Jan/Feb 2011 Mommies (Nov & Dec 2010 early babes)

Aaah Vix, hope you feel better soon, I know its difficult, try take a bath, I know it helps me sometimes, but not on the top of my list to do as its difficult to bath now (i shower all the time now).

Pls let us know what yr gynae says. You need to start taking it easy too, your dr says you are doing very well, but it doesn't mean you must still be a busy bee!!

Asp, I have also washed all my own babies stuff, our clothes Im not too concerned about, but I had a duvet set that was sentimental to me and she freaking burned it and didn't tell me, I was so cross, but even the way she hangs up the clothes, I have shown her how to do it,or how I prefer and it is always the same thing! Drives me mad! What did your domestic say when she came back?

Vix, shame, I think they were trying to be nice at the hospital, but I just thoght it was so funny cos my sister is dressed up with jewellery and sparkly sandals, we just giggled.

Anyway, DH and I had an eventful night, we both had upset tummy's... still do. I feel asleep on the couch for an hour, then when to bed and fell asleep after 2, just before 4 I started gettign cramps, felt like BH, but it was so sore and I could feel my LB on my side, it lasted for about 30secs, then went away and back in a minute, this went on about 4 times, but I wasn't sur eit was cos of a runny tummy or somethign else, but I had such cramps that I went to the bathroom, needless to say, since then I went 6 times this morning. His mom bought us supper from some place who makes home cooked meals and I think that upset our stomachs. For now, glad bambino's are still stuck inside.

How is everyon else?

Morning ladies,

Asp- i am sooooo looking forward to being away from my boy for as many days as possible, I'm trying to convince DH to let mum have him for a whole week. but that's the difference between a SAHM and a working mum.

Chris- i suppose these days we can't presume anyone is or isn't a couple anymore LOL

I am soooo sore i just want to break down and cry! my ribs are burning, like if you scratch a nail on sunburn but from the inside. But now...............o.k here come the tears............. i can't lay down at all, the cramps and pains in my lower abdomen are just too much they are actually paralyzing me into that laying down position that is so sore so i can't even get up. I feel sooo incredibly nauseous even from drinking water so needless to say i only slept from 11 til 1 then 2 til 3 and at 5 just had to stand up and crouch in a squatting position but every time i was in tears from the pains. I'm exhausted and soooo sore. The small baby has been moving like crazy which is so unusual and i noticed my pee looks very dark every time, although i don't have any burning pains when i pee i think maybe i might have a bladder infection, what do you think? I'm waiting to speak to my gynae at 1.

Chris, I never allow my domestic to do any of my washing! I am also super paranoid about that. And I have heard of a few domestics who have ruined perfectly nice baby outfits. By the way, my domestic is back (remember she stayed away a week or 2 ago due to a little tiff...)

Also, I remember first time round, I was just a carefull

Guess you just kind of get use to the little baby becoming a person (like my LG sob,sob) and then your outlook of them change a bit.

Less than a month and my LG will be a year. I mean really, not fair that she is growing up so quickly.

Yes, the UIF agencies charge quite a bit hey? But for me so worth it as we live 35km from any Labour Office and I can't see myself going into any state runned office feeling so moody already.

Sterretjie & Chris, I also have detailed "summaries" of how to fill in the forms should you require help.

Chris, had such a good laugh at your sister being your husband. Shame, seems like she is stressing a bit about the babies. I think it is easier for her to stress as she has kids and knows upfront all the emotions that overwhelms a mother after birth. Luckily you are a first timer, and like I always say, I prefer not knowing to actually knowing exactly what to expect.

I am already wondering how I will manage to be away from my daugter for 2 or 3 days without going mad....

Spo, Im also doing mine through an agency, my sister was shocked that that is how much they charge (well, ours is a friend who is doing it, so she was even more shocked that sh echarged me full price)

RE the washing, my cousins domestic washed her babies clothes and half got ruined. I dont think its a problem to wash it in the machine, I think im just a bit paranoid about things, lol. But I put it on delicate or handwash, so no handwashing for me, unless its one or two items.

Anyway, the hospital tour was nice, managed to get alot of answers, was good fr my sister to go, I told mthem I wanted to meet the Head NICU sister which we did, shame, she took us in to meet the ward staff and my sister saw a 1.2kg baby, she ffelt alot better about my babies being born early, I think she needed to see it. But it was so funny cos there was another couple and my sister took me as dh couldn't make it, they lady in the ward called the othe rnurse and said there are 2 couples, then when the nurse came she asked my sister if she was the babies father, lol!! It was quite funny.

Sterretjie, once you have the forms, you have to go before to register then after you have to go every month to claim your UIF. I found the forms very confusing and there were so many I didn't know where to start filing in, a lady at work who had just done her also advised, if you missing forms let m eknow cos I have them all saved on memory stick, I can send them to you.

Sorry, not going to reply on everyone's posts, not enought time in the day it seems!

Sterretjie, I do my UIF through an agency. R600 once off and all I do is fill in the forms (a hell of alot), submit to them and they do the rest. I did it this way last year and got my money in the end. Had some hassles with my bank details, but I managed to get my money before my maternity leave was over.

Re the washing of the clothes. I was with normal Omo in old water and in the machine. Then I tumble dry or hang (depending on how lazy I am). I use normal Sta Soft and haven't had a problem with my LG yet. She does have a sensitive skin (like me) and some fabric gives her a rash, but as far as the washing is concerned, she hasn't had a problem yet. My opinion is that people do tend to make a huge hassle out of the washing of babies clothing, which really isn't necessary in my opinion. I wash alot of the stuff together, but would seperate the little jeans from the rest, and the whites. The rest would all go together in my machine. And also no handwashing for me, I tend to do more damage that way

Chris - thanks so much for your help re UIF. I have also heard that you must go 8 weeks before baby is due and then again when you start with ML and then again when baby is there - such for mission!!!! Any way I will check tonight what forms I have at home with what codes that I received from my work and I have printed a few this morning from the internet. I feel like taking Thursday off and go to their offices in Alberton and get everything sorted.

I haven't had one dream about giving birth etc. DH had a few - one were we went to a party and some guy came to me and told me that I must come with him as I am ready to give birth NOW. DH was kicking and moaning and when I told him the next day he told me he was trying to tell the guy that I am not ready to go into labour yet and he must mind his own business. I think I was only 20 weeks pregnant at the time.

Last night he told Inge that she must come now because she is making Mommy tired and he must now look after her - he is so sweet. He is going to spoil Inge so much.

Aspoestertjie - I cannot see your belly pics - will try at home

MommyN - glad the race went well - it takes a lot of courage and guts!!!!! Are you joining DH next year?

O yes, another question - do I have to wash Inge's clothes by hand or can I use the washing machine? I also use cold water so none of the colours would run but honestly - I agree with Vix - if the label indicates hand wash there is NO way that Inge will be wearing it. Surely the washing machine cannot be that harsh to the clothes?

Asp, I agree with Carmen, you look great!