Due in October 2012 Part 7 - towards the finish line, going for Gold!

[Planktonette]

On your marks...
Get set...

GO!

Ah Midget I share your pain. I have four weeks left at work (last day is 12th October). Though because I have several strategic days off planned, I only have 16 work days to go (yay for that). I too find it hard to get motivated about work. My boss asked me the other day whether I was going to hit my annual targets of x new customers. Seriously? I am looking after my current clients (4) and the complex customers we have (about 35 of them) keeping everyone happy. And you want me to ALSO drive the business forward and find new customers? really? Where exactly do you think I am going to find the energy for that? AND you're replacing me with a 24 year old with one year's experience (vs my 12 years). I do not feel valued. jog on. (sorry, end of rant).

We are not decorating the nursery as frankly we don't have time or energy, (and I tell myself that babies need love, warmth and food more than they need a cute nursery) but I did cave in and order this cute mobile.
www.flensted-mobiles.com/?id=12&mid=37
(DF and I are keen cyclists, at least I was before upduffed).
More importantly than the decoration, I am hoping that DF will get round to booking a handyman to put some curtains up before she arrives. I have nagged a couple of times but it resulted in a big fight yesterday when he said he didn't think there was any rush. Right. SIGH.

Still haven't packed bag for hospital and still haven't done the monster 6 hour trip (each way) to my parents for cot / buggy etc. more SIGH. I definitely need a sit down. But no chair yet in her room for breastfeeding on. I don't want one of those enormous Nursing Chair Glider things (frankly there isn't space in the room) but don't really know where else to start. Ideas anyone?

OH and I need to do the coursework and exam prep for my yoga course. I've done three essays so far which is a step in the right direction but now need to do lesson planning and swot for the exam. Cripes. Maybe I need to book in a few more days leave before I actually go so I can do that stuff.

Thank you Liesbeth and Crazy for the breastfeeding tips. I have bought the womanly art of breastfeeding and am about halfway through. I think it may have to be one of those things I just try when she gets here and hope it'll work out.

Angelico I LOVE the sound of lying in bed and listening to storms outside. One of my favourite things.

Smorgs I had heard that the French tend towards medicalisation of the birth. I guess it's one of those things and, ultimately, so long as baby is fine and you are fine at the end, that's the main thing? (hard though, to not be able to chose, I do understand).

Sorry to everyone else I've missed - I have been reading you all.

And my valiant attempt at a catch up!!

midgetm - 5 weeks more work, ye gods. You are a spectacular woman. If you have put on the same amount of weight as me you are NOT a whale, so there. (working on positive body image today) On the varicose vein front, some days it is SO SORE down below I'm convinced I have this, but I can't see anything. I can feel weird bits in my vagina but nothing that seems like a vein. I dunno. Massive sympathies, oh the indignities of pregnancy.

Kyyria sorry to hear about your headache, glad it's nothing more serious, but not what you need right now! Some people find codeine makes headaches WORSE so go carefully and watch out for constipation as well. Maybe rest, lights out, water :( (May not be possible I know...)

Crazypaving those muslins are gorgeous! I had my eye on similar ones on ebay for ages but in the end it seemed too frivolous... then my friend's mum gave me some beautiful all purpose baby cloths with ducks and things on them... they seem far too cute to wipe up sick with

Cwest hugs to you love, it all sounds very stressful and anxious for you, and I'm sorry about the date mix up.
Good luck with deciding about epidural/GA. I think smileyhappymummy's advice is good, they should be happy to discuss it with you so you can make an informed decision.

angelico I'm not liking the race idea! I will feel like a failure if I'm expected to come first and fall over a hurdle or something! Also there are some very competitive people on this thread No, I view it like we will ALL WIN PRIZES (babies)! I am actually really happy that we have got this far with no premature baby. I think Mickey is the last due date and her babs must be about 32 weeks now? Obviously I hope the smaller babs stay inside till they're cooked, but even 32 weeks is a good number - more secure times for all of us :)
I've had palpitations since about 20 weeks, on and off. Work and stress did make them a lot worse, but I still get them sometimes. They make me anxious. I lie down and try to relax when it happens.

Velo how exciting! Your symptoms sound a lot like mine... here's to babies for us soon! I keep reading threads that describe my symptoms exactly and half of the girls say "I was like that and then I had a baby 9 hours later" and the other half say "yeah that happened to be for four weeks and then I was induced" - WAIL! Fingers crossed for us!!

lisbethsopposite thank you for breastfeeding/poo experience and advice, invaluable. I have a book called The Food of Love which seems very realistic and encouraging.
I too like my body sometimes, the bump is a beautiful thing. Shame it is all so tied up with weight issues for women in our culture. But yeah, it may look great, but it doesn't really move very well any more...

Yomping IT'S YOUR LAST DAY AT WORK! for you tonight

londonmrss I am in the same boat, though less kind/more honest than you - I told boyfriend yesterday "look, I can have sex, and I can have orgasms, but not at the same time". So I have quickies with him and at least enjoy the attention (he seems extremely fond of pregnant body, and objectively I can admit it looks very nice naked, but it's so bloody hard to cart around!)... and then I have private sessions with the curtains drawn in the afternoons when he's at work, ahem. This isn't to make out he wouldn't sort me out but I don't fancy that either when I'm feeling so awkward. Ha ha, what things we write on here!!

On that note, this is way too long - sorry! Love to all I've missed.

midget hey fellow twisty!

Well I have severe kypho-scoliosis, basically I was born with it, rather than it developing as I grew. My spine is twisted as well as curved and I have a large hump on my back which is basically my ribcage!
I have no rods as the twist/curve is too severe but I have worn plaster cases and had surgery as a child to try and prevent the curve getting worse.
Around 5 yrs ago I noticed the curve rapidly getting worse so I went back to my spinal consultant to see if there was a possibility of any further treatment. He was very reluctant to attempt touching my spine at all as he felt the risk of infection and even paralysis was too great.
This is why we are struggling to understand why the anaethtist even wants to attempt an epidural, surely its much safer for me to leave my spine well alone? I will discuss with my consultant next tues as suggested by smiley but I think I'm going to ask for a general. I've done it before and recovered well.

Midget am :o at your powerful placenta :o Needed a sit down and rest after just reading all the things you need to do - hang in there!

Huffle know how you feel about the maternity thing pay. It has just hit me that I only have one more normal paycheque for the next year Typically all the house bills have been coming in as well

Ahhhh Crazy having a wee one already must be knackering when you're pregnant - don't know how any of you are doing it to be honest!!! I would send a torch if MN hadn't taken it away, they should give us a medal smilie instead! On the clothes thing - I caved in yesterday and ordered more maternity yoga bottoms as have 'lost' my favourite pair in the house move . I will need big, soft, over the bump trousers post CS so reckon it will be money well spent for those few extra weeks. They were in Matalan for a tenner so not big money thankfully.

Don't feel under pressure Squid :) The babies will come out when they are perfectly cooked juicy and delicious :o In fact, dare I say it, if our bean wasn't already massive I would quite like to keep her in another week till 39+ so a) I could keep watching box sets and having lunch with people :o and b) I would be less worried about her having any breathing diffs. The trade off will be (hopefully) getting rid of GD sooner as it is becoming a pain in the arse - had HALF A BISCUIT last night and bloods went to 9.2 Not even a whole fecking biscuit, half a biscuit!!! (Who even eats half a biscuit?! Desperate sugar-deprived Angelico, that's who!!!) Do you know when they will send you your birth pool? What do you do if it isn't there?!

CWest wish I had some expert knowledge to impart on the whole epidural vs GA thing but don't so just sending some and hoping you get the answers you need.

Have to say, other than the GD and not sleeping I am more comfortable than I thought I would be at this stage (you can remind me of this next week if my pelvis suddenly starts falling apart ) Feel quite fond of the bean this week as she hasn't been dancing on bladder too much or causing any real agony. Keep petting my bump and chatting to her. So strange to think a real, live person is going to come out of each of us, with their own little temperament and quirks. Hope she gets her dad's even temper / tidyness and my weird imagination - and dodges the bullet of our two lots of crap eyesight :o

Hi all;

Kyria glad the headache is a bit better - I did find that what ever was wrong with me was a 100 times worse when I was tired. While I felt some guilt at sick days, my logic was 'I would not expect my colleagues to work with me if they felt like this'...
Anyway I hope it is better after the weekend.

Wantanorange Fainting - yeuch. I have low BP and often feel lightheaded, but I have not fainted. Another yeuch symptom.
Mixfeeding - I would approach with caution. I had mastitis twice while BF (long storey) but once was after the christening where we had a bit of a party. MW said was typical. Interrupted feeds led to a backlog etc. I think you will have to pump on college days. As you have already done 8 wks with DC1, it should be easier but get support in RL. There should be loads as the benefits are so recognised all MW units are trying to up their BF statistics, and giving it more resources.
You decided to continue on with college - good girl, but it will be tough. Aren't you our baby (at 21)?

Angelico Basin sounds perfect. Amazing that they are selling a special bucket as a baby bath - it is official, pregnant women are a marketing dream. Well done on the healthy eating.

Crazy ditto on the sore nipples. I remember this thing like a cut across one of mine and having to put a baby on to feed on that...ouch, ouch, ouch. I tried nipple shields and pumping.
I also had an inverted nipple, and I read later about techniques to address this but DS had just sucked it out at that stage... Yep, 10 seconds of pain for sure.
My DS also had the exploding nappies - always in public. I had to wrap him in a blanket one day to bring him home. Poo everywhere and I had no change (again). They don't have them every day, they just have them a inopportune times

I was wondering about the BF this time, as I definitely am struggling more with #2 and I thought, I want to enjoy my DCs, not win a prize. Anyway spoke with a friend about this and renewed my commitment to BF. My 4month old nephew has just been in hospital with whooping cough and BF babies have the benefit of mother's immunity. BF is tough but rewarding. Minding a sick child is tough and less immediately rewarding - obviously BF babies get sick too, so it is not black and white but I really mean to make a good go of the BF and I reckon my nips are like bullets now so should be easier...

Beccus Thanks for tip - I am off to pharmacy for syringe.

CWest I got a thing about/fancy for pate too - not even something I usually eat. Try not to stress to much on the birth front . I read some comment from a mumsnetter, we are having a baby, not a birth. The object is to come home with a healthy baby and mum, the method can't be as important

Llivvy I got the blackout blinds from GroBag - never even took them out of the pack. Tin foil and blu tac work great in an emergency, and DP will spring to action with no nagging (maybe).

I have gone on here repeatedly about my nausea - skip this paragraph if you have heard more than enough .
I am delighted at the symptoms I don't have. I don't have headaches/palpitations/ swollen feet and I do realise that my indigestion will pass in the next few weeks - some people live their lives with these complaints!! Also, I have put on less than 1 stone since getting pregnant. Not from being super healthy with diet but from vomiting. This also happened with DS and I put the weight back on with BF (SOOO hungry)
Feel great today but yesterday...
I went swimming, 40 lengths, slowly. Took a mouth of water by accident at one stage, so I stopped and stood up to 'gather' myself. Felt a puke coming on so hurried to the side of the pool... Puked 3 times into my mouth before I could get out,,,,,,,,,and ,,,, there was some leakage on the 3rd time
Anyway ran to loos and then shower. I was wondering if I should 'fess to the lifeguard, and when I looked back there was a lifeguard cleaning up . I went over and apologised PROFUSELY. He was so nice - 'don't worry, happens all the time. Gone now. Are you OK?'
It is official, I have no dignity left. BUT I slept great last night, feel great today, and I seem to be living OK with little/no dignity

Squid 37 weeks here as well, mad for road too. Bump also feels smaller, don't know where baby is tucked in.

Well done and congrats all who are finishing work today - soon you will be able to do epic posts too.
Off to stay with family this weekend - they love to see DS coming, they completely spoil him, and they will put up with the adults. It is our 'collect equipment' trip that I had loaned to brother.

Have a nice weekend all

Oh liesbeth poor you re the chucking up. Hope you are feeling less bad now?

On a random note, I decided to tot up how much money I've spent on maternity clothes as it feels like not much (as am totally bored of it all). The answer is £330. That seems not too crazy high for six months' of clothes. More depressing is the £245 I have spent on bras, with my boobs changing size every month!

Anyone else added it all up? I'd be interested to know whether I've been some crazy spending chick or reasonably restrained.

LondonLivvy I refuse to do this as I know it will be bad. I will sell them all though, honest. And hope to get about £300 back. If Forced I would say about £600 minimum . Your work situation sounds much like mine and I am really struggling not to poke my tongue out at people or showing them my arse. You are also right about babies don't care about the decorating - I just know if I don't do it now I never will and feel bad that DD has the most amazing room and DC2 will have hand me downs and cracks in his wall so I know if I don't get it done now I never will. Also biting off far more than I can chew though as per bloody always

lisbethsopposite poor you and the puking in the pool - they have sieves for this very reason and would have seen it all before.

Thanks for the flowers Angelico I am with you and Huffle on suddenly being terrified how the money will last. And they tax SMP so I have heard. How can this be right? The swines. Also very jealous of Angelico listening to storms in her romantic house by the sea as I am sat in my London Victorian terrace listening to two cats fight.

Cwest if you have had your spine messed with that much I can see why you are hesitant to want it messed with again. Although epidurals are often given for people as pain meds after spine surgery so I am sure there is a way to get them in safely I can see why you would want to take no chances. I have been very lucky with mine. I have a peculiarly adjustable spine according to the experts so it bends and bows to adjust to its own weirdness. You can only really tell with me when I am ill - then it is obvious. It hasn't moved a lot at all of late although I stopped going to the specialist as all they ever got me to do was bend over in my pants. doesn't sound in the same league as yours but I do understand your hesitation.

Squid I can't see anything untoward either - just feels sore and swollen sometimes. Never had this with DD and it is grossarma. I want my bits back - used to be my best feature . Happy nesting - your signs do sound promising and the waiting is a bugger.

Right off to do some more chores - and some work. Big wave to you all.

Londonlivvy - good question - I think somewhere between £150 and £200, but that is probably because I bought most of it second hand. I think I have 7 tops, 2 pairs of jeans (comfy and skinny), yoga trousers, 2 dresses, one pair of tights. I've bought first hand bits from New look, mothercare, H&M and asos and everything else was £1 on ebay type jobbie. Nowhere near as much on bras though (£50?) - mine grew immediately (6-7 weeks) but have then stayed the same.
£300 seems pretty reasonable to me - I could have spent a lot more - spent ages looking at isabella oliver etc but did not buy in the end. I also have not had a posh event this year (eg wedding) though I have bought dresses ANYWAY.
Also did not have to buy work clothes (was in scrubs)
I started wearing maternity stuff around 26 weeks I think. But even now I get a huge amount of wear out of shorts and skirts with elasticated waists that I already have.
I think I would have spent more in the winter (coats, jumpers, tights).

Angelico you are right and a far better woman than me - I would like baby to hold on till at least 39 weeks really - that's only Tuesday anyway - (except I secretly wouldn't because I am impatient and greedy) Oh well, all the wishing in the world won't make it happen or not!

Poor lisbeths :( It seems really unfair to be dealing with sickness at the end of pregnancy rather than the beginning. The pool incident sounds horrible. I hope this eases for you... My morning sickness went at 13 weeks, seems a lifetime ago (it was nausea rather than vomiting, anyway). I know what you mean about counting your blessings with the pregnancy symptoms you DON'T have (I have escaped everything except insomnia, palpitations and intermittent pelvic/hip pain), but it's all pretty grim! thinking of you xx

Must finish cleaningtypejobs before boyfriend comes home in Friday mood.

OH dear. I have just had my hormonal meltdown... the sale of my flat was due to complete today. And it has, sort of. Except that upstairs (who co-own the freehold) didn't sign paperwork in time, so some of the money has been kept back until she sorts herself out. Fine, but not dramatic.

And now the new owner of my flat is throwing an almighty hissy fit (as in contacting solicitors type hissy fit) because I left behind in the flat :

• laminate flooring pack (same as the stuff that's on the floor so he can repair it)
• a ladder (so he can paint windows)
• a metal storage unit in the shed. it was there when I bought it. I thought it was attached and therefore a fixture.
• paint (so he can touch up any marks)

and (this is the only thing I feel even slightly guilty about) a wardrobe. The wardrobe was my grandmothers. It does not go up the stairs. I had to remove the window and slide it up ladders to get it in. I couldn't be bothered to remove it and thought he might like it. He doesn't. He could chop it up with an axe in about 2 mins. He even has a fire on which to burn it. But no. He is demanding removal.

SO now... instead of my lovely Friday night which I WAS going to have, at home, celebrating selling the flat, baking in preparation for our housewarming party tomorrow, we get to drive (about an hour) to the flat and remove stuff. And then another hour to the tip. and an hour home. When, frankly, if he just lifted them out and put them on the pavement then people would recycle/take (it is that kind of area, if you get my drift).

I SOBBED down the phone to DF. SOBBED. and I know in the grand scheme of things that it's not that big a deal, but it FEELS like a massive big deal. I am exhausted, having not slept properly in weeks. I'm an over-emotional pregnant lady. I hate confrontation at the best of times and here we are, having mega confrontation. Awesome.

I need to take a deep breath and then go and get the car and sit in friday night traffic and try and sort this out. DF will be super grumpy (he wanted a quiet night in too). It'll be awesome.

Woe is me. WOE.

sorry ladies. Meltdown was inevitable sooner or later. Even reading this back I realise that it's not that big a deal. It just feels like it. I am a wimp. A hormonal wimp.

livvy I feel your pain. You're not a wimp. Moving is a pain in the backside. Selling a flat is a nightmare at the best of times. And it sounds like your new owner is acting like a pantomime dame. Add pregnancy into the mix and it's the perfect recipe for emotional meltdown. I don't know how many times I've broken down on the phone to my mum over the past few months and when I think about those issues now they seem like nothing, but they ARE at the time. Hang in there. Hopefully when he sees what he's put a pregnant woman through this evening he'll repent his sins and give himself 80 lashes

Yay, finished. SO weird, walking out of work, saying goodbye to people when I'm leaving but not really leaving - well, maybe, who knows whether I'll want to go back full time/part time/at all in a year.

And yay, 37 weeks today (snap Angelico and Lisbeths), and officially allowed a homebirth! Not sure if this is exciting or terrifying. No, must stop that. It is exciting. Must be positive and not scared!

LondonLivvy, feeling your pain. What an arse the new owner is. Does he know you're pregnant? Make sure you make a big deal out of how pregnant you are, rubbing your back, looking uncomfortable etc. At least it will all be done tonight but can understand the meltdown.

Don't want to know what I've spent on clothes. Had to buy work ones as well as casual ones, and one fancy dress. Rough estimate... well over £800 if you include bras, comfier pants, maternity sports gear (as old stuff stopped fitting on thighs) and more comfy shoes. Some of is isn't actual maternity wear, just a different cut/more stretchy than normal so I can continue to wear it as I shrink back and when I'm back to normal.

Mrsconfusion and planktonette - thanks for the sympathy. I know deep down it will be safe here, but I do miss the NHS sometimes. Actually mums a doctor so wasn't at all fazed by cuts/stitches when she had me as it was everyday for her. And she was induced. On the other hand dad, a surgeon, fainted as soon as he saw blood when I was delivered. Well it was either that or the fact I was another girl, his 4th, and therefore not his dream of a future Wales fly half.

Kyyria - I'm secretly hoping the one advantage of doing this in France is my first post natal meal will involve champagne, foie gras and a nice soft goats cheese.

Midget - much respect to you for still working, to anyone still working. I really couldn't right now. I'm with you on the still so much to do front too. How long before birth are you allowed to paint a baby's room anyway? I'm umming and aaing about whether I can be bothered.

Crazy - the sleepless nights are a right old pain aren't they. Hope you caught some Zs this afternoon. I keep falling asleep while listening to my hypnobirth cd.

Squid - as ever your activity levels put me to shame

Lisbeth - sympathy on the pool incident. I'm sure they've seen it all before and appreciated you owning up to it.

Livvy - re. Maternity wear I just did a quick calc and got to about £250, but add on about another £100 for new bras. The only great thing about the scorching temperatures here this summer was that I could live in £10 h&m t shirt dresses.

Big to everyone who finished work today, have great weekends all. Right better go and rustle up something for supper.

cwest, i think an op to change the structure of your spine is very different to getting a needle into the dural space. I think it's great u have appt with anesthetist to discuss it further. U must do what feels right for u. If nothing else, and u go for GA, it's great the epidural option has helped u make more peace with you upcoming c section and GA. You were so anxious about it before.

livvy, ham up the pregnancy, make him feel bad, bad,bad!

lisbeth, dont worry about a harmless spew. We all got evacuated today from the pool because of a turd alert....so funny after this over officious pompous guard got cross with me for not having a shower before i got in...what is the point of that anyway, it's full of kiddie pee.....so i laughed as he had to try and fish out this giant turd and thought he should have been paying more attention to people taking dumps in the pool than those getting in without a shower!

oh, forgot to mention i am so big i scare myself - bump 45 inches in evening - is this a record for the thread? ;)

Hi everyone. To tired and grumpy to catch up properly, but just wanted to check in and say hello. Will catch up properly soon.

Hi everyone

Tis sorted! I am so relieved. DF was a legend and forgave the emotional outburst and hideous Friday night traffic. We got there and it was all quite confrontational and then I think they started to feel bad. The new owner destroyed the wardrobe so I didn't have to. Thank god. We then filled the car up and the man at the tip helped DF with the heavy steel cabinet. Phew. Now home.

Not all of it fitted in the car - a few garden chairs, ladder and a mirror ( had forgotten about that) but I'm going to call the council waste collection on Monday and think they will come and collect. Having said that, I think it will be gone by then, as folk will have taken it.

Thank you all again for the moral support. What would I do without you all?

Enjoy your Friday nights, lovely ladies.

Yawn yawn yawn!! I am knackered and massive and immobile!! Hoping is just tiredness due to 2 manic work days and not the start of life becoming v difficult!!! Thankfully off tmrw, get some of that rest everywhere is talking about!!! Sorry, no updating possible!!!!

Night lovelies, x

Ah london, that's just a whole pile of crap you didn't need. You should have left him a couple of strategically placed open cans of tuna behind radiators/in airing cupboard for him to find at a later date!

Had a lovely evening, went for an Italian meal, had some wine, came back to the hotel and did the deed (first time in ages we've been able to snuggle due to me leaving my pillow mountain at home) - can't say I enjoyed that though. Little one has also spent the evening with his feet wedged in my ribs - hence why I am awake at stupid o'clock...don't think I've managed to go to sleep yet!

Absolutely shattered. Anyway, might as well go to the loo whilst I'm up!

Speak in the morning ladies.

32, 33+6, #1

Eurgh. Bad sleep.com. And was wrecked to start with.

Can I ask does anyone have varicose veins in legs? Hav had since 16, 1 injection procedure, 1 surgical 10 yrs ago to remove. Knew they would come back with vengeance once preggers. Main one behind knee has been much more sore since last night. Ok when lying, v sore when walking. Assuming this is normal but I always tend to assume the best even when being a hypochondriac........ Anyone else got these ugly nasties?? Will put my sexy compression stockings on when up properly. Hav been lying here since 6ish, v foolish.

Poor huffle. And poor londonlivvy, I hope you made that stupid man feel like a right nobber. I'm glad you got it done, anyway.

Smorgs you are too kind... I do a lot of lounging around on the computer and afternoon napping too! I really feel for you with the way birth is done in France... mind you, my mum, who was a midwife 30 years ago, was surprised that everyone didn't give birth on their backs any more... and she had 3 totally normal deliveries no pain relief said it was manageable and fine. In a very medicalised environment, on her back.

Badsleep.com part 2 here. I feel I am in a newborn pattern of sleep already! 30-60 minutes sleep, wake to move position or wee, back to sleep. Last night I had rather excitingly intense pain/tightenings until 4am, and was awake from about 1-5am fantasising about holding baby squid and getting all emotional and endorphin-y and trying out breathing to see if it helped, and then they stopped, which I was expecting them to do really, but was still a bit disappointing. Nearly said hi to Kyyria at that point but managed to get a bit more sleep till 7.

They have started again now. I should ignore them as they will presumably go on for weeks and mean nothing.

Today I go to a food festival (might buy tasty bits for freezer!/ post-birth treats) and then am doing my night walk for charity tonight!! Very excited about it, have raised lots of money, from mates who are basically wanting it to send me into labour...

Squid am intrigued by your continued symptoms..........! U think this is what many first timers have as false labour? U being v pragmatic about it which makes sense. I can see many a not-so-well-informed lass thinking they are in v early labour. Or are you????????

Oh dear, i''m getting over excited. Apologies.

Off to make some hot chocolate. Sent DH to shop for croissants. Now if I actually lived in France they would be absolutely divine...... But I will close my eyes and pretend!

Kyyria, you are evil!!! Cans of tuna, lol How's the head? Congrats on doing the deed, it's on my to do list for this weekend (yep, that's how romantic and spontaneous it has become )

Squid, exciting, fingers crossed - but I have also read that the first twinges of labour can go on for weeks, which is such a hard concept to deal with when the whole pregnancy feels like it has gone on for years by this point! Since I woke up today I have had random period-like pains and done 2 poos, which is unheard of for me at the moment, but the baby is categorically not allowed to arrive just as I have started maternity leave! I might send it a message to that effect (written on rice paper and swallowed!). Enjoy your hike.

huffle, no experience of thse but like that you are a positive hypochondriac, and hope the stockings help I have a friend who is a rock climber and he wears them all the time, including to climb in, as he has a massive blood clot in his leg a couple of years ago. He rocks those stockings!

LondonLivvy, glad it's all done, and sounds like he did start to feel guilty.

Beccus, I think I've grown since last measuring but then bump has dropped too, so here goes with the tape measure... bugger, still 44" (but 46" when I take a deep breath in ). Lol at your pool turd alert!

Baby shower last night was lovely, I was so apprehensive that it would be cringeworthy especially after all the "god, no, I'd never have one" comments on here , but it was just 8 girls sitting around drinking wine (them) and squash (me) and chatting, with games thrown in. There was a music round - guess the song and with Baby in the title, a sweepstake of birth date and weight, match the names to their meanings, guess the baby's names (from a shortlist), and taste the baby food to guess what's in it (3 out of 4 a bit bland and one really vile, to be honest, but the rice pudding with apple & pear was lovely!). Everyone brought a small gift for the baby (although I think I might need to drink its champagne, it'll be a bit young for that!!!), and the most awesome thing was a baby hat from a really arty colleague - we are both fans of Despicable Me, and she has knitted the baby a minion hat which I've hopefully managed to link to here (but have also stuck a photo of on my profile in case that doesn't work) So chuffed!

Have a lovely weekend everyone, I have next nct class later so will post with anything useful gleaned from that.

Yomping, 37, 37+1.

Wow Yomping LOVE the wee hat!!!!!! Lovely friend!!!

I spied a v cute mustard yellow one in next with wee matching mittens. But not a patch on the loveliness and kindness of such a gift!!! Beautiful!

And your shower sounds lovely, good fun!

Bump last night down a bit, 41.5 to previous 42.5. Tho given the shifting it is at, no surprise!!

Just thinking..... Isn't it remarkable that there has been no 'early babies' on this thread, considering how many we are??? Just shows, pregnancy is quite predictable!! Hope I'm not tempting fate... But we all far enough on to hav babies now without too much worry! Good to know.

Hmmmm.... Did someone already say this during week?? Hav lightly read most posts in my hectic week, you may all hav been discussing this already....!

SquidKid My bump has gotten smaller too, I think it's because the head has engaged, so everything has moved down.

Lisbethsopposite I am 23, not sure if I'm the youngest. Had to continue at college as can't afford the new fees. I got in on the last year that it cost an affordable amount and if I carry on now they will honour the old fees until I finish my BA.

WRT fainting, I do have low BP and used to faint all the time when I was a teenager. I don't know why I fainted that day, I hadn't been on feet for a lont time or anything.

Londonlivvy I would have had a meltdown at that situation too. I cried on the phone to British Gas the other day .

DS is with his grandparents today so had a lovely lie in and DH made me runny egg and soilders for breakfast. Had a very productive day yesturday, made lots of phone calls, sorting out tax credits and student finance etc. Also put the baby's room together. It just needs some finishing touches now. We are going for an owl theme, as MIL has already made her an owl rug, and bought her an owl nappy from gorgous nappy shop in Totnes. I spent last night sewing little owls to hang on DS's old cot mobile so I don't have to buy a new one.

I am feeling ready to have this baby now but only 36 weeks! Think I will go crazy if I go overdue!