July 2016 Babies (9) - let the babies commence!

[Ellizardo]

Nearly there folks.

Bathroom update - we have a bath. So am calling that progress. Poor DH now has a heap of tiling to do every evening after work while I flit about dusting like a maniac.

Speak I second the request for a photo!
Eliz am also slowly grinding to a halt with the cooking, but need to get back on it or we'll be living solely on crisps.
photographer what is a natural induction please?
bluebell you really shouldn't feel guilty about feeling like this and of course it's going to dwell on your mind. He needs to understand that those first few days are going to be a huge period of adjustment for you and that the biggest help he could be is to give you some space. Could you compromise and tell him that he's welcome to stay around to meet the baby, but once he's had an initial cuddle, could he please go home and come back in a few weeks? Either that or get dats on the phone to him....

Liz - Yup! 21 July. My mom figures it'll be 19 July, though, on account of the full moon which apparently has an effect. I've starting getting a lot of phone calls from Canada as the family has started to check in to see how I'm doing (re: haven't you had this baby yet?!) and I think I'm going to have to start screening them as both my aunt and my cousin asked me how much weight I've gained during this pregnancy. As though it's their business!! The absolute cheek!! After all, aunt with a psychic is also a raw-food macrobiotic vegan and obsesses over every ounce gained or lost, so there's a lot of weight judgment happening outwith pregnancy. Of course, I might be over-reacting because of the pregnancy hormones...

Beautician and MrsRolly - I read somewhere that grumpy = impending labour, so maybe things are progressing?

Eliz and Ruby - I'm doing my last batch cook today (veggie chilli) and then that's it. Full freezer means that I can put my feet up. I might go and buy a few emergencies pizzas today, just in case we run out of crisps. Oh crap, I think we've actually run out of crisps! What am I going to eat for second breakfast? Oh, biscuits! Excellent!

Pulpi my mil has asked me a few times what I weigh and commenting on my bump all the time. It's so rude and invasive, I don't think she realises it's rude though.

Back from midwife. Babies head is fully engaged and she's pretty sure it has been all weekend which is why I can't stop peeing and why I have pressure in my bum. 3cm dilated and waters bulging apparently. So at least it sounds like the pains have been doing something. Wonder if my waters will go this time as they haven't until the pushing stage before. Come on baby.

Great news Beautician! Sounds like time for a nap and to properly rest up.

Morning ladies,

Amazing news Beaut fingers crossed he is well on the way!
Ruby hooray for baths you must be very patient I would not be happy without a bathroom at the moment!
Pulpi it sounds a bit twin peaks off in the woods and psychics.. In all seriousness I hope he is home soon! The weight comments would annoy me so maybe phone screening is the way, surely the psychic can let them know when bubs arrives
Bluebell I feel for you, but you have to put yourself first! I am hoping to have bubs without letting to many people know as it's easier that way!

Operation DD on school camp baby eviction time is well underway, i went for the hilliest walk I could this morning, now off into town to get some more bits and planning to stomp up the 133 steps close to town as convinced that set me off last time! It is very muggy here and I arrived at my eyebrow waxing appointment looking slightly red faced think my eyebrow lady was worried I may be about to pass out although the last hill (it's very steep) may have been a step to far it has a beautiful creek side pub at the bottom and delivery drivers dropping off stock were looking at me as if I was mental as I huffed my way up ha ha

Fingers crossed for all those that are fed up get movement soon come on babies!!

Also thank you to those that asked I am not grumpy today.I am stupidly optimistic about baby eviction plan instead... Ah the extreme joys of hormones.

Come on baby beaut!!!

MrsRolly it's very Twin Peaks... which is fitting considering the part of Canada I'm from. But yeah, you wouldn't believe the half of it. But I suppose every family has a slightly odd aunt.

Glad the pains did something beaut not long now I hope.

bluebell I feel frustrated on your behalf. I actually like having people to visit but only on my say so and not staying for days on end. That would f me right off.

pulpi hope family member found soon.

dats you speaketh the sense. It does suck balls that it has to be spelled out (AGAIN), but it does have to be, and that's what I've done. I spoke to him this morning and said in no uncertain terms that I needed space and time just on my own with no visitors. He then said, okay, he understood that, and he would come over this afternoon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had to explain that what I meant is that I am not sure I want to see anybody at all now until the baby is born. I am going into a pregnant lady cave (somewhat like pulpi's pregnant lady nest, only more antisocial) and I am going to stay there until I have a baby outside of my body, goddamnit!

I did also point out that I had voiced doubts several times, weeks ago, about the wisdom of him coming down this weekend at all, and he said 'yes, but you said if the baby wasn't here yet then I could keep you company'. (Unfortunately I did say that after the third time he refused to cancel the hotel, because he pressured me into it.) Anyway, I said yes, but I meant for a weekend, not for most of a whole week!!! I said I really don't want to hurt his feelings, but looking after him is stressing me out, and the more stressed I am, the less likely I am to go into labour, so please, please could he just think of something else to do other than visit me!

I think he got that. I think so. We'll see; it depends whether or not he turns up this evening / tomorrow morning!!!

Oh god. Ladies, it stressed me out so much and I felt sick and guilty all morning. But I have spoken to my brother (who tells me he ALSO was telling our dad about a thousand times that he shouldn't come down this weekend) and offloaded, and I feel so much better now. Thank you all so much for your support; you all helped me to be strong enough to say what I needed to say.

gnat arrrgggh your SIL! Hope that means you still get to have the meal out with your friends? I can't remember which day that was booked for.

pulpi I love that your aunt has her own psychic. Like a pet. Seriously though, I hope that your family member comes home soon. Regarding coffee, I only ever drink decaf (due to anxiety I don't go anywhere near caffeine!) but I can't stand instant; it has to be done in a cafetiere! Can you be a decaf coffee snob?! I'm glad that Pregnancy You is coping on the quick and dirty stuff. Also, what is with the weight comments?! People are SO inappropriate! You ignore those calls. I unplugged the landline for a day last week because I was so sick of people calling. (More antisocial pregnancy cave behaviour...)

KayTee augh! I think that attitude from your mum is possibly worse than that of my dad! They just see as as grandbaby provision units, don't they?! Keep birth balling. My baby had only just started to engage at 37 weeks I think. Fingers crossed for your pelvis.

Beaut OMG at your MIL! After this experience with my dad, I am tempted not to tell ANYONE when I go into labour - just like you said, MrsRolly! Just wait until there is a baby, and let them know then. Maybe three days later . SO exciting about your dilation / waters. Hope it's made up for DH's lax drinking behaviour last night!

So I only got 4 and a half hours' sleep last night because I was so anxious about what I was going to say to my dad this morning. I was awake from 4.20am! DH has been a superstar - he worked from home, brought me tea, cuddled me, supported me, brought me my knitting in bed, and generally did his level best to help me to relax. And I do feel more peaceful now than I have done in days and days, which has got to be good.

I also had a pretty and cheap dress arrive from eBay that is allegedly usable for nursing... Nursing Dress. I have tried it on and the top does push down easily, although obviously that exposes your whole boob, so I'd have to have a shawl or something draped over the top. I try really hard not to buy 'fast' fashion that might have been made in sweatshops, but this has been made in Poland so I am hoping that it's okay. It comes in tons of colours and is really flattering so I might buy a few of them and live in them... Anyone else found any good, non-frumpy nursing clothes?

40 + 6

Beaut really pleased that the midwife apt was positive, fingers crossed for you that baby Beaut gets a wriggle on now.

Eugh, the weight/body shape/you look well comments - I always feel like people are saying them because they feel they have to comment on some way. Weird, just weird.

Bluebell well done on standing your ground with your dad, sounds like you were completely firm but fair. Get your anti-social on and concentrate on calm, baby birthing thoughts. Also love the fact that dress is called Happy Mama - has it helped make you feel like a happier mama-to-be?

Am in the not telling anyone when in labour camp too, have also managed to get this far without telling anyone (apart from this thread) when due date is as the thought of 101 calls/messages etc just makes me feel stressed.

Brain has officially left the building today: spent morning sorting some photos to print, walked to Boots to print photos, had a lovely time wandering around a few shops, bought bargain flip flops, headed home all pleased with myself for walk, la-la-la... ...got home and realised that I hadn't printed photos. Twit.

Bluebell pleased you've told your dad. I'm tempted to just ask the childminder to babysit whatever happens and then announce it a day or two later like you say.
Have to say that dress doesn't look very nursing friendly. Are you on fb? There's a good group on there called Can I Breastfeed in it and once joined they have a sister group called Can I Breastfeed In It Selling Page. I've had a Jojo maxi dress off there which looks great and a Jo Jo nursing Tshirt. It's difficult finding clothes suitable to BF in. I'll probably stick with nursing vests.

Thanks Ruby :) Yep I do feel like a much happier mama-to-be! I'm sure the feeling of pressure that has lifted is going to do me a world of good. I did giggle about your photos - whoops! Oh well, you can have a lovely time wandering around the shops tomorrow as well .

Beaut that sounds like a fantastic plan about the childminder - it takes away the pressure of having to fend people off with sticks! I'm not on FB, but I can see quite a lot of that group page and it looks really good - thank you for the rec! The canibreastfeedinit.uk site actually has my dress reviewed on there! They seem to like it, but I definitely think it would depend on how happy you are about the level of exposure - and I don't know how comfortable I will be, never having BF before! So much new territory!

Hello lovelies,

I just wanted to say thank you all so much for your lovely messages. It's so touching that you took the time to write them. Mum is in a hospice now and it's just wonderful there. We are so happy and it's so lovely to visit. Mum is hanging on in there but becoming weaker by the day and more out of it. She tells me she's hanging on to meet baby, I've told her ok but to let go of the pain gets too much. It's bloody heartbreaking but I guess it shows how much love we all have.

We moved house Thursday. We love it, but I'm bloody done it. Had to go to delivery suite first thing for lack of moments and stomach pain... After five mins on the monitor little bugger started moving!!They said it's the baby turning from breech that's done that. so whilst I'm glad it's engaged was annoyed for the drama! Still had a little scan and saw bubs face!

Now I'm going to try catch up but forgive me if I miss some things, struggling to keep up with you chatty lot! It's clear we are all finishing work

beaut I love a Hollywood. Trying to find somewhere in new town that does them. If not will travel to old place which isn't too far I'm just lazy! I like it all off ahead of birth personally. Cleaner. Good luck as sounds like things are getting there. Bloody MIL!!! Your plan is great!

blue your dad sounds like he's a bit overbearing! I really feel for you. Families can be so frustrating. I'm glad you said your bit to him now. Re nursing clothes I never really bought any. Wearing a vest under things and then pulling a top down is perfect. In the hospital I didn't care less and just had my boobs out constantly! No one looks. But I can understand wanting to be covered up.

pulpi I hope your family member is found. How worrying for you all. I can't imagine. Your aunt sounds like she's a character!!!

mrs Rolly sending you contraction vibes!!!

ruby yah on the bath!!! That must be a nice feeling

eliz eeeekkkkk it's nearly time! How you feeling?

photographer I went 12 days over with DD. I was bloody miserable! The constant texts drive you nuts too. Hopefully things get going soon.

speak that's great news. So pleased for you.

thom yah to being home!!! That's awesome. You must be so thrilled!

gnat your SIL sounds like a douchebag. Just tell her if it's not tomorrow or Wednesday to wait till after baby. It's just so rude! How old is she?

dats get those feet up!!! How was the massage? I managed to do some shopping solo today was bloody bliss.., oh no it wasn't I was waddling and had to pee every 25 mins. Still got some nice make up!

cookies I love a good clean! I often ask DH to take DD out so I can have an afternoon to sort out and clean.makes me happy , yes I'm a loser!

If I missed you I'm sorry! Sending happy birthing vibes to those wanting it and stop right there baby to those who want it stay in for a while. Xx

Hello everyone - quick update from me: we are team pink! Baby Annie born 1.20pm today at 7lb 6. Bit of a whirlwind crazy birth - after arriving "far too early" according to the midwife, she sprang out 2 hours after arrival! Didnt have time for any pain relief so was, ahem, rather a sore experience but were both fine.

beaut your symptoms so far are EXACTLY the same as mine so hopefully bodes well for you :)

anna i have no words, i cant imagine what you must be going through - i hope baby comes soon so your mum can meet her and not have to be in pain. I hope you have reems of real life support to try and make things any easier (not that its that easy). Thoughts are with you xx

bluebell i massivy sympathise with you - my mum is a bloody nightmare. Hope he gets the hint/starts to help soon but i agree with the plan to send dats round ;)

Not got time to read any more, but will update and respond more tomorrow. Hope everyone is ok xxxxx

Primary - Go Annie!!! So pleased it was so swift and with such a glorious ending! Love the name (again! We are brill!) and can't wait to see a pic.

Anna - I just don't know what to say other than you're my hero and I hope your Ma gets her wish but in the meantime isn't in pain and can feel the love around her. I'm sure she can.

I am sending you love and a virtual house plant for your new home! I've just ordered a new bed, met the removal men, confirmed the carpet fitters, faffed about with more effing blind fabrics for rest of house, pretended to know what the electrician said about dimmer switches and have now collapsed in big heap!

Night everyone xx

Congrats primary!!!! Fab name! Enjoy the snuggles

Sending lots of love Anna xxx

Congratulations primary! Love the name!

I'm glad your mum has a nice hospice anna. I hope she gets her wish and manages to hang on to see the baby.

Congrats, primary! Gorgeous name.

Anna, so sorry to hear about your mum. What a difficult time. Hopefully she does get to see the bub.

Anna in awe of all the love and composure from you and your family, including your mum in such charged circumstances. So bittersweet. Glad baby is ok, ruddy buggers!

primary hooray! Congrats on your pink one - lovely name, too!

Bluebell really relieved for you that you spoke to your dad again, well done! Glad I don't have to come round and 'ave a word in his shell-like (am I really that scary?!?? ) And glad your DH was a legend, too.

Agree about vest/top feeding combo. Primarni is your friend for el cheapo vests, although maybe not from an ethical POV.

Elliz getting v close now, eek! You've had a very productive day! I've just had a curtain result - albeit a compromise. Really wanted a specific fabric - two pairs of made to measure would have cost nearly £600 - but one of the other samples I'd ordered from John L also came in ready-made and I got them in the sale for £62 a pair! Don't love them as much, but at this financial point, I can suck it up!

Beaut dilation and bulging! Yeehaw! MIL! Not effing yeehaw! May you continue to dilate and bulge!!!

ruby congrats on the new bath! Feel your renovation pain!

Kitchen update - ooh, the suspense! Plasterers have been, coming back tomor to finish. Have managed to not give birth. Please send quick-drying vibes so we can slap some paint on and get cracking with cabinet-assembly!

I confess I did have some light cramping today, but am finding it impossible to distinguish between baby and wind! Praying it's the latter!

dats, 38+1

Congratulations primary! Welcome to the world Annie!

Anna - you are incredibly strong and so generous hearted. Thinking of you and your family. Xx

Congratulations primary and welcome Baby Annie x

Anna am thinking of you all lots, good news that you're in your new house and that your mum's hospice is looking after her so well. Heaetbreaking truly is the word xx

Congratulations Primary, what a lovely name. Little Annie

Congrats primary. Looking forward to photos