June-ior middleweights - fighting on through the second trimester (Due June 2010)

[CantSleepWontSleep]

Here we go ladies - I'll C&P the stats in a tick. Don't forget to add the gender on if you find out at your scan

Oh no, I really didn't want to hear that about the SF jab fillybuster. DD is having it tomorrow and I really don't want to have to spend all weekend with a poorly child. I need to ask the nurses about getting mine done too, as receptionist didn't know when they'll next be doing an adult SF jab clinic so am going to ask them if they can do me too tomorrow. If not I'll probably end up getting it done by occ health, which would just be a bit more of a hassle.

Sorry you're feeling so stressed Flossysmum. Try not to worry too much about your wedding plans, when it comes down to it all that matters is that you and your other half turn up, get married and have a lovely day. The rest is all just extras that seem important in the build up, but aren't really. Sounds like you're doing great with your walking, its natural to slow down a bit when you're pregnant. I did our local version of the moonwalk when 12 weeks pg with DD, was quite proud of myself for getting through it! Just had the invite in the post to do this year's but think I would be a bit optimistic to think I'll be any state to do it.

Thanks for sorting out the list GibberingGinger

greensnail - DS had his two days ago. He was miserable all that night, complaining of a sore arm, but he did already have a cold and sore eyes before getting the jab (Dr said that was fine as there was no temp). The next morning he was right as rain. I was fully expecting him to complain about his arm for a good couple of days - mine really hurt for a while - but he's been just fine. HTH.

Flossysmum try and be positive! I managed to loose wait after first one - 4 stone and held it for 3 years. Now at 20 weeks nearly I already put on a stone and a half! It does make you feel a little horrid. But remember that we are all different, each pregnancy is different. And some of us react differently to hormones and cravings Be strong and concentrate on being healthy and in a good frame of mind. You can get back to shape after you've had the little one;) And as much as there are a lot of women who keep in shape during pregnancy, there is also a lot of as who balloon. Wedding wise, I had mine when I was bigger and do feel a little sad I don't look as fab as I could have. But at the end of the day it was great fun and one of the best days of my life. It also feels great to say that your wedding dress is too big for you!

oops weight not wait

Hello all,
Glad to hear that the rest of the scans seem to be going well & that a few more pinks have been added to the list! We must be nearing the end of the scans soon? I'm starting to regret not finding out sex as have started buying clothes anyway as can't seem to help myself! I'm convinced I'm having a boy for some reason so leaning towards navy so if it ends up being a girl she'll just have to be a bit of a tomboy like her mum

Have nearly decided on 2 of the big purchases & was wondering if anyone has experience of either of them:

1. Baby hammock instead of crib (either Amby nature nest or Moffi Miyo hammock) Am leaning towards the Miyo purely because it looks nicer but the Amby seems to have more reviews (although not sure if it's just because it's been around longer?). I wasn't convinced initially as they do look a bit flimsy but most reviews seem to rave about them & any extra sleep I can get will be welcome!

2. Mountain Buggy Urban, although slightly worried it's too big for our lifestyle (live in london) but DH was sold when sales person claimed it was the range rover of buggies (ahhh, men ) and can imagine proud dad going for weekend run around the common whilst mum catches up on much needed sleep! There seems to be a Swift version which is slightly smaller but can't find any reviews on it for some reason.... Does anyone happen to know of a shop in London that stocks both models? Was originally leaning towards Bugaboo as they seem to have good reviews but seems a bit like keeping up with the jones' as everyone has one where we live.

I'm another one who seems to be eating for a small country at the moment (doesn't help working in an office full of women who keep placing the office treats next to the pregnant one )

Sorry for long post. Should really get on with the spring clean that I started this morning as stuff is all over the floor at the moment. Although seem to have lost the enthusiasm I had this morning when i started creating this mess!

Have a good weekend everyone!

Mrs C09 - what sort of terrain will you be using your buggy on? I absolutely love love love my urban, but we are in a countryside location so do use it off road. If all of your usage will be on pavements/in shops then I would probably go for something a bit smaller, as it is quite wide. Is a dream to push though - can do it with one finger, easy to fold, and decent space underneath for all the crap that one feels compelled to carry when one has a baby stuff.
The swift iirc isn't regarded terribly highly compared to the urban and the terrain.

I also have an Amby nest, though we didn't actually use it very much. I was trying to find something that ds would sleep in, as he only slept being held, day or night, for the first 13 weeks of his life! Unfortunately the Amby wasn't the answer for us, as it turned out that he simply wanted to sleep on his tummy, but I will be attempting to use it again this time round - got to try and justify the expense somehow!

Flossysmum - you have a lot on your plate and it's quite understandable that you are turning to food for comfort (I am a comfort eater too). You do need to decide though which is more important to you out of looking slim for your wedding or eating that extra slice of cake because it's there, and then act accordingly. Maybe get yourself in some oatcakes and some berries and snack on those when you fancy something. Both are very good for filling you up without sending your blood sugar soaring, which is the cause of then being hungry again quickly.

Evening Ladies,

Thank you for all you kind words, I think I was on a hormone overload yesterday lol A good nights sleep seems to have put a bit more perspective on things. I just seem to worry about everything all at once at the moment and tbh there really isn't that much to get my knickers in a twist over I've never been a skinny girl so why i'm expecting to look like kate moss in my pics is beyond me also i'm not having a wedding as such just a few close friends and family at the registry office then off to the pub for lunch lol. So i'm back on an even keel today and determined not to eat for two for the next 18weeks or so!

MRSC09 I've been looking at the mountain buggy also but mainly because I want to get in to some serious walking once baby is here. Have you looked in to the Phil & Teds? That seems to be a little smaller but still has the virsitility (sp?) of the other.

ake care

xxxx

Phil and Teds is an absolute bugger to push compared to the mountain buggy flossy. Have a feeling it may be heavier too, but would have to double check that.
Glad that you are feeling more positive today .

Ah no, both 11kg. And grr that phil and teds took over mountain buggy - no doubt they will mess about with them and make them worse.

I wanted an amby for this baby but have been put off by the deaths in America I don't trust that hubby and I can assemble it properly which seemed to be the issue. We've gone for a Moses basket. I've never had a mountain buggy because I like the baby to face me, it helps with speech development, jane have just brought out a new three wheeler with a reversable seat which I think we'll buy when the baby is past the carrycot stage, am planning to start with the mamas and papas pramette for the first 6 months.

Hello. Our scan is next Friday and I'm feeling very excited/nervous. I'm secretly hoping it's a little sister for DS, but as long as it's healthy is the main thing!

We had an amby for DS and it was very good, although certainly isn't a magic wand for a full night's sleep as we naively thought. We will be using it for this one too, and found it very easy to put up/dismantle etc.

Loving all the talk about baby purchases.

As this is our third we've got most of the big things. The only thing I'd like to try and find this time is a sling that I can actually use/get along with. Does anyone have any recommendations? I think it would be handy to be able to "carry" the baby while keeping my hands free for the DDs.

Thanks for feedback on the MB! I've heard that the Phil & Ted is experiencing quite a few teething problems & also don't like the carry cot that comes with it. It will be used for long walks & weekend off-roading so guess i'll just have to live with the fact that its a bit bigger.

NizzyNoodles What type of sling have you tried in the past? My absolute favourite is a stretchy wrap like the moby. I have one that is basically the same thing as the moby but a strange make that i've never heard of anywhere else (picked it up cheap in tkmaxx). Its basically a long strip of material which you tie around yourself and then you can take the baby in and out as you need to. Once you've got the hang of tying it, it's really quick to do. I found it really useful to practice a few times with a doll before trying it with the baby to save stressing you both out while you work it out.

My second favourite is my mei tai which I find is much cooler in the hot weather as you end up with a lot of material around you with a wrap, and I also found this a better sling once DD got heavy as she tended to sink down a bit in the stretchy wrap, although I could have swappped to a non-stretchy wrap at this stage as well.

greensnail I'm keen on a sling too although this is my first so never tried one. The two you have - can you breastfeed with the baby in them or adjust them so they are in the right position to breastfeed? DH to be is also keen to try a sling but would prefer the more standard carrier type so I can see us ending up with two if not careful

Mrs CO9 have you thought about the Nipper 360 - I got one and, though haven't used it yet, what with the baby not being due til JUne(!), it seems really light and manouverable, relatively small and it gets v good reviews for long walks and offroad... Also got an Amby hammock so really hope it does what it says on the tin and helps them sleep!

Hello everyone, haven't posted for ages again, so I'm hopelessly behind.

barbeasty- I grew up near Stroud and went to school in Stonehouse - it's a lovely part of the world. We're in York now though, and it doesn't seem like anyone else on the thread is in this part of the world for a meet-up..?

goodname - the miracle blanket lived up to its name with ds. I can still picture his little old man's face beaming as he lay strapped up like an Egyptian mummy! (after several hours' yelling too)

Congratulations everyone on the scans - and more girls to join the party smile I've been a little bit saddened by people in RL's reaction to our having another boy. It's like it's a second best - "oh well, at least it will be cheaper" etc I was a bit sad that I probably won't have the experience of a daughter now, and it's probably a natural narcissistic instinct to secretly want a mini-me, but I'm over the moon at the prospect of another cheeky ds too. Think people could be more tactful.

justbeme and others (sorry, can't remember who brought it up) - I'm also considering a home birth, or possibly a midwife-led centre, though our nearest is nearly an hour away, so seems a bit perverse when the hospital's just round the corner. Can't say I really enjoyed the hospital experience last time though. My midwife and yoga teacher are both very supportive of the home birth idea - I think I may well go for it.

chestnut - am agog at the crap people skills of your GP - what a shite thing to say to you!

I've forgotten all the other interesting things you've been chatting about... Oh, but I've been snacking like a woman possessed, and it's definitely showing. The bump is not nearly so compact as last time! Plus, it looks like my work situation has sorted out (can't remember how much I posted, but for a while it looked like my research contract extension and consequently PhD might be in jeopardy because of the timing of my pregnancy) - so hopefully will have a job to return to next year

Hope all the SPD sufferers are doing ok.

I lust after Connecta slings but have a Baby Bjorn which was fine up to about 6 months. My friend has a Connecta for her two year old and loves it. It can be used for newborns and it can be worn back or front.

I'm planning to buy or borrow something like a babasling for the early days this time round. The only problem with them seems to be that you can't adjust them once the baby is in.

A friend also has a premaxx, which she adores, so I may try that out too.

And a wilkinet. And a ring sling.

Essentially, I'm going to borrow them all and see!

I bet you I end up with a connecta, or the old baby bjorn.

A word of warning, if you buy a Baby Bjorn, get the one with the extra back support. THe one without, I think it's called the 'active' is awful.

imkeepingmum Yes you can breastfeed in both of those slings, I've fed DD in mine quite a bit. If you get into slings you'll probably end up with at least 2 if you're anything like me! I've had 4 so far, but only really got on with the 2 I mentionned above. DH used to very happily carry DD in the wrap sling, ours is navy blue so doesn't look too feminine

woofie great news that you'll have a job to return to!

LaTrucha - the baby bjorn active is the one with the extra back support (and the synergy I think, which is their newest model)!! It's great, although I don't always think the most comfortable for a tiny tiny baby, as the seat is quite wide and not flexible for their legs to open around.

I like the close baby carrier when they are little. Not as complicated as having to tie one completely yourself, which I do think requires a certain knack. It's a sort of cross between a ring sling and a wrap sling. I'll check and see if my photo of ds in his is still on my profile and stick it on if it's not. Although this is designed to last for a couple of years or so, I do prefer to switch to the baby bjorn once they get heavy, which my babies tend to do all too quickly!

MrsC09 - you don't need the carrycot for the mountain buggy. It goes flat enough to use from birth without, though a sheepskin is a good idea to make it a bit cosier when they are tiny. Again will see if I can find any photos of either of mine when they were tiny in it and stick them on my profile.

Ah, that connecta looks similar to my rose and rebellion one - have you checked those out too LaT? They have updated them in the last few months too so that they now have more head/neck support I believe, and a little hood thing which means that if they fall asleep on your back you can keep the head supported.

Oops.

There are a couple of close carriers up for sale on here. I've seen people round town with them and they do look good.

I've got to check out that mountain buggy. I'm convinced we'll need a double as we don't have a car. DD is crazy for walking at the moment but I'm sure she'll get bored of it.

blimey - got back from hols early hours of Friday and it's taken me all weekend to catch up on posts!
Was thrilled to see I won a prize whilst away (crazee laydee) although I accept that this is through circumstance rather than design! So happy to share the award!

Had super holiday in the Gambia - DD absolutely loves the sea and just charges into it. My parents were also out there for part of our hol, so DH and I got have one evening out which was lovely. Not particularly looking fwd to work tomorrow...

A few comments to add re. the discussions.

Grobags - I am still using these with DD (14 months) and find them fantastic. Eliminates all worries re. bedding coming off etc and keeps them super snuggly. DD's bedroom gets really cold in winter, but she has always been toasty in her Grobag.
We did swaddle her for first 8 weeks of her life - she was a winter baby so didn't worry about the overheating aspect too much.

Homebirth/hypnobirthing - I attempted home birth with DD but and got to being fully dilated, towels and baby clothes were all ready - and then she just wouldn't come out so had to transfer to hospital. Will never forget DH's 28-point turn to get out of our road with me in the back 10cm dilated. Agony! Turned out DD was OP (back to back) and needed ventouse in the end.
Am really interested in Hypnobirthing and will be buying that book/CD thing.

gibbering congrats on boy twins! We are in the same boat as you and need a car which has 3 proper seats in back. DH is supposedly sorting out that small problem as he loves cars...
Re. buggies, we have the Bugaboo chameleon, and we also part-own a PhilandTed's with my friend (we do a nanny-share). My plan was to use the Phil and Ted's for one twin and DD, and use a sling for the other twin until DD is big enough to go on a buggy board. Agree that P+T is cumbersome though.

Eating/weight gain - I have put on a stone already at 19+4. However I did read that in the US they advise that with twins you should be gaining 1.5 pounds a week in the second trimester - so bring it on. Love the MiddleEarth analogy of second brekkies and elevenses. I find I eat loads in the morning and then tail off as the day progresses. Obviously ate loads on hols though!

right - off to bed - night all!!

cantsleepwontsleep I'm now very of you. I have been eyeing up the R&R since DS 2 was a couple of months old. I met the best friend of the lady that makes them in Cardiff, before they had been launched on the internet. But I had not long brought the Tricolet Slen so couldn't justify buying one!

Nizzynoodles ImKeepingMum I have a tricolet slen which is a long stretchy piece of material and I loved it. As soon as DS2 went in it he used to fall asleep. And you can use it for breast feeding too. It did take a couple of practices first to get used to it.

Buggies - We have an 'Out n About' Nipper 360. It is AWESOME - DP, DS and I all love it. Loads cheaper than a mountain buggy, can go anywhere with it (ours has been up mountains in the lake district - we carried it up especially steep or rocky sections and it was fine!) , super-light, easy to fold and pack in car, seat lies right back so can use for newborn although we didn't use it til DS was 4 months or so. Only slight downsides are only having a small amount of storage underneath (although has handy pockets on hood (which is a brilliant (long) sunshade too) and straps are hard to get tight for a very small child but we never really found it a problem. Lookherefor more info.

Carriers - i've tried loads and by far the best I've found is the ERGO, infant sits really well in it rather than 'dangling' and it is so comfortable to wear (on your back or front). You can get a newborn insert which i didn't use with dS as only got it when he was 4 months, but will try this time. See review here

Of all my 'baby purchases' these are the two things that i'm totally passionate about!