your guts. Glad that Amelia coped okay with her needles, too. The video of her on Facebook is precious too :)

beany - Just chiming in that it sounds like a wonder week, too. Hopefully the unsettled period will pass relatively quickly for you.

AFM - Storm of impressiveness here today - as one of my friends said, just because we haven't gotten rain in four months, it shouldn't mean that we then get four month's worth of rain at once! We've weathered it well - just have a leaking skylight. Hope all you Perth girls have weathered it as well. Sounds like there's been some serious damage, especially to some of the hospitals.

Thankfully, Liam seemed to cope pretty well with all the noise from the storm. He freaked out a little bit when the rain started to really slam against the windows, but calmed down quickly. He's been really clingy the last few days - he was crying yesterday whenever he was away from me, and he wouldn't sleep today unless I was holding him. I'm thinking that there's a wonder week coming here, too. Though he had a great night last night - was only awake a couple of times, and only wanted to feed the first time. Typically, I still woke up every few hours expecting him to be awake!

And just as I typed that, he started crying from his cot. Hopefully he'll go to sleep soon - he hasn't napped much today at all, so he must be tired. He actually hasn't been that grizzly overall, just really alert and wanting to interact with everything.

I finally got around to booking in his next round of immunisations today. Should have done it a while ago, since they're booked solid - he'll be getting them a week late. Oh well, at least he'll be getting them. I'm not looking forward to it, though, since he reacted pretty badly to his first lot of needles.

Hi Girls!

Hi Rose - storm was crazy huh! Our dining area got flooded, was crazy! I was trying to grab towels and mops etc all while holding a crying baby and dealing with a storm phobic dog, lol! DH came home eventually after I'd almost filled a bucket of water! I've put some pics on FB.

Also, I'm thinking the pain is ovulation pain, I used to chart to fall pregnant and thinking back it's been 2 weeks since I had my period so it's about right on track. Hoping that's all it is, although it's so painful this morning I can hardly walk. If it's not gone by Thursday I'll go have the scan etc done. I'm really thinking this is what it is though - maybe it's worse at the moment because things are still tender inside????

Hope all is well with everyone, got the funeral for the baby today, still tossing up whether to go or not, it's not the best weather to have a baby outside either! Amelia came out of her vaccs unscathed, although I realised she's not really 4 months until next Tuesday so I was a little early. I've always gone off weeks so assumed she was due yesterday, must remember that for next time!

Alison - I think I read yesterday that funerals were being cancelled today beacause of the weather? Not sure though. What a sad occasion, though :( Really makes you appreciate our little ones.

Liam had another good night last night - he only woke once for a feed (but again, I woke up a couple more times). He was a bit unsettled at first, and I worried that he'd have a bad night with the weather, but it didn't seem to bother him. It was actually kind of nice to be awake at 3am feeding while it was all thundery outside!

I can't get over the damage from the storm, though. It made me really sad to see the UWA library flooded :( DH's office building was flooded, too - he was given the option to come in late, but went in at his normal time anyway. And it took him an hour longer than usual to get home on the train. I was just thankful that he wasn't driving.

I forgot to mention in my last post, too - Liam was actually really good when we went to the movies on the weekend. We pretty much always go to afternoon sessions of movies, so it didn't really disrupt his routine (I'm seriously paranoid of disrupting his bedtime routine). I think he grizzled a little bit for the in-laws, but they were able to calm him down again. It was really weird to be out without him, but it was nice to have a little break, especially since I was getting stressed out with everything.

Hi Rose - yes you're right, I just got a text to say it may be cancelled due to the weather, will know more in the next hour. How awful to have to postpone it when you've got yourself all geared up for it - poor girl. I've just found out it's a burial service, I thought it might be an indoor cremation service so I might have to use the baby bjorn today - too sloshy for prams on the lawn. It's a Pinnaroo, which is lovely - well, for a place to be buried and cremated anyway. :o Dreading seeing the tiny coffin, I feel sick thinking about it to be honest!

The storms were crazy! What a shame about the UWA library, I didn't hear about that. Is there much damage to the books etc? I'm glad I wasn't trying to get home on the train yesterday, imagine being pregnant and dealing with that!!!!!

Our house is drying out now, thank goodness! Oh and I'm so glad you enjoyed the movies and Liam was so good for your in-laws. He's so adorable, cheeky smile. Amelia's on the floor playing and all I can hear is her little voice, she's getting more vocal by the day, watch out DH, two of us lol!

Hello all! Thanks for all your lovely birthday wishes on fb :)

Willow - I hope you got to have a bit more sleep last night and not feeling so sleep deprived! Must have been exciting picking colours and stuff for you extension tho!

Suz - thanks for the info re wonder week. I hadn't had chance to sit down and read that chapter yet. I started reading it last night, sounds pretty common the feeding issue. He has actually seemed better today, almost normal (apart from feeding - but have so far got around that by walking while I feed him...don't ask, it just works for some reason! Gives me bloomin sore arms tho!).

Alison - yes, I have got the book, its fantastic isn't it? Really helps put your mind at ease that its all very normal. I think it would do my head in if I didn't know about the wonder weeks, I"d be freaking out thinking there was somethign wrong. I'm dreading any disturbance to his night sleeps tho, I really hope he doesn't go back to night feeds, I've got so used to having relatively undisturbed sleeps...tho I still wake at 4am and can't really get back to sleep, but at least I can still lie in bed! How was Amelia after her needles? I was thinkikng of you last night, hoping she wasn't having a bad night because of them, on top of all this trouble with the weather! When will you hear back from teh Ob about your tests? As you said, maybe its just ovulation pain since you haven't ovulated for a while perhaps its all just a bit rusty! I hope it gets better for you :pray: Thats very sad that the funeral has been moved, they will have been all prepared for it and now they have to wait :( But Pinaroo is just beautiful, I went to a funeral there about a month ago. Just stunning. I can't believe you got flooded! Same thing happened to my SIL too. We were really lucky and didn't get any damage (that we know of anyway!), just a bit of flooding on the paving and stuff.

Rose - Glad Liam had another good night, go Liam! :clap: I was expecting to have a rough night too with the storms, but they seemed to ease off just in time for him to go to bed and we didnt' really get much thunder after that. I wodnered how you went at the movies! Yeah, we're planning to do the same thing, go and see it in an afternoon, that way his night routine isn't disturbed. But I worry leaving him with the in-laws...FIL keeps going on about trying him with real food..."just put a bit of icecream on his tongue", etc :o Um....don't you DARE!!! Anyway, we'll see. Jolly good job your DH wasn't driving, I drove to Carousel this morning and the roads are still pretty bad. Branches and stuff everywhere, just about every light was out. People are still without power too! Crazy! Thank goodness we have been spared so far :pray:

Hello everyone else!

AFM - well, yes...was my 30th yesterday. RAther depressing. I kind of don't care, but I'm sad to not be able to say 20-"something" as my age. Ho hum. Had a nice day shopping with DH and Michael...well, kind of. We were rushing around trying to find outfits to wear for our photo's (oooh, when are you having yours Alison?), plus Michael was getting cranky and I couldn't find anything to wear, and we had to feed him there and feeding is a nightmare at the mo, so that was really stressful. But still, it was nice.

Hope everyone has a lovely day!
xx

Hi Beany - I'm glad you had a great bday! I felt depressed when I turned 30, especially as at the time I was newly single after a long relationship but my life really began in my 30's so I ended up loving it! Now I'm freaking about hitting the 40's in a few years lol, now that sucks! Amelia is having her pics done on Friday, can't wait, just deciding on an outfit to wear, we have the little ruffle tutu skirt but I will need a "normal" outfit too, not sure whether to go a cute onesie or a little dress, suggestions anyone? I haven't done any tests yet, was going to see how I feel in the next couple of days, it's all done through the GP as my midwife didn't really seem interested....perhaps I should've asked outright to see him but anyway. I really am thinking it's ovulation, it's subsiding as the day is going and I used to get it for a few days before. Fingers crossed that's all it is. If I still feel it by Thursday I'll book in for an ultrasound. I'm not overly keen to spend money on an ultrasound without giving it a couple of days first. The GP was very young so I think she was just being thorough....we shall see!

Well, the funeral is still going ahead, a big part of me really doesn't want to go but I will, it's going to be so depressing, even though I don't really know her, to see a little baby's coffin is going to suck, still feel strange taking Amelia but she wants kids there so.......wish me luck. Will let you all know how it goes when I get back. This is going to be the suckiest funeral ever!!!! :cry:

Hi Alison I have been lucky enough to never have had to go to a funeral for a baby or a child, and I hope I never have to! I hope you hold up ok, like you said seeing that tiny coffin makes me want to cry thinking about it. Some things are just not fair!

Hi Beany No not much more sleep here. Harry has pretty much done 2hrly feeds the last 3 nights. But yes it was exciting choosing stuff for the extension. We got the quote back for the kitchen and it came in at half of our allowance! We were extremely happy with that, so far the builder seems to have over quoted everything, which is fine by us! we've saved about $10,000 already:dance:

Hi Rose Glad Liam had another good night! It would have been nice up at 3 during the storm I love hearing the heavy rain at night and love a storm, just as long as it's not reaping too much havoc, which it seems you guys in Perth copped a lot of!

Oh Alison How cute was Amelia in her Jolly Jumper!:D

Hi to everyone:hello: hope all is well.

Tilda - I also think it's fine to decline other people having a hold. Especially if you've only just arrived, just to give Matilda a chance to settle in to the new surroundings. I don't think you'd be encouraging shyness either. Once she trusts that you and DH will always be there when she needs you, she'll feel secure enough to venture out. As for the sleeping, I'm now reading the No-Cry Sleep Solution. Amelia still has her days and nights mixed up and I want gentle ways to help her switch them back (I don't believe in sleep training because I'm sure that as soon as she gets sick, starts teething or hits another wonder week, it'll all go out the window anyway). But as you say, if its working for you, then don't change it. I've also read Pink McKay's Sleeping Like a Baby which was great for taking the guilt I was feeling away. I'm so over people (ie my mum) telling me what I'm doing wrong.

beany - Happy Birthday for yesterday! It sounds like a wonder week to me too. My book arrived last week. Thank God! 'cause Amelia started acting up a few days ago.

suz - I think all we can do is ride out these fussy periods.

willow - Ooh extensions. How exciting! And you came it under budget. Fantastic! DH and I are trying to fix up our place but are now toying with the idea of knocking our house down and rebuilding. We have a corner block and the house as it stands isn't very well placed to make good use of the land. We love the area and don't really want to move, but it all depends on finances.

Alison - I hope it is just ovulation pain and nothing more serious. It's good that it's easing. I'm getting Amelia's needles done this week too even though its a bit early. I want it out of the way before Easter. I wouldn't worry about being a week early. The nurse who did Amelia's last time wrote the 25th for her 4 month ones even though she won't be 4 months until Monday.

I was devastated to read about your friend's baby. I'm sure she would've appreciated the gift you sent. Sometimes people think that babies who died too soon shouldn't be mentioned which can make the parents feel alone and as though their child never existed. I still have the toy that my mum bought for my first pregnancy....I still haven't decided whether or not to give it to Amelia. I hope the funeral isn't too hard today.

Rose - That's great that Liam was good while you and hubby got to have some time out just the two of you. I hope Liam's needles go okay.

Hi BS, Carmey, kanda, sesame.....

AFM - Well I've finally decided to give the nappy hunt a break (have found 95 icons so far) for a day. It has been great to have something to keep my mind busy though...I feel like my baby brain is getting worse not better lately. Amelia still has her days and nights mixed up. It doesn't matter what I do, DH gets home from work and as quiet and dark as we keep things she still thinks its playtime. I've pretty much given up and just hand her to DH so I can get a couple hours of sleep before he goes to bed. Friday night, DH actually remembered to not make a sound when he got home while I was feeding Amelia. That actually turned out to be a BIG mistake. After her feed I desperately needed to pee, so I gave her to DH to burp. She started screaming. I don't think she realised it was him, even when he spoke to her and we turned a light on. It was 2 hours before she would go to him. I really won't be able to cope if she won't go to DH so I hope it was a one off thing.

I'm pretty sure she's heading for the next wonder week (I'm so glad my book arrived last week). Her nights have been worse. She used to go down at 3am, but now its usually 6 or7. She's fussy feeding and she bites! I thought I had a couple of months to wait before I had to worry about biting from teething. Hmph not so! There's also been plenty of crying for no reason. One minute she'll be laughing then she just start crying. She's also less happy to play by herself. I'm trying to just ride it out and let her feed when she wants to. I just hope we're over the worst of it by the time we go away for SIL's wedding.

One good thing though is that her we seem to be over the worst of her reflux. We went and saw the paed last week anyway. He thought that that bad week may have been some sort of bug. Which, when DH and I thought about it, we had both been feeling pretty off that week. So how's that? I may have gotten through her first illness and not even realised it! I've been dreading her getting sick for the first time.

Okay, better go and wake miss sleepy head. I'm trying to make sure she feeds enough during the day so that she won't need it at night. If only she would sleep like this at night....

I forgot to mention 2 things....

Perth girls - I'm glad that you all made it through the storms unscathed. Incredible! Although I hope there isn't too much damage in your dining room Alison.

Also, I finally got my glider chair on the weekend! I wanted one initially, but DH couldn't see the need for one and even I doubted how useful it would be after attending breastfeeding classes. But I've been saying I need one for a couple of months. My back can't cope walking the floor anymore. It normally retails for $500 but we got it for $360 and I love it! If I have to be up all night, at least I am comfortable now.

Hi girls. I lots yet another post and I'm starting to lose track of what has made it online and what hasn't! I've given up on our new computer!

Willow - Thanks for sending the link to that article about feeding to sleep. It made me feel a lot better. It was nice to read something that wasn't telling me I was doing the wrong thing for once. You must be so excited about the reno. I would LOVE a brand new BIG kitchen. I'm sick of working in small kitchens.

Hannah - It's great to hear from you. It must be so tough having your days and nights switched around. I'm sure she will eventually revert. I haven't heard of anyone that has never grown out of it. But it sounds like you're doing really well. Let me know how you find the No Cry Sleep Solution book since I really don't think I'll have it in me to do any of the controlled crying techniques (mind you if I have too many days like today....).

Alison - hope your tummy troubles go away. It sounds like ovulation to me but its a good idea to keep an eye on it after your uterine infection. I hope you're not feeling too ragged after the funeral today. It must have been just awful.

Beany - glad to hear Michael has been a bit better. I think we're definitely hitting the fussy period leading up to the next Wonder Week. I think you asked me about the different cries the sleep consultant was talking about. Basically she said that if the baby isn't over tired their crying will peak fairly quickly (4-5 minutes for little babies) then you will start to hear pauses. You might hear the cries getting shorter and the pauses longer. This is called "wind down" and the baby may drop off to sleep. However, if the cries keep escalating you will probably need to assist the baby to sleep with patting, rocking etc or in emergencies, walking, feeding, pram, sling etc. But it sounds like Michael is a pretty good sleeper usually.

Rose - sounds like you had a great afternoon out at the movies and Liam sounds like he's settling down a bit. I hope that keeps up for you!

Suz - yep definitely leading up to a Wonder Week! I hope Ryan isn't still beating you up and is feeding a bit more calmly. Its amazing how rough such little things can be!

Hi Brussels, Kanda, Carmey, Sesame....

AFM - I've had a really full on couple of days. Matilda has only had 3 half hour naps both yesterday and today which has given me no time to do anything and has made for a bit of a grumpy baby at times. But she's been going down OK in the evenings thank god. We had a bit of a false start tonight but she seemed happy to just snuggle in front of the TV for half an hour before another feed and off to bed. I'm not sure whether to put it down to DH being away or the lead up to the next Wonder Week. But you know, I'm actually getting a bit passed worrying about it. There doesn't seem a lot of point since she'll probably change again just as quickly. That seems to be the way. And as long as she sleeps relatively well at night I can cope with the harder days. It's also really helpful hearing that everyone else is going through a similar time at the moment. Most of the babies in my mothers group in Hobart are quite a bit younger so I dont' get that same feedback. The sleep consultant also mentioned that babies between 3-4 months are notoriously demanding of attention. So I think its all probably very normal. But hard work none the less!!! Mind you its also really lovely that they're getting so much more responsive. Matilda is loving getting big kisses, thrown about, jiggled, tickled. It's just gorgeous seeing her having such a good time. We had our first mothers group meeting outside of the child health center today which was nice. Originally it was only going to meet fortnightly, but I actually emailed people saying I was happy to meet weekly informally at a cafe if anyone else was interested and it seemed most were. The suggestion of the fortnightly meet was made by someone that's studying and doesn't have a lot of time. But for those of us not working, studying and relatively new to the area (of which a few of us are) we really need the weekly outlet! Anyway I think I might try and get some dinner. BTW the Perth storms sound terrible!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Hannah, Hi Tilda - thanks for your kind thoughts re today. Hannah, I must ask, what is a nappy hunt? I've heard a few people mention it now and have no idea what it is?? xx Kisses to Amelia and Matilda for me. xx

Well it was a lovely service, very very sad though, I've never seen such a teeny tiny coffin, the dad was carrying it on his own with just his two hands like he was carrying a plate.......the baby was born at 1.1 kgs. I couldn't help but feel so sad for the girl, her husband kept it together but she was so upset, although was definitely more together than I think I would've been, mind you, she's probably still numb. She gave everyone a little poem (written by her baby Willow) and a Willow tree seed to plant in her honour. We're going to put it at our property, ironically she was addicted to green apples when pregnant (same as me) so buried her with a few items along with an apple which she got from Donnybrook - where our property is! It's known as the apple county of the west. She also gave me a thank you card for my gift I gave her before the bubby died and it has a little copy of her hand print on it, my god girls, it's teeny tiny, about the size of my thumb. I burst into tears as soon as I opened it. I tell you what though, it brings everything into perspective and I've never kissed and cuddled Amelia in one day so much as I have today. Cherish your bubs girls, sleepless nights, crap milk supply (me!), wonder weeks, teething, tantrums, you name it, because at least we have them here to go through all these things with. :grouphug: She said to me, cherish your little girl because you don't realise how precious they truly are until they're gone........I just wanted to scream for her.

Apparently they had a viewing for family and close friends this morning, the girl I met her through went and had a little cuddle of the baby and took some photos, she said she'd show me if interested. Sounds morbid but I'd like to put a face to the name, I feel somewhat attached to the situation really so would like to. She told me today the girl and her husband (the parents of the baby) didn't even hold the baby at all, they didn't want to, I found that a little unusual but each to their own. I just hope they don't regret it later, I think it would be sad to know you didn't get to feel their skin on yours etc. I couldn't imagine NOT holding my baby could you?

Anyway, that's my afternoon, let's hope tomorrow is much happier!

Hope you all had a lovely day.

Nighty night.
xx

OMG, Alison. You just brought me to tears. So unbelievably sad. I feel so much for that family. You're so right - we need to cherish every moment with our little ones.

As for them not holding their baby, I do kind of understand. Perhaps it would be all to painful for them? They may never want to let her go? I don't think we know until we're put in that situation, and you don't know how you're going to behave or think. In any case it's an incredibly sad situation and I do feel for them.

Ahhhh, I need a cup of tea! And I might just go and kiss my little man right now... xx

Hi Alison,

What a whirlwind of emotions your post stirs up! I wanted to cry, yell and hug my boys all at once. You're a brave girl for going and I'm sure the family appreciated your support. The thank you card was a lovely touch (how on earth did she have time and energy to do them?). I personally have never wanted to attend a 'viewing' as I prefer to remember the person as they were living, but there are people who need the chance to say goodbye. It isn't weird to want to see a photo of little Willow, but I personally think the friend of your's who went and cuddled the baby (and took photos) was a bit strange. I can understand her parents not wanting to hold her, like Carmey said, it might just be too painful and they may never want to let her go. I thought that you didn't get to hold little premmies, but that if they know things are dire that they let you have a cuddle before the end. It would haunt me forever if I never got to hold my baby :cry:

Oh dear, got the tears coming, better go hug my kids :)

Hi Girls - sorry to make you all sad....it was just a sad day but today is hopefully a happy one.

Hi Suz - that's what I meant, they were given the opportunity to hold her before they switched off the breathing machines but they chose not to - I just think it would be something you might later wish you had've done, I just can't imagine never holding the baby you carried inside you and loved, it almost seems sad to me to think that baby wasn't cuddled by her mummy and daddy. But like you said, everyone has a different way of dealing with things. I agree with you too, it was a little odd for the girl I know to hold the baby at the viewing and take photo's, I think the parents asked her to take the photos though.......still a bit creepy though isn't it.

I'm off to the city with the other girl at work who had a baby 8 weeks ago - the one who annoys me at times lol. I really can't be bothered to be honest, bit drained from yesterday but I promised and I hate breaking promises. I need to learn to say no me thinks!!

Hope everyone and their beautiful bubbies are well. xx

God Alison, have to say I got all teary too. How sad they didn't feel they could hold her and cuddle her before she passed. I feel so lucky to have such a healthy, happy bub. I hope your friend has the baby she wants some day.

AFM - I can't believe I did this but I just told the lawn mower man to go away (nicely of course). Tilly is asleep in the front room right next to the lawn. She didn't actually seem to flinch and I probably should have told him to keep going, but I was worried that if she transitioned into a new sleep cycle and heard the mower she'd wake up. And this is the first decent sleep she's had in days. She actually woke up earlier after 45 minutes crying so I did something I don't usually do which was to resettle her and it seems to have been the right thing to do. I read somewhere that if they wake up upset they probably haven't had enough sleep (common sense really but sometimes it helps to be told!). Well I might try and do some reading while she's down for the count. I've started reading the Dream Baby Guide which someone recommended to me but its 700 pages long!!! And at the start of the book she stresses its not a book to dip into but to read cover to cover! Where does she think parents with babies with sleeping, eating or behavioural problems have time to read 700 pages cover to cover??? Anyway, the bit on communication I'm reading at the moment is interesting. All about giving your baby warning about what you're about to do so you don't catch them by surprise with events they don't enjoy (like the car seat). Hope everyone is having a lovely day.

Hi Tilda - you go girl!!!! I would've done the same, if she hasn't slept in days that's all you need is for that to wake her up. And I like your comment about the waking up upset thing, I never thought of it like that and it totally makes sense! Amelia usually wakes in the morning chatting away, if she wakes through the day after only 15 minutes she wakes up crying or sometimes has a little scream like she frightened herself! I've given you rep points for your post as I really liked it lol! Also, I love reading and haven't read anything other then bits of baby books since I had Amelia, I have a great novel about a murderer (I love true stories) sitting there, that's 300 pages and no way have I even had time to start it let alone read 700 pages non stop, WTF!!!! Has the author even had kids? :o

Have a great day lovely and give Matilda a big kiss and cuddle from me...when she wakes up of course. :)

Hey Tilda and Alison - I reckon it does make sense that they haven't had enough sleep sometimes. After going to one of Dr Chilton's talks at the hospital (he's the author of Baby on Board), I decided to give it a go. And it totally works. Jack often wakes during the day with red little eyebrows and crying and I just know he's still tired.

And good on you for speaking to the lawnmower man. I wish I could do the same with the annoying police sirens around here! :)

ATM - We're thinking about introducing Jack to solids! He does all the things they say he needs to do (hold his head up, watch you eat, open his mouth when you bring a spoon near him etc) so we'll probably start next week. Anyone else thought of the same? I've read Jools Oliver's book Minus Nine to One (Jamie Oliver's wife) and she started her girls on baby cereal (like Farex) and then went to pureed carrots. I think I'll try pumpkin first.

Hi Carmey,

We're going to wait until the recommended 6 months. After a lot of research and reading it seemed like the best thing to do to ensure their digestive system is mature enough. Craig seemed ready earlier, but I thought it would be best to wait just in case and I had no sleep or BF supply issues. We started him on one meal of Farex & EBM a day. He didn't enjoy it much so we moved him to pureed fruit and veg after a week. Our MACH Nurse gave us a booklet on introducing solids that was really good and Baby Love by Robin Barker was also good (and has a couple of recipies worth trying).

There's no reason why you can't try solids at 4 months, after all our Mums did. You just have a higher risk of adverse food reactions, allergies and coeliac disease, which if neither you or DH have then it's probably not a big concern :)

Suz, I know what you're saying. When I spoke to my midwife about Jack feeding so often she suggested it, as did the nurse who gave him his immunisation shots. Plus, as you said, our mum's did, and mine keeps mentioning it. She started me on solids at this age and as far as I can tell I'm okay! :)

I will still give him the breast as usual and just a teaspoon of solids once a day. Well, that's if he likes it! He's such a hungry little hippo and I just bet he'll love it.

Hi girls!

Carmey - We're going to wait until at least six months as well, just to be on the safe side. But I have noticed lately that Liam's started to show interest in what we're eating. As suz said, lots of us were started on solids at 4 months, so there's no reason why not if your intuition and knowledge say that it's the thing to do.

Tilda - Go you with the lawn mower man! I don't blame you one bit - having a bub who sleeps badly during the day as well, I know that I'll pretty much do anything to get that sleep in. That totally makes sense about them waking crying, too. Liam wakes from pretty much all of his naps crying - and usually only sleeps 30-40 minutes at a time, which I don't think is enough.

Alison - You're an absolute sweetheart for going to that funeral. It must have been so hard, and must have made you just want to cling onto Amelia, especially after the infection you had.

AFM - I have a velcro baby at the moment. Since the weekend he's wanted to be held pretty much all the time, and for the last two days hasn't been napping at all unless he's being held. We decided to try stopping his reflux medication on the weekend, too - I'm guessing that it wasn't such a great idea. Though we're pretty sure that he's started teething as well, and is heading into wonder week territory, so it could be any of those things. I spent all of yesterday pretty much on the couch with him, either playing or holding him as he slept. Weirdly, he's been sleeping pretty well at night still - he takes a while to settle down, but once he's properly asleep he's good - he's only woken once for a feed the last two nights.

We started him back on his meds last night. And today he seems to have wind instead! He hasn't done a poo for a couple of days, either, and seems to be straining to try to do one. Poor little bub. I did a bit of reading, and am doing another experiment right now - I let him fall asleep on me, then tried to put him down on his back in his crib. He woke up crying straight away. Picked him, up rocked him back to sleep and held him for another ten minutes or so. And then I put him down to sleep on the couch on his tummy. And for the first time, he stayed asleep. I know it's a SIDS risk and I'd never do it at night or while I'm not there to watch him, but he's literally right in front of me. He's been asleep for 45 minutes, and the most he usually naps during the day is an hour (thought more usually 3-0-40 minutes) so we'll see what happens.

Hi Carmey - I'm with Suz and going to put it off for as long as I can - Amelia doesn't seem ready yet anyway but given I have a wheat intolerance I don't want to introduce it too early due to the research done on the affect foods can have if their digestive system isn't ready - like Suz mentioned. Although again my sisters' kids all started on solids at 4 months and they're fine...........we do have eczema in the family though as well so I'd rather not take the risks. I would HATE for Amelia to have a food intolerance like me because it really sucks! I might start trying her on rice cereal in another month but right now she doesn't seem interested. If Jack is showing signs though they say that's when they're ready, my CHN said if they stare at you eating, try and grab your food etc they're ready. Good luck! He'll be fine! Boys and their food lol.

Hi Rose - lol a velcro baby, isn't it nice to be so wanted and loved ;)

I took Amelia in to see the work crew today, yet again they were all asking when I'm coming back. I didn't say it but I was thinking it was the last thing on my mind right now and they won't see me before October if at all lol! It's quite muggy in Perth today though and how bad, when I was feeding her at the office she flung her head back and in the fold of her neck was a heat rash, I felt so awful! I guess you don't see in there. Poor thing, didn't seem to bother her but I feel so bad. Will give her a bath in a minny and get the sudocream onto it.

Hi to everyone else, Suz, Tilda, Hannah, Willow, Beany and anyone else I've missed. Hope you are all well. xx

Alison That is all too sad for words:cry::cry::cry: I hope you held up ok:hug:

I'll come back and post properly when Harry allows.

Alison - poor little Amelia with the heat rash, but that's exactly the same thing that happened to me. Jack has so many double chins I didn't realise he had a little rash under there. Poor darlin.

How did you go meeting with that girl? Did you already post on that? Sorry if I missed it...

ATM - I'm feeling quite down. My cousin and her 1-year-old son are going in to surgery tomorrow morning for a kidney transplant. First of all it was going to be her husband giving his kidney but it turned out, right at the last minute, that she was the better match. So she wasn't prepared. Anyway, it's all happening and all of the family is in a mess. I know she'll have the best surgeons on hand but it's such a major operation. Apparently her son, bless him, was in the best mood today. Little does he know what's happening tomorrow. Oh, I cry every time I think about it...

Hope you're all having a great night. xxxx

OMG Carmey I hope all goes well for your cousin and her son. The poor little thing. I hope Jack's rash clears up for you quickly.

Alison I feel for you with attending the funeral. It made me cry and
think how lucky we are to have our beautiful little ones. Hope the heat rash clears for little Amelia quickly too.

Jett has got a bit of a cold a runny nose is sneezing and coughing but is still smiling and giggling. I am so glad he is still happy.

I haven't been getting notifications of posts and I think I have just
worked why. When I read the posts on my iPhone it doesn't register I have been on. I just read posts on our computer then got an email notification.

So sorry I have been MIA. I do check facebook all the time.

I am a part of the getting the hair cut and coloured group. I had mine done today and went quite short and also had dark red foil As well as my blonde for a change. DH loves it and I do too.

I am busy organising Jett's christening which will be on 18th April.

We are going away this weekend for a family reunion which I am looking forward to as it will be the first time alot of our extended family will meet Jett.

Regarding solids I think I am going to wait til 5.5 - 6 months. Jett isn't showing any interest as yet.

Rose I love you referring to Liam as a Velcro Baby. How did he go on his tummy?

Beany- Glad you had a nice birthday. Hope Michael is behaving for you.

Willow I hope all is going well with you and Harry.

Suz- Hope Ryan and Craig are both well. I love the idea of measuring them at the same time, a great comparison.

Tilda- Nice work telling the lawn mower man to go I wish I had of done that this morning. He was at our place nice and early.

Hannah- I hope Amelia works out her night and day soon for you. You poor thing. Awesome bargain on the glider chair. Also great to her the worst of Amelia's reflux is over.

BS- Hope all is well with you and Eva and you had a nice weekend with your visitors. Also a question I have been told the GroBags are much cheaper there. Is that true?

Hi Kanda & Sesame

Well Jett is fast asleep so I should go and wash up and then get some sleep myself.

:grouphug: to all

Hi Girls,

Lani - Hi! What a mammoth post! Saw your FB status, hope you post a pic of your new 'do soon, it sounds great. Hope Jett's cold gets better soon.

Carmey - At least one of our Mum's group Mums tried solids early because her bub wasn't sleeping through the night. I bet Jack takes to it straight away, just follow the instructions on the Farex packet they'll tell you how much and how often each day. Technology has come so far if they can do a kidney transplant on a 1 year old baby! My little brother was born with renal failure and had a kidney transplant when he was 24. Dad wasn't suitable, so Mum became the donor. I waited my whole life to give my brother a kidney and my parents wouldn't let me do it! (now I'm a parent I understand why). He endured many operations before he was 2 just to try to save his kidneys. Both your cousin and her son will be fine. If they're in Sydney they're probably at the hospital Kerry Packer had his transplant at and they have the best facilities money can buy :hug:

Rose - Hope your Velcro Baby lets you peel him off and put him in his bed soon.

Willow - Harry is such a cutie. How exciting about your extension! And about the money it looks like you'll save. I'm hoping we do something similar here.

Brussels - Loved the video of Eva on FB, too cute! How are you going with your decision about whether to wean Eva from the boob because of your PCOS? Honey, in this case formula is a lesser evil than your PCOS.

Alison - Oh no! Heat rash is itchy. Sudocreme should do it. Ryan is so much fatter than Craig was so I'm really conscious of drying in between all the fat rolls after his bath. But Milly doesn't look fat??? Google 'Down under nappy hunt' to see what the nappy hunt is all about.

Hannah - That sure sounds like this current fussy period leading up to the next Wonder Week. Amelia could be teething, Craig got his first teeth at 5 months old and started teething at 3 months. Ryan seems like he's on track for teeth at 5 months too, he's also biting me when feeding and chomping on my fingers. Even slow gentle progress with the sleep is still progress and if you're happier using gentle methods then go with it. As you say, there will always be setbacks like fussy weeks and teething.

Tilda - You go girl! Sleep is precious, I would have sent the Lawnmower Guy away too if I thought my bub needed uninterrupted sleep. The 700pg sleep book cracked me up! Cover to cover, get real!

Beany - Hope you had a lovely birthday and that Michael's fussy period is over.

Perth girls - Hope there wasn't too much damage after the storm.

AFM - Ryan is still fussy. Last night he woke at 1:30 for a feed, after sleeping through the night for weeks. Lots more crying and I can't calm him. I'm just letting him feed whenever he wants, which is sometimes only 30 minutes since the last time. DH's broken ribs seem a lot better and Craig is pretty good with the potty now. Poor Craig has a cold which meant last night we had a pre-bedtime tantrum. We're looking at houses and considering renovating/extending again. There's nothing on the market here so extending is looking good.

Just popping in here quickly - have identified one of the causes of the velcro baby: a case of the sniffles. Poor bub, he's all snotty and he has no idea what to do about it. He's generally happy, though - the irritation with the sniffles seems to come in waves - and he's still feeding okay. He actually spent a lot of today sleeping, and is sleeping (in his cot) for the night now (hopefully).

Suz - Thanks for your words. That must have been hard to see your brother go through all of that. But that's great to hear he did well.

My cousin's op is at Westmead. Her son was born with a huge amount of problems, including only one functioning kidney (and even that one wasn't much good). They let that kidney go down to 2% functioning ability before he could be operated on and he needed to be 10kg. Of course with a poorly functioning kidney he hasn't grown or developed like a normal bub so it has been a long process. He's actually 15 months. When they thought it was his father donating, they were going to have to have some of the kidney showing on the outside because it was so big, but now that it's his mum's he can be stitched up. It is amazing what they can do and I feel good that his surgeon has been branded "Dr God". He's been on RPA and few of those medical shows before.

Anyway, she goes in at 8am today so I won't get any sleep now. I know she and baby will be fine but it is still a very stressful time.

Hope you guys had a good night - we didn't! Jack was so fidgety! I was up three times with him.

Hey girls, I'm a bit behind so I'll just sort of reply to this page :)

Alison, I blubbered all over my keyboard reading that - you are so right, no matter how hard it is sometimes with our bubs we have EVERYTHING to be thankful for. You are really so sweet for going and I am sure the girl was happy to have support around.

Tilda, Eva wakes up crying sometimes too and I usually don't pick her up, always give her the dummy and try to get her back down for a finish, unless she reallly keeps crying and avoiding the dummy then I know it is feed time or she just needs out...I have done the picking up when crying thing a few times and she just gets louder and grumpier, so that makes sense...

Carmey, solids! He is advanced though physically so I don't see why not. Eva has not started showing interest yet...I will introduce when she does...but I read that 4-6 months is when it should be happenning...So I plan on doing it any day now as soon as she gets interested :) I am shifting over to formula too at the moment, so prefer that she gets some solids in there as well soon. I got the beaba babycook as a gift from people we work with to make my own babyfood at home as well, so can't wait to use that! I hope your cousin and her baby get through the op with no problems. They are lucky they are a match and he will have a transplant...Poor little guy - it is so hard to see babies have to suffer or go through "adult" experiences. But imagine how great it is that he can have that operation so young! He'll live a full healthy life nt worrying about getting it later.

Rose, I know the belly thing is looked down on but Eva has been belly sleeping since she could hold her head up...before that I would only do it when she was in front of me in her playpen. She does not sleep any other way except for the occasional 10 minute doze on her playmat on her back. My pediatrician said that babies with relux hate being on their backs in general and for Eva it is true. I think that if Liam can hold himself up and or roll over he shoul dbe ok to belly sleep...but of course do what feels good for you :) I put eva right down on her belly when she gets grumpy and she dozes off on her own all the time. I don't ever even have to rock her or anything, just very very rarely.

Lani, here, since they are just a standard thing you get, like clothes, they are pretty affordable...In the stores they will never sell you blankets and stuff for the baby bed...they insist on sleeping bags and only use blankets for recieving and strollers...They run the gammut from about 15€ to really nice ones for 100€ (I guess that is like 20AUD for the cheaper ones....) - they are also really cheap in the US, since it is in dollars and you have tons of brands that make them for affordable prices (Europe is pricier than the US, so I do a lot of my shopping when I go home...) - I guess it woudl be worth getting them here as long as the shipping is affordable and you don't get charged customs fees - Ebay would be cool if they are bought from people not stores that would cause you to have taxes added...But I don't know how much they cost in australia so I can't tell you if they are cheaper...Put up a pic of the hair! Dying to see it! I can't wait to get my hair done in april in nyc!

Suz, I am weaning and Eva is so much happier for it. She is so satisied after feeds and is down to 5 feeds a day! :o She eats, burps, plays or naps then does it again and is so giggly and settled - I don't recognize her!!!! I gave her boob before every feed for the first week and am now shifting over to try to only give the boob morning and night for her big feeds (my supply has gotten crappy so it takes that long for me to really fill up again)...Can you imagine that when I started giving the formula, the first time I gave her boob then tried to see how much formula she would take after he boob, she -took 60ml, then 60ml and that evening 120ml then slept until 730am!!!!! So she was really not getting enough before! She now takes between 90-120ml after the boob depending on the feed and 150ml on a formula only feed...soon I hope to only to bf for two meals and ff for the rest, especially since she goes into daycare mid may...

But I feel better since I get 3-4 hours between feeds and she has been sleeping from approx 830-7 every night! I feel like a new woman. I just can't wait to get back on the pill and my androgen blockers to get my body under control. I feel no regrets for the forula since I see how happy she is and how settled she is. She went from feeding about 10 times a day to 5! And she now plays and has a big nap in the afternoon for about 3 hours. So this is really stable - I 'll see if it lasts. As long as she's happy, so am I. Needless too say I am getting back into work and being productive and getting out for excercise and groceries now that I can leave her home with MIL for longer than an hour at a time.

So, just a general update. The formula is going really well. She is really happy and settled and loves the stuff...she has no issues switching from bottle to breast and using diff teats etc...She has also been pooing more and today she pooed twice!!! Unheard of with her!

She has been getting much stronger and has been really grabbing stuff and examining it...she is even working on getting her pacifier into her mouth by herself. She stares at it while on her belly, picks it up then puts it to her mouth but usually ends up getting the side in...and when laying down she has started getting it in there by herself if it is not far from her head and in a decent position. She also seems to be pushing her butt up in the air a lot - anyone else seeing that? I am not sure, but it seems like she is trying to advance or crawl???

She really is adorable and has started all those noises (like in the video) that she does all the time...she also just randomly shrieks and loves to hear herself so I'll sometimes think she is crying but get to her room and she'll be srieking and laughing at her own voice - she's going to be a talker (wonder where she gets that???!!! :ROFL:)

She also stays up on her belly with her head really high for a long long time now! I put her down today with a friend's baby who is three weeks younger (and hates tummy time) and the baby could not really get her head all the way up, and got tired after about 5 minutes and Eva just had her head straight up for half an hour using her hands to grab toys and everything! And if she is sitting, I only have to place my hands on her hips and she holds herself straight up...is anyone else having this? I am not sure if she is early for that? I read that they usually sit unassisted at 5 months and she already does it for a bit if I put her into the seated position (I just stay close since she tends to topple sometimes)...not for a long time but for like a minute she can sit without my help if her hands are leaning on her legs or something for support...Let me know if any of you are having this happen yet...She is almost 5 months so maybe this is totally normal...

Otherwise, since she is so calm now I am getting back into the swing of things with work, so have been cathcing up a lot there and not posting as much, though I do read the posts in bed at night :)

Also just got a call from my mother thanking me for the pics I put up - I told her I am glad she is happy because people think I am crazy putting up so many pics...lol. But if it makes grandma happy then I'll keep on it!

Ok, this is getting huge...I am always the monster post :redface:

;) kisses to all the bubs and gorgeous mommas!

Hey BS! I'm so glad that the switch to formula is going well. You gotta love all that sleep!

As with the tummy time and bum in the air, Jack does the same thing. My grandfather used to call it "bridging" when me and my sister were trying to crawl. Jack does that and also tries with all his might to pull forward with his arms. He does move ever-so slightly forward and DH and I are convinced he'll be an early crawler. He gets so frustrated when he sees something and can't get to it. He also does the "flying baby" where he puts both his arms and legs in the air when on his tummy. It's so cute but I would love for him to stay not crawling for a little while longer! :o

And yep, he's the same with the sitting. Do you find she wants to sit up all the time? Like, if I have Jack laying in his pram, he tries to lean forward to sit up. Again, he gets cranky when he can't. Must be frustrating for them. Anyway, I'm going to get the bumbo thing so he can at least sit on his own and enjoy his toys that way.

Rose - sorry I missed your post before. Do you think it's the start of a cold? Hopefully it all goes away and you can have some time without a clingy bubby! Poor little man.

Suz - Jack seems to be fussy today too. I wonder if it is the "wonder week" as they say? He is arching his back and crying for no apparent reason - so not like him. I can't get anything done today! That's great about the potty training!

Lani - your hair sounds great. Put up a pic on FB!

ATM - I have to get this house organised while Jack is down (finally!). It's a total mess and I soooo don't feel like cleaning. Booo.

Hi everyone

Carmey - Wishing your cousin and her little boy all the luck in the world! I've been thinking of them for you today. Solids huh? I've heard the advice about starting them on solids when they start taking an interest in what you're eating. But Matilda has shown interest in food since she was about 6 weeks old LOL!! I don't think a bit of rice cereal could do any harm. Let us know if you try it!

BS - So glad to hear the switch to Formula is going so well. Sounds like Eva is giving you all the evidence you need to know you're doing the right thing. All that sleep - heavenly! And it sounds like Eva is a strong little thing. Matilda isn't pushing her butt up in the air yet. She'll lift her chest off the ground and her head very high but she gets sick of it after a few minutes.

Alison - I didn't know you could give rep points! Thanks! You're such a sweetie. I'll have to work out how to do that. I know exactly what you mean about the work comments. I felt exactly the same when I went into work last week. I have to catch myself and stop myself from saying "actually I'd be glad never to come back". I'm seriously thinking about a career change. Sick of being a public servant.

Suz - So you might be heading down the renovation route? At least you can design what you want that way. I can relate to the fussiness - see below....

Rose - I hope poor Liam is feeling better. It sounds like he's not too unhappy but I found panadol worked a treat when Matilda had that bug.

AFM - well Matilda has been growling at me all afternoon and is pretty hyped up. She's not crying but growling IYKWIM and is all fussy and isn't happy doing anything anywhere. And she's been really spewy. It might have something to do with having had a real coffee two days in a row instead of my usual decaf. Or maybe its just the wonder week approaching. I read the chapter a couple of days ago and already I can't remember what it said the actual developmental changes are. Baby brain! DH got back late last night which is great but that could have also thrown Matilda a bit. This thing of a few days away, a few days at home is really disruptive. Isn't it funny how you can't stop trouble shooting.

I had a friend over yesterday that frightened me into a sleep bag shopping frenzy today. She mentioned she left it too late to buy sleep bags last winter and then she couldn't find any. So I hauled Matilda into Myers and bought a couple of fleecy ones with sleeves. Does anyone have any advice on the best style? With sleeves, without, fleece, padded cotton etc.

Hi girls!

Tilda - I'm currently sleeping Liam in slumbersacs - they're sleeveless and cotton. I figure when the weather gets colder I'll have him in long sleeves and pants beneath it. Plus they're relatively cheap from the UK, which is a bonus. And career change - you should totally change careers to come back to Perth :)

BS - So glad that the switch to formula is going well. Happy mum + happy bubba = good move :) I'm kind of jealous of you girls getting only 4-5 feeds in a day with formula - Liam is at the boob pretty much every two hours (or more) during the day, though he will go longer if we're out and about and he's interested in other things. But he's only been waking once to feed at night generally now, and I really don't mind the frequent feeds during the day.

AFM - The sniffles have turned into a full blown cold. Poor little man - he's so snotty and snuffly. He's actually pretty happy about 70% of the time, and then it seems to get too much for him and he gets cranky. He's not running a fever, though, so I'm not overly worried. He's pretty much spent all day either being cuddled, feeding or sleeping on me again. Though he did let me put him down on the floor to play for a little bit today. It's all pretty exhausting, but he needs the comfort right now.

We attempted to give him some panadol tonight, too, just in case he's getting a lot of pain. Which resulted in a couple of power spews and several mad screaming fits. I'm guessing he's not a fan of the taste ;) I think he must have kept some down, though, because he's sleeping really well now. He did sleep pretty well last night, too, which surprised me, given how snuffly he was. Hopefully it'll only last a couple of days (how long did Matilda's cold last, Tilda?) - I hate seeing him sick.

Hi girls,

Carmey, yes! she wants to be seated or standing ALL THE TIME! She yells if we hold her in our arms in a reclined position unless it is to feed - otherwise even if we lean her on us in a seated position she pushes herself off and sits on her own! The flying baby she does too...and she has been able to advance some as well although most of the time it is sort of uncoordinated and ends up getting her going sideways...I was considering that bumbo thing but it costs like 50 euros here and I find it to be too expensive for such a short time since it seems to me like she'll be sitting on her own very soon - I just try my best to hold her in a seated position as much as possible...

Tilda, I feel you on the constant troubleshooting - I realized it is just impossible - I just try my best to keep her nighttime routine stable and go with the flow on the rest... I sleep Eva in a sleeveless padded cotton bag and a weather appropriate pyjama. I think sleeveless is fine as long as Matilda is wearing a pyjama that is season appropriate. Her room is pretty stable in temp though, so I only use a bag in the winter since it cools a bit...otherwise, pj and little cashmere blanket on her bottom half is all I use...

Rose, poor little Liam - hope he gets better soon :( I know it is tiring to have feeds so often - I was there up until last week. I found with Eva though getting her to sleep on her belly gave me longer naps so eased it up a bit but she was really unstable with the breastfeeding (although she did sleep through the night after her 3rd month...)...I think you just have a grazer and luckily he sleeps well at night - in the end that is all that matters!

Went to ikea today and to buy some new pjs for Eva (I bought her a gorgeous footed pj that I love in a 6 month size and washed it and put it on her and the size was exact!!!!! I got her four 6 month pjs on Monday! I So I went out and bought the model I loved for 12 months! Amazing how big she has gotten! I have to buy everything in 12m now...

I also went to get soem sheets for her for when she starts daycare...My friend has her daughter going in next week so she'll fill me in on it...I am dreading the day!

Off to do some work and eliptical machine.

Kisses to you all!

Sorry, double post!

Sorry, triple post :ROFL: - My internet was acting up!

Hi Girls - grrr I haven't been getting notifications again so I'm so behind!!!! Sounds like you're all doing really well, glad to hear.

Hi Tilda - you give rep points by clicking on the little scales icon to the right of someone's post, it's ok, I only found out because I was in my profile and saw I had all these rep points so asked and that's what they are lol. Not sure what they do for you but anyway, it's a nice thought.

Hi everyone else, I can't remember what everyone said individually but hi to you all.

Hi Carmey - are you fully FF'ing? I can't remember who it is but whoever it is I was wondering how your schedule works and how many feeds per day you're down to. I stupidly tried to change my lovely working routine these past 2 days, I really need to stop listening to others! This routine I've been following has always worked and it suggests around 16-20 weeks to dry dropping the "dream feed" and have them in bed earlier, my friend does the same thing and her 5 month old is sleeping 12 hours and has been since she was 4 months old so I thought I'd give it a go. DISASTER CITY!!!!!!! She's quite fine with going 4 hours between feeds anyway - I just upped her amount which I've properly calculated for her weight - she either has 180 mls 5 times a day or 200 mls 4 times a day. Anyway, the first night I tried it she had her last feed at 7.30 pm (instead of the usual 9.00 or 9.30 pm).....she went straight to sleep as usual but woke 5 times through the night, not for food but just doing the whinge before the cry so I was up putting the dummy in all the time which is ridiculous! I was shattered yesterday as I'm not used to it. I didn't want to give up after one night so thought I'd try again, yesterday was fine again up until 5.30 pm when she went to sleep, for 2 hours (she normally sleeps on and off until her 6.00 pm feed but never that long)....I had to wake her at 7.30 pm - 5 hours after her last feed! Anyway, then she fed and didn't want to go back to sleep (normally she'd go to sleep pretty well straight away).....so by the time she went down it was 10.00 pm anyway!!!!!!! She woke 3 times from about 3.00 am on......better than the night before but still she normally goes all night, or only wakes once from about 4.00 am on but sleeps until 7.00 or 8.00 am - today she got up at 6.30 am. So, my point is, I've realised she's just not ready and like DH said, why does it matter if she's having 5 instead of 4 feeds, I know eventually she'll need to go to bed earlier as she gets older and more of a handful but I will do it gradually by bringing her dreamfeed earlier and earlier before eventually dropping it. Obviously cold turkey didn't work. I'd be crap at controlled crying too cause normally she dream feeds and goes to bed asleep but last night I tried putting her down awake...I only lasted 5 minutes before I got her up again lol!!!!! I just don't know whether to go back to the way it was before or persevere...I guess whatever works is the right thing huh.

Oh and thanks for all your lovely words re the funeral and the little baby who passed away. I actually saw the piccies of the little bub yesterday, she was so tiny but very very cute. She just looked like a fully formed baby just tiny, she had a head of black hair too. She looked very peaceful. I found out a little more about the whole thing, apparently the placenta completely detached and the baby was without oxygen for over an hour by the time they got her out so she would have been quite possibly severely brain damaged if she had've survived so very sad either way. Apparently the mum is doing a lot better this week and has come to terms with everything, she just looks as it like Willow had more important things to do and that she was here to bring people together and make new friends. Isn't that lovely.

Sorry for the novel girls, just had to get that all out. Gosh you just never know what the right thing to do is huh. All I know is I'm tired today and even Amelia doesn't look as well rested.

Oh and we are having our professional pics done this arvo.........I've woken up with a big coldsore in the middle of my lip, freaking fantastic!!!!!

Hi everyone

Alison - i just had a look at Tizzie Hall's book which is well known for its routines and she doesn't suggest dropping the dream feed before solids (although she suggests solids at 4 months). She suggests 4 feeds plus the dream feed and doesn't rule out night feeds which is what you were doing before isnt it? So it sounds like the routine you were on before is a winner and you should stick to it. Sounds like a rough couple of nights. I'm sure she'll be fine tonight.

BS - thanks for the tips on the sleep bags. I think I might start looking for some of the sleeveless grobags on ebay. I do have one which I might try her in tonight. It must feel weird to be thinking about day care. Its amazing how quickly these first few months have gone!

Rose - Matilda's cold only lasted a couple of days and I think it was probably a sore throat mainly which is what both my Dad and I had. It's a shame he threw up the panadol! But sounds like it helped anyway. I've got my fingers crossed he's feeling better today.

AFM - Matilda is having a marathon sleep today. She's been asleep for 3 1/2 hours now. I'm putting it down to being completely over tired. Last night we actually started wondering if she's started teething because she was just so out of sorts and we couldn't get her to bed until about 10. She's been making some funny smacking noises and chewing on her fingers a bit which she hasn't done before. I'm actually dreading teeth. She still chomps on my nipples occasionally, especially if she's falling asleep. Anyway, just thought I'd say a quick hello. Hugs to everyone :grouphug:

Hi Tilda - ooh that's great to know thank you! Amelia doesn't feed after her 5th feed at around 9.30 pm until around 7/8.00 am - I was just trying to drop the 5th "dream feed" at 9.30 pm and have her sleep from 7.30 pm but I don't think she's ready yet. I don't want to be greedy anyway given she's sleeping 10 hours between feeds! I think it's because of the formula because all my breastfeeding friends are still feeding at night and the formula ones are sleeping through. I'm morrrrre than happy with 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep as opposed to 12 of interrupted sleep like the last 2! Amelia is doing the same re her mouth so I think she's in the beginning stages too, she's sucking her thumb which I really didn't want her doing hence why I gave her the dummy in the first place - easier to remove the dummy then the thumb - but everyone goes in the mouth and she too makes the clicking/sucking noises. She even had her thumb in her mouth at the same time as the bottle yesterday! She is also starting to try and hold her own bottle although it's still a little heavy for her lol. DH was rubbing her gums with his finger and she seemed to like it. Dreading it too! Not looking forward the Wonder Week 19 stage either but what can you do! :o Can't believe Matilda is having a 3.5 hour sleep that's massive! Amelia slept for 2 hours from 5.30 pm last night - she normally catnaps in the arvos, I had to wake her to feed her as she'd only had 3 feeds! Another reason I don't like this 4 feed thing yet..........5 fits in well with her at the moment so I'm going to stick with things the way they are for now. I'll try again in a few weeks or when I introduce solids, whichever comes first. Not planning on introducing solids until 6 months anyway to be honest but open minded on that one.

Oh and she rolled from her back to her tummy this morning and now she won't stop! It's so exciting and funny to watch. The last few days she's really been getting frustrated as she'd get halfway over and get stuck. Isn't it funny how they suddenly just do it.