No photo today as I'm blogging from Adam's computer.

We've had a lovely week. As we didn't leave for The Lakes until after lunch, I made a last minute decision to take Joseph to Rhythm Time. He was a bit sleepy though, as he hadn't had much of a sleep beforehand. But, both Sally and I noticed that the boys were more involved this week. They were both keen to hold the instruments (although not so keen to let them go again), which is something they struggled with before. Joseph's head control is finally improving too (Elliot's has always been very good) and he is starting to enjoy seeing the world from an upright perspective, which is nice, as it means I get more cuddles too!

When we arrived (we went to Haven holiday park) we had to wait an hour before check-in, so after feeding Joseph in the car (!) we went for a coffee. We had a brief explore and were disappointed with the facilities. A lot seemed to be closed as we were out of season, and everything seemed a little run-down and shabby. We checked in and found our caravan. Fortunately we were much happier with the caravan than with the site in general. We were able to move one of the twin beds in the second bedroom so that we could set the travel cot up, giving Joseph a room of his own, which we weren't sure we would be able to do. The caravan itself was well equipped and comfortable, although we found the bed a little small, especially in the mornings when Joseph joined us after his first feed, as we have a king size at home. Still, at least we didn't have the cat aswell!

On Tuesday we went to Barrow in Furness for the day. It's always nice to go shopping in a different town. We stopped off at Asda on the way home, and spent too much! We used to shop at Asda before we moved, but there's not a convenient one for us now and we really miss it. We got some pyjamas, t-shirts and a hoodie for Joseph, a jumper for Adam and several DVDs, as well as the basic groceries we went in for.

We had originally planned to take Joseph swimming every day, but the facilities were not as I imagined them. I thought the pool would be open all day and that there would be sun loungers and chairs around so that it would be an area for relaxing. Unfortunately it was just a pool, and was only open from 10-12 and then from 2-4. On Wednesday we decided we'd take the little man for a dip, but unfortunately the opening times didn't fit in with his nap and feeding times, so we didn't make it as there would've been little point in taking him if he was tired and/or hungry.

We had a lovely few days spending time as a family, but it was very cold at night and Joseph wasn't sleeping well. He was waking pretty much every hour from 1am onwards, so consequently we were all pretty tired. The little guy was also refusing to sleep in the day, so he was absolutely shattered! So, on Thursday morning, after checking the thermometer in Joseph's room and finding it to be a mere 11C, I suggested that we come home early. As we needed to check out by 10am on Friday anway, we'd have only be staying another night for the sake of it, so I thought it would be best if we came returned to the land of central heating!

Joseph slept much better on that night, and again last night, so I'm sure it was the cold disturbing him. I'm also trying to get him back in to some kind of routine in the day, as he really does have a lot of sleep to catch up on. Yesterday we went to the Trafford Centre and I went out for a meal with the girls from work. Joseph was a bit of a monkey for his daddy at bedtime, having a massive screaming fit, but by the time I picked up the messages, he had fallen asleep! He only slept for around an hour and then spent the rest of the night awake til I came home, fed him and put him back to bed - he's certainly got his daddy wrapped round his little finger!

Today has felt very Sundayish to both Adam and myself, so its nice to know that there's still a day of the weekend left.

Sunday 21st June 2008 - 13 weeks & 2 days

How grown up does my little man look here?!

And another week has flown by without an update, so we'd better have a quick catch up

We went back to Leicester last weekend to go to a wedding reception, and to visit family. It was only a flying visit, so we didn't get to see as many people as we would like, but we'll be back again in a few weeks and hopefully we can have a bit more of a catch up then.

We missed Rhythm Time on Monday, as I thought it was more important to do the first aid course at the post-natal group. Unfortunately the little man was awake and lively, so I found things a little more difficult to take in, and as there were no handouts, I perhaps didn't learn quite as much as I'd hoped. We had the last baby massage session this week, which is sad, but I'm finding time to put things in to practice at home, and we all exchanged phone numbers, so hopefully all the mummies can get together another time.

At clinic this week, Joseph had lost 3oz, which I was a little concerned about. The health visitor told me I need to eat more, as his slow down in weight gain has directly co-incided with me trying to shift the baby weight, so I now feel awful that he may not have been getting everything he needs. I wasn't dieting so much as cutting back on the junk food and cakes etc, so I need to find a healthy way of keeping my calorie/carb intake high.

We've had a lovely relaxing weekend, slowly getting things ready for our holiday. We are off to the Lake District for a few days, which we're really looking forward to. Unfortunately, Joseph appears to have a slight cold, and is almost definitely teething, which means he has been quite grumpy lately, especially in the afternoons, so we're hoping he'll be okay while we're away. But we're fully stocked up with Calpol and teething gel just in case!

Monday 15th September 2008 - 12 weeks and 3 days

This is how my little man looks most of the time - hands in mouth. His cheeks are always pink too. I know it's far too early for teeth, but I had a look in his mouth this morning, and it looks a lot like there's some coming through at the back. Which is just odd!

We've been having a good week. Rhythm Time on Monday was good; Joseph seemed to enjoy it even more this week, and tolerated being held upright for longer too (the little man likes to lie flat and to have his own space).

On Tuesday I was ordered to rest by Adam, as I had to get up a few times in the night. Unfortunately "rest" isn't that easy; I went in to Macc to return some library books and then to Tesco to do the weekly shop. When we came home I put all the shopping away, made a cheesecake and the did some washing. I rested after that. For a little while anyway! Adam went to badminton straight from work, so I bathed Joseph and put him to bed and he was fast asleep by 7.30pm. I then cleaned the living room while my tea was cooking, that sat down and read the paper while eating my chips and brie. It was nice to have some me time in the evening.

Yesterday we went to baby massage. Unfortunately Joseph hadn't slept first, so wasn't quite as co-operative as usual, but he was still good, and we still enjoyed it. Sally and I both really enjoy the class - it's only small, the room is nice and relaxing, the teacher is great and we all sit and have a nice chat afterwards with a cuppa and a biscuit, so we'll be sad when it finishes next week. I must find the time to put what I've learned in to practice.

Last night we all went to Sally's for tea. We had a lovely meal; Sally and Shaun made a gorgeous steak and kidney pie, and I took the cheesecake that I'd made on Tuesday. The boys were very good (Joseph slept and Elliot was nicely chilled out) so we were able to relax and have a good old chat. It was the first time Adam and Shaun had seen each other since the ante-natal clasees, so it was great that they got on so well too.

This morning we have been to the baby clinic. Joseph has put on 8oz this week, taking him up to 16lbs 9oz. He has been feeding lots this week and has been taking more at his feeds as well, so I wasn't surprised. He's been quite grumpy at times, and I was a little concerned that he isn't getting enough food, so I'm pleased with the gain. Unfortunately one health visitor was on holiday, and the other was off sick, so we didn't get a replacement red book, and there wasn't really anyone to talk my feeding concerns through with.

Sunday 7th September 2008 - 11 weeks & 2 days

My little man is growing up. He now weighs 16lbs 1oz, which is almost 6lbs over his birth weight. weight gain is slowing down now though, thankfully. We have injections again today, which I am not looking forward to, but I guess it's another set out the way.

We had a lovely weekend. Shopping at the Trafford Centre on Saturday, then I went out with the girls from work on Saturday night. It was good to go out and let my hair down, although I was out later than I intended. I didn't get home til 3am! So, unsuprisingly, we took it easy yesterday, just relaxing at home.

Today we are off to Rhythym Time, so I need to make sure the little guy gets a sleep before we go.

3rd September 2008 - 10 weeks & 5 days - 15lbs 14oz

So it's been a while. The problem is, the longer it is since I've blogged, the longer it takes to catch up, so the harder it is to catch up!

Joseph and I went back to Leicester a couple of weeks ago, and went to the drama group's BBQ with mum & dad. It was lovely to catch up with some old friends. Since that weekend he has been sleeping through the night. Initially from 10pm to anywhere between 4am and 5am, then until around 6am or 7am for a couple of weeks. But, just as we were getting used to a full night's sleep, he's gone back to 4-5.30am again. Fortunately he's still going back to sleep after a feed, but it was a shock to the system to be getting up in the night (well it feels like it!) again.

Adam's mum and step-dad came to visit for the day, which was lovely. They hadn't seen Joseph for 6 weeks, so he had changed loads. We also went to visit my old boss in Wales, which was great. Joseph was an absolute angel in the car (3.5 hours each way, although we did stay over night), and charmed the socks off them all while we were there. Adam's dad and his new girlfriend came to see us as well, and we had a lovely meal down the pub, where, as always, Joseph slept!

I've been going to Buggyfit for several weeks now and am really enjoying it. Am feeling my fitness levels improve, and enjoying exercising outside. Unfortunately, while I was there yesterday, I had my car broken into, and my nappy bag stolen. Fortunately there was nothing of value in there, but my house keys were there, as was Joseph's red book (his health record) with our address inside, so we've had to have the locks changed. There was also a photo album of pics of Joseph, and although I still have the pics (god bless digital), I don't like the idea of someone else having them.

We've now started Baby Massage, and Rythym Time, and we are both really enjoying them.

I think that's it for now, but will try and keep up in future!

I know this isn't the most flattering photo, but I love it! The little man just looks so cheeky.

The last week has been pretty manic. Last weekend I noticed that my c-section scar had become infected. It was very painful, and a little weepy, so I went to the doctors on Monday and was given some antibiotics, which has really helped. On Monday afternoon some friends of ours came over to see us, and more importantly, Joseph. On Tuesday we went to yoga. This week Joseph stayed awake for the whole session, but he was happy and smiley, so that was fine. In the evening, we had a visit from some more friends, Jen & Carl, who we hadn't seen for 2 years, and it was really lovely to catch up.

On Wednesday Joseph and I had our check up at the doctors. Joseph was smiley, co-operative and full of charm - the doctor was smitten! She was pleased with his development and said that we are both doing very well. I weighed in at 14lbs 6oz. In the afternoon, we went to see my friend from work, Lucy and her two little boys. Mike is 3 days older than Joseph, and Danny is 15 months. I hadn't seen Danny since Lucy went on maternity leave back in March, and I couldn't believe how much he had changed. He is a proper little boy now, not a baby. He is desperately wanting to talk, but isn't quite there yet, but he understands when you talk to him.

On Thursday we met up with Sally and Elliot and went for a two hour walk without realising. We just kept walking and chatting, after an hour decided we probably should turn round and come back! We then went back to Sally's to feed our starving boys, and to have a well earned cuppa. Both boys had a good kick around on the floor. Elliot is becoming more alert now - he seemed to be very sleepy for a while. Joseph had a play under Elliot's baby gym, but he didn't like it - there were too many toys and they were far too close and he just freaked out! He's much happier just kicking around on the floor. I also showed Sally the reusable nappies we've been using, and she was impressed and will probably give them a try.

On Friday Adam took the day off work, and we went to Cheshire Oaks. We're going to a wedding next month, and I had been hoping to find an outfit to wear, but I was unsuccessful. Still, it was nice to have a day out as a family. We went to TGI Fridays for tea before heading home.

Joseph has been doing really well with his feeding and is now regularly going 4 hours between feeds, which is great. He has also been going longer spells at night, which is even better! This time last week I was only having to get up once in the night, but since he's been going longer in the day, he's not been going so long at night. Although, saying that he went 7 hours last night after a full day of 4 hourly feeds! He certainly seems to be getting in to more of a routine now.

A lovely day yesterday, but not an especially productive one!
When we got back from the baby clinic yesterday, Joseph was fast asleep and as I didn't want to disturb, I left him in his pushchair and sat outside with him. But, by the time he was awake it was almost time to go out. I had arranged to meet a friend in Stockport for a coffee and a chat. We had a lovely time, but a bit of an adventure on the way back. We went on the train and I forgot that the doors don't open automatically, so by the time I realised I needed to press the button to get off, the train was moving on, so we missed our stop! Fortunately there was only 2 stops left til the train terminated, and it simply went back the other way, so we were pretty lucky and not too delayed!

So today I need to catch up with the housework and pop out to the Trafford Centre, which, of course, is why I'm sat here blogging ....