Due May 2010 - not long now ladies, is this the thread we get to have our first baby?

[sweetkitty]

Here you go ladies, waddle on over and get comfy

27 April (just brought forward a week)- Pagen, 36 #1 (unknown), G&A & water birth (I hope) Bulford, Wiltshire
29 April - Littleowls, 31 #1 ??? Carlisle,Cumbria
01 May - Brightredballoon, 32. #3
03 May - hormonalmum, 33,#3
03 May - Lizzie9442, 23, #4 GIRL
04 May - ForcesSweetheart, 36, #2, GIRL (CS 22/4/10) Bulford, Wiltshire
04 May - Memorylapse,37 #5 GIRL Chester
04 May - Squirtsmum, 27 #1, Belfast NI
05 May - Sweetkitty, 34, #4 3DDs, BOY, Lanarkshire (nr Glasgow)
06 May - DorotheaPlenticlew, 35, #2, GIRL, Edinburgh
06 May - LuckyC, 35, #1, GIRL
07 May - hobnobfanatic, 38, #2 GIRL, Wye Valley/Forest of Dean
08 May - LittleOneMum, 36, #2, GIRL, planned CS, central London
08 May - newmomma, 31, #2 GIRL
08 May - Asparagusaddict, ? , #1
09 May - alexw, 37, #2
10 May - Sophie2008, 28 #2 & #3 (TWINS!) BOY & GIRL
10 May - Gils, 28, #2, ?, Falkirk (Central Scotland)
11 May - Itshappenedagain, 26, #2 GIRL liverpool
11 May - MarquiseDeMerteuil, 33, #1, South London
12 May - pamelat, 31, #2 BOY Nottinghamshire
12 May - Katnkittens 30, #4, GIRL
12 May - Haribolicious 36, #2, BOY
12 May - Mustbemadno3 35, #3
12 May - LivsHannah 27, #2, BOY
13 May - Cith, 30, #1
13 May - Wibblela, 36, #1, GIRL?, Huddersfield
13 May - TinyVeins, 29, #1
13 May - Mummymunchkins, 40, #3, BOY
14 May - MinnieMummy, 37, #3, ??
14 May - Fiveisanawfullybignumber, 37 #5 GIRL
14 May - Carikube, 36 #2 ?, Southampton
14 May - JamesAndTheGiantBanana, 28, #2 GIRL
14 May - CornishSAMum, 33, #1, ?, Cornwall
14 May - TomlinTowers, 31 #2, GIRL, York
15 May - LuckyMiller, 33, #1
16 May - MoggMum, 38, #1
16 May - schipo 40, #1, BOY
16 May - Vicky204, 34, #1
16 May - Rachelfruitloop 35, #2 BOY, Chilterns Bucks (NW London area)
17 May - TwentiethCenturyHeffa, 26, #2 Devon
17 May - Morph2 36 #1
17 May - KaffaCakes, ? , #1
18 May - 30ish, 31, #2 BOY, cs booked 11th May, Bolton
19 May - Pigleychez, 28, #2 West Sussex
19 May - cupcakefairy, 25, #1
20 May - LolaAnn, 22, #1, BOY
20 May - Aim, ?, #2, BOY
21 May - Suey2, 39, no2, GIRL
21 May - Sweetpeasmum, 38, #2
21 May - Mumofeag, 34, #3 BOY
23 May - Mollybob, 37 #3
23 May - RacquelWelsh, 38,#1 BOY
23 May - Nimk, 30, #1
23 May - myfirstbump, 26, #1, Shrewsbury
24 May - AnAngelWithin #5
24 May - Yorky, 31, #3
24 May - peakyispreggers, 27, #1 BOY
25 May - Den26, 26, #1 BOY Inverness, Scottish Highlands
26 May - booboomonster, 35, #2 GIRL, SW London
26 May - kateyjane, 32, #4, Halifax, West Yorkshire
26 May - AliMouse, 40, #3 BOY
26 May - Glastocchick, 34, #1
31 May - Hollyoaks, 28, #2

Afternoon all.

Lovely sunny day here today. Been out with DD playing in the garden. Much easier to entertain whilst in the garden, plus she loves her sand/water tray so will happily dig in that for ages. Makes me appreiciate being at SAHM on lovely days like this. We have just had lunch in the garden and im sitting in the sun with my laptop now shes asleep

Did feel for DD earlier though... she was playing so nicely outside whilst i was sorting washing. I heard the chavvy woman across the back howling at her child as normal. She had shouted out " What are you doing?" very sternly. Poor DD must of thought she meant her as she dropped her spade and came running calling mummy, almost in tears bless her.

Went to ASDA this morning and got a 3 pack of newborn sleepsuits, so that will cover that for now. Ended up stocking DD up with hairbands and clips and they just seem to disappear in our house!
Bought myself a new nighty- Its like a long shirt that buttons all down the front- great for BF.Actually quite nice so grabbed one at only £8

BRB- My mum bought me a v cushion with DD and it was great.

Feeling more real now we have stories of babies dropping!

firstbump- I didnt use anything on DD for a while.- obviously water!
We did use johnsons shampoo from birth but she had a full mop when she was born anyway! Still have tons of unused bits in the cupboard.
Only recently started using bubble bath as DD has had this odd fear of bubbles! If i out even a few in her bath she would freak out! Suddenly ( thanks to Peppa pig!) she now wants bubbles and have discovered the joys of Matey bubbles.- They are long lasting and produce loads!
Every bath now she asks for "Matey Bubbles"- DH calls her a brand whore!

JAmes- Agree about the Lochia.. You wont even worry about it when you have your newborn

Alle- with DD we just used a fitted bottom sheet then either a small light blanket/ sheet depending on the weather or her sleeping bag.

hi everyone, well exciting day here today. First we booked up for centerparcs in October (thought the Summer would be pushing it a bit with the new one) and Sept weekend is out as DP is going to Berlin for the marathon (as he had to withdraw from the London one as it is the end of April). It's hard to believe there will be 6 of us with 2 at school by then.

Secondly had my consultant appt this morning, had this whole big speech prepared, didn't take my painkillers so was hobbling and was prepared to sob until she agreed. Had MW appt first and eveything is fine with DS. So anyway explained everything to consultant who was really lovely and said it was entirely reasonable for me to want to be induced. So she told the MW that I have to have an appt at 39 weeks, a VE and a sweep and then they will book me in no later than 40 weeks. I asked her what she thought my chances of it being quick and straighforward and she said having had 3 natural births they should be able to break my waters and that would kick things off, if not a hormone drip would be used but she said she thought it wouldn't come to that. Of course now that I have done all this he will be early! I feel sad not to be having a HB this time but for our family it is the best thing. So DS will be here by the 5th May at the latest!

Oh and then I was having a naughty McDs (spent an hour in the doctors so was starving) and a chunk of my tooth fell out it's happened the last twice I have been pregnant too and that's with me taking calcium tablets.

pigley - I always stock up on hair things in Asda can you imagine 3 girls? I think the ASda sleepsuits are great that's what I have got as they are hardly in them any time too. Acid reflux makes me feel sick as well, do not suffer it as Five said get some Zantac from the supermarket, it is safe in pregnancy and much nicer than Gaviscon.

kateyjane - all this talk of changing bags has made me want one as well, I am automatically drawn to the girly ones but think a black one would be better and match the pram as well, thanks for the sympathy, DP is off until the 19th now and then it's only 2 weeks and he is on 3 day weeks so not too bad

mustbemad - enjoy the health farm

brightred - I love my v-shaped pillow too, I got mine from Blooming Marvellous with DD1 so it has served me well. Your are so right great for siblings to hold the baby too.

Katnkankles - you don't need to tell me about the SPD and how it is affecting you, it really does suck, have you seen a physio and had a belt? They work for some women. I didn't take any painkillers this morning and ouch what a difference.

Five - I always carry high but I too feel like the head is at my knees. DD2 never engaged until after they broke my waters and I don't think DD3 ever did either but I think they can bounce in and out of your pelvis as theres a lot more room down there.

myfirstbump - have bought no toiletries for the baby either, plain water here. DD2 has ezcema so we don't use anything in the bath apart from a drop of Aveeno.

James - totally agree about the lochia, it's a pain the first few days, well really only the first day after giving birth but as you say it settles down quickly and it's more an annoyance than anything else. Using pads isn't that great either, my MW told me last time not to use Always but to use special maternity pads as they don't have the plastic backing and I was getting a rash. I have bought a few packs of the jumbo sized ones but they are nice as cushioning and some of the slim ones as well.

I bought my Secret Stork present today and also some more PJs and a post birth top.

Hello Everyone
This is my first bump so everything I read on this thread seems very interesting. Glad I joined here so can keep in touch with mums who are at the same stage as me.

Spmething thats worrying me these days is that I am almost 34 wks now and the baby doesn't seem to have turned her head down as yet (Shouldn't she be upside down by now ) or am I getting neurotic for nothing.

Have got my MW appointment next week and wonder what she will have to say about it.

Wonder what your experiences were like?

Hello all

Was up between 2 - 5am feeling sick with reflux so ended up catching up with posts. Can sympathise with those who can't get comfortable at night and whoever said how come they can sleep on the sofa during the day but not at night - LOL that's so right! It might be ok if I could actually get the opportunity to sleep during the day! In fact I am feeling a low level nausea during the day - I think someone else mentioned this? It's a bit annoying.

ML hoping all's well with you, glad you are being taken seriously finally and sounds like you will meet your LO soon! Good luck!!

James relate to the toddler exhaustion? I can't believe how full on things are now. And I've just the one - hats off to all of you with more than one child to juggle already!

mustbemad enjoy your health farm! I am a bit jealous but can't complain as DH is taking DD off to Ireland to visit rellies leaving me at home. Huzzah! Though I will miss them I am v much looking forward to sleeeeeeeep (on sofa, during the day, whenever I want, etc... etc...)

MDM I keep checking for stretchmarks - didn't get them first time around, but now I am wondering if the skin will have lost it's elasticity this time. I also heard that some people don't get them til afterwards - I think this is because sometimes they don't show up until the skin is a bit "deflated", as it were!

hollyoaks impressed with potty training - sounds like you are on a roll. We half heartedly started and though DD is quite happy doing wees and the odd fart (which she is always very happy with) on it so far, no poos! I think I need to properly dedicate a week to it when I go on mat leave in 2 weeks time. It would be good to have it out of the way before LO appears! Good luck.

SK great news with the consultant, really pleased for you.

lizzie that sounds scary for you, but glad everything was ok. It sounds like things are really starting to happen on this thread. My mum reckons I'll come early but I think that's just her way of saying "your bump is massive". What-ever? [teenage emoticon] She was totally wrong last time - was sunning herself in france when I went into labour so I'm sceptical of her knack at "mother's instinct".

carikube hope you are feeling a bit better. These DH's don't seem to understand that they are not the only ones having a stressful time. Mine keeps harping on about being anxious about having another baby and even admitted he felt a bit depressed about it. I pointed out that I already had the baby (albeit inside) and was already having to deal with it all. And it was a bit tactless given that we (fingers crossed) are going to have this baby? god it made me so angry and depressed. But anyway, upshot is that I just don't think these blokes understand what we are going through (and my DH is usually quite sympathetic on the whole). Arrgh.

Swastayana I think baby can move around for a while yet - I am 33 weeks and wasn't going to start worrying til 36 weeks or so? but I am a second timer and I think that means there is more room down there? I'm sure someone else will know.

Hope everyone manages to enjoy sunshine predicted this weekend. I am v much looking forward to a child (and DH) free few days. My first for 3 years...

swastanaya - are you fears because last MW appt the baby wasn't head down or do you not think it is head down? Just asking as bum cheeks can feel like a head. Your MW will advise you next visit try not to worry.

Thanks for washing second hand stuff tips everyone. Now, anyone have advice on how to get DH to do this for me as I cannot be arsed? So lovely and sunny; wish I could go to pub and have LARGE glass white wine. LARGE. Maybe 2.

Am a bit grumpy and arsey about everything ATM mainly because I feel like I have a baby's head stuck between my legs. SO uncomfortable.

Have had inspiration for secret stork buy though

Hey there everyone. Having an annoying day full of small annoying things like late buses and silly consultants (thread here), not to mention looming Serious Chat this weekend with DP's family about some stuff too complex (& not really relevant) to relate here, but stressful.

So, just checking in and as usual the thread has moved on loads -- will try & post later in more responsive way! It's cheering to read everyone's updates. Hope you are all heading for at least a partially restful weekend.

Sweetkitty, glad to hear you have a plan in place that you fell happy with!

Swastayana as SK said, the baby's bottom can really feel like a head mine is def head down, but I wouldn't have necessarily guessed as much from how it feels. Hopefully you'll get reassurance from the MW.

DorotheaPlenticlew, SweetKitty and Booboomonster - Thank you for your response.
Because this is my first one I think I do get a bit jittery for no reason at times but yes my speculations are based on the way i feel the kicks and what I think feels like her head.
One more reason is that it was not easy to get her foetal heartbeat on the last two visits to the GP. The GP thought she was not Occiput and was Posterior.
Hope she decided to get a bit cooperative and flicks.

Hello all, isnt life easier when the sun shines , especially with toddler in tow

Pigley my day sounds like yours. ASDA for newborn stuff, and then ended up getting DD (2.3) a new coat, shoes, wellies and swim suit . Poor baby got a 3 pack of newborn sleep suits.

We then had a picnic and ice cream. She went to sleep, I did too, and then off for outdoor swimming with my parents at the gym. Basically this was DD splashing me for an hour but good fun in the sun

MDM - stretchmarks, only got a couple with DD but went for monthly massages and used cream every day. This time, not been for anything or used anything and not got any, so far (am 36 weeks) Fingers crossed.

Stretchmarks, everyone told me if your mom got them you will get them. I was so happy that there was not a single one on my perfectly round n cute tummy till last week and then WHAM! This week my lower tummy is getting full of them... all at once

Thanks for all the encouragement re homebirth. I saw a MW today who was very encouraging, so there's still hope. She also said baby is three fifths engaged

Other people's real babies are suddenly becoming very fascinating. I think it might be beginning to sink in...

Anyway, some more quick washing questions:

Does everything get washed? All the new blankets, cot sheets etc?
Should second hand clothes etc be washed at hot temperature? With special detergents?
Should fabric softener be used or not?

Hope everyone has a nice sunny weekend.

Hi girls. Nicked hubby phone to post question. Do you always have a show few days before labour. I had one with dd but wasn't sure if you got one with every preg. Will post more in morning mn on phone not ideal

sweetkitty - OMG the same thing happened to me, I was eating chicken and a whole chunk of my tooth fell out last week - I don't take calcium but I drink loads and loads of milk (and have a milkshake addiction)... good job we get free dental care!

Have to echo the bobbles thing, I have 2 DDs (soon to be 3) and I'm sure they eat them or something. It doesn't help that dd2 (6) always comes out of school with her hair wild and messy having been playing 'hairdressers' with her friends. It drives me mad because aside from the bobble thing there's the nits issue... oh God whay am I having another DD again???

Hi all,

I was on the original threads. Still here and been reading from time to time, but not had much time to read everything and catch up. Due date still the 8th May.

I had 32 week scan 4 weeks ago and baby was estimated at 3.5 pounds. I thought lovely.

Baby's head engaged 4/5 that week and feel like I've been carrying melon around in my abdomen since.

Had my 36 week scan today and baby is currently estimated at 6 pounds 12 ounces. Oh my goodness!! 4 weeks still to go. I'm hoping with head engaged so early, I might go early and before baby gets too much bigger. Consultant isn't concerned about baby weight, in fact, I'm no longer needing to see the consultant as everything is nice and normal, but I was hoping for a wee 7.5 pounder after the first growth scan.

Still got 2 more weeks of work too!

From your experiences of childbirth before, mums on baby 3, do you really notice the difference in a couple of pounds on the way out or does it all pretty much hurt regardless?

Morning in answer to your questions IMO

shows - only had one with the first about an hour after my waters had gone, nothing with the other two, DD2's waters didn't go just have contractions, DD3's was a pop and a whoosh

size - it gets easier with each birth IME regardless of size, I have said before that my 9lber was far easier than my 6lber, the third was was 8lbs 5ozs and slid out in 2 contractions no pushing required. I wouldn't worry about the size thing it's an estimate, they could put on more or less than the 1/2lbs a week. I was reading on another thread that 3rd trimester scans are very inaccurate and are not recommended for growth the thing is the baby will be the size it will be and theres not a lot we can do about it. There's also a train of thought that says your body will not grow a baby that you cannot deliver. I do personally believe the closer you are to term the better and even if the baby is a bit bigger it's better for it, better at feeding and generally just healthier in that you don't worry if a 9lb whopper loses weight but with a 6lber you do.

Washing - I was everything new and old, in non bio with some fabric softener. I hate the way new clothes smell especially the blankets etc. The sun is one of the best antibacterial things there is and getting things out on the rope for a few hours is great, the sun will bleach them. But for everything else a normal wash is fine, really mouldy things could have a 60 wash if you prefer.

kat - the hair thing drives me insane too, I am so glad this one is a boy short hair!

Lovely day here today am planning on doing a whole load of washing, got moses basket down so going to clean all of it as it's been up the loft, same with car seat cannot decide whether I don't like the colour is a good enough reason to get a new one. It's a beige dog tooth type, suppose I could get a nice cover thing.

Gils I didn't get a show with DS, waters just broke spontaneously as I was waiting to be seen for induction.

Sazzles I can relate! SK, Thank you for the reassurance about the baby size. I have resigned myself to probably having a 10 lb-er since the growth scan on Wednesday showed he's 7 lbs at 34 weeks, but it still makes me feel jittery. DS was nearly 10 lbs so I don't know why I'm nervous. I think it's just knowing in advance!

SK and Katnkankles my teeth seem to just fall apart when I'm pregnant and post-pregnancy. I've had 2 broken teeth in the last couple of years. Glad to have the maternity exemption!

Dorthea I read your other thread, sounds like your consultant appointment was really stressful. I can't stand patronising people, especially in the medical profession. It's usually assumed that they'll know more than we do as they've studied medicine, but no need to shove people's noses in it! I hope some of the links to documents on Csections that others provided will help to make your point at the next appointment.

I'd better get ready for work. I'm thinking of talking to my manager about starting maternity leave a bit earlier or at least reducing my hours over the last few shifts. The 9.5 hours on Sundays are killers. I hope everyone has a good weekend and enjoys the sunshine!

morning ladies. So much to catch up on! I really can't see this thread lasting til we pop!!

All ok I think apart from feeling dreadfully tired comstantly at the moment! Doesn't help I can't sleep cos of cramps. And the kids are home for another week, ds1 being particularly challenging! MW monday. Will be 34 Weeks monday. EEK! Hope the little naughty bum havd turned from being breech!!

Schipo - go for the HB if thats what you want. I had my last 2 at home and it was fab, Just wish I could have this one at home And yes, I was everything, in non bio with 'pure' softener to make it all nice and soft.

BRB good buy from tescos, I can't find it online now

Myfirstbump, i got my skiphop bag off ebay for £20, it had been used once and deinately a bargain!

Gils, I didn't have my show til I was in labour with dd1. All the others was a few days before.

Sassles, my 3rd was my heaviest at 8lb 6, but defo the quickest, esiest and least painful!

Just debating what to do with myself today really. Washings on the line, I need to have a bath and wash my hair but the kids are bored too...

Hello all, DH has taken DD out for an hour so a rare moment of peace.

She has woken in a bad mood but saying her ears are hot, no temperature but given a half dose of calpol just in case, bad mother.

Our new sandpit arrived yesterday, its a bit sad but was very excited! I have visions of feeding baby outside with a cup of tea and DD playing happily by herself in it, mmmmmmm we will see.

Seeing midwife Weds to see if DS is still breech, I thought he had turned but most of my "kicks/punches/shoves" are low down to maybe not?

SIL has leant me a smock dress to wear for new few months, non maternity but she had said because of style it would work, its indecent ...! Might get away with it as a tunic. Its ok wearing non maternity smocks but its shortened it by a good 6 inches!

Schipo- Same here. I wash eveything first in no bio. Many things have finishing chemicals on them so they look nice in the shops.

Gills- I was overdue with DD. Had a sweep then a show later that day. Still had to be induced over a week later as nothing had happened.

Sassles- Good to "see" you again

Dorethea- How annoying for you to be patronised like that.

Pamlet- DD loves her sand pit and occupies herself very well with it so im hoping too

Another sunny day here today. Washing basket is empty! so no washing to do . Meant to be tidying as the In-laws are coming later but here I am on MN!
We are all going swimming together later so that they can see DD's progress with her lessons. Think they will be very suprised

We have just picked our Horses for the Grand National later. We always have a little bet every year. DD has picked a horse too. Random point at 20mths but choose "My will" which is very apt for the stroppy little mare!
We used to go to Ascot every year too but havent since DD and DH used to be pretty lucky so fingers crossed

Morning everyone, lots to catch up on again.

Just dropping in really. Nothing new to report, just a bit fed up of going to hospital every day but the end is in sight!

Everyone sounds like they are really stepping up a gear now in our preparations, I really wish my nesting instict would kick in but I'm in doubt that it will. Maybe next week when I should be back at work I might feel guilty and start then!

I'm also going to ikea today for the very first time ever... I'm scared!

I will respond better later after I've recovered from my outing!

Hi Pigleychez. Nice to be back. Can not believe how quickly the last 8 months have gone.

I picked My Will too. Will is my baby name, but DH isn't convinced. I've told him if it wins it's a sign!! .

Sweetkitty, Rachelfruitloop & Myangelwithin thanks for the responses. Guess he will be, what he will be. Doc did say the scan wasn't the most accurate and had a 20% variance or something, but SK think you are right that a nice robust baby is a good thing once out. I have decided that my labour is going to be a piece of cake, short and painless. Positive thinking can't hurt, right? .

RFL my blood pressure soared when they told me the estimate, guess your's did too? The scanner seemed really pleased as she said "6 pounds 12" is this really bright happy voice.

Dorothea, I read your post. Stick to your guns. I think that your wishes should be followed, unless there is a real reason not to follow them. Until that moment comes, they don't know what will be needed, so should be aiming to stick with your wishes as the course of action unless other action is necessary.

Goodafternoon ladies,
I noticed some of you mentioned baby being weighed in the womb (isn't that was Sassles meant?). Is it done for everyone? As I am 34wks now and I was told my 20 wks scan was my last scan unless there was any cause of concern.

Posting again on my phone. Internet on phone behaving a little better today so have been able to scroll through some posts. Dorethea. Sorry to hear your consultant is a twonk there is absoloutely nothing wrong with your requests. I would deffo be asking for skin to skin after a c sectim if my baby was well.
I also wash all nex clothes bedding etc and babies clothes blankets etc have all been pre washed in non bio.
Re. Shows. Jelly like plug can come out weeks before labour starts but a bloody show usually means labour is imminent
Still in hospital. Am so sleep deprived. Kept awake all night by snorers and labouring women! Il be too knackered to give birth at this rate. Women in the bf next to me snores so violently that I wanted to smother her with a pillow. She sleeps all day and bloody snores then too. Grr.
Joined the staff syndicate and put a bet on the national. 36 + 4 today almost full term!

Glad to hear your still holding out ML, but sorry to hear about the woman next to you snoring. I feel for you as DH says I always snore in late pregnancy, he nearly smothered me the other night I think.
Can you get your DH to get you some ear plugs from Boots or a local chemist.

I must be the odd one out here as I don't use non bio on babys stuff. Tried it for 1 wash with DC4,s and got fed up with all the white stuff having a blue tinge to them. It's the optical brightners as the non bio doesn't clean as well that gives everything a bluish look. Luckily my lot seem to be ok with Bold Lavender & Chammolile, Pure softener and an extra long rinse hold.

The tooth thing is a bummer, had one almost crumble away with DC4, it had to come out after she was born., now with DC5 I'm having trouble with 1 that had a root canal 7 years ago, think it's on it's way out too.
I think I've nearly sent myself into labour this afternoon, trying to constuct an 8ft trampoline in the garden with DD1 (15), DS2 (8) & some interference assistance from DD2 (21m). We got as far as springing the bounce pad they realised we'd left the tramp clamps off the frame. So de-springed it only to find that the fram sections don't fit in the bloomin tramp clamps!! Very now, and my legs feel like jelly!
Will have to wait for DH to come home from work (today was supposed to be the first day of his holidays, but staff sickness meant he had to go in) to kick it give it some brute force.
Hope you're all enjoying the sunshine, let's hope it a sign of a lovely summer to come.

Big thank you to my secret stork! The outfit is gorgeous, thank you so much

Swastayana - welcome to the thread The weight thing isn't done for everyone, they check the estimated weight at growth scans if you're having them. If you're worried then talk to your midwife but they'd have given you a scan if there was cause for concern.

Re washing - I don't use non-bio either but use very gentle bio tablets. None of us have dry skin problems though so it isn't a problem.

Re sandpits - DD loves hers too. She spent most of this morning naked and running around the garden spraying sand everywhere. Loving this weather!

Sassles - Will is a beautiful name.

Re changing bags - hadn't even thought about a new one until all this chat and now I'm googling them wistfully. It's very bad since mine is in excellent condition and I'm very happy with it. Only problem is that I might prefer a backpack with two because it can be a pain to carry around.