Due in June 2009: The final quarter - packing our bags and remembering to squuueeeeeeezzeeeee!..

[Ineedmorechocolatenow]

Here it is!

thank you - my skin is not great thats the beauty of black and white, you can't make out the spots on my arms and my arm covers the streth marks am starting to get under the bump think thats why I like it cause I only see the bits I don't like in the mirror but the photo works well

am I the only one who hasn't even thought about a hospital bag? I know I'm hoping for a HB again but I still need to pack for the just in case, I don't think I managed to get round to it till 35 wks last time... I really need to get more organised

Good Morning!

Well, insy I've thought about a hospital bag, but have I done anything about it?

Everyone have a lovely day!!

Morning ladies!

Been awake for a few hours due to "fun" insomnia, followed by my first calf cramp. My God, the pain!! I was yelling and DH cam rushing (prob thinking that LO was on the way) to give me nice leg massages . Will fake one every day from now on . seriously, the pain, much worse than my usual hip aches etc - I really empathise with those who get them often.

Bigcar and Dreamy - really glad your check ups went well yesterday. Am a bit at you having big babies! My siblings and I were all chunky monkeys, and this generation (on both sides) are all v big - 10lb+. DH was small (5.5lb) so result is avg baby, but I would love a fat hefty one! Hope I don't sound totally naive as I do know you need to give birth to your big bubbas.

Insy - treasure that photo - its wonderful and you look so beautiful. I haven't packed my hospital bag yet, but have almost finished the buying for it.

Apologies, but can't remember who sent me a link to MOthercare nursing singlets and they look great, I will buy, so thank you! MrsMcJnr and Ermin - I am washing LO's clothes and am just loving it!! Shame they don't need washing twice. Am sure I will get over this in time, but really enjoying it for now.

Doris - please do take this in a non patronising way, but as my people say, "You are a bloody marvel".

Hello all other Juners - ((waves)). The weather here in London has been amazing - I got burnt yesterday, and today looking to be another beauty! Hope you can all get out and about and enjoy! I just need to do a touch more housework (inc cleaning 2nd hand buggy we bought - [insert happy sighing emoticon]), but am sure it can wait...

Morning Juners!

I thought I posted yesterday but it's not showing, start again :S

Naat I don't understand the midwife who saw you, what is it to her to refer you or not? Maybe she has quotas to stick to.
My GP had initially referred me maybe ask yours instead. You can self-refer to physio in some areas by the way. Maybe call the local hopsital to check if you can do it there, there's a (vaguely useful) information pack here

I found the physio unbelievably helpful, and she only gave me two or three abs and pelvic exercises to do which helped enormously, it really doesn't take much if your pain is mild. I didn't even need a belt. But I would imagine if it gets worse it can impact on the positions you can adopt for birth and be harder to manage.

Insy That's a really lovely picture! Very tempting to do it too. I've only got one picture of my pregnancy and I don't look good on it.
Talking about MOTs we realised on Monday that we'd been driving without one since December! Luckily it passed first time.
Thought about you bunny as we did the mot in east barnet and had lunch in a pub ("railway station pub" or something) there.

Doris I hope your DD is getting better.

MrsMcJnr Good to have you back :D

Last night I dreamt that I was expressing milk, could be to do with the breastfeeding workshop tonight.
It was really easy in my dream, I am in for a shock aren't it ;) I have read about how you have to persevere as the first few weeks can be really disconcertingly hard. I really hope I can hack it.

The baby must have moved position as for the past couple of days I have been feeling her really well and I can see my belly move, it's fascinating (and time consuming!!)

I'm seeing the midwife this afternoon, got a rough birth plan and some questions for her (still wondering if this is really the birth centre I want to go to at the back of my mind).

We started cooking stuff in batches and freezing, it's hard work and we've had a couple of late nights, I'm sure we'll appreciate it when the time comes.

Soo many things to do with work still, it's making me dizzy just thinking about it. I have to get things up to date enough so that customers can contact the book keeper directly and I won't have so much to do with it anymore. It's getting there but it's hard work going through every single account one by one.
The physio told me to slow down on Monday, and I took it with a pinch of salt but yesterday I actually woke up tired, and I had to have a nap from 4:30 to 8pm, really needed it, and still had a "normal" night's sleep after that.

We can't wait for the baby to be here!

Good morning Juners!!

Insy what a lovely picture! You look great, lady! As Bunny said, treasure that one I have the hosp bag but it's not completely done yet

Dreamy I'm glad thigs went well at the doc's.

Bunny LOL at your comment re. big babies Good luck with the cleaning I'm also loving the washing of baby clothes, I'm sure that feeling will leave soon

Ineed Everything will be crossed for you so that the placenta has moved on MOnday!

MrsMc Glad to have helped a bit

Ermin Nope, it's a yawn But work is work Hope the nausea is not giving you too much trouble

2 hours awake last night, not much fun... and a long day ahead today with lots of work so No news on the flat front yet, people came to see it but now we'll have to wait. Have a lovely day Juners!!

(((waves)))

On the subject of cramps, I had tonic water three nights in a row and it worked the first night but not so much the other nights. I don't know if the effects were wearing off as I got the cramps early in the morning. They don't get bad, they wake me up when they start and I automatically stretch my legs and it stops.
I tried a glass of milk before bed yesterday and did not have cramps last night.

Might try a milk/tonic mix tonight (ewww) :D

Hello again

Naat - have my fingers crossed for you re the flat. Moving so close sounds ideal!

June - thanks for the tips re the cramps. Don't suppose I could swap a milk/tonic for a stiff gin/tonic? With just a squuueeeze of fresh lime

Xpost June

Thank you for the link. I'll have a look at it and if the pain continues will contact someone else (GP, hospital) If I go on feeling as I do now (pain has not been bad these last days) then I'll wait until I see her in two weeks. I was also at her response... and I can't even tell you about DH's face

Re. cramps, I'm getting them in bed from time to time and the same happens to me, June, they wake me up, I stretch my legs and they go away They are horribly painful though, Bunny so I totally sympathise. Your idea of faking at least one a day is not bad if you get massages.

(((Waves)))

June - at pub lunch - great, aren't they? I can't wait for little fattie to arrive, either!!

I will be following your lead and making food for the freezer soon, too.

Have you done a batch of spaghetti bolognaise sauce? Freezes a dream and reheats brilliantly, too. Will also do Shepherds Pies. I don't even love all this meaty stuff (prefer big salad or fish w veg etc) but DH is a big carnivore so will be good incentive for him to make dinner when LO arrives!

june I'd really reccomend having photos done, I hardly have any (maybe one or two) from my other pregnancies and really regret it, its such a life changing thing its lovely to have it captured
hope bfeeding class goes well, expressing might be easy you just don't know, I think its all about the pump, I found it ok and remember proudly showing dh 4oz I'd expressed when he asked me what I'd done with my day when ds1 was about 4wks old

tee hurray a fellow non starter on hosp bag too, when are you due? I think we're about the same date, I'm 18th

bunny I'd forgotten the pain of cramps! they used to wake me up last preg and your right its horrendous, now wondering when they are likely to start as I can't remember when it was last time, I drank milk and ate bananas but don't remember it helping much, fab to have leg massage tho

hi everyone else x

cooking meals already?!? you ladies are super organised, all I'm doing is mincing round getting photos done, any tips on best receipes to cook and freeze (noted the spag bol bunny) I also need to make sure ds's done starve/eat crap for babies first few months but ds2 is only 16mo and not keen on mince and stews (meat too tough) he loves pasta but have to cook that fresh.... unless you think mac cheese would freeze well?

bunny the gin and tonic probably won't help the cramps, but you just won't care!!

insy I am due 26th, but will probably deliver about 2 weeks early due to the diabetes. Although at the moment they are saying they will let me go to my due date!!

I had a horrid cramp just as alarm went off this morning. Definitely got me out of bed!! My problem is that I loathe bananas and tonic water is really high in carbs! I guess I just have to suffer.

Hiya ladies

I was also woken with terrible calf muscle cramp this morning. Have been having them for about a week now and it is horrendous. I have been eating bananas but they don't seem to work. Masybe we have to eat 5 or 6 of them and that would create other problems!

Going to buy some Tonic today and will also drink some milk before bed.

Had a terrible nights sleep last night. Think I only got about 3 hours on and off
WARNING - MAYBE TMI - Got terrible Hemorrhoids 2 days ago. Used cream and suppositories and went away. Then they came back with a vengence yesterday and have kept me up all night. I was in so much pain yesterday afternoon that I didn't make it to see the dolphins I also had to eat my dinner lying horizontal on the couch! This then led to indigestion.....not a good day for me.

Am still medicating myself for them but even after being horizontal all night I am still in pain. Picture this - Mother walking kids to school trying so hard to hide the fact that it feels like a knife is cutting her arse in 2!!! Sorry - rant over about all that now.

Naat - The belt that I bought from my physio weeks ago has been a god send. It really did make a difference straight away and my pelvic problems seem nothing now.
Maye I am thinking about my bottom too much .

Sorry insy wanted to also say how wonderful your photo is. Don't think I am brave enough but it really is lovely.

Another glorious morning here, hello all

insy, I haven't even got as far as Tee and thought about a hospital bag. But now I've done some washing I guess I could pack a few things just in case the HB doesn't work out. Last night I dreamed I got appendicitis in the middle of labour and had to be transferred in an emergency. I'm blaming the heartburn.

MrsMc hope your doc gives you all the strep B answers. Am rather of your oven cleaning rate - it's about £40 here for the man who takes everything out into his van and cleans it. I wonder about it sometimes but bet we'll only do it if and when we sell the house!

Bunny, Tee and June boo to the cramps, they're horrid! Haven't had any this time around - yet - and can't think of anything apart from what you're suggesting, although the milk and tonic mix may not be so palatable . Tee Re carbs, would diet tonic avoid that?

June, cooking already, you put me to shame! Insy, most tomato-based meals like bolognese, cottage pie filling, curries etc. freeze v well and you can always do the carb bit - pasta, rice or potato - to add when cooking if you'd prefer (although lasagne freezes brilliantly). For toddlers - in fact I've only just stopped doing this for my DC - I'd make a big batch of roasted veg - onion, garlic, peppers, courgette, aubergine, fennel, tomatoes whatever - and blitz it with more tomato from a tin if necessary - and then freeze that in bags so it could be used as a sauce for pasta or couscous, with chickpeas or meatballs or goats' cheese cubes added sometimes. As for mac cheese, if there's no time to make a sauce, I used to give my LOs those pasta stars with cream cheese and pesto and parmesan mixed in - takes about 5 mins.

I've just bought myself these shoes which will cover the fact that I'm already not keeping up with all the filing and nail-painting that summer usually brings. If I manage to sort my feet out then I love flip-flops, but something tells me I'm not going to have much time this 'season'

Just read that these things may help with leg cramps during pregnancy: -

Stretch calf muscles regularly during the day and several times before you go to bed.

Rotate ankles and wiggle toes when sitting, watching tv, eating dinner etc.

Try to take a walk every day.

Drink plenty of water.

The only other thing I would like to say is that I do remember suffering from these cramps before in pregnancy and they do at some point taper off and stop.

Good Luck.

bunny We made bolognese from scratch and used it to make canellonis and lasagna, we got medium foil trays from tescos for it.

I must remember to write what they are on the lids...

We're planning on making Indian food as well, probably chicken & spices. We've done it before and it came out really nice.
We might buy some salmon fillets and freeze them too as they only take 10 minutes in the oven (though they don't come out as nice as fresh ones.)
Not sure what else, we could buy meat from the butchers and freeze it like lamb chops etc

I'm thinking of making some kind of rough menu, like monday evening is jacket potato, tuesday lasagna, wednesday fish and veg, thursday indian etc. and plan for 2 weeks of different food every night, iyswim.
My dad used to do this for my little brother after mum passed away (DB was only 9yo) and it was a really useful routine to have. He'd done it with the GP to make sure it was a balanced diet and after a few months he'd worked out what would be left over and used the next day.

Re: announcement cards, I think I'm going to buy some stickers and write the addresses on beforehand as this is so time consuming.
Then when the cards arrive I can just stick the address on and send. Stamps that stick as opposed to the ones you have to lick are better too.

The other thing I am stocking on is toilet paper.

I know it sounds over the top but I really don't know (and am anxious about) how much time off work I can realistically take after birth. (we're running our own business).

we do the menu thing at the moment june and it really does help, on work days I just give boys sandwiches and finger food for dinner as they have had a hot meal at nursery and then when I'm at home I cook from stratch for our evening meal together, just don't think I'll manage it with all 3 of them at home - foil tray sound good, although can you get plastic ones for the microwave?

stocking up on loo paper doesn't sound like a bad idea to me! (add washing up liquid/dishwasher tablets and washing powder to that too) also don't forget Tesco home delivery, we use it occasionally when dh is away and its a life saver - don't think I can face taking all 3 of them grocery shopping, for starters with all 3 in trolley where do I put the food without ds1 sitting on it or eating it!

June - you are VERY organised to have a weekly menu, although am sorry to hear it was needed as your mum passed away. . Glad to hear I am not the only one using those foil containers - very handy!

If anyone still has any left over Christmas turkey ie me , then Jamie Oliver has a fab recipe for chicken tikka masala (if you Google it) that you can use the turkey in. Its absolutely delicious! I made double the amount for the turkey I have, as am a sauce lover. And just used a bit more yogurt instead of cream (lactose issues). Freezes a treat.

Ermin - think my DH is about to enjoy some of that frozen veggie mix - sounds fantastic!! I hear you on the foot front (assuming I can get to them again )...

Choccie - thanks for the tips re cramps. Hopefully I don't get one again [hopeful emoticon]!

Look at us domestic goddesses! Have to run and enjoy some sun (plus do chores, but lets not think about that...)! ((waves))

Wow, Juners! Thanks for all the tips re. freezing meals June we also have sort of a set menu for the week, so at least I won't have to think too much . The thing is I'm a vegetarian so I'll have to think about that

Choccie thanks for that info re. cramps! I've doubled my water intake and it's been some weeks now since I had the very bad ones (hope I've not jinxed myself now ). I'm so sorry haemorroids are not letting you be! Hope the medication works soon and you can sleep/walk/ well soon. Good to know the belt really helps, thanks for that.

Ermin that roasted veg recipe sounds brilliant!! I'll steal it right away Your new shoes look great! Very very comfy I'm also having trouble reaching my feet... putting on my socks is quite a task .

Right, back to abrasive materials (((Waves)))

We always have a menu planned, because we order groceries delivered every Monday. We may stop doing that once baby comes, since I'll have more time to get to the store, but then again we may not!

ermin love those shoes. I looked at those when I bought mine, but decided the ones I got were better for work!

I think stocking up on loo roll, laundry detergent and the like sounds like a brill idea! I will get right on that.

And OUCH! I have no idea what baby just kicked but man did it hurt!!

hi chocie missed your post about haemorroids, are you getting any relief from them with creams and stuff? I had them after birth with ds1 and they were horrible internal ones that I had to 'push' back in to stop them hurting as much, the supositries helped though, hope yours get better soon, I find making sure I drink enough makes a big difference to them, also mum friend of mine thought she had piles but went to doc and turned out she had anal tear, if you get no relief might be worth checking as it was as you describe like a knife up her bum

Bunny and Naat my kids call that sauce 'sneaky slop' because they know I've always put everything they'd complain about in it in disguise . But now they'll eat all that veg without it being blended as long as it's chopped fairly small. Sometimes I put herbs or spices in it too - basil or coriander or chilli etc.

choccie do see doc if the 'piles' get worse - as insy says it might have developed into a fissure which will need attention quickly. Hope it is just johnny giles though

Wore the shoes out and it was like walking on air. It's sad when the thing you want most from a shoe is comfort, but such is life...

Hey all

Re cooking food for freezer, I have done spag bol sauce and lentil soup so far. Sausage and bean casserole is currently simmering and half will be frozen! I am planning some dhaal next and not sure what else. What about pies?

Got a new dissertation book the other day which has made me (ha ha made me!) rewrite methods chapter. Going to work on over all intro and conclusion now....

Not feeling so great about my freelance journalism plans. I have three pieces, all highly praised, and I've been trying to get someone to publish them but so far they are unwanted. I knew it would be hard but it's beginning to get wearing, either rejected or I don't even get a response! Anyway, I'm going to keep emailing and sending them out and hoping but it's rather depressing at the moment.

Obviously in the late summer/autumn when I am going to keep trying this I will just be pitching ideas not entire articles so that should be quicker and simpler but if no one wants these ones, well, I guess I got a little ahead of myself.

Insy - Great pic! So sorry about the book btw, there is no excuse I just keep forgetting. I will send it asap.

Well done with all the washing, I haven't done that yet, must admit I didn't even think to last time! Going to get some ecover.

Right, back to dissertation, at least I don't have to hawk that around to people who have absolutely no interest in it!

Insy, that's a lovely pic! Wish my arm was enough to cover my stretchmarks

Littlesarah, hope you find someone interested in your work soon!

Dreamy, glad your scan went well!

I really need to get myself organised, all this talk of food and washing and bag packing is starting to make me feel bad It's so nice being able to chuck the dcs out in the garden after school, isn't this weather lovely!!