September 2019 #7

[easterbuns1]

I get nervous when it's so close to post 999..:

I've spreadsheet-ed out my mat pay for the year today. Gulp.

Actually the year itself looks fine, we're so lucky we just got our mortgage reduced last month. It's the big question mark at the end for childcare and reduced hours that's more scary. I feel like I can't make any more decisions until I actually have a child to care for!

26 weeks today and baby is the size of a bowling pin!

27 weeks and apparently a chocolate cake 😂. Makes no sense as cake comes in many different sizes!

@IVEgottheDECAF Looking at the size of me I reckon this baby is the size of a bowling ball - 25 weeks today and huge!

@Lavellan I've just looked on an hmrc calculator for a rough idea actually as from an employer side I actually don't know what we have to do with this magical matB1 for when I get it. Strange how it varies every month even when paid monthly... luckily DH is self employed so we'll just bump him up a bit whilst I'm on statutory pay to see us through.

I tell you what annoyed me, we HAVE to have 2 weeks off (or 4 in factory work)- how very generous that is - but despite the enforced leave, we only receive 90% pay for that time... one of the many many discriminations again working women I know but this one is so blatantly stupid it's particularly annoying.

Sat waiting for my midwife appointment... last time she was running horribly late and I ended spending a small fortune internet shopping whilst waiting... must stay off line this time... ooh hope I hear the heartbeat again!!

I’ve just purchased ingredients to try a home made baby butt cream. We try not to use plastic unless we have to and I understand many aren’t good for cloth nappies anyway. Recipe I’m trying is coconut oil, Shea butter with lavender and jojoba. Am I mad or has anyone else tried this with success?

@Karigan195 I haven't tried anything in practice, but we're planning on using olive oil as a moisturizer - got some the other day from boots, it comes in a glass bottle. And I think the lavender balm from the nappy last is in glass too, though I could be wrong on that front 🤷 Your homemade cream sounds intriguing, let us know how it goes.

@Karigan195 I think you should trademark "baby butt cream"

@Boodles101, I do pretty much the work pattern you’re talking about already, 32.4 hours rather than 36 so 90% hours/pay but over 4 days. I don’t know anyone who does the same but definitely works well for me to feel like I’m working enough to be taken seriously etc but also not being taken advantage of working hours i’m not paid for!

Another BBHugMe fan! Don't know if DNeice will let me have it back

All those discussing “nunas” I’m off to look at the tavo tomorrow- seems very reasonably priced, doesn’t need car seat adaptors and suitable from birth with a one handed fold... 🤔 too good to be true?

Feel like a lot of chat has happened since I last checked in!

I'm stressing a bit about pay too tbh, mat pay is going to be horribly tight and we will be reliant on DH doing extra shifts so I will be returning to work in January.

Just had a look at the Nuna Tavo, it doesnt parent face except with the carseat which i find off putting, my youngest 2 dc both parent faced until 12m+

twittle can you make any switches to make things easier? E g. Gas and electricity supplier, phone provider etc

@Moraxella yes like @IVEgottheDECAF I’ve ruled out anything not parent facing. I think its really important for little ones.

Apart from the parent facing thing though it looks lovely. I suppose if i wasnt going to use a pram so much i might not be as bothered but i dont drive so baby will have lots of pram time

Decaf we actually only recently done that! Only thing I will be able to change is my phone contract so that will hopefully save a bit as I pay £55 atm!

Also.... My bump has disappeared again?! Can actually wear my usual fav shorts without doing the hair band trick!?

Oh wow Twittle, that's mad!

@TwittleBee that is insane!! Baby has probably moved towards back your spine, but wow. Does the bump reappear towards end of day?

Christ i look like i ate twittle

Bump usually stays the same for me now unless my bowels play me up but then I know that's just bloat.

Bit nervous actually about getting bump measured next week!

How many weeks are you twittle

How far are you now @twittlebee? They don’t start measuring bumps here until after you’re 28 weeks!

Don’t worry Twittlebee. Someone at work was the same then just suddenly bloomed third trimester. Probably nothing more than the way baby is lying.

24+2 days, they measure from 24 weeks here. Well at least they did with DS unless it's changed? I had to have a growth scan at 32 weeks with DS as bump was so big!