Due November 2009 - we just can't stop chatting!

[BeckyBendyLegs]

A new thread!

I'll add this to my question list for when I see the mw.

beepbeep good story - the mw did say that there's one member of staff who worked there for ten years before they put the lift in. But these days 'elth'n'safety means you can't have the place open for deliveries if there's no lift. Goodness knows how people coped twenty years ago, but I suppose that rant is for another thread altogether...

Laugs hope you get packed! There is another reason for the 'expiry' of car seats - my Dad was explaining it to me - I think it's to do with the length of time plastic stays rigid or something. Will ask him again tonight.

Also feeling permanently exhausted and sickly. Not sure how people manage with a small child (children) and being pregnant - really, I am in awe. I know we originally planned, all being well, to have two fairly close together, ideally with a 18month-2year ish age gap, but how on earth would people cope?!?! Being pregnant is a full time job in itself!

Erika sounds like the book is coming on v well!

I don't know if we'd have room for a birthing ball. I used to use them at the gym but our flat seems v cluttered at the minute. Pav you definitely have my sympathies with the loft conversion. We are doing up our spare room and the contents of that room are all over the place. It is driving me mad! Parents are visiting this weekend, armed with overalls, to help paint!

I am soooo glad it's not as hot as yesterday. Am such a wimp with hot weather!

Hello,
Had my 28 week check up today and everything is good, I'm measuring 29cm which is spot on apparently, (I'm 27+5) and the mw said 2cm either way is normal, so that's a relief and a huge fingers up to all those who keep saying how big I am sorry but had to be said.
I've been referred for physio for my back too, I just hope it happens soon as I'm in agony

laugs thankfully no more panic attacks here

scarlotti I'll be buying a new car seat (2nd stage)for this baby but only because the one ds2 is in now was bought for ds1 (almost 6) and has been washed and taken to bits so many times that it has had it! (ok for ds2 for another couple of months but not 3 more years for dc3)

pinchminks So sorry you are having such a rough time, I really hope you can enjoy the last few weeks of pregnancy and get used to the idea of your little girl.

skorpion I don't have any cravings as such but I love smelling chemical type smells, petrol being my favorite, but also shoe polish, nail varnish remover very bad I know.

I think we'll re-use the seat we have as it's only a group 0 and then buy him a new one when he gets to a group 1.
DS has a group 1, 2 and 3 seat, which is supposed to take him through from 9months to 11 - so how does that work then if the plastic lifespan is only 5 or 6 years??

We've reconciled it with the fact that the seat has a base, so has rarely been left in the car to be exposed to extreme variations in heat, and also as Graco said 5 or 6 years when I initially called them.

tigger I got it out to wash the covers last night and found a bag with the extra straps for tiny babies in - can't for the life of me remember how they connect up so will now have to hunt for the book!

Have just done the birth predictor from the childbirth thread that someone (sorry can't remember who) talked about.
It said I would have a 13 hour labour, i would give birth in the evening on a fair day. I would give birth to a 10 lb 13oz girl with ginger hair and hazel eyes! not looking forward to that experience

scarlotti I would do the same in your position, infact we are borrowing my sisters 1st stage seat. If you can't find the instructions you could probably download them from the company website.

am reusing the baby car seat as it is the one that fits in ds's old pram. i figure its only three years old so it'll be fine.

Tigger petrol is probably the one thing that sets my nausea off right now, which is unfortunate as i work in a petrol station. only one day a week and only have two left to go tho so not too bad.

Wowee...

tigger glad your 28 week check went well and a big HA! at everyone commenting on the size of your bump as you can now tell them they're officially wrong.

katster I'm so with you on the constant exhaustion and sickly feeling. Whoever said pregnancy is not an illness wants to get their head checked. I, too, keep wondering how people with DCs do it... and yes, I too had thought we'd have another one quite soon after. I'm not so sure about that now... Let's hope we fall in love with the little darlings and will want to do it all over again in a heartbeat!

Scarlotti at your DH working late and you being unable to snap at him more. I think mine is avoiding me on purpose. I do know that I probably nag at him every time I see him, but then again... I'd love for him to do something around the house instead of being out playing!

Erika Glad the book's coming along well. I think it's a fantastic idea! Hope your DP starts feeling the benefit of the meds soon.

beepbeep Can't believe how organised you are already! But then, I do think it's nicer to have things done early than having them hanging over you.

Pavlov We've currently got boxes and half dismantled furniture everywhere. There's a sofabed in the middle of the lounge floor and the contents of a couple of wardrobes are strewn all over the house. It's horrid. But it'll all be worth it in the end, right?
It all seems so counterproductive with the nesting instinct at an all time high! Glad you're getting to offload on the kitchen and bathroom at least!

Laugs I'm starting to think a proper break from DH is a fantastic idea. Might wait til we've got the house sorted and send him away for a weekend.

Skorpion No cravings here either, sadly. at you only just looking pregnant! You must have abs of steel!

Raggie I know what you mean about there being too many options and it making you feel like crying. Weirdly, I'm that way with blankets and sheets. Such a random thing, but every time I look at them I end up just feeling overwhelmed... so the bean has one of each so far... Also, re: the dates. I'd definitely go with the scan date rather than the LMP. The LMP is only an average, and not an indication of when you've actually ovulated and conceived. (My dates are over a week out as I ov v.early...)

Pinkmich Sorry to hear you've had such a hard time of it! Hope things are on the up now!

Lemontop Don't worry about the GTT. Just bring a good book to keep you entertained, and something nice to eat afterward. I think I may have been one of the people who spooked you about the test as they struggled to get blood out of me, but when they did it with the syringe it wasn't actually that bad - I just wish they'd have done it in the first place rather than keep digging in my arms.

I went on the hospital tour yesterday. For those of you who have the option, I really recommend it! I feel much more positive about the whole thing now. The staff seem really nice and I was quite impressed by how clean the ward seemed (can't say the same about the rest of the hospital, so I'd been nervous...) Still really like the idea of the birthing pool. Although when we were shown around in there, one of the men on the tour fainted! (The nurses were laughing at it being a man again, and the MW who did the tour said that she was lucky to get the gas and air off her DH while she was in labour!)

Was a bit sad at DH not coming along, he didn't think it was necessary and "millions of women do it alone" but as it happened, I was the only one there on my own. Oh well. I suppose it'll be the same with the birth - all anyone else can do is hold your hand really.

The bean is being really squirmy. This is the 3rd day in a row where it feels like he's hardly ever still, and it's not kicks and punches, it's somersaults! Those of you on no 2 or more - do you think he might be trying to turn? (He was still transverse last week.)

Nearly the weekend now!

Broodzilla mine doesn't do much around the house when he's there either He does all the cooking really, unless working late, and seems to think that absolves him of any other duties! Luckily my DD (15) is an excellent help (for cash) and I have a cleaner - one of my demands given I have to work full time.
And I still don't seem to have enough hours in the day..
Mw checked my bump the other day and said the position he's in is irrelevant at the moment as there's enough space to flip about in there. He does seem to have been more active the last few days, not sure why. I think it's not until about 33 weeks that they then have very little room left.

Sorry your DH didn't go to the tour with you. Will he be there for the birth?

Broodzilla sorry your DH didn't go with you on the tour. I don't think they always get it, do they? And as if 'millions of women have done it before' means you're not allowed to feel downright scared/nervous/apprehensive/hormonal etc - I'm sure the vast majority of those millions did!

Scarlotti - not sure about the carseat thing, will check with my Dad, he's a chemical engineer and has worked on similar things before.. I, however, am likely to speculate on the wrong thing entirely so will shit up

Tigger I want to do the quiz! Will go and look for it now!

trikken My dream job at the minute sorry it makes you feel ill though!

broodzilla My dh sounds very similar to yours, I've had 4 scans so far, my dad came to the 1st, I had 2 on my own and dh managed the 20 week scan. I hate the feeling when the midwife says oh are you on your own? still hopefully he will make the birth! Will your dh be at the birth?
I agree with scarlotti there is still lots of time for your baby to move around, the feelings you are getting probably are him doing a somersault (sp?).

kaster will be interesting to see what answer you get!

Afternoon, hope all well? Fine here, although v busy - we're off on a road trip on sunday, first to thh lake district then all the way to northern scotland to visit family. Not sure how much of a holiday this will be with DD in the car too! And I should be packing too but just can't be bothered.

Just saw my MW, which was nice, and got my health in pregnancy grant form. Not something that they have mentioned there at all though so I suspect it's a case of if you don't ask, you don't get - hope everyone's got theirs?. Still, nice to have the money as I'm SE and so can only afford to take 4 weeks off - aargh!

Just did the childbirth predictor and this is what I got:

The day you deliver, outside will be cold. Your baby will arrive in the early afternoon. After a labor lasting approximately 5 hours, your child, a girl, will be born. Your baby will weigh about 12 pounds, 5 ounces, and will be 21 -1/2 inches long. This child will have dark violet eyes and a little patch of red hair.

Well, the sex is right, and I must say I prefer the sound of a 5 hr labour to the two days shcoker I had last time, but not sure how I'm going to squeeze out a 12 1/2 pounder !

Tabbykat ouch!

I can't get hold of my midwife to book my 28 weeks appointment. Should I just keep leaving messages? I hate to come across as pushy. I'm feeling really grrr though - how much effort does it take her to pick up the phone and ring me??

Our youngest cat brought in a blackbird about the same size as her today and left a trail of black feathers all over the house. Anyone want a small, cute, yet with killer instincts, cat?

Scarlotti Funny that, my DH does a lot (probably most) of the cooking too. And that's pretty much it, besides, I do the shopping anyway. It's not that I don't appreciate the cooking, it's just that I genuinely don't understand why he constantly moans about "having so much to do" when he's hardly ever here.

Tigger That's the worst bit, isn't it? I do try to NOT care what other people think, but it's hard not to feel awkward when you see them looking around and then giving you that pitying look.

Katster Exactly. I hate that excuse. Someone I know used to say "I know people are starving, but it doesn't make me any less hungry." I'm not sure I quite agree with that statement, but the gist of it is true. Although it has to be said that it's always worth trying to keep things in perspective, of course!

Anyway, my mum keeps telling me he'll change when he sees the baby. (He is planning to come to the birth, so that's good.) Maybe he will change. If he doesn't, then so be it. I for one am looking forward to getting to know the little man, and am sure that we'll learn to manage each other just fine.

I also did that birth predictor thing, it told me I'll have a 12 hour labour and give birth mid morning to a GIRL with curly auburn hair and blue eyes. I know it's definitely a boy, so don't think I'll believe the rest of it either... I'd like a 4 hour labour with a nicely proportioned baby that just slips out, thanks.

Oh... please accept my apologies for TMI and the yuck-factor, but a friend was just telling me that the actual pushing bit involves the same muscles and sensation as having a poo, and that your body knows what to do - therefore you shouldn't put all your energy in straining, but rather just give it a little help along and then relax and let your body do the rest. Does that sound about right to you? (I now can't have a poo without having weird thoughts along the line of "and now, relax and let it plop out..."
Um, right. And it's not quite dinner time yet, but I'll go and hide anyway or you'll forever remember me as Poozilla.

Tabby Happy Roadtrip! I love roadtrips! Especially when you get into it and make an appropriate soundtrack!

BBL Definitely keep leaving messages. You're not pushy! The 28 wk apt is quite important as I'm sure they take extra bloods to check for iron levels and such even if you're not Rh-.

LOL at your cat. I hope you praised the Great Hunter? We've got three, one who never quite got the bit about being a killer, and she'd forever bring in live things, carried so carefully that there was never a scratch on them. Then, once in the house, rather than taunt them she'd just let them loose and go for a nap. We've come home to birds sitting on the bookshelf, random mice running around and once (appropriately at Easter!) she brought in a tiny little bunny. We cuddled it for a bit and then came to our senses and took it out to a field. Luckily, she's now too old to bother. Nr 2 spends all day hunting in the fields but hardly ever catches anything. Nr 3 is like Hannibal Lecter. It's horrid. You wouldn't believe the stuff she's dragged in (especially while her kittens still lived here...) Come to think of it, I preferred Nr 1's little collection of pets.

WHY is it that I can never just reply to anything in a sentence?

Ah, broodzilla, if that were only the case. Unfortunately, rather than pg I just looked like I'd eaten all the pies... DH was telling me that I was in that annoying stage when people who didn't know I'm preggers would just think, blimey, she's let herself go a bit!

Hey, the Ina May book on childbirth I was telling you about has a chapter on, ahem, 'sphincter law' and talking to your fanjo to relax. So go for it, I say.

becky no, thanks. Just got rid of the two crap-machine-cats next door. Not literally got rid of them myself, thay just moved town.

Talking to your fanjo?!?!? Is that for real?!!

When I was in labour with DD (my first) I asked to go to the loo as I thought I needed a poo (was on pethidine hence the asking for help!). Mw took me down and I asked if I strained would the baby pop out - she said no. Turned out it wasn't needing the loo at all, but going into the pushing stage!
Your body definitely knows what to do - I had no clue what was going to happen with DD and ended up with a straight forward labour. You'll feel the urge to push and it's the same feeling as needing the loo - you're likely to be told to push through your bottom my the mw too!
Normally it's a bit of a push, then relax and wait for the next contraction, then push a bit ... and so on.
They should also tell you to stop pushing as the baby crowns and pant - this is supposed to mean that the baby eases out and you don't tear. Doesn't always work though

UGH - will read through everything in a minute, just to say Laugs and scarlotti, if you recieve an email with photos attached from my account DO NOT OPEN IT. It keeps sending itself to everyone, I think it must be some form of virus.

Tigger glad your appointment went well - I'm messuring a week over too!
Really hope your physio gets in touch soon.

Broodzilla really pleased the tour made you feel good. I'm pretty keen on the idea of the pool for pain relief, not sure if I actually fancy a water birth though. Think I might be in the same situation as the MW with her partner when I give birth - will have to strap DP down to stop him from stealing it!!! RE, turning - mine seems to do it a lot. Can kinda work out which way he's laying now, depending on where I'm being kicked. My MW said its normal for them to turn about several times a week, or even a day!

Tabby enjoy your roadtrip

Becky its not pushy. I'm lucky, mine usually gets back to me within the hour, or at least a few! How long have you been trying to get hold of yours now? And awww at your cat Swap you for my dumbass of dog...

Skorpion ... Talk to it??? ROFL. What are you supposed to say? "Hey down there, how you keeping? Haven't seen you in a while, but would REALLY appriciate it if you could help me out with this giving birth thing..."

Thanks for you kind words to my DP everyone, really sweet of you I popped into work to see him today and he seemed a little brighter at least.

Is anyone else eating really really unhealthily? The only fruit I can stand at the moment is blueberries and can't afford them very often. Terrible. Today I've had two packets of crisps, a caramel shortbread, and a caramel kitkat I've eaten other stuff as well, more substantial, but that's the stuff I'm feeling guilty about!!!

My mother so kindly pointed out earlier that I now have stretch marks all over my tummy. Thanks Mum, because OBVIOUSLY I hadn't noticed... Ugh they're so unpleasent. Everyone keeps telling me how well I'm looking and that I'm definately "blooming" - obviously, none of these people are around to see me waddling to the bathroom at 3am with my hair looking like its been back combed as I've been thrashing around so much trying to keep cool and get comfortable

YEY its hairdye time again!!!! I've been rationing myself - so difficult! - but its time. Though I let DP choose to cheer him up (I reckon I'm gonna be fine when Bryn is a toddler, I'm already practising ) so its going BRIGHT RED. Ah well, why not?

By the way - is anyone else having Braxton Hicks? I've been having them on and off over the past two weeks, today's were very uncomfortable and rather painful. Mum said I shouldn't be having them yet..??

Warning - me me me post with a lot of harumping coming up ....

So after the mw told me last week I have slight spd, I found a internet page with all the explanation on it to send to dh at work on Monday. The weekend was busy as we had to travel to pick up the kids, stay over at a friends where I had the worst night sleep ever and was in a fair bit of pain the next day - bed was far too hard.
So ... dh reads the info, and then says that I'm to take it easy and he will look after me and the dc's so as not to make the spd worse.
Lovely I thought, how considerate.
DH then proceeds to work late Mon, Tues and Wed ending up with me doing the nursery run, feeding DS as he can't wait until DH comes home and also doing the bedtime routine. Up and down stairs a lot and generally not being sat with my feet up.
Tonight he's gone to watch the guys at work playing some game or other (Stoolball?!) so I've been 'on duty' again, and I've just had a text to say they've won the league so he's now out celebrating. I did point out this morning that had I had to work late 3 nights in a row, I wouldn't then choose to go out the following night.

Am I being really unreasonable here?

So tempted to send a sarky text but am resisting at the moment...

Scarlotti I'd be pretty annoyed too... Poor thing. Have some , a spare KitKat Chunky and a glass of wine! You should have said if it was too much to pop by DP's tonight, feel like I've inconvienced you now, am very sorry. x I Hope you feel better soon - maybe your DH will get bored and come back to fuss over you. x

Erika thanks, and it was no inconvenience at all to drop the stuff off, was on my way home from the nursery anyway so no need to be sorry.
Think the bit that's wound me up is all the talk of 'rest and put your feet up' without the actions to back it up. Is an annoyingly frequent occurence in this house

I'll get over it ... and probably chuck the odd bitchy comment at him tonight when he wakes me up and then in the morning

Thanks Laugs, - you have mail!

What do you think you will put into your baby book erika? And will you post some pics of you REALLYRED hair?!

Tigger good to hear you've been feeling fine and great news about the check up! Mine's on Monday...

Thanks for the reassurance re overwhelmed-ness broodzilla. I am currently feeling that way about pushchairs now! And I will take your advice with the scan thing. My official date is the 30th St Andrew's day AND eeyore's birthday so I am more than happy with that! Just means I am as far behind all you lot as it is possible to get, just about!

You poor thing scarlotti, sounds like he's being unfair to me...naughty boy. Hugs from me to you too, wish it could make things better

Went to see the Time-Traveler's Wife with mum today - not the kind of thing I'd usually go for, but read the book and thought was a bit of a mum film to see. It was good, enjoyable. Not life-changing. A bit like the book then, in my opinion!