Dec 08 Mums - Snot Beards, Farty Boos and Willy Milk (not how it sounds!) - let the fun continue!

[Beans33]

Here we are x

Oh Beans I didn't mean you had to give her the calpol, its up to you. Gosh did I sound pushy, I was just meaning if she's had calpol did it come down. I'm sure she was probably fine otherwise. It's really hard to tell with teething, DS1 got so sad and such high temps with them, but only got one at a time. Whereas DS2 didn't get much temps but was grumbly for days and bad nappies, and got 2 at a time. I have to say though if her feet and hands are doing the cold thing, there is a chance she has got a virus, though it may just be due to the sudden high temp.

hi all.
spot so glad you're home. Hope things soon settle down into some sort of normality for you. It must be nice to be back with T, and how amazing of you to see the positive and cherish the one-on-one time you've had with ds2.
Sorry to hear of all the poorlies Beans how is dd2 now? My 2 both have snotty cold which si upsetting my their sleep, but they aren't too poorly.
I seem to be potty training P. I didn't really intend to, but she's been trying to put L's pants on, and kept ripping her nappies off and wanting to sit on the loo, so we went for it on Saturday. She managed 7 hits and 4 misses on Sat, 9 hits and 1 miss yesterday, and again only 1 miss today, so I guess it's the right time for her. I hope she manages it because I've got excited about the money to be saved by not buying nappies now!
well we've put our house on the market after much deliberation. I think wanting that farmhouse then not getting it made us think lots and we concluded that a) we'd love more space, b) we don't really want to leave our friends/church, and c) we'd quite like L to be able to carry on at the school where she goes now. So we're looking for something basically where we live, but with an extra room. We do still love the idea of being our in the country, but feel that for now we need our friends around us and that the 'dream' is perhaps for in the future, maybe even when the girls have gone to high school or beyond. So for now we will focus on what we have in our community and appreciate it :) So for those who like the property porn, we're looking around this and this later this week. They are 5 mins walk from L's school, and would allow us to have our family to stay over (which isn't poss at the moment), so we would be trading that for our lovely field of sheep which we look out on at the mo, but we think it's the right decision. Sorry to be a bore - I'm boring myself with all the house talk!
anyway it's late and I need sleep. I'll try to come back tomorrow to do personals .
Night all x

Oh dear. I've just woken up to hear the news of the massive earthquake in New Zealand. I really hope Rubes is OK. Anyone remember if she was staying near Christchurch?

Ooohhh Trace I'm so excited. We move into our place on Thursday and I'm excited but I wish we still looking, that bit was fun. I quite loved getting emails of new properties from our agent and checking them out then choosing a couple to have a look at. Trace I also think your doing really well doing all this, but just remember your on leave and while house hunting is fun but the whole process is still quite stressful, or is that just me.

DS2 & I are parked on the couch, I've got a sore throat and he's just warm and grizzly so we are going to take it easy today. Lots of finishing off packing tomorrow so can't be sick.

Oh gosh yeah Arti, she said NZ but didn't say where or even which island. Hope she is ok, it hit a shopping area.

Hope Rubes is ok

Arti Effie am off out fore the day but will check in later for meeting up tom.

Wotcha
spot so good to have you back - it's weird that slightly missing being in hospital with them thing. I found it quite reassuring that they were always on hand and a bit nervous once we got home. Poor little chap - sounds like you've made right call on milk though.
Anyone seen if rubes has been on fbook?
I am in town with ds tomorrow (we're having a day on our own where he gets to decide what we do). Am pretty sure acquarium will feature - would be lovely to see you jam/arti/effie if so, but equally have promised he can decide and he might throw curve ball at last minute. Dd is also edging towards potty training which is fab - can't wait for no nappies...

Uurgh work. Still off tomorrow. Good days and hope poorly dcs (and vagola) recover. For what it's worth arti I wouldn't be comfortable with gumtree buyers either.

Arti, I would only let people come to the house to pick things up which they had already paid for. I do let ebay buyers come but tend not to let them in, so we just hand over the goods etc on the door. I'd say wait until DH back if you feel uncomfortable.

Nowhere near potty training here. The amount M grabs his willy though, he should be a dab hand when the time comes. I am having to explain to him in restaurants etc that it's not the done thing to put your hand down your nappy to check it's still there. Grim.

Trace, those houses look FAB. Loads of space and a garage as well. Hope someone goes for yours soon. The sheep field sounds lovely. How is your half term going?

Vag, I hope you feel better soon. You have been poorly on and off for a while now. ARe you eating OK? And getting plenty of sleep?

Terrible news re teh earthquake. If anyone sees Rubes on FB, can you let us know here as a few of us still are not on.

How are you Jolly? AM going to send you a PM right now.

Am off to see my parents today. My wee dad is 81 and we have made him a cake. Sadly, as everyone had to have several stirs, I don't think it will be the nicest cake in the world. Still, made with love etc etc.

Have a good day everyone

Both DS2 & I have perked up a bit, I've had my virgin Hot toddy (we've packed the whiskey) and I'm going to put DS2 off to sleep soon and then try to finish off some packing there are things which need to wait until tomorrow, and even the morning of the move, like the food etc but really most of it is done. DS1 is at a friends after school today so that's helpful.

My poor mum, she has just rung. She is usually quite dramatic when disasters happen and even revels in the drama of it. But it when it involves people she knows, like when my cousin died in Afghanistan and it was on the news, she actually gets quite low key. She has very close friends in Christchurch, they have known each other since they were very young and she visits them often. Anyway the husband a lovely man called George and is currently missing and he works in one of the buildings they keep showing on the news. Poor mum, shes doesn't know what to do, she

woops posted accidentally and not sure what I was going to write. anyway all a bit sad. I've texted Rubes but I don't know if she has roaming, is she in.NZ yet or was she going to US first?

By the way Lady is having a nice time in Egypt but its very quiet as not many tourists only Brits and locals. this is according to her FB post.

Vag - not pushy at all - calpol a sure fire winner here whatever. And her temp came down in the night, but she was up every half hour from midnight to 4am. Until I gave her another hefty dose of calpol and she was quiet til 7.30! DD1 then up twice between 4am and 5.30am. Treat. I am knackered. And think I had a temperature in the night too.

Oh Gosh, that is worrying about the earthquake. I haven't seen the news yet - will keep an eye open.

I think I'm going to start potty training DD1 soon too. I have bought her Peppa Pig pants from Asda, which she will love. But am just completely unsure how to do it! I read in a book that you should just pop them on the potty or loo every 45 mins and after each sleep. Is that about right?

Oh gosh, Vag - that's really worrying about your Mum's friend. I hope he's ok. Such worrying times across the world at the moment. It's like things have gone mad.

Right, have resorted to CBeebies after a very messy fruit crumble making project. Should have a couple of mins to do a decent post.

Just checked FB and Rubes not been on. Really hope she is ok.

Spot, I am so glad you are home. Yay! How is B on the super strength omeprazol? And how did they explain him not crying when being fed on the nasal tube? Sorry they were so crap. I though Brighton childrens hospital was meant to be one of the best.

Veg, sorry you are ill. What bad timing with the move.

Trace, Those houses look very clear and airy. Esp the slightly more expensive one. V different from the farmhouse though!

Urbs, I hope your DS enjoys his day out on the town. It would be lovely to see you.

Effie, Jam. I'm still up for tomorrow. Pingu posted on FB that she took her DD to the aquarium yesterday and realised a half term visit was a huge mistake. Dare we risk it???

Beans, I approach potty training while awake way before expecting them to be dry during naps and at night. At first I encourage them to sit on the potty every 20 mins and make a huge fuss when they manage a wee or poo. Once they get the hang of that I let them tell me that they need to go but if it's been more than 90 mins I put them on anyway. Good luck!

Thanks Arti. Will give it a go.
DD2 was on good form this morning with no temperature. Popped her down for lunchtime nap at 12. Had to wake her at 3.45 and gave her her milk. She was hot hot then fell asleep on me as soon as milk over. Have put her back to bed and she's fast asleep. Clearly NOT better!!

Arti: we braved the zoo today and it was busy. Am getting a bit nervous at the idea of tired and fractious DSs in another crowded place. Any ideas?

hello. d-day and have finally given into feeling crap. me me me warning.

just feeling a bit sorry for myself - it seems no one gives a crap if you're having your second (or subsequent baby). i've had virtually no phonecalls from friends - maybe they are trying to stay away and not bother me, but what i think is actually happening is that they have mostly sprogged after me and are, of course, busy with their own babies. i just feel no one gives a toss. and dad and ladyfriend have very kindly taken madam off my hands for 2 nights - to give me a break (now ladyfriend has finally capitulated and given in that i'm obviouslynot going to be early). and that is wonderful and lovely of them, but now i feel like i don't know what to do with myself. i felt sad to see madam go but she has been such a pain in the arse recently, and loves ladyfriend beyond belief, that i felt i had nothing to offer her - and she's going to the seaside tomorrow. lucky her!

i know everyone says enjoy this time before you've got 2 of them, but i don't quite know what to do. last time it was the week before christmas, so dh was off work and we just spent the time together, walking, seeing the odd person, going out to restaurants etc. this time am nervous of going for long walks on my own as dh is working like a demon to get his project finished on time, and i don't want to be too far from home incase it all kicks off. is that stupid?

any ideas on things to do while i'm waiting? i suspect i am feeling a bit down anyway, and that is compounding everything. if i just get some sleep (been in short supply recently), i'll probably feel better and will get some oomph back. do you think i should do some gardening? i never know what is good for you and what isn't...

blah blah blah.

a quarter of my family live in christchurch - they are all safe, if shaken and terrified. those poor people. anyone heard from rubes?

WG: a little gentle gardening sounds like a good idea. Is DH working from home? I am certainly checking regularly for signs that you are in labour :). I think second children are amazing in that they suddenly make you a Family With Children and your baby becomes a big sister :)

Very quickly - hello lovely ladies! - have texted Rubes but no word. However, not sure it was Christchurch and also think she was in US first. No time to catch up just now but love to all. An extra bit to Spot WG, my dear, could you have more treaty massages? Girls were good on plane, immensely quiet here but v nice and sunny and restful.

Not read back properly just got home. Am somewhat apprehensive about the aquarium too. ARTi you are the London person what to you think? Am happy to go elsewhere.

Hmmm, yes, I think maybe the aquarium could be pushing it. Especially as it is due to rain and everyone will be flocking to indoor activities.

The trouble is that all child friendly places will be similar tomorrow. My friend took her boys to the Science Museum today and left after 15 minutes as it was so busy.

We would head for the RFH again. Or try somewhere like the Tate Modern which does have a nice under 5s area. I am not great at thinking of ideas as I rarely take the kids into Zone 1 (I was mucho impressed that Urbane's DS knows London well enough that he can be left to choose activities).

Jam/Effie - if the whole London visit is seeming less attractive please don't feel you need to come in because I was begging for company last week. I will totally understand and can amuse the girls at our local pool or something. It may well be that it would be more fun to meet outside of the school holidays at some point.

WG - PM me your number and I will call . No substitute for old pals being in touch of course, though. I do think sometimes people have so much going on that thinking of some of the small important things of others' lives can be too much. I mean, everyone is looking forward to hearing the good news about your DC2 but forgets about the waiting time, thoughts, anxieties and anticipation that accompanies it. Does that make sense? I remember feeling as unspecial as it was possible to be when Matthew was being born. Everyone seemed too busy and of course I'd done it before. We are thinking of you on the thread of course and are ready with or even as you wait. Could you slip off for a mani / pedi / eyelash dye tomorrow? Before my DD2 was born I had all 3 in an afternoon and it was heaven.

Am thinking of all those worried about NZ friends and family. Had a drink with a pal tonight whose cousin is missing. Worrying times.

Am bished so off to sleep.Good night, dear ladies.

Hi ladies just quickly dipping in to say Pubie is ok, just landed in Auckland and has been in the US.

I know its not central but I can recommend the docklands museum at Canary Wharf. its near west India quay station and the cinemas and its free and they have a great kids area and a nice cafe.

Right gotta go we get the keys today will catch up later.

Vag: that is a really good idea. Arti and Jam: what do you think? The boys were worn out yesterday and are still (uncharacteristically) asleep, so if you would prefer to reschedule we'd be happy pottering about here.

Blimey boys have just woken! Shame DS2 has been in bed with me all night so no nice benefit just clinging to the edge of the mattress all night.

Glad to hear Rubes is ok. Was going to text her last night.

Vag great idea never went there when we lived that way as DS1 was too little. Effie ARTi I don't mind postponing. Also if we do and you fancy meeting up somewhere your way thus arvo effie I coulddfo that as will prob go to CO for some shopping.

Bollocks this baby is still in a lot of pain feeding, am questioning the wisdom of taking him off his cocktail of meds and just trebling the one. He's in so much pain he's barely having half his feeds.

Just looked online and they say side effects of Omeprazole include stomach pain, farting and constipation. Got the lot. Anyone medical, do you think I should go back to docs and go back on other ones? i feel like we're constantly messing about with his poor little tummy but other than the pain the poor little mite's in he needs to get the calories in.

WG I am thinking about you too, I wish we were in North London right now so I could come over and have a cuppa and scare you stupid-- and make you feel all happy and excited. Oh, that sounds wrong, but you know what I mean.