All New, Sparkly Fab and 40 + : Mums, Mums to Be or TTC. Come say Hi !

[jeanjeannie]

Hello all - well, this is our third message board..so it's a popular topic.

If you're a fab forty something then please come and say Hi!

The thread lives in pregnancy as that's where it started....but it's certainly no longer confined to just being about pregnancy. It's for anyone whose a gorgeous 40 something. So get a cuppa, bring some biscuits - or cake - and have a chat x

*crawls off to bed - eyes bulging and bloodshot like a cartoon.

Thank-you jw for your sympathy on the lack of sleep front. And no, cake didn't make it better but lovely DP made me a G&B hot choccy and that helped

Your toes are M&S toes....mine are little piggies....busy going off to market or staying at home - with roast beef.... Actually, I've got really manky feet. DP went at my hard skin with the file on his Leatherman pen knife Have to say I was a little dubious (a whole new dimension to the usual foot massage) but the skin came up a treat.

Restaurant was indeed cringey - I really don't think I'd want to go into partnership with any of them. I may risk investing in a whelk stall with one of them - but that's about it.

Right - off to bed. Night all - wish me luck

Yes johnworf scalloops for me please with some mayognaise on the side. The Restaurant is one of the high spots of the week in the ladymac household and even Grace covers her eyes when 'the boys' start mucking everything up. DH has perfected his impression of Alistair, flapping about and putting his fingers to his temples in moments of high stress.

Have been so emotional this week and waited until my in-laws were here last night to tell DH to 'f**k off you insensitive bastard'. Then of course I ran from the room crying Luckily I am pregnant and am therefore expected to be all over the place emotionally.

Phoned the hospital today to ask about sedating Elizabeth in order to carry out the auditory brainstem response test as I am convinced she will not sleep to order. They say the reason they can't sedate is because they have no A and E dept. If the test doesn't work they will have to refer us elsewhere. So cross your fingers for a very tired child. I will try and run (or bum shuffle) her ragged in the morning which will be great fun for me!

No cake here but did have takeaway curry tonight followed by my new pash - Green and Blacks white chocolate. Mmmm.

Wow you certainly know how to live it up at your house jj. De-fleaing the cat and having your man kneel at your feet with his leatherman. I'm seriously considering moving to High Wycombe

awww ladymac isn't it an embuggerance when the old emotions choose the wrong moment to vent themselves ;) still, like you say its expected behaviour...

oooh jeanjeanie your post reminded me of something I have been meaning to ask advice on here - we inherited this horrible rough "faux stone" tiled floor in the kitchen which is the absolute devil to clean. I thought yesterday that I might just buy a steam cleaner for it and I wondered whether any of you own or could recommend a good one?

The restaurant is booked -its newly opened in York and is owned by a chap who had a Michelin star for ten years and has worked for all sorts of top restaurants. So, that might be nice for my first night out in a year.

The alcohol administered to insomniac or colicy babies in my grandmother's day was whiskey - it is medicinal after all

And speaking of restaurants - Alistair can no longer do any wrong in my book as I feel sorry for him on account of his "turn" poor lamb. Although with the spelling and grammar he was pushing it tonight.

No sympathy at Worf Towers for Alistair I'm afraid. HAHA @ ladymac's DH though on his impression and I think it could be a winner as a party piece As JJ said, I don't think any of them deserve to win...piss up, brewery, etc.

mrsb are you counting down the days to freedom?! At least you've got time off for good behaviour. I can't see any end in sight here Although, she slept through again last night after a fraught evening of crying and guzzling (and that was just me).

I did send you sleepy thoughts JJ over the t'interweb highway last night...actually I should have sent them to the girls but hey ho. Hopefully you'll have managed to shut your eyes for more than 5 minutes in the night

PMSL @ Leatherman. What next...blow torch? Can I just check..you haven't got a wooden leg have you?

ladymac all men are insensitive b'stards. It just seems to come under the spotlight during pregnancy...or is it the pregnancy hormones highlight it? Not sure. Think we've all done what you've done though. I know I did and demanded a divorce on a daily basis until hormones calmed down. Well done for containing it until your PiL went home

I don't think they need Betsy to be asleep as such to do the test but they do need her to be very still. Fat chance with a little one which is probably why sleep is the next best thing. Can they not do the test around about the time of her usual nap?

Well I bought 10 second hand Motherease multi's the other day and they arrived y'day. Woohoo. Except...you can really tell when these nappies come from down south cos they're f**king rock hard! Stoopid hard water areas.

If only johnworf. No, I had my paddy while the in-laws were still here. Luckily they are very lovely and understanding. Plus pa-in-law told me he was on my side, much to DH's annoyance!

Woah ladymac 10/10

ladymac what a fabulous pil! mine would never do such a thing, he'd just tut and say "women!". Definately the hormones, my dh worked away as much as poss last year to keep out of the firing line. (would have done this year too to avoid the sleepless nights if he could possibly have arranged it ). I hope Elizabeth surprises you and sleeps on cue for her test.

mrsboogie Are you counting down the days? If it makes you feel any better I left Alex with my mother on day 4!, the day after I came home, so I could go to see my friends wedding [bad mother emoticon]...in my defence I only went to the ceremony, which was 5 miles away, and then came home (just in time for the MWs visit !)for a couple of hours then went to the reception, (hotel just 800yds away)and straight back home again after the toasts, (knackered)...Alex slept for each of the hours I was out (and most of the time I was in too) so most definately didnt suffer for it.... I hope you enjoy your bit of freedom (and the meal too!) Oh, and as to the steam cleaner, not got one but we have a Bissell Proheat protech carpet cleaner that does a pretty good job on the dirt trapping, tile effect laminate we inherited in our kitchen.

Jeanjeannie It defiantely is not the cake that keeps the waist line at bay...or the ice cream in my case...its probably the green stuff with vitamins in that does it...bad, bad cucumber and celery. With you and JohnWorf on the de-fleaing (what joy!)...glad I'm not the only one with a walking carpet/ garden waste redistributor. Not with you on the penknife pedicure however ....wouldn't let my dh near my feet with one! What trust you have!

Oh forgot to say, I got cheapo steam cleaner from Costco for tiling in kitchen. Not overly impressed. Mine leaves a film on the tiles so they look dull but I have a friend who has a good one and she swears by it...even does down her loo with it! Guess if you pays your money and get a good un then they're a boon. (oh and they kinda sterilise cos it's steam).

Finally - I've got to the laptop! Bet it won't last long - BOTH girls are in bed

ladymac Awwww poor you and your explosion. You're having an emotional time - you're entitled too it And bless your PIL for being so understanding. Hope the test goes OK this afternoon and that you got Elizabeth to tire herself out....

Love our steam cleaner mrsb but then again we've got painted chipboard as a temporary (permanant!) floor and it's all painted so shows the dirt really quickly. Got it from costco and it's a bit like an upright carpet cleaner with a pad on the bottom which you sling in the wash. Gets it really clean with minimum effort.

jw our water here comes out like nails - it's that hard. We installed a water softner which is fab - otherwise towels basically crack!

Got a bit of sleep last night - only woke three times Still a bit out of it though - just need some catch up I think.

Just had a 2 year child assessment form to fill in for Iris - and she's already failed and we need to see a speach and language therapist. We've managed to answer 'NO' to the big questions for 'red flags'indicating learning difficulties - "can your child say 50 or more recognisable words" & "Is your child forming sentances" Apparently if we don't sent it back or contact them a HV will call and/or the authorities will be notified Big Brother or what?!!

omg jj your steam cleaner is the one we've got Ah well, can't please all of the people etc.

Get your head down while the kids are engrossed in Cbeebies or failing that, have a pint of gin.

Really wouldn't worry about the child assessment thingy. They ALL develop differently. Sighs. She's fine. You know she's fine so tell HV to go...well you know the rest

Friday pic of the princess. Also one of the rug. Booked in for a haircut/bath tomorrow so might do a before and after Dog that is.

jw I'm sooooo easily pleased Mind you our floors really are not of yer polished oak standard. If i'm honest a spit and a wipe over with your sock would be an improvement...!

Awwwww- loving Princess K's hair! There's loads of it. Verity is almost as bald as a coot!

Spud looks like a naughty monkey. He also looks a bit like an astrakan coat! I should put one up of Bob...see if they're a visual match made in heaven

Verity is back on my knee - nap lasted 15 mins

jw have added a menacing pic of Bob.

He looks like a tramp dog! Under that matted coat is a dog waiting to get out. And he's very naughty indeedy. Yeah, put Bob on the pics and lets all say awwwww

oh btw jj are you noticing the ginger in her hair and eyebrows???

Hahahaha - yep I can see the ginger twinge! She IS a chosen one. That's what my ginger haired friend across the road calls my girls I kinda like it!

OK - this is how tired I am. I just put some coffee granules in a cup - went to pour the hot water on and thought - oh, that's not right there's no tea bag in there....and put a tea bag in and put the water on it all. It aint gonna win beverage of the year

So - whatdoya reckon to the Bob'meister'?! Good side kick for spud?

Bob looks a bit like my MiL's old cat, Molly. Same colouring and she was one feisty cat so I'm guessing it's something to do with the black and white...and LARGE attitude

As for the ginger she takes after my mother and sisters and they've all got vile tempers. Light the touch paper and stand back. I really hope she's not going to end up like that but, I don't think eyebrows change colour do they? And the hair on top is going curly (like mine) so she's gonna be Ronald MacDonald

I think spud n bob sound like a fab double act. I can see the adventure books now where they get up to all sorts...a bit like Tom and Jerry on speed....

I'm not tired! OH had the day off today as his grandparents had come to see their new great grandson so we had a lie in. Was sooo tired the other day - hunting high and low for my mobile - eventually found it in the fridge when I went to get something else.

jj 50 words by the age of two? what crap. My older son had almost no speech at the age of 2 - 2.5. A year later I had taught him to read and he had the reading ability of a much older child. At the age of two all that stuff is meaningless unless the child clearly has a problem.

As you are all adding photos I have added a couple of Darragh looking deceptively angelic. Will see if I can find any of my moggies to add also...although that should be moggy singular as one of them stalked off out of here just before D was born and has now found himself somewhere better to live.

Congrats mrsb - having the day off....nice work...well done you Darragh already looks like a proper little lad....handsome little devil. Always on the look out for a nice man for Verity....and I'll be just a dream of a MIL

Yes, I know, 50 words seems quite random. Iris enjoys saying certain words - like Boobies, bottom and when the toilet flushes she shouts bye bye poo poo Can't think who taught her that...........? Doesn't sound much wrong with that to me!

jw I bet she'll look nowt like Ronnie McDonny......Bonnie Langford maybe... I don't have a fiery temper despite being a ginger - although DP may want to dispute that. No - it's not a temper but I do say what I think up front if something is bothering me. I don't fester -I just let it all out!

Oh, oh - must tell you all - I've done something tonight I've never done before......

*pause to build up excitement

I had a Kentucky Fried Chicken
DP came home with ...I believe it is called 'a bucket' !! I threw myself into with gay abandon - and now I feel quite queasy

o-m-f-g....you had a rat bucket? Were you drunk when you ate it? It does always strike me as something (like a kebab) that can only be eaten when drunk. Anyway, well done JJ A bravery award on it's way to you.

mrsb your LO is very very very cute and I just can't possibly believe all the terrible, nasty stories you have told us about him Love the dummy and wish K would have one...instead she just screams and there is no plug to stop it

I'd say Iris was completely normal (if there is such a thing) saying those kinds of words. Fabulous. Wait until she starts nursery or reception class and mixes with the great unwashed ....she'll have some fab words then

So today we've had teacoffee break from jj and 'icephone' from mrsb. Fab! You're both bonkers btw.

eeeuuuwww kfc although... when pregnant I did used to salivate over bus stop adverts of a wrap thing that they do.

Oh I love the dummy jw. I know it may sound odd but I think they look v cute. He won't use it that much but quite often it is the thing that will just tip him over into nodding off (or staying asleep) rather than crying for a bit longer. They have all sorts of cute ones now - even light in the dark ones

I watched Weds The Restaurant which I'd taped and not yet watched (so I saw Thursdays before Weds which was odd as I knew who'd gone by then). How awful to be told by Msr Blanc he was going to 'teach you how to boil an egg'. Heh.

K had last bottle at 8.30pm last night and woke at 4am which isn't bad. She's still asleep as I type but, she did think that 4am was getting up time and was very lively indeed - unlike mummy and daddy.

After DH's full body massage he's in agony and can't move his back...that's what he's telling me although not sure I believe it. Think it's just a rouse to stay in bed longer

Absolutely nothing planned for today or tomorrow apart from the dogs haircut. Sad when that's the highlight of the weekend isn't it? Peter has gone to his mothers until tomorrow so I'm torn between cleaning the house and washing or lying on the sofa and watching tv (minus cake ) and reading The Times. Which one should I pick...

Not loving the slanging match that has already begun in the media between Madonna and (soon to be ex) Mr Madonna. Get over it. Get the money/kids sorted and go your seperate ways. Do we need a blow by blow account of her sleeping in a plastic suit (which apparently ruined their marriage)? Nawwwww. I have the feeling it'll be Mucca v Mucca all over again......................sigh

P.S. JJ meant to ask, is there a remedy for these rock hard nappies or does K's backside need to acclimatise to the sandpaper she's wearing?

Morning all. Yep - Verity was awake at 4am - must have been a baby bat signal sent out across the country. Luckily I sorted her out with a nappy change and she's been asleep since DP was a rock and got Iris up, washed and dressed and has now cycled off with her to the library for some sort of entertainment.

jw stay in with The Times and watch TV - send out for cake!!

I will NOT be doing the KFC - RAT bucket [vomit emoticon] for some time. Not for me at all. I'm doing the jamie Oliver Chicken and parma ham tonight - ah - real food from the St Oliver.

Nappies that are hard...MMmmm. Rakes through her fabric knowledge that went down the toilet with the rest of her fashion and textiles degree!!! I think I'd have a damm good go at a few hot washes with lots of vinegar rinese plus smashing them up in the tumble drier with balls. TBH I think it maybe that they stay hard - if the fibres have actually changed.

Right - off to John Lewis with Verity to have a look around Then I'm meeting the NCT girls at the park with their little ones. We've not all met up for ages and I'm still the only one bonkers to have 2!

Ooo, Oooo, saturday Kitchen - it's tempting to stay in!!

JJ I think they're beyong saving from the hardness. I've already done the 90 degree wash + vinegar and the tumble dryer balls but not to be. They're usuable so no worries and they do the job.

4am must be the popular internal get up alarm call for all babies across the land. Are you with us on this one hedgepig and mrsb?

I quite fancy a bit of retail today myself but I'm tied to house with LO. I suppose I could do an hour while DH has her. I've seen a nice wool coat in M&S and a bag but I know I'll not get any use out of them as I don't go anywhere at the mo.

Sounds like a good plan going to JL and then meeting up outside. It's lovely where I am. Really nice autumn day

Right. Off to winkle DH out of bed with bucket of cold water