The Zoo!

[WinomoreTheFruitbat]

Is it feeding time yet?

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

massive congrats Meeow, am so pleased she has finally arrrived safely .

will post later when DS is not screaming in my ear for his feed xx

Not much time but Mamafox - used babasling - HATED it - fine if baby weighs about 4lbs!

Off to look at Miss Meeeow on FB

Sorry for late update but we had a bit of a family emergency Thursday, all went well at scan but unfortunately we were unable to tell the flavour Gutted but relieved everything was OK

Evening ladies
I've finally got 5 minutes to say huge congratulations to Meeow and welcome to baby I! Wonderful news and I hope all is going well. Look forward to seeing some pics soon as I never got around to sending you a friend request
Nemo, you're next
Penguin So pleased the scan went well but shame you couldn't tell the flavour. Hopefully you can relax now and buy more baby bits and bobs Hope the family emergency is all OK now too.
Giraffe Hope N is settling again for you. Nothing worse than disturbed sleep like that. Have you had a look in the Sleep topic here on MN? I think it's quite a common problem but unfortunately one of those phases which has to be survived.
Wolverine Lovely to see you and hope you're surviving the weekend with the inlaws...
All well here, E was very good on the trip to France and has been loving it here. We bought a baby seat for my bike which sits just behind the handlebars and I took her out for the first time in it today and she loved it! She also loves the beach and everybody is making a huge fuss of her
Unfortunately I had some bad news from my friend whose baby had the diaphragmatic hernia the night before I left - she and her DP were told that the baby also has a syndrome (can't remember the name) and that it would be best to let nature take its course. She was on medication to prevent early labour (a side-effect of the condition) so has now stopped taking that. They've been advised that the baby (a little girl) will either be stillborn or will only survive a short while once she's born and that "only palliative measures will be appropriate if a fetal hb is detected" I felt myself welling up when I read her email, I just feel so sorry for her having to go through this. I guess Nemo has an idea of how she might be feeling unfortunately. I emailed back immediately as I knew I wouldn't be able to but I really didn't know what to say. It's so desperately sad
I hope I haven't upset any of you with this, I just wanted to let you know the outcome.
On a brighter note, I hope everybody else in the zoo is well and enjoy the rest of the weekend

I meant I had to email my friend as soon as I read her message as I knew I wouldn't have time to do so over the next couple of days.

Impala How awful for your friend and her DH/DP, to think they had to make that emotional decision to continue with the pg to then have it taken out of their hands by another blow On a brighter note so glad you had a lovely time in France, sounds like E stole the show again

Morning everyone else, have a lovely sunday

Giraffe Quick question, what re-usable nappies are you using?

That is heartbreaking Impala I just cannot imagine how awful that must be for them. Just terrible.

Glad that you are having a nice summer. When I told my Dad you were going to be in the Ile do Re he was very Can just imagine you and E roaring around the island on your bike.

N seems to have been more settled the last few nights. He now goes until about 12-1 and then through til morning and has been settling back to sleep much better. DP was up for a couple of hours last night but on the whole we have definitely seen an improvement. Thanks for the tips hyena We had started leaving him for 5-10 mins at times and actually when we did then go in he settled much better. Although it's a good idea to ensure he doesn't have wind before you leave him as I found out!

Penguinpoo Glad the scan went well, so little bean is keeping you guessing for now - cheeky monkey!

Meeeow How's it going, your FB updates suggest that things are going pretty well. Can't wait to hear all you news.

Nemo YOU'RE NEXT !!!!!!!!! Yay Yay Yay.

Must get on, it is a gorgeous morning and N is asleep so must do something boring but useful.

penguin We are using Bambinex Teddies nappies and LOVE them. They are microfibre so come out of the washing virtually dry. I don't use their wraps tho as have found them leaky. I use these wraps and they are brill and so cute in jungle and bugs.

I'm shattered. Had a glimpse of
giraffes no sleep world and I didn't like it! J's got a cold so is having trouble breathing but he can't sleep without his dummy. I spent the entire night being woken, what seemed like every 5 minutes, to put the dummy back. Plus I had DP snoring in between. I've no idea how much sleep I've had but I feel completely dazed. Giraffe I'm sure you won't feel sorry for me

Impala Your poor poor friends What an awful thing to have to go through. Makes you realise how lucky you really are doesn't it, certainly puts life into perspective. My friend, who's baby has a muscle fatigue problem, just told me her baby has to have a life saving op. Her stomach will be tied at the top to stop her throwing up all the time. It means she will never ever be able to eat properly and will be fed off a tube forever. If she doesn't have it, the vomiting will eventually kill her as she stops breathing when it happens . It's awful, all she wants is a normal life.

Giraffe I didn't realise you used disposables. I would do the same but our dryer is crap and I already wash about 2/3 loads a day I'm so pleased N seems to be sleeping better

Bicester Village was ok but didn't come back with much. Two pairs of Petit Bateau boxer shorts for DS1 and a red and white striped romper suit from the Little White Company fro J and a waistcoat for DS1 for the wedding and a couple of little cardi's for the bridesmaids from Monsoon. Other than that, the big designers were still really expensive. Tods handbags still £5000 and Jimmy Choo wedding shoes still £300.
I don't know how so many people had so many shopping bags!

uugghhh, I need a nap, zzzzzzzzzz.......

Forgot to say, J's been saying Dadadadadada. Early this morning, DP was saying "Dadada" to him and he repeated it! Repeated it about 8 times Probably a fluke because I've been trying to get him to do it ever since

Also forgot to say, Penguin Such a shame you didn't see the sex, are you disappointed? Enough to pay for a private scan?
However, excellent news that everything is all good Can you finally relax a little now?

DP starting to crack me up (and STILL three weeks to go) so I've sent him off to visit his mother with DD.
Wino Get working on the Mamamamamama . Has J been saying it again today? How is his cold?
Giraffe Good to hear that N's sleep patterns are improving. How was last night?
Impala Your poor friend. What a horrible thing to go through. I really hope she's getting all the support she needs.
Penguin Wooohoooo for all being well. Ahem "Told you so!"
Mamafox Did you manage to rest up over the weekend?
Meeeow How are things? Bet you can't wait to be in your own bed!

Am still in my PJs after pottering around this morning. I'll get dressed soon .

hi all
i have just wrote a MASSIVE post and the work poo PC just deleted it gggrrrr!!!
meeow congrats on the birth of imogen
impala sorry to hear about your friend glad to hear you are having a ball in france
hyena that you were still in your pjs at 1130!! i have been up and dressed since 730
nemo you are top of the list now are you not??
wino hope J is feeling better
hello to everyone else
we went to the hotel at the weekend it was lovely poor DD burnt her hand on the iron late last week she has been back and forth to get it dressed and checked to the clinic and it is looking like it is getting a bit better now thank god!! i swear she is going deaf as she ignores EVERYTHING i say to her she is truelly a three-nager now
anywho...
i have changed my name again slightly as i kept forgetting to namechange and it was getting confusing

Afternoon fellow animals. Just grabbing some PC time whilst the older DD's are on the climbing frame (erected with blood, sweat and a lot of swear words by DH and my father this w/e!) and F is having a kip. The in-laws have super glued their arses to the sofa! Although, have to say that step MIL has actually helped a lot this w/e so am not that miffed with them.

Meeow How's life with Little I? Are you settling inot teh feeding, changing, winding, no sleep routine yet?!

Nemo You're top of the list now my girl. Don't keep us waiting too long . How's tricks? Are you totally fed up now?

Wino Can I join your dazed and confused club?! And, one word - MEDISED!!! it's bloody fab, clears their noses and makes them sleep, sleep, sleep!! You can use it from 3 months old. Or, if you want to go au natral - good old fashioned Karvol great for clearing stuffy noses. And why is it that they all say DADADADADDA before MAMAMAMAM. Little brutes!

Penguinpoo Horray for a great scan. Although boooooo for not leting you see the sex. Are you gutted or will you just wait until s/he is born to find out? Am so pleased that you've had this good news on top of everything else. Hope things are manageable at home. Nuff said here.

Impala So sorry to hear about your friend. What awful news. You sound like the type of friend that will be on hand to help in any way you can. Although must be hard to know what to do in this situation. E sounds a bundle of fun! Love the image of her on your bike. Bet she looked smashing.

Giraffe How's the sleep situation in Chez Giraffe? Is N behaving? getting the little buggers to sleep through is always a nightmare. But, sounds as if you've got a step in the right direction. Long may it last! I still remember the first night L went thru (10pm - 6am). Was so stunned from so 'much' sleep that looked drunk for most of the day!

Mamafox How goes things with you? DS sounds like he's a smasher. Do youre DD's fight over who holds him, feeds him, cuddles him?

Hyena You dressed yet chick?! When you say 3 weeks to go, that's not til your due date right? it can't be coming around tat quickly? I'm lost without the list.

Tigger Shall we put your DD and my DD2 into boot camp?! Mine sounds just the same as yours!! But, ouch, her hand sounds sore. Poor lamb.

Right, I finally feel as if I've caught up a bit. DH off work, Wed, Thurs, Fri. And DD1 and 2 off to my parents Thurs - Sun for their 'holiday'. Which means that DH and I get 4 days of relative peace and quiet and only one baby to look after. I might even get to have an afternoon nap. xxxx

I've just randomly decided to book tickets to see a matinee of The Lion King in the West End next Monday. Has anyone seen it? Have also booked ticket for DD and DP - do you think she'll enjoy it?
Wolverine I did get dressed but I'm now back in PJs!! Three weeks til DP goes back to work not til duedate (thank God!). 11 weeks to go until then.
Tigger Poor S! How is she coping? Glad you had a good weekend.

Evening ladies

As of today, I have now OFFICIALLY finished work!!! Wooohooo!! Going to send off my mat allowance thingie tomoz so I can't get tempted to do any more. Time to stop now I think. Too fat to work, and can't get my shoes on properly...

Hyena I saw the Lion King in New York about 8 years ago (those were the days - gorgeous boyfriend who lived there!) Think it was pretty good, bet DD will love it!

Impala I'm so sorry to hear what your friends are going through, and yours Wino Dreadful news for them both. I guess all you can do is be there for them, and make sure they know you are there for them, whenever they need you, which I'm sure you will anyway. So so sad.

Impala I hope you have a fab time in France (!) Is DH going to be able to join you much? Or is he there throughout?

Wino I love Bicester!! We did a lot of our christmas shopping there last year, Cath Kidston and Kenneth Turner got hit BIG TIME! Had thought about going before D Day, but probably won't make it now. Maybe before christmas... It's so much downto luck what they happen to have in when you're there, either the place seems to be full of bargains or else it's all still hideously expensive.

Wolverine lovely to hear from you How's the house? Please can we have some more F pics soon? And some more C and I pics from Mamafox & Meeow Need to know what I'm in for! Can't believe I'm top of the imaginary list... Are we not going to have one any more?

Giraffe so glad you enjoyed your holiday, even if you did end up beringing home sleep problems. What was your favourite place? My sister rented a cottage in C Campden recently, we both love it there Has your cold gone now? Hope it wasn't a stinker.

PenguinPoo There are no words... Can't beieve how much you've been through lately But SO glad your scan went well! Need to keep focused on that during the dark days. And I still reckon you're having a boy (So 99.9% chance it's a girl with my track record!)

Who fancies a quick shopping challenge? We've been lucky enough to borrow our maxi cosi car seat from friends but the cover's a bit tatty. However I, I found out today that I can order a new fabric cover for it for £39 so I think that's what we're going to do But which colour??? here are the choices. DH likes the Roasted Brown, so guess we'll prob get that. I quite like the Formula Black and the Tango Red, though I loved Giraffe's 2008 Trail, so who knows!!

Ug. Going to have to go to bed now. Knackered and uncomfortable... as usual!! Please don't be two weeks late little girl.... Apologies to those I haven't written to personally, will try again tomorrow! Lots of love to all xx

Nemo It's really hard to tell from the website. Most of them look black to me!
at you finishing work

I've met our latest thread baby! Little I is soooo scrummy, she has the most delicious chubby cheeks She's so tiny, I can't believe J was that small only 4 months ago Meeeow is looking gorgeous as ever, even post birth/op and no make-up! How do you do it Meeeow? C'mon, what's you secret? So funny so see my old drama teacher again! - (drama teacher is Meeeow's DH's best friend and will be I's godfather - very coincidental)

Hyena Will you be in London for long? Be lovely to hook up if you have time?

Wolverine Aw how lovely, you'll have such a relaxing time with just DH and little F. I still need an F cuddle btw! I missed out last time as she was sound asleep. Perhaps next week sometime? I might put C into footy again next week so will probably be in Wimbledon Park again every morning if you fancy a coffee and a natter? I won't be there on next Friday as I'm off to Milan for my hen weekend
Oooh I forgot about the wonders of Medised, I think I have a bottle in the cupboard, might be a bit old though

J's still waking due to his snotty nose, he even wanted a feed at 3am He'd better not get used to that!
Little monster keeps getting his leg stuck in the bars of his crib too

Right, better go and make a picnic, off to the local farm in a bit, cheerio

Right, firstly hello to one and all and thank you for all your well wishes since the birth of little Immie. Secondly I am very sorry but completely behind on all the news; had a chat with Fruitbat the other day but that's about as much as I've managed of a catch up.

Thought I'd off load my birth story for the benefit of Nemo who will be there very soon and also for me as I still get a little teary when I think about it, need to unjumble everything so here goes:

As you are all aware my pangs started way early with a false start 10 days before dd was born, then nothing major until first sweep at 40+2 when I was 2-3cm dilated and after the prodding lost most of my mucus plug over the next 72 hours. Had 2nd sweep at 40+5 and this time kept contracting mildly every 10-15 min day and night until I went for a BIG walk at 40+7 (this I highly reccomend Nemo as with the sweep, as many as they'll give you) anyway from the walk on wards contractions were 5-10 min appart and getting strong. Woke at 3am at 40+8 and contractions were 3-5 min and strong and I lost what I thought were my waters...still unsure what it was!?, contractons still not too bad at this time and not in the front only in the back; and this is how it was all the way to the end! 3am - 7am stayed at home and used hypnotherapy cd and breathing techniques, ball and massage, hated the tens! Finally got to hospital around 8am and this is were it gets fuzzy, contractions were painful now and they left me in the room an hour without meds while things were sorted around me, examined and told I was 5-6cm dilated so had pethadine jab (lovely!) and gas and air(fantastic)then walked talked and squated through the next couple of hours until pethadine wore off, then into the birth pool (loved it!) and still using gas and air (still working at this stage). Then waters broke with a pop and bath filed with yellow crap; shit! I had meconium in waters so I was hoisted out, gravity took it's toll and head directly on cervix was finally what I would call painful (up until now it was all fine) up on to bed and already 9cm dilated in agony now and asking (not needing) to push. Think I started pushing before the urge and did this for an hour, head would not come down and so doc checked me and decided I needed forceps or C setion. Off to theatre then and spinal block to prep (which was such a welcome relief) had a check but head was not budging so C section it was, quick and easy I floated in and out of sleep and then at 3:09 pm little Immie Marie was born weighing a whopping 8lb 9oz!!!

Turns out baby was in perfect position labour was progressing very well but there is a chance my pelvis is too small for a baby that size, either that or her head turned at last moment, we're not sure of this so next baby (yes I can just about contemplate this) I shall be offered growth scans etc....pheeew feels good to get that off my chest!

Right on to baby Immie; she's perfect in every way. she feeds every 3-4 hours sleeps in between and hardly cries, we are truly blessed (let's see how long it lasts!)BF going very well, milk came in on day 2 and engorgment solved by savoy cabbage leaves!

Love to all, Meeeow and 'I' xxx

Aww Meeow Thank you so much for posting all that, I LOVE a birth story at the best of times, but I guess it's especially relevant now... Sounds like all in all your labour was a pretty positive experience

I can see why you went for a section when you did - a girl from my antenatal class had a baby whose head turned at the last minute, she was determined to push her out and did so, but it took 3.5 hours of pushing (dear god...) and because the baby's head eventually came out widest part first she ended up with a 4th degree tear, haemorrhaging quite badly and ending up in theatre for 1.5 hours being sewn up! She's absolutely fine now though, and her little girl is gorgeous, so all good in the end

When did you get home? Fantastic that feeding's going so well! at milk on day 2! Maybe all those false starts counted for something after all! Really pleased for you

Can't believe I'm next! Still really struggle with the concept that there will be a healthy baby at the end of all this, but am trying to stay positive... Hopefully not too luch longer to wait. Having my roots done tomorrow, so any time after that is fine

Nemo wow your poor friend! I certainly couldn't have managed that! Ouch. Labour really wasn't that bad I only hated the pushing part, almost enjoyed some of the other bits! You'll do great. Get walking as soon as you're ready for her that's my best advice, oh and lots of sex to soften cervix I'm feeding at the moment, she's been on 30 min! Not usually this long. Good luck x

Nemo Congrats on finishing work!!! How does it feel? I've got the Phantom Maxi Cosi. Did have the Mystic Brown but took it back because I didn't like it. Have you made a decision?
Wino Am hoping to be in London for a few days but need to sort out accomodation. Will be in touch when I know what day we're coming. We should almost def be there by this time next week.
Meeeow Thanks for posting birth story. DD was back on back which meant her head presented in a silly way. They were toying with the idea of a C-Section but encouraged me to push her out naturally thus resulting in a nasty tear. C-Section def best option. So pleased you're both doing well. Look forward to seeing some more piccies.

Well, loos as though DD has another UTI so we're off to the GP at 3. We've been washing her dolls clothes this morning and hanging them out to dry. What a gorgeous day!!

Giraffe Thanks for the links to the nappies, I have to say I'm getting very confused with them all! How is N sleeping now?
Wino How dare J wake and want a feed Hope he gets better soon and back to a better sleeping pattern. Not disappointed enough to pay for private scan, don't think I'll ask at 32 wk scan as it's so close then I will try wait for surprise instead
Hyena Hope L is OK? If DP is annoying you, you can come and stay at mine, I've still got mountains of ironing to keep you busy
Tigger Glad you had a lovely weekend, what CD are you on now? Maybe we should reinvent the list I know Nemo is missing it dreadfully, sorry Hope DD's hand gets better soon
Wolverine How are you DD's getting on with F, are they being little mothers, or just not bothered?
Nemo Woohoo! Fantastic news, but has it actually hit home that the only reason you've finished is because you're having a BABY! I think you may have passed the swollen feet mantle onto me, they are huge I have had to commit a fashion faux pas today and wear crocs to work I like the formula black one by the way.
Meeeow Well done on posting birth story, you didn't make it sound too bad/gory which can only be a good thing I've noticed that now people think it's "safe" to tell me they are coming out with their traumatic painful birth stories what is all that about??? Did people do that to you too? So glad that BF is going well, and a no crying baby, where can I order one of those

When we had the scan Friday I popped in to see my friend in hospital and her DS in SCUBU, he is gorgeous, so little but very scrummy with loads of hair, if he'd have gone full term she would have to have put it in a ponytail

:yena* ouch!!I did avoid tearing I suppose, does that cause you to be pretty incapacitated too? I imagine it would?
penguin poo yes I get gory details now! 'I's birth really wasn't that bad it was all very managable I wish I'd eaten more I had one bag of mini cheddars in 12 hours! I was knackered which doesn't help eh?

meeow what a lovely birth story - you coped so well. As a fellow c-sectioner I am definitely a fan - it is sooo easy ! But then I suppose it is a bit of a nuisance having a longer recovery. That said, I reckon it must be flipping sore for ladies with torn lady gardens too !! Plus the bonus is that when the MW comes to check your stitches in the days following the birth you just have to hoick down your trackies . I can't believe you ate so little, I was stuffing my face all day when being induced;lucozade tablets, granola bars, energy drinks, even haggis when the dinner lady came round !! then they just cut him out I barely needed the tea and toast I was still full up !

Nemo YOU NEXT !!! I would defo choose the red car seat as I wanted plain black (got phantom) but now regret that as everyone has black. Mind you red may clash with your DD's pink outfits... I have chosen loads of things in red (change bag and pram footmuff etc...) so wish I had a red car seat too - anyhooo, these things are not that important really.

giraffe how is N sleeping now ? Lack of sleep is without doubt the most trying thing about having a baby - makes everything else seem worse. No advice really - E was 6 months before he started sleeping through the night - loved his middle of the night feeds. Eventually I just tried settling him with no feed and he got fed up waking for just a cuddle.

hello to everyone else - keep forgetting who is who, sorry !

DD still unwell. Saw GP (the arsehole I saw during m/c) and he didn't even test her urine. He told me he'd send off her sample to labs and results should be back by Mon . So, I'm just supposed to leave her with an unconfirmed infection and so antibs for another 5 days despite her medical history. I want to contact her peads consultant but I can't find his details . I'm going to phone GPS AGAIN tomorrow to see if female is on as she's great.
Penguin I'd love to come and stay with you. Could do with some pampering . He's getting on my nerves less today - every time I look at him he's buried in his book or snoozing. It's a man's world.
Meeeow I wasn't too bad after delivery (partly because I thought I was SuperWoman!). I was very uncomfortable but it didn't keep me sitting down. I'm far too stubborn. Have you had a good day with I? How are you recovering?

You're all very quiet!