Daily Post - Our First Baby tag:blogs.dailypost.co.uk,2008-02-08:/ourfirstbaby//380 2008-10-22T15:37:31Z Movable Type Enterprise 4.21-en Thomas' little sister (and she is very little) born today! tag:blogadmin.icnetwork.co.uk,2008:/ourfirstbaby2//380.30895 2008-06-26T21:35:49Z 2008-10-22T15:37:31Z I'm sorry for not keeping this blog up to date. Have I already used the excuse about time whizzing by? Ok then, I'll try and think of another one. Anyway, I've been saving myself for a really important entry -... Rob Davies I'm sorry for not keeping this blog up to date. Have I already used the excuse about time whizzing by? Ok then, I'll try and think of another one. Anyway, I've been saving myself for a really important entry - today young Thomas got himself a sister. I have a wonderful little daughter - Sophie Georgina Davies was born unexpectedly at 1.47pm weighing 5lb 6oz. That's pretty light but she is more than a month early and the weight is not bad for her gestational age.
By sheer coincidence Kate and I were going round to Wrexham Maelor Hospital anyway this morning for a scan so the nurses could assess whether Kate would be up to a natural birth (as Thomas was by Caesarean). As we were driving there, Kate suffered terrible pains in her tum.
At first I thought it was just last night's curry but the pains grew stronger and as we pulled into the car park we decided to go directly to the labour ward. This, as it turned out, proved to be the right decision!

]]> The midwives at the Maelor were, once again, superb and Kate and I were very grateful to them. I think their names were Cathy Bates and Vanessa Williams - apols if I got that wrong!
The birth went perfectly and Kate, much to her delight, was able to do it naturally this time. I was (of course) by her side and was able to watch as Sophie's little head slowly but surely pushed its way out. The rest of her then just leaped out into a slimy mess on the bed.
I then stepped in to cut the umbilical cord.
I am now off for two weeks paternity leave and it comes, rather suspiciously, almost at the end of a two-week holiday. I would like to assure my colleagues at the Daily Post that I really didn't get the birth induced early just to continue my hols.
Anyway, holiday it won't be - Kate and I have now got not one but TWO little people to look after night and day - I'll probably be only too relieved to crawl back to the office. We're both thrilled though - it's just what we wanted.
So here's to the calm before the storm. I've left wife and daughter in the hospital and have returned to an almost empty house comprising me, the cat, and a nicely chilled couple of bottles of strong German lager which I'm about to tuck into (Thomas is at his grandparents). Couldn't find any champagne but this will do nicely!

]]> Thomas is going to have a sister! tag:blogadmin.icnetwork.co.uk,2008:/ourfirstbaby2//380.30894 2008-03-07T13:21:38Z 2008-09-15T10:12:37Z Kate and I have just been to hospital for her 20-week scan on baby number two. It's great news - all fingers and toes and everything else developing as normal - and it's going to be a girl! We are... Rob Davies Kate and I have just been to hospital for her 20-week scan on baby number two. It's great news - all fingers and toes and everything else developing as normal - and it's going to be a girl! We are both really thrilled - it means one of each.

]]> I wasn't allowed to blog before that Kate was pregnant with our second child - because of certain work-related matters for her. But I can blurt it out now and the fact that we are having a daughter.

In a way, I wanted to wait for it to be a surprise, but my wife didn't, and she's the boss in these matters!

We are really delighted that Thomas, who has now just turned one will have a little sister. And as for Kate, she is just going to love girly chats with her second child and clothes shopping . . .

Talking of which, none of Thomas's baby clothes will be suitable, as they are all on a blue theme rather than pink. No doubt proud mum will rectify that situation and thoroughly enjoy herself in the process.

The Big Day is set for July 29 - can't wait!

PS - Thomas is coming on fine by the way, trying hard to talk and walk but not quite there yet.

]]> A baby turning into a little boy tag:blogadmin.icnetwork.co.uk,2007:/ourfirstbaby2//380.30893 2007-11-26T22:43:48Z 2008-09-15T10:12:37Z I must apologise for the lack of blog entries. No excuse, except for time - sweeping past at a seemingly break-neck pace. Thomas is changing by the day and becoming bigger and bigger. He's looking more like a little boy... Rob Davies I must apologise for the lack of blog entries. No excuse, except for time - sweeping past at a seemingly break-neck pace.
Thomas is changing by the day and becoming bigger and bigger. He's looking more like a little boy now than a baby.

]]> He's now able to sit up by himself without falling, which is a great achievement. He's actually quite tall for his age (don't know where he got that from) - so he was struggling for a long time not to topple over. But he's managed it now.

He can't really crawl yet though, although he often gets himself in a crawling position. He just hasn't quite mastered how to propel himself forward!

Thomas has got a great pair of lungs on him - when he throws a tantrum he can really shout the house down. What's wonderful now is how alert and observant he is compared to a few months ago. His eyes follow you as you walk across a room and he will constantly try to catch your eye, then grin and go all shy when you look at him.

I'm really looking forward to hearing him start to talk - nothing yet just loads of gurgles.

It's hard to believe Thomas is now nine months old and a regular at nursery which he loves. Well, roll on the next nine months, it could be an interesting time!

]]> Big day for Thomas - his first day at nursery - and big day for his mum tag:blogadmin.icnetwork.co.uk,2007:/ourfirstbaby2//380.30892 2007-08-21T08:33:16Z 2008-09-15T10:12:37Z Yes, Thomas is off to nursery today - it's only a trial run to see how he gets on. He will start going regularly in September when Kate's maternity leave runs out. But it's sort of scary for his parents... Rob Davies Yes, Thomas is off to nursery today - it's only a trial run to see how he gets on. He will start going regularly in September when Kate's maternity leave runs out. But it's sort of scary for his parents because we've never left him in the hands of strangers before and we're a bit jumpy about it.

]]> From next month he will go for two days a week - on the days that Kate works. At least hopes to work.

Kate has a big day ahead of her today. Her job as care co-ordinator has been taken away from her while she's on maternity leave and she is now being forced to apply to be redeployed elsewhere in the authority. She's got to go for an interview and undertake written tests this afternoon.

It's an eye opener to me just how many women are shoddily treated by their employers while they're on maternity leave - despite all the legislation apparently protecting them. My own sister found to her horror when she tried to return to her old job that she'd been sidelined and demoted and those whom she was in charge of before, were now in charge of her. In the end she left and went to - and won - an industrial tribunal.

And the woman in the bed alongside Kate in the maternity ward at the Maelor, who Kate has kept in touch with, has lost her job as a secretary altogether. I just think it's an appalling way to behave.

Anyway, on to more positive matters, Thomas is fine and getting bigger and leggier by the day. He's doing loads of gurgling and talking in baby babble. He's putting on weight but not as much as he should do - but we've been told it's not something to worry about.

As for hair - he still hasn't really got any! I've told him I'll be planting grass seed on his pate if he doesn't grow some soon!

And as for his father, I've just completed writing my children's novel based on smugglers landing goods on the Llyn peninsula of North Wales. My ambition now is to get it in print in some form so that one day, my own son can read a book written by his very own dad! That's my goal.

In three days' time - Thomas will be half a year old. Amazing!

]]> Thomas is now nearly five months (and dad turns 40 today!) tag:blogadmin.icnetwork.co.uk,2007:/ourfirstbaby2//380.30891 2007-07-21T10:22:55Z 2008-09-15T10:12:37Z Apols for lack of entries. Life just seems to whizz by with hardly a moment to spare. Hard to believe I'm 40 today and in three days' time Thomas will be five months old. He's changing too - very much... Rob Davies Apols for lack of entries. Life just seems to whizz by with hardly a moment to spare. Hard to believe I'm 40 today and in three days' time Thomas will be five months old. He's changing too - very much a baby still in some ways but he's on his way to becoming a proper little boy.

]]> What's rewarding now is the amount he interacts with us. He smiles as much as he cries, he pulls all manner of different faces and is gurgling and cooing in quite a communicative way. And he seems to be picking up on what we say. Not long ago, if you walked across the room in front of him, he would be oblivious, but now Thomas watches as you pass, turning his head. If he catches your eye, he will giggle and smile.

And he's sent me a birthday card and bought me a present - with a little help from his mum of course! It's still a novelty to me to have a child and be a father and although I'll be sad when his baby stage is over, I'm looking forward to the next stage, him becoming a little boy and being able to talk to us.

Kate has just taken him over to her parents' place where my surprise birthday party is being prepared (which I'm slightly nervous about) - anyway I'm quite sure it won't be me that's the centre of the attention - it'll be my little boy!

]]> A memorable day as Thomas is christened tag:blogadmin.icnetwork.co.uk,2007:/ourfirstbaby2//380.30890 2007-06-18T10:15:56Z 2008-09-15T10:12:37Z Thomas James Davies was christened yesterday at Worthenbury parish church in front of a congregation swelled by family and friends. It was hard to believe it was only just over a year ago that Kate and I walked down the... Rob Davies Thomas James Davies was christened yesterday at Worthenbury parish church in front of a congregation swelled by family and friends. It was hard to believe it was only just over a year ago that Kate and I walked down the aisle at that church. So much has happened since then.

]]> It was a very nice, friendly service during which Thomas behaved almost impeccably. He was baptised in the christening gown once worn by his Grandpa Williams, and wrapped in a white shawl from my side of the family. All his Godparents were on hand to witness the event and took their vows - my brother Richard, my friend Mark, and on Kate's side, her sister Victoria and Kate's friend Claire. Just a slight scare when we realised the service was underway and my brother had not actually turned up.

He was relying on his satellite navigation but unfortunately it didn't seem to recognise the village of Worthenbury! Anyway he got there in the end.

The vicar, the Rev Adrian Copping, did an excellent service and presented Thomas with a gift-wrapped children's bible and a card as a present from the church as well as the certificate of his baptism.

We all went back to Kate's parents' place afterwards where Thomas was, quite rightly, the star of the show and did not object to being passed from one person to another. The consensus among the guests is how much he looks like me, but despite that still looks gorgeous! Well, of course.

It was a great day during which the weather behaved and even turned warm and sunny later on. The day was a reminder in so many ways of our wedding - same church, same venue for the reception. Several times I found myself asking what I would have thought, when I tied the knot on April 29 last year, had I known we would be christening our four-month-old son 14 months on.

I would have been amazed, but delighted, particularly as Thomas has turned out to be a very well-behaved baby. He's gurgling a lot now and I can't wait for that gurgle to turn into 'mamma, dadda.'

]]> Another milestone reached - Thomas is three months old today! tag:blogadmin.icnetwork.co.uk,2007:/ourfirstbaby2//380.30889 2007-05-24T08:34:53Z 2008-09-15T10:12:37Z Thomas is now a whole three months old and it's so strange to think back to that incredible, stressful, emotional but ultimately wonderful day that was Saturday February 24, 2007. Do we have any regrets about parenthood so far, three... Rob Davies Thomas is now a whole three months old and it's so strange to think back to that incredible, stressful, emotional but ultimately wonderful day that was Saturday February 24, 2007. Do we have any regrets about parenthood so far, three months in?

]]> No, absolutely not. There have been emotional downs as well as ups, but at no stage ever has it crossed our minds to be anything other than delighted at the arrival of Thomas James Davies.

As I type this upstairs, I can hear him crying in his little chair, probably just wanting attention as his mum is currently on the phone to his great grandmother. He does have regular crying sessions, but it's usually because he wants something - nappy changing, more milk, or simply, being made a bit of a fuss of.

Thomas is getting visibly bigger and I keep telling myself I must go out and buy a video camera - they're so cheap these days - and record all the amazing moments we have with him. My parents have got some good footage of him but so far, all Kate and I have done is take photos of him - mind you, we do have lots!

I'm going to be away from my little son for a day or two. Kate and I were planning to spend the bank holiday weekend at Abersoch with Thomas in tow but her best friend has scuppered that by holding her birthday party on Saturday night. I particularly wanted to go because I'm writing a children's adventure book set along the Llyn Peninsula and wanted to be back "on location" to carry on working on it.

In the end, we've agreed I'll go by myself after work, it's only just over an hour from Llandudno Junction, spend Friday there and come back Saturday morning. In a way it will be better, because it will be easier to concentrate on my book without Kate and Thomas but it's going to be strange. A reminder of my single days when I didn't have either of them! But nice to feel that they will be there waiting for me when I get back.

]]> Too good to be true tag:blogadmin.icnetwork.co.uk,2007:/ourfirstbaby2//380.30888 2007-05-11T09:43:09Z 2008-09-15T10:12:37Z Well after a glass of wine I was carefree when Rob came home at 10.30 last night. I was optimistic about another good night's sleep - but it wasn't to be.... Kate Davies Well after a glass of wine I was carefree when Rob came home at 10.30 last night. I was optimistic about another good night's sleep - but it wasn't to be.

]]> My sister Vicks, who has two children, warned me yesterday not to be too expectant of Thomas sleeping through again, and that he will sleep through when he is ready! Great!

I fed Thomas at 8.30pm, he didn't take much feed and fell asleep in my arms. Then at 3.50am he woke up and wanted milk. He took the whole feed, I winded him and put him back to bed, then a few minutes later I heard him being sick.

Now what they don't tell you in all the baby books is that when your baby goes into the cot there is scope for the sick to fly through the bars and onto the bedroom carpet. Picture the scene, sick bedding, sicky baby, and baby-grow sick - now on me having picked him up - sick on carpet and now my feet. But in the midst of this a magic moment as I clean Thomas up, he gives me the most amazing smile reminding me how wonderful he is.

]]> Does what is says on the tin! tag:blogadmin.icnetwork.co.uk,2007:/ourfirstbaby2//380.30887 2007-05-10T09:43:24Z 2008-09-15T10:12:37Z The last couple of weeks have been really difficult for me, in a number of ways. My Great Uncle George who I loved immensely died aged 92, and the funding for my job seems to have run out while I'm... Kate Davies The last couple of weeks have been really difficult for me, in a number of ways. My Great Uncle George who I loved immensely died aged 92, and the funding for my job seems to have run out while I'm on maternity leave. So, not the best of times and to make matters worse I have struggled to feed Thomas who has been projectile vomiting even through his nose, at least one feed per day and often two. He seemed unable to stop being sick and would cry as he was sick again. It reached a cilmax when 3am one morning we both cried as he was sick yet again.

]]> At his eight-week check last week (nine weeks for Thomas) I discussed his sickness with my GP she recommended infant Gaviscon to add to his milk. Thomas then had his jabs and cried. Poor Thomas I nearly cried with him.

We then with some dread went to be weighed. I knew we had had a bad week and that he wouldn't have put on much weight but I wasn't prepared for how little. Thomas was just 10lb 3oz - a gain of just seven oz in two weeks. We discussed a way forward and decided to met back in a week to give the infant Gaviscon a chance.

By Wedneday tea time the projectile vomiting had reached new heights and Thomas was unwell. I called NHS Direct who put me through to Shrop Doc, who advised me to stop using the Gaviscon. Thomas brought up the next feed too. By Thursday morning he was starving and took 5 fl oz which is amazing for Thomas as he would normally stop at three ( not enough).

I thought all was okay. I left him with my sister while I went to the funeral of a close friend's father. After the service I called Alex to see if he was okay and she said he had projectile vomited again. I contacted my health visitor who recommended a change of feed to SMA Stay Down. It's a feed made especially for babies that are sick a lot.

Tracking this feed down was tricky. I went to Tesco, then Asda they had every other feed apart from this one. I then tried a few local chemists none of whom had it in. Eventually, I did find tin of it in a local chemist's.

Thomas had 4 fl oz and wasn't sick Phew! so here's hoping I thought. A week later and he hasn't been sick and we really seem to have turned the corner. So, feeling a bit more confident we went to be weighed as agreed. Thomas had gone from 10lb 3oz to 10lb 11oz a gain of eight oz fantastic! He is now taking at least 4 floz per feed and is doing much better.

I am totally exhausted and have a glass of wine (don't normally drink) as I negotiate the apple Mac as our PC is down so it could be interesting as this computer is strange! I feel like a whole burden has lifted and that Thomas has turned the corner. Woking within the disabilites arena I had naturaly diagnosed Thomas myself with every conceivable disability and have worried about it all.

It's strange but he must have known how exhausted I was yesterday as he slept through last night from 7.30pm to 6.30am - good baby! Let's hope he does likewise today.

So as the next few weeks approach when he has to be weighed again I am hopeful that the worst is behind us. Thomas is a full-time occupation and as I thought about Uncle George this week as his funeral took place in Leigh-on-Sea, it helped me put things into perspective. I wasn't able to go because of Thomas.

Life is what we make it and we need to remain positive to get the most out of it and if all else fails, have a glass of wine and pass out on the sofa!

]]> A milestone for Thomas - and for his parents tag:blogadmin.icnetwork.co.uk,2007:/ourfirstbaby2//380.30886 2007-05-02T09:58:53Z 2008-09-15T10:12:37Z Sorry we haven't done much blogging recently, sometimes life just seems so busy it's hard to make time for everything. Of course, having children will only make life rush by even more quickly. Thomas is progressing well and has just... Rob Davies Sorry we haven't done much blogging recently, sometimes life just seems so busy it's hard to make time for everything. Of course, having children will only make life rush by even more quickly. Thomas is progressing well and has just had his first jabs and he now weighs 10lb 3oz, however this is considered a little under-weight and he isn't putting on the pounds (or rather, the ounces) as fast as he should.

]]> He should be having around five fluid ounces per feed, but never seems to get much beyond three or four. Kate is definitely better at feeding him than I am, I think he is just more used to her than me.

Feeding a baby is a mixture of frustration and fun and can be as maddening as it is rewarding. It is certainly a time-consuming process and can easily take well over an hour - and when you think he'll need more milk in three or four hours' time, you get to realise just how much time mums have to put in with their children.

Sometimes I think, lucky Kate, that she's off each day with him while I go to work, but with Thomas to deal with, housework and cooking, it must amount to a full-time job!

Talking of work, Kate received a hammer blow yesterday - the local authority have scrapped the funding for her post - and she now won't be able to return to the job she was doing before she went on maternity leave. They have however, promised to try and find her something else - but isn't it sickening to do that to somebody on maternity leave?

A similar thing happened to my sister, she returned from maternity leave only to find someone else had been given her job and she was now expected to work in a subordinate position. I wonder how many other women are made to suffer in this way simply because they insist on taking a short break from their careers to have a child?

On a brighter note, Kate and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary at the weekend, with a "spend, spend, spend" trip to Cheshire Oaks at Ellesmere Port, buying clothes, watching a film and eating out at both lunchtime and in the evening. Granny and Grandpa Williams were put in charge of the little one (lucky them).

This time, a year ago, we were just starting our honeymoon in Gibraltar, which we both loved. What would we have thought, as we dined out each night as a newly-married couple in our favourite restaurants along the quayside, that in just a year's time we'd not only have our own child but that he'd be well over two months old!

We'd have been delighted of course, and such matters as childcare and babysitters and not being able to go out all that much probably wouldn't even cross our minds!

]]> Thomas is almost two months old and there's so much to plan tag:blogadmin.icnetwork.co.uk,2007:/ourfirstbaby2//380.30885 2007-04-20T09:26:26Z 2008-09-15T10:12:36Z As Thomas reaches the two-month mark I can see a big change in him and I am starting to plan for the next few months. I can't believe that I have been off on maternity leave for almost three months... Kate Davies As Thomas reaches the two-month mark I can see a big change in him and I am starting to plan for the next few months. I can't believe that I have been off on maternity leave for almost three months already, time just flies.

]]> I have been sorting things out this week. I have booked Thomas a place at the nursery in the hospital grounds where I work for when I go back in September. I went to have a look around the nursery, it had a really good feel about it.

There was plenty going on and happy children. It's an enormous choice finding and placing Thomas and it needs to be right. I have booked him in for two and a half days as I have applied to go back to work part-time.

The fees for any nursery are huge and working full-time would absorb most of my salary in fees so it doesn't seem worth it. Also I want to be there for Thomas, my mum was always at the school gate for us and it is largely down to her that her three girls all went to university and did well.

She always helped, enouraged and supported us and made sure we did our homework and provided a hug when we had a bad day. I so want to be there for Thomas so we decided I would apply for part-time and hope we get it. It was a good job I sorted out the nursery as he had the last baby place and the place is now full for next year. Phew!

I have also sorted out the christening this week. It will take place on 17th June 2007 at Worthenbury Church where we got married last April 29th (one week to go, Rob don't forget!).

Worthenbury is special to us not only because we got married there but it was one of my grandfather's churches and many of the older folk remember me as a small child. Apparently I used to swing from the box pews like a monkey! I am really looking forward to the big day. Thomas will wear the family christening gown that dates back to the Victorian era and was worn my father and probably generations before him.

Well I better get a quick shower before he awakens and needs more food otherwise we are looking at two-day old curly hair - not a pretty sight! Hope the shower wakes me up as I'm feeling shattered after another sleepless night. Thomas's wind seems to be getting worse, so I think I'll pop back to the chemist's to see if there is anything else I could give him.

We are also due to arrange to meet Paige - the baby born in the next bed to Thomas in the hospital, just hours before Thomas. I have kept in touch with Paige's mum Steph ever since and we have been comparing notes.

]]> A difficult time for two novice parents tag:blogadmin.icnetwork.co.uk,2007:/ourfirstbaby2//380.30884 2007-04-20T08:21:02Z 2008-09-15T10:12:36Z As Kate made clear in her last entry, being a parent, however joyful in so many ways, is not always a bed of roses. It can be a very trying time and I am worried that she just is not... Rob Davies As Kate made clear in her last entry, being a parent, however joyful in so many ways, is not always a bed of roses. It can be a very trying time and I am worried that she just is not getting the sleep she needs. I feel bad that I am not of more help to her. Kate was up for two hours in the night struggling to get Thomas to feed and then trying to wind him.

]]> She was duly shattered and so, when Thomas started bawling at around 7.30am again I got up and tried to sort him out. To be honest, the little one doesn't seem to like me feeding him as much as his mum. He's supposed to be taking about 5 fl oz but I can't usually get more than about two down him before he's had enough - and that's how much a new-born baby should have.

He's a noticeably bigger chap now, you can see he's starting to lengthen out, and he's now weighing 9lb 11oz which is two-and-a-half pounds fatter than birthweight. He's also becoming far more alert and you can see his eyes gazing upwards, trying to make sense of his surroundings.

Thomas is becoming more of a challenge to deal with as he grows. Because his feeds are much bigger than they once were, that inevitably means it takes much longer to get the milk down him and wind him. Even for Kate, he is not proving an easy baby to feed. When I get home from work at night I often find her exhausted and just fit to drop.

I am concerned about Kate's low spirits but at times feel powerless to do anything. Sometimes I feel pulled in different directions, with the competing demands of being a good husband and father on the one hand, and my career, which is also very important to me.

]]> Past the first seven weeks and still in one piece! tag:blogadmin.icnetwork.co.uk,2007:/ourfirstbaby2//380.30883 2007-04-16T09:25:56Z 2008-09-15T10:12:35Z I can't believe how quickly the last few weeks have gone. Thomas is now seven weeks old and developing his little personality all the time. We have had his first proper smile and not a windy one which was just... Kate Davies I can't believe how quickly the last few weeks have gone. Thomas is now seven weeks old and developing his little personality all the time. We have had his first proper smile and not a windy one which was just magic and worth all the sleepless nights and worry that came before it.

]]> The last seven weeks have flown by and there have been some highs and lows. I want to be completely honest about the lows. My mum always said that the first six weeks of having a baby are horrible and now I know what she means.

You love your child so much and are so blessed that all is well and it's amazing what you have produced, but at the same time you feel tired, low and tearful. Speaking to other new mums they feel the same, however as we chatted we all agreed that it is a taboo subject and generally women don't say how hard it really is.

So I intend to use this blog to start some honest discussions about being a new mum and document the highs and the lows.

So here we go. First off it is important to say that Thomas is wonderful and I love him more than words can say. Thomas is amazing, he has the sweetest personality and is a really good baby. He sleeps well and only cryes when he wants some thing. Good baby!

It's a real mixture of emotions being a new mum. Having a caeserean is tough - you are left very sore and not able to drive for the first four to six weeks depending upon your insurance company.

I felt trapped not beng able to get around and too sore to use the pram, it was really hard and I admit to crying at the drop of a hat. Poor Rob! And feeling tired and low, which is bizarre for me as I don't generally feel low. I most times manage to find a bright side, I admit the first four weeks I struggled to find a bright side especially as the tiredness set in.

There is such a learning curve too and generally you need a PhD to secure a car seat and work out how to erect and collapse a pram! I feel that I am starting to relax now and make good decisions without worrying about all the advice you are given. Everyone means well but if you listen to everyone you will crack up!

However as we start week seven I feel loads better - I can drive again, have baby will travel! Thomas and I have been everywhere, well my mum's and Tesco! and we have been out every day for a walk which is really nice. Thomas seems to be a settled and content baby and he has stopped being sick which is a huge relief.

I was advised a change of food to help with his wind and sickness. I looked up the new food on the web and it sounded ideal for Thomas, however he brought up every feed and after he was sick all over me twice last Thursday morning at 2.30am he cried and I did too.

So I took my sister's advice about using my judgment and doing what I feel is best. I put Thomas back to his original feed of SMA Gold and he hasn't been sick since. He still doesn't take much and wakes before he is due for feeding but he is not sick. The feed he had for hungry babies didn't seem to suit him. I have now learnt to trust my own judgment and feel confident in making decisions to do the best for Thomas.

It's hard adjusting to the new life but Thomas and I are getting into a routine and we look foward to Rob coming home each night, although usually we are both asleep by the time he gets in - me on the sofa and Thomas in his crib!

]]> Worry as Thomas develops ear infection tag:blogadmin.icnetwork.co.uk,2007:/ourfirstbaby2//380.30882 2007-03-29T09:49:16Z 2008-09-15T10:12:33Z Thomas has gone down with his first illness - an ear infection and is now on antibiotics. He's been quite miserable the last couple of nights and had great difficulty sleeping. Meaning of course, that so have his parents! It's... Rob Davies Thomas has gone down with his first illness - an ear infection and is now on antibiotics. He's been quite miserable the last couple of nights and had great difficulty sleeping. Meaning of course, that so have his parents! It's been quite a stressful time, there probably is no cause for concern, but when you're new at being a mum and dad and your little one becomes ill, it knocks you back.

]]> Kate and I have both had two very bad nights' sleep and to compound matters for me, I had a very long day at work yesterday, and we've both been left feeling shattered.

In fact, we're probably suffering more than Thomas really - even though it's he who is ill! The antibiotics seem to be helping him and he doesn't seem as distressed as before. Kate was up with him three times in the night, comforting him and trying to feed him. He won't feed as well at the moment because of his infection and that means he is demanding food more regularly, including through the night.

In the midst of it all, Spatz the cat whines for attention and food and we have to be careful we don't neglect him. Spatz has taken to sleeping regularly on Thomas's upstairs changing mat, almost as if he realises that is where you have to be if you want to be at the centre of things. I've warned our whiskered friend that if he sits there too often, he'll have a nappy put on him one of these days.

So, just over a month in, and parenthood is going reasonably smoothly with many more ups than there are downs. One 'down' for me is that Kate has stopped breast feeding - she finds it too painful as the suckling pulls on her stitches from the caesarean she had. Obviously it's easy for me to say, but I wish she'd continued, because the advice is that it's better for the baby than bottled milk.

I do get black looks when I suggest that she tries to carry on, so perhaps I better take the hint.

The health visitor is coming to see Thomas today and to weigh him again. He's made good weight gain so far - going up from birth weight of 7lb 3oz to 8lb 2oz - a gain of 15 ounces which is pretty good.

His hands and feet still look as tiny as ever to me, but I've noticed his eyes are open much more and he seems more alert and interested in his surroundings.

]]> All going (fairly) smoothly so far tag:blogadmin.icnetwork.co.uk,2007:/ourfirstbaby2//380.30881 2007-03-20T12:54:38Z 2008-09-15T10:12:33Z I'm pleased to report that Thomas continues to prove a very well-behaved little boy, although he is now waking at least a couple of times a night for feeding or nappy changing. It's Kate who takes on the task of... Rob Davies I'm pleased to report that Thomas continues to prove a very well-behaved little boy, although he is now waking at least a couple of times a night for feeding or nappy changing.
It's Kate who takes on the task of dealing with Thomas's nocturnal needs. Perhaps that's unfair but she is after all on maternity leave and it's me who must go to work each day.

]]> Even so, I am definitely not sleeping as well, now Thomas is sharing our bedroom. I find it more difficult to drift off at night knowing that he is there and, of course, if he wakes up at 2 in the morning it disrupts my sleep.

These are minor gripes though, hugely outweighed by the pleasure of having our lovely little boy. It's great fun just watching him in his crib and the daft faces he pulls. I love to hold him and talk to him, despite knowing that he probably doesn't have a clue what I'm trying to say.

Kate gets low at times - she feels a bit trapped at home because she's not allowed to drive for another week having had a caesarean. We've tried walking in the nearby park with Thomas in the pram but it's difficult for her as her stitches still give her a lot of pain.

We're hoping to go away to Abersoch at Easter with Thomas and are really looking forward to walking with him on the beach - fingers crossed that Kate will feel up to it by then. My parents are likely to come too, and have offered to babysit one night while Kate and I go out for a drink as a temporarily child-free couple. It's funny how something like that now seems such a big treat, where once we could have taken it for granted.

They say having a baby totally transforms your life - and nothing is ever the same again. It's totally true but so far, definitely, no regrets!

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