Due in September 2006..... into the third trimester.....on the home run

[compo]

Hope no-one minds [smile

Hi all,

Lysettes, thinking of you here too. I guess you are at queen Charlottes, so in v. good hands. I hope you manage to hold on to LO as long as possible. Keep being naughty and let us know how you're getting on.

Sorry to hear about all the other aches and pains. I had a headache this morning - the weather is just too much! It is definitely not cooler here today, must be at least 30 degrees. Even DS asked to go inside... I like the heat normally, but not with an extra couple of stone attached out front... No long lasting contractions though thank goodness, that must be scary. I hope you're all ok.

Pol, we used Avent bottles for DS - and I gave him infacol as well before every feed to help bring up the wind.

tip for going to the loo from my ante natal class - put a toddler step, or a couple of books about a foot or so high in front of the loo, and rest your feet on them while you "go" so your knees are higher than your hips - I was sceptical, but it works!!!

Well it's a mere 17 degrees here today, but even that felt hot after a few hours in town so sympathy to you all in the south.

Lysettes, thinking of you. Keep us posted if you can. Like Cal my friend had twins at 31 weeks recently and they're all doing great.

LC hope the pains stop.

That sounds like a BH Mandaz! They're a good sign that everything's getting ready to send LO out into the world. They shouldn't be painful for now but they might get more and more uncomfortable up until you give birth - they're a good time to practice your breathing! (though nothing prepares you completely!)

It's hotter than ever here today - 30 degrees in my bedroom and that's with the blinds and curtains closed and a fan on! I thought the north was supposed to be cooler!

Hope your headache gets better Clairemow.

Thanks for hopes tassis, my contraction runs aren't really bothering me now, they're happening so often if I stopped to worry about them I'd be a wreck! Better just to 'think' them away IYKWIM . Would be nice to have some that nice cool air of yours down here though...

Ok, it's definitely heating up here too. But, there is a breeze so it's not too bad. I hope it doesn't get any warmer tho!

I've been looking at rocking chairs on Ebay now and I'm very tempted. I wasn't going to get one before because they're so expensive in the shops but I've seen a couple that are quite reasonable. I can't remember who mentioned it but thanks anyway! I keep buying baby clothes too! I bought a set of 3 mini jogging bottoms - not that I expect LO to go jogging in the forseeable future but I thought they would be good for around the house. Oh, and I bought two very cute knitted hats for winter and they only cost £1.05 inc postage! I really am going to have to stop now though.

For those who are melting, when I was in Italy last year, it was really really hot and every time we went to a touristy place, there'd be people selling bottles of frozen mineral water. They melted slowly throughout the day and served very well as a cold drink and ice pack all in one! I now have several bottles in the freezer for the hotter days.

mandaz, we got our glider and footstool off ebay

no one had bid, the reserve was £40 and it was pick up only quite nearby ... i sent a cheeky email to the seller after the auction saying i'd give her £30 and she replied saying she'd take £35!!

It's fantastic.

Have just made amazing chewy cookies with ds. Think I may have to go and have another!

Which type of chair did you get Tassis? It's hard to tell what they're like from the little pictures. I'm going to need one with plenty of room .

I read somewhere that you're supposed to time how long it takes for LO to move 10 times. Is anyone doing this? I can't sit still that long!

Mandaz - I thought you just had to make sure lo moved 10 times a day towards the end of the third trimester but I could be wrong. Still absolutely boiling here - stormy weather is forecast for tonight so hope it comes!
We got givena wicker rocking chair from an old workmate but I didn't really use it last time. Will try and use it more this time as I used to sit propped up in bed and I'm sure that wasn't good for my back

Hi everyone, just got back from 2 weeks hols in Devon and Cornwall, 1st week with PIL and 2nd just me, DH and DD. Had a great time doing boat trips, train trips, theme parks, gardens, beach days. And it was cooler on the coast, just been completely wilting since we got home.
LO seems fine, but I think from here on in I either see the consultant or midwife or have monitoring for hyperthyroid every week til delivery. Seems such a drag when I feel okay, but better to be safe etc.
Main issue is DD, since Feb she has refused to settle at night, now not sleeping before 10.30, just cries until we go to her however long we leave her.Not real crying and she stops as soon as we arrive on the scene, and then she wakes through the night and does the same, and I am getting stressed and exhausted as is DH. This is coupled with biting and pinching until she bruises me or draws blood, not on anyone else but me, and it does reduce me to tears at times, specially when it happens mid kiss or cuddle.
Help?

SO glad you had a great holiday appyday but feel very sorry for you with your DD. We had some big problem with behaviour from DS about this age and I was at my wits end. My HV told me to get out the soft sided travel cot and whenever he did something completely unacceptable (for him it was biting me or banging his own head aginst doors/chairs etc) I was to put him in the cot. He would scream but I ignored him until he'd calmed down but as soon as he did I'd go and get him out, give him a big cuddle and say how much I liked good quiet little boys. If he screamed he's go back in again and process repeated - took a few weeks but it worked. I know it sounds harsh but I was at my wits end, especially as he was injuring himself, but I am a strong believer in behavioural conditioning.

The other thing I thought is over-tiredness - is she getting a day-time nap - I know when DS doesn't get his it takes him a few hours longer than normal to drop off at night and then he wakes up early and you get into a cycle where sleep patterns get all mucked up.

Also I have found blackout blinds lead to a much shorter dropping off period and longer sleep into the morning

Please take everything I say with a pinch of ssalt as I am a contented baby follower! Best of luck -I'm sure you'll get plenty of suggestions tomorrow!

Hey liquid, another contented baby follower here too (sad that we feel we have to almost apologise for it...) - agree totally about blackouts and over-tiredness. DS becomes a demon child when he's over-tired! I would try all of your recommendations - they sound v. sensible. I had DS in the "naughty corner" yesterday for throwing food all over the lounge floor - he kept going back to the corner as he refused to pick it up... After 3 goes in the corner, Mummy won....

Appyday, does your DD get so upset that she makes herself ill or anything? I can't remember exactly what he says, but Christopher Green's book on "Toddler Taming" is really great I think - very sensible advice, and he differentiates between whether you are able to cope with the 'harsh' method, or whether you want to try a softer approach to sorting it out. He even has an approach for the child who cries so hard that they make themselves sick. I'm at work, so can't go and check the book, but you might find it helpful. It's not as regimented or strict as Gina Ford by any means, and has loads of practical advice for both sleep and behaviour issues. I remember DS biting and pinching, and I read his book for advice. Every time it happened, we used to say no biting/pinching, and put him down if we were cuddling, and then ignore him for a few minutes. It really worked, as he learned that biting/pinching got withdrawal of attention, not more attention. Green goes on and on about rewarding good behaviour and ignoring what you don't like, and I think it really does work.

Sorry, I'll stop rabbiting now, I sound like his PR Agent!!

hey everyone!
it's raining!!!!!!!!

never thought i'd wish for a wet cool summer but here I am doing it

am i completely on my own with harrison ford then??? really, no one watched star wars at an impressionable age then maybe i'll shut up now before I embarass myself too much.

Clairemow, yes i am at QC's. Nice to be overlooking wormwood scrubs exercise yard

well, thanks for the good thoughts everyone - have now had over a full day of good bp readings and we're 31 weeks today, so we're keeping going at the moment! Never though I'd be wishing to be spending weeks in hospital, but I am now.

For anyone that can't "go", try alpen - I've eaten it all through the pregnancy and not had those problems at all - I guess it's the oats and dried fruit combination together!

Anyway, better post this before I lose the connection again

lol and keep cool ladies
xxx

Good to hear about the bp Lysettes! And I have to admit to a liking of Harrison Ford as well, esp. in Star Wars... He isn't aging as well as Sean Connery though...!!! Who I think is still quite sexy, and he must be over 70!!!!

Sorry I haven't posted or a few days but been feeling quite yucky. Also on Mon, I had computer problems and it wouldn't let me load up this thread.

Lysettes, hope your lo can stay put a week or two longer. At least with a connection you can keep yourself occupied, hospital is so dull. Oh, and yes, you are definately on your own with the Harrison ford thing!

Appyday, sorry to hear about your DD sleeping badly. I haven't really got any advice as we have blackout curtains and a good nap regime yet DS has still taken nearly an hour to go down every night for the past 2wks. He is also waking earlier and earlier which I think is the fault of the birds! We live in quite a rural area and the house is surrounded by trees so even though we have the B/O curtains, he wakes with the birds every morning. This week as his window has been open much wider he's been waking before 5 shouting 'dad, mum' and ready to start the day. So no help but I can sympathise. He's also needed settling about 4 nights this week at around 2.30!

Tassis, I'm really missing home this week with your much cooler weather.

Marls, hope you enjoyed Independence Day yesterday!

HK, hope you're keeping well too.
Hi to everyone else, thankfully it's now started thundering and raining here.

I'm off to bounce on my birthing ball which DH blew up for me last night. It's the only place I'm comfortable now. Need velcro shoes too as can no longer tie my laces. Had to laugh at the poor girl who waxed my bikini line last week when she asked me if it looked ok. I told her I had no choice but to trust that she hadn't done something awful to me! Not sure she found that funny.

Hello ladies - its raining here....HOORAH!!

I am a right moaning minnie today after a terrible night of hip pain, was really bad and kept me awake from 4 this morning - boo hoo!

Lysettes - good going girl, keep the little one cooking as long as possible. Are you on a ward with other people? Anyone you can chat to?

Mandaz - am liking the idea of a rocking chair in the nursey, might have to check that out myself.

Gosh all this talk of behaviour and sleep patterns is making me soo excited to get involved when our little one comes along. I have read a lot of the books so just can't wait to get started - and realise none have helped at all!!

Homemama - think I need a birthing ball in my life, where did you get yours from?

Appeyday - very jealous of your 2 weeks in Cornwall, sounds a dream

Well best get back to my work - motivation is a bit low today!!

Hey everyone,

How happy I am that it's raining here and feels cooler! Yeah!!! Feeling like the only person willing it to get cooler. It's still sticky here but I don't feel so sweaty.

Saw the mw today and not my usual one so threw me abit, she also seemed to take ages looking at my notes and faffing about- I know she was doing her job but annoyed me as mindee had accident in waiting room and DD was throwing a wobbler. She also was quiet rough with my bump and hurt me alittle. Made me have a few tightenings too and she commented that 'he's getting ready'. I felt like saying, I hope not i'm only 29 weeks!!! He's not nearly cooked enough. Will be glad when normal mw is back.

Also rushed back to get mindee changed as wet and poo'd himself- along story but annoying because I asked him if he needed the loo 5 times and he said no, quiet defiantley too but still had an accident (if you can call it that) He is nearly 4 too) I have never known it so bad. So rushed back to change him as he has to get to school, DD was on a 'go slow' and mindee hopping about. He tripped and grazed his hand and so I had to clean him up at ome, making us an hour late for his school so haven't taken him. We painted and drew instead. Now he is engrossed in the playmobil. Feeling a little guilty but takes 30 mins to get to school and starts at 1pm, hadn't finished cleaning him till 1:45pm, so would've been really late and have to be back to collect him at 3:30pm. Also he was upset because of his hand so felt he needed a little tlc. Plus it's our last week so feel it's nice to spend alittle extra time with him. Still wondering if I made the right decision.

Really have packed my bag now and sorting bits out. Just have to write instructions for nannie for DD, as she and grandad will come here to have her. Worrying slightly as she can't even work our microwave!

We used infacol with DD last time before every feed and never had any probs. We had avent bottles too and think i'm gonna just wait and see. Have had a good inspection of tommy tippee bottles and seem ok. They are a new design too so maybe gonna just see. Hoping to bf anyhow and even if I bottle for one/two days until milk is in they'll do I think or will send DP out for avent ones. Bottles are a mine field! It's so hard to be decisive when you don't know what type of bubba you're gonna get!!!

Trying to steer clear of any birthing stories now as startng to panic that this hospital is dead set against epidurals! As i've had pains too the feeling of labour has come flooding back and so feeling very apprehensive! Worrying about dealing with it all now, especially as I have DD and will have her to sort out, so no sleeping in the day really.

Tassis, did you get hold of the Spatone??

Still hot & muggy in Suffolk...not as bad as yday but still getting under my skin all the same!!! In the evenings I've resorted to sitting on the sofa naked as I just can't bear cloth next to my skin. DH took one look last night & said could I put something on as the sight of my huge boobs resting on my big tummy was making him feel strange....quite what he was trying to say to me I don't know!!!!!!!

mandaz i suspect it's a cheaper glider chair to start off with but v v comfy

LC i've never made chewy cookies in my life. got the recipe on here. search yesterday's messages on the food topic and you should find it. they really are great!

appyday, so sorry about your dd. She definately sounds over-tired. When do you start putting her down? COuld you start bath/story/milk routine at about 6.15 and see if you can put her down in a dark room about 7ish? Does she sleep in the day? You must be so tired too. If she cries in the evening can you do the "rapid return" think that Tanya does? Hope something clicks for you.

LC and clairemow, i followed Gina with ds. How do you think it'll be with a subsequent baby?

Lysettes, I do kind of get the HF thing. So glad that you're hanging on in there for the moment.

Homemama - sorry you've not been feeling great.

Bella - hope hip pain settles. I'm finding wearing my tubi-grip low on my hips really helps.

puppy - don't know if your b'day present question got missed or answered. Just saw it again when scrolling down! Ds is 3 and has been to a fair few wee friends parties both at homes and at soft play. The standard price of present appears to to about £5-10. Popular choices would be games, books and jisaws. At this time of year, I'd look at the outdoor toys in somewhere like ELC. THe hand held bubble machine and the foam zoomer are both great and cost around a fiver. HTH.

pol, sounds like a stressful morning, hope the afternoon's easier.

NOW SORRY TO SHOUT, BUT CAN I JUST SAY THAT THE SUN'S REACHED SCOTLAND!!! 26 DEGREES HERE!! HAVING A LOVELY AFTERNOON IN THE GARDEN WITH THE LAP TOP. DS HAVING A BLAST IN PADDLIN POOL!

Coriander - me too, can only bear being naked on the sofa as well. LOL at your DH, very amusing!

Tass - I don't believe it, the sunshine is out in Scotland?...... all my sense of reality has just gone out of the window!!

Cori - your poor DH! He must be feeling very deprived by now! Never mind, have told mine it's too hot this week and I'm having a break (funnily enough after I said this he went and bought a fan for the bedroom - coincidence?)

Good to know Lysette's LO is still cooking, lets hope we can all hold on a while longer.

Clairemow - I think you're the first person to call me sensible in - oh - about 6 months?!! Hope appyday's DD problems can get sorted. I think we feel the need to apologise for th GF method because of all the bad press that made her out to be mean, but I think it's kinder because it sets clear boundaries and gave me space during the day to calm down and get ready for the next bit - sane mummy = happy baby! Joust hope this LO doesn't have reflux [fingers crossed/good luck emoticon needed here!]

Pol - poor you with your mindee! I think you did exactly the right thing, hope his mum will understand - sounds like he'd have missed at least half the session. Also sounds like he might need some extra potty training 'reinforcement'!

Bella - hope you get a better night tonight - I have much sympathy for your hip pain, mine is only when I'm sat, not lying but it's really annoying.

Bella, I got a reebok exercise ball as the mw last time told me they were exactly the same and it was pretty much the same as the one they had in the delivery room at the hospital. I got it in argos and think it cost about £8. I couldn't have done without it in the last few weeks last time as it was far more comfortable to sit on than the sofa.

BTW, my mw also said it would help baby get into the correct position and help my pelvis to open therfore helping me towards an easier birth. As it happens, I didn't go overdue and I had a relatively easy and quick labour. However, this could just have been coincidence or luck but maybe worth a try. If nothing else it is very comfy!

Lol at your DH Cori!
Does he not know that hormonal pg women can take things the wrong way?

Tassis - I'm definitely going to do the GF method for DS2. I think life will become more limited for a while anyway so don't think that's an issue. I plan to use morning nap and afternoon nap as my 'special' time with DS1 and the lunch nap as my rest/get everything done time. Also DS1 will still be able to have story time before nap and bed as his times are 12.30 and 7.30 and DS2's will be 12.00 and 7.00

I bought her second book too and she's got some tips in there for how to introduce a new baby that I'm going to try.

I think DH will have to play more of a role though - don't think it's quite sunk in for him yet - we were talking routines last night and he still tries to use the word flexible - so I explained that after I'd spent all Bl&*"dy week keeping them both sleeping and eating properly there was no way he was going to ruin it over the weekend so I'd have to start again on Monday - he did this with DS1 for the first 8/9 months and it made me so annoyed!

I'm going to have to be a lot firmer this time but thankfully I've had lots of practice with DS.

SO cute at the moment - just have to tell you all - I put a bowl of grapes down for him and said 'mmmm - yummy!' and he's been insisting on putting one in my mouth before having his own!

Cori, your DH must have meant that he wouldn't be able to control himself at the sight of you!

LC and tassis, have been thinking about the GF routines etc. I also think it gets too much bad press, and DS has always been really happy and sleeps really well. I sometimes think that it isn't what GF says, it's the way she says it that gets people's backs up. It isn't as rigid as the routine structures make it seem - the understanding your baby's sleep chapter was soooo helpful. And DS was breastfed to 6 months, so it doesn't only work with bottle fed babies.

Re. Baby 2 - after initial stress I found the whole thing so helpful with DS that I will try and do something similar with DS 2. Maybe it's because I prefer to know where I am, and look forward to my rest time... Luckily, DS1 still sleeps for a good 1 1/2 hours from about 1 ish so they may coincide on lunchtime sleeps (she says hoping like hell...!!!). I think Baby 2 just has to be a bit more flexible, and sleep out and about a bit more.

I have already been working out that one class DS and I go to is perfect timing for feeding DS2 while DS1 is entertained!! My main fear is about getting 2 children fed and into bed - those hours between 5 and 7... DS1 is still wedded to 7 pm bedtime, and can go into meltdown if it's even 20 mins late....

Liquid, crossed messages. Sorry, used "flexible" in mine!!!! I meant more on where they sleep as opposed to when!! My DH is also routiney, thank god....