Photo Update of the boys!

This Photo was taken at 20 weeks and I just looo-oove it!

Joint Bath Time - Murray loves it!

Harris too!

We went out to feed the ducks and do the little loop at Benny Beag with Murray on his Trike and as it was such a dry sunny day there were loads of climbers.Murray decided he wanted to be a climber, so here he is - The Matterhorn next!

Feeding the Ducks and Murray 'Riding' his trike.

Out for an Explore.

These photos are a bit older and Harris is still learning to smile and giggle 'on cue' LOL!

Playdough fun with the boys. Murray in his straw hat that was totally broken but I didn't dare throw out until I got a replacement! 

Murray's Fire engine that we made in one of our arts and crafts sessions.

Snowman fun with the snow man kit (wooden carrot, button, eyes etc), Aunty Fe got him.

Murray joining in morning cuddles at first feed!

Love this pic - can't remember what Murray and I are laughing at!

Making pankcakes - Murray loves baking.

Sweet, sweet Harris.

After dinner, Murray said, 'I want to sit on your knee' and sat there calmly and wriggle free for about 15 mins while we all chatted - heaven.

Harris in Murray's new hat!

Benjamin's Batismal cakes - I bought the beautiful one on the right from the coffee shop in our village who make cakes to order and Murray decorated the one on the left - clever boy!

We booked ourselves a wee hol for Benjamon's Baptism and as my folks were there too,they let Al and I get a walk - here we are at Loch Muik - snw showers and sunshine - cracking.

We went up the next day with the boys and despite Murray falling asleep so us needing to drive around for a while; Harris' bottom exploding into his nappy during said drive and thus needing changed in the car and then Harris needing an early feed (again in the car) we finally got out for Murray to have a fun tromp in the snow.

Harris looking cute.

Where we were staying for Benjamin's baptism there was a hotel attached to the lodges and we could use the pool. In the changing rooms there were these little seats and Murray thought they were great to sit in while either Al or I git dressed. He also loved my swimming goggles!

Our Lodge.

Hopefully next I'll upload some videos. Hope you like the photos - I love them.

Update overdue!

I wrote this a few weeks ago:

Suddenly Harris is 17 weeks and almost 4 months. It is funny because a couple of weeks ago I felt like it was never going to get to 4 months and suddenly it is. 0-12 weeks seemed to fly, probably due to Christmas and Harris Baptism, but 12- 15 weeks were pretty rough. I think mainly due to a combination of: Murray up at 4 or 5am most mornings and not napping so hideously tired and naughty; Harris choked up with the cold so coughing and spluttering through the night and not feeding v well (on/off/on/off) in the day resulting in me having not a lot of sleep. Not a great mix! Anyhoo, after reading various toddler books, I've realised I cannot get Murray back to sleep, so just have to cope with him being tired as best as poss and hope the next night he'll sleep properly. in addition, just try to manage the behaviour as best as poss by strategic ignoring, distraction and time out (so so much easier said than done as he can be tenacious!).

Anyway, Harris had his 4 month jags today and went to bed bawling his eyes out wee soul. Fingers crossed that's him settled and sleeps OK. I got him weighed today too and he is now 14lbs 2oz so almost double his birth weight - clever wee man.

Last Wednesday, my sister had her first baby. She had a baby boy so I am now an aunty! How lovely. my mum, dad, Harris and I nipped up to Aberdeen the day she had him to get a sneeky peak and he was gorgeous - loads of dark hair! I'm so happy Harris is going to have a wee buddy only 16 weeks younger than him. Well done, clever sis. He is now baptised and I am a God mum as well as an Aunty - I am one lucky lady.

Now Harris will be 20 weeks tomorrow and apart from him having another cold so more snorting through the night, things are going pretty well. I feel like I have more of  handle on Murray's behaviour and as such he has really turned a corner and the happy little fella I always had is back - yes he has his moments and yes I need to keep him in check at times, but I've given up fretting about getting him to sleep later - if he's up v early eg 5am ish I bundle him into the car if we're not heading somewhere anyway so he'll have a nap and the afternoon is pleasant. Not entirely environmentally friendly, but tough - it is mummy sanity friendly! If he sleeps to nearer 6, he can cope all day with no nap despite being done in at the end of the day.

We have started potty training with Murray. We've done up to 3 hours in pants and he's doing well.  His stubborness comes out though and he is v determined when he does NOT want to sit on the potty! LOL. Only ruddy boy I know that isn't that fussed on stickers - hoping his new fireman sam ones will help 'encourage' him! Next step is longer in the pants and then outside! Yikes!

Murray is becoming so loving with Harris - it makes my heart swell with love and pride. He gives him big cuddles and this am he was stroking Harris' hands while Harris was practising his grip. Toooo sweet. He likes it when Harris giggles and smiles.

Harris is getting stronger and stronger and loves to sing and try out his voice - not so great druing te night, but it is lovely to hear. He is holding his head up laying on his front and is sitting much more on my hip. He has the BEST giggle and loves silly songs.

I really want to upload some pics and I'm going to devote a night to do just that. It all takes so long that there have been loads of nights I've sat down to do it and then looked at the clock and though - oof, I'm off to bed.

Exercise has been going pretty well - in general I've hit 4 times a week which usually included 2 swims of 125 lengths; 1 gym session or hike + 1 spin or hike. I'm happy with the 4 times a week. I find it quite a nice balance. I'd always love to do more, but in reality, 4 is plenty for now as both Al and I need to juggle our times and get a chance to catch up at some point too!


A wee photo to keep you updated on happy smiley Harris.

Harris' Baptism

On Saturday (12/01/13) we celebrated Harris' Baptism. It was a lovely service for just Harris and just as we had done for Murray, we had coffee and cake in the family room after. It was really nice to share this special occasion with my family and friends. After coffee and cake the immediate families and my friend Emily ( one of Harris' Godmothers), her husband and her boys (one of whom is my Godson) came home for lunch and a toast to my wee boy Harris.

It was a lovely day, but woah - how hard is it to organise things with 2 babba in tow? All worth it though as the family room looked lovely and everyone seemed to have a good time. I thought the major fly in the ointment was going to be the fact that Harris refused to take a bottle (so glad I spent half an hour I didn't have expressing!). Total shame, because I was at the church setting up the room and when I phoned home to remind Al to bring the milk for tea and coffee, the phone was answered by a stressed Al, saying, 'he's not taking it, he's not taking it! 'Poor chap. I definitely had a realisation  that I am now a 2nd time mum. Last time, I'd have probably been freaking out too, but this time I was like, well, just bring the boys up and we'll work it out. Fortunately Harris managed to last until after the length of the service and actually as long as he faced out and could see all that was going on he was quite happy chatting away to the Canon. Unfortunately after he wouldn't take the bottle from me either so, as my outfit was not bf friendly, I had to disappear into the kitchen for 20 mins or so while everyone else relaxed, but finally I could cut the cakes.

A week and half has gone by and I'm shattered. Murray has hit the terrible twos (since before Christmas) with vengeance and it is relentless. We have some good days or rather parts of a day and I def try to catch the good bits, but the constant battles to get dressed, nappies changed, winter clothes/boots on, hands washed...... is so wearing. Everyday I start off positive, but when he completely ignores you time after time - phew - they have to go through it, and I have to keep plugging away at it, but wow, motherhood is NOT easy! Ah well -  to help us regain some composure, Al and I ran for the hills or rather my folks so they could look after the boys while I tromped up their nearby hill and the 1.5 hours we got together really renewed the batteries, although they are dipping again today! LOL!

On a positive note, Murray has been settled into his big boy bed and loves it. He loves to cuddle down after stories for a wee snuggle.

We have to tackle potty training really soon as he is showing to be ready ( I think). I can't face it, but I know it has to be done. All these new stages must be the hardest first time round. Poor Murray has to be our guinea pig! ;-)

Despite the terrible twos (or maybe because - I need my time plus it makes me feel positive to start the day) I'm getting back into my exercise. The week before the baptism I did 3 sessions as it was a busy week, but last week I did my aimed 4 sessions and so far this week we've done 2 so looking good.

Last week:
2 x 1 hour swims (115 and 120 lengths)
1 x 50 mins gym session
1 x hike in the snow (1.5 hours)

I was going to finish the post with some fun videos of the boys, but they are taking too long and I want to finally finish this post so I will finish up by saying I got Harris weighed on Monday at 13 weeks and 5 days and he was 13lbs 5oz. Clever boy.

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!