2bliss

Thanks for the input! I feel very strongly about feeding babies proper homemade food. Karmi is already eating a surprisingly large variety of foods and the gradual transition to textures seems to be going well. She has some definite favourites that change from one day to the next (currently, plain mushy bananas are the bee's knees) and a few things she really dislikes (like oats - weird). Luckily Ms Karmel has advice for that too: either mix a favourite with a bit of the "icky" food or return to it later and they might just love it.

Oh boy, are they going to be sorry when she figures this out!

Three other factors need to be taken into account: 1) It is harder to buy and sell if you live in a smaller town (people don't drive in or out to view a bike for sale, as an example). 2) Everyone knows it is better to buy from someone with lots of positive feedback, but you cannot become that person if people don't buy from you (bit of a catch-22). 3) Some folks don't leave feedback even if a transaction went splendidly. Seeing as your number of past ads is shown, this may be interpreted as neutral feedback. Just, meh, neither here nor there, cannot be bothered to say anything.

She speaks!!! Little Miss Chubby-Cheeks has spoken some words in the last few days: "Letta" (One of her teachers is named Coletta); "Odi" (the German Shephard who has guarded her since the day her parents first brought her home); and either "Pappa" or "baba" - they aren't quite sure of that one just yet.

Since there are so many new and expecting parents following this thread, I would like to say that there are two often overlooked but invaluable items worth investing in: 1) The BabyBullet - https://www.babybullet.com and 2) Annabel Karmel's New Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner - https://www.annabelkarmel.com/apps-books/new-complete-baby-toddler-meal-planner-25th-anniversary-edition/ The book guides parent through feeding stages, foods safe for each stage, introducing textures, eventual self-feeding and it includes 200 recipes. It was written by Ms Karmel in consultation with nutritionists and picky little eaters. The BabyBullet (or similar product) allows quick and easy preparation of fresh meals containing only the wholesome ingredients you put into them. These items involve an initial investment, but work out cheaper than store-bought food in the long run. I want to implore you not to raise your precious little ones on jarred food - it is convenience food to be reserved for rare occasions when home-made food is not available. As adults we do not eat convenience food exclusively (gosh, I hope no-one here does!), so why should a baby do so when they are at a stage where proper nutrition is so critical to their development? Karmi really enjoys discovering new foods and recipes lovingly prepared by her mom. Currently her absolute 10/10, finger-licking (literally) favourite is steamed and pureed broccoli+cauliflower+sweet potato. Sounds kinda gross to me but that must be packed with vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Apart from proper nutrition, Ms Karmel's book ensures that babies are exposed to as many foods and flavours as possible whilst they are still very receptive to trying new things, thereby minimising pickiness which tends to start at age 2 or 3. She even has some sneaky tricks to get vegetables into a toddler's favourite dish without them even noticing. Anyway, I do not benefit from the sale of these products. Just thought some new parents might not be aware that they can feed their babies superior home-made food that is quick, easy and inexpensive to make.

Someone is all better!

If only you could see how incredibly blue her eyes are. She is also very friendly and silly when feeling well. Anyway, I have great news: Karmi has been discharged! She will have to stay home and keep taking antibiotics for a while, but she will be okay! Thank you so much for everyone's support in yet another, albeit lesser, health crisis. XOXO

The antibiotics are working!!!!

Can't say for sure. I'm not an MD. I do know that the results point to an underdeveloped immune system, as is to be expected. Also, she was never feverish with this and I think that means that her little body hasn't really been fighting these bacteria effectively. On the positive side, the paediatrician can administer the right antibiotics now that he knows exactly what they are up against. Karmi's mom sounds scared and I feel so bad thinking about what both parents must be going through - again. We must be positive, because they have faith, modern medicine and... a Bunny always bounces back!

The lab results came and they aren't pretty. There is **Profuse growth** of three bacteria: Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus Pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Bunny will have to stay in hospital to receive some potent IV antibiotics.

No going home today She still wheezes and has no appetite.

Watching TV. Hospitals are sooooooo boring. All of her NICU nurses have been by to see her

Just tired, but relieved that this thing was caught quickly. I guess they will be, and will have to be, super vigilant until Bunny is about 4 years old. Most preemies grow out of their health issues around that age. Or that is what I've heard.

Not looking bright-eyed just yet, but Karmi might be going home by the weekend

UPDATE: Karmi is stable and maintaining oxygen saturation. Doctors have confirmed RS virus and are waiting for results on further tests for possible secondary infections. Bunny does not like physiotherapy at all and HATES the nebulizer.

Fellow Hubbers, Bunny is being admitted to hospital as I write this. She has pneumonia and the doctors suspect it was caused by respiratory syncytial virus. RSV usually causes nothing more than a cold, but can be very dangerous for babies born prematurely. Please, I ask of you to once again think of our little fighter and her parents.

WOW! Lucky you! It is always nice to hear that a baby is doing so well

There were so many setbacks early on and any number of deficits that could have been inflicted upon her. We are so very grateful that, apart from being such a little thing, she is fighting on: so far no problems with hearing, eyesight, eating, or early learning and development. (Sleep is another matter! ) Bunny is tiny, but fierce!

Guess who is sitting up all by herself? First comes balance, then a balance bike! (With a few minor steps inbetween.)

When the grownups try to introduce you to a new food and you REALLY don't like it!

Cooler weather is upon us and Bunny is posing as a penguin

Big news and a huge leap forward: Karmi had her first solid food today! The greedy little gobbler took to eating like a duck to water. Luckily mom had a good grip on that spoon! EDIT: I apologise for the small video size - took it off WA.

No man, I meant road tubeless pressure! You cannot attain, say 5 bar with Lezyne's high volume compact pumps. Well, maybe, but you'll either break the pump or give yourself a hernia! EDIT: It was my bad, as I did not clearly state that I wanted to compare road tubeless to MTB tubeless where pressure is way lower.

Not sold on tubeless rims with tape - not at road tyre pressures. Real UST rims + 25c Schwalbe Pro One TL + Stan's = Don't use CO2 to inflate. Something like Dynaplug products might be worth looking into as one does not need to carry adhesive which will dry out after one use. They also have small and large plugs and you can use multiple plugs together. The sharp tips on the plugs for small holes make me nervous and I would probably file them down just slightly. http://www.dynaplug.com/products.html Some companies like Lezyne make compact high pressure pumps which make inflating to tubeless pressure a doddle (and I'm a woman).

I guess it depends on each prem's medical history. At first Karmi could not even digest milk. She still isn't the best "eater". The paediatrician strictly forbade any solids before 6 months corrected age. Luckily there is just one month to go!