Not yet November but already three babies down! Ooooh oooh nearly there!

[BeckyBendyLegs]

New thread...

aww, day started off ok, but have just found dh's favourite dragon clock has fallen off the wall and smashed into a thousand pieces, the laptop isnt working well and microsoft isnt being very helpful, and now to top it off the toilet is majorly blocked and i cannot unblock it and to make it worse i am dying for a daily. gaa!

hobnob sorry, I'm in the same camp, we've been living on soup for weeks, just cannot think about food.
DH cooks a nice chorizo, bean and tomato concoction that doesn't seem to take ages to prepare. Or you can bung a chicken to roast and forget about it. Jacket spuds?
I usually love to cook and could spend hours happily chopping, stirring and thinking up recipies, but recently it's cake or nothing...

Yipee, a new thread! Haven't read any yet, just wanted to say hello and now I'll catch up. Hope everyones ok...

Thanks all for your support through brothergate! I suspect it's his issues of getting 2nd hand presents when we were kids that's the bigger problem (we're only talking major things here like bikes ... and we were broke) He also has a problem apparently because I didn't say - although what was I supposed to do, put a note in with it?!

Anyway ... food wise, am exactly the same. If I haven't thought and sorted something by late morning I lose the will. Casseroles in the slow cooker are great if I get to it in time, otherwise spag bol is always a good fall back in our house as is a guaranteed DS plate cleaner.

trikken hope your day improves.

I've sent erika a text so if she gets back in touch I will report back.

Have been to the post office and the co-op today and now need a rest! This is getting ridiculous - if this baby doesn't come soon I'll be like some housebound 80 year old needing a home help!!

Hi all, just adding myself in! Am I the only November slacker not to have packed my hospital bag yet...

Arrivals
Lemontop: Isaac, Wed September 30th
Broodzilla: Lukas, Wed October 7th
Tamlin: Arthur, Sunday October 18th

Awaiting
Koumak dd 28th Oct; 39+5
Ursigurke dd 31st Oct; 39+2
Wook as Ursigurke
VenusInfers dd 1st Nov; 39+1
Fruitpastels dd 4th Nov; 38+5
Comma dd 4th Nov; 38+5
Kyte 6th Nov, 37+0 (cs)
Trikken 6th Nov; 38+3
Scarlotti 6th Nov; 38+3
Hobnob57 6th Nov; 38+3
Wizzywoo 8th Nov: 38+1
Helips 9th Nov; 38+0
Sleepless 9th Nov 38+0
PootleTheFlump 10th Nov; 37+6
Weston dd 13th Nov; 37+3
Becky dd 14th Nov; 37+2
Tigger dd 14th Nov; 37+2
Southernbelle77 dd 14th Nov; 37+2?
ErikaMaye dd 16th Nov; 37+0
EasyEggs dd 17th Nov; 36+6
Pavlovtheforgetfulcat dd 18th Nov; 36+5
Shoesies dd 18th Nov 36+6
Katster37; dd 21 Nov; 36+2
Turtle23 ds 22 Nov; 36+1
Ninjacat edd End Nov
LissyGlitter dd 22 Nov 36+1
Longwayaway dd 23 Nov; 36+0
Stormfly 23 Nov; 36+0
Beepbeep 23 Nov; 36+0
Laugs dd 26th Nov; 35+4
TasjaSAmuminSA dd 26th Nov; 35+4
Claired21 dd 29th Nov; 35+1
skorpion dd 29 Nov; 35+1
Fairybex dd 29 Nov; 35+1

I only completed mine a coupe of days ago shoesies, other wise i wud have had no tooth-paste, soap etc which wouldnt have been good.

Hospital bag? What hospital bag?

About to go sort through a giant box of baby clothes a friend passed on to me... whee!

Scarlotti half term has the worst possible timing. I feel pretty much housebound as well. Hoping we haven't got too much longer now.

I am fed up with my phone ringing and it being a sales/survey/automated phone call!! I've just tripped over DS's HUGE digger truck (how i didn't see I really don't know) racing to the phone for the second time today to one of these nuisance companies. It's drive me mad

Its just that every time I go to do it I find something more important to do.... Er, like eat another piece of banana loaf in front of the telly. Or search ebay for Vivienne westwood shoes I will never wear. Whats wrong with me?!

At this rate I'll be taking my baby home in dps tshirt...

Hi shoesies! Nope, you are not

Forgot to say thanks BBL for the new thread!

We're expecting dh's colleague today with all the stuff he's got from his son's babyhood. A pram was mentioned, as well as a carseat and a moses basket. We need a moses basket or a crib for her for the first few months as the cot is too big to fit in our bedroom. We've put the cot up to look at it and it's lovely, dh's aunt gave it to us.
But we're not going to prepare a room for her for a few months I think - it's currently being used as our office

So, when it comes to slacking... do I get a prize? I'm sorry, but I just do not see the point of getting stressed about stuff like that. I'm still a firm believer that tiny babies just need to feel loved by mama and dad and be cuddled and feel safe, and anything else is of less importance. Especially all the material stuff. OK, I'll put my soapbox away now.

scarlotti I think your brother would be horrified - so far the vast majority of the stuff for our lo has been given to us second hand.

hobnob Sausages for toad-in-the-hole? Mince for cottage pie? Veg and noodles for stirfry? Shin of beef for an easy casserole? Pancetta and eggs for Spag carbonara?

scarlotti Can I join in with the chorus of dissapproval at your brother and SIL's response to your perfectly reasonable re-gifting. How stupid and shallow can they be? If they are still banging on about it is there anyone else in the family who could have a quiet word with them and help them see sense? I agree with whoever said that they are probably wound up about something else and using this as an easy outlet for their frustration. Not that this is an excuse for them being such utter arses.

pav so great that you've got good friends to help out with the decorating. Especially when you know you can trust them to do a good job. Are you getting near the end of the job list? We've still got more to do, but all the urgent stuff is out of the way. I'm getting back to my painting after lunch, undercoating some tongue and groove in the bathroom.

kyte I'm going to have to go back and find that cookie recipe that everyone is trying! Expect more praise tomorrow!

trekken Oh dear. It's got to get better hasn't it?

I'm trying to make a few gifts this year. Today is Christmas Chutney day. Cheap and easy to prep and make and just fabulous with cheese and crackers. I can't resist sharing the recipe.
Makes aprox 6lb chutney.

1.85kg cooking apples, peeled, cored and chopped roughly to small dice
250g sultanas
100g crystallised ginger, finely chopped
7 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 tsp EACH mixed spice, cayenne pepper, salt, ground coriander
600ml malt vinegar
750g light muscovado sugar

1 - Put apples, sultanas, ginger and garlic into a LARGE saucepan with 100ml water. Cook on high for aprox 10mins until apple is soft.
2- Stir in the spices & half the vinegar and cook uncovered for aprox 45mins
3- While it's cooking mix the rest of the vinegar with the sugar so it dissolves.
4 - After the alloted time, pour the sugar solution into the apple mix and simmer very gently for aprox 2 - 2.5hrs. You need to stir it more regularly towards the end. It's ready when the consistency is nice and thick, and there is almost no trace of unabsorbed liquid. Leave to cool, then put into sterilised jars.

Best left for about a month before eating to allow the flavours to develop. Once opened keep it in the fridge for up to a month.

Yum!

venus that recipe looks fab! It would make great gifts. Thanks.

skorpion I was the same with DD. She didn't have a room until I went to visit my parents when she was 3 months old and DH decorated and MIL produced a cot from the ether whilst we were away. Somehow this time I've had a bee in my bonnet about being more organised even though it wasn't an issue last time!

Ah well, perhaps I should just go to tescos and look for inspiration, running the risk of returning with a week's worth of cake . I have to keep reminding myself that with the likelihood of this baby being late I shouldn't be eating bars of chocolate and cake and letting it grow to mahoosive proportions as it was already looking a bit large around the belly at 36 weeks. But that usually occurs to me after said cake and chocolate has disappeared. Fruit just doesn't interest me any more

I have a sense of foreboding that I'm going to forget my MW appointment in an hour now that I'm totally out of routine.

Scarlotti has he nothing better to concern himself with? He must feel pretty bad about who he is to be spoiling for a fight over a present.

Skorpion I am that slacker too.

Off to town today to spend my birthday money on the contents of my bag. Remind me what do I need again? Can only think pj's and pants.

DP and I went pram shopping yesterday. His parents have offered to buy one but I can hear his dad in my ear know saying "ow much?!" the moment he sees the prices.

Any way it turns out our car is too small for even the tiniest pram (Daewoo Matiz) so looks like it may be a new car we need to be looking for

I like the Silver Cross 3D, DP likes some brown cord affair from M&P but it's £700!!!!!!

I think I have actually forgotten how to iron hehe, the thought of actually ironing newborn clothes sends shivers down my spine lol

ooh thanks venus. Better go and look up some recipes. I'm ashamed to say I've never made a casserole since we tend to opt for the 30-minute dinner fix option . I suppose I have no excuse now. Must investigate slow cookers too, I'm told.

shoesies you remind me that my half-baked attempt at packing last week should really be finished off sometime soon. My TENS has just arrived, so LO has no excuse not to come now!

BF had her baby yesterday and was due a few days after me.

I love you bunch, did I tell you that? Thank you for all your well wishes. Will "report" then read through to reply to everyone!

Scan was - thankfully - good. They're a bit confused as to why he keeps growing then stopping, but have estimated just over 6lb currently, so that's good. He's very low down, but still facing my right hip, so got to work on turning him slightly. He's definately going to be a thumb sucker when he gets here!

Consultants appointment, not so good. This consultant totally contracdicted everything I was told last week, about being assured I wouldn't be allowed to go over my date. When I tried to explain how much pain I am in on a daily basis, she shrugged and said "SPD is very common" Thanks for that. Also told me I basically have to have an epidural, which really upset me too. I wanted to at least try to do things my way. I ended up bursting into tears on the midwife when she was helping me sit up and telling the consultant just exactly how much it hurt.

Logically, I do understand that there is no point attempting an induction if my body isn't ready for it, and that its better to allow him to arrive when he is ready, but it was like my sanity being ripped away. The pain has been getting noticably worse and worse on a daily basis recently, and being told last week that I would only have X days maximum left was such a comfort. I just wish they had at least consultated each other before telling me one thing, and then something all together different

But he's okay, and is wiggling around quite contently. Must try and focus on that.

Again, thanks for being so kind, you're such a lovely bunch I shall reply to you all now!!!

ninja According to various MN threads you need - toiletries, make up, flannel, towel, earplugs/eyemask, snacks and drinks/squash, bendy straw, slippers, dressing gown, flip-flops for the shower, book or magazine for afterwards, going home outfit, maternity and breast pads.

Ouch for the car-too-small nightmare. Now there's an unpleasant surprise. Have you looked on e-bay for prams? Lots of them are sold used, but in fantastic condition. We got exactly the pram we wanted, as new, for less than 2/3rds the price.

Well done Becky for this shiny thread. How can a new one have 4 pages already in one day?

Just thought I would let everybody know that I had ? wait for it ? whole 2 proper contractions last night! that actually woke me up in the middle of the night and I promise I wasn?t dreaming! Yes it was after doing the deed again last night. I don?t mean to mention it really. It?s just that I thought I mention it as it actually might be working! So when you get desperate?there is hope!

Katster I was always thought that girls come early and the boys are the lazy late ones! I think I might just have a lazy girl here!

Kyte can I please have the recipe for your cookies. I could really do with one the lot! Or as you are obviously in the baking mode - just ship them to London to my attention will you? I could probably look it up somewhere on the old thread but can?t be asked! Please help me out here. Anyone? Page 4 was it on the old thread?

I have a quick family recipe which is called a one pot dish! It?s so easy and tasty and you can add spices and vegetables to your taste and heart content, hope you like it. It?s nice because you can get it ready in advance and just put in the oven when you need it.

Raw potatoes peeled and cut into shapes like chips
Chicken breasts steaks or pork (tenderised)
Salt & pepper (and/or other spices, herbs etc.)
Pot of whipping cream (not whipped obviously!)

In oven proof dish put thick layer of potatoes and season
Add layer of meat and season
Cover with another layer of potatoes and season
Cover the entire dish evenly with the whipping cream from the pot
Cover and bake in the oven for about 1hr.
Check that the potatoes and meat is soft and cooked thoroughly and most of the liquid has evaporated, if not cook uncovered for as long as needed until soft.

Scarlotti I think they are being completely unreasonable. They are definitely overreacting. Wouldn?t worry about them at all. I am getting ds all his Christmas present on eBay this year as it is all train bits he really wants and they are so expensive brand new and this way I pick the bits he really wants and don?t have to spend loads on the full sets with bits that would sit around unused anyway.

hobnob IKEA started doing a decent kitchen for kids recently. It?s reasonably priced too and you can ask other people to get all the accessories to go with it like pots and pans and lovely kiddies? china too. Or there is the lovely red kitchen in John Lewis but bit more expensive!

Pavlov that looks v. promising for him! And take it easy woman. You are ill after all, remember?!

I had my appraisal at work this morning. It went fine and it was obviously just a formality as I can?t really see any other point as it?s my last day on Friday!

Sorry didn?t realise its going to be this long!

Good to hear from you Erika. Sorry the appointment was upsetting!

What?s everyone having for lunch then?

Hello all,

It's been a while but I'm finally on maternity leave from work ! Leaving me plenty of time to mumsnet all day. I can't muster up the energy to do anything. I need to go to the bank but that involves having a shower and combing my hair which is just too much effort .

I'm suffering from a real bad ache in my pelvis - getting out of bed is agony and sleeping is a joke with or without a pillow for support. I tried to chase the cat yesterday (cat's favourtite game), took 3 strides and I literally felt like I was going to collapse. Can the MW or doctor actually do anything or do I need to just grin and bear it? Not so bad that I can't walk, I just feel so sore - not to mention my pelvis clicks like crazy. Not sure that's good?

welcome to the club mumsie. I think we just bear it. I find clenching buttocks helps stabilise things, and always move in straight lines (ie. don't stand up and walk sideways immediately - move forward first!)

Right. Must go pee in a pot and see MW and do tescos. I.e. got on with the day instead of arsing around online

Tamlin Arthur is a lovely name ? welcome, little Arthur!! Glad to hear he?s nursing so well, and that you?re not having any problems with it either!

Laugs I hope they did help you off the train. If its any consolation they are usually pretty useless at helping disabled people off too!! Considering that the priority seats are for ?Expectant mothers, the disabled, the elderly, those with small children?, they should be helping all of those as much as they need as well, not just allocated them seats?! Ugh. Am annoyed for you.

Koumak keep with the sex, I?m sure it will help eventually And DP has said he doesn?t want me having the jab either, am rather glad we agreed on that point.

Katster I hope you enjoyed your chocolate orange. I bought one but left it at DPs I hope you?re feeling better.

Lissy glad it went well and you have a date to aim for

Pavlov sorry to hear you?re ill, but I did snort seeing you grin after saying you had a fever! Are you sure you?re not delusional as well??

Scarlotti that is so damn rude of them!!! Am really shocked at their attitude!! UGH, some people? It?s the thought that counts, not the price, not what ?hand? it is. And its hardly as if your niece will notice, is it?? I?d be just sending a card for Christmas, bugger the presents if they?re going to be that ungrateful.

EasyEggs the hospital sound fantastically organised I hope it all goes well on Thursday.

Wizzy I hope it either easies off slightly, or the contractions start to achieve something. Must be very frustrating for you.

Trikken one of DPs workmates shouts ?Forceps! Forceps!? at me every time I see him. I don?t know whether to be angry at him, or at DP for mentioning in front of him that I?m worried about it!!! Men.

Longway hope you feel better soon.

Mumsie I hope it easies off for you, totally sympathise.

Sorry for the slow update, everyone, I do hope you?ll forgive me Its half term and I?m back home, so arguments seem to be on a constant loop between mum and brother ? DP still has my laptop, so I have to ?dash?waddle to the PC when I can!

For anyone who is in pain, was told yesterday we can take as many soluble aspirin as we please, so I hope that is of some use.

Found out today that some friends in Jersey are expecting, and suddenly they are looking to DP and me for advice and hand holding. Bit odd being the other side of the hand!! They?re a lovely couple though, so hope we can be of some assistance.

Hope you?re all well, sorry if I?ve missed anyone.

hobnob will give it a try - thank you.

koumak no idea, could do with some inspiration, or even better someone to do it for me! Probably make do with boring old cheese sandwich.

Just adding myself in. Am huge, and very uncomfortable!

Arrivals
Lemontop: Isaac, Wed September 30th
Broodzilla: Lukas, Wed October 7th
Tamlin: Arthur, Sunday October 18th

Awaiting
Koumak dd 28th Oct; 39+5
Ursigurke dd 31st Oct; 39+2
Wook as Ursigurke
VenusInfers dd 1st Nov; 39+1
Fruitpastels dd 4th Nov; 38+5
Comma dd 4th Nov; 38+5
Kyte 6th Nov, 37+0 (cs)
Trikken 6th Nov; 38+3
Scarlotti 6th Nov; 38+3
Hobnob57 6th Nov; 38+3
Wizzywoo 8th Nov: 38+1
Helips 9th Nov; 38+0
Sleepless 9th Nov 38+0
NigellaTufnel 9th Nov 38+1
PootleTheFlump 10th Nov; 37+6
Weston dd 13th Nov; 37+3
Becky dd 14th Nov; 37+2
Tigger dd 14th Nov; 37+2
Southernbelle77 dd 14th Nov; 37+2?
ErikaMaye dd 16th Nov; 37+0
EasyEggs dd 17th Nov; 36+6
Pavlovtheforgetfulcat dd 18th Nov; 36+5
Shoesies dd 18th Nov 36+6
Katster37; dd 21 Nov; 36+2
Turtle23 ds 22 Nov; 36+1
Ninjacat edd End Nov
LissyGlitter dd 22 Nov 36+1
Longwayaway dd 23 Nov; 36+0
Stormfly 23 Nov; 36+0
Beepbeep 23 Nov; 36+0
Laugs dd 26th Nov; 35+4
TasjaSAmuminSA dd 26th Nov; 35+4
Claired21 dd 29th Nov; 35+1
skorpion dd 29 Nov; 35+1
Fairybex dd 29 Nov; 35+1