The Zoo!

[WinomoreTheFruitbat]

Is it feeding time yet?

pull up a rock or patch of grass and get comfy in our new enclosure!

Hi guys I suppose I should get my life back on track so posting here is a part of that. I'm afraid I havn't been following the thread but I hope you are all ok? I will try harder to keep up from here on in x

Panda Sorry to see feeling down atm. I'm here to talk/hold your hand if you need me. xxxx
Giraffe Poor N. He's done well to avoid a cold before now. Have you tried albas oil? You can get a kiddy one. A few drops on a tissue under his cot sheet may help. Hope you manage some more sleep this week.
Impala I can't decide between the mini and the swing. The swing is more expensive but I don't know enough about it to justify paying the extra. Decisions, decisions.
Meeeow Good to see you back.

I had my car cleaned today. It's been top of my list for a while (especially because it hasn't been cleaned in the two and a half years I've had it!). It's nice to get out of the car without raisins on my bum.

Oh, and I ordered my Lin and Leo bag in tan. Wonder how long delivery will take .

fruit babe, you probably are having trouble after never taking a proper break! You need a break, hopefully you guys will be able to have a honeymoon soon that might be what you need! As you always offer me, I'm here if you need a chat? I'll see you on Thurs morning xxx

V quick post or will be late for baby massage!

Hyena I now consider myself something of an expert on breast pumps FOr the first couple of weeks I was using a heavy duty Ameda Elite pump borrowed from mw's - you may be able to do the same to see how you get on with an electriv pump, possibly worth it before shelling out for one as they're all pretty ££. When I had to give that back I was lucky enought to be lent a medela electric one and an Avent iQ electric one and found the Avent MUCH MUCH better than the medela, I've also lent it to a friend (for an hour, all I could spare!) who also found it better than her medela (she was struggling with it hence the lend) We both found it quieter, gentler and more efficient. I actually found the medela pretty uncomfortable, but I know plenty of people get on fine with them. If you're interested in the Avent Mothercare have 20% off on them atm which makes quite a big difference. However, only reason I know this is because the one I've been using broke at 2.30 this morning.... think it's the bit where it connects to the power lead. Hoping this isn't a relection on the pumps generally and am planning to bite the bullet and shell out for one today. Glad you finally got your bag!

Fruity I remember how down DH and I both felt after our wedding, it's hard when you've had such a wonderful day. We were lucky enough to have had a proper break afterwards and still felt down so I'm not surprised you're struggling. As others have said, you really haven't stopped since long before J was born. So about the bf thing for you too, I now have a much better idea of what you're going through. Without wanting to sound like a total fruitloop have you thought of hypnosis to help you deal with it? Just a thought. Really worth trying to get some help if you can, would be so sad to look back on this time in years to come and feel it blighted your early days with your 2 gorgeous boys. Big hug.

Impala I didn't realise you were so close to Ipswich! Fantastic! We're coming up on friday 16th for the christening on 17th so I guess we could do either 16th or 18th. Could maybe try for a late lunch on 16th? How wold that suit you Griaffe? Be lovely to see N & E again! And be nice for my DH to finally meet some of you to see we're not all internet freaks

Big love to everyone else, have to shower and get ready before class at 10....

Hello ladies, I'm back from our little holiday, 3 nights/4 days in northern NSW. For anyone that knows, we were inland from Ballina, only about 15km from the coast, south of Byron Bay. Stayed here
girls loved the chickens, cows and horse and the forest walk we did
Can sympathise with the bf Nemo. I bf both the girls but only lasted 4wks with ds. His jaundice didn't help initially with establishing good feeding but with 2 other children to run around after I found bottle feeding easier and less stressful. Don't think you're doing the wrong thing if you use formula, my completely formula fed son is the heaviest baby out of the 3, and sleeps the best so it hasn't been detrimental to his development so far
I do understand the guilt though, which is why I persevered with bf with dd1, and in hindsight I shouldn't have, as she was so small for her age and I clearly wasn't feeding her properly, looking back on it.
How are you feeling now Fruity? I remember thinking after J was born that you went back to work so soon and you didn't get much of a break, and then to plan a wedding on top of that, and have relationship and money worries. Sounds like you really need a rest from it all. Can you guys manage a week away somewhere, even within the UK, or over to France or somewhere you can drive to at least, so it doesn't cost a fortune? A change of scenery makes such a difference. dh and I realised that after he had hardly had a break for the first 2yrs we were back here, and his work was so busy, and we had 2 m/c on top of it all. So this year we have made an effort to get away every few months, for 3 nights, just to have a proper break from the routine. Hope you get a break from it all soon
How are you feeling now Meeow, after your loss?
How are you doing Ei? I can't imagine sometimes, how you still manage to post on her regularly, I would be feeling so frustrated if I was still ttc, given our dd's were born at the same time. I remember needing a break last year from the thread, I really struggled to read about other people's pregnancies/babies when it wasn't happening for me. Well done you for sticking around and I really hope it all works out for you soon
Going to be a bit smug now and say that darling ds managed to sleep through the night two out of the three nights we were away No idea what we are doing differently, apart from formula, but he is such a good sleeper at them moment. Well aware that it can all go pear shaped at any time, but I'm enjoying it for now, that's for sure I do think we are more in tune with him though, the signs that he is ready for bed are easier to see (or maybe by the third one we can finally see them ) but he almost always goes to bed awake, often smiling at me with big eyes whilst I'm tucking him in but minutes later he's asleep. Gets very grumpy and doesn't want to be held when he's tired, so it's off to bed he goes.
Anyway, enough of my waffle, hi to everyone else, I'm off to bed now it's 9.24pm and I'm tired

hi ladies
mamafox nice to see you in answer to your post, i 'visit' here often as (and this is to everyone) i have found a brilliant bunch of supportive, funny and fantastic women who i would now be very sad not to know even though i am turning into a bitter harpie about TTC i am indescribably over the moon to be a small part of the TTC journey for all of you and i feel so happy that you lot are a part of mine ok...love-fest over...
hope everyone else is well
no news here...no AF...etc
xx ei xx

mamafox at your little sleeper! And a bit if truth be told, Immie had me up every 2 hours last night to feed for 40 min each time! Ouch my poor nips! Lol

fruit I agree with mamafox re the hypnosis, I am a big fan and a true believer as it targets your subconcious which is a powerful part of us!

ei what a lovely post! We love you x

I have given up trying to understand my daughter! She changes her wants/needs daily! I will never have a routine with this one! Sometimes she feeds every 2 hours and sometimes 4!!? I just heated up a bottle of bm and when I returned to her she was asleep!!! It will be spoiled now! Grrrr

Meeeow I still don't understand my DD and it's been nearly 4 years since she was born. You'll get used to it .
Panda Lots of love back to ya. x
Mamafox I have a son like yours on order .
Nemo Thanks for the pump advice. I'll be purchasing one next week (I think) when I go and get feeding bras...the new John Lewis has opened in Cardiff. It's very exciting.

Postman just knocked with Tens machine - eek! Am meeting a friend for lunch so had better dash. xxx

Meeeow Glad to hear you sounding a little brighter
Giraffe How are you feeling now? Don't like to hear you feeling
Nemo Night away already, brave girl I'm sure you will take it all in your stride, hope you find something scrummy to wear
Impala 11 months for your first night out I hope you thoroughly enjoyed yourselves?
Fruity How are you feeling too? Hope things have got a little better for you, I know our words probably don't make you feel any better, but your boys are adorable and would be absolutely no different if you had bf or ff them!! So don't be
Panda As stated by text I am shaking my pom poms for you as I type! Keep sane and happy
Hyena lin & leo
Mama Glad you had a lovely holiday

Well a week of appointments for me this week, had GTT Monday morning - all clear so I can happily feed my new chocolate habit Osteopath Monday afternoon, really helped my back but she's unable to help with the pelvic pain, but that's better than nothing Physio at hospital this morning, she seems to think it's more sacroiliac joint problems rather than just SPD She prodded me and made me really sore today but at least they are doing something, can't have a support belt but have some new tubi grip . Have consultant tomorrow and doctors on Friday, phew somewhere along the line I have to fit work in too

penguin busy busy! are you in a lot of pain then? yes I am feeling a bit better: we are having a funeral on Sat and burying Bella's ahes in the garden, i still miss her soooo much though, and cry everyday

Hyena ooh tens! I rememer mine came around my birthday; strange present eh!?

Fruit thank you for taking me to the group today, it was lovely to get out and meet other mums, 'i' is sleeping still, I managed to tranfer her from the car seat and am dead proud! perhaps consider ringing your health visitor like I suggested?? Go on make em work! xx

hi ladies
AF arrived dont know how i feel about it TBH... i dont feel like crying which is something though CD1 cycle 25 for me now so... DH has made his point about TTC and basically said he feels sad to stop TTC and wants to give it another few months i forget he wants this baby just as much as i do
ahh well whats another cycle eh?
xx ei xx

Must be quick but thread has fallen off my 'threads I'm on' and when that happens I know I'm being slack.

Panda You're post the other day was so sweet - you should be on x-factor, you would make my DP cry . about AF but it must make you feel nice that DH is 'in it with you' so to speak. Can you get anymore help from your doctor/consultant or is that a silly question?

Hello to everyone else - might try to get back later but N and I have been out ALL day and I really must do something useful.xx

Hi Ladies,

sorry just a quick post from me, havent had time to even lurk lately,twins are doing well, last scan was yesterday and they are estimated to be 5lbs and 6lbs.getting plenty of BH now as well. we're also right slap bang in the middle of moving house.
Meeow very sorry to hear about bella they really do become such an important part of the family.

Fruity huge congrats on the wedding, had a peek on facebook and you looked fab

Panda sorry AF has showed her ugly face

Big waves to everyone else, must get back to packing xxx

32deg here today Had a lovely day on the Sunshine Coast at my sister's house, as our other sister has been out this week, visiting from Beijing. So bbq last night, sat on the deck for most of the evening which was lovely and the dd's and their cousins were in the pool all morning until lunchtime. & all 3 are fast asleep now, how lovely
dh are I are tossing up whether to put in a pool at our house. Will cost about $14k, plus we need to rearrange the back part of the house if we do, so had a builder around on Fri to do us some quotes on different scenarios. Don't/can't borrow more than $50k and even that scares me, but it will make the house a lot more enjoyable to live in for the next 3yrs
I have put some more photos on FB, will add a couple to my profile here as well. ds is 12wks today, can't believe it.

Hello!

Just thought I'd let you know I haven't disappeared off the face of the planet after being a miserable old tart
Thanks for the kind words, I know I have two lovely boys who have managed perfectly well without breast milk. It's just pure jealousy I'm afraid.
I should really do what Meeeow suggested and spend my money on hypnosis instead of blowing it on another pram

mamafox enjoy the sun! I'm strangly looking forward to winter, a chance to wrap littl 'I' up in cute cords and knit wear aaaw
turkleton glad the twins are doing well, are you prepared do you think? I suppose your bag is packed? What is your waist circumferance? Go check if you haven't already! I got up to 42? with one baby so you must be pretty impressive?!
fruit is that the 'Lazy Town' thing you reccomended to my sis? She went recently and said it was weird and not very busy hope C loves it though
panda you must be so exhausted, I can't imagine I suppose it must be nice to knoe that dh wants a baby as much as you, there's support then I suppose?

oh really?

oh dear, we shall see.....

My Lin and Leo arrived on Saturday. DP was out at the rugby last night so my sister came over and insisted on building our Quinny and filling my Lin and Leo - she loves to organise (even more than I do). I still feel as though I'm in complete denial about what is going to happen.....

Penguin Are there less appointments this week? Hope not - that means you have to work . BOOOOOOOO!! How many working days left?
Ei Sorry to see she got you again . Are you still seeing the consultant at the hosp? A friend of mine just got a BFP - you met her when you came to visit. She has PCOS and has been trying for a long time. They were about to start IVF but fingers crossed they won't need to now. Don't give up hope xxxx
Turkleton You're very brave moving house!! Have they talked about when the twins will be delivered?
Mamafox It sounds lovely where you are. We've had a few dry weeks but the rain came back on Fri and it's starting to get colder. Where does the time go?! 12 weeks already.
Fruit Enjoy Lazy Town. I'm sure C will love it.

Little A is going to be one on Wednesday. If you're lurking E, I hope she has a fantastic time.

SWI
Tigger Cycle 25 (CP/MC april, june08 & april 09)

Infanticipating
Turkleton 36 weeks pg TWINS!! EDD 16 - 23 October
Hyena 36 weeks pg EDD 30th October
PenguinPoo 29 weeks pg EDD 16 Dec

Yummy Mummies
E GIRL! A. born 7th October 08 5lbs 12oz
Impala GIRL! E. at 0630am 4th November 08, 7lbs 15oz
Hippopotamum BOY! E. born 3rd December 08, 6lbs 5oz
WinomoreTheFruitbat! J. born 18th March 09, 8lbs 5oz
Havingagiraffe BOY! N. born 13th April 09, 6lbs 12oz
MamaFox BOY! C. Born 11th July 09, 7lb 13oz
WolvernineInMarigolds GIRL! F. Born 18th July 09, 9.24am, 8lbs 7oz
Meeeow GIRL! I. born 6th August 09, 3.09pm 8lbs 9oz
CaptainNemo GIRL! T born 28th August 09, 5.19am, 8lb 9oz

Hello lovely ladies, hope you're having a good weekend. Not so good here - E has been ill since Friday night with a high temperature. I think she's got the horrible cold DH has had. She's OK after taking Calpol or Nurofen for children, but as soon as it wears off then she's miserable again So horrible to see her like this. I'm going to take her to the dr's tomorrow just to get her checked out. I've had next to no sleep the past couple of nights as the only place she's settled and slept has been in the sling. And she's not exactly tiny anymore! So I've been sat on my study chair in the small hours of the morning as that's the only comfortable place to sit, plus it swivels so is like rocking. I'm really hoping tonight is a better night!
Hyena Glad to see your sis is getting you organised Not long now at all! What do you think of your Lin and Leo?
Turkelton Good luck with the house move. Glad "our" twins are doing well Not long at all for you now.
Fruity Enjoy Lazytown
Mamafox Good to "see" you again. The last 12 weeks have flown by! Having a pool built sounds like a lovely project, even if it does cost £££ (or $$$ rather!).
Penguin How are you feeling after all your various appointments? Hope you have a quieter week planned this week!
Giraffe How are you feeling this week?
Nemo Re our meet-up in Ipswich - Fridays aren't great for me as E is now in nursery. How late were you thinking for a late lunch? I could go to pick her up early then come to join you. I can't do Sunday that week either unfortunately.
Meeow I was thinking of you yesterday burying Bella's ashes How are things otherwise? Is I still catching you out with changes of routine? E still manages to do that at 11 months and from what Hyena said it's not over by a long shot!
Enjoy the rest of your weekends

impala sorry E's been poorly must be a worry? Even a cold. I's been under the weather and I called the doc last night, he sounded a bit miffed that I called I slept ALL day yesterday so, yup no routine yet!

We buried Bella's ashes on Sat, and planted a rose bush called 'blessings' as that is what she was to us

Impala Sorry to hear that E's not well. Poor thing. Hope the docs can help and that you can get some rest. Lots of hugs.
Meeeow Hope you find some closure now that Bella is at rest.

We're still in our PJs. DD has a friend coming for lunch so I've been cleaning (again) for them to make more mess. Time to get dressed and head to Tesco to get something for lunch.

Turkleton Glad to hear things are going well, really good weights for the girls bet you are really pleased with that?
Panda As I said before sorry she got you Love the support that DH is giving you too, bless him, keep at it girl
Mama Sounds like you had a lovely holiday
Impala Sorry to hear that E has been poorly, hope she improves soon and that you had a better night.
Hyena Not talking to you about your bag I have got less appointments this week so unfortunately have to fit more work in But only for another 6 wks this Friday!
Meeeow Love the name of your commemerative rose, nice touch

Well consultant went well, saw registrar all going OK but he did scare the poo out of me about my placenta Then saw GP Friday who has agreed that p/time work would be better for the time I have left before maternity leave as the pain I'm in will only get worse as the baby grows, lucky me Still I'm pg so can't complain
Wearing a new top today and I have to say even I think I look pg rather than fat, might not take off as I quite like the look Went to a NCT sale on Saturday, bought a baby carrier that DH wanted (I won't use it as I'm too accident prone!) so he was practising with a teddy on Saturday afternoon how to put it in and out of the carrier, it was so cute

Hello ladies !

Panda just wanted to reiterate what others have said. So sorry she got you again . I admire your ability to be so positive despite such a longterm frustration. am so glad you have managed to stick around as you are one of the funniest of all on here xx

Meeeow glad you buried Bella and have a lasting reminder of her. Sounds like you are doing really well getting out and about - good on you

Turkleton not long now, what good weights !!

Impala poor you and wee E . My E has a snuffly nose and is teething so has been up nightly for about a week now - he usually ends up in with us which I am worried it is becoming a habit

Hyena yippee for the lin and leo and OMG it is soooo soon ! Have you been playing with your TENS machine ?

Nemo please don't beat yourself up about the feeding, it sounds like you are doing a great job but formula is absolutely fine too. I had to start E on formula initially and gave him top ups now and again too. I suppose because I had no choice at the outset it made it easier but honestly formula is fine. I actually stopped Bfing last week as I had such a bad tummy bug and needed to be able to take some medicine. It was surprisingly easy actually and now that I am no longer required for the morning feed E is going to his gran's for his first sleepover at the weekend - I'm off out to celebrate my birthday and get very, very drunk !

Fruity how was the show, did C enjoy it ? Hope you are feeling better now - is the Bee here ? You are seriously addicted to prams !!!!

Penguin my mental image of your DH practising with a teddy is priceless - I remember putting a nappy on my paddington bear and DP had to point out that I'd out it in back to front !! I LOVE NCT sales

mamafox of your trip - we visited Byron Bay a few years back, it was great. And also at your super-sleeping baby !!

I typed a lovely post this morning with messages to you all - honestly I did guv'ner! Then I don't know what I pressed but the internet closed down and message gone.

It was pithy and interesting and funny

You'll have to make do with a rip off I'm afraid.

I am also a member of the lack of sleep club this week so know how you feel Impala and Hippo N's cold still hasn't shifted and the poor little thing is so snuffly. Can see why you were worried Meeeow it must be horribly confusing to be ill as a baby. Poor little things.

Luckily my little poppet is snoring next to me after his swimming class (which if I haven't said is brilliant) At last - he sleeps.

I think part-time working sounds great Pengiuin i will be much less worried about you if you are taking it easier. Try baby carrying - it's great. Love your DH!

Hyena New bag New bag - Tra la la!!! Not long now - vv excited!

Mamafox Your latest photos are adorable, all your DC's are lovely and DS looks so like Papafox. Great you've had another break and it looks glorious. Impressed by your sleeping boy and his tummy antics. Can't believe he is 12 weeks already.

Hippo Impressed with your BF until now - nearly the whole year well done. I'm hitting a bit of a wall. I think because I am in need of a break as really tired so it's tempting to jack it in but I am determined to keep going.

Thanks for all asking how I am. I'm doing OK but as I said really tired. I have a facial booked on Sunday and went for a run yesterday (well can you call it a run when you walk for a large part of it) My Dad is back soon too so will have more babysitters around AND my SIL and nieces have offered to have N for a Saturday afternoon so I can hit the shops. Things are looking up.

My gosh it sounds as if all I want to do is get away from him which obviously is not true.

Giraffe It's so annoying when that happens!! I'm not looking forward to joining your lack of sleep club . I really hope you enjoy your N-free time on Sunday. A run - go you!! It doesn't sound like you're trying to get away from him at all...lap it up. We all deserve a break.
Hippo I've not played with the TENS other than to check it works - of course I used DP for this and found it bloody hilarious to turn it right up and watch him squirm and scream.
Penguin Six weeks left in work is nothing at all. The realisation that I will have a baby by the time you finish work just scared the crap out of me .

Hope everyone else is doing ok. Nothing to report here. DD is in nursery so I've caught up on a list of jobs I'd set myself. Sge's having a birthday party on Saturday (which my sister was going to help with but now has to work...). Think of me making food, party bags and entertainment for 22 kids won't ya.