December 2008 - Summertime and the children are easy......

[sybsie]

Ha ha ha ha....we wish!

Here's to a lovely relaxing summer and cheery new thread for us all.

Gosh it is quiet here! But hello from Greece anyway. We are having great fun. I've been windsurfing, sailing, snorkelling, paddle boarding, water skiing.... And DD1 has done most of it with me, she is really good! DD2 living it here too. DS

Hello Arti. All good here just very busy getting trendy for holiday tomorrow. Greece sounds fab. Enjoy!!

Hope everyone else is doing well.

Hello.

I'm in Bath with some MN friends. In the biggest playground I've ever seen. It's brilliant.

Morning my dears! Woke up before everyone else so enjoying a bit of P&Q. It's pouring here. It seems to have been ages since I posted, which was in my last manic week before the kids broke up and I took the girls away. So, Corfu and Albania were fab (and the girls were so good, although I did find it emotionally draining being 'the only parent', heaven knows how single parents carry on. I mean, DP is at work a lot of the time but even just a bit of sharing the focus with someone else gives one a bit of a break).

Then I was at Mum's but that was quite busy - had to have my more detailed GTT (which was fine, as it turned out) and last week I was at home with the girls but it was a blur of tidying and dashing hither and thither. I did have to take them to London one day - the Lindo Wing have instituted a new thing where you have to have an appt with an actual midwife, even if you have consultant care. Never had a midwife appt before! Except after the births I suppose when you're home and you see the community midwife. Anyway, it was an hour long questionnaire about depressing stuff like have I ever taken drugs or suffered domestic abuse, what operations have I had and how heavy were the girls when they were born etc.

Next week I was supposed to be in London for a week with the girls, taking them to places and seeing friends, and the plan was to stay in my flat (which is between tenants). However, I went to check it seeing as I was nearish with this midwife appt and the tenant had left it in an utter state (they are supposed to get it professionally cleaned when they leave) and worse, with a broken loo. I flushed the loo and raw sewage flooded all over the floor and my be-flipflopped feet. Oh, it was FOUL. So, that's not being fixed until Monday or Tuesday, which has scuppered my plans.

Anyway - I probably can't do Wed but is anyone around and able to pop into London on Thurs or Fri for a lunch/picnic/similar? Happy to travel to wherever. I would just love to see any of you, it's been too long!

I am now 32 wks I think. I haven't had much of the awful night breathlessness but I am very lacking in energy, in fact I am dragging myself about. My bloods for about a month ago showed I was a bit anaemic so perhaps it's worse now (that's being checked) and my blood pressure was about 90/50 when the midwife checked in Weds so that's drooping a bit low as well. However...I am just really looking forward to having a new baby. I know it will be exhausting and I will feel rotten for a couple of days after the section (if the last two are anything to go by) but I feel philosophical about those things (right now!) Another gorgeous tiny baby girl to snuggle, whose personality and looks are as yet a mystery. So cool!

I don't think my cricket will be on today, the rain is now like a monsoon (although a lot depends on how waterlogged the wicket gets and if it's very dry and can soak up a lot of the wet, which is highly possible, it might still be ok). Although I wasn't planning to go anyway (we went twice last weekend!) We have to go to John Lewis to pick up my new rotary dryer for the garden and do a Waitrose shop as a treat, and I was going to weed my borders (garden landscaping going on apace although we are still only just over halfway though it I reckon).

I now need to go back and do a proper catch up. I have only lightly skimmed so far. I can remember Beans has been shagging, Kayz's been away, Arti is in Greece (where?) and DB has an exciting sounding job interview. And Rubes- you have the fam here? Sybs, you are just off on hols too I think? Oh man, I want another holiday. We are going to Dorset over the Bank Holiday w/e (with DP this time) so that will be nice but it's just for the weekend. I don't book a lot of UK holidays but I must say whenever we go anywhere it always seems really nice and I do like Dorset.

Catch up follows!

Hello Ladyt. I could bin off a playdate with someone i dont want to see and do the Friday. Or I can do Thursday but I need to be back in deepest darkest Essex by 3pm.

Had the most terrifying experience today and am struggling to get the vision out of my head. We went to E London today to meet friends for lunch and then went for a walk round Olympic Park afterwards. The walk back to our friends flat is along the canal. I dont know what possessed DS1 but he ran ahead of us round a corner (I had already shouted at him to stop and wait). He went to look in a window of a houseboat and fell into the canal. So scary I keep crying. I walked round the corner to see him clinging to the bank in between the bank and the houseboat. Cant get the look of terror on his face out of my head. The outcome could have been so much worse than it was but still just completely traumatised.

Oh Jam how horrible. Poor DS1 and you too.

Oh Jam that is horrible. I am a little teary thinking how scary it must have been for all of you. Thank goodness all ok. They run off so quickly and to be fair to him it was something harmless & I guess normal if you think about it (I'd love to have a nosey into a canal boat) that turned out to be quite horrendous.

Lady that is so annoying, will your real estate agent chase them, I'm hoping they haven't paid out the bond yet. Not much you can do about the toilet but they are still responsible for the cleaning.

Still haven't heard from this job in Australia and DH is starting to feel despondent. They have assured him they will let him know by Friday but they keep saying that each week. Coupled with that, he messed up with getting some paperwork sorted for his payroll company, basically an assurance from the tax people that he is responsible for his tax and not them. He hadn't done it in time so they are withholding his pay. We are down to pennies in the bank and it is DS1'S birthday on Sunday. A littDon't theed that he left this so late (as in several months). Will be pulling out the credit cards, hopefully one has some actual credit on it.

In good news though the boys and I had a lovely time in London caught up with old friends and the boys had a whale of a time with their mates. A little sad that it is the penultimate trip to London. But I must admit that I don't miss it as much as I used to. Living here as made me see some of the things about London that I hadn't noticed. Gosh people can be quite agro! One train guy at London Bridge screamed at a mother who was trying to get herself, two young children and large suitcases onto the train because the doors needed to close. No one would help her, he certainly wasn't & there was plenty of room, just no one would move into the carriage. Also I was lined up to get some food at a counter, the counter had three servers but one line, a man walked straight up to the tills skipping the whole line. I politely told him there was a line, he scoffed at me and said, "well I don't see anything that says I can't wait here, if you want to wait in the line that's your choice" & walked straight to a server. Dont get me wrong I love London, but people can be a bit grumpy. I think they need some more space.

Jammy Jam, that's so scary. I really feel for you. proper stuff of nightmares, but he was ok and all is well. chin up and think of how brilliant it is that he knows to hang onto the side.

I'm finally up in North Wales. been a long old trek to get here via the Wirral to stay with my godmother for a night. a lot of driving; a fair amount of car sleeping then screaming from DD3 and a lot of headaches from me. Big DDs have been super gorgeous and I'm v proud of them. DD3 not so much. hey ho.

Lady, DH and I are no longer rampant. a long story, but I am cruelly withholding. I'm a little pissed off with him. It's dull, but am in N Wales without him and I think/hope the break will allow me to miss him. and forgive him. basically, I'd had a terrible day and started crying and DH refused to hug me when I asked him to because he thought I was criticising him for not hugging me. v dull. feeling massively unsupported and like we're not a team. but it'll pass. small childre. make marriage difficult.

anyway, I must get these big girlies into bed. I am so glad to be here. will be in bed at roughly 9pm!!!

x

We got our new car today. Lovely to have a car we all fit in.

Poor DS2 fell over on gravel today. He has a really bad cut on his elbow. Just before we got into the new car so he was sad as he didn't want to get blood on the car. He is a walking disaster, always got some bump or bruise.

Oooh, what car did you get Kayz? How do you find it to drive?

Jam, I am so sorry to hear about your and DS1's horrible experience. You are probably still in shock a bit. How is he now? DD2 escaped out of our garden when she was about 18mths and pushed her little pushchair out to the busy village shop adjacent to a busy A road. She also toddled out to the other side of the car, right in the road (which was parked again on a busy A road in Stow) - I have flashbacks to both to this day so I imagine it will be the same for you. The main thing is of course...he is ok. But poor poor you, I think the parents see the whole picture whereas the child just has a quick fright.

Vag, sorry you have got money stress. And hope DH hears about the job in Aust vv soon. I still love London as much as ever but I take your point about people's temper being closer to the surface (so true). The man who didn't observe the queue would have got me swearing. People who don't follow queues give me terrible rage.

Beans, a break is always good. DP and I get on much better if we have little breaks from each other (and also if he is not kicking about at home too much in the week (which he isn;t any more). It just means we appreciate each other more in the evening or at the weekend. But that feeling when you feel unsupported is grimsville.

The loo in my flat is being fixed tomorrow morning and it's being professionally cleaned from top to bottom tomorrow afternoon. So hopefully it will be safe for me and the girls when we get there on Weds. Jammy, I am free Thurs or Fri, as per your preference. Can come to somewhere that's not too rotten to get to from Essex (you'll have to tell me), at a time that suits (as long as not too early in the morning!)

Still haven't managed a catch up, as you can see. I know it will be the same for everyone but I am trying to give the girls proper time, and a fun summer holiday, but it's draining me dry. We have done endless craft, baked things, made lots of dens in the garden, today was a walk in the woods, collecting sticks for the winter and feeding the birds pumpkin seeds (most of which the girls ate). All simple stuff, but time consuming. They're quite self sufficient as kids go but I do feel like I am snatching an hour here and there to myself and then I only race around doing the dishwasher or washing or whatever. I do love the holidays though and they seem more relaxed and happy (especially DD1).

Will still do catch up.

We got a Peugeot 307 estate, Lady. I haven't driven it yet, might take it out today and see what it is like. I am quite worried about parking it as it is quite a bit longer.

holiday!

Keep wanting to catch up but the first part of my holiday has been crazy involving my mother breaking her leg horribly while looking after my dcs so it all got a bit hectic.

But now we are in France and I am going to try to forget that I have not yet done any uni work I need to dd aa xv bg dd dsss1

pphhhoonne ggoiinnng mmeennttaall.. aarrggh

Lady will FB you. Can pop to town tom briefly. But can't get central only east. Otherwise can't get back home in time for the big boys.

Oh my god, Jam, that is the stuff of nightmares! Poor you and poor ds.

LadyT, amazingly low blood pressure. We could pool ours and both emerge with a normal reading. I had my bp medication changed last week and had two days of migraines with flashing auras. It was awful. All sorted now thankfully.

I can't believe dd3 is nearly here. Other people's pregnancies always fly by!

Indith That sounds awful. How is your mum now?

Vag That sounds frustrating re the job. Maybe he needs to give them a deadline by which he wants to hear or will move on to other applications?

We've had a good hols so far. Both dds have had a course of intensive swimming lessons which they enjoyed. We've just enjoyed not having to rush around in the mornings! The change in weather is a bit crap though.

Bbrrrr it's all gone a bit cold here! Thankfully done sunshine beckons at the end if August for me.

Lady I think your mistaken you can't be that far along already.

Jam that must have been utterly terrifying for you both. How are you both feeling about it now?

My job interview has now been postponed till 9th Sept! Really wanted to do it before my hols. But at least this way I don't have to abandon DD on her birthday!

Jammy, how frightening, poor you. The near misses are utterly terrifying aren't they. Hope you are feeling better now.

Lady, wow, 32 weeks! That was quick (for us if not for you!) will there be any more thread babies or are we all fine now?

Deids, fingers crossed for the interview. What is the job?

Beans, how is your holiday going? We are enjoying Devon but its nit really hot enough for my liking, especially given how hot its been at home up to now.

DC's slept at my parents last night. I've already been for a run, now just enjoying a coffee and some quiet before work! Bliss.

The job is within the Education Dept/offender learning program in a prison. The same one DH works in. Which is the one thing I wouldn't look forward to me. But he assures me he doesn't spend much time in the education unit anymore. I would feel odd seeing DH at work....

On Saturday I am taking DD and her 2 buddies to Blackpool Pleasure Beach for her 8th birthday party. I was looking at some old pics at mums the other day and on my 8th birthday I was still having a buffet at home and playing pass the parcel! Kids today don't know they're born

Hey from Greece!

Jam, I am so glad DS1 is ok. You poor thing. Was he upset afterwards or did he take it in his stride?

Lady, you are a superhuman powerhouse. I read your posts and want to weep at my own pathetic need. I would balk at taking my kids on holiday alone but you do it while heavily pregnant and you throw in a few border crossings and long day trips. Then you come home and whizz around the coy try while also engaging in creative play. I haven't engaged in den building since I had the excuse of baby DS.

Talking if DS. Wow. Just wow. I hate to have to review my hitherto firmly held opinion that people attribute top much to gender but I have to as DS is such a stereotypical boy. He is on the go constantly. He won't sit still even in a high chair when put for a meal. He is obsessed with only three things: moving, throwing things and balls. He is utterly exhausting and so full on compared to the girls at the same age. If I'd had him first I think is have been too exhausted to ever conceive again!

We are having a lovely holiday though. I've learnt to windsurf and am very proud of myself. I've also taken DD1 on her first scuba dive which was an amazing moment as I love diving.

Right, time for a cold frappe on the beach before an early evening sail around the bay (I've also sort of learnt to sail but I'm a liability on the water so have to wait for quiter times of day.

Just saw the lovely Ladyt for a quick sandwich. She looks bloody amazing!! Her girls are just delightful.

Hope to be back later but housework beckons.

Deids My friend works as a forensic psychologist in a young offenders. Don't wear heels- apparently it is mandatory to wear sturdy, flat shoes you can run in!

I'm done Sybs. No more babies from me!

It is so cold today. It is about a degree off needing to put the heating on.

It is horrible here. DH went to Blackpool today and we were going to go but the forecast was rubbish.

We have just been to see some kittens, we have reserved a little black and white one. He is gorgeous, got to think of a name now.

Hello gorgeous girls.
I hate to say this, but it's been the most beautiful day here in North Wales today. I am actually burnt. Quite a lot. Between my norks. Silly billy me. The DDs have had a brilliant day on the beach and playing in the garden. I've made camps (sorry Arti) both inside and out, so they've been having a total ball. Plus I ordered them a Busy Book with disney princesses and they're in heaven. I love listening to the nonsense games, all in a terrible American accents.

DD3 is also having a magical time. I have countless cousins of varying closeness and removed ness and aunts and uncles etc. without them, I'm not sure I could have coped without them as they've delighted in doting on DD3 and looking after her at the beach hut we all share, so I've taken the bigger girls swimming 4 times. And this afternoon younger cousins took them down to the beach to do building of water systems etc and when DD3 got tired, they actually brought the bigger girls home for me later. Amazing. We all live next door to each other as well, so it's really lovely.

The weather's been a bit rubbish of late, so it was so nice to have a good day. Fingers crossed for tomorrow. DH up v late tomorrow. Hurray! Need a break! Am v tired of 5.30am starts!

Apologies from me too, it was a lovely day here too. I took the boys & DS2's little mate to the beach. Glorious.

Feeling a bit nostalgic for my little fellas. Yesterday DS1 moved to a proper adult mountain bike & DS2 moved up to DS1's bike. They looked so grown up cycling on them. DS2 finally has gears which will be helpful for him. I am in complete denial that DS1 turns 9 on Sunday. Only one more year and he'll be in double figures! I have been in such denial that I've only bought one present, a casino keyboard. I think the rest will be books and maybe lego.

Arti you jollies sound wonderful. Love the scuba for DD1, DS1 has been at us to go scuba diving since that trip to Thailand but I thought they had to be 10. Well we'll have the great barrier reef up the road soon so he can go there. I love that you learnt to windsurf, yay!

Indith what on earth went on with your mum, is she ok?

I am way behind on Uni work too, I just want to play with the boys! I bought some story cubes & DS1 & I had a lovely time writing (very short) stories. It's really helpful for his spelling.

Deids what a brilliant area to work in. You can really make a difference. everything crossed for you.

Beans that all sounds lovely.

oh and Arti you're not wrong about boys, oh and just wait until he can talk!

I'm awake though heaven knows why. Am having a lovely, busy time in London Town and it's fab to be in my (now spotless, if a little shabby) flat. Jam it wAs so nice to see you today lovely girl - thank you very much indeed for coming in to see us, the girls were hugely taken with your exceedingly smiley and chilled DS3. He's going to be a tough act to follow! And the girls have already got him married off to my DD3. We didn't make it to the Olympic Pk which was a real shame - the rain was super heavy once we'd finished in John Lewis.

I don't want to go home on Saturday! But Vag, I have noticed the rudeness of people more this time, I thinK I was oblivious to it before. Or possibly, it's travelling on the tube with a bump and two tiny girls I am trying to protect from getting knocked and buffed. Oh, and how can your DS1 be nearly 10? Nooooo!

Beans, I am glad you are having a lovely time. So are you missing DH yet? Like I said, the breaks I have from DP are actively good for our relationship. Probably because we were old when we met and set in our ways. And also because he is a slightly unreasonable person- ha! He's coming to see us tomorrow night for dinner though and I am looking forward to it as it's lovely, and so rare, we are all in town together.

Arti, your holiday pics on FB looked lovely. It sounds like a super hol. I like Greece. Are you relaxing? (Apart from DS running you ragged)...

DB, I think that job you are going for sounds riveting. I am extremely interested in education in prison and am forever pumping DP for details when he goes in. In fact I want (when I have more time and who knows when that will be) to develop a project around prison libraries as I have thought of a way they could be developed at minimal cost. I hope you get the job!

How is the hol SYbs? I think I must be 33 wks actually as she is coming out at 39 and I have about 6 wks left or just over. Despite Jam's extremely kind words I look like I swallowed a space hopper but worse, I have pudgy arms, legs, back...you name it. Ho hum! Avoided stretch marks though. I managed not to get them throughout other two pregnancies. It would be cruel if they appeared in the last 6 wks of this one.

Hons, is there any update on your bro? I didn't know you had high blood pressure. Mine is in the low side all the time and despite not being super fit my resting pulse is fairly slow as well. I think I would achieve more in life if I didn't have the inner workings of a hibernating tortoise, but I think it's probably good for the temper...or so I tell DP when I want to annoy him.

My youngest nephew got the grades he needed for the university he wanted so that is marvellous.

To end on a very boring note, I have realised that the Zanussi washing machine in my flat here (and which I bought two yrs ago for tenants) is far far superior to the Smeg one I have in my actual house. It's much quieter, much quicker and better at washing!

I should try to rest. My ankles have inflated to about a yard's circumference.