Due November 2009 - Remember, remember we're due in November, but not yet quite ready to pop!

[Fruitpastels]

Hope everyone can find us!

sorry, that should have been struggle. darned teachers can't spell...

pav great to hear that it was a relatively minor thing, but v. scary. Did they check your ketones? can you keep lucozade sport down? MW had me drinking bottles of this a day at one point last pg when I had a bug, on threat of hospital if I didn't.

erika hugs for you.

Forgot to say, I have a day off today and DD is with Granny so I'm free to sort this hole of a house out. But not willing . Bed + MN Pregnancy Guide is more appealing!

erika I hope you're ok and have someone to talk to if you don't want to chat here. I was thinking of you this morning as you seem to have been quieter than usual the past few days. Also hope your therapist has written that letter for you. (hugs)

pavlov sorry to hear you're so sick, but glad to hear it's nothing to worry about. You must be getting seriously fed up with this pregnancy.

ninja what a shame about your DP. Hopefully the relief at having decided not to do it will cheer him up a bit. It's hard when you have great confidence in people, but they don't have it in themselves. You can't make him know how talented he is if he doesn't see it for himself.

hobnob I keep meaning to take notes from this thread too. I read all these clever ideas and think 'oh I must remember that', and then it's gone in a second. Anyone fancy scanning the past 6 months of chat for us and writing a report on the important bits???

katster you were wondering the other day whether you should be so tired or were being pathetic... today I have literally done nothing but taken DD to a dance class, picked up a bit of shopping in town and taken the bus home. I am completely exhausted! And I'm only 31 weeks. NINE whole weeks to go (if I'm lucky). Urgh.

Hello everyone

I'm absolutely cream crackered. I've just waddled round Newcastle shopping for birthdays and my hospital bag. H&M have got some gorgeous baby boy clothes in stock - couldn't resist buying a little woolly jumper, cords and a tiny pair of trainers that actually look like some of DH's! Also, if anyone's looking for jogging bottoms for after the birth/cs, Primark have got some velour style ones that come in black, beige and a sort of wine colour for just under £5. I didn't buy any though, as the queue was horrific!

I'm glad everyone's been sharing their past breast-feeding experiences. I feel a lot more prepared now but will no doubt be asking advice on the post-natal thread at some point!

Broodzilla I've noticed some aches and pains reappearing in the bazooka department this week. DH is like a dog on heat, as he's convinced they've grown. The horny devil backed off sharpish when I said they might leak if he pestered them!

fruitpastels I did exactly what Usigurke described when DD was breach and it worked like a charm within a couple of days.

Pavlov I'm sorry you've had such a frightening morning. Hope you start feeling better soon - you deserve to enjoy these last few weeks before baby arrives after the pregnancy you've had.

Erica Hope everything's ok. I know you've said how stressed you are at the moment and I hope you're still able to talk to people about how you're feeling.

Before I go and put my feet up with the new Dan Brown novel and a low-fat (bleurgh) snack, I must tell you how I spent my morning before shopping. Last night I spent literally hours drawing and colouring in pictures of clothes on to cards so that I could try and make getting dressed into a sort of game with DD. It's become a battle that I dread every morning and ends up with me dashing, harrassed and late, to nursery with a sulky toddler who has been grabbed and dressed against her will.

I thought things were going well when I asked if she wanted to play a game and she seemed happy to until I brought out my lovingly prepared cards. Her idea of a game was to bend over naked and peer through her legs at me, giving me a charming view of her nether regions in all their tiny toddler glory. The usual battle ensued until suddenly, inspiration hit and I shoved my hand in a sock, put on a stupid voice and "Socky" was born. When "Socky" told her she had to get dressed, she happily did it, yabbering to it the whole time. She wouldn't brush her teeth when I asked her to but "Socky" came to the rescue again. Unfortunately, as the morning went on, I realised that she now only responds to things that "Socky" asks her to do, rather than anything me or DH suggest... The final straw came when I dropped her off at nursery and she didn't want a cuddle from me but was sad because "Socky" was gone. I think I've created a monster... I was going to get some googly eyes and wool to make a proper sock puppet but I think I'm going to have to arrange for "Socky" to have some kind of hideous accident, like getting eaten by the washing machine or something.

Oh sht, kyte* I've just remembered I said I'd look for trakkies for you in town and I completely forgot. Sorry . I'll probably be in town one day this weekend.

wizzywoo My DD is a nightmare getting dressed too, though, now I think about it, not as bad as she used to be. The only game I've found that works (sometimes) is I Bet You Can't Get Dressed in 20 Seconds (counting very slowly up to 20 until she's dressed, unless she messes around and doesn't make it)

Wizzywoo, sorry to hear that you have to be jealous of a sock.
Speaking of jealousy: my sister mentioned something like: the next time your grandmother has a spare weekend, she will not have time to come to Vienna because she has to fly to London to see your aunt before she is getting the baby. Aren't you looking forward to having another cousin? Answer: I do not need another cousin!
Anyway: Last friday, the midwife referred me to the midwife led birth centre (within the hospital) and as I still haven't got a letter, I've just called them.... they have never heard of me. It's just the whole story from the beginning when I had to chase my initial referral from the GP to the first booking appointment. At least the very nice lady gave me an appointment for the preparation class in the birth centre and my 38 weeks appointment. I knew why I asked the midwife for the birth centre phone number.

hiya everyone

Pav hope you feel better soon, you do seem to be having a very bad time of it at the mo.

Erika sending a big hug out. come talk when you are ready. x

Have just seen MW, was v good. although had to have more bloods as mine got mixed up last time. she thinks baby is head down, good measurement, heartbeat good. was brave and even asked her about the swollen bits to which she said sounded like was varicose veins and to go see the dr on mon as she may be able to prescribe some cream to help, thoi dont really see how ream will do much but willing to give anything a try at this point.

Laugs yep - I think life in general when you are this pregnant is just knackering full stop! Also agree - if someone could go through the last 6 months and make notes, that would be fab

WizzyWoo am impressed with your shopping trip! I want to go to H&M - don't know where there is one that stocks baby clothes though, although surely one of the LOndon ones must?!

Usigurke so is your aunt in London and pregnant? Or is she in Vienna? I agree about not needing another cousin!

I have just been chatting to my best friend on the phone - she is super excited because her period is 4 days late (they have just started TTC their first) so I have got my fingers crossed for her! Although to be honest, the thought of starting from the beginning, with all that horrid uncertainty, then the constant sickness, the not knowing, the scans.... Eurgh. Don't know if I'll be able to face it all again, it really is such a long and uncomfortable emotional rollercoaster, this whole pregnancy game, isn't it?!

My baby apparently NEVER sleeps. On the 32 week email from one of the websites, it says the baby now behaves like a newborn and spends most of its time asleep.... Well, mine either wriggles an AWFUL lot in his sleep, or he hasn't read the email because he always seems to be up to something in there... I think he may be hyperactive or something...

Trikken, I definitely have varicose veins and I don't see how cream should be helping. You could try to find a position where the babies head is not blocking the blood flow. My GP recommended on all fours as the baby is then slightly dropping down or left side lying. Actually in my case lying on the right side helped for a while (as I only have the varicose veins in my left labia), now even that seems too late. I actually think, the baby is already a little bit engaged. I've also tried to form a circle with my breastfeeding pillow, so I can somehow lie (instead of kneeling all the time) and put my belly into the hole. And in general, it seems to hurt less, once I've started to move.

Held down lunch! And acid is almost gone! I had falafal and pitta for lunch, falafal in sainsbury's very cheap. Only problem - morrocan houmus is a bit spicey and not good to eat with a torn stomach lining .

All this talk of babies arriving, and preparing and all sorts! its almost time isn't it? For some more than others, we are getting very close! I have got nought ready still, but am closer to getting a room for the baby!

Katster, just reread my post and I forgot to mention the tiny information that my sister was talking to my nephew , so I'm the aunt and my baby will be the cousin (therefore I disagree, I think, this cousin will be great ). Apparently he was really angry that my mum did not come to Vienna to see him but to London to see me instead. To his defence: He also wants to make a book for the baby with "babyletters" (whatever they are)

Pavlov So glad that it turned out to sound scarier than the cause if that makes sense? Let's hope the nausea and vomiting is due to the UTI and not the HE. Fingers crossed the new drugs are kicking in and you'll be able to rest up - it's nearly the end of the line now!

Wizzy I'm glad I'm not the only one with boob-ishoos. I seem to have outgrown the bra I got a couple of weeks ago! I guess this is why they say it's best to wait til 36/37 weeks until you get measured for a nursing bra. It's so alien for me as I've always been very small in that department.

Also, I meant to say the other day how much I'm enjoying reading the stories about the older DCs, like Socky's adventures! I know kids are hard work and you all must feel absolutely shattered with them AND the bumps, but it all sounds so lovely and sweet and homey. I was going to say "I want one!" but hopefully that's all sorted.

I'm very emotional today, don't know why. Got an unexpected delivery at lunchtime, my bestest friend from back home had sent me a parcel with lots of lovely little clothes for the bean, yummy chocolate for me, and a very sweet and honest letter talking me through the first days/weeks of motherhood. (She had a little boy a few months back.) And you know what? I've not been able to stop crying since. Partly because I'm so touched - what a lovely, thoughtful thing to do - and I guess partly because I feel so far away from (childhood/teenage) friends and family.

I'm also finding it IMPOSSIBLE to concentrate on work. My deadline is well and truly overdue, but it's like I just haven't got it in me to do it. I don't want to cause trouble at work this near Mat Leave... and I really, really have to have things in place for my presentation/meeting at the end of next month. I just can't focus.

God knows why that's ended up sounding like a rant, I was only wanting to tell you what a lovely surprise I had!

We're driving out to a town nearby tonight, James Morrison is playing an outdoor concert, and although I can't face standing for hours with thousands of drunken people, I really want to hear him, so we'll see if we can find somewhere cozy to park and eavesdrop. Do you think that's sad?

I've also finally put together a profile, along with a bump-pic. It's from last week, so 33 weeks. I swear it's noticably bigger already... not to mention the boobies...

Oh, and have you SEEN this? shudders...

I'm officially grateful to be in the "what's sex?"-camp...

woman falls pregnant while already pregnant

{shock] thats so freaky!!!

So here is my current haves for the baby

Babyhawk mei tai
Premaxx sling (bought in error on ebay for a tenner, I did not think i would win, forgot all about it!)
Cot - already have a nice mamas and papas one from dd
8 muslin squares
6 sleepsuits
6 undersuits
2 cute little all in ones
1 all in one from work with matching hat and comforter blanket
A little blue teddy bear
My breasts

Not so prepared eh?

I also have a pliko pushchair and M&P carseat but old and I really wanted new ones, not sure if I will get there with builder trouble but maybe!

So much for putting my feet up with Dan Brown, I'm becoming an internet/Mumsnet addict! I've just spent the last hour creating a blog on Mumsnet, called "Novice Mum/Novice Blogger", in case anyone's really that bored on maternity leave/at work and has some time to kill. I'm a chatty person generally and I think it's obvious that I haven't had actually spoken to anyone today except for brief conversations with sales clerks! Sorry in advance if you read it and it's pants!

Katster I'm not sure which part of London you live/work in but I've just looked on the H&M website and their store locator gives a handy list of shops with which ranges they stock - Have a look at this link. I'm glad your baby is so busy as well, I sometimes think that this one is never going to sleep when it arrives. My friend told me that apparently that's what boys are like in the womb - I can't remember, do you know what you're having?

Broodzilla I think I'll show that article to DH next time he comes sniffing about - never mind leaking boobs, that's enough to terrify even the most determined partner! What a lovely friend you have - I hope you enjoy your treat. I completely sympathise with how you feel being away from friends and family. Most of ours is scattered throughout the country or back in the Isle of Man, so we rarely see them. It can be so hard keeping in touch sometimes too. I hope you enjoy James Morrison tonight

Thanks for that link, WizzyWoo - fab! And yes, I am having a boy, so maybe that explains it! Are you having a boy too? I keep forgetting who knows and who doesn't.

I haven't put myself on the list yet, and now I can't find it! Did we say we are updating it every Monday? So I guess I should wait 'til then.

I have had a v unproductive day... Done quite a lot of house things, but not as much as I wanted. DH should be home early tonight, so hoping to do something nice but relaxing.

Oh and the article on the woman who is pregnant with two babies, but not twins - And due in different years!! Crazy.

Broodzilla lovely bump pic! I will work out how to do mine eventually. And how sweet of your friend to send the parcel of stuff! Aaaw. I agree about feeling far away from childhood friends. My friend who is TTC has just rung to check on my hospital results - she is 300 miles away although we are trying to move up there soon, and it will be lovely to live nearby. I really feel I don't see friends often enough at the min. It takes so blo*dy long to get anywhere in London, esp at weekends with engineering works etc, I feel like I have become quite lazy.

Hi all, have missed absolutely tonnes and haven't the time to read it all at mo m our internet went down last weekend andthen we've been at center parcs all week - DD & DS absolutely loved it, DD wa in tears this morning when we had to come home, she thought that was her new huse and we were staying there!!

Starting to feel really uncomfortable, just been to Boots to get car seat rain cover and breast & maternity pads I'd ordered (ours is only a small store), so may look at packing bag tonight.

Feeling quite sick, DH & rest of family have had a sickness bug this week, I've not been sick but feel really icky.

Hope everyone else is ok and i'll catch up when i have more time x

You're such a lovely group of ladies, thank you for all your kind words and hugs - greatly appriciated Still not feeling too good, but trying very hard to be okay.

Pavlov I'm glad that at least, painful as it sounds, its not too serious. Hope you feel fantastically better soon.

Trikken sorry to hear you have to have more bloods - I have to have some done again in a few weeks. Not impressed!

Katster fingers crossed for your friend

Hope you're all well. x

Erika dont mind having it done so much, but am a bit of a fainter and that worries me more than the process itself.

plus not having dh there to catch me if i did faint.

Let me know when it is and as long as I'm not busy fainting at the same time, I'll come catch you!!!

thanks!

Breech ladies, ask your midwife about the possibility of ECV (when they try to turn the baby manually) at thirty-seven weeks. Apparently it's got a 50-60% chance of working when done by somebody experienced - my friend who had her little boy last week had it done at the hospital where I'm booked, and it worked. (Didn't work for another friend, but the baby had the cord wrapped around her neck twice adn wasn't going anywhere!) Not everywhere does it, so you might need to switch hospitals - the crummy hospital where I had DS doesn't even try it.

We are currently having a fun evening as sewage has backed up out of a drain all over the pavement outside our house. Our neighbours to one side have all got backed-up sewage running out of their loos and into their houses - our loos are still clear, but we've got the lids down and weights on top, just in case. According to the council guys, it's just a matter of time until WE back up too. That's just what I need - raw sewage in my house. And oh yes, the council guys are claiming that the blockage is 'private' and are trying to bunk off home, the private plumber our neighbour called in is saying that it's the council's problem and has already bunked off, and my husband is outside trying to get them NOT to all down tools and bugger off on a Friday evening.

tamlin oh great tip I shall talk to the mw about it.

So ladies, I am getting organised. Can those of you bargain hunters give me some tips?

*I am about to purchase a moses basket and rocker stand, reduced in toys r us - is £39.99 for the lot (minus the odd penny) a good steal?

• where is the cheapest place to buy cotton sheets and cotton blankets? I want to swaddle so need a couple of cotton at least.

*breast pump - manual or electric? I tried to express last time but did not produce very much so don't want to spend a fortune, but not sure if I would have been more successful if I used an electric one, instead of the one DH left in the microwave steriliser and then cooked on 'oven' in the microwave heating it up for chips!

There will be more I am sure! Last time I was more organised!

We got our Moses basket and stand at a carboot sale for £5 and just bought a new mattress, so we're possibly not the best people to ask. Just bear in mind that your baby will probably only fit in there until they're twelve weeks old, tops.

Question - what is everyone washing their baby things in? I used to be really careful with the washing powder I used for DS's things, but along the way, I got really slack and now I can't even remember if you're supposed to use bio or non-bio.

non-bio is best as it has no chemical compounds that irritate, or something. I am allergic to biological powder.

We bought second hand last time too, and the cat then used it as a bed .