Dec 08 Ladies welcome to the new Bean, next stop, Summer.

[Veggiemummy]

Sorry very boring had to think quickly, not my best feature

Flying message from work, for Beans if you're checking today. There is a woman in our area advertising maternity nurse/night nanny services so I asked her about her rates. She said £90 for 9 pm - 7 am, but she is flexible about hours, happy to help with daytime routines, etc. She said she can easily travel to Streatham (she's East Dulwich, so not far). Not sure how that price compares, but if you want to look into it I can pass along her details.

Back to work but hopefully time for more later!

Beans just remembered as far as routine stuff something that really helped me with sleep routine was someone on here saying that babies will fall back to sleep 90 mins after they wake up. I gave put him down for a nap 90 mins after waking in the morning, then 90 mins after waking from that nap etc etc and it was amazing it really worked. I would just put him down and he'd go off to sleep. I never had that with DS1 & in hindsight I left it until he looked tired which was obviously too late and he was by then overtired and would get upset. Not sure if that's helpful but just thought I would pass it on. Also I've sent you a message on FB.

Avo I'm so pleased you had a good weekend and rock on DD2!

Bloody stupid Itouch 4 upgrade, it's limiting my post lengths (thank goodness I hear you cry!).

Lady I haven't forgotten the 7th I'm just a bit held up at the moment as I have friends thinking of coming to visit who are yet to give dates and also DS1's little school friends is having a day at the Dolphinarium for her birthday in the first week of August but her mum hasn't given us a day yet. Once I know for sure I'll let you know.

I took DS1 to the GP today as he has a really painful mouth and has teeny tiny spots in between his fingers so could be hand foot & mouth but main thing is he can't eat or drink so wanted the GP to prescribe a mouth wash or nystatin to sort it out & the pain. He was really dismissive and didn't even get up from his desk to look in his mouth let alone prescribe pain relief. He told me name of what it is but only in Dutch so I think he may have just thought it was ulcers. It quite clearly isn't. I asked if he thought it was contagious but he said no. I'm really annoyed with him. He seemed unconcerned that a4 year old bot can't eat or drinkand said without worry that it would last for 2 weeks. DH was angry & took him to the pharmacy and they recommended a mouth drops thing which numbs the pain and finally he is eating. I should have just done that yesterday but I wanted to take him to the GP first. I'm sick of this GP, I registered with them because I wanted to be in the Dutch system but I just don't trust them. So we are going to register with the international clinic.

Sorry that last paragraph was written blind because of this stupid new upgrade.

Effie that's not fair that your going to have to use your holidays to catch up on work.

Thanks Veg - it's all coming back to me now - I remember it from DD1. DH would have them both up for hours on end if he could.

Now, I have 2 enormous thank yous - but first - just want to check you're ok, Pubes? Hang in there - not long now...

Firstly - EFFIE - holy COW! Are you ever an amazing knitter? That is the best jumper I've ever seen - in or out of a shop. And even DH was totally in awe - thinks it's gorgeous - and so do I. Honestly, incredibly beautiful. If you're ever at a loose end and want to knit more, we have an ever open door - honestly - amazing. And so kind - thank you! Thank you letter posted!

And to KIWI - she's just been round and done me a lovely Sainsburys shop and brought all sorts of lovely gifts. What a hero. Thank you thank you. It was lovely to see you and the ever gorgeous Lily! She is a delight. I also think she may have lesbian tendencies and fallen for Whizzer. But hey, didn't see Whizz objecting to the open-mouthed kissing. Until it became nose-sucking! But it was just the sweetest thing! So thank you to you too!

Poor poor DS1, VEggie. Sounds miserable. And the GP sounds crap - I'd definitely go to international clinic as they should at least take the time to explain to you in English. When you get a good GP, it's lovely, but when not, you wonder why on earth they get paid so much!

And Mom - just saw your post about maternity nurse. Thanks so much for that. Am feeling somewhat recovered since DH has taken on the 10-11pm ish feed and am going to see how I'm doing in a couple of weeks. But if am still struggling, then may get in touch about it - if that's ok?

x

Hello everyone,

WG and mom Hurrah for sucessful scans! I'm really happy for you both.

veggie That's rubbish that the GP didn't even look. Hope the mouthwash sorts it out. Although urgh at nystatin! I had some after my op and it was VILE!

trace Wow at P sleeping till after 10. That is fantastic! You'll be keeping them up till 8 more often now .

kiwi I know how you feel on the DC2 question. I know we want another but it can feel as though it is now or never because there are lots of people getting reclackered on here and in RL, plus people ask 'when are you having another?' all the time! Don't fret if you don't feel ready yet.

I'm sure there was more I wanted to say so I'll prob be back in a bit. My MIL is an angel today. I asked if she would have DD today as I've loads of work to do before my contract ends next week. I went up to drop her off and she gave me a pot of homemade dhal (she made it especially for me as I like Indian food), some yogurt and a sprig of mint from the garden (garnish!) for my lunch. Isn't that the kindest thing?!

JB I would probably have cried at that. What an angel of a MIL.

LadyT - how rubbish about the appointment not til October. Just a thought, but how mobile is O now? DD's eating really took off when she started walking, as it uses up so much more energy, so might it be that once O is up and about a lot more she'll get hungry and realise she does want food after all? Things to try - cheese straws, if she likes crisps? They can be good and calorific and full of butter and cheese.

bras - I got 'measured' at R&P at 30F. Struck me as remarkable that that's the kind of size you can only find in horrendously expensive specialist shops... especially as I went back there a month later and came out with a 32D That's the size I was before DD, so can still fit into some of my old bras, only now I just fold my boobs into the cups

avo I am so jealous of Latitude - DD's godfather's wife took their kids (not his scene one little bit) and sounds like they had a top time as well, though she did moan about the teens in the next door tent still making noise after midnight and dd2 sounds like a total festival animal! What a star!

summer glad the move went so well! I have a card for you that's been in my bag for days, every evening I get home and go Oh, forgot to post the card again If you want to borrow some swaddling stuff, we have a couple of differrent kinds that you'd be welcome to try. One is a miracle blanket with the pocket at the bottom, the other's just a funny shaped doodah [tm]. Lady how do you swaddle using a shirt? I'm picturing poor O tied up like a straitjacket!

Cambridge meet-up - well we're under the flight path from Cambridge airport so if people want to bring their little plane spotters and chuck them in our back garden, you'd be very welcome!

beans re sling, it was indeed a close carrier here though they've gone up a bit since I bought ours DD did love it, though you may remember I used it a bit too much and there was a long time when she'd only nap in it, which was a bit knackering. Next baby will learn to nap on a flat surface, thank you very much!

rubs hope poor ds's bum gets better soon

Oh Jolly what a lovely thing to do. Your MIL is a star! Has she ever given you that Dahl recipe by any chance I love it & am now feeling like some.

I have a friend coming to visit tomorrow, she is single so she is being very brave visiting us with our boys.

JJ meant to say well done on the verbal advancement. DS2 latest one is 'down'. But he doesn't say it in context, he just kind of sings the word over & over again. I don't know if maybe he heard a song with it in it. The other thing which is cool is he started saying 'woah' in a late 80's movie stoner kind of way. He says it to express his amazement at just about everything.

sorry, being selfish and only posting about myself when have read through and have much to say. just quickly - need advice as going to portugal with madam on my own on easyjet tomorrow. apparently i only get to take ONE piece of handluggage for both of us. i.e. i can't take a handbag and a changing bag. WTF??? i wanted to take enough nappies in case we get delayed, a change of clothes for her, for me, some books, some food for her, etc etc. i cannot imagine how that is going to happen.

any advice/experience???

Wg ime they do enforce the one bag rule it is a right pain in the arse. I had a suitcase and one tiny handbag and they made me cram the tiny handbag in the suitcase before getting on the plane. (not at check in though just at borading). But they will let you get on with one piece of luggage plus a massive plastic bag of anything bought after checkin so it makes no sense. Can you take a small suitcase with a lightweight canvas bag inside to unfold and use when you get there

Glad you got it Beans! I honestly loved knitting it, baby clothes are ace because they knit up so quickly. Unfortunately I have also promised to knit DH a jumper and have landed myself with a 44 inch fisherman's guernsey on teeny needles. In navy. Grrrr. Still, I'm up for a bit of light relief in the way of cute hats and baby cardis if anyone's interested!

Rubes: glad you're getting a break, even if you have to sit about in hospital. And another great MIL story from Jolly . There are def some good ones out there, mine is really helpful too. We will draw a veil over interfering MILs who ring up stressed parents (poor LadyT, you are very patient).

Veggie: what a dude! I thought at first you meant he was doing a Billy Joel impression. Perhaps you could teach him.

Great to hear from you JJ, hope the tiredness passes soon.

Bet I've missed loads out, but I need to post this before the phone has a hissy fit.

WG I second what summer said you can buy stuff on the other side and take that plastic bag on. So food drink etc can be bought on the departures side after security like at boots or something. Nappies & clothes are trickier but could you take just spare light dress for her as it's lighter than a shirt & shorts. I never pack more than 3 nappies anyway and even with delays that should do but also most airports have those vending machines with nappies & wipes. Believe me I know it's tempting to pack for the 'just in cases' but after over 25 (I stopped counting then) flights with children and going in with a load of crap I didn't need and having to rifle through it all to find the things I did need, I've found it's best to go for less is more. You can always buy food onboard or just take snacks and worst comes to worst if clothes get dirty it's just a short flight you'll be there soon enough. Oh and books for her one will do, but little toys are helpful and I know this sounds indulgent but something cheap smal & cheerful bought from the airport is great as it's new & exciting and will keep her entertained for slightly more than 5mins. Right I've rambled better go.

SL and VG - what fantastic advice, thanks! madam didn't sleep for 4 hours last night, and then has slept for 10 MINUTES today. i am slightly at my wits end. let's hope she sleeps on the flight tomorrow.

Oh dear WG that must be hard. DD didn't sleep for my MIL today (her halo slipped a bit there!), maybe it is the humid weather. Hope the flight goes well. I saw a really good airport sticker book the other day. That might be an idea to keep her amused on the flight.

DD went to bed early after no naps today, hence I'm posting now!

Evening all! Had lovely morning visiting Beans and Whizzer and Pru - so teeny tiny and cute! DD did indeed attempt to snog Whizzer though she then attempted the same with my friends 7 month old boy so hey, I guess she's bisexual . Beans I had totally forgotten about the one book we really found great - I cant remember what it's called so I'll go find it later but basic premise is what Veggie said about 90 min sleep cycle, it really really works.

WG I've flown easyjet three times with DD and they've never enforced a one bag rule with me, and with pushchair too..! Tho maybe I've just been lucky. I'd just cram everything into one bag then you can always decant into the plastic bag from your shopping..

Oh and best cheap airport toy as Veggie suggests is, for us, the BBC night garden magazine. Stories plus cheap plastic toy which DD always loves and for 1.99 = bargain!

WG another tip for the plane is don't bring all her toys and books out at once let her get bored enough to need them first. Start off by letting her get excited about the plane and the take off etc. once the novelty has worn off from that, have a chat or tell a story, once that gets boring open up the little tray table (if there us room to do that) kids love the tray table. Then maybe bring a toy out, then if you bought her a new toy bring that out. Really space things out and introduce new stuff as she gets bored. Now I may get burned at the stake for this one and I completely understand if you don't want to do this but our last resort with DS2 for keeping him from practicing the 100meters hurdles on the plane seats is to give him a lollipop. I know at this age that's really bad and believe me DS1 didn't knowingly have anything like that until he was 2& a half. But with DS2 we use it as a back up plan because it stops him and focuses him on one task for the duration of the lollipop. It's a little easier with just one as you can give her your full attention but if you find she is starting to lose it the lollipop helps. Oh & no noisy toys. Otherwise nightmare trip for everyone.

Oh yeah the kids magazine things are great they have stories in them so you could even cut back on your book supply for the plane.

Cheeky kiwitot, younger men, you go girl, your only as old as the man you feel.

Veggie I was going to say in desperation, chocolate buttons! But lollipop much better idea because it lasts longer and is less messy..!

Veggie did you catch up with the tour today? Feel v sorry for schleck although I think contador was probably right to carry on (especially as he stopped at spa). Edge of the seat stuff though. I really thought he might narrow the gap more on the climb

I know, I tipped a schleck brother to win so I was so excited when he attacked then was gutted when the chain problem happened. It's tricky really because if a rival has an accident, generally the opposing rival will slow down and wait up for the other to recover. However, Schleck didn't actually have a crash, he lost a chain as a result of his acceleration. Personally I don't think Contador should have slowed up, but he shouldn't have attacked. But I guess you've got to take your chances when you have them. I do like the Schleck's though and it was sad when the other brother crashed out early on. Personally I don't like Contador so I was happy when he got booed when he got the yellow jersey. DS1 is obsessed with the yellow jersey. I wish they did kids sized ones.

WG how about a gobstopper that will proper keep her busy

Avo super of Latitiude am so going next year with the horrors.

Had a disaster today. Opened up the garage this morning to get something out of the big freezer to find our entire wine, champagne and spirits collection lying shattered on the floor. The very sturdy told him it would never hold shelving that DH put up had collapsed. There was some pretty expensive bottles of plonk on there. We are gutted me for my grey goose DH for his wine. Am hoping the insurance company may pay out. [ever hopeful] Silve lining though our very favourite champagne bilicart salmon rose was on another shelf phew.

BAck tom with more personals off to bed.

Ooh apart from woohoo 1 week to go until mini rubes arrives.

Aaaaahhhhh grey goose...gone!

veggie they do [http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=35392 this] although will still probably be a bit big. That said DS has a small child's football shirt that is down to his knees that he absolutely loves...he had the final class of his football course today and our lovely nanny is slightly obsessed by the fact that DS might be very good at football so got the coach to say that of all the boys he had 'potential'. My take on it is the coach fancies our very pretty nanny and DS in fact has no more potential at football than me. Hope your DS1's mouth is better. Grrr at rubbish GP.

Avo latitude sounds great. And am of florence. it's our favourite thing to do in the car atm - put dog days on really loud and dance like loons. I am a big fan of in car dancing because it embarrasses DH and makes DS and DD laugh like drains...

summer v glad move went well

and wg have a good time in portugal.

gah had more to say but should scuttle off as DH needs to sleep. Night all