Sneeze births please, and we'll BROOK NO ARGUMENT

[TheLittleFriend]

Over here Brookers. I'll stick a cake in the oven

Morning all. Hope you and your boy are getting on better today tock. It sounds like a nasty dose of what is known in our house as Being 2. DS1 was a shocker for it, and number 3 has his moments. Ds2 is saving it all up for being a teenager.

Can I ask a question of fellow 3rd trimesterers? So tock, nutella, stacks, gen I guess. I remember sleeping with all sorts of pillows propping up different bits. Are you doing that? When do I start? I remember it helping but being unwieldy so don't want to start too soon!

And no nutella I don't think anyone's ever entirely ready!

Am I really next?? I've got AGES to go yet.... well, 5 weeks . I think it feels further away because I've got a couple of milestones between now and then - wedding anniversary on Monday (wow, that year went quick!) then working the last 2 weeks at work - then maternity leave. It's not soon until you start ML right? I also think my bump is quite small, and I'm waiting for it to suddenly expand and look like I'm going to burst. That's the sign the bun is ready to come out the oven :)

I think we're going to be the kind of parents that is somehow caught completely unawares by their baby arriving; I just don't feel that stressed about it. It's not helped by how tired I've been recently - last couple of days I've wanted to be in bed by 9pm, and am forcing myself to stay up later. So I've not done any baby prep in the evenings at all, days are working, and weekends are all the 'normal' chores and things - laundry, cleaning, visiting family, shopping...

When I stop work I'll magically have enough time and energy to fit in a baby, I'm sure [crosses fingers].

Far hope you're doing well.

Tock your DS sounds like a 2yo - my nephew went through a stage of finding his voice and opinion on things. Unfortunately at that age they can't express it well. My sister managed to nip the hitting/kicking in the bud with some very stern responses - DN now just sulks when he's angry, which is much more appropriate. Shouting at them when they do something dangerous/unacceptable is perfectly acceptable; you shouldn't feel guilty.

Nutella I was meaning to look see when your due date was - I'm 9/12...

Whim I've been sleeping with one extra pillow for months. I did have a dream genii someone lent to me before, but I found it awkward to sleep with - especially turning over. So I gave up and bought a standard feather pillow - I twist it once in the centre to make it into a bow shape, and sleep with the twist under my waist, and the 'bow' lumps to front and back. At 34/5 weeks I'm starting to think I need something between my knees to stop the hip ache, but till now just the one pillow has been fine.

I should get back to work, hello to everyone I've not name checked.

Stacks you'll be term in a fortnight! But likewise, you could conceivably go on for nearly 2 months... That's the Whimsical way.

My problem has been over preparation with previous pregnancies: doing lots of cooking / cleaning and then eating all the food before I have the baby. In a way though that's no bad thing as you're knackered when you're huge, and then when you pop people bring you nice things so it's less of a problem.

One of my new friends had her first baby at 30 weeks, which is about where I am now. Terrifying. Although she's a healthy happy and normal nearly 3 year old now. Sorry - I hope I'm not being alarmist!

Anyone doing anything good for the weekend? We're off to Baltimore which I am lead to believe is not all like the Wire, but rather a very nice small city. Shame, I love Stringer Bell.

The lady on the Dec thread that was due the same day as me had her baby last week... still didn't worry me too much. I'm actually a bit worried I'm not more worried - keep wondering if I'm 'normal', have I bonded with the baby/bump? Will it all actually be ok like I think it will, or am I just deluded? I'm not at all worried about labour or anything

I do need to do my hospital bag though. The only thing I have packed is a nappy changing bag :) I bought a few things I thought I'd need for a hospital bag - lip balm, breast pads, 'super' Always (though DSis says I should get maternity pads, as they're sterile?). I have button up night shirts, socks, and slippers already, just need to throw them toward the bag..

Planning on shopping a bit tonight after work, getting some leggings or joggers, big knickers and maybe fluffy socks from Primark. Also welly boots for a party in a muddy field we're going to tomorrow, and a clutch bag for fancy dinner out for anniversary. Bit of a varied list :)

I think Smegs is next as she must only have about 3 weeks to go now. Hope you're OK, Smeggle.

Stacks not long though! Bet you can't wait to finish work! I am counting down already and still have 7 weeks to go until mat leave.

Whim I am using a Dream Genii, but I still feel I don't need support under my bump really, it's more to keep me on my side and I quite like the padded bit between my knees. Enjoy Baltimore!

Tock, it sounds like your DS is going 'through a phase'. At least that's what I always tell myself when DD acts like that. I would have reacted exactly the same way as you. There's something about being hit in the head that makes the red mist descend and I would have definitely shouted. Have done in similar situations anyway. I know you're not meant to, but we are only human and sometimes you can't help yourself. You sound like a lovely, caring mum, so I bet you made up with him really nicely afterwards, but then I do think children need to learn how to behave and sometimes that may mean a short, sharp shock (ie shout) to jolt them out of 'testing' behaviour. I know that is controversial and would love to be the kind of person that can calmly do time out and talk to them about their behaviour, and I do try to do that, but sometimes you just can't help a little shout. I don't know what to suggest re poo-gate, but DD has poo problems too in that she holds on as long as she possibly can to avoid going. She usually ends up with skiddy pants as a result and it drives us mad! For some reason, a lot of kids struggle a bit with pooing. She is getting a bit better now after we have drilled it into her that when you need a poo, you go straight away, you don't wait. We are actually using Father Christmas watching her as a form of bribery to remind her to 'be good' for things like pooing. Also probably controversial. I'm sure there are better ways of doing things.

Stacks With all that to remember to buy you may want to write a list!!!

I'm feeling bundles better, but still sick enough to not worry about the lack of symptoms. I think I've cracked it. If I eat properly in the evening the following day is not so bad. So last night I had a jacket potato with beans and cheese, and the as an evening snack I had a couple of cops (the type with the cheese melted on top) with a bit of butter, filled with crisps. This morning I woke up and I was hungry and felt sick but only heaved a couple of times and then after I had my breakfast and some early morning hula hoops I was fine. I think If I keep eating every hour or so then I'm actually fine, its just convincing myself to actually eat, so hubby is being very understanding and as soon as I say "ohh I could really eat.." he has been off to get whatever it is.

I did have a horrid dream last night, where I felt like I needed to put a pad in (as you do near AF) and then as I sat staring at the pad it just filled with blood, and I was crying and it was horrid!! obviously the first thing I did this morning was a bit of a knicker check, and there was absolutely nothing there!! This pregnany thing? does it every become less stressful?!

Oh and we told my inlaws last night, mrsparks just said to his parents that I'd had a terrible week of morning sickness, and then there was a really long pause and my mil just looked at me and burst out crying (happy tears obviously), my fil in law was much quicker on the uptake, he sort of made this "ooh" noise, had a little chuckle and then sat back waiting for my mil to cotton on!! Its actually nice to have told a couple of people, simply because then if I have some back up at these family functions.

MIL proceeded to list all of the things she is going to make for baby, and informing me that she is taking me shopping for maternity clothes, see? mother in laws arent all bad!!!

I'm afraid she has been keeping something the naughty little TTC brookers have been saying from you!!!

Hi ladies, Im holidaying in Shropshire at the mo and internet/phone access is few and far between so apologies for radio silence! Finally have a signal on our day out in Llangollen - its a beautiful place but we've just walked over a huge aqueduct and I was terrified! Ds kept saying look how high we are mummy andI could only cope with looking straight ahead at the other side!
Anyhow, instead of whittering on I should be saying massive congratulations to far fabulous news Well done on delivering a lovely bouncing girl with a gorgeous name! Enjoy every snuggly second!
Right must be sociable and tear myself away from my phone - catch up properly when back home next week, love to all. Xx

Sparks means that the ttcrs were saying how wonderful all the grads are and they can't wait to come over that's all, nothing else I can think of

Stacks I'm 27/12 so aaaaaaages after you in fact I might have my baby next year...

Blimey... Hospital bag! I have a bag... But nothing's in it yet... I have a list... perhaps that can be next week's project.

Sparkle my PIL's intentions come from a good place but I do find them hard to handle, they are a bit over keen as DP (youngest son) is the only hope for grandchildren ... MIL offered me a rummage through her wardrobe for clothes to wear while I'm pregnant... I did my best to politely turn her down but this week DP had to pop in to their's for something and came home with a hideous lovely ( 20-22 I think, if I've translated the size correctly) shirt that is plenty big enough but not really long enough to cover the bump....
But it's good to hear some people do get on we'll with PIL... :)

Hello me muckers - how are you all diddling? Yesterday = 41 yo (v lovely day, v spoiled), 31 wks preggo (well almost) and 12 months of brooking on MN! Whadya say to that. Life was looking v different 12 months ago at the grand old age of 40; MN helped turn it all around. I actually feel younger if that doesn't whiff of BS!

Lots to write back to here. Whims - do you normally sleep on your side anyway? I'm finding it's fine to sleep as normal although feel a bit of hip ache if I don't move a bit in the night. Personally, I think a pillow anywhere might annoy me right now but I'm sure by about 34 weeks it might be time to find something to support the hip/between the knees area. Your bump sounds like it's a bit more modest this time ...

Smegs is up next - brooking hard for her and a very + homebirth.

Stacks - you sound v balanced in your approach to having the baby. He will arrive and you will crack on with parenting - I'm sure you are well bonded just not manic. It's one of those experiences that you just go for and I think being open-minded can be really healthy. V particular expectations might lead to guilt/disappointment when your hormones are already rampaging. Will you be wearing your wellies and carrying clutchbag on your anniversary - that's my kind of look!

Sparks and Nuts - my toes curl at the thought of my MIL I'm afraid to admit. She is mememe and I have stopped trying to develop a connection with her. But she is great with DS and I nurture that relationship instead - seems like the best outcome. I can't get out of my mind that she said to my DP that if he was planning on marriage (to me) he needn't 'expect' anything from her (who has sold land and is about to sell a huge property and has bought a small home for her daughter). As if we would ever ask (at the age of 41/43)! And as if I haven't provided a lovely home, happiness and a family (and her only grandchild). And as if he hasn't been a v lovely, faithful, patient, kind son to her. We remain kind and polite but I'm afraid I can't stand her....

Sparks - so lovely to start telling people - enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. So chuffed for you.

Olives - have a lovely holiday. I hope you are blooming.

Thanks so much everyone for kind words about me and DS - occasionally I think I'm a lovely mum Gen - but always feel a bit like my report might say 'could do better'. But I think you are all wise - sometimes shouting is the only way for them to realise that they have really done something dangerous/unacceptable. He was lovely on my birthday so there you go. I do realise that 2 yo is 'special' . I just have to get on with it and take the bad with the good. He looks so angelic when he's asleep - that's when I go all gooey and get teary-eyed to balance out the shouting. You are all great and I really your advice - I can tell what fab mums you all are/will be.

Lots of love and brooks to all.

ps Laughed at Father Chrimbo's evil eye!! Attaway!

Really, really quick as super-busy (sorry).

1. Bastard results came back positive . Not sure what I'm going to do now - really want a HB and MW is v supportive, but scared I'm going to endanger baby/myself if I do. Ambulance would take 8 minutes to get here so it's probably not that dreadful an outcome, but still v worried. Aargh!

1. I want desperately to start an AIBU - a woman at Stay and Play this week told me I looked great (aw!), that I had a lovely figure and very neat bump (double aw!) and I looked like a teenage mum . WTAF?! If she'd said I looked like I was in my 20's, instead of looking my age (36) and knackered I'd have been deeply flattered. However, now I'm all neurotic and think that I dress badly and am horrifically ungroomed. The fact that other mum is french and chic didn't help either.

I will pop back later and read carefully. Hope you're all well and blooming beautifully . BH are a right bugger, btw.

Ow Smegs so sorry about the result, does this mean you can still have a hb? Your mw sounds fab, can she give you ab's at home during labour? Sorry not sure how hb's work it will never be an option for me.

As for the lady in stay and play, I would try and take it as a compliment. I always find ladies look younger than they are when they dress well and classy. If you were dressing to young she would have just given you a strange sideways look and avoided you or commented on your Whitney dressed as Britney appearance instead

How long now until the big sneeze??

Oh smegs I'm sorry about your results but it doesn't 100% rule out a home birth? What do you think you'll do? When do you have to decide?

I also wouldn't worry about the woman, I'd take it as a compliment, I think she probably meant well just didn't word or very well!! But get you with your uber youthful looks

I have a question, these pesky hormones are they to blame fore crying all the time? Cus today I've cried about being sick, about my boobs hurting, about not being able to help cook dinner and not being able to decide what I want to eat next week!!! And then a full on emotional melt down because the fireworks are scaring my cat I hate being a cry baby!!!!

Oh and the boob thing is become a real issue, mainly at night! So so painful!!! Is it too early to buy sleeping bras? And will they even work!!!!

7 weeks today and I'm already fed up of bring pregnant, but stupidly guilty about it because I should be feeling more grateful!!!!

sparks crying is entirely normal. I have had hissy fits over lack of mango, wrongness of nachos and slimyness of pasta at various points. Also cleaner coming at wrong time, lodger's lunch box on floor and absence of attractive maternity dresses. Emigrating and Mr whim's life threatening illness were less of a problem.

tock the baby's gender is still unknown!

Ooh 2 police officers have just come into the hotel foyer to eat fried chicken. Shouldn't they be out on a corner?

Hi all, just a quick one as I've got dd wanting breakfast.

Glad smegs has turned up but sorry to hear the strep b is lingering. What does your Mw say about the home birth now? Hope you can still go ahead, providing your still happy to do it x

Spd is awful today as we had a day out yesterday and I walked and stood far too much.

Brooking for Smegs, Little and Sparks. Pregnancy can be very tough on us girls. xxx

little my friend had SPD, she was signed off work really early and ended up on crutches, she worried how she'd be after the baby was born but she said the pain just vanished! Our bodies can be crap sometimes!!!

Thanks sparks I had it with dd and I knew the pain was gone before I even got off the delivery bed, it was amazing! Brooking that it happens again, as I know some people suffer after the baby arrives.

Hi everyone,

Just dropping bye to say congrats to Far on baby Matilda. An so glad all is well after a really difficult time ttc. Such a lovely name.

Also Fluff I read your birth story ages ago and was so . You did amazingly well, I hope you have recovered from it all now.

I'm not up to date on the thread so sorry if I've missed anything major. I'm looking forward to hearing about the next brooking baby!

for Far Lovely name

Thanks Tock that extra little bit of brooking helped me get through my brothers birthday party without giving anything away

hula hoops @ 8.49? I think I may have sunk to a new low!!

Sparks I think Hula Hoops are suitable at any time when you have MS, well done for getting through the party, when do you become a MWEPP? Surely not long now? Also I cry a LOT at the mo :( anything can set me off,

Do any brookers have any experience of pregnancy with an underactive thyroid? My TSH has gone really low and I have also gone really light headed, MW thinks the dizzyness is thyroid related rather than PG, do we know anything about it? It is not overly bad that it is stopping me from doing anything, but can be quite bad if I move too fast (stand up, turn etc)

boo Thanks, if I have brookers permission to eat hula hoops then I'm going to roll with it!!!

The party of at a bowling alley (brother was 30 ) - (massively outed myself but then I had a good time so its not like Im bitching) it was just more action than Im currently used to at the weekend. Luckily now my mum knows she was very good with me. I just had to sit down after each turn, and have some nachos half way through, which my nephew kindly helped me eat, to a point where my sister kept offering to buy me more!!! but how can you resist a 2 year old coming up you with the biggest grin saying "more nacos pwease". Afterwards went for some fast food, my mums idea because I'd said that I couldn't face a big meal.

I become a MWEPP, next monday!!! Its a home appointment, which really threw me!! mrsparks has the day off today, furiously tidying the house so that the midwife doesnt think we're terrible dirt slobs, of course we now have a week to keep it tidy poor mrsparks is having to do all of the housework at the moment.

Sorry you're feeling lightheaded and dizzy I dont know what to suggest only to absolutely take it easy!!!