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I'm here! <Settles in and makes herself comfortable>
Scan went well and they got someone from gynae in to have a look at my uterus - he was happy all was ok, thinks it has shrunk now one is busy playing home for baby. But (isn't there always a but with me?) I am RH negative = more injections and checking bloods for antibodies 
Oh well, maybe it will get me over my fear of needles 
Will check in later - was swimming earlier thinking of thread names and came up with the same one Festie
Congrats on the +ve scan festie, so glad all is ok and yay for the she-bean. (did you want a partcular 'flavour' or didn't you mind?)
My head risk assessed me yesterday, he is obsessive about RA and it is pages long with an action plan attached!!! On the plus side I don't have to take a class in sept, just cover our new NQT's occasionally and take a couple of intervention groups, minimal marking, planning, assessing and stress!! 
Good morning Grads! Great idea! Didn't feel comfortable talking about regency stuff as I know I found it hard to read when ttc and especially after the recent losses
Glad the scans went well festie and Lil
Im nearly 9 weeks now and still no appointment for midwife?! I've got a private scan tomorrow! Also heard the heartbeat on my Doppler the other day
I love it, first page and we have detailed knowledge of Rus's sex life!! That will put anyone else off
Rusulka glad to be of some use will let you know what happens when I find out a bit more from the mw. I can wait to feel movements but have found I need to undo my trousers already 
Chips our booking in appointment was between 8-10 weeks but know there were some people on the a-n thread I tried for a while whose area only saw their mw after the first scan so maybe your area is different. You would have thought they would have told you though.
Flour Mums comment was 'have you always been rh-?' - umm I presume so! 
She then went on to say dad's dad had 'funny blood' so blame Dad!! I used to give blood so knew I was A but never really twigged to a +/- aspect. My mw was lovely with the blood taking, had DH holding my hand and she was good and quick. Hope it goes ok with you. How did you get DH to play breakfast maid? Could do with some tips!
Ha ha! You're so right lil - rus, I have to say, I'm very impressed with your dedication - dates and position - that's either impressive or a bit scary, not sure which!
Definitely room for doubt on the boy/girl front I think. At first she said, "not sure whether it's an over-developed girl, or an under-developed boy", to which I thought, so he takes after his Dad Then she had another look and said, " I'm going to say it's probably a girl, because I would have expected to see something more obvious by now if it was a boy"! So hardly definitive! I don't think I'll be going mental with pink stuff anyway! We've got quite a bit already, so I can dress either sex. And I am partial to a stripe, which will do for either.
Don't know if any of you have seen this website. It may be one of you that directed me there! It's bloody expensive, but does some quite nice unisex clothes.
Good luck with your scan today chips. xxx
Lil that's not detailed. I didn't mention the amount of foreplay, the face DH pulled, or how much 'o' gel I used!
DH is O-, I'm O+, so we're ok. I think.
Festie in my defence, the only reason I'm recording with such diligence is so that if anything goes wrong, I've noted whether I've had sex, worked in the garden, fallen over, carried something heavy or eaten something different, and I know what caused it.
Since this is my first pregnancy, and I have nothing to go on (so spent most of the first few months shitting myself because I thought I was going to have a miscarriage due to lack of symptoms), I've been keeping a diary so I can look back next time and say, ok, I know what to expect and when.
I can't believe I'm 6 months on Sunday (according to NHS) and I'm STILL in my own clothes. I could have still kept it a bloody secret!
Had a good rummage in some charity shops today, found some more stuff for Peanut. I seem to have found plenty of dresses and fleecy hoodies, but not much else. I managed to get some babygrows in the RSPCA today for 25p each! (which I totally didn't need). You just can't get bargains like that on eBay... although I did get a nice little Hallowe'en top with a skeleton on for £1.01 on there, so it's not all bad. Wish there was a jumble sale on nearby at some point so I could have a proper rummage!
I found a nice crocheted blanket that looks like um, pie lattice, and I let myself have it because let's face it, it'll be a miracle if I work out how to crochet in 3 months, never mind graduate beyond those granny sqares!
Morning all had my scan yesterday, it was amazing! Private clinic so everything was so clear, I could see baby's nose, heart beating. My DP was in awe!
Everything measuring perfect, heartbeat was 164bpm. Here's a pic:
my pudding
Hope everyone is glowing today
Fantastic chips and a lovely picture! You must feel reassured!
Sorry for teasing you rus - I am actually admiring at your diligence and organisation actually! I think is is amazing that you're still in your own clothes. I am enormo-woman! Ds's tiny teacher who is 2 weeks ahead of me still isn't showing. She must look and me and be horrified!
Hope everyone else is doing ok. I have a consultant's appointment this week on thursday which I am busy getting myself into a tizz about! I have to convince him to let me have a home birth... Dreading it!
Oh and still having trouble allowing myself to buy baby stuff despite the lovely reassuring scan last week. Someone give me a slap and tell me to get a grip of myself please?!
Morning all.
Chips glad everything is ok, it's great to finally see this tiny little person in your first scan.
Festie are they likely to not want you to have a home birth? I have to admit I think I would be too scared to have one but maybe as my first it's the unknown and I will feel differently for the next one (if we have another)
I'm trying to stop people buying things but know we will have to get sorted after 20 week scan so get on with it girl!
Wow Rusulka I can't believe your still in your own clothes at 6 months!!!! I'm 3 1/2 and already have the top button of my trousers undone and thinking that I'm going to have to do something soon . Very impressed with the dedicated record keeping, I kept meaning to do the same but wasn't sure what I would write except 'feeling sick' every day which was somewhat depressing!
Have had 2 days sickness free and only a little nausea this morning so am hoping I am coming through it now and will be full of energy. Need to be as DH is on the isle of man for the TT over half term and I am painting the baby room and my office as well as writing reports.
Had a lovely weekend, went to Devon County Show, had the eve in plymouth, accidently saw the olympic flame and generally chilled out. As we have the flame coming though the town I work in today the children don't have to come to school until 11.15 so hopefully will have a nice quiet morning
Flour hope you are ok
Thanks festie and Lil
I still hadn't received a letter about my booking appointment and 12 week scan from hospital, so I called and booking is on Friday and my 12 w scan is 14th June. Not too long to go!
How is everyone x
Yay chips! That's excellent! It's all happening now!
Where do you teach lil? Only asking cos the torch goes through my home town this morning!
I need to convince the consultant to let me have a home birth for a number of reasons. Firstly, I had a c section with dd1 because I had pre-eclampsia and she was breech. Despite the fact that I have since had two uncomplicated pregnancies and vaginal deliveries, some doctors still insist on a 'trial by labour' for every subsequent delivery!
The other possible complication is the fact that we are an hour away from the nearest hospital, which could prove tricky if I needed to transfer. The trouble is, this works both ways: with dd2 (my last labour), I had a 5 min journey to the hospital and she was born within 30 minutes of getting there. It doesn't take a mathematical genius to work out that at an hour away, I wouldn't have made it to hospital from here! I really don't want to give birth in a lay by!
Still, we'll have to wait and see what he says!
Glad your sickness seems to have abated lil, it's so debilitating! Thanks for the kick up the arse re buying stuff as well! Needed that!
Hope everyone else is well!
Lilliana - 31 #1 edd 17/11/12
chipsandmushypeas - edd 24/12/2012
Good plan Chips I was thinking this the other day, especially as we are all at quite different stages. I've added a bit more info on (not sure what you put before the #1 as I cant put ttc!) Glad you have finally got some dates to look forward to.
Festie I'm working in Bideford. The convoy ahead of the flame filled the children with coke, blue lollies and gave out flags etc - you can imagine hyped they were when they came in . Classical music and a bit of project work this pm I think!!
Def sounds like you have a good case for a home birth, hope you don't have too many problems convincing them.
Our hospital mat ward has a good reputation so haven't really thought about looking into any other options, maybe I should!
That sounds amazing festie! I would love a home birth one day, but not with my first I'm too worried about everything!
God no, I wouldn't have done it with my first!!! No way! I know some women do, but I was more comfortable putting myself in the hands of the professionals! Now I'm an old hand, it should be (as some old lady who had 6 kids once told me) like shelling peas!!!
Rus I can't believe they are still singing that song - you are still in your own clothes fgs!! That means basically you have been losing weight - ie the baby is gaining weight while you lose it = you're staying the same. Was going to ask about why you are seeing an anaesthetist but what an rediculous waste of time. Grr. Also the mat unit is 1 door away? - seriously how much harm an come to someone going through 1 door? You would prob have to go through more than that if the worst happened and you did need c section etc. I'm now annoyed for you!!
Festie How weird, I was born in Barnstaple too. Lived in a tiny place between the 2 but was more of a Bideford girl (and sadly still here!) We live in the middle of nowhere now though and love it (although not as rural as it sounds you are!)
My friend had a quick birth, the second time she had no time at all. Her DH (now ex) was upstairs as he had been drinking and was pretty passed out and by the time people got there she opened the door to them while crowning. I would suggest planning it at home would have been better, especially with how far away you are! When do you have to tell them this is the plan?
Chips your birth centre sounds perfect, close enough but not a hospital. I wouldn't go for a homebirth first time either.
Hay fever has hit in the last few days. Was told by many people that they didn't get it when pg - well apparently I still do Just as I'm getting over sickness I'm feeling rough again. Anyone know what I can take? Think I might have to call the docs today and see. I know antihistamines (sp??) are out, I'm hoping I can at least have eye drops and my inhaler and will see if they can suggest anything else.
Why are they being so on your case rus?! It sounds like it's unbelievably harsh! No wonder you're pissed off!
Ha lil! I drove through Bideford today (come up to visit my mum once a week). There's some lovely bits out in the sticks round there; all classic Devonian green rolling hills! So will you have your baby at NDDH? I had two of my babies there (as well as being born there myself!) and it's a lovely unit - good facilities and lovely staff!
It's down on record that I want a home birth; I just need the consultant's go ahead I think.
I have taken anti-histamines during pregnancy, lil. See the nhs website here. Loratadine is the preferred one during pregnancy they say.
chips - cant think of any questions for you, but be prepared to be asked loads of questions yourself, and to go away with information overload!
Hope everyone's doing ok tonight! xx
Festie, it's very strange to think I might be walking past you without knowing it's you! Interesting about the antihistamines. Phoned the doc yesterday and he looked it up and said basically I couldn't take anything, not even eye drops although my inhaler was ok. 
He did say there is no evidence of causing disformity but that it hasn't properly been tested.
Chips I can't think of anything either. My mw was lovely and gave me loads of info to go away with so didn't feel the need to ask many questions. Hope it goes well for you.
Rus hope your ok and planning your next move.
I keep having vivid dreams (I don't often remember mine), not scary but they keep waking me up so feeling quite sleep deprived now. Better get used to it I guess!
Cheers for getting outraged on my behalf you guys, it really helps to know I'm not the only one who feels like this is unreasonable.
Lil sorry about your hayfever. I wonder if there are any natural remedies?
<checks bookshelf>
'Foods that harm, foods that heal' suggests you try eating foods that have a natural anti-inflammatory action and are rich in vitamin c, like blackcurrants and citrus fruits, kiwi, etc. Also elderflower tea may help.
<checks bookshelf again>
'1000 home remedies' recommends that acupressure on points 41 & 47 may increase mucus drainage, and on points 50 & 51 may help stop bouts of sneezing.
Also have a drop of either basil or melissa oil on a tissue/hankie for instant relief from blocked sinuses and stuffy nose.
Oh, and apparently oily fish and flax seed oil (omega 3) can counter inflammatory reactions triggered by pollen allergy.
<checks one last time in case>
Hmm. 'Grow your own drugs' isn't too helpful as it involves finding and picking a certain weed and making tea out of it!
Hope some of that is in some way useful!
Chips I went in with a whole pile of questions, most of which were covered before I got to the Q&A bit at the end...
I mentioned my spotting I'd had, and explained what that was all about, talked about how I couldn't feel the bubbly feelings any more (anterior placenta had grown and cushioned movement, as it turns out- but she said I probably had wind!), I talked about toxoplasmosis concerns as my FiL has 3 cats, asked how hot a bath is too hot, asked about calcium supplements (she said to just eat healthily, FFS!), asked if hair dye was safe (no, unless it's henna), asked about antenatal classes and when I'd need to book them (around 26 weeks here, but you should get a leaflet), pelvic floor exercises, my headaches... basically mentioned anything I thought might be relevant.
They won't talk to you about birth options yet, but it might be worth establishing what's an option- I'd done research and set my heart on midwife-led unit, but then was told because of my BMI I wasn't eligible for that- gutted! On that note, try to weigh yourself before you go on something you trust- the midwife's scales had me come out nearly half a stone heavier than my wii fit had told me the day before, which really didn't help her estimation of me!
She also gave me her number, and said she was there every Monday if I needed to chat about anything, so I'm sure if you do think of questions later, you'll be able to ring up or save them for the next appt.
Hope that helps! Oh, and for god's sake, don't forget a urine sample, my midwife likes to name and shame those who forget. If you can't take one, she'll give you a phial and send you off to pee. You should be able to keep the phial to rinse out and use for future appts.
<Waves to Festie>
In other news, I've calmed down a bit. Talked to my dad, who said he had to see an anaesthetist before his transplant, and they were really friendly and were just discussing the options, so I was getting my knickers in a twist over nothing (cheers). But I do feel better about it. Either way, I don't want to use any of that sort of pain relief, I just want to try and get by on my own, or with a little help from gas and air. Still hoping for a water birth, but thinking logistically, back to the teenage days before I had the tampon epiphany, it was such a mess getting out of the bath and trying to dry off down there without getting blood everywhere... maybe water isn't suck a good idea. On the other hand if I don't, then I'll have to go clean it off myself, and it'll hurt to bend over... Hmm. Whereas in water, any gack couldn't stick to me!
Mmm, yummy thoughts. All of which are probably pointless, as they'll likely say no to a water birth anyway.
As for the growth scan at 36 weeks, at least we get to see Peanut one more time before she's born, and make sure she is a she! Wouldn't put it past the sonographer to tell us the wrong thing on purpose... and I've been buying little dresses!
I'm continuing the no fun food thing until about the 3rd June, which gives me 2 more opportunities to lose some weight before reintroducing controlled portions of chocolate etc, and also means I can have something sweet to cope when MiL is back. She's only here for a week though, so not so bad. I figure I'm storing up good karma!
When Peanut kicks now I can see my tummy wobble, it's a bit hilarious. I notice she kicks morning and evening, during the day if she's annoyed/ squashed (and presumably can't sleep), and 'wakes up' to kick me if I go too long between eating. I'm growing a piglet!
I did ask the consultant about not having much of a bump, and she said of course I shouldn't at 25 weeks, and if I did the baby would be enormous, so that was a little comforting at least.
I was measuring myself against my colleague at the last place I worked, who was at the same point I am now, but HUGE- with a proper bump she could rest her hands on. Now I'm thinking either she had a giant baby or a LOT of fluid.
Whoops, wrote an essay again.
Hi all!
Well I'm all nervous cos I've got my consultant's appointment today.... I've confused myself no end reading all sorts of studies, some of which were reassuring (chance of a uterine rupture drops dramatically with each successful vbac) and some worrying (if a uterus does rupture, a emcs is required within 17 minutes to ensure a good outcome for the baby - be more like 90 mins from here).
My two vbacs were uncomplicated- if I have a birth like last time, a home birth will be absolutely fine, but if something does go wrong.... Well, I'm just too far away from the hospital.
So, I'm hoping this consultant is the sort of person who will listen to what I say; weigh up the options and give me his professional opinion. I also want to know when he suggests I go in if a hospital birth is on the cards, considering how quickly it all happened last time. Lots to think about...
Oh, also, it turns out that he's the guy who delivered the Camerons' baby when she went into labour early while on holiday in Cornwall a couple of years ago. I'll try not to hold that against him!
rus- have to say, don't think big bump always means big babies. I always have an enormous bump, and my girls were 6 odd pounds and my boy 7 odd. I think everyone just carries differently!
It is funny that we're from the same area lil - strange that your GP was so adamant about the anti-histamines. Mine prescribed me some with no hesitation at all... It's so variable depending on who you see!
Good luck with your booking tomorrow, chips. I always feel it's a bit more "real" once I've got that appointment out of the way.
Hope everyone's enjoying the sunshine. I've just got to try and chill out until this afternoon!
Bollocky bollocky fuck fucks!
Well, after over an hour's wait to see not my named consultant, I was told categorically that it is not safe for me to have a home birth.
I am too far away from the hospital, and I have had a previous c section; he is not prepared to risk it. Because my last labour went so quickly, he has written on my notes that I must go straight down to the hospital as soon as I begin having contractions....
So, not what I wanted to hear, but I accept it and realise that a good outcome is the main thing.
Festie I know it's not your ideal scenario and the chances are that everything will be fine but on the off chance that you do need help you said yourself you are too far away. Sorry, but you will have a gorgeous healthy baby at the end and where you spent the few hours having it won't make much difference.
Yes NDDH for me, nice to hear you think it's ok too. General opinion seems quite positive about it.
Going to see how I get on with the hayfever. Thanks for all the info Rus I'll come to you instead of Dr Google next time! Will up the citrus fruits and will have a look for some oils as being bunged up is horrible. If it gets worse I will go and see my gp (just had to speak to whoever was on duty that day for advice) and see what she says, especially now I see Festie had some with no problems. Generally she is really good about things that my old gp frowned upon (but then he was the one who told me to get more 'fresh air' when I went in saying I had cronic hay fever and was struggling to take my exams )
Rusulka sorry your little problem is back, how many trees do you have available?! At least you are catching them.
Listening to you I feel huge, you're much further on than me and I had to get a hair band to hold my trousers together yesterday . Glad you are looking at things in a more positive way (although I still think it sucks!) Maybe they will change their minds later?
Chips hope you're ok, have you managed to extend what you can eat yet? Hope the BI app goes well today and your mw is nice.
Enjoy the sun all!
Yes my ms has subsided quite a bit now and I'm craving fruit like mad! Thanks for asking Lil
Oh Lil I'm sure you're not that big.
Remember I had a great big wobbly belly to start with (and matching bum, legs, arms, boobs...) so no, I don't look any different, but I can feel Peanut's there... and I never wear proper fitted trousers, so that's why that isn't an issue!
My jeans have lycra in them to stretch around my giant bottom, which is the only reason I can do them up, although I won't be wearing them again as I felt bruised from the waistband the next day, and it made Peanut crabby.
If anything I'm annoyed I don't look as pregnant as I am. I could have still been keeping it a secret!!!
Also I love that the doctor told you to get fresh air when you were suffering from hayfever! What a twat! Did he even know what hayfever was? Maybe he thought it was from rolling in hay.
Fruit tree wise, I have, due to some hilarious lucky dip ordering, 4 plum trees (I don't like plums), a cherry, a pear, an apple, a lemon and a lime. 4 of these are in pots. The pear and plum at the bottom of the garden have I think 1 mouse each, the apple has 2, and the tomato trough has 1 mouse per plant (3). I just buried the last one in with one of the new plums. At this rate, will have to pot up my lemon and lime quickly as I'll need the burial space!
I can't believe the sun is out already, so fiercely and so early! Over the last few days, we've at least had til 11 before we had to dive for cover, but this is ridiculous, no way I want to go out shopping in this!
Guess I'll spend the day sorting out bits in the house, and shopping online. Just had my tax rebate cheque clear, so I can pick up some more bits for Peanut. Woo!
Oh, and I found this foetal weight chart, which is awesome-
www.baby2see.com/medical/charts.html
You have to scroll down a bit for the weight measurements, and it gives you 10th and 90th percentile.
Can't believe Peanut will weigh 2lb on Sunday! She was only 1lb 4 weeks ago, and in only 3 weeks she'll be 3lb! Can't believe how quickly she's growing... I expect it'll be another month or so, but I'm sure more stretchmarks will appear to complement my million other ones... DH likes my stretchmarks, as he thinks it makes me look like one of those hot alien women off Star Trek (his words, not mine!) Lol, he's such a geek. He says I'm stripy like a tiger and it makes me special. Wonder what he'll think when they're bright pink rather than white? We'll see...
What an awesome site rus! Thanks for posting it. Going by my 20 week scan, Cleetus is on the 13th percentile for weight, which fits in perfectly with my other LO's.
lil - had a really weird dream last night, where I went to the Drs about really nasty hayfever and he wouldn't give me anything for it! Must be channelling you in my sleep!
rus, I think it's lovely that you bury your mouse corpses! Bless you! I think dh just puts them in the rubbish! He's usually quite sentimental about little critters too!
chips - hope you had a good booking in appointment and got lots of info/ answers to any questions you had.
I'm still a bit hacked off about my consultant's decision, particularly as he wants me in the hospital as soon as I start contracting. With ds, I went in quite early and labour took ages - needed induction hormones in the end. Whereas with dd2 I stayed at home labouring as long as possible and she popped out! I just don't want to end up with a long protracted labour because I'm not as relaxed in hospital iyswim. Oh well, no point projecting; there's no predicting what will happen when it comes to labour!
Hope you're all having a good weekend. Gone a bit rainy here today, but it was beautiful yesterday and we managed to get all the kids (mine and dh's - 5 altogether - we're a veritable tribe with all of us!) to the beach for the afternoon - first proper outing out in ages, as we finally managed to get some extra seats for the van so we can take everyone out! It was lovely!
Just to add to the chaos, we've also gained another dog, so we now have 3! My elderly whippet, who the ex got 'custody' of when we split up! Unfortunately the ex's new baby is now crawling and whippet had apparently been barking at her. I know he wouldn't hurt a fly, but ex's wife, who's not a doggy person at all wasn't happy, so he's joined the clan!
Blimey, I've really withered on today! Hope you're all well! xxx
PS- rus, I love the fact that your dh thinks your stretch marks make you special like a Star Trek alien!!! That really made me smile! He sounds like an absolute catch!
Festie hmm, maybe I need to stop wittering on so much about my hayfever! Wow, you really do have a tribe when all together. It sounds fab though and I guess you're never bored!
Chips how did the mw app go? Hope you are feeling positive after it.
Rus I do feel more pg than fat now although I was getting breakie in my pj's and dh looked at me a said wow you've got a gut!! He did explain he meant baby bump though and it came out wrong! I also love the fact your Dh loves your stretch marks, hope mine will feel the same when they arrive. Thanks for the link, had a quick look but need to look properly to get my head around it.
The sun has gone here too but after yesterdays heat and sneezing fits I'm actually quite glad it is a bit cooler. Only a week left till half term .. I will make it
Ah Festie I'm afraid I have an ulterior motive with the tiddly corpses... as they break down, they'll feed the fruit trees. Not so sweet now, eh? Although we do also have a dove and a robin buried in the garden- the dove fell out of the tree, had a fit and died, and I saw the robin at the bus stop on my way into town- I promised I'd take it home and bury it if it was still there when I got back. I like robins...
Plus awesome news on getting the dog back! Yay! The baby just probably freaked the dog out with its odd movements. My parents' dog had a bloody good howl once as it saw a monster on our walk in the dusk one evening- it was a mobility scooter with a rain cover on it which was rustling in the wind. Daft bugger.
Lil I still only feel pg when I lie down, still looks like my usual standing-up belly to me! Except when it boinks and wobbles by itself when Peanut kicks.
That website isn't too hard to wrap your head around, I just look at the estimated fetal weight percentile chart about a third of the way down- just gives me a rough idea of how big Peanut's getting.
Chips hope your appt went ok.
I had my weekly weigh-in on the wii fit and have lost another 2lb! Really chuffed. Must have been from digging over the veg patch yesterday (DH did a crap job, had to redo it to plant beans)... So he's not that much of a catch, lol!
Bearing in mind Peanut weighs 2lb now, and there's amnio fluid, the placenta, the extra blood and booby whatnot, I expect I must really be a good 4lb lighter without all that, which is immensely cheering.
Midwife again tomorrow, then off to St Albans for yummy eatings at the Waffle House. And why not?
Rus congrats on still losing weight!! I can't believe you are managing to do this as I can't stop eating! I can't wait until I can feel movements, when did you first feel peanut move? Using dead mice to feed your trees sounds very practical, at least they are being put to some use Hope the app goes well, what do you do during mw appointments? I've got my next one on Wednesday and haven't really looked further than the BI app.
Festie how is the dog settling in? Is there somewhere/one near to the hospital that you can go to when contractions start which would be more relaxing than the hospital so you are close enough to get there quickly but not in the hospital for hours?
I have no enthusiasm for school this morning but have found I am becoming unmotivated about lots of things, really need a kick up the ass or I am going to become a right couch potato!
Lil midwife appts for me are just wee check, blood pressure, foetal doppler, out the door. Looks like they're going to be every couple of weeks from now on, so good job there's not much to them!
I bemoaned the fact I couldn't feel Peanut for ages because my placenta is anterior (at the front) so she was kicking me there, and I couldn't feel it- had to wait til she was strong enough to kick hard enough to feel it! I think I started feeling things when my MiL went to Germany... that was end of March-ish I think, so I would have been about 17 weeks. If the placenta hadn't been at the front I would have felt it a lot earlier. Feels like fart bubbles imploding in your insides, but at the front!
Also now even if I don't necessarily feel a kick, I see my belly wobble like the water in the glass in jurassic park...
And after the waffles today, one of which was reasonably healthy, and the other was covered in ice cream and maple syrup, and the accompanying 2 vanilla milkshakes (whoops)... think I probably put that 2lb back on!!! Will have to work my bum off extra hard this week to lose any weight I think.
Lil it probably was the baby moving, but until you feel it more regularly you won't be sure- and then next time, you'll feel it so much earlier as you'll know what it is!
As far as I know, being RH neg just means you have to make sure you have some injections to stop your body producing antibodies against your baby- then it won't affect any future pregnancies.
Just read on Dr Google that they give you it within 72 hours of giving birth, as that's when some of the baby's blood cells can cross the placenta, which triggers the reaction in you if they're a different blood group. Having the injection destroys the blood cells and stops the reaction happening- basically destroying weapons of mass destruction!
Waiting in for my bebe pod plus to arrive, should be here by 12... and keeping my fingers crossed that I manage to win a secondhand moses basket I've seen on eBay as it's nearby to collect and I wouldn't have to pay the postage! (Plus it'd be cheaper than a full price one)
Other than that, I really just need to sort out bedding for the cot, get FiL to get his finger out and buy the bloody play gym, and I think we're pretty much sorted! Baby gates I will have to deal with later as the easy fit ones don't fit our doorways... I love living in a Victorian house, but hadn't anticipated these complications!
Have a good day everyone!
Oh Chips I'm so sorry. Glad you got back to us though as I was getting worried about you and will admit I did a search for you earlier to see if you had been around MN - not trying to stalk you honest, just concerned.
I can't believe this has all happened in 1 day. Where is DP? Can you go and see your family for the night? I bet they are thrilled for you although I would also be super upset if someone told my family before me 
I have no clue about the syphilis, maybe they messed up the test, they don't sound 100% sure about it. I hope you are ok and curled up with chocolate, ice cream or whatever you fancy and a good film. Take care and I hope things look better in the morning 
xxx
Hope you're feeling better this morning Chips and that it all turns out to be a mistake with the bloods. Your family will get over the shock and it will all work out (I would still be furious and explain to the MW exactly what problems he/she has caused)
We heard baby's heartbeat yesterday which was fab
Told my class too as we ended up talking about babies (very random conversation starting with the jubilee and ending with how you get conjoined twins! ) Also as I walked into my appointment with baby notes etc in hand I met one of my pupils parents, oops, so figured the cat was pretty much out of the bag anyway.
They are all really excited and had loads of questions and suggestions. The best has to be a boy who came up to me in all seriousness and said I should call the baby Zeus
Zeus!!! And why not? Good strong name!
Oh chips, I'm sorry you had such a shitty day, and I hope the bloods come back clear. That midwife does need telling, or he'll do it again. I remember the first time the midwife rang here. Dh says, "it's someone called Mandy", and I'm going , but then she explained that she never says who she is, cos she doesn't know who she's talking to. I remember thinking, what a good policy.
Glad you heard the heartbeat lil, it's a lovely reminder. It does sound like you're feeling a bit of movement. It'll start happening more frequently soon and you'll know for definite that's what you've been feeling!
You are doing so well with your weight rus; I'm really impressed! I daren't go near a set of scales. I had a BMI of 31 when I got pregnant, which means they'll probably make me have a diabetes test, but apart from that, it hasn't been mentioned - phew!
Whippet seems to be settling in well. Don't know what he'll do when ex comes to pick the kids up next week. Imagine he'll think he's going home, so that might be a bit distressing.
Have decided to chat to my midwife at my next appointment about my labour plan. There must be a compromise between going in at the first twinge and giving birth in a lay-by! I woderered if a midwife examined me once contractions start, I could make a more informed decision about how established labour is and act accordingly. I hope she agrees!
lil - the only people I know who live nearer the hospital are the ex and his missus, which is handy for dropping the kids off on the way, but not perhaps the place I want to hang out while in labour!
Hope everyone is ok. flour, are you still about? Hope you're ok. I am just getting tired again. My 'energetic' second trimester bit seems to get shorter and shorter with every pregnancy!
Morning everyone, hope everyone is well
Lil how lovely to hear the heartbeat, the best sound in the world right now! at Zeus!
Festie thank you, I'm ok now my mum has been lovely surprisingly! Hope your chat with mw went well.
My blood test came back as a false positive, I'm very confused and set about googling, it says it is common to get a false positive during pregnancy. The midwife was lovely and really put my mind at ease. She was also the midwifes manager who told my family and apologised profusely and said he shouldn't have done it.
Feel more relaxed now as she said just think of yourself as negative.
Festie hmm, ex's might not be the most relaxing place to go but at least you can drop the other dc there. When are you seeing your mw next? Hope you can come up with something.
Chips so glad it was a false result but sorry for all the panic and stress it must have caused. Glad your mum has been supportive too
Rus and Flour hope you are both ok
I'm home alone for half term as Dh is on the isle of man watching the tt racing. Going to a street party this pm (in the rain by the looks of it) and going to start painting upstairs this am - office and then maybe start looking at baby's room.
Hey Lil how's the painting going?
I've decided to decorate the back bedroom, since I had to half empty it in order to do some tidying- thought oh fuck it, might as well empty it completely and get on with it... Can't really find any oomph to do it though! I have the exact opposite problem, in that DH is on holiday all this week (which is nice, as MiL is here again) but I can't bring myself to decorate when he's home. Feel like it's time wasted that could be spent together, but if we do anything else, I feel guilty for not getting on with the painting! Can't win...
Zeus is a perfectly nice name, if you like that sort of thing- SiL is well into her classics and I suspect any children will be lumbered with names of greek heroes/ heroines, so that shall be interesting! I like Orpheus as a middle name, but can't seem to bring DH round to the idea...
Chips sorry your male midwife was a twat, sounds like things are ok now though. And you can always say you don't want him next time!
Festie the weight loss isn't going so great, put on another 2lb this week, I expect because we went to the Waffle House and I had 2 milkshakes as it was so hot, and then I got chocolate cereal in, which I snacked on all week, and then I couldn't get out for any exercise because I had to stay in sorting out phone calls and waiting for people to come over... because some idiot stole our gas meter.
No gas from overnight sunday/monday til I could get them to fit a new one on Wednesday.
And worst of all, after I went outside to check if it was the mains that was turned off and not the boiler being a twonk, I didn't even realise the meter was gone! I just stood there turning the tap on and off and wondering why I could hear a whooshing noise and smell gas. Rang my dad, who very carefully tried to explain to me that I had missed something obvious. Whoops. Felt like a right twit. Told you my brain wasn't working!
Still, it's June now, and the imposed no sweet eatings has come to an end, I may partake of appropriate sized portions, woo!
What else...
Oh, DH made me laugh last night. We were lying all snuggled up in bed as it was sodding freezing, and I was thinking about how pretty he was, and said 'I hope Peanut gets your bones, and skin, and hair'. He said 'I hope she gets your vagina and not my penis.' !!!
Lol.
He has a point...
Painting is getting there but keep being interrupted by people so ended up doing the second coat last night while listening to the jubilee concert and was shattered by that point.
I'm off to exeter today to attempt another go at shopping for mat clothes which, from previous experience, will end up with me fed up with no clothes.
who took your gas meter? I wouldn't have had a clue if ours was missing. Glad it is sorted now though. I wouldn't worry about the weight loss - you are pg and expected to gain weight. I think it is amazing how you have lost so far! at your DH - and I hope so too!
Blimey, well done you guys and your painting exploits. I dunno what's happened to me this pregnancy - I seem to have lost all motivation. I'm hoping some nesting instinct will kick in at some point so I can sort all the baby stuff out.
Oh I'm completely with you on the maternity clothes struggle, lil - it's such a crappy old selection. I was in Barnstaple to find that the Mothercare has all but abandoned the maternity section - that was the last shop left afaik!
I've got bits on eBay and me and dh had a trip into Plymouth where I got some reasonable stuff in H&M and New Look.
Whoah about your gas meter, rus! WHY would someone do that?!! Hope you're able to get it sorted quickly! love your dh's insight into bits peanut should inheret!
Well the kids are at their Dad's for a few days, so I've had a mega lie-in and am flopping about in bed and dh is playing Skyrim downstairs! There's a window of sunshine ( non-rain is probably more accurate) for a couple of hours tomorrow, so we're hoping to get up to the north coast for a bit of lunch and a walk along the coastline - lovely!
Well Exeter has allowed me to get a pair of jeans and a couple of 'bump bands' so I can carry on wearing my tops without exposing horrible fat belly Feeling much better about things as it was really getting me down - now I've tried a few things on I'll have a look at ebay for the rest.
Glad you're having a chilled couple of days Festie, they must be few and far between in your household.
Getting a bit fed up with Dh being away and would just like a night cuddled up watching a film but never mind, I have rhubarb pie and cream!
So hoping we do have a few hours non rain tomorrow as well and truly fed up with it today.
Not really motivated, I'm having to force myself to do things because I want to fiinsh painting before my lovely dad comes over to put some new lights in and do a few other jobs around the house.
Woo for some clothes Lil!
And well done for getting the painting done.
My parents have managed to get the black chandeliers I wanted for the living room, and my dad's casually mentioned that if I pull my finger out and paint THE ENTIRE LIVING/DINING ROOM CEILING then he can wire them in when they come next weekend.
I told him no, as I wanted ceiling roses on before they go up, and he told me to get them up and just paint the bit of ceiling around the lights! Not someone who takes no for an answer...
Festie lol at your DH playing Skyrim... is there anyone not playing that? (apart from us)... although I am playing Fable 3 with DH at the mo.
Hope you managed to get up to the coast and blow the cobwebs out.
Think the gas meter was taken so someone else could basically hook it up, use a load of gas, and the counter on mine would go up, but on theirs it wouldn't, so effectively, free gas. Cheeky sods!
We were planning to go into London this afternoon, was hoping to mooch in the charity shops around Chelsea with FiL while DH went off on jollies with his mates, but he woke up this morning doing his dying swan act, and it all got cancelled. You'll be glad to hear that after a day of being waited on hand and foot, fed, watered, stroked and ovaltined, he's miraculously feeling much better.
Managed to get the moses basket I wanted secondhand on eBay, not too far away either, just have to pick it up. That's a bit of a relief, although it was only about £27 cheaper than new- on the plus side, I think it comes with the stand too, which would have been another £30.
And MiL is off again tomorrow morning, although it looks like she'll be floating round the country until August... feeling guilty if we don't house her at least some of the time... Hmm.
With a tip run tomorrow afternoon and DH FINALLY having an eye test and new specs on Friday, that's my week effectively full. Nothing productive done apart from some mapping work on a project me and DH are working on, but oh well. I'll paint the room later or next week. Must. Learn. To. Relinquish. Control. Over. All. Situations.!
Rus I'm so pleased your poor, dying DH has made a full recovery! How is the living room going? My office is lovely now, just trying to get all the books back into it (there are ALOT) It is slightly ironic that I finish it 6 weeks before I will not be needing it any more but will use it for creative bits (that I'm sure I will have so much time to work on )
MiL AGAIN! You are a saint!
My lovely dad came round yesterday and did a few jobs for me so the house is slowly but surely getting there.
Had weird pains for the last week or so, someone on my nov a-n thread said it could be SPD Hoping it's not but some of the symptoms do sound similar, will have to speak to the mw when I see her next.
Woken up this morning by the smoke alarm going off, cue me jumping out of bed and rushing around checking every room in the house half dressed. Not sure what set it off but better check the battery so it doesn't happen again tomorrow. Not the best start to the morning.
Now need to get off mn and start writing reports -yuck.
Have a good day everyone, hope all is ok
Lil I find that if I've been humping and dumping a lot, or just bending throughout the day, then I get a lot of pain in my lower back on the side in the evening and when I go to bed- I thought it might be SPD too, but I think it's just that everything's looser, and can't cope with the rigours of DIY or a full-scale assault on the garden. If I don't do anything too strenuous- ie, not lift anything, then I don't suffer.
Maybe you've just overdone it on the decorating, or lifting those books to mark (I know how heavy they are!)
Just got back from the shops with a whingeing DH (who looks much better in his proper specs) and with armfuls of stuff for Peanut from the charity shops- seriously, the RSPCA are legends, so much stuff for wither 25p or 50p, I'm tempted to see if they've got a branch locator online and go rampant wherever I go, lol! I'm not joking, some other charity shops will charge nearly 10 times as much for the same item. Wish I'd thought to go there before I bought all the babygrows. You ladies take note!
Right, I've had my online time and cuppa, must be Fable o'clock by now. That should stop DH's sulks.
Hope the weekend is nicer than today, it's honking it down here!
Hope your hips are settling down lil - I had the same thing about a month ago and thought it was SPD, but it turned out I'd just overdone the driving and walking. After a rest it settled - hope that's the case for you!
Well done rus on the charity shop hit. I've got to hold off buying anything else till I've been under the eaves (our bedroom's in the loft) and checked what I've already got. Ex-p's wife took a lot of it when they had their baby, but there's some stuff left I hope!
Ooh, reports lil, don't envy you at all. Hope you get them done quickly enough to leave you some weekend!
Hope everyone's got nice weekends planned. After a few quiet days this week, we've got all the kids this weekend (mine and dh's), so it's going to be chaotic. Dh's kids are a bit unsettled at the mo, as their mum is in the process of splitting with her new husband (the man she left dh for!!!). So it's up to us to provide some stability. Um....... Oh dear!
You are a saint with your mil rus - I don't think I'd be so generous.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Hey everyone
festie scan is on thurs, waiting very patiently but getting anxious too, had a lot of stress recently (thread in relationships under toxic siblings if anyone's interested),
Waves to everyone else x
Ooh, shows how well I read that thread, thought you'd already had it! Good luck. Sorry you're having other worries. Sometimes I think it's a bummer all the other life stuff carries on when you're pregnant - you've got enough to be getting along with, haven't you?! 
for popping over!
Hey ladies!
Chips hope everything is ok, and good luck for your scan! I've got my GTT that day, not looking forward to it at all. Hoping all the sweeties I stuffed in the last week don't have a detrimental effect!
Festie I am so not a saint. Went in the room she's been in 4 days after she left only to find she hadn't locked the window properly- and we've had 2 days out in the meantime. Would have voided our insurance if anything had happened. Anyway, saw red, had steam coming out of my ears, and apparently threatened to kill her and said she would never stay here again!
DH's solution was to get all her crap she's left here (which I asked her to sort through- she didn't) and bung it in the attic so it's not in my way any more. Will feel guilty if anything untoward happens to it, but getting sick of her leaving her stuff all over my living room when there's no room for it and treating upstairs like her own personal bedroom when other people have to sleep in there too. I don't want my dad tripping over her shite... besides which, if he knows it's hers, he'll do something to it.
Also we're taking all her cookbooks to the charity shop.
I've had a couple of days of nasty acid reflux and feeling miserable, probably my own fault for stuffing sweeties and chocs, but had a bit of a fraught weekend with DH's grandma- had previous dementia episode before I met him, and looked like she was slipping again as hadn't taken her meds- she's home now and sounding more normal which is a relief, but we've had SiL here in tears, DH in tears, and me trying not to join in. But I did cry at a dog advert yesterday.
DH is back at work today and my parents are coming on Friday, so I'm going to try and get the back bedroom completely painted all today- 2 coats on the ceiling, 2 coats on the walls, and 3-4 coats of varnish on the skirting boards.
So far I've done 1 ceiling, 1 skirting boards. Going back up in half an hour to do the second coat on the ceiling, or at least go round the edges with a brush and then roller what's left until the tray's empty... then I'll do another coat on the boards, and the first coat on the walls. By the time I finish the walls, I might be able to do a 3rd coat on the boards. It's only a little room, so it's half an hour on the ceiling, 15mins on the boards, walls unknown.
Wish me luck! (will be sick of decorating by the end of it, lol)
Rus so sorry to hear about your DH's grandma, hope she is ok. Dementia can be really tough on the other people in the family (and sometimes worse for them than the person who has it )
As always I bow to your DIY goddess status, it took me 3 days to paint the walls in 1 tiny room Stupidly I did do it two colours on alternate walls (trying to justify crap rate of painting!) How did it go yesterday?
Hope you are feeling better too, what is GTT? (Know I should know but lack of sleep is not helping retention of information.)
Chips had a look at your thread, it sounds like you are best out if you can and I would def look at it as a professional relationship rather than a personal one, you do not need the stress it brings and it doesn't seem like you gain anything out of the relationship. Take care
Hi Festie and Flour, hope you are blooming/glowing etc etc and all is well.
Hey all. Sympathy from me too rus - my Mum's in the early stages of dementia and she's not recognisable as the fiercely intelligent, capable person she used to be. Me and dd2 visit her every week, but I don't relish the visits to be honest. She's become completely passive. She has 4 carers a day who feed her, change her pads, wash and dress her and she has lost all sense of autonomy iykwim. Anyway, didn't want this to become all about me, but I understand and empathise. I think lil is definitely right. Dementia is almost harder on the people around the sufferer. It really is a cruel cruel illness. xxxx
Kudos on your continuing decorating success. Me and dd2 are successfully watching Sesame Street on DVD today! Good luck with the GTT too, it was mentioned that I should have one at my booking in appointment, but hasn't been mentioned since; I'm kind of hoping I've got away with it, as I don't fancy sitting in the surgery for 2 hours having eaten nothing but a nasty glucose drink! Seeing the midwife next week, so she'll probably remember then.
Sorry to hear you're still in pain lil - hope it settles soon. You must be counting down to the summer hols now!
chips - had a read of your other thread, so sorry your family aren't being more supportive. It's really the last thing you need or expect during pregnancy. Agree with lil that keeping a strictly professional relationship is the way forward if you're to stay sane, but realise it's so hard when you're feeling hurt and unsupported by the very people you expect love and support from. Big hugs. Good luck with your scan tomorrow too! xxx
I am OK. More of the same for me. Definitely feel myself slowing down now. Went up to Barnstaple yesterday, and felt very slow lumbering around town! Looks like dh's ex is splitting with her dh. She's been changing her mind. Hope it sorts itself out soon for the kids' sake. Thanks for the kind words lil - we do our best to make our house safe and loving for them when they're here. Dss didn't want to go home on Sunday night, which is the best compliment of all really! Fingers crossed it settles down for them soon.
Hope everyone is well today. Woo, mega post! xxxx
Hello everyone, thanks for all the support. I think you're all right, a strictly professional relationship is the way forward.
On a more positive note! Just got back from my scan and it went amazing everything is looking good. Downs risk was v low at 1:25700 and dr was very happy.
Measuring dead on so my due date is still Xmas eve! She also said she was 80% sure it's a boy! We were so shocked because we weren't expecting them to comment on gender so early - is this normal? I'm not going to get boy stuff until my 20 week scan though just in case. Thanks for the support girls as I was so nervous.
Here's my Christmas pudding:
i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w402/oceanpearl2/f535a81b.jpg
i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w402/oceanpearl2/3d5a213d.jpg
Embarrassed to say it took me 2 days to do the room.
I got wilkinson own brand paint to try and it was absolutely crap- terrible coverage, took 4 coats and 1 and two thirds of a pot to do. Not impressed!
Lil GTT is the glucose tolerance test. On account of being bigger (...) I have to have it because being pregnant now, my body is less able to cope with all the sugar I so obviously must be cramming down my throat <seethe>
It's true, I have been going a bit batshit recently, but still... <seethe>.
Didn't go too badly actually. Felt a bit sick, what with the acid reflux and not being able to have a mint or more than a sip of water, but the wait went quite quickly, and I have to ring after 2 for the results tomorrow.
Festie I was hoping I'd got away with it too, but they went and brought it up again and booked it, so you'll probably have it mentioned at your 25 weeks-ish appt to be done around 28 weeks. If I have to do it, you have to do it too!
I love it when other people's kids don't want to go home, but it does make me feel guilty!
Chips glad your scan went ok, pics are lovely. The detail's amazing, isn't it? My mum keeps showing ours to everyone in her village. One day it's the lady in the post office, the next it's the receptionist at the doctors, lol!
And you can tell the sex at the first scan- there was an article linked on my thread about it- basically, at 12 weeks-ish, boys and girls both have a sort of penis- in boys it gets bigger and more willified, and in girls it turns into the clitoris (I think!). You can tell them apart by the angle of the wang, so to speak- with girls, it has to be less than a 30 degree angle up in the air, and with boys it has to be more. I found this out 2 days after my scan and was really annoyed as I wanted to look for it! Other people having boys have said at the 20 week scan it was fairly impossible not to notice the balls, so I expect someone with a trained eye must see them earlier!
DH's grandma is much better, thanks for your comments- she'd just absent-mindedly forgotten one or two tablets, which made her so hazy she forgot the rest, and it's a pretty rapid nosedive from there. Without the ones for her pituitary, she'd die in a couple of days. (!) No talk of carpeting the walls or putting soup in envelopes this time, so I think it was just a temporary blip. She's got a right arse on as someone is coming in to supervise her taking her tablets, so she's pretty much back to her usual charming slightly cantankerous self.
Got some wild boar & apple sausages to try from our local butcher- he also sells crocodile and kangaroo, so if they're any good, I might try more weird meats! Will let you know how they taste.
Meantime, I've got tonight and tomorrow morning to clean the kitchen and bathroom, dismantle and classify the bits of a playmobil castle with DH, move the rest of the furniture back into the newly painted room, shift the cot, put bedding on and towels in the guest room, tidy the house, mow the lawn... and maybe stick a broom up my arse to sweep while I'm at it... methinks something will have to give!
Usually with me it's the cleaning, I'm terrible! But I washed out my paint tray and rollers in the bath so it has a blue tinge, and I must sort that out before my mum sees it...
Epic post! Must go feed DH now, as he had to accompany to hospital AND shopping today, so naturally he has no energy left. Poor sod.
My God rus! How do you do it?! Actually, today I actually achieved something! I went through the whole of one eave, and found newborn clothes, my sling and sheets for the crib! Though I'm a bit miffed that there don't seem to be as many clothes as I remember which means ex's dw didn't return all the clothes (that she borrowed without asking ).
Well the GTT doesn't sound too bad then, though since I've been pg I've not been able to tolerate my denture plate without a mint on the go- it just makes me retch. All paid for an implant, but dentist won't do it til I've had the baby! So it'll be the 'Jeremy Kyle participant' look for me then! Mind you, in our surgery in Bodmin, I'll fit right in!!
Woo hoo chips, what lovely pics! So clear and a lovely clear nub! No wonder the sonographer had a pretty good idea what you're having! You must feel better now that's all done! A bit more relaxed and a lot more pregnant, I always find!
Hope you're ok lil!
Hmm, wild boar sausages - sound quite nice! You'll definitely have to report back!
Yay Chips so glad you have some positive news to enjoy. The Nov a-n thread is full of boys, there are only about 3 girls so far (two are twins) it must be the season for them.
I tried to have a look at the nub thing, but not 100% sure what I'm looking at so trying not to speculate as we aren't going to find out.
Rus I used wickes own and it took me 3 coats to cover the walls, was very grr as thought it would only take a day to do such a small room.
Mmmm, sausages sound fab, let us know how they are and we'll do a bulk order
I'm glad the GTT was ok. Hope the results are good and they let you have the birth you want. (I'm sure a short blip won't make that much difference)
Good news also about DH's gran, it's always nice when they are back to being cantankerous, you know she must be better.
Don't do all that - surely your mum/ mil can help you. (I also have a blue tinged bath, figured it would come off eventually with all the water sloshing around - I am a slattern!)
Festie glad you found some clothes, any chance of asking exW what happened to the rest?
The Jeremy Kyle show look is in in our area too - the playground at the end of the day could be backstage (and we have actually had one of our parents on the show!!!)
Not sleeping too well so pleased it is finally Friday and I can sleep in tomorrow. Feeling sorru for Dh as despite my best efforts I keep waking him too. He insists he doesn't mind and I can't help it but he must be shattered!
Baby brain is getting worse, so far I have put the washing on a pre-wash instead of a proper wash, then taken it out and put it on the line to dry, put my mobile phone in the school dishwasher and left my cash in the cash machine after taking my card (thank god for the lovely lady behind me) I am not safe to be out alone.
Woohoo, GTT came back normal. UP YOURS NHS!!!
And I get to tell the midwife tomorrow too, oh happy day!
Festie if it makes you feel any better, all I managed in the evening was sorting out the guest room and moving some more furniture back into the newly painted room- in the morning I had cleaned the kitchen and was halfway through the bathroom when the doorbell rang- I was praying it was the post, but it totally wasn't, lol!
While they were here, me and my mum have weeded the arse out of the garden, and not only strimmed but actually mowed it too- just doesn't look like our garden, looks like a proper one! We also took turns axing the shit out of the crab apple stump, but we just couldn't get the bugger out, so a bin bag has gone over it and we've covered it with mud. It shouldn't be able to grow back now...
Can't believe half your stuff's missing! With all the horror stories I've been hearing, it's making me not want to lend our baby stuff when we no longer need it, not even to family and friends! I think I'll only give stuff that I don't want back... certainly won't be parting with the moses basket, want to be able to pass it on to our kids... certainly worth a try asking about getting the stuff back, but might be a bit of a lost cause... still, no harm in trying.
I must get to the dentist and get my teeth filled or removed or whatever while it's free. Got a bloody great hole between 2 teeth, which I assume affects both, and it's been giving me grief for years- I don't believe in paying for stuff like that though, so just left it!
Lil sounds like Wickes' paint is a pain in the arse too. Really annoying as B&Q's paint is quite reliable, but I hate them as a company for overcharging on things like hooks and whatnot- really begrudge buying their stuff, but their paint is pretty good, and in a wide range of colours... sigh.
Can't believe some of the things you've been doing! I haven't been that bad. I do forget receipts in self-service checkouts sometimes, and I spent the whole of a game earlier referring to dominoes as dice, but in my defence, my dad had been doing it first so he put it in my head! Also I put a towel wash on, and totally forgot to put the bathmat in... and there were only 5 things to go in, including that! Had to stop the wash, bung it in, and start again. Silly...
Weighed myself this morning for the first time in 2 weeks, and put 5lb on. Poo. Was crap at exercise last week, but been really good this week, although still bad with the eatings. Hmm. Will have to get my act together as I have the weigh in at the consultant appointment on 30/07, and I want to have lost weight and be all awesome!
The wild boar sausages were quite nice, everyone liked them, although they weren't amazing or anything. Nice butcher though, so might go try some more of his exotic fare...
Yay for normal GTT Rus! Stick that in your pipe and smoke it NHS!
Just a quickie cos I've got to take ds to the dentist. It's a bit difficult to sort out stuff with ex's dw. We get on fine, but, to be fair, she took the clothes out of the loft when she was pg, before me and dh had even decided to ttc, so she didn't know I was going to want them. I just feel a bit cos she nicked my partner, moved into my family home and then took the clothes we had dressed our dcs in to dress their new baby!!!! It's my problem, I do realise that!!
Anyway. Did lots of baby washing this weekend, so feel like I've at least made a start in sorting stuff. Now I just need to convince myself to buy the new pushchair!
Anyway, need to go, will catch up properly later! Hope everyone's ok!
Thanks Festie I am at home till Friday and school have been really good about it. They rang yesterday saying they also have a case of chicken pox but MW thinks I'm ok with that as I had it when I was younger. At least I have got some time to write reports and sort things out so less stress and more rest.
Rusulka sorry to hear your mouse battle is continuing!
I haven't bought any clothes yet - do you have many newborn things or are you going for mainly 0-3 months? Bit worried if I stock up on newborn they might not use them.
DH was listening to bump the other day and felt a kick on his head was lovely he got to actually feel baby and convinced me that I'm not imagining the movements. Not counting kicks yet though as don't think they are regular enough but do tend to feel him every day now which is nice.
Festie I would feel the same about the ex's dw - couldn't believe it when you said you had lent them to her! Thought you must be amazing to have that kind of relationship (or they had got together after you and ex broke up and were ok about it) Hearing more of the story I don't think I could bring myself to acknowledge her let alone lend baby clothes for their new family, you're a bigger woman than me x
Festie only mentally productive in the sense that in my head I can get all this stuff done, then plan it, then.... don't do it.
Sounds like things are manic your end, I wish people would put aside their issues to consider the kids first. Grr.
And the first pram I looked at was purple too! But it was so huge and clunky, and wouldn't have fitted in any car except my mum's zafira... happy with my mothercare 3 wheeler though. It may be grey, but I'm going to accessorise with brightly coloured toys and blankets, and a red parasol!
Lil sorry to hear of your school infestation woes, I think you're better off at home too, it isn't worth the risk. Sod school, they have to be prepared for this kind of thing, and like you said, you get some more time to get stuff done- it's like a mini-half term before the last 3 weeks of term! And I bet you need it as well.
Re: clothes, I've only bought 0-3 months, although some of the charity shop ones say they're newborn- Gap seems to think a newborn is 12.5lb, so, erm, yeah, whatever! <fervently hopes Peanut is not that big>
My thinking was, a regular size baby will fit in 0-3 and won't need newborn clothes, neither will a big one, and if we have a smaller one, then I can get some smaller clothes IF we need them. Or they can just be buried in clothes for a little while and lump it, no biggie!
No more mice since the one when my parents were here (that the dog never noticed. Crap dog!) which is just as well since I still haven't put that metal mesh over the hole. [rubbish Rus emoticon]
Spent the past few days busily washing washing washing, trying to take advantage of the sunny weather. With all the stuff I'd bought, I had 4 coloured loads (1 bright, 1 paler, 1 dark, 1 new stuff that might run), 4 white loads, and 1-2 mixed new where there's colour & white on the same stuff- I'm doing the 2nd to last white one now, will do the other white when DH gets home from late night and bung his week's shirts in with it, and I need to buy colour catchers before I wash the new stuff and the mixed stuff. Oh, and there's blankets and other stuff to handwash too, but not much thankfully!
Made the mistake of putting in a red & white polka dot coat with the colours, some of which I recently dyed purple, only for the white velvet ribbon trim to come out suspiciously lilac, so have a feeling I may have ruined that one. I'm so crap at washing beyond the basic bung it in and go. Have lots of angora stuff I daren't ever wash after I ruined my favourite cardigan (and covered the rest of the wash in red fluff)... still makes me sad to think about it.
Shopping for little P nearly all done now- got my moses basket sheets- 2 from Wilkinson for a fiver and 4 secondhand off eBay, and I'm going to get my cot sheets from John Lewis as their basic ones are £15 for 3- which is £11.25 with my discount. Works out a little cheaper than everywhere else, so 2 packs and I'm sorted. Other than that... it's just getting FiL to pull his finger out and get the play gym, and maybe figure out the baby gate problem. So now I can just mooch in charity shops at clothes, with my little A4 tally chart so I know what I've already got, and just keep an eye out for nice things. No more babygrows! No more jeans for 6-9m, that kind of thing. Might write a clothing wishlist based on a sensible sized wardrobe for a baby, and try to stick to that...
Also we've been reading to bump every night.
Other than that, just getting things ready, clean, accessible, and thinking about hospital bag... oh, and wondering if I'm a jelly short of a party for planning to travel up to Norwich on the train when I'll be 8 months!!!
Bought £100-worth of stuff on Mothercare website just to take advantage of their 10% off, so that's Peanut's birthdays and christmases sorted for the next few years, lol. I'm going to sit and work out how much we've I've spent so far, and I bet it's eye-watering. I'm also going to work out what of that was actually necessary. Keep your eyes peeled for a wince-worthy financial update!
Good gravy, I've done an essay again, must have missed you or something.
Yes, I have to admit I have loved being at home for the last few days and actually feel human again. Nearly up to date with work, the house is fairly tidy and I have slept! Don't want to go back to work on Monday now and really can't wait for mat leave to start
I need to get organised too Rus. We have our 20 week scan on Wednesday so after that will have to get on with it. Dh is bidding on some bits on ebay and we have chosen pram and cot bed so have started at least. Still have your list which is going to be a godsend.
Will wait with baited breath for the financial update - I think I would be too scared to work it out - particularly the unnecessary bit!
Dh has been listening to bump and I talk to it during the day but like the idea of reading to it. My friend used to sing to her bump each night but if I do that it might not be quite so relaxing!
PiL visiting tonight. Only stopping one night so nothing like your epic visits Rus!
Think I will go with mainly 0-3 months and maybe throw in a couple of newborn just in case I manage my tiny sneeze birth dream! (although if I prepare only for a big baby maybe I'll be more likely to get a littler one )
I love your attitude Festie and hope that I could look at it in the same way, poor kids though, hope something better is sorted out soon.
Pram sounds great, I love purple. ATM we are deciding between red and cream for ours (sadly they don't do it in purple, only bright pink [yuck])
Better go and make Dh some dinner as I am currently playing good housewife!
Get red Lil, it won't show the muck so much!
Really fighting with washing these whites, they just get dirty so easily... really tempted to just dye everything purple- muslins, bedding... I mean, some of them have dirty marks from where they touched the line on the rotary airer. ARGH! I can't work with this!!!
DH has so far been reading some of childhood favourites- he was reading Fungus the Bogeyman last week, and he read Fox in Socks at my request- tripped over nearly the whole thing, which was quite funny, but I felt terrible for giving him a tongue twister to read! I've read some picture books including Where the Wild Things Are, but I'm planning on reading lots of Dr Seuss.
I know what you mean about preparing for a big baby- sod's law dictates we'll get tiddlers! But rather that than have to try and squeeze out a huge baby which then gets stuck like I saw on One Born Every Minute- eep!
I'm kind of hoping that my body just gets on with it, and my contractions happen so fast that before we can really react I have to get in the bath cos she's crowning... anything to get out of going to hospital!
Although realistically if I'm honest, I'd be happier to be there just so they can check everything's ok. Ah well. Not long to wait now to see what happens...
Ooh, definitely red over cream lil! You'll be kicking yourself when it looks grubby after five minutes! Very exciting about your scan. Are you going to find out the flavour?!
See, you're still putting us all to shame with your proactive organisation, rus! I know what you mean about white stuff though. Babies look gorgeous in it, but it's so unpractical! I bought this lovely little white cardi. Washed it lovingly in gentle fairy non-bio, and left it on top of the washing basket to be put away. Within an hour, it had a brown stain on it (dh blamed the kids, but it looked like coffee to me ). So, washed it again in fairy, but of course, that didn't sort out the stain. Had to do the whole stain remover, nasty bio thing and then REWASH in fairy - ffs!
Feeling a bit sorry for myself. Sat cross-legged for an hour yesterday and ruined my pelvis: ouchy, ouch ouch!
Still, it's quiet here now. Dh's kids gone back to Mum's, who's sorted a rental property, but while that's going through has rebuilt enough bridges with her stb-ex, so they can carry on living in the house while it's sorted out!
So definitely a weekend of baths, rest and NO MORE sitting cross-legged!
Have a great weekend all! xxx
Lil I joined the sainsbury's baby club or whatever it's called, and got a voucher for £10 off their kidswear, or maybe it was in my bounty pack, can't remember... but they have some ok baby stuff, not as cheap as other places though. I tried to keep neutral with mine but that doesn't mean white!!!
Here are some of the ones I got in M&S:
www.marksandspencer.com/Pack-Pure-Cotton-Striped-Bodysuits/dp/B0038FRXZ4?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_7&nodeId=75582031&sr=1-7&qid=1341153677&pf_rd_r=18MT0RDMGZYE1RR4B09N&pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=72343031&pf_rd_p=215570647&pf_rd_s=related-items-3
and of course Asda have a decent range, including:
direct.asda.com/george/baby-bodysuits/3-pack-baby-bodysuits/GEM234608,default,pd.html
I have a restraining order preventing me from buying more babygrows, but don't forget you could get a secondhand bundle off eBay, that often works out quite cheap.
Bear in mind that though you may not want to know, it might be ahem, fairly obvious, especially if there's a little pair of balls waving around in there!
And don't do what my MiL did- spent her whole pregnancy thinking it was a girl, then got DH, and her first moments with him were about being miffed. I felt really strongly that Peanut was a girl, right from the beginning, and we wanted to know so we could prepare better, but also to avoid that happening.
Regards your DH liking cream- you could always say you'll go along with it provided he agrees it's his job to clean any muck off- and there'll be lots. You could tell him about the mud splashes on my old changing bag, which despite being washed with stain remover, will NOT budge... and that's on pink. Ask if he would buy a white car... then if he says no as they always look filthy, then why is a pushchair/ pram any different? I'm sure he'll soon see the practical side of things.
Festie sorry to hear about your pelvis. Over the last week I've had a kind of weird ache between my legs- sort of in a cone shape around my downstairs, feels like a cross between the ache from cystitis and the feeling you get after riding a bike for the first time in ages... it's especially bad when I've been sat on a hard surface, and generally hurts when I try to lift my legs or move in bed. Weird! Think it's just my pubic bone dicking about, or muscles relaxing, or Peanut pressing on something. Not much fun either way.
Earlier on today I had the most painful Peanut movement yet- it was just to the left of my bellybutton, and felt like she'd grabbed a length of my intestines and twisted in opposite directions. Ow! Don't know what the hell it was, but she's bobbing about quite merrily in there now, poking me in the ribs for fun, etc. so she's obviously fine. Little git... Becoming more and more convinced though that there's a mini me in there, oh christ, what am I going to do??!? Lol.
Managed to lose 4lb somehow this week so am ecstatic, hoping for a repeat performance next week so I can go to consultant weigh-in appt with head held high knowing I have a decent chance of convincing them to let me give birth where I want... Starting off with a bowl of midget gems probably wasn't my best idea though.
Ha ha rusulka - I was going to say the exact same thing: if your dh wants the cream lil, he has to agree to be responsible for cleaning it!!
I've got those stripey vests from m&s, rus! They are gorgeous. I also got some lovely unisex baby grows from next. Hang on, I'll find a link... here
My pram arrived yesterday!! It's ace. But now I've got to wait 10-14 weeks to use it! Frustrating!
Although I'd love this baby to come a bit early, I am actually also hoping she'll hang on till due date. My brother is getting married, and his wedding party is a week before my due date! It's a 4 hour round trip and a stay overnight. He's got lots of mates coming, but since our Dad died last year, and our Mum is too disabled/incontinent/doolally to come, I'm the only family member coming!!!!! Flipping mental innit? I've found an alrightish dress, but I'm still going to look like a giant heffer!
Pelvis much better thanks, and I've bought myself a fan to cope with the humid weather we're having here. Also had a good midwife appt. She was quite keen to go over delivering baby with dh, just in case we don't get to the hospital in time!!!!!! She was also trying to reassure me that when I get to hospital I won't have to go straight down to delivery; I can stay in ante-natal, where I should be able to walk about, go to the cafe etc. She then went onto say, "quite often there's no beds in delivery, so they end up delivering in ante-natal anyway! I suppose that's what comes of having one hospital for the whole county!
Wow, I've wittered. Hope you're doing ok. Counting down to hols now lil, I expect.
Oh, and after emptying the other eave, found more baby stuf I thought I'd lost, so feel like I owe ex's dw an apology!
Well well well well done on the weight loss rus - I don't know how you're doing it, but I'm sure you must be on track to deliver where the hell you want to, particularly with your normal GTT as well!
Festie I got some from Next too, the two pack where one is covered in red hippos!
Great that you found more stuff in the eaves, don't worry about slagging people off behind their back, I do it all the time, it makes you feel better. And great news on the behaving pelvis! I don't get my pram until after Peanut is born. In the meantime it's in Norwich, waiting for the big day, and it'll come down when my parents visit little P for the first time.
I have midwife jealousy! She hasn't even mentioned delivery since the booking in appointment, and that was only to say no way in hell to the midwife led unit...
really hope I lose some more weight this week, but we shall have to see.
Someone on my September thread had their baby yesterday- but her due date was 23/09! He only weighed about 2lb 6oz, went to NICU but is apparently fine... got the rest of us in a tizz about getting the bloody hospital bag sorted though, lol. Someone's been a bit pants and bought a ready prepared one from eBay as they 'weren't sure what to put in' (yes, because nightie, towel, knickers, pads, clothes, baby clothes, nappies and wet wipes is so hard to work out, grr) I'm going minimalist with mine, then I can just carry it everywhere in case...lol... have to take notes everywhere anyway, and half of what I usually carry in my bag is needed, so might as well add the odd few things to make it official.
Am seriously doubting whether going to stay with my parents for a week at 8 months is a good idea! But I'll be buggered if I'm staying at home when I've forked out for tickets.
First antenatal class tonight! Can't believe I only get 2, had some misguided idea that there'd be a whole string of them... even if I wanted NCT classes, there aren't any close enough for me to get to, so this will have to do (not that I intend to listen to what anyone else has to say, ha!)
Have fun with all that washing Festie
Thanks Rus I've joined a few baby clubs but don't think I did sainsburys, will have to add that one. Did join Boots but not heard anything from them yet although people have said you get a free change bag which will be handy.
I can't believe someone has had their baby already - scary - although my friend had hers a month early.
You can buy a ready made hospital bag from ebay!?!?!?!? Why?
Continually amazed by your weight loss and if the mw etc can't see what you've achieved it's a bloody bad job.So hoping you get the MLU.
Glad you are feeling better Festie, the fan is a good idea I might steal.
Also pleased you have found some more clothes, don't worry about blaming exp-w, she won't know and a bit of letting off steam sometimes is needed.
I'm sure you don't look huge and everyone will spend the day telling you how glowing you are! I'm trying to find a dress for weddings too - one in a few weeks and one in sept, hoping I can find one that will do for both but everything I try on makes my boobs look enormous and does nothing for my ever expanding arse! Going to look in Barnstaple at the weekend - my new thought is all the stretchy/empire line/maxi dresses around might do the trick if I just get a bigger size.
Had our scan yesterday - all the right bits in the right places and didn't ask the sex. Sonographer was lovely and explained what she was doing and looking for as she went along but did say even she doesn't know the sex as baby had it's legs crossed. Feeling relieved that all is ok and looking forward to having a surprise on the day.
Once all was fine we went and paid the balance on the nursery furniture and Dh was straight on the net ordering the pram (red) - it really is going to happen
I'm definately counting down - 2 weeks and 2 days to go
Hope you are both ok (and anyone else who is hanging around!)
Yay! Congratulations lil on a lovely scan! There's nothing like the 20 week scan to bring home the imminent arrival of a baby! Stretchy/empire type dresses are the way forward I think. The one I've got is basically that kind of cut, but it is maternity since, at 39 weeks I'm going to need all the help I can get! I got it on eBay, but they have a website - heavenly bump. here's the dress I got!
Bloody hell rus! I've been lurking on that board. She was only due a week before me!!!! Glad all is well for baby though. It just goes to show, doesn't it?! From what I've read, your babies all tend to be born at about the same time, so I'm assuming this one will be about on time: dd1 was plucked out at 38 weeks (Pre-eclampsia and she was breech), but ds1 arrived 40+3 and dd2 at 40+1, so I'm assuming I'll make my brother's wedding, but this baby could have other ideas!
Buying ready filled hospital bags though?! That's just the height of laziness isn't it?! Also, it takes all the fun out of it. I like making lists and organising stuff (possibly the teacher in me?!) even if the purchases are maternity pads and nipple cream!!!
I love the hippo baby grows! Next have some lovely stuff at the mo, but I can justify any more purchases now. We've got plenty! (I have a Next account though, so it's fatally tempting!)
Keep that countdown going lil - not long now! My internal countdown has a later date in mind: I'm on 12 weeks and 2 days today!
Lil Boots take bloody ages to get back to you, they're a pain in the arse... and you only get the free changing bag when you buy pampers nappies, which I'm not getting! Prefer huggies newborn as they have the umbilical cut out in size 1. But nothing wrong with getting a couple of different makes to experiment with and see what's right for your baby, I just already had a changing bag so it wasn't worth it for me.
Glad all was well with the scan, it's really nice to see the difference from that and the last one isn't it? And amazing how they can't fit all of them on the screen at once... my 36 week scan is going to be weird- the same focus level that saw Peanut when she was naught but a a little monkey nut with a heartbeat will probably only fit her nose on now, lol.
Festie that dress is gorgeous, sigh... but I swore not to buy any maternity clothes, so I guess that counts me out. Have plenty of wraparound dresses at home, but would love some more maxi dresses...
I saw the loveliest set in Next for Peanut- it was the babygrow with the pink tutu and tights- thought it was lovely, but after seeing the £20 price tag, and realising that the tutu was actually separate... well, I'd be murdered for buying more babygrows, and probably murdered again for effectively spending £20 on a pair of tights and a bit of net with elastic!
Going to look on eBay for a tutu, I think...
Got my cot sheets and some (soft) baby shoes from JL on Thursday, so we're nearing the end of prep now, just need to sort out the changing-come-hospital bag... which I've been trying to clean the ingrained mud/oil splats off from cycling in traffic with it, but to no avail. Stain remover, biological, vanish, stardrops, orange oil grease remover, lakeland grease remover... in the end I gave up! At least if nothing else, it's clean now...
Yesterday after I finished chatting to my dad on the phone, I heard a trap go off in the cupboard- fuck.
Then I started hearing squeaking- I was really hoping it was just another mouse going "Frank! Oh my god, Frank!" but unfortunately when I got there to look, 2 traps had gone off, 1 with a mouse caught in the usual way, and one mouse with it's arse trapped in the thing. In an emotionally detached way, it was quite hilarious, but on a human level- when I got the gloves on to move them, the one with it's bum trapped was still alive, struggling and squeaking. It's a horrible moment when you realise you're going to have to kill something to put it out of its misery, but I couldn't leave it to bleed internally, so I got the 3rd trap, put its head in it and managed to get it to go off properly after an unsuccessful attempt- probably because tears were streaming down my face while I apologised profusely to this poor little mouse. After leaving it long enough to make sure it had 'gone', I buried them both in the lime tree pot. I felt like such a monster, but I knew I'd done the right thing. Ruined my day though, and couldn't really do anything after that.
Wow, epic post from me today.
To end on a less grim note, Peanut has been amusing me by doing weird stuff to my insides- I had a hideous twisting pain a few days on the phone, then read in a mum & baby mag that at 32 weeks (which I am according to NHS) the baby can open their eyes, look around and start grabbing things... I think someone found the umbilical cord and wondered what would happen if she yanked it... also, I had a weird feeling inside my lower ribs- the nearest I can describe it is it felt like she was doing that mime thing- I'm in a box!- and feeling around the space, found my ribcage, wrapped her hands round it and was feeling to see what it was- cue the most ticklish and bizarre feeling for me ever!
Wow my first stalker!! - I never thought I was memorable enough for anyone to remember me Thanks Reallea we're so thrilled to finally be pg and you've weirdly made my day by stalking me!
Congratulations on your little girl, I'm really pleased everything is ok with you. I loved the conception threads too but find the ante natal threads huge and can't keep up hence the random due dates on this one - we just wanted to keep in touch whatever month we were due in.
Rus how traumatising, so sorry for you and the mouse but it was the best thing to do rather than let it suffer. Hopefully it will help produce some lovely limes.
I had a weird twisting sensation the other day - felt like baby had grabbed hold of my stomach and squeezed. I can't wait until I can feel/see proper movements.
Am a little jealous you get another scan, was amazing to see how much it has grown already.
Feastie I love the dress you have. Went for an epic shop and tried on every stretchy dress in sight but just looked horrible in them all - think I am going to stick with a maxi dress I own, even though it is a little old- I like it and feel ok in it (apart from a couple of ominous snicks when I squeezed my boobs into it!)
How far away is your brothers weddiing? You may need to make sure DH doesn't drink in case an emergency trip is needed.
Reports finished so now just have to hope that our head doesn't decide to dump anything else on us last minute and we can have a chilled end of term.
So pleased Disco and count are soon to join us, will have to pop over and say congrats.
Rus I'm gutted for you, you have been so amazing at losing weight it just seems so unfair. I guess you could look at it that losing the weight will help you and baby in the long run and you are probably healthier but it doesn't make the birth any better They do seem reluctant to actually explain reasons for things and just expect people to do what they say unquestioningly. Grrrr
Glad your Dh is being so lovely and supportive. We're also tightening the purse strings and eating what is in the house (I feel some random meals coming on ) Thank goodness Dh is good at finding all the bargains on the net and ebay.
Oh def no drinking for DH then Festie!
Yes, I had seen that Disco and Count had some happy news. Hopefully they will be over once they have confirmed that everything is ok and properly located!
Talking to midwife running antenatal class Tue night, and she said they've got a birthing pool on delivery suite, they have a wireless CTG if they need to monitor Peanut while I'm in it, and gave me the name of the person to talk to who would have the deciding vote, so to speak...
Don't know whether to discuss this with midwife on Monday, or just let it lie and not let myself get excited again- DH was researching online about water births and found a load of info about why they're bad- risk of drowning, infection, etc- and I know he was only trying to be helpful, but I couldn't help feeling that he was having a dig at me for wanting to do something risky to Peanut.
Guess I'll enquire, but not get my hopes up.
In other news, was counting kicks Tue night after getting back from class & Asda, and Peanut was going utterly batshit in there. Normally I'll get 0-14 movements per 10 min slot, but these were 55, 69, 72... I was really worried, because that is so not normal, but then sometimes she does have these busy times like she's had 12 espressos, and I've never counted the movements during that before, so couldn't honestly say it was abnormal... she didn't feel in distress, just sort of manic.
I then realised that on a normal night by that time we'd have been in bed for an hour, and she'd be having a massage and a story from either me or DH- and then I twigged she was having a FUCKING TANTRUM!!! I was sat up instead of lying down, in clothes instead of undressed, nobody was talking, as we were on laptops/counting, and the light was coming from the wrong direction. She must have got an epic shitty on because we messed up the routine. What have we let ourselves in for? Lol...
She's been fine since, but WHAT a madam.
DH has been off sick for a few days, he's run down from being the only section manager in while one has swanned off to a new job and the other's been on hols for 2 weeks, but he's in tomorrow and then off for 2 weeks himself, so hopefully it'll clear up before we go up to Norwich.
Going to go to my favourite chinese restaurant for my birthday, really looking forward to it as I haven't had any chinese since right at the beginning, and this is really the only place I trust as I've never had stomach issues before (just wind). Drooling at the thought of all that all-you-can-eat buffet! Weight loss out the window, methinks.
Right, off for another day of computer games and looking after DH. Maybe he'll make me a cuppa if I'm lucky- will have to catch him on his way to the loo though, he's more likely to make it if he's already up, lol.
Hope things are well with all of you! x
Yay! made it to the summer holidays! Looong lie in this morning and feeling very chillled. DH is home too as he's not been well and doc has made him take some time off
Sun is shining, all the windows are open - lets hope it lasts.
Weirdest present from the kids yesterday - nipple cream but sure it will be one I will use
Rus hope your DH is feeling better. at baby having it's first tantrum!
Hope everyone is enjoying the sun
Sorry this had dropped of my 'I'm on' and I lost track of you.
Came on to share the fab news about moo but see you have beaten me to it. So pleased for her.
Loving the holidays thanks, not managed to achieve much apart from a horrible sick bug but over it now.
I can't believe it is so close now for Rus and Festie. Does it feel real yet? I still can't get my head around the fact we are going to have a little person her full time in a few months.
Sorry to hear about your most difficult problem Rus but it did make me smile. My belly feels like it can't stretch any further already so think I've got an uncomfortable few months ahead of me.
I've started making lists for my hospital bag - any tips? Think I might have 2 - one for labour/baby and one for after which will stay in the cara initally incase I stay in for a bit.
Nice to hear from you Count and glad things all seem ok and I'm sure it will continue the same way.
Festie I love all the OBEM / midwife programmes too (and DH seems to have caught the bug too. Have never cried over OBEM until this week when baby was stuck, actually found it quite traumatic and was blubbing about how I don't want that to happen (I'm pretty sure they wouldn't have chosen it either). Still doesn't feel like I'm actually going to have to do it myself though!
Wow Rus it sounds like you're ready to go! Glad you have got your head round not having the water birth a made a positive from it - playing board games sounds like a great way to pass the time, sadly DH hates them so not sure what we will do.
So sorry to hear about your DH's gran. Hope the funeral goes well and you, your DH and family are ok. Take care x
Thanks Rus, knew you would be super organised with lots of lists
Have had some lovely things donated by friends and family now so getting there, just need to paint and put up the furniture so I can get all the bits put away.
How are you feeling? Hope things are ok with Dh and his family.
Congrats on your baby boy Chips so pleased everything is ok and you got a good view.
Rus how are you doing? Hope you are not doing too much cleaning/DIY/gardening and taking it easy. Can't believe you only have 3 weeks left.
Keeping busy Festie?! Hope all the children are getting on and helping you out (and it has stopped raining long enough for you to leave the house occasionally)
No real news here. Going to paint baby's room today and furniture should be arriving this week so I can finally organise all the clothes etc and put it all away. (I think nesting has finally kicked in )
So pleased Moo Count and Disco will be joining us soon.
Hey chips! A little boy - how lovely! And you're over half way now!
Isn't it mad that rus is due so soon?! It's so exciting! Brilliant hospital bag list as well rus - went and got some bits for mine, on dh's insistence. He's twitchy that we're not ready, but I'm only coming up 33 weeks, still think there's a while to wait!
Summer hols is going well, thanks lil. Luckily my kids had a week at their dad's last week and we only had dh's kids for tea on weds; so it was practically a kid-free week! Very restful! I'm hiding upstairs at the mo; we have dh's kids for the day today and it sounds like bedlam. It's not fair though, poor dh is trying to work! I shall have to steel myself and go down and join in soon!
I am getting thoroughly pissed off in the evenings now, heartburn, restless legs and really uncomfortable movements from Cleetus. I'm sure I feel like this every time by this stage, but it still feels like a long way to go. I know it'll go quickly though (it will go quickly - I insist!)
Glad all your appointments went well rus. Sorry you won't get your water birth. Just stay upright as much as you can is my tip for the top! I laboured lying down with ds and it was long and arduous. I laboured standing up with dd2 and it was much better! Trust your body though, it knows what it wants! I was that Treliske has no birthing pools and no birthing balls or other comfort aids available! This is the hospital that covers the whole of Cornwall!!! The more I hear, the more I don't want to go there, but as they won't even consider me for a homebirth, I don't really have a choice!
Anyway, hope you're all doing well. xxx
Finally the sun arrived here yesterday and had a lovely day meeting friends that I haven't seen for ages Friends little girl finally seemed to work out that there was a baby in my tummy and looked at me very seriously saying 'you're going to be the Mummy and Dh is going to be the Daddy ...' (ah how cute) 'and then you will have a wobbly belly like my Mummy.' Err well yes, thanks for reminding me
Picking up the nursery furniture tomorrow and can't wait to have it all set up now.
Dad has just emptied his roof and found the big yellow teapot and treehouse I had when I was little so is keeping it for baby I think he's getting soft in his old age.
Festie glad you are getting a few child free days and I would have hidden too!
They don't have any birthing pools or balls?! I though Barnstaple was bad with only 2 so my chances of getting one were pretty slim but I think they do have a ball in every room. Can you hire one for the hospital like you can at home?
Sorry you are feeling a bit grotty, evenings are my worst time too with acid reflux. You haven't got long to go now, I'm sure it will go really fast and you'll forget about this bit again.
Rus hope the funeral goes well today and all the organising is done.
Peanut has a tight schedule to keep but if she takes after you I'm sure she'll arrive right when you want her to!
Lol at your friends' little girl Lil.
...and screamingly jealous that you still have your big yellow teapot! I loved mine. Wish we still had it... but unfortunately because we moved around a lot (forces family) we sort of jettisoned anything unnecessary at regular intervals. Wah.
...just looked on eBay and people are selling them for about £50+!!!!
Never mind.
Funeral went ok thanks, got to meet some of DH's family I hadn't met before, albeit only briefly, as we were chaperoning his grandma's elderly neighbours so had to leave in the limo with them. Never mind.
Just got to sort through the flat this weekend, and then hopefully I'm commitment-free.
Better go check tea- well deserved pie, chips and beans for the hungry and tired men.
I still feel abit like that Count but every day is a little closer. It still seems surreal that I will have a baby in 3 months and seems very far away. Lovely to see you - when is your scan?
Festie agree the main thing is they look after you all (and I would like it if they weren't too scary!) Enjoy slowing down and having some you time. I'm a bit worried about having to wind myself back up ready for school in Sept but keep telling myself it's only for a couple of months. I was really pleased he had kept the yellow teapot Rus, can't wait to see my LO playing with it. Hope you are now commitment free and having a chilled time counting down. How do you feel about peanut coming soon?
Hi count, nice to see you! When is your 12 week scan? Think it all feels a bit more 'real' once that's done!
I know I'm really close, but it feels like the next 7 weeks are going to DRAG! That said, I gave myself a fright yesterday. I've been having lots of braxton hicks and yesterday after dtd I got loads of them, very tight ones and this immense pressure down below. I don't really want to give birth at 33 weeks if I can help it. It went on for about 12 hours after the event. Me and dh have decided to abstain until I'm nearly due when I'll probably be begging him to get it started!
It was a bit scary though, and it's made me feel a bit on edge!
How's things with you rus? Nesting hit fever pitch yet?!
I can imagine your apprehension at having to go back to work for a while, lil. When will your mat leave start? I'm guessing it's a case of making it to half term and then you're pretty much there! Those last weeks can be arduous though, it's definitely a case of doing as little as you can get away with!
Xxx and to all!
Oh bugger rus - listen; I've never had an episiotomy. They tend not to these days unless the baby is stuck/they need to do forceps/ventouse. I did tear both times, but with dd2 didn't even need stitches and it healed really well. So don't assume the worst!
Sorry you're miserable though. I have been so uncomfortable the last few days, I feel pre-labourish already at 33+5. Obviously I'll mention it to the midwife next week, but I don't know what I'm more afraid of: going into labour too early, or this discomfort going on for another 7 weeks+!
The hassling from family isn't good, but people can't help themselves in my experience. Glad your folks are a bit more sensible about it all though.
Jesus, that nurse sounds shitty! OK; pain relief should be there if people need it, but you'll recover much quicker without the heavy duty stuff if you can manage it... It never ceases to amaze me that people like that work in the healthcare profession!
Remember with regard to peanut engaging, there's still time right up until you go into labour for her to do so all by herself. All that sitting forward you're doing will encourage her to do so too...
I really understand your apprehension though, it's so imminent and everyone has hopes of how their labour will be. I learnt that the hard way with dd1. I was desperate to have a natural labour with no intervention/ minimal pain relief. As it turned out, I was in hospital for 2 weeks being monitored with Pre-eclampsia and they discovered she was breech; so she was born by elective caesarean! I was gutted when I found out, but ultimately it was all ok and I had my gorgeous healthy baby at the end of it.
I'm really not trying to play down how you feel though, I completely understand and I think it's mostly borne of anxiety of the unknown. Just think, in a few weeks time you'll have your lovely baby!
Ha ha, count - there was no good lovin' at all in this house during the first trimester!! I felt far too rubbish! I got my mojo back at some point during the second. You must be counting down to that scan now. I know you've been in the worst of positions, but you've already had a scan this time, haven't you? I'm sure you know the stats as well as I do, and that won't stop you worrying, but you are in a really good position and the ms is a brilliant sign! We will all be keeping all our digits crossed on the 31st! (which is also my birthday, so bound to be a day of good news! )
Hope you're well lil. Blimey, I appear to have written a dissertation! xxx
Thanks Festie, that's reassuring.
I have no qualms at all about labour and the birth whatsoever, I'm looking forward to it! I'll just get on with it- just don't like being forced into something I don't want. Obviously I'll do what's best for Peanut (contrary to DH's opinion!) but it's frustrating when there's something you can do to avoid a situation, but you can't bloody do it!
The midwives at the antenatal classes said that they're very good at telling whether someone is going to tear or not, and they'll tell you in good time, so I will wait and see on that front- but I have problems with that side of things, so suspect I will need it... Only thing I can thing of doing to relax that area is to lay and fiddle with my clitoris with some o gel, but don't that'll be easy in a room with midwives when she's crowning! Unless I'm on all fours and they can't see...
First lot of brownies in the oven. Don't know if I can be arsed to make the second batch as my scales have just packed in and they need silly flat batteries. Will check recipe though and see if I can get around it... did want to see what effect beetroot would have on them...
Been away for a few days seeing friends who have both just had their second (7 and 9 weeks) They both seem very chilled and sleep well so I am hoping mine is the same!
Rus that souds scary but glad all is ok. I really don't want an episiotomy but going to try to go with the flow as won't be able to change much at the time I'm sure.
Can see my MIL etc are going to be the same, they rang about 5 times when we had a MW app so god knows what they will be like when we are waiting to actually give birth.
Festie sorry to hear you are uncomfortable, hope it is easing for you. Were your other DC early?
I can't believe our first flying mattress babies will be here soon. Any chance of live birthing updates?!?
Lil I think they recommend drinking it from 32-34 weeks, and starting with 1 cup a day then building up to 3- it takes a few weeks to build up in your system and do any good, so I've probably started too late, but I'll give it a go anyway. Apparently they did a study and the women who had been drinking the tea had a shorter second pushing out stage- worth it as far as I'm concerned! You do need to check you don't have any medical reasons why you shouldn't do it- it mentions high blood pressure and some others, and consulting your midwife before embarking on it- but since the things mentioned didn't apply to me, I thought I'd give it a go anyway.
The ones I got were from Holland & Barrett- in store they have a box of 50 teabags for £3. They taste kind of like old socks (so same as every herbal tea ever made, lol) but I'm getting used to it and it's not awful.
They do say that if you have strong BH after drinking it, you should cut down how much you're having, so bear that in mind too.
Sounds like the nursery is going well! Once Peanut is born and I've recovered, my next project will be painting her bedroom to look like a jungle. I've got til she's 6 months old, but would like to finish it sooner than later so I can take her in there regularly so she can play with her mobile- by the time she goes in her cot she'll be able to pull the bits off, so I clearly haven't thought this moses basket thing through properly! I have a single bed in there already, and the cot fits in too, so hopefully will be able to manage with 2 kids in there up to a point...
Festie hope you're feeling a bit more comfortable than you were the last time you wrote!
Right, I've done the washing, I'm working on making jewellery for my mum- ordered the clasp I need from eBay, so now I think I'll go run a bath, and sit and have a chat with Peanut about how I think 17 is an awesome number for your birthday because it's a prime number... and also it would get daddy out of his late night!
Hi guys,
I'm still hanging in there. Still tremendously uncomfortable, but nothing serious, the kids are driving me nuts and I'm tired and big - that's it really. I've been monitoring my blood pressure at home too (dh bought himself a decent monitor last year after his heart attack) cos it's been creeping up and as I had Pre-eclampsia with dd1, I'm a bit paranoid about it. I also read that if you have a baby with a new partner that can be like a first pregnancy from a Pre eclampsia point of view, because there are new genes involved. Anyway, my bp was 146/85 this morning, so not scary, but a bit raised. Trying to chill out and not get stressed about it, but kids WILL NOT let me relax!
Anyway, enough moaning- won't do me any good! Raspberry tea is supposed to be very good for toning the old uterus. I used it for my first 3, but as my second stage was only 5 minutes last time, I don't want to encourage it to be any quicker this time! Very effective for first labours though, I believe, although, you're right rus, it does taste like old socks!
So I'm going to be the only one sending a live video stream from my labour bed on B-day then?! No, don't worry, that won't be happening, though I may be grateful for a bit of mumsnetting if they insist I go in as soon as I begin contracting.....
Hope you got that nursery done lil. My two youngest have been banished downstairs now, but 8yo dd is still up here withering about God knows what! Poor kids, I am so intolerant at the moment!
So, do you think peanut has been listening to your theory about prime numbers rus?! I hope so! xxx
Had an exciting evening last night.
Contractions as follows:
16:10, 16:30, 16:50, 17:10- after drinking 4th cup of raspberry leaf tea, also had backache when leaning over the table which didn't go away.
17:30?, 17:50?
17:55- quite tight and uncomfortable at front, Peanut active.
18:05- as above, but only brief.
18:10- felt rock hard
18:15- as above, got up from sitting and brought in washing I'd forgotten about then put pots away
18:25- only brief
Then about an hour's rest.
Had a 5th cup of raspberry leaf tea (it's getting addictive!)
19:20, 19:40, 20:00, 20:10, 20:25- quite tight and uncomfortable at front.
20:30, 20:35
Started timing- 20:40, 20:44- lasted 1min20secs
20:50, 20:57- lasted 1min30secs-ish, maybe longer- by now I can feel they're tightening and building to a peak, then relaxing.
21:08- lasted 1min10secs
21:15- didn't time as was on phone to hospital to find out if I should come in! They said it sounded like I was coping ok, and to keep monitoring- they said to ring again when they got quite painful or if my waters broke. This was frustrating, as I imagine what's painful to one person is just about tolerable to another, but whatever.
At this point we rang my Father in Law to warn him we might need a lift to the hospital.
21:23, 21:28, 21:34- lasted approx. 1min10-20secs
21:37- another one? Hard to tell.
21:42- didn't time.
At this point came up to bed- I didn't want to in case it stopped them, lol.
21:58?- halfway up the stairs, so hard to tell.
22:11- fairly short, low intensity
22:22, 22:29- lasted 1min
Then I was getting a bit bored with nothing to do but wait expectantly so for a laugh I tried milking myself like they showed us in the breastfeeding workshop and managed to get a watery fluid out of both nipples- how exciting! Felt like I achieved something there, lol.
22:45- lasted 1min- kneeling on floor, not as intense
23:23- lasted 1min- not as intense- sat in bed
23:37? Hard to tell.
They seemed to be tailing off, so I had a little 'what the fuck's going on?' cry on DH, then tried to get some sleep, and although I woke up on and off, I slept through til about 7am this morning with no more contractions, though I am having AF-type cramps. Peanut is having a good old jiggle in there.
What the bloody hell?
Think the raspberry leaf tea probably had something to do with it, but especially frustrating considering the chat I had with Peanut- I honestly thought that was it and we'd be holding her today.
They were a lot more intense than any BH I've had so far...
Feeling quite pissed off now, but I guess she comes when she comes and I shouldn't try to force the issue. Daren't leave the house though!
How exciting Rus I'm off to London for the weekend so typically it looks like I'm going to miss all the excitement. (for once I'm wishing my phone did do all the internet stuff) Hope it all goes well and when I get back you have a lovely cuddly baby.
Festie yy to a blow by blow account as it happens - I'm sure you won't have anything else to do Hope the blood pressure stays ok, it can't be easy to relax with all the kids around.
Nursery painted so can make up the furniture when I get home
Well done on painting the nursery lil. Have a great weekend in the big city!
Hope you're ok rus, any more contractions?
I was all geared up to get last hospital bag bits and kids' school uniform this afternoon, but then realised it's a Friday afternoon in August and the Asda I was going to is on a major tourist route. With three kids and 34 weeks pregnant..... Nooooooo! Lucky escape there I think! It can wait till Monday!
I appeased myself by learning how to put the car seat in (it's a new one - the old one had done my three and ex's one, so felt it deserved retirement!) It's now fitted so baby has means of transport home!
Mine and dh's first anniversary today! Can't believe it was a year ago AND I was pregnant then too! (chemical pg). We're chuffed anyway; dh's last marriage only lasted 9 months, so we've already broken his record!
No more excitement today I'm afraid, couldn't get DH out of his late night, despite drinking 5 cups of raspberry leaf tea which DH specifically made me promise not to do.
I've given my downstairs a shave with the old sheep shearer so it's looking less unkempt- have a feeling Peanut is doing now what she did at the beginning- ie. waiting for me to get my act in gear before I get any results...
Wanted to shave, get a photo of me with bump, photocopy all antenatal notes so I have a record in case they nick them off me, and I guess get the rest of DH's grandma's stuff upstairs and out of the way (came today) and her fridge freezer cleaned out and in place.
I bet once I do that she turns up!
After all, she insisted on waiting for me to get cracking on the bedroom and go have a smear test before she appeared the first time...
Trouble is I don't want to sort all the crap out! I guess it wouldn't be hard to get it all upstairs though, and cleaning the fridge is hardly a monumental difficulty. Will have to take the pics myself while DH is working. Hoorah for self-timers.
DH went and told Peanut to aim for Monday because he's off. Silly sod. I want her here now! Why does he always go put his bloody foot in it, ruining my plans and intentions? Because he's a man. Grr.
Festie sensible decision on Asda, I think!
Lil well done on getting the painting done! But don't hold your breath, bet I'm still sat here muttering when you get back, lol.
Bleeding heck, rus - she's ruling you with an iron rod already!
Seriously though, I cursed dd2 for all the early false alarm contractions, but once I went into labour proper and was already 4-5 cm dilated, I was punching the air.
I've been completely shit today, hung out in bed; hot, uncomfortable and weepy . I don't know why I put myself through this repeatedly - I really am the world's worst at being pregnant.
Still 34 weeks today - there is light at the end of the tunnel, there IS. xxx
Festie not long to go now, and it will fly by, honestly- I'm 39 weeks today according to the hospital! And if it makes you feel any better I was also hot, uncomfortable and weepy yesterday, and unfortunately decided to take it out on DH when he got home from his late night.
Had a massive row, lots of yelling and crying, me accusing him of all sorts, him pointing out that I wasn't so shit hot either... and this went on til midnight!
We sorted it out in the end, but went to bed with no tea, which wasn't so bad for me as I felt sick anyway, but poor DH... and only 2 weeks after his Grandma died, as he rightly pointed out. What a cow I am.
Still, we're ok again now, though every time it happens I suspect DH loves me a little less and wonders what the hell he's done to deserve the abuse a little more.
Have had a productive day so far-
coloured wash
washed up (it's an achievement for me!)
finally cleaned out the under sink cupboard for the cleaning products (only lived here 15 months!)
emptied the beech bookcase, am in process of finding homes for all the crap that was on it
Took all our DVDs, videos, CDs, tapes and LPs off bed in bedroom 2 and put on aforementioned bookcase
tools upstairs and away in cupboard
poured unblocker down all the plugholes
sorted through all the piles of paperwork all over the living room and filed them away
finally sorted out the last 2 shelves on our epic storage system
found a home for the chandelier boxes until I get my act in gear and put them up
cleared off side table and the top of the piano (and filled it with more attractive-looking mess)
and had a cold bath as a reward!
just need to sort out some of the paperwork on my computer, clean out the fridge freezer with bicarb & get it in place, and try to clear the last random bits of homeless stuff off DH's sofa before he gets home at 7:30.
FX it gets done, but I'm pleased with my efforts so far. Lots of exercise!
Thanks rus. Sorry your day ended up with a row. I feel really sorry for my dh too at the moment; he is being lovely and I am a horrible, miserable harridan!
What makes it worse is that his ex glowed through pregnancy, so it's been a shock to his system putting up with me! I'm sure, although bewildering for them, they do understand that we're less reasonable than usual for good reasons!
I think the baby has managed to kick itself round into a transverse position today. I'm very uncomfortable and all the movements seem to be at opposite ends of my bump horizontally iyswim. I hope it's not planning on staying there!
Well done on getting all your chores done. Maybe now peanut will feel ready to make an appearance! It's funny - very soon, she'll have a proper name! I wonder about how confused my 3yo is going to get once my baby arrives; I'm sure she's going to want to carry on calling it Cleetus!
I'm back! Popped in hoping to hear about peanut, sorry to see you are still hanging around Rus but she will come when she's ready.
Hope all is ok with DH now, it's going to be a stressful time waiting and I'm sure we'll have similar bust ups. I'm impressed with your list of jobs done though.
Festie I'm sure you are not horrible and you're nearly there now! Hope baby moves back soon.
Lovely to see you Disco can't wait to have you join us properly!
Had a lovely weekend in London and came home to find that Dh has put all the nursery furniture together and it looks lovely However clearly that has taken priority as the rest of the house is a state! I can't believe I have only been gone for 2 days. Not complaining though as he did have to work too while I was swanning around a VERY hot London.
Thanks Festie, lol at your little one wanting to continue using Cleetus. We're still going to be calling her Peanut, I suspect. DH wants to name subsequent bumps after other kinds of nuts...
Hi Disco! [waves furiously] nice to see you, FX for a good scan! I'm furiously staring at bump, my eyes must be burning holes in her bum willing her down and outwards...
Lil that's great DH put the furniture together! I had to do all ours (grump).
Yep, Peanut's still behind bars so to speak, on the plus side had midwife appt today, and though she said she wasn't engaged (I had expressed concerns), she said 'let's play a game' and got me to (try) and sit up while she had her hands there- and she said the good news is, her head does fit in my pelvis! Whoop! I said I'm not surprised with my fat arse and she did headshakings and it doesn't work like that explainings.
I told her I'd read online that if your baby didn't engage, you wouldn't go into labour naturally, and she pulled that 'what total bollocks' face I find so reassuring.
I also expressed concern about her facing outwards rather than inwards, and she said she was facing inwards while we were in there, so more good news.
Other than that, not much doing. Cleaned DH's grandma's old fridge freezer (filthy) and got it in place, but due to steps leading down into kitchen, the freezer bit can't open unless we put it on brieze blocks (sp?) so will have to find some somewhere!
Trying to come up with labour-inducing schemes... DH being in London today with his dad didn't work, so will have to come up with something else.
Thinking of cracking out zumba and my rabbit (not at same time, obvs)- one of those has got to work, right? Or even better, plan a family meal out, lol!
If this weather continues I'm going to remove all the babygrows from my hospital bag as it'll be too hot for anything other than a nappy!
Cripes Festie!
Let us know what your midwife says, ok?
Thinking of you.
Well, mowing the lawn didn't work. The rabbit didn't work. Haven't tried zumba yet. Last day for a leo today though, so looks like she'll be a virgo regardless. (DH thinks astrology is nonsense and I'm kicking up a fuss over nothing). He pointed out that being this tense about it is probably stopping it happening, just like when we were trying to conceive... so if I just forget about it and get on with stuff, she'll be ready to make an appearance. Can't fault his logic!
In which case I think I'll accompany the boys up to London at the weekend for a mooch in the shops. I really want to go, but was going to say no in case anything happens, but I can't live my life like that, so sod it.
Might also make some plans for over the next couple of weeks... and actually start venturing out of the house again! I'm so pathetic...
Hey ladies,
Festie glad you're ok. I'd love to say 2 weeks will fly by, but coming up on 39/40 weeks, and the last 2 have crawled for me!
Lil what kind of dancing have you been doing? I'm picturing some sort of latin if you need to get THAT close to your partner, lol. And well done on washing all the clothes and getting them ready, that and the hospital bag are good achievements to have under your belt!
Well, I'm still here, so no Leo Peanut for me.
I just hope that she's an August baby still, but due date is 28th, so she might spill over...
This morning she's been beating me up- honestly, duvet monster is no fun when the duvet is your own skin!
I keep saying to her (quite crossly) "If you want more room, there's plenty out here, and you know damn well where the exit is!"
DH says she's being just like me- all stubborn and "I'm not using your stupid exit, I'm going to find a different way" which does explain all the poking in my right side (she is so not coming out there!) and eventually she'll sit and have a whinge, and say "I can't do it, it's too hard, there's nowhere to go" and we'll have to say "Ok, don't be upset. Come out this way and have a cuddle" and then she will.
I think DH has been thinking about this way too much! Lol.
London isn't happening on Saturday now, which is a pisser, but I guess a good thing. Not meant to be at any rate. Me and DH are going to go to Bluewater instead and use my pizza express voucher I printed off the net- 3 courses for £12.95! We haven't had a meal out in ages, and it's not expensive, and it is our anniversary, so what the heck.
Today I'm going to actually leave the house (gasp) and walk to Lidl as apparently they're doing giant sacks of tulips and daffodils and we have sod all of either in our garden. Also I might mooch in the charity shops... not that I can bear the thought of washing any more baby clothes, but I could just stick them in with the next mixed wash, so not too much of a chore. Just need to remember to use the right wash stuff!
Have a lovely day ladies, thank god it's cooler now!
Like the new get baby out plan Rus. Sorry to hear you have been having more BH, don't really know anything about them but hopefully it means things are happening.
Festie are you still in hospital? The thought of driving anywhere in holiday traffic raises my BP so hope that you are ok.
Had a lovely couple of days as DH has been off. We went to Holsworthy show yesterday and saw my god daughter showing her horse and actually had a rain free day. Today we went for breakfast in Barnstaple and got a few more things from the baby list and a chainsaw for DH so he's happy too
DH is off tonight camping now with a friend so I'm on my own tonight - think it might be a nice chilled eve with a DVD
Better safe than sorry Festie but must be annoying. Any ideas why your BP is so high? Hope you are not too bored.
Mmm I love pineapple, going to remember that one when I get closer.
Someone on the November thread has had their babies already (twins) Made me think I need to get a wriggle on just in case ... <please stay put for a few weeks yet baby>
Sorry to disappoint you both, but I'm still here.
Lil I quite like the taste of the tea now, I guess because it's been too warm to drink normal tea. Hope your haircut turns out nice! I refuse to have mine cut.
Festie boo hiss! Hope your bum isn't too numb. Can you lie sideways? Hope you're not in too long, and don't forget, if they did have to deliver Cleetus now-ish, apart from a bit of time in the NICU, I'm sure they'd be fine... and I read somewhere that if babies are premature, they expect them to be home with their families before their due date. I guess the less premature the better!
Well, the bath bomb didn't work... probably because DH ripped his kit off and climbed in behind me so I couldn't actually HAVE the long relaxing soak I was envisioning... still, he gave me a back massage, which was nice, and then I sort of laid down on him and we both nodded off for a bit .
Even if it didn't do anything, it was a nice anniversary treat, and DH wouldn't let me put the bomb in the water until he was there so he could see it fizzing, lol.
Didn't manage any jiggling or rumpy pumpy either, mainly because I've knackered my coccyx again- last Thursday I spent the whole day relaxed back on the sofa researching stuff online, and not realising I was sat RIGHT on my coccyx... I have an extra long one, and managed to fracture it in my late teens I think, and they never heal... so I have to not sit back at an angle and put pressure on it, or I can't sit properly for weeks, months... great timing. Better not need a c-section! I can lie down, I can sit forwards, I can do nothing in between.
This morning we were supporting FiL in a 10k race, and although he warned me they start it with a cannon, when they wheeled out this poxy thing no more than a foot high, I wasn't too bothered, but then when they lit the fuse...!!!
Ka-blammo, bloody hell, I jumped right out of my skin, and a nearby airedale terrier was halfway up a tree, bless it.
Not sure what Peanut made of it, was hoping it would start her off, and although I did get some cramps, nope, nothing. So onto plan B...
Today we have bought 4 pineapples so I have prepared them and been munching my way through. My tongue feels thoroughly marinated, which I guess it is, lol. Will be trying to eat it over the next few days, but all I really want is chocolate.
Due date is Tuesday, midwife on Wednesday, expect she'll want to cop a feel, which is annoying as I've come to think of her as a face nurse, and I like to keep my face nurses and downstairs nurses separate. I can't have a normal conversation and chat with someone who's had their hand up my hoo-ha!
But if I turn it down, I won't find out if anything's going on down there, so guess I'll just have to put up and shut up.
...ooh... contraction right now! ...
You never know. Except this is now an almost daily occurrence, so I won't be reading anything into it.
Any news Festie? Hope you are ok wherever you are atm and Cleetus is still hanging in there.
She did a good job on my hair so will def be letting her cut it all the time.
Rus at the face / downstairs nurses, never thought about it that way but will be now!
Did the contractions go anywhere?
Sounds like a nice anniversary despite not getting peanut on the move.
Not got much to report, Zeus is kicking away and getting stronger which is reassuring until it gets painful! Not looking forward to wednesday as got bloods and anti - D. Should be thinking about going back to school but have no enthusiasm for it.
Hey Lil, nope, nothing doing. Feeling the kicks is wonderful, but I find the bracing bits where they stick their pointiest bits right out are the most painful- all this for you to look forward to, lol!
Don't blame you for not wanting to go back, but at least you won't be there long, right?
Have said to Peanut that I won't be trying anything else, so she can do what she likes, when she likes. I give up.
If I try anything it just seems to bite me on the bum- accidentally dipped my hair in the bath when using the bomb, and despite washing my hair since, can't seem to get the stuff out of it, so it looks a bit icky...
Really sore mouth from pineapple...
And the sore bum of course, which is nothing to do with anything apart from my own stupidity- have frightened myself with it as when I feel, there's a massive swollen lump there- but to the left of my bum crack, not central- so it's seriously buggered I think, and going to try and get a drs appt tomorrow. I know there's nothing anyone can do, but it's definitely either dislocated or seriously fractured if it's sticking off at an angle like that.
Giving birth is going to be interesting when I can only sit forwards or lie on my side... guess the active birth I wanted will now have to be a necessity that I insist on.
Festie hope you and Cleetus are doing ok.
Hello! Still here in hospital. It was all going wonderfully till they took my last blood pressure and it had sky-rocketed again, so some different meds to try and another night in hospital for monitoring.
Kids came up, which was lovely, though they were expecting to take me home. Ds (6) was very tearful which was gutting obviously...
Sorry to hear about your injury rus - sounds nasty. I found birthing upright was amazing, so hopefully that'll be the case for you too! I think you've got to that point all mums-to-be get to, where they're just resigned that it will happen when it happens. I need to lose my control freakish nature for a bit and conjure up the same approach for my situation, cos there's no second guessing it! Bloody hard though!
lil - I hate that sinking feeling when the hols are drawing to a close; and you must have it multiplied by 100! Glad you've taken to calling the baby Zeus - much more auspicious than cleetus!
Anyway - I am ok; just a bit flat, but I'm being well looked after which is the main thing! xxx
Hi ladies,
Festie sorry to hear your BP is being a temperamental pain in the bum. I guess you're in the best place to be looked after though. Sorry your kids are taking it badly... but if being where you are stops you developing pre-eclampsia, then avoiding the situation of your daughter finding you passed out on the floor or worse is surely worth it.
Don't think I'll have any choice re: upright birth- I can't sit down! All the sitting forward to relieve my coccyx is aggravating my SPD no end.
Lil yep, today is my due date. Well, according to the hospital, anyway. I think because I've been so adamant all the way through about not having MY dates wrong, that Peanut will actually be aiming for 2nd September- and I bet that's when she arrives as well, lol.
Christ, 8 weeks... that's a long way to go til half term! I guess they like to get the long ones out of the way after you've had a decent break though, and then it's only 6 til Christmas.
I have rung NHS Direct this morning (couldn't get through to dr) and they are advising I sort out an appt, which I now have, for 12:15. Fortunately there's a walk in centre down the road too, so if I hadn't got through it wouldn't have been the end of the world.
Bit concerned as last night I was a bit spacy according to DH, and I had dark orangy pink urine- have saved some to show the dr, hopefully it's just too much raspberry leaf tea and not blood, but we'll see.
Also read online that during pregnancy your coccyx, though loosely fused, softens for childbirth, as do all the muscles, ligaments, tendons etc. holding it in place- which would explain why it's so hideously far out of place just from sitting back on the sofa...just wish someone had mentioned this to me as I would have been super vigilant.
Will pop back after appt to update but suspect they'll just tell me to put ice on it, and I'll have to wait for an x-ray til after she's born.
Hi all. Still here and staying another night! Saw consultant today. They want to completely stabilise my Bp; take more bloods tomorrow and do a growth and amniotic fluid scan later. She reckoned I'm measuring 6cm too small!
She said to the other dr; '"just looking at this bump I can see it's not as big as it should be. If you disregard this (flabby flap), this is just mum, you can see baby is small" - charming! Made me though!
Obviously, I'm a bit freaked out all told. But it is better to be monitored than to carry on regardless and end up very ill or with a poorly baby (or worse). That's what I have to keep reminding myself.
Glad you're getting your coccyx looked at rus. Can't believe it's your due date today!!
Any news Rus? Hope they have been able to give you something that helps.
Festie charming! Glad the nurse made you though - in my current sleep deprived state a comment like that could have gone either way!
Hope the scan shows all is ok - they kept telling my friend she was having a big baby and making her panic and she was only 7lb, they can't always tell from the size of the bump.
Not slept well and when poor DH came in for dinner he got the brunt of it - I couldn't even decide what I wanted to eat. Going to have a bath and maybe a snooze this afternoon.
Hope to come back to good news from you both x
Hi again,
Good news, it's not my coccyx that's floating around in my left cheek cracky bit, it's a cyst (!) I was a bit kind of buh? but I guess it makes sense- it's red and swollen and hot, so must be an infection. Been given antibiotics for a week.
Suspect what I've done is somehow gotten the cyst, then aggravated my coccyx, which has swollen, thereby aggravating the cyst and making it more swollen... continue ad infinitum.
Once swelling and pain goes down should be able to better assess whether my arse is in fact, in the right place, lol.
Oh Festie!!!
Don't worry about it. I've been worried my bump was small this whole time, and it turns out it was because she was facing outwards, so the curve of her back wasn't sticking out for that nice hefty rounded bump look. Also my 36 week scan said she was 6lb 13oz, and when I googled it online, someone said she'd had the same result, but instead of getting a 9lb+ baby, hers was only 7lb.
So it is largely booh-bahs.
Also, I tend to think of it like this- I am not a skinny minnie, therefore Peanut does not stick out so much because I have more accommodation- and while I'm certainly not accusing you of being well upholstered, I took comfort in it and thought maybe it might help... but if I've just made you feel fat, feel free to get a shitty on, I won't mind.
Lil I've been doing that to DH constantly. He says overall, I have been better mood swings-wise pregnant than when periody, but he says it's a very close run thing.
Well not pleased that you have a cyst but at least they can treat it and hopefully your bum is not broken I have heard of other people getting cysts while pg so think it is reasonably common (not sure that helps!)
Now you just need peanut to hang in long enough for the A/B to kick in - or do you still want her out asap?
Any scan news Festie?
Definitely glad your arse is not broken rus! I do feel sorry for our dh's having to put up with our shitty moods. Hope you had a nice nap lil and felt a bit better for it.
Well, I had a good scan. Baby getting good blood action off cord, has enough fluid and although a bit of a tiddler, is still on the 10th percentile so not worryingly small. She's weighing in at 5lbs 1oz, which I'm happy with since if she had to come tomorrow (obs unlikely) she'd be over the magic 5lbs the drs go on about! Also, sonographer was able to confirm that she definitely is a girl!
Very relieved and pleased.
I feel like a pincushion MW tried to take blood from both arms with no luck so got another nurse to come and have a look who decided that she would try from my hand and then had to wiggle it around before she got a dribble - ow ow ow! Then she gave me the anti D - more ow. At least it's done now.
BP is stupidly low so that explains the lack of blood, Festie if we could combine bloods we'd both be ok
Glad the scan went well Festie, it must have been reassuring. How is the BP this morning? Hope you are not too fed up.
Rus hope the a/b are kicking in - how long did they think it would take?
Hi ladies,
Been a bit AWOL as DH kindly took Tuesday off to be with me to go to the drs, and was off yesterday for MW appt.
They've given me enough antibiotics for a week, so I really hope it gets sorted out. In a dilemma as I still want Peanut here asap, but at the same time, how am I going to sit on a bed with her? I don't think there's any feasible position I could adopt for 3rd stage which doesn't involve me being in bum pain...
MW appt yesterday, all results fine, including my crazy pinky orange wee (think I've been drinking too much raspberry leaf tea).
She said she wouldn't do a sweep as she thought with my bum pain I wouldn't be able to tolerate it (ARGH!) but she'd do one on Monday at the next appt. Grr!!!! So close! And I'm booked to be induced on the 8th Sept, so unless Peanut gets her arse in gear before then, that's when it most likely will happen... although I wouldn't put it her past her to be one of those cases where it doesn't work, lol.
On the plus side, her head is two fifths down (whoop!) which is at least progress. Can't help thinking that my bum problem is divine/ cosmic intervention to stop me leaning back- all the sitting forward should get her in a brilliant position!
Lil sorry your bloodletting didn't go well. I find they usually can't get any blood out of me because I'm dehydrated. Someone at our local hospital (in town, 5 mins on bus, no useful services!) said that the nurses in the main hospital don't put the tourniquet on tight enough, whereas they just bloody go for it, since they figure it's better to be squeezed too tightly but get the blood first go than not be squeezed tight enough and be jabbed over and over again.
Festie woo to the BP dropping and Cleetus being ok, boo to the meds making you flopsy... and with all that sweating, for god's sake keep wetwipes handy for your bum crack, the last thing you want is one of these!
Hey rusulka - get her out tomorrow and we'll share a birthday!
Lol at sweaty bum crack! Sweating wasn't so bad today, but the pills do zonk me out a bit.
The sitting forward is good, as you say, and it's great that she's getting comfy and engaged ready to come out.
Anyway, I am at home! Discharged last night, though they couldn't provide me with my pills and wanted me to go back today to collect them! ( a two hour round trip! ) Luckily I managed to get an emergency docs appointment and scored a prescription from him. Still had to yomp round 4 chemists to find one that had the pills in stock! Bloody rural living, sometimes it's a pain in the arse!
So, the plan is- I go back in on Saturday to have full bloods, urine, blood pressure series, foetal monitoring etc. If all is well, I'll be back in twice weekly to be checked until the baby arrives. If things escalate again, I'll be readmitted, and the baby will be induced at 37 weeks. (only 9 days time!)
It's quite stressful at home, and not particularly restful, so I don't know what affect that'll have on my bP etc. It's not ideal having to yomp to and fro to Truro every few days, but I'm glad they're keeping an eye on me and Cleetus!
Home you're enjoying your last few days of freedom lil and you're as comfortable and unfrustrated as it's possible to be in your situation, rus!! xxx
Lil I can only hope. Haven't had any more practice contractions, was hoping they'd reappear and it'd be third time lucky... ah well, will just have to see.
Yay Festie!!!
So pleased you're home.
Well you're a Virgo and you're not so bad, so maybe Peanut will be ok... didn't want her to be a September baby though!
Had a talk with her in the bath earlier explaining that people will be interfering on Monday and the following Saturday, so if she wants to do it on her terms, she's running out of time. Think she had her fingers in her ears though... certainly felt like it!
The lump on my coccyx has got bigger and gone hard.
DH says it's gone down, but I don't believe him. It still feels hot, and I can't even stand up now without it being sore. Comfiest position is on my tummy, so I have to smoosh the duvet into a lump for my belly to flop behind, and then it's kind of awkward but not too bad. Getting a lot of backache from twisting to avoid sitting on or near it.
Hope it resolves itself soon, I'm running out of time!!!
Festie hope all has gone well with the tests at the hospital today. But if not, like you say, they'll book an induction and there'll be a light at the end of the tunnel- and then you can all be home and your bp can do what the bloody hell it likes, lol.
Lil DH is never here to bring me tea and cake!
Well, I had an eventful day yesterday. Thought I'd treat myself to a mooch in town, but get the bus both ways- only I got there just as the bus was leaving, so thought oh fuck it I'll walk. Really pleased with myself for doing it! Unfortunately started feeling a bit weird and not right halfway round the shops, so completed my errands and then got the bus home... and about 20 mins later started having contractions again.
"Here we go again!" I thought, but they got closer together so they were 3 mins apart. Hmm.
Got up to get phone so I could ring DH if I needed to, and was bothered to find that they started again 10 mins later- normally if I move, they stop. Double hmm.
Left it for a bit, wondering what to do and whether to bother him, then he texted me, so I texted back explaining the situation, and he rang to say he was on his way home.
I rang the hospital and got the world's rudest midwife who must have had a massive shitty on about something, because she gave me no end of grief- basically said I was fine to stay at home, and started trotting out the old 'when you're in pain' line... when I contested this, she got a full blown arse on and said "I've been a midwife for 25 years and I can tell you're not in any immediate danger of delivering" !!!
And then went on to say they were shockingly busy, but if I REALLY wanted to, I could come in, although it would basically be a massive waste of time because she wouldn't be able to see me, as everyone else would take priority, I might not get seen for hours and hours, and even when I did, they'd probably send me home again because there wasn't anywhere to put me. (!!!)
I agreed to ring back after monitoring it for an hour, and immediately added her to my death list.
Meanwhile, DH and his dad got here, they brought me cookies and muffins (aw) and FiL stayed until I rang the hospital back in case he needed to take us, but the contractions stayed the same, so they basically told me to just keep an eye on things.
He went home, DH and I occupied ourselves while still tracking, and they continued to come back even after I moved. But they didn't get any more intense and they didn't get longer, and I wasn't in pain, although they did make me breathless.
They petered out at around 10:30pm, about 6 hours after they'd started.
So I still don't know what the fuck's going on.
I hate that the midwife was so rude to me. I don't care if she has been doing it for 25 fucking years, manners cost nothing, and it's my first one, and the rules on coming in are stupidly ambiguous.
They put so much store in whether you've had a show, and whether your waters have broken- I've read that your waters only go beforehand in 12% of cases so what does that say?
And because I don't wear pants, ever, for all I know, I have had a show, and I just peed the gunk down the loo and never noticed. Grr.
Considering I didn't even want to give birth in hospital in the first place, this is not an experience that's making me want to go in... obviously I'll have to on Saturday to be induced, but if anything happens before then, I'm just staying at home I think. I'll wait and see what happens, but unless my waters break or I start rolling around screaming, the hospital doesn't want to know.
And I don't do rolling around and screaming. I expect if I'm lucky enough to go into labour on my own, that Peanut will be born at home, either in the bath or on the bedroom floor. And I'll just cope.
I know it's not what DH wants, but I won't be treated like a badly behaved child when I've done nothing wrong and am just looking for clarification on a murky and iffy set of guidelines.
Humph.
Rant over! Sorry, that was a bit epic, lol. Really am pissed off about the whole thing.
Oh Festie! What a pain in the arse! And you're right, the bright side of it being yet another what the fuck is that I didn't have that witch deliver Peanut... or more importantly, touching my downstairs!
Hope everything is alright for you, I'm sure Cleetus will be fine. At this rate you'll have had yours before I have!
Got to go put a hot compress on my poor old bum.
Apparently DH has slain 2 spiders for me! He's just asked if he gets any experience... someone plays too many RPGs, lol.
He he, couldn't have put it better myself lil! WTAF?! People like that shouldn't be in the job.
Funny how tiring such normal things become when you're pg, isn't it? And the mad thing is, you do go back to normal in the end!
Well, I'm pretty hacked off, truth be told. Meds up, but haven't kicked in yet so still getting diastolics of over 90. Nothing happening as it's Sunday, so reckon no decisions will be made before tomorrow! Will be fine about being here if I just know what the plan is!!
Hope your arse is getting better rus. I now have a painful ailment I need to mention to someone, cos it's just getting worse and worse.. I have a very painful swollen red lump on one of my nipples! Last night it was so sore I couldn't bear having anything against it, so ended up sleeping with my boob out!!! Anyone peeking round the curtain would've got a right eyeful!!!!
Aah, I hope they go for induction at 37 weeks now. I've had enough of this! Fingers firmly crossed! xxx
DH is rescuing me from the bag of fruit pastilles...
OK, so here is the bum update:
Got up this morning and it was still huge and throbbingly sore, so rang NHS Direct, long story short and 4 conversations about my arse later, the out of hours doctor prescribed more antibiotics, and I've collected them from Asda along with 2 baby gates (my arse may be broken but there's nothing wrong with my time management!).
Basically the situation is this: we have holes in our bum from when we used to have tails. Sometimes for a laugh, something icky sets up residence there and gets infected, blah blah blah. So the antibiotics are to fight and kill said interloper. What they want to happen is for the festering icky mass to come to the surface, develop a head, and squirt pus and mank and whatever else is in there everywhere. Hooray! Then it can be squeezed, cleaned, whatever, and can heal. Sometimes a week's lot of meds isn't enough, so not only have they given me another week of the ones I already had, they've also given me regular penicillin to take too, which should hopefully give it what for.
BUT
They told me it is best if Peanut is born before my bum starts squirting guff out, as it will be messy and awkward and whatnot. So I just have to keep everything crossed that the sweep tomorrow works- ironically I think I will be in more pain than I was on Wednesday, so my midwife kindly leaving it to let the meds work was a bad move! .
And failing that there's induction on Saturday. We shall just have to see. But the lump is sticking out further now and it's just so uncomfy... am just about managing to sleep, but daily activities are a grind because getting up to do anything, or even trying to sit is just so painful... if I do scream in labour, it won't be because of Peanut!
Sigh.
Lil lol at you getting your hackles up on my behalf. Bloody NHS. And I know what you mean about being knackered! Sometimes I need a sit down from the effort of getting up to go to the loo, lol!
Festie again, bloody NHS. I hate relying on them at weekends as nothing ever gets done. Hopefully you'll find out what's happening soon and we'll have a happy Festie again. FX for the induction being sooner rather than later if that's what you want!
Going to go play on the PS2 to take my mind off things (old school)... except not really old school for us as we also have a megadrive, SNES and Atari. We like our games vintage and pixellated with boopy sound effects and 7 whole colours! Lol.
Nightmare Festie, I guess it will be good for Cleetus to get a bit nearer to your due date but what a palava. Did they take the distance into consideration at all? Hope it's nice to be home at least.
Any news Rus? How did your sweep go? Have been thinking of you today and hope you're quiet on here because you're busy pushing
Back to school tomorrow. INSET for Tue / Wed and then kids in from Thursday. Feels very odd as haven't spent half of the holidays in getting classroom etc ready. Also first antenatal class tomorrow so I get to miss the morning
Hey ladies, still here. <sulks>
Festie that's a bugger about induction, I hate it when they just assume everyone lives nearby. Addenbrookes were the same with my dad, they'd ask him to come in at the drop of a hat and then sniffy when it took them hours to get to Cambridge from Norwich, tut.
Hopefully your BP is stabilising though, which can only be good for you and Cleetus!
Lil how did your antenatal class go? I was distinctly underwhelmed by mine, hopefully yours will be better.
Midwife couldn't do sweep yesterday.
She gave me an exam, but my cervix is high, posterior, firm and closed- exactly the opposite of what it should be.
So god only knows what all those contractions were about.
Induction this Saturday it is.
Really frustrating as my friends are down from Norfolk this week as they have tickets to the paralympics, and I was hoping to have a Peanut here for them to meet...
But as everyone keeps telling me, at least we can prepare properly for Saturday and we know when things will start happening. No more second-guessing crazy contractions!
Bum still killing me, the lump is looking angrier, more purple and shiny, so hopefully will burst soon and give me some sort of relief... really hope so!
Got to spend today and tomorrow tidying house and getting stuff in and ready for guests, but really don't feel like doing anything. I'm not hungry, I'm not thirsty, I just want to lie down and not be in pain.
Had a call today from some company we'd been referred to about figuring out if we were entitled to any benefits, since I'm not getting maternity allowance or anything like that, and basically because of DH's salary, which frankly isn't that hugely shit hot when you've got a mortgage and life insurance to pay, we're only entitled to a fiver a week in child tax credits. Oh, and we'll get child benefit, but that's it. So about £100/month all in. Guess I should be grateful to be getting anything, but I'm just annoyed at the whole situation. If DH earned £5000/yr less, we'd get nearly £45/week child tax credit... but we wouldn't be able to pay the bills! Argh!
Really grumpy at the moment. My poor guests will wish they'd never come!
Ah bugger Rus, was sure you would be in having / had her by now, sorry you're still hanging around. Hope induction works better.
A-N was nice, Dh couldn't come but a girl I was friendly with at my old dance class was there and is due the same day I am. Didn't really learn anything new but was lovely to meet some people in the same boat and hopefully will have some mummy friends to hang around with when I'm on mat leave!
How is the BP Festie? Hope you have had a relaxing day.
School was ok, nice to see everyone and amazed how chilled I was all afternoon thinking 'at least I don't have to do all this' during INSET
Oh pissflaps (my new favourite word) rus - you must be so frustrated. Still, I guess you've got a date to work towards and a bit of time for your bum to recover maybe?!
My arse is bleeding - piles again. Got myself into a bit of a pickle last night when I wasn't sure where the blood was coming from! (d'oh!) Hoping I can treat them before I go into labour. Done labour with piles before, and the aftermath ain't pretty! To continue the tmi theme; managed to get a dr to look at my nipple before I was discharged yesterday. The lump popped and I managed to clear out most of the gunk before I saw her - it would warrant a whole sporn thread of its own lil! She reckons I've pretty successfully treated it myself. It was basically a nipple abcess, lovely! Now though I've got a gaping hole in one of my nipples which I'm fervently hoping will heal before Cleetus arrives - I don't fancy breastfeeding with a gaping hole much!!!
Jesus - tmi queen today! Anyway, my bP was ok at midwife. Back tomorrow for same and then down to Treliske as an out patient on Thursday. It's like Groundhog day!
Glad your first day back was ok lil, and that you met a buddy at ante-natal. Sorry you're so hacked off rus - it's perfectly understandable at the moment though. I'm having some pretty grumpy moments myself!
I don't think they can take the distance from hospital thing into account really. When I spoke to the doctor yesterday, she did ask me how far away I lived. When I told her, she said she'd arrange for two community midwife appointments and then back in on thursday instead of Wednesday, which is what she normally would have done, so small allowance made there! Oh well, it can't be helped. Hate this limbo, though I've been very good, and rested today.
at pissflaps, going to keep that one to use at some point!
Sorry to hear about your bum/nipple problems Festie I was a bit eww and intrigued at the same time!
I hope when you go in tomorrow it is good news and they can let you go for longer without having to go back in.
How's things Rus? Have the drugs done anything about the lump yet?
Struggled abit at school today with tiredness and haven't had a class yet! Hope it is just getting used to working again and not due to bp or the next 8 weeks are not going to be fun. Feel bad now as Dh is out sorting the garden after working all day and I'm sat here on MN shattered!
Hi Festie how did it go yesterday? Any news on bp / cleetus / nipple / bum? Hope the list of things you have to worry about is getting shorter and all is well x
Still hanging on Rus? Hope you are not too fed up but by this time I think I will be climbing the walls. Are you being induced tomorrow? If so enjoy your last day of quiet and relax.
Nothing going on here, just getting bigger!
Hi everyone. Just popped on to wish Rusulka all the best today!! Can't wait to hear the happy news
Alas ladies, I am home again. The hospital rang back to say they had no beds, so could I come in for monitoring today, and come in for induction tomorrow.
I think you can probably guess what I wanted to say!!!
So Peanut has been listened to, I've been strapped up and she's had a wavy graph done, and the midwife bless her was ever so gently with me after I explained about the bum. I think they felt genuinely bad I couldn't be induced today.
She also offered a sweep, which I leapt at, and although it was still hard to reach, I think she did manage to get a finger in and at least give it a tickle.
A few tightenings this evening, but not much else. Ho hum.
They also gave me a leaflet on induction, which basically said that they'd give me the gel to soften my cervix one day, and only poke the crochet hook up there the next! Feeling pretty depressed about the whole thing.
So again, I have ring them in the morning, and tell them I was supposed to be induced today. Hopefully that will be enough to get their act in gear, but I guess we'll have to see.
There just aren't any beds!
They closed a maternity hospital in Maidstone and Queen Mary's in Sidcup, so now our hospital, which is supposed to operate at a capacity of 2000-2500, is at 5000+.
So, attempt #2 tomorrow...
Getting really frustrated! Meantime, if I even slightly knock it or sit at the wrong angle, it pulls my hole, which re-opens, and starts oozing everywhere.
I've explained to them that I have an open wound that won't be operated on until I've had Peanut, so them delaying in inducing me is basically leaving me at risk of further infection so hopefully I can be accommodated. They did say I was a priority. I know it's not their fault, but I'm just so annoyed!
Festie I bet when you go back to the hospital they're really angry that you didn't get the right dosage! Glad your ahem, ailments are better.
Lil sorry you're so tired at school!
Thanks for the best wishes Disco and Moo, hopefully something will happen tomorrow or else I'm ripping my hair out. Can't take much more of this!!!
Yes, let's all do labour dancing for rus! Hope it's going/gone ok.
Yeah, my bloods were fine, apart from sightly raised while blood cells, so dr gave me some anti-biotics for a supposed water infection .
Didn't leave til 8.30pm. Bloods weren't taken til 4pm, despite the fact we'd been there since 11.30am! Bloody hacked off with it now. Off to midwife today and back in DAU on thurs. Dr we saw disagreed with everything, wondered why we were even there, thought my bP was fine once minute, then changed his mind and thought I should be on more drugs the next. In the end did nothing and sent me home with anti-biotics! Oh, and completely trashed any ideas early induction.
It's so variable depending on which dr we see.
Cleetus still grumbling with tightenings and pressure, but nothing definite since Saturday. Can see her keeping this up for weeks. Actually thinking about trying sex - desperate measures!
Sorry you're getting the night sweats, lil - they are evil, particularly when you've got to get up in the morning and do a full day's teaching. I found it so hard, and just counted down the days literally from your stage. Hope they're cutting you some slack at school.
UPDATE: As I was writing this, midwife rang. Got the slightly younger, spun kier midwife who was excellently arsed off on my behalf. She says this has gone on long enough and they can't keep me going up and down. We now have to INSIST on either 1. They leave me alone till baby comes; 2. They keep me in, sort out my drugs until baby comes; 3. They induce me. She said, it's time to stop being so compliant and make a fuss! I think I might love her!!!!
Hi count. Good to see you round these parts! Hope your pregnancy is going well!
I have a bit of news! Went into hospital today. BP still high etc, but the midwife managed to speak to the consultant on my behalf and I am booked in for induction on Friday! The midwife also gave me a sweep and said my cervix was soft, ripe, partially effaced and 1cm dilated. Then on the way home I threw up all my lunch, so it may all kick off before Friday!!
So we'll see, but hoping for a baby by the weekend!
rus - still rooting for you and hoping you're enjoying lots of cuddles with your little girl! xxxx
Festie that's great news!!! And how exciting!! Hope all goes well for you on Friday!! Oooooh you'll be enjoying cuddles soon too
Rusulka hope all is ok with you and that Peanut is finally here and you are both doing well! Can't wait to hear all about her and what name you have chosen!!
Huge waves to Count, Disco and Lil
Oh my goodness, Festie that is so exciting! All the best of luck and I hope it's a quick if relaxed labour (if that is possible). Are your children excited?
Moo, how is the sickness doing? Your scan is edging closer isn't it? Hope you are ok.
Lil, I'm finding going back to work tiring but it does make time pass more quickly thankfully. Woo hoo for higher ability maths, that is a nice job! I'm teaching year seven for the first time in two years and really enjoying it. We deliver a mix of science, maths, DT and ict as a team of three and today was maths. I was chuffed as I taught a boy to carry in addition, and I hate maths so I was delighted! Even if they do put the carried number in the wrong place these days . I'm finding my feet are killing me though...
Rus, I am on tenterhooks! Hope all is going ok and that you are recovering from a birth and a proper clean out of your cyst.
Well, I got a letter from the hospital saying we have a 1 in 8700 chance of having a baby with Downs, so that's a weight off our minds. It has also meant we've started spreading the news! Going public feels weird but nice. MIL and Gran said it was a shame we couldn't have waited (erm, bog off! It took a year to conceive this one, that'd be Aug 2014 if a year after the wedding so I'd be 35 by the time I gave birth and I do want two. Oh well...) My grandfather told me I was a clever little girl, not patronising honest! He was totally gleeful and his reaction made my mum cry, he was so happy. Interesting that the staunch Catholic 90 year old man recognises the value of a baby even before marriage .
In other news the sickness seems to have lessened considerably. It's only day 2 tho so I'm not getting too excited!
Thank you so much ladies! Well, here I am; awake at the crack of dawn, feeling a little bit sick, very nervous and hoping against hope for a nice straight-forward labour!
Will keep you all informed! xxxx ( disco - excited doesn't really cover it - thought they were going to pop yesterday! It was a relief to drop them off at their Dad's!! )
Oh rusulka - amazing news - congratulations!!!
Lovely name too! Sorry you were so manhandled though and you have had your bum to contend with as well as everything else! You're right though - rest, rest and more rest will sort you out!
Lots of love to you and your dh and little Phoebe. xx
Well I am in slightly better spirits having seen the dr. What happened was that the consultant agreed to my induction without seeing my notes and was therefore unaware of my previous c-section (double )
So, I have to bypass pessary and go straight up to delivery for waters breaking and drip. They needed my clear statement that I wished to proceed and was aware of the extra risks involved with induction vbac. Which obviously I gladly provided!
Now more waiting, delivery is choca block; we're probably talking tomorrow morning but they're letting me stay in so I can go up at the crack of dawn if there's a space!
xxxxxx and cuddly squidges to our first flying matress baby!!! I'm all emotional!
Congratulations Rus so pleased for you and love the name. I can't believe our first mattress baby is finally here! (and another to follow soon). Sorry to hear about all the probs but keep up with the gory details, I'd rather be warned. Take care and make sure everyone is looking after you.
Festie sorry to hear they are still mucking you around, that is really taking the piss now. Hope things go better tomorrow and cleetus arrives soon.
Aww, feeling all emotional now for people I've never met, so happy for you all xx
Congratulations!!! so pleased Festie. I love the name Esme - it's on our short list too. Wow, very quick and glad it all went well after all the messing around.
(I've been told to take some warm water in a jug to pour over myself while weeing to dilute the wee and ease the sting!)
Do you know when you're going home?
Love and hugs to you and Esme xx
WOW!!!! Congrats to Rusulka and Festie just sooooo pleased for you both!! Amazing news and gorgeous names for you beautiful bundles of joy!!!!
Yay Festie! What a beautiful name. Came over all emotional and DH had to take the laptop off me and give me a hug. Congratulations.
Thanks Lil and Moo.
Only got the community nurse coming to change my bum dressing today, so hopefully will have a peaceful day, apart from the tortuous breastfeeding bits (not got the hang of it yet).
Think we'll spend it sleeping and eating the brownies my sister made.
Hope Festie&Esme and Rus&Phoebe are all doing well.
How exciting that your baby is moving so much Count! Are your family excited about the new arrival?
Lil, I suppose with all the dancing you'll be fit and strong for labour at least! It is hard not to do things you've always done. I was shifting desks the other day and then thought "Hmm, perhaps I shouldn't be doing this!". Anyway, I bet you look lovely and graceful when arising from the sofa
I went to Brighton today and tried on another wedding dress but it was rubbish! Oh well, at least it's crossed off the list. I also bought my first item of maternity clothing, landmark moment! I was wondering if I was ready but as my mum said "Crikey!" when I showed her my bump, perhaps I am.
Anyway, advice needed. When I lie still and concentrate I can sometimes feel tiny little spasm feelings in my abdomen - does this sound like it could be the baby? I'm only 14+5 so I'm not sure if I'm imagining it!
So lovely to hear all the pregnancy updates! disco - you could very well be feeling movements! To start with they are weird insubstantial feelings which is why it takes so long to suss out that's what you're feeling!
Hope you and Phoebe are doing well rus. Can. I ask.. Have you had midwife visits since you've been at home? I always have in the past, but we're being told that I am going to have to go in all this week for my bP checks as they don't have the staff to come to me. I've had a bit of a rant about it in childbirth, just trying to establish whether that is common practice now. Honestly, I thought I was done fighting the nhs now she's out!
Hope the boobing is getting easier too - it does, honest! I'm still at the painful latching on stage which your troll body does a good job of making you forget until the next time! Also, afterpains! Noone told me that they get worse with every subsequent birth!
Lots of love to all you lovely pg ladies too. I have to go and get washed and dressed to present myself at clinic. Not something I was expecting to have to do today!
xxx
Oh Moo really feel for you with the sickness. I've caught a grotty cold (not sure which germy child I should blame) and am feeling crap too Good luck with the assessment though and hope it goes well despite everything.
I've had a letter offering me a flu jab - always get one as I have an inhaler that I only use during hayfever season so never bother going for the jab but should I this year or should I definately not?
Festie how is Esme? (have you def decided to call her that?) I think that here you get a mw visit the day after you get home and then unless there are any problems you are expected to go to them for weighing/ checks etc. Obviously not experienced it but that was the impression I got from a-n class.
However you would think it would be better for your BP if they came to you after everything that has happened.
Rus hope the bf is getting easier - that is what I am worrying about atm more than the actual giving birth! Hope you, Phoebe and DH are having a lovely time together in your baby bubble.
Disco that was how my movements felt when they started and I spent ages wondering if it was just me digesting or if it was baby! You're ready whenever for mat clothes - I kept wearing my normal clothes but just ended up uncomfortable and it was such a relief to buy some clothes that fit.
Off to another a-n class today so only have to get through the afternoon with the children, I should be able to manage that!
Hope the milking is going well Rus! My friend who recently had a baby had to do the same - she was expressing and topping up for a bit and baby is happy and healthy no problems and no formula in sight. I would stick to your guns as it sounds like she is gaining well. Glad you are getting more energy back, just grab a nap when you can. How is the bum healing? Is the bf getting easier?
How did it go Festie? Hope you kicked up a stick about the diifficulty of dragging a few days old baby into the hospital. Is weeing ok now?
Disco they always seem to compare the baby with food! At least your Dh is involved and excited, much better than him just letting you get on with it and the more he understands what your body is doing the more he should understand your mood swings/tiredness/cravings etc etc Glad you are ok after your fall.
Thanks for the advice on the flu jab, don't really want to go near another needle but sounds like it would be a good idea. Will have a chat with the mw today as I have an appointment.
How are our new babies and mums getting on? Hope all is ok with you both.
Pg ladies how is the sickness etc? I really hope it has eased off for you. Any scan / movement news?
Had a dream that I gave birth last night - it wasn't too bad so hoping that is what it will be like. I went to a ball afterwards and my main concern was not bleeding on my dress!
Hello chaps,
I have been lurking the past few days, hope all is well and those nasty hcps haven't blackmailed you into mixed feeding rus. Sounds like you're doing everything right and if your instincts are telling you it's not a problem then it probably isn't!
How's school lil? My poor old brain is trying to work out how many weeks you are. I came up with 32ish, but I don't trust my brain at he moment.
Really hope the sickness eases off for you soon moo - you're in the zone now, but I know how miserable it is.
Your dh sounds funny disco, mine was also slightly obsessed with the linea nigra too! He was a bit disappointed cos I don't really get one!
Hi count, hope you're enjoying lots of movement!
Well, Esme's first week continues apace. I managed to cut four clinic visits down to two and have told them that I'm not available to go in to have my bP checked until Monday now. Got myself into a tizz the other night cos she wasn't waking for nighttime feeds. Found myself sitting up half the night all anxious... Then got her weighed yesterday for her 5 day check, and she's only lost 80 proxy grams! Resolved not to worry, so of course, she woke every hour for feeds last night! Troll baby!
Away this weekend for my brother's wedding. Gonna have to try and pace myself. It's a whole weekend of social engagements and if it was anyone but my brother, I probably would have left it. It's weird to think that I was expecting to be there 39 weeks pregnant! Need to ring the hotel today to let them know we're bringing an extra guest!!
Body seems to be healing well. Weeing is fine! Pooing still a bit iffy - have quite spectacular piles. I pushed her out in 2 mins and with such force she whizzed up the bed like a cork coming out of a bottle. My arse obviously took the strain! Boobs massive but getting less engorged and latching on is less painful than it was, so all going in the right direction!
And Esme herself is tiny and absolutely beautiful! The fierce, overwhelming love doesn't get any less intense each time!
Do hope you are all really well. Knackered, sore but ecstatic Festie signing off! xxx
Hey ladies!
Festie glad to hear Esme hasn't lost too much weight, and that Phoebe isn't the only baby who thinks it's hilarious to wake through the night for hourly feeds...
I have piles too, apparently. Thought it was just amusing stitching on the obstetrician's part. I can't really poo either. Been taking senna to help them just fall out, but it's been really irritating when you do one and a half poos and can't get the rest out- I never feel clean and daren't sit down!
Disco in the second trimester I tripped over the steps coming out of the kitchen and fell on my stomach- was shitting bricks but everything was fine. They said not to worry as she was well-cushioned in there- I assume they mean by the fluid, etc. but it still came across slightly fattist...
Lil I had a few birth dreams and they were easy. Just keep leaning forward and hopefully it'll become a reality- but I wouldn't count on being able to go to the ball and not leak everywhere!
Well, it hasn't been good on the feeding front, I'm afraid.
Midwives in every day to weigh her, then one sensible one saying bollocks to it, that day's weight loss of 20g was probably a scales discrepancy, and said rather than expressing and topping off, I'd just be better off feeding her more.
So then I started using both boobs for a feed.
Then the original midwife who told me to express and top up came back to weigh her and she'd lost 80g.
Another call to the pediatrician, and thankfully we didn't have to go into hospital to get her checked, but I had to get formula, as they want me to top up every feed with 60mls. I can't provide that.
I was gutted at the time but feel a little better about it now- as much as I fought against the formula, I have to be reasonable about the battles I fight, and sticking to my guns on this one means Phoebe's health suffers.
General consensus is that because of my various bum issues, operations, difficult birth, and assumed large blood loss, my body is trying to heal itself and therefore the quality and amount of my breast milk hasn't been great. But things are getting better.
The first day of feeding her it, she took the first top up but refused the second one- we rang the emergency number on the front of the post-natal notes, and they said we basically had to force her, and it took an hour and a half to get the whole thing down her. For the third one she barely took any breast milk- I think because she knew she had to fit the formula in.
Feeling pretty angry because the whole thing seems counter-productive if it means she's not taking the milk with the most benefits for her...
Yesterday managed to express 90mls, so half the top ups were mixed with breast milk, and she was a lot happier with these- my strategy over the next however long before we don't have to do it any more is to express 90mls and use it to mix with the night-time feed top ups, so she's done quicker and we get more sleep.
She's getting weighed again today and I'm hoping against hope she's put weight on. Some more dirty nappies would be great... apparently b/f babies use everything they can, so if they don't poo, it's because they needed everything and didn't leave any waste- Phoebe is going up to 4/5 days between poos, and even then only went because she's started on formula so obviously isn't getting what she needs from me.
Had my normal midwife here yesterday and she said it's only for now. We just need to get her weight climbing and we won't have to f/f any more. I just hope I can provide what she needs.
Feel a little bit of a failure, but it can't be helped.
On the plus side, my bum's healing nicely, apparently, so might be able to change to having DH dress the wound, rather than daily community nurses, and my stitches are a bit better every day. The pains in my left leg have gone, my split lip has healed, my biceps don't cane any more and I can cough without yelping.
Have had my parents here since Wednesday, will be here til Monday- so far the garden's been apparently weeded and my fridge has been cleaned, and I haven't cooked! Awesome. Nice to see them get so much time with Phoebe too, even if it does make their dog jealous and grumpy, lol.
The sight of my dad jiggling her to the tune of Captain Pugwash will remain with me for a while...
It's hard having them live so far away.
Take good care of yourselves ladies, must go hang the washing out.
You are welcome Lil, sorry about more needles but hopefully you won't have to have any more until you have your next baby . I'm coming home from school and having a 2 hr nap most days, I know what you mean about tiredness!
Festie, glad my bloke isn't the only one obsessed with the linea nigra! Things sound good for you (piles aside) and Esme, hope the wedding goes well. How are your other children and step children taking to Esme?
Rus, my friend had a three month premature baby. About a month after getting him home she was advised to stop breastfeeding altogether in favour of ff as he just wasn't putting on weight. He's a bonny toddler now tho, so although breast is best, sometimes I think ff is necessary. You've been through a heck of a lot and once your body heals I'm sure you'll be producing more milk than you know what to do with! Did she put any weight on at today's weighing?
My baby is still squirming around in there, really wasn't expecting to be able to feel movements this early but its nice! I asked DP for nickname suggestions for what we should call baby whilst in utero. He came up with:
- Mr Thompson (it's dignified apparently, and no, it's not either of ours surname! Quite like it in a weird way!)
- Reggae Reggae, later amended to Johnny Reggae (like the bad novelty song)
- Madame Ovary ('Well, it came from an ovary...')
What do you all think?
Also tried on some more wedding dresses, only one that was ok was nearly as expensive as the lovely one I tried on in August..may have to bite the bullet and just accept that it is going to be expensive!
Disco we are boring and just refer to him/her as 'baby' (or occasionlly Zeus!) Enjoy all the squirming and hope you find the perfect dress (and link any possibilities for us to see )
Have to ask what is the linea nigra?! I feel I should know this vital piece of information and Dh has failed to become excited about this!
Festie how did the wedding go? Hope you managed to relax and have fun. How the rest of the brood were taking to Esme? Glad everything is ok and improving on the bf front etc.
Rus don't beat yourself up about the feeding, do what you need to do and Pheobe will be fine. You're body has been through a lot so hopefully as it heals it will be able to put more energy into milk production and you can just bf again. Glad you're having lots of support and shouldn't DH be hanging out the washing?!
Count I have stretch marks on one hip - only a few and only on the one hip? Have I grown lopsided?! How is your pg going?
Had a very lazy weekend, not achieved anything much but was nice to have DH sat down for a bit and not rushing around trying to sort things out and making me feel bad! Was in bed by 8.30 on sat night (Dh was at the pub) - what has happened to me?!
Wow I've missed a lot! Congrats to Rus and Festie!! so amazing to think those longed for babes are finally here! Lovely names too.
How are you Lil?
Hi to Moo, Count and Disco congrats all round x
Things have been so hectic for me, we're moving in October so have been sorting that out, plus I've been sorting out my maternity cover, since I run my own business I have to hire and train him.
I'm in third tri today so 27 weeks! Can't wait to move and get all the last big bits like buggy/cot etc!
What buggies are you all getting/have you got? I'm clueless! There's so many! X
Hi Chips glad to see you are still around and doing well.
I'm starting my mat leave at 37 weeks (technically 38 weeks but it's half term so don't have to be in school ) Am very lucky though as my head has lightened my load considerably by taking me out of class and giving me cover and intervention groups, don't think I could go as long if I had class responsibility and all the extras that go with it - I'm shattered as it is!
wrt buggies we have a uppababy vista - not the cheapest but it does everything we want and I've heard and read nothing but good reports. The carrycot bit is suitable for nightime sleeping so don't have to buy a moses basket too. It has a which best buy award. BUT we live in the middle of nowhere and so drive everywhere and go for walks on tracks/fields etc, not sure it would be the best for trains/buses as it is quite bulky - the baby jogger looks fab for that kind of thing though as you can fold it with one hand. Basically depends on what you are using it for and where you live. Sorry no help!
Hope you get cover sorted soon so you can rest abit x
Hey ladies,
Disco I like Mr Thompson and Johnny Reggae, lol! Have been wondering what to refer to our next one as- I quite like little pickle. Going to get some nice boxes and decoupage pics of peanuts all over one and that'll have all Phoebe's stuff in- I've saved her cord stump with the clip on, and I've got my diary from this pregnancy, hospital bracelets/tags... would like to do a box for each baby.
Thanks for the reassurance Count I think she's going to be like DH- he didn't put weight on as a child either, and was really tiny! At least she's taking after him and not me! My instincts tell me she's ok, but I still worry about her not putting weight on. Will just have to work on making my breast milk awesome!
Lil the linea nigra is a line running from the top of your bump down to your bellybutton, in the centre- mine was quite pale, and only appeared in the last 2 months or so- it's more visible now than it was during pregnancy! Also, I think the uterus leans to one side during pregnancy, so you might find it's over on the side where your stretchmarks are. I had more on the right hand side at the end, as that's where she was always bloody elbowing me!
Oh, and my mum didn't let me hang out the washing. She also weeded my borders, so I assume she's pulled out yet more wildflowers thinking they're weeds. Sigh.
Hi Chips, thanks for the congrats... we got the mothercare xtreme travel system- only £200 for pushchair and car seat, 3 wheeler, easy to steer and fold...and the car seat attaches with the seat belt, which was better for us since we don't have our own car and rely on others for lifts. The cot we got is the mothercare takeley one, but I got it second-hand on eBay. Why pay full price? Oh, and for god's sake, don't just buy babygrows from shops- I managed to get loads from charity shops later for a fraction of the price, so I can recommend that if you've got plenty nearby.
Festie hope the wedding went well. I bet Esme got loads of attention!
Well, on the weight front you'll be glad to hear that Phoebe put on 175g. ...and yet, because it was nothing to do with me...
So sensible midwife has said we can go down to feeding her every 4 hours, but we still have to top up every feed. And rather than adding a bit extra, like DH has been doing, she recommended that we add an extra 30ml, so there was 90ml in the bottle- that way if Phoebe did want more, it was a measurable amount.
I'd love it if we could stop the formula, but I can't see me producing enough milk for her ever at the moment... I guess the best I can hope for is that we can go down to maybe 5-hourly feeds, and not have to top up every single damn feed.
They'll be back to weigh her on Wednesday, same day as the health visitor is coming. Have heard scare-stories from my mum about miserable spinsters who check your house for dust (oh god, I'm done for!) but I think ours is quite jolly and easy going from what our favourite midwife said.
Feeding is getting easier, and for the last 2 nights she has fed at 11-12 at night, then gone through til 3-4am, and then we all sleep til about 8-9. Although last night she did seem to want to feed an hour after the last feed, which is annoying considering we have to top up every feed, and involved frantic kettle boiling and formula shaking and bottle cooling while she yelled for her (fake) milk.
Some of my stitches are starting to dissolve, so it's comfier to sit on the toilet now, and with the help of some senna I'm just about managing to go to the toilet. The hole in my bum is healing up nicely, and the community nurses have arranged it so that DH can pack and re-dress the wound daily, making things easier for us- like not having to be up early and ready for them. And my antibiotics are finished! I can eat whenever I want, so life is getting easier.
Phoebe has had a play on her play gym mat thingy, and seemed to enjoy the mirror, and when on her front was moving her little legs to try and get into a comfier position. She's also quite good at holding her head up, and said 'aah' to her panda toy last night, which she's been following with her eyes and boffing with her hand, but probably by accident.
She laughed at my dad in her sleep earlier- I heard it, but didn't see her face- can't wait til that sort of thing is genuine!
And she had her first bath today too- it was a bit fiddly, what with having one of those bucket baths, but I think it'll get easier as she gets bigger- and I hear they're great for getting the farts out!
I have to go shower my bum and soak my stitches in lavender and milk. I feel like a sort of half-arsed Cleopatra...
Lil - I was looking at the uppababy recently online and the travel system seems reasonably priced compared to others for what you get. Have you got it yet? I would like to see it in real life first but they don't seem to stock it anywhere in London?
Rus - glad you're well, def noted your advice. I haven't bought any baby grows yet! I've been given bag loads of baby clothes from customers! All lovely and hardly worn/new too! Also been given a bottle warmer and medala breast pump, bottles, dummies and breast milk storage bags all new too from unwanted gifts glad Ive got good customer service !
Re names, me and DP never agree. His first name will be James after my father, but will use his middle name. I suggested Sidney, DP said no reminds him of Sid James. Also Sidney is the guy off the tetley tea ad - wtf?!
Chips Yes ours is here. There is a lady at a-n classes who has one and she loves it. I haven't seen that many around town though. The best price we found was off the internet which came with a maxicosi car seat - we looked at it in a shop and then bought it. I think if you like them on FB you get a % more off. Will ask Dh which website it was as can't remember. It did seem the best compared to similar which needed you to buy loads of extras like the sunshades, raincover, carseat attachments etc.
In that case Rus yes, my Dh is also interested in the linea nigra, we just didn't know the proper name for it! Glad things are getting easier for you, you're getting lots of help and Phoebe is happy.
Off to our last ante-natal today and Dh has time off to come too can't believe it's the last one, I'm not ready!!
Hope everyone else is doing well x
Chips DH has just come in and says the website was groovebaby
She put on weight!
Not as much as last time, only 125g this time I think, but she's up to 7lb 13oz now.
Wish I knew how low she'd dropped, but at the same time I'm not sure I want to... <damn you google> ... 7lb 2oz.
Considering she started at 8lb 5oz, that's a bit upsetting.
They're not discharging us yet, since she's still not up to her birth weight. Midwife back on Saturday. BUT because I'm not getting enough sleep, we can go back to feeding her every 5 hours during the night. Hopefully things will get better now we don't have to force her awake for feeds she doesn't want.
DH upset me the other day by saying that all my breast milk was doing was keeping her alive. I cried so much over that, it really stung. Mainly because it's true. I hate the thought that there is one thing I'm supposed to provide for her that no-one else can and I can't do it.
Struggling with the night feeding still, especially when I haven't slept through the day. It's so frustrating to have her refuse to latch on, or only spend minimal time with me before sucking the bottle with such gusto.
But I can't complain because it's the only reason she's putting on weight, the only reason she's more alert during the day, and the only reason we haven't been sent back to the hospital.
I wish I didn't feel so utterly hopeless about the whole thing. In the darkest parts of the night when I just can't get anything to work, I just sit and cry with her bawling in my arms and feel useless. I feel like things would be easier if she wasn't here, or if I wasn't.
I feel better when I've had sleep, and don't get me wrong, I love her to bits, but it's just so hard sometimes.
I wish I could sit down properly, it's affecting everything. I can't sleep, hold or feed her comfortably until it's healed. I'm crying out for a hot bath but can't have more than the few inches to soak my stitches.
Still, the health visitor said I was doing a good job, and that she's still getting all the benefits of being breast-fed, and the formula top ups are just that- top ups. I guess it's like I'm providing the meals, and the formula is just pudding.
Heading to the shower now to irrigate my wound, then soak my stitches, have DH dress & pack the wound, then off to bed for hopefully a few hours kip before the next feed at 11pm.
We're OK here I guess. Wobbly but still going.
Oh Rus please dont feel so bad, your dd is putting on weight and that's the main thing! You are not a failure, what your H said was insensitive and he deserves a slap for it.
Breastfeeding is not the be all and end all, being a loving mother is. I think there is far too much pressure on women to be perfect, breastfeeding people, but sometimes things don't work out like we hoped and we do the best we can a
- and you are! You are providing her with everything she needs and that's what matters.
Dont let this upset you so much. These early times are so precious, dont fill them with tears. Sending you love xxx
Aw Rus so sorry to hear you are struggling a bit. I dread the middle of the night times as I'm sure that's when I will fall to pieces. You are doing amazingly well, I can't believe you laboured and gave birth with a hole in your back, had an op on said hole and are dealing with it healing as well as a newborn, you (and your DH) need to give yourself a break. Phoebe is happy and gaining weight, the mw are happy, you are wonderful mum and it will get better. Try to sleep during the day and be gentle with yourself xxx
Disco my junior kids were completely unobservant! Just before the summer I has year 6's who hadn't realised I was pg (and I was def showing well by then) You just thought I'd been eating alot then ...! Any more options on the dress? Hope you appointment goes well today x
Festie glad the wedding went well and Esme is growing. I'm sure she was a star attraction (I won't say the main attraction for fear of upsetting the bride!) Hope everything is ok with doc/mw etc has the BP settled down now you have had her?
Chips we have it in red, I quite liked the green but DH didn't and from the fabric sample we saw it did look a bit shiney - didn't see it in real life though.
Moo how is the sickness? Really hope it is easing for you x
Hey all you lovely ladies,
Feeling much better today after some decent sleep. Thank you so much for all your support.
Health visitor quite pointedly asked me to read the leaflet on PND while DH was out of the room yesterday, and I have to say it does sound like me- wanted to talk about how I'd been feeling to her, as I've been feeling really low and having some DARK THOUGHTS but DH said if I talked honestly, Phoebe would be taken away...
I know he means well, and is terrified that social services would get involved and we'd never see her again, but I had a talk with him- I've been depressed before and my doctor didn't take me seriously, so no, I don't have diagnosed depression, but it IS an issue. I don't want to be fobbed off again this time as it isn't just me who could be affected if I lose the plot. After talking to him he's been much better, and is a lot more supportive with cuddles etc.
I think he thought tough love would work, but I've had to reiterate that it makes me worse- hopefully things will be better now. The health visitor is coming back in 2 weeks to check on me, and DH will be back at work, so I expect she'll worm it out of me then.
DH thinks that if it wasn't for the cyst pain and problems, and the lack of sleep, I'd be fine, so I have cyst depression rather than PND... and I have to say it makes sense. All the problems I've had are due to the hole. Sitting, sleeping, feeding, bathing... I would quite happily kill for a deep, hot bath I could lay down in!
Hoping that now feeding has changed to 5 hourly at night, things will be easier. I certainly feel lots better tonight. We went to bed early last night, so got a couple of hours kip before the 11pm feed, and then we didn't need to feed her again til about 4-5am... and after that, 10! So plenty of sleep. Now it's just a pain in the arse farting about with sterilising and preparing feeds in the middle of the night, and hopefully that will stop at some point.
In lighter news, while SiL was over this morning for a quick visit, she got to observe a nappy change in which Phoebe demonstrated for the first time her abilities as an epic piss fountain, liberally soaking DH's darth vader dressing gown. LOL. It was like she aimed or something...
Just want my bum to heal. DH packed it a bit too enthusiastically last night, so it's a bit sore, but we've consulted Dr Google and know now to pack it loosely. Oops. Can't believe it goes in a whole centimetre!
OK, time to stop being so self-absorbed and actually comment on what you've all been up to...
Festie I'm sure your BP will go back to normal soon. It took all of 48 hours after having Phoebe for my hair to go back to utter shit and spots to appear!
Lil to be honest, giving birth with the cyst wasn't an issue, I was sat on it and never noticed! Gas & air is AWESOME. Not long til half term, you must be counting down the days...
Chips consider getting your travel system from John Lewis- the way their refund policy works, you can take back anything at any time- so you could have it for years, and if it breaks or something, you could get a refund or new one. But I didn't tell you that! [DH works there] Plus their customer service is awesome.
Disco glad your 16 week appt went well! The further I progressed, the more Phoebe would shift to get away from the whatsit, so the midwife would have to spend entire minutes chasing her around my insides.
Oh, and on the linea nigra front, I don't think DH even noticed I had one... but then I do have milky flesh under my clothes (contrasts nicely with my ruddy complexion) so there wasn't/ isn't really much of a contrast. He was more excited about my stretch marks. Guess I look even more like an alien woman off Star Trek now (tut...)
Off to hang the washing ou- oh fuck, it's gone overcast.
Rus - glad pure feeling better I used to work at JL so I know how awesome they are with refunds 
plus the food was so amazing and cheap, i loved it there! problem is the buggy alone is 600 there whereas I can get the whole travel system for 640 online from a good company, plus they don't do the new model/colour. I'll definitely think about it though as youre right, there refund policy is ridiculously good.
Bought a caboo carrier yesterday from JL after trying it on, can't wait to carry newborn around in it. I was walking around home yesterday with a teddy in it, DP thought it was hilarious as all this sling stuff is new to him.
disco glad appointment went well, I have my next check up 5 oct. I'll be 28 weeks and haven't seen a midwife since 16 weeks
festie glad you're well, hope your bp comes down
X
Hello ladies; glad to see you all here!!!!
Rusulka I am so pleased that Phoebe has put on weight; absolutely fabulous news. Hope the feeding is getting easier for you and that your bum ailment is starting to get better too. You've been through a hell of a time and you need to remember to make some time for yourself as well. I know easier said than done with a newborn, but even just an hour to do something nice for yourself may help. Don't know too much about PND so can't really offer much advice but I second what the other ladies have been saying!!
Disco glad all went well at your last appointment. When is your next scan?
Lil can't believe you have attended your last a-n class. It will be half term before you know it and you will be looking forward to that due date getting closer. All very exciting
Berries lovely to see you my darling. Hope that you are also being kind to yourself and really do hope to see you with some good news very soon!!!
Festie how are things with you? Has the BP come down yet? I do hope so!!!
Chips it's been a while. Glad everything is going well for you. When are you due?
Well thankfully the morning sickness has started to subside. I actually feel human again, am eating normally and all seems to be ok. Had my first scan on Wednesday. It was just sooooooooo amazing to see that little human in there. I actually cried. And it really has sunk in that I AM HAVING A BABY!!!!!!!!!!!! Nuchal thing-y-ma-jug was 1.6mm and when I went to have bloods taken to see if i was high or low risk, I asked the nurse what the numbers went and she said that it was a nice number, so fingers crossed that podge is ok!!!
Have got my 16 week appointment with the midwife on 11th October and my 20 week scan on 20th November. Things are moving so quickly. Can't beleive that I am nearly 14 weeks. It's mad. Belly is starting to grow and my work clothes are getting a little uncomfortable.
Sorry I have been a bit AWOL; work is manic plus I had to organise, print off, bind and send all my final assessment documents. Went right to the wire. Have been revising most of the morning and not looking at baby things think I need to have a break soon. Have also managed two loads of washing and defrosted the freezer.
Right, best get back to the books. Hope everyone has a good weekend!!!
<Gets down on knees on floor to worship at the phenomenon that is SUPERMOO>
Go you!
Glad you're feeling much better. Things feel like they're moving really quickly at that point- enjoy it, because after that it's no man's land with tumbleweed thinking come oooooooooooon, when are things going to happen??!!?! And then it's all waaaaaaaaaaaah I'm not prepared and then before you know it, they're here! Have you started feeling podge wriggle yet?
Lil keep going, it's nearly October!
Have you tried one of those big cushiony whatsits to help you sleep? I've got a v-shaped pillow from Dunelm Mill, it was only a tenner and suited fine- even if it's just to put between your knees for a bit of support. Or you could use it to hold up your bump!
Berries thanks for the advice. Midwife today said to talk to my GP, so hopefully he won't be as much of an arse as that last one. Different county and all that...
Chips I've got a baba sling (haven't tried yet) and a kangawrap- tried it on my mum when she was here and got Phoebe in and settled really well, but when I did it the other day she was a bit fretful and DH said it was because she was in wonky- looked in a mirror and she was at a 45 degree angle!- somehow I'd done it wrong... got it right today though, which made keeping an eye on her while hanging out the washing much easier. Just got to try not to bonk her on the head with the peg basket quite so much next time.
Festie how's Esme doing? Please tell me she snores and has whiffy farts too, I don't want it to just be Phoebe, lol! How's your BP?
Midwife came again today (thinking of buying shares) and weighed Phoebe- she's put on another 120g, so up to 8lb 1oz- only 4oz less than birth weight! And they're happy for us to go back to on demand feeding, whoop... no more fascist feeding regime!
It doesn't particularly benefit our sleeping, though it does mean I can just let her dictate the pace during the day.
Still on formula though. Forgot to ask how long that has to go on for. They were happy to discharge us, but I asked for another visit just to make sure she doesn't lose weight after changing to baby-led feeding, so they'll be back on Thursday.
In other news, the hole in my bum has got bigger (ok, technically it hasn't). Transpires that actually, the nurses hadn't been packing it all the way- must have semi closed up or something- and re-opened when DH got a bit gung-ho with the packing (at my request before you tell him off). So we're supposed to be packing it LIGHTLY. Thanks Dr Google, could have done with knowing that before. So it's bigger than everyone thought it was. ARGH!
Going to take ages to heal because the area is, ahem, moist. Not to mention being aggravated whenever I sit on it. And until it is healed, no baths, no takig Phoebe swimming.... wah.
Yesterday we took her to be registered at the library (refurbed with sexy new services) so Phoebe is an official person now!
Today is DH's first day back at work after paternity leave & tacked on hols, think I've coped quite well, apart from this morning which was a bit Benny Hill... overslept, so she was overdue her feed, except I decided that since it was sunny I might as well get a wash on, so I'm stuffing the machine with a load of baby clothes we've been given by a colleague of FiL's, Phoebe's bawling down the house for second breakfast, then I get in and check her nappy, yep she needs changing, so I do that, and while I'm mid-getting-the-next-nappy, she pees all over herself and both babygrows, so I strip her off, but then she's laying in a puddle of her own wee, so I thought 'there aren't enough wet wipes in the world!' and had to leave her there wriggling in wee while I filled her tummy tub so I could just give her a damn bath (which she was supposed to have on Thursday), then pick up my pissy baby, wipe everything clean, then bath her and wash her hair, get nappy and clothes on, feed... burp... then she upchucks milk all over the muslin (thank god for muslins) which she's decided to only start doing today it seems, and then to add insult to injury, REFUSES TO GO TO SLEEP!!!
But apart from that it's been ok. 2 loads of washing done, trimmed and filed her nails so she can't gouge her eyes out, moisturised her dry bits, expressed 45ml booby juice (left booby gone hard and lumpy from Phoebe's hitting the bottle)... only thing I haven't done is had a nap. Dh finishes in half an hour, so I'd better go nap quick! Either that or lie about it...
Hey moo seems like we're all nearly back together! So cool! I'm 27 weeks now, due Christmas Eve all getting very exciting and feeling more real buying big things like cot and buggy etc.
So glad to hear all is well, the first scan is incredible isn't it! I have my next one on 30th oct at 30 ish weeks. Keep us posted x
Rus I guess they take a while to get used to! Must be great to wear one and get on with things (i.e use two hands for mumnetting!)
So glad to hear scan went well moo.... Just skimming the rest but chips you're nearly all back together..... Me missing oh well, I figure I'll have twins and that will be the 'reason' for everything I've been through.... !!
Festie I'm so sorry to hear about your ex FiL, how awful for you all. Lovely that your DH is so understanding and you can all support each other. Take care xxx
Berries thank you so much for your comment about PND - it is somthing that I've been worrying about and nice to hear it is not a given that I will get it. You're seat is reserved and waiting and we can't wait till you take it up full time xx
Moo so glad the sickness is finally on the way out and the scan went well. Hopefully you can now enjoy being pregnant. How are the exams going? I can't believe you've been doing all this through the MS and tiredness that comes in the first tri.
Rus so glad that Phoebe has put on weight and you can relax a bit but sounds like a good idea to get them back once more to check baby led is all going ok. Sorry to hear your bum hole is bigger but I think your Benny Hill morning is probably going to be repeated several times over in this household!
Have finally started packing baby's hospital bag and have had some better nights sleep so feeling more myself again. Dreading the sleep deprivation when baby comes, I don't deal with lack of sleep well!
So sorry festie how sad
Festie so sorry to hear about what's happened. Thinking of you at this troubling time.
And make sure you gloom away on here, it's what we're for!
Berries got you a nice comfy armchair right here, and won't be moving the reserved sign for anyone else!
Chips how exciting! You won't believe the difference between the first and second scans, it's ridiculous the size and development difference.
Lil when packing your hospital bag, remember that when your baby is here, they'll expect them to be wearing a short-sleeved babygrow AND a sleepsuit. Baby socks fitted over the sleeves stay on better than scratch mitts! Don't forget snacks, because they only come round with food at set times, and the shops in hospital are stupidly expensive- DH paid £2.49 for a tube of pringles, I nearly killed him! I made sure there were easy portable things in the cupboards, then when DH came in to visit he'd bring a bag of goodies we could scoff- especially because the hospital doesn't feed partners!
Glad you've slept a bit better. It's not for much longer.
Better go.
Need to fit in a nap before MiL comes over (back from Rio again!) and judging by the series of epic farts followed by sudden yelling, Phoebe has done something in her undercrackers...
Wrote a massive post this morning and then lost it, so went off in a huff.
Anyway, thanks for your kind thoughts. It's such a hard act to fathom. I know the kids needing to be told is looming. They're in good spirits, and I know this will make them very, very sad.
Still, life has to go on, and I am mostly feeding, rocking and cleaning up a little stinky titch! She's doing just fine!
Good call on the hospital bag rus. I remember stocking up at the garage on Pilton Quay on my way up to NDDH, lil!
Hope things are looking a bit more manageable, rus. For what it's worth, as someone who's suffered with depression all my life, I've only had PND once, and I have to say; the support of the hcps I saw was second to none. From the Health Visitor to GP and the counsellor I eventually saw. You may find you feel better as Phoebe's feeding settles and you heal, after all, you've been through one hell of an ordeal. But if you don't, and you feel you need more support; don't hesitate to ask for it!
moo and disco - it's so exciting that you're so close to the half way stage. The 20 week scan is fab too!
And chips - you're heading into the 3rd trimester!
I really sympathise with the sleeping discomfort, lil. I know I'm waking for feeds now, but I still prefer that to all the weeing and epics trying to turn over!
Hope everyone is ok, anyway! xxx
Festie, I'm so sorry about your ex-FiL. I hope your children cope when they hear the news. I'm glad to hear all is well with you and Esme otherwise.
Rus, hope you are doing a bit better now. I echo what everyone else says and exhort you to get help if you need it. From what I know, even mothers with puerperal psychosis usually stay with their babies during treatment.
Berries, don't wish for twins! Go for triplets at least! Seriously though, even if you don't feel much hope I have hope for you and look forward to you coming back here permanently.
Lil, hope the sleep lately has been better. I am a bit worried about PND too but it seems a lot of women who are prone to depression actually find family life suits them www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/mar/05/depression-motherhood-children-viv-groskop?INTCMP=SRCH.
I do think if you have mild depression then keeping busy and not dwelling on yourself helps (it certainly helps me) so I'm hoping motherhood will suit me!
Rus, hope things are going well for you and that MiL will be a help. Hope you get your deep wallowing bath soon!
Moo, pleased the sickness is dying down, just hope the work situation does soon too!
My bump is getting some attention now (people keep eyeing me suspiciously anyway ) and its nice to be able to talk to people about it. The bump has even been called cute which is sweet. I went to a six year old's birthday party on Saturday and got a lot of comments along the lines of 'You've got all this to come!'
Mr Thompson didn't move much yesterday but s/he was wriggling around just now, phew. 17 weeks tomorrow!
Haha disco - triplets would be INSANE! At the moment I wish for any healthy baby. I have to say though these past two weeks have been much easier. I'm not on any ttc threads now (just popping in here and that doesn't really count as its not group ewcm and temp obsessing!) and that's better for me. I haven't used Cbfm this month and that's been good, peeing in a cup 10 days in a row is just too much of a reminder. I've ditched the pregnacare and just taking folic Acid... Been dtd eod but it's been much more relaxed and enjoyable. I don't think im anymore likely to get pregnant but I feel more 'normal' rather than some manic woman desperate to have a baby. Also had two pregnancy announcements yesterday and one at the weekend and the first thing I felt was genuine excitement for both mums to be.... So I MUST be doing better mentally!
Now I am officially a long term ttc-er I just want to live my life minus contraception and hopefully someday af won't show!
Glad the bump is in good shape disco.... Bet you look fab
Mools - how are you doing?
Festie - thinking of you
Xxx
Hey ladies,
Guess what I just stupidly volunteered to do?
Make the wedding invites for SiL who's getting married next August. What the bloody hell is wrong with me?!? Like I haven't got enough on my plate already... Maybe having a project to focus on for November will give me something to channel my energies into as a distraction from my rubbish feelings.
Going to talk to the health visitor about it next Wednesday, and in the meantime try to note when I feel like it and what triggers it, then I can see whether it's something I can take steps to avoid, or whether I need extra help.
I already have other projects to help distract me- this month I'm decorating for Hallowe'en, and planning an adventure quest for DH as a first date anniversary present (he's into warhammer quest type things), and then there's Christmas, and the house to decorate and presents to buy and make. Lots to look forward to. And after Christmas I'll paint the jungle room... groan... what was I thinking?!? Lol.
Feeling a bit crap at the mo as earlier I chose to sleep rather than prepare the next bottle feed in advance- thought I'd have more time than I did, but she was hungry, so I just had boobs to offer...2 shots at both sides, and she fed for a good while, but without the bottle she didn't sleep, wouldn't settle, and pretty much just cried for an hour until I got a feed made up... guess I won't be chucking out the formula anytime soon...
Disco once my bump appeared I loved it- took til I was about 8 months, but it was so nice having people ask if I wanted to sit down on buses and trains... and having people get outraged on my behalf when they didn't! Enjoy it while it lasts.
Berries sounds like a fantastic positive attitude you've got there. That's what's advised anyway, isn't it? EOD and sod the faffing with equipment.
DH pointed out to me a short while ago that if our chemical pg had worked out, then we wouldn't have had a Peanut. It might be that we get pregnant when we do because that's how it's meant to be- and our babies are destined to do great things! I'm sure it won't be long before you're running down the street with a pissy stick showing 2 lines to anyone you come across, lol.
Have any of you been to active birth classes or hypnobirthing? What would you recommend? I just want to learn some coping techniques, breathing, good positions etc nothing to hippyfied
Thanks anyway
Got my midwife appt today, first one since 16 weeks now 28+4.
Bought my buggy on Wednesday too and I'm dying to get it out but will wait until we move next Friday!
Hope everyone has a lovely Friday!
What is stressing you count? Is it the idea of something going wrong? I think those feelings are natural, but if they're overtaking everything, perhaps it's worth mentioning it to your midwife. She might, at least, be able to reassure you.
Oh no lil, I hope your bP isn't going to play silly buggers. Hopefully, it was just a blip.
chips - I just went with my instincts with regard to labour, but I know a lot of people swear by hypnobirthing etc. hope your midwife appointment goes well - it does seem like an awfully big gap between this one and your last one!
berries - we're all rooting for triplets for you now!!
Hey moo - hope the studying is going ok.
I think the bump and movements are the best thing about pregnancy, disco. Well, that and the baby at the end, anyway!
You're not taking on too much stuff rus, are you?! Hope Phoebe is still gaining and growing. Glad you're going to speak to the Health Visitor. They have a special questionnaire they can ask you, to assess whether they think you're at risk of PND.
Me and Esme are doing well. She's a bit of a boob monster, but apart from that she's remarkably chilled out. She's packing on the weight now, which means she looks a bit less like a plucked chicken, she's still potentially a bit jaundiced, so the HV wants us to put her by the window in her vest, or something.
Ex is round tonight to collect the kids and tell them about gramps. He's going to tell them here, so we're all available for support and then he's got a lovely weekend planned for them. Making a corner of the garden for gramps, planting bulbs etc; drawing pictures to go in the coffin and visiting gran who will take them to a beach they used to go to together. I have to say, he's certainly thought carefully about it and although I'm dreading it; I'm glad they'll have an opportunity to say goodbye in the their own way.
Hope everyone is well. Have a lovely weekend! xx
Ha ha berries! We get on well, but maybe 'd'ex is a step too far!!
It's lovely that you're here, and we all understand if you don't want to get mixed up in the specifics... It's completely understandable! xx
Festie it sounds like your ex has put lots of thought into telling the kids and his ideas are lovely. I hope it helps them to say goodbye and accept what has happened.
Berries we love it that you're here and can understand you not getting involved in the ins and outs of everything, chip in whenever you want and don't feel bad. Congrats on the skinniness!!!
<waves pom poms and cheers Berries on for triplets>
What pram did you get Chips?
Count I hope you are ok. I'm sure your pregnancy is fine but if you're worried speak to your mw. Take care x
Still feel fine so hope my bp is back down when I go back on Wednesday. Have a friend who is a photographer and is going to do some bump to baby shots for us so off tomorrow to have the bump photos done. Bit nervous about it but told him there is to be no nakedness!! Enjoy the weekend all xx
Count sorry that you are still feeling that things may go wrong. You need to remember that you have come through the most testing time, things will only get better from here and soon you will be holding that little bundle of joy. I know it's hard after everything you have been through, but you need to be kind to yourself and the worry and stress can't be good for you or for the little one. Maybe take an hour out of every day to remind yourself that everything is ok, have a long soak in the bath with some soothing candles and look forward to holding your little bobba very soon. How far along are you now?
Lil can't believe how quickly the time has gone by. Wowsers, 3 weeks and you will be well and truly on the countdown. Exciting times Hope that BP is behaving itself as well!!!
Rus how are things with you? Hope that Phoebe is continuing to gain weight and that you are getting into a routine and finding things a little easier now (despite having to make wedding invitations, although I bet they will be lovely!).
Festie glad that the children have been told and that they had a nice day with their grandma. It's a lot to take in for young children, but it's amazing how strong they can be. Glad that all is ok with Esme and as I said to Rus hope that you are also getting into a routine.
Disco can't belive you are 17 weeks where does the time go. It feels like only yesterday you were peeing on a stick and it was turning positive!! Glad you have a bump to be admired now as well. Have you got your 20 week scan booked in yet?
Chips how did the midwife appointment go? I can't wait to buy our buggy it's all just sooooo exciting. What type did you go for in the end?
Berries Maaaaaaaaaahooooooooooosive hugs to you!! So lovely to see you here and glad that you are taking a positive stance to the trials of TTC!
Well revision is going very very slow - 7 weeks until D-Day and I am absolutely dreading it. It all starts with a 10 minute presentation, which I am rubbish at, and then I am grilled for 50 minutes on absolutely everything and anything relating to buildings, their construction and what can go wrong with them. I can't wait
In baby news, I am coming up to 15 weeks; have my next midwife appointment on Thursday and my 20 week scan booked in for 20th November. Despite my argument as to not wanting to know the sex, we are going to find out; I think DH is desperate to know what we are having.
Sickness comes and goes, but for the last 3 or 4 days its more come than go <she says as she retches at her computer> and it's starting to get on my wick now. On top of that i have headaches to contend with, really itchy nipples and mildish cramping. I am definitely not blooming and have found spots on my face where i never usually get them. Starting to get a little bump now as well, which is making it feel all the more real.
Right........... best get on with some work sigh
Oh the joys of pregnancy Moo! Sorry you are still feeling sick but glad you are getting a bump now. Let your mw know about the itching / headaches, especially if your hands or feet start itching (my nipples itched too and drove me mad!)
The exam sounds tough so make sure you look after yourself - I'm sure you will ace it though x
Bless your kids Festie and their 'best little serious faces'. Glad it went as well as could be expected and hope the funeral was ok yesterday.
I love the Boathouse - particularly as it does lovely lemon brulee but avoid during the summer as a nightmare with all the tourists.
Hope things are going well Rus, Esme is gaining weight and you are feeling better about things x
Smoke alarm decided to go bonkers last night and went off 4 times for no reason. First time about 10.30 and by the 4th time at 1.30 I couldn't take it any more so DH and I tripped all the upstairs electric just to shut the thing up. By that time I was fed up, uncomfortable and sleep was not happening Not feeling my best this morning, think I might make a sign saying stay away and hang it round my neck! (Sure it will be worse after we have the baby though!)
Had flu and wc jabs yesterday, all ok and don't seem to have any after effects.
Have a good day all x
Hey ladies, sorry for radio silence, so to speak.
Things have been a bit grotty here.
Last Thursday when my midwife came round to check on me I cried all over her, telling her how I'd been feeling, so she made me an appointment with the doctor for the next day and told me to be honest about everything- he'd probably put me on antidepressants, and they wouldn't take Phoebe away.
So I was honest. Phoebe cried, I cried, I was a mess.
He said I needed to be referred to talk to someone, and then asked if I would wait at the surgery- he showed me to a side room so I could feed Phoebe. When he next appeared he looked at me funny like he was dealing with a dangerous snake, which really bothered me- I asked if I could go home to feed her as I was struggling, plus I didn't have a bottle with me- he said no.
That's when I started to panic, and phoned DH, who was on his way to work and came straight back to collect me.
I heard him come in some time later, and he talked to the dr first, then we left. On the way home he looked really awkward, and said that the dr had told him I was hearing voices telling me to hurt the baby. (!)
Needless to say, that is not what I said. This made me really angry, and also upset. How could he have got it so wrong? DH said he tried telling the dr I was concerned someone would take Phoebe away, and he said "it depends". What?!?
So we rang FiL, who raced out of school to take us to the hospital, which actually turned out to be a psychiatric hospital, and I was taken away for an assessment for an hour, separate from DH and Phoebe. I was miserable.
Fortunately, they just decided I had been through a lot and just wasn't coping very well as opposed to being psychotic, and I was discharged, but referred to social services.
Sigh.
It was a day of stress we could have all really done without.
I saw my health visitor on Wednesday, I've had various family and friends in and out ever since, and I've been given details of mother and baby groups I can go to so I can meet people in a similar situation to me.
Social services came out this afternoon and they don't seem too bothered either, so I think things are ok.
It's been a mess, but hopefully we're out of it now, and I'm feeling much better. I think the whole referral was a much needed slap in the face so I could get some perspective on how I was feeling, and I can see it now, but it was too hard at the time.
What a mess!
In good news, however, we have stopped setting alarms to feed her the past few nights and Phoebe has been sleeping through til at least 6:30, sometimes 7.
Then I've been feeding her and going back to bed, which works out really well.
In the last week she's started smiling, and yesterday morning I think she tried to say hi to me- I was smiling and saying 'hiya' and she smiled, including her eyes, and managed 'hur'.
Oh my god!!! How very inconsiderate, unprofessional and down right nasty of that Dr some people really shud consider a career change!!
As Lil said glad social services are a lot more understanding and that things are starting to get better!! And yeah for Phoebe sleeping til 6:30
I too had a wobble and a cry at the weekend, DH's cousin, wife and babies were all in Wales (as were we) and I was asked to hold baby whilst the father looked after the toddler; baby just kept crying, no matter what I did. Gave in and passed him to MiL in the end and he stopped instantly! I feel like a complete failure and when alone sobbed on the floor of the bathroom. I know it's not quite the same as what you are going through Rus but blimey I didn't think it could be so hard!
In other news, think I felt podge move over the last few days! Definitely getting sensations that are not cramps or ligament pain!!
Right, just in from London so early to bed for me!!!
Oh Moo. It wasn't your fault.
As I'm rapidly learning, babies cry for lots of reasons... because they're hungry, thirsty, hurting, needing to be changed, have soggy clothes, are tired, bored, overstimulated, wanting a cuddle, having a growth spurt, teething, because it's Wednesday...!
From what I hear, Phoebe knows mine and DH's smell, so they're most comforting to her.
Have you met the baby before? And how old are they?
From 5 months they start getting stranger anxiety, so if you've not spent much time with them, it might be that.
Don't worry, when it's yours, you'll be better at it. And it might be difficult at the beginning- it wasn't so long ago I was in tears because I couldn't soothe her and DH had the knack- but 5 weeks in and I think we've got it pretty sussed.
It will all be fine.
Plus you're going to cry loads for no reason in the coming months. Forgive yourself, you can't help the hormones.
Disco school is going ok but am getting more tired and overdid it a bit yesterday. We finish on the 26th too but it is an INSET day for us and only in for the morning so we're all going out for a leaving lunch for me
Glad you and DP did something nice to mark the date for baby 1 and that it helped.
How are things going Rus? Hope you are getting some support and are ok. I'm still at your treatment but hope it has not left any lasting problems for you and your family.
Moo it's lovely when you finally accept it is baby moving and not you! (It took me ages) Don't worry about the babies crying on you, as Rus said I'm sure yours will do the same to someone! It certainly does not say anything about you. Enjoy all the lovely wiggles, before you know it they will be booting you in the ribs
Going out with Dh for a nice meal tonight. Really looking forward to it; I just hope I don't fall asleep in my dinner!
I'm 20 weeks today! 5 months pregnant! I can't quite believe I've got this far.
Only 2 teaching days left Lil! Hope you are taking it easier. Are you 37 weeks now? I've looked at the dates and reckon my first day of ML will be the first day after Feb half term. I'll be 38 weeks the day after but get to leave when I'm 36+3. Hopefully it will all work out, I really don't want to go overdue and be stuck at home bored for a month!
How's all the homework and studying going Moo?
Is your scan soon Count?
How's Rus and Phoebe? And Festie and Esme?
The children at school are starting to notice now, but only years 9 and 11! Maybe the rest have noticed the bump on the front of my body but are too polite to mention it . My hips have started to catch up with my bump sadly so I reckon I need to cut down on the chocolate sadly...
Feels great each month that goes by, congratulations Disco
I'll be 37 weeks on Saturday. I was the same as I'm sure I will go overdue (no idea why I'm just late for everything else!) and didn't want to be sitting around bored for weeks! Technically I'll be starting mat leave at 38 weeks but with half term won't be at school for the last week I haven't found it too bad working until now but my head has been really supportive and reduced my workload a bit. I would put in the date you ideally want and if you have to go earlier you can.
One of my year 4's didn't realise I was pg until last week - he said he thought I'd been eating too many biscuits! On Friday he asked me if baby was talking to me yet
Hope everyone else is ok with study, babies, pregnancy and everything else going on x
Ooh Count, I see you should have had your scan yesterday. How was it? Did you find out the sex in the end?
Oh and Lil, love the year 4 and biscuits comments! Yup, biscuits give you the most enormous stomach but everywhere else stays roughly the same
Oh Count, I'm delighted you got what you and your DH hoped for! How lovely. Me and DP have a hope too but it's making me feel a bit ashamed as I should be grateful for whatever I get. I'm sure I'll be delighted either way round and need to stop over thinking it.
I can understand you still feeling cautious. I'm looking at things a lot but not really buying yet. Starting the nursery seems a bit too soon but I know I'll be too tired later on and my DP is a bit cack handed when it comes to DIY so I can't let him have sole responsibility either.
I'm feeling a bit down at the moment, it's probably down to sadness about my step gran and the awful weather but I'm starting to worry about money and household repairs and the house not being clean enough and and and...ugh, hate being neurotic! Anyway, back to work on Monday, I won't have time to navel gaze then
Bored, bored, bored! It's times like these that living in the sticks isn't fun. Got lots of cleaning done (and more still to do!) but lacking motivation. I never thought I'd say it but actually missing school!
Disco glad you are feeling better and the nursery sounds like it's coming on well. Do as much as you can now as moving gets so much tougher towards the end. Sorry to hear about your bum problems - I have had a few days of finding it really hard to poo and have been worrying about piles. Also you'll soon be wanting baby to stop kicking - I keep expecting to see my belly covered in bruises
Hope the funeral goes well x
Rus so pleased to hear things are going well with you and Phoebe (and your bum!) Can you ask to see another doc? After what happened I wouldn't ever want to see him again - you need to have a doctor you can trust.
Going swimming with DH tonight. I do not look good in a swimsuit but feel so much better in the pool. He has signed up for a triathlon around Snowdon (mad thing) so needs to get some training in too.
<waves at Festie, Moo and Count> Hope you are all ok x
Count that's a great due date! Not only are the numbers awesome, but it means just as you get a mountain of washing to do every day, the weather's getting warmer so it'll dry quicker, lol. Pity me with my September baby and trying to wash and dry reusable nappies at this time of year!
Lil sorry you're bored. If it makes you feel any better, once your baby's here you'll never get to be bored again. You won't even get a chance to sit! Enjoy it while it lasts... and I'm sure you look lovely in a swimming cozzie!
Disco how's the nursery coming along? Wish I could get started on Phoebe's, but it's hard enough just juggling every tasks with trying to sort out christmas presents at the mo! Hope the funeral went ok.
How are Festie and Moo doing?
We are having somewhat of a cash flood here at the mo- FiL and MiL's divorce has been finalised and sorted, and FiL turns up with a cheque for us to the tune of £1400- apparently him and MiL have had a joint account of funds to deal with divorce costs, and they agreed that whatever was left over would be split between DH and SiL, which is awesome- SiL is getting married next August, so money has gone down that bottomless pit, and hopefully we'll get to pay off a chunk of the mortgage like we've been procrastinating about for the past year. AND THEN... FiL tells us a few days ago that his mum's bank account balance has just been sorted and transferred to his (she died at the end of July) so he's splitting that 3 ways, which means we all get another £9000- not bad, eh?
Much as I'd love to put in a new bathroom and kitchen, I think we'll use it to keep paying off 5% of the mortgage, which is the max we're allowed to in a year, until it runs out- got to take a few years of the bloody thing, surely?
Meanwhile I'm fantasising about the carefree days of disposable nappies, and Phoebe had her first lot of jabs on Friday. She was ever so good.
Right, must go and figure out christmas presents!
Cheery byes x
Hey ladies, hope everyone is getting on well.
No sign of Lil so hoping this means baby is here... although if you're anything like me, you've just been reading, and too annoyed at still not having the baby to post, lol!
Disco well done on the work on the nursery! Nappy wise, I put Phoebe in huggies newborn size 1 for the first month or so (umbilical cut-out is awesome), then went onto size 2- they both have a stripe up the front so you can see whether they're wet or not (we had no clue, lol). The reusables I've bought are the bumgenius 4.0- we got ones that fit from birth right up to potty training, you can get them with either aplix (velcro) or snaps (poppers), so they're completely adjustable. They're pocket nappies, so you have a brightly coloured outer shell, which you insert a soft pad into.
I bought a set of 20 here, because you can pick the colour of each individual nappy:
www.babipur.co.uk/shop/Cloth-Nappies-bumGenius-4.0/c23_66/index.html
You can also get a set of 20 from the cheeksandcherries website, and you get a nappy starter kit thrown in, which has a nappy bucket, liners, nappy soak, etc, but you don't get to choose the colours of your nappies, they have set colour schemes, and you choose from girls, boys or unisex.
I bought mine during real nappy week, so there was a discount, and the money saved meant I could buy the starter kit, choose all the colours I wanted, and still not pay more than the cheeks and cherries website.
So far they've been great- a few accidents while we figured out how tight to do them up, but overall they're working fine, and I love them to bits. I put the dirty ones in the bucket dry, then when 10 have gone in I wash them on the delicates setting. The outers I peg onto my clothes airer and they dry overnight, and the liners go on the radiators and take a bit longer. You really have to keep on top of washing them though, otherwise there's nothing for baby to wear while they're drying! The difference in rubbish is amazing though. Every week we had 3 waste paper bins worth of dirty nappies in sacks, and now it's just the wipes.
Count that sounds like a lovely holiday, and with so many family members too! You're going to be spoilt rotten.
Festie and Moo have gone AWOL! What is happening with you two?!?!
Phoebe had a weigh in today, 11lb 9.5oz at 10 and a half weeks, so relatively on target. She's ticking along on the 25th centile, we're ignoring her birth weight as that was nearly 75th! Suspect because she was nearly 2 weeks overdue that was just water retention or something...
And she's still sleeping through the night! Sometimes she doesn't wake me up til 10am, which is pretty awesome. Although yesterday she only fed 4 times, so she woke me up at 8am. Didn't mind though.
Just had a great few days with my parents down, so Phoebe got lots of cuddles, and my mum brought down my baby weight chart- I was apparently 11lb 14oz at 10 weeks, and that was on breast milk.
Must go, little Bee is conked out in her bouncer, so if I am cunning and don't disturb her, I can have a cuppa and try to do some christmas shopping before she wakes up...
Oh good grief, who put all these roses wrappers on the sofa next to me?
Wow! Posts from festie are like buses.... Etc etc.....
But seriously, bollocks.... We lost the condom. Well, I fished it out, but you know what I mean. So what I'm trying to work out is, what are the chances? Cos it's sod's law that you try for months when you want to get pregnant, but when you don't want to? Whole different kettle of fish.
Cold, logical look at the facts: Esme's only 10 weeks old; I'm exclusively breastfeeding her; she feeds a lot; with my other kids, af didn't come back for ages, til well after they were on solids.
So, it's not likely, is it?! Even so, I'd better make that appointment to have my mirena fitted next week!!
I'm still here and baby has decided not to make an appearance yet 1 week late now and beginning to get a bit fed up. Tried pretty much everything but really don't want to be induced next week.
It's great to hear things are going well with the babies. Rus it must be amazing to sleep through the night - I can't wait and hope my baby will get the sleep thing quickly! Pleased that Phoebe is gaining weight too and she is getting the best of both worlds with boobs and formula. Has your bum healed yet?
Festie sorry but had to giggle a little at your description. Get the coil but maybe a morning after pill too? (if it's not too late) Maybe you were destined to have 5?! Glad to hear you are doing well - apart from the small condom hiccup- and Esme is happy keeping you up.
Preggers ladies I hope sickness etc is now a thing of the past and you are all glowing.
Hopefully will be back soon with a baby! Take care all x
Oh count, I know it seems like an age, but it goes so quickly! (what a cliche, but oh so true!)
Hope Zeus makes an appearance soon lil. Having been induced this time, and having done it naturally too, I can say, it's not that bad. I was dreading induction, but although it was quite intense, it was manageable. Good luck!
I'm glad I caused mirth! I am, as dh's saying so eloquently puts it, going to "risk it for a biscuit". I think it's highly unlikely that I'm ovulating at the moment, and the condom only came off as he was withdrawing. I know it only takes one swimmer, but I feel pretty confident that we're in the clear. (though I know you'll be here to hold my hand if I'm wrong! )
rus, so good that phoebe's still getting your milk. Quantities aren't important, just the fact that she's getting some is the important thing! When did mine start what?! Weaning? It varied. I've never quite made it to 6 months though. Last one got to 5 months. She was obviously interested in what I was eating and was boobing loads, so I tried her on some baby rice, and she loved it. Going to try the baby led weaning this time though, so that should be interesting!
Esme has her baby check tomorrow. Don't know what they'll check as they want her already weighed. Can't remember what it's all about. Think it'll probably be a waste of time!
Hope everyone's ok and had good weekends! xxx
Festie, I reckon you've conceived twins. Seriously. Ok, maybe not but that's what we told our work mate when he told us about his accidentally pregnant wife (four under 6!). I'm impressed things were going so well that the condom came off tho! I'm sure Esme is just small and perfectly formed. I was the second shortest on my infant class and the docs were going to put me on human growth hormone. Luckily I started growing and am now 5'2" which is short but not unusually so. Anyway, I hope you and Lil aren't flooded, my in laws are in Exmouth and its pretty soggy there.
Count, Gambia sounds fab! I hope you all have a lovely time. March will creep up on us before you know it, I'm quite glad I still have 16 weeks to go actually the more time to get sorted the better.
Lil, it must be frustrating waiting, poor you. Hopefully things will get going on their own within the next week. What've you been doing to fill your time?
Rus, thanks for all that info about washable nappies. I think I'll definitely get some, like you said to reduce rubbish in my bin, to reduce stuff going to landfill and also so there's always some in the house. I also like the way you can add lining if the baby wees a lot. And the colours are great! Did you go for poppers or Velcro? I have to say having a baby is hard when it comes to choosing what to buy. I have to decide on the best pushchair, carseat, nappies...we even need a new car as a big lolloping dog, a pushchair and a baby will not fit in DPs current car. Argh. I don't even know how many sleepsuits/vests to buy and in what sizes. Oh well, I'm sure it'll all become clear
As for Phoebe I've read a lot lately about those weight gain charts and it seems they aren't always helpful. As Long as you think she is happy and healthy then her weight is only a small factor in that surely. What's been the best bit of motherhood so far for you?
Well, I've discovered I'm ok at hanging lining paper so that's good. Nursery slowly progressing now! My Mum and sister both felt Miss Thompson kick last night for the first time so they were chuffed. The kicks are really ramping up in strength now, amazing when you consider how small Miss T still is. I also approached work about returning part time - I won't really know til July next year as it all depends on the timetabling...well, fingers crossed at any rate. I think I've got a reasonable chance of them saying yes as long I stay flexible.
Fingers crossed for you Lil!
Disco I went for poppers. I read some reviews that said the velcro fuzzed up after a while, so thought the poppers would be better, especially as I want the nappies to last through our entire brood!
I don't know what you're looking for in the pushchair department, a lot of people seem to go for these iCandy or Quinny things, we got the mothercare xtreme travel system- it's a three wheeler, the car seat clicks into the pushchair, and it turns on a sixpence. You can usually get them for £200, which compared to a lot of the others is a real bargain... and the car seat is fitted using a 3 point seatbelt, so you can just pop it in and out of cars easily.
On the car front, my mum has a vauxhall zafira- it's a bit like a bus, but plenty of room- and you can pop up 2 extra seats in the boot if you need them, so it can be a 7-seater... they have a german short-haired pointer, so he sits in the boot, which is nicely capacious!
With regard to a cot, I got the mothercare takeley cot- but off eBay for £25 and it was local pick up... it has teething guards on the bars, a drop side and 3 height positions. Haven't used it yet, but confident I made the right choice.
On the babygrow front, I thought you only needed sleepsuits/all in ones for sleeping in, but quickly learned once I actually had Phoebe that they are supposed to wear a babygrow (short sleeves, no legs) with an all in one over the top! That's what she usually wears around the house, unless it's really hot, in which case she gets to go without the all in one.
I have about 20 babygrows and maybe 10 or so sleepsuits. Something to remember is that 0-3 months might be too big for your baby at first, but you won't know until they've arrived! I just bought 0-3, then adjusted accordingly. Got a few newborn ones from charity shops, and she's just growing out of those now. The more you have, the less often you need to wash!
We got her 2 sleeping bags, which means we don't need to worry about blankets and layers at night- we just bung her in the sleeping bag, in her moses basket- we were initially folding over the scratch mittens or putting socks on her hands to keep them warm, but have stopped doing that now as my mum said she didn't bother. Our sleeping bags are the merino kids go go bags- they're not cheap, but I bought them on the recommendation of someone saying their 6 week old was sleeping through the night, and Phoebe does just that! We got them from www.merinokids.co.uk- the go go sleeping bag fits from birth to 2, and it has slots in the front and back so you can just take them out of bed and strap them straight into a car seat without waking them up. Genius! Generally they do an offer where you get 2 for about £100- not cheap, but definitely good quality.
Best bit of motherhood so far has been when she started to actually respond to us- it's pretty thankless and unrewarding at first, and then when they look at you, frown, then let rip a big smile of recognition, your heart does melt. She's just starting to develop her personality- fart noises always get a smile (takes after me!), and now she likes dinosaur noises too. Every time she does something new I love her to pieces all over again. I can't wait until I can get definite laughs.
Ha ha! Thanks for that disco. Started spotting today, so god knows what that's about. As I said before, my periods have always taken months to return before.
I had a Zafira til I got too many children and now we have a massive van!!! But the Zafira was excellent - couldn't recommend it enough. Spacious, economical and reliable.
As rus says, all you really need are a load of short sleeved vests and sleepsuits to go on top. People will buy you stuff too.
Hope lil is busy going into labour naturally!
Es had her 6-8week check today (at 10 weeks ). All was well. She "passed", as it were!
Nope, no natural labour here! Booked in for induction Thursday operation get baby out is entering it's final stages and I'm getting desperate!
Festie hope that means you are not going to be adding to your brood any time soon! Glad all is ok with Esme too.
Rus I keep forgetting about the fact that afterwards I'm going to have a baby to look after - I'm so focused on the birth part - so thanks for the reminder.
Disco sounds like you're doing well with the nursery and getting organised. FX work are supportive about going back part time; I'm hoping to do the same.
Count Gambia sounds amazing, I'm very jealous and it will help the time pass quicker too.
Any sign of Moo? Not heard from her in ages, hope she's ok.
Good luck lil!
rus has pretty much covered everything; she's right though, it is the one time you are completely 'in the moment'. I've always got nervous beforehand, but once I'm doing it... Also, trust your instincts when it comes to pain relief and keep an open mind!
Sure they'll look after you at NDDH. Will be thinking of you tomorrow. xxx
Thanks guys, guess time has pretty much run out now so getting my head around tomorrow and having to accept it's going to happen!
Everything's packed so we're ready to go, just hoping the pessary works before we have to go onto the drip - will keep your advice in mind.
Don't have a fancy phone so won't be able to update until I get home - unless DH is brave and gets on here! Here's hoping for a speedy and easy birth
Hi ladies - sorry it's been a while since my last post; life has been a bit crazy lately!!! Can't believe all the things that have been happening!
Lil hope all is well with you and the little one if you have now finally met can't wait to hear all the news and whatnot.
Festie wow - can;t believe you thought you might have had a little accident would be just typical though after waiting to get pg in the first place. Glad all is well with the brood and that Esme is being a good girl and not keeping you up all night.
Rusulka how are things with you? How is Phoebe doing? I see that she has been doing a spot of assisted standing. Sounds amazing. Hope you are all doing better now and that Phoebe is putting on the necessary amount of weight. In my humblest of opinions, i think the main thing is is that she is eating - the weight will come!
Disco and Count you must be coming into the final hurdles as well. Can't really believe how quick this has come around. Hope you are blooming and enjoying the pregnancies. Your bundles of joy will be here before you know it!!
As for me, well i have had my final assessment and for the last 2-3 months all i have been doing is revising. Every day, evening and weekend. Final assessment was last Thursday and I get the results this Thursday. Do not feel that i have passed, just think that i got too many obvious questions wrong and that the assessors will not think that i am quite capable of being a chartered surveyor. I say otherwise, but i am bound to 
Had my 20 week scan a couple of weeks ago, all seems to be ok, although podgina was getting ready to sleep and no matter what the sonographer tried to do, she was not turning over so that the scan can be completed. Also saw her yawn, but were are not 100% that it is a girl because she somehow managed to have her foot placed between her legs - the sonographer thought it was a girl because she could not see anything but could not be certain. We are going with it being a girl though and my mum has already bought a pinkish top. Will be a bit 
if it turns out to be a boy though. Hoping to have a home water birth. Will see how brave i am with this idea next April!!
Right, have to get dinner sorted before DH comes in from work.
Hope everyone is making Xmas plans and starting to enjoy the festive period.
Promise i won't leave it as long before my next post!!!
Yay Moo!
Missed you.
FX for your results.
If not this time, then never mind- pregnancy really does mess up your brain and it might be easier attacking it again at a later point...and you never know, you might just have done it!
On the Christmas front, DH and I are arguing and shifting the furniture round as I type, trying to figure out the best place to stick the tree. Only stopped because I knocked my laptop on the floor while swinging the coffee table round and I'm checking to see if it still works!
If only the tree wasn't 1.3m across... still, I can bend the branches a bit to make its footprint a little smaller...
Glad your scan went ok, if you think it's a girl, it probably is. I thought Phoebe was girl from the beginning, but obviously you can't say anything because people think you're mad...
Ah, apparently Phoebe has poo'd again. My assistance is required for leg-in-the-air-holding! (men...)
Oh Lil, congratulations! I'm so glad you and Lily are alright after her dramatic entrance into the world, it must have been worrying to say the least but hurrah! Keep us updated when you can. I shall always think of her as Zeus though
Hi Moo, was thinking earlier, ooh it's December which means Moo's busy November is over! Congratulations on a good scan too. How are you finding pregnancy now? Any sickness still?
Well, I've finally started painting the nursery after five weeks on and off of preparation work. Painting is such a doddle in comparison! Everything is white so it's nice and easy. Miss Thompson (we swap genders every now and then) had a proper hard kicking session when I started resting afterwards. She's getting stronger every day.
Right, congratulations again Lil and Lily!
Congratulations lil on the birth of Lily!
Hope you're getting as much rest as you can and are enjoying your new baby girl. Sounds like you went through the mill a bit, but it's amazing how quickly you heal if you rest well and don't try to do too much ( only say that cos I'm really guilty of it!)
Hi moo! Glad you're doing ok. I'm very admiring of you doing exams while pregnant. I wouldn't be able to concentrate! Two of my babies were uncooperative and necessitated a second scan. It's a pain, but on the upside, you get another look at the baby!
Glad you're impressed with my bedroom prowess, count! To be honest, sex gave me contractions from about 30 weeks, so we ended up abstaining for ages and I was quite up for it once I had healed!
Yes, I definitely recommend the Zafira, disco. I had mine for about 7 years, and it was consistently reliable. I don't mind taking meds for my bP if necessary. I know it's better than having an unexpected stroke or heart attack ( like dh last year, so I know it happens!!) Good job on the painting as well!
Sounds like you're back to your normal busy self rus! And well done on the weight bearing phoebe!
Me and Es are ok. I think she's having a growth spurt, cos all we seem to have done is feed the last couple of days! Oh, and you'll be glad to know that me and dh managed to use a condom this weekend without messing it up like a couple of teenagers!
I'm in a mood today.
Well, I've been in a mood ever since I healed up properly- they stitched me up wrong.
I have a kind of pointy bit on the flap of skin under my hoo-ha, and when they cut me to get Phoebe out, presumably that pointy bit isn't normal, so he just kind of stitched it to the side. Now it's taut when it shouldn't be, and pulled in at one side- nobody should have a corner on their hoo-ha!
Sex is now uncomfortable and painful, unless we wriggle jiggle into JUST the right position. And one slip and I'm in tears... if I sit down, I can feel it pulling. If I need to poo, I can feel it pulling. It hurts to put tampons in and it hurts even more to take them out. It's pretty miserable.
Don't know what to do. Didn't know it was a problem at my postnatal check up, so didn't mention it.
DH thinks we can work around it. I'm upset because I thought after one baby, my body would be loosened as it were, to having more, so I wouldn't have to be cut next time. And now it's even tighter than before!
Wah.
Well, if you think it's wrong, you should get a doctor to look at it. I've had four, and my bits are pretty much the same as they always were, after stitches and everything.
You shouldn't have to put up with discomfort like you describe. If they have stitched you wrong, you can be referred to the ob/gyn consultant and have it put right, but I would get a considerate GP to look at it, if you can find one. Maybe a female GP, if your surgery has one?
Sorry to hear that though, the last thing you want to worry about. xxx
Lil HUGE congratulations on the birth of your DD Lily - what a beautiful name. All the names so far have been fab 
hope that the labour etc was not too much of a challenge and just think you have a gorgeous daughter to love and care for; nothing else matters!!
Rus i second what festie said - if you are in pain/discomfort, i would be seeing the GP and getting a referral to get it sorted. No-one should have to put up with that. It's not right, it's not how it was before and it needs to go back to how it was <stamps feet and folds arms in defiance> at you managing to have proper adult rumpy pumpy festie well done you glad that Esme is growing well and all seems to be good with you all.
I am nervously awaiting my assessment results; they arrive via email at some point tomorrow and it's all i can think about. It really has taken over my life these past few months and the end is almost in sight, just really hope that I have passed, but to be honest i am not holding out much hope. In all honesty i think i made to many simple and silly mistakes. But what will be, will be. Decision has been made now, so there is absolutely nothing i can do about it.
Right.............off to see a woman about a payment certificate. Joy, joy, joy!!!
Hi everyone! Lil, that's great news about Lily's weight. How's the feeding going now? Your post about loving being a Mum makes me feel cheerful, people sometimes go out of their way to go on about how awful dealing with babies is with no mention of the good bits!
Count, I bet you are really counting down the days til you jet off now! How's baby getting along?
Moo, helloooo! Did you get your assessment results? I really hope it went your way. How are you finding pregnancy?
Rus, I second what everyone else has said - you need to get the badly repaired bit looked at. It really doesn't right to me. You shouldn't have to be in pain, it's not normal. How is Phoebe?
Festie, hurrah for sex! Ok, you know what I mean how is Esme's growth spurt going?
New pregnancy symptoms for me - a feeling like sunburn on the top of my bump. It hurrrts! Lotions make no difference. Also pelvis pain which is worrying, it's just twinges at the moment but I'm paranoid about SPD. Doing all the keeping knees together stuff as far as I can, but walking around London on fri/sat hasn't helped. I finally have a comfy bra as a result of the trip though, hurrah!
Well, I seem to have killed the thread. Sorry about that! Hope everyone is ok anyway.
I finally ordered my wedding dress yesterday. Whoop! Very exciting. The lady wanted to measure me but I pointed out there wasn't much point really and look, I have my pre pregnancy measurements here so let's add a bit on to those.
Also I have bought my first item of furniture for the nursery, a lovely single wardrobe, not sure how old but probably between 1930s and 50s. Best of all, it was only £15! I'm just hoping it'll fit into my fiesta later . I love EBay.
Right, better get back to the painting. It's cutting in time now. Groan.
Hi everyone, I'm slowly rejoining the human race!
Disco very exciting about the wedding dress! They are amazing at adjusting things so sure the measurements will be fine. Wardrobe sounds great and a bargain! I hate cutting in hence our living room still isn't done 
Rus what did the docs say about the stitches?
Count hope you found some lovely holiday clothes.
Moo how were the results?
Festie imagine you are manic with your brood over christmas, hope all is going well.
Lily is doing well and is so good I can't complain about the few hours of grizzling we get in the evenings. DH has to go back to work tomorrow so will see how we get on then. Has been lovely having this time together so a bit sad about having to return to the real world.
Morning all!! It's a little chilly here today, have got both the heating and the fire on whilst trying to work from home. Also have some Christmas music on which is helping to cheer me up!!
Count are you planning on moving your bobba to it's own room eventually? I plan to have her in my room with us for the first 6 months (we have borrowed a crib from DH's cousin).
Lil glad all is well with you and Lily but boooo to DH having to return to work. I think I am going to dread that day!! Will he have much time off over Christmas?
Disco well done on progressing the Nursery; ours still looks like a bombsite, not helped by the fact that I am still using it as a dressing room. Oops. Have you bought a cot etc yet? Hope you managed to get the wardrobe into the fiesta!!!
Rus hope you managed to get to the doctor and get the hoo ha ailment remedied. It's not right what they did and you should not have to suffer like that. Really do hope it has been sorted before Christmas!
Festie hope you and the brood are ok
Well i didn't pass my assessment waiting for my referral report which should land on the doormat any day now. This will give me an insight into where i went wrong. The annoying thing is the fact that I will not be able to re-take it until May 2014 at the earliest! The next sitting is May 2013 and I could barely cope with the work when pregnant, i have no chance with a newborn. Although it's not the end of the world, it would have just been nice to get it passed and then it would have been done!!
In pregnancy news, second scan went well, definitely a girl which i am relived about because i had just started getting used to the idea (plus my mum has bought loads of pink clothes!!). Both grandparents are really excited because it will only be the 2nd girl in the family, we currently have 6 boys
However, I am getting a little concerned. I am 24+4 and people keep constantly commenting on how small i am. I am starting to worry that podgina is not progressing as she should or that there is something wrong. I have my midwife appointment tomorrow so I am going to ask some questions then. Did anyone else feel that they were the wrong size? I have put on hardly any weight (only half a pound, that i had lost through morning sickness anyway). I do have an obvious bump, and she is very active, but I thought by 6 months i would be bigger.
Right best get on with some work - not long until Christmas break and after Christmas I only have 7 working weeks left EEEEK!!!
Hope we are all okay busying ourselves with Christmas activities!!!!
Moo I was really concerned I was too small- everyone was commenting on it. And it was because she was facing outwards, so you don't get that curve from their back which is the typical pregnant belly shape.
Plus my bump didn't actually appear until I was 7 months- one minute I just looked a bit fat, the next- pop!
The first time someone offered me a seat on the bus I nearly wee'd with delight, lol.
Sorry about the assessment results and long wait to resit, but maybe it was meant to be.
Disco I love getting furniture from eBay! At one point in my life, when I was still at my parents' (26) I could look round my room and if it wasn't from TKMaxx, it was from eBay.
Lil it's rubbish when paternity leave finishes, but hopefully you're in a routine, and it does get easier! Phoebe is sleeping through the night still, and is down to 4 feeds a day. Much easier to cope with! Glad Lily is doing well.
Count did you manage to get lots of summery dresses? You must be off on holiday soon, have a great time! I know what you mean about the news, me and DH just welled up thinking about it. Everything affects you more when you've got kids!!!
festie I bet it's mad at yours this time of year, lol. Thanks for the advice on bits, etc. How's Esme getting on?
Well, I have an appt with a lady doctor on 2nd January, so hoping something will come of that. Same day as my weekly bum check appt- yep, still not healed. Found out last week that it was infected, so been taking mega strong antibiotics to sort that out. Irritatingly, the surgery didn't ring to tell me, other wise it could have been working on healing... oh well. Guess I'll have to wait a little longer for that elusive deep hot bath I've been craving since I got pregnant!
Last baby massage class today and bumped into my midwife who was so pleased to see me she gave me a big squeeze! She said it was so nice to see me looking well.
Mentioned my unmentionables, and after wincing, she said if I could bear to leave it, they could fix it when I deliver the next baby!
I pointed out that we'd have a hard job conceiving if I didn't dare have sex, and then she asked if it was unusable and I said no, but it certainly wasn't enjoyable (and as we all know only too well, if we can't relax and enjoy it, we can't get there!) What a lovely conversation to have in the corridor of a childrens centre...!
Anyhoo, we're off to Norwich to spend Christmas with my mum and dad, and I'm borrowing FiL's car so get to drive, woo! ...not that we'd get all of Phoebe's stuff up there on the train, lol!
Merry Christmas one and all! x x x
Merry Christmas everyone! Hope you all had a fab time and happy new year.
All is well here. Lily is now sleeping 8 hours most nights and generally going in her basket ok. She is a limpet through the day though so going to have to work on that or I'm never going to get anything done (getting better at doing things one handed though!)
Dh is being lovely. The last time she decided she was not going in her basket for the night and would only sleep on me (so I had no sleep!) he decided not to do any overtime and came home to take Lily for a couple of hours so I could have a bath Feeling very lucky all in all.
Have got piles, had to have anti bs for stitches and been constipated for the last 4 weeks but can honestly say I don't care
Moo so sorry about the result after all your hard work. Glad the scan was ok. I didn't really look pregnant at 6 months, just a bit podgy. I suddenly popped at around 7 months. As all was ok at the scan I wouldn't worry and enjoy being able to move!
Disco your friend sounds lovely. You will get loads of 0-3 so older stuff will be very appreciated!Hope christmas worked out with your family and your dad is ok.
Rus the short answer is no you can't wait till your next one to have your fanjo sorted! Can't believe your still suffering with your bum too If it's not too personal how long was it before you dtd? Hope you and phoebe had a lovely first christmas together.
Count when I heard the news I held Lily that little bit tighter,so sad Hope you had an amazing holiday.
Hey ladies,
Had an awesome Christmas thanks, Phoebe was spoiled rotten by Nanny, Grandad and my sister and her bf... and then again when we got back by SiL, her fiance and the Gaffer (FiL).
Having DH's friends over for a new years eve party-ish thing tomorrow, doing a buffet and planning to play lots of games- and best of all, one of DH's friends has been snowed in in Canada and can't make it, so I don't have to worry about him getting offended by my not holding back and I won't have to throw any games!
Lil yay to more sleep! If Lily really won't be put down, get yourself a kangawrap- then you're hands free and cuddling baby simultaneously. Win win. We attempted swOi on 19/10- apparently 5 and a half weeks after having Phoebe. I think I'd stopped bleeding and discharging stuff by then, but I got pinky discharge the next day. Didn't try again til Friday night, which was unsuccessful because I didn't get the condom on quick enough and DH's leg was hurting so it deflated and wouldn't come back... same problem last night. Trying to get another attempt in before appointment on 2nd.
* * *
Update!
New Years' was awesome, got to share some of my childrens' story writing with one of DH's friends, who thinks I should try and get it published, so there's something to aim for this new year!
Me and DH managed sex, happy ending for both, and most importantly, it didn't hurt.
I did have to slap on the lube like it was going out of fashion, so will be grateful when my o gel order comes, so I can (lol).
Plan for the new year:
Lose 2 stone! (pact with my dad) by the end of June, in time to start trying for baby #2, hopefully with a low enough BMI to not be messed around with consultants.
Sort through all our stuff, whittle it down to nothing we don't need or love, and sell it all to help pay off the mortgage.
And the attempting to get a book published thing!
Hello ladies,
Had a bit of a scare last week and thought baby was coming waaaaaaay early. Had what felt like period pains and they were pretty regular. Almost went to hospital but they seemed uninterested and told me to take a paracetamol and lie on the sofa, which of course i did pains never got any worse though so all seems back to normal, but it was a bit scary. Then got worried because podgina did not seem to be moving about as normal. Boy has she made up for that over the last few days.
Everything seems to be going ok; absolutely shattered all of the time, sleep seems to be evading me and still have waves of nausea coupled with retching!! Can't believe i will be 7 months on Saturday - where has the time gone!!
Rus glad all seems to be getting better in the fanjo department and that the bum ailment is starting to heal hope you are mending well!!! And yey for Phoebe and feet grabbing; can't wait for mine to arrive after reading that. Just so damn excited at the moment. Nonplussed about the whole labour thing to be honest, just mega excited about meeting her!! Sounds like you had a really good Christmas!!
Count hope you had a fantastic holiday and are relaxing before the arrival of your little one.
Festie hope all is ok with you and your brood
Disco not long to go for you now. When is your due date? Hope everything is ok with your dad and that you had a good christmas/new year!
Right, best pack up and get home. Catch up sooooon
Hi everyone!
Well, I'm 31+4 today and things are going ok. The minor pregnancy ailments are mounting up and pissing me off a bit but nothing major thank goodness.
Lil - how are the constipation and piles now? I hope things are getting back to normal for you! Is Lily getting a bit happier at being put down? What is the favourite thing about motherhood for you so far?
Rus - I'm glad the doctor thought that the annoying bit of skin would stretch. Hopefully it'll be back in full working order with a bit of stretching and practise! I love the idea of Phoebe helping you out by touching her toes, I can't imagine being so flexible. Oh to be a baby
Moo - that sounds scary, thank goodness it calmed down again...you don't want little one to come too early. My due date is the 12th of March and I finish work in five weeks...or 25 working days if you are counting (um, yes I am!). The nausea doesn't sound too great. I've started feeling sick again in the last couple of weeks, I think it's a symptom of heartburn. Thought I'd got over that stage!
Count - sorry you didn't have a 100% brilliant holiday. Mosquitos love me too so I sympathise on that score. Still, at least it got you away from the cares of running a house and working etc for a while! Enjoy the baby shopping!
Festie - hope you and Esme and your family are all ok.
Since I last posted I have made a massive dent in my to-get list. I've got a pushchair, car seat, gym, bouncer, baby bath, changing mats, changing bag, more nappies, maternity pads, hospital sleepwear, nipple pads plus lots of other things - the sofabed in the spare room is completely covered! I got the big things in the sales from kiddicare which is great. The baby has enough things to wear, all I need to get now are another sleeping bag, another pack of newborn size sleepsuits in case I have a small baby, a cot mattress and a Moses basket (my friend came up trumps with the clothes but hasn't mentioned the basket and I don't want to be pushy). I think one reason I've got so much stuff quite early is that if I were my friend I would be giving birth tomorrow (over 8 weeks early) and who knows, could happen to me! I also want to concentrate on getting some wedding things booked now as I don't suppose I'll especially feel like it with a newborn
We went to our first NCT class today and it was great. Not at all narrow minded about pain relief and intervention and it gave me new insights into the normal birth process. It did take a long old time though, and I kind of wish it didn't take out 15 hours of my next three saturdays but I do feel more prepared.
The midwife (and I) reckon the baby is transverse (actually, I think it switches between transverse and head down) which I'm a bit concerned about. I know there is time for him/her to move but even so! I've been doing an inversion exercise to help encourage a better position and I've bought a birthing ball to sit on so I don't slouch on the settee at night.
So, apart from being tired, having indigestion which wakes me up, random bouts of insomnia, pelvic pain when I walk for more than five minutes, breathlessness even when sitting down and that darn sunburn feeling on the top of my bump I'm fine! Only 8 weeks and 3 days to go....
Hey ladies!
Out in the snow with little Bee for the first time and she wasn't impressed. Fell asleep. Had to do the long trudge into town while amusing myself. Sigh.
Disco sounds like you're pretty organised! Not long to go now. Don't forget to pack snacks in your bag for Mr Disco- they'll feed you but they won't feed him! Mr Rus was most put out when I kept eating HIS snacks.
Count have you managed to do much baby shopping? Glad you had a good holiday and managed to blag some better treatment on the plane!
Moo have you had any more ominous feelings in the downstairsy bellyness?
Festie hope things are ok with you, don't like it when you're quiet!
Lil I echo the concern for your bum. How are those piles? I've been atrocious at putting bum cream on, I think I managed once, lol. Should really make more of an effort. How much does Lily weigh now?
Weighed Phoebe yesterday and she was 14lb 14oz! What a fatty! Although at least 6oz of that was the bottle she had before we went, plus however much boob juice. Must try to weigh her before a feed rather than after...
Phoebe has just started trying to crawl- so far she can only really manage it in a bodysuit on the shiny dining table- she kicks her legs like she's swimming, and chucks both arms out, then uses the friction to drag herself forward. It's brilliant.
Trying to get her in bed a little earlier now- got a bit of a telling off at well baby clinic over her sleep times so trying to adjust those a bit. I guess going to bed at 11pm and not waking up til 11am is probably not good, and me and DH don't get any adult time downstairs as a result- hard for me to get up early though, but have been managing the last few days to be up and feeding her by 9:30. That way her last feed is around 8/9pm and I can try and get her in bed by 10pm. We'll adjust it gradually- they said she should be in bed at 7/8. But they also disapproved of DH reading her the Lord of the Rings, so frankly they can fuck off! They said it was too stimulating before bed, and a picture book would be more appropriate. Yes, that's right- looking at brightly coloured pictures before bed is less stimulating than being read to in the dark by daddy wearing a head torch under a blanket. Sigh.
Rant over!
Hello Ladies. Hope we are all well and managed to survive the snow and are getting through the thaw unscathed!!!
Disco and Count can't believe how close together your due dates are, that is amazing!! I wonder who will pop first??
Disco well done on putting one heck of a dent into that list of yours. Do you still think that the baby is transverse? I hope that he/she has moved into a more suitable position for you. Sorry that the nausea seems to have returned. Mine never really left so i can really sympathise with you. Glad that it's not preventing you from sleeping though
Rusulka can't believe they thought that LoTRs was over-stimulating!!! These people are unbelievable. Am making a note to myself to completely lie to these people if needs be, if only to save being treated like some naughty school girl. Hope you have managed to sort out the new sleepy times for Phoebe. Sounds like things are going well though. How's the bum ailment? Has that eased/healed at all?? You have been through the mill!!
Well all going well in pregnancy for me, but my general health is somewhat diminishing. Had no sleep at all last Thursday; awake all night with excrutiating pain in one of my teeth!! Went to the dentist first thing the next day and have been diagnosed with a dental abcsess. Just what i need. To make matters worse, my face has now swollen up, i am surviving on soup and bread and can barely talk!! Not having a good time of it at the moment. On top of that, I still have morning sickness, peeing like a racehorse all the time and completely shattered. Blood tests revealed I am also slightly anaemic. 9 weeks to go, wish due date was closer. Don't get me wrong, I am mega excited about meeting podgina, but after 13 months TTC and almost 7 and half months of misery, I am at my wits end!!!
We are opting for a home-birth as I am low risk and have bought most things (buggy, cot, crib, loads of nappies, bouncer, loads of clothes, gro-bags etc etc). Have joined so many clubs that give sample freebies away as well, so have a stock pile of stuff there too. Also have a hospital bag packed, just in case she decides to either come early or worse stil, late!!!
Finish work in 4 weeks though so looking forward to a bit of down time (taking my annual leave first then starting mat leave at 39 weeks). Cannot wait!!
Anyway, best go and make myself look presentable. Catch up soon
Hey ladies!
Disco boo hiss to the nausea! At least it will all be over soon, and you never know how things will turn out, you might not be the last!
Moo sorry to hear you are suffering with teeth. And they won't bloody do anything will they? Not general anaesthetic anyway... my mum had an abscess and they gave her antibiotics, but then she had to have the tooth out anyway. Not long to go, and it'll all be worth it in the end. Promise!!!
Phoebe's bedtimes are getting better. Up and feeding her by 0930 most days, and her last feed is done by 2130ish, so she's in bed by 2200. Spent the last week putting her straight into bed rather than getting her to sleep first, and that seems to be working out fine. I was too afraid to do that because at first she used to be sick if I laid her down while awake (reflux)... of course at the well baby clinic they reliably informed me that she was doing it on purpose so she could be cuddled to sleep instead. They really must think she's a manipulative monster, made me feel completely miserable (and it's so not true!)
Unfortunately everyone in that room was unfamiliar, it was a completely different team than I am used to- if it's always them, I might stop weighing her...
Was asked if I wanted to do a class for people with babies under 6 months by the class planner there- she said it would be about sharing experience and learning about what to expect next, then when the letter came through it says it's a parenting programme- do they think I'm incompetent? I feel like I'm being singled out for SPECIAL TREATMENT because of my 'wobble'. Sigh.
Moo you're totally right. Tell the truth about weight gain or difficulties with breastfeeding, or anything you're worried about and need advice on. But if you're getting on ok, then I've learnt I should really keep my mouth shut. I think really it's a case of nodding and smiling, and then doing what works for you. Realistically I knew her bedtime routine wasn't great, and I wanted her to be up earlier and in bed earlier in time for going to school, so I'm happy to try to adapt that now, especially if it means an earlier night for us. But we're reading the LOTR, I don't give a shit, DH thinks they haven't read it- it's not orcs and crap yelling every 5 minutes, for god's sake. I'd rather we read it now than give her nightmares about balrogs when she's 3, lol. And after this I'm reading His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman, assuming that DH won't subject her to the Silmarillion! And then maybe we'll consider spot the dog... except knowing DH he'll try to slip in some Shakespeare.
As far as the old bum goes, you will be unsurprised to hear it is still going strong... Still an inch deep, still being cleaned and packed every day by DH. Had to see the other nurse last week for a second opinion, as my regular nurse says it should really have healed by now. It's been swabbed to check for infection (again) which might mean more antibiotics, other than that the only options are to change the dressing type to an iodine one to try and keep infection out, although it's more messy, or to be referred back to the hospital to see if I need more work done on it. The hole is now perfectly circular. It looks like a bullethole when I look in the mirror! I think it's healed as a hole, and the surface won't get better, god knows what's going on inside. It may all need to be chopped open again. Grr.
Phoebe has just gotten too big for the nappies in her my first swim kit which I optimistically bought before the bum issue. Now she's never going to get to use it. Feel really sad as I wanted to have her swimming regularly so she was never afraid of the water. Wah.
Meanwhile, garden update!!! (well, sort of)
I've done sod all. I have a squillion bulbs sat in the corner of the living room, and my tulips are sprouting so badly they look like birds heads with beaks! It's been too icky to sweep up leaves and weed the borders, and then it snowed so I couldn't get the buggers in anyway. Also my plum gage keeps blowing over and narrowly missing my unidentified apple tree, so I've taken its fleece cover off.
Phoebe is now nearly too big for her moses basket, so I shall have to move her cot into our room, and crack on with decorating hers... don't know if I can be arsed with the whole jungle thing now, but it would be a shame not to.
Moo and Disco and Count hope you have an easy-going, uneventful last few weeks with plenty of movements, little nausea, and lots of leaning forwards. You don't want a bum issue... or a back to back baby! I'm sure you'll all be fine though, you're all a lot less lazy than I am.
Hi everyone,
Moo, how is your tooth now? I do hope they can do something for you that actually is of any use. I've never had toothache but know it is supposed to be very hurty indeed! I've got five weeks to go and not feeling too bad but am still eager to have an outside baby rather than an inside baby now. I want my body back to myself, can't wait to lie on my tummy and run again!
Well done on the hospital bag as well, I haven't done mine yet. I have all the stuff for it but haven't yet packed it. I'm going to do it this weekend I think. My NCT friends are giving birth left right and centre and although they were ahead of me in weeks, it's still giving me a kick up the bum now I'm 35 weeks...
Glad to hear that Phoebe's sleep patterns are normalising a bit Rus, that's good to hear. But bad news about your bum. It's been a long time to have an unhealed wound. Did the swab reveal an infection? I hope you get it sorted soon, not being able to swim or have a bath must be a real pain.
I have a week and a half left at work. I typed up my handover notes today, that was exciting! I may put the poor guy off though as it's 1,750 words which is more than some essays. Ooops. Oh well, he can't say I didn't give him enough information! I've got the first NHS antenatal class tonight, will be interesting to compare and contrast with the NCT classes.
The nursery is now decorated and carpeted...just got to start moving stuff in there now, how exciting! To be honest though, I just want a few days to myself. The last 4 weekends have been totally taken up with NCT classes/people visiting and I really just want to slob out a bit now.
The midwife thinks the baby is still transverse (great) and if s/he hasn't moved by next week she is sending me for a scan. I don't want an ECV or caesarean . And as for spinning babies and different postures, I'm not sure I have any faith in them. I've yet to find a scientific study on the efficacy of these various 'cures' for malpositioning prior to labour. I know posture can make a big difference in labour but am not convinced about before that. Oh well, time will tell I suppose.
Keep your fingers crossed for me that baby'll move!
Hello everyone. Hope we are ok.
Disco did the midwife send you for a scan? Hope that the baby has decided to turn for you. Not long for you to go in work now i have 12 working days left (not that I am counting). Have you managed to make a start on the hospital bag yet? I did cheat a bit and got one that was almost ready to go - just needed to but some baby clothes in and towels etc but mostly everything else was in there. Well done on the nursery though. Ours still looks like a bomb went off in there and the border is still not up, although hoping my dear papa can do that this weekend when my parents come to stay.
Rusulka how is Phoebe getting on? Hope she is settling into a sensible sleeping pattern for you now.
Well my tooth is much better, antiobiotics did the trick and the pain and swelling have subsided, although i think the abscess is still there but have to wait until baby is born before they will do anything with it.
In pregnancy related news, like you Disco I am now ready for her to make an appearance in the world. Am only 32+2 but I am tired of being tired, nauseous, having to pee constantly (especially at night), and having horrendous heartburn. Have bought myself a birthing ball so planning to start bouncing on that and in 4 weeks i get to book my birth pool and collect my protective floor covering from B&Q. Have my homebirth workshop on Wednesday night as well, so looking forward to hearing some first hand stories and meeting some other pregnant ladies. It's all getting a bit real now and still sometimes can't believe that I made it this far
Any way - to Lil, Festie and Count hope you are all doing well.
Hey ladies!
Disco you must have finished work now. Woop woop! Enjoy the rest while you can, lol... and don't forget to lean forward!
Have you managed to get the stuff into the nursery yet? And how is baby doing position-wise? Hope things are falling into place for you.
Moo you must have nearly finished work too. Bet you can't wait. It's all one step closer to getting to the big day! Did your dad put the border up for you? Glad your tooth is better-ish. All this home birth stuff sounds exciting. I'd love to book one for myself for next time, but fully expect to have to be induced again...
In local news,
Phoebe's bedtimes aren't much improved, they're a little all over the place though I'm still managing to get up around 0900, and give her the last feed between 2100-2200. We then read for a bit in bed and she lies with me, which can drag on quite late if she's in a fidgety mood... Am going to try getting up at 0800 or 0830 if I can bear to drag myself out of bed, so she can have her last feed around 2000-ish.
Phoebe is now weighing 15lb 13oz as of last Wednesday, so a couple more pounds and she'll be too heavy for her bouncer. She's learned a new trick, where she braces her feet against the bottom and pushes herself up til her head is over the top- one violent kick and the whole thing goes over backwards, the monkey. Good thing she's so heavy, so she wa only a few inches off the floor when it all went up in the air, lol. Silly little bugger. May have to put the bouncer away already...
Checked the ages of her bebepod and was dismayed to find she could have been using it from 3 months. Grr. Oh well, she seems to like it now, and it'll fill the gap nicely now that she's also too big for her play gym (kicks the crap out of it) and not sitting up by herself or really rolling or crawling properly yet...
Her cot is now in our room, so she's poised ready to transfer from her moses basket, which we've put in the cot to get her used to it first. Have put the mobile over her that we got but when I tried to use it she just got really narked that she couldn't reach the toys, so looks like another wasted purchase there. Man, I am so annoyed!!!
Trouble is, once we'd bought all the stuff, anything that wasn't from birth onwards got put away, and then of course with a new baby you just forget about everything. Silly me.
The incredible babies parenting classes are going well, it's nice to talk to other mums with babies, and they're even letting us weigh them so we don't have to come back the next day, which is awesome. I'm not finding the topics particularly stimulating- it's nothing you can't google- but it's nice for Phoebe to play with other babies. She has a boyfriend already! Or at least, has let a baby boy suck her fingers, which I suppose is what passes for a relationship when you're only 5 months old, lol.
We're coming up on weaning now- and I have to say I'm in total meltdown over the whole thing, I haven't a clue what to do. I bought lots of nice tommee tippee explora spoons ready for purees, and I know you're supposed to wait til they're 6 months so their digestive system is fully developed, but then I was reading about baby led weaning and confused the hell out of myself- the current thing seems to be that if you wait til 6 months, you don't have to give them purees as they are old enough to feed themselves finger food. So I don't know if I should have started earlier with purees, or whether that would be doing her a disservice... she's more than ready for food- grabbing at ours, distracted by brightly coloured wrappers, trying to get my cups of tea, anything bottle-shaped, grabbing at meals, making chewing motions... and she can easily put things in her mouth. Can't believe I have to wait another 18 days to give her some solids, but I guess I've waited this long, I can wait a bit more.
Anyone got any experience with this? Her teeth are coming through at the bottom too.
In bum news, no, the bloody thing is still there, ffs. Had to go see a consultant at the hospital who said it didn't look like it was getting worse or developing secondary problems, so he was reluctant to do surgery, and to come back in a few months. He also said I'd been washing it wrong (!) and not to put the shower head actually on it, as I would disturb the granulation in the wound (oh ok, only following advice of every other medical professional who's told me to bloody well do that). Also he had a great big poke around in it with a metal probe and made it bleed a bit and I think he's torn it at the side... wah. Didn't think I'd still have this when Phoebe was nearly 6 months old. The nurse yesterday, who isn't my usual bum nurse, said it looked like it had healed a bit, so I'm still hopeful it will get its act together at some point. It's just really slow. Have more or less given up on washing it, and just wetwipe it every night before DH redresses it.
I'll finish on a lighter note- the other day we were sat watching TV and Phoebe was in DH's lap and she said 'howayoo'. I said 'I'm fine, thanks for asking' and then we both looked at each other and laughed and laughed. Needless to say she was completely oblivious.
Hello everyone,
Well, I'm finally a mummy!
I woke up on Saturday at 6.40am and realised my waters were leaking so we rang the hospital and they told us to come in. When the midwife examined me she confirmed it was my waters (I knew it!). It's a bit grim but I also collected some in a sample cup as one of my NCT friends had been fobbed off a bit over whether hers had gone or not. Before I went we decided on Monday for induction if things hadn't got going on their own.
Just as we were leaving the hospital at about 8am I started to get a bit of backache. By the time I got home and got in the bath it was worse but I managed to get out of the bath, put some make up on and have some breakfast. The pains got worse and I cracked open the Tens machine, then had some paracetamol. By the time contractions started they were irregular, every one to two minutes and lasted between 30 to 45 seconds. I was confused as I knew you were only supposed to go back to hospital when you had three or four contractions in a ten minute period that lasted at least a minute each time. I had the frequency but not the duration! It was painful but as a first timer I didn't know how much it was supposed to hurt.
We rang the hospital again for advice and they said to do another two or three hours at home until the contractions were regular. By 2pm they hadn't really changed but I was getting really fed up of the pain - I'd been promised a break I between contractions at antenatal classes but that wasn't happening for me!
So we went back in, every bump in the road was a nightmare, ouch! I was expecting to be told I was so and so cm dilated but because the membranes had gone they explained that if they examined me there was the potential for infection. So if I wasn't in labour (they didn't think I was in labour at this point) I only had 24 hours for it to happen spontaneously, otherwise I'd have to be induced. I could see their logic and accepted it, but after another hour or two of contractions which really weren't pleasant I went for the other option which was an attempt to visualise the cervix with a speculum, which was ok as it was sterile.
The midwife went a bit quiet...she said she could the baby had a lot of hair...and I was definitely in labour (hurrah! I knew I wasn't making it up) and got her superior in to have a look. Upon examination they pronounced me to be (drum roll) 9.5 cm dilated! I was surprised, they were surprised..goes to show not every labour goes by the book.
So hurrah, I got to get into the birthing pool, finally have some gas and air after making do with just the tens for all that time and I started to push. I felt really strong and like I could really do this giving birth thing. I was also chuffed when the senior midwife said of my pain threshold that I was 'hardcore' to have got fully dilated without other pain relief!
After an hour I got out of the pool to be examined and no progress had been made. So I pushed on the bed for 30 mins, again no progress. By this point there was a doctor in the room too so I had three women and DP encouraging me. Again, so progress so I was put on a syntocin drip and pushed for about another hour. By this time I was starting to get a bit tired and also realising that even tho my pushing was really good, it clearly wasn't working so something was clearly wrong. Luckily I knew the baby's heartrate was ok so at least it wasn't distressed but when they said they were going to prep me for ventouse or forceps delivery I knew it was the only decision to be made. The thirty minutes between that decision and being wheeled into theatre was the longest period of time ever as I was still in pain and still pushing but knew it was futile. They also prepped me for a caesarean in case the instruments didn't work. By this point I just wanted to get the baby out.
Theatre wasn't nice at first. I'd been separated from the gas and air but was still pushing as I couldn't help it. DP wasn't there as he'd been taken off to get changed into scrubs. People kept explaining risks of procedures to me (I felt like swearing when the anaesthetist told me there was a one in nineteen thousand chance of nerve damage from the spinal block, I wanted to shout, just get on with it! Please!) which was vexing although I know they had to. The question about 'are you wearing any prosthetic limbs' really made me go WTF?!
Anyway, the spinal block took blessed effect. They took an age getting some surgical stockings on me and getting my feet in stirrups, then I was told to push when I got a contraction. It was odd as I couldn't feel the contractions and I couldn't feel to push but I just did the best I could and within a very short space of time I was told the baby's head had delivered and then to do little pushes. The baby was born at 7.56pm. They held the baby up so we could see but unfortunately only DP saw the baby, I had too much stuff in my eyeline to see. That is my only regret, that I didn't see my baby right after birth. Anyway, they cut the cord and brought the baby over wrapped up, again, I couldn't see the face but I did touch a gummy little wet hand all covered in goo! I asked DP what sex the baby was and he said 'I think it's a boy! But I'm not sure!' So I asked the doctor, who then had to be persuaded to tell us as we'd asked to find out ourselves!
It was emotional, I felt spaced out but really happy. My memories are a bit blurry but after this they gave our little boy to DP to hold in recovery whilst I went through the third stage of labour (although that happened without me realising!) and was stitched up as I had to have an episiotomy. I was then wheeled through to recovery and had skin to skin with Alexander and fed him. He had some marks from the forceps but we didn't really notice as we were too entranced by his dark hair, pointy little chin and gorgeous eyes.
We've had our ups and downs since then. I had no sleep for 41 hours as Alec wouldn't settle and I couldn't sleep on the Sunday during the day as the ward was very noisy and I had visitors. The baby wouldn't latch properly so I tried a nipple shield and because of that I was advised to stay in another night until feeding was established. On Sunday night Alec cried as soon as DP left and kept it up for three hours, cue me hallucinating due to lack of sleep and crying on a midwife. He was taken away from me at that point so I could get some rest and I slept for a blissful five hours.
On Monday we were about to be discharged Alec but had a slightly high temperature. He was then monitored and had blood taken for culture. In the night he was taken to have a cannula inserted and was given precautionary IV antibiotics. Through Tuesday and Wednesday he'd continue to have normal temps with the occasional spike but there was nothing else clinically wrong with him. On Wednesday the blood cultures came back negative but the paediatricians still erred on the side of caution. It was when he was having another dose of antibiotics and it looked like the cannula was blocked that I totally lost patience with the process. He'd had blood taken from both hands, his foot, a cannula in his other foot, a heel prick test for jaundice and to get blood for a repeat CTG (?) test the paediatrician had to get blood from his wrist. I'm not one to think doctors are out to get me but I was fed up by this point.
Anyway, it's the next day now, his last temp last night was normal, the repeat CTG was normal so I'm really hopeful they'll let us out today! I never thought I'd end up in here for five days.....it's probably worse as I feel ok myself, and I know he's not ill!
Sorry for the epic post but I know you'll let me off . Hope you are all ok xxx
HUGE HUGE HUGE congratulations Disco!! Well done you. And to get so far dilated without any pain intervention at all is bloody brilliant!!
Your post actually made me cry!! So beautiful and such a lovely name as well. Hope you are able to get home today and can enjoy some uninterrupted snuggles and hugs with your little bundle of joy.
Hope Count also has some good news for us as well!!!
Must admit, I am at the completely fed up of being pregnant stage now and long to have her out. Hope I can be as strong and brave as you have all been
Again, many congratulations on becoming a mummy Disco absolutely fab news!!!
Yay Disco!!!
Big big BIG congrats to you and your new family, eek!
I hope they let you out soon, when I was in there was a lady whose little boy was being kept in for weird results, and she was really at the end of her tether about the whole thing. I'm sure it'll be ok though, sounds good.
I would say if you have any irks about how the birth went, now is the time to tell someone- they have someone come and ask if you were happy with how everything went, and I was in a fug so just nodded, but I wish I'd complained about my treatment on the induction ward overnight. It might be worth mentioning you couldn't see Alexander at first because of all the stuff in the way, then maybe they can remedy that for future mothers.
Make sure when people come and visit you at home they make their own damn tea and coffee! It's your jobs as parents to look after your baby, and anyone else who turns up can fend for themselves, don't run yourselves ragged.... and make sure you sleep when he sleeps! Don't worry about the washing, or anything like that, and don't worry, your episiotomy will heal up properly- I thought I'd always have a ridge of scar tissue on my perineum, but it seems to have gone. Result!
Again, congratulations, enjoy it as much as you humanly can, and on a side note, if you want prints of hands and feet, I'd do it now while he's relatively limp and relaxed- we tried it at the baby group yesterday and Phoebe was a f**king nightmare, lol.
Moo hello hello! <big squeeze> sorry to hear you're at the banging your head repeatedly on a wall stage, you will get there in the end, promise... I would advise not drinking too much raspberry leaf tea, if that's something you're thinking about, because I think that's what gave me all those fake contractiony thingies and drove me even more up the wall. Remember to sit forward, if only to avoid getting an abscess like mine. Hope it's backache and squeezy pains day for you relatively soon, but not before lungs are fully developed, etc.
Congratulations Disco!!! sounds like a rough start but so glad you and Alexander are both ok. Look after yourself and enjoy your no doubt gorgeous tiny baby.
Rus I've read Lily the hobbit and terry pratchett and it doesn't seem to be keeping her up. At this age I don't believe it matters what you read. We look at bright picture books in the daytime.
Can't believe you still have a hole in your bum
I'm going to do a mix of puree and blw too - eg when she has carrot I'll give her some pureed with a spoon and give her a bit of cooked to hold/gum/play with. Not sure if it will work but makes sense to me. Few weeks to go yet though.
Gotta go Lily has just had her second set of jabs and is rather grumpy. Will catch up with the rest soon <waves at Moo, Count, Festie and Berries, sorry I ran out of time to reply to everyone>
Moo what is your edd ? It must be soon now. Hope you are not struggling too much with the last weeks and plans for home birth are going well. I can't believe our little gang are nearly all mummys (my phone corrected that to dummies )
Does anyone know how berries is getting on?
Congrats Count!!!
Sorry it didn't go according to plan, but you are both ok, and you have a gorgeous baby and you're home.
Don't worry about the co-sleeping too much, DH told me in no uncertain terms we wouldn't be doing it, but when he was at work and Phoebe was whingy and I was knackered it was just easier to climb in bed and snuggle up together.
I too am hopeful of positive news from Berries soon, it would just be the cherry berry on the cake, lol.
I'd be interested to know what your recovery time is from the c-section, just in case I ever need one!
I love that she was weeing on you, that's brilliant, and a great one to mention on her 18th birthday in front of boyfriend, lol.
When Phoebe came out I thought the first thing she did was poo on my hand, everyone nodded and smiled at the time, but knowing what I do now about meconium, the only conclusion I can draw is that it was mine! Whoops.
Take it easy, and as I said to Disco, SLEEP!!!!!
Lots of love, hugs and kisses to you and family.
. . .
LIL!!!!!!
Hello hello, glad to hear you are ok. Sorry about crabby baby (nearly said Lil-let, but then remembered that means something else, lol!) In my experience the grumps don't last long.
Phoebe had porridge for breakfast this morning, stood in Asda yesterday in front of a 3 for £5 offer nearly in tears at the choice and not knowing what to do, phone battery nearly dead and my mum not at home so no-one to consult- got my dad instead! (useless).
Settled on the aptamil 4 month creamy porridge and 7 month multigrain breakfast, and Ella's Kitchen mango porridge, or whatever the heck it is.
She didn't seem impressed, but then after carrot and broccoli, why would she?
I'd do some research before you need to get some, I don't want to repeat that experience!
After 2 very dry little ploplets over the last week, frightening me with the thought that BANANA CONSTIPATED MY BABY, Phoebe managed a big old poonami for DH last night, lol, and although it was still very sticky in places, there was carrot and broccoli and banana in evidence, so it looks like she is swallowing, which is awesome.
Getting her to take water in a beaker is a nightmare though... the water round here does take some getting used to.
Still waiting for an awesome influx of sexy money off vouchers, but none have appeared. Annoying!
Off for a wee and to play with the little boo.
Take care everyone!
Oh wow Count! And Amirah, what a lovely name! Very musical to the ear. I bet she is gorgeous the c section must have been scary and I agree that spinal blocks/ epidurals really aren't pleasant. I was very relieved when mine wore off.
Thanks everyone for your congrats, I'll catch up properly later and that.
Just a quick one handed update from me whilst I express! Alec and I are still in hospital. I'd packed my bags yesterdayafternoon and everything after being signed off by the paed and were just waiting for Alexander's five day weigh in. Upon weighing he was found to have lost 16% of his birthweight and a blood test showed he was really dehydrated too. I was devastated frankly as he'd seemed to feed q well but in retrospect he was sleeping too much and even tho I was getting him up every two or three hours to feed he just wasn't getting enough. Plan one was to get him to cup feed 70ml every 3 hours. He tolerated the first lot but threw up the second, at which point he was admitted to SCBU for tube feeding I wasn't producing enough milk so he had to be mix tube fed which is a real shame but hey ho. He wasn't interested in feeding from me at all at 4am and 10 am despite a good latch etc which is worrying as he shouldn't be that sleepy. The good news is that he has done loads of poos (first since Monday) and when he was reweighed after 20 hours he'd put back on a third of the weight he'd lost.
I'll try feeding him again at 4pm, fingers crossed he wakes up.
Oh and its mine and DPs fifth anniversary today!
Thanks Rus! Glad Phoebe is enjoying her broccoli! I think I'll be very glad to have a dog once Alexander starts BLW, I think the dog will be in heaven actually! It's interesting what you said about P being more alert...gosh, feeding babies is such a minefield. I honestly thought he was ok (and he was signed off by a paediatrician) before they weighed him.
My baby is looking healthier already and was sucking at 4pm, albeit in too much of a desultory fashion to be fully cured but its a step forward. My supply seems to be increasing slightly too.
I want to echo what Count said - the support and friendship on this thread has helped me so much, thank you everyone! I am glad to have evened up the gender ratio slightly as well, wouldn't it have been crazy if we'd all had girls! I'd quite like a girl next time though Right Moo, just you to go now!
Lil, I think you mentioned Berries. I pm'd her a little while ago and she is still having a difficult time of things. I'm sure she'd love to hear from you.
Right, got the 10pm attempted breastfeed now, see you all later.
Disco if you want to increase your supply I think expressing by hand or pump should help. That's what they told me, but my manual pump was a bad fit with my boobs, and just made wet fart noises with a little dribble all I had to show for the effort! Used to hand express, but it was hard going- if I'd wanted to bottle feed Phoebe purely on expressed breast milk it would take me all the time between feeds to produce enough for the next one, by which time there wasn't any in my boobs for her!
We all thought Phoebe was alert in the beginning but once we started combined feeding, her alertness was ridiculous- people would comment on it- it was like she'd been in a fug before. 'Twas a marvel to behold!
If you want a girl next time, I hear girls are conceived if you're dieting- some kind of inbuilt mechanism in the body says "oh no, there's a food shortage! The human race will die out! We must repopulate the planet- quick, breed more girls!!!" or something along those lines. Might be a load of shit, lol.
I was sanding epic floorage when we conceived, as you may remember, and redecorating and probably inhaling more sawdust than eating stuff, so maybe it's true- you shall have to tell us if you were having an epic feasting week when you conceived.
Thanks Rus. I am indeed expressing with the hospital electric pump. A closer look at 10pm by a nurse confirmed his latch wasn't right (despite being checked previously by ooh, at least 4 different midwives) so I was back on the nipple shield. He fed well then at 10pm, not so well at 4am and again not that well at 9am. He had his last tube feed then. We are now on a regime of baby led feeding but if he hasn't woken then we wake him after 5hours and offer the breast first. If he isn't interested then he is bottle fed a top up, first my expressed milk and then formula. He took to the bottle really well, so hopefully he'll come to associate strong sucking with a full tummy which may help his latch.
Hopefully my supply will build and he'll learn how to feed from me better so we can go back to EBF. The nurse did mention that as he was a bigger than average baby then it was common for mothers to not have enough milk at first.
As for the boy/girl thing...I confess guiltily that I did want a girl as I had a sister and didn't have much experience with boys. Also (trivial) I had a cracking girl's name lined up and it is so hard to find exciting boys clothes. After one sleep deprived wobble however I now love him as he is my baby and the fact that he has (ahem) beautiful and perfectly formed male genitals matters not a jot.
As it happens I'd lost about 6lbs in weight just before I conceived him so that theory didn't hold water!
Has Phoebe had any more new foods today? Must be exciting to see what she likes and what she doesn't!
Moo, how long have you got left now? About a month? It is hard the last few weeks but hang on! You'll get to meet her soon, and as for labour I didn't find it as bad as I thought I would. I know I was numb for the vaginal part and crowning (*Rus*, was that part worse or the same than the cervix dilation bit?) but even despite forceps and episiotomy I am mostly back to normal a week later. My stomach even has shrunk massively more than I was expecting, look about 12 weeks now. And even the next day I felt physically lighter, the SPd had gone and the heartburn had vanished! I've got so many Rennies left, I'll have to save them for baby two. I'm even coping with 4 hours broken sleep better than I thought I would..in fact it's all going fine except for the fact I'm in hospital and my baby is in SCBU
Lil, hope you are ok too! Did Lily cheer up after her jabs?
Festie, come baaaaaaack! In fact I'm going to PM you, it's been too long now!
Photos uploaded!
Hello ladies!!! Wow this thread has moved along at some speed in the last few days!!
Count massively MASSIVE congratulations to you on the birth of your daughter - what a beautiful name as well. Sorry to hear that it was maybe a little more traumatic than expected, but at least you are both ok and LO is healthy and happy Hope that you are being well looked after during the healing process!
Disco hope that you are now back at home and that the feeding is getting easier and you too are healing well after the birth etc.
Rusulka Phoebe is just toooooo cute. Wow how much she has changed in such a short space of time. I must remember to take loads of photo's when mine finally makes an appearance. As for the raspberry leaf tea, I'm not really a fan of fruit teas so will not be partaking in any sort of drink made from it!! Will just keep bouncing on my ball for now.
Lil how lovely to hear from you, it's been soooo long! Glad all is going well with Lily. My EDD is 6th April; it can't come soon enough. Baby is full term now so she is welcome to make an appearance ASAP!! I can't take much more of this. Can't believe that there is only me to go as well. Feels like we have all come so far on this journey.
I am doing everything possible to try and keep occupied. Am still planning my home-birth and have a risk assessment tomorrow with the midwives and need to order the birthing pool as well (i did call last week but was told to call back closer to 38 weeks, which will be this week!). Have a list of things i need for the birth, most interestingly is the sieve; my DH keeps asking questions about this and I keep directing the subject elsewhere. Sometimes i think ignorance is definitely bliss and he will thank me for it later. Can't take these cramps and pains at the minute though. Just want something to happen. Was awake for a couple of hour this morning with them, then managed to get some sleep, went for a walk, came home and made lunch and now they have kicked in again. They are far too irregular to be anything exciting though and think it's just my body getting itself ready. Is very annoying though. Might ask the midwives about it tomorrow and see what they think.
Right, I've talked enough. Best get back to doing the laundry and emptying the dishwasher.
Hopefully next post will be with exciting news.......but i seriously doubt it!!!
Count glad the feeding is going well and you have something that works for you have (apart from the sick bit!) I remember when Lily got loads of spots, was upset as she was so perfect before but it doesn't last long and shows she is getting lots of goodness.
Moo can't wait for you to join the mummy gang. Sounds like your body is getting ready - i didn't get a thing before hand and ended up induced and strapped to machines so although it's a pain now hopefully you won't have to deal with that and can have a lovely home birth.
Lily has decided she doesn't want to eat properly during the day - 10 mins of pulling on and off and wanting to swap sides does not a meal make. I ended up taking her to bed yesterday pm just to get a decent feed inside her. Going to get her weighed today and pop into bf group to see if anyone has any advice. Bit worried as she has only just been signed off by the hv due to slow weight gain and don't want to go back to her visiting every couple weeks.
On more exciting news she has slept 6 HOURS STRAIGHT !!! This is twice what we normally get
Lovely photos Rusulka! They really do grow up fast, don't they?! She's gorgeous at all stages though, I do like the one of her in the Father Christmas hat the best
Hi Count, Alec has had a fair few random red bits on his face and body too, the nice SCBU nurse told me about rash of the newborn which I confess I'd never heard of before...mine also throws up every other feed, hopefully it won't affect his weight gain too much. He has yet to chunder through his nose though!
Moo I may be an isolated case but even the next morning after a forceps delivery with spinal block and episiotomy I felt better than I did when I was in the last 5 weeks of pregnancy! I could bend over, my heartburn disappeared overnight, I could breathe...I was still weak and if I walked or stood up for more than 4 minutes I felt a bit funny but the midwife told me it was probably abdominal and back muscle strain from pushing so hard. I felt pretty darn good (well, apart from the UTI and the dermatitis brought on by hand washing) after 3 or 4 days. So any exciting news?
Lil six hours straight?! Wow! I'm sleeping really lightly for the first bit of the night, even him murmuring gets my heart racing. I hope this will pass as I probably only got 3 hours of broken sleep last night. You are right about the mixed feeding, Phoebe looks gorgeous. The more people I speak to the more I find out about feeding problems. It is kind of the other side of the secrecy surrounding miscarriages etc - people don't like to talk about it cos they feel like they've failed/didn't spot the signs etc etc.
Well, we were let out yesterday! He is now at 8% below his birthweight (or was yesterday). It was brilliant at first but then I got seriously scared. Mostly about not being able to breastfeed, as my nipples were/are so so sore. The night was broken up, I spent most of it listening to Alec murmur and my DP snore (no problems for him dropping off, lucky him!) I only really got to sleep after the 3-4.20am waking.
This morning I tried the biological nurturing latch position and it was much better, still hurty but better. The midwife came round then and told me I was doing a good job (and was enamoured of the dog, who ate some yellow acrylic paint yesterday and now has a partly yellow face). I fed him some EBM but he still seemed a bit hungry so unfortunately she encouraged me to feed off the same breast as before, rendering it so painful...so when DP got back from the dentist I was pretty upset. I am very tearful at the moment.
I had to give him formula at 1pm as my nipples hurt too much to even express which made me feel crap again.
However, I had a shower and felt a bit better, then we went to the cafe in the park which is our first family outing. I had an afternoon nap (sorely needed) and then Alec had a go at the new position on the other breast and I topped him up with EBM. I expressed enough for two top ups after that, hurrah! And both nipples seem ok. So the formula feed was a good idea after all.
And that was our first night and day on our own...what will tonight be like?!
Hi Lil, yes that is biological positioning.
I'm getting frustrated with the feeding now. I got a great latch on Friday at breastfeeding group but by Saturday pm we had lost the knack. Yesterday it was great again for a few feeds, now it's back to normal. Can't for the life of me figure out what he/I are doing differently.
Not helped by the growth spurt he's having ATM (at least I hope it's a spurt and not usual) as he's feeding every two hours...doesn't even leave me time to express.
Had a really great day yday but things getting on top of me a bit today. Sounds pathetic but I want my Mum
Rus glad to hear weaning is going well and hope Phoebe starting to love her yoghurts! Are you doing puree or BLW? Sorry sure you have said before but can't remember.
Mooany news yet?
Count the spots don't last too long, hope they are easing now. Lily now has cradle cap and it's starting to flake out but is taking her hair with it
Disco I found the same wrt feeding. After a good day I would feel really positive about it but the next I was in tears and agony. It does get better but not as fast as some say (I was told it would be better after the first two weeks ) Just take each day as it comes and soon you will get 2 good / 1 bad, 3 good / 1 bad etc etc.
Recovery was a while as my stitches 'gaped' and I had to have antibiotics. Also ended up constipated (I think through BF and not eating/drinking enough, you must look after yourself) and the worst thing was when I got piles too though - never rush a poo whatever happens, it is not worth the weeks of pain!! Prob tmi but was about 14 weeks until I felt myself again and could sit on hard chairs!
Glad to hear you have met some nice mums and have support. Hope you are both feeling better soon and don't beat yourself up about the feeding x
Going to have to try expressing as going to need to leave Lily during the day to go back to work and she will still need milk. A lovely friend has given me hers so going to have an experiment. Does anyone know how long you can store frozen milk for?
Sun is out so off for a walk this pm.
Lil I read on Babycentre you can keep breast milk in the freezer (at -18 or lower) for up to 6 months. Has to be a proper freezer though, as opposed to the icy bit in the top of some freezers! Don't know if anyone still has one of those...
Disco sorry to hear feeding is still regularly giving you grief. As Lil says, it does get easier, but everyone is different, so don't feel you've in any way failed if you haven't cracked it by now. You'll settle into it in your own time, and then you'll be sailing!
Well, we were at hospital Saturday night with Phoebe- she's fine, nothing drastic, just that's where the out of hours doctor was.
She had diarrhoea at some point in the afternoon, and just wasn't herself. When I tried taking her temperature early evening (in her mouth) she projectile vommed practically her whole bottle (about 6-7oz). Naturally I was well freaked out! But after that I did it in her armpit, and although she did have a temp per se, she wasn't herself.
Let DH know at work, who rang me back and said he'd sent his dad over in case, and eventually I rang the out of hours doc who rang back with an appt for 10pm. So we picked up DH from work and FiL dropped us off- by the time we got there and took her out of her fleece and blanket, she was ridiculously hot, and when the doctor took her temp it was 39, which was a bit upsetting. He checked her over, said her left ear was a bit red, and prescribed amoxicillin... he also said that she needed calpol NOW to reduce her temp, and of course we didn't have it with us. The only chemist still open was Boots at Bluewater, so off we went, and had to buzz for the pharmacist to come and get the slip, at which point he said that he couldn't do anything with it, as they'd put a brand name down- amoram- and they didn't deal in those- it needed to say amoxicillin specifically. Grr. I did however manage to get her some nurofen, so I gave her some of that, and then we had to go back to the hospital, get him to write it down, then go back to Boots. I was out for blood!!! Got the antibiotics eventually, but what a faff.
DH looked up amoram online and it's been discontinued for use in the UK, which makes us wonder what the bloody hell it's still doing on the NHS's system!
A few days in, and she seems fine- I've stopped her food though, as she's got constant bright yellow diarrhoea with more or less undigested food, and I know how painful acidic poo is. She still has porridge for breakfast, but that's it.
I'm in a dilemma though. I don't think she has an ear infection. My mum said her ear could just be red from teething. DH has got norovirus going round at work, and he's been a bit ill. They were both eating from the same container of mango on Friday... and that was the third day in a row I'd given her mango. So I think the mango upset her tummy a bit, the high temp was from whatever she got off DH, and the only reason she threw up is because I made her gag on the thermometer!
So she's on her 5th day of horrendous bright yellow nasty diarrhoea, which is pretty much being caused by the amoxicillin. She's not taking as much of her bottles as she normally does, and she won't take much water. I'm worried she's getting dehydrated, and I want to stop giving her the meds, but everyone around me is pressuring me to finish the course.
Antibiotics don't work on viruses, so effectively all I'm probably doing is killing off her good bacteria.
Argh!!!
Only 2 and a half more days though and she's all done. Guess I should stick with it... but my mother's instinct is telling me to stop it. Feel so conflicted.
Update
Contacted NHS 111 last night at the end of my tether, cue ring backs from a nurse at midnight, and finally a doctor at 0240, yes. I should stop the antibiotics. But not the food. Sigh. Back to bed. DH apologises for not believing me. 0500 I'm woken by (tmi) crapping myself. Not an innocent fart as I expected... explode on loo, change pants, back to bed. Then hear Phoebe doing some rather epic farts of her own. They're not squidgy though, so probably ARE innocent. Up again at about 0645 for another loo dash. Manage to get back to sleep, then at 0740: wah! Phoebe bursts into tears! Have to get up and dressed, and change her. More explosions on my part, none on hers. Feed her porridge. DH goes out early to work. I have a slice of dry toast on his suggestion.
Nearing the end of the day now, and Phoebe has had diarrhoea on and off, and my arse is in possibly the worst state it's ever been in. It feels like it's been turned inside out, and the piles, which I thought I'd got rid of, are back with a vengeance.
My mum has agreed that I probably shouldn't have given Phoebe porridge this morning, and just stuck to her bottles. I think I've been to the loo about 20-30 times.
Did I mention I'm supposed to be driving to Coventry tomorrow to visit my sister? An ill Phoebe is one thing, but if I can't stray far from a loo, it ain't happening! Wah... and we were going to see my folks in Norwich straight after too.
Totally shouldn't have had that toast this morning, it's just prolonging the episode.
So. FiL has gone to retrieve DH from work (he's been with me all day keeping an eye on Phoebe so I could get to the loo in time- didn't make it 3 times this morning) and hopefully he can have tea (I'm not eating! Sod that!) and I will have a delicious bubble bath and try not to turn it brown (sorry). DH will have boy time and then come join us so him and Bee can have a splosh, assuming the water doesn't look like the North sea on a particularly bad day.
What a bloody day... I'd laugh, but all I can do is hallucinate about food!
Hope you've all had better days!
Oh dear Rus, that sounds horrid!
You have my sympathy. I've had episodes like that before, not nice. And how unfortunate to coincide with no doubt long cherished travel plans
Xxx
Hello!
It's been a long weekend of ups and downs, but we did manage to get away, to Coventry AND Norwich, and got home yesterday. Clinging to the car for the rest of the day and been to Morrisons for a good old mooch, then off to Bluewater later to see if I can spend my Mothercare voucher in relative peace without feeling like I'm holding anyone up- collect DH from work, drop off car, home, and a massive hawaiian pizza for tea.
Need it!
In the end I had 2 days with no food, pretty much, as sometime on Friday afternoon while I was packing, Phoebe had an accident and I ended up in the walk-in centre. Argh!
I know you're all going to be either horrified with me or wincing in sympathy, but Phoebe has just started sitting up herself- bit wobbly, but I really don't want her on the floor as if she falls. she'll bash her head on the boards, so I've been letting her sit on the sofa- I know, I know...
Anyway, she was sat quite happily, I noticed she was looking for one of her toys that had gone over the edge, and as I turned around to do some packing I thought oh, I'll get that in a minute, at which point I heard a thump.
Oh, I was nearly sick. Phoebe was lying on the floor on her back near the sofa. The silence quickly turned into screams as she cried and cried and cried. I couldn't tell how she'd hurt herself, whether it was shock or what, but once the angry red face subsided a bit I could see a big red mark on the side of her forehead- she must have rolled forward over the edge of the sofa, spun in the air and hit her head (hopefully a glancing blow) before landing on her back.
In that horrible 5 minutes wondering what the fuck to do, I thought we'd better go to the walk-in centre. Out we went with me with wet hair, and I rang DH on the way but my battery died before I could leave more than 'Hey love, on my way to the walk-in centre, Phoebe's...'
Got there and had to wait 2 hours to be seen. It was horrible, knowing she could be badly hurt and it was first come, first served, but as we waited, and a little boy did various antics to amuse Phoebe, she laughed and laughed and I thought she was probably fine. Eventually we got in and yeah, she's ok. Bounced well. Doctor said we could still go away (phew!) but to watch her for 48 hours, and if she vomited more than once, to go straight to the nearest A&E. Wah!
Home, to try and get packing done, as DH was finishing work early, and as I was walking down our road he leapt out of the house and came pelting down the road towards me. He looked so fraught I couldn't help laughing.
Then the whole drama unfolded.
He'd gone for a tea break around 2pm, happened to check his phone and got the message 'hey love' in a panicky voice, before it cut off. He couldn't get hold of me, so he started to get worried. He rang his dad, who hadn't heard from me, and my dad, who hadn't heard from me either, then got a taxi home, frantically walked to the shops trying to find me as he knew I was going to Aldi, rang my friend from baby group, who hadn't seen me, and then his dad was out in the car looking for me. They even went to the police, and FiL was on his way to the hospital when DH got hold of him to say he'd found me.
He'd thought I'd either had an accident, been ambushed by a gang, Phoebe had been stolen, or I had either left him or was dead. (Umm, overreaction!)
What a palaver!
So that was our Friday.
Things we learnt: DH is going to change his answerphone message (it's really long). If it hadn't been so long I'd have been able to leave a proper message before my phone died.
I am going to double check that my phone is charged before I leave the house, or just upgrade the damn thing so the battery isn't quite so crap.
I'll leave a note to say where I've gone.
Also maybe ring someone and let them know what's happening before I leave the house, so I can use the house phone if need be.
Learn from my mistakes! I think DH aged 10 years with the worry.
Hope your weekends were less fraught!
oh Rus, what a time you've had I leave Lily on the sofa propped up as she can't sit alone yet because she prefers being able to look around instead of lying down all the time so you have massive sympathy from me and I will learn from your mistakes. So glad Phoebe is ok, that is the main thing x
Good to hear you are eating again and are both better, it must have been a nightmare. How is your bum now? Hope it is healing and all the toilet visits didn't mess it up. Enjoy your well deserved pizza!
Expressing is not going well but only tried yesterday so will give it another go today and hope I get the knack soon.
Lily has her final jabs today. She has only woken once a night for the last 3 nights so really hoping the jabs don't mess her sleeping up as this is major progress!
Hope everyone else is ok. Any news yet Moo?
Well, I didn't get to Bluewater as DH phoned just as I was about to set off to say he was coming home early ill. Had to just pick him up and come home, then lose the car (wah, no shopping). Ah well, not meant to be.
In good news however, saw the nurse yesterday, (DH said the night before that my bum hole was 'bulging weirdly') and she said that it's because it's healing!!! OMG!!! Actually fucking doing something. Shit the bed! So, we're to continue dressing it every day, but NOT clean it, and when I have my baths, I'm NOT to wash it. So basically, don't interfere with it, just keep repacking with clean stuff, and not shoving it in too far, and fingers crossed...
And Lil, no, it was my other bum hole that got messed up by the epic toilet trips, lol.
Great that Lily is sleeping better, in my experience the jabs don't make any difference to sleeping patterns, but obvs it depends on how she normally is after jabs. I wouldn't have thought the beginnings of a good pattern of behaviour would be completely ruined by jabs though. FX!
What else... oh, weighed myself at my sister's and according to her scales I have lost 3 and a half pounds- woo! Although, since then I've been at my mum's, and had 2 roast dinners in 2 days, loads of biscuits... and I went to the supermarket and bought loads of naughty crap, which is why I find myself finishing a bag of chocolate brownie popcorn for breakfast today, whoops. Methinks I shall undo all the good work the diarrhoea did... wonder if a voluntary fasting day this week would make any difference? Hmm...
Moo have you popped yet? I'm going to assume you have unless we hear from you in the next 48 hours... and then I'm cracking out the party poppers!
Jabs done Think she knew what was coming as when I had her legs out and was holding her in the position she cried even before the nurse jabbed her On the plus side she seems her usual happy self and slept from 9.45-6.45!!!! fed for 30 mins and went back to sleep until 9.45 This is unheard of. I woke up with very painful boobs and a blocked duct though.
Don't worry about the weight Rus - I've got back to pre baby pretty easily (thank you BF) but stuck there and could do with losing another 1 1/2- 2 stone. Just don't have the motivation at the moment.
Great news about your bum and hope your DH is ok.
Expressed in the morning yesterday about an hour before feeding Lily and got 2 oz in about 5mins - very pleased compared with the day before.Didn't want to do too much as worried Lily won't have enough but done another 2 already today and will do some more later so hoping for about 4oz a day.
Hope everyone is ok and am getting ready to crack open the bubbly for Moo and her LO xx
Hello ladies, sorry that i have been very quiet; just trying to keep occupied and keep my mind off the fact that I am 6 days overdue and STILL bloody pregnant. Had a sweep on Wednesday, utterly useless as my cervix was only 1cm dilated and of a medium consistency, although it had started to shorten. All the mw could manage was a bit of a wiggle rather than a full sweep, so not much use really. Booked in for a post dates assessment on Tuesday (also DH's birthday) and hoping that they might offer to induce me then; means that my home birth plan goes out the window (slightly annoying considering the pool has been up in the living room for almost a week now and the house is in complete disarray because of it!) but at this point I just want her out. I want to meet her and start using all the things we have collected over the last 9 months (an obviously I want my body back and the whole labour thing to be over). I am also getting a little fed up of the constant how are things messages!!
Rus so sorry for all that you have been through lately. You really have had it tough. Hope Phoebe is ok after her fall. If it's any consolation, when i was about 14 months or so, my mum put me in my play pen/cot because the door went and she thought i would be safe in there. Little did she know that I was a nosey little bugger and when she went to answer the door, I was so keen on seeing who was there, i fell out of the cot. She was mortified, but these things do happen. My DH was dropped on his head as a baby by his cousin and another friend of mine, at the age of 2 (she was an only child) decided that the best way to get some attention was not to have a tantrum etc but to throw herself down the stairs, which she did!!! All these things are probably not very helpful I know, but I just don't want you to feel bad for what happened. These things do happen and babies are extremely tough and resilient!! But YEY for the bum healing fabulous news, so pleased for you.
Lil also pleased for you that the last set of jabs weren't as traumatic as you were expecting and that she managed to sleep and feed fine afterwards. Fab news. Also pleased that the bf seems to be coming along. Out of everything, it's the one thing that is worrying me the most once my LO is here. So concerned that I won't be able to do it or that she won't latch correctly. Sure it's only normal anxieties but still a worry nonetheless.
Right, I am off to eat some pineapple as instructed by the midwife. Have already tried epic long walks, spicy curry and going up and down the stairs. Nothing seems to be working. I keep telling her that it is so much better on the outside, there are so many people waiting to meet her and things for her to see and do, just think she's made herself a little too comfy in there.
Hope everyone is enjoying the milder weather too. Might even try and attack some of the garden this afternoon (or may well end up bouncing on my ball and finishing my jigsaw with some choccy biscuits!!)
Hopefully my next post should bring some good news..........hopefully!
Oh Moooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo the pineapple won't work unless you eat about 8. Sorry. All you'll get is a sore tongue.
The gardening will probably help though! As will bouncing on the ball. FX for some progress soon!
Induction isn't so bad though...
Lil yay to the awesome sleeps! Sorry about the boob issues. Squirt it out in the shower, worked for me!
Phoebe has spent 2 afternoons now playing with her friend from the baby group, which has been pretty awesome, nice to have a friend (for both of us). Her mum reckons they'll be best friends growing up, they were both laid next to each other and Phoebe had her hand on the other little girl's leg, like marking her property, lol. I think they'll get on famously til a boy gets in the middle, then all hell will break loose!
I'm completely over Phoebe's fall now, trying to be more on the ball, but she's my first child and it happens, I don't know what to expect and realistically she's my guinea pig- my parents were wonderfully sympathetic... after all, I broke my nose when I was 2 jumping up and down on the sofa, then slipped in my socks and smashed my face on a marble windowsill- I had so much bruising to my face that my mum had to put foundation on me, all the Germans used to think she'd been beating me up! So they weren't really in a position to judge.
Just really hit home how much I have to watch her like a hawk!
Cheers Rus - yeah I heard that the enzyme needed is only present in tiny amounts, but I did enjoy eating half a pineapple (DH came home early and started munching some too!!). At this stage I'm not too bothered about being induced as I'm just so excited to meet her!!
Great news that Phoebe has a little friend, how adorable!! And that you have other 'mummy' friends too. Must be nice to be able to chat to women who can be understanding to how you are feeling and how things are going!!
DH just making me breakfast in bed, then I must get up
Well the grumps set in yesterday pm, but a bit of calpol seems to have done the trick.
Moo sorry you're still hanging around but induction is ok. WRT feeding my top tip is refuse to leave the hospital until you have established feeding and have fed DD alone a few times. It's a pita staying in but was worth it. A friend hated being in hospital, left having never fed her DD alone and her DH ended ringing around petrol stations at 2 am trying to find formula while their DD screamed and refused to feed She was on bottles from then on - not saying that is a problem but if you want to give bf your best shot I would stay until somewhat confident.
Also I never bought any formula. There were times when it hurt and I was in tears and if it was in the house I would have given in and used it, instead by the time I had the opportunity to buy it I was feeling stronger again and didn't. Sure this isn't for everyone but worked for me.
Finally if bf doesn't work out for whatever reason it really is not the end of the world
Hope you get to meet your DD soon xx
Just a quick post to say I'm being induced tonight at 9:30 eeeeeek. Next post and hopefully she'll be here
Ooh Moo! I hope it works quickly (but not too quickly) and it is a very smooth labour
Tell us soon!
xxx
My best friend had her baby today! A little girl.
Hoping to hear from Moo soon
Our beautiful baby girl was born at 10:28pm on 17th April by EMCS. All ok and will report with full details a bit later.
Thank you for all your support ladies
MOO!
What wonderful news! So happy to hear you are both ok...well, you are a mummy now
Now to find out her name, how exciting!
HURRAH!
Congratulations Mummy Moo!!! So pleased for you and Mr Moo.
Can't wait to hear all about it. Take care of yourself and your gorgeous lo xxx
Hey ladies,
Sorry for absence, actually switched my laptop OFF instead of just closing it a few weeks ago and totally forgot this thread wasn't open! <mortified>
Anyway, glad you're all getting on ok, still waiting to hear with bated breath from Moo, but I guess we'll just have to hang on til everything settles down.
Phoebe is 8 months old now, sort of crawling backwards, and makes a clicky smacky sound with her mouth, when she's not yabbering away. At the moment she seems to say 'hadoddit' when she picks something up, so I think it means 'I've got it!' although my dad is adamant she's saying Grandad, which is of course preposterous (and also he says that about every noise she makes, lol).
She sits up well, and can get back to sitting from mooching her way all over the floor... found her stuck under one of the dining chairs earlier- she couldn't get upright because of the horizontal bars across the legs, and even though she was making unhappy noises about it I was helpless with laughter at her predicament and HAD to take a picture before I rescued her (bad mummy, lol).
Disco if you've got a garden, it's a great time of year to hang your cloth nappies on the line, and the sunlight acts as a natural bleach.
Could you get some of those airers that attach to the radiator? I think Lakeland sell them- maybe they'd dry quicker then.
Don't forget you only need to use a quarter of your usual detergent and no fabric softener- I'm sure you know what you're doing, but my friend has started recently using cloth, and didn't realise about the fabric conditioner, so thought I'd better double check!
Count it's great that your little boy is so hands on with your new baby, wish I had a little helper for Bee! Glad your boobs are settling down, hope breastfeeding continues to be awesome.
Lil hope you're doing ok.
Hi everyone.
Lily has decided to wake every 2/3 hours atm - it's having a newborn again - so we are sleep deprived but happy. She is sitting up pretty much alone and I'm madly pureeing in preparation for when she hits 6 months.
We're off to Snowdon at the weekend for DH to do a triathlon and then are heading to France for a week (hence waiting to start weaning - the thought of dragging it all to France is too much!) Does anyone have any top tips for things we will need?
Rus, I'm glad Bee is getting on so well, it's amazing how fast they grow. I'm dreading Lily starting moving about (must baby proof house soon). How is your bum now? have you managed to get much gardening done this year?
Count, how old is your DS? It sounds like a good age to have a newborn with and so lovely that he enjoys helping out with LO. I've given up worrying about baby weight and seem to have lost most of it through bf Glad boobs have calmed down now.
Disco, sorry to hear about the thrush, hope it has cleared up now. It sounds like you are having a lovely mat leave.
Moo, hoping all is well xx
Hi everyone,
Hope Moo is ok.
Nice to hear your DS is a good big brother Count! Sounds so sweet
Rus yes, sunlight is great for getting stains out but my nappies (Tots Bots bamboozle stretchies) are all coloured so luckily stains don't show so badly. I bought some microfibre nappies as well as they dry quickly but wasn't keen for a while as they were second hand off ebay and didn't smell too good. However, I've rinsed them loads and they smell a lot better now. I've taken Alec out of cloth for the last day tho as he had some nasty pimply nappy rash and I wanted to slather him with Sudocreme and not worry about clogging up the nappy. It's clearing up a treat now, back in cloth tomorrow! I use hardly any detergent and have started using even less as one cause of the rash may be that I started washing his nappies in Morrisons non-bio tablets rather than Tescos non-bio so I rinsed all the nappies (even the clean dry ones, eek) well and have started using Fairy non-bio powder just for Alec so now he won't have to get used to new detergent. I never use fabric conditioner on anything so that's not an issue!
Anyway, enough nappy chat!
Glad Phoebe is coming on so nicely - I like the bit about her getting stuck in a chair And well done for gardening, I must do the back garden...did the front a few weeks ago and it needs weeding again...sigh!
Lil have fun in North Wales and France! We are going to visit family and friends in South Wales for the first time next weekend, Alec will meet his great granny and grampy, so exciting! The thrush has gone luckily, although I think I treated us both for too long but hey ho. Breastfeeding is just effortless now, well worth the 6 weeks of misery...seems like a bad dream to be honest.
We had an unsettled few days. Alec had started waking only once in the night - great! But then a week ago he had his jabs, then we had a party for DP's birthday and then it was his birthday proper and and and..it just all went a bit mad. He started waking 2/3/4 times instead which was a bit of a killer esp with the extra busy days. Might have caused his nappy rash too. Anyway, I've started him on a bedtime routine and for the last two nights he's been back to waking when I come to bed (fine) and then once about 3am and then about 7am which is bliss compared to what has been happening lately. It is awfully strange not having him close by though, he's in his moses basket in our room. I'm getting to grips with the baby monitor - didn't use the breathing sensor bit yesterday but got really paranoid last night downstairs so have plugged it in now and it works well.
Anyway, that's enough blethering on from me, bye!
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