Jue in June 2011....... labour here we come!!!!!

[Jer79]

New thread. Should last us a week.

supersunny I'll take that virtual hug, thankyou...sorry if it makes me virtually blub on your shoulder though!

Super I got some new nighties from TKMaxx last week, they are nice and more importantly, cheep!

Jasmine I'm sure everything will look up soon, at least your DH will be able to spend more time with you and the bump/baby. It might do him good to think about something other than work for a while? And for lots of people I know being made redundant as ended up being really positive as it made them re-evaluate what they wanted to do and how they could work towards doing it. But if he becomes a bit to "introspective" maybe you should remind him that at the moment it really is all about you (and the bump)! [cwink]

We had a lovely day at the beach yesterday...there was fish and chips, walks along the prom, ice cream and cream teas with posh cups and tea pots. I'm not fantasising about that Darjeeling (and the scones with cream and jam)! Plus I didn't get any heartburn all day...bliss. Today DH has gone out all day and left me to my own devices and after all the walking yesterday, I think we clocked up about 5 miles all told) I am walking like a 90 year old! Plus he has taken the car so i'm stuck here. I guess I have no choice but to lounge about in the sunshine reading books and thinking about cream teas. I wonder if I could make some scones?

Jasmine I too am sorry about your news. Feel free to come and feel sorry for yourself at my place. It seems to be all any of us adults do here. DH is still to unwell to want to get out of bedwork/childcare full time and I'm to pg to find a job anyway, so we're going along by the seat of our pants. There is never a good time for these things to happen, but in late pregnancy really is one of the worst isn't it!

Altough Clarkiee your news did cheer me up. Your girls sound like a pair of troopers. aren't new born sniffs the best?

Anyway I have slightly underestimated the amount of food in the house so need to pop down to the shop for some choc biscuits bread and milk before DS knaws my leg off!

I really need a pedicure...my feet are grim.

Clarkiee - so my dream was true and your babies are doing great!

Jasmine - I'm not surprised you are feeling low after the recent bad news. Hope you do make it to your NCT classes, and just remember the wonderful new life that will be coming your way. Of course it will be hard with your DH being made redundant but you will manage.

Citrus - your MW does sound blinking rude!

Our friends have been up this weekend and the cot is ready, just need to order the mattress now. Plus we still need to get 2 x Graco Junior car seat bases as well.

And DH has been told new car won't be ready until 30th August, which is a pain as we were planning on having 2 weeks at PILs' caravan in Blackpool and we will have to take both cars now as there isn't really enough room in the back of his current car for 2 car seats and a large 10yo - he'll be rather squished! Fine for short journeys but not for long ones! Still, we should be very grateful and count our blessings

At least having a HB don't care about what to wear, DH was on the verge of chucking out some work shirts as they are a bit minging but I have told him to hang on to them as I could wear them during labour! Save me buying any more night shirts.

Sending you a hug Jasmine - can you send one back please? DH has gone back abroad so now I won't see him til I call him to say the baby is coming :( I was an emotional wreck saying goodbye!

Keeping myself busy by making a list for my hospital bag - anyone care to share theirs for inspiration?

jimper My hospital says this is what I should take due to "limited storage space" But then they also don't let you visit before the big day due to "infection control"...

For you

• Something to wear during labour eg an old comfortable t-shirt
• Snacks and energy drinks for labour (for yourself and your birth partner)
• Nightclothes
• Feeding bra and breast pads
• Dark coloured towel
• Toiletries
• Current medications For baby
• Baby clothes and a hat
• Nappies
• Cotton wool/baby wipes

Jimper of course you can have a hug...and a box of tissues...and one of the many easter eggs we still have in the house x

Have had a nice day today at a local NT garden...well, in the tea rooms mostly, (just dont tell DH that bit). Nice to get out and waddle amble in the fresh air and bump has been going mad all day so think he enjoyed it too...or was that the sugar rush from the cakes? Oh and defo proper BH as well.

I've got a serious case of pregnancy snores here too, I often wake up in the morning to find that DH has had to move to the spare room during the night, even with his earplugs in! Glad I'm not the only one.

I am also feeling that my antenatal classes are a bit on the late side - NCT start on Tues and NHS are next weekend, I have had a few worries that the baby could arrive before the classes finish.

I had the best news on Friday, my friend who has been TTC for 5 years and has had several unsuccessful IVF attempts told me that she is 14 weeks pregnant with twins. Cue lots of tears and me being very emotional through all of the royal wedding.

Thanks for the hospital bag tips Joannezipan, I think that I really need to make a start on that tomorrow.

DH made going back to work noises after his home therapy visit this morning which made me a feel a bit and phew. Although it's not as easy as him rocking up on Monday morning (he has to deal with his anxiety and call his clients - a massive step right now), the fact he didn't look completely terrified when he said it, is a really good sign.

Am I being really lazy/unrealistic in thinkng that DS gave me stacks of warning before arriving, so Currant Bun will be as considerate and therefore as long as I know where everything is I can get away with not packing my hospital bag until the last minute (though typing that has reminded me I still need to buy several things)? (Maybe I like the homebirth idea because I'm just lazy..)

Sorry not meaning to be all me me me (esp as I'm not that interesting), just a bit starved for adult company right now and taking over.

((((hugs)))) Jasmine. I know it's hard to look on the bright side at times like this but for now do try to think about the extra time DH will have to help you and bond with his son, and he might end up totally re-evaluating his career and being much happier/better off in the end. It will be hard but you'll be OK. Feel free to offload as much as you like x

(((Hugs))) to you to Jimper, hope you've got lots of supportive friends/family around you to help in the last few weeks.

Almighty do you recieve any treatment for your rhinitis? My friend has this (well, as diagnosed by yours truly but I'm pretty sure it's what she has!) but won't go to the doctor as she thinks there's nothing they can do. Thought if I could tell her to go and they could do XYZ she might actually do something about it. She spends a fortune on tissues!

Confessions really glad your DH is making progress and is able to think about going back to work. That must be a huge relief on more than one level.

NurseSunshine I did get some nasal spray a while ago but...it made me sneeze! I've tried other things over the years but nothing seems to work for me. I'll go back to the GP after junior arrives.

I tend to suffer really badly for a few days, then I'll be just a bit sneezy (which I can cope with) for a few weeks. I think it's easing off now. It's definitely got worse over the last couple of years though.

Anyway, is anyone going to share photo's of the new arrivals?

jasmine that is utter s*ite... I'm sorry to hear that. Hope that you are feeling better very soon too.

I haven't packed my hospital bag either but it is kind of laid out in the cot. I have got there similar to joanne but with the addition of maternity pads, maternity mats for the car journey, big cheap pants, flip flops (instead of slippers) and also a lightweight dressing gown.

How many vests and sleepsuits is a reasonable amount to take for the baby? I think I have got 6 of each there? Is that OTT??? I was thinking just in case we had to stay in??

I was going to take 3 vests and sleepsuits, if I have to stay in DH can always bring more, which is my thinking about most stuff. I am concerned about going home clothes for me - I don't have enough that fits to donate an outfit to the hospital bag, might have to pack trampy going home clothes!

hugs to all that need it, supporting tiny babies, worries about money and dealing with family - it's a good job we are made if strong stuff !

Morning all

Hope everyone's woken up positive today.

Confessions can I just ask to be filled in with what you and DH are going through at the mo. I was a while off the boards and have lost track. I may be able to help... but glad he's thinking of going back to work.

neen what exactly is a vest and a sleepsuit (I know, ridiculous question!) but I need to get it straight. Are the vests just the scaled down version of the bodysuit things, without legs? One day I'll get the hang of all this baby stuff, honest!

79 really great news about your friends - you must both be overjoyed.

Jasmine glad the sunshine and cakes proved cheering. Sounds like just what the doc ordered.

anyone having difficulty sleeping I ended up on the sofa last night, after tossing and turning for most of the night with aching hips. And I have to say, those last 2hrs were the best sleep I've had in weeks. I 'sausage rolled' in my duvet, with the back of sofa as support for back, and a pillow between knees and woke refreshed, without even a hint of hip pain. Worth trying I reckon.

Right, I made the mother of all lists yesterday, to keep me busy on mat leave, so better crack on. Hospital bag is up there, so will report back later.

Have a good day everyone.

Sending lots of hugs to (((Jasmine))) and (((Jimper))) and (((anyone else who needs them)))
Citrus I have rhinitis too - think it's vasomotor rhinitis and not connected to allergies so also completely random. I always just tell people it's hay fever tho as I can't be bothered explaining. It's a real pain - I totally know how you feel, although I am sure it has improved over the last few years. I have a STINKING cold just now though Cannot believe your rude midwife!!
Confessions You prob will get loads of warning - both times before I had regular-ish contractions for 2 full days before proper labour started so I'm convinced this will happen again and there will be no mad rush to the hospital.

I haven't packed a bag yet - need to get round to it but my number one recommendation would be a can of water spray like evian or vittel.
With DS, I was sweating and sweating like you wouldn't believe and DH was using pampers wipes on my face which was OK but not great for your skin - next time around I got a massive can of evian and it was just BLISS - instant relief from the sweating.

Need to buy some nice new pyjamas and a summer-weight dressing gown with slippers

Kara did you really dream about Clarkiee's babies being born?

Not looking forward to DH going back to work tomorrow - really appreciating the hand with the kids.
35+3 - less than 2 weeks until 'term'

Sorry Citrus just saw that your rhinitis has got worse over the last couple of years - I didn't mean to make you feel bad by saying mine has got better, but perhaps having babies has improved mine as it does wierdly change some stuff in your body.
I gave up with nasal sprays years ago too - rhinatec was probably the best one for me. I did see an ENT consultant about it, about 12 years ago when I had health insurance through my work and he did a CT scan, coming to the conclusion that it was probably related to my abnormally small sinuses. But you're right, if the sprays and antihistamines don't work, there doesn't seem to be much they can do

Hello all, have been a bit quiet this week.

Firstly sorry to read about those of you having a hard time for all the various reasons - I really hope things even out or get better soon. Funny what life throws at us, isn't it?

My neighbour problems have escalated to neighbour from hell. 5 parties in 6 weekends, and after giving me her mobile so I could text her to say when things got too much, I did so last night only to get a bunch of insulting drunken replies between 12:30 and 1 AM (which I ignored, but they shook me up and I barely slept.) Going to have to get the council involved. (The whole story is on Chat at the moment if anyone wants a read!)

Baby has decided to be very active in the evenings, which is triggering crazy braxton hicks (or branston pickles as DP likes to call them to make me laugh) which are so strong that they make me cry out. She's also moved down - I can breathe a bit better and the midwife confirmed she was low. No idea if that's engaged or not?

And at my MW check up last Thursday, she tutted when she did the fundal measurement as according to my chart, I've only grown by .5 cm in nearly 2 weeks. She scared us and insisted I was booked in to an antenatal clinic this Weds to get it checked out. Later I read about how inaccurate these measurements can be, with body size fluctuating anyhow, some women go up and down all the time, or don't technically get bigger for weeks. I am about 33 cm at 35 + 3, and am 5' 7" and have always been slim(ish) - so doesn't seem odd to me. Thanks for scaring me midwife! I'll go just to get things checked out, but I've had plenty of movement so no worries in that regard. It's going to be an annoying morning as the clinic is overbooked already and I don't have an appointment, just a "turn up at 9 AM".

Hope you are all enjoying the sunshine...

nomoreheels that's annoying. She's probably just covering herself just in case. My mw said that at this stage of pregnancy growth often goes in steps - you can stay the same for a couple of weeks and then one day wake up bigger, etc. I don't even know what my measurement is!

DH is upstairs painting the nursery a lovely light, bright citrusy yellow and planning his bits of artwork for the walls :) He is always in my good books anyway but he's making me go all gooey today :)

Oh my god nomoreheels I'm so sorry I somehow missed a whole paragraph when I read your post.

I am at your neighbour. There's nothing for it now, as you say - you have given this family plenty of chances to be reasonable and they have ignored you entirely. Keep all the text messages, etc, as proof, I'd say. What a crock. Some people are just beyond belief.

I really hope it gets sorted asap. Very for you :(

Oh god that sounds like an utter nightmare nomoreheels. Is your DH being a little more understanding now? Were the drunken insults from the mother?? I would keep them and show them to the council along with any other evidence. You shouldn;t have to put up with abuse as well as noise pollution.
Sorry your MW scared you as well, she should have been a bit more tactful even if she was worried. I was told that a difference of up to 2cm is OK anyway so I;m sure everything is fine :)

Eek I haven't even thought about a hospital bag (think I should have one ready just in case things don;t go to plan). Or rather, I have thought about it then promptly forgotten again

nomoreheels I was 33cm at 31 weeks and my midwife didn't seem at all concerned, just assumed it was a wee growth spurt. I wouldn't worry at all, how can they even tell with the different size of ladies and position of baby etc.
Sorry about the neighbours they are clearly selfish and mean - keep all proof like takethat says and don't let them stress you too much - baby and you are too important!

me moan warning! - I have been feeling flat the last 2 days, am returning to work after the Easter break tomorrow for 4 weeks and am nervous about how I am going to manage. It was knackering before I left and at times my job is emotionally draining. On top of that I am likely having to interview for a new post (which if I don't get will mean I will likely have to leave as the £ is pants and not worth not seeing my baby for). Had stressful chat with DH this morning, who wants to know what is happening for definite now so he can relax about plans, I think he is also jealous that I am likely going to get more time with baby than him, but we both know that can't be helped. I know that I am being silly when some people have bigger job (or lack of job) worries, but I don't think I realised the full impact of the mother/work life balance - you can't have it all, and you can't please everyone! It sucks a bit .

Hi all, just checking in to mark my place before this falls completely off threads Im on- havent read for the last few days but will catch up in the next few days. Hope everyone is well. Am stressed to eyeballs trying to study for first exam (Wednesday morn) - dont know whats wrong with me but nothing is going in - I've stared at a page for the past 2 hours and I may as well have just stared at dh/ the wall/ the dog instead. Damn pregnancy brain.

Last day in work on Thursday and second (and last!!!) exam next Monday so If Im not on before then, I havent had a baby etc.....

Am looking forward to catch up and joining some of you on maternity leave.

35+5 today.

It's Ok Sasa...I didn't think you were gloating about your greatly improved nose, while I'm sat here suffering (much)

nomoreheels read your thread in Chat. Sounds like a nightmare. Definitely keep a record and get on to the council. Perhaps have a word with other immediate neighbours and see if they have a problem with it too.

The stand in midwife I had last week measured my bump, but it was the first time it had been done! I'd not worry too much. I can tell mine seems to fluctuate quite a bit just by looking down!