March '13 - packing up our troubles and getting excited about the new babies

[ecofreckle]

It's that time again. This thread is going to explode with squishy babies. Which is nice.

Stormy the answer for any orange stains caused by tomatoes is uv. Just leave them on the line or on a window sill for a few days. Miracle.

(Also works for poo).

stormy I use vanish. For tough stains I soak overnight. Tbh if it don't come off after a wash I bin it. I get nursery clothes from primark anyway so I am not that offended if he gets stains on them. In my experience nursery paint just does not wash off. Considering ds is a rubbish eater and constipated at the moment I don't have to worry about food or poo explosions.

Hello everyone! I've missed you. I've skimmed the thread, and it seems like some of you have been having a pretty shitty time. Worse my love, are you looking after yourself? Did you stop doing so for a while? Do I need to come round and sort you out?!? (Or cuddle that babax?)

I feel totally utterly awful at the moment. Definitely wasn't this unwell with dd. I'm starting to wonder if it might be twins... I'm not puking but feel sick LITERALLY all the bloody time. From waking til bed. Unless I'm eating satsumas or drinking very cold water. And, at nearly 10 weeks, I was getting excited that my scan would happen soon and at least I'd be able to tell people, but we've just had the date through, 20th July! I'll be 14 weeks!! Currently trying to persuade DH that we can fork out for a private scan. He doesn't think it's worth it. I think I need something to make feeling like this worth it. Who's right?

Is it too early for bed?

Oh and if someone could do a summary on everything I've missed, that'd be swell. Assume I've seen everything on Facebook and snippets of on here. And I know about eco's saggy nethers.

Good evening Gerry! Glad to see you, even if you're feeling worse for wear. Worse has a theory that boys = yucky pregnancy while girls are far more pleasant. Shit that you have to wait so long for the scan, can they do the nuchal test at that stage? How long until the summer holidays? You must be counting down!

shattered pity away! God knows I've been doing enough for all of us. I saw my cousin earlier who has a five year old and an almost 3 year old. She says it just gets easier and easier. She said the hardest thing she found was coping with the trials of a newborn whilst a whiny, bored toddler clung to her foot, and feeling guilty for not always having the patience to deal with the older child. Hang in there duck, I think it sounds like you're coping tremendously well.

I was at work on Thursday when I realised the movements hadn't interrupted me all morning and through lunch. I share an office with another part timer so waited for her to go and drank got chocolate, ate grapes etc. Tried hard not to panic and towards the end of an hour of waiting had a few flutters. Bungle has been bungling about non stop since, thank goodness. I think had I not experienced the loss in September it wouldn't even occur to me.

Worse the scan is Thursday morning and I'm convinced it's a girl.
Glad to hear your DH isn't letting the side down, I was worried!

Yummy love when does the job start? Toddlers are such stubborn creatures aren't they? It sounds like you're having a right old time of it. We have milk at bed and first thing with breakfast because toddlers don't half like to replace meals with it. Exceptions include teething or just general out of sorts-ness. It has helped us too to be honest. Does ds eat fruit? If you're concerned then give vitamins and just rise it out. Fussy phases are really normal so don't listen to your mum's criticisms. It sounds almost like a wonder week so go easy on you both. Remember we don't have a magic book telling us what they're learning and what to expect anymore, but it doesn't mean those mega developmental leaps are a thing of the past.
This too shall pass!

I'm pooped. It was my aunts 75th birthday today. Lovely occasion but we came home well after ds's bedtime and certain relatives passed the time shoving biscuits and meringues in his mouth. So I'm off to sleep now and crossing everything ds sleeps till at least 6 tomorrow.

I'm not sure, we're not having the nuchal test so unfortunately can't use that as an excuse to phone up and whinge. I think we'll end up having a private one. Not sure if I'll pull the 'I'm growing this baby' card or the 'I earn most of our money because you can't be bothered to retrain' card, but either way, it's not extortionate so I think worth it. He's a good old boy though, despite Father's Day he's got up with dd whilst I lounge around in bed. I would be sleeping, but having gone to bed at 8.30 I'm feeling pretty sprightly so am mumsnetting instead.

Did you lose a baby in September plonk, or is that when your sister lost her little boy? How is she doing now? How are you all doing? I'm not surprised it's affecting you, I think about it often and I'm only on here, hearing about it.

Hope the late night has meant a lie in for DS and you. It never does here, usually it means getting up earlier than ever and then being gross and grumpy and tired all day. Joy!

In that case I'd probably just go for the private scan on the basis that if you're not having nt+ you'll be in and out in two minutes. Do it! If we can't see the sex on Thursday I think we'll opt for a private scan too.

It was just dsis who lost a baby. I'm generally breezing through this one (toddler induced tiredness and itchy boobs aside) but I guess some anxiety is to be expected.

Ds slept til 7! I was dreading a 4.30 start given that he'd fallen asleep in the car home and been woken for a top and tail, nappy change etc. It seems second cousins and gardens are very good for tiring him out.

Ds pointed to my belly the other day and told me "mummy big tummy like Daddy Pig". He also thinks the baby is in my boobs.

Yummytoddle is back to himself after a good ole poop. he ate some soup and bread for breakfast given as he has decided he don't like toast or cereal anymore. I just don't know how to stop this milk guzzling toddler. He just loves it.

I start work on 29th plonky. This week is my last week of freedom and dh is last week of having food ready on the table when he comes from work.
glad you skipped that 4.30am start. I bet 7 felt like a lie in.

gerry lovely to hear from you. I would go for the private scan too. If you want a private scan go for it. I wouldn't though. The nausea is a good sign and it's not that long til your scan. With the way you are feeling I am sure the people who will know you well enough will know something is up with you whether you have the scan or not. I agree with worse's theory. I was feeling sick all the time for the whole pregnancy and everyone found out way before my scan because I looked so awful.

gerry ignore my second sentence. I am contradicting myself. I have yet to have my coffee.

Here's some yummy. Thanks for sharing yours yesterday ! I'm bringing but it's weight watchers approved so you're allowed a bit piece glad yummytod feeling better. Why don't you water down his milk- still getting fluid and you can wean him off it a bit?? Soup sounds like a good breakfast!
Plonk glad both mini plonks are behaving. Enjoy the 'lie in' !! Thanks for the sympathy. Your cousin has described it perfectly. Lots of whining and clinging but equally feeling like I can't pay him as much attention as I used to. DS2 is definitely more ignored than Ds1! Ah well, I keep telling myself it will improve..
Eco where are you these days?
gerry glad you've arrived back. I too felt shocking during both pregnancies until nearly 20weeks but then the nausea did ease. Hope it does for you too. Why aren't you having the NT test- do they not offer it where you are? Hope you feel better soon.
Happy Father's Day to all the DHs/DPs. Hope toddles are behaving well!

Shattered ecobaby was due March 5th and arrived March 25th; I fought induction for what felt like weeks. As it was the midwives who attended our home birth said the amount of vernix she had suggested she was born just pre-term and not 3 weeks late. It was a strange time! When was DS1's due date?

We are back home now after a thoroughly lovely week away. You can't beat a sunny week on the British coast in my opinion. We were so lucky with the weather and we really enjoyed hamming up the 'oh I do like to be beside the seaside' vibe. I am having trouble adjusting to normal life on day one. In fact I think I am giving myself a bit of slack; I am usually running around micro-managing every last moment of the day. But eff that for now. DH and I discussed on the journey home how we felt a bit bleaurgh about work and normal life returning after a lovely week together and we agreed that we need to do more of what we do on holiday in our normal life. So, less clock watching is me. For now.

I went to the doc just before my holiday; can't remember if I said. Thanks Worse and Betty for encouraging a doc visit. She confirmed that I have a minor prolapse and some slightly dodgy repair work post third degree tear and some err....vaginal dryness due to 'still' breastfeeding. She has prescribed pilates and a pelvic toner. I'm all in favour of the latter as it will be a guaranteed 10 minutes of day of peace and quiet. She said if I do the pelvic toner thing and pilates then there's no reason why I cannot run. We'll see.

Gerry hello petal. Each day that passes is a one closer to blooming. Your summer hols will be well timed really because by then you will probably be feeling great and if not at least you won't have to contend with classes of 30 just a rampaging one of two

Shattered (and Worse) are angels for mummying two so small. They're fed, clothed and loved. You're doing an awesome job achieving that. How is it going on the feeding and clothing yourself front? How old is the small now?

Yummy it's good that the poo came and things look more rosy. What is your tactic going forward? Is the fresh orange juice working?

Plonky ahead of Thursday may we have your predictions about whether it is to be a bunglette or a bungle? I think you think boy?

Stormy I agree with Wotta on the stain healing power of the sun. Have you tried bunging your stained things out in the garden for a few days, stains facing sun? Stains wise generally I try and wash out with cold water as early as is practical. I sploosh on some vanish before the wash and I dry on the line.

Worse did you pump whilst you were away? I am interested in the magic of the boobs. How was it being a big grown up working lady with no responsibilites other than to the business for a short while? I bet it felt good. Shame you came home to no drama ;-)

Best go. I have frittered half of this nap on pottering and there really are some bits I ought to attend to.

Your holiday pics look lovely eco. It's got me all excited for our seaside getaway in about 2 weeks time. Silly me, I forgot to write the holiday date on the calendar so I'm not entirely sure when we go

Ah so it is a prolapse. Well it doesn't sound too bad if a bit of toning can help, and you silly breastfeeder, still breastfeeding and being all unmoist. I mean really

shattered I think my cousin was toeing a fine line between telling me I can cope because the good outweighs the bad, and scaring the pants off me. Am sure she's a MNer, she mentioned gin rather a lot. But yeah it sounds like she's got the measure of things fairly well. I hope things are gradually getting better for you, how's the sleep and feeding tiny child malarkey?

yummy make the most of your remaining time as a lady of (not very much) leisure.

Oh eco, I'm daring to think we're having a Bunglette. Ignore my very vocal moments of "aaargh" and emotional instability - they're just personality flaws. Compared to ds, this pregnancy is a walk in the park. Everything feels different, and by and large, easier. It's entirely possible that I'm just dealing with it better, and it doesn't matter what I'm having really, but I still think girl. Shall let you know ASAP!

Oh fiddlesticks. Ds refused a nap today and has fallen asleep on the settee. This is going to be fun...

plonky hope you woke ds up quickly. I am speaking from sleepless experience. Ds had a late afternoon nap yesterday because he refused his lunchtime nap again. He had me up at 3am again and went back to sleep at 5.30am. Nursery said ds has been resisting naps. So my plan of action is if he does resist a nap but falls asleep in the afternoon I will wake him up after 45mins.

Good luck for Thursday. I am excited for you.

eco my tactic is to keep going with watered down orange juice to avoid future cloggs.
Your holiday sounds great. British holidays are fab.

Eco your holiday really did look blissful. And so near to me! Look me up next time, last time the toddlers saw each other they were tiddlers not toddlers!
Shattered, they do NT test around here, but we decided not to have it. I didn't think it was a big deal til HCPs started giving me that LOOK. our reasons are: I would never terminate a baby with Down's syndrome. Therefore would never risk an amnio. Therefore don't see the point in getting a statistical percentage chance via NT. I'm a bit of a worrier so if I had a 'number', no matter how low, I would fixate on it, which seems pointless if it's not going to change my actions. not sure if this is a normal response, did everyone else automatically get it done?

Well, we booked our private scan today so as of next Monday this should all feel a bit more real. I just want something to help me feel less fed up and more excited, it's been a struggle. Also, I'm starting to get spd twinges, which I'm predicting might have me off work again this time. In fact symptoms much earlier than last time, so I want to prepare myself and work for the chances of that happening. I was signed off at 28 weeks last time.

On a positive, I've just discovered fever tree ginger ale. It is making me VERY happy

Hi Gerry, lovely to hear from you again!

I did have NT but not automatically, just because it was the right thing for me and us. I'm not sure if I'd terminate for Down's syndrome but I might if there were extensive cardiac abnormalities and I would terminate for Edwards and Patau's syndrome. I wouldn't have amino but I would pay to have NIFTY privately.

We have a lot of patients that decide not to have NT and combined testing and I think if it wouldn't change what you would do then it's absolutely the right thing not to have it. I know some people just want to know even if they wouldn't have a TOP but my personal opinion is that all this does is cause anxiety and start a probably unnecessary spiral of intervention. I do understand if that's the right thing for people though and I would always support patients whatever they decided. It's just a very personal decision.

On the ginger ale front, have you tried Bundaberg ginger beer? It's lush with a wedge of lime! Mmmmm.

Eco im hugely jealous of your holiday. That's exactly what I think we could do with as a family but there's not a chance in hell in the foreseeable future, which is a terrible shame.

Hope everyone else is ok.

Gerry we nearly didn't go for NT either. Same reasons as you - I just wouldn't terminate for Down's. Like you I kind of thought that if the risk of Down's was high, I'd refuse an amnio and spend the entire pregnancy panicking over what could turn out to be nothing. But that's not all they look for, so DP preferred to know the fuller picture.

These things are a bit of an emotional minefield really. The most important thing is to be secure in your choice and ignore the LOOK from HCPs. I can't wait to see a picture from Monday's scan .

Yummy I let DS sleep for about 15 minutes. He was not exactly reasonable after being woken so soon but slept 7-7 last night. Really seems ready to drop the nap but can't make it to tea time without throwing a wobbly or falling asleep. I take it you're finding the same issue?

Betty oof you are a one. I used to have Bundaberg addiction. It's the only one I've found that's sufficiently spicy and not sweet. I'm going to have to do an Ocado shop specially now and we're belt tightening, whoops

I think I need to NC. Have accidentally stumbled across someone I'm not fond of IRL. Damn.

Plonky is there an Asda near you? I popped into one a few days ago because I was passing and they had it on offer so I stocked up!

Ds slept 35mins at nursery yesterday. He slept from 9pm until 5am without a peep from him so it was a great night for us.

I asked nursery to wake him up after an hour. They said they can't wake sleeping children because it is against OFSTED regulations. So I have to pray he wakes on his own accord.

gerry we had the NT test. I would rather know to prepare ourselves for what may happen and give me time to do some research.

I am just having a quick cuppa working so just a quicky. Yummy my girl goes to a recently inspected OFSTED good childminder. She always wakes ecotod for me after 2 hours. She is always keen to adhere to best practice for OFSTED and hasn't mentioned this. Could you delve a bit deeper? There's loads of urban myths around OFSTED.

Sure I read somewhere on here recently that not allowing knackered kids to sleep is frowned upon by Ofsted. Fartypants doesn't nap at nursery any more because I asked them not to put her down for one - twenty or thirty minutes asleep over lunchtime didn't just delay bedtime by two hours, it also made her a major crankypants. We still have tiredness related strops at the moment but they're not too bad. And once the evening routine starts she's a bit less generally cross. Early tea at 4pm thus cuts out the worst of the late afternoon no nap grumpfest.

I just did a quick google and there are posts/sites about Ofsted and sleep issues at nursery. Ofsted are saying it's about the child's needs and not the parents. Yep having a child up at 3am then starting the day cranky is in the best interests of the child.

Sorry I didn't mean to imply people doing it without thinking, I was just curious as to whether it was as unusual (and viewed as irresponsibly) as something like not vaccinating, because that's the reaction I seem to get here.

Shocking night here. Dd was in with me by 10.15 (am I the only one still occasionally unwillingly co-sleeping? I'm not sure it can be call co-sleeping when it's just a farting lump of a toddler kicking you all night), the beginnings of a cold I think. Luckily my afternoon at work meant I could sneak off at 2.30 and come home for a bath and a snooze before evening chaos begins.

I'm so utterly fed up with work at the moment. Mat leave is 6 months away and I'm already counting down, and really struggling to concentrate. Those 30 teenagers are pretty much the best part of any day eco, but I'm sure you remember that too! Today's irritant: dickhead parents sending rude e-mails. I am DETERMINED not to be one of those parents who always comes down on the side of their kids. Just so you know, I PROMISE we're usually right!

Right. I reckon I've got an hour before DH and dd get home. Crochet or colouring in is the first important question. Second is ginger ale (I'll investigate bundaberg when I've finished fever tree!) or chocolate nesquick. Third is Gavin and Stacey or dexter on netflix...

Gavin and Stacey, colouring and hot choc (it's COLD here up North)!

2/3 Betty, I went for ginger ale

Ah no Gerry I don't think you seemed to imply that at all. If it was solely up to me we would've just had a dating scan.

You totes must investigate bundaberg. It's the shiz. Fever Tree is a good second though. That plus colouring plus Gavin and Stacey? You're a lucky lady! Oh and we don't hesitate to cosleep if ds is being a little bugger a nighttime delight. It's rare nowadays that he wants to come in before 4.30. Thank god.

When are you thinking of going on mat leave? For me I reckon 38 weeks. So a 3 day working week minus holiday allowance and I think I actually only have about 49 working days to go!

yummy the nursery sleep thing sounds tough. I can see why they do it but it does FA to help families of poor sleepers. I don't think nursery have ever woken ds from a nap like I would at home, even when I've said not to let him have more than 90 mins.

I've had the rest of my hair cut off and I look like a big breasted boy.