It’s been stressful. Tears have flowed.

But now I have one babe asleep in my arms and the other babe is flaked out on the sofa. Peace reigns if just for a moment.

Short entry. Arm dead. One handed typing!

Akra Jr is very enthusiastic about his baby brother… for the time being anyway… well, when he’s not stropping, but that’s another blog entry. I have to space these out you know so I have something to write about tomorrow.

Anyway, as I was saying. Baby brother. Enthusiastic. Akra Jr has taken to parroting everything we say to or about Li’l Bhaji including same tone of voice. We’ve recently been trying positive encouragement during the babe’s sleepier feeds by praising the good feeds. So, Akra Jr does his little echo thing, only instead of saying “Well done, that’s good sucking” he apparently misheard and exchanges an ‘s’ for an ‘f’ sound. Think about it.

Fortunately, we were the only ones in the room at the time, but you just know he’s going to repeat it. At nursery. In front of as many shockable adults as possible.

You know, the technical specification on babies is woefully inadequate from the end user perspective. I’m currently compiling a wish list of improvements I’d like to see from future models:

• A fuel gauge, with green light when completely tanked up.

• Inspired by vacuum cleaners: a bag full – needs emptying indicator for toxic nappies.
• An off switch.
• A self-cleaning function.

Can you think of any more?

I’m exhausted.

Personal places of my body are hurting way beyond how much any place should hurt.

I’ve managed to pull my hip out of joint somehow and have stabbing pains when I stand up.

I’ve pulled a muscle in my shoulder, no idea how. Hours of trying to rock a stubborn sleeper to sleep *may* have something to do with it, however.

I went out this morning for the first time since the birth, then managed to miss a midwife visit by 10 minutes.

One of the rear passenger doors on the Micra has somehow got jammed and now won’t close – got to try and sort that out with the garage in the next few days, as if we haven’t got enough to do.

Other than that, I’m fine, thanks for asking.

… to my lovely husband and the father of my two children. I love you so much Akra…

Today’s photographic selection depicts Li’l Bhaji sporting the latest in newborn accessories – the Slumber Bear®.

We had a dreadful night last night. The new babe seems to think that night time is for being awake and partying… eventually only going to sleep being cuddled in an upright position while hanging off a boob. Not a recipe for well-rested parents. Previous successful soothing techniques (swaddling, gently holding down flailing arms) failed miserably as did some new ones (dummy – I dislike them but we were desperate, rocking, lullabies, back patting).

Today I sent Akra out for an extortionately priced soft teddy which makes comforting womb noises. He seems to like it so far, but then sleeping during the day hasn’t really been our issue. I’ll let you know if it does what the box claims tomorrow morning…

Good news: milk has come in.

Bad news: yet another orifice to leak and ache.

What do you mean that’s too much information for you?!

Thank you for all your well wishes – I’ve been stunned at how many people have popped by to say congratulations – it’s been quite overwhelming! Really very much appreciated.

Akra Jr has been taken out to Parents & Toddlers with daddy. L’il Bhaji is in a rare moment of sleep after a marathon feeding session last night. I thought I’d take a quick opportunity to post while my eyes are still open.

But first a gratuitous piccie:

Now I appreciate that not everyone wants to hear all the gory details so it’s all going into the extended entry. If you read past this point then on your head be it *grin*.
[Read more →]

Okay, who force fed Akra Jr growth hormone while he was away?!

Baby boy finally born today at 12.41. 7lb 5.5oz. Cute (obviously). Knackered because I’ve been awake for over 36 hours. Will give details when had some sleep.

Somebody tape Angel for me.