Dec 08 Mums - happy new year, happy new thread and soon some happy new babies!

[sybilfaulty]

Happy new year!

Sorry for the rubbish title but wanted to get the new thread underway. Let's close the door on some of the sad events of 2011 and look forward to a better year in 2012.

Happy birthday invis - hope you did something celebratory

Thank you for the birthday messages lovely ladies - they really cheered my day. It was pretty low key (visit to GP, a rather dull day at work and yesterday's leftovers for dinner), but then of course that misses the fun of very excited small children. Very proud of DD who wrote her own birthday card to me (the front was covered in random letters - explanation: "I wrote some phonemes so you could see I can write" ). DS decorated the cake, so I leave that to your imagination....

Big success of the day is that we discovered our guildford friends have a 17 year old niece who lives round the corner and is keen to babysit - result! We may even get a saturday night out...

Urbane - thanks for posting that birth story - it took me right back to the eurphoria after having DS, lovely. Amazed you've coped with newborn and 3 rounds of chicken pox and everything else

popped on after ages away to see we have a little urbanite - welcome martha and well done, urbane - wow, that sounds like a fabulous birth. v jealous. we're stopping at 2, but i do have fantasies about trying for an elcs (now that i know i have no chance of a vaginal birth). i have started getting a little broody now dd2 has started slightly (although i'm not actually saying it as it'll make it all go wrong again, but hushed tones nevertheless) sleeping through.

anyway, must dash, will try to keep more in touch - love to all x

Tra la la! DD2 has just yacked all over bed. Treat. I smell of puke. DH away again this week, taking car tomorrow. Weep. Am off to see Dad tomorrow as it's his 71st birthday. Both my sisters going too. Will be rather jolly. Although Dad's really not well from the chemo again.
X

Hope she's ok Beans. My dh away today until Fri too (a stones throw from you ladyT!) then working all weekend, so it's odd here as I only got back yesterday from a trip, and its rare to be ships in the night here! DC's have been fine though and going to try a new toddler group tomorrow [scared]
I'm off until March now (maybe) and have db visiting soon so quite Happy belated invis! Welcome back Veggie. Have a nice visit with your dad and sis's Beans

Happy belated birthday to both little Jump and Invis, I hope both were appropriately spoilt? Your card and cake sound really lovely Invis

Your birth story is gorgeous Urbane, thank you so much for sharing. Poor little mite, getting chicken pox, but very pleased she's doing well otherwise. Well done you on listening to your body - that is my biggest fear this time around, that having had an epidural and sleeping my way from 7cm to 10cm, when I suddenly woke and announced the it felt like I needed to poo, that I won't recognise anything that is going on. Mental note made to ask the MW to explain all the stages for me and not to assume I know it from before. Thanks for yours/Sybs tips on being prepared. I love all you ladies for having done all this before me

How is M's potty training going Sybs? DD regressed after about 3 weeks and it drove me to tears and tantrums - don't get to that point, it ain't worth it

Jump your friend is bonkers. Something inside me wishes they have a huge meringue of a traditional wedding, and then listen to them explain that away

Good luck with the completion and imminent move Beans, I hope it all goes swimmingly. Have a lovely day with your family tomorrow, many happy returns to your Dad

Kayz that's great that your wedding is going ahead so soon. And does the reception next year mean a good excuse for 2 dresses?

How did J get on at nursery Jolly?

A very quiet hurrah (so I don't wake the baby) on sleeping at last Waiting!

I have been going through DDs baby clothes today - surely they have shrunk, babies can't possibly be so small? I allowed myself a little tear as I hung them on the washing line, bless

I remember that feeling ZJ! I couldn't imagine babies were so small. Then J was a tiny tiddler and L's clothes were too big!

I need to do a proper catch up so will try to be back later. We're all snotty and coldy which is grim.

I was thinking of you Jolly, as I was hanging them out, and how titchy J's first clothes must have been

Hi Ladies
It's quiet on here at the moment isn't it? I think we're missing Vag!
ZJ I'm getting very excited for you! I remember that feeling of "babies aren't that small are they?"! And that was while I was working on a children's ward, seeing them all the time! Somehow they seem more tiny when they're your own.
I have a late finish tonight so I can go in late this morning, which is fab because I've dropped L at school, been for a run [rubs halo] and now am having a sit down for 20 mins before I have to go out I have a massive headache though I've taken ibuprofen and paracetamol but it's still hurty. I took my first one of my new drugs last night - I assume it's not related to the headache because I do get lots of headaches,
I treated myself to this this week with my birthday money and it arrived yesterday. I love it! No more 'will I get away with my pant moustache?' moments before Ducklings on a wednesday! Also am off to Centreparks at the end of the month for some decent sleep to celebrate my friend's birthday, so will feel a bit more comfortable in the pool there if I'm a bit more covered up.
hope the sleep fairies are still visiting at your house xxx
indith are you getting any more sleep these days? I know it sounds mean, and I don't intend it to be, but I always feel some comfort in knowing I'm not the only one with a 3 yr old who still wakes so much. A full night's sleep is sooooooo rare - surely we should be over this by now?!

thought I ought to post in case the computer swallowed it! Anyway, must go to work now but will try to be back later. I think DH is out tonight so it's trashy TV, ironing and MN for me

Great birth story Urbane. Glad everyone over the pox OK.

at little baby clothes. Also getting the washing done. Nappies all washed and dried, clothes next then bedding! Tis rather tricky trying to find slots in the washer/on the laundry maid for it all though! My bedding hasn't been changed in way too long .

Trace a sleep deprived companion is always a good thing :). Dd is variable as ever. She was sent to teh consultant to investigate sleep apnoea (don't know how mcuh I've posted about that). The letter that came back from consultant was that although tonsils are enlarged there is no sign of adenoidal problems therefore not sleep apnoea plus her history doesn't quite fit (he said wouldn't have shown from newborn and she has always been a bit "wrong" in the sleep department, even as newborn just not quite right). BUT they still want her in for overnight sleep study to measure her oxygen levels and see if they fall, causing disturbances as she comes into light sleep to thrash around and start breathing again. If they do fall then she would be referred to ENT to see what they say. But he ended the letter saying that it still wouldn't be sleep apnoea. So that leaves me a bit confused really. I'm perfectly happy for them to say "I can see why she was sent to us but it isn't sleep apnoea, she is just a crap sleeper", I'm not sure why she then has to go and do the test so I'm in 2 minds at the moment if we will do it (on waiting list so no rush to decide) or not. Sometimes she sleeps fairly well and can do so for a couple of weeks just thrashing once or twice, sometimes settling herself rather than us having to go it and then she will do 3 or 4 weeks of being really bad again. I want to give things a while to see if nursery makes a difference as she has been pretty good the past couple of weeks so although we have always been active perhaps the extra mental stimulation helps? I don't know. How bad is your sleep now?

Time is moving way too fast now. 35 weeks. Baby keeps bobbing head in and out, was 4/5 when I saw the MW on Tuesday but he definitely goes lower than that sometimes. I keep feeling like he is going to fall out of my arse. Back ache can get quite bad too as he is OP at the moment. Got quite a lot to sort out before he arrives but also have interview for university on the 9th Feb to study midwifery so have lots of reading and prep to do! Baby not allowed before then!

Indith - I didn't realise how bad your sleep was - Im so sorry for you. And Trace!!

Bad night here last night. DH is away and DD1 woke up coughing and totally unable to catch her breath. It sounded asthmatic, which I don't know about, but her pipes sounded like they were really small and she couldn't breathe properly. I rang NHS direct when she'd calmed down a bit and they were brilliant. Put me straight through to a nurse and then the insisted on sending round paramedics. Was an amazing service and within half an hour of DD1 waking up the ambulance was here. I was really embarrassed that by the time they'd arrived, her breathing was back to normal and she was clearly fine. I think she'd had a bit of a panic attack. Honestly, though, they couldn't have been any nicer about it and I was so apologetic! Said better to be safe than sorry etc. I had been so worried! I just know if DH had been here, I wouldn't have done any of it. V embarrassing! Karma for wasting their time was that they trod mud into our upstairs carpets, which was really hard to get out this morning. DD1 went back to sleep in her own bed happily and came into mine at 6am. We all slept til 8am! Astonishing. I am, though, totally knackered today, despite feeling like I probably did catch up on my sleep this morning. Hohum.

Our house sale is becoming a total joke and I'm on the brink of pulling out. They are dicking us around and I'm really bored of it.

Went to see Dad yesterday. I know some of you saw my picture of him on FB. He requested that no one else see the photo, so I had to quickly remove it! He was on ok form. It just really brings it home that the only relief that he's ever going to get, eventually, is the end, which is just awful to think about. For all of us. But he and Mum particularly. Anyway, mustn't depress myself and must think positively. It was Mum and Dad and my sisters and me. It is YEARS since it's just been the five of us, with not husbands or children in tow. It was gorgeous really. If only in happier circumstances.

Right, must go. DD2 starting to refuse her pm sleep. Gutted! Hopefully she'll go to bed well tonight. Off for a walk now. She might even nod off in her pushchair. Never know!

Big big love to all

xx

Oh beans poor you. So glad it turned out ok. Don't feel bad about calling them. Better to be safe. People call them put for stupidly invalid reasons. Anything involving a child struggling to breathe is an emergency.

On my phone but will be on the laptop tonight so catch up properly then.

Hope you are having some time to yourself ZJ to relax not wash baby clothes! J's stuff was teeny. Unbelievable when I look at her now!

Goodness Beans . Glad everything is OK. Don't feel bad for calling, that is what the number is there for. They don't send paramedics at the drop of a hat so it must have been worth checking out.

Thanks for reassurances. I did feel like a bit of an arse! Never mind.

DDs both in bed now. Brilliant. Trying to sort out house and nursery and various other things DH has tasked me with. Joy.

DD1 so covered in snot, I know it's going to be a bad night tonight. Not sure I'll even stay up late enough to watch CBB. Sob.

Hello everyone,

beans It really is fine! As Indith said NHS direct must have been concerned enough to send an ambulance. I know what you mean about how you wouldn't have done if your DH had of been there. It is much easier to have someone with you in an emergency to make a joint decision.

Glad you had a lovely day with your sisters and parents. Fingers crossed for a quiet night.

Blimey indith the sleep apnea checks must have been worrying. DIfficult that they haven't given you any idea of the cause or when sleep might improve. Wow, I didn't know you were planning on studing midwifery. Would you start in September if sucessful? The school of midwifery wouldn't be a bad place to go into labour though, as long as the interview was complete!

urbane Lovely birth story. Made me whistful for a VB.

invisible Glad you had a good birthday and excellent news on the babysitter. I could do with discovering we had a capable 17 year old round the corner!

How was the new todder group rubes?

Trace Nice swimsuit. Not heard the expression 'pant moustache' before but I shall adopt it.

ZJ Did E enjoy looking at her old baby clothes? L loves to tell J that she is wearing things from when she was a baby, but now she is a much bigger girl .

I'm trying to think of interesting news from the Jollybear household... DD1 has finally agreed to have the sides taken off her cotbed, she likes her new big girls bed and so far hasn't done any wandering. DD2 enjoyed her settling in visits at nursery. She even had a nap within half an hour of arrival so obviously felt at home. I got measured for a non-nursing bra now DD2 no longer feeds in the day and came home with a 30GG . Childbearing has done strange things to my figure . DH gave blood last week and I am very proud. He promised me when I first became ill and had lots of blood transfusions that he would go and give a few pints. It has taken him almost 8 years but he got there in the end! That's about it. I'm gearing up for going back to work. I have forgotton my email password though so not a good start.

Anyone watch Sherlock? I had to watch it again on the iplayer as I wanted to double check for clues as to how he managed it.

Good evening fabulous ladies. Got back from Oslo yesterday evening after tiring 10 hour, 7 leg journey (cab, bus, plane, train, tube, train, then bus...)....It was smashing but I did miss the girls after about Monday and strongly suspect I cracked a rib or two tobogganing...Off to the quack tomorrow. I also have to take DD1 for blood tests tomorrow (two lymph nodes have been up in her neck for weeks) and DD2 was turned away from her MMR this morn because the vaccinations are grown in egg protein (yuck) and so she needs to go to hospital to have them done in the resusc suite. Great-o. Oh, and DP is still not completely recovered and he has had a really swollen knee for a week as well....so all a bit medical here.

Have quickly read so proper catch up when I have more time, but Beans, you so did the right thing. Seriously. You aren't one of these dickheads who calls 999 asking for directions to the Post Office or whatever, you were worried about a tiny child. I am glad you saw all your folks together the other day - sounds lovely. It's my Dad's birthday tomorrow. Makes me feel all hollow.

Rubes, is your DH away near Oslo or near Chipping Norton? I wasn't clear! Right, you're off until March. A reading rendezvous beckons.

Urbane, I loved to read your birth story. So nice when people post them. One day we will all be menopausal old bags and there will be no more, so they are to be treasured.

(Oh dear, sounded a bit nihilistic - didn't mean it like that!)

Oops, my soup is ready, so have to dash. Big love to everyone else and a happy happy birthday to Invis for t'other day (and Eleanor - blimey, the time has fled!)

I meant a Reading rendezvous, but a reading rendezvous sounds quite nice, if a little antisocial.

LadyT - that doesn't sound right about the MMR. I was told by DD's consultant it was safe for her to have mmr even with the allergy (unless it is exceptionally severe). See the snippet from the anaphylaxis campaign website (you need to log in to get the full thing) www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/Search.aspx?s=mmr. DD had the vaccine without any trouble at the GP

Beans as others have said you definitely did the right thing. How stressful for you though

Glad you enjoyed Oslo Ladyt but sorry to hear about the various ailments. And was really sorry to hear about your dad. Will be thinking of you tomorrow. I wish I could think of anything comforting to say.

They couldn't get a reading at dd2's hearing screening today - second time. So am a bit anxious about that. She has got a cold so that could be it but need to go back next week. I think she can hear but worried I am imaging reaction.

Indith that all sounds a bit baffling on sleep . I dont see how they can be so sure it isn't apnea. I do feel for you and trace with broken sleep for so long. Exhausting. Saying that I can't remember the last time our big 2 slept in their own beds all night. We just bought a massive bed

Trace I hope your head is better.

When is your bro arriving rubes?

Good for your dh jolly. Sorry for staccato posting but trying to feed at same time ( and failing) better go

Oh arti - please go as David Attenborough. That is brilliant. My oldest sister's hen theme was that and my middle sister and I went as Mum and Dad. I was Dad. Must say, it was a stroke of genius. I had on a bald wig with 3 bits of black ink dipped cotton wool balls selotaped to my head and a jumper with a cushion up it and some black rimmed specs. My sister wore Mum's rank old dressing gown and a vile permed wig. We went as them circa 1980. Dad has looked the same since he was about 26, so it wasn't hard. Although thinner and even balder now!!!

Ooh I love a fancy dress party. You might feel more in a party mood dressing as Madonna. Our friend went to a party as Ken Barlow clutching a half pint glass, wearing an aran jumper and a dusting of talc in his hair. He felt really miserable all night!

Blimey J has just woken up. Found another tooth this morning so we have teething alongside a cold. She is red cheeked, snotty and grumpy.

sorry didn't get back on last night, even though DH went out. I was sooooooooooo tired, as soon as I got dd1 to bed after Brownies I went to bed myself (about 8.15) and slept until 6.50 this morning! My new meds cause sedation (very common side effect) so I wonder if it's that? I feel like my head is full of cotton wool. Was rather sleepy at work today...just have to keep going until the girls are in bed tonight so I can hit the sack again!
Indith - P usually goes to sleep ok, around 6.30 ish, although she often messes around for me and I have to get dh to sort her out. Then she tends to wake up about 9 or 10pm, and then a couple more times in the night, asking for water or a cuddle or her covers rearranging or wanting to be in our bed...sometimes she settles within a few minutes, others she'll be awake for hours [yawn]. Then she usually is awake for the day at 6.30 ish. If we push her bedtime later, she still wakes early but is just grumpier!
ladyt glad to hear you had a good time and it's nice to have you back - but sorry to hear of all the health woes. Hope you all get sorted pronto.
spot glad you're ok and that B is settling nicely at nursery. And you are more than welcome in the no sleep gang - the more members the more normal it feels! Althouh I can't complain after my marathon snooze last night
jolly do you ever use those teething granules? can't remember what they're called but it's a little sachet and you rub it on their gums. I remember P quite liking it. Don't know if it did any good though!
Arti I hope you have a fab time at your party. That's a lot of people! Fancy dress is such fun.Years ao we had a 'J' party for DH (whose name begins with J) and his mate (whose name also begins with J) - people came as anything beginning with J. We had all sorts, the Jackson Five (I was one of them!), Jupiter, Juliet (from Romeo and Juliet), 2 people came as jay-cloths (!) and we even had a rather tenuous Jiant Bear