I'm due to give birth next week and DH hasn't booked us a hotel room...

[MaryBeWaiting]

... its bound to be packed, after all, the world and his wife'll be there. What happens if we "just turn up" and there's nowhere to stay? Where does he think I'm going to give birth, in a stable?

I like the name Jesus, but only when pronounced Hay-Zoos

heaven forbid you give him a common name. How about Noel?

Not Noel, because I'd always think of Noel Edmonds - and I really don't like his beard! .

Jesus... yes, I LIKE it! I KNEW I could rely on MNers to help me come up with a name! . We haven't got an Mexicans round here...

(now, where did I put that gaviscon, I've terrible heartburn at the moment...)

I knew a Brian but his mother always said he was a very naughty boy! Maybe best to go with Jesus? Or what about Rudolf - has a nice ring to it?

Ah no, not Rudolf, he'd get teased about a red nose, and what with his birthday being at Christmas, there'll be lots of comments about pulling sleighs!

I also thought, Andrew or Simon, but he's going to be a carpenter, like his dad (no jokes about Karen please!), and they're names that tend to be used for fisherman! Jesus is a nice solid name, I think that's settled...

Anyway, I ought to think about packing, otherwise we won't get there in time... my back aches!

or maybe Judas...?

This has got to be one of the funniest threads I have ever read. Thanks for cheering up my Morning ladies!

Jehovah works well with most surnames I think.

Your travelling worries could well be over, my dear! I saw some ships come sailing in to Bethlehem this morning. Seems there is a shipping company that works this route. Someone told me they do a special 3 for 1 deal.
So- no more flea-ridden donkey rides! Sail into Bethlehem with a song on your lips and leave all your worries behind!
(just be sure that hubby checks for mooring facilities behind the stable first)

Just thought- you might like to check out the laundry facilities. Those shepherds may need somewhere to wash their socks.

Will the census be asking about your ethnicity? There seems to be a bit of discussion round here about whether you are a blue eyed blonde or a dark haired, dark eyed lady?

you're still packing!!! You've not set off yet?? What is your DH playing at? Has he got a decent sat-nav or are you going to be relying on the sky to get you there? Did you do any NCT classes - for that matter did your dh as it sounds like you may have to rely on him for the delivery. Will keep my fingers crossed for you - sounds like the stuff of legends

You also might like to consider the name Emmanuael- bit of a mouthful but can be shortened to Manny (quite sweet IMHO)

Of course Christ would be an obvious choice especially bearing in mind the time of year he will be born...

(BTW- I am assuming you know it's a boy- if not might it be a good idea to have a few girls names just in case?)

I hear the shopping is quite good in Bethlehem. So don't pack to much stuff. Apart from the main shopping areas, there is a little road where they sell more trendy items, as you well know from 'Grazia' light blue robes are hot and strange Alice bands that glow just above your head. I think it would give you a lovely glow. Don't go to the Temple to change your money their rates are sinfully high.

No, I'm definitely dark haired/dark eyed...

We MEANT to get away on time, but the donkey failing its MOT didn't help. We're just about to set off... I'm hoping for some wi-fi hotspots along the way, so I can check in every now and again, let you know how I'm getting on... at this rate, we won't get there till midnight on 24th!

Not sure about Emmanuel, sounds like a dodgy film...

We did the NCT classes yes, but they weren't very happy about me travelling so far, so close to the due date. I've some phone numbers of some doulas, I heard a rumour Marslady might be in Bethlehem at that time - anyone know for sure?

Yes its definitely a boy, the AAGabriel told me, but it was also predicted by the Prophet Isaiah - I had a reading done...

I checked out the ships, but they won't take anyone whose over 32 weeks pregnant... thanks anyway!

And the shepherds can wash their own socks! I think I'll have enough to do without taking in laundry, thank you very much!

... anyway we're off, Joe wants to know whats taking me so long . Thanks for all the name suggestions, but we've agreed on Jesus, with the names Charlotte Emily Olivia just in case its a girl

Oooh - good luck. I love a live birth journey thread

I'm a little concerned about your donkey. Does it have Isofix? You know they won't let you go home if you can't demonstrate that you're able to fit the baby carrier safely.

IMO, Jesus is a weeny bit precious for a first name - are you sure he won't get teased at school?

BTW, I saw some lovely unbleached, organic cotton swaddling bands in the Jojo Maman Bebe catalogue! You might want to take a look.

As I said before 'Grazia' had an item on blue maternity gowns, a bit too Italian arty look for me. I think they said the shop was called 'Robes & Sandles' The address in The BIG Book Thomas Local.

MamaHobgoblin,So cute. I'm sure any baby will not crying in that swaddling. Is it made from Egyptian cotton?
Califraukincense Do you come from a far away land? You seem so out of touch?

Those swaddling clothes are gorgeous - shame I've missed the Christmas delivery date!

As for Jesus being precious, well he IS my PFB, how couldn't he be precious... and he's not going to school, he's going straight to teaching in the temple! Gifted and Talented as well as precious!

We're slowly making our way there, the sat nav went a bit strange at one point, we were heading for Bethany, until I noticed the error!

And as for Grazia, that's a sore subject, the moneychangers there have set up a direct debit on my bank a/c, for a subscription that I didn't authorise, so I am NOT very happy with them! Mistreating a pregnant woman in this way!

I am sure your baby will be absolutely adorable, MaryBeWaiting. What about setting up a meet-up for any of us MNers in the area, oh come, let us adore him/her?
Mind you, I did hear the roads would be congested, lots of faithful joyful and triumphant people apparently, must be some sort of football match?