Funny Sheep

Last night wasn't too bad - awake at 11pm and 2pm - fed him back to sleep both times. He then woke up at 6, so I put him in bed with me, where after a lot of hair pulling, punching, slapping etc he finally managed to nod off again, until his Dad disturbed him!

He went for a play with Granma and Pop Pop in bed, whilst I made another fruit cake - for my second college cake. We decided to go to Hoo Farm today, to see if Tom is interested in animals. He did ok. I had to carry him in the Baby Bjorn at the start so he could see the animals in the barns - pigs, snakes, horses, snails, fish etc. We then went for a woodland walk, saw lots of haunted cabins - the place has gone Halloween mad - witches, pumpkins and ghouls all over the place.

After a long lunch (Tom once again refusing to eat much) we did the rest of the farm. Tom then had a swing before watching the Sheep Derby - which was as funny as ever. We backed 3 of the 6 sheep, but didn't win! Came home, Tom spent some more time trying to crawl - he is definitely creeping, but can't work out the mechanics of crawling.

Jude came round late afternoon to collect various things to take down to Pat and Bob later this week. Tom was very funny, kept giving her the eye - he was so serious, looking at her intensely - he would not smile for her at all. It was funny - just hope Jude hasn't got a complex now!

I'm soooo close to crawling

A good night. Tom only woke once - yahooooo! I, of course woke on a number of occasions and at one stage had to look in on him as I knew I wouldn't be able to get to sleep unless I knew he was alright. So a 2.30 wake up for milk and that was it. Fantastic - now I need to learn to relax to enjoy the extra sleep. Question is - was that a one off, or will he do it again?

He enjoyed a good hour's playtime with Granma and Pop Pop in bed and then sat with us for breakfast. He managed a good breakfast - I tried Ready Brek today (well the Asda version of it anyway) He had a couple of spoonfuls with apple and another couple of spoonfuls with prunes, followed by some homemade bread. The biggest breakfast he's had in ages.

After his morning nap, he went off with Granma and Pop Pop to the Engine House in Highley. Sounds like he had a fab time, he saw Tornado - the newly built steam engine and charmed lots of people (of course). I used the time wisely and spent the day catching up on admin - ie claiming commission and expenses from BS and then doing various things I've been meaning to do for ages. Glazed Bob's cake and got a tin and fruit ready for the next one.

When I got back to the house this afternoon, I was alone in the house - I haven't been alone in the house for a very very long time and it felt very strange, but in a nice way - the only noise being made was the noise I was making - that makes a change.

Everyone arrived back at 3.45. Tom crying (needed some more sleep - so I put him back down in his cot). Once up, Tom had a play on the floor and showed his Granma and Pop Pop just how close he is to crawling. He then had dinner (not too bad - made him eat the remnants from lunchtime) before having another good play with Granma and Pop Pop. All in all a good day.

Three Toothed Tom

Sorry about lack of blog yesterday, we were a little unorganised.

Friday night was a little different. Tom as usual woke up at 9.30, but he only cried once and went straight back to sleep. 11.10 was his wakey up time, he started crying and once again it took 2 hours of cuddling, reassuring, swaying etc etc to get him back to sleep again. He was awake again at 2am for a feed (went straight back to sleep) and then again at 6. I then had to wake him up at 7am as today is waterbabies so we have to engineer his naps to make sure he is fresh for his lesson.

It worked, he had his best lesson yet. Went underwater without a whimper and managed to hold on on his own without crying - so a big success.

Next stop was Chester as we went up to see Cameron and Lisa for lunch. Cameron quickly set Matt to work crushing and squeezing apples for cider which took a little while. In fact before we knew it, it was 5pm and in the end we decided to stay the night. I always over pack for Tom so I had more than enough bits for him, but Matt and I were a little worse off. Never mind, made life a little easier and more relaxed, we were able to have a nice long dinner with wine and not worry about getting home.

Tom was back to usual at night time. He started crying at 9.45 and once again I spent 2 hours feeding, cuddling, reassuring etc etc trying to get him back to sleep again. The annoying thing is that I do get him to sleep, even snoring, but after 30 seconds of him snoring he wakes up again and this goes on and on until almost exactly 2 hours when he falls asleep again. He then woke up at 2am for feeding, went straight back to sleep and then went through until 6, when I fed him back to sleep in bed where he stayed until 7.30 (or 8.30 as the clocks went forward last night)

We were the last up, so we had breakfast and then said our goodbyes to Lisa, Maggie and Tamsin (Cameron was on his way to Houston my now). As usual we had a lovely time with them, always very hospitable and comfortable hosts.

Came home, sorted the house out and then went out to Telford Town Centre to pick up some bits, got some lunch from Greggs which we ate in Telford Town Park, before taking Tom to the swings. Next stop was Mothercare, where we swapped our pram (Tom's big pram has been acting up so that we can't steer it very well - all to do with a pin at the front not clicking up and down properly, so Mothercare have taken it back for repair and given us a replacement buggy for the time being)

Got home, Tom went down for his afternoon nap, whilst we quickly tidied the house ready for Mum and Dad arriving this afternoon. When Tom came down, I suddenly noticed a flash of white in his upper gum - yes he has his third tooth!

Mum and Dad arrived after 4 and were straight in for cuddles with Tom - fantastic. Mum sat in with me trying to feed him dinner, I was secretly hoping that he would be a better eater with Mum in attendance, but it wasn't to be, so dinner was a mixture of spoon feeding, squirting and some chomping on bigger bits.

Dad gave Tom his bath and then Matt his bottle. Although he cried for Matt, he went down without a fight. We were then busy in the kitchen cooking a huge joint of pork I got from the butchers at a knock down price. Just as we were serving up Tom started to cry it was - 7.30! Mum went up but was unable to placate him, so I followed. He seemed to calm down, maybe he is a little confused with all the new faces etc, he just wanted to make sure he was still at home with his parents.

Managed a good dinner and then bored mum and dad with our Spain video.

Now I won't nap in the morning either!

Last night Tom was back to his old tricks - waking every hour between 9.30 and 2.30. He then went through to about 5, then 6, then 7.30.

This morning was BEST. As Tom was so late in getting up, I kept him awake until we got to the creche, thinking he would then be ready for his morning nap. Wrong! When I collected him at noon, I was told he didn't go to sleep until 11.30 - the little minx!

Came home, gave Tom his lunch - he did ok today - managed most of what I gave him (although not huge portions!), had my lunch and then Tom went for his lunchtime nap - an hour and a half which gave me time to do more to my Christmas Cake which was good - it now has a snowman on it.

Once Tom was up we went for a walk to the butcher's. Mum and Dad are coming up on Sunday so thought I had better get a joint in for Sunday as well as some other bits and pieces to keep us going.

Came home and gave Tom some kicking time on the floor. He is getting a little annoying at the moment. If you put him on his back he rolls onto his front and then cries and cries and cries until you pick him up again. It seems that he instinctively rolls onto his front and only once he is on his front does he realise that he doesn't like it. I have tried showing him to lock his arms so he lifts his head off the floor but he hasn't caught on yet. I figure this is the pre-cursor to crawling, if only he could not cry. He is much happier sitting and is very stable now, I still put cushions around him but he doesn't really need them anymore.

Happy Tom

Last night was slightly better. Tom woke as usual at 9.30, but fell asleep and stayed asleep at the first attempt - first time in over 2 weeks we've managed that. However, this meant that he was awake again at 1.30, 3.30, 5.00 and 6am. He came into bed with me at 6.50, and promptly fell asleep until 7.30 - oh humm. Anyway no drugs were used, just plain old milk. Problem now is that he is now so used to waking up during his lighter periods of sleep, I'm worried that he may have forgotten how to get himself off on his own.

10am saw us down at the Oakengates group, they were having a special Halloween day so most of the babies were dressed as witches, pumpkins, ghosts, bats etc. Everyone looked very cute. They are going to do it again next week. Not sure if we will go in fancy dress - seems a lot of money for clothes he is going to wear for an hour and a half.

Came home, Tom had his lunch - managed to get most of it down him without too much of a fight. He then went for his afternoon nap. Now, his naps have been changing recently. He tends to go down for his nap around 1pm and stay down for an hour and a half (or more if I let him) - up until now his lunchtime nap has been around an hour. This means he doesn't have much time for an afternoon nap, and infact today, he is going to miss it.

It's great for me as it gives me more time to get things done. Today I managed to get the laundry out and put a frill on my Xmas Cake which was fab. This afternoon I was going to see if I could get Michelle out for a walk, but it rained, so it was a no go. Instead we did our usual - a short trip to Asda.

Tom has been very well today, full of energy again and very happy. Today I found that sticking my tongue out and touching my upper lip with it was the funniest thing on earth. Well that's what Tom thought anyway! It never fails to amaze me what he finds funny!

Hyperactive Tom

Took me until midnight to get Tom properly asleep again. I left him snoring in his cot a number of times, but 5 mins after leaving him he would be awake again. He finally fell asleep in my arms and stayed asleep when I put him down. He was awake again at 2.30, I managed to feed him to sleep and then that was it. In fact I woke before he did after that. I was awake at 6.00, he woke up at 6.30. I managed to persuade him to take his dummy and stay in his cot until 6.50 which is an improvement on yesterday.

This morning was a run of the mill day. This morning we went to baby clinic. Tom is still 19lb 3oz. Had a long conversation with a HV about colds and lack of weight gain. She basically said that we are doing everything right, and that it is a phase he is going through and we will just have to sit it out.

This afternoon saw us in Asda - well it's almost been two weeks, Tom, bless him must be missing it.

So today, Tom was hyperactive. He was bonkers for the whole day! He is trying so hard to crawl. He did manage to get from sitting to the crawl position on his own today (for a couple of seconds before crashing onto his front) He also managed to crawl across the lounge, using my hands as something to push against, he was also rolling from his back to his front continually today. Maybe he will start moving soon...

Thanks Rachel

Last night was better. Tom woke me up at 9.30, 12.30, 3.30 and 6am. Each time I managed to feed him back to sleep and then I managed to get straight back to sleep, so I managed a good 6 hours sleep - albeit in chunks. Tom ended up in bed with me again at 6am, took a good 30 mins to convince him to go to sleep, but he did in the end, and looked very cute tucked up in bed beside me. Matt managed one 5 hour chunk and then bits and pieces downstairs, he is definitely looking better.

Rachel M came round at 12.00, the star had offered to take Tom off me for a couple of hours so I could get some sleep. We fed her lunch and then she went on her way. I immediately took myself to bed and am pretty sure I got some sleep as when I got up I couldn't focus on anything, which is a sign of sleep.

Tom returned at 3.30. Unfortunately he hadn't covered himself in glory! He went to the library with Rachel and Mae and was very good. He and Mae then took it in turns to cry, and Rachel spent most of the next 2 hours in the toilets in Waitrose trying to sort them out. Oh dear. Rachel is really sweet on Tom, he might have burnt his bridges now...

7pm saw me at cake class - desperately trying to catch up as I have missed a week. Got home at 9.15, Matt hadn't heard from Tom, which was good. Had something to eat and was in bed by 9.40, by which time Tom was awake again!

Tired, tired, tired

Took Tom to the doctors today to get him checked over. Was told that he is fine, apart from congestion in his throat and that the sleepless nights are part of being a parent! Not the most helpful comment, but at least we know there isn't anything wrong with him apart from the congestion. We asked how long it was likely to take for him to get over it and was told it was impossible to predict. Could be a couple more days, could be some more weeks. There is nothing we can give him or do for him, we just have to let it run its course.

Once we had finished at the doctors, we headed into Newport to get some brunch at Waitrose and for Matt to pay in some work cheques. The afternoon saw us in Bridgnorth for Gymbabes, which was full of equipment for babies to play on. Seemed quite well run, and the people there really seemed to know what they were doing and were very friendly. Had a quick coffee afterwards with Rachel Z and her mum, but Matt suddenly became unwell and we had to leave.

Came home, Tom had a nap, whilst we vegged downstairs. The sleepless nights have really got to all of us now!

Tom was in bed at 6.30 and Matt and I were in bed for 8.30. Me upstairs and Matt downstairs.

Oh - another milestone, Tom has found his willy! We think it was from Spain, when he had a couple of baths with his Dad and realised that he has the same anatomy as his Dad. He likes to grab it and pull, pull, pull it. I think he is trying to pull it off. It certainly makes his Dad wince. Sorry, no pic from today - we were just too tired to even think about it.

We need a holiday to recover from our holiday!

Hi all, sorry it has been a while, we've been on holiday to Spain for a week - meant to put up a post to explain, but forgot, and the place we go to in Spain doesn't have an internet connection.

Will put up some pics later, we had a good time, however, Tom didn't sleep very well at all, meaning that Matt and I have come back looking like zombies and in need of a good holiday! Problem is that we are now both so stressed about it all, that neither of us can sleep, regardless of whether Tom is asleep or not. Unfortunately the lack of sleep overshadowed the holiday - it becomes all consuming once you hit a certain point.

Anyway, as I said apart from that it was a good holiday: fantastic weather, good food and a lovely location. Tom took the hot weather in his stride and enjoyed himself very much. I think he charmed every person he met, just a stroll down the street would take a while giving lots of old ladies a chance to smile and play with him!

Mama

Last night, dead on time at 10pm, Tom woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. Once again we tried settling, dummy, feeding, cuddling, music etc. We even tried controlled crying for 15 minutes, but that didn't work either. I then spent a good 30 mins hugging and calming (for the second time). This time it worked and he went off - so no drugs needed, but it still took the best part of two hours to get him back to sleep.

He then woke again at 3am (I fed him to sleep), and again at 5am (fed him to sleep again!). Today Matt is in Brum at a translators conference, so it is just me and Tom. 10am saw us at the HLC for Tom's swimming lesson, which went well, Tom even managed his double underwater swim without too much grizzling. There were only 4 of us there today which was good, meant loads of room for us to manouvre in.

We went from the HLC to Telford Town Centre, to pick up some bits - thought that this time, it might be useful to have a guide book telling us what to do and how to get everywhere. (Last year we failed getting to the fort at Almeria - we could see it, but couldn't work out how to get to it, ended up walking around a housing estate looking very very lost - we can't really do that with Tom in tow)

The afternoon saw us checking Jodie into her holiday home and then into Newport. Today I went against all my principles and bought ready made food for Tom - from Waitrose (to make me feel slightly better). The little bugger lapped up the first one I gave to him - so I guess it must be my cooking he doesn't like - humm!

Today, he has been an angel - much better behaved and happier. We are just coming up to 10pm, so we will see what happens. He did wake up at 9.30, but I went up to settle and we haven't heard from him since.

Today - another milestone, I'm sure Tom was trying to copy me saying Mama - I took a video - see what you think (of course he did it better off film!)

I'm Tigger and I can bounce

We had a better night. Tom still woke up at 10pm and couldn't get back to sleep. We went through all the motions, feeding him, settling him, giving him his dummy etc, but nothing would work. In the end we had to resort to drugs which worked almost immediately again. We have figured out the cause, it is coughing. As soon as he coughs, he wakes up and can't get back to sleep, I really don't know why, you can see that he really wants to, but for some reason he can't relax enough to get back off again.

Once asleep, he was ok. He woke up at 3.30, so I gave him a feed and then he went back to sleep until 7.30 when I went in to wake him up. In fact I went in, drew the curtains and still he didn't wake up - he was out for the count!

This morning, was BEST mentoring so off we went to Stirchley. Tom obviously was quite relaxed as he slept for the whole session in the creche. Fantastic! Gone was the rest of my day, as I didn't dare let him have another nap until mid afternoon. However, I managed to get Bob's cake made and in the oven.

He had a good play in the bouncer today and actually managed to bounce in it - first time he's done that. I tried to video him - not the best video I admit, but gives you an idea.

I can't sleep!

Sorry for lack of recent entries, the last few days have been a bit of a blur. Tom has managed to get himself into a very bad rhythm of sleep at night. You can see that he really really wants to sleep, but can't seem to be able to sleep for longer than 20 minutes at a time, so I have been going to his room to settle him again, again, again and again! On Wednesday morning I gave up and put Tom in bed with me, which worked for an hour, but only if I kept the light on. This has resulted in both of us being exhausted and irritable during the day. Tom has been crying a lot, and I have ended up a little emotional.

Yesterday I sent an SOS out to the girls and they came up trumps. I ended up round Rachel Z's house, with Amanda where Tom was taken off me and I was subject to some TLC, whilst at the same time, Matt was able to concentrate on work in a quiet house. We were all winners. Rachel lives in the middle of nowhere, we all went for a very long walk, which did a wonder of good for all of us - Tom fell asleep and woke up much happier, and I felt a 100 times better.

Tom did the same again last night, but we had some medication in to make him drowsy (as recommended by the HV) which I used as a last resort when nothing else would. It seemed to work and he managed a block of 3 hours, followed by a block of 2 hours, which was a big improvement. I have now got myself so tuned into his crying that although I'm exhausted, I'm finding it very hard to sleep - basically I can't sleep as I'm expecting him to call out at any moment.

Today, Tom has been a little bit better, although he is still crying more than usual during the day. His cold is better, although he is still snotty and he has a cough. He is still refusing vegetables and is continuing to loose weight - he is back down to 19lb 3oz.

Anyway, as I said I think he is getting better. We just need to sort out his sleep problem and I think we will be happy families again.

Pics - first one is of Tom attempting to eat a fish finger, I'm constantly trying to think of things to give him that he might actually eat. Not sure how much of a success it was: he pulled it apart, but I'm not sure how much of it actually got eaten. I have cooked him some pasta today to see if he will eat that.

One Sock Tom

I can't tell you how many times I got up last night - it's all a bit of a haze. I decided not to have the monitor in the bedroom with me as his sniffles and grizzles kept me awake last night. Instead I had the bedroom door open so I could hear him cry. It worked. I was sooooo tired that although I had to get up many times, as soon as I hit the bed I was fast asleep again, which is why everything is a blur.

Tom didn't wake up for the day until 7.40 which was nice. He seemed ok, but after an hour, reverted back to his crying ill self. I put him back to bed and he had a 2 hour nap. Good for me as I managed to get lots of WOSAs done.

We spent the afternoon having a cuddle and lunch together, before Tom went for another 2 hour nap and I finished the WOSAs. I then wrapped him up warm and we went for a walk. His big pram is playing up - it got a puncture this weekend which Matt fixed, but for some reason the front wheel is set on going in one direction, making steering very difficult and annoying.

Tom had dinner and then we both had a bath together. We had one together yesterday, but Tom screamed and screamed. Today it was much better, he even managed a smile. Matt dressed him and gave him his bottle whilst I had a good soak (yes I do have a cold, but hopefully not a bad one)

Today's pic - we are back in sock season, Tom doesn't like to wear them and spends a lot of time taking them off. His new nickname is 'One Sock Tom'. I have a little pair of trainers that fit him now, so will try to use them to keep his socks on.

It's a cold

Strange sort of a night. Tom wasn't actually that bad, but I couldn't sleep. I was worrying about him, and also he was grizzling in his sleep which was coming through on the monitor, and although I knew I didn't need to go in to see him, it stopped me from relaxing. Also, I think I am coming down with a cold which didn't help. I seem to be getting lots of headaches, and we are out of paracetamol.

Tom woke up at 1am for feeding and again at 6am. At 6am he was really screaming, the sound reverberated off the walls of his room and hurt my ears. He calmed down as soon as I fed him. He then went back to sleep until 7, when I got him and plonked him on our bed. He was ok playing on the bed, I washed and dressed him and took him downstairs for breakfast where he grizzled quite a bit, so we gave up and I put him back in his cot for a nap.

Whilst he was napping, we decided to take him to the Drs once he was awake. There is a walk-in GP clinic in Telford Town Centre, anyone can use it. Thought it better to be safe than sorry and get Tom checked out. This we did. The Dr took his temperature (he has one), listened to his chest etc. Tom screamed his way through it. Basically she said he has a cold, it's not teething, it's a cold. There of course is nothing she can give us, so she prescribed a healthy dose of TLC and sent us on our way (She was very good, didn't bemoan us wasting her time).

As parking is a flat fee charge on a Sunday, we took the opportunity to stroll around Telford Town Park as it was such a lovely day. We gave Tom a go on some springy things and a baby swing (wedged in with a blanket). However, he just wasn't in the mood, so we went to the Japanese Garden where he had a feed, and Matt and I devoured some goodies from Greggs. As you can see Autumn is on its way - the maples are turning red.

We did a quick scoot round Telford whilst Tom slept in his pram and then returned home. By 1.45, Tom was back in bed, and we haven't heard from him since (it is now almost 4pm). This is the longest he has slept during the day since he was a newborn. He obviously needs his rest, poor soul.

Even Sicker Tom

Tom woke up screaming this morning. Not good. It took quite a while to calm him down. At one stage we thought he wouldn't make swimming, but after a quick wash, warm clothes and breakfast (he ate some toast) he seemed to perk up, so we took him. He seemed to enjoy himself and seemed almost normal which was good.

We had our usual after swimming drinks with Rose, Martin and Abi when Tom and Abi had another chat and laughing match making us all laugh. We returned home to pick up Tom's lunch and the two cakes for Michelle which we then delivered (pics will appear tomorrow - I'm quite pleased with them) and then off to the Golf Club for lunch.

Tom turned into a grizzler whilst we were at home, and was also a bit of a grizzler at the Golf Club. His teething (if that is what it is) is really giving him jip. The only way we could stop him crying was to hug him, which is what we did. Infact he fell asleep in my arms today which is the first time in ages. You can see that he is really tired (he has red eyes), but obviously the pain is too much for him to be able to drop off on his own.

After his afternoon nap I wrapped him up warm and took him to Asda whilst Matt had a snooze, he's got really tired from lack of sleep this week which is affecting his mood and concentration at work. On our return, Tom had his dinner - he managed a fromage frais and some banana. He then had his bath, he had cold hands and cold feet, and just lay on his back rest rather than play in the water as he does usually. He was looking very pale. All very worrying. I gave him his bottle (he managed half) and some Calpol and put him to bed. I think he was relieved to be going to sleep. Let's hope he manages to have a good sleep and feels better in the morning.

Sick Tom

Last night was better. Tom woke at 12 for a feed (no biting - phew!) and then again at 6.30. Only problem was that I couldn't get back to sleep after feeding him, it was almost 3am by the time I got off again - bugger!

This morning I tried Tom with some grown up porridge - another failure! So he chewed on some toast and that was it. Friday morning is BEST time, so we drove to Stirchley, Tom went in the creche and I spent the morning cutting up magazines to produce a poster about the Economics, Politics and Community benefits of Breast Feeding.

Returned home for lunch. I actually managed to spoon feed Tom a little bit of salmon mush. Can't say a big success, but some went in. He was still trying to dodge it and I can't say he opened his mouth willingly, so I gave him a breadstick and some cheese and a fromage frais as a reward.

This afternoon saw us at Kamila's for a walk. Took about 3 steps with the pram, but found it hard. We have a puncture! Put the pram back and got the sling out and went with that. Did a pretty long walk. We were gone a good 2 and a half hours and I discovered a bit of Telford I didn't know existed, all very nice parkland, just missing a cafe. Kamila, as usual was full of questions, she is struggling a little, is desperate for some kind of routine and some time to call her own. I know exactly where she is coming from and tried to reassure her that it will come in time. Stella is a bit of a screamer so that makes it harder.

Got home around 5.30, Tom had dinner - he managed some one pot chicken which was good and then bath and bed for him, whilst I set into icing the cake I made yesterday. Just as I was thinking about rolling out the icing I heard a huge yelp from upstairs and a call for me. Went upstairs and Matt was absolutely covered in sick, Tom had managed to vomit up a whole bottle of milk and his dinner, it was everywhere. Certainly the biggest sick up he's ever done. Somehow he had managed to miss himself? He refused any more milk, so I comforted him and put him to bed.

We didn't hear from him until 2am, but then we couldn't get him to settle. I managed to feed him after much persuasion, but he could not get back to sleep. We ended up resorting to calpol again as he did feel hot to touch. It didn't work immediately, but he did eventually go back to sleep.

Pic - Kamila took a pic of me and Tom during the walk, when (if) she sends it through, I'll put it up here.

Ouch!

Today started off badly with Tom waking through the night. The only hour I didn't see was 4am! He bit me at home when I tried to feed him and two times again when we were over visiting Michelle at the NCT ladies. As a result he didn't have any milk! I didn't try to spoon feed him today, so we had a picnic on Michelle's floor. I think he managed half a breadstick, some cheese and then he chewed on everything else. When we got home, I tried to feed him again, but he bit me again - OUCH! As a result he didn't have any milk feeds at all during the day and I had a very achy chest. Not happy. Oh, and he didn't eat much for dinner either.

I gave him an extra full bottle for night time which went down ok.

I had a very busy night. Whilst Matt was feeding and bathing Tom, I made dinner and a cake. We had dinner, then I expressed, next job was to ice the cake I made yesterday, then I had to do some WOSAs as Matt has got ahead of me, then put away the online shop that arrived. By the time all that was done it was 10pm - time for shower and bed. Phew!

Tom and his woolly friends

Another bad night. Tom woke at 11pm, I didn't get him back to sleep until around 1am. He was awake again at 4. He did manage to take about 2 mouth fulls of weetabix for breakfast before refusing it.

Took him down to baby clinic this morning, he's lost 6oz this week, not surprising really considering how many meals he's missed. Had a long conversation with the HV, she said I was doing everything right, and to persevere. She said not to fight with him. She thinks he is teething, that there maybe some more teeth on their way through and as a result his gums are aching and he doesn't want anything in his mouth. Another suggestion was to use 'baby cocaine' before meals. She also said to offer him toast with every meal for him to chew on - even if he just licks the spread off it, that will help. I will try all this. Bought some cheap bread from Co-op.

Oh, almost forgot to mention, I handed in my notice today. Left messages with both Jeremy and Richard. Richard took it in his stride. Jeremy was surprised, which surprised me! He thought I would come back part-time. However, he did admit that even if I took a part-time position, I would still be expected to be 24/7 which is something I don't want and would cause lots of stress.

So we did ok(ish) for lunch and dinner. Tom managed a little bit of bread and some ravioli for lunch and some breadsticks, chunks of veg and a fromage frais for dinner. I also tried him with some scrambled eggs - but they got the thumbs down. We had real trouble getting him settled for bed. He just would not settle and cried and cried. In the end we gave him calpol. Within 5 mins he was asleep (what do they put in it?). It must be his teeth giving him jip, poor thing. We will see how tonight goes...

Little dude with attitude

A bad night again! Can't remember how many times he got me up, but it was many! Problem is that when he wakes up he is full of energy and so, so happy to see me that I can't be angry with him. Problem is, how do you get a baby who is full of energy back to sleep?

I gave Tom his breakfast - some toast. He put it in his mouth and then spat it out again. He wouldn't let me put it in his mouth, so I left him to it, but I don't think he ate much!

Went to Tuesday Group, came home, had lunch. I gave Tom some roasted veg (left over from dinner yesterday). Once again he put it in his mouth and then spat it out! He had his nap and then we went on our daily trip to Asda.

Dinner was roasted veg, and I tried some avocado and banana. I did actually manage to get some in him, but not much. However, an improvement from the other meals today. He obviously isn't ravenous, otherwise he would take it from me.

He not only clamps his mouth shut, but he pushes my hand away so I can't get the spoon near him. I have tried giving him the spoon, which works for about 2 mouthfuls. If he is directing the spoon, he will open his mouth, but he gets wise that there is food in the spoon and then refuses to take the spoon.

Oh hum. The evening saw me at my cake course, marzipaning my fruit cake. Went well. Need to ice and crimp it next time. I have made friends with a mother and daughter who are also beginners, between the three of us I think we will muddle through and have a laugh.

Wilful Tom

Sunday was another busy day. The morning saw us revisiting Blist's Hill, the bottom of the village has reopened, which includes a clay mine train. We had the train to ourselves and took the disabled carriage so Tom could go in his pram. The mine was pitch black and very noisy with sounds of mining, crashing etc. Tom grizzled a little, but then went quiet. When we came out Tom was asleep. How did he do it, especially as the train was very noisy and clunky? Of course as soon as the train stopped, he woke up and that was it for the morning, he missed his nap.

After trying out the cakes at the new cafe we returned home before heading out to Jude and Richard's for a bbq. Spent a very pleasant afternoon with them. Tom hammed it up big time to Richard's parents who were there (I think his Dad is clucky for another grandchild). Tom had lunch before us, and for once he actually fed without any problems. He once again refused to sleep, so me, Ian and Ryan took him for a walk, it didn't work. So, we ended up with an over tired baby on our hands. We returned home at 6pm (he fell asleep in the car), we let him sleep in his cot for 30 mins before trying to give him some dinner (he refused) and then bath and bed.

The night wasn't great. We thought that maybe, just maybe, Tom would sleep well as he missed two naps, but it wasn't the case. He was awake at 1, 1.30, 2.00, 2.30 and 3, by which time I was wide awake so it took me quite a while to get back to sleep. Oh hummm.

Went to Monday group. Only 4 of us there today, but we all went through our various problems. Tom refused his breakfast today, would not eat it at all, it is getting harder and harder to feed him so I asked what to do. Advice was to keep at it, not get upset when he refuses it and not to give in and give him just sweet things. All this I'm doing, so we will see. Got back home and he refused lunch. Put him down for his nap, tried again, he wouldn't eat anything. He then spent the afternoon shouting. I ended up giving him some baby cocaine, not sure if it did anything, so I took him to Asda (always seems to calm him down)

He refused dinner as well today, although we managed to get something down him when Matt danced behind me making funny faces etc to make Tom open his mouth so I could get some food in. Not sure it's a good idea to do this, he is certainly getting very wilful, but we needed to get something in him. Not sure what sort of night we are going to have...

Today's pic, the Gouges were going to throw this slide out, we thought Tom might like it. The other one: today we had Roast Pork and Yorkshire Pudding, using the recipe given to us by Simpsons in the Strand. Best Yorkshires I've ever made (I had some duck fat in the fridge, so that may have helped them on their way). Anyway I'm very proud of them.