May '09 Fine and DANDY vive la difference! 3 months on and our babies and lives are changing.

[Grumpyoldcaaaaaaaa]

Well Dandy!!!!!!! Just for you after an annoying night

Spangle - I second Tummum's suggestion. Funnily enough I thought of it, had to go away before I could post and in the mean time Tummum had already suggested it. I also used mine as a fire guard, but also used it as a playpen in the front garden while gardening as we lived near a busy road and last thing I wanted was my dd crawling onto the road when my back was turned.

reebee I'm sure the paeds will have 1 look and sign him off. I think often GPs are extra careful with pregnant women and young babies, so they rather refer to be on the safe side.
Good luck with your Cumbrian house hunting. I'm feeling ever so slightly . DH and I had been looking at moving there (the Lake District that is), a long time ago, before he ended up being offered his dream job here in Kent. The Lake District is one of my favourite places in the world. It's sooo beautiful.

Considering quite a few of us have been thinking about work, I've been thinking too. I love being a mw, but hate being a hospital mw. I think the work loads for lots of cmw is high too, so I'm playing with the idea of maybe going independent. I think independent mws practice midwifery as it's supposed to be, but on the other hand, working for the NHS gives me certainty, the NHS pension scheme (which is not to be sniffed at) and back up from colleagues in case of illness, holidays etc... I will seriously look into it though and have a good think. I also don't like the thought of going back in jan. I'm afraid C isn't going to be weaned properly yet. I wish I could stay home until May , but my offical mat leave finishes mid March and from mid december it will be without pay, so I should go back earlier really.

C has had her last lot of jabs. 3 separate jabs, poor thing. That last one really made her angry. Luckily she settled down within minutes and I had smiles before I even left the surgery.

Thanks all for the advice about playpens. The babydan playpen looks good, and I like the idea of using it in the garden. The travel cot idea is also a good one, especially as some friends have one spare we could borrow or buy off them. I also need to make sure we get one of DH's joiners (who, btw, designed & made the most beautiful stair gate for his own DCs out of oak with chrome fittings ) to come round and have a look and hopefully come up with a solution. H did it again today - he was quite happy on his back, I turned away for a few seconds and he was less than 2 ft from the top of the stairs. Frightened the life out of me.

Tummum - hope you had a relaxing afternoon.

Belgian - hope C has no after-effects from her jabs. She sounds like a brave girl

Work - I'm lucky that I don't have to go back until April. I've accrued tons of leave, including 10 days I couldn't take because of H's early arrival, so what I'll do is officially go back in Feb but not actually go back until April IYSWIM. It will take time to sort out a role for me (I was doing a temporary project whilst pg) and new contract with p-t hours etc so I want to start discussions in plenty of time. I feel a little bit cheeky that I have asked 2 directors other than my own what they have going on, but it's better than leaving them cobbling together something rubbish that I don't want to do.

Belgian - public sector pensions are like golden handcuffs aren't they? But I guess it would make up for it not to have all the admin, constantly changing rules and to have some autonomy? (I'm assuming the NHS is like the civil service!)

H has given in to the zzzz-monster after a vociferous and energetic battle. Guess I should go and do something constructive instead of MN-ing and internet shopping (and I wonder why I don't get anything done )

Tummum fab coat!

Belgian, I love the Lake District too. I've always felt very fortunate to have been brought up there and wanted the same for my family. I'm also looking forward to being a bit closer to family. And, re your career decisions, from the advice you've given on here you're clearly an excellent MW and would be a success in whatever path you choose to pursue. I'm sure C will be pretty much weaned in Jan and also that you'll find an arrangement to suit you as you get used to being back at work.

spangle, pula, belgian, thanks for your comments / thoughts about F.

Pula the reason for the referral is that his head started on the 25th centile at birth and at 2 weeks and has moved steadily across the centiles to the 91st. He was a tricky delivery and a ventouse, and the 2nd measurement was done by a student HV and not checked. Plus his length is on the 98th centile so I think the first 2 measurements were wrong really and he's now in proportion. The doctor said today they would look for things like hydrocephalus which they don't think he has otherwise his fontanelle would be bulging but equally the doctor was a bit that he couldn't find the fontanelle hardly, and that again can be connected to abormal skull growth / brain development. But because F is clearly developing normally, there should hopefully be nothing to worry about. I hope that makes more sense, I haven't explained it very well.

DS just had a major melt down because of homework. I think now he's in y3, it has all stepped up a gear and it's comming a bit as a shock. On top of that he's also tired because he woke unusually early.

Does anyone else's lo like to poo while sitting upright. C nearly always seems to be doing it while sitting up. I'm only mentionin it as she's currently sitting on my lap pooing away .

C's also "read" the Primary Times mag my dcs brought home today. She found it very interesting. She was scrunching away with it, tore bits of page out and generally made a big mess of it. Fun! She's constantly grabbing things of the table lately. She's quick too. This am I managed to just about save my bowl of cereal!

Right, better go and nappy change now.

Oh, also meant to say great coat Tummum. I love teddybear ears on hoods/hats.

Thanks for the lovely comments about my midwifery Reebee/Spangle. I've been reading the Independent MW website and it all seems so good. Definitely food for thought. I think what I really need it is to talk to a few real independent mws.

Spangle We used a travel-cot for DD as a playpen, also then came in very handy if we were visiting relatives, or if DD was staying over at grandparents house for the night was a great peace of mind and a life-saver to be honest, it meant I could do my bits round the house and I knew she was safe in there playing with her toys

All this talk about work is making me abit I know I'm blessed with being a SAHM, and I don't think I'd change it for the world, I love being at home with the children. Next week DD will be at nursery 1 half day and 2 full days, so it will just be be and J. I'm only 22, and I've got lots of time to decide what I want to do, I think I may do a night course or something though, something for me, no harm in planning, I don't think were going to be having anymore DC, so I can't stay at home forever, I need some idea of what I want to do, and what I did want to do, I don't want to do anymore lol so I need to start retraining again...

Jael. I was a SAHM with ds and loved it until he was about 1.5y. At the moment I feel like I'd like to be a SAHM again, so I'm feeling of anyone who is. But I'm pretty sure that I'll hit a point again where I'm not happy being at home full time. So I've got to go back. Nor do I want to loose my registration and have to do a return to midwifery course. Another reason I work is that, having dds, I think it's good for my dds to have a role model in me. Well, I hope that having a mw mum will be a good role model anyway. I was 26 when I started my training, so at 22 you've still got loads of time to think about what you want to do. Some people in my class were well into their 30's and 1 lady was 43! So you're never too old to change careers. It might be an idea to talk to a careers adviser some time in the future, when you're at that point that you feel like going back to work

Evening all

Not been on for a while, busy few days, we've all been visited by the snot-goblin and the chesty cough fairy. Poor DD1 also had a very unwelcome visit from the dhiarrea dhioarrea diaorrhea shit-gnome.

Anyhoo, hope everyone is well, glad to hear Jester's ok and wearing a comedy cone Reebs and I hope everything goes well vis-a-vie F's noggin.

Belgerooni I think you would make a bloody marvellous Independent MW, only you would have to charge people for it, remember, not give out free advice willy-nilly like you did to all of us! Give it some serious thought oh lady of Brugge.

Momi Hope my yeehaw on your FB isn't construed as being racist

spangle the rolling, it's terrifying, isn't it?!

I got an email from my work today, offering me the opportunity to apply for another job, basically the job I was doing but with a different title , 'my' job is allegedly safe but we'll see. I haven't told them I'm in France in case everything goes tits-up here (I get the feeling DH is having cold feet about moving to France - bastard bastard men).

Jael It's lovely when you post, you sound so much chirpier and happier and seem to have your health issues behind you . And your DD sounds as cute and bright as a button!

Routine This is not a word I am familiar with! S is proving to be a night-owl, like DD2 and sleeps downstairs with me (in her carrycot) until I go up to bed. This is exactly wht DD2 did. The other 2 have their routine, but like doing their own thang and just calling me up for teeth-brushing and kisses and cuddles. DD2 is not interested in stories at bedtime, whereas DD1 had to have about 5 a night!!

My mother arrives tomorrow , however I have forced her to bring lots of things with her so will have to appear welcoming and grateful.

GRUMPY- you don't half make me laugh

• you are on top form tonight!

No rolling action going on here, but DD and DS1 were late rollers (7-8 months) and as DS2 spends most of his time sat up (lying down usually causes much shouting after about 5 mins) i expect he will also sit first and then roll later. DS1 never crawled- he did knee walking til he walked at 14 months, and DD was walking at 10months, so it'll be interesting to see what DS2 does.

And as for SAHM, I really would not be cut out for this- I am already finding it stiffling and really enjoy working part-time and am looking forward to going back in Jan. I think it's because i had to do school/nursery runs for the last 2 days, and it's very tedious and stressful (in terms of making sure i'm not late).

Grumpy you too sound a lot happier now that you are en France. Perhaps it is time to change your name to NotquiteasGrumpycaaaaa? n'cest-pas?

Rolling no rolling here still. He does roll onto his side, and as I said he can sit up. I tried to demonstrate his incredible sitting skills today at toddlers and he promptly fell over and bumped his head. Oops.

ReeBee I'm sure the health professionals are just being cautious. I was referred to a cardiologist after the palpitations I had during pregnancy and I worried and worried about it. When I got there he barely glanced at me because the appointment was merely to get signed off following the investigations in pregnancy. The NHS can be pretty thorough, particularly with babies.

Belgian sounds great! You've been a massive help to us on this board so I've no doubt that people would pay to "use" you.

BLW after saying that I'm going to stick with purees I ordered the Gill Rapely book and now I think I'll give it a whirl. I'm still aiming to start introducing food towards the end of October when he'll be 6 months.

Jael your DD does sound very bright.

I've also ordered this book as I feel like I need a bit of help when dealing with DS1. He can be very trying and I know that I seek refuge in this thread when he is being a nightmare. I'll let you know if the book gives me any food for thought.

I echo pula grumpy v.funny )
sorry to hear about the visit from shit-gnome, snot goblin etc

despite M feeding every 2hrs thro the night for the last 2wks she has only put on 2oz

went to BF group today for some advice and BF counsellor (who is also a HV) suggested giving her some baby rice at teatime? M is 21wks tommorrow so I guess its not too soon?

Oh and the upright poo? Yes, S really digs having a good ole poo or trump if she's standing/sitting upright. The concentration on her face is incredible.

I must also mention that we visited a snake place today and DD2 pushed her way past some other kids so she could grapple a snake. I was well chuffed, as it meant I got the chance to as well (love snakes). DD1 stood right at the back of the room (not a snake-lover). I couldn't take any photos though .

The wine is calling me..............it is calling me in a seductive voice.

Oh, oh, oh and I must mention my bank manager. He wanted to practice his English on me yesterday and so we conducted some of the meeting in English. The amusement factor here hinges on the French pronunciation of 'banking'

Thank God I had S with me, I kept having to nuzzle her head to hide my smirks when Damien referred to 'Le Bonking' and at one point he smiled blissfully as he talked about 'le good bonking'. I corrected his pronunciation of 'account' though, he appeared to have missed the 'o' out!

He's very pleased now that he knows some new words and expressions for 'Les Anglais et Le Bonking'. I was happy to be of service

looby A very odd thing to suggest for a BF councellor. Looks like she didn't read Gill Rapely's book. Solids at 21 weeks wont give M more nutrients, so it wont solve the less than expected weight gain.

Talking about weight gain. I had the NCT health professionals magazine thing I get for free with one of my mw mags and there was an article about weaning in there and about the introduction of the new growth charts. It said that all babies born after 11 May (C's b'day ) have received the new charts. That made me go a little bit as I know most of our little group have the old charts in their red book.

grumpy You make me laugh so much . I hope everyone is getting better and that your DH isn't getting cold feet like you're fearing.

llare interesting book you ordered. It'll be interesting to hear what you thought of it.

Oh and Pula your nephew is a right gorgeous ginger bruiser and my word, you and your sister look alike!

grumpy at your bank manager. My mum had me puzzled this week by talking about my SIL's supposed 'borne out'

All these talented babies here. C isn't doing any rolling or sitting unaided (though she's not too bad in the baby nest). But she can read since today and says something that sounds very much like 'hello', but that might be coincidence

Leans over and drapes arm heavily across shoulders. Breathes alcohol fumes all over. One of the thingsh I luff abart the Frenshhhhh ishhhh they haff sush greatcheeepwine.

Falls over.

lol at bonk manager grumpy

I was a bit at BF counsellor too belgian, altho I did mention M feeding every 2hrs and still wanting more after her 6oz bottle at 7pm as well so p'haps she thought she was ready? I'm getting conflicting advice about the weaning - I think I'll just see how we go with BF and perhaps give her a formula top-up during the day if she's not satisfied

grumpy, speaking of chirpiness, I defn see a lift in your voice/posts. must be the air? the french cheese? the wine? have a lovely time with your mother. don't forget to put her to work .

Jael, I'm glad you're doing well and happy as a SAHM. belgian's idea of seeing a career counsellor is a good one. I'm 40 and still don't know what I want to do with my life. I dread going back to work in Jan as I'll have to do the work at night when children are in bed and I have no energy left. but, we need the ££.

belgian, I join you on the feeling of going back to work sooner than feels right.

llare, so very interested in the buddhism book... please let me know when you've read it and if you recommend it.

Looby, is M's weight really a problem in your eyes? i mean, does she seem healthy, happy, etc weight aside? i'm going to see if our clinic is open tomorrow as I haven't weight harper for ages and am now curious. as for baby rice... 6 months (how many weeks is that?) is the recommended age.

Reebee, good luck with the house hunting, I'm both and excited for you.

tummum, love the bear-coat. wish they made them in my size.

momi It's the wine

I meant to say earlier, S also likes to poo sitting up, usually after a good feed. I sit him up, he gives me "the look" which is like when DS1 poos (it involves red starey eyes followed by a grunt), with a big smile and sign after .

Grumpy- yes, most people can tell we are sisters, even though in many ways we are different (blue vs brown eyes, curly ginger vs straight mousy brown hair etc) but we must share some facial features. If you can be arsed looking in my family photos you will see we both look like my mum and she looked like her mum. When i am with my DD people always point out the family resemblance through all the generations.

pula I did think momentarily that it was you in a wig , and your DD deffo has the look too (and she's a proper cutie). Have you been to see your sis yet?

M likes to poo sitting up too - she went a bit cross-eyed earlier whilst concentrating on filling her nappy

C tends to go bright red in the face, serious look with the corners of her mouth turned up with each grunt. Serious business this baby pooing, you know

oh, and the trip to London was quick but satisfying.

Harper was an angel at the Embassy. You can tell it's the US embassy in BRITAin because they have the queue system down perfectly. we waited in 3 different queues and Harper was ever so good and smiled at all the right people to get the ooh/ahh reactions and charming the already-charmed American toothy customer service specialists.

it poured down rain and we scampered about afterwards to find a nice place to eat and settled at the Canteen (around National Theatre area) which was quite nice and child-friendly, though I had to wait till the table of businessmen opposite to us leave before I could comfortably BF.

lol at the 'poo' faces.