Due May 09-Weddings,Inductions,Births & C-Sections - Its all going on this month!

[Grumpyoldcaaaaaaaa]

Here we go lasses

dandy with slow one-handed typing I didn't see your post. So sorry to hear you didn't get your choices. I think you should make the most of your stroppy-pregnant-lady hormones combined with your legal training & writing prowess and submit an appeal. It sounds as if you've good grounds.

If the worst does come to the worst and you have to send your DD to a non-ideal school, please remember that parental influence is far, far more important to a child's successful education than anything else. I feel really strongly about this. I went to some bloody awful schools because my parents were very left wing & believed in supporting the state sector. I - and my brother & several close friends - emerged from the education system with PhDs. I know it's not what any parent would want, and my own parents invested a lot of their time trying to improve my schools as chairs of govenors, but I just wanted to offer a little possible reassurance that if it turns out there's nothing you can do it doesn't have to be a disaster for your DD.

Dandy - so sorry to hear about the school situation. That is so bloody annoying, especially as I know the area you are on about! Can you go down an appeal route?

Hats off to those in jimjams still! I've been out to sainsburys, but am now sitting around in my t-shirt and pants. My under the bump jeans aren't quite under the bump and really hurt so I whipped them off as soon as I got in. The over the bump jeans are drying...

Ok, so I've been v v v bad - when I was in sainsburys, not only did I buy 2 teensy weensy dummies as a purely precautionary measure, but I had that sudden urge for a pot noodle again, so thats my lunch. Sh, don't tell anyone.

Llare and others - we've got Welsh names riddled throughout our family, as my Dad is Welsh - his name is Hywel, my brother's second name is Elwyn... I think there is an Irfon somewhere.. got a cousin Rhiannon.. some second names around are also Angharad (which I love but I'm not allowed ) and also Myfanwy, which I think is pushing it a bit. My name isn't Welsh, but has a Welsh spelling.. I also knew a Dafydd once, but I always thought of Daffy Duck when I saw his name. Oh and I know a Huw, I think thats lovely....

I'm off for my pot noodle and try and do some puppy jigsaw....

Dandy - about your school situation - it is worth appealing and Spangle gave good advice I think - you can always do something to improve things and although it's a pain at the moment, it could work itself out.

Pula very neat bump - I am 36 weeks tomorrow too and I feel that my bump has definitely stretched out a fair bit over the last week or so.

llare - best of luck for tomorrow - looking forward to hearing about another arrival!

MMMMM, pot noodle I've got too many people around me so I can't secretly get one and eat one at the moment.

I'm no help when it comes to Welsh names I'm afraid, but if anyone wants some Dutch suggestions...

My parents have just popped out for a drive and to go and have a cup of coffee somewhere (a true Belgian thing to do, about an hour after lunch going into town for a cup of coffee) anyway, I'm going to take the opportunity to indulge in listening to my CD while hopefully not falling asleep as it's too early. I wish you could self hypnotise yourself into labour

Oh I soo need a milky way sombrero hat....

llare hope the sickness holds off in your house and you get the induction tomo - will be a right pain in the bum if it has to be postponed (or if MIL is your birth partner Good luck and as someone else said fingers and legs crossed that the 1st gel sets things in motion nicely. Am very excited and sending lots of brilliant, wonderful birth vibes your way xx

We were supposed to be going to rhythm time but DD fell asleep at the wrong time so we've missed it - not that she will realise but would have been a good diversion for 30 mins.

My nesting has really kicked in but I can't seem to get on top of the house at all. The top floor is a MESS (DH domain mainly as his wardrobe up there in spare room and he uses the study more than me - too far to walk for me!! SO am off up there with bin bags galore and am binning/charity shopping a lot!

No more period pains for me today need to be patient, I KNOW babies come when they are ready and not before

at fi DS mega lie in - oh how I would lurrveee one of those - not had one for 18 months.....

detsy my lie in would have been even better if i hadn't woken at 5am and then continued to wake every 15mins from 6am thinking is ds awake yet?! at 7am i just gave up, started on the biscuits and got dressed...

saus I hope you bought the 'Donor Kebab' flavour Pot Noodle? And are you sure you want to look at that jigsaw again? Still makes me laugh....

1stMrs Durrr silly me, I knew there was something I'd been meaning to post about - fabulous, fabulous bump - I am at your (probably swollen) feet in awe of you. You look so chilled and happy on those photos - you look lovely.

Dandy - that's so crap about the schools, we're waiting to hear whether DD2 got into her current school. Luckily DD1 got her 1st choice of senior school. I have everything crossed for you.

And the 'Zac-Pac' Fi I think it was? I must admit, he's too clean for me but you know, it passed the time - there were a couple of quite adult jokes in the film too (it was a 12A), which I hadn't realised and made me snigger but I think it went over the girls's heads really .

Spangle I may have to get you one of the BF Sombreros for the next time you're in John Lewis, imagine the stir you'll cause . I still can't believe you have your schuggly baby

Am I stupid in allowing DH to go to an Alfa Romeo day thing (lots of boring men standing around admiring cars and talking at length about crankshafts and lamba sensors or something equally wnky) down in Surrey (bearing in mind I'm ooop North in Middlesbrough) on Saturday? I've already pointed out that he's a sad twt for going, but it is in the interests of his business to go and press the flesh and schmooze (well, his business partner will do that, Rob (DH) is a bit erm........ blunt sometimes). It will probably bring in business, but he will be several hours away.........

I did forbid him from going to Le Mans in the next few weeks .

Belgian does your mum want to come round to my house next? She is more than welcome to clean my fridge and wash my floor??? I am living in fear that I will have to call my mother up here if I have to go into hospital - I find that her mere presence in my house turns me into an unpleasant and sullen teenager, given to dramatic strops and sulks. I should point out though that my mum is a saint and brilliant - she just gets on my nerves sometimes.

Right, I'm off to change my name to 'Ramblingoldcaaaaaaaaaaaa'

Shut Up Grumpy!!!!!!!

Oh Dandy that's rubbish news. Keeping everything crossed that the appeal works.

Pula of small bump and loverly bathroom.

Monimo am joining you in the hormonal room today. Went (well, waddled) into Tescos to look at mobiles and bumped into 'friend' who had a baby at same time as I had DD2. She then proceeded to tell me I must be completely insane to consider 3 children (she only has 1) especially with working full time, how could I possible bring them up giving them enough attention etc. etc. This really wound me up so I ended up sitting in the car in tears. But having wolfed down 2 chocolate eclairs I somehow feel better . It must be hormones... why else would I care what she thought????

And I feel a bit guilty as was DP birthday at the weekend and whilst I slogges to John Lewis to get a few pressies , I really made very little effort - no dinner out, birthday tea etc - his card off Lotti is still in the drawer - just feel so shattered and knackerd and cannot be bothered with anything. Hope this feeling goes after LO is born or i'll be well scuppered - off to find chocolate and stodge
bye for now and have chilled out rainy day at home xx

Blegian I used to know a Dutch lady who called her first son Thys (I think), pronounced 'Tyce', which I always liked.

I really am going now...........

Oh, and Grumpy have you thought about ebay for tap shoes? (My standard response for any purchasing is ebay, btw...)

You have reminded me I need to get ballet shoes for DD1 too

tum mum at first guess with regards to your friend she's just jealous of you girl! Sod her and her bitchy comments - stupid bat, people like that make me really

I'm jealous of your choc eclairs tho...

Dandy crappy timing and crappier news about your DD school. Got everything crossed that your appeal works for you - if anyone can sort this it will be you (full term, hormonal pregnant lady or not) Good luck girl

Fi i know what you mean - I wake myself up in the night if DD hasn't woken to wonder if she is ok - bonkers isn't it!? Interesting that you still have the monitor - am in discussion with DP about this as I still use Lotti's and consequenlty will likely need another one for the little - what do you intend to do - get 2 or stop using for DS1? When did everyone else stop using theirs - I feel like I'll still have Charlotte's on when she's 16 !!

my diet has been weird/awful today... i demolished pretty much the whole box of stem ginger/oatflake cookies (ds had one), drank 2 large glasses of milk, had 2 of my cupcakes from yesterday, had some blueberries and i'm now eating an apple. I also have a sore throat and have an annoying tickly cough since last night. Hoping the sugar/carb fest will stop whatever is brewing in its tracks.

zac is a bit too goody too shoes for me too... with feeling so tired at the moment even if hugh jackman turned up at my door stark naked with a rose between his teeth i only have the energy to give him a cuppa tea!

tummum- glad you feel better after your choc eclairs - your 'friend' should just butt out. Sometimes i worry about the 3 kids thing, but growing up as 1 of 3 (and DH is 1 of 4) there is so much you gain from having siblings- how to share, always having a play mate, a companion, a confidente...A friend of mine was worried when pg with no.2 if she would be able to love her as much as DD1 and share her love around. You realise there is plenty of time to make your kids feel loved and cherished, whether you work or not. Grrr your friend has got me wound up too lol.

Thanks for all the nice comments on my bump and bathroom .

grumpy - i second tummum with the ebay idea- i got DDs tap shoes on ebay.

tummum I am outraged on your behalf at what your 'friend' said to you. As if it is any of her business what you choose to do. I could understand it if you were maybe on your 13th child (!) yikes, but for your 3rd???? Absolute nonesense. As another mummy of almost-three I know it will be hard dividing myself up into 3 equal (ish) portions all the time but that's just life isn't it? And the benefits to them of having siblings to grow up and share things with is immense (IMO anyway). (I grew up as an almost-only child as my brother was at boarding school mostly as he has SN) and I was horribly lonely. Honestly, some people really should engage their brains before opening their mouths! Maybe she would like more children herself but can't/isn't in a position to and is maybe feeling a teensy bit envious of you? Have you thought of that?
(I only say this as I have a friend who I know desperately wants another child, but to outsiders makes out that two is the perfect number and she'd never DREAM of having another) - IYSWIM.

God, have caught grumpy's waffling bug. oops.

Tummum I have just bidded (bided? bid? biddeddeddedd? biddleydoodled?) on a pair of tap shoes on Ebay! I 'have' to get her a 'speshull' 'lionard' too (leotard). It's expensive, this Sunday morning dance lark. And as detsy said, sod your mate! I have had a few of those comments and they do wind you up sometimes. People can be very tactless - I've probably had more 'God, you're mad having a 3rd' than 'Congratulations'. I haven't been organised enough to encounter these people in the nearby vicinity of delicious foodstuffs though.

You know what, I think it's wonderful you're having another, congratulations, I'm thrilled for you!!!!! There.

detsy I think I threw out DD1's monitor within a couple of months and never bothered for DD2 because it made me paranoid.

detsy i'm not sure what to do with the monitor... thought LO will be in with us anyway for the 1st 6m so thought i'd play it by ear so to speak when LO goes into her own room. If ds seems settled and happy to yell from his bedroom door (we have the stair gate on his door at night at the mo to dissuade him of the 4am/5am wanting to get up and play sessions) we'll swap the monitor to lo's room and leave him to shout when he wants us...

eclairs not elairs

Right, I'm off to get DD2 from school and she is going to watch Cbeebies and play on the DS so I can sit and think about new Star Trek film with lush eyebrows man from Heroes stare vacantly into space for a while.

Oh and Fi - get you with your energy to make cups of tea for people! Stop showing off.......

grumpy BTW what size tap shoes are you after? My DD has a pair which are in really good condition and don't fit her anymore. If they are the right size you're more than welcome to them. They are black, BTW with the little laces on the front.
[rummages in kids dressing up box and triumphantly finds tap shoes plus about 5 pairs of ballet shoes in amongst 15 leotards and fairy costumes]
they are 'FREED RHYTHM COLLECTION' and a size 12 1/2. Can't remember how old your DD is?
Anyway they are free to a good home if you want them?

tummum, it's ridiculous what your friend said. same for me as grumpy: i've had more people tell me i'm mad than say 'congrats' or 'how wonderful'. I'm glad the eclairs made you feel better. looking at others' posts, looks like chocolate, cakes, stodge is the answer to feeling better [scrapes around purse for loose change to buy some eclairs from Sainsbury's local just 20 yards away from home].

Actually just looking at that 'size 12 1/2' - they don't look all that big......and my DD has size 13 feet and they are WAAAAAAY too small for her. Can't remember if dancing shoes are sized a bit differently? [frazzled scratches head absently not having a clue about anything today in her addled and knackered Braxton-Hicks filled haze).

Not sure I can be bothered with 3 more weeks of this BTW. I'm huge, sore, exhausted and fed up now. And busy. And it's not fun. And DH keeps saying things like 'so what's on the agenda today?' and I say 'well, I'll be sitting in the house with the 2 year old with the chicken pox so not much' and he keeps looking at me as if I should be having 5 meetings and doing some 'work'.

Honestly today even if DD was in nursery I wouldn't be working - am too bloomin knackered from the weekend (was working yesterday), had people staying over on Sat plus broken nights with DD. God I'm a moaner all of a sudden. This period pain and constant BH contractions are really pi**ing me off this afternoon.

Going to have a cup of tea and do nothing for 1/2 hour before school run while the chicken poxer sleeps (finally).

belgian, about names, our dd2 is called Saskia - is that a dutch name? i've not been able to find certain origin for it (various claims of dutch, german, scandinavian, etc). I liked it because i went to school with a Saskia and always thought it was a pretty name.

You lot are fab, I feel all cheeried now and the eclairs are an important source of calcium too... so now I am cheered up and all healthy Thank you.

Re Monitors I gave up with DD2 as I figured I would soon hear her if she yelled enough [lazy mummy emoticon]. I actually think this helped her sleep through the night quite soon because I let her settle herself before I gave into the demands for milk.

Right, going to have a quick bath before DC turn up from school and I switch on beebies whilst I have a cuppa and play with my new mobile supervise their educational viewing.

detsy I still have DD2 monitor on - she is at the other end of the corridor to us in the house so we wouldn't really hear her otherwise (that's my excuse, maybe I'm just paranoid) - she was 2 last September. I'm planning on keeping the new baby in our room for 3-6 months this time by which time I will put her monitor in his room (next door to her) and hopefully it would pick up noise from either of them?

Weird fact - DD1 was in her own room, door shut and in the big cot at 6 weeks old
DD2 was still in our room, in carry cot at 6 months!

Surely that's the wrong way round?