January 2009 - "This is halloween, this is halloween, babies wake in the dead of night..."

[VerySpookyLennipillar]

A homage to the Nightmare Before Christmas song. DH obsessed with that film, we all (DD included) have to watch it on Christmas Eve.

hi dog and pat

bought me and dh a lindt calender and dd1 is getting a princess playmobile one.
dd1 is having a school friend over 3-6pm

Hello all. Sorry to hear of your woes Moose - it sounds like you have a lot of unresolved issues in your life with your Dad's death and other things you mention. Have you ever considered having some counselling? My Dad died when I was a young teenager in fairly horrendous circumstances and counselling really helped me, even though it took 10 years and 2 bouts of depression before I owned up that things weren't right. Although I still feel very sad about what happened I no longer well up at the silliest of things - my emotions are more rational iykwim. And although I've had patches of feeling low, I haven't been depressed since having counselling.

Hope the pasta jar is working for you Pat. Work sounds pretty awful, really feel for you. It's so rubbish. Have you been looking elsewhere or are your options limited because of part time hours? I can't find anything much part time here. And no, haven't been flooded, but job I was meant to be starting in Jan has fallen through, my sister is moving up here next week and the mad preparations for Christmas and the whirlwind of birthdays - DH, my Mum and DD (3yo too Dog ) plus PILs 40th wedding anniversary all in Dec, then DS in Jan - has begun so things a bit manic. Job is a pita, was really pleased about it, but I had a feeling it wasn't right, a strange intuition. Anyway the maternity cover I was meant to be doing at a PRU is not happening, and the permanent position that I was meant to get at the end of the maternity cover is now full time as result.

Anyway, I came on really to wish HKZ and J good luck for tomorrow. And to wish MissJ good luck too - hope it all goes well and 'it' proves to be a hit. Let us know when you are in the you know where, will tune in to watch!

i'm here, i have a hangover so am no good to man nor beast, but i'm here... friends round for dinner last night, much wine was quaffed and shite talked . c was not all that understanding about it this morning though, so am exhausted...

lenni - arse re job , i really hope you find something else that works for you

dog, v glad to hear arlo's speech is getting better, and , how dare isla be considering walking! c has tried out crawling today, towards the cat - i guess a life of desperately trying to catch her before she damages herself/everything else has now started .

we never made it to the movies (were going to go and see the white ribbon) but did make it to the pub for a drink and a chat, which was lovely

moose, i hope that you have managed to find some space and you are feeling less oppressed. we are all here when you need to vent, even if some of us are a touch the worse for wear...

Evening all...cough cough cough...we are all ill, yeuuuuk, spluttering everywhere. Just ate a kebab and had a can of diet coke for supper, very healthy. I need to eat a kebab approximately every 6 months to remind myself that they really aren't all that.

Am secretly dreading tomorrow, DH and I have put it to the back of our minds this weekend, so will be glad to get tomorrows meeting out the way so we can look forward and start to get J better (which seems a weird thing anyway as he seems fine apart from his arm) But thanks for all the positive thoughts and good wishes, much appreciated.

Moose, did you manage to get some time to yourself? I hope you're ok and feeling a bit less stressed

Dog and Pat, my DD is liek this too, everyine at nursery says 'Ohhh she's so sweet and well behaved' etc etc...we just go She can be lovely at home but she can also be a complete devilchild pita. Will be interested to see if Pasta jar works, reward chart and stickers have died a death here and DD actually likes sitting on the naughty step (and I really hate the whole concept of the naughty step) so we need something else to try...

Stripey hooray for hangovers and nights in pubs and with friends. Love the pic of C in her swimmers on FB, she even looks gorgeous in a swimming hat, not many people can claim that! DCs are double the work with a hangover.

Lenni sorry to hear your job plans fell through. have you worked at a PRU before? DH was thinking of doing some part time work at one round the corner as a mentor. On the plus side at least you have a bit more time with the DCs, is anything else in the pipeline?

MissJ good luck with work tomorrow, are you all in London? Hope DH has fun with N and you enjoy being back.

Tree...you're famous!

Heelooo...gob almighty here. Why me? AGAIN? And always in the Dm? Argh!!

Sound a numpty once again

Back this eve from weekend away with family, visiting Godparents in their new mahooooosive house. Have the envy!!

Will read and catch up tommorow, but good luck HKZ and hope Moosey ok?

Night night

hkz - good luck today

good luck hkz

dd2 didnt sleep altall last nite think she has a sore throat and was blocked up. she is knackered today and so are we after listening to her moaning and chatting all night
missing her swimming lesson

Was just checking in for news of HKZ and J.

Thanks Tree, things have settled down a bit here, but still very hard going.

Saw the GP this morning about ds1's problems. She was fantastic and is referring to a local paediatrician that she knows, apparently if he is not sure he can help he will refer onwards. She also advised us to kick butt at the school, going straight to the Headmaster to discuss support for him in the classroom. Am going to speak to his teacher first though, as at the moment we have a good relationship with her and would hate to screw that up by going over her head. The GP has a daughter with NVLD (Non Verbal Learning Disorder) which has similar characteristics as Aspergers so has been through the loop herself and is a great ally to have.

Anyway, its a start. Guess we'll just have to see where it takes us from here.

Will pop in later to see if there is any news on HKZ.

Also checking in for news, back later. Thinking of you HKZ, hope it went smoothly today.

Well I am grrrrrr. We saw the oncologist who was vague as....she kept on trailing off mid sentence....she was almost 100% certain the tumour was benign and didn't think chemo/radiotherapy would help, but operating would be the answer, but htought it was more in the field of the neurology/cardiothoarassic teams.
So we are referred back to neurosurgery, the oncologist will meet with them tomorrow and get back to us about what next...
I have given up on getting a decision or diagnosis, each specialist seems to pass it on to the next specialist and say a completely different course of treatment. DH and I are feeling totally frustrated and somewhat resigned to waiting.
Very very that he doesn't need chemo though. So am going back to work tomorrow and putting this to one side until someone calls us with a diagnosis an dplan. There is no point getting at the Drs as they are just doing htier jobs, but the lack of communication and the time wasted is amazing (reminds me of the school I work in ) So the HKZ household is happy, relieved, worried, frustrated and patiently waiting.....

Was hoping to log on to news. Not sure whether to be or [happy] for you though. Wonderful news about chemo and radiotherapy though.

Can I have a grrrr too. DS not showing much sign of walking. He can stand quite easily if he is distracted but he doesn't look close to trying to walk. My nephew started walking at the weekend, and every relative we have is in my ear about DS being 'behind'. He's 10mo FFS. Thank you, I feel better now.

Meant also to say, look after yourself HKZ, make sure you don't take on any stress from work, I'd be worn out with the last few weeks you've had, you don't want to be getting run down and ill. And make sure you wear your coat out in the cold.

HKZ, good news that chemo won't be necessary, but for you for all the messing around and being shifted from pillar to post. You are incredibly together and patient about it all - I would be an absolute wreck. Hope they get it together to give you a final decision regarding treatment really soon.

Take care. x

Feeling very sick and have a headache so apologies fro not being about. You are a star HKZ - so nice to the pontificating numpties. x

'pontificating numpties' -are they characters from ITNG?

good news hkz hope u get rest of answers soon

dd2 still poorly she slept abit more last night but was still chatting and moaning lots

having my implant removed tomorrow [shcock] thought it was on thursday!!

it will be a relief hoping it will stop periods

Have finally caught up...

HKZ I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this- what a rollercoaster A close friend of ours had a neurofibroma about 8 years ago, in a similar place. The procedure was over quickly and there has been no reoccurance since. I hope they get a move on and sort it out while J is still tiny and doesn't remember any of it. So good that he won't be having chemo though

moose sorry to hear about DS1 and no improvement in behaviour. Hopefully the referral will be useful, and the diet changes will have a lasting effect. It must be so infuriating to see the setbacks when he has even just a tiny bit of gluten though . Hope your health is improving too... doing a mass catch-up really does amass everything into one huge plague-ridden household! I suppose with 3 dc to catch stuff though, and plenty of generous sharing then its inevitable really. I do hope DS2 responds to the ABs though, as I know last year was a very very scary time for you all.. thank goodness it's being picked up on now.

Pat sorry work isn't great... maybe dd is picking up on your stress? Or maybe it's just her age? My dd has been a bit of a madam strain recently too...

dog Wow for horse! Hope housing situation is being resolved, and dp's non-paying customer

Soccerette - Glad you found lovely house.. though hope its smallest occupants have moved out

stripeyI'm sorry to hear C's father doesn't want to repeat the process. I know how difficult it was just getting C, and can completely understand why you wouldn't want to start the whole process again finding a different donor. Singletons are fabulous people... just look at your DP siblings are definitely overrated ime. C is looking gorgeous btw- have been peeking on fb, even if I haven't been posting.

MissJ Hope back to work goes well- N will have a fab time with Daddy I'm sure.

Books glad christening went well.. but boo for chickenpox.

Tree bah for money woes, but hope eggy thing is going well.

Lenni big hope things are okay, and Wow for DD going to be 3!

Hi to chefswife, scotia, 120, fluffy, tink, MsS... I think thats everyone (?)

Was going to make it 2 posts... but want to rival Moose's epics so....

We are okay, life's a bit hectic but isn't it always...
DS still isn't crawling... but on the verge- going in circles, and getting a bit frustrated. He has started going to sleep on his tummy, and gone back to settling himself (thank goodness). For some reason he seems to have stopped eating this isn't good, as he is having loads of milk, but I go back to work soon, and was hoping to drop the feeds in the daytime in favour of a cup maybe he knows and is stocking up? His settling sessions at nursery aren't going fabulously well either... ho-hum.
DD is still loving nursery- she is going to be a ribbon dancer in the nativity play - and she had a great report at parents evening, though her behaviour at home leaves a lot to be desired at present. She started a dance class on saturdays which she loves (and it gives me an hour to read while waiting for her- Yay!).

I am busy trying to get sorted for christmas, and really dreading going back to work as I never seem to get anything done now let alone when I'm working FT... Have sold some stuff on ebay, but the pile seems just as big- DS keeps on growing, gah!

DH is working on site a lot atm, so it's nice to actually have the house to myself in the day without him messing it up, but the children miss him as he's not home until bedtime. Weekends just pass in a blur really...

Bought new clothes this weekend (30% voucher for Gap, courtesy of mn) - had to really- all my trousers are falling down I weigh less than pre-dd (though only just, and obv not as light as university times) Time for another baby lots of yummy christmas food!

Awwwww, EPPM, lovely to hear from you

Know exactly what you mean about the ebay pile, we are the same here. DS goes through clothes before they even look worn, and DD is much the same.

We've been struggling with DD's behaviour lately - it is fine when we are out thank goodness but at home she is pretty dreadful. She is devilish and knows exactly how to wind us up, and she has days when DS really gets it. Fortunately she seems better lately, although I hate the constant negotiating and the stream of consequences. I really want to read the unconditional parenting stuff but lack of chance means it is still sat on my bedside.

I feel overwhelmed with Christmas this year - I don't have my usual enthusiasm. This year has been a strain on me with all the worry over DH's business among other things, I think I'm feeling it now.

Hi all... just popping on to say hello - will try to catch up tonight but at work now and my screen faces the rest of the office (last in, worst desk syndrome) so difficult to MN, FB etc. Boo. First day was great - hard to leave N but then got to work and enjoyed the blissful experience of people actually making cups of tea for me, reading the paper, going out for lunch with friends etc - felt slightly sick by about 3pm and was sooooo desperate to see him by hometime - but he had a lovely day with OH, so all good .

ps does anyone want 30% off gap voucher, good till nov 29th? Also have 20% off at selfridges from thurs 26th -sun 29th if anyone wants it - hkz any chance for a quick shopping spree? FB me if you want vouchers.

HKZ sorry to hear that you still don't know what's happening, hope it's true that he won't need chemo. Take care of yourself.

I also have a Gap voucher, thanks for reminding me, must ask dp to print it for me and go and have a look in Baby Gap before the end of the offer.

Morning all...
EPPM- If you don't mind me asking, did your friend have any skinlsions or dark patches that went with the neurofibroma? DS doesn't so they are not sure if it this or not, but it is behaving like one. Thats great that it hasn't come back, did they get it all out?
DS is having loads of milk and practically no food too, but seems ahealthy enough weight sohoping he'll get into food at some point soonish...

MissJ- Glad work is good, tis a lovely feeling being reunited with the ~DCs when you get home from work...generally wear soff after about 10 minutes though Would love a selfridges shopping spree...but alas no funds

Am feeling guilty as haven't gone into work today, but am exhausted, DCs both up in the night, DD had a temp and wanted to get up at 4am and I have a dodgy tummy and cold...will definitely go back tomorrow though. I think I'd quite like to be a SAHM for a bit...will have to kick DH's arse out the door and into some better paid work, think he's become a bit too settled in the SAHD routine

OK, have attempted brief catch up...

hkz so good news that tumour is benign and no chemo needed, but sorry to hear there is yet more waiting required. Your positivity and calm air about it all really is impressive. Don't blame you at all for staying home today, sounds like the whole family needs some TLC. Yes, we are back in London for a couple of months - any chance your SAHDH might like to meet mine for a coffee and playdate? Am worried mine is going to get terribly bored .. welcome to the world of full-time babycare!

lenni Unconditional parenting book sounds interesting, what's the name? I just ordered '3 in a bed' about co-sleeping and infant-centered parenting, have you read it? OH says I just buy books that reassure me so I can continue doing things my own way. I guess he has a point. Sorry to hear about DD's behaviour - she certainly seemed beautifully behaved when we met - as did Pats - hope the pasta jar works, whatever that is! As for your lack of Xmas enthusiasm - perhaps you could just streamline it a bit and make things easy for yourself - a xmas tree but no other decorations for example. And you could do all your shopping in one hit, like buy books for everyone. Then just buy special stuff for the kids, who are after all the ones that count.

eppm what a post! N went through a stage of not eating, but then suddenly seemed to get into it again. And all the feeding must be contributing to your weight loss! at one hour's reading during dance class - that sounds like heaven.

tree hope your headache went away and that you feel better today. Are you still on the hormones for egg donation or have you finished one cycle now? When will you have news?

tink good luck for implant removal and hope it brings relief.

MM really sorry to hear about your rows with DH... it does sound like you are utterly exhausted. Would second Lennis suggestion of counselling - couple counselling could be worth considering too. Relate are brilliant. I went with ex-H and it was so, so useful in terms of gaining insight and understanding into what had gone wrong - even though we didn't make it, I will never regret the counselling we had.

stripey your sat night sounds fab - but not the hangover .

pat your job sounds totally exhausting, having to deal with a bunch of boisterous kids all day! Hope you had a good weekend with your brother and family, and that DD was an angel....

Waves to everyone else... wow, have I outdone MM and eppm? Probably not... Another day at the office nearly over. Am missing the munchkin terribly but he seems to be having a lovely time with OH. Was to hear he wouldn't take any ebm today though - that means he will be 9am-7pm without a milk feed. Yesterday when I got home we got straight into a hot and steamy bath together and I fed him - he was lying over my tummy face down, guzzling away, and his eyes were rolling with pleasure - it was such a lovely way to reunite with him so I am really glad I am still feeding. Then co-slept and had lots of lovely snuggles in the night . But still missing him lots today.