jj55

Ladies... We need to organise paying the bill at the meet ups. Both times at the Gardens meet up the last person to leave has ended up paying for unclaimed coffees/cake etc which is pretty rubbish - today that was Emma and I - only one coffee this time thankfully (anyone want to reimburse us for a decaf americano we'd be grateful as makes it an expensive meet). Last poor Laura paid 5quid extra. I'm sure everyone paid for their orders (although tired Mum's may be forgetful?!) more likely the cafe are mucking up the bill but there's no way of disputing that once everyone has gone. I think the only fair way is you go to the counter to order and pay right away so there isn't a bill - what do others think? Need to work something out - I won't be able or want to keep coming if I have to pay double! Thanks Jo

sorry Jane!! welcome Dexter! xx What time are people meeting today?

WOW congratulations Jane and welcome Max - so happy for you - what an amazing birth! rest up and see you both soon. xx

Rosie/Jenny/Rebecca - there must have been something in the air yesterday - Arthur cried all day unless I fed him! Today a different baby! So lovely to see everyone today - that meet up totally revived me and cheered little A up loads - so today was a good day! I'm keen for the monday and Tuesday meet up. x

Great - determined to see you all there. Had a terrible day today - little sleep last night and then the little man has cried all day unless on the boob - I think I might have cried more though! So I really hope I get some sleep tonight and Arthur behaves when he meets you ladies. xx

Another vote for laura Mercier - I wear the creme foundation - slap it on and in 10mins it's worked it's magic - then I throw on some benefit Dallas powder to give my pale tired skin some colour and always have a lippy to hand on the kitchen side - I probably look worse with badly applied makeup but it sure does feel good! Not quite got on top of the clothes thing as still too big for pre preg ones. I find leggings or jeans with a vest top and long cardigan feels good - and I second the shoes thing although still find I reach for some tatty slip on pumps as easiest! Saying all that I'm sat in jogging bottoms, no make up rocking the bouncer to stop the little fella crying (this has been going on all day!) - so the extra hour in bed was nice but regret not getting up and ready before other half went to work.

Annoyingly I've an appt at Kings tom at 3pm. If you're ok for a morning meet we could go to a coffee shop - The Gardens? Or Jane anywhere else good with a baby?! (be my first proper outing without other half or Mum so a little nervous!!)

Congratulations everyone - some amazing birth stories going down! Anyone keen for a meet up tomorrow? Wasn't sure if there was already a plan - the Plough? Jo

3 and half weeks in with one - big RESPECT to you Emmy. Rest up and can't wait to meet them and remember please do yell via the forum if you ever need a hand - things are getting easier each day so I'd happily bounce another baby on my knee whilst you find time to shower or eat!!! Jo x

Congratulations to all the new arrivals - are we on one a day now?! Hope the new mummies are doing ok (rollercoaster hey?!), hope the second time Mum's are doing ok (right now I'm in awe you made it to 2/3/4!) and hope the preggers ladies are ok too - good luck and keep going for cake. I also can't help re Ipods - turns out this music lover didn't want any playing at all (apparently I sang la la la la now and then to get through contractions...my version of hypno birthing?) - in fact except for drinks not much came out of my huge hospital bag! Jo x

Hello all Just to let you know baby Arthur arrived yesterday, on due date! He's an absolute poppet. All good and we're doing well. Just under 9pounds (I knew it!) but it was ok (well as ok as these things are) - I was determined to stay at home as long as possible and then insisted on walking (stopping for contractions) down Denmark Hill (what a sight) so managed it with no pain relief - just strange primeval roars and faces (according to my other half) to get me though - I think I scared some Camberwell hoodlums. So don't be scared of big babies people. Hopefully going home this afternoon - see you in a few weeks. Jo

For those of you that fancy some pampering - I just had a great pedicure in @999 Beauty by Goose Green - half the price of the place I usually go to and just as good - ?20! Jo x p.s. Jenny I think I just sent this as a pm to you by accident!

Hello Look up the spring babies club (March/April/May) too. A few have just had their babies over the last few weeks (many of us due any day) so we'll be meeting up very soon with new babies for our first ventures out! Jo

I'm keen!

Congratulations Caroline - great news! and to you Emily. see you all soon x

Fantastic news Jenny. So glad it's gone well. See you soon xx

Hi All Franklin's booked for 10am Saturday for 18 (as a couple are maybes). A couple of newbies have pm'd and said they will bringing partners - they are very welcome but just to warn you and them the breakfasts tend to be just ladies and bumps - so they may prefer the evening, pub get togethers when more men are around and less pregnancy chat! Just let me know so I can increase the booking. In fact mine's off to the NCT nearly new sale in Herne Hill whilst I breakfast with you lovely ladies! Coming: Jo Hollie Emma Rebecca and baby Sam! Lucy Laura Sasha Melissa Jess Mrs C Jenny (Jenifire) Jane Sophie Kelly Phillie Kath Vanessa - plus 1 Caroline - a maybe Sally - a maybe

Just rang The Mag but they don't open til 11am and think 10am works for us so will try another place and post up later today. Think only 8 of us have said we're coming so could go for a smaller place than usual - book for 10am 10 people. Coming: Jo Hollie Emma Rebecca and baby Sam! Lucy Laura Sasha Melissa

Hi all See those of you who can make it tomorrow night. I'll book somewhere for Sat (3rd) - will try the Mag again as think they do breakfast on a Saturday. I think I'm the opposite from the others almost due - the nearer the date gets the more I want to go out! Mary-Jane - if you can come along on 29th to the East Dulwich Tavern at 7.30pm partners too and/or breakfast 10am Sat 3rd (venue TBC). Jo

How very, very sad. I've had 2 friends who have lost a baby in the last few weeks of pregnancy. We opted for what Fushia's suggested. Sent cards, let them know we there for them and then waited for word from them. In both cases family members contacted us about funerals. In one case it took some time (months) before they were ready to see friends but we kept contact through family members. So if you have a family member you can contact they will let her know you are all there for her, for whenever she is ready. 2 years on and still I simply cannot imagine what they've been through/still going through.

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HUGE congratulations Rebecca!! I was asking after you on Saturday. Hope all went well and visualising your special place (ha hs) helped!! Can't wait to meet him! Jo xx

Thanks Sophie for organising the breakfast meet - it was so lovely, again. Have really enjoyed those throughout this pregnancy!! Anyone fancy another in 2 weeks, 3 March? hopefully I'll make it!! Hoping to make 29th with my other half. Jo

Rhian - EDT sounds like a great idea - be good to get a Feb date in for the March due bumps as it might be our last Spring Babies meet before the babies arrive! I can do the 27th or 29th. Jo

whoops! just left that post on other half's log in - he's going to love getting all the spring baby emails now ha. That would be great Sophie - I can def make it (if no early arrival!). I'm leaving partner at home for the breakfast (I'm enjoying the girly meet ups!) but be good to do an evening meet up soon with the men folk - maybe we could reserve a room in a pub - anyone know anywhere locally that does that? Jo p.s. glad the scan went well. I had my 4th today and thankfully don't have to go back for another as they're happy now!