Thanks to the fact I have a lovely, and pretty easy going baby, Mum and I were able to take him shopping today!!
We went to Bounce and Rhyme first and then met Mum for a lift to Hanley as I'm in need of some new shoes for the wedding on Saturday. Since I've not worn heels for so long and my joints are all still feeling rather weak, I couldn't face the thought of wearing my high gold heels so wanted to find a pair of low kitten heels, in gold and slingbacks. I don't know if it's normal at this point although I've read the hormone which makes your pelvis softer in preparation for birth is still in your system for up to six months afterwards so at the moment I'm hobbling around feeling stiff and my ankles need extra support and I'm too scared to carry Joel in heels that I don't feel safe in.
After a little bit of searching I found a pair in Debenhams which were half price in the sale and exactly what I was looking for. Hurrah! I'm hoping the gold shoes and bangles will go with my purple bellamama dress. All I need now is a big pair of pants to get rid of the VPL and hold my tummy in and I'm sorted!
Joel was so good all day. We got to the shops about 12.00 noon and went straight to a cafe for a sandwich where I was able to feed him, and then he slept all around the shops, getting lots of comments on his cuteness from old ladies and we were even able to stop off at Trentham Gardens on the way home for Mum to get some presents whilst I fed him in the car and then we lay on the grass so he could enjoy the fresh air and kick his legs about a bit.
Once we were home he was quite shattered and had a very good sleep but that didn't stop him going out like a light at 7pm after his bath!! Lets see what time he sleeps until tonight! Tomorrow we're going to Leeds for the day so I hope he's as good again!! :)
Wednesday 29 June 2011
Tuesday 28 June 2011
Tuesday Play Time
How cute are they?!
Forgot to say as well, Joel grabbed a chicken from one of his dangly mobile toy things, and put the chicken's tail in his mouth!! Whether it was deliberate or accidental, it impressed me greatly! He certainly knows where his mouth is as his hand, fingers, thumb or all of the above are pretty much in it all the time at the moment, but to grasp a toy and put that in his mouth? Well, that's new!! :)
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Monday 27 June 2011
Sleep Patterns
Last night I was going to bed at 10pm and thought I'd have another go at feeding Joel there and then to see whether it would mean he slept longer through (hopefully till 7am!)
He slept through the feed which meant it was easier to put him back down afterwards and there were no issues there, and to be fair to him, he did sleep until nearly 6.30am this morning, but I didn't benefit due to the mugginess of the weather as I was awake at 2am and slept rather fitfully.
But, having yesterday attempted to feed lying down, we had another go today and it was lovely. I got to be dozy and relaxed and he gets to be cosy and nurtured and feeds well that way. We spent an hour like that this lunchtime and both felt better for it I think.
I'm going to take a photo and post it as I think it's a lovely thing but I will title it as such so those who may be offended don't have to see! Who knew I'd take so well to breastfeeding!? Certainly not me!
He slept through the feed which meant it was easier to put him back down afterwards and there were no issues there, and to be fair to him, he did sleep until nearly 6.30am this morning, but I didn't benefit due to the mugginess of the weather as I was awake at 2am and slept rather fitfully.
But, having yesterday attempted to feed lying down, we had another go today and it was lovely. I got to be dozy and relaxed and he gets to be cosy and nurtured and feeds well that way. We spent an hour like that this lunchtime and both felt better for it I think.
I'm going to take a photo and post it as I think it's a lovely thing but I will title it as such so those who may be offended don't have to see! Who knew I'd take so well to breastfeeding!? Certainly not me!
Hot Hot Hot
It's been about 27 degrees here today which poses all sorts of questions!
What to do with a baby!
Vest or no vest (no vest).
Socks or no socks (no socks).
Time outside or stay inside? (outside until 11am then inside until 3pm then outside again!)
Stick to feeding routines? (Just fed on demand and got greeny poop for it which means lots of foremilk has been drunk but I guess that's a good thing on a hot day)
Then the real poser question - night time - sleep suit, gro bag or vest?
We've just put him in a vest tonight to reassess at my bed time of 9.30 as the gro thermometer was indicating red with a sad face, and 25 degrees which is waaaay to hot for what's recommended for a baby. I hate the sad face on things as it means baby will not like it.
Anyhow, he woke himself up just, for the first time in ages! He actually cried! I was so surprised to hear him through the monitor! He had another feed to settle himself down, and has gone back to sleep again. Poor Joel, he's not been terribly happy in the hot weather, although first thing we had some lovely smiles! Here's some pictures from today:
What to do with a baby!
Vest or no vest (no vest).
Socks or no socks (no socks).
Time outside or stay inside? (outside until 11am then inside until 3pm then outside again!)
Stick to feeding routines? (Just fed on demand and got greeny poop for it which means lots of foremilk has been drunk but I guess that's a good thing on a hot day)
Then the real poser question - night time - sleep suit, gro bag or vest?
We've just put him in a vest tonight to reassess at my bed time of 9.30 as the gro thermometer was indicating red with a sad face, and 25 degrees which is waaaay to hot for what's recommended for a baby. I hate the sad face on things as it means baby will not like it.
Anyhow, he woke himself up just, for the first time in ages! He actually cried! I was so surprised to hear him through the monitor! He had another feed to settle himself down, and has gone back to sleep again. Poor Joel, he's not been terribly happy in the hot weather, although first thing we had some lovely smiles! Here's some pictures from today:
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| Joel on seeing his Daddy this morning! |
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| Cheeky smiles for Mummy! |
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| Relaxing in the garden. |
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| Trying to keep cool in the shade and catch a breeze. |
Saturday 25 June 2011
Whatever You Can Do...
I write this today from an offended perspective. My husband this morning told me he knows better than me how to look after a baby.
I'd like to see him try.
I've been doing all night feeds and 7am feeds and this morning Joel was up and awake at 5.30 so up I got with him.
It'd be nice to be told I could have a lie in one day but apparently I have to book these in advance being psychic to know what nights will mean I'm more tired to fit in with HIS work schedule.
This led to a bit of a fight and as I'm so tired today (swaying on my feet) I've left Joel in his hands and the poor child is being subjected to guitar playing and singing having been on his Dad's knee whilst he works on his computer. Steve won't play with him on his gym mat or anything like that, apparently that's 'my way' not Steve's way. Never mind what Joel likes to do.
I just wish that Steve would try to engage Joel in what he needs rather than what Steve feels he wants. I'd feel a lot easier leaving him that way. I can hear Joel now being bored as the guitar playing has gone on too long for him and he needs a change. Poor thing, but if I tell Steve this I'm being a nag and 'butting in'.
I support Steve by dealing with the night feeds and not asking for much in return as I know he's busy, I just wish he could let me have some time to rest in a morning once in a while without having to worry about Joel's well being or book the time in advance which frankly is a selfish and demeaning request.
Husbands, who'd have them?
EDIT: - we made friends again not long after we argued and I wrote this post. I acknowledge I was horribly tired and grotty and he couldn't cope with my grottiness. He also was sorry for saying some things and I guess that's just what having a baby can do for a relationship from time to time. I'm sure it won't be the last argument either as I do get very grumpy when tired.
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I'd like to see him try.
I've been doing all night feeds and 7am feeds and this morning Joel was up and awake at 5.30 so up I got with him.
It'd be nice to be told I could have a lie in one day but apparently I have to book these in advance being psychic to know what nights will mean I'm more tired to fit in with HIS work schedule.
This led to a bit of a fight and as I'm so tired today (swaying on my feet) I've left Joel in his hands and the poor child is being subjected to guitar playing and singing having been on his Dad's knee whilst he works on his computer. Steve won't play with him on his gym mat or anything like that, apparently that's 'my way' not Steve's way. Never mind what Joel likes to do.
I just wish that Steve would try to engage Joel in what he needs rather than what Steve feels he wants. I'd feel a lot easier leaving him that way. I can hear Joel now being bored as the guitar playing has gone on too long for him and he needs a change. Poor thing, but if I tell Steve this I'm being a nag and 'butting in'.
I support Steve by dealing with the night feeds and not asking for much in return as I know he's busy, I just wish he could let me have some time to rest in a morning once in a while without having to worry about Joel's well being or book the time in advance which frankly is a selfish and demeaning request.
Husbands, who'd have them?
EDIT: - we made friends again not long after we argued and I wrote this post. I acknowledge I was horribly tired and grotty and he couldn't cope with my grottiness. He also was sorry for saying some things and I guess that's just what having a baby can do for a relationship from time to time. I'm sure it won't be the last argument either as I do get very grumpy when tired.
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Thursday 23 June 2011
Mummy Milk!
I'm trying to build up a little stock of milk and this morning due to Joel sleeping from 7pm - 5.30am (!) I had over full boobs and expressing was a relief!!
I've written on the lid the date of expressing and the expiration date of 3 months in the freezer! Good old Sharpie pens! I bet expressed milk pot lids weren't on the list of what they can write on! Ha ha!!
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Wednesday 22 June 2011
Feeding in Public
I'm not a militant person at all when it comes to breast feeding. I didn't feel strongly before that I HAD to do it, and I wasn't againt formula feeding. I just thought I'd give it a go, and if it worked for us it'd be more convenient for me, cheaper and have a few more benefits than formula but nothing to stress over if it didn't work.
Luckily for me we both took to it. Yes we had some issues getting started but with a little patience we got there in the end and I think we're both benefitting from it.
So yes, I do now think that breast is best.
But that doens't mean I'm going to be a Mum who has no issue with flopping boobs out in public like some I've seen!! I'm discreet, and try to feed in places where people won't be offended. I wouldn't eat my own meal in a toilet, so I'm not going to sit in a public loo for 20 minutes to feed my baby, but if I'm in a Mums and Toddlers meeting I'll feed there, and in the library there's a quiet sofa in the baby book room, so I've fed there on occasion when in town.
And this is my cause for comment today. After Bounce and Rhyme Joel was hungry so we went and sat on the sofa in the corner, out of the way, and I always wear a vest under a top, so I unhook my nursing bra and pull it and the vest down (the vest then covers my tummy) and I pull the top up so all that is there is the important bit (!) but this is all hidden by baby's head and once he's latched on you can't see a thing.
Anyway, a grandma was coming in with a pram and there was also a grandad who made a bit of a fuss about me sitting there and the grandma said loudly 'I said you wouldn't want to come in' as though I was causing a big hassle. I even had a muslin over me so I know nothing could be seen but they were still embarrassed.
Then it went to the other extreme as a Mum leaving from singing said 'Respect to You!! So many mum's don't even try it do they?" and this I found a bit militant as it's all personal and down to each mum as to what they want to do with regards feeding. And yes, I would encourage any mum to give it a go as the benefits are wonderful, but I wouldn't judge Mum's for not carrying on with it if they couldn't.
Hmm, anyway, that is my thought for the day. It's time for 'The Apprentice' now and then bed for me!
Luckily for me we both took to it. Yes we had some issues getting started but with a little patience we got there in the end and I think we're both benefitting from it.
So yes, I do now think that breast is best.
But that doens't mean I'm going to be a Mum who has no issue with flopping boobs out in public like some I've seen!! I'm discreet, and try to feed in places where people won't be offended. I wouldn't eat my own meal in a toilet, so I'm not going to sit in a public loo for 20 minutes to feed my baby, but if I'm in a Mums and Toddlers meeting I'll feed there, and in the library there's a quiet sofa in the baby book room, so I've fed there on occasion when in town.
And this is my cause for comment today. After Bounce and Rhyme Joel was hungry so we went and sat on the sofa in the corner, out of the way, and I always wear a vest under a top, so I unhook my nursing bra and pull it and the vest down (the vest then covers my tummy) and I pull the top up so all that is there is the important bit (!) but this is all hidden by baby's head and once he's latched on you can't see a thing.
Anyway, a grandma was coming in with a pram and there was also a grandad who made a bit of a fuss about me sitting there and the grandma said loudly 'I said you wouldn't want to come in' as though I was causing a big hassle. I even had a muslin over me so I know nothing could be seen but they were still embarrassed.
Then it went to the other extreme as a Mum leaving from singing said 'Respect to You!! So many mum's don't even try it do they?" and this I found a bit militant as it's all personal and down to each mum as to what they want to do with regards feeding. And yes, I would encourage any mum to give it a go as the benefits are wonderful, but I wouldn't judge Mum's for not carrying on with it if they couldn't.
Hmm, anyway, that is my thought for the day. It's time for 'The Apprentice' now and then bed for me!
Jabs :(
Yesterday morning we went along to Mum's and Toddlers at church and there were four babies there which was nice!! My friend Elizabeth brought her daughter Trudy along and another lady brought her son Louis (our three were born on the 14th, 16th and 20th April!!) The other baby was four months old and slept throughout the morning!
We then walked along to town straight afterwards to see the doctor at 2.00pm who wiggled Joel's hips and spine, did a startle reflex test which we didn't like as it involved him feeling 'dropped' and hearing and sight reflexes which are all perfect.
Then it was time for the jabs, so we went to see the nurse and I decided to soothe him straight afterwards on the breast (another great reason to keep breastfeeding, instant calm!) and it was horrid. He didn't like the first injection, and began to wail, the proper, hold your breath, turn purple and loud, loud screams, and he'd just calmed down when the second one was done, and the shock in his little face that it was happening again was dreadful, but then I was able to swiftly turn him over and latch him on, and his tears were dripping onto my breast but he quickly calmed down and was smiling and chuckling at the nurse by the time we left the office.
We then went along to the Health Visitor and he was weighed at 12lbs and 3oz which was another great weight gain! Especially for breast feeding so I'm very chuffed with him. He was brilliant.
We walked along home again and got in about 3.00pm and I was quite exhausted from the miles walked but felt much better for the exercise and he was lovely all afternoon and early evening until the effects of the jabs seemed to come over him and he began to grizzle. He'd had a great feed, then his bath and he began to grizzle.
Going up to bed didn't calm him as normal, and we decided to give him a dose of the paracetamol that had been prescribed by the doctor to try and help him sleep off the effects. He then kept intermittently screaming, grizzling and laughing at the crochet blanket on the back of our rocking chair!
Anyhow, he did go off to sleep and didn't wake until 2.30 for a feed and then slept right on through till 7.15 this morning!!
I'm so proud of him, he's such a wonderfully content and good natured baby.
We then walked along to town straight afterwards to see the doctor at 2.00pm who wiggled Joel's hips and spine, did a startle reflex test which we didn't like as it involved him feeling 'dropped' and hearing and sight reflexes which are all perfect.
Then it was time for the jabs, so we went to see the nurse and I decided to soothe him straight afterwards on the breast (another great reason to keep breastfeeding, instant calm!) and it was horrid. He didn't like the first injection, and began to wail, the proper, hold your breath, turn purple and loud, loud screams, and he'd just calmed down when the second one was done, and the shock in his little face that it was happening again was dreadful, but then I was able to swiftly turn him over and latch him on, and his tears were dripping onto my breast but he quickly calmed down and was smiling and chuckling at the nurse by the time we left the office.
We then went along to the Health Visitor and he was weighed at 12lbs and 3oz which was another great weight gain! Especially for breast feeding so I'm very chuffed with him. He was brilliant.
We walked along home again and got in about 3.00pm and I was quite exhausted from the miles walked but felt much better for the exercise and he was lovely all afternoon and early evening until the effects of the jabs seemed to come over him and he began to grizzle. He'd had a great feed, then his bath and he began to grizzle.
Going up to bed didn't calm him as normal, and we decided to give him a dose of the paracetamol that had been prescribed by the doctor to try and help him sleep off the effects. He then kept intermittently screaming, grizzling and laughing at the crochet blanket on the back of our rocking chair!
Anyhow, he did go off to sleep and didn't wake until 2.30 for a feed and then slept right on through till 7.15 this morning!!
I'm so proud of him, he's such a wonderfully content and good natured baby.
Monday 20 June 2011
Afternoon Napping
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Joel's First Picnic
The in-laws have been kipping over in tents for the weekend so we went to visit today and yesterday!
He slept most of the time there! I guess country air does knock babies out for the count!
He's wide awake for this photo though but with a breeze in his face!
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Sunday 19 June 2011
Steve's First Father's Day
It's Father's Day today and Joel got a lovely little card with owls on, and which said Happy Father's Day Daddy (I didn't think an 8 week old baby would be calling him 'Dad' yet which didn't occur to Steve when I got my 'Best Mum' birthday card rather than the cutesy 'Mummy' card Joel would surely have picked had he had the opportunity!!)
He also got Steve the Game of Thrones books as we've been watching the tv show together and Steve had thought he'd like the books for our holiday to Cornwall next month so before he could buy them for himself, we ordered them through Amazon!!
As Steve's family were up for the weekend he got to see his Dad as well :) I got a nice picture of Grandson, Daddy and Grandpa which I'll have to download at some point.
He also got Steve the Game of Thrones books as we've been watching the tv show together and Steve had thought he'd like the books for our holiday to Cornwall next month so before he could buy them for himself, we ordered them through Amazon!!
As Steve's family were up for the weekend he got to see his Dad as well :) I got a nice picture of Grandson, Daddy and Grandpa which I'll have to download at some point.
Reunion
He loves his funky bandana bibs though (well, ok, maybe he has no preference but I like them!!)
At our ante-natal class reunion. It was a very interesting meet up with 6 very different stories.
Out of the six babies, two had tongue tie, two mums had c-sections, (one being me), four of us were still breast feeding (me again!!), one baby had to spend two weeks in special care, having come 5 weeks early and then become jaundiced, and one baby has been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and will need medication for his whole life.
That's a lot to take in really, for his parents their lives have taken a turn for the unexpected.
We're so lucky to have such a healthy baby. Yes I had issues after the labour but I'd rather that than him have any problems.
But we were all glad to have undertaken the classes. And learnt a lot.
And here we all are below:
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Friday 17 June 2011
Thumbs Vs Dummies
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Where Do Babies Sleep?
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Wednesday 15 June 2011
Funky Bandana Bibs
He's sleeping now and it's hard to not just wake him for a cuddle!! :)
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8 Weeks Old
My baby Joel is 8 weeks old today. I can't believe how fast the time has flown!! He's doing so well. He's become very good at sleeping at night, we bath him at 7.00pm and then have a wind down time in his nursery with lullabys, a good feed and dim lights. He's normally asleep by 8.00pm and then I go to bed at 9.00pm to prepare for the night feed which is around 12.00 - 1.00am then he goes through till about 6.00am which is ok by me!! I get a cup of tea while Joel enjoys his mobile and then we get on with the day!
His day starts with chuckles and smiles and a little wash and a clean outfit. He sits in his vibrating chair whilst I shower and then he has a kick in his gym and we sing some nursery rhymes. By about 8.30am he's a bit tired again and usually goes down for a nap of about an hour and then has a good feed afterwards.
And that's our day's routine! Sleep, eat, play, sleep eat play!! As long as he naps in the morning, lunchtime and afternoon, he's a very contented happy baby!
He's a chubby little boy who is good at being put down and smiled at across a room, as well as enjoying cuddles and being picked up and passed around by all the family.
He sometimes likes a dummy, and sometimes doesn't! Today he is in dummy mode. He makes little fists and curls his arms up when he's tired and grumpy. He still loves his baths. They calm him down if he's shouty, but lifting him out the bath makes him VERY cross!! He howls and howls and only calms down when his feet go into his sleepsuit. Even then, when we take him upstairs his little fists and shoulders are clenched tightly and during his feed he relaxes to go to sleep!! It's very cute and feisty.
We have a wedding on July 2nd, and I've bought a little dungarees outfit for him with a matching hat. I'm not going to bother dressing him up all fancy, as he's cute as a baby and he looks adorable in his little dungarees!! Babies aren't babies for long enough so I'm going to make the most of him looking like one!
He's got more control of his arms at the moment as well and can get his fingers in his mouth without a problem now. He's using his left hand more than his right so I'm wondering whether this means he'll be left handed? neither Steve or I are which is interesting.
Anyway, he's yawning away again and his bathtime isn't for another hour! How to entertain a grizzly baby who doesn't like the muggy weather? A feed is always a good solution!!
His day starts with chuckles and smiles and a little wash and a clean outfit. He sits in his vibrating chair whilst I shower and then he has a kick in his gym and we sing some nursery rhymes. By about 8.30am he's a bit tired again and usually goes down for a nap of about an hour and then has a good feed afterwards.
And that's our day's routine! Sleep, eat, play, sleep eat play!! As long as he naps in the morning, lunchtime and afternoon, he's a very contented happy baby!
He's a chubby little boy who is good at being put down and smiled at across a room, as well as enjoying cuddles and being picked up and passed around by all the family.
He sometimes likes a dummy, and sometimes doesn't! Today he is in dummy mode. He makes little fists and curls his arms up when he's tired and grumpy. He still loves his baths. They calm him down if he's shouty, but lifting him out the bath makes him VERY cross!! He howls and howls and only calms down when his feet go into his sleepsuit. Even then, when we take him upstairs his little fists and shoulders are clenched tightly and during his feed he relaxes to go to sleep!! It's very cute and feisty.
We have a wedding on July 2nd, and I've bought a little dungarees outfit for him with a matching hat. I'm not going to bother dressing him up all fancy, as he's cute as a baby and he looks adorable in his little dungarees!! Babies aren't babies for long enough so I'm going to make the most of him looking like one!
He's got more control of his arms at the moment as well and can get his fingers in his mouth without a problem now. He's using his left hand more than his right so I'm wondering whether this means he'll be left handed? neither Steve or I are which is interesting.
Anyway, he's yawning away again and his bathtime isn't for another hour! How to entertain a grizzly baby who doesn't like the muggy weather? A feed is always a good solution!!
Monday 13 June 2011
Kicking Time In The Garden
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Memories
I've been on the look out for a nice storage box that can be used for my 'Joel' collection. It needs to be large enough to take stuff over a few years starting with his wrist bands from hospital, his first pair of socks, his going home outfit, his little blanket from the hospital and a newborn nappy (so tiny!).
I found a pretty one today in Dunelm Mill so the memory box has begun!
I'll inevitably find lots more to add before too long!
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Milk Flow
When breast feeding there are lots of worries as you go along, namely for me the milk flow and whether he's getting enough. I know he's been ok in that department with his healthy weight gain, but I panic sometimes that if he misses a feed the milk flow will reduce and then he'll go hungry. Mind you, if he misses a feed I have been leaking quite a bit and last night ended up having to change my sleep bra and nightie as they were too wet through to be comfortable!! So maybe it's ok on that front.
I have tried expressing but then I worry that I'll have too much milk and it seems wasteful as I've not got sorted with expressing freezer bags (I ought to have a go at this really as would be helpful on days when we go out and Grandparents babysit!!) as he doesn't need a bottle with me taking on all the feeding.
My other worries are still his latch on my right breast. Most days it does seem better so I think it is just laziness on my part for not checking him enough, but it can be difficult and depends on how engorged the breasts are as when they're ready to pop he can't really take a lot of breast in his mouth as they're too round! When they've gone down a bit that's when the latch becomes an issue more.
Still, we're doing well with breast feeding and he's certainly feeling a lot more heavy again this week. He's not being weighed now till a week Tuesday for his 8 week appointment, injections and check. I could take him to the clinic for a weigh this week if I want to.
I have tried expressing but then I worry that I'll have too much milk and it seems wasteful as I've not got sorted with expressing freezer bags (I ought to have a go at this really as would be helpful on days when we go out and Grandparents babysit!!) as he doesn't need a bottle with me taking on all the feeding.
My other worries are still his latch on my right breast. Most days it does seem better so I think it is just laziness on my part for not checking him enough, but it can be difficult and depends on how engorged the breasts are as when they're ready to pop he can't really take a lot of breast in his mouth as they're too round! When they've gone down a bit that's when the latch becomes an issue more.
Still, we're doing well with breast feeding and he's certainly feeling a lot more heavy again this week. He's not being weighed now till a week Tuesday for his 8 week appointment, injections and check. I could take him to the clinic for a weigh this week if I want to.
Sunday 12 June 2011
Nottingham
Joel and I (with Grandma of course) headed over to Nottingham to visit my sister Amy today. He was a bit grizzly in the car, I think he has wind from me eating a chilli con carne. Won't be eating that again in a hurry but I was told to try all foods to see what he doesn't like rather than avoid them and never know.
We had a lovely day with a stroll to some local shops where we bought some yummy cheesecake to bring home (I've never been to a cheesecake shop before!!) and rather than push the pram, I wore Joel in my Moby sling! I've not been out like that with him before and have to say, I was very concious of where I put my feet and was terribly worried about tripping over and landing on him. I didn't, but I still worried!
We chilled out for the afternoon after having soup and rolls for lunch at Amy's and Joel got some nappy off time on the floor, and despite me laying a blanket and changing mat down, still managed to pee twice on Amy's rug!! He just goes for it and this massive fountain arches over any protection!!
We headed home for 6pm and Steve was glad to see us and had lots of Daddy cuddles and bathed him and then it was bedtime for Joel and he went down without a murmur!! He's a good little night sleeper, with one waking at 1.30 and then through till 6am.
Can't complain about that!
We're going to attempt a trip to Leeds next week to visit Aunty Celia and possibly my cousins there!
We had a lovely day with a stroll to some local shops where we bought some yummy cheesecake to bring home (I've never been to a cheesecake shop before!!) and rather than push the pram, I wore Joel in my Moby sling! I've not been out like that with him before and have to say, I was very concious of where I put my feet and was terribly worried about tripping over and landing on him. I didn't, but I still worried!
We chilled out for the afternoon after having soup and rolls for lunch at Amy's and Joel got some nappy off time on the floor, and despite me laying a blanket and changing mat down, still managed to pee twice on Amy's rug!! He just goes for it and this massive fountain arches over any protection!!
We headed home for 6pm and Steve was glad to see us and had lots of Daddy cuddles and bathed him and then it was bedtime for Joel and he went down without a murmur!! He's a good little night sleeper, with one waking at 1.30 and then through till 6am.
Can't complain about that!
We're going to attempt a trip to Leeds next week to visit Aunty Celia and possibly my cousins there!
Friday 10 June 2011
Broken Night
The sleep plan didn't work!! At all!
I lifted him to wake him at 10.30pm and fed him but he still woke up at 1am, then 3am then 5am. I wish Steve showed more appreciation for me doing all the night feeds and saving him the strain of no sleep!
That sort of showed us that Joel's routine works better for us than trying to force him into one. He's managing one feed in the night and waking at around 6am which I can cope with if I'm in bed for 9pm which to be honest, I don't mind as I do feel ready for bed at that time at the moment anyhow!!
I lifted him to wake him at 10.30pm and fed him but he still woke up at 1am, then 3am then 5am. I wish Steve showed more appreciation for me doing all the night feeds and saving him the strain of no sleep!
That sort of showed us that Joel's routine works better for us than trying to force him into one. He's managing one feed in the night and waking at around 6am which I can cope with if I'm in bed for 9pm which to be honest, I don't mind as I do feel ready for bed at that time at the moment anyhow!!
Thursday 9 June 2011
Wednesday 8 June 2011
Night Out
Steve and I have been out to the cinema this evening leaving little Joel in the capable hands of Grandma!! It was strange going to the cinema and sitting there like regular people!! Not that we're not regular of course, but still, I missed him and putting him to bed as I do love those night time cuddles with him.
With attempting to implement a bit of a routine I've made sure that Joel has had regular naps and feeds with good gaps inbetween and Mum got him to bed for 7pm and the plan is to trial a sleep feed at 10.30 this evening (which has fitted in with watching 'The Apprentice' with Steve) so I'm hoping that it works and with a good feed at that time, he'll sleep through till morning! Of course, it is a risk, and he may not settle and I have a terrible night with him, but we won't find out unless we try it.
We may not make breastfeeding group if it is a bad night but hey ho, it could be a brilliant thing to do or it could be terrible! Time will tell, and I'll let you know tomorrow!!
With attempting to implement a bit of a routine I've made sure that Joel has had regular naps and feeds with good gaps inbetween and Mum got him to bed for 7pm and the plan is to trial a sleep feed at 10.30 this evening (which has fitted in with watching 'The Apprentice' with Steve) so I'm hoping that it works and with a good feed at that time, he'll sleep through till morning! Of course, it is a risk, and he may not settle and I have a terrible night with him, but we won't find out unless we try it.
We may not make breastfeeding group if it is a bad night but hey ho, it could be a brilliant thing to do or it could be terrible! Time will tell, and I'll let you know tomorrow!!
Mum's and Toddlers!
There are a lot of different groups which meet in Stafford and I'm trying to work my way around those that take my fancy, and yesterday we went to our Church mums and toddlers group which we enjoyed, but Joel fell asleep for most of it!!
This morning we went to Bounce and Rhyme which is a free session at our town library. Having walked in for 10am, Joel was again asleep but I carried him in sleeping and he lay in my arms zonked out right until the last song which ironically was the 'goodbye' song! There were lots of new songs I'd never heard before but anticipate going along again next week.
We've also been to a Mum's and toddlers group in town on a Friday but it was very noisy with lots of toddlers everywhere and it was a bit old for Joel at the moment.
And tomorrow the plan is to wander along to the Children's Centre for a breastfeeding group and to see what else goes on there as they do sensory sessions and baby massage classes too!
Joel is a very observant baby and seems to really enjoy watching 'busyness' and other children so to have three days to pop out for groups, I think that would be a good aim. Then a day at my Mum's in the week, and a day at home would be good.
This morning we went to Bounce and Rhyme which is a free session at our town library. Having walked in for 10am, Joel was again asleep but I carried him in sleeping and he lay in my arms zonked out right until the last song which ironically was the 'goodbye' song! There were lots of new songs I'd never heard before but anticipate going along again next week.
We've also been to a Mum's and toddlers group in town on a Friday but it was very noisy with lots of toddlers everywhere and it was a bit old for Joel at the moment.
And tomorrow the plan is to wander along to the Children's Centre for a breastfeeding group and to see what else goes on there as they do sensory sessions and baby massage classes too!
Joel is a very observant baby and seems to really enjoy watching 'busyness' and other children so to have three days to pop out for groups, I think that would be a good aim. Then a day at my Mum's in the week, and a day at home would be good.
Monday 6 June 2011
Weigh-In
Joel has been progressively putting on weight -
Birth - 7lbs 14oz
Then - 7lbs 10oz
3 weeks - 8lbs 3oz
4 weeks - 10lbs 4 oz
so the health visitor didn't feel she needed to see him again until today.
We'd all anticipated him being about 12lbs by now! Except my Mum who was bang on the money with her guestimate of 11lbs 2oz!
He'll be next weighed at his eight week check which will actually be when he's one day off 9 weeks but for now he's perfectly hitting the right parts of his 'centile' chart for head circumference, length and weight!!
Birth - 7lbs 14oz
Then - 7lbs 10oz
3 weeks - 8lbs 3oz
4 weeks - 10lbs 4 oz
so the health visitor didn't feel she needed to see him again until today.
We'd all anticipated him being about 12lbs by now! Except my Mum who was bang on the money with her guestimate of 11lbs 2oz!
He'll be next weighed at his eight week check which will actually be when he's one day off 9 weeks but for now he's perfectly hitting the right parts of his 'centile' chart for head circumference, length and weight!!
Sunday 5 June 2011
Journey
We headed down to Devon yesterday to visit Steve's family here as his Granny is rather ill at the moment and wanted to meet her great grandson. I was rather worried about the length of the journey (it takes about 4 hours) and the heat as it's suddenly got toasty warm this month.
However, Joel rose to the challenge admirably and slept for the whole of the first leg, then we had a good stop where Izzy got to stretch her legs, Joel got to feed, have some kicking time, we got to eat an early lunch and Daddy got to sort a nappy!
We set off again and Joel slept for the second leg as well! He was so zonked I was able to file his nails down on two hands and one foot (one foot to go!). We met up with Wendy and Paul who were taking Izzy for the afternoon and we had another rest and feed in the shade of a tree which was nice.
Then the last bit of the journey took us to deepest Barnstaple, no mobile signal anywhere and high hedges and winding lanes! We got to the cottage and Steve's Dad was there for the weekend to help look after Gt Granny and in we went.
Gt Granny was very pleased with Joel and announced that he was 'perfect' but 'very heavy!' She held him for a long while and he was so well behaved.
We stayed there for three hours and he slept a bit more in Great Granny's arms, cried a bit for Aunty Margaret, smiled for his Grandpa and then we were back over to Exeter.
It was far too long a journey for him really but with circumstanaces being what they are, we don't know whether he'll meet Great Granny again. We are going to Cornwall for a holiday next month and all being well will call in again on our way there and way back.
The heat has been a worry these past couple of days. I ring my mum each morning and ask what he should wear and last night our room was 28oc so we had windows open and he slept in just a vest and amazingly he did his 9,12 and 3 routine but we have been up since 5 now!! He's dozed off again on my shoulder and wouldn't settle in his basket again. I think he knows he's somewhere new and just wants a bt of reassurance!
His Granny has loved having him here though, and bathed him last night and has been rewarded with lots of smiles!! He really does seem so content! His hour or so of first awake time is wonderful at 7 with smiles, kicking legs and chuckles and I wouldn't miss it for the world! He seems very adaptable which is good as we like going away and if he is happy anywhere we are, all the better!
However, Joel rose to the challenge admirably and slept for the whole of the first leg, then we had a good stop where Izzy got to stretch her legs, Joel got to feed, have some kicking time, we got to eat an early lunch and Daddy got to sort a nappy!
We set off again and Joel slept for the second leg as well! He was so zonked I was able to file his nails down on two hands and one foot (one foot to go!). We met up with Wendy and Paul who were taking Izzy for the afternoon and we had another rest and feed in the shade of a tree which was nice.
Then the last bit of the journey took us to deepest Barnstaple, no mobile signal anywhere and high hedges and winding lanes! We got to the cottage and Steve's Dad was there for the weekend to help look after Gt Granny and in we went.
Gt Granny was very pleased with Joel and announced that he was 'perfect' but 'very heavy!' She held him for a long while and he was so well behaved.
We stayed there for three hours and he slept a bit more in Great Granny's arms, cried a bit for Aunty Margaret, smiled for his Grandpa and then we were back over to Exeter.
It was far too long a journey for him really but with circumstanaces being what they are, we don't know whether he'll meet Great Granny again. We are going to Cornwall for a holiday next month and all being well will call in again on our way there and way back.
The heat has been a worry these past couple of days. I ring my mum each morning and ask what he should wear and last night our room was 28oc so we had windows open and he slept in just a vest and amazingly he did his 9,12 and 3 routine but we have been up since 5 now!! He's dozed off again on my shoulder and wouldn't settle in his basket again. I think he knows he's somewhere new and just wants a bt of reassurance!
His Granny has loved having him here though, and bathed him last night and has been rewarded with lots of smiles!! He really does seem so content! His hour or so of first awake time is wonderful at 7 with smiles, kicking legs and chuckles and I wouldn't miss it for the world! He seems very adaptable which is good as we like going away and if he is happy anywhere we are, all the better!
Friday 3 June 2011
Routines
I've been thinking about implementing a routine for a couple of days as my days are revolving around him without any order whatsoever and it's meant I don't know when he needs to nap, feed or play.
I've read that the best order of things is to nap/sleep, then feed, then play which would be why now after a feed he doesn't fall asleep anymore and I'm lost before the day has begun!!
So today I woke up at 6.45 naturally and rather than trying to get more sleep (which can make me more tired sometimes to be honest) I got up and sorted myself out quickly and he was chuntering which meant he was coming round, so I changed his nappy which woke him up and he had his feed at 7am. I then dressed him and tried to entertain him until at least 8am!!
So we looked at the window and the sunshine coming through. We looked at Mummy's bookcases full of books. He sat in his bouncy chair and just looked around. We did a little Looby Loo jig and sang 'Old MacDonald'.
Then we came downstairs and he sat in his vibrating chair (which he does rather like) and he looked at picture frames and we danced around Daddy's office room. All this in about 20 minutes!! We had a quick look in the garden and decided he wasn't quite dressed for it yet as there was a chill in the air, and then he rubbed his eyes!
Having read to look out for 'tired signs' I took this to be one of them and we went upstairs again and I laid him in his cot, put his lullaby music on, and put a thin blanket over him. I left the curtains open to demonstrate daytime sleep is different to nighttime sleep, and within 15 minutes he was asleep! Hurrah!
I then sped downstairs to express some milk (as I'm heading out for dinner with friends tonight! *gulp*) and he stirred!! I didn't panic, just replayed the lullaby over our BT 150 monitor and he went back to sleep! Brilliant!
I managed 2 oz which is good going considering I've not expressed for a while. Gina Ford says I should be doing this every day to increase my milk for when there are growth spurts and I guess I could manage it if I were more organised with a daily routine so that's something to consider.
Anyway, I'm gobbling cereal whilst I type, he's stirred again and I've put the music on again (it's quiet in his room and louder for me!!) and he's gone off again.
I guess about 10am I should hopefully have more milk and he can feed again. I'll start him on the breast I expressed from and he should be able to get the hind milk that expressing doesn't always. Then we'll head to the co-op for milk and an outing and after that, more sleep!! At least that's the plan for the day!
And this evening I'm going for dinner and my parents are looking after him. It'll be the longest I've been away and on my own (Steve is working in Birmingham till late) and I'm not sure how I'll feel to be honest. I'll miss him, that's for sure but it'll be nice to be my old self for a couple of hours as well.
Hopefully today will be a good day!
I've read that the best order of things is to nap/sleep, then feed, then play which would be why now after a feed he doesn't fall asleep anymore and I'm lost before the day has begun!!
So today I woke up at 6.45 naturally and rather than trying to get more sleep (which can make me more tired sometimes to be honest) I got up and sorted myself out quickly and he was chuntering which meant he was coming round, so I changed his nappy which woke him up and he had his feed at 7am. I then dressed him and tried to entertain him until at least 8am!!
So we looked at the window and the sunshine coming through. We looked at Mummy's bookcases full of books. He sat in his bouncy chair and just looked around. We did a little Looby Loo jig and sang 'Old MacDonald'.
Then we came downstairs and he sat in his vibrating chair (which he does rather like) and he looked at picture frames and we danced around Daddy's office room. All this in about 20 minutes!! We had a quick look in the garden and decided he wasn't quite dressed for it yet as there was a chill in the air, and then he rubbed his eyes!
Having read to look out for 'tired signs' I took this to be one of them and we went upstairs again and I laid him in his cot, put his lullaby music on, and put a thin blanket over him. I left the curtains open to demonstrate daytime sleep is different to nighttime sleep, and within 15 minutes he was asleep! Hurrah!
I then sped downstairs to express some milk (as I'm heading out for dinner with friends tonight! *gulp*) and he stirred!! I didn't panic, just replayed the lullaby over our BT 150 monitor and he went back to sleep! Brilliant!
I managed 2 oz which is good going considering I've not expressed for a while. Gina Ford says I should be doing this every day to increase my milk for when there are growth spurts and I guess I could manage it if I were more organised with a daily routine so that's something to consider.
Anyway, I'm gobbling cereal whilst I type, he's stirred again and I've put the music on again (it's quiet in his room and louder for me!!) and he's gone off again.
I guess about 10am I should hopefully have more milk and he can feed again. I'll start him on the breast I expressed from and he should be able to get the hind milk that expressing doesn't always. Then we'll head to the co-op for milk and an outing and after that, more sleep!! At least that's the plan for the day!
And this evening I'm going for dinner and my parents are looking after him. It'll be the longest I've been away and on my own (Steve is working in Birmingham till late) and I'm not sure how I'll feel to be honest. I'll miss him, that's for sure but it'll be nice to be my old self for a couple of hours as well.
Hopefully today will be a good day!
Thursday 2 June 2011
Bathtime with Mummy
Last night Joel was getting very fractious having not had enough sleep in the day and baths seem to calm him down (at least they do with Steve) and he'd taken Izzy out for a walk so I decided to have another go to see whether he'd let me do it or not.
And he did!! I managed to run his bath, strip him down and get him in it, all without him crying. And he seemed to enjoy it, looking intently at me and smiling during the splashes!
Of course, he wailed on lifting him out, he really would prefer to stay in there forever it would seem, but he settles down again once his feet are safely in his sleepsuit!! (He has this thing about his feet being cosy after a bath!!)
So another thing sorted! Mummy is allowed to bath Joel now!
And he did!! I managed to run his bath, strip him down and get him in it, all without him crying. And he seemed to enjoy it, looking intently at me and smiling during the splashes!
Of course, he wailed on lifting him out, he really would prefer to stay in there forever it would seem, but he settles down again once his feet are safely in his sleepsuit!! (He has this thing about his feet being cosy after a bath!!)
So another thing sorted! Mummy is allowed to bath Joel now!
Wednesday 1 June 2011
6 Weeks Old
My baby boy is 6 weeks old already. These 6 weeks have flown by. I can't believe how much he's changed in this time either!!
He's filled out lots. He has chubby little legs, cheeks and neck. He loves his milk although gripe water is running a close second!! He's not been a windy baby much at all, but he seems to struggle from time to time with passing wind and poops so we offer a half protion of gripe water which does seem to help things through. He gets all excited and his eyes widen when he tastes the water!
We now have real smiles which are lovely to be greeted with in the morning. He's so happy and has a good awake time after getting up, dressed and fed.
He has been a strong baby for a while, and is nearly holding his head himself. He hates being laid on his tummy and will fight the floor and then cry for a bit, but if he's lying on either Mummy or Daddy's tummy's he'll prop himself up, hold his head and look around the room!! So tummy time is time on our tummies :)
He loves his Grandma's vibrating 'calming' chair and will sit in it for a while a couple of times a day looking at the pictures on our walls and the windows which lets me get things done.
He cries when he has a pooey nappy, when he has wind, and he has a dreadful cry for when he's overtired! He'll fight sleep as he wants to be involved with life I think, and just before he zonks he'll have a quick and loud 'waaah' before his head falls onto my shoulder and he's out for the count!! It's quite predictable now so it doesn't bother me anymore! I know how to deal with it! Other than that he's content, smiling and even giving little chuckles from time to time!! That or sleeping (on a good day!!)
Izzy is still not very bothered by him yet, and generally ignores him although will come and lick his feet from time to time! She's liking being taken out for walks more though but not with her halti collar on to stop her pulling!!
This past week my wound seems to have finally healed so I've been walking more each day with the pram and it's lovely to be able to get out and about. We've walked to town and Tesco's a couple of times along the river, and today we're walking to Queensville to collect some shoes from Next!
He likes his dummies but will suck his fingers as well. He loves sucking things and having something in his mouth. I think he had a growth spurt this past week, he's been feeding a lot more in the day.
Oh, and yesterday we had sick for the first time!! The little white spit ups that I thought were sick really were not!! I'd fed him and he coughed, retched and gagged and then this yellow stringy stuff erupted from his mouth all over my left shoulder! I thought I'd have freaked out (old Kate would have done for someone elses baby!) but no, I stayed calm and just cleaned him up before even thinking about taking my top off to put in the wash!!
Yesterday morning we went to a singing group and Joel absolutely loved it! He watched all the other children and enjoyed the dancing songs where we held the babies and moved round in a circle with a spin! It's given me good ideas to do with him at home for sure.
In the afternoon he still hadn't napped, but we had some nappy off time in the garden (in the shade for him, sun for me!) and he enjoyed kicking his legs, feeling the breeze and watching our eucalyptus tree against the sky. Then we went to Tesco to buy him a t-shirt and he did not sleep!!
He's not been weighed this week as the health visitor said he was 'thriving' and she'd see him on Monday instead (monday coming) but I think he must have reached 11lbs. We'll have to wait and see!
He's certainly looking fairer still, he has dark and blonde hairs growing back to cover his baldness so I can't wait to see how it turns out!
And on Saturday we're going to drive with him to Exeter to see Steve's family. We've planned a couple of stops but he's very good in the car and the motion just sends him to sleep!
All in all, he's wonderful and I'm loving getting to know him still!!
He's filled out lots. He has chubby little legs, cheeks and neck. He loves his milk although gripe water is running a close second!! He's not been a windy baby much at all, but he seems to struggle from time to time with passing wind and poops so we offer a half protion of gripe water which does seem to help things through. He gets all excited and his eyes widen when he tastes the water!
We now have real smiles which are lovely to be greeted with in the morning. He's so happy and has a good awake time after getting up, dressed and fed.
He has been a strong baby for a while, and is nearly holding his head himself. He hates being laid on his tummy and will fight the floor and then cry for a bit, but if he's lying on either Mummy or Daddy's tummy's he'll prop himself up, hold his head and look around the room!! So tummy time is time on our tummies :)
He loves his Grandma's vibrating 'calming' chair and will sit in it for a while a couple of times a day looking at the pictures on our walls and the windows which lets me get things done.
He cries when he has a pooey nappy, when he has wind, and he has a dreadful cry for when he's overtired! He'll fight sleep as he wants to be involved with life I think, and just before he zonks he'll have a quick and loud 'waaah' before his head falls onto my shoulder and he's out for the count!! It's quite predictable now so it doesn't bother me anymore! I know how to deal with it! Other than that he's content, smiling and even giving little chuckles from time to time!! That or sleeping (on a good day!!)
Izzy is still not very bothered by him yet, and generally ignores him although will come and lick his feet from time to time! She's liking being taken out for walks more though but not with her halti collar on to stop her pulling!!
This past week my wound seems to have finally healed so I've been walking more each day with the pram and it's lovely to be able to get out and about. We've walked to town and Tesco's a couple of times along the river, and today we're walking to Queensville to collect some shoes from Next!
He likes his dummies but will suck his fingers as well. He loves sucking things and having something in his mouth. I think he had a growth spurt this past week, he's been feeding a lot more in the day.
Oh, and yesterday we had sick for the first time!! The little white spit ups that I thought were sick really were not!! I'd fed him and he coughed, retched and gagged and then this yellow stringy stuff erupted from his mouth all over my left shoulder! I thought I'd have freaked out (old Kate would have done for someone elses baby!) but no, I stayed calm and just cleaned him up before even thinking about taking my top off to put in the wash!!
Yesterday morning we went to a singing group and Joel absolutely loved it! He watched all the other children and enjoyed the dancing songs where we held the babies and moved round in a circle with a spin! It's given me good ideas to do with him at home for sure.
In the afternoon he still hadn't napped, but we had some nappy off time in the garden (in the shade for him, sun for me!) and he enjoyed kicking his legs, feeling the breeze and watching our eucalyptus tree against the sky. Then we went to Tesco to buy him a t-shirt and he did not sleep!!
He's not been weighed this week as the health visitor said he was 'thriving' and she'd see him on Monday instead (monday coming) but I think he must have reached 11lbs. We'll have to wait and see!
He's certainly looking fairer still, he has dark and blonde hairs growing back to cover his baldness so I can't wait to see how it turns out!
And on Saturday we're going to drive with him to Exeter to see Steve's family. We've planned a couple of stops but he's very good in the car and the motion just sends him to sleep!
All in all, he's wonderful and I'm loving getting to know him still!!
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