The 11th Gemini bus - Trudging through the terrible twos

[AGnu]

Omg. Anyone have serious meltdowns in your household? Argh I'm seriously thinking that next year I'll have to tone down party invites because bpear is just such hard work. He's still crying in his cot at 8:30pm and we've hugged and done all the normal routine

Yes to the major meltdowns. They are pretty extreme right now. Distractions, distractions, distractions (also threats to be put in bed if they don't stop). I think they should be better by next year! (I hope!)

Glad to hear that the littlest kitten is starting to feel better!

Bother's wedding went down pretty well I'd have to say. It was very beautiful. The venue was gorgeous and very romantic. The kids did great. I felt like I was the one who was going to have a temper tantrum by the end of the gigantic photo-take fiasco that lasted for like the entire day. It was a whopping 10 degrees F outside (-12 for all you Celsius folk) and the photographers really wanted to get those great outside artsy shots in the alleyway. We could go outside with our jackets on, but then had to take them off for the photos. Just for the record. I didn't have a bra on because the dress took care of that problem. I had skimpy knickers on so they wouldn't show through the dress and some shoes. My dress was a very thin polyester lining with a chiffon layer and the top was unlined lace. I. Was. Fucking. Freezing. My. Ass. Off. I probably look like I have reptile skin in the photos from all the goosebumps everywhere and a clenched-jaw appearance from trying to stop my teeth from chattering. Such a sexy bridesmaid look.

But, my brother was in a great mood. Very sweet to the kids. Kept saying that it meant a lot to him for us to bring the kids and have them be a part of it and for us to spend the weekend there. My new SIL was very sweet and was clearly enjoying herself on her big day. My parents were at least cordial toward each other although I think my dad was very embarrassed that my mum brought the secret boyfriend as her "friend" as a lot of his family was there and he had to explain the situation to them (my dad is the strong silent type who likes to keep up appearances, so I'm sure it was torture for him). DH had the unfortunate part of having to tag along with the bridal party and be in charge of the kids before the ceremony since I was actually in the wedding and he got pretty upset when I had to sit at the table with the bridal party and he had to sit at the table with my mum, her crazy entourage and the kids by himself and started a fight with me over not skipping off to sit with them. M was a little angel in her pouffy dress and she was hamming it up all day. She kept attaching herself to the groomsmen and would be all flirty with them. I think I'm going to have a problem on my hands in about 13 years!

Crazy stories of the wedding just to make sure it still falls in with an episode of Coronation Street: My brother accidentally gave the Best Man a black eye the night before the wedding by hitting him in the face with his head. The ceremony was all set to start at 6:00 sharp and we ended up being delayed until 6:45 because 11 people were stuck in the very old early 20th century elevator and had to wait for a technician to come and rescue them! And my middle sister ended up giving a drunk bridesmaid speech that was absolutely mortifying. Ta-da! My crazy family is constantly making my life a soap opera!

Bring - TG it's not just me! DH asked me whether we could "Google bpears behaviour yesterday to see if there is anything we can do to fix it" I know it's all lack of sleep and more lack of sleep! He's currently having his first 2 hour nap in days weeks just because we've been so crazy busy with birthday parties and Christmas mahem. I am literally praying that he wakes in a better mood!

Ahhhh I love your wedding stories Sounds like a great wedding success story!! M sounds adorable! I can't wait to have a girl to dress up in a puffy dress like that Boys are just not the same! Glad your brother showed his appreciation. Makes the lizard photo shoot worthwhile sooooo Christmas has now officially properly begun for you all then?

AFM - finally worked out the cost everyone has to pay on Christmas Day and communicated it to all 11 adults. I hate how artificial it has become I can't wait for Christmas Day evening when I'll be home, feet up and relaxing!! Ha ha...we all know that it won't happen because bpear will be hysterical and will refuse to go to bed or something similar I'm excited though. Mainly because I get new toys to play with

I'm just waiting for AF to turn up and on Wednesday I'll find out if I've ovulated this month.

Hi ladies Omg I'm smiling so much For I'm about to say.....I am 2-3 weeks pregnant! Just want to thank you all for supporting me on this long journey to get where I am today. I wanted to give our bus a bfp last Christmas so it's a little late but better late then never I'm just so happy! Happy Christmas everyone!!!

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!!!

I'm jumping up and down over here!!! Yay! Best Christmas present ever!

My kids think I've gone mad!

Thank you bring! Massive shock over here I don't think even DH believes it! This was the first month that I had very little hope and even had an argument with DH this morning because I was feeling very low! To fall pregnant naturally just feels like an amazing gift right now!

Ok. So now we are going to need the play-by-play symptoms report ASAP from you pear.

Hope everyone has had a wonderful happy Christmas! DH and I are currently watching Alan Partridge (him laughing way more than me) and snacking on the left over brunch foods from this morning's Christmas feast with my family. We can genuinely say that we had a fantastic time with my family and everything went off without a hitch (except for a raging tantrum-prone 2 year old).

From the silence on this thread I can tell everyone's had a very busy Christmas

For the first time in years my immediate family (siblings, mother and 10.5 grandchildren) managed to survive Christmas Day Lots to learn if we ever attempt to do it again but I think it's highly unlikely anyway because of geography. It was a success in my book Being sober was actually relatively easy...I guess I've got used to not drinking.

I may have told my mother my news on Christmas Eve to which she burst into tears with happiness. I don't think I would have got the dramatic reaction had it not been Christmas I do know she's been very worried about it all though so I'm glad I've been able to give her some good news at her age! Dh was less impressed when she dragged him outside for not so subtle hugs

Bpear was just amazing. Lasted until 7:30pm without any tears which made up for the very rocky few weeks we've had with tantrums leading up to Christmas! I think today won't be so smooth but at least we're home with the in laws visiting us so he can misbehave in his own home. I'm glad I avoided eating out now on Boxing Day even though it involved me cooking a ham and bits on eve night!

So, obviously I'm not at the next sale. Frustrating because I've been awake since 6 Decided under the circumstances standing around for an hour and getting buzzed up probably should be skipped this year. Plus money is tight and I'm saving for a kitchen blind!! I've still got a big box of next clothes that bpear hasn't grown into yet. Although he's tall...clothes have lasted longer then I expected this year. Possibly helped by the mild Autumn we had! Did anyone manage the next sale? Kitty/frus? Any bargains to report?? I'll be back in the queue next year buying for 2! Especially as I'll be back doing the early 5am killer morning feed anyway!!

Lor - have you found out what gender you're having? I can't remember whether you mentioned this or not.

Bring - I've just had my terrible usual face acne which is delightful. It feels a little worse this month but I guess I've got progesterone to thank for that! I'm not sleeping very well so that's probably not helping. I've been slightly crampy but probably more paranoid twinges then anything. I've not yet experienced the chronic constipation that sent me into hospital at 14dpo with suspected ectopic pregnancy with bpear tg!! Perhaps my body is more in tune second time round?!!

Hahah Frus! At least he went. I'll give him a point for that My Dh would never ever do that! I hope you wriggled your toes under the duvet as he was shopping! Tg for returns hey!

Oh I forgot to say... So, as I suspected the bride chased me again about measurements and said she wanted to buy a tea dress this week. The day I found out the news I made a promise to myself that in this pregnancy I wasn't going to let unnecessary stress from others effect me. I care way too much and overthink everything! So, I sent her a lengthy email reminding her in the nicest way possible that a few months a go she had asked me if I was TTC2 over dinner and I had been kind enough at the time to be honest and say I was trying but it was taking a lot longer. I said in my email that on this note it is likely that I'll be pregnant on her wedding day but I can't be for definite at this precise moment. I gave her options like, she could seek advice from a sea mistress, take a chance and buy a much bigger a-line dress, buy a maternity dress or delay buying my dress. I didn't apologise for saying all this and hinted that I could be 6 months pregnant but did say that I was very much looking forward to being her bridesmaid and taking part in all the fun leading up to it (just to reassure her). She took a day to get back to me but thankfully replied on Christmas Eve night and thanked me for telling her and said that she would delay buying the dress for now until we discuss it again in January.

Such a relief! I didn't want to tell her I was pregnant but just felt that I had to hint otherwise I would have got so stressed if she had gone ahead and brought a normal fitting dress! I know too well that it's probably best just to be upfront with the bride otherwise you'll just get in a stickier mess! I feel a tiny bit bad that she found dresses that she loved but that is life isn't it. I had to have a certain style at my wedding because my bridesmaids were all different sizes etc! That is why the maxi style is so popular after all! I did say that maybe a sea mistress could alter her chosen tea dress if she asked so I've definitely tried to be accommodating as possible for her!

On a personal note I'm over the moon about timings! I'll be 20 week ish when she wants to fly to Europe for her hen party and 6 months at the end of my 2nd trimester on her wedding day. Perfect timings!!!

Hope everyone has a lovely Boxing Day! What are you all up to?

Oh and bring...I forgot to say that I've got that very stuffy nose symptom. I had this with bpear but not at the start so that feels strange. Feels like I've got a cold but I haven't!

Omg! Totally missed this (I'm in Ireland with intermittent WiFi access). pear that's amazing news. I'm SO thrilled for you! What wonderful Christmas news. I'm giddy with excitement for you.

Hahahhaha at your DH's shopping excursion Frus Dh bought me a pair of boots once, they are actually pretty cute and I still wear them at times (although they absolutely suck at keeping feet warm when it's cold outside and they look like they are fur-trimmed ) I hate crowds too. DH doesn't mind them and he's usually the one out doing the grocery shop for us as even that can drive me into the need for an hour of peace by myself to recover from.

So sorry to hear about HFM. M had it too at the start of nursery last year and it was a bitch. Poor thing. Hope it clears quickly and that no one else gets it in your family!

That's great news about your friend being understanding Pear. She sounds like she's got a head on her shoulders for being flexible and being more concerned with making sure you can still be there and be comfortable. And the timing is perfect! Any ideas on where in Europe you'll be headed yet?

What an interesting symptom too - the stuffy nose one. Well, symptoms are a great sign of all sorts of hormones! Still just so happy for you!

We got a major snow dump last night that we had no idea was coming so took the kids outside to play for a while this morning. M was hilarious and was wriggling around in the snow eating it and then wriggling around to a new clean patch and shoveling that into her mouth. Eh. Immunity building, right?

So random thing. I've got a chesty cold and while I don't feel super horrible, it's just very "meh" and I have no energy. Turns out all my siblings and the new SIL all have a cold very similar! My parents, the kids and my DH do not. I'm thinking maybe there is some truth in the old wives tale about catching a chill and you'll get sick. We all had to stand outside in practically nothing and take pictures last week...hhhhmmmmm....?

Thank you Lor! I'm still pinching myself every time I wake I just can't believe it still. To go from full on fertility discussions to bfp in such a short time just feels surreal. Instead of going to my next fertility appt at the hospital in Feb I'll be going for a scan. Makes me feel quite tearful and blessed

Frus - oh man. HFM is one I'm dreading to deal with as it just sounds miserable. How's he coping?

Bring - I know... It's almost concerning how understanding the bride is being...perhaps for once she gets it?! She wants to go to Barcelona. I really need to start saving I am in denial...can't quite get my head around this idea at all. Mainly just because I would never have the balls to ask my hens to go so far for me for two nights and spend that money just because I'm getting married. It's a big ask.

Wow snow!!!! Soooo jealous! Ha ha I used to love eating snow too...ignorance is bliss! I definitely believe in that wives tale! Your story has to be proof!! Hope you feel better soon! I'm beginning to think maybe I have a cold and it's just nothing to do with pregnancy!

Agnu - I hope you're OK and not lost deep under all the Christmas cooking you've probably been up to recently?

Nope, it's the nice fluffy pure white stuff. Which we received another 8 inches of overnight into today.

DH and I managed to get food poisoning by making tea on Sunday afternoon. We figured that it had to be the tea because the only other thing we had eaten that day was exactly what the kids ate and it was only us two adults who had the tea, yet the kids weren't sick. After hashing out what on earth could have caused it, DH fessed up to washing chicken breasts in the sink before separating them out into portions . He swears that he washed out the sinks afterward, but clearly something was left behind as I think it was the pan I got out of the side sink to boil water in (our kettle broke a few months ago and we drink more coffee than tea so we just haven't replaced it yet) that contaminated the water that I used to make the tea. It was just ridiculous how sick we both got. Ugh. I am never drinking tea again. Seriously put me off that. Now I still don't have an appetite and I think I've consumed maybe all of 500 calories today from just feeling ill after eating even very begin foods. What a way to roll in the New Year- now appetite and losing 5 lbs from food poisoning.

How ya feeling pear? I'm sure you are getting this alllllllll the time now!

Awww bring! This is probably the right time to buy a new kettle in the Jan sales I despise dealing with chicken. How awful for you both and why am I a tiny tiny bit envious that you've lost your Christmas weight already... Ridiculous of me! Hope you're 100% good again by New Year's Day!!

Sorry no sickness to report here. I wasn't sick with dS either. But I'm experiencing a different pregnancy already as I'm much more tired, zero constipation, weak nails and have bad face acne. The constipation was so bad first time round that I ended up in hospital with suspected ectopic pregnancy so I am very very happy that's not happened...touch wood. I'm now trying to stay away from pregnancy threads as all they talk about is mc which isn't fun to read! Just trying to enjoy everyday as much as possible.

No, it definitely was the water I used to make the tea (not the tea itself, sorry I didn't clarify that) as I had herbal and he had Yorkshire with milk. I brought the water to boiling point, but it didn't boil long. Also based on how quickly the symptoms came on, it was staph areaus toxin (thank you Dr. Google), which can't be eliminated by boiling water. I'm thinking the chicken water spray was in the side sink just festering away and it must have gotten on the pan when I put it in there after my first cup. Either way, yes, we will be using a kettle from now on and we are both still feeling a bit off and weary of our kitchen! Bleach wipes have been liberally used after every time we cook and this was a huge reminder to just be way more careful with food preparations.

WOAH Frus The whole part about them going up over your head with the formula and baby food (at 3 months old no less!) would be enough for you to hate them for life. YANBU for keeping that in mind IMO! Also the whole part about deciding you don't get to take your baby back with you Excommunicated for life in my book. YIKES.

YANBU for just pretending like you didn't know they were coming and not cleaning up and not even being there if you don't want to. How rude and inconsiderate of them to a) text your daughter instead of you and b) showing up whenever they feel like it without evening TELLING you about it. I'd tell them to F-off if that happened more than 2x. Sorry you're dealing with this, it's much easier for me to be shocked and horrified from my computer rather than to actually have to deal with that in real life, so whatever you decide to do to make this easier for yourself, you have my full support! That's tough family shit to deal with right there!

Frus - wowzers! Probably too late to say but I would have disappeared like a shot to teach them a lesson. Easier said then done though! Do you think they text DD on purpose, hoping it would wind you up? What happened in the end?

So tell me Frus are you being driven completely bonkers by your children on Holiday break? Because holy mother of all mothers, I'M READY FOR THEM TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL. M is a living nightmare right now too. She's super clingy and whiney and whingy and when she's not all those things she's being destructive and super duper naughty. uughghghgha.

How's this week going for you in pregnancy pear? Have you told anyone else yet?

How was everyone else's holidays? We haven't heard from agnu or kitty in a really long time!