Due November 2009 - who is going to go 'pop' first?

[BeckyBendyLegs]

Here it is!

Kyte - how nice of your sister, good luck on the buggy hunting, we have P&T sport, must admit I don't particularly like it as it is quite heavy, but that's only cause I like my maclaren! I think it is prob the best there is on the double buggy front, tho I also quite liked the nipper 360, other than fact that seat look quite deep so LOs are sat quite deep in them.

Hobnob - our house is a bit of a state, worked my 3 days last week, so get nothing done then and had DCs everyday since with DH at work, so again nothing done! DH at work til tuesday, I'm work wed & thurs, luckily we both then have a weekend off -time for cleaning!! I', on a/l next week whilst LOs at at nursery/preschool so think that'll be the time for deep cleaning. Our nursery needs sorting (also dumping ground) and thorough clean, we've been using it on the odd nght when DS has been teething badly and keeping DD awake, so bumper etc all need washing.

Re baby being engaged, I remember DD was from early on - made my pelvis really ache, particularly when going over bumps in the car! DS was later to engage and this one wan't at last MW appt, but I know it's going in and out as some days bump is lower and I can feel it's head banging around in my pelvis - nice!! Apparently 2nd/3rd etc babies don't always engage until the labour.

Not been getting that many BH, got loads with other pregnancies, hope that doesn't mean I'm going to be late with this one.

DD just gone mad trying to find her teddy as 'groovy moves' has been mentioned on Show me Show me!!

Anyway I ought to get on, washing is in machine - DD very excited about using the new pegs!! Got about 4 loads to do, so unfortunately I think tumble drier will be put to use.

Kyte yesterday sounds lovely! And thanks for the arnica tips. I wonder if the gel might be useful anyway, for afterwards? Hmm. And costa does the best white chocolate and raspberry muffins.

BeepBeep happy birthday - and sorry your day was not anything special I felt like that on my birthday too. Could you do something one evening this week?

Am also trying to get the house sorted, but it is not happening. ALl I have done this morning is a bit of ironing. Have worked out I have a maximum of 25 work days left, so am working out how many not-too-unflattering outfits that I work-worthy I have!

Meeting friends for lunch today, then pregnancy yoga this evening. Am not sure it is doing anything, I always feel faint afterwards! (yoga, not lunch..) Also, has anyone been listening to the hypnobirthing cd? I have done it 3 times now, and each time it has sent me to sleep. I know it can still somehow submerge your subconscious, but am unsure as to whether it is making me more relaxed about the idea of childbirth, because every day I burst into tears at the thought of having to go through it! Is this normal??? I am genuinely terrified. Sorry to others who probably feel the same - I know you probably don't want to hear me say that.

katster sorry you are feeling so terrified, it is perfectly normal though! I wish I could say something to make it all ok, but it is so unique to each of us, but I promise, it whatever happens will be a distant memory as soon as baby is born (well maybe a little after!)

beepbeep meant to say happy birthday and sorry it was not great.

How many baby grows/sleepsuits/cardies are you all counting on for your LO in the first month or so? I do not want to buy too much as I don't know his weight, or how much he will grow in a short space of time, but I don't want just 6 of each! 10 of each? Is that enough? Plus some pretty things bought by other people?

My bump is sore and hard, my lower back aches and I think baby has engaged as I'm finding it difficult to walk without looking like I'm about to wet myself. Can this continue for another 7 wks (or 9 if ds is anything to go by)?

Kaster I am terrified too. It's been 12 years since I did this last (almost 13) and feel like it all happened to someone else. I have the lowest pain threshold imaginable and cry if I stub my toe.

I have a birthing cd that is designed to be played at night as you go to sleep. It really helps get me off to sleep, unfortunately not to stay there but feel like I do get a little proper rest. I'm happy to send out a copy if anyone wants. I think it's about you and your baby going through the whole expirience together but to be honest I'm asleep before it gets to the birth bit so hopefully it's working on a subconcious level. I know there is a bit where you visualise being in your womb with your baby and tell them all the lovely things you want to say to them.... ok I'm rambling, will stop before I put ou all to sleep.

Ds is off with his Dad today for the first time in 4mnts. Ds phoned from Debenhams. Need I say more?

I would love a copy ninja, if you really do not mind. I feel so unprepared mentally, I need to give this little baby some me and him time, that would be a good thing to do when I go to bed.

Katster - if you are more terrified than nanxious I'd speak to your midwife, there are people who can chat you through the birth and the bits in particular you are concerned about, can't remember what the organisation is called, but they are meant to be great. Also for subsequent births, so you can go through the notes from a previous birth and fully understand what happened and your fears about this birth. I was speaking to a friend about a panick I had in my last birth which still comes back into my mind and she suggested speaking to them, so it doesn't have to have been anything major.

Onto 3rd load of washing!!

I've got 3 newborn sleepsuits and long-sleeved vests in white for LO. Planning on sending DH out to Next once we know what it is/what size it is to get those cool ones with the fold-over mitts that someone once mentioned.

I don't know if I'm being naive, but DD was never a sicky baby so I think I've been spoiled in terms of changing outfits for newborns!

Must dash - my washing is getting battered by hailstones at the moment.

Hobnob - neither of mine have been sicky (or really pooey!) either, so also been spoilt in that department! The Next babygros are great, tho I bought some from Sainsburys the other day and pretty sure they have the mitts on them as well. Def easier than seperate mitts.

ninja the cake from your recipe is just cooling. I put some apples mixed with cinnamon and sugar on it. Looks delish, so thanks!

beepbeep just looked at next for babygros and they are lovely! I just got back from tesco, and had dithered so bought very little and spent a lot! I did buy a Playmobil Airplane for one of my nephews coming over at christmas half price though and a playdough set for DD for christmas too. DH was trying to get us to give it to her now, be spoils her so much, am trying to get him to a) concentrate for a few minutes on this baby (the purpose of the trip) and b) not give her too many presents just 'because' or else christmas will become expensive as she won't be happy with one or two presents (and nor will he). I did buy some bodysuits for the baby though, and another pack of muslin cloths, we have 12 of each of these now, think that is ample, so need another 3-6 sleep suits and a cardy or 2 and think that is enough. Then I need to get blankets/sheets as only have one of each, a breastpump, a changing unit/matt and that will be enough.

Talking of changing units - anyone know where I can buy a chest of drawers topper? You know like the cot top ones but for drawers, I am sure I saw them when pg with DD, but can't find them anywhere now. I would prefer one of these than a whole unit, but if I cannot find it, will get a table from ikea.

Righty-o, I've been gulping down Raspberry Leaf Tea by the gallon and feeling all zen again.

Pavlov Sorry to be thick - when you say chest of drawers topper, do you mean like a separate "shelf"? I actually got a chest of drawers from Ikea to use as a changing table (measured it, and the same series chest of drawers was just as long and wide as the "official" changing table, but had more drawers and was a lot less expensive) it's got raised sides on three sides anyway, and I've put one of those changing mats with inflatable walls on it too.

I think your MW will be able to tell if the baby is breach, especially as you certainly won't have much blubber in the way, she should easily feel different bodyparts.

Ninja I'm sorry, but your first paragraph actually made me laugh out loud. I've perfected a cowgirl swagger too!
Is DS back or is he staying with his dad overnight?

Beepbeep Happy belated B-day! Sorry it wasn't all that special, agree with everyone else that your DH has some making-up to do!

Katster Sorry you're feeling terrified. (Although I think the bursting in tears every two minutes is part of being pregnant, it's not nice if thoughts of labour are making you feel that worried!) I know every birth is different, but I've just got off the phone with SIL who said that for her (1st baby too!) the contractions were no worse than really bad period pains - so it can be an ok experience all in all. Not sure if that helps? Is it the pain you're worried about, or the lack of control or something going wrong?
Re: arnica, someone here said the pills were good as they work for internal bruising. I've also got the arnica spray as I thought it sounded soothing.

Hobnob Hope you had a lovely day out with DD, housework can wait until the nesting kicks in... or until your DH does it?

Fruitpastels BH for 3 hours? I think we're getting to the stage where if one of us disappears for a couple of days there'll be bets on a new arrival!

Erika There's a company that pays for placentas? I knew people bury them in the garden or eat them, but can't believe someone would actually PAY for them? (How much? )

Ursi Oooh, the notes... I did wind myself up yesterday by flicking through them to see what should've been covered... All I'll say is thank god for Mumsnet! You lot have filled me in on so much more than the MWs!
How come you're seeing your GP? Do they take over some of the visits?

Kyte How sweet of your brother and sister! Aaawww, there's so much goodness in the world.

Trikken Hope you enjoyed your meal!

Also, big thank you to Pavlov, Beepbeep, Trikken and Tamlin for all the advice on birthplans. I think I'll do a bulletpoint one, with just the things that are most important to me (like don't come anywhere near me with pethidine or forceps) and go with the flow for the rest of it.
Pavlov that "morbid" bit made me all teary... will add that too. It's strange, because I keep thinking of all these things that I want to make sure DH knows, from which formula I'd want the baby to have, all the way to bigger things like education and general life stuff... just in case. I know that makes me sound like a head-case, but it's not that I'm obsessed or have a death wish, I just keep thinking IF something happens, I'd want him to know a, b and c.
Do you think that's weird?

Hope you're all having a cozy Sunday - seems we all made it past the full moon in one piece!

Broodzilla, glad to hear that the rasberry leave tea helped you (will go and prepare my final cup for today).
Actually I see my GP quite often as I'm in shared care. I would say, at least half of the appointments are with the GP. I guess that makes things worse. They probably think, the other one is covering the theory. Also, now I have been referred from the "normal" midwifes to the birth centre within the hospital. (ok,I had to call them to ask it they had got the referral which they hadn't), so for the next appointment, I will have to go to a new place and meet new people. But I have heard so many good things about this birth centre that I'm hoping everything will be fine in the end.

Hello,

Thank you for all the birthday messages! I've had a lovely couple of days with tea and chocolate orange in bed, followed by croissants. Then a morning of shopping and an afternoon of family popping in and out. We then took the boys out for tea last night. Today we've been swimming and out for a very nice lunch! I feel completely spoilt! (had lots of fab presents too)

lemontop lovely to hear from you, I look forward to reading your labour thread. Keeping my fingers crossed that Isaac will be feeding well and home soon.

Kaster So sorry you are feeling this way about giving birth, you really should mention it to your midwife, she should be able to help ease your fears. (FWIW labour really can be a lovely experience) oh and what pav says is very true.

beepbeep Belated Happy Birthday! So sorry you had such a bad day, fingers crossed you can celebrate with dh next weekend?

pav I think I have about 12 each of vests and babygros, but my 1st had reflux so needed changing after every feed and second was very flemmy (sp) for 1st couple of weeks. I would say 10 is a good number to give you chance to wash.

broodzilla Oh i am sorry i did not mean to make you, or anyone else upset! . It was something I felt important to me, and maybe it might be for others, and something they had not considered. He is my family, he has a say.

Changing table - you know like a cot topper changing shelf, but for a chest of drawers...thing is I have a dresser which I hardly use and it would be ideal for using, as it has 3 smallish drawers and space underneat to bath, even have a little stool for me to sit down on! Seems daft to not use it and buy something else that will take up space, if I can get something to go on top. I think, for newborn, it won't matter, just a changing matt, but as baby grows, I worry that a) he will wriggle off if he is not boxed in and b) that he might poo on the dresser - its solid oak so would not be a great idea! I shall have a look.

I think I feel the baby kicking, then I am not sure again, think its a leg, then think, oh no its an arm, BUT I do keep feeling what I think might be his heartbeat and that seems low down...oh I don't know! I know he is moving a lot and it hurts much more these days .

Has anyone else gone nuts with Dettol? DH did a Bad Thing and opened it to clean the cat litter tray. I thought 'ooooh I will just disinfect the drainer and sink in the kitchen' and then I went mad with it and cleaned the whole kitchen, cupboard doors, fridge door, washing machine, floor, then I saw dirt on the walls, gave those a clean, and the tiles, went on to the bathroom, took off the rubber thing at the bottom of the shower screen to clean, the corners of the floor, the taps, the bath is spotless.

And now I can smell onions cooking [bleurgh] and I want to go do it all again . We went to Tesco and DH said he could smell me at the other end of the aisle as I still smelt of Dettol .

I am currently into Dettol, Cif Oxygen, Listerine (obviously I gargle the last, but not the other 2!), that Zaflora stuff, which DH used to clean the yard tiles DH said this is the nesting kicking in big style .
I am worried - as I am also feeling the urge to 'organise', plan things and make lists

Beepbeep poor you with your birthday - sorry it wasn't more special for you.

I've had a good weekend with my two friends. DH managed to 'avoid' the one he fell out with three years ago without her even noticing! I don't think she even remembers they never resolved their differences. At least she didn't say anything. I went shopping with this one friend on Saturday and this entailed walking to town, shopping, walking back again. She was totally knackered when we got back and I was fine! I thought that was so funny given that I am seven months pregnant. It must be all that walking to school and back I do. We went to Ask in the evening and I had a lovely cup of mint tea with real mint leaves in it The other friend who came later is preggers too so we talked a lot about babies and all that.

Katster I totally understand your fear. It is very normal. Even though this is my third and I'm a relative 'old hand' I am still nervous about the various things that could go wrong (giving birth on the way / at home alone, tearing again, actually having a labour much, much longer than I've had previously, etc). I also have a low pain threshold - you should see what I am like if I so much as feel slightly unwell I turn into a total wuss. I accindentally ate some rancid butter this morning and spent the next four hours waiting for the stomach cramps!! DH thought it was very funny. You'll be fine, I know it. If I can do it, you can too. And everyone else here.

Better go, DS2 is picking his veggies off his pizza. Sigh.

Tigger Oooh, happy belated Birthday to you too! Sounds like you've had an amazing time!

Ursi Hope you get more continuity of care at the birthing centre!

Pavlov You didn't upset me. I cry at everything these days, and it was just the thought of you rolling into theatre and your DH holding a little bundle and the floodgates opened... Must get a grip.

at your cleaning frenzy. Must say I'm a fellow obsessive, in fact, I've just taken all the rings and covers and grids off the hob, stuck them in the dishwasher and scrubbed the hob. And disinfected all the surfaces. Including cuboard doors and handles (you never know...) and am currently eyeing up the fridge. The freezer needs to be defrosted too, but that's a bit of a project. I wish I could throw myself into work with the same ferouciousness...

Becky Very impressed with your fitness levels, I'm breathless after a stroll around Sainsbury's!

I went to see the new Fame film this morning at the cinema with afore mentioned friend who couldn't cope with shopping and I cried! Oh my god that is pregnancy hormones or what!

Skorps mmm

Pav if I put my e-mail up how do I get it removed after?

Brood Ds just saw his dad for the day. He was dropped off 45min early, luckily we were in as he was just dropped outside then they drove off. (Gosh I sound bitter.... I'm not it's just not what I want for my ds)

Have roast lamb in the oven. Dp and I have been cooking together

ps Brood maybe we should take up line dancing? (what with our john wayne shuffle and all)

Wow, lemontop was the first to pop!

Congratulations and well done! Hope Isaac is still doing well and will be home with you soon.

Who will be next? broodzilla your nesting sounds like a bit of a giveaway...? Gosh, it's making it all even 'realler'...MUST sort out all those things for BeeBee really soon, although I am still only 32 weeks this weekend, so have a little time (hopefully!)

Oh and happy belated birthdays beepbeep and tigger. Hope the fire has died down Becky? ...Phew, you go away for a weekend and it all happens on MN, eh?

raggie that'll learn ya you cannot leave this thread for a moment now, or else who knows what else you will miss? !

ninja post it, then 'report your own post', just say you want it deleted as its personal info! I would say, if you are going to do it, do it tomorrow, as then when you report your post, there will be someone around to delete it for you when you want it to be, not sure who is around on a sunday night in HQ (although I suspect HQ is just the study )

for you re: your ex. Its a horrible thing to do. It does not take much does it to be civil for the sake of your son?

DH dared to cook! In my sparkly kitchen! How very dare he? He made a lovely risotto. I tidied it straight up again, even emptied the dishwasher - told DH it was a little , in a playful way and he told me off big style, said he did not think it was a good idea to think that way as the mind is powerful and you never know, maybe I could induce labour by thinking it I said, if it were that simple, no-one would ever go over their due date !!!

I am now sitting here, eating swiss chocolates bought by my work as a maternity leave present, not sure if I should have left them for after the birth, but, they are in the fridge, not a good idea to leave them too long

Katster, I fall asleep every time I listen to the hypnotherapy CD too - I wake up a little when they get to the bit about the baby crowning so I gather my subconscious is thinking 'Yikes, sounds a bit alarming!' and waving around a flag vigorously at that point, and then I'm out again. It's all still supposed to work anyway, apparently... Have you tried reading the Ina May Gaskin book which others on here have read? She is a bit of an old hippy, but I think it is very reassuring to read lots of stories about women who got through it perfectly happily.

You can add me to the vexed Braxton-Hicksters - today, they were accompanied by a low-down period-type misery which stretched across my lower abdomen and into my back. I was wishing that I could chuck back several Ibuprofen and slap a hot water bottle on my lower abdomen. Stupid irritable uterus, making a lot of fuss for nowt.

It was DS's birthday today - he is two. I'd been feeling really guilty about not giving him a party as I just didn't feel up to multiple toddlers roaring around our house, but instead we went to a local rare breeds farm with his closest little friend and his parents. The two of them ran about ecstatically, I got to sit down on a bench with the other mother and play with her baby, and the dads chased the toddlers. It was even sunny enough to picnic outside - both toddlers are weird eaters, and love chorizo, smoked salmon and parma ham so they were stuffing their faces cheerily with the best of Waitrose's deli counter while we ate the birthday cake.

We also had a bit of a moment when we tried to get DS to blow out his birthday candle - instead he reached out his fingers and calmly pinched the flame off, and then looked puzzled when I shrieked my head off.

tamlin Happy 2nd birthday to your DS. I just laughed my head off at your little DS pinching the flame off the candle - they are so cute even when they frighten you aren't they? Don't feel at all bad about not having a party - the day you had sounds just perfect for him, and for you. I really do not think they are bothered at that age about big parties. My theory is, plenty of time for them to be able to demand huge parties, I will not do it until I am forced to . We had too many at DDs 2nd, but mostly bloody adults! So this year we tamed it down, made it about the kids only, and did as you did and went to a local petting zoo with DD and one friend. And in the afternoon we had 3 children in total over for jelly and ice cream and some party games, and wished we had kept it this calm last year.

Do you and katster have a specific hypno CD tamlin?

Seems a bit late now but I'm interested in getting one as helping be more positive towards labour would be brilliant and I'm find it so hard to sleep at the moment, anything to relax would be great too!

So, can you recommend one, or are they all quite similar?

hi all,

Tamlin I wouldnt worry that you didnt have a party, it sounds like everyone had a great time out. sometimes i think parties are more hassle than their worth for littlens.

Had a nice meal out last night, well actually the food itself wasnt great but the company was brilliant.

Am paranoid, dh came home last night and announce that a work colleague of his (who is a bit psycic(sp?) apparently) had said to him, "good luck and congratulations." and dh said "what for?" and she said "your wife is going to have the baby tomorrow."
havent felt anything yet tho. I wouldnt mind baby girl coming a bit early, but hopefully not for at least another week or two.