Morning Jules,

Was just wondering how you got on when you visited your Mum this week, and also how your daughter got on at hospital?  I do hope things are not too stressful for you and that you can try and have a relaxing weekend.

I'm waiting for my eldest to come home, he has spent somewhat of Freshers sleeping on fellow pupils floors after social events - latest was a toga party last night!  I'm off to my counsellor this morning, had originally been thinking I wouldn't need to see her for too much longer but have been so emotional this week so will talk things over with her.

The weather is forecast to be nice this weekend but is looking a bit gloomy at present.  Here's hoping it brightens up and the sun shines on us all.  Take care  Hope x

Hi Hope

Hope you visit to the counsellor was helpful and its good for you to be able to talk things through and this should last as long as you need it.

I have just returned from visiting Mum and she was ok though I am sure a little concerned at how long she will be able to stay where she.  She has amazed the staff at how forthright she was when social worker 'interviewed' her and they are left in no doubt as to what she wants. All the care staff came to see me whilst I was visiting to make sure I was okay too - very sweet.  I stayed until she was due to go into lunch and we even managed a bit of a laugh when I showed her latest photos of her great grandson.  He has really enjoyed his first week in Reception and keeps telling his mum that his teacher is the most beautiful one in the school!!

Hubby and I picked him up from school on Friday as my daughter had to return to hospital for a second day of tests and monitoring.  Specialist blood tests with regard to her liver function have been sent off and unless she hears otherwise she returns to clinic next Friday.  The last set of bloods were borderline but all readings for the baby were good.  If the new blood tests show certain 'rises' she may have to be taken in and possibly induced (she is now 37 weeks and would probably welcome is being over and done with!!).  Anyway so far so good.  I have an overnight bag ready and waiting and she has several friends on standby to get her to the hospital if her hubby is at work.  Mind you she is still driving herself at present!!

When we met our grandson at school (its only 10mins to his home) he told Grandad that he could meet us there as it was healthier to walk!!!  My hubby's face was a picture as he drove off and I walked the little tyke home!!

Life's stresses seem to come and go but having the forum to offload certainly helped me to see things in perspective this week though I think my mood swings are more due to hormones than current circumstances.

Sounds like your eldest having a great time during Freshers but will no doubt be looking forward to some home cooking.  Have a great weekend with the family and will catch up again soon.  All the best and look after yourself. Jules xx

Hi Annabel

Yes quite the coincidence and must say I drew strength from knowing how well your daughter recovered.  Unfortunately my daughter not allowed to express (she already had the equipment herself as used if with first baby for a while) as she on heavy duty drugs which would pass through and not be good for baby.  Far better that she gets well (they had to do quite a repair job on her insides and the bad tear aswell as dealing with the blood clots).  She was on oxygen when we got to the hospital but they were able to remove this just before we left.  Hopefully following the transfusion and a good night's rest she will feel stronger.  She said that the last 12 hrs had been a bit of a blur but baby was quite happy laying next to her on the bed. She more fed up with being prodded and poked (and has a needle phobia).  Our grandson took it all in his stride but not impressed at the baby's cry (covers his ears) but very much hands on helping (so gentle).  Was a bit bemused when helping Daddy to change the nappy - wondered why the baby had a 'klippit' for a tummy button.

Well off to work shortly and then we will have our eldest grandson after school (he not visiting hospital today) and Dad will pick him up on his way home (well thats the plan at the moment!!).

As to sleeping, managed 4 good hours before tossing and turning began so not bad at all.

Have a good day.  Jules xx

Hi Jules,

Just to say I hope your daughter is feeling better, and hope new baby continues to do well.  I laughed at your grandson not being impressed by baby's cry  - when I brought my youngest home, eldest decided to help with bathtime, as I took baby's clothes off he naturally screamed and then eldest started crying and saying "put his clothes on"!  It's one of those little things I'll always remember.  Have a good day.  Hope x

Morning Jules,

Hope your daughter is soon feeling back to full strength and able to come home again. I loved the part of your thread where your eldest grandson wondered why Zack had a klippit for a belly button! Priceless! One to remember for the archives

Glad you managed to get a few hours sleep last night . . . I managed almost a full night, only punctuated by the mandatory stoma bag check that will be part and parcel of my nocturnal routine for the forthcoming future!

Hope work is not too taxing today . . . Your mention of work and how you are moving stock round ready for Christmas, has inspired me to make this a 'Book Christmas.' Going out shopping is not going to be easy with upcoming treatments etc, so, inspired by you, everyone will be getting a book this year!

Who knows, maybe next year they'll get a book written by me! Highly unlikely!

Take care, Jo xx

Good morning Jules,

Hope all is well with your daughter and your new grandson. I hope work has not been too stressful and tiring and I can just bet your work colleagues have seen the pictures.

I don't know why but something has triggered memories of a christening I went to years ago and this young girl was asking her dad why the baby had been born. Poor guy was really floundering until he said, because the baby's mum and dad love each other. This in turn has triggered another memory about a country music song titled, "Two people fell in love" and was sung by Brad Paisley. But it was very cleverly written for the first verse starts with a baby being born and goes on to describe how this baby boy grows up and get a PHD and wins the Nobel prize and save countless lives and finishes by saying "And all because two people fell in love".So who knows what lies in store for your grandson?

And it so right, at the end of the day thats why we all came to life, because two people fell in love.

The reactions of you older grandson are so similar to my grandson, a mixture of love and protection thrown in. Hope your daughter is soon home.

When my son was born, my wife was in labour for about 36 hours and they didn't find out until then she had a twisted pelvis which they think was a result of an accident she had as a child. She had wanted me to be present when our son was born but in the end I was ushered out as they had to cut her and use forceps. They told us afterwards if we had any more children it would have to be by caesarian operation which is why we only had the one child.

Take care and sending best wishes your way, Brian.

Message was edited by: woodworm

Hi Jules

Just heard the wonderful news and congratulations to you and hubby on becoming grandparents for the second time.  Hope baby and mum are keeping well.  I can relate to your daughter and the blood loss.  It happened twice to me and is can be a scary moment but they will get it under control for your daughter.  Poor thing she will not have much time to think about herself as she will have two kids to run after.  I never got the chance to think about what happened because I had to get up and get the eldest one ready for school and do you know something it was best thing I could have done.

Hope hubby and mum are keeping well too.

Take care and chat soon

Mickied

Hi Hope, Jo, Brian, Mickied

Hope you dont mind a joint response but life has been a bit hectic and and routine all over the place! 

Hope;  Expect you are looking forward to catching up with your eldest over the weekend.  Any  more football matches to go to?  Hope you feeling okay.

Jo  Glad you caught up on the sleep. Cant believe I only woke once last night and then overslept till 7 this morning (thankfully no work) so was late getting to launderette which threatened to mess up the whole day but am  now back on track having visited Mum and hubby met me afterwards to do the weekly shop.  Waiting to hear if we need to do school pick up this afternoon and then hopefully will get out this evening (need a game of bingo to switch off in).

Brian

How are  you feeling; hope that  nasty cold is getting better so you can tuck into the remainder of your nut hoard!  Also trust Mrs B is getting over her tumble, so painful and can really knock your confidence (I currently have muscle problem at top of one leg and it keeps giving way - a reach pain in the a...) .  Read that your grandaughter has been doing well with her writing again (she definitely a 'chip of the old block'.  Maybe we will see both of you in print in the literary world  or you can become 'virtually famous'.  Hope you and all the family have a peaceful weekend.

Mickied

Good to see your post, had been wondering how you were. Sounds like you have had a lot on  your plate familywise and do hope things pick  up soon for you. You are due some good news and a bit of peace and goodwill.

Thanks to you all for your post re my daughter and the new baby.  Very much appreciate being able to share.  My daughter is still in hospital and we are hoping she will soon be allowed home.  Baby is doing very well and  big brother is already helping with feeding changing cuddling etc.  He is such a pleasure to watch; so gentle and taking everything in his stride and thoroughly enjoyed telling his friends at school all about his new brother.  Long may it continue.  His only complaint so far is that he does not like hearing the baby cry (walks around with hands over his ears) but we have explained this is the baby's only way of talking so he will get to know what he wants.  Apparently its 'just as well the baby has a special bed in Mummy and Daddys room (Moses basket) so that when he comes home  he wont keep him awake' - he has much to learn about the capacity of a baby;s cry.

My Hubby is a very proud and emotional grandad and it has given the whole family something positive to focus on for now which can only be a good thing.

Chat soon and thanks as usual to listening to this 'old girl's ' ramblings.  Jules xx

Hi Rambling Granny,

I hope all the family are doing well tonight and that includes you and I have my fingers crossed that you have a good win, it's about time you did. It was lovely to read that your husband is chuffed with the new addition, it's a lovely feeling when the men get involved. Good for you all to have something nice to think about. It sounds like your bigger grandson is going to be quite a character now he's an older brother, funny how they do that.

Well hope to hear how your evening went,

look after yourself Jules.

Annabel. xx

Hi Annabel

Quick update before I go to the shops to get the things I forgot yesterday!!  Picked up our grandson from school yesterday and gave him tea and played 'crashing cars' whilst having my brain numbed by CBeebies!! for an hour.  Then the doorbell went and there was my daughter, son in law and of course of new baby all on the doorstep!!  After a few arguments and lots of instructions on what not to do she had been allowed to come out of hospital.  Her iron levels are still causing some concern and they were considering a further transfusion but she was getting very stressed which was affecting her heart rate and so they have given her iron tablets instead (and a load of laxatives to help with the resulting constipation!!).  They stopped long enough to fill us us, have a drink and pick up their eldest and then were dashing back home to sterilise the bottles ready for the baby's next feed.  Am sure she will feel loads more relaxed being in her own home and she has the midwife coming in today.  The main advice to her was to act as though she has had a ceaserean and take things very easy,  no lifting, short journeys by car ok and slow walks but absolutely nothing strenuous thus giving her body time to recover.  She has asked us round later today as she wants our rocking chair (baby really liked the one in the hospital!!) so we are going to take it round. We will ring first to make sure she is up to it, of course.  Hubby is great at cooking so they wont need my efforts in that department (thank goodness as its my pet household hate!!) but once he goes back to work I can do her housework and the school runs where necessary and my hubby is currently happy to play chauffeur.

Hope all is well with  you and  your family. Sounds as though work is keeping you on your toes.  I am dreaming of Tuesday next week as thats when my time off begins!!  Chat again soon.Jules x

P.S.  No luck at the bingo but enjoyed a glass of wine with my friend afterwards to 'wet the  baby's head'.

Hi Jules,

So glad you hear your daughter is home and also that hubby is such a proud granddad.  Hopefully this wonderful event has done you all good.  Have a good weekend.  I'm nursing a cold/virus that I've had for over a week and now hubby has got it, so having a quiet weekend with family. Hope x

Hi Hope

Just wanted to say get well soon. So many colds and coughs around at the moment. We have had several people go down with bugs this last couple of weeks at work. Doing my best to steer clear as would rather not catch anything to stop me helping my daughter in the coming weeks.  My leave begins next Tuesday so I will be able to help with her housework and the school runs unti she is given the all clear by the midwife.  She is not one who enjoys sitting about at the best of times and having it forced on her at present is causing some frustration!

Do take care and really hope you feel better after resting up this weekend.  Jules xx

Hi Hope

Just wanted to say get well soon. So many colds and coughs around at the moment. We have had several people go down with bugs this last couple of weeks at work. Doing my best to steer clear as would rather not catch anything to stop me helping my daughter in the coming weeks.  My leave begins next Tuesday so I will be able to help with her housework and the school runs unti she is given the all clear by the midwife.  She is not one who enjoys sitting about at the best of times and having it forced on her at present is causing some frustration!

Do take care and really hope you feel better after resting up this weekend.  Jules xx

Hi Jules,

It's great to read that your daughter has been allowed home. What a lovely surprise to have them turn up on your doorstep like that!

I think everyone recuperates more quickly back in their own homes with familiar things (and people! ) around them, plus, hospital routines don't exactly aid recovery!

It's good to read that the arrival of Zack has boosted your hubby's spirits too. Babies always hit the spot when it comes to lifting spirits

Hope, sorry to read that you're nursing a cold. One of the delights of working in a school no doubt! I'm glad to be missing out on the annual October bug fest that blights our school as soon as the ancient heating system is fired up! Hope you'll soon be feeling better! Can I prescribe a little hot toddy? But don't let Jules' hubby know as I know he wouldn't approve of any tampering with a scotch

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, hugs to you both, Jo xx

Hi Jules, Meerkat & Annabel,

Thanks for all your good wishes.  I can't believe I still feel bad as I usually shake these things off quickly, perhaps I'm just run down.  Hope you are all doing OK, and Jules you make sure you avoid the bugs so you can spend time with your new grandson and look after your daughter.  Take care everyone.  Hope x

Hi Jo

My daughter so pleased to be in her own comfortable surroundings.  We safely delivered our rocking chair yesterday afternoon (her hubby and I managing to get it up the stairs to their flat). First person to sit in it?  my hubby (never bothered with it at home) though as its wooden was a little hard on his bot!!!  Of course there is now a cushion on it and my eldest grandson thinks its great!!  We stayed for just over an hour and the little 'un slept all through the photo sessions!!  He has been very good so far and even did a five hour sleep during the night.  Hubby was on night duty to help my daughter regain some strength (she looking much better and lots of smiles now) and apparently the baby likes motorbikes already (on the tv during the night!!!). We left just as the midwife was visiting and my daughter is already planning her 'out and about plans' for next week. though knows not to rush things

It is lovely for my hubby to have something good to focus on as his pain has been 'breaking through' again the last few days and he always dreads what that will mean at the next check up (last week in October).  I know he is worried they will  have to increase his medication as this would probably mean no more driving  and the mention of public transport leaves him in a very black mood!!  Following your comment to Hope I suppose I could point out that he could have a larger scotch(his oncologist made the mistake of telling him he could eat and drink what he likes - think she should have added 'within reason' but dont suppose it matters much now). Bless him he only has a tipple on a Friday Night, neither of us being big drinkers - still have bottles in the cupboard from past Christmases.

Well looks as though we will be cossetted inside today - its very wet and miserable outside.  I was going to go the the Farmers Market and Artisan Craft Show (once a month locally) but getting drenched does not appeal!!!  Have a good day and chat again soon.  Jules xx

Morning Hope

Just a quick post to say hope you are feeling a little better today.  These bugs are such a nuisance and as Jo says working in a school always means you are more at risk with the kids spreading all the germs around.  Sitting here listening to a storm raging outside and there was I planning to walk to our monthly Farmers Market and Artisan Craft Fair!!  Well unless there is a dry spell before 2pm think I will give it a mess as do not fancy being drenched!!!  Hope you letting your menfolk spoil you.  Adding to the hot toddy can thoroughly recommend honey and lemon and putting your feet up with a good book!!  Take care and chat again soon.  Jules xx

Good morning Jules,

So pleased to hear your daughter is now home and feeling better. My wife was also kept in hospital longer than she wanted after the birth of our son. She doesn't make a good patient but just like your daughter as soon as she got home the smiles returned. Your husband must, like you be feeling so proud of little Zack. Don't know what is is about babies but they have this knack of lifting everyone's spirits as others have said. I know your husband doesn't like talking about his cancer and this must be hard for you but you ladies seem to have a knack of knowing how your men are feeling anyway. My wife has this ability to read me like a book and nothing much escapes her. She even know what I am going to do or say often before I know my self.

Sorry I didn't reply yesterday. I was a bit silly; although I still have this cold (over a week now) I went out to my garage and planned up the oak shelf and skirting's that I took off when I put the new porch floor down and as it was an electric planner, the dust didn't do me any good at all and I got a severe reprimand from Mrs B. I also sorted the box which I thought contained the oil for the floor which was given to me a few years ago and I found it's only a floor cleaning kit. So I will have to but whatever I chose to put on the floor. Then yesterday evening, feeling rather frustrated I hadn't been able to sample my chestnuts, I did roast some of them which also didn't help and once more also got a roasting myself from Mrs B.

The weather has cleared up here now Jules so hope you are able to get to go to your farmers market / craft fair as I seem to recall you saying you like looking around events like that. I hope you manage to keep free of colds and also hope you enjoy your time off with your family. Just don't go overdoing it for you never seem to stop working. Take care, Brian.

Morning Jules,

I hope the weather has cleared up enough for you to get to the 2 markets and enjoy.

I missed one of the local farmers markets yesterday as had to go and make sure my poorly parents have everything they need for the next wek whilst they get better.

My husband is also suffering and I am trying to persuade him to stay in bed as there is not much he can do whilst he's like he is , but to no availe. He's on the computer s we speak.

( I really just wanted him out of the way whist I get the house clean and tidy)LOL.

I love the name Zack of your little grandson, although I would say it's unusual I bet it's back in popularity again. !!

have a good day

Annabelxx.

Morning Brian,

I am sorry to hear you are suffering with this virus that seems to be sweeping far and wide in the community.

I have to say you made me laugh with your tales to Jules of all your attempts to do things yesterday.

Isn't it always the way when you think your fit enough to start doing things again only to find nothing goes right.!!!!!

I have this image in my mind of Mrs B with a bubble coming out of her mouth with some choice words for you in your attempts in the garage. 

As for the nuts I hope you feel well enough soon to enjoy some of them and keep your strength up with them.

all the best

Annabel.

Hi Brian

I see the temptation of your nuts was just too much for you and you have suffered the consequences - no doubt resulting in little ticking off (hope you enjoyed them at the time though) .  There seems to be quite a lot of bugs going round, just the time of year I think.  Probably need a spell of 'cold weather' to kill off the germs - amazing we still have not needed the heating on and at the moment the patio doors are open and the sun is shining!!  As soon as the thunderstorm passed I was out of the door and have just returned from a 2hr walk which included popping round the farmers market and a visit to the surrounding park - lovely autumnal colours now so took a few pictures.  My 'cheese-man' was in his regular pitch so came home having had a few 'tasters' and now have a piece of chedder infused with ginger ready for a homemade ploughmans lunch (also got some homemade chutney) - not what the doctor would order but my treat for today.

Hubby spending the time between tv and laptop and has just had neighbours cat arrive for his lunchtime petting session. Both creatures of habit.

Do hope you are soon feeling better and that you are relaxing a bit more today to give yourself a chance to recover (and save yourself another ear-bashing!!).

Last day at work for me tomorrow for a couple of weeks - so looking forward to having a change of pace (and being appreciated for the effort I put in!!!!).  I even have a children's birthday party to attend as my daughter's extra pair of hands next weekend (gotta love that!!).

Anyway do take care and hope we can chat again soon.  jules xxx

Hi Annabel

Hope both  your parents and your husband soon back to full fitness - so many seem to be suffering with bugs at the moment.  Know what you mean about it being easier if the other half would stay in bed. Its so hard trying to clear up round them!!!  Hence during the week (now that hubby always home) I now try to do as much as possible before he gets up so that when I come home I only have our room to sort out.  This morning he did not surface until 9.30 so was all sorted and just going through paperwork/filing  before our letter-rack gave way.

Yes, the weather cleared and have managed 2hrs walk through the park and the two markets (on same premises) and treated myself to  home-made cheese and chutney ready for a ploughmans lunch.  Also broused the charity shops and a new Morrisons local that opened this week before returning home and putting my feet up.

Just one day to work before my two weeks off begin - very ready for the break even though I will be on hand to help with the new edition I also plan on completing my Christmas shopping and finding time to catch up with my friend who is fighting cancer (she is between treatments at present) and we will probably go out to lunch and have a good gossip (she has also recently become a granny for the second time).

Do take care and hope you dont pick up the  bugs.  Chat soon. Jules xx 

Hi Jules,

Glad to hear your daughter and baby are doing well - love the idea of a rocking chair.  It's good that your hubby is more focused now he has another grandson to look after, but sorry to hear he has had some pain of late.  I expect he (and you) will be feeling apprehensive about his forthcoming check-ups.

I'm a little better but the bug is still there, doesn't seem to want to leave and is very annoying.  Had a quietish weekend but have been to the house sorting out Mum's clothes which was a bit hard.  Eldest has had his home-cooked dinner and now gone off to do a shift back at the care-home where he previously worked.  He will do some weekend work when he can for extra money, so is a real busy bee.  Youngest at football with hubby so I may go and have a wander around the shops for an hour and get some fresh air.  Take care and enjoy all your baby time.  Hope x