Sleep, feed, seaside

The baby sleep cycle is becoming more apparent now, the precise opposite of PP's, including waking at about two or three a.m., presumably for the equivalent of a feed.

Seems to me that humans have a significant evolutionary disadvantage in having such helpless infants, which need feeding so frequently. How did our ancestors roaming the savannah cope with noisy, waking infants at night? Did cro-magnon and neanderthal humans follow Gina Ford or Tracy Hogg when Bringing Up Baby?

Vexed questions. I prefer the littoral theory of human evolution. See http://www.sondela.co.uk/ and http://johnhawks.net/weblog/topics/pseudoscience/aquatic_ape_theory.html a truly fascinating site, with a beautifully clear description and analysis of the acquatic theory.

Gina Ford - I like your style

Have started reading Contented Little Baby book by Gina Ford (seen here looking very lovely), and, credit where it's due, the book is pretty darn good.

For a start, it's written in a no-nonsense style, full of her own prejudices and judgements, which she cheerfully acknowledges. Plus, it covers all the basics in terms of kit to buy (cots, sheets, nappies, mattresses) and what you can avoid shelling out on.

Ms Ford has written ten books, I think, so she certainly pops them out. Apparently she has not had kids of her own. Does that matter? You may scold a carpenter who has made you a bad table, though you cannot make a table. It is not your trade to make tables.

Gina Ford and Contented Little Baby is at http://www.contentedbaby.com/index.htm

Almost half time

It has just struck us that at 18 weeks (today), we're almost at half time. The next scan is just around the corner, and we might soon be able to feel the kicks inside!

For me, it's all a bit unreal. I'm used to Priti being pregnant, she's getting bigger, sexier and more womanly by the minute - and suddenly KLANG! The result of this will be a baby!

The realisation has hit home in part because we have had Asha, Andy and Maya staying for the weekend, and it all becomes very real. The schedule is set by eating and sleeping, and in between we squeeze in what we want to do. Not that it is particularly arduous; Maya is an easy baby. The difference is, it's relentless.

I have absolutely no doubt that this is right for us. We both want children. I do have worries about being an Old Dad, that's all.

Almost half time. No turning back.

PS: The picture is Gina Ford, though not all of her...