Der Nebel steigt, es fällt das Laub - a German and Austrian autumn thread

[AntiqueMuppet]

A thread for anyone living in Germany or Austria, or anyone else who fancies a chat.

Previous thread here

Linzer that is so sad that your dd is depressed. Anxiety is one of dd's problems and that can lead to depression at any time so it's worrying. Sounds like you've found a good psychologist. Did your dd feel good about it all? How was your ds today about school?

outnumbered did you decide what to do yet? From what you told us here it sounds like you're dealing with it and doing your uttermost to teach your ds right and wrong. Maybe as Linzer said, I wouldn't expect you to call me but it would help me if you did so I'd understand your ds and be able to explain to my dc why the incident happened. Hope everything else is going OK and the stress levels aren't too high for you.

ploom thanks , I'd love a sick note, atleast you care! I'm fed up with my family for being lazy, dirty and spoiled (OK, by me so that's my own fault) but honestly, if I hadn't been able to get out of bed today the dirt devils would have taken over in this place. Dh managed to do the kitchen but he doesn't see anything else beyond that and the dc wouldn't do anything of their own free will. It's going to take ages to catch up on washing too so they've been told not to get anything more dirty and not to dare to get fresh towels again this week.

english I'd have given mine antibiotics if they'd had a constant high temperature but I'm influenced by dh who thinks they're the cure for everything (terrible I know and he's neuro-pharmacologist so should know better) but sounds like you're getting there without! Hope he's better soon.

Ds got his first fixed brace yesterday and since then has only had a glass of milk and some very soft chinese noodles. No breakfast and no snack at school. Hope he eats the finely blended veggie soup I've made when he gets in, it'll be my first food since Friday night too.

Oh Linzer that is sad :( I hope she can be got back on the right track now though.

Admylin don't overdo the housework and put yourself back in bed!

Has everyone seen the poisonous oils in choc advent calendars thing, DH just emailed me about it - the worst one is a ?16 Rausch calendar!

www.test.de/Adventskalender-mit-Schokoladenfuellung-Mineraloel-in-der-Schokolade-4471436-4471488/

DS2 has only just fallen asleep after fighting it and being totally unhappy for hours and DD keeps half-shouting and has so nearly woken him twice, he so desperately needs to sleep (and I so desperately need him to) but I've got to put him in the car to fetch DS1 as 2pm is the latest he can possibly stay at Kiga, so I guess it doesn't matter - he could have napped all morning as it was DD's one and only long 6 lesson day today, but he had to fight it til half an hour before she got in so yet again he won't get nearly enough sleep, especially to get well :(

out, sorry you are having to deal with such difficulties. I think a call to the parents would be appreciated, yes. (hugs) Maybe check with the Kiga what they recommend?

Thanks for that great list, Coola! I think I have enough new clothes for DS to be getting on with now, but I shall note the list for next time. It's a shame there isn't more here though (obviously people cope, and I am just a fussy bugger!), I don't want to pay £7.50 postage every time I want to order something from the UK, and sometimes, I might only want one item, and can't justify paying that postage for it. Plus, sometimes you need to try stuff on.

Linzer, I just haven't been able to find vinegar here at all (vinegar for chips. I have found apple cider vinegar, which I use in baking). Do they do vinegar for chips, and I just haven't been looking properly?

Well done on the screen time! In a weird coincidence, DH came home from work last night and started a conversation about screen time!!! He is suggesting we put the TV in a cupboard and only get it out for specific programs! Maybe after Christmas once I've watched a glut of Christmas movies! :)

Sorry to hear about your DD. I hope things turn out great for her and she is content.

Admylin, take it easy!

Hello to everyone else.

Germans don't put vinegar on chips and think it's weird :o I've never seen malt vinegar here either, I don't think you can get it (I like vinegar on chips too) ... however on a related if slightly irrelevant note, very unexpectedly our local Edika have started to stock salt and vinegar crisps, dd and ds1 think this is weird, I have therefore totally failed to maintain their bi-cultural identities haven't I?

Also had to start the antibiotics despite not wanting to go that route as DS2's temp went back up to 39.8 a couple of hours ago and he was all floppy and sad... he has perked up again with Neurofen but it seems he wasn't really getting better after all, and as he's been ill since Saturday avoiding it for longer was starting to seem wrong, once it went back up... as I expected I had to pretty much force feed him, so I blimin' hope they actually work as I'll have to do that 20 more times now...

We have a bottle that we brought over, but there is barely any left, I have been being stingy with my vinegar portions to make it last until DH's parents can bring some over in a month. Chips are no way near as good without vinegar! :)

Poor little poppet, lots of bugs going round, I hope he perks up soon.

outnumbered as others have said, I wouldn´t expect a phone call, but would appreciate if I got one.

English Hopefully the antibiotics will kick in quickly. I don´t envy you trying to get them into ds. I found it became better when the dc were old enough to bribe reason with.

I´m another lover of malt vinegar and only have a teeny amount left. I´ve told dh we´re definitely doing a trip to England next year to stock up on such essentials.

Linzer Sorry to hear about your dd, it must be really worrying. How did your dd feel about the appointment? At least in Austria it sounds like you´ll be able to access the help she needs quite quickly. I imagine if you were still in the UK you´d be sitting on waiting lists forever.

admylin Definitely take things easy, although it´s easier said than done when faced with mountains of washing.

I managed to have a child free afternoon, so started wrapping Christmas presents. I´ve realised that now ds has his doubts I´m going to have to find a better hiding place this year. He´s definitely a child that will go rummaging through every cupboard in the house if he thinks the presents are here.

everyone! I have tried to call his parents but so far no success. ds1' Weihnachtsfeier is next week so I will probably see them there at the latest. However I spoke to the Erzieher and he said that the parents were pretty cool about it, and the opticians were able to fix the glasses. For Friday me and dh have arranged a Elterngespräch at the kiga. I am just really worried how ds1 is going to manage at school come summer. kiga (it's an Integrativer Kiga der Lebenshilfe) is overall fantastic with ds1 and are quite cool re ds1 outbursts. But I just cannot see a teacher staying cool when being hit, kicked or scratched...and I am worried ds1 will end as one of the many Asperger kids who get expelled. The plan is to ask if kiga would accept an Integrationshelfer - one from the same people who already support us at home. That way it will be much easier (hopefully) to ensure same rules and sanctions are applied both there and at home. we just really need to get him under control

on a happier note, today ds1 was a different child. he came home from kiga in a good mood and we didnt have any major incidents at home - even though our Integrationshelfer was not here as ds3 has kindly shared the rotavirus with her...

Linzer I can imagine how you must be feeling re your daughter and hw terrible that she hasnt been supported properly for her dyslexia. It sounds like you have a good clinical psychologist now though, so hopefully things will improve. Are there long waiting lists for psychotherapy in Austria? I know here there certainly are. I know of quite a few who had to wait 6months+ for the first appointment, so I hope you get somewhere much quicker than that.

hupa how organised are you? already wrapping Christmas presents? I havent even bought a single one yet, just a few waiting in my amazon shopping basket.

admylin how are you feeling now? dont you just get so jealous of people who dont turn up for work because they have 'a cold' or something similar? No matter how ill we feel, we still have to get up during the night, the next morning, get dc ready and the entertain the ones still at home. Actually, twice dh did have to stay at home for a week because I was too poorly. I tend to get horrendous sinusitis in the hayfever months, and it will leave me bedbound for a week.

english I hope the ABs kick in soon and that your poor ds feels better soon. Is it you who has a terrible sleeper anyway? that coupled with him being poorly, plus other dcs to look after must be very knackering!

I had almost forgotten about vinigar on chips! mhmm... and yes, they have started having quite a few different flavours of crisps here now. I remember when I was growing up there were just crisps with paprika flavour and Erdnussflips. oh and I think some with bacon flavour. SO maybe eventually Germans will start eating salt and vinigar on their chips too? Overall I am getting the impression that GErmany is a little UK crazy at the moment. Wherever I look I see Union Jacks - on clothes, rugs, furniture...I wonder if it because of the Olympics?

Anyway, thanks again for your understanding about my worries with ds1!

hupa good luck with hiding the presents. Have not bought a single thing yet but luckily we are not huge on exchanging much...

admylin hope you feel better soon.

Linzer so sad to hear that DD may be depressed. I hope she gets lots of help.

English very scary to have such a high temperature in young children. I remember tepid wraps on lower legs was recommended when DS was young. Do you know what exactly DS was prescribed antibiotics for?

outnumbered I'm not far from you, in LD. I have family in PS and an aunt of mine lived in KL, so know the area fairly well. I think it is great that you are planning to speak to the other boy's family. At least it will enable them to understand a bit better what is going on.

We had a lovely time in B. I did get a good meal and a lovely Sunday lunch, too. We spent much of yesterday and today to get the car ready for registration and I now have German Plates. The end of an era. And it looks like I have a tenant for the house in England from mid January. DD has started her swimming lessons and is really enjoying it. The local Christmas market is starting soon, very exciting to see the huts go up in the market square. I got some (free) greenery a few days ago from a company that puts up Christmas trees. They were trimming branches and let me have enough to make a few table decorations, so the house is looking a bit more seasonal.

Waving to everyone else and sending good health vibes to all who need them ~~~~~~.

Sending get well vibes to little ones and Mums alike. Hope the ABs and rest start working really soon.

Sorry about your ds's outburst outnumbered. Your approach sounds really great.

Linzer, sorry about your dd and how the lack of decent dyslexia training has just made the situation worse. I hope she gets some proper help really soon.

We have an elf on the shelf. Dh is currently moving him downstairs (we put him up after Thanksgiving) though I suspect he's checking the etch process of a wafer he's controlling remotely. The dcs are beginning to get excited. There are also quite a few houses with all the lights on already.

I miss clothes from the UK too. Next and M&S also ship here. There are some good shops here but also a lot of very expensive boutiques.

I do hope you have all had a good night's sleep and aren't wrestling dcs down the stairs into school. I ought to actually go to sleep now and you're all up and running for the day! Have a good one!

Morning all (and goodnight to Jenny ),

Thankfully Monday seems to have been a temporary blip and DS is quite happy at school again now. He did say when he first got up that he didn't want to go to his best friend's after school as arranged, but changed his mind by the time his friend arrived. I'd been congratulating myself for arranging the playdate on the same day as DD2 has school until 1.40 pm, as it meant a nice long morning for me (I don't normally have lunch until the DC get back home) until I remembered that not only is this DD1's short day, one of her teachers is ill so she'll be home at 12 pm. Still, it will be nice to have some time with her on her own - and probably just what she needs.

Thanks for all the good wishes re DD1; it came as quite a shock to both DH and me. The psychologist said she could recommend a colleague of hers for the psychotherapy but we won't know any more until our appointment mid-December, so I'm not sure yet about waiting lists (we had to wait about a year for DS's speech therapy). DD1 didn't really say anything about the appointment so I don't know how she felt about it; she didn't tell me much about what she had to do either. I think one of her problems is that she tends to bottle things up rather than let it all out like the other two do.

Jenny I'm intrigued by the remote-controlled wafer. (Am assuming it's something electrical rather than a biscuit. ) Is your elf already getting up to mischief?

Bienchen Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip, and good news on the tenant. I always felt like we stuck out with our Austrian numberplates and was glad when we got our German ones.

outnumbered It's good that the parents are relaxed about the glasses, but I'm sure a phone call or speaking to them in person will still be appreciated. I think that if I could see the parents were concerned and apologetic, I would be a lot more understanding than if they didn't seem bothered. I hope you manage to get an Integrationshilfer for your DS at KiGa; it must be such a worry for you at the moment.

hupa The presents we've bought so far are either on top of the wardrobe and out of reach, or DH has hidden them somewhere in the cellar. It must be much more of an issue if children still believe in the Christkind (not sure if that's just an Austrian thing) and that all the presents come from him/her/it; the DC know that we have presents for them thanks to the postman bringing a steady stream of parcels, but accept that they're not allowed to know what's in them yet.

WhatWould I'd never even realised that you can't get malt vinegar here, but I hardly ever eat chips. You can get normal vinegar here (in Austria, at any rate) as well as cider vinegar, but I can see it wouldn't be quite the same. I love salt & vinegar crisps and we're starting to see them more often here too, but DH thinks they're an abomination!

English Hope the ABs kick in quickly; force feeding medicine isn't much fun, is it? We used to use a syringe when the DC were little and it reminded me of trying to give our cat medicine - she used to hate it too.

admylin Hope you're feeling better now and don't have too much tidying up to do. I wonder whether anxiety, depression etc. go hand-in-hand with dyslexia? The psychologist said that dyslexia can lead to psychological problems and I'm sure it hasn't helped with DD1's self-esteem and jealousy of the others (DD2 in particular, as she's never struggled academically). At least you know what to look out for with your DD; I'd never thought of DD1 as being particularly anxious, but that's probably because she keeps it all inside.

Morning everyone!

Thanks for the shop list coola I'll take another look at topshops's site but I couldn't order from the UK one because they wouldn't deliver to Germany and instead had to order from (more expensive and less options) the .de website :( Maybe I was just being blonde?

outnumbered Good to hear DS3 is much better, sad he gave one of your helpers a dose of it though but I think it is lovely of you to want to explain and apologise for DS1. I'm sure the other parents will be very understanding and like the others have said and will appreciate you getting in touch.

Bienchen Glad you had a nice time away, but I need to ask (can't wait to eat all the things that have been banned or "aren't recommended" during pregnancy) was it a traditional Sunday Lunch or just a particularly yummy one??

hupa You're wrapping presents already? I struggled to wander around a couple of shops yesterday and I still didn't get the present for DP that I wanted... But then I don't move very fast and I will be looking online for pretty much everything else :)

English How is DS2? Are the ABs working? Hope he is feeling a bit better and not quite so sad, I've been reading your updates the last few days and he sounds like a quite deflated little thing at the mo.

admylin Are you feeling better yet? Have you managed to dish out some chores to the DC? I remember we used to iron, vacuum, put the washing on, hang it up, fold and put away the washing, clean the kitchen, bathroom, etc from about 13 years old... not because we knew it needed doing but because we had to.

*whatwould" is there not an english shop near you where you could stock up on some essentials? I can't remember having seen vinegar in the one in Hannover... but then I think they leave it until the shop is empty then they must do a cash and carry dash and re-stock (I'm guessing). Although our local Kaufhof has some things in like golden syrup and marmite (although only the smallest marmite jars and it costs ?3 something )

Linzer so sorry to hear about your DD but fantastic that there is some support for her here. I can't remember who it was but I agree that in the UK if there is something available (possibly also a postcode lottery) it would take much longer for her to be seen and given whatever extra help she needs. - hope it's quicker than DS's speech therapy!

Right, think I'm all caught up now :o The bean is fine and apparently porridge for breakfast wakes it up... it has been wriggling for a while now... it really isn't so cosy anymore

DP was asking again last night about going to his parents on the 24th I feel bad saying that I would rather be at home, but we were there for a few hours a week or two ago and it was already uncomfortable for me. The ILs are rather formal so I don't really feel relaxed there; and there isn't anything to do - apart from sitting and usually eating. So I can't get up and move around like I would at home (or watch telly (telly has never been allowed) while sitting on the sofa with as many cushions as I like - they have two "old people" armchairs that face the telly and then in another corner an old slippery leather sofa... But I can only remember seeing little tiny cushions... no big squishy ones like we have at home ).
I'll be 39+5 on the 24th and at the moment the plan is for everyone to meet near us for dinner at a restaurant on the 25th in the evening.
It's also a 40 minute ish drive to the ILs. Am I just being mean? WWYD?

Morning! Trapped to the house this morning while we have 2 of our 30 year old windows replaced (we're working our way slowly round the whole house but its an expensive business). They're going surprisingly quick but they did start early - they were here at 7.50am!!! Had only just finished breakfast. Should make a difference over the winter to the warmth in the playroom - the other ones were not well insulated but the new ones will have triple glazing - seems double glazing isnt enough anymore .

linzer - sounds like that was a really good psychologist that your dd1 saw - really hope she doesnt have to wait for the help she needs. I would imagine that anxiety/depression would go hand in hand with dyslexia since it must really knock your confidence and self esteem if you are always having to struggle to do things that others fins much easier. Maybe getting better help for her dyslexia might help her other issues. Glad your ds is more settled again and hope you enjoy the one on one time with your dd2. I always think my dc benefit from a little time alone with a parent even if its just an hour - not always easy to fit into a week when you're dh is at work.

jenny - I'd never heard of the elf on the shelf but I'm also intrigued as to what a remote controlled wafer is??

bienchen - glad you had a good trip and have got your car sorted - have you bought your right hand drive over from the UK? I'm still driving my UK car and get the weirdest looks and stares from people. You'd think I was driving an alien vehicle. Will be glad when it eventually dies and we can get a new left hand drive one.

outnumbered - I agree there seems to be a lot of UK stuff in the shops at the moment - think I saw some Union Jack bedlinen again in Lidl this week. About your ds - if I wwas the other parent then I'd really appreciate a call like someone else said just to know that you were aware of the issues and were bothered - the problem in our village with the boy who is violent at times is that the mother seems to be in complete denial about it and the most anyone has heard her saying about his problems is "oh he's no angel". I think if people could see she had a plan in place to limit his violence then people would be more understanding. You sound like you're doing an amazing job in pretty stressful circumstances - hope you get the help sorted out he needs for school.

english - how's your ds today? Have the antibiotics started to work? Had heard that thing about the advent calenders - we havent bought any - I just fill our own one but I bet my MIL will have one each for the dc at the weekend - awkward to say they cant eat it. My dd is obsessed with those salt and vinegar crisps at Edeka/tegut/kaufland (I know exactly which shops sell them!). Have to hide the 2nd bag I buy tho otherwise she'd just eat the lot.

santa - I'd never noticed you cant get malt vinegar here - would maybe put it on chips from the chippy in the UK but not something I think we've ever had at home. No, thats a lie - someone said it was good for adding to the steriliser to clean it so we had it for that. Think I chucked it out when we moved - who'd have know I could have sold it to expats .

How are you feeling today admylin? There's a lot of bugs going round this thread! Did your son manage to eat anything yesterday? Must be tricky to get used to wearing. DD often asks me if I think she'll need one later (not sure how she thinks I'd know that!).

Waves to anyone I've missed

Got ds's Elternsprechtag today - bin gespannt! Ds1's teacher can be a right moody cow at times so never know what she's going to say. Think ds2's teacher will give him a good report but still find that unfathomable after all the trouble we had with him in kiga. Have to take them with me - hope they manage to entertain themselves while we're there - really sometimes wish I had grandparents living round the corner like everyone else.

Morning everyone.

Linzer how sad to find out your dd1 is suffering like that. I suppose it's good that it's been recognised and that the psychologist sounds competent. How long had you been worrying about her before you made the appt?

outnumbered your situation sounds really difficult as well. I guess the other parents may be aware of your son's SN as it's an integrativer Kiga, but agree that it's definitely worth apologising directly to them at the Elternabend or whenever. I hope your ds3 is feeling a lot better now.

admylin hope you are feeling better, too!

english the third lot of well wishes to your ds2 - hopefully the antibiotics were necessary and are having a speedy effect on his wellbeing.

jenny I'm glad linzer asked about the wafer, I was wondering whether I was really out of touch not having a clue what it is.

whatwould I used to bring bottles of malt vinegar with me, but never seemed to use them up - I guess because we don't eat that many chips at home. Chip spice (Pommessalz) is quite addictive as a substitute after a while, not that it tastes anything like vinegar of course. I have to say I only really want vinegar on proper chip-shop chips anyway, though.

hupa dh is yet another German with illegible handwriting. I wonder if it ever causes real problems for the Apotheker, whether they ever end up secretly phoning the dr from the back room to find out what they are supposed to be handing over to the patient .

bienchen you must have been away from Germany for far too long if you're getting excited about the Xmas market! Ours is so small and rubbish, although dd loved the carousel last year. Dsis is coming at the end of next week and I might take her to Nürnburg if we can find the time - it's supposed to be good, isn't it?

It's dh's birthday today and I'm planning to bake him a cake. Not sure whether I might manage it this morning, or whether to do the whole thing with dd this afternoon. I've got him a box set of Homeland series 1, since we've been recording series 2 off the tv and haven't started watching it yet. Not a very exciting present, but he's ordered himself a new Kindle which isn't being released until December. I guess I'll get his old one anyway!

x posts with cheas and nutella! cheas - wish your dh a happy birthday from all of us.

nutella - I would go to the IL's but only stay for dinner and have a deal with dh that we would leave as soon as I said I wanted to.

cheas Happy birthday to your DH! You've just reminded me that I need to bake some muffins for DD1's parents' day tomorrow; maybe I can rope DD1 into helping me this afternoon.
Everyone seems to be raving about Homeland; I've never seen it and (from the description on Amazon) it's not the kind of thing I'd normally watch, but I'd like to see what all the fuss is about! Re Kindles, I can't decide whether I want one or not and am holding off at the moment, although I think it might be a good present for DD1 at some point (not this year, though).

Ploom Hope the Elternsprechtag goes well. I'm not sure yet whether I'll be able to make it to DD1's (DH is going) as I have an appointment at the dermatologist's an hour beforehand in a town that's a 25 minute drive away. I also have to get the DDs to and from Musikkunde, but I'm hoping to make it to the parents' evening - if only because I'm gespannt about what her English teacher is like! I usually take the DC with me to Elternsprechtage and have never had any problems as they usually find friends there to run around with; our neighbour did say the DC could go over to theirs when we had the primary school Elternsprechtag last week, but they decided they'd prefer to come with me.
Hmm, I wonder if we need triple glazing - the rooms upstairs get very cold in the winter. I think there are a few other things that DH wants to get done first, though.

Nutella Maybe Nutellachen will put in an early appearance so you won't have to worry about how you're going to get out of going to your ILs'. If it was me, I'd try to get out of it - especially as you're seeing everyone on the 25th anyway, and a 40 minute drive can be quite uncomfortable at that stage. I went out for Christmas dinner when I was pregnant with DD1 (due on 1st January) and just remember how uncomfortable it was, having to get up to go to the toilet every five minutes, not enjoying the food as much as I would normally have done (I felt like my stomach didn't have enough room for me to enjoy my normal sized Christmas dinner!)... I was actually already in labour but even if I hadn't been, you really want to make sure you're as comfortable as possible at that stage and it doesn't sound like you would be at your ILs'.

sorry nutella - I only read quickly what you wrote - you're all planning to meet up on the 25th but your IL's want you both to go there on the 24th as well? I think I'd say yes to meeting on the 25th but no to the 24th - think it would be reasonable to state how uncomfortable you'll be to sit around in someone else's house all evening at nearly 40 weeks pregnant. And if you meet on the 25th then they'll still see you over the holidays.

X-posted before, as ploom pointed out.

Nutella don't think it's unreasonable at all to refuse to go to your IL on 24th. I actually think it would be a bit hard on your IL anyway to have to plan meals and stuff for two people who may well not be able to turn up at all. In any case your reasons for not wanting to go are valid enough and dp should be the one to compromise this year (point out you'll be able to do the whole traditional Xmas thing next year with a (almost) one yo!)

ploom hope your boys cooperate this evening!

Thanks ladies, I'd rather stay at home because it's unlikely that I'll be comfortable and if I appear uncomfortable I'll probably be asked 100 times if I'm ok (have I said MIL is an epic worrier?) and then I know I'll get snappy really quickly and that'll just upset everyone... probably best I keep my miserable scrooge grumpiness at home .
If it could all a bit more relaxed I'd say we could see how we go and if we can we'll be there... but that would only stress DP out because he wouldn't be able to cancel without feeling awful.
I had a migraine once when we were supposed to meet ILs, BIL and SIL for dinner and DP couldn't bring himself to cancel, so he left me at home and went out to meet them. Having said that BIL & SIL wont be there either on 24th - they always stay at home must ask SIL how she pulled that off

Argh... must stop writing epic posts! I'm sure you all have more interesting things to do than ponder my predicament :)

cheas Happy birthday to you're DH... and not that I'm highly impressionable or anything... but I want cake!!

Linzer just a thought - are there any support groups DD could join? Other kids/teenagers with dyslexia that meet up and which might make DD feel more "normal", not that she isn't, sorry I hope you understand what I mean... otherwise I'm useless for advice and only know that colours can help. A VVV dyslexic colleague had everything written in blue printed on yellow paper so that he could read it and we all made our presentations that way too. Apparently that is the best colour combo for anyone to read, no matter how dyslexic or not. Reading black on white can often make things more difficult.

Hope Nuttelachen doesn't come early... I'd like to hang on for after the new year, not for any real reason, but there is also a full moon the day after my due date

cheas there is always enough food for an army at the ILs but I agree, it isn't fair on them to leave it hanging when they would probably also get a bit stressed about it... but I'd really like to be in the UK next year too so perhaps that is playing on DP's mind - would be the first Christmas with my family in about 4 years tho....

Possibly all I have retained from all the posts this morning is that Linzer went out for Christmas dinner while she was in labour! :o

Nutella I'd go to the in-laws for one of the Christmas days only, and with a pre-arranged agreement with your DH about how long you stay and being able to leave earlier if you are too uncomfortable - if the worst comes to the worse you can have "twinges" that might be a false alarm of the start of labour - I'm sure they don't want you giving birth on their slippery sofa! :o

DS2's temp was back up over 40 degrees again last night so I have actually been back to the doctor again today... He's had 24 hours of antibiotics and I wouldn't normally go back so quickly, but he's had a high fever for 5 days now... So they did a blood test (the howling was unbelievable - it was only a pin prick test) and it came back clear of any bacterial infection - which the doctor helpfully told me either means the antibiotics have worked to kill off the infection , and he should keep taking them and will be better soon, or that it is viral and they are doing no good, but he should still keep taking them in case the first option is true... Either way it didn't tell us much so I'm not sure why I bothered, and it kind of backs up my opinion that for most things that don't definitely require prescription painkillers or antibiotics (or surgery) doctors are a bit useless :o

outnumbered does your DS have to go to school next year? When is his brithday? I only asked because mine's a Sept birthday and we are keeping him in KiGa one more year so he can grow up a bit emotionally and in terms of confidence (he's very confident in his comfort zone but very shy indeed with anyone he hasn't known well for about a year, especially if he meets them in an unfamiliar situation, and doesn't have confidence to speak in front of a group etc. unless he knows them all well - being one of the oldest will be so much easier for him than being the youngest in his class, and he isn't ready for the German school system in lots of ways IMO). Yes, it's me who has a very poor sleeper - the same one who is ill (somewhat thankfully, think getting up to him and another one this ill would possibly finish me off). I am sleeping with him on a double mattress made up on the boys' floor atm, as I never feel comfortable leaving a child with a fever on their own at night, so that helps but he wakes very frequently for water or just because he is uncomfortable and unhappy and doesn't know what he wants.

Who taught DS1 to whistle (tunelessly) I wonder? If I catch them I am going to make them sit in a room with him for 3 solid hours listening to him :o

Oh happy birthday to Cheas 's DH too :)

DS2 was asking for cake this morning and I was confused as we didn't have any, but it turned out he was saying Keks and was after a pack of Apfel-Keks he had glimpsed as I closed the cupboard! At least he's eating something ... He also cried in the car because the torch he had been grasping all morning was "Kaput"... He speaks English mainly but I'm not quite sure where he is getting all the German that's suddenly coming out, from as he hasn't seen the in-laws in a few weeks not been to the baby club at the gym since mid last week, could words have been planted in his subconscious and bubble to the surface weeks later? :o

Linzer cheas's idea reminded me, our Kinderartz has a flyer on the noticeboard about a weekly group for teenagers who are worried or anxious, maybe your Jungendampt or Kinderartz would know of something like that?

Afternoon all!

Nutella Not sure if this will give you a good excuse or just panic you, but I had made plans for the end of my pregnancy and DS popped out at 37+3 (or thereabouts), so you might have the decision taken off you either way! If nothing else, maybe telling the PIL that you don't want to make plans just in case Nutellachen comes early might get you off the hook (whether or not it's true :) ) Plus, a 40 minute drive then an uncomfortable stay when you'll see them the next day anyway? No way Jose!

Linzer I'm so sorry to hear about your DD1, that's really sad. Did you get to spend some one-on-one time with her today? I hope they get the psychotherapy arranged soon and that it starts to help quite quickly.

English How is your DS2 this afternoon? I hope the antibiotics work their magic and that he's better soon, poor little thing.

outnumbered I'm glad the illnesses round your way are clearing up. I think, like the others have said, that the parents of the other boy would appreciate a phone call, even if they don't expect one. You sound like a superhero, dealing with so much all at once.

admylin How are you feeling today? Did you manage to get your DC to do some cleaning? Have they at least been keeping you supplied with hot tea and biscuits?

Ploom Good luck at the Elternsprechtag! It really is unusual not to have GPs round the corner here, isn't it?

cheas ENjoy your afternoon of baking! I might try that Pommessalz, I always look at it in the supermarket but never actually buy it. Watch out - my Kindle eats money as ordering books with the 1-click is so easy and you don't have an actual package arriving in the post. (Totally the fault of the Kindle and nothing to do with my lack of willpower....) I think you can 'lend' books between Kindles too so let me know when you have yours and I can lend you that one you recommended and said you wanted to read again. (The title escapes me but it was about food).

jenny You're going to have to explain now. I'm another one who is intrigued by a remote-controlled wafer.

I finally feel like I'm making progress with the packing, yay! We have a confirmed Nachmieter and we can pick up the key to the new place this weekend, so thins are really moving forward now! We're planning on moving in next week at some point and have enlisted some strong people to help bring the bigger bits of furniture over next weekend - almost there! I can't wait!

Oh - DH isn't a medical doctor, but he has a PhD and is German and has awful handwriting! Just to add to the scientific survey.

Antique I think the awful handwriting must be a Germanic doctor thing! Is there anyone on the thread not married to either a medical doctor or someone with a PhD?

English / cheas Good idea re the support groups. I'm pretty sure there isn't anything for dyslexics in this area, but not so sure about anxiety-related support groups; will definitely look into it. The psychologist recommended a martial art; I'm not convinced (mainly because I was extremely shy and had very low self-esteem as a child and martial arts wouldn't have been my thing at all ), but haven't completely ruled it out.

Must go as I'm sneaking in some forbidden time on the computer before I lend it to DD1 to practise her touch typing (one of the few things I'm willing to lift the screen time ban for) and she's calling up to ask where it is!

I'm not married :o DP isn't a dr and his handwriting is pretty awful. He hates vinegar too, he thinks that salt and vinegar crisps are vile... salt and vinegar aren't my favourite (cheese and onion girl) but I do like the posher balsamic vinegar crisps.... DP doesn't like those either tho
Actually I put some vinegar on my chips the other night to stop DP from eating too many chips :) (he might have gained 7 kilos a little sympathy weight)
The bean is still so active today! ouch! I'm starting to feel like that character from "Alien"!

Linzer I think a martial art is a great idea! I used to Tae Kwon Do - until I moved - and so often hear about it helping kids feel more confident. I think, because it is a physical and mental discipline that teaches you much more than simply kicking and punching, it could be very empowering for your DD... I also mentioned about colours in a previous post; is that something that has been explored with your DD? - just nosey curious...

Keeps legs fingers crossed that Nutellachen stays put a bit longer... I'm not ready for a baby yet!!!!

Sorry Nutella - I meant to write English/Nutella in my last post; I wasn't ignoring your suggestions for DD1. No one has ever mentioned anything about colours to us, but it definitely sounds like it's something worth exploring. It's also good to hear something positive about martial arts (I was projecting onto DD1, I know!); I'll have to at least look into that too.

Actually, I think the thing our DHs and DPs have in common is that they're all men. And, while I'm sure there are exceptions, men generally have illegible handwriting.