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

[Fruitpastels]

Hope everyone can find us!

anyone having a panic..i have just realised i am 31 weeks pregnant...how did that happen?! aaaghh...wish could stop time for a while...not sure ready for giving up work and having baby no 2... deep breath...

at what stage are we supposed to having 'bags packed'??

I've read that by week 35 you should have one packed just in case. My dd came at 36+3 so I will be prepared by then!

Does eating the yoghurt work then? Haven't heard of that before!

Put the hammock up today, looks fab and the grobags fit in there too

erika have a fair bit of stuff so could probably pull together some bits if I knew what your aim was - are you scrapbooking/card making etc? Is it just embellishments you're after or paper/card too?

Erika thanks for the link! I'll have to think.

Has anyone read this: what not to call your child?

Weston know what you mean - my mum asked me yesterday how long I had left and visable paled. I'm not panicking too much - yet. Plenty of time.

Scrlotti scrapbooking, mainly I did send you an email (got my account working again, amazing!) if thats easier. Thanks in advance

Becky not a problem in the slightest, hope it helps a little. And yeah, I heard about that... I did snort. They obviously didn't survey down here Its rediculous... How can you judge a person by their name?

I think the yoghurt should be eaten as well as applied internally for it to work long term. I've not used both methods at the same time, the caneston cream always did the trick.

Easyeggs - your DP could have symptomless thrush that he is giving back to you when you have sex. Get him to get treated too.

Faye Mingo from Bounty.com said: "Teachers are only human and make assumptions like the rest of us.

BBL what do you think they would have made of Faye Mingo as a name?

Lol at the list, my DS is in there and he's not a naughty boy!

Morning all. I love the list of good and bad children, I am tempted to name this boy the top bad boy name - i mean if you are going to have a label, make it a proper one (or as my friend says, if you're gonna be a bear, be a grizzly bear!).

I have officially Had Enough of the builder. He is still here. And I am not talking to him. DH is now the communicator between us as he is a dick and I have nothing to say that is not rude at the moment. He is behaving like a sulky teenager and I can do without it. But, I will be in his face without the words as I am off work today, he will know I am here and I will go look at what he is doing periodically. My poor DD is not sleeping so well, I am not sleeping so well, DH is not sleeping so well. This baby is going to be born into chaos and god knows what this is all going to do to DD. Scarlotti you have done this before haven't you...please assure me that this is going to be ok, that DD will not turn into a monster when the new baby arrives because we have not had a chance to settle her?

I liked this Telegraph article on the 'naughty children' names:

article

Call me a terrible snob ? and I am ? but the lists don't surprise me in the least. Of course a child named after a football team, or a Hollywood actress, or a footballer's son, or a character from Footballers' Wives, or a pop star, or a misspelling of a rapper's favourite champagne, is going to be trouble. First, the vast majority of these names scream "chav". Second, even those that don't scream "chav" tell you an awful lot about the way the parents intend to bring up that child. And that way is badly.

I know some lovely little Charlies and Jacks as well as little horrors. However, I've got to say that I've yet to meet a small Chelsea who I'd want DS playing with (in fact, the most violent tot in the village who's apparently receiving 'intervention' for her 'aggression issues' is a Chelsea).

I've got to say, it was illuminating asking my mother and her friends (teachers) about names when considering naming DS. I really liked Rhys, but they were all unanimous that Rhyses and Reeses were horrors. Hmmph.

The list thing is interesting becuase it is true, and human nature, to make assumptions and have pre-conceptions about names. For example I could never name a child Naomi because I knew a really horrible Naomi at school! And Simon or Kevin because I was bullied by a Simon and his horrible little friend Kevin at school. And some names do have images associated with them, when I was at school Sharons and Traceys were viewed at thick! So awful to think of now.

My name, I was pleased to see, was in the list of brainy names: Rebecca! So true ha ha ha!

I had to chuckle at the list of naughty names and had a look to see how many of them are in dd's class and what the perception is of them now they have moved into year 1! DD's name wasn't on there thankfully - she's not naughty of course (Well not at school anyway ) but rather a talkative little bundle of happiness apparently!!

None of the names I like are on there!

Still hoping for a magic moment when I hear a name and think, 'yes, that would be perfect', but I don't think it's going to happen

The spare room is done (pretty much) now apart from dh moving the bed and filing cabinet out. What do we do with a wooden double bed frame? It seems a shame to get rid of it as it's a nice one but we don't have enough room in the garage and unless we move to a 4 bedroom house soon then we won't have anywhere to put it anyway so do we just sell or get rid? This house just isn't big enough!!

I'm working on the sideboard draws today. They have become a haven for junk so want to get them sorted out and tidied up! Don't feel like I'm 'nesting' as such, but can't stop sorting and tidying all the time

Wow, 10 days without internet acces and it's again IMPOSSIBLE to catch up.
I hope you are all fine, and that all of your children are getting used to their new nurseries, schools or classes.
About the yogurt thing: as far as I know, the yogurt bacteria are similar to those in the vagina so they support the natural state and make it stronger against any bad bacteria or thrush. So that's why it seems to help to dip a tampon into yogurt and then you can use it over night. It's not too messy actually. But I think, if you already have something serious it's too late. It's more to keep the natural balance or at the beginning to support your own bacteria.
I haven't found them in the UK but in Austria we have a wonderful thing (online dictionary tells me: suppository) with lots of those bacteria so it's much better than yogurt, the bacteria is called Doederlein, if anybody wants to google it. If you are having problems on a regular basis it's probably worth to use them just once a week over night to keep the natural basis.

Little update from my side: I had been in Cornwall and Devon, very nice and exhausting. I realised walking is much nicer than sitting in a car where I was regularly close to faining after an hour or so.
No, internet at home is still not working, in fact, the whole computer seems to be broken which is quite annoying.
I've just started maternity leave, a little early but I didn't want to take the hours from my younger colleagues now that the season is over and as I'm not a very useful colleague anymore, I thought this way is the best. I'm just scared to get too bored and too eat too many biscuits. Nesting and cleaning the whole flat doesn't really work for me.
Yesterday, I had my first NCT antenatal class. The teacher was quite nice, most of the couples too. I didn't really learn new stuff (some of the men did, as it seemed) but it was just good to be reminded of certain things I would have forgotten or didn't find that interesting.
And it was also a wake up call: Two of the 10 couples already had their baby!!!!! One at 28 weeks, one at 31 and the latter had been there for the first hour. Everything seemed to be fine with their baby but it just showed the rest of us that actually it can happen every time now and it's better to get ready.

Sorry for the long post but after 10 days...

southernbelle have you thought of ebay or freecycle? We're starting to moan that our house isn't big enough and there are just the two of us for now! It's amazing how much junk we accumulate over the years...

Makes me feel rather ashamed of myself when I know people back home with three kids in small flats, getting on just fine.

I just can't wait to have whole days to clear stuff out. My chucking out fingers are itching every time I look around the place. Five full weeks of work to go and I can get the bin bags ready.

tamlin I know exactly what you mean about names. What are some people thinking? On another note, I had a scan a few times at MN name threads - boy, not many other things get people so wound up - one MNer even admitted that she started WWIII! I always think it's just better not to ask others' opinions because some people on there just do not hold back. I think that's why we're going to present LO as a full named package once she's here.

all the teachers on here - tell us - what's the top 5 of each sex - the naughtiest childrens names then? and who is the smartest one of the bunch?

hmm can you tell ds is starting reception tomorrow?

We're not telling the name before he arrives either, although this does depend on us choosing one by the time he arrives

DS is Callum and I've never thought of that as that common a name, guess it is a bit more now due to Callum Best but I still think of it as a good solid name for him that will stand whatever path he wants to take. My test for names is whether it will stand up to being say a QC, as any name will be fine behind a checkout

pavlov sorry to hear you're still going through it all and it's not yet finished. Both my DC's were born into building sites and it had no effect on them whatsoever. If anything I think it makes them a little more able to adapt to life's curve balls. You certainly can't get too precious about things when you're battling with brick dust or have several room's furniture stacked up about the place. Once the baby arrives, he/she will take priority along with your DD and you'll find there's just less brain space to get yourself stressed.

tamlin the only Rhys in my family is a lovely chap and probably the most succesful of us all in that generation

Pavlov I hope the builder gets his bum in gear soon! And that all three of you get some sleep soon.

Southernbelle we have a baby name book that is quite a nice one, if you'd like it? Even just to have a flick through.

Ursi glad to had an enjoyable time. But at the births that have already happened. I'm scared now!!

Have just had an invite to the launch party of a project I've been involved with - Philip Pullman is going to be there!! - but its a month before my due date in London. Would it be totally rediculous for me to go, do you think?

Was too hot last night, don't think I've ever been so happy to see rain clouds in the sky!!!

Question to those of you who have done this before - how long do the stretch marks take to go down / disappear after the birth? Just that they're really upsetting me - know that's silly but its true!

Hope you're all feeling well today. x

scarlotti I love the name test

pavlov I really hope all your building work gets finished soon and you can finally relax at home.

ursigurke wow at those two babies born so early. Hope they're both ok. My mam is convinced that I will go into labour early as I was 4 weeks early and my brother was three. She keeps ringing me and telling me to get my bag packed! I've no idea if these things run in the family.

I'm really looking forward to starting maternity leave. Work is ok but every single person keeps asking me 'when is it you're leaving?' zzzzzzzzzz. I feel like writing it on my hand so I don't have to keep repeating myself.

Bored at work!!!

Just been organising with my parents to visit them at end of Oct for a week (4 weeks b4 dd), will drive up with DCs and then DH will join me after i've been there 4 days and he has some rest days from work so we can then drive back together. Not relishing driving 200 miles whilst 8 months pregnant with a 2yr old and a 1 year old, but it beats looking after them on my own for 4 days over a weekend when DH is working.

Erika - i'd plan on going to the launch if i were you, people would always understand if you cancelled - but if you felt ok and went 2 weeks overdue you may be annoyed you didn't go. I've always found it quite good to plan a few things (not too much) as you approach DD as it's something to look forward to and take your mind off it. Both times we have had a meal or something organised for the DD, tho didn't make either.

Lemontop - i was always convinced my pregnancies would go same way as my mum and sister's had - all overdue and long labours - both mine have been early (10 days & 5 days), DD's labour was 4hr 20min and DS 3hr 20min!! Maybe i'm not actually from their family?

I have bee trying to catch up on news from the last few weeks as was away and straight to work. This is going to be a really long one. I apologies. Sorry if it seems a bit chaotic. There was so much I wanted to write but I think I have forgotten half of it.

I am sorry to read about difficult times because of relationships or health or builders!

Here finally scaffolding going up as have a massive damp problem in our bedroom where the baby is supposed to sleep too!

My boobs are leaking so much now that as soon as my bra is off it just dribbles down my front?not very attractive and still 2 months to go!

Brodzilla how are you doing with your in-laws? I would be suicidal after 3 days! Actually my dh and ds got back from his parents yesterday and even though its his parents and he only spent 4 days with them it looks like he was having really rough time and I am going to be hearing about it bit by bit I am sure. Why are some people so difficult?

I think it was tigger where did you find the labour predictor thread?

No braxton hicks here at all. But then I didn?t experience them with ds either.

3 of my favourite girls? names are in the top ten. I thought it was strange how quickly we agreed on the name again!

Also finally thought that I entered the ?glowing? stage only to find a massive spot on my chin this morning. On the other hand when flying to/from my hols nobody wanted to see my doctor notes to question how many weeks I was so hoping I am not the size of the house yet. Although that might be also due to online check in and therefore avoiding contact with airport personnel.

Talking about hospital bags. Has anyone noticed how much space a dressing gown takes up? I think I will have to pack two bags one for labour and one for after! But as we are likely to go to hospital in taxi not sure that is really practical!

I was going to ask for advice on baby bath ? what are you all getting? For ds I had borrowed one of those over the bath things, it saved my back but do not necessarily want to buy a new one. What is everybody intend on using? I think first weeks a washing up bowl of some sort would be fine?

Yesterday went through the baby clothes to see how we are doing. There is so much! I didn?t need to spend that £150 in Petit Bateau. Not that I would ever admit it?

Otherwise really disorganised with everything. Last weekend realised I dint pay or book ds his school dinners (he is starting reception tom) so made a mad dash to school post box at the weekend with apologetic note and cheque enclosed. Luckily when I called the school on Monday they said its fine. The prospect of making lunch boxes early in the morning on little sleep seemed rather scary! So tonight I just need to find the book bag, pack the PE bags etc and name everything!

Would you consider a train as suitable present for and from the new baby? Ds is crazy about them and already picked one he would like the baby to buy him?.

Sorry that was a v. long post!

lemontop I think it runs in the family! Both my maternal grandma and my mum were at least 2 weeks late with both daughters and my ds had to be induced at 42 weeks! I do hope this one is an exception? My sister had babies pretty much on time but then she had to have c section with both babies!

Koumak, we never bought a baby bath - we used the kitchen sink, but I don't see why a large bowl wouldn't do! DS hated being bathed on his own, and after roaring his head off for the first few times, I just took him in the bath with me and cuddled him while I washed him.

Our baby is probably getting DS a Thomas the Tank Engine set, so I hope that trains are a suitable present. I just hope I don't regret it if Percy and Henry and co. come flying at high speed at the baby's head.

Lemontop, I think that your mother's pregnancies and labours probably give you some idea of what you're in for, but you never know. My mother is what they call a 'long gestator' and went three weeks overdue with me, and at least ten days with my siblings - I was petrified of induction, but only went ten days over with DS in the end. A friend of mine has popped both of hers out at 36 weeks, and her mother apparently always went a bit early too (lucky sods). But then, my mother never had nausea with her pregnancies OR varicose veins, and I certainly do.

Hello all,

Can I have a moan?

I fainted on the tram this morning . Have never fainted before. I always thought fainting was for thin people who don't eat (which I certainly am not). 'Twas very scary. Thought I was dreaming when I felt a man shaking my shoulders and asking if I was alright.

Went to doctors and blood pressure was fine. Doctor told me off for not having had any breakfast (bad i know but was rushing to work) and not drinking enough and generally rushing around when I should be slowing down.

Anyway I'm feeling sorry for myself now - it really scared me.

That's enough about me!