November 2014 - the one where they test boundaries.

[MrsAukerman]

New thread ladies. Jump on board.

I endured the Peppa Pig live theatre show yesterday. When DH asked DD2 about it later, all she told him was "we had ice cream," but she has been asking to go again since the minute she got up this morning.
She coughed a lot yesterday and continuously at times overnight, then woke up at 5.20am coughing and wouldn't go back to sleep. I worried we could end up back in hospital after last week and the inhaler isn't making much difference, but she isn't struggling to breathe with it at all so hopefully will be ok.
This week DD1's homework that she selected from several options was making a model of a firework, which involved getting paint, glue, glitter and sparkly things out. Not what I wanted to do after about 4 broken hours of sleep but I couldn't refuse because it was homework, and of course DD2 wanted to paint and glue too.

moggle hope you enjoyed your weekend away and your peaceful night's sleep

God moggle 27 weeks, wow. Have you checked out poppywitw online? I think this is her blog poppyd.com/ but I follow her on Instagram. She's just had twins and it was fascinating seeing her updates throughout the pregnancy. She got quite far, about 38 weeks I believe. Might be interesting for you.

Can you find any other nursery? Seems shit to have no options. Though if you can afford to live on one salary I would 100% keep working as two years pass so quickly and once you're a SAHM it's a hard road to come off of.

My work is keeping me sane though I still had a V bad day last week out of the blue even with tablets. But on the whole they are definitely working/helping. I am fairly content now, after they have kicked in. No longer a bundle of irritation and barely concealed panic. I was still Shouty Mum this morning trying to get DS to crèche when he was doing the usual "Not the blue coat, the red one! No, not the red one, the BLUE ONE! No, not those shoes, the black ones!" "I can't find the second black one, wear the blue ones" "NO THE BLACK ONES THE BLACK ONES!!!" "Ok help me look for the second one" "Ok.......(wanders off to look at Paw Patrol)" "ARE YOU HELPING OR NOT??! RIGHT THATS IT, NO SCHOOL TODAY UNLESS YOU HELP LOOK FOR THE BLACK SHOE, I MEAN IT WE'RE STAYING HOME!"

Ugh. And then when he got to crèche he was an angel child!

And dont talk to me about the dummy. DD has one, that's the problem. No chance. He's getting better at obeying when I say No Dummy in Shops/School/etc but literally as soon as we pass over the threshold towards the car he's sucking on it like a crack pipe.

Toilet training continues to feel like Groundhog Day. He's leading us a merry dance I think. He has sticker charts at home and at crèche and he just refuses most of the time. Even though every time he does a wee he gets a treat (a yellow Snack, we have officially now done everything we said we'd never do) .

I have visions of him going to primary school in a pull up with a dummy in his mouth.

However we must count our successes too. He is V good at his manners and says please and thank you ans you're welcome and sorry very readily. He lets us wash his hair now and he will go in the bath. He goes to sleep very well and usually sleeps right through unless he has a temp. He is obeying the Gro Clock so far. He says I love you, I missed you, you're my friend and we melt. He is brilliant in a restaurant or shop and you can bring him anywhere.

I feel the need to itemise the good things sometimes so I don't focus on the crappy bits!

Dropped off the thread a bit there, had my surgical management last week and by Monday my energy had returned, I feel like I could run a marathon! Moggle you have my sympathy, it's so hard when you're not feeling great and there's a little person all over you.

anna OMG the crack pipe, at least you can laugh at it all. I am constantly putting disclaimers out there when talking about DD, sometimes in reverse when I talk about how well she eats or something and my standard sign off when I get judgey eye from other mums 'but she doesn't sleep!'

halfstar how far along are you now? How are you feeling?

We also have homework - for nursery!! Home project to show photos of where you live. Roast dinner day requires photos of us having a roast dinner. Nothing intense but still, getting a photo of dd that isn't blurry is nearly impossible!

DP isn't sure if he wants to try again, I had to talk him into it last time so I think he takes this as a 'sign' or something. Negotiations continue...

£20 off your first shop with Abel and Cole you have to order a "box" as part of order strangely it doesn't show the £20 coming off when you pay but shows in your orders as the total minus the £20 if that makes sense.

Currently 20% off chickens great for Xmas dinner if small family

I will also get £20 off my next shop if you use my link

www.abelandcole.co.uk/promo/Share?sraf=4V426A58MJT0TCB9E

Totally posted this on wrong page but feel free to use.

Hope everyone is ok, we have eventually booked a birthday party for ds2 the initially double booked us so moved a week later 15 toddlers in one place but not my house so all good!

The dummy... oh... DD has it at night time and often asks during the day when not in the nursery. She never touches a dummy when there, her key worked was surprised she had one at all. But it is all different story at home. One moment she throws it on the floor with “dummies are for babies!”, the next one she will remove my scalp if she doesn’t get it. I have been going on how she should give it to F.C. in exchange for presents, but she just puts the pocker face on.

ladydolly you sound much better, more positive. Very pleased to see you bouncing back x

Well first night without the dummy went better than I ever could've hoped... she did take a little persuading to hand them over to the fairies in the morning but enjoyed playing on her bike and then had a great birthday afternoon with all the family. She asked for the dummy a couple of times while we were getting her ready for bed but once we were reading stories she didn't mention it again. fell asleep in about 10 minutes while I sat in the chair in her room (normal...). No whining although she made some very funny noises it was like her mouth didn't know what to do without a dummy in it!!
Cried out a few times around midnight but wasn't really very awake so I just held her hand and she drifted back off again. Woke us up at 6:50 talking about the twin dollies she got for her birthday. Dummy has not been mentioned since 7:30 last night. Really can't believe how well it went but unsure how tonight will go especially if she isn't as tired as she was last night. But there is hope! She is sitting beside me now watching Lion King with her whole hand stuffed in her mouth though!!
Anna your post about DS really made me laugh. And lady I always try and remember that, when DD is playing up when we're out or something and some angel child is sitting there perfectly behaved, they probably are a nightmare at night or won't eat anything that isn't yellow or something.
DD got some lovely birthday presents, far and away favourite was her first Sylvanians, some rabbits and a little cottage from SIL. Also a massive job load of duplo from eBay and more wooden train tracks and accessories. I'm v v excited about making a huge new track layout with all the junctions we've got now! After she's gone to bed though so she doesn't ruin it!!

Hi everyone

lady so glad to hear you're feeling better. Enjoy the renewed burst of energy. Homework at nursery school though, christ!

Anna and strawberry you both made me laugh, especially the 'she will scalp me if she doesn't get it.' Honestly don't worry too much about dummies, I'm sure I've said before DD1 sucks her thumb at almost 6 - completely, infuriatingly addicted and when she's in a bad mood talks through it to us - OMG it makes us both want to tear our hair out but she's addicted and there is NOTHING we can do. Have tried everything.

Got a call about DD2's 3 year checkup the other day, had forgotten that was on the cards. I googled to see what kinds of things they check and saw about drawing a triangle/circle and stuff like that....a circle she'll probably manage but a triangle no way.

DD2's language is great, but her speech/pronounciation is still quite funny and babyish. TBH, I don't want her to change the way she talks just yet. It's pretty cute

Sleep is fine here, eating is...Hit and miss. There are only a couple of dinners that she'll absolutely devour and leave a clean plate. The rest involves a lot of wheedling. Like she'll eat a few bites and then just run out of steam. And yes I do all the wheedling and stuff that you're not supposed to do. She is little and I want her to eat proper food that's not snacks (she has no problem with snacky fruit like fruit and bread, funny enough).

Sounds like you're doing great moggle, do you know yet what kind of delivery you'll have for the twins? Are you comfortable? I'm coming up to 24 weeks now. The pregnancy's going fine but I'm finding it really hard to sleep. As a result my patience is not what it should be and I can be a bit shouty

Half they're both head down and unlikely to move now so I'm hoping to try a natural / vaginal delivery. It all went pretty well with DD so the consultants seem optimistic that I should be able to manage it. However I'm lucky to have a good hospital where they will let me change my mind at any point and book an ELCS. Only thing that may be different is they do push for an epidural due to possible need to manipulate twin 2 (Ow!). Am a bit wary of that just because I managed fine without last time, but again the doctors seem happy that if both twins are still head down manipulation should be unlikely so they're happy for me to try without as long as I'm aware of the risks of needing an EMCS or even crash section (eek).

I am not very comfortable, no! I think I'm about full term size with DD now at 29wks. As happened with DD, I get constant BH / bump goes totally hard which is really really uncomfy as it goes from right down in my pubic area to right up under my ribs and I can hardly move when it's happening. Honestly it's about every 5 minutes and lasts at least 30 sec. Sleeping is getting really difficult so despite DD not waking up missing her dummy I am waking to turn over multiple times during the night (which wakes DH too). I can only seem to sleep on my right side which never bothered me with DD but I'm worried about squashing the twin on that side!!

Our spare room is currently out of bounds due to having no ceiling (which was totally due to f*cking MIL and her stupid asbestos phobia) so we have no other options for sleeping for 2 weeks unfortunately. Praying the plasterer gets a cancellation and can fit us in sooner.

Sorry for the rant!!!

Oh meant to say - DD's superhero weakness is definitely still eating. Like yours half she just doesn't seem that bothered about main meals. We are getting more occasions when she will plough through most of a plate by herself though which is amazing. Only if it's nuggets and waffles type meal :-) Yes obviously snacks and anything sweet - no problem! Breakfast too is OK still and most of the time she will eat her bowl of cereal without us having to wheedle her for a few more spoonfuls which is good.

Wow - fair play to you moggle, honestly! I think I would be shitting it just a little at the prospect of birthing twins, I'm fairly sure that there's a part of me that would be like 'gimme the c section' the second I found out I was carrying 2. But, it does sound like they're in the best position possible. That is brilliant.

I'd say they will be keeping a close watch on you and hopefully have the anesthetist lined up in case you do need an epidural. You're really brave. Sorry to hear about the sleeping. God it sucks, doesn't it?

Like with my other pregnancies, I'm absolutely plagued with restless legs. Both other times it was because my iron was low. I've upped my iron now and am also taking magnesium supplements. The last 2 nights have been a bit better. I really need to start going to bed earlier. I'm finishing up work at the end of January, much earlier than last time! What about you?

6th December, I'll be 32 weeks. Originally planned to go another week but brought it forward. Bit different this time around as it's only 2 days a week I'll get to properly rest when DD is at nursery :-(

i think if they were my first I would be going for a c section but the thought of the recovery with two babies to deal with plus of course DD... DH is taking 3 weeks pat leave and I have my parents only half an hour away, and several other relatives who have offered to come and stay, but still. DH is taking 3m of shared parental leave when they are about 3m old which is going to be good.

Some big milestones in the past few days.

A) Turned 3. Kept insisting he was 4, lol. He had a lovely day. We have no family so it was only the four of us but actually made it less stressy in a way as we didn't have to do anything. We had his favourite breakfast, his favourite cake, and pizza for tea. He got what he wanted (a Sea Patroller, enormous but quite a good toy) and was ecstatic.

B) Moved to big boy bed. He had been in a cot bed but his little sister needs it now and I was worrying about how thin the mattress was. We bought some digger/bin lorry sheets from Littlewoods (cheap but HUGE hit) and a safety rail from Argos we dressed it and he insisted on sleeping in it that night. Awkward, as we were only showing it to him in preparation as we'd been heeding dire warnings from friends about introducing the concept gently. So we found ourselves dismantling both the cot bed and the single bed and then erecting the single bed in his room again AT 6.30 IN THE EVENING whilst he kept insisting on "helping". Serves us right for showing it to him so late, lol. He slept brilliant in it and that was it!

C) his first pair of proper trainers. Or rather, the first time he insisted on trainers just like his buddies in crèche. We were lucky And found some excellent Pumas on sale for 22 quid, size 8. He looks so much older in them! Between them and the bed I'm getting all emosh "Sunriiiiiise Sunset.....", lol.

Well ds2 turned 3 on Monday we had a trip to build a bear first ever time there then to Ask Italian for lunch he loves things like !mushrooms on ciabatta and posh pizzas, they did him a candle in his ice cream... We brought him a toy shop, wooden hoover, digger, peppa pig toys. My mum and sister got him a boy doll with a winky at his request and a dolls pushchair. He had £90 from family too. .... Party on sat and 50% of invitees hadn't replied from nursery so sent reminders yesterday and nothing so if they turn up we will have to turn them away as booked numbers now.

DD turned 3 yesterday. We had a party on Saturday, we invited 3 from nursery, none replied and one showed up. I just don't get the no rsvp thing! She had a good time but was a little bit of brat for the day, too over excited I think. Yesterday we went to Winter Wonderland just the 3 of us and it was much more enjoyable, she was on better form, it was a much more relaxed day. We went to Hard Rock Cafe and they had the whole restaurant sing happy birthday while she stood on a chair which she loved. She loves going on the train and was entertained for ages just by the lights and music - then we spent a fortune on photos of santa and rides. Great day though. Her favourite presents were the singing Frozen dolls but she also got a fairy door, loads of books, a star wars mask, new trainers and flashing peppa slippers (which I think were a little disappointing for her because they weren't Frozen)

Lady dolly the not replying annoys me and then if a reminder was sent surely you would reply sorry for delay we can't come or we will be there or just tell nursery who will pass on message. Dreading people jusrt rocking up but hoping they wouldn't have cheek if not replied.

Another top tip for parties where you are limited on numbers pop note on saying no additional children please as ds1 always had parties at home til started school as Aug birthday so in garden and his first nursery onecat 3 where invited people we didn't know people turned up with extra kids and one a v brastish childf few yes old who expected to join in then moaned I didn't havya party bag for him I at that point told him he wasn't invited I let him join in and he was v ungrateful the mother did apologise. So lesson learnt and many friends have experienced the same.

Good tip eastmids - sounds bloody awful! We invited siblings because we had capacity for 25 and she doesn't have that many mates :) This included 2 friends with twins who were IMMENSELY grateful to be able to entertain and feed all 3 .

Happy birthdays to your DC!
Well done moggle on getting rid of the dummy and just surviving twin pregnancy.

The week after her birthday DD started the pre-school room at nursery. It is actually in a different building across the car park and round the corner from the main nursery, and she really doesn't like it. She cries when DH drops her off, asks every morning when she wakes up if it is a pre-school day and cries if we say it is. They say she is fine all day once DH has gone and she talks happily about what she has been doing but still insists she doesn't like it and doesn't want to go. We are not used to this. She has always been happy to go to nursery right from when she was a baby, so this is a big change 🙁

Now to decide what to get the 3 year old who already has everything for Christmas. She wants a daddy pig toy as we already have a mummy pig, a few Georges and lots of Peppas, but I don't think you can buy him on his own. She also wants a cuddly toy Stick Man, which fortunately is a thing you can buy, and that's about it. Meanwhile, DD1 wants everything she sees in shops, in catalogues, on the TV at nanny's house etc. We have hardly any money (checked my bank balance today and would have cried if I hadn't been out in public), but I am working part of Christmas Day and want it to still be special for them (obviously I know that more toys won't make up for the fact that I will be at work, but I am sad at missing out on Christmas with them and it is making me a bit irrational!)

Happy second hand is way forward ds2 will get remaining happyland that was ds1 and stored in garage... I have brought excellent toys second hand and given as a present to both boys. Ds1 had pintoy fire station, engine, fireman I brought for £30 (new well over £100) and ds2 now enjoys it.

For his birthday ds1 got a second hand bike was £25 my dad gave us money so was from him.

I buy a lot throughout the year and lucky ds1 loves Lego so look out for sales.

George pig comes in few sets with peppa and think on his own in one of those figure with bit plastic crap sets for £3.99 lots supermarkets have them and john lewis did too. I would recommend the peppa pig school its £10-15 depending on offers and you get madam gazelle and about 8 figures so get good range characters

We are having a cheap Xmas here. DS wants a scooter and thankfully the one he wants is the Lightening McQueen one, which is the entry level 2years+ one and only costs 19.99.

About 6 months ago we bought the IKEA toy kitchen which is up in the attic ever since and last week we bought a set of toy plastic plates and pots etc for a tenner. Garish and cheap looking and a bit hideous, but crucially they will be QUIET! Our friends have cool trendy wooden set and the noise of the clattering is horrendous. Another family have the IKEA ones which are bloody porcelain or something and are even louder!

The only other thing he wants is "a working paw patrol toy" so we'll get him a Rubble in his digger or something small.

So hopefully it'll be pretty cheap. We're not actually getting DD anything at all - she's oblivious and will bash away at play with the kitchen.

Happy Don't know if that could help, but with some retailers when shopping online, you can delay the payment for about 2-3 weeks without paying any interest. Usually when you are about to place an order and log on Paypal account to pay, it would say something along the lines "pay after delivered" if the retailer doesn't charge immediately. Doesn't mean you don't have to pay, but it could take some pressure off in times, when there are lots of presents to buy all at once.

This year I can definitely feel the income squeeze they are talking on TV so much. I still buy nice things, but about week before being paid my bank account is getting pretty low. Before the pound went down I always had a fairly comfortable balance not to have to check the bank account every day. Can't wait for January when DD nursery bill will go down for the free childcare hours!

We tried to ask DD what she wanted for Christmas, all she said was "many, many presents". So I wrapped as presents number of bigger size dresses and pyjamas I bought in summer sale to make it a bigger number of presents. In all fairness she doesn't play too much with the toys. She's getting dolls house and Lottie and I got carried away with everyone on Mumsnet looking for fingerlings. Not too sure about it, since the recommended age for them is 6+. The only present I know she will enjoy are the book collection. The rest probably will just clutter the house up.

Can I trade my stroppy 3yr old for the opinated 2yr old I had, I have a child who doesn't give a shit consequences - bring them on coz I am doing what I want not what you say!!

Had his birthday party today was a delight whilst out, was a nightmare this morning let him nap in hope of a more pleasant afternoon but nope in bed asleep now because I had had enough.

His sleep has been pretty poor up 3-4 times a night then up at 6 most days even if he isn't I am for work, DH doesn't hear him at night because ds on!y wants mummy in the night. Knackered is not the word

Well ds in second settling in session in pre school room successfully copied his own name clear letter formation room leader ran round telling all the other staff. Very proud.

Its funny because day ds1 turned 3 I had him doing those word and number work books as an August baby he only a year before started school and I didn't want him to be behind and certainly paid off. But as ds2 has almost 2yrs I hadn't thought much about it best get some 3-5yrs ones ordered

Wow east that's super impressive! What a smart little guy.

I'll join you on the 'knackered is not the word' bench. Can't sleep at all these days, it's miserable. DD2 was up vomiting last night too poor thing. Grim.

How are you doing moggle?

It will be a low key Christmas here, we've basically invited ourselves to MIL's as tbh I can't face hosting again and our oven is shit and needs replacing. We are going to do a short sharp visit for Christmas and let her cook for us (she really enjoys it) and that way hopefully everyone will be happy. We will really not buy the children too much as they will get so much from family. They are each going to get a scooter and some Lego and some small stocking bits.

eastmids That's amazing!! i bought some of those books a while back and they are sat unopened in DD's room... maybe after Xmas.

We went to Brussels for the xmas markets last week, it was a lovely little trip and DD was very good but didn't sleep well so we were exhausted by the time we got back. We asked her what was her favourite part (the rides, the chocolate, the puddle splashing...) - the house. We got an airbnb with a really long corridor she enjoyed running around in and a little sofa right in front of the TV, simple pleasures for that one from now on!

Xmas tree is up, DD was adorable helping out 'wow this snowflake is SO COOL'.

But now back to work with a bang, bring on the 10 days off...