Trip to Tzaneen & Giraffe

I went on a last minute trip to Tzaneen on the the 14th of November. Matt came to Cape Town for the weekend and was also going to Tzaneen on the Monday morning to join Nikki and Adam so I flew with him. I just didn't want to fly on my own with Murray for the first time and Matt was great to have with me. The flight went so well and Murray even slept in my arms! Then my mom was there to fetch us and drove straight to Tzaneen. It was so great to see the rest of the family. Lolly, Nix, and dad. Also Adam and Murray met for the first time and it was so sweet. Adam was so sweet all holiday and kept us entertained with his funny little chirps.

We went to Giraffe farm and I was a little worried about how the heat would affect Murray, but he was fine. I loved having him in just a little vest or a "romper" as Nix calls them (short sleeve and leg baby grow). Murray swam for the first time and even went on few mini game drives.

It was just myself, Murray, Nix, Matt, Adam, dad, Moya, grandpa Len and 1 night Lolly came as a surprise too! Was nice quite, quality family time. Just wish mom and Shane could have been there too.

Murray got into such a nice little routine on the farm. Nix helped me put him to sleep often and really helped a lot with him, in fact everybody did! He even had a few nights of only waking up once for a feed at about 3.

When we got back to Cape Town he was a bit out of sorts on the first night back, but then the next night he did something that every parent waits for... he slept through the WHOLE night. 12 straight hours of sleep. Shane and I still woke in the middle of the night just out of habit really, but it was great to get some almost solid sleep! Long may it last, but not holding my breath, I think its a slow process!

4 months old today!

Okay, so things have been a bit hectic in the Newton household since Murray was born and I really want to try carry on with this blog. So I am going to try write once a week on the updates on little Mr Cute.

I can't believe Murray is 4 months old today. It feels like he was born yesterday. We have learnt alot in the last four months, and have come far since the early days! Murray is now smiling and laughing all the time, especially at his dad, who is apparently the funniest man on earth. He is almost sitting (supported by pillows) and now holds on to his feet which have become his new best toys.

Murray still doesn't "sleep through" - but we seem to manage his night wakings/feeding times ok. He usually feeds at about 6pm, around bath time, then at about 11/12pm again then at about 4/5am again, then goes back to sleep till about 7am. Up for about and hour and then back down from anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours (which has been the last few days)!

I am also still breastfeeding exclusively which is a massive achievement for me considering it has not been easy to get to this point. He only feeds off one side, so am a bit lopsided, but I don't mind. Bfeeding is much easier and more convenient than bottle feeding so long may it last. Not really sure how long I will breastfeed for, but we will see. I really will encourage all new mothers to breastfeed and to tell them that it is HARD in the beginning, but is worth sticking to it! No washing bottles, no buying of formula, not sterilising etc! Not to mention the special connection you have with your baby whilst breastfeeding.

Happy 4 months Murray Muz, we love you lots you cutie pie!