Due July 08 - Second Trimetster :)

[PaulaYatesbiggestfan]

Hello all sorry to start this without warning but feeling terribly left out as my pc is broken and dp's crashes at the sight of such a huge thread
So here we are!
Cant even get the register to do a 'roll call'!

Thanks for the warm welcome.

I just love hearing the baby's heartbeat, in a way it was better than the scan! (probably because I felt so sick at my 12wk that I didn't care if I was pregnant with an alien) I've just ordered a doppler so I can listen to it at home.

My mum is so thrilled too, way more excited than I am and every time she comes over she brings baby-to-be a little gift.

We haven't bought anything big yet like a pram or a cot. Prob going to try and get 2nd hand with most of it to save a bit of money, what about everyone else?

The last person to have a baby in my family was about eight years ago, so no hand-me-downs to have, sadly.

Hi everyone,

Hope all well! I dreamt last night I had a beautiful little boy and called him Luca, I have never even thought of that name before so that was a bit strange - DH hated the sound of Luca though so that is out...He is getting prepared to start talking about names though so I think we are getting somewhere finally!!

Got MW appointment next week, will they automatically check heartbeat you think, or will I have to ask?!

Morning / Afternoon,

How is everuone feeling today? I feel soo happy now the weather is FINALLY abit better, and is due to stay that way over the weekend, who'd have thought that this time last week it was snowy!

Welcome Niknakf.

Mrshop - I really like the name Luca, my friend has twins, Luca and Ruby, and they are beautiful! Also, my midwife checks the heartbeat every visit, so you shouldn't have to ask. But they are all different!

Congrats for those who have been to the midwife and heard heartbeats! Twinkle - wow, 2 heartbeats, I can't quite imagine it!

I'm going to give in and 'look' at P & T's tomorrow..... Oh dear, you lot are a bad influence, although there are some cheap second hand ones on Ebay.... I'm not as snobby as I was the first time round! Def more practical!

Thank you isaidno - the seat to go looks great and cheaper than others I've see.
Jodie - nice idea about a clothes swap
I can't wait to start mat leave - I'm going as early as possible this time round!! Very hacked off with work now...

Afternoon all feeling a bit down here today don't know why probably just a bit of groundhog day.

Only new things we are getting is a P&T (big purchase I know) but having been out with DD1 and DD2 today on my own it's needed I can tell you. Trying to get even DD2's single through some shop doors and look after DD1 at the same time argh! Was also crossing a busy road so holding DD1's hand and pushing DD2 one handed was on a traffic island and there was this old bloke coming towards us he had his head down and walked right into us even though he could see us coming for ages no apology nothing Anyway sorry I digress what was I talking about oh things for the new baby, P&T and car seat, am planning to go to Halfords and get them to fit it as it needs to go between the DDs in the middle seat. That's about it really unless it's a boy and we will need some new clothes. We bought far too much for DD1 but I think everyone goes a bit mad with their PFB.

Sorry to hear about your crap day Sweetkitty..

we aren't really buying much for the bump either, Just Double buggy (maybe P&T who knows?) and thats it, unless it's a girl, then I can go mad on lovely clothes... (well I won't go mad, but you know what I mean) We need a bed for DS and thinking about getting him one of those highchair thingies that fit on a normal chair, as he quite likes sitting at the table with us now. Infact this morning he played blue murder while in his highchair, so after 10 mins of crying and puching weetabix away I took him out, he then climbed oin dining room chair and moaned for his (now cold) weetabix and ate it all! How grown up!

Sorry to go on, also, he is now at his gran's and she's having him until tomorrow afternoon! Whey hey!! It's a pity I can't go out and get wasted!

Hello,

I'm new to Mumsnet so just thought I'd introduce myself. I'm due on 13th July with my first child so this is all very new. And this site looks like a great place to come for advice.

I'm having my next big scan on 6th March and don't plan on finding out the sex as I like the idea of a surprise. Though I think DH would be happy to know!

Haven't bought any big items yet and am feeling a bit daunted by the pram/puschair decision. (Fortunately it classifies as a gadget so DH is on the case with extensive research!) I want a sturdy 3-wheeler as we have lots of nice parks nearby, and a travel system looks like a good option but the car seats of the ones we've looked at (e.g. Jane Slalom Pro) don't get good reviews. Any advice from those who have been or are going through this would be much appreciated!

Jodie - whoops I forgot about a bed for DD2 will need her bedside cot for DB3 so will have to get her a new bed or get DD1 a bed, give DD2 DD1's cot bed and generally play musical beds.

About the P&T one of my justifications is that they have a very good resale value second hand, they are on ebay for £300. So I will be keeping the box and keeping it in good condition (new for me) and am planning to sell it on once DD2 is walking proper.

So my list so far is:
P&T
newborn car seat
bed for DD2
full set of clothes if a boy
some clothes if a girl

People give you loads of stuff especially with your first so I would hang fire and see what presents you get first before going mad.

I will probably get (or use again)
6 sleepsuits
6 vests
scratch mitts (vital with DD1 not with DD2)
few little summery outfits (if boy)

Repeating myself I know, but we have absolutely no baby stuff as had decided we wouldn't have any more and gave everything away. I am hoping to get hand me downs from my sister,and anyone else who offers, otherwise will probably be buying most things second hand. Not at all bothered about that as long as they work and are clean. It would cost a fortune otherwise to buy everything new and life, jobs, house etc all in a bit of a turmoil at the moment so don't want to spend too much.

Haven't felt any movement for about a week now and am getting a bit anxious. Not seeing midwife for another 3 weeks....
Can't wait to hear the heart beat.

Welcome Legsy, you've come to the right place for advice and grumbles and good news, well anything your going through really!!!!

My new born car seat is a Mama's and Papas and it cam with the pliko pramette, It has base, which is optional, and I quite can't complain about it at all. The only thing I would say about the whole M & P travel system was it was a right pain to clip together so used to take DS out of the seat and straight into the pram, rather than faffing. The Quinny is suppossed to be good too I think.

Afternoon everyone!

Welcome to Legsy.

SweetKitty sorry you're having a bit of a down day today. I also hate when people just walk around without any awareness - I remember babysitting for my niece and people would be pretty rude about having to walk around the buggy and I just used to think how much easier it is for one person to move out of the way than a woman with a buggy. Inconsiderate b*stards!

MrsHOP - I love the name Luca. Is your DH definitely set against it?? Saying that DP and I can't agree on names either - although as I'm the one going through the birth I kinda think my choices should have priority! . I actually got a names book yesterday in my lunch break (am so not motivated at work!) and one option for a girl's name was "Titty" which I have now decided is going to be our girl's name unless DP seriously considers Iris or Beatrice (he hates both!)

I think the MW automatically checks the heartbeat MrsH.

I was just browsing through baby books yesterday and came across the Gina Ford book - the introduction looked like it was full of useful tips but have had both positive and negative feedback about the book. Anyone any thoughts on it?

I got bought for me 2 Gina Ford books when DS was born, the contented baby one and the weaning one. Both were brill, although I just used them as a guide as her routine can be quite strict and all consuming. I just took from it what I wanted and left the rest, also I found it was full of good stuff in the introduction. I would recommend it, even though I didn't go for her full routine.

Thanks very much for the pram/pushchair/car seat thoughts Jodie

Re the Gina Ford book - I too have heard both good and bad things. I think it depends very much on both parents and baby. From what I gather, it's based around a very rigid routine so if you're the sort of person who prefers to play things by ear a bit, it's probably not for you. But other people I know really liked the fact that it gave them a routine and some certainty to plan around.

I found this comment in something a friend sent me:
"We picked up Gina Ford?s ?Contented Little Baby Book? and thought it was the most anally retentive thing we had ever seen and she needed to get a life. 6 weeks in and with an increasingly fractious baby we picked it up again and it was a lifesaver. Very much one to form your own opinion of, based on your attitudes and your baby?s character. You might like to try Tracey Hogg?s Baby Whisperer which is a bit more common sense than the Nazi Nanny."

Not particularly conclusive but hope it helps a bit.

Hi legsy congratulations and welcome to our little thread

I bought GF too and it just wasn't for me. I am not a routine person and didn't like being told when to feed my baby etc. I also think she's not very helpful in the first few weeks of BFing when you are sore and weepy and baby is clusterfeeding like mad. I think this poor baby will just have to fit into the rest of the family but I think that's what it's like with thirds and beyond. Have been researching slings on MN I think it will spend a lot of it's time in a sling on the go. Long gone are the days I used to spend a few hours with DD1 sleeping on me.

I agree you just have to cherry pick the best bits of advice from everyone and mould it to fit around you and your circumstances and don't forget the oodles of "advice" you will be getting from relatives especially if it's your first "well in my day we did X, Y and Z and you turned out OK" it will drive you mad.

EEC - I am feeling a bit like that about maternity clothes, I need to buy some but don't want to waste the money IYSWIM have dropped a dress size between each baby so none of my old clothes fit (believe me I have tried) and this is my last baby for sure so buying clothes for a few months seems like a waste. Tops and things I plan to get some summer stuff from Primark but will def need maternity trousers/jeans.

Legsy - we had the jane 3 wheeler for DD1 and it is brilliant, had the lie flat car seat (i do a lot of travelling so felt it was quite important), this car seat is a bit heavy to carry round but I didn't really use it that way, just in the car and as a carryct on chasis. The buggy as a whole is a bit bugger than others, but I see that as a positive - it'll last longer and DD certainly always looks comfy in it! Where we live it quite rural and it has happily stood up to the bumps! Gettng the phil & teds this time, tho having tried it would say Jane is far sturdier (will poss go back to it when DD1 is walking). Would definately buy one again - Good luck!!!

Thanks for the comments re books Jodie, Legsy and SweetKitty. You're definitely right - advice should be taken with a pinch of salt as you just don't know how your baby is going to be/how you'll feel about routines etc ... Think I will just stick with common sense!

My shopping list

petite star zia buggy
sling possibly this
washable nappies
pink stuff if it's a girl...

Already have cot, crib, pram, car seat, bouncy chair, high chair, bedding, loads of blue stuff, and god knows what else in the loft! And I've got a little collection of second hand washable nappies too. Seem to have mislaid my moses basket, but can def manage without it.

That's the sling I am looking at isaidno, looks good.

Oh will have to get some new bottles and teats for EBM as I threw the others all out. Still have trusty breast pump though.

hi ladies

feeling squirminess these days, v. exciting - presume this is baby kicks.

like those slings - some of them look a bit flimsy but that looks proper. i have a baby carrier but one of my (obsessed) mum friends says you can't use the upright ones for a while.

are moses baskets a complete waste of time??

I really have to stop buying clothes - its seems like i have tons - from sales and this shop near to me where posh mums dump their brand new labelled bits and bobs.

its time to make bigger purchases . . . but i am thinking of a 2nd hand pram thingy. What is a P&T - pram and travel system?

I need:
changing table and mat
pram
cot
moses basket (maybe)
this weird duvet thing that danish mums wrap their babies in and leave them outside
swing thing with ipod holder (i know, i am a sucker)
sling
dummies
vests
onesie -bodysuit things
baby bath thing and those little cat bowl things for washing the baby
those white cloths that everyone has
plus . . . .
shit loads of other weird stuff, that i know nothing about

can anyone tell that i am finding the whole thing overwhelming . . .

. . .juice flounces off to finish watching the sex and the city box set . . .

Hi everyone and welcome to legsy.

I too am a first timer - due on 12th.

This is the travel system that we have decided to go with. Had many a sleepless night worrying about prams!
here

MrsHOP- I didnt ask to hear the heartbeat. I got the impression its what happens each time anyway.

Tjuice - P&T is a Phil and Teds Sport or E3 Explorer a 3 wheeled pram that you can make into a double pram by the addition of and extra seat. Not the nicest looking thing in the world but functional if you need to get toddler and baby out and about. Most people I know start with a travel system then buy a lightweight stroller later on.

First timers are allowed to buy far far too much and not use half of it, it's part of the fun!

my list:

st agur cheese/danish blue/stilton
coarse farmhouse pate
wine
prawns
goats cheese
more wine
champagne
pint of landlord (or three), or theakstons XB
pretty undies and underwired bras
...
???some non pink clothes on the off chance this one is a boy.

(COI, have just had a glass of decent champagne as it is my birthday today, hence the slightly tongue in cheek and not very useful thread!!)

I despised the idea of gina ford, not good with people telling me what to do, so never read it. I did find the 'secrets of the baby whisperer' by tracy hogg very useful, more of a guideline than a manual. and 'toddler training' by christopher green is good for a few years time, except it mostly says that all toddler behaviour is normal, it's just the way adults react to it that is the problem. he does have a point!!!

finally went to a decent small boutique lingerie shop and am now wearing an expensive but COMFY non-underwired bra. didn't want to take it off, so the girl beautifully wrapped my old bra up!!

have a great weekend in the sunshine. Cass

oohh Happy Birthday cass66!

Morning

Got blood results yesterday. The downs risk for my age is 1in 110 my risk came back as 1in 236...but because it's below 1 in 250 I've been offered counselling and an amnio on tuesday.

I'm in a real panic..what do I do? This has never been an issue before...anyone else had an amnio? "HELP!"

Happy birthday Cass for yesterday!

Scottishsusan - that's a tough decision, whether to have an amnio or not. It would give you complete peace of mind that the baby is fine, or prepare you if it isn't. Personally I could not terminate at this stage when I can feel the baby so much. (I suppose if it was a medically non viable baby, then I would have to...) Down's Syndrome children lead full, active lives nowadays, not like 30 years ago when they were consigned to nothing. I know 2 people who've had an amnio, and they both say it was ok; the thought of the needle etc being worse than the actual deed.

Just read that bit back, and it seems alot of waffle - I guess you have to consider all the implications for your own life. I think I would have it, just to know either way, so I could get on with the rest of the pregnancy.

On a completely different subject - moses baskets are only useful for a short time. The one I've lost was bought second hand and I only used it as a place to put the baby to sleep downstairs. This time I will just use my pram. If you can it is good to borrow one, but certainly not an essential purchase. By 3 months max my two have been too big, and made it wobble on the stand when they fidget!