D'y ever wonder how life got like this?

[FrumpyGrumpy]

New to MN but like what I read so far. Struggling to get by day by day at the minute and feeling isolated but not enough to make the effort to join in the 'groups' the whole world seems to think are just what I need!!!!

Have daughter of 4 and girl and boy twins of eight months. Not had time since they were born when all three kids have been well, am I just cursed? Throw in a house move that took 6 months, a partner that works away most of the week and a mother-in-law I can wait another lifetime to deal with and I've ended up the sort of person I used to look at and wonder how life got like that.

Anyone give me hope that when the babes are eighteen months I'll feel better?!! If not, anyone tell me that alternate nights of gin then chocolate is an ok passage through?

Oh and sorry to hear u not well again fg, hope it all comes together soon, sounds liek you are going to being runnign a roudn like crazy til hol time!

mars if you are about (or anybody else), I would like your opinion on if you think I should complain about my tutor. She isn't replying to any of my emails, I've contacted the OU, they've given me alternative addresses, asked her to contact me, etc. no luck. I'm not getting any support. I don't even know if I was granted the extension, for tma 03 and I'm still waiting for it to be marked (2 weeks and counting). I want the feedback before I start this one, as I got a low grade in tma 02.

I finalyl got an email off her last week, but it was a general one addressed to all the students saying that she had moved house and so had not been getting some emails. I was annoyed - why couldn't she have told us this beforehand? And why am I still getting ignored.

I don't know if she is being funny because I dont attend tutorials or what it is. I'm worried about complaining in case she gets even more awkward.

Kelly, I have no close experience on your tutor problem BUT, she's your tutor and I would expect that to mean that if I emailed her I should have some sort of reply within 24 hours. Can you request a new one or does she come with the course? I don't feel you're getting what you need.

A friend I worked with did an OU course. She never went to tutorials but had regular, solid contact with her tutor. She also had online access to the group doing the same course. Good luck. Bet she's not juggling what you are.......

But hey, we've done house moves, with twins and all. I did it twice in 5 months!!

God I ramble.

HI there,

Frumpygrumpy, great minds must think alike, as I was thinking in bed last night, about what I could use to contain one while I comfort the other one, might not use highchair as they are in the other room and by the time I have lugged it into the lounge it would have all blown over or they would have killed each other!
Might put a travel cot in the corner though, that might work.
Sorry kelly1978, I don't know what asd is, sorry.

lol, fg. I don't knwo what is going on in her life neither, but I would have thought it polite to inform us beforehand that she might be out of contact. My last tutor did. It very frustrating, and I think I'm going to have to complain. I mgiht request a new tutor, might be best.

asd - autistic spectrum disorder, overun.

thanks for that, I thought it was, but didn't want to make assumptions and say the wrong thing,
good luck with your tutor thing,

So..........

The good news is, my extra suitcase is finally here!

The bad news is DT2 woke crying at 6am (v unlike him) and has 3 spots on his face . He seems totally fine, however, I have my chicken pox radar gun on high alert. None of my 3 have had THE POX and there's not time for them all to have it before we leave.

So some of us will have to stay behind .

oh nooo! Fingers crossed for you fg!

Hi everyone

I have id girls who are 15 months and DD1 who will be 3 in a couple of weeks. I normally lurk on mumsnet, but spotted this thread the other day and the title really rang a bell for me...so I thought I'd introduce myself.

Just finding things a bit tough at the moment...DTs wake up at 5.30 every morning; DD1 has just been diagnosed with coeliac disease so although it's great we now have a reason for her small size and appetite and things are dramatically improving, I'm finding dealing with the gluten free diet a bit challenging. I also found out today that DT2 is to be referred for a potential hip problem as her feet are both very turned out as she walks and she nearly walks on her ankle on the left. So am feeling a bit low.

Sorry to make my first post such a long, rambly, moany one...A good run of more sleep will see me back on form I'm sure.

Thanks for listening.

Hi tracykb, you came to the right place!! Sounds like hell in a handbasket honey.

Although, a friend of my DD1 has coeliac disease and once her mum got on top of the diet thing its fine now. She takes a packed lunch everywhere she goes esp parties. I can't imagine how it impacts upon the twin thing though, you really just want to be preparing one meal for everyone don't you? Thats a toughie. I still prepare variations on the one meal for mine (no meat for DT2, he won't eat it no matter what I do to it!!!).

Is the hip problem congenital hip dislocation? (sp?) My DD1 was screened for that when she was about 10 months as something in her legs showed concern. Also, two of my female cousins (different sides of the family) had it and both had to be in traction for some months. Although not fun at the time they have had complete success and no lasting issues. Again though, not something you want to face when juggling the others.....

I'm all the better for a glass of wine but I swear I'm off now to run through my evening work and get an early night. DT2 has another spot (4 in total) but still seems fine.......

BTW tracy, I've said it a MILLLION times before and people are probably sick of hearing me. BUT I had bad sleep trouble with my DD1 (and with DT2) and I bought a book "Solve Your Childs Sleep Problem" by Dr Richard Ferber. It was instrumental for me in understanding what might be going on (you need to ignore quite a few bits but it is easy to read). Some of mine used to wake at the 5am slot and, for me, it was almost instantly cured by moving their day nap time. Now I nap mine 1pm-2pm or a little earlier but never before 12noon and never after 3pm. Not even a 5 minute kip in the car. It means staying in the house a bit (i.e. if its 11am I don't go out, too much risk of a car nap) but, for me, its worth it. I try to go out when I've done the school run (8.15am) and I'm back for a 12 noon lunch and nap after. I have to be rigid but sleep is tooooooo precious when you have the possibility of all those interruptions.

I also have diarrhoea of the fingers........

Welcome and luck to you babe.

Thanks for the welcome.

It could be CDH - I had it as a baby, which is why they've referred her so early (she's not actually walking yet, only when she holds hands or cruises). I've had no further problems (apart from not being able to get my legs in stirrups to give birth to DD1 ), so I don't worry for the long-term future, but just short-term if she does need an op or something.

The change in DD1 since she went gluten-free is so dramatic I feel bad for complaining - she's got so much more energy and is less clingy and more independent. She's also gained over 10% of her body weight in a month! We'll get used to it, and there's so much stuff you can buy.

And the sleep thing will resolve itself. They both nap for 2 hours at lunchtime, no later than 3.30 and catnap in the morning for about 20mins when we're out and about (if they slept later they could probably go without this one, but it's a bit chicken and egg). We consulted a sleep therapist this week, and have a plan, so fingers crossed!

Anyway, I also have finger diarrhoea, so will stop. Hope the spots don't multiply overnight!!...

Hi Tracy. This is the best place to be with the DT woes and joys.

kelly.... probably worth complaining, though my tutor is a bit like that (but it suits me currently). I'm supposed to finish an essay and send it today and another by the end of next week. However, I'm off out to lunch with my bf and it will be full of girlie giggles and absolutely NO study lol.

DTs....... DT1 whilst completely potty trained is currently in a foul foul mood (roll on playgroup is all I can say). DT2 is refusing to wee or poo in a potty and there's no point in reverting to nappies cos he won't use those either. So I think I'm selling him tomorrow! Grrrrr

FG.. you look after yourself babe.

Right.......... only 20mins to playgroup and you know I'm gonna get out of here on time today.

Love to you all. Welcome to the newbies and to all you gorgeous lurkers...........STOP LURKING!!!!!!!!!! Come join the fun.

As the the filthy dancing fg......... you're just going to have to come and visit this lovely calm room I have waiting for you. Then I promise to tell all (and believe me it was filthy!!!!!!!!!)

LOL

Hi every body, esp to Tracey as I am new too. It also sounds as if you have a got a fairly similar gap between your children, only difference mine are boys: 3yrs, and twins are 20 months

I have to say I am really glad it's the weekend and dh is home. I am struggling at the moment. I guess such with the usual stuff, but my dt's are driving me mad, esp in this heat. They are so full of energy and mischief and I seem to be literally running after them all day.

It's been a bad week for shouting on my part, so hopefully will chill out over the weekend and things will be better next week,

We are trying to start to do time out, but as many of you know, it's a huge effort to get it going. I seemed to spend my whole day putting one or other of them in the travel cot that I had put up in the lounge.
Was particularly upset when I had to put both of them in there, then went to the kitchen, and when I came back, dt1 was hysterical and covered with four bite marks and two (god, don't know what you would call them, these welts, made by pinching I think. I felt so bad about it, and so angry with dt2

DT2 is such a sweetie in many ways, but this pinching and biting it awful, if this was another child doing it to one of mine I would be so angry, but of course he may well do it, because he is a twin?

FG, even though we are just getting aquainted, I am crossing my fingers for you, in terms of the chicken pox and the holiday, hope it's okay

I was thinking of starting an OU course soon! I thought it would be ideal to do at home but not if the tutors are a bit shirty, I tend to take things too personally!

Did that book discuss older children, who don't have naps, frumygrumpy? I've requested it from the library anyway.

Dts1 got me a good one yesterday, he was riding his bike and we passed a woman on a bench feeding her gorgeous little baby. He says in the loudest voice possible "Why is that lady got a brown baby?" FFS! Where do you look when they say such stuff! Luckily the woman was very good natured and a few compliments from me about her baby (who was just the cutest thing anyway) sorted it out. Dts2 just looked on.

We are trying an experiment over the summer, I take one on a day out while dh takes the other one. It is just to see if spending time one-on-one will help. We used to do this but lately, time and all that. (This week was dts1 turn and the embarrassment quotes included; saying loudly that there was a woman sleeping on the train, not now she isn't; asking some poor woman if she was going to give him a bit of her banana; commenting that the "Three Graces" were showing their bare bums! Also throw in a major strop and tantrum in M&S food place because I wouldn't buy him one of everything sweetie wise!)

Dts2 this week, all will be a lot calmer.

What was it Tom on Desperate Housewives said? It is like herding cats. Yup.

Promise not to lurk anymore.

Hello TracyKB - know you from the Stokey twins club. Sorry you are having a hard time of it at the mo - sure these wise ladies here have lots of good advice.

Chin-up.

Hey goldenoldie, do you mind, I'm having a terrific thread killing night here and you just broke it!

Hi tracey, welcome to the thread. Hope your having good relaxing weekend!

Overrun, dt2 bites too, it's a nightmare. I took him to mother and toddler on fri for the first tiem in ages and he left huge teeth marks in dt1's arm because they were fighting 0ver a car. I'm trying fg's tactics.

fg, how's the spots? stillg ot everything crossed for you.

Have (politely) emailed regarding the tutor, just had to in the end. tma 04 is due in 12 days and I still dont know whats going on, if I'm doing them right or what. Hopefully it will get me somewhere.

twoif.... take the course. My tutor is lovely...just very laid back.

morning mars, you're about early!

I'm not really here, I'm doing unit 20....

twoif - I agree with mars - all my other tutors have been lovely, and I would describe my current tutor as shirty - she just isn't there!

*read wouldn't

I'm about to watch DS1 play cricket. I do hope I don't snore though. Didn't get in till almost 4 this morning. Forgot I was going to the match, yawn..................

Also, I've had a gorgeous French girl staying with me for 2 months and she leaves this morning. She has become such a part of this family. We're all gutted. Tried locking her in her room...............

Anyhoo. Just popped in. Can barely see to type and mustn't let my boy down.

See you soon. I need to finish 2 TMAs by next Friday. GULP!!!!!!! Think of me.

Hi girlies!

I'm frazzled. In short I'm helping out too much (I'm too nice) and leaving myself in 17 places at once. I'm running in circles and I'm trying to send myself to bed so that tomorrow with a clear, calm head I will make sense of this thing we call life. I'm ok though just have a hill to climb and we leave for our holiday early on Saturday and it just seems a bit too far out of reach. HOWEVER, HOWEVER, HOWEVER..........I just opened a parcel that came for me......and its from Amazon.......and its my Dirty Dancing CD and I'm gonna pour a glass of wine and slam it on and (very quietly) sing myself into being unable to sing for a long time. DT2 and DD are both ill with some "it wasn't here a minute ago" virus. But the good news is that DT2 spots and suspected chicken pox have receded.

I'm trying not to babble but before I go I just want to alert you all to pinkmilks thread on the multiples group ("I HATE HATE HATE having twins"). I've directed her here and hope she joins us in time.

So (and breathe) how are you all?

Mars.........where on earth were you until that time of the morning. Tease me, tease me, tease me.... and I'll be sooooo disappointed if it was doula stuff . Seriously, if I stayed out until that time it would tip me over the sleep deprivation scale and I'd recover only if I found I was actually Angelina Jolie and Brad had just brought me a Weetabix and Hello mag in bed along with the words, "take your time honey, I'm taking all the kids away for the day and you'll see them again when they are fed, sleepy, clean and I bring them in for a good-night kiss whilst baring my tanned six pack and a pack of hula hoops sellotaped to them". Ah, joy.

Tell me about your lives and all the good, bad, ugly things that are happening......

Hi everyone

Thanks to you all for the welcome (goldenoldie, I wondered if that was you...hope you're well).

Things have picked up a little here...DTs waking a bit later (6am this morning - a lie-in ) and not quite so clingy at the moment. DD1 eating loads and is just so much healthier since her coeliac diagnosis. Only problem I have now is that she's being really naughty - she's never had the energy before so the naughty step is coming in handy.

My DTs bite each other - DT1 took a great chunk out of DT2's shoulder in the trolley in Tescos yesterday. I can never tell if they're going in for a kiss or a bite though - they both kiss open-mouthed and sometimes I tell them off only to see them then cuddle. DT2 started walking yesterday which was lovely - DT1's been walking for a while. All 3 girls were really excited about it and I had one of those 'aaah I love having 3 children' moments. Didn't last long though.

Anyway, have rambled on enough for one evening...fg - glad to hear it's not the pox, hope all are better soon. marslady - 4am is a time I only see when someone's screaming...hope you were having fun up till that hour!

And to everyone else - hi!

Tracy
xx

FG as usual I was out salsa dancing. Fab time. Danced with a guy who refused to believe I wasn't free. Even my minx of a best friend told him she didn't know what I was on about.

Came home and within half an hour DT1 had night terrors. Found out a few hours later that my batchelor neighbours had some American girls staying with them and that the girls were going to call the police because they were convinced a child was being murdered (if she'd done the night terrors thing again Sunday night then they may have had a point!). Honestly, talk about over reaction.

Anyhoo............. I wore jeans and a halterneck top. I looked hot hot hot (please... no one spoil my self delusion). I danced and danced and danced all night long. It was wonderful. Came home euphoric.

Am off dancing again tomorrow night, but it will be an early one. I should be home by 1am. Hopefully there will be no night terrors and no neighbours.

I'm missing my gorgeous french girl madly. We all are. I'm off to Summer School with the OU on Saturday (just need to finish 2 essays before I go... and yet here I am again!). So a week away from the kids and a student bar at my disposal. I can feel very bad coming on lol.

I hope you're lurking pinkmilk and hope to chat to you soon.

Ladies....LOST beckons me.

Oh Mars! I dream of halterneck tops and dancing til 4am and men that think I'm free . This sounds right up my street, I was always a lover of music and late nights. Sadly I've turned much more self concious (WTF is that all about??) now I'm this new person I find myself.....However, what a boost to a body and soul and just throw me snippets now and then an it will keep me sparky . What did he look like?

My DTs are meant to be napping. DT2 is singing Bob the Builder at the top of his lungs and so its time to wrap up the nap . DD is off school now for summer and its lovely having her about but the does talk, talk, talk, talk, talk.

Its just started to thunder here so I'm packing my lot into the car to go and pick up some odd and ends for the hols. That way I can listen to loud music all the way there and back and renew my soul for the onslaught of the evening.

Keep going girls, we can open the bar at 4pm when the sun has set in Sydney......