Due Jan 06 - 1st Trimester Down, 2 to go

[Chuffed]

Here's our new thread.

Hi all

Not been online that much, haven't caught up with the thread either so hope everyone's OK.

Hey, how about we do some stats so we know where everyone is in their pgs and how many children they have already, if any? I'll start a thread if you like?

by the way... are you finding that your teens need you loads more than they did when they were little?
Gets me wondering whether the govt has got it wrong in giving maternity leave and legislating for flexible working for only those with under 5s!) I know that my dd (just done GCSEs & now in 6th form) has needed me much more over the past couple of years to help with all the emotional crap that comes with the real growing up that's done when you try to join the adult world. Just something to ponder eh!?

Another poster!!!!! hi!!! - go for it girl!!

Stats thread here - please add yours

Am 22 weeks with a surprise son (scan last week - massively chuiffed). Surprise though, in that I have dd who will be 17 when he's born. Mother nature decided to refeather my nest, just as I could see freedom in my sights!! lol as my dh keeps saying.... " there's life in the old dog yet!! ho ho (not! - will have to hit him harder!!)

Yes, definitely thwack him for that! LOL! Congratulations!

thanx hunkermunker - it's only just starting to sink in. been doing loads of preparation but it's almost like it's for someone else - guess I'd been thinking that the next baby I'd see would be a grandchild in about 10 years time!!!

Congratulations Iris! How exciting, is your DD excited about baby brother?

Just had a look at the stats thread (and added mine), and see that you are in Wiltshire - I'm in Salisbury, are you down that end of the county or further up?

I'm off for my first hypnobirthing session in Andover this weekend. DH is rather mystified as to why he has to go too, it's all very intriguing... will let you guys know what the verdict is!

As far as names go Spangles, we started discussing as soon as we found out about the bean, and pretty much instantly agreed on Scarlett for a girl. But I've since discovered that it's rather fashionable at the moment in parts of London, and for some ridiculous reason that puts me off (I've never liked doing anything the same as anyone else). So we are now quite liking Matilda, which is DH's grandmother's name - it would be Tilly or Tilda for short.

Boys names are much more difficult I think - there seem to be so many less of them?.. At the moment we are hovering around Oscar, what does everyone think of that?

Thanks Loomer - and congrats to you too! I live near Chippenham and am also hoping to hypnobirth . Have a midwife friend who is a hypnotherapist so she's going to give me some sessions once I get to 30 weeks.
DH not entirely impressed with hypno stuff either - calls it happy clappy hoopy jumper crap - which I find hysterical considering he's married to a healer!! lol
DD is overjoyed now but first reaction was to burst into tears and exclaim "but everyone will think it's mine" - which is understandable considering that Wilts has the highest teenage pregnancy rate in Europe. Also not helped by a shopping trip to Dot Perks where I asked an assistant about matenity clothes and she (the assistant) completely blanked me and started telling DD about other shops she could by trendy maternitywear!! DD was, understandably v Have assured her that on our first trip out I will go without breast pads and breastfeed at every opportunity just so there's no confusion

Hi everyone

Sorry not been on for a bit, really busy with work and getting kids back into school routine (espec DS1 at comp) so Iris - yes they are just as much (if not more..) work than when they are tiny. Went to Reading for a meeting on Tuesday and had to lie down for most of Wednesday! So tired at the mo.

Lyra - I fancied a womb bath but couldn't resist an overbath for a £1. Definitely try ebay girls, I've got an Avent kitbag for £10 (worth £50!) and a wilkinet baby carrier (identical to my old one) for £15 (worth £40).

Georgie - have a fab honeymoon, enjoy your time together.

Mumfun - hope you're feeling better, my chest is still making me sick in the mornings but really resisting antibiotics as think it only viral.

Iris - a boy, just like me! PMSL at your dd! Have you been watching 'he's having a baby' on BBC3 every night - I';m addicted, they are such a disparate bunch, the driving instructor cracks me up. Anyway, the 'hippy couple' (they have a couple for everything...young, old, twins, 'ethnic', arty, posh etc) want a hypnobirth - really interesting to see how they go, she is due in a couple of weeks I think.

Names... hmm thinking about double barrelling mine and dp's names. We both love Jack but of course it's so popular (although dp surname not a welsh one ie davies, jones, evans etc which helps!) I really love Finlay (Fin).

Waited 90 mins to see a consultant on Monday and he poo-pooed home birth because of my history of my 'malpresentations' (posterior sideways! and face) and I guess he is right, I really need the option of an epidural if that does happen again. He wants me to have a glucose tolerance test despite me not having any sugar or any history of diabetes. It's purely based on ds1 being over 4200g 11 years ago! However I will get a morning off work to read Ok magazines... If all clear then I can have be midwife led and use the new birthing centre as my first option.

Sorry for another massive missive, must get on more and stop talking to myself and have a conversation!

Mornin all

How are you all doing? I'm off to see an osteopath on Monday about my back, will keep you posted.

Iris

I'm amazed that your dp can feel the baby kicking when you sleep spoon style with him, no one but me can feel my babe's kicks yet, must be all the padding! I wish mine would start with the lumps and bumps so the kids can join in more and see their little brother moving.

Rachey

The birthing centre option sounds interesting. I just read an article in Practical Parenting about someone who used one of those and it sounded great. She stayed in a week and got a really good rest and lots of support with breast feeding and practical aspects of baby care, ideal for a first time mum. How long will you stay do you think? If it's really comfortable and relaxing, there wouldn't be such a rush to get home I shouldn't think. BTW how are ds1's ears doing? And is he finding his way around high school OK?

I'm feeling a bit floppy and knackered today, late night last night and overdid it yesterday getting meal ready for friends. I feel a nap coming on.....

Names, still keen on Alexander, also like Owen, Joshua and Daniel.

Recorded the film "A Beautiful Mind" the other night. Is it worth watching? Can anyone recommend it?

Loomer,

love the name Matilda, all the shortened forms really appeal to me, so that your teenage daughter can reinvent her name if she wants a change. Mat Mattie Tilly Tilda, so much variety.

Oscar I find tricky, as I know a couple of dogs called Oscar and I've never met an Oscar boy or man, so it's forever a dog's name for me.

The thing with names though, once your child has the name, they really become the name, and it seems just right for them, in my exp anyway.

Hiya
Lyra - How's your back? Have you seen anyone about it yet? Sorry couldn't help with exercises but your prob might not be the same as mine.
DH has sired a Mike Tyson contender I felt him quite early (2nd pg so everything looser) & he tends to reserve his most violent outburtst until bedtime when I'm on my side. DD has a ball if I'm on my back as she call feel (& see) him rolling. She also thinks it's hysterical that my bellybutton smiles when I laugh.

I've recorded Beautiful Mind too. Hopefully snuggle down to watch it tonight as DD off to party overnight & DH working away. Will let you know if it's any good.

Loomer - we like Oscar too (and Benjamin, Barney, Nicholas, Jasper, Blaze, William, Fred and Isaac!!) Have no idea how we're going to shorten the list but I hope it will be obvious what he should be called once he's born lol! Hope your hypno session goes ok. Can't wait to hear how you got on!

Spangles - how is your DS1 settling at school? Have you noticed any change in him yet? My DD seemed to have a personality shift at each school change (even going into 6th Form!!) Think it was an improved confidence thing.

Has anyone else lost their appetite whilst pregnant by the way? I seem to have to keep reminding myself to eat (apart from breakfast when I'm always starving so eat loads)& can only eat half the amount I would normally have for tea or I feel ill all night. Wouldn't normally be concerned but know I'm thinner than normal everywhere else as it's all going on bump/boobs (have only put on 6lbs so far) Is this normal?

Lovely weather here today so going off to get washing on line & be industrious before heading off to meet some girlfriends in town.

Sorry Lyra - didn't read your post properly (duh!) Hope the osteopathy works

Whoo Hoo! waving Where is everyone? How are you all this week? Nothing much to report here, bogged down with financial stuff - trying to remortgage to do a loft conversion, really want it done before baby comes (absolutely cannot cope afterwards) would love dd to have a bigger room of her own up there and free hers for a nursery.

Hi Rachey

I'm here, I pop in every day, but don't like to post too much.

Just been to pick up the womb bath, long journey for something that only cost £5, oh well.

Off to the osteopath now, wish me luck with my crocky old back. I'm hoping for a miracle!

We're hoping to get our loft done before babe arrives too, but not a full conversion job, just a clean storage room with lots of cupboard under the eaves and 2 velux windows, maybe to be used as an occasional guest / play room. If we had a proper conversion we'd lose the little bedroom to the staircase, and it doesn't seem worth it (also much more expensive!). This half way job will only cost about £3K, so not too bad.

I'm getting lots of responses in my search for a nearly new travel system, they look great too. Seems daft to buy a new one, even if I could afford to - people only seem to use them for a few months.

See you later

Iris

Forgot to ask - how was "a beautiful mind?" - worth watching?

Wathched Legally Blonde last night and it was just what the doc ordered - light and frothy and silly, and I managed to stay awake to the end too.

Hey everyone, I didn't get a chance to read or post over the weekend, as was doing (yet more) work on the house. We've been doing big stuff to it for the past five years (most walls have moved, most floors and ceilings replaced, in the process of finishing off loft conversion at the moment, thank god for a clever hubbie!), but have given ourselves a FINAL, immovable, definite, it-must-happen deadline of the end of the year.

Lyra, good luck with the osteopath. You did make me chuckle with your interpretation of Oscar as a dog's name - I know what you mean , but still really like it, along with Elliot and William - as Iris says, I reckon on having a shortlist, as once the babs pops out it'll become apparent which name suits best!

Hypnobirthing last night was a definite success. Just us and one other couple (who are due on 14th Jan)... unfortunately the course is written by an american woman, so bits of it are quite cheesy, and rather 'touchy-feely' for us. But basically the whole premise is to bring your child into the world in as calm and gentle a way as possible, and that should be acheived with lots of positive thinking and visualisation.

The tutor gave us some really impressive examples of mind-over-matter reactions in the human body, which we could try out ourselves, and really helped to convince DH that it isn't just a load of chanting and josstick waving. We have some 'affirmations' to practice at home, a CD of music to listen to whilst we practice the breathing techniques, and a big book to read. I'll report back on how we get on, but suffice it to say that if I can have as serene a birth as the women in the videos we watched then I think I will really look forward to having another one!

Did anyone enjoy 'A beautiful mind'? I did - don't really have much time for Russel Crowe normally, but thought the film was really interesting, especially the way his wife stands by him throughout, when initially I thought it was just a student-lecturer crush. Couldn't figure out why they would have invited her to watch him having electro-shock therapy though - how traumatic!

I haven't noticed any lack of apetite I'm afraid Iris, although I also haven't really noticed any increase in appetite either. I think my food intake is probably about the same as it was before - no idea how much weight I've put on, as we don't own scales. Would be interesting to know though. Fortunately I don't seem to be expanding anywhere other than boobs and bump, which I am grateful for.

Right, better get back to work. Good luck Rachey with the financial wranglings - why are these things always so tediously boring and long-winded?!

Hiya peeps! - another weekend over eh.
Loomer - hypnobirthing stuff sounds great - will pass on what you said to DH as he's v sceptical (even though he's promised to come with me). I just thought it was about pain control so it's lovely that the baby will have a calm birth too (don't know why I'd never made the obvious connection - pg brain! lol)
Didn't watch Beautiful Mind in the end but did see Round the World in 80 Days last night and thoroughly enjoyed it - you can tell that Jackie Chan was involved with the choreography/directing it was stunning.
Had a burst of energy yesterday afternoon and cleaned the car (rather too thoroughly than was good for me) inside and out. Wanted to mow the lawn as well but DH intervened. Good job too really as baby woke me up at 4 this morning by kicking so much I thought I was going to vom - he didn't stop until about 8 so am utterly knackered today & have done nothing (that I'm not up to my eyes in loft conversions and building work, as you all are, makes me very grateful - though also v envious, they sound lovely - am imagining breastfeeding at night gazing at the stars through the velux windows...ahhhh!!)

Lyra - have seen the womb baths everywhere (and they seem such a good idea) but don't know anyone who's used one. What feedback have you had?

Hi Everyone thought i would come and join you all
Hope everyone is ok and all bubbas are doing well.

Horshoe - I am so sorry to hear about your little girls arm, i really hope the rest of your pregnancy is trouble free, by the way hannah is our list too its a very pretty name

Well i have been painting the babys nursery today (boring job) can not wait to get it finished to be honest! I started now because i have christmas to start thinking about soon and i don't want to be rushing around at the last minute.

Feeling bit sicky today but not as tired as i have been the last couple of nights.

Hope everyone is ok and look forward to spending the rest of my pregnancy on here with you all sharing our pregnancy and birth experiences.

Take care xx

Hi BB

Welcome to the thread and congrats!

Painting the nursery is v impressive. We have to clear ours of junk first.....and I have to wonder if we'll get around to painting it, as it was nursery to ds1 and dd, and is still in reasonable shape. It would be nice to have it all clean and fresh for the baby, but somehow I can't see it happening. Maybe the kids will help. It's a small room and I'm only planning on painting it cream and white, the accessories will make it nursery-like. How have you chosen to paint yours?

I was thinking of getting Xmas sorted early this year too, heading for the shops at half term with dh in tow. Fairly tempted to buy lots of vouchers as my nephews and neices are all getting past the toys stage, and they have so much anyway. Same with my kids if I'm honest, they enjoy spending their own money, but I'm a sucker for a stocking on Christmas morning - anyone got any ideas for good stocking fillers that aren't just crap that clutter up the place for the rest of the year and then get thrown away?

Iris

I enjoyed going to the osteopath. She said my pelvis is twisted and gently manipulated me straight again. I have this feeling that it's just slipping back now though. I've to go back in a week or so if it's still hurting and she'll do it again I guess, but I'm thinking physio is probably the best course of action, so I can learn the exercises to keep it at bay.
Re. the womb bath, I have only had feedback from the woman I bought it from, who said they used it lots till the babe was about 6 months, and it was great for her back etc. after CS, you put it on a table to bath the baby. It was bigger than I imagined, an very simple. TBH I think a bucket would suffice!

Went to the cinema last night with a girlfriend to watch Pride and Prejudice, but as it was sold out, we saw "Must like Dogs" instead. Fun, frothy and suitably cheesy. Sat there stuffing ourselves with popcorn and these yummy crunchy m&m's. My brain has definitely turned to mush again, I managed to leave my handbag in the toilet, but thankfully it was handed in.

Sorry for the long missive, but I'm awake early and there's not much else to do at 6am!

Ooh last thing I promise, does anyone know if a Britax Practicale travel system would fit in the boot of a Nissan Micra? Thinking of buying one second hand. Thanks ladies!
Horseshoe

good to have you back! And so sorry to hear about your daughter's arm. How did it happen? I'm glad she's OK now though, hope you are too, and coping with the shock of it all.

hi all
well that's us finally moved into our new house and sold the flat. Still don't quite believe it yet. The move went well, I just looked after DD no lifting boxes for me. Been to see the midwives up here and they are getting me booked in have requested my homebirth we will wait and see what happens.

I'm feeling ok but starting to feel the effects of the bump, getting a stitch when I walk etc, sacro-iliac pain can be bad at time too. Can't believe I am 24+1 already, been watching Discovery Health bad idea have been thinking about the labour!

Hi Sweetkitty

Glad the move went well. Are you feeling organised now? Whereabouts did you move to? Sorry if you've already told us, but my memory's not up to much at the moment! I suspect it may be Scotland, but I'm not sure. It's pouring here, how is the weather with you?

I've just spent nearly an hour on line doing my Tesco shop, only to discover the code I entered for £5 off didn't work - grrr! It was that one you gave us Rachey - XX-PLFT. Did you get to use the Amoco one? And I dont want to pay £5.99 for delivery so it was a waste of time. Oh well at least I was listening to Brenda Blethin on Desert Island Discs at the same time.

Time for a cuppa now, and then get dressed I guess, dentist at 11am, yuck.

Hi ladies, it's me, the new Mrs P! I'm back! Just tried to catch up with all the news on the thread. Sounds as if everyone has been v busy. Am still a little too superstious to start buying baby stuff, DH (ha, first time I've written that!)is chomping at the bit to be allowed to go shop for his little girl - bless him. Although he has been winding me up saying he'll go buy awful stuff with loads of cartoon characters or Barbie pics on - my personal Room 101.

Honeymoon was fantastic. Hotel was amazing and v posh. Weather hot (40 degrees) but one can cope with it if one just sits on one's ass by the pool all day!!!!! ad a gorgeous time with DH (hee hee, there I go again!) even if we couldn't really do any of the 'normal' honeymoon stuff! Have promised ourselves that we'll go away next year for racier version of honeymoon!!!

Dubai is a funny old place. Everything looks brand new, there's loads of building work going on and lots of money being splashed about but it's a very culturally divided society. And the blokes there were not backwards in coming forwards when they saw my bump. Felt like a freak being stared at (even though I made sure I was properly covered up).

Been feeling OK. Beany kicking the be-jesus out of me all the time. She's given DH a few good boots in the face when he's been speaking to my tummy too!

Better sign off before this gets too long.

It's good to be back home (proper cup of tea and Living TV!!!!) and back in touch with you lot, I kind of missed y'all.

G xx

Hi Lyra, As we are having a girl i have choosen the pretty in pink nursery stuff from toys'r us as i just fell in love with it. I have the moses basket and rocking seat so far.
I have choosen to use the dulux range for the paint and have 2 different pinks one light pink which i have done the top half of the room in and then a slightly darker pink for the bottom half, i will have the pretty in pink border round the middle.

It's taking ages to paint even know its not to a big room just square

Not sure when to start the xams shopping but i am sure it will be soon, not going mad this yr as i really can not be bothered, think we are just having a quiet xams which will be nice.

Sweetkitty - I also watch the discovery health channel and to be honest i am feeling a bit scared about the labour and also have faint flash backs of ds's labour, sure we will be fine though try and think positive

Georgem - Congratulations really glad you had a lovely honeymoon sounds fantastic even if you could not do all the things you would have liked too, All the time in the world for that

Well i hope everyone is ok i am feeling very tired today and also have a sore throat which is starting to get me down, just gonna have a quiet weekend and try and relax as much as poss

Take care and speak to you all soon B xx

Welcome Bunnyboo! (are your stats on the other thread?)

Welcome back Georgie! Sounds like you had a great time.

Welcome to your new home Sweetkitty! You can relax now.

Lyra - sorry about the code not working, what a pain - not sure if I've tried that one, have quite a few out of magazines finishing Oct 30th.

Here are a couple more:

XX-D3CV

XX-W3C7

Delivery isn't always 5.99 (only peak times) sometimes it's 4.99 or even 3.99. However, I definitely think I save the fiver anyway - petrol, stress parking, loading, taking kids, unnecessary offers, magazines and sandwiches! The guy even brings it into the kitchen for me.

Feeling loads of movement now (and dp is too) also loads of Braxton Hicks. Bought a maternity bra (40E!) from mothercare but hate it because it's not underwired - feel like they are in a hammock! Anyone ever tried an adjustable Bravado bra? (sold by JoJo and Blooming Marvellous)

Just bought a maternity swimsuite for my forthcoming aquanatal classes (held in hospital hydrotherapy pool with physio and midwife - tea and biscuits and bonding after!). I don't know anyone else with a small baby round here - everyone else has moved on and back in work it seems.

Have a great weekend!