*Knock knock* I think I'm allowed back in here now!! Looking for a buddy!

[Bec27]

Hi ladies,

It's been a while! Hope we're all good. Hope you're doing ok Jen, so sorry about your grandad

Congrats on your bub Laura Amazing pics of everything so far- I don't think I had half of that by your stage when I was pregnant with Josh!

How you doing Ruth? Hope Frankie is well, Josh has got a sickness bug and he's teething so I'm feeling pretty tired from bad nights. He seems a bit better than yesterday though so it's going the right way.

I like the countdown thing too although I was talking with DH earlier about how different it is this time compared to the 1st. Anyway, 2 days till v-day (eek!) 3 weeks 2 days till 3rd tri (double eek!) that is also when my best friend's first baby (a girl) is due so that's really exciting

I reckon Christmas and new year will be a big distraction then it'll seem really close. I'm sooooo excited to meet my little man (a little apprehensive too with managing my energetic toddler whilst breast feeding and being completely sleep deprived again but I know it'll be amazing, totally worth it and that mega tired bit is just temporary) are you feeling the same Ruth? I'm having fun planning Christmas for Josh- our last one as a family of 3. Have got him a cute Xmas day top and socks and a few lovely presents. We're not going mad but it's nice to treat him Can't wait

xxx

 

[New Mrs W]

Well Bec, I am feeling sooooo ready for Christmas and very happy at the moment because . . . on Monday afternoon at school we received our OfSTED phone call!!! We have been expecting it since May so literally EVERYTHING was up to date and ready (all assessment results, targets, School Improvement Plan, you name it!!!) but it was still scary thinking that within less than 24 hours there would be two people scrutinising everything for 48 hours. Anyway, a meeting with the lead inspector as part of the SLT, two 35 minute observations and an observed assembly (!!) later, I am happy to say that everything went swimmingly and we are very pleased with the result. Obviously can't give the judgement until the report is official and published but we feel the result is fair and deserved. As a Catholic school, we have to have a separate RE inspection which will be the week after next but it will be in no way as stressful as having less than 24 hours notice!!! So, bring on Christmas and the celebrations!!!!

So sorry to hear Josh isn't 100%. Frankie was poorly a couple of weeks ago. He won't eat if he's poorly which stresses me out big time, but he's literally been eating me out of house and home this week so is making up for it. Teething is the worst - it just seems to go on forever! Poor Josh and poor you

I am starting to become nervous about the thought of breastfeeding with a toddler about. Especially those first few weeks of establishing and non stop feeding. DH will have his paternity leave of course, and he will try to get another week or two as holiday which will be so useful. My mum and dad are only 5 mins away and my mum only works three days a week as she cares for Frankie while I'm at work on Mondays and Tuesdays so I know I'll have her support too. The sleepless nights only lasted about 3 or 4 weeks for us - Frankie was an awesome sleeper - so I'm pretty nervous about this one not sleeping! We'll have to cope somehow!

Xxxxxx

 

[JenJen80]

Hello everyone wow what a week.
Grandads funeral was on Tuesday but it was lovely and sad at the same time. We gave him a lovely send off.
I had lots of Aunties and cousins all wanting a touch of my belly lol.
It's been an awful week since as we have had torrential wind and rain. What should have been a 25 min has taken me 1-2 hours because all routes in are bad. I had my boss out on weds morning to rescue me when I got stuck in a village and couldn't get out either end. Not good when pregnant but at least I remained calm.

Glad to hear you are all well.

 

[Bec27]

Hi ladies,

Glad your ofsted went well Ruth, that's a nice weight off your mind before Christmas, hopefully your RE inspection goes just as well

Wow 3-4 weeks of sleepless nights- you were so lucky! Hopefully you will be just as lucky this time. We weren't so lucky, I say 'we' but with me breast feeding and being a stay at home mum I am always the one to get up in the night. At the moment I'm still up once or twice each night, I get the rare night off but it's easier than in the feeding days. What I'm most nervous about is sleepless nights then having to entertain Josh in the day. Also I go to about 4 or 5 baby clubs a week with Josh now which I can't see being able to happen when baby is born. I am a very sociable person and it gets me down being on my own for whole days- especially with DH working 12 hour days. I know I'll be tired and have my hands full so maybe I'll be happy to stay at home while I find my feet with having a newborn and a toddler- we'll see!

I am still so excited to meet our new little man though, it's going to be amazing and we're so so lucky

Glad you were able to give your grandad a good send off Jen, I know these things are never easy but a good service can make all the difference. Big to you x

How are you all doing with the country's storms? Jen you said the weather has been bad whee you are, we've just had wind and rain but nothing too torrential and certainly no serious flooding or accidents caused by it. Hope you are all ok.

How are you doing Laura? Hope you're well

Josh is as much of a monkey as ever and keeping me on my toes as always! His teething seems to have settled a bit in the last couple of days. I took him to see Santa last week for the first time and he hated it! Screamed the place down poor thing- suppose it is pretty scary as it's a stranger and all you can see are his eyes! Needless to say I didn't buy the photo they tried to sell me of the experience! He loved his present though

 

[JenJen80]

Hi how are we all doing?

Have been really busy getting ready for Christmas and have almost finished my shopping. I did most of it online as I didn't fancy dragging round the shops when they were busy.

Had my 25 week check last week and heard the heartbeat again. Baby has been very active and I'm still suffering really bad heartburn and random sickness.

I cannot believe how much this year is flying by and I have decided to give up work at 36 weeks now as they have found my replacement. I'm not even sure I am going back next year as the hours are very long and it won't be fair on the baby.

So what are all your plans for Christmas. We are off to my mums on Christmas eve till boxing day then we will spend boxing day with OH's family and then I'm back to work .

 

[Laura91]

Hola

Been off work all week, feel so run down, full of cold and just exhausted!

The only presents I have bought so far are the ones for my nephews.. I'll do the rest either this weekend or online and do next day delivery (fingers crossed).

Bit peed off today as had a run in with OH last night (explained in my journal) and I won a Pandora charm on eBay last week, arrived this morning and it's not even Pandora Luckily it was only for me and I wasn't relying on it for someone's present! Anyway, i've emailed the seller and asked for a refund - i'll have to wait and see what they say.

Anywho.. here's a sneaky peak at my bump lately

25 weeks against 24..:

https://babyandbump.momtastic.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=532499&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1355492737https://babyandbump.momtastic.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=532501&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1355492748

 

[New Mrs W]

Wow Laura, you've grown loads in just one week!!!!

I'm starting to struggle with tiredness again had gotten over it at about 17 weeks but at 26 weeks it's getting me again. Only three working days left until 2 weeks off though, and then only 6 weeks (18 working days) until I leave for mat leave so I'll try and push through.

Hope everyone is okxx

 

[Bec27]

Hi ladies, I'm full of cold too Laura, it's so hard with an energetic toddler to look after and a husband who won't be home till late. Got up at 4.15am to have a lemsip as I just couldn't sleep but gave up and stayed up so it's been a long day. So glad it's Friday and hubby is around all weekend (he's been working quite a few Saturdays doing overtime recently). Shame though as i have a Xmas meal out with family tomorrow night and I NEVER get out anymore and now I'm ill! Will still go but it won't be quite the same

Not long for you to go Ruth till a nice break, I know what you mean about the tiredness, I've noticed it creeping back again but it must be harder working as well. I can't believe I'm in 3rd tri tomorrow- it's going so quickly now.

Other than the cold I've just been suffering with heartburn and hip and pelvis pain at night. The SPD has definitely been relieved by the physio which is good. Have been pretty hormonal and emotional this week- poor DH! Hopefully it'll settle down as it's horrible feeling so low for really no reason.

How are the rest of you doing in terms of pregnancy symptoms? Hope you get better soon Laura and that Ruth and Jen manage to avoid colds x x x

 

[Laura91]

Back at work today, wishing i'd stayed in bed though

Still full of cold, got a sore throat and just absolutely nackered! I've been waking up constantly throughout the night for the last 3 nights because my throat becomes so dry and sore.

Other than this, I'm plodding along ok x

 

[Laura91]

Hi ladies Just popping in to say that I had my 3D scan today, all pictures and a quick update is in my journal (link in siggy!) come over and take a peak! Didn't wanna overload with pictures in here as there are quite a few ! xx

 

[New Mrs W]

Aw that's lovely Laura, she's a real cutie!!! I bought a 3G scan voucher on Groupon worth £90 for £30 just before Christmas, need to book it ASAP or baby will be too big to fully appreciate on the scan.

Hope everyone's had a good Christmas and I wish you all a happy new year!! Can you believe we're all less than 12 weeks from meeting our little ones? Eeek!!!! So exciting.

It's been a busy time in our house, aside from Christmas. We have completely redecorated our dining room and hallway/steps, both of which were massive jobs and as DH works FT and could only get on with it at evenings and weekends it took the best part of 6 weeks to complete both!! I must point out that our house is a very old house and the walls all but crumble as soon as they see a wallpaper stripper so DH had a lot of repair work to do before he could even begin staining woodwork and hanging wallpaper. He has also built a little cubbyhole for me in the dining room for me to hide all my bits and pieces away (vacuum cleaner, baking box etc) and I'm so happy with the job he's done. The downstairs of our house is now exactly as I would want it. We have a mezzanine level which has the main bathroom and our nursery and then the top level holds our bedroom and ensuite and the spare room which is to become Frankie's big boy bedroom. Our room was done only last year and I love it, so no changes needed there. The nursery was only done in 2010 for Frankie but, of course, I want to freshen it up and make it all nice and new for this little bundle. Currently it is pale blue with white built-in wardrobes (built from scratch by my very talented DH), a white cotbed (currently in bed mode), a white rocking chair and a White changing table. The accessories are all navy blue and white and are moon and stars themed. It is a really gorgeous room and I just feel at peace being there. I don't plan to replace any of the furniture (a new mattress of course) but want to freshen up the paint work and repaint the walls. I found some super cute sail boat material at Dunelm Mills this week so am going to make new curtains, bedding, cushions, bunting and wall hangings to give it a new theme. Can't wait!! The bathroom needs a freshen up pretty soon, but the next big job on our list is Frankie's big boy bedroom. I'm thinking if orange/yellow/white striped wall paper on two of the walls, and the rest (it is an oddly shaped room!!) to have a jungle scene with loads of animals as Frankie is animal mad!! DH is going to build some massive built-in wardrobes again (the room really is too large for a child so we figured we could use some of the wardrobe space for storage other than his things) as well as some animal themed drawers and cupboards. I am on the lookout for suitable animal material to make curtains and bedding for him. And then the house will be fit for the arrival of our new baby!!

 

[New Mrs W]

Sorry, pressed "Post" before I meant to!!

Wanted to ask how you all are and how your preparations are coming on? Becs are you as shattered as me having a toddler to run around after? I'm back to work on mon and it will be a break!!! Although I am proud to announce that after much hard work from my little boy over Christmas he is now potty trained!!! So no two in nappies for me!!!!

Big hugs xx

 

[JenJen80]

Hello every one.

Lovely Pics Laura . Christmas was good here we had a lovely time but I was straight back to work the day after boxing day and have been exhausted ever since. Luckily I only have 16 days left and start my Mat leave at 34 weeks now which I'm looking forward too.
It doesn't look like I will be returning to my current job as my boss has now told me I can't take baby with me . TBH I'm fed up with the long hours and it wouldn't be fair to drag a baby round with me so hopefully will find something closer to home.

Still yet to get the Nursery sorted (still trying to clear out all junk). My dad is coming to paint it. Also still got a few bits to buy still but getting there.

 

[Laura91]

Thanks ladies

NewMrsW - Sounds like you've been very busy!
I'm doing good, we've practically got everything we need now - except a couple of little bits. I've started to struggle with my hips/pelvic area in the last week so will mention it at the Doctors tomorrow (GTT test) - everything is pointing towards mild SPD
I have no idea how you or Bec are managing with a toddler to run around after too!

JenJen - Back to work on Boxing Day sounds cruel I'm glad you only have 16 days left, sounds like you're ready for another break!
That's a shame that you can't return to your job but like you say, maybe you'll find one closer to home with you'll enjoy more

xx

 

[Bec27]

Hi ladies, so nice to hear all your catch up news. I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and new year. We did, it was lovely to have a break with DH off work for a week. Yes Ruth I am finding it pretty hard with an active toddler to run around after too. It has been nice to have a break from the toddler groups I go to as I hadn't realised just how much they take it out of me. They started again this week but josh has had a cough and cold so haven't been back to any yet. I have started to have a lie down and nap when Josh does and that seems to help me get through the day. DH is on lates (8am-8pm) this week and is working this Saturday and next so it's long days and long weeks at the mo. have enlisted the help of my family on the Saturdays so that'll give me a bit of a break. Can't believe we're in third tri- I only have 9 weeks left till my due date which seems mad- this pregnancy is going so quickly.

We are keeping the nursery as it is and changing the playroom into Josh's bedroom so we have furniture and furnishings to buy to do that up. We're going for a monkey/jungle theme with pale greens, brown and beige, we only painted it cream and had new carpets in there last year so it should go nicely. I can't believe my little one will be going into his first big boy's bed- bless him. I think he'll adapt well as he loves the room as his playroom, it will be strange for him at first though especially as he won't understand.

My best friend had her little girl on Dec 20th and we went to visit on New Year's Day. I had a good cuddle with her until Josh started crying and throwing his arms in the air wanting me to cuddle him. I passed the baby back and gave him a cuddle but it has made me a bit apprehensive as I wasn't expecting him to react like that. He is such an active little boy, he likes a quick hug and kiss but only tends to cuddle when he's tired or poorly. Think it's got me realising that perhaps thinking a small age gap would mean no effect on Josh was rather naive. I'm going to buy him some news puzzles and books we can get out and look at together when I'm feeding baby and will get him a teddy from baby too. It's hard as he has little understanding being so young himself. Hopefully it'll all fall into place and he'll love his little brother

How are you feeling about Frankie Ruth? Great that you've managed to potty train- lucky lady- can't believe I'm going to have two lots of nappies to change! I'm teaching Josh to eat more independently with cutlery at the moment as I figure that will help and he's desperate to be independent now so it keeps him happy to learn new big boy skills.

Sorry your old job doesn't seem to be an option for you Jen once baby arrives but hopefully it's a blessing in disguise and you find something that suits you more with baby.

Love you 3D pics Laura- wish we could have afforded to have them done, having said that we didn't have them done with Josh so I'd feel it was a bit unfair if we had them done for this one. She looks beautiful

When are you all packing your labour bags? I'm planning to have mine done by 35/36 weeks. I'm using the same cath kidston bag I had as my labour bag with Josh and at least I will know what I used last time and what I didn't. DH made me laugh the other day when he said he was packing his own little bag of snacks and books etc- I said he can think again if he thinks he's reading a book while I'm in labour!!

Better go take my gaviscon and hit the sack- trying to get earlier nights so it helps as I'm not sleeping that well at the moment with my hips/pelvis. Mine is SPD and it sounds like you may have it too Laura. Get a referral ASAP as they only do physio up to 36 weeks pregnant. The sooner you get it the better.

Happy new year by the way- we can now all say we're having our babies THIS year!!!!!

 

[New Mrs W]

Bec I have felt guilty about frankie having to share me from the day I got my BFP!!! He's not too clingy but once I have another baby attached to my breast all day long I really don't know how he'll feel. I'm going to get him some little toys we can play with together while I am feeding too, and a present from his brother so he feels part of things. But honestly, I hate the thought of him not being the very centre of my attention but I imagine this is an emotion all new second time mothers experience. Xxx

 

[JenJen80]

Got to go and have a scan tomorrow morning as baby is measuring small than it should be. I'm not to worried as looking at me i'm HUGE lol but at least I get to see my baby again which is very exciting.
Also had sugar in my urine too so Midwife has warned me if it happens again I have to have a glucose test.

 

[Bec27]

I'm sure they'll both be fine and adapt to the new additions Ruth, nice to know we probably all have these concerns though. I'm going to invest in a sling so I can feed baby and still get around or at least have my hands free and I have found some lovely new puzzles to get so we can do them together easily enough.

Lovely that you get to see bub again Jen, hopefully all is ok, sure it will be

How's everyone getting on with the snow? We've had some today- most of the afternoon but it's not really settled- only on the roofs and grass. Hope everyone is good xxx

 

[New Mrs W]

Oh my sling was probably my favourite baby purchase last time round, can't wait to babywear again!! Bought a double pram at the weekend for the days I am home alone with the boys. I wasn't going to as frankie hates the pram and is a brilliant long distance walker but last week in Tesco I was trying to get him to hold my hand and stand still with me for two minutes while I looked at something and he just kept trying to run off and was shouting "Help!!!!" to every passerby! I was mortified but it also made me realise that in just 9 weeks time I'll have a tiny person in a pram that I won't be able to just leave while I chase after the monkey boy!!!

Coping well with snow up here. We had quite a covering today but it seems to be thawing. Tomorrow will be worse as it will have iced over and be more dangerous

Hope all is ok with the scan Jen. It will be lovely to see her again!

I had MW today. All looks as it should, baby is slightly big and is transverse but she said not to worry about it until 36 weeks. Have booked our 3d scan for the last Friday of Jan so hopefully we will see that he has turned by then!!

Xx

 

[Laura91]

Not done too bad with snow here, got a couple of inches yesterday but the sun is out today so it's melting away - not sure whether i'm happy/sad about it though

Hope your scan goes ok Jen and hope you get some nice pictures

MrsW - My LO was laid with her head in one hip and her bum/feet in the other but luckily she has moved and is now head (and hands and feet) down !

She's still measuring a week infront though on all her measurements (head, belly, legs, weight) so i'm going to mention it to the midwife at my next appointment.. I know she'll come when she's ready but surely there's a reason they only let you go 2 weeks over - if I go two weeks over and she's measuring a week ahead, I could really be 3 weeks over

Hope everyone's ok! x