December 2007 - Not Quite Two, Already Terrible ;)

[claraquack]

Just checking that this worked....

DH's interview went very very well, he thinks he is a shoe in for the job, and certainly the bloke who was interviewing him (who would be his boss) seemed to like him! There is some isometric testing, and another interview with a presentation he will have to do in 2-3 weeks time though.

BT Wwwwwooooohoooooooo!!!!! Nice one DH!

Beckle Was discussing the SF jab with chums today. I had it on Tuesday and my arm is still so sore I can hardly touch it. I'm really not sure about subjecting my DC to that but I guess Calpol and Ibuprofen would do the trick. I know that my friend's DD had her jab on Tuesday too and was fine by Weds but then has to go back again in 3 weeks for the "booster" I guess they only do half dosage for littleuns so maybe it wouldn't be as bad. My other chum said she'd probably not bother for DD but her DS has had Bronchiolitis as well and she's much more concerned about him getting it. So there you are. None the wiser.

Loving your book suggestions too. Really liked Shadow of the Wind (realised I was in labour with DS when I had to re read the same paragraph 6 times at a crucial part of Shadow...) and Time Traveler's wife was the best book I've ever read.

re. swine flu jabs, fwiw i'll be taking dd asap - not fun having poorly babe, and at least if she gets a jab and we get flu we won't all be poorly at the same time. i figure if i got her jabbed for everything else is no reason not to get this one too.

back to the nct mince-pie baking extravaganza...

Sounds great for your DH BT! Arcadie, a friend of mine had her SF jab on Wednesday and she said she felt really bad yesterday but today she is fine again, she said it was only a bit worse than the seasonal flu vaccine she has. I wonder if your friend's DD had a different one to you, I know there are 2 vaccines and one of them (which I think they are mostly tending to give to people with egg allergies) needs a booster IIRC. Great to hear a good review of Time Traveller's Wife, have not read it yet but keep hearing that it's really difficult to get into, my SIL tried but brought it back unfinished (I myself am totally unable to leave a book unfinished however dire it is). Shadow of the Wind for me is one of the best books I've ever read.

Dundee, its funny that I'm concerned about this jab when I never had any conerns about the routine ones, including the MMR. The DSs and DD had them all and I wouldn't have dreamed of not getting them inocculated, its something I feel strongly about. I guess I worry about the testing time with this one but the though of her getting SF and her chest not being strong enough to cope with it scares the sh*t out of me! Not helped that on the news this evening it says that paediatric intensive care admissions for SF are highest in my region and we are marked as one of the areas least likely to have enough beds if there is a huge outbreak.

I appreciate all of your views on this, you all help balance out my natural panic about things! Honestly my gut feeling was to not get it done but now it is likely to be offered to DD I'm not so sure.

Mince pie baking Dundee, mmmmmmmm...

... and I second that its not nice having a poorly babe Dundee, Evie seemed to constantly have a temperature and chestyness from September until about March last/this year - its horrible. She's much springier this evening and although a little clingy she has some of her Evieness back so hopefully the virus going about has not hit her too badly (touch wood)

Beckle - I think the reason why I am having doubts about the swineflu vaccine is because all other vaccines have been subjected to years of testing before being brought into use, and then they have been in use as well for several years.
But it is also preying on my mind that there has been one confirmed case at DS's nursery, and quite a bit of swine flu in my area, I know a few people who have come down with it.
Part of me also thinks that if I get it first, I will pass on the AB's to DS as I am still bfing him, but what if he gets it first?
Plus there was that 5yo girl who died . Apparently she was perfectly healthy before she had it.
I am probably going to speak to my HV and see what they advise.

BT, if its any help, the swine flu vaccine has been developed in exactly the same way as the annual flu vaccine which is developed and given to hundreds of thousands of at risk people every year. In fact I've had it every year (except when I was pregnant) for the past 5 years as it is offered by my employer.
Having said that you shouldn't feel pressured into giving it to DS. The NZ winter experience was that among those people who came down with swine flu, it was no more deadly than regular flu (which kills a number of people every year, including some previously quite healthy) - but that more people got it than normally get regular flu as there was no natural immunity in the community so it spread quite quickly.

Thanks for all the book suggestions! The deal with our book group is that its very relaxed so although we specify a book to read each time, members don't have to read it but if they don't they must come along ready to discuss another book. There's no particular theme so far!

I saw "The Time Travellers Wife" on the plane to Bangkok and "Julie and Julia" on the plane home and enjoyed both

Hi all

BT I'm wavering too about the SF jab - largely based on the irrational idea that tamiflu was so nasty (when DH took it he was vomiting and hallucinating) that I don't want to risk DD suffering in a similar way. Then again as Dundee says DD has had all her other vaccinations so....

Anynews on the house Clairey? And on DH's job BT?

Another confused about jab person here! Most of the time I'm in the better to be protected camp but every now and then fears about possible side effects/conditions in the future sneak in...

SQ my current letting agent hadn't done my reference so I called them to find out if it was all ok and they said they hadn't received my letter . So I emailed it and reposted it and hopefully they are now on the case. Bit annoyed thogh as we had a house inspection last week and I discussed it with the lady then and asked her to call me if the letter didn't come within the next couple of days and she didn't bother. BUT the house has now got a "Now rented" sign outside instead of "To let" so hopefully that means it is rented to me and not someone else...

Oh I contacted Skid on FB and she is ok, just worried about her dad . Sure she won't mind me letting you know.

WOO HOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

I GET THE KEYS ON TUESDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for letting us know about Skid, Claireybee!

And CONGRATS on the house!!!!! Woohoo!!!

SQ - DH had very very good feedback from 1st interview, and has given the recuiting agency 2 dates for week after next for 2nd interview :D

FANTASTIC Clairey! Your new life is about to begin

Well done Clairey, that must be such a relief, BUt how do you feel about it all now? It's a big move you;re about to make, how are the dc's?

Thanks for letting us know about Skid - Skid if you are reading this hope you are ok?

Congrats to BT's dh too, that really sounds very positivo. Hopefully he'll soon be ensconced in a new job. How is yours going?

Not mucho news here. New netbook which is tiny so having a few problemos with typing. Off to look at a house this morning, ours if fab but there are a few problemos relating to the contract, the location and also how hot it gets as the sun shines on it in the afternoon. Only 6 more sleeps until we go to Miami!

Sorry about all the o's at the end of words, I have just spent about 45 minutes talking to my Panamanian friend so she has put me in a Latino frame of mind.

Wow clairey, that is fantastic!!! Yaaaaayyyyy - how are things with H? Has he accepted it is over? Have you come to any agreements over him seeing the DC? Hope you have someone to help you move - it can be so stressful, especially with DC in tow. But it will all be worth it

BT - great news about your DH and fingers crossed for 2nd interview...

clara - have fun in Miami

Also don't know what to do about SF jab, for me or the DC. Got a letter today saying I need to have one (as pg woman) which I'm OK with but feel more protective about the DC...

Thanks for worrying about me Have had a bit of an emotional rollercoaster with my dad as he has just had his 2nd operation to remove the cancer but fingers crossed they have got it all now...

We have also been told we have to move out of our (rented university) house and can't afford to live in the same area in a privately-owned house BUT can't move out of the area because then we would be outside of the catchment area for DD's school which we are in the process of applying for - AAAGGGGHH - just what I need on top of my dad and being nearly 7 months pg! I'm sure it is all very character-building or something

BTW what does this mean??? The things you miss when away from MN for a while!

BT & Clairey some good news to finish the week

Skid gosh you're having a rough time - why do these things all come at once?

Oh no Skid Why do you have to move out??
Fingers crossed that the 2nd op has removed the rest of the cancer. When will they know? Is he still having Chemo? Poor man, and poor you and your mum!

DH's interview is on the 16th Dec.

Aaargh so much to do!

Skid glad you came back to us What a nightmare about having to move again. My only advice would be to pester the letting agents about properties in the area you want to be in. I only got my house because I went in again and again asking if they had anything close to dd's school and the agent eventually took pity on me and persuaded the landlord to make an exception for me. I know it's a different situation but hopefully they'll be nicer to you if they recognise you and feel sympathetic towards you (so stick that tummy out and drag two angelic children with you when you go in!). Oh and also I never knew this but rents ARE negotiable so you mght be able to bring them down a little. Good luck, hope you find something.

Clara I didn't even notice the o's and had to read it back thinking "o's? where are the o's?"

Skid, hope things fall into place for you re house. You really don't need that right now
Clairey, nice to hear you sounding so positive!
Any news re jobs BT?
Things not so good for poor DD1 here at the moment. Lot's of moments of intense sadness as she contemplates life without seeing her Dad each week. She keeps saying things like "I hope he changes his mind" and "Why do they have to go?" and "Why can't Trini's family come and live here?" (Trini being step-mother who has instigated this move back to where she came from, i.e. UK) I haven't come up with anything very wise or helpful to say - I just feel so helpless basically and that makes it worse for DD as she's used to me being the miracle-worker in her life. Sigh...
On a more positive note we had DD2's birthday party on Sunday. A whole month early but who's counting! She was so excited when she kept being given presents, and by the cake with 2 candles, it was lovely. As someone said - she's now well and truly primed for Xmas!

Oh Buzzy you poor thing that must be really tough. I am sure you are doing/saying all the right things but there isn't much you can do to make it better. Just remember it's not YOUR fault so you musn't feel guilty. Have you talked to your dd about Skype? That is at least one practical thing you can do and it is a good way to keep in touch with people - we see and speak to my parents most weeks and my dd1 feels she knows her Uncle in Florida (who we are going to stay with tomorrow) quite well even though they have only actually "met" once, for a few hours.

Did you have a proper party for your dd2? I still can't decide what to do. It is the Christmas party at school the day before so I am taking a cake (being made for me!) in for that so they can sing happy birthday and blow out candles. I don't really know enough people to have a party, well I could if we really wanted but as they are not people I know well, any kind of social occasion is still really stressful for me and I really can't face that. The only person I know and/or like well enough with a similar aged child is about to start back at work so would not be able to get here until too late in the day. Would it be so awful just to have a cake and her favourite food with me, her, my dh and dd1 do you think? It's not like she will remember it! Plus I remember doing a party for dd1 at this age and she burst into tears right at the start and wouldn't join in with anything.

Skid - sorry to hear you have to move, what a PITA. Any chance of getting another University rental? Have you considered Bicester? There is a really good train link into Oxford city centre.

We're off to Miami tomorrow, I really can't wait. Shops here I come!!

By the way, where has everyone else gone?

Hi clara. Yes she knows about Skype. My brother lives in Reigate so we use occasionally to talk to them. Its a real PITA the time difference though - makes it quite hard to connect, and I really don't trust her father to make much of an effort based on his attitude to date so am not placing too much emphasis on that.
I think it would be absolutely fine just to do a little party. I'm pretty sure DD2 would have been just as happy with the cake and a few presents and having heaps of people in the house was rather exhausting for me.
I've been wondering where everyone is too?!

oh buzzy that is so heartbreaking your poor DD1. I really hope they manage to maintain a good relationship despite everything but it must be hard for you not wanting to get her hopes at just to be dashed, but at the same time trying to be positive. All you can do is be there and make her feel secure and loved and hope she manages to get through this.

clara - I think it is more than fine to have just the four of you at her party - you are her favourite people in the world so why would she need anyone else? We are only going to invite two other children and their parents, and that is only because Milo adores them both and their parents are our good friends! I can't imagine any 2 year old would want anything more than that (although that's not to say they wouldn't also enjoy a big party). Go for it!

clairey - well - are you in? Have you unpacked? How do you feel? What a huge step - hope you are feeling positive.

Re moving - we are not eligible for any more univeristy accommodation so will have to go private BUT we have been given 6 months' grace so can stick our heads in the sand for another 6 months! However, moving house with a newborn a toddler and a preschooler isn't going to be much fun...

Went out a bought a bright pink sparkly fake Xmas tree yesterday! It is beyong tasteless. The woman in the shop asked if it was for DD's bedroom and I had to shame-facedly admit that no, it was for our living room DD and DS LOVE it though so the embarrassment was worth it!

Buzzybee - your poor poor dd, my heart goes out to her
I've said it before and I'll say it again, at least she has a wonderful mum.

Would it be alright to call your X a heartless bastard and his dp a heinous cow???

Go the sparkly pink Xmas tree DrSkid! I'm just about to haul our (green) fake Xmas tree out...
BT feel free on my behalf to use whatever bad words you like about them both. Its just so unfair that DD should have to cope with this at such a young age, I just hope its not going to de-rail her at school etc. Thanks for all your support, it means a lot in a funny kind of way!
DD2 met her first "live" santa today and her only comment was "big"! I think because she's only seen puppets, plastic santas, chocolate santas etc so didn't conceptualise him as a real person.

Yay Clairey! (a little late I know) Are you all moved in now?!

BT, really glad DH's interview went well, fingers crossed for the second one soon!

Skid, for you, it's awful when everything bad comes at once but I'm sure you'll be fine. How is your Dad doing? Is he recovering well from the 2nd op? Do you know yet if it was sucessful? 6 month's notice on the house will hopefully give you the time you need to find somewhere local to live which is affordable, when does DD start school? I don't suppose there is any chance she will start before you move? [hopefull emoction] I think the is to do with when Gordon Brown was on for his webchat because he ignored the questions on what his favourite biscuit was . Love the sound of your tree! We have a big fake green one (still in the loft) but my boys are desperate for a white one like our neighbours have! I'm off to Homebase tomorrow (1/2 price decs...) to look for a small one for their room

Buzzy, I second what BT said, DD is very lucky to have you as her Mum and I'm sure with your support she will come through this fine, my heart breaks for her though, it must be so difficult for her to understand .

Clara, I can't believe we're at the stage where they are starting to turn 2! Where has the time gone?! I have another 4.5 weeks until Evie's and haven't thought about parties yet although I will probably just ask her favourite people (cousins, BIL and SIL) over to spend the afternoon playing and have a picnic party tea. I think a small party is fine and anything too big and hectic at this age can be overwhelming for them, at least if you are at home then the surroundings will be familiar to her.

What has everyone else bought their LOs for Christmas and their birthdays? I am just being nosey here! I have got Evie a keyboard with a little stool and microphone from Early Learning Centre for Christmas as she loves music. I want to get her a little scooter for the garden and some dressing up things for her birthday.

She had her eye appointment with the orthoptist this week and it went really well (touch wood & phew!), her vision is very good and the orthoptist said she would not have seen so far or clearly if there were any obstructions in her eye, there were also no signs of any problems in the special photo she took of her eyes (which would also have shown up any obstructions) so that is a releif! DD was so good and did all the tests like a little star, I guess it helps that I took her into DS2's last appointment a few weeks ago so she saw him doing it The orthoptist has taken the photos which I brought in to show her of DD's oddly coloured eyes and she said although it does not look like retinoblastoma (the thing I was worried about) or anything else nasty, she wanted to show them to her colleagues to see if they could think of any reasons why one eye sometimes shone white or yellow instead of red. She said she'll phone me if they think there may be a problem and post them back to me if they think its nothing to worry about. The only thing she said she could notice was that one pupil was sometimes bigger than the other but that that in itself is nothing to worry about. Fingers crossed the photos will arrive back quickly!

Right back from Florida, had a fab time, shopped shopped shopped (luckily for our wallets it was mainly only winter clothes in - yes even in Florida! - so didn't go down the clothes route too badly....), found a fantastic playpark for the girls, spent time with their uncle and his funny little dog (and his wife but there is a bit of bad feeling there so didn't spend too much time with her), and just generally enjoyed all the choice of food etc that we have been missing.

Anyways back now and preparing for a busy week ahead - Christmas concert and party at school and dd2's birthday. In the end I have invited a couple of people and their children but not sure if they will be able to come or not....

Beckle - great news about Evie's eyes, I am sure everything will be fine. For Martha's birthday we have bought her a balance bike; for Christmas we have got her a baby doll and stroller and she is sharing a playhouse with her sister (which somehow dh will need to make - and hide from them - before the 25th....).

Skid - hopefully 6 months will give you enough time to find somewhere else but what are you doing about applying for your dd's school place? Are you applying local to you and hoping you can find another house nearby? Must be a difficult time to be moving, with the baby coming too. You seem like one of these people who don't do things by halves!

Buzzy - I was laughing at your comment about "big" being dd2's only comment on Santa because for some reason Martha's favourite saying at the moment is "big one". Whereas her answer to everything used to be "yellow" now it is "big one". She might be sorely disappointed when she gets a bit older