I would definitely track down the singlets if you can cath? if you still have them and they are in good nick anyway $40 sounds pretty reasonable new, I thought they sold for more - hence why I never even considered hyenaing one LOL I love the medium minky ishfly too

been a quiet night, watched MKR then got sucked into ramseys kitchen nightmares. Still need to watch first ep of BL so I can catch up. i am so far behind in PP and Greys I don't know where I'm up to... somewhere partway through the last season. I need to have some serious tv watching time I think

Key- that is great news both about the bridesmaid dress and your dh's change of heart! I hope AF settles down soon for you though

blondie those muffins sound yumm!

ok time to get off puter, still raining and horrible humidity here, I feel like standing in the rain. Can't we just have one cool night sometime soon

Morning girls. Another early one for me. Everyone is still sleeping so enjoying the quiet of the morning with a hot cuppa

Missy has daycare today so hopefully will get plenty done in the house without a little one under foot.

Mcns have been priced. album is still locked so if you girls want anything before I open it up to go in the TR let me know.

Key - wonderful news about the bridesmaid dress! hopefully we hear of a bfp from you soon

elliesmum - I think the pink singlet that goes with the pink cgr has drool stains on it as I used the singlet more than the nappies....lol. The other one im not sure. Ill check the containers today that has her stuff packed away in it. Hope the weather gets better. We are up for rain apparently but who knows.....it hasnt rained here in ages.....lol.

beagle - I cant even being to imagine what you are going through right now. Hope treatment can start soon!

lara - no help here for advice on anaemia in bubs sorry. Hope all is ok though!

How good was greys last night. Gosh I cracked up laughing when they went to the funeral part & Izzy was there laughing then at the end when she told that girl to go get a life! I was like you tell her!! I could dl up to ep 12 but figure there has to be something left that I can watch on tele at normal time....haha. I have already dld the first 4 eps of V which is coming soon in Australia.....love it and cant wait for it to return at the end of March!

Best be off. Must wake these girls for school.....and so the day begins...........

Hi Tweedy! I'm up with the sparrows as well... nice and peaceful (for a while at least). I meant to say that yesterday was Ivy's first day at daycare, one of those centres with rooms for each age group. I htink there's 8 max in her room with 2 carers.It's exxy but it's a nice facility with a good rep. DH dropped her off at 8am, I visited her at 12pm and she was fast asleep, when I picked her up at 3pm she was happily playing outside. Whew! Nice when it works out, and yes, it feels like a day off!

I was at the first day of my TAFE 'Health Admin' course, which is looking good. Yesterday was more of an induction day than anything else, but the whole course is online so if you can do a lot at home as well as in the class.

I have a bit of an issue figuring out what to do with a newborn come June... the baby is due around the school holidays so the birth should be no problem, and I think what I'll do is talk to them about doing hte work placement component of the course in one big block instead of 'every other Tuesday' from April onwards. It works out to be a two-week block of work experience, at first I thought of getting it done later in the year but now I'm thinknig more like March/April, before baby is due.

There was more personals I wanted to add but there's just too much going on!

Beagle really sorry to hear about DH, wishing you strength

TV I think I may have found my show for the season: Big Love on SBS. Any other fans? I like Chloe Sevigny and the bird from Waterworld and the other bird Ginny something or other. Plus it's quite fascinating how the mormons manage multiple wives!

BG - The daycare DD3 goes to has separate rooms as well. She is in the Caterpillar room which there is only 6 I think in there. There is always 2-3 carers in the room & they are wonderful. not sure what to put on her today though. Its sunny but the breeze is a bit cool. Its not cold enough for a trackie but atm not quite warm enough for shorts & shirt.....lol. Suppose to get to 35 today so perhaps ill send her in shorts & shirt with a little jacket. Better head off & get looking.....lol

Melanie - I'm sure you will get back into the swing of study quickly. For me it had been over 8 years since I'd last studied, and the effort I was putting in before I dropped out of uni could not really be called study anyway .

Bellygood - I didn't realise you'd started TAFE, that's exciting. I agree with you that one big block of work placement before the baby is born would probably be good. I love Big Love, it's one of the shows I watched religiously in the US but have lost track here. I've always thought Chloe Sevigny was fab, she's so quirky and does her own thing, she often looks a hot mess on the red carpet but I love her for not really caring what anyone thinks.

Clazza - Aw, what a brave boy Jack was, it must've been hard not to let him see your tears and set him off! I like your age gap plan, similar to what I want, about 2 years each time. I am with you on MCNs too, every time I think I could consider using them I get overwhelmed by all the discussions of liners and boosters and inners and outers, it's too much for me.

Littlemumma - how wonderful having two happy boys and dinner ready for you! I often eat early with Claudia, once I have dinner ready I can't smell it and not eat .

Key - great buy on the dress and glad to hear your pay has been fixed.

Cassi - hope N enjoyed the muffins. You are doing such a great job keeping everything together at home and working, I don't know how you do it.

Elliesmum - you're making me quite glad I have stopped watching a lot of the shows I used to, it is so hard to keep up.

Tweedy- So Izzy lived? I don't watch Grey's but know from the ads that either she or George was going to die.

I must be the only one who hasn't had her regular shows start yet. I'm hanging out for Heroes, Lost and Survivor Heroes v Villains. Unfortunately I noticed Heroes starts this Thursday when I'll be at my parents', I know they won't want to watch it so will have to catch up on the net. Last night I watched Why Thin People Aren't Fat on SBS (very interesting) then a show about the "Grand Tour" of Europe on ABC, mostly focused on architecture and how Inigo Jones travelled around picking up ideas that he then spread throughout England. Really fascinating and made me so nostalgic for Europe. I've now decided instead of going to some of the countries I haven't been I want our next big trip to be back to France/Italy/Spain. Who knows when that will happen though!

morning.. coffee in hand so i should wake up soon.

Tweedy - Definately look for the singlets. I'd be interested in the seal one, its the only boyish one you have! is there anything you need, maybe we could do a swap?

Blondie - the muffins are yum! I had a little of N's on the way in this morning. He wasn't too fussed but he is being fussy at the moment. I'll keep offering them, he does love corn.

CC - N is in one with seperate rooms as well, 15 kids and 3 carers. 2 nursery rooms, one from 6wks to 15-16mths and the other up to 2 years. They move them up once development is up to a standard where they can do things for themself. I discovered this morning that there is one carer that N doens't like. I offered him an out which he couldn't take quick enough and happily went to another carer.

BG - I was up before the sparrows Glad to hear Ivy was a good girl at CC.

DH still isn't right, I can see him cringe as he gets into the car in the morning and he isn't feeling well when he gets out.. I don't have a lot of strength in me to help him not that I know how. I am just so tired and N is waking at least once each night at the moment. DH got up last night twice to him but he looks more exhausted than I am and that isn't normal, he is usually able to survive on 6 hours sleep.

I'll be around today, still quiet here.

WooHoo found the seal singlet. It hasnt even been worn....was folded up in the bottom of her draw as it was a size 2 & she is only just coming into those now. Ill have to put a new pic up now of it together. also found the receipt in my email (yes I have an mcn folder...lol) Cost $50 including postage each for them.

cass - i think I am pretty good for mcns now. We have around 16 ittis & 8 abbygros & I havent run out as yet since I chuck them in the machine before I go to bed & turn it on first thing in the morning. I keep looking at the seal cgr wondering if I would ever even put it on Tilly but I think I have gone passed the showing off now & go for the trimness of the itti.

Best be off....must get this little one organised otherwise we will never get to daycare.....lol.

Ill keep the album locked until I get home then ill put a post up in the TR I guess. Ill try listing them here only first & if no bites ill put them up on nappy addicts as well & see how it goes. Ill soon know if the prices arent fair.....lol.

Chat soon!

tweedy - Let me know how much for the seal and singlet and a pic if you would. I'll check with DH and see if its ok for me to grab it off you!

cass pics are up now. You should be able to view my Sale album as its only open to the ladies I have on my EB friends list (im sure your on there...lol) you will have to flick through to the end of the album for the pic of singlet & nappy though. I have put $40 on it atm since I paid $43 for it & they are still going for around that price for jsut the nappy now (although I havent seen any listed for ages!). The nappy & singlet are still brand new. Singlet never worn & nappy has only been tried on. Funny how we pay so much for something yet never use it.....lol. i think its cause I like to dress her so girly like & with with singlet it def would look better on a boy. If I havent heard from you when I get back ill put a Pending on it for you

Blondie so what's the answer? Why aren't thin people fat? I must know! I googled SBS but couldn't find much on it. Found this on the BBC though:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7838668.stm

It's a bit of a conundrum to me how I've put on 30kg in 20 years... and I can see the potential to put on more! I suppose we all know what the answer is - diet and exercise - but easier said than done

What was interesting about the show Bellygood is that most research focuses on people who are already overweight, this experiment focused on naturally thin people and whether they could get fat. Each of the participants had to double their normal calorie intake for 4 weeks and not do any exercise. The bad news was that the research showed our bodies have an idea of normal weight that they try to maintain, so an overweight person who is eating adequate calories might have their brain telling them they're still hungry, while in a thin person their brain is telling them not to eat more. The results were different within the group though, some found it physically impossible to eat their target amount of food, some ate the food and put on a lot of fat, others gained muscle, some gained very little. Regardless, everyone in the group was able to get back to their normal weight within a month with little effort. The other news, which is bad for our generation but good for our children if we work on it now, is that the patterns are set in childhood. Once you have acquired fat cells, they are there for life. Each fat cell can expand to a certain point as you overeat, then it can't grow any more and will divide into separate cells. The body more easily grows new fat cells in childhood and adolescence, so if you were fat as a teenager, it's going to be tough for you to stay slim. But if we set good eating habits for our children now and help them maintain a healthy body weight as a teenager, they are going to find it easier to maintain their slimness as an adult.

BG - I am in the same boat. Its a difficult road to lose it but you are on the right track with all the walking you are doing. My dietician suggested 40mins a day, every day. I find it hard to do it every day but i do the best I can and at least have 30mins of my lunch break at work out walking, usually running errands but its not sitting at my desk! If you want some help we are here and will help!

Blondie - sounds like an interesting study! I was an above average teen so its no surprise then that I am an overweight (read obese according to BMI) adult. I am glad to hear its just how I am and through no fault of my own really although there is plenty I can do about it.
I am so glad my parents made me eat my fruit no wonder I don't like it much now and have to remember to eat it. Both of my parents are on the larger side as was my maternal grandmother. You have just inspired me to fight harder!

Cassi - like you said you can fight to change things, it is not inevitable that you will be overweight for the rest of your life, just obviously harder for you than for others. Not fair I know . Another thing that was discussed was basal metabolic rate, and I'm sure you know this already, but your basal metabolic rate can be increased if you gain more muscle. Hence just dieting to lose weight will be less effective than doing exercise that increases your muscle mass. Once you have more muscle your body will burn fat more efficiently.

blondie, not fair but I understand that I need to get the metabolic rate up and build muscle so I burn fat more efficiently. I'm past the greiving stage and understand now that its going to be a lifetime battle with it. Just a matter of learning to control it I guess and finding the right balance of food and exercise that I can manage and making them lifestyle changes rather than 'diets' If only my mum would stop poking and asking why the Dr wants me to lose weight, i'm not close enough to her or comfortable enough to tell her that my ovaries won't work if I don't lose it.

Hmm I was a slim child and teen, but not anymore.... Giving up smoking in my 20s did it for me I think - I took up eating instead. And I am not into exercise at all sadly... My parents did bring us up with a healthy diet, which I suppose was good. DP thinks we eat amazingly healthily, whereas i think we could eat more veg, but we are not too bad. We eat 3 or 4 different veg every night, but not in huge quantities (chopped into pasta sauce etc).

I nearly watched that show, but turned on at one of those moments where they were squeezing globs of fat in their fists - ick.
I looooove Big Love though - it is so over the top. I man why does he need 4 wives - he he not coping with 3.

Jasper is a Platypus at daycare. Ours is pricy too, but only has 3 babies per carer. They they have 4 older kids (age 2 and 3) per carer, but in DD's room (age 3, 4, 5) they have 11 kids per teacher. It is far too many, and means the staff are just referreeing, not nurturing. They are going to go to one teacher per 7 or 8 kids this year they said (and putting up our fees again...)

Ali - have you considered booking in your Dd (or both!) for a day of daycare, just in case you need a day free to rest up with new bub?

DD's friends at daycare have gone into pre-school, but we are leaving her in daycare. She doesn't understand why though. She keeps saying she will drink more milk to get bigger so she can go to preschool too.... It doesn't help when old ladies at the shops ask her if she is about to go to school...she is quite tall already. Poor poppet feels a bit left behind.

I am waiting for a guy to come and quote on a water tank for the vegie garden. he is late now - So annoyed as I have kept Jasper up (he would have woken anyway when the door bell goes and dogs go off.). I think I will put him to bed - then the guy will probably come 5 mins later....

Busy day today - I am trying to pack a lot in to my last few days off work.

Morning campers,

This little camper is a wee tired today....these early mornings of getting out for school are quite busy, I actually have to set my alarm to get up and showered/dressed before kiddies wake.

Seepi - childcare fees are expensive aren't they, at least you get the rebate as you are working which is helps alot, but I can imagine with two in care it would really add up. What age does your DD need to be to go to preschool and what is the difference between preschool and daycare in Canberra? I am the same with our bell on the gate....I have actually been turning it right down lately and sometimes off incase someone rings it and wakes Max up and if I'm expecting someone I just keep peering out the window to see if they have arrived, lol.

Weight - that documentary sounded very interesting indeed. As a child/teenager I was probably a little plump as I was always short and had the baby fat but I seem to have lost that now. I think I will always have a pop belly but the Dr weighed me the other day and I was only 51kg so that is pretty good....pitty about my fat thighs though, I guess some exercise would help, couldn't tell you when I last did any!!!!!!

key - I'm glad they have sorted out you leave/pay etc....your work place def sounds like hard work, good luck today!

blondi - tks for the muffin receipe, must try that one now to get a change from the other ones I make.

cassi - sounds like DH is doing it tough, must be hard on you also though. Does he have to go to work right now, could he take some extended time off to just rest or do you think that would make things worse? Isn't it funny how Nath has his favourites with the teachers already....bless....doesn't take them long, he has obviously bonded better with the other one.

Kai was so cute this morning...it was his first sports day and he was so excited about it and couldn't wait to put the sports uniform on. He is so confident, keeps asking when he can get the bus DH has say no way to the bus for kinder....he doesn't even want him to get the bus for all of infants...what to do when one wants to be so independent. I've just told him that the other kinders that are getting the bus have older siblings to look after them so that is why they can get the bus. He was so lovely this morning, alot of the kids are still crying and Kai was trying to console one little boy and holding his hand etc, what a sweet heart.

Max gets another day at home with daddy today, they will have a good day I think...DH loves having the day with him which is nice.

Greys was good last night, didn't realise it was a 2 hour epp though, I struggled to stay up!

better get back to it

hi everyone

gross thing happened this morning. Oliver's nappy exploded poo everywhere in the play room, on the rocker swan thing he was playing on, down his legs, feet, carpet. ew. so gross. it was a few days worht of poo so i bet he feels better now.

seepi I had considered putting DD in when I first had Oliver (well actually after DH went back to work) and found it hard but they were fully booked. after a couple of weeks, maybe 6, we were into a routine and much easier to get through the day.
We really cannot afford it anyway, I wouldnt get the rebates etc cos I'm not on maternity leave. So its still what probably at least $40 that we dont have. Plus I don't think she would really enjoy it for a full day. Also I think Oliver is more laid back when he's playing with her, so if she went then he'd be a bit lost. We def couldnt afford to put them both in. Plus i know he'd hate being away from me. Serious mummy clingyness. I'll be ok, i'm not too worried about being at home wiht the three, DD is such a great little helper and as I said as long as DS has her to play with he should be ok. I do think he might be a bit surprised by it all though.
I am looking at occasional care for her though which is 2.5hrs a week. Just one morning. it woudl coincide with his sleep so he woudl be ok here at home. Although, he's been in bed for nearly an hour and hasn't gone to sleep yet, so who knows, he could be ditching his morning sleep.

blondie how depressing about the fat cells. I have too many, that is one thing I am sure of! It is true though, my body has a weight that is easier to maintain, rather than a 'skinny' weight. when i was my skinniest i sat like that for a year or two (actually from 2kg up from my skinniest) then it started to go north again at my "average" weight. Now, i'd love to be my average weight again. I haven't been that weight since before having DD, so I wil have A LOT of work ahead of me after this bub is born.
and i am one of those unlucky ones who does not have weight fall off them when BF.

Have a friend coming in about 10mins so best go.
bbl

eta woops double post.

also , littlemum - 51kg!! far out you're tiny. how tall are you?
yep greys was brilliant. i was crying throughout it though.

Littlemum you are tiny!

Ali - EWWWWW!!!! I've been complaining at how often Claudia poos but I think I'd prefer her 2-3 a day than one like Oliver's . I'm the same as you with child care, I'd quite like to put Claudia in a day a week but it's an extra expense that seems unnecessary, although I think she'd enjoy it. I'm still thinking of occasional care if and when we ever have our #2.

Well post is up in the TR so will see how it goes....lol. Is there a way to subscribe to it or something so I know when there is a reply?

cass - I have the seal set as pending for you atm so let me know either way

Little miss is at daycare. It is so darn quiet here now.....lol. Must get in & get some organisation though since its the only time i get to clean without a little tornado following me around!

That show sounded definatly interesting! I was always quite thin when I was at school. no matter what I ate it did nothing....lol. perhaps there is hope for me yet

I am back on the weightloss wagon now! Big walk this morning pushing Tilly into a massive head wind as well as already have drunk a pump bottle of water! Must up my water intake again & get rid of drinking coke all the time.....lol. Will have a ham & philly cheese sanga for lunch then just have to work out what for dinner! I think I should go weight myself so I at least have a new starting point....lol.

littlem - gosh you are so little!

ali - I shouldnt laugh at the poosplosion but when I was reading I do admit I was haveing a giggle. Its always funny whens its not our own isnt it....hehe

Ali - I bet he feels better after that! Have a nice time with your firend!

Littlemumma - I think he feels he needs the distraction and he only had 5 days annual leave available. I am going to get a holiday organised I think. He is off his food, only wants to eat little bits of plain things, gets home and just watches tele I'm off to priceline today to see if I can pick up some relaxation things for him like the GP suggested the other day. I'll kick him into the bath when we get home and at least he won't be under my feet and complaining, well thats the plan at least. I agree with the CC fees, they are huge being in Nth Syd!
Gotta love Kai wanting to be a big boy and catch the bus like the other kids.. He sounds very mature for his age and is copeing well.

Seepi - poor DD, I can't imagine it would be nice for her and I am guessing she don't quite understand why. I hope you are able to enjoy your last few days at home, rest while you can!

Ali - occassional care for DD would be good for her I think as its only a couple of hours a week. Even if Oliver drops his morning nap it would probably be good for him to spend some time without DD anyway as eventually she will have to go to preschool/school etc so would be good to get him use to it. I'm not sure how tall I am, 5ft nothing I always say....very short....No I'm probably 5ft 2 or something, must find out. I don't look tiny though so I don't understand how I weigh that much. on the poo, poor mummy having to clean that up but I bet Oliver is happy to have it out.

cassi - sounds like you are doing all you can to help DH, just keep a close eye on him and give him all the love you can, I mean what else can you do really.

Blondi - Max still poos about 2 a day also. OC woudl be good for Claudia when number 2 comes along, I think its alot cheaper then actual daycare.

morning everyone.
Sorry been reading just not up to chatting.
I am exhausted (mentally) with both sets of parents going through seperation it is very tiring.
MUM
I made an appoint and went and saw her phychiatrist yesterday. Asked what 'I' could do to help her as I am at a loss He explained she is has clinical servere depression. She is heading down the road of a breakdown if she doesn't help herself and make a decision to leave(well she has done that) but has the TELL Dad she is not coming back.
He said she has big issues with negative thinking and is 'wired' with issues relating to dad and otherwise.
The biggest isssue is he believe she has a 'connection' to dad (bad one) that he is her abuser she doesn't want to be with him but cannot live without him! She is totally dependant on him and what he does/says/thinks She cannot help it and has to try to break this.
He said he is actually at times at a loss as to what to 'do' with her She is so unwell.
So sad
Worth my $150 for 30mins to get his help though.

FAITH's (DD1) first day of school
Went really well. She did wake up in morning and i said 'what is today' and she burst into tears saying I want to stay home with mummy and Velvet Then after calling daddy at work he cheered her up saying he would come collect her at lunch pick up time.
Once dressed and ready she was all excited though, no tears at drop off was happy to get rid of me.
Raved all day how good her teachers were and loved everything.

Velvets first day at Gymbaroo
She went while faith was a t school. She was a little nightmare Would no participate on the 'mat play' wanted to go climb the equiptment. She climbed stuff DD1 didn't climb at 2.5year But thought the singing/activities with her arms/legs was borning and kept running off and crying tantrums at me
Early days not really bad for 1st day just chalk and cheese DD1 and velvet

KEY: Sorry things have been so bad for you. Please call anythime and when you feel up to it I would love to come over for a visit and play?
Great on the number 3 _ Can you get him to talk tp my DH?
dress

BEAGLE: I am so sorry I will call you this morning for a chat when you are home from school drop offs

ALI: I am also one of the unlucky ones who does NOT loose weight while BF. In fact with my 2 girls I put on in first 12 weeks then start to diet to get it all off.

CATH: Have you changed your username?

WEIGHT: I am still 4kg away from my desired weight. that is 7 kg lighter when PG with the girls but still 2-3kg heavier than my married weight. Motivation is the key and I am finding it getting hard. Seem to have plateaued for weeks going down up to 1kg then back to this weight again.

can't remember much more
Sorry everyone

VELVETS FIRST DAY AT DAYCARE TOMORROW
I have taken her twice in last week to orientate her, but tomorrow I will leave her for 3-4 hours. I am sure she will be fine BUT on weekend I went out just with DD1 and she stayed with daddy.
As we were leaving she ran and got her shoes and said "me too" Then sat at the door and screamed and cried huge tears as she wanted to come too!
Broke my heart hope she isn't like this at daycare too?

Sarina, you are doing such a great job with everything that is going on. Your poor mum is in a bad bad. Good on you though for doing what you can and seeing the phych to try and help her. Maybe things will get better with time as she realises that she doesn't need him. I am sure my mum would be the same although there is no emotional abuse that I know of. I would not worry too much about your weight right now, you have so much going on you don't need to stress about that as well. at Velvet, sounds like you have one very active child! I'm glad Faith had a great first day though.

Thanks littlemum. We have a few nice days coming up so hopefully he will be able to gather his thoughts and blow out the cobwebs so to speak. I guess its just as hard watching it that going through it.

I saw you lurking down there Sharon, how are you feeling today??

Tweedy - getting rid of the coke would definitely be a good move, big waste of calories and money I reckon! Soft drinks are such empty calories.

Cassi- hope the relaxation things help. Is your DH going to see a counsellor at all?

Littlemum - I agree OCC will be good for Claudia. She's always loved creche at the gym when I've left her there, which hasn't been for months. I should start taking her again.

Sarina - what a no-win situation with your mum. I wish I had something helpful to suggest . I can just picture Velvet at Gymbaroo wanting to climb everything! Such an adventurous one that girl of yours. Too sweet about Faith wanting to stay with you and Velvet, I'm glad she was happy once she started.

WooHoo I jsut sold my first nappy in the TR! I am so excited

blondie - hubby likes a nice cold glass of coke with dinner especially if he has been working. Me on the other hand...if its there ill drink it....lol.

Sarina - oh gosh. you have been through so much I hope that things pick up soon for all of you. Faith is so cute. Its times like that when you feel all warm & fuzzy

Must get to cleaning...Tilly has been at daycare for 2 hours & I havent done anything....ROFL

YAY on the selling of nappies Tweedy. I might go have a gander, just cause I can

Blondie - I did suggest that if he wanted to speak with someone then he should but he doesn't seem particularly interested. I will mention it again though in a few days if he is still the same.

It's so hard Cassi, you must feel so helpless .

Hi Girls

Daycare what a dilemma... from what I see, Ivy is at an age where she can actually benefit from the interaction with other people and kids. However, there are two sticking points for me:

1: cost
2: fact that you pay a full day regardless of whether baby is there for 1 hour or 12 (I LOVE occasional care but unfortunately we don't have one in town) - I suppose this is also a cost issue

I have Ivy in one of the more expensive daycare centres simply because it's close to TAFE and has a great rep.

Day rate for a 17m old is $67 (in a small town like this... ridiculous. All they provide is nappies and wipes, no food).

After that first % rebate based on family income I pay $61. Then each quarter I'll get 50% of my out of pocket costs refunded to me, so my real out of pocket cost is $30.50 per day. For that I could leave her there for 12hrs... but who does? I leave her there for 6/8 hours at most so I'm paying $4-5/hr out of my own pocket for daycare.

Family daycare would probably work out to be $40 day rate, coming down to real out of pocket cost of just under $20. THAT'S more like it! But I've found family daycare to be quite variable... the bigger centres give me more confidence (though... I'm not ruling out family daycare on the grounds of cost!).

So hypothetically, if I were out in the workforce earning say $150 per day in the hand, I would be parting with 15-20% of my net (after tax) income that for daycare.

Actually if I put it that way, it doesn't seem so bad... it probably hits you more if you work part time than full time, IYKWIM.

Come to think of it, it's really SAHMs that suffer as (to my knowledge) they don't get any rebate, plus aren't earning any wage to offset the costs of daycare. Gah! Girls, pull in your belts! It's mince and rice for the next 15 years...

Cassi: meant to add... men are truly terrible at being ill. I hope DH lifts out of his funk soon (or you force him out of it). Poor bugger, I feel for him but it's hard finding time for self pity when you have family and work responsibilities as well. It must be a huge shock for him tho.

blondie - I do a bit, more frustrated that I can't do more. I have to remember what is going on and try not to get angry with him like I did last night, I mean its hardly his fault..

BG - I'll PM you. There is a heap more behind it than him just being grumpy.

I added you as well beagle so you know where I'm at.

BG - that isn't a bad price for CC, I pay way more than that at the moment. I don't think I could afford 2 in care, well it wouldn't be worth me working if I had 2 in care. I do understand where you are coming from though.

hi again

well oliver didnt sleep at all when in bed for an hour this morning. I dont mind if he drops his sleep. for those on one sleep a day, what time do they get up in morning and then go to bed for their nap?? i put him down at 1.15pm.
i really dont want him to start falling asleep in the car if we go out. I guess it wont take too long for him to get adjusted to new routine.
so what shoudl I do? put him down tom morning for a nap or just start doing the one sleep thing? DD didnt drop to one sleep til 18/19mths.

cassi i agree with Blondie, is DH seeing a councillor or just the GP? poor guy.

occasional care is only $5! for 2.5hrs. and i think at our occ care once they are over 3 they can go to two sessions a week.

sarina I really hope things pick up for your mum soon. just such a hard time for you all.

sharon Are you ok?

coke i love soft drink too. addiction really. I did give it up once but clearly fell off the wagon.

bellygood yeah cos I dont work there wouldnt be much cc rebate. Plus i am a sook and would rather them home.

Bellygood- I actually don't think $30.50 out of pocket for a day of care is too bad, when you consider what you pay for other things, like $100+ for a couple of hours at the hairdresser, or the cost of a GP visit. I think qualified child carers deserve to be paid well. Not good that yours doesn't provide food though.

Ali - LOL at you being a sook. I like being a SAHM but I still worry that Claudia would benefit from more interaction with other kids, she's very independent which is great, but I want her to learn to play with others and think she'd probably get a lot more stimulation from a little time at child care each week. Your occ. care is very cheap! Not sure what it is around here, but creche is $4.50 for gym members for 1 1/4 hours. Doesn't seem too expensive but on top of the $50/month I'm already paying for pool membership if I take her once a week that makes almost $70 per month, a lot when I have no income.

I think I've got a second interview organised for my political story, about time seeing it's due next Friday! A friend suggested someone who works for a local Labor politician who is apparently a wealth of information on local politics, he's agreed to an interview but I'm waiting to hear back from him on time. That will hopefully be on Monday, giving me 4 days to write the story from then, if I'm any sort of journo that should be plenty of time. Unfortunately as I am going to OG tomorrow I can't do it tomorrow or Friday.

blondie yeah i thikn interaction is important too but I'm sure there is an age where they really start playing etc. In fact I think its closer to 3. I've seen that DD is really playing WITH her friends now, not just next to them. I don't think kids "need" childcare. You know, mothers groups, playgroups, kindergyms, playdates etc are all interaction.
having said that, i think its good for her to have some time away from me before she starts pre entry next jan, hence why i want to start occ care soon. I did start it when O was born but she only enjoyed it for a few wks and then hated it. she was only 20mths so still a bub.

yay on the interviewee!

Afternoon

Sarina you are going through such a bad time, I hope you can take some time for yourself. I'm glad Faith had a great first day. Lol at Velvet, isn't it funny how they are so different, Kai and Max are the same, total opposites in every way.

childcare - Kai started when he was 3, he went to preschool one day a week and when he was 4 he went 2 days a week until he started school last week which is 5 days. He is a very social child, as a little one he did swimming, MG, playgroup and music on a regular basis. Max will be going to daycare when he is about 2.5yrs, one day a week on a day I work. I think the lady said it was $64 (minus rebate) a day and that includes everything except nappies.

Ali - when Kai started preschool he was 3....he was fine the first visit and then for the next 6 weeks he cried every week (and he was a very social child)...it was heartbreaking, I almost pulled him out but the director kept saying to me, give him 6 weeks and he'll be fine....and he was. Thank god. Now at school he hasn't cried at all (yet)....but so many kids are crying, some are quite hysterical...I don't know how their mothers are coping but I wouldn't be, its hard to see them unhappy.

blondi - good job on the interview, hope you can get it all done in time.

BG - how does Ivy enjoy daycare?

I have no glasses on so it's been a hard slog getting through this thread today!

CC - Alexander goes 1 day per week. at the moment I get no CC rebate as apparently Medicare havent got my immunisation record... bloody pain, must take it in. so I am paying $80 per day (including nappies, no food). I dont really think about the cost TBH, it's just something that costs money, though I really want to get the CC rebate! anyway, I dont think Alexander needs to go, I dont think kids at this age really interact with the other kids anyway. he goes to hear other people speaking German. as it is bilingual. plus, it's good for me to have a day to get other things done without having to take him (ie WORK!) Alexander will be going to preschool when he gets to 3. either montersorri or bilingual German one at a Grammar school here. both very $$$, but I think preschool is important.

Big love - I have never watched this show.. I just cant bring myself to! It goes against so many of my values (ie having more that one wife) it sort of makes me a little sick... totally irrational I know. so I havent watched it even though I sort of want to as I like Chloe as well...

I also watched that show on thin/fat people. quite interesting. I already knew about the number of fat cells never going away etc, but I was really fascinated by that Chinese guy whoes basal metabolic rate went up by 30% to cover the extra calories! amazing..

Sarina - you are going through a tough emotional time at the moment good to hear that Faith liked her first day at school!

Cassi - I hope your DH feels a little better soon

Have i made any sense? I hope so, I wont be doing this again not wearing glasses! cant remember rest of hte thread! so I'll BBL to re-read!

The Chinese guy was fascinating wasn't he Melanie! I couldn't figure out how he was able to gain muscle with no exercise. I would love Claudia to have a bilingual carer and learn another language at a young age, but there's no way DH would ever agree to pay for an expensive pre-school even if I wanted to. It would be great to find a Family Day Carer who spoke another language but unfortunately you can't pick and choose.

Hi girls,

Wow you have been chatty today.

Littlemum - the dr said i should try and get Angus to eat more red meat. Which is really hard when he doesn't like it that much. I decided to get him a supplement and see if that helps him. In the ACT kids don't go to preschool until the year they turn 4 and the cut off is April. So both Seepi and I have June DD's so we miss out this year.

Childcare - we are thinking of putting Angus in at the end of the year but I am not sure yet. DD went in when she was 20 months but that was only because i was at work and now that i am home full time i really don't know if I should be putting Angus in. Plus we don't get any rebate or CCB. So it is quite expensive at $72 a day. I don't really think they need socialising at this stage but I do agree with it for DD's age. She doesn't go to preschool until next year and she really needs something to keep her stimulated.

Cassi - i hope things get sorted out for you DH soon. A few things happened to my DH last year and it was really tough (don't want to discuss here) but it is really hard on everybody.

Big love - I love this show.

Thin/fat people show - so glad i didn't watch it because i am overweight and I think i would have been depressed after it. Although i feel great at the moment.

Blondie - great news on the interview.


Ali - does DS transfer from the car?

Tweedy - good on you for selling the nappies.

Sarina - you are doing such a good job and looking after everybody.

Beagle - big hugs to you


We had swimming lessons this morning and Angus couldn't wait to get into the pool.

hugs

Lara

I am paying a lot for CC.. just over $100 per day pre rebates and includes everything, all I take is a change of clothes.

Yay on the interview blondie.

Ali- He only saw the GP while it was happening/just after it happened the other day. No mention of councillor was made by the GP, I made the suggestion after he saw the GP that night. If he feels he needs it he will go.

I am here you big dags! Still feeling quite down and close to tears alot, so just been having limited computer time and pottering around trying to destress. I really have nothing to complain about in my life, so dont know why I am feeling like this! I am sure I will bounce back soon.

Childcare - we were only paying about $30 a day for DD1 last year, but a 3rd day wouldve been more. I know a few mums that have enrolled in short courses purely for the childcare rebate! (which isnt such a silly idea!)

Ali - a friend has 2 girls same age as your DD and DS and is pregnant again! Are you 2 twins?? LOL.. She has the older 1 in family daycare for 2 short days at $6 an hour and just started her bub on a day the same as the older DD. So the bub has company and will be ok. Just an idea. She only drops them off at 9 and picks up by 2ish.

Lara - I freeze chicken, mince and fish cubes when i cook it for us and defrost a cube to have with her veg! Maybe some mince for Angus?? It is a bit hard when they cannot chew.

Gotta go. DH gone with H to pick up Ella and I am meant to be bringing in washing and preparing arvo tea. x

I was actually thinking of doing this but my DH is away a lot in the next couple of months so I won't be able to get away.

The littlest bambino goes to daycare 1 day a week & it costs us $22. There is nothing provided by the centre other than baby wipes & sunscreen. I have to send 2 sets of clothes, 6-8 nappies, 4 bottles (but have cut that to 2 since she just doesnt drink them), morning tea, afternoon tea & lunch.

We get no rebates other than the discount you get from centrelink which is worked off you income estimate. I could send her a second day for the same cost but the 3rd would cost full price at $55. The cost also entitles her to be there from 7am until 6pm but I would never leave her there that long.....unless of course it was need cause I was studying.

No nappy sold yet now as the sale fell through Its still only early days yet though!

ellangel - hope you bounce back to being yourself soon!!

Have to read back to catch up on what I have missed....chatty bunch arent we.....lol.

Just a quick question though. When can you give or have you given your babies honey? Tilly hasnt had any yet but thought it might be a change sometimes for her sandwich since she only has vegemite or her soy cream cheese. I cant think of anything else she can have....lol

Ali - sorry forgot to say before that Claudia goes down for her sleep anywhere from 11-12, depends on when she woke up and what we have on in the morning. I try to give her something quite substantial before her sleep like a big banana and a biscuit or something like that so she doesn't get hungry. She'll have on average 2 hours and then has lunch when she wakes. If we have Mothers Group and are out later in the morning I will give her a sandwich before sleep.

Tweedy - Claudia has been eating honey for a few months now, but then she hasn't had any allergy problems. Still worth a try. Other sandwich ideas - avocado, smooth peanut butter (if she's OK with peanuts), a little bit of ham or chicken. This week Claudia has had sliced deli chicken with avocado in her sandwiches and loved it. I also sometimes give her peanut butter & sultanas together, was a favourite of mine as a kid and she likes it too.

Lara - Ellangel's suggestion of mince is a good one if Angus can handle that, maybe bolognaise or lasagne? It is tough forcing them to eat if they don't want something.

I've been so lazy this arvo, actually had a 20 minute doze on the couch while Claudia played next to me, that's what I usually criticise DH for .

Tilly hasnt ever had peanuts blondie. The pead has advised against any of that stuff until at least her next appt which is at 18 months....speaking of which I best make an appt since there is like a 6 week wait at least to get in!

Might give those other things a go though. Im not an avocado fan but I do know they are full of all those yummy goodies....lol. Might grab one tomorrow & give her a try on it

Cassi did I read that right, $100 a day for childcare (before rebates?)? If so, I won't complain at my $67 (which boils down to just over $30 out of pocket)! Actually after I typed my whole daycare thing I realized it actually is pretty reasonable. I personally wouldn't babysit for 12hrs for $30, put it that way! One of our centres just went broke, no real explanation given, so I'm glad I had Ivy a place in another centre.

Hot here, hot hot hot! More rain coming soon I think, better get some washing out to dry. I have rotated Ivy's toys eg refilled box in lounge with new toys and packed others away. A few were grubby so they are having a 'pre-wash' in the bath with her as we speak. There is hardly room for her amongst eg teddy bear, doll, cloth book thing. BBL!

Holli had honey at around 10 months but they say to wait til 12. She had peanut butter closer to 1, accidentally shared by DD1!

Ali - when H dropped from 2 to 1 sleep she was a bit hit and miss for 2 weeks. Now she wakes averaging 6.30am and goes back down after 11am, depending if we are out or not. Still transfers well from the car, so that is good.

Wow what a day. Tilly is finally asleep...she gets a little overtired after CC i think though.

Cass - Seal CGR is on hold for you. If you dont want it lmk as there is another in line You have first option for it though my dear!

I seem to be a late starter.....lol. I think ill give her a go with a bit of honey on toast. The honey I have is from the local store here & it is locally made so doesnt have all the stuff in it that capilano does. Honey toast.....oh she is going to be so sticky....lol.

BBS gotta do quick clean up after dinner. Jsut wanted to leave that msg here for Cass

just quick, have to go and spend time with DH. He is feeling better today and we had a good chat on the way home in the car. Its going to take time but all will get better..

BG yep $100 a day all inclusive. They are a great centre and its close to work, being in the city its pricey but means I can get to him when he is sick and I don't have to do short days to get home in time to pick him up.

Sleep - N goes down between 12 and 1 for anywhere up to 3 or 4 hours. It does take a while for them to adjust to one sleep.

Honey and peanut butter we have done a bit after 12mths. If you aren't sure on honey being an allergen you can try maple syrup or golden syrup as it won't have the botulism bacteria in it. What about baked beans or spaghetti on toast?

I hope you are back to your normal self soon Sharon, its awful when you feel like that!

thanks for tips on sleep girls. i guess i could even just leave him in bed (normally I wake him at 7,30 although he's normally not really fully asleep) but i could leave him til 8 or so and then put him down again at 1. he slept 1.15 til about 3.50 which was good. but thats what he had been doing with an hour in the morning.
will just play by ear I guess. tomorrow mg is here and i might try and put him down but if he doesnt then i'll just get him up. friday we are going to playgroup but that doesnt start til 11 so might do the same thing. and if 3 days in a row of no morning sleep then i figure he is prob dropping it, woudl you agree?

whoever asked if he transferred well from car - nope! not anymore.

cassi glad DH is feeling better today. Hope each day is an even bigger improvement.

childcare even if i got some rebates (woudl get the normal one but not that 50% that you get when you work or on mat leave) I probably still wouldn't put O in daycare. I just have those mother guilts, you know, i'm home why should someone else look after him? silly I know but I can't help it. lara is that how you feel too when you mentioned it earlier? come baby number 3 maybe i will change my mind! who knows. once again though we dont really have the excess cash for it.

sharon you poor thing. I know that feeling being on the verge of tears all the time. I was like that the other week. Do you still take those natural tabs you were telling me about ages ago? I think Lisa Curry Kenny endorsed them. Hormones are a bugger of a thing.

lara could you whizz the meat and mince up for angus? O only has front teeth but I still whizz his meat up. (actually still most foods). good idea about the supplement though.
did you say the dr was going to test to see if he actually is anaemic?

evening all.
DH has come home early throwing up, so guess he has the bad tummy now

FEEDING VELVET
I am getting so frustrated Don't get me wrong she is good with snacks but Dinner is a JOKE!
She will not eat anything, Tried all the know 'tricks' but
She will eat fruit/yoghurt/custard until the cows come home just no meat/veg/pasta/rice.
Loves rice bubbles for breakkie, and occasionally eats 1/2 a pioece of toast
Only licks the butter/spread of bread and nibbles a little bit too.
DInner is just the real headache
Tried forcing mouth open and getting 3 or 4 spoons in but under duress.
She would live of anything salty (rice crackers etc) and fruit and the only thing she loves for dinner chicken breast in tempura batter if she had her way
Happy to steal anything she shouldn't eat though , choccy, icypoles,icecream off DD1
She also wants milk constantly (from sippy cup) I limit this as I thought that was why she was being fussy but NO, just fussy.
I have never ever know a kids to hate pasta as she does.
She is not fading away, but lacking red meat/iron/vegy's goodness etc. She is 10.8kg but tall too.
I can get her to occasionally eat frozen peas

If she doen't eat dinner and I am grumpy and don't give her an alternative she wakes early 3-4am screaming for milk as she is hungry SO I feel stuck either way.

CHN had no other suggestion s and said I was doing everything right she is just stubborn and knows what she likes.

Sorry vent over

CHILDCARE: I pay $72 a day only ahave to suppy nappies all else food/milk/sunsreen/wipes all provided
But I do get the 50% rebate due to taking on occasional contract work.

Sarina - I hear you. Jacqui has become so fussy at dinner. Its so frustrating especially coonsidering how well she was eating. If its a vegie not interested. Or I give her something which she shovels in one night but the next night won't even touch. I have tried offering her stuff at lunch nope still not interested. It driving me mad trying to have a relaxed attitude about it but its not working.

Cassi - I hope DH continues to improve. If there is anything I can do please let me know.

Ellangel - That was me last week. Hope you feel better soon. Chocolate and alcohol always helps.

Ali - Jacqui usually wakes around 6:30am although I don't get her up till 7am. Her nap is around 11-11:30 till about 1-2pm. Bedtime around 7:30pm although lately she has been playing in the cot for 30mins or so. Has half of her lunch before nap and the rest after she wakes. I am lucky that Jacqui can be transferred into the cot. (couldn't when she was a baby) so it doesn't matter if she falls asleep on the way home from places. I also have the same feelings about childcare.

DH is in Sydney again tonight and tomorrow night. Actually its a good thing because he has the MAN FLU!!!!!

Wow - the childcare centres are all so different aren't they. Ours is over 80.00 a day, but they do provide everything except milk. They actually have a cook based at the centre.

And on kids transferring from the car - mine do because neither one of them goes to sleep in the car. Nor in the pram - don't ask me why they won't - it is terrible on long drives, but ok around town.

Now I have totally forgotten what I came in here to say.... I hope all have a better day tomorrow.
Back to work for me...sigh. Actually it will be easier than today at home for sure.

Tradesmen that never showed, OB appt across town, Mum minding the two kids (only for a few hours, and the house is trashed - it will be interesting to see if the house is still standing when she has them for a whole day when I go full time! then I had DD at swimming, and i had to take Jasper into the shallow end. He loves it, but only if I remember to take his plastic cups to pour water into each other - he just can't get enough of doing that.

Then DP came home late, and I let DD make a cake = all went well til the end when i was changing J's nappy and she put salt on top as a decoration(yesterday we made oat biscuits with a pinch of salt in)..... DP tasted the mix and said it will be inedible. I'm still holding out hope (a tiny bit.) neither of us is game to try it though. Such a waste!