Dec 08 - tears, tantrums, giggles and piddles - and that's just the mums!

[traceface]

Or maybe piddling whilst giggling is just me?
It's so sunny here I feel Spring has sprung - where's that daffodil emoticon gone? Had a friend round this morning for a natter and cake - muchos snot and tears but all good. Think I might go for a little bike ride now to blow the cobwebs away.
And no vag - not a chance!
rubs don't you dare spend all your time tweeting - your first loyalty is here!

Just a quickie (hopefully more later...) Still free tomorrow post about 2.30 and Friday until about 12 but I suspect those times don't fit in with most ladies...

Computer's been playing up today. Hmm, seem to have got a lot more done than usual, could there be a link

Rubes, we are going to MIL's for a bit of Easter but are round the other half of the time. I know DP has a trial he's been dreading sandwiched between the two bank hols though so I don't know how he is fixed, AND we are hoping to move the following weekend (or so I am told, forgive my cynicism ) but if you are about and it all fits in, perhaps we can do something.

Trace, I think as you say, ups and downs are TOTALLY inevitable (same with all of us in fact...)

DD1 is chucking peas about so must go - will try to nip back later.

Wow Lady your DD1 will actually touch peas. DS1 has started not wanting food if it is touching vegetables. He actually turned down chips the other day because they were touching the little salad garnish that came with his meal. Aaargh, it always two steps forward one step back.

Trace I can't see that link on my phone, will have to fire up MN on the laptop. What time are you viewing tomorrow? Any word from the Leeds lass?

Hello Beans

Jam goodluck with eBay. I love most plsydates, its a bit like having a babysitter. Most of DS1's friends love DS2 so they generally let him join in.

I'm going to a pot luck dinner tonight, the hostess is providing booze & dessert. I decided to make an impossible pie because a) I was blowing some eggs for the boys to paint for Easter and b) I could double up on the mixture and make the boys tea. Unfortunately, it didn't turn out so easy as the boys didn't just sit serenely at the breakfast bar and paint, and I poured out the mixture for the dinner then put all the extra bits in I knew DS1 wouldn't eat then popped it in the oven. Then I faffed around for a bit then poured the remainder into a silicon muffin tray, suddenly realised that as I hadn't given the mixture a little stir before the initial pour that most if the pot luck pie was the eggy bit and most of the boys was the flour part which has settled by the time I'd poured it. Poor DS1 he did try to eat it but it was a bit cakey. Goodness knows what the main pie will be like.

Right gotta go DS2 is being a monkey. Still have to wait to go because DH is upstairs with our neighbours as they are having a little building body corporate meeting. It was supposed to be tomorrow night but they changed it to tonight. It better finish soon.

ha ha vag I read that as 'body building meeting' and wondered what they would be discussing! And what is impossible pie and what's a pot luck dinner?

If anything happening tomorrow I could probably get in in the afternoon but need to no asap as have a friend on hold while I checked here to see what / if anything was happening!

Jam yeah Fitflops yeah perhaps mumsy but I'm overlooking that in hope that they will help posture Havanians hurt between my toes.... are you able to get to London tom? I've been eBaying too.....

Those routines sound like mine I think I just have a very non screamy baby however the random sleeping through's have stopped. I want to get up earlier to take the dog for a run but just can't until she sleeps through

Deids, offer stands if you can ever get down this way you are welcome to stay and we can gather the London Ladies

Vag that was such a generous offer for your house.... Gosh would think about it if more notice but dh needs 6 weeks [bugger]

Gotta run back in a bit I hope

need to KNOW not no

Veg what on earth is an impossible pie?! How are you feeling today?

Beans how's your Dad today? I hope he is recovering well. I haven't seen that book, but I really feel I'm lacking in family recipes that I can prepare speedily whilst DD is causing havoc playing. I'll have to see if I can track it down (along with Jamie's 30 minute meals, that I've been talking about getting for months and not actually doing anything about)

LadyT I forgot to say yesterday, you mentioned wanting a holiday to look forward to. Is it you who does some travel writing, or I am mixing you up with Kiwi? We are always looking for travel journalists to visit, and families are hot stuff right now. I can PM with more info if you'd like?

Hope the viewing goes well tomorrow Trace and the house is as good as it looks. Talking of which, I wonder how Jolly's move is going?

whoops forgot to answer vag's questions - I was so distracted by the impossible pie! Not heard back from the Leeds lass yet - our estate agent rang us to tell us they've not managed to get hold of her today, so at least we know they're chasing her up. Our viewing is 1.30 for the other tomorrow and I'm excited We're off to see Hop in the morning too - we're taking P to nursery then taking L to the pictures for a 9.10am showing! Is that too early to eat Maltesers?

Sadly Vag, peas are one of the few cooked vegetables she will eat (other than chips). However, she will also eat raw carrot, peppers, celery, cucumber, tomatoes and has always eaten fruit so it's really not so bad. Peanut butter is this week's triumph. How are you feeling? I guess better if you are going to a pot luck dinner

ZJ, it is me but I only get 1-2 commissions a year from the Mail travel section (not that I am moaning!) so do PM me, that would be great. I am just talking to a travel mag about doing something for them and they seem quite keen, and I'd love to expand my portfolio a bit.

Rubes, would absolutely love to see you tomorrow but only free from 2.30ish and I worry this would be bad for you re: rush hour trains...

Jam, you are spot on about FitFlops looking mumsy. This is what worries me about them and why I feel slightly depressed when I put them on However, as I only wear them for walking around the village and not red carpet events and the like (as if) I feel any possible tightening benefits make it worth it. However, I have worn mine more since you ladies have been mentioning them as you are sanctioning them for me.

Hope your Dad has a good night, Beans.

Trace, I do want to look at your house but now my supper's ready....

I have broadband!!!! I am so excited. This is my first non-phone post since we moved. I am typing on an ACTUAL keyboard.

I have loads to say as I have been lurking but not posting but sadly I have limited time as I am meant to be editing photos to send to friends. We had a wicked day out at Bekonscot Model Village today with 8 kids and four mums. Such a relaxed place to be and the kids were enchanted. I LOVE being on holiday.

I am still around tomorrow afternoon. Lady, where are you having lunch? Where would be a good place for you? Could I tempt you as far as Westfield? Rubes, Jam, could you be tempted?

Oh, and I loved seeing baby Waiting at the weekend. She slept through the whole visit and looked gorgeous. DD2 was slightly peeved that she didn't talk to her ("She no saying anything to me, she no saying anything"). WG looked fabulous despite lack of sleep, recent surgery and intestinal going ons. We were flabbergasted that the moment that DH clapped eyes on WG's DH he recognised him as a cricket opponent of 18 years ago. I don't know which is weirder: that they knew each other or that that recognised a sports opponent after nearly two decades. It is a strange coincidence though. When this antenatal thread started three years ago, approx 25 ladies from round the world joined, and it turns out I has only one degree of seperation from two of them (LadyT and I had a mutual friend, then there is the WG connection). Nect I'll find that Veg is descended from my Aussie great uncle, or Deids is my third cousin or Jolly one of the two half sisters I have never met...

Trace, I love that house. Its my fav of the ones you have linked to so far. Any feedback from your viewing?

Hurrah arti. Hows the house?

Trace I like really like that house too. Hope the viewing has good results!

Evening routines: Ours is pretty similar to most on here, well it depends if DH is going to be home or not, to be honest I find it easier without him, wihtout him it goes something like: 5-5:30 tea for both (but not me), 6-6:15ish bath, both in at the same time, but DD in much less time. PJs, downstairs for milk for both of them, DD conks out at 7ish and in bed, 15 mins or so playing with DS, or TV if feeling lazy, then him upstairs, teeth story and bed.
With DH home it goes like, "Oh I'll be home at 6, let's eat together", oops running late, Eat at 6-6:30, DD overtired often, massive rush to squeeze in bath and sometimes skip it. But it's nice to try and eat together!

Oh I meant to say ladyt sounds like DD1's eating is going well? Eating peas, and raw veggies and fruit, that is really good. My DS still won't touch veggies in any form except for the basil in pesto if you count that and sometimes some hidden in other pasta sauces. He sometimes nibbles raw carrot. He won't even eat chips! Did you have a repeat of the pasta incident? I am happier with DS's eating these days though as he will agree to try things he doesn't like and sometimes nibbles new things, which makes all the difference.

vag what is this pie and what is a pot luck dinner anyway?

beans I was so happy to hear about your dad's op. I wanted to post just after I read about your argument but my internet went down! I am sure you are feeling better about all that now that the op is over and went well. I hope he is doing well.

jolly hope the move is going well

jj any update on houses? Hope you are having a nice time with rellies staying, and hope sleep has improved a bit. Have you considered trying a sling?

Oh it was me who originally suggested a weekend meet up somewhere midlandsish, sorry I haven't done any more on that front, I am busy almost every bloody single weekend until August due to DH's work trips and long holiday in canada, etc, etc, so I had not got round to suggesting anything. Maybe we could do something in autumn when people are not away on summer hols etc? What do you think?

rubes I really want my DD to start sleeping through too! I want to go out with my biking mates, but they go to the pub (and I can't resist staying for a couple) and then I don't get to bed til gone midnight and it's too knackering with the ups in the night and early mornings and the exercise and the beer combined!

wg how's things and did you manage to bin the trip to the ILs at easter?

zoe I had something to say to you but I have forgotten, bugger, I have to say your posts are very lovely and long and thoughtful recently, it puts me to shame for sure. Oh yes, the hen do, have you decided? Doesn't sound worth it to me,how far away is it?

RIght I am going to sleep now as I had a shit nights sleep last night.

Depending on what time I might be able to meet tomorrow PM but have to be in Dulwich until 3 so probably too late. Plus would just be me and DS2 which may defeat the purpose?!

Just quickly as DP has put a film on (it's a bit rubbish, I don't often enjoy action thrillers. It's called Salt with Angelina Jolie)

Arti, I could be lured over to Westfield. Am lunching nr Tottenham Court Road, but in the evening I am meeting pal who works at TV Centre, therefore Westfield in the afternoon for coffee could work quite well because I could then meet said pal from work. I should add I will be a bit laden as of course I have the DDs...Rubes - I realise it would probably be a hassle at that time of day...but you know how you like the Champagne Bar...

SL, do you know, she has pretty much always eaten that stuff. Which is great, but she won't eat cheese, eggs, pasta, meat, fish, potato in any other form than crisps or chips...So her diet is really only yoghurts, bread, fruit, that sort of thing...but she is a tad better and nuts help with the protein. The spaghetti on hols was a flash in the pan Sorry you are still struggling with your DS. I am afraid we will be having the same conversation for some years yet....However, DD2 is still a trougher. I love it. Yes, do let's do a Dec Ladies meet up on tour. And yes, in the autumn.

I too am enjoying ZJ's more frequent posts. I failed in my mission to get up early this morning, btw.

Mom, it would be lovely to see you tomorrow and I feel like you need some cheer, but it sounds a bit tricky.

Hmm. We need a proper meet up that everyone can do. My trips to London are rationed at the mo on account of financial circs. Also, with trip to Mum's then the moving type-scenario, everything's a bit nutty at the mo.

It was a kind offer about your house, Vag. You are a trouper.

Oh, this silly film beggars belief. But I need to show willing and watch along.

Fab Lady. I will text you. Rubes, might you be about? If its anymore tempting I can open my house. Its only a few mins from Westfield.

Oh Lady, you know me, and I do love the Champagne Bar (I would also love to see you and your house Avo) and although W'field easier for me as I can drive, 230-3 is a bit late in the day as I have to be back before 530pm so I commited to catching up with a friend earlier in the day to get back early.

Is anyone free next week? Lady I am hoping to see you soon though for a late birthday lunch / drink? Perhaps we could meet in Reading if you can't get to London?

Summer - your routine sounds like a carbon copy of what happens in this house - right down to the dh eating together thing (sometimes at a pub) but then it's always rush rush rush. Today he got home early but I nicked out to Tesco and he had them all sorted for Bed and watching ITNG on the Ipad on our bed. Quite funny as I snuck in and they were giggling and playing footsie's with each other!

Must go ds has woken.....

I'm doing poos! I'm doing poos!

Because you all really wanted to know that!

And am RAVENOUS for the first time since she was born. Getting back to normal. Phew!!!

Beans - glad op went well keep us posted.
Sorry, mid-feed iPhone post with thumb only so nothing else...

This

Back when have read through. x

Hello all. I'm afraid I'd love to make it this pm, but I can't as am taking DD2 to doctor. She's caught conjunctivitis from DD1. Sob.

Dad had a good night, and, like WG - he has done a poo. Congrats WG !!! He was very excited as was dreading it and is now pleased it's done. He managed to get there on his crutches, so is very pleased with himself. And exhausted. He's gutted though, because he's got BUPA and they haven't got a private room for him, so he's on a public ward, opposite the loo. Not happy. Although good positioning for his nighttime botty antics!!!

DH back from Serbia. Was so excited to see him. And am, of course, disappointed. But that's mean and I mustn't be small. He very kindly got up with DD1 at 6.30 this morning, where I would have ignored her! So I got to sleep til 7am, for which I am grateful. But I have been up at least 5 times a night every night for about 3 weeks with one or other of them. I can no longer claim my children sleep through the night. Sob. But it does get a bit wearing and I don't think I go on about it, although I do like to mention it on occasion so that he knows why I'm so tired (so I probably do go on about it a bit, admittedly!!). Anyway, this morning DD1 wouldn't eat her cereal for him (he puts milk on it and she likes to eat it with her fingers dry), and had a tantrum, so he put her back to bed and watched some telly.

I said I'd go and get her up if he thought it was time to and what time did he put her to bed. His response (and I quote) "About when you started to go on about how difficult your life is and how I don't understand what it's like and what you have to go through". Now, when she woke up at 6.15, I went in (for 4th time of the night!) and lay her back down and ignored her as she was screaming to get up, but I knew she'd go quiet in a few minutes. He asked what I was going to do, and I said "I'm not getting up at 6.15, I am going to ignore her". Whereupon he got up, which is fine. But at no point did I say anything like he said I did.

I don't think I have the hardest job in the world, and most of the time I love it. BUT I'd love him to acknowledge that I do work hard and that it is tiring. But he won't. It's like he thinks I do feck all the whole time and just sponge off him and spend the money he earns. Frankly, I think I'm a bloody good wife and mother most of the time. And what I really want from him is some kind of respect for what I do.

I have told him I'm going away for a weekend in May and I'm going to run down all the frozen food for the girls in the freezer and all the packet food and leave nothing for him in the house and he'll literally have to do everything. And when I get back, I'll hand over my bag (like he did last night) and say "Here's my washing".

Hummmph.

Anyway, all will be fine tomorrow and I will not whinge any more.

Actually, on reading that email back, I sound like a total whinging spoilt cow. Which I probably am! Haha! Men. Maybe he had a point!

Honestly, sometimes when he's away I do actually find it easier! Echoing what Summer said re them getting home from work and trying to rearrange around them and ending up having a miserable time with overtired nippers!

Haha - just noticed that my bold post for WG highlighted that my Dad had done a poo too! He'd be mortified.

He was so embarrassed to be having to do a poo with someone able to hear him. So I told him about doing a poo in the midwife's face when I was pushing DD2 out!

Hurrah for poos! Hurrah for hunger! Brill news WG

Never too early for maltesers Trace, I hope you've settled into your seats and are munching away already

Arti that is too strange about knowing 2 of us, it really is a small world

Autumn would suit me better for a meet up, still love the idea Summer. It's v good to hear DS is open to trying things, one day soon he'll give you the shock of your life and gobble a plate full. Do you think he's copying DD at all?

Bus stop approaching, back later

Beans: I totally get what you mean about the grumpy comments. I love having more time at home with the boys, but DH sometimes gives the impression that I'm lazing about all day while he's hard at work. I know full well that though he'd be fine at looking after the boys, at the end of the day the house would be a tip and no laundry or washing up would be done. Humph.

Anyway, we think you're an absolute star for being a f/t mum, keeping the house and cooking yummy food for your offspring! You always seem to make the day fun for the girls :).

Effie - that's exactly it. In fact, he'd be brilliant at looking after the girls, but it's the rest of the shit that wouldn't be so good. I don't know about you lot, but I am still making separate food for DDs (although getting closer to having the same - bring on 12 months!), apart from macaroni cheese! So that's 6 meals a day for them, plus dinner for DH every night, plus the cleaning, the ironing, the bathing, the washing, the hanging up the washing, which is worse than the washing! and the appeasing tantrums, nappy changing etc. I genuinely am happy to do it and I don't even expect loads of praise etc. I just do expect some respect and no disparaging comments about how easy my life is. It is lovely, but it's also bloody hard work!

Right, whine over. It is the cry of many women, I think!!!

On the other weird WG coincidence - we also have a friend in common. Although can't say I see him any more...

Oh Effie _ X-posted. What a lovely thing to say - thank you!

We're off to Eddie Katz in Putney this morning. I'm looking forward to it. I think they do cake...

PS Just to be a bit of a cheesemeister - I think we're all bloody marvellous and do an amazing job, whether we're f/t mums, or p/t or f/t at work or whatever. We have lovely nippers and it's all down to our hard work!

Crap crap night. I thought my cold was better but I'm all bunged up (overnight - clearing now) and dd is exactly the same. Up a couple of times and wouldn't drink more than a couple of ounces as she couldn't breathe properly so she got pissed off. I've cancelled going to see my friend today as I just couldn't face the Sth London traffic after the crap night, and she is coming to mine next week instead

Beans GREAT result re your dad (except the Bupa let down) that's crap about dh. Good idea about running down the food in the freezer when you go away!
My dh says he understands how much work I do but I don't think he really believes it sometimes. I musn't complain. I was saying the other day about wanting to get up earlier and reason why is I have been feeling awfully guilty. For ages now ds has been getting up about the same time dh does for work, so dh has been getting him changed / dressed and giving him breakfast then setting him up with cartoons so I can sleep a little longer, then brings me coffee before he heads out the door to work on his bike the minute dd sleeps through I am planning to start getting up around 6 to sneak out for a very quick run () with the dog before anyone else gets up, then sorting both of them breakfast so dh can sleep a bit longer. When that happens I'll never know.
I'm also a bit as I rarely hang out washing. Actually it saves us heating in the Winter using the tumble dryer, but in Summer I have no excuse. New effort will be made this Summer.
I'm going to start giving dd water at night and see if that helps. I know what the problem is - she doesn't eat / drink enough in the day as she is WAY TOO DISTRACTED to eat. Food isn't as interesting as her brother being a nut or the dog or the bird in the tree. I'm going to also try giving her her bottles when she goes down for her naps in the cot - where she feeds best with nothing but the mobile to look at and might even bung a bit of baby rice in those one's.

Right, Neurofen much needed.

Lady and Avo If I feel better this arvy I might change my mind and drive in to Westfield. I've gotta say Avo, your house would be much easier (if there is parking about) but I'll see how my head and dd's nose go.....

Vag hows the cold?

Waiting great news on the poo and hunger - they compliment each other at least.