November 09 - solids and crawling underway but sleepless nights still here to stay!!

[scarlotti]

New and shiny thread

I didn't think Ms implied lesbianism either. Maybe that's going out of date now. V good point msyikes about being lucky to be abel to express ourselves without fear of physical assault. At least not state sanctioned.

In this spirit, I am reclaiming MS (also my initials, hey!) for all women, regardless of marital status, sexual preference whatever, right here, right now! Roar!

(lack of sleep emoticon)

I've never heard of it implying lesbianism. I have had arguments with post office staff/doctors receptionists about if you are allowed to use it if not divorced.

I'm keeping the exact same name after marriage anyway- I've already changed my name by deed poll anyway (to match the kids- plus I didn't see the point in keeping wht is effectively my Dad's name, and I wanted a new start) and I already use Ms, so no change here! I might use Mrs a couple of times, just to see how it feels though, and if it benefits me (eg I can imagine using it if I need to sound older or more responsible :) )

I use Miss for the children though- when do you think "Ms DD1" becomes appropiate? I got told off by DD1 the other day for calling a woman a "lady"- she told me that girls grow up into WOMEN, silly Mummy! She is also utterly baffled as to why I sometimes shave my legs but Daddy doesn't. I once found her ripping up the SCUM manifesto as a baby- maybe it didn't go far enough for her? :)

Ooh, well done you longwayaway for being a Dr

Maybe it's because I live in Brighton .... or because I have short hair.. [scarlotti refuses to start thinking whether she looks like she'd swing the other way...!]

As much as I'd love to stand up for my right to be a Ms. I know I'd just feel embarrassed when asked my title - how daft is that?!

Off to my Mum's later and working this morning so if I don't manage to get back on, have a lovely weekend all

Apparently I set off people's gaydar...I don't know why. Well, sometimes I know why, if I'm honest, but not all the time. DP apparently looks gay as well, a few people thought we were a cover story for each other until I got pregnant. Ah well, suppose that's what you get for being comfortable in your sexuality :D

I got told I would "turn DD1 gay" when she was a baby because I was letting her play with my friend and her girlfriend. Because THE GAY is catching, obv... and babies care about who is sleeping with who... and I would obviously be devestated if one of my girls turned into one of those lesbos... .

One of my aunties felt the nned to ring and ask if my cousin can bring her girlfriend to the wedding. We had put "children and partners welcome" on the invite so I got really confused! Sigh.

Emmeline can sit herself up now, and commando crawl- we're doomed! We have had to set up the playpen or she wrecks the joint.

people really shouldn't get judged by what they look like, I have a couple of gay friends and they aren't typically 'gay looking' (and a couple who you can but they have very camp mannerisms).

Annabelle thought it was hilarious yesterday that she can clap properly now she can sit up by herself.

Hi All. Just a quickie before bedtime: whoever was asking about almond butter - just found some in Sainsbury's among peanut butter. Going to try it out, looks delish.

Hope you're all having a nice evening.

Butterpie get the same sort of 'watch out he'll end up gay' when ds sings, dances, anything not super butch- drives me potty- imagine making comments about the potential sexuality of a toddler, it's MAD!

Scarlotti A pixie crop is v feminine! Having said that, I once had a peroxide crop in the hope I would look like Annie Lennox. I actually looked like a porky plumber, but I definitely got attention from the ladies

Also sympathise with madly mobile babies wrecking the joint, H is a vandal on an epic scale if left to her own devices. Never had a playpen, stairgates, locks, anything for ds but am now considering all of it, and wrapping the house in bubblewrap for good measure.

DS is FIVE this weekend. FIVE!!!!!

msyikes I love my short crop, I've had it longer but I look younger with it short so I've stuck with it. I'd LOVE a short peroxide crop but I don't think my colouring would take it, I'd look too washed out. Instead I dye it various shades of red!
And I just know I'd look like a proky plumber too - I avoid dungarees like the plague!

Happy birthday to your DS for tomorrow!!

Butterpie as we live in Brighton, there are always comments about that from DH's friends, to be fair mainly in jest, as DS1's favourite colour is pink or if he prances about etc. I love to let them hang themselves before telling them my Uncle is gay and watching them squirm as I act offended!!!!

Had an interesting trip down to Wales yesterday - ioan was unsettled with his teeth so started to cry on route. DH doesn't drive so it's me driving and him on crown control. Needless to say it was a very stressful hour or so until he got settled Oh, and my rant for the day .. after trvelling (with a stop) for about 7 hours with me driving, we get to my Mum's and it's me that then goes and sets up the travel cot and unpacks. This morning at 6am it's me that gets up.
Who'd have thought sitting on your arse in the car would be so tiring.....

At least I get a nice visit with my Mum though

Ms = mind your own business (although my mum IS a lesbian and does use Ms )

Couldn't catch up 'cause I forgot where I read to

My sympathies to all still feeding in the night - it varies from 3 feeds to 6+ here but I'm not bothered enough to do anything about it yet (especially as I know it's caused by teething - currently bringing through #5 & and #6 together!)

Had a great day at the wedding yesterday. Just realised this morning I have one photo of Ethan in his kilt and he's strapped into the pram so it's not great. Will rectify the situation at our next wedding in three weeks!!

DP has taken Ethan and the dog out for a few hours so I can study. As you can see I'm doing lots of that!

Over the past fortnight Ethan has learned to pull himself up to stand, how to sit down again, how to crawl, how to walk if you hold his hands and now waves and claps. It's amazing how quickly they go from being immobile little creatures to little rascals tearing around.

Best go to some studying - have a happy Sunday everyone! The sun is shining here :)

Hi all,

Millie has 2 more new teeth and today has started crawling, yay! I am both very proud but a little sad that my baby is growing up so quickly!

msyikes Happy birthday to your ds, mine is 3 next Friday and I can't believe it!

scarlotti Hope Ioan's teeth feel better soon. Millie was a nightmare with teething last week but now they have come through I hope I have some respite before the next lot start coming through.

Has anyone watched True Blood? Just got into it as bought dh the box set for fathers day, not the most appropriate fathers day present but it is brilliant!

Hope everyone is having a fun weekend!

helips I haven't seen any of true blood but loved the books. So much better than twilight!!

Forgot to say earlier, after forking out for a pregnancy test on Wednesday after weeks of paranoia, my period arrived on Friday! With absolutely no cramp whatsoever, hopefully every other one will be as easy to cope with!

Hey I am here, I am reading, but not posted.

Back at work last week. And, for those not yet back, who are going back soon, its really not that bad. Honestly. I actually enjoyed it! DH did marvelously with the children, they were happy and pleased to see me when I finished each day.Had my family friendly flexi hours approved, unofficially, and then saw my absolute IDEAL job advertised internally only. I have decided. It Is MINE. Only cover for a month to start, which means its possibly going to become permanent, just a matter of time for the person off sick to leave/move offices. either way, i will do it temp or perm. so. watch this space

Good luck Pav!

Helips I thought three was just such a lovely, lovely age- out of the toddle traumas and into a world of wonders! Happy birthday wishes for Friday

DWB kilt sounds great, do you get kind of tartan nappy covering to go under it, like with a baby girl's dress that comes with matching pants? I saw on fb that you mentioned Dignity being played- do you mean by Deacon Blue or is that my imagination? Oh how I used to adore the singer from DB when I was twelve!!

Scarlotti the peroxide was truly hideous on me, made me look strangely pink all the time shudder! My sister has a great reddish short crop like yours, I always get hair envy when I see her for the easiness of it and the way it always looks just right!

I am totally zonked from ds's party this afternoon, 16 kids- it was chaos! (Doesn't bode well for me returning to the classroom, It took AGES to cajole them all into sitting in a circle to eat the jelly and ice cream)
Feel a little because I think that's our last summer garden party for kids now, H is a winter baby and ds at 6 will be getting on a bit for that kind of party- it worked brilliantly when he was little and his nursery friends used to come over... When am I going to use all that lovely bunting again?!

Ds has worry people and tonight he told them he was worried about 'everything melting'

I read quite a good book called The Lessons last week, wasn't sure about all the unlikeable characters but it was definitely a page turner

Ooh exciting Pav!

Im looking for a new job as really hate mine, what the managers want us to do changes every day depending which managers are in and want me to do so much in the time Im there its physically impossible and it makes me want to cry. But I dont think anyone is looking for someone to work 1/2 days/evenings a week around here at the mo and as I cant drive I cant look too far away from home. so might be a while before I find anything.

Have been a grumpy mummy today, have shouted more than I would have liked and not done much fun-wise with ds.So tired too which doesn't help and haven't seen much of dh as he is always at work. He is doing two shifts today in fact so have the bed to myself tonight as he has gone back for a night shift. sorry for the 'me' post.

juicy the thing about the problem with hours, something will come up. The ideal job I am talking about, probably will get it as no-one else wants it. 7am-3pm is full time. but my boss said she probably won't let me do that (I was too successful in my reduction in hours proposal!) so would do either 7am-12pm (her preferred option to have me keep my hours) or 7am-12:30pm/1pm, my preferred hours as gives me a little more money. And it involves talking to vulnerable people pissed little shits in custody, going into court and presenting reports etc. I love all that stuff, no-one else does where I work. And the start time sucks. I have always wanted this job, and its never come up. I walk into work, there it is, waiting for me. So don't give up. Things happen. (i know I haven't got it yet, but i have a feeling)

I hope so Pav as its starting to drag me down and the worry is starting to get to me, which is not what I wanted. Was hoping that the hours away would be good for me and bring me back home feeling ready to have the kids again and feeling good after having a few hours away from them. Am glad that its looking good for you. Will cross my fingers and toes that you get it.

its only looking good because no-one wants to start work at 7am! Keep looking, it will happen. I keep telling that to DH. and now after 18 months, he has a bit of casual work coming that is exactly what we need. unfortunately it is because a friend of ours, a gardner/lanscaper has badly damaged his hand and needs DH to help him keep his business afloat, and means DH is working for more than just money (our best friends) so won't take too much money, but its what we need, more than any other job he could get right now. And it could lead somewhere. Doors do open. Just have to hold tight and keep trying.

Thanks, just the kind of thing I needed to hear. am not giving up yet.

Morning all

Have had a lovely weekend - lots of family came over to Mum's yesterday and we had a bbq. DS1 got to play with his cousins so was happy all day. That's the sort of thing I miss so much as we live so far away.

Pav great news on enjoying work, the potential new job and dh getting some work. If nothing else, it will get him back into the swing of getting up and out. I think that's the toughest bit when you've been off for a while.

Juicy hang on in there, something will come up for you. Just make sure you manage to drop it into conversation when you meet people, you'll be amazed at how many casual remarks turn into something concrete for people.

Hooray for all the crawling and teeth (can't remember who had what sorry!) am hoping we'll be joining you soon. Ioan has now got to where he's ok on his front, and wiggles himself around so he's one leg forward, one backwards in a crawl position. It's not going to be long I don't think! Praying for the rest of the teeth to come too for some respite.

Weather is glorious here, Mum lives on the edge of the Black mountains and the view from her lounge is just spectacular. Am sitting here now with the french doors open, watching the mist rise over the tops of the mountains. It's like a postcard.

Morning all, we are back from our holiday in Austria.
Congratulation on all the milestones and teeth for babies and good jobs for mummies.

scarlotti, sorry to hear about your trial separation, but you need to do what is best for you. I hope everything goes smoothly whichever way you and your husband will choose. Please keep us updated.

sirboob, any news on benefit and house hunting?

Interesting discussion about titles. I still don't know how tho use them correctly. I am married but kept my maiden name and want to use Ms as it seems to be the "neutral" one without telling if you are married or not but I have the impression that people only use it for unmarried women. So I'm a little bit confused if I am "allowed" to use it?
At least one good thing about German, there is only one title for women these days. On official forms you can only tick Mr or Mrs. Sometimes you can still hear Miss for girls but even that is getting rare. I guess that's thanks to those "lesbian" feminists fighting for a more gender-neutral language for the past 30 years

Austria has been great, but I'm really tired now as there was no time to catch up on sleep. No one had time to watch Paula, it was constantly busy. She really enjoyed being with her cousins, especially the almost 5 year old boy who adored her too. It was really cute. Funnily enough she didn't progress at all in her physical development as if she didn't have time for that.
But she was definitely teething again! Nothing broke through so we are "still" at 8 teeth but there are a couple now who seem to be really close. You can already see little "hills" in the gum but they are still covered.
So once again we had a couple of difficult nights and she started to really want to be with me as soon as she sees me. I hope this was linked to the teething and will get a bit better again.

Ok, off to do loads of washing.

Welcome back ursi!

Exciting news about this job pav! And nice to see you :)

juicy agree with scarlotti, dropping into conversations what you're looking for is a good way to bring work to you, you know how news spreads! It's also a good thing because it gets you in the mindset that you're looking for something and optimistic that things are going to change. Positive Mental Attitood an all that

DS's bday party sounds wonderful msyikes. Know what you mean, am quite sad that R's bday is winter as mine's July and have v vivid memories of summer garden parties with all the family. So, just over 4yrs between your DCs? Seems like a good age gap to me, probably the largest we'd go for, all being well.

Sunny here, and my sis visiting, she's off in town now but think we might roll out the old punting trip this afternoon. Rosa is a water-baby, she's been about 5 times this summer already!

ENjoy your days

PS DWB amazing pics of your ninja family!

Ursi glad you enjoyed Austria although shame you didn't get any rest. Bet Paula had a blast though! You can use any title you like here, Mrs, Ms or even Miss although you might get the odd look about that as you'd be making a statement!

DD is a summer baby and we had great parties in the garden. DS1 is a winter baby though, and they're just as much fun but in a church hall!! Much less mess to clear up - think of the positives.

Home now after a nice weekend. Tired though and still haven't sorted out everything. Can't be bothered to do it all now but I know I'll regret that in the morning!

MsI - glad you liked the pics! Ethan was only in a red sleepsuit but it worked as "ninja-baby". :)

MsY - yes it was deacon blue! Always reminds me of my granny & grandad for some reason. No "frilly knickers" for kilt wearers, which is a shame as every time Ethan was in his buggy, all you could see was his vest - White with multicoloured stars! Didn't really co-ordinate but what can you do. :) Next wedding is 4th sept so will remember to have someone take photos of us this time!

I'm so sorry I can't keep up with this thread and it's really upsetting as I miss you all

Alfie is a real handful and has gone from crawling to climbing. I can't take my eye off him for a second. He pulls himself up to standing on anything from sofas to walls. A few bumped heads have ensued. I am turning gray very fast.

Hope you are all well and babies are growing fast x