I've had to sew them in

Truly, I have. See?






My babies are so excited about their not-even-so-new-anymore-found ability to stand up that they do it all the time. All day. All night. Even when they are so so so tired they literally can't open their eyes or hold their heads up, they still trying to stand up in their cots. It's like they're compelled to do it, as though it's beyond their control. Even in their sleeping bags!!

We found that if we put gentle pressure on their mid-section - just resting a hand across their tummy/chest - they would be instantly asleep, but the micro-second we let go, they were UP! UP! UP! Crying, wanting to be asleep, but unable to stop themselves from snapping back up to standing.

After nearly two months of 10-12 wake ups per night, we had to do something. None of us was getting any sleep. We were all miserable and exhausted.

So, I sewed them in. Well, I turned an old cloth nappy into a wide band that folds across their tummies and keeps them in position.

I felt so guilty as I was making them, and even worse as I put them on the beds and "strapped them in". But then.... bliss! 13 HOURS OF UNINTERRUPTED SLEEP. That was nearly 2 weeks ago, and it's been the same every night since.

They can get out if they really want to. Lach has taken his off twice when he wasn't ready for sleep. But they do seem to like them - I guess it's like being swaddled again. They certainly needed them. T and I needed them. We're all better rested and lot happier in our little house.

#27 Have at least one grand adventure

it will give you a lifetime of memories to revel in and stories to share. Everyone deserves a grand adventure - you will learn so much about yourself.

The weekend

T's birthday, a long late dinner with good friends and good wine, a happy baby shower, the boys' first ever (!!) sleepover, the first sleep-in in a year, cake, presents, singstar, and fun. That was our lovely weekend :)

Like a nice glass of vino?

You should definitely follow this blog (and not just because it's written by my very clever husband). It picks out good yummy wines that you can get at your local bottleshop and provides a useful (and usually humourous) review so you know what you're getting yourself in for.


http://thewinewank.blogspot.com/

Salute!

#26 Rage is ugly

so learn to control your temper.

Presents!

Soooo, I've been shopping for first birthday presents.

And this is what I've found:



Beautiful, no?

Ah, I think so. Practical, comfy, and not a primary colour in sight. My house, and my eyes will thank me for a long time.

Is it just me, or do bright plastic loud noisy baby things do your head in too?

[you can buy these at Milk Bottles]

11 months

Ah, Rocky

Daddy has been joking all month that we should change your name from Lachie to Rocky, because you're so tough. You really are. You don't get grizzly with teething, you don't cry when you're sick, and you don't kick up a fuss when you whack your head, which you seem to be doing a lot lately - since you discovered standing up!

You LOVE standing up. You love it so much that you do it all day long, which is so adorable. And all night long too, which is, well, less adorable, if I'm honest :)

The last 5-6 weeks have been long ones - you've been waking up a lot in the night and we think it's because you're so excited about crawling and standing that you want to do it all night long, even when you're so so tired you can't quite manage it. We've had to separate you and Hamish at night so that you don't wake him too! But you're much much better this week - only waking once, so hopefully we'll be back to normal soon.

You and Hamish have discovered dancing, and you seriously go for it! You're quite picky though, you don't just dance to anything. So far we've discovered you love Thirsty Merc, Stairway to Heaven, and quite a lot of Oasis (thanks dad). But your favourite favourite song of all time is Coldplay's "Lost". (I am playing it right now and you are totally sitting there dancing - you are scrumptious!).

You love blowing raspberries - especially when your mouth is full of food..... Messy, but funny. Mama and Daddy have to try very very hard not to laugh.

You've caught up to Hamish in weight too now Mr Lach. You're 8.2kg of gorgeousness.

I adore you, you cheeky little monkey.
As ever, all the love in the universe
Your Mama






Hamish, my beautiful boy

Happy 11 month birthday darling one.

You're still the most chilled out, happy baby going around. You find delight in everything and everyone around you. You're the one who melts even the most hardened hearts when we're out and about. You can secure a smile from anyone.

You're trying so hard to stand up too. You can get yourself up onto your knees, and you put your arms up to hold on and puuuuull, so I am sure that any day now you'll be up and about.

You've found your groove too. You really love music - your little ears prick up and a big grin sneaks across your face, and you start moving. You even dance to the music on tv ads! But most of all you love it when I sing "Hushabye Mountain".

You chat chat chat chat all day long. Sing and chat. You make the most delightful noises - I could listen to you all day long. Your giggle is the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. Your belly laugh makes me laugh out loud.

I love how excited you get when you spot me around the corner and race as fast as your little hands and knees will carry you to reach me, smiling and laughing all the way.

You're 8.2kg now, and every single gram of you is delicious.

As ever, all the love in the universe
Your Mama

Another manic Monday

On Mondays, more than any other day of the week, I need to remind myself to breathe deep and smile.

I don't know what it is about them, but Mondays are always a bit ratty in our house. We're all a little out of sorts.

I'm sure it has something to do with having had a gorgeous couple of days all together, with T home.

We miss him on Mondays.

So, just to remind me that it's only another few short days until the next one, here are a few snaps of our lovely weekend in the gorgeous winter sunshine.


The L-man laughing at Grandma's tickles


Hamish exploring