*Yawn!*

So I'm led here at 3.29am with what can only be described as a banshee feeding off me. I think it's safe to say Max is still not feeling great. He's refusing any kind of bottle or cuddle and will only calm for boobies (which currently feel like I've been horrendously tortured and not in a Christian Grey kind of way!) 

So as I'm up and led here, nose blocked and running at the same time, sweating as the hubby cuddles up under the covers, I thought I might as well post an update on our bank holiday weekend!

I'm not sure what's going on with blogger- I think my time settings are wrong, but the last blog I wrote was Sunday morning - meaning the walk I wrote about was on the Saturday. 

Sunday we spent the morning taking photos. We really wanted a photoshoot of Max doing but with me being on statutory maternity pay and us now owning a very cute financial leach, it just wasn't going to happen! So I got our digital camera out, and an editing program and tried my hardest to get some semi professional shots (all encouragement/criticism/help would be accepted gratefully!)

Here is my favourite photo:

I'm incredibly biased but I think he's the most gorgeous baby ever!

Later on my brother was racing his motorbike just over a mile away so we had a walk down as the weather was lovely! My brother has raced since he was little and is fairly good! My dad would have Max on a motorbike from as soon as he could walk but I'm so not liking that idea! He did look super cute sitting on his uncles bike though!

That night we had a BBQ which Max slept through, before sitting and watching War Horse, which he also slept through! All the walking and fresh air tires him out! He's not the only one and I was feeling sleepy too but it was lovely to spend some much needed time with the hubby.

Monday was fairly chilled, we did our shopping in the afternoon and put Max in the trolley seats for the first time. (We normally just push the pram as well or use the trolleys that allow you to sit your car seat on, however I always end up banging my head on the car seat part when trying too get food from under it at the tills!) I was a bit worried he'd hate the seat and we'd be pushing the trolley around in a way that could only resemble an episode of supermarket sweep, with a screaming baby and disapproving stares from other customers! However, I think it's safe to say he loved it!

That night we went to visit Dave's dads.

We were lucky in that hubby had the Tuesday off work too as it fell on my sisters birthday. She turned 16, and I couldn't believe it. I can still remember helping mum looking after her at Max's age. Here are some photos from the day:

(An outfit my sister had bought him!)

Happy birthday Lou xxx

Bouncers and walks

Yesterday was the first lovely day we've had in a while. I had two grumpy men on my hands though, max was still a bit poorly and dave was tired and grumpy. Personally I think he needs to man up, but either way I ended up cleaning the house whilst they both kipped on the sofa. I don't mind cleaning so much when it's sunny and the patio doors are open - I actually find it therapeutic. I'm such a sad freak. Can't believe my life has come to this!!! 

Once the grumpy ones awoke it was like feeding time at the zoo - dave with his sandwiches and max wolfing down his bottle. Earlier on we'd bought max a door bouncer, but he'd been too tired to use it! He absolutely loves being on his feet. He used to love being bounced but his walking reflex has kicked in and if you stand him on your knees now he walks all the way up your stomach - a nice squishy mountain if he's on me! 

He's always had a strong neck - he could hold it up for short periods of time from birth so I felt happy and comfortable strapping him into the bouncer we got from mothercare. He was smiling immediately without even moving - probably as he felt like he was standing on his own! We tried to encourage him to bounce but he just wanted to walk and ended up hopping from one foot to the other! We thought it was hilarious - he looked like a little puppet! I'm sure he'll work it out eventually!

After about 10 minutes of bouncing (or half bouncing!) we decided to go for a walk. We're so blessed with beautiful paths and parks around us so we try and go to a different one each time. It was lovely to get out and the sun shone until we got home at half 6!

I hope you're all enjoying the sunshine :)

Bedtime routine

We've been trying to get max into a routine at bed time. He's still only a baby but we figured the sooner we start with a routine, the easier it will be to get him to sleep when he's a little older as he'll recognise the cues that indicate bedtime. As Dave was out boxing tonight I was in charge of bedtime :)

We started with a warm relaxing bath. Max absolutely loves baths. Honestly, no matter how much he's screaming or throwing the worlds biggest 11 week old tantrum, a bath calms him down. I usually get in the bath with him as it makes it easier for me not leaning over the side. However, more than once, he's been known to poo in the bath! His dad was the first to suffer from this little surprise and he's not had a bath with him since!!!

We use Johnsons baby soothing naturals bubble bath. It's smells delicious and is great on Max's sensitive skin. 

There's a matching moisturiser that I used to use on myself before I even had a baby! 

After a thorough drying session, (normally with Max screaming at me in disgust as I've got him out of the bath!) I cover max in the moisturiser and give him a gentle rub. I also used a bit of metanium tonight as he's got a slight bit of nappy rash from being so poorly this week.

Before his last feed I tend to read him a story. He's probably too little to understand but he seems to like relaxing with a cuddle and listening to my voice as I read the short story. Tonight we had my favourite children's book; The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

After his feed its time for bed. We've still not got the hang of this yet. If he's nodded off during his feed then max is usually really good, but when he's still awake he hates being put down in his Moses basket and I can't leave him crying despite what I'm advised from many people. Usually I'll end up rocking him to sleep if he's still awake.

I love him so much. I love watching him sleep and wondering what kind of person he's going to be and what he will be interested in, but for now I'm more thsn happy with him being just my baby. My gorgeous sleepy baby.