Minster's 8th Side Car - Best not let the men see our post-partum bodies eh?!

[larrythelizard]

2022 Bumps

DKDK123 10 May💗
bez91 14 May 💛
Minster2012 22 May 💗 (C-section the week before)
whatwonder 5 June 💛
feliznavidad2 5 July 💗
SWAttempting 23 July (will be delivered in June) 💗
paintfairy 24 July 💗
Vil10 1 August 💛
Juno231 11 August 💗
kaylsd 15 August 💛
larrythelizard 18 August 💛
Inkypaper 28 October 💛
BellatrixK 15 November 💛

Sidecar Babies 👶👶👶

Kirky658 11 August 2021 💗
Kate105 14 October 2021 💙
Justanothercyster 10 November 2021 💗
2020Mission 27 December 2021 💙
blackcurrantqueen 17 January 2022 💗
Crazydoglady123 29 January 2022 💗
Haiyaa 1 February 2022 💙
becarefuloutthere 26 February 2022 💗
Lexber 14 April 2022 💗💙

Oh she's beautiful @Minster2012 bet that wine tasted amazing!

I did wonder about teeth @bez91 @DKDK123 but we've been thinking he's just about to teethe for the past 3 months 😂🙈 he keeps looking like it's going to happen and then nothing! Also did wonder about Covid but we're still testing negative 🤞🏻

Sorry about the jab @larrythelizard better luck today! 😂

Attempting to WFH today. What are the chances of PTSD deciding he needs exactly 0 naps today?! And doing another million poos...

Also to answer your previous question @Minster2012 PTSD has decided that the potty is for losers so now just holds it until he's back in a nappy. This is why I am not an earth mother 😂🙈😂🙈😂🙈😂🙈😂

Hate to tell you this @Soph0105 but I'm not sure it gets better. DS is potty trained and out of nappies in the day yet chooses to wait until he has his nappy on at night to poo. So annoying!!

@bez91 I'm leaving the after birth clothes sorting for a while yet, I got caught out with that last time thinking I'd soon be into my pre maternity clothes and hadn't anticipated swelling so much after my section, even my feet I couldn't leave the hospital in the shoes I'd came in with my feet had swollen so much, I had to get DH to fetch me flipflops or Slippers! Nothing exciting here today, have to tidy up a bit as SIL is coming round tomorrow but I'm only doing a light ie everything that's lying out shoved in a cupboard style tidy 😂 Glad to hear your pains have eased off a bit, it could still have been waters slowly leaking or your hind waters so if you feel any more or get any more discomfort definitely go get checked out.

@becarefuloutthere I've been running on about 4 1/2hours sleep for most of this pregnancy I'm so used to it now. Only last night was a particularly brutal 1 1/2hours which hasn't been fun so hopefully I'll manage a nap at some point today.

OMG the swelling is unreal @DKDK123 I feel huge & in a lot of pain today I'm hoping this is the "hard few days" then turn a corner on the pain /walking around maybe for the weekend??

I was thinking this morning oh I need to actually work out what I can wear bra wise now (I'm just hanging around boobs out in pjs) as well as comfortably over the scarring as we are planning some trips to (get Sunday dinner) and we are thinking about getting lunch out on Friday and atm I am just bag lady 😆

@Soph0105 they are little buggers I'm afraid like @larrythelizard says it doesn't change 😉let us know how the WFH goes, I think you'll smash it

Gonna send some washing back with MIL tomorrow, the DTD spare room sheets 😜😆cos obviously we just left those 😂what else can i get her to do???

@becarefuloutthere you know me, priorities 😁🍷

@bez91 im thinking it's close!!! But then not fully engaged hmmmmm not ideal

Get on the peppermint tea @Minster2012 - that and lots of water to drink should help to flush all the fluid through!

@Minster2012 i'm not sure if our walls are good enough to paint. I will see when DH has filled in the cracks! I am still completely not grasping the idea you have a baby. I just cant get my head around it. 😂I know its difficult right now but it will settle - i think we are all in for a shock those first few weeks! And when you already have a toddler the adjustment is much larger. But you will get there. I'm pleased her foot is ok and that you finally made it home! Definitely outsource the washing.
@InkyPaper you got us free tickets for some event. Your parents ran it or something. And my brother was also randomly there. Seemed a nice day out! 😄Never too early for a pregnancy pillow. Also watch how you do other things - sit down to get dressed, keep legs together getting in the car etc. Mine settled by just being mindful. Good news on the tests.
@becarefuloutthere yeah saying how many you want seems easy before the first one turns up! Then suddenly it seems a less than great idea. I said i want 2 but i bet we dont.........
@feliznavidad2 incident with a hoof rasp! Hormonal is normal. I love it when you later look back and realise how irrational it was. Yet at the time it was the end of the world!
@Franklydear lovely blanket!
@DKDK123 Great news on the appointment! Yes, dont question it. And not long left at all before we get another baby! Woop.
@Juno231 Holiday looks amazing! MAT B1 form makes it real! I've filled out all my work stuff today officially. And to make things extra confusing about names - there is a Kate on insta but it wasnt catfish Kate because she is not Kate at all! 🤔😂
@Soph0105 Happy belated birthday! I'll look up the letdown, sounds appropriate.
@Vil10 EA and solicitors are shocking and its never quick, no matter what they say. In fact its a joke. Hassle away.
@BellatrixK Scanxiety is real. But try not to think about it. It will be fine. Friday isnt far now. 😚
@larrythelizard i still have a bruise from my whooping cough and it was 2 weeks ago!?
@bez91 leaking waters? aarrgghhh. Maybe DD senses it.

So - still no car and i'm bored of looking. I thought he might buy one we saw monday but then it suddenly was sold an hour later. Arrrgghhh.
My finger - was a horse related idiotic injury and i think he knocked the hoof rasp into it, whilst being a tit when i was trying to do his feet. I did get antibiotics @Juno231 but havent taken them as it looks ok so far. I'm hoping i wont need to. I spent all day trying to call the GP yesterday but finally got through and i have the stitches out next monday.
God - can anyone else not remember anything? I'm terrible atm. Flipping nightmare. What is your name? Erm? who knows!

Only 2 surprise poos and PTSD had an extra long nap, so even had time for a cuppa once all tedious work admin done. I'd call that a win!

I second the peppermint tea @Minster2012 and try and keep moving. Oh, and make sure you keep on top of the pain meds!

Is MIL a good cook @Minster2012 ? Worth getting her to rustle you up some nice dinners?

The post birth hormones are magic things @paintfairy. Literally no idea what a hoof rasp is but it sounds painful! I bruise like a peach so will expect one.

I've given myself food poisoning this morning with some dodgy apple juice of all things and been sick. Meant to be starting preggo yoga today, hopefully it was just a one off vomit!

@Minster2012 hang out in your PJs and boobs out as much as you want, there's no rush to get 'back to it'. I wouldnt even plan lunches out etc this week, I'd just take it day by day and if you feel like going out for lunch one day great go do it but don't put any pressure on yourself to do anything other than feed Bronte and heal, the last thing you want is to over do it get an infection in your scar and end up back at square one. Move little and often around your own home just to stay mobile and help with the healing but don't plan any big walks or anything just now, one day at a time you'll get there.

@Soph0105 definitley sounds like a win for you this morning!

@larrythelizard hopefully it was just a one off from the apple juice, enjoy your yoga today if you make it!

My baby box from the government arrived today (scotland), I forgot just how many freebies you get in it I'm well impressed! And hopefully colouring in the box will entertain DS tomorrow when he's not at nursery.

@becarefuloutthere no further MW app until I'm overdue but have a growth scan tomorrow. Definitely feeling lots of BH, I didn't have any last time so very strange!

Good luck @Soph0105 working from home, you mad lady!

@DKDK123 oh no, I didn't sort clothes. Literally underwear only 😆 I definitely won't be springing back to pre-pregnancy weight as I have put on a little more I think! I've purposely packed flip flops for that reason. I like your style of tidying! Hope you manage a nap, I've had a quick 30 min one, so ready to get up and do a little

@Minster2012 take it easy, don't do too much too soon as tempting as it can be, I agree with @DKDK123 Keep your boobs hanging 😆 and definitely get MIL to cook if she will or ironing? . This is why mine isn't invited for a few weeks post baby as she'll just come and expect to be weighted on hand and foot

Also no idea what a hoof rasp is @paintfairy but it sounds quite deadly. Baby brain is no fun, I've been ok this time round but last time I think my IQ just fell off the face of a cliff and I was a complete senseless idiot

Oh no @larrythelizard that's not a fun thing to come back up either. Hopefully a one off!

Is this the box they can sleep in @DKDK123 I remember my friend getting one 🥰

That baby box looks fantastic @DKDK123 🤩 🤩 how are you doing lovely?

Ooh that sounds painful @paintfairy but glad it isn't infected. Hopefully it'll all be healed soon once the stitches are out.

Go steady @Minster2012 crikey, be gentle with yourself Mrs! V envious of your glass of wine. Cannot wait for a big G&T now.

This sounds very exciting @bez91 🤞🏻 🤞🏻

Thanks for all the debrief support, you lovely bunch. It was with the doula who I'm doing hypnobirthing with (only a couple of sessions as remember the jist of it from last time).

It was very cathartic and much less upsetting than I thought it might be. I feel quite empowered now for the appt with Obstetrician next Friday as have much more idea of what I'd like to happen this time and the questions to ask if it looks like things aren't going to be as straightforward as I hoped, last time I felt quite railroaded into the decisions that I (we) made.

Whoever recommended Yorkshire midwives TV show - thanks! I'm loving it.

Ahh sorry you're poorly @larrythelizard apple juice, of all things! 😫

@bez91 yea it comes with a mattress and crib sheets so they can sleep in it if you want. I'll put it in DSs room so that if I'm up there playing with him or tidying his room I can shove her in it and don't need to lift the moses basket through. It's way bigger than it looks in pics, I've attached a photo of DS in his at about 4 weeks old, (dont worry he didn't go to sleep with the bib round his neck I just put him in it to take that photo to show my mum how big it was).

@feliznavidad2 glad to hear that the debriefing went well today and that you've came away from it feeling more empowered this time. 💪

@DKDK123 looks like all the contents are the same as in December other than one of the books. Matthew quite likes that yellow teething ring. We are lucky to get those boxes

@DKDK123 @2020mission
that box contents is UNREAL! Don't they do similar in Scandinavia @Juno231 with the box crib too? I have wondered before though if the box is safe for unsupervised night sleeping as it's solid sides?

@paintfairy tbh I'm still getting my head round it. It's a REALLY WEIRD feeling I'm sure all the others will agree because it's such a build up, you think god it's gonna change my life & actually in reality they don't do much. Like that's why DH didn't really have paternity before, he took extra time off later. Yes tired, yes feeding is REALLY HARD but it's 100 times worse with a second child cos it's not the baby that's the chaos or I think anyway. It's kinda let down sometimes but not because you get amazing snuggles, all the love etc but the reality is the tiredness, washing etc that's the killer unless you have a very unsettled crying baby (which can happen). It's the weeks after when the baby is more attention seeking & your partner has generally gone back 😬. I haven't remembered anything for weeks I'm afraid 🤔

Dodgy apple juice noooo @larrythelizard I love apple juice! Good it's not affected you too much

Ooo yes @Juno231 you were doing the yoga weren't you? How's it going?

@Soph0105 that's a bloody good win on PTSD, I think he's hustling you & will be a nightmare next time but mehhh all good! Yes MIL & mum good cooks & we got brought over homemade food yesterday...quiche, cake, homemade sausage rolls, fish pie, soup & lasagne. The irony was that we had a hello fresh box delivered yesterday as I had it sorted for this week 😂(same as my hair appointment, nails removing, dog grooming, dentist, massage & mole check was all for this week ffs)

@InkyPaper I totally found what @paintfairy saying right...I still balance on one leg to get dressed, to put my shoes on & that's really bad for you, sit down!

@bez91 there's like 2 bits of ironing I did think that but not really needed! If I leave my boobs hanging I'll be hunch back, they weigh more than the baby I swear.

@feliznavidad2 that was me as it's around the area X was born & links to Bronte, I love it! So pleased the debrief helped you sounds fab!

I got mega shaky this lunch, had to call DH in from lawn mowing to make sure Bronte & I were ok as she needed feeding too, I had to sit & munch sugary & salty stuff quickly to regulate. Combo of not eating enough & my cortisol but I need to be careful it reminded me

@Minster2012 you're right they copied the idea of the baby box after studying what they did in Finland I think it was. Apparently they can sleep overnight in the box until 3 months according to the leaflet (tho it does state not to put the lid on while baby's sleeping which is worrying that they've had to write that as someone out there most likely would! 🙄). Tho I don't think I'd feel comfortable with baby in it all night just because of the solid sides but then again I suppose the hospital cribs have solid sides too and the whole point of the box is to provide every baby with a safe space to sleep so it must be ok 🤔
Definitely keep an eye on your cortisol levels and look after yourself remember breastfeeding will be using up more calories and not sleeping as much will take it out of you too so keep as much am eye on your own health as your little princess.

Love the pic of teeny weeny DS @DKDK123! Laughing at the thought of putting the lid on!!

Argh @Minster2012 that's the bit I'm worried about, the balance between newborn and toddler!

Empowered sounds an excellent way to be @feliznavidad2, I don't have as high hopes for the debrief with the consultant but am interested to know what happened and why they think that!

Only one vomit and made yoga, feel a bit dodgy still but have forced some dinner down. Yoga was OK, very different from the CrossFit I usually do but I think good for me and nice to meet some other pregnant ladies.

@DKDK123 put the lid on and sod it in the wardrobe under the winter duvet, right?😂
@Minster2012 right woman, time to stop for a minute, look after your health too, nice of mil to make herself useful, and dh, I know he needs to work but he’s ringmaster at the moment
super busy day at work and paperwork ready cos ds got denied his dla, so I have first to complain and if that doesn’t work appeal, disclaimer: complaining works 50% of the time, I swear I think they denied it just in case you go away with no award

@DKDK123 the baby box is amazing! I’m so impressed with all the freebies… slightly concerned about the lid warning, but then some people are shocking at times. Gorgeous photo of baby DS!

@feliznavidad2 brilliant news about the debrief. I’m so pleased that you feel better.

@larrythelizard sorry that you were so unwell and still feel rubbish. I feel betrayed by the fact that apple juice caused it, apple juice seems so innocent!

@Minster2012 definitely look after yourself and take things slowly. If you feel up to going out, I’m sure you’ll be able to find something loose and comfy? If not, stay at home! Definitely good to have MIL helping out, always get help with washing! All of those plans for this week… none of them really matter though right now. I’m sure having X and Brontë cuddles at home makes up for it (less so the lack of sleeping I’m sure).

@Soph0105 love that PTSD is rejecting the Earth mother life… but even better that he’s been sleeping and letting you get on with work today.

@paintfairy how is the finger doing?

@Franklydear I have no doubt that your complaints will solve everything. You are a super woman when it comes to defending DS.

So, I’m a hormonal pain in the arse today. DH made tandoori chicken and veg rice… which he made differently than usual. I’m struggling with food aversion at the moment and I just couldn’t eat it. So I cried. He got me cheese and crackers instead. I’m not sure if I’m more ashamed of myself or impressed with him!

@Franklydear I'm sure you'll put in a strong argument and get that DLA denial over turned. Tho I think you might be right they may deny a lot of people in the hope that they can't be bothered to appeal it and save money 🙄

@BellatrixK when pregnant you are allowed to be a hormonal mess over random things. When I was pregnant with DS I randomly decided one day that the sight of DHs little toe was giving me the boke (theres nothing wrong with it whatsoever it was just one of those things on that day). I told him he had to wear socks to bed to cover it and he refused thinking I was just messing then started trying to wave his foot in my face, I had such a hormonal meltdown over it tears and everything over a little toe 🙈🤣 to his credit once he realised I wasn't just playing he put on socks but its one he's never let me live down to this day 😂
Well done on your DH fetching you crackers instead tho, definitely brownie points for him!

@BellatrixK @DKDK123 thank you ladies, the battle is never ending, I was talking to the support association yesterday, and the lady couldn’t believe that the fact that a secondary school puts him a personal teaching assistant wasn’t simple enough, her theory perhaps they lost the notes, wanted to know I have back up copies, course I do

I'm going to tell you ladies something that happened last week, see what you think, I finished work early so I went to wait for ds bus, I don't know why, I never do, but I got a coffee from the petrol station and went to sit by the sea, the only bench was occupied by a lady, about my age, I would normally find another bench but I thought, it's not wrong, there's space so I sat, a little later, the lady started talking to me, asking if I normally sit here, no haven't even been around in years, pandemic not to blame, she asked why I did that day, I didn't know, I never did in all the times I go wait for ds in the exact same scenario, and she told me that her partner had just died unexpectedly a few days before, she was visiting here as it was his favourite spot for holiday, and he liked sitting on that bench, she was just thinking about putting a bench in his memory there, but doubting herself, she's taking my sitting there as his telling her to do it, he must have guided me there, she asked to keep in touch, so I put her on Facebook, I blame @Minster2012 for that, before I would have run from a potential psycho

I am so jealous of the baby box @DKDK123 we're only 30 miles from the border... so near and yet so far! Lol at the note about the lid. That reminds me of the sign that's up in our local butchers at the till: "please be aware that we will not accept cash if it has been in your mouth" 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Glad you enjoyed yoga @larrythelizard I was not a fan but it was good to meet people! But eek on the dodgy apple juice. I did not know that was a thing!

Just go with it @BellatrixK no point in fighting it!

Ah @Franklydear you must be down south. We're very chatty with strangers up north! Love a new bench friend!