Due June - 'I can't remember my own name, let alone where I put the creme eggs...'

[PregnantPenguin]

For those of us with 3 months to go or less....

Hi, hope everyone is having a good day. Blimey Makescakes, 4 weeks!! that is soon. I'll still be waddling around for at least another 5 weeks after that probably. Still, we'll all be able to ooh and aah at your little one for a while before ours start to appear.

Rolf - hope your scan goes well and so sorry to hear about your little girl. My last pregnancy was a mc, although an early one so nowhere near as traumatic, and I do really sympathise with how hard the anniversaries are. Big hugs for you for today.

Has anyone managed to buy a birthing pool from ebay? I know a few people on here are planning on a homebirth, and I keep tyring to buy one but losing out ast the last minute. Its really frustr

Sorry, managed somehow to post that half way through 'frustrating'. Any tips people have to offer me would be good!

Hi all
Sybil - are you an ebay veteran? If you already know this then sorry for repeating, but the best way to bid is to fix a top figure in your mind and then bid in the last 15 seconds (get an online stopclock and sync it with the ebay clock).
If you bid before the last minute someone will always outbid you...

Have you tried a local NCT sale? I got mine off a friend who planned a home birth but was breach and so never used hers. It's a birthpoolinabox and you can buy them online for £70 - I don't think the ebay ones come in at much less.

Morning all- and thanks for the sympathy. I'm sure you must all be sick of me whinging and whining about one thing or another. You wouldn't believe I have absolutely loved being pregnant and am planning on doing it all over again, would you??

Think I have got my head round the fact that I will have a baby in four weeks. (And a new house shortly after!!!) DH and I have decided it's the best thing for all of us because it is affecting evrything we do now, and he can't bear to see me in pain. Plus I suffered from depression a couple of years ago and DH and MW are now on Makecakes-watch as this is exactly the kind of trigger that could set it off again. When you consider all that, early delivery is best. Obst. was at pains to stress that they do not offer C-sections, which is good, because I didn't want one anyway. And now that I have a fixed date, I am sure it will go very quickly.

Am sitting at home in yoga pants, worth every penny of the £20 I spent on them in Mothercare. As I don't really leave the house any more, some days I don't even get dressed (had to today as have removals men coming to quote!) Which is very Waynetta Slob, I know, but I figure I should make the most of it because next time around I'll have other kids to factor in...

Rolf- thinking of you today. Anniversaries are horrid.

UDC- don't blame you and you are not a wimp. You have to take it easy, for yourself, for baby and for the company. Overdo it, and you'll be signed off again...working from home = better productivity (where do I get this shit?)

Sophie- hope you are bearing up under pain.

Debs- hope you hae a good day with your sick boy. How's the kitchen?

And how did the choc cakes go???

Oh, and yes, I have a date, but given that Neenz is carrying two babies, can't assume I'll be first!!

PS- did I tell you that DH has decided not to tell his parents we are moving?? Is there something he's not telling me?

We have also decided not to tell anyone in RL (except the bare essentials like my mother and dogsitter-but NOT PIL...) that we are having our baby on, or around the 15th....so we don't get texts and phone calls every five minutes asking if anything has happenened, and so we can focus on getting her out. Does that sound sensible????

Yes Makecakes, when I was induced we didn't tell anyone, I really wanted to have the time on our own and tell everyone once the baby was there. Unfortunately dh had basketball and told his friend that I was being checked at hospital and everything was ok but wouldn't make it, this started a chain reaction and everyone was phoning everyone else to find out if all was ok. So at least you have the time to work your story etc out.

Good luck today Rolf.

hi all! tried to catch up but could only go back to last night, hope i didn't miss anything too exciting.

i also have been in yoga bottoms for ages. i wear them everywhere and i don't care how i look! i tend to wear long tunic style tops too but not always. i'm not even slightly bothered about being a total slob.

disneyland paris was amazing. we had a wonderful time, and ds was just about as angelic as you could expect any 2 year old to be. he wasn't too impressed with the characters but he wasn't really scared of them either. he LOVED the rides though. the steam train that goes around the park (choo choo!), the rockets (i'm flyin' daddy!), the carousel (yeeha! where does he learn these things??) and it's a small world, which left him speechless. the hotel was fab and he had his own bed with a heavy curtain around it so we could still watch tv after he was asleep. we spent a fortune (i don't even like to think about it) but it was worth it.

only down side of course is that by sat evening my pelvis was seizing up - literally. as long as i kept moving i was okay, when i stopped at the end of the day it was excruciating. dh ran me a hot(ish) bath which helped but since we got back i have barely moved from the couch. i'm afraid i undid all the ostepath's good work and will go back to her again as soon as i can but it was worth it!! what amazing memories we'll all have, even if for ds it'll only be through photos and vids!

rolf i am in the same boat as you with names. dh changed his mind about one i liked and we have nothing, nada, zip for ideas. very frustrating for me as i'm such a planner about certain things.

makecakes - wow! i think it's good news so congrats, definitely seems like the best option for you and just think, you get to meet your darling baby in just one month... how exciting.

hope everyone else is feeling okay, trying to keep up with toddlers (oh do i empathise!!), taking care of sick kids and dealing with the NHS!!

My poorly boy is asleep on the settee, after struggling to eat a little lunch and complaining of a headache. Made a batch of play doh this morning for him as it's a miserable day today - sleeting, so I was hoping this may keep him amused and now he's asleep, I'm sure his 8 year old brother will lower himself and play with it anyway!!

deb - best thing is proabably sleep.

Well my halpo is hining clened 2 skanky bathrooms, one guy had crapped in loo but diodn't flush, cue puking motions. Allegedly he is famous but quite honestly needs to learn how to flush a loo. I have also ironed 7 sheets, 8 duvet covers and numerous pillowcases so am now sat.

Wow, Dylamnsmum, Eurosdisney sounds fab. Lucky you. Did you feel like you were in France at all?

Makecakes, I think it's a good idea not to tell anyone unless you have to. You might also want to manage anyone who you do tell's expectations. It can take a few days if you are being induced early, so you don't want them phoning to see how it's going every few hours.

My poor father found the three days of the induction very trying - and kept on phoning to see what was going on. Eventually, on day 2, he hopped on a train to come to London to 'see DS' (who was still very firmly esconced) and had to go back again.

Work has just called to say that my project isn't coming in until this evening at the earliest. (Ha ha yesterday lunchtime.) They are paying a retainer for my services so have decided not to be bothered by it (and will try not to get wound up by it at 5 am tomorrow morning too)

Sorry, that's 'the client' who are paying work a retainer for me.

Debs, sleep sounds good. I hope TRistan is doing better. Do you have Calpol in Austria?

Sophie, I don't know how you do it!

Sorry, that's 'the client' who are paying work a retainer for me.

Debs, sleep sounds good. I hope TRistan is doing better. Do you have Calpol in Austria?

Sophie, I don't know how you do it!

Crikey, my pg brain cant keep up with all of the posts today! Thanks all for jeans suggestions, am now definitely favouring comfort over style so will stick with my comfy, if unflattering new jeans. Have definitely left the house in yoga pants, going to sainsbury's etc. I got some other lightweight trousers which are comfy but its too bloody cold for them.

rolf - hope today's scan has gone ok. Like a few of us sadly I've got a few nightmarish scan memories - hopefully you'll have a nice one to remember today.

makecakes - agree you shouldn't tell anyone if you dont want to. You'll have enough to think about without everyone clamouring for info/updates .

upsidedowncake - you are so not a wimp. I'm finding it sooooo hard to keep up my usual pace. It really bugs me, because I keep thinking 'i'm not ill, i'm pregnant, people have been doing it for years etc' but it does take a lot out of you. Its great that you can opt to work at home for the rest of the week.

ps - thanks all for doula links, am off to do my homework!

oh rolf i missed the bit about your scan. fingers crossed it all goes well, hope it brightens your day. x

Thanks for being so nice, everyone

Well, the scan was fine. Placenta now right at the very top which is great. The baby is breach but loads of time to turn round so not worried about that.

I'd hoped to avoid another full blood count - I was 10.2 at 28 weeks - but my consultant wants to test again at 36 weeks, so more watercress and steak for me! On the GBS front, the view they take is that once you're GBS positive, they won't discount the possibility that you'll be positive at delivery - even if you have a negative swab late in pregnancy.

She's going to check whether I can deliver in the MLU and I will be really gutted if I can't, partly because I think GBS is a really crap reason. She's really not keen on my having a home birth becuase of the GBS and previous PPH, and wants me to have a managed 3rd stage which is a bit of a pain, but fine.

I was waiting for hours - I was out all day - and I'm knackered. I know it's a bit silly as the worst news I could have had was that I'd need a secion, but I'm really physically and emotionally exhausted. I bloody hate hospitals and really am not looking forward to giving birth in one.

glad to know scan was fine. Such a relief!!

I think it is normal to be exhausted, just the build up to the appointment wear your nerves down doesn't it?

Fingers crossed that you can still deliver at the MLU.

I have my scan next week and will probably in the same state as you are!

Phew! Marathon session catching up with you all. No real news here, just wanted to pop in...
makecakes - 4 weeks... eek! I must get organised - because your news has just prompted me to realise Bug could come early too! We need to get that cot delivered! Luckily got the email saying th pushchair and car seat should be delivered in the next couple of days... that will be the first 'big' stuff we'll have. eek!

Rolf - so pleased all went well at the scan and placenta has moved.

Makecakes - think you're wise not telling anyone else about the induction, anyway Mr Makecakes will be too busy keeping you company and updating us

Tristan's perked up again thanks Upsidedown, you can't buy Calpol in Austria but friends/family and guests keep us stocked up on the basics and Calpol/Medised are basics!!

I've had a rough day though, had a bath this morning, and fell asleep in there, kept waking myself up snoring. I was flagging by after lunch, Stefan asked why I always look so tired when I help him with his homework!!So, by 3.30 I'd had enough and I've been to bed for a sleep. I feel much better now and am cooking a Sunday dinner for tea. Sleep wasn't undisturbed though as Tristan kept appearing in bed with me, stroking my face or feeling the bump, etc... The last time he just said "Mummy when are you getting up?"

Sophie do you have an ironing machine , I couldn't cope without mine.Ours came with the house - thankfully I didn't have to buy one, it's no good for fitted sheets but ideal for the quilt covers and pillow cases.

Rolf, that is great news. fingers crossed for birth in MLU.

Makecakes - keep it quiet is my advice.

Deb - would love to have one of those but way to expensive. My mother gave me a press one for christmas which makes life a lot easier. We are now nearly fully booked for July, thank god 14 nights of those we have let the house as would be knackered otherwise. Oh and don't feel sorry, its paying for our Caribbean jaunt in November

So, do you move out for 14 nights Sophie? They are very expensive, I hadn't looked at the price before!!

Yes we are camping with my parents, which will be great, also they are having a music festival in the park one of those weekends which should be great www.campbestival.net/ which we can dip in an out of.

Oh had my MW check today, blood pressure slightly high and measuring 31cms at 29 weeks, going back in 2 weeks which is the norm here once you get past 30 weeks. In reception this real chav of a girl (dorry there is no other way to describe her) looked at me and asked when I due and said bloody hell your huge, me and recptionist both looked schocked and bemused, she then rambled on about some guy who had been stabbed in Weymouth this morning

Sophie- I know someone who is taking their kids to Bestival this summer!

Rolf- so glad that your scan was good news. After my appointment yesterday I was completely exhausted- it really does drain you. I think I was asleep at 9.30pm and still had a nap this afternoon. I guess we've just hit the tiring bit! Keeping everything crossed for MLU birth though.

Well, I've sent out emails to my clients telling them about my maternity leave dates. I've een putting it off, but now I have definite dates, it was the kick I needed. Everything is ready for the baby, though I need to be measured for nursing bras. I figure I can meaure myself and order them online. All the books say you should do this from 36 weeks- do you agree mums?

Then it's full steam ahead with planning the move...

Thanks for your nice messages. In answer to your questions:

The pregnancy. Overall I have been very lucky far. Threatened mc at 6 weeks was a bit traumatic, but a quick scan reassured everyone. First 3 months I felt mildly grim: a bit like having a permanent hangover I thought at the time. Month 4 (Dec) I started being sick, but only on Thursdays and Fridays. I put it down to having the kitchen refitted and having to live off microwave meals in the lounge. Since Christmas everything has been really good. I am quite tall, with short legs and a long back, so I think it gives the bump lots of length to stretch across.

I live in Guildford in Surrey.

I haven't been at all organised about getting everything we need. I think because of the threatened mc I decided to take it a day at a time from early on, and not get ahead of myself. This tactic caught up with me recently. In fact I spooked myself when you were all comparing notes on the finishing touches for nurseries a week or two ago. However, my Mum and Dad were here at the weekend, and with their help we do now have a list, and have started buying stuff. I am a bit of on ebay addict and am especially proud of the £8 steriliser I won at the weekend (RRP £60).

Of course I like creme eggs - especially the mini ones.

Re: Cheggers. I am still a bit traumatised by the Channel 5 gameshow naked jungle that he did indeed host naked except for a pith helmet. The idea of Cheggers turning up in a labour ward clothed or otherwise really doesn't bare contemplating.

Really ought to go now and cook chilli for our tea tonight.