Late December - Early January Thread 2!

[Bella1985]

Hi! We're on to our 2nd thread for babies due at the end of December/Early January. 3rd trimester is in sight...!

I was dreaming last night about trying to put a nappy on and it wouldn't stay tight and the midwives at the hospital were just watching me doing a really bad job... .

I think we're starting to realise how close we are to birth and little worries are creeping in to our subconscience. Luckily they are just dreams. Where are you headed stealth?

Haha! Yep definitely the subconscious.

I'm in the Middle East. It's a work trip - just here for a couple of days. I've got this, then to the U.S. next week, then that's it on the travel front. I must say I'm ready to stop flying long haul - definitely feeling the energy drop as I go through the airport, wrestle my bag up onto the security scanner etc. Feeling happy I told work that no more flying after 32w!

Oops just noticed how I wrote subconscious...!

Really impressed with your travelling, that must be so hard! Even the little things like being sat for 8hrs must be quite uncomfortable.

DH is off to Indonesia next week with work, I did consider going with him as a last trip away as I love South East Asia and never been to Indonesia but decided against it as everytime I've flown in the last 4 years I catch a cold. I spent the first week of our honeymoon looking like rudolph and the thought of being ill, pregnant and very far away scared me. I never used to have such a weak immune system but its a really rubbish habit to have picked up!

I'm currently sat on my spikey Pilates ball as I put my hip out whilst asleep on the plane. Definitely time to give it a rest!

Personally I wouldn't fly to Indonesia just because of the length of the trip. My trip next week will be 11.5hrs (west coast us) and it's a long way to sit on a plane. Indonesia will be 14hrs+ - that's heavy going. Jet lag to se Asia is vicious too, and you can't take anything for it.

I had my flu jab yesterday too. So far so good. Are you having it if your immune system is a bit wobbly? Might be a good idea.

I had the flu jab early September - I'm asthmatic so have it every year anyway. I caught the flu about 4 years ago and it was rough so I'll do anything to avoid that again. Weirdly, during pregnancy I've had the least amount of colds ever. I think I've only had one cold (in August) but have been mostly healthy since April...amazing cue massive cold to hit and last until the end of pregnancy and beyond

Good luck with the hip pain and hope work goes well for you. I should probably head off to my job...

I don't recall any of my dreams but they have been getting more vivid lately and they tend to wake me at stupid-o'clock. Two nights ago I woke up crying but can't recall the dream. I have also woken up being really cross at my father but have no idea why .

I wouldn't be travelling to Indonesia as a pregnant lady. Apparently Zika has arrived in the Far East. But it is lovely destination for a beach holiday.

I had my flu jab with the whooping cough and it gave me cold symptoms for a week. To be fair my immune system has been pretty cr*p since my first pregnancy. I tend to get ill whenever DD comes home from pre-school with something. She's fine after a day or two and I'm floored for a week.

I'm in awe of your travelling. I don't travel well in full health, never mind 29 weeks pregnant. Still feeling bit sorry for myself with this cold. Plus I went really dizzy earlier & had to lie down. Also felt really sick. Hope the sickness isn't coming back!!!

Oh emz you sound like you're having a tough time. Hope the sickness isn't coming back.

I spent an hour and a half on a video conference meeting today and couldn't believe how big my bump looked on the screen! And they 'officially' wished me well at the end of the meeting as the next one will be in December when I'll be on leave and I'm unlikely to come across some of the members in everyday work! Yikes! My maternity cover was advertised yesterday too, it's all a go! I'm getting quite excited about it all!

Thank you. I don't think the sickness is back. I think it's where this cold is more of a throat viral thing, my throats so swollen & sore it's making me a bit gaggy. If that doesn't sound too wrong . Someone mentioned about names & writing a list. Took the advice. Both DH & I wrote our list & now have several choices for girls. The boys name I thought we had decided on DH isn't sure about now but we have options. I was pleasantly surprised by DHs list & pleased he'd taken it seriously. Also, a name I love that he has ruled out, he's coming round too so it was well worth doing.

Iv not done much today other than lay on the sofa feeling sorry for myself. I then found moving around made my tummy tighten quite painfully. Not sure if it's just because Iv been lying down a lot (on my side). My tummy also feels really heavy. Hope this baby isn't planning an early exit!! How's everyone doing?

Glad the sickness isn't back, hopefully the cold will shift soon for you. Glad the names are coming together too! My sister's doing a teacher training course and she rang me to tell me about a really sweet boy in her class she imagines ours to turn out like, and he's called one of our potential boy names! I think we're sort of settled on that name now, we've noticed it a few times (on tv etc) so it has reinforced that we like it. Still not got a girl's name yet.

My hips have been really sore this week after sleeping on my side all night, I've had some pretty painful jabs in my cervix too. It feels as if baby's head has moved further down, I have a growth scan in a weeks time and I wouldn't be surprised if they confirm this. It also feels like baby's back is against my belly as I haven't felt as many kicks, just more general rolling/moving of whole belly instead. I'm a planner so I think baby is too and is making sure s/he knows where to go!

A big long post coming up as I've not been on for a few days!

I feel a bit jealous of the yoga action on this thread! It's great that you're all keeping active in our third trimester.

I like your organisation with names col. Lucy I have a huge list of possible girls names, and some boys names but none of them seem right. OH isn't keen on any of my list and is coming up with unusual names which we disagree on. I hope when baby arrives we just know which name suits. Emz one my my OH's friend called their daughter Luna, initially I wasn't sure but now (she just turned 2) I find it a lovely name. At the moment, it's not shortened to anything so no loony etc type nn. I think we might try your double list suggestion and see if we align on any names.

I also find it difficult trying to fit the names with our surname (lots of r's and t's) and some names when out together sound a bit OTT!

Im giving in and going to buy maternity jeans today, I have quite chunky legs and like Bella skinny jeans don't really work for me. I'm going to try my luck in the shops (so I can try some on) and if fail, resort to online shopping and hope for the best! Why is there such a poor selection of maternity stuff in the shops!! My main problem is I don't know what size I am anymore... about a month ago I tried some H&M ones on and I couldn't get the size 10 maternity ones on (I'm normally an 8), I had a mini strop and refused to try the size 12s on!

Wow with all the travelling stealth, if you don't mind me asking what do you do for a living (I've always been a bit jealous of people that can travel for their job). I work in estates for a university so no real travelling for me, except to different campuses and to other unis! Hope you survived the journey to the Middle East and that the hip pain is bearable.

I do your virus manages to pass quickly, emz . It's rubbish being ill!

Today I'm attempting to start on my hospital bag! OH and I decided to have it ready (in a basic form) from 30 weeks. Seemed like ages ago at the time. I can't believe we will have real babies soon!!!!!!!

Good luck on the bag packing Admarks. I want to get mine finished this weekend. Throats feeling much better today but I had a very restless night. My hips were really sore & crunch so much when I roll over. Plus DH had had a few drinks and was snoring so bad. Looking forward to bed tonight. Hope you find some jeans Admarks. Iv found Iv fitted my normal size 12 in the maternity & next now do a short length too which has been handy. Names are really hard. We still aren't there with a decision but hoping it'll click. With DS we had 2 boys names we liked & we named him as soon as he was born. Not sure if it'll be the same for this one. The boys name we like has just been used by a friend, it's more of a friend of a friend that we don't see but it's hard with FB as you stay in touch with people who you don't actually see if you know what I mean. Puts me off slightly.

Ah yes the Facebook syndrome of feeling like you know people/see them more often even though you're not close friends. I've noticed a lot (about 4 people) calling their babies Nansi recently (Welsh name for Nancy) but if it wasn't for facebook I think I would have only known about one of those babies! Hope it doesn't put you off your name too much Emz

I've just had a bra fitting in M&S, as I've had a backache all week due to ill fitting bras, and my back size has gone from a 36 to a whopping 42! My bump is so high it's ridiculous! my cup size doesn't match the back size either so every bra that fits the cup (actually still a B cup) won't go up to a 42 back! So I've had to go for their Large Nursing bras which can fit anyone from 34-44 back and B-G cup, so atleast there's a LOT of growing space when milk comes in! I can't believe it!!

I think it does make you feel a name is more popular than it is sometimes. I don't think it will but friends have just had a little boy. We are nervously awaiting the name announcement. There's so many boys being born at the moment!

Bella have you tried bravissimo? They were so good with me the other week & the bras fit so comfortably. They are expensive bras but the advise is invaluable. Don't know if there's one near you?

Thanks for the suggestion Emz I've just checked and until my milk comes in it doesn't look like I'll be a bravissimo customer (they start at D cup). If this happens before due date though I think I could persuade DH for a nice day trip to Cardiff to visit a shop! he's putty in my hands right now!!

Morning ladies. First day of my week off today and Sod's law I've been awake since 5 . Seem to be waking earlier and earlier, I'm knackered by lunchtime!!
On the bra front my boobs still haven't grown at all and I'm still struggling to fill an A cup! Bella like you my back size has increased. I was getting serious rib ache until I realised what was causing it. I've only bought one bra in a bigger size though and am using bra extenders on my others.
Admarks I've been wearing size 12 mat jeans from H & M and I'm usually a 8/10. Clearly their sizing is out . I did try on a size 10 about 6 weeks ago. They were a perfect fit but it didn't feel like there was any room for expansion so I had to admit defeat.
Well done to those of you who already have your hospital bags sorted. I've started buying a few bits and pieces but not thought about packing yet. We're away most of this week so will aim to get it done once we're back. Can I ask if people are packing a bag or case? Just the one, or one for you and one for baby? Have seen some lists on line and there's no way I'd fit all that in to one bag! Also made a serious dent in the shopping list this weekend. I'm nowhere near done but at least I feel a bit more organised!
On the name front, just after we had the gender scan at 17 weeks, DH randomly suggested a name that I'd been thinking about a few days earlier. Completely took me by surprise as I'd never mentioned it to him and we've got wildly different tastes. We've not had a serious discussion about it since but at least we've got a front runner.
Hope everyone is well and has a good week x

Bella, you might be surprised with bravissimo. They do much smaller back sizes & bigger cup sizes. My aunt has always worn a B & came in with us. She turned down a fitting as she pointed out she was too small, they said she would be fine & came out in a D. She'd been wearing the wrong size for years & years. It might be worth a look as a second opinion to m&s. Be nice excuse for a day trip anyway.

That's amazing on the name Happy. Weird how you both thought of it. Same happened with our DSs name. I'm waiting for it to happen for this little one. At the moment, we have 2 boys names (one DH prefers but I like both) and 2 girls names (one DH loves & one I love). Hoping something will click soon. 30 weeks today! This was one of the big week milestones that I wanted to reach. Next one is 35 weeks, when DS was born. Feeling more anxious as I get closer. It's going so fast! Can't believe some babies on the December thread have been born!!!

Iv finally packed my bag. I wanted to get it packed by 30 weeks so not bad going. I am packing a small separate one for baby. Iv got to wash all the clothes yet. Not too worried as if baby arrived in the next few it would be too small to wear these clothes & would be in hospital anyway.

I need to pack my hospital bag, I'm 30 wks in a few days. DH was working over the weekend so it seemed from 8am Saturday to 7pm Sunday it was all about DD. I am knackered. I've yet to wash the clothes for DC2 so I have to get round to that before packing. omgoodness, where did time go?

There are 3 babies on the December thread! all in a weekend. Wow. it's all getting very real now. Mentally I have 2 milestones as well - end of Oct and end of Nov. My colleague's wife is due on 28/12, but their first arrived 33wks, so my colleague and I are both a bit anxious these few weeks.

What are you doing about Christmas? I am a bit panicky about it, I still want to make it special for DD1, I don't want her to think that baby stole christmas. But along with a kitchen refurb and thinking for baby I don't have mental capacity to plan for Christmas as well . Online groceries have released their Christmas slots for booking but I just don't know what to order. If I haven't delivered I guess I could cook, but I don't know whether DH could handle Christmas dinner all on his own? gahhh. (yes, first world issues i know...)

Hello all! Sounds like you're all doing well with name-finding and boob growing! I hope you've all had good weekends.

I've started my bag packing, so far it's all in a cloth shopper type of things. I'll probably end up having a small suitcase for my stuff and big tote type bags for the baby's stuff. So far I've only got nappies, water wipes and a few sleepsuits though. I've really got to get on with it! DH and I are planning a trip to John Lewis this week sometime to look at baby carriers (love the look of the Ergobaby one), prams (thinking about the Babyjogger City Mini GT) and bedside cots. Has anyone done this stuff yet?

I can't remember who it was that asked but I promised I'd report back once we'd started putting up the Mamas and Papas Harrow nursery we got from Argos. Last night we put up the wardrobe and it really wasn't bad at all. We got it done in about an hour and a half whilst both being shattered and it looks really smart and wasn't too taxing!

lucy I really feel for anyone having to be 9 months pregnant and sorting out Christmas for DCs! I can't even get my brain in gear to figure out what to have for dinner each night. I think for us my DM is going to help us out and it's probably going to be something very low key.

Hi everyone! . am really glad this will be my last trip, it's 430am and am wide awake. Jet lag is horrible when you can't take anything for it!

Am impressed that you're all so organized. Not only have I not packed a hospital bag, we don't even have anything yet! All I've bought is a Moses basket. I figured we could do all that during November. Along with my antenatal classes. Oh, and we bought a house - !! Will be a big month.

30 weeks was one of my milestones too - I can't believe we are here! I'm mentally thinking about end of October (when I'll stop flying) and then end of November when I will have done all my work planning and be getting my work cover in for 2 weeks of shadowing me. And then the big day itself!

My rib pain is getting worse and worse, I saw the physio yesterday and he said it is the cartilage starting to shear as the baby and organs put pressure on it . It's worst when sitting down which is not ideal for work! Nevermind.

Now having lots of Braxton hicks as well - it's all getting very very real!

colonel the ergobaby seems to be by far and away the most recommended/best/safest one so I am just going to order it sight unseen. We are inheriting a pram from my BIL so luckily don't need to make any decisions there, we will get what we are given. All my friends seem to be getting bugaboos but I am at the price - no way would I be spending that amount of money on a pram!

Ps admarks I run a division of a big media company. I look after lots of different countries so have to travel lots to those, and then go to the mothership (hq) in California to check in with my boss. I like the traveling but not when pregnant! we also have to figure out childcare when i go back to work as dh travels loads too - that'll be fun!

Col it was me asking about the nursery furniture. We've got the Harrow set on order. It's arriving Friday of next week. Good to hear it's not too tricky. DH is useless at DIY, think I'm going to have to recruit my dad to help!
Pram wise we've got the M&P Urbo2 on order. My car has not got a lot of boot space so our choice was limited to a chassis that folds up quite small. For a bedside cot we've got the Snuzpod. Not got anything for sleeping downstairs as yet. I think I'm just going to use the carrycot from the pram initially as it states it's suitable for naps and see how we get on with that. I'm also planning on getting a Tripp Trapp with a newborn seat but I'm not sure how long they are meant to be in that or whether they can sleep in it. Anyone know?
I also had my eye on the Ergo baby carrier but my head has been turned by the Beco Gemini. Interested to hear thoughts on either.
We'll go to my DMs for Xmas if baby hasn't arrived by then. As col says I feel for those of you who already have DCs. I'm busy enough shopping for baby and buying presents for relatives!

Hello to California stealth! I was going to say at least you might get to enjoy some nice weather but I just checked the forecast for LA - it's not amazing! I can't imagine doing any kind of long haul right now - respect to you! Like you I am not convinced with the bugaboo hype at all. The City Mini GT is £350 (unless I can somehow find it cheaper somewhere else) but the cost does climb when you add on car seat and carrycot etc. Luckily my friend has offered me a maxi-cosi pebble car seat which I'm very grateful for (it's had no bumps in the car before anyone asks!).

happy I'm also thinking snuzpod but I just want to look at it first. I wasn't going to bother with a downstairs sleeping arrangement as I felt that the removable crib from the snuzpod might do the trick? Although I do realise that will involve lugging the thing up and down the stairs...I'll have to see how heavy it is. Will definitely have a look into the Beco Gemini.

I've been reading a Gina Ford book saying about how you should get the baby used to sleeping in its nursery from day one - so night time it says in the bedside crib, but naps during the day are in its cot. It sounds very sensible but there's something in me that really hates the idea I don't know why?! I'm trying not to read too much because advice out there seems to be so polarised it can be quite frustrating, it almost feels like the best thing to do is to read nothing, follow your instincts and then if something's not working out to read up on it. But then I feel irresponsible for not reading up! I think Gina Ford just stresses me out full stop, I can't really relate to what she's saying.

For the first time since the first trimester I'm feeling properly rubbish today. I felt sick all morning, I've got a headache and the baby's been kicking so much I feel like he's trying to make some kind of mad escape. Also - no Braxton Hicks whatsoever! Should I be jealous??

Sorry stealth - cross post! I have to say I don't envy you having to travel with work at this stage of pregnancy. Hope you are taking it as easy as you can

On the sleeping thing, I just bought 2 stands for the Moses basket, one for our room and one for downstairs. I figure I can just move the basket up and downstairs. Is this naive?

I guess if the sleep setup doesn't work we can always order something else via amazon! Thank goodness - what did people do before online delivery?!

Re books - I think you have to take them with a grain of salt. I know parents for whom Gina has worked really well and others who have not got on with her. I think it probably comes down to what type of baby! I haven't read anything yet (of course) but have been recommended the Penelope leach book so will probably get that.

And you have inspired me to book in my Ocado Christmas shop - hurrah for being awake at odd hours of the morning with time on my hands! It will just be me and dh (and maybe baby if he turns up early!) which will be super weird but makes it fairly relaxed.