May 2009 - one year on

[Tummum]

Here you go ladies...

flip Nooo, I don't think that all you do is grumble. I like hearing about how you're doing. Don't feel guilty!

llare So glad to hear you GM pulled through. Sounds like a nightmare journey too. I had DS vomit in the car once too when I was on a long drive on my own. He'd said he felt nauseous and so I got of the 1st exit and then he promptly vomitted the minute we parked up at an Asda car park somewhere (actually in High Wycombe). It was on himself, the floor, the car seat,... horrible.

pula My ds once did the same with holding his wee, all the while screaming. We weren't stuck in traffic as such, but stuck behind a hearse going at snails pace all the way from Asda ( Asda again) to our very own street, which was easily 10 miles or so. Why I still do not know as there is no crematorium or anything by that Asda, nor by my street (it actually drove straight past the crem), nor is there a church. Poor thing, but he did hold his wee longer than then he has ever done since, Oh and @ your planned dc-less weekend, but at the same time I don't think I could leave C behind yet. I find it difficult enough to miss her bedtimes when I'm on a late, so let alone a whole weekend.

Our new ap has been here since saturday now. She's lovely and doing great with the dcs, lots of playing with them etc... something the last ap never really did. However she is also very home sick. Yesterday she spent most days crying. So I had a long chat with her and organised when her boyfriend (who she only recently met, after agreeing to come with us) can visit her and what we'll do over the next couple of days in terms of visiting places etc... and today she seems much brighter. The plan is to make sure she's always got something to look forward to.

Night everyone. Hope you're all OK :)

Belgina - yay for good AP but sorry she's homesick. Well done for having a good chat with her and coming up with a plan.

Flip - I think we all feel a bit like that from time to time. I'm convinced that I come across as too self-absorbed on here. I never think that of anyone else though. As Belgina says, I love hearing your updates and you give a lot to this thread - don't you think anything different!

Llare - fantastic that your GM is doing so much better.

Pula - that hotel break does sound great. I'm with the others on the BF. O normally feeds night and morning but if I'm working late, he doesn't seem too bothered and I don't feel engorged.
No real advice re your DS1. Do you think he's just going through a phase of pushing boundaries?

Momino - wonderful that DD1 is starting to talk more positively about school. Hope you're having a fun week!

Hello everyone else! I had a lovely afternoon today. Met up with an old school friend. We had a big falling out soon after we left school (over a bloke!) and have only recently started catching up again. She has a 5yo DD and a 4yo DS and O had a great time playing in a sand pit and on the swings with them :)

Belgina, sounds like wise words to the AP. when I was an ap in Italy, I was in a similar situation: no friends, couldn't speak Italian, just left a new boyfriend, it was Christmas, etc. the host mum was lovely and we talked quite a bit, ended up like friends/sisters. I also stayed for a year! Hope yours works out well and she feels less homesick soon.

oh, and your dd1's comment on your DH . i certainly would have laughed out loud!

Flip, please don't even think that . I always love to see your posts here and on FB. sending you a hug in return for the kind one from the much-needed one in your earlier post. I also think of you everytime I pick up the buddhism book . thank you so much for loaning it to me. I'm nearly ready to give it back. nearly.

pula, thanks for the kind words about dd1. I'm sure she'll be ok. we're going to buy school shoes tomorrow whilst the other two are at nursery. i'm looking forward to a nice Mummy/DD1 day. soundslike you had a good time with your daughter today (from FB) .

ikwym about your dd1. my dd2 is almost 3 and she's turning into a little sht. many, many big tantrums for small, small things. also doesn't listen when I ask her nicely to help. doesn't eat. throws things. etc. I'm holding onto the 'this is a phase' thought. I think ses* is right about pushing boundaries. Hope things get better.

llare, so glad about your grandmother. fantastic genes indeed!

Ses, that's lovely that you and your old friend are getting along again. Sounds like you had a great time catching up.

Nothing here from me. should be asleep but trying to catch up on MN and FB. Hope everyone I haven't namechecked is well. Night night.

Afternoon all. I'm hiding in the lounge whilst the new Nanny is painting with the DDs in the dining room and DS is asleep. It's very lovely hearing your DC being entertained in a nice way but being able to do your own thing.

Holiday was lovely, and DH is on an aeroplane this afternoon bound for San Francisco to figure out what living and working out there might be like. Life has been pretty (too much?) hectic recently, but I feel like things are starting to sort themselves out because I leave my current employers today , DH will find out more about moving to the US, new nanny is here and I start my new job on Monday. Onwards and upwards

Quick NC from me.

Ses how lovely to be catching up with an old friend. Your kitchen extension looks very exciting

Belgina you sound like a lovely MB to have; I really hope that the new AP works out. My new nanny is certainly much more child orientated than previous one, and it's so nice to see her enjoying my children.

Llare such good news about your GM, and well done for surviving nightmare vomit trip.

Momi so glad DD1 is feeling a bit better about school, and sending you a bottle of gin virtually to get you survive the turning 3 age. It's a nightmare. I am not looking fwd to DS getting to be a terrible 3. As someone wisely said, a three year old is just a terrible two year old with one more year's experience in boundary testing.

Fi what an amazing cake!

Flip now don't be daft - I really enjoy your updates!

Pula at break. And your DD1 is gorgeous!

Running (think it's you) glad your DH is better, but still sounds owch. Is he going to go on his business trip?

to everyone else I have been rubbish & not NCed

So I now have all 3 DC for a whole week without DH and am desperately trying to think up ideas to keep them entertained over the weekend, especially as my parents are away, which is my normal bolt hole. I have to admit I am sometimes finding having a one year old a bit difficult because it prevents me from doing more grown up stuff with the DDs, like swimming or cinema. I feel guilty about feeling like that, especially as I had such a tough time accepting I was pregnant with him in the first place, so am trying to focus on how much he adds to our little family rather than thinking of the limitations.

Hi ladies,

tummum- so glad you have finished at your last job and are enjoying your new nanny. Sounds like you have a good one there. Thanks for your comment about my DD .

IKWYM about having a 1 year old affecting what you do with the older DCs. But it won't be for long- he'll soon be doing the same things as his big sisters {pulapula also trying to think positive}. Although i find having 3 under 6 hard work, i think it's nice to have them close in age too so they enjoy the same things. DS1 doesn't agree and finds S an annoyance. DD just sees him as a little plaything to pick up and boss around .

I have been feeling a bit broody lately as one of my close friends had her third DD last night. I love that feeling of bringing a new life into the world and seeing what you and your OH have created together.

Ses- I don't get engorged at all now either, even if i miss a feed, although i still leak from the other boob when feeding.

I am getting a bit anxious about having 3 nights away from S in particular, as I worry he won't know where we've gone and if/when we're coming back . DD got upset when we told her about it too, but I think it was because she thought we were going really soon. It's a shame that the hotel we want is 3rd night free as it seems a waste to go for just 2 nights, as it is quite pricey.

flipflop- don't feel bad about not having advice to offer, and I feel a bit of a fraud when i do offer advice as i don't think of myself as a good mum a lot of the time .

Hello there ladies, I have finally found 5 minutes undisturbed to actually type a message! I seem to be able to keep up with the reading but not commenting!

Hope everybody is well.

Tummum All the best with your new job and San Fran! I know what you mean about the 1yr old holding you back. Ds2 just seems to cause havoc where ever he goes and generally annoys ds1!

Flippin hope the house move isn't too stressful and your dh recovers fully very soon.

Belgina Hope your AP is settling down now. Must be really stressful to have to deal with everything plus an upset AP!

Momino or was it Pula I have a stroppy 3yr old now. He cries at the drop of a hat and has become quite demanding!

Pula Is this the 1st time you've left all the dc? I imagine the 1st time must be the worst! Dh has decided that I need a break and need to go away for 2 nights!! Not quite sure where I'm supposed to go. Still the thought was nice!

Ses glad you had a great time with your friend.

Sorry for not name checking everyone. I am so tired. Ds2 is going through a not sleeping phase - again! We have had a hectic few weeks. Trip to a&e last week with ds2 as he climbed on to the dining room table and ate some plant food. We weren't sure what it was as dh had thrown out the wrapper! Thankfully it was mostly dextrose . I also decided to take the bull by the horns and take away ds1's nappies during the day. He wasn't happy to begin with, but he's taken to it really well.
I have to say that I find ds2 draining at the moment. He's into EVERYTHING! He will climb tables, sofas and beds. Turns the Tv and computers off and is generally on the go all the time! I should be used to it as ds1 was the same. I don't like feeling like this as I know he won't be little for long.
I'm waffling now...

One more thing before I disappear into the ether - is anyone in the South West up for a meet up??

Hello to everybody else!

Evening all,

tumm Sounds like things are definitely on the up. Yay for the last day in old job and great new nanny! Our ap is getting more and more settled and seems more happy. We've had a few more chats and I think she's organising a visit of her boyfriend as we speak. A few people I know who have daughters her age have offered trips with those daughters, so hopefully she'll be entertained and make some friends soon.

pula I completely understand why you're anxious about being away for 3 nights. I felt like that when I did that long shift (which I normally don't do), followed by an early. From C's point of view it must have been as if I'd vanished, because she didn't see me for over 24h :( Maybe you can see how you feel while you're away and if you feel that the worry about leaving S is spoiling the trip a little, you can always come home early. IMHO there's no point staying if you're not enjoying yourself, IYKWIM.

engorgement I don't really get engorged either. I worked a long shift the other day (7.15-8.30) and felt full, but not uncomfortably so. I did express 5 oz just from one side though

Today we've had one exciting day. We discovered that C must be allergic to peanuts. On Sunday we had chicken satay and her eyes swelled up and seemed to irritate her. I didn't make the link with the peanuts at the time. Apparently the next day she had some horrendous nappies. Then today she had some peanut butter on her sandwich, first time ever and same thing: swollen eyes, but then her ears also swelled up. That's when I suddenly made the link with the satay on sunday. We went out and she seemed fine, except for the puffy face. By midday she had hives and the most horrendous nappy rash. So I decided to take her to A&E where she had some piriton and it all eased. Then this evening I realised that I have now also discovered the mystery of the horendous nappies and nappy rash she had all holiday: peanuts! I had peanuts nearly everyday in the evening when DH and I sat outside with a drink while the dcs were asleep. C must have reacted to my breastmilk which must have contained some allergens, because her nappy rash went within days of getting back home. I had put it down to the disposables and wet wipes, but now I think it must have been the peanuts. So from now on both of us will have to steer clear of peanuts. I'll make an app't with the GP too to see if we can find out how serious the allergy is and if she's allergic to any other nuts.

Hope everyone else is OK and that all of you who are gone, are enjoying your holidays :)

x-post muddled I'm South East I'm afraid, but I'd still like to have another meet up some time.

Just a quick one (as usual).

Belgina, glad C's ok after the peanut scare - how awful!

Tummum, so glad you're out of that job! Good luck on your new job. Exciting about possible move to San Fran area. Wish it were us!

Pula, Broody? Three nights away?

cutting it short because I have to do some work, make some courgette fritters (as you do ), put out the laundry (dare I?), do something with this hair!

we have a neighbour, 12 years, who's coming to 'play' with India and Saskia. bless. I think she's a bit bored and possibly 'training' to babysit. dd1 loves her so I'd be so happy to pay her someday for babysitting. just not sure when the right age is for babysitting at night when children are asleep?

out tonight as well at a friend's for birthday drinks and cakes (hurrah!). but, when am I going to be able to get ready? we have to take the dog out at 4 (DH is away so pup hasn't been out in nearly 2 days ) with the neighbour girl, I'm on MN working now, also have six other things to do before H wakes up. then supposed to do tea, bath, bed before dh arrives at 7ish. have to leave by 730 so looks like a ponytail evening and wet-wipe stains off my jumper look tonight.

hope all of you are well.

Just popping on for a purely selfish post because I can't talk to anyone in RL about it, but it looks like we are moving to the States!!!!! Arrrrgghhh! Sooooo excited and scared all at the same time. DH is looking at the house tomorrow and the school next week. I won't get to see it, so am having to make a decision based on what he sees and thinks, it's so bloody FRUSTRATING. Arrrggghh! I start my new job on Monday and the new Nanny is brilliant, so it's all starting to work out here. Typical! Arrrrgggh again!!

Sorry for the self indulgent post but I really needed to scream somewhere!

am so, so so. .
tummum, very happy for you but wish it were me! what an exciting time for you and lovely part of the country. lucky, lucky you. can't wait to hear how all works out. don't worry about Nanny, job. it will all settle in nicely. believe it.

may i ask what job he does to move to San francisco (can't remember)?

WOW! tummum fantastic exciting news!!! breathe.. it will all fall into place i'm sure x
momino hugs just because it's rotten missing loved ones.. if i win the lottery i'll fund numerous trips over to see your family x
belgina well done on figuring out about C's allergy & hope there's not lots of other things too. your AP is lucky to have you to help her settle x
flip carry on as you are! not noticed anything & i love reading your posts!
pula dc free nights away sound lovely! but don't feel you have to stay that 3rd night if you're not enjoying it just as it's free.. after all it is free so not costing you a penny to slip off home if you want to!
i'm up way too late.. ploughing my way through my knitted alphabet. i'm up to 'P' now so now over half way.
meetups love to but now too skint to do london unfortunately as our building needed some urgent repairs and each of the flats here had to find £250 double whammy being ds's birthday month! can manage a drive to muddled though as not too far :-)
trying to remember what else i've read.. think i'm just going to wave hello and goodnight to everyone i've not NC'd.. have great weekends everyone! x

right have few mins to MN and thought i'd let you all know what's been going on in RL atm..
my dad is hopefully on the mend now from another bout of pneumonia.. this bout has been the 4th since last october quite worrying he gets it so easily and each time it's getting harder for him to recover. he has primary progressive MS too which makes it triply hard for him.
G had her MMR last friday and has not been too bad with it but she also decided to cut some more teeth.. she's skipping the rest of her front four (missing 2of her top front 4) and got molars instead so she's been a stroppy grisly poor thing..
i've lost heaps of weight! i have 4lbs to go now to get to my pre DS weight of 146lbs (10st6lbs)
I haven't been this weight since 2005!!! fitting into some old favourites but in dire need of new stuff that doesn't fall down but too skint atm even need new bras but trying to hold off until I stop bf G.
hmm what else? The converted old rectory where we live has needed some urgent repairs.. roof tiles and other exciting stuff unfortunately not enough in management fund so each apartment (8of us) has had to cough up £250

Have also been trying not to get really excited as it looks like our awful rude arrogant noisy neighbour upstairs is moving out just hoping any new tenants are normal for a change

V stressful time with G at bedtime mostly molars to blame just discovered xfactor auditions and that's just the light relief i needed :)

anyone lurking? i'm back to worrying and stress my mum phoned for dh to go downstairs to help get dad into bed.. he's been down there a while & mum was also worried dad didn't look so great. now just seen an ambulance arrive silently bricking it waiting for him to come back up & breathe..

Oh Fi I just popped in before I went to bed. Hope your dad is okay [hugs]

fi- really hope your dad is ok [hugs]

thanks muddled me too. would go down but don't feel comfortable leaving both dc's here on their own.. especially after what G was like earlier :( Arrrgh their phone still engaged.

Fi - ((((hugs))))
So worrying for you. Hope your dad's ok. (Oh and also hope G is settled now)

Hello Muddled!

Tummum - how v exciting!!

Belgina - must have been scary when you realised about the peanuts but well done for putting 2 and 2 together!

Momino - hope you enjoyed your Friday evening out. I absolutely love that photo of H with George - perfectly caught :)

Think most of you realised from FB that I fell down the stairs on Wednesday. I didn't realise at the time that I not only bumped my back side down the stairs but also my head and I've had a really bad headache and neck pain ever since as well as the biggest purple bruise in my bum crack (eek! sorry if TMI )
Today though is the first day I've felt a bit more back to normal and - except for a dull throb - my head and neck are so much better.

We've got a busy few weeks ahead. PILs arrive on Tuesday for a 6-day visit until 30th August and then it's my brother's wedding 2 weeks today and then the Thursday after that SIL and 2 of her DC come over for a visit!

Right, that's enough waffle from me!
Fi - thinking of you

fi thinking of you x

dh back. not good. they had an ambulance crew and a paramedic rapid response team to assess dad. they have decided not to admit him to hospital for now.. instead they're sending the hospital team to him to give him some intravenous anti biotics. he's v weak. running a temp. not a good colour. he's fast asleep safely in bed now though. pneumonia not gone it seems.
thanks for the hugs everyone x

Fi - thanks for updating us. The ABs should kick in fairly quickly so I hope things start to look up soon.

Fi, hope your dad is ok and hope you're ok too. thinking of you.. xxx

Ses, so glad you're feeling better. the fall sounds horrendous.

trying to Skype my family but they're not answering . watched the Anchorman, a good laugh, to cheer me up after Sainsbury's didn't delivery our frozen goods which included a pack of Magnums!

going to try to skype again...

fi- good that your dad is getting care and treatment at home. I'm sure the AB drip will work it's magic soon.

momino- you are not the first to suggest that no.4 might be conceived on our trip away but i am still not having periods and am on the minipill. I am still very broody though and seeing my friends new baby tomorrow .

We've decided to go ahead and book the hotel, and also not go until we've put the DCs to bed on the first night so S won't really miss us til the morning.

ses- I am glad you are feeling a bit better after your stair fall. Sounds very painful.

tummum- wow, America! How exciting.

momino- I think i started babysitting for family when i was 13 or 14, and then for other people around 16?. I guess if they live next door, and have parents there, then they can phone them if your DDs woke up and they needed help? Depends how mature and sensible they seem as to when it's right to let them start babysitting.

muddled- glad to hear that your DS1 is getting the hang of toilet training. As you know, we're struggling to know what to do with our DS1 (3.3), but i've decided it's not worth me getting frustrated by the lack of success, and to gently encourage him but that he'll do it when he's ready. At nursery, they are currently sitting him on the toilet when they go to change his nappy, and he did a tiny wee the other day which is progress. But generally he asks to go to the toilet when he's just been in his nappy. He wanted to wear pants the other week but we put him back in nappies after a wet sofa and wet dining chair. Maybe we give up too easily .

Well DD and DS1 are at my parents for a few days . It's lovely spending time with S on his own. We had to convince DS1 that he should go as he was worried that my mum would shout at him if he did a poo in his nappy, which is what happened when they stayed in May . I made sure my mum knew not to tell him off, so hopefully it will be ok...

Also meant to say...

belgina - poor C and her peanut allergy- glad you've discovered it so you know for the future. Must have been scary as these things can be quite serious. Also I have been away for 2 days/1 night with work (think it was May) and S seemed OK but i'm sure he missed me but at least he had DH around. I am worried how he will be when neither of us are around, although my PIL babysat the other week and my MIL had to settle S a few times, and she managed fine, which gives me more confidence.