Due Jan 06 - Looks like we've eaten loads of Christmas puddings!

[sweetkitty]

Right here's our new thread.

So who's going to be first for an early Christmas present then?

trying to do the xmas name thing, has it worked?

YES! Thanks for your help Iris.

sweetkitty

sounds v practical. i think i'd get bored with a bright colour after a while, and charcoal grey won't show the dirt will it? have you ordered it yet?

SK - you're absolutely right about it only being a short time in hosp. I guess I'm still a bit disappointed about the home birth ban - mainly because it's such a big unit so I'm not going to know whoever it is that will be delivering the baby. Just got to get on with it I suppose

DH & I packed hospital bags at the weekend. Seems so much to take doesn't there and I'm sure half of it won't get used - but best to be prepared and all that!

Lyra - you are actually making me feel hungry - well done!(only had a banana so far today as just not in the mood to eat). What colour are you going to do your blanket? I really enjoyed making mine & have been thinking of embroidering something across the middle (as it's got various thicknesses of stripes across it) but don't know what. Any ideas?

Tickle - poor you with the mice. I can remember moving house once as a child & finding one sitting on the stairs all brown and fluffy. Thought it was really sweet at the time and wanted to take it with us but I think I'd be slightly less than pleased now!!! Have you managed to find the nest/catch many yet?

Like the new name Lyra

Iris, sorry to hear you're on for all that monitoring... definitely splash around at home before you let on to the mw! And you could bulk buy mince pies & stick them in the freezer for an apres-baby treat

On the mice - We are now using an old fashioned mouse trap. Quick & painless at least. We have a live trap in there too, but it has never worked. It is only dd1 that cares... when we were in Cornwall we planned to trap them live then release them in the spring. Never worked, but she has kept the idea in her head.

See you later!
Txx

loving the names!!

grey/charcoal is what we went for too (as you say, v practical. Ours, unfortunately, has a cream check around the edges with red in it & a friend pointed out that it looks like Burberry - am gutted!

blimey - I've never seen so many of us on line at the same time - well groovy! (yer but, no but ......OMG am turning chavvanise!!!!)

iris

the blanket is in that kind of slubby fluffy wool in various shades of blue. it comes out in stripes sometimes, but v random ones.
have you been in your tub yet to give it a dry (!) run? i think i'd be tempted to do some warm wallowing while the weather's so cold and just to get a feel for how much messing around would be involved with the filling and emptying. will your dp fit in with you too? sounds kinda sexy.....maybe it will convince him?

Lyra - have blown it up to check it's all ok (lots of pummelling & listening for leaks) but not filled it yet. PMSL (with much snorting) at the thought of DH's response to my even suggesting he join me in it though (think Victor Meldrew !!)
Will see if he'll fill it for me though hmmmmmm....

the wool for your blanket sounds lovely (I went for bog standard 4ply). You'll have to post a piccy when it's finished!

and you iris, especially if you do some embroidery. i quite fancy doing some too, but not sure what yet. what are your ideas for embroidery?

oh b**gger, i've just managed to break the dryer door. better get that fixed sharpish, i'm already doing about 2 loads a day, goodness knows how much washing there'll be after baby comes. i hope i don't get another sicky one. dd used to posset a lot, she was just so greedy, she overflowed, on herself, my shoulder, my knee, the blankets..... actually i don't want to tempt fate, i'd be quite happy with another posseter, just as long as he's healthy.

we're still no further with the name game. me, dd and ds are all happy with Alexander, but dh hasn't agreed or disagreed, i'll have to get the name book out again and get him to put his mind to it.

iris

my dp got into the birthing pool with me when i was labouring with ds, it was quite funny, the midwives were egging him on to take his swimming trunks off, but he didn't.

Hello hello.

Blimey, it's been a frantic couple of days. Trying to sort out new mortgage, house insurance, letting agreement for my house, notifying all utilities companies etc etc. Flippin' heck, talk about being made to jump thru hoops. Suprised they didn't ask me what colour underwear I had on..... pretty much asked me everything else. Haven't been this stressed for ages.

Hey Tickle, we both went to the same GBK on Battersea Rise. There's one opening soon in Wimbledon, so DH might be regular visitor as I have HUGE cravings for them now!

And Chuffed, god bless you cheeky antipodeans for coming up with such a superb concept

Hunker - fab news about the baby turning right way up. You must be feeling v pleased.

SK - is your little one on the mend?

Iris - bummer about the birthing ban. Grrrr to people that say you can't do what you want to do. Altohugh, guess it's safer in the long run. As Tickle says, you can have a splash around before going to the hospital. And maybe take CD player, some nice music and aromatherapy oils to make it feel less antiseptic?

Anyone else getting slightly nervous about giving birth and having a new baby? Am petrified that I'll get PND again. Had it really badly with DD and don't want to go into that deep dark place again - ever.

Looks like Beany is last on the list re: due dates... sometime around 12 - 14th Jan.

Iris - maybe you could match baby's name to Burberry check of pram? DH and I were in hysterics the other night thinking of really chavvy names. Here's what we came up with:

Porsche Mercedes
Renne Espace
Meconium Speculum
Cherish T Love
Mondeo Maraschino
Britney Boxster

Anyone else got any to add?

Am v envious of knitting. Am a leftie, so hold needles wrong way and never really got the hang of it. ALthough I was a whizz at macrame (sp?) at school!

And luckily my family aren't big eaters of mince pies, christmas cake or christmas pud.... so that's me off the hook

Might make some mince pies and other litle nibbles though on 22nd. DD off with her father for Chritmas this year and seeing as I can't weep into the Xmas brandy, then I'll cook to take my mind off not having her with me. She's back with us on 28th, so we'll just celebrate all over again . Poor chld, she's soooooooo deprived!

DH has said there's no way on god's green earth that he'll get in birthing pool with me . Am more worried about pooing in the pool and the MW having to whip it out with a tea strainer than having him in there with me . Wil prob want to punch him in anycase for putting me thru this pain! Have agreed that if it does happen then it is NEVER to be spoken of again....

Blimey, this is turning into a novel. Better go and get some chores done....

Laters

G xx

Hi all,

Really enjoyed reading the posts this morning! PMSL at waterbirths, mice n mince pies! Loving the xmas name Lyra! Iris you hang in your pool as long as you can!

Tickle - I had Gary Larson xmas cards last year with the line 'it was Christmas night, and nothing in the house stirred, not even a mouse...' with a picture of santa squashing one flat!

You lot really are nesting, I'm so behind! Still have no pjs. Tried to put the pram up and failed! i'm so out of practice. Mine is a Jane Carrera and grey/black as well. Maybe we should run a book on who's first to pop - I know I'm due Jan 4th but really think I could be holding out for the induction date (prob Jan 16th). Had my 36 wk bloods this morning and was officially recruited into probiotic study - I have 100mg to take until I give birth and then capsules to give babe afterwards. Lyra - I told the doctor what you said about the powder and she agreed (thought it was probably suggested by a man!) she suggested slipping the powder (minute amount really) into baby's mouth just before they latch on. It's nice to have some attention with no.4 - they want the placenta, cord blood, the first nappy! breastmilk etc etc

The theory about the heartrate thing is that 120-130 bpm is a boy, and 150-160 is a girl. There is no reason why but it does seem to hold true whenever I speak to people (including midwifes) although if they are moving it does go up anyway.

Right, off to Gloucester, only 1 1/2 hrs away but am staying over tonight to avoid driving tomorrow morning, interviewing kids tomorrow in a school there with a colleague - should be fun.

Wow we are a chatty lot today!

No haven't ordered the pram yet going to do it this weekend I think, need to get a sling as well, fancy one of those Corry ones on ebay. DD's first pram was red and black (Graco Quattro travel system) hated it after about 4 weeks got a Techno XT instead, going to use car seat though.

Would love a pool to wallow about in you wouldn't get me out again though.

My due dates the 14th January but if this girls as impatient as her mother and sister she'll be making an early appearance, if she's like her father could be January 28th !

I haven't knitted in ages (have lost all my needles etc) but have had the urge to go get some wool and patterns must be the hormones. Quite fancy baking some cakes this afternoon too - what is happening to me?

Love the name Lyra - took me a minute to work out it was you though!

Love the Gary Larson cards still on a tally of 5 But smells less of mouse in there...

On the nesting front, I am trying to clean up, but haven't packed a hosp bag yet. Must get round to it, as with ds I half packed it, then thought I would wander round the house while in labour putting in last min things. In the event labour came on really fast, and we rushed to hosp. It's v difficult the morning after when you find out you didn't pack any knickers So get packing ladies!!

Georgie with the PND - am feeling a bit nervous re the first few weeks and lack of sleep. On the birth thing, I am a bit of a fatalist & will just let it happen to me! Oh yes, and afterpains... had them v badly with dd1, but not with the others, so hoping they won't come back.

OK, off to read a story to the big 2, after putting a v tired & grumpy dd2 to bed half an hour ago!

Txx

Just got back from midwife's (34 week appt.), and all remains absolutely normal, thank goodness. Babe is head down, lying with it's back down the left-hand side of my bump, which is neither front nor back, but I don't think that's anything to be worried about.

Very impressed with your knitting efforts. I haven't knitted for years, but my mother is more than making up for that - I already have a selection of tiny cardies/wraps, in gorgeous v. expensive rowan wools - I just can't stop her! Lord knows when I'll get the time to hand wash them all mind you!!

Hope the house stuff doesn't prove too laborious Georgie - last thing you need!

I'm certainly having twinges of panic about the imminent birth. No idea what I'm letting myself in for, which is why DH won't let me watch the House of Tiny Tearaways and other parenting programmes - he thinks I'm just anticipating the worst, but really I'm just hoping that fore-warned is fore-armed. And also worried about being stuck in the house by myself with tiny babs... I don't know many other mums locally with little ones, so I may have to make a concerted effort to get out and meet people. Perhaps I'll just accost them on the street if they look as lonely as me!

How's everyone sleeping? I had a much better night last night - no idea why, but only woke a couple of times, and no achey ribs, bonus.

Right, going to make bangers and mash for dinner, it's miserable wet out here. Have a good evening y'all!

PS: Thanks Rachey for the xmas name inspiration!

Loomer are you a member of the NCT? just a thought, as most of my friends from when dd1 was little are from the mother group that they put together post-natally. I didn't do any ante-natal stuff with them at all, but it was lovely to see the girls each week at one or other's house - bit like this thread in RL

Finally got everyone into bed, and dh is out at a meeting. Feeling v pleased with myself, cos I cleared the kitchen while the lasagne was in the oven, so now it's just the plates & presto This is v unusual for me BTW, as one of the untidiest people on earth (and def. in Denmark - they are verging on the obsessive here!!)

embroidery....hmmmm - perhaps too elaborate a word for what I was planning!! I was thinking more like a very basic shape/face/picture oversewn in wool (would be so much easier if LO was a girl - I could do flowers!) I have no idea what to do so need all the suggestions you can muster girls!

Good to hear all's well with you Loomer. Your mum sounds like mine was with DD. She went into an utter knitting frienzy as soon as she knew I was pg and we had loads of stuff (most of which I'll be recycling for DS once he arrives - obviously not the little pink numbers though )

Georgie - will have to get back to you on the chav names (am planning hours of fun and wind-ups with that one!!) but totally sympathise on the PND front. Didn't get it with DD but I've been horrendously up & down throughout this pg. Although everyone says there's no link between ante & post natal depression it really does concern me - especially as DH has to work away for a month in March.

Question for all you more experienced (and more recently delivered) mums. DH asked me how we'll know when to go to hospital if I'm planning on staying at home for as long as poss. We're only 20 mins from the hospital but I'd rather not deliver on the hard shoulder of the M4 should we get it wrong. I've heard that once you stop being able to talk coherently between contractions you should get there PDQ but how long do you get? (I have totally forgotten how I was with DD) MW seems to think my labour may only be 5/6 hrs (going on last time) thoughts anyone?

Hi

Just tried to change to a XMAs name but wouldnt let me just now - have to try again later. Fab messages.

WOnder if anyone is as daft as me now - forgot to go to my 34 week midwife check!. Cut up the wrong bank card leaving me without working bankcard this week. Silly me.

Also starting to think re birth and beyond. I was so constantly happy last pregnancy - this one fine but just so happy so wonder what Ill be like with no sleep especially as last time I had no unbroken sleep for 6 months - due to ravenous DS wanting fed milk every 3 hours even when on solids. Very likely this one will be big eater too. Depends on weight maybe and have growth scan in 2 weeks time - birth choice depends on weight choice. If they say 10.5 pounds or above I will be tempted to say CS please. Also this baby is also posterior - back to back just like DS. Tried everything to turn DS and refused so dont know whether to try so hard with this one. Think soem people due to internal shape just get back to back babies.

Gary Larson cards bring back very happy memories - used to love his stuff

I really dont like homeknits due to being made to wear them when teenager by mother. Last time MIL made loads of which hardly any worn - dont share her taste at all although I will get out one cardi with little duck buttons which was sweet. You dont have time to handwash them.

Have bought quite a few gorgeous nappies however as know what types I want - pocket nappies that you stuff. Some lovely stripes, or with animals or ducks on.

DH just returned v late so need to go on line with him and do some shopping!

Take care all

Tickle

V impressed with you getting all of yours into bed by 7pm!! or is 7pm English time something different in Denmark? I suppose it must be. I'm lucky if mine are in bed before me these days! But at least they can put themselves to bed.

Georgie

Am with you as to worries re PND. i had it with both ds and dd, but it was much better second time, and I think forewarned is forearmed. you know what to look out for, and you know what works for you. there are treatments out there that you can breastfeed whilst taking, and i certainly won't hesitate to seek treatment if i need it.

iris

how about a simple dog or cat shape on the blanket, or a star would be rather nice, and would echo the xmas theme a little.
as to when to go to hosp, our nct teacher recommended when contractions last a minute or more and are 2 mins or less apart.

made some mince pies last nite. family seem v. happy with them, but i was a bit disappointed with the pastry. i usually buy ready made and just roll and cut it out, but tried to make my own this time. i think it was a little undercooked. i'll maybe go for ready made again.

had a terrible jealous strop with dh last night. they do a secret santa at his work, and they're supposed to personalise the present somehow. he doesn't know much about the woman he bought for (well actually i bought the pressie on his behalf!), except that she's been off work with stress in the past, so he thought he'd try to flatter her a bit to get her spirits up and boost her confidence. this is what he came up with:

Intelligent, Warm
with movie star looks
Why was this woman on
a Bank's books?

The first time I met you
I was taken aback
The star that you look like
I was struggling to track

When I realised that you both
share a first name
I new you would move
on a far deeper plane

So please forgive me
cos I know that you rocks
My humblest of offerings
a small box of Chox!

when i came across it unexpectedly, i went ballistic, and am only just calming down! i think i probably overreacted, but anyway, just thought i'd share my hormone related insecurities with you ladies. they do give the secret santa gifts annonymously, but i still didn't like the thought of him writing poetry for some other woman!!! what do you think? am i being too silly? having slept on it, i've forgiven him, and think i probably was being a bit silly. i'd quite like him to write a poem for me though!

loomer

i think the nct is a brilliant source of friends and support too. it's worth looking on their website to find a local phone number to call to find out about groups in your area. also exercise classes like aquanatal are good places to meet other mums. ask your midwife what's available locally. don't be lonely! i was with my first ds, and you don't need to be.

OK finally that's the end of my incredibly long missive for this morning. have a good day girls xxx

oh no, have i killed the thread with tmi?

Hi lyra - I think I would have been a bit too... at this stage in the pregnancy especially I would like to be pampered a bit (dh not very good at it really!) and spending time making up poetry is pampering in my book! But it does sound like your dh was trying to boost her a bit - who does she look like? I might worry if it were Marilyn Monroe At least it will give you plenty of pampering leverage towards Christmas

It was 8pm here last night when they went to bed, and they managed to wake dd2 up (they're all in one room)... last warning was given at 8.40 . So that'll teach me to be smug about my organisational skills!!
No more mice at the mo Better get some wrapping done - off to the post office (in this village it's open 1-3pm every other day!)

That'll be a no then!!

Think I would have went a bit mad too Lyra not that my DP could write poetry to anyone.

Good to see you mumfun

I think we are all getting to the "OMG we are going to have a newborn very soon" and starting to worry about the birth and beyond. I'm just worrying about how I'm going to cope with 2 under 2! Still if this one's anything like DD we'll be fine as she was a dream baby, I would say the newborn stage is boring TBH, they don't do that much apart from feed, sleep and poo. I'm buying a swing and hopefully babe will be content to lie in it and watch her sister!

Midwife appointment today 35 weeks eek!

As to when to go to hospital with DD my waters went first so they told me to come in, had a look cervix closed so got sent home and told to come back in 48 hours later for an induction! On the way home started to get pains, 3 in 10 mins in the bath, I never had a twinge or a build up they went straight to agony. Went back in again and was 1cm. The horrid thing was that I thought I had hours of this and couldn't cope with it already, thought I was a right wimp I knew it would hurt but never that bad so soon. Anyway DD had other ideas and was born 4 hours after I went in the second time. Midwife actually apologised and said no wonder I was screaming dilating that fast!

So I think you will know when to go to hospital, I would say when it gets unbearable but there's no rules are they? These little babies have other ideas.