March/April Thread #3

[Colesmom]

okay, had to come on and post a DH rant :evil:

He did nap 1 and Cole had a great 1:15 nap. I wanted to tidy the kitchen so I asked him to do nap 2.  Now, wasn't sure if it was too early by the clock (12:15pm) but he'd been up 3 hours.  I told DH no earlier than 12:15 to go down.  I hear Cole cry at 12:10.  Hmmm, a touch early, we'll see how it goes.  He cries a bit and I hear DH singing softly.  A bit more crying then settling.  YAY.  Then I'm wondering, where is DH??  I wash the kitchen floor etc and think, okay, he's just making sure he's asleep before he leaves.  20 min. later I go up and he's asleep in the glider with Cole!!!!! :evil:  :twisted:  :evil:  :roll:   Man, naps are sooooo easy.  I woke him to put him down, asked him WHY he was holding him.  Didn't you hear him cry?  YES, but I do this often for 30 minutes!!! :!:  Sheesh, all I need is for us to screw up his great naps too.  Then I'll NEVER get a break.

okay, thanks for letting me get that out.

going to tidy this disaster while DH naps :evil:

[mickymuscles]

hi girls!

Traci-sorry to hear about your night   And I double your  :x at your DH!!  I would be so annoyed!!  I hope it doesn't spell double the work for you!!  :shock:   Vegemite: DEFINITELY an aquired taste!  :shock:   I have an aussie friend that lived here for ayear and she was sad she could only find a small jar of it.  She said it comes in containers the size of Cheese Whiz in australia.  i tried it....no offence to you all down yonder....but....EEEEWWWWWWW!!!! THHHSSSPPPTTT!  (me spitting

Yeah Nancy and Olivia!!  How very exciting!!  I'm very impressed!  Also, about the carnapping....we can't move Jack either so I always have a book with me to read just incase.  :wink:

I'm so amazed with all these babes crawling and standing.  Jack is just pushing himself backwards.  He still can't get himself into a sitting position on his own either.  It may be because he can't bend his legs....hmmm.  I'll be interested to see what kind of progress he makes once his casts are off.  9 more days!! 

[Richelle]

Hi

I just have a minute but I wanted to ask you Traci; are you giving Cole ready made formula or powder and what are the expiry dates?  I know you aren't giving him alot but still.  The ready made formula made Sophie puke so much we spent the night in the hospital but she had 4oz and she was only 2 months.  My ped. said that it is often too rich for a breastfed baby to digest.  it really sounds to me like it is his stomach, have you tried raising the head of his crib, maybe he gets acidy/reflux? 

Also wanted to say that the Gripe water that we use is KOLIK brand and it is alcohol free.  It is in a blue and white box.  it is fennel oil so it is sweet and Sophie LOVES it.  I think the other brands are dill and alcohol -YUCK!  WE put some gripe in her water if she is fussy (she is a happy spiller 'refluxer') and it helps her drink the water and always settles her!

I have also limited Sophie to 2.5 hours TOTAL daytime sleep and put her to bed at either 6:30-7PM and she goes until 6 - 630AM.  I f she sleeps more in the daytime she wakes at night or early morning yacking to herself - hse has so far usually managed to resettle but we will see.

Just some thoughts I had b/c I am a sleep junky and I want for you and Cole to start having some better sleeps :wink: !

[Little Bear's Mum]

Goodmorning, sorry I missed chat AGAIN. I'm just hopeless at remembering at 3pm Saturday my time. Also DH is around so it's harder to get on the computer.

Traci - I could have written Richelle's post, I was thinking along the same lines. How much day sleep is Cole getting? Maybe too much. Maybe it's reflux causing regular waking. Also, how much food is he getting? I know you've increased but maybe somethings still not right with the amount. Did this all start when you got onto solids? Perhaps he has an allergy causing tummy pain? Finally, and I hope no-one take this the wrong way, as I DON'T believe in CIO (which is why I'm on here), but do you let him cry for a little time before seeing to Cole? And I'm not talking howling here. When he starts at night is it a full out cry or just, come and get me I want a cuddle. I found once I stopped going to Daniel immediately in the night within about 2-3 mins he'd stop and keep sleeping. I'm also constantly thinking about why Cole might not be sleeping so one day amongst all of us we'll hopefully find an answer. Oh, last thought, he's not too hot/cold is he?? Since stripping Daniel of nearly all his clothes and blankets he's slept much better. Maybe he needs less/more layers? He's not in a draft is he? And I say stick with the dreamfeed for now too.

Cathy, Daniel started his moving by going from sitting to tummy and within 3-4 weeks he was crawling!

Judy, great news about Hannah's crawling.

Michelle, what a great MIL you have. Mine's good, but not that good! LOL.

I never understood the excuse of "developmental" when they wouldn't go to sleep. Ok, now I understand. Since Daniel's started crawling he's also discovered he can do this in his cot. Yep, found him on his tummy sideways at the bottom of the cot, thismorning on all 4 looking at me smiling, all sorts of directions. I was about to post to you more experienced ladies what do I do.... but then I went in and lay him down again and tucked his sheet in. Voila, he stayed and went straight to sleep. For now!!! I guess soon he'll discover he can get out of this too!  :roll: But for now it's worked.

Gotta go and have a shower 10.am and still in Pj's. No snow here so no excuse! Off for our annual helicopter ride today so that'll be fun. The airforce let partners/wives go up once a year for about a 10 min ride.

Oh, and I have a confession, I can't see me getting the Christmas cards done to you all. :oops: I'm really sorry, so if you haven't done them yet, but are planning on it, feel free to cross me off your list. But I thought I could email you one instead. I know it's not the same as getting one in the post, but it's better than nothing isn't it?? Please still let me hang out with you girls, even though I'm not sending you a card.  :oops: (school girl comment there!).

Take care and hope you let me talk to you again soon!

[Jayri]

hayley, no biggie about the cards, I barely have time to do mine. I have your card done up, mine will be in the mail by thursday!!!! hopefully...that is my aim, my list is over 30 this year compared to 1, my mum last year.....      

[Judy]

Please still let me hang out with you girls, even though I'm not sending you a card.

I dunno - can we get back to you on this?  I think we'll have to take a vote to see if you are in or OUT!! 

Just kidding of course...

Hayley don't feel bad about the cards - heck I opted out before it started   I haven't even bought a box of cards for family yet!  Not sure if I will or not this year.  WE don't even get our family pic taken until a week Monday and I'm not holding my breath waiting for FOUR children to smile... considering the older two hate smiling for pictures especially if they think we WANT them to.   Should be interesting.  I told dh about the appt and he said 'oooh.  Is that a good idea this year?  Is it worth it?"  although to me it is worth it.  Even if they are all crying and frowning - it will still be special to have (and funny

I'll post one on here when we get them.

Ok now Cole.  Young lad, you used to be one of our bestest sleepers here young sir.  So what's up hmm?  You know my girlfriend's son was suddenly diagnosed with reflux at 8months so maybe it's something to consider.  I mean he was such a good sleeper before, going down no problem.  What gives? I wonder.   I'd limit the daysleep too a bit.. but not too much, don't forget - good sleep begets good sleep.  I'd cut out the catnap for sure but leave the other two - I would think 1.5hrs each is still fine - even 1.5 and a 2hr if he gives you that long of sleep.  What if you kept him up a bit later - like 7-8pm area?  I wouldn't change too much at once though.  And whatever you change, try for a few days before giving up and trying something different.

[kq]

Thanks TRACI about raising the cot, dh is working this weekend but we were going to do it next week. Sam's head is not over the cot rails. He has a bit of a challenge on his hands as I tuck his grobag right into the bottom of the cot so he can only kneel and not stand up-runs out of material!! So sorry about your nights, no advice I'm afraid but sounds like you are getting some good advice from everyone.. Maybe you should get Judy to give him a talking to..lol. Like the "young lad" comment Judy, so stern.

Hayley, lucky you, a helicopter ride! Should have some nice views today. What is it like over your way today?

Micky, lol about vegemite. It is definitely an acquired taste and I happen to love it! Sam gets a very thin layer on his bread..it is salt loaded so he only gets a smidge. Once those casts are off Jack, I think you will find him making up for lost time!

Nikki, been meaning to say that if you need any gluten free stuff from health shops round Auckland, let me know. I live within walking distance of Ceres and Huckleberry's is just round the corner. I think they both have websites.

Sam slept from 6.30pm to 5am again last night. Found him kneeling and then would not settle back to sleep. I really cannot complain but I hope this does not become his routine.

Off to do cards now.
Karen

[Olivia's Mommy]

Hayley--I'm going to have to check with the other girls to see if I can talk to you before I respond to you.  :wink:

Traci--so bummed to hear you're still having sleep issues. Sending you "good-sleep" thoughts.

Well, after my TERRIFIC night last night, Liv has done less than exceptional today...it hasn't been a BAD day, just a little off. (I guess that should be expected after what we did to her last night.) She's only taken 2 45-min naps and is so tired, but is still going, going, going. She's actually pretty happy. Just gets fussy at the usual times (hunger, bored, etc.), but more fussy that usual. So, I think we'll put her down about 30 min early tonight and hope we're back on track tomorrow.

Off to make dinner...hope everyone has a wonderful evening.

[Nikki~Nathan&Danielle]

LOL, I'm so behind in things this year, I also bailed with the card idea before it even started.   

Karen, thanks for the offer, I have found a few outlets with heaps of products, so we're pretty set I think for now.  Re cloth nappies, I don't use anything flash, just flat flannelette and good quality wraps so we don't get any leaks. 

Jo, I'm not really a sporty person...but hey the cricket went well huh?  :wink:

Traci, things are sounding rough  in your house, definitely check him out for something else going on rather than just having a sleep issue.

Still no where near any crawling going on in this house, in fact when we went to coffee group the other day, I picked D up at the end and the carpet had a BIG BUM PRINT on it! LOL :lol:  Lot's of talking happenig though, so while her brother was the mover and late talker, she's going to be the talker and late mover.

Sticky, sticky weather here in the last few days and heaps of rain. Ick!  Poor D seems to be getting a bit of a sweat rash on her back.

[Nikki~Nathan&Danielle]

Oh, quick question: how are you bubs sleeping in their cots, as in do they get stuck in corners, does it bother them?  I readjust D before I go to bed at night and have been finding her sideways with arms out the bars or head jammed into the corner.  Do you all leave them where you find them or move them? 

(Karen, I weaned our safeTsleep about a month ago and I'm so pleased I did, but of course now getting the moving around).  Who uses blankets in their lo's beds, or do you all have sleeping bags?  I've got to sort out a system, at the mo, we're just down to jammies and singlet at night with a lightweight blanket, but think the blanket needs to go with her moving around now.

[Judy]

I do just as you do Nikki.  Kaia rarely moves too far but Hannah often rolls onto her back with her arm hanging out the bars or scooches up to a corner and I always readjust her when I go to bed.  I find if I don't then she wakes up at some point when trying to move more and is stuck.

[Little Bear's Mum]

For those still listening/reading/talking to me ( :lol: ) Daniel is now in his short sleeve singlet/bodysuit and sleeping bag. I'm having huge problems finding a lightweight sleeping bag but I think I've found one in Auckland. They've rung around for another customer and are getting one from another city and some spares, so she'll call me when they arrive. I'll send mum on a mission to pick up and post to me. The one we have now is a light quilted one and I think it's just too hot.

Thismorning Daniel woke at 5am ish again, but I left him and I think he slept on and off until 6.30am. I then went to him at 7am. So things are definitely improving. Bed time is now 7pm which is working.

It's hot and sticky here today too. We took Daniel outside while DH was washing the car - absolutely hated the sound of the waterblaster. So brought him back in. Once that was over we took him out again and put him on a blanket, expecting him to be off in no time. Well it's quite funny, it was like he didn't know he could crawl outside. Just sat there!    I wonder how long that will last. Now he's inside again he's crawling everywhere.

Daniel's due for his next nap just before the helicopter rides start so hopefully I"ll be able to turn up late and get in on one of the last rides.

Better go, D is about to attack my Christmas tree! Oh NO!!!!

[mickymuscles]

hi again girls!

Traci: I hope cole is feeling better.  I also agree with the other girls...although I would never have thought of that  :roll:  even tho Jack has reflux too.  As I said before...not too swift sometimes!  :lol:

I had to post a pic of Jack having some rice and soya sauce via chopsticks...he's just like arwyn.  He'll eat anything that comes from the chopsticks!



And me playing "Punk Rocker" with him and his faux-hawk

[Colesmom]

Okay girlies. Thank you sooooooooooooo much for all the help and advice.  I will try and address each question/idea and maybe by talking out loud I can figure something out.  Something I thought of to ask you all-please tell me your los total sleep on avg, day and night.  For example, Cole typically gets 2:15-3:00 of day sleep in two naps (dropped catnap about 2 weeks ago).  Can/should I still expect/hope for 12 hours night sleep?

Richelle-giving Cole powder formula and expiry dates have been checked.  Nestle Good Start is what I'm using.  Don't think it's that because two weeks ago he took 3 oz from a bottle and had no major issues (as far as i remember).  I see Sophie is getting 14 hours total sleep.  Makes me think I should limit day sleep.  His naps started getting better as his nights got worse, so I think he's just making up for lost sleep in the day and I've got a vicious cycle going.  Picked up Gripe Water last night and OMG I couldn't put my finger on it but it IS dill.  Blech.  Had to fight him last night to get it in.  Took it okay a couple of times today though.  Will look for the other brand-thanks for the tip.  Didn't even think of putting it right in his water.  DUH!

Hayley-daysleep answered above.  Really poor sleep started about a week ago maybe.  But we have had good days since then (well, relatively-Monday wasn't bad) I gave him egg yolk for the first time yesterday so right now I am hoping that is the culprit.  And not sure if you missed it but I think zucchini was causing him major discomfort.  I was giving it every day because I hadn't cooked anything else :oops:  Monday was the first day without zucchini and he had a normal night.  I'm trying to figure out what happened Tuesday.  OMG girls.  He had his flu shot on Monday.  Could that be it?  I've checked for fever every day though and nothing.
As for settling-about 3 weeks ago now I have had to stay with him to settle for every nap and sleep.  I used to be able to put him down and he'd cry a few minutes and crash.  I can think of two things that may have caused this.  1) I was at a baby shower, put him down for nap and I think he got too upset settling.  I thought he had gone to sleep and I heard him 15 minutes later  :oops:  2) The last day he had a catnap it ended at 5 and I tried and I had before to put him down at 6.  Silly me as he had had two other good naps as well, so over 3 hours day sleep. Again, tried to let him settle too long.  In a nutshell he won't let me leave now, he escalates to hysterical sobbing within 1 or 2 minutes.  Believe me I have tried.  In the night he has settled a couple of times...while I go the washroom etc...certainly wasn't intentional on my part.  So yes, I am probably rushing in. He is always standing up when I go in and I'm not even sure he's fully awake :shock: As for clothes, I think he's good there.  Maybe I'll try some pants under his grobag but he always feels nice and comfortable-not hot or cold when I pick him up.
Lastly-hope you got in for the helicopter ride!  too cool.

Judy-First-yay to hannah for crawling.  Interesting comment about reflux at 8 months.  i'll see if the huge spills continue.  We had another one today after lunch.  At dinner I noticed him turning away so I stopped feeding he's done this before and still taken more food.  Won't refuse if I put the spoon in front of him :oops:  :?

Nikki-LOL at the bum print.  hee hee  Oh and about readjusting.  I feel just horrible here, but if Cole is sleeping I have to admit there is NO way I am going in and risking waking him up.  I leave him be.  So maybe that could be it.  Wonder if he's getting stuck in corners in the middle of the night?  He has no trouble moving in his grobag though.

OMG Micky-you posted while I'm typing.  What cute pics.  I so love the mohawk one.  positively adorable.

Today ladies Cole had a 1:15 and 1:00 nap. Nap 2 ended at 1:15 and he fell asleep on the breast at 5:30. ( I tried Judy's trick of extra feed for mini nap but it didn't work) .At 6:15 he woke and I settled him.  It's 8:04 and I've heard a couple of shuffles but he hasn't woken.  Gave him Gripe before last feed so let's just hope things get better for my little guy.

Again, thank you all soooo much for your help.  Where oh where would I be without you all. *insert emoticon with little heart here*

okay, off to do all my "other" cards as DH is off at a poker game tonight.

[Olivia's Mommy]

Nikki--Yes, I have found Liv in all sorts of odd places in her crib...stuck in the corner, smashed up against one side, etc. At first she would start to fuss in her sleep when she got stuck, so I would go in and reposition her. But now she doesn't make a peep. She just rolls around in her sleep. So I leave her be and she eventually ends up somewhere in the middle again. We have one of those extra-large swaddling blankets we ordered from a link on this site. We still use it to wrap her legs in (I think it's more a security blanket for me...we swaddled her for so long, the only way I know to comfort her is to go in and "reswaddle" her if she wakes up! Luckily, we don't have to do that anymore.) It usually ends up wadded up at one end of the bed. I went in the other morning and found she had her arm wrapped around it and was sleeping cuddled with it up against her face. Maybe it is becoming her lovey. It's the only thing we have in the crib with her. I would like to put stuffed animals in there with her, but I'm so afraid she would start to play if she wakes up. As it is, she just rolls over and goes back to sleep!