Polly D

Oh yes, quite, I often find myself speaking to other half on the phone while he's at work telling him bit by bit about our 'exciting' day...: "and then he seemed a bit grizzly so I put him down but he wasn't having it, so I gave him some Calgel, and then he slept for half an hour, and then I gave him some milk, about 120ml, and then he played with the bin, and then he did a poo, a big one, looked like Weetabix, and then we went out and I saw that girl, you know, the one who had the same midwife and whose baby was due the same day as R but was 2 weeks late and she said that X blah de blah de blah..." I'm amazed hubby answers the phone...

I am capable of talking in baby speak all day long...I actually said 'pussycat' in conversation to my grown up friend the other day. I hear the nursery rhymes from the monitor in my head, even when they're long finished. I decide not to have another glass of wine because it's just not worth it. I scrolled through conacts on my phone, wanting to text my mum and realised I was looking in 'G' for granny...

I go to bed with a hot water bottle every night, and I'm not ashamed. The only problem is when I wake in the night, confused because I think the HWB is the baby and I've lost him under the duvet...

Thanks guys. He was fine all weekend in the end having formula in small doses, and good job too as we went away for the night for the first time, leaving him with granny (with massive guilt as he was pukey). Tonight, however, he spewed his tea high into the air, everywhere. Wouldn't go to sleep, and normally goes happily to bed. Sobbed for over an hour, even when in arms, but eventually fell asleep. Doesn't seem to have a temp, or really seem ill. Yep, there does seem to be a lot of it about and this is quite reassuring in a way, though I feel for you all going through the same thing. Might try doc tomorrow anyway just to be cautious (a worrier). Oh yeah, and no diarreah...I really must learn how to spell that but too tired to look it up.

There are some Dads only (with bubs of course) events at Peckham library, for example 'Bookstart for dads' and 'Time out with dad'. See below: www.southwark.gov.uk

Love CDWM, and I'm not ashamed to admit I once applied to go on it, so there. And I can't wait for a local episode. Local lady Linda Barker was on the celeb version once and Lordship DIY was featured as she had to rush out to replace some cooking equipment; can't remember what now. Ooooh imagine the queues at WR next Friday. Shall we all go with our buggies mums? Get in the way?

We just had a night away here in Wiltshire (2 hours ish from SE London): http://www.beckfordarms.com LOVELY place, and very reasonable - only ?85/night for a double room. Personal and attentive service. Beautiful countryside if you like walks, and roaring fire, great food and wine. We slept VERY well.

Anyone else got a pukey baby at the mo? For the last few days R (9 months) has been spewing his formula up: proper sick, not reflux. Off his food at times, but also wolfing it down at other moments. He's been coughing lots, and has a cold. Otherwise is his usual fairly cheery self and sleeping okayish. My question is whether I should stop giving him formula (SMA) for a bit as he's only sick after that, not after mealtimes, but it feels wrong! Am giving him water so he's hydrated. Apparently there's quite a bit of this going round. Went on NHS direct website which says to ring the helpline for advice for bubs under 1, and the helpline is only dealing with emergencies. Thanks parents

Anyone else got a pukey baby at the mo? For the last few days R (9 months) has been spewing his formula up: proper sick, not reflux. Off his food at times, but also wolfing it down at other moments. He's been coughing lots, and has a cold. Otherwise is his usual fairly cheery self and sleeping okayish. My question is whether I should stop giving him formula (SMA) for a bit as he's only sick after that, not after mealtimes, but it feels wrong! Am giving him water so he's hydrated. Apparently there's quite a bit of this going round. Went on NHS direct website which says to ring the helpline for advice for bubs under 1, and the helpline is only dealing with emergencies. Thanks parents

There are some really nice ones on the timetables sunbob posted link to: on a Monday morning at Denmark Hill community centre - messy play and little treasures, and Monday afternoon there's a v nice play session at the Albrighton comm centre but beware the centre has moved to a mobile hut thing v near DKH school, no longer on Albrighton road. Both free and both aimed at 18 months and under. That's Monday sorted...loads of info on those PDFs on council's website.

Hey L We got this one and are v happy with it. Even I can put it up! http://www.johnlewis.com/230530591/Product.aspx?source=14798 P

Yum, if it's not too late http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/restaurants/camino-info-25306.html

Hmmmm, a very tricky one ymenik21. I was in the same situation when living in Spain a while ago. Heard some absolutely shocking abuse from my neighbour to her 9 year old daughter. The mother would even make the child scrub her mattress out in the street to show people how 'naughty' she was for wetting the bed at her age, when of course the poor love was doing that out of fear of her family situation. I spoke to my dad who, as a professional in child family therapy, said if you are ever concerned that a child is at risk, you should alert the authorities. And as I was working at that child's school at the time, I spoke to the Head and she said they were well aware of the situation so I left it in their hands. This didn't stop the mother, however, coming round a few days later and accusing me of reporting her to social services - NOT a very pleasant experience I can tell you. It's still very hard to know what's the right thing to do and how much to get involved. As Iain said, she could be in need of a friendly shoulder to cry on but you've kind of got the impression of her that she might not be forthcoming. Is there anyone else who she is in regular contact with - a family member or friend who you could 'bump' into and discuss your concerns with?

Thanks guys x

I totally support Coleen in going out, I'm just amazed she had the energy for it, and looked so glam. I was a rocking, snivelling mess at that stage and for a long time after so it's kind of reassuring to hear other parents felt similar. My parents live in London and Granny especially is a v keen babysitter but, like clux, hangovers and baby are tough. Mind you, I suppose I could always go out and not drink...what?! Hmmmmm... Back in Feb I first left the house 5 days after R was born to try and go to Sainsbury's but we only got as far as the other side of the road before realising the car seat didn't fit in the car. Went for a walk round Dulwich park the next day when, like ryedalema, I thought someone would steal him if I took my eyes off him, yet at the same time had an overwhelming feeling of 'OH MY GOD, WHAT HAVE WE DONE' and came home for a cup of tea and slice of carrot cake which some wonderful person had sent us from ED deli. We took him to Spain at 9 weeks for a wedding, which felt quite brave, and I remember thinking: this is wierd, being out at night but of course the baby was with us. But about 3 months later I think was the first time we properly went out alone, and that was only as far as Franklins. But we're becoming more daring: next weekend is our first night away! Woo hoooooo

Am struggling to fit R in his rear facing baby car seat now, especially when wearing his winter coat! Any advice on which next-step car seat to go for? He's 9 months old and weighs 22lbs so we're after a forward facing one that will last for a while.

...post (first) baby? Having seen pics of Coleen Rooney today (I didn't buy the Daily Mail, honest, I just loitered in Smiths), I see she went out til 2am - apparently - when baby Rooney was only 10 days old. I'm NOT slating her at all, I think good on her, but I was quite amazed 'cos when my bubba was 10 days old I could barely muster up the energy to stop booing into my tissue and have a shower, only to put clean pajamas on.

Moos Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Here's another amazing story, with a happy > ending. > > Born on a train... Do you really think this happened?

I would take that up with the council. Though it might be Southwark/Lewisham borders, which could even explain the problem.

That was going to be my question Mike. Who's going to be the last poster? Have a great rest Mark and team; we will miss you.

Watching the brilliant Criminal Justice this week, I found myself wondering who would allow their newborn to be filmed. Or is it clever production work by TV companies?

Jeeez I'm trying to think of any other subsection of society who are so vilified; maybe hoodies? How dare my baby have a pram?! And need his nappy changed, and be fed. I can do all these things without getting in your way puzzled et al.

Many congrats Heidi - he's completely gorgeous. Hope you and your little family are getting lots of support and help especially after such a traumatic and dramatic start. I know from reading your posts on here how prepared you were. Welcome to mummyhood xx

3 or 4 hours at lunchtime! Wow! Thanks again both; will persevere with cot and daytime naps then. My willpower droops massively when screaming starts but will keep trying 'cos otherwise nothing will ever get done.

Not helpful at all but this sounds very sweet!