**AUGUST 2010** happy days as 3rd trimester comes our way

[CherryPie3]

New thread

We really are getting through a thread a month lol!!

Blueberries, that's more than twice as much as I've ever spent on a bag!! But then I'm not an accessories gal . And definitely good to treat yourself to something at this stage. Oh, and it's lovely, by the way .

LCR just wanted to say that one of my NCT girls had her baby at Crowborough last time. Of the six of us, she was the only one who had a really lovely experience . In fact, after she'd had the baby (first of us all to do so) she emailed to say that childbirth was such an amazing experience, that she was really jealous that we still had it to come, and that she'd really love to do it again tomorrow. At the time we all thought that was inspiring and empowering. A couple of weeks later, when we'd had our babies, we all thought she was bonkers .

I'm having a really rubbish week. Continued difficulty settling DS into pre-school. Horrible cough which has meant I've had no more than an hour or two's sleep in the last two nights. And excruciating rib and bump pain whenever I cough (apparently this is very common in late pregnancy, because there's no 'give' left in the ribcage; if you cough too violently you can apparently even break your ribs ). Anyway, sorry I've been quiet, but will try to catch up properly soon.

oh no, that cough sounds terrible elusive. I've managed not to be ill for a while thankfully as my violent sneezing earlier this year was killing my tummy muscles and causing occasional stress incontinence

Lovely bag blueberries (though beyond the reach of my budget!). I don't have a changing bag yet - can anyone suggest criteria for what makes a good changing bag?

I hope everyone has a good day today x

Fantastic bag, blueberries.

Hope you're over your wobble, LCR. I'm sure we'll hear of more reality bites moments over the next few weeks.

Still riding a wave of elation here, compounded by the MW pronouncing me 'disgustingly healthy' & baby being head down/bum out now, a diary of girly things to do and a husband who is now on a roll to get things done around the house, including finishing the nursery. Expect I'll crash back to Earth soon though.

Love the bag blueberries....
Apologies for my quietness.... I appear to be in full-on nesting mode now.
Decided I'd clean the fireplace out, only to sweep out THREE bags of dust from behind the fireplace surround. Thank you very much previous house owners (we've only been here six months)....

Alice Where's this sweets thread? Sounds right up my street.

hey ladies,

hope your all doing OK

blueberries love the changing bag, gorgeous! it's worth treating yourself and I'm sure it will make you very happy.

elusive sorry to hear about your cough.. don't go breaking any ribs now!

weehector hope your enjoying your wave of elation! go you and your 'disgustingly healthy' comment!

pample I have to say, 3 bags of fireplace dust doesn't sound fun, but I'm sure it will feel great to have a lovely clean fireplace when your done

Nothing much to report from me, cept baby keeps doing something to my ribs on my right hand side, feels uncomfortable sitting upright, particularly in the car been happening for about a week now, must be it's favourite resting place.

Got a really bad stabbing pain under my bump last night when bending over to unload the dishwasher. Had it all day on and off and was getting a bit worried - have just done the world's most unladylike fart (fortunately in the privacy of my own office). Pain has gone .

dibby!

Just checked my bank balance and now have serious retail guilt. The reality of maternity pay has hit me squarely between the eyes and now I'm scared! Hey ho, we managed last time, we'll manage again this time I'm sure...

Just someone keep me away from Mamas&Papas please!

Sorry Blueberries, I didn't mean to make you feel bad about your bag . There are plenty of equally frivolous things that I spend money on - they just don't happen to be accessories. And anyway, I seem to remember from last time round that I ended up feeling extremely flush after the baby was born - cost of convenience food went up, but cost of social life immediately fell to zero . So I'm sure you'll be ok!

Dibby, glad you're feeling a bit more 'relieved' . There's quite a fun thread about embarrassing moments over in the pregnancy topic if you fancy a laugh.

just lost my post

WeeH sweets thread

Blueberries really don't feel bad....
On my list for my July pay (would get earlier but have a bit of a cashflow issue as have to pay for some decorating before being paid back out of the family coffers!).......

1. Orla Kiely handbag
2. Pretty Ballerinas shoes
3. Various other bits and pieces of clothes that aren't even vaguely baby related....!

That said, I'm going to M&P on Regent St on Thurs with my SIL and feel I may be having retail guilt then! xx

woo hoo, just got paid my HIP grant -phew! only wish I hadn't already spent it - ah well hopefully hypnobirthing will be worth it :D

Ladies how are your backs? I have a low level but persistent dull ache quite high on one side of my back which drives me nuts when sitting for a long periods....which makes doing my desk bound job and my 4 hour round trip Brighton - East London a friggin' nightmare! I've seen a phsyio who has suggested some stretches and standing up regularly but it isn't doing much for me.....

LCRLCR I have a burning pain across my shoulders and lower back pain when sitting for prolonged periods - not a lot I can do as I am also desk bound, but I am seeing a chiropracter every 7-10 days (was seeing her twice a week at the start), she's really helped with the pain - I love that cracking sound - it really frees my back up. I'm sure my G cup boobs aren't helping matters though, just standing up straight feels like a huge effort, I'm a terrible sloucher.

LCR yep on the back pain. Sort of right under my shoulderblade. Really sore after a few hours at my desk. It corresponds exactly to the spot at the front where I get rib pain. I find standing up straight and stretching my arm up helps, but this looks completely random in the office so can't stay like that all day!!

Second wedding anniversary today - where does the time go?? Nothing spesh planned. Healthy BBQ dinner in the garden. And I'm hoping DH will come home with a completely non-healthy pudding!! Amazingly sunny in London now, after all the rain of the last 24 hours...

Hey all!

Just a quick update; DH persuaded me to ring the hospital Sunday dinner time regarding the reduced movements, and they said to pop up just to be checked over and reassured! Was expecting to be in and out in an hour thinking she would behave as soon as she was on the monitor....

Anyway, turns out, all the extra "Braxton Hicks" I thought they were and reduced movements over the weekend was actually the start of premature labour... I'm so glad I phoned now! Monitor showed Belle was distressed with every contraction and her heart rate kept dropped to 80-90 bpm - and this was probably the reason for reduced movements.

The Dr was on the verge of taking me into theatre to deliver her if she didn't start picking up. So they gave me drugs to stop contractions and thankfully she started to settle and improve. So no C-Sec - hooray! and baby still safely inside for now!

Its been a stressful couple of days and I really thought she was arriving! Had the steroid injections now (OWWWWWW!) and been kept in for 3 days - just got home. Everything is settled down now and her heartrate has remained stable since last night. Could be one of those things and its just a blip until due date or she could try and do this to me again! Just don't know....

So anyway, I'm desperate to have house ready for her now as I feel she could arrive at any minute! So DH is on the case for getting her room finished, and I'm defo packing a proper hospital bag now!

Will catch up on everyone elses posts tomorrow! Feeling tired now....

Hi everyone, that's the inlaws back home so have been getting DS into his routine again. Sorry to see the worry list is getting longer Caz, glad you are still cooking Belle and hope it stays that way don't want anyone on here popping just yet the July thread have not had an arrival yet! Blueberries love the changing bag, as an accessories girl myself (well the maternity clothes are not much to get excited about are they) I totally understand your needs! Chulita hope your BH ease soon. We have had a lazy PJ day, feel a bit guilty but have to be up at crack of dawn tomorrow to get to hospital for consulant appointment, don't know why I have to go just so they can tell me I can be cared for by midwifes in community. Will also be first outing without a nappy for DS, am I mad?

TMI but does anyone feel like to baby is actually waving out your fango? I have been getting a horrible pressure all afternoon like I need a wee but it feels like baby is wriggling about in birth canal, not a nice feeling

Happy Anniversary Nat Caz scary, hope you and baby keep out of trouble for a couple more weeks.

Growingbump i have that same feeling! Feels like the baby is going to fall out!

Met someone today who had their DS at 33+4wks and he was fine, only had to stay in hospital for 9 days and weighed 4lb6oz (awwwwww) he is now a few months old and very cute.

We currently have no bath or sink, but still got the loo in - thank god!

Dibby lol

Caz Must have been so scary! Glad little Belle is all happy now & hopefully getting comfy again so she stays put for a bit longer.

Chulita my SIL also said the one bit of advice that her & the other mums from her NCT group remembered most was that each contraction brings you closer to meeting & cuddling your beautiful baby. I know labour is just a means to a lovely end, just would prefer to see how things go for us & not have other people's horror stories going round my head!

Am a happy lil bunny after a bit of a shopping spree yesterday. Got some long vest tops and long t-shirts that cover bump with ease. They were 3 for £12 in Dorothy Perkins so of course got 3 of each in lots of nice colours. They are not maternity but a few sizes up from normal fit perfectly. Also splashed out on the top you suggested Star, its very cute!
Then met up with a friend for the start of my b/day week; a bite to eat and a girlie trip to the cinema to see Sex and the City 2 complete with Ben & Jerry's - yum!

It's my 30th on Thursday so having a week of mini celebrations rather than a big party where everyone is drinking & im on the orange juice! Had old work friends round earier for take away & good old gossip. They surprised me with a little baby shower too with lots of cute presents for baby (we will also turn 30 weeks pregnant on Thursday too so is kind of a double celebration!)

Thursday is a family meal & then DP is taking me to London for a 'surprise' weekend which should be interesting (tho think ive guessed what it'll be). He's not the most thoughtful/romantic type but as long as its not an evening in the pub watching the first England match i think it'll be fine! Or perhaps i shouldnt speak too soon... lol

Both the bouncing chair & moses basket i ordered off ebay arrived today. Always a gamble i know but the chair is a mamas & papas one & was half the normal price & moses basket was £25 complete inc postage, both in great condition. So now i feel like we're getting there, but will be such a relief when the nursery is complete at (finger crossed) the end of the month.

Hope everyone's well today x

Evening girls, sorry I'm not around much lately - been off work as child-minder ill and just don't get time to turn on the laptop.

Have skimmed over posts and hope I haven't missed anything important.

LONG TOPS - I adore my H&M vests too MrsZaC, and absolute bargains at £4.99 each - I have the blue and white one but am hoping to get back to town to pick up the peach and white one soon.
I also got some cheapy vests from Primark for £1.50 each and they're pretty long, got a couple of tunics from there too for £2.50 each.
I too am a tightwad when buying anything for myself - if it was something for dh or the kids I wouldn't think too much about the price.

I've been wearing maxi dresses that are non-maternity too - this one I love!!

Girls I hope you had a lovely time at the spa

MrsZaC and Bubba Labour is not the same for everyone - my mum will tell you it's the most excruciating thing you can go through but I rather enjoyed my labours. Slept through most of the first one - only woke up for contractions/pushing. With the second I was awake through it all but was watching GMTV and other rubbish daytime tv until transition stage quite happily with just g&a .

CazEm Cazzy and Bubba - hope you get your school reports done, can't imagine it's an easy job to get done!

Chulita Hows your BH??

Blueberries That changing bag is super lovely, and as others have said - it's nice to treat yourself once in a while. Don't feel guilty, you're working hard growing a brand new little person, you deserve that bag!

weehector hope the hormones have settled down.

Elusive A rib-breaking cough?? . Please get better soon!!

Dibby . Thank goodness you were in your office

BACK/SHOULDER PAIN - Always worse for me when driving for more than 20mins and walking for a while. Also affects the top of my bump too, towards the right but thats where lo's feet are apparently. Maybe I have bad posture?

CazEm Thank goodness you and Belle are alright. What a scare, rest up and take it easy!!

Nat Hope you've had a lovely anniversary and you got your lovely unhealthy pudding

As for a small update from me - we finally have everything we need for this lo's arrival. That car-seat was the last thing we needed and it arrived end of last week. We haven't put the cot together yet, because the new wardrobes we bought haven't been put up yet. Only one of the new drawer chests has been put up and it feels like we're never going to be ready. Been stressed to the max this week trying to get all holiday clothes ready for all of us as we're off to caravan in Skegness on Saturday - thats finally ready. God knows how I'd have got that done if I'd been at work, I guess it's kind of a good thing my childminder couldn't have kids this week.
I'll be back at work Thursday tho - and it's my last day on Friday God it can't come quick enough!!!

Hope you're all well and babies are staying put!! Love to all xxxxx

right please shout at me as I still haven't made a midwife appoitment - I haven't seen her since my booking in appoitment which was at 15 weeks....i am so hopeless...I have put it off and now I want to put it off even more....ahhhhhh I must ring tomorrow

changing bags - I didn't have one for the 1st 2, bought one fo dd3 and hardly used it...but criteria large and waterproof because something will leak - with me it was massage oil

we have a bath and nothing else in our new bathroom and our roof leaked again so are going to have it re-roofed

reports finished and handed in...risk assessment for trip and appraisal still to be done

a parent brougt in her 1 week old baby today - so tiny (but yet was not going to fit back inside) and she was back in her jeans - I am so a heffer that it will take me over a year I am sure

I get backache right down low on the left hand side, especially if I have been standing up ..didn't have it with the other 3 ... must be a sign of old age

i get back ache too mid-high on my right side, makes sitting in a chair very uncomfortable. I think it's a combination of bad posture and extra heavy boobs - it eases a bit if i hold my boobs up (only do that in private obviously!)

cazEM that sounds scary! I hope things go back to normal from now on. (Although i must admit there's a small part of me that wants my baby to be early - i'm just so impatient to meet him/her!)

cazzy go and see you midwife! I like going to see mine - get to talk about the baby, hear the heartbeat etc. Is there a reason you don't like going?

oh and i bought this top today to wear as a skirt - it fits really well!

Gosh Caz - so glad your DH had you go in, and that all is now okay with Belle!

Cazzy definitely ring and see your midwife!!! Even if she's a total dragon!! It's worth it to hear the HB and also for things like the HIP grant...

cazEM scary biscuits! hope your feeling ok, naughty Belle... tell her she's to be well behaved now and keep on cookin!

Cherry glad your all sorted and ready for baby, I have the blue white top too!

bubba good job on your ebay bargains!

happy anniversary nat

re: trouble sitting down all day @ work, me too! however work have been really good and located a new chair with good lumbar support & high back (already had bad shoulder pain, lower back and leg) but if that's not an option I would really recommend a good lower back support. I LOVE my floppeze I never go anywhere (apart from work) without it, fab lower back support for the sofa and dining/computer chair. Bad lower back support was the main cause of my shoulder/neck pain and I also got a headset at work instead of the handset which is superb! main cause of discomfort now is just baby chilling out under my ribs! but nothing much I can do about that..

well up late again! will probably be zonked tomorrow, specially since I've had aquanatal tonight and personal training sesh tomorrow - phew! roll on Friday.

night night girls xxx