The Zoo!

[WinomoreTheFruitbat]

Is it feeding time yet?

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

Lion King is great Hyena, dd will love it I'm sure. dh took dd1 just before we left the UK, when she was 4 and she really enjoyed it. dh and I went years ago, before we had any children
Hope she is feeling better soon too, useless dr, not giving her any treatment
Know what you mean about feeding dd3 Wolverine, that's one of the reasons I didn't continue with bf past 4wks, although I had bf the dd's. Just didn't want to feel exhausted by the constant feeding in the first few mths and have no help with it. Not fair on the dd's, when I don't have any help with dh isn't around. Just didn't have the energy to persevere with it this time, disappointing but have to do what is right for the family as a whole and me being grumpy, tired and stressed out, which is how I am for the first couple of mths bf, isn't good for anyone.
Dinner last night was very nice, I was disappointed by my actual meal, but the company was great and my sister, bil and nephew enjoyed meeting ds for the first time. And as predicted, spoilt little boy spent a whole 5min in his pram, the rest of the time he was cuddled
Something has triggered my hayfever today, no idea what but it is driving me nuts. But at least not bf and not being pregnant, I can take drugs to help it

Impala thank you so much for that advice, the mw is still visiting so I will ask her to sit down with me and talk through my notes. I always forget that she comes for me as well as dd, spend all my time talking to her about lumps bumps and rashes on dd. As for dummys I just don't think she will take one, she loves to suckle on me instead and I guess o don't taste like a dummy, it is lovely that I can settle her but it gets a little embarrassing having to get my boobs out ALL the time! [Grin] hope you are well and glad your enjoing good weather

Good Morning fellow amimals, how are we all today?

I have been lurking but have been madly busy over the weekend, well actually busy on Friday and Saturday and just simply knackered on Sunday and Monday! 18 people over for a BBQ on Sat for DP's birthday, although really to meet N so we even forgot DP's candles - oops. All 4 of our parents at the same event for the first time EVER was quite scary but we played a secretive game of parent bingo (predicting what they are going to say!) which I won.

Meeeow How are you feeling? Better I hope. N doesn't like the orthodontic newborn dummies but took much better to the 'cherry' dummies if your boobs need a rest! I's smiles will not be far off either and I found that made me feel MUCH better too.

It's lovely to have the list back and to see Nemo at the top of it. How exciting, well for us anyway. How are you coping? All ready for the off?

Hyena You are so organised, any chance of photos as I'm sure the nursery will look gorgeous. Hope you and DD have a great time in the big smoke. Why the sudden interest in birthday and Christmas pressies do you think? Just her age or has she clocked all the baby related shopping?

Mamafox and Wolverine I am truly impressed that you have managed any BF with a second LO let alone a third. It must be so hard to fit it in and be fair to all involved. Has F settled any better yet? N is still having up and down nights. I'm sure he is now staying awake through habit so leaving him to cry for a bit is next on the agenda - Boo! But as you say got to do what's right for everyone and being up for 2 hours solid every night is not right for me or DP and he'll be back to work soon.

Impala Your summer sounds marvellous and you and E really look like you're having a great time. When are you back? Is DH missing you?

Fruitbat I see from FB that you have solved your bridesmaid nightmare, what colour did you go for in the end. Are you ready now?

Big waves to everyone else Ei when is the next test due? Penguinpoo How are you? Relaxed at all or is that a silly question? Feel free to FB me re nappies, I agree it is all a bit confusing but seemed easier to make a decision once N was here.

Next project is our living room so off to look at fireplaces this week.

Morning ladies !

Just as quickie as have family staying but wanted to say that E had to use bottles initially but still managed to eventually latch on after 10 days so no nipple confusion there - he just took a while to get the hang of how nipples work in the first place ! He has happily switched between the 2. Personally I think that MWs push the nipple confusion theory to prevent people bottle feeding, am not atall convinced that it is a big problem for most babies. As the others have said try different dummies - E didn't need one, but then with hindsight he feed a lot so maybe I should've tried one ! It is a case of trial and error when they are so little. You are doing a great job missus. Did you speak to MW ? Hope you are feeling ok hun xx

right off to see if my teenage house guest has surfaced yet.... I've been up with E since 6am so am getting fed up sitting around waiting !

Thanks again for all your feedback re my 'wobbles', still trying the dummy every now and again, but I might try the 'cherry soothers' see how that works out. We had a disturbed night last night, dd pooed 5 times in 6 hours!!! seemed everytime she fed she pooed, think I ate something that didn't agree with her

wolverine hope you're handling the stress of the house stuff, really feel for you I'm stressed about dirty kitchen surfaces!

Hyena I'm well, starting to really enjoy little 'I' getting to know eachother now. Have fun organising, I love it too! How's dd today?

Mamafox I'm still unable to be in a different room to dd! lol neurotic or what eh

Not neurotic at all Meeeow, very sweet actually I was exactly the same with dd1, have found it easier to be separated from dd2 or ds but still not for long, but with more than 1 the chaos is increased so the break is nice now and then
Will write more tomorrow 9.09pm here and I'm tired, think I'll leave dh to do the last feed so I can go to bed.....

Not neurotic, in fact she probably doesn't like you being too far away for too long at this stage and totally agree with you Mamafox. Was lovely on Saturday when N needed feeding I disappeared off to do it and it was lovely. A bit of mummy and baby time - bliss.

Agree with the other that I think nipple confusion is a bit of a myth. I also wonder if what I eat upsetting N is a myth too. I can't tell you the hours I spent trying to work out what gave him a tummy ache and in the end I gave up as could never get to the bottom of it. Have found that leg lifting or gentle pumping helps with the never ending poos.

Oh I'm completely hopeless. I've been so busy lately trying to sort out the wedding and Milan trip () I promise to catch up with you all next week when I'm back from a weekend of shenanigans [very scared emoticon]

I just wanted to say.....

I've been to Wolverine's house!!!

and it's absolutely to die for a pile of poop

Wolverine....can I move in with you?

Enjoy Milan Wino, we had a great time there 3yrs ago, didi have dh and the dd's in tow though so I'm sure you explore differnt parts of it to me
You'll have to put some photos on here or FB of your renovated place Wolverine, so we can all have a nosey
dh is p'ing me off this week. Has mentioned twice in the last 5wks about me getting my own way to have a 3rd child. wtf As I recall, we had 2 m/c before I was pregnant with ds, plenty of time for him to speak up if he really didn't want another child & he often has a bee in his bonnet about me getting defensive when I disagree with him. When he disagrees with me about something though, he's not defensive, so not sure what the difference is........

Hello ladies, just wanted to let you know I haven't dropped off the planet yet I'm sorry for the lack of posting, am trying to cram as much in before D Day (whenever that will be... ) as I can, and then when I stop I'm too knackered to post! It's not very hardcore, just things I suspect I won't necessarily be able to do soon, decided to try to make the most of it rather than getting frustrated! Current goal is not to go into labour any time before sunday as have birthday plans fri & sat Spect you'll all be pleased to see I have my priorities sorted (selfish cow! )

Hyena I think today is Lion King day? Hope you all have a lovely time!
Giraffe so glad your major family weekend went well, I know how stressful that sort of event can be. And ROFL at bingo - will def have to mention that to DH for our next big family number!
Wolverine hope DD3 is settling better now. Have you and DH had your time alone with her yet? Sorry am so behind the times
Fruitbat Nuff said!!! Have a lovely time chick, can't wait to see the photos!
Impala LOVED the fb pics! Glad you're having a great time
Tigger Hope the SWI is going to plan
Hippo how's the exercise regime? Am quite terrified to see what my body is going to look like post baby... I've put on 3 stone, so it's not going to be pretty... The girl I saw yday from antenatal has lost 1.5 stone in the 11 days since her LO was born! Hope that happens to me, but not holding my breath....
Mamafox 26 deg in winter That's just not right!! at DH for you, they really can be complete arses sometimes can't they...
Penguin Bump pic time I think! If you can see it move it must be stickinh out enough to photograph!
Meeow how you going? I think when, for how long and who with to first leave your LO is a very personal decision, just go for whatever's right for you and I!

Right. Need to shower before my lunch date and trip to the beach this aft - god life is tough I have to say that so far mat leave is the best holiday I've had in ages! Though can imagine the novelty wearing off fairly quickly after my due date!
Hope you're all enjoying the sunshine! xx

hi ladies

just a quickie to (also) let you know i am still stomping around on the face of the earth still SWI but with DH working long hours he is usually V tired at the close of the day still i managed to get some (good quality) SWI-ing in last night

catch up properly tomorrow
xx ei xx

List update cos I'm bored! Was up six times to go to the loo last night between 11pm and 6.30am..... Feel like crap today! Marvellous. Going for a pedicure later to ease the pain But had a FANTASTIC day yesterday and birthday tomorrow so can't really complain!

Tigger I know you must be about in the middle of your cycle but I'm not sure of your day so I've left it blank, hope that's ok.
Fugure it's been a while since the last update so will just move everyone else on a week, then you can all come and correct it later

Heard both DH's nieces who were waiting for A Level results today got 3 As Pressure's on for DH and I not to produce a thickie

SWI
Tigger CD? cycle 24 (CP/MC april, june08 & april 09)

Infanticipating
CaptainNemo 39 weeks pg EDD 26th August
Turkleton 30 weeks pg TWINS!! EDD 16 - 23 October
Hyena 30 weeks pg EDD 30th October
PenguinPoo 23 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 Aug 09, 3.09pm 8lbs 9oz

Ei poor DH sounds like your wearing him out lol

Nemo I'm getting very excited for you as your due date draws nearer and nearer! How exciting. I'm also really impressed with how calm you are being!

Right I'm out for a walk now, will be posting a question re DH/DPs and how long it takes them to bond soon...

Afternoon all

It's hot hot hot this afternoon and I always feel I want to wash my hands when it's like this.

Has Fruitbat jetted off to Milan yet? Have a fabulous time daaarling. Please remember to look slightly bored at the airport as if you do this kind of thing ALL the time.

Happy Birthday for tomorrow Nemo was getting slightly worried about you but seems you are fine with your lunches and trips to the beach. Even though it is hard work I can't get away from the feeling that I am on one long holiday so it doesn't totally fade I don't think. Perhaps it's because you run your own timetable - v/unwork like! What's the plan for tomorrow, other than mourning the loss of your twenties!

Tigger Go girl! and if DH is tired it's probably not necessary for him to be entirely awake - just enough to ... well you know!

Can't believe that Turkleton and Hyena only have 10 weeks left. How big are you Turkleton? Can you feel two different kicks?

Mamafox Was v/ with your DH - Where did all that come from? Ignore him - Men are idiots so much of the time! (and we have just bought 2 more into the world, although of course N & C will never be like that ) have you sorted him out yet?

Wolverine Agree that we need photos and if you don't we'll send Fruitbat round with a hidden camera! How is life with your little pack?

Hello to everyone else, hope you and all your little ones whether here or not are well and enjoying the summer (that is if you are getting a summer).

We have decided to go camping in North Norfolk next week for 3 nights - Are we mad? I think the end of the hols is looming and we want to squeeze all we can out of them!

Evening all,
I'm back from London. Had a lovely time - Lion King and Aquarium both fab. Didn't enjoy the underground so much or the five hour drive back but it was worth it.
Giraffe Have a fantastic time camping. I don't think you're mad at all. The light mornings might mean an early rise but I'm sure you'll have fun. I'll get some nursery pics up once it's all sorted.
Meeeow Glad things are going well. Are you worried about DH is bonding with I? I think men can be a bit rubbish at showing their affection to begin with - my DP certainly got MUCH better when DD became more alert and mobile.
Nemo Happy 'nearly' birthday to you. And almost LO's birthday too . Are you fed up of being pregnant yet? Great A level results!!
Tigger You go girl . Lotsa luck to you chick.
Mamafox at your DH. Men are so odd!! Have you made up yet?
Wino When does Milan madness begin? Have an AMAZING time and take lots of pics.
Impala Hope you're continuing to have lots of fun and finding time to relax.

10 weeks to go here - feels like a lifetime but I'm not complaining .

HyenaGlad you enjoyed the Lion King I've heard very good things about it.

I am getting a bit frustrated with DH as he doesn't seem very interested in dd, he'd let me do all the cuddles and nappies if I didn't push it, not that I mind as I love caring for her but I'm worried that he is missing out on vital bonding time, he is being great cooking all the meals and keeping house but I can't help thinking he is doing it to avoid baby stuff. I know he loves her, and he is very sweet with her from time to time and loves to push the pram etc but doesn't take the intitiative and smell her bum if she cries or rock her when she's unsettled, he's even asked if he can pick her up! I don't think he feels like her dad yet. Does anyone have any advice on how I can help them to bond? Is this normal behaviour? Am I being too bossy maybe?

Just off to bed but asked DP about how quickly he felt he'd bonded with N and he said that it was easier when we started to get some response from N but he said the biggest thing that helped him bond was doing a feed. He would do the feed that I'm about to do now and I would have already gone to bed so he was on his own. Had to do things his own way and get N off to sleep afterwards.

Although pumping milk is the most tedious job it is worth it to get a break each day/night and knowing that DP values it makes it something I don't want to give up.

Perhaps you should go out for an hour and leave them alone to get to know one another. Also I've just remembered in the early days nappy changing was his 'job' as I was doing the feeding.

Don't panic though, I think time is the key.

Hello lovely girlies, sorry not been on all week but RL crap has been taking over

Neemo Happy birthday (again) the big 30 Have a wonderful day chick x
Meeeow I think the advice Giraffe gave was quite good, especially about leaving DH with I for a little while, have you been out into the big wide world with her yet?
Wino Have a fabulous time in Milan, can't wait to hear what you get up to
Tigger Glad to hear the SWI is going well
wolverine Is F a little happier now she's getting more milk? I liked your positive vibe about not beating yourself up about it, hope you are sticking to that?
Hyena Lovely to hear you had a good time in London, how much stuff did L point out and say she wanted for Christmas?
Giraffe Have put nappy research on hold for a bit, but will FB when I start again, thanks I don't think your mad to make the most of your holidays, enjoy it while you can.
Mamafox at DH for you, he's probably just feeling a bit left out, typical bloke, hope he's getting better
Nemo Sorry no bump pics as it's too small and just looks like fat, most people don't even know I'm pg I know I had a bit of extra room before I got pg but did think I might be showing a bit more now, still wearing most of my normal clothes (although trousers are ripped off the minute I get through the door from work and pj bottoms are on ) Definate bump of other pg women, but still not complaining it is what I wanted after all

Been off work for a couple of days with a horrible migraine, but back to it now. The only good thing was that when I was lying very still and quiet I could see my tummy move when the LO kicked, I loved it definately put a smile on my face. Only thing is the little buglet won't do it when DH is around! Typical must be male!

Nemo happy birthday to you ! Enjoy your party weekend and hold that baby in You are sooooo close now !!

Wino hope you are having fun in Milan, can't wait to hear the gory details when you get back !

Meeow definitely a good idea to leave DH with DD for a while to bond. I know my DP got frustrated when I was in charge and seemed to be telling him what to do and how to do it, now I try to bite my tongue when he does things wrong his way !! I think men feel like they don't have the same instinct as we do but the fact is that we just have to learn quickly and get on with it. Maybe feeding, changing, cuddling more will help and like others have said in the next few weeks when she starts smiling and laughing he'll come into his own.

penguin how exciting seeing your belly move ! I remember it took months for DP to see/feel the movement and he got sooo p!ssed off as every time I said 'there it is quick come and feel' it would stop...

i have just wrote a ginormous post and the bleeding PC in work has deleted it!!!

anywho...

what i said was...

nemo happy birthday hunny

penguinpoo i didnt show until about 25 weeks with DD and then one day i woke up with a mahoosive bump!! i predict that for you and also buy a pair of maternity jeans and let it all hang out!! it will encourage the bump to occupy the mat jeans space only my opinion not really scientific proof of that like

meeow dont worry about DH bonding as it will happen if it hasnt already. men find newborns quite daunting and rather hard to relate to. i know my DH took about a week before he would even pick DD up on his own men eh?!!

howdy to everyone else

hyena im glad you had a great time in laaaarrnnddon did you meet up with fruity then??

xx ei xx

I'm exhausted. Have spent ANOTHER day nesting. The nursery is virtually finished - the curtains are just in the washing machine. It's looking very similar to when DD was in there.
Nemo Hope you're having a fantastic birthday. This could be your last weekend with J before LO arrives.
Ei Bloody work PC! Didn't meet up with Fruity - wish we'd had more time to relax.
Penguin Didn't realise you had been feeling poorly. We made the mistake of taking DD to Hamleys which prompted lots of, "WOW!" and "I want that!" etc. As if she doesn't have enough toys already. I don't know where we're going to store things with 2.
Meeeow Your DH sounds very similar to many. I'd second the 'letting him have time alone' advice. It's so hard to let go and step back. I found it difficult not to criticise everything DP did (and still do!).

hey hyena im just sat messing about on the work PC again while my sister finishes work we work in the same place-as does my younger brotherwe are planning a hostile take-over haha
i remember nesting well come up to rainy sunny liverpool and you can sort my house out if ya fancy it haha
xx ei xx

I would if I could stand . My feet are killing me. Wonder whether DP will give me a lovely foot massage later - doubt it .

Hippo You took the words right out of my mouth re the 'wrong way his way' comment. I literally had to sit on my hands sometimes to stop them twitching.

Meeow Hope you don't mind but I mentioned your post to DP and he said he thought your DH didn't sound confident rather than anything more serious so maybe you escaping occasionally would help. Just thought a male perspective would help.

Hyena Photos please once curtains hung. Slow down though mad girl - you've had a busy week. Foot massage sounds lovely -

Penguin Hope RL stuff is not too shitty and you are feeling better. Great that you can see LO moving - it is the best, they are little monkeys when the men are watching - might be a while before he gets lucky.

Feet hurt, totally knackered, can't be bothered to cook so best go and at least get the little man to bed!

havingagiraffe Don't mind at all, thank you, you/he may be on to something I know that DH is intimidated by the amount of experience I have had with babies and children, I suppose he may feel in comparison that he can't cope as well. I love the idea about giving her a feed. When did you begin expressing and DP giving N a feed? Have a bag of crisps and get some sleep

Tiger my Blackberry always deletes my posts eh

Right I'm going to attempt to leave I with DH x