Feb 2011 - The home stretch! Let's see more of those babies :-)

[WanderingInAWinterWonderland]

A shiny new thread for a shiny new year.

I haven't actually got to bed yet ledkr. You carry on being assertive with the PILs!

ledkr very impressed with your assertiveness!

Just taken delivery of baby's new drawers so nursery is now all set :) Yay!

Off to the hosp for 10am so not sure what time I will get back. Am taking wispa and perhaps a sandwich in case they leave me in a room and forget about me for ages!

Right off to put clothes in drawers - so exciting!

Morning!

Sorry angels and earlgrey but no baby yet. I wish I could say differently as backache is a killer...

debka hope things work out okay for you, seems a bit odd that they're suddenly trying to diagnose you with everything! Still, hope they get things sorted for you.

I walked down to the town yesterday and I swear almost everyone stared at my hugeness like I was some kind of alien, I know I walk like John Wayne but there's no need for that

All went well with mw home visit, she's a big supporter of home births and got on my ball to show me some moves. She also said that she didn't think I had long to wait.... please please please!!!! Off to get plastic sheeting this morning (if OH ever gets up lazy sod, he's not working till 2pm).

I'm having a last minute freak out about where ds is going to sleep in the day. I have the crib all made up next to my bed but wondered if I should buy a moses basket for the living room so that I can stare at watch him.

WRT forest topiary, I tried a few weeks ago to have a tidy up and asked OH if it was straight and he couldn't stop laughing so I'm not bothering now. What I can't see can't hurt me

I'm officially 37 weeks now, hooray!!!!!!!!

Hey needtosleep glad everything is ok, except for backache of course. Could baby sleep in pram downstairs? I am putting my travel cot up downstairs - they are a worthwhile investment IMHO esp if you plan to visit friends or family overnight and they fold away nicely when not in use x

Hi all!

Had an awful morning! Completely lost it with DD before taking her to pre-school. Was all my fault as I expect far too much from her. I told her to go downstairs and put her shoes and coat on while I sorted myself out. She obviously wanted me to go with her but by the time I had sorted myself I didn't have time to wait for her to do things by herself and helped her. Cue her tantruming saying I can do it, I can do it and trying to take her coat back off. I screamed at her I'm so ashamed. She's 3 and a half FFS and I probably acted the same age TBH! I don't know how I'll cope with two. I'm shit.

wandering please don't be so hard on yourself, I don't know how women cope with their other children when they're pregnant, I can't look after myself properly. Your DD will have forgotten all about it by now and you need to rest.

Thank you 40weeks, I think that's the answer actually, brilliant!

wandering you're not a bad mum, and needto is right - she will have forgotten all about the 'incident' by the time she finishes pre-school for the day.

needto I have been musing over the same thing re: baby sleeping as all I have is a big old cot (might be a cot bed, I'm not sure what the difference is tbh) and a pram top for the travel system. I'm going to ask health visitor when she comes tomorrow if it's OK to use the pram bit pretty much exclusively for the first few weeks as I keep being told newborns don't like the wide open space of a big cot, but I'm not sure if the thin flimsy mattress on the pram is supportive enough for using almost exclusively. It's all so muddling! We have a travel cot but it's one of the ones that is as big as a regular cot and almost floor level so will be really hard with my bad back to reach down into all the time. Also have worries about setting it up downstairs for daytime naps and the cat deciding it's going to jump in/use it as his home. I'm really tempted to buy a moses basket but will see what HV says.

Right, off to organise all the babies clothes (for the third time , but this time I'll get the right system going )

wanderingsheep I've done it too, my 3 year old took forever in the toilet this morning, and I went in to help her out and she wanted to do it herself (which obviously is fab) but I got really frustrated because she was fiddling with the toilet roll

Ledkr well done with in-laws, keep it up.

40weeks I'm a fan of travel cots too, used them everywhere with dd1, had one in our house, one in my mums etc, dd2 wouldn't go anywhere near them but then we all know how awkward she is

PDR Holidays in mid/half term are a nightmare expense wise. DD1 is in her second year of primary school and for the past few years we have taken her out of school in May or early June for our holidays but I think this is the last year we'll be able to pull that off. Mr Wiggles has played on the internet researched our holiday all week!! so think we are heading off mid June for a week. DD1 won't miss that much in school, she's only 5 and our school finishes end of June anyway, besides I'm being a bit sneaky and going away over her birthday to avoid the school party dilemma we are still traumatised from the noise of 22 children last year

Oh wandering don't worry she'll be fine. We have all done that!!!!! Only a couple of weeks ago I was 'discussing' with ds2 (6) that he should hurry up and finish his tea that he was pratting about with. Then I turned around and dd1(14 months) had got the nipple cream - lanisol and covered herself in it. Then I totally lost it!

Have just walked to school with the two boys and bliss my dmil has taken dd1 for the day. Yeah. Don't often get time to myself. Just put the hot water on and going for a bubbly bath.

In two minds about new arrival. Some days I wish it would hurry up and come as feel so useless with big bump, but then I will have four dc's to look after!!!!! Help. Ds1 has loads of hospital appts coming up too (he has downs syndrome and each year has all his checks- eyes,ears, thyroid function, speech and occupational therapy, physio and orthotics) so newbie will be coming too!

So excited about everyone on here having their babies, love reading the birth announcements and hearing birth stories.

Thank you needtosleep . That's really kind of you. I just feel awful having had a screaming match and then just left her at school. We had a kiss and a cuddle before I left her but I still feel guilty.

Oh well, I've had some dark chocolate (got to keep the iron levels up) and watched Jeremy Kyle (shh!) Nothing like watching someone else's crap life to make you feel better, eh?

Needtosleep I'm sure they're only looking at you thinking how glowing and lovely you look . Your bump looks lovely on your pics! I must admit to probably staring at pg ladies when not pg but not because I'm thinking, "oh my god she's huge" I'm usually thinking "aww, how lovely she's going to have a baby soon/I hope I look like that etc."

I must walk around with a miserable face ATM. Our Lollipop lady at school is ill so there is one covering and she keeps telling me that I look fed up everyday. I want to shout, "I'M NOT FED UP, I'M JUST TIRED!!!"

Oops, x posted with you all there .

You're all so lovely and reassuring. Thank you .

Re sleeping during the day, I imagine that a pram would be fine. DD used to go in her rocker chair (although I've since heard that it's not good for their backs or SIDS) but it was a god send as she strapped in.

We do have a travel cot somewhere but used it mainly as a playpen for DD. It's a bugger to put up though, but that might just be me!

I cant decide if dd is annoying or im just touchy,i am trying hard but she seems to be being so annoying,doing everything slowly etc,i know shes excited and has a lot on with the baby etc,but jeeez.Dont worry,i even swore at her yesterday but i apologized after,we are just at the end of out tether.

Glad you lot are getting on with the preps,my nursery was the one room i could go in and think yep all done,yesterday i went in and dh has decided to store his tool boxes on the floor and scatter a few random diy things on the changing table-wtf-does he have a death wish.I scowled at him as he shot off to the gym,grrrr.

Been awake since 4am think im worrying about the party,will be glad when its over now.

ledkr don't worry about the party, I'm sure your dd will have a fab time with all her pals. Just fill them up with crisps, sweets and other sugary food and send them home hyper!!!!! It is defiantly not worth lying awake at 4am about. So exciting you'll meet your new girlie next week!!!

Had lovely bath, now may accidentally end up snuggled in bed for a couple of hours this is the life!!!

Ah, Ledkr, I'm glad it's not just me! Sorry, I know that that probably doesn't help! Here, have some chocolate. It's only crappy dark chocolate (I prefer milk) but it's better than nowt. I'd offer wine but I don't have any and it might be a bit early in the day .

I have a short temper at the best of times but pregnancy has made me worse!

I think I want the baby here now, which is annoying as I'm only 34+5 so could be ages yet, unless I can convince the consultant to give me ecs.

I do feel really unorganised and unprepared though but I don't know why! The baby has clothes, somewhere to sleep, a pram, bottles so I don't know why I feel like something's missing. I think it might be because we haven't prepared a nursery this time, like we did for DD, and we don't seem to have bought much because we already had stuff .

Maybe I should pack my hospital bags? I think that's it actually - we haven't got nappies, breast or maternity pads!

Hi everyone!

Thanks for all your concern. It does seem odd that in the last few weeks all this is happening. All the drs and mws say it'd be v convenient if the baby just came a bit early.

Had my GTT (again) today, and they took lots of blood for PIH and anaemia checks too. My lovely mum took DD then gave us both lunch when I got back and she's sent me home now for a rest and DD will nap at her house. Lucky me :)

I feel disorganised too- think it's because all the baby stuff is still in the loft, keep nagging DH to get it but he hasn't done yet. He also has to build a room for the baby- starting that on Monday! Wish he'd done it weeks ago, but hey ho.

wandering I only bought nappies, mat pads etc last week, it was like I had a mental stumbling block over buying them . We also aren't doing a nursery this time and I agree it feels like you haven't done something. I ran to Asda this morning, they have an offer on Tommee Tippee bottles in the baby event, I also got my steriliser there at the the last event.

I've had quite severe BH today, to the point where I almost swerved the car while out this morning and am also feeling very sicky.

We got the steriliser and bottles while they were on offer too. I've been having bad braxton hicks too! Mainly at night time but they can really take your breath away can't they!?

Debka did they not give you any results? Hope you can get some rest while your mum has your DD! Glad she is able to take her for a bit. Put your feet up!

Glad you sound a bit brighter Debka, it's lovely when someone else looks after you for a change, that's what Mums are for Give DH a kick up the backside, he'll have room organised before you know it!!

Baby has been going mad with movement for the past few days and deffo feeling very achy around pelvic area and so tired. Also its feckin' freezing here, temperature has not risen since last night and not impressed with having to de-ice the car every time I need to go out.

Hey everyone, how are you all? Big and beautiful, I'm sure. Not long now, ladies! Scary and exciting all mixed up, huh!?

I've been lurking daily, but not had the energy to contribute much, sorry. Congratulations on the arrival of the newbies!

SBF Thank you for redoing the stats list. You are a brave woman. I really hope Prof only vanished because she felt overwhelmed by the stats, and nothing more sinister! Prof if you are reading, show your face and let us know you are ok, the stats should never have chased anyone away, if that was the case.

Debka I have my fingers crossed that you passed the pesky GTT today - yuk, glad I don't have one looming this time. Though I did just eat two (albeit) small Mars bars - I could not help it!! Really not like me at all. Anyone know anything about feeding up before labour? All I want to do is snack, mostly healthy luckily.

Wandering All will be forgotten and forgiven after pre-school, mark my words. She will be bubbling to tell you about some bit of art work or other. We all lose our temper, you are only human. I havn't packed my bag either (though packed an emergency one at 30 weeks) at 34+6. I don't have the energy to decide what and how much of everything to pack. Also have to think about OH as he will stay in the hospital with me and baby. Anyone have a good hospital bag list? Which snacks should I pack? I was thinking dried apricots and cereal bars - no idea what else. Also considering buying a sports bottle for water, good idea?

Re being organised - our pram still hasn't arrived! OH specifically wanted green seat pads, which of course takes the shop longer to import rather than plain black. We went to buy car seat the other day and firstly they triend to sell us an off the shelf one - how many people will have clattered them!? Then the only one they had in the store was a horrid blue.. Looks like baby will have no mode of transport home at this rate. EEKK!!

Needto Sorry about your pain :(

Ledkr Insomnia back? I was doing well for a few nights, but this week its gone back to not getting off to sleep, then managing about 4 hours of tossing and turning. So exciting you only have a week left until you meet Ivy or Deliah. Hope DD birthday celebrations go well!

Off to another antenatal class tonight, its about pain relife, which will be interesting. Apparently they offer acupuncture during labour here. Not one for needles but would like to avoid drugs where at all possible, especially since the epi is unlikely to work because of my back, so will not attempt that. You wait, my birth story will tell you all I had EVERYTHING that was on offer haha. We will also be watching the graphic video's...

Have a lovely afternoon ladies, make it as lazy as possible!

Sounds like we are all on our last legs, ladies!
Glad i am not the only one then. ledkr everyone seems to be in my bad books at the moment....i blame hormones. be a shame when we have nothing to blame it on after

i am still feeling poorly. Woke up at 1.30am, not being able to breathe, hot, and then got a nose bleed. I then stayed awake until 5 until i crawled back to bed. Woke up, feeling like bitch of the century, had a MASSIVE row with DP, He said he understand i feel like death, but i am being so rude, to which i sobbed uncontrollably on the bed. We then both agreed i should give up work after next week. I am just tired. My body is certainly telling me enough is enough, so will have to give in. Just still need to sort out my Maternity Allowance as i am self-employed but i can see that won't be an easy ride either.

Wow this is a very 'me, me, me' post....sorry

Debka hope everything is ok, and good old mums!!!!!

pinkie I hope you feel better soon, feels like everyone is suffering with some kind of emotional/physical something or other at the min (thank goodness for this thread so I don't feel too alone with all the troubles!).

I'm so excited as we have just brought a half price moses basket from John Lewis half price online (got the last one in stock ). Wasn't going to buy one but have been thinking I would like one, then DH came home from getting the cot mattress and said he saw some moses baskets in the baby store and maybe we should get one - didn't need much convincing from me so I jumped straight online . And, the money we saved on a half price basket we spent on a rocking base, so will be rocking baby to sleep (probably using my feet whilst in bed trying to sleep!).

Did you note the basket was half price . Just noticed I accidently put that twice in one sencence, but then, it is very important :)

yay to half price moses basket, we still need to get ours.

Speaking of which our Quinny bundle arrived today, whoopee. But DP was out, so i answered door with pj's still on and toast crumbs and butter all over my face, HA HA HA! The shame. I thought the delivery man looked like he wanted to lick my face

I'm so rubbish, I just can't keep up with this thread if I have one day off work!

Hope people are feeling well, and those that aren't are getting the right TLC.

Totally understand people feeling tearful, short-tempered and tired etc. It's really the home straight now so hopefully we are at least starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I had my second day off yesterday (booked Wednesdays off throughout Jan to give me a mid-week break), and actually managed to have a really relaxing day unlike last week (house-selling chores to do). I had the very bourgeois issue of being at home when the cleaner came so scurried off to my Mum's for a cuppa as no way can I sit there reading while she cleans around me! I know it seems extravagent having a cleaner when I'm off, but the point of me having a break mid-week is to rest, and cleaning the house myself would rather defeat the purpose!

I've now booked a load of days off in Feb, so my last day is Feb 8th, and after tomorrow I will have 9 more days to work! Feels funny . I'm starting mat leave on my DD unless baby arrives early.

I really don't know how you ladies with young DCs cope with this, I'm being pretty high maintenance as it is, and toddlers don't tend to understand things like that do they. I am in awe of you all.

D