August 2010: we're popping already!

[Chulita]

LIST
In Sweet Memory Of Belle, Daughter Of CazEM. Our First August Angel Was Born Asleep
21.6.10 at 00:08, 4lbs 5oz

Arrived:
1st July - CherryPie BOY

Pending
20 July - Aussie #1, Nottingham , age 36 BOY
25 July - Emster #1, Walthamstow, 29, SURPRISE
22 July - 4 Aug) Chulita #2: Dorset , 27. BOY
26 July - Anifersgirl, #1, age 33 South Bucks, 33week scan extended breech GIRL
28 July - CazzyBabs #4, Cambridge , SURPRISE
29 July - CherryPie3, #3, West Yorkshire , Age 25, SURPRISE
29 July - BouncingBlueberries #2 South London , 33 SURPRISE
31 July - Missus84, #1, Bristol . Age 26 BOY
01 Aug - Nikalah, #1, Dorset . Age 35, GIRL
01 Aug - Bumblingaround #4, SURPRISE
02 Aug - Dibbydab, #1, Devon . Age 34 SURPRISE
02 Aug - summerymummy, #2, age 29, Berkshire , SURPRISE
02 Aug - JamieJay, #1, Cardiff . Age 29 - GIRL
03 Aug - fuzzybunny, #2, age27, Somerset SURPRISE
03 Aug - carolondon #1 North London age 37, BOY
04 Aug - kcoffin #3. GIRL
04 Aug - girlyearapart #3 kingston Hospital Age 31 SURPRISE
05 Aug - RachelParker #1, age 26, Wandsworth ( London ), GIRL
06 Aug - YummymummyKJulie, #1, NW London , GIRL
07 Aug - NichyNoo, #1. Brussels . Age 30 - BOY
07 Aug - Weehector #1, Largs. Age 36.. BOY
08 Aug ? ElusiveMoose #2 Kent 33 BOY
08 Aug - DriedApricots #2, Surrey, SURPRISE
09 Aug - possiblenewmum #1, Guildford , age 31, GIRL
09 Aug ? Alice #2 Suffolk age 25, BOY
09 Aug - thecoffeelady #2, Fleet, Hants, age 32, SURPRISE
11 Aug ? CellyD #1, Walthamstow, SURPRISE
10 Aug ? SayAnything #1, Brussels , age 33, BOY
12 Aug - tunise, #4, Suffolk , age 31. GIRL
13 Aug ? Neenz #3 Liverpool (32) - SURPRISE
14 Aug - LCRLCR #1, Brighton , age 34, SURPRISE
14 Aug - Burkoid, #2 SURPRISE
14 Aug ? babyducky #2, Brighton , age 24, SURPRISE
15 Aug ? LizzieA #1 Wirral, 33, scan ok BOY
15 Aug - thedogwalker #1, age 37, Germany (originally from Halifax), BOY
16 Aug - parkgirl #1, 20wk scan fine - GIRL
16 Aug - Tah2 #3, South Wales . SURPRISE
16 Aug - Vix206 #1, Leicester , 32, BOY
16 Aug ? cakeywakey, #2, age 32, GIRL
17 Aug - Doodleydoo #2 Kent still just 34, SURPRISE
18 Aug ? Isheisnthe #3 Camberley, FPH, Age 33, BOY
18 Aug - biddysmama #2, Lancashire , BOY
19 Aug - marzipananimal #1, York , age 24 SURPRISE
19 Aug ? Bubbabear #1, Reading/Berks age 30, BOY
20 Aug - JessieEssex #1, age 33, SURPRISE
20 Aug - USMum27 #1, age 26, Wandsworth. GIRL
21 Aug - CrunchieNutterII #2, age 34, Devon , SURPRISE
22 Aug - Poncherello #2, North London , SURPRISE
23 Aug - chickieno1 #1, SURPRISE
24 Aug ? JaysFourth #4, age 38, GIRL
24 Aug - growingbump2, #2, age 25, Isle of Man , SURPRISE
25 Aug - Sal321, #1, age 31, Essex SURPRISE
25 Aug - Sam86 #2 Liverpool , GIRL
25 Aug ? aendr #2, Huntingdonshire, 33, GIRL
25 Aug - Joey30, #1, Halifax - West Yorkshire , age 30., BOY
25 Aug - Soontobefatnat #1 SE London Age 30, BOY
26 Aug - pamplem0usse, age 26, #1, Herts SURPRISE
27 Aug - Jamiki #3, SURPRISE
28 Aug - LittleMissSnowShine, #1, age 26, Belfast, SURPRISE
29 Aug - Hildainstant #1, Sunderland , age 30, SURPRISE
29 Aug - LilyPad72 #1, age 37, Berkshire , BOY
29 Aug - starshaker #2 & 3 Ayrshire Age 29 VIOLET TWINS
30 Aug - Sparkle #1, age 31, Kent SURPRISE
31 Aug ? vitapulchra, #4, Guernsey , 32, BOY
?? Aug - LittleMissSnowShine
02 Sept - MrsZaC, #1, Glasgow , age 26 SURPRISE
08 Sept - ronx, #2, London , age 37, SURPRISE

BABY COUNT*
*Boys - 20
Girls - 15
Surprises - 32

TOTAL - 67

Hello to everyone

I am really getting fed up of this heat. It is 34 Degrees today here in Germany and I am really cannot be bothered to do anything. Need a nice cold swimming pool to cool down in.

Hope everyone is well.

morning ladies,

Just seen cherry's fbook update, haven't put his name up as I think cherry will have to decide if she wants his name to be up or not.

"born 2.7.10 at 08:11 weighing 8lbs 4oz." - awh bless

just aswell he popped out now, he would have been a big boy if he'd stayed in another 4 weeks!

Funny to hear all the favourite places where babies are kicking... does anyone have really manic kicking days followed by quiet ones

Sorry to hear your super toasty dogwalker get yourself to a place with lovely aircon I have to say I will miss my immensely air condtioned office environment when I leave (in 2 weeks time!!!!!)

Is anyone elses boobs driving them nuts? mine are sooo heavy that they are causing superbly annoying bra problems. I got some new bras slightly too big for me so I didn't need to buy some more but then are itching like hell, only ones I could find in a 34GG!! I think it's cuz my boobs are that heavy they are flopping over the top of the waistband

hope your all having a nice weekend!

Zx

thedogwalker Glad to hear its 34 degrees in Germany now. We were there on holiday a couple of weeks ago and had to come home because it was so cold and wet!

Congratulations Cherry! Can't wait to hear all the details about your new baby boy

It is sooooo hot in London today and saw that this heat is going to last until Wednesday at least - phuuuuuuw

Went to the steam fair this afternoon, felt like such a heavily pregnant woman cliche sitting there with two half eaten sticks of candy floss whilst being left by DD and DH who went off to look at something, needless to say I'd scoffed both by the time they got back!

This talk of babies arriving / hospital bag packing is getting me nervous ... have done precious little in preparation this time around and need to get my act together! One week of work left and then I can get organised - hooray!

Have a good evening / weekend all xxx

mrsZaC Know what you mean about the boobs! Mine were a 36D before I got preg and they're more like a 38E now and seem to be about to get bigger again. I wouldn't mind so much but the bigger your boobs get the more you miss the underwiring in your normal bras! It's giving me strange upper back pains :-/

Good luck with the raspberry capsules coffeelady - I've bought some and some of the tea in preparation but not sure when to start them. Is 32 weeks a bit early??

Just a quickie from me about bras. As I have been trained on sizing, fit and construction etc, just to say there's no reason not to continue wearing undersides bras all the way through as long as they are properly fitting and comfortable. The only time wiring is a problem is when you wear the wrong size and the wire presses onto lymph nodes or doesn't fully support the breast. Wiring should always sit on the hard tissue of your rib cage and never on your soft breast tissue.

I could go on but I won't bore you all again because I went on about this a few months back

I've gone up from a 32D to a 34ff and am mostly wearing comfy t shirt bras and Freya. I'll need to get some nursing bras soon though!!

Apologies for typos in last post I am in bed using my iPhone! So undersides bras should read underwired bras!!

Morning

I tend to be living in some soft cup nursing bras at the moment as they are the comfiest. I have gone from a 32F to a 34G (although i suspect i need to go up another size)

Seems baby is still back to back (according to my Vet and all the websites etc)

I don't think i have mentioned that i went to a breastfeeding group on Friday. Was good to know there is support there, but thanks to MN i don't feel like i have learned anything new.

Rasberry leaf tea is not supposed to be started before 36weeks i believe, though i am 35weeks tomorrow and will get some this week.

So, the whole birth plan has got me stressing. I didn't write one last time, as i had no strong views either way. I wanted to try to go as natural as possible, but was very open to everything. This time there are some things i have very strong views on, but i am unsure how to put them across.
eg: Last time i was given oxytocin/syntocinon to help contractions get stronger and more regular, but everytime they upped the dose, DD's heartrate would drop. I have seen the consultant earlier in the pg and we have ruled out induction (strain on scar etc) but nothing was mentioned about being 'helped along' I do not want these drugs this time. Can i say that?

Anyway, DH and DD still in bed fast asleep, and i am downstairs stressing about birthplans and the fact that the car seat and moses basket covers need washing

Alice - I think we had and are going through exactly the same. I was induced last time (after 24 hours of slow slow labour) and DD's heartrate dropped every time they upped the dose too. Ended up with emergency c-section after 33 hours (grr).

This time I know they won't induce as you say due to worry over scar rupture so there's no problem writing it in the plan to reiterate. The consultant and midwife have both said to go for a trial of labour and see how things progress, they'll have a good idea after 6 hours (!) or so on how things are going and we can take a call then whether to keep going or opt for a section. In terms of monitoring it has to be continuous and definitely no chance of using the pool but will be able to move around as far as the wires will let me.

It's such a difficult decision vs elective as childcare etc can be planned ... I'm going to wait until my next midwife appt in a couple of weeks and then start scenario planning properly!

I'm definitely feeling all this ones kicks at the front and occasionally at the side, been recommended to spend time on all fours and wiggle hips which is actually quite comfortable!

The most important thing with bras (at any time) is that they fit, are comfortable and that they are supporting you. Wired or unwired, whatever works for you. I just get frustrated by shop staff (someone on here had some trouble at John Lewis a few months back) who perpetuate the myth that you must not wear wires when pregnant because it causes a lot of ladies who want to wear wired bras to give them up.

Sorry, running a lingerie/swimwear business makes me very passionate about boobs and keeping them supported properly!!

Mine have a life of their own, I am leaking colostrum all over the place now and it is bright orange Was a bit at first but looked it up online and apparently its all totally normal

yucky wet scottish weather day today, i think it's tea & chocolate bananna cake day today (freshly baked yesterday yum!) would anyone like some -passes round the sticky lovelyness...

vix totally take on board what your saying about bras, I think I'm just trying to be cleaver and only buying nursing bras to save money.. I might consider treating myself to a normal one, so long as it's comfy, but I suspect finding even a normal one in a 34GG might be frustraitingly annoying.

Can't believe some of you ladies are getting really close to b-day! so exciting/nerve wracking!!!

Got a list of things to start when I finish work including perenium massage - ewhhh! and considering when to take my 'ready mamma' tea, but I think I'll start that about 38 wks as I don't want baby to come too early or DH won't be here!!

alice I can send you my birth plan if you like, I had a lot of notes from the hypnobirthing lady and some of the internet and found it relitively easy to write, not really that complex actually considering I can't take any anesthetic other than general. Anyways your welcome to have mine if it's any use.. just let me know.

Z x

Thanks vix, never knew I could still wear my regular underwired bras! Think I was happy to stop a few months ago cos boobs were very sore and the thought of wiring didn't appeal much. But could do with some support at the min!!

Got some half price Avent bottles and some SMA Gold formula in Tesco this morning as a back up in case breastfeeding doesn't work out and a pack of nappy bags as well. Slowly amassing stuff

DH has just told me I need to make myself look presentable for this afternoon - only going to my parents' for lunch and I'm not exactly looking glam but I wouldn't have said I'm unpresentable so I'm wondering what's going on...

how would i know if my baby is now back to front? I'm feeling some little movements but nothing like the normal kicks and am toying with the idea of ringing the hospital as i'm getting a little bit worried about the reduced movement. But then it occurred to me that if the baby has turned round i won't feel kicks like before. Any thoughts?

chocolate banana cake mrszac! [drooling emoticon]

Morning girls, or afternoon, or whatever...hard to keep track now

I'm sorry to have to confess that I can't remember all of what I've read but in brief:

Aussie I'm sorry you're so stressed honey, it won't last forever and you're going to be a superb mother!!! You're definitely going to need some de-stress time tho I reckon!! Chin up

Alice Glad your ctx seem to have settled down.

Chulita Thanks for the new thread - quite an appropriate title

LIST
In Sweet Memory Of Belle, Daughter Of CazEM. Our First August Angel Was Born Asleep
21.6.10 at 00:08, 4lbs 5oz

Arrived:
2nd July at 08:11 - CherryPie BOY, Corey Owen, 8lbs 4oz

Pending
20 July - Aussie #1, Nottingham , age 36 BOY
25 July - Emster #1, Walthamstow, 29, SURPRISE
22 July - 4 Aug) Chulita #2: Dorset , 27. BOY
26 July - Anifersgirl, #1, age 33 South Bucks, 33week scan extended breech GIRL
28 July - CazzyBabs #4, Cambridge , SURPRISE
29 July - CherryPie3, #3, West Yorkshire , Age 25, SURPRISE
29 July - BouncingBlueberries #2 South London , 33 SURPRISE
31 July - Missus84, #1, Bristol . Age 26 BOY
01 Aug - Nikalah, #1, Dorset . Age 35, GIRL
01 Aug - Bumblingaround #4, SURPRISE
02 Aug - Dibbydab, #1, Devon . Age 34 SURPRISE
02 Aug - summerymummy, #2, age 29, Berkshire , SURPRISE
02 Aug - JamieJay, #1, Cardiff . Age 29 - GIRL
03 Aug - fuzzybunny, #2, age27, Somerset SURPRISE
03 Aug - carolondon #1 North London age 37, BOY
04 Aug - kcoffin #3. GIRL
04 Aug - girlyearapart #3 kingston Hospital Age 31 SURPRISE
05 Aug - RachelParker #1, age 26, Wandsworth ( London ), GIRL
06 Aug - YummymummyKJulie, #1, NW London , GIRL
07 Aug - NichyNoo, #1. Brussels . Age 30 - BOY
07 Aug - Weehector #1, Largs. Age 36.. BOY
08 Aug ? ElusiveMoose #2 Kent 33 BOY
08 Aug - DriedApricots #2, Surrey, SURPRISE
09 Aug - possiblenewmum #1, Guildford , age 31, GIRL
09 Aug ? Alice #2 Suffolk age 25, BOY
09 Aug - thecoffeelady #2, Fleet, Hants, age 32, SURPRISE
11 Aug ? CellyD #1, Walthamstow, SURPRISE
10 Aug ? SayAnything #1, Brussels , age 33, BOY
12 Aug - tunise, #4, Suffolk , age 31. GIRL
13 Aug ? Neenz #3 Liverpool (32) - SURPRISE
14 Aug - LCRLCR #1, Brighton , age 34, SURPRISE
14 Aug - Burkoid, #2 SURPRISE
14 Aug ? babyducky #2, Brighton , age 24, SURPRISE
15 Aug ? LizzieA #1 Wirral, 33, scan ok BOY
15 Aug - thedogwalker #1, age 37, Germany (originally from Halifax), BOY
16 Aug - parkgirl #1, 20wk scan fine - GIRL
16 Aug - Tah2 #3, South Wales . SURPRISE
16 Aug - Vix206 #1, Leicester , 32, BOY
16 Aug ? cakeywakey, #2, age 32, GIRL
17 Aug - Doodleydoo #2 Kent still just 34, SURPRISE
18 Aug ? Isheisnthe #3 Camberley, FPH, Age 33, BOY
18 Aug - biddysmama #2, Lancashire , BOY
19 Aug - marzipananimal #1, York , age 24 SURPRISE
19 Aug ? Bubbabear #1, Reading/Berks age 30, BOY
20 Aug - JessieEssex #1, age 33, SURPRISE
20 Aug - USMum27 #1, age 26, Wandsworth. GIRL
21 Aug - CrunchieNutterII #2, age 34, Devon , SURPRISE
22 Aug - Poncherello #2, North London , SURPRISE
23 Aug - chickieno1 #1, SURPRISE
24 Aug ? JaysFourth #4, age 38, GIRL
24 Aug - growingbump2, #2, age 25, Isle of Man , SURPRISE
25 Aug - Sal321, #1, age 31, Essex SURPRISE
25 Aug - Sam86 #2 Liverpool , GIRL
25 Aug ? aendr #2, Huntingdonshire, 33, GIRL
25 Aug - Joey30, #1, Halifax - West Yorkshire , age 30., BOY
25 Aug - Soontobefatnat #1 SE London Age 30, BOY
26 Aug - pamplem0usse, age 26, #1, Herts SURPRISE
27 Aug - Jamiki #3, SURPRISE
28 Aug - LittleMissSnowShine, #1, age 26, Belfast, SURPRISE
29 Aug - Hildainstant #1, Sunderland , age 30, SURPRISE
29 Aug - LilyPad72 #1, age 37, Berkshire , BOY
29 Aug - starshaker #2 & 3 Ayrshire Age 29 VIOLET TWINS
30 Aug - Sparkle #1, age 31, Kent SURPRISE
31 Aug ? vitapulchra, #4, Guernsey , 32, BOY
?? Aug - LittleMissSnowShine
02 Sept - MrsZaC, #1, Glasgow , age 26 SURPRISE
08 Sept - ronx, #2, London , age 37, SURPRISE

BABY COUNT*
*Boys - 20
Girls - 15
Surprises - 32

TOTAL - 67

For those that are interested....

Birth Story

Ok so I posted on here on Thursday night about 8pm asking for advice on whether labour was on it's way as I'd had a few funny 'symptoms' for a few days (various shows over 10days, loose stools, very mild cramping). I didn't wait around for a response as I figured I'd check in the morning.

11pm my waters broke

Went into a state of denial telling myself I'd simply wet myself and must really get to work on those pelvic floor exercises . Needless to say when the fluid didn't stop flowing there was no denying it so off I dribbled to pop a pad on. Even though I double padded my pants it still only to about a minute for me to need to change them.

Told dh what had happened who sleepily rolled over and said "have they?". His brain just did not want to process that information apparently. So I tried again, he jumped up and said "errr...what now?". I instructed him to get dd and ds up out of bed [didn't prove to be an easy job!] and I would ring the hospital as I was only 36wks.

Obviously they said to come in so off we went, dropped the kids of at dh's parent's. My waters went a little more with every speed bump!! Not the nicest feeling in the world - and I was sat on a Pampers bed mat so it didn't go through my clothes onto the seat of dh's car. What a waste of time!!! I just had too much water.

Got to the hospital at 00:30 where they monitored baby [who had hiccups], CTG revealed I was already having tightenings although I couldn't feel them, they also did a speculum which confirmed I wasn't dilating.
At 01:30 they sent dh home to get some rest [he'd just a 12hour shift!] and placed me on the ward with a view to 'see how I got on'. Requested some painkillers at 02:45 for period pains [they weren't bad at all but I figured I may as well try to get some sleep before labour started or they induced me].

The tightenings just continued and got stronger but I naively believed they weren't strong enough to be doing much as I was just breathing through them.

That was 4am when ctx were every 4-5 minutes.

At 5:30 they were like clockwork every 3 minutes but I toddled off to have a shower cos I was sweating and my hair needed washing before I gave birth . And I still didn't believe it was established labour!!

By 6:30 I thought things might be stepping up a notch as I wanted pain relief cos my back was aching so much with each contraction - after feeling my bump during a ctx mw decided to examine me as they felt strong, she then laughed and declared me 7cms and fully effaced.

Cue then a frantic call to dh to get his ass there pronto!! I was transferred to labour + delivery ward so I could get the g+a.
He arrived at 07:15. At 07:30 I lying on my left side with eyes closed and not speaking. I was however wailing through every contraction - dh did ask me to be quiet as he was tired in an obviously jokey way but I was not amused and snatched my hand away [moi unreasonable?? ]

My mum text my phone at 07:50 asking how I was doing, she only knew that my waters had broken - she had no idea that labour was well underway. Anyhow, I told dh to not bother answering - must have been the way I said it because both him, the mw and student mw thought this was hilarious. My mw, Jill, was totally amazing and looked a bit like Bette Midler - I honestly half expected her to started singing Wind Beneath My Wings . She was so chatty and mum-like - just fantastic!!

My body did all the work for me really, I don't remember the times of specific things but it must have been about 8am-ish that my body just started pushing with the contractions. I could feel Corey's head moving further and further towards 'the exit' without me having to do anything other than breathe the g+a through the pain. Was weird tho - I felt very out of control and that scared me, but I was also very proud that my body instinctively knew what to do. As this was baby #3 for me tho I would have been surprised if it didn't!! This just didn't happen as far as I can remember with my other 2.

According to my notes it took 11 minutes for me to push him out - which surprised me as it felt like much longer, but then again I was so out of it on g+a [my only pain relief - refused pethidine and gave dh the evil eye when he suggested epidural ]

It then took 6 minutes for the placenta to emerge [disgusting feeling].

It was such a joy when Corey was placed on my chest as even though I could see and hear him - I didn't know what sex he was, dh tried to look but the cord was in the way - eventualy spotted Corey's todger . We had no name for him at first as we thought we still had a while to think of one, we had a girls name sorted but I don't think he really looked like an Emma.

I was also told I had one of chunkiest cords they have ever seen . Should I be proud?

We're home now and he is just perfect, he sleeps wonderfully waking for a feed and a nappy change then goes straight back off to sleep. He is gorgeous and feeds like a pro!
His big brother and sister totally adore him although they get a little jealous when I'm feeding him - they help with nappy changes by passing me the things I need.

It's bliss (for now) and apart from the 12 hours after delivery where I was exhausted, I don't feel like I've recently given birth! This is a good thing as because he was early - barely anything is ready. DH was assembling the cot at 11pm last night - we hadn't had chance to move the old furniture out yet and as this is where the cotbed was meant to go theres now very little room in there now - but I don't care because he is here, he is healthy and we are all loved up and happy!!

Bit of a mammoth post - congrats if you read through to the end!!

yay congrats cherry! so great to hear all about it. enjoy your lovely new son!

Hi everyone

mrsZaC, I know exactly what you mean about the boobs, soooo heavy and all my bigger bras are now looking too small.

Ronx sorry to hear the weather was bad for you over here, it's been hot for weeks where I am, shame you couldn't have enjoyed some of it too.

Alice Hope you've stopped stressing, I haven't done my birth plan either. Everything else is done, but the plan makes everything so final and that really scares me, but I hope to pluck up courage this week to write mine, especially as the MW wants to go through it next week.

Cherry What a lovely post, thanks for taking the time out of your now very busy day to share it with us, brought a tear to my eyes. So happy for you

Well I've had a bit of a mixed day. It is my first wedding anniversary today, so my DH and I went out and had a lovely brunch at a local restaurant, but then he had to leave this afternoon, to go working away for the week and I feel a bit deflated . I'm already wishing the week away so that he can be back home.

Well I hope everyone is having a great weekend and hope to catch up again later. Ta ta for now xx

Yay been dying to hear all about it Cherry - congratulations! You've inspired us all to get stuff ready sooner rather than later I think!! I know I'm more motivated to get stuff sorted since hearing about Corey's early debut

Lovely story cherry so glad to hear your news.

I had loads of really painful contractions last night so thought- yet again that this may be it but no all died down.

Today is the date my Mum predicted the baby would arrive so not many more hours until her prediction falls flat!

Took the dds swimming this morning and a lady did a double take when she saw me with two small beings and a giant belly and said 'ooh you're going to have three close together aren't you!' Looked like she needed a sit down to recover was funny.

misssnowshine maybe it's a suprise baby shower??
also raspberry leaf tea is meant for 36 wks plus but I started it at 35.

Happy anniversary dogwalker! It was ours yesterday

What an ace birth story Cherry! I love your little ones name too!

Alice this might be a bit of help for your birth plan www.hippbabyclub.co.uk/dhs_birthplan.php

Happy anniversaries to Dogwalker and Vix!

Off for a little walk now- its nice and breezy here so shouldnt be too much of a struggle!

Congratulations Cherry, if we all have labours like yours I don't think we'll be complaining, sounds like you had a really good experience.

Happy anniversary Dogwalker and Vix

I went for lunch earlier with my mum and four of my sisters (one was AWOL) earlier. It would have been my dad's birthday today (he died suddenly last September) but lunch wasn't really as sad an occasion as I thought it would be. My nine month old nephew was as entertaining as ever (he's cruising already and was only born on October 5th) and everyone had a good old feel of my bump as lo decided to stick his bum in the air and make my bump a very funny shape!

Thanks Joey30 downloaded that birth plan, it will help me make a start at least.

Happy anniversary Vix

Finally managing 5 30 minutes to get on here!

Have been so busy at work writing reports (have 27 to do which take about an hour each), sorting / packing my classroom up ready to swap with another teacher next week - nightmare!, new intake children for September visiting (some are still only 3 - so cute!!) plus i'd organised an African themed fundraiser day on Friday which was a huge success (phew) but a shed load of work.
The idea is that it will become an annual event at the school. It's to enable a little girl, who the school/village are sponsoring, to get an education in Tanzania, plus some money to help the many babies born at the local hospital with HIV/Aids. Wont find out the totals raised until tomorrow, our target was £300 so here's hoping

Little bubba has fidgeted out of his head down position & seems to prefer being transverse at the moment as i often get 2 noticable bumps at the front with a little dip in the middle. Will be joining you ladies getting down on all fours & wiggling i think! To those of you in the know, when do they start getting a bit more concerned about baby not being able to turn? (im 33+3).

Have at last managed to get myself in gear & work out how to donate to Caz (just read her birth story again as i was searching for the new thread, needless to say the tissues came out once more).

Have tried to keep up as much as i can...

Cherry - congratulations hon!!! Great reading all about it & of course i read to the end! Saw some of the pics on facebook, so adorable Like the name too x

Vix - fingers crossed for your viewings, sounds promising...

Coffeelady - somebody mentioned raspberry leaf tea to me a while ago to drink a month or so before due date but cant remember what it was supposed to be for! Is it thought to help baby arrive on time or is it something to do with easing pain? Probably something completely different knowing my baby brain!

With 3 busy weeks left at work & DP away so much im doing pretty well on the 'ticking things off the list' front. Have pretty much everything we need (or at least on order/awaiting delivery). Cant see myself getting round to sorting my hospital bag until maternity leave tho which feels a bit scary as we are 'popping already'! (Made me grin). I wonder who will be next...so exciting. Plus once more of us start 'popping' it'll seem like a bit of a chain reaction, i cant wait to see the arrivals list with all their little names & any birthday buddies! I wonder if there'll be any of the same names chosen (Cherry we have one of the names you have used but thats all im saying until he's here!).

Right best get the cats dinner as they keep following me round the house & whinging - where does the time go at the weekend? At least ive been given a few hours off work in the morning to 'work at home'. That'll be a nice lie in then

Sorry for huge post, hope everyone's had a good weekend x

Cherry - Congrats, fab story, love the sound of your midwife and love how that's what you were thinking about while you were giving birth - how much the MW looked like Bette Midler So pleased for you and your DH and your other DCs - such a lovely, exciting, special time and all the more so because Corey arrived unexpectedly early!!

girlsyearapart You were right, it was a surprise baby shower! Had lovely afternoon with family and girlfriends - sister had organised the whole thing, lovely food, all presents had a toy theme cos although we've got most of the basics covered by now we hadn't bought any toys at all yet, so was really lovely to get some!! Can't wait to get stuck into the nursery and get it all finished off and looking adorable over next few weeks

Congrats to all the wedding anniversary ladies - we had our first on 20th June and went for lovely brunch and a sunny drive and had a night away in a lovely hotel. Prob last chance to do that for quite a while! Still can't believe we're about to go from being 2 to 3!!

Had an electric shock earlier on from a plug downstairs which has never happened before. Was feeling a bit nervous since baby has been a bit less active than usual today but feeling some kicks again now and think LO is now in breech (slight improvement on transverse!) and possibly facing the other direction which is why kicks feel different. Not a pleasant start to a Sunday!!!

Hope everyone one is well