When I chose that quote by Clyde Watson a couple of weeks ago for the last post in November (didn’t quite make that), I had no idea how portentous it would be. The heaviest November snow for 17 years, the coldest November temperature since 1985. Looks like we could be in for a cold winter.
Currently I am on three days weeks. No, we have not returned to the dark days of the 1970’s (well not yet anyway) but because I am trying to use up my annual leave before the end of the year. Not as easy as you might think. And not actually as enjoyable as you may think. It is great to spend more time with the family but I have to try to squeeze 5 days of work into 3. OK, put the violins away.
Our health visitor, Kate, has continued her visits to see how Amélie is progressing. As you know, Amélie has been quite disturbed, very sicky and colicky since birth. Trying to track it down means eliminating one thing at a time. Although this may sound like we are just trying to have an easy ride and it is something that all babies go through, Amélie’s weight chart tells a different story. When Amélie was born she was in the 75th centile, this has progressively dropped, so although she is putting on weight it is not at the rate one would expect. In fact, she is now below the 50th centile and still hasn’t broke through the 5kg barrier. This obviously is concerning us, and we have been in regular contact with Kate about this. Unfortunately, with all these diet related things you have to keep trying to eliminate what it is by trial and error. Hence we have used Infacol, Colief, Gaviscon, Breast Milk, Formula, different manufacturers bottles, different teats all to no avail. After consulting with a dietician Kate (and we) believe Amélie to be Milk Protein Intolerant.
Cow’s Milk Protein Intolerance is different to Milk allergies, and Lactose intolerance and is something that the majority of babies grow out of by the age of three. It currently means that Amélie has to have artificial milk powder given on prescription. If Lucinda wants to continue to breast feed it would mean cutting out all milk protein from her diet. No milk, cheese and yoghurts as well as food such as chocolate, biscuits and cakes for they also contain milk protein. For Amélie’s and Lucinda sake it is probably much safer to stick to one source. We are still giving her Gaviscon in the feeds since her stomach has more than likely been inflamed by 8 weeks of milk protein and the Gaviscon will hopefully ease the pain of eating. We have to say that the support given to us by Kate has been fantastic. She has maintained the perfect balance of giving us space but being there to assist and proffer advice.
Éowyn on the other hand is thriving. She astounds us daily with the things she comes out with. She seems to know a new word every day. She has also discovered Toy Story (1, 2 and 3!). At least it is a change from CBeebies and I have no problems sitting and watching a Toy Story film. I have tried her with other Disney, Pixar and Dreamworks films such as The Little Mermaid, Shrek, Finding Nemo but it is always: “Éowyn not like this. Toy Story please daddy.” Must keep persevering.
She picks phrases and actions off us (we have to be careful) as well as off the TV. We are sure that she has started to use the word gorgeous from us. She has definitely picked us sign language from the T.V. programme: ‘Something Special‘. She will quite often sign phrases from the show. However she doesn’t always use them in the appropriate place. Éowyn was saying that Mommy was gorgeous and then Daddy was gorgeous when Lucinda said ‘No, daddy is handsome’. Éowyn then repeated ‘Daddy is hamster’ and signed hamster. Nearly right!
She is a little comic though. We were in Lucinda’s car when she drove over a speed bump, Éowyn immediately said ‘It’s just like the Ninky Nonk!’ Referring to the bumping train in the programme ‘In the Night Garden’. She is also liable to over-dramatising. She has already come out with the phrase ‘I have been sad all day!’ And will often pout her lips and fold her arms if things aren’t going her way. She does, however, try to be useful around the home. She will take plates and cups into the kitchen and woe betide anyone who takes their own plate out when it is her job!. She threw a strop the other day when I got up to take my cup out. ‘OK’ I said, ‘Éowyn can do it.’
‘No, Daddy I can’t.’ she replied through her tears.
‘Why?’ I asked.
‘Because I’m crying’ she answered.
Éowyn enjoyed shoe shopping for the first time recently. We bought her a pair of winter shoes and a pair of winter boots (size 7 1/2 now!). Her shoes are more expensive that I pay for myself! When she was trying the shoes on in Clarks she walked over to the bag section and picked up a Peppa Pig bag to walk around with. She is starting early! Her boots are cool though with red flashing leds down the side that are triggered on every heel strike. I am a sucker for flashing lights, I’m sure that’s why I got into telly!
So with winter truly upon us (Although we have had barely an inch of snow around these parts, mores the pity!) and Christmas around the corner there may plenty of chances for her to wear them but perhaps not so many updates between now and the end of the year. Hopefully Éowyn will understand Christmas a little more. She has a book about Rudolph at the North Pole so I have been reading that to her so she has a bit of a feel for who Santa is and why there is a sleigh pulled by reindeer. We hope to put the tree up on Monday while she is at Jo’s and then it will start to feel Christmassy.
So I will leave you to your festive merrymaking (and shopping – do it online so much easier!) and hope to squeeze at least one more update in before Chirstmas. And a quick get welll soon to my sister Mary who is an early victim of the snow and ice, slipping and breaking her elbow. Hope it heals quickly!
Peace and love
Baggie
