New frugal thread for autumn savings

[SnugglySnerd]

Just filled up the last one. Hope you all find the new one!

Thanks everyone you've cheered me up. I realise there are bigger problems in the world than my father stomach but I really did feel fed up last night. I read up on muscle separation and it seems quite likely. I might see my gp and get a physio referral. It might also help my sore back.

Enjoy your new bed Cag!

Oh and em you smell of milk. If any of my babies were unsettled and wanted a bit of comfort, the milk won out, so grizzled until I inevitably fed them (all night, constantly). If I handed ds to dp, after a few cross moments he knew the game was up and would settle down in his arms! I accepted the constant rooting about and trying it on for a snack as part and parcel of an ebf baby, annoying though it is!

I'm making that sound like my babies were being deliberate at a few weeks old, I know they weren't, its just nature. Doesn't help though in the wee small hours.

lonely oh Absolutely. Crying helped. Have just checked on ds. He’s making a lot of noise but is still sleeping.

He sounded super snuffly last night which kept me awake (but midwives have said this is normal while they adapt to breathing properly). It’s just odd that it’s more noisy or seems to bother him more at nighttime. Hm. I’m not concerned he’s ill though. He seems ok in himself doesn’t have a temperature and is feeding really well. Guess it’s just a baby thing.

fluffy you’re right - I don’t think I’ve ever seen a skinny tabby. Two of catfaces brothers were taken in by my riding instructor. One is a traditional tabby the other a silver one. The silver one (renamed “lunchy” ) is a lump. He’s the size of a small Labrador. And is super scratchy hissy bitey. He lives in “my” pony’s stable for the most part goes in instructors house to sleep at night if it rains but it still very much feral. He’ll rub against you on his terms but He doesn’t like pats or head bumps. If he needs to be moved we have to brush him out... but he’s an excellent mouser. And rabbiter. And hedgehoger. And squirreler. And birder. The other cat I’ve never seen (other than in the shelter when we picked up catface) He’s there somewhere but is a full feral.

She was according to the shelter lady, the runt of the litter.

She sat on bed with me all night last night. All snuggled up against me while I was trying to sort ds out. She’s such a softy.

I was just typing a supportive message saying similar. That it's ok to not be ok, that babies are bloody hard work as well as the most incredible thing...

And then the hospital phoned.

SUNDAY.

lonely mammy I may have said when handing ds over to dh earlier “take this please. He’s being a little dick” when dh asked what was wrong. I may regret that now. It’s not deliberate. He can’t help it. Sigh.

There’s a strange but very small part of me that’s glad it’s got tougher. I was wondering why I was finding things easy. And actually questioning whether I was doing something wrong! Haha.

Looking at it this way though - I got a small person out of me. That was tough but I did it. I can do anything. Nothing is easy. But we’ll get through it. Empowered woman.

But my god I’m going to need a gin on Friday! And can not wait until I can go back to the gym. This sort of thing really needs a stompy angry gym session/boxing class/spinning or a “swimasfastasyiicanasifyourebejngcvasedbyashark“ swim to release the stress.

cag for induction? Wow. But sooner rather than later is better right? And at least you now know.

Having never been induced I don’t know whether induction is good or bad so am trying to focus on the positives. At least you know when things will start happening.

We may spend our day writing our thank you cards, watching suits on Netflix, and drinking camomile tea and lots of water to stay hydrated. Dinner is done already - leftover meatballs and pasta. Meatballs were taken from freezer last night so I just need to throw in the oven at 5.

Lunch is done for me (dh made me a pack up...because he also doesn’t think I’m eating properly - I don’t either!) and I’ve just found things ready for breakfast. He is too good to me sometimes.

Ds is still sleeping - I probably should be too. But I’m going to have dippy eggs and soldiers. Then have a shower. And then get dressed in my comfiest confies. And Potter about the house.

Yep! Got to pop in (I say pop but it's 90 mins away) to the hospital on Friday and Saturday though, for the steroid injections. Then staying in properly from Sunday to get the ball rolling so to speak. Bloody hell.

Induction can be pretty rough. With DD it was horrible TBH and took 3 days. With DS it was easier, possibly in part because I was overdue (DD was a few days before due date) but also once you have given birth before, your body kind of knows what to do so responds better IYSWIM.

So I'm hoping that'll be the case this time round too, although I'm painfully aware it's also much earlier, she's been head down for a long time but the MW she's not low in my pelvis yet (DS definitely was by that point) so I don't know if that means it'll take longer!

And yes TBH although it's scary that it's so soon, now that I know she's not growing very well and that the placenta isn't doing that well I've been a bit of a mess. Even more paranoid about feeling movements and watching my sugars even more than I need to etc. So for my mental health as much as anything this is probably for the best!

It's all normal Em, inevitable even! Babies are actually easiest in the first couple of weeks because they sleep a great deal. The fussiness sort of grows over the first few weeks and then you get a 'thing' with all its own moods etc. Then it's more up and down. But the ups get very rewarding with smiles etc.... the downs can last a while though - babies can be very stubborn! Good that DH is being so supportive though.

DD has another cold 🙄 I guess it's unavoidable with DS in school now. So. Oy much sleep here either and she's very grizzly. No. oh plans here either!

Sunday cag . Time to prune that to-do list to the absolute essentials!

Agree about the mental health Cag it's awful panicking about movement etc all the time! Once you are in the hospital at least baby is being monitored. Then what will be will be. I didn't much enjoy being induced - lots of hanging around. But it'll all be over soon. We will all be rooting for you!

I have been a nervous wreck all the way through this time really. You'd think I'd be calmer as it's my third but nope!

Off to town shortly for last minute bits and pieces. Will pop into library to drop books back and see some friends - old colleagues and also some home ed mums as there's a club on. So will at least be able to have some calming hugs!

Sunday Cag. Wow! Try and rest up as much as possible before then.

You too Em. I promise it will get easier again in a few weeks.

It’s comforting to know this is all normal and we just have to ride it out. Ds is awake now - but i managed a shower before he was up! Hoorah. That’s my achievement of the day!!

He held his arms up to me when I went to pick him up. I doubt that it was a conscious move on his part. But I can’t wait for things like that to be.

Am channelling the mindfulness and meditation I learned. And am focusing on the good bits. I had a shower while baby slept!!

Em We had nights like that too, but only about 3 of them. Hang in there. You're very much in normal territory for new-babydom now. Well done for managing it.

Cag Sending hugs from here. Remember and ask for lots of help from everyone. I reckon there's no need to be the superhero in this situation. Fingers crossed it's super-easy for you all.

I have had my hair cut. Woohoo. Doing market research for Dm when she is living here, but now I have a fashionable head, so that's nice.

btw I watched that documentary about Chris Packham and it was very interesting. I think he has quite a hard time. I think he must be built out of sheet steel to manage it all tbh.

I fell off the frugal wagon!

cag omg omg!

em ooooh we're watching Suits at the moment too. I didn't think I'd like it as I'm more of a "The Good Wife" fan but I am actually loving it.

No news here. I kinda zoned out of October for the 3rd year running! No idea why I seem to dislike October so much? I love Autumn so it's weird!

I think October is a do-nothing month. After the bloody bustle of having the kids off over summer and the start of the build up towards christmas.

Just bought dd2 a beautiful (refurbished) purple hp laptop for christmas. On credit, but paid the same amount off the card. She really needs it for school, as she's going over and above whats needed, and using dp's is a pain for her as "you were on your bloody bike last night" was the sentence from the huff I heard this morning! I was using it to zwift for an hour.

Have finished the really draggy bit of work, got quick ones to do next, but am off to buy some food for tea.

cag eek! But, just think, you'll be bringing dd2 home to your new comfy big bed! So one huge hurdle out of the way.

I've had 2 inductions. Can't say I recommended either. First failed and resulted in a c section, the other full drip job, which I didn't cope with very well. But we all react differently, I am a bit prone to panic!

Another £60ish spent! Slightly smaller baby clothes, pillows and protectors for new bed, cotton wool, maternity pads, sudocrem, a blanket

Also got an owl beanie boo for the baby to give DD (DH already got the toucan for DS) and it was BOGOHP so got a birthday present for their friend (bowling tomorrow - looking forward to that as it's lots of my best friends' kids)

Oh and I also bought batteries for the tens machine :o

Oh cag it’s so exciting! I’ll be thinking quick induction quick labour thoughts for you on Sunday. X

The tens machine saw me through my induction Cag, I am a fan!

New bedding is really pleasing.

Sunny I am going to watch it with DH tonight. I have his book waiting to be read too. I've followed him for ages (not literally though ) as we are keen birders in this family.

Heading to the post office to return the Seasalt coat. Too big for me and not very flattering. So money back (to cancel out my recent knitting spends). Might grab a coffee on the high street to keep out of the cleaner's way

Cag It'll be fine. By Monday you'll have a new Caglet!. That beds going to be so comfy tonight. You won't want to get up in the morning.

£37 Dh Xmas present, it was £10 off. It's a malt whisky 46% alcohol!.
£3 rimmell stay matte powder. Best powder ever.
£2 skin cleansing oil. Will try today & clear the shelf tomorrow if it's ok.
£3 500 food bags in wilko.

£15 petrol.

Have you decided on a name Cag?

I am sitting in a cafe writing Christmas lists and having a lovely time. Bit sad I'll probably be back at work this time next year

Need are you okay? Also haven't seen Creme for a bit.

I know need was PMing creme who is ok but life too busy for posting.

Yep name is sorted, as is DD's second middle name (she is going to reregister when we take the baby) - she chose Eirlys as she wanted something Welsh! :)

All going well looking after little nephew, I am having to do very little :o I'm just writing the hospital bag list. It is very very very long. And includes lots of food :o