May 2010: Final call for May babies - please exit the waiting lounge & head for the arrivals desk!

[cupcakefairy]

New thread to welcome some more new babies! Let's have a flurry this weekend please!

Thanks carikube. I know I should just ask relatives to stay away a bit longer but it's so awkward cos it's half term holidays they're all off... if baby had come last week it just would have been such better timing. But yes I will definitely be sneaking off with baby a lot; just hoping my Mum and MIL don't try to butt in too much, first grandchild on both sides and all
to your bro! That is so gutting. That status thing is one of the reasons I hate facebook - I've sometimes found out things I reeeeally would have been better off not knowing!

hi all
bf not so good today, back to some top ups with bottles, cause he can't get enough, demands feeding every hour and my nipples are really sore, any help?, will definetly call la leche league...
sorry no personals, really exhausted and quite frustrated tbh, but expressing lots, so at least not so much formula, also he will only sleep in my arms,

Carikube haha - you're not a scorpio are you?!

Facebook is evil. Before we left me and the husband set up a group called Facebook Suicide with a still of Ripley from Alien throwing herself backwards into a molton pit of burning metal, for all those who were fed up and wanted to go. Leaving was the best thing I ever did - saw more REAL friends in the first 2 weeks than I had in months and am still enjoying my daily privacy and annonimity .

I just took DS2 to the park and went on all the rides with him - bounced really hard on the see-saw, got a fair few odd looks. Going to attempt the eat-your-own-weight-in-pineapple again too. Wish me luck!

cupcakefairy your post sent a shudder down my spine remembering my first (truely evil) MIL when I had DS1. She arrived at my house at 9am and left at 8pm and did bugger all except dominate the baby - I had to make tea all day, lunch and dinner for her . Please please learn from my mistake!! Make your relatives get their own drinks and food and hold on to your baby if you feel uncomfortable with them butting in. It's a diplomatic minefield but people will be expecting you to be hormonal, so you may as well live up to their expectations!

Just tried DS in the Baby Bjorn and remembered why I didn't like it, my back hurt after about 10 mins and his head was lolling about too much.

Sorry cupcake

We are off to Ikea (aka second home they have a FREE creche people) on Monday to buy a cheapie cot for DD3 so Jacob can get the bedside one. I have a almost brand new toddler bed up the loft but with the extension plans I plan to keep DD3 in a cot until her room is finished, we are splitting her box room down the middle to create an access corridor for another 3 bedrooms and stealing the rest of it for our master bedroom so DD3 will have to go in the already cramped bedroom with DD1 and 2 and the thought of her in a bed is well scary so the cot is smaller and she is contained. The bedside cot is fab for cosleeping though.

carikube - I feel you pain Jacob is the same may have to try the hot water bottle trick. He's whinging in his moses basket just now yet he can sleep in his car seat no problem.

I am fed up with today weather wise one minute it looks so nice the next it is raining and I put a washing out! Have also woke up full of cold lurgy with sore joints/headache/sore throat the works so am not a happy bunny today at least the schools are off.

Better go whinging has turned into full blown screaming

SK I'm tempted to try DD2 in the bouncy chair tonight to see if that is any better. By the time I got up this morning I was hanging off the edge of the bed - although DD2 is tiny she certainly manages to make sure she has enough room! DH doesn't seem to stir at all so I'm the one who gets shoved out of the way - how do men do that? I also remembered last night why I don't like feeding LO in our room as I had to listen to him snoring away whilst I was desperately trying to keep my eyes open and get DD2 fed...brings back all the memories of nighttime with DD1...

alle don't let a bad day of feeding dishearten you. Having happily told DH that all my feeding problems were sorted, I ended up with bleeding nipples last night and today DD2 has fed really badly. I'm trying to view it as just a bad phase rather than anything more sinister and that I'll be back to being brilliant in no time at all

I just did the Nichols rule thingy and it calculated my dute date as the 3rd June - my DS2's birthday. So I'm happy I'm not officially overdue, but also extra worried I'll have the baby on his birthday! Grrr!

congratulations to hollyoaks newmomma myfirstbump mollybob nimk james and to anyone else i've missed

lack of sleep has turned me into a bit of a vegetable - the joys of trying to sleep when Squirt does is impossible as she sounds like a bloody jack russell with all her snuffling and heavy breathing!! but 10 days in and enjoying this more than i thought i would.
Staples are out and scar is healing nicely, bit of an overhang still (guess they didn't give the tummy tuck i asked for during the section lol) but DP and i can now actually cuddle with me having to stand sideways!!

we have no real routine sleep/feed wise as the first week she totally lulled us into a false sense of achievement!! most sleep i've managed in 10days has been 5hrs straight, Rebecca only cries when she's hungry and is an otherwise fairly contented baby so feeling very lucky about that.
Last community midwife visit this morning and Squirt now weighs 10lb 3oz and is getting silly long, she doesn't look like a 10 day old.

btw is there a waking/sleep ratio for newborns? yesterday Squirt was awake for nearly 10hrs in total, wasn't crying or distressed just seemed interested in the fuzzy, out of focus world around her - is this normal?

xxxx

Looks like more congratulations are in order: well done james, hollyoaks, myfirstbump, newmomma, lukymiller and anyone else i've missed. I'm like Moggmum 40+12 so of course very jealous.

I'm finding it hard to keep hold of the idea that a baby will eventually emerge to be honest

I went in for my scheduled induction this morning after two sweeps failed to produce anything but a show. I was given prostaglandin gel and now I'm at home waiting for something to happen. I understand it can take 6 or 8 hours before anything does. I thought it would all be over today but it seems not. Does anyone have any advice for encouraging prostaglandin to work? There'll be plenty more interventions tomorrow if it doesn't which i'd rather avoid.

Meanwhile midwife who applied the gel seemed to have extra-ordinarily large hands and I'm still getting over the . I suppose its all good practise for getting a baby out.

btw. should i also be worried that I've had no leakages from nipples by now?

Anyway, here's hoping we see a good few new babies before the end of the weekend. Weren't there other people having inductions today?

schipo was wondering how you were getting on. I know how you feel as I really can't imagine this baby is ever going to come now either!

No leaky nipples here which is probably no consolation as I'm in the same position as you.

I think First1 was also due to have induction today?

Just tried the Nichols rule theory someone suggested which puts my due date as this weekend - fingers crossed

Oh schipo poor you, I guess I was very lucky I went into labour 3 hours after having the gel but being on no4 I reckon there wasn't much holding him in! Hope it kicks off for you soon

carikube - I don't have a bouncy chair but a swing that rocks itself, he doesn't like that much either. He's so tired just fed him to sleep and sat with him for 2 mins after he unlatched himself, out him down to get DD3 up and he is up again. I simply cannot sit and feed him to sleep then sit with him with the others about but he hates being in his basket. Now it's cooler I think I will swaddle him again.

By no4 you would think I would have this all sussed wouldn't you??!!

Hi schipo I was wondering if I'd missed a birth announcement somewhere as we hadn't heard from you in a while. I really feel for you..I'm only 40+9 and just climbing the walls. Absolutely agree with you and moggmum that it's very hard to hold onto the fact a baby is actually coming now! Feels like due date has come and gone ages ago therefore we are just left behind and pregnant forever!

I was told with prostaglandin gel to WALK LOTS. The friend who told me that said she was in hospital and just walked up and down the ward all day reading a book and it worked so hope you don't have to have more nasty interventions. I have a sweep tomorrow and was so hopeful for it but keep reading that they failed for others just feel sad that baby doesn't want to come out!
A friend who had the same due date as me keeps posting pics on FB of her one week old dd.. I just find it so weird mine is essentially the same age but still inside!

Really really hope this weekend is the one for all us overdueys!

Hi squirtsmum I think 5 hours sleep in a row is really good going for 10 days in!! Really lovely to hear you're enjoying it too. Baby Whisperer (I know I'm a stuck record) says a newborn sleeps 16-20hrs a day with a typical pattern being napping 1 hour in every 3, and 5-6 hours at night. But I'm sure it can really vary between babies! (Don't exactly have much experience yet!!)

Aw ali I hope baby doesn't come on DS2's birthday; sending out strong May vibes to all the babies still in waiting! And to your MIL story! Thankfully mine won't be here all day every day as they're staying elsewhere & they've been told they're not going to be waited on by us
Speaking of MILs mine just text me saying 'you know how the baby got there, it's supposed to help get it out too!' it was bad enough when my own Mum text me that last week but now my MIL telling me to go bed her son! (and it would just be way too embarrassing to reply 'well actually we've been trying that every night!!' )

Just adding James on.
We haven't heard from Angel either; she must've had her little one by now

THE NEW ARRIVALS

11 April LuckyC, GIRL MATILDA, 14.47
15 April ForcesSweetheart, GIRL, MOLLY, 10.27, 7lbs 6ozs
16 April Littleowls, BOY JOEL, 14.40, 4lb 8oz
16 April Memorylapse, GIRL, OLIVIA GRACE, 6.17pm, 6lbs 11.5ozs
23 April Sophie2008, BOY, COREY DREW 7lbs 2.5oz and GIRL, MIRIAM ELIZABETH 7lbs 4oz
27 April Brightredballoon, GIRL, 10am, 7lb 12oz
27 April Pagen, BOY, JACK JOHN, 7.30am, 9lbs 2ozs
29 April littleonemum, GIRL, LUX EMILIE, 9.40pm, 7lbs 7 ozs
04 May fiveisanawfullybignumber, GIRL, FLORENCE MARGARET GRACE, 6.14pm,
04 May hormonalmum, GIRL
05 May sweetkitty, BOY, JACOB DAVID JOHN, 4.52am, 8lbs 5ozs
05 May Mustbemadno3 GIRL, LILLIA VICTORIA SOFIA, 05.05am 6lbs 8ozs
06 May Alle, BOY, OSCAR, 12.20pm 6lbs 8ozs
06 May alexw, GIRL, JULIA MAUD, 7lbs2oz
07 May TwentiethCenturyHeffa, BOY, CORIN, 7lbs1oz
07 May sheepgomeep, GIRL, JESSICA, 9lbs 12.5oz
08 May Lizzie9442, GIRL, LOUISE, 9.01pm, 10lbs
10 May Hobnobfanatic, GIRL
11 May 30ish, BOY, OLIVER JAMES, 10:05am, 9lbs 7oz.
12 May kateyjane, BOY, THOMAS EDWARD, 11.29am, 7lbs 12ozs
13 May MarquiseDeMerteuil, BOY, FELIX BENJAMIN, 5lbs 15oz
14 May itshappenedagain, GIRL, FLORENCE ELEANOR, 5.22am, 8lb 6oz
14 May TomlinTowers, GIRL, SOPHIE MAE, 8.43am, 9lbs 7oz
15 May pigleychez, GIRL, LUCY OLIVIA, 9.30am 7lbs 12oz
15 May slipperthief, BOY, DANIEL HENRY, 7.28pm, 8lbs 4oz
16 May Wibblela, GIRL, REFAELLA, 12.22am, 8lbs 4oz
17 May pamelat, BOY, ALEXANDER, 12.14pm, 7lbs 8oz
17 May Morph2, BOY, JACOB ANTHONY, 7.50pm, 6lbs 11ozs
18 May squirtsmum, GIRL, REBECCA LOUISE, 1.37am, 9lbs 14.5oz
18 May MinnieMummy, GIRL, 8.31am, 10lbs 11oz
18 May KatnKankles, GIRL, AVA ROSE, 8lbs 14oz
19 May Sweetpeasmum, GIRL, SOPHIE ELIZABETH, 6.38am
20 May Sassles, BOY, SAMUEL, 9lbs 4oz
20 May KaffaCakes, BOY, ALBERT STANLEY, 1.09am, 7lbs 8.5oz
20 May Den26, BOY, RIAN ALEXANDER, 7lbs 13oz
21 May Carikube, GIRL, ALICE JANE, 2.17am, 8lbs 5oz
21 May peakyispreggers, BOY, FINN, 2.47am, 7lbs 12oz
21 May Gils, GIRL, MELISSA ANNE, 3.38am, 8lbs 10oz
21 May Rachelfruitloop, BOY, ERIC DAVID, 3.48am, 11lbs 2oz
23 May newmomma, GIRL, 6.34am, 8lbs 12.5oz
24 May Mollycuddles, GIRL, MOLLY LETITIA ROSE, 2.24am, 8lbs 3oz
24 May LuckyMiller, BOY, IRA JACOB, 8lbs 2oz
25 May Hollyoaks, GIRL, GRACE ANNABEL
25 May JamesandtheGiantBanana, GIRL, 7lbs
25 May Nimk, GIRL, 6lbs 8oz
27 May myfirstbump, GIRL, DARCEY ELIZABETH, 2.18pm 8lbs 15oz

THE WAITING LOUNGE

06 May - DorotheaPlenticlew, 35, #2, GIRL, Edinburgh
08 May - Asparagusaddict, #1
12 May - Haribolicious 36, #2, BOY
12 May - LivsHannah 27, #2, BOY
13 May - Cith, 30, #1
13 May - TinyVeins, 29, #1
13 May - Mummymunchkins, 40, #3, BOY
14 May - CornishSAMum, 33, #1, Cornwall
16 May - MoggMum, 38, #1
16 May - schipo, 40, #1, BOY
16 May - Vicky204, 34, #1
17 May - first1, 22, #1, GIRL, Surrey
19 May - cupcakefairy, 25, #1
20 May - LolaAnn, 22, #1, BOY
20 May - Aim, #2, BOY
20 May - homebirthmummy4, #4
21 May - Suey2, 39, no2, GIRL
21 May - Mumofeag, 34, #3 BOY
23 May - RacquelWelsh, 38, #1 BOY
24 May - AnAngelWithin #5
24 May - Yorky, 31, #3
26 May - booboomonster, 35, #2 GIRL, SW London
26 May - AliMouse, 40, #3 BOY
26 May - Glastocchick, 34, #1
31 May - ande, #4
31 May - thegauntlet, #1

cupcake you never know, the sweep might work - it did for me

SK I haven't had to spend any time yet on my own with both DCs but I hope DD2 settles a bit better by the time I'm on my own the week after next as there's going to be no way I can spend so much time with her as I am now. She's just had another marathon 4 hour nap though; you can guarantee that she won't do anything like that tonight. She doesn't seem to be feeding as well/as much today and also seems very drowsy so I just hope she's ok but I guess we'll see.

Just tried out that Nichols rule thing as I'd never heard of it before. It gave me an EDD of May 18th which is a bit more realistic than the 14th (DD2 born 21st) so if I'm ever stupid enough to have any more, I may well use this system...

Happy anniversary AliMouse!

Congratulations James, that's a great birth story, lol at the Victor Meldrew moment! And no tears or stitches !

Mogg - good work on gaining a few days' grace on the induction. Fingers crossed that you won't need it!

booboo - did you get to see Sex & The City? I still haven't seen the first one!! Thanks for the tips on routine, and thanks to Mollycuddles too (love the new name!). We're breast-feeding on demand too, so Felix pretty much determines his own 'routine'. I'm inclined to keep it that way until after our trip. If he's feeding roughly every 3-4 hours, then I guess the time difference might actually not have that much of an effect on him (or us!).

Cupcake - I echo what Carikube says about making sure you do your own thing even if you have visitors there. If you're anxious about it, warn them in advance that that's what you plan to do. Also, I'd say don't worry too much now about baby blues. I don't think they're inevitable. I didn't get them at all, so you might be lucky and escape too! Thanks for the baby whisperer recommendation. You are the second person to recommend it, so I'm going to treat myself to a copy on amazon.

SK - am impressed with your planned trip to Ikea. Felix absolutely loves his Ikea muslins - they have a crazy pattern on them which he seems to stare at for ages - worth investing in if you need some!

squirt - sounds like things are going really well with Rebecca! I have no idea about sleep:wake ratio. Felix varies hugely from day to day, but definitely spends far more time asleep than awake.

schipo - Fingers crossed that your prostaglandin kicks in shortly. I don't think you need to worry about the lack of leakage, it really varies from person to person. My DSis leaked from about 7 months pregnant, whereas I didn't leak for the first time until about 3 days after my milk came in (making up for it now though)!

Alle - sorry to hear you're having a difficult day. Just remember that some days are better than others, and one tricky day doesn't mean the next day will be hard too.

Hope everyone has a good bank holiday weekend, and that all the overdue babies decide to make an appearance! Sending out lots of labour vibes.

alle i sympathise as am feeding 1.5 to 2 hourly which all "normal" but feels constant.

eg rougly 7am, 830am, 1030am, 12, 2, 4, 5, 6 and then pretty much constantly between 6 and 9. 10pm, 2am, 4am and so it goes ....

souns horrid but find it difficult and have dd, and ery tempted to use formula at 7 and 10pm?

Hi

Sorry to moan, but I feel really despondant for the first time in ages and I just bit DH's head off. We didn't plan this baby and were supposed to be spending our 5th wedding anniversary in Cornwall where he proposed - with no children. We can't even share a bottle of bubbly in case I go into labour. The reality is just so far from what was in our minds for this weekend!

I know I'm not anywhere near as overdue as others, but I too have started to doubt that he will come out! It's been hard enough getting my head around the fact that I'm pregnant as I had a coil fitted (it fell out!), but having to wait is making it so much more difficult. I've been quite bouyant lately but today I'm really worried I'll get PND and I won't bond with my newborn at all. I'm already feeling cross with him for possibly spoiling DS2's birthday if he arrives that day and the poor little mite isn't even here yet.

ARG - hormones!! Maybe sarrogacy isn't such a mad idea after all. Cuts out the spade work doesn't it?

cupcakefairy my MIL just made a smutty comment about how we must have been 'at it' at the same time of year to have two so close together. I didn't know what to say - does she think we only have sex once a year? Or once every 4 years?! MIL's commenting on your sex life is almost as unsavoury as hearing your parents having sex. But not quite!

Right then. Just managed to get a nice post together earlier then the internet explorer crashed. Grrr.

Anyways, congrats to james! great to hear from you. Also to Den, Nimk, MFB, luckymiller and all who have recently sprogged! This forum moves far too quickly. Hope you're enjoying your newborns as much as I am. newmomma congrats to you too! Your birth story is fab, sounds like it was reasonably smooth (even with the crazy driving!)and you're doing great post-natally.

Hope that cupcake and moggmum you aren't too uncomfortable and fielding all those 'haven't you given birth yet?' enquiries with all the grace you muster up .

Ali I thought the pethidine was a godsend to be honest, even after I was keen not too have it initially. However, after about two hours of established labour I needed something to take the edge off the pain, and it did exactly that. It's the only pain relief they offer locally here in Chelmsford, but I've been recommended that Mepted is very good for pain relief without the drowsy effects if that's what you mean. Though to be honest after a difficult and tiring delivery, Albie's mammoth pethidine-induced sleep after the birth was great for me to have a quick re-charge! I did feel a bit 'out of it' but when it came around to the episiotomy I was glad!

Carikube- pre-pregnancy clothes- wow! [impressed emoticon]. I did a primark run yesterday as I have no summer clothes that fit and offer Albie easy access to his food!

rachel thanks for the fibre advice. I've been knocking back tonnes of granola bars and things seem to be moving along quite nicely now!!!

alle Your DH sounds fab! Glad you're getting all the suport you need. I find it hard that I can't do as much as usual, but DP has been great sorting out dinner, lunch, washing, washing up and shopping. I've also given myself a window of 4/5 years to forget the pain of labour and recovery before we make more babies!

My stitches are feeling better now the swelling has subsided but the MW just checked them and one has split so i've been given orders to sit with knickers off to let the area 'air' and heal! As it's day 8 I won't have to go back for another stitch though luckily. So I am sitting here with my mimsy out. Thank goodness we live in a first floor flat and no-one can see into our lounge! Also, like MDM I want to thank whoever it as for the tea tree and lavender bath trick, it's been wonderful. Even though I have taken to weeing in the bath so that I don't make my split stitch sting like a mutha!

Pigley sorry to hear you're so disappointed in your feeding. The main thing is that Lucy is getting everything she needs from your expressed milk, so try and take heart from that I suppose. I've very grateful that Albie has taken to it like a duck to water, even though I have had trouble expressing. Sounds like we need a combination of our two dilemmas!Like rachel I recommend breastfeeding clinics, I went to one before I gave birth and it made me feel so confident about doing it- I have had no qualms yet about getting the girls out in public to feed Albie, though I have had some slightly disapproving glances. Arseholes.

MDM sounds like you and your lot are doing great! We had not too bad a night last night, Albie is very awake today so hopefully that bodes well. Been having similar issues getting him to sleep in the crib, he's in there now just woken from a nap. We watched the cricket earlier (bloody good innings from Trott) too.

Everything else is well here, feet have finally gone back to normal after a week of looking like I'm related to John Merrick! Freakin' hideous not to mention inconvenient- my flip-flops barely fit let alone any other shoes! Albie had an eye infection but got some drops from the GP and it's healed nicely. It was the same eye that was bruised by the forceps though I think he does grasp it when he's feeding. Now it's a bit cooler I can put scratch mittens on again.

Anyways, more of the family have unexpectedly rocked up so better put some pants on and get them a brew!

cupcake - I don?t blame you for getting frustrated. It?s rubbish going overdue (and I didn?t last time so it?s come as a shock) - especially with the pressure from relatives/ friends/ potential visitors. It is like people think it?s your fault. I am trying to dwell on the fact that I can still sleep when I want to (DD permitting) and do things like go to the cinema - which I know I won?t be able to do once LO comes. I don?t know if that?s much help to you - but if there is anything left that you can do - nice, treat stuff, then do it now! I know what you mean about a May baby too - I am sure you will get one! I am not so sure about me though - think it will be June at this rate! I did my Nichols rule due date and it?s 6 June, bah?
oh, and to your MIL comments about DTD with her son!!!

molly I sincerely hope my chaotic hormones are related to going into labour - I am so emotional at the moment it?s ridiculous. I even cried in the sex and the city film this afternoon (and it?s really not sad?). Otherwise I am just turning into a total sap.

carikube - sorry to hear about your rubbish rellys and good luck with the bouncy chair!

Ali hope it?s not the 3rd June - I can see why that would be a pain! Hopefully well before then? And Happy Anniversary! Can?t remember if I said before but DH has apologised - and said he will make an effort. I just said ?the proof is in the pudding?.? Sorry you are having such a rubbish anniversary. I know one of the reasons my DH is a bit miserable is because he is dreading doing the whole baby thing again. Like you say, being in Cornwall with a bottle of bubbly and no kids can seem very appealing! But it will be worth it in the end, that?s what we have to remind ourselves. My parents had my little brother 7 years after me and 10 years after my older brother, and it was great fun having him around - and he was very easy (partly cos my folks were so chilled by then) so I?m sure you will enjoy it.

schipo good to hear from you - I was sure you must have popped. You and mogg must be next surely? I don?t have any experience of induction I?m afraid. I do remember that just before I went into labour last time my nipples leaked a bit. But I?ve no idea if that?s standard - haven?t had anything like that this time yet - and I did give them a bit of a squeeze earlier just to see if I?d missed something, but nowt.

The other thing I was thinking about going overdue is that of course none of us know when we ovulated (correct me if I?m wrong) so maybe we just had a late ovulation and a late fertilisation in which case baby isn?t overdue as such, just still being finished off?. as it were. does that make sense? It makes me feel a bit better to think that it needs to stay in for a bit longer.

The list is getting rather top heavy isn?t it? I am sure there are a fair few on the June thread who have had their babies now? will we ever catch up?

MDM yes saw the first showing of Sex and the city at clapham picturehouse. It was entertaining. Quite nice to fit it in as it will be trickier once the baby comes. Having said that, there is a ?big scream? on thursday mornings at the picture house which is great as you can take little babies but get to see all the new releases (I think you are local?).

Kaffa hope your stitches heal soon, and glad the feet have gone down. Mine are a little inflated - I bought some flip flops today and they did look a bit like they might slice through my skin if it gets any worse.

big time labour vibes to all the expectants?.

Hi all. Just quick post. Gave birth early hours of this morning at 12.34 to 8lb 15oz girl. Called her Willow. Shes totally adorable and worth the total trauma of a birth that knocked me for six. We were still able to come home at 10am though, but I fell totally in a daze and not with it yet! Will post more and resond tomorrow. x x x x

congratulations Angel ! great news, look forward to hearing the birth story. Hope you can get some quality sleep in!

Aww Ali so sorry you're feeling down it's perfectly understandable though considering!! I think you've done amazingly well; I'm not sure how I'd cope with an unplanned pregnancy, especially with your dates being so inconvenient Hope you can celebrate your anniversary a bit late and have some much deserved bubbly once lo is here (THIS WEEKEND PLEASE)
Glad my MIL isn't the only inappropriate one -maybe yours just likes to think you only have sex once a year. Sex should just not be discussed with MILs!

kaffa lol to needing to put some pants on for the rellies

MDM thanks, that is encouraging that you didn't get baby blues...but I am a pretty tearful person at the best of times so am anticipating it!

booboo thanks for your lovely words too. I am trying to appreciate all the sleep and did go to the cinema a lot in the first few weeks of mat leave but a bit scared to now in case waters go just hate that the more this gets delayed, the more fearful I get about the whole birth thing; I just want it over with!

Carikube I read your birth story again and that is encouraging about the sweep- really hope that happens for me! Did you have yours at home? My mw is coming to our house and I'm a bit about whipping off my pants in our bedroom for her to root around... somehow feels less weird at a hospital or clinic!

x-post angel congratulations!! gorgeous name. Sorry birth was tough but wow to getting home so soon!

Girls are definitely way ahead of boys on our stats!

congrats angel and hope you manage to take it easy - I'm sure the temptation to do things now that you are home is going to be great but I hope you get your feet up a lot as well.

cupcake yes I had my sweep at home - MW didn't have any appts left at her afternoon clinic so squeezed in a home visit between her other commitments. It didn't bother me whipping off my pants in my bedroom as it were as I had done this after having DD1 so that she could examine my stitches (she had to check them before being able to sign me off) so it was just going over old ground really. Also I think it was preferable doing it at home as I wouldn't have wanted to walk back through the GP surgery with the way I was walking afterwards

oh carikube how were you walking? I need to know - sweep booked for next wednesday...

cupcake I know what you mean about waters breaking - I actually thought for a second during the film today that this was happening. Though I am so shameless I don't think I would care that much... but I do understand your anxiety. Also the fear factor - it's so hard not knowing what kind of birth you'll have. Even though I've done it before, I don't feel there is any guarantee it will be ok (and there isn't of course!). I think if you can be relaxed as possible that is good for labour, so try not to stress. And last time I thought the NHS was brilliant - they are very well trained, for all the criticism you hear, so you will be in good hands.

anyway, off to get an early night...

firstbump- Congratulations on the birth of Darcey lovely name and looking forward to hearing your story.

MDM- Congrats on your wedding anniversary and glad you enjoyed your pub lunch.

molly- Sorry your feeling down. Im sure DD will get used to her new sister. Its just such a change at the mo.

James- lovely birth story glad you managed to avoid being induced.

Ali- Congrats on your wedding anniversary

Mogg- fingers crossed for the weekend then

SK- Sorry your feeling rough. Hope you have a better day tomorrow.

Squirt- Glad your enjoying motherhood

schipo- Fingers crossed things happen soon for you.

Cupcake- at your MIL's text.

Kaffa- Hope the airing helps your stitches My feet after DD1 were HUGE. Even the MW said shes not seen any that big before!

Angel- Congratulations on the birth of Willow. Beautiful name. Looking forward to your story.

Labour vibes to all those overdue! Thinking of you all as i know how horrible it is.

Thanks for the BF advice. Well last night managed to get her to latch on properly.( first time in days!) and seem to have been doing ok today too which is good. My only worry now is that she not getting enough from me as she seems to get hungry really quickly afterwards like shes not satisfied by me. Im pretty sure shes latched on well and can hear her sucking.
I just worry that by expressing and topping up with formula that my supply is dropping.

Had a fab day out today. We went to a Butterfly, birds and reptile house thats about an hours drive away on the coast. Was a lovely sunny day and DD really enjoyed seeing all the animals. Highlight of her days was when a butterfly landed on my hand! Shes didnt shut up about it the whole way home! Lucy was fab asleep in the sling.

Very nervous tonight though as my mum has just called to say they are going to look after my niece as my Sis is in A&E. You may remember shes newly pregnant but has been getting pains in her right hand side that have got worse and worse all day
Hoping its all ok for her. Bad timing ( as if there ever is a good time) but its my nieces 2nd birthday tomorrow too.