June is approaching, the end is in sight, time to sort our lady gardens so the midwives don't get a fright - Due June 2010

[ConservativesShouldWinSurely]

30/05 GoodName, 31, #1 BOY
31/05 RnB, 31, #3
31/05 dinosaurinmybelly (DIMB), 37, #3 GIRL
31/05 - mampam, 30 #3
31/05 - minimoonumbertwo, 33, #2, BOY
1st - Appu, #1 Girl
1st - ELM, 29, #2
1st - whenwillisleepagain, 42 #2
1st - PogueMahone, 36, #3 SURPRISE
1st - madamefreckle, 34,#2 GIRL
2nd - meggymegmegs, 31, #1 SURPRISE
2nd - Justbeme , 41 #3
2nd - AlwaysHopeful, 35, #2 SURPRISE
2nd - roundabout1, no 2,
3rd - nickytwotimes, 35, #2
3rd - Jenba, ?, #3
3rd - Flossysmum, #4
3rd - marmiteaddict, 31, #1 SURPRISE
7th - MrsC09, 29 #1 SURPRISE
7th - perkster, no 1, SURPRISE
7th - Zeel, #1
8th - LittleRobbo, 35, #3 GIRL
8th - Saucepanman, 31, #4
8th - MrsAlwaysRight 31, #2
9th - greensnail, 28, #2 SURPRISE
9th - Boobz, 30, #2 SURPRISE
9th - Petitfilou, ?, 1
11th - shipsladyg GIRL
11th - woofie, 33, # 2 BOY
12th - Georgee, 38, #1 GIRL
12th - Elena67, 43 #1
13th - sobloodystupid, 34, #3
13th - WaiteH, no 1
14th - Fillybuster, 36, #3 - NOT TELLING!
15th - Ponymum, 41, # 2
15th - Millymollymoo, ?, #4 BOY
16th - NizzyNoodles, 35, #3 BOY
16th - Flossie69, 40,#2
17th - Bluesnowfalcon 28 #1 BOY
17th - Summerhols, 31, #1
17th - Barbeasty, 31, #1 GIRL
17th - chestnut100,30 #1 GIRL
17th - LateforWork,#1, SURPRISE
17th - Plum100, #3, SURPRISE
18th - Virgo1979, SURPRISE
18th - theperfectbaguette 34 #1
21st - Gizmo, 40, #3 GIRL
21st - Bubs1,?,SURPRISE
21st - Sunworshipper, 36, #1
22nd - gaelicsheep, 33, #2 - NOT TELLING
23rd - Bobolana, 29 #1 GIRL
24th - GibberingGinger 34 #2+3 BOYS
24th - lifeinthesun #2 BOY
25th - Ilovemyterrier, 38 #1 BOY
26th - herewegrow 31 #2 GIRL
26th - imkeepingmum, #1, SURPRISE
27th - muchchocolate, #2
28th - Wheredidmyfeetgo 32 #3
29th - CantSleepWontSleep, 36, #3, SURPRISE
29th - MrsDmamee #3
29th - playftseforme, 36, #2+3 BOYS
30th - MonkeyMargot, 36, #2+3 SURPRISE
30th - LaTrucha, 36, #2 BOY
30th - NotGrownUpEnough, 29, # 1, SURPRISE
30th - EssieM, 37, #1, SURPRISE
30th - Monthlymayhem, No.2, BOY

Hmm, my upset stomach seems to have cleared up somewhat and no sign of labour. Oh well, just have to wait I guess.

Well done on the size of your twins Gibbering Ginger.

Congratulations greensnail. Sounds like Alice was nicely cooked and ready to come out . Your dd1 sounds like an absolute poppet, and she's the first tandem fed child I've heard of who hasn't gone mad for milk when her new sibling has arrived!

Nizzy - make sure you're in a good and patient frame of mind when you try the close carrier for the first time. I got all cross with mine and couldn't work it out, but when I tried the next time I was in a better mood, and didn't find it too difficult at all.

mampam - am frustrated on your behalf, especially for your dc who were expecting to meet their new sibling. It's quite understandable that they need to treat emergency cases before you, but I am very surprised that they couldn't also fit 3 planned ones in in a day (although I don't know how long a c-sec actually takes ). Were they a surgeon down perhaps? This is at the forefront of my mind because I know a surgeon who had a full operating list for yesterday, but couldn't work because her father died in sudden and tragic circumstances the afternoon before.

Ooh which Baby Jogger did you get LaT? Am still waiting for mine (supposed to be June delivery, so not a surprise), but ds did enjoy climbing into one of the side by side ones when we went to kiddicare!

Quick tip for those going from 1 to 2: When you have people come to visit and meet the baby for the first time, make sure that they make a fuss of your existing child first, and ask them to show them the new brother/sister, so that they feel important. A fair few people brought gifts for dd too when we had ds, which went down very well, but obviously you can't ask them to do this!!

Have just managed to arrange some acupuncture for this afternoon/evening, to try and ease my sciatica and get the baby to turn - fingers crossed!

Great advice on going from one to two. Thanks. DIMB - you actually make it sound lovely! I do have a friend who is very into little babies but has had all the children she wants, so she is mad keen to babysit new LO. I might take a leaf out of your book and use the time to take DD swimming.

MrsAlwaysRight - I thikn that's part of what I'm feeling too. DD and I have spent so much time kicking around together just the two of us that I'm really going to miss it. It's going to be funny having to 'manage' her relationship with the baby instead of it just being me and her.

She was very sceptical about the new pushchair for her and the new baby, although she had been forewarned and did want to go for a ride in it.

CSWS - it's the old version of the City Elite. Pretty heavy - I wanted the mini but couldn't bring myself round to the money as we don't knwo how DD will react.

She also wanted to be wrapped in a blanket and told repeatedly how happy having her made me and DH yesterday. You could tell she really needed to hear it. She lapped it up. She also asked why we were having another baby. I said because having children made DH and I happy. I didn;t think the 'because we like you so much' line was very convincing, so tried to modify it - although essentially it is the truth!

j-bump - DD is 2.5. I'm just concerned that it's such a big change for us all but DD most of all. Nothing specific.

Mampam - I am disgusted on your behalf. Good luck for friday although to you that probably still feels like ages away.

gibbering ginger - those are good weights. You must really be feeling it carrying that extra weight around. I am so uncomfortable with this one inside me with it's heels or toes i can't imagine how squashed it'd feel with two.

greensnail - glad your dd is bonding well with baby Alice.

I was furious with dp this morning & just managing to calm down now. Apparently while it's ok for the stress of an impending arrival to make him act like a complete arse our 4 yr old dd is just being a spolit brat & I'm mollycoddling her by making excuses that it's about the new baby. Admittedly she is being quite "challenging" at the moment but I don't let her get away with the bad behaviour, tv for example is banned if she is naughty. Dp is more old fashioned in his child rearing & does more yelling & shouting but then stupidly still gives her things which to me are designated treats. So now as well as worrying about everything else I'm now worrying about him being on his own with her if I have to stay in for any length of time. He doesn't smack her or anything, it's all noise but tends to forget that dd is only 4 & in many ways has unrealistic expectations of how she should behave especially when she's knackered after a day at school. He really has turned into his dad & expects dd to sit & speak only when she's spoken to, he's really not normally this bad but the stress of work problems & the fact that I'm due in a week seems to be making everything so much worse. Anyway I feel better now that's off my chest, sorry to bore you ladies.

hi ladies, congrats to all who have popped already! cant believe it to be honest, this is my last week at work, thank god, will be 37 weeks on friday, and every day is a struggle at the moment, not sleeping very well then having to go into work isnt fab, but the end is in sight!

will be posting more regularly once am off anyway so will be in touch!

Oh Mampam, so sorry for you. There seems to be something in the air with NHS maternity resources this month, doesn't there? I'd have thought that putting some extra resource aside to deal with emergencies and still carry on with pre-booked procedures would be a standard plan for them, but, nope, somehow they can still act all surprised when emergencies come along Anyway, I hope with the cooler weather you can get some rest.

On the same theme, PlayFTSE, yes, I think it was a mental week at the Rosie: on Sunday evening I was on a postnatal ward with 15-20 patients and what looked like 3 midwifes/nursing assistant. At one point my neighbour's drip ran out and started bleeping (perhaps 11pm?) - she couldn't move to do anything about it, the call button wasn't having any impact after about 10 minutes, so I went out to find a nurse to help her. No-one there: it was like to start of a horror movie - dark ward, crying babies, a phone ringing and ringing, someone buzzing the ward door repeatedly...no staff of any sort. I wandered around for perhaps 5 minutes and couldn't find anyone. I'm sure they were all dealing with problems, but god help us if someone had had a serious emergency!

Anyway....good to see you MemoryLapse - and congratulations on Olivia: how lovely. Is she as good looking as your other children? How's Wales these days?

For all those moving from 1 to 2 I think CSWS and DIMB have good suggestions. I found it marvellous, actually - DS1 was quite a big big brother (he was 4) and doted on DS2, and it was so brilliant to have a baby without all the bafflement and fear that tends to surround the first one. Although the adjustment can be troublesome I think a lot of small children like to have sibs - not just as playmates but also because it takes some of the pressure off them as the focus of attention all the time.

Home now...waiting for community team to turn up and see DD (who still doesn't have a name ). Midwife visit yesterday showed she has lost a tiny bit more weight, probably because she pulled out her feeding tube nearly as soon as she got home, but she is looking really good - plenty of wet nappies and poo and she's waking up a lot more too - chasing me for feeds every couple of hours rather than me having to rouse her. So I hope she will turn the corner quite soon.

gizmo - that's great news on dd's progress, sounds like she's doing just fine. The gap btw yr 2 dss is the same as mine will be, so it's really encouraging to hear that you found it such a positive experience. I'm optimistic that ds will handle it well (he's 4;2 jbump) as it's easier to explain things to him these days, he is really looking forward to 'helping' me with his little brother, and he has his own life outside the home at preschool and shortly primary school. It's mainly just self-indulgent nostalgia for 'our' time coming to an end, as others have said. Plus he's going to have such a double whammy of change, what with the new baby and new house likely to come at roughly the same time. Great advice from you too dimb and csws - thanks.

I don't know what to do with myself today while ds is at preschool today. There a million and one things I could do in preparation for the move, but I suddenly feel completely lethargic and am tempted to sit on the sofa knitting and watching crap telly all afternoon. maybe I'll get a burst of nesting energy soon.

Just wanted to echo what DIMB, CSWS and gizmo have said about going from 1 to 2. I did worry about it before but it was fine in the end. There's 2 years between the girls and they get on really nicely (most of the time!). DD1 liked being called the big sister all the time when DD2 arrived and liked to show visitors her new baby sister. Also, agree with DIMB about the fact that although DD2 doesn't get as much one-on-one attention as DD1 did she has the benefit of always having someone around to keep her occupied/play with. DD2 has been to things already that DD1 didn't go to until she was older. I think it all balances out in the end.

Not sure what it will be like this time. DD2 doesn't really know what's going on - she's 21 months - although she is obsessed with babies at the moment. DD1 is much more interested this time - she's 3.9. So we've talked about how she can help me when the baby comes and she's decided her main job will be to sing lullabies to the baby to get him to go to sleep. She also wanted to know when the baby was coming and what he would look like but couldn't really answer those questions. We're going to get the girls some bean bag chairs as their present from the baby so that they'll be able to sit next to the baby when he's in the bouncer - which is another job on the list that I've not quite got round to yet!

CSWS will have a proper try with the close carrier once the baby's here as my bump seems to be getting in the way but hopefully it will be as simple as they make it look in the video. Hope the acupuncture turns the baby too.

roundabout I have a DH who has (what I think are) quite unreasonable expectations of our girls sometimes so I sympathise. I have to remind him that they are just 3 and 1 and that don't do things specifically to annoy him!

Just had the midwife round for the home visit she was supposed to do yesterday. Everything's set for the home birth so now just need to get myself organised I suppose. My bump is a bit smaller so that means baby's heading in the right direction although I really don't think anything is going to happen for a while. I thought my bump had dropped as bending over had become a bit easier! I think a lazy afternoon is in order while the girls are at nursery.

Gibbering Ginger - meant to say - well done at having two such bouncing babies in side!

Ok, I'm feeling a bit reassured about going from one to two. Thankyou very much for sharing your experiences.

I need a bit of present-hunting help. I have a friend (and DH) locally who has been incredibly helpful to me in the last few months (lots of lifts / taking me to the supermarket / watching DD when I'm really sick etc). Her DD's 2nd birthday is approaching. I asked her what would be good or useful for a present and she said not to buy anything as DD already has enough (which is true, btw - spendaholic Granny!).

I do want to get something special to show my appreciation for their help. Her DD has problems with immunity and suffers from Reynaud's - which is a circulation problem - so she often gets wickedly cold hands / feet / head. I wanted to buy a sheepskin hat and gloves for her for the Autumn but I'm struggling to find them at this time of year. Does anyone know where I could get some, or can think of any other lovely present?

I have bought a dress which can be worn with or without the long-sleeved T'shirt which comes with it. I thought it would be useful for hotter and colder summer days and into autmun but I'd like something else too.

Hi everyone,

Sorry it's been a while since I last posted. We came home from hospital on Saturday and as you can imagine, it's been non-stop with visitors, mw visits etc etc since then. Jimmy has settled in really well, and apart from a touch of jaundice and the fact that his weight has dropped a bit since birth, you'd never know he spent 5 days on SCBU.

I will add a couple of pics onto my profile once I've added this post for you to have a look at him.

I haven't yet said congratulations to WWISA and greensnail on the births of their respective Alices. What a beautiful name you have both chosen, absolutely gorgeous .

mampam, I echo everyone else's disgust at your hospital's treatment of you. Good luck for the new date.

Sorry it's a short one - will try and keep more in touch from now on!!

meggy - just looked at your pics - what a gorgeous little boy you have. So pleased that you are both doing so well.

meggy - Jimmy is adorable Congratulations again!

meggy baby Jimmy is just adorable

meggy my hearts just melted at the sight of your Jimmy,he is beautiful! {grin]

meggy lovely pics of Jimmy!

I posted this on my Facebook yesterday,much to my friend's amusement,i think some/most of you will appreciate it :-

Just to clear up a few things for the general public,1.Yes,it is a big bump. 2.Yes i am sure there is only one in there. 3. Yes i do know what it is. 4. I am due June 8th. 5. Yes i know i look ready now. 6. Oh i know i will have my hands full. 7. Yes i am struggling in this heat. AAAAAAAAARGH!!!!! Lol,really,if i had a penny for everytime......

MonkeyMargot - erm, I am hoping to BF and stupidly didn't think about that when buying clothes , so I had to look at what I bought and by a stroke of luck, most have drawstring tops and wrapover bits so they might be okay!

goodname - I've had a stomach upset for the past two days as well and also loads of period-type pains/backache. My midwife seemed quite pleased when I told her. I hope it's a sign that things are going to kick off v soon!

Lovely pictures meggy!

Just had to pop in and say this is the best thread title I have seen in ages

Congrats greensnail! Your little one is lovely meggy. How annoying for you mampam, I was looking forward to hearing news of your new arrival, still I spose if you can hang on, I can . Did you get your work stuff/maternity benefit stuff organised? What a pain, I'm dealing with some work crapola atm....

Ooooh! Mampam - hope you're not in too much pain. Shove your bump in the doc's face if he doesn't give you some painkillers. It must be tough for you.

I had my 36wk appt this afternoon, eventhough I am 37wks. The antenatal receptionist took one look at me and asked "Oh, are you here for your 41wk appt?" Grrrr. No - I am not. And then when I saw the midwife she said "Hey, you look ready to drop". So obviously I am going to be late

Anyway I am booked in for the new MLU at the hospital, although I have to wait for my blood test result to come through. Apparently my platelet levels are low, which prevents blood clotting. If it hasn't gone up then I am back to the usual delivery suite. Oh well, we shall see what happens.

I too have been wondering about the transition from 1 to 2. Baby GoodBits is 3.11, but his language isn't great so it is difficult to guess how much he understands. Anyway the baby has bought him a present, and he has bought the baby a present, so hopefully things should go well.

Oh - and the baby's head is engaged already!

I think we will spend the weekend sorting baby stuff out...just in case.

meggy just had a look at your photos and he is gorgeous!

Anyone else started using Raspberry Leaf tea or tablets? I used them for the last few weeks with DD1 and they never seemed to have any obvious effect. Bought some today and took the 1st one this afternoon. After about 30 mins I had a rock hard stomach which lasted for ages and I had a really strange uncomfortable feeling. Was seriously concerned labour was starting! Does anyone one know if they affect you differently with subsequent pregnancies? I never had any braxton hicks with DD1 but have had loads this time round, not sure if this makes a difference.

Bought DD1 a toy hoover today as her present from baby. She has been going on for ages about having one so hopefully she will be chuffed with it.

meggy Jimmy is absolutely perfect - just gorgeous....so pleased you are home. Hope you are enjoying every second!

suzy glad you had serendipity on your side when you bought your new clothes!

MrsAlwaysRight i might be wrong, but I don't think Raspberry leaf tea brings on labour as such; it is supposed to help "tone" your uterus ready for birth.
Like the toy hoover gift. We are so mean - my DD got a trike for Xmas which DH has promised (and failed to build) ever since. So guess what her gift from the babies is going to be? tee hee.....

Awww..meggy - What a little cutie!

Thanks for the tips on introducing #2 to #1. I'm quite concerned over how the transition is going to work. I think as far as ds is concerned, I've been pregnant forever and the whole baby thing just exists in an imaginary world. The reality might be a bit of a shocker.

Gibbering - good luck if it's all kicking off. You have done amazingly carrying those two around - and if they end up 7 pounders...wow!