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

Afternoon girls!

Hi Alison, that's great that your friend that's the child psychologist could reassure you. She's so right. Amelia is happy, happy and you've got a great relationship and that's all that matters. Sounds like a trying day yesterday! There's nothing like going out for too lot to throw them off. I find it always takes awhile to settle Matilda after we've been out and about.

Hi Carmey, Don't worry, we've only managed it 3 or 4 times as well. And DH hasn't even been working full time. But I'm finding it a bit painful so I don't think I could manage it all that often anyway. You'll get back into the swing of things. And like Alison said, its definitely not you!!!! You're looking great.

AFM - I visited my work for the first time today. Matilda was a bit freaked out at a whole lot of people staring at her and oohing and ahhing and proceeded to get all grizzly and spewed everywhere (several times). And my back and neck haven't been feeling too good. I think I've got a bit carried away lifting the stroller in and out of the car lately.

I finally bit the bullet and bought some blockout fabric and hung it up yesterday afternoon. It seems to be working. She's been asleep for nearly two hours this afternoon! Just hope she doesn't think its night time! I think I'll wake her up in half an hour if she's still asleep. Ah, there she is. Well that was a mighty good effort. Hope everyone is having a great day.

Alison, I forgot to reply to your question about the jolly jumper. It says its OK for ages 3 months and over. I was a bit worried but DH was really keen. We only let her stay in it for a few minutes and she doesn't bounce all that much. She more just enjoys being able to stand up. But you do need to be careful. She nearly launched herself into the door frame at one point. In terms of her supporting her head, she seems to be fine. She's got quite a lot stronger over the last few weeks. But if Amelia is still quite wobbly, maybe wait a while. Have fun!

Hey Carmey - hope Jack sleeps well tonight. The two hourly thing is HARD! I'm hoping we get another good night tonight. She only woke once last night at midnight. I'm a bit over the three times a night routine!

AFM - well survived the first day with DH away in Sydney. Actually, she seemed to know I was under the pump and was on her best behaviour. She's just getting more gorgeous by the day. Funny how everything turns into a game when you're trying to entertain a baby. Today's hit was waving the hose around while I filled her bath up. Lots of giggles. very cute!

Hi Girls!

Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes on Facebook! I was very spoilt. I'd been planning to buy myself a Kitchenaid Mixer, so on Saturday DH surprises me by driving me to the door of the shop with the best price and hands me the cash. All I've had for years is a hand held electric beater, so I'm stoked. Then on Sunday for my birthday we went to the Canberra Zoo with the kids and bought a year pass for both of us (they were half the price I thought they were!) so we don't feel bad about only spending a couple of hours there before needing to take the boys home again. One of the Mums from my Mother's Group also has a pass so we can meet her there. Unfortunately, with all the excitement Craig's toilet training has completely gone out the window the last two days, but I hope to get him back on track tomorrow.

Alison - Honey, big hugs to you :hug:. It's understandable that you feel sad about the thought of BF ending. Craig was down to one feed a day when he was 10 months old, but I just couldn't cut him off and got quite emotional about the thought of stopping BF'ing. A friend of mine had been trying her bub on a bottle early in preparation for going back to work and her boy decided he preferred the bottle. Her milk dried up and she had to FF, she was devastated. Don't worry, you will miss the closeness of BF'ing, but there are still lots of cuddles and eye contact. And as people have already said, you've given Amelia a brilliant start at life and kickstarted her immune system so she already has what formula can't give her.

Carmey - My DH has either been too sore, too tired or too self-conscious about the weight he put on during my pregnancy to want to DTD. We've managed it once and it was a bit painful for me (which might be another reason why he hasn't been keen). As women we always think it's something we've done, but maybe it's your DH feeling unattractive? Bummer about your period coming back, but I guess it's nice to know your body is bouncing back from pregnancy already. The personal trainer sounds awesome, I wish the one our Mum's Group uses also had someone to mind the kids!

Tilda - Ooooh work! I still haven't been back for a visit with Ryan. Go the blockout fabric, glad it's working.

Beany - What a great shopping trip! I'm keen on a Bumbo too. I didn't bother with Craig because I thought they were expensive, but I think I can splurge for Ryan. Keep the tummy time up, even if it's only for a minute. Get down on the floor with him and talk to him, he'll be happier if he can see your face.

Hannah - I'm sure that the increase to your meds will be only temporary. You're doing all the right things to look after yourself. It's great that Amelia is sleeping 7-8 hours, even if it's from 3am. Maybe some babies are just night owls? My Mum says I used to talk all night and sleep all day. I'm still a night owl :)

Rose - Well done for riding out that last week with Liam! It must've been awful, but I'm glad to hear he's sleeping again now. Just keep telling yourself it will pass, because it does :)

Brussels - Hope the weekend with friends visiting was a good one and you got to have a glass or two or bubbly.

Willow - Harry is such a cutie! That's fantastic news about the extension! I hope the 8 weeks or so goes really quickly for you guys. Ryan favours his right hand, but he's facinated by both of them most of the time.

Sesame! Thinking of you girl!

Hi girls!

Argh, I haven't been getting notifications :-/ Not ignoring you all, I promise!

suz - Belated happy birthday!

Alison - I think it shows what a wonderful and connected mother you are, that you're so sad about BFing ending. But you've given her the first three months, and the main thing is that she's nourished and happy and growing. She is a beautiful girl and it's obvious that she's thriving and loved.

Tilda - I usually put Liam into the bedroom with the curtains drawn to nap during the day - it's darkened, but not completely. I don't know if it really helps - he usually just sleeps for a single sleep cycle most of the time, and will occasionally do a few hours. We did have him sleeping in a completely light room for the first six weeks and were advised by the CHN to put him in a dimmer place.

Carmey - we're definitely thinking about the possibility of teething, mostly because along with the grizzliness and bad sleep, Liam's been drooling like crazy - way, way more than his cousin, who's a month older. Time will tell, though, I guess.

AFM - Had a much better day with Liam today. He was happy and smiley for almost all the time he was awake, apart from a couple of little grizzles when he was getting tired. He did have a random massive meltdown after his bath - crying the loudest we've ever heard him - but I think he was just exhausted. He was pretty good yesterday, too - we had a family do, and he was smiley and happy again. For once, it was his cousin who was grizzling - she's normally a very settled baby.

I've been going a little bit nuts buying stuff for Liam. After hearing a few of you rave about the Bumbo, we borrowed one on the weekend to see if Liam liked it. He did, so I have one ordered. Finally got around to getting a mobile for his crib too, which he loves looking at. It's pretty cool - has music and lights and everything. I also bought him a bath seat, since he's almost grown out of his baby bath. I cannot believe how quickly he's growing up!

I'm feeling pretty wrecked after the last week, though. We had one awesome sleep where he only woke once, and then he's been back to his usual 2-3 wakings. I am ever so slightly envious of you girls who are getting 10-12 hours! I'd kill for 8-10 hours of sleep in a row right now.

Oh, and do you Perth girls want to catch up again sometime soon? I'd really like to :) And I cannot wait until you're back here to visit again, Tilda!

Oh, and adding to my previous post! I found something to amuse me last night while feeding Liam - I went back and started reading through our due date threads. It was kind of awesome to read some of it - I'd forgotten about what some of us went through! And I realised how many people dropped out of the thread.

Hi Rose - thank you so much, what would I do without you girls. xx Liam is so adorable, I'm glad he had a good day today, he's such a character and I defintely think he's been here before if you know what I mean, he just has one of those "worldly" faces, gorgeous. :p I had a lovely day with Amelia, went for a nice walk along the coast with one of my swimming friend and her bub and then this arvo discovered what makes Amelia giggle, it was very exciting. When I hold her up above my head and laugh and blow raspberries she cracks up, it's so cute. I just wish DH was here to see it. I visited a friend who lives 5 mins away today and she caught it on her camera so will wait to get it off her. DH has taken the camera down to the block with him, he'll be home Wednesday, I miss him a lot! Now we have Amelia it doesn't feel right when he goes away, it never bothered me before she came along.

As for catching up, I would LOVE to, name the day and place and I'm there! You're welcome to my place but I know you don't have transport so happy to come there too. You in Beany? Can't wait till Tilda's back in May too. Oh how funny to go back on the threads, are they still there? I might do that tomorrow. I bet mine was whinging about morning sickness lol. How funny..........I remember that like yesterday though, gross! I miss being pregnant, a lot, except the morning sickness part of course ha ha. I went to a Nutrimetics party (boring) on Saturday and met a girl who is 27 weeks pregnant, she was due on the 11th June (day before my bday) and I was told today she had the baby this morning....poor thing, hope they're both ok, a little girl. No news on if the baby is ok or why yet. Certainly makes worrying about BF'ing seem pointless. So, who's dropped off then? I think a lot have dropped off just in this thread haven't they?

Hello!

Alison - sorry to hear about Amelia dropping her BF. :( I know how it feels, I was so very very sad when I stopped, I missed him sucking and being so close to him. But really, all that matters is that she is happy and healthy, which she most definitely is! It will just take a bit of time to get used to, and you'll be ok :hug: Hehe, dont' you hate it when things go the whole day? Especially on a weekend! The same thing happened when my MIL fed Michael, he ended up with so much over his bib and down his top. We haven't let her feed him since! My Sophie the Giraffe arrived the other day! I love it! I think I love it more than Michael atm, I don't think he's got the hang of it yet. But I love when he finally does get it into his mouth how his gums make squeaky noises against the rubber. Thats sooo cute!

Rose - oh YES, I'd love to catch up again soon. I really enjoyed it last time :) My house is still open as a venue :) I'm free any time except Thurs afternoons, and possibly Tues afternoons if MIL stays home from hosp (thats the day I usually visit her) I hope Liam starts sleeping a bit longer at night for you. hehe, sounds like he was putting on the charms at your family do!

Tilda - Happy 5th Anniversary! We'll be having our 5th anniversary this year too :) Thats great Matilda slept for 2 hours during the day! I hope you put your feet up!

Carmey - we've tried teh bumbo a few times. He seems alright in it for about 3 minutes, then he just snaps and arches his back and wants out. Might just be getting used to it still...I hope! It sounsd like most of us are in the same boat in regards to DTD. We've only done it twice and its murdered me both times. So I'm happy to put off doing it as long as DH can stand!

Suz1 - Sounds like you had a lovely bday! Wow, thats a fantastic pressie! They look so impressive those mixer things, don't they? Thanks for the tip re tummy time, I've been a bit lazy and not put my face in front of him but I did it this morning and he stayed up quite a bit longer than he normally would, so thats good!

Hello to all you other lovely ladies!

AFM - been out on a walk 2 mornings in a row now! Its been really good. Michael has been an angel, I was worried he would crack the poops and cry, but he was happily playing with some toys I gave him, then he fell asleep. So was great!

Does anyone else feel like their hips are bigger? LIke, not just extra chub (I'm sure we all have that!)...but their actual hip bones? I feel like mine are, even my maternity jeans are a squeeze to get on. I did a bit of "research" (ie Googled it!) and it appears that it can happen. I'm bloomin annoyed tho, I'm gonna have to go out and buy a whole new flippin wardrobe if thats the case.

Hi Beany - thank you so much, I knew you'd understand how I felt having been there. :) I'm so glad you love the Sophie the Giraffe, isn't it the best! Michael will love it, Amelia doesn't go anywhere without her Sophie. I bought Amelia the Bright Starts rocker/swing today, it was on sale at Target for $49 down from $100! The other swing I had MIL bought me originally but it's big and cumbersome and takes up the whole lounge and it doesn't rock all the time when you flick the switch, I think it's a bit of a dud. Anyway, this one matches her bouncy so she likes it, in fact, she's asleep in it now! It was funny as a lady came up to me in the baby clothes section at Target and asked me about my pram, she's pregnant due in July and wanted to buy the same pram so was keen to know what it was like. We ended up chatting for ages, she was so excited after I gave her tips on what to buy, what not to waste money on etc., she was really sweet, I said I was jealous of her lovely little belly and she said she was jealous I had the baby already, ha ha - we were having a laugh. Then her husband came back rolling his eyes saying, is she still chatting to you ha ha - it was funny. I walked away thinking how ironic it was because when I was pregnant I was standing in the exact isle of the same shop wondering what size to buy for a newborn and asking a lady with a pram that had a baby about the same age as Amelia. Life is funny sometimes huh. I also bought a little something for the friend of a girl I met on Saturday who was 27 weeks pregnant, due on the 11th June, 1 day before my bday and unfortunately her placenta came away yesterday and she had to have an emergency c-section, her little girl is alive but in a critical condition, they're not sure if she has brain damage as she was without oxygen for about an hour inside her. It's just sad.....I haven't been able to stop thinking about her so I thought I'd buy a little gift to hopefully cheer her up. Makes me realise that worrying about not breastfeeding anymore is ridiculous in hindsight.

As for the hips thing......funny you say that because I was just thinking that even though I am carrying some extra kgs I think my shape has definitely changed. :shakehead: I haven't even attempted to put on my maternity jeans, this week has been the first week I've ventured away from the babydoll type dresses and worn a tight top as I've been so conscious of my stomach but decided it's time to embrace it. I think it may be going down slowly, I really think along with the "fat" I'm still carrying fluid, I still can't get my rings on, some days they go on but as soon as they're on my finger puffs up. I'm going to ask the Dr when I take Amelia or her 4 month needles next week if I can take some fluid retention tabs. I have read though our bodies can change shape after carrying a baby. Geez I wonder if it happens again when you have subsequent bubs........I'll be the friggin size of a house! lol

Yay for today's cooler weather huh. I'm going to see my hairdresser tomorrow, she's got a 5.5 month old but is now working from home yay. I'm so tempted to go a different hair style but I'm so scared to cut my hair off, it took so long to grow...........I just feel like a change now I'm a mum but want it fashionable still. I know me, I'll come out with just a trim as always....can't wait to get it coloured though!

Hi Everyone else, how are we all? xx

Popping in for a quick reply, will write a longer reply in a bit.

Alison - so jealous of you getting that swing! I've been eyeing that one off for ages and ages - what a bargain! Dammit, I wish I could bloody well drive - I'd be off to Target tomorrow!

Hey Rose, want me to get you one tomorrow? More than happy to, there was only a few left so can stop in after the hairdresser no problems. Let me know before 9.30 am tomorrow or text me.....I'll FB you my mobile if I don't hear back from you.

Okay, back properly now - had to dash off and hang out a load of nappies. I suspect my neighbours think I'm slightly nuts, since I'm always hanging out washing at night! It's the only quiet time of the day for me, though, and it's really nice to get outside for a little bit and look at the stars.

Alison - Oh, that would be *awesome*! DH will shake his head at me buying another thing for Liam, but too bad! I have my fingers crossed for your friend and her bub - if it helps at all, I was born at 29 weeks and have a friend the same age as me who was born at 27 weeks, and we got through it. I hear you on the hair style, too - I've been going back and forth trying to decide what to do about my own hair. I've spent the last four years or so growing it to this length, and I love it, but it's just a pain right now. And I desperately need to colour it, too. I'm tempted to chop it all off short and go back to something like my natural colour for a change. It'll always grow again.

Oh, and I got my Sophie in the mail today too! You are so awesome for recommending it! Liam grabbed onto it right away and proceeded to stick it into his mouth every possible way :)

beany - Honestly, I find it difficult to tell if my hips are bigger, since I'm carrying so much extra weight. I've been scared to try on any of my jeans to find out. I actually bought some jeans on special today in a size larger than I was wearing pre-pregnancy, thinking they'd be okay. Came home and tried them on, since I didn't want to deal with trying on clothes while I had Liam, and almost cried - couldn't even do them up! Hasn't stopped me eating tonnes since though! I'm hoping that I'll be able to lose some weight with the weather cooling and making it tolerable for me to get out walking again.

AFM - Had a pretty decent day after a kind of crap night. Liam was pretty good - he woke a couple of times for a feed and had one restless period (all of which is normal for him) but I got stuck with horrid insomnia. Took me ages to get to sleep, and as soon as I dropped off, he woke up. Meh. I've had problems with insomnia for years, I'd kind of hoped that it had gone away a bit since I've been sleeping okay. I think tonight might be crappy again, since I'm wide awake and tired again.

Liam was in an amazing mood today - all smiley and happy and talky, way way more than he usually is. He did have one massive meltdown when I took him out for a walk (on the way home, thankfully, but the poor guy was almost blue in the face when we got home - he was just hungry, though). I've started giving him a tiny dose of probiotics and I think it's making a difference to him. I was getting desperate a few days ago and considering doing things like going on an elimination diet to see if there was anything that I was eating that could be worrying him, but maybe I won't have to now. I hope this lasts, anyway - it's really nice to have a happy baby :)

Goodness, one day I'll remember to put everything I wanted to say in one post. I have serious baby brain.

I would love to catch up with you girls again soon soon soon! I'm happy to host again, or I could get anywhere that's walkable from the train. Sorry, I'm a total pain with my lack of driving :( I was hoping that I'd be able to go back driving again, but I've had crappy seizure activity again, so I don't think I'm safe :(

I do have ulterior motives in that I really want to take more photos of your bubs, though. I am officially the crazy lady with the camera.

Hi Serious Crazy Lady with the Camera - just kidding, I love your camera so am more than happy for you to take as many pics as you like! Also happy to come to yours, I'm only 15 mins down the road so no problems for me, Beany has further to go than me! Poor you with the seizures, is that epilepsy or something? I'm sure you've mentioned but the baby brain in my camp is shocking as well lol!

No problemos, just to make sure it's the one you wanted, it's the blue one with the little turtles and frogs....it's the same as the bouncy Amelia is in in some of my pics. If it's definitely the right one I'll go have a squiz after having my hair done tomorrow. There was only 3 left when I was there today but I didn't go until 5.00 pm so hopefully they'll still have some tomorrow. If not, I'll try Whitfords for you. :D Will let you know if I was successful tomorrow. Pity I didn't mention it earlier, I could've got it today when I grabbed mine. Mind you, I had no intention of buying it, I just couldn't resist when I saw how cheap it was. Like your DH mine will go, another contraption, hasn't she got enough!!!! He's away until tomorrow so who cares ha ha! I think you and I are the purchasing queens hee hee.

Alison - That's the one!

Heh, I think DH has given up on me. I buy a tonne of things online - so much so that the postal delivery guys end up knowing me. My mother is just as bad, too! I think they think we're slightly bonkers :)

And the seizures - they're from lupus involvement in my brain (which sounds worse than it is, it's actually very mild) - mostly I get myoclonic jerks, so my legs or arms will just randomly jerk. Not the safest thing for driving. I'd probably be safe 99% of the time, but it just takes that 1%.

Oh, and (look, I did it again!) I'd be happy to meet somewhere central too, if it's easier for everyone :)

Oh that would be scary if you're driving! Even sneezing when driving is scary lol!

I'm happy to come to yours and if I get the swing (fingers crossed they have some left tomoz) I'll drop it around anyway.

I LOVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVE SHOPPING.....shopaholic here! ;) Have to remember I'm not getting paid at the mo though. :doh: Speak to you tomorrow. I'm off to bed now. xx

Hello my lovelies :)

Alison - aren't Target just having the best sales atm?? Just a shame they don't keep restocking once things sell out, most annoying. Heee..thats the cycle of life...now its your turn to give advice to someone else! I can't wait till I get to help someone through their pregnancy, like my sis (if she ever has a baby!) - I want to give her all the advice and support that I never got. Oh my goodness, thats terrible about that lady giving birth at 27weeks. Oh I hope everything is ok, but as Rose said, her friend is ok having been born that early, and I'm sure there has been an awful lot more advances in science since she was born. Fingers crossed for her. Which pram did you end up getting again...a Strider one? I had a friend has me for recommendations and I remember you're pretty happy with yours. Hehe, I can't get my rings on yet either! Isn't that sad :( I dunno how long to wait until thinking about getting them resized. I miss wearing my rings :( Oooh, have fun at the hairdresser! I'm going on Friday. I'm a bit funny about it tho, cos I've had sooo much fall out I'm a bit depressed about my hair. Plus we're having profession photo's taken next wednesday and I seem to have the habit of getting my hair done right before something important and it looks crap (like getting a disaster of a perm right before our big europe trip = millions of pictures of me with frizzy tina turner hair). I haven't had mine done for 5 months!!!

Rose - I did the same thing at the shops the other day. Bought the next size up (albeit reluctantly) only to find that they were still way too small! I always thoguht I was ok with whatever shape my body takes on...but I still get quite a shock when clothes dont' fit. Sorry to hear about the insomnia, gosh that must be hard. But you're doing well :) Hopefully it will pass.

In regards to catching up...I'm more than happy to come to yours Rose, if thats ok with you. We practically live on the freeway, so its a very easy and quick drive for me to your house.

AFM - got the 3-4 month checkup with the nurse this morning. Eeee! I'm really lookig forward to it to see how he's going. Just waiting for him to wake up!

We've booked our professional photos, ended up going with Dilkarra Photography (check out her website if you get a chance!). All booked for Wednesday morning - we have to get there by 9.30am (from one side of the city to the other!) in peak hour! Hmm, I hope Michael is ok with the early start! But I am soooooooooooooooooooooooo excited!!! Its my 30th bday present, and its all I want. Can't wait!!

Gotta go!

Hi Beany - I see on FB the appointment went well! What a big boy you have ha ha, meaning tall as well - Amelia was 6.3 kgs at her check last Thursday and 61.4 cms long - so Michael towers over her! And yes Target are the best for sales huh, I'm with you though, when they run out they don't re-stock! I ended up having just a cut and colour, wasn't game to do anything else as like you we are having professional photo's done next week. We're going with the people that did her baby photos in hospital, they're called GFP Babies and GFP Families - they are cheaper than Pixie Foto (they've offered me a free sitting anyway) and you get the disc with all the pics they take and you can do what you like with them. You just have to buy a package of something first, my swimming friend did them the other week and spent $500 but got a framed pic with one of her, hubby and bub and 2 with the bub. I've bought Amelia a little ruffle tutu type skirt for hers, hee hee - DH rolled his eyes when he saw it! It was just a Big W one! It's so cute. Oh and that poor baby that was born premmie apparently had 2 seizures and a full blood transfusion over night so still critical. So sad. I dropped a little prezzie and card off for the girl I know to take into her today, I can't stop thinking about her poor thing.

Hi Rose - good news! I got you a swing, yayyyyyyy! Had to dive under their big display desk but I got one lol! If you like I can drop it around Friday when I'm out and about. I can text you when I know what time....depends if I can get into swimming as to what time. :p

Hi Everyone else, hope you and your bubs are all well. xx