Dec 08 Ladies - We're fat, we're thin, we're nearly 3 years in!!

[DeidreBarlow]

Sorry for the shocking title - couldn't think of anything else and our babies little people will be 3 in the next few months!

Spot I'll leave Lunnen tarn as early as I can and could I be cheeky and stay for Luncheon? I can bring provisions (squished marmite sandwiches anyone). I can finally make you a strong cup of coffee! Anyone else care for a day at the seaside?

Hello hello.

Also been lurking but not posting. Just don't feel like it after work & bedtime, then the weekends are usually a whirl of playing catch up with the DCs & generally feeling the guilt. Oh plus I have nothing of interest to say - v humdrum here at the mo.

Jealous about the Brighton meet-up you Vag & spot. Would love to pop down & see you myself but am working. I can make London on Friday though - that's if I still qualify as a Dec 08er after such a long absence. Speaking of long absences, has anyone been in touch with urbane?

trace no advice but hope you're moving in the right direction. Sounds as if you're in the driving seat and have plenty of support - definitely a good position to be in.

Happy birthday to DS Effie - my aren't they growing up? How's he getting on at school? Been slightly fraught here as there was a lot of biting, punching, kicking etc. at DS's school in the first few weeks. Hopefully settling down now.

spot sorry B's sleeping is so bad still. How old is he now? Is his general health getting any better? Loving the blogs by the way. Any update on the move?

Nolda how did DD get on today?

SL blimey that nursery really cannot be arsed eh?

AAA hope you get/got an interesting case. I was on the jury at a rape trial once - a real eye opener. Shame we reached a ludicrous and nonsensical verdict at the end of it, but that's justice apparently. Fascinating stuff though.

LadyT Power Boden - love it. Not exactly sure what it means but I love it. We need illustrative examples. Oh and belated happy birthday to DD2.

Rubes I forget when you said you were going back to work but hope it goes well. Have you managed to get decent hours and stuff?

Kiwi woohoo - well done getting moved before the baby comes. I can't remember - did you move out of London in the end?

Umm, what fascinating facts can I dredge up about my dreary existence since I last posted? Have moved offices so no longer working on my street (boo). Cycling distance though (uphill on the way home) so getting some much needed exercise (hooray). Still fat though (boo).

Am also in a foul mood because a) the car is knackered and is probably going to cost a fortune to fix and b) the central heating is knackered and is probably going to cost a fortune to fix. Bang goes that luxury cruise.

But mainly I'm annoyed because I found tooth decay in DS's molar today. Annoyed, frustrated and sad. I've been trying to impress on DP the importance of good brushing but he just will not fucking listen. I get sooooooooo pissed off with him for stuff like that - just because I go out to work does that mean I don't get any say in my children's health? Or does it mean that I have to do it all myself? Aaaargh

Right have somehow managed to drink nearly half a bottle of wine while writing that. Better get to bed. Hello to everyone I've missed.

Hi all,

what are the plans for Friday? Can someone give me a venue name and time please? Also are we eating or just drinking? If just drinking will need to line my stomach before we meet.

Well I'm pretty sure everyone was happy with the Marriott bar. I'm arriving in Dover at 4.30 so should hopefully be in London by 7 and I'm getting DH to drop me straight to London bridge station so I can hop on the tube to waterloo. I'm not sure about food, i might just grab quick at Waterloo so I can maximize drinking & chatting time. I think I can get to the bar by 7.30 but possibly earlier, how's that with everyone else. Can I have a head count for who is coming?

Effie - I hope your DS1 had a lovely birthday.

Spot - Sorry to hear that B's sleeping is still so bad.

Hi PD, that's bad news about DS's tooth and I can understand your frustration.

DD was a little star yesterday although she was very worried before hand. We were first on the list luckily, so there wasn't too much time hanging around. She has the day off school today as her tongue is very sore and she is finding it difficult to talk.

I am, Vag! But you knew that. I just don't know when I will be there as it depends on where/what DP is working, and also if my MIL is here (she is coming tomorrow or Wednesday for a few days)......

Usual chaos here and we had to rush DD2 to the hospital AGAIN at the weekend - she crawled into the kitchen and DP was trying out the real stove/heater thingy and in keeping her away from that, didn't notice that she had a finger beneath a chair and squashed her little finger between the wooden chair leg and the slate floor when he sat down. Those of you who have met him will know that he is a very tall, burly and indeed fat person so not at all light. I was upstairs and the first I heard of it was him shouting and he brought her upstairs and his shirt was covered in blood and she was hysterical. We had to borrow a car from a neighbour and vroom off. DD2 went into shock, her lips went blue and she threw up everywhere in the borrowed car. It was awful, the poor baby. Anyway, her hand was x-rayed and miraculously the little finger wasn't broken, just cut and swollen. It looks pretty black even now but I don't even think she will lose the nail - just amazing. DP felt absolutely terrible, though. And I am ashamed to say I was so angry with him that although I didn't express this, I couldn't bring myself to say "there there, it wasn't your fault" that was probably required. It wasn't the accident that was making me fume, it was the fact that he is so heavy and was supposed to be doing something about it even before DD1 was born. But that is rather unreasonable of me and a whole separate thing. And it was in no way his fault about the accident, it could easily have been either of us and he wasn't remiss in any regard.

Anyway, I hear you about the car, PD. The latest on our car is that the new garage tell us that £750 of parts are missing from it, so it will cost over a grand (inc labour) before they can even fix what may be wrong.

AAA, I know you can't talk about it but I hope your jury service is interesting. How funny about the leads of Silk being there. Yes, DP is a criminal barrister. His practice is about 85% defence work and only 15% prosecution.

Trace, I have been pondering what was said at your last appointment. It's a tricky decision, isn't it? I am going to come back to you on that one and indeed, will be back later today to do a big catch up as there was tons I wanted to say.

I'm coming on Friday! Looking forward to it.

Lady - that story made me squirm. Poor DD2. Poor you. I would have felt exactly the same and although you probably know you're being unreasonable, it doesn't matter. Tigress protective thing!

I can't stop long as have a friend coming to play. We have car issues too - £370 worth. Not as much as yours, but car worth a max of £800 if we're being generous, so galls somewhat. But we can't be carless.

xx

So Marriot Hotel at Waterloo?

Jesus just read back. Poor DD2 Lady I can completely sympathise with wanting to knock 7 bells out of DP. Am sure he felt dreadful but its your wee girl. Hope she is better today. x

Oh dear, everyone's having car woes at the moment. DP keeps rumbling about not having a car at all, which is madness. I realise he has spent thousands propping up the car over the last year but we need one where we are.

Nolda, sorry you were on your tod with your DD's op. How are things going generally with DH? We are going through a bit of a rough patch I think but that is more down to external pressures I think. General anaesthetics are scary, aren't they? How long will it take to heal? Poor poppet. Can she have nice soothing ice cream?

Trace - could you say that you want to try managing without the new drugs regime for a set period (3 months?) and test whether you and your DH can come up with ideas to help you manage the downs? If it works, great; if it doesn't, you'll know the new regime is right for you at the moment.

Jam - I will in theory be eating as I can't (in fact, won't!) drink on an empty tummy. But I may eat something low-carb beforehand, not sure...

PD, you are coming on Friday - excellent. I have lost track of who is coming - you, Vag, me, Beans, Jam, AAA, Sybs, Invis - Effie? I know Rubes will find it v tricky with work. I will text Urbane. I will also text Pingu though she will probably have her hands full.

Oh, I meant to say, AAA, that I was excited about your recipe for lentil soup. It ticks all my boxes - easy to make, slimming and veggie. I love soup anyway. Mmmm. I might even make it for supper. For me, anyway.

I have just heard from my mate who works at the stables in Cuba. I haven't been riding out there since before I got pregnant with DD1. And I won't be going for the forseeable, either, unless we win the lottery. Oh well. At least he will be labouring under the illusion I am still slim

Yep, Jam, Marriott at Waterloo. It looks like it's at County Hall but am slightly confused as thought the one that AAA, Invis, Effie and Turnip and I met at wasn't at County Hall...But maybe it was.

Hello everyone,

trace I agree with what others have said about it being another label, although I can see how the switch to it being PND to 'other' is hard to take in. I see where your DH is coming from on the sleep deprivation, however, when I've been properly shattered and worn down by lack of sleep, one night of good sleep doesn't make a huge amount of difference. Is it P waking at night or are you finding it hard to sleep anyway?

nolda So glad DD is ok. Hope she is not off her food too much, although if I were her I'd be using it an an excellent excuse for lots of lce cream!

ZJ Hope you had a good day with your goddaugher and DD.

ladyT Oh your poor DD2, it make me wince reading about it. No car at all sounds a bit drastic.

We knew before we bought our house that there was some damp - we had a quote for £1500 to get chemical damp proofing but we've just had a quote to have it 'tanked' which sounds like the best option but comes in at nearly £4000 . Blimey.

DD2 rolled over today and she started sitting up last week. My baby is growing up! I'm quite sad that we're not having any more, she is such an adorable baby. Although she knocked my kidneys for six and they are still not working properly so it is just out of the question to put myself through another pregnancy. Still feeling a bit sad as I pack away the moses basket sheets though.

Hello everyone!

Just a quick one as I am molto under the cosh and not able to concentrate for long - can only be on threads which need minimal posting, which this isn't alas. Oh well! Look forward to a good catch up on Friday.

Kitchen rolls on. Very boring. They have fitted some bits not quite right so am going to have to have words tomorrow. Not looking forward.

Mishaps here seems to befall the children when I am not here as DH has a rather, um, cavalier attitude to danger and is pants at assessing risk. I do recall the night when I came back from work to find 2 of them with scraped knees AND faces, and the other one with a black tooth after DH had given them carte blanche in brockwell park. It is hugely difficult not to apportion blame and to be very protective, but accidents do happen and things have equally happened on my watch (albeit when we were much more careful, but still) which made me feel as bad. I sympathise hugely and hope you are not feeling too bad. Poor little D. And poor little Miss nolda with her tongue problem. It sounds rotten for you, bless you. I think handing your child over to the medics is one of the worst things. Hope you (and she) are bearing up.

Right, must buy doorknobs. Hope to be back on tomorrow.

Bah, the internet ate my post. Too late to rewrite, but vag, I'll be there on Friday. I'll be coming from work, no earlier than 7 I'd have thought. If its where we were last time, I think it is tucked round the side of county hall.

Ladyt - poor DD2, and you. If its any use at all, happy to share my tuppenceworth on allergies and squashed fingers. All a bit close to home. If its all a bit gruesome for Friday night, happy to chat some other time.

Oh poor LittleLady, squished finger bandages for teeny tiny fingers were one of my specialties when I was a community kids nurse. I prided myself on my zero infection rate and my perfectlytrim & neat bandages. No small feet for ickle pinkies.

Nolda I forgot to say the other day, I agree that was poor form of DH to let you & DD down to go sailing. Glad its all done now. How were you when they sedated her?

If there is another bar you know of Lady that is fine, if its where others know that would be best, I can call when I get there and be guided by you. I think the one I'm thinking of was inside Marriott in county hall. I have your number, maybe I should PM all on the list you wrote above to get numbers.

Vag great idea. I am hopeless in London and will prob turn up an hour late and all sweaty panicky because I have got lost. Oh and your beloved Canary Wharf Waitrose has had a refit. I have yet to see it but DH says its very impressive.

Oh Jam I intend spending several hours there, I look forward to the new refurb. What great idea did I have?

I am completely brain dead, I had a PT session this morning and it was really really hard.

Ouch LadyT - squashed finger sounds horrendous. I would have flipped at DP too in that situation & he's not overweight. I would have found some other angle though I'm sure...

Really looking forward to Friday - unfortunately it doesn't look like I'll be able to get there very early and I'll have to leave early too. So if it looks like I'm on a speed dating session that's why.

Right, back to work.

How is DD today, Lady? SO sorry for you, that must have been horrible. . And for DP too, who must also feel mega crap.

*Jolly( that is great about DD sitting up. It's when they start to become proper little people, isn't it? Btw, how do you have to treat your kidney condition now?

Nolda, what's the sitch with DH after the weekend? I think I would still be simmering with resentment. How is DD now?

We're supposed to be completing on the new house this Fri. Trying to book removal firm. Was thinking of going with Pickfords as easiest but not sure if anyone's got any horror stories as to why not? Or recommendations of other firms?

Oh joy, both boys coughing in tandem from their respective cots. Come autumn, cometh the consumption...

hi all
can't stay long as I have a mahooooooosive headache so I'm going to bed soon, but wanted to drop in to say thanks for all the words of wisdom. You ladies are a wonderful source of support and wisdom and encouragement. It is very true what you have said about labels, and I've really valued what you've shared with me about family and friends who have mental health issues. Still not sure what I'm going to do, but I'm not feeling pressured to decide. My CPN is ringing on Thursday so I can chat through some thoughts then. Thanks
JB re the lack of sleep - it's mainly because P wakes up several times a night. I can't believe she'll be three soon and we've never really had more than a week of her sleeping through. Sometimes she settles quickly and other times I'm up for hours, so depending on how long I'm up for, sometimes I can drop back to sleep and other times i'm too awake! The last couple of nights she's been poorly so I'll let her off for those! ALso - I didn't know your kidneys were still not behaving post pregnancy. Is it something that will resolve? Does it make you feel unwell?
LadyT so sorry about D's finger incident . It's reassuring to know that she will have no memory of it at all (although you and DP will not forget in a hurry!) I can understand you feeling cross with him because us mums are sooooooooo protective of our LOs.
spot I hope your boys don't get too poorly with their coughs. Are you getting them flu-jabbed this year? We've had a letter inviting L but she always has it as she's asthmatic. I do know if all children are encouraged to have it.
zj I am in awe of your mega post last week
PD good to hear from you again. You sound rather glum Hope things pick up for you soon. I too would be cross with dh if he neglected teeth cleaning - in fact unless I remind him or ask him directly, he would put her to bed without doing them. I just don't get it - I mean, it's twice a day for life - not a hard one to remember!
vag I hope you have a wonderful time in London and Brighton. I'm very of you getting to hang out with so many of the dec 08ers!
Right, nausea kicking in. Must rest eyes and head.
Night all xxx

Oooh spot that is exciting. We went with local firms both times we moved so can't help I'm afraid. Get them to pack if you can though. Much easier although the random box labelling was funny. Someone said that similar on here recently, was it JJ? 'Kitchen' written on a box isn't very helpful. We had one that said 'Various + Pineapple'. My Pineapple ice bucket wasn't something I was desperately trying to find! Writing which box the kettle was in would have been more helpful.

trace Sounds like a good plan with the CPN ringing and you being able to take your time. Is there anyway you can address P waking? I know you have tried before and I don't want to sound as though I imagine it has a simple solution but not having had a proper nights sleep for almost 3 years is awful for you!!! Obviously not at the mo because she is poorly but when she is back to tip top condition. Will she respond to sticker charts or favourite TV programme/trip out will not happen? If you are worried about it disrupting everyone else how about tacking it at half term? Maybe you and L could stay at a friends and DH could try something.

vag I feel zonked after exercise, hence I don't do much! I hope your PT is nice and dishy to give you something pleasant to look at as you work out.

Thanks for asking about my battered kidneys trace and spot! I feel fine but I've still got protein leaking and a raised BP although it seems to shoot up and down. I'm seeing a kidney specialist next time I see the Liver team and having ultrasounds etc to see what is going on. I may need to go on some meds to prevent kidney damage, it depends on the cause really. They can't decide whether it is 'normal' pregnancy related kidney problems unconnected to my liver stuff or maybe kidney damage from some of my medication used to prevent rejection of my liver. Having written it down it sounds much worse than it is!

Better go to bed. Night all.

I will be there on Friday Veg. Really looking forward to it.

Spot, when we moved we got quotes from Aussie and Pickfords. Aussie were 10% cheaper so Pickfords matched that price so Aussie took another 5% off. So I would def get competing quotes. So exciting about the move! Are you going to do it with boys in tow or can they go to your Mum's?

Jolly - sorry about your kidneys. Does it make you feel ill? My leaky kidneys carried on for a few months after birth and leaked again the moment I conceived number two but my BP was fine and I never felt ill. I hope your consultants can reassure you soon.

Spot - I used Burke and Wills, but not sure if they're just in London or out and about as well.

Trace - how is your head this morning? That sounded a blinder. Poor you.

Does anyone have a recipe for a five bean chilli that's fairly easy to do? My DH wants one for our anniversary dinner tomorrow night. I've bought a few tins of beans and now don't know how to proceed! Do I add meat? Some of the recipes say I do and I like it, but DH isn't that fussed. Oooh, I am confused.

Leaky kidneys sound horrid.

At the risk of sounding a bit smug (apologies), but DD2 finally seems to have got the hang of sleeping through. It's only taken nearly 16 months, but I think we're there. I've now had about 2 weeks of straight night's sleep, bar Friday and Saturday nights. But Friday night was DD1. I am so relieved. And so much nicer.

Really looking forward to Friday. Realistically, by the time DH gets home from work and I've got there, I won't be there til 8ish. So sorry. Hope that's ok.

xxxx

PS Going house hunting in Hertfordshire next week - whoop whoop!

I killed the thread...