The weather has been cold but sunny. Sadly, Xander's disposition has been more the first description than the later. As a result there are no recent photos but here's a video from Christmas day. Hopefully the new medicine to help Xander with his acid reflux will be the answer to our prayers and the smiles will return.
Tuesday 30 December 2008
Sunday 28 December 2008
Happy Christmas! 11 Weeks Old
Nick and I were woken early in the morning and then that same 'waker-uper' was tuckered out and didn't even make it to the end of the gift openings!
We headed to church for a short informal service and then Nick jumped in the kitchen. Christmas dinner was just the three of us so we had Marks & Spencer ready-to-cook food. We still had turkey and all the trimmings, just no prep work. Yum yum. Easy easy. This was a must with a newborn. And (a message to my Mom and Grandma) it was more than just a TV dinner!
.... one of us was fast asleep (but wouldn't go down in his crib!)
Happy Christmas Xander from Mum and Dad! How can you yawn with all that 'Learn through Play' stimulation??
Peter, Joy, Emma and Jean (Peter's Mum) stopped by for mulled wine and mince pies after the Queen's Speech.
Goodness me, lucky boy! And this is just from Grandma and Grandpa. Never mind his generous aunts and uncles.
Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas as well. Miss you!! x
Wednesday 24 December 2008
9 week videos
We've got Xander on some antacid medicine. This, along with the colic medicine (which he has because the painful regurgitation causes him to swallow loads of air), has helped things tremendously. I'm not a fan of taking medicine unless it's absolutely necessary but this was beyond necessary!
The crying is now muted and less often. He's able to go down in his cot for most of his naps. He sleeps longer at night (sleeps from 7pm - 7am with a feed at 10pm and he needs to be re-settled at about 5am, but not fed .. at least that's the way it's been for a few nights in a row.). Anyway, life is much easier.
We didn't need sleep boot camp. The reason he wasn't sleeping much is because he would wake with the pain of stomach acid in his esophagus. The reason he wouldn't go down in his cot is because if he lies flat the acid travels easier up the system when I hold him he's on an angle and gravity helps keep things down. Now I prop him up instead of lying him flat, let him play sat up after feeds and give him the meds.
I'll post a video and, if I get time, some photos from 9 and 10 weeks old (he's now 11 weeks today).
He's really giggling and having "conversations" now but as soon as he sees the camcorder or camera he becomes transfixed at the shiny sliver parts and I'm unable to capture the footage. Maybe this holiday when Nick's home I'll be able to get some better stuff, but for now.... Merry Christmas and enjoy the video!
Hitting toys on the play mat. He's learning how to work his arms and legs. If he kicks, the flowers light up and music plays. He's just starting to figure that out.
His sleeping bag which keeps him cozy during the evening and night. Less blankets that way too.
His black and white cards are his favourite toy at the moment. I call the picture of the girl his girlfriend as that's the one he stares at all the time. It's either his girlfriend or he's a stocker. I'll take the first option!
And, a close up of his eye colour as they turn more and more brown.
Boys were chosen from across the school to read the lessons and The Rev Markby delivered a thought provoking address centred around the new and beautiful baby X, who was extremely well behaved!
The choir performed, among others, Tomorrow Shall be My Dancing Day, Benedicamus Domino, and The Angel Gabriel. The robust sound of the congregational carols was further enhanced by the brass ensemble, who added fanfares and decorations to the already joyous sounds echoing round the Abbey walls.
We are very grateful to all who helped to organise our Carol Service, and special thanks go to the Abbey, for allowing us once again to use and enjoy their beautiful building.
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The crying is now muted and less often. He's able to go down in his cot for most of his naps. He sleeps longer at night (sleeps from 7pm - 7am with a feed at 10pm and he needs to be re-settled at about 5am, but not fed .. at least that's the way it's been for a few nights in a row.). Anyway, life is much easier.
We didn't need sleep boot camp. The reason he wasn't sleeping much is because he would wake with the pain of stomach acid in his esophagus. The reason he wouldn't go down in his cot is because if he lies flat the acid travels easier up the system when I hold him he's on an angle and gravity helps keep things down. Now I prop him up instead of lying him flat, let him play sat up after feeds and give him the meds.
I'll post a video and, if I get time, some photos from 9 and 10 weeks old (he's now 11 weeks today).
He's really giggling and having "conversations" now but as soon as he sees the camcorder or camera he becomes transfixed at the shiny sliver parts and I'm unable to capture the footage. Maybe this holiday when Nick's home I'll be able to get some better stuff, but for now.... Merry Christmas and enjoy the video!
Hitting toys on the play mat. He's learning how to work his arms and legs. If he kicks, the flowers light up and music plays. He's just starting to figure that out.
His sleeping bag which keeps him cozy during the evening and night. Less blankets that way too.
His black and white cards are his favourite toy at the moment. I call the picture of the girl his girlfriend as that's the one he stares at all the time. It's either his girlfriend or he's a stocker. I'll take the first option!
And, a close up of his eye colour as they turn more and more brown.
School Carol Service at St.Albans' Cathedral - Monday 8th December
The Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School Carol Service took place in the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban. What a beautiful setting in which to hear the many choir and congregational carols that herald the festive season! |  |  |
The choir performed, among others, Tomorrow Shall be My Dancing Day, Benedicamus Domino, and The Angel Gabriel. The robust sound of the congregational carols was further enhanced by the brass ensemble, who added fanfares and decorations to the already joyous sounds echoing round the Abbey walls.
We are very grateful to all who helped to organise our Carol Service, and special thanks go to the Abbey, for allowing us once again to use and enjoy their beautiful building.
 |  |  |
Sunday 14 December 2008
9 weeks old
Xander is 9 weeks old now and he's finally broken the 10 pound barrier! He was 10 lbs 5 oz on Wednesday. After Xander's bout of jaundice I had to top up every feed with a bottle.
When Mom was here I dropped all bottle feeds except the 10 pm feed and just nursed him. But, this slowed his weight gain down to only 4 oz a week which is a little on the low side. So, I added another bottle to his day. Now he nurses for all his meals except a full bottle at 10pm that Nick feeds him and a quick 3 oz at noon (this is the bottle that was added recently). This increased his weight gain, made him sleep better and he's much more content. It was a good move.
Sleep Boot camp worked well. We're now into a bit of a routine and Xander sleeps in his cot more often. We still have a way to go, but we'll cross those bridges in a couple of weeks. I must say I wasn't a very good drill Sergeant. I was more like Mary Poppins. But it worked.
This weekend we took Xander into central London for the first time. We went to a German Christmas market and walked along the Thames. First train ride, second bus ride, first tube ride - done!
We then came home and enjoyed our bathtime. He puts his arms in the water now, splashes more often and is starting to discover his feet... tickle tickle.
Cheeky grin...
See the dimples?
When Mom was here I dropped all bottle feeds except the 10 pm feed and just nursed him. But, this slowed his weight gain down to only 4 oz a week which is a little on the low side. So, I added another bottle to his day. Now he nurses for all his meals except a full bottle at 10pm that Nick feeds him and a quick 3 oz at noon (this is the bottle that was added recently). This increased his weight gain, made him sleep better and he's much more content. It was a good move.
Sleep Boot camp worked well. We're now into a bit of a routine and Xander sleeps in his cot more often. We still have a way to go, but we'll cross those bridges in a couple of weeks. I must say I wasn't a very good drill Sergeant. I was more like Mary Poppins. But it worked.
This weekend we took Xander into central London for the first time. We went to a German Christmas market and walked along the Thames. First train ride, second bus ride, first tube ride - done!
We then came home and enjoyed our bathtime. He puts his arms in the water now, splashes more often and is starting to discover his feet... tickle tickle.
Cheeky grin...
See the dimples?
Sunday 7 December 2008
8 weeks old
Xander is now 8 weeks old. He doesn't like to sleep in the car, he doesn't like to sleep in his cot during the day, he doesn't like to sleep in his stroller... Ahhhh.... so yesterday we started Sleep Boot Camp. I'm putting him to bed dozy and refusing to pick him up unless he's really wailing. And, if I do pick him up, I calm him and then put him straight back down. Sadly this made his 45 min nap this morning 1.5 hours long and left me exhausted and tearful. If anyone has a few pointers I would LOVE to hear them. I don't even know if what I'm doing will work.
The other problem we are having is that when he falls asleep he only goes out for 20 mins or so. Then he wakes up crying. Not so good for his afternoon nap which should be 1.5 hours in order for him to be a happy chappy. If I let him cat nap he then cat feeds and is cranky all day long. Any ideas on how to get him to sleep past the 20 mins? And drugs don't count! (For him or me :)
Luckily he sleeps well in the night. He usually sleeps from 7pm - 6.30 am with only a feed at 10.30 and 4.00.
Also luckily he's so darn cute and playful when he's awake that it makes it all worth it.
Cousin Louis who is 5 weeks older and a whole lot bigger. Luckly for us we get his hand-me-downs. Louis is in 6-9 months already and Xander is just growing out of his newborns and starting to fit into his 0-3 month clothes.
The other problem we are having is that when he falls asleep he only goes out for 20 mins or so. Then he wakes up crying. Not so good for his afternoon nap which should be 1.5 hours in order for him to be a happy chappy. If I let him cat nap he then cat feeds and is cranky all day long. Any ideas on how to get him to sleep past the 20 mins? And drugs don't count! (For him or me :)
Luckily he sleeps well in the night. He usually sleeps from 7pm - 6.30 am with only a feed at 10.30 and 4.00.
Also luckily he's so darn cute and playful when he's awake that it makes it all worth it.
Cousin Louis who is 5 weeks older and a whole lot bigger. Luckly for us we get his hand-me-downs. Louis is in 6-9 months already and Xander is just growing out of his newborns and starting to fit into his 0-3 month clothes.
Tuesday 25 November 2008
Smiles for everyone!
After many attempts to capture Xander's first big smiles I've got a few cute videos. Forgive the quality.. they were taken on our camera not a camcorder.
Waiting for a smile... Cute ending:
Little Smile with Hiccups:
Big Smile... Just filmed it in time!
Waiting for a smile... Cute ending:
Little Smile with Hiccups:
Big Smile... Just filmed it in time!
Monday 17 November 2008
X meets Grandma & Grandpa
Xander is becoming a lot more alert. He holds eye contact and follows objects - this is when he's not sleeping or crying from tummy pains. It was great to have Mom and Jim. Not only was it great just to visit with them, I also caught up on some sleep and had someone to cook me dinner when Nick was at work. So so wonderful.
Tummy time (which he hates, but it helps him develop his muscles) on his cool new blanket (which he loves) made by Auntie Christine.
First Smiles (not just gas!). Xander loves his morning playtime and is always very happy and cute during this time. I usually let the morning sun shine on his round little cheeks and watch his eyes sparkle.
A trip to York to see cousins Martin, Jane, Rosanna and George (William was at University)
Do we have the same nose?
A trip to Southend-on-Sea to eat fish and chips, throw stones in the sea and gamble. Mom and I won £4!!
Some photos for the album.
Tummy time (which he hates, but it helps him develop his muscles) on his cool new blanket (which he loves) made by Auntie Christine.
First Smiles (not just gas!). Xander loves his morning playtime and is always very happy and cute during this time. I usually let the morning sun shine on his round little cheeks and watch his eyes sparkle.
A trip to York to see cousins Martin, Jane, Rosanna and George (William was at University)
Do we have the same nose?
A trip to Southend-on-Sea to eat fish and chips, throw stones in the sea and gamble. Mom and I won £4!!
Some photos for the album.
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