BPrincess we've discussed the paternity leave option quite a bit. It wouldn't be too different for us financially, as DP is only on a bit more than me, but I think he's worried about how his work would see it. Although they pay lip service to equal rights and being a family-friendly employer, he's worried his colleagues would see it as a bit of a wussy thing to do. It would also give his bosses a stick with which to beat him at a time when he's trying to impress some senior people with a view to career progression. I, on the other hand, have a pretty safe set up at work, I don't really want another promotion for several years and there's a steady stream of maternity leavers there, so I know I won't get stiffed (even if they do pay only the absolute bloody minimum). So the easy option is for me to do it all the way through, but I know he would love a couple of months at home with the DDs, getting involved with DD1's new school, bonding with DD2.
As for the sex question, we're having it as much as possible, I confess. I'm quite worried about how long it's going to take for me to be ready after the birth, so I think I'm getting in as much as I can now. Last time it wasn't a problem, because DP and I weren't together, but I remember going to the loo was terrifying. I was so scared it was going to hurt, or I'd rip something they'd sewn back together. So assuming it'll be similar (or a hell of a lot worse, going by the measurements from my 20 week scan....monster baby!), I may be too scared of sex for a while after, not to mention tired and distracted by the baby. So we're making up for it in advance. And I love the fact that I get to dictate the positions, which DP thinks is about me getting comfortable with the bump....hahaha, sucker!!!
But Clarkiee I'm with you on the sexy underwear. It just feels completely ridiculous. We did, however, take a Xmas trip to a sex shop for a few toys, which are coming in handy. I always recommend Sh! Women's Emporium in Hoxton Sq as much as I can. It's for women, and men can only enter accompanied by a female (DP and I have had many debates about the legality and fairness of this - I say men are welcome to have one just for them, because quite frankly I wouldn't want to set foot in a shop with the dirty mac brigade). The staff are awesome and very knowledgable, and the girl at Xmas was brilliant about recommending materials that were definitely safe during pregnancy and those that didn't meet certain kitemarks. So if any of you ladies want something to get the mojo back, now or after the baby's born, they're well worth a look. (Sales pitch over)
Mother Benson works for me. And as if we planned it, there's a loaf of bread sitting on the fridge staring at me that I definitely won't have finished by the time it starts to go mouldy, so we'll have bread supplies aplenty!