Bedtime is for sleeping....

Bedtime has taken a little diversion at the moment. After Elijah's bath, he has a last feed - after which ordinarily he would drop off to sleep. However, that is now the cue for springing back to being wide awake! For the last few nights he has been trying to crawl in his sleeping bag, this evening it looked like he was trying to plank! Then starts the chatting...every single noise and word he can say. It takes quite a lot for me not to laugh and to maintain the soothing humming of lullabies!

Our little music man

Elijah seems to have a love of music. Whether that's our influence or whether it is inherent, I don't know. Every day, several times a day, he will want to go to the piano to play. He starts off standing at the high end, reaching his finger tips over the keys, plinking away. Then he will turn and tap the piano stool until I lift him up. He will then spend quite a while working through the different voices of the keyboard, playing along to the demo music or singing (shouting!).  He has figured out how to stop and start the demo, change the voice and change the volume...not bad for a small person of 11 months! 

Then this evening Elijah had his first guitar experience. He watched cautiously for a moment, then joined in banging the body of the guitar. Eventually he sat on Papa's knee and bounced up & down along to the music. 

Maybe all the music I played to Elijah when he was a bump has influenced his love of music. It makes us happy though that he sings along to songs with us and will do a little bouncy dance when a song starts - all with great rhythm and timing. Maybe he will have a love of music as we do or maybe it might be his calling...

First freckle

It might seem daft writing a post like this, but I'm so aware of time flying by, I don't want to forget any tiny thing. Elijah has a teeny, pinprick freckle on his left hand middle finger. Probably the first of many given our freckle genes!

Baby steps!

Yesterday, 22 October, Elijah took his first tentative step. I think it took him with as much surprise as me! He had been pushing his walker around and decided that he wanted to go and look at his books...he let go of the handle and took just a teeny stumble towards the books, just before I could catch him! Let's see how long it is before the tiny steps become walking!

Tooth number 2

Second tooth is on it's way 😁 It's the other bottom middle tooth. It has cut the gum and is just visible. Tooth number one is definitely through, although it's impossible to get photographic proof! It is definitely taking it's toll - sleep is very disrupted so Elijah is now cosleeping with me for comfort and ease of feeding overnight. 

Hello!

When we say hello to Elijah now, he puts his head to the side and just smiles :) He also does the same face when seeing us in the reflection of a mirror. 

First night in a hotel!

On the way to Jo & Ken's this weekend, we decided to travel in the evening so Elijah could sleep and stay overnight in a Premier Inn. Elijah appeared to be very chuffed at this, especially the big bed!!

9 months in, 9 months out!

Elijah was 9 months old this week. We were staying with Jo & Ken in Southsea. We had a lovely day - walked from their house into Portsmouth and looked around the dockyard, followed by lunch at the Spinnaker Tower. 

I can't believe how quickly the months have passed and how quickly our little man is changing. 

First tooth!!!!!

Elijah's first tooth started coming through on Monday 4th August! It is his bottom left middle tooth. I noticed at first that his gum had started to separate, following a very rough night and more dribble over previous days than ever before :) Yesterday we bought his first tube of toothpaste and he brushed his tooth in the bath last night!

Parklife!

We seem to spend quite a lot of time in parks these days. Last week Elijah went in his first swing 😊 

Bath with a difference

How did we never think of this sooner?!!

For Elijah

Trolley boy

Today was Elijah's first time in the big boy seat of a shopping trolley :) He probably could have sat in it before now but I haven't been to a supermarket for a while!!

Starting to stand!!

Elijah has decided he has been sitting for long enough now! Having only been sitting unaided for 3 weeks or so, yesterday, whilst supported by my knee he pulled himself up to stand holding on to his walker. This morning, full of confidence, he did the same with no hesitation 😊 I'm starting to wonder if he will bypass crawling altogether!!

Long Time No Write - So Much Happening

Life continues to be amazing. Everyday we see Elijah discovering, learning, observing and it is just amazing. 

The other day we were out for our normal evening walk and while being pushed along in his buggy Elijah was intently studying his hand while rotating it and opening and closing his fingers. 

Today he was looking at me through a tiny mirror in the front of his book and the peared around the side of the book to see if I was behind the book. 

His chatting is never ending and getting more and more varied. 

You can see his excitement when handing him something new that he has not held or looked at - be it a electrical connection block, spanner, brush, measuring spoons. Each time he is handed something new he spends the time turning it round in his hands inevitably it ends up for a period in his mouth. It is beautiful to watch. 

The old favourites of his best friends the trees still captivate him although now he is reaching out to fill the leaves. 

It really is a voyage of discovery and it is a privilege and joy to watch. 

A whole new world!

7 months today and Elijah has properly managed to sit unaided and able to right any wobbles himself. He seems quite chuffed with his new perspective on the world 😊 

Fever...

Poor little thing. Elijah is battling a viral infection. He is being pretty brave and resilient but is clearly not a happy camper. Temperature has just hit 39 but only just.

For us it's no barrel of laughs - anything but. It's another one of these lessons. Our instinct is to want to find answers. We've googled and phoned 111 (NHS Direct,) Jo took him to the William Harvey Hospital this morning. The GP said it was viral and to call back if there was any change. The hard part is trying to keep control and objective as to what is a change and what is not. Yet again, as with pregnancy, there is no black and white. It could be all sorts of things. 

All we can do is care, pray, trust, hope and love. 

Not nice seeing your precious little one experience one of life's more unpleasant experiences. Wish I was like the man in The Green Mile and could suck the nasty virus out of him. 

3 Words

How would you describe your loved ones in three words? This is our go at it.....

Papa about Mama - gentle, quirky, loving

Mama about Papa - loving, vulnerable, unique

Mama about Elijah - inquisitive, cheeky, innocent

Papa about Elijah - curious, happy, chatty

Papa about Josh - searching, caring, innocent

Eli about Josh - loyal, creative, adaptable

Gareth the giraffe

For the past few weeks Gareth has been Elijah's best friend. He goes everywhere with us. The poor thing gets chewed and thrown around a huge amount but is very loved by Elijah it would seem. 

First trip to the zoo

I took Elijah to Howletts zoo today. He is way too young to really appreciate his surroundings, but some of the other mums from our NCT group were going and if nothing else, it's somewhere else to go for a nice walk. It's great too that you pay once and can return as many times as you like for a year. 

I thought it was lovely. Lots of animals in spacious enclosures. Loads if cool monkeys and we even saw 2 snow leopards who are usually hiding. Anyway, this was what Elijah thought of the elephants.... 

Smiler

This is the face Elijah has when looking at the big picture of me in the kitchen!! He can't quite figure out how there are 2 of me...one that talks and one that stares from a photo :)

Elijah's birth

I realised whilst reading back over our blog today that we never wrote about Elijah's birth. I am quite sure that the day will be etched in our memories forever but I don't want the details to get lost once we are no longer...if Elijah really wants to know how he arrived!

So, after a couple of false starts, the day was Monday 11th November 2013. I had been sent to the hospital that morning by the midwife for a 'fasting glucose test' to check whether I may have developed gestational diabetes...I didn't! After the tests we met Carly & Sasha for a coffee at the hospital as they had been admitted for induction that morning. 

Having been home a couple of hours, I went to bed for a rest. Pretty soon I started getting some niggly, twinges. I kept Richard informed, who was in denial that this could actually be happening at last, manically pruning the garden! Around 5pm, as I sat up in bed, my waters started to trickle. I then started to panic a little...we were actually going to meet our baby! I called the Singleton Unit (midwife led unit) who told me to have a shower and something to eat, then to make our way in. I remember distinctly wanting to be at hospital, where someone would know what to do :)

We arrived at the unit at around 7:45pm and were admitted. The reality started to sink in as we looked around the room in which we thought we would meet our baby. At this point I was contracting every 3-4 minutes and the pain was starting to get uncomfortable, but still bearable. I was examined by a midwife called Sharon, who was uncertain about the position Edge was lying. She asked another midwife for a second opinion, who also was unsure. They were concerned that Edge was breech - the wrong way up! The consultant was called to examine and scan me, who confirmed that Edge was firmly bottom-down. At this point I remember feeling apprehensive and thinking "ok...so this could be an interesting delivery. I wonder how it will go". However, the staff started talking and all I remember is them apologising to us and hearing the word 'theatre'. It was decided that a normal delivery was too risky, that as I was already in labour (albeit only 1cm dialated) a Caesarean section was the only option and it was happening now!!!

From this moment it was like someone switched a button. The process was swift and everyone did their job quickly and efficiently. There was no time to feel anxious. I had a cannula put in my left wrist (I still have a tiny dot scar there now) and we were transferred upstairs to prepare for the operation. In our new room we both had to change into gowns. I was 'prepared' for the operation by a gruff lady with very little bedside manner, asking me if I needed a shave! 

There was no time hanging around. We then walked to theatre where there was a room full of people ready for us. I remember looking around seeing a sea of 'older' faces and being a little concerned, but they were all lovely and reassuring as panic definitely set in for me. I sat onto the operating table and had the epidural fitted into my back. I then lay down, waiting to go numb. It is the oddest feeling. I had no sense of pain, but could feel touch. They tested how numb I was with an ice spray, whilst the other preparation carried on around us. I remember feeling very scared and shaking a lot at this point. There was a chap called Barry (anaesthetist assistant?) who was so lovely and reassuring throughout the whole procedure. Before I knew it the team were gathered around us, a cloth screen went up and the medical team started. 

A few surreal minutes passed by before the screen was lowered at 11:11pm and we were presented our baby...plums first!!! We had asked not to be told but for us to see if Edge was a boy or girl...there was no mistaking that Elijah George had arrived, not Hannah Elizabeth. 

He was taken for a quick check over, wrapped up and bought back to us, where he was laid onto my chest, whilst the medical team put my tummy back together! I remember just staring at this little person and not quite believing that he was here, that he was ours. I also remember the overwhelming feeling of love for him and for Richard. I could never have imagined or prepared for that moment. 

After a few minutes Elijah was taken by the midwives to have a further check over and this time Richard went with him, leaving me being tidied up by the doctors. I was then wheeled into recovery where I could see our little Elijah being weighed and measured. I watched in awe and adoration at my 2 boys. Elijah was then bought to me and laid on my bare chest. He instantly knew what to do, found my breast and began feeding. The strength of emotion and bond was immense and still is every time he feeds. 

We were taken to our room on the ward where we were left on our own. We looked at each other and at Elijah. This was it...our new life had begun. 

Packing List: Boo's Hospital Bag

And this was Papa's bag. 

Packing List:  Boo's Hospital Bag
Info:  5 Categories, 19 Items
Departure date:  (TBD)

Toiletries
	(Miscellaneous)  Massage Oil	1		(Miscellaneous)  Wet Wipes	1		(Mouth)  Mouth Wash	1
	(Mouth)  Toothbrush	1		(Mouth)  Toothpaste	1
Clothes - Boo
	(Shoes)  Monsoon Sandals	1		(Shoes)  Vivo Neo	1		(Shorts)  Topman Green Shorts & Belt	1
	(Swimming)  O'Neil Swim Shorts	1		(T-Shirts)  Red Lifeguard	1		(T-Shirts)  Scruffy Grey	1
	(Underwear)  Rohan	1
Medical/Health
	(Medicine)  Ibuprofen	1
Gadgets
	(Apple)  iPad - Boo	1		(Apple)  iPhone - Boo	1		(Apple)  iPhone 5 Cable	1
	(Apple)  iPhone Charger	2		(Apple)  Waterproof iPhone Covers	2
Camping
	(Bedroom)  Pillow - Boo	1

Packing List: Eli's Hospital Bag

This was the list for what we thought Mama should take to the hospital. 

Packing List:  Eli's Hospital Bag
Info:  1 Category, 61 Items
Departure date:  (TBD)

Hospital Bag
	(Boo)  Camcorder	1		(Boo)  Camcorder Charger	1		(Boo)  Camera	1
	(Boo)  Camera Charger	1		(Boo)  Extra Battery	1		(Boo)  Tripod	1
	(Clothing)  Big Black Cotton Knickers	6		(Clothing)  Dressing Gown	1		(Clothing)  Going Home Clothes	1
	(Clothing)  Nursing Bra	1		(Clothing)  Slippers	1		(Clothing)  Socks	1
	(Clothing)  Soiled Laundry Bag	1		(Edge)  Blanket	1		(Edge)  Cardigan	1
	(Edge)  Hat	1		(Edge)  Mits	1		(Edge)  Muslin	2
	(Edge)  Sleep Suits	2		(Edge)  Vests	2		(Edge)  Wrap	1
	(Essential)  Blue Inhaler	1		(Essential)  Contact Lenses	2		(Essential)  Glasses	1
	(Essential)  Maternity Notes	1		(Essential)  Red Inhaler	1		(Food)  Boost Bar	1
	(Food)  Caramac	1		(Food)  Cereal Bar - Apricot & Yoghurt Eat Natural	1		(Food)  Cherry Coke	1
	(Food)  Energy Tablets	1		(Food)  Salt & Vinegar Crisps	1		(Food)  Water Bottle	1
	(Going Home)  Blanket - M&D C	1		(Going Home)  Car Seat	1		(Going Home)  Sheepskin	1
	(Going Home)  Striped Outfit - M&D H	1		(Labour)  Nightie	1		(Labour)  Socks	1
	(Labour)  Swim Suit	1		(Labour)  T-Shirt	1		(Nursing)  Nursing Nightie	1
	(Nursing)  Nursing PJ's	1		(Sanitary)  Breast Pads	4		(Sanitary)  Maternity Pads	1
	(Technology)  Apple Charger	1		(Technology)  iPad	1		(Technology)  iPhone	1
	(Toiletries)  Cooling Spray	1		(Toiletries)  Cotton Wool Balls	1		(Toiletries)  Deo	1
	(Toiletries)  Hair Bands	1		(Toiletries)  Hair Brush	1		(Toiletries)  Lip Balm	1
	(Toiletries)  Nappies	1		(Toiletries)  Nipple Cream	1		(Toiletries)  Patterned Towel	1
	(Toiletries)  Tissues	1		(Toiletries)  Unperfumed Shower Gel	1		(Toiletries)  Wet Wipes	1
	(Toiletries)  Wrist Bands	1

List: Preparing For Edge

This is the list that we thought we would need to get and prepare prior to Edge being born. 

Packing List:  Preparing For Edge
Info:  1 Category, 35 Items
Departure date:  (TBD)

Edge
✓	(Bathroom)  Baby Bath	1	✓	(Bathroom)  Baby Bath Support	1	✓	(Bathroom)  Baby Towel	1
✓	(Bathroom)  Nappy Bucket	1	✓	(Bathroom)  Shampoo	1	✓	(Bathroom)  Sudocream	1
✓	(Bathroom)  Swaddling Towel	1	✓	(Bathroom)  Talc	1	✓	(Bedroom)  Changing Top	1
✓	(Bedroom)  Chest of Drawers	1	✓	(Bedroom)  Cot	1	✓	(Bedroom)  Cot Mattress	1
✓	(Bedroom)  Cot Sheets	1	✓	(Bedroom)  Hammock	1	✓	(Bedroom)  Hammock Stand	1
	(Bedroom)  Mobile	1	✓	(Bedroom)  White Noise Recordings	1	✓	(Clothing)  Baby Grows	1
✓	(Clothing)  Vests	1	✓	(Dining Room)  Bloom Loft	1	✓	(Kitchen)  Bottle Brush	1
✓	(Kitchen)  Breast Pump	1	✓	(Kitchen)  Feeding Bottles	1	✓	(Kitchen)  Steriliser	1
✓	(Lounge)  Bloom Coco	1	✓	(Lounge)  Hammock	1	✓	(Lounge)  Moses Basket	1
✓	(Nappies)  Boosters	1	✓	(Nappies)  Liners	1	✓	(Nappies)  Nappies	1
✓	(Nappies)  Wraps	1	✓	(Outside)  Car Seat	1	✓	(Outside)  Easyfix Base	1
✓	(Outside)  Isofix Base	1	✓	(Outside)  Stroller	1

This time last year....

This time last year we were waking up for the first time with the knowledge that there was a tiny little miracle growing inside Jo. The miracle had started some weeks before. In truth the miracle had started way back when Mum & Dad were getting to grips with the knowledge that they were soon to become parents to Jo. That little miracle has been waiting since then to become our reality. 

On the 21st April of last year out lives were turned upside down by the news that Jo was pregnant and not ill! That was a Sunday. A sunny Sunday in April. 

I didn't go to work on the Monday. We sat at home utterly bowled over by the revelation of the previous day. 

So one year on we can say that we have been living as parents for a year now. Hoping, dreaming, loving, caring, preparing just like most parents do. Learning every day. Shedding tears on many of the days. Being thankful everyday. Being utterly overwhelmed by this process of seeing life grow before us. 

It has changed us, challenged us, and overwhelmed us in the most amazing and utterly awe inspiring way. 

Bonjour!!

We have had our first mini adventure abroad! On Thursday 17th April we took a day trip to France. We had been booked to go the week before but Elijah's passport arrived 2 hours too late!

So, after hitting horrific traffic in Dover we eventually left on the Pride of Canterbury for Calais. Elijah seemed to enjoy the crossing, entertaining other passengers with his supersonic chatter and big smiles. We had frites in the park and a walk along the seafront (and a cheeky beer for mama) before heading for Cite Europe to do a spot of shopping (mostly coffee & bugles!) We had a quick dinner in Flunch before heading back to the port to catch the Spirit of... home. A very lovely, happy day :) 

Food Glorious Food

And so it begins...

Yesterday late afternoon Elijah had his first small meal from a spoon - steamed sweet potato with breast milk - and after a few early unsure looks it seemed to go down quite well. Elijah took it in his normal slightly distracted, laid back approach but the main thing is that he took it in, played with it with his tongue and then swallowed most of it. 

Just over 5 months and doing great. The signal came from Mama who said, as I got in from work, 'I think he's ready for food'

Intuition, nature etc - all amazing things really so now the little guy's adventure into taste, texture etc begins - Happy Days :-)

Yum!

Today was Elijah's first time trying some food (aside from the wotsit that Richard let him lick!). He had puréed sweet potato and it went down very well!

Rolling!

This evening Elijah rolled over from his back to his front 😄 He has been trying for a while but couldn't figure out how to lift his head! He has now perfected the ninja leg kick which provides the required momentum!

How to calm a baby

I spend all day tending to your every need. I come when you cry or grumble. We play, read and chat for hours on end. This evening I fed you and you were still fussy and upset. So, what's the thing that calms you down...the Grand Prix!!!

Breastfeeding

I'm not sure Elijah will necessarily want to read a post about breastfeeding but I wanted to write down some thoughts about it. 

I always knew I wanted to breastfeed but nothing could have prepared me for the instantaneous bond and love I felt when Elijah was placed on my chest minutes after he was born. He instinctively knew where to find his first feed, nuzzling at me until he latched on. I was totally overwhelmed then and have been every time he feeds since. 

I was upset when feeding became painful for a while and when Elijah struggled sometimes. The relief was amazing for both me and Elijah when his tongue tie was snipped. Since then we haven't looked back. Breastfeeding is the most natural, nurturing thing. I am amazed by how my body has enabled Elijah to grow into such a strong, healthy 21 week old baby boy.

There are lots of tiny things I don't want to forget about feeding. The feeds are already becoming quicker and less frequent. I want to be able to carry on though, for as long as I can and as long as Elijah wants or needs to. However, selfishly I also want to keep hold of these precious moments between me and my boy. 

When he was tiny I loved how Elijah head butted at my breast to stimulate the milk, which has turned into him now thumping at my breast! I love how when he feeds he has one hand clutching at my top, with the other tucked under my arm gently stroking at my side. I love how since the very first feed, Elijah has made contented sighing noises as he feeds. I love how he drifts off into a peaceful sleep after his bedtime feed and how it can soothe and calm him if he is upset. I love how he now knows to peek over my arm at Richard sitting next to me and share a cheeky grin with him. It really is the most amazing and beautiful experience. 

Finally we hear a giggle....

It is not through trying but as of yesterday we had heard Elijah talk, scream, chatter, cry, complain, sneeze, cough and grumble but never giggle. 

We have tried everything but to no avail. 

Good things come to those who wait :-)

And so last night with both of your doting parents expectantly looking at you splashing in the bath you treated us. You treated us to a giggle and then a laugh and it was all and more we had hoped it to be. 

You, little man, have us around your little finger but then again, we wouldn't want it any other way. 

Said in a whisper......

You  become calm and still when I whisper this to you......

I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year 

'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.' 

And he replied, 'Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. 

That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!

Written by Minnie Louise Haskins

Elijah The Tiger

There once was a boy called Elijah

His voice was as loud as a tiger

He said with a smile

I will lie here for while

And then maybe I'll drink some cider

Elijah Chatting

Clearly Elijah you have found your voice as demonstrated by this link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ3b4nw6tbU

Don't Take It Out In My Nipple

The title of this post has just been uttered quite calmly as E was fidgeting around and moving his head quite a bit yet not letting go of poor Mama's nipple. It made me laugh anyway :-)

Bath Song

Don't cry for me Venezuela 

The truth is I've never been there

So I don't know

If there is snow 

Upon the mountains

But maybe one day

I will go

Bath time Singing

Row row row your boat

Gently down the stream

Strawb'ries taste the best in summer

When they're covered in cream

Morning Singing

Yankee Doodle went to town

Riding on his pony

He thought his name was Alfred

When it actually was Tony

Rugby

This evening Elijah is watching his first rugby game with Papa. The match is part if the RBS Six Nations tournament and is Wales vs France. We would like Wales to win because Mama has welsh family roots!

Firsts...

Yesterday was Richard's birthday. It was also the day Elijah rolled over (front to back) for the first time. He then had his first big sleep (21:30-05:50) much to my surprise. This evening he was trying to pull himself forward to sit up. Then at bathtime, after some encouragement, Elijah giggled for the first time 😊 It's incredible watching this period of rapid development. He is growing up quickly and the days if him being a tiny baby are long gone!

In theory, I would imagine he will be tired with all if these firsts and will sleep well again tonight...let's see!

3 months old today

Our little man is 3 months old today. I can't believe how quickly time has passed. I also cannot imagine life without him at all. 

In just 3 months Elijah has already become a little person. His character and personality is so evident already. He has found his voice and can express how he feels, whether it be happy or unimpressed! His expressions are endless and fill us with happiness. I love how he gets so excited when he sees Richard come home from work. He hunches up his shoulders and does a lovely coy grin, gurgling his hello to his Papa. 

First cold 😔

Poor little Elijah has his first cold. It started a couple of days ago. He has been sniffly, stuffy and had a bit of a cough. Other than give him calpol and cuddles there's not a lot more we can do. It's not nice having to see our little boy feel poorly and not understand why he feels that way 😔

Brut 33

Having had a delayed start due to the caesarean section I am at last starting to get used to getting out and about with Elijah - and loving it! Today we took the car to the garage in Ashford to get a leak fixed. We walked to sainsburys for a mocha and got caught in the rain! Then we went over to Canterbury to see Carly and Isla. We all walked in to the city, had lunch in Eat (where Elijah tried 'sitting up'!) and found out about groups at the library. 

This evening we went to Claire, Gino and Ted's. We had a great meal all together. Richard thought that when getting Elijah ready for his evening out he would benefit from a squirt of Brut 33!! I am now sat in bed feeding Elijah before he sleeps and all I can smell is Brut, not his usual lovely baby smell!!!!!

Chatterbox

Elijah seems to be on the verge of becoming a chatterbox! Every day he is making new noises and sounds. He is definitely 'talking' to us - we copy each other's sounds and expressions. He is smiling so much too, we are so looking forward to his first giggle. Richard said last night that he will know Elijah is his son when he laughs at his own wind! Not sure whose son he thinks Elijah is when he looks like a mini Richard!!

Elijah's first date night

Having been out for a chilly, blowy walk along Hythe seafront with Grandma and Grandpa, it was time to get ready for our visitors for dinner. 

Carly, Sasha and Isla came over. Elijah and Isla were indifferent to each other for much of the evening (perhaps they were being coy!) but towards the end of the night Elijah took a shine to Isla. He tried all of his best moves - a big, lopsided smile, happy gurgles and displayed his chubby double chin! However Isla was having none of it. She sat on Carly's lap, avoiding eye contact with a very unimpressed look on her face :-) 

So, even though his first date night was a fail Elijah is undettered and will attempt to woo her again!!