Dec 08 Ladies - Maybe this thread they'll ALL sleep through the night at the same time!

[Beans33]

Apologies for rubbish title, couldn't think of anything - mind is totally riddled by hormones...!

Thank god DP didn't have to go to SA, so just a needless overreaction on my part then . And luckily the weather seems to be getting better tomorrow so really looking forward to some camping.

SL (or Lightening as Vag calls you in super hero style) that's nice to hear about the one of each thing. I guess because I'm one of two girls I find it easier to get my head round the idea of two if the same, but having had no experience of growing up with boys T has been something of a learning experience anyway! Which is why I'm going to find out at 20 weeks (i think) so we've got a chance to get our heads round it. But I am almost tempted to hold out for the surprise. Got 12 week scan on Tues. Blimey, I"m still so early on and feel like I've been preggers for ages...

spot hopefully the middle section will fly by for you, and before you know it you will be 28 weeks. That's what happened for me. It's bloody dragging again now.

I've never been called just Lightning before, hmmm, I quite like it.

SL, I have just ordered the House in my Mummy and another one recommended on your thread called Rosie's Babies. (I also ordered the new Jonathan Coe for me but I can't help thinking of meeting him last January and mentioning I was on mat leave and him asking when it was due. Urrrrgh. Remember the mortification? )

Spot, I don't think there's anything wrong with having a little preference. Obviously, everyone basically thinks as long as it's healthy that's cool, but I think everyone must secretly want one or the other, right? I wanted another girl slightly more. I guess I'd always pictured having two little girls. However, as I have said, as it's my last one I am still a tiny bit sad I will never have a boy and if I had a third (which I will NOT, as it's just not feasible - I am too old and poor and wouldn't relish another pregnancy) I must admit I would fancy a boy. I think whatever one's preconceptions are, they probably vanish once you have the child. I had a friend who had a little girl who worked herself up like you wouldn't believe about her DC2 - she ONLY wanted another girl - and when she had a boy, whaddya you know, she totally adored him. Also, I know what SL means about a brother and sister - didn't have much experience of this until I met DP but he is absolutely devoted to his sister.

Veg, these teeth are a menace. How awful, as you can't really explain to him about the pain at this age. Kiwi, I hope you had a better night. Right, time to get ready and get some work done.

I got House in my mummy book and DS is not interested. I blame DH as he bought him a Thomas book at the same time with little flaps and buttons that make noises, he loves it and the house inside my mummy doesn't get a look in.

In addition, he definitely knows the word baby. So I thought I would teach him there is a baby in my tummy by pointing to it and saying baby. However, when I tried asking him where the baby was, he proudly pointed at his stomach.

Oh and yes I remember the JC fiasco!! I suspect he was as mortified as you though.

Can I just leap on and say that I can't stand a house in my mummy as it's by the Purple Ronnie man and makes the Gruffalo look like Keats. I had a fab book called "little Rabbit's new baby" which is beautifully drawn and whihc has a bit more about the reality of having a new born. Mama and Papa have 3 new babies (yikes!) and they are tired, grumpy and spend time with the babies. The babies annoy little rabbit, break his toys and take all the attention away from him but at the end he saves the day as he can calm the baby rabbits and help M and P. Much better intro to the reality of life with a brother or sister.

Summer I think Girl for you darling. And I agree that JJ will have a boy. Spot, I think boy for you too. But then I thought LadyT and Pubes would have boys, so what do i know?

I have packed the slut shoes and am just about to wave good bye to my 2 smallest. I asked Lucy this am what she would like me to bring her from scotland and she said "a bunny". I hope the packet of shortbread is not too much of a disappointment.

Have a lovely weekend everyone and much love to you all.

Can I just leap on and say that I can't stand a house in my mummy as it's by the Purple Ronnie man and makes the Gruffalo look like Keats. I had a fab book called "little Rabbit's new baby" which is beautifully drawn and whihc has a bit more about the reality of having a new born. Mama and Papa have 3 new babies (yikes!) and they are tired, grumpy and spend time with the babies. The babies annoy little rabbit, break his toys and take all the attention away from him but at the end he saves the day as he can calm the baby rabbits and help M and P. Much better intro to the reality of life with a brother or sister.

Summer I think Girl for you darling. And I agree that JJ will have a boy. Spot, I think boy for you too. But then I thought LadyT and Pubes would have boys, so what do i know?

I have packed the slut shoes and am just about to wave good bye to my 2 smallest. I asked Lucy this am what she would like me to bring her from scotland and she said "a bunny". I hope the packet of shortbread is not too much of a disappointment.

Have a lovely weekend everyone and much love to you all.

Can I just leap on and say that I can't stand a house in my mummy as it's by the Purple Ronnie man and makes the Gruffalo look like Keats. I had a fab book called "little Rabbit's new baby" which is beautifully drawn and whihc has a bit more about the reality of having a new born. Mama and Papa have 3 new babies (yikes!) and they are tired, grumpy and spend time with the babies. The babies annoy little rabbit, break his toys and take all the attention away from him but at the end he saves the day as he can calm the baby rabbits and help M and P. Much better intro to the reality of life with a brother or sister.

Summer I think Girl for you darling. And I agree that JJ will have a boy. Spot, I think boy for you too. But then I thought LadyT and Pubes would have boys, so what do i know?

I have packed the slut shoes and am just about to wave good bye to my 2 smallest. I asked Lucy this am what she would like me to bring her from scotland and she said "a bunny". I hope the packet of shortbread is not too much of a disappointment.

Have a lovely weekend everyone and much love to you all.

Were you doing a triple jump sort of leap, Sybs? Have a fab weekend.

Oh no, sounds like There's a House in my Mummy is going to drive me nutso. I will order that book you mention as well, Sybs. Nothing like a bit of overkill to hammer the message home Have a fabby weekend.

I must admit the mere title of There's a House in my Mummy makes me feel nauseous and annoyed but I have a very strong feeling that the appearance of DD2 is going to be met with fury/anxiety/violence by DD so am keen to read her any old crap to introduce the idea and hopefully mitigate the onslaught.

Also, she knows the word 'house' and I do wonder whether the book is going to inspire spectacular confusion.

At least she calls it "house", Lady. T calls it "arse". Which would make the title of your book even more unlikely...

House in mummy's tummy IS annoying, but DD liked it for precisely that reason - nothing like a bit of doggrel...and the pictures are the more interesting bit in any case.

I do have a few other new baby books that I am happy to send on - they are more on what happens after the birth with crying baby, sad older one etc. DD's favourite was called "Smile baby smile", where everyone tries to cheer up crying baby. There is also a slightly icky american one all about families and love, which didn't get the time of day in our house. Maybe one or two more. Not sure I would overdo the reality of crying babies before the new one even arrives though...Anway, anyone in the clackerclub who wants them, just let me know and I will parcel them up and on.

LadyT - have bought the briscoe book, so will def let you know what I think. And you keep tempting me - I missed the fact there was a new Jonathan Coe out, I shall have to get that one too now...

Thanks for everyone's tuppenceworth on the NCT lady. I am pretty sure she hasn't seen any of the others and a bit bonkers is consistent with past behaviour. Anyway, will definitely leave well enough alone and try not to let it get under my skin, which it has a bit somewhat. I'm due to see the others for a rare night out next week, which I am really looking forward to.

Oh and how about this for a line from DD last night "Mummy your boobies are droopy"! Mortifying and hilarous

Ask her for her terms of reference, Invis!

Morning (just) all! So.. night 2 of sleep training... somewhat miraculous [emoticon of kiwi being knocked over by a feather]

So got her home from nursery, did a Skype chat with her daddy in South Africa (her: dada! dada! Dada! attempts to kiss screen ] Then I did the bath (which she loved) then Night Garden then bed. She went down no problems at all (she usually does in fairness, it's only a few recent nights where she's kicked up a fuss) then didn't hear a PEEP out of her until 5.30ish at which point she cried for about 1 minute then was quiet again till 6. AND - this is truly miraculous - at 6 she didn't even cry, just started her Iggle Piggle toy doing his song and started saying "dada! dada!" loudly. [Kiwi keels over in shock]

she NEVER wakes up like that, it's always instant wailling till she's fetched.

Blimey. MUST be a set back tonight, it can't be that easy....

Unfortunately despite her being good as gold I couldn't sleep at all last night and was awake at 5, so not feeling rested but clearly that's not her fault.

Anyway, on other matters... LadyT - re little O's eating, have you heard of a La Leche League book called "My Child Won't Eat!". My sister found it very helpful (it's very non-judgy). In fact I keep meanign to say that in many ways your little O reminds me of my niece. They seem from what little I know of O to have very similar personalities - mostly good as gold, not big on crawling (niece walked at 19 months) etc - and share a similarly picky appetite. My niece barely ate anything for a long time and from 12 months to 18 months put on NOT ONE ounce. So, all I wanted to say really is that she's a happy, healthy 2 1/2 year old now, has put on weight but is still petite (in a a good way IYSWIM) and eats much better now. Still a lot less than my DD but much more than she used to. The La Leche book is interesting (i had a read too) and talks about the many reasons why a child of this age might not want to eat etc.

ps and when I say my DD eats way more - ironically she is still absolutely tiny despite eating like a horse. So I think metabolisms must play a big role.

Top news, Kiwi . Hope you get another similar night tonight. (and that you get more sleep)

We have house inside my mummy, I don't mind it as it's not too long, and would happily send to someone but DS1 is quite attached to it and still likes us to read it to him. There is another book a friend had who has a little girl as it's main character and she is getting a bit miffed because all her aunts uncles GPs etc are all fawning over the new baby and giving it attention, but then the baby gets upset & she settles it and suddenly they give her loads of attention for how helpful she is. Unfortunately I have no idea what's it's called so not much help.

Sybs have a wonderful time. Looking forward to hearing all about it.

I didn't even realised I used lightening instead of SL. Clearly I have been watching 'Cars' too much.

DS2 just had a little sleep but is really not himself getting upset very easily. Quiet day at home I think.

LadyT: the text of that book is annoying but ds1 loved it! Unfortunately it is now going round my head. He is currently obsessed with the cat in the hat which is easier to deal with.

Spot: I was keen to have two boys, but if we ever had another I would quite like a girl. I reckon having two big brothers would mitigate the pink and sparkly stuff. Sorry you had a bad night, but hooray for getting out of the world cup.

Veggie, your DH is ace, is he available for loan? Not that I can complain as mine has been great recently. I always have to ask for a lie-in though and it means lots of grumbling.

Go baby kiwi! You might find she has a 'huh?' night tonight when she tests that you do actually mean she should stay in bed with no milk. But it's only one night (from experience).

I left a bottle of wine in her room last night. Clearly unopened [not THAT bad a mother] and by mistake, but maybe she figured out how to use a corkscrew and got pissed instead

This, for anyone with more than a passing interest in the World Cup, is what my DH is up to right now.

GREAT news KIWI!! I agree with Effie though -If you do encounter a set back tonight, don't, whatever you do, get down about it, and do exactly the same tonight no matter what - ds did that (meltdown after a night of smooth sailing) on night 3 of dummy confiscation but just stay strong and ride it out.... I am so pleased for you.

Well bugger me sideways my car servicing and meeting a friend for luch to fill in the time are both cancelled so could have met you after all Lady. Never mind I've had a million things to do today anyway. car getting done Tues now - just in the nick of time

On the baby gender thing. I did secretly want a girl this time but I was SO convinced it was a boy that I didn't even give having a girl much thought - i even had dreams that i had two boys close in age (as did my mum) So when it was revealed a girl I seriously took abotu a week to believe it! Not even a tiny bit of difference in the two pregnancies except now that I'm getting to the end, this pain with the position thing I didn't have before - that said though, I don't believe an ounce of that "ooh it must be a girl as you're sicker / fatter/ carrying different malarky! For me it's just a case of lugging a toddler around which I didn't have before! people swear by it though, but it's funny as a couple of my friends always say "oh i thought you were carrying higher so knew it was a girl" - hilarious how people only say this after you tell them it's a girl!! I think every pregnancy can be different - or the same, no matter what - nothing to do with gender. The only thing that could be remotely true and proven regarding gender is that time the sperm was fertilized and ovulation timing etc. in that what was it - if you have sex more than 3 or 4 days BEFORE ovulation occurs it's more likely to be a girl? (we did so perhaps that's when she was made but then again we also did it right over ovulation, but perhaps I was already clackered up at attempt number 1
Right, off to get some stuff done....

Ha Rubs that reminds me of my granny, who always used to boast that she could tell the gender of any baby while still in the womb. Yet her success rate was LESS than 50%

Kiwi - hurrah for the good night. Maybe she got telephathically pissed and it did the trick.

I'm a big fan of those live blogs (particularly when work is as crap as it is these days) and I am sure I will be reading plenty of your DH's stuff. And just to show I am evenhanded, I enjoy your stuff too - liked the ethical jewellery bit yesterday.

Very quick naughty work to post to say Hoo-bally-rah kiwi, what a fab night and hopefully more of the same tonight and you'll manage to stay asleep a bit longer too