Dec 08 ladies getting re-clackered, with tantrums from toddlers we're sure to be knackered

[traceface]

Loved your title rubs
Never started a thread before so hope this works...can anybody find it?
hello....

PS Am also feeling seriously nauseous. Not sure why. Just tried to have a bit of a puke in the loo and a tiny bit came up, but unfortunately more wee from the other end!

Think I might have to bin my last day lunch with 2 of my mates! Damn.

Gosh, everyone so quiet today. I went for lunch in the end, which was really nice. Feeling better for it. BUT I have got terrible diarrhoea. Does it affect the baby? I hope not!

I hope everyone's ok?
x

Sorry you're not feeling too good Beans. I don't think it'll affect the baby as long as you remember to drink lots (but I'm no expert perhaps someone else will be along in a minute).

Hello all

Beans, I was poisoned by a weird reaction to Goji berries at about 35 wks gone and apart from the burst blood vessel in my eye, I was ok eventually and DD seemed fine as well.

This is going to be a selfish moan - sorry. So we took DD to the HV this morn and she is 8.77kg, even with a nappy on, putting her in the 2nd centile at best. We have got to start putting double cream into her food, feeding her endless chocolate and just basically getting calories into her any way we can - I have been instructed to give her chips and sausages rolls, anything calorific that she might possibly eat. I have got to keep on with the formula, as I thought (as it is sugar, vitamin and mineral laden) and we are seeing the doctor on Wednesday who will probably refer her to a toddler dietician. We will probably ALSO get given a referral to somebody or other for her lack of walking (or even the vaguest interest in pulling herself up etc) and general poor motor skills (her fine motor skills are ok). Thank goodness she was full of words (naming various body parts on a doll without being asked, showing off basically) so there was something she was described as advanced for, instead of lagging horribly behind. It's all very worrying and just kind of demoralising, really. Oh, and I have got strict instructions to take her to Baby&Toddler group every week so she sees other children her age running around. It's hard not to feel like you've failed. DP was nearly 19 months when he walked but I can't see her learning in the next month, even the HV said she is very far from it.

In other news, I am running out of money at a rate of knots. I can pay the plumber and the electrician but it doesn't leave me with much in the kitty (apart the money that I have got put away for the medical bills when I have DD2 and I can't spend that!) The freehold on the flat is London is apparently going to cost £35k and only four of us are interested at present (and obv I don't have a spare 8.5k knocking around), the antique furniture I am selling is probably going to fetch a fraction of its value as the market has dropped out of it, apparently, and don't even get me started on my book. It's still only with two publishers, who are still being sloooow. It should be sent out to far more. I don't know what the agent is thinking of, I am just waiting to speak to him. Finally, I am waiting for the last bit of money from my DH's estate, it has all been going on for five years and is a soap opera in itself, but I have no idea when I will get that (probably before the end of the year) or how much. I know it probably all sounds a bit ridiculous given that we are running three properties but it's all outgoings and no incomings. I am going to have to rent out my flat in London if I don't get some money in in the next three months, which is going to depress me horribly. I hate this village, and I feel so isolated. Unless I am in London I only ever really see DP, and it doesn't seem enough. Maybe that all sounds very spoilt, I don't know. But even if I got a full time job (and who is going to employ a pregnant me full time) it would have to be well paid to make it worthwhile as nursery here is £68 a day.

DP hasn't got a lot of work on as the criminal bar is dwindling (crown court work being done by solicitors with what's called their 'higher rights') and he can't even afford to get the car serviced. I am usually really good at managing money and making it work and spreading it really far, but even I can't get my head around this one.

I can't concentrate on my work because every time I pick up my pen I just feel like it's all pointless (this is a result of the slowness of the book I think)...I guess I just need to count my many blessings and try to get a proper night's sleep, last night was appalling. I do usually like to be positive but all this is just getting on top of me a bit. Sorry for the hideous vent! I know there are millions with problems far graver than mine but uuuuuuuueeeeeerrrrrrgggh.

Oh LadyT. I really feel for you. The money worries sound a real strain. I wish I could think of something to suggest but I am not great with money. Renting your flat would be an obvious option but you don't want to make a move that will depress you long term. Wld having the baby on the NHS be unthinkable? You could share a ward with Sam Cam if you used your London address! Might that save a nice chunk? If that a no goer then cld either of your parents lend you something to tide you over until your book comes good? Speaking of which pursue your agent, he sounds like he needs a kick up the backside!

The O worries are of a different order. By which I mean I wouldn't worry. Your HV is following guidelines but she should have offered reassurance as well as referalls. The walking thing is really not a big deal. I know personal anecdotes are pretty useless but the sheer number of people with late walking kids has got to mean something. I bet if you started a thread on here 100s of people wld provide cheering case studies. If she needs exposure to toddlers then let's meet up next time you are in the Big Smoke. Not that DD2 wld be a great model as she often still crawls but she stumbles about too. Seriously, it wld be more fun than weekly suffering at toddler group.

On the eating, I am no expert but if O is bright and energetic then She is probably getting the nutrients necessary.

And please don't even think in terms of failure.
None of these things are in your control. You are a great Mum and an inspirational lady.

Could you allow yourself a courgette fritter to buck you up after a hard day?

O thank you dear Avo...you have really cheered me up.

I can and I will rent out my London flat if necessary but it is my special treat and outlet and present to myself for living miles away from the city and lifestyle that I love (when I say lifestyle, I really mean being within an easy distance of amenities, unlike here!) However, if things don't pick up, yes, I will just have to be sensible and do it. I am hugely lucky to have that fallback, I know (though the rental from that won't cover my various expenses, though it would certainly help).

Having the baby on the NHS, which would be in OXford - I know it makes me sound very princessy I am sure, but I did want the same good experience and pukka care for DD2 that DD1 had (and that I had!) I was so careful to put that money away. Also I would lose my £3k deposit that I have had to pay already so it's a no go for that reason. I have certainly thought about it, though.

Mum has given me some here and there since I was made redundant, which is lovely, but she isn't Rockefella and also I would hate to worry her. And Dad has got enough to think about at the mo and like Mum is retired.

DP owes me several thousand pounds from when I paid his tax bill, which he can't pay me at the mo but when we finally move he can rent out his flat and we have agreed that I am going to have the rental money. So that is a good lifeline. Again, it would only cover about half of my monthly expenses but would really be a help. But that won't be for a bit.

I spoke to the agent and he says he is going to send the bbok to six more publishers tomorrow. We shall see.

As for O, well, I have done my absolute best and will continue to try as hard as I can. I don't know why she has so little interest in moving (also, if we put her on her tummy she screams and just waves her arms and legs like a stranded beetle, which is apparently also very backward) or why she has so very little interest in food. Perhaps the GP or, more likely, these referrals will shed some light. I am not hopeful about the suggested regime by the HV. If offered unlimited baby sized biscuits, for example, she will eat perhaps two, over a period of about half an hour...

Don't know about courgette fritters. I shall have a glass of wine tonight...

Lady poor you with so much to think and worry about. Firstly, try not to worry too much about O. She is a happy and healthy baby and developmentally advanced in some areas. All babies are different, L still doesn't walk and is considered backward by the HV's here, which is why I don't take her any more. Try ladening her food with fatty stuff to see if that helps, but I bet that this will all suddenly just come right. If you feel a bit isolated in Ox, perhaps the toddler groups will help. I know it's hell at first, but you might just make one or two friends out of it. I have definitely found that the best way to make new friends in the country is through the kids.
Would you like L & I to come over to you one day in the next couple of weeks? You are not that far from me, and although I bet she's a hell of alot fatter than O, might make you feel better about the movement stuff.
On the finances, I really sympathise. We are really struggling at the moment and just waiting for my inheritance to come through. In the meantime we have usually run out of money by the 10th of the month and I am constantly being charged by my bank for an unauthorised overdraft, it seems to be a vicious circle. The bank doesn't care that in a few months I will hopefully be able to write off all my debts, they just enjoy charging me. My mantra is constantly that things will be alright in the and at least we have happy and healthy children.
I'm sure that doesn't help at all, sorry, but big fortifying hugs from me and enjoy that wine, you deserve it.

That is so kind of you, Katie. I wouldn't trouble you to come all the way to boring old Stonesfield but if you could manage a bite in Worcester (say) one day I can get a direct train from Charlbury and that's quite easy. I guess Worcester might be even closer to you? I am in Sweden 26 May-1 June (for a friend's wedding, the expense of which I obviously need like the proverbial hole in the cerebellum, lovely as he is and it will be) but apart from that and this Monday and Tuesday, when I am in London for house meetings and scans (Avo, if you happen to be about on Monday lunchtime and I doubt you are as it's a hugely busy period for you I know, you can have some bad company if you like )

I do actually feel bad to be complaining when I know I am so fortunate in so many ways. When DH was ill I said I would never complain about anything again other than serious illness of those I loved as nothing else mattered, but of course one does. I have got to get it into perspective about O but you know what some of these HVs are like - she threw her hands up and said "Oh my goodness! I am going to have to refer her!" as if I should have taken her months ago (maybe I should, I don't know). But I must stop jawing about myself and my travails now.

Avo, I haven't read those books yet, though I have the second one from my goodie bag when I went to the screening of the film. If they are hugely readable and absorbing, that's probably what I need now.

ZJ, that is cute about your DD and the sheep and cows. How very sporting of the sheep to respond!

Nolda, I didn't know you are half Swedish. The wedding is in the region of Smaland, but I am spending a couple of days in Varberg on the coast and then a couple in Stockholm, if you know any of those areas.

Hope you are feeling perkier, Beans.

All these shenanigans about DD's appetite has ruined mine! Things must be bad

Oh Lady I really feel for, yet again you have just so much to deal with. I'm thankful that you are so strong but you def have every reason to be on here with your me post. I think your HV has to look at herself for the reason for why you haven't taken DD in earlier. She not really very approachable. I have to say when Ds1's weight started dropping i actually stopped going to the HV and kind of hoped for the best. I think adding the cream is a good idea but with all the other stuff, well you can lead a ladybaby to water, but you can't make her drink. I would take the referals and wait til her appointments to be concerned as the HV is only trained to pick things up the specialists are the ones who know (hopefully) what they are doing. I have seen her photos on FB she certainly doesn't look malnourished, she has lovely clear eyes and skin lovely shiny hair. Can I just ask if you stand her and hold her standing on her feet, does she try to weight bare.

I only ever went to toddler groups with other friends with kids. I guess it's a good idea but the boys never really went to those things and not going didn't not encourage them to walk IYSWIM.

I'm glad the agent is finally sending your book to more publishers, finally.

I think I need to buy that SL trilogy I need some very readable books at the mo. Avo you always strike me as highly intelligent, and very chic, so if you like them they must be good. How lovely (albeit slightly tear jerking) to be woken with you DD1's lovely singing.

It was a bank holiday here today so we went down to Rotterdam to a dog shelter where a friend of DH's volunteers. He told us we could take the boys there and walk some dogs. DS1 has been so looking forward to it. Unfortunately when we got there we discovered they don't let kids younger than 12 walk the dogs. So poor DS1 had to leave without even seeing a dog. The day wasn't lost though as they are right next door to a zoo so we took the boys for a day at the zoo. As you can imagine with DS2's love of large animals he was in his element and he has a new word 'wow' or more specifically 'woooooooow'. He just loved every minute of it, the aquarium was his favourite I think but he also loved the Rhinos and elephants. Actually he just loved it all. I'm sure he's going to be a vet or zoo keeper he just loves animals and has no fear of them.

Lady: I hope you are tucked up n the sofa with a glass of wine. As far as I can see there's no way around feeling guilty when taking your children to see a HP. If they're fine you feel bad about taking up their time, if there is an issue you feel bad about not going earlier. A referral is good news: they'll either tell you nothing is wrong or give you some advice on helping her along a little. One of the little girls at playgroup wasn't walking at 2, her mum had been referred to the paed and they'd recommended physio but also said she'd walk when she was ready (and she did). We're all rooting for the family T (rah rah rah).

Lady, it's a date. I will FB you re dates and details if you are really up for it.

I have just given myself the extreme version of an inhalation to try to clear my sinuses a bit. I couldn't find any normal oilbas oil, only the kiddy version so put loads of that into a bowl and then a large spoonful of Vicks as well. Not advised, although I was actually able to breathe out of my nose for a few minutes, for the first time in two weeks.

Oh meant to say Katie the nasal toilet flush out thing that someone suggested, a friend of mine swears by them and says it's the only thing that settles her sinusitis.

Hello, thanks for your message Katie, that all sounds good and I will reply properly tomorrow. Why isn't it recommended to inhale Vicks in hot water like that? Sounds like a very practical thing to do to me.

Your day sounds lovely, Veggie. It's so lovely when little ones respond to animals, I think. And no, Veg, she will NOT put any weight on her feet when we try her (which is probably every day and has been for months ) - and never has, just cries or protests and lifts her feet off the floor. I cuddle her and try to stand her on my lap facing me, and she doesn't like that either and tried to bend her knees and is very wobbly.

We have just finally watched 'In the Loop' to cheer ourselves up (no telly as the transmitter has burned down in our region) and it was very funny. Now I have calmed down a bit I am actually fine about the gp's appointment on Wednesday evening. I would have loved to go straight to him but there's a protocol to be followed at our surgery unless your kid is actually ill. He is a v nice fella and by a happy coincidence, a former paediatrician from Gt Ormond St and I have a lot more faith in what he says. The referrals are ultimately down to him anyway, and I feel he will be sensible. I have no objection to being referred to anyone (I want to do anything to improve the situation for DD) but I just wish the HV hadn't made us feel so crap. I don't know what I could have done to make her walk, more than I have. I don't know what I could have done to make her eat more, other than keep offering her a range of foods, which I do doggedly every single day. I am searching and searching for what I could have done wrong. She sleeps brilliantly, is happy and chatty. She can even hold a flippin' tune. But she has no curiosity about pulling herself up, just as she has no curiosity about food. It's almost like an extreme lack of confidence about both so she doesn't bother to try.

I did have my small glass of wine, Effie, and much enjoyed it was too.

Right, had better go before I wind myself up about it all again. And sorry for hogging the board with my essays. DP bought me a copy of 'The Lady' to cheer me up. It has Dita von Teese on the front - times have changed!

Oh dear.... two 2am nights and tonight dh is just doing a final bit of typing. We had a bit of a 'difference of opinion' last night as he is doing a bit of the "I told you so's" with this typing (I made a whoha about wanting to do when he wanted a exp secretary to do it for us). My argument was I didn't have the equipment I expected and likened it to trying to operate with a blunt scalpel Anyway, it was a learning curve and he will probably send them off in future.
My sore tummy thing (Veg) I was talking about is infact more than likely not excess amniotic fluid, but apparently it could be a 'devarication' - as you can imagine I flipped - went into total meltdown, so then dh had a look and went yep it looks like that but I don't think you have it bad - great. I've been googling like mad and it's just made me feel worse. He says that because I'm having a CS, they can repair it at the same time so I don't have a long recovery, but I'm still stressed, so i downed tools last night on the typing as I was stressed as it was hurting and I have had to take Paracetemool) My consultant apparently hasn't booked me an appointment to see her at all since she's taking over and the other consultant saw me at 20 weeks and all was fine. I feel this is crap and would like to meet the person slicing me open, and now I want to discuss this tummy thing so dh has written her a letter - we'll see. he says it happens in at least a third of preg women but most don't get much pain therefore don't know they have it but although dh says mine isn't bad, it really hurts and could get worse if I lift heavy things etc anyway, enought about that, I will wait and see what the consultant says to the letter.
lady, I really hope you are ok. I am having a glass of wine with you now. I wanted say - ds was a really picky eater before he walked and rarely experimented with much at all except milk - everything else was a battle. Then he started walking and his eating improved overnight so I really do think she will improve ten fold when she gets more active. She doesn't look unhealthy to me, nor to dh, and her vocab etc is excellent. ds has learnt one more word (to add to his 2) and it is "oof" (he is copying what the dog says) so then I thought he knew what a dog was, until I asked him "what does daddy say" and he said "oof" so now I know he only hears "what does xxx say" and he thinks the answer is "oof" - miles behind ur dd with that! I visited a couple of friends today with lil one's similar ages and one won't touch any lumps and one only ate a banana all day, and vocab similar to ds so don't fret. I feel for you about the finance stuff. it can be so worrying especially when another one is on the way. I can only echo Avo/Aub with the renting out the flat thing - it's not a nice thought, but you have the option and might not be too bad once you get used to the idea. it wouldn't be like selling it and you could just think of it as temporary. if you did decide to go NHS - also not a bad idea, dh knows plenty of people out your way in the right field so could have a word etc, and it's amazing the treatment you get with who you know and all that. I know you're not keen, but just a thought.
Also, can I invite myself to meet up with yourself and Katie? I'd be willing to travel if you can handle my ds on his screamathon days!! he is much better at peoples houses though. Today I went to bedford and he was an angel at my friends house because he could roam... got lost leaving and almost ended up in Cambridge, (waved to SL and JJ) but the point of my story is, I don't mind coming up in the car. I really need to get out myself and after next weekend I'm finished at work
Oh there was so much more I was going to say... let me think. Oh, yes lady re appointments. I have to go to the hosp for bloods either this week or next, but just waiting to see (on the off chance) that this letter dh wrote will get me to see my consultant, and then I'll get the bloods done at the same time. If not, it's a bit of a drop in thing so I was going to try and time it for when dh is getting off early etc so he can come and have ds on the off chance that I get woozy, but I would love to meet up before hand if you are around on which ever particular day that ends up being, so I will let you know for sure.
Beans I hope you are feeling better.
Daisy I had comments for you, and Veg, and SL and Beans and I've forgotton everything. i'm going to have to post this and read back

Cross posted with you, Rubes, I am really sorry about your devarication. Is that something to do with the muscles in your tummy, or like a hernia or something? Will have to google. It sounds painful and it is such a bugger only being able to take paracetamol. You poor thing, you must be so careful. I do feel it's important you see your consultant and so I hope your DH's letter works. Unfortunately, these are the things that put me off a bit with the NHS (not criticising anyone who works in the NHS of course, I applaud them; it's just that resources are spread so thinly that it seems impossible to see people properly. My consultant always bemoans the fact that she barely knows her NHS patients). Your DH is very kind to even think of helping, by the way. DD looks ok with clothes on, just normal. With them off, though, she looks a bit shocking A really lollipop head.

I would invite both you and Katie and your DS and her DD, but it is a bit cramped here and so until I move am not really set up for entertaining, much as I'd love to. If you could get to Worcester too I am sure that would be lovely. Right, must shut up now and go to bed. Night night all and thank you.

Hi all.
This is brief as it's taken me so long to catch up so it's way past my bedtime but didn't want to not respond to daisy and ladyt. daisy you are amazing! It's easy for us to think that things are going fine for you - when you don't mention dh for a while - but you have this day in, day out, and it must be exhausting and upsetting. Don't despair. There is hope but it's just a long process. I don't have experience of bereavement but from what others say, your dh and you will come out the other end of this. God won't let go of you. And so sorry about your grandad. You are such a tower of stength and joy to your family and are raising two beautiful children - often singlehandedly. Be gentle on yourself. I really hope you have some fun on your camping trip.
LadyT what a lot you have on your plate. Don't apologize for moaning! Any of us would be doing the same - I would moan at much less! Finances are a real stress, especially when you feel you've exhausted any possible ways of tightening the belt further. Hope this book hurries up so we can all but a copy (or 10!). And as for clever little O - well I hope that the referrals bring reassurance. Please don't assume there's something you could have done differently - I know that's how the HV made you feel, but just think, O has always been a wonderful sleeper - and you never take any credit for it - you just say it's how she is, so the same is true for the stuff she's not so wonderful at - you can't take the blame - it's just how she is. Movers, sleepers, eaters, talkers...it doesn't seem to be what we do, so that means no credit and no blame. P moves pretty well, but seems light years away from her first word. I was thrilled last week when she said her 5th consonant. She now has 'd', 'm', 'g', 'w' and 'b'. Never said with any meaning or relevance, but at least she's finally starting to babble (like the average 7 month old!).
Anyway, I just wanted you to know i'm thinking of you and hope that things are brighter in the morning.
xxx

oh and thanks NJAN for asking about Lu. All her blood results are normal (hurray!) so we just have to see how things go and take her back for a weight check in July.
I promise to do a fuller catch up very soon.
Take care everyone

Lady - yes it's a separation of the stomach muscles (the six pack ones) but apparently it's normal during pg to have them seperate slightly - then they knit back together. it's just a question of how far they have seperated. Dh doesn't think it's too far in my case, but if so, I question why it hurts so much - but then what's weird is, most of the stuff i've found online about it says it's not really painful I'm getting really [stressed] about it which isn't going to make it better. i know it's not routine that they will do a repair at the c/sect, but now I've got to hope dh can get them to, but it's not a good start with the sound of my new consultant, but maybe I am judging her before I should. DH is going to have a word with the general surgeon. I know what you mean about the NHS, so guess I should be thankful that I chose to have dd there as I know most others on the nhs would have to find out later (if they had it bad) and then if it was bad enough that it needed repair, they'd probably have to wait months as it would be then on a list You can check if you have it at all to any degree by laying flat and wither lifting you legs or attempting a crunch and if you get a dome like odd shape on your tummy, that is what has happened, or you canfeel for softness between the 2 muscles, and if it's less than 2 finger widths then apparently thats ok and normal but if it's more of a gap - well the bigger the gap the harder it is for it to knit back together naturally.... oh Gosh. I keep reminding myself though, that all that matters is the baby is healthy and safe, and I will be v v v thankful for that.

Hello trace [waves]

Morning ladies. I'm procrastinating, I'm supposed to be calling a friend to organise to meet up today but a) I never know what DS2 is wanting to do sleepwise so not sure if I should do morning or arvo and b) she scares me a little.

Rubs I'm sorry about the devarication I have only known one girl to have it, I can't remember if she had pain but hers was quite bad I think she could practically put a fist inbetween after she'd had her baby and she just waited and let it knit back together. I think she made hers a little worse as she kept doing sit ups in early pregnancy. She was a bit of a fitness freak, not that I have any prob with that of course, but she had quite tights abs to start and then she put loads of pressure on them during pregnancy so that's why it was so bad. Even hers did sort out though. Can you not go to the GP just to speak to them about it. Maybe they can move things along.

How is your back. I hope this doesn't sound rude but your DH does brush you off a little bit, your back and now this. I know he is a doctor but you know your own body and a pregnant womens intuition should never be disregarded. I think I'm used to paediatricians who are very into listening to mums. I think he needs to take your concern about the pain a bit more seriously. Sorry if that's a bit out of line.

Lady I'm so pleased to hear your GP is a ex Gods Own Spot consultant. I have never met a GOS doctor I didn't think was amazing. He will be used to
children with multiple issues so can put your lovely Ladybaby into perspective. I also don't think there is much more you can do. I actually don't really believe in what they call 'hothousing'. Supposedly doing things to make them develop, they need to learn for themselves otherwise there is no point. For goodness sack the girl can practically join Bisou at Opera Australia. It is clear that she is using a huge amount of brain to speak. I bet she'll finish her first thesis at 15, you can send it to that old biddy of a HV to read in her nursing home.

Oh and hello Trace. How has L bean in general, behaviour wise. Do you still see the parent liason?

Well DS2 is asleep in the morning again... Glad I waited to call my friend. But I just don't get his napping?!?!?!? Most upsetting is I fancy another coffee and we are out if milk! Think I'll have to go black. But I do like my coffee like my men, strong and a kind of light brown colour.

hi veggie!
sit and have a coffee with me (albeit black).
I should be at work but I've got myself a dr appointment as I have pain in my chest. It's been coming and going for a few mins at a time for a fe days, but last night it was there for a few hours, then I woke in the night with it, and this morning it's still there. Not excruciating but enough that I want to get checked. Feel like someone is jabbing a knife into the bit behind my left nork. Anyway the upshot is I'm here till 10.30, then GP then off to work, so I have an unexpected hour to mn and enjoy a natter with veggie clean and tidy the house.
Lu has improved in some areas I think. I've seen the parent support lady again (twice in total) and as usual she was very helpful. I think when I'm feeling ok mood-wise I manage her, then when i'm low it's just impossible, but I imagine that's how it is for everyone. She is very strong willed but does respond to rewards, so we just have to be consistant with her. When she goes to dancing class I take her and her friend and the two of them together are horrendous. They run around like loonies and I can't get them to get ready, while the other girls stand nicely and put their things on. Some the same age even do it completely on their own, while I find myself putting socks on Lu and her friend and taking off cardigans, which they can do themselves but won't. Not sure what to do because it makes me dread Tuesdays. Maybe I should just dump them there and leave them to it.
She is actually going through a very cuddle phase and eants to be picked up and cuddled loads, which I'm emjoying
P has taken to sleeping through the night! I don't mean to sound boastful but I'm just so pleased! it's taken 16 months but she has finally got there! She has managed over a week now of sleeping 6.30ish till 6.30ish, or even 7am some days! I hear her wake up and moan but she usually settles herself. I'm under no illusion that it might all go pear shaped at any time, but the moment I'm enjoying it!
I'd better post this before I lose it!

veggie. Think I might join you in a coffee. this is my first day off since easter. And am feeling a bit disorientated. Also should be playing with the DCs and not on mntet...But I just wanted to say that Rubes that sounds painful - you poor thing. And LadyT you do have so much on as Trace says. All that anxiety. Finances are a horrible worry. And I really hope the GP helps. HVs are a menace. Little O does sound like marvel in terms of her speech though - having said 'grandad' in November DD hasn't really said much since. A friend of a friend of mine's little girl had nutritional problems and they gave her extra calorific formula for years. Which seemed to make a difference. But the last thing you probably need are random suggestions. Just that I'm thinking of you.

And Daisy wanted to say I was thinking of you too - you're being heroic coping with all that.

Right. Must get on...good days all.

Veggie - no I totally agree with you - in my opinion he does tend to brush my concerns off a little. I've always said it to him and it's sometimes when I get to meltdown before he listens, that said, his argument is that it's (albeit a bad quality) a case of if he doesn't think it's very bad / and / or there is much to worry about with whatever it is at the time, instead of saying that he tends to not really say much unless he feels it necessary. I'm sure there is a section in Med school that teaches doctors to be like that! The thing is most non medical people just need reassurance - even if there IS nothing that is of any immediate concern etc. He is getting better at it, it's just this week has been particularly stressful for him with this additional work and he has promised now that the reports are off (today) to hunt down the general surgeon plus my consultant for a chat. He often also says that at times he also doesn't want to comment too much when it's not his specialty, as he's not confident of always giving the correct answer - but the thing is 99.9% of the time I will get the GP opinion as well - and it's always the same as what dh has said, so I know he knows his stuff, which is why I always ask him.. Anyway, I'm rambling. I'm going to call the GP today (as he's much nicer than the midwife) and get an appointment. The thing DH keeps saying is that mine doesn't look bad at all to him and might not be even considered and actual divarication as such but rather just a normal separation which happens to most of us who are pregnant, but that doesn't explain why mine hurts so much - or perhaps it might not be related? I need to see the GP. The other thing he is now thinking is he may have been a bit premature in saying they can repair it (if it is the case) at the c-section, as they might need to wait until my uterus contracts and also there is a good chance if it's only a mild separation that they will see if it knits back ok itself. I didn't do diddle squat in the sit up or exercise department at all in between pregnancies or during early stages I'm to say! But I have done a lot of lifting of DS etc since we moved to a house with stairs so be careful girls! OK enough of my rambling. I have to get the bus a bit earlier to work today as I told dh to take the car. He was up until 4am then went to work at 7 but it would have meant leaving at 6 if he rode
Right must get showered and sorted.
Lady hope you are feeling ok or at least a bit better?

I look like I have shares in exclamation marks!
veggie why does the meet-up lady scare you?
katie how is the snot today?
Pubes that sounds sore and horrible Hope it sorts itself out. I think my muscles separated quite a bit after having Lu, and even now I can get a finger easily between them. I remember starting an aerobics class and the instructor wouldn't allow me to do the tummy parts until the muscles had joined a bit more. Is there anything a physio might be able to do to stop it happenning, or is it just the way it is?
zj how cute of your dd to chat to the animals . And how polite of them to answer! We have a field behind out house which has sheep and chicken and at the moment, ducklings, (we pretend it's ours and Lucy calls them 'our sheep'!) and the window in P's room looks out over it. Every morning as soon as she's awake I take her to the window and she waves at them all, and last thing before bed she waves at them before I close the curtains. I say "night night sheep, night night chickens, night night ducklings" and make all the right noises (I'm very clever) with the hope that one day she'll join in!
Avo are you still puke-free? Sounds like you may have escaped. Fingers crossed for you.

• enjoy your day off!