Due Sept 07...The first thing I will do is....... eat Brie, Parma Ham, drink wine and anything else banned... then, I will tie MY OWN shoelaces!'

[MrsFish]

Ok folks here is the new thread. I have put it into ante natal again for now, we can always start a new one in the post natal forum once we have all popped.

:D Could have used that for a thread title.... Once you pop you just can't stop

Hi
sorry have not had time to read all the threads - hope everyone is well.
I need your help. I am 38 weeks and had a sweep done yesterday, lost mucous plug about 1.30 today and am now getting braxton hicks which seem quite regular and getting a big painful. I have had bad backache all day in my lower back and am now getting period like pains with a lot of pressure in my lower stomach. As i am hopefully having VBAC and they want me in as soon as labour starts do you think I should go in to hospital to be checked out? My hubby wants me to go straight in but I dont want to go in if its a false alarm? What do you think?

Congratulations pinkhearts!!!!

Edie - so sorry to hear your rash is getting worse but glad to hear it is not dangerous . Hopefully the piriton will take the edge off. Any more twinges???

Mrsmar - not long to go for you , it is weird to know that some of you have your baby's birthdate already and some of us don't have a clue yet. At least it is looking like my bubba won't get 9/11, although there seems to be less talk about it every year so probably not a bad birthday after all.

hayley - good luck for tomorrow! Probably too late for you to get anything more for your DS, but I bought my boys disposable cameras. They are 4.5 and already clued up that the baby won't be buying them anything and they love taking photos so I thought that would help them get "involved". Although I am sure chocolate would go down well too .

Happy belated Birthday hammerheadshark! My DH keeps making comments about "slotting one more in before I am 40". I told him if he really wants a 4th then he can do the pregnancy and birth .

Did a lot of walking today and now feel a real dragging sensation and period type pains. Probably nothing .

canadianmum 39+3

Rosie - I would call the hospital delivery unit, they are used to evaluating symptoms over the phone and can give some advice. Remember though that you will be a lot more comfortable at home so don't go in just because of your DH, think about how you feel too. Maybe a warm bath or shower will ease some of the discomfort you are feeling???

Hes agreed to let me have some dinner and then I said I will see how I feel - will probably phone the hospital when Ive had dinner and see what they say!! Its our third so you would think he would be a bit calmer this time! Will let you know how I get on x

I agree with phoning them Rosie.
Good luck.

Kyala, what a fecking day! I am actually jealous now though as I have walked to school and tescos and back, school and back, school and back and school and back and all I have for my troubles is an achier back and sore thighs.

Good luck Rosie, sounds like you're imminent!

Canadianmum - it is all very surreal knowing that I won't be pregnant after thursday morning. I'm really looking forward to being able to lie on my back! At my massage this morning I was chatting to the therapist, I realised I don't really have any surprises with this baby, I know it's a boy and now I know what day he's going to be born! Oh well, I hate surprises ! The surprise will be that he comes out with a shock of black hair or something (dh is dark, so won't be a total shock!)

Kyala - sounds like you deserve a rest tonight, put your feet up! I must admit I won't go near public transport now. Can't face it! Pathetic really, but it's so unreliable.

Tinkjon - Yes I've got to go in to the hospital tomorrow at 11.30 for my pre op stuff. I didn't know it would take so long. My mum has offered to take me there as dh can't get the day off, I don't think she's expecting to be there so long. Oh well, I won't tell her, ignorance is bliss! I am quite nervous about the cs. I have no idea what to expect, just had a lovely chat with my friend who had an elective cs with her dd2 6 years ago, and she said it was the calmest of all her births (she's had four in all, all induced because of severe pre-eclampsia) She said it was really lovely and calm, and she had a wonderful time and really bonded with her dd as a result. That has made me feel much better. She even reassured me about the catheter, I was really worried it would hurt (prob not having it put in, I'm sure they'll do that after the epidural) I was really nervous about how much it would hurt taking it out, but she said they took it out just before her epidural started to fade (I think it lasted about 3 hours so the catheter came out after 2 and a half hours) and she was able to use a comode from then on.

I hope your appointment goes ok tomorrow, I've constructed a master plan to keep myself 100% occupied tomorrow, I've done absolutely nothing today so I've got so much to do tomorrow I won't have time to think about things, then dh and I are going to go out for dinner. We'll have to come on here tomorrow and distract each other

God luck for tomorrow and the big day, MrsMar! BTW, catheters don't hurt when they're taken out (or they shouldn't anyway). They look impressive though, best keep eyes averted!

Oh, MrsMar, I echo what Toadstool said - catheters coming out don't hurt AT ALL! I promise you, I am the biggest wimp in the world and I was dreading this at my previous cs - the nurse even commented on how much of a baby I was but I literally didn't feel a thing when she did it. I was lying there with eyes shut and clenched teeth awaiting some kind of agony and the nurse just looked at me oddly and said "er - I've already done it" This was hours after the epidural had worn off, by the way - I think it was even the next day. And yes they will put the catheter in after the epidural - I think it's pretty much a given that they do this but you could mention it anyway, I'm going to. Having a sudden panic that they'll need do an internal either at the pre-op or on the morning - there can't really be any reason why they'd need to do one, is there?!

Oh thanks so much for the reassurance Tinkjon and Toadstool. for some reason I got all worked up about it, thinking nasty great tube thing.... small little wee wee hole... ouch!!! I'm very glad to hear it won't hurt. I can't think why they'd give an internal... nothing's coming out of there. My big worry was them turning round and saying oh the baby's turned, you'll have to have a normal delivery just as I've totally psyched myself up for cs! I have made almost no preparations for real birth since knowing I'm having a cs, stopped perineal massage, stopped taking raspberry leaf! eek! I know he hasn't turned really, still getting those low down kicks, but it's one of those three o'clock in the morning worries! Pathetic really cos I'd have to have done it if he hadn't been breech, but it's just cos I'm not mentally prepared at all!

For some reason, now it's so imminent, my cravings for a drink are huge.... had to have a big swig out of dh's lager while I was doing dinner and practically tore the bottle of white wine out of his hand so I could pour myself a glass. It was a really lovely Pouilly Fume, so if I'm going to do any harm to my baby at least it's quality harm !! I guess knowing he's cooked, and the realisation that I can indulge in all these lovely things very soon is too tempting!!

tomorrow night we're going out for our last peaceful dinner in a while and I'm definitely having a glass of wine, if nothing else to help me sleep and forget my impending terror!!

CONGRATULATIONS to all of the new arrivals, how exciting!!!!! There wasn't even an arrivals lounge last time I was on here lol!!!!! Please forgive me for not having caught up properly, I promise I'll be having a good read through over the next few days...

Thank you soooo much to all of you for your lovely messages of love and support - you've had me in tears! Thank you also to chattyhan for posting my messages and for your lovely replies !

Well, we're home now and Cerys is feeding well. We did come home last Monday but looking back, we didn't realise how ill Cerys really was. She was jaundiced and hadn't done a poo so the midwife sent me up to the hospital on Wednesday morning to have her checked when this whole nightmare began. We'll be building a case against Basingstoke hospital as they shouldn't have let us come home at all but at the same time, I'm pleased I got a couple of days cuddles and bonding with Cerys before having to go through what happened. The neonatal unit at Southampton is amazing, can't fault them at all!!!

She is doing well now and has a little colostomy or stoma bag that has to be changed every 3 days (sorry if tmi). She's got a few more operations to go but she is getting stronger all the time. I'm managing to pretend that I'm OK but I'll admit to you guys that I'm falling apart inside! The good news is that my spd has gone although it took a couple of days - the oedema is still there but is dying down slowly.

I'm just concentrating on being a new mum all over again now that we're home and I love having lots of cuddles and time with her. She is sooooo gorgeous and looks like her Dad (who I also happen to think is gorgeous lol!). DS (13) asked if we could take her back (jokingly of course) after she had been crying all night bless him but he does love her and holds her as often as he can as does DD1. She doesn't cry as much at night-time now though (so far anyways!).

I'd better go - Cerys is due a feed soon and shes stirring! I'll be back soon though, just need to find my feet over the next few days...

Love to all and thank you again! (((((((((hugs))))))))))
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

PLP you poor love, I hope Cerys is doing well despite her difficult start in life, it sounds like she is if she's feeding well. I hope the operations she faces are going to be quick and simple and she recovers well. I've just looked at your profile page, OMG!!! How did I not see those pictures of your feet before??? You poor thing, I hope they go down quickly. It must be such a relief to be free of the spd, no more crutches! But oh those feet!! Never again will I complain about swollen feet (actually the day after tomorrow I won't need to, won't be pregnant any more!)

I hope you're getting some sleep, big kiss to Cerys

xx

PLP - Blimey just looked at your pictures too, those feet are so swollen... I haven't had swollen feet/ankles this time round, but I did with Sam and it was very uncomfortable. Glad you are home and I hope little Cerys is sorted soon and makes a fab recovery, [hugs} to you too, you must be feeling awful.

MrsMar - I know what you mean about craving drink, nothing nicer than an ice cold lager.. dh has been out and bought several types of non alcoholic beer for me, of which Becks and Cobra are the nicest Oh and enjoy your day and meal tonight

Rosie - how did you get on, everything settle down?

Hayley - Good Luck for today, I hope your day is not too stressful and you have the birth you want and ex p doesn't ruin it for you. x

Kyala - Sorry you had a crap day.

I had a crap day yesterday, hence I didn't post much. Was totally exhausted all day due to no sleep the night before, also felt so guilty because sam wanted to play and all I wanted to do was sleep. Picked him up from nursery and tried to get him to have a nap with me on the bed, but he just wouldn't settle, every time I then lay down he was climbing all over me and wanted me to sit up, so I was getting really ratty. It seems that the closer to my dute date I get the livelier he is getting, he doesn't want to go to bed at night now, and he is up early in the morning, he also started shouting out in the night which he never does, so he obviously realises something big is going to happen soon and he has taken to squealing and screaming like a girl and running around like there is no tomorrow The woman at nursery says it is his age 2+4 and he is just 'finding' himself. Blimey, I knew it was going to be difficult being pregnant with a toddler, but I didn't think it would be this hard. Also I started with backache yesterday which is something I have got away with so far, and I think this lo has started to move into position as I had really achy period like pains too.

At least I had a better nights sleep last night. Went to bed at 10pm and only woke up 4 times, also no heartburn, but then again the last thing I had to eat was about 3pm yesterday and I had the hb all afternoon/early evening instead. I am feeling a bit more positive today

Hello everyone

PLP - glad you're back with us and nice to hear cerys is doing well. It's perfectly reasonable to find things difficult at the moment and feel free to moan away to us! I completely agree with your case against Basingstoke, it never should have been missed. xx

Mrs Bumblebee, Sophus and anyone else pasttheir due date sending you lots of birthing vibes ))))))

Edie - sorry you're suffering with the itching but glad it's nothing serious

Mrs Fish - good news about the babysitter going later although very insensitive of others to make all these plans. You're very justified to be annoyed! I'm having a simular problem with DP not being very available as just started new job and i'm trying to arrange help without knowing when things will happen - just had mum visiting for 3 days but no labour so now i've got to worry for 2 days until MIL arrives for weekend. It's driving me mad!!!

Hammerheadshark - hello again - hope you're all settled after the move - re our contact list Dal21 set it all up but she's busy recovering from c-section so if you're happy to post your email i'll forward you all the contacts

Kinki - so sorry about what you're going through but you must be entitles to mat pay of some variety. When i claimed maternity pay i did it through my local jobcentre. Hope you get it all sorted you cannot return to work so early

amyclaramum - gorgeous photos!

Halyey and EmlouT - too late to send you wishes but thinking of you xx

Kyala - congrats on your show!

Well not much to report on me! Nothing much going on - occasional twinges but never come to anything. LO is 3/5 engaged and in a good position - ready to go according to midwife but still comfy. She did however say 'she's very happy' i corrected her that's it's a boy and she said the heartbeat sounded like a girl and she's thought this one was a girl all the way through!!!! i've had lots of scans and no ones said it's not a boy and we've been very obvious with DS saying things like 'look at your little brother' but now i'm very confused - come on lo we need you out!!!!

39+3

Morning all

Chattyhan thanks for the welcome back, my e-mail is sarah _ sweet99 @ hotmail . com (without the spaces). You never know perhaps you have got a girl in there, scans are sometimes wrong. Last time one of the midwives told me I had one of each from the heartbeats but it was two girls in the end - the only fullproof way is to have a good look between their legs when they pop out I reckon .

PLP - glad to hear you are all back home again and dear little Cerys is doing well despite her dramatic time. Is is weird having a teeny baby when your other children are quite "grown up"?

Canadianmum - top plan to make DH do the pregnancy and birth thing if we have a no.4. Though just thinking about how the pathetic dying swan act he puts on when man-flu crops up would last a whole 9 months might drive me demented.

Kyala - sorry you had a crap day - hope you have a much more relaxing time today, though you will be busy eating all of that chocolate, but that's my kind of busy

Hayley - good luck today!!!

Rosie - any news???

Mrs Fish - can totally sympathise with how hard it is looking after toddlers whilst pregnant. Feel like I have been a bit of a snappy, neglectful mum to my twin girls, particularly lately - just counting the hours til nap time and bed time and wondering how much CBeebies is too much in between. Hope you get a bit of rest today.

MrsMar - just to add to what the others said about the catheter coming out - didn't feel it coming out at all last time after my section. Did feel it big time when my clumsy DH tripped over it though (Ouch) so beware of bumbling husbands.

Have got last midwife check today then bloods at the hospital on Friday then hopefully all go for monday. Getting very excited to meet this little person and to be able to breath lying down again.

Have a good day

Hi all. glad to see you're back plp, even with all the worry you must still have, it's good to see you.

A sleepless night with contractions, finally fell asleep at about 4, woke at 6 with nothing but a tiny bit of a show.

GGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRR

DD and I are having toast and nutella for lunch and hopefully a snooze to catch up, then its either baby time or school time lol.

Hi all

PLP so nice to have you back with us. Well done little Cerys on her recovery. It's perfectly understandable the rollercoaster of emotions you're going through at the moment. It does sound like you are coping very well. Have been thinking about you loads.

Kinki, WHAT ABSOLUTE FING BSTARDS. Excuse my language but FFS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot believe the way you're being treated. Like I said ages ago, it's no wonder the NHS have trouble retaining staff, their conduct over your mat pay is utterly disgusting. You can't go back to work yet . I REALLY hope you manage to get something sorted, a few people have made some suggestions, I can't really add anything but to say that I'm so sorry and thinking of you.

Bit late, but wanted to say good luck to Hayley2U. You're having your section today aren't you?

I have read all posts, sorry for not replying individually.

It's been a while since I've posted, been feeling a bit flat/odd these past few days. I went to the hospital yesterday for my pre-caesarean appointment. It just felt SO surreal sitting there listening to the anaesthetist telling me about the procedure. The anaesthetic nurse asked me about skin to skin, and whether I wanted the screen dropped so that I could see the baby being delivered etc. I just sat there thinking 'Why am I here?' It's almost like I'm having an out of body experience. I was looking over at DS2 (who's 8) thinking, OMG I'm going back to having a baby again and WHY did I think that was a good idea???? The closer it's getting to Monday the more scared I'm getting, because it's SO real and I'm worried about how DH will manage with his one arm. Sorry for STUPID irrational moan, feel guilty when others are having tough time. I need to have a SERIOUS word with myself. Can you guys help sort my head out, I'm not in a v good place just now. Lost all enthusiasm

Feel free to give me a (albeit internet) smack!!

Oh dear HIWBB - you are down in the dumps aren't you

Try not to worry, you will cope admirably, you have a loving family and I am sure both your boys will be a big help to you, at least you have them too and don't have to just rely on dh to help out with his poorly arm. I would go for the skin to skin contact as it will be a good way to start bonding straight away with your lo seeing as it is a cs. You will be in the best of hands all the way. Just think another cutie pie to look after and mother all over again with the added benefit of two wonderful boys to help {{{{{HUGS}}}} YOU WILL BE FINE, its the waiting and knowing that is the worst bit, not long to go now

HIWBB, sorry you're feeling down. FWIW, I think it's perfectly natural (sorry, I don't know if that is likely to cheer you up or depress you further ). I've had lots of days throughout my pregnancy where I've wondered if we're really doing the right thing having a baby. Let's just say that DH had to be persuaded into the idea in the first place, and I'm constantly worrying that I've done the wrong thing. Not that he faces the same challenges as your DH of course, he's just a bit ambivalent about the whole thing. And we're still a very 'loved up' couple, and whenever we have a really nice day alone together, I think, god, is a baby going to spoil all this??

BUT, in my more positive moments, I'm sure that he's going to love being a dad, and that we're going to be even more fulfilled and happy as a family than a couple. And I'm sure that for you and your DH the delight of having another child will outweigh any difficulties. I'm not trying to downplay the difficulties at all - I'm sure everyone has tough moments of some kind, and obviously your DH has got a particular challenge to contend with because of his arm - but I'm convinced that all the happy stuff will more than make up for it.

So, in short, I'm not going to be trite and say 'as soon as you hold your baby in your arms everything will be absolutely perfect forever', because I doubt that's true for anyone, but equally, think of all the wonderful stuff you've got to look forward to. Plus, it's always easy to worry about the consequences of decisions you've made once you've made them (i.e. the decision to have a baby), but forget that the opposite decision would have had consequences as well. (In my case, I have doubts about having a baby, but if I hadn't made that decision, I know I would be terribly depressed about not having a baby, and in the end that might have spoiled my relationship with DH anyway.)

Sorry, terribly waffly and probably doesn't make much sense, but hope it helps.

Plus I second what MrsF just said - you've already got a lovely family to help you out .

HIWBB (((hugs)))

Sorry you are feeling so low, but like MrsB says it is probably quite natural. I am having my section on Monday as well and completely agree with how surreal it all is - perhaps we can send each other supportive vitual vibes on the day?

As for coping with the baby - you must remember you are mega-mum and have so far dealt with crazed psychotic boxer dogs, kitchens being taken out and put in and your DH being in and out of hospital, whilst maintining your sanity and a sense of humour about it all. A baby will be a breeze in comparison and I'm sure your big boys will be a great help. I know its not the same but my brother has a problem with his left arm which makes it virtually useless and he managed to handle both the DTs at once quite ok when they were teensy newborns, even though that was only in an uncle not a DH capacity, so I'm sure your DH will be fine. Did you ever get any more news from the neurosurgeons about his recovery?

Anyway take care and rant whenever necessary - we are here.

Hi everyone. Thank you so so so much for all your messages of support. You are all so very kind. My head's a little more sorted now. And I've taken on board some of your advice. Thank you those who reminded me about mortgage payment holidays. Now I'm reminded of it I'm sure we do have that option. Also I remembered that we arranged a huge 'further advance' on our mortgage 4 years ago but we didn't even spend half of it. I've a feeling that its valid for 5 years so that's another option maybe. Also the more dh has been talking to the job centre, the better I feel about being able to claim through there. In fact the fella there has said I can use some of the balls-ups my employers made to help me claim more, so I may in fact be better off. And we've accepted that in the interim period until its all sorted we will just resort to credit cards and pay back once the money's in. So there we go, I'm feeling happier.

Also regards your support: I've tried to be a bit firmer about visitors! I DIDN'T babysit for someone yesterday. I've turned away 2 lots of visitors due tomorrow (hard work sort of visitors). But I had some unexpected guests turn up today at lunchtime. Good job I'd just been to the supermarket. My problem is that I'm 'good 'ol kinki', the one that is there for others. Because outwardly everyone sees me getting on with everything, it doesn't occur to many that things are a little tuff at the moment.

Oh, while I think of it, about driving after a cs, someone mentioned it the other day. I phoned my insurer - More Than. I told them the hospital advised me to phone them to check my insurance was still valid post surgery. She asked me if the doctors had actually advised me NOT to drive. Answered no, she said in which case I am insured. I would only NOT be insured if the doctors had advised me not to drive. She said it can vary from co to co, but most of them say the same as More Than.

Which was a good job as I had to drive to the doctors today. I've been having a bit of tummy pain, which is unusual for me. Doctor wonders if I may be getting an infection in my uterus. She told me to monitor it and come back if worse or I get a temp. Its ok now, but I think that's because I stupidly took some paracetamol. Paracetamol is as effective on me as morphine or pethidine. So at least its not hurting now!

Hopey, I agree with the surreal thing. And with everything you've been through its unsurprising that you're feeling a bit flat. The only thing I can add to what the others are saying is that it is so amazing how quickly it feels like Liam has always been with us or meant to have been with us. The adjustment from 2 to 3 has happened naturally, effortlessly and seamlessly. What I mean is getting my head round the change - the rest of it is bloody hard work, but I do have a feeling of 'this was meant to be'. About dh's arm: can I over generalise for a moment? If he's a typical fella, he'll put his problem solving head on and come up with solutions for the tasks he wants to do. He'll probably have ingenious ways of doing things that will leave your heart in your mouth, but he'll get the job done some way. Men generally don't admit defeat, and would rather use their methodical brains to come up with a plan round a problem. Anything so that they can do the job as well as a woman. Did you ever see the lady on 'Child of our Time' who has very short arms. The way she cared for her baby/child was incredible. She used props, her feet, her mouth, anything. Here's hoping all goes well for him.

HammerHead, MrsFish and MrsBumbleBee, THANK YOU THANK YOU!! I've read and re-read and... your messages. What clever peeps you are, very wise words! HammerHead, yes, you're right, reading what you've written, it is actually quite comical what we've been through these past 10 months, and we do just get on with it! In fact I had some girlfriends round this morning and I was telling them about my current feelings/fears, one of them said 'if someone had told you a year ago that your husband was going to be involved in an horrific accident and he was going to lose the use of his arm, you'd have said you would NEVER be able to cope/get over it, and look at you!!'

She and you are absolutely right, I guess it's that big old fear of the unknown! Also the very real and rational fear of sleep deprevation , not looking forward to that bit! DH is quite chilled about the baby, he says that he will work it out and find a way.

Funny you should ask about neurosurgeon check ups. We've had two this week. One with a private one who works with lots of specialists in Stanmore, then yesterday the NHS surgeon who performed the initial neurosurgery. They were both very enthusiastic about the potential long term recovery DH may achieve. He's showing some very promising signs of nerve recovery. At the same time they are very realistic, as are we, and we know that he will never achieve recovery of his hand or fingers, those nerves have gone for good unfortunately. BUT it is looking good for shoulder control and possibly elbow bend in 2-3 years. Fingers crossed.

Thank you again. Feeling much better. I love you guys. How did I cope with my other 2 pregnancies when there was no Mumsnet and no pals who understand!

HammerHeadShark, we'll have to focus on each other on Monday and send each other positive vibes... I'll be thinking of you

Hi Kinki. So glad things are looking up. And good for you for being firm with the visitors - I'm that you were even considering babysitting! Oh, and thanks for what you said about already feeling that Liam's always been with you - I know it was primarily aimed at HIWBB, but it's made me feel more reassured as well .

Now, ladies, can anyone help me out with an 'am I a gynaeological freak?' question (tmi alert)? After someone (Sophus??) mentioned that her MW said her cervix was still hard, which meant that labour wasn't all that imminent, I decided to have a quick feel to see what mine was like. (I know, I know, very silly idea - 9 months pg probably not the best time to be rummaging around in your fanjo, plus I have no medical knowledge to allow me interpret what I find anyway. Feel free to call me an idiot.) Anyway, I had a look, and................ I couldn't find it ! Cervix, that is, not fanjo . Now, I know that cervixes move around like nobody's business, but mine's never been so high/far back that I haven't been able to feel it at all. Does anyone know if this is normal, or signifies anything about labour??

I tell you, if they decide they want to offer me a sweep, they're going to have to find a MW with fingers like ET's .

I'm just ducking in from June 07 to wish you luck with the forthcoming babies, and congratulations to those here already!

My 8 week old is sleeping in my lap, and I'm a wee bit of you all! (She is number 4, so that's not a good thing!)

Good luck everyone!

kinki, just read your post. I'm so glad you've come up with a plan . WELL DONE YOU on putting off those visitors, shame about the unannounced guests, you keep putting your foot down girl, they'll soon get the message, and they'll respect you for it. x x x

Also, thank you SO much again for your kind words. Sounds like you know my DH very well!! He's a stubborn so and so and doesn't let things stop him! We have said in jest that he can maybe use his teeth/mouth to help him change nappies!

On a good note, the private chap we saw this week was slightly horrified at the lack of rehabilitation that has been provided by the NHS for DH. He was discharged from Oxford with some v basic physio bends we were to do at home, and that was IT! We were very fortunate to have been taken under the wing of the Physiotherapy Manager who is an upper limb specialist. She has a personal interest as her DH is a biker. She has been fantastic. However, this private surgeon explained that there is SO so much more that DH should have been offered, ie pain management/therapy, specialist occupational therapists who deal with his sort of disability etc etc. The OT who came to visit a couple of months after the accident offered DH a 'special' bread board for buttering bread! That's was IT!! SO, this private chap is 'on the case', he's going to make some calls and get the right people to see DH, there may be lots of things out there that help with looking after baby's etc. Silly little things like, how do you hold a toddler and open a stair gate one handed? Etc.

Right, I'm off to finish tackling this intimidatingly large pile of ironing! Need to get house sorted before the 'big day'. DS1 has a school friend round, so they're ensconced on the sofa playing Xbox, easy peasy!

Big hugs and kisses to you x o x o x