Dec 08 Mums - Introducing our new joiners, TrudyV and Al Fresco...

[Beans33]

Hope this is ok? Thought it was subtle enough for the wider MN and not offensive!!

Right, off to devon shortly. Have a great rest of week all.

x

Oo I like mind blowing films. I thought I wanted to see it but for some reason I thought it was going to be a bit depressing.

Poor DS2 had a clump of his lashes caught again today. He was so grumpy this morning and that turned out to be the reason why. In other news we've decided to move foreward with TT. No accidents today and even managed a poo so that was exciting. Tomorrow we have music in the morning but might put him on the potty just before we leave then put him in the non disposable pull ups, then put him on the toilet when we get there, then at the end of class then straight home. I have one of those portable potties so I'll take it along to use in the music teachers loo as he gets a bit nervous sitting over a toilet.

DS2 & I went for a little walk today just to get a couple of bits from the shops. He had a mini meltdown & I don't think I handled it very well. Another one if those, have I scarred him for life type affairs.

On the feeding to sleep I always found it quite difficult to wake them if they fell asleep close to bedtime so I just got into a routine of settling to sleep with a feed. I guess its more what works at the time for both. It was great as where ever we were I could always get them to sleep, be it bed, plane or a hotel. But I guess for some that might not work. Anyway, eventually both learned to self settle on their own DS2 a teeny bit earlier than DS1. But I think that is also to do with the type of sleeper DS2 is, compared to DS1.

hello!
vag I thought of you today - I went to give blood and one of the staff was australian, so I did my usual trick of attributing all your characteristics to her, and warmed to her straight away! I can't imagine you've scarred ds2 for life. Your boys are very lucky to have you as their mummy
I'm struggling with P at the mo - I think I already mentioned it - especially at night. I can't settle her to bed. I do lovely stories and cuddle time, then she just won't lie down and follows me out of the room (she can climb out of her cot so she now sleeps spends the night in the bed in her room.) I persist for ages then end up asking DH to come and help, and he gets her to lie down like magic. It's good that one of us can do it, but bothers me that I can't put my own child to bed. Also she's waking for hours on end every night, leaving her room and having mega tantrums about going back to bed. Sigh. I hope this is a short-lived phase. We're going to my parents' in 2 weeks to celebrate my dad's 60th, putting the girls to bed and having one of my parents' friends to babysit while we all go out to dinner, and I'm so worried about P screaming the whole time we're out.
wg in answer to your question - no I am not on any other threads. I had never heard of MN when I had dd1, and was told about it by 2 friends who were on antenatal/postnatal threads with their dcs, so I sneaked a look while clackered with P and got hooked! I think it's just the 'same boat' thing, and the immense support that I've found here, as well as the very many laughs. We've shared so much with each other that this thread feels close and safe. If I had another dc (not going to) I don't think I'd join another thread. Every now and then I think I ought to have a break or stop using MN fullstop, because I feel a bit guilty about spending time on it, and also a bit 'sad' that I find companionship here rather than investing more in RL friendships, but then I feel such loyalty I daren't stop (!) and I know that I would really miss it. You didn't ask all that, but I seem to be in a waffly mood
Had a lovely day with L today I don't know if it's because P is being so high maintenance and therefore making L seem so much easier, but I'm enjoying her company so much more at the moment. Anyway today we went to DIG which is an archeology hands-on museum thing in York, and she loved it! She claims she wants to be an archeologist at the moment so we thought it'd be a good place to go. Mind you, she also wants to be a scientist, a vet, a cat and a princess!
vag it sounds like the TT is going really well. Glad Marshmallow returned to you safely. When i was young, our cat went missing and turned up fit and well 6 months later! The cheeky lady jumped in through the open window and went straight to where her food bowl used to be!
JB I forgot to say the other day how pleased I am that your dd2 has started to smile I remember waiting a very long time for those first smiles from L because of the prematurity. Does she still seem to be teething?
beans I hope you have an ace time in Devon and that your dad doesn't get too frustrated with having to take it easy.
deids are you still under canvas? I'm very impressed. DH wanted us to camp this week, but I daren't take P with the way she is sleeping, or rather isn't sleeping. She would have the whole campsite up all night!

Hi Trace! That sounds tricky with P. Sorry I don't have any real advice. DS never climbs out of his cot and so we have the option of just ignoring him if he's being really annoying (though in reality he never really is). We will be takingthe side off his cot after our Canada holiday so may have similar problems then! As he has taken to screaming about going to bed at bedtime, but settling down fine after story.
vag yikes for TT. It is a sad state of affairs when TT in my life stands for Toilet Training and not Time Trial (though DH would disagree as he thinks Time trials are for saddos). It is another thing we are doing when we are back from holiday - well maybe.
beans and rubes we are usually too disorganised to get DD milk much before 7, but I will give it a try. What do you do for the hr/half hour after their milk, are they downstairs just playing? Or something more low key so they know it's bedtime.
Right gotta go and tidy up this messy house.

Mornin' ladies, this is just a hit and run - got back from Suffolk on Monday night and then was at the house all day yest and doing the same today...So will do a proper one tonight or tomorrow. Haven't read properly but v glad Vag's cat returned and sorry to miss JJ's birthday! Suffolk was nice in that I really enjoyed seeing my folks, but the place itself was a bit flat, blustery and bleak. But I always find it like that (sorry to fans of East Anglia). I am also curious as to why it's so middle class - swarming with Boden families. Not that that is a criticism (of Boden, being middle class or holidaying in Suffolk).

I love this list. Am so proud of all our lovely babies and beautiful monikers. Have put the girls on the bottom. Whilst I remember, are we still doing drinks in London in Thursday 9th June and Rubes, are you still up for a lunch in Reading or Henley the following Mon? Sorry to run off - more soon, honest!

Beans - 2 DDs
06.12.08 - DD1 - Isabella Sarah - 6lbs 13oz
20.06.10 - DD2 - Prudence Emily - 6lbs 13oz

Nolda - 1DD, 1 DS
05.07.06 - DD - Katie Elizabeth - 9lbs 8oz
14.12.08 - DS - Edwin George - 9lbs 15oz

Traceface - 2 DDs
01.07.04 - Lucy Faith - 3lbs 2oz
11.12.08 - Phoebe Martha - 7lbs 3oz

TrudyV - 1DD, 1DS
25.03.02 - DD - Polly Sophie
30.12.08 - DS - Maximilian Richard James - 10lb 4oz

Waitinggirl - 2 DDs
25.12.08 - DD1 Rosanna (Rosie) Annelie - 7obs 10oz
24.02.11 - DD2 Georgia Emily - 7lbs 5oz

Vagolajahooli
17/08/05 - DS1- Alexander Jei Lib - 8lb 2oz
13/12/08 - DS2- Jordan Leong An - 8lb 1oz

Spotofcheerfulness - 2DSs
17/12/08 - DS1 - Thomas Dean - 7lbs 8oz
29/12/10 - DS2 - William (Billy) Dean - 8lbs 2oz

ZuleikaJambiere - 1DD
22/12/08 - Eloise Frances - 6lb7oz

DeidreBarlow
18/08/06 - DD Daisy
24/11/08 - DS Harry

Effieperrine
William Joseph Duncan 8/10/2006 7 lb 6 oz (I think! 3.3 kg)
Maximilian Daniel Charles 1/1/2009 8 lb 10 oz

Rubena
10/12/08 Benjamin Thomas Andrew 7lb 12oz
26/07/10 Alexandra Grace Olivia 6lb 14oz

Jumpjockey
1/12/08 Sarah Kirstin 7lb 3oz
14/1/11 (1 month early) Eleanor Athene 6lb 11oz

Urbanewarrior
20/01/07 Isaac William 7lbs 5 oz
29/11/08 Nancy Elizabeth 6lbs 5 oz
DC3 due 07/12/11 woo hoo

SummerLightning
25/12/08 Edmund William 6lbs 10oz
11/08/10 Helen Elizabeth 8lbs 1oz

JamInMyWellies
03/06/07 Archie James 8lbs 3oz
17/12/08 Lachlan David 9lbs 5oz

LadyThompson
25/11/08 Octavia Poppy Alice 6lbs 12oz
29/09/10 Dahlia Persephone Hope 6lbs 10oz

Morning all. Am feeling disgruntled after a major row with DH before 7am when he left for work, but have been taking out frustrations on major toy sorting and tidying. Apparantly my main job in life is a) to lose all of his clothes and belongings and b) to reside somewhere near Pluto the rest of the time. Harrumph. But no need to bore you with our domestic details.

Trace: DS2 has taken to escaping now he's in a bed. I just keeping putting him back and eventually he gets the message. He sleeps pretty heavily after that though. He has dropped his daytime nap more or less - could that be an issue?

Oh and DS2 is now a TT refusenik - and suggestion that he might sit on the potty is met with a firm NO. I'm leaving it in the hope that he'll come round.

Trace - we have similar with DS and the getting out of bed but neither of us can weave the magic. The other day I went up to bed leaving DH and DS watching Grand Designs on the sofa together. I think DS had just won round 1508 of Super Nanny's stay in bed technique. Could it be a power thing with you and P? If so, she'll probably behave like an angel for your parents' friends.

Effie - Hope your DH sees the light and apologizes soon!

Vag - Glad to hear that your cat has turned up safe and sound.

Summer - DS and I are collecting the best Thomas train set in the world. This involves buying larger sets on Ebay and selling on the bits we don't need. If you're are after anything in particular, let me know and I'll send it to you for the postage if I have it or I'll give you the heads up if I see it anywhere. Amazon have some new Brio stuff with massive reductions at the mo' if that is of any interest. I've just bought a new quarry loader half price.

Got to go, I'm supposed to be picking my mum up in um ... 6 mins, ooops!

This is a lovely idea. Can someone please paste me in? Not sure how to cut and paste on phone!

15/12/08 Lucy Evelyn 6lb 13
24/02/11 Juliet Elizabeth 4lb 6 7 weeks early.

Summer I was thinking about your dd waking. Could you not try sleeping elsewhere and your Dh trying to settle her without milk? Maybe she feeds because you are there smelling delicious? Whereas if there isn't any on offer?

J feeding like a milk monster at the mo. L said 'clip your bust away mummy' this morning. I wish I could! Also L seems to have dropped her nap. Good job I'm still on the blood pressure tablets! Hopefully back later on laptop.

15/12/08 Lucy Evelyn 6lb 13
24/02/11 Juliet Elizabeth 4lb 6 7 weeks early.

Beans - 2 DDs
06.12.08 - DD1 - Isabella Sarah - 6lbs 13oz
20.06.10 - DD2 - Prudence Emily - 6lbs 13oz

Nolda - 1DD, 1 DS
05.07.06 - DD - Katie Elizabeth - 9lbs 8oz
14.12.08 - DS - Edwin George - 9lbs 15oz

Traceface - 2 DDs
01.07.04 - Lucy Faith - 3lbs 2oz
11.12.08 - Phoebe Martha - 7lbs 3oz

TrudyV - 1DD, 1DS
25.03.02 - DD - Polly Sophie
30.12.08 - DS - Maximilian Richard James - 10lb 4oz

Waitinggirl - 2 DDs
25.12.08 - DD1 Rosanna (Rosie) Annelie - 7obs 10oz
24.02.11 - DD2 Georgia Emily - 7lbs 5oz

Vagolajahooli
17/08/05 - DS1- Alexander Jei Lib - 8lb 2oz
13/12/08 - DS2- Jordan Leong An - 8lb 1oz

Spotofcheerfulness - 2DSs
17/12/08 - DS1 - Thomas Dean - 7lbs 8oz
29/12/10 - DS2 - William (Billy) Dean - 8lbs 2oz

ZuleikaJambiere - 1DD
22/12/08 - Eloise Frances - 6lb7oz

DeidreBarlow
18/08/06 - DD Daisy
24/11/08 - DS Harry

Effieperrine
William Joseph Duncan 8/10/2006 7 lb 6 oz (I think! 3.3 kg)
Maximilian Daniel Charles 1/1/2009 8 lb 10 oz

Rubena
10/12/08 Benjamin Thomas Andrew 7lb 12oz
26/07/10 Alexandra Grace Olivia 6lb 14oz

Jumpjockey
1/12/08 Sarah Kirstin 7lb 3oz
14/1/11 (1 month early) Eleanor Athene 6lb 11oz

Urbanewarrior
20/01/07 Isaac William 7lbs 5 oz
29/11/08 Nancy Elizabeth 6lbs 5 oz
DC3 due 07/12/11 woo hoo

SummerLightning
25/12/08 Edmund William 6lbs 10oz
11/08/10 Helen Elizabeth 8lbs 1oz

JamInMyWellies
03/06/07 Archie James 8lbs 3oz
17/12/08 Lachlan David 9lbs 5oz

LadyThompson
25/11/08 Octavia Poppy Alice 6lbs 12oz
29/09/10 Dahlia Persephone Hope 6lbs 10oz

There you go JB, I love Ls clip your bust away comment. No nap and a milk monster that is a recipe for no coffee break. Seriously how do people think being a mum at home is the easy life. My boss was way nicer to me than my current day shift supervisor. He's a right grumpy bum.

Poor JJ has just made an appeal for some help on FB, hope she is ok.

Effie its obvious where his clothes and belongings are, at your other place near Pluto. Shish, what is his problem.

I love you Trace.

Well its been doctors day today. DS2 & I had an appointment, resulting in further appointments, DS2 for the Dermatologist for his funny bump on his face and me for the physio & some blood tests. Also Marshmellow went to the vet & had her imms and we discovered that she is safe to get out there with the bad boys. Now that we have scarpered their escape route both cats are safe in our back garden.

at day time supervisor vag. What did physio say? Really hope you can get back to your v active self soon.

Sorry to hear about row Effie. Especially tough so early in morning and leaving you to brood all day. Although impressed that you turn that into tidying. I tend to down tools...

I'm feeling oddly ill so have spent day in bed. DH has taken day off work which is really good of him as theoretically I would have been ok. Makes up for me wanting to hit him over head with stick yesterday when he left for work leaving me with no idea where car was parked, having put DS's scooter in a mysterious place and I had no cash. not really rested though - spent most of day mainly parcelling up clothes to return catching up on life admin that I should have done weeks ago. Still, strangely satisfying.

Thanks for kind words about due date. Was really lovely to have scan and see baby bouncing around. Am slightly spaced so can't remember if I have already posted about it. All well. Although oddly we had DS tests which we'd not had before, and previously I've been asked if I wanted them and said no. Don't know if it is my great age now, but was nice to have longer scan anyway and all came back well within low risk. Am a bit though as I thought it was choice.

wg I joined mumsnet when I was pg with DS, but was really scared by the antenatal thread so never joined - I think in retrospect it was probably more about me struggling to make adjustment to think about myself as a mum than that they were particularly bonkers. But am very very glad I joined our thread, and have no inclination to join another. Indith did though - I seem to remember (we were her second thread) and I can see it might be helpful if you're all going through similar things. Have to say though I learn things from all of you with DCs of different ages so I value the mix.

trace/Nolda reassuring to know you're having similar problems with settling. DD is nightmarish at the moment, so am watching to see if anyone has any suggestions. I think it's partly her doing a boundaries thing - she is having major tantrums too when the world isn't quite working her way. Including a spectacular meltdown on one of the thames clippers yesterday when i had to strap her into her buggy and take her outside to get her to calm down. Sigh.

Right off to do passport now. Chore-tastic.

hurumph all I ask is that 3 times a week (D)H manages to get home so I can get to an exercise class at 7.40. Last week I cancelled twice this week have had to cancel tonight. Am not HP!

Anyway Effie he is being a knob jockey have a glass of

Veg glad marshmellow is safe and sound.

No advice with settling P Trace as you know DS2 is a shocker and we end up bellowing at him.

Right well I suppose I had better do bedtime and then wait for his highness to come home. I guess I could go for a swim instead - boooorring.

Urbs sorry to hear your unwell, is it due to your 'condition'? I only got the physio referral today will make an appointment for next week. It's to retrain my ankle ligaments to do what they are bloody well told and the GP was quite optimistic about me getting back to running. I would really like to do enough training to compete in more Tri's. I have my heart set on doing the Paris triathlon next year. Pubes, Mr Rubes will approve as I will train exclusively on the beach.

Jam that sucks about missing the gym class again. head butt him as he comes through the door.

Nolda how are the canoes? We are going out on them tomorrow. I have discovered that there are heaps of large waterways here that have big outdoor rec areas built around them. Lots of fun kids stuff & rock climbing. We are going to one tomorrow near Rotters that has a big canoe & kayak store at it so we can buy the skeg rudder thing for back so we are a bit more manouvable at the beach.

It's a bank holiday here tomorrow, ascension day, so DS1 is off school for the rest of the week. DH has to work on Friday but otherwise we have a nice long weekend ahead!

I don't know what the opposite of White light is, but DH's iPhone has just died .

Urbs: sorry to hear you're feeling under the weather. I missed the post about your scan, but it must have been very reassuring to have that bit of extra time :).

Jam: sorry your plans have been put on hold again. He'd better be walking in the door with a nice bottle of something!

Effie Serves him right!

Vag - How has the TT gone today? DS has deigned to sit on his potty twice with a bare botty this week but so far no action.

We have only been out in the canoes once. I've put some photos on Facebook if you want to see them. They are fab (the canoes that is). I'm sure skegs would be a bonus for yours. I hope you have fun tomorrow. We can't wait to take the canoes with us on holiday to Sweden when school breaks up. We are flying BA so they will be the kiddies' luggage!

nolda what does The Best Thomas Train Set entail? WE have so much of the stuff it is coming out of our ears...may have to pick your brains though about what is good to get as DS loves it so much I am sure the odd new bit or bob would go down a treat. Maybe we can trade. I didn't know you are on Facebook.

jolly yes should try that with DH trying to resettle DD. Am almost given up on breastfeeding now anyway. Trouble is she's currently massively difficult to resettle even with feeding so need to psych ourselves up for persuading her she doesn't need milk in the night. Blackout blinds have arrived so am going to try and install those and then may bite the bullet. Trouble with doing sleep training is we are on call for my friend having a baby in the next couple of weeks and not just as emergency but as main person - so we will be having her son to stay for however long she is in hospital at least. Sods law we would end up having him at the same time and having to abandon in the middle of it. But think we shall try it in the next week or so.

Oh I am so scared of all this TT talk!

Haha to your DH's phone Effie. Sorry that is mean,but he shouldn't be such a poo poo head.

jam I like Vag's advice on the headbutting.

Oh I meant to say urbs hurray for scan. Round here they have recently started giving nuchal scans on NHS whereas they didn't used to, could that be the case round you? Though they should give you the choice not to have it?

It's apprentice time....and beer o'clock!

Urbs yay re scan. SL is right - once was only routine for the over 35's or was it 40's but now routine. I have very definite views on all that though, so I'll shut up now before I offend as per usual.
SL, usually just Iggle Piggle or something & usually about 30 mins but dd always been fine self settling.
Trace. I understand re MN. Now ds has started talking so much I've noticed how much more he wants my attention and I feel bad if I'm on here.
Jam that sucks. Can you do something at home? I find gyms boring beyond belief but then again so is the elliptical and dh says the same of his turbo.
SL TT / TT I know. DB always says "TT that drink" etc (he means time trial it) by which he means do it fast! SO that made me laugh. Right, Apprentice.

DH is out. I've just spent 3 hours and lots of tears getting P to settle. She's finally asleep. But I wouldn't say I won the battle - I ended up sitting on her bed until she fell asleep, having been up and down the stairs, putting her back in bed a gazillion times, so in the end I guess she won. Anyway, as SL says, it's Apprentice time...

Urbs I have heard of cases of families sueing because they werent given the option of the nuchal scan. They used to only offer to over 36 year olds but I think it became apparent that all women should have access. I think I got offered with DS1 but was private then was old fart for DS2 (just).

Oh dear Effie, maybe we are universally more powerful than we think. We may start a coven. Jam have you heard from DH, he hasn't come to s mischief has he.

Nolda TT was good, one miss (my fault that one) otherwise got to the potty in time even one whilst out, in the portable potty.

Oh Trace, are you ok?

Come on Pubes you know you can't offend us. I have to say my only opinion on it is that if they offer it they need to prepare women for the possibity of a not so favourable ratio. it causes quite a lot of stress. As far as decisions if the result shows the child may have DS, I've looked after a lot special needs kids and DS is not the worst disability a child can have but I certainly would not judge if a couple felt they could not go through with the pregnancy.

Watching Modern Family episodes that DH downloaded, so so funny.