Christmas 2012

It;s been a busy couple of weeks trying to get organised for Christmas and taking Murray to various Christmas parties. It was all worth it though and we had a lovely Christmas at my folks. I had really hoped it would snow as it is a winter wonderland we it does, but unfortunately the weather turned milder and W.E.T. Al and I got out for a walk together on Christmas Eve and we got soaked through. We didn't care though as we were out together without a toddler or baby!!!!! We also got out in Boxing day too and it was just so lovely to chat freely.

Our walk on Boxing Day

We some how managed to get all of us out to 'midnight' mass at 7.30pm to save getting to mass in the morning at 9.30. The boys were both exhausted by the time we got home, but the up side was they both slept in the next day!

Christmas day was lovely. Before going to church the on Christmas Eve we had put out a biscuit and milk for santa, plus reindeer food with Murray. The biccy and milk were munched / drunk of course, but the food was spilt in a trail from the snack to the front door and out in the front garden. Murray's face was a picture! 'Santa's come!'

Messy Reindeer!

Santa Sacks Christmas Eve

Santa's Come!

 The opening of presents took all day as he wanted to play with each one, plus we wanted to get him out for some fresh air while it was dry and daylight given that it is pretty much dark after his nap at the mo'.

Out Exploring and feeding the Birds

Through The Forrest

He loved being present hander outer: 'here's a present for you' he'd say!

Harris was a wee star too and got some v cute little outfits.

Thanks Aunty Fi - I love the suit!

Mummy is tickling me and I'm giggling a little!

Love my Reindeer Booties - Thanks Aunty Helen!

Opening Presents is HARD work - Nanna and Murray relaxing in front of the telly!

Harris is Spark out too!

Lovely Bath time with Harris

We came to the conclusion as we tried to pack up the car that we made need to upgrade to a bigger model. It was packed to the gunnels!

Exercise + Routine

It was so nice having extra hands for a few days over Christmas and get the chance to get out for exercise. It has really helped kick start me wanting to get back to regular exercise. I've been quite happy to just heal and learn how to juggle 2 up until a week or so ago and that has coincided well with Al being off and Harris starting to develop a rough routine.

For a week and a half now Harris has mostly (fingers crossed) dropped the earlier feed at 2/3am and been waking at 5/6am with the exception of a couple of nights so not guaranteed yet, but looking like it's on its way. We generally get him to bed between 7and 8pm depending on when / or how long last feed is. In the am after his feed at 5/6am, he'll go back down for another wee sleep which is really useful as we can then get Murray up and dressed etc while Harris is sleeping. The rest of the day generally is starting to fall into 3 hours ish between feeds and every 2 hours needs a sleep. This starts getting a bit funny by 4pmish as he's getting tired at 6pm, but it is not a great time to nap or put him down yet, so is pretty cranky, plus he gets hungry too, so I end up feeding at half 3/4pmish, half 5/6pmish and 7pm rather than the 3 hours in between. Throw into the mix trying to get dinner and baths and it is a busy time. Mondays and Fridays, when Al is out of the house for 12 hours and so not home until 7pm, are exhausting days!

I rejoined the gym yesterday and Al came in as a couple membership, so yesterday I nipped out in the pm for a 30 min blast while Al looked after the kids - well Harris had just been fed and was about to nap, so Murray really! Plus this am I fed Harris at 6am, put Harris down for a sleep and headed out for an early swim. H woke up just after I had finished my breaky on my return so perfect timing. Just starting to get to know Harris' 'schedule' for now has made this possible as I'm able to leave advice for Al and feel a bit more confident that it should be OK. It felt good to get out and back to it although I'm not so sure my thighs agree!

Exercise this week:
Mon: 4 mile hike
Wed: 3 mile hike
Fri: 30 min gym (15 min xt +15 min bike hard with intervals)
Sat: 55 min swim - 100 lengths.

Harris' First Swim

As we are both members now we took the boys swimming today for Harris first swim. He was a wee star and seemed to really enjoy it, especially floating on his back. Murray was over the moon to get swimming again too. I suspect we'll be going again over the hols as it is open and makes a great change from soft play areas!

10 Weeks

Harris turned 10 weeks on Boxing Day! How? He is starting to almost be too big for his moses basket and it is too sad! Another week or so and we'll have to make the switch to cradle I think. He gets weighed on Monday and I so interested to see his weight. He feels loads bigger and  I strained my back a liitle feeding him has he's heavy getting latched on!

8 Week Check and Jags.

Harris had his 8 week check yesterday. He was weighed and measured and generally checked over.

No slow weight gain this week - 11oz in 9 days! So he is now 11lbs 4.5oz. Good boy - well done.

Vital Stats

Harris: Weight: 11lb 4.5oz  - Between 25th + 50th percentlile
Murray: weight: 11lbs 14oz - 50th percentile

Harris: Length: 54.5cm - Between 2nd + 9th percentile
Murray: Length: 60cm - 75th percentile (although he then averaged out at between 25th and 50th percentile)

Harris: Head Circumference: 37.6cm - between 9th and 25th percentile
Murray: Head Circumference: 39.5cm - 75th percentile

Looking at these stats - I'm realising why it was hard to keep up with Murray especially given that he struggled so much to feed!

It looks like Harris not only looks like my side of the family, but is more petite too - still a hungry boy though!

He tracked a green ball and responded  to loud noises and gave the Health visitor a lovely smile. He also had to get his first set of jags - oooooh! I know they'll be OK, but it still gets you. His wee cry was unlike his normal I'm hungry cry - so pleading! Too sad, but far better that than get any of those awful illness especially Whooping cough of which there is an epidemic at mo.

As a result of the jags he's been a bit off for the past few days, but hopefully will settle down again soon.

Sharing

Murray is struggling a little sharing mummy at mo. I think he's realised that Harris is staying forever and that mummy is not only his. As a result I'm hoping to get some Murray and mummy time over the Christmas break. I think it is a stage in his development too and they've both come at the same time. He's feeling really unsettled, wee lamb. He's not wanted to go to nursery  and he loves it and he keeps saying: 'I want to go home' even when he is home and so I've worked out it means: ' I want/need a cuddle'. Lots of cuddles, telling him we love him, some activities just for him, but firm boundaries and being clear when he's had time with me/Al and when it is Harris' time will be the order of the next few weeks until he's reassured me thinks. Sounds easy doesn't it! ;-)

It's Beginning to Feel Like Christmas!

We got the tree and decorations out today and it was so fun to decorate the tree with Murray. He was really helpful and really enjoyed it. I'm loving him in his long John and T-shirt combo - too cute! Murray calls the Christmas Tree, Chemistry! Too cute and I love it (or as Murray would say - my love it)!

Love this pic of Harris this morning sporting his gorgeous cardy knitted by Al's Aunty Jane. He fell asleep on Murray's bed and stayed that way for an hour while Murray and Al crashed and banged about playing in Murray's room! Love how second children learn to fall asleep anywhere.

Breast Feeding.

Today has been a good feeding day - each feed has taken about 20 mins and he has taken one side only after that 20 mins and has then been done - when it normally takes about an hour including winding, I've barely known myself. I would LOVE if that continued as Murray could cope with 20 mins, but 1 hour is a bit much for him to stay out of mischief, plus I have had so much more time to do things - the whole house got cleaned today as well as food shopping and church! The last feed took the hour again, but I think that was mainly because he was pretty sleepy and kept nodding off and waking - if it helps him to sleep longer, I can cope!

Naughty Spot.

I'm v glad last week is over - Murray was a bit sick last weekend and while he was loads better by Monday his behaviour was awful all week - I've noticed this before - as he gets better but is still really tired he is v challenging. On Wed, I was a yucky mummy, so by Thursday I decided no more grumping, it was simply v firm boundaries and naughty pen. I had to adjust the naughty pen to spot when he thought it was great fun to start climbing out of the pen. My heart sank at the tought of this, but we have progressed to being able to do the naughty spot with only a few returns. He is a bit cute while on the spot as he pleads 'My be a good boy!' but he is made to do his time and certainly behaviour has improved again and if it deteriorates, it's straight back to the spot. I'm actually really glad to have made the transition as the spot can be anywhere and I don't need to lift him upstairs!

Christmas Shopping.

Al is off tomorrow and my folks are looking after Murray to let us get some serious Christmas shopping done. I'm feeling a bit more prepared but would like to have all done by tomorrow as we travel up to see my sis and bro in law on the 22nd to 23rd and the next couple of weeks are going to be v busy with Christmas parties/activities.

Snow and Bed Time Routine.

We had our first snow today. A good day for it as Al was off, so while I was feeding Harris the boys headed out into the garden to play. Murray loved it! He loved the Hotchoc to warm up even more. It was his first taste of hotchoc and he loved it - no surprises there. I think I may have unleashed the hotchoc monster!!!!

Beautiful Snow!

Layer Up!!!!

Helping Daddy Clear the Snow

First Hotchoc!

Hotchoc Moustache

Weight.

Harris was weighed today (6 weeks and 5 days). He's 10lbs 9oz. Only 5oz gain this week, so settled down a bit, which considering we've had a few nights of back to 12-1 feed plus 3-5 feed, I was a little surprised. Thankfully we have 2 nights of skipping the 12-1 feed again. I'm struggling to get sleep after that later feed though as H is so snuffly and snorty then and have de-camped to the sofa a few times as the disturbed nights are starting to take their toll now and I need the kip.

Bedtime

We seem to be establishing a bedtime routine (past week). It is a bit of a moveable feast as it depends on when he's hungry, Murray's bed time and whether Al is home to help or not. Some nights he has a bath before Murray and some nights after (Fri, when Al was working in Edinburgh and not home until 7.15pm) and some nights just top and tailed while Murray is in the bath and the fed anywhere between 7 and 7.30pm. We then put him down to settle himself. The first few nights took about an hour, but the past 2 have been fairly quick. We did have the other night where he woke up after an hour and screamed for more milk as the silly billy fell asleep mid feed. I'm hoping we won't have a repeat of that tonight as I could not wake him for love nor money to top up on the other side.

Breast Feeding

I love that feeding is going so well this time. I feel v lucky and blessed and it does give me a little kick inside, but there are times when I really wish Al could do a feed or two and I'm really starting to miss exercise and I'm wondering how I'm going to juggle it all. I would kill for a full night's sleep too, but I know it's not forever, but I think the initial adrenaline has worn out and I'm feeling pooped. Not aided by the fact I've had a sore throat/swollen gland and tonsils for 6 weeks now! Just a little run down me thinks! I'll work it out soon as I definitely need an endorphin hit soon!

6 Weeks Tomorrow - Time Flies!

Mastitis

Where have the past 2 weeks gone since my last post? I believe in a whirlwind of  baby and toddler care with Al back at work. Throw into the mix a bout of mastitis that was really rather sore - imagine - red to look at and red hot to touch (not to mention the flu like symptoms of aching joints and a temperature) that required 2 days of expressing (I couldn't even wear a bra let a lone let a hungry mouth clamp on)  for every feed as this hungry boy needs both sides each feed and  there really doesn't leave a lot of time left to blog!

Any how I'm pleased to say that 48 hours after starting antibiotics things were much improved - not fully gone - but enough that I could feed Harris on both sides again - about time too - feeds were taking 2 hours and Murray was not impressed, plus the temp and achy joints had passed. Thank heavens for antibiotics!

Weight

Any way the wee man has clearly not suffered as I got him weighed yesterday and he is now 10lbs 4oz - wee porker - that works out as just over 1/2lb a week!

We are (fingers crossed) getting him to feed at about 7pm ish and he'll last any where between 2.30am and 4.30am (probably the reason for the mastitis as he dropped the 11pmish feed) so we are moving in the right direction. I will def be glad when he extends it as he takes a good hour to feed and burp on a good night (last night because he wouldn't settle was 2.5 hours).

The next thing to work on is getting him to self settle as it really takes him a long time to drop off. Last night I'd had enough of burping and soothing him and swaddled him and put him down and it took a good hour! Phew - not great at 4.30am. I'm trying to get him to do it during the day too, but he really fights it! That said he's asleep just now and as Murray is at nursery and I've done a tonne of chores this am I'm getting 5 mins to sit and type in peace - nice!

Walking

I even got for a decent walk with him the buggy this am - almost 3 miles and feel really good for it as it is a gorgeous crisp wintery day. I have my 6 week check up tomorrow so hopefully I'll be cleared to drive - yeah and cleared to go swimming. I've no idea how I'm going to get out to go swimming, but I'm sure I'll work it out!

Self Affirmations!

I do feel pretty proud of myself for being able to manage the mastitis and keep feeding and learning that he will take a bottle, but then it is such a different situation when your baby feeds well. Still giving myself little pats on the back none the less!

4 Weeks and First Day With Al back at Work!

Harris is 4 weeks today.

Someone asked me today if it had gone fast and I replied - yes and no. Time takes on a different dimension with a newborn, especially when you've had a tummy bug and sore throat and your hubby has had a chest infection and your newborn has also had the cold, all while your toddler has also had a tummy bug, but then become v v well and high energy again!

The up side of Harris having the cold is that his ferocious feeding has settled down a bit as he has been v sleeepy. He's getting better now though and has had 2 v awake periods (while happy as opposed to crying) between 7.30am to 10am and 3.30pm - 5.30pm and still there has been bigger gaps between feeds, so perhaps the previous week was a mix of getting sick and growth spurt all in one.

The best thing that has happened the past 2 nights is that I have got a 4 hour block of sleep!!!!! Come on little man - keep extending those night time sleeps please!!!!!!

Today Al went back to work (luckily from home so it is a shorter day) and we have all survived! I managed to get us all out to toddlers almost on time despite Harris needing a feed just before we needed to leave, but then at least he slept for most of the time. In the afternoon, my friend and her toddler came for a play date which was great. Pretty proud of myself coping with a hungry Murray just as my friend was leaving all while Harris needed a long feed. Managed to read Murray 3 Thomas stories and encourage him to play with his musical toy, to keep him from getting into mischief. This also had the benefit of avoiding a repeat of his morning time intrigue of my boob, so was able to feed Harris without Murray prodding my breast at the same time LOL!

Harris has had 2 mat times and Murray has really enjoyed this time, giving Harris big cuddles (had to explain it may not be best to cuddle over his face as he needs to be able to breathe - ha ha) and shaking his toys for him to look at. I saw Harris really watching Murray today - so nice to have in house entertainment for him.

Here's some new photos:

Al's sister sent over some presents from America for the boys. Here is Murray drinking from his spaceman 'cup'!

It is so big, I have to lift it off the table for him to reach the straw!

See....

My 2 Gorgeous Boys!

Brother Sofa Time

"Hello, little brother"

Harris' 3 Week Weight

Harris was weighed yesterday at 3 weeks and 1 day and is now 8lbs 8oz. He gained 11oz in a week - no wonder I'm shattered! I genuinely feel like I'm being sucked away! We've transitioned from 1 to both breasts at every feed, so if he wants on really close together, it is tough going.

I must admit I am really looking fwd to getting more than 2 or sometimes 3 hours of kip at a time. Perhaps once we are fully established, Al can give him a bottle at night so I can get a longer sleep at some point. I am tired and I can only imagine how more tired I'm going to be once Al goes back to work and I have to cope with both boys on my own!

I am really looking fwd to wearing non maternity clothes or track pants. I'm quite swollen above my scar so can't wear normal trousers yet as it is too sore. The scar is healing well though so it'll happen in time.

I have fed Harris out and about 3 times now - can't say I'm terribly discrete, but it can only get better surely?

It has been a v tiring few days as apart from 1 block at night feeds have been 2 hours (from start of feed) apart or less, but today I've had 1 block of 3.5 and another of 2.5 hours and so have actually got a chance to rest.

Not wishing time away, but looking fwd to being able to get into an evening bedtime routine as I definitely miss my evenings.

Al is off Mon and Tues and then back to work on Wed - yikes! We've got Toddlers in the village in the am and a friend is visiting in the pm. On the Thursday I've already lined up meeting with friends in the village in the am and hopefully my dad can visit in the pm and then mum's coming to help out on Friday and then it will just be another 12 days until I can drive and hopefully get back to swimming and a bit more of normal life.

Harris is 2 Weeks Old

I can't believe Harris is 2 week. Time with a newborn both flies and elongates - the latter mainly because you are up feeding half the night!

The midwife came out on Monday to weigh Harris and he weighed 7lbs 6oz, so had gained 5oz in a week and is already 4oz above his birth weight. What a clever boy!

We had a really rough Sunday. Saturday night Harris fed 5 times and I struggled to resettle him and it continued into Sunday. He slept for 3 hours max between 7am and 9pm! Wow and did he cry! Bless him, he had terrible wind plus it turns out from the midwife coming yesterday that his nipples had become engorged. Poor wee soul. Apparently it is a result of withdrawal from your hormones and can take a few weeks to subside, but can upset them a bit. I thought we were in for a hell of a night, but by some miracle he did settle (thanks infacol) and only need fed at 12.45, 4 and 7. Miracle. He was a lot better yesterday,  but still a little windy, but he's been a bit unsettled again today. Thankfully Al took him for a walk in the buggy and he slept as did I as Murray was at nursery this am. The afternoon wasn't bad but the evening was rough and Al had to do the cliche of driving Harris around to get him to drop off and let me go to bed. He has been really good today though, which has really helped me to recharge the batteries.

Murray has settled down a lot and has been super excited when we have all got out as a family. On Sat we got to the soft play area just up the road for an hour. His face was full of smiles and he kept saying: 'baby Harris in the car, mummy in front'. I asked him if he was excited and he replied: 'Yeah! Yeah! Too cute! Then yesterday we got out to the playroom at the Hydro and he was so happy again. He has also asked to cuddle Harris a couple of times. Too lovely and both moments needed to be captured by photo. Yesterday he also said, Harris is my brother. So sweet.

First Brotherly Cuddle

Another Cuddle

Al's paternity finished today, but thankfully he also has two weeks holiday as there is no way I'd be able to cope without him yet. If it was just Harris, possibly, although it would be pretty hard work, and I wouldn't be able to drive anywhere, but with Murray to run around after, there is no way. I get v tired by the afternoon and sore, plus I couldn't lift Murray at all.

To celebrate Harris' 2 week birthday we all went to Toddlers this am for the Halloween party. Murray went as a Sheriff, while Harris was a pumpkin. Both boys are just so cute.

Murray, The Sheriff of Muthill!

Pumpkin Harris

First Week at Home.

My first week (well 5 days) at home have been pretty exhausting. Murray has been pretty challenging swinging between being desperate to crawl all over me and naughty behaviour. It's been quite upsetting to see him upset and also to not be able to lift him whenever he's wanted a cuddle. That said, I was able to do his story time last night and he has been much more settled today, so fingers crossed that continues. I think the more I'm able to do the less wobbly he'll feel, but I must be careful as I have a bit of swelling above my scar again (coupled with pretty rough pain) that came back last night after being pretty flat, so steady, steady.

The midwife weighed Harris on day 5 and he had only lost 1oz so he (and me) are doing really well with breast feeding. When she came out today she was going to re-weigh him, but she decided not to dishcharge me and let my normal midwife who has been on hol come out on Monday to see me and weigh Harris then. I'm looking forward to finding out f he has gained - certainly from the amount of feeds, he should do.

The first couple of nights home were a bit rough with cluster feeding, but the past 3 have been perfectly acceptable for this stage - I go to bed about 9 - 10 ish and Al brings Harris through for a feed about 11.30 - midnight ish. Then another feed between about half 2 and 3 and then another between half 5 and 6. Then Murray is up so it is breakfast for him and me and before I know it another feed. During the day Harris will swing between feeds 1.5, 2 and 3 hours apart depending on whether he sleeps or is awake between feeds.

The night before his 1 week old birthday, we gave Harris his first bath at home.

This evening activity seemed to help him sleep so we've been getting him awake every evening either with a bath or mat time. It is so lovely when he opens his eyes.

Today I managed to venture out of the house to the cafe over the road for hot choc and lunch. It was lovely to take Harris out and helped me to feel a bit more confident about getting out with Murray soon (he was at nursery this am). I was shattered after though and crashed out for an hour so must keep that in mind if going out.