The Zoo!

[WinomoreTheFruitbat]

Is it feeding time yet?

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

Panda I am sooo hoping that santa has left a wee beany for you and that early Jan is a new year and a new 'postivie' start for you xx

Penguin well done for making the decision to FF. I know I struggled with that decision and with hindsight wish I'd at least done more FF sooner. I spent far too much of my early days as a mummy in tears and in pain. If I ever do it again I'll def use more formula and maybe even stop BF earlier as it is not worth it. You can never get the early days back. I have a friend who gave birth on Dec 11th and she is going through the same, it has brought it all back to me, poor girl she is clearly struggling but thankfully is starting to introduce formula. Nobody can ever warn you just how dificult it is to BF - as if being a new mummy isn't enough !!

Anyway, I have a question and it is a bit sensitive - not sure if it is out of order for me to post this but I need to 'talk' to someone... I am pretty sure I was due AF earlier this week and she has not appeared. My cycles have never been particulalry regular but the 2 I have had since stopping BF have been 28 days exactly. I have been extremely tired (could be xmas and E being up a lot during the night) and even had a tiny bleed after sex and I felt DP 'hit' my cervix - which must mean it is low and hard - the exact same thing happened early on in my PG...I have also had headaches and mild cramps. I know I am probably imagining this as spent so long obsessing about symptoms on here (old habits die hard) but have spent the last few days qute concerned . I am sooo not ready for #2 yet. Has anyone else had really random cycles post-birth or post-BF ?... Just for the record, due the frequency of our 'activity' it is almost impossible that I am PG - so to be honest I'm not sure why I am so worried ! Just needed to get that off my chest - sorry if anyone is offended by this post.

hippo I have absolutely no idea I'm afraid as you know what my cycles are like (haven't even had a period yet and J is 9 months old)
I actually had to do a test myself last week (obviously due to divine intervention) as I had been feeling nauseous and had a metallic taste in my mouth, I was extremely hormonal plus my lack of AF (obviously that's not really a symptom for me ). Turned out the nausea = eating too much crap over the past 2 months, metallic taste = wisdom tooth trying to come through and hormones? Well, I think I actually ovulated and had symptoms of ovulating (typical, the only time I knew I ovulated and don't want a baby yet!) so I'm expecting AF to arrive any minute - and have been getting spotting yesterday and today so hopefully she will arrive today (just so I know my freaky body is working again!)
Anyway, you know the only way to find out! Sorry, not much help but it is possible you are over-analysing symptoms like I did (with any luck!). Just get a test and be done with it

Hyena That is seriously crap, and on xmas day too, poor poor L I hope her little fingers are ok now. Was A&E busy? Love the xmas pics btw

I hope everyone has had a fantastic xmas? My two got far too much as usual. So much for "less is more"
BTW, any of you with boys. do not buy them Hot Wheels sets, once they have been set up, you cannot dismantle them (unless you snap them) and you will end up with track and stunt sets lying around the house not being used! I think this might be a bin job after a few days. Think he'll notice?

Ei when will we find out if Father Christmas has been kind to you this year?

I've been a lucky girl this year. Got my iphone which arrived from t-mobile (late as they forgot to send it ) just before chrimbo, DH got me tickets to see Lily Allen and Dizzey Rascal at the O2 in March (can't wait for that! ) and some Clinique Happy perfume. In fact, I think people were trying to tell me something this year as I got four lots of perfume . Got some cash from my Mum (even though she bought me my Uggs a couple of months ago so once I've lost this christmas bulge I shall be hitting the shops for new clothes .

I can't remember if I said or not, DH has a new job starting in Jan. It's better pay so finally we can stop worrying quite so much about money. I'm so relieved. Although it's an hour longer everyday and it's further away than his last job so the children won't see so much of him

I've been very quiet lately as DH and I have really not been getting on. I got some good advice from the girls in the relationships section (couldn't bore you lot with it again). It got to the point where I was phoning the tax credit people asking what I would be entitled to if we split! I'm going to get DH to get us some councelling sessions but, at the moment, things have settled down a bit. He's starting to help around the house more (although it's just to keep me happy) and even turned down drinks with his mates last night! Although, major guilt trip but I didn't back down
Anyway, I shan't witter on anymore. I'm going off to get ready so I can hit the sales (will I get out alive!!?). DH is taking C out for a couple of hours so I'm a free woman!

PS, if any of you have curly hair, I'm trying out the "Curly Girl Method" which has been talked about on MN. So far, it's working!

Right, I'll shut up now

Fruitbat thanks for that. I know you are more than likely right - just overanalyzing as I am too aware of the signs, but they could easily be signs of ov - one sign was loads of CM so prob ov. I'll just shut up and hope she shows next week.

Glad to hear things are improving with DH and that you are going to get professional help. I believe it can work wonders. You are sooo lucky, an iPhone, Uggs and money !! Great news that DH going to start new job - maybe less money worries will mean more harmony at your house. Enjoy the sales

Santa brought me a London links sweetie ring an loads of products . E got far too much too - I have had to rearrange the house to fit all of it in !

hi girls
fruity im just waiting on my CBDs and i will be testing away AF is due new years eve so we will have to see what happens
hippo you know what our advice will be TEST TEST TEST lady i can assure you NOT A SINGLE ONE OF US ME will be in any way offended and im sorry if you thought any differently dont panic, first things first, test and get it out of the way and then come back and we will be here to hold your hand whatever the outcome xx
hyena i heard on the FB grapevine about Ls fingers hopeall is ok now
to everyone else
xx ei xx

Panda - aren't CBD's really weak tests?
Talking of AF's, wtf is up with mine? This is my first since having J, I've had just brown spotting since yesterday. I just wish it would get a move on as I don't know whether or not use tampons or what. I have to keep checking - not easy when out. I'd better avoid wearing white for the next few days I'm not getting any period pain, it's usually not too bad but enough so I notice it. Maybe my body is just getting back into the swing of things or something. I'm not bothered too much, just be nice to know where I stand with AF. Is she here now? Or just come over for a quick cuppa? or is she planning on staying longer? So inconsiderate!

aaah bless you Panda thanks for advice, I will test as soon as I pluck up the courage to tell DP. He doesn't want any more so the reaction of even a possbility of PG will not go down well. Going to give it a few more days... Oh yes and I was looking back at old posts to see what my symptoms were last time and I read on one of the threads that CBDs are not great - maybe better to get some others in. I seem to recall that supermarket ones are pretty good. Let's hope it is a sober start to the year for you my dear.xx

Fruity it is like old times with us obsessing about AF !! Hope she either gets on with it or stays away...? maybe your little girl at last ? or is it too soon ?

How is everyone else ? Busy eating and drinking far too much ?

Well if she is then she'll have to sleep in a drawer! No, seriously, you need to actually have sex to make a baby (want to wink but no square bracket things on iPhone) I just want to know if this is af or just a small pcos thing.
Ei and hippo, just go out in the morning and buy a test, put me out my misery (grin emoticon) and hippo, don't worry about your dp, it all works out in the end

fruity and hippo it is nice to have a few people AF watching like me (well sort of...you know what i mean) i hae ordered some other tests aswell but they wont be here until tuesday nd i am far too early on to test yet so i think i would rather wait a while anyway i think you should join m and hippo for the test-a-thon fruity
we took DD to see a panto earlier and she was so excited it was lovely and a nice family excursion

Thanks Panda but I really didn't think I could be possibly pregnant!
I just wanted to see my body actually working for a change as I noticed a lot of ovulation symptoms about two weeks ago and guess what?! AF arrived in full swing this morning Which means I actually noticed my body ovulating for the first time ever. Clearly I have ovulated before but I have never had (or noticed) real symptoms before. I had a dull ache across my lower tummy (a bit like period pain), loads of ewcm, and I even checked my cervix as I was so sure I was ovulating and lo and behold it was low, soft, and open. I made an executive decision not to have sex that week (oh the irony!) and predicted I would get AF within the following two weeks, and here she is, two weeks later!
I cannot believe in all my years of trying for babies I have never known when I have ovulated, now we're not trying, I get to experience it!
I've even found a phone application Called "free menstrual calendar" any of you with iphones should d/l it if you need to keep track. I'm going to see how long this next cycle lasts..........
Oooooh, don't you love a bit of TMI! It's just like old times, hippo

Do you know, I'd actually love to have another baby and am really broody but it wouldn't be fair to anyone. Our flat is such a squeeze at the moment and I'd have to lose one of my mindees which would mean I'd lose half my income.
With DH getting this new job, we want to be able to enjoy the extra cash and do something for a change. Maybe even go on holiday!

Ei So, will we get to find out tomorrow! What do you think? Any inclination this time around?
I bet DD loved the panto. What did you see? We went before xmas to see Aladdin in Wimbledon. It had Ruby Wax in it - it was crap though, really disappointing. Pamela Anderson was in it at xmas time but apprently she was only in it for about 10 minutes (playing the genie), although she was spotted twice in the local Wetherspoons once with Vivian Westwood!

Right, DS1 asking for dippy egg and soldiers so I'd better be off

I am loving reading all this chat but no time to catch up now because we have people coming for drinks tonight and I need to shower, feed, prepare food etc etc .

BUT I started spotting and have had a bit of bleeding and can only think that it must be AF coming back ALREADY. I'm sure L was only 6 weeks when I had my first period but she would have formula too. I need to go off and find some symptoms.

As for you lot (you horny bunch )....Ei Fingers so tightly crossed for you that they may break. Fruit Bloody typical, aye? And Hippo, don't panic yet my lovely. I'm sure it's just your body playing tricks on you but there is only one way to put your mind at rest....

All this talk of testing makes me want to do one. Will the obsession ever go away? DP has just gone to Tesco. Just think of the in-service pension if I send him a text asking to buy a pregnancy test .

Wow it's like coming full circle on here reading all the posts about AF's arriving/not arriving etc I love it
Hippo Have you tested yet? At least if you test you will know if you are worrying about nothing and we'll be here to hold your hand
Panda Will look forward to hearing good news from you at the end of the week I hope!!
Hyena Glad to hear L's fingers are on the mend and haven't stopped her playing on the DS.
Fruity I had to smile at the irony of the first time noticing that you had ovulated, sod's law if you wanted to know you wouldn't have a clue! Can't believe you'd have another one already! Glutton for punishment!
By the way love all the Christmas photo's people have put on FB of their lo's, all so cute and adorable I'm sure we have the best looking kids (not biaised at all)
I have added some photo's to FB and to my profile but as I have two profiles it doesn't always work

Oh also can I join in the AF talk with a question? I take it that as I've stopped BFing I can expect AF at any time?
Giraffe I'm waiting for E to hit 10lbs before trying the reusable nappies so look out for more nappy questions from me in the next few weeks

I also forgot to share my good news in last post - I weighed myself last night for the first time - I've lost a stone off my pre-pg weight!! So chuffed and as Hyena said almost worth all that throwing up!!

OMG Penguin that is absolutely fabulous - see, I knew you'd have great luck at some point . On the AF question, I got my 1st one almost exactly 4 weeks after I stopped - maybe about 5 week. My cycles were always a bit haywire anyway, but have been 28 days on the dot since they came back (except this time). I am now putting this down to my cycles going back to what is normal for me - in which case not even sure that I am late as often had 5 week cycles. I'll start worrying again from Wed if no AF. In the meantime I am enjoying lots of wine, pate and soft cheese just in case my days are numbered

Hyena lovely to 'see' you ! LOL at the pension comment , loving the AF chat

Fruit TMI is such a blast from the past - aaahh I love it ! It is good news that you were able to spot ov, hopefully this will continue and you'll be all ready to go when you decide to go for #3

Please note 3 posts in one night!! Two of which have been one handed as little munchkin won't settle in Moses basket, any excuse to cwtch him
I have been inundating poor Hyena with lots of first time Mum questions so I vow to ask more here to give her a break - my latest was when to introduce a bedtime routine? I feel I should but I like spending my evenings just looking at him
Hippo Will wait with baited breath until next weds then

Wow hyena, AF with you already! I don't envy you, just stop bleeding post birth and you start all over again within a couple of weeks :-/ I quite like the fact I had to wait 9 months, saves a fortune on tampons ;-)
Penguin, start bedtime routine whenever you ready, just don't leave it too late or you'll never get "alone" time with dh ever again! And yes, expect AF any time soon if not bfing (well not if you're me, haha)
Hippo, tested yet? Or AF with you?
Ei, have your tests arrived yet?!!!
I'm just waiting for my mindees to arrive, I wish their parents would tell me when they're coming so I don't have to get up so bloody early. I always rush to get ready in the morning but then they are always rely late. If I take it easy, you can guarantee they'll be here early and I'll have to answer the door in my pjs....
Better get on, have a good day everyone :-)

Bloody hell, how do you know if you're having a really heavy period or if you're hemorrhaging? I suppose I'd be dead by now if I was hemorraging I've never known an AF like this. Woke up in the night and it was like a horror movie! WTF is going on? Is this what happens once you've had a couple of children? My AF's were always fairly light. I'm in no pain whatsoever which is also odd as I usually have at least some discomfort.

It can't be 9 months worth of build up because you only shed lining if you've ovulated and I don't think you can ovulate without having a period can you?

I was gobsmacked when I woke up in the night. Thought I was dying! (hypercondriac? me?)

eeek Fruity that sounds horrendous , if it is any help my 2nd post-birth AF was pain-free (I usually have quite bad cramps). Sounds nasty if you are bleeding so heavily, I hope it has all calmed down now.

Penguin am really impressed with thrice daily posting and one-handed posting . Oh and also, I am really impressed that you have been out for pub lunches avec bebe - that is really impressive in terms of confidence as a new mummy - well done you ! I started E on a routine at 7 weeks old and LOVED having my evenings back. The first few nights I lay on the bed next to his basket and watched him - then ended up passing out too due to lack of sleep ! After a few nights he got the hang of it and was fine on his own. Our big mistake was cuddling him to sleep then putting him down ever so gently... but then when he woke up he freaked out as he'd fallen alseep in our arms then we were gone. So we soon learned to let him fall asleep on his own - we used one of those heartbeat sound box thingys (from inside a slumberbear) - hope this helps xx

Hyena that is a nightmare getting AF so soon - booo to the evil witch. Oh and I am def not 'horny', the lack of action is my only real hope for not being PG. AF still not here and no sign of her arrival atall. I was kept awake for over an hour in the night with heartburn (I suffered terribly when PG with E and had never had it before I was PG). Having said that, I didn't get it until 14 weeks last time so this is a tad early !!

Oh lovely, lovely a bit of AF and PG talk and the thread gets busy again - I love it - we are all addicts and should be in therapy! Is it wrong that it's making me feel all broody.

Will be test watching for Panda and am hoping this is the month for you.

Hippo Eek - hope the heartburn is just too much Christmas snacking! Although if you do get a BFP we will hold your hand and I'm sure your DP will be fine. Have to admit I'm wanting you to test - just a little!

Penguin You sound much better which is great! Makes it the right decision if your ask me. Also sounds like you're doing really well, but bring on the questions, makes me feel all wise! Although do you really want MY advice on sleep FWIW you will know when you want your evenings back. We tried to put N to bed v/early on and he was having none of it so we had him sleep on us and then in the carrycot downstairs for a while and gradually took him upstairs earlier and earlier. I used to feel that I SHOULD get a routine but then I figured these times last such a short while really. I think he was about 8/10ish weeks when we got him upstairs. I have to admit I loved those evenings on the sofa in my dressing gown snuggling a little (light!) newborn.
I didn't start re-usable until he was 10 weeks as wanted to reduce the workload but I doubt he was 10lbs as he's only 16ish now!

Fruity lol at the irony! Has DH agreed to your plan? at your first AF - I am still without one and hope this continues for many months.

Hyena Poor L and poor you. at requesting HPT - you would want to be there though to see his face, wouldn't you.

Might try and get some normality back tomorrow and drag myself swimming with N - brrrr it's too cold!

I know, look how excited we get over a bit of TMI - So easily pleased
One of the many great things about bfing - no periods! Wahoo! I hope I don't get another one like this one, although I think it's calming down now. I had to go and buy super duper plus tampax today (as well as some super duper towels) and I usually only use regular/minis on their own

Let's all just do one big synchronised test just for the fun of it. I wonder how many +ves we'd get between us

Why oh why did I ever want J to start crawling? He's. Into. Everything! Except his toys of course He crawls over to the tv unit, and manages to hoick himself up until he's practically standing and reaches for the remote controls and pulls them all off onto the floor. He's just done it now, little monster........

Now he's trying to attack C's new crane, better run!

fruity glad things have calmed down for you. And it is so true about wanting your baby tomove onto the next stage and as soon as they do you regret it ! I am currently willing E to start walking as he is almost there but I know when he does I'll have an even tougher job on my hands !!

I told DP last night about possible PG and he laughed and said we'd actually have had to have sex first - cheeky ! he said not to worry for another few weeks as period prob just settling down post-birth. I know I am potentially stickin gym head in the sand but am going with this plan as I start back at work next week and E starts nursery - that is more than enough to cope with for 1 week, I'd have a breakdown if I found out I was PG too ! I know the reverse logic is that if I found out I wasn't then I'd be more relaxed but am terrified to tkae the chance, even though rationally I know the chance is miniscule as we have only had sex a few times and have been practising safe(ish) sex. So no testing here for a wee while yet

hey ladies
im in work if anyone is around to distract me lol
so i tested and it was obviously BFN seeing as how i am actually only 8DPO not 10 as i though i was never mind eh!! i will test again in a few days time and see what is what as i have MASSIVE (.)(.)'s at the mo so im getting my hopes up stupidly
xx ei xx

aw, bless you for getting your dates muddled up Obviously too early to test. Chuck some of those breasteses my way please, I'm seriously lacking in that department. Of course, they WILL grow when I'm a grown-up

I've just been having my hairs ripped out of the roots for a New Year party. Always makes me feel 100% better when I'm less wolf-like. I had my tash threaded and legs/bikini waxed. I always forget how much it hurts. Especially the tash, jeeeeesus! I'm now sporting a very beautiful shade of red across my top lip.
Managed to fight my way through the New Look sale today with a double buggy and two sleeping children. Fuck knows how I managed it but I came away with a black shift dress with big red flowers along the bottom. I'm very happy, I even splashed out on some fake eyelashes and new eye shadow

I think I need some iron and a blood transfusion after the other night, been feeling knackered all day. DH is going to do some homemade burgers for dinner so I'm hoping that'll help.......

What's everyone else up to for new year?

i know fruity you would think this is my first time TTC or something wouldnt you
i need waxing...all of me nah eyebrows would suffice but i never seem to remember to book myself in
we are going to my youngest brothers new house for a housewarming/NYE party with fireworks and booze and buffet

Fireworks, booze and buffet sounds fab!

i really does doesnt it fruity and seeing as how i got BFN the booze is all mine free game