Update

Toilet training



We got back from our second holiday on 30th July, and since then Elizabeth hasn't worn a nappy in the day. I gave up waiting for her to ask to go to the toilet while wearing a nappy, and just decided to go for it. We've had one or two accidents, and she did wear a nappy on the day of the christening, but other than that, no problem. I was most worried about going out in the car (but we've travelled to Leicester no problem, and to Weston Park) and about going out (but we've been for a picnic, to Pirates, to 'new group' etc and no problem). It can be difficult with Edward in tow having to take her to the toilet, and the most awkward think is that she's constantly saying she doesn't want to go... so I can never quite be sure. Trying not to be too neurotic about it, as she's managing pretty well, and it is AMAZING not to have to wash and dry two sets of nappies on a daily basis.



Edward's weaning



August 27 approaches, and instead of having a huge puree fest I think we're pretty much decided to go down the BLW (baby led weaning) route. It seemed quite scary at first, but now that I've read a friend's book on it, it seems to complement breastfeeding on demand, and waiting until 6 months before introducing any food, so we'll see how it goes. He's been in his highchair at mealtimes to get used to it, and seems fine.



Sleeping through



We've had more than a handful of nights when he's gone through from 7pm until 6am. Not consistently though - sometimes will wake up at 2am, or 4am, but maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel?!! The dreaded cluster feeding in the evening seems to have subsided, he tends to feed around 4pm, then perhaps 5pm and 7pm, and that is it, whereas before I'd be pinned to the bed for about an hour and a half, getting down by 8pm if I was lucky, 9pm or 10pm on bad nights!



Feeling out of control



Hmmm, this is a difficult one. I still get really stressed out, and end up shouting a lot at Elizabeth because she is so wilful and spirited and challenging... usually if we have to be somewhere... just the pressure to get things done, and she'll be refusing to [put on shoes, walk downstairs, put on coat, leave Edward alone etc etc] so I get really stressed. Find it hard when we're out - have to take her to the toilet, see to Edward (always sick still - don't know when that will end), feed, get Elizabeth to do some of the things I say... maybe my expectations are too high, but I don't really know how to lighten up. Had expressed an interest in the triple p parenting course but the health visitor hasn't got back to me (again!). Do find it hard that I can't ever have a break from it, and don't seem to be able to get on with the things that need doing let alone the things that I'd like to do. Work looms again, which isn't too bad in itself but the patchy childcare issue rears its head and am sure will lead to more stress for me.