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

forces wow how exciting!!! Just told my DH and he is now terrified as it all suddenly seems very soon!

five I really struggled with my teeth over the easter weekend and ended up at an emergency dentist. Its ok now but I would say that only dental treatment worked for me, co-codeine, cloves, whiskey on teeth etc - were all rubbish. I feel for you, I ended up sobbing on Good Friday. I need a root filling but the dentist put some kind of anasesthetic paste in as a short term solution which has worked ok.

12th April, am due a month today!! Personally i cant see this baby hanging on until then. It feels like he is constantly trying to get out?!!! Its really quite uncomfortable. I think it must be because he is still breech so the kicks are very low down. That would kind of make sense

Forces - that's very exciting! Wonder which baby we'll be greeting first

Angel - glad LO has turned and everything's OK.

Sympathy to everyone struggling with their teeth. I had to have a filling today for the first time Luckily not too painful though.

Twentiethcenturyheffa and pigleychez - think you are right about not mentioning names to family. Should have kept quiet. Pigleychez, i actually snorted with laughter at Moonbeam and Sundance. So funny. Good plan.

My bump's head engaged at 33 weeks and def is a bit more uncomfy, but not too bad. I'm 36 weeks now and def see the bump moving in all shapes. I'm still at work and can totally relate to the sore bottom feeling and feeling like sitting on baby.

ML & Forces - How exciting!

Re Birthing plans - I am clueless about what to right too, but will follow you guys and just ask for important things like skin to skin. I was consultant led, but saw him for last time (unless go overdue) and he has handed me to CMU care. Think that means i will go to CMU instead of labour ward if all goes naturally, which would be great as I would love the birthing pool and not been an option till now. Will wait and check with midwife on Monday though. No point getting excited as CMU only has one pool and if someone's already in it...

There is a brill pregnancy thread about what you want to say when people ask you every five minutes "how are you" and general gripes. It is hilarious you should check it out.

I had a lovely moment today when one of the women at work sadi to me on my way past her desk, "my your bump has really dropped over the weekend. Last week it was propping your boobs up, but it's dragging them down with it today". Cheeky swine! It's totally untrue as well, bra still holding my boobs in the right place. Some people eh?

Menat to say also - Myangelwithin - Fab news on the baby turning!

MDM- Birth plan.. Havent done mine but agree with the bullet points.

CUPCAKE- cant really remember what we did for DD. But then again it was a very hot july and she spent most of her day in just a nappy or vest.

FORCES- Wow! How exciting!

ANGEL- Yay, for Baby turning

ML- Woo Hoo! Thursday for you too

FIVE- Hope the dentist helps tomorrow.

Rushed round like a looney this afternoon, waking DD up from her nap and rushing to her swimming lesson only to get there to find it all locked up and realising its a 2 week break instead of one for easter- Doh!
DD was very upset as she loves swimming. We came home and shared an Easter egg instead.

DH came in from work after popping into the supermarket on the way. He bought me a big slab of galaxy which im currently scoffing! He also bought DD a new colouring book so an easy day for me tomorrow

Hi All

Forces and ML- how exciting for you both!! Thursday will be a special day!! Fingers crossed and will be thinking of both of you and logging on to get the birth announcements (because of course you will be up to typing straight away!!)

Pigley - I like the sound of your DH - any man who brings chocolate and entertainment for the LOs is a good man in my book!

MDM - I have just done my birth plan for this one, and basically it says that medical staff can treat my birth plan as written consent to do whatever is necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of baby and me, that we want to be kept informed as and when possible about what is happening, but that we understand that the safe delivery of our baby is what really matters. However, having said that, if I get the option I would like epidural when I request it (going to try to do it without), G & A, DH to cut the cord, and then immediate skin to skin so we can try and establish breastfeeding asap after birth. Apart from that, we will go with the flow!

Cupcake - my DS1 still wears vests now and he is nearly 3! I remember putting him in a vest with mitts/bootees/cardigan when he was born and he was absolutely boiling, but it was very warm in the hospital and we had really high temps in the May when he arrived. I think whoever said that the baby needs to be in one more layer than you was right. As these are summer babies, I think this LO will be wearing mainly vests with a cover. I did usually change DS1 in the morning and at night, but just because I used it as a way of establishing a bedtime routine quite early on - we would bathe him or wash him down every night and then put fresh sleepsuit on him whilst lights were dimmed etc. However, if you have just changed an hour earlier because of exploding nappy or something, then I don't think it matters if they go to bed in the same thing! There is already enough washing and ironing in the world without adding to it unnecessarily!

Sassles - some people are so charming, aren't they?! Sadly, those are the type of situations where I think of something witty and brilliant to say about 5 minutes after they have gone!

Angel - hurray for the turning baby!

Five - LOL at your daughter and the doctors! I remember having to have a mole off my back when I was about her age, and I wore my best underwear and everything to go and see the hospital doctor about it! Was so disappointed when he just made me lie on the couch and examined me without any comment on my outfit!

Sorry to everyone having difficulties with their teeth at the moment. I had to have a back molar out after DS1 was born, and my dentist said that it used to be saying that mothers lost a tooth for every male child they had (something to do with the boys being more greedy for certain elements that go to making up the enamel on the teeth apparently, which leaves them more vulnerable to infection etc). Not sure if this is true, although I have had no trouble this time, and this LO is apparently a girl. Will have to test the theory!!

News from me is that we have, in a moment of madness, decided to sell our house! I saw a really lovely house in the same village up for sale the other day, that shock horror we can afford without breaking the bank, went to look round it (purely in the interests of research, obv!) and absolutely fell in love with it. Spoke to estate agents and we can agree price for that house, but we need to sell ours. So it went on Rightmove today!! Eek!! Am now having kittens about keeping house tidy enough for people to see it! Just hope that it sells in the next 4 weeks so can turn it into a bombsite when LO arrives....! Don't think overflowing washing basket, full nappy bin and screaming baby will be conducive to buyers. So, if anyone knows anyone who wants a three bed modern semi in York, let me know....!!

Hope everyone else is doing OK - all getting very real now!

Evening everyone

Forces - Very excited for you. Can't believe both you and ML will have babies by the end of this week. Hope everything goes really well for you.

Angel - Glad your baby has turned. Mine has now and can empathise with everyone who feels like they are almost on the way out!

pamelat, twentieth and five - you're all struggling with teeth. I've got 2 fillings, one with DD1 and one with DD2. It's unbelievable what our lo's do to our bodies

five - at your DD1, hope she gets some attractive doctors!

Sassles - Hope you get to use the pool at the CMU.

Pigley - at your galaxy. I really fancy one now.

ML - Thinking about you It's a shame that none of us are closer.

Don't know whether to bother writing a birth plan or not. Not really sure how much I will be able to change things with an induction. Think I will specify skin to skin immediately and no forceps/ventouse unless absolutely unavoidable. Have always said no epidural before, but for some reason with no.4 I keep getting 'the fear' so think I will remain open minded.

Forces and ML - very exciting for both of you!

SK and Heffa - thanks for the birth plan tips. DH and I are going to write it tonight when he gets back from playing football. I'm going to follow your advice and keep it simple and try to keep it to half a page of bullet points (good idea on the bullets Pigley!).

Priority is to get LO out safely. Would like to remain mobile as much as possible, so if they do monitoring I don't want it to prevent me moving round. For pain relief, I'd like to try tens followed by G&A and birth pool f available and avoid epidural if poss as would prefer to stay on home-from-home unit. (Happy for them to offer me an epidural if I seem to be struggling though.) Would prefer DH to tell me the sex and to have immediate skin to skin and to try to establish BF'ing asap (even if I have to have a CS). Would rather avoid episiotomy but will have one (with local anaesthetic please) if baby in distress and it's necessary to get baby out safely, but want them to warn me about it first, not just do it. Will have Vit K injection for baby and induced 3rd stage. If I need stitches afterwards, would like local anaesthetic for that. If I have to have CS, want them to lower the screen so I can see it being lifted out, then have skin to skin and establish BFing asap afterwards.

Think that about covers it. Have I missed anything major?

Sassles - I know exactly how you feel, I feel like my bump has dropped in the last few days and today it has felt like something is pressing against my tailbone, which is a bit of a strange sensation. I guess the midwife will tell me on Wednesday morning if LO has actually descended any further (GP said it was 1/5 engaged 2 weeks ago).

Cupcake - glad you asked that question about how often to change LO's clothes. I am quite cheered by all the responses saying once a day, as I had assumed LO's clothes would get all pooey / pukey and need changing about 4 times a day!

Pamelat - just a month to go for me too (in theory, unless it's a late one!) Is your tooth completely better now?

I have posted my 8-month bump photo here. Looking back at my 4 and 5 month pics, I can't believe I was so proud of my bump at the time , it was so tiny!

X-post Tomlin - your birth plan sounds similar to mine.

My birthplan is also just bullet points. There's not too much to say as I will hopefully be in the MW led unit so there isn't anything stronger than G&A or pethidine available.

If I need transferring to hospital like with DD then things are obviously not going to plan so any birth plan almost becomes irrelevant, though I will be specifying that I do not want the syntocinon drip. My MW says that it's ok to specify this second time around but they wouldn't accept this from a first timer - the drip didn't work for me with DD in terms of making the contractions any stronger/more efficient so it seems pointless going through it...

MDM - oh there will be days you will change them 4 times, BF babies tend to do explosive poos that can reach their necks I kid you not, I always remember one time we took DD1 to Bluewater for the day, she pooed through her first outfit so ended up in a babygro, then she pooed that up to her neck so we had to go to Mothercare and buy her an outfit. At least it doesn't smell bad.

kateyjane - I know what you mean about "the fear" I kind of feel the same, I have had 3 straightforward, fast VBs, G&A only and I think in a way I am tempting fate does that make any sense? The whole induction thing scares me a bit as well as with my other labours it was a case of once they started they couldn't stop IYSWIM but going in to be induced feels different especially after 2 HBs.

Tomlin - wow you crazy woman selling your house that's worse than me planning an extension with a baby and 3 others. Hope your house sells really quickly and you get into your dream house soon.

pigley - hot July 2008??? Shows you we were at opposite ends of the country, I remember having to dig out a SNOWSUIT of DD2's to put on DD3 as it was so cold and rainy here. I had this vision of baby sleeping in pram whilst other 2 sat in the garden but it was the most miserable summer ever. I had DD1 Juky 2004 in central London and it was boiling she spent the first 2 months in a vest and nappy. I had one of those room thermometers that tells you if the room is too hot for the baby and it got stuck at too hot forever. One extra layer is fine, remember babies do well in very hot countries too.

Five - matching Monsoon outfits DD3 is the most messy child I know, she was out in the garden today for 15 mins and was mancky, her dinner is always in her hair as well. She usually has on an old pair of jeans, trainers and a top.

I have the dentist on Weds to sort out this crumbling tooth which is more filling than tooth now. I have been taking calcium tablets this whole pregnancy as well.

Also know the pressure downstairs feeling, he was 2/5s engaged last week but I think he jumps in and out, whacking my bladder on the way, lovely feelings of pressure and stabbing pains, ah the joys.

On the plus front we got Sky+ HD multiroom today which will be fab for BFing marathons.

Hello Everyone
Thanx for information on 36 wks scan. Am starting to work on my Birth Plan now. Guess its not too early at 34 wks any tips from the more experienced members?

MDM - your birth plan sounds good. I think I will try to keep it short and simple like that. Mine is first one as well.
Is it not possible to opt for birth pool if I want to have epidural?

Can't believe by the end of the week we'll have our first babies...eek - 3 weeks till Squirt is due and there is no way in hell I feel ready, DP is doing a great job of keeping me calm and focused but i have a feeling he has only just found the tip of my box of crazy!!

Finally on Mat leave so birth plan was wrote out today, half a page, bullet points and all the main ones already stated on here (skin-to-skin, no interventions, birthing pool if available but having a healthy mum and babe at the end of it all is the main thing), tbh if I was back home I'd be having a home birth so the MW's I have in the MLU know to leave me well alone

As you can see from the time of my post insomnia has well and truely kicked in, been awake since 2am-ish lazing on the sofa trying to sleep but to no avail. Squirt is no longer 3/5ths engaged... completely popped out according to MW on thurs but judging by the pain in my hips I think the LO has moved down again - hopefully staying there this time.

Anyone else feeling sad and happy at the same time - we get to meet our babes soon but they suddenly become everyone else's property and not just ours, its not just you and bump sharing moments its the whole world IYKWIM... I know I'm gonna miss it.

xxxx

Birth plans - bullet points sounds sensible. I think last time I said I wanted skin-to-skin, DH cutting the cord and that otherwise I was generally happy with whatever was needed. I think I also said no pethidine (not sure why now). Not sure what to do this time since I'm not sure how I'll deliver, I guess it's best to write one for if I go into labour naturally and one for a planned CS although the only thing I'm really fussed about either way is skin-to-skin to try and establish bfing. Your plan sounds excellent MDM. I read one that was nearly 40 pages long once

Tomlin - selling your house sounds mad! New place sounds lovely though

Re July 2008 - I remember it being very hot while I was in hospital and for a couple of days after I got out...then it started raining again all summer.

Squirtsmum - congratulations on starting maternity leave Hope you enjoy the rest! Insomnia is a complete pain, it's so unfair in late pregnancy. I know what you mean about feeling sad and happy, it can be a bit weird when it all comes to an end. This time I'm looking forward to handing LO over to someone else so I can concentrate on DD again though, and then I feel guilty saying that

I would just say that bullet points for a birth plan are perfect.

My DS1 came early, away from home, and I had no notes, bag or plan with me - the LOVELY midwife just asked me about 5 questions and that covered everything of major importance.

I would also suggest you include something brief in case of an emergency c/s.

For example - I said that I wanted DH with me the whole time if c/s was needed, and that if baby needed to go to special care unit I wanted DH to go with baby, and then come back and be with me after the baby was taken good care of.

MDM - I literally said something very similar to your above paragraph to the midwife:

• No epi unless deemed to lessen a bad tear
• Immediate skin-to-skin, no cleaning required.
• BF'ing immediately
• As natural as poss (tens & G&A), but wanted all options available as it was my 1st time and didn't know how I'd cope.
• Water birth if available
• DH to cut the cord and also have skin-skin time.

And the points mentioned above...

My news - could possible have a baby next Tuesday!!!

Forces/ML - wow, good luck for Thursday. Can't believe we are at this point already.

Tomlin - your mad , hope your house sells quickly and you get your dream house.

MDM - I can't believe how small you are, where is that baby hiding? I also think if you need a ventouse delivery, episiotomy or stitches you get a local as standard.

Cupcake - iron tablets are making me feel rotten too, I've swung from being constipated to really bad stomach pains and the runs (sorry tmi!). I've gone from being prescribed one a day to three but can't manage the third, it just makes me feel sick. Had bloods taken yesterday to check iron levels again, hopefully they've improved.

Pigley - you need to slow down! However, think dd and I will be sharing an easter egg today

Birth plan - that's next on my list to do now that the bag is nearly packed. It will be pretty basic, don't want epi (as terrified of needle) or pethidine (as worried I'll feel sick} just g&a. I would also like to stay mobile unless I need to be monitored. I think as long as you go into it with an open mind and are happy that if you need an intervention its for your and the baby's safety than you will be fine. I would also like immediate skin to skin regardless of the delivery to try and establish an immediate bond and bf as I had issues with both last time unless baby needs extra attention.

I saw mw yesterday and she was again unsure if baby is head up or down, it must have a bony bum as I think its head down though not engaged. Trace of protein again though bp was low so sending another sample off to check for uti. Sil said that it would be really unusual for a vaginal secretion to contaminate a urine sample so best to get it checked.

I know I'm pale, a little dizzy and really tired but when I said to the sales assistant that I wasn't sure whether the tiny hats that I had just bought would fit lo's head as they were 'one size' rather than newborn etc... she looked at 2.3yr old dd and said, 'sweetheart, I don't think they will fit now.'

Hope everyone is well

Ooh x-post, newmomma, how exciting Are you being induced or cs?

mdm- you made my day, everyone been telling me how tiny i am and don't look pregnant, it's nice to see someone with similar bum.
all those with baby by the end of the week- how nice for you...i have mixed feelings, i want this to be over, but unsure how i will cope with the baby, silly i know, but...
birth plan- simple, water birth if possible, little pain relieve if i can cope, but keep us both safe, do what you need to, horrified of epi, but won't argue with docs, important: skin to skin, bfeed inmidiately, dh and baby with me at all times, and don't want to give birth laying on my back.
tooth pain- it hurts only thinking about it, poor you ladies, hope you get some relieve, carrying boy and no problem at all, mad dentist who said that.

good luck to us all.

Wow newmommma how cool, it's all starting to kick off now!!! Here we go ladies, it's gonna be an exciting couple of months.

Newmomma That is such exciting news!! BRB are you going to be soon as well? I remember last week you said you'd keep it a surprise! I am so excited for everyone!!!! Forces do you feel prepared now? I bet physically you can't wait, you've suffered a lot!

ML I wish I lived closer and could give you a hand with your LOs, hopefully it will all fall into place and maybe DP will end up being able to be there for the birth? I really hope so. If not, I hope DP is able to see the two of you shortly after.

I feel for all of you having tooth issues, having my broken tooth pulled in January was not nice. I think I might have another cracked molar on the other side now but it's not hurting so hope it will hold until the summer.

Sazzles and Heffa I was definitely a bit freaked out when I had the growth scan and they said baby is 7 lbs! I was expecting that I'd be told he's large, but part of me was secretly hoping that they might say just 5 or 6 lbs (even though that's still good sized). I know these scans aren't always accurate... I could see his chubby arms and legs on the screen, though! I had the growth scan because I'm under consultant care and was still trying to make up my mind about whether to have a VB or CS and DS1 was large. Growth scans aren't usually offered in my area unless there are concerns about the size or position of the baby or placenta. I've decided on VB, might regret that later! I predict a wizard's sleeve in my future!

A bit of worry is creeping back in about my Down's screening. I was considered high risk at 1:140, but didn't have any diagnostic tests as the risk for miscarriage from the tests was higher than my risk for Down's. I know that chances are really good that the baby will be fine, but his femur length measurement was about 2 weeks behind at the growth scan and I read that a femur measurement of more than a couple of weeks behind can be as sign of Trisomy 21 or Down's. I shouldn't have read about it! But I am reassured that DS1 had short femur length measurements at his scans as well and he was a perfectly healthy baby. So I am trying to put it out of my mind. He'll probably just be short and fat! I get so Paranoid!

I am also working on my birth plan and will put the finishing touches on it with the consultant midwife at hospital on Thurs. MDM yours sounds spot on, as do the other things that people have mentioned about preferences and bullet points. Newmomma's suggestions about the instance of a CS are very good. I feel like making the birth plan is a good mental exercise for me, I like to make lists as well. I know that it may not all go to plan or be possible to accommodate, but putting my wishes in writing feels like a good positive step forward. Mine pretty much will say if I can't be in the birth pool then I want an epidural! However, I will first see how tough going it is, it's possible I won't be contracting so hard and fast from the beginning this time around.

Believe it or not I have a pretty major phobia of needles, so my birth plan first time around said no epidural. But when push came to shove, MW said she thought it might be wise and I said yes please! I didn't even care about the needle at the time and though the idea of it still makes me want to faint, I remember the sweet relief I felt (whilst it was still working properly!) so I will definitely request one if needed. I think I remember not wanting pethidine as I heard it would make the baby very sleepy for a while after the birth, but don't know how true that is. Might depend on how soon you have it before delivery or something.

Tomlin that's great you found a new house you like!! I hope the timing of it all isn't too crazy!

MDM your bump is incredibly cute!

I missed my bump after DS was born, I missed feeling his kicks, I swear I felt phantom kicks for a couple of weeks after he was born. Awww, I'm feeling a bit emotional now, this will be my last pregnancy. Better enjoy the (few) lovely things about it!

Squirtsmum I am in the insomnia boat with you!! On top of not going to bed until after 1 am, DS decided to wake up at 6:30 instead of his usual 7:30 this morning so I'm a tired mummy!

Cupcake and Hollyoaks I am struggling with the iron tablets as well. Am just about managing to take 3 a day, heartburn has become more sporadic thankfully, but I am also having poo issues now. I'm meant to have a blood test this week so hopefully there will be an improvement and it will be worth it! Hollyoaks, I also still had a trace of protein in my last urine test and another MW said it was probably vaginal secretions. I'm wondering if I should press for further testing for infection?

Can't remember who posted the link to the Lin and Leo Babychange bag, but I am in LOVE with it now! Haven't mentioned it to DH as I know the £139 price tag will not go down well at all. I reckon he'd balk at £30! [tightwad emoticon! LOL!]

SK I have had a similar shopping experience with my DS when he was newborn and managed to poo all the way up the back of both changes of clothes I'd brought out with us! Newborns are so good at shooting poo right up there, so good to make sure the nappy is as snug around the waist as is comfortable for the LO! It's true, newborn poo smells of roses compared to toddler poo!

Pigley your stamina is impressive!!!!

My secret stork gift just arrived and it is lovely!!! Thank you very much! It's an adorable soft cuddle bear and booties as well as yummy smelling Mum To Be bath soak! Perfect!

I'm very excited at my MIL said she is arriving on 7 May! She lives in Madeira now, moved there from Manchester about 2 years ago. She got a one way ticket and said she would stay around for as long as she is useful and as long as her husband behaves himself back in Madeira! She stayed with us for a week or so after DS was born and was a great comfort and help, so I am really pleased to have her back! Especially as I seem to be more and more immobile as the weeks go on.

My task of the morning is to colour my hair (Has it been 6 weeks already?! My grey roots say yes!) Hope this colour will last until baby is born!

Hope you are all well and enjoying the sunshine!! Apologies for typing so much AGAIN!

Newmomma - very exciting news!

Hollyoaks - love the shop assistant! For my DNiece's first birthday I bought her a pair of novelty wellington boots - when I was buying them the shop assistant asked me if I wanted to try them on Had to point out that my feet were probably a bit bigger since I was 16.

Alle01 - perfectly normal to worry about coping with a baby You'll be fine.

Rachel - don't worry about your LO, I'm sure it will all be fine Hope you have a good time with your MIL, she sounds lovely. I've been really wanting the Baby Sherpa changing bag since someone linked to it on here but my bag is in good condition so will never persuade DH.

Morning all oh it is so exciting our first babies will be with us soon.

ML - been wracking my brains for ideas for you, are there any local childminders that might be willing to take your DC for a few hours. It's so sad your DP will miss it for the sake of a few hours as he could come in, see her being born have a cuddle and go home again. I just know how sad I felt when I thought DP would miss the birth of DD2, none of my family offered to come up and help either (well SIL would have but she was in Dublin). This time I have a few good friends that I know would help out in an emergency, they have already said so.

All the birth plans look great, my advice is just go into it with an open mind, it's more like a wish list really of your ideal birth but you so cannot plan for it. Chances are some of us will go overdue and need induced, some will need assisted deliveries, epis and some CSs. It's something you just cannot plan for, even as a fourth timer I don't have a clue how this one will go, the baby could be in an awkward position, get stuck etc I do love hearing the birth stories and announcements of boy/girl and names.

Rachel - I think the worry is normal, until we all have our babies out and know they are all OK you do worry so much. I've been trying to drink a lot of orange juice and eat loads of fruit to keep me erm normal downstairs. Blooming iron. Right now I am taking: multivit, fish oil, 2 calcium tablets, acid reflux tablet, 3 cocodamols, 3 paracetamols, 6 raspberry leaf tablets and a Spatone sachet a day, I rattle when I walk.

Hollyoaks - crazy your MW doesn't know which way round the baby is. Where are you getting most of your kicks because that is usually the feet. I can definitely feel a bony bum and feet every now and again.

newmomma - oh how exciting for you as well

swastanaya - once you have the epidural you won't be able to get up and move around (although I think some hospitals do mobile ones), you also will probably have drips in, can't remember what for am sure someone who has had an epidural can tell us, I know it can make your BP drop. I think they like to keep you on the bed and monitor you, I don't think you can even have the birth pool if you have had pethidine as you will be woozy. I wanted an epidural first time around but I was too fast. Everyone who has one says they cannot thank the staff enough and want to kiss them

DP has taken the big two off to the cinema to see How to tame a Dragon so only DD3 and me here just now, am going to sort out her toys with her in a bit. She has so many we have to keep loads upstairs and only bring some downstairs at a time.

I have been on some sort of mad nesting thing this week and have already thrown out 2 bin bags of stuff, this house has hardly any storage I feel like I am drowning in "stuff"

Back after a lovely week in Skeggy, which totally confusd me by not raining!
A huge thank you to my secret stork - I felt I ought to apologise to whoever got landed with me as I have spent so much time falling off the threads that you may not feel you know me as well as some of the other ladies, but you couldn't have got it more right. I am a confirmed Lush addict! Even DS can tell the difference between bath bombs

A bit and a bit that babies are going to start arriving this eek. Bump is due to turn into a person 6wks yesterday, and that feels pretty close! Hope everything goes well, looking forward to the news.

Rachel, don't worry about the size of your baby, lots of people have said bigger ones are easier, and I have to admit that at 9lb9.5 oz my 2nd (pushing) stage with DD is recorded in my notes as 6mins! Who was talking about wizard sleeves?

Good luck with the house selling, I see it as one of the advantages of forces life that even though we move fairly often, its all done for us, and there are no chain/mortgage issues.

Sk. The problem is that the dcs need driving to and from school and also we may need overnight care. Its so frustrating but dm refuses to stay at ours while im in labour because she refuses to leave my step dad alone. Sigh