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.

Try not to get in a pickle because if you are, you will deal with it and if you aren't, you will have get yourself in a fret for nothing. Can you ask when the pharmacy are getting some in? When are you coming home? Can you have a quiet word with hotel reception?? You could do it over the phone and they could obtain one for you. Don't panic. Everything is magnified because you are away from home. Either way, all will be well. Promise.

I was just about to paste half a post in, as follows (now off to write the other half)

Oh Jolly, what a shame! Please do try not to berate yourself, though you are bound to feel extra wobbly on your first day back. What rotten luck. I hope she perks up soon. Be kind to yourself in the meantime...

DD2 has been chucking up today and yesterday as well, they've both got fearful coughs and vile green candles dripping down their poor little faces. I am starting to cough now and with my idiotic fractured ribs, it actually brings the tears to my eyes. They feel worse than they did a week ago!

You talk about guilt, JB, I buggered off for 6 days and I felt a few pangs about that. But I felt comforted that DP was there and that they were at home. I have never been away from them for more than a couple of nights, I think (ok, 4 nights from DD1 when I was having DD2) and I missed them so so much, but the first 2 or 3 days were soooo restorative.

JJ, that women sounds insufferable. How irritating that you have to see her about the place. She seems sort of gleefully attention seeking. Talk about projection - accusing the world of being prescriptive and yet by being obsessed by gender to the exclusion of almost all else, she is forcing the kid to see the world through only one filter. Ugh. Brings me out in hives. Indith put it very succinctly. To refer to previous chat on here, from a couple of weeks ago, which interested me - I do actually like pink clothes, tutus and all that jazz, but as part of a range of different styles of clothes. My two probably wear jeans/trousers more often, especially at this time of year, and they have their fair share of pink stuff but thinking about it, a lot of their clothes are a range of bright colours. I can't wait in case either of them gets seriously into dolls as I loved mine and they were all pristine, but they both play with cars, trucks and the whole gamut really, which is lovely.

I am so pleased it's all systems go on the house at last, Beans. Fab. Will you have lots of decorating? Do you need to buy more furniture?

Rubes, DP was saying your DH should have come over! Was it when I was in Oslo? I guess he was very busy. How is DD and her sleeping/eating? I would absolutely love to see you but I am having to stay put just now as pushing the double buggy is a no no with these ribs. I need you to catch me up on CBB! I haven't watched any of it (put off by it being on Five) but I hear snippets of what's going on and it sounds quite a juicy one.

Thanks for your comments re: DD2's jabs, Invis and Arti. I haven't got to the bottom of it yet but I will let you know how I get on. Invis, have you read your Secret Santa books yet? I have had a really good run of books recently - The Birthday Boys by Beryl Bainbridge, that Julian Barnes novel(la), a totally engrossing one called The Best of Everything by Rona Jaffe, which I heartily recommend to anyone who enjoyed Mad Men as it's contemporaneous with that (or nearly) and is about four graduates who work for a New York publishing house. It's brill-o but was apparently quite scandalous for the times, being frankish about sex; and A Visit From the Goon Squad which I didn't like at first but it grew on me.

AAA - are you back from Strasbourg? I do know what you mean about the girls being little pals. Mine are to me, hugely. Mind you, it's just as well, given that we are cooped up together in the back of beyond for most of the time I am glad DH's 40th went with a bang.

I have a lot more to say but I'd better post this bit before it vanishes.

I'm just going to bed, but didn't want to leave Arti and Jolly

AAA could you be panicking more because you are away from home and have none of the usual mundane things around you to distract you? I know if I dwell on some idea it can consume me. Fingers crossed for a false alarm, if that is what you want x

Jolly I hope your girls tums have settled down tonight, I second everyone else's comments that you shouldn't feel guilty and you did the right thing at the right time

Ill be back to the rest of you tomorrow, night night all

Night night ZJ. I was just in the middle of typing your bit!

Arti, I thought of something else - there may be another pharmacy closer by than you think, or even a 24hr one. Could you google or, again, ask the hotel for assistance?

I hope J has settled, Jolly.

Hi Lady,

I am hindered from following some of your suggestions by the fact I don't speak French. Also my hotel is v basic and the staff v unhelpful so I'm pretty sure that even if I could communicate my need they would not help. Why don't the French have places like Tesco Express??? Can't believe I am saying that as I hate everything Tesco Express stands for but right now I'd give my eye teeth for one.

I'm not back in London 'til 10pm Friday. That seems a long way away.

What about ordering one online, now, and getting it sent to your hotel? If you did express delivery it would be with you by Thurs...Do you want me to send you some French vocab? Though you could google what you need and write it down and just throw yourself on the mercy of the hotel reception, however unhelpful. Oh dear, poor you.

I just googled 24 hour pharmacy Strasbourg and there are some so you could get a cab tomorrow evening. Pregnancy test is 'test de grossesse' so I guess just say 'avez-vous un test de grossesse s'il vous plait...' Pregnant is 'enceinte'. My French is reasonable if not very elegant so let me know if there's anything I can do.

And now for part 2 -

how are the massages going, ZJ? How psyched up are you for Child 2?

Sybs - is M back on with the TT? DD1 finally managed a poo on the potty yesterday DP hit upon the bright idea of putting a chocolate bar on a shelf opposite the potty so she could see it. We have had to resort to craven bribery for the stubborn little bugger.

We get her blood test results tomorrow. I am bit worried, really. I know she eats naff all but she has been under the weather so long and these lumps on her neck are so alarming.

Urbs, how is it going with three children? I know it's early doors...how did your DD1 and DS react to her?

Rubes - when is DB coming? Would love to meet him. Is he bringing the kids? Is your new house near a different station or is it the same one? It all sounds interesting re: the new house - has your old landlord settled down? Oh crikey, I need your OCD tendencies with my own house. It's so out of control, I have never been on top of this place and there is just way.too.much stuff

Trace - noticed any effect from the new drug regimen? How long is it supposed to take? Oh golly, fingers crossed on the house.

Vag, your trip sounded so magnificent. I read your FB updates with enormous jealousy. Did it make you feel like you wanted to go back home full time?

WG - am cheered to hear you are getting a little more sleep. Any more thoughts about the work to your house?

Spot - what ho, feeling any better about the new place? You'd be surprised how often I think about your blog, I find it very thought provoking. I have many arguments in my head about (for instance) feeling less validated (occasionally, not all the time) about not having a job out of the house. Sometimes I think it's justified, sometimes I don't. Anyway, I could write an essay about all that...

I did have more to say but I must go to bed and carry on reading Enchanted April.

Ladyt if your ribs are really hurting do go back to the gp - I managed to tear my intercostal muscles in late pg - from coughing and dd2 kicking and they gave me codine. Was marvellous stuff and apparently does the business for chest pain in particular (according to our slightly over enthusiastic pharmacist anyway). Hope blood test results reassure you. Am really fed up of winter coughs and colds - poor ds has had hacking cough since November.

And AAA - crikey. Ladyt's 24 pharmacy sounds like good idea. Life with 3 is really lovely though ds and dd1 been fine really I don't think it bothers them as much going from 2-3 as from 1-2. Is far easier so far too. But am prepared to be bitten on the ass for saying that. I think the bigger age gap helps.

Lady, you are so kind googling pharmacies for me. Will search out a 24 hour one tonight. Not sure what I will tell my team, hard to get a moment alone when you work, eat & return to hotel with 5 others at all times. Will find a way. Thanks for the phrases too. I knew enciente which, coupled with much gesturing, helped me ascertain the first pharmacy had run out.

Anyway, thanks again all. Keep yr fingers crossed for me!

hi.
can't stop as I'm home with a poorly P, but AAA since the deed was 5/6 days after ovulation, you're are not so 'at risk' as if it had been the other way round. Try to keep calm as the stress in itself could be delaying your period. Poor you. Hope you can get a test. Could we post you one?
JB I really feel for you but really you must let yourself off the hook. It's terrible having to make such decisions on your first day back at work, not wanting to let your employer down etc, and as others have said, you left her with trusted family and she came to no harm. I hope they both pick up soon from their bugs. Yesterday I took P to nursery, knowing that she had had a temp for 2 days and was not right. I got a call at lunch asking me to pick her up. Really I should have kept her off but I made the wrong call. No harm done though.
Ok must dash.
love to all xxx

Hey all

AAA - try not to worry. Hopefully it's just a scare, but do try to get your mitts on a test. The more you worry, the less likely you are to get your period, I reckon!

Lady - lovely to hear from you. Your poor ribs. Sounds jolly sore.

I've already had a row with DH about the removals at the house. I've got a quote of just over £2k, but it's my first one. He is adamant that we pack up the house ourselves. I did it last time, when I was 8.5 months pregnant. His parents came to help and were brilliant, but it was so stressful and exhausting. I really didn't enjoy it. He did the actual removal himself, but luckily has agreed it's not possible this time, as it's not a 15 min drive from one house to another and he's not insured to hire an HGV!!! The cost of them packing us up is only £144 more than them not and the hassle of packing seems to outweigh that cost. AND our stuff isn't insured if we pack it ourselves. ho hum. I am getting more quotes done, though, so am hopeful of finding something cheaper. But really for £144 I would pay it out of my own wages!!!

Am off out for lunch with a friend this afternoon, which I'm looking forward to. Am currently at work, which is nice. Naughty me being on MN!!

Just waiting to hear from our lawyer whether we've exchanged for sure now or not... Fingers crossed!

Trace - how are you feeling?

Vag - meant to say ages ago, WELCOME BACK! We missed you. And your photos on FB are amazing. I am very jealous of your trip. Sounds just heavenly.

Right, must dash, work to do. Not much, but some!

xx

still ill here. It's torture without dh around very much. Thank God he's got some leave booked.
Lady he actually asked me if he should go and "visit LadyT" (exact words) and I thought DP was with you and I told him you were both in Oslo! That said, they were in lectures up to 13 hours some days - it was mad so not sure he'd have had time in the end! Hope all is well with DD1 - keep us posted. And the ribs etc - makes my illness look basic. Having said it feels like home here, there is so much we want to change about this house, plus the ocd thing isn't good as I get so wound up about stupid things! It's nearer the station I use for the train to London if you know which I mean. DD still doesn't sleep properly. Always wakes around 11pm then sometimes sleeps through but more often screams at about 2... it all seems to roll in to one long sleeping nightmare here. If it's not teething, it's nappy and on it goes. She's eating better now but it's not really changed her sleeping. Suffice to say we are constantly shattered. Can def try and get together when db is here!
Avo hope it works out in your favor. Didn't you want a third - just a little bit? I assumed maybe a tiny bit of you does if you aren't taking precautions - as with me not wanting one I'm terrified of accidents and I'm on the pill! Not at huge risk here at the mo tho! it will work out, either way x
Beans do you have time to just slowly do the packing? I did that with our last move - seriously did a tiny bit each day and it wasn't bad. I can highly recommend Aussie Man and a Van - they were nothing short of brilliant and I got several quotes too. They delivered boxes and tape (loads) then I packed and they even finished some of the packing off, came with 2 guys, spent 8 hours moving us, then collected the boxes after and the whole thing was just under £500. I also asked them about their full packing service and it was something around the region of £1200-£1300. I did ask for "mates rates" lol but doubt I got that - they did finish off some packing for me though! That was a 4 bedroom house with a garage full of bikes, full kids outdoor swing / slide set, BBQ, Lawnmowers, large outdoor table and chairs etc. I would def get them to quote on a full service for you. I will be using them again.

Our tenant has given notice, and they are doing major work on the building and flat, so just trying to decide whether to try and sell or get a new tenant. Gotta weight up if it's worth using an agent and paying a finders fee, as although I manage it myself, the finders fee is huge.
Better post as kids are getting a bit squabbly (as per usual) and dd is now throwing the recycling around the house....

gotta 'weigh' up not weight obviously. that reminds me - both dh and I have put on weight so cabbage soup might be back on the hob shortly..... Not to mention back to eating abit better like I once did and not so many take aways.... did i mention the local curry guy hugged me hello over Christmas / New year

Rubes a friend of hours gets recognised by the curry place as soon as he places his order! There is a chance he eats from there slightly too often!

Arti try not to stress. Hope you get the outcome you want. Sometimes these things clarify our true feelings.

Beans for just £144 extra I'd definitely be getting the packing done too! This is house number 5 since ds was born, getting progressively more and more of our own stuff and we have always done it ourselves, all the packing, hired a van etc. When we moved here I told dh never again. Should we move again we are hiring someone and I don't bloody well care how much it costs.

Dd has been very kind and shared her cold with me. Head thumping, sinueses thumping, nose dripping. Both children slept all night last night which almost never happens but I tossed and turned and pretty much gave up around 3am. Lovely. Had a bit of a nap while dd was at nursery this morning but I think this afternoon is going to include a lot of TV!

So many mistakes ...
Their not there
Off not of
You get the gist. Sorry.

AAA - I will definitely do that!!! Am just going to book it all myself as makes life much easier! There is one company that I really want to use, so if I get a cheaper quote from another, I'll call them and tell them what it is and see if they can match it. HA! Evil!

Glad you're not pregnant, if you're glad! Maybe baby you should go for it... hee hee!

AAA - glad you've got some peace of mind, either way. The uncertainty of such things is always the killer. As I have mentioned before, I would quite like another in a way, despite several serious misgivings (more than that, actually - my sensible head tells me it would be a mistake, even though I like the idea in principle) but it's immaterial as we flatly do not have £12k for another private birth. We don't even have access to borrowing £12k. Yeah, I could get another CS on the NHS I expect but illogical or princessy as it sounds I don't fancy it.

Speaking of money, so far renting out my flat has cost a fortune...£1,600 commission up front, £500 for various agreements and admin relating to the rental, £350 for the inventory, £800 in appliances (hob and washing machine were declared 'unfit for purpose')...plus a few other things takes me close to three and a half thousand pounds, which I don't really have. Nor does DP as he shortly has to pay tax on money which he has earned but not been paid yet, due to delays of up to 6 months from the Legal Services Commission. I am sick of this constant robbing Peter to pay Paul. It will all come right eventually, but I feel like I have done nothing but fret about money for two or three years. That probably sounds very spoilt and pathetic given that we have lashed out on two private births as above. But goodness knows we've spent money on bugger all else apart from DIY materials (and repairing our old banger of a car, which we can't even afford to insure for a bit after tomorrow so it's going off the road for a bit. So I feel extra guilty about Oslo, even though I got super cheap Ryanair flights).

But the BRILLIANT news is, and obviously this puts everything else into perspective, is that DD1 appears to be ok. They did a full blood count and I guess they can tell a lot from that and it seems that she has had, or has still, a viral infection somewhere in her body. She has a follow up appt in a fortnight but the doctor doesn't seem too concerned. I am very, very relieved.

Rubes, it sounds like you both really need a rest. Planning any hols, do you think? Shame your tenant has given notice. I would love to see the new house. When I am better I will brave it over, really truly.

Beans, I hope you can get someone to pack for you. We have a ridiculous amount of gear and the thought of all that packing, even 6 months on, makes me want to weep.

Hope you've had a bit of a rest this arvo, Indith.

When are you back at work, Urbs? (Not to cast a pall over your Mat Leave!)

Money is a right bastard, isn't it????!

So, we haven't exchanged today. Apparently tomorrow. Nuts.

I found a little lump on the front of my fanny (in pubes bit, sorry, TMI) about a month ago. I half expected it to turn into a spot or a trapped hair or something, but no, it's just stayed as a lump. No appointments at doctor til a week on Friday! Hmmm. Going to give it a few days and see if it goes down, but not sure it will. Hope it's nothing sinister!

Sorry about the exchange, Beans. Conveyancing solicitors are not my favourite types of lawyer...so many duff ones....

Why don't you take the appointment and then if it goes away, cancel the appointment?

I need to book a smear, that reminds me. Joy.

I've just had one, Lady. Results normal. Phew. I have one every year due to dodgy results and a small procedure. It's not my favourite experience. Even though have done two fanny deliveries of babies. Ho hum.

Good idea re the appointment. Will call them again tomorrow and grab it.

Every year? Yikes. I know I shouldn't complain and it's great that we have this wonderful resource, but...Anyway, will book and get on with it.

Hello. Just popping in quickly.

I hope everyone is doing well. I've had insomnia for the past 10 or so days and I'm feeling pretty rough.

I've also been trying to perfect a chocolate cake as I am making our wedding cake.

I will catch up soon. Hopefully tomorrow.