November 2010 - From Flump to Bump!

[hmmSleep]

This is the new discussion thread .
Stats thread here

Hello everyone! Have been lurking for a while and not posting.

Everyone's been really busy sorting out their nurseries! (Rinnyx, Pidgin, CardiCorgi...) Am really impressed! I've been thinking about it but not really had any action on it yet! Better get round to it soon.

Have any of you applied for the maternity grant thingy? Is it supposed to be after 25 weeks? Not sure - was going to ask at the next app but thats not till 28 weeks. (Am on 26 probably)

Hi all. Like sweetgrapes I've been lurking rather than posting this week

I'm of all of you decorating your nurseries. We'll probably be moving a few weeks after LO arrives, so I'm not bothering with nursery furniture until we're settled into the new place

My friend recommended the Ergo Cocoon as an alternative to grobags. They're lots cheaper than a grobag, but not sure how easy there are to get in the UK. Also, it's very light material so perhaps better suited to my summer baby than your winter ones!

Hi SweetGrapes I am 26 weeks on Monday, going to get both my hip and surestart forms and get my midwife to sign them when I go to my 28 week app
The hip you can get from 25 weeks and the surestart from 28 weeks

Hmmsleep; I really didn't know you wrapped a baby up; thought they went under a blanket! Crap! I need to get reading...

sabie, I don't think swaddling is the only way, it's just what they did in the hospital and so I carried on at home! I think you can also place baby in cot, ensuring their feet are touching the bottom end, then cover with a blanket tucked well under the mattress to keep it in place, this is to stop them wriggling down under the blanket and getting too hot. You don't use duvets, quilts or pillows though, just thin blankets, adding another if it feels cold.

They'll tell you all this stuff if you go to antenatal classes or you can ask the midwives in the hospital. I didn't have a clue!

hmmsleep; thank you for the reassurance. I think I'm entering the 'OMG-I-don't-know-what-the-f**k-I'm doing' phase. Any one else?

Funnily enough, there doesn't appear to be a chapter on this in any of the books I've seen! Though if I read once more that it is "normal to feel a little apprehensive"....urggh!

I had to walk out of mothercare the other day as it was just too overwhelming, I just didn't know where to start. So, have started with the 'large' stuff i.e.; changing dresser, cotbed. They arrived yesterday and DH got straight on with putting them together. I thought it would be fun to read out possible baby names as we did it but it ended up something like this:

Me; Rory...
DH; F**K! It doesn't fit
Me; Liam...
DH; B*ks! Where's that bolt gone?
Me: Connor...
DH; Wk!

I backed off!!! LOL!!!

It's fun isn't it...?

hi! just marking... still on holidays, decided to start reading up on actual child birth as have been avoiding it... BAD IDEA... think i may skip again for a few months. Book i am reading it all about relaxing into it and enjoying the experience..makes sense but as the baby seems to all of sudden doubled in size just all a bit overwhelming!!!

p.s. well done on all the nursery prep, have bought pain but have visitors for next couple of weekend so will have to wait until they leave! Looking forward to doing it though

Hi Sabie, like some of the others I've beer lurking recently but I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone! I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing and find myself walking very fast past baby shops at the moment as I just start worrying about all the stuff I don't know. I've been contenting myself with getting the material side of things sorted out and snapping up bargains in the sales but am woefully underprepared for the emotional/ practical aspects.

DH and I had a really comforting discussion last night though. He started asking what emotional connection I had with the bump and we went on to talk about all the concerns and worries we have. We both agree that we feel unprepared, but accept that that's probably normal as it's such a huge change. At least we're in it together.

On the subject of names, DH and I are getting nowhere but my parents spent their whole stay (they came for 10 days) telling us what names they like in addition to telling us that X, the only name we have agreed on, is "boring" (we hadn't told them we like it). I know they're just excited but I found it a bit inappropriate. What really wound me up was my Mum kept asking, "How would it sound in French?" I don't sodding care! The baby's going to be half-German, not half-French, what a stupid question (I know we live in France but really, as long as it doesn't sound totally idiotic in French I don't care - and we'd have to go some way to beat DH's colleague Boris who had just called his son Doris; the sweepstake's open for his next child - I'm betting on Morris ).

On top of that my (normally lovely) MIL asked me the other day whether we would teach the baby German? No, I thought we'd force it to only speak English so it can't communicate with half it's family... I swear, it's everyone else getting 'baby brain' rather than me.

Sorry about that, my post is a but more rant-y that I'd intended

Hi tiany we've got the paint as well and as our visitors have just left I can't put off doing it much longer haha

Fenouille thanks for your response. Yep, I'm feeling very cautious re telling people names prior to birth as it gives people chance to say they don't like it whereas most people have sense to stay quiet after the birth. Though have to say am dying to ask what your "boring" name is! LOL!!! How lovely that your child will be bi-lingual or will it be tri-lingual as you are living in France?

For those without a cotbed; Argos are doing a mamas & papas Eloise in natural wood with a matress for £175. Put ours up. Looks great without any fussyness.

Sabie She said, "Edward, George, Thomas... such boring names" (we were discussing traditional names coming back into fashion).

Well, the whole thing did at least get us to sit down and draw up individual short lists which we then vetted, so we now have around 10 boys and girls names that we both like. I think will stick with that and make a final decision when the baby's here.

And yes, our child will end up tri-lingual. Remembering how much I struggled to learn languages at school and in adulthood I'm really excited to be able to give it such a valuable gift We'll obviously be talking to it in our native languages, but there was an interesting thread on here a few days ago about people who decide to use a foreign language to talk to their child.

Hi all.

Not been on for a while, been on my hols. Lots of practice on 12 week old niece, thankfully not past 10pm though, so perhaps slightly unrealistic...

I feel so relieved after reading some of the recent posts. Sabie we went to Mamas and Papas earlier and I can relate to your feelings; I just totally froze and couldn't make any decisions about nursery decor or anything! Ended up leaving with just 3 baby grows and a very stressed me about how little I know and have done.

However, a couple of hours of list making, book ordering and research later I have calmed down now and feel glad that we have actually bought something! Now my head is sorted I can crack on with it now. The list that was written a few pages back has been very useful, thanks to all those who contributed to that. Going for paint tomorrow then DH can get on with his part of the bargain, then we can order furniture and then buy stuff to put in it.

With names, we have decided (we think!) on 3 boys and 3 girls, not planning on making final decision when LO arrives. Keeping them total secret though, don't want other people's 'helpful' suggestions...

Hi all, hope everyone is having a good weekend.

Similar shopping stress here - overwhelmed and left empty handed. Since coming home have started looking online so can dither a bit more with choices.

Gaga do you mind me asking what books you decided on?

And would anyone mind sharing their weight gain? I had a fat freakout this morning as I have put on 7kg since booking (when I was already heavy for me). Thinking that as I'm only 2/3 way through it could get a lot worse. Eating OK although I will admit to having an afternoon treat most days that I wouldn't usually. I also find I get really hungry if I haven't eaten for more than 4 hours.

Hello everyone, well done on nursery-painting and sorting to all of you who are working on that - we move in three or four weeks so happily nothing to do yet, although am so looking forward to starting.

Re. Swaddling etc sabie, my PIL sent me an excellent book (at least, pre-DC1 it is an excellent read, haven't yet had chance to put into practise!) called The Happiest Baby on the Block. Yes, PIL are American and it's a US book, hence title, but very down-to-earth and sounds commonsense and has A LOT to say about swaddling. Not sure if you can get it in bookshops here, but could probably find it online.

I had a real scare on Friday, for a day or so the wriggles had been weak to non-existent, so made appt with MW, who couldn't find heartbeat. Rushed to hospital for scan - thankfully they weren't busy so didn't have to wait too long and everything is okay, but that was the longest two hours of my life from appt to scan. Happy news is, scanner was very kind and did full scan, not just check heartbeat, and it looks like we're having a daughter, which we couldn't find out at our last scan due to the way she was lying in the womb. So happy and relieved everything's fine and also a nice surprise to be able to know gender too. ) Hope everyone's having a lovely and stress-free weekend!

PS shoppingstar I've gained about 2stone (from 11st 3lbs to 13st plus - haven't dared weigh myself for a few days!) I am tall, 5' 8", and I don't look fat, just pregnant, and haven't been overeating. I think just eat healthily, exercise when you can, and don't worry - at least that's what my MW told me. Not a lot I can do about weight already gained, so just got to lay off the chocolate for the final few months...

Coincidentally shoppingstar I've just weighed myself for the first time since my first gp appointment, was playing on the wii fit with dcs so thought I'd give it a check, have put on 11lbs, less than I expected as I'm 27wks now. (I'm very short though!)

Have just had a look at this but think so long as you're feeling healthy then you shouldn't worry. I've been eating really badly, far too much sugary food, which is probably far worse than putting on more weight through eating larger quantities of healthier food.

Fenouille, all your Mum's 'boring' names are on my list . Have short listed girl's names, Dh and I still can't agree on any boys names though.

That must have been very scary comtessa! Glad all turned out to be OK, and congratulations on a little girl .

comtessa that must have been frightening, I'm glad all's well in the end.

hmm I don't find any of those names fundamentally bad (and obviously like one of then very much) and I think she would be mortified if we do finally go for it. I am annoyed though because it's put me off a name that I wanted to use in memory of a dearly missed grandfather Luckily DH has cone up with some nice names now too so we have a bit more choice!

shoppingstar I've put on 8kg (28 weeks). I'm 5'8" and was about 2kg heavier than my normal weight at the beginning of the pg (due to an accident). I'm not too worried - as for comtessa, I don't look fat, still have a waist and cheekbones (!) and apart from the bump you can't really see from behind or straight-on from the front that I'm pg at all. Like hmm though I'm eating way too much sugary food

Fenouille think all your names are lovely. I like a traditional boys name. We are looking at Irish names as although I am English and we live in London, the DH is Irish and has an O' surname. I thought it would be nice for DH and bub's. Any Irish suggestions welcome....

Comtessa thanks for book recommendation. Hope you have recovered from your scare but silver lining; you are having a girl; congrats!

Shopping star; have just gone a weighed myself; have put on 7kgs. 25 weeks.

Have booked a shopping trip with my mum for next weekend; I'm not sure how I'm going to cope with that. Worse for DH though; he's putting together a wardrobe with my Dad!

Have a good week everyone.

sabie me too, definitely in the 'panic, what have we done' stage.

Fortunately DH is quite calm and reassuring at the minute

comtessa I'm glad all's well with you and baby. Sounds like quite a scare

shoppingstar I've gained 10kg at 24wks. I did chat with my obs about my weight gain at my last appointment as I was getting a bit worried this is too much. She said basically that as long as I'm eating healthily it's ok, and that lots of women gain very little once they're into the 3rd trimester so the total weight gain for the entire pg may only be a couple of kgs more.

fenouille we're also struggling with names. We've told people we're not telling until he's born....still doesn't stop them from having an opinion though. My mum decided to annouce the other day "of course you won't be able to call him as it sounds stupid with your surname"

comtessa sorry to hear about your scare - sounds very frightening. Congratulations on your daughter!

shopping I have gained 15kg at 26 weeks - do I win the prize for most weight piled on?! Mine is due to over-eating (although I think I still get a healthy diet - just a bit too much of it!) and not being able to do the exercise I used to do - running. In the first trimester I was too tired to do it and never got started again - I do walk a fair bit now, with occasional swimming and yoga, but it's not the same. I was going to talk to the MW about it at my appointment on Friday but she was heavily overweight herself and I felt awkward talking about it - I know that sounds ridiculous, but there you go.

I also feel like I don't have a clue what to do when the baby comes - have become totally focused on preparing practically and hoping we will just cope when the baby arrives. I'd also appreciate any book recommendations on coping with a new baby!

Spent most of the weekend clearing stuff out of our spare room so it's nearly ready for painting. Rinny, now you've finished yours, fancy taking on a new challenge?!

Shopping and Pidgin, I still haven't gained hardly any weight since the start of the pregnancy. Bump is now growing huge but apparently doesn't weigh much! Think it is due to the fact that I have been eating healthy etc. Which I was not doing before so might be losing fat weight and gaining baby weight leading to an overall weight gain of practically nothing (I think I have put on 4lbs and that is it!).

DS's birthday party this weekend was a success. He had a smashing time! Glad it is all over for another year now.

Sorry to hear about your scare Comtessa glad everything is OK and congrats on your daughter!!

Fenouille and Bunnygirl we have picked both male and female names (in the event that the ultrasonographer was wrong). My mum was a bit dubious about them but I couldn't care less what anyone else thinks to be honest lol...

Starting to sort out babies room now. Bit disappointed this month as it turns out DP won't be getting his bonus from work so will have to save for a bit to buy the last few bits and pieces needed before baby is born. I also haven't been paid as the school I work for is currently struggling for funds and looking for some financial backing so things are a bit tight atm... Sure they'll get better though.

Off to the midwife this afternoon. Get to hear babies heartbeat for the first time today!! Quite excited as is DP and DS who are coming with me...

Speak soon... x x x

bit behind on here, will catch up with all the postings i've missed this week, but just in case anyone hasn't seen it, ASDA are having a baby event at the moment, and you can get Pampers nappies from their website, 2 boxes for £18 - each box has 144 nappies in them - sounded cheap to me!

Hi bunny for you at our thoughtless Mums. What on earth possesses them? I keep telling myself that she's just excited but still...

Sabie your plan for an Irish name sounds good but as my track record on selecting names is not all that good I'll leave the suggestions to others

Does anyone else find that all the emphasis at the moment is simply on being pg and getting through labour? It's driving me crazy. This really feels like such a transient moment I'd like to have a lot more help and advice on what to do when the baby's here, but people just keep saying, "It'll all come naturally." Thank goodness for Munsnet, that's all I can say!