DEC 08 - Barely into toddlerhood and already at our tit's end

[MomOrMum]

Tit's end...had to be done.

Hope this works!

Must record it now as it's going to clash with Greys Anatomy

Aaahh the excitment in my life....

LadyT I didn't say anything Dutch??? But I can start peppering my posts with the lingo if you want. If anyone is learning a language I can recommend the michel Thomas method.

Urbane you little DS is so sweet.

We don't have stairgates WG, but then I am of the "cross that bridge when we come to it" brigade as T isn't climbing yet. I imagine I will be eating those words regretfully in a week or two...

Am really dreading tonight, T has again gone to bed with a huge, hard distended belly. This morning he woke up screaming at 4am after shitting the entire contents of his belly, then half an hour later another mega poo. It was 5.30 yesterday. He then has diarrhoea on and off during the day, eats well, but ends up going to bed with his mega belly that I know will explode in the small hours. Am exhausted as is he and it's getting really hard knowing he's in so much pain. Am taking him to the docs tomorrow, I'd avoided it until now as I thought it would just right itself but seems to be a stayer. . Am also feeling v guilty because I am panicking that he can't be in nursery so I can't work so not only will I be behind on the book but I'm paying for childcare we can ill afford and not using it. And feel terrible for thinking that as my poor little boy's health and comfort should come first and I'm resenting his illness. Sorry for whinge.

Mamma mia you ladies are chatty today! I am clearly exceedingly busy, watching important programming about nutters who have 15 boys or somesuch and still want a girl. Did anyone else see the blonde woman who has 4 boys and is pregnant with the 5th, who also turned out to be a boy? If this poor kid ever sees this programme he will definitely jump off a bridge...the mother is sobbing with disappointment.

Urbane hope things are lifting with the illnesses? Sounds frightening.

Veggie hope there are lots of packages wending their way to your brave DS! Happy to add to them. G&B on 3 for 2 at Ocado right now!

ZJ can't remember what I wanted to say, but remember your update. Maybe just the sleep is blech here too.

MMR jabs...I am hiding in fear because of the reported affect on sleep. Cannot have any more bad sleep cards stacked against me right now. Will need to get it done in the next couple of weeks though. Better rest up!

Kiwi Any more magical sleep throughs?? Go BabyPanda! You should update the poor souls on the 6 month sleep thread. It is still highly active. Remember those days....[trembles with fear]

Jealous of all the reports of ski trips! We were hoping to do one this year, but didn't manage it. Next year for sure.

Loving the wider Mnet gossip. I hang out on the Sleep board and Good Housekeeping (loser...obsession with storage solutions and dream about slow cookers) and AIBU every now and again. But that is a serious time sucker above and beyond all the others.

Terrible personals again....am loving all the activity on this thread and lots of cheeky lurking at work. Just can't post too often!

Ooooh yes....someone mentioned Maude as their girl name. That was mine too! I love it. It will remain my girl name for next time.

TTC is postponed until May as there is the prospect of a glam work trip maybe in early April. That is if you think a poverty-stricken country in Africa is glam, which is my line of work it somehow is!

Night night all. A good night for us these days means up for the day at 5:00, a bad night doesn't bear thinking about....so best off to bed with me.

Stop with the exclamation marks MOM. Too tired to go back and get rid of them.

I was going to say sonething to Aub and Effie but I can't remember what it was, will have to read back tomorrow.

Hi Kiwi nice to see you, how are things?

WG with DS1 I just slowly dropped his feeds until by 18 months he was just having a morning and bedtime feed then dropped the morning feed. Then eventually dropped the bed feed. Slowly he was drinking more cows milk at bedtime than BM so I just stopped.

What's Consultatiebureau then?

That programme was rather sad. One of the mothers acted like her four boys didn't count and only her (born after the result of hugely expensive treatment) girls counted.

I would quite like another girl I must admit but on the other hand if I had one, I know there will be a sadness that I will never have a boy as I am not planning to have any more kids. And I think little boys really love their Mums and I would quite like a bit of that So I know full well I will be pleased/sad either way! But not for long. I think once you have them, whatever sex, most normal people wouldn't change what they've got.

The souffles tasted fab but the ones in the heart ramekins sunk But the overspill in the Pyrex rose like a beauty.

I've said enough today - off to read a book and listen to the wireless!

I know I was going but I just wanted to offer sympathy to Spot. Poor tot and poor you. Could you give him dried apricots or prunes with his breakfast? I cut them into bits and DD loves them (largely cos they are sweet). I am sure you have tried this, but it might make him poo earlier in the day...

Thanks LadyT, well, the good news was that he didn't poo himself awake this morning . The bad news was that he got up at 5.30 anyway! But am trying to be phlegmatic about it, he's gone through phases of early rising before and at least he isn't in pain. I should really get to sleep sooner though!

Am v impressed with your soufflees, they sound delicious. Could you share the recipe please?

Hi Spot. I missed your post last night with all the activity on here! Sorry to hear T is ill. Between sore tummies, teeth and colds, will we ever sleep again?! 5:45 for me today too. Though he let out a huge yelp at 4:45 but went back to sleep. Of course, I couldn't. Zzzzzzz....

Rubes I heard a rumour that Grays was starting again. Is it true?? Will have to seek it out on the V+.

5am here for me. But it had nothing to do with the boys. Next doors tumble dryer came on and woke me up. I ended up getting up at 6 when DS2 woke up.

Spot: hope DS is better soon. Grr at early morning starts. DS2 did go to sleep at about 7pm, but was then up at 12, 3, 5 and yelling when I escaped at 6. We have visitors at the weekend so will have to figure out how to keep him quiet, esp as they have a small baby who has her own sleep issues!

Veggie: can I get your address from you? Is it easier to do so via FB?

Friday today THANK GOD. Though I need to do some manic house tidying before guests arrive tomorrow - house is a complete tip. But we are completing on the flat next Friday - finally!

Mom - Season 6 Thursday nights 10pm Living TV

Morning ladies and condolences to those with cheeky sleepers. Though Spot I am glad to hear your night was sans evil poo, or should say niet poo!

Lady I forgot i'd written that, I thought you'd mistaken my typo's (bloody itouch pre-emptive thingy) for another language. I find Consultatiebureau such a strange term but it's shorter than kids developmental checker doctor person.

I'm being cheeky and am on the couch watching Baby IQ with Jordi. I'm not really sick anymore just snotty and doing the most enormous sneezes. Also I'm having a delayed rest day as I didn't really get one earlier in the week when DH was in Arnhem. I love this DVD it made by the LSO and the British literary foundation. The main theme music to this one is Dvorak's New World such a brilliant piece I love it.

Right I'm going to go to FB and put my address in our groups wall. Hey and Invis, glad i'm your friend now on FB but I have to say I thought I already was.

Hey was it Syb who posted that flapjack recipe a few days ago? Do you mind putting it up again? And I second a request for the spinach recipe Lady, can they be done in a convection oven?

Feeling a bit sad today about poor DS2 being here with no one we know. He is so cute right now and doing so much amazing stuff but there is no one to see him just us. No aunts and uncles or GPs, not even close friends like we had for DS1 in London & Derby.

Aw, but Veg, we're all interested in what he's doing. I know it's not the same, but...

130g baby spinach leaves (I just used normal though and it was fine)
40g butter
70g flour
2 egg yolks
500ml warm milk (I used skimmed which was fine)
100g freshly grated Parmesan
5 egg whites
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Grease pan/tray/Pyrex bowl etc, and preheat oven to 200C.

Wash the spinach and roughly blend it. Set aside.

Melt the butter in a small pan. Add the flour and cook for 3 mins, stirring with a wooden spoon, until flour absorbed.

In a mixing bowl, whisk the two egg yolks. Add the mixture of butter and flour. Little by little, add the warmed milk, whisking constantly. Add the blended spinach and half the parmesan. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form rigid fluffy peaks. Fold in carefully and with a light hand, a third of the spinach mixture. The fold in the rest so the colour is well distributed. DO NOT overstir!

Fill whatever you are cooking them in (I used little Le Creuset pots but the pyrex bowl worked better) 3/4 full and sprinkle the rest of the Parmesan on top. Run your finger around the rim of the souffle to clear residue, which will encourage it to rise and expand vertically.

Back for 20-30mins or until tops are golden brown. CAUTION: don't get opening the over door whilst they are cooking or your souffle will sink.

Personally I wish I'd added a touch of nutmeg to the mixture. I wouldn't say these were low fat but there's not much flour so they are good for card avoiders and high in protein....and very tasty.

Bake, not BACK. Doh.

How did I get to be this housewife, posting recipes? How my mother would laugh.

Oh and sorry to all those with wakeful babies. DD has an awful cough so I sympathise from actual experience this morn....zzzzzz.

Is anyone else quite keen on this website: www.heatworld.com? I love it! Great goss on Alex and Jordan and various other stuff. I too was a CBB fan!!

Dinner party for 11 went brilliantly - yummy pheasant casserole with various veg and then some bought syrup sponges from ASDA. I love ASDA! All got scoffed and second helpings all round. AND I cleared up last night.

Spot - I'm so sorry about the horrible tummy troubles. Are you going to go to the GP anyway? Probably wise to.

DH and I have decided not to find out the sex of this one, as was such a lovely surprise last time. I am v happy either way. Another girl would be heaven as DD is so good and lovely. But a boy would be great too as LadyT said - he would always love me! Think we're going to have 3, which is brilliant - although see how we cope with 2 before make the final decision!

Souffle sounds delicious. I'm making lasagne for 4 tonight. I am Robowife - a wonder of modern science.

Rubes - I Love Grey's. It's possibly my fav show and everytime I watch it I regret going to medical school (because obviously my life would be just like that if I had). V sad about George though.

WG - I think only you can know when it's time to stop BFing. With DD1 I had that trapped feeling and we stopped at 14 months. With DD2 it's just one feed when she wakes and I don't feel trapped, in fact I am finding this non-demanding stage the most enjoyable so I think we'll keep at it. Just go with your instincts.

No stairgates here. I just shut the door if whatever room we are in but that's because our house lends itself to that solution.

Veggie - sorry you are missing friends and family sharing in the joy of J. When are you thinking or returning to Oz? Last night I was trying to persuade DH we shld do something exciting and radical with our lives like emigrate to Oz and bring the girls up with a better quality of life. This winter is really getting to me and I long for a climate that allows us to play outside all year and not be inundated with winter bugs. To me Oz symbolises that life and we could afford to live there. We even know we could get a three year secondment to Canberra. But DH not convinced. Says Canberra is dull and we wld miss friends. I guess it's just a fantasy really but right now I wish I cld make it reality.

Sorry if I shocked you Northerners yesterday. I went to Manchester & it was v nice. Wld love to go to the Lakes one day, and Scotland, but being from Devon I always seems to migrate West for UK holidays.

Am taking DD1 to Cat in the Hat aT the Young Vic at lunchtime. Looking forward to it but regretting the fact I went out last night and mixed matgaritas, mojitos and red wine. Urgh. Hope I don't spew on thing one and thing two.

Morning all,

spot glad t is a little better this morning.

Sympathies to all those with early wking/coughing/snotty babes. DS was up at 5.45am, coughing and then up for the day. he has his MMR this afternoon too. But he seems okay in himself.

MIL died this morning. DH is there now and is very calm. I think he is almost relieved that she is at peace at last, and that he can get on with grieving and starting the healing process. I am sure he will have his moments though. He asked if i wanted to 'see' MIL before the undertakers arrived, and I'm ashamed to say I freaked. Several years ago I saw my other nan dead after she had a massive heart attack. I was pretty shocked by the sight of a dead body. I had put that memory out of my mind and the thought of having to see mil dead brought it all back and I got quite upset. I sound completely ridiculous don't I? Still I would rather remember her the way I knew her alive iyswim.

Oh Daisy I don't think you should ashamed at all I have a real problem with seeing dead bodies (not good in my line of work) it's not nice and very hard to deal with. I'm thinking of you my lovely DaisyDora, for the loss of your MIL, and your nan all those years ago. I'm going to take a little moment to think of you now.

Oh Daisy - I'm so sorry. But in some ways, I'm sure it is a relief that all her suffering is over and you can grieve fully now. Thinking of you and your DH - much love to you. And not a ridiculous reaction at all to seeing a dead body. I would be absolutely the same and want to remember her in life, not death. You have been so strong and know you can continue to be. xxxx

And make sure you take time to grieve yourself x

So so sorry Daisy Thinking of you all vv much.

Go with your instincts re: seeing your MIL. Please don't force yourself to do anything. I was with DH when he died and I was really glad I was but since then I am almost phobic about dead bodies, so I really do sympathise and know where you are coming from.

(On a separate note my Dad was dragged to see the body of his father - literally dragged - when he was 9, as it was thought to be the right thing to do, and I can honestly say it really messed with his head).

Daisy so sorry for you and your family . Don't suppose we can do anything - but do say if there is anything at all. And please do come and talk to us whenever. Your poor DH. Much love xx

So sorry Daisy a least you can grieve and begin to slowly move on. Many thoughts with you.

Aubi Do it! Although for the love of all things holy, don't go near Canberra - [boring, awful, awful] However it's a slight myth that Australia is a lower cost of living. it's really not these days - and def not in Sydney. Have you watched that show "Wanted Downunder" it's very accurate and they itemize the cost of living and 9 times out of 10 it is the same if not more expensive to live over there with the cost of rates and pool upkeep, groceries, fuel etc. However I still think it's a better quality of life especially for the kids. You have to have loads of cash in England to enjoy a decent quality of life unfortunately.

RE Greys - yeah I love it and dh always laughs hard at all the interns who run around together and drink at Joes Bar together like a little pack, and with all the things they get up to they'd be struck off in real life!

Ooh yes please for the flapjack recipe.... dh eats them a lot.

Got my letter through today saying very low risk downs after nuchal bloods and scan so i'm very 1:75000 and no further tests recommended always a relief!