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[BonzoDoodah]

Hi All
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Aw, great news Tee. Hope you and DH and Adam can have lots of lovely snuggling down, aided and abetted by grandma

Neddie and heron I just really liked b/feeding, only had one v mild bout of mastitis to deal with early on and found it easy and convenient. Also, I went back to work when DD was 4 months and when DS was 5 months, and am sure it was a combo of maternal guilt and bloody-mindedness that made me swear they'd have breastmilk for as long as they wanted it, work or not. I think a lot of my parenting has been down to that combo, actually . Maybe my whole life...

JW you are so constantly productive it puts me to shame! I am a bit to find British males who don't like trifle though. To make the bread and butter pudding less similarly custardy, why not do Delia's choc b and b pudding? OMG. Drool.

JJ you're right, I should defrost that chicken. DH can still roast it in between rubbing my back and cutting the cord

Not seen the chocolate version of the b & b pudding ermintrude but shall look it out. Do you know if it's available on the t'interweb or is in one of her books? If that latter, which one?

I can see that you can do a chicken inbetween contractions. What's up with you ermintrude? You turning into a lightweight?

I'm with you on the bloody mindedness thing. Not sure if it's a quality or a vice with me though.

tee brilliant news that you've finally got him home. Hope you have a super duper weekend with little Adam

ermin i understand about guilt, i did not breastfeed DS1 for long - only about 3 months, so feel that i should given DS2 as long as possible. i guess i should not make any rash decisions today as i have this )(*&& cold and cough from hell. not making me feel happy at all.

jw i am looking forward to giving LO some baby rice. just to see his face when given some solids!

just got back from westfield london, went shopping for DH for tomorrow. i thought it was going to be packed. but no, it was quite dead! i guess credit crunch and all that.

tee bless, so happy you got Adam home at last that's it girl, no more sleep for the next 18 years!

Tee - that's brilliant news make the most of having your mum there wont you and enjoy having your little man home at last

jj not enjoying the nesting - have been rowing with DH all day - think something may be happening.......

will be back later

JW You've prob found it already but that recipe is here.

Heron I felt guilty about going back to work largely because, although it was a wrench, I actually (shhh!) quite wanted to go back and really enjoyed my job. Hence taking up b/feeding for England . But there's no point getting hung up on these things - my DC haven't suffered from my having worked; your oldest DC benefited from 3 momths b/feeding; we mustn't beat ourselves up about it.

ermin ur too right, we shouldnt beat ourselves up. it is great you have a job you love! i was more than happy to give mine up!

heron I'm freelance now so work from home which suits me much better than I thought it would, because my job used to give me great satisfaction. I do think whether or not women like their jobs has a massive bearing on how they feel about leaving their babies to return to work - sounds kind of obvious, but often discussions on the subject don't point it out. Like most returners, I couldn't afford not to, but even if I could I'd still have worked.

ermintrude thanks for the link to the recipe. Not had chance to try it yet but look simple enough.

Today has been quite hectic here. Can't believe it's almost evening. I've sold the changing station and the people who bought it collected it today so we have a little bit more room.

Michael McIntyre once again, the highlight of my evening.

Anyone doing anything exciting? Like going out? I can't remember how that one goes anymore..........

Anyone see the pics of Jordan aka Katie Price/Andre on the beach with her arse in the air? She looks like a cheap hooker to me but then again, I always knew it wouldn't be long before she'd revert to type. She's a slut through and through.

Are we doing anything tonight here at jjTowers ? Nah - not if you count kids who don't want go to bed and a DP who will insist on watching Idealworld TV...he's now perusing a steam cleaner... He doesn't want to buy, he merely enjoys the soporific quality of tv shopping

OOooo, on our way to Oxford we passed by that lovely (mansion) house with 4 acres......it really is the most gorgeous village and yet still near town. So, undaunted but the almost £1 million price tag, we've bought two lottery tickets Confident of our winning a small forturne, we're going to go to the agents and offer a cheeky £795k and say we can move asap! sighs wistfullytee fabulous news - I just posted on FB as I saw it there. You guys must be over-the-moon Love to Adam and hope he enjoys his first night with his family.

heron I've still not got over to Westfield and it's literally down the road...I mean...it's one road and that's it! Plus there is the 2 hours free parking. Basically I'm clearly lazy but I like the fact it's empty! Actually my friend lives near there are she also said she was srprised how quiet it is. Our new shopping centre is actually always busy. I wonder if it's a London thing...being hit the hardest perhaps?

erm I hope you're going to have lots of sex tonight...get that baby moving south. I agree about the job thing. I would love to do something - just not what I did - I loved it but I don't think it's realistically compatible with the kind of family life I want to have. The cost of childcare for two kids is outrageous here....so I'm going to hold off at least until Iris starts school.

Want something sweet and tasty. Oh the choccie bread and butter pud looks gorgeous. Now I can't make B&B pud...it's always way too dry

Have you sprogged yet ermintrude?

Sorry have not been keeping up with all your goings on. Hope baby Adam is heading for being let out and Tee recovering well from C section. Also Tabitha and baby Benjamin. (I have forgotten someone, I'm sure- there were 3 babies, weren't there?)

The husband gets back from BC tomorrow. Longest two weeks of my adult life! Am rather tired after fortnight of 5 children 10-15. The 15 yr old has been the worst. He's on study leave and driving me fricking insane. Need to find job for him for next three weeks or more.

Your OH sounds as exciting as mine JJ. Mine is asleep in front of Mr & Mrs and when I turn it off, he suddenly wakes up as though he was watching it

I'm ready for bed myself. I am so tired.

I forgot to get a lotto ticket but meant to...hope you win tonight. You can buy us all a big house then

I'm steering clear of all things sweet and tasty. I've eaten far too much crap this week and am dreading weighing myself. Have horrendous heartburn now from eating Costco scones.....like that'll put me off having another one

jw I've just had a Coscto pastry - the one with the apricot jam in the middle Feel sick - am looking at my stepper thinking it'll probably take at least 50mins hard labour to get that off the thighs.

duchesse Oh I'd forgotten you were on your own....blimey...I'd have turned to the sherry by now! Have a lovely time with DH tomorrow....and kick that lad into shape or give him to us - we'll nag him into action

hey girls

Just a quick note before I try to get some sleep. Adam is well stuck in, crying up a storm when hungry, eating every 2 hours! Still won't take the BOOBIES, but I haven't really given up yet!

So nice to have a cranky baby after the placid ill little boy I had earlier in the week!

Hope everyone is doing well and I'll try to catch up soon!

Well, I really thought I'd be in labour by now after yesterday's emotional hormonefest! I spent a very productive morning nesting furiously with loads of BHs and feeling decidedly achey and tearful which got worse as the day progressed. The boys obviously picked up on something too as they were really clingy. I even forewarned my sister, who's coming up to look after the boys, and went to bed early expecting to be woken up with full on contractions but, no . I did wake up at around 2.30 but the aches are much milder and I just don't seem to be able to settle back to sleep again (grrrr). I'm not actually due for another fortnight so I know it's daft that I'm a tad frustrated but, being a bit of an all or nothing person, this stop/start feeling is most annoying! I guess I'll just have to continue waiting. Choice, there is none

ermintrude - I salute your stioicism How lovely too that you enjoy your work so much. I did when I had DD and went back when she was 5mths old. My milk dried up as soon as I went back though, but it wasn't an issue as the advice in the 80s was to wean at 12 weeks . I really enjoyed bf too (which is a good job as neither of the boys can tolerate dairy!) and hats off to you for continuing so long! I managed 10 & 13mths with the boys, and hope to do around the same with this one, but I'm secretly looking forward to getting full ownership of my body back!

jw - I chuckled at your family's issue with trifle my mum insists on making a "proper" one every christmas that only she eats (nobody else likes the sponge/fruit/sherry combo) so ours is basically fruit in jelly with custard & cream on top - she grimaces every time.
That Delia recipe looks delicious Have you ever tried making B&B pud with hot cross buns rather than bread? - it's lovely. We've got roast beef for lunch today too. DH normally prepares all the veg but, since it's Fathers' Day, I may just do it for him (such sacrifices ) Hope the Yank appreciates your fine English fare.

jj - so did you win the lottery? and, more to the point have you recovered from Iris' fall down the stairs? I hate watching that but it seems to happen to every child at some point(or am I just a neglectful mum ) DS2 bounced head over heels down ours at around 15mths - hideous, but at least he bounced .

duchesse - I'm so pleased you get DH back today and empathise with your temporary singlparentdom. There's just no let up when you're on your own is there, and it's doubly hard when your pregnant. Hope DH is well rested and gives you a break now

Tee - cooo you were up late last night! Hope your joy at having a noisy son hasn't diminished too much overnight and that you got some sleep. Hope your DH enjoys his first Fathers' Day with his lovely son too.

Anyway, enough witterings from me for now - off to try and back to sleep These early starts are all very good as a reminder of what's to come but I'd rather wait TBH.

Morning all!

iris I was hoping for baby news this morning! Soon!!!

erm? Do I need to ask?

Well, Daddy found out the joy of swaddling last night. Adam slept from 12:45 to about 4:45. And he only really woke up because I got nervous I hadn't heard from him so popped the light on to check! He had about half a bottle and went back to sleep.

What do y'all do about lights in your nursery for the middle of the night? He's in our room, obviously, but it is so very dark in there, I can't see him unless I turn on a bedside lamp (halogen) or the over head lights (also halogen). So what does everyone use for low light level?

JJ I am a bad person...I keep giggling at Suncreamgate 2009!! I hope you get her things straightened out. [giggle] Really I do.

Morning Tee

Sorry to disappoint but I'm still here I couldn't get back to sleep as I've gone very achey again and am starting to feel all overemotional too, again, again

Sounds like you had a really good night with Adam! I had an alarm/lamp (has given up the ghost now) that replicated a dawn and had a dimmer on the lamp which was really handy at night. I need something too so if you find one let me know (I'll look too). I suppose the alternative would be some kind of nightlight but most lamps/lights are quite noisy to switch on/off in the middle of the night IMO. WIll have a think.

Have you something nice planned for today or is your mum taking charge and spoiling you/DH?

Tee - re: lamps...I just found this which is quite pricey but very modern andthis which I prefer as you can just send for the touch sensitive fitting & adapt your own lamp by the looks of things. I may e-mail them later for costings.

Morning ladies.

Hows it going tee? We use these night lights on the stairs which give off a soft glow and are rathering comforting. However, not sure they'll be bright enough for you although we can see along the landing with ours. Hope you had a good night with Adam

iris my trifle just has the sponges, jelly, custard and whipped cream (with H&T's on top!). No sherry in mine as none of mine like it.

The knives I bought a few months back are as blunt as the butter knife I recently purchased (these are rarer than hen's teeth). Even the butchers steel won't get them sharp enough to use, so I need to go out and buy another set. Otherwise I'll be hacking lumps of beef off and serving it to them a la caveman.

DH is still in bed which is normal for this time of the day. iris I'd take your lead and tell my DH not to prepare the veggies as a father's day treat but he never lifts a finger with the dinner anyway He has requested as his treat that he watches cricket/F1 all day. It must be Father's Day every Sunday in this house methinks

ermintrude did the baby come in the night??????

Morning all.

Didn't win the lottery - never mind eh - simply a small teething problem!

tee We use the same lights as jw they're great - a nice soft glow. She always copies us !!! I'm thrilled Suncreamgate 09 has made you laugh....which reminds me I must put her toys back for a vinegar wash! Hope you guys have a lovley father's Day.

jw the way you describe you DH does make me laugh. My DP can't stand sport on TV especially F1 - he always says if you want to see fast driving and scary overtaking then go and drive on the M40 Have a nice time with la famille....and hope new set of knives are more lethal!

iris poor you...you just want it all done and dusted don't you! Well don't go asking erm for any tips....!! talking of which....has she or hasn't she????

I'm off now - back this evening...It's the Iris and Verity cup today at the Marlow regatta; just hope it's not too windy over at Eton - OOooo, that wind can whip up. I always look at wreck in the pics

Ah - DP liked his pressies were're listening ot Ministry Chilled 2 now ! x

JJ it is odd that I copy you all the time. I think I'm single white female (evil laugh to follow).

I only say it as it is re DH. Whenever I complain about him watching so much sport, he does that look where he rolls his eyes, then tell me that all men watch sport, cue the patronising 'she doesn't know anything' expression. Btw, he tells me that he only watches F1 for the crashes.......BS if you ask me. Why not tape it and f/f to all the crashes then turn it off? Not wait for 3 hours.

Maybe men in the south aren't like northern blokes. I can feel a straw poll in the offing.......

Enjoy the regatta! Is there really a cup called the Iris & Verity cup? Is your OH rowing today? I'll expect pics where you say 'oh this is me in some old thing I threw on' but where the pic says you really have a stylist, hovering out of shot. Glad your OH liked his presents. Mine isn't yet out of his pit to look at his.

Checking in to prevent tongues wagging . Iris, I've had so many really strong Braxton Hicks for the past fortnight but nothing develops past a very dull ache and odd sharp pain. Can't remember feeling this enormous and impatient waiting for DS who ended up 10 days late. Small mercies though - DH has taken kids to the annual trophy-giving of their football club and normally I'd have had to attend. Special Father's Day treat, just him and the children, I told him .

Tee Glad that boy is putting in some hours of zeds (should that be zees?). I never turned the light on for night feeds - used to stumble about until I found the cot and then hope I'd put the right end of the baby to the tit .

Off to shower and then put my feet up. Hope your roast is a triumph JW, have a super time at the regatta JJ. And duchesse, Father's Day or not, your DH needs to make up for abandoning you for a fortnight - lunch on him methinks...

morning all! lovely bright day!

jj yes, westfield london was so quiet yesterday! i thought it would be packed due to fathers day shopping etc. but no. obviously hard hit by recession!

tee i have one of those bedside light that has dimmer!

ah ladies, my milk is so low! got bad cold maybe thats why?

ermintrude this baby is really taking it's time. Can't you have a word please?

Not too bothered about doing this roast malarky. They'll probably eat it however it turns out. Spoke to DS#1 this morning though and he's insisting I do a B&B pudding so just sorted out everything for it for later. The recipe you provided for the chocolate version might give me an excuse to use the Venuzuelan Black that DH bought me a few weeks ago. No, it's not some fancy name for marijuana...it's chocolate made by Willie Harcourt-Cooze

Sounds like you have the children and your DH sorted for the afternoon. Odds on you'll go into labour

We never used to turn the light on either. I found the night light was enough to sort out what we were doing unless there had been a humungous poo in the nappy. I find it easier to get K back to sleep the darker I can keep it.

Where is hedgepig and mrsb? Have they eloped?

I told hedgepig there'd be talk...

Have been waiting aaages to get on and see how things are with erm and tee and baby A. Had sister and her bf staying so couldn't be rude and do internetting while they were here. They have left now and D is having a nap so finally!!!

off to catch up now...

JJ I meant to ask you, was iris ok after she fell down the stairs? No carpet to cushion either? You've not said otherwise so I'm guessing she bounced like most LO's do. If it's any consolation, mine fell down the stairs and had other accidents. She's at the age now where they're bound to and it's down to damage limitation.

Ah there you are mrsb Was wondering where you'd sloped off to. Turns out you were entertaining! Get you How's D been this weekend? Is he back to his old self yet what with all the teething?