December 08 Supermums: We are all doing fine and our LOs love us!!

[kayzr]

Hello.

Trace I went with your idea!!

Oh and DH got his job seekers allowence yesterday(at last) £60 a week paid fortnightly. But he is getting no extra towards having kids!!! It is slightly annoying that they refuse to give him any money towards buying nappies etc.

verso you poor thing! I have no practical help or advice to offer, other than to say I am thinking of you and hope that some of the advice given already works for you. You shouldn't have to be going through this and certainly not on your own - I hope your DH starts to understand that this isn't your fault you are ill.

Trace, just harking back to something Veggie said last week - I really do think you would be fantastic doing something with mental health and PND. You have a lovely way with words and you can feel the empathy in your posts. Is this something you would think about doing?

South and West London girls - don't forget about our lunch on Wed 18th in Clapham. Would be lovely to see some mothers and their babies.

All this house and xhaise longue talk is very enticing. Arti, I am very impressed that you have one in your office. Can I ask what you do as it sounds very glam? There is an antiques auction near us every month adn I put in a bid last month on a BEAUTIFUL George Smith sofa. Alas I bit £580 (having lied to DH and said £500) but it went for just £20 more. I was gutted and even cried as I would bave had the sofa for ever. It was a commission bid so I couldn't up it and it is highly likely I could have got carried away if I'd been there. Still, there is a 3 day one next week so can go viewing on Sunday.

Turnip, I was very moved by Nanny Anne;s words. She's completely right of course. You must miss her very much.

Kayz, I am glad that your DH got his £££, but boo to the lack of money for nappies etc. These baby people can be very expensive!

Well, for all the ladies pondering their contraception, I am happy to report that I am now coiled and ready to go! I had it done at the same time as the smear and it was fine. The worst bit was the speculum insertion but the actual coil thing took about 3 minutes and I felt a little pressure but no actual pain. The proof of the pudding is in the eating so to speak and I can't say I am feeling wildly randy but at least it's done and terribly effective. I have a non hormonal one so will still have periods but will see how I get on.

The Dr told me to take it easy this afternoon, so I foresee a cup of coffee, a biscuit and a bit of light computer action before I go to the shops. It's a hard knock life down here.

BTW, we are missing a couple of people - no posts from the Invisible Hand, Beans or Mibbes for yonkers. Hope you are having good times in RL if you are lurking, girls and that it is fun which is keeping you busy.

Have a good afternoon everyone

I've had a bit of an odd morning... I found a few non-blanching spots on Phoebe, so in true paranoid mother style rang the doctor to get it checked out. I knew she was fine really because she's fine in herself, but couldn't forgive myself if anything had been wrong and I'd ignored the spots. Anyway - Phoebe was checked by my fave doctor and she was really happy with her - I ended up blubbing but more from relief and general tiredness. But...when I first went in the doctor said "before you say anything I have something I need to say to you" and she went on to apologize for the experience I had re letters, jabs, check etc. She said that all the partners in the practice agree I should be thanked for bringing the issue to their attention, and she went on for ages about how sorry they were but how grateful to me for highlighting it, and how serious the issue is with letters not being sent out (my GP covers a deprived area too so lots of 'high need/ vulnerable families). i was so embarrassed! that means all the staff have seen my complaint - and i live across the road from one of the receptionists! Hope she doesn't egg me!

well so far today i've eaten a bowl of cocopops, a kitkat, a macdonalds and a dairy milk bar. not my best day

Trace Good on you making sure other people don't miss out on checks, babies missing jabs etc!!

Don't feel bad about the food, pretend you are eating it for me

Sybil I saw Mibbes name in Active convos somewhere a few days ago I think.

trace well done, must be good to know you've made a difference!

kayz glad to hear dh is getting his money. Have you looked on directgov to see if you're entitled to any other grants or benefits? I'm sure you would qualify.

Ds1 has done something today that brought tears to my eyes. He had 50p from gps at the weekend & today we popped out to the shops. He likes to look in the charity shop on the High Street, he picked up a baby book & asked to buy it for ds2. It was so sweet, I nearly blubbed in the shop

My poor little dd2! I have returned from having her passport photo taken at Snappy Snaps. While the lady was taking the photo she kept saying "move him here" "ooh, look at his frown". I chose not to correct her. dd2 was dressed in light green and i didn't mind too much. But then as i was paying a lady in the queue saw the photos (big pink face, loads of chins) and said "what a lovely little boy. he is a real bruiser isn't he? i bet his daddy is looking forward to seeing him in action on the rugby field." i am hlaf and half . now the question is whether I use the photos and codemn her to five years of officially looking like a large boy.

Thanks everyone. I am feeling better today. Verso I really hope you can get someone to give you a break as some sleep you really need.
LadyT thanks, you are so funny being determined! And thanks Arti! I would love to meet up with you both. I think I was just down after coming back from our trip, I realized how easy it is to get out of the house when the weather is great and your not in a tiny flat with the car half a mile away (well not quite)It reminded me how nice it is back home. I also met up with some friends yesterday, one of which is moving back to NZ and I guess I was a bit down. We were also exchanging BF experiences, and it seems that she has an oversupply which causes her stress to go out etc with leakage, and I def don't have that problem at all - now I am worried that B isn't getting enough from me esp since he is now in the 25th centile. The doc said not to worry but it's still hard not too, and then stressing over that in turn can slow up milk production! If one more person hands back B to me crying and says "I think he's hungry, when did you last feed him?" I think I will kill them! (Wouldn't I know better than anyone when he last ate???) Does my head in....
Anyway, Arti and lady I have B's 2nd lot of shots on Monday (I think) Will have to check, but if he is OK after those I couold make Tuesday. Though they have asked me to come to the baby clinic at some point which is only on a Tuesday, but I can do the following for that. I will look up his appointment and go from there.
I'm also going to make the CJ one on the 18th if I can Syb - was there a time and place?
Verso keep us posted on how things are.

Right, I'm off to get changed and force myself out the door...

Ros that is so sweet!
Arti - my dd1 spent ages with people thinking she was a boy, because at about age 1 she was really chunky! I wouldn't worry about using those pics - it's good that she's so healthy looking!
kmp glad you're feeling better. Try not to stress about the BF - you know best not anyone else! Lots of babies (including mine!) must be on the 25th centile, otherwise it wouldn't be the 25th, if you know what I mean - the 50th has got to be the average!

Don't worry Arti - on my LO's official passport pics, her face looks sort of stretched wide and is perfectly round. DP remarked she had a head like a football. No one looks good on passport pics, even babies

KMP just try to remember that the growth charts in the red book are based on FF babies so are not a true representation for BF babies.

Lachlan has a super red cheek and has been dribbling loads surely not teeth already.

All this talk of decorating etc reminded me I needed quotes for some roman blinds can you believe John Lewis were double what a local fabric store can do. Do you reckon they would honour their never knowingly undersold thing?

well that was one disaster after another... Got all sorted and went out door. Carrier pre- attached to me, B in carseat, hyper dog on lead, and couldn't find car. Tried to call DH to see where he parked it - no answer. lady with a toddler asked me if I was ok - I must have looked stressed! Told her I was ok but about to kill DH for not telling me where car was last parked as not in usual spot. Eventually found car - said 5 miles of fuel left... Went to get fuel - filled up and card wouldn't work! Forgot bank had put block on it after using overseas.. luckily alternate credit card worked.... Have a massive headache due to no coffee in the house and had to srink decaff thismorning decaf and morning shouldn't be said in the same sentence.... Have instructed DH to purchase Coffee and cheerfulness on the way home which, fortunately is now... B finally (possibly) asleep, but not holding my breath.
Verso how are things (if you are around?)
Thanks Jam yes Doc did say that too - (that the red book is not ideal to go by for BF babies)
Baby passport - OMG! B looks like ET! Even the lady at passport control laughed coming into the UK!

Can I just give a general apology for my ongoing appalling spelling

"pashion" OMG!!!!

Veggie - are you still in Munich? Hope ds1 is enjoying his sausage-fest

Verso, - are you around? How are things?

Cat - did you manage to speak to your GP? How are you?

KMP - that sounds really stressfull and just the kind of thing that happens to me. I hope your DH has returned with much caffeine and cheerfullness. Re next week's cinema - I know that the Gate is showing Slum Dog on Tuesday morning. In fact I had said I would go with the friend who took me this week, but that is fine, we could all meet up together. Have you seen Slum Dog? LadyT - have you?

Turnip - Ikea sofas. Really? The new house has a large living room that is shaped in such a way that the sofa will have to be in the middle of the room (well not the middle, but not up against a wall IYSWIM). Therefore I want a really attractive sofa as all sides will be on display. I had fallen in love with this one from the Conran Shop but it is too expensive. I will go and peruse the Ikea site now. I hope your throat gets better soon and that you are able to be cheerfull in Ireland! Do not apologise to me about spelling - I can neither spell nor type.

JB and Sybil - you both asked what I did that meant I have a chaise longue in my office. I work in the Houses of Parliament. All the furniture was designed by Pugin in the 1900s and even our new furniture is made to replicate Pugin originals. I guess 19th century Peers of the Realm liked to stretch out in their offices...

Arti, I'd love to go to the cinema but its too late for me, have to pick ds1 up from nursery at 12.30 .

I know LadyT likes opera, anyone else? I did see The Gate do opera screenings, maybe we could go to one of those for an evening out? I know its not the same as seeing it live but still its probably as close as I'm going to get!!

Kmp sorry about your stressful day, hope the cheerfulness helps.

Speaking of which, I'm having a glass of right now!

turnip interior designer? Wow! I'd love to be able to do up the house properly but dh doesn't like spending a lot of money so we end up with magnolia! But if money was no object I'd be hiring you

Has anyone heard from Verso? Hope you're ok if you are reading, V.

Just realised I'd invited myself along to the cinema, sorry I was trying to say I'd love to go to a baby screening, not trying to barge my way in on yours

Just a very quickie. Ros, you aren't barging, you daft girl, you would be hugely welcome. Same goes for anyone else who fancies it. Opera at the Gate a lovely idea - only trouble is, I think we could only take the babes to one of those scheduled screamathons. But maybe they could be left with the Daddies.

Turnip - it's bollocks hollyhocks that you can't drink with AB's - APART from Metranizadol or anything which sounds vaguely like that. I will be checking out all the places you mention as well - already love Laura Ashley for stuff. I haven't read that book...but maybe I should. I never feel like I have any time for reading any more, ironically! I've got a sore throat as well. Hmm. Have a lovely lovely time in Dublin though.

Jam, I reckon they would. DEFINITELY try.

Arti, what a stupendous sofa. Haven't seen Slumdog and want to but need to check with DP as he will sulk if I see a film without him that he wants to see with me

Turnip Thanks for asking about sis. She has split up with her P and things seem to be looking up. Her flat is riddled with damp though and the council don't seem to care. They offered her a tempory(sp) house in a village 10 miles from neices school and sis can't drive so had to turn it down.

I have to tell all of you trying to lose weight to get Paul McKenna's 'I can make you thin'. It is brilliant, mum got it just after xmas and she looks amazing!! I couldn't belive it and she is now a size 14, she was a 30 after having us and finally got down to an 18 doing WW. She's lost the last bit doing Paul McKenna's plan.

Hello all just popping in to bookmark as had dropped off both this and diet thread (dont even want to go there). Munich is good have been doing sightseeing though DS1 would be happy just riding the trams all day stopping only to eat sausages. He and i have been fighting a bit though he keeps talking back to me and with the usual stress of getting around in a place where i dont speak the language and a grumpy baby (again DS2 is not as happy as he is at home but could also be mini chicken pox), i am snapping at him loads i feel really bad about it all in all he is much better behaved than other 3 years olds but i am so impatient i need to sort that out.

But we went to an amazing place yesterday the Deustch msueum it was chock full of airplanes and boats and trains. Summer it had the most amazing model railway that is so involved it is controlled with a computer, your DH would have loved it. One of the little trains had a camera on it so they projected this little train view.

DS1 has also loved watching Bob the bauermister (not sure of spelling), Thomas und seine freunde and Rupert Bar (can't put the omlout on the A) i am now singing these theme tunes in German DH thinks its hilarious. Oh and we went to the Hofbrauhaus last night for dinner, it is this very touristy massive pub complete with busty Fraulines carry several steins and a Om-pah-pah band. We went with the other guy DH is working over here with he got a stein and they served DS1s water in a stein so he was having drinkning games with DH's workmate who is Irish, a little concerning at his age. But it was good fun and had some nice Vino. DS2 was a bit bemused but enjoyed all the lights and music but found going to bed late a bit too much, and screamed for a while.

KMP sorry youve been a bit down i'm like that when i get back from home or sunny holidays. On the BF look online for a WHO BF growth chart, many coutries have adopted them and they are better research than the current ones. They are taken from 6 cities from exclusively BF babies. The BF babies should all be dropping the usual centiles now (DS2 has gone from 91st to 75th) and basically go up and down compared to the UK centile charts. DS1 tracked perfectly on the 50th centile for the BF chart but the HV kept having a go at me because he was going up and down on their charts. They will be adopted here soon but there is a concern the FF babies mums will be worried their babies are too big!! seriously how stupid do they think mothers are?? and they dont seem to mind telling BF mums their babies are small. Oh and KMP i can never remember when DS2 has last fed i just have a vague idea it was last in the morning or afternoon. also now you have the exact supply your baby needs so will have less of that full feeling and oversupply just make sure you are getting enough water if you are drinking coffee (says she who gets more fluid from coffee than any other source better practice what i preach.

Oh and Turnip, you can drink with ABs they just arent as effective so maybe start them but skip the evening doses while you are in Ireland if you are drinking then. I really depends how much you are drinking. Just a couple won't hurt. However i guess if you are drinking hard all day might be best to wait til after. Nailbed infections can be a bit nasty if left.

Kayz isnt there someone that you cant talk to you about what you are entitled to? I have a friend who is going through all this now and i'm sure they were getting more stuff, and her husband is working, just on a low income.

Sorry i have only read back over the last page so not sure of anything else that is happening but the Chaise Lounges sound good, and Arti houses of parliament, is that a nice place to work?

Oh Cat I can't go to the Mamaheaven near Wales in August. DH has a conference in Amsterdam on from the 13th. So as consolation i will have to go on the Ibiza one. If anyone fancies seriously spoiling themselves come along. Otherwise have fun at the August one whoever is going. I am actually quite looking forward to 5 days with just DS2, he has really missed out lately with term break, then DS1 home with chicken pox and now here this week. Will be good to have the mornings with him again next week.

right should go to bed, going to the ZOO tomorrow.

Oh and going mental on all the NUK products over here.

Arti you have darned good taste. Russell Pinch is one of my fave designers. I have met him a few times at trade shows. Don't know if he sells that sofa from his own atelier or whether its exc. to Conran but if its former I could maybe get it trade for you (less 15 to 20% if that made it within reach for you). Ikea won't have anything of that ilk. I find them good for when you want to go Italian modern but will have kids bouncing all over...But for that style Pinch look you could maybe try M&S, Darlings of Chelsea, Multiyork and so on and maybe back a console table onto it (as it won't be quite so sleek).

rosmerta I always say colourful paint costs the same as magnolia - and I give "sourcing" advice for free to mates!

Kayz glad to hear your sis has got rid of that bloke he sounded like bad news. Hope she gets her house sorted. She shouldn't be in damp its not on. Hope you continue to be inspired by your Mum - good on her!! Now I have that book somewhere - need to root it out and do it (having had half an EASTER EGG!!! - will rot in hell - and two glasses of cheerfulness). Will never shift this weight at this rate.

Hope Veggie is having beer and sausage. And hi to you Bisou thanks for the olive oil tip for the expressing. I am feeding from one boob and expressing but giving then and there from the other at 10.30 (as its quicker than DD feeding from both). Amounts don't seem to increse though.