Due in June - Creme eggs are long gone and our own eggs have started to hatch. Who will be next?

[Upsidedowncake]

We are two down and have another 30-40 to go. Makecakes and Gemma have probably popped by now, then G43! It's all happening!!!!!

ktpie - sorry xpost. I made Nigella's carrot cake cupcakes from her domestic godess book. If you don't have the book I can post the recipe. A friend of mine has asked for me to email the same recipe to her has well so I need to get my act together.

This is a bit odd - wonder what you think:
The same friend, since having a baby and getting on her local coffee morning circuit has discovered that you can only makes cakes that are nominally healthy: chocolate = bad; carrot = good (cos its got veg in it). She made chocolate cake a few weeks ago and got some frosty looks. Is this normal amongst Mums. It think its something to do with tooth decay amongst the under 5s but carrot cake is pretty bad for you if you look at the ingredients.

alipalli what strange cake rules! a cake is a cake and they're all about as tasty bad for you as each other surely! If you're friend wants a new nominally healthy recipe, the Jamie at home book has butternut squash muffins in and they are awesome! Last time I made them DH insisted we make double quantities so that he could take them in his packed lunch every day!

UDC poor you get scrubbing the floors and drinknig the cranberry juice! don't rule out June yet though, it's not started yet (and I'm due after you!)

alipalli - sounds like your friend should get on a different coffee morning circuit , they sound a bit precious!

UDC - poor you! I might also be OP (that's the same as back to back isn't it??) and the baby is only 4/5ths so not classed as engaged yet. We've got ages to go so dont worry too much. I've been and bought a gym ball (only a fiver from argos) and plan to clean my skirting boards over the next week or so! You could maybe have some cranberry muffins with your cranberry juice too.

Ooh, cake. How about chocolate courgette cake - veg and choc! It's delicious.

Anyhow, checking in, because I've been spending time with DH all weekend. Can't reply to all the threads (or hardly any of them!).

PregnantPenguin I also have big issues with my sister. Long story, but I get quite depressed because she doesn't like me much and therefore doesn't like my baby. (OK, I know he's not born...but...) It's hard, isn't it, because you kind of think these things will bring people closer together - but that's silly thinking.

Re MILs my FIL is my worst problem. Thinks he knows everything, and says so. Patronising, difficult (too posh to eat a sausage, needs a lot of attention), thinks it's funny to make jokes about the Welsh (it's racist, never funny), and permanently giving me 'advice' - I've had breastfeeding, how to get a baby to sleep, and the one that really makes me want to slap him is 'what you need to know about DH is...'. It assumes (a) I don't know DH, and (b) I'm not able to decide for myself what I need to know. Oh, and also 'assuming we have a say in the way the baby is brought up'. Er, no, no say at all. Nada. Only 2 people get a say - me and DH. I admit I'm oversensitive, though! Luckily DH is, on the whole, supportive but I'm trying not to put him in a difficult position too.

I also had a bit of a downer about going overdue etc. I'm a bit of a control freak, and the idea of not knowing when something will happen is difficult. I really want a baby, too, and finding it quite hard with everyone having theirs and worried that I'll be 2 weeks overdue (and being hassled by in laws). Someone tell me I'm irrational?

Hi Essie, not irrational. When are you due? DS was born at 40 + 15 last time - and it was hard to get through those two weeks. The best advice someone gave me was to fill all the time with social events so that you don't think about being late. And if you do have the baby on time, you can have fun texting people to cancel!

Hi everyone!

Thankyou so much for all your posts! I am really enjoying my little girl, we have decided to call her Mia Joanne. I promise I will post piccies as soon as I can find the gadget to download.

To all those experiencing BH, I had them for 2 weeks before lo was born, so don't get too disheartened. Baby was also only 4/5ths engaged and op at mw appt on thurs, but first few contractions moved her right down and she must have turned as well, so don't worry too much.

UDC yes I was induced last time, and it was pretty medicalised, this time no monitors, drips etc very different experience. Although couldn't have lovely birthing suite as water coming through ceiling - nhs

I had forgotten how hard this bf lark was though, my milk came in this am and found it so difficult to latch Mia on, she was screaming her head off and ds wanted to watch - arghh! I felt so guilty, fed ds until he was about 14months but this is totally different, they latch themselves on from 3 months (maybe earlier) so really not sure if I'm doing it right!!
Better go, she's stirring.

Hmm, chocolate and courgette cake sounds good. Gordon Ramsey had a chocolate and orange cake in the Saturday Times magazine this weekend that I have also been toying with making. However the amazing farm shop that I discovered on Friday has lots and lots of locally made cakes which kind of saves on the hassle, and the carrot cake I bought there tasted pretty awesome.

Off for lunch with NCT group in a bit - assuming our host hasn't had LO! Have actually bothered to blow dry my hair, about to repaint vile pink nail varnish, so generally feeling happy about body image unlike yesterday! Hurrah.

NB: Alipalli can see the irony in using the same posting to discuss cake and body image. She does realise that they are linked.

Lovey name Katyjo and have updated list.

Just come back from shopping and feeling lightheaded and dizzy, I did yesterday when cooking breakfast, lukcily have MW appointment this aftrenoon so will have a chat with her.

Have also heard that the courgette and chocolate cake is good.

Graduated
DD29/05/08 - neenz, esther and theo
18/5/08 - makecakes, Cecily jean Olivia
20/5/08 - Goingfor3 Harvey
24/5/08 - Katyjo Mia Joanne

Still waiting:
Early June - Kif -(DC3)!
31/05/08 - systemsaddict -(1 ds 1YO) GIRL
31/05/08 - lazylou -(1 DD 3.9/ MC September 04)
01/06/08 - laughinglil -(3YO twins)
01/06/08 - Trix11 -(DS and DD)
01/06/08 - alipalli -(1st baby)
03/06/08 - paromapu -(first baby)a girl will be called Fleur
05/06/08 - Tizzwizz -(MC June)
05/06/08 - emotionalwreck
05/06/08 - aberdeenhiker -(DS, June 06)
05/06/08 - Josey -(1 DS8yo, 1 DD2yo)GIRL
05/06/08 - mistermoo -(DD5, DS3)
06/06/08 - Calebsmum -(DC2)
06/06/08 - supperwoman -(DC2)
06/06/08 - nettiehay -(first baby)
06/06/08 - Lucy0608 -(1st Baby)
07/06/08 - Debinaustria -(2 ds's 8 and 6)BOY
07/06/08 - mellymel -(DS 14 months)
07/06/08 - dylansluckymum -(1DS 23 mos) BOY!
07/06/08 - Rolf -(2 dss 8 and 6, 1dd 2) GIRL
10/06/08 - basilbrush -(1 DS Feb 06, 2 m/cs 2007)
11/06/08 - thegreenfairy -(first baby)
12/06/08 - Pregnant Penguin -(1st baby) BOY
12/06/08 - essie3 - (first baby)
13/06/08 - tassisssss -(ds aged 4, dd 15 mths)
14/06/08 - Deese20 -(1st Baby)
14/06/08 - PearTart - (DD1 is 19 months) GIRL
15/06/08 - Jules43 -(1st baby)
15/06/08 - sybilvimes -(2 dc)Boy!!
16/06/08 - xxgemmalou22xx (first Baby)
17/06/08 - GardenAngel4 -(DD 7months)
18/06/08 - Josie57 -(ds1 13 months, mc sep 07)
18/06/08 - hedgehog1979 -(first baby)
19/06/08 - Pyjamarama -(BOY)
20/06/08 - babyalfie -(got 3 DC - 16, 14 & 7)
20/06/08 - ernest -(got 3 dc - 8, 7 & 4) will be sectioned on 09/06/08
20/06/08 - poppy34 -(2 m/c, one ds lost at 21 weeks) (GIRL)
20/06/08 - whinegums - (first baby) BOY
21/06/08 - HeyBaby07 -(First Baby)
21/06/08 - Hoggle -(First Baby)
21/06/08 - needahand -(DC2) (boy)
21/06/08 - Wigeon -(First Baby)
22/06/08 - Upsidedowncake -(1DS 27 m, ep Aug 07) GIRL
22/06/08 - bitofadramaqueen -(first baby)
22/06/08 - august26bride -(First Baby)
22/06/08 - spongebrainbigpants -(m/c twins and singleton on 2006, all IVF pgs) Boy!
22/06/08 - ktpie -(first baby)
23/06/08 - looneytune -(DS 4 yrs) BOY
24/06/08 - puddock -(first baby)
26/06/08 - LauraT (first baby)
26/06/08 - Claphamkitten -(first baby)
27/06/08 - sophiewd -(DD 22 months) section booked on 19th June
30/06/08 - capricornqueen appt-(DD 2yrs)
30/06/08 - Kittyjimjams -(2 MC)
Gemzooks - EDD???

alipalli - We aren't planning on informing our parents until the baby is born. They will just worry if it takes a while and I don't think DH will want the extra hassle of trying to keep them updated.
I have a couple of Nigella books so will have a look and see if I can find a recipe, thanks!
How weird about the coffee morning people, a cake is a cake and personally I would be delighted if someone had made chocolate cake! Enjoy your lunch.

DQ - I hate the heartburn! Had it really bad the other week after a rich meal, kept waking up in the night with mouthfuls of bile (sorry if TMI), not been as bad since but still horrible!
Apparently my slightly irrational Nan is concerned about me sitting on a gym ball, she thinks I am going to fall off it and kill myself!

Essie - sorry to hear about your sister, aren't families strange things? Your FIL sounds really annoying. Sometimes I look at my family and think I am the only sane rational member of it (although I guess some people may disagree!), they are all weird in their own way.
I've managed to get it in my head that this baby will come early but I'm sure it will prove me wrong and be really late!

KatyJo - Mia is a lovely name. Good luck with the breastfeeding, wish I had some tips but it is all a mystery to me!

UDC - hope you get over the UTI quickly. Get drinking the cranberry juice!

PP - thanks for posting that labour hints page - v useful

katyjo what a lovely name. Can't wait to see pix! Sorry you're having tough time BF. Am sure it will improve

ktpie Yes, that's the CD and if you have it that would be utterly brilliant. You can email big files from a website called www.mailbigfile.com/ as your own email might not support sending something really big. My email is roseedotbrownatgmaildotcom. Thank you sooo much!

essie nightmare FIL! My DM recently said to me, 'I do hope you're not going to use dummies' with a look of utter disdain (she is also v anti reins for some reason). I just said 'I haven't decided yet but I'm not going to be judged for it if I do - it's my decision' . I was quite proud of myself!

udc sorry about the uti and the op. What a bummer. Re the UTI, my doc suggested mixing cranberry juice with soda water. The cranberry sterilises your bladder and the soda is v alkaline so it restores your PH balance or something. Worth a go. Currently got mild thrush which is really annoying. Am a bit prone to it but not great timing.

sponge sorry about your MIL. Nightmare. I agree with whoever said it might be worth raising her critical attitude now before it becomes a habit.

Have spent the last couple of days seeing family for various birthdays and looking forward to spending time with some friends this week. Trying to keep fairly occupied as now 38weeks and don't want to be clock watching.

After five days of plasterers putting our living room out of bounds and with a kitchen stuffed with sofas we were able to move back into our front room today which was FAB. No more plaster dust and can eat in the kitchen again thank God!

Currently making a 'labour music' playlist on itunes which is fun. The one time DH can't complain about my taste! Will probably have the natal hypno 'relaxing birth music' for the delivery, but need something to kill the time beforehand.

Got community MW appt at 2 - my first since we discovered baby was breech so should be interesting. Hoping LO has reengaged after all the manipulation she had to tolerate last week. Since I stopped trying to move her I feel a lot better and more settled. Having false labour brought on by all the efforts wasn't really helping me relax! Going swimming tomorrow and off to the Bath Spa again next Monday if no action beforehand. Have kept my consultant appt in Bath for that morning (although will prob'ly stick with birthing in Bristol now) and I thought if I'm going to be there may as well make the most of it...

TGF - have you told DM that dummies are actively encouraged nowadays to help reduce risk of cot death?

When discussing pain relief etc with my own DM, the subject of epidurals came up and with considerable disdain she said 'oh, well hopefully you wont have to have that'. Hmm, must remember to rule out pain relief choices because other people dont like them...

Right, lunch, get dressed then tea and cakes!

Have uploaded some photos, sorry you may have to tip your head (or computer about a bit) told you I was rubbish with technology!

Awww. katyjo she looks just like her brother! What great pix. You must be so proud

dq the whole SIDS argument did occur to me, but am actually glad I didn't try to justify it as without meaning to it meant I suppose I ended up drawing a line saying 'these are my choices I will make for my reasons'. But if she brings it up again it will be plan B!

As for the epidural quote, you guys know how pro natural birth I am but I do recognise it's totally personal. Having people tell you how to give birth is SO TEDIOUS. And when men do it ARG!

Also, please can I have a virtual cake? DH is on a diet (for no obvious reason) so every time I buy one I have to eat it on my own He did get me an almond croissant this morning but that was HOURS ago!

lovely name katyjo and hope bf gets easier.
udcsorry to hear about things - cranberry really does seem to help though.

greenfairy I know it sounds cranky but have you tried eating/applying live natural yoghurt for thrush. Apparently does really work. I sympathise with your dm..mine is currently keen to tell me all about what to do with babies and desperately wanting to give us all sorts of handouts. Whilst I think this is so lovely and generous and I don't want to be left with a bunch of stuff that I'm not sure we need let alone what state itsw in (god I sound precious).. also dh not keen on the clothes being offered as seem to have been handed round a few kids and not sure what state they'll be in. Don't want to seem ungrateful or hurt her feelings but on the other hand don't want to take loads of stuff we don't want. And can see that will happen if dh isn't there as I won't want to hurt her feelings

I am dodging her calls/any discussion of birth as don't need views on that!! My dm means very well but no one would ever say she doesn't have an opinion.

Hi All,

I'm exhausted after the weekend and feeling lightheaded too. Will see MW tomorrow (don't think it's serious) but looking fwd to hearing what she thinks re: position/ engagement.

Spongebrain/ Essie/ TGF/ everyone with opinionated in-laws- the thread on classic MIL quotes is in the Parenting topic. Some absolute corkers there.

My PIL are both professors, of Obstetrics and Nursing, and therefore think they know everything. Actually, practices have changed over the years and they are both in research now and not "in the field".
That doesn't stop them imparting their not-inconsiderable out of date knowledge upon me whenever they get the chance:-

FIL- "there's no real point in BF" (erm- what about the recent research?)
FIL- "HB is asking for trouble" (okayyy!)
MIL- "Are you one of these women who will get all depressed if you can't BF?" (thanks a bunch for the encouragement!)
FIL- on pulling 2month old DD's thumb out of her mouth "You mustn't let her suck her thumb- it'll stop growing, give her a dummy!" (Upon what research is that based you nutter!)

See what I'm up against!!

UDC- don't worry about position of baby- there's plenty of time for her to find her place yet.

Katyjo- just seen pix of your gorgeous babe, Mia's a lovely name too.

Oh, good point TGF and good to have a plan b if it does come up again. And of course you can have a virtual cake - as long as there is nothing virtuous about it .

LOL at all the various parents/PIL classic comments; I'm so glad to know its not just me. Peartart - I wouldn't like to have a couple of so called 'experts' to contend with though. You might need to arm yourself with a whole bunch of research reports to fight them off with...

Poppy - I know what you mean about handouts... A friend gave us a bunch of stuff like playmats and toys etc, in front of other people, none of which has been cleaned etc and I haven't taken it out of the bag. I know that's really ungrateful but I really dont want it! If you get forced into taking the stuff from DM could you get away with passing onto a charity shop or something and just say we got loads of stuff size X so have passed some on...

peartart..you must be so glad of their expertise and help - at pulling your dd's thumb out her mouth..

Katyjo, she is so beautiful. Wow, how gorgeous! And fab news that she was OP and that you were induced last time, and it's possible to have a wonderful birth like that second time round!

TGF, glad you are feeling better. Sending over some cranberry muffins!

Sophie, good luck with your MW appointment

Have spent morning feeling sorry for myself - very silly of me. Thanks for all your kind words. Off to buy Bicarb and cranberry juice. Then I guess it's down on my hands and knees and start bottom-wiggling.

DH now probably won't be back from Vienna till Monday morning - so I'll miss my Sex and the City cinema trip that I planned for Sunday evening. I think it's good that he's going to see his brother but grrrr. Just having a bad day!

katyjo she is so gorgeous. so tiny! i can't wait!! her name is beautiful. i'm starting to worry about the breastfeeding again but i know it does get easier so hopefully that will pull us all through.

try this for a courgette cake, my ma and i made it when i was preg with ds and it's yum yum yum.

PearTart lol on the PIL. My FIL is a retired microbiologist, but thinks he's an obstetrician! Don't know what's worse - an actual one, or someone with fantasies.
Alas, I can see that the moment my little boy is born, he will magically morph into a paediatrician!

Oooh, lots of lovely courgette cake recipes. I think Nigella has one but it's not chocolate (and therefore not for me...)

Just went to get a car kit for my pram (it's a Chicco one, and you can get a kit to use the moses basket attachment in the car - so the basket is tied down and so is the baby), and the nursery shop had Grobag swaddling blankets. They were cute and I was nearly tempted, but then thought maybe my head was being turned... any advice? It can be done with just a normal blanket, right?

ktpie thanks for the files. They seem to be working through that website - you're a star!
I think it's track 3 which has the hospital specific stuff on it and that's not come through yet, but I know it can take ages to get them onto the site in the first place so am guessing it's a work in progress - thank you sooooooo much!

poppy thx for the thrush advice. Have tried yoghurt in the past and it's worked, but my doc gave me some cream and it's doing the trick so will probably just stick with that for now. Plus I want to save my yoghurt to eat with honey and banana

udc i meant fizzy soda water you buy in the supermarket! Although I guess bicarb is the same thing? Anyhoo, hope you feel better.

MW apptwas fine. Baby appears to be OA which is good, and bum v slightly engaged. MW said it was 'v refreshing' to have a woman willing to question the consultants and not just take their word for it, which I was chuffed about . She told me my woman Bristol consultant is on in the day so need to arrange for a daytime delivery ideally but it's clearly in my birth notes so that's all I can do!

On the secondhand topic - I must be quite laidback (or have very low standards): I bought my cot from e-bay!
I also had two massive bagfuls of baby stuff - blankets, toys etc - from some friends, but then again, I know they're, erm, clean people and their children aren't sickly and are always nicely turned out! But funny that the topic should come up, because just this morning I decided that the dangly toys on the babygym looked a bit pug so I washed them in some hot water. Much brighter now.

Mind you, I'm obsessed with (a) dishwasher and (b) washing machine at the moment. Nesting, I think. I can't bear to have a sock in the laundry basket at the moment! It's mad, because if I went into labour this afternoon, my Mum is nearby and has said she'd come in and sort anything out, including doing laundry!

Lost all concentration and the ability to do anything because I've just seen pictures of baby Mia! Oh, so beautiful!