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

[Beans33]

Here we are x

Morning ladies,

Can't catch up properly just now as DP has just nipped to chambers and when he gets back I need to be all ready, and have the girls ready, for a day at the house....but just for now...

Spot, I am hoping that things are slightly better for you. Omigosh. Still racking brains about what I could possibly do to help.

JB, 'twas a pleasure to send you that stuff. I realise it wasn't the most glamorous of parcels but I hope it will be useful. Sorry the docs can't agree (and more so that they aren't exactly keeping you informed. Sounds like you are being drip fed info a bit, but it may just be falling between the cracks between them).

When are you off to France, Rubes and Vag? Some friends have bought a house an hour from Toulouse and we will probably be there at some point in August...don't know when the cycling malarkey is going on, it is a sport about which I am pretty ignorant! Your trailer looks great fun, Rubes.

Beans, I do hope you have had a more peaceful weekend, and a bit of shut eye, at least...

Urbane, yep, we are at RFH tomorrow (I think between 1 and 3, though possibly earlier?) so it would be fabbo to see you if you nip down. Think it might only be me with the nipperoos though.

Right, when the chimney was fixed last week, (kitchen) a thin film of coal dust settled everywhere - all over the kitchen, just everywhere, even in the living room (sofa, cushions, you name it ) You can't even see it just from looking - but if you touch anything, hands and fingers are black. It is a nightmare. My lungs hurt after spending hours trying to clean it yesterday. And the we need a new pump in the immersion Girls, I just didn't have enough swearwords yesterday. But onwards and upwards! More later...

Oh Lady, thats horrendous, surely they could have earned you that might happen so you could have taken steps to reduce the damage, ie drop sheets etc.

I am in South of France near the town of Condom (teehee) from the 30th July. The tour runs from the 3rd July to the 24th July. Currently our plan is to watch the tour finish in Paris in the 24th then drive down slowly over a week to Condom (its near Bordeaux), then spend the week there. This plan will be foiled if DHs brother decides to get married in July as DH won't be able to take that much time off all together. But either way I'll be in Bordeaux in the first week of August.

Just running on as off to see my brother.

There is a chance I may come tomorrow will let you know later....will have both with me if so...

Re friday I am up for going to Watford instead if that is better?

Oh and you will not believe this....DD slept through the night last night. From 9pm to 7am, yahoo, I feel good! Sure it was a one off but still ace.

Give me strength have just had to leave the cinema with DS2 because he has thrown a huge wobbler. Left DS1 & DH in there am sitting in the car with L who has been screeching for approx 45 mins!

Lady I would get on to the chimney peeps that is unacceptable way to leave your property.

Am happy to do Watford it would be about 1hr 20mins for us. But I would be able to get there till about 2 as DS1 is in nursery in AM. Not sure how that would suit. If easier we can cancel and rearrange for another time.

Meet tomorrow - just to confirm, 1ish at RFH? I may dash down with dd2, would be fab to show her off see you all ILs due to arrive in the evening so as long as I'm back by then it should be ok.

Lady re chimney, do those static duster thingies work at picking up the grime? Would definitely ask the chinmey guys what they suggest for cleaning up, with a heavy emphasis on the "Because you should be doing it you b'stards". Reminds me of when we had our loft floored, the whole house got covered in what the guy referred to quite accurately as "filth", fortunately it was before we had much junk in the house to dust down...

Vag - aah yes we walked through there when we went to Paris last year and met up with my Uncle and Aunt. They were doing some construction / maintainence though but it was still lovely.

Jam, Is it really that far from you to Watford? If that's the case, I'd hate to have you come that far! I also fear that from mine to yours it must be even further than I thought Might be all a bit exhausting after long drive then a chaotic soft play. From me to Watford it is about 40 mins with the speed restriction thingy last time I went - I don't want to make you move the venue on account of me. Perhaps if I set off early enough to yours, I could beat the morning traffic. I'll check the situation with the average speed check / roadworks on the M-25.

Lady / Vag. I have no dates / firm plans to go over to France. Just saw the link to Vag's gite and thought it looked like such a relaxing holiday and hassle free when you can just get in the car to get there. I would love to do a holiday like that this Summer. Check with your friends lady and maybe we could all co-ordinate. MN France meet up

Lovely afternoon on the bikes at Great Windsor park. Exhausted me. I'm so unfit, and there were SO many people there to slow us down it wasn't funny and I was still huffing and puffing Slight mistake going over ds's nap time but only a couple of whines and then he was fine and mostly loved it. DD loved it too. DH was a little as he pulled the trailer with one of his racing bikes and shouldn't have. But we weren't going fast and he was quite careful to not stress it.

Right, I'm so shattered. Going to put kiddies to bed now as they are done. then tea

JJ yes I think Lady will be there from 1pm ish. I will be there around then or I can be slightly earlier (maybe) as I have to get to mil's and then work out the trains etc. I have to nick off by just before 3 though, but I'd LOVE to get a peek at dd2
Summer I hope you can come too? I understand though if it's a bit much but would love to see you and the littles.

Back later.

Oooh dear bed time went slightly tits up. neither of them had an afternoon nap (way too exciting in bike trailer) and so Miss screamy pants came out which I've never seen before then ds decided to get in on the screamathon since his room is right there, so it was a total scream off for 10 mins solid (unusual) Just went to give her some (hopefully) settling milk and she stopped! Fingers crossed.... dh has reached for the take away menu again and has twisted my arm with dim sum and our own cabbage soup as an appetiser yeah that'll work.....

rubs cabbage soup and dim sum? Hmm. Hope you enjoy it
JB that sounds very unsettling to have everyone having differing opinions on your needs. FWIW I think you should have dc2 at St. Mary's in Manchester, because that's where I was born
spot how are things now? How soon will T's collar one heal? P's arm only took a week in plaster - I think they heal so quickly at this age, so hopefull he'll soon be back to himslf. How is ds2? You have so much on your plate - I wish I could help. I feel very far away from the thread action sometimes, being Up North. Are you in touch with the MN person (can't remember her name) who is local to you? Could she help out at all to give you a breather?
Hope you have a lovely meet-up tomorrow Photos please

collar bone, not 'one'

It's been meltdown centraal here too Rubes. Despite enjoying our little house here DS has found sleeping not so great here. He's woken loads both nights. He has napper well but not slept well. Anyway tonight he just would not go down. I gave up on him in the end and went downstairs to help DH clean up, we have to be out of our little house by 10am tomorrow. DS2 screamed at the top of the stairs for about 15mins. I kept telling him that when he calmed down I would come up but he just screamed a big old "no" when I said that, so in the end I came up and we had a big cuddle. I said we would be back home tomorrow and back in his room. He seemed quite settled after I told him that and is nearly off to sleep now. Poor little guy, he loves being here anddoing stuff all together but as far as bed and sleeping goes he loves his old routine.

Poor DS1 is still not well, he has been having terrible pain in his legs and had a temp again this afternoon. we managed a nice swim and a bit of a play but then came back for a light dinner here as DS1 just felt so crap. This morning his legs were so painful he couldn't walk. I'm not sure if that sort of thing is like a post viral thing or not. What he describes is like shin splints, but he's not be particularly active the last few days except for a couple of short swims and playing pool.

Hi Trace.

Vag could the leg pain be growing pains?

Thank god for bedtime. Dinner in the oven Top Gear then Being Human great Sunday night telly.

Rubes seriously don't worry love am used to driving big wages in a day.

Howdy Trace.

Howdy We have Top Gear on too.
Vag I was wondering about growing pains too. L often complains of sore legs but not as bad as AK is describing. Hope he feels better soon.

Hi folks, this will prob be last night for a while I can post as DS2 has to stay in hosp til Friday at least and although DP is doing tonight I will be on it all next week. My mum will come up to stay with T on Tues-Fri, while DP off to Amst on Thurs - Fri night. They are keeping him in because he's still in a lot of pain feeding despite loads of meds (including Omeprizole now) and they also suspect a link with the laryno malacia. So they're putting a camera down his throat on Fri, but want to keep him in until then. It's impossible to get any sleep there, but here's not much better as T is awake all night having nightmares about falling downstairs and still in a lot of pain with his collarbone. DP now also getting ill from being run down, no sleep and stress about work, which he's taken too much time of from now. Thank you so much for all your concern and thoughts - to be honest if you could all send mending vibes to both boys that would be great, as they're not managing spectacularly well on their own.

Not had much time to read and have to do a million things while I'm here but wanted to send commiserations to Vag, hoping poorly boy turns a corner soon and screamy boy manages to settle.

Rubes that sounds a lovely afternoon despite meltdowns, what a great way to spend a Sunday!

WG - no real advice on the eating and birth situation as I didn't have time in either but didn't fancy eating much, maybe because of the shock. I do wish you a great experience regardless and hope DC2 makes as smooth a transition into the world as possible. I am v excited for you!

SL - top news on the sleeping, gives hope to me at least!

Hi Trace, I'm afraid the MN person isn't all that local, just made the Brighton meet ups, and has a lot on her plate anyway, but a good thought. Unfortunately DP has fallen out with his sis (over my failure to breastfeed, no less) and so the only local help we could have had is not really available.

Lady I am annoyed for you re- the house, what a pain. How did today's work go? Am impressed at your being able to bring the DDs there while you work, is DD1 good at playing with stuff on her own? T would probably cause more damage than your workmen in that situation. He is turning into a proper -toddler monster-- boy. I never bought into the gender stereotype thing too much, but he is just so boistrous. I know I need to start using some kind of discipline with him, but it never seems the right time. Well, I know it certainly isn't now, at any rate.

Jolly - it all sounds v stressful for you, and very confusing as well, esp when you want to just go with one medical opinion and be able to trust it. Thinking of you.

Sorry for those I've missed out, have to do an online supermarket shop and change a whole bunch of plans for this week before collapsing into bed. Will maybe try and come back later as I will miss my mning time for a while after tomorrow night.

Yeah I was wondering that, I've always been a bit dubious about growing pains but this is the age that they often complain of leg pain.

Spot. Your ability to come on here at all, with what's on your plate, let alone ask about, or comment to others, is truly remarkable. You are so incredibly selfless. Things can only turn a very big corner for your family soon. I will be sending all the possible get well soon vibes to all of you. In the mean time. If you think there's a chance I can be at all helpful by coming down or doing anything else, let me know.

The dc's were clearly just over tired. I meant to say great news on the mammoth sleeping dd last night Summer! co incidently dd had a good night too. She slept from 11pm feed through till 530am but she was woken early yesterday for swimming, had loads to eat during the day (which she never does) so i had a feeling she just had to last longer. I don't have much confidence for the same again though, as she went back to her usual sparrow picking at her feeds by day today. She's way too nosey, and only eats properly if it's a dark room and no-one but her sheep there and someone holding a bottle

trace, I had a few dim sum and that was it. the rest CSoup

I'm going to try and take some nytol or similar tonight and try for an early night. bet anything it doesn't happen.....

Gosh Spot, I cross posted with you, I can't believe you are thinking of us all so much when you have so much going on, its actually so hard being over here when I want to come there and a) help you out and b) knock DPs sister off her high bloody horse. Bad words are coming into my head about her, must keep them in.

Rubes I'm dying to get home to make more CSD, I can understand why you mostly had it, though dim sum good!

yes it's really nice hey Vag. I don't really follow the recipe tbh, so each batch turns out differently, but always much better than it's title sounds! Really hope ds1 feels better soon. I bet it's nothing with his legs but must be a worry. DH said can't think what it could possibly be with someone his age so hopefully will that's good and it will pass once he's home and back in his routine.

Hello, quickly. Right I am pretty definitely coming tomorrow...so see you there at 1ish. May or may not have my friend with me, am planning on coming down for about 10:30ish so will be able to spend some time with her before coming to meet up.
jj will text you in case you want to travel down together, you probably won't as I think I am getting the 950 train which may be too early?

rubes and ladyt I will send you my mobile number if you get chance can you send me yours...

spot god it all sounds so horrendous. I so so hope things get better for you soon. And hope your mum can help out rather than hinder, you need a break!

Girls - have attempted to PM you all. If you haven't had one, can you let me know and I'll try to resend. I think I have most people's emails (sorry to be so low tech].

Am just about to catch up on the thread with my face mask on. Don't laugh. Lots of love to you all, and esp to WG, Jolly and our lovely SuperSpot.

Snakes alive, Spot, what a rotten lot you have on your plates. Poor all of you! Please tell me your DP's sister isn't on your case about the bf not working out. Please I can't bear to think of another one of your support avenues being closed off. But enough of that. I am sending serious mending vibes to your poor little chickens and hope you, and your DP, can somehow get a little respite. As to DD1 at the house - now she is walking, I have to admit it is tricky. She plays on her own nicely for about a third of the time and the rest of the time is very aggravating (running off with spanners, stamping in dust, touching paint etc )

I am shattered after an evil day, painstakingly trying to clean grime from every surface. Every part of the kitchen I had cleaned yesterday had a thin layer again. I don't think the chimney chappies are to blame, despite my cursing them, their antecedants and future progeny at length today. Before they could line the chimney, they had to clean it. Their giant industrial vacuum usually cleans 5 chimneys. Ours filled the whole bag three times - ie 15 chimneys, and the fella said it was the messiest, yuckiest chimney of his career. But if I'd known it would have reached the sodding living room I could have covered up! There are areas that are just going to have to be repainted as the grime won't shift. Anyway, why am I telling you all this boring annoying stuff? This house is turning into the freaking Forth Bridge.

No time for a proper catch up but will see some of you tomorrow, hurrah. Rubes, your form is (hopefully) all fit and ready!

spot sending lots of love. you are being heroic. do take care of yourself and healing vibes for the boys xxx

and ladyt grr at your house. how dispiriting. if it makes you feel any better it will all fade once you're in. we had months of horror show/dry rot blah blah before we moved in here and i don't remember much about it now.

will try and come tomorrow.

Spot - you poor poor love. I can come down to Brighton if you need anything - please let me know - even if it's a supermarket shop or something.

Have had a very lovely weekend. Big night on Saturday night, which was fine. I fed DD2 at 9.30pm and she slept through til 7. Both of them v good, despite being in a strange house. Our friends we were staying with's little boy was up for 3 hours screaming in the night, so I felt for them.

I went to bed at 8.30 last night, asleep by 9.00! Hence no catch up. Slept through til 5.30, quick milk feed for DD2 and I had to wake her at 8. Marvellous! I am feeling much refreshed. Won't go into DH's sleep as will make me cross. But mustn't do competitive sleep-deprivation with him as I'll always win - hee hee!

He has 2nd interview for a job today in Bracknell. Hmmm.

Lady - so sorry you had a rubbish day - are you feeling any better today?

All you meeter-uppers, have a smashing time!

xxxx