April 2007 - Hanging out the Bunting for BIG baby Connor .......

[CaptainDippy]

Congratulations!! to Elkie and family!!

Film was Frost/Nixon and it was really interesting

Hey all you lot

things all ok here. Harry is a bit under the weather, but nothing serious.

Had a note home from school as ds1 hasn't been doing his french Homework

oooggs you sound like you are just about on top of it all! I am in awe of you!!!

GM your little man is very cute

Hi to everyone else

Got to dash and get ds3 from playgroup. I was parent helper last Thursday, and Molly had a whale of a time!

She is growing up so fast [wistful]

and she did a wee on the pot yesterday

Ooh Runny, what is going on then?! Nosey, me? Always

Oooggs, glad you are managing to get out and about. F has bunches in her hair too, I love them! She looks grown up, but so cute

Elkie, lovely to hear that C is still gaining weight. You are doing a grand job with him xx

POTC, hope you are ok, don't stay away too long xx

Leaky, how much longer have got left to go. I really feel for you with the back pain. Hope you are ok today xx

Bramshott, I still have stair gates top and bottom, but that is because F is like a crazed thing running around and I cannot trust her to keep her balance as she goes near the top of the stairs!

SPB, glad the scan was good. Can't wait to hear what you are having!

Popped in to see my mate this morning. She lives alone and doesn't have any children. She is very work orientated (was always very hard working in school too which was the total opposite to me!). Anyway, her mum had a go at her over the weekend saying that she be old and lonely if she doesn't start socialising a bit more She was actually a bit teary about it Still, we have decided to go to the cinema this weekend which will be fab. Anyone know of any good chick flicks out just now?

Apologies to those I have missed out, have a good day all

You live near runny don't you? Go round and get it out of her then report back!
T will have bunches soon, his hair is ridiculously long In his eyes and ears. Mum took him for a trim today but he wouldn't settle, fringe is better and the back a bit neater but still far too long.

ds1 & ds2 had their hair cut today

runny what's going on???????????

hi mj - hope we get to meet up again soon

where's pesha?

infact there are loads awol!!!!!! have you all got lives??????? you think that you were all busy or something

caz - poor Harry, naughty James, glad Molly loved toddlers!!

for a chick flick - I would like to see that shopaholic one

what did you see dippy?

Lol

Can just imagine MJ coming round doing her "roving reporter" act

It's probably not going to seem that exciting now, but some big decisions have been made ocer the past few weeks.

A firm have being trying to tempt dh to join them for the past 6 mths or so. They've never been able to match his salary, so he's turned them down. However, they came up with an offer (which although doesn't match his salary) has come fairly close. After doing a lot of sums, we've decided that we will manage. The biggest, hugest, plus side to this job are the hours. His typical working week will be 8.30 til 5.30 The last time he did those hours was 6 years ago. So excited about regaining a social life
Gave his notice in today, and his boss (who he's known since he was 15) has taken it v v badly, and v personally. All the other guys have been supportive, and said they can't believe he's done these hours for so long.

And there have more redundancies in my work 27 went 2 weeks ago. The workforce is now a third of what it was 6mths ago In the meant time I have been given promotion Which sounds great, but I now have a lot of responsibilty, and none of the perks. Guess I should be glad I have a job though,

Builders have nearly finished our kitchen diner. Just have to decorate it though (my favourite bit)

Will try and catch up on everyones news (will have even more time when dh starts his new job)

HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

There was Property Porn and no-one sent it to me

I haven't really read everything in detail, but I have absorbed a few things!

WELL DONE SOL , must be a load off your mind to have the job situation sorted

GM - that boy is just too cute , I hope you are rightly proud of your little superstar

MJ - Go on, off round to Runny's house please, we need the gossip

J was dreadful but seems to be on the up now. I've started giving him some of M's multi vits and he's like a different child. Don't know for sure it's that, could just as easily be he got over whatever was bothering him, but does seem quite a coincidence so will be keeping it up for now . We saw the doc on Tues 17th and the appt with Paeds is March 6th - NEVER have I had an appt that quick before and I was expecting them to make me wait as the doc only referred him when I insisted on it!

Work is so much better this last week. I finally have my nice, friendly office back and am really hoping that they stick with current arrangements until the problem has gone away (May at the latest!). I'm switching my day's around after Easter too.

Haven't been comnpletely happy with Nursery for a long time, have finally taken the plunge and handed notice in. After Easter J will go to CM for the days I'm at work all day and pre-school in the grounds of M's school for the 2 days I work school hours. He's totally ready for something a bit more grown-up and seeing M in the playground and in the dinner hall will be fab for him (at least that's what I'm hoping!) and of course, only having to drop off/pick up in one place will be fab for me

Have a crazy few weeks with whirlwind of Parish Council and Village Committee meetings and AGMs. Training course, Dentist, Optician and Parents Eve added to that means I'll not get a minute to my self for the next 2 weeks

So, GOSSIP please

hello oooggs and runny

Bloody hell Oooggs, if you can get to the cinema with all you've got on then you really are wonderwoman

Sounds like dh has done the right thing Runny, sometimes wellbeing is more important than the money, and sounds like ultimately he'll be able to enjoy his life much better, even if it does make things a bit tighter financially

Can't believe I nearly forgot to tell you that we (me, dh and gp) think W has got asthma. He's very wheezy in the nights, coughs a lot too. Fine during the day though.
Gp sent us for a chest xray (only thing that can really be done at this age) and we go back on Weds to discuss the outcome. Apparently the xray has shown up history of the pneumonia (can you believe that was nearly a year ago?)

So much has been going on, I have felt physically dizzy.

Stop the world, I want to get off

Helllooo

Was wondering about you the other day.

Know what you mean about nursery. Really like the one W goes to, but think he might need a bit more, iyswim. So have put his name down for the local Meithrin (Welsh playgroup) for 2 mornings. I went down to fill a registration form, and he started playing with the other children. Cried his heart out when we had to leave

MJ - is dh still doing nights?

SOL - great news about the job x

Oooggs - I am always in awe of you

Someone mentioned potties? W has been telling us that he's done a wee, pointing to his nappy, and yes, it's warm and wet. Not going to push it too much. cos my baby is not allowed to grow up

I'd always been very pro Nursery, and loved this one when M went there. I think it's suffered because of its success though - when M started it was very small and it's almost doubled in size now but the space is the same. Admittedly, I was very lucky to find somewhere that didn't take as many children as they were allowed to, and who staffed according to what they felt was right not just bare minimum. It's not like that now. Few niggly things over the last 10mths have all built up, and learning that most of the staff who've been on mat leave since last spring are not coming back just finished it off. That and dropping J off last week and hearing them say they were ok on ratios because 2 were asleep, but when they woke up they'd need a member of staff through from another room, just made me realise that the small, friendly Nursery I sent M to has now become yet another where the money matters more than the children

I'd planned to send J to the pre-school in Sep and they can take him once he's 2 so decided I'd make the change now instead. I wasn't sure but speaking with one of the girls who is leaving settled my mind and I'm feeling I've made the right choice now. Only time will tell I guess!

It is a complete nightmare though, it would be so nice if everywhere you could leave your child was perfect

Hi everyone
Good news runny, but a pity his boss has taken it so badly!
I am thinking of sending T to pre school once my mat leave ends but MIL has been telling me they will only take him for a half day at a time - that can't be right can it?

yes you know me too well - cinema was a wistful dream (so when it it out on video dvd?

Racked with guilt as dts both want to walk if I go out, but I can't manage them in different directions/speeds/with ds3 as well. We went to the library today and I couldn't take the triple as wouldn't fit. So put ds3 in a sling and dts in the double. They screamed at being forced into it

Went with a friend whose dd was walking (only child) next to her empty pushchair. It didn't seem fair but they can't understand taking it in turns (which would be great)

oh I am just twittering now

Anyway on the way back I pushed ds3 in my double with her single folded down on top and held ds2 hand and she had both dd's.

We registered ds3 today (he is 6 weeks tomorrow) - doesn't time fly!!

at registering birth
It must be so hard - how on earth are you meant to manage with two walkers?

Oooggs, indeed time flies.

In a few hours C will be 4 weeks old, I think this maternity leave is going to fly by - I'm into week 6 of 39 already. dp went back to work today.

CYG, good to see you.

I heard sad news today, a woman I met through one of my first online communities, a book discussion group called 4 Mystery Addicts, has died of cancer. She was in her 70s but that doesn't seem so old any more.

She invited me to review books for her website www.reviewingtheevidence.com though it's a while since I wrote a review now. I sort of introduced her (online) to the woman who now edits the site.

I think it was nearly 3 years since we last saw each other at a crime fiction convention in Bristol, and I don't know when I'll get to another one (they're normally in the US). But it will be really strange her not being there.

I'm posting this here because I'm hoping you'll understand how I feel about friends I originally "met" online.

Morning all

Lots to catch up on!

Guess who, lovely to see you and glad J is on the mend. Sounds like you are getting sorted and settled.

Runny, v exciting news indeed. As others have said, quality of life as opposed to cash is so important, esp when the lo's are young. Hope your dh gets on really well. Sorry to hear about the possible asthma though. xx

Elkie, sorry to hear about your friend Cancer is a nightmare; so many people affected by it. Hope you and your boys are well.

Oooggs, lovely to see you.

Caz, hope you and your brood are all well. How was the meeting re the French homework - or lack of!

GM, lovely pic of C.

Leaky, how are you doing?

Dooby, how are your plans coming along for the big move?

Erm.... brain now drained.

Manic here. We were away at the weekend at my cousin's dh's surprise 40th birthday party. It was FAB!!!Thanks for the congrats re job. I am getting a bit stressed about it all in terms of how I am going to get there by 9.30 and be on time to pick up B on time. I went in yesterday and my boss was saying they have a team leaders meeting at 3 on a Thursday and would I be able to make it. I am a bit annoyed, as he knows I have the school run to do, and can't just arrange cover at the drop of a hat. It would mean sourcing a childminder at yet more expense, and also re-arranging trampolining to another day - assuming there is space on another day.

Anyway, rant over, but I am a bit worried about it all tbh.

Anyway, hope everyone is well; lots of love to all, and catch up again later. xx

Hello there. Have caught up but brain now emptied!!

Great news about your DH's job Runny!

Oooggs - sounds like you are doing a great job. I wouldn't worry too much about the DTs having to go in the buggy - there's plenty of time for walking when they're a bit older and more sensible. I must admit that I rarely let O walk when we're out because I'm always in a hurry!!

Elkie - sorry to hear about your friend.

Guesswho - sounds like you have made the right decision about J and nursery. We all hope don't we, that we have the perfect childcare mosaic in place, but then things change, or children change, and you have to be flexible and change with them. It will be lovely for J to see M during the day!

SPB - pre-school sessions do usually run in half days, and some may only offer a certain number of sessions to the smallest children so it's very different to a nursery. The best thing is to go and visit a few and find out what hours they offer, and how many sessions they can offer to start with. Some also insist on the smallest children starting with afternoons, which has always struck me as bizarre as surely its the little ones who are most likely to be tired in the afternoon?!

I can't believe our little ones are nearly big enough for pre-school!!! Argghhh!!! O will be 2 in 3 weeks time Actually she was very grown up yesterday - I was sitting at the table in the kitchen eating my lunch, and she'd finished so she wanted to go out in the garden. I let her out and stood at the window watching her as she dragged chairs from the four corners of the garden and arranged them round a little table with cups and plates for a "tea"!

Bramshott, it has dawned on me just how grown up F is lately too. She is so much more independent than she was and clearly doesn't need me as much as she did I feel sad in a way that she isn't a baby any more (although she will always be my baby!), but I have no desire to go back to the newborn stage again either iykwim.

Lol at me being the roving reporter
Fab news about dh's job Runny, hope he settles into it really well. Shame his boss took it so badly, but you have to do what is right for you as a family. Glad you are doing well in work too, even if it is a bit stressful!
The way things are just now I am really grateful to be in a secure job. Having said that there was talk of axing a fair number of nursing posts when I was there last week. As a specialist unit I think we could justify our posts though so hopefully it won't become an issue there (crosses fingers).

Elkie, sorry to hear about your friend xx

Guesswho, good to see you. It actually feels like a weight off your mind when you get things sorted doesn't it. Hope J settles really well into pre-school when he goes

Oooggs, F walks with ds and I into school in the morning and afternoon but other than that she still goes in the pushchair. If I tried to anything much with her walking I would never get there, she is a real dawdler!

Nothing much happening here today, feel a bit rough but am wondering if it is the after effects of my Hep B jab last week. It can apparently cause flu like symptoms a little while after it is given.

Just wondering if anyone from the Wales/South West region fancies meeting up in the Easter Holidays with all the children?
Let me know what you think, maybe horseworld again, or I am open to suggestions!

Hello ladies

Not been posting as fed up with hearing myself moaning.

Elkie - sorry about your friend

Guess Who - sounds like you've made the right decision. I need to look at our local pre-school for G. Taking him out of private nursery once the baby arrives as financially it's just not possible. His nusery is lovely and he enjoys it so I feel like he should have some structured activity in his week.

Runny - work-life balance is important. I think in the current climate it will be less of a priority for employers so your dh is making the move at the right time.

My dh has been telling me that his performance is crucial this year. We both work for THAT Scottish bank that is always on the news. With so many parts of the business being sold or closing, by the end of the year there'll be too many people in his role. Trying not to worry, but it's hard not to with another baby on the way.

Backache still bothering me and sickness persists. #3 is unlikely given how much I'm hating being pg this time. 9 weeks to go!

You poor thing Leaky, I remember those days well and don't miss them at all! Not much longer to go now, just keep thinking of that wonderful newborn moment which makes it all worthwhile

Poor Leaky

Hi everyone! Manic as always in DippyLand .....

Hi folks

Leaky, wow, only 9 weeks to go! Although I expect it feels like it will never end. Sorry you are suffering xx

MJ, hope you feel better too.

Ikwym re our lo's no longer being babies K isn't talking but she is so independent and is very clear of what she wants/doesn't want! Like you MJ, she will always be my baby and I certainly do not want any more!!

Feel sad today, as I only have 1 day left at work and had to say goodbye to our Deputy Director as she won't be in on Thursday. I really don't want to leave - it is breaking my heart. I know I am incredibly lucky to have found another job so quickly, but it all seems too quick

leaky, you poor thing. I have been lucky so far, can't imagine how I'd cope woth a toddler and feeling rough
SOL, ikwym, but I bet in a few months you'll love your new job just as much
MJ, sorry you're feeling ill
T is being referred to an ENT specialist as he seems to have one perforated eardrum after the other at the moment, and seems to have a week on / week off antibiotics
Not sure what a specialist is going to find / do but it's good that he's being seen II suppose.