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!!

Sorry you are still feeling duff, Urbs. Is it the low blood pressure, or general sickiness? Have posted on your picnic thread.

Re: evening London meet up, what say we do a Friday, then, perhaps June 24 or July 1? Hmm. Maybe I should also start a thread on PD's behalf

Hope yesterday was ok, Trudy, you have suddenly gorn quiet.

Spot, could you try pull ups with T as a sort of a compromise? I bought some a few weeks ago as they had some going really really cheap in Sainsbo's

Beans, I wanted to squeeze in a haircut today but it just wasn't possible. My hair really does need doing. I love it when they massage your head. Aaaaaaahhh. How did they cut your hair in ten mins?

Rubes, does DS enjoy snacks? If he wakes up in a funk, can you have a chocolate biscuit ready? Sometimes DD1 is just like this, though. Drives me potty.

I love the Photographers' Gallery, Vag, (though think we have shared that lurve before).

Right, must order DD1's bunkbed. Am half watching the five parter on ITV+1, Injustice. It's on every night this week. It's a good writer but it's a bit schlocky. DP's watching it cos it's about a criminal barrister gone bad

Blimey, the offer has been accepted! Veg patches and jumble sales here I come!

Well, I shall be the first to say congrats! Do what I DIDN'T do (and am going to do a little more when we move) and throw yourself into making an effort with the villagers, and you will be a pillar of the commooonity before you know it.

(And probably don't call them "villagers" as I just did )

Ha ha. I think that's what I'm most nervous about - losing my anonymity. But there are obviously advantages to being known as well (i.e new friends).
It is all villagersy though - it's part of the Lewes bonfire stuff, all very sect-like. We also overlook the village pond so I expect to see some drowning of witches from my bedroom window...

Yay for the house, Spot :). Sounds gorgeous.

Sorry have been out of action for a few days - massive mystery migraine. Bleugh. Have been lurking tho.

Need to order DS1's school uniform - eek!

Re drawing, DS2 can do circles and straight lines, but he is v keen on doodling. DS2 was just scribbling until v recently, but is also left handed which could make a difference? Has shown no interest in learning to read, but loves looking at books and being read to so am not too worried.

Spot hurrah for the house! That is excellent news. i don't really knoweople in my village well either ladyt, not sure how to get to know people beyond chatting at toddler group! I quite like living in a village but it is quite a big village and I do miss my anonymity a bit though I am sure it is just me being paranoid that I'm not actually anonymous anyway! Sorry not sure that
makes sense.

I am really bad, I hardly ever to drawing with DS these days. Last time I did he tried to draw circles but they didn't really look like circles!

rubes thanks for all the travel tips! Have the ingredients for cabbage soup too. Not sure I can be assed to do it though but might make up a batch and replace a few meals, which I am sure won't work as well but can't do any harm. I don't lose weight tha easily so I think I'd have to do it properly for it to do anything impressive over a week.

So DD is in my bad books as after teasing me with sleeping through she's now being a massive pain in the bum and refusing to sleep in her cot, and was in with me all last night after waking at 10:30 and refusing to go back to sleep until 12:30 (in my bed). And then awake at 4:30 and only back to sleep with milk (and then snufflling around and shuffling over to me so I have no room til morning). So I am thinking of doing some kind of sleep training/controlled crying which I know is bonkers as we are going on holiday in a week and in that week I most likely have my friends toddler staying for a night or two too, but I am fed up of having her in my bed and her not being able to settle to sleep.
so arti I am thinking of doing similar to what that night sleep trainer lady did and sleep on the floor in her room and just shush her when she wakes as at the moment this does kind of work sometimes so i'm hoping if i just decide I'm camping there for a few nights then she might learn to settle herself and get used to being in her cot. At the moment it's the sneaking out of her room that wakes her most of the time or her waking and being completely on her own. SO I just wanted to ask after you did that sleep training did she have any problems sleeping when no one was in her room? As that's what I'm worried about that I get her used to me sleeping in her room with her in her cot and then when I leave I have it all over again! And do you remember if the room was pitch black when she did it? As DD not impressed with pitch blackness but think will be doomed to early waking if I don't get her used to it.
Sorry that was long and boring!
beans how are your two sleeping now?

urbs sorry you are still feeling crappy
vag I applied for olympic tickets but not heard anything either, one set was for the womens mountain biking which I heard was not sold out so I was assuming I was a dead cert to get tickets for that! Bumholes.

Oh spot I meant to say I would probably give up on the TT in your case but a) I am probably a bit impatient b) others will know better if that many accidents is normal, I guess it might be?

SL can you put her cot in your room for the week then do the sleep training after your holiday. The only reason I suggest that is, once for a week I managed to get DS1 to nap in his cot during the day for a decent period of time by doing CC, it was a painful day or two but ut worked. However, we went away for a week with DH for work and it all muffed up because I was always out during the day so he went back to napping in his pushchair. I couldn't be arsed doing it all again so gave up. Would that work?

Spot that place looks great, and Hooray they accepted! I have to ask though, is the wallpaper behind the bed in the master bedroom green? Very jealous you will have 3 toilets and ensuite! That's a manor in my book. When I do my 7 hour drive over I promise I won't mention white light and sandals, I may be burned at the stake. I'm sure they will love you, you and your London ways ;)

Gotta go to the shops for some bits but will write more later.

TT! I would love love love to see Gary Barlow in concert. I deeply love him. Have always done, even when he had rank hair in the early days. Sob! But am terrified of crowds and wouldn't be able to stomach a concert. Tried once and had to leave after 15 mins!

Spot!! How exciting to have your offer accepted! And what a lovely house! I'm hoping we'll move to the country before too long. We're being booted out of this place on 3rd September, so we have to go then!

SL - my two are still a bit crap at sleeping. We had a coupleo f good nights to lull me into a false sense of security, but DD1 up twice last night and DD2 up about 4 times. Kind of lost count as I was a bit pissed and in a haze.

my al fresco poo story was beaten by a friend of mine last night, who was telling us about a time, when she first moved in with her DH, his flatmate wouldn't move out for ages. One evening, she had a bit of a dicky tummy and the flatmate was in the only bathroom. She was absolutely desperate for a poo and in the end resorted to getting out a pudding bowl in the kitchen and doing a poo in it! HAHAHAHAAH! She was mortified, but said there was also an edge of terror in doing it in the kitchen as there was no door to the kitchen and the flatmate could have popped in at any moment. HAHAHA! I was crying with laughter! Brilliant.

Just taken the DDs to Wimbledon Park and there's this brilliant area with water fountains for children to run around in. They loved it! Both now exhausted and hungry. DD2 eaten and bedded, DD1 ate a whole tuna mayo sandwich and now tucking into 2nd fruit pouch. Then bed shortly. Brilliant.

Must go for a pee.

x

I tried posting about MN eating my posts an

Lady: when he wakes after naps in the foul mood he doesn't care about anything. Infact I've offered him flapjacks (his fav) and he screams louder. I can't believe how he woke yest. He has been so pleasant ever since and even slept until 640 am so clearly no nap does NOT make him sleep in longer. I think he just needs a lengthy nap or he's still too tired. hence the mood. las night DD woke about 830 screaming with teeth and DS yelled out really sweetly "Mummy Ayix is crying, she wants medicine" then went back to bed! He's going to be a great big bro.
Spot: tremendous news - Hopefully a fresh start for you all. Can't wait for the house warming
Beans: that is quite a good indoor poo story. I'm not sure it trumps your alfresco though

DS has become obsessed with dancing to Kylie Minogue. He actually demands it now before Mr Tumble or Peppa Pig "Mummy want dancing" "want Sping Wound" (Spinning Around)

Well, DD1 still loves The Beastie Boys "Fight for your Right" so your DS is quite civilised by comparison...She is very keen on it and now says "Partay" instead of "partay". Er, and "whoopay" instead of whoopee, though it might be a cross between that and hooray. Mind you, she said something was "fabulous" yesterday

Congratulations Spot, it's a lovely house, so light. Hurrah! On village life, I suggest you use the shop and pub regularly - if the landlord and shop keeper like you then life will be good

Hope the migraine shifts soon Effie, sounds grim. at your post, did it actually get eaten or are you just being cheeky?

Yuck at the poo story Beans! Gary was lovely, the years have been much kinder to him and Jason, Robbie and Mark are pretty haggard. I was never a Gary fan before, but I could have happily brought him home

We did the staying in DDs room thing Summer and it worked well, although we did have a single bed in there so it was nice a comfy. E was probably about 18 months old and got the message that our bed was a no go area pretty quickly. I don't know whether she got it quickly enough for you to get a result before you away though, but worth a try if it means lots of rest on holiday. We stopped getting her out the cot at all, any drinks, cuddles, nappy changes were done at awkward angles, because once out we'd never get her back in. Did you stop bf? If you're still going that might be hard in the cot!!

I will be lurking on the meet thread, as I may try to come. We have a rail pass at work and if no one is using it for work purposes we are allowed to use it for leisure, but obviously won't be able to confirm until nearer the time. Fingers crossed I get there as I'd love to meet you all

I have just picked some gorgeous Swiss chard for tea. There's some flowerbeds in York that have been planted with veg and it looked delicious. I feel like a thief now, despite the big sign saying help yourself. Can't wait to eat it though, mmm

Ola all. Right, confession time...

One of my NCT friends is leaving London a week tomorrow, so we had a farewell picnic today. Everyone came back to my house as it was pissing with rain, so I had four 2.5 year olds and four 1 and unders here. It was fairly exhausting, but luckily everyone helped with the food and clearing up. One of the girls brought a bottle of champers and as everyone apart from me was driving, I had about 3 or 4 glasses of the stuff. And am now really a bit pissed. Had to do bathtime and bedtime in a fog of alcohol. Should I call social services on myself?? I actually had rather a fun time. Am now about to eat, which should sober me up. Thank GOD DH out tonight!! HEe hee!

Hooray Beans, that would be me after 3-4 glasses of bubbly, and would also be me necking it if I wasn't driving. Actually I was a bit naughty the other day a friend has just bought a house here and is having extensive renovations. So the day they got the keys they invited everyone over for a quick look and a drink before all the work starts. So I popped in on the way home from the park with the kids to have a gander and left after 2 glasses of bubbly. I discovered whilst cycling home with my 2 beloved sons on board that I was quite tipsy. I felt very bad mother vibes but it was only a 4 minute cycle. That poo story is hilarious Beans. I've got a yukky gastro bug story but I don't want to gross everyone out at dinner time.

Rubes, I forgot to say I was mortified on your behalf at your DH saying you taste good at the security check in.

Effie what's going on with your MN messages?

Beans you've done well to be only tipsy, I reach that point after 3/4 glass and by glass 3 I'm sloshed. Occasionally I think DH I shouldn't both drink at the same time, what if DD gets ill and needs taking to hospital or out of hours surgery? But I only have those thoughts when the wine isn't open. Why would god have made wine bottles that size, if not for sharing?

Vag, he said it really loud too. A couple of the people with the wand gasped he said it because I refused to taste it (and rightly so I reckon!)

Well ds had a late nap despite not seeming tired. 3-5pm. He was delightful again when he woke up. Waited up tonight for daddy to call (dh at work on call hopefully back soon) then brushed his teeth, negotiated 3 stories (he has good skills) and went to bed at about 730-8 very happy not a peep. DD was shattered by 630pm as her afternoon nap was shortened with screaming about teeth.

I at your afternoon Beans. I have a glass of wine present on the shelf in the bathroom quite often at bathtime but I was most ing as you're always chuffed if your dh is out for the night, and I'm always wishing dh was home! Can't get over how much your dh goes out. He doesn't know how good he's got it! Glad you had a nice day with the girls and gazillions of kiddies.

Spot I meant to say I'd ditch it probably (TT) apparently if they aren't ready it can take ages..... as Vagola said. But if you wait it will be much faster and easier

Re London eve. I can do June 24 but not July 1 (well according to DH rota I have here) So I can't be responsible if he has cocked it up . Will pop over to check out the other thread.

Right, finally I'm back with enough time for a proper yabba.

ZJ I like your thinking on the wine bottle size.

Some friends of ours are going to the Hob farm festival in Kent and DH & I are thinking of going along too. Our friends have kids but aren't taking them along so we'd have the boys but they wouldn't. Trying to decide if we want to spend all that money when we can't enjoy it as much as we'd like....

Poor DS2 has two accidents today, both poo. I think they kind of came upon him a bit quickly. The first time was ok, we were at a friends house but was ok as all contained within his duds. The second time he got quite upset about not getting to the potty in time. I think I need to sit him down on the potty with a book when he hasn't done a poo to try to encourage him to sit long enough to do a poo.

We took the boys to the beach for their dinner tonight. Was so nice, such a gorgeous afternoon.

I'm here but having a sleep shocker. DH was away and I had 3 nights in a row of 2 or max 3 hours sleep. Think the dummy is to blame so I'm on night one of dummy wean. Best get to bed as it could be a bad one!

Posted on meet up picnic thread. Can't find post about drinks dates but Thurs or Fri are fine as long as DH not away. In France week of 27th June and then Canada for 6 weeks as of 18th Jul.

Boring me post - apologies! Back when I can see straight!

Oh poor you Mom hope you manage to get some sleep. Your very brave removing the dummy, will be thinking dummy not needing thoughts for you.

Just off to bed but just really wanted to say to Mom, thinking of you - hope it's bearable tonight.

Night 1 a success! Back to just waking to feed at 1 and 4 and then grunty and shifty for a bit until 5 or so. Even managed to get him back to sleep after fully waking him up by changing poopy nappy. The true test of the no dummy experiment will be in the day though as I rely on it to get him to nap. He is so close to sucking on his fingers, I just hope he gets the hang of it soon. I feel like a new woman after 5 hours of broken sleep - that is pretty sad! Hope it wasn't just beginner's luck...

Back with more interesting things to say once on laptop.

Morning all,

mom Hooray for a little more sleep, long may it continue.

spot Fantastic news on the house! Another one for putting a hold on the TT, well thats what I have done, think I will have another stab at it inthe School holidays.

beans Yet another brilliantly gross poo tale. Oh and I have tended to the DC's on a few occasions whilst tipsy. Its fine, as long as you don't let the DC's have a drink

rubes DS has also given up the nap, like yours. But yeah by 4pm he is exhausted and really whiney, wants to sit on my knee and is generally too tired to eat his dinner. But the other day he had about 1/2 hour and he was still buzzing round at 9pm. On a plus note he is sleeping till 6.30am-ish if he doesn't nap, so that seems a lot better.

lady Your night away sounded wonderful...oh to completely have a little me time

Right best get the boy some brekkie....