We will brook no argument for a boring, uneventful, blooming pregnancy; followed by a perfectly-timed pain-free sneeze birth; vol 5

[ScreamIfYouWantToMeetSanta]

Hi No Brookers! I do hope this has worked and is in the right place...

I've added a few extra sofas so we have plenty of space for all the Rat Smackers who will be joining us soon. There's also a nice long table filled with mince pies, yule logs, gingerbread snowmen and xmas puds! Plus some non-alcoholic mulled wine. I've strategically positioned a few clean glittery vom buckets under the table, just in case it's still a bit too early for xmas munchies for some people!

As you were...

I'm glad everyone had lovely xmases. Also glad Dream's DD is asleep now!

Scarlet your DS finding the crumbs sounds so cute!!!

It was a fun yummy Xmas in the Scream parental household yday, followed by a nice lazy day today at DH's uncle's house (after the long drive over!) I was kind of dreading today, because the evil BIL is here, but in the end it turns out he's no longer coming with us to the 2nd uncle's house tom, AND he'll be staying with one of his cousins for the rest of this week (so my battle with DH over where he's going to stay is finally over!) As the icing on the cake one of my fav members of DH's family shared some REALLY EXCITING news with me, which she hasn't told anyone else in the family yet but it means I'm now looking forward to mat leave even more!!

I feel Santa has been particularly kind today!

I'm sorry Hawthers hasn't yet started labour, but I agree with Dream that it's still v exciting that you'll meet your LO within the next 2 days! I'll be booking for you to go into labour naturally before then tho!

Phew! They withdrew my earlier post. I'm such a moron I put DH's RL name in the post!! He's not overly keen on how much detail I put on MN anyway, he'd flip if he knew I'd accidentally posted his name! The lovely MN people deleted the post pretty quickly for me though.

Can I still blame babybrain even after the first trimester is long over?

Oooo also forgot to mention that my parents wrapped up a tiny pink toy pram for as our pressie under the tree. The pram had a tag saying that they want to buy us the real pram of our choice. So sweet! My parents aren't loaded, and I was worried they didn't realise how much a pram could cost, but they said they'd already been to a couple of shops looking at prams so they could get involved in the process with us! I was so touched. This is their first DGC (is that an actual recognised acronym?) and I'm so pleased they're so excited. (Still might talk them into splitting the cost with us though - prams are SO expensive I feel a little guilty accepting their offer!)

Just nipping in to say good luck for today and tomorrow Hawthers! Hope all goes well.

Merry (belated) Christmas to you all!

Ooh, how do you get mn to withdraw a post for you scream? I so nearly do it all the time. I also put way, way too much info on... Dh would be horrified. Lovely about the pram, are you still liking the iCandy?

Dh gave me a lie in and got up at 6:15 with dd, really should make an effort n get up quick now. The most annoying thing is I couldn't stay asleep past half seven ish, but it was lovely to just stay in bed and do nothing!

One day to go hawthers!!!

And scream, I thought babybrain was hormone related and throughout pg?!

Ooooo is babybrain throughout pg Dream?! To be honest I'm always pretty scatterbrained so I haven't noticed a huge change since being pg, but it's lovely to have an excuse for once! I will continue to milk this excuse then if it's an all-trimesters symptom! Hee hee!

By the way, when you're on your laptop there's a "report post" button on every post, when you're on your phone there's a little arrow in every post and when you click it it gives you the option to "report post". Once you've chosen that option a little message box pops up giving you the chance to explain to MN why you want to remove the post. So you could be removing someone else's post because it's advertising something, or offensive. I think it's important to give a reason because if other people keep making complaints about your posts, after a set number of complaints MN will block you from the website. I had to explain that my post last night was stupid, not offensive, to make sure this doesn't get chalked up as a complaint against me!

I can't stop thinking about Hawthers! It's soooooo exciting that the first No Brooking baby is almost here!!!! Are we going to be doing baby photos on this thread? I totally understand if people don't want to, that's fair enough, but if anyone IS happy to then I LOVE newborn pics!!! I'm brooking no argument that Hawthers will go into spontaneous labour today,and have a super fast pain-free sneeze birth!!!

Lovely of your DH to arrange a lie-in for you Dream! Sounds like just what the doctor ordered

Also I haven't really looked at prams much since the baby show in Oct, so we haven't really confirmed or rejected our first preference for the iCandy Peach. To be honest I find the pram thing a little overwhelming still - so much money and so many choices and yet there seem to be so few obvious differences between them all! I'm sure if I could actually try them all out for a few days each they would all feel quite different, but trying to "predict" the differences whilst standing in a shop and having never had a baby, is HARD! After my Mum's kind offer I might see if she'll come along to a few shops with me and help me decide! The prob is if she ends up liking a cheaper pram...

Happy Christmas everyone! Brooking for you Hawthers whichever way it happens.

I have had a baby brain since half way through my pg with dd and it shows no sign of abating. my mum has promises me it does get better but won't give me a timescale...

Dream - how frustrating for you! If it's any consolation I'm still spending the second half of pretty much each night asleep on dd's floor. It's not so comfy. DD's behaviour around sleeping and eating has really deteriorated over the last 3 weeks. I think I've become a bit lenient through all the december fun. So from today onwards I'm making an effort to be firmer and not give in etc etc. I may need ear plugs though she loves to scream...

I can't believe your dd is ill again dream! Very unfair for you all. Mine is still quite snotty, but a hundred times happier than she was last week, so I don't mind the snot.

Very excited for you tomorrow Hawthers, (if minihawthers stays put til then). Good luck x

I had a bit of a low day yesterday. No reason, but I was convinced the pregnancy wasn't going to last. Actually, I think it might be because we told our parents on Xmas day, so I had that "have we jinxed it?" feeling. I'm more positive today though. What will be, will be, n'all that.

Hello everyone, hope nice Christmases were had all round. We had a lovely lovely couple of days. Our house now looks like the store room at Toys R Us . Although I am in awe of Scarlet cooking the dinner for 7 single handedly. We also had 7 but no such luxury for our guests - both mothers were pressed into action . To be fair too my mum worked like a trooper helping with the veg on Christmas eve and getting everything done on the day. DH also worked like a trooper and did all the washing up himself. Putting the 'D' in DH . And when I said I felt like I'd not had to work hard enough he said 'it's always the generals and commanders who get the credit for getting the foot soldiers in the right place at the right time'. I think it's an excellent point. I was chief coordinator of oven space .

Yesterday I was a bit poorly with a cold - I'd had it before christmas but it sort of came out on BD. Feel a bit better today though with is good news.

Grandparents are looking after DS today so DH and I could come shopping. I'm not really a big fan of sale shopping (way too busy for my liking!) but DH needs to get new suits and shirts (yawn). So I am currently sat in the suit shop MNing while he discusses the ins and outs of lapel size with the assistant . I'm not complaining though because I'm sat down which I seem to need a lot of at the moment. That was half the reason I didn't do very thing on Christmas day - because my bump was aching so much after an hour of standing up.

Btw, thanks for your support band points on my other thread Scream.

Dream I do hope dd kicks off this latest bug - poor little mite. At least she was a littl better for Christmas day itself?

Glad everyone else seemed to have a nice time too. Scream glad your BIL has buggered off.

Hawthers I am looking forward to hearing all about MIniH's arrival - hopefully as soon as possible

I've forgotten everything else everyone said now apart from the add that preggo brain is definitely all through the pg and is then instantly replaced by baby brain which can last as long as required.

Don't worry scream, if your mum likes a cheaper one you can always offer to pay the difference. Will either smooth it over easily or she'll stump up. If I wasn't so far away you could try my loola up (rubbish) and BJ city mini which can be made into a proper pram with carrycot for babies complete with 15 month old... I already regret my monster buggy, kind of, as I'd love the BJ city mini double with carrycots... One hand fold I will miss! Does the peach go into two parts to go into a boot? No way will Dh allow both 'just in case' I go out without dd, or with him and we can bring our single too, or carry one between us in one of our slings. So no BJCM double for me...

Oh my goodness, dd asleep and managed to put in cot- she's so bunged up she keeps waking up flat- so moving to pooter to finish this...

errr, I missed loads of posts then. Plus my last was saying she wakes up if she's lying flat, i.e. in cot, due to this bloody cold. Still put her on a pillow- at last cold/bunged up event her devoted grandpa bought her a junior pillow from john lewis as she is over the required you-will-not-suffocate-you're-over-one age . So, she's on that. Like it'll stop her waking up bunged up Anyway, pomme, kind of comforting that a routine can go wrong for anyone, though awful you're still on her floor!!! I would be though. I can't do leave to cry I don't think. Personally, I'm not sure it's the right thing for under 2's. A bit more understanding, maybe... Plus, I am too soft, precious first born and all, and I can't stand the thought of her crying for me or daddy and no-one coming, and falling asleep thinking no-one came...

little, I thought that, as loads of people found out I was pg at 6 weeks (through my puking extravaganza), which I thought was a recipe for mc disaster, or something horrible on the scan etc etc. Like, all DH's friends found out at 6 weeks at a wedding, and everyone else, ever, at 8 weeks at DD's first birthday where I was very, very sick, all afternoon... All was fine. As it will be for you. Were your parents thrilled?

scream, it was in the paper apparently. Some study on 'babybrain', and the hormonal wierdness does actually affect memory, mood and some functioning and we really, really can't help it. Can't remember it all. My dad told me so and therefore it is true (biscuits -style!). He's a doctor and all. Therefore it is Fact even though he read it in the paper so we know how true it may well be and he only told us out of interest. And tell me, why is it I should make sure i don't out myself completely (like I haven't already if anyone from my area came on here, bit recognisable!!)?? I know I shouldn't have full photos on, but don't dare aske DH not to take full length as he'd refuse point blank if he thought they were for MN!!!

ooooh, biscuits, a support band thread? I'm off to hunt, mine is uncomfy to sit in, so I'm not wearing it much at the minute- physio said they're mainly for walking to take the pressure off anyway by supporting some bump weight.I just can't remeber to put it on again if I've taken it off, etc etc. But further wisdom is always good.

oh, and biscuits, despite her ongoign cough, I'd counted her as totally well for 3-4 days befre thsi- she was lovely and cheerful over Christmas, running round outside, loving the park, so much fun. Makes me even crosser she's ill again and super, super whingey today, poor baby. Immune system of iron though, I'm trying to console myself.

Thanks dream, my mum screamed for ages with excitement. She is really going to struggle to contain herself until 12 weeks!

Dream - I would link to my support band thread but am on phone. I called it something intelligent like 'support bump band thingamyjigs' .

Be interested in your thoughts as I suspect you're a bit 'front heavy' like me at the mo? .

Disclaimer I don't mean that to sound bad, just that by your own admission you have a bump to be proud of.

LOL biscuits, I'm like a ship in full sail now!! Interested to see how far ahead I measure at my scan and appt on Thursday. Will go on a bump thread hunt.

Have been doing good deeds! Well, persuading DH to do a good deed, but he wouldn't have if I hadn't made him so I get to count it. We live in the middle of nowhere - no street lights, no near-by services, nothing, and delivery ppl often struggle to to find us. About an hour ago the doorbell went and it was a little old lady - her husband is disabled and they'd had a flat tyre right outside our house. I gave her the address to give to the breakdown company, and tried to invite her in but she was having none of it (don't think the husband would have been able to reach the front door, as there is a massive scaffold up the side of the house and you have to edge between it and the car, so his walker thing wouldn't have fit). She went back outside to call the breakdown folks, and I went in and begged DH to go out to change their tyre. He went all shy and reluctant, but I prevailed and we went outside and persuaded them to let us have a go at changing the tyre. Took ages because the jack didn't work very well, but DH eventually got it changed, and without any cursing and swearing either! It was a good thing we did, because the breakdown people didn't show up, and we must have been outside for the best part of an hour. I hope they made it home safely - they only had about 10 miles to go, so they should have done. Anyway, I have a warm festive glow of Good Deeds done!

Dream, oh no! Not again! Your poor DD, and poor you. She will most definitely have an immune system of iron after all this, though - she's probably just a bit run down at the moment after all her illnesses, hence why she keeps catching things. Brooking for a speedy recovery.

Little, that's so sweet! I love it when people get that excited.

Biscuits, being chief oven-space coordinator is a very important job. This year it was just DH and me, and my contributions were the bread sauce and the gravy, while DH did everything else AND tidied up before I was out of bed on Boxing Day. I also have a cold, but standing around in the cold has cleared my sinuses a bit and I feel better.

Hawthers, how are you feeling? Bet you're really excited and a bit nervous about tomorrow. Best of luck - sure it will all go smoothly and MiniHawthers will be here before you know it!

I don't know, you people bragging about your bumps when some of us haven't got one yet

Oh no dream I can't believe your DD is ill. I really hope that this is it this time and 2012 will see her with a hardy little immune system.

Hawthers I'm thinking of you and really looking forward to you updating us as soon as you can after your LO's arrival.

Too Well done that DH, that is a good deed.

Little how exciting to be telling people. Is is common knowledge now or just your parents and PIL?

scream how lovely of your parents to insist on buying your pram. If you're worried about the cost of the one you want I'm sure she'll be happy for you to cover the difference. She'll surely want you to have the one that you want so won't be offended if that's what you decide to do.

Jen one day soon you'll wake up and a bump will have appeared overnight. That's how it seems to happen with me. One day I looked fat and the next I looked pregnant

DS has had a lovely day at home today playing with his new toys properly. I have a task this evening of picking bits of play doh out of the carpet . His Christmas presents are being shifted upstairs to make room for the second influx of toys that he's having for his birthday. The good thing is that family are happy to give him money for his birthday so we are able to buy him some new garden toys in the summer. Otherwise it's way too much in one go and such a long wait for next Christmas and birthday.

Dream, can't believe DD is ill again! Poor her, and poor you :( Glad your DH gave you a lie in today though :)

Scream, I've nearly named my DH in so many posts, I'm surprised I haven't had to request to withdraw posts before ;) Your parents offering to buy you a pram is so lovely. I'm also finding the choices quite overwhelming - and annoyingly in our local Mothercare there are only some around for you to try out, rather than all of them. Need to find somewhere better to look I think (will then look for the best deal online!). DH found one he particularly likes, but only because it collapses in about a second, and is very swish! I'm also finding car seats a nightmare. The one we like is huge - fine for most of the cars in the family, but not my MILs...

Too, what a lovely good deed!

Hawthers, thinking of you! Good luck for tomorrow-unless mini Hawthers has already made an appearance of course..!

Jen, I'm sure it'll surprise you with a sudden appearance! I looked fat for a considerable amount of time, but looking rather pregnant now (and worryingly big for only 20 weeks... I'm going to be huge, though as I'm very small, this was always inevitable!).

Have survived our final bit of Christmas catering, phew. LO has decided today would be a fun day of spinning round lots - I have no idea why - but finding that pretty uncomfortable. Also braved the sales this evening, and bought lots of strappy tops to wear under things (I'm always cold, but my usual size no longer fit!) and some sensible flat boots! Along with the maternity wear I got for Christmas and the New Look vouchers I'm spending on some new tops, I should have enough clothes to last me the term at work.. I hope.

Off to visit family tomorrow and Thurs, and then I think I have a few days at home to do nothing -finally!

V quick as stuck under a coughing baby in the dark n think phone light disturbing her a little.

Collapsing in one second is one if my favourite things about our pram and useful in so many situations from car travel to busy cafe... Which is it musical?

Good luck for tomorrow hawthers!!!

Musical it sounds like you're all set clothes-wise! Very smart of you to get layers, I've mainly been buying big heavy winter clothes because I'm always cold, around March time I won't have anything to wear! Which pram is it your DH likes?

Scarlet I hope your DS's bday goes well. Money for summer pressies is such a good idea! I imagine Hawthers is taking notes!

Best of luck to Hawthers! I can't believe the first mini-no-brooker is so very nearly here!!!! Too exciting!!!

Too that sounds like a lovely Xmas good deed, I bet you saved that couple hours of hassle and cold. Well done!

Dream I hope your DD sleeps through tonight. Both you and her deserve lots of rest!

Can I just say that Biscuits' comment about my evil BIL finally buggering off made me from ear to ear! Lol!

Oh and Jen can I just echo everyone else on the bump comments. I felt like I just looked fat for AGES! Even at 16 weeks, people who knew already said it looked like a bump, but to anyone who didn't know I just looked very fond of pie! Between 18 weeks and 20 weeks though I just ballooned!! I was so glad at my mw appt last week she said my fundal height is still on track, I honestly thought I'd jumped several weeks ahead! The bump will just "arrive" overnight!

Apologies to anyone I've missed, I'm on my phone in deepest darkest Essex and I think I'd better submit this post before the signal vanishes!

Sorry, missed loads of people. Just got dd back down but I'm tired and goodness knows how long she will stay asleep. It's not looking good for tonight again@!!

Layers is a great idea musical, I'm a little worried as put on twin thread and one of the twin mums who's had her girls said singleton clothes from her first pg stopped fitting at 28-30 weeks, so I may need more later . Not bought much, but got h&m organic cotton leggings for Xmas and they ate my most comfortable item of clothing- only ones which don't give ferocious bump-itch!!! Def keeping the bigger size too my mum got as well in case small was too small- sounds like it will be soon enough...

too, that's lovely of you and your Dh. Really lovely. Restores your faith in people.

Right, bed, but think dd waking up again, poor thing just can't stop coughing. I couldn't sleep through it either in fairness to her [sad[

Scream and Dream - the one my DH likes is the Baby Jogger City Mini. I'm not sure about three wheelers, but it is very light and collapses very quickly and easily, which would be handy! To be honest, I'm just completely clueless - I dragged him round Mothercare a week ago to try and get some more of an idea of what we wanted, he came out singing the City Mini's praises, and I came out even more confused! Maybe I'll just delegate the whole process to him My aim was to look at buying one in the sales, but the prices don't actually seem to be that different?

Dream, eek, hadn't thought about the fact you'll probably need bigger-than-Maternity clothes! I've now got several pairs of trousers (my mother bought me a lovely pair of good black ones for Xmas, claiming that they will single handedly get me through most of my pregnancy - and I think she's right!) and will have at least a working week's worth of tops, which was my aim. I've heard good things about H&M's maternity wear, and I need more leggings, so will have to have a look out for those! :)

Hope your DD's doing better today?

On the layers front - I can go to one school in the morning and be in a freezing class room, and then go to another in the afternoon and be in a boiling practice room. Layers are my only means of survival!

My scan's at this time a week today Feels like I've been waiting forever! DH isn't sure whether he wants to find out the sex now, so it may be another Unidentified Brooking Bean from us...

Thinking of you today Hawthers!