April 07 - role call for the hormonally unstable !!

[AndAKaty44InAPearTree]

Thanks Chilli

Ah well...

I have always used a bath seat and put baby in the bath - so could get in myself if wanted to and then when had ds2 he got in with ds1 at the same time - think may be a bit of a squash with three of them but have got another bath seat for this one - just one of those plastic moulded ones - I think they are fab and lat til about 8 months when they can go in the round sitting up ones!

My first ds went to bed whenever we went and followed us around to whichever room for about 9 weeks old then I started putting him in his cot to fall asleep at 7pm...ds2 went straight into his cot in his room at same time as ds1 (7pm) because that was our routine. It worked really well for us. Sleeping in the same room or co-sleeping never worked for us but I know it does for lots of others. Also we have never used a monitor because if they cry - you can hear them in our house...not small just crap walls! If we went into garden in summer we would just open their bedroom window so could hear them. Ds3 will also go straight into his room into his cotbed - whether it works or not is the unknown!

I am waiting for my cotbed etc to be delivered - dh gone back to work today and nursery not painted! May be some time....

Right, back to normal today, and have finally caught up with what everyone's been up to! Happy New Year to all!

Had a lovely Christmas and New Year, with lots of food and sleep. Didn't do much at all really and stayed in for New Year's Eve. Rather spoiled that evening by dropping the microwave into one of our newish kitchen cupboard doors (don't ask! ) which is a bit depressing. DH is back to work today which I don't think he is looking forward to, and DD and I are here realising we no longer have any excuse for eating chocolate at 9am! Still, it's her birthday in a couple of weeks, which is sort of nice as it gives us something to look forward to.

Bump has grown a lot over Christmas (how did that happen?) and according to all my family, I am now enormous!! Thought that was particularly tactful of them to point out! A bit achey today as we went for a 5 mile walk yesterday, and the last mile and a half was definitely a bridge too far. I need to learn to rest more; and to ask for help more (ref microwave/door incident); so those are my new year's resolutions I guess!

26+2!!

Morning all, all back to normal today - no more visitors!! Hope everyone is well.

Nutty, we had dd in with us for about 3 weeks - sleeping in her moses basket at the bottom of the bed), but none of us slept well, and we moved her in to her own room. From memory, I think the first 6 weeks were just suck it and see, and then we got her in to a routine of bath and bed at 8.00 ish. With this lo, may try and get in to a routine earlier to co-incide with dd.

Re bathing, bathed dd in our ensuite bathroom - we have a corner bath and it is lower than the usual bath, so not back-breaking! Had her in a baby bath for a short time and then moved on to one of those bath supports - metal framed with fabric cover, so I had both hands free rather than having to support her with one.

Will follow the same again I think.

Morning all and Happy New Year!

A very good Christmas in Bugland, although me and DP and DS have all been unwell since, with the return of the cough. My doc gave me antibiotics, despite being pregnant, because I am pregnant, iyswim. Poor DS is barely sleeping or eating - so not like him

And like some others of you, my bump is now MASSIVE, so am a big, fat, coughing...well, thing that is big, fat and coughing.

Nutty - we had DS in a swinging crib next to our bed for 6 months, which suited us all, and then moved him to a cotbed in his own room with no probs (we had always used that room for playing and changing, so he knew it). As for routine: we didn't have one until he was about 12 weeks old, and then started putting him to bed about 6.30, which worked well, although he was still waking VERY frequently for a breastfeed (another reason for keeping him in our room for the first six months). With this one, we will probably try to get into a routine earlier, because of DS, but otherwise will be looking to do pretty much the same. Oooh, except I'm getting an Amby Nest , as my lovely rich SiL and BiL have given me vouchers

Happy New Year to all!

Have not got time to read thread (yet!!) as horribly busy at work but just to say I have lost the South West meet-up thread, which I think was to be at the end of this month so I need to find it again soon if it is still happening!

Byee - talk properly soon!!

Happy New Year!!!
(it's Muminamini by the way in case I have confused anyone with the new name for the new year!)

Hope everyone had a good one...I didn't make it and was in bed asleep for 11.10pm...- I don't like New Year anyway so bed was definatley the best place to spend it for me!

I am just back from my appointment at the hospital with my consultant....who was on holiday..........this was my appointment to discuss the plan for the birth after all that happened last time. I saw the midwife first and she did all the usual checks but it was nice as Phil was with me and he hadn't heard the baby's heart beat yet. It was kicking away like mad and you could hear more kicks than heartbeat for most of it so I think baby must have enjoyed the porridge I had for breakfast! (trying to be healthy as well for the New Year after the Xmas pig out!!)

Then the midwife tells us that that my consultant (who knows all about what happened last time) was on holiday but I was to see another one. I was cross as I had specifically changed my appointment and asked to see this particular consultant but I need not have been concerned as the other consultant came in - took one look at my notes and said..."you had a bit of a time of it last time - what do you want this time!"

I just said that we had discussed it but would both like and elective c-section and he said there was absolutley no problem with that....

I was so worked up ready for a big discussion of the pro's and con's that it was quite a shock. He made me an appointment to see the anaesthetist to discuss the way we would approach this section to make sure I had no sensation like last time and then I go back at 36 weeks to plan the big event and they will give me a date for 39 weeks!!

I laughed as at one point he said that if of course I changed my mind just to let them know at which point Phil hastily piped up with "We WON'T be changing our minds!" lol

Phil and I are both betting that we wioll be given the date of Friday 13th April!!!! This is also the day before my best friends wedding so I am resigned to the fact that I really don't think I will be able to go to it (as it is in Wales!!!) so that is my only sadness really.

So not a bad morning really.... I was gonna take the tree down this morning - but I just cannot be bothered - think I'll wait till the weekend. Got to go and pick DS up from grandparents now as they kindly had him last night as Phil and I were up and about early to the hospital.

It is all getting scarily close now isn't it!
Nutty - Our DS didn't get properly into a routine until we but him in his cot in his own room at about 8 weeks....not able to do this this time as baby will be in with us but plan to try and stick to the 6.30 - 7 bath and chill out, 7.00 to 7.30 milk, cuddles, story and bed routine as it worked well for DS and he slept through from about 8 weeks until about 7 am.

I treated myself the other day and got my new Avent Steriliser.....I now have the buying stuff bug! Bought some maternity pads (nice) and PJ's for the hospital trip the other day....just going to start collecting lots of bits for my hospital bag!

Right best go - must be careful driving over to PIL's as very windy and have to go across hill and vale!

Hope all are well - my stomach is HUGE
MWBT 24+4
xxx

MIAM - you should be muminabigtumi to lessen confusion!

I am a bit worried about Captain Dippy; not like her not to post, even with a lot on Anyone know anything? I hope she's just too busy and happy to get to the board, or hasn't got her internet up yet, but you can't help wondering, can you?

Bugmum!

he he - DONE! You obviously have a better imagination than me!!

Hope we hear from CD soon - I expect the move and Xmas and New Year has just kept her busy. I hope so
XX

Hi peeps, can you remind me how I go about changing my name please!
Hi MIAM, glad you are ok.
I was wondering about CD too. Maybe give it a few days and I or someone can CAT her. x

OK, I think I have done it!

Hello girls, back at work today and quite happy about it. A bit bored but was off for 10 days over christmas and dh wasn't so was getting even MORE bored sitting at home twiddling my thumbs. We had a bit of a money shock in december so were poor as churchmice for the whole holiday. BUT now we've just had a money surprise which should make up for it and help us to keep our heads above water this month. And all the better it didn't come before xmas or it would be gone by now!
Am so happy to be starting this very exciting year and it really feels like we are on the countdown now so I should be allowed to properly start buying baby things..yay!
Anyone got a handy list of essentials for baby and hospital bag that they are willing to share with a first timer? Keeping baby things to a minimum we have:

cot (or will have soon, going shopping with Mum next week)
Travel system including car seat
moses basket
selection of babygros/baby towels with hoods/bibs/flannels courtesy of my parents
Chest of drawers-come-changer (this month sometime)
Sheets for cot/moses basket
baby sling
cheapy wicker baskets for toys and also in bathroom for various baby paraphenalia.
Do I need sterilizing stuff and bottles if I am breastfeeding?
Please add your suggestions...

Hi Maveta, how organised!

Re the steriliser for bottles, I would get one in case b/feeding doesn't suit you, as you don't want to have to run and get one when the baby is here (you'll have too much else on!)

Also, I bought tons of bedding, and barely used any, as we put dd in a babygro as she just kicked off the sheets etc in the night and woke up crying with cold! So, babygro only for us this time too!

Most parenting books/magazines have lists of stuff that they suggest for hospital bag etc.

Love the new names...come on CD we miss you!

I have bought an avent kit which includes steriliser, pump and bottles in case decide to express/bottle feed. The rest of your list looks fine - don't forget to get some nappies though LOL!

Not really, looks more organised than it is! I have checked a few lists on line and I seem to be on the right track, just don't want to buy anymore than is necessary to start and I know it must be easy to get sidetracked!

Back to work...

Not really, looks more organised than it is! I have checked a few lists on line and I seem to be on the right track, just don't want to buy anymore than is necessary to start and I know it must be easy to get sidetracked!

Back to work...

I also agree with puffy re the blanket thing - I use grobags so one cot blanket - but do have a couple of pram blankets and 2 swaddle blankets which I think will help with feeding.

Thought I'd better change Christmas name - was HollyandMistletoeForever .

Maveta - I would only add that if you have a dishwasher, chances are if you are breastfeeding you won't need a steriliser at all. I found them to be an utter pain in the neck and everything is naturally sterilised after a cycle in the dishwasher in any event. I guess if you are bottle feeding you might, as the turnover wouldn't be quick enough.

Bugmum - yay for Amby Nest! At this point, that is just about all I have for this baby and prob won't start stockpiling properly until March or so !!

Afternoon - glad to hear that everyone had a nice Christmas and new year. Coming back to work wasn't as bad as i thought it would be, although there's not that many people in and I've spent the morning trying to work out my materntiy leave. As my company do not give back bank holidays I'm trying to start my maternity leave after easter, but take annual leave before easter so I still beenefit from at least a couple of bank holidays.
Re:Baby shopping topic -
Maveta think I'm going to copy your list
For all you 2nd, 3rd, 4th etc timers do you think leaving baby shopping until March is too late? I haven't bought a single thing yet. My cousin who is only 17 weeks has just bought a travel system, but for some reason i can't bring myself to even venture into a baby shop to browse.
24+3
PS I was also thinking about CD - I know she had her scan just after mine but I don't think I've seen a post from her since then. Hope she is okay and her move was successful.

Afternoon folks and thanks for the opinions on bathing/putting baby to bed.

Have spied a nice cot and changing unit on John Lewis that I might get. With matress cot works out at the same price as the other one I'd seen and I kinda like the idea of a matching changing unit. We're planning on having baby in cot in our room for first few months but am keeping an open mind about things as you just can't predict what's gonna work best. Now have to decide whether to get new bed for spare room yet...currently have double in there but have spotted some singles that convert to doubles and would like to get one of those instead really. (we need a double for when parents visit but single would create so much extra room)

Unfortunately our bathroom is a bit small to bath baby in and the bath has a shower screen in a really awkward place to get one of those seats for the bath so have got a baby bath. Mum thinks we should use it in the living room, but DH & I are thinking of using it in spare bedroom hence my idea of buying a changing unit. I worry that the living room is a bit draughty at times.

Hope CD is ok...it's probably just taking a while to get internet connection up (think ours took a couple of weeks). Perhaps she'll post when back at work?

MIAM at consultant being on holiday (surely they must have known in advance??!!) but at you getting the cs you want.

Maveta - as another first timer I know it's so confusing to know what's needed and what's just nice to have and what's a total waste of time!!! Glad you asked about bottles - I'm planning on breast feeding and didn't know if i should buy bottles. A friend is giving us a steriliser and think i'll just send hubby to get bottles if needed. (Have made sure DH would buy the right thing if this were to happen...)

Afternoon ladies. Glad to hear asll had a good festive break - have scanned the posts and hopefully taken most of it in!!! Ours was quite hectic fitting in PILs and my parents (have to do mum and dad seperately as divorced). DS was thoroughly spoilt though - now to find places to put away all his new toys... sigh...

Re the routine with a newborn - with DS we had him in a moses basket wherever we were until around 8 weeks when he went into his cot bed (still in the moses basket iyswim) at 7pm. With this one will be in with us in moses basket for first few weeks (prob til about 12 weeks) and then into its room - which is DS's at the moment. Actually wanted to ask those with 2DCs already what their advice is re moving no1 out of the nursery, into beds etc?? We are planning to redecorate the loft for DS after bean arrives (he will be 22/23 months and can hopefully "choose" his decor) and move him once baby about 3 months. Also planning to keep him in his cotbed and get a new cot for baby so he doesn't feel shoved out of his bed as well as his room... When is a good age to take the sides off the cot bed??

RE buying stuff - I didn't get much for DS as am quite superstitious (sp?) and other than a few babygrows and blankets newborns don't need that much stuff so DH got anything we needed as and when for the first month - but we do live in London "nappy valley" and its easy to pop down the road to the shops.

Not much else to add and DS just waking up from nap... back to work tomorrow for a rest!!!!

Sorry Yvie x-posted with you. I'm a first timer and have been buying stuff for ages. I don't think March is too late really, but DH & his brother were both premature so am getting prepared just in case this one follows in DHs footsteps. I'm also a bit of an organisation freak....and have to have everything planned in advance!!!

Hiya loves. Yvie, it is totally up to you when you shop. With dd I left it fairly late, as I didn't want to jinx anything which I know sounds a bit strange. But this time, although I don't need to get too much, I am getting it early, as I am big and uncomfortable already! Therefore the thought of shopping doesn't appeal - my dh will want that in writing!! I have bought a couple of things from ebay which is great.

Nutty, going back to the bath situation, my concern would be routine, i.e. obviously as baby gets bigger, he/she won't be able to be bathed in the baby bath in the spare room. Will it upset the routine for the lo too much to then be moved to the bath?

I am quite anal though about routines!!!

SOL - I know what you mean about routines...i'm just the same (mum is getting on my nerves cos she doesn't seem to understand that DH & i want to get baby in a routine from the outset). Would love to be able to bath baby in proper bath from outset but don't really have the confidence to do it with a newborn because our bathroom is so awkward to do anything in...so will have to cross fingers and toes that it doesn't disrupt the routine too much!

Nutty, I am sure you will be fine.
It's all so exciting isn't it!?
I came back to work today, having not been in since 22nd December, and they couldn't believe how big bump had grown!