Beach Bump Graduates!

[Hann12]

That's amazing news Mel! It will be good to have something to do that's not child related I'm sure! I can be a guinea pig if you need someone - I just have to do some exercise lol!

Mastitis is slowly going thankfully. It still looks bad but the pain is going.
Henry was so good last night, he slept 11.45pm - 4.30 unfortunately Annabelle woke up at 11.45pm and wouldn't go back to sleep until gone 1, I only went in twice but was still up and aware of Greg going in and out about 6 times. He then went back to sleep at around 5.15am and Annabelle woke at 5.30! So between them we got little sleep even though Henry did really well. Very frustrating!
Hopefully Annabelle will sleep better tonight and Henry will be as to repeat last nights performance.

 

[mummySS]

Hello all,

Mel that's so exciting about your new venture! It will be lovely to do something different and the hours etc sound perfect.

Hann, glad the mastitis is getting better, well done for feeding through it. And great sleep from baby Henry! How did he sleep last night? Hope annabelle slept a bit better too - glad to hear Greg is helping with her! Do you think she's unsettled because of the new baby, or is this just normal for her?

AFM just on the tube on my way to work for the last time as I start maternity leave from next week yay!! I feel really sick today so I'll be so pleased to not have to worry about work. We are finally back at home too and got the inlaws staying this weekend, so still busy times. 35 weeks today - I could have a baby in 4 weeks time!!!

 

[Hann12]

Happy 35 weeks Simmy!! Hope work was okay today but yay for maternity leave. The next 4 weeks will fly by. When will you get your section date?

Busy day again here, we went to the farm this morning, then stopped by at a japanese supermarket and got some take out sushi and sashimi for tonights dinner, how I have mised it!! Then this afternoon we went and had out 10 day check up for Henry, he's not quite at birth weight yet which I'm really surprised about but hopefully he will be by next week. Annabelle put on weight so this is a bit new to me! Hes gorgeous though
Having a nice dinner tonight then have an influx of visitors over bank holiday weekend.

Had an amazing night last night - Henry slept 10.30-2.30 then was up for 1.5 hours feeding, then he slept until 7.40. So we got an amazing sleep, plus annabelle only woke once at 11pm so that was fab too after all the wake ups. She normally sleeps through so all the waking recently is definitely because of insecurity over Henry. She really loves him though, shes had quite a few cuddles with him now, she gives him kisses all the time, and she giggles like crazy when he has hiccups - she thinks its the funniest thing. I think she also likes having company in the car, she just sits staring at him, so cute.

Anyway hope everyone is doing well, I'll try and be better at posting now

 

[melissasbump]

OOOH Simmy, not long to go now!!! So exciting!!! And whoop whoop for maternity leave!

Hann, the farm sounds lovely, i love a good farm lol, so does H, who, today has been a blooming nightmare lol. He had a late night last night as we went for a meal and he didnt lay in so has been pretty grumpy from tiredness all day, thank god bedtime came!
Thats amazing sleep from Henry!
Actally we had our own sleep breakthrough last night. Lucas slept from 1030pm till 730am! Couldnt believe it but bet it doenst happen tonight lol. Hes asleep now so fingers crossed!

Alan is on lates till next wed so 5 bedtimes on my own! Not the greatest fun lol! Never mind, hes got 5 days off after that. Weather has been grott today, hasnt helped Harrisons mood as ive not even let him in the garden. We did have a friend over for lunch and a short walk with the dog this afternoon but guess that wasnt enough for him.
Dont know what we are going to do tomorrow, hope the weather is better!

 

[melissasbump]

Hann, thats so cute about Annabelle, Harrison is also always kissing Lucas, a bit clumsily sometimes though!

 

[Hann12]

Mel - how do you manage bedtimes? I don't know if I should install a bedtime routine with Henry and get him into bed at 6.30 which frees me up to put Annabelle to bed at 7, or if I just put him down while I put Annabelle to bed and then put him to bed 1-3 hours after. At the moment one if us takes him and the other puts her to bed, he's sleeping in the evening but not properly until around 11/12pm so apprehensive about trying to put him down earlier however that's what I did with Annabelle and she's such a good sleeper now. Really don't know what to do!!
Any advice would be much appreciated.

Had a good day, had gregs brother and family over which was actually nice. Feel bad for them because they are getting it in the neck from gregs family at the moment because his younger brother gets married at the beginning of sept and its a fri and turns out its the second day of my nephews first time at school so they've decided that my SIL and children won't go. The ceremony is no children anyway so they are only missing the party part of it. It's gone down like a lead balloon with gregs mum and dad though, and the bride and groom. SIL spoke to me about it today, feel sorry for her. She also mentioned how annoying mil was being to her - had to say to her that mil totally annoys me too lol!

We also asked mil to babysit for us on fri so we could have a dinner out (as she's here thurs-sun arghhh) anyway she jumped at it until she realised that Henry would be coming with us! Not being funny but as if I would leave a 2.5 week old baby! Also I would need to feed him!! Silly women but thankfully we will be going out for the night so there is a positive story to her visit. Although I have to get through thurs/fri to reap the rewards!!

 

[melissasbump]

Hi all

Hann, re bedtime, to be honest its been a lot more slap dash this time round. I was rigid with Hs bedtime routine and it has always worked, we have had to kind of fit Lucas in around it. Its only in the last couple of weeks we have established a kind of routine with him too. You will probably be a bit the same especially when Greg isnt there.
Also like Henry, Lucas wasnt going to bed very early so its diffucult to try and get them in bed before.
So now it works like this. Harrisons bedtime routine has stayed as it always was, bath around 6-630 and milk and bed between 7 and 7330. Lucas has a bath before Harrison gets in and will either have had a feed before or will have one afterwards, depending when his last one was. Lucas is going to bed properly now between 8 and 9, will normally have a feed some point before midnight, then wont get fed again untill at least 5-530, the other morning he slept till 730, but hes doing almost 6-7 hours minimum now.

Hann, my bedtime basic strategy is to keep Hs as it always has been and Lucas to fit round it Once Lucas is sleeping the same period of time, ie from 7pm then will probably put him to bed first then Harrison. Like i say its a case of doing what works when you are on your own!
Glad you had a nice day today, not very nice re your SIL and BILs situation, weddings etc always cause family issues. Your MIL never fails to amuse me lol . I agree, silly woman! lol
Quiet day here, Alan is in the middle of a load of lates so betime is all mine for 5 days in a row, its exausting!
Going to my parents tomorrow though so should get a chance to sit and relax whilst they amuse H.

 

[Hann12]

Thanks so much Mel! I imagine that I may well go down the same road as you. My worry at the moment is that Henry will decide he wants a feed at the time Annabelle has to go to bed. It's happened quite a few times so far and obviously Greg has stepped in but if that happens without him it's going to be tough. I can't bear leaving Henry to cry so I'm going to struggle! I'm trying to master feeding in a sling but its definitely not as easy as I hoped it would be!
On the plus side Henry just managed 5.5 hours between feeds! I was feeding on and off for about 1.5 hours before he did it. Can't imagine it will be repeated again so easily lol!

 

[Hann12]

Hope you have fun at your parents by the way - it's always nice to get help. I know I'm going to miss that when gregs back at work. I technically have mil helping on thurs/fri this week when he's back so I don't have to do bedtime alone, then I have another week with Greg before I join you on the 5 nights a week doing it alone. I am not looking forward to it but I guess I should be thankful that I will have had help for almost 4 weeks by that point.
It's hard to see that though when it all happens though lol. I'll be tearing my hair out I think!!

 

[caz_hills]

Hi girls,

I am so sorry, I've been rubbish at posting - just been so busy. What with the house rennovations, work being crazy busy, a few social things and Neel and Ajay, it's been madness!

But this weekend is lovely, we're not really doing anything!

Han - sounds like Annabelle has taken really well to being a big sister, bless her. Is she getting better with Greg putting her down and things? Henry seems to be sleeping well considering he is still do young which is excellent news!

Mel - I can't believe that Lucas is two months old already! Hope you manage ok whilst Alan is at work in the evenings. Also so exciting about your college course - that will be amazing and great that you can fit it around the family.

Simmy - wow 35 weeks, I thought you were just over 30! It will be coming around so soon. Have you thought about how much time you will take off for maternity leave and whether you would go back?

So all is well here. Last week I was away Wednesday and Thursday at a conference and had two sessions I was facilitating which I was nervous about. Then to top it off on Thursday at college we had a presentation to do so I rushed there to do that. Then Friday working in Richmond and then had dinner with a friend. Yesterday, I got up with Ajay as I just felt that I'd barely seem him and yesterday we just chilled out.

The house is coming along well - the structure is done externally and the internal walls should be finished next week. We have another 5 weeks basically I think but as soon as the kitchen is in we can then move back in. But honestly living with Neel's parents i probably 80% ok, maybe even 90% ok! They are trying hard not to step on our toes and as I'm working (last time I was on maternity leave so I was always at home with Ajay) and so it's ok.

I'll try and post more, I've been reading but just not managing to post! x

 

[caz_hills]

Oh forgot to ask - what's it like having two kids for those of you who have two? Is it easier having a new born when its 2nd time around? x

 

[melissasbump]

Hi all

Hann, the thought of doing it alone is more scary than the actual thing I think, although it mainly depends what mood Harrison is in but for the most part hes been good. Lucas doesnt normally need feeding around bathtime luckily although there have been the odd times where Ive had to let him moan a bit, its hard though and Harrison usually gets a shorter bath! You will do fine. I think its good for both of them actually as they both have to learn to be a bit patient.

Caz, I dont know how you manage to do so much! lol! Glad the house is coming along well. And thanks re the college course, im so excited about it, im actually about to start studying the theory already, in physiology and anatomy, so just getting myself organised around that.
And how is it with two? Well its blooming hectic! lol but I find im much more chilled out about a newborn than first time around, its the toddler which is the hard work!

Nice day at my parents, I really miss Alan when the weathers so nice, it would be nice to be together as a family.
Oh and there is a very slim chance I might not have to go back to my job in the police at all. I can actually take a career break of up to 5 years so i make take one, get a part time job closer to home and hopefully can also get started in sports massage next year. My parents may be in a postion to lend us some cash to pay off a couple of debts in which case we wont need as much income each month. When Alan retires in 3 years he gets a lump sum so if we havent repaid by then it can come out of that. Im keeping everything crossed! In our opinion we would rather have a bit less money over next couple of years than me have to go back to shift work, I dont want to miss out on my boys and they are only this young once, wont ever get this time back with them.

 

[SugarBeth]

LOL Caz, that's what I've been wondering too. I have an idea, but I'm wondering what it'll be like this time. I feel like I won't be quite so panicked this time around, as with Katie I worried about every tiny itty bitty thing because I didn't know what I was doing yet. But I know Katie is going to give me a run for my money and I'll have to keep this newborn close. Katie LOVES pointing (poking) eyes and saying "Eye! Eye!". And Katie has a way of knowing when I really need to sleep and using that time to be the least sleepiest child on the planet. I'm sure it'll be a juggle, but honestly I'm looking forward to it. I can't wait to meet this baby already.

Just a week and a half until I'm in second trimester! I have a doctor appointment on Thursday to hear the heart beat, I'm sure I'll feel much more relaxed after that happens. I still feel like I'm holding my breath and worrying about the other shoe dropping, can't wait to be free of that feeling and have it replaced by the feeling of a baby moving!

 

[caz_hills]

If you could so the career break that would be amazing Mel - such an opportunity. And I'm sure that being a sports therapist would be more flexible hours than doing shifts in the police force.

SB - I'm sure your scan will go fine and it will be lovely to get the assurances that you need. X

Off to a friends for a BBQ today and not much else on. Loving the weather! Ajay had a lie in today too - until 9.15 I couldn't believe it!

 

[melissasbump]

Ahhh, boys in bed, ironing done now sitting down with a coffee and a bounty!

Hope everyone has had a lovely weekend. Mine would have been better if Alan hadnt been working, we did get to a boot sale this morning though before he went to work and bought the biggest cuddly Eeyore I have ever seen in my life. Harrison loves it even though its twice the size of him!
This afternoon we have been playing in the garden with a bucket of water ( funny what kids love isnt it!) Alan has got one more shift tomorrow then is off for 5 days, we are looking forward to it!
Harrison is staying over at my mums on thurs so we thought we would try Lucas in the cot in his room that night. Hes getting a bit big for the basket now and his sleeping is pretty good, he went 845 till 530 last night then again from 615 to 930 when we work him. The boy loves his lay ins!
I went for a run this morning, im on week five of my 10 week plan, im quite enjoying it so far. We have been working out our finances to see the minimum amount id need to earn from another job if i took the career break option. its looking rather promising but it will mean tightening our belts.

SB, Wow 2nd tri already! its flying by! Good luck for your appointment on thurs. Lol think Katies gonna have a shock when number 2 comes along!

Caz, love the fact Ajay slept in lol, Harrison has never ever laid in till that time! Hope you had a nice time at the barbeque, lovely day for it

 

[mummySS]

Hello all,

Sorry haven't posted in a while, had the inlaws here all weekend so didn't get much time to get on the laptop, have been reading along though...

Mel glad you're getting through the 5 days of alan's late shifts, it's great that you're fitting in some family time too around his working - and your runs - very good!! Lucas sounds like the best little boy with his sleeping, bless him. We had Leo in his cot bed at 6 weeks as he outgrew the moses baskets and he slept much better in the cot, so hope it goes well for Lucas. You seem so laid back and calm as a parent of two, you're my inspiration

Caz, I'm amazed at Ajay lying in, he's such a good boy - on a bank holiday too! Bless him. Glad it's not going too badly at the inlaws', def helps that you're at work a lot of the time

SB hope the appointment goes well on thursday!

Hann, how's this weekend gone? Amazing that henry is already going 5.5 hours between some feeds - did you get a repeat performance? And re the bathtime thing, at least hopefully the feeds will get a bit quicker soon, i seem to remember at about 6 weeks old the babies suddenly figure out how to feed faster and you can get it done in 20 mins as opposed to 1.5 hours... So is greg still off work this week?

Maria hope you're ok - loved the pics of your camping holiday, girls looked so happy!

AFM had a busy time of it, the PILs have gone now and although they are lovely and very helpful i'm glad to be at home just the three of us - we were with my parents for 3 weeks and then had the inlaws staying straight after so i have been craving some downtime at home, without having to chat to anyone lol! (paul doesn't count haha!).

Leo's at nursery all day tomorrow and it's my first free day of maternity leave so i'm gonna take the opportunity to start washing baby clothes!

Also starting to rethink our names - we were all set on Sophia and then I suddenly went off it, i think becuase i keep hearing of babies being called sophia/sofia and the popularity of it puts me off... So back to square one - paul is really annoyed as he loves sophia!

 

[caz_hills]

Hi girls,
Just a quick question - I posted in toddler group too - do you still feed your little ones? Ajay went through a long phase of feeding himself but now he doesn't and won't eat (just says finished) unless I feed him..... should I just dick my heels in and make him eat himself or is it ok to still be feeding him?
xx

 

[Doodlepants]

Can you give him a spoon and feed him for a bit Caz? Hopefully it's just a phase and he will go back to feeding himself.
I'm just catching up, hope everyone's OK! x

 

[Doodlepants]

Sorry I'm so rubbish at posting!!

Glad you got some time to yourselves at last Simmy! That's a long time to be entertaining! I bet you're glad for some peace. How are you feeling? I bet you're pleased to be finished work!

I hope your appointment goes well tomorrow SB! I'm so excited for you, it's flying by! Your pics on FB are fab as ever- I particularly love your ones of Katie and the ones of all the lovely things you bake! So yummy!

Mel you are like superwoman! Well done with the course, I bet you will love it!! It sounds like you're doing really well with the running too- I suddenly feel very lazy.....

Sounds like you had a good weekend Caz! Having two is certainly more work BUT you feel more laid back (well I did anyway!) as you know what to expect and I found myself just generally being more chilled out this time. Are you planning to try soon? How is the house going?

Hann how are you getting on?! Henry is gorgeous! Is Greg still home with you? How have you found the night times? So glad the feeding is going well!

Georgie how are you getting on?

Fi- lovely pics of you all at a wedding! Cassie looked so sweet with her daisy headband!

It's half term so busy here, we went camping at the weekend which was good- we were certainly lucky with the weather! Other than that just trying to do lots of days out etc with the girls and make the most of having Holly home. I will try to be better at posting! xx

 

[Hann12]

Hi
Sorry for not posting again, been so busy and been making the most of having Greg off. He's back at work tomorrow and Friday although mil is here late tomorrow until early Sunday so I'm only really alone tomorrow. Not that I'm looking forward to having her stay in the slightest.
We bought a different bath seat so I can bathe them together and a bouncer from mothercare for £12 which he seems to like.
The sleeps have not been repeated, getting about 4 hours of broken sleep a night, needless to say I'm exhausted most of the time!
Simmy - you are right that the feeding will be easier by week 6 so only 4 weeks to go which is nothing really.
I had the HV here today and he's put on 11 ounces in 5 days and is now 8.12!! He's 92 percentile for height and 60th for weight lol. Lanky boy!

Mel - have you got Alan home again now? Hope you survive the 5 days alone, can't believe that will be me soon! So nervous!!

Simmy - I like Sophia, what are your other thoughts?

Caz - the newborn bit second time around feels much easier but the balancing of 2 is hard. If I'm holding Henry then Annabelle wants a cuddle too. She's always been quite high maintanance though!!
As for feeding I have no idea what expectations are. Annabelle won't let me fed her since she was about 12 months. I think they get lazy though so I'd encourage him to do it. Surely when he's at nursery they get him to feed himself?

SB - Annabelle pokes Henry in the face all the time to show she knows various body parts. We never leave her alone with him and we tell her she can't touch his eyes.