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

[Veggiemummy]

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

Oh Jam, that sounds worrying, hope he is OK.
jj how awful for your friend. Very difficult with you being similar in due dates as well. Sorry I don't have any good advice as I am hopeless at things like that but I would definitely acknowledge and say how sorry you are and then take cues from her about how much she wants to talk.
avo hurrah for tiddlyness and end of term.
Well DS in big trouble with me for hitting my friends 3 month old with some Duplo. He definitely did it on purpose as I was changing his nappy while my friend dealt with her older one and he didn't like it. The good news is he understood he was in trouble I think.
Well it feels like I am getting massive pressure on my cervix and lots of movement that is making it really hurt, sadly I don't think this is contractions though. But maybe it means something is happening!

Hi everyone, thanks for your suggestions last week about DD?s rash ? I think it was viral, as she had 2 very sad and grumpy days afterwards, and then suddenly cheered up and started eating with a vengeance and has been a delight ever since. I don?t like it when she?s poorly . Example of what a cutie she is, in the following ?conversation?:
This morning she had a bit of a lie in, as we didn?t have to rush to nursery.
ZJ: Did you enjoy your lie in?
DD: Roar
ZJ: No, I didn?t say lion
DD: Da
ZJ: I said lie in
DD: Roar roar

I have caught up, but some of my comments are quite out of date now (I read in a funny order and confused myself!), so ignore me if it?s completely irrelevant now

LadyT in reference to lifting (or not) after a CS ? my friend's DDs have a similar age gap between them as your girls will. She set up a coffee table and little chair for her DD1 to eat at and cuddles with DD1 were always on the sofa, where she could climb up to Mummy. And someone else ALWAYS lifted in and out of the cot. With DD2, she had a big high carriage pram and did all the nappy changes, clothes changes etc in that, that she hardly had to bend at. It worked really well for her. And yay for the cruising, well done O

I am loving Effie?s sling expertise ? it is completely taking me back to Nov 2008, when we were all very big and looking forward to carry our babes around in arms (or slings) rather than our bellies

Trace further to Veggie?s suggestion of giving yourself a little break over the summer holidays ? can I tempt you into York for a big piece of cake one lunchtime? And where did you have your tea on the way back from Brid? I live almost on the route back to York from Flamborough and there are some lovely pubs around here

Jam I am so sorry to hear about your wine. I?d be gutted (and probably would have tried to lick some up ). It sounds scary and worrying about your DH, I hope they identify the problem quickly

Hi Deidre, I?m glad your holiday has been a good one and its lovely to have you back

Beans DD was at least 6 weeks before we started to take her up to bed in the early evening ? until then she just came up when we went up (or when DH went up, as I was often in bed as soon as tea was finished). I still think Pru is so little and you?ll start to see some pattern emerging soon. Every post of yours I read, I just think you are fab, as it is absolutely something I wouldn?t cope with a jot and you appear to have some control (in as much as is possible when there?s children involved ? who I?ve learnt, are the masters of control). And among my friends ? we have 10 children, 9 of which of are girls ? tis great, as I get loads of hand me downs and hardly have to buy anything

Mom have a fab holiday, I hope the flight goes ok

Good luck with the new job next week Jolly, it sounds v exciting. How long does this contract last? BTW, what outfit did you go for, for the interview in the end? Obviously worked a treat!

How sad JJ. I am fortunate to not have experience to help ? but do you know C well enough to send a message/note/phone call to say you?re thinking of her and want to support her, but understand that circumstances may make it awkward and that you?ll wait until she?s ready to see you ? be it sooner or later. Lots of white light and thoughts from me. And Jam, I didn?t know you?d had a mc, you poor thing

Summer I am sending contracting vibes, I am hungry for more new baby news ? Beans and Rubes have whet my appetite!

In the last couple of weeks, DD has become such an independent and grown up girl all of a sudden ? she?s insisting on feeding herself, brushing her own teeth, putting her own shoes on etc (not that she can do any of that, but I admire her persistence) ? and the last 2 nights has even read her own bedtime stories, babbling away and turning the pages. I am both v proud and impressed with her, and v sad that she doesn?t need me anymore. And (I don?t know if these things are connected at all), I am suddenly very broody ? much more so than I ever was when we were TTC DD (even though she was much wanted and tried for) ? its scaring me slightly! I don?t know whether to start discussing it with DH, even though we?ve agreed for ages to wait until next year, when his work will be more conducive to lots more time at home. In the meantime, I?ll just live my dreams through our lovely new mums and clackered ladies.

Yet again, 11pm has crept round, despite me promising myself I?d be tucked up at 9.30pm. Oh well, no work tomorrow, which means that my weekend has already started

Ta ra xx

Morning ladies

jam sorry to hear DH is in hospital, I hope test results come in soon and he is home soon.

rubes You are amazing all those visitors so soon after your c/s. I was exhausted reading...try to rest as much as you can though, it might catch up with you once it all quietens down.

JJ so sorry to hear about your friend. I have no experience but WG advice sounds very good.

ZJ love your convo with DD

Exciting news here I have a new washing machine. Oh and I am out with my friends tonight (guilt free DH is all for it - he really is trying I think).

DS still a nightmare with his eating though. Before we went away he would eat everything and anything. Then after 2 weeks away of eating virtually nothing he appears to have carried on the trend. he will only feed himself and usually refuses his 'meal' and just ends up eating toast/yoghurt all day. So bloody annoying.

Rubes that sounded dreadfully patronising...didn't mean it to sound like that

sneaky at work catch up here...

Deirdre it's great to hear you sounding so happy, am really pleased that DH is trying to sort himself out and that you had a good break.

zj dd sounds like such a peach! Let me share a couple of similar proud mummy moments. We have a book called Yummy Yucky, where eg. blueberries are yummy, blue crayons are yucky. On the page with Fish fingers are yummy, fish fingers are yucky, she'll often try to 'feed' me the fish fingers (you know the thing, pinches the page to pick them up...) but yesterday she fed the fish some of the fish food And she's finally learned to ask to get down from the table by poitning at the floor, rather than whinging and writhing in her tripp trapp and nearly falling off the side. Go on, have another one...!

SL eek to the violence. Stern talking to and removing from the situation seems to be the answer.

my poor pal C has been very brave, we're pretty close and had been chatting excitedly about the babies her folks have come up to look after her for a few days and she sent me a very brave text saying she wanted to hear about our scan results - but that may just be a brave face. Thanks again for all the helpful comments.

RIGHT, MIL and her DH have buggered off home, DP is at Trent Bridge watching the cricket (second bout of international cricket in a month, which is odd as I am supposed to be the cricket enthusiast) and DD is asleep, though I have to wake her up for supper shortly! It wasn't too bad with the outlaws in the end - got back from Mum's about 9 last night, then had already arranged to meet my FIL (ie DH's dad) for lunch in Oxford today and DP's Mum wanted to take DD out for the day to Blenheim Palace down the road, so I have barely seen them. Of course, the moments when I have have been toothgrinding, but I try vv hard not to let it show. I am charm and assiduousness itself. What a hypocrite

JJ, I am so sorry about your friend. How rotten. I wouldn't know what to say either, as a mc is a very particular kind of bereavement, of which I have no experience. I guess as with any other bereavement, most people want the chance to talk about and have their loss recognised, rather than brushed under the carpet. Poor girl. I hope she can find some comfort, some way or somehow.

Jam, I am pleased to note from FB that your DH is out. Any further hint about what the prob is? I tell you, I winced when you said he's had a lumbar puncture - I've had one and jeepers, it's vile. I do hope you get to the bottom of it all soon. Keep us posted.

Well, DB, I expect you are now out on the town. Hurray! And double hurray that your DH is making such an effort, it is such lovely news.

Ooh, g'won ZJ, have another I did laugh about 'lie in'. You are totally right about having lots of handy high up spots after my c-section to avoid bending. I think I am going to install DD(1) in her travel cot downstairs for naps, which has a zip exit in the side...

Summer, I reckon you will have a baby this weekend or early next week! That is what my tea leaves are telling me! (I don't drink tea and I am not even faintly psychic, but I did suspect that I wasn't going to be seeing Beans on the Tuesday we had all arranged, and we didn't as she had her DD2 at the weekend!) So I have form

Yay for the hols, Avo! It must feel super! I feel much more philosophical about everything today.

You probably aren't checking in, Rubes, but if you are I just wanted to remind you of this place which is at the end of the path to my new cottage, just on the village green where you parked. When we are moved in and I have recovered from the cs, you can come over and there will be two spare bedrooms if you want to stay, and all sorts of travel cots, and we can do shifts of looking after the four children whilst the other one goes for a beauty treatment. And if anyone else fancies a Cotswold break...you are welcome. Right, must wake DD up!

Me again, it looks like you are all doing something more constructive with your Friday nights. Hmmph! I've had a boring quiet one. Anyway, it looks like the heartburn baton (which I imagine looks something like the Olympic Flame) has been passed on to me I was in such a panic looking for some Rennies or Gaviscon just, that I smashed DP's teapot which he's had for years and which was a present. He isn't going to be pleased. Anyway, I found some Rennie Ice but they aren't really touching the sides. And with that exciting update, I will bid you all goodnight.

Morning all - just wanted to say LadyT, you're v close to one of my best pals from childhood, she lives in the village with initials LH that has a bus museum I might be visiting her in September as part of the grand tour, if you're about and baby not arrived yet (can't remember edd ) it would be lovely to meet up

Ooh, JJ, you would be hugely welcome. My current section date is 29 Sept but that could get brought forward by up to a week yet, but I think your Grand Tour of Britain is earlier? If DP is around he can come and collect you and your DD but if not there are plenty of options as my nearest railway station is the next one down from LH. DP has threatened me with that bus museum on many occasions but I have never quite done anything bad enough Anyway, if we are in the house by then you can stay, should you so wish.

Have you delivered the tea pot news yet LadyT? How did it go? Sorry about the heartburn. I have it too and I'm not even pregnant. Sooooo unfair. I have had it for a week or so and its giving me a really bad cough (odd but true and apparently very common). I have been given super strong drugs which sadly are not available to preggos. They better bloody work otherwise I will be stuck for life.

I thought I would share some property porn. Its my dream house in my neighbourhood. Its my DD's school and overlooks our local park. And its only about 4 million over my budget! Seriously. London prices are stupid. Its a lovely house but with that price tag I would expect a palace.

That should read that it is "by" DD's school.

Sorry its me again. Straying dangerously into the three posts in a row territory.

I wanted to ask for holiday reading recommendations. We are off to the States next week and I want to take a couple of great reads. I want something with a great plot but also something that is well written. Basically LadyT's book sounds perfect... Any ideas?

On a train but have a look at One Day by David Nicholls - looks a bit light but is decently written and his latest one which looks a bit dull has been longlisted for the Booker, and American Wife by Curtis someone. I thought the writing was good and you might find the political dimensions of the later part of the book interesting. Oh, and I'm still enjoying the new Jonathan Coe but I'm a fan. Haven't fessed up about the teapot, will do it face to face...sorry about the heartburn, sounds hardcore!

Lady - just checking in briefly! Yes I remember that place, and yes I'm definitely up for it!
The tribe has gone out for the afternoon, the boy is asleep, the girl is asleep, so peace has set in over the village. It's eerily quiet but welcomed....
I'm going to buy shares in the company who makes Vanish.
Waiting for the m/w to come and do the 5 day heel thingy.
Right, can't stay long as I want to fully enjoy this moment of peace.....
I must day though, so far this child is a dream. I got a bollocking of the midwife for letting her sleep 5 hrs and not waking her for a feed the other night well not really a big bollocking but a tactful advisory.
ds was a pita to burp but this little lady just needs to be tilted upright and one comes out (clearly takes after her mother)
dh let me sleep in this morning and took ds downstairs and fed the 3 cousins too - it was bliss and I feel almost human again actually I'm feeling pretty good.
We went to a lovely pub yesterday afternoon and I was a bit worried about ds's cousins taking him off to this big field (it was on the edge of the pub) as there was a playground but a road on the other side, but cousin 1 is 11 and he is amazing with looking after ds. I think I want him to be my 'Manny' Right must go

m/w just left. He thought the hospital scales might have been off as she looks so teeny, but weighed her and she is within the 10% loss of what they recorded so says it must have been accurate. Doesn't know where she hides the weight! (lucky her for later in life!)
He also told me that the m/w who said I should have woken her for a feed needs to just chill. Said if she fed well and often during the day, then enjoy the 5 hours straight sleep I got! starting to really like this m/w! Took my dressing off and said it all looks A-OK.
Good news so I'm having a spot of daytime cheerfulness to celebrate
Right, it seems I'm here alone, so will head out now as I need to get some more Vanish

Hello,
That house is lovely avo but a tad pricey to say the least! Just imagine all the cleaning with 8 bedrooms too.
Trace were yiu seriously thinking about that other house you posted a while back? I liked it - the extra space in the converted garage would be super handy too.
Avo have you read The Help? Have forgotten who it is by but it is about black housemaids in the south us in the 60s and i couldn't put it down perfect holiday reading I would say. Have also read one day - very easy reading, almost chick lit really despite being written by a bloke - really enjoyed it.
Rubes, where do I put in my order for a baby like yours? Sounds ace - enjoy your peace.
Nothing happening here. Boo. Midwife came round today and i now don't see anyone till 41 weeks unless anything happens. Sigh.
I have just made nigel slaters chocolate brownies that I was making when i went into labour last time in the hope it might work again but they are in the oven now!

Rubes: I hope you aren't CLEANING. Get back on that sofa!

Summer: hope that baby gets moving soon.

I have had a lovely morning in London learning to spin, of all things (wool not exercise). Forgot how tiring it is to travel in the holidays. Too many people.

Was great to see Spot and Pingu last week - the kids coped very well with it all! I popped into the office
on my way back and DS1 charmed them all .

lol I was Effie!!!!
Summer - it's early days.... she's a sleepy little number! I think it's cause she was born at 38 weeks so she still thinks she's in the womb! Or perhaps it's just my perfect parenting skills LOL!!
Nah as I said it's early days and I predict a big tits up scene shortly!
I must say though, with all these visitors, I think it's good training as I'm learning to cope in these conditions, therefore when they all go and it's just the 4 of us for the last few days of dh's Paternity leave, I think it will be so stress free then. Even dh seems stressed having 5 kids in the house. The eldest cousin is a dream and so helpful, but the youngest 2 girls are quite the little nightmare. I just clock off though, and fortunately their 'step mum' (we'll call her) is on best behavior, therefore my comments are not going unnoticed. For eg - "no way in the freakin world is one of those girls sleeping on the couch cause she doesn't want to share a room with her sister" They are sharply thrown back in the room together and door shut on them and told not to come out as "Aunty Rubena may need to come out and breast feed or watch telly or whatever it's her house" and I have no problem at all disciplining my nieces in my own house
Right dh at the shop and it seems they don't sell shout or Vanish???? What, are there no newborns around this part of town????? I'll have to pop to tesco -as IF i can't drive..... it's so stupid this non-driving post section thing!!

Aw, Indith, you are on your tod at the mo, aren't you? How's it going? I deduce from the above you are on your knees (just call me Sherlock).

I am having a quick 15 mins coffee and feet up - 'cept my feet aren't up cos I am doing this - first time today. I had a free return journey to Brum which expired today, so met my Mum in the city centre for a day of shopping/lunch. I know I only left her on Thursday night but she is still on her own as her DP doesn't get back until Monday night and I can't bear to think of her on her own. Anyway, predictably, I am knackered. The train journey is one thing (one change) but the real killer is the one hour bus journey into Oxford at the beginning and end of my trip. Anyhoo, it was lovely but I feel shattered now. DP is back at 9 from his trip up to Nottingham - I will be pleased to see him as I don't feel like I've seen him much recently.

Rubes, it really is smashing to hear you sound in such good spirits and your DD sounds like a poppet. Not that I expected you to be a gloombucket but I just remember that post-cs time as quite hard, when you are recovering and getting used to a newborn. Lovely though, absolutely. If DH can't get your Vanish, why not buy a load from Tescos online? I wish I'd had your Vanish habit last time, as most of O's old babygros and vests look like they have seen better days. They would not pass the Daz Challenge, put it that way Anyway, also pleased to hear that the rellies are behaving.

Summer, are you bothering with all those things that people say send you into labour? I bet they are a load of guff, though. Will this week beginning be your 39th?

Wow, Effie, you have been spinning wool? Golly! Have you made enough to use on something? That sounds quite relaxing. I know what you mean about tourists - Oxford is full of Spanish and Chinese schoolkids with rucksacks, clogging all the pavements

My back hurts and my ankles are a bit swollen, and I only have myself to blame. Off to the house tomorrow for a day of DIY, haven't had one for ages!

Jam, how is your DH?

Hmmm it's late. Had a couple of spots of cheerfulnes and a curry courtesy of db and have just fed dd so i'm feeling bad that she my be a tad cheerful herself.

I'm still shattered, but sadly I don't think it's baby related as such more so family visiting, but I still feel I'm having to ask more than I should for dh to do stuff, which resulted in a small telling off tonight. Totally understand that he's knackered from a build up of sleep debt, but try being me? I think he foregets I've had urgery as all he see's is I'm up and about as normal. He has been helping enourmously - don't get me wrong, but I just feel I shouldn't have to ask for any of it, and he should just be offering left and right, but perhaps I'm over reacting [tired rant over]
Look I'm still awake, and catching up on Big Brother at a quarter to one! it's clealy my own bloody fault!

Anywho, dh has promised breakfast in bed again (granted I did get it yesterday too )
dd is just laying in the middle of the bed on her positioner thingy and watching me type but she's slowly getting really heavy eyelids! And there..... she's asleep....so cute!
Right, must go and get some shut eye myself, I think we're off to the water park tomorrow!

Right, there u go ladies. I totally flipped this morning and have spat the dummy. People better get out of my way.

Go easy on yourself, Rubes. It's not even a week after a big op, a brand new person and all the attendant lack of sleep. Hope you can get a bit of rest.

Oh dear rubes you need to take it a bit easy!! I hope your dh is looking after you. When do your visitors leave? Must be nice to see them but sounds stressful having them all staying

Aargh! Sorry for me post, T has taken to waking for 4 hours in the middle of the night (usually between midnight and 4am) and crying, and nothing seems to work. He doesn't seem to be in pain and giving him painkillers doesn't work. Nor does milk. He doesn't have nappy rash. And when I go to him he just wants to play, but cries again as soon as I leave. He's only sleeping for an hour or so in the day so not too much. Tis driving me insane and has happened for 3 nights on the trot. Anyone else had this???

Was lovely to see Effie and Pingu t'other day, their DCs are dead gorgeous and it was nice to hang out and chat with them n all. I am really impressed with people who use public transport in London with toddlers. We used train, then bus, tube and taxi in total. (Effie i confised the buses and ended up at Euston! Not the Londoner I used to be...).

LadyT after seeing your comments on another thread I think the teapot mistake is more than made up for with the turned off fridge. I hope you get the DIY done today you needed. Rest up though, eh?

Rubes you sound really happy, it's lovely. Long may it continue. and I hope you get a bit more of a babymoon when your guests go. How has DS been?

I know this goes a way back and has been done to death, but Invisible recommended a book for toddlers talking about new babies. Can anyone remember which it was?

Oh and does anyone have any children's CDs they can recommend? We have one firm favourite that T likes in the car but I want to expand a bit. Something not too saccharine..