September 2006 Babies - countdown to first birthdays begin...

[compo]

Here

Stop showing off you guys!
Weather up here was really rubbbish for the past few days. Little better today, but certainly clothes have to remain firmly On!!

My brothers two girls are visiting at the mo (6+3). It is giving me an idea of what the future could be.
It's enough to put you off!!
Only joking.
But it is enough to make me think I should wait a bit longer between first and second??
Also only joking, I am sooo broody! I am fertile at mo and it is all I can do to not jump on DH and to hell with the consequences!!
At the same time, I have a blocked duct just now and it was making me so ill with the pain, yesterday, that it made me remember how bad my morning sickness was with DD. Now that is enough to put me off. So frightened of coping with that and DD. Worried that I will feel guilty that I am not able to give her my all and it is selfish of me

fairy...I swore never ever again after DD due to v. bad MS. However, like countless others I did...& it was the best decision I made! You do survive, DD will have attention & although you may feel pants for a few weeks the long term benefit is that DD will have a sibling & seeing the two of them is more than words can describe! I say go jump on DH!!!!

ha ha Cori!! Fairy, although it is hard work, the times when DS1 gives DS2 a cuddle, and says "don't cry, it's all right, I'm here" make up for the hard times. And once they're older they'll be lovely friends for eachother. Go jump DH.

congrats on the crawling compo! Now the fun begins... F has just started wanting to stand against everything, and a few little cruises too. He's also managed to walk a few steps behind one of those push along trolley things with bricks in. Oh the pride (his I mean, not mine - I'm just thinking sh*t, now I have to watch behind me ALL the time in case my ankles get attacked by a trolley... )

It's a sunny day again here today. We bought a new paddling pool at the weekend, so now have 1 for balls, one for water (i.e. one for each child....). Also got the best 2 toys ever as far as DS1 is concerned - spacehopper, and a rocket thing that you jump on and a foam rocket shoots up into the sky. Hours of fun. Suddenly we can spend a couple of hours in the garden without boredom. Wonder how long it'll last!!!

Compo - great news on the crawling. Now you'll be busy! My DS is into absolutely everything. Standing up against anything in sight in order to get hold of something he shouldn't.

Fairy - join my club!! It is difficult being pg with another LO. I know for a fact that I don't spend the time with DS like I used to because I am just so tired, still. He often sits and plays with his blocks/books while I lounge on the sofa. Am getting to the magic 12 weeks on Friday so I'm hoping I'll turn a corner then. Fingers crossed...

Am back to work on Thursday and am absolutely dreading it. I really don't want to go. The only thing that's spurring me on is the knowledge that I will be able to start mat leave again at christmas LOL

Am really disappointed as DS has gone right off his paddling pool. Maybe I'll invest in some balls. He loves being outside and crawiling all over the garden though. Better get out there now!

I'm back!

Fairy ... going from 1 to 2 sometimes feels like going from 1 to 3. You are forewarned! But you will be glad later on, as you see them playing together, and then much much much later ... I'm realizing that we've set them up to be each others' support when DH & I are gone. That's something my Mom never had as an Only, and she missed it.

It's been a GREAT day because no one has been in the house but me. Have not had this leisure since 2002. DH in San Fran now, back Thurs. We'll be going on a long romantic weekend Friday, then traveling to retrieve DSs next week on the 17th. My goal is to get absolutely organized in the time I'll have between now and then. It's much needed!

Cori - James was also cutting his 2 front teeth & will probably have them in when I see him next!

KK - Hope the move has gone well and you're now getting settled in - and are able to find everything!

HH - consider getting a Nano ... provides so much motivation; don't think I could run without music!

Migraine/dizziness/nausea the last full 2 days. Migraines are becoming more frequent. I'd like to be tested for causes when we're nearer the Houston Medical Center.

Had a very productive week at school of arts; lots of positive feedback. Even my classmates had art degrees and were teaching at University level, and the instructor was fantastic.

Have posted a ton of new pics on the web site!

Hello,

Have been run ragged today. DS just won't lay still when he's having his nappy changed anymore and twice today it has resulted in poo smeared carpet!!

As we are nearing the first birthdays, what is everyone planning to get their LOs for their first birthday present?

hello! DS is on the floor smearing his grubby little hands all over my clean cooker!! Thank heavens for E-cloths!!!!....re first bdays...well, yes, it had to be done...a wooden tool box!!!! ALthough did see a cute my first work bench in ELC that I'm thinking of... DD is the 4th of Sep so was online last night getting her sorted first (we have a proper party this year too..now she's 3!)..she really wants a doctors case complete with stethoscope!?! Good old ELC..where would we be without them?!

Think I may have missed my window cos I have not jumped DH yet, even with your encouragement
That actually made me LOL and run to tell DH that my friend on mumsnet told me I had to!!!

I know I will manage my timing evenually and will have to take my risks that I don't end up hospitalised again. Though, if I did, I guess I could call it a holiday

But, I guess, I also missed it cos I was chicken about the age gap. Like one month is going to make any difference, right!!?

First birthdays!!
I can't belive it.
I think I am actually in denial!!
But I did tell DH that I was just going to wrap something she already has! I have bought her so many things recently. (stands up and pronounces,'I am an ebay aholic!')
Can't think on anything else she needs at the mo. And, with SIL descending, I am sure others will follow, and she won't really know what anything is anyway?

Is anyone else having a party?
I am figuring I had better do something because SIL is coming up especially

Morning

No, no party for DS....we didn't have one for DD's 1st either. As mentioned she will have her first one this year now she's 3. I guess it's a personal choice...we much prefered having just Grandparents & us for the first two years of DD's life...figured that it would be just too overwhelming for her & for us tbh. That said am very excited this year as she is totally on the ball about her bday & party etc (We also fly to Portugal the day after he is one so I guess that takes care of any major entertaining anyhow!!)

We're the same as Coriander - just going to have grandparents and cousins. Will do a cake but that's more for ds' benefit than dd's. I really want to buy her some girly things like a pushchair and doll but I think I might be a year too early!

compo...am trying to rack my brains thinking of what we bought DD for her 1st bday!! Hmmm...2nd bday was her little wooden kitchen...first...ohh...I can't recall.... Re dolls / buggy etc we go tthose when she was about 18 mths. What do you recommend for boys then?! Work bench thing a bit early for one? Maybe just a car or something?

We had a big party for DS1's birthday, but it was also a house warming for us. It was all a bit much for him... I have also wrapped up things he's already got... Think for his first birthday we got him a push along trolley with bricks in it. It's been great, and F is now using it to push along (often on his knees..) so that's a good boy present for 1st birthdays.

Marls, glad you're back. Have you had a lovely relaxing time? I'm sorry to hear about the migraines - hope you can sort them out soon.

Cori, at least you've cleaned your oven. I've done mine once in 3 years . I don't think I am a perfect housewife aka Anthea Turner. All those boxes labelled and sorted, and wipes everywhere to clean up every spillage would do my head in...!

Oh yes my nephew got one of those push along trolleys with blocks in for his 1st b/day. he loves it, I wonder what the equivalent is for girls? We've got tonnes of blocks from ds and definitely don't need any more

My ds got the follwing for his 1st b/day:

the Leapfrog drum like this elc one

a rocking horse

this for his 1st Xmas, a big hit, he still plays with it now

compo, I love the garage!!!!!!

lol HH..the inside of the oven isn't clean..just the stainless steel outside!!! I did buy some CIF oven cleaner yday with a view to cleaning it but honestly, when does a girl have time to clean the bloody oven?!!!

Very funny here a moment ago..DD had v good friend to stay last night & then her other v good friend came over to play in the garden just now. I tell you, watching the 3 3 year olds was very interesting...the relationship dynamics were changing all the time..I didn't think I'd have the best friend / not dilema until they were teenagers...is it just girls?!!!!

DS is so getting that garage for his birthday! Thanks, Compo.

I don't want to do a party either. My mum and dad will be here and I have also mentioned it to my sister and SIL. Have said that they are welcome to come, but not to worry if they don't make it. They both live at least 100 miles away. We will be having a cake, mainly for me

Having said that, DS has had a few invitations to parties already. There is quite a lot of pressure, isn't there?

Marls, where are your LOs? I bet you don't know what to do with yourself!

I'm going back to work for the first time in thirteen months tomorrow! Am dreading it. Still, at least I'll be leaving again at christmas time... I'm going to be exhausted. What will I do without my afternoon nap? I have been in the habit of kipping when DS has his afternoon nap.

Am hitting the 12 week mark at the end of the week so am hoping to hit the 'blooming' stage. Fingers crossed.

bristols, good luck tomorrow. You'll be surprised how easily you slip back into it...!

HH - Sydney, wow!

compo - that's great about crawling...got stairgates yet?!

bristols - I'm sure you'll be fine at work. hopefully the need for a lunchtime nap will pass when you hit the 12 week mark!

I seem to be surrounded by pregnant friends at the moment, but I'm really not at all sure how I'd cope with 3 pre-schoolers so I'm keen to have a bit longer with just 2.

As for first birthdays, I have no diea what we'll do. Ds adores parties and will expect dd to have one(have to admit I quite like them too!) so we may go for it. As for gifts, the Galt wooden trike, little peoples train set, brick trolley, garden slide and a wee sit in and push along car were all things ds loved. I'm so tempted to get dd a wheelybug but they're rather out of our usual budget. Might get a chunky pram...I've seen an adorable wooden one.

Good luck bristols Just keep telling yourself that it's only for 4 months!!

Tassisss.....naughty of me I know but I'd encourage you, if you can, to buy a wheelybug (or get a grandparent to get one!). We got one for DD when she was 1 (obviously too small at the time etc but DH was planning ahead?!!) & she loved / still loves it. Uses it every day, some days more than others but just loves picking it up, having a quick roll around then off again. 18 mths was ideal...just couldn't get her off it. MIL has bought a bumblebee one for J for his bday (DD has the ladybird!)

Cori - it's dh that'll need persuaded to part with that kind of cash! Did you go straight for the big one? There's a lovely shop not far from here that stocks them so I plan to happen upon them one Saturday afternoon before her b'day and let dh see how lovely they are in the flesh!

How exciting to be talking about 1st birthday pressies, I'm so excited. We're just having family over - my Mum and sis on DS' actual birthday, which is a Saturday and then DH's parents, sister and her children over on the Sun, as they're busy on the Sat and I think that'll be enough visitors for DS - although he does love company, but in small doses.
Probably going to get a wheely trolley with bricks and then just a cardboard box an empty water bottle and some paper will do him - I know which ones will get most interest and that'll be the latter, plus anything I say no to - always so much more interesting than stuff he's allowed!
DS is busy racing around crawling and now pulling himself up on anything he can and starting to get quite confident with it - stair gates firmly in place and have to close bottom one now too, as he's made it up onto the 2nd step all on his own!
Glad yours are all doing so well. Am starting to get broody too Fairy, but know that we're waiting at least until we're back from our trip to Australia in November before contemplating it.

By the way, what's a wheelybug - I've never heard of them!

Jingle - Go to wheelybug.com ... there is even a US distributor unlike for the cute Whizz Around Garage, which I can't get ... wheelybug is a GREAT idea for 1st gift - thank you Tassisss & Cori!! Poor 2nd child; he needs at least a good gift - if we are still here he won't have the friends and family that DS1 had. We have wonderful footage of DS1's event ... watched again just last week. He received a dancing Elmo, a wooden rocking horse and some clothes - seemed to like the clothes best - carried them all around! ..

Bristols - Good luck tomorrow!!
The LOs were with my Mom and Dad until the 5th, when they were passed to the PILs at the Dallas airport ... it's like summer camp!! MIL called me yesterday to say thank you for letting her keep them Blessed to have such PILs. Am missing them, though ... there's only so much alone time one can take after being a Mom without becoming a bit disoriented ... doing my best to file the stacks of papers, photos, new addresses/phone#s that have been accumulating over the past 3 years

Marls, the wheelybugs are ADORABLE! I'm sure yu won't regret it. We're selling a property in a few weeks so maybe I'll wait and see what it sells for (hopeful!) before suggesting it to dh! The received wisdom seems to be to go for the bigger size (only an extra tenner our money and extends their play-life hugely) although with us both having older siblings to contend with maybe this isn't such a great thing! Poor baby's will never get a look in!

Fisher Price Little People do a chunky similar garage complete with sounds...is that available in the US?

oh and we have adorable footage of ds on 1st birthday with his brick trolley...the bricks were dinged and the was pushing round his little girl friends! so cute!

the wheelybugs are cute, but be warned, they whizz about at great speed and change direction without warning at the slightest touch! DS1 used to fall off our neighbour's one ALOT!!! But that makes them fun still when they're 3...