Aug 08 - odds on this one won't last as long

[dizzydixies]

new thread ladies

wonder why this one won't last as long

Steaky you don't sound like a martyr to me. DH signed up to it in Spain last November! Really sorry things are so hard. Is your town big/pretty enough to have other ex-pats you could get together with? It is a really hard situation I know. We have always talked about spending some time in France (DH is half French) but he knows it's a big ask. We will all listen/advise as much as you want but it isn't the same as having someone on the spot. I don't think it's your fault that you can't communicate easily - I think it takes a long long time to reach that level of cultural as well as linguistic fluency - it isn't just a question of going to classes etc. (Not that you won't get there, didn't mean to sound discouraging.)

If you have even the smallest feeling that you might be depressed, though, don't quibble about whether being post-natal is the cause - get yourself to the Dr and let them assess that.

Oh and if this isn't inappropriate, and speaking as the child of divorced parents myself, I think marriage (/co-habitation) is like breastfeeding - every day you carry on even though it's a struggle is a massive gift to your DD and something to be proud of.

you're a long long way from Paris aren't you? I'm going to be there in May if you fancied a mini-meet. But Miamla's plans sound more sensible on that front!

What a lot of waffle Please ignore if not helpful.

Oh and I haven't been on for a while, have I? Hullo everyone else Happy Easter!

Can't remember who I was going to reply to - wine has been taken ce soir as Holy Saturday is our liturgical wedding anniversary IYSWIM. But hope all poorliness disappears tonight and the easter bunny sprinkles sleep-dust on all who need it.

Steak can you "imagine" DH to be just a roommate? Pretend you are a single parent. Find happiness for yourself, in your present city, with your present circumstances, using that mindset. He doesn't have to know you are thinking that way. Stop finding fault with him...because he "in your mind now" is only a roommate. Now step out into your new world and do what you think works best for you. You and your child are adventurers, living a life envied by others. In my mind as I type this I'm picturing the movie Chocolat (with Johnny Depp). Maybe finding personal happiness without feeling you need your spouse will be that chili pepper for your chocolate. Again nothing has changed EXCEPT your perception of the relationship. At some point, if the experiment works, you will either find yourself reattracted to him, as well he may find himself reattracted to you, in a way you never thought possible OR you might see a direction you hadn't noticed before that takes you to uncharted waters.

Good night Sazzles. Wishing you and the little ones a full night's rest.

Just feeding Reese a bit of herb chicken and pasta with homemade bread (the chicken part is baby food). She seems happy.

DD1 has been banished to her room for the rest of the day. She has such a bad attitude and whiney-NESS about her today that I can take no more. I've allowed her escape only briefly to pick up the toys in the yard and eat dinner. She will probably refuse dinner but that's her loss. I'm DONE! The next 13 years ought to be a real treat.

Ladies I have to RAVE about my new chalk board wall in my kitchen. It is AWESOME. DD1 has already (when not in trouble) scribbled a huge masterpiece and I've jotted down brain clutter. I even caught DH checking out a note about next weekend (we are having friends over for lunch). The wall was very easy to do (it comes in a paint can) and it didn't smell bad (no worse than normal paint). I love it! I love it! I love it!

Hello...am I allowed in? Fairly new to MN but my DD was born last August. Admit I haven't read the whole thread by any means (because the 906 post count just scared me...)
Or is this for previous members only?

MORNING ALL and WELCOME Cailleachna Feel free to join us and our ramblings.

HIPPY HOPPY HAPPPY EASTER** I hope the easter bunny has visited and brought you all mucho chocolate - I am guessing from DH's sheepishness last night he hasn't been for me

DD did an okay night fed at 11 then 3 she also woke at 4 having rolled onto her tummy and was stuck against the bars. She is currently on her tummy talking to the dust under the sofa!

TS sorry DD1 is having a 'day' of it - We had a chalk board in our old house and Dh only ever used to to draw childish rude drawings , so pleased yours is more sensible.

Steaky hoping this easter morning brings a little more harmony in your houshold {{{{HUGS}}}}

Morning all. Hot cross buns stuffed with chocolate then baked til melty/toasty to you all.

Steaky I like TS's idea Find your own way with your DD, if he's not prepared to help, don't rely on him. Be single in your head and if he suddenly notices you being all sexy-pheromoned and positive and steps up to the plate to do the expected, that's a bonus, let him in. If not, you'll already have the confidence to deal with whatever life throws at you without him. I know being a single mum is not all chocolate and Johnny and seeing Juliette Binoche in the mirror but it's a hell of a lot easier with just the one child. Speaking of which, you are on the pill right? (or is it suppositories again?)

Hi Cailleachna, you are most welcome but do tell us how to pronounce your name!

PS I had the most fun bath ever last night with all 3 kids and am really enjoying my big 2 this holiday. But then DH has been here too, so next week might be a bit different.

Off to make kleftiko for my folks tonight, moussaka for inlaws tomorrow and peach cake inspired by Cyteen for anyone that wants it. I may be some time...

HAPPY EASTER!!

I went to bed at 8:30pm and "officially" got out of bed at 8:30am. Mind you I "unofficially" got up about 4 times during the night for various reasons.

Cailleachna WELCOME. We are a chatty bunch thus the 900+ posts here ( which means somebody better be getting the new thread ready) and the million threads that went before. I'm an AMERICAN MNmember here, posting from Tennessee, with one dd1 age 5 and my AUG08 baby dd2 age 8m.

Busy Easter day here as well. Chat more later.

cailleachna welcome
I have dd age 2 and a ds age 7 months.
sazzles glad girls feeling better, hope you are too.

Sorry to everyone I didnt reply to yesterday, thought I would get round to it but didnt
Hope everyone is having a lovely day and chocolate is aplenty
DH rang me from work this morning to tell me to go look in the wardrobe. I did and found that easter bunny had been

steak hope you are feeling better today and manage to work things out.I think TS idea not a bad one tbh.

DS has one tooth now and crawls far too quickly for my liking. I honestly thought dd would prefer it when he was mobile but she hates it.
I have managed to hoover dds car seat and car today. I thought I would try to get the cover off it to clean. Got most of it off and hoovered inside it was disgraceful.(I said I would never feed her in the car) so grubby not to mention dangerous)
Been up to my mums shop to see how the refit was looking for the equestrian section due to open next week. Think Its going to be the best thing they have ever done tbh. She was very excited she has managed to get hold of all the top horsey name brands of clothing too.
DD is feeling a bit groggy today so demanding a cuddle, hopefully be back later.

No1 does your mom's shop have a website? I'd love to check it out.

Doing a bit of tidying at the moment. DH is mowing the yard...and hopefully finding a better mood. He's been a bit snappy this morning. I think he's grumpy because I've got plans for us later with friends which requires a 45 min drive South. He'd never say that's the problem but his mood seem to shift just after I mentioned it this morning (for the record..it was not a surprise but planned two weeks ago...and he was WELL informed).

trying to find a backsplash online for my oven. why are simple, plain, stainless backsplash so blasted hard to locate. I found one and jotted down the model number. We have a local shop that should be able to get it for me with the number. Who knows MAYBE they have it in stock.

Reese is playing in her green playpin. She has enough toys in there for all the AUG babies. DD1 is watching a good behavior cartoon. She doesn't know that's what it is but she likes it. I'm trying whatever it takes to get the message across to her.

Are we planning a birthday meet-up in August? I'm in a planning mood so let me know. It takes 6 days by boat, I hear, one way so I need ADVANCE WARNING.

welcome callieachna. I ahve a dd who is almost 6 and ds who is 8.5 months.

will prob be awol after today so will take forver to catch up though can have a quick peek on my phone (esp when we get onto a new thread as will load quicker ). Off to N Ireland in the morning. Got to leave at stupid o'clock .

nearly packed - dh got to throw the little pouches - we organise all the clothes etc into these into the back packs (decided will be easier to take our big back packs than cases as will take up less room, esp as we're hiring a smaller car than we'll start off in....) A few toiletries in the morn and some snacks for the dc then we're good to go.

Have fun ALBS!!!

Evening all - no chocolate here, though I did spy some at the French-in-laws earlier but it seems not to have migrated back to our flat with us.

I did have a coloured egg from my French teacher, but I only rememberd to take it out of my bag today so that had to go straight in the bin.

DH was only out an hour and returned in a better mood, we sat up for a bit chatting - nothing too inflamatory. Sadly all good progress was ruined by a 5am wake up from the baby who wouldn't go back to sleep. As ever DHs charm deserted him and he was pretty rude but made up for it later by bringing back fresh croissant. Had quite a nice day, a few tricky moments.
Thanks for the support and suggestions, I like all of them, especially the Johnny Depp and chocolate one.

It certainly isn't all bad, again some lovely cooking smells coming from the kitchen, but there is certainly room for improvement on all sides.

Albs have fun and I hope the travelling bit isn't to stressful.

Buckets ooh washing tub ship sounds like fun.

callieachna bonsoir! I am an English mum in France, with a French husband and a Frenglish DD who is 7 months and 2 weeks ish.
One tooth through and rather lazy on the gross motor skills (baby not me)

Prob'ly missed loads of people so Happy Easter to you all.

Greetings all

Welcome Cailleachna pull up a chaise longue and make yourself at home Always good to 'meet' other Aug 08 mums, even though strictly speaking I'm not one - my DS was a week late, lazy sod, and arrived on 1st September He continues lazy, but oh so charming.

Welcome back no1, glad all is well

No chocolate here, I seriously need to lay off. A while back I bought two gorgeous pairs of trousers from Reiss but haven't worn them yet as they need to be taken up; put them on today and surprise surprise, they're rather tight around the waist Off to Hot Mamas for me to plan my penance.

Well I have baked and baked and baked and not eaten too much chocolate as DH only bought the crappy kind I hate (well done that man!). I used a too-small tin for my peach cake and it wasn't quite cooked in the middle but still tasty with ice cream. We didn't even manage half of it so plenty for inlaws tomorrow, they won't mind they're far too scared of me polite to say anything.

Potentially good film on Thurs ladies, White Oleander, I have set the Sky+ already. I've read the book and had no idea there was a film til I saw the tv guide. Great for anyone who gets annoyed with their mother, No1 - will make us count our blessings I think.

TS Aw,you can do it! Virgin Atlantic flies from Atlanta, they have the nicest economy section and the staff always seem like great fun. Leave DH behind to work and come on a grand MN couchsurfing tour with the littlies - free accommodation!

BTW Sazzles, Oops, Ataraxis, you could also join in the singing fun at Sing for Water West.

TS - you could have a grand tour of the UK. PLLLLEEEAAAASSSSEEEE

We have had a very quiet day - lunch out for the IL's Ruby anniversary and Easter Day - how kind of them to time the two to coincide! Then we came home - DD had lots of easter pressies and Dh and I got an egg to share Dh has eaten the egg and I have had the 6 small thorntons choccies that came with it. URGH I feeel sick (

Bucket - you ain't heard me sing and for yours and everyone elses sake I hope you never do! I was a very sweet chorister as a littlie but my voice has just not retained it's tuning!

Just bobbing on to say hello while my pizza is in the oven. Hope you've all had a lovely day and not eaten too much chocolate

Had a fantabulous party with my bestest friends, it didn't rain, my sister made me a huuuuge chocolate cake, and my lovely lovely DH secretly got in touch with a friend I hadn't seen for over 3 years and got her and her DH to come, my jaw hit the floor when I saw her . Children all behaved themselves and we sat out talking and drinking until very very late. Will have to hide when the bin men come to collect the recycling on Tuesday though .

Have been to my mum's today for lunch and more wine, so am absolutely shattered now. Pizza and Dr Who then bed I think.

Steaky I'm so to hear things still tricky for you. Sounds like you are making some small progress though? Hope the good smells coming from the kitchen translated into a delicious dinner

Buckets have the FBG crown for today, sounds like you have been very busy!

TS are you afraid of flying?

Cyteen pass the cakes over here then if you're having a rest from excessive calories

No1 glad to have you back again!

Everyone else, hi! Gotta go, pizza beeping

Ah but Oops, most of the choirs are run on Natural Voice technique principles - everyone can sing with just a little practise and a non-threatening, no-solo, no-audition environment. You can just mime along and train your ears til you're confident, nobody minds. Being part of the harmony is honestly really easy and so inspiring and it's great braintraining too. I was 24 and plucked up courage to go along to a community choir like these, had never sung before. Haven't stopped singing since!

Right so this shhshhing back to sleep thing - CC you did it how long did it take? And did it get easier/quicker each time?

DD just woke at 9.15pm after going to sleep at 7.30pm. I fed her and she fell asleep on me but woke up in the cot so I started shhshhing and patting. I shhshhed and patted from 9.45 till 10.45 and she just got more and more upset, I thought I was finally getting somewhere and DH came in and insisted that we do something else - he has picked her up and is rocking her to sleep. Will probably take him five mins as the poor little thing is shattered. (baby and daddy)

It just felt the same as leaving her to cry except with me with a dead arm and cramp in my leg. I suspect that picking her up has completely written off any progress that the previous hour might have got me.

This sleeping thing isn't easy is it?