December 08 ers still going strong.

[Vagolajahooli]

Hello ladies, can you believe we will be entering into a 6th year of this thread this year?

We've read Poo goes to Pooland so much I can recite it off by heart but no further on with it all. She knows exactly when she's about to poo but just won't let go. High ho.

Glad you managed to send poo to pooland beans!

Rubes How are things?

Yeah Vag, it was right up there beihg the height of manipulation, and you're right it did work. I wouldn't have gone though if the uncle hadn't been there. He just pulls out her wine and makes it all that more bareable I have barely spoken to her since. She definitely knows I'm pissed. I know what you mean about the cricket - especially happens when I get in a taxi That sounded quite racist of me to be fair.
Poo goes to Pooland - did try that with ds too - but not really sure it was what sorted him. He still references it though.
DS came home with a school council badge on - won't really say anything about it - what does that mean? All he said was he had to talk for a bit
No idea yet about my groin "mass" I guess I'm suppose to wait to hear the outcome of the MRI. DH might be able to check at work - not sure.
Our tumble dryer was busted since Dec and now the washing machine (which belongs to the house) is broken, and of course the letting agents are dragging their feet. So after swapping off my Dubai trip due to not having childcare, I spent Sunday back and forth to the laundrette. Sobering experience. We are suppose to move in 1.5 weeks, so I'm sure they will not bother replacing it.
On moving - we spent forever looking for a place to rent. Finally offered and negotiated a place down about 6 weeks ago. All that drama with referencing etc, and then I was chasing and chasing the contract. 2 weeks before moving day the owner of the house reveals, that he can't actually move yet as he hadn't actually completed on his purchase, and the chain fell apart didn't even come close. Not sure what the hell he thought we'd do when we found out, but I'm now chasing my deposit back and scrambling to find another place. Had a look at the only thing close to working for us today. It may work but we have to massively downsize. I'd rather do that to at least be able to save and buy sooner. But jeez what a faff.
It's our wedding anniversary today and dh forgot. Set off for work on his bike and everything so no chance of meeting him after once I reminded him. He must feel bad though, as he's been on the phone to Mulberry Anyway, I booked a sitter so a local dinner will be had!

Right, must get ds from his after school sports club!
Sorry that was a bit me me me.

I hope you had a good anniversary Rubes. DH and I were married 7 years on Monday and both forgot until MiL called and mentioned it. So romantic. I hope you get your scan results soon.

Beans, you make me laugh, I love it that you tell us when your poo goes to Pooland.

Oops, posted to soon, was just going to share my frustration re

DH went at 1am. Poor DD doesn't understand where Daddt has gone. Roll on July when he comes home.

I've been bleeding for the past 4 weeks. Getting really fed up of it now. The dr gave me the depo jab early in the hope that stops it. Going to have the implant soon.

Hope everyone is well.

DH went at 1am. Poor DD doesn't understand where Daddt has gone. Roll on July when he comes home.

I've been bleeding for the past 4 weeks. Getting really fed up of it now. The dr gave me the depo jab early in the hope that stops it. Going to have the implant soon.

Hope everyone is well.

Bums sorry!

Woohoo! I had my assessment today. Fluffed it but fingers crossed. Teaching block done. Placement on Monday.

Sorry I'm totally AWOL, just been manic.

Anyone have any bright ideas for where to stay in London? Ds1 is going ot be in the honour guard thingy for the Rugby final on 31st May. Dh will take him BUT if I can manage to sort off duty and not be working we will all go so trying to find potential places to stay. We'd rather an apartment/holiday let rather than hotel rooms as lets face it hotels are a pain in the bum with children.

My children have early onset adolescence.

Mine too Beans. Last weekend DD2 flounced out of a family BBQ shouting "you have no idea about my life". In Lanzarote she told me she realised why she'd been born and it was to battle me.

Is the rugby at Twickenham Indith? Do you want to be nearby? And is it for only one night? It might've hard to find a rental for one night but I will have a think.

If we all go then we hope to do 2 nights as it is half term so we can go on the Friday. Yes rugby is at Twickenham, we are not that bothered so long as not miles out. Might be nice to try find somewhere close to museums etc. dh got a payout from some payment protection insurance so that will cover most of it we hope.

Trying to catch up but ds2 crawling all over me. Need to get ds1 to sleep in the loft for a bit and try to sort him out again.

Indith When we went to London in October half term we stayed in a Travelodge. It was v cheap plus we found we stayed up a bit later and then all went to bed at the same time.

We stayed in a hotel when dd1 was 2 and dd2 about 4 months and it was bloody awful but the older they are the better it is. Dd2 still talks longingly about the breakfast! I think it was Waterloo which was talking distance to the London eye, big Ben etc.

Dd2 did a poo with a nappy on sat on the potty today. I know that sounds rubbish but I'm almost believing she might do it soon. We've run out of nappies and I might buy some tomorrow and tell her they are only for weeing at bedtime.

Arti, what was your frustration? ??

Sorry for long absence! We've just had a long weekend with the cricket team and I've been chasing my tail ever since our holiday in Spain. Furthermore, we're off to Sorrento a fortnight today! But the bad thing is that DP might not be able to come. The trial he is in in London is really overrunning. It's going to be very tight. Annoying. Apart from wanting him to come, if he doesn't it means the girls and I will have to get to the airport on teh train with all the luggage, which will be a struggle.

Rubes, how the devil are you? So what did the 'mass' turn out to be - presumably the hernia? And the house you were going to rent has fallen through? That sounds so infuriating and stressful. Sorry to hear MIL has been naughty. That is deeply irresponsible and selfish behaviour.

Indith, Twickenham is quite a way to the SW of London but my sister stayed at a Premier Inn at Wembley earlier this year (to the NW of London!) but what was good about it was that it was about £60 a night, a 20 second walk to the Jubilee line so quick access to the West End, and to be honest if you are near any tube station that's the main thing. I do think you might struggle to find a holiday let for a night but am not an expert in that regard. When will you get the results of your assessment?

I am over 18 weeks now. Still in my normal clothes (well, in the fatter jeans anyway) but they are getting a little tight. I do feel very tubby though. And I am getting swollen ankles already, which I didi early with the other two as well. can't moan though as I feel otherwise very well. Am doing a sponsored 10 mile walk tomorrow.

I shouted at DD1 this morning and I feel bad. She just gets these ridiculous hysterics over nothing sometimes and getting ready for school is always so stressful. I am glad DD2 managed the potty, Hons, it's a start. Is anyone else's Dec 08 baby still not totally dry at night? DD2 has been dry at night for ages, but poor DD1 still wets the bed sometimes, despite us all trying hard (making have loads of wees before bed etc).

Right, going to check back to do catch up.

Just heard our Eurovision entry. Sounds pretty dull.

I'm excited about my 10 mile walk tomorrow, I do like to walk. A bunch of us are doing it. I was originally doing the 20 mile walk but my consultant has banned me from that one as I might overheat and that will be dangerous for the child that DP is insisting on calling 'Reggie' for some bizarre reason. We are still stuck on names. There are two, possibly three, that are in contention. A couple of them are actually quite tame

ZJ, any more thoughts about three? Thinking and thinking about it didn't help me, I still had all the same reservations that I had at the beginning (and still have!) But I guess I couldn't let it go somehow.

Jam, how is poor DS2? Did the UTI get treated? So painful.

Vag, the Aolian Islands are nice and Salina has the fattest and reputedly the very best capers in the entire world (they are certainly the dearest), but Vulcano, the one with the mud springs, is so sulphurous and stinky that I literally had to throw a swimming costume and a sarong away because the smell would not leave the garments despite multiple washings. So at least you will be stink free at home.

Re: the Mirena Coil, Arti, I think it would be definitely something you'd need to try for yourself. I can't do big whoomfs of extra progesterone - was given it once when I wouldn't stop bleeding (maybe they will give this to you, Kayz?) and it made me catastrophically depressed. Never want to feel like that again! Rubes, I know you are happy with the copper coil and I may give it a go but I am just so scared.

Beans, I cannot believe how much time your DH grabs for himself. I am afraid that the only answer is to grab time for yourself sometimes. But it;s not the point really, I do know.

Invis, how is your poor niece now? How traumatic for her. My sister always puts her dog elsewhere when we visit, as she seems utterly convinced that the dog will go for one of the kids. The dog is a rescue dog with a checquered history, and does seem wary of children. I love dogs but it all makes me very nervous and to be honest, it makes me dislike the dog. If you're still in Brum sometimes by the time the summer hols are here, I will definitely see you one night.

Kayz, how are you finding driving? Still thinking about doing an intensive course next month but though I do want to drive, I would just dread the course.

No coil here LadyT. The thought makes me feel sick. I'm a bit squeamish though. I'll try the implant and see how that goes. If I stop bleeding that is. Bloody body.

I'm enjoying driving. Still find it a bit scary on my own. I drove to York this morning after taking the boys. I love the freedom. Wish I had done it years ago.

Lady so good to hear from you! I miss your posts! Glad all is well with número 3! Good luck with the walk too! I have been consumed with all this moving malarkey but hopefully there's a light. Have gone for the house we saw yesterday. Much smaller but we know we've been spoilt and also much cheaper than the house that let us down. It works for us as a family, and will enable us to save more, and mil can make do on a pull out bed why should dd suffer a teeny bedroom just so we have a guest room which is vacant 98% of the time. This way the dc's have massive bedrooms each and dh has a designated office since I'm coming on board more with helping him. Worst part is we have to beg and plead to stay on a couple of weeks extra where we are and I'm still not sure of the answer to that. The latest rental isn't available until 2 weeks after we are suppose to be out of here.
Kayz I'm so glad you are up and driving. You'll be confident in no time! Do it lady! You'll need it with 3!!
Im happy with the copper coil (now) but it was a long slog. Lots of bleeding initially. And period type pain took about 4 months to settle down I'd say. Persevered and now I'm glad I did as getting rid of the hormones has really boosted the (tmi) libido. I just feel better being off them too and I don't have to worry anymore.
Not sure about the mass. Dh colleagues reckon not a hernia. Waiting for dh to check on MRI results! I'm sure they got some good piccies. I fell asleep having it - it was like crew rest!
Arti, what's the dilemma after you unfinished post??also have you ever been to "the Goat" near the hospital and used their kids club thing on a Sunday? Was there the other day and it sounded good.
Must go collect ds. Hopefully back later.

Lovely to hear from you all. It's been getting a bit quiet on here.

On the phone so can't scroll back so will do a catch up later.

Happy Saturday all.

Oh how lovely to hear such long catch ups. It lifts my heart to read them.

I'm going to say something potentially strange now, and I don't want any comments on it as it sounds like I'm fishing, and I'm really really not. And this isn't something I could really say in real life, but despite my whinging and bitching, at the age of nearly 39, I'm suddenly realising that I'm actually really a quite nice person. I think I've always tried to be, but haven't really believed it. But finally I think I've got the confidence to say that I like who I am! Yippeeeee! No comments on this, please as I'll be embarrassed, but I want to say it somewhere and you lot listen to all my shitty stuff, so here's a good one!

On a totally unrelated note, I don't know if you remember me talking about my friend being sexually assaulted before Xmas? Anyway, she's coming up for the day today. I'm ashamed to say (& contrary to my earlier gibberings!!!), this is the first time I'll have seen her since it happened. I so hope she's doing ok. Worried she'll have slipped back into anorexia. Am doing a chicken salad for lunch as it's not full of fat and I thought I might add in a bit of grilled bacon and avocado and she can pick it out if she wants. I'm so looking forward to seeing her and I think the girls will be a good distraction.

Right, need to out DD3 to bed. She woke me at 5.45am again, despite going to bed later than usual at 7.15. Grrrr. Plus I let DD2 share my bed last night as a treat and she was very wiggly. Yawn.

Tumbleweed..... Everyone ok?

I won't comment Beans as you specifically said not to, but I do love a bit of positivity. It's lifechanging! Like throwing off you chains!

Anyway, I hope your friend seemed in reasonable shape.

I am feeling so great after my 10 mile walk. We flew round. I could easily have done 20 miles (probably not at that pace though!)

Rubes, I think much cheaper will be good as you are trying to save. I know it's been a hassle but hopefully you are on the home strait now...

Just started watching Eurovision. Not for long though. Also Graham Norton gives me the pip.

Beans of course you are a nice person!!

I love Eurovision. Absolutely hilarious!

I don't actually get Eurovision. I'm on a bullet NY trip. It's pissing rain here but I'm here for like 10 mins so I don't care. I have a comfy hotel room bed. Dh did triple ballet and party which overlapped so a friend did shoe changes between dds lessons. She was bs angel but ds a bit of a bugger at the party I hear. Sigh.

His new scooter has been pushed back a day. He's livid.
I'm knackered and a interruption free 9 hours awaits.
Nice to hear from you Beans x

I don't get Eurovision either Rubes! hope NY was nice. that hotel bed sounds amazing. had DD1 in with me last night. she's easier to share with than DH. DD3 slept til nearly 7. the other 2 up at 6. bugger. can't complain though, as DD3 really has got sleeping through licked.

I start tennis coaching on Tuesday morning. hoping DD3 will sleep in her pushchair. some hope!!

Beans, as you asked us not to, I won't comment on whether or not you are lovely, but I will say that I too have felt my confidence in myself grow as I get older and as my family has grown. I used to worry I wasn't popular, wasn't 'cool', wasn't nice, wasn't funny. Now I worry about that v little and I know I'm kind and do my best. Funnily enough having a third child has made me even more confident, maybe because I'm so busy or maybe something else but I no longer seek external validation in the sane way I used to.

Enjoy NY Rubes, even if NY=a nine hour sleep. Good luck with the imminent move.

Lady, you CANNOT go witha tame name for DD3. I love your naming choices and I am really looking forward to hearing your choice. DD2 has some brilliantly named children in her class including Ophelia, Hermoine, Aural ia (broken up to avoid google) and Reginald (yes, a girl). It's sad your DH may miss your hols. What a horrible work/life balance barristers have. Wasn't he considering re-training?

DS is one this week! I cannot believe how fast this year has flown. We had a birthday lunch as the in laws yesterday and I felt surprisingly sad that I will never have another baby. I've enjoyed this year so much and I'm so aware of how short childhood feels to a parent. At 7.5 my DD1 is seeming so grown-up now: she joins in with adult conversations, obsesses about her friends, reads for hours, finds me embarrassing... That will be DS soon! Then they will all leave home. Sob.