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 yes, reusable nappies - we have tots bots fluffles (discontinued now I believe, but still around second hand), and they are fantastic for absorbency, but very bulky, and my dc tend to be huuuuuuge chunky monkeys, so getting clothes to fit over can be a problem. Hence I haven't used them as much as I should have with ds. Must try harder next time! I did end up using the tots bots fleece wrap over ds' disposable nappy at night times, because he was a massively heavy wetter, and would wake up soaking otherwise. Those fleece wraps are great. I too like the motherease wraps for daytimes though.

Okay really quick attempt at a catch up!!!

csws the holiday looks lovely! v jealous. I wish we could justify a hols but all our money is going to be going on our flat extension, we've got to move out and i cannot for the life of me find anywhere to let for 3 months that's not extortionate! All suggestions gratefully received!!

Okay i'm a bit behind on this but re eating has anyone tried Graze? I get a box delivered to my office once a week and it's fab - it's kind of 'healthy' snacks, holland & barrett type stuff but nicer, and has definitely stopped me buying loads of junk to have at my desk. The website is www.graze.com and if you use code D9JVFGK, you might also have to quote 'Eleanor', you get a free box!!

oh and hypnobirthing, i did a course with ds and it was fantastic. Really chilled me out about the pregnancy & birth and as many on here have said, the birth wasn't pain free but certainly manageable.

omg one born every minute was excruciating to watch, i started off thinking that husband was a total d*ck then actually came to the conclusion he had no interest in a fourth child whatsoever, his wife decided she wanted another one and got him to reverse his vasectomy & pay for IVF! Also what the HELL was their son doing in there??? Weird.

HI ladies,

I may have sounded a bit whiny about the home help / nanny issue. I'm not! As I always say when I lust after my neighbours yeat another new pushchair, I chose my luxury - time with DD - and I'm very grateful that we are in a financial position to allow us to do that as a family.

Ooooh nooo, CSWS - have they discontinued fluffles? Bollocky arsewipes that's a pain, they met my needs to a T. To the point where I did no other experimentation with any other sort of nappy and therefore have no idea of alternatives.

Cock. I'm going to have to do some research, aren't I?

Not necessarily gizmo - I could sell you some of my fluffles to fund my disposables habit .

Aha! You may have a deal there, Can'tsleep. I should really haul all my size 1 nappies out of the attic and audit what I have, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to need some more...so CAT me if you'd like to take it further.

I don't have my CAT paid set up to send them gizmo, but you can always get me on CantSleepWontSleep at gmail dot com once you've done your nappy audit!

Hi all, i have "one born every minute" recorded as was in bed at 8.30 last night. Baby was doing strange acrobatics in me and had got itself into a position where my bump looked bigger than I did just before DD was born. It was very uncomfortable and I wasn't happy at all, but am glad to report I've deflated again this morning.

We've been thinking about booking a break in the UK for before the new baby arrives, so you've all inspired me to do some research this afternoon. That place looks lovely CSWS fillybuster DD loved her bouncy chair when she was little. It was a mamas and papas one, just had a quick look at their website but they don't seem to do a similar one anymore. Basically, she loved the vibrate function, and I think any basic chair with a vibrate function would have done for her. It was so well used by DD and her cousin that it hardly vibrates now even with brand new batteries so we'll just have to see how the new baby gets on with it and might need to replace it if he/she requires stronger vibrations!

About help after the birth. I'm lucky that DH only works 4 days a week because of health problems, so while he's not always able to be a lot of physical help, I at least have him around for moral support and to intervene when things are really getting too much for me. I also have my parents who will probably come to stay for a bit and tend to take over the running of the house when they're here, which can be a bit annoying but very helpful at the same time. DH's parents will be coming to have a nosy at the new baby too and will probably stay for a week or so (they live a long way away, so it tends to be a once a year trip for them). They will also be very helpful around the house. I know when DD was born I was very grateful to actually get the place back to myself once all my helpers had faded away a bit!

meggymegmegs I just did NHS classes before DD, which in our area ammounted to one two hour session. DH felt he wanted a bit more so we got this DVD which was quite good. We didn't get a chance to watch all of it as DD came early but what we saw, I think he found helpful (I have worked in maternity in the past so didn't really feel the same need for classes).

Re nappies. I think its really worth experimenting with lots of different types if you can borrow or buy second hand. What works for one baby, won't neccessarily for another so its a good idea to experiment. I agree motherease one size are a great choice, and are the nappy I usually grab first from the drawer, I also really like ellas house, little lambs and bambinio (or whatever they are currently calling themselves!). Tots bots seem to come up too low on DD as she's long and chunky, although we do love her tots bots fluffles - that's what she tends to sleep in. gizmo I think there are still loads of fluffles around second hand if you don't mind that.

Yes, I love graze boxes too minimoon. Have a new one today waiting to be opened!

Xpost about the fluffles. CSWS, if gizmo ends up not wanting the fluffles can you offer them to me next? I have 5 at the moment which we use for nights, but could probably use more when I have 2 little bottoms requiring fluff!

Theres a really big bundle of motherease nappies on ebay just now in southport wherever that is. Its pick up only so just thought i would mention it if anyones close by and interested. No fluffies on there though.
Thanks for all the nappy advice, will see if I can pick up some motherease. The pop in ones look pretty good as well though and they get consistently good reviews.
Have finally got my laptop at home to load mumsnet, was refusing for a while, so should be able to keep up better now.
Just wanted to ask a quick question to those with nannys on behalf of my little sister who is a nanny. She works in a fairly large house and is expected to clean the whole thing as well as looking after kids, feeding them, washing everyones clothes and even laying the fire every day. Is this reasonable? What should nanny's be expected to do exactly? She just does everything asked of her because she is far too nice but I feel she may be being taking a loan of slightly. sorry for rant.
Graze boxes sound good, must have a look. Just ordered some more healthy decaff from has bean, they decaffinate it using just fizzy water basically so its not full of chemicals and it actually tastes as good as normal coffee (and I am a real coffee snob, will not drink instant). Apart from that am totally addicted to Yogi Chocco tea just now, its amazing, really settles your stomach and your head I think.
Right off out to visit grandparents and do some knitting now (hope that doesnt sound too sad )

ebay don't allow sales of used nappies any more, so will prob remove the listing at the last moment knowing them .

How old are the children that she is nannying for goodname? I would tend to think of a nanny as a stand in mother, and as a mother I am expected to do all those things, so in that sense it doesn't sound unreasonable, but on a manic day with the dc the amount of housework done would be minimal.

The motherease I bought on here were immacualte and cost £1.00 each. Might be worth keeping your eyes peeled.

In fact, all the nappies I've bought on here have been very good. I'm scouting for some now as a matter of fact!

I think the advice to try a few is a good idea. I thought I was going to love my Wonderoos, but I didn't get on with them at all.

I'm wondering if ebay have relaxed their policy a bit now about used nappies, as there seem to be a lot more on there than there were a few months ago. www.usednappies.co.uk/ sometimes has some bargains on as well.

I thought a nanny was expected to do nursery duties but not general housework, so would clean childrens' clothes, clean the child's bedroom and playroom, prepare food for the children but not be expected to do these things for the whole household. My cousin used to be a nanny and I know she was very much taken advantage of by the first family she worked for (she lasted about 6 months, where most of their nannies tended to last a couple of weeks). After that she had much better experiences and was much happier. Is still in touch with some of the children she looked after now, at least 10 years on.

Oooh I know Southport very well indeed and could easily arrange a pickup. But I've been strongly advised not to make any definite choices until the baby's born and we know what will suit. Damn it!

goodname it depends a lot on what your sister agreed in the contract she signed up to in the first place. When we hired our nanny we discussed housework and she made it clear she wasn't keen on doing loads of housework. Hence nothing was written into the contract. She obviously washes up what she uses, and empties the dishwasher etc, cooks meals for the babies, and puts a wash on if they get their clothes dirty, but nothing else.

CSWS your holiday looks fab - bet you can't wait! Agree that a Mother's help sounds really good for us also. Not sure how you hire one or how much you pay. We were thinking a housekeeper (sounds odd - and oldfashioned!) would suit us, but I think that is maybe what a mother's help is? DH will need help getting 3 babies breakfasted, dressed etc. on the days when I leave early for work.
Thanks for the clarification on this gizmo!

Am watching Location Location. Phil Spencer is still a total horndog...

Ooh I'm not watching, but def share your views on Phil monkeymargot!

ha ha - and I thought you'd be a regular viewer of Location CSWS given your interest in all things property! So have he and Kirsty sh*gged? What do we think?

The other thing about reusables is that the people I know who kept using them didn't try and use them from day 1. You might like to buy a couple of packs of newborn disposables to make the start easier.

Noooo! Not Phil & Kirsty don't ruin the illusion...

Actually LaT I used them from day 1 with dd, and continued using them until I was trying to eliminate possible reasons for her horrendous nappy rash (caused by milk intolerance), whereas with ds I used disposables from day 1, intending to move to reusables, but then never did because I was used to the ease of disposables! Although I could put him in them again now I suppose - might help some of his too large trousers to stay up better actually!

I don't think they have margot. He's saving himself for me . Is it a new series that was on? I got bored of watching repeats interspersed with supposedly new ones at one point, so sort of lost my way with it. And Wedns of course is American Idol night - one of my guilty secrets .

Phil has got an amazing bod. And there you have my input for the day ladies Aquanatal has taken all my energy so i'm off to bed with a family bag of maltesers and mag,goodnight girls

GinaFB I am so sorry for your baby, I have no words. Be strong and look ahead, try to stay positive and please don't go into depression. Good luck and look after yourself.

ladies, do you recommend the re-usable nappies than the disposable ones?
I read somewhere that the disposable were full with some chemicals and staff, which really works bad for the baby's skin.

I would move back to Oz like a shot if Phil was part of the property deal!

Gibbering I hope things have settled down and you are ok and at home now.

Re One Born Every Minute really felt for the girl having the unexpected Caesarean - can imagine thinking, 'oh god I haven't even washed the blankets yet', myself.

We had our scan today at 21 weeks and all seems to be ok which was a relief to say the least after the various scenarios we had been prepared to face. Feel exhausted and tearful now and actually completely overwhelmed by the thought of being a Mum suddenly. After the scan I dragged DH along to Peter Jones because I wanted to finally buy something for this baby but something was still holding me back. By the time we got back to Victoria I was seriously contemplating running away - god knows where! Mad pregnancy hormones I guess. Also still in limbo with sex as the baby had its legs over the evidence so the sonographer could only be 80% sure. It's been a bit of a week. Met with anaesthetist on Monday as it looks like an elective caesarean is on the cards with a general anaesthetic. It will mean that neither of us will be able to witness our baby's birth and I'm struggling with that. After all the unnaturalness of the IVF I just wanted to have this one normal tremendous thing for my DH even if I can't be awake. I understand the hospital's reasons but it is still hard to cope with and yet again makes me feel not in control. Sorry to go on - just all feeling a bit much. Has anyone else had a planned CS with a GA?

Sunworshipper congratulations on your scan, great news that all seems well. No experience on a planned CS with GA, and I can understand why you're upset that you can't have a bit of normality in the birth after everything that you've been through, but try to remember that the birth is just one day and really quite insignificant in comparison to a whole lifetime of being parents that you and DH have ahead of you.
Not the same thing at all, but I was devastated in my first pregnancy that I couldn't have the natural birth that I wanted and had to be induced at 36 weeks. We tried to focus on the positive aspects of our new birth plan (we know the date so are able to plan, etc) and it was ok.

On nappies - we started using reusables when DD was a few days old. I couldn't be bothered with using them in the hospital as I already seemed to have more bags to take with me than I would for a 3 week holiday! Started with them part time when we got home, and she was in them permanently by the time she was a couple of weeks old. I think there's a case for starting on them fairly quickly when they're born otherwise you tend to get used to the supposed convenience of disposables and find it hard to make the switch. So although I wouldn't invest a lot of money in them before the baby is born, I would definitely recommend buying some to get you started.

I think it was a new Location, Location tonight CSWS, was one I hadn't seen before anyway. It had me and DH getting very jealous at the beautiful perthshire properties and scenery. I'm so desperate to move back to scotland.

Actually, at the moment I'm just desperate for some more sleep really. DD had me up at 2am as her teeth are bothering her again, and I haven't been able to get back to sleep since. Anyone know any good cures for insomnia?