Due APRIL 2008- BOTTOMS UP!! Babies and raspberry leaf tea!!

[TLSM]

Here we go welcome all

30 March: Peachy, 34, from Caerleon, S/Wales, a boy. 4th baby (already has 3 DSs (8, 7, 4.5)).
01 April: siameez, expecting a boy.
01 April: vacaloca.
02 April: Redmonster, 29. This is her first baby.
02 April: Sheds75, from Cheshire, expecting a boy. This is her first baby.
02 April: V1KK1M, from Hertfordshire, expecting a surprise. This is her first baby.
03 April: NoMoreHighHeels.
03 April: Sal22, 30, London, our first baby (boy)
04 April: CeylonSapphire, from Twickenham. This is her first baby.
04 April: PortAndLemon, 35, from SW London, expecting a girl. This is her second baby (already has 1 DS (3)). Next scan 5th March.
04 April: lorisparkle, 33, from Cotswolds. This is her second baby (already has 1 DS (15 months)).
04 April: Themaskedposter, 35, from SW London. This is her Second child, expecting a surprise.
06 April: micegg.
06 April: paranoidmummy, 24, expecting a surprise.
07 April: Daftmoo, from South Hampshire. This is her second baby (already has 1 DS (8)).
07 April: Fleecy, 30, expecting a surprise. This is her second baby (already has 1 DD (14 months)).
07 April: Piccalilli2, 32, from Sheffield, expecting a girl. This is her second baby (already has 1 DD (2)).
08 April: Denny185, 33, expecting a girl. This is her third baby (already has 1 DD (5) and 1 DS (14 months)).
08 April: Elfsmummy, expecting a surprise.
08 April: KnitterInTheNW, 32, from Warrington, expecting a boy. This is her first baby.
08 April: Rainbowdays, Expecting a Boy. This is her third baby, (already has ds 4 and dd 3). baby expected to arrive in March
11 April: VictorianSqualor, 27, from Bicester, expecting a surprise. This is her third baby (already has 1 DD (7) and 1 DS (3)).
09 April: egyptianprincess. This is her first baby.
09 April: mummyofaprincess, 21. This is her second baby (already has 1 DD (2)).
09 April: siikibam, expecting a surprise. This is her first baby.
10 April: Gangle.
10 April: MathairNua, 29.
11 April: scorpio1, 23, from Cornwall, expecting a girl. This is her third baby (already has 1DSS (5) and 2 DSs (5 and 2)).
12 April: gemprincess, 29, expecting a boy. This is her fourth baby (already has 3 DDs (7, 3, 16 months)).
12 April: Velbels, 28, expecting her first baby.
12 April: positive, 38, from N Ireland. This is her first baby. High risk baby has Down's.
13 April: MassiveMollyfloss, 32, from Ireland but living in London, expecting a girl.
14 April: Jaq39, from Edinburgh.
14 April: SuzeM, 35, from Ireland but living in London, expecting a girl. This is her first baby.
15 April: Bainmarie, 30. This is her third baby (already has 1 DD (almost 4) and 1 DS (2)).
15 April: pad.
15 April: PippiCalzelunghe. This is her second baby (already has 1 DD (2.4)).
17 April: babywhiting, 30. expecting a girl.
17 April: EllieG, 29. (already has 1 DSD).
17 April: soph28, 28.
18 April: bunyanvillas, from W London. This is her second baby (already has 1 DD (3)).
19 April: dolly1, from London, expecting a boy. This is her first baby.
19 April: northeastmummy, from Aberdeen. This is her second baby (already has 1 DD (16 months)).
19 April: AttillaTheHan, from Preston. This is her second baby. Has ds 3 1/2.
20 April: Ayomi. This is her first baby.
20 April: mumzyof2, 21.
20 April: munchkinmum. This is her second baby.
20 April: Toastaddict, 31, from Nottingham. This is her first baby.
21 April: Annieroo. This is her first baby.
21 April: littlemissturquoise.
22 April: BabyBratt, 30, from Manchester. This is her first baby.
22 April: rdk, from Manchester. This is her second baby.
22 April: Soph73, 34, from Gran Canaria. This is her second baby (already has 1 DS (5)).
23 April: Carey87, 20, from Orpington, Kent. This is her first baby.
25 April: loisstella, 33.
25 April: scampmum, 29. This is her second baby (already has 1 DD (18 months)).
26 April: TLSM, 29, from Surrey, expecting a boy. This is her second baby (already has 1 DS (3). Next scan 14th March
26 April: eva07, 29, soon to be from Cardiff, expecting a surprise. This is her first baby.
26 April: Sagitta, 34, from Suffolk, expecting a surprise. This is her second baby (already has 1 DD (21 months)).
26 April: meandbump, 21, expecting a boy. This is her first baby.
27 April: ShellySara, 30.
27 April: Lennsuey. This is her first baby.
28 April: Beeper. This is her second baby (already has 1 DS (8.5)).
28 April: honeybee10. This is her third baby.
28 April: Woollymummy. This is her second baby (already has 1 DD (17 months)).
29 April: Mum2b2babyRoo, 32, expecting a surprise. This is her first baby.
end April: chipmonkey, 38. This is her fourth baby (already has 3 DSs).

Lovely name Gem, an so pleased for you all. Thank goodness you went to get checked out! Here's hoping you get to have a big cuddle with your new little man really soon

Aw...feeling sooo broody now....

Have been washing babyclothes today - went to NCT sale too and picked up some bargains, so feeling very babyfied

Moan alert!

Had a bit of a run-in with my Mum today. I know she's had 2 children, which is 2 more than me, but 'twas a very long time ago, and she is not a parenting expert surely? Seems like everything I say I would like to try and do I get a huge amount of 'Oh well don't be surprised if you can't do that because/I wouldn't do that if I were you because/I don't think that's a good idea because....'

I wouldn't mind but some of the things are just normal sounding stuff like bf up to a year! She made a face at that and said something like 'Hm that's a long time' until pointed out the WHO guidelines and that actually they go further than that. And today I mentioned that I felt it was important that women should feel able to bf in public because was normal and natural and she compared it to going to the toilet! And said 'That's natural too but doesn't mean should do it!' I was and at that, saying that should be just as acceptable as bottle feeding in public and that I was going to bf where I needed to, discreetly as I chose but not being ashamed. And she said 'Well don't expect to come out to lunch with me!'
And then I said 'Oh I'm having a look at this babyled weaning thing at the moment' and when I explained it she immediately came up with a 100 reasons why I shouldn't/couldn't do that too!
Am I not allowed to even THINK about parenting differently to how she did? I need all the help I can, but I have this feeling that if I do it differently to how she would is going to cause arguments....but it's my bloody baby! Grrr.

Sorry. Rant over.

have just skipped messages - Congrats gemprincess

My nan had her cancer appt - it has spread, to gall bladder, bladder, liver and lungs. Grade 4 diagnosis. Not doing very well here, DH has gone out tonight as well and i found out about 2 hours ago.

scorpio am so sorry - sending you big (((hugs)))

Ellie - not sure what to suggest about your mum although there are a couple of books out on "how to be a grandmother" which you could give her - and you could say "well clearly you are an expert at being a mother but you have alot to learn about being a grandmother - I guess we're both on a learning curve"

Thanks for all the tips about maternity clothes - will see if I can track down some of the suggestions tomorrow..

Scorpio: so sorry about your Gran. Big hugs..

GemP: I can imagine you feel like you've been hit by a bus. That was quite a dramatic birth. Glad to hear you're both ok and I'm sure you'll be holding your son very soon.

EllieG: Is it your Mum's first grandchild? I'm sure once your LO comes along she'll settle down and she'll want to see you all the time even for lunch! When she realises that breastfeeding in public is not an 'in-your-face' thing but a subtle popping the baby on the breast who is usually covered by a muslin which makes it hardly noticeable and also stops the baby from being distracted. Between that and the hassle of preparing bottles she'll soon see how great it is. As for the baby led weaning, it's not that different anyway. They're still eating the same stuff just feeding themselves and let's face it, 6 month old babies will grab anything and put it in their mouths so why not take advantage of that and let them do it with their food. I'm sure your Mum will see the logic of it all once the baby comes along.

Wow - Congratulations GemPrincess!! Wonderful news! I'm glad you are both okay and I am sure you will have little Ashton (LOVE the name) home soon!

Sorry about your Gran Scorpio...

Hugs for Scorpio, I am really sorry to hear your news.

EllieG just remember this is YOUR baby. Not your mums. Thank her for her advice and support, and tell her you are glad she's there for you, but firmly tell her you want to try things your way, like I suspect she did when she had her babies. She can say I told you so later if needs be over a cuppa and a biccy, but until then she can shut up :P
I'll get the gaffa tape if you like and we'll tape up her mouth if she gets really bad. We can blame it on the hormones when the police come round hehe.

Ashton is a lovely name Gem! I bet you can't wait to hold him... awwwww..
xxx

You know, I've just been talking to my mum on the phone, who is hoping to come up to see me in time to be one of my birth partners along with my DP. (She still has some hospital appointments to go to before she can pack and go)
I was thinking hard about things and read an article about birth partners earlier.
So I decided to tell her the following:

1. Don't be upset to see a loved one in pain, even though its your daughter in pain.. its all part of labour. Please try to stay positive and tell me how well I am doing, instead of getting upset I am hurting.

1. Don't be shocked if I have mood swings or say things that sound nasty. It's possible the pain might make me a wee bit peeved at the world in general, so don't take anything to heart.

1. I may be partially naked, or even completely naked at one stage. So please.. don't point or stare. Hehe.

Luckily my mum told me she had thought of these things already and has lots of comforting and positive things all ready in her mind to tell me come the time. I was so happy!! I really hope she makes it up here in time!!
Is there anything anyone else might add, to the three points above for a birth partner to bear in mind?
I have downloaded Dawn Gets a Baby as well to help get my mum in the mood.. it has been 30 years since she had me after all...
Any thoughts?
xxx

PFJ: This should keep your Mum busy

Tips for birthing partners:
Create a calm atmosphere - lighting, music, videos, reading etc. Encourage rest during early contractions, massage, short baths, walking, carb foods, breathing in through nose and out through mouth. Ensure transport to hospital is planned in advance.

At hospital: Liaise with staff (know the birth plan). Arrange the room (lighting oils, music, pillows, move mattress etc). Continue to offer high carb snacks. Take to toilet once an hour. Encourage trying different positions, Support positions, massage. Discuss interventions with midwife (again know the birth plan well). Stay or appear calm!

Many big ((((hugs))))) to scorpio. Am sorry about your gran hon x

PFJ - much sniggering re gaffer tape. Love my Mum dearly but that's exactly what she needs!

Thanks Mollyfloss.. I'll jot that down for her!

scorpio- Hugs. You've ahd a really rough time altely haven't you?

Ellie- it's a long time and things ahve changed a lot since she was a new Mum, just go with what you want to do and she'll adapt soon enough.

Just lost my temper on another forum - can I put it down to hormones d'you think? OPld amte of DH's suddenly launching an attack on him and others swearing and trying to blow their chances at something they've been working towards for ages- have had run ins with him before 9his wife is a bully) but pg hormones make one more, shall we say, direct LOL!

Oh gem- my sister's little ald was born at the same stage, he was in NICU ofr a few weeks with breathing / feeding problems but is now 4 and doing so well- absolutely no effects on him whatsoever. Was a hard time for sister and BIL though, so make sure you both take care of yourselves.

We had a burst pipe tonight, flooded the whole landing carpet. Luckily we were here or the apartment would now be inhabitable. We moved into this apartment at the beginning of Dec and even though it is a lovely apartment we have had so many issues that should have been dealt with before we moved in. This is the final straw because it turns out the pipe that burst was old, faulty and partly held together by masking tape!!!

Oh how horrid molly [hands molly a towel and makes her cup of tea]
Is it ok now?

Oh Molly... so glad you where in!!! It's such a shock when you think things like that in the house might go wrong so close to due date...
I know I have carefully sorted out my house and got things the way I want in the nursery, and if something big happened I'd scream!
I know I am lucky enough to have time to do the house since this is my first baby as well.
Hope the carpet dries fast for you.
-gives you a cup of tea-

Scorpio sorry to hear about your nan

Molly hope youve managed to get things cleared up after the pipe incident last night.

We have to batton down the hatches tonight ladies as this 'super storm' is supposed to be on it's way. The fact that theve issued a weather warning for it usually means its wrong, is will turn into a few mild gusts - just strong enough to carry the tumble weed!

Oh that should be fun, they have issued a severe weather warning on the bbc news weather site.
Best I sellotape down the cats and so on then.

Hmmm - well seeing is believing - heard this one before! Here is what the BBC say Hope they are right and DH and I can't get to work tomorrow

Congratulations, Gemprincess! Take care of yourself and hope your little boy is strong enough to be held and taken home soon.

xxx
S.

Oh no M2B2BR, my mum's in Cornwall... (its where I grew up)... I hope she's ready! I better give her a call!!
Thanks xx

Congratulations gemprincess! That is a good weight for under 35 weeks. Sounds like a scary episode for everyone.

Being 37 weeks is the same as being "in your 38th week" just as being 37 years old is the same as being "in your 38th year"

Knitter, are you friends with Ellie yet? If so, what are your initials (so I can befriend you too)?

Grrr at your mother, Ellie. Mine is great -- I know (just because she has that Look and I've known her for 35 years) when she really wouldn't do something the same way I'm doing, but she never ever says anything (well, once when I was really tired in the early days of bf with DS she did say that it wouldn't be the end of the world to top him up with formula, but she stopped well short of actually suggesting that I did it, and I know it was because she was worried about me). My MIL is even better because she manages to give the impression that whatever I do is exactly what she would have done, or something she wouldn't have thought of but definitely better than what she would have done, so that after any time in her presence I come away feeling like the world's best parent .

Really sorry about your nan, scorpio.

Urk at burst pipe. We paid a small fortune to get something fixed in our boiler in January that could have been left because I was utterly paranoid about something like that going wrong just before/after baby's arrival. I hope you manage to get it all sorted out in time (hypnobirthing suggests you won't go into labour when stressed about your environment, so with any luck...)

I spent the evening mopping and have done about 50 wash loads of all our sheets, towels etc that we used to control the water damage and all the others stuff that got wet. Luckily there wasn't much valuable stuff in the utility room although a few pairs of my boots are ruined. The agents emergency plumber fixed the pipe but had nothing for the mess so DH called an emergency company who wet vacummed the carpet and rented us a special dehumidifier and fans. They have to be left on 24 hours a day for the week. They said it was lucky we didn't wait otherwise the damage could be a lot worse and have affected the plasterwork in the walls (!)They will come back to do a humidity test at the end of the week and we may not even need to get the carpet changed. Even though the agency can pay for all those costs I'm hoping we don't have to change the carpet anyway because that is just more time and hassle and I want this dealt with quickly so fingers crossed. Thank god we were here and that we stopped the flood before it reached the bedrooms. I would have gone mental if it got into the baby's room!!! If we weren't here I think the apartment would be inhabitable. As it is the damage is pretty much limited to the carpet in the utility room and hallway. We were pretty lucky in fact. We moved into this apartment because of the baby's arrival and I have spent so much time preparing everything for that. It could have all been ruined! I can't believe someone would put masking tape around an old faulty pipe!!!, what were they thinking? I think I am going to freak tomorrow at the agency. Amongst other things I am going to force them to check all the plumbing and electrics in the apartment straight away. I mean who knows what could happen next? Anyway sorry for the rant...

Just yesterday my friends were saying how I looked ready for the birth, I guess that will have to hold off for a week or so now! Anyway, I'm only 35 weeks today.

How is everyone else with the storm etc?

PAL, I just tracked Ellie down (all stalker-like) and invited her to be my friend, my initials are KT when (if!) she accepts and my picture is the same one that's on my profile here.

Scorpio, so sorry to hear about your nan x

Another family moan here, I just spoke to my sister to see if she'd heard about my great auntie, who is in hospital ATM and having tests to find out if she had a stroke/heart attack/both/something else. I won't go into that here though.
My sis is 2 years younger than me and doesn't have a single maternal bone in her body, even her best friend says she has no emotion most of the time. I was talking to her about only having 3 weeks at the most left, and that I really hope the baby has turned so I don't def need to have a c/s. Mainly because I just don't want to, but partly because of the recovery time and that I'd prob have to get my parents to come up from Leicester and help when DH has to go back to work. And that as much as I love them dearly I wish they were just 10 mins away instead of 2 hours, so they could just pop round and help on & off when needed rather than being here full time. I've even said that to mum and she said she understood why I felt that. Sis then has a mild go at me for being harsh with my mum, saying that 'you might not realise it but she is hurt when you snap at her, she's only trying to help'. I know all this has to do with one incident a month or so ago, just before I left Leic after a weekend's visit, I was telling mum that DH had asked me what I'd like for my birthday (it's the middle of April, so our LO will only be a few weeks old). I said I'd really like a haircut and for him to come to the hairdressers too, or at least be in town with the baby so if he needs a feed I'm not far away. Mum's response was a raised eyebrow and 'you could always leave him with his daddy for half an hour you know'. My response was snappy I admit, but I was upset that she couldn't see I might not be ready to leave the baby for that long (it wouldn't be half an hour by the time I got there, waited for my appt, had cut etc then got home again) and I wouldn't be able to relax and enjoy it, where I would be able to if I knew hubby & baby weren't far away. Fair enough, I might be fine about leaving the boys together at home, but in my hormotional state at the mo I can't see it! I left Leic straight after that conversation (was ready to go anyway) and was so upset I cried for quite a way up the M1!
Basically my moan is about the fact that my sister's having a go at me for 'hurting' my mum, when all I did was be pg and not able to control my response when faced with a comment that made me feel like I was being stupid and ridiculous for even thinking like I did.

Oh dear, what a rant. And I bet it didn't even make much sense and seems really petty too. But I feel a little bit better having written it down.

Anyhow, Sheds & Denny, see you tomorrow!

Awww Knitter. Tell your sister to try being pregnant and hormotional and see how she likes it!
As long as your mum is ok then its none of her beeswax anyways.
I like the word hor-motional.
I think I'll use it as my word of the week from monday