Nov 2011 - Mat B forms are in and time is flying not long now

[PamSco]

Sorry just went for a new thread as I couldn't see another.

Hope you are all well this morning

Goodness chip, how terrifying and traumatic for you, my heart goes out to you. You seem to have coped so well, so level headed, I think I'd be a total emotional wreak! Glad to hear that Sylvie-rose is putting some weight on and is feisty, hopefully you'll get her home asap. And I hope you're managing to get some rest too (and lots of cuddles)

ziggi I made the chocolate cake, tis fab :o thank you

I have also been getting some minor cramps, I am assuming that they're Braxton hicks. I've also been having really bad stitches up both sides of my abdomen, ESP to the left. I spoke to the mw and physio about it and they said it was quite normal. I also have scar tissue on my left side which is making it worse. The mw and physio said to keep massaging in tummy cream and oil. Decided to try and save some pennies and treat myself to a pregnancy massage. Has anyone else had one? And are they worth it?

DH and I also starting to panic about getting ready, chip's traumatic experience has really brought it home. Have made lots of lists this weekend, and starting to price things up so we can budget and get stuff over the next few weeks. God, it's totally starting to become real

Hope everyone has a good week :) x

chip what a traumatic time you've all had but I'm so glad that things are going ok. Pumping 8 times a day is a pita (I remember it well), especially at night, but at least it means she is getting your milk. Be kind to yourself too - it sounds like there was no other option to save both of your lives!

I'm not really prepared either. DP still sorting DD's new room and all the baby stuff is in the loft. Need a new Moses basket mattress and wash the clothes but we have bought a small pack of newborn nappies (still undecided about reusables - sigh)

Had 4D scan on Saturday. Was amazing. Had confirmation that we're team blue and saw lots of movement and got good pictures. He looks like DD too!! Sonographer mentioned he was breech, which is an odd thing to say at this stage. Most babies are breech until about 30 wks when their heads become big enough to float down. I'm also measuring about a wk ahead of dates. Not a surprise to me - I always thought I was a wk ahead due to conception dates. Just need to convince mw it's nowt to worry about!

Oh and I've got the same monitor as moosey the bt 150. It's very good and I highly recomend it. I like the fact that it's 2way and that you can hook your ipod up to it. I have no problem with it being digital. DP's in the industry and the research we did suggested there's the same 'risk' as having wireless broadband or a cordless phone, so I guess it's down to personal preference.

Have a good day all.

Chip so glad you now have yourself a feisty wee girl and that she is gaining weight. All good. I hope you aren't too frazzled and getting over the events yourself. Sounds like the hospital played a blinder.

Gold stars to everyone getting sorted, I tried. I cleaned, the downstairs and didn't get half of what I wanted to do done. I forget how tiring I'm finding being on my feet.

Just 3 more festival shows to do then no excuses. Got a bit of a busy week ahead in work plus the 28 week appt and scan on Tuesday so probably will end up having acheived little in preparation. I'm using the fact that the Primark isn't built yet as an excuse

Chip sorry to hear that you had such a dramatic time; I hope that you have recovered and that you are at ease with having to have a hysterectomy. Glad to hear Sylvie-Rose is remaining strong and that you are provding her with the best nutrition that she can get. It is great that you have managed a few cuddles and hope that these are reassuring for both of you. Rest up and let yourself recover whilst looking after your lil girl - hope she makes it home safely soon x x

I now have pretty much everything needed for baby and have managed to wash & organise all bedding & towels....the rest of the nursery looks like a dumping ground but don't want to start baby clothes washing until on mat leave (I need something to do!!) It is reassuring to know although it isn't organised it is all there.

Hope everyone is well and has a good week x x

Morning all. I was just sat here minding my own at my desk and realised that instead of the nice short time to my mat leave that actually I still have 9 weeks to go!! Was going to finish end of sept but work asked me to stay an extra month. Kind of regretting that a lot today, only 10am and I could already run away screaming!!

Haven't logged on for a while and wow I've come back to a baby! Congratulations chip - I'm so pleased to hear that Sylvie-Rose sounds so strong, beautiful name. Praying for her continued development and that she'll soon be able to come home with you. You must be still feeling pretty shell-shocked by the whole thing at the moment.

I'm going to wash a few baby bits and put together a hospital bag this week. Just incase I start threatening prem-labour again over the next few weeks like I did last time. I'm finding everything very difficult at the moment and not feeling particularly together. The mad woman in me is convincing myself I'm going to lose X too. Think I just need to get to the otherside of 32 weeks still pregnant and maybe I'll be more able to pull myself together a bit after that. 29w tomorrow, 8 weeks till induction.

Ah Caz, sorry to hear you are having a rough time of it. Keep strong and do whatever is neccesary to keep you thinking positive and moving forward in this time. 8 weeks is not long at all til induction and am sure that the doctors etc are keeping a close eye on you until this time.

I always think that small steps that allow for some achievement are a very positive thing. Hospital bags and baby clothes sorted are one thing you can tick on the done list and can use to buoy you up.

My son is an Alex, however not an Alexander and I bet he is wishing I had called him Alexander just so he could be a Xander! Tis a well cool name. Am also 29 weeks tomorrow.

Caz tis natural to be a mad woman about this- you're coming up to such a significant time. You'll get through this but it's obviously hard. Like Voodoo says, 8 weeks is a short time, and you'll be holding on to your healthy baby boy before you know it.

Pregnancy massage can't remember who asked, sorry. I've been going for auyrvedic pregnancy massage and have been really enjoying it. At first for relaxation, but now it seems to be to work out all the knots from my neck and shoulders (ouch) and also to help flush out the water from my legs and feet.

Oooh and meant to say tjuice hats off to you, I can't imagine flying to NYC and Germany for work at the moment. I'm knackered! You must be superwoman! ( also the furtherest I ever go for work is up to Shetland or down to London, oh the glamma)

furtherest? furthest I mean. dearie me.

and Cep totally agree, weird she didn't call beforehand, I didn't think of that dimension... and rice and spinach cooked for 30mins. Poor wee spinach. !

I found some chocolate I had stashed in my desk drawer. Everything is much better in my world now! Shocking before lunch I admit.

My achy/restless legs havent bothered me in a few days, have been on the go constantly so they feel stretched etc, wonder if this is the key? Sitting on the pregnancy ball and stretching them out or walking a lot. I was planning for the month I am now working extra to go and do some relaxation stuff but thats out the window now! Does anyone have a good pregnancy ypga dvd they could reccomend? Or anything similar?

Voodoo I've started on lunch already and have had branflakes and melon this morning so I say tuck in!

I've got Tara Lee pregnancy yoga DVD from a recommendation on here. S'good.

Oh I meant to have shreddies before and I got side tracked!! I shall look for that DVD Folic, thank you.

Now what to have for lunch..... I fancy pineapple or a fruit salad and something yum for a sandwich! Clearly dont fancy being productive at my desk though!!!

ds and i just had a picnic in the garden, with homemade egg and cress sandwiches with cress ds grew. and left over sausages rolls and cake from the picnic at the zoo. i tried sitting on the rug but as hte back and groin still hurting that was a no go.

My boss called today to warn me that the lady who's parking space i was using cause she wasn't able to drive into work has suddenly decided she wants to drive again. From what i've been told she's the type of person who'd do that just because she doesn't want someone else using her space. grrr, she only needs to wait till after the first week in oct (which is apparently when she was supposed to start driving again.) then she can keep the bloomin thing. work are now trying to find me somewhere i can park for a few weeks.

Caz big hugs in your direction. If I can come over all muesli-knitting hippy chick for a second... Please please make a wee mantra for yourself, to stay positive and stay focused on your healthy boy who will be with you soon. It worked for my sister. She kept saying, lightening just doesn't strike twice, my pregnancy is healthy and calm. Her wee girl was born serene and calm with that look of "what were you all worrying about" - your Xander will be the same. I know that is easier to type than do - and I'm definitely not trying to patronise!

I finished one pair of booties last night - I'm going to take heart that my boy maybe naked when he is born but he'll be going home with warm feet.

Pregnancy massage I had one at the local gym at work but it was more a remedial deep tissue massage - focusing on my neck and shoulders which have been sore at the desk. It was not calming, it was not soothing, it was a beating of the prime order - it was GREAT! Neck and back is tiptop now.

I've just had a feeding frenzy on Dairylea triangles. Feel sick.

Ladies how do we want to do the announcements on here? I've done an announcement doc on the fb page. but as things start getting a move on and the announcements build up we may want to keep track on here as to whos arrived and who's still waiting. We can have a stats list on here for announcements which to start with we can update weekly or a proper thread, what do people want to do?

sorry caz i meant to say that i'm sorry things are so rough at the moment, don't expect too much from yourself, the next few weeks are bound to be hard. Just don't forget there are lots of people around for you both on here and in rl, if you need to vent we're here.

Wow chip so shocked to hear your news, but so so pleased for you!

Can't wait to tell dh and see his face!

Cep I think maybe be best to update the stats thread with births? Or start a new one but in a similar vain. It might get confusing if people start chatting on there and on here!??!

Also think an ante natal thread is good, but poor Chip would be on there on her own for a while so perhaps we stay in here until the end of november then move over??

I now refer to the wonderfully named punani ache! I have a simliar problem, mostly when I get up from sitting it feels a bit like I've been on a 30 mile bike ride, is that what other people are experiencing? Is there anything that can be done to help it?

Had 28 week mw appointment on sat, measurements and stuff all good, though DH said she spilt tonnes of blood down my arm (i wasn't looking) when she did blood test :-(

Happy mondays to everyone!

xx

Oh and forgot to add! Pushchair and carrycot arrived!! WooHoo!!! x

Ah I so want my pushchair paid for and I want stuff to arrive!! Hate not having it sorted!!

I have added an announcement bit on our stats list, but can someone with a better memory than me please check the names on the stats list, there were a few that i know had left us who had ended back on there. There's a load of names i just don't recognise as well.

Hello Everyone. I hope everyone is at least coping OK, not in too much discomfort/stress.

Chip - congratulations swiftly followed by a "bloody well done to you both for coming through all that". I love your mini girl's name and wishing you both all the very best. I hope Sylvie-Rose can get more cuddles soon and come home with you soon too. I hope you recover well from such a physically and emotionally difficult time.

Caz, I can't think of anything more natural than to be stressed right now given your experience of pregnancy and Belle's birthday. It is beyond me how you have coped so well up to now. I have no advice except come on here and download as much as you need to. We'll be here to listen.

Nothing prepared here. 30 weeks now. Finally got all the pieces for the Mamas&Papas stuff. Myself and DH have built kitchens, bedrooms, lounge furniture and never ever before have either of us literally screamed with so much frustration at shit instructions. We have made mistakes from rushing/misreading but this was just a very difficult to see difference!

We now have to gently prise the back of the almost finished wardrobe (now nailed in) to take it all apart as the 1st shelf you have to put in (above the draw) was in backwards. It wasn't until the back went on we saw the gap between the shelf and the back, the door didn't fit...... the shelf is in backwards. Instructions didn't have the usual "Warning, easy mistake to make" and a clearer drawing showing there is a small gap (not on the drawing provided) and which side it should be on. Another complaint to add to the list. I have never seen DH as wound up.

I have made a list of everything we need to do in the next week & the 2 weeks after so I am all prepared before we go on holiday. DH has a tonne to do!!!! Poor chap.

Otherwise just eating too much, starting to find bump uncomfortable and not able to either get to sleep or waking at 3 30am.

Share money coming in from work on Friday so I can hit the shops to get what we need at last. Basically just a double buggy, new cot mattress and new mobile etc as DD has kindly put a lot aside for new baby but we were told not to take her Winnie the Pooh lightshow/music box. She is only 2 1/2 bless her. Oh and I need to replace the pink/girly sheets, bibs etc. I still am a bit worried about having a boy, I've no idea why. I have 2 lovely nephews who I love to bits and know perfectly well how to entertain!!! I wasn't hoping for either sex so I think it's just the unknown.

4D scan tomorrow late afternoon. I hope little man is more willing to be photographed than his dear sister was.

Marathon post, avoiding doing the million crappy spreadsheets of tasks and resources for the management consultants.........

Wow cep congratulations! It sounds like one hell of a rollercoaster ride :)

It's definitely made me think about getting more prepared, everything has been delivered or collected from friends / family but still all in boxes. Going to start the painting next week now that we have agreed the colour! No closer to getting hospital bag ready tho!

Is anyone else having rib or coccyx pain? Work has bought me a lumbar support which has helped the backache, but now I'm getting pain in my tail and ribs. So I can't sit back as my tail hurts or forward as my ribs hurt!!

PMA - got my GTT results back, all ok so no giant baby for me!!

Wow, I go away for a fortnight and babies start being born! My husband is going to be so shocked and scared when I tell him! Congratulations Chip, I am so impressed with how calm you have been, and couldn't be happier that everything is going well.

I am so of all the people with not long until the start of maternity leave, I'm not finishing until the 22nd of October! Its the school holidays now, so I get a bit of a break, but I will be back on a full teaching timetable in a challenging school for 6 weeks soon enough. How I'm going to survive, I have no idea!

Its good to catch up with you all and see that all my aches and pains are normal, the punani one is rather odd...

This thread moves so quickly!

Caz, I don't know what to say, have no practical advice, but you've been through an awful lot and you don't have long to go now.

Someone asked about baby monitors and I was just going to chip in and say that I never had one with DD, it just never occurred to me to get one. Most of my friends and family never used them either. I'm sure I sound hopelessly cynical (ok, I am hopelessly cynical) but I always thought they were one of those things that had been invented by the baby industry, who in turn tried to convince us that they were an essential safety feature and that we are neglectful parents if we don't use them. I'm not having a go at anyone who uses them, its each to their own obviously, but you wouldn't believe how attuned you become to the sound of your own baby's cry. I could sleep through an earthquake under normal circumstances, but when my daughter was a baby, I would automatically wake at her tiniest whimper. And newborns cry so loudly that even if you are downstairs and they are upstairs, you would hear them inside seconds.

And also, I'd say that it depends on how you intend to work baby's naptime. I always worked on the grounds that upstairs was for bedtime only, so she took all her daytime naps downstairs with me, either in her buggy on in a travel cot (or in the moses basket, when she was very tiny), so if she cried, she was in the same room as me anyway. At night, again she was in our room. So, when I considered all that, I couldn't actually see what I would use a baby monitor for anyway. As I say, I'm not criticising anyone else for using one, but I just thought I'd throw an alternative view into the mix!