DEC 08 - Welcome to the house of ill - We're riding a poonami

[MomOrMum]

This was the only thing I could remember some saying should be the next title!

Rubes: I think Sybs is a legal type, so was assuming they were her clients!

Lady: great news about the course.

Which reminds me - all you meeja types, any advice re a tv interview? It's for a bbc4 programme and I'll be talking about the collections I look after, so need to look and sound vaguely professional (ie not scruffy and mad).

Got to shoot out so no time for personals, but Effie, I was a media trainer in a past life, so will be back on later to give you some tips.

Aaaah thanks Effie - that makes sense - I think I started to work it out!! Lady even your sentence about Syb still sounded like they were her own relationships!

I'm pregnant.....

Oh, I am lurking at work, sorry not been on in ages.

Rubes you have just given me a good laugh! That would be pretty bad luck to marry several men who all decided to become women. Well if it is that and not her job as a lawyer, Syb I think you sound remarkably calm about it. My next door neighbour is transgender woman to man, which is rare apparently (and I would imagine physically more difficult to do?!). He hasn't "finished" yet though, in the process of changing.

hurrah for LadyT and her course! We knew you could do it!

Oh i meant to say going back a bit spot I would give it a bit longer in Brighton, when I moved to Cambridge I spent about 6 months wondering what on earth we had done, and scarpering back to london about once a week or 2 weeks to see my London friends. I now have loads of friends here in Cambridge (though they are all through mountain biking, babies, and work (plus some people I knew already) I am not good at just meeting people to be mates with in the pub or similar). So it does take a while. I think it took me about a year to feel settled, maybe more. AT least Brighton is within striking distance of London as well (harder with kids though).

MMm. Effie, I will leave that to Katie - I don't know much about on screen but will be interested to hear.

Poor Syb, all those husbands of hers changing their gender and running for the hills

Oh Beans, don't start tempting me about spa breaks. I have a voucher for DP and I to have a spa day near our new house - massage, a lunch and use of the facilities all day - and he tells me we are too busy at the moment I will have to have a pregnancy friendly massage now anyway, which means fairy hands instead of being scrunched about.

ok ok ok I know
I must pay more attention when people talk about their occupations! I knew MrT MrG? G&T? was all legalish and also Invis? But didn't know what our Sybs did!

Oh, and Spot - meant to say, I am with you on the London wistfulness. I miss it dreadfully as I tell you all about thirty times a week but I have found a few things about the country to love. It is hard, though, when you feel isolated from friends. Lots of sympathy there.

Hello Summer! Despite the agony of the anticipation it was really good to push myself.

Aw, Jeepers, it was annoying to see MIL and her husband, however briefly. A lot of her sentences began with "She is 15 months now, oughtn't she be able to..." Cock off, and your own son didn't walk until he was 18 months - is what I did NOT say, but wanted to.

ds can now dance and sneeze on demand! Just trying to teach him to do them at the same time! Aaaah my child is genius! lol can't say one word but can do that pmsl!

ladyt MIL says DS is "slow" as he can't talk yet, DH was so advanced, talking at 12 months, etc, etc, grrrrrrrr.... Though she tempers this with he's a genius, he understands everything, he just can't be bothered to talk yet. Ridiculous. Leave the poor kid alone!

I love "cock off", what a great phrase. Along with spot's often used "cocking hell".

I know what you mean lady - my own mother keeps saying "you and your brother were saying 2-3 word sentences at 15 months - have you been reading to him"
Fortunately my mil is the opposite and very reassuring.....

If she's not saying that, it's spewsome stuff like "Oooh, dose 'ickle feeties" etc.

Ah well.

Rubes, I think dancing and sneezing is very cool. Dancing babies are very funny. In a similar vein, my favourite thing DD does (which I must admit I taught her because, hey, I have to amuse myself somehow) is cheering. She will say "Hooray!" and raise her arms. Sometimes it's just "Raaaaay!" and it always makes me laugh.

well I don't know any 15 month olds that say 2-3 word sentences (not disputing that there are some, but I don't think it's the norm). Isn't your mum in Aus Rubes? You should just tell her he's on War and Peace already.

Anyway this sentence thing, my friend said to me "ooh my DD is saying sentences now" (18 months). It turned out the "sentence" was "Hello daddy", which while lovely, is hardly a sentence!! However, as soon as DS says similar I will also be going "ooh Sentence!!" listen.

Oh yeah, DS said "mummy" yesterday. HAHAHA - "Daddy" put that in yer pipe and smoke it!! (he hasn't said "daddy" yet (nor has he repeated mummy mind you))

Lol Summer! well me apparently! She's probably right though given my verbal Diarrhea I've had since I can remember!

To be fair, she hasn't been mean about it at all - she also did say that she can't remember my motor skills being anywhere near as advanced as ds's at his age - back to the same old thing I think - they all do different things at different ages.

I'm off to Aldi for a big shop - not a hop this time.

Oh, yay for Mummy. No Mummies here yet, just the odd Daddy. Hello is still the favourite here, and we have Good Doggie but there is no way in the world that that counts as a sentence as we have realised that

1. She thinks virtually every animal is either a Doggie or a Duck (she saw two weirwolves fighting on the telly when DP was watching a Harry Potter film and she said "Good Doggie") - monkeys are also doggies, as are horses and all the rest of it

1. She thinks ALL dogs are Good Doggies, even Bad Doggies

1. She pats us and calls us Good Doggies

I think the "mummy" was just random burblings though, not anything with specific meaning.
After all he hasn't said "milk" or "yoghurt" yet, and I know these are more important things in his life than "mummy".

Lady!!! That's cute -
ds still mimicks what I say but using grunts/shreiks in the same syllable's. The oly word he has said is dadd---y but usually dadadada and sometimes says bububububub but there is no end to it so it's more a noise than a word. Totally masterred the fake sneezing though!

how's my typing!! What am I like

Just a quick one as its a bit mad here today.

Turnip - BIL works for the Canadian bank. He knew exactly who your DH is and I gave BIL firm instructions to be NICE. BTW, your TG surgeon is pretty famous, even I've heard of her. The one experience of TG I had was at university when a college bursar (scary military type) left for the year as "Steven" and came back the next as "Susan". You can imagine what a bunch of students made of that

LadyT - I had a funny feeling that's how it would go for you. Its fabulous when you get into the flow and the braincells get a workout.

TBH, that's what's so tempting about the possible job lead, but then whose to know I won't be kicking myself in 2 years time when the DCs don't recognise me... Thanks to all who've given their tuppenceworth on that - really appreciated. Probably won't know much more about whether its a runner for a couple of weeks, so have time to mull over.

Beans - I'd agree that the BBs are absurd. Glad you won't have to put up with them much longer. Totally understand the moving stress - and of course its a bit emotional! It is lovely to have somewhere that's both of yours in the long run - before we moved, DH and I lived in my old flat for a few years (and he was even on the scene when I bought it), but I don't think he ever really felt it was "his".

I am deeply tickled that everyone thinks I might have got through several husbands, all of whom have changed sex after living with me! I know I am difficult to live with, but I think changing gender to get out of the situation is taking it a bit far. Wonder how long it will be before the present incumbent starts wearing my clothes.

Oh Rubes, you do make me laugh. You all do actually. I am so glad this thread is still going so well.

M says mummy, daddy, atishu, no and Til (his sister - I think). No sentences though. I think putting 2 words together is something to look for once they are 2 or so. So I'm not bothered.

DD only says "dada". Repeatedly. To everything. Should I take her to a psychiatrist and discuss an early Electra complex, or is that normal ?

When I picked her up at nursery yesterday there was a little friend of hers (same age) who can say various words (very clearly, not just babytalk) plus points to all her various features when asked (Where's your nose? etc). DD doesn't do any of that! Or point!

Where's the baby dunce's corner?

Hi Girls,

LadyT you good doggie ? I am so very pleased that you enjoyed your course and held your own against all those experienced writers. I knew you would of course but I am still pleased. Do you think any work will come out of the contacts you made and the things that you did? Good news too that your agent has been in touch. It is a shame that you are missing London more. I don?t really know what to suggest about that. You do a brilliant job of jetting (or chugging) back and forth. Would getting your driving license help? If you could drive you could get out of your village very easily and at least you could spend more time in Oxford and some of your local points of potential stimulation.

Rubena ? lol at you tiptoeing round Sybs just in case she is a multiple divorcee with a track record of falling for gender confused men . Also very impressed with your dancing sneezing DS.

Veggie ? how?s your sore breast? I gave up breastfeeding last week and I am also feeling a little lumpy and sore. Really hoping it does not develop into anything. I am already on ABs for the cough so hopefully they will ward off any other infections. I feel rather sad about having stopped BFing. We were down to one feed a day (first thing) but I loved that feed. And if I never have any more kids then I have had my last milky, cuddly moments. However, I had to stop because I want to do everything humanely possible to boost my immune system and get back to normal health and energy. I wondered whether the BFing was just one call too many on my body.

Beans ? I love Cowley Manor for a weekend away. But it is a little pricey. I think decent spa hotels are rather pricey. I will wrack my brains for other options for you. Some of the big seaside resorts

Turnip ? sorry to hear about your hip. It is amazing that you are running despite it. Did any of your kids inherit the hip problem?

Effie ? book a haircut right before the interview. Seriously, you can?t beat the ?just stepped out of a salon? look. And make sure you don?t fidget or rock while you speak. We do a lot of media training for politicians and it?s amazing how much fidgeting and rocking goes on when you are nervous.

JJ ? so sorry to hear about the family from your church. It?s just heart breaking, especially to lose somebody so suddenly so there is no time for goodbyes. It happened to my Mum when I was five months old and my dad dropped dead from a brain haemorrhage. Now that I have kids I can imagine what she went through and how strong she was to keep going. I would give anything for an hour with her now to tell her just how much I admire her now that I understand a bit more of what her life must have been like.

Invis ? that sounds like an exciting job opportunity but a scary choice to make. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Where are NJAN and Mom? Am I right that they have both been AWOL for some time?

Kayz ? where are you? We all really hope you are doing OK.

Trace ? I am a bit cross that they are keeping you hanging before doing further tests on Lu. It?s not fair on you or her and if they looked at your family as a whole they should think that you are under the care of a CPN and don?t need unnecessary stress and worry. Do you have any paediatrician friends from your time on the wards? Could you have an informal chat with one of them? I have a good friend who is a paed and she is so patient when I bombard her with questions about the girls.

Well I am at work but have very little to do today. I am spending my time trying to find the PERFECT family holiday destination for the last two weeks in April. This is my list of requirements: flights from Heathrow, less than a 5 hour flight, less than a 1 hour transfer, destination must be warm at the end of April, accommodation could be hotel or villa but if a villa there must be eating establishments within a few mins walk, hotel or villa must have at least two bedrooms and a pool and be reasonably stylish, area must not be touristy and there must be interesting things to explore within a short drive, babysitting must be available, kids play area and other kids a big bonus but no large hotels, not too pricey. Not choosey at all am I???? Anyone got any ideas?

On language I have to say it is very hard to measure or describe DD2?s progression as she says something as clear as a bell ten times in a row and then never repeats it again. Like this morning she picked up DH?s sock and crawled over to me shouting ?sock, sock, sock? as clear as anything. I covered her in praise and congrats and she held it above her head proclaiming ?sock? at the top of her lungs. This carried on for a good five minutes until DH emerged from the shower. When he appeared I told him that DD2 had a very clever new trick, held up the sock and asked her what is was. Her answer? ?Pip?. She stuck with pip for the rest of the morning.

Hello all. Time to properly catch up at last. Firstly, thanks all for your thoughts for A and her family, and sorry for being so mammothly depressing. It was just one of those days where you think, there but for the grace of God. She has family not far away, so hopefully they'll all be able to get through the early days together. Unfortunately they live quite a way out of town so I can't really offer to do anything practical like go round and help with the laundry or suchlike.

Sooo... how far back do I have to go?!

Daisy - hurrah for the new baby girl Ã?Â? that's wonderful news, just what you all need and a sign of the big circle of life carrying on. And great news as well about dd's school. Really hope things are feeling more positive now for you all.

Kayz how are things with you and DH going at the moment?

Beans am loving the stories about Beryl! Mind you I'd have stabbed her by now, but there you go you're clearly far more patient. How often do they take Barbara to the docs, in comparison with how often they want you to take Whizz? Are they just massively neurotic?

Spot sounds like you've got a lot to deal with what with the tantrums and clinginess, it's a tough combo. The wilfulness is supposedly them just learning that they're people with their own wants and preferences, but they haven't yet learned that the world doesn't revolve around them (and from the sound of Beryl, some people never do )

Sybs are the creeeeaaaatures all gone now?

Effie sending you good vibes for your mum. Sounds as if she's got some good support at last for dealing with things in a more positive way.

PD what have you decided on for your footballer's wives outfit?! Am now picturing you all orange spray tanned with fabulous blingy nails Am loving the Hat story!

Aubi congrats on the walking! Hurrah! Now she can follow you around the house grabbing on your clothes The Venture prices sound absolutely barmy, we had a photo shoot with a local lady (in fact here's her website photo lady who charged �£75 and we got 2 8x6s included. She does have something of a portfolio of shots (eg pregnant lady looking wistfully out of window, baby resting on daddy's arms) but hey they look great so why not...!

Lady eek to the car accident, hop you're all ok, I'm sure that at early days the baby is all safely held down in your pelvis so shouldn't be anything to worry about, you could always check with your consultant if you're worried. Fab news about the writing, you star and how brilliant to be on a par with all these full time professional tv writers. How is the plumbing situation...?

Katie good heavens, your dd sounds even madder than mine! Padding and helmets the only answer I think...

WG how exciting about gigglebiz, it is good fun but whoever said he sees it as a bit much of an excuse to put on dresses may have something there... V impressed with your running, good on you

Trace poor L, hope the docs pull their fingers out soon and find out what is up with her. It would be much easier to cope with when you have an answer and a plan of things you can do to help.

Veggie glad you had a good trip! Sorry to hear about the nasty Eurostar incident and the travel faff though.

Invis the job sounds really exciting, how would dh feel about doing the childcare? Seeing less of the kids would be hard but might it mean (eg) more holiday time with them in lieu of all the travelling?

Hello turnip! Have a great night tonight What an eminent consultant you have. DH once worked with someone who removed some haemorrhoids (sp?) from Norma Major's botty, but that's not quite on a par with the Queen Mum! Can you cycle with a bad knee if it's not weight bearing, or swimming maybe?

SL re MILs and their happy memories, I think they just make up a lot of it frankly, apparently as we know DH and all his siblings were sleeping through as soon as they got home from hospital, but FIL seems to remember it rather differently... Well done E on Mummy, what a little star! Oh did your DH say, I met them at the swimming pool last week, E has got so big and is such a cutie... we must arrange to meet up but the old work thing does have a tendency to get in the way

We've still got no proper words apart from the odd mamamamaaa (to get my attention), daddadddaddaaa when DH appears home from work, and Popper if I prompt her really really hard. But she can point to her head, nose and toes, so that's enough for me

Right. Stylistas. Help me, I have a dilemma. I've got a college reunion next Friday (15 years since we started ) and it's black tie. I've got two dresses. Tell me which one to wear. Dress a) I got for DH's 40th last summer, it's black chiffon over navy blue, a kind of sleeveless column dress with empire line navy blue ribbons that wrap under the bust, very long and elegant, has a cross-over back so no bra, my poor sad boobs will look a bit sorry but the overall look is v tasteful. Suitable for a mum...! Dress b) I have had for a few years, it's a knee length wrap dress in dark navy blue heavy sort of silky fabric, has a very wide neckline with a sort of off the shoulder collar kind of thing (?!) and reveals a lot of cleavage. More suitable for the party girl I used to be in my student days!

Which one, ladies, which one?! If I get round to it, will post pics but may not manage this so you'll have to go on my wonderful descriptions.

I'm firmly in the dunce corner with DD. No walking unaided (nearly if I hold her hand), no words, apart from Dadadadada, mmamamamam and babababa. She says "deetie" for sheepie and "uhoh". And that's it. Oh and I taught her to point out monkeys, mice and doggies in books. But if you ask her what noise a monkey makes, I taught her to say "aah aah aah", where most seem to get taught "ooh ooh ooh". Oops.

But I'm still very proud of her and clearly she is a budding genius. It's just very very hidden depths... Hee hee! Oh and when she wants something it's "nam nam nam", which gets fairly irritating!

Beryl, of course, can say all sorts of words, point to various parts of her body (although I'm fairly sure "Lady Garden" isn't in her repertoire yet...) when asked and was walking at 11 months. Poor slow Whizzer!!!

I am LOVING hearing about all the other babys'achievements - it's heavenly!

Oh lord am off to place Lachlan in the dunces corner. Just babbling here. But he does have extraordinarily amazing climbing skills and is very good and not sleeping through.

Back later to catch up properly must put the shopping away how come I seem t o buy the same stuff at Sainsbury's every week but this week buying DS1 a comic has put me $20 over what I normally spend