The Parent Trap MSN Life & Style Blog: Blog

First Times...

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 18:39:11 GMT

So I started Jaycen's Baby Book yesterday and I'm gonna add all the photographs from the pregnancy and his first five days (I've got a set of matching albums for photos after that...)

But thanks to a mix up at the photo place, I have to wait until Monday for all of my prints. I wanted them done in a day and they have gone away (in error) on three day processing - great! Fortunately, I received a nice hefty voucher for the inconvenience - I should think so too!

Anyway.. (thanks to them) this post has now gone from being about the baby book, to being about first times (and that's no bad thing!)

Jaycen had two first times yesterday and I managed to snap photos of both (yeah, I know - no surprise there eh?)

Yesterday morning a parcel arrived from eBay and it was the inflatable nest and play gym that I had won. Jayce has really taken to sitting up and he's grouchy if we lay him down, so we needed something that he could play in, but be comfy (and nod off in) too. It was real bargain... Normally close to 40 quid from Mothercare, I snaffled this on eBay for a tenner! The best thing is, it also matches the 'safari' mothercare toys that we were bought as presents.

Take a look at these pics...
What a little comfy man!

His other big first was a trip out in his buggy!

We've been using the moses basket in this buggy since he was born, but now he's just too big and gets far too hot (it's so enclosed), so we changed over to the super-comfy (and airy) buggy. He loved it!

...So much so that hubby and I even took him for a walk in the evening and picked up a chippy tea on the way back - great plan it was, great plan!

I was worried that he'd be a little confused at first, as the moses basket faces me (as I push) and the buggy faces outward. But I needn't of worried as after a few 'Hello Jaycens' he was fine and dandy and knew exactly where I was. He loved looking at all the flowers and plants in the gardens we passed and was asleep in a record time of two minutes and that was that. So we'll be using the buggy from now on me thinks!

Another bonus is that it's so much lighter without the moses basket attached. My back is thanking Jayce for taking to the buggy, it really is. I can whack that buggy up over the front step now, no problem.

Here's to many more first times!
May they all be as beneficial and happy!

More soon...

Selena x

Selena Ledgerton Cooper
Life & Style (Family/Parenting)

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So Much To Say...

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:50:23 GMT

Between work (which has gone nuts!) and baby Jaycen, I have been chocka over the past few weeks. I have so much to share, but yesterday I thought to myself how random all the stuff is... So I guess this post is gonna be all over the place (to say the least). I have stuff to recommend, memories to log, info to share and tons more... So if you feel like a random ride into my head today - then read on!

First of all I want to draw your attention to a fantastic (and creative) kit. I wanted to do one of those clay footprint doohickeys, but I just couldn't find one that was big enough to do hand as well. You can get small kits that have a tin of clay for baby to put his hand or foot in, or the ones that have a huge frame and everything else but they cost a fortune. I just wanted a keepsake of Jaycen's hand and footprint, not to have to take out a new mortgage!

Of all places Argos was my saviour! They do frame and clay print kits for just £11.99 and they have them in blue, pink or white.

Hubby and I grabbed the white kit (I'd have ripped someone's arm off for one at that price!) - It came out beautifully and was relatively easy to do. I thought it would be very hard geting a decent print off Jaycen, but it was surprising how quickly he opened his hand - we were probably very lucky. This set even comes with a pencil tool to write your child's name and the date. On the opposite side of the frame, you can add a photo too. It was fun to do as a family and we even had a friend record the printing session on video - two keepsakes for the price of one... (Thanks for filming Ian!)

Wanna see the finished article?
Here's my effort...

I haven't chosen a photo for the other side yet, but I've got it on my list for today (honest!)

Have a go, you'll love it!

Right, what's next...

MEMORIES

New songs that Jaycen loves are...

Eidelweiss when he's feeding, the theme from Gummi Bears (just for fun) and he now sleeps to Truly Scrumptious from Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang and Thankyou for the Music by Abba. I'm telling you, a couple of rounds of those two and he's out!

Jaycen now has a Bumbo!

He's not supposed to be able to sit in it until 3 months because babies that use it must be able to hold their head up. Jayce being the little whizz that he is, is more than comfy in it already. It's a great invention you know, the babies weight holds them in place and it feels so soft and comfortable. The best way I can describe it is like a plastercine potty! Jaycen loves it!

Now that we're getting bigger, we've also been fashioning some rather snazzy big boy outfits! I have four personal favourites...

There's this khaki number from Next with matching cord Converse.

Then there's his Mini Mode outfit. I call these his buster browns. I'm a big fan of the film Drop Dead Fred and I love it when they're playing burglars and Fred makes the little girl's 'sweater stripey!'

(He also has his K-Swiss from Auntie Shell on. Remember when I posted the photos of her buying those yonks ago? Now he's wearing them - it's ace!)

Next is his Official England Set from his Uncle Birchy and Auntie Tracey...

...And finally, there's his super-gorgeous NEW I Love Mummy romper! Just look at him giggling on this photo!

Just had to post this one...
It's his favourite bib (and mine) from his Auntie Pam.

Speaking of feeding, we've been having lots of fun with Jaycen's feeding habits. Now he's passed the two month marker he's been on five, six ounce feeds and boy do you know when he wants grub! He's fine on every feed apart from the last one at night. He's supposed to have his feed at ten (because he's feeding every four hours and he heads straight off to bed after that), but he's grouchy from nine and usually screaming blue murder by 9.30pm. It's not fun, he's got a top set of lungs and can really make a cracking noise!

Fortunately through songs, games and general distraction - he's managing to stretch until quarter to ten before he explodes!

Oh yeah, and the minute you take the bottle out of his mouth to wind him, he kicks off too - Especially if he doesn't want to be winded! Bottle in, silence... Bottle out...AAAAAAAGGGGGHHHH!

It's funny though, the minute he's finished drinking and we say 'all gone', he's happy as Larry. No screaming, boo-hoos, weepies or anything - not a tear or tonsil in sight! What a guy!

Anyway... Enough rambling from me, you could probably do with some handy information by now eh?

Well as far as info goes, I have to ask if you've registered with ebay? I have and I've bought some great items and sold some baby stuff too. It's a great way to recycle all those newborn clothes into age 3-6 months. Sell one lot and buy another with the cash you make - Excellent! I'm just sorting out some maternity clothes and some of my old 'smaller' clothes that I've never worn. Space is getting less and less in our house, so it's time for a clear out. That reminds me, I need to allocate one room a week to rip apart and sort out. I know we've got a new baby, but this hovel is geting beyond a joke!

Jaycen is now ten weeks old (heading for eleven!) - Here's the baby milestones for a two month old from Babycentre.... You can find the milestones for all ages there too!

I'm looking forward to posting on Friday. I'm doing Jaycen's Baby Book tomorrow, so that will remind me of everything I want to log in the memories sections of this blog. It's the little things that count eh? The stuff that really makes you smile!

More soon...
Selena x

Oh, and I can't forget to tell you what's coming up... I have a panel of mums testing (from birth) toys as we speak. Next week we will be reviewing them and I also have my tips on shopping for a travel system.

More soon...

Selena x

PS - If you haven't seen it get Drop Dead Fred on DVD. It's one of my favourite films and is a real 'back to you childhood' flick. The kids'll love it too - but wat ch the age range, there's a couple of naughty words in there. If nothing else, it's great for grown ups who are kids at heart anyway!

Selena Ledgerton Cooper
Childcare & Education Consultant
Author / Writer (MSN Life & Style)

____________________________________________________

Selena Ledgerton Cooper
Life & Style (Family/Parenting)

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The BEST Milk!

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:04:00 GMT

I've found the BEST milk for Jaycen!

It has to be my top recommendation!

Have you tried HIPP Organic Infant Milk for your baby? I know it sounds like I'm blatantly advertising, but I'm not - Its just great milk!

When I stopped breastfeeding (because of the medication for my back), I started off using the usual suspects (you know the ones) - but I nearly died when I realised they weren't organic (or GM free) and they were also SO expensive!

So I took it upon myself to test a few formulas and the one that came out on top was HIPP Organic!

Did you know that their formula provides you with the same amount of powder, it mixes well, it's organic, more eco-friendly (less packaging) and it's anything from 2 to 4 pounds cheaper per box! I'm telling you, you have to try it - I love the stuff and so does Jaycen. He has far less trouble with constipation now too and can polish off his 6oz bottle in two hits. If you're a 'greener' mum, this one could be for you!

HIPP also have a baby club online and if you join you receive regular information, updates and free samples too.

You get a pack when you join and I've just received a sample of their Good Night Drink - there's a free little weaning pack at 4 months too! Why not pop over and take a look, Click Here...

...and if you're looking for an alternative formula, I can't recommend their Organic Infant Milk enough! If you have older babies, then they also do a Follow On Milk and a Good Night Drink for sleepy night time cuddles.

(Oh yeah - If you visit the site now, you can also download a free weaning chart for your baby!)

Hugs
Selena x

Selena Ledgerton Cooper
Childcare & Education Consultant
Author / Writer (MSN Life & Style)

____________________________________________________

Selena Ledgerton Cooper
Life & Style (Family/Parenting)

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Ouch!

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:47:25 GMT

Poor babba!

He went for his first set of injections yesterday and has been off for the past two days. Fortunately, he's only been gripey (and a little weepy) - I mean they said he could have rashes, a fever and allsorts, so I'm counting my blessings poor love..

He was such a little brave boy... We were stuck in the waiting room for over 40 minutes and he was wide awake, but didn't make a sound. Then I had to take him through to be weighed and measured, he's 12 pound, 7 ounces now (what a little bruiser!).

It broke my heart when he had his needles and he screamed blue murder, but the nurse said he was 'very brave' because he stopped virtualy straight away. I honestly thought I would want to bop the nurse, but because you have to hold his little legs and are taking part in what's going on, you don't really have chance to think about it. (The first set consists of a needle in each thigh.)

Bless him... From the crying and the shock, as soon as he stopped he fell asleep. He literally conked out and missed the nurse giving him his sticker. He was good as gold and slept it off all the way home, but then needed some Baby Calpol later for the pain.

Thankfully, he hasn't had a fever or anything but he's needed lots of extra cuddles over the past few days because he's been so gripey. They said that can happen as a result of the medicine doing it's bit or the bruising... That's right, my boy has his first boo-boo...

I was so proud of how brave he was and so was his Daddy.
I was dreading it and freaking out, and he brushed it off.

What a star!

When Hubby got home, Jaycen showed off his first sticker!

More soon...
Selena x

Selena Ledgerton Cooper
Life & Style (Family/Parenting)

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A Reprieve!

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:24:55 GMT

Woohoo!

My son can love his mummy one more day!

As I've said on previous posts, Jaycen was due to have his first set of injections today and I was dreading it. Simply because I fear the repercussions of smacking a nurse who stabs my baby with a needle! Oh yes, I will bop them!

No... Just kidding, okay I'm not but I'll really try to restrain myself, I promise.

Anyway... The good news is that I needn't have gone. I was told by the receptionist (who thinks she's a doctor) that I can bring baby tomorrow when I have my post natal. She advised that I should've been told this when I made my appointment (I wasn't) and that I need to bring baby to post natal anyway to be weighed and measured (again news to me). When I tried to explain I knew nothing of this she just turned her nose up at me (as is the norm), so I just smiled politely and high-tailed it outta there with my un-pricked happy smiling baby...

I couldn't get outta there fast enough...
He can hate me tomorrow!

Then again, my mum came up with a great tip. When I said I was worried the baby would hate me for taking him for his needles, mum said "Blame the nurse!" She explained that after the nurse has given him his injection just say, "Awwww, poor baby.. What has the nasty nurse done to you? Mummy make it all better!" ...and then give him his baby calpol and a big bottle of milk! Hoorah!

So that's the plan for tomorrow...

By the way, I've also been told by another mum (Hi Kim!), that I should gently massage the two areas where the needles go in. Her son had whopping swelling after his needles as all of the fluid just seemed to sit in one place and not circulate for a while.

So I'll be doing that too!

Off to feed the baby now, he's stirring on his giant cushiony cloud...

Dreading tomorrow now, but chin up.
Hopefully Jaycen will be a little brave boy and whether he is or he isn't he's gonna get cuddled to death!

Selena x

Selena Ledgerton Cooper
Life & Style (Family/Parenting)

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Massive Responsibility!

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:27:35 GMT

When Jaycen is sleeping and I'm sat watching him, I can't help thinking what a huge responsibility we have. It doesn't phase me at all (I'm loving being a mum), but it is a real head wrecking process when you think about it... it's scary if nothing else...

This beautiful tiny baby boy is totally helpless and dependant on me and my husband. He can do nothing and needs us around the clock to feed him, cloth him, change him, everything - emotionally and physically nourish him and help him grow into a child who can understand, learn, love and do.

I've often thought how much my mum and dad cared for me, but it's only when you have your own children that you truly realise what's involved. I never thanked my mum and dad enough for all they did and I've already thanked my mum again and again, since having the baby.

You just know how much you love your own child and it's a love like I've never known. Then you realise that that's the love your parents have for you, but multiplied by thirty two years - wow! That's a lot of love!

Then there's the whole 'what kind of a person will he grow up to be' thing... I know that my husband and I have so much involvement in how he'll turn out and as the title of this post says, it's a massive responsibility. I guess we can only take solice from the fact that we are generally nice, normal, well adjusted (and relatively nerdy) people. Fingers crossed he'll be similar and not end up a mass-murdering lunatic. Who knows, I guess all we can do is try our best and nurture his loves, let him be his own person, teach him right from wrong and not push him into anything... I hate pushy mothers! He will however love retro 80's cartoons, cheese (unlike his weird father) and a cup of tea once in a while (again unlike his weird father!)

What an angel he is. I can't stop looking at him sometimes... and I still can't believe we made him!

More soon...
Selena x

Stop And Smell The Roses

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:16:33 GMT

Yesterday Jaycen was weighed for the first time at our health visitor's drop-in centre. I was a little unsure how he'd react what with five hundred new babies to meet and a whole different set of surroundings. Fortunately, I needn't of worried.

Jayce was good as gold!

He was quiet as a mouse (even when I stripped him bare) and then when I placed him in the round weighing pan, he just cooed away at the lady weighing him and she fell for him, hook, line and sinker. He gave her the biggest grin, did I mention that he's smiling now - I'm sure I did. His own personality is really growing!

Anyway... Can you believe that he's gone from 9 pounds, 9 ounces to 11 pounds, 9 ounces! What a little whopper eh? Not that I'm a fan of this 'percentile' and 'benchmark' state we live in, but according to the 'red book' (from the health visitor) he's right where he should be. I was more pleased that everyone was so impressed with his development - (Well he did hold his head up from the day he was born...but I'm not bragging, honest!)

To celebrate his cracking weight gain, we decided to take him around the shops and buy him something fab (which happened to be two new rompers that say 'I love my mummy and daddy!') I also gave him his first feed outside and he loved it!

While he was feeding, the beautiful blooms in the florist caught his eye and he couldn't stop staring at all the colours. He's becoming so alert and inquisitive. When he'd finished his feed I took him over to grab a little enrichment and 'to stop and smell the roses'. I think we both needed to do that.

Parenthood is wonderful and between work, the nappies, the screaming, the cleaning and all the running around, sometimes you just need a moment to stop and appreciate it!

More soon...
Selena x

Selena Ledgerton Cooper
Life & Style (Family/Parenting)

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6 - 8 Week Check

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:55:57 GMT

I'm due to have my 6-8 week post-natal check this week and Jaycen is due his first set of needles and health check. I thought it would be an idea to research what's involved and where Jayce should be up to with regard to his development. Thankfully, he's ahead of himself a little developmentally.

Here's what to expect at your post natal and the six week milestones for baby.

Post-natal

A smear test, if you did not have one before your pregnancy.
Inserting an IUD if you want to use this form of contraception.
An abdominal examination to ensure your uterus is back to its non-pregnant state.
Look at your episiotomy or caesarean scar, if you had one.
Blood pressure recording.
Urine test.
Blood test to check your iron levels.

Your six week old baby…

May search her surroundings for interesting things to look at.
May be more predictable day-to-day than before.
If held comfortably against your shoulder, may be able to support her head for a minute or two.
Will probably have smiled at you or another familiar person.
May communicate in other ways than crying, such as cooing.
May have settled into a longer period of sleep during the evening and/or at night.

More soon...
Selena x

Selena Ledgerton Cooper
Life & Style (Family/Parenting)

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Sitting Up

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:14:30 GMT

"I prefer to sit up, thank you very much!"
...Or that's what he'd say given the chance.

Jaycen's really getting his own personality now and after sleeping all night (like a good boy), this little man wants to see everything that's going on and DOES NOT want to nap - ever!

Here he is chilling, wiggling and cooing with his mamma... (and his binky of course)

...and here's how hard he tries to fight those sleepy eyes!

More soon...
Selena x

Selena Ledgerton Cooper
Life & Style (Family/Parenting)

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David Bailey Me!

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:09:04 GMT

I really am, I'm not kidding. I'm David Bailey! One thing I know I can do is take a good photo.

Now we have Jaycen it's a great reason to get the camera out. (My fab camera is courtesy of my Dad. Mum said he would've liked me to have it and the way I see it, every shot I take is through his eyes. He taught me everything I know about photography after all. I'm sure he's watching...)

Here's some of the shots I'm proudest of...

I know I've posted this one before, but it's my favourite shot of Jaycen... That giraffe hug is too cute and just look at those peepers!

Well, I say it's my favourite shot... The giraffe shot was taken with my mobile phone (would you believe) - But I guess you get to see the difference between phone and cracking swish-swanky camera. These two shots are taken with dad's camera and I think they are gorgeous (if I do say so myself). They weren't staged, hubby had just got out of the bath (so was just in his shorts) and was changing the baby...

The second one I'm having blown up on a canvas. I love how Jaycen is just looking right up at his daddy. Both photos were in full colour, but I altered them with a blue filter, heat and desaturation to give an ethereal glow. What do you think? I think they worked out pretty well.

Needless to say, I've been booked for a few photography sessions after friends have seen these. Worked out well I guess eh?

Selena x

Selena Ledgerton Cooper
Life & Style (Family/Parenting)

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Grrr...

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:20:08 GMT

I'm angry with myself, I still have about a thousand words to add to the post about my recovery. I have pages of notes on when I did things, how I went and how Jaycen developed, but it's just having the time to think, work and collate it all. I also have SOOO many photos to add to that post, as we took millions just after he was born. I guess the great thing about writing this blog is that I have my own diary of what happened and photos of him from every day, literally every day! I can make a great day-by-day album of his first 6 weeks when I have the chance.

Hubby is giving me the night off tonight, so I'm gonna have a hot bath and chill out. I'll still be working but I'll be a lot more relaxed! Tomorrow I've set aside time to update my hospital and recovery posts. SO much happened and there was so much information for us to take in and read, I want to be sure to pass on everything we discovered.

By the way, we've just registered Jaycen's birth. Whatever you do, don't forget to apply for your child benefit before three months is up or you lose your back pay. ALSO if you haven't registered your birth yet, you only have 6 weeks to do so. I have no idea what they think they're gonna do if you miss the deadline, maybe they beat you with a bear or something!

When you register the birth you'll also get a registration card for your local doctor's surgery to register your baby. That reminds me, I've got to call the doctors and check that my 8 week post-natal check is with my own doctor. The docs is that chocka at the moment, they'll slam you in with any of 'em!

...I've also got to see if they'll do Jaycen's injections while I'm there. He'll be exactly eight weeks old that day and you have to wait until then. I'm not looking forward to that I'm telling you! The health visitor advised that I get some baby paracetamol because it can give Jaycen quite a bit of pain afterward. I'm dreading it, the heel test was bad enough. I'll be blubbing like a big girl, I'm not kidding. Either that or I'll bop the poor nurse who gives him the injection for hurting my baby! The important information is that your baby may have some pain (which can be treated with baby paracetamol - consult your health visitor) and the first lot of needles goes in each thigh. Ouch - poor babba!

Oh yeah, and with regard to other news... Don't forget to check out the link for Bookstart at the top of this blog. You can get three different packs of books for your child as they grow - they're free!

I think I'll do my CB and registration forms tomorrow while I'm updating here. Kill two birds and all that...

Back soon...
Selena x

Selena Ledgerton Cooper
Life & Style (Family/Parenting)

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Beaut!

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:06:18 GMT

On a scale of one to ten this gets a ten for cute!

Jaycen has started doing those little nips on his dodie when he's dropping off to sleep, notice how he's adopted his birth blanket as HIS blanket. I think it will end up as his binky, it never leaves him and now he twiddles it in his little fingers. I could sit and watch him all day, but I can't... have to get to work while he naps...

Back soon...
Selena x

Selena Ledgerton Cooper
Life & Style (Family/Parenting)

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An Improvement...

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:32:22 GMT

Well, it's photo time guys!

Now that I'm partially recovered and starting to look a little more like myself, I thought I better post some pics. The awful thing is, I know I'll have to post some horrible ones too for comparison. But there you go - that's the whole point of this blog isn't it!

If you don't see me straight after the op (all drained of blood and full of fluid and anesthetic), then what's the point! You would never be able to say, "oh yeah, she does look better. If she can get through this - I can too".

You really do feel like death in the beginning... I think it's important to see that the scary, pale as a ghost, wincing from pain, quivery person looking back at you, does start to recover.

I have more colour now and my incision has healed (on the outside) so I can move about freely (well, apart from when my back is playing up). I've lost a little of my leftover tum and have actually made it back into my own jeans! Now after five weeks that's not bad, especially when I was quite happy for it to take as long as it took (I'm not vain at all and was quite happy to lose it gradually). I am wearing very forgiving shirts with said jeans at the moment however!

So in other words I've been pretty lucky and with that in mind, I'm happy to show you the pics. I'm still allowed to hate the ruddy first one though!

Me in the hospital after the op... Groggy and enormous...
My hair was like a bird's nest from the mop hat from theatre.
(If you love me, please skim past this one)

Me, hubby and baby after three weeks...

(A little better and smaller, but still very pale and sore)

Me, hubby and baby last week

(After the wedding - Starting to feel much better)

...a little bit of make-up and some normal clothes helps!

Here we are at the wedding...
(I wore the band dress on Christmas day last year, when I was just two months pregnant - that's not bad!)

...and me in my own jeans with my little man waving. He was celebrating 'the jean' incident with mummy!

You can probably tell from the photo that I'm far more proud of him than anything else!

More soon...
Selena x

MEMORIES...

Jayce is at the age were he's starting to smile. Before it was always because of wind, but now I know they could be real ones - they're ALL REAL ONES and they're all for his MUMMY and DADDY!

I sorted out all of his clothes today. He's starting to grow out of his newborn things and fitting into 0-3. Rather than the newborn clothes go to waste, I've made two piles (a blue co-ordinating pile and a brown/khaki pile) and we can dress Jayce in them all this week. That way at least he gets to wear them. He's like Madonna he really is, no he's not splittling from Guy Richie (allegedly) - he never wears the same outfit twice!

Selena Ledgerton Cooper
Life & Style (Family/Parenting)

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