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?

Tickle - best of luck with the turning today.

Eshay - good to hear from you glad you are doing well, do you have any names chosen for your new little man yet? Good luck for your appointment too.

Chuffed - your new bed sounds divine we have got new bed on next years buying list our isn't that old though but one of the struts has broken and it's v uncomfy at times.

Congrats to everyone started/starting their maternity leave, I remember it well, it's so weird when people are discussing things at work and you know your not going to be there.

Not much happening here today having a quiet day with DD, do a bit of housework I think take it v easy. DD was up 5 times in the night so feeling a bit rough today, son't know what was wrong with her, it's frustrating when they cannot tell you as well. Going to try and be more upbeat today all I feel I do is moan right now.

On the undies front, I've got some disposables for the first day then about 10 pairs of big cheap ones for afterwards. I remember posting on MN the day I got back into thongs

just a quick post as not dressed yet (not that it matters on MN but I always seem to get people at the door on days when I'm slobbing about in my pjs with sticky up bed hair!)

Had the best nights sleep ever last night (didn't wake up once!) but feel decidedly guilty as I think it's due to having the whole bed to myself!! Unfortunately I also woke up with a cold and rather swollen hands & feet (skin all tight) so I was clearly wrong in my comment about strong immune systems!!!!!

How are you feeling today Georgie?

Going to post Xmas cards & take the pooch for a trundle.

Hi all, great to read all the posts! I think there must have been some alignment of the planets recently as we have all been feeling so poo! Actually, I?m not finishing work until the 22nd with Loomer , but did have yesterday off as we got through all our agenda in one day due to 2 of our team of 7 being ill. Had such a bad night/day though afterwards, I literally stayed in bed/bath all day ? very hormonal, verging on psychotic at times ? really can?t explain it. Poor dp I really thought I would be calm and serene at this stage of pregnancy ? where is my progesterone? I feel really ?borderline? you know? ?I hate you, don?t leave me!? I think it was payback for 2hrs driving, 6hr meeting and a fab meal on Tuesday (crispy, chilli duck salad, sea bass with leeks and whiskey sauce and crème brulee!) Colleague who?s wife is also preg fascinated by the size of me as his wife delivered at 31 weeks last time. So, 6 more days to go and two reports to finish, at least I am at home now. Unfortunately dp has put 6ft wide xmas tree in between me and the telly so I can?t watch Jeremy Kyle! Would sit with laptop on sofa but of course I don?t have a lap?

Caitlin is a great name, more popular here than probably anywhere else because of being Dylan Thomas?s missus, but not too much so. You could try spelling or just pronouncing it ?Catlin? which sounds like Kathleen with an Irish accent.

Love the idea of a chime but read about a lab somewhere swallowing one (and chiming afterwards!) so think best not! Already we can?t hang anything on the bottom half of the tree. In an effort to relax me at 4.30 am this morning, dp unwrapped on of my pressies and gave it to me ? one of those lavender/camomile wheat bags, that you can heat up ? we stuck it between us and slept back to back holding it together!

Tickle- really good luck for today ? hope you get there and he?s turned on his own! PMSL at ?more room down the chute? with no.4! Oh, if only!

Rachey - it's a full moon today so we're all allowed to be mad for a few days Your meal last night sounds gorgeous!!! and what a star your DH is with the prezzie!! (I love snuggling to sleep back to back too)

DH phoned last night from Cyprus and is obviously making up for the fact he's not allowed to drink at the mo - just in case... (I started depriving him early as moral support [evil grin emoticon]) His opening line was "hiya darling - oh, you've not popped then!... lots of v pissed sounding chucking in the background lol. I'm glad he's having a good time though but really miss him.

Why oh why oh why!!!!! - I just (v stupidly) took a peek at the childbirth threads. Don't go there girls!!!!! have put myself in a right tiz reading stuff about bad experiences you bloody idiot iris ...pads off to make consoling cup of tea......

bum - none of my italics worked!

Hi

Oooh its getting close now.

I do think it is a very tiring tme to be pg - I had no choice in timing but definitely would avoid again if I had a choice being heaviliy pg over Xmas.

Cant believe all the BHs - I have nothing like that. Basically Im a little later in date ie 16 Jan so think Im suffering a little less overall at the mo.Just a little vein discomfort and starting to get some pelvic pains. But very lucky in sleeping well (except last night- poor DS had sore bot and had to be changed and comforted at 4.30ish)

Hope you get on ok Tickle - Im sure you could have a breech birth after 3 with an expereinced midwife- hope it turns out well ha ha.

Also bit concerned about position as definitely confirmed that this baby big and back to back this morning - Rachey I think Im not going to make a big effort to try to shift it as did EVERYTHINg last time and was no good. THink I will just have to live with it. What do you think?

Had growth scan this am but got a guy who wouldnt give me a size projection at 40 weeks when that was what I wanted. The woman I got before for 20 weeks scan I know would have done but he said different growth rates etc might not grow much etc . The bottom line is that the baby is already 7.5 pounds and 4.5 weeks to go. So I think definitely over 9 pounds and could be bigger. A bit worrying as back to back too - have consultant meet next week and will try to sort with her what to do. Anyone know if there is any standard way to guesstimate final weight? Anyway at least scan showed baby really well and everything good so nice to see.

Still have terrible pg brain -feel really disorganised and not together this Christmas. ONly one card done -DH has deleted our address database so ina bad way for addresses. AGreed with some of familiy not to buy adult XMas presents this year just kids - if not for that presents would be a disaster too.

Really glad youre all getting onto your mat leave - dont honestly know how youve coped this far - I am so tired again - cant imagine having had to work. Anyway heres to Xmas and new babes soon - but not too soon - I dont mind from 2 Jan on but not bafore for me thanks. Am going to get my reflexologist to try to encourage baby from 39 weeks especially in light of size it will be!

Take care all

Yippeeyayeah! Today's my last day at work and I'm doing absolutely nothing. I did offer to do part of a Spongebob Squarepants translation but the girls said they could handle it. Lucky me! So instead I've been roaming the net looking for a pregnancy massage pampering package for DH to give to me for Christmas. Anyone got any experience or recommendations?

This morning I had a MW check-up and all was okay. No more talk of bubs being breech so that is reassuring but she did say he is back to back, which would explain the mad kicks I get out the front sometimes. It looks like he's trying to claw his way out at times DS was B2B as well but no one noticed until I got to hospital. At least this time I have a few weeks to crawl around on all fours to encourage him to turn. I was very proud of myself for not fainting when she took my blood. I used to always faint so having babies has made me less of a whimp!

Loomer, I have bought Rasberry Leaf Tea (the actual tea) but I have not started taking it yet. I think I will start tomorrow since that's the start of a new phase for me, being off work. I drank loads last time and I'm not sure it did me any good but how can you tell, really? I quite like herbal teas so I don't mind the taste of it.

Chuffed, I don't know the onion dip you mentioned and that's probably better or I would want to have it for sure. I am with you with regards to losing the weight afterwards. I still had about 15 kgs to lose when I got pg the 2nd time so I don't even want to think about how much I'll have to lose after this one. I have been better (not eating a Magnum every day) this time but it will be those 15 kgs plus some more of course...

Tickle, I hope the turning wasn't too uncomfortable and that it worked, and that it will last! Otherwise you'll have to do some headstands and trick baby into thinking it's the wrong way up.

SweetKitty - Yes, we finally settled on a name last week but we're not sharing it just yet. I told everyone I was pg as soon as I found out but the name is the one thing we're keeping secret. A bit backwards, i know, but that's what we did with THomas too and we liked not hearing anyone's comments utnil it was too late. I did date a boy with that name when I was 16 but that doesn't bother me. He was a nice bloke but did not cause any emotional distress so the name doesn't really rmeind me of him. I think I'd better not tell Dh though, seems a bit funny...

As for knickers, I am def getting some more disposables. Last time I had a C-section and was glad to have the disposable kind because I could just tear them off, rather than having to bend down an extra time.

Have a good evening and a restful night ladies.

Mumfun, I have to say that for me personally going to work was much easier than being at home with DS. I have every Friday off and find racing after him much more tiring than sitting at my desk. I am very ready for Mat Leave now but we're keeping DS in nursery because I have doubts I would survive. I'm worried about the week he has off for Christmas too. He's a lovely boy but it's just so physical to care for a 17-month-old.

No knowledge here on birthweight estimates, sorry. THomas was over 9 pounds and I have an appt with the consultant at 39 weeks to have a look at the size of this one but I don't know what she is going to do. i hope there will be some sort of scan as they are much more fun than the usual poking and prodding the MW does.

A full moon! That must be it, I am a Cancer after all. When is your dh back Iris? You must be missing him dreadfully ? I forgot what he?s doing out there, sorry preg brain I only have about 2 hrs of concentration available a day and it?s gone today. This time of year I get really fed up with dp being a chef and his awful shifts. We have a childless weekend coming up but then he?s working 8-8 all week next week. At least then he is off from xmas eve till the New Year

What do you mean childbirth? They just unravel your belly button don?t they?

Mumfun/Eshay ? I don?t know if there is anything you can do when they are so stubborn! Think it is a posterior trait! Maybe your placenta is in a certain place and that?s why they prefer to lie that way? DS2 (v stubborn still aged 9) was actually anterior when I started labour and swivelled on his head. I think posterior babes are ?supposed? to turn their heads into a normal position to deliver but he didn?t and was ?face to pubes?. If I hear even a whisper of malpresentation this time I am having an epidural straight away! I wish they would scan you in labour so you had a chance of knowing what was going on in there! They did when I had dd to confirm her face presentation which warned them her cord was prolapsing and I am eternally grateful. By the way they said she would be eight and a half pounds and a couple of hours later she was actually 9?2. No-one has ever said I was having a whopper or did any extra scans but they were 9?5, 8?12 and 9?2.

Eshay ? a pampering package sounds fab ? let us know if you find something nice, I really fancy some major hair removal (think best left to dp though?) and a pedicure for my hooves

Funny you should mention the pampering package, that's exactly what i had today as an early xmas pressie from dh. started with a pedicure, bright red christmassy toenails now, then onto a full body treatment: exfoliation then lots of massage of arms, legs, top of bump and back, followed by a facial. complete bliss. there's an advert in this month's practical parenting (theres a head office no. to phone and they tell you a participating salon near you) for an antenatal p package: all that (minus the pedicure, which i paid extra for) for £45. not bad eh? 3 hours of total aaahhh. i feel wonderful tonite, not in the least tired, i could do with that every day now till babe arrives . i wonder if that can be arranged?? some hope eh!

iris and eshay
glad you're finally getting some r&r now, enjoy!

ooh Lyra what a wonderful gift!!!! you lucky thing (and you too Eshay!) Think I'll have to teach DH the art of massage when he gets home & get DD to paint my hooves

Rachey - DD was face to pubes too (oooh - ouch! I remember it well) - think this one is too at the mo. Hope thay all turn in good time!!
DH works in international haulage so he's often flying away visiting various places around the world for various lengths of time - handy for duty free but that's the only advantage

Mumfun - No real idea about the weight thing either but had some vague thought that they put on 1/2 a pound per week during the last 4-6 weeks (mine was 5.5 pounds according to the sonographer so that would make him due to be about 8.5 - 9 full term. Using that premis yours may be a good 10 pounder !!

Loomer - have the Rasp Leaf Tabs like you but am not going to take them until 36 weeks (boxing day) Not for any scientific reason you understand - I just have a strange feeling at the mo that if I take them (or do anything for priming) I'll pop!!

dd finally asleep for her nap, bit of piece and quiet and I think I might have a little kip too.
Iris just remember that people do have straight forward labours - I have been looking in the childbirth thread as I sometimes find little titbits that I found useful like the horror stories of the hospitals made me take wipes with me (very useful).
dd was back to back too for a good part of her labour and turned towards the end. I think this one is as well as we get limbs poking out into my stomach but the hospital seems to think that it is fine yet they thought that with dd too.
Still haven't finished shopping and just dread it all so much.
Hope the turning went OK Tickle.
Hope all the mood swings settle down, mine have been OK two nights good sleep makes a difference.
Take care all and have a good weekend.

morinin all

anyone else overspent this xmas (already!). i have, it's not a very good way to start mat leave is it? i got my mini statement by txt msg this am and thought oops~! will have to start being more careful from now on.

quietish day ahead for me - washing and baking mince pies planned for the am, then meeting up with nct pals to admire babies and bumps.

have a restful one girls. xx

Tickle

you back yet? How did it go??? hope baby is still head down, and that you had a fun time xmas shopping and a good relax in the hotel. do tell us all the details.

mmmmmmmmmmm mince pies!

with you on the skiint front Lyra - glad we've got everything bar the groceries and aren't going out much now as it's all gone! Think the hormones have made me more generous this year!

Chuffed - I've picked up some good tips too but just couldn't resist reading the horror stories

Anyone else getting swollen ankles now? Mine were really bad last night and are still a bit puffy this morning (most unattractive!!) No headaches/flashinglights or anything so don't think it's pre-eclampsia but am going to try to be more active today & drink loads of water to see if it'll shift.

Got a lady from Lollipop coming over later to show me some washables (have more or less decided on motherease but fancy a fiddle with the others anyway)

happy Friday everyone (DH home tomorrow!!)

hi all feeling a bit deflated now had appointment with consultant this morning (why don't know) anyway he was doing everything in his power to put me off a homebirth. Said most consultants in Scotland are against them, they are dangerous especially in my case as I had a fast first labour, baby could have foetal distress I could tear badly etc etc. Midwife was a little bit better though. Most of the plans are in place for the homebirth now. Midwife reckons this one will be bigger than DD who was 6lbs 3ozs, she said 7lbs 7ozs!

Very sore today walking the 10 mins from car to health centre was bad felt like my whole body was splitting from my undercarriage up.

Iris - Motherease good all round nappies but I found them a bit large for DD and she was 8 months when I started using them so I feel they would be a bit big for a newborn. Also now she is older they need a fair bit of boosting to cope with her wee. I am in love with my Tots Bots Bamboozle, very soft and absorbant, have a look.

Eshay - congrats on starting your maternity leave. Was going to say put your feet up but know thats impossible with a 17 month old.

Lyra - I have totally overspent already was counting it all up last night. Still it's only once a year.
I've only got food to get now as well which reminds me must update final Tesco's list today.

Hope the stubborn upside down babies have turned too!

36 puff pastry mince pies now cooked and dusted with icing sugar. 1 mince pasty made with leftovers - yummo. my kids don't seem to like this mince recipe, maybe because of the roasted pistachios and pine nuts or baby figs and cranberries, oh well, all the more for us!

sweetkitty

have you ever used bambino mio nappies or anything similar? was thinking of getting these as i have john lewis vouchers from work and it seems to be what they sell. or do you advise getting nappies 2nd hand? they seem to be almost as expensive 2nd hand, so i thought i might as well get new, and then sell them on when i've finished with them. what do you advise?

Lyra have never used Bambino Mio they've been given a bit of a slating on here though.

I've never got any of my nappies second hand as you said sometimes new ones are only £1 more expensive. My favs are tots bots. I do love fuzzi bunz but they leak after an hour with DD which is a pity as they are so slim and nice!

I would advise you get one of each one you are interested in give them a go once babe is here and see what you think. Then order what you need.

BTW I hope you are sending some of those mince pies my way

Hello hello

Had a bit of a snafu with the PC keyboard. DD knocked over cup of fruit tea on Wed night and it stuck all the keys together . Just got a new one so I'm back in the land of the living and trying to catch up with what's been going on.

Tickle - how did the turning go?

And yep, I have horribly overspent. Tried really really hard to keep to a budget, but.....

Just got back from Sainsbury's where I nearly ripped a woman's head off - whoops. The store manager had lead me down to a checkout that was for 12 items or less because it was empty (I had a HUGE trolley of stuff) and this woman very loudly started complaining...and pushed infront of me. Didn't know whether to cry or scream at her that I'd been told to do this....plumped for EVIL stare (a la Vicky Pollard) and lots of huffing and puffing.

Am sooooooo tired at the moment. All energy gone and just want to curl up in a ball on sofa with bowl of Butterscotch Angel Delight and wait for Beany to make her appearance.

SweetKit - had same experience as you when went to see private OBGYN in the summer. He was really derogatory about home births and midwives. Really annoyed me actually. Bloody blokes think they know everything. Gggrrrrrr.

DD had her nativity play yesterday. She was amazing. Spoke her lines really clearly and sang her heart out. Was proud as punch of her. And I managed not to cry

I was wondering last night whether we'll stay in touch with each other after the babies are born? It'd be such a shame if we didn't. We've been thru so much together...and this is only the start!

How's everyone else feeling today?

Right, I need to fill my face with something yummy. Am thinking, turkey burger and salad (healthy bit) and bowl of Buttersctoch Angel Delight (ahem)

Laters

G xx

PS - Everyone keep their fingers crossed for me on Monday as the stitch is finally coming out and if they're as ham fisted taking it out as they were putting it in we might see some action ont he Beany front.......

Lyra ? that sounds fab!

Sweetkitty ? What an ar*e! all consultants are against homebirths I reckon, always looking for a reason to put you off ? if your labour had been slower, it prob would have been too slow! If your midwife is supportive, go with her. You can always go into hospital if you have to. I love the idea of a homebirth, how lovely to be snuggled up in your own bed with dh and dds! Unfortunately don?t think my pelvis loves me enough for me to trust it!

I fancy Tots bots after seeing them rated best buy in Mother and Baby magazine this month ? they look so cute too! My breastfed babies have always been quite slim so I think it is best to test a few out ? I think you can even hire them somewhere? I think I will wait for things to settle down with babe first before I commit ? by the way, how many realistically do you need? I find with a baby and another 4 (including mucky chef whites) in the house, I wash every day anyway. Do they tumble dry? I don't like wet washing around the place, bad for my chest.

Georgie ? thought you might have popped! Good luck for the stitch removal. Surely we will have a postnatal thread group?

By teh way, my sister is a midwife (and had a home waterbirth herself) and she always says there isn't much more that they do in hospital if a baby is in trouble (other than instrumental/surgical delivery). If they have trouble breathing after birth they just give oxygen. If you were in hospital and in difficulty you would still have to wait to go to theatre - with ds2 I thankfully delivered him in the 30 mins it took between them making the decision to do a c-section and them prepping/finding a doctor...

hi girls - just back from the mainland... will fill you in properly tomorrow, as too tired now, but minimus is now head down and appears to be staying there! About 7.5lbs at the mo they think, and he has always been pretty lazy about changing position, so let's hope he stays there
Later!
T xx

That's good news Tickle.
Sorry you are feeling so tired and poorly Georgie. I've felt so much better since I started sleeping well.
Had a great night out with friends last night, bbq at a friends place with quite a few people round that I knew and hadn't had a chance to catch up with which was great.
Tots didn't fit dd very well, weren't high enough in the crutch and I found the velcro didn't stick very well. I like bumbles much better and like the fact that they go from baby to toddler without having to buy another size. For the newborn i am intending on using the large part of the wonderoo pocket liners inside a wrap and some disposables and then moving to fuzzibunz size med as soon as they fit.
Sweetkitty dd is getting through her fuzzi's in about an hour with their own microfibre pad, if I add one of those woolworths yellow cloths folded into 3 in with it I normally get another hour, the wonderoo gives me a good 3 hours or more. I am actually making some of my own hemp ones at the moment as I'm finding the microfibre ones just aren't good enough.
Georgie are you going to have the hospital bag packed and ready in case of bubs arriving early?
I would really hope that we have an antenatal thread as soon as the bubs start arriving. Those that sneak in either size of Jan can just stay with us, that is what I did with my antenatal thread for dd, we were 2 days before April and so I stuck with the April thread.

has anyone found a good company to invest the £250 trust fund starter that we get from the govt (if we apply) when the baby is born? i've seen various ads, but haven't a clue which to choose.