July 2009 Part III

[Mij]

Hope no-one minds me kicking this one off - 39 pages seemed a bit unmanageable!

Had 20 week scan today. Tiddler unco-operative to start with (although not as bad as DD was - took 3 goes to see everything) and it looks like most of the bits are in the right places. Decided right at the very last minute not to find out the sex. Realised that, if DD thinks she's going to have a sister, that nothing, not even photographic evidence, will change her mind anyway. So stuck with the 'don't ask don't tell' as per first time around and will just have to wait to sort out all the sodding clothes 'til we know what we've got.

Although... What do gonads look like on a scan?! Got a very good look at the hips from underneath, so to speak, and thought I saw two little bright spots, but that could be the sitting bones of course. Anyone tell me what the crown jewels look like on a scan?!

Happy Easter everyone.

This will probably be my last post before we go to Cornwall on Monday. Please send good-journey vibes - it's 6hrs without any stops, so I'm thinking probably 9 hours in reality, and that's assuming good traffic. Ahhhhhhh! [holds head in hands desperately hoping we can bore DD to sleep at least once]. Bloody good job my repertoire of songs is enormous. Shame DP's singing sounds like a frog with tonsilits, but hey, he has many other talents!

Weather forecast looks a bit grim - but we're packing full waterproofs for all of us and we've borrowed a couple of DVDs in case we get cabin fever. Anyone know if Madagascar has any upsetting bits in it, or if Oliver and Friends is any good for a 2.10yr old who's never watched a film before?!

I'm deeply impressed, and rather humbled, by those of you who had difficult births first (and even second) time around and are giving it another go. I had a ridiculously easy time, and am still a bit apprehensive in case something doesn't go to plan this time [cowardly emoticon].

Take care every one

Morning all Hope your all having a good Easter so far, Had a lovely meal last night and managed to find something nice to wear, which was a miracle in its self!. Have posted some bump pictures on my profile, i weighed myself yesterday too and was quite shocked i'm normally 8half stone but am now 10!! i hope i don't put on to much more, will have to cut down on all the chocky i keep eating!!. x x

happy easter! dannyg glad you had a nice meal last night, i spent mine with a box of maltesers and csi! keep being asked if im sure im not having twins, very upsetting to be asked-and rather rude to make such a comment in my opinion! will try and get some pics of my bump done to see what people thnk! im putting it down to the fact im short- im 5ft1".
i have finally realised i need some new bras-im currently sporting a bikini top under my clothes today not very pretty! have people gone for support bras, or if like me going to breast feed gone straight for nursing bras?? which is the best place to go to?? im normally a 34F dread to think how big my boobs are now! who is best for bigger boobied ladies??
enjoy your day! was supposed to be going to my mums for full sunday roast, but being the ditzy women she is, forgot to get the roast in so has rang and said its shepherds pie instead bleurgh!

Hey, happy easter, hope you all got a nice egg to munch on! I'm sitting here munching mine : )

Will probably go out for Sunday lunch- both our families live abroad so no roast round mum's for us!

Jenny it must feel great to have your room painted now, well done. PS seeing as we're both London based and in flats, was wondering what pram you have opted for? Would love to know! I am now thinking the Pliko Pramette - has the pram and then converts after 6 months to seat, and it is light for buses to the King's road for nice strolls etc...

lydia go to bravissimo for your bras they are fab. I have just gone for nursing ones see link above. Only buy 1 then if you want one in another colour you can order online from another co cheaper IYSWIM.
evie I know loads of people with the pilko who have been happy with it.

Went out last night with the girls which was lovely especially as one of them announced she is also pregnant with her third. Nice to have someone to do the toddler circuit with me Had a nightmare getting dressed to go out as about 50% of my maternity tops don't fit me and I still have 12 weeks to go looks like it's 2 outfits and regular washing loads from here!
If you want a funny about MILs heres one from mine. Finally got dressed last night in denim skirt stretchy tunic top and boots and my MIL said it wasn't appropriate dress for a pregnant woman She is of the opinion we should all still be wearing Diana Smocks! My SIL just said to her we arn't going to take your fashion advice as you still wear headscarves! Made me though after having a struggle to find anything in the first place.

Think I am the only one off chocolate on here? My DCs eggs are very safe!

EvieBear we have a first floor maisonette so getting the pram/pushchair up and down is not an option. We decided that whatever the pram, it will have to stay in my car boot, when not in use.

I like the Pliko, especially the one with the dotted design . DH wants something he can also use that looks more ...masculin . So we're between Quinny Buzz (husband's fav, and he has found some amazing deals online) or Bugaboo Chameleon (my fav and most popular on King's Rd). Both are very lightweight, and fold easily. Quinny also unfolds practically on its own. They are travel systems, so both have carry cots and then you can use the standard pushchair. Both also compatible with Cabriofix car seat. I've asked around a lot of people about the carrycots and how long they've used them. Most of them told me max 4 months...!

Having tested most - if not all - travel systems, my best advice is go to M&Ps and then to an independent retailer and test them yourself. Ask hubby to just stay on the side and watch. Change cots with seats, fold and unfold yourself. You should then go for whatever is easier for you! At first I was doing the exact opposite, asking DH to test for me, which did not work. Some prams are complicated, some are really heavy.

Even if the pram is to big, remember buses can always open the exit door for you, you don't have to go from the front. And it's really only going to be big for as many months as you have the carrycot.. Then it will look and
feel a lot more compact. I dont sound very helpful, sorry! Must be dizzy from the paint .

I guess I'll be seeing you at Peter Jones Sloane Square cafe in July? It's the most baby friendly place in West London. Half the cafe is filled with moms breastfeeding
Not sure if ready for that (in public) but still it will be my fav spot while enjoying long walks in the area...

ps. QueenFee: no chocolate? Are you mad? You don't know what you're missing! I just shared a Lindt bunny with DH, milk chocolate, mmmmm sorry bunnies !

Saw this really cute shop today, in Parsons Green, they do baby massage sessions and baby first aid sessions. WWW.WOWBABY.CO.UK

They also have info on nunnies and salary
guide at www.wowbespokenunnies.co.uk

If you are looking for live-in, live out nunny or just housekeeping help, you can also post an ad on their website...

By the way, if you are based in SW6 and looking for a reliable cleaner (general cleaning and ironing) drop me a line, my cleaner is looking for some extra hours, she's very good and friendly, definitely recommended..

Morning ladies, hope everyone is havin a nice weekend and enjoying this lovely weather.

Had a lovely time in Chester, nothin happened with the ex but we got on really well, I didn't bother raising the subject of 'us' cos didn't wanna get upset and ruin things. It was a bit weird tho cos it was just like we were still together apart from the physical stuff and he even suggested that we go back there in a few months with baby. I've decided that I'm just not gonna worry about it too much, the important thing is that we're getting on and he's commited to our baby and being a good dad. And now I'm starting to see that we might actually be better parents if we carry on the way we are at the mo, altho it's a little unconventional we seem to be getting on better which has got to be better for baby.

Havin a bit of a stress at the mo tho, first my dad asked me to stay at his tonight to look after his dog so he can go to the Lake District. I don't really want to cos I'm not sleeping well so want to sleep in my own bed plus I'll have to get up early to walk the dog and then get to work and really dont want to have to pick dog poo up at 7am! However, I couldn't really think of a good enough excuse so had to agree to do it and now I'm sulking!
And then to top it off he's now asked if he can come and stay at mine for a couple of weeks cos he's havin probs with his gf and thinks he wants to leave her. The thing is is he's done this twice before and he comes here, moans about her, gets drunk and then goes back to her. It's just really annoyed me cos I just wanna chill out on my own in the evenings, doss around and then go to bed early and when he stays I feel like a guest in my own home. I really wish I'd already changed the spare room in to the nursery and then I would have a valid excuse but I'll feel like a bitch if I tell him I don't want him here. And I know this might sound awful but part of me feels like ''well why should i?'' my dad was never really a proper dad to me when I was growing up, I saw him every few weeks etc but he's never gone out of his way for me, it's only over the last couple of years that we've got closer and you'd think that he'd offer to help me with the cost of baby stuff since it's his first grandchild but he's not even hinted that he's gonna help.
I'm just pissed off and sulking cos I've got my own probs at the mo and the last thing I need is my Dad adding to them

Sorry about the long moaning post!

Jenny yes will def be seeing you in Peter Jones in July- how exciting !! Thanks for the pram advice... I'm taking so long to make a decision, DP is just like ok you're on your own now as thought Bugaboo would be best for me but I think it looks gross!!

Meant to say Bugaboo Bee above- I think it looks weird, I like the Chameleon...

Am at home sick today, was actually looking forward to going back to work - how weird is that? I think I might actually miss it when I leave on 19th June!??

Found bra extender thingies and am loving them!

Hey guy's, hope you've all had a great Easter. I haven't stopped and it's been ace!

DD is in her new room with no hiccups and we got the decorating done easliy enough.

We've done loads this weekend. We went to Lyme park for a picnic and I walked up a MASSIVE hill! We've alaso been to a Fare and a BBQ and had my mum round for a meal. It's been really good.

I ended up in hospital on Sunday night as I was having contractions!!!! They had been coming over 2 hours and were just Braxton Hicks but it got to the point where they were taking my breath away. I had never had them with DD or not enough to notice them, I used to just get a tight feeling across my bump. This time I can feel them coming in waves like a contraction, they're not painful but I get really breathless. Anyway I rang up to ask MW how severe braxton hicks can be and she told me to go in. They put me on a monitor for a couple of hours and I was having contractions but they eased off so sent me home which I was more than happy to do. They said they were extreme Braxton Hicks and to take it very easy. Quite scary as I thought at one point I was going to go into labour! The drama!

Gillyan wow that sounded traumatic! I didn't have BHs last time but seem to get them alot with this pregnancy - like you said I can get quite breathless with them.

I am so glad to be back at work today (clearly not doing any at the mo) I've just had 4 days with dd 2.3 and no car as DH is away and she has been finding all the little places to squeeze into which I can't get her out of in my rotund state eg under the bed, behind the sofa etc. and new and creative ways to drive me nuts!

hey Gillyan take it easy! That sounds like a scary day - not had BH so would have been convinced it was full labour - and so early ... eek. Put your feet up for a bit.

We had a lovely sunny weekend - mostly doing gardening - erm and me digging a hole for a new wall for our fruit trees - silly me ... but I didn't go at it too hard. DD helped and discovered worms - did you know they stretch?

Hello Ladies

Hope you all had a lovely Easter - we went to stay at the in-laws for a few days (both a good and bad idea!!).

DD had a fab time as the weather was amazing - I have a bit of a tan! We spent a lot of time outside and ate an awful lot of ice cream and chocolate .

Baby is very wriggly at the moment and my bump feels incredibly tight and uncomfortable at times - I guess it's just my muscles growing but it sure does ache!

Got my GTT next Monday, yay 2 hours of drinking a vile drink and being stabbed in the arm! Luckily my sister is visiting so will look after DD for me. I can't imagine what she would get up to there with me not being allowed to do anything at all for the 2 hours!

MW next week too for the GTT results and homebirth briefing. Taking my sister to that too as she is my second birth partner. She was there with DD and I really want her there again - she's fab at foot massage!

Should get my HIP form at the next visit and I can't wait - we are depending on it to buy the birthing pool!!! We have decided to buy and then possibly rent it out to other mum's in the area on the cheap (aha! a money making scheme perhaps!?!?).

Seem to be getting loads of comments on my size now - most about how huge I am but then again another comment last week saying how small I am!! MW measured me at the last appointment and I was spot on for my dates so I am not too worried. Do get some worried faces as if I am about to drop here and now!

Been having strange feelings this week about going into labour. I was induced with DD and had my waters broken - I keep thinking about where and when they might go this time!!

Hugs to all xxx

Gillyan Sounds like me. We went out to the beach for a hour or so on sat and the kids got themselves covered! The effort of stripping them etc brought on some very strong BH. They are so much stronger with this preg than I ever had with the other 2. I must have looked bad because the lady in the car next to me got out of her car and asked if I was in labour Maybe we should take it a bit easier! I guess I will still go over despite it all.

evening ladies how're you all? gillyan and queenfee sounds like you need to put your feet up must have been a scary experience and hope you're both well now! im getting quite a few BH and admit it is usually when im running around and not taking it easy like ive been told to!
me and dd are staying at my dads house looking after younger brother. its so nice being back in the family home witha fantastic view of a lake and country park, have brought our dog with me so can take her round the park! the only downside ive found since being here is that my dad has had wooden floors put in through the whole house and all i can hear is the dog tip-tapping its driving me NUTS!!!
was wondering if anyone else was worried about weight gain? ive justw eighed myself and have put on 16lbs now. i stupidly looked up some baby site about weight gain in pregnancy and it very nicely in bold letters said OVERWEIGHT! aaarggghh!!
anyway im off to find some socks to put on the dogs feet before i remove them!!

lydia don't think about it 9 months up and nine months down is my theory. Did you see that program on itv(?) about Pregorexia? Scary stuff.
Besides I was well within normal range according to my BMI but the DR said I was underweight - just shows (well before this pregnancy I assure you!)

i know queenfee thats what im trying to tell myself. i think what bothering me is that in first pregnancy i was soooooo overweight compared to now (this can be seen from some of the pics my old uni friends lovingly put up of me on facebook!) that by the time i was full term with dd i was i think about 6-7lbs lighter than before i got pg-i believe due to the immediate quitting of alcohol!
ohhh forgot to ask if anyone is going tot he baby show in birmingham in may? me and my mum might be doing it so i get a free entry and hope my mum gives me a chance to snoop off and buy some bits!

Yes, my BH are much stronger this time too, notice them most often either when I'm driving or when I'm in bed. They make me think ooh, that's not nice, same as other ladies here. I didn't realise that they could lead to proper contractions though

hunny I'm sorry to hear your post. You're far too nice!! You come first, and shouldn't be expected to walk the dog, poop scoop, especially in your condition when mornings may not be your best time of the day. Your dad shouldn't expect you to take on his responsibilities, problems in addition to your own. I think everything in life should be balanced. Sometimes, just be saying no, people can realise that they're putting on you and be more considerate!

Glad to hear others are feeling enormous. I catch a side view of myself and think, blimey, I look like a weeble (or am I showing my age ) I'm going to be so gross by 40 weeks, though can't say I look big anywhere else (or maybe it's an optical illusion) Do remember with DS2, when midwife broke my waters my bump reduced by two-thirds which just showed how much fluid was in there. I've read that amniotic fluid is pure baby wee! Does anyone know if that's true as it sounds bizarre but kind of makes sense too?

Whoa gillyan that would have stressed me out no end. I haven't had any BH, so would have assumed I was going into labour. Esp with the frame of mind I am in, thinking lots about giving birth and how scary it will be when the time comes!
I don't get a GTT where I live, I asked the midwife and she said only if there is a family history of it.

lydia love the socks on paws idea - genius!

re size of bump, i feel like mine is kind of small, but midwife said it's spot on. i guess it's different with it being my first.

hunny i agree with ruby, and think you should be selfish and say no!

gggaahhhhh! the dogs driving me nuts! its reminding me of that story with the troll and the billy-goat , 'who's that trip-trapping over my bridge!'!!

EvieBear you only generally get a GTT if you show up extra sugar in your wee, have a family history or measure huge for dates so don't worry!

In fact be very glad as it is a revolting test and makes me feel very yucky for a good 24 hours after!

I have to have it as my dad has type 2 diabetes

xxx

Hi, feeling a lot better today, didn't have to stay at my Dad's and scoop poo in the end and I've just not replied to the text about him staying so hopefully that will give him the message.

Saw the midwife today and she had a feel of bump and said ''oh well he's growing well'' the way she said it sounded like he's gonna be on the big side!

I went looking at a nursery near work today, it's lovely and made me really excited about baby arriving. Also checked out about tax credits etc and found out that whether I go back part time or full time I'll be able to manage financially, it's weird cos I'd actually be better off working 4 days a week than 5 days...go figure that one out! Anyway, it's just a big weight of my shoulders to know that I don't have to worry about money too much

Oh also found a new 'craving' - creme egg ice cream! Found it in Morrisons yesterday and it's gorgeous, gonna go and eat some now mmmm