DueJan 06 - third trimester and we're on a roll

[iris66]

Here we go then girls - a nice shiny new thread!!I was going to call it "backs, bumps & boobs" but that sounded like all we do is whinge about them! lol

Hi all!! - finally back after having to reinstall loads on the computer (again!! - we had no security this time and it took forever to get it back working) Isn't there loads to read up on?! (will do so in slower time later as I just wanted to say hi!)
Love all the piccies! Beautiful people and beautiful children - it's lovely to put faces to everyone isn't it, though I (strangely) didn't have any preconceived ideas about how you all looked (except I did think that you'd be dark haired rachey, for some reason!)
Lyra - Bella is gorgeous she looks just like you described her (have you seen the scary knitting pattern in the Nov folder (babyonboard I think - PMSL).
I'm going to try to load the Adobe photo software today (thanks Tickle)so may finally get mine loaded!

Spent Sat Xmas shopping (with DH the packhorse in tow - but, even so, I was absolutely shattered) but at least now I've almost everything done.I still have to find DD something though which is proving more difficult than I'd thought! Wrapped everything on Sun & made myself an easy peasy skirt (a length of black jersey folded in half & sewn up - I only hemmed the bottom edge so as to allow the top to stretch over my bump)I was really chuffed with myself (i'm not exactly the most patient or accurate of seamstresses)and it looks fab (wish I'd thought of it before - it only cost me a fiver!)

Off swinmming now (I do love to feel like a "lighter than water" nymphette for a bit)plus it gets the endorphins going. Anyone else having a hormonal time at the mo? - I've been feeling really down and oversensitive lately - much better today though (phew*!)
back later x

Nice to see you back iris & kitty! Putting me to shame on the sewing front iris - I have had material here for over a year to make a door curtain to insulate a room at the end of our house (curretnly a workshop, but aiming to make it into a kids' playroom). And every mention of Christmas shopping gives me the shivers

However, having more success on cleaning up the house - just looking for the drill, so I can move the washing line from the utility room into the shower room/dog room next door. The back door is actually our main door, so it would be nice when people come round if they don't get a face full of damp washing!

OK, cheese on toast calls - my tummy has not been fooled by this summer/wintertime thing

Tickle

You are putting me to shame on the buying material front! I have a friend willing to make me a winter maternity dress, and I can't get around to getting to the shop to buy the material (I fancy some velvet).

Just a quick post from work. First day back after half term - not too bad, as kids not in school till tomorrow, so spending the day planning training and finishing reports. Nearly hometime actually (3:15), so a very easy day all in all.

Hi everyone, gosh you have all been busy - I didn't get out of bed until about 12 yesterday recovering from the party. It was really good fun, my bf (who lost her baby) has no kids herself but went totally mad with the decorations, hanging spiders, cobwebs, slime etc. Turned her house into a grotto, she even had moaning music from tesco and forced her dp to stand outside the house dressed as Death until we all turned up! Really enjoyed it but was slumped on the sofa by 10 whilst everyone else was playing physical games. Lasted till about 12.30am, wow!

Lyra - must ring Uni about the probiotics because they haven't contacted me. Does your work have a maternity policy? You probably need to give them written notice along with your matb1 if you haven't already. I finish on Dec 22nd all being well and it won't be a moment too soon! All that is keeping me going is the thought of extra time with baby afterwards. I'm due to go back mid August with all the accrued hols etc. I had to sign a disclaimer saying I would pay the extra pay back if I didn't go back to work for 3 months afterwards. How long is everyone else taking off who works?

Sweetkitty - It's amazing how energy sapping everything is! I can only do about one thing a day. We had a good clear out/clean up yesterday (me mostly directing others...) after the builders and I'm shattered! Poor dp is on 12 hr shifts again this week so no chance to do any decorating yet (have amended high expectations to just getting the loft done first for dd) Hard work getting back into the school/clubs routine ie where are my rugby boots at 8.10 whilst the dog is throwing up!

I'm jealous of all of you who can sew, I can barely manage to get cubs' badges on! I think Akela thinks ds2 does them himself!

Jaysfirst - you wouldn't believe what 3 kids does for your looks!

Hi all,

I'm so looking forward to checking out the website with all the pics. I'm at work though so it might be a bit obvious that I'm not doing anything work related if I do that right now.

All details about giving notice re your maternity leave can be found on www.tiger.gov.uk I think it's quite a good site as it helps you plot when you can start and finish and it tells you the latest dates to do certain things. Of course I was a bit late in telling my employer when I'll be leaving but he's not bothered about little details like that. I've arranged for someone to take over and that's all he cares about, really. Pretty lucky.

I will start my Mat Lv on 9 Jan (due 19 Jan) but I'm going to take some holidays before that time so in reality I'll finish work on 16 December. I'm taking 6 months off this time. Lat time I took a whole year, which was fantastic, but it's all a bit expensive to lose my income that long. Having said that, paying for nursery and travel to work will eat up all my salary... I think I should ask for a pay rise

Last week I had some pain in my leg, where I just could not walk on it at all. I took the day off and used a crutch the next day. Felt very silly when everyone at work was so worried about what had happened to me. It made me cry and I told them not to ask me what was wrong. Not all at once, anyway. Crazy hormones! Anyway, using the crutch for a few days really helped and I'm fine now. I'm glad to be back at work as I tried to do some work from home but it was not really practicable.

I too bought an exercise ball from Argos. I had one before but it's in the garden and very flat. This new one is huge! DH is not too impressed by how much space it takes up (nor by how long it took him to inflate the thing) so i had better sit on it every day to prove it's worth it. It is very comfi, actually. I will always prefer slouching on the sofa but the ball is definitely good for posture. What I like best is how easy it is to get up from it. It just pushes you up a bit when you make the smallest effort. I was wondering how work would react if I buy a ball to sit on here too. I might start a new trend in office furniture.

I'm looking forward to seeing the pics. Will post some of my own too although we haven't really taken any pics of me and my belly recently. That's what happens when it's not the first time I suppose...

It worked!!!!!! - have loaded pix of my little Milliedog on the yahoo site (can't find the cable for my camera at the mo - will have to wait for DD to come in so I can use hers to put more on - and take a quick piccie of a bumpside view)
It's an awful night here. I've just put a pumpkin by the front door for all the trick or treaters (local custom - pumpkin out & porch light on is a green light to knock) but they are going to be soaked, poor things, as it is absolutely chucking it down! Good job they'll be fired up on E-numbers - am really glad I'm not going to be the one trying to get them to bed later Happy Halloween to you all!

Hey Iris!! Lovely photos... Millie v cute, and your dd looks fab on prom night You have to tell us who's who on the Halloween fright photo!! And I just love the dress in your bump close up.

The rain has arrived here now, so indoors, supposed to be working out how to attach our microscope to the TV & video to record microscopic organisms doing their thing. But on MN instead Better get back to it before DH catches me!! See ya...

Thanks Tickle - guess you've got the rain that we had yesterday (sunny here today so you should get that too soon!) the dress is a Laura Ashley one I got in a sale about 3 years ago - they only had it in large but I got it anyway (it's never fitted properly until now!)

Went to a friend's bash yesterday evening (the two either side of my bump in the photos on yahoo!) - kids all went trick or treating (chaperoned by the fellas - neither is mine btw, he's away at the mo)& then came back for apple bobbing and bashing a witch shaped pinata full of sweets. They'd also got a brilliant cardboard house (black & white) for the kids to colour in - it looked like the witches gingerbread house in Hansel & Gretel. Everyone had a fab time (think the adults more than the kids!!) Chilli & wine fest - fab. Shame DH wasn't there too though (or DD, having romantic dinner a deux with bf!)
What did you all get up to last night?

Well for a change it's lovely and sunny here today, just waiting for Tescos to arrive then we are off to the physios this afternoon.

Still on the exercise ball saga, traipsed up and down the high street trying to find a bicycle pump eventually bought a hi-tec one in Argos and guess what I've managed to break it! Don't think I kept the reciept so can't take it back. One day I will get to sit on my ball!!

Getting DD to sleep in her own bed all night is going well. I was on nightshift last night, she went down at 8 last night (we keep her up a bit later so DP can have a bit of time with her) shattered, had a little cry at 12 I comforted her and that was her until 7.50am this morning. Think we are all getting a better sleep for it although I was awake half the night listening out for her and also trying to get comfy in bed is so difficult right now. DP is always telling me off for fidgeting.

Morning Sweetkitty - you are very welcome to borrow my pump if you want- CAT me if you like (a couple of stamps are cheaper than a bike pump!)

Thanks for the offer Iris am going to plump up the courage and ask a neighbour whos kids have bikes. Who would have thought one exercise ball would cause so much hassle.

Physio was ok, just told me the usual things about sitting properly, doing some exercises, gave me a support belt etc. Am trying to bear in mind it's only another 10 weeks or so.

It's always the little things that do cause the most hassle!! (I refer my learned friend to the little thing to arrive in around 10 weeks! )

As I still feel like a new mum IM(very little)E the newborn bit is the easy bit! they stay in the one place, don't pull everything off every radiator, run around with a suspender belt on their heads she emptied the contents of my knicker drawer yesterday, she's peed the floor tonight, don't do the biggest smelliest poos then try and put their fingers in it, threw her entire dinner on the floor and generally wrecked the house - oh and I'm having another one

Anyway my little bundle is going to arrive exactly one week before her EDD therfore ensuring I get a homebirth so only 9 weeks for me

Will have to post some pictures of my beautiful daughter on the website when I eventually find the camera USB lead thingie!

I've conveniently forgotten all of the infuriating stuff - although DD (who will be 17 in 9 days!!)did put one of my new bras on her head on Sat and chirrupped - "ooh a baby bonnet" - 'cos one cup fitted her head perfectly

Don't forget to put a piccy of you on too!! (a gritted teeth smile is still acceptable - go on, you know you want to)

Iris - what lovely pics! Your dd is gorgeous. Sweetkitty - do put some pics up, don't be afraid! 9 weeks to go... ooh! don't know whether to panic or laugh hysterically. BTW your little dd sounds like as much fun as my labrador who has a little something (probably half a yucca plant) in his tum and is currrently discharging from both ends. Quite usual behaviour and I'm not running to the vet for an xray (like I did the first few times) in case it re-appears. Just off to order from tesco and search the web for an elusive psp -boys toys! At least dd likes girlie fluff!

Oh and Iris - those doggy ears are amazing! Want to swop her for a 6month lab who eats everything from fivers to cement?

Rachey - in a word... NO! (thank you very much for the offer though)
PMSL over your yucca(y) dog! "currently discharging from both ends" gave me mental images of some kind of double barrelled gun/dog (aim!... fire!!!)(PMSL again! OMG very nearly did too - just had to make mad dash to the loo mid type!!!oh the joy of being pg!)

PS - doggy ears currently trembling madly with wide, wild, terrified eyes due to fireworks (despite DAP diffuser) poor little thing. Off to cuddle and squish her into sofa in vain attempt to calm her little heart.

I will post some pics soon getting a bit worried as I can't find the lead thing that you have to plug in to upload pics from camera to pc. Have loads of photos that need uploading. MIL is giving me a hard time about lack of photos as well (as if I don't have enough on my plate!!!!)

Your dogs sound like great fun. When I was growing up we always had 2 dogs and loads of other animals but I think I'll stick with cats now. I hate fireworks too, the kids were setting them off during the day round here today why? kind of defeats the purpose! Still it's a lot quieter than London which was like a war zone this time of year.

Off to bed soon am completely shattered, DP on DD sleep training duty tonight!

Having a good chuckle over some of these posts

Rachey I sympathise, having seen some of the things that DH has taken out of slobberadors' stomachs over the years! They just don't have a "food/not food" filter do they?? Always hopeful I suppose

Very quiet at home today - children all dispatched to school/nursery/daycare, and DH up at the farm knocking half a wall down. Got the sunshine today as predicted - it has been a fab autumn so far.

Completely forgot I had a midwife apptmt yesterday She phoned me 15 mins into it, and I drove down, & she was really sweet and slotted me in after the next appointment.

Mind you, they are not exactly rushed off their feet: waiting for one mum to give birth on the island at the mo, and midwife apptmts are scheduled for Tues mornings only! I asked if she has been busy lately, and she said there had been a bit of a gap! (2wks, a month??) But there is another mum down south due to have her 4th on the same day as me

It is lovely tho, knowing the midwife who will be with you for the birth - bit different to Chelsea & Westminster for dd1 & ds... never saw the same one 2ce.

Anyway, should take advantage of the peace & get some stuff done Byee

ps kitty - check it's not still hanging in the back of the pc from last time

Hi girls

a bit knackered today. tossing and turning a lot at night, and then wake up for a wee and it takes ages to get back to sleep. feel like going home from work early, but I've got less than half an hour to go, so I'll just stagger on I think. no major plans tonight, apart from tidy up a bit and put some washing on, so an early nite beckons.

Re. mat leave Rachey - planning to finish on Dec 20th and return in July, just for a week before the 5 wk break, so they'll pay me over the hols . A bit cheeky, but everyone seems to do it.

Baby seems to be getting more active the bigger he gets, or maybe I'm just noticing more. People say all sorts about my bump, from "have you got triplets in there?" (charming!) to "you've got a neat little bump haven't you?" I've still only gained 7lb, so I'm grateful for that, but it doesn't stop me weighing more than I weighed at full term with ds1, who weighed it at 9lb 4oz! Shows how fat I was before I conceived! Hopefully the bf will be a wonderful weight loss aid.

~Anyone got any idea where I can get hold of a new silver cross mattress for an old fashioned coach built pram? I guess I should google it, there's probably a silver cross website out there somewhere. Any idea gratefully received.

Sorry lyra don't have a clue as you said theres probably a Silver Cross website out there, I love Solvercrosses but unfortunately I will be having a pram for 2 this time. Still trying to convince DP we need an E3.

Tickle - have already checked behind the pc for the lead (I know what I'm like) but it's not there haven't seen it since we moved. Might have to ask Santa for a new camera really like the idea of those cameras and printer combi's. Our camera looks really old as it was one of the first digital ones on the market.

Had good nights sleep last night think it was because I was exhausted from the night before. I'm on night duty tonight and tomorrow night though, although DD has been such a star she's waking only once and you can settle her down straight away again. Not bad considering she coslept til 9 months.