June 08 - if your name's not down you're not coming in!

[EddieIzzardismyhero]

Welcome to our new cliquey thread !

Oh, now I liked Corelli. But White Teeth - can't remember if I finished it or not but really don't care. It was so boring, yet also completely up-itself.

Biscuits lovely building! My FIL claims to be an historian (!!) and he's 'researching' the history of microbiology labs in England. He does keep on at me about it - it's the only time he acknowledges that I have any intellect and might know something about history - but God, it's dull, and I glaze over... (Maybe that's why he thinks I don't know anything because I don't answer appropriately due to being in a daydream about ice cream and beaches.) BTW, can we start a thread clique? I have an exam in October.

Spider I think you should use your neighbour as a test case. Keep a close eye and report back here on weight loss, fat distrubution, etc etc. I want to know whether the stocking works! (Then again, I didn't really care post-birth...so maybe I'm just not the target market there...tracksuit bottoms, now, I'm interested in!)

Neenz and Rolf I can do Fridays, but actually I can do any day because now I'm FREEEEEE! Degree results posted up today so I'm off the hook. (Although not on holiday.)

Amber still thinking of you. Hope all is fine. Let us know when you can.

X-posted Deb. That is so, so awful.

Deb, that's heartbreaking.

I have exams in November...

Amber -how are you? I have my fingers crossed for you, hope everything is ok.

Deb - what horrible news, the poor family.
Hope you all get better soon.

Poppy and anyone else thinking about double buggies, I couldn't have done without mine, sometimes if only just to keep him contained in shops, but obviously you will have bigger age gaps so that might be less of an issue. If you aren't sure whether you will need one you could always "shop" for buggies now, ie go and try some and decide which one you would buy, but leave the actual buying of it until the baby is here and you can see how you are getting on, most online shops do next day delivery. But practically I know that panicky feeling when a birth is imminent and you keep running through a mental checklist of things you need! Plus being a stingy bargain hunter I'd find something on offer and have to buy it straight away!

I'm meant to be having a lie in as DH has a couple of days off to redo the drive, but H woke me up at about 5 and I can't get back to sleep again.

I had a double buggy for the 2 boys but there was only 23 months between them, and like Ktpie says it is great to have something to keep the older one contained!I think with both stefan and tristan I used a pushchair until they were between 2.5 and 3,depending on how far I was walking, the time of the day and also their mood!Certainly by the time they started Nursery aged 3.5 neither one was using a pushchair.

Amber, how are things this morning?

That's so awful debs, that poor family

How are you today Amber?

They were meant ot be finally doing the survey on our vendors house yesterday. But it got cancelled accidently and now they have decided to sack their solicitors and find new ones. I give up, I really do.

Much kudos to exam people though, I think my brain seeped out several years ago.

I haven't heard anything about a two year check. DD didn't get one as the hv were too busy so I wouldn't be surprised if that happens again. Like ABDN though, I am in no rush to get him weighed.

Deb that is just awful . amber thinking of you and keeping fingers crossed.

spider two cakes is impressive - and I must admit a morbid interest in your neighbours corset but not sure it can actually help lose weight - isn't it more a redistribution (that said some people are just born that way - old nanny had her little girl and seems to be back to waif like norm
within 3 days from photo).

Sybil that is a pita re vendors although change of solicitors does seem to show some resolve.

I also couldn't get into white teeth( and then got an irrational dislike of the author who seemed constantly to be poncing about on arts shows ).

Last day of holiday today so should try and feel bit
more activity than enjoying coffee on sofa.

Sybil - your vendors sound rubbish.

I don't think we get a 2 year check here, the health visitor was round on Monday (for Henry) and she didn't mention it, she's only just done the 1 year one, and that was just because I asked about it when she was here for H, turned out to be a waste of time.

Forgot to say I put both boys down for the school nursery the other day.

Hi all thought I better post. Bleeding still going but calmed down and not bright red any more thank god. I am going to spenc all day in bed. Fingers crossed - thanks everyone for caring x

Take care of yourself, Amber.

I wonder what the 2-year check here is all about then? All developmental things were checked. The weight was not a surprise - same old same old, yes, he's small - but it does mean he's hardly gained a thing in a year - he was nearly 20lb last year!

On the topic of weight, my 4-week get-your-body-back plan is coming to an end tomorrow. I have ordered a bikini top (I had a tankini before). Yes, it appears to have worked.

Take care Amber

Sorry to hear about more moving/selling woes Sybil

Dewin - I am not speaking to you, as you are buying a bikini. I went on a diet a month ago, in the 1st week I lost a couple of pounds, in the 2nd I stayed the same, then last week and this with all the poorly boys I have seriously fallen off the wagon!

lol Deb! Well done Dewin. Friday meet-up would be great - I can do any Friday (we should go for lunch ) so it's up to Rolf now to say when she is free [exciting]

Amber, glad the bleeding has calmed down. Have you been in touch with your mw/GP? You should be able to get another scan at your early pregnancy unit to put your mind at ease.

Exciting day at the World Cup - Germany got beat earlier and now Slovenia are beating USA. Bad news for England if they win their group and end up playing the Germans in the last 16 though!

Spoke to HR yesterday about mat leave. I finish on July 29. I will continue to get my childcare vouchers on top of mat pay so that is quite a big extra benefit (nearly £2,000 in vouchers on top of smp). I also get £250 in vouchers for John Lewis, Mothercare or Boots. I chose John Lewis - we're going to get a new sat-nav . I am planning to go back in Sept 2011 after the school year starts and the Dts go to nursery

The 2y check went fine. Theo was more keen to show off his skills than Esther though! They had to build a tower with blocks, she asked about their balance, whether they can run well, kick and throw a ball without falling over and whether they can get up the stairs ok. She asked how many words they had (she asked if they had 50) and whether they were putting words together. Also whether they knew the parts of the body - Theo said all his but Esther refused even though she does know them. They also had some crayons and drew on some paper. Then they looked at a first words book which they did ok at but the book was a Disney book so the pics were mostly cartoons and I just don't think they recognised a lot of the things even though they do know the words. Anyway they were both able to identify some things so that was fine. They also had to do a wooden puzzle and they were both able to get some pieces in. Theo weighs 29lbs9oz and Esther 28lbs3oz, but they had their clothes on so it's not exact. Theo is on 75th centile for both height and weight and Esther is between 50-75th for height and 75th for weight. A big difference to when they were newborns - poor E dropped off the bottom of the chart.

They are with the GPs atm so I am having child-free hour . Tomorrow we're going to a birthday party, then the GPS are babysitting and we are going out to a new Japanese restaurant in Liverpool. The DTs are staying overnight with the GPs then DH is taking them to a christening Sunday and I am going to my sister's to see my dad for Father's Day. So an almost child-free weekend for me - woo hoo!

USA have just scored to make it 2-1 - would be good if this game is a draw, although do we really want to win our group now if Germany are not going to win theirs?

A woman on my August AN thread has had a stillbirth at 32wks . Makes you realise you can't take anything for granted. She went to see the mw and she was measuring 2wks too big, BP was up and the HB was very fast and baby was not moving much. She went to hospital the next day cos baby had gone quiet and found the baby had died . So tragic, it was her first baby too. I know any loss of a baby is tragic but when it is your first it must be worse cos you haven't got other kids to take your mind off it and you worry you will never have a baby (I did after my mc - it was a horrible time and sb must be x100 harder to get over). I feel so sad for her.

Awful story about your friend's little boy as well Debs

That's awful Neenz, poor woman. It shakes you up when you hear about things like that when you are at a similar stage of pregnancy.

Amber - hope you are OK.

Sounds like they check the same things at the 2 year check as they checked a few months ago for J, maybe that is why she hasn't mentioned it. He was tired and didn't like the HV so would hardly do anything.

Neenz - sat nav tip, a lot of smartphones have really good sat nav on them these days so might be worth checking out if you think you might want a new phone any day soon, save yourself the cost of an extra gadget (I'm so stingy!). I got an android phone a few weeks ago and it has brilliant google sat nav on it.

Also Neenz smartphones (or a lot of non-smart phones) are great for surfing the internet, reading ebooks etc in those long lonely hours when you are feeding the baby in the middle of the night.

Just cut J's hair I like it long and curly.

Completely agree with ktpie re smartphone being lifesaver- also have kiddy games and tv kn.
That is awful about woman on your thread tho neenz.

Right off to lie on sofa and cheer boys on with no alcohol kronenburg (I don't think it's as good as no alcohol becks but better than the horrible no alcohol cobra I had).

Hello everyone and sorry for the hijack, but I just wanted to pop in to say hello - I was on the June 08 antenatal thread, and had Eva 2 years ago today (she's just being put to bed (or rather, cot still) by DH so I am sneaking some MNetting in before the England game...).

We have had a very jolly birthday involving a visit to a nearby butterfly attraction, butterfly fairy cakes and of course presents and balloons. She is a very chatty toddler and to my great surprise has been dry during the day for about a month. Favourite word is "no" though...

The antenatal thread was my introduction to Mumsnet, and I remember many people still on the postnatal thread with nostalgia - very much hope you and your 2 year olds are well, and congratulations to those with bumps.

Neenz just saw your photo on fb! Got to say - I thought E takes after you, but good God, Theo looks like you in that photo! Maybe it's the expression or something.

Poppy I tried the cobra some time ago - it totally put me off no alcohol beer. But might try becks now.

Hi Wigeon. Glad you had a good birthday.

Our Tescos seems to have a good range of non alcoholic beers and ciders. Not tried any cider yet, but quite a fan of "Bavaria" wheat/weiss beer. If you like White beer it seems to taste fairly authentic to my untutored tastebuds.

Deb - how tragic for that family.
Neenz - never good to take anything for granted, terrible for that woman, not something you can get over easily, if at all.

I am knackered this evening. Eddie and I had a good morning taking the boys round a forestry commision place with lots of climbing frames etc.

I am a bit at my friend whose boy has the same birthday as P (i.e yesterday) getting her thank you letters posted on the day of the birthday itself (arrived today). I haven't even bought thank you cards yet.

deb how horrible - it's so scary to hear about these accidents - especially when you know the boy. I'll give my two extra kisses as well - I hate that letting them live means accepting risks and the thought of losing one of them always brings me to tears - but a life worth living always has those risks doesn't it? hugs.

neenz a friend of mine lost a child, their first, at a similar point in pregnancy. It was 14 years ago and she still talks about it.

Hope everyone else is okay - extra hugs (and a prayer) for Amber.

Neenz, that's such a sad story. I find it really upsetting to think of all the pour souls that never make it into the world.

My grumble for the day seems rather frivolous now - have just emptied S's nursery bag but no Father's Day card, which means I have to go buy one now.

Amber, hope you're doing ok, been thinking of you lots today.

Wigeon - glad to hear that you had a lovely day.

Amber, I hope you're resting up and everything is ok. Deb, that's such sad news, sorry to hear about that boy. Hope your lot are all a lot better.

Happy Birthday to all of the two year olds. I keep having to repeat it to myself. TWO YEARS. Blimey! B is the youngest on here I think, we're having a party on 4 July here, and then going to my mum's on his real birthday. I am attempting a Thomas cake. I might practice making the face with some of B's plasticine first.

Neenz, 32 weeks! Where on earth does the time go...

I am feeling old at the moment, can you all tell?

Dewin, sorry it takes me so long to get back, but yes, I love your mini history lessons. I just love a good story. Talking of which, I hated hated White Teeth too, but I love The Secret History. I agree with Poppy re irrational dislike of that author. Along with Nigella - she annoys the hell out of me that woman, and not just because of her bad baking instructions! Gah!

England are rubbish aren't they?? What is this all about?? See, the June 08 footie team could probably take them on right now!

Goddess, we got Father's Day cards from nursery, but do you know how hard it is to buy slippers atm? DP's current pair are knackered (disgracefully so!) so I thought I'd get him a new pair from B. I had to order some online. I know it's hot, but surely folks don't stop wearing slippers between January and November.

Dewin, glad you have made a decision. So, me and Goddess with one at the moment. I'm definitely sticking at that, although I do sometimes feel a wee bit - well, I dunno, wistful I suppose is the best way to put it. B has a little pal his age at nursery, and I found out his mum is expecting her second today. I didn't feel envious, or sad, or anything like that - just a bit weird I suppose. Anyway, I made my decision, and I am happy with it. Maybe I just want to be pregnant rather than fat. In fact I think that's exactly it!

DP back on Sunday, and I've really missed him, which is good, considering where we were a few months ago. It feels like he's been away for ages, and it's been nice in a way - lovely having my best friend from home to stay, and other friends over, etc. Had work pals round last night for a barbie, which was great. They brought tons of stuff, so I now have gads of wine and a freezer full of grub for another time.

I would be up for a meet with Eddie and the Central Belt crew (mini clique) in September if I can fit it in around work.

Thanks for all your kind messages, I keep picturing him as he was 7 years ago in my class and I am glad that I knew him.

Wigeon , good to see you here again and glad you had a good day

That was a waste of 1.5 hours wasn't it??

deb how sad. Makes me anxious everytime I hear a story like that.

neenz how awful.

Bugger glad you are missing DP (IYKWIM) and enjoyed your use of the term 'gads of wine'!

I have made mumsnet's world cup bluffers guide - get me and my amazing grasp of football in the formation bit!