Due in Jan 2009 - the everexpanding bum(p) & ladygarden planning society

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hello!!!!
I've done it....

Thanks for warm welcome everyone. Interested to know who's having their first & who already has DC's. Is there a stats list? I have one DD already (16 months) so this will be baby number 2 & 3. Definitely the last for me - said that last time.

Ah - just found the stats @ bottom of thread. Mind if I add on ?

HeathersMummy - 31st Dec (DC2, DD born May 05)
MsSparkle - 2nd Jan (DC2, DD born Oct 06)
scare85 - tbc
Ginni - 2nd Jan
charmed24 - 2nd Jan
Teuch - 2nd Jan
kidsfromfame - 2nd Jan
okaythen - 2nd Jan
looweeza - 2nd Jan
Ginni - 2nd Jan
blot4 - 3 Jan (DS1 is 1)
NatalieJane - 3rd Jan (will be DC3, DS1 born Mar 02, DS2 born Dec 06)
moosemama - 3rd Jan
Periwink - 3rd Jan
MrsMagpie - 4th Jan
1973magpie - 6th Jan (will be DC3 - Gulp!)
Chefswife ? 6th Jan
MissHairspray - 6th Jan BOY
Hopenotsickthistime - 8th Jan (DC2, DD born May 07)
witchandchips 9th Jan
Nellybell 10th Jan (will be DC2, DS born Sept 06)
ScaredofEverything - 10th Jan - DC1 and she's a girl!
mermaid31 - 10th Jan
Shanster - 10th Jan
Mel2005 - 10th Jan TWINS(ds born sept 04, dd born jan 06)
RambleOn - 10th Jan (DC2, DD born Oct 06)
nooschmoo - 12th Jan (will be DC2, DD born sept 07)
OutofthisWorld - 12 Jan (1 boy, born April 2005)
Spink - 12 Jan (will be dc2, ds born Feb 2007)
LenniEd - 13th Jan (will be DC2, DD born Dec 2006) Also having blue feelings! And I was right - 'Tis a boy.
Largeginandtonic- 13th January (twin boys-9, dd-8, ds-6, ds-3, ds-15months) GIRL!!!!
icklepeanut 13 Jan (Son 16, daughter 12)
Stripeywoollenhat - 13 Jan - little girl!
Poorbuthappy - TWIN GIRLS 09th Jan (1 dd born Sept 04)
Tallulahbelle - twins due 13th Jan (1 DD born June 2007)
llareggub 15 Jan (will be DC2. DS born Oct 06)
tink-15th of jan (dc2, have dd1 3 aug 29th) would like a boy will find out gender sat 4th of oct hopefully
Tokentotty - 16th Jan (DC2, DS born Aug 07)
buickmackane - 16 Jan (DC3, DS1 11/01, DS2 08/04)
iwouldgoouttonight - 16th January (DS born August 06)
Chocsolot - 16th Jan
LittleSquirt - 16th Jan
FourLittleFeet - 16th Jan (DC2, DD May 07) having blue feelings this time, not finding out
MissJackson - 18th Jan
MrsT77 - 18th Jan
Happyathome - 18th Jan (DC2. DD born June 02)
ColumbosWife - 19th January (DC3)
MrsAay - 20th Jane
FioLondon - 20th Jan
mrsmontano - 20th Jan (DC2, DD born May 03)
Rrrayray- 20th Jan
EachPeachPearMum- 21st Jan (DC2, DD born Feb 06)
Buckles- 21st Jan
Booksgalore - 21st Jan (DS born Mar 07) It's a Surprise!
Feedmenow (c-section or induction about now although not officially due til 4th Feb)
LooseyC - 22nd Jan (DC2. DS born Dec 07) Another BOY!
Upwind - 25th Jan
Lizzih1974 - 26th Jan
Oops - 26th Jan (DS1 - 6, DS2 - stillborn 19 Dec 07)
elkiedee 26 Jan (DC2, DS born May 2007)
FYM - 28th Jan (DC2, DS Dec 05)
NoNickname - 29th Jan
Tobemory - 29th Jan (DC2, DS 14 months, Charlie)

Liznay, we weren't having children. We were dog people and that was enough. Then we both changed our minds when we hit 30. Actually it was only after DH had a serious head injury that we each decided we'd better tell the other that we had changed our mind.

I worried all through my first pregnancy that I wouldn't be able to bond etc etc, but everything was fine and I was really lucky as it all just seemed to come naturally to me, even breastfeeding. Must've been ok as I have gone on to do it twice since then. You'll be fine.

Have had a busy day today. DS1 was crying first thing as he has been taken in by all the halloween hype and was expecting something special to happen. Gritted my teeth and decided it was up to me to make it special for him.

Luckily we'd already bought 2 pumpkins to make into lanterns and invested in some led tealights so that they were safe for the boys. We also made ghost and skeleton gingerbread men and decorated them. I took them out to their favourite cafe where they were duly bought a couple of halloween treats and then I made witches cauldron soup (butternut soup with a swirl of beetroot puree) followed by magic spell cake (multi-coloured victoria sandwich with rainbow butter icing).

Got lots of questions about how I'd made things and DS1 spent ages trying to get me to admit to him I hadn't really made an ordinary cake and used a spell to make it multi-coloured.

They ate their tea in the kitchen by the light of their pumpkin lanterns and had a drink of blue milk before bed. (They've taken their lanterns up with them - made sure they both have friendly faces!)

I am now completely exhausted and have multi-coloured fingers!

Have had despatch of my buggy confirmed so it's looking good. (Delivery due on Monday, so still keeping everything crossed.)

Oh Moosemama - can I have Hallowe'en at your house next year. Sounds like fun

Hello everyone and new people! Sorry haven't been on here for a while - in fact this is the first night I have stayed up beyond 10pm for months... must be the mini mars bars I just had - I knew buying extra choc in case we got loads of trick or treat-ers was a good idea! Moosemama, wow magic spell cake! Mmmmmmm

Notjust I'm amazed at how organised people here seem to be with all these lists! I didn't get any of this stuff for DS at this stage, prob just second hand moses basket and some babygros, but admittedly we probably did end up owning half the Mothercare catalogue by about 3 months in...

We don't usually do that much, if anything, for Halloween. I just felt for poor DS1 this morning, he was so upset.

There seems to have been Halloween stuff everywhere this year, so he was all built up ready for it to be something special and was so disappointed when he realised nothing really happens. Had to get my thinking cap on quick to come up with some ideas of what to do.

I will admit to having spent a fair amount of time grumbling to myself about how these things are pushed so hard and so commercialised these days that they are impossible to avoid. But hey, when it came down to it I was one of the fools that gave into all the pressure in order to keep my DS happy so that probably makes me a real sucker!

Actually I say commercialised, the pumpkins were a pound each, got 4 led lights for £3 off ebay, Grandma paid for the treats at the cafe and we already had the ingredients in the house for all the food, so in reality it only cost us a fiver for both kids and that included feeding ourselves as well. Can't really complain at that.

Didn't get any trick or treaters, despite currently having no curtains at the front of the house because of the decorating. Now am left with a large bowl of haribo (all that was left at corner shop this afternoon) which is not vegetarian so we can't eat it.

Oooh, lots to catch up on in the thread.. and welcome to Tallulahbelle and Liznay. I like everyone's 'boy theories' - I am CONVINCED I am having a boy and would happily bet lots of money on it - based on - my OH family is entirely boys, all their relations are boys etc, according to family lore no girl born since 1902! X sperm are obviously not working properly... and secondly, the rash I had is 80% boy-related. And on top of all that, it just 'feels' like a boy - big and solid!

We only got one lot of T&Ters tonight - a bunch of grubby boys holding up tesco carrier bags!

And oh, I spent the day sciving off work, diamond-ring shopping with OH! We went to Hatton Garden in London, which has tons of shops, but of course I fell in love with the very first ring I tried on. Came home very happy and waving my diamonds at anyone and everyone on the tube. At least I am finally getting offered a seat!

We are getting married in 3 weeks time... OH really, really wanted to do it before the baby arrives, and I'm happy to keep it all low key - just a lunch with family, 20 of us total. I've got a lovely dress from Isabelle Oliver. My mother-in-law to be made the helpful suggestion that I get a really big bunch of flowers to hide my bump in the photos! As if! Bump will be taking centre stage and it's lovely to think he'll be part of it.

Well, that was a longer post than I meant to write... wanted to chat about home-births too but way past my bedtime...

Ah miss jackson i had no idea you were managing to get the wedding in before the baby arrives!! wow! My OH has always wanted a little one at the wedding, so we're holding off until then!

I too bought sweeties for trick or treaters, but we had none, which is strange considering how many children there are in our neighbouring houses. i think perhaps their parents only let them trick or treat at houses with children they know, etc. probarly pretty wise. only got the sweeties at oh request, i've never ever celebrated halloween- just the way i was brought up. I don't know that i would want my little one doing it either, but oh loves the idea, so i think we'll allow her, but only if she dresses as something cute like a pumpkin, not wearing a Scream mask!!!!!!

off to spain tomrorow. havent packed, but have laid things out on bed. Am tempted to take my maternity pillow, but cant be bothered to lug it around the airport!!! ha!

Spent yesterday afternoon making beef stew, chicken caserole and mini lasangnes so OH has nice homecooked food in the freezer while i'm away....god knows what he'd eat otherwise mr cant cook!!!!

we didnt have any trick or treaters either
all your ladies halloweens sounds great

missjackson, congratulations on the ring and the wedding! Am planning a homebirth myself but haven't organised anything for it yet.

Had a terrible night last night, don't know what was wrong with me, talk about restless legs, I had a whole restless body! Could't get comfy no matter what I tried, then sacro-illiac (sp) started popping and cracking and hips aching really badly. Hardly slept a wink. I think I just got really overtired yesterday and then stupidly stayed up with DH to watch Tim Burton's Corpse Bride before bed.

Got to go into town today too. Firstly to take the laptop in for repair to the case under warranty, next to buy the living room curtains and finally to return the boys' library books and choose new ones. Unfortunately all the locations are scattered across different parts of town so it looks like I'll be doing a fair bit of walking.

Have to dismantle our bedroom this weekend as the boiler is being moved on Mon/Tues this week and all the floorboards need to come up. Also have to empty my biggest storecupboard (which used to be the cold store for the house). I haven't a clue what to do with all the stuff we keep in there, but once the boiler is in place along with a mini radiator we will have an airing cupboard for the first time in 6 years.

Hope everyone has a good weekend. May not be around for a while if laptop is taken in today as PC has been dismantled to be removed from the study/nursery.

The wedding is seriously low-key and OH is organising it all as I am pretty busy working for another 2 weeks, so fingers crossed it should all go smoothly. I am determined not to let it stress me out. Just between us ladies, I had a big white wedding about 6 years ago (which obviously didn't work out) so it feels right to keep it low key this time around!

notjustaclevername I am with a homebirth team of midwives who work out of the Whittington hospital here in London, so they are super supportive and act like it's totally normal to have a home birth. I really hope it works out, but I am not going to get too hung up on it as I hear about 40% of first time births get transferred anyway - I really don't mind as long as I have a healthy baby at the end of the day. But the team is great and you get all your antenatal checks at home - it was a bit weird at first having my check up on the sofa, but now I love waiting for them at home instead of in the hospital, and it all just feels more relaxed. I am not very good with hospitals in general as my ex had a medical condition that meant we were in and out of the place.

But I don't have anything organised! I think they do a proper big appointment at 37 weeks where they bring everything around - any earlier than that and obviously you have to give birth in hospital anyway. I am trying to get a pool, but am wondering if my own bath might not be enough to relax me - obv not big enough to actually give birth in. I just ordered a Ina May Gaskin book all about homebirth to give me inspiration.

I did have a bit of a wobble a few weeks ago, worrying that I was prioritising my birth experience over potential safety of the baby, but all the stats point to equal if not better chance of safe birth at home. Fingers crossed....

Wow, talking about the birth suddenly makes this seem REAL - I wonder who will be first out of us lot to give birth? It could be anyone! I'm due 18 Jan, but am thinking of Jan as "baby month" as I figure it realistically could be anytime from the first onwards.

Exciting! (and a little bit scary!)

hey all.
its been a very very long time since i posted on here. ds taking up lots of time so god knows where no 2 is going to fit in! on maternity leave now though and its lovely. had a fantastic first week although a shock as now remember what hard work being a full time mum is(don't panic first timers its the tantrums getting me and they have only just started!)
sounds like everyone on here is ticking along nicely. only really read the last few pages so hope haven't missed anything major and everyone is ok. hello to people i haven't 'met'.
all ok here. had a few more scans and soft markers don't seem to be causing anymore problems that they can tell. another scan at 34 weeks but think have decided against amniocentesis. actually the size of a house with a bum/head constantly by my belly button so i have one stretch mark! c section dates are either 29/31 dec or 2 jan. we can choose which is so bizare. guess that will put me up the top of the list for giving birth first. back seems better and can thoroughly recommend a hip brace for those also suffering with spd. virtually pain free the days i wear it.
right x factor calling. seems to be my weekly emotional workout!

morning

Hi all,

Will catch up now, just stopping in to say hi first...

i've noticed that a few of you have seen your midwives only a couple of times. is that normal where you are? for me its been every 4 weeks and now it will be 2 times this month and weekly in december and then daily the week before birth. by then though she comes around your place so you don't have to haul your big belly all over hell's acre's, which i am imagining is going to feel like.

last night i got sort of stuck turning over with the pillow between my legs. pulled my round ligament in my sleep and woke me and subsequently, woke DH, and he had to turn me over. i though, 'lovely, DH is sleeping with a beached whale' and then i laughed at myself. i've been trying to convince DH that we need to get a king size bed but he thinks a queen is fine. however, now it is evident that a king would be better because i can just rooollllllll over instead of turning over in one spot. plus, kids will likely be sleeping in our bed with us some nights.

Morning all.

*rrrayray8 when do you have your next scan to find out whether you are still low lying or not? Mine is 12 december. I'm keeping my fingers crossed as I guess I should try to avoid a CS if I can! (thuogh part of me would like one to save all the pain!)

moosemama I distinctly remember telling my mum and my nan that I was never having kids (aged 12!) and that I hoped I was infertile - I think I'd been asked to look after my brothers one too many times.

I'm so excited as my nursery furniture arrives today. I got the izziwotnot hemingway 2 range - all cream and beach. I think I've bought everything I need now though i'm sure I'll find more stuff to buy over the next 9 weeks

Nursery furniture... Going to have to do something about the nursery this week - after I finish the VAT return.... oooohhhhh help, this baby is going to be sleeping in a cardboard box at this rate

morning

ye for furniture - lizn

lennied LOL! it says in my mirriam stoppard book that the baby can sleep in a drawer for the first few weeks, so I wouldn't worry

morning
chefswife I definitely vote for a king-size, since having one I can't imaging sleeping in a smaller bed.. still managing to wake dh as I haul my ass around at night though so not sure it helps with that.
Secretly I am chuckling though, ha ha, finally, pay back for all that snoring!

I've only seen my mw 3 times and think it'll only be a few times more (I hope). All of this is in the clinic, but luckily that' s not too far away. It all seems to depend on postcode round here, I have friends who have more frequent appts, and at home

LenniEd say PAH to nursery furniture, the cardboard box sounds lovely! TBH, I'm kind of expecting the bub to be in with me for the first month anyway, makes pesky night feeds so much easier . With ds, once I'd got him on the boob (us both lying down on our sides) I'd fall asleep while he fed. Admittedly, dh was away so I had big bed just for me and the little one. This time dh may find himself on the sofa for a while..

Morning,

Felt really bad yesterday, had a dull period like pain in my lower tummy and little sharp twinges all day so dp took me to the maternity unit to be checked out. They said everything was fine so went home.

Had a doctors appointment anyway this morning and i told her that the period like pains hadn't gone. She checked my urine again and found a little bit of protine in it so is sending it off to be checked for infection.

It's horrible feeling shit all the time, especially with a toddler to look after. I have trouble breathing at times.

I hate it when the hospital sends round a male doctor. I mean how are they supposed to know what "period like pains are"