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

Thanks Nutts. I mean, the way I see it, I have just grown a person, so it would be a bit odd if all situations were go at the moment. We expect a lot of ourselves in these modern times.

Boff - I think it's perfectly reasonable not to want to speak to a HCP at this poin - you know what treatment options there are and how you feel about them and you knoew that how you are feeling is part of your postnatal condition and it will pass in time. I think you need to be very frank with Mr Boff though because he is your rock and will need to help you out if you get in too deep and I think you need to not expect to much of yourself too quickly. Yes you are a strong 4th time mum with many balls in the air and a phd in juggling - doesn't mean you aren't allowed to have a crap time some times. Don't expect things to change quickly - it took nine months to get the baby out - give yourself at least that long to feel not postnatal iyswim. (I'm not saying normal - because who is?)

Yes, I suppose I think sometimes having done this so many times, I am supposed to be able to do everything super effectively, and know lots about it, and that's quite a high expectation to have of yourself. Every baby is different, after all, and I was in a wheelchair for a big chunk of the pg this time.

Mr Boff has noticed all is not well and has been doing a bit more - for example he did most of Friday and Saturday nights so I got about 6 hours' sleep each night without too many interruptions. I think doing nearly six weeks on my own at night so he didn't get too tired for work was probably pushing it a bit tbh.

It all came to a head when he took me to the garden centre this afternoon to treat me to some plants, so I could redo the pots in the back garden, and I just couldn't work out what to choose and how the hell I was going to be able to do even any light gardening without hurting myself, and I ended crying in greenhouse no 3 in front of all the pensioners having their Sunday constitutional!!

Gosh is Master Boff six weeks old already? (Says the April mum - whose baby is 2!!)

I think you're right and lack of sleep will be a big factor. that's ok though - things can only get better from here. Re the pots - ring a gardener and get them done for you! You're saving cash on the useless au pair now aren't you? Give them you plant budget and tell them you want to be impressed - then sit back and watch them grow. Will be very good therapy I think!

NL are you on facebook?
Have you joined the april mums on there?

No I'm antifacebook - so you're all safe there - it's just here I'll stick my oar in

Hooray, I'm antifacebook too! When they're all off poking each other it'll just be you and me, NorthernLurker

Orbit Buttonhole is seven weeks old today, and has just gone down - phew. still haven't managed to persuade him to go to bed at 7pm, or to go to bed without being cuddled to sleep, but it's a work in progress. I keep trying to remember what DS1 was like at this age and at what point we managed to get him into a routine, before realising it's completely irrelevant as this is a DIFFERENT BABY.

And how.

So we're all officially post-natal - how strange and exciting.

Boff sorry to hear you're feeling down, hope the sheer force of Boffin personality, plus support from Mr Boffin, sees you through.

Juwesm I knew what you meant by A Handbag? - One of my favourite plays We considered Ernest for Orbit!

Going to Newbury tomorrow with Orbit to see my friend whose baby is one day younger than Orbit. Should be fun, but I am trying to get everything ready to go tonight as we have the osteopath in the morning and then are going straight on from there.

BB STOP DOING DIY!

Schulte hope the river was fun and you didn't get washed away.

bronze I know how you feel, by 8pm everything just hurts, doesn't it?

Nutty thank you for Hobnobs - I could do with a whole packet right now!

Must go and write down directions to Newbury....can't get me and Orbit lost in Berkshire

Evnin' all

BoffidyBoffBoff ((hugs)) I echo what everyone else has said and the fact that you are already dealing with the situation is testament to your strength and ability as a mum.

I wouldn't mention it to HV but depends how much it is bothering you and if we and DH are enough of an offload for you - my HV is making me fill out a questionnaire on Thursday to assess my PND risk (PLEASE!) and already I know I am going to have to positive up some of the answers to avoid the lecture/concern and I am fine!

WFH - I am not doing DIY!! - really tis not my choice and will have nothing to do with me! I am keeping out of it, if DH wants to do it - that's his choice!! Enjoy Newbury, we are going to Nanny & Grandad's tomorrow so K can be spoilt with cuddles some more!

Hey Nutts, how is T today?

Bronze - relax! See girls I think bronze does more than me but she just doesn't tell you all so you don't nag her like you do me

Now I would love to post the award entries but I have had 7 responses -yes 7 so if it's ok will keep it open a bit longer!

Today has been brilliant yet completely un-special and for the first time in 6 weeks I actually felt like we were a normal family, we woke up late (8.20!), laid in bed together, got up, pottered around the house, went food shopping, came home for lunch, I did the ironing, did some more pottering and watched a film and just had a very normal day BUT there was NO DIY, No running around after people, No Work, No visitors, it was just us being normal and it was flippin fabulous!

I am already a bit excited as I am going to buy this
Now I know it's stupidly expensive and he may hate it but I have lots of vouchers from work so it doesn't work out too expensive for me and I LOVE it - I'll sit in it if he doesn't! Wont be here for a week or so but it will be ordered!

Right of to make a cup of tea - anyone want?

NL you are a genius, because that is a very good idea indeed, ringing the gardening firm and telling them I want to be impressed! I had not thought of that.

The feckless AP is leaving week after next. I am not sure how I will cope on my own, bearing in mind the SPD situation, and DH doing 13-14 hour days, but I do have a cleaner for a couple of hours once a week and she has taken pity on me and has offered to do two extra hours so the ironing gets done (she irons really fast and well so this is good). I am also in the process of training DS1 to use the washing machine and dishwasher so he can break the back of that.

Thanks for hugs, BB and Nutts. xx

BB we looked at that highchair yesterday it happens, and were v impressed. But we have this one which now works as a desk chair and occasional DS2 chair when we have guests. However you can't put a little baby in it, whereas with yours you can.

YEah I saw it at the babyshow last year and were really impressed but couldn't justify the money then and I was only 5 months pg so didn't want to risk buying anything that early but still love it so going to order it tomorrow!

How is Felix doing (apart from not sleeping too much!)?

Boff, it might surprise you when she is gone, I actually think that you will be better when she is not there because you will be more in control and wont have her stressing you out! Any more luck with the nanny situation?

was not were - gah!

Felix is actually pretty happy, growing nicely, and enjoying life apart from the sleep thing. He's fitted into the family very well, and the other boys love him to bits. He particularly loves his baby gym and has learned how to biff the hanging down things, and the buzzy chair where he has worked out if you kick your feet a bit it makes a satisfying whooping sound.

We are interviewing a lovely sounding nanny next weekend, fully qualified with an NNEB, who has about 8 years' experience with different age groups and has a track record of sticking with families for a few years at a time, and who is within our budget (just). This would be for a September start.

BB, you may be right about the AP thing being stressful in ways I don't realise. For example, I realised the other day the cooking in the evening thing is such a bone of contention in this house, with APs making heavy weather of finding the ingredients/reading the recipe/cooking something/persuading the boys to eat it. However in actual fact we all have hot dinners at work/school, and we only introduced this hot dinner in the evening they moan about so much FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE APs so they could practise conversation around the family dinner table! So by not having an AP we can just have sandwiches in the evening and save lots of expense, fuss and mess.

Similarly when I get the boys up or get them ready for bed, it takes me about 20 minutes because they do what I say. When an AP does it, usually it takes up to an hour and at some point I have to intervene, as they are both shouting and procrastinating, and the AP is either pleading ineffectually or just standing there watching them. So again, it will probably run smoother if we are alone.

Ooh yay for nanny and felix being a good boffboy!

I really think it will be so much easier when she is gone like you said, simple things like that will just run more smoothly and the boys will enjoy having more mummy time xx

Right am about to wake my boys up and take them to bed

Speak tomorrow x night all xxxx

for PurpleMonkey

Boff - I have every confidence you will beat it head on, you're Boff for heavens sake. Just keep the lines of communiciation open, not least because we need you here! Fingers crossed for the nanny.

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REMINDER

By BabyBolat Wed 13-May-09 18:07:16 Add a message | Report post | Contact poster
REVISED AWARDS NO. 2

OK so the award categories in no particular order:

1. Soppiest poster:
2. Most prolific poster:
3. Best birth story:
4. Smuttiest April mum:
5. Most horrendous birth experience:
6. Funnies April mum:
7. Bravest April mum:
8. Largest baby:
9. Earliest baby(ies):

10. Best name change: 11. Best thread crasher: 12. Best thread title: 13. Best baby nickname: 14. Thread advisor award (aka mother hen): 15. Relentless award (for never once resting in pregnancy): 16. Glamour award: 17. Impatience award: 18. Statistics award: 19. Best cervix award: 20. Fiercest Fanjo Warrier award: 21. Pregnancy rule breaker award: 22. Best International / Cosmopolitan April mum: 23. Most useless baby gift received: 24. Best nester: 25. Worst nester: 26. Smiles in the face of adversity award: 27. Most punctual baby: 28. Least punctual baby: 29. Most tasteless link award: 30. Worst MIL: 31: Pedantry ERT latin-based plurals award: 32:Longest labour: 33: Shortest labour 34. Funniest April mums moment: 35. Saddest April mums moment: 36. Most memorable April mums moment:

And finally...

April mums soundtrack suggestions:

If you copy and paste the list into an email and send your answers to [email protected] and I will collate and post the winners on Monday morning so we have all week and weekend to complete them ? for those that want to remain anonymous ? I brownie girl April Mum promise to keep your identities secret!

Morning everyone!

BB, that chair is brilliant.

We are having a mixed time at Chateau Ginger: Veronica has been having good days and bad days with what I think are digestive / colicy problems and today I am going to get some infacol. Last night nothing would soothe her at all and in desperation I stripped us both off and got into bed for a skin to skin cuddle. She immediately deposited a fulsome hot little vomit all down my neck and chest onto the pillows and sheets and fell into a blissful sleep. I didn't move for 90 minutes because I was so relieved she was quiet and happy.

Boff, I would deal with your possible PND in the way that works best for you - the only thing I would say tho is that tho the NHS counsellors etc may not actually be the best use of your time per se, an official diagnosis may be of use to you in rallying informal support from DH and any others around who may (or may not) need a prod to recognise that you need lots and lots of tlc and can't be a catch-all work horse.

BB - 7 entries! Appalling! Come on April women!

Poor little V is so spotty. I feel terrible about this as if it is my fault.

I kicked Dp out of bed last night because I was not at all confident of getting V to sleep in her basket and couldn't face a sleepless night of getting up and down trying to get her to settle, but I didn't feel I had the easy option of taking her to bed with me if DP was there because he had been drinking wine. (I know the HV is a moron but all her dead babies spiel scared the crap out of me.) In fact V went to sleep in her basket for 4 (FOUR) whole hours between 2 and 6, leaving me alone in the big bed, blissfully sleeping with no babies and no DP snoring. It was fantastic. No doubt DP had the best night's sleep he has had for 3 weeks too.