Due November 2009: Second trimester thread!

[turtle23]

New thread for you as it was geting a bit big...

lemontop - If its any consolation I had some bleeding the other week and some Braxton Hicks at the same kinda time, so I was terrified. But the midwife said the same to me, that because it was brown blood, it was old blood, so there was no need to be concerned.

Entirely random question - just looking for some comfy clothes and considering a tunic-type top. Being in Scotland, I'll need to consider leggings. What does one wear on one's feet with leggings?

Have strappy sandals, but what when it's raining?

I either wear my calf-length boots or when it is hot these platform-but-very-confy (made by Dr Martens) shoes.

Comfy I mean!

hobnob, ballet slipper flats, I think. If you're worried about arch support, Clark's does some with hidden support in the slipper.

OK, thanks for that. Feeling fairly stupid, but haven't considered leggings since my teenage days!

Hmmm. Being pg is a bad thing - I'm spending more time looking at clothes online than I normally do in a year, and finding far too many things that I like (few actually maternity clothes - a handy hurdle to spending a fortune!).

Who was it got some nice floaty tops? Where were they from, if you don't mind me asking?

Just finished reading The Road Home this evening and feeling all adrift without it! What to read next? I have loads of unread books on my shelves, but none appeal.

hobnob - I usually wear some dolly shoes, though I found some fantastic and comfy things off amazon... Link: www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0012EHF9M/ref=ox_ya_oh_product I got the pink and green ones, but my therapist, after seeing mine, ordered the other ones. They're really comfy, take a little wearing in, but comfy!!

As for tops... Primark have a lot of tops in at the moment. Evans do as well - I bought a beautiful dress there for my 18th. Peacocks are fab for range currently as well. Hope that helps!!!

Laugs - I'm reading Jo Brand's new book at the moment, entitled "The More You Ignore Me". I went to her book reading and interview because I love her! But if you want something thats got a good balance of comedy and seriousness its well worth a glance.

What to read next? That is too big a question to ask Laugs! I love having that problem It depends what sort of thing you like or are in the mood for. Have you read 'The Book Thief'? Actually I'm coming to the end of my book soon too so need to think what to read next.

We've just had egg butties for breakfast - yum! House is sooo quiet without DH. I just hope he isn't too hungover.

congratulations trikken and scarlotti on the scans and good luck to those with scans next week.

Just wanted to say in case you haven't seen it already but mamas and papas have got a brilliant sale on at the moment. I got a tunic dress and this lovely purple dress which i'm going to wear for weddings this year and a tunic top Had to really control myself as there was loads of nice stuff. Also great deals on prams, nursery furniture etc.

egg butties mmmmm...thanks becky that's breakfast decided!!

Hello all, thanks for the kind words. Dp saw I was struggling so as taken over dealing with solicitors and getting legal advice.

I had my first drink in five months last night a glass of bubbly which was quickly followed by a home made chocolate mouse. I can now add that to the copious amounts of coffee I've not been able to refrain from and the goats cheese (avec rind) and have to admit I am not being as strict in the second trimester as I was in the first.

I'm also on the hunt for new reading material. I have now recovered from reading War and Peace and feel able to move on. Any suggestions welcome. (Or maybe that's a thread of its own?)

I cannot wear leggins and pumps because I gave size 8 feet and look like a clown or anything floaty because I look like a 12man tent on wheels. But for you skinnier minis I saw that M&P are doing "maternity jeans for a tenner www.mamasandpapas.co.uk/product-dark-denim-jeans/s0004646/type-s/" (size 6 and 12)

Sleepless I read that the eye twitch could be down to baby lying on a nerve. I don't know if that's anatomically correct but it's a sweet idea. My twitch is almost constant now and I'm sure people think I'm winking at them in the street. Oh well I'm sure it will pass.

Lemontop I'm sorry you're still spotting. I hope it clears up soon for you.

Afternoon all. I've had quite a morning! Spotting got much heavier last night with some red blood and I was having really bad pain etc. I also realised I hadn't felt the baby move for a few days so was in a bit of a panic. I rang midwife this morning who told me to go to labour ward as I'm over 20 weeks. Was there for hours and thankfully heard baby's heartbeat and apparently my cervix is closed so there's no danger of imminent premature labour or miscarriage. PHEW! They still can't find any reason for it but have suggested I go to GP for another smear test as it may not be baby related. At least baby seems ok.

hugs lemontop that must have been so scary I had some terrible cramping last night and was in tears, so scared that something was going wrong. Its eased off this morning, so I think I must have twinged a muscle or something... I'm glad the baby is okay.

Ninjacat - are you a classics fan? If you haven't read it, I would throughly suggested Ivanhoe, or The Age Of Innocence I love my classics...

Glad all's ok Lemontop, must have been scary for you. Take care x

Ninjacat on the classics front how about George Eliot? Or Thomas Hardy - I devoured his books when I lived in Japan as they reminded me of home (plus until I learnt the language there wasn't much else to do except read great big books!).

Lemontop I've just read your post. You poor thing. You must have been so worried and scared. Glad you heard the baby's hearthbeat and at least you know your little bean is ok. ErikaMaye you too I hope you are feeling brighter today.

lemontop glad to hear all is well with baby, must have been so scary for you.

I wish I had time to read, I love a good book and will make a note of everyones suggestions so that once ds is in nursery and baby is on boob I can start reading again!

urgisurke your comments about the MIL taking pictures of breastfeeding made me laugh, don't think dh's family would dare do that

grace09 I will be having a good look at the mamas and papa's website, I feel a spending spree coming on!

Well, my day didn't start off too great. Ds was poorly yesterday and had a temperature all day. Then this morning he woke me up at 4.45am and projectile vomited over me. Nice! Poor little mite seems much better now though and is splashing away in the bath with daddy.

Hope all the dh's had a good fathers day, just think what it will be like next year!

Phew, this seems to be a mammoth post from me so I will go now, have a fun evening everyone!

Lemontop glad to hear your babe is ok, hope the docs can root out the cause for you so you can enjoy the rest of your pregnancy.

DH videoed me breastfeeding DS1 in hospital and I didn't notice for about five mins and was mortified when I saw him! DS1 was only a couple of days old so it there was me with it all hanging out trying to get him latched on! Now that moment is captured for ever!

helips sorry your DS has been poorly - poor little mite!

lemontop glad all is well..its a scary ole ride this isn't it..i hope you're ok.

Just had some bad news about my SIL who has MC..its heartbreaking and I just don't know what to say. DH doesn't feel he can even talk to his bro about it, but we have to acknowledge our sadness for their loss.

ninja that is a lovely thought that the baby is lying on a nerve, however i get twitching when not preggers too!! Am midway through Shantaram..its mighty long but i quite like it. Also restarted Donna Tartt's The Little Friend which as beckybl says isn't as good as Secret History.

Father's day was pretty quite. I watercoloured a card and put a Big Bear and Little Bear on it..didn't get round to making the fairy cakes pedal..Had guests for lunch so was busy tidying up and cooking.. Am shattered now and DH giggling at Top Gear as i type.

Helips hope DS is better..cleaning up a LO who has just vommed at 5am is a mare..Been there too so hope you got some rest afterwards.

Can't believe the weekend is over

Hello ladies! congrats Trikken and Scarlotti on girl and boy babies - yay you can start thinking of names - wow we are half way there now! can't wait for my scan!

I had my final meeting on Friday and, as i had expected, my role will not exist in the new structure... so i have taken the redundancy package as can't go through the trauma of applying for a new role reporting to my boss, where i would get paid less and have to work harder - he is such a jerk and bully. But on the brighter side, i have a 6 mth notice period with this package, which covers me fully for maternity pay etc. And the crowning glory - i could not have planned this if I had tried - I have a hand over this week, then on "garden leave" for 5.5 months - woooo hooooo! Full pay. So i am practically being paid to stay at home and redecorate! DH had even agreed that this outcome is better than we could have hoped! so i am unemployed but so so pleased!
hobnob was it you asking for tops and leggings? I got some great tops from New Look, and also H&M Hennes.and get the leggings from H&M they are very comfy and do not shrink in the wash. on yr feet - anything! Ugg boots (if you are so inclined) ballet pumps, strappy flat sandals, plimsols. I even wear my leggings under skirts or dresses (have not waxed for a while so a bit furry for showing the legs!)

lemontop I hope you're not worrying too much about not knowing where this bleeding is coming from. It'll be something innocuous I hope.

BBL when were you in Japan? I was there for a year about 10 years ago and just loved the place. Such fond memories and I SOOOO want to go back!

Pedal I'm so glad you're happy with the outcome. I too am officially 'replaced' after the end of this week (well, beginning of next term in August) but unfortunately I still have to go into work until the end of October to earn my pay!

Ninja trying hard to restrain myself online, but then not really knowing why, because I have nothing to wear. I just hate spending money generally and also hate buying clothes online. Don't really have a choice since our only real-life-try-it-on maternity outlet appears to be Mothercare and maybe H&M. Trying to work out what the essentials are: have jeans, lived in blooming marvellous strappy tops last time so need some more of them. I also had a pair of over the bump jersey trousers which were a godsend before and after the birth. As I said, these clothes made their way to Spain, never to return. I didn't get enough last time so want to think carefully about how much more I really need and how versatile they are. I found this tunic online last night, which sparked off the leggings comment, but it's not even maternity. I'm just aware that up here in The North normal summer clothes are often only warm enough for short parts of the day! It looks stretchy enough????? Shame it's grey, but should do Autumn too if it doesn't look ridiculous. If not, it'll do next Spring to hide the flab!

Tell me to stop thinking and just get something...

pedalmonster thats great news about the redundancy, you must be so relieved that everything is sorted at last.

hobnob that tunic is beautiful and will probably see you through Autumn too, just remember to get a bigger size than normal if not maternity!

I am shattered this morning. Ended up taking ds to a&e last night and didn't get home till late. Basically I put him to bed last night and he got straight up again as normal so I just left him to play. After a bit I went upstairs to find him playing with a bottle of mediced which i stupidly left on his chest of drawers. The bottle was open, god knows how and ds smelt of mediced so rang nhs direct and they said to take him to hospital just to err on caution as half the bottle was gone and I couldn't be sure how much ds had had. Anyway, he is absolutely fine, in fact he was wide awake last night so couldn't of had much! Despite going to bed late he woke up at 6am, and got me up twice in the night! yawn!

sleepless sorry to hear about your SIL, hope she is ok and being well looked after.

Hobnob I lived there from 1995-1997 in Saitama (so long ago). Where did you live and what were you doing there? I did the JET scheme (teaching English) and had the best time ever. I miss it so much (nihon ni ikitai!) DH downloads Japanese drama with subtitles for me to watch! DH is actually learning Japanese now which is kind of embarrassing because I've forgotten so much so I hate it when he asks me to talk to him in Japanese and asks me 'what is the kanji for such and such?' I can't remember!!!!

Helips oh dear poor you what a stressful night!!! Glad your DS is fine.

sleepless sorry to hear about your SIL. It's a horrible thing to go through