Heather, we have done very long haul, multiple stops, with our 4. I have never felt the need for a carseat and to be honest wouldn't think of doing it - just not worth the hassle. It is hard enough carrying tired children and hand luggage through airports without adding a car seat into the mix. In many airports, when you reach your destination there are no trolleys until you get to the luggage carousel, which can be a HUGE walk in some places. I also don't think the carseat makes things any safer on the plane - if it's gonna crash a car seat isn't gonna do much anyway! Most people don't mind chatting to a young child who pops their head up over the seat, and most kiddies need to get down and walk the aisles fairly regularly anyway.

HA! Just wait until you get to number 5 - I look like I'm growing an elephant not a baby! ie. you're totally normal xxx

:iagree:This is great too This is so much easier when it's nice and hot outside most of the year though Rosie. I'm glad you're making the most of it. FTR: I own no play dough because it is the absolute worst thing to get out of everywhere. The last rental home we left I had to paint most of the lounge before we left because there was absolutely no way the play dough was coming off the walls!

I always think that what you fear in your mind is no where near as bad as the reality. With that in my head, I force myself to do things with them weekly or fortnightly. Once you get going fairly regularly, I'm sure you will relax a bit more about the odd spot of glue or paint here or there. I did anyway. Put a big plastic cloth on the table and one on the floor. Do it when your littlest is napping. Your 5 and 3 year olds will probably manage surprisingly well. Things seem to go better here if we are focused on a specific task rather than just finger painting for the sake of it. Have a look at deepspacesparkle blog for great ideas. Really messy stuff I admit we wait for a nice day and do it outside. You need to do glitter in a tray to catch all the bits! I do think it is important that we make time for arts and crafts, but I don't think you should beat yourself up over it if you find it too stressful. I love CAssy's idea of a support thread.

Thanks so much ladies. I mentioned it to my husband and he got really angry. He says that yes, we put our trust in God, but that we also have to make sure that we have done evrything in our power to make things go well. He does not think that home is a safe place to give birth, just in case anything were to go wrong. He knows I have not given up, and I haven't spoken to my midwife yet, so we've got time to discuss things more. How much would your husband's disapproval affect your decision on where to give birth?

I realise you asked specifically about the bible, but I thought I'd let you know what I believe as a muslim. There is evidence (religious) to suggest that the soul is blown into the fetus at 120 days after conception (that's about 4 months). At this time everything is 'written down' about the child's life, death, finances, final abode etc. Lots of people make a lot of extra prayers for the child at this time.

I think I want a home birth. It just seems to tick all the boxes. It's a bit out of the box for me, although I'e had 4 perfectly normal, uncomplicated deliveries. Two questions though - if you have had a home birth how did you reconcile yourself with all the 'what ifs' (I am a worrier)? Secondly, how on earth can I convince my dh who is going to be totally against the idea?!

Which of these would you choose if you wanted something open-and-go (as much as possible) with everything planned out and all worksheets/colouring sheets etc ready for you to use? I have a 7 and 5 year old with 2 littles and a new bump so I need straightforward!

Thanks for all the responses. I've finished the book (beautiful weather - couldn't face school!). I remain sceptical and agree that it seems too simplistic. I do plan on listening to the CD though. Here's the thing; I've birthed 4 babies, all with only gas and air or nothing at all. Certainly no narcotics or epidurals. Having read the book I feel like what I do in labour is what the book is telling me to do - relax, breathe, listen to your body. My labours have been uncomplicated, and although painful they have been calm and 'enjoyable' (if that's a word you can use to describe labour). Is it going to give me anything more than what I do naturally?

All my 4 came late by 3-5 days. My 4th labour was 3.5hours, on the long side for me. But relaxed and enjoyable. (1st was 23 hours, 2nd 50 mins!!, 3rd 1.5 hours)

Has anyone here done this, or even heard of it? A good friend of mine used this for her 3rd baby and assures me that she felt NO PAIN for the whole labour (3-4 hours), she could just feel her uterus tightening. She has given me the book and CD which I am finding intriguing, but I remain sceptical. Any experience out there?

I was going to suggest Dover colouring books as well. I did the very same thing yesterday.

OP, I know EXACTLY what you are feeling. I thought I was the only one in the world. My dh thinks I'm wierd. But if somebody touches me when I am not prepared, especially a light touch, it feels almost painful. It is worse when I'm tired. I don't think (I hope!) that you need to feel guilty about this. Your children know you love them despite the fact that you are not always available for hugging and touching. It sounds like you try your best to be physically close to them as much as you can handle. I try my very best never to push the kids away too quickly. I do tell them that I don't want to be hugged right now because 'my skin feels funny'. They seem to accept this and I make sure we have a hug/kiss soon after when I feel ready. Now I feel really bonkers writing all this.....

The only thing that is absolutely going to work is Roaccutane. It's a strong drug, but you will be acne free indefinitely afterwards. Diet, how often you wash your face etc is hit and miss, and will likely make no difference. Creams and antibiotics will work whilst you use them but if you stop taking them your acne will return. (From my dermatologist husband)

Agreeing with the others. Trying to force school seems to make things worse in our house. Try and focus on what you HAVE achieved, which is a lot in many people's households. It sounds like you are tired. Maybe it would help your mental state to actually 'decide' to have school-lite for a couple of days, rather than just watching it happen. Make some kites, or catch insects or something and call it done! (We had to do that last week). I do think these things come in waves: just hang on for the next bout of productivity.

Do you wash with the coconut oil too?? Sorry, I know that's a stupid question. Happy with 'natural' commercial stuff, but that's what I've got and it's not helping.

I am 20 weeks pregnant and my skin is terribly dry. Especially on my face and arms. What do you recommend I wash and moisturise with? No nasty chemicals please :001_smile:

Personally I think her answer shows more a poor interview technique! I'd be interested in what she said supporting and validating that statement. Regardless, I agree that it would give me pause, but I don't think it would be a deal-breaker.

I'm guessing a few times a week. I think it's usually much more to do with me than with them though. If I'm tired or worried about something else I have much less patience with exactly the same behaviour from my kiddies. Something I need to work on. (I have 4 age 7 and under so I hope that gives me at least a bit of a reason to lose my cool sometimes!!:tongue_smilie:)

How about something a bit like a poncho? I have one of those that goes over my headscarf, but covers my chest. It's good for cooler evenings. I think you will find massive variation on what different muslim ladies choose to wear in terms of colour/patterns etc. As you would amongst non-muslim ladies! Personally I choose plainer fabrics, and colours that are not too loud, but don't really mind much about what colour it is. I agree with Kate that different places in the muslim world have vastly different styles. Good luck! It sounds like you are a lovely friend to have :001_smile:

I would want a 'messy' area for art and science etc with a sink nearby for cleaning up. Also a space for a kettle and a biscuit tin :001_smile: I'm excited for you

We have just moved on and slowed down/supplemented if and when we've hit any roadblocks. I never spent huge amounts of time drilling facts (I'm not American :001_smile:) and they have learnt them through using them.

Are they getting enough exercise? Have you looked at their diets? Sugar, additives, preservatives? Are they getting enough sleep? All those things make a massive difference in my little lot. How tired are YOU, and do you need a break? Little kids bicker and they always will. That's just life. I find that if I'm happy and well rested I notice it a lot less, let them get on with it a bit more and things blow over pretty quickly. When I'm tired every little thing gets on my nerves! Hope you find a solution soon :grouphug: ETA: Just noticed you mentioned hitting, biting, pinching. In our house this is absolutely not tolerated. Physically hurting a sibling results in standing to face the wall until they are calm, apologising properly and then doing something nice for the person they hurt. If it happens again soon after then off they go for a nap!

Thanks so much everybody. This is really helpful.

:iagree:wholeheartedly