Due May 07 - W/C 5th February

[charleymouse]

Good Morning all, hope you all had a good weekend will catch up later.
Hurrah it was light when I left the house this morning for the first time in ages so feel much happier about being up and at work.
Cheers CM

Excellent post Creena. You've got all the facts in. Fingers crossed for Pebblemum.

I feel a bit more organised now. I've booked an Active Birth workshop for the end of March and am waiting for a hypnobirthing instructor to call me back to arrange a class. DH is unfortunately away at a conference for either one of two full day classes, or one of four evening classes. I can't get round it. Going to chat to her and ask her how important it is he's there. (Also rather stilted with DH trying to arrange this whilst "not speaking" to him.)

Going to make the list of "necessary purchases" this weekend and hopefully will feel more in control of everything next week.

Still a bit gutted I couldn't get into a local NCT class. Boo.

Thank you for the advice Creena. I spent all last night trying to write letters that explained the situation fully. By 2am I thought i had finished but after reading them again this morning Ive thought of other things i could add, they are already 5 pages long so god knows how long they will be when they are finished but as long as I dont miss out on any important details then I dont really care how many pages it takes

I was bullied when i was at school so i know what my son must be going through although I was never physically assaulted like he has been. Ive always tried to teach him to hold his head up high and try to ignore the bullies. At the end of the day you usually find the bully either has a hard home life and needs to vent his anger on someone or they are jealous of something their victim has (in my case it must be ds1's good looks lol). Because of this he is determined to try to carry on as normal, he will not let them win in any way, why should he miss out on things he enjoys just because of them. I am proud of his attitude but at the same time can see that he is gradually being worn down. I think that is why he sometimes plays me up at home, he needs to feel he is in control now and again and the only way to do that is to try to rebel against me telling him what to do. Hopefully if we can sort the bullying out his behaviour at home will improve.

Know what you mean, TYG - I had a moment of panic yesterday when I realised that I've actually done very little in way of preparation for this baby! Started compiling lists and getting prices from websites in order to make a start - shared this with DH who said "we've got ages yet...about another three months!" but bear in mind that he is the sort of person who does his Christmas present shopping on Christmas Eve!! Managed to reach a middle ground where we agreed to at least do a 'big shop for baby' at the end of the month once we've both been paid. I might need to get this agreement carved in stone at some point, however.....

All I've managed to get for the baby so far is;

1. pram/travel system (inc. car seat)
2. top 'n' tail bowls
3. baby carrier
4. a cute little newborn outfit from M&S for when we leave the MLU for home
5. half a dozen sleepsuits
6. half a dozen bodysuits
7. half a dozen bibs
8. a moses basket

and that's it....[worried, hand-wringing smiley].

I'm not going to do any ante-natal classes this time. I decided up front that, as this is my third, I'll feel like a bit of a fraud turning up to classes! My MW didn't attempt to dissuade from this either, so I'm guessing that she thought the same thing! Will find out about some breast feeding classes though, as I'm determined to have a proper go at it this time.

TYG Ive finally got round to making notes as and when i see something I need or just want for the baby. I have now chosen the cot bedding, mobile and a matching moses basket, Im still no closer on choosing a pram DH and I just cant agree on anything at the moment but i have also started on my hospital bag list. Ive yet to actually buy anything from my lists but at least i have something to aim for now. I dont feel as though Im as unorganised as I have been

The baby is a lot more active lately. It just used to be at night but now he/she moves around most of the time, especially around lunch time. No one else has felt it yet, ds1 keeps asking if its moving but I think the baby just wants to be awkward (just like the father really).

Have now got to go and cook lunch for everyone but will pop back later

Hey, Pebblemum. Sounds like you've done a brilliant job with your DS. He has exactly the right attitude and is a stronger and better person for it. I agree that you should right a letter that covers all of the points and issues that you want to make, especially as this situation is not being dealt with correctly or to your satisfaction.

I was bullied at school too (for coming from a 'broken home' and living in a poor part of the city) and, like you, have always maintained that this kind of behaviour says far more about the bully than it does anyone else. I've always thought that bullying is a lot like bitchiness - it always stems from some massive insecurity on the part of the person dishing it out.

You are right to be proud of your DS - I really do think you've done a marvellous job there!

wow creena you are more organised than me. All ive got is:
Car Seat (left over from ds2's travel system)
Cot (ds2's)
Baby Carrier (again ds2's)
4 cardigans
3 sleepsuits
7 bodysuits
Steriliser (ds2's)
2 new bottles
and maybe one or two outfits depending if its another boy
Oh and a baby monitor (again ds2's but we dont actually need it)

I also have plenty of newborn nappies, MIL has gone a bit OTT with them as she earns extra tesco clubcard points with every purchase and she is saving them towards a holiday (she already has £900 worth of clubcard deals towards it)

Hi all

So far I have bought:-

Travel system (incl. car seat)
Cot Bed
Set from Next for coming home from hosp in.
4 bibs
Disposable maternity knickers
Avent Steriliser (incl. bottles)
Avent breast pump (incl. bottles)
Baby monitor

• 8 cardis knitted by my mum although only 2 or 3 are new born size.

Think I'd better get buying or the little person won't have anything at all 2 wear or sleep in. Hoping to borrow a moses basket or buy one at our next NCT sale on 17 March. I used to run it but now I only help out - we get 1/2 hour preview shop,so hopefully will pick up a few bits. Taking my Mum and 2 DDs so we should be able to be in most places at once!!

You all sound so prepared! I keep thinking of 'essential' items that I haven't got round to yet. Stuff like bedding, nappies, a bath, changing mat etc and now that I've read your lists, I realise that I've totally forgotten stuff like sterilising equipment and maternity pads too. AGH!!

Right then. I've got today off work (time off in lieu as I've done loads of extra hours during the past couple of weeks) and I had planned to spend it catching up with housework and laundry. However, I think that I'd better do some internet shopping for the baby!!

Er, are you sure you aren't organised? You actually know what you have!

I have quite a lot of hand me downs from DS and am borrowing bits and bobs from friends but I really need to go through everything and work out what I have and what I need to reclaim from the various people I've lent things out to.

Good on you Creena for knowing exactly what to do, hope you manage to get that letter finished and sent Pebble.

Pebble - I'm astonished at what has happened to your DS or rather how it has been mishandled by the school. Good luck with the letter and taking it further - i definitely think you should.

Hey all - hope everyone is well

Pebble - so sorry to hear what's been going on but glad to hear you're doing something positive - I hope it all gets sorted soon. Is it worth getting someone you trust to proof read your letter to make sure you're sticking to the facts etc and not getting too emotional? Alos make sure you send them recorded delivery.

Creena - brilliant advice - couldn't have said it better myself.

As for me - fed up the snow has gone and its raining now

I thought we'd finally decided on a name - Joshua James (Josh) only to find out its one of the most common names - aaarrrgggghhhh

Quick question while I'm here!

Have any of you May 07ers found that you've had to measured for a bra again yet?

My bra size increased dramatically back in the first trimester but I haven't been measured since then. I am beginning to feel that my boobs might have got slightly bigger recently and so I'm wondering about whether to be measured again.

The thing is, I know that my knockers will probably get bigger closer to the birth and especially immediately afterwards once the milk kicks in (hopefully). I'm wondering whether it woulod be more prudent to wait until then and be measured for feeding bras instead. What do you reckon?

Quick question for everyone who has done the pregnancy thing before.

Trying to figure out a holiday for DH and I over Easter. I will be 33 weeks pregnant. Are we mad to drive around Scotland - gentle walks, B&B's etc..? I'm just trying to think of whether sitting in a car for ages will be hard work for me.

Failing that is it a very bad idea to fly to US (Boston) at that time as well?

Any advice would be great...thanks

Cin - go for it - just plan a lot of breaks to stretch your legs etc. Don't forget to take your notes just in case

Creena - its likely your boobs have changed again. Mine have gone from huge to massive to obscene - lord knows how I'll BF without suffocating the poor boy.....

Not sure about the flying idea, Cinnamontam. I think some airlines might refuse to take you by then and I think that for other airlines, you'd need to have a letter from your GP stating that all is well with the pregnancy and that you're ok to fly in his/her opinion. If you do decide to fly, you'll probably need to think about things like wearing support socks, drinking lots of water, trying to be mobile by walking around the cabin and stretching etc. I think that there is an increased risk of DVT where flying in late pregnancy is concerned. Would be worth checking with the individual airline on what their rules are and then, if they will take you, speaking to your GP or MW.

Driving might be the easier option but you'll probably need to make sure that you schedule in plenty of 'rest stops' along the way. You'll need to pee more often as well as make sure that you get out of the car to stretch your legs fairly regularly. Am I right in thinking that you're based in London? If so, driving up to Scotland involves a long journey, so it would be good to plan out your route beforehand, making sure that you fit in plenty of stops along the way.

I'm thinking of having a short break over Easter too, hopefully to Cornwall. DH isn't so keen, though. Hope you get something sorted out - it's a good idea to try to have a break together somewhere before the LO comes along.

Ooh Scotland. Go to Scotland. We went for our honeymoon, started in Edinburgh, went across to Oban/Fort William, over to Skye for a few days, up into the Highlands, down through Perthshire and back to Edinburgh. I would imagine that the lovely long walks and gentle climbs () will mean you enjoy the time in the car resting. Put the seat right back and stretch lots. The hippyish part of me thinks that ambling round rural Scotland would be lovely and spiritual whilst pregnant.

Things I have bought for the baby:

Nappies

Things I have knitted for the baby:

Four cardigans
Two teddies

Things I have stitched for the baby:

Two slings

Do I win most unprepared expectant mother?

Lol at susanjayne - I know exactly what you mean. I went from a DD cup to a G cup (which must stand for ginormous) during the first trimester alone. I'm dreading to think what size they are now or what size they'll end up being - a size it's difficult to find bras in, I bet!

Haven't been measured for a new bra at all and I have stretchmarks on my boobs, so I know they are growing. I just can't bring myself to do it...

...maybe I'll go this weekend.

But you've actually managed to make things for your bobba, SOH - I really wish that I could but I'm utterly hopeless at anything useful like sewing, knitting, baking etc. I think I'll make DH go up in the loft this weekend and search for all the little cardigans my mum made when I was expecting DS. As that was 10 years ago, God knows where they are!!!

I've got stretch marks on the bottom of my bum cheeks (where they join the backs of my thighs) - maybe I need some sort of arse harness??!

I got new bras twice in my first pregnancy and then bought nursing bras at about 37 weeks (I don't think they can really measure accurately before then. At the mo I'm still in the first lot, but then my boobs did shrink after all that breast feeding and I don't think they are growing so fast this time. I say, if you think you need new ones, go and get measured but don't get nursing bras until the last minute.

Thanks guys - I think I was dreaming about flying at that time. We thought we'd get the train up to Inverness then hire a car from there to cut down on the long drive from London. I've done 2 days in Scotland (Skye, Loch Ness etc...) but DH hasn't and is desperate to so I reckon it might be the best option.

I have 2 baby gro's and THAT IS IT!!! I must win the 'bad expectant mother of the year' award surely

Creena, I believe they are available from specialist outlets

I don't have any of that stuff yet!

I have a cradle (no sheets or blankets)
A couple of 0-3mth outfits and a few vests. That's it.

Yep, think I will try to "schedule" a shop with DH in March. That's a good plan. I can do some research on the net before we go and be prepared.

Your son sounds like he has his head screwed on Pebble. You must have taught him well.

Cinnamon, Easter is a lovely time to come to Scotland, the weather is usually quite good here then. We'll be visiting granparents down south then otherwise I'd say come and visit.