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 feeling very bunged up today, got a bad chesty cough poor babe will be rocking about with all the coughing I'm doing. She has decided she prefers the right side of me which is very tight and hard, left is more loose and flabby. I know my placenta is well up and towards the back so it's not it. Under my ribs on the right feels very tight right now.

I have 3 cats no dogs. The cats really don't care about DD she chases them and tries to pat and feed them from her beaker, they of course are utterly ecstatic about this. Only one of them will allow her to touch him (he's too lazy and fat to move) and she's very gentle with him. I think she thinks he's a big moving teddy. Now we have moved they are into a routine, mornings they come downstairs have food, use litter tray have a bit of a sunbathe, then it's upstairs for the remainder of the day and as soon as DD is in bed it's downstairs for fussing time. Think they love this upstairs/downstairs separated by 2 baby gates thing now.

Iris - this baby was nearly called Millie but it didn't go with our surname

Speaking of which who has their names picked, please tell me I'm dying to know? I think we may have a name for the baby.

I guess we should have known with your MN name sweetkitty, that you would be a cat girl Sounds like they have the house sorted to their satisfaction!

We found out at the 20 wk scan that this is another boy - so we have girl, boy, girl, boy... I congratulated my husband on his immaculate planning, cos I believe the gender bit is mostly up to him isn't it?? I went alone to the scan (have to travel to the mainland & takes all day) and they saw a bit too much fluid on the kidneys, which is something Hector had, so it made me ask if it was a boy. And there it was, clear as day Get a chance to see him again at 30 wks, cos they have to check the kidneys again.

Re names, we have Georgie, Hector & Clementine already... and it has to be something that works in Danish & English... Theo is a working name at the mo, but not 100% Would love to hear what other people are thinking about!

Looking forward to the smalls going to bed. Hec tipped a whole mug of hot tea over the dining table this p.m, then I made a replacement, ran to get the phone, and Clemmie tipped it all over the floor. Gave herself a huge shock & thankfully wasn't scalded - I'm usually pretty careful about hot stuff, but I now realise she is getting better at reaching stuff on the work surfaces

Better get them in the bath - see ya!
Just realised I've kind of abandoned the dd & ds bit...

Very pretty names tickle love Theo as well.

At the moment Talia is top of our list (of about 2 names) but this could be subject to change, feel sorry for this baby as with DD we had her name chosen before she was even thought of (never mind conceived) and her middle name is my Grans who passed away just before I became pregnant.

Ooh like Talia - very feminine My gran's name was Zillah, and I've only ever met one other. Wanted to use it as a middle name at some point, but DH overruled - says he can't get away from the Godzilla connection..!

What a lot of chatting going on here since I last posted. Just took ages to read it all.
Back not too bad nor is the tiredness at the mo but we are getting a good amount of sleep too.
School trips - that seems very expensive for a trip to Rome for what a week especially when I would expect they would be in dorms in a hostel or something. Rome is an expensive city probably one of the most expensive we visited but that seems like lots.
No dogs or cats in our family obviously yet but I'd like to get a dog a lab and if we get a dog dh is insisting on a cat so once our place is fenced we'll get both I assume.
i used arnica during labour and after and am hoping that it helped my c-sec recovery and will be using it this time, unfortunately the raspberry leaf tea didn't appear to speed up my labour - 24hrs so will be flagging that this time.
Buggies - dd will be 21.5mths when this one is born and we are hoping to just use the mountain buggy we have for the newborn and put her on a buggy board most of the time. we have the converter so we can pop the car seat on the buggy if we need to.
names - know what you mean by favourite names going to first born we are sort of lucky in that the name we were considering for a boy can be converted to a girl so we are are using it again as the name of the baby.
It will be Brooke as a girl or Brook as a boy with a my side family name as a middle name. It is also a shortened version of dh's grandfather's surname and he has recently died with no-one carrying it on so we thought it a nice tribute too as well as liking the name. We haven't told anybody else though so you guys are the only ones who know.
Well we arrived at Lake Bled Slovenia today off to adventure tomorrow it really is so beautiful.
Take care all

Hi all, sorry to hear some of you aren't sleeping too well. I was very ncomfortable during my first pg but that was mostly because of the horrible bed we had. We now have a great (Ikea) bed, I've never slept so well. It's European size too so bigger than English King or even Super King. If you have any spare money, invest in an Ikea bed!

Sweetkitty, my pram is a Koelstra Flexxo. It is a Dutch brand - my parents bought it for us. www.koelstra.com/PagesE/Flexxo/Flexxo1.html
I get really excited when I see someone with the same pram as that usually means they're from Holland too. It's only ever happened twice though...

We have no names for little bubs yet. I once mentioned Alexander and DH didn't hate it so we now often refer to bubs as Alexander but we can't decide like that, can we? Although it does work well in both English and Dutch.

Am in the middle of interviews for my Mat Lv replacement. How exciting - it makes it seem much more real and soon although I'll try and stay on until Christmas. What are other people thinking re Mat Lv? I had a whole year last time but will limit myself 6 or 7 months this time.

Hi all, great to see so many posts! I've been away in Reading for work, absolutely knackered today and looking forward to a little relax having my hair done later. The weather has been great here but now it's turned, very wet just to add to the cement, plaster and mud that is covering my house! I think I try to ignore it and have a big clean up when they are finished - hopefully next week as they are doing the hall as well. Cannot wait for the decorating phase!

By the way has anyone read 'we need to talk about Kevin?' by Lionel Shriver - it won the orange fiction prize, I'm halfway through and it is a gripping, chilling read about a mother writing letters to her ex re their child killer son! No, its not an easy read but very thought provoking and really touches a nerve when you're pregnant - about the nature of motherhood - you may have nightmares! A bit like 'the fifth child' by Doris Lessing if you know it.

Please continue with all the homopathic info - I also find it fascinating!

Thanks for the advice re watches Georgie, He's a chunky/sporty kind of guy! On the other hand I am a big fat bloater, I have got huge suddenly! I'm still off coffee but I think I ought to leave the hot choc alone! Lyra - how is the bra? I'm desperate for a good underwired maternity/feeding one - I need support!!

Tickle - congrats on having a boy, me too - tossing up between Jack (very common) and Finlay (hmm). My 3 are Joseph (Joe), Max and Leah - Leah was the only girl's name we ever agreed on - Loving Zillah! Reminds me of Wuthering Heights? I was brought up a catholic (altho not practising now) so kids love the fact that Rachel was Joseph's mother and Leah her sister. I don't think we'll be having a Benjamin though... (she died in childbirth with him!).

Sweetkitty - I got a Cosatto bedside cot from ebay - only £80 with p&p - absolutely immaculate including the mattress although I will have to get a new one. What really sold it to me was night breastfeeding - ie making an extension of your own bed and also no lifting over the edge (so hard with stitches/soreness) I like the idea of shuffling him over! Might not even have to sit up...

I'm on mat leave from dec 22nd - late but I do work from home mainly... I'm hoping people leave me alone in December! This way I get to go back in August - 3 months full pay, 3 months half, 2 weeks paid parental leave, 2 SMP, 3 weeks annual leave = 33 weeks off I think.

Congrats that you're having a boy Tickle! - and thanks for the dog advice (thanks to you too Lyra - will try to get Millie piccies on tonight - have to load the camera software first though, if I can find it!!)

Sweetkitty - there are 2 Millies living in our road (one adult & one child) and I always feel embarassed yelling for the dog if she goes off on a wander!!
I love the name Talia and think that having a grandparent's name is a really nice idea. I really wanted Ada as a middle name (my grans)if we had a girl so DH is very pleased that we're not as he hated it!! We still haven't decided on a first name though (the baby is nacknamed "Bob" for the time being)but he will have DH's name as a middle name. I think we're just going to wait until we see what he looks like before giving him his proper name - and hope that Bob doesn't stick!!!!!

Eshay - I love Ikea too - I'm addicted to their throws & blankets . Has anyone else got an Ikea changing unit (chest of drawers underneath with fold out top that you can convert to a bookshelf later on)? It is so fab!! We bought one after a couple of friends recommended it and may get the toybox to go with it (the toybox has a slow close mechanism on the lid which really appeals). I didn't want a changing unit at first (used floor/bed with DD) but these really don't look like nursery furniture at all and are a lovely antique pine/mid oak colour.

I'm stopping work when I can't reach to treat clients anymore (am aiming for mid Dec but my bump went like a torpedo with DD so it may be earlier)and hoping to take 3 full months off after the baby's born but it depends on how the feeding/sleeping routine(?!) goes as I work from home (this is the point where I (almost) wish I was still in conventional employment as my old employer gave 6 months off on full pay) I've not quite decided where he's going to go when I'm working as we've no family nearby but there are a number of good nurseries so I'm going to visit them next month and get a place provisionally booked.

My bump has had a monumental growth spurt during the last couple of weeks! - I look like I've swallowed a medicine ball and my boobs just sit on the top of it (well, drape round IYKWIM - not a good look!!) I got my first hook under the ribs last night too which took me by surprise. The baby has preferred kicking my cervix or lying sideways up until now - not sure which is worse! but he's still very active so that's got to be good.

By the way has anyone decided on which washable nappies they're going to use yet? - I had an e-mail back today from "thenappylady.com" (filled in an online questionnaire for free advice)but I'm still not sure. I'm hoping to have a lady visit from "lollipop" and another from the local council (they give you 15 quid per year if you spend 30 on washable stuff) But there's just too much info for me to digest. Still plenty of time though thank goodness!

Just a quickie as I can hear the dulcet (?) tones of a small girl awake in her cot!
Re nappies... Clemmie would recommend rainbow tots bots with nappy nippas, fleece liners and motherease air flow outers. She also quite likes motherease one size (but they were a bit baggy til she was 6mths or so, even with her generous curves!)
See ya later!

Good to see you back Rachey - "We Need to Talk about Kevin"..... one word.... "disturbing". I found it really hard going and not enjoyable at all (sorry). On the other hand, The Time Traveller's Wife (just finished it)and Jodi Picault's "My Sister's Keeper" i just couldn't put down!! There are some great books around at the moment aren't there.
So pleased for you that your building work's nearly over (bet you'll never enjoy cleaning up so much!! lol) Paint brushes at the ready eh!!

Noticed we've nearly all had our hair done recently.... are we all planning on getting one last cut in before our babies arrive or is it just good timing

Thanks Tickle - motherease was one of the recommendations given to me (though I'd always fancied Bambino Mio - maybe it was the name lol!)

Hello all, sorry for being so rubbish at keeping up to date with you all.

Am at work atm - got shocking under bump pain - beginnings of SPD? OWWW! It's getting bad, and earlier than last time, so I'm worried now. Didn't have it too bad last time, though my pelvis did creak and crack when I turned over in bed - and, of course, I have a toddler this time round, so MUCH harder work!

Am stupidly waking up at 5am these days, wide awake, then finally dropping back to sleep about 6.30, then being really tired all day.

We're having a nightmare coming up with names we both like! Think it's possible we have a name for a girl, but not 100% sure! Boys now...that's hard!

Hope everyone's well - sorry for the whinge! xxx

hi all feel like having a whinge too, got horrid chesty cough still, DDs still snotty and fell into the side of teh door this morning so has a bruised nose as well. Sacro-iliac pain is still annoying more at night than anything else.

So glad others are thinking about reuseables too, I converted at 8 months with DD and have never looked back. I use a mixture of tots bots, motherease one size and fuzzi bunz. Tots are very absorbant but give a bulky bum look whereas fuzzi's are slimmer but I have to use 2 liners as DD is a heavy wetter. I am planning to use disposables for the first 8 weeks or so then go on to tots bots with motherease wraps. Don't like the motherease nappies that much, I think they would be far too bulky for a tiny newborn and they are not absorbant enough later on. Feel very smug DD's lovely pink and lilac nappies will get reused.

I feel like I'm still on maternity leave, had planned on 6 months with DD but then we decided to return to Scotland so I knew I wasn't going back to work so opted for 12 months. Very fortunately I got made redundant during maternity leave. So the plan is now to be a SAHM until this ones at nursery but don't know what I fancy returning too, I used to be a microbiologist (food safety) in my previous life!

Hello all!

Haven't posted for a while, as we've been away on a lovely holiday in Northumberland... didn't do as much walking as normal - had to limit it to 4/5 miles each day, and I was getting a horrible 'dragging' feeling in... ahem... the bottom of my bottom... !! Don't know what the technical term is for it (stop reading now if it's too much info!!), but I used to get it during my auntie flo, a feeling like your womb is weighted down and trying to pop out through your vagina...?? Anyone?

Anyhow, I'm assuming it's just part of the whole pelvis-adjusting ligament-moving muscle-stretching experience??

Apart from that it was a lovely break!

All this talk of haircuts - I had mine chopped pixie-short a few weeks ago and am absolutely loving it... now it's getting too long (a couple of inches!), and I'm feeling that I might have time to book myself in for another cut before the peanut arrives. Don't grow yours out Iris - just get it chopped again, much nicer .

Oh, Iris, I keep meaning to ask if you've made any progress with the hypnotherapy? We had our third session last night, and it's really going well, but I must, must, must practice more. Oh, and no I'm not studying homeopathy either - I think you must just have a barmy pg brain!

Georgie - what's so shameful about desiring Cath Kidston stuff? It is very pretty, if a little overpriced, but what the heck - it's only an apron eh?

re: maternity leave, I'm planning on working right up to the christmas break (I work at a University, so they shut the place completely between xmas and new year - you can't come in even if you want to), which is 23rd, and then I won't have to start maternity leave until 3rd January. Hoping to stay off for at least six months - I'd love to have a full year, but will ahve to see how finances go (DH is self-employed, and income is very erratic).

I'm sleeping quite well now (apart from being too hot), with the assistance of a 'body pillow' which I got cheaply from Tchibo, and I've now renamed it my surrogate husband, as it's soooooo comfy to cuddle up to, and stick my leg over - DH is far too hot for cuddling in bed!

Glad to hear all this nappy talk too. I am very keen to use washables of some description, and have no idea where to start - so keep the recommendations coming ladies.

Right, must get on with some work now.

Hi

Really enjoying catching up with all the messages. Have been in Italy and also email has been down for a couple of weeks - thanks and no thanks AOL!

On washables would recommend Lollipop Rainbow if your rep shows you that - also minkis, fuzzis and Pitterpatter nappies. Can post websites if that would help.

For stocking fillers have found the Hawkin catalogue very good before www.hawkin.co.uk

Feel a lot better than before but am developing discomfort in lower areas - SPD imminent hope not. Also getting veins starting to bulge - lovely -do they need medical help or just let them be.

Have to dash as DS waking up late and needs fed.

Your life sounds so interesting Tickle - very different from UK!

ANyway looking forward to more regular chats from now on!

Mumfun you are talking veins with the right person - sailed thru the first 3 pregnancies with no trouble, but veins behind my right knee this time suddenly went bang
So a bit of bulging but basically a bruise over most of my calf. Really attractive. Throbs if I stand without my industrial strength support tights - they REALLY help - I'm not a tights person at all so find it hard going wearing them every day, but the alternative is worse. Met a few people who said theirs went away straight after birth, so heres hoping.
Loomer - the dragging feeling may be the ligament softening combined with increased blood flow in the vulva (sorry if too much info!) - apparently varicose veins are common there too but tend to disappear after birth. HTH?
Sweetkitty, hope you're feeling a bit better soon in your house - it's horrid when you're sick & trying to take care of ill smalls too.
Feeling exhausted, so an early night calls... dd2 has a 'trial' (I'll stay) at daycare tomorrow - first time & she's 18mths - so dreading that a bit, then we open the cafe for 10 days straight on Friday Could do without all that standing, but it's half term, so we expect to be quite busy.

Hello all

Too tired to post much, but just wanted to check in. Great to see so much posting.

I want to go for washables too, but will give myself 8 wks grace in disposables.

Keep doing those pelvic tilts and pelvic floors ladies, I've done a few today.

Anyone going to do perineal massage a bit nearer the time? I think I'll try it - anything to avoid tearing.

i'm getting a lot of pressure from bump, feels like baby boy is trying to explode out through my belly button. No thanks!

Re mat lv: I'm stopping work around Dec 22nd and then returning in late July for a wk to ensure full pay over the summer hols.

Night night all.

morning all - ooooooh sooo tired today. Kept waking up every couple of hours last night - not because of pain - just hot (then cold 'cos I'd slung all the covers off - just couldn't get it right!) Woke up feeling so tired I could have cried - not very self pitying then!! And doesn't bode well for 2 hourly feeds! (altogether now....get a grip iris you wuss!)

Going on a hospital trip today to have a look round (just in case we need to go there - fingers crossed we won't though) Had a nice little letter inviting us to a look-see today & then a session about relaxation in labour with the physio in 2 weeks time. Unfortunately DH can't make either but it will be nice to meet other mums in the area expecting around the same time as me I've not seen any yet - let alone had a chat! (thank goodness for MN!)

Mumfun - thanks for the nappy tips - I'm going to use disposables for the first couple of months so it's great to have plenty of time to sort through all the info available.

Loomer - hypnobirthing sessions start at 30 weeks for us (so another 4 to go) Glad you're enjoying it - how does your DH/DP feel about it now?

I'm still hot on the trail of whoever is studying homeopathy - though I've searched and nothing's coming up so far (know my brain isn't so far gone that I imagined a conversation!!)

Lyra - what make is your new bra by the way and how's it feeling? I'm getting a bit desparate for some decent support - even M&S had run out of sports bras when I went on the hunt Fri.

Tickle - hope DDs nursery trial goes ok today. The first day's always the worst isn't it - for you that is - bet she'll have a ball!
Varicose veins of the vulva Eeeeeeuuuuuuuuwwww!!!! How on earth can we avoid getting those?? - it's not as if you can get support pants (well, not ones that will support that anyway!!) Yuk
Sweetkitty - hope you're feeling a bit better today.

Morning all just checking in, feeling very rough and unwell today, chesty cough has got worse and I'm all snotty now too. Feeling very sorry for myself this morning. DD's bedroom furniture has turned up so that cheered me up a bit.

I don't even know where the local hospital is in this town, have my booking in appt in a week and will ask about homebirths then as well.

I'm going to try perineal massage as well tore quite badly with DD as she came out with her hands at her face and I was so desperate to get her out forgot about the panting for the head bit!

It's finally stopped raining here so might take DD out for a walk later.

Hi all

Really nice day here today. I've been to the antenatal day unit today for a glucose tolerance test - never had any sugar in my urine ever but consultant concerned about history of big babies. So I've been starved, bled, given glucose to drink, starved again, bled again and now feel awful! Came home to builders hacking off (loudly) in hall so no room sacred but no energy to go anywhere else. Can't wait for them to go today... However did have a good chance to gossip with other mums which passed the time.

Iris - I know exactly what you mean about hot n cold! I sleeep with my v pillow but every time I have to swop sides, I wake myself up re-arranging it.

Sweetkitty -hope you feel better soon.

I would also really like to use re-usables (maybe keep huggies for night times). Any tips on the best all in ones? I think I have more chance of dp using them rather than the ones that have to be put together.

Oh.. and the swollen ankles have started - never had this before really, any tips other than put your feet up?!

Have finally calmed down after my trip to look round the hospital(amazing how calming eating to excess can be!) I really wish I'd taken someone for moral support as I practically burst into tears 1/2 way through. The unit is nice enough (hospital is only a couple of years old so everythings sparkly new still) but it brought back both the horrid memories of being strapped to a bed covered in monitors when having DD plus the really really horrid memories of a couple of years ago when I had to have loads of investigations and surgery for cervical precancer. Sooo glad DH has agreed to a home birth. I'll certainly be doing LOTS of perineal stretching to avoid tearing & having to go there for stitches!! Not sure which oils to use yet (luckily I've a good selection) but either way I advise you all to avoid babyoils (mineral oils just sit on the skin and block the pores/cause grittiness with any skin cells/dust) or cooking versions of oil from the supermarket (grapeseed/sunflower etc) as they've got loads of chemicals added to them to preserve/stabilise them & you could give yourself a nasty reaction.

Rachey - drink plenty of water (your body holds it when you're not getting enough)& massage your feet & legs - big firm sweeping strokes from toes to up over your knees (you might need some help with that . HTH Gotta go - client pending x

Rachey - I've also had GTT today and also felt absolutely lousey by the end of it - I was so convinced I'd just have the finger prick and then go home - but no - not me. I was 0.1 over - can you believe? How long have you been told you'll have to wait for the results and were you very over the limit?
Tickle - I'm impressed you can get your tights on (esp support) My DH nearly PHSL at me trying to get tights on the other day, but then he had to help - serves him right fopr laughing .
I've given 2nd Dec as my date to finish work - that'll give me a couple of weeks to get organised for Christmas before DD breaks up from nursery. (Although if I do have GD I'm sure they'll advise an early CS ).
Nesting is well and truly kicking in - we're just in the process of organising an extension to start in January - yes, I think we can officially label ourselves as completely stark raving bonkers. At least yours will be completed Rachey - won't it?
Have been shopping for pushchairs and DH has fallen in love with the Bugaboo cameleon- must admit - so have I. Will have to see how the finances hold out.

Rachey - forgot to add (sorry) - only increase the water if your wee is concentrated (should be very pale straw colour)
Mak - fingers crossed over your GD hon - hope it's negative. And, yes, think you are mad oraganising work for Jan !!

Hey! I'm due to have a GTT next week as well due to DS being on the large side at birth. I think it's nonsense as DH is a tall Kiwi and I'm a tall Dutchie so I would have been very surprised if I'd had a small baby. Still, it's better to be safe than sorry I suppose.

I'm really not looking forward to doing any perineal massage. Last time the hospital gave us a small bottle of almond oil and that worked well with regards to cleanliness and no infections etc. However, I found the experience horrible and painful. It did get better after a while but I dreaded it every night nonetheless. And then I ended up with a Caesarian so it was all for nothing!

No swollen ankles here yet but I'm sure it will come. Had it last time too but that was during summer so I'm hoping the colder winter months will help to keep it at bay a bit longer. My bump is quite sore today - as if I did sit-ups last night. Maybe baby is growing quickly today and stretching my belly too quickly. If I'm covered in stretch marks tomorrow I'll let you know!

Other than that, another hot day at the office working on a programme about crimes of fashion. Needless to say Cher already got a mention