Due in November 08: Missing - 2 feet, last seen somewhere under bump in late August. If found, please massage and trim toenails before returning.

[ruthosaurus]

Hi ladies, new thread as we seem to have outgrown the old one!

Oh well done Daisys DH, Pleased you have had good news .
Betti I would stay at home too! Good to be prepared though.
HM2J I'm not surprised you slept well after all that work
I have just caught sight of myself coming down the stairs in the mirror and I think if I turn round too quickly I could knock someone out!!
DH has just been sent away to work, he is still home every night but he is 2 hours away through the day and most probably will be for at least the next month or so. I have no fears that I will be early if DS being 16 days over is anything to go by but he has been local for ages now and it will also mean that he won't be able to come to my consultant appointment with me so that will be ALL of the important ones he has missed .
Can't afford to be fussy at the moment though as they have laid loads of people off!

ooooh lacks, well done to dh. and now I am soooo nosy about what products he produces (I used to work in advertising and worked on a lot of grocery products, was also forever buying 'the competition') and what retailer he's going to work for. Is it Tesco? Surely they are making money, the amount I give them every week . Two people got shot at my parents' Tesco's the other day (one Securicor man, and someone who intervened). Parents live in a village about 45mins on train from London. Of all the places...I would have expected it round here.

I can't stop eating. I am starving right now. Well, not literally, if you only knew what I had scoffed today. I have had to become a porridge person. It is not a mess if you make it in the microwave in the bowl you will eat from (with milk of course). I don't put sugar, but add prunes (a necessity right now ) and a banana/ nectarine/ plum. That's breakfast number 1!

Ceebs YYYYYAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYY!!! Result all round then!

He works for a company who produce all the prepack deli stuff for "not just a food retailer" , and he is going to work for (fingers crossed as he hasn't had the official word from them yet!) the northern supermarket chain, beginning with M.

He is a packaging development manager, mostly with food packaging, but has done other stuff before as well.

lol ladybuzz.....I keep on banging my bump into the edge of the worktop as I forget I can't get close to it anymore.

People keep asking me when I'm due now and doing that drawing of air through the teeth when I say seven weeks. The consensus of Joe Public is that I "won't last another seven weeks". Makes me feel great that.....feckers, the lot of 'em!!

(especially as like heartmum my bump seems to have reduced in size this week)

Am off to do some more knitting this evening; I have been promising DS a wooly jumper for nearly three years now and he is getting impatient!

I am very tired and my bump hurts and I'm off to Tesco to get party food for DH's birthday do tomorrow night (he is moving the furniture so is doing the donkey work).

I may well eat all the food on the way home.

HI all
Glad to see I am not the only one still being sick in the morning!!

DH had day off as he was awau at a conference yesterday, so I made him go to IKea to choose sofas. They are doing one of those 0% finance thingies- not like us at all, wee are more save up till you can pay for it type people but hey ho.

Sorry to hear of poor sleep.

I can still se my feet, but our hallway is becoming very narrow and no-one can get past me in it

I do hope you enjoy your party, Rutho.

Well I have managed to not have a "funny turn" as I call it today. But I have made more of an effort to eat more regularly. Didnt manage to phone midwife though. I am currently treating myself to choc & crisps (bad me) in bed with laptop on lap and tv on. DS well tucked up in bed has been since 7.45. DH is out tonight for a few beers with a work friend and his dad & his dad's mates (who are all such a laugh when out).

DS seems to have been off colour today, lots of tantrums, but refused to have a nap to feel better so was burnt out by bedtime.

DH popped home at lunch with his work mate and ripped out our old fireplace! Finally some progress ... DH seems to thrive on the stress of doing things at the last minute whereas I like to plan things and know what is going on. DH will no doubt be in a bad mood all weekend as he has got 2-3 coats of paint to put on the nursery walls, strip a wall of paper in the living room and move everything (except sofas) out ready for plasterers on Tuesday. He will no doubt drink too much tonight and we are getting up for an electrician coming at 8am! Also would like DH to cut the grass as it is well overdue and tends to hide the cat poo from DS when he is roaming free. Only thing is we have a lot of grass to cut as we have a corner plot so grass is all the way around our house.

ceebee - .

lacks - sorry to hear about your lack of sleep but hope it was worth it .

mum2becks - I think DS has been in his single bed (from a cot bed) for about a month now . He sleeps all through the night, 7.30 (8 very latest) until 7.30/8 (except if poorly or I wake him up to go to nursery). The only thing very occassionally we have had a problem with is actually putting him to bed. He will go no probs but keep coming to the door like it is a game. After about 5 mins he realises it isnt and stops in bed. Keep the faith, I personally think if you move DD back to her cot now she might not take it seriously when you try again and the cot will eventually be baby's not hers. But what do I know ...

Oh, I love,love packaging!Was a major part of my job too. [We worked on all the Comfort and Persil stuff at one point in time]. Tell him to start with the 'M' 'value' range (or whatever it is called)! I love innovative packs...Tango was one of the best. Almost makes me want to go back to work, though I don't think I could ever get back in now, it's been too long, and I would be a terribly neglectful Mum and get all absorbed in work (not a good multi-tasker).

saurus, hope you have a great party and it is not too tiring. sorry about bump and hope you get a lie-in.

lacka, don't worry about comments. Bump is drawing so much attention at the moment, I am learning to have to like it! Someone the other day quipped, "So, is it twins then?". It was MOST satisfying to say "YES". Ha ha ha. Got a good look from them.

sparks - RESULT on the childcare vouchers .

I'm waiting until payday at the end of the month to see if work have managed to reinstate my vouchers or not. They havent contacted me at all so I assume all is sorted. Worrying when you know more than your employer.

thanks vbab good to hear your DS is sleeping well in his bed, will give it time and hopefully she will settle and go back to sleeping through! Glad you havent had any more of your 'funny turns'

I've been up since 5 looking for a condenser dryer .

Lacks, you recommended Hotpoint...what model do you have?

Any other recommendations? There are so many,and I don't know what to look out for other than energy efficiency. I'd like a basic one where you can choose how long it runs for at what temperature rather than select specific programmes. Do they all have that option? I'm not sure what it's called.

morning everyone, wow thought I was up early MerryM at 6.15 but 5am you will be shattered later!!!

If its any help I had a condenser dryer before we moved house, it was only a basic one so didnt have programmes, but like you I prefered that. Mine just had 2 heat settings and a timer to select how long you wanted it on for. Unfortunately it didnt survive our house move as when I tried to use it it sounded like I was trying to tumble dry nuts and bolts so now using the dryer part of my washer/dryer when I need to but will definately buy another when we get round to it!

Hope everyone has a good weekend planned! I'm 34 weeks today

Morning Everyone.
Just Bookmarking.
Didn't know that was what it was called

MerryM I have a Creda advance Easycare condenser dryer, have had it for 9 years and it has been great, would really recommend it.

Just wanted to jump in and post that, will catch up properly later... didn't sleep a wink last night, so much for the wee respite on Thu night!

Oh also well done to Lacksa's DH you all must be thrilled to have him home again!

MerryM you can get the latest model from Comet or Next... next dryers

Around £200, but you could probably get same model cheaper on Quidco or a google search!

Grrrrr! Not having a great morning! Nothing bad that i can put my finger on, except maybe I am more cranky than normal. Dh made the mistake of asking what I was doing while putting away all the baby stuff I washed over the last few days. I told him I was packing a hospital bag to take with us when we go to Centreparcs on the 29th (will turn 36 weeks while we are there). He scoffed and told me I was being silly as baby won't arrive. Am I being silly?? I just think that sods law says if I don't pack a bag, he will decide to come. Also what do I do about his car seat?? If I give birth at a different hospital miles away from home, they won't let us out without a car seat. Do I take it with me, just in case, or am I really overthinking everything? Why the heck did I agree to going away for 5 days at 36 weeks pregnant?

Anyway, being told I was being silly put me in a bad enough mood, but then dh drops the bombshell that he isn't intending on taking paternity leave as it's only £100 a week but that he only has 1 weeks holiday and that is all the time off he has left. By this point I was pretty annoyed and told him not to bother taking any time off, I will probably cope and manage better on my own and settle into a routine much quicker without him under my feet for a week. Besides, if it is anything like the weekends, he will spend any available opportunity in his garage/office on his music collaberation website, or won't switch his work phone off and end up working anyway, rather than spending time with the family (read, the boys, who will need someone to spend time with them), so what is the point of having him here? Do you think I am being harsh/unfair? Maybe it is just my hormones getting the better of me and making me panic that baby could be here anytime really (you watch, I will still be here when 2 weeks overdue!)

Right, better get off my whingy, moany arse and get some work done!

So sorry vBab also meant to say thanks about the voucher result - it is a relief to say least! Really hope they reinstate yours but if they don't you could maybe say that is not the practice of other employers.... (as Ceebs is getting hers??).

Heartmum don't think you being silly at all, much more organised than me but then who is the silly one here?! Also which CenterParcs you going to? We went to Whinfell in May and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Have to say at your DH tho what's he playing at?? Honestly can see why you upset about the paternity leave issue. Am sure you COULD manage on your own but why the heck should you?? Tell him to get his priorities right .

thanks sparkle, I will look into it...

heartmum, i think it is 20% hormones, 40% tactless, insensitive husband and 40% difficult situation. I know when I get irritated with dh it totally turns him off, when actually what I am probably feeling is hurt, scared, worried etc. It is so reminiscent of me saying things like "I'd be better off without you" when actually what you really mean is, "I really need you to be very hands on when the baby comes as I will need all the help I can get. You're a great Dad and the boys love spending time with you, they're really going to need you then."

I think it is time for a few tears, to say you are a bit worried about the holiday (if you have room take the car seat, and definitely the hospital bag). Also that you feel a bit disappointed and worried about coping/ how the boys will cope as you were hoping he would have more time off and could he take just one extra week at the £100. I'm sure he's really a nice guy and just doesn't realise you are hurt. My dh reacts to anger very badly, and I still have not learned! So, I know it is all very well to tell you this in theory and without knowing much about you or your dh, but mostly it is a lesson to myself! (He's taken ds out, and I had a little freak out at him before he went, just because there is so much other stuff to do and I feel overwhelmed and can't do it on my own, and yet we have to take care of ds etc. etc.).

On a brighter note, I watched Juno last night. It was brilliant, I even cried!

mum2becks, I went back to bed at 7-9 while dh had ds. It's not that I got up at 5, just couldn't sleep so thought I would be productive and try and sort the blooming dryer out.

Heartmum. Oh dear - you poor love. Definitely not being silly to expect your DH to take some paternity to help you. I think MerryM has given some top advice above on how to deal with him. Re. the Centerparcs hol, how far away is it from where you live? I wouldn't worry about the carseat - take a small labour bag, and if you do pop whilst away, then you can send DH home to get carseat and your post-labour bag?
Vbab glad you're feeling better - but you need a better evening meal than choc + crisps! You're naughty!
Saurus good luck with your party ce soir. You are most brave! It was my DH's 40th recently, and normally I'd have done it at home and cooked, but I just couldn't face it so I outsourced the whole problem to our local gastropub who were more than happy to oblige...
P.S. Dinner party with Gaybours a triumph - DH has hangover and has now got to drive down to Southampton to watch his team lose play.

Hi all
Can't help with the dryer, I have no iidea what type ours is. It's in the cellar and dosen't have a big pipe- does that make it a condenseer? It's made by creda I think very basic but works very well and is AA rated.

Heartmum- I totally sympathise. I would pack a hospital bag if I were you- how does your DH know whne the baby will come? Chances are it won't be early but you never know. Poeple can be pretty insensitive at time. My DH is ok but I'm so glad my mum has gone on holiday- I am looking forward to a few weks free of her 'helpful' epithets!- LIke ooh you're not keeping on top of the housework very well are you? Have you done all yuor batch cooking yet? Are you not going to iron all those clothes? Never, you notice, offers to help me with anything!

AS far as the paternity leave goes- doesn't he get one wek full pay and one week half? Last time DH used up a pile of toil for the second week. But surely sometimes things are not about money and you DH must see that, surely? I think you need to have a good chat about it. It's very hard when the hormones are all over the place and they are being v.stubborn, I know. Perhaps a quiet eveing on your holiday would be a good time to discuss it?

DH is delivering the sofas today. Sofa bed is very good, I'm sitting on it now! Bless hiom, it weighed a ton. Thankfully neighbour friend is helping.

Hope everyone is enjoying the lovely weather this weekend!

Just a quick 'hello'!!
My mum and brother are coming today (haven't seen them since christmas) very excited!!
I cannot keep up with everyone and the chat!!
lacks I had clicking too (and still do from time to time) Boring reason for clicking is bubbles in amniotic fluid popping when baby moves but the best (and the one I like to believe) is that it is the sound of the baby losing the thumb it's sucking on when wriggling!

vbab sorry about your stress. Look after yourself x

heartmum I think you're being totally sensible packing a hospital bag to take away with you. Stick to your guns!!

Anyhoo best away to watch out the window for my lovely mum

Hope you all enjoy the weekend

Afternoon all - I hope you are all enjoying the sunshine

Can't help with the condenser dryer either - sorry!

HM2J - I am guessing your DH just doesn't realise what a big deal it is for him to be with you after the birth so maybe you need to make him see that it is important. My DH is in the same position as he doesn't qualify for paternity leave, and even if he did, we couldn't afford the drop to £100 for 2 weeks so he has saved his holiday to have 2 weeks with me (which means we have had to sacrifice a holiday away this year but it will be worth it!). Also, definitely take the hospital bag with you and the car seat too if you have room. Which Center Parcs are you going to? We are looking to go away for a few days next weekend - the Whinfell one is booked but there is space at Sherwood Forest but DH is not convinced it is worth the money.

Managed to motivate myself to go out last night and had a lovely meal at an Italian restaurant (my fave food) - never as much fun though when you are not drinking .

Have been to aerobics this morning and have decided that tomorrow's aerobics class will be my last one - eventually at 30+4!! I reckon I start going again sometime in the New Year.

Forgot to mention before - I have received an appointment card through the post this morning to see my consultant in 3 weeks time (I will be 33 weeks) - I have no idea what this is for

I already have an appointment with her booked at 36 weeks to discuss my final birth choice but nobody has mentioned any other appointment - am v puzzled but will have to wait until Monday to try and find out why!

Just a quick pop-in ladies. We are really busy today.

The last two days I have been suffering from really bad 'period' pains. They kept me awake all last night. Does anyone know what these are? I don't remember having them before.