July 2016 Babies (8) - 3rd trimester here we come

[Ellizardo]

Hoping this works as total techno-luddite! Happy Saturdays all.

Foobio enjoy your holiday - hope the weather improves! I have looked into donating the umbilical cord for research / Anthony Nolan, but it seems it can only be done in certain hospitals?

YouAndMe gutted for you about the reflux! I had my first bit of heartburn yesterday, I think. Keeping a packet of Rennies on hand from now on!

Ooo Puzzle what are you going to wear to your mum's wedding? I've got a wedding to attend in early August, when I am assuming I will still have a bit of bump left, plus I will hopefully be breastfeeding. I am thinking of treating myself to this Seraphine dress.

Ellizardo don't be fooled by my swimming/shopping, I have been completely without energy for anything else for days! Managed to muster up the oomph to give the kitchen a thorough (and sorely needed) clean last night, but my god the rest of the house is a state! Am with you / Indians / Cookie on the intimacy, too. Mostly off it, very occasionally on. A bit disappointing as I wanted to make the most of the time we have pre-baby (and pre birth potentially messing up my down below - argggghhhh).

allthegood great news about the pram and the car seat! I have managed to sort out neither, yet. Eeeeeks.

primary let's see those nursery photos! (I am so jealous. Mine still looks the way it did when I took photos for you guys a while ago.)

Thom how annoying that they didn't tell you that ages ago - it's not like they've not had the opportunity! Still, lovely to think that your little one will be here sooner than expected :)

Beautician nope, still not sorted out the room - but it is next week's job, as it's the first week in ages that I don't have any editing lined up, so I have four days free. I have also been ordering online - my Moses basket mattress is apparently due to be delivered today while I am at the midwife - gah!

Kaytee argh, I would be annoyed about Big Ears and Noddy, too. Julfin is right about a cupboard to keep unwanted crap in - but then again, in our house storage is at a premium and I personally wouldn't be able to manage that. -Is there any possible way you (or your partner) can tactfully explain to her that you don't want too much clutter? That you would LOVE her to get, for example, the stuffed animals you have already picked out?- Never mind, just read your next post about her already having ordered it. Grrr! Anyway, about the caravan - I think as long as you bring enough stuff so that you don't need to use a washing machine, that sounds like a lovely idea :)

Lucy I am starting to wish I had booked a 4D scan, but I know I'll never be able to justify it now that my due date is NEXT MONTH (28th June). NEXT MONTH, ladies! Oh god oh god I am so unprepared.

So I went and ordered a new pair of glasses yesterday as my current pair is scratched to shit (hula-hooping accident at school - I knocked them off trying to do hula-hoop tricks with the kids, and they went skidding across the playground). I got a sight test first as I am blowed if I'm spending hundreds of pounds on glasses and having them be the wrong prescription.

Mentioned to the optician that I have had the odd floater in my eye, and the occasional sparkly glittery bits in my vision - which I very unconcernedly had put down to pregnancy (unusual for me - as you have all probably gathered by now, I panic about any health symptoms). Anyway, turns out that this is potentially VERY BAD and might end up with my RETINA DETACHING, and now I have to go and get my pupils dilated so that the optician can look inside my eyes and check that I'm not about to go blind. Lovely.

In the meantime, she said, if I experience loss of vision like a 'dark curtain descending', I shouldn't wait for the appointment but should go straight to the hospital. I did laugh at that! Who in their right mind would go blind and think, 'oh well, I've got an optician's appointment tomorrow so it can wait'?!?!?!?!

Anyway, apparently the worst-case-scenario is very rare and in most cases it's totally fine, so for once in my life I am not stressing! But I really and truly did think that this was a symptom I had heard about in pregnancy. Maybe associated with pre-eclampsia? I shall ask the midwife later...

32 + 1

Okay, I've been going back through the thread because I know we spoke about it at length, but now I can't bloody find it...

Changing backpacks. Recommendations? Am tempted by the Skip Hop 'Forma Backpack' which also seems to be known as the 'Pack and Go', but it is a lot of money at £67. I just like the way it flips open at the top so that you can actually see what's inside, unlike some of the other (cheaper) changing backpacks I've seen where you would clearly have to unpack the stuff at the top to get to the stuff at the bottom.

No idea about the backpacks sorry, I've been thinking of getting one of the yummy mummy bags

Well that's me finished. Saw the maternity physio yesterday for the worsening PGP/SPD and she's told me not to go back to work (busy ward, 13hr shifts) signed off by GP! Hoping to get a bit of rest but it's not that easy with a 3yr old to entertain!

33 + 1 today.

Fifi - you ok? Don't think we've heard from you.

bluebell - like the look of the Skip Hop and I always think their quality and design pretty good (I have the chevron changing mat bag thing).. all i will say is if you think £60 is a lot then I would just go down a regular backpack route and don't succumb to thinking you need a specialized bag...i think someone else posted that they just used an old Eastpak and I can see why.

bluebell - you can't persuade me i'm afraid, am still mega impressed by your activities even if cleaning! i cleaned my bathroom over the weekend so that's me done for the rest of the fortnight [puts feet up].

becks - nice one (I think?!)...sounds right to be signed off considering the nature of your work. just hope it's not out of the frying pan...!

kaytee - i'm sorry to laugh but you did make me smile with your MIL's 'gift'. i have visions of a giant Noddy giving your baby nightmares. it never ceases to amaze me how people make a massive presumption - based on zero evidence - that you like noddy/peter rabbit/tuna/whatever and force it upon you with a dollop of guilt. good luck in the handling of that.

Eeek Becks not sure if that's good or bad news! Hope you get some rest my lovely.

Girls, I am having a mild freak out. Wore my new maternity denim shorts for the first time today these ones, so, skinny jeans style. Pretty comfy in general, but when I just dropped DH off at the gym, as I was driving home, I realised that the metal button on the fake fly was digging into the bottom of my bump to the point that it hurt a bit. Once I'd noticed, I stuffed my hand in there to keep the waistband away from bump (one-handed drivng - super safe, me), but I've no idea how long I'd been sitting like that before I noticed.

Baby is head down at the moment (I know for sure because I saw the midwife this afternoon) and now I'm worried that I might have given him brain damage through these stupid sodding shorts. Am I being ridiculous? I'm making myself feel sick thinking about it. I don't dare to Google it - Google is not my friend in these situations.

He is moving around a lot, so that at least is reassuring.

To explain, the way I was sitting meant that the waistband had kind of folded in under my bump, so the front of the button was pushing into my bump. I don't know if you can picture that...

Thanks for the bag thoughts, Ellizardo. Haha, that's been my attitude to housework productivity, too - if I do something one day, I reckon I deserve two days off - which is why I am currently working at a desk that looks like a pigsty.

Fifi yes, I've been thinking of you, too. Hoping all is well. x

bluebell im positive it will be no harm done

fifi hoping everything is fine - im sure it will be!

A few nursery photos as promised - my best friend painted the walls and has done a fab job. Joining the creative bunch on here the litte girrafe/elephant i crocheted and also i made the mobile (pinterest inspired!) Im so happy that baby will have something i managed to make!

Just had my first nhs antenatal class about waterbirthing which was great. Really hoping this breech baby turns so i can get in the pool!

How annoying you can only post 3 photos! We also have bought the ikea hemnes day bed that is on the opposite side of the room which pulls out into a double which we are planning to use as baby's first bed (dp will fashion some sort of temporary side to keep baby from rolling out)..

Will also serve as my bed if we get a bad sleeper and dp needs to rest so he can go to work!

Bluebell- Probably this dress as its what us bridesmaids preferred but I wont know until I go back to Basingstoke to try it on! (Picture attached)

So I finish work to a load of missed calls and a message from OH saying hes gone to a&e, I try to phone everyone and no ones answering so of course hormones start and make me cry.. Turns out he's just cut his eyeball at work nothing too serious just needs to put drops in for a week!! Could have killed him for worrying me so much!! Haha

And also got told my finalised date for holiday and mat leave, 28th this month (few days before I wanted too, but its a bit closer and with how stressful its getting Im thankful and cant wait) holiday starts, then 14thJune mat leave starts Im so excited, I was worried Id get bored, but theres still quite a bit to sort out so can busy myself with that :) I cant wait to meet my little man now!!

Hope everybody is doing okay

Sorry did have a picture attached..

primary - the animals and mobile look fantastic. I wish I was able to do that. I have been looking online at mobiles. Where did you find the pattern? I might be able to persuade my mum who is very good at stuff like that. The nursery looks lovely. We are plannig to move so can't do anything. Had our mortgage approved so one less stress!
missingpiece - the dress looks lovely. I really like it.
bluebell - I am sure it is fine but it is the type of thing that would worry me. Is it a design flaw with the shorts?
Had our scan today and everything looks fine with the baby at the moment. Back for a follow up in two week to see how things are progressing. Feel less anxious about them bringing forward the date as someone rightly pointed out I get to meet them sooner.
fifi like others have said, been thinking about you and hope everything is ok.

bluebell I'm sure all is fine with the button. Sorry to hear about your eyes. No idea about the back packs.. I have a sporty one I currently use for days out with DDs but think I will buy an actual bag.. Just need to start looking..

becks sorry to hear you're suffering so badly, but glad that you now get to rest. Put your feet up and put the kettle on does your 3 year old go to a nursery/ pre school to give you some relaxing time?

kaytee I really feel for you. I would be far from impressed. You're handling this a lot better than I would! Definitely hide/ put away somewhere. My usual technique with my mum/mil is to end up suggesting the items 'live' at their houses

primary loving the nursery snaps thank you for sharing! You really are part of the creative crew! Well done you. I could barely sew a button on

missing I would embrace finishing and enjoy it! I wish someone would take the choice away and give me leave sooner rather than later. The dress is lovely and sure will look great. Hope your OHs eye is ok! What a worry!

Had another chiropractor appointment today and clicked me within an inch of my life ha! I overdid it last night and taught two classes back to back so was really paying the price. (One of them I don't usually do) Feeling much better now but a little tender. Have been washing baby clothes and drying them on the line in this gorgeous Sunshine... And I'm now ironing vests in front of One Born. I genuinely don't think I've used my ironing board since DD2 was born

31+2

Thom- thank you, just hope it fits still next month haha!

Cookies- I'll try and enjoy it as much as I can, hard when customers like to treat you like sh*t ahh well 24 days left!!!

Thanks thom and cookies - im really pleased with how its turned out. Especially as most of that furniture was free and second hand.. amazing what a lick of paint can do!

Thom - i didnt use a pattern but combined a few ideas from some lovely mobiles that i had seen (selling on etsy for £30+!!!). I am actually pretty novice at these things and it really wasnt that tricky!

Oh crikey you lot all sound so bloody organised and I haven't done a thing for this baby. I'm so in denial

Bluebell I am certain that you have done no harm whatsoever - the babe is hugely super well-protected in there. If something was poking him and he wasn't happy, he would probably have let you know somehow with a swift foot or an elbow somewhere! Really, really don't worry, lovely. Hooray for redundancy(!) Also, I have floaters in my eyes and have done for years - they're v common and although they CAN indicate bad things, it's also pretty rare as you say.

I searched for months for a decent, useable backpack changing bag and couldn't find one - it was (is!) me that uses a bog standard Jansport and it's been a good & v practical (if ugly) solution. Like the Pacapod inserts but didn't like the bag - that was as close as I got! Ew to your bacon contamination - I'm veggie too and would have been similar. And finally(!) mmmmm Loop! Not been in ages but dinner last week with a fellow-knitter friend who had a beautiful scarf/shawl affair going on and it was Loop yarn. I was waxing lyrical sounding like a total wanker about the stitch definition

Puzzle I'm surprised you didn't lamp your OH! Not surprised you were frantic! Hope he's doing ok. Good news on your mat leave coming up! That dress is really beautiful!

Cookies glad your chiro has sorted you out. Mine (in first preg and my osteo this time) hardly did any cracking - I was quite disappointed! I couldn't face OBEM tonight, exhausting day with a 2yo has left me feeling wiped out and inadequate and I fear it would tip me over the edge, so I'm watching Masterchef instead!!! High five for your ironing efforts!

Kaytee I must confess, I also chuckled (and now I'm thinking about Chuckie!!) about an evil knitted Noddy. Definitely bung 'em in a cupboard somewhere! DD's great aunt recently bestowed a knitted clown (a CLOWN FFS!) on us and the only reason I can tolerate it is that DD thinks it's a snowman and calls it that!

Elliz tuna???!!! hehe

primary Nursery looking gorge! Post more pics! I am loving your crafting - in fact I LOVE that so many of us July birds make stuff, it's ace! I'm about to paint DD's room a similar colour, too!

Fifi do hope you're ok and resting up. I honetaky wouldn't worry about bump size. I was still able to hide my first preg at 20w and you're far more sylph-like than I am. Or was. Or have ever been!

Thom that's great news about the scan and that you feel better about delivering sooner.

Indians I have a breech baby kicking down a lot. Driving me mental. Not often painful but flippin uncomfortable. Nice bump, btw!

I feel a bit fed up this eve. I think it's just realisation that I'm struggling with running after a relentless, chattering, affectionate/argumentative/affectionate toddler and that it's only going to get harder. I thought today, briefly ooh lovely, mat leave - and then realised that although I'll have a couple of days a week to myself while she continues with nursery, she will drop a day - so I'll have her for three days on my own. EEK. Just feel so massive and immobile and not enjoying going out with her as I struggle to lift her etc

Thanks for all the homebirth tips - I'm definitely considering it. I can't remember who asked about transfer to hosp if it arises? Nationally, the transfer rate is 10% but here it's 4% - they've just won an award for the work and support they put in, so I am a bit reassured by that. But essentially at the end of the day, if I have to be transferred, I'd be blue-lighted and it'd be about 20 mins or so to either hosp but no one has batted an eyelid about it, they positively encourage you if that's what you want to do.

Midwife tomor. Wonder if she'll have my Lucozade result. I picked up a new Gaviscon prescription today, the pharmacy only had bloody aniseed flavour again - rank! But then the mint one is rank too, so. It'd be so much better if you could keep it in the fridge. Much less like warm spit! Sorry!

Also, I have cankles. And yesterday in bedside table depositing-confusion, I tried to plus my phone charger into a glass of water. I am clearly unfit to be a functioning human being at the moment, let alone a responsible adult to TWO SMALL PEOPLE.

dats 2737474+11

Dats- that clown would have gone straight out the window (my biggest phobia!!) I wanted to throttle OH!! He wont be scaring me like that again thats for sure haha and thank you will post a pic when I get to try it on

Beaut was your mil one of the people being rude about the baby being a boy?

Bluebell my husband has mentioned to her before when she was buying hundreds of knick knacks for the house so that's slightly settled down and now it's stuff for the baby. I made it really clear to my husband that I was really looking forward to buying the baby clothes myself (I know other people will buy gifts) and I really didn't want his mum going mad buying clothes as then I wouldn't get to choose anything. He told her not to buy hundreds of clothes (I think she's only bought two items) but I didn't envision noddy and big ears!

I think I will get a toy chest to keep them nice for when the baby is old enough to play with them hehe!

Primary your nursery is lovely, very creative!

Puzzle I would have absolutely freaked out as well! Hope your oh is ok now?
Oh no dats a clown urghh just shows how different peoples tastes can be!

I'm so glad people don't think I'm being mental complaining about gifts, I felt so ungrateful typing my last post but had to get it off my chest! I'm so glad my mum is really practical and either asks exactly what we need or gives us money.

Finish work 7 weeks tomorrow, can't come quick enough!

28+6

missing that's a beautiful dress. Yay for the early work finishing date! only 3 weeks to go.

primary I love your nursery it looks so calm and serene

bluebell I understand why you would worry but I'm sure it's fine in there babies are very well cushioned. Plus if s/he was feeling distressed at the pressure being applied there would have been a lot of wiggling/ thrashing about probably . No idea about changing bags I'm afraid. I've gotten a changing wallet (melobaby) and planning to just put that in a normal bag because I couldn't find a changing bag design I actually like and this way is far cheaper. (maybe I'm just being naive and will have to cave in to a changing bag later though.

I'm in pain today due to a very long walk yesterday 😭 the sun was out so I took what I thought was a gentle stroll around London, feels like I've done a marathon! I've turned into a little old lady 😞

fifi hope all is ok with you. We haven't heard from you in a while. Can't imagine how tiring your long commutes are becoming too.

puzzle hope your oh is healing well. Sounds like a nightmare day!

allthegood sorry to hear you're really sore after yesterday. Have to admit that I'm pleased it's finally starting to look like summer might arrive this year though.

I'm seriously impressed at all the creativeness going on with people. I managed to finish the baby hat I was knitting while I was away last week. The only problem is that it fits on my head (bit short but plenty wide enough). Think it might be a while before it can be worn. Oops.

bluebell while I remember (just catching up on all the posts and thought I would type this before I get distracted by work!) when you go for that test don't drive there alone! I have had what sounds like a similar test drive to a community hospital 15 miles away to have the test done then not be able to see to drive home.. Had to cal DH away from work to come pick me up. Apparently it should have said on the letter! My eyes are fine and my vision returned within the three hours it should have done and it was the perfect excuse for a nap as no screens etc although I also think pregnancy has made my sight worse!

primary I LOVE the nursery. And your mobile is ace and has just reminded me that I've pinned three billion mobile ideas on Pinterest - time to order some felt, I think, whoop whoop!

Missing - beautiful, beautiful dress. And I hope your OH's eye is okay - how horrid!

Thom yeah they really don't need the bloody button. Because they are skinny-fit (and I did buy a size up to be looser) I think they are always going to do that when I sit down. Think I might cut the button off, as I do love the shorts. So glad your scan went well.

Indians sometimes I have difficulty walking, which I am sure is because of the baby nuzzling its head into my bladder...

Cookies I looked deep into my wardrobe the other day to try and find a dress for the funeral I went to, and discovered my ironing board tucked away right at the back. 'Ah,' I thought, 'that's where it is.' Has been there for absolutely months! I never use it except for a) the night before an interview, and b) sewing projects!

dats and allthegood cheers for the backpack info. I think I need to weigh up the cost of buying little bits (changing wallet or pacapod pouches) plus a new backpack against just buying the Skip Hop. Although I have found one in Mothercare which is on sale (presumably because it is uuuuugly) which has tempted me - here.

dats speaking of stitch definition, I was sorely tempted by the Brooklyn Tweed when I was in Loop. Every photograph I've ever seen of something knitted in that looks freaking gorgeous. Might have to be my treat to self for after baby arrives. Sounds like home birth might be a good option for you - how lovely!

KayTee the toy chest is a good plan! I have to say I was very gratefuly when my MIL rang me last night... She wanted to know whether we would like a Sleepyhead as a present for baby (I said possibly yes as they sound amazing, but we haven't got a cot yet so possibly no!), and then she said - well, you tell me what you want when you decide, and I will buy it. I LOVE my MIL. She is a ruddy legend.

allthegood thanks for the reassurance - you are right, he moves quickly enough if I just prod his feet a little bit, so if his head was being squished no doubt he would have had a good thrash! Also, I felt the same after a massive walk through London a couple of weeks ago - along the canals. Back was absolutely done in by the end of it. But I was fine the next day - hope you are soon, too!

tams lol to the hat! I remember, early on in my knitting career, making a hat that would probably have fit a grizzly bear. I was so pissed off with it I didn't even unravel the yarn - I took the scissors to it!

MrsRolly thanks very much for the advice. My opticians were good enough to tell me I wouldn't be able to drive, so my DH is going to be chauffeur - fortunately he is not working today. Bit worried about not being able to use screens afterwards as I have a heck of a lot of editing to do today, but I guess if I can't, then I can't!

My Little Green Sheep moses basket mattress and protector has arrived - it is soooo lovely. Though I have realised belatedly that I should probably have ordered two protectors so that I have a wash and a wear! I am such a rookie!

Bluebell - it's none of my biz but that mothercare backpack will not do you any aesthetic favours. Does the skip hop come with its own gubbins inside? Then that is def better value. Have you asked OH for his pref?! A nice way of indicating he will be carrying it too!

Good luck with eyes. I had lasik a few years ago and can't recommend it enough (but that's another thread).

So impressed with handmade mobiles etc. The nursery looks so lovely. I am choosing material for Ted and no.2 blinds in the new house at the mo. Don't want to go too baby ish as want the material to last until they're a bit older..it's hard to pick!

Tams - your hat story made me spit my coffee out! Winter 2019 here we come!