The one where Emmsy's friends say, 'if you're names not down, you're not coming in!'

[HeyThereGeorgieGirl]

What do you think?

xx

Just updating the TTC ladies and have left myself there as I'n nowhere near ready to graduate.
Mibbes So glad you're feeling better xx

Need to get dressed and go shopping - the joys!!

Piper CD7 TTC#1
HappyAndEiKnowIt CD11 TTC#2 cycle 16 (CP/MC april & june08)
Molliemooma CD8 TTC#1 Cycle 5 (mm/c Jan08, mm/c Aug08 & CP Oct 08)
Sparkly CD32 TTC#2 Cycle 4 after m/c (BFP 20/02)

Infanticipating
FruitynNutty 36 weeks pg, EDD 22nd March
Teeheelaydee 33 weeks pg, EDD 11th April
HeyThereGeorgieGirl 20 weeks pg (BFP 3rd Nov) EDD 10 July
Scully 20 weeks pg (BFP 8th Nov) EDD 13 July
BellaHarry 17 weeks pg EDD 29th July
Lola BFP 13 weeks pg EDD 30th August

Graduates
Emmsy GIRL! Amy Louise born 7th October 5lbs 12oz
CriCri GIRL! Elise Vivienne at 0630am 4th November, 7lbs 15oz
Mibbes BOY! Evan, born 3rd December, 6lbs 5oz

Morning
Had an awful night's sleep, tossing and turning. My back was hurting so I kept having to turn onto the other side, which is quite an effort let me tell you! Can't believe I have at least another 4 weeks of this
Had a nice hot curry last night. I've told DP to add chillies to all my food from now on
Tried to get pineapples yesterday but they were all really green and they take ages to ripen so left it. They're not really in season yet are they so probably aren't very tasty anyway. I wonder if juice will work just as well?
Mibbes mastitis must be awful but I'm glad you seem to have sorted it out
oh Scully your poor DD, is there a bug going around? or have you poisoned her? I hope you don't get it!
I do not envy you with that heat right now. I keep getting really hot feet and no matter what I do I can't cool them down and it's only about 5 degrees here!
Excellent news for your appointment btw
I remember being heavily preg with DS in the summer and it was awful! I can't imagine what it's like over there
Aw teehee I hate it when that happens. How are you feeling? Not long now eh!

I've managed to get the suitcase down from the loft, now gotta decide what to put in it. I keep seeing things like maternity pads and breast pads in Boots but don't feel ready to buy them yet..... maybe it's a sign, I just know he'll be late!
I don't think I'll need breast pads, I didn't leak at all with DS not even a dribble. Perhaps I will tempt fate by not buying them

I need some inspiration on something to bring with me to the hospital that will keep us all occupied. It was such a long drawn out process with DS, incredibly boring!
Although, hopefully, I'll be at home for much of the labour.

Fruity not sure whether this is an appropriate suggestion, but when I went in to be induced we took my laptop (bought some speakers for it) and about a week's worth of DVDs. Nothing very high brow, just to have something there in the background to help with the waiting, and I guess to demonstrate that time was actually moving forward even if it didn't feel like it. Maybe you'll be watching them in your bath tub instead

Will catch up properly later Am thinking about starting a 'where shall we go on holiday (if we can afford to go anywhere)' thread... what do you think?

Can't remember what I said yesterday so will just have to start again.

Well done Mibbes glad that your perseverance paid off and it's a bit easier now. We are all here cheering on you and your boobies (Which Lola I think is a great word ) No hurry with the CD - or at least I hope there is no need to hurry. Unlike Fruity I seem to want the time to slow down, although I may not be saying that in 2 weeks time!

Sound like you are getting prepared Fruity. I can't believe how much stuff you have to take to hospital but on the other hand I am paranoid that I won't have something I need and like you am not getting inspired for things to keep us busy and the mind off the pain. Will probably end up taking the kitchen sink. Was reading the hospital leaflet yesterday and they say not to take a bag that's bigger than the lockers but don't tell you how big the lockers are - so that's useful then! Had a couple of bad nights too - turning over is such a palava these days and DP keeps pushing all the duvet on me so get far too hot. So Lola if you need company in the middle of the night looks like you could have a couple of volunteers.

Still crossing things off the list and searching the net for some deals on baby stuff - like you Scully I love a good list, in fact have a book for baby stuff just to stop my brain exploding! DP's list is considerably more boring with just jobs he has to finish before baby arrives! You sound really organised though. Poor DD - although I imagine her curled up at your feet like a little cat which is quite an adorable picture. Glad the appt went well - that's another one down and another hurdle crossed.

Lola We got some great stuff at IKEA, it was mainly bits and bobs for the nursery. A great hot air balloon mobile for £7.50 and some nice curtains and a lampshade. Could have spent alot more though, their kids stuff is so cool. Your friends little boy must be really changed by now, I take it she knows your news or are you still keeping a lid on it? Really nice of her to think of me - tell her I can't believe I am this far along either! I am feeling much better now, less worried about how I will cope and also allowing myself to feel however I want rather than thinking I have to be perfect - all thanks to the various wise words from you ladies really - so thanks. Think having DP at home last week helped as we got a bit organised but also got to spend lots of time together which was lovely. Also booked a week in a cottage in the Cotswolds in the summer hols, which reminded me that life won't stop it will just change.

It's so good to have you back Sparkly I agree the HPT's and temps won't change anything they will simply result in you moving to a padded cell! Just think positive - it really is the only thing you can do. I guess that huge pile of work will take you mind of things. How has DP reacted to the news? My freind hand her DH are planning on taking their 9 month old to Austrailia and America for 2/3 months with a view to seeing if they want to move to Oz. I'll let you know how they do with the LO.

Hope you are feeling better Georgie and the party went well - hope you are having a bit of a break today.

Hello to everyone else - Where are you Cricri Hope everything OK with you.

My Dad has just phoned - turns out he's been roped in to taking my nieces to their swimming lesson this afternoon and has just realised that his wife has made other plans so would be flying solo. Have offered to go with but have now realised that I will have to supervise the changing before and after - Great! Will let you know if I survive! Or should I say if THEY survive!

Hello Lola I thought of a laptop but you are not allowed to plug anything in and the battery won't even do one film.

As you can see my holiday is sorted - there were some lovely cottages all over the UK - we looked at the Peak District and Lake District as well as the Cotswolds- all v/pretty.

Ah you meant 'dream holiday' - Duh!

Didn't mean 'dream holiday' Teehee, just a bit of sun. Although a dream holiday would be nice if someone else wants to pay for it Have done a post in Word to paste in to a thread, but can't remember how to start a thread...? will paste it below and you can all see what you think.

Can't believe you're not allowed to plug anything in Wouldn't have even occurred to me. I think we were spoilt in a way when we went in to have Thomas, we had our own room and they just left us to get on with it, so we could pretty much do as we pleased. We took the sunday papers, a Harry Potter CD read by Stephen Fry, and about a million DVDs.

Here's my provisional post:

"DH and I are hoping to get away for our last holiday before our family of 2 (hopefully) becomes a family of 3 and we?d be really grateful for some wise MN suggestions

We?re limited as to when we can go by DH?s work. It will either have to be the first week of May when I should be 24 weeks pg or the first week in June when I should be 28 weeks.

This is my third pg. I?ve had 2 mc?s before this pg, the last in April 08 at 17.5 weeks. So far [touch wood] this pg has been fine and the doctors seem confident so there?s no reason we shouldn?t go but I wonder if I would find it easier to relax at 24 weeks somehow. It?s taken us a lot to get to this point and we don't want to do anything silly, but I think a break would do us both a lot of good.

We?d like some sun, sea and general relaxation. We both tend to get quite depressed if it rains on holiday, so staying in this country is a no-no. It may well sound silly but I?m a bit nervous about going at 28 weeks.

We?re thinking Med, but will it be warm enough at the beginning of May? We?ve been to a place called Kalkan in Turkey a few times which we love, but never as early as the beginning of May, and I?ve never been on holiday pg so I really don?t know!

All advice/suggestions gratefully received "

Will be gutted if no-one replies!

OMG - I don't think I've woken up properly today, I've just re-read your post and totally get it now - blaming baby brain and my new paranoia that my waters will break really early - like now! Keep going to the loo as seems to have alot of CM today (TMI- sorry) Please someone slap me!

Med sounds like a good bet - depends how hot you want it really - you may not be up for really hot. South of France is lovely but maybe not hot enough for you. A greek island maybe? Scully sounds pretty well travelled so might be able to help.

That reminds me - Scully Did you book that cruise you showed us?

Lola go for it with the thread, I've no idea where you should go though! About starting a thread, you just go to the top of the topic and press "Add new thread" easy peasy, even I can manage that!

Laptop would be a fab idea actually, I'll be able to MN while in labour! hahaha
I might find out about being able to plug stuff in - knowing the bullies at St.G's I won't be able to Worth asking though!

teehee I won't be taking much with me. I only live around the corner so can send DP/Mum home to get anything. As long as I remember my make-up and tweezers (for photos )I don't care what I leave behind!
Don't know about lockers though I took the same suitcase last time and didn't have to use a locker, I just stuck it by my bed. If you mean the little lockers you have beside your bed then a clutch bag size might be more appropriate What are they gonna do? Send you home if your bag's too big?
Oh just remembered one thing I'm soooo pleased I took with me last time which you all might like to remember - A PILLOW! take your own pillow and make sure you use a colourful pillowcase so it doesn't end up disappearing off for washing
I'd just like to say, if you dare go into labour before me, it'll be handbags at dawn! Just keep your legs crossed until it's your turn ok?!

I'm still here ladies, just haven't had chance to post lately although I have been lurking. I can't even remember the last time I posted Apologies in advance for everything I miss out...
First of all, huge congratulations to Sparkly Sent you a FB message as you know but wanted to congratulate you on here too. Agree with what the others have said regarding scans - I had one at 7+3 and saw hb. Hold on if you can and step away from the thermometer and sticks!
Mibbes Hope your boobies are better! I had a blocked milk duct just after Christmas and it was really painful. In addition to continuing to feed through it I found applying hot water in the shower really helped too. Good on you for persevering through it all though - you've not had an easy time of it at all have you?
Teehee Pleased that everything is coming together and that you're feeling better about baby's imminent arrival. Booking a holiday is definitely a good idea. BTW, increased CM is good - means things are preparing themselves!
Kate Glad you've booked your doula and it sounds as though she's really helpful. If she's anything like mine she'll be available to answer any questions throughout your pregnancy now, which is something I found invaluable. Re holidays, south of France would probably be better for the beginning of June - FB me if you want any recommendations. How about Spain for early May? We went to Andalucia in late September a few years ago and it was hot but not too hot. We stayed in a lovely villa with its own pool. You can get some good deals out of season too. At 24 weeks you should be in the best phase of pg to go away.
Scully Hope your DD is feeling better - sounds gross! Glad mw check went OK.
Fruity Can't believe you've just got 4 weeks to go How is the hospital bag packing going?
Mollie Sorry your appt was such a disappointment I guess you've got the all clear for ttc now but without any cause for the mcs I can well understand how nervous you feel about trying again. Hopefully focusing on Teehee's success story will help. Keeping everything crossed for you.
All is well here - Elise has her kidney scan on Wednesday so fingers crossed the dilatation has reduced or stayed the same. We had to go for BP monitoring last Monday at the hospital because GOSH had asked them to use a manual machine this time It was a complete waste of time because they had no baby cuff for the machine - why on earth they didn't check before calling us in I don't know! They did another couple of readings with the automatic machine and they were lower than last time but still a bit high. Our hospital contacted GOSH again and they said to wait for the scan results now and depending on what they look like we may need to go to London for this manual BP monitoring...
Other than that I've just been busy with lots of work, meeting up with NCT friends, baby swimming, mum & baby groups etc. The weeks just seem to fly past!
Hello to everybody I've missed and I'll try to post more regularly.

Scully hope DD is better today, poor thing and you, sounds gross...I'm terrible with sick mine's bad enough! is it easier to deal with when it's your DD?

Lola I swear by Turkey for a cheap holiday, it's beautiful and hot but no Euro so it's the perfect place to visit in the current economic climate. I went 6 years ago now and stayed in a resort called 'Olu Deniz' which I LOVED!!!! a little touristy but it's good to play it safe sometimes, not like Costa Del Sol, Spain touristy (although I know a lot of beautiful places there too having been born there!) just enough so that English only isn't too much of a problem. I remember when I was there that you could eat out for a tenner for two people!!! Seriously good value for money and a beautiful very interesting and culture rich country!

ladies; I have just spent hours researching 'hypnobirthing' after my discussion with Fruity the other night I decided that I need to do some proper research in to coping with labour pain. Tell me what you think of this and OMG check out this link Is it a load of bo!!*cks???

aw great! now I've watched that clip I want to cry I WANT MY WATERBIRTH!!!!!!!!!!
Might check out that hypnobirthing site now...................................

crap, just realised you need to pay for actual sessions, bah! I give up

Hello ladies !

teehee the CD is in the post, I hadn't realised how soon your EDD is !!!

Lola how about Cyprus ? We also had a lovely holiday on Crete a couple of years ago. 24 weeks is a great time to go as you'll be showing but not big enough to be uncomfortable.

Fruity OMG not long now !

cricri glad nothing serious wrong with Elise thus far, how annoying having to wait. IKWYM about the weeks flying in - I am the same. Swimming, massage, rhymetime, baby reflexology and BF support group are our weekly activities and in between we are pram-walking for 2-3 hours a day . The time is flying in and I am absolutely loving it

Fruity yes that is the issue, DH is having a problem with. I have also found a course for less money, I'll see if I can find it, it's not too late for you necessarily.

Bella am blaming you for the fact that I have just spent the whole evening looking for birthing videos on youtube... Crikey. Gulp. Maybe we'll just get another puppy... Think I preferred it when I was in denial! Have seen a fair bit of footage of births before, but somehow seems to be a bit different now I am pg...

Hypnobirthing is pretty expensive I think, how much is the course you've found?

Will post properly tomorrow, am in too much shock to do it now!

Hadn't even thought of what to take into hospital when in labour, when I laboured with dd2, certainly wasn't up to watching a movie or reading a newspaper From 5am to 2pm I watched dd1 open Xmas presents and pottered around the house in between contractions. At the hospital between 3pm and 10pm when things kicked off after a sweep, I just focused on getting through each contraction Will take a couple of magazines but that will be for afterwards I think. I didn't have an epidural though so that would make a difference I imagine.
Haven't been to Turkey or Greece but both sound lovely. I went to France, South Africa and Scotland when pregnant with dd1. With dd2 think we stayed local and went to Wales, Scotland and Devon. I would just suggest somewhere where you will enjoy the food and can eat most of what they have there, without worrying, and where it won't be too hot yet.
I tried to book the cruise, it is leaving this Saturday actually But couldn't get the dates we wanted with staff rates so am trying to think of somewhere else now that we can go for 5 days, maybe in April or May. Don't want to drive more than 7hrs and the 4 of us flying is too expensive, especially when you need to hire a car at the other end. Thinking of the NSW coast somewhere, but not as far as Sydney, that is a 14hr drive from Brisbane so too far.
Nth Qld has had major flooding lately and has had a dengue fever outbreak which has got progressively worse since Nov, so avoiding up there for now. Pity as I have a friend visiting Cairns from NZ in April and would love to see her but don't want to take the risk of being infected by a nasty mossie. Bloody tropics
Was supposed to be going out for lunch today but it's been cancelled, bummer, felt like it too. Suppose I could get up and cook dinner so it's ready for tonight when we get back from dd1's gymnastics, can't say I'm that interested in the idea though

Morning!

I've had the most awful night's sleep. DP was coughing and spluttering all night and I was so uncomfortable. Every time I found a comfy spot and drifted off to sleep DP would start coughing (really loudly too!) then I had to find another comfy spot as my hips/bump would ache. Then I heard loads of moving around from next door, then the flat on the other side of ours had their outdoor light on which kept shining in through our front door window then through our bedroom door. Couldn't shut the bedroom door cos fudging cat kept coming in and jumping on us.
I couldn't believe it when my alarm went this morning, I thought it was still evening

DP began the morning by being a prick.
We have our appointment at the local registry office to give our "Notice of Intention to be Married" on Monday morning. I reminded DP of this. He said why does he have to come? am I sure he needs to go? I said "Well it's to do with getting married!" He reckons I'm trying to make him feel guilty now! FFS It's not my choice, I wouldn't bother if we didn't have to! They don't do weekends either.
I just don't understand why he can laze around in bed until 8:30/9am then stroll into work when he wants to. OR even take the entire day off because he has a hangover/cold but he can't go in a little bit late to work to sort out our wedding! We can't get married without this Notice of Intention. I've been trying to get through to the reg office but it's been engaged for half an hour.
Does anybody know if we both have to be there? I'm assuming we do but DP thinks we don't.
This wedding is more trouble than it's worth

Mibbes Not too sure I like the sound of your boobies (I agree great word) Definately putting me off
Lola I am impressed at how brave and positive you are being, where in your list of milestone have you got to now the doula is booked? Your idea for a thread is fine, hope you get some good answers, I love the idea of the med
Scully Glad to hear DD is better now, yet another thing to put me off motherhood! Pleased it went well with m/w too
EI Sending you and DH a big hug, hope to see you back here soon I'm feeling a bit lonely
Piper Where are you?
TeeHee Glad to hear you sounding brighter, how did the swimming/changing go? Very restrained trip to Ikea by the way, I can't believe how little time is left before you and Fruity give birth
Cricri Good luck for the scan tomorrow, I can so believe the NHS messing you around, it seems to be a common theme with so many people.
Fruity I think I need to come down to visit and give your DP a right talking too! If this was in the AIBU I would definately say no you are not! I don't know what to suggest to give him the kick up the arse he so obviously needs, maybe by pretending to cancel the wedding?

I'm not sure if I told you that I applied for promotion at work internally and externally, well I should hear if I got through the sift internally this week, but I sat a literacy and numeracy test yesterday which I passed for the external post and now have an interview to panic about on Friday 13th March (fortunately it's lucky for our family) Now if there is anyone up there I'd like them to smile down on me and let me get the job as that was the EDD for 2nd m/c so it would be nice to have a nice memory for that day rather than a "what hasn't happened" one iykwim.
My little cat Mollie is very poorly at the moment, took her to the vets and she has a high temp, he hopes its is something viral but she is so lethargic and sad looking. I have to take her back tonight and if she's no better then he's going to admit her I know she's only a cat but they are my surrogate children and I am really worried about her
But on a happier note, no +OPK yet but I tried pre-seed for the first time last night, hoping it can live upto it's reputation!

We were married 10.5yrs ago so could well have changed, but I remember going on my own to book in our wedding date, at Hammersmith Registry Office, dh wasn't with me. Don't remember having to do anything else apart from turn up on the day
They don't get it do they Fruity, think their time off is for their use only and we can do all the running around for anything that's need
That's why I encourage my dh to take the dd's grocery shopping on the weekend at least once a month, to remember how much fun it is
Well done on passing the work tests Mollie, good luck with the interview, hopefully the date will become a nicer one to remember. You've reminded me that the edd of my first m/c was this week, I would have had a 1yr old. And it was a year ago this week that I found out I was pregnant again, with the 2nd m/c.
I hope your cat is ok, and that it's nothing serious.
Have to be out of the house by 6.30am tomorrow morning, to get dh to work and dd1 to school by 7am, so I can take dd2 to her eye check at the hospital. Her appt is at 8.15am but have to allow for the traffic going into the City for work, joy
Hopefully she behaves herself, Being 3, and with my stomach now, it's harder to avoid the thrashing legs should she not like something.....

I MUST NOT WATCH ANYMORE BIRTHING VIDEOS . I think I might join Lola on the puppy front...
Like Scully, I didn't use anything whilst in labour. I was too uncomfortable to read or watch a DVD so I walked around and then had to stay on the bed when I got to delivery suite because I was induced and had to be monitored.
Fruity [angry[ at your DP. Don't let him get you down. xxx
Mollie How is Mollie cat today? Hope she's feeling better and doesn't need a trip to the vet. I'll tell you later what Millie cat did today - Do you want another cat . WD on passing the tests. The luck is coming your way missy.

DD started her new nursery this morning in the local independent school where I was working last year. It's lovely and she was so happy to go in. Hope she behaves herself...

Fruity YES!!! You do both have to be there, it is a very formal interview to assertain if your intentions to marry are honourable! Your will each be interviewed in private and it's up to them if they decide you can get married (well technically)What a twat he's being! Tell him to pull homself together!!! He's made me angry now!

oh Lola and Scully what have I started??! sorry girls!

I have found a hypnibirthing course for £160 but can't work out where it's held and have not recieved an email from the lady I contacted I think I have talked DH into the idea now!

Sparkly Mollie is still poorly, a little brighter than yesterday but is just sleeping all day, her little face is still sad
Bless her. What has Millie been up to now?? She's got far too many health issues for me, you can keep her!

Did you get my text about the hypnobirthing bella? it's based in Inverness but it says they do nationwide visits. You need to find out when the next one is. I'm sure you'll find something closer at the Babyshow. When is it? this weekend?

I'm so close to deciding on a homebirth. I think I'm going to book in for one anyway, I can always change my mind at the last minute Am I mad? I'm sure the hospital bullies will say so
I'll probably change my mind tomorrow anyway

mmmmmmmm just had two pancakes with lemon and sugar