dec 2008- the one where they all turn 2...probably.

[VagolaJahooli]

Sorry bit boring I know but I didn't want to make any reference to spot as I don't want to jinx her and have her baby come early, then it would be my fault. Also didn't want the mad rush at the end of the thread. This way we've had plenty of time.

Well, I have been off here for most of the week and I have really missed everyboy! This will be a rather puny catch up I'm afraid as I am bushed.

Rubes, I hope you are better. I think you must be as you are talking about chargers I think they are very nice but we haven't got a table at DP's place as there is no space! Maybe next year...I can't wait to hear what your DS thinks of his big prezzie. Sorry to hear about the tumbles downstairs, it's so frightening when that happens. O fell down halfway at the new house and she wasn't injured, just shocked.

And SL, your poor DS! How is his head now?

I was ever so sad to hear about JB and Jam's friends. Jam, your friend's situation has really played on my mind. I am so very sorry for them.

Spot, it's good to hear you sounding more chipper about London. I am getting excited about our next new wave December baby!

Beans, you made me gag and hoot with your overly graphic, but interestingly imaginative assessment of what Mr Tumble is packing behind his snowman suit Glad the piccies came out well, must have a look. Bet they're lovely.

NJAN - very glad to hear you bought some new gear. Quite right!

JJ, DD1 stutters at the beginning of certain words but the way she does it (and it is not all the time) leads me to believe it is an affection In fact, she only does it on a couple of words. Ber-ber-book and per-per-pencil. I think your DD is experimenting, as you say. Oh, and yes, my DD2 was much smaller than they guessed! And I had a scan at about 34 weeks!

Trace, from what you say I think you should seriously think about trying for the job. You sound excited about it (that's got to be good) and I definitely don't think a year and term in your current job would make you seem like a quitter.

Invis, so sorry about the wretched pox! Sounds awful! I was hoping you could have a bit of a rest over the holidays.

Indith - hurray for freedom!

Avo - I hope your party goes with a swing tomorrow, it sounds lovely, if hugely hectic! Will you be at DR's on 28th? We can't make it unfortunately as will still be at rellies. Your DD2 sounds lovely but I do sympathise and know something of what you mean but I don't really have any helpful advice. We have that stream of consciousness type commentary here too with O, and she gets really annoyed if she doesn't deem your response adequate. Having said that, she was at my Mum's from Monday to Thursday whilst we have our busy week and I just missed her like CRAZY...When do you exchange/complete?

Right, Rubes, I am super keen for an evening kid free meet up but my desire far outweighs my ability to make it happen, as DP is busy next week...There is a possibility I could be available on Tues lunchtime in London for a grown up lunch, but it depends whether DP has this bit of work in Swindon or not and I won't know until Monday afternoon. So, basically I can't do evening (sadly) but could be around on Tuesday daytime, though whether that is kid free or very much kid heavy, I don't yet know, but I would love to see you (and anyone else who fancies it of course). Vag, what are your movements? Are you still in Oxford then? I am a bear of Very Small Brain.

The chambers do was lovely, thanks! Sparkly shoes 'n' all. I didn't make any Bridget Jones-style faux pas, didn't drink too much, and though we were made to all shift tables halfway through (hate that) and I was stuck with some of the old duffers, it was a nice evening. But honestly, we have just been rushing here there and everywhere since. And furthermore I have to go into Oxford to do more Christmas shopping tomorrow (it's hopeless for shops and will be packed) and I could really do without it. It amazes me that my life is so frenetic, and yet I seem to get bugger all done. Bah. But I must toddle off to bed. DD2 has been upset tonight and I am wondering if it's because she had her jabs yesterday (late! she is 11 weeks!) She is such a gentle, sweet natured little darling and hardly ever cries.

ANd so to bed! More over the weekend, I hope! I am in tomorrow night and will be wrapping prezzies in front of the box. DP has an awful sounding black tie do with all the judges, which he doesn't want to go to one bit. Pyjamas, Strictly and perhaps a spot of reading in bed. Luvverly. Night night all.

Yikes! How much snow? I can't see me getting out of the house today. DH has finally made it to work but if snows again I don't think he'll get back. Which means I'm housebound with both DC's and a stinking cold, oh the joy.

lady Glad the chambers do was a sucess. You sound really busy at the moment. Good luck braving the shops, not sure I could handle that.

indith Hooray to the pox getting better!And invis here's hoping for a speedy recovery at your house.

Have you got any Sudofed DB? It's good stuff when you've got a rotten cold, really helps wiith the nose. Not sure I can face shopping. It's v snowy even here. My prob is that I am seeing my folks tomorrow for a pre-Christmas lunch - was supposed to be at our new house, but now it's at a pub. I will see them on the 27th but wanted them to have their gifts on Christmas Day. Hmmmm.

Oh god Justin is on. Thanks to you lot, well I can't help thinking about his bits. Thanks!
Ladyt good luck at the shops. Yikes! I think i have finished my Xmas shopping. Hurrah. It's all wrapped too. This is unheard of. I always thought Oxford was quite good for shopping. Is it not? I used to travel there on the train from malvern to shop when i was younger.
Yikes to all the snow db. We haven't got any to speak of.

Thanks for kind comments about the pics. They've been airbrushed too! Lucky girls!

Lady - great to see you back.

I can't stay as have lots to do!

Rubes - thanks for your Chrissie card - so kind. I am rubbish and haven't sent any this year!

xxxx

I'm a bit scared by all this snow. It's dumping down here and our road is compacted ice. Two cars skidded into each other in front of our house earlier. Our car is buried. We have no food in and we are too scared to drive so DH has dug out his snow boots from when he was seconded to the Marines in the Arctic circle. He is now walking to the supermarket with a large back pack!

Thank God the weather wasn't like this two years ago today. I think I was screaming at DH to drive faster to the hospital at just abt this time. I hope Spot isn't snowed in with her maturing bump.

DD2's party went brilliantly yesterday. This morning she opened her presents. We copied Lady and bought her a Zhu Zhu hamster. Inspired! Her and DD1 have been totally absorbed in playing with it ever since. I am suffering though as we went to a Christmas party last night and they served champagne in mugs. Was so drunk. Walked home with friends and the husband when arse over tit in a very dramatic fashion. We thought it was hilarious at the time but I bet he is hurting this morning.

Lady - I think we will go to DR's party on 28th. As long as the snow has gone... Shame you can't come. CD can't either. Bet I won't know anyone there.

avo we have at least 12 inches here. Poor DH had to dig the car out to get to work at 6.30 this morning. We have just attempted to build a snowman but DS was not liking it and DD got cold too quick and suggested we go back inside for a DVD and hot chocolate

I'm glad the pasrty went well. Both DD and DS have the Zhu Zhu hamsters - they love them! Hope the hangover eases soon.

Right lunchtime. I am strving.

PASRTY?? Party of course!

Hello ladies, we are heading down to a little town called Sint Niklaas which is halfway between us and Calais and well its festive sounding so we had to stay there. We have had fairly constant snow here so we decided to go halfway and stay the night then go onto Calais rather than risk the whole trip tomorrow as we have to be there before 12.

Lady glad the party was good, sorry your not in your house but hope your getting a bit festive anyway. We arrive in Oxford late tomorrow and are there til the afternoon on 21st. I can't believe I left your DDs presents at home, I knew I would forget something as I packed so last minute. DD2 is 11 weeks and I still haven't sent it.

Trace I'm hoping you realise I was just giving you another perspective on the job thing, I feel like a came across a bit negative.

Lightening glad the black tie thing went well.

Avo & DB had something to say to you two but can't member what.

And Hooray for subsiding spots but boo to new spots.

Speaking of where is spot?

DS2 had a little grizzle at 4am, hungry again but then went back to sleep until 8.15am.

I've decided I'm going to do an intensive Dutch language course as I'm finding the language thing is affecting my self esteem and I'm really becoming quite shy and a bit recluse. I think the time of year doesn't help but I almost think I'm getting a bit depressed. I'm really not feeling happy and I need to get back to being me, if that makes any sense.

Hey everyone, how are you all? Sorry I?ve not been on for ages, every evening I seem to be up to my ears in Christmas cards and wrapping paper. I?m sure I must have written enough cards and wrapped enough pressies now for everyone in the world to have one. Anyway, DD is napping and I have decided to sod all the chores and do something nice and catch up with you guys. I?ve thoroughly enjoyed reading back through the pages (apologies for not commenting ? I decided if I do that I might break the thread with everything I wanted to say).

I will say a big happy birthday to all the babies toddlers whose big days I?ve missed. Lots of love to Ben, Phoebe, Jordi, Edwin, Lucy, Matilda, Sebastian, Lachlan, Thomas and Nina for today. Also a belated happy birthday to the lovely Spot. In case I don?t get back on here and die in a sea of wrapping paper and cards, early happy birthdays to Lily, InvisBoy, Daisy, Edmund, Rosie and Max.

Before I sign off, I just want to add my two penn?orth on CBeebies presenters and rude comments. Ages ago someone mentioned that one of Big Cock, Little Cock is a shagger ? well my workmates friend has slept with Little Cock, so that maybe answers that one? I can?t think what would be worse, Little Cock or Mr Tumble? Yuck to both

Merry Christmas to everyone (only a week to go now!), and lots of love and good luck to Spot. xx

It was me, ZJ, I heard that either BC or LC was a shagger. Is LC the speccy one or the Northern one? You haven't even mentioned your snow, I bet you've got tons.

Well, shopping trip to Oxford was swiftly aborted but not before DP stranded the hire car in deep snow on a test run. I think my lunch with my folks will be off anyway at this rate. SL, I do think the shops are poor cos there isn't even a proper dept store (well, there is a small Debenhams) and all it really has are small versions of the most bog standard highstreet stores. But maybe it's a megalopolis compared to Malvern, I dunno I like Malvern though.

Vag, I am incredibly dismayed to hear you sounding sad. Settling in a new country (again!) is hard and you have done brilliantly. DOn't be down on yourself. You have us!

Airbrushing, Beans? Wowzers! I need me some of that. I want to have a look at the pics but DP is nagging me to put the dvd on.

His judges' do is off tonight and he is thrilled. And he is going to make a massive mess make some bread later as we are out and can't even get to the local shop.

Avo, I will be very sorry not to see you on the 28th. And your DH. He sounds very intrepid. And mugs of champs, my sainted aunt! Glad the Zhu Zhu hamster went down well, it's still a Momster here, though she will call the hamster in her animal book a hamster quite happily.

Hope you have your feet up, DB. Hope your DH gets back ok.

Right, think we are going to watch 'Meet Me in St Louis'...

Oh, and travel well, Vaggiefamily xxx

Veggie: sorry you're feeling down. I hope your festive travels and friends cheer things up :).

Avo: did DH get back ok from thr shops? Snow has just started here - we braved Tesco this morning so we're fine for a few days, thank goodness. I hate shopping at this time of year, too many harried people buying far too much junk . Happy birthday to Nina :).

The DSs' castle arrived with the kings queens and knights - the figures look great. Budkins toys if anyone is interested. But we missed another delivery today - yet another trip to the sorting office...

OH Vaggie, don't be sad. You are such a star and adapt so cheerfully and well to whatever life throws at you. I find your attitude really inspiring. Am thinking of you honey.

Lots of snow here. We went to ballet then to a carol concert which was truly lovely. Supposed to be at a drinks party this pm but sadly it's still snowing in SE London and I can't be bothered to get all dressed up and stomp half an hour each way in the snow. The hostess was invited to my thing on Wed but didn't show and didn't text or call (even afterwards!) to explain why she wasn't there. That makes me feel less bad about blowing her out. Reading that back makes me look a bit petty and rather bitter, which I don't mean to be. Sorry. Perhaps I shoudl have a bit of festive cheer chez moi. It must be 6 o'clock somewhere in the world.

Andrew has just appeared with a hat and scarf from the charity shop for the snowman in the garden. Kids are thrilled.

I'm having a spot of cheerfulness, Sybs. It's Snow Rules, is my justification.

I am so disappointed that tomorrow might be off. I was so looking forward to it. My BIL has a Landrover and could probably make it but we couldn't make the 8 or so miles to the pub, given that the car is stranded. My Mum will be really disappointed

Hi all, i am still here, as is DS2 (within me, I mean) fortunately. As is my mother. I don't think we've ever had as much tension or tears, I know I've mentioned me and my mum's somewhat dysfunctional relationship before but it's really been blown up since we've been all trapped here, DP and I are snapping at each other, not good. So am really hoping there is a window in the snow tomorrow for her to drive back to her house (in Cambridgeshire) before something horrible gets said. She has been a real help with T while DP has had to rest up (another trip to emergency dentist as bleeding started again, apparently he has a clotting problem which will have to be investigated another time) but the negatives are now seriously outweighing the positives.

I still have a rotten cold but I think it's getting better, T is still on 4-hourly calpol/ibuprofen to control his temperature so he's up a lot in the night too which isn't helping frayed tempers. And in the middle of it all I'm trying to find some space to focus on not having/having this baby.

THe snow issue is obv a big one as if midwives can't get to me then a HB is up the swannee, but have to accept that it might not happen and to get over it because I don't want to be getting pissed off in labour about things not going as I wanted, I'm sure I'll have enough to concern myself with anyway.

Beans I love the family portraits, I?m sure DH will be thrilled. I can?t help looking at Pru now and imagining her as Le Petomane!

Sybs, how are you feeling now? Are things any better with DH?

JJ glad you had the flu jab. Not something you need right now. How are you feeling in general? How many weeks are you now? Bout 30?

Trace, I?d say apply for the job, you have nothing to lose. Then if you get an interview you also have nothing to lose and can work out how you feel about them both without having given anything up. I used to worry about applying for different jobs and massively overprojecting, assuming that I was somehow ) being disloyal to my current employers for even entertaining the notion and b) work on on the assumption that I would be offered the job, which of course was not guaranteed. And even if you get that far and you are offered it, you can always turn it down. So nowt lost, other that a bit of time.

Glad DD2 had a lovely party yesterday and real b?day today, Avo. Dorry for the accompanying hangover!

Deids sorry you are feeling so ropey. I hope it passes quickly and you get some kiddie free hours to put your feet up and recuperate.

Indith, glad the pox has left the house, that?s v good news. On the pool front, we have it in the storeroom downstairs (how romantic ) as you?re right, everywhere else would get in the way of normal life. We?ve got the kind of pool that you rent and fill up and then it stays up for as long as you need it. You only need to change the water once a week as you just chuck a sterilizing tablet in every day and it?s attached to a heater that keeps it at a constant 37 degrees so no worrying about there being enough hot water. It is £££ more than a blow up pool, but as my labout with T was so fast (and the pool we had never got taken out of the box) that I knew I wanted something this time I could just step in without thinking about.

Invis, that?s v disappointing about the ballet but glad the tix won?t be completely wasted. Are you able to enjoy any of your enforced seclusion or is it mainly just hard hard work (as I suspect it is)?

Vag St Nikklaas sounds perfect. I also think it?s a good idea about the Dutch course, am not at all surprised you feel low with everything you have to contend with. Does your DH understand how you?re feeling? It must be so hard, hats off milady.

Thanks for the lovely thoughts, ZJ, and good luck with your wrapping. I have to ask though ? is little cock aptly monickered according to your friend?

Lady your enforced seclusion sounds somehow festive, I?m glad DP got the right result for his Xmas party! DVD sounds fab. Are you sans DCs?

Glad the pressies came good, Effie.

Oops battery life running down so much got, just a quickie apology to my SS giftee ? I?m afraid your pressie won?t arrive until after Xmas, I am informed, Many apologies .

Crieky, that was a bit long, sorry

No no, we have both DDs here. DD1 was at Mum's for a few days but we collected her on Thursday. Sorry it's a bit of a trial with your Mum. Has your relationship always been a bit tricky? Hope things improve...have you got masses of snow in Brighton, then?

Beans, the pics are gorgeous.

Where's Rubes? I think this all might scupper my plans to come in to London next week, which makes me tres annoyed.

Right, off to wrap some prezzies.

hello
sorry to hear of all the snow problems. North Yorkshire seems to have escaped it so far this time - although it's not yet quite gone from the last lot! spot I really hope you can get out for some fresh air and head space soon. It must be awful to be so pregnant and cooped up and with a poorly ds and dp - and a difficult mum. Thinking of you.
zj it sounds like you've been doing enough christmas preparation to balance out my slackness! Finally bought some card today - just need to write them and send them! I haven't wrapped any presents either yet, but we did put our tree up today It's on its 12th year now but still going strong! And the theme is...random stuff that the girls have made over the years and the odd B+Q bauble and string of tinsel Doesn't look bad though :)
Thanks for the input on the job thing. vag I really appreciated your perspective - it's given me more food for thought. I rang the team leader and have arranged to meet her and the team on Tuesday so I can ask then about what exactly the role would entail. I'd like to know if there's any chance of pregressing too, so it'll be good to meet them and get some answers. Scary though - makes it real!
Beans your children are very very very beautiful. Such gorgeous pics!
So sorry to rush on and not do personals again - I need to get myself to bed now but will try to pop back tomorrow.
xxx

Morning all, quick update here we managed our concert despite the sudden snow arriving between rehearsal and start time, sang pretty well I think I'd spoken to Dad at 1 who was coming up to look after dd, at that time all was fine and I said Well I won't be answering my phone between 2 and 4 (rehearsal) but see you later. He arrived at 4.30 in the middle of a blizzard saying "If I'd been able to contact you, I'd have said I'm not coming" as the roads were pretty atrocious. But he did make it so phew the show could go on...

Spot - on that, roads in Cambs not the best I'm afraid so re getting your mum back here, depends on who's driving and how confident they feel. Sounds like you're doing very well to still be trying to keep calm about ds2. Really hope that the MW can get out to you when the time comes.

Flu jab - didn't get it after all Despite my surgery saying they don't know when they'll be getting any more jabs in, and the receptionist telling me to go to Boots for it (she knows I'm PG), the pharmacist said they can't do it after all. Grrrr. So will probably not be able to get it until after the new year now, by which point is it worth bothering?

Must cheer up - we have a fire on, snow in the garden so time to make a snowman :) will catch up properly while dd has her nap later on. Keep warm and safe ladies!

Wow, we got about 8 inches of snow in a few hours last night! More forecast for this evening. We aren't planning on going anywhere for a while, so we can stay in and enjoy it :). Hope everyone is safe and keeping warm.

Spot: hope all goes well despite the cabin fever. Your birth pool sounds great btw. Do you have your SIL on hand for emergencies?

Just been out sledging and building snowmen. I can safely say DS2 hates the snow and DS1 loves it.

Spot I wouldnt mind getting in that birthing pool now it sounds fab. Hope you manage to get your mum back to her house soon.

Be very wary of driving though as we went to London town yesterday to meet with friends and it was rather scary getting home. BBC weather said we would miss the snow so we went and the M11 dreadful M25 jacknifed lorries A12 hadnt seen a gritter or a snow plough. Driving from the closet town to our village was very scary I was driving as DH had had a couple of pints and the car was all over the place, and I consider myself someone who can drive in snow having been brought up in Scotland and having snow driving skills drilled into by my dad.

Anyway happy snow days all. Stay warm.

Its SO cold, bbrrrr.

Thought it would be a wonderful idea to take the DC's sledging after church. They loved it for about 20 mins and then decided it was way to cold for them and both of them cried all the way home. I on theother hand was sweating after trying to sprint home with them through the snow! DS now fast asleep on the sofa next to me and DD snuggled up watching SpongeBob. I am not leaving the house again today.

spot I'm sorry you are struggling being cooped up with your mum. I hope that you can get her home safely asap.

veggie Hope you are having a safe journey...are you inthe UK yet? I'm also sorry to hear you are feeling down. I can understand that you struggle but on the whole you have dealt with moving overseas bloody fantastically imo (is fantastically even a word). You are a super wife and mum, and I hope that the language course your going to do helps you.

Ladies don't forget The Apprentice final is tonight! I am already really looking forward to it.

And a Happy Birthday to babykiwi

I am looking forward to The Apprentice too, DB. I am nailing my colours to the mast for Stella. I admire mothers so much more now I realise what it all entails, but it's not that - she has pulled herself up from nothing and Chris is a perfectly nice chap but frankly his obsession with getting a First really annoys me (I mean, him and thousands of others ).

Glad you made the concert, JJ.

Jam, that trip back from town sounds hairy. My folks couldn't come today and the hire car is still stranded in the village.

We have managed to walk to the village shop (each carrying a child as the sling was in the car) and we are nearly out of formula for DD2. They had two tubs of the stuff for 6months and above. Is it going to hurt her? We have little choice.

Oh, and happy birthday to Lily x