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Ante-natal clubs
: Due June 08 - Creme egg season is over, summer is now here, so time to tidy the ladygarden before the big day
(990 messages)
i don't think i managed to post at all on the last thread...you girls talk so fast!
i'm getting fed up here. have a urine infection, feel flu-ey, tonnes of BH contractions, 2 sick children, sore hips/pelvis/back etc...and dh is working this morning 8am-1pm.
think baby may still be breech. saw midwife on friday and she wouldn't say which was a bit annoying. oh well.
how's everyone else today?
anyone else not packed a bag or written a birth plan yet? i did pick up my TENs machine on Friday so that's a start...
hi sophiewd - yes completely. After years of being lapsed discovered the podcast but luxuriating on sofa listening. Is willyem stone mad?
Tassis - sorry to hear you aren't feeling so good - am in same position as you as have a tens machine and have thought abotu birth plan and bag. Does that count ?
Hi Tassissss! Also feeling rubbish- have a big cold, can't speak or swallow and DH off to work later. DD full of beans and wanting entertainment. How old are your DCs and how are you treating UTI- lots of water/ cranberry juice?
There was lots of bag-packing info on last thread- I've started, and ordered TENS. Also a thread on hosp bag essentials in preg or childbirth topic areas. IYSWIM.
i've not even thought about bag packing...did wash the car seat cover only to discover the polystyrene has broken and I'll probably need another. Aaaargh!
I vote for all of us staying on this thread and then moving together when the last baby arrives. Otherwise it'd be very lonely for the start and end of the rush!
and to keep us organized, I think I've got the most recent version of the list
Early June - Kif -(DC3) 29/05/08 - goingfor3 -(2 dds, 4 and 6, mc july) BOY! 29/05/08 - flosspot/makecakesnotwar -(1st baby, mc June 07)GIRL!! 29/05/08 - katyjo -(1 ds 20 months) 29/05/08 - neenz (it's twins so EDD now May 8, no other DCs, MC Mar 07) 1 BOY and 1 GIRL 31/05/08 - systemsaddict -(1 ds 1YO) GIRL 31/05/08 - lazylou -(1 DD 3.9/ MC September 04) 01/06/08 - laughinglil -(3YO twins) 01/06/08 - Trix11 -(DS and DD) 01/06/08 - alipalli -(1st baby) 03/06/08 - paromapu -(first baby)a girl will be called Fleur 05/06/08 - Tizzwizz -(MC June) 05/06/08 - emotionalwreck 05/06/08 - aberdeenhiker -(DS, June 06) 05/06/08 - Josey -(1 DS8yo, 1 DD2yo)GIRL 05/06/08 - mistermoo -(DD5, DS3) 06/06/08 - Calebsmum -(DC2) 06/06/08 - supperwoman -(DC2) 06/06/08 - nettiehay -(first baby) 06/06/08 - Lucy0608 -(1st Baby) 07/06/08 - Debinaustria -(2 ds's 8 and 6)BOY 07/06/08 - mellymel -(DS 14 months) 07/06/08 - dylansluckymum -(1DS 23 mos) BOY! 07/06/08 - Rolf -(2 dss 8 and 6, 1dd 2) GIRL 10/06/08 - basilbrush -(1 DS Feb 06, 2 m/cs 2007) 11/06/08 - thegreenfairy -(first baby) 12/06/08 - Pregnant Penguin -(1st baby) BOY 12/06/08 - essie3 - (first baby) 13/06/08 - tassisssss -(ds aged 4, dd 15 mths) 14/06/08 - Deese20 -(1st Baby) 14/06/08 - PearTart - (DD1 is 19 months) GIRL 15/06/08 - Jules43 -(1st baby) 15/06/08 - sybilvimes -(2 dc)Boy!! 17/06/08 - GardenAngel4 -(DD 7months) 18/06/08 - Josie57 -(ds1 13 months, mc sep 07) 18/06/08 - hedgehog1979 -(first baby) 19/06/08 - Pyjamarama -(BOY) 20/06/08 - babyalfie -(got 3 DC - 16, 14 & 7) 20/06/08 - ernest -(got 3 dc - 8, 7 & 4) will be sectioned on 06/07/08 20/06/08 - poppy34 -(2 m/c, one ds lost at 21 weeks) (GIRL) 20/06/08 - whinegums - (first baby) BOY 21/06/08 - HeyBaby07 -(First Baby) 21/06/08 - Hoggle -(First Baby) 21/06/08 - needahand -(DC2) (boy) 21/06/08 - Wigeon -(First Baby) 22/06/08 - Upsidedowncake -(1DS 27 m, ep Aug 07) GIRL 22/06/08 - bitofadramaqueen -(first baby) 22/06/08 - august26bride -(First Baby) 22/06/08 - splodgesmum -(m/c twins April '06, m/c Oct '06, all IVF pgs) Boy! 22/06/08 - ktpie -(first baby) 23/06/08 - looneytune -(DS 4 yrs) BOY 24/06/08 - puddock -(first baby) 26/06/08 - LauraT (first baby) 26/06/08 - Claphamkitten -(first baby) 27/06/08 - sophiewd -(DD 22 months) section booked on 19th June 30/06/08 - capricornqueen appt-(DD 2yrs) 30/06/08 - Kittyjimjams -(2 MC) Gemzooks - EDD???
Hi PearTart, dc are just 5 (and very good despite have been sick this morning) and 19 month (very full on despite this being day 6 of her unwell).
treating UTI with lots of drinking but will probably start a/bs next week...lots of problems "irritable uterus", UTIs and contractions in the 3rd trimester with ds
I ordered my tens machine yesterday - I'm loathe to get everything done early though as then I think I'll start feeling impatient for this LO to arrive. I keep reminding myself that it would be really good if it didn't show up until after 1st June when my MIL arrives (to take care of DS).
oh - and mentioned to DH that I might need some help in the trimming the ladygarden and he wasn't too excited by the thought. Might have to manage with a mirror somehow...
I keep having a feeling that my LO will arrive early - but I suspect its just wishful thinkin . (Though not too early obviously - only 33 weeks at the mo!).
I got some hospital bag bargains at sainsbury's yesterday. 25% off all their clothing so great for lounge wear/pj's/dressing gown for hospital.
Right, off to get dressed and get the revision going for the day. Will no doubt check in later!
OMG, just come over all excited seeing the list of babes to be... need to catch breath.
Tassissss- sounds like a really crap day! So difficult when you can't explain to your little people that actually mummy feels sick too and would like a day off! Hope the UTI clears up soon.
Sorry you're not feeling well Tassiss and Peartart - the only thing which slightly helped me the other week was hot honey and lemon!
Poppy/Sophie - is it easy to catch up with the happenings on Archers, I've never listened to it, but as part of my job is ironing I thought I might download it and listen whilst I'm ironing. I don't see any soaps on TV now so it would be a good replacement!!
Aberdeen - definitely agree to stay on here until the last baby of the group is born.
I have a half packed bag, my boys are intrigued about the contents - they think Nursing bras are a very good idea and they thought disposable pants(someone sent me a box I wasn't going to buy them) were very funny!!
Dh has just taken boys off to tennis - hurrah - an hour to myself, hoping they have a great time and it becomes a regular Sunday morning thingSo I am cooking sunday lunch and it smells so good, lamb is my favourite and here it it ridiculously expensive, and not sold everywhere so a friend has bought a lamb from a local farmer and given us a leg - I can't wait!!!
deb - podcasts are really good - and uploaded pretty much every day - certainly would help on the ironing and its not very hard to follow (ten years of not listening and I was right back in after about 20 minutes). feeling now like I should do a bit more about the hospital bag than think -may investigate those threads.
deb- My MIL leaves on the 22nd and I'll have been induced before that - but if I am late I'm not sure what MIL & I will do during the day together (DS will still be in nursery part time- but I guess we'd pull him out) as although we get along okay, we have never spent that much time together before!
How helpful is she Aberdeeen? Can you get her roped into making up food for you to freeze, keeping on top of the ironing, cleaning etc,,, or will she need taking out and entertaining? I hope that baby makes an appearance when she's been with you a couple of days and sees all your normal daily routines, so that it all runs smoothly in your absence. My mil is very good in that she will cook, clean, iron etc... but I need to write instructions for the washing machine, tumble drier, fuse box etc... because otherwise she'll panic if things don't go quite right.We also have guests in the large apartment whilst she's here and baby's expected so that's something else for her to worry about.
Welcome, Gemma, sorry you didn't sleep very well, and that you are having a hard time at the moment.
Debs, enjoy your lamb!
I love podcasts - though don't listen to the Archers. DH keeps up with American culture by downloading stuff from National PUblic Radio (their equivalent of Radio 4) and listening to it on the tube.
The recording of my hypnotherapy session arrived yesterday and I listened to it last night. very relaxing. Will ask DH to put it on my phone so I can listen to it.
We're just racing round the house getting ready for our impromptu BBQ. DS has decided that as it's summer , he will be spending the day in his swimming costume. Sadly we all three have a cough so we can't take him swimming properly!
Hi guys and hi new thread!! just a quick check-in to get this on my threads, ds is napping and i am going to as well, very very tired today. Some drama Friday night when I had Braxton Hicks so strong had to lean over the sofa for an hour, couldn't eat or move ... dp kept saying 'you can't do this now, the house is a tip and we can't have anyone round for ds'!! Fortunately they eased off, but I did pack much of my hospital bag Sat morning! Just really tired now. I assumed this baby would come late as ds did but not so sure now. Officially 36 weeks today but the only dates I have are from the scan so that could be up to a week out either way ... but I have 2 more weeks at work, with next week a particularly important one, so she has to hang on another 6 days at least!
Sorry you're having a bad day, Tassiss. My DS2 is ill - he's got a horrible vomitting bug and is feeling wretched, poor little thing. DD woke up with a temperature but is feeling better now. It's raining and DH has got wet-bank-holiday cabin fever and grouchiness!
For the first time, over the part few days I've had that feeling of my body just having had enough. Too tired, too waddly, too uncomfortable. I hope it passes (eternal optimist!) as I've felt great most of the time.
hi all! just wanted to get this in my threads i'm on and say hello. we had company round last night for the first time in ages and it was so nice to have some conversation. the wife is preggers too, about 20 weeks, and we managed to barely talk about pregnancy which was good!
she also told a very funny story about her mum walking in on her and hubby having sex and i was laughing so hard i had tears streaming down my face and i honestly thought the baby was going to come he started getting so vigorous, probably wondering why his home was in an earthquake!!
Hi all, I'm still here - no babies yet! I have been having some period-type pains and backache but nothing very painful and they keep coming and going so don't think it is labour yet.
I went to the hospital yesterday to have more monitoring and blood tests and the good news is my bile acid levels were back to normal so I may not have to have my waters broken on Tuesday after all.
I am going to go in as planned and ask the consultant to do the bloods again and if they are still normal I will ask to let nature take its course. I will be 36+5 then but better to leave them in there as long as poss if I and they are happy and healthy.
My phone has not stopped ringing though as Debs (I think) predicted! But with three sisters and my mum (not to mention friends) there are lots of people to keep informed. Mum rings me even if she wants to nip out to the shops - just to make sure nothing is happening!
Hi Neenz - yes it was me that said about the phone ringing!
Sounds like you had some good results at the hospital. hope they stay put for a while for you.
Trust me - when you are in labour you'll know, the period pains will get stronger and you won't be able to speak during them, or moving around won't make them stop. With ds1 my waters broke at home so I went in and the contractions built up through the day. With ds2 contractions started before waters broke and when they were regular I went in.
neenz - YES! it does sound like very early labour though - mild period type pains and backache pretty much sum that part up. although with twins maybe late pregnancy just feels that way??
anyway when the period pains get more intense and you suddenly notice they're happening more regularly then you're on your way! best of luck.
Crikey, I've had mild period type pains and backache over the last week - I hope I'm not going into labour. Although, it would mean I'd get to skip my exam . (I'm definitely not in labour btw, MW said they were quite normal symptoms.
Neenz hope everything happens at the right time for you. Are all the phone calls driving you mad? I'd be tempted to ask everyone to please stop calling, but I can be pretty anti-social when the mood takes me!
peartart - I'm studying for a post-grad diploma in HR. I've got an exam on Wednesday. Unfortunately, I'll be moaning about studying for at least the next two years as I'm doing it by flexible distance learning so it's taking forever. I could have finished it next year if I'd been in better health last year though. Grrrr.
Have been very good on the studying today - if only I could sustain that all year round I'd pass all my exams with flying colours!
ooh, good luck Neenz. Very that you are getting the most attention for being (a) the only one with twins and (b) the first to pop
I have an excedingly dull domestic question. Are the rest of you filling your freezers or planning meals for when the baby arrives? It's a sign of my indifferent housekeeping that after 3 children I still need to ask this question, but we have in-laws and DH's aunt visiting for 5 weeks and I need to think about food. They won't be staying with us - in a self-catering apartment - so I don't really know the extent to which I'll need to feed them but I need to be ready for it. And of course will need to feed my own family. Any ideas?
Welcome Gemm - sorry to hear that you're not having such a good time at the moment.
Not much news from me. We have set about converting the spare room from a study to a nursery this weekend. It was decorated about 2 years ago in a perfect shade of baby blue. Not being DIY fans we decided that regardless of whether the baby is a boy or a girl it can stay that colour. The only major drama was trying to construct the cot. I was meant to be holding one of the ends as it was screwed in place, but I managed to drop it and bashed a hole in the other end. I was really upset with myself, but once we finished making the cot we realised that you cant see the dent as it is hidden under the mattress against the wall. So I guess its not so bad. Makes me fed up of being a fat, weak, emotional pregnant person though.
Rolf I'm planning a bit of a freezer clear out at the end of May to clear a bit of space for some frozen meals. I'd encourage your inlaws to eat at their own apartment though - you'll have enough to do!
Rolf I would have thought feeding yourself, your dh and four kids would be enough to organise without thinking of feeding other people too! Surely they will understand if there's nothing in.. tell them to stop off at Sainsbury's on the way to yours to pick something up!
I would say get your dh to worry about getting food in but i suppose that is out of the question
I have got a few things in the freezer but it is not big enough to hold loads so i probably have about eight (single) meals in there. What about jacket potatoes, tins of beans, cheese, soup, pizza? All easy things to put together.
Ali, shame about your cot - thats the sort of thing I'd do but don't worry about it. Your baby won't care. I am also fed up of being so big, I can hardly walk now cos I have pulled a muscle in my bum cheek somehow (getting out of the car I think).
My mum rang before to say she was going shopping and I felt so that she could do that - I can hardly get up off the sofa never mind up the stairs or out the front door.
Aw allipalli what a shame re: cot. No need to worry if you cant see it though! If it makes you feel any better I managed to scratch our cot trying to attach a bloody mobile. I was very cross. The mobile is now attached to the wall instead.
Rolf - I wouldn't even consider feeding your relatives, they have obviously had the foresight to book their own accommodation so I don't think they would expect you to cater for them too.
My advice would be make sure you're well stocked up on tea, coffee, sugar, biscuits, cakes for visitors and also for you, and also quick things for meals like ready sauces in jars, meat in freezer, pasta etc... The things I make and freeze are bolognaise sauce, meat in gravy(stewing steak or similar cooked slowly in oven in gravy, freeze batches then you could just have it with jacket pot , frozen peas etc.., pizza bases, home made burgers, quiches and pies. at the moment my supply has gone down so I need to do some serious cooking.At least in the UK there's usually takeaways near you, we have pizza here in the village and that's it.
Neenz- hope things go well- you will know when labour is established. Don't forget to drink water and wee (easily done with all the pressure from uterus).
Rolf- I think if you have people staying nearby they should take care of themselves or cook for you. Try to get them familiarised with your kitchen early on. If you can do big meals and freeze an extra few portions then do. My freezer is too tiny to put much in but we'll do a few extra sauce things for jacket spuds etc, as well as easy things for DD if we're in a hurry. We have used Sainsbury online a couple of times, and they save the list of your "favourite" foods, so we can get home delivery. I'm also trying to set up a meal thing with a few local expectant friends so we can make evening meals for each other in that first week with newborn...
Neenz, oh my goodness! You could be nearly there - were you still 2 cm dilated?
Rolf, gosh, I haven't started thinking about cooking yet either. My MIL, who is fantastic , (I am very lucky, though makes up for my own mother), will be here for a month so am hoping that she will help out. I wouldn't worry about you relatives other than tea, coffee, bikkies, etc.
Dramaqueen, I'll keep my fingers crossed for your studying.
Debs, hope you find time to get your cooking done.
Systemsaddict, those sound like big BH. I haven't had any yet though am only 33 weeks today.
Very tired this morning and DH let me have two naps! I guess the LO must have been growing.
Everyone has gone home now after the BBQ. Our impromptu, relaxed parties seem to work much better than the ones we put weeks of planning into! We ended up with 16 adults and 7 kids, (including my elderly great-uncle who regaled everyone with stories about parachuting into resistance France), DH made wonderful BBQ and all the kids ran around with no clothes on! And best of all, I got all the clearing up done by 7 o'clock and we have the evening to ourselves. Why can't one plan easy parties?!!!!
Hiya everyone - quick post so I know where to come back to next time I log on!
WHSmith are selling a creme egg variation called Twisted. Haven't had mine yet, but will report back... Quite appropriate because I was feeling v hot, bothered, wound up and basically twisted when I found them. Nothing had happened, I was just having a pregnancy tantrum!
Mmmm PP - they look good, will have to get Mil to look out for them for when she comes out here. Know what you mean about the pregnancy tantrums - I have some very cross days, dh knows better than to argue with a pregnant woman!
UDC I am very and that you managed to host a bbq - I can hardly even get up the stairs to go to the loo! It must have been lovely - it has rained here most of the day though.
I have been told a few times to make sure I keep weeing - why is this?
They didn't examine me yesterday at the hospital so don't know if I was any further thsan 2cm dilated.
Hi Neenz- once contractions get established they can inhibit the instinct to wee and the poor bladder can really get bashed from above and end up quite sore. And a full bladder gets in the way during birth. Once you are in MW's care they will prob make sure you go regularly anyway.
Neenz - I was wondering about the weeing thing, I don't remember hearing about it with the boys. Sorry you're struggling to leave the settee now, you need an 8 year old - ds was trying to carry the bump today! Hope you have a downstairs toilet, we didn't when I was pregnant with ds1 and I always seemed to be going up and down. We have lots of stairs here and they are a pain.
Thanks for asking-not doing great here. Having a midnight hot honey and lemon (small mercies!) for my throat and sipping it in front of pc whilst it cools. DD has been awake teething- all 4 canines coming at once! She's now asleep in our bed looking restless and I'm wondering if she's asleep enough to move back into her cot...
I love the idea of your DS trying to carry your bump- how very helpful.
Hope everyone else is sleeping well- babes included.
Hope you're asleep now, Peatart! I'm trying to quell my heartburn with some fennel tea. I'm getting up about 4 times in the night (at least) to go to the loo, and I need to walk around for a bit as I get really stiff and sore around my hips.
I wanted to check on DS2 as well. He's been vomiting for alomst 48 hours now and looks so skinny. He's been able to keep down a little bit of water and has gone for a wee at least once yesterday so I don't think he's dehydrated - we just need to let the bug run through his system. Poor boy . He keeps retching over a bowl as his tummy spasms - it must really hurt him.
Hope your DD is ok. 4 canines at once is cruel for both of you!
deb - my MIL is great with my DS, but not as interested in taking care of DH and I (fair enough - she and I are pretty similar in many ways). Her role once the LO arrives will be to back me up on the childcare bit, and the house will probably look like crap and we'll eat ready meals for a month. That's fine once the baby's here, but before hand we'll both be sitting around not wanting to make freezer meals (fortunately have a small freezer) or anything!
neenz - good luck!!!!
I'm off work today for a May Day holiday and slept really poorly last night (sore hips) so I'm looking forward to napping when DS does.
We had a bbq last night too - but just with 4 other adults (both couples expecting in August!) and 1 other kid so it was very manageable. I figure we might as well get as much entertaining in now as we can! I really enjoyed the break too, as DH did most of the cooking and running around.
Morning ladies, I imagine it will be quiet on here today being a bank holiday in the UK.Hope you all have a good day and the weather is fine.
Peartart - feeling any better? How's your poor dd with her teething? Did you get some sleep?
Rolf - 4 times a night - you poor thing. How's ds this morning, sounds like a nasty bug he's had.
Aberdeen - glad you had a good barbecue, as long as MIL is great with ds then that's the most important - like you say it won't kill you to survive on ready meals for a month!
It's another lovely day here so I'm going to paint the balcony again once I get some more energy. Overslept again today and woke up 10 minutes before ds1 has to leave the house, managed it in time. I think I will have to buy the boys their own alarm clock.
Morning all, last mornign for breakfasts for awhile and we too are having a barbie today, think there is about 15 of us, managed to go out last night to the pub where there was an excellent band. Have a very quiet week in front of us until the weekend.
Peartart - sympathies about teething, we were very lucky with DD in that she only woke up once when teething, all the others just appeared.
Morning all - jealous about all this bbq talk. It's looking lovely here today, but unfortunately I'll be stuck indoors studying . It wouldn't be so bad if I wasn't set up to study at the kitchen table next to patio doors overlooking the garden!
deb I don't know where you get your energy from - painting a balcony?!?!?! I struggle with a bit of housework .
Anyway, hope everyone has a good bank holiday and not too many people working.
Dramaqueen - hope the studying is going OK. It started to rain so painting has had to wait, I've been ironing instead. I have energy in the morning but by the afternoon I'm flagging and by the time the boys have gone to bed I'm semi-comatose on the settee!! Just having 5 minutes break, and going to go and put my feet up, haven't felt baby move much today so I'm ready for some reassuring kicks now. I know by this stage there's not much space left so movements are reduced, but it doesn't stop you worrying a little!!
I have been cooking double and putting things in the freezer for months, but that was more because of the SPD - I never knew how I would be by the evening, so each time I did manage to cook wanted to make the most of it! It gave me a bit of a sense of security each time I stored something away, though it's nothing exciting at all, lots of plastic boxes labelled 'chicken and veg' or 'lamb and veg'. Dp doesn't really cook so this will all come in handy for the first couple of weeks. Last time I spent the whole day of my due date preparing freezer meals and nearly wore myself completely out, but it was well worth it for those first couple of weeks. Oh and we do plan lots of takeaways too!
Rolf really hope your ds is feeling better now, it's miserable being sick like that. Hopefully he'll sleep lots when on the mend and you can have a rest too.
Good luck Neenz. I have got to the low-energy stage too - takes me 5 minutes to get up stairs - so can't imagine how it is for you carrying 2 big babies (+ placentas) around. If ever you are justified in staying on the sofa all day, now is the time!
I am really lucky as DH is not a bad cook and then when sproglet is 3 weeks we are moving out to my parents for 2 weeks while the house is let. Having said that my mother will have had her foot operated on so will probably end up cooking there.
Thanks for the sympathy about DS2. He's lying in the bath now - I think it's helping his poor tummy which is hurting him. DD keeps trying to get in with him so I'm wrestling with her. DH is busy outside and is being so grouchy. I'm not sleeping well and am feeling uncomfortable so really don't appreciate being scowled at for not racing around being busy.
morning all, just taken my boys for their very 1st day of school. They were very excited en route, but when we got there, ds1 went off with v. nice teacher, and ds2 cried his anxiety and panic was tangiable and I didn't like his teacher much., but he's in a class of 19, with 4 adults, so hopefully between them, he'll be well looked after. Then took fil back to airport, and about time - he was starting to drive me a bit mad, I shouldn't be too ungrateful, as I've done this whole move with no bloody help at all, then he comes over offering to do loads of jobs, has done tons of gardening, but was really stressing me out by being really dopey, not listening or just plain doing things wrong, eg incapable of putting toilet seat down, so kept catching cat drinking out of toilets, gross, when she was here that is, as he was also incapable of remembering to shut the f*ing door, so she escaped, he couldn^'t work out how to open our kitchen bin ( ) and has now broken it etc etc etc. So now I'm sitting here, with only me and ds3 wondering what to do. (do unfortunately have tons of housework, some unpacking still and all the paperwork to sort out, but well, erm, can't be bothered.
Oh, and did my 1st white wash yesterday and all of dh's expensive, new, work shirts (as well as the other stuff) have come out covered in balck - oil? - what does that mean and what can I do about it? Any ideas? Have got tons of washing that I daren't do now.
So neenz - no news? Believe me, when labour kicks in, you'll know about it
Impressed with all you organised enough to freeze food - what sort of things are you cooking and freezing? any tips welcome.
Hope my health insurance card comes soon so I can book into a hospital and start to get some things organised.
Peartart, sorry about your rotten night. Hope you got some sleep.
Rolf, four times a night! That's not fair. Hope your DS feels better soon - it's terrifying when they're ill, isn't it? You just have to sit it out.
Glad the baby's moving, Deb. And yes, DS, not DH in his bathing costume! You can take Surfin' USA only so far, and definitely not into a South West London back garden!
Aberdeen, glad your BBQ was fun. I totally agree with you about getting the entertaining out of the way. DH and I feel like we paid a few debts yesterday - PHEW!
My big report on Flooding comes in tomorrow which I'll need to work on for the next three weeks. Off to read a previous one so that I'm prepared for the onslaught tomorrow (after my performance appraisal - Grrrr!).
Ds2 definitely does have adhd, it was ds1 who might have, but unclear and now won't be diagnosed for at least 8 months due to move/baby, Never mind.
Any thought on childacre options for me for ds3?
He has got a place at Kindergarten, but this doesn't start till September. He's 4.5 & used to going to CM 3 x a week and play group 1 x a week.
option 1 he stays at home till KG in Spetember pros - not having upheaval of starting new, which he potentially doesn't like. cons. I get no peace & quiet ( ), he is no longer used to leaving me or speaking German for nearly 6 months, he gets insanely bored being at home with me the whole time.
option 2 playgroup ( 2x 2 hours a week) pros he gets to know other kids, possibly also going to his Kindergarten cons he can't start for another 3 weeks, so possible only 1 week before I have the baby, bit concerned it's too close to the due date. It's only 2 x 2 hour sessions, so I won't get much done while he's gone, like popping into town.
option 3 Child Minder pros think she'll be flexible cons he's a bit old & probably will object to going - he's very proud about starting KG (and he'd started to really hate going to his CM in CH. Also, not sure if she works during school holidays?, in which case we have the same 3 week start date problem as with play group.
Ernest- Do you think the oil came from something that had been put in the washing machine or from the washing machine itself? Agree with UDC about trying something old in it and seeing how it comes out.
DQ - my DH does most of our cooking as well, the deal is whoever doesn't cook washes up and he hates washing up so would always rather cook, luckily he is a great cook as well. Think once I finish for maternity leave I will end up cooking a lot more, and probably still wahing up!
We have been away at a wedding over the weekend, it was lovely, we both really enjoyed it but didn't go to bed until about 12.30 so I felt totally worn out all day yesterday, really can't hack the pace anymore! Got up late today so feeling fine now, glad we have the bank holiday to recover.
HI Ernest - sounds a bit grim - having to take the boys for their 1st day, I bet ds3 is really missing them, any news yet in whether he can start Kindergarten any earlier than September?
Mil sounds similar to your Fil - she's slightly forgetful too, just about to start writing down instructions for her, for when she's staying, - how to get the tv on english channels, the oven, the washing machine, timetable for boys - starting and finishing school. etc...etc.. but she's also very helpful.
Washer - I'd put something through like an old sheet or something you're not bothered about and see if it does the same.
Ernest - I'd go with option 2 - playgroup, I know it's only 2 sessions but it would keep his German going, and give you a tiny bit of time.The cm would also be good but depends on what other age children she has, if ds3 is the eldest but a long way it might not be that good an option.
If you have to wait 3 weeks to get him into these places then so be it - make these 3 weeks so boring for him that he's be so pleased to go!!!
Ernest, I would definitely send him somewhere between now and September, it will make a big difference to keep his German going and to give you some space (even just a little) with the baby. Playgroup I think sounds great - really good for him to get to know the other children around his own age. Could you combine playgroup + some childminder time, to give you some more time?
Ernest - hope your DS1 and DS2 enjoy their first day at school Poor DS2.
I'd go for option 2 and also explore option 3 to try to give you a bit of extra time. Could the CM pick DS3 up from playgroup to give you a longer day with just the baby? Is your DH enjoying his new job, and are you all enjoying being together during the week?
I'm trying to organise some sort of childcare for the summer, too. My in-laws will be leaving shortly before the school summer holidays and there is no way I'll be able to cope with all of them 24/7 plus a new baby, especially without a car. I'm hoping to find someone who works in a local nursery who will come a few times during the week and take them out, eg take 2 of them swimming, or take DD out so the boys get some attention, or take all of them to the beach. That sort of thing. DS1 likes doing things like football camps (non residential but all day for a week) and it would be great to find someone who can either stay home whilst I drop him off, of take him for me. DS2 is really resistant to anything organised like that, and both of them disliked going to a childminder last summer. It was only the odd day but they both really seemed to need to be based at home. It's a shame as she's v nice and does loads of activities with them but I guess I should be happy that they like home so much
Playgroup does seem to make most sence, socially, but the fact he won't start till the week before I give birth, coupled with it only being 2 short sessions put me off. Either way, Playgroup or CM, it'll end at end of July, and he'll have whole of August and 1st 2 weeks of Septmeber at home with me, I don't think there's anything available during school holidays, so I'll have the 4 (OMG) of them to myself. Am attempting, unscuccessfully to fix kitchen bin
Rolf, you've panicked me!!! wtf am I going to do, 3 bored kids, one new born, possible also no car, and 6 long weeks Is it too late to change my mind?
Morning all nice new thread moving really quickly!!!
Had a very strange day yesterday, one of my MILs (yes Im bless with 2 but this one I like)came over and cleaned my house top to bottom, did all my ironing and cooked the tea blah blah and made me sit on the sofa and rest its lovely having it all done as have been struggling with the swelling,but it did make me very twitchy.
I backed down on the freezer cooking, but have stocked up on lots of mince, chicken fillets, salmon fillets, frozen veg,quorn etc dh should manage by adding a sauce even if its packet for a few weeks.
Rolf Make a couple of big batches for the freezer then you can tell your ILS that they are there, and hopefully they will insist on not using them but cooking for you before they go for the evening.
Ernest did you take the washing machine with you? sounds like Motor oil has leaked during transit which if its the case the removal men should cover a new one on insurance. You could try a wash with nothing in to see if you can clear it and its a one off. I would try taking the oil out with fairy liquid then bleaching with some form of detergant before righting off the clothes. for the rest hunt the streets for a laundry service(one that irons also)
Its really hot here today, would love a bbq but not really much point with me and the kids, plus the bbq is hiding in the garage somewhere
Bump is painful, joints are painful also cant sleep and like Rolf think my body has just had more than enough!
Have some good news though DH will be home tomorrow I wonder if he will see a diference in 3 weeks.
Hope everyone has a better day with sick and teething children, aches pains and exhaustion.
Welcome to the chatterbox gang Gem hope things get better for you soon.
Rolf , Ernest could you approach the local collages/uni with childcare/nanny courses, you might find some dedicated students that are looking for a summer job and work exp, they would be cheaper and obviously very keen for a good reference and the dcs will be run wild for you?
Have just written mammoth post and then accidentally deleted it [groan]. Still, probably for the best, I was mainly just moaning about how I still feel unwell and now both dd and ds have horrible colds.
Ernest, do you have space for an au pair? You can get them on quite short term contracts and then she could help out pretty much full time over the holiday.
Rolf - Do your boys have friends locally? If so I am sure that another Mother would do drop off and pick up from the football course. Don't wait for someone to offer - just ask! Josey has a good idea about asking for someone from a nearby college.
Ernest - I didn't realise that you'd be stuck without a car too. Are there no summer camp week courses(non residential) run by the international school? I know they have them in Vienna for working parents.Might be wirth asking the other MN mum in Munich that lives near you, or other parents at the school.
I know I'll only have 3 children(OMG too) this summer but my boys get 9weeks off and we have to stay here because we have guests. We have them booked into a circus camp in our village for one week, 8.30-5.00, picked up by bus - bliss eh? Then on the Friday night we go to watch the performance. Tristan thinks he will be learning how to eat fire
Josey - glad your dh is home tomorrow, how long is he back for? Can you relax a little now?
What a beautiful day it is here, sounds like everyone is enjoying the good weather. I have nipped in to have lunch and popped ds down for a nap.
Starting to get organised, moved ds to his new room and started cleaning and sorting, still some baby clothes to wash, but not too much. My Tens machine arrived on sat, so have everything I need now - Scary! Well except a name!!
Ernest I think you should suss out the childminder, if playgroup stops so soon maybe it would give you a little more time to yourself (well sort of) If she can't help then I would still go with playgroup, better than nothing. Are there any summer activities that the older ones might want to go to?
Neenz Hope your not too uncomfy and everything goes well with blood results.
what's worse than being stuck indoors studying and heavily pregnant on a scorching hot day? Being stuck indoors studying, heavily pregnant and trying to tune out someone's bloody car alarm. Can hear it from every room in the house. .
Hello all! just had a recovery nap whilst DD has her post lunch sleep. Creeping around like a mouse so as not to wake her, esp as I still feel crap and DH gone into work again. DD is OK and has 2 new tiny sharp white dots in her gums today.
Rolf- sorry you took over then night shift last night, hope your DS has cleared out his system now.
I'm also feeling like I've had enough- too hot, too heavy, clothes threatening to be too tight, hips too loose and vulnerable-feeling... but def not too much sleep.
Love the image of your boys going to circus school, Deb. Would love to see what they get up to!
Ernest- sounds like playgroup is best place to start fro DS3
ahh u swapped to here all this is confusing to me as im new... i didnt sleep agagin last night im running on reserve power lol not long now tho ladies i saw a gorgeous baby girl whos 7 months in the shop and i was talkin to her n she was just smiling the whole time it was so cute i cant wait to have mine now! then ill be able to sleep when shes sleeping lol!! Some woman went on to me about the less movement of the baby the more chance of still birth i wasnt pleased it got me worried.. ne one else feeling there baby less after 33 weeks im 34 weeks now and i just feel moving now n then not kicks much is everyone else the same? x
Hi everyone, officially fed up here! Babies still showing few signs of arriving.
I had some backache during the night again but nothing much since I got up.
Booked in to have my waters broken tomorrow but I will ask to have my bloods done again and if they are normal then I am not going to have my waters broken.
I have just been researching it on the web (dangerous thing!) and despite hoping to find that breaking waters is a wonderful thing unfortunately it seems that it can lead to more painful labours, higher risk of infection and higher chance of c-section.
I am finding it so difficult to walk around now I really want it to be over but might have to wait a while longer!
Neenz, I really feel for you! It's probably sensible not to have your waters broken unless htere is a real need to but it's hard not to be tempted!
DD2 woke me up this morning to tell me she was sick and then threw up all over my pillow! She's been sick a few times since and has had a couple of naps. I'm hoping it doesn't affect all of us. Rolf, I hope you ds is better.
I keep swinging between wanting the baby to come and wanting it to stay in longer as I know life will get much harder when baby arrives. I will book the girls in for a week at a non residential summer camp fairly close to my house though I know I will regret it when I have to pick them up in the heat!
Just shoving my head through the door briefly. Shocking night's sleep (about two hours- had I known you were all up chatting I'd have logged on...)restless, crampy, hungry, hot and cold. Feeling very odd today...and yet to successfully nap. God I am grouchy.
MW did little to make me feel better...more scorn about induction, then she took BP and wanted to admit me as it has sky-rocketed (combined with some swelling, and stars in eyes). Managed to get her to let me stay at home resting, but need to go first thing for bloods and full check-up. Thank God DH is working from home most of this week as I have to bring my hospital bags with me. I may be induced before the induction. Mad mad mad.
Anyhow. Knackered and about to get shouted at (rest means NO interweb) so have to go but wanted to keep you posted.
Sorry to hear you're feeling unwell Makescakes - I certainly sympathise! Even if you can't sleep try to lie down and rest. Let us know how you get on at the hospital and try not to worry too much - all anyone wants is whats best for the baby and although I know it doesn't feel like it sometimes, you and the hospital/mw are in this together.
he makecakes glad you got to stay at home to rest (bound to be more restful than being on a hospital ward) but make sure you do take it easy. Have you got some trashy novels or a dvd box set to keep you occupied? Glad your DH at home to look after you.
Neenz try not to worry too much about the research (easy said). I get the impression more and more when it comes to interventions that its not the act of things like getting your waters broken that lead to the other consequences - more to do with the reasons that people need to get certain interventions that lead to the other consequences. Does that make sense? I know what I mean in my head .
It is so comforting to know the rest of you are feeling crap too! Honestly - I logged on feeling so uncomfortable and tired and at least now I know I'm not alone. I can barely walk, I'm so huge, and all I want to do is sleep.
Josey - the college student idea is a good one - thanks .
Neenz - sorry you're feeling so crap. Re having your waters broken, IME once you are on an intervention "track" the intervention can escalate solely becuase you are on that track, rather than out of clinical necessity.
Makecakes - hope the check tomorrow is ok. Those symptoms sound scary.
DQ - has the car alarm stopped?
Deb - the circus camp sounds brilliant. What a great idea.
If I book someone in to help with the children I'll have so many more options for lovely activities for them. Usually I'm quite limitied by the age range and by the lack of a car so having a extra pair of adult hands will be brilliant.
DS hasn't thrown up much today and has kept down a few bites of dry toast. He's slept most of the day and is still retching which he finds distressing. But hopefully he's on the mend. I expect I'll need to keep him off school tomorrow just so he can regain his strength. He needs a quiet day with lots of cuddles!
Hope everyone gets a good sleep tonight and feels better in the morning
? 
. (Though not too early obviously - only 33 weeks at the mo!).
So I am cooking sunday lunch and it smells so good, lamb is my favourite and here it it ridiculously expensive, and not sold everywhere so a friend has bought a lamb from a local farmer and given us a leg - I can't wait!!! 
, he will be spending the day in his swimming costume. Sadly we all three have a cough so we can't take him swimming properly!
that you are getting the most attention for being (a) the only one with twins and (b) the first to pop 
. He keeps retching over a bowl as his tummy spasms - it must really hurt him. 
), he is no longer used to leaving me or speaking German for nearly 6 months, he gets insanely bored being at home with me the whole time.
Is it too late to change my mind? 
. 
