May 2009 - A new start. Mine's a large gin please.

[runningmonkey]

Here you go ladies.

llareggub - She's three at the end of March. Yes, I agree about more accidents when she's ill/tired, the last couple of weeks have been very soggy(!) as she's had tonsilitis. But more often than not there's no reason. She can obviously feel something, she fidgets and jiggles if she needs to go, but will totally deny it if you ask her, and she'll very rarely tell me she needs to go until she's already had a little dribble. But then this afternoon it was great, we were out buying stickers, she said she needed a wee, I had a bit of a job finding a toilet I could get the double buggy into but she managed to hold until until we got there.

Sorry everyone else for the potty talk . Can you tell what is taking up a lot of my life right now?!

Mmmm, s'mores sound good! Where does the name come from?

I'm off now too, I've bored myself to sleep!

s'mores sound very yummy haven't had a toasted marshmallow in years and they taste sooo gooood

flip we went back and forth from nappies to pants for a while because he just didn't 'get' the difference unlike your dd that obviously does. When he did start to 'get' the difference he still denied needing to go and accidents happened so he had needed after all. i started to clock watch and noticed how long after a drink etc he had an accident so despite him saying he didn't need & i dont wanna.. i took him anyway. 99.9% of the time he did wee. we've now only had 3 accidents since jan 1st. he's better at telling me he needs to go now but i still have to also take him to try if he's not been in ages.. he's now 3.5 yrs and was late to show the signs.

We used to do a similar thing at Guide camp, only with chocolate digestives with toasted marshmallow. I've heard the word s'mores in American teen novels and always wondered.

we're having a treat of some pain au chocolat for breakfast this am.. just as i was finishing that post i looked up to see G stuffing the last chunk of ds's one in her mouth.. she'd pulled herself up to stand and had taken it off his plate! when I tried to take it off her she had such a good grip on it.. it then tore in half! she was not up for letting go but she really enjoyed chomping through it and didn't even drop a crumb.

Morning all,

Sorry for the long absence thought I might get on properly over the weekend but we were busy building furniture (another one who braved ikea... twice!!) and buying a new car - the lovely beetle has gone and I have big ol' estate car now

So as you can see I had a v relaxing first mothers day. Even had to make my own coffee in bed I did get a card and some lovely flowers though

I'm not going to manage a proper nc as am off to work in a min to take A in to a year 11 child development class. The students need to meet a real life baby as part of their course so I bravely volunteered! As far as I can tell, the class is quite a 'choice' bunch of kids so it should be interesting!

flip thought you might like to know separation anxiety has kicked in big time here so I feel your pain. A cannot be left. At all. She is even doing it at the cm if the cm puts her down or does something like getting up from the table! It is v draining isn't it.

tum sorry I missed your birthday, I've got some of that Aussie hair care stuff which is a bit similar to frizz ease as although I have pretty straight hair, it gets v static and that seems to help smooth it.

momi s'mores, yum. hinny carrot cake yum

belg hope your DD1 is ok. Sounds like your ap has your family licked into shape

Hi to everyone else I've missed, glad everyone had lovely Mother's Days. Have a good week all x

Good luck with the class running! Let us know how it goes.

Belgina I agree, your AP sounds like a good 'un.

s'mores sound mmmmmmm... I love toasted marshmallows.

flip running another bad case of separation anxiety here. It's not too bad during the day as we have an open plan living area so H can see me or crawl to me most of the time. I still have to pick him up a lot though. When DH is here it's a bit of a nightmare handing him over when I need to go off & do something, and then if I shout to DH and he hears my voice he starts wailing again. Sigh. Just the right time for starting him at nursery

Not much planned for today, just Rhythm Time at lunch time, then we need to wrap presents for DH's birthday tomorrow and see if I can get H to scribble in his card.

Just popping back before I head off for the school run.

Separation anxiety here too, just in time for my return to work. Poor G. My MIL is a bit anxious about it, but I know for a fact he is absolutely fine once he has protested a bit.

There are loads of things I want to get done around the house before I go back to work. I think it is a bit like nesting in a way.

Anyway. Has anyone been to Chatsworth House? I'm planning a day trip and I want to know if the childrens farm is close to the house. I want to wander around the Debo Mitford exhibition without being nagged by the boys, so DH is going to take them to the farm while I indulge myself in all things Mitford. I can't wait!

llare I've been to Chatsworth a couple of times but can't remember about the farm, sorry. Mitfod exhibition sound good.

OK I've got a bit of a WWYD. It's DH's birthday tomorrow, and H's first 'official' day in nursery. After last wk's experience we thought it'd be better for H to do short days until he's a bit more used to nursery. Asked DH what he wants to do - he wants to go & see Alice in Wonderland and bring MIL with us. The only problem is with the film time and all the travelling we wouldn't be able to pick him up until 4/4.30. I could take him in later in the morning but the latest would be 11.45 which is when they have lunch - not really ideal because H will be upset when just dropped off and won't eat anything. It will also be a bit inconvenient for the nursery staff, but not so bothered about that. Shall I just go for it and leave him say 10.30 - 4.30 and hope he's ok? Am I being a bit precious? Or shall I drop him off later & hope the nursery will sort him out with some food when he's up for eating?

(Can you tell I'm a first time mum?? )

Afternoon ladies, not read the thread back yet, but just wanted to say something to spangle and llare before I catch up.

spangle - IKWYM about the first full day and not leaving H too long if he is going to be unsettled. With my DD she only started on half days for that reason- a full day seemed too long. With DS1 he was fine with full days from the start. With DS2 he wasn't so I picked him up at 3.30 the first day, then 4pm then 4.30pm then 5pm (and now it's often 5.30). I phoned at lunchtime to see how he was getting on too. I would normally say take him in later and then it won't seem so long for him, but i know i wouldn't be comfortable in a cinema as you can't have your phone on and therefore I would want to be contactable if S got very upset. Would DH be OK about going to the cinema with his mum, and you doing something different in the afternoon?

llare I've been to Chatsworth and I am sure the farm/adventure playground is only a 10 min walk from the main car park which is near the house/gardens. So it should be possible to park up, go your separate ways and meet up later so you all enjoy your day .

Afternoon!

llareggub - at Chatsworth. Never been but would like to. The Mitfords were/are such a fascinating family, aren't they?

spangle - no idea what to suggest, sorry. If it was me, I'd stick with the shorter days for H, and make alternative plans for the birthday boy.

running- hope the class went ok!

We survived the night, and I managed to get DD1 to the CM this morning, only 20 minutes later than DH manages when he's got the car AND me helping! Another disturbed night, the highlight of which were A pooing at 3am and DD1 waking shortly afterwards wanting me to sing twinkle twinkle to her!

A had her 2nd swine flu jab this morning, absolutely fine. She actually seems brighter today than she has done for weeks, and very slightly less clingy. I know it won't last.

This weeks challenge for you: I need some comfortable shoes. I have slight problems with my feet, and I walk miles. In the winter I wear comfortable boots, in the summer I wear birkenstocks. Sensible walking trainers would make most sense, but I am a tiny bit vain; most of the 'ballet' type pumps are too flat, converse type trainers are too flat and too narrow...what else? I need your help please! I don't drive so walk everywhere, need to be good for pavement and occasional off road walking.

Thanks llare and flippin for indulging my dithering. I don't think DH would want me to miss the film - with H's long haul disturbed nights & co-sleeping he is missing 'us' and wants us to do some things together. I'm toying with the idea of taking 2 cars so I can get away immediately after the film finishes and go straight to nursery (DH will have to get MIL to the car in her wheelchair then drop her off at her house, which is a bit of a detour). Pula I'd have my phone on vibrate and sit where I could easily get up to go out - it's more the idea of having to get DH and, more, MIL up to leave part way through the film with all the associated practicalities that I would worry about. Or seeing if we can find time to see the film another day and maybe just go for lunch tomorrow. Or just think, it's only an extra hour or two, if I was going back to work he'd have to be there from 9ish to 5.45, so it'll still be a short day. Aaargh, I'm such a faffer!

Flip no immediate thoughts on the shoes - I frequently have the vanity vs practicality dilemma which is why I end up in boots nearly all year round. I might have a browse later for some work shoes so I'll keep an eye out.

Oops I meant thanks Pula & flippin

spangle, if he were my 1st/only baby, I'd prob not leave him there any longer than I could bear. However, since I now have the mind set of a 3rd time mother, I would chance it and leave baby there, he'll be ok. Phone is on vibrate so they will call you if necessary and you can handle any issue if arises.

flippin, I'm watching with interest any answers to your shoe query - i need comfy shoes as well. I wear fit flops in the summer and Uggs in the winter/spring/autumn. i've got converse all stars as well and don't find them very comfy. I've also got a pair of adidas which are much better than the allstars. Would love to find ballet flats that were comfy.

llare, brill idea about using choc digestives for s'mores. going to make them next time (1st time) we have a bbq.

running, can't wait to hear about the class observation.

post and run, got to cram in a bit of work before nap/quiet time ends and we take dog to the park. a bit drab today after a sunny morning but at least it's not raining (famous last words...).

Afternoon,

Well I can report that A entertained 25 15/16 yo girls for a whole hour this morning without her or them getting bored I was asked loads of questions and can report that said 15/16 yo girls think that bf is ewwww, real nappies are ewwww, and childbirth is mega ewwwww! Seriously though I was quite surprised by how much detail they need to know about childbirth and the like, although maybe that was their teacher's way of trying to prevent a few teen pregnancies Enjoyed myself though, and it wore A out and she slept all the way home and for another hour after lunch. Might see if they want her more often!

spangle I'm a high class faffer so not really got anything useful to impart re tomorrow. I think I'd be inclined to leave him longer than originally planned on the basis that he will have to do it sooner rather than later but then that's because A has settled into her days at the cm well.

As for shoes, I do not do heels. At all. I live in birkenstocks in the summer, flat boots in winter and converse but I also have some of this brand although nothing from there recently - I have some shoes and some sandals which have lasted about 5yrs and are still going. Other than that, I have some rocket dog ballet pumps which have a bit of an instep so are more comfy than your bog standard ones and some camper wedges (not high) which are v v v comfy - I can last a day at work in them (well did pre A anyway!). Ooh and clarks also do some ballet pumps with built in support which my Dr friend swears by for ward rounds. I frequently covet this brand but have never had the cash to splash on the right pair!

Do I qualify for thread queen of flatties?

flippin Have you tried fly london? I tried some of their wedge sandals on the other day and they were so, so comfortable. I live in birkies during the summer too, so I am guessing that you'd like fly too.

I'm seriously unstylish but these type of flats?

Hellooo

I've just had a quick peep over the last few days... have to be quick as Mum and DH are in the lounge with M watching In the Night Garden...

Hinny - so, so about your friend. Was thinking of you on Thursday.

Belgina - yep, this is the exact field in wot I do my nursing stuff. Email me on facebook more detail and we'll see where we can go...

Been at my parents since Thursday - back today with Mum in tow as I go in for my op tomorrow. Am absolutely petrified. Have had a gammy hip for EVER and this op is just an interim op to help delay the need of a hip replacement. Gah. Am taking my laptop in with me as the hospital as wi-fi (tis private, dahling) so will be able to catch up reading properly.

Oh and M's SF jab. I spoke too soon. Thursday evening she was sooooooo poorly. All lifeless, threw up her dinner, temp of 39.5 . My nephews were there at Mum's overnight, and they kept bouncing around her wanting to cuddle her which just made her whimper more. I was in tears. Twas terrible. She is back to her normal self now, and I was glad I was at Mums, but you know, still. Waaaaah.

Ok ladies, this is it for me for now - I'll hopefully be back tomorrow - have to go and entertain Mum and DH and put M to bed and have a MAHOOSIVE dinner as I'll be nil by mouth from midnight. Wish me luck!

(and hopefully in a few weeks I will be able to change my name from hopalong to bounceabout! Hm)

saus mwah mwah, hope it is ok. I shall be thinkin' of you. oh and I am missin' the letter wot comes after f in the dictionary It has falled off.

saus will be thinking of you too x

saus all the best for tommorrow. Hoping you'll be a Tigger v soon.

llare we visited Chatsworth in October. Very possible for you to do your thing whilst the boys do the farm. There is a fab adventure playground with a cafe there too. Also a lovely shop in the courtyard in the main house which sells gorgeous unnecessary items! The cafe next door to that is good too.

Second your fly recommendation. I love their boots and am considering some wedges for summer along with the obligatory Birkies.

spangle Go to the film. H will be fine and like you say, have your phone on vibrate. The nursery will call if there are any problems.

running maybe A will be following in your footsteps?

Bugger, can hear R grumbling. Better go.

saus, your prob gone now but wanted to say good luck.

Hi everyone else! Not really supposed to be on MN, lot of catching up to do for work.

Hope everyone is ok tonight.

Hi everyone

Well, it only took me a fortnight to catch up... and what a lot of news there's been.

I am sorry to see Dandy go as she was very kind to me about a couple of things and her acerbic comments always made me laugh, but pleased that Llare is staying.

Belgina, pleased your return to work is going relatively smoothly, and hope you find a bigger house with shed... a big garage for junk tools and stuff has always been one of DH's our priorities, and the house we're in now has fortunately got a barn, which we've filled!

Younger, great news about the kitchen, bet it'll look fab. Love the feeling of finishing a room when it's all lovely and new.

Hinny, I was very to hear your news. A horrible thing to happen.

Spangle, I think that leaving H for a slightly longer than planned day and taking all the measures you mention is a good approach.

Saus good luck for your op.

Oh, and action - we have done it twice since F's arrival and must practice more as we were talking about TTC late summer / autumn. F has been ill pretty much continually from January though (when he started nursery) and stopped sleeping through regularly so he often ends up in with us (and every time I think he's well enough to do the 5, 10, 15 mins cc thing it works within days and then two days later he catches another bug and we're back to square 1. Sigh.).

I think he's also acquired separation anxiety - screams on purpose to the extent that he almost seems to be going to choke / throw up. All the time. It's very wearing. Flippin, running, spangle, and llare (and others) you have my sympathy. It's tat, isn't it?

Re skiing - LadyH, is it you that's going? I am very . Love the 3v too. DH and my dad went to Val Thorens on a last minute deal a fortnight ago and had an amazing time. I couldn't justify more time off work and also F hasn't really been well enough for the journey... but roll on next year (as long as I'm not pg, damn!)

Work is ok. Have been in my new role for 2 months now. Quite a lot of travelling and overnight stays (and 14 hour days so far, eek) but it's a job I suppose. And I think I would be naive to expect I could wfh all the time and fill a senior role. But anyway, with work, F being poorly and giving most things to me and / or DH, I have been struggling a bit to find enough time in RL, et alone MN. I will try harder, scouts' honour.

Hope all those I haven't NCed are well.

Evening everyone,

saus Thanks for your offer of advice. I hope your gammy hip op goes well tomorrow. Enjoy your feast

shoes Well, most my flats come from Clarks. One of the only places that actually sells shoes that fits me [not fair emoticon]. I had some purple ballet type shoes from them that weren't flat flat.

singing Lol at your missing G

running Good to hear that A was such a big hit. that bf and cloth nappies got that reaction though.

smores I know them. I used to have them when I was an ap in NC, back when I was young. My charges used to snack on Graham crackers a lot. They make a great cheese cake base too

spangle I'd probably leave H for longer, but would probably also do the extra car thing in case a quick exit is needed. A bit of a faff and not particularly eco friendly, but would take some of the worry away I think.

reebee Glad to hear work is going well. Sorry about the travelling, overnight stays and long days. That must make it very hard for you. My DH would be very very of your barn. We've got enough rubbish tools to fill one of those.

I had my eyes tested today. Apparently I need new glasses. By the time I was called in for the appt' C had started getting difficult and tired, but my secret weapon worked in the end: car keys They're the special forbidden toy, lol.

C's really started enjoying standing up the last few days. She doesn't walk or anything, but loves just pulling herself up and sitting down again. She's got the biggest grin when she gets there and back. She's also started 'talking'. When she wants you to look at her she just shouts "Ah, Ah, Ah" until you look and then she gives a great big grin. So funny.

I've also been inspired by fi and running and really want to have a go at knitting/crochetting. I got myself a how to book today. All I need now are the needles and some yarn. But I'm a bit stuck there, because there are an incredible amount off needles out there. Same with nice colours of yarn, so I'm all a bit

Oh, meant to say flippin My ds can be the same with the jiggling and wriggling when clearly needing the toilet, yet declining that he needs to go (generally followed by a dash to the toilet a minute later). Nowadays we tell him to go when he does that, rather than asking if he needs to go. And his denials have as a result become a lot less vehement. It generally goes like this: DS clearly needs toilet
Me: DS go to the toilet
DS: No I don't need to go.
Me: DS you're wriggling, you clearly need the toilet. Go to the toilet
DS: No I don't I'm just dancing..... Oh OK actually I do need the toilet (runs off)
Why he still does the whole denying thing I do not know, but he does

Oh and on the topic of potty training. Ds had his 1st night on the bed wetting tablets and sadly it didnt' work and he was soaking wet in the morning (again). With a bit of luck upping the dose will sort him [hopeful emoticon]