Our daughter has new dance moves. She has loves dancing and will dance to pretty much anything. She dances at adverts, songs on the radio and even the tune of the ice-cream van.
Until recently she had 2 moves, the bob (in which she stands and bounces up and down without moving her feet) and the sway (in which she stands and sways side to side).
Her new move is an improved sway. She sways side to side but this time with her hands in the air above her head. She sometimes even lifts a leg as well.
It doesn't look gracefull but it does make my wife and I laugh and she loves it. The concentration on her face is funny too.
Monday 11 August 2008
Sunday 10 August 2008
MMR
Our daughter had her MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella) jabs a couple of weeks ago and we were warned that she could be poorly for a couple days in about 7 to 10 days.
Well after about a week she started to develop a few spots around her neck and across her shoulders. They looked like a fine, elaborate necklace. She then suffered with a temperature and she had this for about 36 hours, however it coincided with the hottest week of weather we've had all year and at first we thought it was that.
All these signs/symptoms were over in 3 days. She never seemed out of sorts, under the weather or unwell. She just had the physical signs.
Well after about a week she started to develop a few spots around her neck and across her shoulders. They looked like a fine, elaborate necklace. She then suffered with a temperature and she had this for about 36 hours, however it coincided with the hottest week of weather we've had all year and at first we thought it was that.
All these signs/symptoms were over in 3 days. She never seemed out of sorts, under the weather or unwell. She just had the physical signs.
Saturday 9 August 2008
Bath Time
Every day I give my daughter her bath, this is because my wife gets to spend much more time with her and I love spending as much time as I can with her.
Our bath time routine starts with me washing her hair, then washing her body and finally brushing her teeth. She is then allowed to play with her toys until I feel or she tells me she wants to get out. During this play time I have seen her put her hands in the water and then rub her hair as if she is trying to wash it. She also puts her hands in the water and then rubs her tummy as if she is trying to wash herself as well. It is so cute and adorable.
Our bath time routine starts with me washing her hair, then washing her body and finally brushing her teeth. She is then allowed to play with her toys until I feel or she tells me she wants to get out. During this play time I have seen her put her hands in the water and then rub her hair as if she is trying to wash it. She also puts her hands in the water and then rubs her tummy as if she is trying to wash herself as well. It is so cute and adorable.
Friday 8 August 2008
Growing Up Fast
Our daughter is growning up so fast. She is now running everywhere, talking non-stop in a language only she understands and trying to do things for herself (little Miss Independent).
Tonight is the first time she has spoken to anyone on the phone. We have put the phone to her ear before but she has never said anything before. I believe this is because hearing a voice at the other end confused her. She is beginning to get the hang of it and I am wondering whether it was such a good idea. She wonders round the house her phone clamp to her ear chatting away.
My wife has let her play with her mobile phone recently and twice now my daughter has managed to leave a voicemail on my mobile phone. I have kept them as I find they cheer me up. She always makes me smile.
Tonight is the first time she has spoken to anyone on the phone. We have put the phone to her ear before but she has never said anything before. I believe this is because hearing a voice at the other end confused her. She is beginning to get the hang of it and I am wondering whether it was such a good idea. She wonders round the house her phone clamp to her ear chatting away.
My wife has let her play with her mobile phone recently and twice now my daughter has managed to leave a voicemail on my mobile phone. I have kept them as I find they cheer me up. She always makes me smile.
Sunday 20 July 2008
Bounce, Bounce, Bounce
Our daughter has developed a desire to bounce on everything. She bounces on the sofa, our bed, her cot and even the dog's bed and she has nearly fallen off the sofa and our bed with her bouncing. As a result we have have bought her a little something to that she can bounce on to her heart's content. A trampoline.
This trampoline is great and ideal for as a first one. It is small enough to fit in and average size lounge and is designed for a 12m - 36m old child. Our daughter loves it (that is not her in the picture by the way). If she's not bouncing on it she's using it as a sit to eat things off.I would recommend anyone with a child who likes bouncing to get one. It will save on getting a new bed, cot, sofa or all 3.
Saturday 19 July 2008
Christening
Well it has been a week since our daughter was christened. The service was lovely and we had close family and very close friends only at the service. There were a couple of little worries like a godmother and godfather cutting it fine to get to the church and my wife getting stressed in our kitchen when everyone came back to our house for food. Once everyone had been fed she calmed down.
Our daughter was extremely good and loved every moment of having her photographs taken. She is such a poser. She loves looking at herself in the mirror. She looked gorgeous in her dress (because of the material it was made of she was difficult to hold when she wriggled) and she wanted to get to her friend Louis (who is 6 weeks older than her and is the son of her hairdresser - see previous post). They hadn't seen each other since her birthday.
Thankfully the service lasted about 20 minutes and the rain held off until early evening.
Our daughter was extremely good and loved every moment of having her photographs taken. She is such a poser. She loves looking at herself in the mirror. She looked gorgeous in her dress (because of the material it was made of she was difficult to hold when she wriggled) and she wanted to get to her friend Louis (who is 6 weeks older than her and is the son of her hairdresser - see previous post). They hadn't seen each other since her birthday.
Thankfully the service lasted about 20 minutes and the rain held off until early evening.
First Haircut
I know it has been a long time since I posted on here but I have been working lots and looking after the family through our collective illnesses. We are all better thankfully.
Anyway this week my daughter had her first haircut. I say haircut, it was more of a trim and even then it was just the fringe. It kept getting in her eyes and when wet it reached her top lip.
It was cut by a friend of ours that has trained as a hairdresser but now only cuts her family's and close friends hair. My wife came home with the hair in an envelope. It will be put into her keepsake box along with her hospital identifaction band and many other items.
Anyway this week my daughter had her first haircut. I say haircut, it was more of a trim and even then it was just the fringe. It kept getting in her eyes and when wet it reached her top lip.
It was cut by a friend of ours that has trained as a hairdresser but now only cuts her family's and close friends hair. My wife came home with the hair in an envelope. It will be put into her keepsake box along with her hospital identifaction band and many other items.
Thursday 19 June 2008
Raiders Of The Lost Car Park
Raiders Of The Lost Car Park is the latest book I have finished reading and is by Robert Rankin. It is a fun follow up to 
The Book Of Ultimate Truth.It centres around two 18 year-olds who are trying to save the world from discovering that us humans are actually being manipulated by fairies, goblins and such like. It features such celebrities as Prince Charles, The Queen and Santa Claus. The tale is highly amusing and fast paced. As with most, if not all, Rankin's books it's set in the London Borough of Brentford.
Although I read The Book Of Ulitmate Truths while at Uni I found this booked still worked well after all these years as a stand alone. You do not need to have read The Book Of Ultimate Truth to enjoy Raiders.
This right up the street of anyone who loves Terry Pratchett or P G Wodehouse.
Tuesday 17 June 2008
Christening Preparations
Well it is less than 3 weeks until our daughter is christened. My wife bought her a dress the other day and blagged a 33% discount on it. All because of a missing button and there is a mark on it which she claimed meant it would need dry cleaning first. The mark cannot be seen and the button is easily replaced. In these days of belt tightening I think it was a bargain.
My wife has informed that she has found herself a dress for the christening too and being the good little wife that she is, asked if she could buy it. As she asked so nicely, and because she very rarely treats herself, I said yes. I haven't seen it yet but I'm looking forward to it as I like to see her in a dress (or even a skirt).
All we need to do now is get the food in for the little party after the service.
My wife has informed that she has found herself a dress for the christening too and being the good little wife that she is, asked if she could buy it. As she asked so nicely, and because she very rarely treats herself, I said yes. I haven't seen it yet but I'm looking forward to it as I like to see her in a dress (or even a skirt).
All we need to do now is get the food in for the little party after the service.
Sunday 15 June 2008
Happy Father's Day
Well i've had a great day with my family today. My daughter (well my wife but you know what I mean) bought me some chocolates (very tasty) and a photo frame. The frame had photos of me and my daughter in it.
We also went swimming. My daughter loves the water although she was a bit nervous at first today. It might have been the temperature of the water, but she soon was laughing and enjoying ourselves. We have decided that we will do this every Sunday. Sunday's have now become our family day, where we do fun things together as a family.
I was impressed with where we went swimming (The Cascades in Tewkesbury) as it was very resonably priced, there were 3 different pools and it wasn't particularly busy. I don't know whether that was because of what today was, the time we went, the time of year (people on holiday) or whether it is normal. The more we go the more we are likely to find out.
I trust you've all had a good Father's day too.
We also went swimming. My daughter loves the water although she was a bit nervous at first today. It might have been the temperature of the water, but she soon was laughing and enjoying ourselves. We have decided that we will do this every Sunday. Sunday's have now become our family day, where we do fun things together as a family.
I was impressed with where we went swimming (The Cascades in Tewkesbury) as it was very resonably priced, there were 3 different pools and it wasn't particularly busy. I don't know whether that was because of what today was, the time we went, the time of year (people on holiday) or whether it is normal. The more we go the more we are likely to find out.
I trust you've all had a good Father's day too.
Wednesday 11 June 2008
Successful Party
Well our daughter is now a year old and we threw her a party on Saturday 7th June to celebrate. She was thoroughly spoilt and loved every minute of it. The weather was great and everyone had a good time.
She was bought lots of garden toys. She was given a
swing, 
slide and a 
ball pit (that can also become a paddling pool and her ball pit is pink though). She loves that ball pit. We will be getting her a sandpit with the vouchers she received as well.
It is hard to believe that our daughter is 1. She is growing up so fast. She just wants walk everywhere now. She is talking more as well.
She is beautiful.
She was bought lots of garden toys. She was given a
swing, 
slide and a 
ball pit (that can also become a paddling pool and her ball pit is pink though). She loves that ball pit. We will be getting her a sandpit with the vouchers she received as well.It is hard to believe that our daughter is 1. She is growing up so fast. She just wants walk everywhere now. She is talking more as well.
She is beautiful.
Friday 6 June 2008
Happy Birthday....
Our beautiful daughter is 1 today. She really doesn't know what hit but her face lit up when she saw all the balloons in the living room this morning.
My wife and I have recently been talking about where the last year has gone as we have prepared for today and tomorrow (we have a party for her tomorrow where family and friends are all coming over). We cannot believe it was a year ago today that our beautiful daughter was born.
Our daughter has had a great day. We took her and our dog to the Forest of Dean as it was a nice day. Had it been raining we'd have gone swimming instead.
With all the excitement of today our daughter was even more tired than usual today and went to bed early (Yippee). We just have tomorrow to get through now. It should be fun, there'll be between 20 and 30 people here. Wish us luck.
My wife and I have recently been talking about where the last year has gone as we have prepared for today and tomorrow (we have a party for her tomorrow where family and friends are all coming over). We cannot believe it was a year ago today that our beautiful daughter was born.
Our daughter has had a great day. We took her and our dog to the Forest of Dean as it was a nice day. Had it been raining we'd have gone swimming instead.
With all the excitement of today our daughter was even more tired than usual today and went to bed early (Yippee). We just have tomorrow to get through now. It should be fun, there'll be between 20 and 30 people here. Wish us luck.
Monday 2 June 2008
The Best Newborn Toy Available
As all first time parents do we overspent on all sorts of things for baby, however one of the things we were glad we bought was an Activity Play Mat.
This was a soft, slightly cushioned mat with all sorts of things on. There were squeakers and a mirror under a palm tree leaf. There were dangly things hanging from the spongy poles that clipped to the sides of the mat in opposite corners so they actually crossed.
Our daughter loved it. It was amazing to see how she grew on that mat. At first she was a tiny bundle in the middle and not doing too much, but eventually she grew and was able to reach the dangly things.
She did her first roll onto her belly on that mat and she even started to practice crawling on there too.
That mat is now in the loft waiting to see if anymore babies come along to play. We would recommend one of these mats without hesitation.
This was a soft, slightly cushioned mat with all sorts of things on. There were squeakers and a mirror under a palm tree leaf. There were dangly things hanging from the spongy poles that clipped to the sides of the mat in opposite corners so they actually crossed.
Our daughter loved it. It was amazing to see how she grew on that mat. At first she was a tiny bundle in the middle and not doing too much, but eventually she grew and was able to reach the dangly things.
She did her first roll onto her belly on that mat and she even started to practice crawling on there too.
That mat is now in the loft waiting to see if anymore babies come along to play. We would recommend one of these mats without hesitation.
Our Daughter Loves....
Our daughter loves the That's Not My... range of books by Usbourne. These books are great as they are interactive. Each page has a different surface or material for your children to feel and our daughter loves touching those spots.
Some of the surfaces are soft, some are scratchy, some are shiny and some are smooth. There are a number of different types of surface in the books and no book has all the different types in.
Another favourite book our daughter has is Five Noisy Ducks. This has a small round push button in the top corner which when pressed makes quacking sounds. She is not interested in the story too much, she just loves pushinng the button and hearing it quack.
Some of the surfaces are soft, some are scratchy, some are shiny and some are smooth. There are a number of different types of surface in the books and no book has all the different types in.
Another favourite book our daughter has is Five Noisy Ducks. This has a small round push button in the top corner which when pressed makes quacking sounds. She is not interested in the story too much, she just loves pushinng the button and hearing it quack.
Toddler Taming
We have been reading a fantastic book called Toddler Taming by Dr Christopher Green. It is a guide to the first four years of being a parent.
It details all the stages of development your child goes through and how to combat those nasties that we all dread.
It is all done in an entertaining and easy reading style.
It was recommended to us by a doctor who said, and I quote "if you only buy one book on parenting then by this one".
We couldn't agree more.
It details all the stages of development your child goes through and how to combat those nasties that we all dread.
It is all done in an entertaining and easy reading style.
It was recommended to us by a doctor who said, and I quote "if you only buy one book on parenting then by this one".
We couldn't agree more.
Bumbo
As babies get older and stronger they begin to do more (obviously) and they want to do it. When found that our daughter could sit up on her own without falling over we got her a 
Bumbo chair.
These chairs are made of soft moulded foam that support the child as they sit up. It is not designed for use for long periods in the beginning as your baby will soon get bored and want to move. However they are great to keep baby upright as they learn to keep their balance.
We used ours daily and every time she used it she would smile. She was able to sit up as it was boring lying on her back all day staring at the ceiling.
We also found the chair was actually good for her posture as her back was supported and kept straight rather than having a hunched look about her.
We don' think our daughter would have been able to sit up on her own as quickly as she did without it.
Bumbo chair.These chairs are made of soft moulded foam that support the child as they sit up. It is not designed for use for long periods in the beginning as your baby will soon get bored and want to move. However they are great to keep baby upright as they learn to keep their balance.
We used ours daily and every time she used it she would smile. She was able to sit up as it was boring lying on her back all day staring at the ceiling.
We also found the chair was actually good for her posture as her back was supported and kept straight rather than having a hunched look about her.
We don' think our daughter would have been able to sit up on her own as quickly as she did without it.
Sunday 1 June 2008
What Do Lions Do?
My daugther is a year old on Friday and I for one cannot believe where the time has gone. It seems like only yesterday when we brought her home and she was as long as my forearm, from the tips of my fingers to the crook of my elbow.
Well in this last year my daughter has moved house twice, been on holiday twice (both in the UK), learnt to walk and started talking. My word she has been busy.
The latest thing she has learnt is answering the question What do lions do? at which point she roars. This obviously amuses every adult around and as they think it's very funny.
Other things she does are give you 5 if you ask her to 'Slip you some skin', she can nod her head when she means to, she can clap her hands (this made my wife very happy when she did this - some old wives tale or something) and give kisses (these are strictly on limited supply).
Well in this last year my daughter has moved house twice, been on holiday twice (both in the UK), learnt to walk and started talking. My word she has been busy.
The latest thing she has learnt is answering the question What do lions do? at which point she roars. This obviously amuses every adult around and as they think it's very funny.
Other things she does are give you 5 if you ask her to 'Slip you some skin', she can nod her head when she means to, she can clap her hands (this made my wife very happy when she did this - some old wives tale or something) and give kisses (these are strictly on limited supply).
Tuesday 27 May 2008
My Daughter Makes Me Feel Better
Today was my first day back at work after our holiday and boy was it a struggle. I really didn't want to get up and then I had a really bad day at work.
I came in to find stacks of work, everyone wanting a piece of me and not enough time to devote to any of it. What is worse is I came to discover that there are going to be changes to what I work on which everyone else knew about except me. My boss isn't in until tomorrow so I shall let her know I'm not happy then.
It's not necessarily that these changes are happening but that they were not discussed with me before being told to everyone else.
Anyway having managed to get through the day I also discovered at lunchtime that I had my wife's keys with me. This meant she couldn't go out today (I work over 1 hour away). She was not happy.
The happiest part of my day has been coming home to find a) my wife in a surprisingly good mood considering and b) my daughter standing waiting for me.
She immediately smiled amd put her arms out for me to pick her up. She clings on like a monkey and wont let go. Also when she gets excited her whole body shakes, it's so cute and funny.
We then spent the next 10 minutes giggling as she held each ofmy index fingers in her hand and we walked very quickly through the downstairs of the house until dinner was ready.
No matter what sort a day I've had my daughter makes it all better with a simple cuddle and smile.
I came in to find stacks of work, everyone wanting a piece of me and not enough time to devote to any of it. What is worse is I came to discover that there are going to be changes to what I work on which everyone else knew about except me. My boss isn't in until tomorrow so I shall let her know I'm not happy then.
It's not necessarily that these changes are happening but that they were not discussed with me before being told to everyone else.
Anyway having managed to get through the day I also discovered at lunchtime that I had my wife's keys with me. This meant she couldn't go out today (I work over 1 hour away). She was not happy.
The happiest part of my day has been coming home to find a) my wife in a surprisingly good mood considering and b) my daughter standing waiting for me.
She immediately smiled amd put her arms out for me to pick her up. She clings on like a monkey and wont let go. Also when she gets excited her whole body shakes, it's so cute and funny.
We then spent the next 10 minutes giggling as she held each ofmy index fingers in her hand and we walked very quickly through the downstairs of the house until dinner was ready.
No matter what sort a day I've had my daughter makes it all better with a simple cuddle and smile.
Monday 26 May 2008
Apologises
Well my family and I have just got back from our holiday to Cornwall. We spent a few days in Bude. It's a really nice seaside town. The weather wasn't too bad. It only rained on 1 day. That's not bad for the UK.
We didn't have a great deal of money to spend but we did have some fun. Our daughter had her first experience of the beach. She enjoyed it too. She was quite happy playing in the sand with her bucket and spade, even if it was a bit cold and windy.
I didn't help though. I was determined that she was going to have a paddle, unfortunately her feet are more sensitive than mine. When I put feet into the water she screamed, and screamed, and screamed. I carried her back up the beach with her feet wrapped in a blanket. She has forgiven me now, I think.
At the campsite we stayed at there was a pool. We did use it but only once, as it was bloody freezing. It would be a nice pool to use at the height of summer, but not on a warm but windy day in May.
We also took our daughter to Dairyland to see some farmyard animals. I think my wife was more excited than my daughter. We all had fun though. My daughter seemed to enjoy being in the ball pit best.
I would recommend Cornwall to anyone as there is loads to do and it would take years of holidays there to see everything.
We didn't have a great deal of money to spend but we did have some fun. Our daughter had her first experience of the beach. She enjoyed it too. She was quite happy playing in the sand with her bucket and spade, even if it was a bit cold and windy.
I didn't help though. I was determined that she was going to have a paddle, unfortunately her feet are more sensitive than mine. When I put feet into the water she screamed, and screamed, and screamed. I carried her back up the beach with her feet wrapped in a blanket. She has forgiven me now, I think.
At the campsite we stayed at there was a pool. We did use it but only once, as it was bloody freezing. It would be a nice pool to use at the height of summer, but not on a warm but windy day in May.
We also took our daughter to Dairyland to see some farmyard animals. I think my wife was more excited than my daughter. We all had fun though. My daughter seemed to enjoy being in the ball pit best.
I would recommend Cornwall to anyone as there is loads to do and it would take years of holidays there to see everything.
Saturday 17 May 2008
My Feet Ache
Well yesterday I took my wife, our baby, her friend and her baby to the baby show in Birmingham and boy do my feet ache.
We walked around the arena for approx 4.5 hours and came away with bag fulls of freebies. We signed upto endless mailing list and filled in loads of survey and competition forms.
The stands there sold anything and everything from clothes, toys, feeding equipment, safety equipment and buggies to furniture, food, new style organic clothing and food, the latest learning techniques and even cars.
I would heartly recommend it for anyone who is about to have a baby or has just had one. The next event is at Earls Court, London in November. My wife wants to go to that one as well.
If you went to the show I'd love to hear what you thought of it.
We walked around the arena for approx 4.5 hours and came away with bag fulls of freebies. We signed upto endless mailing list and filled in loads of survey and competition forms.
The stands there sold anything and everything from clothes, toys, feeding equipment, safety equipment and buggies to furniture, food, new style organic clothing and food, the latest learning techniques and even cars.
I would heartly recommend it for anyone who is about to have a baby or has just had one. The next event is at Earls Court, London in November. My wife wants to go to that one as well.
If you went to the show I'd love to hear what you thought of it.
Thursday 15 May 2008
The Art Of Putting Baby To Bed
When you find out you're going to become a parent, particularly for the first time, there are loads of things going through your mind. Excitement, happiness, panic, perhaps even a little dread and fear. These are all natural.
Once baby arrives then fun begins. Everything is new and exciting. Feeding, bathing, sleeping and even changing is new and exciting at first (this soon wears off after the first few stink loaded nappies). However there is one thing that will eventually start getting to you and that is the lack of sleep.
The answer to ending those sleepless nights is a 7-letter word beginning with R. ROUTINE.
From the very start my wife and I decided that we would get baby into a routine as quickly as possible. So once the initial excitement and learning of the first week was over we setup our bedtime ritual. Our ritual has become know as the 3B's.
At 6:00pm (or as close to as we could) we would start step 1 which was to Bathe baby. Once bathed and ready for bed we went to step 2.
Step 2 was feeding. This was done by Bottle (as my wife was unable to breastfeed).
Step 3 was simple case of putting Baby to Bed.
We used this from an early age and we have not had any sleepless nights. That is not to say she's has not woken up at times during the night but when she has it has been for no more than around 3o minutes.
I would heartily recommend you set your own bedtime routine and at the earliest possible opportunity. Our routine may not work for you but with a little adaptation you should be able create your own routine for your child and hopefully end those sleepless nights.
Once baby arrives then fun begins. Everything is new and exciting. Feeding, bathing, sleeping and even changing is new and exciting at first (this soon wears off after the first few stink loaded nappies). However there is one thing that will eventually start getting to you and that is the lack of sleep.
The answer to ending those sleepless nights is a 7-letter word beginning with R. ROUTINE.
From the very start my wife and I decided that we would get baby into a routine as quickly as possible. So once the initial excitement and learning of the first week was over we setup our bedtime ritual. Our ritual has become know as the 3B's.
At 6:00pm (or as close to as we could) we would start step 1 which was to Bathe baby. Once bathed and ready for bed we went to step 2.
Step 2 was feeding. This was done by Bottle (as my wife was unable to breastfeed).
Step 3 was simple case of putting Baby to Bed.
We used this from an early age and we have not had any sleepless nights. That is not to say she's has not woken up at times during the night but when she has it has been for no more than around 3o minutes.
I would heartily recommend you set your own bedtime routine and at the earliest possible opportunity. Our routine may not work for you but with a little adaptation you should be able create your own routine for your child and hopefully end those sleepless nights.
This Saturday
Well this Saturday my family and I are off to The Baby Show at the NEC. My wife went last year and bought back loads of free stuff. This year I'm going too along with our daughter. We shall be meeting friends there too.
I expect I shall be the glorified packhorse, however I do know that they have an area where you can deposit your goods so that you can carry on round to collect more.
The event is on from Friday 16th May to Sunday 18th May. If you cannot make it this weekend there is another event at Earls Court from October 17th -19th.
If you do go have fun and let me know how you get on.
I expect I shall be the glorified packhorse, however I do know that they have an area where you can deposit your goods so that you can carry on round to collect more.
The event is on from Friday 16th May to Sunday 18th May. If you cannot make it this weekend there is another event at Earls Court from October 17th -19th.
If you do go have fun and let me know how you get on.
Tuesday 13 May 2008
Favourite Times
I love the weekend mornings. I get to spend time with my daughter on our own. She is normally up between 06:00 and 07:00 and as I'm an early riser too it allows my wife to have a lie in (much kinder for all of us all round).
These early mornings are great. We get up and and have breakfast together. Well she has breakfast, I have a cup of tea. Then its nappy change and a bit of play. She loves her Noah's Ark push a long toy that she got for Christmas. It plays 4 different songs and she shakes her booty everytime one comes on. She also loves her books and new teddy bear.
We have quiet cuddles and lots of giggles.
My other favourite time is bath time. It is generally the time of the day when my daughter and I can be on our own. She loves water. She splashes in the bath for ages and tells me about her day. She is also brushing her teeth on her own (well after I have brushed them first).
I'd love to hear about your favourite times too.
These early mornings are great. We get up and and have breakfast together. Well she has breakfast, I have a cup of tea. Then its nappy change and a bit of play. She loves her Noah's Ark push a long toy that she got for Christmas. It plays 4 different songs and she shakes her booty everytime one comes on. She also loves her books and new teddy bear.
We have quiet cuddles and lots of giggles.
My other favourite time is bath time. It is generally the time of the day when my daughter and I can be on our own. She loves water. She splashes in the bath for ages and tells me about her day. She is also brushing her teeth on her own (well after I have brushed them first).
I'd love to hear about your favourite times too.
Sunday 11 May 2008
Bank Holiday farce
Last Monday was a Bank Holiday and my wife and I decided we would take our daughter to the local zoo (my wife loves the animals and think it was an excuse for her to go). Anyway we left a bit later than we wanted but once on our way we all happy, however this would change later.
We left the motorway and followed the signs to the zoo. Unfortunately when we eventually got to the zoo the car parks were full and the queue to get in was huge. We would've had to queue for at least 90 minutes and would've only been able to stop for another 90 minutes.
The decision was made to go shopping instead as my wife needed some new clothes (in this instance she actually does). So we continued on. Unfortunately I thought I knew how to get to the shopping centre quicker than my wife did. I took a couple of wrong turns and instead of taking about 20 minutes to get there we took about 2 hours. I was not popular.
The first thing we did when we got to the shopping centre was sit down to eat. We had to feed our daughter, she had been wingeing for something to eat for ages. Again in my rush to help feed our daughter I made my wife so angry she said she wanted to go home.
Eventually she calmed down by going off to a shop while I fed our daughter. After I'd finished feeding her we waited for my wife to come back but she didn't. In the mean time my daughter decide that this was the time for a nappy change. While changing her nappy my wife returned. Once I'd explained that a nappy needed changing she was fine and we went off looking for clothes for my wife.
We did get some clothes for my wife. We also went got our daughter a bear from 'The Bear Factory'. She picked her own bearskin, then kissed a hear to go into him before it got stuffed. Once she had her finished bear she wouldn't let him go. It was so nice to see her so excited.
In the end we didn't go to the zoo, we got some clothes for my wife and a bear for my daughter. We all went home happy.
We left the motorway and followed the signs to the zoo. Unfortunately when we eventually got to the zoo the car parks were full and the queue to get in was huge. We would've had to queue for at least 90 minutes and would've only been able to stop for another 90 minutes.
The decision was made to go shopping instead as my wife needed some new clothes (in this instance she actually does). So we continued on. Unfortunately I thought I knew how to get to the shopping centre quicker than my wife did. I took a couple of wrong turns and instead of taking about 20 minutes to get there we took about 2 hours. I was not popular.
The first thing we did when we got to the shopping centre was sit down to eat. We had to feed our daughter, she had been wingeing for something to eat for ages. Again in my rush to help feed our daughter I made my wife so angry she said she wanted to go home.
Eventually she calmed down by going off to a shop while I fed our daughter. After I'd finished feeding her we waited for my wife to come back but she didn't. In the mean time my daughter decide that this was the time for a nappy change. While changing her nappy my wife returned. Once I'd explained that a nappy needed changing she was fine and we went off looking for clothes for my wife.
We did get some clothes for my wife. We also went got our daughter a bear from 'The Bear Factory'. She picked her own bearskin, then kissed a hear to go into him before it got stuffed. Once she had her finished bear she wouldn't let him go. It was so nice to see her so excited.
In the end we didn't go to the zoo, we got some clothes for my wife and a bear for my daughter. We all went home happy.
Danger is approaching fast
My daughter is now finding her feet for longer and faster. This means my wife and I need eyes in the back of our heads. It won't be long before she is always on her feet and opening cupboards and stuff. She has already opened her first one.
Her favourite game at the moment is either emptying the DVDs from the rack or removing all the shoes from the shoe rack.
At least with all her running about she will keep us fit.
Her favourite game at the moment is either emptying the DVDs from the rack or removing all the shoes from the shoe rack.
At least with all her running about she will keep us fit.
Saturday 10 May 2008
The Struggle
I don't know about you but we struggled to find a name that suited our baby. We were convinced that we were having a boy and we had names for him sorted.
When our daughter was born we felt all the emotions you get when your baby is born, suprise, elation and joy, but there was a hint of oops 'What do we call her?'
It took us at least 24hrs before we could think of a name that we both liked and felt suited her. Everything I liked my wife hated as it reminded her of someone she didn't like, sounded too posh or would cause her to get beaten up at school.
Everything my wife liked I felt was too common, there was already someone in the family with that name or would cause her to be picked on in school.
In the end we did find a name we both loved it just took a bit longer than we thought. It is very strange calling your baby 'Baby' because she doesn't have a name yet. Once we confirmed it and felt happy with the name another of those little weights was lifted from our shoulders.
Did any of you struggle to name your child? I'd love to hear about and also on why you chose their name.
When our daughter was born we felt all the emotions you get when your baby is born, suprise, elation and joy, but there was a hint of oops 'What do we call her?'
It took us at least 24hrs before we could think of a name that we both liked and felt suited her. Everything I liked my wife hated as it reminded her of someone she didn't like, sounded too posh or would cause her to get beaten up at school.
Everything my wife liked I felt was too common, there was already someone in the family with that name or would cause her to be picked on in school.
In the end we did find a name we both loved it just took a bit longer than we thought. It is very strange calling your baby 'Baby' because she doesn't have a name yet. Once we confirmed it and felt happy with the name another of those little weights was lifted from our shoulders.
Did any of you struggle to name your child? I'd love to hear about and also on why you chose their name.
Wednesday 7 May 2008
How To Stop Baby Crying
As a new dad there is nothing more disconcerting or worrying than the sound of your child crying. It can seem like it goes on for hours and there appears to be nothing you can do to soothe them back down.
Babies cry for the following reasons.
1. They're hungry - Simple, feed them. We were told to fed our daughter every 4 hours but at night we kept having to wake her to be fed. In the end we left her to sleep as long as she wanted and fed her when she woke. This meant both my wife and I had some decent nights of sleep.
2. They've got wind - A simple rub of the back, quite firmly, in anti-clockwise direction with the heal part of the palm of your hand should soon have the offending wind back up and into your face. This is very important after feeding. To help avoid this altogether, along with a condition known as croup, is to use a medicine that helps baby's digestion. I would recommend Infacol (please bear in mind this worked for us but may not work for you, also I am NOT a medical person and have NO medical background)
3. They've got a dirty nappy - You should be able to tell very quickly if this has happened. The stench can be truly awful. A simple nappy change and everything should be all smiles and gurgling again.
4. They're too hot / cold - If baby is not hungry or dirty it maybe they are too hot or cold or ill. If baby is too hot or too cold this is easily remedied just add or remove clothes as necessary.
5. They maybe ill - Depending on the age of the baby will depend on what medication is available. I recommend seeking a doctor's opinion if baby is ill. They will be able to give you the right advice. This is always a very scary time particularly when your baby is very young (under 3 months old) and it's your first born. Apparently the second time round is never so bad as you've been through it once with the first one.
6. They maybe hurt - Babies are going to hurt themselves. Do not worry about it too much (unless they fall on their head or neck). Just by picking them up, giving them a cuddle and making soothing noises they should quieten down very quickly.
7. They could be overtired - A sure sign of this is constant rubbing of the eyes, and when being cuddled, burrowing into your shoulder. Again simply picking them up and giving a cuddle should be enough.
If none of these seem to be the reason and baby is still crying constantly here is what I have found to be a simple, quick and easy way to get baby to sleep (this particularly works well with very young babies - under 9 months).
Firstly take off your clothes so that you're semi naked and pick your baby. Babies love to feel the warmth of your skin and also hear the beating of your heart. It soothes them.
Next you need to stand up and start gently swaying from side to side. Don't move you feet, just rock sideways on your feet, changing the weight distribution on each leg each time. Your partner is bound to be able to do this instantly. It took me 2 weeks before I managed to get the sway right. Within 5 minutes any noisy and unhappy child should be well on their way to sleep, if they are not already there.
I hope you have found this useful.
Babies cry for the following reasons.
1. They're hungry - Simple, feed them. We were told to fed our daughter every 4 hours but at night we kept having to wake her to be fed. In the end we left her to sleep as long as she wanted and fed her when she woke. This meant both my wife and I had some decent nights of sleep.
2. They've got wind - A simple rub of the back, quite firmly, in anti-clockwise direction with the heal part of the palm of your hand should soon have the offending wind back up and into your face. This is very important after feeding. To help avoid this altogether, along with a condition known as croup, is to use a medicine that helps baby's digestion. I would recommend Infacol (please bear in mind this worked for us but may not work for you, also I am NOT a medical person and have NO medical background)
3. They've got a dirty nappy - You should be able to tell very quickly if this has happened. The stench can be truly awful. A simple nappy change and everything should be all smiles and gurgling again.
4. They're too hot / cold - If baby is not hungry or dirty it maybe they are too hot or cold or ill. If baby is too hot or too cold this is easily remedied just add or remove clothes as necessary.
5. They maybe ill - Depending on the age of the baby will depend on what medication is available. I recommend seeking a doctor's opinion if baby is ill. They will be able to give you the right advice. This is always a very scary time particularly when your baby is very young (under 3 months old) and it's your first born. Apparently the second time round is never so bad as you've been through it once with the first one.
6. They maybe hurt - Babies are going to hurt themselves. Do not worry about it too much (unless they fall on their head or neck). Just by picking them up, giving them a cuddle and making soothing noises they should quieten down very quickly.
7. They could be overtired - A sure sign of this is constant rubbing of the eyes, and when being cuddled, burrowing into your shoulder. Again simply picking them up and giving a cuddle should be enough.
If none of these seem to be the reason and baby is still crying constantly here is what I have found to be a simple, quick and easy way to get baby to sleep (this particularly works well with very young babies - under 9 months).
Firstly take off your clothes so that you're semi naked and pick your baby. Babies love to feel the warmth of your skin and also hear the beating of your heart. It soothes them.
Next you need to stand up and start gently swaying from side to side. Don't move you feet, just rock sideways on your feet, changing the weight distribution on each leg each time. Your partner is bound to be able to do this instantly. It took me 2 weeks before I managed to get the sway right. Within 5 minutes any noisy and unhappy child should be well on their way to sleep, if they are not already there.
I hope you have found this useful.
Walking Round In Circles
For the first hour home from work I've had both my index fingers tightly grabbed by my daughter as she walked my around the garden back into the house and back out into the garden. I loved it. She giggled and spoke (baby sounds not coherent speech) and thoroughly enjoyed herself.
All that walking tired her out as after her bath she went to bed and straight to sleep. See the more exercise a baby does the more tired they become, the easier it is for them to go to bed.
These are the times I live for. She is growing so fast and I cannot believe she is going to be one in 4 weeks.
All that walking tired her out as after her bath she went to bed and straight to sleep. See the more exercise a baby does the more tired they become, the easier it is for them to go to bed.
These are the times I live for. She is growing so fast and I cannot believe she is going to be one in 4 weeks.
Tuesday 6 May 2008
Hints & Tips
10 Things To Expect In The First Few Days As A New Dad
As a new dad there are many things going on in your life that were not there before. For example you now have an extra mouth to feed. This article is a list of those things that, both pleasant and unpleasant, I have come across in the first few weeks as a new dad.
1. The First Cuddle - I do not care what anyone says, when you first hold your newborn it is a magical moment. There is nothing that can prepare you for that moment. Just you and your child. You may have others around you but you will not notice them. It is just you and your baby. It may only last for a few fleeting moments but it is there and you will feel something indescribable. All new dads feel this at some point however briefly.
2. The First Smile - Much like number 1 this is a heart melting moment. As a new dad nothing can prepare you for this either. It may even happen while you are holding your baby for the first time.
3. The First Nappy - You may not see the very first nappy but believe me if you see a dirty nappy in the first 3 - 5 days you will notice it. It does not look like anything that you expect to come out of the backside of a human. It is a black / dark green colour and it is as sticky as hell. As a new dad it very odd to this strange substance come out of your newborn. Your baby is just getting rid of what it has been feeding on for the last 9 months.
4. Getting Home - There is great relief when you finally get home from the hospital. This means the staff are happy the baby is fine and is feeding properly. Your new life as a new dad starts now and changed forever.
5. Family & Friends - Most of your family and friends will want to see the new arrival as quickly as possible. You may have had family or friends at the hospital with you already. It will feel like the world and his wife will have visited or made arrangements to visit in the first week or so. They will make a fuss and generally say ‘You must be so proud’ or ask ’What’s it like being an new dad’. Enjoy this as it is about the only fuss YOU will get. Most will be focussed on the baby and your partner.
6. Feeding - This is another of those moments as new dads where you feel part of the whole experience as you get to feed the baby. Normally this is the preserve of the mother as most babies are breast fed. Some however cannot be and this means there another great father baby bonding moment waiting. The first time you feed your baby you feel so clever and privileged because it is something you can do.
7. Winding - This is so important. Once you have fed your baby put something absorbent over yourself. Babies are not able to get rid of their trapped wind very easily. It will be very painful for the baby if not dealt with. We have to help them. When they get rid of the wind it usually result in them being sick. This is normal. There are likely to be comments like ‘Just like their father’. It is very funny to hear your baby burp for the first time, but not as funny as hearing the first botty burp.
8. Sleeping - When you put your little one down to sleep you will have this unshakeable urge as a new dad to just sit and watch. I cannot explain it but seeing you child sleeping makes you feel relaxed and happy.
9. Bathing - This is a great time to get more of the new dad / new baby bonding going. The water has to be lukewarm as the baby’s skin is still very sensitive. Just being able to see those perfect little hands, feet, fingers and toes is truly amazing.
10. Your Partner - As a new dad you will also have to care for your partner in the first few days and weeks. She will have just been through a traumatic experience and her body will need time to heal. There are bound to be stitches on her body and she will not be able to move very far, if at all, without it hurting. You need to able to help her in any way. It is the least you can do after she has carried and given birth to your child.
There are many more things for you to look out for as the days and weeks pass. Each day your child does something new and different and it is up to you to spot it.
What a week
Well this last week has been extremely hectic and exciting.
My wife has had a week off from work and so things have needed to be done and places and people visited. I have been doing overtime but I managed to be at home when another of those amazing moments happens.
My daughter has started walking at the age of 10 months and 3 weeks. She walked a couple of steps last Thursday (May 1st) and then took a long walk of approx 15 steps on Friday (May 2nd).
It appears this may have shocked her as she has only walked 3 or 4 steps at time since.
What a moment though. To see your child walk for the first time is truly amazing.
The feeling you get when your child walks for the first time is one of unbelieveable pride. Your child is walking and growing up so fast. It is also a little scary as you know that very soon this little bundle of joy is going to be tearing around your home at break neck speed. They'll be getting into cupboards and drawers, emptying the contents all over the floor.
My wife has had a week off from work and so things have needed to be done and places and people visited. I have been doing overtime but I managed to be at home when another of those amazing moments happens.
My daughter has started walking at the age of 10 months and 3 weeks. She walked a couple of steps last Thursday (May 1st) and then took a long walk of approx 15 steps on Friday (May 2nd).
It appears this may have shocked her as she has only walked 3 or 4 steps at time since.
What a moment though. To see your child walk for the first time is truly amazing.
The feeling you get when your child walks for the first time is one of unbelieveable pride. Your child is walking and growing up so fast. It is also a little scary as you know that very soon this little bundle of joy is going to be tearing around your home at break neck speed. They'll be getting into cupboards and drawers, emptying the contents all over the floor.
Saturday 26 April 2008
Hello & Welcome
I want to start by saying 'Hello' and 'Welcome' to this blog for New Dads. As a new dad of 19 months (9 waiting for baby to arrive & 10 actually looking after baby) I feel a little left out at times.
The purpose of this blog is to share my thoughts and experiences, and those of others about being a new dad. I hope to bring this across to you in an fun and informative way.
In the last 10 months I have had more enjoyment being a new dad than I ever thought possible. I was one of those men who had decided they never wanted kids. I made up reasons -
- I can't look after myself let alone someone else
- I haven't found the right woman
- I want to get married first
- I can't afford them
- The world is a terrible place it would be wrong to bring a child into it
You know the sort of thing. Ever since my daughter was born however none of that matters. My gorgeous baby daughter is my world. I would do anything for her. I'm sure you are the same about your children.
Until next time here is something to remember - When your wife/girlfriend gives birth to your child do not I repeat do not forget to get her a card and present as a thank-you. She has just been through x number of hours of labour for your child and deserves a little something for her. Take it from someone who did forget that this is not recommended.
The purpose of this blog is to share my thoughts and experiences, and those of others about being a new dad. I hope to bring this across to you in an fun and informative way.
In the last 10 months I have had more enjoyment being a new dad than I ever thought possible. I was one of those men who had decided they never wanted kids. I made up reasons -
- I can't look after myself let alone someone else
- I haven't found the right woman
- I want to get married first
- I can't afford them
- The world is a terrible place it would be wrong to bring a child into it
You know the sort of thing. Ever since my daughter was born however none of that matters. My gorgeous baby daughter is my world. I would do anything for her. I'm sure you are the same about your children.
Until next time here is something to remember - When your wife/girlfriend gives birth to your child do not I repeat do not forget to get her a card and present as a thank-you. She has just been through x number of hours of labour for your child and deserves a little something for her. Take it from someone who did forget that this is not recommended.
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