Due March 2010 - we're halfway there!

[annamama]

... this is a new thread following on from the last one, welcome oldies & newbies ...

Morning, all,
oh, I like having a bump, it is certainly firmer than my usual jelly-belly and is expanding nicely.
I have looked mat clothes out but apart from the odd top have not worn anything yet, it seems a long time til March, gah! I'll get bored as my selection is small and boring and I am NOT investing anymore money into maternity stuff! Once bump has turned into a baby I am very intent on collecting a decent lump sum together and going to pester the personal shopper at our good ol' House of Fraseres ... Oh, well, I can dream!

I had my Oink Flu vaccination on Friday and my arm really hurt yesterday. I feel well though and it is better already today, so, so far, so good.

We are off to see Up! this afternoon; I will pack hankies for myself from what I hear about it...

Have a good Sunday!

Walked into church this morning to a round of "where did that bump come from? You didn't have that last week!". turns out maternity clothes make you look pregnant. Normal clothes made me look fat......

hi everyone, we have been and made a huge dent in our xmas shopping and i ust say we have had some great bargains today from SMYTHS toy stores for our littleones!!!!woohoo - only got 4 more gifts to buy now!!!

I've been to Mothercare today just for something to do really. Ended up spending about £50... oh well. DD was running around like a maniac scaring first time parents to be. One of the things I bought was a swaddling blanket for £15. Now I know you don't really need it but I think it will make swaddling easier, and harder for baby to wriggle out of.

And I bought some Lansinoh products, nipple cream, breast pads and breastmilk storage bags. I can't recommend the Lansinoh nipple cream enough! It's expensive but worth every penny. And it's the only cream that you can put on before feeding too, it's harmless to the baby. That's what I ended up doing when my nipples were badly cracked. Maybe if I had had Lansinoh from the beginning my poor nipples wouldn't bear the scars still! (ouch)

Oh I really hope BF will be totally easy this time!

I miss DH so much already, I have to say it's quite hard to be a single parent... especially in the evenings... (sorry IWCAS)! But it's even harder for me because I have no family here, and only one friend nearby and she only wants to see me like once a week. I have friends in London but I can't be bothered to make the journey there too often. However my very kind dad has taken pity on us and is coming over in a weeks time for few days!

Hope everyone has had a nice relaxing weekend!

Thanks so much all for your kind words and commiserations - it's so lovely to have a peer support group, full stop, but really comes into its own when things aren't great. Even arcadie making me out to be a nymphomaniac made me chuckle .

I'm in bed today. I think I overdid it yesterday. We'd had lunch and tickets to see BLood Brothers (only the 4pm matinee) booked for just over a month, and I felt ok, so we went ahead with it... and then popped out after getting home to watch the boxing with some friends in the pub. I can honestly say I felt fine the whole time and infact really enjoyed myself (apart from the two times I sobbed my heart out watching Blood Brothers - anyone else seen it?). But have awoken weak and tearful today. Plus headache. Stuffy nose. Gah.

pacific glad your arm is better, I was quite worried when I read about that lump - not a 'usual' response, surely? I'd have phoned nhs direct, probably, but panic over now you are ok.

Mummyelk oh my gosh, it must have seemed to DH like you were being really heavy handed about trying to make him realise you're struggling to feel 'in the mood'! But hopefully he saw your concession that, actually, when it did happen you enjoyed it. Either way, as you said, he loves you still. Of course.

Sarah well done on getting christmas shopping out of the way... I have only bought two gifts - DD's which is a three hour recording studio session (including cd of what's accomplished). Well, she has pretty much everything materialistic that she'd need/want and is ALWAYS singing around the home (I am pretty critical, but on the whol she sounds good) and sang in a school thingy this year so isn't 'shy' about it either. I reckon she'll love it as you can also take along up to four people to watch and also have someone duet with you (I suspect she may chose to have her best friend do it with her) recording up to three tracks (depending on how things go with takes and so on). If it sounds like anything someone close to you might also love I got it through Red Letter Days (no, I'm not affliated with them!). I also got a spa day for two (includng two treatments each and lunch) from there... I'm thinking I'll probably give it to my best friend (knowing she'll take me too! ) but may just give it to DP's Mum and Sister (his sister lives with his mum and step-dad as she went through open heart surgery this time last year and was very reliant on others for some time).

Ah, feeling too pooped to address anymore posts but know I've read them all and have sympathetic thoughts for all of you!

It seems like this has been a weekend of Retail therapy for most of us, bought a few lovely maternity things, mainly with lots of elastic in for my massive bump.

Pacific were you on the at risk list for your oink flu jab or were u just called with the rest of the preggie women? Are you feeling OK after it? I'm going to have it once it's offered but no sign yet.

sarah I tried xmas shopping this weekend too, there's too many people about, mainly all sneezing, so have resigned to tinternet shopping

So tired now tho, feet up and cbeebies time!

big hugs to all newbies xxx

IWCAS I loved doing that warm bath "alien" thing... it's so fab to see them wriggling isn't it. Liking your Christmas plans.

I'll be checking out the Next jeans too, Hecklephone as my skinny Mothercare ones continue to fall down no matter how tight I make the elastic. My bump is having a little growth spurt, so my days of low rise Levis are well and truly numbered.

I'm still feeling flutterings but not had any 'proper' kicks yet - not sure if this is because the placenta seems to be in the way or it's too early?

Manda - your christmas present for DD sounds awesome! I'm sure she'll love it! It's so fun being in a studio, I have recorded some (rock) songs I wrote myself, love it, have to do it again some time...

IWCAS - well it's not all lovely even if you're not a single parent! But it sure seems harder to be on your own... although I guess it's easier if you're used to it, you get into your routines etc. Great that you have your mum, why do you write mom by the way, are you american?

I have no one at the moment, I feel so looonely! Moaned to DH earlier, we were talking on Skype on the computer. He wants to come home but have to finish the work he's doing. DD was kissing daddy on the computer and said a while later: "more daddy computer". Aw bless...

The houseviewing went ok, thanks for asking! Posh businesslike older man with slightly younger wife. They said "we are looking at other properties but we are considering this one... what is your timescale, do you want to wait to move until after your.. erm.. baby is born?" To which I replied no we prefer to move before that. Oh I hope they make an offer tomorrow!

That is so cool that you saw your belly move!

Penny - I don't have proper kicks either, only gentle little movements. last time I never got proper "kicks in the ribs" like you hear people talk about.

Just been reading the Early Learning Centre christmas catalogue, so many nice things there, both for DD and new baby. But I'm not buying much for the new baby, we already have everything! Might splash out on a "play nest" that converts into a sitting up support though... I think I remember falling backwards and hitting head being a problem last time around...

Ok I guess I better go to bed... goodnight.

Haven't got into Christmas shopping at all. DD is less tolerant of shopping these days so keep putting it off!
I hope you get that offer annamama
Maternity jeans are driving me mad but I also like to slob around in leggings or jogging bottoms at home and then only put the jeans on for stepping outside the house! I am 24w+2 and looked in the mirror last night and reckon I look as big as I did at about 35w last time. I hate to think how big I'm going to be at term!

Sneaky day time post as I'm off work with DD's lurgy. I always feel so guilty when I get her germs as I then understand how rotten she's been feeling. And today I feel extra guilty because I cut her fringe yesterday and did a terrible job (too short, blunt edged, AGH!), and we've got a big family party next weekend so her cousins will be looking super cute and she will be looking like an escapee from Dartmoor. She has been super cute this weekend though and was talking to the baby in the bump - ahhhhh!

Can't name check everyone but welcome to all the newbies, great to hear all the good scan news and big hugs to those suffering SPD/selling houses/on their own.

I did manage to get around 75% of the Christmas shopping done via the internet this weekend, now that I trust Royal Mail might actually deliver things. Hopefully that means all the family presents can be distributed next weekend when we're all together. Most of the shopping got done on DH's laptop, so I hope no-one at his work checks out his internet usage otherwise they might be quite surprised that he's been buying breastfeeding books on Amazon.

Still haven't written the birth plan, but I was planning on reissuing the last one which went along the lines of "I'd like as little pain relief (except gas and air) and intervention as possible but I reserve the right to change my mind. I really really don't want a C-section, but will take advice. And if it all goes wrong please find me a Church of England priest". Worked quite well. Except when I did change my mind they wouldn't give me any pethidine! I'm told by people in the know that birth plans only exist for the amusement of midwives; frankly making sure DH knew what I wanted was a much more useful thing. Might be a much better use of my time to make a list of things I must remember from last time (labour to c 6 months):

1. DH is not the enemy. He is just tired and fed up with dealing with his hormonal wife. He would like the old one back please. He is therefore not being deliberately difficult or insensitive, nor is he going to leave.
2. Make a fuss. Just for now, it's OK and s0d everyone else.
3. It will get better. I will get my (relatively) clean and orderly house/body/mind back; it will just be faster if I don't stress about it so much.
4. Just because everyone else says they're having a marvellous time, love existing on 2 hours sleep in 24 and find bf easy peasy does not mean it's the truth. Nor does it mean I have to be having the same experience.
5. Still being in my pyjamas at lunchtime is not a criminal offence. No matter what anyone says. See point 3 above. Anything anyone thinks I might have missed?

at Arcadie only getting her maternity clothes out now. I'm bored of mine already!

IWCAS, wait until you're in a meeting and Surprise goes for a boogie. It tends to stop discussion when the others (particularly the men) start thinking that you are going to go for the full Alien right there!

Right, better stop waffling, check the work email again and then take refuge on the sofa to watch all the things I'm not allowed to watch when DH is in the house (Ugly Betty, Robin of Sherwood, any Bridget Jones movie...).

annamama

I'm with you on Lansinoh - I have had a tube on me since DS1. Good for all dry skin! I use it on cracked lips , elbows, anything. The whole family is addcicted.

Girls, I went to my first NCT Nearly New Sale on Saturday. I cannot recommend it enough.

I got:

Green Bumbo (no tray)
Bath and top and tail bit
Electric breast pump (unused)
Little dungarees
blanket
Swaddling blanket
Mamas and Papas moses basket

Was there anything else...?

Don't think so.

Speant £50 ish.

Good work I think.

Tigress - yes NCT sales are the sh*t! Well done. I've never tried an electric BP, wonder what that feels like... moo! (I was using the Avent hand one, worked well.)

Bluey - haha, great post! I know how easy it is to give your child a bad haircut... don't worry, I'm sure she still looks cute. I used to say to my mum "how could you let me look like that?!"... she said she wanted to cut my fringe real short when she had the chance so that she wouldn't have to do it so soon again.

Yes you're right, it's probably more important to know what you (think you) want and that DH knows too, than having an actual birth plan. But you have to of course be flexible for any necessary changes... but also be strong about your wishes. At one point one doc wanted to do CS on me but we said no, we wanted to try naturally! DD was finally delivered with ventouse by another doc, this excellent Polish guy who I'm very grateful to.

Yeah pyjamas at lunch time is the way to go!

OK, I know this might seem like a very random thing to post but, well I'm gonna do it anyway!

Just buying a couple of more christmas gifts (think I've been guilted into it by seeing some of you being so organised!)

Cashmere at tesco has £10 off at the mo, and if you spend £40 this code XX-CWMK will get you an additional £5 off. So I just got two (the grey striped v neck one ) one for DD and the other for best friends daughter. Teens these days seem more savvy about 'quality' materials (I wouldn't have had a clue about cashmere when I was 14/15 I'm afraid!) but these prices don't break the bank - two for £49 (postage is £3.95 although if you spend over £70 postage is FREE! Maybe a third person might appreciate a snuggly jumper or take a look at their sale/offers?) seems pretty good to me. Plus clubcard points on top too (which reminds me, I have very neary 80,000 nectar points... I could use some of them to get christmas sorted too, I guess, but I just love seein the total rise and rise!)

Whoo! So now I've DOUBLED my number of gifts bought!

Hey all - just popping in to post that 20 week scan was today and that DS/DD is ALLLLLL GOOOOOOOD. Hurray. He/she had his /her legs crossed, so even had we wanted to know we'd probably not have been able to find out. DS (aged nearly4) came and was impeccably behaved.

at all you organised Christmas shoppers!! I am still hoping that if I keep my head firmly stuck in the sand, Christmas might not come this year ...

Mumbot, I was offered it as "frontline healthcare staff" (GP) and as I am pregnant. I was undecided for quite a while, but the 2 young pregnant women who recently died here is Scotland made my mind up for me . My arm is much better. I did not have a lump, just felt really sore, but started easing off after 24 hrs. I have not felt at all unwell/fluey after it.

I need to get ready for the school run, but will check in again later.

Thanks Pacific glad you're not feeling unwell, especially with the school run to do.

Congrats Arcadie with the scan, it's so lovely seeing them on screen isn't it

Manda you sound as thrifty as me! Are you also on Top Cashback? We use it for all online shopping and just banked £40 from our last shop-fest.

Tigress thanks for tip on NCT sales, going to dig my leaflets out and check the website, just joined recently. Can't believe how much you got for £50!

Bluey sorry to hear you are unwell, good call about the birth plan. Haven't thought about mine yet although 'epidural and a latte' sound like nice additions

Getting massive kicks here that you can see from the outside!! Lovely but v uncomfortable at times. xxxxx

Fantastic news arcadie, congrats on a healthy surprise Would you have wanted to find out had the oportunity arisen and do you any intuition either way?

Ah, didnae realise you were a GP pacific! Now, I have this rash... I jest. I don't have a rash. But I bet you get family/friends/aquaintances often bugging you for your professional opinion all the time?

mumbot indeed, I'm thrifty. Well, I'm known for being pretty generous but it's like this: I like nice things and I love to give other people nice things... I hate 'nice' prices though. So I'd rather buy something high-end/quality/classic, but in the sale or taking advantage of discount codes rather than buy cheaper items. I have a severe aversion to paying full price. Once you work out there are so many ways to save here and there (you mention cbk's, but I'm with quidco - been a member for just under three years and so far had £797 transferred back into my bank account ) then it just seems foolish to throw money away for no reason. And it may seem penny pinching if I'm 'only' going to get, say, 50p back on a purchase made through quidco. But if you found 50p in your pocket you wouldn't throw it in the bin, would you?! And some of the cashback I've had has been substantial - £120 when I took out DD's phone contract (which was £20 month but is now nearer to £15 a month with the loyalty bonuses the phone company give me to stay with them )

What I'd say to ANYONE is: you know what? If you really can afford NOT to save the 50p, £5, £50 on a purchase... then why not do it anyway and donate whatever you save to charity? It really IS money for nothing, to quote Dire Straits. No free chips, though :p

(MN relevant: Boden are even on quidco - you'll earn 10% back on your first purchase and then 6% every purchase you make thereafter )

Ok... that's my lecture over for the day, I reckon!

Mumbot, I'm a dingbat - top cashback, not cashback kings (although they're another cashback site!)

Annnnnd, annamama how intriguing! Resident Rock Chick, huh? If you've ever uploaded them somewhere I'd be keen to have a listen

I'm a newbie in here. I'm feeling guilty because I haven't been doing much exercise, nor have I tackled much in the TWO 'Exercise in pregnancy' books I bought a few months ago
Have any of you been doing exercise?

Hehe, ok, you can find my songs here

www.myspace.com/annaandthemen

(my DH is rocking out playing guitar on the first one)

annamama after my complaints of no 'proper' kicks, baby decided to treat DH and me to a couple of whoopers last night - hubby's face was a picture!

I'm also very impressed with the organised Christmas shoppers, so far I've got pajamas for my niece and nephew and a Grandparents' journal each for my mum and MIL. Apparently my little niece who's 7 has just spent her pocket money on a (slightly misshapen) hand-knitted teddy bear for 'BabyScotia' - very sweet of her

Welcome to the thread schroomer - I bought a copy of the Prenatal Fitness Fix DVD about a month ago and have done it twice so you're not the only one

Hi shroomer and welcome! Exercise what's that? Does walking up the stairs to have a wee count...?

Actually, today I took DD to soft play, that was pretty hard work climbing around, going on slides, etc. And walked there and back too, haven't walked that far since before going to Florida.

Had a bit of a breakdown earlier, people who viewed house do not want to buy it, so felt really disappointed, then DD was being a total brat just moaning and refusing to eat, I started crying and called DH in Florida saying that I can't cope anymore on my own! After a while I calmed down and now I feel a bit better.