Dec 08 Mums - Happy New Thread, You Beauties!

[beans37]

Come join me....

Good luck for tomorrow Indith! Remember that the nerves and DS2's issues are all temporary whereas the step you are taking is towards a lifelong career you will love.

PD, I read your maths thread. Have you tried "fun" maths games online? DD1 loves the BBc bite size stuff and a few others. She sees them as computer games rather than learning. Re holidays in term time, I haven't, but I would, MN seems v anti but travel can be such an amazing learning experience for kids and if term is the only time it's possible then I think the chance has to be seized.

Jam - go to Sharm or Dahab. My friend is at the Hilton Shark something in Sharm and loving it. We stayed at a Sharm hotel with its own reef on the beach do you could snorkel out of the hotel and see the most amazing stuff right on your doorstep. Dahab is great too, a bit less touristy and once a backpacker destination so it has more of a traditional character than Sharm. Gosh I wish I could go.

I'm a right moody wife and mum at the mo. I need to pull myself together and not let myself get away with it by blaming the hormones.

I've been reading over the weekend and not posting so now can't remember stuff.

Cat how was the GA?

Sharm & hurghada both good but i have heard El Gouna is also great from several friends. I would go with whatever suits budget.

Jam how is DHs DVT.

Hi Poison i haven't looked at your other thread yet but will have a look.

I think i have finally got dh moving on a exit strategy. I have said that i want the boys enrolled in an Australian school at the start of their academic year 2015, so we need to be back by feb 2015. I think that will be enough to save up a bit and do some travel. Saving will be held up a bit by the fact that we need to completely rewire the london place so more money to spend there but i think we need to get moving with our lives and find somewhere to settle.

Poison have just Jordi read your thread i have got to get some readings done so can't read the responses but this is exactly the problem we have and I'm almost a bit teary with relief knowing I'm not the only one. My instinct is that it is something that he will get past but i worry that if we push him too hard it will just make him less inclined. He is actually quite motivated and focussed when something really takes his interest & he is a bright surprisingly insightful boy but when he is distracted he just stops & stares off into space. He is actually quite into his numbers & maths but the repetitive nature of sums does kind of bore him. I know how important they are though so i know he does need that bomb put under him. I just feel bad as we seem constantly telling him what he is not doing instead of being able to tell him he's doing good.

No idea why Jordi popped in there

I'm here, I'm here! Have not even been lurking so I am waaaaay behind - was busy preparing for the pre-school Easter fete, DP hardly here, my Italian lessons, writing...plus all the usual mayhem.

Beans, are you back? Was it lovely? Hope you are all feeling better and not too blue to be home.

Arti - I went to Leeds a week bef my first section was scheduled, didn't think twice although my obs was a teensy bit Do you tend to have early babies? How sure are you on your dates? Any further thoughts on the cs? I was v happy with mine (they did hurt afterwards though, but actually only horrid for the first 2-3 days. However - if there's one thing I've learned, much like natural birth, people's experiences seem to be v variable...)

Jam, I will check the name of the hotel. It was in Sharm and was kinda in the middle of nowhere, but I liked the resort and it was big.

Proper catch up later.

I am sheepishly popping my head round to say hello after a lengthy absence! I have been lurking and see we have more babies on the way - congratulations!

So it turns out that DD1 is deaf (not totally but significantly) and we have been on a merry-go-round of tests and hospital appointments for the last 8 or so months but don't have any actual answers unfortunately. She is doing really well with her hearing aids though, bless her....

Thank you to everyone for their words of support all that time ago and sorry I never came back to let you know how it went. Things have just been crazy. In other news I have decided to jack in my job - 3 allnighters in the last 2 weeks (incidentally the only nights i have ever spent away from my children!) has convinced me it's time to go and I just need to figure out exactly when now. Weirdly I've never not had a job since I was 14, but enough about me....

Kayz/Indith how can your littlies be so big already? Must head to bed now but I'm hoping to keep up better, especially since I'll have so much more time on my hands soon.

Pingu, sorry to hear about DD1. But it's great she's doing so well with her hearing aids.

Arti, I'd probably go away. If you take your bag and notes and know the way to the closest hospital you'll be fine.

I'm getting really fed up of not sleeping. DD wakes to feed and then I tend to stay awake. It's so annoying.

Oh Pingu, that's tough, but you sound like you're all doing well and dealing with it. I think you're making a wise choice ditching the job, if that's how much time it's taking from you! Too exhausting!

Indith, how did it go?

Arti, go with your gut on the weekend away. Could you go away somewhere a bit closer to home if you're worried about potential early arrival and complications? But I'd take the night away if you can! Even if it is just staying at home and having a lovely lie in in your own bed!

All well here. Just downloading pics from holiday and feeling depressed at the snow out of the window. And no potential warm weather to take its place. YAWN. Chilli has injured her paw, which means I can't walk her, which is a relief. It does, sadly, also mean that she has a lampshade cone thing round her neck, which is horrid for her, but quite amusing for us! Meanies! She's absolutely fine, just has a gash in her leg and is on antibiotics etc.

Got to decorate some easter bonnets this afternoon. Been to Hobby Craft, but am singularly uninspired. And have bought a paltry amound of decor. Suspect my daughters will be disappointed as their pals all out-perform them at the parade tomorrow. I'm a rubbish Mum like that! #

Lady, glad to see you're around - any news on Rubes?

Sybs, how is the snot and general lurgy? Surfacing?

I keep forgetting I'm pregnant, which is great, as it's a sure sign the pukeyness has gone - hurrah!

Must head off and bake a cake for the parade tomorrow. x

Hi Pingu nice to see you, and you know we are here for you whenever for you need. On the subject of dd1 I don't feel I want to say I feel sorry for dd1. I feel sorry she has to grow up in a world that she has to adapt to, but there is an amazing community of people that she will be able to get to know & flourish in. I had the pleasure of being the school nurse for a bilingual deaf school in north London near swiss cottage. The deaf community are brilliant people and the school up there is fantastic. You may already be in contact with them but if not I would recommend having a chat as they are incredibly helpful and offer so much support. If you have any questions I'm happy for you to message me here or on FB PM.

Arti I meant to say earlier if I had the choice of looking after my kids for a weekend at 38 weeks or chilling out I know what I would go for.

Hi Pingu - good to see you back. Sorry to hear about DD but good to hear she's getting on well with the hearing aids. Is there any more they'll be able to do long term? And congrats on deciding to jack in your job - I bet making that decision must be a massive relief for you. 3 all-nighters in 2 weeks? Jeez, I practically weep when I have to stay at work past 7 o'clock. Do you think you will look for something else straight away or have a break with the girls for a bit?

Vag glad I'm not the only one but it's good to know I have someone on here who's got the same issues. It's bloody exhausting isn't it? The worst thing is when you end up behaving the exact opposite of how you would like to think of yourself as a parent.

Indith how have your first couple of days gone?

I'm so knackered I've no idea if what I've just written even makes sense. Beddie-byes for me I think.

Hey everyone, I will be back longer tomorrow (a bit battle-scarred after another row with DP ) as I should have a bit more time. But wanted to say to Vag that B did really well after the op, bounced back immediately, but has subsequently contracted a virus and is up all night with fever and hacking cough. There goes the sleep (and sleep training) .
As a result of the scope they want to put him on double dose of meds, but the side effect of them is bad stomach pains (and reduced nutritional uptake from food as all the stomach acid is suppressed). THey frightened us with the whole "if you don't do it the inflammation will spread and he'll get cancer", but there was no suggestion of things we could do to reduce the acidity in the gut. From what I've read, diet plays a huge part, and yet there is no suggestion of that. Just mega strength meds, which he will have to take indefinitely, apparently.

Pingu, hello! Glad that things are being diagnosed for DD1 although it must be quite hard to know what the future holds, I like Vag's take on it though. And well done on jacking in the job. IT sounds hideous, what you've been doing! There must be things out there that give more of a work/life balance? Although I know the law is hideously tough. Would you consider becoming a solicitor or something with more family friendly hours?

Beans, I'm on bonnet duty tonight. Have just sellotaped some Easter chicks to a band of cardboard that T can wear around his head. That's ok, isn't it???

Vag, what is DH's take on your exit strategy? It's good you're planning in advance (and sneaking in some travel at the same time, I like that). What was it in particular that made you choose 2015?

Arti, I think you asked ages ago about our plans to move. Sorry for not replying then - we are, as ever, divided. But DP's heart remains, and I suspect will always be, in London. I am really getting into things here now. It's a bit shit as he hates being here and I don't want to move back. Hoping it's not make or break, but it's hard to find middle ground. Sigh. Oh, and another vote for weekend away.

Oh, should have mentioned that tomorrow I have an appointment at the leaky ladies clinic as the physio said she could do no more for my pelvic floor. I have had to do a wee diary over three days, and not wee in the Scottish sense of small. I have had to measure everything i drank, and everything I pissed away. With a jug. Delightful, I can assure you and I am hugely looking forward to my face to fanny face meeting with the doc tomorrow to discuss...

Oh Spot that all sounds very stressful for you with DP and with B. Not good. Am thinking of you. I hope it's not make or break too. Would you go back to London if it made things better with you and DP?

I know I shouldn't, but your fanny/wee description has made me titter. I am only 3 months pregnant, but every time I sneeze, a jet of wee shoots out. It's quite rank. Dreading getting a cold!

We've got back and DD2 has turned into needy clingon child. Has to be ON me at all times. Finding it quite taxing. Screams without. Trying not to swear at her is a test indeed.

Am also gagging for a really close friend here. I do feel like I've settled in well and everyone is so nice, but I haven't found one person who I can really spend time with and offload/giggle with. Everyone already seems to have their friends and I'm a little bit on the outside, although I've never felt disliked or anything. It's just that shared history thing, which I'm hoping will come! Eventually!

Anyway, enough self-pity. Am looking forward to Easter Holidays. Went to Hobby Craft for DD1's Easter bonnet and man, I have created a total piece of shit for her. She is DELIGHTED! Got to love them at this age.

Swimming after school today. For the first time ever, I'm looking forward to it, because DD1 can SWIM! Properly! DH has spent ages teaching her and she perfected it in Oman. I am so very proud of her! She swam 10 metres unaided. What a little mermaid. And DD2 actually not too far behind. It's brilliant! Now I just want to get them riding a bike!

Oh Spot that doesn't found fun with your DP, or with B's new diagnosis or with the wee issues. On the DP front I really hope it's not make or break, have you both talked about splitting? On the wee front I'm right there with you, I have an appt with the physio today and she's warned they'll be an internal strength test. The baby is v low down at the mo and my poor pelvic floor ain't coping, that's the main reason I'm seriously considering a c section although my consultant says its pregnancy that does the main damage. Anyway, we can be embarrassing appointment buddies today.

Pingu, lovely to see you. Sorry to hear that yr DD1's hearing loss is severe. Would they consider get for a cochlear implant. One if my closest friends found out her son has severe hearing loss when he was 2.5 years. He is now 5.5 and after intensive SALT and a statement ensuring he gets help at school he is doing brilliantly, his whole personality has changed now he can communicate. It's amazing what early intervention can do.

Indith, how is the course going? I hope DS2 is behaving. How many days a week are you out of the house?

Lady, come back, stop being Wonder Woman, it's making me feel inadequate.

I missed you Beans! Is your tummy all better now you are home? And how did you and your DH get on while you were away? That's brill about DD1's swimming. I hope my DD2 gets going this summer, we have rented a lovely villa with pool in Provence. I think the deep friendships will come for you, those kind if bonds take time but keep hanging out with people and things will develop.

Hello! Apols for extended absence. Plethora of boring reasons. Will try and catch up then come back! Hope all are well x

Hey Rubes.

Good grief, I cannot stand much more of this hideous cold. And I have got chilblains I have never made so much soup. In fact I had some of last night's cream of courgette for breakfast (have to say it was delicious).

Arti, I have just finished laughing about being Wonder Woman. You must be joking! I have a fingernail's grip on all aspects of my life, as per usual...But feeling very up, nonetheless. I am sorry you are having that awful wakefulness at night - thing I most dread about pregnancy. If you find a way to combat it, let me know...Oh, for the record, my pelvic floor is ok after 2 sections. But as good as it was before kids? Er, nope. So pregnancy must be a large factor. With natural birth the icing on the cake. But I don't know what I'm on about, really. When are you finishing work?

Pingu, it's nice to see you back, my dear. Sorry to hear about the gorgeous M's hearing - I was going to ask the same sort of questions as Arti. But it must be good that they have found it so early. And it sounds like our Vag is a treasure trove of knowledge/encouragement and she said what I would have liked to have said. Work - gosh, big decision. Do you think you might try to move to a different branch of the law? Heaven knows DP has had enough. He won't be able to stay at the independent bar for very much longer I don't think...Well, it's good to come to a decision and once you've been at home for a bit it will probably all clarify.

And JJ, how was your trip to London? Aaaaaahhh, Selfridges.....mmmm. Sometimes I used to walk there from my flat and buy goodies from the Food Hall. Those days seems as far off as the Bronze Age. I have just had another tenant move into my flat. None of them ever treat it that nicely. Anyway, I liked your La Perla story

Beans, the ladies are right - your friendships with the locals will deepen. Bet you don't say the same in a year's time. So glad the sickiness has diminished. How are things with your eldest sister? How is your Mum getting on? And in which month are you due?

Spot, it sounds like you are having such a hard time again. The stuff with B sounds hardcore. Would you consider a holistic practioner side by side with the conventional treatment? I am not much of an alternative therapies type gal (some I think is bobbins but some I think really works) but when it comes to inflammation, as you say, diet can have an astonishing impact. Any luck with the job apps? Sorry DP is mis...that's hard. Would you deffo not consider moving? I thought you had said that you would.

Kayz, how is DD?

PD - £350 for 3 nights in a van in Gt Yarmouth? Fookin' hell! That's outrageous! Mind you, I can never get over how dear hols in the UK are. You are right, we do need to get a meet up going. But let's do it once the weather is less Arctic, perhaps. Actually, I have a (now rather rare) trip into town tomorrow night, to a Mad Men party. 60s dress. I am going alone and staying the night as DP's trial isn't sitting on Fri. Woop! Let off the leash!

How's it all going, Indith?

So, are you hoping to have a Jammy No. 3? I wasn't clear from your post, Jam. I am still thinking about it...still contingent on successfully refinancing, which has become slightly delayed...

Wow, Vag, so you have set a date! How does it feel? Which of your now extensive property portfolio will you keep? Exciting.

DP's trial lumbers on. It may go into May. Whilst it's hard doing the girls totally on my own, I get on better with DP when he's at work a lot. Which sounds worse than I intend it to

I had better go cos it's Wednesday and I am always behind on my Italian homework. It's strange to be learning vocab and verb endings at my advanced age.

We are all at home over Easter, which is lovely, then I am off to Mum's Wed 2 to Wed 10.

Gosh reading back I?ve just realized how long since I?ve posted. I?m knocked for 6 with the flu the last few days and coupled with the weather, am finding it all a bit miserable!

Vag, glad you enjoyed the flight to LA (well on the way over!) and that you had a lovely trip. How exciting planning to move back home ? where over there will you settle? Why at that time?
Nice to read you popped in WG! We are ipad fans in this house, but the good thing is, it?s portable so can be taken away at a moments notice! It?s great for a tiny bit longer lay in!

Beans, I was so happy to read about your scan (baby will be a brilliant Libra ? hope it hangs on 3 extra days ) also glad the in laws were thrilled about baby news and your holiday sounded fab (but not the illness) Sad you missed out on the initial poo talk on the thread, but looks you managed to join in! Sorry to hear ddog is ill but nothing serious ? those collars are hilarious! Did she go to a kennel while you were on hols? Hope it didn?t happen there. I sort of know what you mean about local friends. I still don?t know many locals and we?ve been here over 2 years. My 2 localish mummy friends are a bit distant really and always super busy. We may actually end up in Hertfordshire in the not too distant future if dh?s current boss has his way so I may be able to visit you easier!

Jam, your hol to the wedding in SA looked brilliant on FB. One of my fav holidays ever was years ago a trip to Zimbabwe for a month, and the Zambezi etc and all the sunset G&T game drives. I haven?t worked in 6 weeks and just swapped my only trip for next month from NY to SA ? I?m fed up of the cold! Glad dh?s leg sorted out. The self injecting made me queasy. I remember having a box of those for 10 days after ds was born (hospital?s policy) and dh chasing me around the living room after I?d had 3 G&T?s. Fortunately my bros dp thought it was rubbish and threw them out after day 4 as I couldn?t bare them. The spring thing on those at home jobs are awful! Must stop ? I?m getting woozy typing this now?..

Spot. I?ve been tweeting too as you know. I find in much less personal than FB so tend to like it more. Urgh, ongoing health stuff with ds ? poor you guys. Is everything ok with dp? The leaky lady clinic thing made me laugh ? not so funny for you though! I must admit my pelvic floor is fairly decent since the CS?s, and hasn?t changed a great deal, that said, it was rubbish before pregnancy!

Kayz when is Cornwall ? or did you go already? I watched a show (Escape to the Country) yesterday from my sickbed, and it was in your village ? looks lovely. Hope dd?s poo is sorted now. That?s? weird about the soft but painful thing? I know too much cows milk clogs up sometimes but she?s not that old yet to be on that right? I know noting about babies anymore!!!! Good thing we are finished with that chapter! I do feel GP?s must have to remember a great deal of stuff as they could have any issue from a sore shoulder to a fanny issue walk through the door and have to give fairly accurate answers.

Poison great to see you here ? it?s been ages! I?m in fear over the school holidays / travel thing ? I hear it?s MAJOR to take your kids out of school for hols! DH?s old boss asked for one day and pretty much got told off and not granted permission! Maybe it depends where you are though ? dunno, but I see kissing our standby flights goodbye as it?s pretty much a non-starter for school hols. I?m desperate for a trip away with the family before Sept but dh is worried over working enough to buy the house. He?s rather just pay through the nose during half term etc I think [sigh] We might sneak off to CA as a last minute thing in May though if all the stars align.

Hi Pingu ? also great to see you on here!! Sorry about M?s hearing but as others have said it sounds like she?s doing well and you are coping brilliantly. Things are advancing so fast these days. Hope to hear more from you x

Lady, you sound busy?. As usual! I did chuckle reading way back about you kissing your Sat?s away for the foreseeable future with dd?s ballet, but I must say, your Sat?s will be quite consumed anyway with a potential baby 3! I can?t wait until you decide ? must be the longest decision in the world (impatient me!) So glad dd is loving the ballet though, I want to get dd into that when she?s a bit older. I know how you feel about the single parenting. Same here for months and months now. It?s a hard slog. We need to get together soon ? or a meetup with everyone even better!

Arti, you are nearly there ? I hated being preg though, so I can only imagine? I?d be up for the night away. I went to a remote area of Spain at 35 weeks, but then again I was traveling with a dr I suppose. If you go for the CS though (which I highly recommend ) my dd was scheduled at 38 weeks and ds at 39 but you will go for a scan just before so should be able to see that all is in order etc. The only thing I?d be cautious of, is if he did come early, and you still planned a CS, if it?s not at your own hospital with pre-sorted Doc ? you could get any doc who is on call at your nearest hospital, which might not be the best. I?d still go somewhere though and take advantage of no kids, but if you feel more comfortable why not have a night away a bit closer where you could still get into your own hossy?

Oh, and ZJ - impressive neighbours
Hons - cannot believe DD has turned 2!!!!

Deids are you lurking or should I tweet!

Blimey LadyT and Rubes they are great catch ups!

DD isn't too bad thanks. Still struggling with poo. She won't sit still now at all.

Holiday starts tomorrow Rubes. We're staying at PILs tomorrow night near Bristol and then going to Cornwall Friday morning. I can't wait, I just hope it will be dry.

Hello everybody! I know it's been a ridiculously long time since I've posted anything . Stuff going on. Much stuff. Mostly boring old work, which is taking up lots of time as I'm now up to f/t (though working from home 1 day a week).

CONGRATULATIONS BEANS! That is brilliant news. When are you due?

Arti: how are you doing? My boss is due about the same time as you (I'm covering her mat leave) and she finishes work next week. Eep.

Not much news from me - DS1 is pottering along, DS2 is utterly mad and starting school in September - how did that happen??

I don't have a hope in hell of catching up but I'm taking it in chunks. Here goes...

Hello Effie! . Lovely to see you. Hope you're still nursing your post-birthday hangover. How is the FT work going? Great you can do one day from home. Good luck with the acting up when your boss goes on ML. I hope you are getting paid more to cover it?

Got back from leaky ladies with news that I will prob have to have a surgical procedure on my bladder. Good news is that it's got a 90-95% success rate though. Dr asked me if I was planning on having another child and I said "hell, no", and he wrote "family complete" on my form. Was quite weird seeing it written down like that though. Apparently in the incredibly unlikely event that I were to have another child, I would need to have a C section. But, as I say, not bloody likely, given that apparently any other kids I have would also have a v strong chance of having reflux. Apparently it's the way I make 'em. .

Hiya Rubes, sorry you are poorly :-(. How do you feel about poss move to Hertfordshire? Do you know which side? Are you around over Easter hold? Would be nice to manage a catch up! And you should def sneak in a pre- starting school standby hol if you can.

Hi Lady. Or should I say, buona sera (sp)? I am so impressed with your energy and all that you get up to. You really are an inspiration. What is your Mad Men get up like? Great idea for a theme.
You're right that I was/am amenable to the idea, but it's hard now I've made quite a lot of village friends, and school is approaching, etc. If we did move back to London a) we'd have to move into a 2 bed flat and we currently have a 3 bed (poky, but you can just about fit 3 beds in) house with a little garden and b) even if we moved to an area near a decent school we wouldn't get in this year as all the places will be full, so would end up somewhere where there are plenty of spaces for a reason! I think there may still be some flexibility about Brighton (if I can persuade him to move back). But it would mean selling the house and renting as no mortgage provider would touch us with a barge pole. Not the end of the world, but a bit of a shame to slip off the housing ladder nonetheless.

Arti, how was your embarrassing wee appointment today? Me and DP have broached splitting as it seems to hard to find a situation where we'd both be happy. But we want to be together. If only we had loads of money, it would solve a lot of those issues. But DP is still out of work and I'm still part-time freelancing so not gonna change any time soon. I have put up my freelance rates for the first time in 10 years, though. So that's a positive.

BEans I really feel for your pining for a close friend. Is it a village that has much movement? What I mean is, it might not be someone who's a;ready there, but someone who moves in who becomes your good buddy. I felt a bit like this when we arrived here. It's been 18 months now and I'm only just beginning to make some friends, and only went out for drinks with some of the other mums from the preschool a couple of weeks back. It's a slow burner in the country, that's for sure.

Hope you have a lovely break, Kayz and that the journey is smooth. .

We've just bought a hamster & I'm trying to convince the boys to call him Abul.

I hope you tried the, "I don't care what you call him, as long as it isn't Abul" line!

Arti I think the pelvic floor thing might be inevitable. I went for a run with a friend who had her third by CS and was having some problems 'darn thar' while we were running & she talked of having problems at the other side too....Beans area of expertise...you know no. 2's. I suggest sitting down a lot, surely taking the weight off that area must help.

No go on Abul Hamster, it's name is Andrew

Hey kayz have a brilliant time.

Sorry Arti that didn't sound very helpful or supportive. You will have a lovely baby by the end of it. I'd take a third over an adequate pelvic floor anyday.