Dec 08 Mums - Happy New Thread, You Beauties!

[beans37]

Come join me....

Hello ladies, having been AWOL I have finally got 2 mins to pop my head in - and I'm very glad to read that you all seem to be mega busy and it's not just me. I never seem to have 5 minutes to myself anymore. I'm hoping that now this will be on threads I'm on it'll be easier to find you

Sorry to hear FIL is poorly Invis

Hope you are all having a sunny Sunday, as we are

DD2 is 1 . I keep looking at photos of this time last year and can't believe it

Happy Birthday Mini ZJ!!

Vag, can I pick your brains? Just wondering if you know what the children's hospital is like in Melbourne? My cousins 8 week old has meningitis and Kawasaki disease I think he's on the mend as they took him home yesterday/today. But he has to go back for tests on Tuesday. My Aunt and Uncle arrived to find he'd been rushed in while they were on the flight there.

Poor little guy

Gosh that's scary Kayz, your poor cousin, that's very young to have meningitis. The Melbourne kids hospital is excellent, he will have gotten very good care from them. They produce a paediatric medications handbook which is used all over the world.

ZJ it was lovely here today, went for a run in the morning with some friends & spent the rest of the day pottering around & getting bits done.

Indith I'm quite interested in your laundry system, I need a system, I end up with several baskets full of washing in our bedroom waiting to be folded.

We found out the London house will cost about ?7000 to get fixed up ready to rent. That includes a new bathroom, new flooring downstairs, a complete paint throughout, a new sink in the kitchen, electrical check, massive deep clean including the carpets upstairs, re pebble of the front garden, pressure clean of the back garden pavers, clearing out all the furniture & the back shed (which is full of crap) & a gas check. It's a lot of money but I think considering all that needs doing its not bad & the estate agent will oversee the whole thing. However, dh wants to get another quote. I don't think the agent will do that for us as they like to use their preferred contractors & I thinks it's a faff to try to sort another quote from here. Plus London prices are always expensive for this sort of thing aren't they?

Hey Jam I want to go to the Grove shopping center you suggested for sleb watching, I looked it up is it the same as Walnut Grove shopping center or is it different?

No vag its here it has got much more commercialised since I was there. They used to have a great farmers market there with loads of fantastic fresh produce not sire if they still do that. But defo for the slebs. If you get a night off the children with your friend go to the Chateau Marmont and hang out in the lobby bar great hang out place.

All packed for my road trip to Scotland with the boys. Have a super half term all.

Vag are you going this wk? It's oscars wk. LA goes mental! Enjoy.

Not until Saturday, when are the Oscars?

Gosh Kayz, how scary. Hope for a speedy recovery.

ZJ I know, a year! How? Ds2 of course is nowhere near a year old. He is 11 and a half months which is very much still a baby. Head. Sand.

We were at a party yesterday and my baby kept going up to the food table and going "fffffffffff" .

Vag I have NO idea how mcuh all that stuff is supposed to cost. Good luck!

I'm afraid my laundry system grinds to a halt once stuff is clean and dry. I just end up with laundry mountain and once everyone is having to come and root through the mountain to find clothes to wear I spend and evening folding it all.

However. I found that with a hamper for the dirty laundry the hamper would get full, I'd empty it and there would be 4 or 5 loads that all needed doing at once. Bedding and towels never got a look in so I experimented for a while with having separate piles on my bedroom floor. I worked out a separation system that meant that each pile worked up to a full load in time to get the clothes in it washed and dried in time for being needed again so for example ds1 doesn't run out of school shirts or something. I now have 6 baskets with labels on for darks, brights etc. Each basket holds a full load so once it is full it goes in the wash. The system is even dh proof because he can't stuff that up! He is NOT allowed to touch the delicates basket. Plus we have a box for anything that we don't want festering with the rest of the laundry so dh's lycra, pants that have been weed in etc. Then the nappy bucket. Bedding and towels are done on a rota and go straight from bed to washer on their day. Roughly I can now do a load a day in the week from the baskets then at the weekend do bedding and sports kit.

The rest of my house you will be pleased to hear is still a tip.

Right. I have a baby to be dressed. Then I need to attempt to have a shower somehow. I think dh has already started work....rats.

Quick hi from a traffic jam! Mega busy here. Solo parenting still as dh flat out, pre school bday parties, starting to help dh with work at night so some v v late ones.
Vag oscars are sun. I fb replied earlier. Oo traffic moving

Hello All

How quiet we have been for the last 10 days or so. Does anyone else notice a funny pattern with our threads? When we start a new thread we all go crazy posting and the first 400ish posts take less than a fortnight, then we all go quiet for the middle 400 and that can take up to 2 months, then we speed up a little at the end again. Am I a little sad to have noticed that.

Indith - you laundry system sounds v complicated! I just have a big hamper and choose a colour to pick out of it each day. One load a day keeps things ticking over for us. I put it on before work, the nanny moves it to the drier or line and then she folds the kids stuff and I do our while preparing dinner. I am little worried about how that might change when the baby comes and we have no nanny!

Veg - that quote sounds in the right ballpark to me but I am no expert. What a pain that your last tenants left the flat in such a state. Did you retain their deposit?

Jam - Have fun in Scotland! Good luck with the road trip.

ZJ - DD2 is one year old?!? But you only just gave birth (in my mind at least). Feeling any broodiness for number three? Go on...

Beans - How is the first trimester ticking along? Is the sickness any better? How many weeks are you now?

Invis - I am sorry to hear about your FiL. How is he doing this week? Would he ever consider moving closer to you?

No big news here. I am ill in bed with a virus today although I think I could get up and be a little more productive as I don't feel that bad. I want to kick it though as this is the only day of half term that the nanny is around and for the rest of the week DH and I are both off work and have promised the kids to do all the fun London things they never get to do: London Eye, Tower of London, Battersea Park Zoo, Hayward Gallery light show (OK, thats by choice not theirs!), China Town lunches etc etc. Then on Thursday we are going to Brighton for 48 hours today in a hotel and visit friends. We are thinking of going via Hever Castle in Kent as DD1 is doing the Tudors at the moment and it was Anne Boleyn's childhood home. Has anyone been? Is it any good?

Oh, and two questions for Ebayers: (1) I sold a baby girl's dress two weeks ago but have not been paid, the buyer says she hasn't got Paypal and I have refused to give her my bank details for a transfer, now she has gone silent. Can I just re-list or do I have to do something? Am I risking bad feedback? (2) I sold a clay tagine dish and the buyer says it cracked in the post. It cost £13 postage. Is that all my liability so I will loose the £13 or should I just refund the buying price and part of the postage? Any tips gratefully received!

Cross-posted Rubes, nice to see you about too. Where are you off to? Has your DH got his exam results yet?

Relist the dress and do the ebay buyer not paid gubbins. Don't worry about feedback, ebay would side with you on that one and remove it. The pot I think you have to refund everything then you claim from post office. If it genuinely broke then it isn't buyers fault so they should not lose out. Annoying though. Ask for photos first, you'll need them anyway to claim back off post office.

Arti, sorry to hear you're ill. I hope you bounce back quickly. On the Ebay thing, assuming that you said Paypal only, perhaps you could offer her the option of paying by postal order because you are nice (she would have to absorb the cost). If she doesn't want to do that, I would tell her that you will relist, pointing out that you had specified Paypal only.

Kayz, I hope your cousins baby is OK. I can't believe your DD is thinking about walking already. How time flies!

ZJ, happy birthday to your DD2.

News here: DD is ill. It started with a vomiting thing on Friday evening. Then betterish for a day or so and now she has v high fever and complaining of tummy ache but not feeling sick. I had organized a tennis course for her this week (half term) and we were also going back to Lymo to visit friends. In other news, we have TV!! And also a new laptop. Do I seem all shiny and up to date? Got to go ominous bump sound from kitchen...

Hellooooooo, am back from Poland and Mum's and have now completed all my 12 trips so will be staying put for ages. I will be back on later. Love to all (not read back yet)

Right, so much for coming back today! I am typing this and simultaneously cooking supper so whilst I am all ready for my catch up I now no longer have time to write it. Hmmm. I really miss everyone. I am so dismayed we haven't managed a London meet up or our trip away. Taking those forward is my aim for this week...Hey, everyone seems to have half term this week - it was last week in Oxfordshire. Weird.

I feel a sense of achievement having completed my trips (even if it took slightly more than a year, and even if it all turns out to be just a massive folly). But I am also looking forward to being around more - and not having to fund them, particarly by crazed Ebaying. That's to say, I will still be Ebaying so I actually have some disposable income. But not with the same desperation, thank goodness.

I WILL be back tomorrow. Looking forward to it!

Hello, hello.

Just marking my place so I can catch up.

Baby Zj is 1! Oh my goodness!

Vag, I meant to say that DH has a flat in London managed by an agent and DH has asked them to go back and ask for best price/get alternative quotes when work needs to be done there. But as you say London is expensive. DH has been known to get a painter from the New Forest to drive up to London to repaint his flat before! I can ask DH if he thinks quote is expensive if you like but, as he hasn't seen the flat, it might be a bit difficult to judge.

Nolda that's what DH wanted to do but I wasn't sure if they would do it as they have their preferred contractors. I'm kind of thinking I'd rather pay it & know it's good work & apart from a new boiler we've not spent much money. But I can see where DH is coming from its a big chunk of money. Is he happy with the agent otherwise Nolda?

Lady will you be using your trips for a travel piece, I must admit I quite enjoy your writing & would quite like to read another article.

Kayz how is your cousins baby? Are you watching the game?

Right, DP isn't back for another 3/4 hour, I have a recording of Location x 3 on in the background and I have my pyjamas on early (don't usually do that). I must say I thought I would have lots of evenings like this whilst DP has his big trial on, but as he has decided to commute he usually gets back at about 8. So it means I have to put the girls to bed alone AND do the grown ups' supper. Not a winner.

ANYWAY, how are our sicknotes? Nolda, your DD? Arti - how are you feeling? And ZJ - I saw on FB that DD2 had been ill or something, are you all ok? How can that little babe be 1??

Arti, I am guessing you are not going abroad if you have all those London-y plans for next week (which sound great, I am v envious). How is your state of mind? I get so depressed during pregnancy from the lack of sleep, I hope you aren't finding this. And I hope you aren't hanging out on your antenatal thread at our expense We WILL have our London meet up. But when when WHEN??

Beans, I hope you too have not deserted us in favour of an antenatal thread How IS everything?

If everyone has half term next week is it worth doing a meet up with the kids or do we just want grown up drinks?

Rubes, how are things with you?

Invis, I am so sorry to hear your FIL has been ill. It must be so horrid for your DH, especially after losing his Mum. How is the work/life balance at the mo? Any good book recommendations?

Apart from the Ian McEwan book, I haven't read anything which has gripped me. Which is a shame. I'm just reading some Graham Greene short stories at the mo, which are reliable but I want to read a real crackerjack next. I have a whole bookshelf devoted to 'must read next' so I need to choose carefully.

Oh, in other book news, a book group is starting in the village (actually there are already a few, but this one will feature participants I actually want to hang with).

I enjoyed your huge jugs a while back, Sybs How are things for DD1 at school now?

Indith, you mentioned the 'war against clutter'. Oh man, that struck a chord. I am glad you are winning. I don't think we will be on the way to winning until we have got rid of even more stuff and had more storage built but that's a way down the line. Re: washing....that also struck a chord. Once it's clean and dry, the worse bit follows of sorting, putting away, ironing if necessary....

Wow Kayz, your DD is so little to be cruising! I can't imagine that, having had two laggards (actually DD2 wasn't really).

Vag, I think that quote is coming in quite dear. However - if you just get the agents to sort it and just stump up, it will certainly be less hassle. I would advise starting a thread in Home & Property on here - it's a particularly sensible section of MN, you get fewer dickheads and some really practical advice. You said you needed me the other week to remind you that having your money in property is worth it Well, it SO is (at the moment anyway). However, the thing with property is that it's not just covering the rent, it's the capital growth of the value of the property (or so I read, and am parroting it now ). So, London property is usually unbeatable on this front (though there are other places that are pretty good). But places that rent easily are also good, is your place in Derby like this? Have a smashing time in LA, by the way. Very jellois.

I hope you are having a lovely time in Scotland, Jam.

Hons, you did well to make fish pie when you hate fish. DP did an enormous lamb roast on Sunday and I must say the pink bloodiness of it did turn my stomach rather.

I must tell you, girls, I had quite an astonishing Valentine's Day. I don't care for it as a celebration - not now I am no longer a teenager - but DP had a bouquet of flowers sent to Mum's for me (and a rose for each of the girls), which I got the next day, and then when I got home I had a beautiful bra and knickers set from Rigby and Peller - both bits the right size

Right, I am now absolutely shattered and I can hear DP at the door

Vag, I did watch the game. Useless idiots.

Cousins baby seems to be ok. He had lots of tests Tuesday. So just waiting for results. My aunt is emailing my dad and I don't think he's coping with time difference.

Vag, DH has been very happy with his agents and has been using them for years. They are called Palace Gates Estates but I don't know how big an area they will cover. They wdn't take on FIL's place in Hammersmith as out if area. Make sure you get copies of invoices from the workmen, btw.

DD is better today but DS is now down with it, sigh.

Oh Lady, your catch-ups are always so thorough, they put me to shame. But I do love reading them. Loving your romantic DP's gifts. I got a lovely great big bouquet as well. Although sadly is wilting somewhat now. That's the shame of cut flowers. You love them as you kill them. Wow I'm deep. (sarky, promise)

But no, haven't deserted for another thread. Honestly feel I'd be disappointed with any other bunch as am loyal to you buggers. Just have been busy bee with half term. Busy every day. Had two friends up on Monday, which was lovely. Although one of them did rather invite herself and I didn't really want her to come, which was mean of me. But 6 kids to cater for is a bit exhausting. And all she did was talk about whether or not to have child number 3. She has twins through IVF already, doesn't work, has a huge pad in Hampstead Heath and a full time nanny. And moves with the rich and famous. We were good friends at school, but feel our lives are too different now. She was a relatively successful actress, but hasn't had work for some time. Anyway, was all just a bit frustrating. And she didn't lift a finger to help. Sense of entitlement!

Then yesterday my wonderful wonderful SIL came to stay with her two littles and two dogs. Her son has an ear infection and her 4 month old has reflux, so it was fairly fraught, but lovely. HEr son (3) fell over and smashed his brow on the corner of our skirting and my GOD the lump that appeared was terrifying. But he was fine. Such a brave little thing. A busy night, though as they both kept waking up and so did our two, so we're all a bit knackered. Adding into the mix that no one knows I'm pregnant, it's all quite stressful. Finding it hard to not mention it! And am weeing like a drain, so it's probably obvious. EEK.

Pregnancy going fine. Less pukey-feeling now and a bit less tired. Guess am just adjusting. 10 weeks in. Zoinks, as Shaggy would stay. Scan 8th March and then on hols on 12th. Which worries me a bit. If there is something wrong, I'm afraid DH and I have decided that we wouldn't be able to cope with keeping it, so when I got back from holiday, we would have a very small window to have a termination. God, that sounds so bloody callous and horrible. Please don't think I am, I am just weak and know I couldn't cope. And I guess I feel I can be honest on here. For some reason, I am sure there's something wrong with this one. No reason, just over-cautious, I guess.

God, sorry, bleating on.

Vag, I think for the amount of work, that it is actually a relatively standard amount. But if you ask the estate agents if they can get other quotes, do you think they'd be happy to?

Was meant to be visiting cousin tomorrow, but she has no electricity, so is coming here, then another friend coming on Friday. I am going to be on my knees come the weekend.

THEN Friday night one of my lovely uni friends is coming (on her own, thankfully) and then DH's cousin and his fiancee on Saturday morning. Jesus! A lot of sheet changing happening! The fiancee is one of these incredibly naturally beautiful people, who looks lovely in everything she wears and is slim and has lovely clothes. She sort of wakes up with perfect hair. While mine is greasy and sticky-uppy. Anyway, they're getting married in May and DH naughtily told me that she is pregnant (due in September!). There is going to be quite some family scandal as DH's side of the family are very very traditional. I am delighted and looking forward to the gossip! But I know she's up the duff, but she doesn't know I am. I have gone fat and she will still be lovely and slim. Not fair. I suppose this is my third baby, but I also can't stop eating wotsits! AAAGH! Maternity clothes beckoning every day! But still squishing myself into my Tesco jeans, somehow.

Right, I have bored on. Sorry.

I hope everyone really well. I am loving the sunshine, but today was FREEZING again!

Screams off stage.

xx

PS Have any of you literary-types read All Passion Spent my Vita Sackville-West? I am doing it for one of my two book clubs and I haven't even bought a copy of it. Am going to do some reading up on it and about the author and try and blag my way through it. I wasn't my choice and am a bit dubious about reading it as seems rather too much like hard work for my addled brain at the moment...

Lady, have you read The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry? It's rather wonderful. Read it soon after Dad died and found it inspiring. And sad, but lovely.