Growth Spurt?

Not much to report today I'm afraid - and no photo - sorry forgot to take a pic until it was too late! I think Tom has been having a growth spurt today as no amount of food would satisfy him, which also meant that he spent the whole day grizzling.

It was a beautiful morning, so we walked round to Michelle's for a chat. Came home, fed Tom, fed him again - in fact I was more or less a prisonner on the sofa this afternoon! We were going to take Tom round to Donald and Mel (our old dance teachers) this evening (they were one of the first to send a card, which was very sweet) but he was so grumpy we decided against it. Matt bathed him and fed him (a full bottle - and he wanted more!) and he went to sleep - I wonder if it is going to be a long night...

A Smile?

Had a reasonably OK night - I managed to get to sleep quite quickly after each feed.

Went to Donnington Minis after searching high and low in Lidl for a whole duck - they were on special offer, but they didn't have them - much to Matt's disappointment. Bought a chicken instead - not much of a replacement for duck.

The nurse at Donnington Minis came straight over for a progress report - I think she was concerned about us after last time she saw us (when Tom was in full screaming mode - just before we went to the Drs) She was pleased to see a happy Tom this time, but told me to get some more sleep!!!!!

Tom spent most of the afternoon asleep, so I was a little worried he wouldn't go down at 7, but he did - what an angel.

Today's pic - Tom has started to smile, I was trying to get it on camera - didn't really succeed, but will keep trying.

Homing Tom

Another trip to Shrewsbury today. Tom seems to be visiting his place of birth quite regularly.

Today's trip was to introduce Tom to Karen, who was down for an NCT Mums' night out. We arrived around 10.00 to find 4 hungover mothers who had clearly relished a night away from their toddlers. Tom put on a display of consummate charm, being passed from admirer to admirer, smiling beautifully and generating cries of "I'd forgotten they were so little" etc. He didn't cry once and, I reckon, got all 4 of them thinking about trying for no. 2. We'll see.

As we were in Shrewsbury, we thought it would be rude not to take Tom to The Armoury, probably the best pub in the county, and we managed to arrive while it was still reasonably quiet and empty. BUT, he wasn't the youngest there. In fact, he was more than twice as old as the little boy sitting at the next table. First time I've felt like an experienced Dad.

The weather has been terrific today, so we wheeled Tom through The Quarry (which is a park, not a quarry) and up through town to do a bit of shopping. Then home for afternoon tea (for him) and chores (for us). Looking forward to a slow-cooked goulash for dinner. Smells marvellous.

Tom's Top Hat

So managed to get Tom awake at 10pm, he did another monster poo. Matt fed him and then he vomited the whole lot up over Matt and the bed. So still not a success, he was awake again at 2am for feeding. Can't decide what is best to do - to wake him or not at 10pm. It only seems to make 2 hours difference with feeding, and I still have to feed twice during the night regardless.

Anyway, were up as usual at 7, Tom had his breakfast, wash and got dressed - his mum didn't! He did another monster poo - he was certainly storing it all up! Once he was sleepy again - around 8.30 we put him down and had our breakfast. Tom stayed asleep until 10am which was nice.

Decided to use our passports for Ironbridge again today and went off to explore the Darby Houses and Enginuity. Tom, however, didn't fall asleep in his sling like he normally does, so it was a quick scoot around all the places. Not a problem as the passports are valid for a year.

Weather today wasn't great - so I made Tom wear a hat outside - I have a lovely bobble hat which was knitted by the grandmother of the boyfriend of an ex German client that Matt had when he worked for General (people really do get excited about babies don't they?!) I think Tom looks very cute in it.

Popped in to see Auntie Jude and Richard on the way back - Auntie Jude as usual was flavour of the day - Tom really does like her and she is a natural with him, can't wait for the summer holidays when she will be free...

Ring a ring of ...babies?

Had an OK night last night. We weren't successful in waking Tom up at 10pm so my expressed milk ended up back in the fridge, and I had to feed at 1am, 4am and 7am. However, I managed to get back to sleep quite quickly each time which makes a big difference so not feeling too bad today.

Today all the NCT mums met up at Amanda's place for lunch. Had a lovely time, Amanda and Tim live in a gorgeous converted barn with huge rooms which meant that we could put all the babies together for a photo session - see below. Tom took a shine to Seren and decided to lick her head - was hilarious!!!! We have decided to take the same photo when they turn one to see how much they have changed.

Tom was pretty well behaved, only crying on and off, AND he did a MONSTER POO - hurray! In fact it was so big that it exploded out of his nappy and up his back. I knew he would do it when we were out and about - but I am relieved that his system is obviously working fine. The poo wasn't as solid as it has been either, so that is good as well. I think we will keep him off the Gaviscon and see how things go - he seems fine again now - my old placid Tom - I'm much relieved.

Had a nice leisurely lunch, starting with champagne - thanks Amanda. We had the usual chats - does your baby do this etc etc. It really is reassuring to hear everone's stories and to realise you aren't on your own. Those things that you thought were abnormal are actually normal.

Came home to find Matt washing the floor - I was very impressed. Gave Tom a bath at 6 - he pooed in the bath! Very funny - it had to happen sometime! Did a web cam with Grannie and Grampa London and managed to put Tom down for 7.10pm. Matt is now out collecting our regular Friday night curry.

Sleepy Tom

We did manage to get him down at 7pm. We felt very chuffed with ourselves. So had a nice relaxed evening. Went to bed at 10pm. Tom was still fast asleep, we had a job waking him, but Matt was on feeding duty so we couldn't wait for him to wake naturally. Gave him his feed and managed to get him back to sleep. He then woke at 2am - I was a bit disappointed.

At 7am we got up, had breakfast and a play before Tom going back down at 8.30. He was up again at 9.15 and got ready to go to the under 1's club at the Sally Army. Went to the group, but Tom was very snoozy and kept falling asleep. Brought him home, had lunch and then he went for another sleep.

Got him up at 2pm, but he was still very sleepy. Matt had a light day today so we got some admin done including booking ourselves a long weekend in a cottage in North Wales over my birthday - can't wait!

Tom fell asleep in my arms again at 5pm. I wanted to keep him up until 6pm for bath time, not sure what this evening is going to bring - not sure we are going to be successful for a 7pm bedtime if he's asleep now...

Oh, almost forgot to say was greeted by two smiles this morning - I didn't hear any gas escaping so I think they were real!

Still no poo! (Yes, I know I'm obsessed by his poo!)

Still Growing

Had a lovely evening yesterday. Mum and Dad baby sat, whilst Matt and I went on our 6 week date at The Fox. Was fantastic to have a night out, and we more or less managed to keep most of the conversation off Tom. Came back to find that Tom had been an angel. He had a bath, fed from a bottle and went to bed at 7pm - something Matt and I have only managed once!!!!! We seriously thought about hiding Mum and Dad's car keys so they couldn't go back home.

Had an OK night last night. Tom went almost 5 hours between feeds. He has a 'witching hour' around 4am where he won't go back to sleep. By the time I get him off, I'm normally wide awake and unable to drop off myself!

We were up at 7am. Tom had his feed and then went to play with Granma and Pop Pop in bed, whilst I expressed milk. He was back asleep at 8.30, so we had a leisurely breakfast.

I got Tom up at 10am to say goodbye to Mum and Dad. He screamed and screamed - not a great last impression! Gave him a feed, then he was in full screaming mode for an hour until he suddenly fell asleep at 11.30. I took the opportunity to make lunch which was wise as he was awake and crying by 12.15! Once again he screamed for a good 40 mins before calming down, feeding and then a play on his mat before falling asleep again.

Then went for a walk to Asda to pick up drinks for Friday, the Post Office to post yet more thank you cards, and then the drs surgery for baby clinic and my 6 week check up. Got Tom weighed, he is now 11lb 7oz so has slowed down a little. Spoke to the Health Visitor about poo etc, she said it is probably the Gaviscon blocking him up and told me not to worry unless he goes another two days without movement. She also said not to worry about the water which I won't.

Had my 6 week check up which consisted of the dr asking me if I am ok, taking my blood pressure and asking about contraception. Took all of 2 minutes. Just as well as Tom screamed the whole time!

We are now going to attempt to bath Tom and have him in bed for 7pm like yesterday. I wonder if we will be successful??!!!

At Last a 6 Hour Feed!

We had the best night to date last night (I'm thinking of confiscating Mum and Dad's car keys if that's the influence they have on Tom). He went from 6.20pm to 00.20am and then from 04.15 to 09.00 between feeds - I hope this is a sign of things to come. I woke up very pleasantly surprised and pleased. Now we just need to work out how to move these periods so they coincide with my sleep! Easier said than done I'm sure!

On waking up we went to visit Granma and Pop Pop in bed for a play. Pop Pop then did the nappy change and dressed him - all very exciting.

Went to PRH for Tom's check up. Dr seemed a bit clueless. He said the solid poos aren't anything to do with the Gaviscon and that I should put him back on it. He said that I should give him water inbetween feeds to see if that helps. He also asked me when I'm going to wean him? Not sure of the relevance of that - why would I be even thinking about that?

I still think the Gaviscon is a bad influence and as Tom had a good night without it last night, I'm going to keep him off it.

Came back, managed to get Tom back to sleep after a while, so put him down and had lunch. Granma and Pop Pop then took Tom out for a long walk at Granville, so I quickly ran around the house, clearing it up and then had a very quick lie down.

Granma and Pop Pop came back, Tom had a feed, a play on the mat and then a huge vomit all over Granma - lovely!!!!!!!

Granma and Pop Pop Visit

Another rough night - Tom slept until 2am and was then awake, or doing his threshing thing which is impossible to sleep through.

Said goodbye to Vera at 10, then washed and dressed - Tom had done another poo - hurray, but it was solid - boo hoo! Have decided to keep him off the Gaviscon until I see the Dr tomorrow. Today we dressed him in his spotty dog outfit - Matt's favourite, ready for Granma and Pop Pop.

Made stew ready for this evening, had lunch and then went to NCT bumps and babes. It was pouring with rain and windy. We should have gone by car, but Tom had been crying for quite a while so I needed the walk to clear my head.

Arrived at Bumps and Babes drenched, Tom was warm and dry. Lou and Rachel Z were there, Michelle is ill and Amanda had to wait in for the health visitor. Had a good chat, sorted out my sling and learnt about sing and sign.

Came home in the sunshine in time for Granma and Pop Pop to turn up.

Express Dairies

Had an interesting night last night. Tom actually managed to sleep for 5 hours, however, he woke at 2.45 and didn't really go back to sleep again! Spent the rest of the morning grizzling in his moses basket. Today is Mothering Sunday - Tom had got me a 'Little Monster' card saying he's sorry for all the sleepless nights and a bottle of rather nice looking Port - not sure if that's to help me or him sleep?

Had breakfast, then Jude came round for a cuddle. She really is a natural with Tom and Tom does really like her. It's end of term this week - shame she's off to Florida on holiday - I would have asked her if she wanted to spend some more time with him!

By now it was time for lunch, so we decided to go out. Ideally we wanted to go to the Riverside Pub in Cressage, but as it was mothering sunday it was fully booked. So we found ourselves in Shrewsbury. Tried The Armoury - but same story there. Round the corner we found a Wetherspoons Pub, with room and with nappy changing facilities. We found ourselves a quiet corner where we couldn't disturb anyone and had lunch.

Had a quick walk around the town - to show Vera the nice bits and ended up in the Quarry. Vera had an ice cream, but it was too cold for the rest of us.

Came home, gave Tom a feed and gave Tom to Vera for minding whilst I tried to get some much needed sleep. Matt cooked dinner which Tom slept through, meaning it was two handed and relaxed. We then took it in turns trying to keep Tom awake until 10pm.

Today I expressed milk for the first time, so Matt was able to feed Tom. Went well, except Tom demanded more milk after feeding - guess I need to express more tomorrow.

Oh - no poo at all today - very worrying!

Surrogate Grannie Vera to the Rescue

Vera came up to visit Tom today. She came laden with M&S food for us (yummy) and new clothes and toys for when Tom is a bit older.

She was straight in for a cuddle - I think Tom likes her as he was asleep within seconds. We took advantage for a catch up and then made lunch - of course he woke up as soon as I got the food out of the fridge!

He then went into screaming mode - a look at his nappy told us why - he was pooing solids again. He screamed and screamed as it came out - it must be hurting him and it must be the Gaviscon - that's the only thing that has changed recently. He was in such pain, that I have decided to give him Gaviscon with every other feed - to see if that helps.

He perked up after a while and had a feed. We then went out shopping. Bought some bottles ready for my expressed milk, a freebie changing bag, a mirror for the car, and a play arch thing to put on his bouncy chair and moses basket to try to occupy him.

By the time we got home, Matt was back, so we all sat down for afternoon tea - all 4 of us! Tom then started to get upset again so Vera gave him a cuddle and before too long he was nestled and asleep. Vera reckons there is definately something up with his tummy which is making him upset. I just wish I knew how to make him better, so I can have my happy baby back.

Poo!

Matt has gone off to Scotland for another 40th birthday party and has taken the camera with him - so no pic today I'm afraid.

Realised last night that Tom hadn't pooed for 24 hours which is unusual as he normally poos about 3 times a day. More worry!!!! This morning when changing his nappy there was poo - yahoo - but it was solid???!!!!!

Phoned up the Dr for advice, thinking that maybe it is a side affect of the Gaviscon. Dr called me back, he said it isn't a known side affect of Gaviscon, and not to worry unless Tom becomes distressed. So, we went off to Breast Feeding Support Group as usual. Tom slept right through the session, apart from a fleeting moment when he screamed and screamed!

Returned back home for lunch for the two of us. Tom started screaming and no amount of cooing would settle him. I did a nappy change and found a huge solid poo inside. As I was changing him, he pooed even more - masses came out. Once out, he calmed down and became good old placid Tom again. It must have hurt him!

With both of us feeling better, we went to Asda to get some food in. Vera is coming today and Mum and Dad on Monday. Took Tom as usual in the sling where he was very well behaved. On our return Tom happily watched me put the shopping away and then had a feed. He spent 45 mins on one side - the guzzler! I guess he must be feeling better.

He is now on his play mat and has actually managed to play with some of the hanging toys - the clever boy.

Happy Boys

Well, we had the best night for a while last night. It looks like the Gaviscon is helping him. He didn't do half as much thrashing about as usual, and actually managed to sleep soundly for part of the night which he hasn't done for ages. Matt also seems well again, so both my boys are happier, which means I am as well. Now I wish that I had taken Tom to the Drs earlier and not taken the advice that he would get better in his own time!

Tom is all dressed up today as we met with the NCT mums at Michelle's. He wore the booties that Amanda knitted him and looks very cute! Had a good session with the mums. Every baby is certainly very different. Most who are still breast feeding are already expressing milk and getting other halves / family members to help with feeding so they can have a rest / get some housework done. Most also are using formula at night to get their baby to sleep longer. I wonder if I have been missing a trick and making it too hard for myself?

Tom is better today but was still quite grumpy at Michelle's - he refused to sleep and every time I put him down asleep he woke back up again - I think his tummy is still hurting him.

I picked up Michelle's breast pump, and on my return home, gave it a go. Seems to work fine - very strange seeing the action of the pumping and the milk squirting out. Can't wait to buy some bottles and teats and get going on it. Vera is coming over whilst Matt is in Scotland, so I think I'll go shopping with her and start the process. Hopefully it will mean that Matt and I can go out on our 6 week date when Mum and Dad are up.

A Growing Lad

Didn't have the best of nights - but I guess that is going to be a running theme for as long as Tom has colic. One good thing is that his rash seems to be clearing up from his face.

This morning we went to see Carol at General - who as usual cooed over him. Tom was quite happy nestled over her shoulder.

We then went to baby clinic - Tom is now a huge 11lb 3oz, so feeding really isn't a problem. Tom disgraced himself by weeing whilst in the scales. It was a big wee and sprayed some toys, a playmat and narrowly missed another mum. Luckily everyone saw the funny side! Tom will be having a bath today.

Came home, Tom fell asleep in the car seat, so I took advantage, had lunch and put my feet up. We are off to Asda this afternoon to pick up some bits for our picnic round Michelle's house tomorrow.

Sick Boys

So, we all went to bed early last night. I think Matt was in bed for 3pm, Tom was asleep by 7pm, and I followed a little while later at 8pm! Tom had an OK night last night. Woke up for feeding at 11pm, 2.30am, 5.30am and 7.00am, but more importantly he settled down quite quickly each time. We have moved bedrooms, Matt is in the master bedroom (quick access to the loo) and we are downstairs - the last thing we want is for Tom to catch Matt's bug.

I was quite teary by the end of yesterday - Tom screamed the whole time he was awake - which isn't him. The only time he stopped crying was when I started crying! This morning I was still quite teary, Matt said to call the Dr as it is getting too much so I did. Went to see Dr Wright who was lovely. Tom screamed his way through the appointment (except when the Dr used his stethoscope). He said he couldn't hear the congestion (very strange as I can hear it all the time), however, he could see that Tom was working too hard to breathe and was concerned so he referred us to the paediatrician at PRH for the afternoon to double check that there isn't anything more serious up.

Went to PRH - they couldn't find anything seriously wrong which is a good thing. They have put it down to a viral cold and colic at the same time! They have given me infant gaviscon to try to help the colic (no known cure for colic but gaviscon sometimes helps) They said to make sure that Tom burps after each feed - this is something he hasn't been doing - not through lack of me trying - just that sometimes no amount of patting and rubbing will produce a burp - any advice? I have tried him over my shoulder, sitting up and laying on my knees.

Matt is better, didn't sleep last night, but hasn't had to rush to the loo since yesterday evening. He's now on a diet of chicken noodle soup, bananas and diaroylte!

Well it's 9pm, I've just fed Tom his usual and the gaviscon (via a syringe - not a complete success) and am hoping he will fall asleep soon, although he seems to be doing his usual thrashing about. Once he's asleep I'm going to hit the hay myself, I'm exhausted!

Sorry about the red eyes in the pic - if we put red eye reduction on the camera Tom always closes his eyes!

Pitter Patter of Tiny Feet

We didn't have a good night last night. Tom had his last feed at 11pm, and was up again at 1.20am, didn't settle until 3.30am and was up again at 5.20am and then refused to sleep. Once again he was gaging, choking, squeaking, kicking and punching his way through his sleep.

Got up at 7am, went for a long walk from 9am to 10.30am and then went to Donnington Minis which was nice. Made a card with Tom's footprints (for Mother's Day), had a sing song (felt out of place as I didn't know most of the tunes - they have changed since I was a child!). The nurse had a long chat with me as Tom was being grumpy so she was trying to find out what was wrong. She was very sympathetic, but as usual couldn't help - 'it just has to run its course unfortunately'. Also, Tom's rash has now reached his tummy which is an added worry. Came home, Tom was in screaming mode, so had a one handed lunch.

Tom went down for an hour at 2, so I joined him. Then Matt came up - he has suddenly taken ill with sickness and diarrhea, so we swapped places. Now Matt is in bed ill and we are downstairs. Tom has fallen asleep again in his chair - good for him as it keeps him elevated and therefore means he is able to breathe better.

So now I'm worried about both of my boys! Lets hope they are both better soon.

Biker Tom

Another lovely morning today, and as we were waiting in for Beth & Chris to drop in on their way to Snowdonia, I thought I'd go out for a quick blast. Great fun. Tom was jealous, though, and demanded a go when I got back. A 1700cc muscle bike may be a bit extreme for your first two-wheeled experience, but he seemed to enjoy it.

We had our usual Sunday lunch, bacon sarnies at Sam's Cafe in Long Lane, and Tom was cooed over as usual by the proprietress. Thereafter, we criss-crossed the minor roads of Shropshire as far as Cheswardine and strolled for a mile or two along the Shropshire Union Canal. Muddy doesn't begin to describe the condition of the towpath (I actually had to hose down the pram when we got home), so we gave up and retired to the Wharf Inn for a pint (beer for me, Coke for Nik, the usual for Tom).

We've also decided that we need to get Tom into some kind of routine, so from today, we're all getting up at 7am and one of us (me, I hope) will be in bed by 7pm. Let's hope we all benefit from it.

If you go down to the woods today...

This morning was lovely, the sky was blue and it was warm outside, so we decided to go out. We had a look at local places to go to and decided on Rays Farm, just south of Bridgnorth. Tom fell asleep as usual during the car ride, but soon woke up when we arrived and he realised that he hadn't been fed for 2 hours. So we sat in the tea room, with drinks and cakes and Tom attached to me (I'm getting braver at breast feeding in public - although this time we were the only ones in the tea room).

Once Tom was finished (he always takes longer than us with each meal), we put him in the pram, with the back up so he could see the animals etc if he wanted to and went for a walk. Had a look at lots of owls, goats, sheep, pigs, horses etc, and then went for the long walk in the woods.

Was very pleasant, the owners are obviously into wood carving and the woods were littered with various sculptures which linked into nursery rhymes and children's stories (which was good as I seem to have forgotten most) Once we had finished we had lunch in the tea rooms (Tom slept through, so I had my first two handed lunch for a while) and then came home, where Tom had his lunch.

A very pleasant day. Challenge for this evening: a two handed dinner and for Tom to be awake for the web cam with his London grandparents this evening...

Tom had a better night last night as far as choking and gaging on his congestion. However, he seemed to have limitless energy and refused to sleep, instead, stretching, squirming, kicking and grunting in his moses basket. He wasn't crying, but making too much noise for me to sleep through. As a result I only managed about 2 hours sleep, so I might be grumpy today!

Went to breast feeding support group this morning. Was nice, not that many mums, but Rachel S and Mae went along which was nice. The session today was very different to previous ones, with introductions and talking about ssues etc. Was good, and I got some info about expressing milk as we are nearing the magical 6 weeks when I can express and Matt can feed. We will need to go shopping for equipment...

Asked the health visitor about Tom's rash and was told it was an allergic reaction to something for example washing powder, heat, fabric. Funny, because when I asked at Baby Clinic on Wednesday I was told it was reaction to the fat in my milk. Seems to be that you get a different answer from everyone you ask. In the meantime, his rash seems to have spread to his tummy, and still the advice I've been given is to let it run its course, which is what I'm doing.

Came home for lunch - a one handed one for me as Tom was demanding his lunch at the same time! Then, I managed to put him down for an afternoon nap, fingers crossed it lasts longer than 30 mins.

Babies Galore

Today we went to the Clock Tower for coffee and lunch and to meet with the NCT group. Everyone made it - Dads and all except for Sarah and Carl, Sarah is still in hospital being the last to give birth.

Was fantastic to see everyone. From initial conversations it seems that every baby is completely different regarding feeding and sleeping patterns. In fact one baby, Sam didn't wake for the whole time we were there. All the babies looked very small, but then I think Tom is huge, until I look at me holding him in the mirror and realise that he is pretty small as well. I think it is because he is always so close to me that I think he is bigger than he actually is.

Tom wasn't particularly well behaved, he seemed to want lots of cuddles and attention and cried a bit. I really do think he is short of good, deep sleep because of his cold and is therefore grumpy.

Really enjoyed the afternoon, got home around 4pm, fed Tom for half an hour, he did a spectacular vomit so I had to change all his clothes. I then fed him for another half an hour! He finally fell asleep around 6pm. Managed to make and eat dinner with him still asleep (my first two handed dinner for a while). Just waiting for him to wake up now.

We have planned to meet again next Thursday at Michelle's house - I think it will be girls only as all the Dads will have gone back to work by then.

Today's pic - Tom in his bouncy chair. I've been trying him in this for a week or so, but he has always shouted the place down. Matt put him in it today and he was fine - typical!!!!!

Double Figures Already

Today is baby clinic day, which means Tom gets weighed. I got to the clinic just before it closed, hoping it would be empty, but unfortunately there were quite a few Donnington mums there and no Health Visitor so I wasn't able to ask my questions about his spots (he has quite a rash on his face which everyone tells me is perfectly normal, but seems to get worse and worse every day).

Anyway, he was weighed, he is now a huge 10lb 6oz - who could possibly say he's small? He seems to have jumped from the 50 to the 75 per centile, although everyone seems to fill the chart in differently so who knows?

We then carried on to the bakers to get lunch - a cheese roll for me and a huge hot pork roll for Matt - I think this going to become a common occurrence!

Today's pic - Tom in a new sleep suit - from Rich, Jane and Grace next door. He looks very smart doesn't he. Unfortunately I didn't have red eye reduction on my camera when I took it so he looks a little on the evil side. You can also see his rash in the pic - hopefully on the way out - apparently it's a reaction to the fat in my milk.

One Month Old Already

Can you believe it Tom is one month old today. Time has flown and gone slow all at the same time! I can't believe it is already one month, yet soooo much has happened in the last month, that it is hard to believe it's only been that long.

We had a slightly better night last night, thanks for all the advice. We ended up in bed together this morning and had a much needed lie in until 11am - I think we are now both feeling better.

Don't have much planned today - Tuesdays and Wednesdays are a bit light on social events for babies in Telford so we have to amuse ourselves. Today it is a trip to Asda to buy yet more thank you cards (got some lovely baby bathroom products from the Moriwaki's yesterday) and some food.

Today's pic - Tom in a rather smart suit (I think this one is from Debi) yawning. You have to forgive him the sleep deprivation when you see him like this don't you - he's sooooo cute.

Monster Tom

We had another bad night last night. Tom refused to sleep after 4am. He spent the night making horrific gurgling noises, did a projectile vomit and constantly wriggled and squirmed. As soon as I held him, he would fall asleep and then as soon as I put him in his cot he would start gurgling and squirming again.

As I brought him downstairs this morning he did another projectile vomit over my nice clean clothes. I put him in his moses basket in the lounge so I could make breakfast and he fell into a deep peaceful sleep (see photo - butter wouldn't melt would it?!!!!!!!!!!!!!) So when he wakes up he is going to be nicely refreshed, whilst I look like death warmed up, the little monster!

Any advice anyone???? We are thinking of taking the moses basket upstairs tonight to see if it is the cot he doesn't like.

Tom the tourist

We woke to a beautiful cloudless morning, so decided we really should get out of the house. By the time we'd all eaten our breakfast and had our nappies changed, however, the blue sky and disappeared, to be replaced by thick black clouds and freezing horizontal rain.

We weren't deterred though, and decided to teach Tom a little local history down at Blists Hill Victorian Town, probably the best tourist attraction in the area, and getting better all the time.

The rain had almost stopped by the time we arrived, but we still used the pram rain cover for the first time. It seemed to work, and he was wheeled round in warmth and luxury while his parents froze. Not sure how much he learned, as his eyes were tight shut for pretty much the whole time, but it's always a pleasant place to spend a couple of hours, given the existence of an old-fashioned sweet shop and a butchers that knocks out huge bags of pork scratchings.

The heavens opened again, so we bolted for the cafe, had lunch and headed home, pausing briefly to buy 140 nappies in Asda. Tom is still less than a month old, but is already on size 3 "midi" nappies. This rate of growth can't go on, or we'll be wrapping beach towels round him by the time he's 6 months old.

Today's photo is Tom being completely underwhelmed by a row of huge blast furnaces.

A Growth Spurt?

Well last night was slightly better - although Tom was still making horrible noises during the night which had me up a number of times.

This morning Jude and Richard came round to say hello. As before, Tom enjoyed being held by Jude - fell asleep on her. If this carries on, we really will be asking for her to baby sit!

At 2pm we made our way to the NCT nearly new sale. We had been told that the sale is like 'hand bags at dawn' and to arrive on time. This was true, it was a bit of a bum fight, however, we managed to find quite a few new clothes for Tom for when he is bigger for very little money. Some garments were only 20p each! We will definitely be back for the next one.

We then decided to walk up Lilleshall Hill to stretch our legs and enjoy some fresh air and then found ourselves in the Clock Tower for a drink before heading home.

Tom has been feeding like a demon today. This morning he fed from both sides (for the first time) for an hour (between 2.30 and 3.30am - lovely!) and then again this afternoon. I don't know where he puts it all? I'm hoping this is a growth spurt and not a sign of things to come!

Grumpy Boy

Had another bad night's sleep last night. Tom is still struggling for breath when I lay him down in his cot at night. It's very strange because he is fine during the day, sleeping without hindrance, but he struggles at night. I tried the wet towel on a hot radiator yesterday - to make the room humid, but to no avail.

This morning I managed to pull another huge bogey out of his nose, so I'm hoping he is feeling better because of that. However, on the whole, today he has been grumpy. When awake I have to cuddle him or he cries. I think it is because he hasn't had any good deep sleep recently so he's tired and emotional. One good thing is that he is still feeding well.

We went to breast feeding support group this morning. He was the youngest by some way again and everyone was cooing over him again. Even more so today, as he was wearing Vanessa's knitted tank top - everyone said how smart he looked.

Better go, Tom's just woken up and is crying again. I really hope this cold goes away soon...

Smart Outfit

Today, Tom was dressed in his newest item of clothing - a tank top which was knitted by Vanessa. Apparently it's been 7 years in the making, she started it when she was pregnant with Ben. Tom is very privileged indeed to be its recipient, I think he looks very smart.

We went this morning to the under one club in Oakengates. It was really really busy - a good 30 or so babies there, however, with good reason, there was a professional photographer in attendance, and also a talk about weaning going on. Once those attending the talk had gone, there were about 10 of us left, so the noise level decreased, and we were able to play on the mat and have some nice conversations.

We didn't manage to get a photo taken as there were too many people. However, the photographer is going again in 2 weeks time so maybe we will get one done then. Probably a good thing as Tom has the beginnings of a rash on his face at the moment (I've been told it is a milk rash and perfectly normal)

I am beginning to meet the same people again and again now, which is nice as it can be quite daunting walking into a room full of strangers all the time. The resident health visitor came over for a chat as well - she suggested we put a damp towel on the radiator in the bedroom tonight to help Tom with his congestion. Poor thing sounds like he is drowning every night as he struggles for breath. It sounds terrible, but I've been told again that it is perfectly normal. I just wish he could shake it off and breath normally again. Oh, almost forgot to mention that he managed a 5 hour sleep last night which was fantastic for me (although he was awake from 15.30 to 21.30 so he was due a long sleep)

A Growing Lad

We didn't have anything planned today, so decided to go and visit Carol at General. She was very pleased to see us and took Tom straight off me (first person to cuddle him, other than Matt or myself since Mum and Dad were over). She had him for a good hour or so. First thing she said was how much he had grown since she last saw him (when I was still in hospital). Although he is 3 weeks younger than Oliver (her grandson), Tom is bigger - in weight and length.

He certainly is a growing lad, Matt and I have noticed that he has changed quite a bit already, he`s definitely getting heavier. As today is baby clinic day, I took him along to get weighed. He is now 9lb 9oz! No wonder my arms are aching - and yes I know his weight is only going to go one way, so I better get used to it.

Got a lovely present from Vanessa today - a home knitted yellow tank top. His first hand made garment. I will put it on him this week so we can take a photo for her. We really have been touched by the number of presents that Tom has received - poor postman must dread picking up his bag at the moment!

As you can see from today's photo - we have gone Japanese again today and an action shot with a sort of a smile?

Spotty Dog!

As Tom has been growing so quickly, we decided that the very cute spotty dog outfit might fit, so we tried and it did - so Tom has looked like a Dalmation for the day.

We had arranged a NCT mums meet up today. Can you believe it - 4 babies have been born since last Wednesday - so with all the mums still in hospital there was only myself, Michelle and Sarah left to meet. I think Sarah is feeling a little left out - as she is now officially last.

We met at the Lutine Bell in Newport - a tearoom I didn't know existed. Was nice, but a few too many steps and narrow passages for a pram. Will be fine with a car seat. Had a good chat, will be really good, when everyone is back, as then we will really be able to talk about birth experiences and the 1001 worries that come with motherhood.

Tom behaved well, was awake for most of it, and only finally went to sleep around 3pm. Popped into Waitrose for dinner - pork and apple burgers - yummy.

Donnington Mums Aren't So Bad

Today, we decided to brave the local surgery and go to the Donnington Minis Group - for babies of up to 6 months. I had a lot of trepidation about this as my experience of Donnington mums to date hasn't been that great, finding it very hard to find common ground.

However, I needn't have worried, the mums there were really nice, one even went to Derby University and we seemed to find plenty to talk about. There was even a baby girl there who was younger than Tom, by a whole 3 days! They spent some time together on a playmat. Tom kept hitting her so I had to tell him off, and move him! I will definitely go back again next week.

Time did actually fly, before we knew it, it was 12.00 and the session had finished. We went down to the parade, posted another handful of thank you cards, got some saline drops for Tom and then treated ourselves to lunch from the bakers, which included the biggest hot pork roll you have ever seen for Matt.

Sniffles

Poor little Tom (and therefore Nik also) had a bad night last night. He's quite congested at the moment, and couldn't get to sleep because of all the stuff up his hooter. There seems to be very little we can do to help him with it, except for inclining his cot a bit, so we're hoping he shakes it off soon. Having said that, Nik just managed to hoik a huge bogey out of his nose, so perhaps that'll help.

He's wearing his first foreign outfit today; a Japanese happy coat kindly provided by Colin & Michiko in Victoria. I think he looks rather stylish in it, and I'm pretty sure none of his friends will have one.

For the second Sunday running, we took him for lunch at Sam's Cafe at Long Lane, where he was suitably cooed over by Sam the proprietress. After that, we came back home, and as it was a nice afternoon, I took him for a long walk round the Granville Nature Reserve while Nik got some much needed shut-eye. It was about an hour of non-stop walking with him in the Baby Bjorn, and I don't mind admitting that my legs were really feeling it when we got back. He's certainly piling on the pounds (or probably ounces) fast. I needed a Creme Egg to restore myself.

Anyway, here's hoping he manages to sleep better tonight.