May O7ers - W/C 26th Feb

[Frenchsmallfry]

Morning...............

SOH do you wantme to send you some girls clothes - I am having a clearout - dont think I have much newborn but got vests ect 0-3, needs togo as I wont be using it - have ebayed some but it takes too long - you are more than welcome to it - not sure I have alot else but you are welcome it, let me know - will be back on in a bit phones ringing

Flats are in Leicester SOH. That's what I'm worried about. They're great properties though (renovated and by DH's own fair hands), so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that someone falls in love with them. What a mare... In my fantasy world you find a lovely home for tuppence in Norfolk and I find someone who wants to pay a fair price for each of our flats and move in straight away!! I will keep having these lovely dreams, whatever I wake up to...

Having a similar problem with my boss and holidays. He doesn't want me to take them before my ML (as it clashes with HIS honeymoon and HIS 40th), and he wants me to work till the 11th hour, but not keen to pay in lieu. I don't come back until next financial year, so he doesn't really have another option, but he's in a dream world. Everything should be on his terms and to suit him according to him. What an ar*e.

SOH, your poor DH. Would a 30 mile commute be on "big roads" and thus be about 45 mins or are we talking a 90 minute commute into a city here? The latter is madness imo. Wouldn't he just end up being miserable for other reasons?

The poor thing. What a cow to say that about his PL. Actually, it's illegal to say stuff like that. It's one thing he could complain to HR about without it being a bit vaugue. That said, I know it's very difficult to complain about these things. The fear is always that the atmosphere will get worse, not better, but then if this was your child being bullied, you would probably insist on the school head being informed, no?

That reminds me. Pebble, how is your DS getting on at school with the bullying. Did you speak to the authorities aobut it? It was Pebble wasn't it, or am I losing my mind?

Scooter, I hope you enjoyed your lunch. Hopefully in April I can distract you from work a bit and we can meet up. Fair play to you for getting so much work done on the RMA stuff. You're absolutely right to take a break. You won't retain the info if you over-study.

SOH - I would tack your extra holiday on at the start of the maternity leave. You probably feel fine now, but you might be really, really knackered by that time and be glad of the chance to lie in. Taking a month before you're due isn't that long.

A woman in my office (on her first pregnancy) was due to leave about a week before her due date and by three weeks before, she was really regretting the decision. I'm know we're not all made the same, but I'm sure I read somewhere that doctors "recommend" women cease work at 32 weeks if possible. I know we usually ignore the medical muppets and ask a midwife, but I think there might be something in it. I really do.

Anyway, you won't get bored. You have us! And perhaps we can find a tea shop to meet up in so we can have something to look forward to.

Hey there, SOH - really sorry to hear about the trouble your DH is having with that nasty sounding, small minded woman. She's totally out of order making comments about his paternity leave - do you think he might consider doing something about it? Seeing as he will be leaving to join the Police force anyway, he can't lose by standing up to her and taking her on. He could do something direct yet immediate, like saying "actually, I find that comment a little offensive and I'd prefer it if you kept such comments to yourself" (which might shock her into silence - I bet she's one of those types who continually runs her mouth off and gets away with it because people are too intimidated/don't want the confrontation to say anything to her). On the other hand, he could make it formal and make a complaint to her manager. If he goes down this route, it would help him to have a 'diary' of all of the things she's said and done, noting the impact this has had on him each time; it's also worth checking out any bullying or harrassment policies that his employer might have. Bullying at work (or anywhere else) is vile and inexcusable - I will keep my fingers crossed for your DH and I hope that he doesn't have to put up with it for much longer.

Ladies - I need to ask your opinion!! I'm aware that my bump has suddenly increased in size just recently and I'm feeling pretty gargantuan. Last night, DH got a side-on view of me as I stood in the kitchen and said "God - you're massive now!" He wasn't being rude or anything (in fact, he swiftly followed his comment up with "you're big in a lovely way, obviously!"), I think he was just a tad shocked! I am feeling pretty huge though and can't imagine just how enormous I'll be by the time 40 weeks comes around. On the other hand, is it just because I'm not physically around any other pregnant women and so can't realistically compare? You have to tell me, ladies - am I absolutely massive?

Creena - I'm 28 weeks and I look like that. In fact, you're much neater than I because you don't have a huge a'se to go with your bump!

Hmm, maybe I could take a piccie of myself and upload it later so you feel better.

I know what you mean though. I am thinking, "Crikey! How am I going to manage another 12 weeks of growing larger and larger?" I feel like I'll be bedridden like that huge fat man that was on telly the other night.

Creena I think thats a nice looking bump - mine is only slightly smaller than that - but the mw thinks my baby will be small and I am a short a**e - so no you look about right with a nice neat bump

Awww, thanks ladies! I just feel fit to explode at any moment.

TYG - I saw the first half of that programme. I was shocked when I saw him laid face down in bed, unable to move but then I was even more shocked when his doctor spoke about having to search his family for 'contraband' whenever they visited because he was still trying to overeat, despite being near death and having most of his stomach removed!

Also, I have got a right huge @rse - I was just standing at 'angle of disguise'!

Afternoon all....

Jl sorry about the let down on your flats Hope you are able to move them quickly.

SOH, your dh really should do something about the bitch if he can. Unfortunately people don't like to cause trouble or say anything, but this is the reason that bullying in the workplace still goes on. When I worked with the council we had massive policies on bullying, lots os cnfidential support for the employee would have been given. Is she the boss though as that makes it harder?
Enjoy the time off before baby arrives if you can. You do need to try to rest before if possible. Not sure how lg&t manages that or those with other toddlers running around, but I think your first is a bit more of a shock to the system.
I think it's quite common for the police force to post first post out of county? In Dorset and Hampshire they are funny about those living in Dorset working in Dorset and normally post, Dorset to Hants and Hants to Dorset, something to do with knowing too many "people" where you work. Don't know how accurate that is though, it was something a friend told me who became an officer in Hampshire but lived in Dorset, 6 yrs ago though.

lg&t, have you decided to go to Plymouth then? sorry if I've missed a post. Or are you weighing up all options? I just hope you are able to sort something soon so that you are able to relax and enjoy the end of your pregnancy. WHY are people so unhelpful. It makes me soo cross, there is just no need for it it's their job FFS, just do it properly and help people out.

Creena, your bump looks very neat, you are all bump though which is probably why it seems big. I am the other way round and worried that baby is not growing, my bump? fat? Is still tiny, huge arse, legs and every thing else though.

It's my turn for a bad day today. I went to bed with terrible pains across the top of my bump last night, they did go in bed but as soon as I stood up this morning they were back. They have now moved down and round the sides of bump. I feel totally drained and quite sick. Baby is still jumping around so I'm not worried but I just wish I didn't feel so tired.

greetings - have been cruel mother and left DS in nursery this afternoon - we usually spend it together but, after two weeks of getting up every night to change wet bedding for DS, decided I needed a sleep(so why am I here instead...?!) How is your DD wetting going Lillaura? I am beginning to feel v depressed about it all because it had all gone so well.

Had a horrid morning. DH came to talk to me whilst I was in the shower to tell me he was going to the Dr today because he had found a lump in his bits AAARGH - of course, by the time I was out of the shower I was imagining myself as a young (ish) widow with two children etc etc. Anyway, having seen Dr, apparently all is OK and it is probably due to excessive sport/exercise (to which I snorted with laughter - we are not a sporty couple). I KNEW he was being weird over the last couple of days (found lump on Mon)

SOH - your poor dh - I agree with Creena that answering that his comments are offensive in a v calm manner would be a good way forward because they do say that bullies are actually wimps. Also, i have also heard that police tend to train etc in an area where they don't live. Remember he is probably feeling stressed about the baby as well - worrying about coping/finances etc. It certainly hit DH when we had DS1 because he felt all responsible. With regards to adding a week or so onto mat leave - HELLO? YES YES YES. I really enjoyed being able to potter round at home and also to visit a range of coffee shops in our town and just having a bit of time.

Mrsjaffa - lemon recipe coming but they have probably all gone off by now!

I mean of course that HER comments are offensive - confused? me?

Creena, you are quite tiny compared to me bump wise and everything else.My ass is so big now, but the wrost part is all the fat ive laid down on my hips which will be nigh on impossible to shift afterwards..Im trying not to think about it..

Mrs JB-Can you have a lie down this afternoon?I think henceforth we will all be taking it in turns to feel ropey, now we are are in the home stretch so to speak..I ve been getting Braxton Hicks on and off since the weekend and its not fun at all.I never got that with dd.I hope its that anyway..largegandt freaked me out yesterday with her twins being born at this stage..Hey has she been on today?I hope she is not in labour!

TYG-You are right, 90 mins commute into a city is enough to drive anyone mental.I used to be quite normal before I started all that malarkey!Maybe dh would be better waiting to be posted nearer home SOH, as long as he sorts that cow bag at his current work out...Yes,TYG we will be able to go for lovely luncheon when you are off as I dare say I wont be very committed to work by that stage in the game..

So sorry about the flats juicy.But my Mother says the Midlands housing market is like London nowadays-its the fastest growing bit outside London apparently, so surely some one will come in for them pretty soon..Fingers crossed anyway..

Went to Wagamama for lunch, very nice, had some lovely rice thing with chicken followed by a slice of cake.Then got extremely wet on the way back to work.Its as if a large raincloud is following me around...

Leaving early to take dd to her appointment.Quite worried about it now.Not least because have just realised that ive no idea where the hospital is..(she is going to a swank private clinic paid for by dh's work cover).Has anyone ever had an ulrasound on their kidneys?Im assuming its the same as any other ultrasound?

Oh best of luck with DD. I hope she's ok. Great news that DH has private cover. It's a Godsend sometimes - particularly for those things classes as "non-urgent" by the NHS. I had counselling and physio and all sorts of stuff the NHS would never have been able to provide, courtesty of mine.

Get on theaa.com for the route planner so you know where you're going and how long it will take.

Fingers crossed for her. I can't imagine a kidney ultrasound is much different to what we have. In fact, when I was at The Whittington for my last scan, there were other hospital patients waiting outside the same scanning room, so it must be the same. You can make it excitig for DD by telling her that they can look at hte baby using the same equipment.

So much better than those vile dyes they used to make people drink to x-ray the kidneys. Good news indeed. Plus, hopefully they'll be able to give you some immediate results. My mum had a gallbladder scan recently so they told her their immediate findings and then sent them to the specialist to reveiw for the full results.

Ah, I remember the delights of the Whittington from dd.When I was there for my antenatal all the staff were incredibly rude and I used to leave more wound up than when I went in, (which was very, as I was a bag of nerves when pg last time).I hope they are better now-is the new maternity unit open yet?
And have they still got that frightening little woman phlebotomist on the antenatal clinic who shouts at everyone for not having the right papers even though no one ever tells you what papers you need?
It seems like an age ago now and it wasnt that long at all really, just coming up to 2 years since I got pg with dd, and I seem to have been pg ever since!

Have located hosp now.It is in the middle of nowhere.I am bound to get lost.DD's appt isnt till 6 either by which time she will be very tired and very cross and wanting her milk and book and bed.And Scooter will be wanting the same, as that Wagamama has made me very sleepy indeed!

Good luck with dd, scoot and Thanks I am trying to lay down, it's sooo uncomfortable.

Good luck with your DD Scootermum. Let us know how you get both get on.

SOH - What a BITCH this women is to your DH. I am yet to meet a bully who hasn't turned into a complete wuss when confronted. They (IME) have all been cowards.

I wonder how she would respond to him if he said (with sweet suprised look on his face) 'that is an interesting thing for you to say. Must look up the HR policy and see if I can see that under discriminatory comments...hmmm' and then wander off.

Creena - your bump is beautiful So neat and round. I struggle to find mine in amongst the arse, boobs and thigh sponge surrounding it.

Anneme - big relief about your DH. He must have been so stressed the last couple of days poor love

SOH - listen to the Jaffa Queen. Take the time off and enjoy it. Be a beached whale of lesiure like me
I'm leaving 4 weeks before I'm due (2 weeks of that is leave) and intend to very slowly wallow around the place reading, watching DVD's, snoozing in the sun, partaking of the odd biscuit if there is any room left in my stomach seeing as Bean is squashing all my bits up under my chin. Knit a few stiches...nap...pat cat etc...

Thanks everyone for the input on the bonus debacle as well. I was starting to think I was being silly for thinking they were mean, tight arses. Sent email 2 days ago - haven't heard anything yet

SOH - i mean 'woman'

Hello All

Still at home in bonny Scotland and have only just managed to get on computer for 5 minutes to say hello. Haven't had a chance to catch up and don't have time yet so will (ahem) attempt it when I have more time and am feeling braver! Glad to see everyone's returned to the thread, it was getting almost too quiet.......

Have had a lovely time at home and everyone has made a HUGE fuss of me. My mum had a fab birthday and my dad seems slighlty brighter. He's been told he has a bad virus in the lower left part of his left lung? Think that's right. Still very ill but think seeing all his family has cheered him up, though my mum keeps saying he'll turn into a miserable ill patient again when I leave - nice to be loved eh!

Managed to weigh myself as well, have put on exactly 1 stone and am 27+5/27+3. Is this good or bad? It has completely depressed me but I keep reminding myself that I am pregnant therefore weight gain is essential and kind of part of the general package!

Right am of to finish packing, flight home at 9 tonight. Have done no work for uni and lectures start at 8:30 tommorrow morning - eek! Will have to catch up with work when I get back to Bristol tonight, all I'll want to do is crawl into bed mind.

Speak to you all later

hope everything goes ok Scoot with DD.

SOH - take the time off!! I would love to have a month off before my due date. Very for your DH. Just what you don't need.

Creena - your bump is defo smaller than mine and I'm 27 weeks too. Very neat imo.

Have a good flight lw-there should be a nice parcel awaiting you by now as well!

Putting on one stone by now sounds about perfect. Don't be surprised that you gain about another 10lbs to a stone in the next three months though. That's to be expected. About half that will be the weight of hte baby itself.

Depressing. Have just had to hobble to the lav at work in my usual high heeled work shoes. They are suddenly too small. Feet must be swollen. Goddammit. I only have trainers (which I obv wear to and from work) and a whole load of completely impractical stilts and wedge heeled platforms. I don't think I own any flat shoes apart from some Birkenstocks and biker boot type things and my trainers. They don't really go with office wear...

Tsk. I don't want to be in "sensible shoes" yet. I don't DO sensible shoes.

LW wish I had only put on a stone - I have put on 2 stone - oh well, have a good flight home

TYG I went into next the other week to get some slip in shoes and my feet ha expanded - couldnt get any grrrr

Hope all goes well at DD's appointment, Scoots - hugs and all that coming your way!

JB & Anneme - get some rest both of you! That's an order!!

LWatkins - glad to hear that your visit home has perked your dad up. It will have done him so much good. Also, agree that 1 stone sounds perfectly fine and nothing to worry about at all, honest.

TYG - I know what you mean about having to give up lovely shoes in favour of 'sensible' ones. I've been in flats for ages now on account of having a rubbish pelvis and I've hated it. I very rarely wear flats, not least because I'm a short @rse. I swear that the second the baby is born, I'll have gigantic heels on again to make up for lost time. Probably as soon as I leave the birthing unit!

SOH - I agree with everyone else. Add your annual leave onto your maternity leave. I've got loads to take and have asked to take it in advance of my maternity leave so, as of yesterday, I've only got 5 weeks left. I can't flippin' wait!

I've been living in comfortable shoes for ages so not sure if I have hippo feet. Too scared to slip on the nice stuff and check

Afternoon ladies, have just about caught up.

SOH take the time off to visit me and wallow. You will never get to do it agin....

Scooter really hope dd is ok at her appointment. Lots of hugs on the way.

JL buger about the flats, hope you get a new buyer soon.

MrsJB hope the pains go away soon, maybe you have overdone it and it's a little rest warning. How is M's eye today?

TYg DH just looked at the PC and said "Does TYG ever do any work?" Heee, heee

I am thinking the move to Plymouth at Easter for a half a term will be the most sensible option. The kids (well 3) could have a place in a nice school with people we have been friends with for a long time. No space for Jonah but as he is only 4 im thinking it's not much of an issue? I would go at the start of the Easter hols when i would be 34 weeks preg and come back in the half term 8 weeks later. DS #4 tried to come at 32 weeks (last prg) so as long as i can keep my legs crossed and keep calm till then i will be ok.

I have added a pic of the bump to my profile, it mahoosive.