Almost a year on...

Well well, look how far we've made it! It's about a week and a half until your first birthday and I still can't believe that the time has gone so fast. I've been putting all of our previous blog entries into a journal for you to read when you're older and rereading all of it seems like it wasn't that long ago but so much has happened since then.

You are now a real little boy - not in the pinocchio sense but in the way that you're no longer a little baby. You had your first hair cut last saturday and it's made you look even more grown up. You took your first steps the week before and have steadfastly refused to do it again since then...unless you're holding on to someone's hand and then you try to run. Everytime music comes on that you like (usually garage or funky house), you start to bounce up and down in time to the beat, you love the Eastenders and Hollyoaks music and wave frantically everytime you hear it. You are also starting to like actually watching tv although the only programme you're interested in is The Backyardigans. Daddy and I were shocked when we put it on by chance and you sat still for a whole 10 minutes to watch it. As you may gather, you don't tend to sit still at all. You are always wriggling, jiggling, dancing, kicking, waving - any type of movement, as long as something is moving then you're happy. You definitely get that gene from your Daddy and not me!


When it comes to eating, you love pitta bread and houmous, spinach and ricotta ravioli, bananas, plum baby foods but most of all - puddings. You have figured out that dessert comes after savoury food so occasionally you refuse to eat your main dinner and wait until the fromage frais or fruit pot makes an appearance. You like either purees or finger food but hate lumpy food. If we try to give you any you start to spit out all the lumps and stare at them.

The latest cute trick that you do is to put everything against your ear like it's a phone. I realise this probably means your Daddy and I spend far to much time talking on the phone and should probably cut back a bit! You've been doing it with remote controls, actual phones, teddy bears, books...it's all the same to you and is so sweet when you try to balance whatever it is in between your shoulder and ear.

We are having your 1st birthday party on Saturday 8th September. I'm really excited about it and have been planning for a little while. I know you won't remember it but we're going to make it really special and take loads of pics to show you when you're older. I'm hoping the weather will be nice as we're planning on having a bbq at home but we also have a backup plan for indoors in case it rains. Which is very likely seeing the weather we've had so far this summer. I'm planning on decorating the garden with fairy lights and balloons and having loads of food and alcohol - and of course, a big birthday cake which you get to have a slice of. No doubt you will be bouncing off the walls with a sugar rush afterwards but how many times do you get to turn 1....!

Emo baby strikes again

he left his hair au naturel (ie, unruly and curly) but remembered the stripes and skulls...

also: emo baby drools over the camera (vimeo)


emo baby pt 1

xXEmoBabyXx

"Yeah, my favourite bands are Dashboard Confessional, My Chemical Romance, Avenged Sevenfold... When I grow up I want to be Pete Wentz..."


I know, I know, I should act the grown up, but it's still funny to give him emo hair (when it's normally like this)

Merry christmas, mofos

Sorry, I had to. Kid looks so darn cute.

This is my favourite boy, my godson Tayo, all dressed up for Christmas:

Hope y'all had a good one, whatever you've been celebrating. I promise to resume normal, non-nauseatingly-cute picture posts soon.

3 months

Wow - where have the past 3 months gone? They seem to have flown by so quickly and it depressed me the other day when I realised I am halfway through maternity leave already. I've been trying to think of ways to extend it or maybe go back to work a couple of days a week at first. It seems such a shame to miss out on this time just to go to work but I guess that's the way of the world these days.

You are getting so big and definitely have a very strong personality. You don't worry about letting us know that you're tired/hungry/bored/upset or just feel like shouting. Unfortunately you are a little ill with a virus at the mo and so you are getting even more cuddles that usual if that's at all possible. We are about 2 weeks away from xmas as well and I'm trying to convince your dad to put the xmas tree up soon as I am sure that you will love the lights.

We are still going to the group on Monday afternoon and we are having a christmas party with a secret santa gift exchange for all of you babies. Then on Tuesday we are going to the last ever party at Auntie H's current house (sob) as she's moving on Friday. It's all so sad and the end of an era but I'm sure we'll be spending lots of time at the new house anyway.

So you can now sleep 7 hours through the night - usually from around midnight to 7am but that can vary. You have started to turn over whenever we put you on you tummy and also sometimes when we're changing your nappy and you're in a temper. And boy do you have a temper - just like your mum!

We have been spending quite a bit of time with Millie and Clara, going shopping and for coffee and you babies are starting to pay a bit more attention to each other. Really very cute when you are both in your car seats in the back of the car.

Next post will prob be around xmas and we'll put up pics of you dressed as a christmas pudding - you're going to hate us when you're bigger!

I’m turning into the most boring person ever

I really miss my NY life, but look at this face and tell me you'd be able to walk away from him. For the record, in addition to his baby adidas sweater, he was also wearing tiny baby jeans and tiny baby Timberlands. Baby G.

Back in the Smoke. Again.

Back after my New York soujourn, the good things to come home to:

6 weeks

We have reached the 6 week point - the apparently magical time where you start to settle down a bit. You have been less vocal over the past couple of days i must admit...although that could be down to the gripe water which is working miracles and making you burp and fart like nothing I've ever heard before. We had a lie in until 11.30 this morning so I'm feeling slightly more human. I also managed to get my hair cut and highlighted yesterday and your daddy looked after you - he said you behaved very well for him.

Life seems to be getting in to some sort of a routine now. On Monday we go to the baby cafe at Cathnor Rd Sure Start. You didn't seem to like it there at all at first and screamed so much that they sent a health visitor round to the house to check that "everything is going ok and that I was coping". That was super - you really showed me up there! The H.V. was very nice though and you slept the whole way through so that made up for it.



After baby cafe we go to baby massage. The instructor is a lady called Vicky who shows us the techniques on her very scary doll. The other people in the class are Jacqui and Megan, Brenda and Max, Hayley and Alex, Millie and Clara, & Joanna and Jack. We use these classes as an excuse to eat lots of cake and biscuits which is not doing any good for trying to lose the pregnancy weight. If anything I think I seem to be putting more weight on...we may have to try baby boot camp.

Wednesday is the group at the holy innocence church near ravenscourt park. Lots more people there and again, more biscuits. Which is countered by walks around the park afterwards for fresh air and some exercise. Although my current exercise routine consists of walking around the shops and the occasional park. Really need to get going on some sit ups.

Thursday is baby clinic where you get weighed and which is where we will be heading off to very soon. I also need to book my 6 week check up. Argh - just remembered that you have a hearing screening at the hospital tmrw morning and I'm meant to be going on a mum's night out tonight.

Right now you are sleeping in your moses basket like a little angel - after much growling and fussing before you went to sleep. We have you daddy to blame for this "I-can't-go-to-sleep-in-case-i-miss-something" mentality....

one month

So, young man, you've been around for a month now. Your eyes are open more than usual and you still like exercising your lungs. You seem to sleep quite a bit and according to your mamma you're getting better at sleeping at night time, but I'll let her write about that stuff. You're pretty strong for such a wee thing and are getting more neck muscle tone, although you still can't really hold your head up for too long.

Your mamma has been taking you to mother and baby groups [again, I'll let her write about them] and on Wednesday I met up with you guys in Hammersmith after one. You were wearing a retro orange towelling jumpsuit... totally the sort of thing we would have worn as 80s babies. Brilliant. Your mum came in, parked the buggy and had to run off to the bathroom. "If he wakes up and starts wailing, just pick him up."

Of course, as soon as she'd rounded the corner to the bathrooms, you woke up - loudly - so I gave you a cuddle, and right in the middle of screaming [no tears, which always makes me laugh. Just plain old wailing] you fell asleep, crazy boy. We had drinks and cakes and you slept most of the time in my arms, then my tardy sister eventually turned up and you woke up some and started grousing for food [but were stuck with a dummy, sorry].

Last weekend me and your mum went for lunch at Giraffe - your first restaurant visit! You were very good and slept the whole time. Once we'd paid the bill, we took it turns to go to the bathroom and while your mum was gone the people at the table next to us - who couldn't stop looking at you - started talking to me about you, asking questions, and I got all proud and show-offy. You bring that out in me. The amount of random people I'm like "that's my godson!" to, thrusting various photos in their faces... But look how gorgeous you are. Can't really blame me, can you??

My beautiful boy

Now aren't you the most gorgeous little man in the world? You are a natural poser and boy do you have a set of lungs on you. You also seem to have inherited my bad temper (very sorry but hopefully it will improve with age)...you get into the biggest rages once you start. Really very funny to watch but not that pleasant on the ears.

I was very lucky with my labour and was only in the hospital for 2 hours before you popped out at 00.05 on 05/09/06. Giving birth was probably the weirdest feeling I've ever experienced - the only sensation that I can compare it to is like feeling like you're about to poo your pants although on a much larger scale. I was high as a kite on the gas and air and so was your daddy. So much so that he converted your weight from kgs wrongly and we told everyone that you were 7lb6 when in fact you were 6lb7. oops.

Right now you are sleeping and looking very angelic in your pushchair after a nice walk around Hammersmith. You love fresh air and fall asleep instantly as soon as we step out of the door. You also seem to be more settled today since we found out that you have thrush on your poor little bum and got some cream for it. Should be all better very soon but until then we have to watch you grimacing and screeching everytime you try to poo (which is surprisingly often).

Daddy went back to work very reluctantly yesterday and is missing you loads - he would definitely be a stay at home dad if he could I think. He's taken to fatherhood so naturally and is head over heels in love with you. But so is everyone who meets you...only 2 weeks old and already a heartbreaker!

four days old

you with my sister fi

i've never been in love so much. you're amazing. my friend dan thinks you have emo hair. i told your mamma this. she wasn't amused... :)

arrival

i just want to smoosh you and cuddle you and kiss you the whole time

well, apart from when you're wailing

dude, you got a mighty set o' lungs on you for such a little thing

xoxoxoxo

countdown

04-Sep-06 11:47
M-
Babs thinks the baby will come tonight

04-Sep-06 11:49
H-
Gosh.

04-Sep-06 11:54
M-
Exciting & mucho scary. Trying to tidy everything up. May go online in a little while so will mail you if I do


From: M-T- Mon, Sep 4, 2006 at 3:14 PM
To: H-
Hey

how are you? hope work isn't too dull without me around. I am starting to distinguish contractions from just general pain so I think he's on his way. Gonna jump into the bath in a little while to try and get a bit more comfortable. I've been rolling around on my swiss ball to try and ease things a little bit.

It's a little scary but I had the giggles a little while ago. I hope it isn't false labour - it wouldn't really feel like this i don't think.


From: H- Mon, Sep 4, 2006 at 3:19 PM
To: M-T-
do a last minute blog entry! how does it feel? have you called spencer? when do you have to go to the hospital?


From: M-T- Mon, Sep 4, 2006 at 3:22 PM
To: H-
yeah i will do in a sec. It feels like bad period pains and then the contraction feels...i dunno. Weird. Uncomfortable more than painful at the moment but i guess it will just get worse so trying to do the deep breathing thing. I sent him a text and he said to keep him posted. We have to call the hospital before we go to let them know how far apart the contractions are and if the waters break or anything. Hasn't been any other signs like that as yet so just got to sit it out. Barbara thinks I'll have to go in later tonight.


From: H- Mon, Sep 4, 2006 at 3:23 PM
To: M-T-
woooooooooooooooooooooo

how do you feel, aside from the discomfort/pain??

do you have to wait for a certain time gap between contractions before you go in?


From: M-T- Mon, Sep 4, 2006 at 3:30 PM
To: H-
i feel a bit giggly. Trying not to get too excited in case it's not the real thing but pretty sure that it is esp with babs here. Her nephew just came over with his girlf and their 2 year old daughter and he was like "You look like you're quite uncomfortable right now".

Also burnt my tongue on spring rolls.

They gave us certain time scales for the contractions. I think early labour they are every 20-30 mins and last for 10secs then reduces to every 5-10 mins and then every couple and last longer each time. I tihnk at the mo they're about every 12-15 mins but haven't been timing them properly as my watch's battery is going a bit screwy.

I'm hungry again.


From: H- Mon, Sep 4, 2006 at 3:35 PM
To: M-T-
you're in labour and you're hungry?! mmm sushi soon...

man, i can't believe it's really happening. holler if you need me or anything at all. your bag is all packed and everything isn't it?

blimey. there'll be an extra person in the world soon.


From: M-T- Mon, Sep 4, 2006 at 3:38 PM
To: H-
I'm always hungry. Could do with some mac cheese or something but forgot to get stuff like that. May go raid the kitchen in a minute. Sushi and prawns soon. I'm going to make a thai red curry with fish and prawns when I feel up to it. So good.

It's all about food.

Bag is just about packed - threw some stuff in this morning but can't think straight as usual so just hoping that i have everything that i need. May go and charge the ipod up and get some magazines on the way in.

Of course i'll call you. Prob will give you a call when i'm on the way in and you can come down if you want. Spence seems to be freaking out more than me.

Ouch - here comes another one. Definitely time to get in the bath in a minute.


From: H- Mon, Sep 4, 2006 at 3:44 PM
To: M-T-
oh man, really? why, what's he doing? [re; freaking out]

you have clothes to wear when you leave that aren't huge maternity things? ipod is a good idea.


From: M-T- Mon, Sep 4, 2006 at 3:47 PM
To: H-
He's just worrying about me being in pain and having to sit there and watch and not be able to do anything to help. The other day he said that it's going to be worse for him in that respect and i was like "I get what you're saying but trust me i think it will be worse for me!". Then his friend mark said that we've all had constipation so knows what it will feel like....

Just some tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt. It's only around the corner from home and don't feel the need to look esp nice!

How's things with you anyway? I'm not going to be online for too much longer as thischair isn't very comfortable.


From: H- Mon, Sep 4, 2006 at 3:49 PM
To: M-T-
yeah i totally get his point of view, i'm getting excited but i'm kind of scared for you as well

his friend mark deserves a clip round the ear

go and get in the bath, woman. call me when you're heading in to the hosp.

love you lots

hxoxox


From: M-T- Mon, Sep 4, 2006 at 3:51 PM
To: H-
coolio. Good to know that you're scared too - gives me lots of confidence. Ha ha. I'm still quite cheery about it all right now. The mood swing has yet to fly in the other direction (I almost cried yesterday coz Homebase was shut).

i'll chat to you later...enjoy the rest of work xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx



04-Sep-06 19:51
M-
Ow fucking ow. This is not fun. Going to be a long night

04-Sep-06 19:52
H-
Oh chicken I’m so sorry. Lots of love and hugs and hand squeezing, and just think of the amazing little man there’ll be at the end of it all xoxo

04-Sep-06 19:54
M-
I know. It’s fine in between but the actual contractions are getting nasty

04-Sep-06 19:55
H-
Time to head in soon? How far apart are they? Spencer is with you, right?

04-Sep-06 19:56
M-
He’s just gone to play football for an hour. Babs is here tho. Gonna call the hospital when he gets back.

04-Sep-06 19:58
H-
Football at a time like this?! Good grief.

04-Sep-06 20:03
M-
What can I say? He asked if I minded. He’s all over the place anyway… he even put his shorts on the wrong way round…

04-Sep-06 20:04
H-
Aww poor thing. Well if you need to call and wail, I’m here xo

[Insert phone call where M tells me how much of a flap your daddy is in and has a contraction while we're talking which sounds painful and makes me wish i was there to hold her hand]

04-Sep-06 20:50
M-
What the hell have I got myself into. Still watching birth stories on living as well.

04-Sep-06 21:02
H-
Stop torturing yourself! Watch charmed and wish you were a witch so you could magic the baby out…

04-Sep-06 21:10
M-
Shit. Fuck ouch.

04-Sep-06 21:02
H-
Eeeep

04-Sep-06 21:49
M-
Going in will call you soon

05-Sep-06 04:12
M-
This is so weird. Got a tiny little man by my side! Am very sore as I tore and had to have stiches. He’s so little!

05-Sep-06 04:16
H-
Oof sounds painful. How much did he weigh? How long are you staying in? is he beautiful? xoxox

05-Sep-06 04:18
M-
Why are you still awake! It’s very painful indeed-can’t sit up. He’s 7.6 and of course he’s beautiful! Are you impressed by the speed?

05-Sep-06 04:20
H-
Definitely! How long will you be there for? Want to come visit. How was Spence? I couldn’t sleep, of course. Big kisses to you both. Bring on sushi & alcohol!

05-Sep-06 04:25
M-
Come tmrw-bunk off work. Don’t know how long I’m in for. Spence was great-I was off my head on gas and air. Giving birth was the weirdest feeling. I’m all alone with him on a ward now. Wish I had a book or tv or something

05-Sep-06 04:16
H-
Sleep!

05-Sep-06 04:28
M-
Can’t. Breast feeding and scared of squishing him. So tired. Was trying to sleep during labour!

05-Sep-06 04:31
H-
Like that was a possibility! Sleep once he’s down. There’s nothing on tv at this time of morning anyway. You didn’t bring a book or mag with you?

05-Sep-06 04:34
M-
Thought about it but forgot to pack my book. I’ll try and send you a pic now. You gonna come tmrw?

05-Sep-06 04:36
H-
Yes def at some point. Are you allowed yr phone on the whole time? Was he born on the 4th or 5th? And what’s the final name?

05-Sep-06 04:41
M-
Not meant to have the phone on but I’m all alone so no one knows. Born on 5th at 00:05. Need to pee but so sore and don’t want to leave him. Pic wouldn’t send.

05-Sep-06 04:45
H-
Boo. Stupid phone. Well let me know if there’s anything I can bring you or if they send you home. Will prob be in the afternoon, sorry. Is there one you can call for help or to watch him while you pee? I need to sleep…

05-Sep-06 04:53
M-
Go to sleep. Just put him down and went to pee. So Damn sore but he’s worth it. Drop me a text later then. Sweet dreams godmother xxx

05-Sep-06 07:23
M-
I’ve slept for like an hour. Can’t take my eyes off him.

05-Sep-06 07:45
H-
J I totally overslept. Is Spence coming back today or does he have to work? I can’t wait to meet him. Give him a kiss from me. Matteo I mean, not spencer…

05-Sep-06 07:48
H-
Is there nothing they can give you for it? I can’t believe you have a baby. Will you try sending a pic again?

05-Sep-06 07:50
M-
Been giving me painkillers to take the edge off. Still fucking hurts tho. Will try the pic… you should so bunk work.

05-Sep-06 04:16
H-
I know I so want to but there’s only two of us in at the moment and I made the mistake of telling her you were in labour. Gonna try to leave super early tho

05-Sep-06 07:54
M-
Muppet. I’m trying to work up the courage to call James. This baby is already a handbag baby. Won’t sleep unless he’s in my arms

05-Sep-06 04:16
H-
Aww he’s so tiny! Schools go back this week, he might be starting secondary school today

05-Sep-06 07:59
M-
He was pissed off in that pic by the way coz the light was shining in his eyes

05-Sep-06 08:02
H-
Haha poor thing. Must go and dry my hair and find large of caffeine but will text you later xo

38 weeks + 4 days

Hey hey little man...looks like you may be making an appearance very soon. I have been having pains since saturday night that have been getting worse everyday (not to mention the mood swings!) and I woke up this morning with what felt like heavy period pains. It's been getting worse throughout the day and your nanny thinks that you will be popping out sometime tonight or tomorrow morning. We have spent today sorting out the moses basket and the last minute washing and in between I have been rolling around on the swiss ball which is meant to "open the pelvis" and help. Just quite nice sitting on a squishy ball.

I just sorted out the digital camera so there's lots of memory on it to take pics of your entrance. We will prob get godmother H to come down and take more pics on her camera too.

Just having another contraction right now i think. Rock and roll for some pain relief - see you soon!

False Labour

In 2 days it will be the 38 week mark - 2 weeks before the official due date but you are still considered a full term baby. I can't believe that the time has come already and that I could go into laborur at any point. I have been feeling period like pains in my lower stomach since last night which I am pretty sure is false labour. My body is preparing itself to push you out and it's exciting and scary all at the same time.

We have spent the bank holiday weekend trying to pick a travel system pushchair for you and it is proving to be a near impossible task. There is so much choice and we can't tell the difference as we know nothing about these types of things. Your daddy was up for leaving it, going to pc world and buying a 32" lcd tv but i didn't think that it would be very useful to push you around in. Then your godmother Hannah offered to customise a sainsbury's trolley for you...

I have 3 more days left of work and so far today have emailed some people and been on the internet. Super productive member of staff. Should probably do some work now so I'll leave this post - it may even be the last post before you appear! Golly gosh....