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

[HeyThereGeorgieGirl]

What do you think?

xx

You sound like you know what you're talking about there Ei
Have had a productive morning here, dropped dh at work and took the dd's shopping, got there at 8.30am just as they opened. Bought dd1 new school shoes, pencil case and lunch box/water bottle, as the new school year starts back on 28 Jan. Just waiting for the labels I've ordered to arrive and I can name label her books and stationery and then we're set to go.
Girls are now watching 'Open Season' whilst mum has some computer time although dd2 just came in to visit me, with her knickers pulled down to show me her bottom
How did the party go George?
How was the scan Lola/Kate?
Only 10wks to go Fruity, wow where's that time gone?
Sounds like you're ticking lots of things of your 'to do' list Teehee, it's a nice feeling isn't it. dh did a few more bits around the place on Saturday and on Sunday we
bought 4 ceiling fans which are being installed by our electrician this weekend. He's also putting power sockets in the garage and then we can finish cleaning that out so a section of it can become the study.
Couldn't help myself yesterday and checked how much it would cost for the 5 of us to fly to the UK in Oct/Nov this year. $6850 which isn't too bad at all. Can't see us doing it this year, what to spent that on the house instead, but would be doable in a couple of years time. We would need about that same amount again for spending money I would think
Have such itchy feet right now, that's what I miss about living the UK, all the places we could visit from there. We were always going somewhere interesting. Australia is so isolated, and beaches are lovely, but I also crave visiting other countries with different languages, history and culture every now and then. Oh well, can't have everything!

Well I have just arrived back at work after my booking appointment, not teaching for over an hour so thought I'd let you all have a giggle at my expense; Woke up early this morning to apply the thickest layer of Emla cream (numbing)and covered myself in clingfilm to get optimum results. Then in to car and off to hospital. I arrived nervous (about the blood test) and on time at Epsom, nice hospital by the way fruity especially compared to St Helier! I was called in promptly to my appointment where dh alerted the woman that she may want to do my bloods before I bolt!! So I gingerly offer an arm, she begins taking the blood, so far so good until I start to see spots, blood stops flowing and I begin the sure stages of a full on faint! I spent the next 10 minutes on the floor conducting the first part of my history taking from that position!! How embarrassing. Anyway turns out they didn't get enough of the bloods so I have to go down to paths for another one! Strangely enough I was far more calm and dh says he is proud of me! I'm proud too! So that's me for the day! Now I can't wait for scan next wed! Ofcourse a little anxious re nuchal results etc.

Fruity,Georgie and cricri thanks for the info on bf, was chatting to mindwife about it today, and checking about help at hospital.

Lola accupuncture! Ouch, I'm not too good with needles, you're brave!

Georgie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
.............sorry to crash guys

I just spotted the news that you're due 3 days after me!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations honey I'm so pleased for you Hope DD's birthday was a good one. DS1 has his this sunday (DH is away so it'll be a breeze - I don't think!) Take care & hope to bump into you soon xxxxxxx

Aw Bella poor you!
Glad to hear Epsom is nice
Looking forward to seeing lots of scan pics next week!
Ei how did DD get on a big school? I bet you can't believe it can you?
You've just reminded me to look at that man boobs clip on Youtube. My friend was telling me how hilarious it was
Scully very impressed with your productive morning! It feels good when you get a load of things done doesn't it. I never get things done - only just sent off DS's Christmas thank you cards Still got so much to sort out. I haven't even thought about maternity allowance. No idea how to even arrange it! Better check it out now actually.
Also still haven't caught up with my accounts. I need a PA desperately!

Good scan ladies

Saw Splodge and heard hb, measuring 7+1 by trans-abdominal scan. I thought I might be 7+2 so pretty much spot on! I know I've still got a long way to go, but as the consultant said we've already cleared some big hurdles: in the right place, the right size, with a heartbeat, and there was another one... can't remember what it was though!

I'm going back in 2 weeks for another look. I told him my Dr told me last time (helpfully when I was just approaching 8 weeks) that the vast majority of mc's happen between 8 & 9 weeks, but he said that's bolloks anyway! I thought about waiting til 10 weeks for the next one, then I thought who am I kidding?

will be back to post properly later, DH just back with fish & chips

Fab news about the scan Lola I had to do a double take though when you said "and there was another one..." Thought you might of had twins in there!

Not twins Fruity I think one will be more than enough for us to cope with!

Thank you all for the 'good scan' vibes, it means a lot to know there's so much support out there.

Good fish & chips, I feel very decadent having eaten so early, but then I have been awake since 4am No idea what could have been playing on my mind... Hopefully that's just good practice for 7 months' time!

Bella sorry to hear you have to go back to have bloods done again, but thanks for the story Is it the needles or the blood that gets you? Just thinking about the birth... when's your scan? Think it's a nuchal? Are you having it at 12 weeks or a bit early? So many questions! Sorry!

Fruity glad you've managed to clear a space for Button. Your to-do list sounds remarkably similar to mine. Not that I'm worrying about any maternity related stuff yet, but it can be a bugger being self employed can't it? You'll get there though

Ei glad to hear you're ok. Your tips to Teehee definitely had the sound of experience (I nearly wrote "the ring of experience" but I thought that might not be appropriate in the circumstances )

Scully you always seem so productive! () I can imagine what you mean re itchy feet, although we don't take advantage of what's on our doorstep nearly as often as we should.

Does anyone else have a real issue with the evenings in early pg? It's the worst time for me even though I'm at home. I remember feeling the same way last time, I almost don't want to be at home cos when I am I'm always feeling sick... I know it'll pass in time, I just wondered if any of you wise ladies have any tips?

That's all folks! Back later. xx

Such fantastic news Lola I also did a double take so Fruity glad I'm not the only one.

My sickness was not worse early evening before dinner and we worked out that I needed to eat something. Sometimes I would have some noodles or crackers and cheese and then have dinner. I used to drink quite alot of fruit teas in the evenings which helped but found the best remedy was bed and a book!

Scully Can't get my head around your DD's not being at school at the moment. Hey if you come over next year we may have all graduated by then! Lola is right, I'm kind of hoping that having a baby will make us explore the UK a bit more than we have in the past.

Ei Thanks for the tip - it sounds like a good one and with lavender oil my chuff will not only smell like an old ladies handbag but will also be dead relaxed and sleepy! Bet you can't believe that DD is at big school already. Hope she loves it.

Bella How awful that you've still got to go back. Our hospital has a place where you can just turn up for blood tests providing the mw/doc has given you the order form. Would that help so you can go when it suits you?

Big waves to everyone else!

Evening ladies!
First of all, fantastic news Lola for a fantastic scan Take heart from what the consultant says - it is a major hurdle cleared. I look at my scan of Elise at 7+3 and still can't believe it. You now have an image to focus on when negative thoughts start to occur which should help. As far as ms in the evenings goes, I just tried to keep busy to take my mind off it and as Teehee says, regular eating and snacks. Doesn't matter what you eat at the moment, anything that makes you feel better. DH was disgusted when I ate cheesy rice 4 nights running but it was what I fancied It was a favourite for several of us on the AN thread.
Fruity Info here about claiming Maternity Allowance which you should be entitled to. You can download the form and fill it in then print it off and sign it. Do get your form in soon though as it can take a while for them to process and you don't want to miss out on any money, although it will be backdated. I found the process pretty straightforward.
Teehee Sounds as though your DH has done a grand job - does he want to come and do all the stuff that needs doing here? I asked DH to get some stuff out the loft a couple of weeks ago and I'm still waiting We've decided to get a decorator in to finish off the extension because we neither have the time (me) or inclination (him) to do it!
Bella Great story although sorry you have to go back to have bloods done again, not good. Fingers crossed for a good scan next week, bet you can't wait to see your LO
Scully You sound really organised and it is satisfying to get lots of stuff done. I understand what you mean about travelling in Europe - I'd miss it if I lived somewhere like Australia, NZ or the States. It was even better when DH and I lived in Holland as we could just jump in the car and drive to a different country Oh well, as Teehee said, this is a good opportunity to explore the UK.
Ei Good to see you How is your lovely DD?
No news from Sparkly?
All well here - we had our first baby massage class today and Elise was very relaxed afterwards We then met some friends for lunch and went on to see my Mum so we were out of the house from 9.30 to 5.30 and she didn't seem fazed by it at all, just fed and slept on the go and was her usual cheerful self when awake. I fed her in the sling at the restaurant which was nice and discreet. Didn't have much option by then as she'd already guzzled her bottle of EBM, plus my boobs felt as though they were going to explode!
Hope everybody else is OK

Morning all! I don't think weetabix is good cereal for a pregnant woman I only ate 3 hours ago and I'm famished!!!

Lola Congrats! Great news! I also thought you were revealing a twin secret too when I first read your post! lol I think my fear is of the blood actually, but it's really not obvious...I'm just a wimp my scan is next wed 21st! And yes it's a Nuchal. I'm so excited about seeing little button again I really can't wait!!! I'll be 11+6 when they do it so hopefully get a good pic!

Teehee I'm much more sorted with bloods now, the intial fear is gone, I need to keep it up really so I don't get scared again!!

cricri cheesey rice! Mmmm that sounds good!!!

Lola quick post - hurray for successful scan and yes I also thought there were 2 !! Like you say I'm sure 1 is plenty

Had awful day with dd's today, just the afternoon more than anything, hate yelling at them but some days.........I didn't sleep well last night so that doesn't help, by 1pm I'm worn out and they just don't stop, at each other or at me. and dh went to watch the cricket tonight so I've had no break from them, bugger this single mother malarky, wouldn't want this fulltime that's for sure. Going to be so much fun next week when he's away for 5 nights and gets back late on night 6
9.20pm here, think I just need to go to bed and hopefully sleep.

Lola yes it is a bugger being self employed. I've just received the Maternity Allowance form in the post and filled it in. Just realised I haven't got my maternity certificate - I thought this was something that you automatically receive?? So, I've got to traipse down to the GP's this afternoon to organise it.
I was wondering why I didn't have anything formal yet about my pregnancy. How can they expect a pregnant woman to organise stuff like this? Bloody ridiculous if you ask me.
I'm even supposed to organise when I see the GP as I have shared care. I forgot to make the last appointment for GP so missed that, no idea when it was even meant to be
I think I'm to see the GP at 40 weeks next time - can't see me remembering to book that one. Think I'll just stick to my midwife/consultant appointments as I can book them at the hospital when I'm there.

BTW Lola yes I was asleep by about 8:30 most evenings during early pregnancy

Teehee Are you enjoying being off work? - I'm so

cricri thank you so much for the link - I managed to find it just before you posted that I tried to D/L the form but for some reason I couldn't work out how to open it so phoned the jobcentre to get them to send me the form - it came today, very impressed as I only spoke to them yesterday!
Baby Massage is great - I trained as an Infant Massage instructor while pregnant with DS with the intention of making a career out of it but I realised I'm not confident enough to lead a group of mothers and babies . Also, I tried to do massage on DS when he was a baby but he hated it! It really put me off as I lost faith in myself a bit. Felt like I couldn't convince other mothers if my own baby hated it! Shame really as the course cost a bloody fortune!
Bella I can't believe you've even made it to 3 hours without food! I can"t even get to one hour and that's not pregnant! I could get through 3 Weetabix and still be starving an hour later.
Scully I have days like that. Sometimes I just have zero tolerance for DS.

Sparkly How are you my dear? Haven't seen you around much lately. I think I need to get back on MSN and catch up on some real gossip

Mibbes I love the pics of Evan on FB - he's adorable

I had my cervical stitch yesterday afternoon. And miracle of miracles I didn't go into pre term labour (as I had done with DD1 and 2). We decided to go provately this time. Kingston made such a spectacular cock up of it last time. And I hate to say it, but it does sometimes pay to go private. Am on bed rest now for today and tomorrow. Quite sore right inside my fango. But glad that it's all over and I know that Pickle won't be slipping out anytime soon!

Libby's party went really well. Nine 2 and 3 year olds. House a complete mess. But no fights, no blood and no broken bones! Libby loved her bike and Nintendo DS Lite. And Mollie was ordered on pain of death to NOT tell her, 'those were mine'! She also got loads of Peppa Pig stuff.

Bloody parents in law were uselss as expected. Turned up on Fri night and first thing M in law did was pat my tummy, I HATE it when people do that. It's not their body. So back the frig away. DH took them out for supper then back to their hotel. He picked them up on Sat afternoon where they watched me and mum make all the party food, decorte table and enertain all the kids. They glued their arses into the sofa and didn't move. They watched whilst we cleraed up, made them tea, got their supper, cleared it up, bathed the girls, read them stories and put them to bed. By 9.30pm I was exhausted. Then M in law has the audacity to look at my tummy and say, 'oh, looks like it's going to be a big one then' . I was so close to slapping her. And this coming from a woman thats never had kids and is a size 18. I told her that there were some rules to this pregnancy. 1. No one touches my tummy and 2 No one makes comments about how big I am. That shut her up. Grrrrrr.

They then came back on Sunday where I cooked them a roast Chicken and all the trimmings and cleared everything away. No help offered by them. They then sat on sofa until tea time. When I made them tea. They did manage to play with DD2 for a while (I was so fed up by then I took Mollie to cinema to see Bedtime Stories).

Was so exhausted by Sunday night that I was physically sick. Least they went home on Monday and we don't have to be their slaves for another 3 months or so.

End of rant.

Fruity I could have a prob with Wednesdays now. . Libs gym class been moved. But am sure I can sneak out of one. Can I let you know how it goes in a couple of weeks? Or, how about meeting for pizza one night? Just the 2 of us? Might even be able to have a decent conversation!

TeeHee Any improvement? Has also just remembered that neat witchhazel on a san pad is great. I did that with lavendar oil and got rid of mine quite quickly. Are you enjoying being a lady of leisure?

Scully Mate, I've been there. Girls can be quite foul sometimes. Lock yourself in the bathroom next time and let them sort it out themselves. Why aren't you sleeping well? Is it heat or pg then? Have you tried lavender on your pillow? Not great to be so exhausted when DH is away. Hope they are better for you tomorrow. And glad the MS is going away. Mine seems to have packed it's bags as well.

Ei Nearly swallowed my tongue laughing at your, 'chuff will smell like an old ladies handbag' line. . How did DD go at nursery? Libby starts at the nursery attached to Mollie's school in Apil. She can't wait.

Bella Very proud of you for being so brave. Worst bit over now my love. Is it really your nuchal next week? Wow time flies. Fingers crossed for you.

Lola And great news about yor scan missus. Did you shed a little tear? Am so pleased that you're over one major hurdle. Just take life slowly love. Everything will get done, just not how you want it!

Mollie Where are you love? Come back.

Cricri Mollie loved baby massage. Took her to class. Found that I'd remembered enough to do it on Libby when she was born. Used to give her early evening bath then massage her. Blissed her out a treat! Glad that Elise like it. Have you been back to cranial osteo?

Mibbes How's the lovely Evan. Will have to go and look at your FB pics.

Sparkly Where are you? bet you're up to your ears in marking and class plans.

scully you poor thing you sound knackered! I really feel for you, do you have anyone who can help you out whilst your on your own next week? X

fruity I can't eat as often as I like 'cos of the job, I think it's what helped me stay slim but now as soon as I get a chance I sneak down to the humantities office and steal biscuits from my head of department's desk while he teaches! I'm going to get caught one of these days.

georgie I didn't realise you were going to have a stitch, probably not reading the posts properly I have to see a consultant next friday to see if I might need it. What was the concern last time you had it done? Sorry you have a sore 'woohoo' get lots of rest and feel better soon x

Bella I have to have a stitch with all my pg because I was diagnosed with cervical cancer (early stage) in 1999. I then had a cold knife cone biopsy in 2000. It's an op where they remove some of your cervix. In my case about two thirds of it. Which means that my cervix isn't long enough or strong enough to enable me to carry a baby to term. I've chosen to have one this time as even though my cervix should have grown a bit, I'm not taking the chance of losing this baby. It's not painful. Just sore for a few days after. I had this one under general. The other two under spinal. Much preferred this one as you are not paralysed for four hours after as with a spinal. Plus if you have spinal then they need to insert a cathater as you can't pee because your muscles are paralysed. Stitch is left in until 37 weeks. Then taken out. Really quick, not painful, just slugged on some gas and air to take the edge off. I have gone to 40 weeks with both DD's. Some women however go into labour as soon as stitch is taken out. Let me know if you want more info if it's decided that you need one.

Goergie thanks hun that's really useful, I have had CN1 for over two years and was just about to have my final check before I made the decision to have the op when I found I was pregnant! The risk for this pg is only as a result of the amount of colposcopies I've had and quite recently. Do you think this could weaken my cervix enought to need a stitch? I've not had sex for nearly 9 weeks now as I read that it could be an issue. Just playing it extra safe really.

Morning everyone - I'm having a day off today - baby mindee has tummy bug and he's the only one I have on Weds. for him but for me!

Georgie So pleased the op went well, make sure you do nothing you hear!
We can do Thursdays if others days are difficult. I have no problem with missing a session at clique play group. I just like to fill my week up with activities and there's nowt to do round here on tues/weds.
Also Pizza, sans enfants, would be just lovely There's a lovely pizza place at Abbey Mills called Mama Rosas or we can always head into Wimbledon village for a Pizza Express or summit? Not bothered at all - just somewhere relatively cheap!
Sparkly I hope you're ok? I feel like we need a good old chin wag - it's been ages.

Not sure what to do with myself this morning, I'm still in dressing gown - had a shower though so not completely useless!
I know what I should do (accounts) but how dull! I managed to do August's accounts last night so catching up very slowly

I might pop into Boots to collect my free changing bag.
Oh yeah, my friend is lending me her Moses basket which has been used by both her nieces and her own 5 month old baby (currently still in it). I want to buy a new mattress for it but she doesn't think it's necessary How do I go about asking her the measurements without offending her? She's a bit delicate at the moment because she's the one with the poorly baby so worried to upset her. Don't want her thinking I'm buying a new mattress because her poorly baby's been in it!
I looked on the Mothercare website but there's about a hundred different sizes

Bella I'd love to be able to give you definite answer. But only your consultant can do this. I know that I felt a lot happier having the stitch in. Extra security and all that. I'd been really worried about my cervix silently dilating and losing the baby at 5 months. In my opinion, it's better to be safe than sorry. Although you'll have to take what your cons says as s/he's the expert. I have found that in this country they are more 'relaxed' about cervical issues. I was pg with DD1 in New York and they were all over me like a rash. With DD2, pg in UK, and really had to fight to get them to put stitch in. They seem to be more of the opinion here that they will wait and see what happens. That wasn't good enough for me as they couldn't guarantee 100% that my cervix wouldn't shorten and dilate throughout the pg.

Call me on my mobile 07967 646953 if you want a more detailed chat. It's a big decision as both options have pros and cons.

As for the sex ban. Yes, I'm afraid that's the case for us too. My private con has said that although there's no scientific evidence he's prescribed no sex for the rest of my pg. He said that sperm has prostaglandins in it and they can soften the cervix. Also the 'trauma' of sex can soften the cervix. And orgasm can cause the cervix to shorten as well. DH and I trying to think like virginal 16 year olds and make do with snogging and a bit of PG 13 action!!!!

Fruity Will get my diary and we'll get some dates in. Could you ask your mate for measurments are an 'aunt' will be making you some covers/throw/blanket for the moses basket? FWIW I'd get a new mattress.

Morning to everyone else. Be back later with my diary Fruity. I've been promising Libs that I'd play Play Doh with her for last half hour. xxx

Evening all, Where is everyone?

I've had a very civilised day.
Took DS to school this afternoon, met up with two friends, walked into Wimbledon and had Pizza and a glass of vino for lunch

Picked DS up at 3.10 and have been chilling out at home ever since.

I even managed to get all DS's baby clothes out the loft and have sorted it all into age groups. Got a load of 0-3 months in the wardrobe waiting to be worn
Clapped eyes on the buggy in the loft but I think I'll let DP get that down.

What's everyone up to?

fruity I completely understand where your comeing from with the mattress. I
Would probably keep it quiet and just ask for it a few weeks before baby arrives then measure up myself. My moses basket and crib are coming 3rd hand, I'll be buying a new mattress I think that's a fairly normal thought!

georgie you have been such a help, thank you so much, I took you number down and really apreciate your offer of a chat, I will definatly want to talk it over depending on how con apt goes next fri. Am I at risk now at 11 wks? Or does it open later on if it's going to? strange what you said about orgasm etc, it was after exactly that, that I had my bleed at 8 weeks(tmi?) Do you mind me asking how much it was to go private? My number is 07966579646 if you'd prefer to text. X

Mattress prob sorted now. Was with her at lunch and she didn't bat an eyelid when I mentioned it. She did say it had hardly been used though by the two nieces and her baby but I'd feel better getting a new one.
DP out tonight so I'm eating copious bowls of Frosties for my dinner - only a pound for massive box in Sainsburys

Ooh Waterloo Road is on, speak later!

Bella Do call me. This is why Mumsnet is so good. It really helps you get the low down on all these different procedures. Then you can go in armed with information! PLEASE don't worry, you are not at risk now. From what I understand, the heavier the uterus/baby becomes, roughly 5+ months onwards, the more likelihood there is of the cervix dialating (silently and painlessly). The pressure of the baby pushes down on the cervix and if it's incompetant (ie 'shortened' because of an op or 'weak' because of genetics or disease) then it weakens, shortens and eventually gives way. The body will then go into labour.

We went to Parkside in Wimbledon. The procedure, drugs, over night stay, cons fees all came to £1500+. Yes it's expensive. But it has been worth every penny because it's the only time I haven't had 4 or 5 hours of very scary pre-term labour after the procedure.

Fruity Check you out, Lady that Lunch's! Your day sounds fab. Can we do pizza sans enfants? Next couple of Thurs are busy and would like to see you before mid Feb! How are you fixed in the next couple of weeks? Am free Mon, Wed, Thurs or Fri nights. So as you can see, not the most hectic social diary for me at the moment! Or maybe we can go to the movies? Loads of good stuff on at the mo. Bucket of popcorn and some Minstrils and I'm in hog heaven!

Well done getting all the baby clothes down. Too superstious to do that at the mo. But have started looking at Mollie's old 3-4 year old clothes for Libby. will leave baby clothes til I know what flavour we're having.

Evening to the rest of you lovely ladies. Write soon. We miss you!

Effing bloody internet. It's nothing but trouble
Mollie I got signed out of MSN and now it wont let me back in, bloody bastards. I really wanted to see the pic too I'm gonna keep trying........