Due May 2009 Hairy Mary!... We're on the final stretch!

[Belgianchocolates]

Thought I'd better start the new thread before it was too late. Here we go!

Evening all.
Meeting with consultant went really well today, actually have my CS date now, 30th April, so were really excited, four weeks tomorrow! Had a meeting with asthma nurse too, I've had my meds changed, and I've got to go back in two weeks for my CS assessment and a meeting with a lady who specialises in panic attacks, actually feels like I'm getting somewhere finally!

Can't wait for news on Spangle How strange, it was only yesterday we were talking, as I'm having this baby in the same hospital as her, and the brand new maternity wing opens 25th April, and we were talking about whether I'd actually get to see it or not, and now she doesn't get too, bless her. It felt kinda strange being up there today, like at the same hospital, felt like I wanted to go see how she was, but didn't think I'd be able too like. Anyways, hope we get some good news from her soon XXX

Belgian nothing contagious here - DD ate too much salt and Ddog has just returned from vet - it seems he's not retching, he's simply reverse sneezing...

belgianchocs- I can totally imagine myself in your situation at the swimming baths, and imagine myself having the same reaction .

I am getting a bit nervous as the birth is not that far away, as although DS and DD are starting to play together more, they squabble, and DS has started pushing DD and screaming when he doesnt get what he wants. I think it's partly his age (he's 21 mo and doesn't have many words but knows what he wants) but also I don't think he's feeling too well at the moment as he's unsettled at night, takes a while to fall asleep, cries when i leave him at nursery and is very sensitive about things. I can't imagine bringing a newborn into the mix at the moment- I can't leave them in a room together at the moment without them hurting each other .

Blimey Belgian I know exactly how you feel, only it must be worse for you because I've only got the one child to deal with. I did feel very impatient this morning with DS as he was being a real monkey about getting dressed and ready for pre-school. I was afraid we'd be late, which wouldn't particularly matter for pre-school but would mean I'd be running late for the hospital. I felt mean because he was having real fun and I just wasn't!

He spent the afternoon with the in-laws and had a whale of a time. I'm going to sit down in a mo with his baby photos and put them in an album. I've been meaning to do it for ages but think I'd better do it before this one comes and I never get round to it! We got married in 2004 and I still haven't put our pictures in the album.

DH has given me some samples for our birth announcement cards. He really liked the link you posted belgian and I asked him to shamelessly copy take inspiration from them. We also finished the baby's room today (or rather, finished it again) as we'd piled a load of junk in there over the last 2 weeks and it was a real mess. Next job after the album is to get this bag packed, spangle's news has really put the jitters up me about how imminent this birth could be!

Emmalina reverse sneezing?! I didn't know there was such a thing!

pula I hope that by the time lo is born your ds is behaving a bit better. I suppose he's coming up to the terrible 2's. You'll have to have baby in a safe place and move him around the house with you.

Grr. The cat has been annoying me all day, even now. She keeps meowing and standing by the patio doors begging to be let in, even though she doesn't need to be let in and she got out earlier all by herself, because I've left the door to the utility open for her so she can come and go as she pleases through the cat flap. The more I ignore her the harder she scratches and meows at the door. Why can't she remember to come in the way she went out!!

Anyway. I'm going to get stuck into finishing my presentation for tomorrow. I'm really really really really really really dreading it + I don't want to drive that far. The AA route planner said it takes 3h and 3min exactly to get there. I hope they give me the job, I mean just doing that drive at 35 weeks pregnant must prove to them how serious I am about it and how dedicated

belgian good luck tomorrow - am sure it will go swimmingly (unlike today at the pool, sorry couldn't resist )

I think it will be absolutely fine to take references printed out separately - Will you also be taking enough sets of prints of your slides for each of the panel as well? It will soon be over and then you can chill out!

pula empathise completely, i don't think i will be leaving lotti alone with a newborn - she does this nice/not nice thing - ie strokes you really gently (or her dollies) and says ahh nice and then says not nice and starts smacking 10 bells out of you, On the other hand I think its normal for siblings to bicker and squabble, guess we just have to be prepared for a wee bit of stress on occasion but lots of fun and joy the rest of the time!! On the upside, at least you don't have a green goo covered long haired cat... (sorry blotted )

belgian best of luck with the presentation, if your presentation is anything like the clear, concise advice you give us here, you'll be fine and I would have done the same as you at the swimming pool and, in fact, have. I hate swimming pool changing rooms - heat, damp etc

EmmalinaC sorry but I giggled at 'reverse sneezing'.....

Frazz Hope DD is better - I've had vomming kids on and off the past few weeks, got quite used to the smell...

Blotted - You ok now? The pav God, I love pavs with a passion - Mr Blotted is a lucky man. I was informed by DD1 at 6pm that I had to make Easter cakes for tomorrow. Chocolate cupcakes, swirl of icing, mini eggs and voila - easter nest cakes . Luckily I had the ingredients in.

Everyone - hope DH's are behaving (mine has informed me he won't be in until after 9pm ), hope DC's will go to bed like meek lambkins like DD2 did (making me instantly suspicious).

Virtual hen-night - we don't have to wear matching t-shirt 'n' pink cowboy hat combos, do we? I will have champers please (pref pink) and goats cheese nibbles. I'll hire the pink Hummer Limo that's always parked round the corner from my house if you like. We need to look classy

belgianchocs- yes, I need to keep LO safe AND stop DD and DS fighting when my back is turned- not looking forward to it. They do both respond well to rewards so might have to have some treats for good behaviour...

belgianchocs dont be too hard on yourself - time is getting on - we are all getting tired and on more of a shortfuse - you did apologise and we are not perfect parents!

My DS has been off nursery for last two days due to a virus - one day with me - one with DH today - although seems t have made a full recovery today. DH went off to Scotland game tonight and DS was just hyper after he left - didnt like tea - wanted to go outside then wanted to watch tv - then didnt want to go up to bed - and was fussing about which pj's he wanted to wear - then got grumpy and tried to kick me - near the stomach. I saw red - screamed - no stories for you - bed now! and left him crying for 10mins before going back in - getting an apology from him and me pointing out he has to do as asked and not kick mummy. Hohum.

Maybe they are picking up on impending changes to family life?

wonder how Spangle is doing? hugs to her.

jael very excited for you on having a date for the section - one day before I finish work - and still another 3 weeks for me after that - in theory - although things seem to be rushing along for everyone now!

Oy dandy less of the old hag, if you don't mind - you know i'm sensitive about being a medical OAP marvel....

blotted ouch, i'm wincing at the thought of your bruised bits! I hope you're feeling more normal 'down there' after a rest.

emmalina at least it wasn't anything dreadful... i'd never heard of reverse sneezing?!

belgian IKWYM but i'm sure you're feeling a lot worse about your outburst than your DS & DD do. I am always racked by guilt if i feel i've blown things out of proportion... but DS shakes it off loads quicker. By tomorrow they'll have forgotten it & you must try to forgive and forget it yourself too. Good luck with the interview and will keep everything crossed all your work and stressing is worthwhile.

belgian the key thing to remember about tomo is that you are speaking on a topic which you know and which you have practised. Its good to be nervous before a presentation would be abnormal not to be. I've done public speaking for years now and still get collywobbles - i have 2 little tips - one a bit wacky but works...

1. Rescue remedy - few drops under tongue just before you start and also on way in car

1. showtime.... to get yourself in right frame of positive mind, take yourself into loo, car park, private space about 5 mins before you start. Smile and grin, clap your hands and stamp your feet and then say (out loud if poss, as loud as poss) its showtime as if in time to a drum roll (in manner of lion tamer or similar) Do it a few times, keep smiling and keep the energy up - sounds bloody bizarre but works very well!!! (honest) Then a new slick of lippy, a few drops of RR and in you go to WOW them

Can't wait to hear how you get on - good luck!

Spurred into action with spangles turn of events... i bought the last of my hospital bag stuff this afternoon and started getting some new activity things for ds to play with when he goes to my aunties when BDay comes.. trying to make her job a bit easier?!.

Dh is off doing our weekly shopping and i'm desperate for more of the hagen dazs vanilla & strawberry ripple choc covered mini ice cream lollies. They were on special offer in sainsburys BOGOF and hoping there were still some left for DH to bring home!

Ok now I know you'll all think i'm bonkers but it does work really - I'm going to try it for labour as well

jael oh congrats on your date - not long now!!

Fi didn't say but think its great about the out of the box thinking on your apartment - sounds great and a lot less stress. Am in same frame of mind about hospital bag - hoping to do mine on Friday plus some tiny washing

Just a question for everyone - what are you packing in your bag? for hospital - you and the baby??

help me get a list organised!

I came home to DH having ripped the old bathroom out including the plaster and old tiles so it was dusty all over the house. I do want the bathroom done before the baby comes but I wish it wasn't such a messy process.

Grumpy - love the classy hummer limo. Can we wear those shiny sashes and L plates as well?

Good luck tomorrow Belgian - drive safely.

Am having a 'sod it' evening - glass of red and have ordered a pizza, and am having a duvet day tomorrow. So ner.

Dp has just come home a bit sheepish. Hahahaaaaaaaa

What's a reverse sneeze? Does it go 'tchoo-a'?

Evening ladies.

good luck belgian I'd give you the job you're much much better than my mw, getting info out of her is like getting blood out of a stone

picked up my insulin today so tomorrow I start injecting god I hate needles!
also got my first appointment with new consultant and diabetic specialist hope they send me for a growth scan I really want to know size of LO
I must sit down and write a list of questions for them.

Have also booked an appointment with MW on friday and she's coming round to the house on sunday to go over the birth plan

hearing about spangle has made me shit organise myself into thinking about hospital bag.
Have been to primark today and bought 3 identical button front nightshirts, granny pants (one size too big as recommended), flip flops for the skanky shower and a cheap pair of slippers. I am also now the owner of 2 packs of maternity pads - do you think I need more for hospital stay?

Just essentials for the first night, really. Last time I just packed what I needed for one night and then sent DH home with a list every night! I did pack quite a bit for DS though. For him I had:

Nappies
Cotton wool
babygrows
cellular blanket
hats
vests

For me:

PJs
comfy day clothes
essential toiletries
flip flops for the shower
Anti bac spray and wipes
Lanisoh cream
Maternity pads, x 85928594
Magazines, books
Mobile and charger
Squash
Big knickers
dark towel

meant to say chocbunny count me in for the virtual hen night - I'll have champers

By the way one more day and I'm on holiday for the next 2 weeks I can't wait!! Then its just 2 more weeks of work hopefully I can make it through to 39 weeks still working. I was a week late with DD so should be ok but I have had loads of BH in the last few days.

One more thing I have been invited to a real hens night on the 25th of April. 15 ladies in a limo up to London for a dinner and murder mystery night. I'll be 38 weeks so should be interesting

loobylou- think i need to get my bag organised too. I think 2 packs of pads is enough, as long as you can rely on DH to go out and buy more if you look like running out.

This LO is getting very active at the moment- kicking me right round my side and rippling my tummy. DD doesn't want to touch my tummy when LO is moving, but did find it exciting to see it!

I am expecting my cs to be on 19 May- a bit further off than Jael's but time is passing quickly- only 6 more working days (I work pt and finish on 17 April).