http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/en-EUhttp://backend.userland.com/rss092http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/43/52d9b16379f7f0a3c1895fd5dd6b59_160x200.jpg <p>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.</p> <p>Zak is 9 month old this week, I really cant believe that either. We've settled into a rountine a little bit now, I'm more organised, Zak's still a happy chappy and work going well. </p> <p>He's got 2 teeth, one appeared on 5 September with very little fuss, but the second on 19th September was terrible. Sleepless nights, contact whinging, the runs, and general fussiness, but he looks so cute with them. He's constantly got a breakout on his chin which the doctors cant seem to identify so he has been referred to the dermatologist at the hospital in November. He continues to thrive with his eating, has had loads of new tastes including scrambled egg, beans, risotto, pasta, and his all time favourite shepherds pie. Zak has got the hang of finger food and thought he was great sitting with children on the floor at Harry's birthday party eating a bun. </p> <p>He's been crawling for a week now and havent we all got our work cut out for us, no sooner is he on the floor before he's messing about with wires, tv and anything else he is told not to touch. It really is suprising the way he picks up how to travel around something and he is so stubborn when trying to distract him.</p> <p>Zak's gran and grandad went to Menorca for 2 weeks, and with Steven being at work it was left to me to entertain him. Whilst we were off Zak had his first outing to the swimming pool, Donna and I took him and he loved it. He's a proper people watcher and took great fun watching all of the kids around him splash and try to swim. Introduced him to soft play and a ball pool but he wasnt too impressed. </p> <p>Steven and I took Zak, Teg and Oscar to the lake district for the weekend. Apart from the travelling we all really enjoyed it. Dipping toes in the icy lake, eating messy ice-cream then visiting a farm kept the kids entertained. </p> <p>Eileen the health visitor came and did his 9 month check last week. His weight height and head circumference is as normal, at the top of his chart. He did more than he was expected to do, and she noticed his hand/eye co-ordination was particularly good. </p> <p>He's very clingy at the minute, if he says you every day he's fine but if not then he hides his head and wont even look at you. He also hates to be left alone in a room and needs to be able to see you or he cries - just natural at that age.</p> <p>Know I've probably left loads out but that'll have to do for now.</p> <p>Hopefully write again soon</p> <p>Karen</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/10/16/oh_how_time_flies_9_months_old~3147468/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/10/16/oh_how_time_flies_9_months_old~3147468/Tue, 16 Oct 2007 21:47:50 +0200 <p>Loads has happened in the last 6 weeks, will keep it brief but probably miss loads out.</p> <p>Had a lovely weekend in Madrid, and Zak seemed ok and managed without me lol. Had to take him for his last lot of jabs at the doctors, the waiting room was packed and very noisy so Zak was unsettled to start with. Just as he was having a nap a little boy pressed the personal attack button and all hell broke loose. Children were wailing, adults shouting and surgery staff running up and down stairs. After all that he cried a little when the 3 needles went in but didnt seem to have any side effects. </p> <p>We managed to get Zak christened, at a lovely little church called St Mary's on Seaham sea front. It was a very informal small gathering. The service was lovely, with the godparents doing their duty well. We had a buffet luch arranged at Gran's house and as the weather was fine everyone was in the garden. Zak and all the other children behaved well and everyone had a great time. He received some lovely cards and gifts.</p> <p>Steven and I had a few days in Barcelona, with Zak on his holidays with Gran and Grandad. We had a relaxing time and Zak had been a good boy. </p> <p>The following week I returned to work, doing full time hours in 4 days, not working a Monday. It didnt take long to get back in the swing of things but getting organised with bottles, bags, breakfasts and out of the house on time was challenging at first but seems to be better now. Zak seems quite happy being dropped off mainly at Gran's house, get the feeling he is spoilt rotten. He's been trying lots of different foods, and seems to even enjoy the savoury stuff too. He has tried leek, potato, sweet potato, carrot, broccoli, turnip, peach, pear and banana. On Friday night he had his first of meat, with mashed chicken dinner. He is a really good eater and enjoys new tastes. </p> <p>Just this week he has started to roll off his back onto his front. He has really strong legs and is desperate to start crawling now. He is lovely to be around now, laughing, giggling, talking, taking an interest in his surroundings and people. He cranes his neck when you leave or enter the room.</p> <p>Need to update this more often, must try harder lol. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/07/01/update~2555046/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/07/01/update~2555046/Sun, 01 Jul 2007 22:37:34 +0200 <p>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. <br>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.<br>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.<br>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. <br>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. <br>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.<br>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.<br>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. <br>Bye for now.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/05/21/new_flavours_and_more_questions_than_ans~2309695/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/05/21/new_flavours_and_more_questions_than_ans~2309695/Mon, 21 May 2007 18:17:44 +0200 <p>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.<br>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.<br>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. <br>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.<br>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.<br>Got a day in the house planned on Saturday after a busy week, catching up on housework etc so better get a start lol<br>Bye for now. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/05/12/hmmmmmmm_banana~2255979/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/05/12/hmmmmmmm_banana~2255979/Sat, 12 May 2007 10:41:09 +0200 <p>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.<br>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. <br>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.<br>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.<br>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. <br>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!<br>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. <br>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. <br>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.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/05/07/where_does_the_time_go~2226153/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/05/07/where_does_the_time_go~2226153/Mon, 07 May 2007 14:26:35 +0200 <p>Good intentions - havent left it a week this time lol<br>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. <br>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. <br>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.<br>Bye for now. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/04/13/time_off_for_good_behaviour~2087395/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/04/13/time_off_for_good_behaviour~2087395/Fri, 13 Apr 2007 22:30:20 +0200 <p>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.</p> <p>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. <br>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.<br>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!<br>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. <br>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.<br>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.<br>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. <br>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. <br>Thats all for now - took 2 attempts to finish it tonight, maybe I'll try not to leave it as late next time. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/04/10/first_easter~2068356/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/04/10/first_easter~2068356/Tue, 10 Apr 2007 22:23:51 +0200 <p>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.  <br>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. <br>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.<br>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.<br>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. <br>Bye for now   </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/03/25/feast_and_famine~1974354/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/03/25/feast_and_famine~1974354/Sun, 25 Mar 2007 20:44:37 +0200 <p>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.<br>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.</p> <p>Tuesday - one word SNOW. Fell quite heavily during the night so a day in was planned. After a spell on his lotty ladybird, reading his new book Rob the Penguin Zak went to sleep. After lunch we tried out the baby massage techniques which seemed to knock Zak out for another sleep. Daddy got finished early so was home to give Zak his bottle for tea, and a big difference seen in his bowel movements. </p> <p>BIG NEWS - slept through for last 4 nights, dont want to count my chickens etc but can manage a 6.30am wakening rather than a 3am one any day. </p> <p>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<br>Bye for now.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/03/21/first_mothers_day_and_sleeping_through~1944587/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/03/21/first_mothers_day_and_sleeping_through~1944587/Wed, 21 Mar 2007 09:15:47 +0100 <p>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.<br> 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.<br> 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.<br> Bye for now </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/03/17/first_hospital_and_restaurant_visit~1922203/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/03/17/first_hospital_and_restaurant_visit~1922203/Sat, 17 Mar 2007 18:01:30 +0100 <p>Zak sleep not as good last night, went til 4.30 then back off to 8.30 - so not too bad really. Spent the morning with Nan, shopping for a cot mobile. There is so many to choose from and although I had done my research we came back empty handed. Wanted to hear them play but Mothercare seemed to have run out of batteries! Saw what they looked like up close though which will help.</p> <p>Health visitor, Eileen, came this afternoon. Weighed Zak and he's now 13lb and 8oz, he's put on 2lb and 1oz in 2 weeks!!! Following his line on the birth chart and not worried about him at all. She then gave me a demonstration on some baby massage to help with his colic and wind problems. </p> <p>My friend Alison then visited with her 3 year old son Harry. He was lovely with Zak, wanting to know everything, why he was crying, moving, sneezing! That new picture is of the two of them.</p> <p>He hasn't settled well tonight, crying every 20 mins with wind pains but gone off for last hour.</p> <p>Thats it for now - bye </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/03/15/hunt_for_cot_mobile~1912669/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/03/15/hunt_for_cot_mobile~1912669/Thu, 15 Mar 2007 23:42:09 +0100 <p>Didn't manage to post yesterday as got back in from the match late so playing catch up already!</p> <p>Started yesterday off with a visit to the doctors, and wasn't very impressed. Learnt more online and speaking to NHS direct than the local doctors. Zak's had the runs for more than a week, and had been following advice from the health visitor which had been working but was worried that it had been going on too long. He didn't show any signs of being dehydrated but decided to get him checked out. The doctor recommended giving Zak his feed over a few sessions rather than all at once! How hard is that? He last weighed in at 11 lb 7oz and growing - he creates when you stop to wind him!!! Anyway we didnt have any sloppy poos yesterday and he seemed more settled. Spent the rest of the day at Grandmas. She has a card class up her house, with my godmother Aunty Vera, Rita and Liz were present. They all cooed over him, and I got to have my dinner made, a treat as Zak had been so clingy.<br> Steven and I had tickets to go to the Sunderland game last night, and my mam is a season ticket holder there so Grandpa was babysitting, solo for the first time. Nothing phases him though, and he brought Jake the springer spaniel down for company - not that it was needed. Mediocre game, and Zak had only had 2 half hour naps in the time we were gone. Exhausting as parents know. The lotty ladybird had been out, as well as his other toys but I think they had fun. He was awake when we came in at 10.30pm and showed no signs of sleeping. Out of exhaustion at 11.30 I put him down in his cot bed and left him with his singing toy - not expecting him to go to sleep. To both our surprise he did, and didn't wake up until 7am!!! I still didnt sleep properly as always have one ear open for him crying.</p> <p>Today we had an outing planned with Grandma, and decided to go to Teeside retail park. As we were up early we were out of the house just after 9am and got an early start. We were shopping for a toy to go across Zak's pram and bouncy chair - to keep him entertained. We didnt manage to find a suitable one even though we went to Mamas and Papas, Mothercare, Boots, and Toys R Us. Even though Zak had a great sleep he fell asleep in the car and had to be woken up in M&S cafe for his dinner. A quick drop off at Grandmas with a cuddle from Sarah (her lady who does her nails) then home. He had cat napped all afternoon, and woke soon after being unwrapped from his car seat. He got in the bath with Daddy, which he loves then had his tea - given by Daddy as a treat as he got finished from work early. He's asleep again now so taking advantage of the time and catching up then hopefully eating before his next feed. </p> <p>Thats all for now - bye </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/03/14/first_visit_to_doctors_and_sleep_through~1905386/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/03/14/first_visit_to_doctors_and_sleep_through~1905386/Wed, 14 Mar 2007 20:40:25 +0100 <p>Firstly realise that I was never introduced properly - my other name is Karen, living with partner (if thats the current pc term) Steven. Been together for nearly 3 years and have a 7 week son, Zak. Steven has 2 children from a previous marriage, Tegwyn who is 6 and Oscar 5. We live in a seaside town in Durham. When I'm not on maternity leave I'm a bank manager and Steven is a cook.</p> <p>Zak's upset stomach seemed to reach its peak today, 2 out of his 3 bottles have gone straight through him - been surrounded by poo and sick all day!!! We had a visit from Jen, who i used to work with this morning, and was reminded how lucky I am having a lovely little boy - she bought him a lovely little outfit of blue checky dungarees and tee. After she had gone, I bundled him up and went for a walk - it was the only time today that he actually went to sleep. As I said in the title, he has been very clingy and whingy all day, needing constant comfort and reassurance. He's got it but it was so tiring. Got so worried about him that I've made an appointment to see the doctor in the morning and even rang the NHS direct tonight - they think its either a gastric infection or his reaction to me changing his formula. I put him on Cow and Gate comfort 2 weeks ago to try to help with his colic. </p> <p>Anyway, he's slept for one hour tonight before his last feed and has gone straight back off to sleep. I know that i'll not sleep well, and still worried even though I was reassured by a nurse adviser on the phone. We'll see what the doctor says tomorrow and update this then.</p> <p>Thats it for now - bye </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/03/12/what_a_day~1894177/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/03/12/what_a_day~1894177/Mon, 12 Mar 2007 23:40:31 +0100 <p>Put Zak to sleep in his own room last night, although he is only 7 weeks old he is really long and won't fit in his moses basket for much longer so we decided to bite the bullet and put him into his cot bed. He looked so little in it though. Had to remake it so he slept foot to foot but he seemed ok, still woke at 3.30am for his next feed then at 7.30 promptly. Daddy had to do the first feed and I got up with him this morning.</p> <p>Had an active morning, very bright and alert - not sleeping for more than 10 minutes at a time. By the time Daddy got up Zak had been on his Lotty Ladybird twice, and had mammy worn out. </p> <p>After his dinner I bundled him up and put him into his pram to walk up to his grandparents. Daddy decided to stay in and watch the football. Called into see his favourite cousin, Carly on the way, where he had a massive pump and a very smelly nappy - urgh. Got to his grandparents to find they had no electricity, with workman busy trying to put it right. Tried out a new baby gym which he liked as it played music and had flashing lights, as well as a baby sling. Grandpa already has an outing to beach and into the countryside planned with him in it. </p> <p>Daddy picked us up as was getting dark and Zak eventually fell asleep - and he still is. Time for mammy and daddy to have their tea before entertaining him again.</p> <p>Loaded a photo which was taken by his sister on Saturday.</p> <p>Thats all for now folks - bye </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/03/11/first_night_in_own_room~1887368/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/03/11/first_night_in_own_room~1887368/Sun, 11 Mar 2007 21:01:33 +0100 <p>Eventually got around to starting this - did plan to do it from the moment I found out I was pregnant then life got in the way, as normal. Never mind only 10 months late but got there eventually.<br> Zak was born on 18 January 2007, at 20.08 at Sunderland Royal Hospital. He was induced after 36 hours of my waters breaking. A bouncing 9lb 1oz. A happy healthy boy that caused a few delivery problems but got here never the less.<br> <strong>Today<br> </strong>I had drawn the short straw and had to do the 3am feed, never a good time apart from rolling in from the nightclub (distant memory now). He fell asleep whilst feeding and we were both back in bed by 4am. Daddy got up for the next one at 7.30, and his sister Teg and brother Oscar were already awake. Mammy got a lie in and didnt surface til 10am. Everyone fine, Oscar on PS2, Teg on pc and Zak just stirring.<br> Zak ready for his next bottle at 11am, followed by some play time on his new lotty ladybird play mat. It only arrived yesterday and everyone loves it, has dangly cuddly toys that have been named and sounds on each leg.<br> He eventually fell asleep in time for the rest of us to have dinner, its normally done in shifts but the timings were on today. Had to tidy out the cupboard under the stairs for his new toy, baby's seem to take over the place!!!<br> After lunch everyone arrived together, his Aunty Sue and Uncle Grant first followed by Grandma and Grandpa - my family is besotted with him as its the first grandchild. He was asleep but soon woke up with the noise. Was cuddled by Aunty Sue and Grandpa before having his dinner by Aunty Sue. Grandpa and Grandma left with Teg and Oscar to take the dog Jake for a walk before being took back to mammy's house.<br> Zak's had a viral infection this week, which has resulted in huge pumps and runny poos, very smelly! It also means he wakes with wind pains and has only slept for 10 minutes at a time today.<br> Its nearly 6pm now, and his mammy has got one hour before the next feed time, for herself for a change.<br> Bye for now. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/03/10/zaks_blog_aged_7_weeks_and_2_days~1881199/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://zaksmam.blog.co.uk/2007/03/10/zaks_blog_aged_7_weeks_and_2_days~1881199/Sat, 10 Mar 2007 18:56:12 +0100