Due in June - Thread 8!!!!! Boy can we chat!

[Lua]

All right, a brand new and fresh thread...

Happy Birthday for yesterday Charley Hope you had a good one.
When is everyone finishing work? I only have seven weeks left, then i'll be worried i'll be bored, although i'll try and do lots and lots of yoga.
Welcome Cooperoo!

Uki - I am planning to work until the end of May which is cutting it very fine! DD was born 3 weeks early and if I do manage to work this late, it will take me to less than 2 weeks before my due date! Eeek!I wont be bothered if I do have to finish earlier than this though - in fact IO would be pleased!

morning,
havent been around for a few days as we've been really busy decorating the nursery.
havent read all the posts as it would take me forever so i hope everyone's doing well
sorted out my mat leave on friday-im leaving on 22nd april and going back just 2 days a wk at the beginning of december.
dont know about everyone else but im starting to get really huge now but i still havent been offered a seat on the tube yet-ha ha!!!
i was tested last week for gestational diabetes and thankfully i havent got it so im really pleased about that and i've finally got my first midwife appointment next week-to discuss the birth
still not sure what pain relief i fancy as ive a really low pain threshold(i think!)but i hate needles,big time so im really not sure yet.
on the subject of prams and travel systems,i've also got a graco travel system(same as pink's i think)which was also a real bargain
does anybody know when it comes to steralisers which are the best-ordinary ones or the microwave ones? i think i read somewhere that the avent microwave one was pretty good-has anyone used that one before?
anyway hope everyone has had a nice weekend-its been snowing here on and off for the last couple of days and im sure theres more to come as its absolutely freezing-just hope i dont wake up to snow in the morning

Morning All, hope you are all having a good weekend.

Trib, you are a good friend. How v. stressful for all concerned.

Hi Cooperoo!! Glad you could come and join us.

Franniban, good luck for Monday. Hope it isn?t as bad as you?ll think it?ll be.

Charley, happy birthday for yesterday!!!! Hope you had a lovely day.

Uki, I?m stopping work at 37 weeks. I thought at 3 weeks before due date, I?ll be more than ready to stop, so I?m planning on renting a load of DVD?s, sitting on my sofa, and eating until I burst.

I?ve had a quiet weekend. I braved the scales this am. I?ve put on a stone + 2 lbs. Is that normal? Hope so. I feel enormous. I?ve also braved Matalan for v. cheap t-shirts to wear for the next 15 weeks. Can I highly recommend it for this?

Thanks for the kind messages and welcomes.
Thanks for the boost about no pain relief Lua. On the bright side it is my second baby at least so in theory it should all be over more quickly than before. DD was a waterbirth with gas and air and was a fantastic experience. I was very lucky. They won't let me have a waterbirth this time but they do encourage the use of a bath for pain relief so I will just have to get on with it. I am less worried about it than I was as at the end of the day I can't do anything about it.
I am a bit more concerned with getting home as soon as possible as the hosp seem very paranoid about new borns. The special care rate has increased from 2% of births at the military hospital to 64% of our babies born in Limassol. It is an issue they are trying to address. I was keen on a homebirth with this one but it is not allowed here. I think my main upset is that all my birth choices have been taken away but as Lua said I am just going to focus on that little baby at the end of it all.
Franniban - I hope things go alright on Monday. What a stressful time for you.
Lua - Agree with Lippy about yellow kitchen/diner. Nice neutral light colour, will be lovely and sunny. I am jealous as we are always in rented accomodation so don't really get to decorate or make it our own. We hope to buy back in the UK later this year but the way the market is who knows what we will be able to afford. We are saving frantically for our deposit and have profits from a previous house sale of my husbands so fingers crossed. I will find it all very exciting.
Uki - I stopped work last time at 35 weeks but this was a bit too early for me then. I was bored and still felt well and full of energy. This time round I am much less fit so grateful not to be working and to be able to sleep when dd has her nap if I need too. A very different pregnancy this time around altogether though.
On the subject of pushchairs I had a Britax travel system last time which was very similar to the Graco one just with a Britax car seat as this was the only one that fitted in out car. It was great while I was in the UK as I had to drive anywhere. Here however I walk most places so we got a second hand Mothercare three wheeler with HUGE wheels which I love and have a Maclaren techno which stays in the car. I was trying to decide what to do when this baby arrived as dd will only be two and se we need a double or similar, when a lovely friend of mine offered me her old Silver Cross coachbuilt pram for free!!! She said she wants it to go to a good home so I am made up. I have got a toddler seat from ebay and now can't wait to use it all. I think we will still end up getting a second hand double Maclaren for trips out so I am keeping my eyes open. I carried dd alot to begin with but it will be too hot to do that here in the summer.
Megi - I am jealous of your Bugaboo frog. They look really cool.
Hope you aren't all bored with my bangings on.
Clare

Hi all,

Happy Birthday Charley for yesterday 22 eh? Only a year older than me I'm dead jealous of your fancy Seven jeans Although if I get as hot as I did last time, when dd was expected in May, I probably wont be wearing jeans for long!

Pink, those Maclarens are brilliant. But you're right not to stress to much about it. So Tori wil be playing this year eh? Did you see her at the Royal Albert Hall in 97? That could have been the year I went, only seen her once. I'm not sure I'd know enough of her stuff these days to enjoy it that much. I have to be able to sing a long etc!! I'm still stuck in the Little Earthquakes, Under the Pink era. I did listen to Choirgirl Hotel yesterday and Jackie's Strength still made me cry with memories and things, so I think I'd best leave the listenening to the privacy of my living room

Trib, did you end up in Stockholm being a mediator??

I worked up to 36 weeks with dd last time and thought the last 4 weeks would drag, hmmm how wrong could I have been! I Was knee-deep in paint up until birth, not to mention 'nesting' in a big way. Hope I don't get that again this time, damn nuisance!

Sorry, don't know anything about sterilisers, am a boob girl. Must be a thread on here somewhere about it though.

Time for more painting, drawers look really smart now. I'm not overdoing it yet Charley. Wait until the loft is finished and we need to get painting the hall, stairs, landing, baby's room, our room!! Then I'll be over doing it We're going to get my folks up for the weekend so that at least 3 of us can do the decorating while one babysits. Should get things done!

Anyone hear the Food Programme today on radio 4? It was about school dinners, talking to Jamie Oliver among others. Jamie was in a school for a while, learning about how it was done (badly for various reasons) and then he took it on, he's done a programme about it. It was fascinating. Children and food, 2 subjects close to my heart, can't stand kids (and parents who let them) who chomp on nuggets 24/7 and can't identify a vegetable. The programme is on channel 4 this Wednesday at 9pm.

Ok, rant over, paint brush calling.

Hello everyone. I'm trying to make sure I don't leave it so long between posts this time, so here I am again! Bubbaloo - I've been looking at sterilisers, and I've decided on the Tommy Tippee microwave one. I'm planning on breastfeeding, and I hope to be able to do that, but express enough for one feed a day - starting with the late evening one, then the early evening one when the late one gets dropped eventually - so that my dh or a grandparent/babysitter can help out. I don't have room for a big electric one, and if I'm only using one bottle a day I won't need a big one. I was looking at the Avent version, but that one has a really shallow 'bowl' and a big dome lid, and can only be used in the microwave, whereas the Tommy Tippee has a deeper bowl with a shallow lid, and can be used as a cold-water steriliser as well. I think that this versatility will be great, especially if we stay away from home somewhere there isn't a microwave. And I can also use it as a storage container when we're travelling, too. I suppose you could use disposable sterilised bottles (expensive if you're away a lot), or just use Milton tablets in an ordinary bowl, but that's my reasoning, and I'm sticking to it! The other plus point is the price - it is much cheaper (12 pounds in Argos).

Now I just need to decide on a breast pump - any advice, anyone? I think I just want a basic hand pump. Do they need to be sterilised? All of it, or just certain bits? And can they be sterlised in a microwave steriliser???

I have a steriliser from Toys R Us by Bruin which is great. It is a microwave steriliser that can be used for cold water sterilisation too like the one Jenny Wren describes. I breast fed last time but used the steriliser for my breast pump and feeding bits when the time came. I thought I would use the steriliser in the microwave mostly but actually used it with Milton more. I hated the smell initially but grew to actually like it and the smell now really reminds me of that phase in my daughters life (yes I think I might be a bit odd too!). I used an Avent hand pump to express which worked for me but this was the only one I tried and as dd never took a bottle I was only expressing small amounts to be mixed with weaning foods and for her cereal etc. I have heard good things about electric ones too. The Avent one seemed to need a degree to put together but all of it could be sterilised and overall I like the design. HTH
Clare

Thanks Clare. I've been reading another 'pump' thread, and for the handheld ones, the Avent Isis seems to come tops in the opinion polls. The only thing that concerns me a little bit is that as you seem to get bottles included with both the pump and the steriliser, they won't be interchangeable. I'll probably wind up keeping the TT ones for when I've pumped and frozen the milk, which seems a bit of a waste. Does anyone have any experience with the TT Freedom pump?

Afternoon chaps.

Charley - happy birthday for yesterday! Hope you had a good 'un.

Lippy - I haven't gone to Stockholm (thank god) although I did have a very difficult phone call with the dad and his gf. When I finished that, I got back to my desk to find an email from my sister-in-law saying my bro had found a lump in an intimate area (shall we just say). He's had an ultrasound which shows it's a cyst but there's a shadow behind it, so they have to wait a few more weeks for another ultrasound to be sure all is well. If that weren't bad enough, they go to panel a few days after the scan to be approved to adopt the younger brother of their 2 1/2 year old dd. If the scan shows a bad result, they will lose the baby

This all rather put the Stockholm situation into perspective, and we went over to the Midlands to see my bro last night/this morning.

Anyway, fingers crossed all will be well, but it's a very upsetting time for them.

Blimey Tribpot, your poor brother and his wife. What a nightmare for you all. Kind of puts things in perspective doesn't it. I wish you and him all the best.
Take care
Clare

Hi Trib, So sorry to hear about your brother's health. I hope the outcome is a good one. It's so unfair that this could affect their chances of adoption I know that when children are placed in families agencies need to be careful, but the irony is, if you are blessed with fertiliy, which is completely random, you can do what the hell you like with your kids (within reason). Lots of love.

having a major panic at the moment, DD is displaying all the symptoms of slapped cheek, a nasty virsus which is not good in PG!! ahhhhhhh am just waiting for GP to phone back to confirm her diagnosis well to tell us to come down and get her checked out, have spoken to my midwife so said its a low risk but ahhhhhhh anyhow.

sorry to hear your new tripot - sorry i posted before reading the thread

Evening!

I had a lovely birthday yesterday thanks, almost everyone remembered to send at least a card, went shopping with my little sister for hair things, nailvarnish etc without a huffing dp, and introduced her to the delights of going for a curry

Dp has told me we're going to VENICE next month - I'm SO excited!!

Trib - OMG - your poor poor brother and sil I so hope it's just a cyst. If it's more than that, would they still definitely lose the chance of adopting their dds brother? Wouldn't they wait until he's had treatment?

Cooperoo - why on earth is there such a high rate of special care for new borns? It must be more a procedural thing surely? I'm very of your Silvercross coachbuilt pram!

Hope things go well tomorrow Franniban.

Thanks for posting about that Jamie Oliver programme - I'll definitely be watching that.

I'm glad it's not just me that's put on a stone!

I know nothing about sterilizers I'm afraid so will be finding out with the rest of you. I suspect I will need a very good breast pump too Jennywren as I anticipate problems breastfeeding as I've had a reduction, but I'm determined to try my very hardest for at least the first few weeks. I've been looking at those dead expensive electric double pump things. (Makes me feel funny though, like a milk cow or something

I do know you can get brand new avent etc sterilizers and pumps on ebay.

Oh Katz - all the best for the diagnosis - have you looked on MN archives for stuff about slapped cheek? I noticed one bobbling about just a few weeks ago

Finally I can post - thanks for starting the new thread.
tribot - sorry about your brother, hope the news is good when it comes.
Katzguk - that sounds nasty - hope your dd is feeling ok and you get some reassurance.
charley - belated birthday greetings, bet those jeans are pretty fab. I'm feeling a bit heffalumpish myself. We're just back from my brother's - his missus is due 6 weeks after like me and looks like a model still with NO tummy. She's still working out at the gym etc I just work out what to eat!
Teabelly I'm due about the same time as you ie early in the month and I've put on about the same amount although it may be more after my crisy duck marathon last night!
I'm feeling better now - had a rough couple of days last week after fainting during a physiotherapy session - not like me, am not the fainting type. Something to do with lying on my back for too long I think - was very wierd.

Cooperoo meant to say hello, good evening and welcome to you too.
Venice! Charley I'm so jealous - I'm thinking about a couple of nights in Sandilands - don't ask

Tribpot, will keep my fingers crossed for your brother and SIL, how worrying for them (and for you).

Katzguk, hope your DD is ok. What is slapped cheek disease? Will pop back in a bit to see what the doctor says.

I used the Avent hand pump and it was fine - had a go with an electric one but when it stretched my nipple out further than it should EVER be stretched down a plastic tube, I switched it off in a panic and never used it again. It was more like an instrument of torture than a milking device.

Glad you've de-lurked Cooperoo. And that you're posting more often JennyWren.

Belated happy birthday too Charleypops! Are you really only 22?

Uki - I'm not sure when I'm going to finish work. With DS I finished 3 weeks before my due date but he came 10 days early so I didn't feel I had enough time at home just pottering before he arrived (I wanted to do what you're planning on doing JonahB). So this time I'm thinking earlier - but I'm not sure whether to count back from my date (13th June) or scan date (7th June). Megi - how come you're thinking of working so late? Do you have to because of school terms or something?

Franniban - good luck for Monday. Are they allowed to make you redundant when you're pregnant?

Pink - definitely reckon the GP classes are a good idea too. I met most of my mother and toddler group friends at the local clinic classes (both before and after DS was born). I was worried that the NCT ones might be a bit too posh for me so didn't bother with them.

Welshmum, I'm also feeling heffalumpish. I think I must have suddenly grown in size in the last week or so. I'm having problems adjusting to my new girth, I keep opening cupboards into my belly and am having difficulty picking things up off the floor.

Lippy, you put me to shame with all your decorating. I just can't face doing anything like that on top of all the usual household chores.

Lua - did you ask the midwife about your braxton hicks contractions by the way?

Right, I've rambled on enough. Off to shove some more cake down my neck.

DD has got slapped cheek, which for her isn't serious just a mild virsus with bright red cheeks. but for me being PG can be problematic, i now have to wait to see if i'm immune/have had it, it not then i will have to go and see the doctor and have another scan to check out the baby.

Mrs W - they have Gp ones which are good for the mother and baby groups. I see people going to them whenever I go to the surgery. I am going to the NCT ones simply because they start sooner than the GP ones and I am itching to meet some new people. Though that said they might be a bit posh

lippy - Yup 97 in the albert hall choir girl hotel tour it was great Jackie's strength - mmmmm I have my thinking cap on now [img]www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/fragend/confused-smiley-009.gif[/img] I know some of her songs can be pretty harrowing and hard listening at times... Hope memories not too bad - thats why I don't really listen to little earthquakes these days - progressed past battering the same old things over and over.

tribpot - Oh I am sorry I hope it works out ok with your brother. I know when I was adopted they just gave you to any Tom Dick or Harry as long as you had money in the bank. It was not really a good system back in those days... I didn't realise it had become quite so ridgid seems unfair. Hope all is ok and said child goes to a good home.

Charleypops I didn't say Happy birthday yesterday I forgot to write it in (((((Charley))))) Muchos love and many happy returns Gosh 22 is such a great age

Good god I got the travel system out of the the box today - its not as easy as it looked in the shops! it needed to be put together for starters. It was a bloody mission getting the back wheels on; I cut my finger I am just glad I got it out today when my friend was over I think it would have robbed me of my sanity further on when bump was truely out of hand.

I no longer see or speak to my mother however lately I have noticed I have had rather frilly little kind cards coming through the post in an attempt to endear herself. This coupled with the fact her sister phoned earlier (while I was out) to invite me over for tea next weekend. I hear nothing from any of them for years and all of a sudden when I am trying to finally move away and stop having negative things in my life it is as though I am being suffocated by 'love' which is all too little too late. Oh well I am afraid I will have to decline the tea, it seems abit too manufactured seeing as I didn't know my aunt well enough for anything other than a random birthday card before now and she must be aware I have decided no have no contact whatsoever with my mum. Oh well...

The smilie didn't work perhaps the board can't use outside smilies

Nice to see you back Welshie! yes my jeans are great and there's a bit of room left in them for growth.

As for your sil - someone told me that if your abdomen is too toned that can mean a longer and more difficult birth! It's probably just a vicious rumour started by lazy jelly bellies, (like me), but it's comforting nevertheless

I do hope you're ok after your "swoon" at least you were lying down! I know that can happen if you lie on your back because it traps the main artery from your heart. You'll have to make sure you're supported by plenty of pillows in bed so you stay on your side. Left is recommended because of the position of your arteries. What is Sandilands? (or is that a bit of a stupid q?) I think I'll look it up!

oo oo oo I wish you hadn't posted that MrsW about your stretched nipple! It reminds me of a very distrubing bondage photo I came across in the darker depths of the 'net one day (by mistake I hasten to add!) ..... Sadly, the bit about me being only 22 is an outrageous lie, add 13 and Lippy was fibbing too

I'm sorry it's turned out to be slapped cheek Katz, I hope it's not going to mean anything serious for you.

Hi pink!

your travel system sounds like a nightmare to put together! I guess now you've done it, it'll have to stay together until he's here too!

At least your mum's been sending you cards - mine didn't even call me yesterday Nobody can do your head in like your mum can they?

Pink and Charley. Mothers. Mine was a nightmare too. If nothing else it gives us the resolve to be better with our own children. Sorry your mum didn't call yesterday, hope it didn't cast too much of a shadow over your birthday.

Katz, sorry it's turned out to be slapped cheek. Will keep my fingers crossed that you are immune.

Right, off to bed now.

Managed to grab a few mins on the pc after kicking dh off ebay, hurrah!

Charley many happy returns for Saturday...Venice next month...am very very ... I took dh for his 30th and it's just fab, I could live out there...is it your first time? If so you just need to go slightly off the beaten track to find some great restaurants with really reasonable prices, unlike those in St Marks Sq and by the Rialto..oooh you lucky girlie

Bubbaloo - glad the gtt was all ok, that must be a load off your mind...I still have mine to come (8th March)...was it really painful? on second thoughts don't answer that!!

Re the sterilizer thing...I had the Maws one (now Tommy Tipee) for ds and it's fab...as Jennywren says it's really good to be able to use it as either a micro or cold water sterilizer...and it fits any make of bottle, unlike some. Incidentally for travel you can either use the disposable bottles which are aslo a godsend, or you can get microwave sterilizer bags (£4.50 for a pack of three). Each bag can hold up to two bottles and bits, and can be used up to 20 times so are great for holidays away (always providing there's a microwave!!)

Trib - so sorry to hear about your brother - keep us posted.

Cooperoo welcome glad you have been able to join us properly...don't envy you the lack of epi, but an extremely envious of Cyprus!

Franniban good luck for monday.

Welshie so glad it's not just me...I'm sure I've put on even more over this weekend too! Don't know about you but my tummy has suddenly swollen loads - I'm sure it didn't happen this quickly last time!! Glad you're ok after your fainting episode - I never knew that about the arteries, just thought you shouldn't lay on your back coz it was uncomfortable and babe could squash some of your organs in late pg!!

Better go as it's way past my bed time, he he he, catch you all tomorrow