Rashes

Poor lil Taf has been sick. First he started vomiting profusely and was distinctly 'out of sorts'. His head was hot to touch. Then, all parents nightmare, came the rash. It all turned out to be a virus, but it was a bit of a worry for a while. The only fall-out is that he has stopped sleeping through the night - bummer.
Then we thought we'd give him some variety in his diet in the form of eggs. First his chin went a bit red, then his whole face did and he came out in hives. Lil Taf is allergic to Mother Nature's perfect food - bummer 2.

Hug a Hoodie

The Leader of the Opposition recently suggested we all 'hug a hoodie'. I pick this one.

The Visit

We had visitors from NZ last week. Very nice it was to see them too. Identities have been changed to protect the innocent.

What to do?

Now Lil Taf is eating solids, he seems to be sleeping more. Taf and I don't know what to do when the baby's asleep. We just can't remember what we used to do before we were parents. I guess this is normal.
News from England - our local garage has run out of petrol. Luckily we cycle or walk most places. I can't see where this is all going to end, but hopefully people will give up their cars and think of other ways of getting about.

The Stand

Yes, lil Taf can stand provided he has something to lean on. He also likes his Jolly Jumper, but hasn't yet got the concept of bouncing. I got him weighed yesterday and he's quite light for his age. The recommendation? I should eat more. That is the first time a medical professional has said that to me!! We still haven't given him any solids. The Department of health recommend breast-feeding only for the first 6 months. However, he's just put his foot in his mouth. Is he trying to tell us something?

We're on the move

Lil Taf has learned to roll over. I can no longer leave him on his changing mat whilst I get rid of the nappy and wash my hands. It may well be playpen time. He's also found his voice, but a-goo still remains his favourite word.

Chip off the old block

but will it be Java like Dad, or COBOL like Mum?

Lil Taf

Is growing very nicely. He sleeps from midnight to about 8am. What a good boy. He smiles and coos now. His favourite word seems to be 'agoo'. I think his Daddy taught him that one. It was very funny yesterday watching Big Taf trying not to scream with joy when Wales won the Grand Slam - Lil Taf was sleeping and Mummy would have been very cross if Daddy had woken him!

Choices

I didn't realise that having a baby would mean I had to make so many choices. Lil Taf doesn't sleep a lot during the day, but he does like to feed (that's Mummy's boy). So I have to make certain decisions about how to spend the short periods when he's asleep:

Shall I eat or have I got time to go to the loo?

Shall I put a clothes wash on or shall I wash the pots?

Shall I have a sleep or surf the web?

Dare I put him in the car seat and go out somewhere?

Do I have time for a shower or shall I do some housework?

One choice is easy - if he's awake, cuddle him!!!!

Fingernails

Are currently the bugbear of my life. Little Taf has really sharp nails. He loves to try and scratch his eyes out or shred his face. I also get the brunt of it when I'm feeding him. Especially if he pinches the part that feeds!
I've tried baby nail clippers. This ended up with Lil Tafs first cut which bled profusely and almost made Mummy throw up. I've tried biting the nails, but my teeth are too crooked to bite something that small. Scratch mitts are a waste of time. I have even resorted to emery boards, but this just makes them sharper. Does anyone have any bright ideas?
On the cute side, lil Taf is now sucking his thumb. Not so cutie cutie is his tendency to hold on to poos for 3 days.

Baby Update

Little Taf is doing well and getting cuter by the day. He is now in his big cot as the Moses basket seems to be getting a little small. He looks lost in the cot, but he loves his mobile. He is also in 3-6 months clothes. Not bad for a 6 week old. I think he may be quite tall. Hopefully he will take after his Dad and be lean too.

Nappy Brain

Baby Taf had to go for an ultrasound on his hips as he was breech. Mummy was all organised and Daddy took time off work to take them. When we got to the hospital, Mummy had got muddled with an appointment we have at the end of the month. So we ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time. We had already missed our appointment. Luckily they were able to fit us in and Baby Taf has perfect hips. Perhaps I should have got them to scan my brain to see where it is.
On the positive side, it has just been me and Baby at home for 4 days now and I've managed to get a shower every day so far. A major accomplishment.

Being a Mum

Is rather lovely. Especially when a warm, milky baby falls asleep on you. It's also lovely to watch daddy playing with Baby. I thnk they're going to be great mates. Little Taf already has his first rugby ball, thanks to his grandad. I wonder when he'll get his first windsurfer.

Merry Christmas

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2008. Love from the Taf family.

Things I never really appreciated

The meaning of the word 'engorged'.

Taf and I have wonderful parents.

Parenthood means you can go from euphoric to terrified in 1 small hour.

My husband is the best.

Nothing is more beautiful than your own child.

He's here!

Weighing in at a fine old 7lb 10oz, Baby Taf arrived kicking and screaming into the world. He spent a few of the most traumatic days of our lives in ICU due to a breathing problem, but is now home with Mum and Dad, having been given a clean bill of health.

3 days to go

It's so exciting. Baby is having a good whoosh around trying to get in the correct position. Unfortunately it's not possible, but I really enjoy the feeling. Can't believe it's nearly time. We're as ready as we'll ever be (hah!).

Phew!

Went for 36 week scan today. Baby moved from breech to transverse during the scan. What a wriggler. Placenta still covering exit, so C-section inevitable. Midwife thought that I might have to stay in hospital until next Friday. Luckily the consultant thought I coould stay at home as I am so near the hospital.
I would have gone demented if I'd had to stay in hospital that long - yeuh and think of the food.

DIY

OK, so we're having a baby a week on Friday. We both seem to have acquired the nesting instinct. Taf has pulled up all the tiles on the bathroom and kitchen floors. The new vinyl is being installed next Wednesday/Thursday. My craft room has been dismantled ready to become the nursery. I'm now getting quotes in for a new front door. You could buy a small town in NZ for the cost of a new door in the UK!

Cravings

I haven't really has any serious ones. However, now I'm craving ice cubes. Apparently it's quite common. it even has it's own name - pagophagia. It's not just pregnant women either - there's whole websites out there devoted to the subject! Glad I'm normal.