April 2009 - Chapter 1: We're not pregnant, just fat!

[PuzzleRocks]

We made it!

The fab April ladies and their blessed progeny...

12 Feb: Skiingone: MARIANNA 4lb 4oz
20 Feb: Glaskham: RUBY MARIE 4lb 3oz
04 Mar: Barbarella: ESTELLA, ROSANNA, OTIS
05 Mar: Kazkiss: ISABELLE FLORENCE 4lb 6oz & OLIVER THOMAS 3lb 7oz
15 Mar: Babypringle: OSCAR WILLIAM 7lb 2oz
28 Mar: Claireykitten: VIOLET ROSE 7lb 9oz
29 Mar: WhatFreshHell: FELIX DEVLIN ALEXANDER 10lb 5.5oz
31 Mar: Mumblemum: ORSON XERXES
02 Apr: Oddeyes: ELEANOR 9lb 8oz
03 Apr: Bleuravin: MEGAN LILLIAN CONSTANCE
03 Apr: Bumpalump: JACOB 8lb
04 Apr: BabyBolat: KARAHAN 6lb 5oz
05 Apr: Mrsfossil: ISLA LILIAN 7lb 10oz
06 Apr: BoffinMum: FELIX DAVID GORDON 7lb 9oz
11 Apr: SpringySunshine: GEORGE NATHAN 8lb 15oz
11 Apr: RachelinScotland: CLEMENT JAMES 8lb 14oz
11 Apr: Lou031205: ISLA SOPHIA 7lb 9oz
11 Apr: Electra: ISABELLA CAROLINE 6lb 3oz
11 Apr: AuldAlliance: ALEXANDRE 7lb 6oz
12 Apr: Phdlife: Name TBA GIRL 9lb 3oz
12 Apr: BethDivine: Name TBA GIRL 9lb 9oz
13 Apr: MathsMummy27: AMELIA CHARLOTTE
14 Apr: Purlease: ADAM 9lb 2oz
15 Apr: Juwesm: HUGO GEORGE 9lb 2oz
15 Apr: Bronze: ISAAC JOHN
15 Apr: HeidiT: HEIDI
15 Apr: Kalikaroo: Name TBA BOY 8lb
15 Apr: Minush: ZAFIRAH ROSA 7lb 12oz
15 Apr: FatandFedup: EMILIA ROSE 7lb 6oz
16 Apr: PuzzleRocks: HOLLY ELIZABETH 8lb
16 Apr: Brettgirl: HANNAH GRACE 6lb 15oz
16 Apr: ReallyTired: Name TBA GIRL
18 Apr: Staryeyed: Name TBA BOY 7lb 11oz
20 Apr: LuLuBai: SEBASTIAN 9lb
20 Apr: Swaliswan: BETH 7lb 9oz
21 Apr: Kittycatisgettingfat: GABRIELLA AUDREY BIANCA
21 Apr: B52s: SAM MARTIN 7lb 9oz
21 Apr: Schulte: HAZEL LOIS 7lb 9 oz
23 Apr: Tristaleejac: LEWIN 8lb 4oz
23 Apr: NuttyTaff: TIAHNA SKYE 8lb 8oz
23 Apr: Purplemonkeydishwasher: ISLA ELIZABETH 8lb 14oz
24 Apr: Soon2befamilyof4: TALIA 7lb 6oz
26 Apr: Carameli: THEO LAURENCE 7lb 6oz
26 Apr: Surprisenumber3: EVIE ANNE 8lb 2oz
26 Apr: Bicnod: OSCAR MATTHEW 8lb 1oz
27 Apr: Lauren61: OLIVER STEPHEN 7lb 7oz
27 Apr: Gingersarah: VERONICA ROISIN 9lb 1oz
30 Apr: MegBusset: ARCHIE 8lb 15oz
01 May: Satheresitting: Name TBA BOY
03 May: Conkertree: Name TBA BOY 8lbs 8oz
06 May: Frekkles: HARRIS MERLIN 8lb 5.5oz
07 May: TarteTatin: ALBERT JOHN
10 May: Ilovesummer: Name TBA BOY

Wow kali - 5 hours is fast esp as it was your first time! I am with you, my birth was so very different to my intentions but no one can predict what will happen and when you are there, you just want it out!

Kara just flinched while on my lap and whacked his head on the laptop - am paranoid he will have cracked his skull but he is still sleeping soundly so think he is ok!!

Schultes, I produce ridiculous amounts of milk - that was all in 12 hours, every time I express I get 6-7 oz!

Kali - Good to have you back and to hear you are feeling better. It must be hard having any baby abroad, away from your support network, let alone your first. Sounds to me like you are doing great though. And excellent that bf'ing is going well.
Sorry you didn't get the birth experience you were hoping for. I don't think many of us did. It's good that you have made your peace with it though.

Have you seen some of the really odd trolling threads too?
I see Looby has already mentioned Trista's motto. It's a good one.

BB - I have yet to take Holly to the baby clinic. I didn't do any groups with Ellen until she was 7 months old when we started baby signing.
Ooh that reminds me to dig out my breast pump, I have a hair appointment on Saturday so I will be parted from her for the first time since she was born.

BB: I've never gone to any of the baby/parenting/massage groups, and have survived quite happily with my 3 children! LOL I've often been asked if I'm going to any, but I just say no. I usually feel too busy to be organised enough to think about them - though I suppose sometimes it's good to have an excuse to get out of the house and talk to other people!

Btw, does anyone know if it's normal to get bright red bleeding nearly 6 weeks after giving bith (normal birth, no trauma or tears etc)?? I was sure bleeding had stopped at about 3 weeks - but then I'd have a few days of bleeding - then a few days of none at all. Just seems to go back & forth, without any reason for it. Oddly enough, it happens most on days when I'm sitting doing nothing (like riding in the car for hours) but days when I'm on my feet all day, not much (or none at all!). Seems a bit strange to me. I often feel a bit odd/sore inside on the right side of my abdomen when I'm having a bleeding day - esp when I have full bladder. Anyway, sorry if tmi, but just hoping there isn't anything wrong going on inside! I know I was carrying my 32lb 2yo around about 3 days after giving birth (and ever since at times) so maybe it's just not been able to fully heal up inside.

Rachel, no idea sorry, if you are worried please go to the dr!

FOrgot who asked - trista I think Chicken and Brocolli lasagne

Chop up some chicken and pop in the wok with yellow pepper, mushrooms (optional) and part boil broccoli, mix it all together (chicken fully cooked) salt and pepper it if you like it (I hate salt so never bother!)

Anyway, lasagne dish - Layer of pasta sheets on the bottom - I either make pasta sheets up or buy the fresh ones from the shops (dry pasta doesn't work as well) - , add a layer of the chicken / broccoli mixture, add some red sauce - again either make up with chopped tomatoes, herbs and garlic or buy a pot of dolmio, another layer of pasta sheets, another layer of mixture, (optional layer of red sauce) and then final layer of pasta sheets, cover with layer of white sauce (25g butter, 25g flour heated together then stir in 300ml of milk until thick) - and I always add cheese, finish with grated cheese and mini tomatoes chopped up - pop in the oven for 20-30 mins and done - I always do a big one (3x normal size) and DH takes it for lunch for a couple of days as it lasts 3-4 days once cooked in the fridge!

So HV came - Karahan is doing well - he's now 11lb 5 - chubby chops! big difference from his 6lb birth weight and he didn't cry when he was naked or getting changed- in fact he happily poo'd on the weighing machine and gave us both a big smile!!! that's my boy ! and 58.5cms long and very strong - able to push himself up on his hands and legs so all good!

Ok planning to go for a run tonight but my bazookers wont fit in my sports bra - any ideas???!!

rachel, what you describe is most likely totally normal (I used to bleed most when sitting down doing lots of feeds) but the fact you feel discomfort means you should probably see the doc.

BB a run? Are you mad, woman? Um, do your nursing bras give you good support? Maybe you could wear two of them for extra nork-containage??? Well done Kara for such a good weigh in.

We are back from Edmund's CT scan. It was a bit harder than we'd imagined. We were supposed to keep him awake on the journey there which we almost managed then Edmund had to have a canula which took three doctors five attempts to get in. The first doctor who tried was clearly not that experienced - fair enough they have to learn but it was such a long drawn out process. E was howling just from having his feet poked looking for a vein. DH rather unkindly nicknamed him Dr Nick Riviera. Second doc was lovely, and after he couldn't manage it, he spent quite a while cuddling Edmund and trying to get him off to sleep (despite fact he was meant to be kept awake so he'd sleep and lie still for the CT - but E was exhausted and very stressed by then). But Dr Nick in the background kept slamming drawers and bin lids and waking Edmund up Eventually, we got the Specialist Registrar who did it by shining lights through E's foot, and we were sorted. E was good as gold and stayed still for his CT even though he woke up a little bit when they put the contrast medium in. And since then he's been completely zonked out and I've been comfort eating everything in sight. [fatso emoticon]

MrsG when do you get the results back - well done little E for doing so well! hope he is getting lots of cuddles to make up for it! lol at dh!

Well managed to drag my lardy arse for a 25 minute run waddle and it really hurt but feel a bit better for it! I am mad but also know I get a bit down emotionally when I don't feel in control of things and at the minute my body shape feels like it's going the wrong way iykwm so I feel better for taking positive steps - even if I stuff my face all day!

hi folks - very quick catch up so probably havent read most things properly.

mrs - sounds pretty stressful for you all - good that its all done now.

bb- well done on the run. i'd definitely invest in a new running bra if the current one doesnt fit - what sort of distances do you run?

on slings - i have an ellaroo and a didymos. angus loves it and its making taking struan out for walks a lot easier.

angus has a wee cold too (probably from struan covering him in snot every time he cuddles him).

aww tiring day for Edmund bless him! Knobber Dr Nick tut tut

i still feel like poo, annoying me now, had my initial assessment for college today, you have to do 2 test type things on a computer, english and maths, and i did better when i did the same ones last year which is frustrating but then i was sat shivering yet sweat running down my face cos this stupid infection didnt dare ring up to cancel again, i had to cancel last one because it was my induction date, then i went into labour day before so no chance! oh well got the proper interview 3rd june so fingers crossed il be fully recovered by then! plus i havent had proper sleep for best part of the last month so can hardly blame my brain for not functioning properly.

olliepops has done some little smiles today cheered me up

BB check out a triumph tri-action sports bra. There is one that is supposed to be like scaffolding. Failing that, one normal bra with a crop-top style bra over it should be good if you still haven't made it to the shops before your next run.

hmm guess everyone is having a busy evening.

dh just home but immediately on the phone again so think i might just head to bed.

E is asleep so I should be in bed....

Conker, I am a total sling addict. Is it an Ellaroo wrap you've got? (I have an ER ring sling but have lent it to someone) I have two Kari-Mes, a Storch, a Gypsymama, a couple of onbus, a pod and a mei tai. Oh and an Ergo and a Yamo Currently using the Kari-Mes and the MT. I love my slings, and Edmund hasn't been in a pram at all yet. Hoping to get properly out and about with the slings quite soon, and maybe get some baby weight off by walking about.

Looby, that sounds like a really hard day. You poor thing still suffering with the infection. They will realise how committed to the course you are for doing it so soon after giving birth, and you'll be able to explain all the circs at your proper interview.

Re Edmund's CT results, we can ring up the surgeon's office in a few days and get some info, and have a proper appointment booked for 12th June.

Hi all

Kali - thank you for the birth story, well done on a breakneck speed birth! Sorry to hear about baby blues, I hope you are really feeling better now. If not, come here and tell us all about it! I have sworn off the main body of mn too, there are too many things to worry about at every stage of parenting. I know people post when they need support a lot of the time, so it gives a skewed picture when there are a lot of blissfully serene families out there and lots of posts about the occasional rough patch. But I just don't need to know about everything that might be hard in the future right now! And even if it seems like sticking your fingers in your ears going "la la la", it is important to stay confident and have the environment in which you bring up your child imbued with confidence - much more important than second guessing every detail, many of which are matters of opinion and subject to fashion.

So in other words: you are all doing great, keep going, and don't give any attention to stuff that doesn't make you feel good. Well done all fanjo warriors!

Speaking of not giving attention, etc. the HV phoned me 3 times this morning in quick succession without leaving a message (I recognised the number). This is TERRIBLE phone etiquette. i can't bear people who keep badgering when you don't pick up, but don't leave a message. If you are driving or on the landline or something else is stopping you from picking up, what is the point of the person just redialling like a spoilt brat? Had she left a reasonable message - or any message - I would have called straight back, but frankly, fuck that.*

Mrs G, sounds like a stressful day - comfort eating totally in order.

Looby - again, get well soon.
Sorry if you have said this already but did they send a sample to the lab before they prescribed your antibiotics - ie are they giving you the right things or randomly guessing? If the latter get a test done on a sample as it sounds like you have been sick for a while.

We registered Veronica today! Now for Child Benefit and Passport. Woo! Didn't make me want to get married though. A very dull and dismal place, this registry office. Being within a few yards of it you already start yawning with the mandane banality of its boringness and ugliness.

*I am getting very sweary. Sorry everyone. Maybe watching The Wire too much.

BB - A run? A bloody run? I'm trying to kid myself I should still be resting.
I did attempt to put on a Nell McAndrew dvd t'other day but would my girls give me 5 minutes? To be honest I was happy to have an excuse to turn it off.

MrsG - That must have been tough on you all. Bless Edmund for being brave.

Conker - I hope your boys get over their colds quickly. My two have colds also now. I'm permanently covered in poo and sick and now it's lovely to add snot to the mix. [gag]

Lauren - Good luck for June 3rd. What do you plan to study?

Ginger - I'm with you on the phone thing, some of my family do it and it drives me insane.
Can't speak for others but don't sweat the swearing on my account, I love a bit of well placed profanity.

Please someone make me a cup of tea!

how do you take it? want some cake too?

Hi everyone,

Sure, Ju. Earl Grey or bog standard?

BB you may get a mammary sprain. Isn't there a less jiggly sport you can do?

Ginger, I agree re phoning, I often can't get to the phone in time and count on people leaving a message if it is important.

MrsB you seem to be coping really well with it all.

Kali, I sympathise with you, it is hard being abroad with a newborn.

Sorry to all those I have omitted, am rushing as my ironing pile is blocking out the daylight.

Have been a bit down because things are not going v well with DH, as we keep having these fraught discussions about where to live after we are booted out of here.
Wrote a huge post and lost it, but then had a really nice day together yesterday, as it was a holiday here. DH had originally decided to work but changed his mind when he saw what a state I was in, friends came for lunch and then DH, DS1, Alex and I went to the park, and the two of us squeezed in some DVD viewing before bedtime. All very relaxed and nice, unlike last weekend when DH charged around snapping at people, ranting about how much stuff we have and filling bin bags in manic mode.

Haven't solved the underlying problem by any means, but it was a relief to have a nice day.

Now to do the ironing.

Yes please to cake, Purple, as milk monster clearly isn't going to let me get breakfast.

EG would be lovely, Auld. Glad you had a nice relaxing day yesterday.

good morning all

"little steps" - that gave me goose bumps. i think that needs to be the warriors motto.

so, are any of us not suffering from something? urine infections, weird bleeding, poo problems, colds, nappy rash... and now may i add to the list: nipple thrush. and may i just say: ow.

have a phone appointment with gp today to try to get meds sorted. poor isla has been really unsettled and frantic at the boob lately, and her latch has gone to pot. my nipples were getting sore but i just put it down to her latch being off. but no, this isn't just sore nips. every once in a while it's like someone is putting pins in them and they are soooo itchy! not cool. my friend is a nurse and she had a look in isla's mouth and said it's thrush. so hopefully we can get something for it and can be on the mend quickly.

i have to recommend this baby swing. they don't sell them in shops any more but you can still get them on ebay. IT'S FANTASTIC.
we bought it for DS. Isla doesn't like it quite as much as he did but it gives me a chance to pee and, occassionally, eat.

Ow indeed. Let's hope it clears up quickly for you both.

I had a blocked duct which gave the appearance of a whitehead on my nipple. I left it for a few days and then had a really steamy shower and squeezed. A worm of hardened milk came out. Effectively boob cheese I guess. Gross huh?
I wonder if anyone has ever made cheese from breastmilk.

oh the wonders of google...

Please can we add a last minute "words of wisdom" awards category for "little steps"? It's Friday morning - too late?

Sunshine = laundry fever. How I love to have those minute vomitty garments whirling around in the suds.

Auld - sorry to hear things are hard - sounds like there is way too much stress in your house and you are both doing impossibly demanding jobs with little or no support from outside the family. Glad to hear you had a good day - good luck with all your plan-making.

Sorry Purple. I'm not suffering from anything.

I even got all four to school today happy and clean and managed to get a nice photo of them. My first of all four and they all look reasonable.

I go away three weeks today. I'm so excited and have started writing lists of what I need to take. Trying to arrange the journey home was fun though. The time my flight gets in mean my train gets in around midnigth. Took me ages to find a taxi company that would provide a carseat. I know its not law to use them in taxis but bugger me if I'm going to risk it. I dont understand it anyway. Why would a lorry be likely to drive into the back of a family car more than it would a taxi. anyway found a company after phoning about 20 praised them to high heaven and told them to put it on their advertising.
Ordered my prescription sunglasses last night too. Havnt been able to wear sunglasses for a couple of years now. It'll be nice to feel that bi tmore summery.

Oh Ginger I do have a problem with getting sweaty... does that help?