TTC a 2012 baby - the GRADUATES!

[Carlitawantsababy]

As requested/suggested this is a thread for those graduating from the TTC a 2012 baby -this is our year thread! Bring your BFPs and get yourselves comfy

Yup - definitely the mad efficient one Carlita This years Secret Santa present consisted of a 'Don'ts For Mothers' book and a 'Little Miss Busy' book Your house sounds lovely - I agree about having the extra room so you don't have to move again. We did just that - went from a 2 bed back to back to a 4 bed detached with a big garden, so we'd have plenty of room for 2 kids when they came along The thought of moving now is just horrendous! Especially as last time we had a 1 week old baby, after an EMCS and I had mastitis! Not good, but worth it in the long run.

Morning fools Glad to have you back! Loving the excitable post & congrats on being in the girl camp! I'm a bit at you ladies knowing what you're expecting, but I know I don't really want to know. I do think it's a girl this time though - so much that I've even been thinking about names a lot! I love the name Paige, but not sure we could name the baby that as I don't think DH likes it, although haven't actually discussed it yet. Plus, I'm a big Charmed fan and as one of the main characters Is Paige Matthews, then that might be a problem (DS is Matthew). Also I've been told in the past I look like her (I wish! Its only because of the red hair, and I sometimes wear bright clothes a bit like her - I'm no shrinking violet when it comes to my wardrobe!) But I still like it and actually it's not because of the Charmed connections. Sorry, bit of a random ramble there!

Hope you managed to get all your cards done trope. Isn't it funny, the comments you get about the size of your bump - I get loads of people saying it doesn't look as big, which is most odd as its definitely growing. I put it down to the different clothes styles. If I wear floaty tops, I always look massive (even when mot pregnant), but as I don't have as much body fat this time round, I've been wearing more fitted clothes, which apparently make bump look smaller - go figure! I'm at that nice stage now, where it's big enough to be a really obvious bump, but small enough not to get in the way too much. I know what you mean about wondering whether your sides will split though. Mine's quite firm so I'm wondering where on earth I'm going to get the stretch for another 3 months growth.... (3rd trimester starts today!) Fab that you get another scan next week! What a lovely Christmas present

Haha at the Bath confusion! Great news on your bump Mamma Hope you have a fabulous time!

That's genius Ellie! Good to hear the NHS are investing in such valuable members of the healthcare community! Really sorry you're not well though - keep in touch with your MW and not stoopid OOH doctors who say stoopid things Hope you feel better soon!

So loads happened here although probably not very exciting Went to yet another do in Manchester on Thursday night - works Christmas do for my team. Had a great night, with lots more dancing. But had to sit down towards the end, so perched at a table that was apparently reserved (although the label wasn't there anymore). The ladies that reserved it were lovely though, and said we could join them, but we had to dance. I pointed at bump and they got all excited as they were all first year MW students! What are the chances of that! So of course, lots of bump rubbing and fussing ensued, which I didn't mind, as they were so lovely, and they insisted we stayed and didn't have to dance!

Then DH was supposed to be out on an all day do with work yesterday, but ended up coming home about 7 as he wasn't enjoying it. He wasn't very drunk (but was very soppy). So after DS was in bed I suggested he have a bath, whilst I went and got us a curry from Asda for tea, and we had a lovely evening snuggled up in front of the tv (lots of wife points for me!) I intend to cash them in on Monday though when we HAVE to finish the Christmas shopping.

Enough random rambles from me though (sorry - tired from being woken up with cramp at 6am). Hope you all have a fantastic weekend

Ooh, davina, with you on the cramps here too. I've been sleeping with my legs elevated past two nights and that has helped enormously. I have also ordered maternity support tights - £20 a pair as my mum told me I'd better lest I get varicose veins when I'm older.

How do you manage that without lying on your back Carlita? I always get dizzy if I'm on my back too much - although not sure which is worse sometimes

Ouch at the £20 tights!

Hi all hope you're all enjoying your last weekend before Christmas madness ensues

I had my growth scan yesterday, didn't go too well. The sonographer was getting unusually large measurements for the abdominal circumference (all other measurements were normal, AC was way off the chart) so she had a closer look and found a large collection of fluid in Pirate's lower abdomen and couldn't work out what it was. She called in someone more experienced for a second opinion who thought it was a cyst on one of the kidneys.
They arranged for an appointment with a consultant Dr who kindly agreed to see us at the end of his working day (we were really scared that it was serious then!). He did a more detailed scan and found that it's an ovarian cyst. So we were gutted and relieved at the same time! He was fantastic though and really reassuring, said she's not in any pain and it's not dangerous for her, which were obviously my biggest concerns.
He's going to arrange an appointment with some specialists, which he's also going to attend so that we can work out what's going to happen - whether or not I'll be able to have a normal pregnancy and birth (her belly really is huge!); if they'll want to operate when she's born etc Going to have to wait until the 28th Dec for that though because the specialists aren't available very often. So, it's going to be a looong Christmas for us!

Sorry, I have read through your posts but couldn't really process them - still feeling pretty numb after 0 hours sleep last night.

Oh bun I'm so sorry to hear that; I can't imagine how you must be feeling.
It's good you had the scan and that the doctors know what is wrong and can make a plan now though, best scenario in a bad situation. Also good that pirate baby isn't in any pain with it. Again, so sorry xx

Oh Bun you poor thing - that must be so stressful for you Good news that you're getting such good care, and that little Pirate isn't in any pain, but unfortunate about the timing of Christmas.

I know it seems a bit silly for a stranger on the tinterweb to say this, but if there is anything we can say/do, then please let us know. Hope you manage to get some sleep tonight.

I second that davina. Also, for sleeping, I still sleep on my side but with cushions under my calves and feet. Has made a huge difference.

Thanks Carlita will have to try that.

Hope you managed lots of rest last night/today Bun. Just re-read my last post & realised my Christmas comment may have come across as a bit callous - I actually meant the timing was unfortunate due to it being holiday season, so there are a lot of people not in work, making it difficult to get appointments. Really sorry that it didn't come across that way

Oh Bun, that must have been really stressful, hope you're doing ok. Fab that it's been identified early and that Pirate isn't in any pain. Sounds like it's something they can deal with early and hopefully easily. Take care.

How are you today bun?
The rest of you doing okay? I've had a day on the sofa making sock dogs for the twins, just a few bow ties to make now and wrapping to finish and I'm ready for Christmas! Shopping ordered and arriving tomorrow, mulled fruit punch, mince pies and brandy butter will make finishing wrapping very festive!
How are your DCs in the run up those of you that already have them?

Hope you're feeling rested Bun

Am very at your day Carlita. Mine has been absolutely rubbish! So far I've:

1. been awake for 3 hours randomly during last night (some because DS wanted cuddles - very nice but not so much at 2.30am )
2. not managed to get out of the house before 12pm to start the days shopping
3. not had a successful shipping trip - STILL got a few presents to buy (and no clue what to get!)
4. had a baby that has decided its good fun to sit on a nerve that sends crippling shooting pains down my left buttock when standing/walking
5. managed to get homeuse 5.30pm finally, completely knackered
6. not made it to tonight's Zumba class because of said knackeredness
7. not put up my tree or wrapped any of the presents I have bought
8. had to set tomorrows alarm for half 5 as I'm going to Birmingham
9. (TMI ALERT) had a bad flair up of piles tonight.

So am completely writing off today and starting again tomorrow
Not that I'll get much done then because of course I'll be out for a good 12 hours . But working from home the rest of the week - think it might be a case of 'working' from home though and doing very little actual work, but decorating and wrapping instead

To answer your q about DS - he's only 23 months so doesn't quite get the whole Christmas thing yet. It's lovely to see that he knows that something's going on, and to hear him say Christmas and reindeer etc. I'm not sure he'll have a clue what's happening on Christmas day I can't wait for next year though, when I'm sure he'll really understand!

davina at your horrid day, how awful! I think the plan of 'working' from home sounds good and it sounds like they get enough out of you the rest of the time! That sounds very cute with your DS talking about Christmas and reindeer, doesn't matter how much he understands about the back story, he's already understanding that it's a special time, how lovely. My little man has been very busy these last few days and I can often feel bits of him like elbows and knees (though not sure which) he also seemed to respond to my touch today . I'm on my way to the hospital as have acupuncture later but my sis is back in with worsened infection so going to help her out for a bit first. Oddly I don't really need the acupuncture, I'm usually on my knees by the day I get the appointment and it's been 10 days instead of a week but I'm okay, no pain at all yesterday for example. I think it's going swimming twice a week that helps. I do a bit of breast stroke with doggy paddle legs (not supposed to do breast stroke legs) which is hugely inefficient and tiring and then do lots of the stretches I learned in aqua natal, look like a bit of a freak but hey? so I think I'll make this my last acupuncture session as they've been saying they'll get in trouble from me. You're only allowed 5, max and this will be my 9th! Hope you all have lovely days and still thinking of you bun

Morning all. Thanks so much for the support and kind words

I'm feeling a bit more myself today. DP has been fantastic, on Sunday (he had to work all day Saturday) he snuck out of bed to deal with DS, shut them both in the living room with books and puzzles so they didn't wake me up and I ended up sleeping until 11am! The longest lay in I've had in about 4 years! Then, when I did get up, they both went for a bath and then out for the rest of the day together visiting friends. I didn't no what to do with myself! oh and they came home with a chinese takeaway to top it off. God I love that man
So Sunday was lovely and gave me time to clear my head etc, but yesterday was crap! DS had one of 'those' days where everything was responded to with "no!" and doing everything he shouldn't - very unlike him. I was sick (baby squishing my stomach a lot these days) and a million other little stress making events.
I had a phone call from my consultant's PA yesterday with the time and date (28th Dec 10.30) for the appointment with the specialists, so relieved that that's sorted.
I haven't actually let myself cry properly about it all yet, trying to stay level headed and I'm just trying to get this Christmas week done and keep it as fun for DS as possible, will let myself deal with the Other Stuff afterwards. It's his second Christmas and he's definitely understanding a lot more, getting very excited

Carlita your day yesterday sounds fabulous! Davina yours sounds a little more like mine

Brilliant news that you're feeling so much better Carlita! My PGP has gone down hill very quickly over the weekend, got stuck on the stairs last night - didn't know whether to laugh or cry! Need to get busy with my exercises.

Got lots to do this week to get the flat sorted. Dmum is arriving Christmas eve night so will be a nice surprise for DS when he wakes up, like he needs more, family have spoilt him rotten again this year! Bless them

Hi bun what an amazing DP you have, sounds like he did everything you needed sorry you got stuck on the stairs did you have to be rescued?

bun do let us know how your appointment goes on the 28th, we'll be thinking of you. I'm sure you've already thought of it but it might help to have a list of your questions in advance so you don't forget anything - it's easy to miss your chance to ask things under the pressure of the situation, but I guess you'll want to ask about what it means for your labour, due date, and what it means for the baby and when they'll want to operate etc.

Hope you have a fab christmas!!!

I'm officially 37 weeks tomorrow, how scary is that! I'm visiting my MW led birth centre on christmas eve to see the place and have a check up. Even more excitingly, I finish work today and I shouldn't have to go back until 2013! Yeys!! Work bought me a mum to be beauty treatment voucher so that's my plan for tomorrow morning - massage and a pedicure (I may ask for a wax while I'm there too) . Just. So. Excited!!!!

Hope everyone else is doing well and planning fun things for christmas.

DH and I are totally stuck on girl names - we have a lovely short list for a boy but we're struggling for a girl. I think I've already explained my wacky list of rules on here so I won't go into it again, but my word, choosing another person's name is hard work! Any suggestions for me? I feel we're cutting it a bit fine....

Hi all! It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas round here The last of the Christmas presents from family have arrived now, so I have another big pile to wrap tonight (I suggested that everyone has DS's presents delivered straight here to save on postage, so I get the joy of wrapping lots

Feeling a lot more level headed about Pirate the last couple of days. The appointment is a week today, and with Christmad [sic] to keep us all busy and smiling it feels a lot more doable

Meant to say in my last post Davina you didn't come across at all callous, I knew what you meant

Carlita he is indeed fab when he needs to be I did indeed need rescuing from the stairs - thankfully it happened going to bed rather than during the day when DP was in work! It's starting to ease up a bit now though since I've stepped up the exercises and wearing the support strap all day.
How is your sister doing? Sorry to hear she's had to go back to hospital.

Ghost Woohoo for your last day!! and the lovely gift, sounds lovely!
Thanks, I've got a list on my phone that I'm adding to as things pop into my head, my brain is far too muddled to be considered reliable enough to store them all at the moment!

My goodness! I can't believe how close to the end you are! At risk of sounding like my grandmother; the time seems to have passed in the blink of an eye. So exciting

How lovely you have a busy little man Carlita Glad you're feeling better and don't really need the acupuncture any more. Sorry to hear about your poor sister though - hope she feels better soon.

Glad to hear you are feeling a bit better Bun - your DP sounds amazing! Hope you managed to laugh rather than cry at getting stuck on the stairs - not good! I've visions of your DP in a superhero costume coming to your rescue now though Great advice from ghost as well about your appointment - I'm rubbish at remembering the questions I have when I get into my appointments. And please do let us know how you get on.

Wow at being 37 weeks Ghost - only 3 weeks left before D Day! Although as we all know from reading the threads on here, they never come on time, do they Maybe we should run a book on when each of the babies will make their grand entrances! Ooh and if any of us start a birth thread we have to make sure we link it here as well! Or at least flag it for those of us that are on phones I'm probably not the best person to ask for name advice given a) it took us 2 days to name DS because we only had 2 boys names, neither of which were right when he appeared and b) my suggestion of Paige for Disco Baby was not commented on by anyone, leading me to think most of you hate it (which is perfectly fine - better to not say anything if you don't like it and it's totally a personal thing anyway ).
So at you finishing work until 2013 although I think that would drive me completely nuts in reality Just think it would be so nice after the days I've had this week....your pamper treat sounds lovely - hope you have a lovely time!

So after my disastrous day on Monday, yesterday was better but busy & very long day, travelling to Birmingham and back. Today has been even worse! Got up at the crack of dawn to call my boss before she went into all day meetings, did a bit of work then went off for my routine 28 week MW appointment. The evil MW then took some more blood tests (normal apparently, although I don't really remember having blood taken this late last time). I came home and have been feeling crap ever since so I've done maybe an extra hours work then spent the rest of the day napping on the sofa . So still no Christmas done, not thought of new name, not done the work catch up I really need to do and now have an extra day to catch up on. Thank goodness I've only another 2 days before I finish til next year - need to have a busy 2 days then do bugger all for a day!

Hmm - just read my notes and my BP is up again slightly. At least that explains why I've been feeling so terrible today . Feeling better now though, so a day of sitting on the sofa has obviously helped!

So much for my recovery. Can barely walk today

Oh no, poor you! Sounds like you need a day like I had yesterday, pretty much confined to the sofa Hope it goes again as quickly as it came back

That's what I'm going for davina finished making my Christmas presents on the sofa, just one more to wrap now. We're staying in London for Christmas now as my Sis found out today she has to go to hospital every day for IV antibiotics for the next month! so we're bringing Christmas to her house. No tree or decorations or anything though! We're going there tonight to clean.

Gosh that's not good! But you are lovely, taking Christmas to her house and cleaning as well! And you can take payment in lots of baby cuddles

Well Christmas has finally arrived here! The tree is up and we have some lights round the window. So much more to do, but I've been working all day as well, so having a rest before we crack on with the rest of the decorations and the wrapping marathon! Although thinking that might have to wait til tomorrow now zzzzzz

Good luck today davina hope everything goes smoothly so you can finish all your preparations! We now have everything made and wrapped and the flat is tidy, just got the floors to clean tonight (one of DH's jobs so I'm completely finished!) I'm 27 weeks today so according to the majority of resources now in the third trimester! am having my raspberry leaf tea every day, will up it from 2 to 3 cups soon for the third trimester. DH makes me laugh about it, sees me drinking it and makes comments along the lines of "it's about time you sorted your baggy uterus out"
A friend of mine had her baby yesterday 8 weeks early! Scary. We decided that in January we ought to pack a hospital bag, just in case. Hopefully this will work on the usual theory that if we are prepared for it, it won't happen.
So, what are your plans for today? I'm going to be fairly lazy this morning then am off to my sister's once she's back from hospital to help look after the twins and eat mince pies whilst her DP goes to get a Christmas tree and does some jobs. Should be nice.

Your poor sis Carlita she's really been through it hasn't she... Lovely that you're all helping her out and will be together for Christmas. I'm at work at them mo, on a conference call clearly paying no attention! Am 16 weeks now and am starting to feel little taps in my tummy. oh and now it's a pear!

Gawd this call is dull...............

Thank you! Supposed to be working, but caught up with most things yesterday which is good. What I haven't done, I need to print everything out and sit down to really get my head round it. So leaving that until early NY (there are also some queries outstanding anyway so can't finish it even if I wanted to). Plus my home printer won't work with my work laptop. But have my blackberry on so I can keep on top of any emails/calls.

Today's plan consists of washing, tidying, wrapping etc. I've sent DH to the supermarket to see if he can get the last of the shopping plus he's taken DS with him as well. So house to myself for a bit. Any bits they don't manage to get, I'll pick up some time late tonight (advantages of having a 24hour Asda just down the road!) Oh and we've also got a party tonight, so got to fit in showers for all, getting ready etc.

Yay for 3rd Trimester! I hate fruit teas so I'm going to see if I can get the tablet version instead - poor baby will be rattling as I'm still taking my multi vitamin & omega 3 Love the comments from your DH although I would probably take offence, as I'm so tired & grumpy at the moment! Already had a bit of a snap at DH this morning .

at 8 weeks early! Just goes to show you never can tell when the babies are ready! Like your thinking on being prepared as a prevention method though - might have to try that myself. Officially I don't finish work until the day before I'm due, although I suspect my boss will be stopping all travel after Jan anyway so I'll be housebound. Which will probably drive me nuts! But will give me the time to get all my things in order before I go off.

Sounds like you've got a lovely day ahead of you - Enjoy the mince pies and snuggles