Due June 08: S**t, it IS June, and I still haven't packed my hospital bag...

[LauraT]

well it will be June on Sunday anyway! thought I should go ahead and start this as there were several votes for this name...

hiall - i cannot believe how quickly we post...

amber - don't know about early inductions but do chat to your midwife about this. They need to know as if nothing else its likely to be particularly emotive for you if you happen to go into labour on that day and they should knwo abut that.

Ernest -sorry to hear about suffering in heat. apart from fan or openign windows to get air flow going not sure what else to suggest (portable air con unit may be going bit far). DS communnion sounds like a lovely if hot affair.

BDQ- you're not only one who has done nothing... got up at 10 and contemplating going back to bed.. was going to walk to shop but that seems like too much effort.

Bitofadramaqueen, I bought a cheap (£69) air con machine which you fill with water and stick in frozen ice blocks. Works a treat and doesn't have that great big pipe coming out of the back.

Ernest this might sound a bit mad and might not work for you because of other DC and the layout of your house, but we have a basement and one of the rooms in it is the second bedroom. We slept down here a couple of summers ago when it was 36 degrees. It was amazing going into work with everyone else moaning about no sleep and me feeling really well rested. If it is the same at some stage this summer, I am definitely planning on migrating down here with DH and LO in carrycot.

Morning All,

I have no chance of being able to catch up with all the chat from the weekend!
TGF All fingers and toes crossed you have (have had?) the birth you planned for.

Bean (suspect will still be calling him that even when he is playing in Scotland's First Fifteen!) is feeding every three hours, and spends the rest of the time being cuddled- what is it that makes babies heads smell so fabulous?

I have put a couple of photos up. None with his eyes open unfortunately as he looks like a very grumpy old man in all of them.

Hope everyone has alovely day, take advantage of having time to pamper yourselves; and GET THOSE BAGS PACKED!

oh he's gorgeous pyjama planning to take your advice and pack the bag tomorrow, honest! (not 37 weeks until thursday so I'll attempt to have dome it by then!

Oh, he's gorgeous pyjama. I am in the middle of packing, honest!

Pyjama - He is beautiful. I love the hearing test photo, reminds me of this

Morning all - another page added whilst I was reading, and it's nearly midday, I'm still in my pjs and will have to take a shower in a minute...

Had a lovely weekend - a scorcher, which I'm quite smug about because I live in Wales...

Having panics, though. (Kind thread people, be ready to make good positive backup sounds for me!) I'll be 39 weeks this Thursday, and I'll officially be on maternity leave from Monday. But I've been thinking (hoping) that the baby comes early, but now I'm really worried he won't! I'm so obsessed by this due date! It's just that if he's 2 weeks late, I'm not in such a good way financially, and DH has a month off to be with me starting on Friday, but if the baby is 2 weeks late I'll only have 2 weeks with DH & baby and I'm really scared that I won't cope, he'll be in London and everything will be a disaster.
Plus, secretly I don't want my inlaws to come and visit because I don't like my FIL. (Never confessed that out loud before!) To them, I'm just a carrying case for The Grandson, and I'm being really irrational but I even hate my baby being called 'the grandson', because...well, I don't know why really, but I feel that I'm not carrying a grandson, but a son, for me and DH, not them, if that makes any sense.
Oh, now I'm sounding hysterical!! I'm not hysterical really. Having lower back pain, keep checking for shows etc (!), no breaking waters or anything, and slept really well last night. Which worries me that I'm not really pg at all... Fanjo isn't right, though - the stabbing pain thing still there which, although I have to stick my fist there to ease the discomfort (not in public!) is sort of reassuring!

OK, happy thoughts and a nice shower now!! Sorry all!

pyjamarama Bean looks gorgeous. Well done you!

On early inductions, have spoken to my midwife about this and in my area they will not induce before 40 + 5 unless there is a medical reason. However, you could request a sweep. My midwife is suggesting a sweep for me at 38 weeks (next week - gulp!) because of all the discomfort I am in, but I have to see my consultant at the hospital first to give the go ahead for this. Have my appointment on Wednesday to discuss the birth/sweep/induction situation.

Thing is, if it is your first DC, it is very unlikely to arrive on you due date (can't remember what the odds are) and most fist baby's are late (80% I think). Best talk to your MW as every case is different.

Oh, now I've just seen pyjama's pictures and I'm all happy again.

Mood swings? Moi?

pyjama, he's a sweetie - and so tiny! love the hearing test photo too!

I'm intending to pack my bag today, but I don't actually have most of the stuff I need so a shopping trip will come first (disorganised, moi?!).

Essie, totally relate to the in-laws thing - I also feel that I'm just a carry case for grandson (love that expression) and while we were enduring 5 years of fertility treatment and 2 m/cs, MIL actually said to my BIL that "the real tragedy is that we don't have a grandchild", , so as you can imagine I'm rather ambivalent about spending time with them once our LO turns up.

As for your dh, does he not have any flexibility on when he can take the time off? If LO shows no signs of putting in an appearance could he not put his leave back by a week? I don't know about everyone else, but dh is going to start his annual leave when we go into hospital (if I manage to labour at home for a while, he's going to say he's 'working from home' to eek it out as long as possible!).

I also have the stabbing pain, but don't how long that will go on for before labour starts - think it's baby resting on cervix isn't it? Bloody hurts whatever it is!

I'm still sat here in my dressing gown too, so must go and get ready. Hope a shower and getting dressed will help you feel a bit brighter. Have you talked to dh about your concerns (both re his parents and his leave)?

Essie3 please try not to worry too much, I know it is hard and I have done my fair share. Have you chatted to your MW about your discomfort (sounds like the baby's head pressing on nerves in the cervix to me)?

I know all the hormones make us even more prone to worrying and I lie awake at night worrying about all sorts of things. I personally dread my own parents coming to visit because they do not help out and when my DD was born they just sat around expecting cups of tea. They also just added to the anxiety of the birth by telling me I would be 2 weeks late at least because everyone in my family is - they just couldn't be positive for me.

I'm ranting already!

Wow so much to catch up on

pyjamarama those pics of bean are so cute!
amberc I'd been wondering too about F's day pressie and I'm going to get one

Now another NHS rant - had a consultant's appointment 2 Thursdays ago (so 11 days ago!) where they found ketones, protein and leukocytes in my urine. She said they'd send it to the lab. Then today I get a letter from hosp saying I have a urine infection! Shouldn't they have told me before now? I thought it was dangerous for the baby to have an infection untreated! I'm seeing the doctor later anyway to get a prescription.

rolf sorry to hear you're feeling bad about tummy. People are so insensitive, like we suddenly have no feelings because we're pregnant. I was in a shop earlier and asked for a tub of pasta salad. The lady said 'large or small?' and I said 'large please'. The man (customer) next to me said 'you look like a large tub already'!!!!

pyjama he is gorgeous... all broody now as want paris to hurry up to make an appearance

essie mood swings? what mood swings? ILs sound a pita - esp FIL. I think you really loose all tolerance at this time as you just dont want to have to put up with anything if you don't have to. with me its my dm - I know she means really well but she seems determined to inundate us with hand me downs ,stuff I will need. DH already has 2 kids so its not like he doesnt know what he is doing ...and we're trying really hard to keep it minimal so can actually get what we need/baby wants not just take in a bunch of really random handouts. My dm is well meaning but bossy so more about control (She even started to lecture me on what kind of nappies to use).

right going for a lie down now and to see if I can persuade baby to make a move as mummy is jealous of pyjama's cuddles with bean

Essie try and think about having a nice 2 weeks with DH just the two of you as a special last treat so at least if the baby is late you have a nice time with your OH?? tperhaps plan lots of things to do so that you have things to look forward to - that way you maybe won't be sitting drumming your fingers thinking about impending parenthood quite so much!

I can empathize about ILs, although mine are on holiday at my due date and have warned me not to be early (Oh OK then, I'll keep my legs crossed)they at least will just drop by and leave again though if my SIL's experience is anything to go by!

just don't listen when they refer to the grandson - your child, your son, and that's that!

Hello!!

It feels like I've been away for ages (only since thursday) but already a new thread & a couple of births - wow, congratuations to you all!!

Had a melt down on Friday - hence why I've not been around. House is still a mess, still have workmen in the house, currently got my dad tiling the bathroom & the machine is so bloody loud. Anyway Friday I completely lost it with my DH, told him I was moving out until the work had been completed, packed bags & drove round to my mums where I stayed for a while. He had to come home from work & sort out all the work on the house - for which I felt quite bad but it was his decision to take on the work on the house, it wasn't mine. I didn't really want all the work doing & certainly made him promise it would be sorted before I finish for maternity leave. I'm now in wk 3 of mat leave & still no sign off people buggering off & leaving me to nest (incidently everytime I start to nest a workman comes along sees how clean it is & decideds he needs to create some more dust!).

Sorry ranting, long & short is that I've come home as I can't leave my DH to get it all finished - really trying hard not to get upset by everything - and the stay at my parents house did the trick!!

Please someone else tell me I'm not the only one to have a melt down!

I'm due a week today - very scarey!! Noticed I'm not on the list of due dates so I've updated it with mine on it!

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
29/5/08 - pyjamrama William James Frederick
30/5/08 - Paromapu, Fleur

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 - fungle - (2nd child)
10/06/08 - basilbrush -(1 DS Feb 06, 2 m/cs 2007)
11/06/08 - thegreenfairy -(first baby)
11/06/08 - Amberc
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)
25/06/08 - Bun2 (DD 5 yrs) Girl
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???

Essie - I think the waiting is just the babies letting us know who is in charge. Despite all our plans, they'll come when they're ready, not before. So please don't worry or get stressed, cos there's nothing you or I can do! It's crap and like you I really want an actual due date please. I've asked the bump for one and he kicks back but I don't understand what he is telling me! I'm kinda accepting that he may not come before my due date, but haven't even considered going beyond that yet. Despite all this, I'm still on for Thursday if you are?

Understand completely that he is your son and not their Grandson. I kow he's both, but he's your son first! My PIL's live in NZ and when they visit I can actually become a bit like that about DH. "Oh, well that's X, he's always loved water" they'll say and I want to say, "No, I know he hates water and only drinks it to keep you happy, you don't know him at all anymore...!". Completely irrational I know, and that's me pre pregnancy...

Laura - "try and think about having a nice 2 weeks with DH just the two of you as a special last treat..........."

That is a lovely way to look at it!

Clearly pregnancy brain - I forgot to add myself!! Done below!

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
29/5/08 - pyjamrama William James Frederick
30/5/08 - Paromapu, Fleur

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
09/06/08 - Lorettah (first baby)
10/06/08 - fungle - (2nd child)
10/06/08 - basilbrush -(1 DS Feb 06, 2 m/cs 2007)
11/06/08 - thegreenfairy -(first baby)
11/06/08 - Amberc
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)
25/06/08 - Bun2 (DD 5 yrs) Girl
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???

Clearly pregnancy brain - I forgot to add myself!! Done below!

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
29/5/08 - pyjamrama William James Frederick
30/5/08 - Paromapu, Fleur

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
09/06/08 - Lorettah (first baby)
10/06/08 - fungle - (2nd child)
10/06/08 - basilbrush -(1 DS Feb 06, 2 m/cs 2007)
11/06/08 - thegreenfairy -(first baby)
11/06/08 - Amberc
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)
25/06/08 - Bun2 (DD 5 yrs) Girl
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???

I wonder how greenfairy is getting on.

I'd guess she's got a greenbaby now!

Amber, it was Josey. She was, just last week, terriedied of going into labour and it coinciding with the anniversary of her father's death MAybe you two can relate strongly with each other.

Ali, ta. We have agot a wonderfully cool basement. I have considered decamping. It's just a pain, as down there we have no water, so it's a toss up between the heat, but having everything right by the bed (ensuite with loo, nappy changing, hand washing etc) or cool, but running up and down the stairs all night, with all the involved disruption. God, I'm spoilt, aren't I? I think the basement is beckoning. Ds3 is lucky cos his room is down there anyway.

pj he really is totally gorgeous! Cannot believe something similar to that is gonna pop out of all of us in the next few days! Still doesn't fel real. Has reality sunk in with you yet?

BTW it was I re newborn head. Nothing like it, is there?

Ernest more thoughts about babies in hotter climes. Remembered that I lived in Cyprus from 9 weeks to 2 years old (Dad in army), so called my Mum to find out what they did. Even though it was constantly over 100 degree F in summer my parents didn't have air conditioning, so their highly technical solution was to open the windows, and draw the curtains, and to try to sleep in a room that is not south facing - genius! What you can take from that I guess is that I was fine; that your LO will be just fine too, and that we live in much more anxious times. Try not to worry.

So, so cute and tiny pjamarama love the listening test photo.

Yeah, the fanny pain - putting my fist there does help. But maybe don't do it if you're at work .

Thanks guys - I have these weird meltdown moments where I can't think straight at all - so Lorettah, no, it's not just you - and I just need sensible people (that's you lot!) to say 'no, no, you're fine'! Bun2 - IKWYM about the inlaws/parents sitting around expecting tea. My inlaws are high-maintenance in that way, and I'm not interested in housework or cooking, and need people who muck in. FIL is like having a demanding toddler around. He even sulks when he doesn't get his own way - they last visited in March, and he sulked when I said I'd prepared soup and bread for a light lunch. He wanted something more substantial. We all had to go out to eat. That will stop - I aim to be really bad tempered and blame it on post-birth hormones...
Sponge, how did you manage not smacking your MIL really hard ? When I read your profile I cried because of everything you've been through. (I cry at most things, though!!) You're amazing!
Laura - you're right, I should see it as 2 weeks with just me and DH, and then 2 weeks as three of us.
It's ridiculous, because it's not as if he's leaving me once the month is up - but in my head things are sort of in pigeon holes IYKWIM, and I struggle to think in terms of The Future, for some odd reason. (It's strange because I'm still thinking of having a baby as just this summer's activity, not for ever!! I suppose it's a Big Thing and breaking it into smaller chunks helps manage it.)

Penguin definitely still on for Thursday. Might go for a drive over some speed bumps on my way to fetch a really hot curry on Weds. Do join me!