Tom's Nursery Now in Business

As Tom had slept on his own in Wales, we thought we would continue here and put him to sleep in his cot bed in his nursery last night. Went well, put him in his grobag and he went straight to sleep. He did wake twice in the night for feeding which was a pain for me but he went straight back to sleep both times which was good. So, a success, we just need him to sleep a little longer...

He was a happy boy today (except for the odd moment - mainly due to tiredness) he smiles more and more each day now and he has started to giggle as well. We've also noticed that he responds to his name, if you call Tom he will move his head in your direction.

I managed to convince him to have a nap in the morning and as it was such a nice day we walked down to the Cordingley Conference Centre so I could pay the deposit for Tom and Matt's big day in July. The afternoon was spent in various ways - a swing, a bounce, a sleep, a kick, a read, the usual baby things. I tried him in his Bumbo chair for a couple of minutes, he no longer cries, but his head isn't quite ready for it so I have to have my hand behind him just in case he looses control.

No photo today - sorry - I'll try to remember to take one of him in his cot tomorrow

Tom's First Holiday

We are just back from Wales, had a lovely time. Tom behaved himself on the whole and we have all come back home more relaxed than when we left.

Friday afternoon was spent loading the car and then driving to our cottage in Cefn Brith (just off the A5 between Llangollen and Betws-y-Coed). Beautiful location, very rural, lots of hills and sheep grazing at the back. We unloaded the car and then headed into the nearby village of Cerrig-y-drudion to find some dinner. We were hoping to have an early dinner in a pub, but the one pub in the village showed no signs of life. However, the butchers was open, they told us that the pub didn't open until 7pm (way too late for us) so we went in and procured some very good looking pork chops instead. Got back to the house and took Tom through his usual bedtime routine. As the cottage had two bedrooms we decided to give Tom his own room and see how it goes (we took the moses basket with us). He went to bed and we ate our lovely pork chops (great crackling)

Saturday
Tom did well in his own room. However, I did decamp to his room around 2am as the mattress was too soft and the floor uneven, meaning that Matt and I kept bumping into each other, keeping both of us awake. Anyway he didn't need feeding until 7am - could this mean that he has cut out his night time feed? The weather wasn't all that great, so we had a leisurely morning. (Me opening my presents and cards, Matt making breakfast) before making our way to Betws-y-Coed to meet up with Kate (one of Matt's translator friends) for an early lunch. Once she was on her way, we decided to take Tom on the miniature railway there. The railway was VERY miniature - Matt and I could only just squeeze into a coach with Tom. Tom seemed to really enjoy it - was the only time he was fully awake during our time there! On return to the car park, I decided to feed Tom as it had been 5 hours since his last one. Sat in the back of the car to do it (quite comfy). As soon as I moved him he brought the whole lot up in a projectile vomit - I had never seen anything like it before, it was as if he had a hose pipe on full pressure! He soaked himself, me and the car. I had spare clothes for him, but not for me. So I spent the rest of the day smelling of sour milk - nice!

Once we had cleared up the car as well as we could we set off again to Sygun Copper Mine - Matt was hoping to find some copper jewellery - he's been trying to replace his copper ring for years now, but copper rings seem to be very hard to find. It was still raining as we got there, so we dashed out to get the tickets in an attempt to get underground and try as soon as possible. The mine was ok - but not really worth the ?8.95 ticket and there was no copper jewellery. Next stop was Beddgelert where we had tea and a bun and then a wonder around a really good craft centre where I purchased a really nice plate with my birthday money. In the craft centre was a full size wicker work motorcycle which Matt had his eye on (good job the car is full with all of Tom's gear). We then decided to go to Trefriw where there is a woollen mill to see if we could purchase a new blanket for Young family patches - no joy, but we did find a butchers which sold very good looking homemade pies which we got for Sunday. Then back to the cottage through some more stunning scenery. The weather in the afternoon cheered up considerably, we even managed to see Snowdon.
Sunday
Sunday didn't dawn very nice, so we decided to hunt out a steam train to have a ride on. Decided on the Ffestiniog railway to take us from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog. Blaenau is as lovely as last time we were there, felt as run down and miserable as last time - although it was raining again. We got there too early, so found a cafe that was open (blimey!) and had a drink and a bun. Tom had a bit of a screaming match (lucky the place was empty), but managed to calm him down and feed him. The train left on time (was a bit of a squeeze getting the pram on) and we chuffed through the countryside, very picturesque. This all passed Tom by as he fell asleep and stayed asleep for the whole journey.

On arrival at Porthmadog we went searching for fish and chips (I was starving - it was way way past my usual lunchtime) thought we were out of luck when we stumbled across a restaurant. Unfortunately there was only one waitress who was completely out of her depth and seemed to be trained by the Tavistock Pasty Shop, which meant that Matt got frustrated and I started writing her a training manual in my head! However, although the service was slow, the food once it came was very good. Spent the rest of our time browsing in Porthmadog, managed to get a new blanket.

Having seen the photos of the first class carriages in the leaflets, we decided to pay the upgrade for our return trip. We got the best place in the observation coach at the end of the train which was very plush. The guard let us on early so Tom could have a feed. As we set off, Tom started to get sleepy again, and as the furniture was free standing we put two chairs together and laid him down. He was very comfortable and looked very cute. The weather on the way back once again was much better so the trip was lovely. Came home, did Tom's usual routine, however, today for the first day he refused to go to sleep. It took a good hour to get him down, then he woke again when we were in the bath meaning I had to go dripping to help him out. However, we got there in the end but he did need feeding at 3am so we might be back to night time feeds...

Monday
Today dawned beautiful with clear blue skies. We decided to go up to Llyn Brenig for a walk. Got there before the visitor centre opened, so decided to go on the nature trail which was a mile and a half. We followed the signs, but seemed just to be walking around the lake and not a nature trail? After about 45 mins we decided to turn round and head back. Once we were back at the visitor's centre, we discovered that you are supposed to drive to the nature trail - it was about 5 miles away on the other side of the lake! Oh well, we had a drink and then decided to walk across the dam which we did. Spent some time by the lake shore before heading back and lunch. We then returned home via a bison farm where we had another long walk.

A Short Break

After our false start last night, Tom slept well. He woke at 11.30pm and 5am, but a dummy sent him off back to sleep both times, so can't complain. I couldn't sleep this morning though, so was up and reading a book at 6am, waiting for the clock to strike 7am to get the little fellow up.

Today we are off to Wales for a long weekend, so there won't be any blog entries unless the cottage has a computer and broadband, which I very much doubt. We will post photos and a resume of our adventures on our return.

A Full Moses Basket

Tom slept very well - probably due to the injections. He woke at 5am, but fell asleep again without feeding. 's now 8.20am and he is still asleep. In fact this is the first time since he was born that I have got up without him!

Today we met up with the NCT mums at the Clock Tower. We were there for just under 4 hours! Had loads to catch up on. We hadn't seen some for over a month. Tom has lost his crown as the biggest baby, as predicted, Sam has over taken - he is over 16 pounds now! As is usual we went round the table talking about our babies, and as usual every baby is completely different! The babies are far more interactive now, Seren's head control is fantastic and she is full of smiles. Sam and Archie slept through, Mae has grown significantly and Jessica was very well behaved as usual. Tom was still a little out of sorts, but not too bad. Amanda is the only other mum still breast feeding, Sam is still waking every two hours for feeding in the night! She must be exhausted. I think I have been very lucky with Tom. I certainly couldn't be bothered with the constant sterilising involved with formula feeding, one sterile bottle a day is more than enough for me!

Got home at 4, Tom had a feed, then I made dinner whilst Tom had a swing. He went through his usual bedtime routine,but he would not go to sleep! We tried to settle him again and again, but to no avail. We ended up bringing him back down and putting him in his swing chair whilst we had dinner, during which time he fell asleep. I guess his lie in this morning had an effect on him. We will be back to 7am wake up tomorrow.

Screaming Tom!

Had one wake up call last night, so a good night. We were up at 7.00 and went through the usual routine. Today we decided to try him in his own room for naps, to get him used to it. So at 8am when he fell asleep I took him up and put him in his cot. Although he has grown a lot since he was last in his cot, he still looks very small in it! However, he fell asleep in it no problems so that was good.

As he had his nap so early, he was up early, so 9am saw us getting ready to go to Asda to pick up some groceries before arriving at the medical centre for his 10.30 jabs. He obviously didn't remember last time as he was all smiles. Not for long! First jab wasn't too bad - a scream and then recovery. He really, REALLY didn't like the second one - he screamed and screamed and no amount of cuddling would settle him! In the end the nurse had to ask me to leave without dressing him and see if I could calm him down in the baby clinic room. I couldn't! Wendy the Health Visitor tried as well to no avail! In fact he screamed all the way home in the pram as well (first time he's done that!) When we arrived Matt was on the phone, so I scooped him up and took him to our bedroom to try to calm him down. Resorted to feeding him - seemed to work.

He was then alternately sleepy / screaming for the rest of the day. Poor fellow, can't blame him. He even refused his bottle, so I had to be brought in - a couple of minutes on the breast calmed him down and then he took his bottle again. All in all not the best of days. Really dreading the next set - there are 3 next time!

Oh - I got him weighed at baby clinic - he's now 14lb 11oz

Bounce and Rhyme

Had an ok night last night. Tom woke at 4.20 for feeding and then we both woke again at 7.20, so not too bad. Whilst he had his morning nap, I went to collect Jodie from kennels. Now, I remember the days when I thought that Jodie was heavy to collect in her basket, but today, I picked her up and wondered if there was a cat in there - I guess I have got used to carrying more weight!

Came back, had breakfast and then took Tom to Bounce and Rhyme at Newport library. Is a 30 minute session of singing nursery rhymes and as we are normally at a loose end on a Tuesday I thought I would give it a go. Was quite intimidating as all the mums seemed to know each other, and Tom was the youngest by quite some way. However, he stayed awake and didn't cry so I figure it was a success. Had a wonder around Waitrose before returning home for lunch.

This afternoon brought mixed blessings. I managed to get Tom to sleep in his moses basket for 40 mins - but took 3 attempts. Then once up we had a mixture of crying, sleeping, a monster poo and being good. Never got to the bottom of the crying.

He is now with his dad having a bath - his favourite time of the day.

The Cousins Meet

Tom woke twice during the night for feeding - I wasn't surprised as he didn't eat as much as usual yesterday - too many new things for him to take in without having to feed as well. However, we did manage to wake at 7am, so we were back to our familiar routine.

After another photo shoot in the garden we were off to Haddenham to see Simon, Clare and Jake. Jake has grown significantly since we last saw him and was a very happy chappy and very well behaved around Tom. Auntie and Uncle were soon stuck in, cuddling Tom. He took it all in his stride. They had prepared a bbq today, but unfortunately the weather wasn't playing, so the chaps cooked outside whilst Clare and I chatted inside.

The cousins seemed to get on fine together, there were no blows and no tears when the two interacted - a good sign. We had a photo session to record the first meeting before sitting down to lunch during which both Jake and Tom were asleep, giving us quality time to catch up.

Party Boy

Tom did very well last night. Went to bed around 7.30pm and woke for the first time at 5.45am. Can't complain at all over that, only problem was that we all fell asleep again and didn't wake up until 7.45 which meant we were out of sync for the rest of the day.

Had breakfast and were on our way to see Michael and Nicole by 10. They live in Wimbledon and as the traffic was light we got there in 20 minutes. Arrived to a very stressed Nicole, so helped her out by making a traffic STOP / GO sign for her (a sign of things to come, we are going to have to become creative) We then transported her, a picnic lunch, a fireman cake and countless other things up to Cannizarro Park where Marcus (their son) was having his 3rd birthday party. Here we met up with Jeremy, Susan, Olivia and Callum, and Tim, Sylvia and Nina and met some other friends including a couple who were Burmese and Norwegian (can't be too many like that around) Anyway a good time was had by all. Tom continued to be out of sorts - found it really hard to get to sleep, when he eventually did, he was woken up by a monster poo! Oh yes, he did himself proud this time, went all over his trousers, in his pram etc. I had to carry him face down to the very posh hotel and toilets with nappy changing where it took two of us quite a while to get him presentable and in a sleep suit.

After the party, we ferried Nicole and many birthday presents back down again and spent another hour catching up with their gossip. Nicole is pregnant again, due in November - fantastic news. Unfortunately she is feeling quite unwell with it.

At 4pm we said our goodbyes and returned to Pat and Bobs. Tom had a good kick on his playmat and we had a photo shoot in the garden. The boys then had their bath together and Tom once again went down without a murmur - what a good little boy.

Road trip

Today was a day of firsts for Tom: First long trip in the car (300 miles or so), first night away from home, first trip to
the seaside...

We were on the road by 7.30 and managed to get all the way to Hayling Island in under 3 hours, only having to stop once to give His Lordship a break. First stop was Tom's Great-Great-Auntie Joy, after whose late husband Tom acquired his middle name. We had a lovely time there, and even took Tom for a stroll down to the beach for his first taste of the seaside. It was a glorious day and the beach was more or less empty. He was apparently a bit unsure of the sea, but he's usually slightly reticent with new things. We were very impressed that Joy, at the age of 85, is heading to Kenya later this month to revisit some of the places she and Leslie lived in the 1950s. Good on her. I hope I'm still travelling far and wide at that age.

After lunch at a pub full of grumpy sour-faced people, we headed east along to the south coast

to visit Tom's great-grandmother, aged 92. She was absolutely thrilled and a little teary when she saw Tom. It got me going as well, very touching. Given that she slipped into a coma just before Tom was born, today's visit had extra significance as we thought they might never meet. She's a tough old lady, though, and announced that she "wasn't ready to go yet" when she emerged from the coma.

We then managed the final leg of the journey up to London, again without any hold-ups. Nik and I were absolutely shattered when we arrived; we're just not used to long drives any more. Tom had his bath and bottle as usual, and then settled down for a long sleep. We had lamb shanks and red wine, which really hit the spot. Thence to bed for what we hoped would also be a long sleep.

Froggy Toes

Had a good night - Tom woke at 3.30 for feeding and then at 7 - so we were back on track.

Went to see Carol again as Victoria and Oliver were visiting. Oliver and Tom haven't met each other yet. Tom is 3 weeks younger than Oliver, but you would never know it, Tom is soooooo much bigger than him. Anyway, both babies behaved very well and Victoria looked good - we are trying to arrange a bbq for us all - hopefully when it is warm as Carol has a outdoor spa which I think we will all like.

From there we went to a nursery recommended by Carol and Victoria for lunch. Got there, but there was a power cut so no food. Went to nearby pub, but that was also affected by the power cut so no joy. Decided to go to Sam's cafe - we are regulars there and Sam hasn't seen Tom for a while, which she confirmed by commenting on how much he has grown. She also made me feel really good: as is usual, Tom was in his car seat which we put on the table so we could interact with him whilst eating our lunch. Sam said that we are the only couple she knows that come to the cafe with a baby and interacts with it. She says that normally car seats go on the floor and the baby gets forgotten. Gave me a nice warm feeling.

We were going to go for a walk this afternoon, but it started to rain, so we stayed put. I actually managed to put Tom in his moses basket for his afternoon sleep which was the best part of an hour, which was good. If only I could do that every day. Tom has started blowing bubbles quite a bit now (is that a developmental stage?), which means he is dribbling a lot, won't be long before he will be wearing bibs!

We are staying in tonight - I'm hopefully selling my motorbike (someone is coming round tonight to view and hopefully buy it) and we need to get ready for our weekend away (first time we have taken Tom away overnight) I have lots of lists prepared in the hope not to forget anything. Once motorbike man has been round, we will celebrate with a take away - very difficult decision to make: Indian, Chinese or Fish and Chips - hummmm...

Rock-a-bye

Tom slept from 7pm to 4.25am last night. Fantastic (except I suffered from leakage). Only problem was that we then both overslept! Didn't wake up until 8am, so we were out of sync for the rest of the day. He didn't have a morning nap and I think as a result has been more sleepy during the day than normal.

Once up and dressed, we were soon on our way to Oakengates under ones club. This time Rose and Abi and Sarah and Isabelle turned up so we had a corner of 2009 babies for once which was nice. A lady from the CAB was there as well to advise on Tax Credits etc. She did a quick check for us, it looks like we maybe able to claim for this year so she has arranged for a pack to get sent to us. I have a horrible feeling that the commissions and holiday pay I will claim for the year might take us over the threshold, but it's worth a try - might as well claim any money we are eligible for.

Once back home we had a pretty uneventful afternoon, Tom was quite sleepy, but refused to sleep in his moses basket again so he slept on me. Michelle is arranging a baby massage course for us all as well which will be good - something to look forward to, I really enjoy it when our NCT group meet up.

My Brown Eyed Boy

Tom and I had a difference of opinion last night. He wanted feeding at 1am, I wanted to feed him at 3am. I won! He didn't cry for food, but was awake, grunting and snorting. I gave him a dummy and he did actually get back to sleep. We had a similar argument at 6am, once again I won, but it was a hollow victory. He didn't get fed until 7am, but I was awake from 6 listening to him thrashing around!

Today is baby clinic and as it dawned a lovely day we did a couple of errands. So, off to Asda to get some birthday cards, then the post office to send my computer back to work (it has a virus so IT need to look at it and sort it out - this means I no longer have email, which makes me feel quite isolated - will have to resort to text to contact everyone) and then finally to baby clinic to weigh him. He is now a huge 14lb 9oz!

Once we got home, we had lunch and Tom managed to sleep for 45 mins in his moses basket. We then went to see Auntie Carol at General, where Tom fell asleep again for another hour. Once we were back, we had a play, including a good session of sucking on his fist, before bath and bedtime.

I think his eyes have got darker today, the photo certainly proves this.

Chocks away!

Today dawned pretty miserable, but it didn't matter. Today is Saturday (Matt promised me a weekday off as he was away on Saturday last week). The plan was to go to Cosford to the RAF museum to show Tom some planes and to pick up some purchases from the shop (A great place to buy things for little boys)

He started off grumbling - we think because it was so cold outside, but after a reassuring hug, he was happy to stay in the pram and look around. He stayed awake for the Cold War Hangar, but fell asleep during Hangar 1. Also, being a weekday we got the play area all to ourselves, so as is the norm, we reverted to being little kids and had a play!

After a while our tums started rumbling. Knowing that the food at Cosford isn't that great, we decided to find a pub. Ended up at The Bell in Tong. Not bad, £4.25 for two courses (both of us had scampi and chips, then rhubarb crumble (really yummy) for me and chocolate brownie for Matt) great value for money - cheaper than the sandwiches on the menu. Tom was a little grizzly, but the pub was quite empty so he didn't really disturb anyone.

Came home via the butchers and then back to the usual, feeding, playing and sleeping. I tried to put him in his moses basket for his afternoon naps, but he wouldn't have it. Would sleep for 10 minutes and then cry. He did this twice, and then fell asleep on me in the lounge, meaning I couldn't move. I guess I have instilled a bad habit here, something I'm going to have to sort out.

Matt is now feeding him after his bath. It's お好み焼き for dinner tonight - yummy.

Swing Chairs are Great

We are all out of sync today. Tom woke twice in the night for feeding - at 1am and 5am. We then overslept until 8am, which meant that his morning nap went from 8.30 to 9.45am and everything else has back tracked. I wonder how we will get back on line again?

Anyway, was a miserable day - cold and rainy. As Tom wasn't sleepy first thing, I sat him in his swing chair whilst I prepared dinner - Sloppy Joes. He seems to be very content to watch me from the chair, which is fantastic. Today I put the tray on it and switched the music on. He managed to hit the buttons to change the music which was good - although not exactly sure if by accident or on purpose, most likely accident. However, he did it with his LEFT hand - made me proud! (I'm left handed and Matt is right handed).

We went to Donnington Minis in the morning and NCT Bumps and Babes in the afternoon. Not much of note happened at either. Tom was a bit grumpy - but that is probably due to the fact that we slept in today. Had a chat with someone from Family Services at Donnington Minis she told me that I need to book Tom into nursery already - especially if we want him to go to St Matthew's School as it is heavily over subscribed and although we live in its catchment area that is no guarantee of a place. Apparently from age 3, we get 15 hours free education from the government so need to find a place for him for that, however, they maybe bringing that forward to age 2.

Caught up with Michelle and Lou at Bumps and Babes, both their little ones are doing very well. Tom was grumpy again though, made all the other mums laugh with his Elvis crying! Next time there will be a beauty therapist in attendance for shoulder massage, manicures etc etc. Maybe that will tempt some of the other mums to come along. Saw Rose and Abi - they are doing very well. Abi went on her first holiday last week and really enjoyed herself, which makes me feel more confident for this weekend.

When we got back, Tom was happy to sit in his swinging chair again, so I made a batch of flapjacks - got me some brownie points from his dad.

Today's pic - Tom was looking very content and cosy, asleep in his car seat and cover. However, he woke just as I took the pic.

Tom chooses his first bike

Given the good weather, we decided to take Tom for his first outing on Cannock Chase. Quite by chance, this meant we had to pass right by CMC Motorcycles in Cannock who, quite by chance, were having a huge clothing sale. As such, we thought this would be a good opportunity for Tom to decide what of bike he might like to learn on in a year or two. He seemed most keen on a Valentino Rossi replica Yamaha R1. £10,000, 1000cc, 180bhp, 185mph ... , so perhaps not an ideal learner bike, but I admire his ambition. I might have to buy one just to check it's suitable for him. Responsible father and all that.

I only spent £60 on a new coat (quite reserved for me), and then we drove the last few miles to the Chase. There was considerable activity near the visitor centre, including what seemed to be a WW1 re-enactment of some sort. We had a spot of lunch and then headed out on one of the circular walks. Not for the first time, we forgot to check the tyre pressures on Tom's pram, so this was more of a workout than it might have otherwise been, especially given the fact that his mother turned to me and said "your turn" as a steep uphill slope appeared. Hmmm.

Stopped off at Aldi on the way back for a few of life's essentials, a salmon, a BBQ cover and a terracotta wall clock. That sort of thing. Then home to potter about doing a variety of Sunday tasks, most of which just involved shoving things in the shed and forgetting about them.

Auntie Jude also popped round this morning, bearing gifts from her recent holiday in Florida. We were all very happy with the haul, and now have 5 packets of Zatarain's Jambalaya mix (an absolute delicacy), our best ever stockpile.

I've had a mad month work-wise and am hoping to take Tuesday-Friday off to unwind, especially as I was out all day yesterday at a translators' workshop in Brum.

Tom the Frog Prince

Another OK night. Tom as usual woke up at 6am, but I managed to ignore him until 7am. I figure if he doesn't cry he is OK to be left. He has almost out grown his moses basket, so will have to move into his cot soon. We will keep him in his moses basket until we have been to London for the bank holiday weekend as Pat suggested that the best sleeping solution will be for us to bring the basket down with us so he is familiar with his sleeping place.

Didn't have much planned for today - Matt was in Brum again for a seminar. The weather wasn't great either - rain and cold. We waited for it to stop raining and walked to the butcher's to get some food in for the week. Came home via Asda and then pottered around for the rest of the day. I even managed to start Tom's photo album.

Today's pics - well I had to do the bath time and bed time routine again as Matt wasn't here, so I chose his sleepsuit. This is one of the very few outfits I have bought - I couldn't resist it - can't imagine why!!! The other pic - Tom was in crying mode, it didn't matter what I did to calm him down, nothing would work. I took him in the kitchen with me and put him in the swing whilst I went to wash a dummy. Seconds later he was asleep, no dummy needed. No idea why that chair was in favour, but good to know it can send him to sleep, another thing to bear in mind next time I can't calm him.

Tom the Film Star

First of all, I must apologise for lack of photo, I forgot to take one today. Had an OK night, except he has started to thrash around again, so there was a lot of snorting and grunting. I'm wondering if it might be due to the fact that I have started eating dairy again - could it be a reaction? I would rather go without dairy, than have to listen to him snorting and grunting at night, sleep is much better than diet.

This morning we went to Breast Feeding Support Group, met a girl there from hospital which was nice. Her baby (obviously the same age as Tom) was much smaller (I keep finding myself saying that?!) We had another milestone, Tom managed (with some help from me) to grab a rattle. He held on to it for quite a while, and it was a big one. I was very proud!

Unknown to me, the Health Visitor who runs the group had arranged for a film crew to come in today to film us. A DVD is being made for Telford & Wrekin NHS Trust which is going to be given out to every pregnant lady during their booking in appointment and will include a bit about breast feeding and support groups. So, Tom and myself maybe famous (let's hope the film crew were subtle!) Apparently we will get a copy of the DVD as a thank you. I was also asked to help man a stand in Telford Shopping Centre during Breast Feeding Awareness Week in May.

The rest of the day was pretty much uneventful. Went to Asda to pick up some bits. I had to do the bath time and bed time routine, as Matt was at a seminar in Brum with the West Midlands Translators Group. No wee or poo incidents then, however, Tom did explode earlier in the afternoon with poo going up his back again - took about 20 wet wipes to get him clean and he ruined a vest which was a shame as it was brand new!

When I grow up...

So we had an ok night last night. Tom only needed one extra visit to settle down before getting himself off to sleep. Matt reported that he thrashed around big time whilst feeding. He was also doing this when feeding from me. I wonder if it means something? Think I will ask at Breast Feeding Group on Friday. I do wonder if he does actually feed when he is thrashing around so much - but he must as he is still putting on weight.

Tom woke up at 3am for feeding and then at 6am. I managed to ignore him until 7 when we went through our usual morning routine. Took him downstairs for fatherly approval and he did a huge spew on me and the stairs - lovely! Today he is wearing an aspirational T-shirt (well his daddy thinks so anyway!)

The morning saw us going to the under ones group. Tom is the youngest there but definitely not the smallest. Mothers were having to tell their charges to grow like Tom! Oh have I mentioned that he is now in 3-6 month clothes. His 0-3 month clothes are more or less redundant now excepting a few. He managed to stay awake for nursery rhymes today, but was asleep by the end - still think he doesn't like them!

The afternoon saw us popping in to see Carol at General. Tom had a huge screaming fit - so bad that we had to take him into another room to try to sort him out. Once he had calmed down, I caught up on the gossip. The office is closing down in August - such a shame we enjoy our visits to Carol, and also she deserves more.

Came home, daddy took him through the usual bedtime routine which included a very pooey nappy - ha ha, and a good long wee in the bath!

From Angel to Mr Grumps

Tom was a little angel yesterday evening. We decided to celebrate our 7 years by going out for a drink, so went to The Clock House for a glass of red wine each. We then took Tom to see Donald and Mel from our dancing lessons - they were one of the first to send us a card when Tom was born, which we were really chuffed by. Tom more or less slept through the whole evening, very surprising considering the music at the dancing class was very VERY loud! Everyone said how good he was and that we were lucky to have a baby who was able to sleep through like he was.

Humm, what a difference a night makes! Tom woke up a happy chappy, we went through the morning routine all smiles and gurgles. I got the 3-6 month clothes out this morning as he seems to be growing out of his 0-3 month gear (tummy too big)! He had a good spew over his first T-Shirt, but I was ready with a second one. I put him in the car as Matt took the Cappuccino for its service. He seemed to change on his return into a grumpy baby. Apart from the times we were out (baby clinic in the morning - he's 13lb 14oz now and Asda in the afternoon) he was a grump. I could find no reason why he was crying - nappy ok, plenty of food, warm enough, plenty of cuddle opportunities etc. Maybe a result of taking him out last night? Matt also reported that Tom wasn't himself at bath time. We will see how it goes tonight...

Tom the Film Goer

Tom woke up at 12.30 last night, had a feed and then lasted through to 7am so can't complain. Got him washed and dressed and took him downstairs. By 8am he was tired and went back to sleep, which was fantastic as we needed to be out of the house at 9am!

Today we went to Shrewsbury to the Old Market Hall cinema where they had a special Mum and Babies showing. Met up with Michelle, Lou and Sarah and collected our tickets. Tom and I had a double seat on the back row - how romantic!!!!! Felt really strange sitting in the cinema with lots of babies, but it seemed to work. We saw Valkryie and I managed to keep track of the story whilst trying to keep Tom quiet. Actually Tom was pretty well behaved, considering he was awake for most of the screening. The other babies were as well - can't really complain.

Once over, we went shopping to Next so I could get Tom a nice big floppy hat - see pic. We then bought some sandwiches and walked to the park in The Quarry for a picnic as the sun was shining. Once the babies started grizzling we made our way home.

The day out was pretty much a success - hope we do it again.

Oh, almost forgot to say, it is our 7 year anniversary today - Matt and I had our first date 7 years ago in Romantic Ruislip?! If only someone had told us that day where we would be now - I don't think either of us would have believed it. Funny how times change, and how you change with them. Anyway, it has been a very happy 7 years, and now we have Tom to show how well we go together.