Due Jan 2010...the month our bumps become babes!!!

[mistletoekisses]

Getting us started with our new thread!

Will cut and paste the most up to date list so we know where we are.

Fraoch - what a lovely and amazing birth story! You must be absolutely over the moon! Cara is beautiful. Huge well done to the both of you.

Huge congrats to Pepa and Misschatterbox. Welcome to your lovely bubs!

Ali and MMB - so good to hear from both of you. Good to hear that Jacob and Thomas are doing so well.

I get the second midwife visit today when they will weigh Nico, so will see how we are getting on. But he is feeding well and is producing lots of wet nappies, so hopefully he is doing ok.

Hope all those who are getting contractions etc arent too uncomfy!

I am feeling quite tired. Think the recovery after this csection is tougher than the last. Mainly because of DS1 bless him. Am also more sore 'down below' which surprises me. But I think that is because Nico was head down this time and putting lots of pressure on my bits. So I imagine it is the bruising coming out. I also have a lovely painful bruise around my belly button where the outie has gone back in.
With DS, I never got an outie and also with him being breech, he was never applying pressure to all my bits. So these postpartum symptoms are all new to me. Anyone else with any of these symptoms?? I am going to ask the MW about them later...

to all, drop in later.

Froachsmum, Cara is gorgeous, and such a lovely name. And thank you for your story, it was wonderful - though sorry you had to be airlifted and numbed for the placenta, that nearly happened to me with dd1 (minus the dramatic helicopter), after a totally drug free birth. And you look totally amazing - how many days after the birth was that photo of you out for lunch taken?!

Pepa, congratulations, that is another great story. I'm hoping my pool will arrive today, and your story has given me more confidence that I can do this at home this time.

Having been feeling a bit nervous about the birth, over the last week I've noticed a change to 'bring it on' every time I get an intense BH, which I think is down to quite strong feelings of not wanting to be pregnant any more. I felt like I could have sailed on for weeks with dd1, but this time I am really eager to get on with it. I think you're right yangymac, all the early babes on this thread are getting me going... anyway, still lots to do over the next couple of weeks, so being on time would be a good thing really.

Hurrydown, get well soon, that sounds rubbish, and so much worse when there's virtually nothing you can take for it. Hope you are in a position to get lots of rest.

Missmarjoriebanks, I am already envious that Thomas sleeps all the time! dd1 would not settle anywhere but arms and chests, and I got so stressed because I couldn't get anything done and am seriously worried about my sanity if no2 follows suit... There's a book called What Mothers Do, Especially When It Looks Like Nothing, which is really good! I'm sure he'll start being more awake soon.

Londonlottie, sorry things are bit sticky with DH. Things were a bit sticky for us too after dd1 was born; it's such a big adjustment for both of you, and I think some of them find it quite hard to adjust to not being your no1 priority anymore, and you being so tangled up in all that needs doing for a newborns. But with my DP he totally fell in love when dd was a bit more awake and interesting, and now I am no longer his no1 priority either, so it sort of all fell into place.

pepa - awesome birth story, congratulations! so good to hear positive homebirth / birthing pool story as that's what i'm hoping for for myself.

misschatterbox - hurrah! enjoy your new baby!

fraosh - also really inspiring, congratulations! it seems that attitude is all important and that fear of something can kind of bring it into being. (omg i sound like a hippy!) sorry about the placenta though. that happened to me with DS - normal birth (after induction) and then general anasthetic, surgery and PPH because of retained placenta.

maygirl re: long feeds - DS is teething actually, so that could definitely be behind the long feeds / not falling asleep. someone else suggested it might also mean he's ready to go to bed awake, iyswim, so will try that too.

the acupuncture last night was good... as i'm not due for another week she couldn't do anything to actually bring the baby on, just to prepare the body for labour and to relax me. Last night I had the best sleep I have had in ages, so clearly something worked!

Also, went to the doctor this morning and baby has turned and is now 3/5s engaged (was oblique last time) so hurrah for that!

Anyone else really irritable and weepy? Just tried to get DP's attention to read him pepa's birth story and he snapped at me, like "WHAT????!!!!", and I burst into tears!

Ooh ampster when are you due? I was in floods of tears the day before my labour with dd started because DP told me off because I missed a bit when painting our bath panel....

My birth pool in a box just arrived! Hurray! But, it apparently needs to sit at room temp for 72 hours before being unfolded and inflated, so have had stern words with bump - no moving before Friday!

Friday's a new moon of course....

biccy i'm due a week today, on the 19th. lol at bath panel! stupid DHs, don't they realise their job now is just to be a completely lovely and adoring SAINT whose only role is to submit to our wishes in all things?

glad your birth pool in a box has arrived!

Frao what a great birth story, although I have to say I now have images of giving birth on the toilet thinking that I just need a poo as I've kinda got to the point of dismissing the period pains (despite them making me feel sick) as I've been getting them for so long they're normal for me now.

biccy glad you got your birth pool already...although if bub turns up before friday I'm sure you'll be ok to inflate it carefully, get DH to lie on it to heat it up a bit first

congratulations misschatterbox and pepa, gorgeous names

have serious name envy with Jude, LOVE it but DP only likes one name other than his own

Am typing with baby chewing my breast so excuse typos!

Anyway, so nice to hear good positive birth stories well done fraochsmum and pepa for such chilled out births!

WMDO and Cantthink it is awfully tempting to stab him (DP), I'm sure I'd get off completely I could say I have postnatal depression or was in a transient state of puerperal psychosis!!! He is just a total arse. I asked him to get paracetamol yesterday.. thinking it's pretty much all I can safely have while BFing and I was in so much pain I literally could not walk.. and asked him to get some juice and cereal.. right, so he comes back with pasta sauce and beer. He did not get anything I asked for, and I'd only given birth to his huge baby the day before! I mean, the least he could do is get some paracetamol..
he then complains of being bored, so I ask him to help me do things, like assemble furniture thats still not done, or vacuum a bit incase mw turns up, or y'know, help, and he refuses! I'm totally on my own, aaargh. Oh and he doesn't think it's fair that I sleep in bed with baby in moses basket in bedroom, he says I should be on the sofa because he has to go to work.. so I say, well I don't want to risk falling asleep with baby on the sofa, I haven't slept in days it's not safe, and he says 'I'm going to bed'

me and baby are feeling a daddy eviction looming!

In other news, crumpettino is feeding all the time! WMDO thanks for the idea re syringe, I didn't want to give a bottle so that was excellent idea, I had a look around and found a sterile pack of 5ml medicine syringe, so baby had a quick squirt of formula last night but actually slept much better.. and today I have boobs that are so big they need their own postcode and baby has been feeding much longer so I think milk has come in already!! panic over

PS baby crumpette is probably going to be called James, to keep DP happy, and am working on some mad middle names to compensate

gosh I really do over-use those smileys!!!

somewhathorrified, beware of feeling like you need the toilet, or I will be reading about your baby's arrival in something like loveit magazine!! whatever you do, don't push....!

Thanks somewhat, I had the same thought - basically they say the warranty is invalid if you don't let it sit for 72 hours, but I'm sure if I was in labour I would not really be worrying about the warranty!

Hope something starts for you soon. But, like I say, new moon on Friday. I'm going to be really interested to see if there is a splurge of babies on this thread this weekend, as some of the midwives I've met really believe in the moon thing, and some actually think the new moon is stronger than the full moon (which is on 30th.)

crumpette; is your DP asking to get thrown out? Sorry, but, what a ! Grrrr. I would have James on my list of boys' names if it wasn't the name of my BIL; if that helps. Glad crumpettino is glugging up the milk now.

thanks biccy, I too have heard that about the moon...! Babies are born, A&E admissions more than double, lots of weird stuff happens!
Yeah I think crumpettino will be James. I don't dislike it, and I suppose I named DD so he can name DS... I find it very hard to name a baby without knowing them, if that makes sense, so it would feel strange calling him by any name at this stage! Also my style is a bit less conservative than that ie I would happily name him Alessandro or Javier !

crumpette how the hell do you put up with your P's attitude? I just want to grab him by the neck and shake him for you, maybe with a couple of slaps across his face to break him out of whatever alternate reality he thinks he's in!

biccy I didn't realise it was new moon...I'm completely ruled by the moon, go a bit gaga on full moon and the like so maybe things will kick off.

Tried sex yesterday to get things moving, first time in months (poor DH), omg talk about awkward and uncomfortable. Thought I'd go on top (you know to get a bit more penetration...sorry tmi) but bump just got in the way big time and I ended up in hystrerics ( at a most inopportune moment) and just made DH paranoid. Would go for a walk but I've got no footwear I can get feet in atm....oh woe is me.

crumpette can't believe your so calm re dp I think I would be screaming like a banshee
I get cross watching Dh snore whilst I'm up feeding Jacob

I've got a James and he is such a cheeky monster and has got so much character.

somewhat hope things start for you soon I'm feeling a little envious of you ladies waiting to give birth just the anticipation and excitment is amazing I feel a bit deflated by it all if that makes any sense

OMG....Pleeeeeae crumpette just give me your address - Im ready for him. What a selfish horrible nasty bastard he really is.

For a while he reminded me of my dad , but no, he wasn't THAT bad.

Right, here's what to do, if your not going to go with the idea of stabbing him (disappointed icon)
then get yourself to the register office and name baby JUDE. Dont get me wrong, James is nice but Im loving the idea of DP not getting a say in the name.

You can explain yourself afterwards....
'since you cant be arsed hanging around for the labour, taking tim off work, cleaning, helping with your son, thanking me for your son/the birth then I can't be arsed with your tiny imput of James'.

OR

'fuck you' might just suffice.

On a lighter note - Congratulations to the new arrivals!!

Congratulations misschatterbox and pepa on the arrival of Jude and Marilla.

Great to hear such inspiring birth stories. It's amazing what the human body can do. It's also great what the medical profession can do for those of us for whom it doesn't work out so well.

and

crumpette agree that James is a very good name, but if you love Jude and your DH is being a pain you are well within your rights to just please yourself on this one.

somewhat a friend of mine recently had to be rushed to hospital in an ambulance to give birth because she thought she just needed a poo when she was actually in labour. In fairness to her though, she had been at an appointment that morning and mentioned that she thought her waters might have broken, but was told they hadn't!

hi everyone else. hope some more are in labour now and more babies are making their appearances.

WMDO - I was drinking tea as i read up on the posts and after reading yours, mine ended up going down totally the wrong way! I love the directness of your post and have to say that I second it.

Crumpette - you sound a little jovial about all the goings on with your DP, but in all honesty are you ok? You need both physical and emotional support right now. In the total absence of both from him; is anyone else around now? Can you send a neighbour/ friend to get the supplies you need? There is stuff stronger than paracetamol that you can take to deal with the pain.

Re. the bed / sofa debate - you get the bed!!!! No 2 ways. DH has been shifted to a spare bedroom so that he can get a good nights sleep; but also so that I dont get woken when his day starts at 5.45. Plus I get to watch tv/ dvd's if I feel like it during feeds.

Biccy - so glad your pool has arrived! Interesting about the new moon, will watch the thread with interest!!

Ampster - I find acupuncture sooo relaxing. Have done 2 courses before TTC and both times after 8 week appointments, always had the best nights sleep after! I fully intend to keep regular acupuncture appts once I feel up to it.

Midwives have been and my little man Nico has gained an ounce already! 5 days old and is 6lbs 9oz...so he is obviously doing really well. Re. my feeling more bruised this time round - they think combo of bigger baby that was head down has contributed. They quite rightly pointed out that it was probably harder to get him out during the section (it defo was) and that has lead to me feeling more delicate. Plus they always find that second time mums enter labour nowhere near as well rested because of the existing children, so that takes a toll.

to all! Catch up later.

WMDO - pleeeeeease give me your address?! I'm on my way up for a girlie night out and a bottle of vino - you sound right up my street IYKWIM!!

Crumpette - seriously - daddy eviction should be top of your list right now. Don't get me wrong we all have our ups and downs with our other halfs and we can all be tw*ts at times (me included). My DH certainly has a whole bunch of horrid traits and I just don't like him at times... but it's just at times and the good far outweighs the bad. BUT never in a million years would he behave in the way your DP is behaving right now and if he did, he knows I would string him up and hang him out to dry.

Does your DP think you are weak and vulnerable and he can get away this behaviour? It is truly outrageous. Please don't let him think that. You are worth more. You have been through so much recently with your DD, your work, his behaviour on the lead up to delivery, the birth itself and now this. Don't let him drag you down anymore. Stand up and do something positive.

I was a single mother to my eldest. The biological father didn't hang around. When my DS was 6 weeks old, my mother had a stroke whilst feeding him. I was in another room. I had to cope with screaming hungry baby, dialling 999 and all the ensuing paraphernalia, completely paralysed and incontinent mother who then was in hospital for 6 months, going back to work when DS was 11 weeks old, doing all of the nursery runs, feeding, sterilising, going to hospital, doing mums washing, preparing pureed meals for her (and DS), selling her/our family home of 30 years (and clearing it), buying a house of my own and then finding warden controlled accommodation for her 6 months later. Guess what - I just got on and dealt with it. Because when the sh*t hits the fan, you just find a way through.

I met my DH when DS was 9 months old. He wasn't my knight in shining armour, he was a casual sh*g because I felt I needed it . But he turned out to be the former.

I guess the moral of what I'm trying to say is you CAN and you WILL cope.

I know you are in the London area somewhere. Please feel free to email me on CantThinkofFunnyName at googlemail dot com if you want to chat offline or meet up at some point in the future (when I am not c/section housebound)!

Sorry for long post everyone!

MMB Jacob settles himself easily too and I was saying to sil that I think its to do with spending time in scbu.
He is getting more alert by the day and is currently watching dh on the wii fit
We got hospital tomorrow to make sure Jacob is recovering from the bronchiolitis.

Mama2b5 Hope your items arrive soon - I ordered some waterproof mattress protectors from Kiddicare on Sunday night and they arrived without a hitch (unless you count being woken up at 8am by a text announcing their dispatched). JL have also been quite fast off the mark when I ordered stuff this sale.

sock Hope things work out in the way of finding someone to drive you to hospital in DH's inability to. Hope he recovers soon and that you keep munching on citrus fruit to keep the bugs at bay!

lottie You should have taken a picture of the girls doing that. Have told loads of ppl and every single one of them have gone awwww. x

Congrats to misschatterbox and baby Jude, Pepa and baby Marilla. Thanks Pepa and Fraochsmum for the lovely birth stories to set our minds at ease.

somewhat Positive birthing vibes to you. Do you have somewhere near you that offers acupuncture? I'm playing around with the idea myself... Can you get to a local supermarket and get a cheap pair of flat pumps to walk around in? I've been reduced to walking slowly round (yesterday) the local mall (full of Poundshops and such like) and Costco (today). With all the ice outside, I can't even get to the top of my road and DH (working from home, thankfully) has become the flyingma taxi service.

crumpette I hope he snaps out of it soon coz you really could do with the support. I mean if he can't be a help, at least don't be a hinderance. You sound like you are not letting it distress you too much but if you need to talk or offload, there are loads of ppl here inc myself who would be happy to listen. (hugs)

Like Sixmincepiessoontobeseven, I am getting really strong contractions/BHs too which I try not to get worked up about coz they have been happening now for days. The poo thing does not help either coz I am on a fruit bat diet these day and can go several times a day (tmi sorry). Still don't think bubs is much engaged and am 40+1 today... let's see about this Friday thing tho I want to use the birthing pool at the hospital so prob best for bubs not to come at peak hour!!

Cripes sorry for the long post again! Am off to Youtube to learn to swaddle a baby - ruddy Mothercare have been out of stock of swaddle blankets for the last few weeks since Christmas and with the weather as it is, they have no idea of when their stock will arrive.

Oh one last thing for those who already have babes in nappies, Lidl have got a sale on at the moment for Pampers Baby Dry size 3, 4, 4+ and 5 nappies - 2 economy boxes for £10. In case it is of any use to anyone.

Yaaaasssssss - are we all going round en masse to sort out crumpettes DH? I am still quite nimble and fancy kicking some arse... Seriously though, I really feel for you and hope he sees sense soon xxx
Sockmonkey - you made me laugh out loud with your description of man with a cold! There is a youtube vid entitled that (think it's a Smack The Pony one) which is utterly hilarious!
Somewhat, my mum did say "Don't push!" when I was in the bath - have to say I had no intention of, so would probs be the same when on the throne.
We had pretty frequent love-making but after a certain point in time there was only one feasible position - an x shape with me on my back, legs over DH and him on his side. Sorry if tmi, but it was still a pleasure and didn't interfere with a big bump. Starting to feel slightly 'in the mood' now, but daren't for a bit longer
Glad you liked my story, sorry it was so long though. I am amazed how many have had retained placenta! The unit here said it happens once or twice a year with them. I consequently discovered my mum had it with my older sister, it now means my next birth will have to be in Glasgow, but subsequent ones could be here if no further problems.
Cantthink - bloody hell! You are right about getting on with things, but mega hats off to you lady xxx
Better go as my mum wants online, all the best to all!
PS. crumpette - bloody hilarious about your boobs needing their own postcode!!!

Biccy - I had him about an hour after arriving at hospital. DD1 loved her first day at school and both dds love their little brother,can't stop cuddling him.

Updated list below with MissChatterbox and Pepa's arrivals... I see that Pepa actually joins us from Toronto, Canada!

Expected
1 singalongamumum (DS 18mth)
2 Lisylou1980
3 sunshinejanuary - South London
3 Bethoo (DS 2 DD 8 mon)- Wiltshire
5 Jasmeeen (DS1 6yrs, DS2 3 yrs, DC3 gender unknown)
6 oomska (DD 13mo)
6 gizzy1973 (1st baby)
7 natapillar (baby no.4, DD1 9yo ,DD2 7yo, DD3 15months)
8 STA1mum (DS15mth)
9 bigpreggybelly (1st baby)
10 Zen1980 (1st baby)
10 lizzylu (DS 14mths)
10 Somewhathorrified
10 kittykat765 (DS 19mth) - Bristol
11 Flyingma
11 Katiei (DS)
11 anastaisia (dd b2005)
11 lilacpink (DD 3)
12 JoInScotland - 1st baby, Scotland
12 roastbeef
12 quirkychick (DD 4, Norfolk)
13 skidoodle (DD 13mo)
13 LessThenIdeal
13 Sleepingalot - Sheffield
14 Thingiebob - 1st baby (girl) London
15 lynchy09 (DS14mth)
15 MrsVik - 1st baby - girl.
15 Sersi (DS1 6, DS2 4) - Herts
15 Worriedunfortunately (DD 4y)
16 Partyofsixsoontobeseven / SixMincePiesSoontobeSeven (DS 16yrs, DD 11yrs, DD 7yrs, DD 6yrs)- Surprise
16 DesertFairy (DD3)
16 ILoveDolly
17 slightlybonkers (DS 3yo)
17 MrsStripey (DS15mo)
17 showmethemummy/TheGruffalo DD4; DD2. girl
18 alfiesmadmother (DS1 7,DS2 5 and DS3 3)
18 Southwestwhippet
18 Sockmonkey (DS6 DS4) - Notts - Girl
18 Fififorgot (DD 3.5)
19 SuiGeneris
19 DeeMented
19 ampster (DS 18mo)- London E14 - Girl
20 sooooexcited (DS 2)
20 verytiredmummy (DS)
20 Totalmisfit (DD 3.4) - Norfolk
20 helenabeth (DS1 4.5, DS2 20mths)
21 Mowmi - Surrey
23 AutumnAir
23 Noodlesforbreakfast (DS 20mths) - girl
23 Mrsjammi - DS1 14, DS2 20 months, DSD 13, DSS 18
24 Sazlocks (DS 20mo) - surprise
24 Blocka (DD 32mo) - North East
24 Laura233
24 coffeeicecream (DS 9mo) - NW London
24 MamaLazarou
24 Biccy (DD 3)
24 Fibilou (1st baby) - girl
25 Iateallthecreameggsyummy / HurryDowntheChimney
25 chickbean (DS1 3.3, DS2 1.3) - Harrogate -surprise
26 Siochfradha - Edinburgh - 1st baby
27 Happybump (DS 19mo)
27 Devotion (DD 6YRS & DD 3YRS)Faran for boy / Sylvie for girl so far...
27 Mama2b5 (DD-15,DD-8,DS-10,DS-4) - S London - Isaiah !!/Aaron ??
28 Brasso4 - Peterborough - girl - 1st baby
28 Maygirl(DS 3)- surprise
29 yangymac (DD 4) - girl
29 Mama2moo (dd 19mo)
30 GetThePartyStarted
30 nervoussara - Brighton
31 IrrationalMother (DS 18mo)

ARRIVED
1st Dec - Missmarjoribanks - boy Thomas William Francis (33+4)
10th Dec - ClaireDB - girl Mira - 5lb 11.5oz (36+5)
11th Dec - Alibobins - boy Jacob, 6lbs 1oz (37weeks)
14th Dec - londonlottie - twin girls Juliet 6lb 1 and Eve 5lb 6 (35+5)
15 Dec - Whensmydayoff - girl Olivia - 6lb (36+6)
22 Dec - Liskey - girl Ellie - 5.5lbs
24 Dec - timmette/shinybaubles - boy Oliver - 7lb
25 Dec - Fakeplastictrees - boy Luke Edward
29 Dec - CantThinkofFunnyName - girl Olivia Iris - 6lbs 2 1/2oz
30 Dec - Liny - Nottinghamsire - girl Elise
1 Jan - TheMinnieBauble - boy Freddie - Weight TBC
2 Jan - nomorebboze - girl Megan - 5lbs 12oz
5 Jan - Fraochsmum - girl Cara Elise - 6lbs 2oz
5 Jan - FlightofFancy - boy Edward - 6lbs 14oz (37+3)
6 Jan - salvadory - girl Imogen
7 Jan - MistletoeKisses - boy Nicolas - 6lbs 8oz
9 Jan - Pepa - girl Marilla - Weight TBC
10 Jan - crumpette- boy 'babycrumpette'- 8lb 15 oz
11 Jan - MissChatterbox - boy Jude - 7lb 6oz

Okay, well, as it's tmi day... we've managed reasonably frequent love making too, and doggy seems to be best for us at the moment. Though I think we'll have to try your position, Froach, if you don't mind. But, and now this really is tmi, I know, I have this little nagging thought, which is, if I go into labour really soon after having sex, and have an internal exam, will the midwife get covered in you know what? Eugh. It's really starting to put me off, and I'm too embarrassed to tell DP and ask if he'd get out at the required moment!

Missmarjorie, that is annoying that he'll sleep during the day, but not at night. I often wonder whether we train them into that while they're in the womb, and what it would be like if we went nocturnal when pregnant - so if we were up and about during the night being busy and rocking them to sleep, then they woke up during the day whilst we slept and they got more oxygen etc, would they come out sleeping better at night? Problem is I suppose by then we'd have a hell of a time becoming diurnal again. Just no winning that one maybe... sorry, am in ponderous mood.

ampster I do like your description of how dh's should be at the moment. I am trying to expect less this time without being clear what I expect (last time I thought he should just get it without having to be told that, for example, while he was off he was in charge of food, and that included working out what we were going to eat, buying it and cooking it - he didn't get it). So, I decided I should set out my expectations of him for when labour starts - i.e. get dd ready to go to his brother's; clear out the space where I want the pool & inflate and fill it; make sure the kitchen is tidy (that's where I want the pool) and clean the sink and the loo. He really doesn't get why I want the place to be tidy, and said, half seriously I think 'perhaps we should just go to hospital and scrap this home birth thing' - think it suddenly started to sound like he might actually have to do something, other than just watch and say 'you're doing great'!

Sorry people, another long self indulgent post. Snow has meant I've been in far more than normal recently, so haven't had chance to natter to (bore) my RL friends with all my meanderings...