Cooper is getting so clever with words. Understanding them, that is. He constantly impresses us by pointing out the specified body part or picture in his story and following instructions given.
Saying words is another matter however. Although he does use a few words very well, such as 'ta', 'up' and 'gone', he seems to have lost a few sounds. He no longer pronounces the letters 'c' or 'm', for example. My name is no longer 'Mumum'... I am now 'Bapa'. Not sure I'm loving that... Mumum is much cuter!
Tuesday, 16 October 2012
New home
Blog – 4/10/12
We did it!! We are in
our new house!
I am so, so, so grateful for all the assistance we received
from family and friends…couldn’t have done it without them. Even with all the help, however, I find
myself quite weary at the end of the process.
(Well, I shouldn’t say end I guess… still got plenty of unpacking and
sorting to do!)
Cooper was slightly unsettled, but overall has handled the
move quite well. Poor boy spent a bit of
time leading up to the move being shipped around to babysitters, and even when
at home, Mummy would read 3 books then say “Righteo, time to pack… you read on
your own now Cooper.” And on the
Thursday night when he and I stayed at my parents’ while Jase stayed on at the
house, poor little fellow really had a broken heart. Not his bed.
Not Daddy putting him to bed.
Overtired. Had spent the day with
other people. It was all a bit much
really.
He’s had a couple of rough nights in the new house, but is now
seeming to be as happy as Larry. He is
loving the extra space to roam around in.
And thanks to the gorgeous weather over the last couple days, he is
getting a good roam outside too!
It does have its not-so-perfect aspects, but overall I
really love our new little patch. It has
a bit of a country feel to it… wind rustling through the multitude of trees;
birds and bugs constantly singing. There
is still a bit of traffic (cars going past the front, trains running along the
back of the property, and many planes flying overhead), but it is just enough
to not feel isolated.
I love being able to let Cooper run around outside without
fear of him getting to the road. This
place is perfect for kids.
(I’m just trying to decide if I have enough energy to enrol
in swimming lessons this coming term.
With a dam out the back, I really want him to be a good swimmer, and am
guessing that lessons will be harder next year with another little bub to look
after.)
I feel very lucky and blessed to live in such a wonderful
home.
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
The final countdown
Just 3 days until we get the keys to our new house! Wohoo! And yet, that means just over 2 days until we need to hand in the keys for this house... hmm..
Nah, it actually isn't worrying me too much. The packing is going very well, and the cleaning is underway. I am so very grateful that the morning sickness started easing about 1.5 wks ago and is virtually non-existent now.
Also incredibly grateful that I haven't had to do everything on my own. Special praise goes to my hubby, who has been packing up a storm, and to my mum, who seems to have endless energy and donates so much time to me and my house. Also feel so blessed by other loved ones who have chipped in wherever they can. I certainly am feeling supported and loved and lucky beyond measure.
The hardest part is getting stuff done with Cooper around. He is just so 'helpful'! He adds items to boxes, takes out other things that he doesn't think belong, and even pulls tape off sealed boxes ... to check their contents, I guess. He also blesses walls that I've cleaned with snotty little kisses.
We washed the car today. I think it may be the first time I've done it since Cooper was born. As suspected, washing a car with him alternating between 'earth-moving' and 'helping mum' made car washing about as effective as tidying the lounge while he is in it. No sooner did I get a section clean than he came along with his muddy paws to rub away at some invisible dirt. Or kissed it with his muddy, snotty little face. (Why does he insist on kissing everything?? I do not know. Maybe Jason is right and I kiss him too much!)
The poor boy also wants to continue with normal activities like trips to the park and reading books together. At least, for his sake, I get worn out very quickly so have to take regular breaks, and snuggling on the couch together with some books is needed by me too.
I am finding Cooper so delightful these days. His beaming smile, his excitement and pride in each new achievement, his increasing independence, his ever-improving communication... it is all so much fun.
I am thoroughly enjoying having a little boy instead of a baby, and feeling just slightly apprehensive about going back to having a baby again. I've had to go back and look at pictures of Cooper when he was tiny to remind myself of what a cute little lump he was. That made me feel a little better. So I decided to go back and read some of my early day blogs again too. Bad move. There were some good parts, but mostly it confirmed the accuracy of my memory... little boys are way better than little babies. Oh well, I'm sure I'll be just as smitten by the next bub too. And it too will grow into a toddler quickly. :)
Nah, it actually isn't worrying me too much. The packing is going very well, and the cleaning is underway. I am so very grateful that the morning sickness started easing about 1.5 wks ago and is virtually non-existent now.
Also incredibly grateful that I haven't had to do everything on my own. Special praise goes to my hubby, who has been packing up a storm, and to my mum, who seems to have endless energy and donates so much time to me and my house. Also feel so blessed by other loved ones who have chipped in wherever they can. I certainly am feeling supported and loved and lucky beyond measure.
The hardest part is getting stuff done with Cooper around. He is just so 'helpful'! He adds items to boxes, takes out other things that he doesn't think belong, and even pulls tape off sealed boxes ... to check their contents, I guess. He also blesses walls that I've cleaned with snotty little kisses.
We washed the car today. I think it may be the first time I've done it since Cooper was born. As suspected, washing a car with him alternating between 'earth-moving' and 'helping mum' made car washing about as effective as tidying the lounge while he is in it. No sooner did I get a section clean than he came along with his muddy paws to rub away at some invisible dirt. Or kissed it with his muddy, snotty little face. (Why does he insist on kissing everything?? I do not know. Maybe Jason is right and I kiss him too much!)
The poor boy also wants to continue with normal activities like trips to the park and reading books together. At least, for his sake, I get worn out very quickly so have to take regular breaks, and snuggling on the couch together with some books is needed by me too.
I am finding Cooper so delightful these days. His beaming smile, his excitement and pride in each new achievement, his increasing independence, his ever-improving communication... it is all so much fun.
I am thoroughly enjoying having a little boy instead of a baby, and feeling just slightly apprehensive about going back to having a baby again. I've had to go back and look at pictures of Cooper when he was tiny to remind myself of what a cute little lump he was. That made me feel a little better. So I decided to go back and read some of my early day blogs again too. Bad move. There were some good parts, but mostly it confirmed the accuracy of my memory... little boys are way better than little babies. Oh well, I'm sure I'll be just as smitten by the next bub too. And it too will grow into a toddler quickly. :)
Thursday, 6 September 2012
Sick of being sick
*Warning... this is a super-whingy post, so don't read it if you're having a good day.*
I'm sick of feeling sick. Pregnancy sucks. Before you feel too sorry for me, I don't have it that bad really. But it still sucks.
And at 13.5 weeks, it seems to be turning up a notch. If I remember correctly with Coops, I chucked more in the 13 to 17/18 wk period, although I did feel better between chucks. This time, I swear I feel worse as well as chucking more.
I am seriously lacking motivation. To do anything. I feel mildly crap all the time, and just can't be bothered. If I get too energetic and do anything mildly strenuous (like have a shower and clean the bathroom bench and toilet... seriously - shouldn't be too tough!), I have to sit still or walk slowly, slightly hunched for the next hour while I wait for my stomach to settle.
I sit here right now, knowing that Cooper's sleep time must be coming to an end, and my time to achieve stuff is getting shorter by the minute, but I lack the motivation to get off the couch.
I'm moving in 3 weeks. I have not started packing yet. There is plenty I could be doing right now. But I just want to sit and eat. But I don't even know what to eat. Nothing sits quite right. I know I'm not drinking enough either, but I just can't even bring myself to drink (which may explain the headache). It sucks.
I have a lot of visitors throughout the week, and go out a bit too. Jase thinks I might be doing too much and making it worse. Mum asked about that this morning too. But the thing is, even if no one comes over and I don't leave the house, I don't do anything differently anyway. I'd still be sitting here in my dressing gown (I did get dressed this morning, but put my dressing gown back over the top for comfort... luckily none of today's visitors care about that!) or moping around slowly and restlessly, waiting for time to pass. And the visitors keep Cooper happy, which makes me feel less neglectful for not playing with him much.
Why, oh why do people have more than two kids??
Nothing makes it better. I just have to wait for these weeks to pass. Come quickly, 20 weeks!! And bring a settled stomach and lots of energy with you!
*End of moaning. I shall now resolve to go and count my blessings and cheer up a little.*
I'm sick of feeling sick. Pregnancy sucks. Before you feel too sorry for me, I don't have it that bad really. But it still sucks.
And at 13.5 weeks, it seems to be turning up a notch. If I remember correctly with Coops, I chucked more in the 13 to 17/18 wk period, although I did feel better between chucks. This time, I swear I feel worse as well as chucking more.
I am seriously lacking motivation. To do anything. I feel mildly crap all the time, and just can't be bothered. If I get too energetic and do anything mildly strenuous (like have a shower and clean the bathroom bench and toilet... seriously - shouldn't be too tough!), I have to sit still or walk slowly, slightly hunched for the next hour while I wait for my stomach to settle.
I sit here right now, knowing that Cooper's sleep time must be coming to an end, and my time to achieve stuff is getting shorter by the minute, but I lack the motivation to get off the couch.
I'm moving in 3 weeks. I have not started packing yet. There is plenty I could be doing right now. But I just want to sit and eat. But I don't even know what to eat. Nothing sits quite right. I know I'm not drinking enough either, but I just can't even bring myself to drink (which may explain the headache). It sucks.
I have a lot of visitors throughout the week, and go out a bit too. Jase thinks I might be doing too much and making it worse. Mum asked about that this morning too. But the thing is, even if no one comes over and I don't leave the house, I don't do anything differently anyway. I'd still be sitting here in my dressing gown (I did get dressed this morning, but put my dressing gown back over the top for comfort... luckily none of today's visitors care about that!) or moping around slowly and restlessly, waiting for time to pass. And the visitors keep Cooper happy, which makes me feel less neglectful for not playing with him much.
Why, oh why do people have more than two kids??
Nothing makes it better. I just have to wait for these weeks to pass. Come quickly, 20 weeks!! And bring a settled stomach and lots of energy with you!
*End of moaning. I shall now resolve to go and count my blessings and cheer up a little.*
Tuesday, 28 August 2012
Talking!!
Cooper is starting to talk!! Actually talk, as opposed to chattering away with noises we don't understand.
For a little while, he has been making a few noises that we thought were actually words, like 'happy'. Sounds more like 'abby, abby, abby' and he frequently said it in situations like when he saw a little friend and went to give him or her a big bear hug.
Then he started saying 'ub, dow' in time with his up and down squats, and I was sure he was actually talking. Now he seems to be actually attempting to repeat some sounds after us! And if he sees a cat (picture or real life), he points and exclaims 'aow' (miaow). Wohoo!! So exciting!
He is getting to be such a big boy. Had a family gathering on the weekend, and he was walking around after his cousins with great enthusiasm. He is actually looking like 'one of the kids' rather than a baby. Some days I find this SO exciting. Other days it makes me want to cry... I blame the pregnancy hormones!
For a little while, he has been making a few noises that we thought were actually words, like 'happy'. Sounds more like 'abby, abby, abby' and he frequently said it in situations like when he saw a little friend and went to give him or her a big bear hug.
Then he started saying 'ub, dow' in time with his up and down squats, and I was sure he was actually talking. Now he seems to be actually attempting to repeat some sounds after us! And if he sees a cat (picture or real life), he points and exclaims 'aow' (miaow). Wohoo!! So exciting!
He is getting to be such a big boy. Had a family gathering on the weekend, and he was walking around after his cousins with great enthusiasm. He is actually looking like 'one of the kids' rather than a baby. Some days I find this SO exciting. Other days it makes me want to cry... I blame the pregnancy hormones!
Monday, 27 August 2012
Up the duff
Cooper is going to be a big brother!
I'm 12 weeks into the pregnancy. As I suspected, pregnancy is not that much fun with a toddler to look after. (Well, it wasn't much fun last time, either!) Hasn't been terrible, but I have been so grateful for Cooper's improved afternoon and night sleeps! Gives me a chance to have a little rest myself!
I'm also thankful that the weaning has gone well, and Cooper is now completely off the breast. It was quite painful feeding him once I was pregnant. I'm so glad that he weaned easily enough and never asks for it now. Hoping all the other things he'll have to give up, like individual attention from Mum, will go just as smoothly!
Next decision... when to get him a big boy bed so that the cot is available when needed for the new little bub.
I'm 12 weeks into the pregnancy. As I suspected, pregnancy is not that much fun with a toddler to look after. (Well, it wasn't much fun last time, either!) Hasn't been terrible, but I have been so grateful for Cooper's improved afternoon and night sleeps! Gives me a chance to have a little rest myself!
I'm also thankful that the weaning has gone well, and Cooper is now completely off the breast. It was quite painful feeding him once I was pregnant. I'm so glad that he weaned easily enough and never asks for it now. Hoping all the other things he'll have to give up, like individual attention from Mum, will go just as smoothly!
Next decision... when to get him a big boy bed so that the cot is available when needed for the new little bub.
Thursday, 2 August 2012
13 months
Life has been busy, so blogging has not been happening. Cooper has just passed the 13 month mark.
Turning One
His first birthday was a fairly low-key event. Just family over for pizza and cake. I made a green sheep for his cake, as 'Where is the Green Sheep?' has always been his favourite book. I have such great memories of choosing my birthday cake each year as a child, and the excitement at seeing the spectacular masterpieces my mum created. I've been looking forward to trying my hand at cake making for my own kids, and hope that Cooper will be equally pleased with my efforts.
Development
Cooper still does not say many words, but he does love to chat away and his comprehension is certainly improving. It gives me such a thrill to be able to give him instructions and watch him carry them out! Like saying 'up, down, up, down' and watching him do squats - so funny! Or when my phone beeped near him and I said "Ta for Mummy" and he obediently picked it up and brought it across the room to me - so convenient!
I love how he is learning to observe what is happening and then participate. Like when I was hanging his birthday cards on a string across the dining room... he watched what I was doing, picked a stray card up off the floor and brought it over to me to hang.
He is a bit more cautious when entering a new situation or seeing new people. He'll stay with me and look around with a subdued face for a little while, until he has sussed things out. But then it is usually a case of no holding back. He'll chat at the top of his lungs, wander around, check things out and do his best to be the centre of attention.
Cooper loves waving. He stands at the window waving at the traffic going past. He opens the lounge sliding door, wanders out and turns to wave at us as he tries to make his escape. Jason pulled up in the truck one day and Cooper waved him off as he left... since then Cooper waves at pretty much every truck. I think he thinks Daddy just does laps around the block in a variety of trucks.
Weaning
My aim was to start weaning Cooper about the age of one. We have been slowly cutting back, as he was previously feeding on demand a rediculous number of times day and night. It was quite convenient that we went on a 9 day holiday a couple weeks after his birthday. We did a lot of driving each afternoon, so Cooper got used to going to sleep in the car instead of being fed to sleep. Much to his delight (!?), Jason was on night duty for most of the holiday, rocking Cooper back to sleep. This gave me a break so I wasn't so tired and just feeding him as the fastest, easiest way to get him to sleep. He also goes to sleep much easier for Jason. With me, he used to spend most of the time trying to get to the milk source.
By the end of the holiday we were down to a morning and evening feed. Now, it is just once a day.
Sleep
So happy to report that Cooper is sleeping through about 50% of the time!! Has been doing this for a couple weeks now, so I'm quietly hopeful that it may be the new normal!
What caused the break through? Not sure, but I think perhaps a combination of a few things. Obviously, he is older. It also started happening suddenly about a week after the night weaning. Also, it began on our first night back from holidays, so in his own bed, and I left a night light and music on in his room all night. I've done the music before, but it has been a long time since I had a night light in there.
I've noticed a strong correlation between the night light and Cooper waking up happy and just lying talking to himself instead of crying for me to get him straight away. Last night he woke at 4am crying, but quickly swapped to chatting to himself. I went back to sleep, and obviously at some point, so did he. Wohoo!!
Turning One
His first birthday was a fairly low-key event. Just family over for pizza and cake. I made a green sheep for his cake, as 'Where is the Green Sheep?' has always been his favourite book. I have such great memories of choosing my birthday cake each year as a child, and the excitement at seeing the spectacular masterpieces my mum created. I've been looking forward to trying my hand at cake making for my own kids, and hope that Cooper will be equally pleased with my efforts.
Development
Cooper still does not say many words, but he does love to chat away and his comprehension is certainly improving. It gives me such a thrill to be able to give him instructions and watch him carry them out! Like saying 'up, down, up, down' and watching him do squats - so funny! Or when my phone beeped near him and I said "Ta for Mummy" and he obediently picked it up and brought it across the room to me - so convenient!
I love how he is learning to observe what is happening and then participate. Like when I was hanging his birthday cards on a string across the dining room... he watched what I was doing, picked a stray card up off the floor and brought it over to me to hang.
He is a bit more cautious when entering a new situation or seeing new people. He'll stay with me and look around with a subdued face for a little while, until he has sussed things out. But then it is usually a case of no holding back. He'll chat at the top of his lungs, wander around, check things out and do his best to be the centre of attention.
Cooper loves waving. He stands at the window waving at the traffic going past. He opens the lounge sliding door, wanders out and turns to wave at us as he tries to make his escape. Jason pulled up in the truck one day and Cooper waved him off as he left... since then Cooper waves at pretty much every truck. I think he thinks Daddy just does laps around the block in a variety of trucks.
Weaning
My aim was to start weaning Cooper about the age of one. We have been slowly cutting back, as he was previously feeding on demand a rediculous number of times day and night. It was quite convenient that we went on a 9 day holiday a couple weeks after his birthday. We did a lot of driving each afternoon, so Cooper got used to going to sleep in the car instead of being fed to sleep. Much to his delight (!?), Jason was on night duty for most of the holiday, rocking Cooper back to sleep. This gave me a break so I wasn't so tired and just feeding him as the fastest, easiest way to get him to sleep. He also goes to sleep much easier for Jason. With me, he used to spend most of the time trying to get to the milk source.
By the end of the holiday we were down to a morning and evening feed. Now, it is just once a day.
Sleep
So happy to report that Cooper is sleeping through about 50% of the time!! Has been doing this for a couple weeks now, so I'm quietly hopeful that it may be the new normal!
What caused the break through? Not sure, but I think perhaps a combination of a few things. Obviously, he is older. It also started happening suddenly about a week after the night weaning. Also, it began on our first night back from holidays, so in his own bed, and I left a night light and music on in his room all night. I've done the music before, but it has been a long time since I had a night light in there.
I've noticed a strong correlation between the night light and Cooper waking up happy and just lying talking to himself instead of crying for me to get him straight away. Last night he woke at 4am crying, but quickly swapped to chatting to himself. I went back to sleep, and obviously at some point, so did he. Wohoo!!
Sunday, 27 May 2012
Bye bye baby!
Someone told me that a child moves from 'baby' to 'toddler' when they start walking. If that is true, I think I can now say that I have a toddler! Cooper has started walking!
We are very excited and a bit relieved. Jason is relieved because he started walking before he turned one (he is 11 months)... his reasoning? 'We told him he had to walk by 1 so he wouldn't be behind other kids, so it's good that he listened.' My relief? He will not need to be carried quite so much!
I bought him a pair of shoes to celebrate his achievement. Figured that with the cold weather and him wanting to walk around, shoes are now a must. I spent $55 on one tiny little pair! I think they are good ones though... they haven't bothered him or affected his walking at all.
Cooper has also suddenly connected the waving action with saying goodbye, again to our delight :) So cute to see him communicating in this way.
Just lately his vocabulary has reduced to pretty much nothing but 'da da da da'. It seems that he was simply concentrating too hard on learning to walk to put any effort into words. Today he suddenly re-introduced the consonants 'n', 'm' and 'b' back into his 'vocab'. I'm very happy to be hearing 'mumum' again after so long of nothing but 'dad' :D
We are very excited and a bit relieved. Jason is relieved because he started walking before he turned one (he is 11 months)... his reasoning? 'We told him he had to walk by 1 so he wouldn't be behind other kids, so it's good that he listened.' My relief? He will not need to be carried quite so much!
I bought him a pair of shoes to celebrate his achievement. Figured that with the cold weather and him wanting to walk around, shoes are now a must. I spent $55 on one tiny little pair! I think they are good ones though... they haven't bothered him or affected his walking at all.
Cooper has also suddenly connected the waving action with saying goodbye, again to our delight :) So cute to see him communicating in this way.
Just lately his vocabulary has reduced to pretty much nothing but 'da da da da'. It seems that he was simply concentrating too hard on learning to walk to put any effort into words. Today he suddenly re-introduced the consonants 'n', 'm' and 'b' back into his 'vocab'. I'm very happy to be hearing 'mumum' again after so long of nothing but 'dad' :D
Friday, 11 May 2012
10.5 months and counting
Wow, my little bubby is turning into a little boy!! He'll be one next month!
I'm still loving watching his growth and development. He is getting so clever! Walking along the furniture so very well now and standing unassisted for very short periods. On Sunday he stood while drinking from his sippy cup, then took a couple steps forward before falling - we were very impressed with his balance! On Tuesday, he took 3 or 4 steps from the couch to me to get a balloon I was holding up! Jase was in the kitchen, unfortunately, and he hasn't tried again since.
I am amazed by his dexterity and general 'cleverness'. Like watching him grab the string of his helium balloon and put one hand over the other to tug the balloon down to his eye level, as quick as a wink. He's done lots of other clever things too, which I've thought at the time - ooo, I should blog that! but have of course forgotten by now :(
Cooper is initiating games now, which is just so much fun. His favourite game is peek-a-boo. It is SO darn cute to see him standing in his little onsie PJs, peeking around the corner announcing 'Ah DARE!' (Ah, there he is!)
If I'm holding him but focussing on something else, he sometimes leans over, tipping his head to the side and staring closely into my face, then giggling when I laugh.
When music starts, he gets his little groove on - bobbing and head-nodding away. Quite a little dancer (in my opinion!) He enjoys Rhyme Time at the library and when we sing to him.
He loves books... they are probably his favourite toy, much to my delight. I've had to administer a fair bit of sticky tape to many of his board books, but because of his enthusiastic reading and trying to close them backwards, not from throwing or other 'un-book-loving' behaviour, so I don't mind.
He still loves to be out and about among people. He is such a show-off, it is almost embarrassing... certainly an attention seeker! I had to take him out to creche at on Sunday, in spite of my pre-birth hopes that my kids will learn to sit relatively quietly with me in church. He was so chatty and playful that not only were the people around us all turning to look, wave, make faces and giggle, but I could hear someone on the other side of the church sniggering at Cooper's boistrous 'DA DA DAD'.
I always struggle with knowing what is appropriate... I know in my head that not everyone is as smitten with my little one as I am, so don't want to let him intrude on their peace, but at the same time, lots of people do enjoy interacting with him, and I just think he is so fabulous that I don't want to deprive them, lol. And I don't want to squash his enthusiasm, joy and love of people, but at the same time want him to learn to be appropriate. And I don't know how much you can 'train' babies and at what age... So wish I knew all the answers!
He is understanding many more words, but still not saying much. Well, I mean, he 'talks' a lot, but not actual words so much. He definitely understands 'bathies time' and gets so excited when we say it! It's great to be able to give him instructions, like "Go play with your ball" while I'm in the shower, and for him to actually understand enough to stop sooking and go and get his ball.
He is getting good at giving cuddles - I love it when he wraps his arms around me, snuggles in and holds on tight. He isn't so good at giving kisses (they are SOO slobbery and usually involve biting), so I kiss him as much as I can to teach him how! ;)
I adore my cute, smiley little boy! xx
I'm still loving watching his growth and development. He is getting so clever! Walking along the furniture so very well now and standing unassisted for very short periods. On Sunday he stood while drinking from his sippy cup, then took a couple steps forward before falling - we were very impressed with his balance! On Tuesday, he took 3 or 4 steps from the couch to me to get a balloon I was holding up! Jase was in the kitchen, unfortunately, and he hasn't tried again since.
I am amazed by his dexterity and general 'cleverness'. Like watching him grab the string of his helium balloon and put one hand over the other to tug the balloon down to his eye level, as quick as a wink. He's done lots of other clever things too, which I've thought at the time - ooo, I should blog that! but have of course forgotten by now :(
Cooper is initiating games now, which is just so much fun. His favourite game is peek-a-boo. It is SO darn cute to see him standing in his little onsie PJs, peeking around the corner announcing 'Ah DARE!' (Ah, there he is!)
If I'm holding him but focussing on something else, he sometimes leans over, tipping his head to the side and staring closely into my face, then giggling when I laugh.
When music starts, he gets his little groove on - bobbing and head-nodding away. Quite a little dancer (in my opinion!) He enjoys Rhyme Time at the library and when we sing to him.
He loves books... they are probably his favourite toy, much to my delight. I've had to administer a fair bit of sticky tape to many of his board books, but because of his enthusiastic reading and trying to close them backwards, not from throwing or other 'un-book-loving' behaviour, so I don't mind.
He still loves to be out and about among people. He is such a show-off, it is almost embarrassing... certainly an attention seeker! I had to take him out to creche at on Sunday, in spite of my pre-birth hopes that my kids will learn to sit relatively quietly with me in church. He was so chatty and playful that not only were the people around us all turning to look, wave, make faces and giggle, but I could hear someone on the other side of the church sniggering at Cooper's boistrous 'DA DA DAD'.
I always struggle with knowing what is appropriate... I know in my head that not everyone is as smitten with my little one as I am, so don't want to let him intrude on their peace, but at the same time, lots of people do enjoy interacting with him, and I just think he is so fabulous that I don't want to deprive them, lol. And I don't want to squash his enthusiasm, joy and love of people, but at the same time want him to learn to be appropriate. And I don't know how much you can 'train' babies and at what age... So wish I knew all the answers!
He is understanding many more words, but still not saying much. Well, I mean, he 'talks' a lot, but not actual words so much. He definitely understands 'bathies time' and gets so excited when we say it! It's great to be able to give him instructions, like "Go play with your ball" while I'm in the shower, and for him to actually understand enough to stop sooking and go and get his ball.
He is getting good at giving cuddles - I love it when he wraps his arms around me, snuggles in and holds on tight. He isn't so good at giving kisses (they are SOO slobbery and usually involve biting), so I kiss him as much as I can to teach him how! ;)
I adore my cute, smiley little boy! xx
Home again, home again, jigetty jig
Work is over and I'm a stay-at-home mum again! Ok, so work was over 2 weeks ago, but it has taken me this long to get around to blogging... it's been a helluva fortnight!
I'm happy to report that by the end of the four week work stint, Cooper was finally getting used to me leaving him and settling down to the new routine. I was quite enjoying lots of aspects of the work and getting out on my own too, however still felt that 4 to 5 hours every day was too much for my liking.
I ended up doing an extra day, finishing at lunch time on the Thursday... and that's when the fun started! Gastro hit! Cooper started chucking at tea time, with me joining in during the night.
(Dare I admit here... at first I thought it was my poor handling of the chicken that had given my poor bub food poisoning! I was quite relieved when I found out my whole mother's group had it, yet have been making extra effort to not leave food out since.)
Having gastro SUCKS when you're a breast-feeding mum! Feeling like you've been hit by a truck, needing to grab a bucket in preparation every time you move, unable to keep even fluids down, yet still feeding your son (who can keep some breastmilk down, but not much else). Oh, and to thank me for my efforts, he would kick me in the tummy while I was feeding him - not helpful! I felt dehydrated for days afterwards.
Friday arvo was the worst - he was feeling a lot better and desperate to play outside, but I felt so crap every time I moved. And Cooper would not stay still and play - he insisted on crawling around the yard putting all sorts of inappropriate things in his mouth :( So thankful my mum was free and able to come take him to the park for me.
Coops followed up the gastro with diarrhea a few days later, then ear infection, then a cold, adding a fever a few days later. I've called Nurse On Call several times, visited a midwife, the local clinic doctor and my doctor. I feel like a totally paranoid mum every time I do, but I'm so stressed about my poor sick, sad bubba. I really hope this is the last and the 5 hr (yes, FIVE! and counting) sleep he's having today means the end of it. I'm really looking forward to not anxiously monitoring every snuffly breath and him being able to sleep in his own again (instead of ON one of us!).
I think Cooper is telling me I should go back to work and bring Nan and Ama back again. Heaven knows work is easier than this!!
I'm happy to report that by the end of the four week work stint, Cooper was finally getting used to me leaving him and settling down to the new routine. I was quite enjoying lots of aspects of the work and getting out on my own too, however still felt that 4 to 5 hours every day was too much for my liking.
I ended up doing an extra day, finishing at lunch time on the Thursday... and that's when the fun started! Gastro hit! Cooper started chucking at tea time, with me joining in during the night.
(Dare I admit here... at first I thought it was my poor handling of the chicken that had given my poor bub food poisoning! I was quite relieved when I found out my whole mother's group had it, yet have been making extra effort to not leave food out since.)
Having gastro SUCKS when you're a breast-feeding mum! Feeling like you've been hit by a truck, needing to grab a bucket in preparation every time you move, unable to keep even fluids down, yet still feeding your son (who can keep some breastmilk down, but not much else). Oh, and to thank me for my efforts, he would kick me in the tummy while I was feeding him - not helpful! I felt dehydrated for days afterwards.
Friday arvo was the worst - he was feeling a lot better and desperate to play outside, but I felt so crap every time I moved. And Cooper would not stay still and play - he insisted on crawling around the yard putting all sorts of inappropriate things in his mouth :( So thankful my mum was free and able to come take him to the park for me.
Coops followed up the gastro with diarrhea a few days later, then ear infection, then a cold, adding a fever a few days later. I've called Nurse On Call several times, visited a midwife, the local clinic doctor and my doctor. I feel like a totally paranoid mum every time I do, but I'm so stressed about my poor sick, sad bubba. I really hope this is the last and the 5 hr (yes, FIVE! and counting) sleep he's having today means the end of it. I'm really looking forward to not anxiously monitoring every snuffly breath and him being able to sleep in his own again (instead of ON one of us!).
I think Cooper is telling me I should go back to work and bring Nan and Ama back again. Heaven knows work is easier than this!!
Thursday, 5 April 2012
Real mum
Yep, it's true. I have a kid, and that makes me a mum. There are certain things and moments that really make me feel like a real mum:
- Being out for an anniversary dinner with just my hubby, dressed up a little, and hubby asks, "Did you realise you have boogers on your shoulder?"
- When Cooper wants me, and only me, to hold him.
- Sneaking into Cooper's room and putting away his clean clothes and adjusting his blankets without him even knowing I'm there.
- Reading 'Where is the Green Sheep?' over and over at 5:30am, snuggled on the couch in the dim light with my bubba.
It's an awesome privilege to be a mum.
- Being out for an anniversary dinner with just my hubby, dressed up a little, and hubby asks, "Did you realise you have boogers on your shoulder?"
- When Cooper wants me, and only me, to hold him.
- Sneaking into Cooper's room and putting away his clean clothes and adjusting his blankets without him even knowing I'm there.
- Reading 'Where is the Green Sheep?' over and over at 5:30am, snuggled on the couch in the dim light with my bubba.
It's an awesome privilege to be a mum.
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Working update...
So, I've been working for a week and one day, and had an insanely busy weekend, and I am TIRED! I don't wanna go to work tomorrow.
I started out very well, feeling all organised. Lots of meals prepared in advance, house clean, stuff like that. I had energy enough still at the end of the day to do what I had to do. But after a hectic weekend (with a later night than I've had in yonks), things being flat out at work and increasingly interupted sleep, I think I'm ready for a break. Good thing it's only a four day week!
Cooper has been starting to get a bit upset with me leaving him, which makes me feel terrible. He was up every two hours last night, just wanting to hang out on my boob. I left him for 4 hours for my first job, fed him at 1pm then dropped him off at mum's for the afternoon job. He has refused milk since then - almost 9 hours and counting. He's asleep on his dad now... we'll see if he'll do a dream feed or be wanting to feed during the night, but I'm wondering if he has decided that since I've dumped him so much, he is gonna dump me.
My boob feels fine... by now I'd think I'd be feeling tight, which makes me wonder if my milk has dried up. I feel a bit bad ... like I put work in front of my bubba's needs. But I suppose 9 months isn't too bad. My goal was minimum 6 months but hopefully 12. I suppose splitting the difference is ok. And hey, he might feed all night again!
Time to pack the lunches... morning will come around soon enough!
I started out very well, feeling all organised. Lots of meals prepared in advance, house clean, stuff like that. I had energy enough still at the end of the day to do what I had to do. But after a hectic weekend (with a later night than I've had in yonks), things being flat out at work and increasingly interupted sleep, I think I'm ready for a break. Good thing it's only a four day week!
Cooper has been starting to get a bit upset with me leaving him, which makes me feel terrible. He was up every two hours last night, just wanting to hang out on my boob. I left him for 4 hours for my first job, fed him at 1pm then dropped him off at mum's for the afternoon job. He has refused milk since then - almost 9 hours and counting. He's asleep on his dad now... we'll see if he'll do a dream feed or be wanting to feed during the night, but I'm wondering if he has decided that since I've dumped him so much, he is gonna dump me.
My boob feels fine... by now I'd think I'd be feeling tight, which makes me wonder if my milk has dried up. I feel a bit bad ... like I put work in front of my bubba's needs. But I suppose 9 months isn't too bad. My goal was minimum 6 months but hopefully 12. I suppose splitting the difference is ok. And hey, he might feed all night again!
Time to pack the lunches... morning will come around soon enough!
Saturday, 24 March 2012
Working Mum
I've always marvelled at working mums, wondering how they manage it. While working full time, I had trouble enough looking after myself and the house, let alone anyone else!
However, for the next four weeks, I am going to be a working mum. I'm filling in at the main bookkeeping job I had when I was pregnant, as the full-timer who replaced me will be on leave. I will only be doing the essentials though, and am hoping to work no more than 5 hrs per day, plus the 2-3 hours a week I'm currently filling in for at another old workplace.
I've been more than just a bit anxious leading up to it. I've stocked up with items such as shampoo and bought lots of quick and easy pantry items, in order to minimise the shopping requirements during the month. I've worked out the babysitting schedule with mum, hashed it over, typed it up. I've been trying to get into good routines again, of dishes done, clothes laid out and nappy bag packed the night before. I've done a big clean up of Cooper's room and half the pantry. Didn't get anywhere near finishing the tidy up in the office, so my mother-in-law will just have to put up with it during the week she stays. I'm anxious about how Cooper will cope as he needs lots of cuddles even after I leave him for just a couple hours, but I'm sure things will be fine.
I'm also a touch excited. I pulled out my old suits and nervously tried them on.... and they fit!! (Well, close enough!) I'm quite looking forward to wearing suits instead of trackies and having 5 hours a day of being drool/vomit/etc free. It will be great to use my brain again and to have set tasks to complete without quite so many interruptions. And of course, it will be exciting to get paid at the end of each fortnight :)
I'm glad it's just for 4 weeks though, so I can have a little taste and then go back to being a stay at home mum again.
However, for the next four weeks, I am going to be a working mum. I'm filling in at the main bookkeeping job I had when I was pregnant, as the full-timer who replaced me will be on leave. I will only be doing the essentials though, and am hoping to work no more than 5 hrs per day, plus the 2-3 hours a week I'm currently filling in for at another old workplace.
I've been more than just a bit anxious leading up to it. I've stocked up with items such as shampoo and bought lots of quick and easy pantry items, in order to minimise the shopping requirements during the month. I've worked out the babysitting schedule with mum, hashed it over, typed it up. I've been trying to get into good routines again, of dishes done, clothes laid out and nappy bag packed the night before. I've done a big clean up of Cooper's room and half the pantry. Didn't get anywhere near finishing the tidy up in the office, so my mother-in-law will just have to put up with it during the week she stays. I'm anxious about how Cooper will cope as he needs lots of cuddles even after I leave him for just a couple hours, but I'm sure things will be fine.
I'm also a touch excited. I pulled out my old suits and nervously tried them on.... and they fit!! (Well, close enough!) I'm quite looking forward to wearing suits instead of trackies and having 5 hours a day of being drool/vomit/etc free. It will be great to use my brain again and to have set tasks to complete without quite so many interruptions. And of course, it will be exciting to get paid at the end of each fortnight :)
I'm glad it's just for 4 weeks though, so I can have a little taste and then go back to being a stay at home mum again.
Finished
I like jobs that have a clear finishing point, that can be ticked off. Like doing the laundry... wash, hang, fold, put away... the washing basket is empty, the clothes cupboards are full, therefore the task is DONE. My favourite part of bookkeeping is finishing the bank reconcilliation. It's the last thing I do at the end of the month, after all invoices, payments, etc, etc are entered. When the bank rec is finished, I know everything, down to the last little 15cent bank fee is entered. It balances. It is DONE. Ah, the satisfaction!
This is why I don't like cleaning: I am never done. I mop the floors, but can I then say that my house is clean? No, because I noticed the dusty skirting boards. As I clean them, I notice the marks on the walls. If I tackle that, then I move the curtains aside and see the state of the window sils. If I'm going to clean them, I should clean the windows too - heaven knows they need it! And the curtains... when was the last time they were washed? Dust flies if I give them a shake. And speaking of dust, I really should do that too. But first I need to tidy all the surfaces. And if I'm going to do that, why not rearrange things to get rid of old stuff and make way for the new. And to sort the shelves, some of it should go in cupboards, which means I really should sort them out too...
My house is never 'clean'. I am never done. Because even if I did manage to get all that done, it would take me so long that the floor would need mopping again.
I find it a tad overwhelming. I have trouble knowing which task to start with. Sometimes I start one, then get distracted and start another, then think, I'll just quickly do this... until I reach the end of the day with lots of half finished tasks and more mess than I started with.
Mostly I just ignore it. Which obviously makes the problem worse.
Sometimes I have a good day though. Like Saturdays when Jase isn't working and we're both home all day. I try not to look at everything, instead just concentrating on accomplishing as much as I can. I remember not to make my to do list be 'Clean house' and instead break it down into manageable bites that can actually be ticked off, like 'clean visible skirting boards'. (I know they're filthy behind the couches, but I just have to let that go for now...) I achieve lots of tasks, and feel good about myself and better about the house.
On these good days, I ask myself, "Why, oh why do I not do this every day?? A little cleaning every day, and one day I might even be able to say that my house is 'clean', or near enough to it."
Little things blow me away. Like today... I cleaned the pair of heels that had been sitting in the laundry with a little mud on them since Feb 7th!! It took all of 3 minutes and they were back in my cupboard! How on earth could I have left it so long? Why do I procrastinate on these tiny tasks until I forget about them and they just become part of the clutter that I don't even notice anymore?
I so desperately want to teach Cooper to be a 'Just Do It!' person; to focus on the task at hand rather than getting lost in the big picture. Maybe we can practise together. :)
This is why I don't like cleaning: I am never done. I mop the floors, but can I then say that my house is clean? No, because I noticed the dusty skirting boards. As I clean them, I notice the marks on the walls. If I tackle that, then I move the curtains aside and see the state of the window sils. If I'm going to clean them, I should clean the windows too - heaven knows they need it! And the curtains... when was the last time they were washed? Dust flies if I give them a shake. And speaking of dust, I really should do that too. But first I need to tidy all the surfaces. And if I'm going to do that, why not rearrange things to get rid of old stuff and make way for the new. And to sort the shelves, some of it should go in cupboards, which means I really should sort them out too...
My house is never 'clean'. I am never done. Because even if I did manage to get all that done, it would take me so long that the floor would need mopping again.
I find it a tad overwhelming. I have trouble knowing which task to start with. Sometimes I start one, then get distracted and start another, then think, I'll just quickly do this... until I reach the end of the day with lots of half finished tasks and more mess than I started with.
Mostly I just ignore it. Which obviously makes the problem worse.
Sometimes I have a good day though. Like Saturdays when Jase isn't working and we're both home all day. I try not to look at everything, instead just concentrating on accomplishing as much as I can. I remember not to make my to do list be 'Clean house' and instead break it down into manageable bites that can actually be ticked off, like 'clean visible skirting boards'. (I know they're filthy behind the couches, but I just have to let that go for now...) I achieve lots of tasks, and feel good about myself and better about the house.
On these good days, I ask myself, "Why, oh why do I not do this every day?? A little cleaning every day, and one day I might even be able to say that my house is 'clean', or near enough to it."
Little things blow me away. Like today... I cleaned the pair of heels that had been sitting in the laundry with a little mud on them since Feb 7th!! It took all of 3 minutes and they were back in my cupboard! How on earth could I have left it so long? Why do I procrastinate on these tiny tasks until I forget about them and they just become part of the clutter that I don't even notice anymore?
I so desperately want to teach Cooper to be a 'Just Do It!' person; to focus on the task at hand rather than getting lost in the big picture. Maybe we can practise together. :)
Thursday, 22 March 2012
Busy-ness
Wow, time flies! Been about 3 weeks since my last post. So much has happened; I've thought so many times of things that I want to record about Cooper, but just haven't quite made it to the computer. And of course, I now can't remember most of what was so sensational to me at the time. Which is exactly why I keep this blog - things fade and blur so quickly, and he is only little for such a short time - I want to be able to remember as much as possible!
Sleeping...
I'm so happy to report that Cooper is starting to sleep better. Last night, for example, was sensational - he went to bed about 10:30 (Silly me didn't go til at least 11:30!), and slept through til 3:30. Back in his bed before 4am, and slept through til 6:45! Wohoo! Only one wake-up! (He had his morning feed and dozed off for his usual cat nap of 20 min or so, but then must have been tired, as he then demanded more milk and went off again!)
What has 'changed'? What are we doing differently? Not much, really.
I did have a couple nights sleeping in the lounge room (Cooper up in the room with Jase so that hopefully Jase would wake to him before I did!) when Jase wasn't working the next day, which recharged my batteries slightly.
This gave me more energy to persist with re-settling him without feeding a bit more often, which maybe helped? People kept telling me that if I fed him to sleep, he would continue to wake regularly for more comfort feeds. Bit of a catch 22 though, as I was physically unable (fatigue and hip and back soreness) to get him back to sleep any other way.
I'm not sure if he is sleeping better which enables me to put him to sleep without feeding, or if the putting to sleep without feeding encouraged better sleep? Bit of both, I reckon. I know one day/night when I was having a bad day and just fed him to sleep each time, and he actually slept really well (I think that was the first 'break through' night), so I'm pretty sure it is a developmental thing at least as much, if not more than our patterns and habits.
Achievements...
Cooper is such a fast crawler now. He is pulling himself up on furniture and people, and starting to walk along the furniture and a little while we hold his hands. He will let go of the couch and turn to grab me, still mostly falling, but continuing to try. He is so very proud of himself! So cute when he gives himself a clap, and falls over in the letting go!
Oh yeah, clapping is a new achievement, which is loves to do! He also high fives, but doesn't get the point of waving yet.
He is definitely understanding key words now. For example, he will clap on command, without demonstration. I believe he also understands up, finished, bathies, mum, dad, Ama (Grandma), and... other words which I can't think of right now.
Development...
He is still growing like a weed. Although, on the charts, percentage-wise for his age, he has slowed quite considerably, I believe. (Haven't checked for a month.) Weighs a ton. I find it really difficult to carry him for long.
He still loves people and the outdoors. It kills him on Friday arvos when we have a bunch of kids over, and the 4 big kids go outside to run around and he usually has to stay inside with the other baby. He can't wait to be one of the big kids.
Cooper still flashes his gorgeous smile around, although not with quite the same abandonment as before. He often takes longer to check people and situations out before he shares his smiles and chatter with them. When he does, however, he is still the charmer he always has been.
He will be 9 months tomorrow, and Jase and I still love him to bits!
Sleeping...
I'm so happy to report that Cooper is starting to sleep better. Last night, for example, was sensational - he went to bed about 10:30 (Silly me didn't go til at least 11:30!), and slept through til 3:30. Back in his bed before 4am, and slept through til 6:45! Wohoo! Only one wake-up! (He had his morning feed and dozed off for his usual cat nap of 20 min or so, but then must have been tired, as he then demanded more milk and went off again!)
What has 'changed'? What are we doing differently? Not much, really.
I did have a couple nights sleeping in the lounge room (Cooper up in the room with Jase so that hopefully Jase would wake to him before I did!) when Jase wasn't working the next day, which recharged my batteries slightly.
This gave me more energy to persist with re-settling him without feeding a bit more often, which maybe helped? People kept telling me that if I fed him to sleep, he would continue to wake regularly for more comfort feeds. Bit of a catch 22 though, as I was physically unable (fatigue and hip and back soreness) to get him back to sleep any other way.
I'm not sure if he is sleeping better which enables me to put him to sleep without feeding, or if the putting to sleep without feeding encouraged better sleep? Bit of both, I reckon. I know one day/night when I was having a bad day and just fed him to sleep each time, and he actually slept really well (I think that was the first 'break through' night), so I'm pretty sure it is a developmental thing at least as much, if not more than our patterns and habits.
Achievements...
Cooper is such a fast crawler now. He is pulling himself up on furniture and people, and starting to walk along the furniture and a little while we hold his hands. He will let go of the couch and turn to grab me, still mostly falling, but continuing to try. He is so very proud of himself! So cute when he gives himself a clap, and falls over in the letting go!
Oh yeah, clapping is a new achievement, which is loves to do! He also high fives, but doesn't get the point of waving yet.
He is definitely understanding key words now. For example, he will clap on command, without demonstration. I believe he also understands up, finished, bathies, mum, dad, Ama (Grandma), and... other words which I can't think of right now.
Development...
He is still growing like a weed. Although, on the charts, percentage-wise for his age, he has slowed quite considerably, I believe. (Haven't checked for a month.) Weighs a ton. I find it really difficult to carry him for long.
He still loves people and the outdoors. It kills him on Friday arvos when we have a bunch of kids over, and the 4 big kids go outside to run around and he usually has to stay inside with the other baby. He can't wait to be one of the big kids.
Cooper still flashes his gorgeous smile around, although not with quite the same abandonment as before. He often takes longer to check people and situations out before he shares his smiles and chatter with them. When he does, however, he is still the charmer he always has been.
He will be 9 months tomorrow, and Jase and I still love him to bits!
Friday, 2 March 2012
Mr Independent
Cooper is definitely getting over his clinginess, which is just fantastic! He still grumbles a bit if I leave the room, but is putting his ever-improving crawling skills to work to follow me around. He also is becoming increasingly happy to wander away from me.
He showed his independence again at Rhyme Time today. Shortly after arriving, he was off, doing his little meet 'n' greet thing... crawling around, stopping here and there to smile at, flirt with or try to kiss other babies and mums. He then plonked himself right near the front, so as to have the best view for watching Sam lead Rhyme Time. Every now and then he would turn around and face the crowd, assuming, I'm sure, that they were all there to sing and perform just for his viewing pleasure. So cute. He was so happy and well-behaved down the front all on his own. Here's hoping that lasts!
He is turning into such a little boy! I mean, he is still a baby, of course, but at the same time, he is looking more and more like a little boy to me. I love it! Really love it! The independence, the ability to express himself more, the curiosity, the playfulness, the interaction and relational stuff all developing - awesomeness!! Babies are cute, but I like kids much more. I'm loving my little boy so much! He melts my heart.
He showed his independence again at Rhyme Time today. Shortly after arriving, he was off, doing his little meet 'n' greet thing... crawling around, stopping here and there to smile at, flirt with or try to kiss other babies and mums. He then plonked himself right near the front, so as to have the best view for watching Sam lead Rhyme Time. Every now and then he would turn around and face the crowd, assuming, I'm sure, that they were all there to sing and perform just for his viewing pleasure. So cute. He was so happy and well-behaved down the front all on his own. Here's hoping that lasts!
He is turning into such a little boy! I mean, he is still a baby, of course, but at the same time, he is looking more and more like a little boy to me. I love it! Really love it! The independence, the ability to express himself more, the curiosity, the playfulness, the interaction and relational stuff all developing - awesomeness!! Babies are cute, but I like kids much more. I'm loving my little boy so much! He melts my heart.
Thursday, 1 March 2012
Losing the plot
Cooper's sleep seems to be going from bad to worse. Up about every hour. Sometimes up as soon as 15 min after I got him down. He usually goes ok for the first few hours of the night, but from 12:30 or 1am onwards - sleep deprivation hell.
I wake up in the morning with that horrible feeling like I haven't actually gone to bed. My eyes sting. My motivation is almost non-existant. I just focus on getting through those first few hours until my body reaches the point of giving up trying to sleep, then I start to feel ok again.
And get this - I'm suffering from insomnia!! I try to go to bed early while Jase is up to tend to Cooper, and I CAN'T SLEEP! Sometimes after putting Cooper down, I can't get back to sleep either.
I wonder what is wrong with my baby. He seems uncomfortable. Tossing and turning, occassionally whimpering. I took him to the chiro and his shoulder was out - been overdoing the crawling and pulling himself up, lol. He slept a touch better that night, but still not great.
Yesterday I went to visit my health care insurer. My friend is with them and they covered her completely for a 5 day stay and a mother and baby unit in Melbourne. I went in to see if that option was available for me. There seemed to be lots of confusion and I had to wait for ages to get the verdict.
While I waited, I started to dream of having someone else tend to Cooper all night long so that I could just sleep. In my sound proof room where I couldn't hear him. And having healthcare professionals watching him sleep and being able to give advice specific to my baby, not just general 'have you tried...?' I started to get quite excited.
And then the news... sorry, your level of cover doesn't include this. I cried. Not a full on cry in there - I managed to hold it back to just a few tears until I got outside. I think it was a combination of tiredness and PMS that made me unable to contain the disappointment.
The lady saw me though, and called later, telling me to call the hospital directly so they could do a phone assessment and then they would discuss with the health fund to work out how much the health fund would cover and how much I would have to fork out. I have to call back Monday. Hopefully it is really cheap! Although there is also the issue of me working for 4 weeks in 4 weeks time - the waiting list is - 4 to 6 weeks! Ah well, we'll see how it goes.
I'm feeling a bit better today, although I have a sore throat... a bit run down, I think. This too, shall pass. I will sleep again one day. And in the meantime, I will be grateful for my adorable boy who is so happy and charming for most of the day! In spite of the nights, he really is such a delight!
Note: not looking for sympathy, and definitely not looking for advice right now... just recording how things are for my memory's sake. :)
I wake up in the morning with that horrible feeling like I haven't actually gone to bed. My eyes sting. My motivation is almost non-existant. I just focus on getting through those first few hours until my body reaches the point of giving up trying to sleep, then I start to feel ok again.
And get this - I'm suffering from insomnia!! I try to go to bed early while Jase is up to tend to Cooper, and I CAN'T SLEEP! Sometimes after putting Cooper down, I can't get back to sleep either.
I wonder what is wrong with my baby. He seems uncomfortable. Tossing and turning, occassionally whimpering. I took him to the chiro and his shoulder was out - been overdoing the crawling and pulling himself up, lol. He slept a touch better that night, but still not great.
Yesterday I went to visit my health care insurer. My friend is with them and they covered her completely for a 5 day stay and a mother and baby unit in Melbourne. I went in to see if that option was available for me. There seemed to be lots of confusion and I had to wait for ages to get the verdict.
While I waited, I started to dream of having someone else tend to Cooper all night long so that I could just sleep. In my sound proof room where I couldn't hear him. And having healthcare professionals watching him sleep and being able to give advice specific to my baby, not just general 'have you tried...?' I started to get quite excited.
And then the news... sorry, your level of cover doesn't include this. I cried. Not a full on cry in there - I managed to hold it back to just a few tears until I got outside. I think it was a combination of tiredness and PMS that made me unable to contain the disappointment.
The lady saw me though, and called later, telling me to call the hospital directly so they could do a phone assessment and then they would discuss with the health fund to work out how much the health fund would cover and how much I would have to fork out. I have to call back Monday. Hopefully it is really cheap! Although there is also the issue of me working for 4 weeks in 4 weeks time - the waiting list is - 4 to 6 weeks! Ah well, we'll see how it goes.
I'm feeling a bit better today, although I have a sore throat... a bit run down, I think. This too, shall pass. I will sleep again one day. And in the meantime, I will be grateful for my adorable boy who is so happy and charming for most of the day! In spite of the nights, he really is such a delight!
Note: not looking for sympathy, and definitely not looking for advice right now... just recording how things are for my memory's sake. :)
Friday, 24 February 2012
Kissed the girls and made them cry
Apparently Cooper is not quite the charmer he thinks he is. He had two girl babies visit today, and kissed them both until they cried! I think it is something about his manner - grab two handfuls of hair and slobber all over their head. :(
He is a bit of a show off though. He has been using the couch etc to pull himself up onto his knees for a few days now. Today, he waited until Hannah was watching (I was in the kitchen) and pulled himself right up to standing!
I think he is becoming a bit less clingy too. At times he stays playing by himself in a room even after I leave. Today at Rhyme Time, he was off crawling around the library, meeting and greeting other bubs and checking out the environment. I'm a tad worried that he might turn out to be a little wanderer! :P
He is a bit of a show off though. He has been using the couch etc to pull himself up onto his knees for a few days now. Today, he waited until Hannah was watching (I was in the kitchen) and pulled himself right up to standing!
I think he is becoming a bit less clingy too. At times he stays playing by himself in a room even after I leave. Today at Rhyme Time, he was off crawling around the library, meeting and greeting other bubs and checking out the environment. I'm a tad worried that he might turn out to be a little wanderer! :P
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Wakey, wakey!
So, 3am and Cooper is ready for a play. He's not hungry, not sad or in pain, not even needing cuddles... he just wants to play.
He hasn't had this for a while. So I'm gonna do my best to record our food and sleep for the day, and if it happens again, see if there are any correlations. (When I was little, artificial food colouring would make me pop up, wide awake, in the wee hours of the morning for a play time - maybe it is something similar with Cooper?)
Cooper slept more than normal (what is normal??). And before you read the embarassment of my supper, there was a really good spread at home group tonight and I couldn't resist - please don't judge me! :P
5:45 Breastfeed and Heather rises
6:20 Cooper rises
7:00 Porridge for both (usual brekky)
8:30 Cooper sleeps for close to 1 hr 45 min
10:00 Heather: choc muffin
11:00 Heather: 2 mini hot cross buns, Cooper: 1
1:00 Cooper sleeps for ... an hour??? 1.25hrs?? Heather: leftover sweet & sour pork
2:30 Cooper: yoghurt, touch of leftover porridge
4:30 Heather: pear, 1/2 banana w/ peanut butter; Cooper: nectarine, 1 piece rocky, 1/2 banana
5:45 Cooper sleeps almost 2.5hrs, Heather: strong milo, lots (seriously, lots!) of marshmellows, 2 mini easter eggs
6:30 Heather: leftover stirfry, lamington
9:00 Cooper: yoghurt
9:30 Heather: slice of choc sponge roll, small piece of cake, 1 pikelet with honey, 1 tim tam, 3 skittles
10:15 Cooper goes to bed again
?1:00 Cooper wakes for feed? (Not really sure of the time, but sometime between me going to bed at 11 and him waking at 3, he ended up in our bed for a feed)
3:00 awake and happy (Cooper happy, that is!)
3:30 grizzles, feeds and awake and happy again
4:00 getting sleepy?
Maybe it was the amount of sugar I pigged out on, rather than colours. I deliberately only had 3 skittles, as I think some of that bright stuff might still affect my sleep a bit too.
He hasn't had this for a while. So I'm gonna do my best to record our food and sleep for the day, and if it happens again, see if there are any correlations. (When I was little, artificial food colouring would make me pop up, wide awake, in the wee hours of the morning for a play time - maybe it is something similar with Cooper?)
Cooper slept more than normal (what is normal??). And before you read the embarassment of my supper, there was a really good spread at home group tonight and I couldn't resist - please don't judge me! :P
5:45 Breastfeed and Heather rises
6:20 Cooper rises
7:00 Porridge for both (usual brekky)
8:30 Cooper sleeps for close to 1 hr 45 min
10:00 Heather: choc muffin
11:00 Heather: 2 mini hot cross buns, Cooper: 1
1:00 Cooper sleeps for ... an hour??? 1.25hrs?? Heather: leftover sweet & sour pork
2:30 Cooper: yoghurt, touch of leftover porridge
4:30 Heather: pear, 1/2 banana w/ peanut butter; Cooper: nectarine, 1 piece rocky, 1/2 banana
5:45 Cooper sleeps almost 2.5hrs, Heather: strong milo, lots (seriously, lots!) of marshmellows, 2 mini easter eggs
6:30 Heather: leftover stirfry, lamington
9:00 Cooper: yoghurt
9:30 Heather: slice of choc sponge roll, small piece of cake, 1 pikelet with honey, 1 tim tam, 3 skittles
10:15 Cooper goes to bed again
?1:00 Cooper wakes for feed? (Not really sure of the time, but sometime between me going to bed at 11 and him waking at 3, he ended up in our bed for a feed)
3:00 awake and happy (Cooper happy, that is!)
3:30 grizzles, feeds and awake and happy again
4:00 getting sleepy?
Maybe it was the amount of sugar I pigged out on, rather than colours. I deliberately only had 3 skittles, as I think some of that bright stuff might still affect my sleep a bit too.
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
Sharing is caring
So cute - Cooper is really getting into the whole sharing thing! When playing, he often assumes that if he likes to chew on it, Mummy probably will too, so he whips it out of his mouth and shoves it in mine!
Jason is, of course, totally grossed out by it, but I just think it is so cute and sweet, that I'll have a chomp in spite of the slobber (or a good pretend, if I can get away with it). He even shared his beloved brocolli with me the other day! Ohhhh, I feel special! :D
Jason is, of course, totally grossed out by it, but I just think it is so cute and sweet, that I'll have a chomp in spite of the slobber (or a good pretend, if I can get away with it). He even shared his beloved brocolli with me the other day! Ohhhh, I feel special! :D
Monday, 6 February 2012
What's around the corner?
Cooper has been doing some very clever things the past couple of days. He has, on a number of occasions, managed to get himself up into a sitting position! He also had a pretty good go at crawling! He still often bunny hopped his legs at the same time, but had the arm action worked out! Still took lots of rests on his tummy and was only a distance of about 3m, but we're very impressed nonetheless!
My favourite trick though, is that he has learnt that he can come find me. If I'm in the kitchen and he starts sooking, I call out to him and he comes looking! His head pops around the corner, we play a little peek-a-boo and he is happier for a few moments. He refuses to come all the way to me however, and just lies half in the lounge, half in the dining room, staring up and me and sooking until I come and get him.
I suppose he has come half way, so it is only fair that I meet him there! :)
My favourite trick though, is that he has learnt that he can come find me. If I'm in the kitchen and he starts sooking, I call out to him and he comes looking! His head pops around the corner, we play a little peek-a-boo and he is happier for a few moments. He refuses to come all the way to me however, and just lies half in the lounge, half in the dining room, staring up and me and sooking until I come and get him.
I suppose he has come half way, so it is only fair that I meet him there! :)
Sunday, 5 February 2012
Controlled Crying
So, last night he was up at 11, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and finally up for the day at 8am. Rediculous.
Jason was chatting to someone today who advocated the use of controlled crying, and asked again why we weren't trying it. I thought that, to be fair, I probably should actually try to read a bit about it rather than just write it off on my uninformed instinct.
Talk about conflicting info and opinions! From "You're selfishly putting your desire for sleep and convenience above your child's needs" to "Well you're spoiling your child and causing long term sleep problems". Such emotive arguments on both sides. Research quoted from both sides.
At this stage, I'm siding against controlled crying. A few things that mainly stand out:
1) Even the controlled crying advocate sites talk about how hard it will be for the mum in particular, and how important it is to have support to help you remain strong. I know that at times we have to let our kids go through tough stuff, even though it just about kills us, but if it is that emotionally tough for a mum and feels 'wrong' for her to not tend to her crying baby, it makes me wonder if it can actually be a good thing.
2) Again, on a pro controlled crying site, it was listing potential hiccups and what to do. "Don't worry if your child vomits - this is just from excessive crying. Simply clean it up with minimal fuss and light, without making eye contact." Uh, WHAT?? You said it yourself... EXCESSIVE crying? How is that a good thing? I can't bear the thought of allowing my child to get distressed to the point of vomiting, and then to not even offer comfort.
3) And the clincher... Apparently controlled crying was a method developed by Dr Truby King in 1913. He was of the opinion that you build character in a child by avoiding cuddling and other attention. Hmm... ok, I strongly disagree with you on that one, Dr King, therefore am not keen to follow any of your child rearing strategies. (He was also against further education for women, as he believed it would "effect their maternal function and have a damaging effect on the human race". Uh, yeah, because if women are allowed to use their brain, instead of simply functioning as directed, they might use their maternal instinct and stand up against men and their stupid ideas, like controlled crying and not cuddling babies!)
Note: Dr King did support a good idea or two, such as extended breastfeeding, so I'm afraid I can't write him off as totally evil!
Note 2: If anyone reading this has done / will in the future do controlled crying, please rest assured that I don't judge you for it. You have to do what works for you and your family. I recognise there are arguments both for and against. And even though at this stage I'm not keen on the idea, give me a few more months of sleep deprivation and I might decide that whatever I have against it is outweighed by the danger of me driving to the supermarket, and I may even use it myself, who knows?!
Jason was chatting to someone today who advocated the use of controlled crying, and asked again why we weren't trying it. I thought that, to be fair, I probably should actually try to read a bit about it rather than just write it off on my uninformed instinct.
Talk about conflicting info and opinions! From "You're selfishly putting your desire for sleep and convenience above your child's needs" to "Well you're spoiling your child and causing long term sleep problems". Such emotive arguments on both sides. Research quoted from both sides.
At this stage, I'm siding against controlled crying. A few things that mainly stand out:
1) Even the controlled crying advocate sites talk about how hard it will be for the mum in particular, and how important it is to have support to help you remain strong. I know that at times we have to let our kids go through tough stuff, even though it just about kills us, but if it is that emotionally tough for a mum and feels 'wrong' for her to not tend to her crying baby, it makes me wonder if it can actually be a good thing.
2) Again, on a pro controlled crying site, it was listing potential hiccups and what to do. "Don't worry if your child vomits - this is just from excessive crying. Simply clean it up with minimal fuss and light, without making eye contact." Uh, WHAT?? You said it yourself... EXCESSIVE crying? How is that a good thing? I can't bear the thought of allowing my child to get distressed to the point of vomiting, and then to not even offer comfort.
3) And the clincher... Apparently controlled crying was a method developed by Dr Truby King in 1913. He was of the opinion that you build character in a child by avoiding cuddling and other attention. Hmm... ok, I strongly disagree with you on that one, Dr King, therefore am not keen to follow any of your child rearing strategies. (He was also against further education for women, as he believed it would "effect their maternal function and have a damaging effect on the human race". Uh, yeah, because if women are allowed to use their brain, instead of simply functioning as directed, they might use their maternal instinct and stand up against men and their stupid ideas, like controlled crying and not cuddling babies!)
Note: Dr King did support a good idea or two, such as extended breastfeeding, so I'm afraid I can't write him off as totally evil!
Note 2: If anyone reading this has done / will in the future do controlled crying, please rest assured that I don't judge you for it. You have to do what works for you and your family. I recognise there are arguments both for and against. And even though at this stage I'm not keen on the idea, give me a few more months of sleep deprivation and I might decide that whatever I have against it is outweighed by the danger of me driving to the supermarket, and I may even use it myself, who knows?!
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Conflicting Advice
Warning: if you're sick of me ranting on about sleep, saying the same sort of things over and over, don't read on!!
So, reading the info on kellymom.com - haven't followed the links of her research to verify their validity, but it is interesting to read her point of view on a few things.
Like, increasing solids and/or adding formula at night do not improve sleep, and as they are harder to digest, they could actually make it harder for baby to sleep at first, increasing night wakings (matches my experience!). She suggests minimising the night-time food until baby's digestive system matures and he is used to eating more in the day.
Also, she suggests that our view of baby sleep is wrong and that it is actually normal and GOOD for baby to wake. Reduces problems like SIDS. (I read similar info on the Dr Sears website, I believe, relating to co-sleeping and how this causes baby to not sleep as deeply and stir more frequently, but how this can be beneficial.)
She has links to the Dr Sears website that talks about some strategies for night weaning that you can use when baby is about 18 months or older! As compared to most info I've found that only talks about baby's needs and habits up to around 6 months, if they mention a timeframe.
Dr Sears says that night feedings are normal, whereas frequent night wakings are not. Compare this to the midwife's advice to 'be strong' and NOT feed at night as a solution to stop night wakings (may or may not be linked).
He also says that some babies are just not self-soothers. They are people babies. They want people, not things, such as pacifiers, lovies, and need parental influence to help them learn to relax.
She also reminded me that babies often don't sleep so well just before or after a milestone 'such as crawling or walking'. Cooper is trying SO hard to crawl. Maybe this, in combination with me increasing solids dramatically, helps explain the sudden increase?
So, reading the info on kellymom.com - haven't followed the links of her research to verify their validity, but it is interesting to read her point of view on a few things.
Like, increasing solids and/or adding formula at night do not improve sleep, and as they are harder to digest, they could actually make it harder for baby to sleep at first, increasing night wakings (matches my experience!). She suggests minimising the night-time food until baby's digestive system matures and he is used to eating more in the day.
Also, she suggests that our view of baby sleep is wrong and that it is actually normal and GOOD for baby to wake. Reduces problems like SIDS. (I read similar info on the Dr Sears website, I believe, relating to co-sleeping and how this causes baby to not sleep as deeply and stir more frequently, but how this can be beneficial.)
She has links to the Dr Sears website that talks about some strategies for night weaning that you can use when baby is about 18 months or older! As compared to most info I've found that only talks about baby's needs and habits up to around 6 months, if they mention a timeframe.
Dr Sears says that night feedings are normal, whereas frequent night wakings are not. Compare this to the midwife's advice to 'be strong' and NOT feed at night as a solution to stop night wakings (may or may not be linked).
He also says that some babies are just not self-soothers. They are people babies. They want people, not things, such as pacifiers, lovies, and need parental influence to help them learn to relax.
She also reminded me that babies often don't sleep so well just before or after a milestone 'such as crawling or walking'. Cooper is trying SO hard to crawl. Maybe this, in combination with me increasing solids dramatically, helps explain the sudden increase?
Sleep Progress (or lack thereof)
Well, I have been so good about feeding Cooper. (Gee, that sounds dodgy!! What, lady, you want a pat on the back for giving your son food?!?) He has been having 2 meals and a snack or 3 meals every day. And his sleep? Well, it's worse than ever!! We're up to 4 or 5 wakings per night!!!
Yesterday I took him to a maternal health nurse. I was sure he was fine, but just wanted to make sure that the crazy wakefulness wasn't due to some health issue. She wasn't particularly helpful. She said he seemed perfectly healthy, and gave me some strategies for dealing with the sleep.
First strategy: 'feed him more'. She said at his age he should definitely be having 3 full meals per day. (How long ago was it that you weren't to start your baby on solids before 6 months? Now by 7 they need to be eating like an adult, with just 3 breastfeeds per day?) She suggested pasta etc at night to try to fill him up more before bed.
- Hmm, well, I've been feeding him almost 3 meals a day, and the first time I tried thick stodgy porridge before bed he was up 5 times that night, one of them for 2 hours. But, ok, I'll keep trying.
Second strategy: 'don't let him associate breastfeeding with sleep - never feed to sleep, and when he wakes at night, don't feed him back to sleep'. She said that, yes, I'd have a few bad nights, but he'd get the hang of it really quickly.
- Ummm, a few bad nights? What do you call what I'm already having, lady?? I don't know how much worse I can handle! I mentioned that I tried rocking him back to sleep without a feed - I was successful one time, but he was up again 20 min later, so I just fed him then. 'Ah, see, you need to be consistent.'
That, and a comment to Cooper about having 'mum wrapped around your little finger' made me feel like a terrible mum who just gives in to bubs whenever because it's easier. I questioned myself, am I just a big softie? Do I give in too easily? Perhaps I do at times, but seriously, when you're rarely getting more than 1.5 hrs sleep at a time, even if he settles after 'just' 20 or 30 min without a feed.... 20 min feels like eternity when you're wrestling with a screaming, thrashing, 10kg baby and you're so tired you have trouble keeping upright anyway. And to know that without a feed, he's likely to be up again before you're even back asleep. Seriously... I just don't think I can do it!! So I give in. Even if that makes me a bad mum.
Towards the end, though, she said "I know it's tough. My daughter was like Cooper." "Oh right, so what did you do?" I asked.
"Um, oh, well, I just kept feeding her back to sleep!"
Right, so there's the textbook answer of what we should do, and there's the human response of what is actually realistic.
So, I'll keep going with my little strategies... trying to do as much as I can, but in the end, just doing what works for the moment.
Oh, for the record, she suggested his sleeplessness could be due to a combination of factors such as teething, separation anxiety and high intelligence... apparently smart babies often don't sleep so well. I'm going with that - the problem is just because Cooper is a fricken genious. That makes me feel better about it all! ;D
Yesterday I took him to a maternal health nurse. I was sure he was fine, but just wanted to make sure that the crazy wakefulness wasn't due to some health issue. She wasn't particularly helpful. She said he seemed perfectly healthy, and gave me some strategies for dealing with the sleep.
First strategy: 'feed him more'. She said at his age he should definitely be having 3 full meals per day. (How long ago was it that you weren't to start your baby on solids before 6 months? Now by 7 they need to be eating like an adult, with just 3 breastfeeds per day?) She suggested pasta etc at night to try to fill him up more before bed.
- Hmm, well, I've been feeding him almost 3 meals a day, and the first time I tried thick stodgy porridge before bed he was up 5 times that night, one of them for 2 hours. But, ok, I'll keep trying.
Second strategy: 'don't let him associate breastfeeding with sleep - never feed to sleep, and when he wakes at night, don't feed him back to sleep'. She said that, yes, I'd have a few bad nights, but he'd get the hang of it really quickly.
- Ummm, a few bad nights? What do you call what I'm already having, lady?? I don't know how much worse I can handle! I mentioned that I tried rocking him back to sleep without a feed - I was successful one time, but he was up again 20 min later, so I just fed him then. 'Ah, see, you need to be consistent.'
That, and a comment to Cooper about having 'mum wrapped around your little finger' made me feel like a terrible mum who just gives in to bubs whenever because it's easier. I questioned myself, am I just a big softie? Do I give in too easily? Perhaps I do at times, but seriously, when you're rarely getting more than 1.5 hrs sleep at a time, even if he settles after 'just' 20 or 30 min without a feed.... 20 min feels like eternity when you're wrestling with a screaming, thrashing, 10kg baby and you're so tired you have trouble keeping upright anyway. And to know that without a feed, he's likely to be up again before you're even back asleep. Seriously... I just don't think I can do it!! So I give in. Even if that makes me a bad mum.
Towards the end, though, she said "I know it's tough. My daughter was like Cooper." "Oh right, so what did you do?" I asked.
"Um, oh, well, I just kept feeding her back to sleep!"
Right, so there's the textbook answer of what we should do, and there's the human response of what is actually realistic.
So, I'll keep going with my little strategies... trying to do as much as I can, but in the end, just doing what works for the moment.
Oh, for the record, she suggested his sleeplessness could be due to a combination of factors such as teething, separation anxiety and high intelligence... apparently smart babies often don't sleep so well. I'm going with that - the problem is just because Cooper is a fricken genious. That makes me feel better about it all! ;D
Saturday, 21 January 2012
Becoming Deliberate
I've never been big on making babies fit a schedule. Routine, yes (ie following similar patterns), but schedule, no. My reason for this is twofold:
1) I am not a time-conscious person. For me to try to feed / bath / put baby to bed at a particular time each day would be a mammoth undertaking, near impossible. I generally do not have any idea on how much time has passed since I last looked at the clock. Strict schedules are extremely difficult for me, causing lots of stress, which I think would make me a less loving and enjoyable mother to Cooper.
2) I don't know that Cooper needs it. I know for myself, my sleeping and eating routines change depending on my body's needs at the time. I never had a problem with weight before I got married, as I ate when I was hungry - be it two meals a day or five. And depending on my life stresses, my sleep needs vary too. So it makes sense to me that Cooper may want different schedules at different times, as he undergoes growth spurts and mental leaps.
I love the saying: "Don't worry about societal expectations - if it's not a problem for you or baby, then it's not a problem."
So the fact that, at 4 months, Cooper suddenly started waking repeatedly during the night was only a problem if it was a problem for me. I could stress and fuss over the fact that he "should" be sleeping through and in his own bed, or I could go with it, feed as neccessary, resettle as required, and bring him back into our bed when it was easier. I chose to just go with it, figuring he would grow out of it when he was ready, just as he grew out of needing to be in our bed all the time.
Being 2 days off 7 months, Cooper is still waking at least twice per night. (A night being 8.5 to 9 hrs - ie on the unfortunate days when sleeps are interrupted and don't happen when I'd like, and he goes to bed at 8:30pm, his night ends by 5:30am, at which time he requires a play of at least an hour.) According to society, this is a problem.
According to me, it is starting to become a problem too. After 3 months of grossly interrupted sleep, I'm over it, to say the least. I'm tired. So tired. I'm starting to think that it is time to try to be more deliberate in "training" him, rather than following his cues with just minor interventions.
But boy, oh boy, it is confusing. There are so many different schools of thought - an expert to both back up and slam any action you may consider.
The thing I'm gonna start with is food. I'm going with the theory that because he is a bigger boy, he is needing more, hence the increased wakefulness since 4 months, when perhaps the milk supply was not quite doing the trick (read different theories about breast capacity, baby stomach capacity, rah rah).
Plan: increase solid meals to at least 2 per day, with water. Try to space out day time breast feeds with water in between - he is chubby enough to indicate that he is getting plenty of nutrition, and solids will help with that... maybe the insane frequency of feeding is more about thirst. After a while, try to offer water and cuddles at night wakings if he wakes less than 3 hrs after the last feed... increasing this time gradually to hopefully achieve 4 hrs between feeds.
If it doesn't work, I may try something else, or I may just learn to take daytime naps myself and hope that he grows out of it sooner rather than later!
1) I am not a time-conscious person. For me to try to feed / bath / put baby to bed at a particular time each day would be a mammoth undertaking, near impossible. I generally do not have any idea on how much time has passed since I last looked at the clock. Strict schedules are extremely difficult for me, causing lots of stress, which I think would make me a less loving and enjoyable mother to Cooper.
2) I don't know that Cooper needs it. I know for myself, my sleeping and eating routines change depending on my body's needs at the time. I never had a problem with weight before I got married, as I ate when I was hungry - be it two meals a day or five. And depending on my life stresses, my sleep needs vary too. So it makes sense to me that Cooper may want different schedules at different times, as he undergoes growth spurts and mental leaps.
I love the saying: "Don't worry about societal expectations - if it's not a problem for you or baby, then it's not a problem."
So the fact that, at 4 months, Cooper suddenly started waking repeatedly during the night was only a problem if it was a problem for me. I could stress and fuss over the fact that he "should" be sleeping through and in his own bed, or I could go with it, feed as neccessary, resettle as required, and bring him back into our bed when it was easier. I chose to just go with it, figuring he would grow out of it when he was ready, just as he grew out of needing to be in our bed all the time.
Being 2 days off 7 months, Cooper is still waking at least twice per night. (A night being 8.5 to 9 hrs - ie on the unfortunate days when sleeps are interrupted and don't happen when I'd like, and he goes to bed at 8:30pm, his night ends by 5:30am, at which time he requires a play of at least an hour.) According to society, this is a problem.
According to me, it is starting to become a problem too. After 3 months of grossly interrupted sleep, I'm over it, to say the least. I'm tired. So tired. I'm starting to think that it is time to try to be more deliberate in "training" him, rather than following his cues with just minor interventions.
But boy, oh boy, it is confusing. There are so many different schools of thought - an expert to both back up and slam any action you may consider.
The thing I'm gonna start with is food. I'm going with the theory that because he is a bigger boy, he is needing more, hence the increased wakefulness since 4 months, when perhaps the milk supply was not quite doing the trick (read different theories about breast capacity, baby stomach capacity, rah rah).
Plan: increase solid meals to at least 2 per day, with water. Try to space out day time breast feeds with water in between - he is chubby enough to indicate that he is getting plenty of nutrition, and solids will help with that... maybe the insane frequency of feeding is more about thirst. After a while, try to offer water and cuddles at night wakings if he wakes less than 3 hrs after the last feed... increasing this time gradually to hopefully achieve 4 hrs between feeds.
If it doesn't work, I may try something else, or I may just learn to take daytime naps myself and hope that he grows out of it sooner rather than later!
Thursday, 12 January 2012
Cute things he does...
Cooper likes to mop the floor. He lies on his tummy, slobbers all over a patch, then carefully moves over a smidgen and gets that patch. He keeps going in a sideways line, leaving a snail trail beside him. Kinda gross, I know, but he looks so cute doing it!
Cooper is fascinated with fingers. He loves Twinkle Twinkle and 5 Little Ducks, and sooks when I get to the end of the song. Songs such as Dingle Dangle Scarecrow just don't cut it. I love the way his face lights up and his intense concentration on my wiggling fingers.
His fascination with fingers extends a little further... he'll carefully examine my fingers before selecting the one he wants to chew. He'll grab different ones on different occassions, so I'm not sure what the criteria is.
He likes to play cute. He tips his head over to the side when looking at you, gives a big grin, then often leans over the other way. Just getting a different perspective on things, I guess :)
Cooper likes to dance. He sits there bobbing his head up and down. The ironic part is that he often stops dancing if music starts as he is busy listening to the music, lol. I guess he dances to the tune in his own head.
Cooper is fascinated with fingers. He loves Twinkle Twinkle and 5 Little Ducks, and sooks when I get to the end of the song. Songs such as Dingle Dangle Scarecrow just don't cut it. I love the way his face lights up and his intense concentration on my wiggling fingers.
His fascination with fingers extends a little further... he'll carefully examine my fingers before selecting the one he wants to chew. He'll grab different ones on different occassions, so I'm not sure what the criteria is.
He likes to play cute. He tips his head over to the side when looking at you, gives a big grin, then often leans over the other way. Just getting a different perspective on things, I guess :)
Cooper likes to dance. He sits there bobbing his head up and down. The ironic part is that he often stops dancing if music starts as he is busy listening to the music, lol. I guess he dances to the tune in his own head.
Repetition
Feed baby. Baby does something cute. Squeeze baby while spinning around. Get covered in vomit. Make mental note.
Half an hour later... Baby does something cute. Squeeze baby...
Lucky I was still wearing the same grotty clothes!
Half an hour later... Baby does something cute. Squeeze baby...
Lucky I was still wearing the same grotty clothes!
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Toothipegs yet Regressing
Cooper has his first little tooth! It cut through last Friday, at 6 1/2 months. No wonder poor little bubba was so miserable before New Years... sick and with a sore mouth!
On the one hand, I'm quite excited about his tooth, on the other hand, a bit apprehensive. It now can hurt a bit when he chews my finger, and I'm worried about what else he might bite! Although he has never taken a bottle, just this week, we've discovered that he likes drinking water from a sippy cup. Wohoo! I'm thinking that it'll only take one bite and he'll be getting used to the taste of formula in his sippy cup, lol.
I'm not sure if it's the teething, but Cooper seems to be regressing back to his little baby clinginess. Wants to be held, cuddled, touched all the time. Wants to be on the boob all the time. Refuses a dummy. Back in our bed most of the night as he doesn't sleep long on his own. After just a fifteen min sleep in his bed the other night, I brought him back into bed with me... he lay there holding my hand as he slept. Aaawww, so cute! But also just a little annoying. I want my bed space back! Hope his little mouth stops hurting soon.
On the one hand, I'm quite excited about his tooth, on the other hand, a bit apprehensive. It now can hurt a bit when he chews my finger, and I'm worried about what else he might bite! Although he has never taken a bottle, just this week, we've discovered that he likes drinking water from a sippy cup. Wohoo! I'm thinking that it'll only take one bite and he'll be getting used to the taste of formula in his sippy cup, lol.
I'm not sure if it's the teething, but Cooper seems to be regressing back to his little baby clinginess. Wants to be held, cuddled, touched all the time. Wants to be on the boob all the time. Refuses a dummy. Back in our bed most of the night as he doesn't sleep long on his own. After just a fifteen min sleep in his bed the other night, I brought him back into bed with me... he lay there holding my hand as he slept. Aaawww, so cute! But also just a little annoying. I want my bed space back! Hope his little mouth stops hurting soon.
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Clothing
Oh the dilemma of clothing!! Hands up those who've tried to find something to wear to a wedding while breastfeeding? Is it just me, or is it really hard?!
Factors to consider:
The other clothing issue I've been facing is that of Cooper's clothes. We have been so blessed with many, many hand-me-downs; some really gorgeous little clothes and jumpsuits. I get quite attached to clothing, and it kills me that he has grown so much and I've had to put away so many little things that I love.
He has been wearing size 00 clothes and 0 jumpsuits, but I got to the point where I decided: if your baby cries when you try to put his pants on, it really is time to pack away that size clothing. So sad. So very, very sad. Particularly as the 0 jumpsuits are plentiful and perfect for summer, and the 00 clothes have some good matches to the jumpsuits.
But tidy away I did. His room is much tidier now, with just clothes that he can wear out. And, it turns out that Cooper will be sure to be nice and warm this summer! Seriously... gazillions of jumpers and long-sleeved shirts and 2 (yes, TWO) short-sleeved body suits and 3 t-shirts, lol. Lucky we live in cold old Ballarat!
Nah, but some of the 0 jumpsuits still fit, and to be honest, it is quite exciting to actually go and buy him some clothes, not because I'm wasting money, but because he actually needs some. I'm grateful not to have needed to up til now, especially while I was working out what sort of baby clothes I like him to wear. But now it is fun. Jason and I even went shopping together yesterday. :)
It does freak me out a little though, that my 6 month old baby fits into size 1 jumpsuits!
Factors to consider:
- is it possible to get my boob out without taking the entire dress off? And preferably without having to unzip, etc?
- can I wear a maternity bra under it? (FYI, strapless maternity bras do not exist.)
- is it big enough to fit over my new 'mamma body'? (hips requiring a 'Wide Load' warning, enlarged boobs... that eliminates most of my existing wardrobe.)
- is it a fabric suitable to hide my jelly belly and other lumps and bumps? (ie, the stretch fabric that would work well for feeding doesn't work so well for photographs.)
- is it $175 (on sale) for a dress that I may only wear once or twice again? (Not a great time of year to be shelling out lots of $$)
The other clothing issue I've been facing is that of Cooper's clothes. We have been so blessed with many, many hand-me-downs; some really gorgeous little clothes and jumpsuits. I get quite attached to clothing, and it kills me that he has grown so much and I've had to put away so many little things that I love.
He has been wearing size 00 clothes and 0 jumpsuits, but I got to the point where I decided: if your baby cries when you try to put his pants on, it really is time to pack away that size clothing. So sad. So very, very sad. Particularly as the 0 jumpsuits are plentiful and perfect for summer, and the 00 clothes have some good matches to the jumpsuits.
But tidy away I did. His room is much tidier now, with just clothes that he can wear out. And, it turns out that Cooper will be sure to be nice and warm this summer! Seriously... gazillions of jumpers and long-sleeved shirts and 2 (yes, TWO) short-sleeved body suits and 3 t-shirts, lol. Lucky we live in cold old Ballarat!
Nah, but some of the 0 jumpsuits still fit, and to be honest, it is quite exciting to actually go and buy him some clothes, not because I'm wasting money, but because he actually needs some. I'm grateful not to have needed to up til now, especially while I was working out what sort of baby clothes I like him to wear. But now it is fun. Jason and I even went shopping together yesterday. :)
It does freak me out a little though, that my 6 month old baby fits into size 1 jumpsuits!
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