March 2010. A lesson for much of life: Shut the door. Find the corkscrew.

[Arcadie]

Happy Christmas MMMs. This is my gift to you!

Happy new year ladies!! Hope everyone has a happy and healthy 2011...and hope all the missing boobies are found

...just caught up on the many pages since I last posted. And want to say congratulations to Manda - great news . And also congratulations to Pixie on your good scan. Am delighted to hear of the next generation of MMM babies!

Things all good with us. We got back on Sunday (red-eye out of Atlanta) after a wonderful week at the beach just outside Savannah, Georgia (my grandmother-in-law is turning 95 so her kids & grandkids & some great-grandkids got together to celebrate with a week at the beach). We managed to avoid the snow on the drive down by changing our route (we got to spend the night in Charlotte NC, which made me think of siamese's little one!).

This trip has made us decide we definitely do want to move to the US. Not for a couple of years probably, but it's a goal to work towards.

DS is getting over his jet lag fine - he slept for 15 hours with only one wake up last night . And the wake up was at 9.45am (or rather 4.45 am his time) so feeling quite human. Am looking after a friend's 10.5 month old for a few hours tomorrow and Wed, which I'm excited about (he's a dote and his mum is my best NCT friend) and it should help DS get over his people-withdrawal...I honestly barely saw him for the last week and a half, as there was always another cousin/aunt/uncle/grandparent/great-aunt, which meant I got plenty of time to enjoy my new kindle .

Off to Ireland for a week next week, as my 75 year old mother slipped on ice just before Christmas and broke her right shoulder in two places, her right wrist and lost her front teeth. She's in good form, but is still in a lot of pain. Thank god my 3 brothers are still in Cork!

No other time for shout-outs other than Siamese you are perfectly entitled to be annoyed with a slanket!!

Will be back with a less self-absorbed post as soon as I climb out from under the laundry pile that's developed in our bedroom!

I would snort with laughter but it would make the wine come out of my nose and really surprise my in laws, so I'm going for insane internal giggling and hoping the pelvic floor holds up.

I need a blinking microscope to find mine now. Those magnificent BF'g DD cups are gone but not forgotten. Not by DH, anyway (not that he was allowed anywhere near them but he did get the occasional glimpse), nor by our friend who greeted me with the immortal line "I just have to say this: Nice rack!" .

Sympathies, Pacific, we are also struck with germs. I had sinusitis and now DD has a fever no amount of Calpol/ibuprofen combo is holding down. Don't know whether to be thankful for them both being well all holidays or cursing the fact that I'm guaranteed to have to take more time off work.

hey all- was going to moan about dh and the selfish inlaws but you have made me giggle so much abou the missing boobs i just cant!!lol=

glad to hear that you had a good journey home flip x

MANDA! WOW and congrats

hi to everyone else but must sleep

One born every minute new series - on monday! Yey!

And who's coming on the next MMM? thread

Snowing here again and DD's first nursery trial.. bbl!

@ boobs' stories.

Bluey I'm the same - also need a microscope to find mine!

Flip Glad you had a great time in the US. at 15 hours sleep - well done. Enjoy your time in Ireland, and hope your mother gets better soon.

Siamese how did the first day go. We'll have our trial day with the CM next Wednesday (I'm sooo nervous!). Thanks for asking about my aunt - she'll have another appointment next week.

Sorry, but can I ask you how is your sexual life going? DH seems to forget we have a small baby who wakes up during the night, that I'm tired and wants sex on a very regular basis, but I'm struggling to cope...
I'm sure some of us are copping well, otherwise we wouldn't be having 2 babies for 2011.

Hope everyone is well
x

Wow, manda - contests!

Glad you had a good trip, Caitni, and hope your Mum mends quickly.

Sorry you are having problems, evitas. my DH did say to me the other day that "this no sleep life" was "no fun" (no kidding!) but I think DPs can be wont to skate over the question of just what several months of insufficient, disjointed sleep do to one, especially when work is thrown into the mix as well. Have you told DH just how you feel? Sometimes I think it must be blindingly obvious to my DH that I am Just. Too. Tired. for any of that nonsense but, then, lo, it appears not. 'tis true that sometimes the bleedin' obvious doesn't just need pointing out but needs carving out in foot high letters, highlighted and then left at the foot of the bed.

Also liking the boob stories. If only they weren't quite so close to the bone.

On the run up (although feels like the run down) to my return to work. DD has nursery settling in sessions next week. Eep..... Still, maybe it will have a positive effect on her nighttime sleeping, which, frankly, is laughably rubbish.

Contests? Contests?? I meant "congrats" but iPad obv had a different idea.

And, Flip, I'm very sorry for getting your name wrong .

Right, think I'd better stick to lurking. I'm much better at it.

Just a brief one from me: my big boys are back to school tomorrow, DH will be leaving the house @ 6am which leaves me to get them (and me) all up, washed, watered, dressed and out of house . Sigh. So I am trying to be ultra-organised tonight and do everything I can to be as ready as I can possibly be.
Oh, and we are restored to rude health, thank goodness! Sadly, the most likely culprit was the rather yummy curry the wife of one of DH's colleague had made: those of us who ate it were ill, the littlies weren't. I am actually embarrassed about it as it was such a lovely gesture and think we will not mention it other than saying how delicious it all had been.

evitas, what is this sex-thing you speak about?? I think even DH has forgotten what the word means - it has been over a year now . I am actually worrying about the lack of action a bit, but I know I felt much the same (and then very different ) as long as I had been BFing the others. So here is hoping.
I do like Sariska's description about how guys often sometimes need the bleeding obvious pointed out to them. And totally agree.

Siamese, how was first day? And DrMcDreamy: how did it go?
Siamese, I see your point about your Slanket, I do. Not sure what I would do... And Smac, I recognise the unwanted 'smelly' present, grrrr!!

Arcadie, how many days to G's first day at school ?? He is a bright spark and will have a ball, I am sure. His mummy might need a hanky though - or not: I felt so proud when DS1 skipped off without a backward glance

I am sure I have forgotten loads of people, I hope you are all well, babies are well, jobs/thoughts of going back to work (or not) are going well also.

DH keeps going on about 'a girl', but truly, truly it would have to be with his second wife - I am so DONE. And so happy with the family I've got . I am quite surprised; I stupidely did not think that men would mind about that kind of thing ... If we now did have a girl she would end up the world's most spoilt princess, I fear . Oh well, he will come to terms with it in due course, I am sure.

Evening all
Tonight we are supposed to be Finding Our Bedroom - and not in a sexual way, I fear, it's more about finally working our way through the pile of clothes/boxes of presents yet to find homes..however we both seem so wiped out after busy days that it may get put off until tomorrow again
So. to all and hope everyone is well and snug under slankets- I utterly felt your pain there siamese, I cannot BEAR them and was a bit when DH pointed one out to me in Asda as a potential Xmas present for me....it sounds like you managed it very nicely and well done for getting your own way, This I Like . and [anger] at the perfume, smac, honestly, these men....
rkd go DS on school!! Will be thinking of you. I am sure he will love it, you've done a marvellous job of raising an independent, confidant young man there and it is time. Well done
to all those returning to work (mine is lingering on the horizon with KiT days yet to fulfill ) and slimming [come on sarah you CAN Do It ) and hope Pregnant Ladies are well. I admire your doneness pd, I also hope to get to that point (yet secretly wonder if I will always be at pregnant women/new mums ) but need, logistically, to leave number three till later this year... the doglings all sound wonderful though, you have every right to be proud

So, Melk household...DD2 is talking, god love her. "dog" and "cat" are her favourites (and Dadda) - and i mean it, she really does mean dog and cat, she points at them both and has equally pointed out other random canine friends... she's SO pleased with herself . Good to hear of other LOs learning words, IMHE this is the slippery slope to expletives (ha ha that's a joke, really, it took elk aaaages ) and am looking forward to plenty more words.. (including Mama )...
Elk started preschool today, she was READY and I only felt relief as she skipped off...marvellous. and she behaved. and she didn't swear. all good.
And elsewhere we simply have a list of JOBS and INCONVENIENCES here - including a rat infestation which keeps waking up at least Thea if not me, and a broken dishwasher (possibly linked to the rats).....
speaking of which she's awake. better run.
to everyone i missed and sorry for the essay

Sorry Sariska but "If only they weren't quite so close to the bone" re: the boob stories made me . Unintentional pun? Mine certainly seem closer to my ribs than they used to be, anyway. Also edging towards my bellybutton

And as for sex.. 5 times. And only 3 of them successful. I'm still finding it painful, but not unbearable. Two doctors have had a look and pronounced everything physically normal. DH is very understanding and I tend to only tell him afterwards that it was uncomfortable, but then he feels bad.

Flip glad you enjoyed your trip, and how exciting that you're thinking of emmigrating to the US! We should meet for a coffee before you go though :) And your poor Mum, that sounds awful. Hope she's on the mend.

Arcadie your DS1 struck me as being very grown up and sensible when I met him, I bet he'll be great at school.

PD glad you and yours have recovered from illness. And I think it's sweet that your DH wants a girl :)

Bluey hope DD is getting better. Have you startes marathon training yet? I managed to get out running on Sunday and Monday, first time in about 2 months (what with travelling, illness, inclement weather and general business). I'm redoubling my weightloss efforts to try and reach my goal weight by Isobel's 1st birthday.

sarah and siamese I can sympathise with disappointing presents. Especially if it's a recurring thing, but in particular this year after we've been through pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, sleepless nights etc. We deserve medals, not ill-thought out (or not thought out, as often seems to be the case) smellies and slankets!

Pixie how are you feeling? And how is DD2?

iwcas if you're lurking, how are things? I hope you managed to arrange childcare, and are feeling positive about going back to work.

Melk dear, where art thou? You've been notably absent, no doubt busy with RL etc, but I hope everything's going ok.

I'm quite excited about the new series of OBEM, and about the Brum meet, of course. to everyone I've not mentioned.

Ah, there you are Melk! :) I'm very impressed by your DD2's vocal abilities. We have Mama here and no Dada (even when prompted to say Dada she very clearly replies Mama, poor DH is taking it quite well though ).

Flip sorry about your mother. Poor thing. The US trip sounds amazing. Where would you move to there?

I am nearly finished Wolf Hall (the book) - tis great. Poor DD is like a book orphan with me reading all the time. My excuse is it may teach her to sit quietly and read. She does sometimes but normally is just mental. A real mad March hare.

Not sure if any words here - maybe Hiya. Lots of dadas at the mo but not sure if they are with meaning. It would have to be very obvious to me as I am mostly reading and ignoring her V impressed re melk's and BMI's DDs.

I am in the UK 7 years today. I'm off to bed to celebrate, not by having sex ("evitas" no action here, you have got to be kidding).

And pd "pert boobs" was artistic licence. Even though I'm still bfing they are as droopy as an old pop sock.

Pixie lol at the twins. Hope DD2's discharge date comes soon.

I posted a questions re trikes on the products page but no-one answered. Can anyone here advise on trikes/ride-ons? I'd like something for DDs first birthday that will grow with her. Are the parent handles any good? I'm a bit afraid that if DD gets used to being pushed then she won't "get" the point of trikes iykwim. I know her birthday isn't for a few months but I want to keep an eye out for second-hand ones.

donttry am posting from iPhone in a lay-by, both girls asleep and I'm NOT about to head home and wake them
I will find you a link later but the smart trike ones where the parent handles help steer are a MUST. I can't stress that enough. The ones where they don't steer are a PitA and end up in tears, for all parties . And backache. There's a clever plasticky one that we have which has grown with the elk and has been v good, even if it hasn't always fulfilled my, Er, stylistic tendencies....

here's the bugger

and you don't need to get it in the obligatory pink/unisex orangey versions, we have a red/blue version but I can't find it. Anyway. enough of the hard sell!!
DD2 is EVERYWHERE....anything that can take her standing against, she is on it. bmi and other mummies of already very mobile babies - I salute you.
and with that i dash off - she's about to stop the DVD player from playing Shrek....my world will not be worth living...
eek it's happened.....stop typing melk!!!! disassstterrrrrrr

Hello ladies, thank you all so much for the congratulations and contests!

Well, dont how am I feeling? I don't know! Initially, I was shocked. Shocked it happened on our first month of trying, shocked I didn't know, shocked at such an early bfp and panicking it might mean multiples just a general shocked/numbness. THen I had some OMG, WHAT HAVE I DONE? moments, particularly after a bad night with James. But I've settled into a serene happy feeling of denial It's fab.

My edd by O would be 14th September, or 10th by lmp. Ironic if (I keep going to say 'he') s/he comes on the 11th as indeed s/he was a NY conception :) Not as cool as dual nationality, but cool nonetheless in my book. And you kid, BMI re: names, surely? But we had already said joked when there that we should include the name 'Murray' somewhere if I did fall as we stayed in the Murray Hill area.

I tested again 11dpo and it was much darker, clearly bfp. And again today (which would be 14dpo - not even late for my period yet!) and the test line is almost/perhaps darker than the control! :O

Oh and I think I have some kind of bug/food poisoning. Yesterday horrid pains in my stomach (actual stomach, not general tummy area) and, um, brown water in the place of normal poop. A lot of it. Pain gone today - I called it's bluff by eating spicy thai last night Perhaps the chili and ginger kicked the bugs butt?

So now I've blathered on, time to shoutout/catch up some...

siamese :O at the slanket. But, worse, you got a statically charged animal print one?! Eh! I guess... is he usually crap at picking presents? If not, perhaps this blip can be overlooked. If so, perhaps you need to heed pixies wise words and be more specific in your demands hinting. (I know we'd like to think they can read our minds, but I've noticed on several occasions this doesn't appear to be the case).

pacific and pixie you two continue to amaze me with all the balls you juggle. Inspirational, both of ye! pixie do hope DD2 improves enough to be back in the fold (you've not mentioned ms - avoided it completely this time? And pacific if a wand magically waved making joe the all sleeping baby, do you think you'd reconsider another if not so exhausted

fliss I have a slight at your water coming through next doors toilet I mean, I know it doesn't make its way through the cistern or anything but can't help imagining that! As for the milk, I could get it for years after DS2 if I squeezed my nipples. Only literally a drop or two, but I did wonder why it took them so long to finally get the message. It sounds like up to a year is 'normal' and remember to not stimulate them!

Have images of you and DH taking turns to play the ukulele don't! Are you both quite musically inclined, then or just mental?

smac GAH! to the perfume (which at least you can change for something else so long as you haven't removed the cellophane to see if you actually like it?) Maybe your mistake was to not suggest what you'd like instead

boobs Had a little giggle but can't really relate. I think, because I've always been on the small side that there wasn't really anything much to droop or miss anyway! hasn't one of our number had a boob job? I've gone from desperately wanting one when younger, to happy in my skin, to thinking perhaps I'd like it done when I'm 'done' with kids/breasfeeding. Who knows though, I seem to change my mind like the wind lately.

flip sounds like a fantastic holiday, hope you have a good time in Ireland, but OMG, your poor Mum! It's always older people that pop into my head as soon as it starts snowing. I think it's because I was traumatised by seeing a very old and frail lady fall on ice when I was quite a small child. I can only hope that woman had three burly boys to take care of her too

bluey Hope DD is on the mend?

I'm sooo with you, melk on stuff just piling up and there never seeming to be time to get to it. At times, the mess just makes me itch but on the whole, when I get a moment (or half an hour ) I'm more inclined to hop online to restore a little of my sanity, or have a relaxing bath if James is asleep. Bah. Have to keep telling myself these 'jobs' can (and will) wait, but snuggling/playing with the baby is a limited time only deal to assuage my guilt. Cos, y'know, I'm NOT superwoman. Well, most days I'm not. Thank goodness now and then I get an urge to accomplish lots (and do) or else we'd be featuring on one of those programmes about hoarders '...and when we tried to enter the living room, our entry was prevented by floor to ceiling newspapers dating back to 1972...'

I kid.

Kinda.

Anyway, OBEM is back, you say siamese? Not sure whether to watch or just stick my head in the sand (Im harbouring a lot of anger/resentment over the fact I wasn't listened to prior to James' birth and feel he wouldn't have ended up on iv antibiotics if I HAD... gonna have to raise it this time and be more, um, forceful.)

Really hope everyone is well. I'd better eat something as my appetite is COMPLETELY MIA and I've eaten nothing yet [stupid emotion]

Manda Yes I was joking about the names! But the bit about Sephora being my favourite shop was deadly serious. Still wouldn't name a child after it though And please do eat! You're building a baby, you need nourishment. My appetite went in early pregnancy too though, so I can sympathise.

Happy 2011!!! Just a quickie- had a quick catch ip. SIAMESE slanket here too...... But with a north face gillet I wanted. Ive learnt to ask now or i get slankets!!!!

Manda- congratulations!!! Almost jealous! I swore after this birth id never do it again. Dare I say I'm thawing........

Donttry... Was it you asking about the trike??? DS was gifted the one from the link by grandparents- he seems to like it, very substantial and easy to push/manouvre.

Counting down here to some sun--- Mexico in 14 days- soooo need it after last crappy few mths

IWCAS- yay for childminder!

Right. Way too much has happened to you all for me to do shout outs to everyone, but manda and pixie CONGRATULATIONS to you both Brilliant, brilliant news that you will be giving your little March borns a new sibling later this year. How bloody exciting is that?! To everyone else, a Very Happy 2011. I hope that it brings lots of health and happiness to you all.

Things are bloody hard here, which is why my MN addiction has truly been broken. The DDs are just gorgeous though and both very happy. xxx

Thanks melk scooby and pixie.

Scooby you sound in great form, that's good. I do like (well ok loathe, but I'm sure DD would like it!!) the smart trike, but my house is tiny and I'm not sure where it would go. Is it huge?

I love those wheelybugs but then I couldn't bring that outdoors. Dilemma....

And manda well we're a little musical but mostly mental.

I'm actually very upset at the moment after a fight with DH.

Am I over-reacting? I said to DH earlier that I must ring my boss to arrange my ten KIT days. I'm going to do these for the money and to refresh my work brain even though I'm probably not going back to work for a year or two. Dh said "what do you want to do, 2 solid weeks?". I was shocked as I was planning maybe 2 days a week, with maybe just one day the first week, so that I didn't just suddenly disappear all of a sudden for two weeks, which I think would traumatise DD. I commute to London so she won't see me on the days I'm working.

Surely you have to ease them into you going to work/somewhere else where they won't see you all day? Get them used to it?

I got really angry and shaky and demanded to know whether he thought that was a good idea, for me to disappear for two weeks. He said it was just an option.

I said don't you think she would miss me, and he said well she'd miss the milk but she would have him. I yelled about him not understanding about primary carers and secondary carers, that while she loved him , she would be looking for me and feel abandoned, and how insulting it was to say she would just miss the milk.

I told him I hated him and he was a f**ker and he had dismissed everything I had done with her for the last 9 months and that I want to split up.

I am so upset. Sorry for the rant.

rinders x post. I so hope your DH is on the up and that 2011 is your year after a horrible 2010.