Here you go lovely ladies..... new thread here!

See you all over there hope it is ok!

Hi all!

Willmouse - I hate it when that happens! Glad it was an otherwise good day!

Ceebee - too right you should be proud How is Sam now? Saw your FB pics, gorgeous!

PL - Well done on the exams, what were they? <mind like a sieve> Shame missing out on distinction by tiny ammount, but well done with what you did achieve!

Been anok'ish afternoon here! Promise I will do new thread tonight, though warn you I am feeling very tired so might not be as 'detailed' as previous mind you less chance of someone nicking it to begin another thread that way I suppose!

Well, I had a really good afternoon until DS2 refused to get out of the soft play area and I was forced to go and extract him from the bottom of a curly tube slide. Then I had to carry him out under my arm as he was kicking and screaming .

Ceebee - well done on the weight loss! We have a holiday booked for next July when DS3 is 9 months old so I have a good incentive to lose weight this time!

Pistachio - well done on the exam results but bummer for missing a distinction by 3%. Probably good to get the exams over and done with before you get pg/ have a screaming baby!

Ceebee that's amazing that you will only have 18lbs, and will only have 10lbs to go when you go back to work. You should be very very proud of yourself.

I'll be starting work again soon and am trying to figure out how to stay on the straight and narrow once I'm there. So far my plan is to get off the tube one stop early in the morning and walk the rest of the way to the office, plus to take my lunches in with me so I'm not tempted by the canteen which is wonderful but often very naughty, not to mention very expensive too. The real danger point though is late afternoon and the commute home as I often pick up some nuts or sometimes something even naughtier from the stand at Marylebone Station as by 6.30pm I'm starving so I reckon I'm going to change my route and get the tube all the way home plus maybe take some snacks with me so that I'm prepared.

By the way, did I tell you guys I passed my exams? I missed a distinction by 3% and was pulled down by one exam only so was a bit annoyed with myself but I still got a commendation which is pretty good. And it really doesn't matter at all, it's just me being silly and competitive.

MJIM I am so chuffed with what I have achieved so far that I can't really be disappointed - plus I think most people lose at least 7lb after having their gallbladder removed so I am planning on the op to shift the rest

Ceebee - well done with being so near target! Shame you wont be there before returning to work, but still you have done VERY well! LOL at the river! N is just coughing but seems otherwise fine!

Pistachio lovely to hear from you Sorry about your AF last month but will keep everything crossed for you! And great about the diet - isn't the website fab?

I just have 18lbs to go to reach my target (although if I am still not happy when I get there, I may try and lose some more) but my aim of reaching it by the time I go back to work isn't going to happen! I reckon I will be about 10lbs off target when I go back and it is SOOO much harder to lose at work as I snack all the time

MJIM hope N is ok. Sam is just streaming snot - seems perfectly ok and happy though (as long as I ignore the river running into his mouth )

Yay PL - great news about the weight loss and lovely comment so glad you are staying positive about the TTC!

Thanks MJIM, it was a bit miserable as my period arrived while staying at my mother-in-law's and so I couldn't even have a good sob. Having said that I'm feeling quite positive and still hoping it'll happen someday soonish. DH has finally booked his sperm test and the earliest appointment is September so hopsfully we won't need it!

Hope N isn't coming down with anything too nasty and stops coughing soon.

On the plus side (or should that be losing side), I've been doing the online Weight Loss Resources diet and at the weekend, for the first time, someone commented that I'm looking good - woohoo!

Morning all!

Willmouse - Is it raining then? Lovely day here, had friend and his DC's over this morning and we managed a walk and a play in the park - I feel sooooo much better for it and DS is behaving much better!

Ceebee - Awww poor Sam! N has been coughing a lot so I am sure she is coming down with something too - it is so sad and miserable when they are unwell isn't it! Hope he is better soon!

PistachioL - Hi, nice to hear from you again - sorry to hear you haven't had a BFP yet and last cycle was a trick one really hope you catch the eggy soon!

All ok here! Just realised I need to do a new thread soon, will try and get on with that this evening when the children are asleep in bed!

Hi everyone, sorry I haven't been around for a while.

I thought I might have cracked it on the last cycle as I was quite late, had lots and lots of symptoms and DH was convinced that I was pregnant, but it wasn't to be and I'm now on cycle 9. Somebody on one of my other threads said that lunar cycles in the summer are very helpful so wish me luck! I'm supposed to be ovulating next week just when my mum is staying with us so we've started early this month in a desperate hope that it will bring on earlier ovulation (yeah right)!

Talking of other threads, Dawn and Summer Heverhoney is trying to get the original first time frolickers together on this thread... come say hello!

Willmouse I've just sneaked a look at your profile and I LOVE the bump picture and the photo of your baby boy. Isn't it amazing how well you can see him, looks so cute and cosy in there. Have a good time today at the soft play area.

Ceebee Hope sam is feeling better soon and you don't catch his cold. Poor little mite, it's horrible feeling so out of sorts.

Hello everyone else [waves]!

Morning all.

Glad you all like the picture. He looks just like DS1!

Supposed to be going out for the day with a friend and taking a picinic but looks like we are going to have to go to a soft play area.

Hope everyone has a nice day!

willmouse what a lovely photo - bet you can't wait to meet DS3 now

Sam has got a cold - picked him up from nursery at 5.15 and they said he had been crying and coughing since 4.30 and they couldn't calm him down - he was ok at home but is streaming snot this morning...lovely

Awwww gorgeous picture Willmouse!

I am getting so excited about the upcoming arrival of some more bonkers babies feels like I have been waiting a lifetime for you both (HC and Willmouse) to have a baby, so lovely to be getting so close to birth with original bonker's members

Has anyone heard anything from Detox? she hasn't been around for ages..... hope all is ok with her!

Been an ok day here x

That is so lovely Willmouse, gives me an idea what my little boy looks like at 33 weeks.

HC
x

Photo of DS3 on profile!!!!!

Morning ladies!

Dentist wasn't too bad, My worst bit is the water hose and hoove thing (aspirator?) that they shove in your mouth at recent intervals - It always makes me gag. Well it was an hours worth of dentistry, but it wasnt too bad (bar the gagging, choking etc) but didn't hurt and he has done a good job, so overall much happier now. I also managed to convince him to do both things at once, so no need to return next monday now too <phew>

Hope everyone is well!

Morning all

MJIM how was the dentist? I have a chipped tooth that happened when I was pg - I went to the dentist then but he said he would have to refill it (it is one with a filling in it) but couldn't do it whilst I was pg. I have been too chicken to go back and get it sorted as I hate dentists too

Speaking of which, I have noticed one of Josh's front teeth is becoming quite discoloured - I have no idea what or why but I guess I need to get him registered at a dentist and take him (I am sure I should have done this before he turned 3 again!)

Willmouse what a pain that you are having to go through this. But, am thinking if you wait until your 37 week appointment, they won't be able to change the date of your op as they will be 'fully booked' so to speak (if they are anything like our hospital where they only book in 2 elective c/s a day)

Right, need to go and get ready to go the gym

I am a big baby at the dentist. We all go together but I always go in first on my own and DH waits in the waiting room with the boys so I can be a wimp in peace without passing on any of my hang ups. Personally I find a planned c-section less nerve racking than a filling (ask me that again on 5th October LOL!).

Willmouse - unfortunately yes, I went a month ago and they had changed my dentist wihtout telling me, which was bad enough, but then he managed to break off the piece of tooth my previous dentist had repaired 6 months previous I was not impressed and now I have had to wait a month for it to be sorted - i also need some minor work on another tooth which they are going to do next monday - I have no idea why they cannot do it in the same appointment, that is what is scaring me, I know my tooth is being repaired, but I have no idea what will happen or how they are are going to do it <panics> I am trying to think it will be a simple repair as before, but the fact I need two appointments leads me to believe otherwise. I hate people messing about and sticking things in my mouth, it panaics me and makes me gag I am not looking forward to it at all.

Morning all!

HC - glad you had a nice holiday. I am the same as you - can't get comfy on the sofa either it is going to be a long eight weeks.....

MJIM - hope you get on OK at the dentist. Is it more than a check up then??

Well, I got nowhere trying to phone the consultant's sectretary this morning. She is on holiday and the other woman clearly wasn't going to help. She suggested I either phone my midwife or wait until 37 weeks. I am going to ask whether i can just have another appointment to see my consultant if no-one can be arsed to do it the quick way. I'm not sure whether I will be allowed through.

Hope everyone else is having a better start to the week.

HC - yay for a good holiday and dry weather!

Dentist in a bit <sob>

Morning all

Am back from our week in the caravan and we did have a lovely time. Only one wet day so lots of warm sunshine. Did go into the caves at The Heights of Abraham and nearly passed out climbing the 160 ish steps.

Too much to catch up with but have to say Willmouse-I have the aching/walking legs thing and have done for a few months now. It is unbearable and I never suffered with last 2 pregnancies. My friend had it with her DS and not her girls so I assumed it was a boy thing. Can't get comfy on the sofa at night then go to bed and it gets worse.

ray-so sorry about your job. I hated my job in the Bank so much I cried all the way to work and DH sometimes met me at lunchtime and I spent the hour sobbing so handed in my notice not long after as it was ruining my life and spoiling my time with DD1 (aged 1 at the time). I hope you find something else very soon.

Dawn-hope Ellie's eye improves. Yes, thrush is very common.

Ceebee-can't believe your mat leave is nearly over. I too occasionally have a twinge of envy when I see office girls walking round town with their colleagues but it is not enough to make me return as I know it just isn't like that in the Bank.

Anyway, must get on as have to collect the cat and get some shopping in and as for the mountain of washing................

Love to all

HC
x

Willmouse - I can sympathise with the achey leg/feet thing - I didnt suffer through pregnancy but get this A lot since having Naomi, It drives me mad and I cannot sleep and is also for no apparant reason - it brings me to tears sometimes as is so uncomfortable and frustrating! If you ever find what causes it (i.e. lacking in certain vitamin or something) please please please let me know! Also my back is knackered I hurt it when N was tiny getting DS out the bath (he was ill and went really floppy just as I lifted him) and it has been off and on since, not nice. Even if I did want another baby which sometimes I do think about which I don't really, then I don't think my back would make it through it without dire consequence

MJIM - I never suffered a day's illness with either of my last two pregnancies or suffered a bad nights' sleep. This time has been a realy eye opener for me (which I am putting down to age). Last night I was awake two hours in the night with aching legs and feet for no aparent reason. I said to DH that even if I did want another I wouldn't put myself through this again!

Ah, Willmouse lol! Tired then? I am very lucky that with both DS and Naomi I was still running round like a loon the day I went into labour with them - but I am not normal, that I already know Hope you don't end up too achey from it all!

MJIM - glad you had a better night. Here's hoping that you get another!

<Willmouse notes that visiting a castle at the top of a hill with a hundred and one bloody steps is not a good idea when heavily pregnant>........boys enjoyed it though!

Ah, Willmouse, sounds like the pits suppose there is nothing that can be done about it.

Well both DS and N slept right through until 7am this morning, so all worked out in the end!

Morning all.

Ceebee - you sound like you are ready to go back to work. I would only be able to stay at home if I got out and about loads. I am finding the summer holidays really hard as I don't really have the energy to go anywhere and feel a bit stuck in. I have a busy week planned next week though so it should be better.

Dawn - hope Ellie was OK. Like Ceebee, my two were OK after their jabs too but I know my newphew suffered as I remember. Your job sounds interesting - presumably they will find you something else to do if there are no bods to redeploy?

MJIM - hope that Naomi settles down - perhaps its the heat? I have never had a KFC . Have only taken DS to McDonalds twice .

I am going to have to start childminding again - but hopefully can wait until the baby is 6-8 months to start again. We have a HUGE problem in that we live about a 8 minute walk from where DH works (Staffs Police Headquarters) but unfortunately they have decided to relocate to the other side of town I basically can't even bear to talk about it which is why I haven't mentioned it before . We only have one car (which we would usually be replacing) and will need two as I need one for childminding so rather than upgrading/renewing our car we are forced to basically run it into the ground and then buy another older car so DH can get to work - we can't afford to do either really never mind both. Plus DS's school is on DH's route to work so he used to be able to walk DS in and still get to the office for 9 which was a big help to me. Grrrrrr. The only 'good' news is that it was supposed to happen in October and now it has been put back to January.

Anyhow on a brighter note DH has gone to the football (again) today so I am off with Mum, Dad and the boys to Tamworth Castle. The sun is shining so hopefully we should have a lovley day!

Hi All,

MJIM, I've been working for the same company for 8 years but I've done different jobs for them, but mostly around HR type work. My latest was a Redeployment Consultant. They have been making thousands of redundancies and my role was to try and redeploy individuals internally so that we could reduce the number of redundancies and also the number of vacancies that we had to advertise externally. Involved getting some of the major accounts to allow work to be done from different locations within the UK etc. Unfortunately, the redundancies have increased dramatically now and they don't want us to help redeploy people anymore, hence no work!! Eek!! Sorry that N isn't settling!!

Ceebee, we couldn't even wake Ellie up to have her last feed, she has slept loads since we got back. Rather that than her feeling poorly though!! I will be watching her closely tonight though...

Right, off to watch Big Brother now!!

xxx

Ceebee - I am glad you are feeling ready and positive! Also I think the reason I am a SAHM is because I am actually lazy I don't get bored because I do lots of things and we go on walks etc and i have MN and the days seem to fly by!

6.5 weeks until Naomi's birthday <sobs>

Evening all

MJIM mmmmm am drooling at the thought of KFC - that is the one thing I am missing as it would trigger a gallstone. As soon as I can eat properly, I am getting straight down to KFC for some lovely greasy chicken (And once won't ruin your diet you know )

Dawn glad Ellie was ok - if she is anything like Josh and Sam, she will sleep loads after her injections

Although I am about my maternity leave ending I am actually feeling ready to go back to work - something I never had with Josh as I think 6 months was too soon. But I have now been off for over 9 months and am just starting to feel ready to go back. I find myself looking at women in cars driving to work with make-up on and high heels MJIM I really you being able to stay at home with yours - not because I can't but because I know I never would be able to do it in a million years as I just get really bored and fed up on the days I am at home with the 2 of them - I am just not cut out to be a SAHM!!

Willmouse - Good plan! Eeeek to 3 children at a formal meal, I feel ill at the thought of doing it with just two <confirms that I would never cope with three children!>

Ceebee and Juanitad - sorry time has flown so quick for you and you are back to work soon, I feel a bit guilty about all my moaning when I am in fact very lucky to be able to stay home with the children.

Dawn - glad check-up and imms went well - hope Ellie stays happy after the jabs! What do you actually do as a job? Don't worry about thrush, very common in small babies, though tbh no idea why (something to do with lots of milk I expect but could be totally wrong lol)

All ok, been a good day here - took DS and N to the soft play in town - my mum was here so I drove her car, then we went for a KFC after <double as it kinda defeats my dieting but never mind> N is not settling well tonight though

Hello all,

Wlllmouse, that sounds like a good plan and not too intrusive at all! Ooh, three children at a formal meal? Sounds like hard work!!

Ceebee, gosh, not long for you to go then until you're back at work. I'm dreading it. I'm due to go back at the beginning of October but have decided to take two weeks holiday then. So it'll be nearly November when I go back, nice and close to Xmas!! The worrying thing for me though is that I don't know yet what I'm going to be doing! Before I had Ellie, I hadn't had any real work for about a year, so I'm hoping that they've found something productive for me to do when I get back, otherwise I'll feel awful twiddling my thumbs all day while Ellie is at a Childminder's!!

Juanitad, gosh, time has really flown for you aswell hasn't it. The pampering sounds lovely. Do you know, I've never had a massage in my life!! Maybe I should arrange one as I've got a friend who has her own beauty business!!

So, Ellie had her 8 week check on Wednesday and then her first set of immunisations today. She was absolutely fine at her 8 week check, although I did express some concern about some whiteness on her tongue. Turns out that she has some oral thrush, not quite sure how she got it though as I've never had thrush of any kind... So I'm having to give her horrid tasting medicine, poor little cherub. She was really good at her jabs today, within 10 seconds of the second one, she was fast asleep!! We have the calpol on standby though for tonight just in case...

Hope everyone else is doing Ok. The sunshine's been a bit hit and miss today so hoping it's nice tomorrow.

xxx

Juanitad if it makes you feel better, my maternity leave will officially be over a week on Sunday Although I am then having 4 weeks holiday before going back, it still feels like the end of what has been a lovely lovely time

Your head massage sounds lovely - but the big bed to have a snooze on sounds lovelier once my damn gallbladder has been removed and I can go back to normal again, I am definitely booking the night in a hotel (by myself) which was my birthday present!!

It is quiet on here today!

I am just enjoying a quiet half hour while P is napping. Reading the paper and doing the crossword, that doesn't happen much these days as I usually feel that I ought to be doing housework while he's asleep, but today I think sod it, I need some me time! Speaking of which, I have booked myself a half day spa session with an Indian head massage for just before I go back to work. The spa I'm going to has a relaxation boudoir, so they call it, which I think is a massive bed so I plan to have my head massage then go and curl up and sleep for the rest of the time! Can't wait! Also can't believe my mat leave will be properly over in just 3 weeks time!!! Where has it gone??!!

Willmouse I assume everyone else is out enjoying the sunshine

Right, need to go and clean the highchair (again!) Oh the joys of feeding a 8.5 month old <sigh>

Morning all!

Gosh, it's quiet here! Surely HC didn't do ALL the talking!

I have decided that I am going to very nicely phone the consultant's secretary today and just ask her to run it past him when he gets back from holiday. I don't think that's too intrusive of me and tbh I don't think I can take the stress of not knowing for sure. To top it off my Mum and Aunty cancelled my Gran's surprise 80th Birthday meal set for 3rd October last night on the basis of the chances of me being there are slim plus they are getting a photographer as a surprise to take a huge family photo and they may as well wait and get the baby on it. It made me feel really guilty plus now I am going to have to take 3 children to a formal three course meal <sigh>

How's everyone else today???

Hello ladies!

Willmouse - can you mayb not just ring up when he is back from holiday and voice your concerns? You have every right to be cross and worried!

Ceebee - awwww poor boys! glad Josh is better today though! N gets yuck nappies and very sore bum when she teethes - poor baby! settled about 8.20, so not too bad!

Awwww 6th october was my original EDD for N last year

Ceebee - poor you - if its not one its the other! God help when I have a rotation of three. The constant pooing wont be helping the nappy rash. Put a load of vaseline on his bottom so the poo doesn't come into contact with his sore skin - I find its the only thing that works for nappy rash as it gives the skin a complete break.

at us being operation buddies!!

Ray, sorry for ignoring you with my selfish post. Your job sounds awful and I hope you sort something out soon. Call centres are notoriously bad. The Argos call centre is in Stafford and they are notorious for being really mean with toilet breaks and asking staff to account for every last minute. Hope something better comes up soon.

WIllmouse poor you - I don't think you are being unreasonable at all as it sounds as if your date could well be changed - makes it SO hard to make plans and get your head round it. (But on the plus side, I have got my date for my gallbladder operation and it is also 6th October so we can be 'op buddies' together if you do stay at that date - only you are going to get a lovely baby out of yours )

Ray you sound really down - your job does sound awful and I know I couldn't do that kind of job - particularly not selling. All you can do is keep your head down and keep looking but that doesn't make it any easier to get up in the morning does it? And about your boiler

MJIM what time did your Lo's settle last night??

Josh was not a well bunny yesterday - he has had a cough since Tuesday and by yesterday he was coughing constantly and nursery said he had not been himself all day so I was preparing myself to have him at home today. He spent ALL of yesterday evening/night coughing and coughing (he even fell out of bed at one point ) but by about 2am, it seemed to disappear and he was up and about full of beans at 6.15 this morning Very strange

Sam has got awful nappy rash aswell - yesterday he had 7 poos and today we are on 3 and counting so not sure if the nappy rash is because he is pooing so much or if it is all connected to teething (although no signs of any teeth at all!

OK I am now going to have an irrational pregnancy induced hysteria moment.

So I went to see my consultant this morning to get my date for my c-section only he was away on holiday and there was a stand in registrar from Stoke there instead. My notes stated that Mr Dappah wanted the c-section done at 38 weeks. She has booked me in for 39 weeks - Tue 6th Oct (well 38+6 to be precise). Also, when I went to Elective Care to book my pre-op the admin assistant said "oh that's odd, I thought Mr Dappah operated on a Friday".

Also she said to me that I wouldn't need to be seen again - thankfully the midwife stepped in and said that Mr Dappah saw all of his ladies regularly and that it was a good idea for me to come back and see him again. The midwife then told me to book another appointment for 37 weeks that way if Mr Dappah wanted to change the c-section date or do it himself he had the time.

Am I being unreasonable to think that actually until I have seen him at 37 weeks my date is no clearer???

Can someone give me a reality check - I feel hysterical.

Bless them.

DD is currently still up as she has no school so can stay up later, although DH is asleep on the sofa and i am upstairs so DD has her programmes all to herself. i am going to have to go and put a stop to it she would watch telly 24 7 if i allowed her too. I am a good mum honest she doesnt get to watch alot at all but when she does she just zones out, i'm not like that so its not my fault .

Will try to catch up again soon guys take care.

Ray - good luck finding a new job! Also I agree def make a complaint - gas is very dangerous and it should be noted! They are asleep now!

MJIM Am currently looking for a new job but there isnt alot out there tbh i realy hope i get one soon. My sister has just retunred to work and has got me an application for her place so will send that in.
I have decided i will make a complaint as the more i think about it the more i realise how serious it could have been.

at your Dcs not settling perhaps it is the muggyness its not pleasant i must say, mind you i get nights like that with E and then all is fine so hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Dawn - sorry it is bad news about Ellie's eye, not nice for her or you! Yay for Ellie sleeping well, lol at your DH and too many pizza toppings Good luck for the diet, it is hard but worth it!

Ray - awww that sounds awful, can you not put in some sort of complaint? As for the man who is supposed to help you, he sounds like an idiot! Can you not look for another job <sorry if you've already mentioned why not and I have missed it!> If you do decide to BD, good luck! at nearly being given a hysterectomy, How scary!

<pales at realisation she will be working for the NHS in the near future eeeek>

DC's not settling well for bed tonight <sigh> they are normally well asleep by now! I have already been up four times
Besides this all is well in the Myjob house!

MJIM, Af is due at the end of the month i am Ov right about now i always feel it and get EWCM so know when its happening. Problem is i just cant summon up the energy to bd i just want to sleep all the time. Fingers crossed as i know will be trying the clomid next month i will geared up for it, i wouldnt want to waste a month of clomid.
There are many things about the Job that are crap TBH, i am on a call center and taking the calls is not the big problem i can deal with that but its the fact they expect us to sell on every call or at least try to and sometimes i just dont think its right ie if people cant pay their bills because they have money problems how on earth are they going to be able to buy anything else but they still expect you to try which i hate. they expect you to be able to deal with a call in under 5 mins and that IS NOT possible, after the call you have to make notes and that time has to be below 1 minute although if you have call backs you have to do it in that time which makes it impossible to keep it below that time. It is constant pressure. another thing is that we have this person on the team that is meant to help you if you arent sure what you are doing and every time i ask him a question he makes me feel stupid for asking, its not what he says exactly but his tone and the rolling of the eyes. On monday i nearly cried it was that bad.
what makes it worse now is that i brought a product where they come and service my boiler every year, well they came and did it yesterday all was fine but after they left about 2 hrs later dh came home and said he could smell gas very badly, so we called transco and they came out and confirmed we had a gas leak on the boiler so we cant use it until they come back out and fix it, now the boiler was fine before they came out so how can i sell the product when they could very well have killed me and my whole family and left me without hot water for 1 day so far FGS what is the world coming to.
Oh dear lord i have ranted havent i sorry for that.

Dawnas, So sorry Ellie may have to have this op the poor thing, the sooner they do it the better though as she isnt likely to remember, i think even if it is for cosmetic reasons they should do it now as she will be so much more aware when she is older.
The state of the NHS worries me to death, when i had my first ERPC they got me mixed up with someone else and very nearly gave me a hystorectomy, i worried myself sick when i went in last time as i was well aware that it could happen again i think i checked about 50 times that they knew what they were doing. sometimes i do wonder whether it would be better for it all to be private so our NI that we pay would pay for private health care or that there was more of a choice.

Anyway will stop ranting going to have a shower becoz luckily that is electric so wont have to stink whilst waiting for boiler to be fixed. I just cant believe it tbh even the the man from transco couldnt believe it.

Hi All,

This is just a quick one as I'm off to bed. Ellie is great at going through the night but will be up at about 5.30am - 6.00am so I tend to go to bed early to make sure I get enough sleep!!

Well, we had Ellie's hospital appointment today with the Consultant about her eye. They had a closer look and they think that the eyelid may be slightly obstructing the pupil, if that's the case, she will need an operation under a general anaesthetic in the next few weeks. If she doesn't have it, she could develop a lazy eye. If it turns out that the pupil is not obstructed for the majority of the time, then it is purely cosmetic so they will wait until the age of 3-4 to do a cosmetic procedure. So we'll find out at her next appointment in two weeks what they think they should do. Whichever way, we have to be referred to the hospital at Exeter as the eye surgeon is based there. So we have to wait and see now.

Ray, I hope that things get better for you at work honey, it's crap when you don't enjoy your job. I know what you mean about doctors aswell. We saw two people for Ellie's eye today, within 10 minutes of each other. The first one we saw asked loads of questions and wrote all our answers down, then the next doctor asked EXACTLY the same questions!! What's the point of the notes if no-one else is going to read them?!!

MJIM, Brilliant news about losing all that weight!! I need to lose just over a stone and have mine and Ellie's 8 week check tomorrow, so hopefully I'll be able to start my diet on Monday - yay!!

Ceebee, we did have our pizza. Mine was lovely but DH had piled his toppings too high so his dough didn't cook properly... He'll know for next time though!! Going to try some rolls soon I think - although when I start the diet the treats will be restricted somewhat!!

Big waves to everyone else. Off to dreamland now!!

xxx

Ray - hiya Sweetheart! Was wondering how you were! Great news that there is a plan for injections and close monitoring when you fall pregnant, excellent. Sorry the consultant was so disorganised though - not good! Good luck with the clomid again, when is AF due? to hear you are hating the job and it is really upsetting you, what is it that is making it awful? Really hope it gets better soon! Bless E not getting any teeth until 18months, N is 10.5months and she only has 2 bottom teeth, very sweet

Hi guys,

Sorry havent been around much have been sooooooo hectic with work, working 10 hr days realy doesnt leave anytime for anything else.

MJIM wow on losing a stone welldone i have tried and tried to lose weight and it just doesnt work so have decided i am as i should be !!! plus i LOVE my food he he.

Willmouse, thats great that ds2 was good in his new bed i'm sure it will be fine for the rest of the week they do adapt very well sometimes.

DAWNAS i saw the new harry potter film to its very good isnt it? have never been able to get into the books though even though i am an avid reader. Have you read Twilight saga its very good i would recommend it i couldnt put the books down and read all 4 in 2 weeks or something silly like that.
Im sure you dont need to lose any weight how old is Ellie now? give yourself time realy it took me a while after i had E and i'm still a stone hiever im sure having a baby changes your body.

CE Glad you had a wonderful time away and Maddie was good for you im sure her sleep pattern will return to normal.
I think it is possible for them to be teething that young although E didnt get her first tooth until she was 18months bless her.

Right well we saw the consultant last week and was abit of a nightmare to begin with as they didnt have my notes and when they found them had no idea re the blood results so i had totell them what i had !! By all accounts when i saw them in feb i was then discharged soon after, why they do not know anyway after he foubnd out what i had he said as soon as i find out i am pg i have to get in contact and they will give me heparing which i will have to inject everyday until 34 weeks then have a break until afteri give birth and then again for about 10 weeks. I will be monitored on a weekly basis to make sure all is going well and that the plancenta doesnt fail. We have decided that we will wait for AF to arrive and then go back on the Clomid i just hope it works quickly again.
Am finding it very hard to muster the energy to bd and well im sure you need to do thatto fall Pg .
The job is CRAP i absolutely hate it and want to cry every time i have to go in am looking for a new one but theres nothing about and as we need the money i have to work there hence i feeling quite down at the mo.
Sorry to come on and be all dome and gloom but as you ladies are sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo nice i know i will get words of support and you will all cheer me up.

Willmouse - thanks tbh I weigh a little less than I was aiming for, but still feel not quite right yet iyswim - DH is worried I am going too low, hence me asking what ideal weight for height was. I am well within the normal range!
Yay for DS2 having a good first night in his 'big boy bed' hope it continues! oooooo how exciting about a 4D scan, we considered one with N, but were too worried about seeing which sex she was lol so didn't!

All ok here, been so busy tidying all the toys etc yesterday, now got about a million things to list on ebay <sigh>

Hope everyone is well!

MJIM - wow a stone! That is really impressive. Surely you don't need to lose much more??!

DS2 did very well in the bed last night. Not a peep. Lets see how the next few nights go........

Right, off to see if I can book a 4D scan!

Ceebee - Nearly a stone thanks for the info!

All ok here though poor N is teething like crazy again!

MJIM ooh how much weight have you lost then?? Well done

Have just checked on the website I use - the maximum healthy weight for a 5ft woman is 9 stone and the minimum is 7st 2lb - hope that helps (I think HC has gone away in the caravan for a week).

Hi everyone

Willmouse definitely a good idea to get DS2 in a big boys bed before the baby comes - we did it with Josh a couple of months before so there wasn't too much change and it didn't seem like Sam was 'pinching' his cot (we have a cotbed) iyswim. Although, maybe not, as Josh's sleep went to pieces when Sam arrived and he was constantly appearing in our bedroom upto 5 times a night and refusing to go back to bed so maybe that wouldn't have happened if he was in his cot (or at least I could have left him in his cot even if he was screaming - food for thought I guess.

Josh has his swimming lesson on a Monday aswell (this afternoon) but he LOVES it (even though he does have to wear a very tight swim cap )

Dawn how was the pizza? Was it yummy? I think I might try and make some pitta bread dough in it this weekend - have done them years ago and remember them being very tasty! (Willmouse - a breadmaker is definitely a worthwhile investment and so much more versatile than just bread )

Hi to everyone else

Am on my own with the boys today for the first time in months - DH has worked at home every Monday since before Easter. I forget how handy it is having him around, even if he is working! Anyway, off to swimming after lunch and then to a play area to meet some friends.

Morning all!

Just got back from swimming lessons for DS1 and DS2 - I do wonder why I bother - it was more of an endurance test At least DS2 enjoyed himself and managed to behave!

I am starting to get stressed about lack of progress with baby preparation (even though I still have 9 weeks to go). Last night I had a dream that I went into labour early and that the house was a complete mess. As a result I am going to spend the rest of the day tidying up.

I have also decided that tonight is the night DS2 gets his big boys bed. I'm not working this week so at least if he has some bad nights I don't have to get up at 8am and cope with 4 children!

Juanitad - aww sweetie, not nice! However N isnt really a biter - but she has done it a few times..... try the firm 'No' or do as I did and just silently unlatch and sit him up on your lap - wait 30 secs and resume feeding, continue at each bite - he will soon get the message! Oh and I just let N get on and eat grass!

CE - yay for new year ttc plans

Dawn - I'm not actually doing WW, we made up our own plan - I have lost lots of weight and was just wondering if HC could advise me of ideal/healthy weight at 5 feet tall!

Evening all,

Juanitad, like CE, I don't have any personal experience of the situation, but when my BF bought her 6 month old around here some time ago, she fed him and he did the same to her. As CE suggested, my BF said "NO" very firmly and he stopped doing it. Definitely worth a try. It certainly hasn't put him on strike!

CE, Yesterday was my first CD1 after having Ellie and it does make me sad that I'm not still PG. I'd forgotten how crappy AFs are!! And how painful - PG was a doddle compared to the pain I was in this morning! Can't say the same for childbirth though - !!

Well, we had our homemade pizza tonight instead of last night because the ILs turned up. Were due to come at 3pm and didn't turn up until 6pm!! So that was dinner out of the window. I had supernoodles at 9pm! Not particularly healthy!!

On the mission to lose some weight, I watched my "Strictly Come Dancersize" DVD this morning. I think I lost about half a stone just watching it!! I think it'll certainly be exercise for the brain just learning all the bloody steps and I was a dancer until I was 16!! Maybe being PG has knocked out my balance and co-ordination. Going to actually start doing it tomorrow, thank goodness DH is at work. I'm sure Ellie won't let on about how stoooopid I'll look!!

Anyway, off to curl up with the last Harry Potter book - got in the mood after watching the film at the cinema a couple of weeks ago. Catch up with you guys tomorrow.

xxx

Thanks CE, people on my PN thread said much the same as you, so I will give that a try if it happens again. I have been practising my firm "NO" with him today, we were out in the garden and he kept picking the grass and trying to eat it!! I think he got the message by the time he had heard "NO" about 50 times!!

juanitad - I am prob the worst person to give advice but didn't want you to go unanswered. Could you try a firm "NO" and if he doesn't stop give another firmer "No" and unlatch him at the same time? You could continue repeating this if necessary? Ignore me if this is rubbish!!! Try not to get yourself upset <<hugs>>

dawn - our snail doesn't have legs lol! His body sits directly on the rockers!

hey guys - we made it onto "Most Active" on the talk links!!!! oooooooooooooo!

Oh and CD1 today <<sigh>> .... it's rubbish not being pregnant ..... December/January we have agreed on to TTC No2#

MJIM, any advice on what to do when baby starts biting when feeding? This happened for the first time yesterday, at Patrick's bedtime feed. He wasn't as tired as normal, as he had a late afternoon nap, so he was still in a playful mood, hence the biting. I tried my best not to react, as I thought it could either a) scare him into a nursing strike or b) egg him on, as he might think it was a game. He carried on anyway, and seemed to have lots of fun doing it. It was v v v v painful!!! I got a bit upset actually, as my first reaction in my mind was "I'm going to have to stop bf", but I'm not ready to stop yet. Thankfully he's not bitten today, I'm hoping he's forgotten he can do it! Ceebee said you might have some good advice, or if anybody else has any advice it would be very welcome!!

Morning all!!

CE, Ahhhh, I knew that someone on here had told me about the rocker!! Had another look at it last night and I'm not actually sure now if it's the snail we've got, as it's got feet!! Has your snail got feet (I'm sure any newbies coming on here would wonder what on earth we're talking about!! ). Maddie could absolutely be teething. My Mum said that one out of the five of us got our first tooth at 2 months, although she did say that it was very unusual.

Willmouse, the breadmaker is brilliant. We don't buy bread anymore. We make one small loaf every two days, either wholemeal or white. We definitely think that we've saved money. You can also make lots of dough, including normal bread dough so that you can make rolls in the oven. They only take about 15 mins to cook in the oven apparently, although we haven't tried those yet. We got the Panasonic SD255 (I think it is) from Argos.

MJIM, I used to find that WW always worked for me - I loved doing it and within a week or so, found that I was never hungry. I used to try and save 4 points a day to use at the weekend, but would then find that I had to eat LOADS of stuff at the weekend to make sure I used them. But it was nice to have something really yummy and naughty at the weekend! I've got my 8 week check on Wednesday so I'm hoping that I can start dieting then. A bit worried what they're going to say though as my lips have been blue, for some reason, since I had Ellie and I've been suffering with some dizzy spells. Think I might still be a bit anaemic, but stopped taking the iron tablets because I didn't want to have constipation when I'd had stitches! Anyway, we'll see...

Juanitad, sorry that you weren't overly impressed with the HV Assistant, sounds like Patrick is doing really well though!! I'm really looking forward to Ellie doing things like that, but at the same time, don't want to wish the time away!!

Fairy, hope you and little Grace are well this morning!!

xxx

Hi all!

Been a busy day here today! My friend came over and has only just left - have known her since we were babies and we always have a lovely time - we dont see each other that often (maybe once a month) but we are like sisters

CE - yay for a fab holiday! Poor you for the seasickness though - not nice!

Dawn - for you, but you are right, a door is never closed without a window being opened, you have to try and see it as a positive thing that led to Ellie

We have a bread maker but never thought to make pizza dough in it..... hmm we are still following the diet plan at the mo so no pizza for us! Mind you I really need som advice from HC the weight watchers expert and fellow 5 footer to what my ideal weight actually is!

Hi ladies

I'm back from Amsterdam. We had a fab time, was lovely and sunny and walked miles! We really enjoyed our break Maddie was very well behaved although didn't sleep as well as usual! I will admit to being a little sea sick on the way back though

It has taken me ages to catch up with everything - you have been really chatty!

welcome to fairywing - congrats on your pregnancy. I take it you are off the thread that dawn, pistachiolemon, summerbird etc were on????

MJIM - yey for N's massive weight gain! She clearly likes real food! I can't actually believe the first bonkers baby is almost 1!!!

Willmouse - glad you had a nice holiday and the boys were good for you. You are on the home straight now and I bet you are getting excited! I love Henry and George. I also like Alexander but Henry and George are pretty high up on my imaginary boys list!

HC - glad the beach hut was good and the girls enjoyed it . I think your bump looks lovely and petite - not at all like my mahoosive belly was!

dawn - yes, today will be a bitttersweet day (I remember our day too) but just focus on your gorgeous daughter . It was be btw who said about the rocker things - we have the snail one!! Our nephew who is 15m loves it so can't wait for M to go on! (We got it for £20 at car boot sale!)

Juanitad - so glad you enjoyed Spain - isn't it boiling hot there atm? You must have sweltered! Wow that P is crawling and cruising so early! ... very advanced ...must be going to be a genius brain surgeon type

ceebee - hope the PT is still going well for J. Glad S is back to his happy self this week and lol at the all the rolling round! I bet you can't leave him for a minute!

All good here, think M might be teething if that is even possible (3.5m) as we are going through about 8 bibs a day in drool! yuck! Everything is going in her mouth as well!

Hi, just wanted to say thanks for the warm welcome

Morning all (just about)

Willmouse considers purchasing breadmaker...................

Hey all,

Hope you've all got lots planned for this weekend!

Realised this morning in the shower, that it's exactly a year today since we lost our first baby... It's a bitter-sweet feeling really because if we hadn't lost our first baby, we wouldn't have our gorgeous Ellie-Bear. So that's the way to look at it I suppose.

Ceebee, I think we're going to have Chicken, Onion, Peppers and some of those lovely spicy bell peppers that they have in Pizza Express - yum yum!!

Hope everyone else is Ok. Ellie is grisling so I'd better go - I'll be back on later though!!

xx

Juanitad - PMSL at 'he's 17lb6 and a bit of a tiddler' N is 10months10 days and is 15lb6 now she really is a tiddler! (even after her recent HUGE weight gain) she is however lazy still immobile and no crawling or cruising from her yet <myjob sits and chills without having to chase baby>

Just wanted to say a quick hi to Fairywing. I am a bit of a sporadic poster, but I do read most posts. I have one DS, 8 months (can't believe how quickly it's gone!) I got pg on only my second month of being on this thread, it's been very lucky for a lot of us and it's so nice to have all the different ladies at different stages, with older DCs, babies, some preg, some TTC...it's a real mixed bag. Hope you carry on feeling well in your pregnancy.

Hi to everyone else. Took P for his 8 month review today which was a bit of a waste of time to be honest. I was seen by the HV assistant, not the actual HV, and she wasn't very knowlegeable. I had quite a few questions, but she wasn't able to answer any of them! P is now 17lb 6, he is a bit of a tiddler, now between the 9th and 25th centile (although at birth was just below 25th centile, so that's fine). He's not put on much weight in the past few weeks as he has learned to crawl and can pull himself to standing and cruise along the sofa, so he is burning the calories like nobody's business. I have to watch him like a hawk now, he gets absolutely everywhere!

Evening ladies

Welcome to fairywing-someone else from Lincolnshire like me but lots younger than me. We do require bump pics on here.

MJIM-excellent weight gain and that looks like a great pressie.

Last day at the Beach Hut today and Emma cried when we left. It didn't rain today-hurrah!

Doing some last minute washing but think I will have to iron it in the morning before we go as so tired. A little boy today said about me 'that girl is really big' and his mum said 'no, she's not that fat'. Rushed off mortified.

Big wave!

HC
x

Ceebee - oooooh enjoy your evening! glad you know the dome is good - very reassuring

Evening all

fairy welcome to this thread - the more the merrier A pink one - how lovely - will balance out the testosterone on this thread as we are overrun with boys

Dawn the homemade pizza was delicious - can't beat fresh dough/bread - I love our breadmaker What toppings are you going to do? We had ham, mushroom and pineapple and lots of mozzarella

Willmouse lol at the MW - I swear sometimes they are just going through the motions during the appointments (but then again, I am sure it must become so routine to them, just like any other job, that they can't help themselves )

MJIM like that present - my friend has one for her little boy and she said it was a really good buy as her oldest (almost the same age as your DS) uses it aswell to play 'house' or 'camping' games in - so 2 uses for the price of 1 And well done N on the weight gain

All good here - Sam is in a remarkably better mood than last week and is very happy. So much easier to look after him like this He is sitting up perfectly now and also rolling all over the floor to get to whatever he wants - I think that might partly explain the better mood, wonder if he was frustrated before

Right, camembert is in the oven, white wine is in my glass and I am a happy girl tonight

Welcome to Fairy and her beautiful beanie Grace - Just about the same age as me

Dawn - glad situation is ok <phew> Yay for new things - I agree cant help but spoil them!

Willmouse - sorry you have had a mad and tiring day! Boys are fab

We have decided what to get N for her birthday - It is fab!!!! here

Took N to be weighed today, she has put on 1lb6oz in 4 weeks she is back on the centiles!

Hey Fairy,

How you doing darlin'? It's so good to hear that things are going well for you - the babydust from the other thread obviously worked!! So, a little pink one - how wonderful!! And I am a massive fan of the name Grace as my gorgeous 4 year old niece is called Lucia Grace!! This thread is amazing and you'll fit right in!! Glad things are going well for you!

Willmouse and HC, great results for both at your MW appointments - not long to go now ladies!! Willmouse, at your MW!! Nice to hear that she was listening attentively during your discussion.

So guys, sorry but it appears that DH and I had been misled over the ILs of Dan's friend's wife wanting custody of the baby - apparently it was a complete misunderstanding and all down to the DW not allowing the ILs total control of the funeral arrangements {hmm]!! All seems fine now, apparently, DH is at the funeral as we speak.

All my stuff arrived from the ELC and the toys are just fab!! My favourite (of course I mean Ellie's favourite ) is the Leapfrog Tad, which was reduced from £22 to £11 and is great! They're all going into the loft from Xmas and we won't need to buy her anything else. Not that she'll need much at 6 months anyway but it's difficult not to spoil her!!

Ceebee, after you talking about home-made pizza, we've decided to do that tomorrow night so we've checked on all the ingredients that we need to make the pizza dough in the breadmaker and we're ready to rock!! I'm excited (yes, Motherhood has changed me to that extent!!).

Big waves to everyone else!! Another great night last night, Ellie slept for 10 hours!!

xxx

Hi Fairywing! I am a bit ahead of you - 29 weeks with my third boy on the way. I am very or your pink christmas - looking like more lego and planet protectors here!

It is unusually quiet here today. Obviously you all have a life and I don't.....LOL!

HC- hope you have a good holiday next week and that the weather improves. Are you off somewhere nice? and are the in-laws going to follow you?

Hello,

Anyone mind if i join??

I recognise a few names already from another thread a few of us were on but all the familiar folk have moved on from that one now so i thought i'd stalk them over here instead!!

For those i don't know i'm currently 21 weeks pregnant with a little girl who we have recently decided to call Grace Catherine (and yes i do know how popular Grace is these days!). I had a mmc with our first baby which finally ended in an erpc at 12 weeks. That was early Feb and i fell pregnant with Grace 1 month later.

I'm feeling lots of movement now which is a mixed blessing as on the days she is quieter i panic that something is wrong!!

She is due on the 11th December so i am hoping for a magical (and very pink) family Christmas this year and am already getting ridiculously excited at the mere thought of it!! I just hope i don't go 2 weeks over making it the 25th!! I'm not sure when they induce here. However i am actually hoping to have a homebirth all being well. I just need my pesky placenta to move up out of the way before my next scan at 34 weeks allow that to happen!

So thats me i think, i'm 26, married with 2 dogs, horses and a whole load of chickens and one of the lucky few who apart from the worrying is thoroughly enjying being pregnant with very few negative side effects.
I look forward to getting to know a few more people here!

Hi, just survived a morning with 4 children - feel exhaused now and DH has banned Ds1 from his playstation and DS so I will have no peace this afternoon either

HC - midwife told me not to worry that the baby was breech as he still had lots of time to turn "er, surely that's not really relevant if I'm having a planned c-section....." - as discussed a nano second earlier......

HC lol I knew you would comment on number 3 - very x 1,000,00 unlikely, sorry! Yay for growing bump

Dawn - that is awful ! About the duck, I have seen one duck shape bath thermometer - but it just has a spot on the bottom which turns red-too hot and ble too cold - yellow is fine - the LED one sounds much better - google to check it!

CE - glad you have had a good afternoon!

Willmouse - yay for good measurements - no idea about ketones though - surely if was a concern it would have been dealt with there and then!

All ok here x

Afternoon all

Back from another hailstone day at the beach hut. We did manage a walk along the beach and saw loads of jellyfish (never seen one before) and dad took the girls on a boat on the lake. Last day there tomorrow.

Saw the MW for my extra appointment and now measuring 30 (am 31+2) so he is growing. He is laid transverse at the moment but the MW said they will only worry about position at 36 weeks. Willmouse-we need a bump pic from you.

Dawn-the poor lady, nobody should have their children taken away. Think I would have to murder my PIL if they tried that.

MJIM-No3 eh?

Must go and do some preparing for our hols in the caravan on Saturday.

Laters!

HC
x

Dawn that is just awful although I am sure 'getting custody' isn't as easy as they seem to think it is. Does the wife have any family (parents etc) that can support her?

Not sure about the duck - have a feeling I may already have seen something similar - if not, sounds like a great idea.

Willmouse good job you came home from holiday when you did otherwise you may have been stuck there (although I can think of much worse places than Majorca to be stuck on )

Had a lovely afternoon with my friend - Sam really enjoyed having another 'baby' (albeit a walking one) to play with They both enjoyed getting their hands on Josh's 'forbidden' toys

Dawn - feel really sorry for the mum in question. I think your DH's idea to try and market the duck is a lovely one.

Just got back from midwife. Measuring 34 which is because he is breech and floating around free (as opposed to with his head down in my pelvis) so there is nothing to worry about. However there were traces of protein and ketones (sp?) in my urine. They didn't seem worried so I will see how things are next week when I see the consultant. Midwife said it was likely that I would be given a date next week and that it is unlikely to be the consultant again <phew> - let's hope not!

Hello again,

Ellie has just gone down for another nap, after taking another mammoth feed. She's now had 15ozs since 6am - pretty good going! Although she'll make up for it tomorrow by having a lot less, she's not very consistent at the moment...

Anyway, it's the funeral of DH's colleague tomorrow and instead of the guys family helping out his widow and their new baby, they're being awful.

When the girl had the baby, she got PND and struggled with anyone other than her and her DH being close to the baby. Unfortunately her PIL were not understanding and it caused some difficulties with them. However, they are now doing the unthinkable. They are going to try and get custody of the baby!! They've decided, purely because of the fall-out with the wife, that she is an unfit Mother!! She's just lost her husband FGS!!! I couldn't believe it when DH told me. He's very passionate about things like that and has said that even though he doesn't know her very well, he's determined to be there for her at the funeral tomorrow if the ILs start anything. How awful though!!

So, same people, different story. Before the guy was taken ill, he was working on an invention at work (DH is a Mechanical Engineer and him and his colleagues are always working on inventions, for fun mostly during their breaks). He was working on a prototype for it and wondered what you ladies think, being Mums.

It was a normal yellow rubber duck to go in the bath, but inside it was a thermometer and some LED lights. You put it in the baby's bath and when the temperature is right, the duck goes yellow, when it's too hot and it goes red and if it's too cold it goes blue.

So, he never got to finish it but DH is wondering whether to do it for him and try and get it made officially by a toy company and agree to let the guy's wife have the profits.

Do you think that it's something that people would buy if it was priced correctly? I know there are bath thermometers, but this would be slightly different as it can be played with in the bath aswell...

MJIM, I'll have a think about something for Naomi...

Ceebee, I keep changing between definitely not having another to maybe having just one more. Trouble is, DH really doesn't want another one and I definitely think it's better to NOT have another one if only one of you wants one, than to have one when only one of you wants one. So Ellie may be an only, child. Thank goodness for cousins!!

xxx

Ceebee - I knew you would be like 'oh we're 100%' TBH I am really happy with my 2 children and cannot imagine us with another - it just feels like N is too young for me to make a final decision and also that because I am only 25 it feels a bit strange too lol!
As for that walker, good idea, but we already have THIS which was DS's and in perfect condition so she doesn't need a new one! lol! Next idea....... ?

MJIM only 99.9% sure eh?? I am so so sure that I only want 2 - never been so sure about anything before! I absolutely know I couldn't cope with 3 - just need DH to go and get the snip now <sigh>

That garage is fab - I have a friend who has it for her DS and Josh loves playing with it - particularly now as cars seems to have become his fave thing (even more so than Thomas ) Bit mean of ELC though!!

No ideas for N - am so the wrong person to ask Can tell you all about boys toys though Maybe a (pink) pushalong walker thing like this Am going to get Sam the (non-pink) one for his birthday I think. The panel comes off and can be played with seperately so 2 toys for the price of 1

Dawn still peaceful chez Dawn? Your cakes sound divine I made home-made pizza last week using the breadmaker to make my own dough - have to say it was delicious (although Josh, true to form, would not eat any and ended up with spaghetti shapes and garlic bread - Sam enjoyed it though!!)

Hi all!

Things better here today - the sun is shining and we all slept a bit better last night!

Ceebee - busted! Seriously we are 99.9% sure we are stopping at two (two is so easy I think I would regret the chaos a third would bring lol) but we always said we wouldnt make our final decision until she turned two years so for now I will hold on to things iyswim!

HC and Willmouse - hope appointments go well today!

Willmouse - I love Alexander (Alex, Lex or Xander shortened if you like!) but all three are nice

Dawn - yay for buying some lovely things! I am a shopaholic for my children but rarely ever buy things for myself. I am a bit annoyed with the ELC tbh as I have a 20% voucher which needs using by 31 july also and Mum and I were trying to order THIS for DS for her to give him for his birthday, but because you get a free pack of cars with it (which we dont even want as he has loads already) it is classed as a star promotion buy and it wont let you get 20% off - I think it is naughty and am not happy!

As for N's birthday no idea what to get her, anyone got any ideas? <answers on a postcard please>

Must go, N awake and crying again ! <sigh>

Hello all,

Willmouse I had to laugh about your list for your DH as it reminded me of the list I did for my DH!! Ours was probably slightly longer than yours however, because it involved buying a house and then fully decorating it before Ellie arrived!! DH did amazingly well since it was a 5 bed house!! He managed to convert two lower ground-floor bedrooms into a Dining room and an office and decorate the other three bedrooms, the bathroom (including replacing the suite and tiling) and decorating the hallways and stairs over three floors!! I told him he could leave the kitchen and the lounge until later this year... So, no excuses now from your DH - besides, I thought football was banned when DWs are pregnant?! That's what I'd heard anyway... Sorry that you had a bad tummy when you were travelling... soooo the worst time to have it. I had that on the plane to Mexico for our honeymoon last year - yuck!! Love the names by the way, although prefer Alexander or Henry - not a fan of George due to being ex-partners name - so a personal thing as opposed to a dislike of the actual name!

HC, good luck with the MW today, hope all goes well and you're measuring up (literally) Ok!! Will be popping back later for your update!

Ceebee, I'm sure your friend was very grateful for the invite - hope you had a nice day and the LO wasn't too grouchy with the chicken pox. I'm hoping that Ellie gets all those things at a young age aswell - makes life so much easier.

MJIM, morning, was it a better night with Naomi last night? Maybe she's already so excited about turning one that she can't sleep!! Any ideas yet on what you're planning to get her?

Big waves to everyone else.

Well, Ellie is still sleeping through the night so I tend to go to bed at around 10pm now as she wakes up at about 6am. So this morning since getting up I've baked a Wholemeal Loaf (in the breadmaker of course... ) and made some fruit and spice rock cakes! Ellie has had 9ozs of formula in 4 hours (obviously hungry today and probably won't eat now until after lunch!) and is now dozing in her bouncy chair. The dog is snoring next to me and the cat is asleep too, so all is peaceful in DawnAS's household this morning (wait for it, someone's bound to kill the peace now...).

We went to the shop where we bought the pram at the weekend and it's closing down, so we got one of Ellie's Xmas presents. I can't remember who suggested it (it might have been Willmouse...) but a while ago I asked for ideas for gifts from family and friends and someone suggested a rocker (as in rocking horse but different animals). They had a Mamas and Papas "Stanley the Snail" in their closing down sale so we bought that. Then on Tuesday, I ordered loads of stuff from the Early Learning Centre because I had a 20% off voucher that needed to be used by 31st July.

So it's been a week of buying things for Ellie - no change there then!! I remember friends telling me that when you have a child, you get more excited about buying things for them than you do about buying things for yourself. Now I know what they mean!!

Anyway, I realise I'm rambling. Off to bake some more cakes!!

xxx

Willmouse Thomasland was fantastic - your boys would absolutely love it (photos are on my FB page if you want to have a look). You pay to get into Drayton Manor so you can go on all the other rides there or look round the zoo aswell if you get bored of Thomas

As for names, if you are going to have John as a middle name, I don't think George John rolls off the tongue easily. Out of the other 2, I prefer Henry I think

Still can't decide on a name either which is driving me mad. Shortlist is Henry, George, or Alexander. Middle name is going to be John after my Dad (which is unfortunate considering our surname which will subject the poor child to a life sounding like he's been named after a famous department store).

Morning all!

Feeling more chirpy today as the stomach cramps have finally subsided.

HC - let me know how much you measure. I feel like a heffer this time so can't wait to see what my measurement is. Are you having an additional appointment then?

MJIM - missed your comment about not selling your baby clothes LOL . I am not selling anything until DH has had the snip.

Ceebee - how was Thomas Land? Forgot to ask you yesterday. It is only about 30 mins away from here and we have never taken the boys

When are you supposed to pack your bag ready? Is it 36 weeks? I am convinced I am not going to go to 39 weeks this time. I have an appointment with my consultant next Thursday and he said that next time he sees me he is going to set the date <eek>.

After much deliberation on holiday and then a disasterous bedroom sharing experience between DS1 and 2 with DS1 screaming for a light on and DS2 screaming for it off we have decided to put them in separate bedrooms. Our spare room is a complete tip with anaglypta on the walls and a 1960's brown carpet so it is a huge task. DH seems to be in denial about it and to top it off is off to Cardiff this Saturday and next to watch the football (which means that Sunday will be written off as well). I may start a "Mark's list of things to do before I have the baby" to shock him into action LOL!

Morning all

Willmouse welcome back I thought you had been away longer than 2 weeks! Majorca sounds lovely - am very of anyone going abroad...we will do it one day....

HC your bump does looks lovely and small - I have just been looking at the photo I took of mine at 33 weeks and it was HUGE compared to yours (no surprise that Sam turned out to be a whopper then ) Hope the MW puts your mind at rest.

MJIM "haven't sold any of N's clothes (wont do until sure we are not having another)" - hang on lady, I thought you were 100% sure you weren't having anymore....having second thoughts are we?? I can't believe that N is nearly 1 either - this year has flown by so quickly!!

Got a friend coming round this afternoon for a brew - she has a 14 month old with chicken pox and has been stuck in the house since the weekend. Since Sam has already had it, I thought it would give her a break from her 4 walls

Wow HC beautiful I know I am in about it too- better decide what to buy her soon!!!! REally feel for you and your wobbly pelvis, big hug for you x

Evening all

Willmouse-welcome back and glad you had a great time but not good having an upset tummy while travelling. I am going for a 31 week check tomorrow so the MW can measure again.

MJIM-sleep will happen one day. Nearly 1, can't believe it.

31 week bump -can I survive another 9 weeks with a wobbly pelvis????

Love to all!

HC
x

Yay for a good holiday Willmouse and for well behaved boys!

All ok here tonight, though I was up half the night with Naomi again that's 3 nights in a row, I fear 'sleeping through' is going to become a distant memory!

Cannot believe how quickly this year has gone - Naomi will be One in just 7 and a half weeks My baby is nearly all grown up already!

Hi all!!!

Got back from Majorca yesterday and had a fantastic time (which is a good job as we had already booked to go back next year when DS3 will be 9 months!). DS1 and 2 were really good boys and enjoyed themselves thorougly - they even went to the Thomson Club three mornings so we got a break! Downside was that I had a bad tummy yesterday travelling back which was not good but I coped. I will put some pictures on when I unpack the camera!

Have caught up quickly as there were quite a few posts. For some reason I couldn't get onto any of the threads on Mumsnet for the two weeks before we came away, which coincided with DH upgrading internet explorer. I have got straight on today so hopefully the problem has sorted itself out.

Ceebee - well done to Josh on the potty training. It is definitely worth waiting until they are ready - if nothing else it takes half the time!

Ray - fantastic news on the blood tests. I hope you get a BFP very soon.

CE - hope you have a good holiday.

I am 29 weeks today and am off for my 28 week check up tomorrow. I will interested to see what I measure, as like HC I feel huge!

Right better go off and look as if I've been doing something while DH has been at ASDA!

HC - Willmouse is in Majorca

Ceebee - yay for Josh - clever boy as for Sam, maybe he has a better nap at nursery and so manages the bedtime routine better - or maybe he comes home so happy because he is just so pleased to see you

detox is 34 weeks so not due quite yet. Willmouse has also disappeared so hope they are both OK.

HC
x

Dawn glad things have improved with DH - probably just some 'issues' he needed get to resolve by himself - becoming a parent is such a life-changing thing isn't it?

CE phew about the passport - have a great time away

MJIM I was thinking about Detox today aswell (great minds must think alike eh?) - hope she is ok? Can't remember when she was due but am fairly sure it is imminent.

Well, I am so proud of Josh and his potty training - went to nursery today and came home in the same pair of underpants/shorts that he went in Although once he has done a poo, he looks at it in the potty and decides what it is - so far we have had a 'curly' one, several 'sausages' and this evening's was a 'rocket' (to be fair, it did look rocket-shaped ) Bless him he is so proud of them

Am wondering (not seriously ) if I could send Sam to nursery every day - he has been today for his 2nd full day and apparently was great again. But have noticed that both days he has been, he has come home in a really good mood - normally as bathtime approaches, he gets really grumpy and grouchy - but not on nursery days

Hi all!

Dawn - that's great news glad your DH is feeling better!

HC - I am getting really excited now you are on the 'final countdown' !

Can anyone remember when Detox is due <must go back and have a look in a minute> she hasnt been on for ages - I hope she is well!
Loads of the original bonkers missing.... of course I love all the newer bonkers too..... I sometimes feel sad for the original bonkers not being around anymore - silly I know!

Hello all,

Things have definitely improved with DH. CE, he does work full-time but I can't see how he can be that tired as Elesha sleeps through the night and I get up in the morning when she wakes up at 6am. TBH, I tend to go to bed at about 9pm and he watches TV and doesn't come up until midnight as he only needs about 5 hours sleep - he's always been the same . But anyway, all is fine now. As we were putting Ellie to bed last night he said "You're a really brilliant Mum", totally out of the blue! I was thrilled and then realised afterwards that I should have told him what a good Dad he was - ooops!!

DH is back at work this week and Ellie is being a gem through the day. She's quite happy to sit in her chair and just look around her while I get on with housework - but now I feel guilty that I'm not keeping her amused all the time!! Does the guilt ever end?!

HC, 31 weeks - gosh!! Sorry about the SPD - sounds crappy...

Juanitad, glad that you had a lovely time, even if it was a little tiring.

MJIM I hope you're Ok today!!

CE, I hope that you have a really lovely time in Amsterdam. I've never been there but DH has been a couple of times and really enjoyed it. DH and I have only had one foreign holiday together and that was our honeymoon!! That's the problem I guess when you get married late and buy a house in the same year!!

Ceebee, glad you had a lovely time at the zoo and yay for potty-training!!

Well, off to make some rock cakes now - although I'm putting chocolate chunks and hazelnuts in mine!! Yum yum!!

xxx

Ceebee - Hope the Potty Training is still going well

HC - try not to worry about being small until you see the midwife, is so difficult to measure yourself, how horrible and about the SPD though, I had it mildly and is aggers! Yay to the beach hut, great fun!

CE - Yay to the passport, have a lovely holiday As for ebay I am a shopaholic serial buyer not a seller haven't sold any of N's clothes (wont do until sure we are not having another) but anyway I am sure N and M are in the same size clothes anyway

Juanitad - glad you had a good holiday and P enjoyed being away, not good about lack of sleep though - hope he settles back soon!

All ok here - was going to post more, but N has just woken so have to go and get her...... that keep happening lol!

Hi all,

Back from holiday and just wanted to check in although haven't had a chance to catch up yet. Hope everyone is ok.

Holiday was pretty good. Patrick absolutely loved being away, he was the most excited little boy I've ever seen the whole time we were away! I found myself getting quite stressed a lot of the time though, as he didn't sleep much (probably cos he was so excited!), either day or night time, so I was quite knackered and still am to be honest!

Still, it was a good experience but I'm glad to be home again (I'm a bit of a home bird at heart!)

Back later to catch up properly.
x

Hi everyone

Well, Maddie's passport has finally arrived yey! We go to Amsterdam tomorrow though so were cutting it fine! And the moral of the story is ..... . I am really looking forward to a few days over there as we have been lots as a couple and this will be our first as a family! Aww! DP has planned out a lovely walk along a canal that is a good few miles for us to do - must pack sensible shoes!

Today is going to be mad dash packing and getting Euros etc plus DP's Grandma is having a BBQ tonight! No rest for the wicked hey!

Dawn - Elesha is absolutely gorgeous! She looks so cute and smiley! You are obviously keeping her happy! Really sorry to here about your DH's friend - hope they get some good support. I agree your DH might not be necessarily jealous but extremely tired! Is he going to work full time? I would just see if it gets better or worse for now. Or you could try talking to him?

HC - ouch for SPD! Your baby is going to be all lovely and petite I reckon - not long to go now! Glad things are better between you and DH, hormones and men folk who don't understand or won't compromise don't go well together! Enjoy the beach hut!

ceebee - well done on the potty training! I have to laugh though that he told you about the poo after he hads started it! Hope the HV is helpful re the milk. The only thing I could think of myself was milky puddings eg. rice pudding?

MJIM - feeling better? I'm now wondering if I have bought anything off you off ebay! How funny would that be?!

Thanks for all your advice about weaning/HV. I'm hoping you are right that they like to talk to you before you start! I have been reading up on it all and am quite excited!

Morning all

Quiet on here. Having a nice week as dad has hired a beach hut for the week in Mablethorpe so took the girls yesterday and going Weds, Thurs and Fri so great fun. Unfortunately my pelvis has given way and is grinding so looks like the dreaded SPD is back. GGGRRRHHH!!!

Girls at MIL's today so hope they are home earlier than 10pm tonight as still feel a tad irritable and can easily turn grumpy.

31 weeks today so after our week in the caravan next week will be packing my bag. Seeing the MW on Thurs and have tried to measure myself but the tape measure is nowhere near 31 cm for 31 weeks. Don't want sending for a scan as want to go to the beach hut.

Hope all OK.

HC
x

Dawn how awful That is so tragic

HC glad all is ok again - hope your DH is going to be a little more supportive now

Well <whispers very quietly> potty training has gone amazingly well woke up yesterday, took Josh's nappy off and put pants on - and that was that. He has had no accidents at all (apart from one poo which he started in his pants and then realised and rushed straight to the potty) We went to the zoo yesterday afternoon and did put him in a nappy for that (which I know you aren't meant to do ) but that is it now - no more nappies unless he is having a nap/bedtime. I am now convinced this supports my laziness theory that when they are ready, it will happen really easily

Although he was, shall we say 'challenging' at the zoo yesterday No idea what had got into him but he was an absolute pain in the backside and completely ruined the afternoon...but hey ho!

Am struggling with Sam a bit - think I may need to call the HV for the first time ever He is hardly drinking any formula now - just point blank refuses the bottle - he is getting nowhere near enough. I would be quite happy to drop his mid-morn/mid-pm one if he was downing his morning/bedtime bottles but he only has a little bit of those aswell.

Anyway, hope you are all having a good weekend

HC <phew> good news!

Normal service seems to have been resumed ladies thank goodness!

Dawn-I think what is happenning to your DH is normal as the men just can't cope with sharing their wives/partners and he will blame Ellie for this. People say you must treat your DH/DP's the same with the same amount of attention they were given before the birth but IMO it is nigh on impossible and your DH will have to get used to it. It happened to someone DH works with and he felt his wife was not giving him enough attention but he got over it in the end. Your DH will miss you both when he goes away. How tragic about his friend, such a nasty and quick illness.

Have a good day ladies, going to take the girls out on their bikes before it rains.

HC
x

Dawn thinking and praying for that family - also for your DH at this horrible time x

MJIM, sorry that your DH is feeling so poorly - doesn't help that the weather isn't very summery!!

Had some really really sad news in the last half an hour. DH's friend from work got diagnosed with a rare form of Leukiemia just before Xmas. DH spoke to him last week and he was doing much better.

Shockingly DH had a call at 10pm from his boss to say that his friend had died at 5.30pm. DH is devestated.

The guy was only 30 and had a baby who is only 8 months old.

It's going to be a hard weekend for DH. I never actually met the guy, but I'm really feeling for his wife and baby right now...

xxx

Oh Dawn, she is beautiful - such a smiley happy little sweetheart bless her!

Dawn - sorry to hear you are having a hard time with DH - both Jealousy and depression are possible - he may also be just tired and not himself, see how you go! Wow to long legs N's legs are soooooo short and fat I am much better, but DS has an awful cough Glad Ellie is doing well and the hip scan was good! Off to look at your pics

Hello all,

Sorry I haven't been on for so long - I hope that everyone is Ok!!

Ray, great news about your bloods hun!! Sounds like things should start moving fairly soon then - yay!!

CE, like you I'm really worried about Swine Flu. One of my sisters works in a shop and some of her staff have got it, my brother works for TNT and someone in his office has it and my other sister owns a pub/restaurant and they've had customers that have gone down with it, so I'm convinced we're going to get it at some point. When I start back at work, Ellie will be mixing with school children, both when she's with the Childminder and when she's with my SIL as she has children of her own. It's scary stuff!! Maddy is absolutely gorgeous - you must be such a proud Mummy!!

Ceebee, great news about Sam's first full day - that's brilliant!! It won't be long and he'll be able to tell you all about it - well, I guess there's a little way to go yet!!

MJIM, sorry that you're poorly again - there seems to be a lot going around!! I hope that you feel better soon.

Juanitad, hope you have a lovely time in Spain - I've probably already missed you now though!!

HC, I'm sorry that things are tough for you right now. Our DHs sometimes have a lot to answer for. I hope that things start to improve since. Try and look after yourself and your little boy though...

So, talking of men, I'm having problems with my DH aswell. For the last couple of weeks or so he's been behaving really strangely. He has had no time for Ellie and moans even if I ask him to hold her so that I can have a cup of tea!! It's really strange and so unexpected. My Mum seems to think that he is a little jealous of her and I'm starting to think that she could be right. It's such a shame though because Ellie such a good baby. DH has been off on holiday this week and it's been awful. I've been walking on eggshells the whole time and can't wait for him to go back to work. He's actually going away to Israel for a course on 16th-20th August and I'm actually looking forward to him going - is that wrong? I think maybe he'll realise what he's missing when he's gone.

I have to confess that the last couple of days he has been better so I hope that he's getting over whatever the issues were, but it's not a nice feeling. At one point, he was holding Ellie (begrudgingly) and she was crying and he wasn't even looking at her. It broke my heart to see it.

But anyway, onto Ellie. She is doing so well. We weighed her today and she's now 10lb - she's put on 1lb since last Monday!! She's already growing out of the 0-3 month trousers/babygros because her legs are so long!! Her body is still mostly newborn size but she's taking after her Mum with her legs. I'm only 5ft 8 but my legs are 34"!!

We are getting loads of gorgeous massive smiles, so I've put a couple of pics on.

We also had her hip scan yesterday (I had hip dysplacia when I was born) and both of her hips are fine. So it's just the eye to sort now.

Anyway, hoping that things are good with everyone else. I'm sure our homelife will sort itself soon, Ellie and I are fine anyway and so in love with each other - I wouldn't be without her for the world!!

xxx

Oooooo Ceebee - yay! Well done Josh and Good luck!

CE - also I didnt wean until just before 6 months (25 weeks iirc) and N had fallen waaaayyy off the bottom of the centile chart, hardly gained weight at all etc - still I remained exclusively breastfeeding and didnt wean at all - she is fine, as is M!

CE - don't panic just yet - in most areas it is normal for Mums to either attend a weaning talk or have a HV visit to discuss weaning around 16 weeks - this is purely for the fact that some people do wean at around 17 weeks and it is best that if this is to happen then they are well informed - also can help people know it is ok and better to wait longer iyswim - However if the HV does try and push early weaning - thank her for her opinion, tell her you are aware of the current guidlines of waiting until 26 weeks before beginning weaning and that is what you intend to do - stay matter of fact and don't worry about it!

CE Sam was exactly the same in that he was somewhere near the 99th centile at birth but soon settled to just above the 50th which I think is just more his 'natural' weight iyswim. It may be that the HV is just wanting to provide you with advice ready for when you do want to wean - but even if she pressurises you you don't have to do it, after all she is not in your home so can't control what you do. Fwiw, I think Maddy sounds absolutely fine on the milk and I really really wouldnt' even be thinking about weaning yet - honestly it is not worth the potential risks is it?

Just nod and humour the HV, and then when you shut the door to her, ignore everything that she has said

Well looks like potty training has finally finally started (Josh - not Sam ) at last The last 2 days he has hardly worn a nappy at nursery and only had 2 small accidents so I guess this is it....still having slight issues with poos (only seems to want to do them in pants/nappies and tells us he needs a poo after he has already done it <sigh>) but am hoping the promise of an entire bag of choc buttons might just do the trick Wish me luck for the weekend ladies

Thanks ladies!

HC - another hug for you. Sounds like things have turned nasty. I can't believe DH is treating you like this while you are pg - he should be treating you like a queen! Don't have any advice though sorry.

ceebee - hope Sam is feeling better (and really hope it's just a cold/teething)

MJIM - yay for N loving her toys!

I have an interesting problem here. My HV (who I don't rate much tbh) has made an appointment to visit my home next week to "discuss" weaning. Maddie is only 15 weeks so far far too early surely??? Everything I have read says around 6 months but def not before 4 months. I want to wait til as close to 6 months as possible.

HV was asking me stuff like "Is she showing signs of wanting to wean?" "Is she interested in food?" I just kept saying no! HV gave me a very odd look! M is still sleeping through the night, and taking 6 x 6oz per day. She is very content and not staring at our food or anything! Her weight has come down the charts from 99th C at birth (lol!)to between 50th and 75th now, but she's still gaining weight every time.

DP says HV might just want to talk about weaning before we want to start (hopefully) but I'm worried she will be putting pressure on us to wean.

I don't know what I will say to her when she is here - feel I need to defend myself but these are the guidelines are they not?

Very confused!

HC - a great big hug for you sweetheart, such unnacceptable and insensitive behaviour from your DH

Ceebee - DS and Naomi are so different too! DS was nearly walking by N's age, she doesnt even crawl or stand yet! love playing with toys though!

Things no better girls as DH hasn't spoken a word to me since Tuesday, things are unbearable and I am very and cry lots. Girls are trying to cheer me up when Daddy makes me sad.

ChocEclair-lovely photo.

Big wave!

HC
x

CE wow Maddy is gorgeous

Sam is not very well at the moment Not sure what it is (but fairly sure it is not swine flu ) - just seems off colour, a little bit hot (but not in danger territory) and has been sick after lunch for the last 2 days (today's was all over the floor in Nando's ) Has nappy rash aswell so wondering if he is teething (all new territory for me as Josh's teeth came through with no problems whatsoever!)?

It really dawned on me how different Josh and Sam are personality-wise - you don't think you can tell at this age but it is becoming really obvious. I was playing stacking cups with Sam this afternoon and I was building them up into a tower and he concentrates very hard to get the top cup off the tower whereas Josh, at a similar age, would knock the entire tower over with one swipe and giggle his head off about it - so so different <Ceebee hopes that this shows Sam is not going to be such a livewire as Josh is >

Awww CE, gorgeous pic! M is beautiful!

juanitad - have a fab time in spain (bet you were organised and got p's passport ages ago!)

ceebee - glad sam did well at nursery and you had a relaxing day

hc - hope you're feeling happier today

ray - I didn't mean to make you cry! I knew you would feel the same as I did when you heard it though.

All good here, been swimming today which was lovely. There were only 4 other people in the pool!

Have managed to put pic on profile as well

Ceebee - yay for Sam having great day at nursery! Wow for him being such a great weight

Juanitad - Enjoy spain

All ok here x

Juanitad have a lovely time in Spain - the travelling will be fine and P will settle just as well there (assuming you have a hairdryer ). Sam is just going to nursery one day a week for the next 6 weeks - he will start 4 days a week from 1 September (even though I am not back at work until 15th) but I want to be around if there are any problems/have a little time to myself before I launch back into chaos work! Tbh, I am really happy with the arrangements and think it is a really good way of introducing him gradually to nursery - part of me wishes I had done it with Josh aswell but Josh was only 6 months old when I went back to work so if I had started him in gradually like I am doing with Sam, Josh would only have been about 4 months and I don't think I could have done that.

Just been to get Sam weighed - he is now 20lb 2oz which is a whole 2lbs heavier than Josh was at this age - they'll soon weigh the same (particularly now as Josh has twigged he can get away with passing his food onto Sam's plate )

So glad Sam had a good day at nursery, ceebee. So how often will he be going to nursery? I know you're back at work in September, is he just doing a day a week till then? Sounds like a really good idea, a good way of settling him in, part of me wishes I had sorted something like that out for the summer, so September won't be such a shock to the system for either of us!

Off on a big adventure tomorrow, our first holiday with P! We are going to Spain, just for four days, as a friend of ours is getting married there. Slightly nervous about the logistics of travelling with a baby! CE, hope you get passport sorted so you can have your holiday too.

Hi to everyone else, not so good at keeping up these days, must do better!!

Just a quickie as my tea is ready!

Sam had a fab day today so all my fears were completely unfounded

Apparently he was a 'complete dream' all day - ate everything, went to sleep in the cot without a murmur, played happily, barely needed his dummy....why is he not like that at home Anyway, all went very well and he was full of smiles when he came home so obviously not too upset by me 'abandoning' him - phew!!

As for me, had a very lazy day After the hospital, had lunch then lounged around surfing the net, reading Closer and having a nap. Have promised DH that I will be more productive on my day off next week

Ceebee- yay for being happy with 2! For op not being during ML - and also big for consultant saying you do not look overweight - I quite agree - lovely! Hope sam has a good day!

Ray - how are you feeling now?

HC - sounds like a tough weekend with lots to deal with all at once - you have every right to be hormonal and sensitive, everyone else is just being difficult and awkward!

CE - how annoying re. the passport! Ha ha, that is how much shopping spree's began - I used to buy loads from ebay, now I just get things when they have big sales on - lovely!

Full of cold here <again> N seems fine so far, DS has an awful cough though and I feel generally grot! Had a day trip to visit MIL and family yesterday in Cornwall, was lovely - DS was
an angel he behaved sooooooo well with DH's sister (3year old) and our neice (also 3) and we didnt have a problem once all day - we left at 7.30am and got back just before 10pm - soooooo proud of him!! They hadn't seen N since her dedication on 1st March so obviously she has changed totally since then and she was a gorgeous poppet all day - they all adored her! So proud of my babies!

CE goog god you made me cry (how silly) . That is so true though, my baby has not even been concieved and i do love it already, does that make sense ???

and to the passport people they are so so rubbish, i realy hope they sort it for you and you get to go on your trip

HC i am feeling very at your DH, you need as much support from him as possible at the moment and regardless of the money situation he could get you something small it is the thought that counts afterall.
I also think that your PIL have been very insensitive too, i understand that they cant arrange things around others but going away the day after matthew you little boy is due is abit off i think. i hope your parents are able to help you out with the girls. Just think that if he is born on time then they are the ones who will miss out on their grandson.
I hope it gets better for you too hon, if i was near you i would help out !

Ceebee, yay for the consultant saying you are not overweight. Good luck with the op, will it help alot afterwards?
Im sure same will be fine at nursery and make sure you catch up on some you time.

Dawn for your LO having to have an op on her eye, i hope they do it soon so she wwont remember it and will recover quickly.

Well i am feeling crap today, runny nose, headache and achy musles and realy hoping its just a cold and not the swine flu that my sis and neice have had, i realy could do without that. Plus AF is due, either that or i'm late cant be sure as cant remember exactly when last one was, there is a part that hopes i am UTD we did bd at the right time but not holding my breath. so of course am emotional and pmtish.
Just relaxing on the sofa watching telly and posting on here its been so long since i have sone this its so nice.

HC that sounds pretty crap tbh and your DH doesn't sound like he is being very supportive either. God, arranging one party was hard enough for me this time and I am not pg and wasn't catering it myself!! And as for your DH telling you couldn't afford to buy you something, a bit more sensitivity wouldn't have gone amiss would it? The priority is you and Matthew your baby boy so make sure you look after yourself and do whatever you need to do

CE I am sure the passport company will pull it out of the bag for you How frustrating for you though - bloody bureaucracy!!

Well am feeling a bit lost today without my boy around - he seemed ok when I dropped him off at nursery although he did look at me with his gorgeous huge eyes in a 'where are you going' confused kind of way! Josh, of course, had to come and 'help' me drop him off Roll on 5 o'clock!!

Just been to the hospital - agreed that I need the op and it will be September time (yay ) I can just see me having to go back to work for a week and then off sick for another 3 which seems a bit silly but can't think of another way round it tbh. But the consultant did make my day by saying that my GP had mentioned in her report that I was overweight but he said 'you don't look at all overweight to me' Always nice to hear eh?

Ray - a friend at work told me this quote by Charles Dickens no less. Made me well up and immediately thought of you

“The whole difference between construction and creation is exactly this: that a thing constructed can only be loved after it is constructed; but a thing created is loved before it exists.”

I'll go before I come over all philosophical! lol!

Aww HC - <<massive hugs>>. Sounds like you need some support from all your family but esp DH. At 30 weeks I reckon you are entitled to down tools and retire to bed leaving them to it. I would be annoyed if my parents booked a holiday right near my due date as well.

Congrats on 30 weeks though!!!

ceebee- hope nursery goes well for Sam today. I'm sure he will love it and Josh will look after him! Hope also that your op is after you go back to work then you get sick pay!

Ray - fantastic news!!!! I am sending some positive pg vibes your way now! Just think this time next year .............

MJIM - hope ds had a better night last night and you got some sleep. N sounds adorable (you're much worse than me for shopping I think! I buy loads but off ebay!)

Hope everyone else, babies and bumps are well xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

All good here. I have now finished work for almost 7 weeks yey!

I'm a bit narked with the passport office actually but not a lot I can do. We have booked a trip to Amsterdam a week tomorrow and sent for Madeleine's passport 2 weeks ago. It hasn't arrived so DP phoned them this morning and they haven't even started it. I don't hold out much hope of it coming in time tbh so we will lose our money and our trip! Oh well

Will try to put a pic of her in her bumbo seat on here later - very cute!

Morning ladeez

Ceebee-hope Sam has a good day, am sure he will. Here's hoping your op will be after you return to work but you will be much better after it.

ray-sounds good news from your meeting. Hoping for a BFP very soon.

Struggling a bit here with hormones I think. Had Em's party on Sunday and DH was ill so no help whatsoever which caused a row and made me cry. This upset the girls because Daddy made Mummy cry. Then my FIL was in one of his annoying moods. Turns out they are going away for 2 weeks the day after my boy is due. I just said it was bad timing thinking they would miss out but deep down that changes my contingency plans of where the girls will go when the time comes. FIL said they couldn't arrange their life around me and that I never said that was my due date and what do the hospital know about when a baby is due and what a lot of rubbish it all was as I could tell them better when my baby is due. He just wouldn't listen to me saying about getting a due date from measuring the baby. Anyway, also realised last night they are also away for my 40th which is a week after my boy is due so obviously didn't want a party at my house as I wouldn't be able to cope with guests and no cleaning or washing will have been done so was hoping DH would have done something at his mum's house like my BIL did for his 40th. Well, that won't happen now so I need to speak to my mum and dad to see if they can do nibbles for us. It would only be us and mum and dad but again it is me doing the organsising. DH said he can't afford to buy me anything so another row this morning and the girls see DH make me cry again. DH is 40 next year so my PIL will want to know what I am planning but as his B'Day is 17 days before Sophie's 4th I think he can celebrate at her party and if his mum wants to plan something then she can. Am fed with having to do everything on my own. Have done 3 parties in 3 weeks for the girls without any help, have sorted all the presents like I do for every occasion including his relatives B'Day and Christmas presents and being 30 weeks PG it has really got to me this time. On Sunday I came into the kitchen to find DH discussing my crying fit with MIL. DH said just give them cake next year but you can't invite family round and not feed them and the girls want party food. I said I'm not having family at all but of course I will have to but won't be PG then.

Sorry about the me, me, me post but needed to offload.

Big wave to all!

HC
x

30 weeks!

MJIM lol I am still definitely stopping at 2 As you know, the first few months of Sam arriving were an absolute nightmare thanks to Josh's behaviour, and I do not want to repeat that again!!! Me and DH are both perfectly happy with our boys

Took Josh for his first ever swimming lesson today - he looked so cute and did really well (although am a bit how he completely behaved himself for the 30 minutes and did exactly what he was told by the teacher....funny how he never does that for me and DH )

Well Sam has his first full day at nursery tomorrow I really hope he is going to be ok!!

Awww Ceebee Not nice! I remember you having a lot of problems with your gallbladder, but I forgot the extent <sorry > I didn't realise you needed it removed! Really hope it doesn't crop up too soon and you get to enjoy these last precious weeks of ML!

BTW meant to ask you...... now Josh is being a delight and Sam is past 6 months are you definitely still stopping at two?? <nosey!>

Ray that sounds like great news and at least you have some answers Will have everything crossed for you!!

MJIM in answer to your question on FB, I have to have my gallbladder taken out. I have an appointment at the hospital on Tuesday with the surgeon but I really really don't want it done before I go back to work - mainly because I am managing the symptoms with my diet at the moment and I have only got a few weeks left with Sam and I don't want them spoilt by recovering from an op

Ray - brilliant news about the blood clinic! such positive news! Ds's night terrors don't seem as bad as before - they are not everynight, hope they don't last too long!

Been a good day today!

Off to cornwall for the day tomorrow to visit DH's Mum, will most likely be exhausting (6 hours in car in total!) will be worth it though as DS is very very excited about seeing his Nanny!

Hi guys,

Sorry i havent been around much have been very very hectic with work etc.

Had my appointment on weds with the blood clinic and feel so much better about everything. they are sure that this is what is causing my Mc and that with the treatment of heparin i will go on to have a happy healthy and safe pg. just have to wait to see the recurrent mc clinic in just over a week and then we have decided that we will start the clomid again. so heres hoping.
am due on now and is def on its way so no chance this month.

HC i would have kept emily off school too but as it happens my sister has had it and now my neice has it so there realy is no way for me to get away from it. they have given my neice tamiflu but by all accounts they are only giving it to the under fives over 60s and pregnant women so you would get it if god forbid any of you came down with it. Happy to Em for today

MJIM so sorry for ds getting his night terrors back i realy hope it is just a one off and they will go again.

CE Yay for spending money. i work so much at the moment tjhat i dont get a chance to spend anything. suppose that is good in a way at least we are saving.

sorry if i have forgotten anyone i will catch up more later must now go and do the ironing Groan.

Ceebee - yay for Josh being a pleasure! I wonder if we have bought our boys any of the same things in the sale!!!!

Evening ladies

CE I am also very worried about swine flu but I am sure that is because of the media hype - although I am fairly sure it is inevitable that the boys will catch it

MJIM I spent a fortune in the Next sale on Thursday morning They actually had some lovely stuff left for the boys (and me) which is unusual!!

HC Happy Birthday to Em for tomorrow

All good here - had a lovely day today Josh really is a pleasure to be around these days which is just lovely!!

Must have deleted my message for HC as I posted my last message

HC - Happy birthday for Tomorrow to little Emma though sad that she/you missed the award giving, and typical the year she wins you cannot go - think health is way more important though! Really need pregnancy updates from you missy!

CE - Wow! that's some degree!!!! As for being scared, I try not to be and to let my children experience as much as possible, I think everything makes me scared and nervous but I just get on with it and have faith all will be ok! Glad work is going ok and little M is getting on well Bet she stands up more than Naomi, who is 10 months on tuesday

morning bonkers ladies!

I know I've been very lax but being back at work and then coming home to M has left me zero time to MN! Nightmare!

All good here although feeling increasngly worried about swine flu. I have read that babies under 6 months would be hospitalised if they contract it which I would not like at all. Keeping a VERY close eye on her. We don't go to mother and baby gps so she isn't in contact with other babies/children much but I am! I'm prob being totally paranoid and PFB about it, but my degree is in medical microbiology so it's a case of knowing too much info! lol! HC - I would have kept Emma off school as well.

M is really good - she is now rolling over all the time, and can stand up if you hold her arms! She has the most gorgeous giggle and smiles constantly. It is wonderful! Dawn - yes you will be doing everything you can to make Ellie laugh!

ceebee - glad the parties went well. Sounds like a real memory making day for you all. I'm not on facebook but would love to see a piccie!

MJIM - glad your trip to london went well. I have only been to London maybe 3 or 4 times ever and I have been quite scared! Esp on the tube lol! You are very brave taking kids on it!

HC - how long to go now??? Bump update def required!

dawn - sorry to hear Ellie might need an operation on her eye . You will find it harder than her! It is better to sort it while she's still tiny and she won't remember a thing. Toddlers in hospital must be really difficult.

waves to everyone else xxxxxxxxxx

Am here but having Emma and Sophie home now for the hols leaves me with less time to MN. Also busy sorting and cleaning ready for Em's 6th Birthday on Sunday.

Tad upset because Em won a school award at the Leavers Service today but we didn't go due to the Swine Flu. Missed my proud mum moment. She didn't get anything last year so typical that she does on the one occasion we can't go.

Hope all OK.

HC
x

<pokes head around door>

Where on earth is everyone??? Hope everybody is ok!

Things fine here, all a bit tired but otherwise good!

N is getting more and more delightful by the day <if it's even possible for her to be more delightful lol!> and I am absoloutely loving having the two of them and watching them play and interact together, it makes me a bit broody even more confident that stopping at two is right for us!

Got N some gorgeous dresses in Monsoon today and hoping to get some bits for DS and N in the Next sale (online VIP preview in a little while) I never was a big shopper..... until I had babies

Love to all x

Ceebee - DS is getting much better as he gets older, but when we went to London last week we resorted to a wrist strap as were using the tube etc and losing him there would have been terrifying for everyone involved! Usually hold hand firmly - but like I say as they get older it gets better!

Dawn awww, the giggle really is the best sound in the world (soon followed by a 3 year old saying 'mummy I love you' )

MJIM glad I am not alone with the running off - it is really starting to annoy me and DH as it is obvious that Josh knows it is wrong to do it but does it because he thinks it is a game - and we have no choice but to run after him as we are so worried about him running onto a road/out of sight etc - have absolutely no idea how to resolve it though. One 'helpful' shop assistant told me on Monday that reins would be a good idea - not sure that I agree that a 3-year old should be on reins and, even if I did, there is no way Josh would put them on!!

Awwww Dawn, lovely and well done Ellie - best sound in the world is my children's laughter!

Hi guys,

I just wanted to come on and say that Ellie has just attempted her first giggle!!

It was the most beautiful thing I've ever heard!!

xxx

Ooooo HC - I will join you in that cuppa

Ceebee-I often wonder what on earth I would do if I was at work. Guaranteed Emma used to be ill on my work days which used to make me distraught as I had to leave her with Grandparents.

MJIM-hope this night terror is a one off. They really are nasty aren't they? Will take another bump pic ASAP.

Right, off to have a cuppa, feel hot and exhausted. Love to all.

HC
x

Ah Ceebee, another likeness, we often have the run around looking daft in front of important people because we cannot control DS DS is so flighty!

Evening all

I am definitely worried about swine flu although I know that there is nothing I can do to stop Josh and Sam catching it - it kind of seems inevitable tbh. HC think you did the right thing aswell but got me thinking how hard it is going to be when I go back to work as there is no way I would be able to take the boys out of nursery/school unless I absolutely had to - one of the advantages of being a SAHM I guess!

MJIM sorry about DS's night terrors - just when you thought they had stopped

dawn although Ellie has to have an op, better now than later I guess (looking on the bright side )

Pistachio welcome back. I am sure the lack of BDing doesn't mean anything - maybe you are both tired?

Josh had a fantastic day (photos are on FB for anyone interested) - he just loved everything about Thomasland and we got through the day with only one meltdown which is good Now if we can stop him running off in shops/cafes etc, then we will be happy. Had to chase him round a service station yesterday with lots of business-type men looking on disapprovingly

HC - if you were concerned <which you were> then you did the right thing! You are pretty vulnerable right now and is the last thing you need! Do we have a new bump pic anytime soon?

DS had a night terror last night - first time in ages really hope it isnt the start of a whole new phase of them!

Hi All,

HC, how scary for you - definitely wise to keep Emma at home!! It's amazing how much I worry now that I have Ellie. I'm terrified that she's going to catch it and I don't know how bad it will be if she does... You just never know who's got it do you? I know you can't stop your life, but it's still a bit of a worry!!

Oops, Ellie's crying - better go!!

xxx

Morning ladies

Stressy day yesterday as there is a case of Swine Flu at Emma's school so being PG and only 3 days of term left am keeping her home. Most other parents have too so I don't feel too guilty. Hoping I don't get it but wonder if I may have had a mild dose when I was so ill for 10 days.

Dawn-hops Ellie gets her op soon so she can recover while still small.

Nice to see you back PistachioLemon-still got everything crossed for you.

Love to all!

HC
x

Hi all! been quite a good day here today!

Dawn - good news that Ellie's eyesight seems fine and fingers crossed the paediactrician can sort the eye muscle quickly for you! Yay for a good nights sleep, well done No idea about that pushchair, but sounds really lovely

Hi All,

Hope everyone is well!!

Sounds like all the birthday parties went well which is good. Particularly stressful I've heard, according to my sister - so glad to hear all was well.

We took Ellie to hospital yesterday for her eye. The Eye doctor checked her eyes and said that they both appeared to be fine, so she thinks that maybe the muscle that controls the left eye-lid is not fully developed and so has referred us to Paediatrics.

If that is the case, they will want to do an operation on her eyelid. We are waiting for the appointment to come through for the referral so that we can find out what the problem is for definite. I don't like the idea of Ellie having to have an operation, but I would rather that she had it sooner rather than later. I had an operation to correct a squint on my left eye when I was 18 months old, which Mum feels was quite late. I'm hoping that Ellie doesn't have to wait that long...

Ellie slept from 8pm through until 4am last night - what a star!! Hoping that might continue. We've decided to start a bedtime routine tonight. A bath, bed and a story (even though she won't know what I'm reading... ) so we'll see how that pans out.

No other news here. Other than we bought our new pram. A little more pricey than we'd expected to pay, but we did get a maxi-cosi car seat with it and the cosy-toes.

It's an "Out&About Nipabout" in red with orange trim. It's got the carrycot part aswell as the pushchair and the Maxi-cosi seat can be attached directly to the frame without the pushchair being on it which is really handy. We spent just over £400 but we're hoping that it's going to last.

If anyone's heard anything bad about these, can you let me know as we'll take it back. Took it out today though and managed to walk Tilly at the same time, Ellie fell asleep straight away so she must have liked it!!

Hope everyone is Ok.

xxx

Yay for fab parties Ceebee and HC well done for well behaved children!

Juanitad - so glad first day back went well and you enjoyed it - glad P was happy and in good hands - bet it is all a big weight off your mind!

Pistachio - welcome back! Glad you have come back more relaxed on the TTC front, I have heard this can make the world of difference to a person's TTC journey!

All ok here, I ate too much at a BBQ last night <eeek> and I officially hate dentists, everything else besides is well in the Myjob world!

Hey everyone. Well, I'm back from my Mum's and we should be bonking like mad (am on CD14) but strangely we are not. Not sure what's going on there. I also got out of the habit of temping while I was away so I really don't know whether I have or have still to ovulate. Perhaps we both secretly want a month off!

PS Sorry about the sporadic postings over the past few weeks.

Hooray, I survived my first day back, and actually enjoyed it! P had a lovely day being spoilt rotten looked after by his grandparents, in fact he was much better behaved than he is for me! Mum and dad are staying for the week, so I know he's in very good hands! I feel absolutely worn out now though, having spent much of the day traipsing from one side of the school to the other sorting various things out. Was good exercise though!

Morning ladies

Ceebee-glad both parties went well and the boys were zonked.

Had Emma's B'Day party at the village hall on Saturday which went very well but it didn't wear her out. Her B'day is next Sunday so will be having a family buffet.

ray-your appointment is this week isn't it? Hope you get some help.

Has turned warm again so huffing and puffing here. Have a lovely day!

HC
x

Well clearly yesterday's excitement was too much for both boys as they are both still completely sparko in bed (this is unheard of at 7.30!) Me and DH are wondering what to do with ourselves!!

Evening all

I have had absolutely the best day Today has gone without a hitch and Josh has been an absolute angel again all day. His party was just the best this morning and his little excited face when they bought the cake in and sung Happy Birthday to him was just fantastic. Came home, he opened all his presents from the party, he had an hours nap later on this afternoon and then we walked to his friend's house and he played so nicely there for well over 3 hours and me and DH could relax over a few alcoholic beverages Even Sam behaved himself and hasn't been his usual grumpy self!! Josh has just gone to bed (even after 3 fruit shoots ) now without any problems aswell - am so so happy

Daisy here is the link to the website I am using - it costs just short of £10 per month. this one is very similar but free. They are very good and it has completely changed my outlook on food!!

Hope you are all had a good weekend x

Hi All,

Hope everyone is Ok today!!

Ceebee, hope Josh's party went/is going Ok and it wasn't too much of a nightmare for you!!

Ellie has to go to the eye clinic at the hospital tomorrow as her eye hasn't improved since birth. A bit worried as I don't like the idea of her eyes being played with, but we would rather it was sorted before she was too old to realise what's going on...

A little while ago, there was some discussion on here about dieting and someone (I think it was Ceebee...) suggested a really good diet that they were using, something on line to do with counting calories.

I normally do Weight Watchers but since moving in December, seem to have mislaid all the books and don't want to join an actual class.

Can someone please give me the link for the website related to this diet so that I can give it a go?

Thanks so much and I hope that you've all had a lovely weekend!!

xxx

lol Ceebee - Josh is nowhere near as much of a PITA monkey as DS!!!!! You will have a brilliant time! yay for a nap together

MJIM Thanks for those 'positive' words about the hell that is going to be tomorrow [grin} Am hoping Josh will have a sleep in between the 2 parties (the 2nd party is a bbq at teatime) although not sure how we are going to persuade him to do it as he doesn't sleep during the day anymore - maybe I will have to get into bed with him and cuddle him to sleep (what a good idea for me to have a nap too - particularly as MIL will be here following Josh's party )

Also just passing through - just checking everyone is ok, we seem to tend to do that at the same time ceebee lol!

Hope Josh enjoys his party tomorrow - wow to two parties in one day, DS would never manage, he would be so naughty! He doesn't cope too well in excitable situations hence me accompanying him to friends parties and also turning down invites to all but close circle of friends - We also do not have proper birthday parties for him as he just cannot cope without running riot and ruining it, which is no way to spend his birthday!

Enjoy

Just passing through - hope you are all ok.

It is Josh's birthday party tomorrow (his birthday is not till Tuesday though) and he is VERY excited about it It is also his best friend from nursery's 3rd birthday tomorrow so he is having a party tomorrow afternoon so that is 2 parties in 1 day - I honestly think Josh will explode

HI guys,

Just jumping on before Big Brother...

Thanks MJIM, I'll keep an eye on the bleeding - thank you!!

HC, don't worry too much. I was measuring two weeks ahead with Ellie, but even though she was only born 2 days ahead of due date, she was only 7lb 8ozs, so I wouldn't worry at all!!

xxx

HC I measured 1cm less when pregnant with DS2 from about 28weeks or so and never got beyond 38cm. He was a very respectable 8lbs 6oz!

Dawn I would say just make sure you are not overdoing it. If I did too much my bleeding would increase. If things have not settled down in week or so I would get a swab done just in case. I had an infection with DS1 that cleared with antibiotics

Afternoon all

Dawn-my bleeding was heavy right up to my 6 week check and remember commenting to a friend that nobody told me I would bleed that badly. With Sophie I only had light bleeding for a couple of weeks. Hope things are OK with DH.

MJIM-pleased DS is now an angel again.

Went for my 28 week MW appointment and I am only measuring 27 weeks which she said is fine then said she would see me in 3 weeks instead of the standard 6 weeks. Sophie was small but did measure 28 weeks at 28 weeks. Really suffering with the need to wee every 10 mins and had to squat outside Matalan the other day.

Big wave to all.

HC
x

Ceebee - yay for swimming!

Dawn - yay for Ellie's weight gain!

Been swimming in auntie's outdoor pool with mum and the babies this morning - freezing to start with and DS freaked out, but then got a huge rubber ring and a dingy to play with so calmed down and had great fun! Naomi had a great big shiver when I first put her in but she enjoyed it for about 10 minutes it was 22deg so not freezing, but shocking when you get in and then get used to it lol!

I don't know what I'd do without you girls - thanks so much for sharing your experience on the "bleeding" situation - I will stop worrying now!!

MJIM, brilliant that your young man was much better today. Ups and downs all the time I guess, but the ups make the downs all worthwhile I'm sure.

Ceebee, sounds like Sam's going to be a water baby then if he likes it that much - how lovely for you to have some quality time on your own!!

So, HV had to cancel our appointment on Tuesday so we decided to weigh Ellie at home, with DH weighing himself and then weighing himself again holding Ellie. According to our scales, Ellie is 9lbs!! That means that she's put on 1lb 8ozs since she was born!! I'm very proud of her!! <gushing Mummy emoction>

Of course, our scales may not be as accurate as the ones that the HV uses, but I'm still pleased!!

Anyway, off to do the ironing now.

Catch up tomorrow hopefully!! With my birthday pennies I bought "Marley and Me" (as our dog is the spitting image of Marley and I loved the book) and "Confessions of a Shopaholic". We also bought "Duchess" and "Seven Pounds" recently so have plenty of new films to watch. That'll help the ironing go a bit quicker!!

xxx

Dawn glad Ellie is settling better - can she send some 'happy' vibes to my little man As for bleeding, I don't remember mine ever going pink or white either time - it went on for a few weeks and it got much lighter but was definitely still bright red!

MJIM glad DS was ok today - life is so much better when they behave isn't it?

I took Sam swimming today - it was the first time I have taken him when it was just me and him - we both had fun (and it stopped Sam screeching for a while ) and I feel a bit guilty that I haven't been doing it earlier

Dawn - just flying by...... thanks for reassurance about biting - he was fantastic at preschool today - a changed man boy Yay for you losing a few lbs already! Don't worry about bleeding, with both babies my bleeding went on and on and on until 6 or 7 weeks, very light but bright red as you describe - don't worry! about Ellie's eye, shame GP was unhelpful, but hopefully you will get more answers by the morning!

Take care everyone x

Hello all,

It's been quite quiet on here but I have been reading all the posts - just struggling to respond before Ellie wakes up as I normally jump online after washing, ironing, tidying the kitchen and making up the bottles!!

Ellie is changing so quickly. She is now a lot better through the day and I am already feeling that she doesn't need the cuddles quite as much now, as you all said. When she wakes up now, she just sits in her bouncy chair, quite happily, looking around her. I still cuddle her as much as I can though through the day, but feel like I don't get the quality time that DH gets when he gets home as I am trying to do 10 things at once, where as it's all done when he comes in and he can just chill with her. But I'm just happy that all the cuddles appear to have had no adverse effects on Ellie!!

Detox, thanks for all your advice honey. Sorry that you're feeling a bit crap at the moment, hopefully your cough will pass soon and that will make you feel much better in yourself. Hope you're managing to get some sleep in this hot weather. Make sure you look after yourself!!

HC, sorry about your Mum and Dad's cat. That's really sad . But what a ripe old age to get to!! Like Detox, I hope you're sleeping Ok in this weather...

MJIM, sorry that you are having your problems with biting (well, obviously not YOU!!). I was a horrid child, I remember. I used to throw stones at my sister!! Wasn't that awful?!! We used to fight constantly. I just grew out of it so no advice unfortunately... Hope things improve soon though. Brilliant news about your diet though - that's bloody brilliant - well done you!! I jumped on the scales again today and seem to have lost a few pounds already - I just want to get walking but we're still trying to find a decent pushchair for our £300 budget. Any ideas? DH wants a three-wheeler. I don't really like the Quinny... Need one with suspension and wheels that swivel to enable easy steering...

Ceebee, sounds like things are a little trying with Sam at the moment. I've got all this to look forward to... Hope you find a solution soon, although I imagine it's something that they just have to grow out of.

Ray, unfortunately no advice on the BDing, but just to say that you are not alone!! When we were TTC, we fell PG very quickly, but even then it already felt like a chore to BD!! It's almost like as soon as you know you're TTC, it changes everything. Bloody annoying though!

So, for all your ladies that have had babies before, can I ask a quick question? Sorry about TMI... I am still bleeding and Ellie will be 5 weeks on Monday. I know that's not necessarily unusual, but I'm a bit worried as the blood is still bright red. It's not heavy but definitely still bright red. Could this be a problem or have other people had it like this? I just worry because the books say that within 6-10 days the blood should change to pink then whiteish...

Ellie had the hearing specialist this week as the HV had struggled to get a result using her machine and Ellie's hearing is 100% so that's good news. Unfortunately her eye is still not opening properly so took her to the GP today on the advice of the HV. He was useless and said that he didn't know what to suggest so was going to speak to one of the Senior doctors tonight. So we have a phone appointment with him tomorrow afternoon for next steps. Ho hum, fingers crossed they refer her and we get some answers soon...

Hope everyone else is Ok!!

xxx

Aha the cheerio trick do feel for you though, Naomi is a little sweetheart now, but I expect you can remember the trouble I had where she hated being put down anywhere at all for more that 30 seconds until she was 6 months old!

She is crying now, just woken up in her cot, best go get her!

MJIM if only it was just because he couldn't see me - he screeches when I am in the same room as him and just seems to be constantly grumpy at the mo. I am spending my life moving him from one thing/toy/activity to another as he is ok for about 30 seconds and then starts screeching again <sigh> - I wish I knew what he wanted!!! The only time he isn't screeching is when he is eating but I can't be feeding him 24 hours a day

I actually managed to get 15 minutes of peace this morning by giving him some Cheerios on his tray - he was quite happy picking them all up one by one and eating them

Awwww Ceebee, it is really difficult when they do the 'cry because they can no longer see you' thing! hope it passes quickly! No he doesnt bite N <wouldnt dare> It is a phase that is never ending

MJIM I have no idea what to suggest - but it is just a phase and it will pass! Am I right in thinking that he is not biting Naomi (which is one good thing anyway?) I am sure it is just because he is frustrated about something and can't express himself.

Sam is being really hard work at the mo (see, if Josh is an angel, Sam is not ) and literally screams the minute you leave the room - I am finding it very difficult and frustrating!! <Bad mummy alert - I have left him in front of ITNG at the moment in the hope I may get a few minutes peace!!>

But no, the screeching has begun because I am not in the same room.....

Hi all!

Ray and HC - I know it wont work, because <whispers> I have tried it!

Diet plan going fantastically, just 1lb to go and I will be pre-pg weight (pre-pg from both DC's) shame I don't feel fabulous like I was hoping though - oh well at least my trousers fit - lol!

Hope everyone is ok today!

Oh MJIM-biting is difficult to deal with. Emma bit me once so bit her back and she never did it again-someone at work suggested it. Don't know what else to suggest.

detox-you can count the weeks on your fingers now. In 2 weeks I will be the same. <eek>

Bit sad as mum and dad had to have their cat put to sleep this evening-terminal kidney failure. Was nearly 17 so had a good life.

Big wave!

HC
x

Ray - thanks for the advice, though dont think biting back would work for us - he has been bitten by other children before and knows how it hurts - he doesnt seem to care though! Thanks for the support we are currently persuing the 'take something away route' feel like we have tried everything though - nothing seems to work

Hey guys,

MJIM so sorry for you that you are having a hard time with DS and the biting. Now i may be opening a whole can of worms here and by all means you dont have to listen to me but when E started on her biting stage (they do ALL go through it), i bit her back, not hard hard but hard enough for her to know what she was doing and that it hurt, i hated doing it and even left the room to cry afterwards but it did work she never bit anyone again.
I will say i am not an agreesive parent and i do not smack as i dont believe in it, i thin violence breeds voilence but biting her back did work wonders. It is just a suggestion and as i said you dont have to listen to me at all.
Failing that have you tried naughty step, or taking things away, when E was younger i would take away her favourate toy and she couldnt have it back until she was good, i always warned her thats what i would so and that worked too, if she was naughty i would just have to say ' if you keep doing that i will take X away' and she would stop.

Just thought i would pop on and give that advise, will come back later after i get back from taking kids swimming ( have my friends LO too).
We bded this month at the right time i think but not holding out much hope, i am losing the will to live where the TTC is concerned and not sure i want to carry on anymore its all getting too much for me. any advise to spice it all up would be welcome guys.

Ceebee - nope no trigger Don't feel bad, I am glad Josh is behaving so well! DS has been bad for 2 full years now and only 12 months until he starts proper school - getting worried! Thanks about the toyboxes

MJIM about your DS, have they managed to identify any triggers for his biting?

I feel bad now for going on about how good Josh is although I am fully prepared for him to flip again as these things go in stages don't they?

(Your toyboxes are lovely btw - I LOVE the butterfly one )

Oh and rang my work today to tell them I won't be back beginning of september afterall, what with no car or childcare - actually feel quite sad about it!

Ceebee - scrap that DS is not any better - had another biting incident at preschool today Glad your boys are behaving well!

Detox - wow, only 9 weeks left!

Afternoon all

Detox wow, only 9 weeks to go - you are entitled to be grumpy

MJIM your day yesterday sounds lovely - unfortunately London is a bit too far away for us! Josh is actually being the most delightful little boy at the moment (touch wood it continues). He has been just lovely for the last 2 or 3 weeks, hardly any tantrums/naughtiness, seems (for the most part) to be playing nicely with Sam and has started consistently sleeping through again and the reward chart seems to be working to keep him in bed till 6.45 I have no doubt things will change very soon as they always do with children

Just picked Sam up from nursery - he was absolutely fine Played happily, didn't miss me, ate all his dinner - and even got a visit from his big bro One of the staff said she has never seen a baby smile so much as when Josh appeared (hearing that makes all the hassle of having 2 children worthwhile )

I got lots of shopping done aswell - picked up all the last minute stuff for Josh's party/birthday but forgot just how useful having a pushchair whilst shopping is - I actually had to carry all the bags fgs

Hi ladies

Dawn - my dd was exactly the same...a total nightmare at settling during the day. I'm so hoping ds will be a lot less 'high maintainance' . I would rock her to sleep and then the minute I tried to put her down she's wake up....here are my suggestions for what it's worth, depending on what your parenting style is!! Good to hear the bouncy chair is working though!

1. Swaddle her. It looks like they're really tightly bundled up, esp in the warm weather, but a friend has just had her 3rd and it's transformed her unsettled ds overnight! I think there is a lot to be said for making them feel secure after so long in the womb - it must be the oddest feeling to have so much space, and some babies just don't seem to cope with it as well as others.

2. Use a dummy I always swore I'd never use one, but it really helped dd settle to sleep in the day and she gave it up herself after a few months once she found her thumb.

3. Rock her to sleep and let her sleep on you - tiring but lovely!!!

Incidentally, dd was also a nightmare at settling at night, and I did (controversial alert!) do controlled crying at about 8 months which was traumatic for 3 nights, but worked miracles....but that's for later on as she's far too young right now! Good luck


CE - well done on surviving your first day back...that time off has gone so quickly. Good to hear Maddie is being so good for you

Welcome to Sal - always good to have new members I didn't use any monitors, but did chart my temp and 'signs' on ferility friend...HC is the expert and can guide you through it! I found it useful to identify when I ov'd as my cycles are long and a bit erratic! Good luck

Hi to everyone else....not feeling great here still. Still have this cough that i can't shift, which is now giving me pain in my diaphragm where I've pulled a muscle from coughing too much Feeling a bit sorry for myself, and am aware I'm probably being the most grumpy pg woman ever at work and at home so am trying my hardest not to be! Still, only 9 weeks to go.....

Hi ladies, sorry I have been so slack - I have been reading up to date but little time to post properly as I have been so busy!

Went to London yesterday to take DS to the science museum (which he absoloutely loved and I would recommend to anyone with pre-schoolers!) and met some other ladies from october postnatal thread So totally tired and N didnt sleep well at all last night!

Dawn - that DH hasn't even spoken to you! Yay for Ellie having a great nights sleep though! about your sister!

CE - glad 1st day back went well and DP got on well with his first day at home! They do grow so fast, but every stage is amazing so don't get upset! Maddie sounds like she is doing really well great job you are doing!

Ceebee - Hope nursery goes well <bless little Josh!> How is the behaviour now? DS is a bit better but wish her would sleep longer and stop with the never ending whinging!

Raining here alot I am going to get soaked when I collect DS from preschool at 12! Cannot believe it is only this week and then he is on summer holidays with september - No idea how I am going to amuse him - lol!

<yawn>

Choc glad today went well - the first day is always the worst!! And well done to Maddie for rolling over - clever girl Sam has only just started rolling over on a regular basis and is now doing the annoying thing of rolling onto his tummy and then screeching VERY loudly because he doesn't like it <sigh>

Dawn no offence to your DH but he doesn't have the 'mothers instinct' does he? You are doing exactly the right thing. The others are right - babyhood goes so quickly you really need to make the most of it. Sorry about your sis - that is crap

Hi to everyone else

All good here - Sam is going to nursery for 3 hours tomorrow including lunch. I really hope he is going to be ok - we have told Josh this week that Sam is going and he seems quite happy about it (as long as he is in the baby room )

Hi everyone!

Well I survived my first day back at work! It was horrible having to leave this morning (I came back in 3 times lol!) but once I was there I was ok. My form said they were really happy to have me back which was nice! After a couple of hours I felt like I'd never been away! (you will be fine juantitad!)

DP enjoyed his first day as a SAHD and Maddie doesn't seem too bothered by it all I emailed him a few times to see if all was ok but managed to resist the urge to phone.

We have had lovely progress with her this last week. She has started lifting her head when on her tummy and has even rolled over a couple times. We have moved her into her cot in her own room now and she has slept well. She is constantly babbbling at us as well

<<I feel like she is no longer a newborn and is rapidly turning into a little girl...sob>>

Hope everyone ok - nice to hear from you ray thought you disappeared! Hope you manage to catch the egg over the next few days

CE, just wanted to see how work went today. Hope you had a nice day and that you didn't miss Maddie too much! Was DP looking after her? Hope the kids and staff gave you a nice welcome back!

Hello all,

Thank you so much for all your advice and support. I am so glad that I am not going completely wrong where Ellie is concerned. My DH is still not happy about it and has actually not spoken to me (or Ellie!! ) for a couple of days, but I'm not backing down!! He'll come around I'm sure.

Ellie had her last feed at 10pm last night and didn't wake up until 6am this morning!! I woke up, however, at 3am and 5am, wondering why she hadn't woken up - !! I felt her forehead and then checked that she was still breathing. It was lovely though, but I'm thinking it was probably a fluke and it may not happen again. But it was a lovely surprise anyway!! She only normally wakes up twice anyway so she's very good.

She's even started settling through the day now. We bought her a new bouncy chair which was really padded and reclines right back, so she sleeps in that through the day now and seems to love it!!

Ellie and I went around to see Grandma and Grandpa today and my Dsis was there with Ewan. I can't believe how big he's got!! He's massive!! Was watching Ellie quite a bit, but typically, she slept the whole time she was there. She always does when she goes to Grandma's house!!

Unfortunately my Dsis has had more bad news about her health... They've done some more tests following her dodgy Antibodies that she had during the PG and it turns out that she has something called "Lupus", which apparently is very serious and will eventually lead to MS!! I haven't looked it up online yet but apparently the prognosis for her isn't good... She's only 23...

Ray, good luck honey with the BDing this month!! Hope you're not suffering too much with your illness...

MJIM, WOW - a stone!! That's brilliant news - it's a big milestone!!

CE, hope Maddie is feeling better and the sickness has stopped. Oooh, a big move to the cot!! Have you done it since your post? xx

Big waves and kisses to everyone else and thank you all again for your advice and support.

xxx

hello all
Good luck Ray!

Dawn, agree with the others. Cuddle your baby. It goes so fast. Cannot believe my DD is nearly 6.

will have a proper read later once kids in bed but hope everyone doing well. We're all fine here-lovely weekend as had friends visiting so have been down at the beach having picnics in the sunshine

Hi guys,

Dawn i would have to agree with everyone else, i realy dont think the leaving them to cry works when they are sooo young. When E was tiny she wouldnt settle at all and i used to sleep with her on my chest and as she got older i had to lay in my bed with her until she fell alseep and then put her into her cot during the day she was the same just didnt want to be put down or left. Now E plays by herself happily and goes to bed without a problem so i do think its all rubbish, just do what you feel is right.
There is a Book called The baby whisper and my friend used it with her 3rd (she had a Nitemare with her boys) and she swears by it, her little girl was a brilliant baby and she thinks its because she followed what the book said.

MJIM Wow a stone congrats. E is still only just 2 stone bless her so looks like N will overtake E he he.
Hows DS doing are the nite terrors any better.

PL so sorry af got you i hope this month is lucky for you.

HC 27 weeks god where is the time going its just flying. NOt long now though until you met your little man.We hazve a fan in our bedroom and it realy does help have had it on every nite for the last week. Luckily Es bedroom is at the back of the house and a nice brezze comes in the window so its cool for her at nite.

Sal Welcome we need some more TTCers. How long did it take you to fall with your first? are you having any investigations.
I would recommend Temping i started too and fell whilst doing it, unfortunatley i Mced and havent started Temping again as yet but i will do next month.I also have a clearblue monitor that i use (not at the moment) and it is very good although expensive. You have to pos everyday and after a few months the monitor begins to recognise your bodies patterns so it is good.

well its DH birthday today he is 37 and is worried about whether we will have a baby by the time hes 40 as he doesnt want to be an old dad bless him.
I am on CD 14 today and havent been temping but think Ov is soon as have ewcm so will be BDing this evening. We have been doing the sperm meets egg plan but without the Ovulation sticks so as have ewcm now will do the 3 days in a row and see how it goes.
Have appointment on the 15th with the blood people and then the 30th with the Recurrent Mc clinic, although i am considering switching Hospitals and the one i am at is crap and by all accounts the other one in my area is realy good.
Work is hectic but am realy enjoying it and it is keeping my mind off TTc and my appointments as am slightly nervous about it all.
Well must do the ironing before we go out.
Hope everyone is ok.

Dawn - just to second what MJIM just said - completely igonore your DH. Pick her up and give her all the cuddles she needs.

Oddly enough I was at a party on Friday night and one of the Mums said she had never picked up her DD1 and left her to cry on the advice of her MIL and really regretted it. She had tears in her eyes as she told me.

Just a quick one as it is nearly time to sort the DC's lunch!

Just wanted to say N is finally a stone - 14lbs lol only took her 41 weeks!

Also Dawn Ellie sounds so much like N, she was a nightmare and hated being put down (even hated pushchair and carset) now she can sit and play herself she has totally changed and she sleeps in her cot perfectly - I do not regret for a moment picking her up and cuddling her/carrying her around - this is such a short and precious time just enjoy every moment and every cuddle - ignore your DH!

Morning ladies

Have had some lovely rain but now sunny again.

Dawn-now listen to your heart and the HV. She is only a few weeks old and you don't need to get anything done, just pick her up as she will soon become mobile and won't want you picking her up so much. When you look back on this time you will see how short it actually was that she needed comforting alot. She spent 9 months in your tum with the comfort of your heartbeat so it is such a shock for her to suddenly not have this. Sorry to hear about your VV and that you are in so much pain. Have you been to the GP?

A big welcome to sal and lots of luck. I too used Fertility Friend and took my temp every morning to determine OV as it varied so much. Also used OPK's bought off Ebay. If you need help just ask.

ChocEclair-sorry to hear Maddie is poorly. I hated it when the girls were sick at this age as they lay there and the sick stays on their faces. One time Sophie was crying so picked her up and she projectile vomited straight into my mouth. Bless her.

PistachioLemon-don't you just hate the starting a family question? People just don't think before they speak and I would never ask anyone. My PIL were the worst saying to everyone that we just weren't interested in starting one and considering we had been TTC for a year at this point my blood was boiling. Hope the party is OK.

Hi to everyone else, mum and dad have lent me a fan so this may help.

HC
x

Oops, sorry cross post with Ceebee - hello there!

CE - well I tend to just laugh and say something cryptic like 'well you never know' or 'you first' - and then run away! Glad to hear M slept well, hopefully she'll have a better day today.

Dawn - sorry I've no advice at all except to say what my Mum says to me which is that you should do whatever makes you and Ellie feel better. I also agree with CE that you are not making a rod for your own back. [hugs]

Sal - welcome! I'm TTC also, but number one. I've never tried a fertility monitor but I temp and use FF. If you go back a few pages you'll see a link to my FF page so feel free to have a nosy. Good luck!

Hi to everyone else [big waves]

Morning

Dawn sorry you are struggling - but it really is normal to feel like you do (just go and check the Sleep thread archives on here - I bet it is chocka with other new mums feeling exactly the same).

Firstly (and this is just my advice), Ellie is still still so young and I really don't think you should be leaving her to cry. Look for threads on here for Controlled Crying and you will see that it is not recommended for babies under 1 (if necessary print off the research articles etc and show them to your DH!).

You are not making a rod for your own back - babies need to be cuddled so go with your instincts on that one. Things will improve!

As for practical advice, take Ellie for a walk every day at a similar time to get her used to napping and then you can leave her in the pram when you get back home and hopefully she will stay asleep for a bit longer. I am also a 'dummy' mum but I appreciate not all parents are keen on them - but both boys have had dummies and it definitely helps them settle/sleep.

Sal welcome to this thread Are you having investigations or anything as to why you are struggling to conceive this time round? Did you conceive your first DC quickly/easily? I used OPK's but I am sure you have already tried those? As Eclair says, Fertility Friend is excellent but I was never disciplined enough to take my temp!!

PL - glad you are feeling a little brighter. The family party will be hard work with all the relatives asking Q's like that! Could you say somwthing evasive like"All in good time" or "We hope to one day" ? Not sure if that would keep them at bay!

dawn - sounds like your dh needs to support you not listen to anyone else! . As for advice I'm prob rubbish as we have had similar problems with M not sleeping in the days. The only things that work really are being in car/pram or being held after a feed.

I tend to make some food while making her feed and then I can eat it while feeding (one handed!) and I bought cartons of juice with a straw! Also I go for long walks and buy a sandwich on the walk to eat!

FWIW I def don't think it's making a rod for your back (whatever that means!) and agree that very young babies need reassurance and cuddles not being left to scream! I would do it for 5 mins max to see if it worked maybe.

Other ideas - M will settle in her bouncy chair (on vibrate) in front of TV although not sleep. Does Ellie have a dummy? I've heard it can help them settle although we haven't tried that.

(I have no suggestions about your 'other' problem sorry . It sounds not much fun though! Can you get cream?

welcome to sal - and you are very welcome on here! A few of us use temping with FertilityFriend on this thread which you might like to try. You need to buy a BBT thermometer and take temp each morning when you wake up. OPK sticks are ok too. Not sure if any of us have tried the fertility monitor? Although thinking maybe Ray has one?

M slept well despite the vomit. I think we might move her into her cot soon as she fills the basket and wakes herself up bashing her arms against the sides!

hi
i just wondered if i could join you ladies?

Im ttc baby no 2. been trying for 18 months so far.

few questions are fertality moniters worth investing in or do you have any other tips?

thanks

Hello all!!

CE and Juanitad, good luck for returning to work - sounds like you're both feeling a bit better about it now which is good!!

Ceebee, glad Sam was fine at nursery. We went to see another child minder on Tuesday and have decided to go with her. Her and her husband are South African and I felt really happy and comfortable being there. Ellie will be with one other child who is one on a Wednesday but will be the only child there on a Thursday until after 3.30pm so she'll get one-to-one attention like she does at home, so that's really nice.

Hasn't it been hot? It's been very wet but muggy here today.

Anyway, still in pain and have now found out that I have varicous veins "down there" aswell as in the usual place (bottom) . Does anyone have any advice on how to cope with them in that area. I wondered why I was still in so much pain - how the hell did they get there? They weren't there when I was PG!!

So, I also need a bit of mothering advice... I'm really struggling to get Ellie to settle during the day and it's starting to get me down. She's fine if I'm holding her but the minute I put her down, she starts to cry. I try to leave her for 10 minutes or so, but she gets really distressed. My Mum was here yesterday and heard what she was like and agreed that I can't just leave her when she gets like that. But DH keeps telling me just to leave her. But he's not here when she gets herself really worked up and upset.

So... I spoke to my HV and my Mum who both said that at just over 3 weeks old, Ellie won't learn anything by being left as she's too young, so it's fine to pick her up and I'm not making a rod for my own back. But instead of supporting me, even following confirmation from the HV that what I'm doing is OK, my DH is listening to other people and telling me that I will have to deal with the repurcussions if I continue to pick her up when she gets distressed.

I just don't know what to do for the best. My mothering instinct is to pick her up if she's still crying and getting distressed after 10 minutes or so. The trouble is, it's too hot to put her in a carrier - we'd both get too hot - but it means that I don't get anything done. I've had maybe a piece of toast all day for the last couple of days, until DH gets home at tea-time, because I just don't get any time to have something to eat or drink.

Any advice gratefully received - before I start thinking that I'm going crazy...

Don't get me wrong, I worship my little girl, even when I'm exhausted, but I just worry that I'm doing everything wrong!!

On the plus side, Ellie put on another 8ozs this week. Her eye's no better though so we've got a GP appointment next week on Thursday afternoon. Also having her hearing tested on Monday as the normal machine the HV uses didn't work for Ellie for some reason .

xxx

xxx

Evening all. Thanks for the kind messages. My mum's doing much better thank goodness although it's been a pretty horrible two weeks. Hopefully she'll be coming home at the beginning of next week so that's brilliant.

Willmouse, hope the dentist was okay today and that they had airconditioned offices.

CE sorry to hear about your period arriving and that M is suffering. Projectile vomitting poor her and poor you. Hope she's settled a bit more now.

Going to my mother-in-law's birthday do this weekend which will be hectic - all the rellies are coming as it's a big one so lots of people and kiddies. And lots of dodging of the 'so when are you guys going to have a family?' question!

Just letting you know that AF arrived (a week early ?). I'm ok about it actually. It would have been far too soon really, although it would have been lovely in so many ways. We will not be having any more little accidents until we want to ttc properly!

Another gorgeous sunny day here although M suffering. Projectile vomiting at bedtime - we had to change every piece of bedding on the moses basket!!!! She is asleep now though so think she's ok. (washing machine has been on 4 times today! )

Sorry to hear your AF arrived too PL, and sorry to hear about your Mum. Hope you get some good advice on your thread.

Hi! Sorry I haven't been around. Since DH decided to update internet explorer I haven't been able to get onto Mumsnet!

Glad everyone is OK.

I am struggling with the heat here - am looking forward to my holiday - at least there will be air conditioning in Majorca!

Got to dash - off for some quality time at the dentist

PistachioLemon-sorry to hear about your mum and sorry the witch got you. Mental illness is not nice.

ChocEclair and juanitad-glad your return to work is going well. Belated Happy B'Day for Tuesday juanitad*.

*Ceebee-sounds like your 2 are fine at nursery.

Struggling a tad with the heat but it is stopping me eating so much so has to be a good thing.

Have a good day ladiesa and don't get burnt. <waves> to everyone else.

HC
x

PL - hi there, Sorry to hear you Mum is not well, I will take a look at your other thread when I get a minute! about AF arriving too - it never rains but pours eh! Hope you have been otherwise ok x

Hey guys, sorry I haven't been around for a while. My mum has been ill so I've been at her house and haven't been able to set up t'internet until today (I posted in mental health earlier on for advice as I'm really worried about her).

And, to top it all off, I got my period yesterday so I'm pretty miserable!

You guys have been really busy so I shall catch up and post properly tomorrow.

Hi all, sorry havent been around - have been so hot and tired and hot and busy and hot!

DS bit better but still having bad bad moments - they will pass I am sure!

Naomi is such a sweetheart - I want to freeze time - it feels like every stage i get to, it is my favourite stage with her! It is lovely to have her with the character of a 9month old - so funny and smiley but without being mobile yet - all the fun without the choas

CE - hope all goes well for you on monday! yay for another good camping trip

I am soooooooooo hot <did I already say that - lol>

Hi all,

CE good luck for Monday. I was in this week for a training day and like you, I found that I was so busy all day I hardly had time to think about P and it was really nice to see everyone. My head is definitely back in the work zone now, I am trying to sort out my department's timetable for next year it is a total nightmare!! Not sure if P looks like me. Some people say they see me, others think they see DH, I can't really see either of us to be honest!

Ceebee, forgot to tell you that I loved loved loved the other nursery, the one I went to see the day after I saw you. I just got a really good feeling about it, it felt completely right. So he's booked in for September for Mondays and Fridays and will go to the childminder Tues, Wed, Thur.

Hi to everyone else. Hope the heat isn't affecting pregnant ladies and babies too much!

Hi all, sorry I've not been around for a while. We have been away camping for a few days. The weather has been absolutely glorious so thought we'd make the most of my last week of ML! We had a lovely time and it was DP's birthday as well . Maddie is now officially a camping expert!

Everyone sounds good if rather hot on here! Maddie is coping quite ok with the heat - she is wearing as little as possible to bed and we're giving her cooled boiled water in between feeds. Hope Ellie and William are managing .... I always close the bedroom curtains in good time before she goes to bed as that helps cool the room down.

Happy b day juanitad - betty's hey? Are you posh? lol! P is adorable - does he look like you? I think M is looking more and more like DP everyday (at birth she was a mini-me!)

hc - I didn't take temp in the tent as it goes all to pot! sorry! hope the party went well and you are resting in the heat (and willmouse and detox for that matter!)

ceebee - glad nursery went well and Sam enjoyed it

I am back at work on Mon aaaaaaaaaaagh! I went in for a couple of hours this morning to speak to my dept and the head. It felt ok actually and I was busy so didn't think about M too much. Everyone was pleased to see me though which was nice!

CE xx

Juanitad - Happy birthday for yesterday - glad it was a great day! Love the new pics, P is sooooo gorgeous!

Ceebee - glad it went well for you and sam yesterday

All ok here today x

Juanitad glad you had a lovely day yesterday Love the photos of P You are giving him the taste of the highlife!!

Sam is starting nursery 1 day a week from 21st July - which is why he is having the settling in sessions now I want him to get used to it and Josh to get used to him being there iyswim (plus to give me a lttle break before I go back to work ) - plus it is only going to cost us an extra £13 a week! August is fine for P to start in September - did you look at that other nursery? What did you think?

I am here ceebee! I'm pleased Sam had a good session at nursery - it seems quite early to be doing your settling in sessions, isn't it September you're back to work? How many sessions will you get? Patrick's settling in sessions won't be until August, does that sound a bit late to you?

Well, I had a lovely day yesterday - it was my birthday. Went to Harrogate and had lunch in Betty's - see pic on profile of Patrick enjoying the experience!!

Hope everyone is well.

Morning ladies - feel like I am talking to myself a bit here

Anyway, Sam was absolutely fine at nursery yesterday - I kind of knew he would be as he is not clingy at all. The staff said he had been chatting away to them, smiling and playing quite happily. He is going next Tuesday for 3 hours (including lunch)

Tis a scorcher here today - definitely the hottest one yet

Thanks ladies - I forgot to say that there is one bonus about this afternoon - I will be filling out forms etc in the nursery office whilst Sam is there. They have CCTV in all the rooms so I will be able to check he is ok....plus I will be able to spy on Josh and see exactly what he is like at nursery - am quite excited about that (is that wrong?? )

Also, it is now 'eyes in the back of my head' time - Sam has worked out he can get round the room by rolling I left him in the middle of the rug for 5 minutes while I made his bottle - came back and he was right by the telly playing with the wires

MJIM have a lovely afternoon - icecream in the sunshine sounds like heaven

Good luck babaSam - I am sure you will enjoy your lovely day! Try not to be too mummy Ceebee, he will thrive just as Josh has x

Detox - lovely to hear from you, good luck for the scan in a couple of weeks - really wish I had gone for a home birth now, it was such a close call getting to the hospital it would have been so much easier if I had just been able to stay at home! Yay for 30 weeks can we have a photo?

HC - glad you enjoyed the tennis, though sorry you are boiling hot and exhausted!

DS at preschool this morning and DH off work, we are collecting him at 12 and going fo a chineses buffet lunch naughty Yum ! The meeting GPil this afternoon for icecreams at local farm as was her b'day on friday!

Have a lovely day everyone x

Good luck but he will be absolutely fine.

HC
x

HC the tennis was fab!! Am also knackered though as it finished way past my bedtime

Detox lovely to hear from you Glad youa re ok and I don't envy you pg ladies at all in this heat. We are just reminiscing on my PN thread for Josh about how awful it was being in the last throes of pg during the summer of 2006

Well today is the day Sam has his first settling in session at nursery - wish me (and him ) luck for this afternoon.

Morning all

Am with you there detox-am overheating and my boy must be boiling in the oven. I am 27 weeks today.

ChocEclair-you need to update your temps as am avidly following your chart.

Wow, wasn't the tennis good last night? Stayed up to watch it even though I was shattered and today am even more exhausted. Have got Emma's sports day this afternoon and she has chosen today to lose her cap so will have to take one of mine with me later.

Have a good day ladies.

HC
x

Hi all

Apologies for not being around for ages...have taken a few days off work to try and shift the most annoying cough that I seem to have developed. Had it for 2 weeks now - a really dry tickly cough that just won't go away! Am planning to sleep it off whenever I get the chance

Will take some time to read all the posts later, but at a quick glance am very excited about all you new mums thinking about ttc already! Much braver than me you lot

Hope all the other pg ladies are doing well...30 weeks here now and am starting to count down as generally pretty fed up with being fat, hot and tired now. Will try and research birth pool hire later today but not going to book anything until after the scan in 2 weeks to confirm placenta is in right place for my home birth!

Hi all - just dashing by

DS been fine today

Ray - go for it!

Dawn - off the scales now! lol! N is 9 months and I am nearly at pre-pg weight, 3lb to go 3 weeks post-partem and only 1 st to lose is excellent!

Right sorry so brief - back in a couple of days x

Dawn echo what everyone else has said, 3 weeks really is far too early to be worrying about your weight. It is perfectly normal (unless you are a sleb) to still be in your maternity clothes for at least 2 months after the birth Just focus on, enjoy Ellie and eat all your chocolate for a bit! Also, you have not made a rod for your own back - new born babies need cuddles! HAve you tried carrying Ellie in a sling so she can sleep and you can get on with stuff?

Ray I would definitely try TTC aswell - if you did get pg, your care would be SO much different this time round now that you have a diagnosis.

Had a lovely lovely day - been to my parents as it was my dad's birthday. My sis came with her 3 aswell. Josh behaved like an angel all day (which is very unusual!) apart from a mad dash towards a very large pond in the park - how can 3 adults and 3 older children not notice him slipping away? How bad does that make us???

Dawn-get off those scales and your clothes won't fit just 3 weeks after the birth. Mine didn't fit 6 months after. You can't start dieting until you have had your 6 weeks check up. Pleased you might consider another baby.

ray-I would continue to TTC and attend your appointments. Not long until you see someone.

Still feel shattered after Sophie's 3rd B'Day party yesterday. <yawn>

Love to all.

HC
x

Dawn, Ellie sounds a bit like Patrick during the day - he was (and sometimes still is) a bad daytime sleeper. For the first couple of weeks, he seemed to sleep all the time during the day, but after that he was awake all the time. I could get him to sleep by a)breastfeeding him, b)going for a walk with the pram c) driving somewhere. But if I fed him to sleep and then tried to put him in his crib/chair he would wake up and scream! So basically I could never get anything done as he was sleeping on a pillow on my lap or out in the pram or out in the car. It was very frustrating. Someone on MN suggested to me putting him down and then stroking him from his forehead and down to the tip of his nose. I found that this worked in conjunction with the hairdryer!! I would put him in his crib, cue much screaming. I then would turn the hairdryer on, screaming stopped. With the hairdryer still on I then stroke down his nose for quite a long time (5 mins) until he would eventually drop off. Now I know that is a fairly ridiculous solution to the sleep problem, but once I realised it worked and that once he was asleep he stayed asleep and I could leave him and do something (usually housework unfortunately), then I was quite happy to carry on doing it!! It was once he got to about 5-6 months and this was the only way he would go to sleep that I realised I needed to do something else. But by then I felt he was old enough to do controlled crying, which I did for a couple of days and then he just seemed to get it. Now I put him down in his cot, he wails for a few minutes then just goes to sleep. So all in all it was a long journey, but we eventually got there on the daytime sleep. Now just need to crack the nighttime sleep!!

Wow, I do go on sometimes!! I meant to say as well, please please don't worry about the weight. After 4 months I was back to my old weight, which looking back doesn't seem so bad. But after 3 weeks I still looked pregnant and was still about 2 stone heavier than normal. Just give it time, you will get there!!!

Hi to everyone else, hope you've all enjoyed the sunshine this weekend. I'm going in to work tomorrow for a training day, will be a good chance for me to get my head back in to the work zone. I'm having a chat with the head about this potential new job as well - apparently no-one else applied for it so it looks like I may well have got it!! I think I am pleased although I may feel differently when I actually start it!

Ray, sorry that I missed you off my post hun!! I think you should go for it, just class it as practicing!!

xxx

Hello all,

I hope that everyone is well!!

Things are Ok here, although Ellie's routine has changed again... She sleeps well at night. She has a feed at 11pm and then generally wakes once, sometimes twice in the night and that's it. But she's started being awake all through the day. She doesn't settle at all unless one of us is holding her.

As DH has gone back to work it means that I am struggling to get anything done at all through the day! I've tried leaving her when she cries that she ends up getting really distressed. How long should you leave a baby crying for? I am concerned that all the cuddles we gave her when she first arrived may well be the cause of this and starting to feel that we've made a rod for our own backs. Weird that she settles at night though... Any advice gratefully received!!

She also has a stinking cold and at 3 weeks old, there's nothing that we can do for her other than the nasal drops, which don't seem to be working. It's horrid listening to her trying to catch her breath... We've raised the head end of her moses basket slightly as there's nothing worse than lying flat when you've got a cold and it does seem seem to help slightly.

So, what other news. Oh, my SIL came down from Leicester to surprise my DH on Friday evening. She was his only sibling that hadn't seen Elesha so he was so thrilled and she bought the most amazing gift for Ellie. They had a star named after her!!! It's one that can be seen from the UK so we just need to get a telescope now and use the co-ordinates to find it. What a lovely gift though!! So there is now a star in the sky called Elesha Ellen Rose!!

I'm starting to get paranoid about my weight already. DH and my SIL stayed in with Ellie yesterday while I went out shopping with my birthday money. I'm normally a size 12 and even the size 14 clothes (generally bottoms - tops are fine) were a little tight. It really upset me. DH keeps telling me that Ellie is barely 3 weeks old and to be take it easy, but now I'm no longer PG, I just want me old body back. I made the mistake of weighing myself aswell and I'm still just over 11 stone. I need to lose about a stone and a half to be back to being comfortable. But as much as I want it, I'm struggling to get motivated. It's all the bloody chocolate that I stocked up on when I was diabetic!! There's loads left still to be eaten!!

Summer, glad to hear that William is doing well. I know what you mean about trumping - some of Ellie's rival my DH's - it's really quite embarassing!! I'm sure she should have been a boy!! I wonder if it's the heat that's effecting Ellie's daytime routine aswell. She's actually been much better today and it's been cloudy, so I wonder...

MJIM, glad that Naomi's teeth are through and that peace has reigned again - I wonder how long before the next one comes through!!

CE, the pain is still there but not too bad now. Have now realised that I am suffering from piles though (sorry about TMI). Literally a pain in the ass!! Brill that Maddie is 13lbs!! I'm hoping that Jellybean continues to put lots of weight on aswell!!

HC, 26 weeks?!! I can't believe how much time is flying. Not long to go now then!!

Ceebee, I so know how you feel about leaving Sam. I have to go back to work in October and am already really upset about it. It's sort of impacting on the joy of being at home with Ellie for now. DH and I are both hoping that we can win the lottery so that I never have to go back to work. Even if it was just a small amount. I can't remember who it was, I think it was someone on this thread who said that we go back to work because we love our children. I cling on to that in the hope that it will make me feel better...

Willmouse, you must be so excited about your holiday - I would LOVE to have a holiday. Can't see it happening for a looooong time though...

Oh, just one final thing. I cleared out all my maternity clothes today (left myself a couple of pairs of trousers as I don't fit in my own yet...), but decided to put them in the loft instead of getting rid of them... I'm already mellowing to the idea of another LO... Won't mention it to DH just yet though, it'll be a few years yet I'm sure.

Apologies if I've missed anyone. I hope that everyone is Ok.

xxx

hi guys,

sorry havent been around much have been quite busy.
Well af arrived last sunday and hasnt been to bad pain wise, or heaviness wise considering first after mc however it is still here now which is realy annoying me i must say.
Spent my days off tues and weds in the garden it was lovely and then Emily had a tummy bug on thurs so had a day off work and again speant most of the day in the garden. Emily is very chirpy when she is poorly so other than being alittle sick and having the runs (sorry tmi) she was fine and we played dolls and ball etc it was a lovely day.

Right need alittle advise i have my appointment on the 15th with the blood clinic and then another on the 30th with the Recurrent Mc clinic. now i should be fertile in about a weeks time and i realy dont know whether to just go for it this month or wait until we have both the appointments. i feel very excited about trying again and realy want to but want to be sensible too.

Right off to bake some cakes with DD.

will reply to you all personaly later guys.

Summer - both Naomi and DS get really thirsty in the heat and yes that makes them grumpy! Glad all going well generally!

Ceebee - but you obviously love your job and just remember how much Josh loves nursery so surely Sam will too - always sad that time goes flying past and each era is over before it seems to even begun - good luck. Well done on the diet - I am on my last 3lb now!

CE - ooooooo BDing 3 days before ov, there is a chance of another girl baby then!

HC - your garden sounds amazing! is Emma ok now, keep thinking about her getting a telling off for the invites and how upsetting it must have been at such an exciting time for a child

DS had a total meltdown after lunch, it was awful, he said some horrid things to me and got quite aggressive he eventually calmed down and then fell asleep on the sofa for an hour has been fine ever since! Am very worried he will not settle at all tonight though!

All otherwise ok x

aww ceebee i feel for you, i am already dreading the thought of leaving William with a nursery even just for 3 days a week, and that is in February!!! but then i am only just under 2 weeks in!! and a massive well done on losing 2.5 stone, i know myself how hard it can be as i did it a few years ago. i too am going to start a diet in a couple of weeks when i have settled into a routine (and stopped eating biscuits!) and well done to MJIM too.

we took a trip to Matalan today, William is a typical bloke and hated shopping i sent him and DH outside in the fresh air whilst i paid for the stuff, it was an adventure!!

can i ask the fellow mummies - is the heat really effecting your bubbas? William's little routine has gone to pot now as he is so distressed in the heat, he is currently lying in his moses basket with just his nappy on as he is all red with the heat and grouchy. actually he is asleep now but that may not last long! he also woke three times in the night which is unusual for him, but i think he was just too thirsty.

anyway, i am off for some R&R before the next round begins

HC am sure you will be fine - lol at your garden, so not only do you have a bridge, you have an orchard and a secret garden

CE maybe we are analysing it too much (but agree with HC) - only time will tell. When is 'AF' day?? How many weeks is Maddy now? Sam weighed 13lb at 11 weeks but his weight gain is tailing off a little now thankfully as he is really starting to hurt my back when I am carrying him in the sling!!

MJIM good news that parents evening was good (even if DS was not ) obviously he is not a little horror naughty that much otherwise they would have said something no?

Diet is still going well ta - weigh-ins are on Saturdays and I am hoping to get to my 2 1/2 stone mark tomorrow which would leave me 1 1/2 stones left. You lot with your half stones/stones to lose are just lightweights - try 4 stone I think that I will be about 10lbs over my target when I return to work (the plan was to shift it all by then) which could make it tricky as I need to buy a whole new wardrobe for work so I guess I will have to buy stuff that is a little bit tight initially

Sam is going for his first 'settling in' session at nursery next Tuesday as we have decided to send him on Tuesdays in a couple of weeks - although it is my decision to do it to help him settle in rather than go straight to 4 days in Sept, I am still very about it. I guess it marks the beginning of the end to the bliss that has been my maternity leave!

Ah ChocEclair-FF has confirmed OV but I thought you OV'd last Friday. The men can live for 4 days in there and you OV'd 3 days after the deed.

Have done a mad thing and cut some of the grass as rain is forecast and I am panicing that DH will not get it cut before Soph's party tomorrow afternoon. He just needs to do the front and in my orchard and secret garden which he hates. Oh, and strim. Am aching now though so hope my boy is OK. Going to make some bun cakes then try and tidy up tomorrow.

Hope all OK.

HC
x

lol! Cross hairs show ovulation on my chart. FF has decided that I ov'd on Tuesday and it was Saturday night that the deed was done. I feel it is unlikely that I have conceived. Not sure what emotion to feel tbh!

MJIM - well done on losing some weight. I am impressed. My diet seems to have plateaued (sp) a little but down to 9'9 which is definite progress so am . How are you doing ceebee???

It is heavy rain here so am having a quiet day watching Lie to me that I have on series link. Is anyone else watching it? I think it's fab!

HC - poor Emma hope she is ok x

CE - what are crosshairs? lol that M is not basically the same weight as N have also moved her into 3-6! DS was not good at school - but parents evening went well thank you.

Diet plan is going excellently <hopes she isnt speaking too soon emoticon> have nearly lost all my weight

All ok here so far today!

CE - should we be excited about cross hairs????

Hi all - enjoying the gorgeous weather here

willmouse - FAB bump! I love bumps! What do your ds's think of it?

HC - hope headache has eased. I am a bit that E got told off for giving out invites! Not sure what you're supposed to do! I think the cross hairs will appear tomorrow as got a big rise today. Do you think ov day was maybe Monday or Tuesday?

summer - glad ds is sleeping well. Long may it continue! I have Maddie in little PJ's with just 1 light blanket and she has been fine. I tuck it under her arms so her top half is cool. (I worry about her getting cold feet! How sad am I!)

dawn - hope you have managed to get out and about a bit in the nice weather and your pain is easing (although you did make me rofl with your "feels like I've had a 12 hr BD session" Not sure I have had the pleasure!!!! )

MJIM - congratulations on getting through the teething! I can't believe she got 2 at once! Do we get a piccie of her new teeth then? Hope B was good at pre-school and parents eve goes ok tonight! eek!

ceebee - glad you enjoyed TT. I got my pics back today from when I went and put in album with ticket and wristband. Awww it was mint! Yey to noisy Sam also - bet he'll be talking to Josh one morning when you go in! Well done on getting the job!

daisyj - happy belated birthday to you! Glad you are enjoying Maya . Glad you are already thinking about having dc2 as well!

Junaitad - brill that P is napping well - have you been soaking up the sunshine before going back to work? Maddie likes being pushed around lots in her buggy (under parasol) so I am extremely brown from all the walking!

All good here. Had M weighed today and she is 13lb - what a little porker! I have moved her into her 3-6 months summer dresses that she was bought and I am totally snap happy talking pics of her! We even went on the beach yesterday and she had the sand between her toes for the first time - not sure she knew what to make of it tbh!

Summerbird - you can save some of that luck dust for me!!!

Hi all

Having Tiscali internet problems yet again-it is only working when it feels like it. Very hot today and have a headache (DH stressing me out about money i.e. lack of).

Congrats Ceebee-am sure it will work out fine.

ChocEclair-no crosshairs on your chart yet.

Willmouse-fab bump. Despite me feeling and being quite big people still think I've eaten too many pies.

Emma gave out her party invites in the playground before school and got into trouble for it. Have been there for 2 years and everyone does this.

Hope all OK <waves>

HC
x

wilmouse are you related to my DH?? He is a list/spreasheet freak too!!

MJIM i remember my sisters teething and that was over 25 years ago!! glad Naomi has settled down now.

Well i am enjoying another well earned break, William is due a feed now and my right boobie is really ready for it too <ouch> He is still only waking up once in the night so i may still have some of ceebee's lucky dust

we are off for a walk into town this afternoon, it is a lovely day and we are really looking forward to it.

MJIM - glad the teeth are finally through! You may get a bit of peace until next time! I am such a saddo that I saved last years holiday list on my computer so have just printed it off - I am pleased to be not taking nappies this year! (other than a few for at night).

Summerbird - it is worrying in this hear isnt it! I still panic fret a bit about Naomi and whether she is too hot/cold through the night and she is 9months now - cant imagine what it is like with a new born seen as I have only ever had 2 autumn babies! Glad things are going well though!

Willmouse - oooooooo have you started the list of things you need on your lists yet seriously though, very exciting the holiday is so close now - Also gorgeous bump! it looks fabulous ignore silly gasps and comments, I think people forget that there is actually a baby in there!

All ok here today - N officially has both teeth well and truly cut now and the temperatures and misery have stopped <yay>
DS was up at 5.30am and has been bouncing off the walls since - at preschool at the moment so hopefully he is ok today! <eeek> parents evening this evening!

wilmouse that is a highly respectable bump, just tell the gobby twits to bog off! my friend had the opposite problem, her bump was so small people were telling her that her baby would be underweight - he was fine!

Enjoy your hols

Hi all. Sorry I haven't been around for a while.

Belated happy birthday to Dawn and Daisy!

CE - EEEEKKKKK! Can't wait!

Probably wont be on as much now. I am about to go onto major control freak mode as it is less than 3 weeks to go to our holiday! Hooray!

I have put a bump pic on my profile (sadly it is sideways on and I can't work out how to rotate it). I am just starting to get fed up with people gasping in horror when I say I am not due until October.

Blimey it has been sooo hot today, i was worried about William overheating last night but the Midwife said that we covered him up fine last night (lightly swaddled with his vest on - bless!). It is the only thing i am really worrying about at the moment as i know overheating a baby is the biggie.

ceebee my sister went to see Take That in Newcastle and said they were amazing, she has always been a big fan since she was a kid, she was just disappointed Robbie didnt come on stage (as apparantly he was staying in the same hotel - though that could just be a wind up).

Also well done on getting the job you wanted, i know all about team dynamics but as you say you can enjoy your screaming heaven for a few more weeks

Well am off for some chill out time before the night feeds start! (he is still just waking up once in the night i am not counting my chickens and all that but remain hopeful!!)

HC - yay for 26 weeks

Ceebee - congrats on getting your first job choice, fingers crossed it turns out great for you! Yay for a noisy boy, lovely! DS been driving me half mad today (the other half he was amazing - is there no happy medium?) Glad you enjoyed concert.

Wonder where Detox has got too!

Hope everyone else is well x

Ooh quiet here today - obviously the sunshine is keeping everyone away from their 'puters

Take That were SO good (you were right CE) - what a show!! And such a different atmosphere than in the indoor arenas - twas fab! HC Howard looked hot

Summer glad William's sight is fine and what will be will be so much better that it is monitored and dealt with early enough.

Got the job I put down as my first choice Still not sure how it is going to work in practice and feel so out of things at the moment as my colleagues aren't telling me much (even little trivial things which probably aren't important to them but just make you feel like you are still part of the team - for example have found out today that another colleague (who works at a different location so not a close colleague) not only got pregnant whilst I have been off, but was pg with twins and has had them already!! But I am enjoying my last 3 months of heaven maternity leave

Can I just say that Sam is SO SO noisy!! He never stops shouting Am guessing he might be an early talker which is the complete opposite to Josh!

Happy Birthday to daisyj-have a lovely day (what is left of it )

MJIM-2 teeth No wonder she was suffering.

Ceebee-not good hearing the CD player. Hope tonight is better.

summerbird-what a relief about William's eyesight but sorry he has a cataract. As the others say, the regular check ups will mean he is monitored which has to be a good thing.

Holby on so must go.

Love to all.

HC
x

26 weeks!

Summer - enjoy your meal! Sorry it wasnt better news, but at least his sight is fine - I like your positive view on it.

Hi guys

Just a quickie to jump on as William has gone for a nap and DH is cooking me a nice meal with a glass of wine.

He is still sleeping well during the night with only one or two night feeds, so we are keeping fingers crossed!

We took William to the eye hospital today, as I am blind in my left eye they wanted to check it out that it isnt hereditary. His sight is fine but he does have a little cataract in his left eye (same as mamma!) so we have to take him for regular check ups throughout his childhood, we are fairly upbeat about it as the way we see it - at least they are keeping him under observation and if he ever needs surgery then they can be quick off the mark. Poor little thing though! I had to breast feed him during the appointment just to keep him calm so the consultant could examine his eyes however at least it solved the problem as to how to feed him in the hospital!!

Anyway must dash and spend some quality time with DH

<Drumroll please> Naomi has cut not one, but two teeth today! Been waiting ages for her 1st tooth to cut and teething like mad and out pop two, both on the bottom right in the middle

Ceebee - awwww hope you get a better night tonight! DS was really good at school so I said he could chose one thing to do at home this afternoon as a big treat.... his request was we sat outside on the patio to eat dinner - what a lovely idea boiled eggs, new potatoes and lots of salad sitting out in the sunshine - fabulous!

Juanitad - yay for good naps, they make the world of difference!

hope everyone else is well x

I think I missed a few birthdays, so happy birthday to daisyj and dawn and hope I didn't miss anyone else. My turn next week, June was obviously a fruitful month!

CE - P does have some hair, not much though. It is very fair, hard to say for definite if he is going to be blonde or maybe ginger, or something in between, a strawberry blonde colour. I'm blonde, so is DH, so it makes sense that he is so fair! DH might have wondered what was going on otherwise!!

Have had a lovely day today, helped by the fact that P had a nap of 2 hrs 15 this morning, unheard of for him, so I got loads done! He is asleep again now, so am taking the chance to MN to my heart's content!!

Just checking in to say Happy Birthday to Daisy Hope you have a fab day!

Also, belated Happy Birthday to Dawn - so sorry I forgot to say it yesterday

MJIM - great news about DS - hope the day wwent ok.

Well thought we had a breakthrough on Josh's sleep yesterday - he listens to a Thomas story CD at bedtime and he usually wakes up once a night to come in to our room to ask for it back on. Have been trying to persuade him to do it himself (he knows how!) for weeks now but no luck - last night, at about 2am, I woke up to here the CD going - the little bugger angel had gone and put his CD on himself (yay!) and then turned the volume up So of course Sam had woken up, he had had a poo so I had to change his nappy with Josh watching and talking to me (so obviously waking himself up even more) Very surprisingly he went back to bed and stayed in bed first time - but still <big sigh> A case of one step forward, two steps back I think

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DaisyJ have a fab day and enjoy your meal out with your DH tomorrow evening. Also enjoy your anniversary on friday
(That is a bit like us in september, my birthday 13th, our anniversary 20th and Naomi's birthday on 21st lots to celebrate all at once)

Well DS went to preschool fine this morning so I am really hoping and praying he has a good morning!

N still teething like crazy - but having a nap in her cot now and her temp is so far fine this morning!

Hope everyone has a lovely day x

Oh, MJIM, I'm melting at how adorable that is of your ds.

CE - I feel excited and nervous for you, almost as much as if it was me - I can't wait to try again - I'm having to restrain myself, as I do really feel it's a bit too soon for us, but would be thrilled to live it vicariously through you

Dawn - happy birthday to us! It's mine tomorrow . On Wednesday DH and I are going to leave M with my parents while we go for a meal out - our first since M was born (not our first meal, obviously!). It's our anniversary on Friday, so a double celebration.

xx to all.

Yes, my beautiful babies are sound asleep thank you! I was quite shocked earlier when I was thinking <dangerous I know > and realised I am Mummy to a 3.8year old and a 9month old - when on earth did that happen lol!

Happy birthday dawn! Hope you have an easy night to finish off your lovely day. Shame your dh had to go back to work today of all days! I think as long as babies gain some weight they don't seem too bothered how much! All my HV asks me is "plenty of wet and dirty nappies? Settling well between feeds? Sleeping ok?" It's not very scientific I feel!

Juanitad - Patrick is sooooo cute! Does he have hair yet? or is it really blond so doesn't show on photos? My boss also told me I could go back for one day but I thought no for 2 reasons. 1, it's taking the p* a bit and my colleagues would think and 2, I would like to meet the new year 7's on transfer week which is my 1st week back. I think Septmber is going to be a shock to the system whatever!!!

ceebee - that is adorable about them both being in the cot together! I would hide where they can't see me and listen to them playing! My sister heard her 2 shouting one day from the lounge "We're snatching Mummy, we're snatching !!!!" She went running in and they were sat there holding hands in front of the TV! Awww! lol! You will LOVE take that! Try to get near the centre circle stage if you want to see them close up. Have fun!

MJIM - hope your 2 are sound asleep! I am not looking forward to teething much!

What lovely pics ChocEclair and juanitad-I really like to see how they are changing.

Happy Birthday Dawn! Hope you are managing OK. DH only took a week off with DD1 but 2 weeks with DD2 and will be taking 2 weeks off this time.

MJIM-hope Naomi is OK through the night.

ChocEclair-you will probably be so chilled you will get a BFP straight away.

Ceebee-Take That Hope you have a great time.

Hi to everyone else!

HC
x

Ceebee - yay for Josh being an absoloute delight! awww to reading in the cot together, but not good for him clibing in really! Enjoy your concert

Evening all

CE gorgeous photos - Maddy is an absolute darling! I don't believe for one minute your 'happy accident' line - fingers crossed that you get whichever result you want

MJIM I hope it is Naomi's teeth aswell - there is nothing more frustrating than a baby who can't tell you what is wrong!! No surprise but Josh is exactly like your DS!! We have phases of lovely, cute, adorable behaviour and then phases of absolute 'could throttle him' behaviour - tis so frustrating!! This weekend, he has been an absolute delight to be around but I am under no illusions that it will continue

Dawn Sam has had weeks where he has piled the weight on and others where he hasn't - swings and roundabouts I think but it definitely sounds like Ellie is thriving

Juanitad gorgeous photos but then again, I know how cute P is in the flesh anyway

Well, Josh has discovered that he can climb in Sam's cot without the aid of a chair/step etc so there is nothing we can do to stop him <sigh> Today, whilst I was at the gym, DH found Josh upstairs sat in Sam's cot happily reading books together (well Sam was chewing his ).

Right need to go and paint my nails and find out some parking information for tomorrow night - am off to Take That - woohoo!!!

Juanitad and CE - gorgeous pics of your babies <melts>

CE - awww it is of course possible you would have caught and eggy, but please do not get too dissapointed if you havent, it is afterall very early days! I tbh do think you are crazy but also think it is totally brilliant

Dawn - HAPPY BIRTHDAY! glad things have gone well on your first day alone - yay for good weight gain (9oz is very respectable for a week, Naomi takes about a month to gain that lol)

Really hope the temps are to do with teething - she was not good before bed tonight - gave meds and lots of milk and she settled fine <phew> poor baby!

DS is a sweetheart but drives me totally up the wall, though tbh today has been much improved, we have had a couple of episodes of unnacceptable behaviour, but generally a lot better. Still not himself though so by no means expecting a glowing report from the preschool when I pick him up after tomorrow morning's session!

Especially for you CE, 2 new pics of Patrick, it had been ages since I had updated!! And in answer to your question, yes I'm going back for a week before summer. My original plan had been to go back for 2 weeks, but it is going to be much less hassle sorting out family to babysit for just a week than for 2, as I am not starting him at the childminders/nursery until September. I've heard of some people just going back to work for a day before summer, and I think you could even chose to end your maternity leave on the first day of the summer hols so you don't go back at all until September, but I knew I would need a little bit of time to get my head back in the work zone again, otherwise I would get a real shock to the system in September!!

Hello all,

I hope that you're all well!!

Well, I've been celebrating my 35th Birthday today with my little girl. DH had to go back to work today and was really gutted, as were we, but the first day wasn't too bad.

We had our first visit from the Health Visitor aswell which was really good. Ellie has put on 9ozs in one week, is that good or about average?

She seems to be very good with her sleeping aswell. She has a feed at 11pm and then sleeps until about 2.30am, has another feed and then goes to sleep until about 6.00am. So she's doing very well!!

MJIM, aaaaahhhhh at your little DS - what a lovely thing for him to say!! Long may that continue!!

Summer, hey honey, how are you? Sounds like William had an Ellie moment today - he'll calm down again, don't worry!! Well done you on the expressing. I had to give up in the end and Ellie seems to be thriving on the Aptamil so I'm sticking with that now. How are you doing? Are you healing well? I'm still having to take the painkillers regularly through the day - a bit TMI but "down there" feels like I've been on a mammoth 12 hour BD session - very uncomfortable still. I'm hoping that it's normal as it's only been 2 weeks since I had our LO.

Big waves to HC, Juanitad, CE (looking forward to hearing some exciting news - ), Ceebee and Daisyj.

xxx

Hello

MJIM - glad you think it's just teething. Are these her first? Your ds is just adorable saying that though! How sweet!

HC - lovely lovely piccie. They just look sooooo sweet and like butter wouldn't melt! (is that the case???) I love how dd2 is showing off her little bracelet to the camera bless her! You must be so proud of them.

summer - hope you had a good sleep after all. Maddie sometimes has days where all she does is feed and sleep, feed and sleep. Then the next day she doesn't seem hungry. I guess we are all like that aren't we - some days we are hungrier than others!

mandy - glad things are still going well for you! Hope you beat me to it with dc2!

juanitad - are you just going back for 1 week then? Any new pics of Patrick?

Waves to ceebee, dawn and willmouse - hope all ok xxx

Thanks for all being nice re: my ttc (or not ttc!). I thought you might all say I was an idiot or maybe crazy! I'm trying not to think about it too much really - we'll just see what the end of the month brings! It's the new relaxed choceclair; would be very happy to get a BFP and will try not to feel too disappointed if AF arrives.

New pic on profile today - my beautiful baby girl <<awwwwww>>

hi lovelies
big waves
was going to post properly but fELIX SAYS i MUST TEND TO HIM (opps sorry caps lock) as ever

all is lovely though
CE whe heeey... are you & I both aiming for false twins ...

xx

I have to share something so beautifully sweet DS just said to me.......

"Mummy"
"Yes, Baby?"
"I love you!"
"I love you too DS"
"I love you because you are my mummy and you are beautiful and you give me lots of nice things"
"Awwww thanks DS, Mummy loves you lots and lots too! what is your favourite present mummy has ever given you?"
(Expecting reply of... New Car/ Easter Egg / Sweeties or similar)
"Naomi!"

Bless him, out of all the things DH and I have ever given him, the best present of all has been his sister - I am chuffed to bits

Summer - ballistic moments and 3 feeds in an hour three hours is perfectly normal strange and funny creatures these newborns

HC - awwww beautiful girls Sophie is tiny but gorgeous!

N is still getting temps but doesn't seem unwell, just a bit niggly - must be teething!

HC adoooooooooorable!! Your girls are little beauties.

Hmmmm well i spoke too soon on the sleeping all day thing. William went ballistic this afternoon and fed three times in three hours! Mind you my sisters have been here this weekend getting him all hyped up so maybe he has had too much stimulation. Tonight could be a laugh!! Anyway i am congratulating myself on my first bash at expressing milk. DH has been doing one night feed from a bottle of formula so we are going to try expressed milk tonight. Will let you know how we get on tomorrow.

choceclair yippeeeee i am all TTC excited for you. Bring on the 2WW and good luck!!

MJIM hope Naomi feels better soon, it is so heartbreaking when you cant just communicate to them that they will get better soon, my friend is going through the same thing with her LO who has chicken pox at 6 months old

ceebee thanks for the words of potential reassurance send me your LO's good vibes over this way

ChocEclair-you OV'd on Friday so you have done the deed a day later so 50/50 chance really. Always more chance if you BD prior to OV but we will see what happens.

MJIM-poor Naomi, she must have been feeling dreadful with a temp like that. Hope she is much better soon.

Been to a 4th B'Day party today and the girls had a great time. Here they are just before they went. See MJIM, Sophie is wearing one of Emma's dresses age 12-18 months and she is 3 on Saturday.

Time for bed methinks as quite tired after the party.

Big wave!

HC
x

CE - I really hope the temp is due to teething, we have the two bottom teeth which we can both see and feel but it is like they have one more layer of skin to break through before they officailly 'cut' ! Meal was lovely - took me hours to cook it all! WOW to the happy accident, will keep my fingers crossed for an 11 month age gap

Oh my god CE........how exciting. I am going to be on tenterhooks now until your AF is due! When is that? Oh how exciting how exciting! So if the happy accident turns into bub no 2, when would it be due? Bet you've worked it out already! Someone on my PN thread is pg and will have a 15 month age gap, but this would totally blow that gap out of the water! Would it be less than a year? Can't wait to find out!

Evening all

MJIM - happy 9 month birthday to Naomi, but hope she is feeling a lot better tonight. Is it a virus do you think? Hope also that your lovely family dinner goes well (very brave!)

summer - not sure if it will continue but enjoy it! Maddie did not sleep well for the first few weeks but then suddenly she seemed to 'get it' and started only waking for one feed. This got steadily later and later until she just slept through one night! We are enjoying while it lasts as it might not I guess!

HC - glad dd1 did not get your horrid bug

ceebee - hope you enjoyed your nap!

juanitad - I think I will go into school a few times over the next few weeks. I need to discuss stuff for Sept anyway or I won't have a clue what I am doing! I also need to get timetable etc. Glad you went for the promotion in the end - at least you were upfront about wanting to get home to Patrick!

Interesting turn of events here. I can't say my life is not exciting! Last night we had, how can I put it, a "happy accident"??? I think I may be in my fertile time aswell (This was after having discussed everything and agreeing NOT to ttc for another few months). Hmm!!! We have talked about it today and decided against the MAP. We are just going to leave it up to fate to decide - if it is meant to be it's meant to be!

HC could you look on my FF and see how likely you think it is pretty please.

I will admit to being quietly excited on here

Yay for William sleeping well - it may continue, it may not! Enjoy it!

N has picked up a little x

MJIM poor poor Naomi I hope she picks up again soon - Happy 9 month birthday to her

Summerbird there is no reason why William won't carry on as he is I have been very lucky and given birth to 2 fantastic sleepers - both from the very beginning. The night pattern you have described sounds very much like both my boys were - and Josh slept through from 4 weeks and Sam from 10 weeks From birth both used to only wake up once or twice a night and even then, I just used to give them a bottle and they would go straight back to sleep - and they never woke up crying either - just used to shuffle round in the crib until either me or DH woke up and realised it had been 4 or 5 hours since their last feed. Hope that makes you feel better - enjoy!!

All good here - DH has taken the boys to MIL's for the afternoon so I am going for a nap now before making tea.

MJIM Happy 9 month birthday to Naomi!!! x

Soooo guys i have my first mummy question for you. After the first three days of hectic craziness, William is now sleeping all day and (erhem - wait for it) almost all night he wakes up for a feed at circa 1am then another one at circa 4-6am. Other than that he sleeps. Now the first couple of nights me and DH got no sleep whatsoever but the last three nights we have been able to get 6-7 hours each (doing a tag team on the feeding and settling etc) and it is working really well.

Is this normal in the first week or so? We dont think we have 'cracked it' by any stretch of the imagination but if it carries on like this we can cope tolerably well!! We also know he is going to get more alert during the day but would love to think that he is a good sleeper.

LOL just wait until two weeks time - i will be posting desperate pleas for help in getting some sleep when the little blighter decides to get evil!!

45 mins later and still 39.1c - have given ibroprofen aswell now

Got mum dad and 2 sister and brother over for big meal this afternoon - DH working but back on a split this afternoon - Dsis trying to rock N to sleep.

Hope everyone else is ok x

Naomi is 9 months old today!
She is unwell though poor poppet, been whinging so just picked herup and she is boiling checked temp and 39.5 - have given calpol!

Yes, what am I going to look at during the Wimbledon fortnight Rafa is gorgeous <swoon>

DD1 was miraculously fine this morning so obviously doesn't have my virus which is good.

Hope all OK.

HC
x

juanitad - yes, that's me! How funny. I only realised that Lackadaisycal was who she is that day when my friend told me. I live in London, but used to live with her in Leeds, which is how I know her. Sorry, that all sounds quite incomprehensible, but I'm sure you know what I mean. I thought your lo was adorable - he looked so happy face out in his Baby Bjorn (sorry, completely forgotten his name). And to think I nearly met ceebee too. Maybe next time!

And for all those of us thinking of becoming bonkers again in the near future - isn't biology a scary thing . I love it that we're all still here hanging out, though (even though I'm a bit rubbish at getting around to posting).

Oh, and MJIM - so, so pleased for you on the bedtime front. It's most definitely the key to sanity. Maya's bed time routine went a bit off the last couple of days - I think she's having her three-month growth spurt a little early and she's a bit unsettled. Seems to be back to normal this evening though [relieved emoticon]

xx to all

Evening all

juanitad that sounds pretty grim to me but I am a telly addict - just sat here watching Mamma Mia at the mo!! As for work, I have to submit the form by Monday so going to do it tomorrow. I am going to go for the job that has more travelling but a nicer boss - I would be quite happy with the other one so have nothing to lose really do I? There is no guarantees I will get it anyway as I have a feeling that there is a 'master plan' in place and what we ask for will be irrelevant

MJIM glad the bedtimes are going better - obviously you have cracked it! Josh is a nightmare at bedtime - he stands at the stairgate screaming for about 10 minutes every night

Hi to everyone else - hope you are all having good weekends