Dec 08 babies are nearly one - PARTY TIME!

[EffiePerine]

As I accidentally filled up the old thread I thought I'd better start a new one

Sybs Wed 6th is fine for me. I don't mind e-mailing or having our own thread.

Invis the more the merrier. I was thinking that I was the only fat person left. I do hate being this big. The sizes are all wrong at work so everyone is in clothes 2 sizes bigger. So I am in size 22 trousers and it is depressing even though I know I'm not actually that big.

Syb I'm with you let's start up another WL thread.

Hooray Rubs that's wonderful news, will it be an August 2010 baby then, oh how exciting!

Lady sorry your poorly, though I did love that you described yourself ad 'crook' I thought that was just an Aussie thing.

Wg I have friends who have concieved whilst still BF several times a day and even continued feeding during and after! I'm still feeding for all the reasons already given here, and still loving it. I don't think you need to give up if you don't want to. What I would do though is throw that thermometer away for now and enjoy some unprotected sugar sweetie! Get it on!

Hi beans so nice to see you.

I've been lurking a bit but just no time to post, but can't remember most of what everyone has said, I know I want to give Daisy a hug and Tracey I want to say sorry you still have this aweful condition but give the CBT a go. Personally I think you deal with things quite well. I think mothers who cope perfectly everyday don't exist, or are lying, or delusional.

Hooray for invis' sis but need White light for the lovely midwife I had throughout DS1's pregnancy she is 31 weeks pregnant and they have just given her steroids because they think she will have to deliver in the next day or 2 because she has pre eclampsia she is so lovely I hope everything will be ok.

Oh my tea is being served up better go will pop on later to let you know what I'm up to.

Oh and Kayz your MIL has something very wrong with her, who is she the Queen?

Rubena wowowowowowow! SO pleased for you. I know that was hard for your to have a few months of disappointments, but that seems really quick! Keep with us - we want to hear all about it!
Blood giving went fine. I was positively gushing so it took just 5 minutes to give my pint (plus the 45mins waiting before and the compulsory 3 custard creams and orange squash afterwards!). And I kept my pants on
Still itchy and prickly
Well P is not a happy bunny today. She's been qute the Grump and has red cheeks so I'm guessing she's teething. Already been up twice crying since she went to bed . The development worker came today to do her 8-12 month check. She weighs 9.08kg and is 72cm long, so is on the 25th centile for both. The pea head is still just under the 0.4th centile but is growing in proportion with itself so that's fine. She noted that she was not exactly babbling (we're still confined to ma, da and aaaahhhh) but she's not worried. Tomorrow she has her 12 month jab - hope she's not a misery guts for christmas!
Had better go and try and get some sleep (and air my nether regions )
night all xxx

Congratulations rubena! . That is top news, so pleased for you.
Hello all, I have cheerfulness and DP in the kitchen so can for once get back onto MN. Not much news from spotland, Mr T had two parties for his b'day at the weekend so am recovering from that, and also the disappointment of having to take T out of nursery as he just wasn't settling at all and they couldn't give us any more sessions so we're stopping for the mo and going to try again at another one in Feb. It's a real bummer as I've not got as much work done on the book as I'd wanted and have a 30 April deadline but hey ho. More time with the chunkster. (He is Really Quite Fat).

In answer to WG's question, T wakes up anything from 5.50am (like today, groan) to 7am and tends to have a bottle about half an hour after waking, then a second at bedtime (about 7pm).

Hi Pingu, I think I will have T vaccinated when we're given the option as I'm in favour of anything reducing the chances of T getting ill beyond the odd snuffle and those damned teeth.

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay Rubes! That is very sooper dooper indeed!

And I WILL do that catch up tomorrow because I defied SL (you were so right, Summer, but I am a bullheaded idiot as mentioned before) and forced myself to finish my typing. I don't even care any more if the agent doesn't like it or no one wants to publish it, 'cos the Sword of effing Damocles is gone! I had to get out of bed yesterday evening as DD was sick in it, poor little sausage. We are both better today, although I can still barely eat and I have no strength. Took Secret Santa parcel to Post Office today though! Trudged through the snow at about 1mph

Ouch, Trace, that sounds sore. It's a new one on me. Doesn't sound like cystitis, I am an old hand at that one unfortunately, but cystitis sachets might be very soothing to the general area.

Veggie, I think I picked up 'crook' from one of my cricketers. We have a couple of lovely Aussies.

Sybs, I am still fat as you will know from my constant whining. Have a stone to go to be tolerable, two to be approaching normal self/what I'd be happy with. On the other hand....I'm probably almost couple of stone lighter than I was a year ago, and that was after having DD!

Right, big long post with lots of personals tomorrow. I've really missed posting properly. Must go to bed now, or it will BE tomorrow!

btw - very keen on teh weight loss thread. after losing 2 stone 2 weeks after madam was born, i am now back up to nearly preggers weight. ugh ugh ugh. dh is going to buy me a couple of personal training sessions and i might (ahahahahahaha) join a running club. i ran to lose weight before getting married and i even enjoyed it once i could do it for more than 10 mins at a time. so count me in on that one!

glad you did it, ladyt - you must feel so proud of yourself!

Ooooooh congratulations Rubena what fantastic news!

So that's two so far, bring on the little brothers and sisters!

oh and a lady in my choir confided in me at the weekend as well, I'd always thought she was about 25 as she looks really youthful but said she's a bit worried about the pregnancy because she's 42. must get her to share her secret! [thinks] do I tell her about mumsnet...?! She's from overseas and hadn't heard of the NCT so mumsnet almost certainly not on the radar yet.

right all, have a lovely day and don't trip over in the snow hopefully back later to catch up but if not, big un-MN (but very festive) hugs to you all, have posted an xmassy pic on the FB group

Congratulations Rubena That's wonderful news!

Pingu Snap with the clingy baby starting nursery shortly.. let's both keep our fingers crossed eh?!

WG I'm still BF a LOT, especially at the moment as DD seems to want to be attached to me 24 hours a day. Did have first AF about 2 weeks ago but it only lasted a day or so. However my sister concieved her second (due in a week or two!) while BF her first pretty much round the clock (she was still BFing every 2 hours at night until 19 months ) and she barely had an AF at all... and this despite taking 2 years to conceive the first. My point being... err... what was my point again? Err I think it was "you never can tell"...

Am happy because after 3 days of STINKING bad mood DD seems a bit happier this morning. Think it must be virus or teeth. Or both. Or neither.

Awww thanks everyone, I'm really excited.
Aub - due early Aug so I'm sure when we tell mil on Friday we'll get the "youngest in the class stories" I will follow up with "depends what country the child goes to school in" he or she will be brilliant regardless
Lady you sound like death warmed up. Hope you start to feel better soon, especially towards the end of the week! Have a spot or two for me won't you. I'll have a very weak bucks fizz I suppose.... just gotta get through the festive season..... New years.... dh's birthday.... BBQ season...
Veggie I loled when lady said "crook" too as my mum says that ALL the time yet i'd never heard it here!
Pingu, ds will be getting the swine flu jab plus the mmr etc and i'll be getting SF jab too [eeek] just waiting for the letter

WG - I stopped BFing at 7 months and our milky routine now is: DD up at around 7.30-8am. Milk about 15-20mins after she wakes up - she has 7oz, but will drink anything from 2-7 of them! And I've started mixing her formula up with cow's milk, so she has 5oz cow and 2oz formula and boiling water, so the temperature is just right. Although not sure if you're meant to do that milk mixing! When I was doing just formula with 7oz, I used to put the cooled boiled water in the fridge at the start of every day for the 3 feeds - 5oz and then top it up with 2oz freshly boiled water on top. And that was good temp too.

Then she has another milk (trying to get her to take it from a cup) at 3pm with 6oz (4oz cow and 2oz formula) and then a final 7oz at 6.30pm ish. She actually likes the milk much more now it's a mix than when it was just formula. But still won't take just cow's milk on its own.

Does any of that make sense?? Hope so!

Hello Beans, I think I'm exactly 6 weeks after you so I guess it's sort of a mini ante natal thread for us!

Someone was asking about swine flu - I just called my GP and am now having a booking appointment with the GP, and a swine flu jab for both ds and I plus a first midwife appoinment all in the first week of Jan Still waiting for the letter about MMR though and whatever else they have at 12 months.
DS just polished off a bowl of spaghetti bolognaise and half of my quiche for lunch now he's stealing baubles off the tree.

Wah! Have been out of contact for a few days (snow and vomiting bug - nice) and no chance of catching up properly!

But a big WOOOHOOOO to Rubena - congratulatons! Are you finding it really hard keeping it a secret? Two is a lovely number, I phoned DH this morning to check he was getting calpol supplies in for Xmas (we were nearly out and DS2 is popping teeth daily atm) and the boys were chasing each other under the dining table laughing away. DS2 has been a complete joy despite the sleepless nights/horrendous childcare costs and so on. Not regretted it for a moment.

WG: I'd be v reluctant to give up the morning feeds, I like a lie in as well! I got pg with DS2 while still on a daily feed (night-time not morning), but my periods came back at 4-5 months despite DS1 feeding costantly day and night. If you are a bit more irregular BF may have a different effect - try and see!

Trace: hope the girls are well and L's asthma isn't too bad.

LadyT: sympathies on the bug, I had a shorter version and it was horrid. Then the boys got it. Dh felt ill but wasn't sick, which he puts down to his superior constitution and not being a wuss.

Daisy: hope you are pulling through OK.

to Nolda - what a lovely chap your DS is .

Spot: sorry nursery hasn't worked out, if they can't offer solutions I think you're right to pull him out. Have you looked at local childminders? I know I keep on about this but I do find the CM setting good for babies - they tend to get lots of attention as the youngest there (or one of the youngest), plus I find it easier to deal with one person rather than an anonymous bunch. That said, DS1 loves nursery but I'm not sure how he would have coped when younger. I know others prefer the nursery setting so am waiting to be corrected!

Am at work today and tomorrow, we're v short staffed so busy. Most of the shopping is done and now down to DH to buy the last bits!

Other news, zillions of teeth as I said, DS2 ssprouted 4 new ones in a week which messed up his sleep rather! DS1 has been enjoying the snow, we still have icy paths and snowy trees despite the rain.

oh and I def didn;t get the job - have asked for feedback so will see. Timing was pretty difficult so prob all for the best. Good news is that the flat sale is progressing, though it won't go through before Xmas (as predicted). No major issues have come up so far . Am popping over this eve to check all is OK after the cold snap.

Oh and I know you will all have got presents sorted, but I found this for DS2 which I know he will love: www.elc.co.uk/toy/wooden-post-box/

he is obsessed with putting things in other tthings (usually DS1's toys in the coal scuttle) so am hoping it will be a hit.

effie - we have that post box - it is very popular. Its still a bit beyond DS, but DD got it a year and a half ago and still plays with it

Hi everyone from snowy Canada! But I guess it would be snowy Britain if I was still there?! Crazy.

First, apologies to my secret Santa for my shocking packaging job of the pressie. Was in a mad rush getting ready to leave and didn't have time to wrap it. Grinch.

Someone remind me why I travel time zones with a baby? Sleep = disaster. At least my in-laws are insomniacs and very helpful at 4:30 am.

Rubes - Congrats!! So exciting. We are contemplating starting trying early next year, but I am quite enjoying being back at work so not sure when to start (selfish mummy).

Interested to see the variety of milk routines out there. My DS is still BFing twice a day (first thing so mum can zzzzz and at bedtime) but he pretty much refuses to drink cow's milk during the day. He is also way beyond taking a bottle - just laughs and chews the teat. I don't think he's getting enough milk but not sure what to do about it?

My AF has been like clockwork since DS was about 10 mos, even though I'm still feeding twice a day. Not enjoying having it back - I keep forgetting about it and getting caught out with no supplies!

Lady and others who have bugs and flu, hope you are feeling better. Oh and also, Lady - Your late DH's book is the hit of the holiday season here! My DH loved it and his Dad is now reading it, and they are all talking about who they want to buy it for. My DH is a frequent organiser of rugby tours and he loves the section about "Tourese".

Trace - I've had a similar kind of "discomfort" before. It seems to come at certain times in my AF cycles actually? Have usually found OTC creams for "itchy bits" do the trick.

Happy snowy holidays everyone! I am working from home here in Canada today so better get back to it. But then off until the 4th....yippee!

Thanks Effie - yes I really wanted two close together so they could play with each other. they will be 20 months apart roughly. I just need to buy my doubles kit for the buggy and I pretty much have everything else still! yeah has been hard to keep quiet - so have told most family and only a couple of friends who are keeping very quiet until I tell work

Quick question for any (Lady) taxi users.... Are most of the mini cabs ok with car seats etc? Or what is the situation with this? I know you don't have to have them in one in a licensed taxi but I'm not sure I'd be ok with this. Anyone used them with the lo's?

x posted mom - yes it's really cold and snowy here! dh had to sleep at work the other night as he couldn't get back!! C'mon start trying! Join me in the fluid retention and daily nausea - it's fun! total opposite to me - I can't wait to be off again Have a great Xmas back home!

Rube - We often take taxis. Addison Lee seems to always have carseats (make sure you request it though), and one of our local mini cab companies does too (though they are a bit sketchy and have no idea how to fit it properly). The only thing is they have to be ready for the regular forward facing car seats, rather than the infant buckets. Addison Lee will ask how old they are - now that they're over a year it should be fine.

Black cabs I think you can just take them in in the buggy?

MoM - Any tips on transatlantic travel and snowy north america?? We're headed to my brother's wedding in Denver in mid January and I have no idea how we're going to manage it!

Rubena - we had a minicab to the airport a while ago and our car seats were fine to put in there. We needed the seats anyway at the other end.

Bugger bum poo heck I just wrote a huge post then went to post it and MN said I had to join before I could post!!! Clearly a mistake on their part but it meant I lost my post. Now my itouch is low on battery so I'll have to keep posting to make sure I don't lose another big post

Right so I will now catch up in point form.

We ventured out today. DH took DS2 in the carrier which scared the heck out of me as I was sure he would slip over with him in it.

We bought more pressies, got a ride on thingy for DS2 as he tried riding DS1's large trike.

DS2 is walking properly now, not just for show, he is now officially walking as a mode of transport.

We are slowly unpacking, our friends can't come for Christmas anymore as their son has chicken pox and can't fly, so not urgency there was to finish unpacking.

We went to a very sad looking little christmAS Market today and then into town to a lovely cafe to warm up after our walk. We went to a vegetarian Chinese supermarket and got, wait for it...mock lobster and mock prawns, they look so funny we had to get them. So we are having 'seafood' for Christmas lunch!

Poor DH is still out as this flat doesn't have an oven so we bought a convection microwave or magnatron combi in Dutch. They wanted 30 euro for delivery so DH has gone back in to pick it up.

Kiwi you made me giggle with losing your point message for WG.

Mom hope your rugging up warm in Canada.

Lady hope your feeling better.

Daisy hope things aren't too stressful and you can have a nice Christmas. I love what you said about your LO's

Rubs we got a minicab once with the most dire carseat, I think he was safer in my arms.

Does anyone have a good mulled wine recipe. I found a website that has loads of different recipes, I don't know which one to go for? I'm going to venture out tomorrow for some bits locally and thought I'd get what I need for gluwein as we'll be in a lot over chrissy and I think it will be lovely in the evening when the boys are in bed!