Discussion amongst Mums with babies born in December 2008

[Veggiemummy]

Hope you all can find it, Moms title was perfect I thought.

well summarised, veggie, thank you. and i just wanted to add, this bloggate lady is not the friend who was a bit weird about bfing last week. au contraire, bloggate lady is so pro natural birth/parenting/co-sleeping/breastfeeding/ attachment parenting etc etc that i think she may well be bfing until her child is off to university.

trace, glad you are feeling better. and weird about those symptoms - who knows??? i am on day 50 of my current cycle and waiting waiting waiting. and did a test last week which was negative.

and oh, this weekend is the anniversary of madam's conception.

can i ask... what do people use baby oil for? i bought some when madam was born and still don't know how to use it. am i stupid?

Morning ladies. WG I knew that women wasn't the one who said the BF thing but I think I projected that women onto her. I guess you can have all sorts of different ideas and beliefs but it doesn't matter how wholemeal you are, judgemental(ness) is just as ugly.

DS1 has ridden to school this morning, DH is jogging beside him. He's not back yet from dropping him off because he is going to have a chat with his teacher.

Hi WG - I have no idea what baby oil is for either!

Veggie - I love your DS cycling - that's gorgeous! Well done him - quite an achievement. I forget how old is he?

DH got back yesterday and it is lovely to see him. Although I have to admit, it is quite strange having him back when I'm so used to doing my own thing whenever I want to! And suddenly having to fit in with him is odd.

I've never used baby oil on an actual baby, only myself.

Thanks Bean's he's 4.5 years. Bless him he found the trip to school quite long and hard without training wheels but DH said he didn't complain, just had a lot of rest stops. They were running quite late so DH will have to speak to the teacher this afternoon. I've also made him an appointment with the GP as he still has this persistent cough and Ive always wondered if that's why he sometimes gags on food. Also he's got a teeny bit of eczema again.

Effie
I have the Bissell PROheat 2X - it's brilliant. I have only used it on a thick pile shag rug and it gets our dogs hair out a treat. not to mention ds vomit once as chunks of carrot came up and everything! Def get one that heats the water - they are brilliant and I don't know how I ever lived without it - I find cleaning quite theraputic though [saddo]

Veggie oh no poor ds1 with the bad boy at school hope it gets sorted. Well done on the baby1veggiecycling.

WG baby oil - I know!! I only use it for me! It should be called adult oil. I sometimes put it on in the shower as it locks in moisture to my dry scaly preggo skin. Then I just gently pat myself dry. careful it's slippery though for anyone using bath after if you don't get residue off.

Kiwi and Beans - meetup sounded fun - whens the next?

Rubs, your description of what you do with the baby oil is exactly how I used it. I think it's because of that ad campaign by johnson & Johnson a few years back in Australia! My friend & I used it while camping in Portugal and had to stand around in the camp shower blocks waiting for it to dry off so we wouldn't end up with sand & dirt stuck to us on the walk back to the tent.

Veggie I don't remember the ad but more than likely I did get the idea off TV! Have you tried the gel one? Its actually better and more user friendly - I love it

Do you know, I used to use it for sunbathing? Isn't that appalling! God, no wonder I'm so wrinkly now. Awful. But amazing how times have changed in the last 20 years!

Hi all, hope you all had good weekends. My peaceful weekend was shattered yesterday when DD came down with this D&V bug, urgh. She is better today but obviously couldn't go to the CM's, which is annoying as I don't want to lose the momentum, especially with the holidays coming up. So I am now waiting with baited breath to see who is next, yippee!
Veggie, sorry DS1 is going through the bullying crap as well. I never realised how horrid little boys could be. I am currently having a written argument with DS's teachers over the whole saga. I can't remember how much I told you, but the notes to and fro resemble this:
DT(eacher): I had to have a word with DS about rough play today, he has agreed that he will not push other children and they will not push him.
Me: Thanks for letting me know. DS is adamant that he didn't push anyone, two other boys were pushing each other and one landed on him. I understand that there was another incident yesterday with punching and kicking, I only know about this because Boy B's mother phoned to apologise. Please can you keep me informed when this sort of stuff happens.
DT: The incident with the pushing was at morning break time and the other incident was at lunch break (not true, they were on different days). The problem is that DS is part of a group that like to play quite roughly and don't know when to stop. There have been no incidents today.
Me: I have asked DS to keep out of any rough play and he has agreed (quite gratefully). I understand that there was another incident with Boy B scratching DS's face with a stick, again I only know this because his mother apologised to me. PLEASE can you let me know when this sort of stuff happens so that I can deal with it appropriately, likewise if DS is involved with any more rough play.
I am fed up with them trying to imply that DS is as rough as some of the others. As far as I am aware he has never puched, kicked or scratched another child and I feel that it is very unfair that he gets into trouble when the others dont.
Sorry, I'm ranting again. I just hope I'm handling this the right way. Boy B's mother and I had a chat on Friday and it seems that Boy A's mother doesn't have a clue how her son is behaving at school, but we both feel that it is really up to the school to tell her. We are both acting appropriately with our boys to try and sort this out, but until she does the same with her DS it will continue. I will give it this week and if nothing changes and I am going to talk to the teachers again and imply that it really is their duty to tell the mother what is going on.
I'll go away and stop ranting now and now I've got myself all worked up again I can't even remember personals

Hello all,
Hope you had good weekends.
I have been lurking and have forgotten lots I wanted to say.

Katie I think you need to go in and talk to the school. I think communicating by message isn't working and can cause misunderstandings. I hope you can get it sorted out.

veggie your tale of DS1's brave and strong bike riding brought a tear to my eye. I think pregnancy is making me soft!

wg, I had a shifty at bloggate girls blog. It's ok, at least it is related to her business rather than being totally self indulgent. I have to say that I agree, she does a lot of "wanging on". HAHAHAHA! Though I didn't see anything about her going no about birth, etc, is it hidden somewhere.
Oh I also hope she has a fussy eater, with all her foodiness! Not really, that would be mean! . I consider myself sort of a bit of a foodie (more like reading recipe books and stuff though that doing LOADS of cooking, never seem to have the time) and having a fussy eating child is soooooo frustrating.

zj I agree with you on the proper little person thing. DS is such a cutie these days. Though he's a bit of a yob too!! Still does a lot of screeching and throwing things around.

Morning all! A bit busy at work so just a very quick pop in to wave but especially to say thanks to Beans and the adorable BabyBeans for a lovely tea! It was so cute how the girls got on, they really seemed to enjoy each others company! (And DD loved the hot cross buns too, little piglette...) So thanks Beans and lets do it again soon! xx

I agree with Summer Katie, - I'd go in and talk to the school also, but it's good to have these things in writing as well.

Beans that is appalling yes!
My mum said she used to do the same!
Fortunately I didn't use the oil, but unfortunately I used to fry myself with barely an if any vvv low factor sunscreen. Luckily I hated the sun on my face so used to cover my head with a towel and a few years ago I had one of those skin analysis things done. My chest in particular was fried so I had laser treatment before my wedding to try and reverse some of the sun spots and damage. Not sure if it reversed damage (hope so) but it didn't change the apperance a great deal. Fortunatly my ace come up with fairly little sun damage since I was covering my face, so it really brought it home to me how damageing and ageing the sun is. It's frightening, so these days I'm a faker all the way

The milko came thismorning - I've never had milk delivered like that so I was very excited to see it on the doorstep - just doing atrial for a month to see if it's easier for us - despite being more expensive I'm tired of running out of milk!

Trace never know on the preggo thing right??

Do you know I still haven't a clue what baby oil is for And Beans, although I never used it for sunbathing myself, I knew several people that did. I was much more sensible and opted for Factor 2chip fat oil

katie sorry that DS seems to be getting the blame for things that isn't really his fault. Sounds like that teacher is just seeing what they want to, and not the full picture.

veggie Hope DS1 is okay at school too. It has been so tough on the little man and he is doing so well. Bless he is only 4 and handling a move to another country far better than I ever could. Oh and his bike riding achievements are super!

Oh and DS has full on tantrums now if he can't get his own way. This usually means throwing himself backwards onto the floor and screaming Far worse than his sister ever was.

X posts rubs but at our previous love of oil!

Hello everyone,

trace Starting a food diary now is a really good idea. Going with information to see the consultant might speed up diagnosis. If they think it might be an allergy that is what they'd tell you to do. OOoh weird symptoms. Was the period definitely a period?

veggie It was like I had a little friend with me, albeit one that tipped her milk all over the table and threw scone on the floor. Hope the bulling thing gets nipped in the bud.

katie Notes make it difficult to know the whole situation and it is frustrating for you.

Baby oil while sunbathing . I've always been white as a sheet so have kept out of the sun. I've still got wrinkles appearing though - worryingly scowl marks in the middle of my forehead. So much for no sun = lovely line free skin .

my spelling and typing atrocious - sorry!

Lordy my lovies you must chat less! THere is no way I'll be able to catch up on this so just a few things I can remember from the last few pages -

daisy, welcome back! Yah boo sucks to DH

loving all the Easter stories, especially God talking to babyDora through the tube speakers!

veggie/katie really sorry about the bullying and hope things get sorted out soon. Boys do have a tough time of it don't they?

SL if you're still thinking of a HB you're very welcome to borrow our pool, it's up in the loft waiting for next time (hem hem).

baby oil - we put a bit on dd's cheeks in the winter as they got really dry and scaly and it seemed to help with that. No idea otherwise - I think you can use it on your own skin if you get dry but why then call it baby oil?

spot yikes to the seagulls, they are horrid little blighters. Shooting practice sounds like a fine plan - maybe just a peashooter so they get the message?

thanks everyone for your thoughts on a) car seats and b) school dilemma, sorry to bugger off as soon as you'd started answering We';ve gone for a rear facing car seat in the end as the BMJ had a big article on the safety aspects, and that pretty much decided it for DH. re houses, we couldn't afford a doubled mortgage unless I went back to work full time (am not really wanting to do that), and even then it would be a big stretch. Don't want to end up like dh's colleagues. On which, the meeting about workload that was meant to be in December then was rescheduled for last month but never happened is now on next month... One of DH's partners was asking about dd, and when DH explained that probably 4 nights out of 5 he's not back in time for bedtime, it finally hit her quite how long the hours are he's having to do to keep up. So maybe things may change... fingers crossed anyway!

Katie, so sorry to hear about the D&V lurg. It really is the worst out of all, my sympathies . And on top of your worry about DS. I hope you're able to work something out with the school face to face.

You too, Veggie, the whole concept of bullying is just the worst, I was bullied from the age of about 7 for years but my school totally ignored it and I didn't tell my mum so i I suppose it's hardly surprising it went on for so long. It sounds like you're making some very practical and kind steps, the whole thing about empowering the child being bullied to know they can say "no" is so, so important.

Sounds like you've turned a corner Trace, that's great news. And good idea on the food diary, that'll be really helpful when it comes to the appointment.

Really hope DH's partners are understanding JJ, and they can do something about his hours. Has he decided what he wants to ask them for?

Latest on seagull shipping (off) forecast post- hour change: it has made a difference, I haven't wanted to vomit as I looked at the bedside clock either today or yesterday. Savouring the moment.

T was sent home at lunchtime from nursery today with a high temperature, really hoping it's just a short virus. Or just teething. Still only 4 teeth here, hoping they all sprout overnight.

Evening all! Did my telly interview today - wore nice bright top and tried not to um too much. Will see what happens.

Sorry about the d&v katie and the temp spot. Ds1 is in rude health here.

Am having a bit of a wobble about work - I do enjoy my job but am finding 4 days a bit hard. Esp when I have to take time off in a hurry. I'm working for about thruppence an hour when you take childcare into account and DH is struggling to get his business going when he has to finish early to pick the kids up. Am I mad to be considering taking a career break? I do worry that I'd find it hard to get back into the workplace when the kids are older and not sure I have the self-discipline to work for myself. Of course I could always work for DH hahahahahahahahaha

Spot DS2's teeth seem to all be decending en mass, which I'm not sure is a good thing as he suddenly wants to graze (BF graze) during the day and is waking at about 4.30 wriggling and whining.

He also is doing the screeching & tantrums. Currently he seems capable of belting out a screech at several decibels above the Den Haag council's legally acceptable level for a residential area. However, he doesn't just do it when he chucking a wobbly, he also does it when he's excited. He screams literally like a women at anything remotely exciting. Yesterday at Ikea he and DS1 were in one of those pegola things in the ikea cafe and they had a tele in the roof that was showing animals and then occassionally showing the kids under it filmed on a camera next to it. Everytime the animals came up DS2 was just scream and scream with excitement. Luckily this country seems to have a live & let live policy in regards to children as no one seemed to bat an eyelid, despite the fact that he could surely be heard in the pick up area and beyond! DH and I have wondered if he might be tone deaf he screams at such a high pitch.

DH had the chat with DS1'a teacher and she was very receptive. At first she suggested that maybe it was just the older kids accidentally bumping into them as they get a bit boisterous but DS1 had given DS1 some names and the boys are in his class so she said she would speak with them. Also she agreed that he needs to practice his Dutch. She is going to get his little friend to stop speaking to him in English in class which I think is a but harsh but I think she has been wanting to do that and DS1 seems ok about that. Also on the way out of school AK pointed out one of the kids that has been hitting him, DH (who I'm sure is a bit deaf) said not quietly enough, 'is that one of the boys that hits you'. Of course his mum heard and spoke to DS1 and asked him and when he said he did, she told her son to stop doing it and told DS1 one that if he does it anymore he can tell her. Which I thought was really good of her.

Also I suddenly our of the blue today I remembered 2 things that had been addressed to me on here and I hasn't responded. LadyT that is very generous of you to send another package. DS1 took his 'Traction man' book away with him to Brugge, I love reading it
too which is always good. Effie I mentioned on FB I finished that book, but only one sex scene and very quick, I think they've gotten less raunchy in the intervening years.

Also someone mentioned Mudchute farm and that they lived near Island Gardens in the past, who was that & when was it? Our London place is about 300meters from South Quay DLR stop. Apparently our buildings roof was blown off when the IRA bombed south quay station years ago.

Oh xposted Effie. Do you mean a career break as in have them hold your post while you go off on leave without pay for a couple of years or do you mean completely resign? I think you would be ok getting back in, I've been out long enough now that I have to de-register and will have to do a refresher course to get back in, but I figure when I eventually go back they will be gentle with me as I've been out for a bit. However, that's nursing bit different for you, to help me our though I've done a couple of courses and am thinking of doing something else through the OU.

Effie, I can't remember, what do you do? I suppose some jobs are easier than others to take a break from. I work in pr and have been working for myself for three years. I don't think an agency would touch me with a bargepole now as my contacts aren't as good as they used to be and media knowledge is somewhat hazy nowadays. However, I do intend to try to go back into agency work once the kids are old enough. It will probably mean taking a pay cut, and going in at a more junior level than I actually am, but with a view to woking my way back up again. That is if we don'twin the lottery in the meantime .
Veggie, I think that is really sweet of the Mum. Sonmetimes I think the teachers have to be so pc that they can't actually admit to there being a problem. I am trying to make it clear to DS's teachers that as parents we actually need to know what is going on as it is no good them just being punished etc at school, it needs to be consistant.
JJ hope the meeting actually happens this time and that things are sorted out for your DH.
Spot, hope T isn't ill again and that it is just a fleeting temperature.

Who was it that mentioned bacon a while back? ds has been a nightmare today - napped ok thismorning (only) but wouldn't nap this afternoon and inbetween just either walked around in a grump being destructive and looking for things to try and break or just generally whining and crying all day. Gave Tylenol which slightly helped so I'm sure it's the teeth. Wouldn't eat anything except one piece of apple and half a square of toast. Only 2 spoons of weetbix at brekky. I gave him some chicken casserole tonight and he wolfed it - but it had bacon in and I'm sure plenty of salt - is that bad? He had it mixed with Mashed potato. I have sucessfully changed him to his new bedroom and he seems ok about it - in fact it's quieter and he might sleep deeper as a piece of the blind fell off which was very loud on the monitor and didn't wake him
Veggie we have that screaming thing too - when he's throwing tantrums (frequently today) and when he's excited he screams at ridiculously high decibels
He finally sat down in the bath tonight and splashed around - so bit of a break through there.

Lady - I think I missed a chapter, but did you say you haven't told any family you are pregnant?! If so - wow and why? No when you were here I don't think you mentioned the fav girls name but it was ages and ages ago (perhaps first time around?) and it stuck with me - but I could be wrong (most likely)

Effie - What would you do working for your dh? I'd do that. I want to do that for a few projects dh has coming up but I'm not sure he's convinced

My shoulder is still buggered and dh says I have to rest it or will need injections easier said than done with toddler here all day

Drama on the fam front has seriously exhausted me. Spent all day text tennis with db's gf - db has gone off for a few days to 'get away' and hasn't told them where. he's apparently drinking loads and has asked dh about a certain anti anxiety med (which if mixed with alcohol is not good) - says he's had enough of his situation and doesn't know what to do about them living together anymore and also his job. it's been exhausting - esp when both sides want advice but one side doesn't give all the information then shuts off(db)

Beans how are your squirts? Mine have disappeared altogether.
I'm too tired to preview so forgive me for errors in this

not tylenol - rather baby neurofen

Effie, I can't remember, what do you do? I suppose some jobs are easier than others to take a break from. I work in pr and have been working for myself for three years. I don't think an agency would touch me with a bargepole now as my contacts aren't as good as they used to be and media knowledge is somewhat hazy nowadays. However, I do intend to try to go back into agency work once the kids are old enough. It will probably mean taking a pay cut, and going in at a more junior level than I actually am, but with a view to woking my way back up again. That is if we don'twin the lottery in the meantime .
Veggie, I think that is really sweet of the Mum. Sonmetimes I think the teachers have to be so pc that they can't actually admit to there being a problem. I am trying to make it clear to DS's teachers that as parents we actually need to know what is going on as it is no good them just being punished etc at school, it needs to be consistant.
JJ hope the meeting actually happens this time and that things are sorted out for your DH.
Spot, hope T isn't ill again and that it is just a fleeting temperature.