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...!

Oh and yes JJ ds will be easeing off on the citrus.... Acidtastic nappy - have had to get the Sudocrem out

I hate the tabs, I take the liquid stuff which I don't like either, but find a lot less gross. The tabs get stuck in my teeth and make me gag, YUK.

Dunno about swallowing the tabs whole as it feels like it neutralizes the acid on the way down if you see what I mean so I would be worried that it wouldn't work. But you could try it?

Think I will - I hate chewing it for that very reason - just end up picking out my teeth - grim

I'm v lucky not to have to take gaviscon. Phew.

Thanks for tips on hospitals - I just have to weigh up whether I'm more nervous about getting there in time, or going somewhere new. Ultimately, I'll get the baby out one way or another!!

Kiwi - we do need to meet up as would love to see you - and the bag would be an added bonus. How is your Monday next week fixed? Mine is totally free - could come and meet you somewhere or something? What works for you? How are DDs nights going? Still ok?

Rubes - garages are so naughty like that. Grrr.

Lady - meant to say how chuffed I am for you that O is now standing - well done her - and glad she's so pleased with herself for it - it's lovely!!!

We're just going through a few niggles with these new buyers. V nearly there, but DH has taken over the negotiations - he is much much better at it than I am!!! So I'm just relaxing and letting him get on with it. Feel better for it.

Got terrible backache today - do you think this could be impending birth???

actually looks like I c hbn hmngf hgmhmnhnjhnnj hjmnhmngujbn have to chew [yuk}

Afternoon all, Effie I hope your train finally made it here!

Gaviscon - the chalky tablets are vile but I got through mountains of chewy rennies - ttp://www.rennie.co.uk/products/soft-chews.htm you can almost pretend they're Mentos and in fact was getting up for one of those in the middle of the night when the first cx of dd started!

pubes - hope ds's bum is better soon. Well, we all have to learn about these things - too much choc makes you feel a bit sick, too many sats make your bum sore!

What a swizz that garage is. They can be so rubbish, DH used to have to take his to Tim Brinton of Cambridge who were without shadow of a doubt the worst garage on the planet, but the only ones round here who stoccked peugeot parts. They would do things like leave the internal light on overnight, then hand over the car with a flat battery and try to charge to recharge it. Or phone to say Yes the car's ready to be picked up, so DH would return the hire car, taxi across to their garage, and then they'd say Oh no sorry, we haven't actually started.

Just took dd to the wimming pool and had one of those "I know you but from where" moments with another mum. We concluded that we must have met at a bumps and babes, even though she was giving me a bit of a "I have no idea who you are" thing. It was only on the way out that I realised we hadn't met before, I'd just read her birth story in the local NCT mag

oh and given the huck-up of the NCT classes last time, would it be potentially risky to sign up now for the 'second time round' classes, given how long there is to go? Given how well most people seem to get on with their NCT gangs (mad FB loons notwithstanding) I'd really like to try and do it this time round...

Exciting news! Since it's DH's birthday next week and he's taken a few days off work, and I'm unlikely to have a summer holiday at all (maybe another weekend in Glasgow to see the new niece/nephew, then he's off to Venice...) he's booked us into Calcot Manor for 2 nights to have a bit of a spa and pamper it's a kind of joint birthday pressie for both of us, plus a chance to have a bit of 'us' time with S in the creche - may not be many more chances for that sort of thing before the next one arrives. Hurrah! Avo I think you've been haven't you, it looks v fab

Beans, seeing her proud little face is absolutely the best bit. I know most of the other nippers were walking ages ago (in some cases, six months or more ago!) but we did despair of ever seeing her on her feet. It seems really strange. I don't know how long walking will take from here, probably yonks, but it's nice to see a little progress. Wow, so you are going with the new buyers! How did the old buyers take it? (Only themselves to blame of course). Are you settling into the new gaff ok? Don't go into labour yet! I wanted to see you beforehand and I am not in town until next Monday and Tuesday!

ZJ, I am convinced she can only say the words she can because she has just been sitting on her bum the last few months. I don't know what a child development guru would say, but that's my hunch. Sorry your DD has been so accident prone. Ugh, it's awful when they hurt themselves.

Rubes, I am about the car man. Tosser. They do try it on, these fellows. We have got major trouble with the car which is going to cost £1500-£2000 to fix but it's far cheaper to do that than buy an equivalent car. At the moment DP is in a rather knackered old Mercedes which has been lent to him by a friend. The friend wants me to buy it for £500 If I get some money in, I might. It's certainly roomy, and safeish. Hurrah for Spain. I know that last minute holiday panic well, we seem to do it every time despite my best efforts. You're gone for 10 days, right?

Urbane, that's very good about the gala dinner. GOOD LUCK for the interview tomorrow - sock it to 'em.

And now, a shaggy dog story. We have ordered our slate kitchen tiles from Wickes and have had a fair amount of shenanigans about when they are going to be delivered, as the weight of 220 slate tiles is well over a ton and due to the geography of our new house, they can only be dropped at the end of a long path. We have been dealing with one particular chap with a fairly unusual name, let's call him Jim Toffee, and called to speak to him on Monday and he wasn't there as he was on jury service. Anyway, he's turned up on the jury in DP's trial this week so DP had to stand up and declare to the judge that although he had never met Jim Toffee, they have had several telephone conversations about kitchen tiles And then the defence counsel (unusually DP is prosecuting, which he doesn't do often) had to have a conflab with the accused to see if the accused minded. Poor old Jim Toffee apparently looked terrified, but I think it's rather funny.

jj oops re the lady in the swimming pool. If you like I will subtly ask R how booked up the second time round NCT courses get as I bet she will know. I don't think they are as high demand as the first time round ones, though they do do less of them. I thought of doing it but with moving house I thought I might be a bit too busy. I think second time round it is just for the ladies apart from one class that is everyone (which kind of makes sense as you need childcare 2nd time round)

JJ, I am about Calcot Manor (not a million billion miles from here, either) but very very pleased for you! Best and swishiest spa in the Cotswolds, for sure.

I was wondering what you had decided about Venice.

SL I will have a look on the NCT website and see what they say - R probably has enough on her own plate as it is!

LadyT - that story about Jim Toffee is hilarious! Could they reasonably have binned him as juror if the defendant wasn't happy?

Venice, we've kind of concluded that it will be very very hard for me and dd to get out there, so unless there's some kind of miracle I'll be staying in the UK. Unfortunately my Dad is going to be in Canada with DB and his family at exactly the same time so I can't go and stay with him to be looked after. I suppose we could always go to Glasgow, I'm sure it would be fine to stay with the IL's without DH there as a protecting shield between me and MIL.

ahahhhaaaaahahahahaaaaaahahaaaahahahaaaa.

Sorry, I must have been overcome by some madness there!

Lady, that's wierd. Did they let him stay on the jury?
Also, congrats on O's standing. With us it was a very short transition from standing to cruising, but longer to walking. Sure she'll be on the move in no time.
I'm stuck waiting for a Wickes delivery at the moment and getting severe cabin fever. DS is on a play date this afternoon so I could actually go shopping without worrying about the 3 o'clock pick up, but what's the betting that the delivery turns up at 4pm?! So annoying.
We've finally heard back from HMRC about winding up the family business and it is basically not good news, so we are now in a flat spin to get all shares paid out ahead of next weeks budget announcement, which I just can't see happening. Therefore our purchase of the cottages is on very shaky ground at the moment. All very depressing but I am trying to keep positive and believe that it might still happen.
Has anyone else's DC been through the screaming phase? DD is driving me insane with full on ear-piercing yells at regular intervals, usually when I'm on the 'phone. She just laughs at me when I tell her off, so now I am squirting her with water every time she does it, but she finds that even funnier.

OH my God! that last post I had half written and ds got hold of my computer when I was dealing with the loft insulation man who came around!! He must have posted for me!!

I think you are wise about Venice, actually, knowing the circs and more importantly, how horrendous it is with a buggy and in summer.

But yes, if the defendant said so, and was worried that the prosecution counsel and a juror were in cahoots, poor old Jim Toffee would have been turfed off DP has to declare even the tiniest, weeniest interest. It's a good job I would do jury service in London where I pay me council tax, as the likelihood of my knowing a barrister/solicitor/court clerk in Oxford is quite high, so would be unlikely ever to serve.

Katie, how did your GTT go? That is a bugger about HMRC...I am really really crossing my fingers. Damn damn damn, does an accountant know any dark art to get you round it? Yeah, Jim Toffee stayed in situ. And yes, we have those screams here sometimes. They drive me demented.

Lady that's a hilarious story! What a coincidence. Meant to say, great news for O's standing. She'll be running around in no time - then watch out. Was going to say it might be overwhelming being pregnant and having to chase after her so much (like I am finding it) but then again, knowing O, she'll just elegantly walk over to a chair and sit in it and play! no we are only away for a week - well not even. Back Tuesday night. So glad we got our ferry confirmed (since I am on a really reduced rate through work they only confirm it 3 days out! ) but all is well and since we are saving loads we are getting the 4 berth cabin but bummer they only have inside one's left - hope the crossing isn't rough as I get car sick while pg so God only knows
Right must get some docs to the kennel, get to Tesco, pick up the car, and pack

I haven't got around to ringing for the results yet. I'm seeing the Dr on Thursday so might just wait until then to find out. Unfortunately our accountants are seemingly very 'provincial' and don't seem to have any back up plans. In fact we have been going to them with ideas of ways to get around this, most of which don't seem to have even occurred to them.
God I'm so bored. Have loads to do but just don't have the energy today, I just want this delivery to arrive so that I can go and partake in some retail therapy

Rubes, if you have time, Boots sell these wristbands with a sort of a bobble that presses a certain point on your wrist, to prevent travel sickness. They might sell them at the port. They might be a load of guff, of course...but I used them last time as I get boat sick. In fact, I have a spare set and could have sent them to you, dash it.

Funnily enough the GP's surgery has just called and the Dr wants to see me for a double appointment this week. So it's not looking good. Today just keeps getting better!

Aw Katie, what a pain. You definitely need the retail therapy when Wickes have been.

Re: CGT, I may be grasping at straws here but will you be paying CGT on the property or the shares? Because it is widely predicted that unquoted shares will enjoy generous CGT exemptions. Here's a link for you, anyway emergency budget predictions

oh yes the pressure point wrist bands - I've seen them. Just hoping I will be OK as I'm not normally too bad if not preggo and past the sicky stage

JJ I've got to get those yummy tasting ones I think. Will get some when I'm out today.

DS is being a bugger - won't eat anything (except Satsumas and toast) as he has bad teeth. Just wants to go outside and play but I can't watch him and really must get out to do some things before we leave.

Right must get on with it

Kiwi - wanted to say congratulations to minimisskiwi, really glad the sleep thing is going well - long may she keep it up!

JJ - I've been to Calcot Manor (for one night when DD was tiny). It was fabulous even though DD didn't cooperate. Have a great time.

Beans - glad you got the upper hand on the house. And on the hospital thing, I'd stick with the devil you know. 10 mins more on the journey won't make any difference unless you are one of those that go from 0 to 60 in half an hour, in which case you'll probably be giving birth in the car anyway (not that you will, but you know what I mean).

LadyT - amused by the jury story! Have twice been unable to do jury service and would really love to have a go at it one day and see what it looks like from that side of things (not that I do the kind of law that has me in front of juries anyway).

Rubes - the car thing sounds like a real pain, but glad you saw through him. Have a fab holiday.

Katie - sorry if it sounds like GD and about the tax situation. On the screaming thing, the DCs think it is very funny to scream at the tops of their voices. Sometimes we manage to persuade them that it would be amusing to hum at each other instead.

Trace - glad the pox is passing.

WG - I can see why the toddler music class would be terrifying, but I am sure you will be fab, good luck with it.

Hi there, and greetings from zombie land! T's fever and cough got steadily worse last night and he genuinely didn't sleep or stop crying until 4am . Then DP had to leave for Amsterdam at 6 so am only just hanging in there. Thank God for friends though - I went to see my friend this afternoon and she took her little boy (who is great mates with T) and T to the park for over an hour while I read a book and listened to the WC podcast and generally had a relax. I think he's a bit better and wonder if it might just be epic teeth (though can't se why there would be so much mucus there).

Thanks for all your suggestions as to what it might be - he does have another appointment with the respiratory consultant at the hospital in October (the one who said there was nothing wrong with him) so will see what they have to say. It was just really annoying last time because it was the one day where he was on absolutely top form and no rattling at all. Since then he's just gone from cough and cold to another, and seeing as how it's summer I wouldn't think it'd be normal to have so many. Interesting about the allergies - he has already had a test for dairy which was negative, but considering we are not exactly houseproud there could well be a dust situation. [guilt].

Rubs i hope you have a fantastic trip and really get a chance to relax. Annoyed on your behalf about the shinky mechanic too.

Katie, it must be a worry for you on both fronts, I hope the appointment isn't as bad as you think and that you get the right advice on the tax situation.

JJ, very about your spa weekend. What a good idea. Just the kind of thing DP and I should do (rather than go away and see friends and drink too much and sleep too little).
I'm also wondering about the NCT thing as I didn't do it first time round, but I also have the fear. I am so unclubbable as soon as I feel like i have to make friends I just go and sod off on my own.

Beans, glad your DH is stepping up on the house front, and that it's making you feel a bit calmer. Fingers crossed it all goes ok!

WG I think you'll be fab at the toddler group, I can just imagine you doing it! How is the couples counselling going btw, if I'm not being too nosy?

LadyT, that's funny about the tiling man, do you get many good anecdotes off your DP? My dad (the anniversary of whose death it is today) was a judge and he used to have some pretty good stories to tell. In fact he discovered that his future wife (my late stepmum) appeared in front of him on a poll tax charge in the 80s - little did he know!

Last night was made worse by the fact that I'd spend most of the evening crying my eyes out, DP and I are just not getting on at the moment (not helped by the fact we haven't had sex since we conceived no.2) and I took it so far in my head last night that I was working out how I was going to cope on my own with two children etc. I can't pinpoint exactly what it is (other than constant irritation with each other and no physical contact) but I've never felt so disconnected.

Oh lordy better go, T coughing his little guts up

Spot - you are getting no sleep at the moment. That is enough on its own to make anyone feel like utter crap. I am not surprised you feel constant irritation with each other, with that simple fact alone! Other big thing, as one who ostensibly works from home is: a) it messes with your head, being on your tod that much and b) puts pressure on your relationship if DP is pretty much your only adult contact (believe me, I know ALL about this). This is without the crazy soup of pregnancy hormones whirling around your system, exacerbating everything. And your potential move on the horizon! And a poorly toddler! I am just sorting out O at the moment but will be back on later, with my thinking cap.

Do we think Beans is in labour?

Oh, and Invis, are you feeling more chipper this week?

Bugger I posted earlier just after Invis but for some reason it's disappeared. Dammit. It wasn't that interesting just abou high pitched squeals (I actually got them to test DS2's ears the other day as I feel it's not normal!) & what we got up to today. Oh and I grumbled about the fact that some bugger stole one of the roses out of my front garden.

Oh Spot poor you, I have to say it really cannot help things that your DP is away so much. I don't know how you cope being somewhere new and him being away so much. On the consultant thing, could you video MrT next time he's unwell and has the bad cough. I know it's not the same as the doctor being able to listen to a yukky chest but it will show him what his cough is like and how unwell he gets with it. Hey have you got your cleaner yet? I'm not surprised you house is not squeaky clean, you barely have time to eat let alone clean.

Aahhh DH is back tomorrow hooray!!! I've stupidly gotten roped into helping with games of some description at DS1's school sports day tomorrow. I just want to chill out at home and have coffee, we had a busy day today and I want to chill tomorrow.

I love the name Lisette, DS1's non religious godmother is called Lisette.

Did anyone else cry when they saw that North Korean player cry during his national anthem?

I have to find DS1 a nice little outfit for the wedding next weekend. I told him today that we would go shopping to find something nice to 'dress him up in'. DS1 got quite excited and said 'i know I could dress up as a pirate!'. There is no explaining to him now that that is not the kind of dress up I meant.

Lady I love that story of John toffee. Bless him for looking scared. If he doesn't do jury duty will you get your tiles earlier.

I'm watching the game on a Dutch channel, so much of this language just sounds like swear words.

I'm glad you sorted that mechanic out Pubis, I've got so many stories of dodgy mechanics it's not funny. Also you ladies with the dodgy tummies you know you can get Gaviscon on prescription don't you. Lightening I was drinking a bottle every few days of that stuff. I also used a homeopathis remedy that was good but neither lasted long so I used to alternate.

I need chocolate.

Oh my goodness she did say something about back pain didn't she. Did they dump the stupid people who were extending the exchange date, I thought they had handed the money to their lawyers, but she said something about the new buyers.

Right half time, cup of tea.