Baby Update - 29 weeks old

Age:  29

Weight: He was weighed at the hospital last Friday but they didn't tell me what it was and didn't write it in his red book!  So I took him on Tuesday and he was 15 lb 11 oz (7.18 kg) and is tracking just above 9th centile as before.

Health: I felt incredibly patronised by the Paediatrician who basically suggested that there was nothing wrong and kept saying things like "if you feel" which implied he didn't agree.  Apparently going from 7 watery poos a day to 1 normal consistency poo when I cut out dairy isn't quantifiable data!!  Either way he wanted me to go back onto dairy and refused to increase his reflux medication, leaving him to grow out of it.  His reflux has been a lot better so I'm happy enough to do that but I'm expecting issues with the dairy.  I've only been back on it for a few days but OJ's skin is already flaring up and he's experiencing a lot of wind, to the point where he wakes up every 20 minutes.

Feeding: He's doing brilliantly with weaning and actually eating reasonable amounts now too.  In terms of milk feeds he still breastfeeds regularly, although often only for short periods of time and I think a lot of it is comfort and accessibility rather than hunger.  If I wasn't there I don't think he'd be bothered... which means we're going out on Saturday and leaving him with the in-laws to test this theory.  He still doesn't seem to be keen on a bottle (although he did have about 40 ml the other day randomly when ALS tried) but I've always been around.  Hopefully if he's actually hungry he'll take one, but I'll breastfeed before we leave him and will be back in around 4 hours.  He'll have his dinner whilst he's there so even if he doesn't have any milk it won't do him any harm - we will be nearby if he gets upset, as he often relies on milk to help settle him ready for a nap, but my mother-in-law is the only person other than me who seems to be able to get him to sleep (and does it in a way I can't) so I'm confident he'll be just fine.

Sleep: He's been waking up a lot with wind at night and ending up wide awake, he's also struggling to get to sleep.  He used to fall asleep on the boob but now he seems to pull away and want his dummy before settling off.  He really fights it most of the time though and he's teething (AGAIN) so it's been a hard week in terms of sleep.  He doesn't even seem comfortable sleeping in our bed anymore thanks to the wind - he'll be mostly asleep but fidgeting and kicking his legs, then he'll end up wind awake, start to drift off and do the same again!

Routine: I'm half tempted to delete this as I think it's pretty clear we have no routine and probably never will haha!

Likes/dislikes:  He loves his food!  He loves going for walks in the pushchair and people watching and he likes music and dancing around with me.  He likes playing games (like us stealing his dummy out of his mouth and hiding it then making it reappear) and he's always super excited when daddy gets home from work.  He still doesn't like sleep!  We had another epic screaming fit in the car which led to us walking laps around McDonald's until he fell asleep and we could take him home - but we think it's when he's overtired as the last few times it's happened have been when we've been on our way home after his bedtime.  Touch wood he's been okay since then!  He also loves "Charlie and the Numbers/Alphabet" which is what we put on when we need 5 minutes to do something... it's educational so I don't feel too guilty!

Firsts:  First BBQ at a friend's last weekend, a few more first foods and he FINALLY rolled back to front (just the once) including getting his arm out, as soon as he realised he rolled straight back onto his back but it's a start.  

Milestones:  We have another tooth cut and yet another one on the way!  He's started having his baths in the main bath now, which often gives me a heart attack as he likes lunging at things and is a little too comfortable with the water thanks to his swimming lessons.  He's also starting to be able to play independently for a little longer which helps me to get things done - and he's a lot better at getting from sitting to lying without getting stuck on his arm or falling on his face.  He definitely recognises some of the sign language too and gets especially excited when we do the sign for milk - he's been doing that for a month or more but I completely forgot to mention it, there's so much going on and he's developing every day!

Things we did: We had his hospital appointment on Friday.  On Saturday I competed in a charity deadlift competition, my dad and stepmum came to visit and then we went to a BBQ at a friend's house (followed by the McDonald's pitstop on the way home).  Honestly, I love those nights where ALS and I are teaming up to fix issues and co-parent like champions - it was a nice night and, to me, that's what parenting is all about!   

Me: I amazed myself by exceeding all expectations (especially mine) in the deadlift competition and it really boosted my confidence.  I'm finally willing to leave OJ again (in a couple of days) too.  Although I really don't want to, I know it will be good for him and get him ready for my return to work (EEK, don't want to think about that).  I'm really struggling with the thought of ALS' HD status at the moment, but I often go through phases like that, and finding sleep quite elusive on the rare occasions that OJ actually sleeps.  My weight seems to have plateaued again, probably due to increased dairy and OJ eating more solids so hopefully I won't lose any more.  Also, I did not take nearly enough photos this week - MUST TRY HARDER!

28 weeks 1 day - Paediatrician says I should try dairy again so I had a sneaky hot chocolate after OJ fell asleep while shopping.

28 weeks 2 days - when you're out at a competition and forget to take a bib... naked car picnic!

28 weeks 3 days - loves a good selfie.

28 weeks 4 days - look at these gorgeous milestones courtesy of Puddleducks, OJ loved his pyjama swimming lesson but mostly just wanted to eat the card.

28 weeks 5 days - one second he's laughing at me, the next second he's fast asleep... I did lie him down after I took the photo!

28 weeks 5 days - the proper way to eat a jacket potato.

29 weeks - peeking out from behind Freddie the Firefly in Co-Op - has anyone else noticed that EVERY pushchair has one of these on?

29 weeks - currently zonked out like this in his cosleeper crib... he looks like he's about to start levitating or something! (Bad mum alert for toys in the crib but I'm awake and watching him).  Also he's growing out of his crib :(

I won a prize giveaway on Instagram the other day and was sent these gorgeous Milk Mamas badges!

Baby Update - 22 weeks

Age:  22 weeks

Weight: He isn't due to be weighed again until the end of the month.

Feeding: He's been a bit fidgety with his feeding and he chokes on his milk often too.  I tried him with a bottle again this morning and he didn't scream but seemed more interested in chewing on the teat and drank very little.  Since I've been back on dairy he has had really explosive, watery and mucousy nappies, he's been more fidgety with feeds and his eczema has really flared up so I have no idea what to think!  I'm waiting on a call back from the GP tomorrow to see what she suggests while we await our Paediatrician appointment in May.

Sleep: We had a few good nights where he would feed around 9, 1, 4 and then 6-7 with good sleep in between but last night he was wide awake from 2 onwards - he wasn't upset but certainly wasn't going to sleep.  He would drift off and catnap then be wide awake again.  Fortunately ALS had a late start this morning so around 7 am he took him for a couple of hours between feeds while I caught up on some sleep.

Routine: After battling with what other people think I've decided to stop caring and go back to a baby guided routine.  I'm letting him just sleep when he's tired (although desperately trying to catch the sleep windows so he doesn't get overtired) and if that means a later bedtime then so be it - at least that way I often get to sleep until 9 am.  It works for us and once he's older and in his own room we can work on bringing bedtime earlier ready for starting nursery.

Likes/dislikes:  He's really enjoying sitting in his ClevaCushion and playing independently.  He also absolutely LOVES BabyTV, which I limit to just a few minutes a day at teatime so I can get a hot meal - I watch it with him and talk to him about what's happening.  He doesn't like the fact that he's not allowed my food and managed to burn his fingers earlier by lunging at me and sticking them in my dinner (bad mummy) - there's fortunately no visible damage and he calmed down very quickly so I think it was just a shock!  Roll on weaning!

Firsts:  First Easter - although too young for Easter eggs yet! First real attempt at sitting and he's getting stronger each day.  First time being awake lots in the night (not bad for 5 months) not for feeding or reflux reasons.

Milestones: Sitting unsupported for a good 5 minutes or so at his great-grandma's house!  He's so close to rolling back to front but just isn't quite there yet.

Things we did: We had a very busy Easter weekend! He saw ALL of his grandparents/great-grandparents in one weekend which hasn't happened since the first weekend he was born. We went to a friend's for a takeaway on Friday and he got to see his cousin. We went swimming and then had the gym squad round for pizza on Sunday. We went to the story/singing griup again which he loved too! We also went to ASDA and picked up a load of 3-6 month clothes ready for the transition as he's growing faster now. 

Me: I'm trying hard to just do what's right for us as a family without worrying what others think but it's hard!  I'm also trying to find time to keep on top of things like exercise and doing the washing - I was doing it when OJ went down at night but it's like he can sense that I've left the room so wakes up and then won't settle for ALS. In the daytime he rarely naps anywhere other than on me (and if I put him down his nap ends up short so I'm just letting him sleep on me in the interest of him getting enough sleep).  It is getting slightly easier now he will entertain himself for a bit but it's not long enough to get a full workout in, plus I don't really enjoy working out at home - I do love my weekend gym sessions though!  I'm keeping motivated though as I've signed myself up for a charity deadlift competition in May!

21 weeks 1 day - looking a little like Dopey from Snow White with his hat on wonky!

21 weeks 2 days - he loves bathtime!

21 weeks 2 days - bedtime story with his Wubbanub.

21 weeks 3 days - looking fancy and stealing our friend's hat!

21 weeks 3 days - not sure he knows how to wear a cap yet...

21 weeks 4 days - 5 month growth photo!

21 weeks 6 days - looking in amazement while I expressed some milk.

22 weeks - toys galore and all he wants is my bottle!

22 weeks - trying to get at my toastie... it's hard to say no to those eyes!

22 weeks - it's taken 5 months but I finally got a photo of his gorgeous little bottom lip... he doesn't wake up well!

Baby Update - 9 weeks

Age:  9 weeks

Weight: He was weighed on Friday at 8 weeks 1 day and was 10 lb exactly so he's dropped again on the centiles and is now down to 9th centile from 25th at birth.  We have to get him weighed in a fortnight to keep an eye on it but it is quite normal for babies to drop to a lower centile, as long as he now continues to follow the 9th centile (rather than dropping further) they won't be concerned. 

Feeding: We've had a bit of trouble lately with feeding due to him being so fidgety but I've gone back to sitting in a stricter position with the support cushion and it's helped.  He's still being sick after about 50-75% of his feeds but I think it's starting to slow down a little bit on the ranitidine (which he was prescribed on Friday).

Sleep: We had 2 nights after his vaccinations where he slept for 7 hours straight (either 11-6 or 12-7) but then we've been back to feeding every 3-4 hours overnight.  However, last night he again slept from 11:30-6:30 so hopefully he's starting to get into some sort of routine.  He's generally going down quicker after his feeds now (again possibly due to the ranitidine working) and seems a bit less uncomfortable so hopefully that will help him sleep more peacefully.  

Routine: We are just starting to get into a routine again now ALS is back at work but we are having to change things around as ALS' car broke down so he's using mine, which leaves me without transport most of the time.  I've managed to get the house back in order now all the Christmas presents are put away and the decorations are down so OJ's toybox can come downstairs and we can introduce more toys/have more playtime during the day now he's awake more.

Likes/dislikes:  He loves new flavours - he's had all sorts of medicine lately and has taken it all in his stride.  His ranitidine is minty, his antibiotics (for an ingrown toenail) are banana, Calpol is strawberry and the Gaviscon was another flavour - he's taken them all without complaint so hopefully when it comes to weaning he'll be open to all sorts!  He dislikes being cold still and screams if we don't get him dressed immediately after his bath - I have to admit this makes me a little nervous about starting swimming with him and not having ALS to help make the process quicker.

Firsts:  First New Year's Eve party, first party outfit (see the pictures below - it's adorable!), first injections, first cinema trip, first injury (careless nurse hit him in the head with a door when he'd had his jabs), first time for me going out without him (I had to go to the doctor's to have my iron levels checked so I left him at home with daddy - I wasn't anxious about leaving him in the slightest but only because it was with ALS and I know that he knows how to care for him exactly the same way I do), first proper laugh (whilst I was playfully cursing at ALS for spilling pink medicine on our white bedsheets).

Milestones: He's starting to try and reach out for toys although isn't coordinated enough to actually grab them yet - he just flails his limbs at them, he is now 2 months old, he's laughing more, he's "talking" more and responds with coos and gurgles when you talk to him (and gets quite frustrated when we aren't understanding him). 

Things we did: We went to visit family on New Year's Eve and then went to a party at a friend's house (although we only stayed until about 10 pm), we went to the cinema to see the new Star Wars movie and he slept all the way through... and that's about it in terms of interesting things.  We've had a relatively quiet week other than NYE.

Me: I'm struggling a little at the moment - my body isn't coping well with the sleep deprivation, even though I've had quite a bit more sleep this week.  I feel constantly fatigued and achy and my joints are really hurting.  I need to get back to some exercise but at the same time I feel too sore to even think about it.  I'm hoping to get out and about walking more this week and then get back to my exercise routine - damn Christmas getting me back out of the habit again!

8 weeks 1 day - lying in his favourite position, he struggles a lot with wind and tummy ache so he's often only happy on his front with pressure on his tummy.

8 weeks 3 days - looking like a proper little man in his shirt and jeans ready for the party.

8 weeks 4 days - making the most of his "Mummy's Little Pudding outfit" and he scrunched his legs up so he was even more pudding shaped!

8 weeks 4 days - "You talkin' to me?", I love his little facial expressions!

8 weeks 5 days (2 months) - sitting with his teddy bear.

8 weeks 6 days - all chunky and snuggly after his bath.

9 weeks - big smiles after sleeping all the way through Star Wars at the cinema!

Baby Update - 6 weeks old

Age:  6 weeks

Weight: He doesn't get weighed until tomorrow but I'll add it in once I have it.

Feeding: He still likes to eat every 2 hours during the day until we go to bed - often it's closer to an hour and a half if he's stayed awake.  Then he'll have a couple of 4 hours stints which usually means just one night feeding,around 3-4 am, although the last few nights there has been a few more mostly for comfort as he's really unsettled with what I think is reflux - I'm going to speak to the Health Visitor tomorrow.  He sometimes goes longer through the day if we're out and about as the pushchair/car send him to sleep.  We did have one night where he slept for a solid 8 hours and I woke up absolutely drowning in milk!

Sleep: He's been awake a lot during the day up until a couple of days ago but yesterday and today he's slept most of the day.  I'm putting that down to being more comfortable being upright in our arms or his bouncer and making up for lost sleep at night when he's unsettled in his crib - we've tried raising the head of it but it doesn't seem to have made any difference.  He sleeps better at night if he's face down on my chest but obviously that's not practical (nor entirely safe) so I avoid it as often as possible - sometimes it's the only option though.

Routine: Routine has gone out of the window this week due to some pretty heavy snow and a few really poor night's sleep but we're getting done what we need to.

Likes/dislikes:  He really likes his bouncer - he loves bouncing in it when he's awake and finds it really comfortable for sleeping in during the day.  He's a big fan of gripe water as well - he seems to love the taste of it - but more importantly it really helps with his wind.

Firsts:  We had our first meal out as a family - it involved some public breastfeeding and a super poop explosion but on the whole it was an enjoyable experience!  He also experienced snow for the first time and daddy built him a snowman!  He lay in his big boy cot watching his mobile for the first time too whilst I tidied up in the nursery.

Milestones: Sleeping through the night... just once!

Things we did: We went out for a meal.  We went to daddy's work and sat in the cafe for 30 minutes whilst he worked.  A lot of my dad's side of the family came over for my grandma's 85th birthday so OJ got to meet all of his aunties and uncles. My dad visited last night for the first time since OJ was about a week old which was lovely. 

Me: I've started actual workouts this week and it's great to be back to doing something - I'm a long way off powerlifting again but it's a start.  I've done my measurements and taken some progress photos so I'm ready to see what I can do.  I won't be bothering looking at my diet until after Christmas though!  I know I've lost a lot of muscle and gained fat as I weigh the same as I did pre-pregnancy but my waist is a 7 inches bigger!

5 weeks 1 day - I'll never poop alone again but he's so settled on the bathroom floor for some reason!

5 weeks 1 day - changing time would be a lot easier if he didn't do this every time I take my hands off him!

5 weeks 2 days - enjoying his mobile in his big boy cot!

5 weeks 3 days - fast asleep whilst we watched Elf but at least he was dressed for the occasion.

5 weeks 4 days - skin to skin snuggles after he peed all over himself, look at that chubby face!

5 weeks 5 days - fast asleep in his bouncer.

5 weeks 5 days - snuggled up cosy ready for shopping.

5 weeks 6 days - he always ends up on his side and loves sleeping with his hands over his face.

6 weeks in and 6 weeks out - I can't believe this tiny bunch of cells grew into my beautiful boy!

58.6 kg, 32 inch waist - ready to make some changes.

Baby Update - 4 weeks

Age:  4 weeks

Weight: 8 lb 9 oz (weighed at 3 weeks 4 days)

Feeding: We are having a few issues with reflux leading to occasional cluster feeding and OJ being quite fidgety during a feed, sometimes he even throws up whilst on the breast.  However he's still putting weight on well so the Health Visitor isn't concerned.  We've introduced a dummy this week (mostly at night, but occasionally if we're out and about) and a few times he's actually managed to go 4-5 hours between feeds at night.

Sleep: Since we got the co-sleeper crib things have been a lot better.  It's really handy for me to be able to reach out and soothe him without having to get out of bed.  He's also sleeping better with a dummy although he is quite unsettled still on his back and usually around 5 am (after his last night time feed) it gets to the point where he won't settle at all - he doesn't cry, he just ends up coughing, spluttering, gagging and being sick so I tend to bring him into our bed at that point so that I can lie him face down on my chest or tuck him next to me on his side and this seems to help.  

Routine: We're getting on pretty well and even managed to get out the house by 10 am one day.  He tends to have a fussy period for a few hours in an evening which is a bit of a pain as it usually starts just as ALS goes to work - but as long as I've accepted that I'm not getting anything done during those few hours we're coping okay.  I did have a moment last night where he was crying and the only thing that would settle him was walking around with him but I was in too much pain so I had to sit down - this led to me crying as well because I felt bad for not being able to settle him and ended up giving him the dummy.  It was a momentary blip and ALS reassured me when he got home that I'd not failed just because I gave him a dummy.

Likes/dislikes:  He really loves tummy time and can hold himself upright on my breastfeeding cushion.  He likes getting out of the house for walks too.  He dislikes being laid on his back, even in your arms.  He's far too curious and likes to be looking around and seeing what's going on so prefers to be held upright.

Firsts:  We had our first meet up with a group of mums who go for walks - we even went for lunch with them afterwards.  This was my first meal out since having OJ and it was lovely!  As I've mentioned above he has his first dummy and we had our first solid 4 hour stint of sleep.  He's also started using a sleeping bag at night this week and he's much happier than with blankets because it means he can wriggle around.

Milestones: He's just about started smiling today - it seemed to be in response to his grandad, although it may still just be wind.  He can push himself up during tummy time when he's propped over a cushion as well.

Things we did: We went to another Christmas fair, we went for a couple of nice walks, we've been shopping a few times and we've had lots of visits from OJs grandparents (especially on ALS' side of the family).  

Me: I'm struggling with the fact that I'm 4 weeks post delivery and still in excessive pain if I'm standing or dawdling around (such as shopping or pottering around the house) for more than about 10 minutes.  The pain is like really severe bruising around my vagina but my scar has healed really well so I'm not sure where it's really coming from.  If I'm walking at a decent pace I don't seem to have the same issue which is weird.  My body is starting to get back to a normal shape again which I'm very happy with and I'm desperate to get back to some exercise once this pain goes away.  I was going to bring it up at my 6 week postnatal check with the GP but my surgery don't do one - they just check you over at your baby's 8 week check - so I'll have to wait another 4 weeks or make a specific appointment to be seen.

3 weeks 1 day old - morning cuddles.

3 weeks 2 days old - yawning away in his bouncer.

3 weeks 2 days old - fast asleep on his tummy on mummy's lap.

3 weeks 3 days old - snuggled up cosy at the Christmas fair.

3 weeks 3 days old - first time in his sleeping bag.

3 weeks 4 days old - holding himself up on his cushion during tummy time.

3 weeks 5 days old - mummy trying to capture a picture of her favourite expression.

3 weeks 6 days old - snuggled up with mummy after being unsettled for a while.

3 weeks 6 days old - fast asleep in the booth at the pub.

4 weeks old - 2 minutes before he fell asleep sucking on his dummy.

4 weeks postpartum - 57.5 kg.