Can't believe it been that long since I've blogged, can say now that I am not a serial blogger and couldnt keep a diary when I was younger either.

Karen

Loads has happened in the last 6 weeks, will keep it brief but probably miss loads out.

Need to update this more often, must try harder lol.

On Monday took Zak to Busy Bairns, down at the local Sure Start centre as wanted to check out what was available on a Monday when hopefully I'm off work. Was disappointing as there is a nice little area for babies but Zak was the only one there! Its going to be better when he can walk and join in with the other children. A police woman had her dog Jet there and the children loved to pet her. Gran called after work and we tried Zak on mango, he didn't seem very impressed.
Tuesday was the first weaning class, and I was surprised to turn up with Zak to find no other babies there! Tried their recipes of pear and peach as well as brocoli, cauliflower and potato. Finished class with more questions than answers, hate the red tape and bureaucracy of non-committal answers. Had 4th massage class which included face and back which Zak seemed to like, better than his chest anyway. Visited Gran's card class for few hours.
Wednesday we picked Gran up and went into town for a few hours, especially since I had an opticians appointment. Was looking for a chair for Zak to go up Grans but there wasnt many about. Returned to Grans to find Grandad in early from work so we did some research on chairs online. He tried sweet potato today and seemed to like it.
Thursday Zak and I picked up Aunty Donna so she could practice driving as she has her test soon. She drove us to Asda to get the shopping. Got home in decent time as nan was calling over to pick up a few things for Teg and Oscar, she's taking them away with Stuart to Tenerife for a week. Aunty Sue came over for tea straight from work to spend some time with Zak as she didnt see him over the weekend. He tried peach tonight but didnt sleep very well and was up at 4.30am. Think I need to change his feeding patterns as he might be hungry during the night, he has also cut out his 5th bottle by going 4 hours between feeds.
On Friday I had another physio appointment for my back so left Zak with his dad. Deb visited on the afternoon with her baby Alex, there is only 3 days between them. Zak has just found his feet this week and took great delight in showing Alex where his was! Another early awakening, something didnt agree with him.
On Saturday we had a walk around dalton park with Daddy before he looked after Zak and I went for a massage. We went out for tea to the local Italians, Zak was fascinated with all of the people and waiters and fell asleep in the middle of our pizza. Gave him rusk with his last bottle and he slept all night, hope thats the answer.
Started Sunday with porridge for breakfast, its obviously not as sweet as the rusk but he seems to like it. We took Zak to the metro centre, looking for shoes for me as I'm going away with the girls next weekend. Zak is very good when you're out with him, sleeps more due to movement of pram but does like to be out of his pram to have a look around. Aunty Donna popped in at tea time with Richard and Lewis. Tried to get to Zak to eat carrott but he didn't like it, gave him a strawberry baby yoghurt though which he enjoyed. Did same again with rusk on final bottle and he slept well so hope thats the answer.
He slept well again, so I took him into Sunderland this morning, after shopping we went into Mowbray park to watch the ducks. Came home and Gran called on way home from work to find me trying to get Zak to try potatoes, wasnt that keen but had some of it. He obviously has a sweet tooth but determined for him not to be picky.
Bye for now.

Bank holiday Monday and with Steven back at work was at a loose end. Decided to go to a May Day celebration locally then have a wander around. Got there and was very disappointed, the local council dont seem to have put any thought into it and was very badly organised, stalls on a raised platform where it was impossible to get the pram. Went up to see Gran and Grandpa later when they got back from their weekend away.
Tuesday was the baby massage class, which Zak likes. Added in chest and arms today but by then most babies were squirming and a little bored. Arranged with another mummy, Tanya, to attend the weaning class the following week before the massage and take the children along the sea front in between. Visited Gran's card class for a few hours before Steven got home.
Woke on Wednesday feeling terrible, and could hardly lift Zak out of his cot with flu. Gran stepped into the breach and had him for a few hours until Steven could finish work early.
Thursday I had a physio appointment so left Zak with his Aunty Christine for a few hours, which he enjoyed. Then Zak and I went to pick up Teg and Oscar from school to have them overnight, stopping off at Nan's before heading home. Zak had his first taste of banana - pureed of course. He seemed to like it but he didnt sleep very well, woke few times during the night.
Friday saw the first morning that we all had to get up and ready to drop the children off at school and head up to Aunty Sue's as she is moving house this weekend. We spent the day packing up her stuff with Zak watching from his bouncy chair. Daddy babysat on the night as I went to the Empire theatre to see Footloose - a mothers day present which I thoroughly enjoyed. Zak had colic though and was very unsettled but asleep by the time I got in.
Got a day in the house planned on Saturday after a busy week, catching up on housework etc so better get a start lol
Bye for now.

Not going to rant on about good intentions, just going to try to remember everything thats gone on since my last post - harder than I thought lol.
Took Zak to the doctors as he was being sick in between feeds, up to 3 times and a lot - he was prescribed Infant Gaviscon as the doctor thinks its all down to wind. He needs to take it 3 times a day in his bottle of milk. He also prescribed Oilatum for his baby excema - needs to have two capfuls in his bath to be them followed with E45 cream. Seems to have helped but he still has a little on his eyebrows. Started him off with half a teaspoon of baby rice mixed with his formula. He's not that keen and dont know whether its the rice or the spoons as they have rubber tips.  Have ended up buying some different spoons and rusks which he seems to like. He's up to having one third of a rusk twice a day as well about 40oz of formula milk a day. Last time he was weighed he was 16lb 6oz and 66cm long - in the top 2% of babies nationally and is now 15 weeks old. 
A friend from work came over with her baby for the day, Clare with baby Joseph. There's only 2 weeks between them but are very different. Went for a walk down to the sea front which is a lovely walk taking about 90 minutes. Both babies were very good and it was nice to be able to share information with someone who is going through the same thing. One thing that did become apparent is the difference in health visitors. Zak and I have a lovely lady called Eileen, who is very supportive. I am able to call her at any time for some common sense advice and have seen her around 6 times. Clare has seen her's once and has been told she isnt getting the weaning visit as they are short staffed - makes you appreciate her even more and the support that is available. Also spent some time with Deb and her little boy Alex - born 3 days after Zak. She already has a 3 year old son Harrison but it is nice to catch up and glean some tips from an experienced mother.
Grandad babysat whilst Steven and I went to the football match, and unfortunately Zak had a bad bout of colic and cried for most of the night. Its nothing different that happens when Steven and I are in with him but hard to deal with all the same.
Started a baby massage class at the sure start centre in Seaham. Zak seemed to enjoy it and all the babies were more interested in watching each other than what their parents were doin with them. The second week is massaging the stomach to help with colic and wind. Have done the exercises before at home with Zak as Eileen had demonstrated them a few weeks ago. Took his nappy off to start it and hadnt got the words out of my mouth - now no weeing on mammy - when he did, all over my jeans lol. Have tried to do it every day since and it seems to settle him down. 
His gran and I took him for his next lot of injections at the doctors - where he had a massive poo that leaked out of his nappy and yes, down my jeans again!
Got a problem with Zak's sleepsuits as the feet in them are too small, have had to cut the feet off and buy him some jogging suits until he is old enough to get some pyjamas that fit - only start at 6-9 months.  He is such a settled and content baby, continuing to sleep through the night - think he takes after his mammy.
Took Zak and Tegwyn shopping to the metro centre to find a christening outfit - got Zaks little suit but Teg wanted to pick her own - she is such good company and loves helping with Zak. She got a lovely little black polka dot dress with a red ribbon and red shoes to match - looks lovely. In Oscar's absence he got a navy pair of chinos to go with a ben sherman shirt he has never worn yet. Steven had took him to see Spiderman 3 which he thoroughly enjoyed. Zak's getting stronger by the day, loves to sit up and thinks its great to try and stand up. 
Zak and I attended Tom's 40th barbeque yesterday afternoon - he's a proper charmer and loves the attention especially from the women. Nan and Stuart babysat last night as Steven and I met Donna and Richard in town for  a meal then to see Derren Brown. Was a good night and Zak behaved himself so all is well.

Good intentions - havent left it a week this time lol
On Wednesday I got a few hours off to have a well deserved massage, Zak's godmother Donna has started up her own business and I had to delay getting a treatment to recover from Zak's delivery. Steven dropped me off there then spent some quality man time with Zak. Eileen the health visitor came on the afternoon to discuss weaning - moving Zak onto solids. He is drinking 8oz of milk at a time and up to 5 times a day and I think he's ready for some baby rice but she's made me promise to try to wait for another 4 weeks!!! Bought him some with new spoons and bowls for when we start today. We'll see what happens.
Thursday saw a visit into work, all of the girls love Zak, he's always full of smiles for them too. realised that Steven had gone out with Zak's pram and changing bag in his car so had to come home to feed him before going to do the food shopping.
Zak woke at 5am this morning, although he did have his last bottle a little earlier than normal last night. Changed him then he drank 3oz of milk before going back to sleep - thankfully for me as steven was back at work. He slept til 8.45 so that wasnt so bad. After breakfast we went to visit Aunty Donna for the day, and saw Lewis and Dan. Its nice to have someone else to help entertain Zak as he only catnapps for 10 minutes at a time which is very tiring. Aunty Sue and Uncle Grant came for tea tonight, and she helped bath and feed him before going home. He's fast asleep now but I'm going to wake him for his last feed as I need a good night's sleep.
Bye for now. 

Started this blog with good intentions of updating it daily - realistically I can't find the time so will try to do it weekly instead.

On Monday Zak spent a few hours with Aunty Sue whilst Steven and I went to test drive a car, the handover was made in the Durham Park and Ride - half way between our 2 houses. Decided on the car then picked him up, he's very comfortable with her and had a good time.
Wednesday was a busy day. Gran Zak and I went to buy cot sheets and blankets as Zak was due to have his first sleep over. Bought easter gifts as well then went to pick up Daddys new car. Its a lot bigger than his Hyundai and will make life easier to ship the children about.
On Thursday I took Zak down to the baby clinic to get weighed as he hadnt been for 3 weeks - he is now 14lb and 7 oz, put on 15oz - he's still following his weight line from birth and although he is heavy he is really long for being 11 weeks old. On the afternoon we walked down to the town centre through the dene as it was a really nice day - bought a birthday present for Abby whose fancy dress party Zak was attending on Saturday. Thought I would make it home before he needed feeding but mistimed it - had to feed him on a park bench half way home - his first alfresco lunch!
Good Friday - Gran and Grandad were cooking the traditional fish and chips at their house. I walked Zak up there, after being stopped by all of the neighbours taking in some of the nice weather. Aunty Sue and Uncle Grant were there also with Grants mam Evelyn. After a lovely dinner, Zak spent a lot of time under his play gym being entertained by Grandad. Gran and I made Zak a fancy dress outfit - it started off as a mummy, but ended up as dalmation, black card spots glued onto a white sleep suit. Daddy got finished early and came up for an hour and picked us up. 
Zak got picked up at 12 o'clock on Saturday by Carly - he looked so cute in his outfit, will post a picture of him. I took advantage of the hour break to go to Peterlee, have stepped Zak up to the next milk and needed to buy some more big cartons. He's taking 8oz every feed and the small cartons only hold 7oz. Didnt manage to get any - there is only Boots that sells it and they all only seem to get a few in. I joined Zak at the party about 2.30, he just been fed by Aunty Chris. The rest of the family, Aunty Olwen especially couldn't get over how much he had changed in a few weeks since she had seen him.
Easter Sunday, and Aunty Sue was cooking lunch. Picked up Teg and Oscar on the way, with Zak asleep all the way up. We went to the park with Evelyn to feed the ducks before lunch, weather was nice but breezy. Zak was fed in the conservatory by his Grandad and was cuddled by everyone. Oscar read his new book with me - a Dr Suess one called Green Eggs and Ham. His reading has come on a treat and he did really well. Teg went for a walk with Uncle Grant and the dog Brea. Met Daddy back at home just before Nan and Stuart came to visit - they couldn't believe the change in Zak either, think I dont realise that because I see him every day. Teg read Zak's new books to him, a lovely set from Aunty Sue and Uncle Grant for Easter - Thats not my dog etc with things to touch on each page.
On Monday Steven and I took all 3 kids to South Shields, little look around the market then to the fairground. Back home to pack Zak's case for his night at his Grans. It was very wierd dropping him off to sleep, the longest he'd ever been away from me. He went around to his Aunty Greta's to watch the Sunderland match then slept all night. His Gran and Grandad didn't though, worried about keeping him warm even though he was in his sleeping bag.
Today I woke early and went to pick him up - he was very contented and looked great in his cotbed. We spent the day with Gran and Aunty Sue in the Metro Centre. Zak is very good when we're out shopping and likes being pushed in his pram. Gran had to feed him in the car on way back as he woke up and was starving.
Thats all for now - took 2 attempts to finish it tonight, maybe I'll try not to leave it as late next time.

Jabs went ok, was asleep when we went in and woke up crying with the first one in his right leg - didn't help that I had to turn him around for another one in his left leg. He had stopped crying by the time we had left the doctors, was a little bit sick but generally seemed ok. 
Zak spent Thursday morning with his Aunty Donna, whilst mammy did the food shopping and attended the doctors. Had a peaceful night, and continuing to sleep through.
On Friday we picked his brother and sister up from school for tea and to stay. Oscar wasn't very well, didnt eat all of his tea (which is very unusual) and went to sleep for half an hour on the couch. Teg was her normal helpful self, she's very good with Zak and helps a lot.
Mammy had a day off on Saturday and went to a spa with Aunty Donna, Aunty Sue and Aunty Ali. Whilst she was out Zak was taken to Northallerton by Grandpa and Grandma. Teg and Oscar went with Nan and was taken out for dinner. Worry for the day - Zak hasn't had a bowel movement since Wednesday. Think its the change of milk but a worry all the same. Tried some of the baby massage techniques as shown by the health visitor. Thankfully it worked and within an hour he had a movement. Need to get advice on how to help him more.
Zak slept til 8.30 this morning. And today we've been looking at some cars, Daddy's car isnt big enough for the 3 children and with it only being 3 doors its a struggle. No decisions made yet but seen some nice ones. Visited Tom and Marie's as we hadn't been for a while. was nice to see them and the kids. 
Bye for now  

Sunday was my first Mothers Day, very strange being on the receiving end rather than the organising end. Aunty Sue had planned lunch out at a pub near hers so we travelled up there with Grandma and Grandpa - Zak slept all the way as he likes travelling in the car. He slept all the way through the main meal then woke for his bottle at dessert. Still having problems with diarhoea and a full clothes change was needed at Aunty Sue's.
Monday Zak stayed with Grandma whilst I attended my hospital appointment to get discharged. Took advantage of some free time to do some running about whilst Zak was enjoying his baby gym. Snow started falling during the day and is forecast for next few days. Spoke to health visitor who is going to look into whether Zak could be lactose or cows milk intolerant. Put in stool sample to be analysed so we could confirm he didnt have a bug. Spoke to Cow & Gate helpline who have said that it is a common side effect of the milk he is on and recommended putting him back on their Premuim range but in cartons as made differently. Started it with his last bottle, with the new anti colic teats.

Tomorrow is his first immunisation - not looking forward to it but Daddy has managed to ge the afternoon off so we can share the pain
Bye for now.

Went into Sunderland yesterday shopping, for Zak a cot mobile, to exchange some clothes that he has already grew out of and present for Dan who had a 16th birthday. Managed to get everything, and a lovely cot mobile with a remote control - handy for restarting again from the doorway.
Took Zak out to his first visit to an Italian restaurant last night, with Teg and Oscar for Daniel's 16th birthday celebration. Not a good idea, as Zak had wind and was still unsettled. Spent a few hours pacing the floor, rocking him in his pram and generally being worried I was spoiling everything for other people there. Regardless of that he slept well and didn't wake til 5.45am.
Decided to take Zak to the community hosptial with my dad today at lunch time as his feeds were going right through him again. Doctor examined him and apart from his stomach being bloated with wind she wasn't concerned. She showed me how to move his legs to relieve it and agreed that his poo needed analysing as she think he may be allergic to the formula. He's out now with his Grandpa for a walk, giving me an hour to run around the house and having a tidy.
Bye for now