leise rieselt der Schnee - for all those lovely people in Germany and Austria or whoever wants to join us!

[Canella]

a new wintery thread in honour of Hupa's first snow of the season!

Woke up feeling quite good besides a sore neck (not a fan of the square pillows we have). Dd came in and cuddled with me while dh ran off to work. (TMI alert) No more blood, though I had a little more mucus stuff with old blood mixed in.
Dd seems marginally better. Tho it could be because dh brought home apfel juice last night of which she's a big fan.
Need to go to the store today as we really need food, so I'll walk down that street with the ob/gyn again and see if I can find it when I'm more calm. Dh says he's going to continue working on the insurance stuff today, but that we should probably go to the doctor this evening.
Thanks for all your support. x

bebe - hope you get to the doctor today - whether you feel better or not you need to get checked out regardless of how much it costs. And glad your dd is feeling a bit better - hope you get some nice stuff at the shops.
Just so you know tho - its weds and quite a lot of surgeries etc are closed on a weds afternoon so you might not get an appt today. But will keep my fingers crossed for you.

Admylin - glad the appt went ok but dont really understand why it takes all that time to test your dd for dyslexia? I didnt realise the testing was so intense!
Hope you got your jobs done this morning!! we've also got snow again today - but not enough to make me get my shovel out!! very thankful since it still proper hurts my hand to use the shovel!

well off out to do my taxi driver stint for the afternoon!
let us know how u get on bebe

So baby is still in there and ok.
Doctor suggested broken blood vessel for the blood and had no idea really about the mucus or pain (which has increased again).

That's wonderful news, bebe. Sorry to hear about the pain, though; do you need to go for a follow-up appointment?

admylin It sounds like the dyslexia testing will be very thorough; it will be good to find out one way or the other, I'm sure. I'm glad we only had to go to see the child psychologist once as I don't think we could have afforded any more appointments! (?300 for testing plus follow-up consultation, although we did get 80% of it back from the Krankenkasse).

It's absolutely freezing here at the moment - "only" -1° today but it feels much colder somehow. I took the DC out sledging with some friends yesterday (there are some great slopes for sledging at a nearby vineyard) but DS decided he'd had enough after he'd been down once, and insisted that I stand with him watching the others the rest of the time. After almost an hour of standing around at -3°, I needed a very long, very hot bath afterwards to warm up!

Have had toothache all day, so if it's no better tomorrow I suppose I'd better phone the dentist. I wanted to take the DC in the Semesterferien next week but there are no appointments for check-ups till mid/late March.

That's fantastic news, bebe. I was really hoping your baby would be ok, as I have read several stories on MN where people were convinced they were miscarrying and everything turned out fine.

Re German beds , I find if you fold the square pillows in half they are bearable (if they are the ones where the stuffing disappears as soon as you put your head on them). As for the double bed with two single mattresses, you can get a mattress pad from Ikea or Dänisches Bettenlager which covers both mattresses under a double sheet and effectively turns it into one big mattress. At least it makes for a massive bed .

Great news bebe!! How did it all work out - did the doctor speak English? Did u have to pay in the end?

Agree with silken about the bed - we've got a matress protector so we dont notice the join. We've also still got our uk pillows and king size duvet - i hate those german pilows too!!

Linzer - hope your warmer now!!ds1 asked yest if we could stop off at a spielplatz on the way back from the dentist - it was dry but -6!! Told him a firm no!! I'd have been cold to my bones!

Well we went to Ikea and found the mattress toppers to be currently too expensive for us. Maybe after dh gets paid. We did however load up on different pillows and a few toys for Moo...only to find out that they don't accept cards at the till. This is the third time we come across such a thing; it is very frustrating. Basically we have to wait until we're registered, and have and German account and Dh gets paid...or take out a whooping load of cash all at once at the hard to find ATMs.

I am in denial, or apathetic as I have lost all confidence in the pregnancy. I am not comfortable. I have had cramps and very localised pain again.
And the doctor was not particularly reassuring to be honest.
However I'm cutting out all dairy (as since I'm lactose intolerant and I've been having the odd bowl of cereal and cheese I'm wondering if that is causing problems) and trying to think what else might be causing my discomfort (like the bed). Perhaps if I can figure it out I shall regain my confidence in the pregnancy.

I saw some kids sledding yesterday in the cold and was pleased to see how bundled up they were. So often in the UK they looked nearly naked in just a pair of jeans and a jacket. I wondered how they didn't freeze to death I have to admit the constant freeze has got to me...I obviously moved farther over to the dark side (of mild weather) than I had thought (My poor family back in the US is under a state of government emergency because of the snow they recently got). We didn't bring Meg's sled, but it would have been a better/more exciting way for her to come to the store with me. Nothing like being a sled 'dog' to warm the body on a cold walk. (Not that I feel I can pull much currently)

So I was looking into purchasing a Ikea gift card online (to try and circumnavigate the can't use credit card). Got a long schpeel in German which didn't translate on own but cut and pasted into translator, but still uncertain abt what it means really.

...
Bestelle jetzt online. Für die Bearbeitung und den Versand berechnen wir bei einer Bestellung einmalig 1.-.
Die Bezahlung kann nur per Überweisung erfolgen.

Sämtliche Informationen für die Überweisung entnimmst du dem Begleitschreiben, welches du mit der Geschenkkarte übersendet bekommst. Beachte, dass die Freischaltung max. 5 Werktage ab Überweisungsdatum auf deinem Kontoauszug beträgt.

translates to:

Order online now. For processing and shipping, we charge a one-time first order -.
Payment can be made only by bank transfer.

All information for the referral you ahead and take the accompanying letter, which you get to end with the gift card. Note that the open circuit max. 5 working days from the date of the deposit on your bank statement is.

...
That does say you still can't use credit card doesn't it? or would I be able to transfer the money you think from the UK account to them -meaning a call to the UK bank-

Wow, bebe you're up early!
Good that you found a doctor - did your dh get any further with insurance coverage? Hope your both feeling abit better.
From my experience, the cheapest and easiest way would be to withdraw cash with your British bank card until you get the German account sorted.
The bank transfers take to too long and cost too much. Some places take credit cards but I know my parents always had problems when visiting Germany.

morning!! yeah bebe you're finding out the hard way - lots of germans still pay for most things with cash (bar in german) or with a german EC card (like a maestro card but sadly not the same). Dont often see places where you can use a credit card - sorry!

People sometimes pay for bigger things with a bank transfer but then I think you would need a german bank account for that.

I feel for you - we were in a similar position when we moved here. Dh's work were going to pay us back for our moving costs once we'd collected all the receipts so we were so skint when we first moved here. And i didnt have an account or an EC card sorted so dh was always having to get cash out the bank for me! it was a nightmare few weeks but it got sorted quickly!

stuck at home this morning with all 3 dc - the school bus couldnt get here cause there is that bloody Blitzeis again!!!!! our drive is like an ice rink! walked very cautiously to the road to see if that was better but its also totally glatt!!! And we live half way up a hill so i was too frightened to drive down in case i couldnt stop and i didnt want to drive up the hill towards kiga in case i got stuck!! and the broken hand after the last Blitzeis is still to fresh in my head! so keeping them at home for now - might sent the boys later if it melts a bit!

Yeah, technically the card we're trying to use is our debit card, which is only 'connected' to VISA not really a credit card...really is annoying.
I stopped using cash about 7 years ago when I got my first debited card...so this is going to interesting trying to remember to have cash again for things...

bebe - glad to hear that the baby is hanging on in there. Have you managed to get the insurance sorted?

I think the reason credit cards aren´t popular here is that they work completely differently to the UK. At the end of the month the full amount is taken from your bank account to pay off the card - no option of only paying a minimum amount and building up debt. I think people feel they may as well use a debit card. We tend to only use our card for internet shopping and booking hotels.

Canella - don´t blame you at all for avoiding the ice. Have you still got pain in your hand?

admylin - at least the dyslexia tests will be thorough, but it does seem an incredibly long time to sort it out.

Linzer- did you get any answers about your ds from the paediatrician?

Insurance is not sorted. Had to pay 200euros upfront for showing up at the hospital and they'll bill us the rest for the 7??? vials of blood to be tested and the ultrasound on the consult with the doctor.

bebe Here's a very rough translation of the information you posted about the Ikea gift card - hope it helps to make more sense of it! Back in a minute to catch up on the rest of the chat, but DS is demanding my attention...

Order online now. For processing and shipping, we charge a one-off payment of 1.00. [presumably 1 euro]
Payment can only be made by bank transfer.

For all the information you need to transfer the money, please see the accompanying letter that will be sent to you with the gift card. Please note that activation will take max. 5 working days from the date that the money is transferred on your bank statement.

Thanks Linzer

DS is at home today, as he had a (very short-lived) stomach bug; I didn't feel I could send him into kindergarten as he might still be infectious, but he's back to normal now. Thank goodness for our CBeebies DVDs is all I can say!

I've just tried to make an appointment at the dentist's as my toothache was much worse in the night, only to discovered that she's closed on Thursdays and Fridays. It's better now, and not bad enough for me to try another dentist, but has been replaced by a headache instead...

bebe I would agree with admylin about using your British card to withdraw cash here being the cheapest and easiest option until you have a German bank account set up. I don't have a credit card, partly because I'd have to pay about ?20 a year for the privilege, but the only time I really need one is when I'm paying for things online so I use DH's then.

hupa The paediatrician was really helpful and spent 1.5 hours (!) explaining to us what could be causing DS's coughing and how we can get it under control. At the moment it does seem like his dust allergy is the most likely culprit, and we now have a new type of inhaler which seems to be helping.

Canella It sounds like a good idea to stay indoors today; you really don't want another broken hand! My parents were stuck indoors for about a week when it was really icy in the UK just before Christmas; they live on a slope and couldn't get the car out for nearly three weeks.

Oh not blitzeis again, best to stay put canella! All our snow from yesterday has gone here thank goodness.

Bebe, hope you're feeling better. You've had a lot of extra stress recently and the trip down here by car too. Maybe your cramps are from that and the strange bed.

Had bad mooded dc yesterday, first day back at school so ratty and tired, they stay up too late, a constant fight to send them to bed and the fight to get them to do homework. Dd gets mad when I correct her spelling but I had to tell her, even if she does have dyslexia, she's still got to make an effort and try hard. Anyway, I seem to get to do all the fighting and dh gets them to curl up sweetly on the sofa next to him when he walks in at 7 or 8pm and doesn't see any of it.

I was so fed up and hid in my room and did the ironing at 8pm and just left them all to it. They noticed and crept in each with a book to read in my bed.

linzer - glad you got some help about ds's cough! But about your toothache - opening hours are crazy here too! its like guesswork sometimes to know when the practices are open! and glad ds has recovered quickly after his bug - i'm sure he'll be running about by lunchtime!!

Bebe - wow 200? is a lot but it must have felt worth it to know what was going on! its definitely introduced you to german ways of life quicker than you thought perhaps!!

Linzer - god i hope i'm not stuck here for 3 weeks - i really am mother hubbard - the cupboards are bare!! i had myself all sorted for going shopping this morning! we've no bread, no salami (a disaster in our house!!) and maybe 1 slice of cheese!! but i think there's a couple of pizzas in the freezer so the dc wont be complaining too loudly!

Hupa - my hand still isnt right but better than last week. I just have a lot of soreness when i dont use it - so when i wake up in the morning i still struggle to bend my fingers properly and if i'm just sat at night watching the tv then it quickly becomes sore! but the hand itself is only sore if i put weight on it - like trying to get up off the floor (which with dc i seem to do a lot of!!). But just wouldnt want it to happen again so staying put for a few hours!

But to add to the trouble its been snowing really heavily for the last hour! not sure how that will be for driving if there's snow on top of black ice! the drive felt easier to walk on when i tried it quickly before but not going to risk it till later!

Hallo there!
I have just found Mumsnet and discovered there are people living in German-speaking countries.
I'm E320 and have been living in Germany for 23 years. I don't have any children of my own and sadly have not seen my step-son since his father died.
Currently sitting at home looking out at the snow and icicles after extracting myself rather painfully from a contract at the large, blue German bank.
I'd love to "chat".
I am near Frankfurt/Mannheim/Heidelberg.
Glad to answer any questions on life here.

Decided to walk to the larger Tengelman and managed to get myself terribly lost on the way back because I thought I could cross between some apartments, but ended up being taken around the houses literally -kept thinking it must come out any time now... in the end I had to completely back track.
However I did finally find that ob/gyn building! However I still didn't see a door?! just the parking lot.
Beginning to think the Germans either walk thru walls or are really really good with directions (because honestly I'm not that bad).
Unfortunately think I over did it and have got myself firmly on the couch with a large cup of water and grapes and have put Shawn the Sheep on TV for Moo.

Sorry to hear you've had a frustrating morning, bebe - well done on finding the building, though; it's a start! Maybe next time there'll be someone around to ask where the entrance is?

Hi and welcome E320. What takes you to Germany? You must feel very settled there now after 23 years! I'm in Austria, but we used to live in Mannheim (and I worked near to Heidelberg) so I know that area quite well.

Hello E320 :)

Nah it really wasn't frustrating in the long run. Just tiring. If Tengelman wouldn't have taken my card that would have been frustrating (but more on my part, as I had thought to check before I started loading up on food, but then realised I hadn't until I go to the check-out). I asked the girl VISA? and showed her my card and she smiled and said Ja, German German German. I'm scouring Amazon for a good phrase book and some more kids dvds (unless anyone knows a place I can get English ones in Munich?/online otherwise?) I'm also thinking I might want a dvd which might give basic vocab for Moo? Most of the kids TV we've been watching in German is actually quite advanced I think. Nothing with the real basics (numbers, colors, simple nouns)

Also I was wondering if der Ahornsirup is normal fare? Or if I'm going to have to order some? I did look (but rather quickly as dd was getting antsy). Would it be more likely to be with die Konserven or die Sossen like das Ketchup?

Hi there,
I came over here in 1988 for work and have stuck around since then, eventually marrying a German.
However, I went freelance in 1995 so have been working all over the place since then, including Heidelberg!
Ahornsirup is readily obtainable here. It would either be in the baking section or possibly in jams/marmelade. Failing either of those, if there is a "Bio" section you could find it there.
There isn't a Tegelmann near me, only Real (which I hate) plus Edeka or local old-fashioned butchers, bakers etc. plus the weekly market.
For DVDs in Munich try Hugendubel. I could spend hours (and thousands) in the Frankfurt one .
Just had a call that could lead to 2 months working at home, which would be ideal right now, so fingers crossed.
Where are you all?

bebe- great to hear that the baby is okay. what a relief. Hope you find the entrance to the building and get more reassurance. Though sitting on the couch in front of the TV sounds like the best place to be. Do take it easy. It´s easy to underestimate the effects that moving can have on one´s body and mind, especially a pregnant one who has to look after a toddler. I also hate those square pillows and amuse my DD by doing a karate chop and shout (or my version of it) to get the pillow into some sort of shape where I might be able to sleep on it. oh, and on bank accounts...we had to send a written letter to the UK bank for them to transfer money into the Austrian account, we were not able to do it over the phone. It was a rather frustrating wait.

hello E320 - where are you originally from? Hope you are recovering from the painful extraction from the banking world.

Linzer - how are you feeling? How is the tooth? I find the different opening times a nightmare to keep track of. Good to hear the paed was helpful and hope the new inhaler works.

admylin - that is a long testing process for your DD. It sounds very thorough. Are the DC in a better mood today? I was the one in the bad mood yesterday and ended up shouting at DD2 because she just refused to go to bed. Like in your household, dh comes in and they get kuschelzeit! I now save discussions about tricky issues till he comes home and we can discuss them altogether over dinner.

canella - how is the ice situation at yours? Hope you get some food, or at least salami, in soon. Is dh around and can he bring some home? should we post some from austria!

They used to have Sesame Street on German tv, but it is so long since I have had a small around that I don't know if it is still shown. Possibly on one of the regional 3rd channels?
I sometimes don't sleep very well and end up watching "Great Train Journeys in Germany" or "Space Night" both of which are incredibly boring.
"Night Flight", however, is really interesting but not often shown. The last one I saw was a Lufthansa flight from Canada to Frankfurt, but I think I only found that interesting because the man in my life is a Lufthansa pilot so I knew I could ask questions if necessary.