For some reason, I am only getting the occasional notification and then it slips out of my mind and when I come back there’s pages and pages of threads to read! Hi! I have read through this morning (I’m feeling very rested as my little boy decided to have a lie in until just before 7 this morning - he’s usually creeping in to see me before 6:30!) so just going to randomly join in conversations that have maybe already finished 😂
RE: School returns, what did you all decide? My little boy is in the preschool class in his private nursery, and they’ve reopened now to any families where at least one parent is a key worker. Both my husband and I are although I’m home working, but I’ve decided to keep him home with me. The guidelines (which were sent to the nursery by Welsh Government) were just so sad that I couldn’t imagine sending him for him to be so restricted. It talked about taking some of the toys and activities away (sand, playdough, cookery, any toys and books which aren’t plastic wipe down) and designation to a bubble that they can’t mix outside of - it broke my heart for these babies who don’t fully understand (although I obviously completely understand and appreciate the guidelines in place). He has his very best friend in nursery, they’ve been together since Harry went to nursery at 14 months old, and there’s no way they won’t hug each other when they see each other, hold hands to walk between the buildings etc. - they’re both very tactile. No schools are open in Wales yet so fortunately we’re not in a position where we really need to decide outside of what we want to do.
On the subject of nursery and childcare, @emma278, I would say nursery is one of the best things for H. It’s so sad sending them initially, and we went through phases where he would cry going (although this happened more at about 18 months+ when he wanted to move up to the next room and they were waiting for space), but it’s made him super sociable, it bought on his speech so well through playing with older children, and it’s just helped me be really confident about his readiness for transition to state nursery in September. I miss him not going now 😂 You and your baby will be fine.
@ChipsAreLife I definitely saw a regression in H through lockdown too - night wakings, we even had to re-potty train as he was having more accidents. It must be so difficult with the change in routine, plus the uncertainty for them of what is happening in the household. He knows Mummy has a baby in her tummy, and I feel like he must be subconsciously a bit anxious about that (which gives the worst Mum guilt!). Any Mum’s been through this before with some words of wisdom on how to make him feel better?
@MooseWL @ShiningStarz I would love a new bathroom too! We’re hoping to move in the not too distant future though, so don’t want to put too much money in to the house. In my kitchen, I replaced the handles on the cupboards, bought a new blind, bin, kettle (after melting the cord on the old one!), placemats and we’ll have new light fittings once measures are further lifted and it looks like a new room! Certainly made me feel better about it - I’ve hated the kitchen a long time.
@ShiningStarz - I’ve heard great things about the Holly Willoughby books, which I may get for myself actually. My advice is actually not to read too much (especially on routines!) as it drove me nuts last time - I really was a little insane, so uptight about it all. H doesn’t have really high sleep demands, he slept so much less during the day as a newborn than my friends children, slept great at night, I was convinced there was something wrong with him because he didn’t do what the book said 😂 Have finally come to the realisation that baby’s haven’t read the book so take what they say with a pinch of salt. Sleep is still a mystery to me!
For those of you talking about cars, would your partner swap with you? My husband had a new car the August I fell pregnant with Harry, and although my car also had isofix fittings, we decided it was better for me to have the new car as it was a bit more reliable. We have car seats in both cars now, but I used the newer car all through maternity leave and even now if anyone has H for the day, they have the newer car (which has the better car seat and more room all round). We’ll probably do the same this time too.
I had my 24 week apppintment on Monday, face to face at the GP surgery. Funny how it’s so different in different health boards. She did my urine check, measured my fundal height (growth is perfect even though I look enormous!), and I heard baby’s heartbeat ❤️ Does anyone believe in heartbeats telling gender? My next appointment will be when I have my GTT, but we’ve been told all appointments from 28 weeks onward are definitely face to face as there is the duty of care. If you’re not happy @Sep20baby, ring your GP and ask to see the midwife.
What she did say to me was that I should continue to shield, and not return to work. It’s unlikely to be expected before August enrolment anyway, we’ve only got 4 weeks left until the staff Summer break - but she doesn’t think I should return in August either. I know someone else here works in an FE college and can’t remember who it was 🙈 (maybe @Roxy8203???) - I would be interested to know what your plans are? I am unsure whether to apply to start my maternity leave 2 weeks early, or whether they will allow me to work from home (though I don’t see what use I could be), or whether occupational health will put something in place for me... think I’m going to sit on it and see what happens generally!
@Lazydaisydaydream I’ve been thinking of you over the past few weeks. Hope you and baby are well!
Sorry for the essay ladies 😂