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

[CherryPie3]

New thread

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

No worries, cherrypie!

Hi all! Its been quite quiet in here today...

Midwife rang - Well my iron levels came back ok so no medical reason for those faint spells last week - prob just over-tired/stressed with everything going on and baby lying funny!

Althought weirdly the midwife didn't say anything was wrong but when I got home from uni I had a message from the Drs saying I needed to have repeat bloods done in 3 weeks. Receptionist couldn't say why or discuss the results of yesterdays bloods with me and I have to ring and speak to the nurse tomorrow. I think its very weird as MW indicated that all was fine, I'll ring her tomorrow too I think.... any ideas why I would need more bloods again girls???

I had quite a nice day at uni - long day though. Think this is going to be quite an involved module, but interesting, I hope I have the energy to write the essay before baby is born! Although I suppose the worst that can happen is if I don't feel I can hack it I can ask to defer earlier than originally planned I guess!

DH still not home from work - he hardly needs to be working late, as he's still not right and still no sign of appointment.

Hope everyone is having a lovely evening!

How weird caz - oh well, I wouldn't worry, if it was anything important they'd soon get you in again. Bloods again in 3 weeks doesn't sound like anything to worry about. Hope you can find out tomorrow what it is.

I went for a swim at lunchtime today which was good but was knackered all afternoon! Only 18 more days in the office what with holidays, I can't wait to finish now...

caz hope they get to the bottom of it soon - but as emster said, can't be too urgent if they're happy to leave bloods for 3 week? Fingers crossed anyway.

emster so that you only have 18 days left in the office! I've got...wait a minute, just counting....oh no, wait a minute! I think I've only got about the same - whoop whoop! I only work 4 days a week, but when you count the days rather than the weeks it somehow seems much closer. I'm a happy bunny now

Exhausted tonight. Early night for me tonight [yawn]

cripes blueberries and emster I've still got 40 days left at work, I actually think 8 weeks sounds better 4 me -

forgot to mention that we bought a cot & wardrobe over the weekend, 2nd hand off gumtree, didn't think I'd be able to afford a matching nursery set looking at the matching dresser on ebay, fingers crossed I get it! They are all mamas and papas Savannah :D

I think I recall someone mentioning rocking chairs, are they quite comfortable for BFing? I tried out one of the glider chairs in the pram centre, soooo comfy but I'm not so keen on the whole look we have a really deep sofa so I think it would be best to get a proper BFing chair.. what do you think?

mrsZac I didn't have a bfing chair for DD and one of the things I insisted for this one was that DH bought me a glider chair...I agree on the look but it's so comfy. DD still has milk before bed and I love it! Can't wait to use it for this LO just cos the armrests are at the right height. We used an Ikea chair but it was never right and I had loads of pillows/cushions to get DD in the right place, proper load of faff.

Right, now to bore you all silly with my hospital bag list - almost packed - tell me if I've missed something (if you can be bothered)

Dressing gown
Going home clothes
Nursing bra
Mahoosive knickers x5
Old t-shirts of DH's x2 (to labour/sleep in)
Maternity pads
Wash kit
Towel
Water bottles x3
Cotton wool
Newborn nappies x2
Newborn vests x2
Babygro x2
Blanket
Flipflops
Pens & paper (they gave me a form to fill in last time and no pen...)
MP3 player
Birth plan & notes
Hair bands
Lip balm
Nipple cream
Pack of cards
Snacks (fruit salad, biccies, choccy, chopped veg)

Baby bag (left in the car)
Pack of nappies
babygros/vests x5
Biscuits for MWs

Anything glaringly obvious I've forgotten? Or anything ridiculous I should leave out?

Yeh, I'm not worried really - cuz as you've said if it was something urgent I'd be back before 3 weeks. I'm sure its just some level of something or other that was ever so slightly over or under what it should be....

Talking of swims Emster I really need to make the effort to go swimming! Maybe I'll go tomorrow after my course!! I'll put my swimming bag in the car in the morning!!

I'm still on a weekly countdown to finishing! 8 weeks and 2 days! Very of your 18 days!!!!

We've just watched the bf dvd - I already knew most of that in theory, so I guess its just a case of getting used to it in practice. Although I did also think the dvd was very militant about breastfeeding - breast is the golden standard and everything eelse 2nd rate. I don't think it will do a lot for helping with feelings of guilt if you don't succeed. I think a section on bottle feeding mightve been nice, from a viewpoint that although bf is the ideal its not the absolute end of the world if your baby is bottlefed.

Lots of movement from baby tonight! It's lovely! Bought a few more things for her earlier too - some cute leggings (4 pairs for £6) and 54 size 1 nappies (someone advised to me to have some in first size too to start - so I now have 54 size 1, and 200 size 2.... more than enough now!!!!!) Really looking forward to a full on shopping day in half term - buy babygrows/sleepsuits and some tshirts, socks etc for Belle (we have all the pretty things, I've neglected the basics!!) along with everything else I will need for hospital bag! Glad I saved that list from ages ago that Cherry made otherwise I wouldn't know where to start!!!

Oh blimey, all of you with your lists, it's just reminding me that I haven't bought anything yet!!! Still need to round up quite a lot of baby stuff (I suspect my sister, who had it last, has lent some of it to other people, so I really need to start chasing it down ). Because there's not much I need, I keep forgetting that there are some things that I really DO need - erm, like nappies, bottle teats (I'm going to get nice new ones I think), cotton wool and so on.

Chulita the only thing I immediately thought of as missing from your list was something to read (e.g. books or magazines) - but then I'm a complete bookworm, so it may not be as important to other people . Last time I took a Harry Potter with me (I wanted something non-highbrow and indulgent, but that I could still get my teeth into), and I was so glad I did, because I ended up being in there for 5 days. I know I could have got it brought along later, but actually I even read a bit while I was in labour (DH went home to get a couple of hours' sleep at one point, and a book was very useful for keeping my mind off the pain ).

caz It could be that your levels have dropped a bit since your last lot of bloods but still not enough to cause any problems. However if they keep dropping then there may be a problem so they are getting you checked in 3 weeks to see how they are looking then?

well had my GTT today. Managed to drink the glucose gak without throwing up. Had test. bloods were fine (no surprise there!)

Had my 28 week check with mw explained that I am having dizzy spells she said that I more thank likely had low blood sugar levels and a touch of anaemia. How is it possible to have low blood sugar and still be sent for a GTT??offered me iron tablets but I am having enough problems with constipation without making it worse!

Is anyone else having bump issues when it comes to sex? I don't remember bump getting in the way with dd at this stage but this time round bump (or puddin' as we call it) is really getting in the way. I will have to whip out the karma sutra and figure out positions that are a better 'fit' but don't make my SPD play up!

Pah! Can't sleep.

Spent yesterday packing boxes, the whole house-move is stressing me. Working out what's to go into storage and what we might need when I can barely make a decision as it is..... and where did all this 'stuff' come from??

Chulita thanks for posting hospital bag list. I want to do that by the weekend and is a great help. The only things I've added is make-up and lap-top to watch dvd's.

Morning all!

Sorry to hear your can't sleep Nikalah.

star - yeh its probably something like that, I'll try and catch up with someone at the Drs today, can only ring between 2 and 3 to discuss results which could be difficult as I'm on a course. I'll just have to excuse myself for 5 minutes maybe.

coffee - we are totally having bump issues with sex. We've more or less given up now completely, not that it has happened a lot since BFP anyway, was too sick and tired and then bump started to get in the way... and if it isn't bump in the way (and DH scared of squashing her!), then its hip issues and I start aching/hurting.... poor DH!

Its 7.40am and I can hear fire alarms going off next door! How can they possibly have time to cook a breakfast on a weekday?!!!! I barely have time to get together a bowl of cereal and feed the cat!

Right I better get in the shower and go to my course. Hope it is an interesting day! Its on Child Development, so its nothing I haven't done before but at just having an update on any new ideas. Emster has inspired me to go swimming later too!!

Have a lovely day everyone!

morning ladies!

wow I'm hurting a bit today (in a good way) think my Personal Training Session did something feel great for it anyway. Hypnobirthing sesh no2 tonight, really looking forward to it

coffee it's not easy with the whole sex thing.. there is only one way that can 'enjoy' sex.. (sorry if TMI but me driving if you know what I mean) and that is not very easy, plus i get a sore bump on the left hand side and sometimes it goes really hard (the bump!!!) Poor DH he has real issues with sex in general (wants it A LOT) but he's being very very patient, bless.

Chulita, grand list! I'll need to start thinking about that sometime soon I guess... and good to hear about your nursing chair, I keep saying that I'm not going to get one but the lure of comfort is beconing! There is one in the pram centre for £100 which I don't think it too bad, I could maybe bring myself to buy one if I draped it with pretty blankets or something

Morning all

Had quite an evening of it last night! dh was on the phone to his parents and I asked him to ask them to get the bouncy chair/cradle thingy out of the loft so we can have it for this little one. My mum bought it when ds was about 4 months old and we were up visiting - it's a lovely mamas&papas one, so was reasonable expensive (not compared to the ones now of course that vibrate and play music of course, but still!). Anyway, it's been in their loft ever since - ds only used it for 2 weeks, so it's still as good as new. Except dh for some reason keeps coming up with reasons not to ask them for it! My dad was really tired, my mum was having a rant blah blah blah...I'm convinced he thinks his mum has chucked it out (she's notorious for just throwing perfectly good stuff away). If she has chucked it, I'll be furious!

Anyway, a row ensued followed by uncontrollable sobbing from me. I just couldn't stop crying! I'm desperate to be properly organised this time round as I'm sure that was one of the reasons I struggled to adjust to ds arriving at the very start - I just wasn't organised or ready at the time. We'd just moved house and knew we'd be moving again in a matter of months so nesting was out of the question, as was buying much. I know it's only a bouncy chair - but it's the principle! Grrrrrr.

Sorry - rant over!

Anyway, onto glider/nursing chairs. I adore mine and bought it when ds was 4 weeks old. dh was totally against buying it (because we'd only have to move it to our new house in a couple of months) but I overruled him and now it's the most treasured seat in the house. It's so comfy. I can't sit on the sofa anymore as it's too squishy and I struggle to get up again but my glider chair is a dream! I know they're not the most beautiful of chairs, but I love mine and am so glad we have one. I think I got a bargain from kiddicare, so shop around.

Just been very naughty and had a chocolate croissant - so yum!

Oh, meant to say - on the sex front, I find a pillow under my bum works wonders, or spoons

Hi all,

Nikalah just wondering if there might be a security problem in taking a laptop (ditto MP3)? I guess not a problem in labour, but personally I wouldn't keep them on the ward afterwards (I only took a couple of quid in change for the phone, in case my mobile didn't work - the hospital advised against any other valuables). Which reminds me, it's quite useful to take either a dressing gown or tracksuit bottoms or whatever that have pockets - so that when you're wandering around the hospital after the birth (for long trips to the loo or shower, or the baby changing area), you can take small valuables with you (or just tissues, maternity pads etc).

Re sex, personally we find the best position to be me lying on my back with my legs bent up, with DH on his side with his legs underneath mine (sorry for the TMI so early in the morning ). We use that position anyway, even when I'm not pregnant, as it allows plenty of other fun stuff at the same time .

Hi all

Did not sleep well last night even with the bed all to myself - was just too hot! One day of nice weather and I am complaining

Fingers crossed Elusive that they process your grant by Monday. Must say I think I need a diagram of how you and DH are managing to have sex in that position We've settled into spoons quite comfortably and I usually manage to persuade DH into a bit of a neck rub as a prelude which this position is handy for

I'm with you all on the glider chairs. They're not the prettiest but are so comfy. My main concern is that DH will spend all his time in it.

Not even thought about hospital bag yet but I will also have a suitably "easy read" in my bag to take my mind off things - I've been resisting purchasing Kelley Armstrong's new one precisely for this purpose.

Hello lovelies......
On the HIP grant front, even if it's announced they'll get rid of it on Monday, they can't officially do so till the date of the budget (22nd of June) at the very earliest. And it still strictly speaking requires a date to be made law which might take a couple of days. The department processing it are required to be politically neutral, therefore they can't deliberately slow things before the budget. Us August ladies should therefore all be fine!
I'm afraid I really struggle with the aesthetics of glider chairs and so we're getting a non-glider (but maternity one) from JL.....
I'm waking up pretty much dead on 6am every day now. DH has been getting cooked breakfast in bed as a result.... although I've told him not to get too used to that one!
Caz I'm sure you'll be fine with the essay. If I can help with any study-type skills tips do say. I've just worked out I've 34 working days left... which doesn't sound like very many at all! Better get motoring on with my presentation....
Loving the hospital bags lists!

btw is anyone else suffering from the return of evil morning sickness?? Four times in the last six days xxx

Pample you're probably right but the previous government did an awful lot of stuff on taxation at least with retrospective effect - once unheard of. There are rumours that an "effective date" type announcement could be made next week on certain matters with the Finance Act used only to rubber stamp it. As I say, it wouldn't be the first time in recent years.

I've had mild nausea for about 3 weeks now. Nothing like as bad as MS but triggered by the same things (getting slightly hungry, being even a litle bit tired etc . It's quite draining so you have my sympathies

hi pample yes morning (all day) sickness has returned. If I don't eat every 3 hours I feel very sorry for myself indeed. Luckily I work with DP so he makes sure I eat.

I need to start making lists, I am a huge fan of spread sheets so no doubt in a few days I will have all sorts of spread sheets.

DD nursery had a thing called 'zoo lab' visit yesterday, she held a snake, prodded a giant land snail and a cockroach and had a close encounter with a tarantula! what a bold 2 year old! She loves 'mini beasts' and is often shouting at Hello at ants in the garden. bless her.

I have a paranoid fear of spiders and have tried really hard not to freak out if there is a spider in the house. I think she will be on of those children who chases mummy around the house with a spider

morning all. Hope everyone is feeling ok today
just got back from the docs as my fingers had swollen, got higher blood pressure than last week, was told if it stays high I have to see the m/w every week. He also said I have extra fluid around baby.

Well at least one HIP has just been scrapped with immediate effect

Kcoffin - sorry about that. That is probably my biggest pregnancy worry, I've been frantically checking my ankles and wedding finger every morning - hope it stabilises.

aussieng thanks, think they are being cautious as I had pre-eclamsia with my first. I had to take my weddin ring off a long time ago, but the rin I still wear is now also tight. Just means more trips to the doctors to see the midwife, also the 2 boys keep being naughty doesnt help with the bp problem

Not too sure what the extra fluid means, is that a bad thing?

When I applied for my hip it was in the bank exactley 1 week later

Hehe aussie that just caused my hubby mucho confusion when it appeared on his twitter feed. Especially as I said 'Yes I've just been in touch with C (SIL) to find out if her Nanny can get hers cancelled'.......!!

Well let's hope, anyway, hopefully if they're in the system there's not much that can be done!

kcoffin sorry about your issues.... hopefully they're not an indicator of anything.

Coffeelady and aussie... glad I'm not the only one (but sorry you're also feeling a bit rotten!)

Hi all, sorry to be a stranger - just been quite busy the last week and not been on.

Sex - me on top is the only position working for me atm (spoons is working for DH )

Re feeding chairs: With the twins I just used a high-backed padded leather dining chair - I never felt I needed a 'proper' feeding chair.

I have started to get quite big now and sleep is getting a bit disturbed. Bought some bargain shorts and vest tops on ebay though to keep cool in the hot weather .

I am getting a bit fed up of being pg now (with 12wks to go!)

Got my HIP grant through yesterday - 2.5wks after applying.