Feb 2010 - we're stroppy, sassy and splendid (and that's just the mums!)

[BigBadBear]

New thread!

Scones so sorry you are feeling blue. Toddlers can be hard work at the best of times, never mind when you are tired yourself. You are not a bad mum, just a knackered one!! If you can afford one of two days at nursery then go for it! She might really enjoy being among children her age and it will give you some breathing space. Big hug! x

BBB with you on being with your MIL. dd1 also needs very low key weekends to cope with a long week at school. She really should have asked you first esp after the first full week!

Nothing like not being consulted BBB :(. Our current plan is to do a load of arse licking coz apparently we weren't doing enough and then start to withdraw claiming hectic lives of two under two.

scones I really struggled when we first moved in. It's so tiring just being pg at this stage. Be not getting enough sleep resulted in grumpy weepies. When they have those days where every nappy change, every nap, getting dressed continually tipping their water everywhere, touching the hot element of the freezer and generally crying if you try and do anything in the kitchen you just feel like saying 'for gawd's sake', 'please can you just do this' or 'sod you' and wanting to put them at arms distance away. We have the good more content phases to keep us sane but it feels like a kick in the teeth when they enter a more hard work one. DD has been OK lately but that's due to me keeping the two nap system (I need that first one) but it is easier to take them out than keep them in which is a hard thought when you're knackered.

She slept through last night, I got off around 1am, but then she did a 2 hour nap this morning She woke up with DHs alarm so wasn't quite done with evening sleep and I think she's catching up from being ill. Just seeing if she'll go down soon and then I'll lay down myself. We keep trying to put her down earlier but (i) we struggle to get everything done on time and (ii) I don't really want to give up the first nap so don't have enough motivation to make it happen. I get up at 8 just before DH leaves (she gets up at 7 atm) and normally she goes down at 9 and then I jump back into bed

scones DS have been in nursery since he was 4 months old. So if you can send her for a couple of afternoon. Re sleeping/screaming, you can try the withdraw method as BBB said, it didn't work for us, so I just did cc but without attending (unless he was crying for more than 15mn) as he was getting upset to see me. So are you ready for cc?

Potty training has started, nursery will put him on the potty at regular interval and we'll see what happen. He knows when he does a poo as he shouts 'caca' so fx it will happen soon.

Where is everybody?

PA, BG and IC enjoy your meeting up.

Waves to all

SB I'll miss out on the meeting because dd2 is still rather snotty (how snotty I found out when I looked at the state of my black jeans tonight and found what looked like greenish slug trails all over ).

Evening all. hank you for your lovely messages. I'm glad some of you have already reassured Scones about her feelings yesterday morning. It's only now (when DS2 is the age at which with DS1 I was merely getting through each day, having got through the hideous nausea, but still totally knackered, struggling to walk and then eventually unable to leave the house with him because I couldn't pick him up if he fell/stropped/sat and refused to get up) that I realise what I missed last time round. Now that I am not pregnant, I am able to be mostly calm, energetic and enjoying my boys (obviously with the occasional meltdown due to hormones/frustration and the tiredness of having two boys and a job that takes too much of my time). They do however get looked after by other people again now for three days a week and I kept DS1 in childcare for 3 days a week for the first couple of months with DS2 so that I could get to know him. I found maternity leave much harder the first ime round Scones and think you will have even more fun this time round. Do what's right for you, and try not to be out off by your mother's opinions. I couldn't do what you do being at home all the time and admire the fact that you've got this far. I hope you ge some sleep soon as it always makes things seem better.

Hope the mini meet up goes well (and sorry you can't go BG-we're dealing with snot trails non stop at the moment).

Another poo and a wee on the potty on Sunday night but DS2 always seems very surprised by it, as if I've randomly timed it right, rather tna having any control. Having said that, he does 'push' if we ask him to try for a poo. Who knows? Early days..

Contemplating having to go into a bed for DS2 as he jumped out of our very deep cot last weekend. I really wish we could stay in a cot forever...

Will say a bit more about the Head I was struggling with another time as it's bedtime now before big work day tomorrow. Things have improved and hopefully the workload generally will be a little more manageable after tomorrow.

Sleepy thoughts to all.

Wise words beth. Hope your work situation gets better. By the way, I keep meaning to ask you if your SPD has completely gone as I still get twinges when I have walked too far or worn heels. DH thinks I should talk to the GP about it, but I think it's nothing compared to when I was pg and it will just disappear in its own time...

BG sorry about the snotty trousers!

SB I'm always here!

BG shame about the cold but at the snotty trousers. I often goes to work with snotty trousers or shoulders

bethy glad to hear that you're feeling okay

BBB interesting you mention SPD. I thought mine had gone but whenever I walk too much or too long I still have trouble. I put it down to getting old and creaky and now feel reassured it's the remnants of SPD... Phew.

Real shame I missed the meet up today but dd2 had a very up and down day and was very whiny and teary. I did see some friends and their children in the end but my main concern was for PA now being very pregnant. I'd have hated to give her a nasty cold bug and potential chest infection!! Can't wait to hear how her dd and IC's dd got on

It was lovely!!
DD was a bit put out to begin with that PA's DD had the temerity to play with her toys - but she mellowed out a lot.
The girls had a competition on when it came to disrupting sleep - PA's DD took a while to settle and woke once while PA was in the bathroom suddenly appearing bleary eyed in her sleeping bag at the top of our stairs, much to DH's and my surprise...! Then woke again about 05.30, but went back to sleep until 07.00 or so. Whereas our DD went down fine at bedtime but decided to wake for the day at 05.15 .
We had fun in various parks, did a bit of shopping and generally admired the cuteness of our DDs. I'll put a piccie up on FB of us enjoying our supper outside in this lovely balmy weather....
So sorry you couldn't come over as well, BG..... never mind. I hope your DD2 is feeling a bit perkier now.

Eek at your DS2 jumping out of his cot already, bethy!

Sorry to hear about the SPD twinges, BBB.

SB I hope you're feeling better too...

And a to scones

:) DD is currently running around like she's been slipped a can of red bull . Of course she decided not to run around in front of IC and RC so I think she's getting it all out now. DH is knackered already I was very impressed with her language and her very cute way of saying DDs name, even DHs heart melted a bit when I told him. They largely played independently of each other but at the same time eyed up what they were each doing. IC and MrIC were also fab as well, particularly the crumble (yum yum). I've also purchased about 3 months worth of pine nuts (when in rome...)

DD blew bubbles in the water in her bath for the first time tonight so something new from swimming is sinking in.

beth thanks for sharing your experience as well with regards to toddler and being pg.

bg sorry your LO is unwell, and that we didn't get to meet but there's still plenty of time left.

well DD is now not sleeping in bed, think she's a bit overtired and will take a little while to settle which at least means MN time while I go in and out

PA ,IC

DS now gives food to his cuddly toy while saying numnum (his word for food) I found this so cute.

PA , IC glad to hear you had a good time.

beth , PA oops at your LO climbing out of their cots

Oh no, DD was on the bed. Didn't want to push the sleeping in a different cot angle.

Oh dear, we're on one waking already

Ha ha, I think DD was also a bit over-hyped too after the excitement of having an overnight guest of her own size - although she went out like a light at bedtime - not a peep after DH put her in her cot (and I'm fervently hoping it stays that way until a decent amount after 06.00 tomorrow!) The lunchtime nap was another matter. She was somewhat overtired by the time I put her down and took AGES to settle.

When she woke up, one of the first things she said was PA's DD's name - with the extra syllable inserted into the middle of it. I'm hoping she will pick up MiniPenguin's love of having her hair washed - and hoping she won't copy the dancing on her high-chair tray stunt

Oh bother, PA - I hope she lets you get some rest. And that Nigel does, too.

Hi everyone - sorry I haven't posted here for ages. Am loving the pics of IC and PA and their girls.

Yes, BBB it is me that lives near the Horniman - storytime on a Friday would be great.

I've been a bit anxious - coming to the end of the first trimester, scan next Wednesday. Been worrying a bit too much. Also some days have horrid morning sickness then a few days of being ok. I've had some telephone counselling - started yesterday from Bliss, the preemie charity because of my fears of similar or worse growth problems/pre eclampsia with this pregnancy. Also been reading up about bicornuate uteruses and how high the miscarriage rate is with them, and not just in the first trimester. So, yeah - been a bit miserable. And feel so isolated from the other women on my due date thread - I wish I could be more excited and less terrified.

On the plus side the counselling helped and I've tried to practice staying in the present moment and not thinking ahead to possibilites that probably won't happen.

DH is in Brazil until next Thursday morning so he will miss the scan but I have a very good friend coming with me.

Sorry to be on such a downer, and so me-me-me.

BC It is normal to worry, I hope you can stay in the present. May be stop looking at what may happen and take care of yourself (reading, movies...). Can you get any help with your DS? So you don't do anything to strenuous. I am not sure about bicornate but one friend of mine had a very small uterus and had to rest much more than us (her DH did all the housework ).

Love those pictures IC BG and PA, glad you had fun.

I have snot trails all over the house too (probably on me too but I am passed the caring stage).

Still no talking, but she can hold a pen correctly (doing great damages ), swing herself on her belly (still a bit overzealous when swinging sat), turn the swings (good she is still too short to do more than a turn or 2), walking on a narrow edge without falling.
DH is getting worried though, she never walks (she runs) unless she tiptoes or walks on edges. The talking worries him a bit less as himself wasn't really up to it young (he is definitely making it up for it now!)
I think she is fine though and DD1 was advanced and we didn't noticed, she was beginning to speak in sentences, was a wizard at jigsaw puzzle... she was also very athletic...
Not sure the doc saw her last week and she didn't seem concerned as DD2 is very curious and expressive, well still concern at her hugeness (90 cm +, 13.5kg) she had to check again.

BC Of course you're worried. I had on/off bleeding and cramping from 9-13 weeks and that drove me crazy enough. We mothers worry, dealing with phonecalls about next MW appt and I still get upset even though I don't know why, just find the whole dealing with birth plan I find emotionally draining and want to run and hide in a corner somewhere and give birth in a cupboard. Still when I go in labour I suppose I shall make my way to the hospital.

bc it is hard not to worry but you will be fine

PA

DS is trying to compete with BG DD2 as at nursery he lost his footing and fall head first on a small table - resulting in his front teeth nearly going through the skin between the bottom lip and his chin (IYSWIM). So call from nursery at work saying that he was fine but very upset, bleeding a bit so should I wish to pick him up and get him check. So DS and I ended up at A&E where they confirmed that his teeth were fine and that the deep cut should heal by itself (they couldn't glue it because of where it is located, the glue will not dry and stick). He is fine, ate as usual but went to bed very tired. I will see what the night bring us...

mous I would not worry about your DD2 lack of speech. As you probably know it is said that bilingual kids may speak later. DS still mostly speak gibberich.

Big work day went well yesterday and hope to have a bit more of a life in the next few weeks (and check for the missing letters and incorrect typing in my messages ).

SB Sorry to hear about the bump. DS1 did that a few months ago at nursery and I felt awful not to have been there for him. He coped very well and did sleep so hope that your DS will too (and with the same name as my DS1 obviously!)

BC I worried a lot more during my second pregnancy than I did in the first and yet without so many reasons to do so. I'm sure you must be exhausted with DH away, so that certainly can't be helping your feelings (especially if he's any good at reassuring you when he is there). I hope the scan goes well for you and that you get some reassurance that the baby is currently doing really well (and morning sickness is a good sign I think!)

Mous DS2 is still trying to give your DD2 a run for her money on size. A couple of cm shorter but heavier (though I noticed he actually does have a neck the other day, so think he might finally be growing into his extra weight!!) DS2 is doing different things to DS1 too, but one assumes that they will have different strengths. DS1 was clean by now so I kind of resent the pooey nappies that DS2 comes to tell me about, but I know he will get there in his own time (and I had more time to practise with DS1).

BBB my SPD still gives me minor problems quite frequently. I'm still doing my 20mins exercises 5x a week and that keeps it under control but I really know about it if I lapse for a couple of days. Get to really show off in my pilates class though! Would still recommend seeing a physio.

Got to be a good samaritan last night for a very private neighbour - a girl of about 22 who has a LO about the same age as all of ours and who is a single mum. I heard her sweeping up broken glass as I was coming back from Pilates and thought I'd check she was okay as she lives on her own with LO. She was crying and the person who had broken the glass in the front door had gone to hospital to be fixed up, leaving a lot of blood and broken glass in their wake. I managed to get a neighbour to come and board up the door for her (at 10pm) and asked if she was safe/needed to come and stay/gave her my phone number etc.. Haven't seen her since (and don't even know her name) but hopefully let her know that we were there for her. I really felt for her .

And finally, PA you may recall that the consultant wanted me to have a C section for DS2 as had some 'bottom' issues after DS1. I decided not to in the end and it all went fine (even though now have rectocele , but that's only a minor issue that developed 5 months later, once I stopped feeding, and I think due to a graze that wasn't able to be stitched). I think you just have to do whatever you feel is right for you, brief DH very strongly so he knows exactly what you want/what to look out for on the day etc.. and try to be as positive as you can. Personally, I read the hypnobirthing book. I didn't have a hypnobirth, but it made me feel in control beforehand and the bit about birth breathing was really useful. Even if you don't read the rest of the book, I'd really recommend that bit re. 'the pushing stage' (as the author really feels there is no need to push!) and it helped me to give birth more 'gently'. I can't send it to you as I borrowed it from a friend but it's written by the original founder of it. The affirmations were useful too and sound like they might be useful to you in your birth cupboard.

More work to do now [goes off feeling rather jealous of BBB making such a strong decision re work].

bethy still considering that engagement offer for your DS2 and DD2 especially if he can take her!

So apparently DD2 can post my unfinished posts on MN and do all sort of interesting things on my computer too. I have a folder renamed bhnvvibvb◊◊ÇÏ , I will have to go and look in it soon, I don't even know myself how to do those diamonds shapes .

Sorry if my last post was a bit blunt, it was just sitting there not ready to go yet.

PA I hope you can sort out all your MW and CS soon and that someone will listen. Having a DH who can be very firm might help you too. So brief yours.

I do try not to compare DD1 and DD2 (it is easier for me as I have a biggish gap and DD1's infancy is far far away now). I think DH is worried about the language combined with the tip toeing. I am not, as the tip toeing is not the one you see in CP children at all, it looks voluntary, IYSWIM. She also runs "normally".
We have no new words for a long time though, and any new words usually replace something else (so same number of words being used). She does bark very well . She is talking in her own language a lot, and was repeating sentences and complicated words in france but stopped as soon as we got back. Any way I am boring you with it!

I sent DD2 away with the cleaning lady to have some peace and DH just came back (grrr, no rest for the wicked!)

Have to go before finishing again.

I am sure I had something meaningful and kind to say to IC BBB BG SB and the rest of you too

Is that, &#9674, the code for diamonds then?

dd2 is turning into a right little madam. She now randomly refuses meals. I am quite firm on that and if she plays the clown the plate is taken away. She seemed a little surprised earlier that she went down for her lunchtime nap without having eaten! I have stopped trying to get her to drink milk though which has had an immediate effect in that she now longer has constipation. She simply didn't drink enough and will now happily drink plenty of water.

She had another settling in session in nursery and it went a little better. They keep telling me she is quite unlike her sister (polite way of saying she has quite a temper and tries to whack them with her soft toy ). I think dd1 was more compliant...

dd2 is quite fascinated by bodily functions at the moment and will quiety ask me whether anyone we meet also does poos and pipi and whether they might like to do a poo straight away . She also delights in pointing out dog poo and squirrel poo in the park...

Her fear of creepy crawlies does amuse me though and I am trying not to make fun of her genuine terror. She will run in from the garden and get me to assist because there is a 'bee' (anything small with wings) outside, or if an ant is bold enough to sit on her tricyle!

Feel a bit that dd1 has said a few times since starting school that she no longer likes her sister... I think it is partly to get a reaction (I don't react or say dd2 likes her very much), partly because dd2 is getting more assertive and not so easy to boss around, and partly because dd1 has realised that her sister and I get up to fun things in the day (like shopping while she is at school... Ah well. They are quite close as sisters most of the time so I am not too worried.

dd2 awake and shouting for me.... Waving at everyone!!