Due May 2007 - Thread for week commencing 11/12/06

[Juicythe2ndnotsowiseman]

Hi Girls,

Back from Geordieland!

Glad to hear you're having a fab time with your DH LG&T. Assume the ball was fabulous too and the champers flowed.

MKG - Got the nose bleeds too, but only intermitently. Thank Goodness.

Bethnalhembub - my 20wk scan is on the 16th too. Is your's at the Royal too?? Mine is 9am.

Got my mw appt today. Hoping she listens to heartbeat. Am getting anxious as little weight gain and it's too early for me to feel movement as this is my first, so convinced all is not well - pure pg-panic mode.

Pebble - sorry your DH is being a bit of a tw*t. Sounds like he needs to grow up a bit and make some grown up choices. He needs to put you and the kids first and give his mum a good talking too. She's only bluffing with the ultimatum. If he tells her how it's going to be she won't risk loosing him. MIL's - ARRRGGGHHH

Can I just say that I have a pain in my arse with working? I'm doing bloody expenses, trying to get them all in before year end. I'm bored out of my mind. I have made a spreadsheet, counting down the days (71 working days, taking into account holidays, 639 hours, assuming I work a 45 hour week - in case you're interested) until I go on maternity leave. And I still have to do my year end review, sound enthusiastic and tell my boss that I really do want to come back to work.

All I can think about is that I'd rather be at home baking decorations for the tree like some sort of Nigella domestic goddess.

In fact, I am so disappointed that we are not in our nice new house for Christmas and that I haven't had time to make it wonderful and that DD will be away with her Dad, that DH has said we can have Christmas again, after we move. Going to decorate the house and invite loads of people over for a turkey dinner.

There, have wasted another 5 mins of my working day.

12DOC - Got all excited then. But I've got 91 days if I finish on the 4th May and take 3 weeks holiday before my due date 682 1/2 hours...
Oh Man does that sound like lots.

Good afternoon ladies & little ones along for the ride.. So how are we all today?
Jess, thanks for the questionnaire, i do love to look at everyones answers, lets do more!

12Days, god what a thought. I am at present burying my head in the sand with regards to maternity leave. Im yet to have the discussion with my bosses about whether or not they will supplement the paltry £108 p.w which doesnt even cover my rent, let alone my loan and CCs. Dreading having it incase its bad news, but they are nice people really so its hard to imagine they would screw me over so royally. But then again they arent obliged to boost it are they.
I guess what I should do is just face up to it and get the ball rolling. Will also give me more time to prepare should it be bad news. God Im not usually so bloody pessimistic, honest.

You will all be pleased to know that my sleep last night didnt include A) wetting the bed or
2) having naughty dreams about Jordan.
I just couldnt sleep and then mustve drifted off as I dreamt I was trying to sleep on a sofa in the middle of a massive festival and I was desperate to sleep as I had to get up for work and I remember a big ticking clock. pretty shitty.

I finally bit the bullet and went for my triple test yesterday after deciding I wouldnt. Dont know why, one more thing to worry about. Or not, as the new optimist would say!

Have the conversation! You'll find it hard to plan anything until you know how much money you'll have. In fact, you'll find it hard to even plan what to buy for the baby until you know if you need to be saving as much as possible.

My master plan is to be such a domestic goddess and so supportive of DH that it boosts his earning power. (A lot of his pay is commission based - the more sleep he gets and the less he has to do at home the better he works. Already a proven fact in our household.) Thus, hopefully I will not have to go back to work.

Of course, I might be crying with boredom after 9 months and be dying to go back. Or DH might decide that he'd rather have a housekeeper than my attempts at domestic deity. We'll see.

Juicy, I'm finishing up at the end of March. I am LIVING for that date. I can't face the commute with a massive bump. Early mornings is fine, but can't be doing with a busy train or tube at 5.30pm.

Does anyone know what flavour baby they're having yet? We should do some new stats once people start finding out I think.

And if people didn't want to find out, then we can put "surprise". Maybe compare flavour of baby to the chinese predictor thingy and see if it was right.

Hi, LOL at the 'final countdown.' Reminds me of school days when I'd get through history class by figuring out how many minutes remained and ticked 'em off as they passed by. Actually i did the countdown when I was working last year too. KWYM about the lousy commute...

For those who want inspiration, I actually am a SAHM at the moment. Convinced DH we could cut back on a few things, and that it was better for the kid(s) and me if I could avoid returning to a job I loathed. He actually managed to find a higher-paying job so after months of agonising about it, we might even be able to afford this little pipe dream of mine. Sort of. And now there's another bun in the oven .

Ironically tho I never wanted to be SAHM, I'm nothing like Nigella & the word 'diety' def does not apply to me. However it is loads of fun actually seeing your child grow up in front of you. I wouldn't trade it for the lousy few quid I would've had after paying childcare. I know lots of people have no choice - I'm just saying if it's what you want, there might be ways.......

Only now I'm expected to produce another 3 to complete the football side

Good morning ladies
I was still 10 sheets on TPT yesterday. So glad am staying the same but bump is deffo there and quite firm. (The bit further down looks like one of those before shots advertising cosmetic surgery but never mind )
I am having two suprises, I don't want to find out what they are even though Mum and DH both want to know.
I also think I can feel flutterings although I thought it was too early. Maybe it is b'cos there are four arms and legs flingin themsleves around in there.
Notice how I am discreetly avoiding porno dreams and incontinence discussions . You lot are so bad I try to look as though I am concentrating really hard at work and have to stop myself laughing out loud and look as though I am really engrossed in something very important and work related.
I am at the MW this afternoon so hopefully will get to hear not one but two little heartbeats, I can't believe I've had to wait so long. Ok not that long but it seems like forever.
Having my amnio on Monday (I think?) booked in anyway just not 100% sure if I want to go ahead, will decide when we get there I think. May change mind when see size of needle which will have to go in TWICE
Take care and I promise to catch up with everyone later on in the week.

I'm not coming back. Will take my 9 months statutory and run. My DH will have to do overtime if we get short of cash. But 1 weeks overtime for him = 2 1/2months work for me, so as I say to him "you do the maths"

We will just have to curtail our spending habits. No more new electronics for him and no more new clothes for me. But a price I'm willing to pay if it means not coming back here!

Will be finding out the flavour on 16th Jan, so will let you all know then

I'm the same as you JL. DH already earns 4 times what I do with the potential to earn a lot more if he'd put his mind to it. The way I see it, childcare would prob take up about half my earnings even WITH overtime. Plus to earn a decent wage I have to be at my desk by 7am. I don't fancy that with a young child.

DH kind of says, "but you could still pay half the mortgage." I don't think it's worth it. He ideally would like me at home really. Not in a "tied to the kitchen sink" way, just that he knows I'll look after him and keep the house running smoothly, have time to remember his family's birthdays and not forget to arrange childcare when we're going out... Which is what I did this week. Kept forgetting to call my Grandma to see if she'd have DD to stay over the weekend while we were at a wedding. She's of course, busy now so had to ask a friend who already has three boys (inc 6mth old baby) to look after. And then after she said yes, she "happened" to mention that she was just home from A&E with the baby. Felt terrible, though she did say that my DD keeps her older boys in line and will actually be a help.

But, I digress. I can't imagine not staying at home now that I'm all geared up for it. Partly it's because I really like to have an organised home and life and I fail myself (the other two couldn't care less) time and time again when I'm working. I can't seem to get everything done and out of frustration, I turn into an ogre that shouts about shoes and things left around the house.

I hope it's not to horrible if you do have the amnio, Charleymouse. I guess it's pretty quick, but don't put yourself through any more tests if you don't really want it. Whatever is going to happen will happen, so if you don't think being "forewarned" is worth the discomfort and anxiety of waiting for results, then don't do it.

I'm still really excited for you, having twins. It's going to be lovely. x

I got a doppler yesterday and heard the baby's heartbeat last night

Yes, ooh twins, it's one of my secret wishes but must say I'm glad it didn't happen this time round as I'm already pushing the envelope of reason with baby2 on the way and junior only 9mo old.

Will def find out the flavour. 19 Jan. Everyone in my family is desperate for a girl. On DH's side nary a female has been born to anyone we know for years....

Am so excited by the questionnaire. Got loads of good book ideas - thanks - was going to start Brothers Karamazov as I've run out of things to read, and frankly it's just too dull.

Oh I lost my Ebay bid for the DVF wrap dress last night. Grrrr. In need of something cool to wear to friend's house for New Year's. Would look at Isabella Oliver but I'm just not that big yet. But too big for my usual clothes. GAH!!!

What's everyone else doing for the New Year?

Kel, might not be your style at all, but I just bought this dress from M&S to wear to a wedding on Saturday. Bought it in a slightly bigger size. Sits over the bump just lovely. Didn't even try it on in the shop (don't know anyone at this wedding so don't actually care much) and hoped for the best. It's great. Not as nice as a DVF by a long chalk, but it's really flattering on.

Don't dispair. I know how you feel. Just shop for the kind of clothes you normally wear, but look for different shapes. Either get something empire line or snug to go over the bump. By snug I mean, I also bought (in M&S as it happens) a black vest top, which has diamante straps. The vest was slightly ruched at the front so sat snug, but not tight on bump and wasn't like a tent. I find it very depressing not being able to wear whatever I like, but if you're patient, you'll find something. I also tried on a shift dress which looked nice apart from that my norks were too big for it, but you get the idea. There is stuff out there which looks well, despite not being from a maternity range.

As per RRBK's instructions I spent a fortune at American Apparal, so will let you know how they work out bump-wise. That dress looks lovely though, for a special occasion. I've bought a couple of empire line tops to "dress up" my look for semi-special occasions, but don't have anything as nice as that. But off shopping on saturday (as tummy is busting out all over), so we shall see what I add to my wardrobe

Not so good in the domestic goddess dept, myself, but have had to promise DH I will learn to cook properly once I'm home full-time. Will not be able to expect him to do it all (even though he'll ALWAYS be much better than me - he's got a talent for it)

Cooking talent comes right at the bottom of my list of priorities if someone is willing to put a meal on the table for me. Fact.

kel, me too with the about mkg dilation. i was the same as you. days of harsh contractions, after being induced, and never making it past four cm. stupid cervix.
12days, your dress looks nice. i have never worn a dress that exposed my upper arms. ever. i have always been too self conscious of the fact that i am so much bigger than all of my friends. in highschool they were all size two or four and i was a size twelve. anyway, i love your dress and wish i could allow myself to wear something like it pregnant or not.
i am glad you are all doing and enjoying the questionnaire. i have a new one in the works already. it isn;t difficult for me to put them together because i have a blog and get lots of "tags" to do memes. plenty of material to pull from.
the other day i was getting dressed and thought how much i would like to tell you about the american apparel camisoles i wear every single day under my shirts and how much i love them. but i thought you might not have american apparel there for some reason so i didn't say anything. i am so pleased that you do because they have some of the best non-maternity maternity clothes out there. lots of long tees and cammies and comfy pants. also plenty of colors to chose from. when i find something i like i buy it in every color and wear it until in falls apart. anyhoo, thanks rk for the brilliant recommendation.

Morning Jess. I used to have a thingy called a shrug, which was basically a pair of knitted sleeves that covered the shoulders and full arms. They were around again last summer, though tended to have a front, like a short cardigan. Mine was literally just sleeves & shoulders. I LOVED it and wore it til I had faded it completely in the wash - even after they were out of fashion as it was so handy.

You're really clever with your sewing and everything. I BET you could easily make similar items, so that you can cover your arms if you're not happy with them and so wear sleevelss dresses.

that is sweet 12days. you are looking out for my chubby arms. i have a shrug but it is super casual so i can only wear it around the house or shopping. my arms aren't ugly or even too chunky. it is in my head, for sure. here in seattle you can pretty much wear long sleeves all year but when i move to australia i am in big trouble. big trouble. i visited there a few times in the summer and it was so hot and everyone had on super tiny clothes, even chubby gals like me. i am looking forward to the challenge of perhaps having to lose a little weight to feel better about myself. geez, i sound like all i think about is my body image. that is not true at all. i like my body, i just don't like the clothes that are generally available to people with a bit more meat on their bones.
ack, i forgot to check the questionnaire thread today! i'm off...

Ah, yes. Australia is rather hot! I think you'll get used to showing more flesh, simply because it will feel right to do so. Plus, I think spaghetti straps are the only really unflattering summer tops if you're a bit bigger than most. I often wear mine layered with a top with wider shoulder straps.

I'm not skinny. Never have been. But I love the sun and tend to wear as little as I can get away with.

Hi blooming beauties

Just back from Edinburgh and the Christmas Do. Ate so much, it was obscene. Went to bed at eleven thirty and everyone fussed over me all night. Lovely!

I'm off to Wembley tomorrow night to see George Michael. I am literally p*ing myself with excitement. Still reckon I could turn him, and let's face it, he loves Geri Halliwell's baby, so he'd love mine too.

Can't do TPT yet as there is a bloody electrician in my bathroom putting spotlights over the shower for me. Not sure he'd understand. I'll do it later.

All these short smock dresses in the shops are ideal for us - I wore a black one with gold stripes in it last night, with really high shoes and opaque tights - looked really cute. Get me eh!!

I am definitely finding out the flavour on 8 Jan - dh isn't - he's going to go out while she tells me. How long do you think he'll last without asking me - to the hospital car park?

LO is moving about now - although no huge kicks yet, it makes me jump a bit!

Daniel Craig - YUM!

OOOOH I just felt a double-kick. Swear I did!! .... first time!!!! .... happened while I was thinking about going shopping this weekend, based on your glowing recommendations (mega thanks BTW!!!). Must be a girl...who else would be so excited at the prospect of shopping?!?!?

I'm going to have to kindly ask everyone to refrain from mentioning the yum-licious Daniel Craig tonight. I simply must try to have a dream without him... and BTW, LetItShnow, I saw your little comment on the questionnaire...sneaky girl!!!

Afternoon all

Ive finally got some of my decs up but am off to buy more tomorrow. Took ds2 to see Santa at the school's Christmas Fair today and he just stood there, wouldnt even look at him let alone talk I was planning on taking him to a 'proper' Santas Grotto but now im not so sure, dont want to scare the poor boy

I love the dress 12Doc

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful, and since we've no place to go...

All together now... LetItShnow etc etc

Hello all. I'm in a cracking good mood. Got a letter today from the building society: MORTGAGE APPROVED, PLEASE PROCEED WITH COMPLETION!

Plus, had a letter from university (not the one I work at, the one I'm studying at- doing another MA- yawn) and I'M AVERAGING A DISTINCTION.

Oh it's a good day!

Weather's atrocious, I look like a barrel and I can't stop craving onions, but it's still a good day.

Kel, don't bother with Ulysses. Had to study it as a literature postgraduate and while I didn't hate it I would only have it on a desert island if it was kindling. Found it really hard to pick just one book, but most recently have loved 'The Five People You Meet In Heaven'. Very uplifting and a nice quick read if you fancy it.

The baby's in a very kicky mood today and is very good at swimming. Not very good at stopping before it hits the sides, but it'll get there.

I probably sound like a loon. Been in a meeting all day and felt the will to live slipping away from me as we reached itme 678996 on the agenda, but have come home to two pieces of very good news.

Home owner, Mum, collector of degrees (ooh I could change my name to TheThreeDegrees... maybe not!).

Pebble, how's things with DH?

Evening all. Will stop rambling now!

Shnow, you are too much BTW, does that book (5 people you meet...) start out with an old man at a boardwalk, by chance? Just wondering as I started a book like that once, it was about death, I dunno, couldn't finish reading it. Of course reading such things immediately after my dear FIL passed away = bad idea.

But wow, 3 degrees. Most impressive. and congrats on the mortgage offer. I know how mind-bendingly tedious those things can be. What's the new house like?