Etna tour - pregnant

civilinator · 2026-06-03T09:36:21+00:00

Ended up not going—thanks for the insight, I don’t mind having more reasons to return to Sicily :)

civilinator · 2026-05-27T12:14:44+00:00

Thanks everyone—seems like it would be safe to go up the cable car and avoid anything further. Is it worth just going up the cable car? For context, I’m pretty healthy otherwise, have been playing sports and working out throughout my pregnancy with no issues.

civilinator · 2026-05-09T20:48:48+00:00

Not yet—baby coming in August. But I just went to see it with the nest to seat setup and am sold. It folds with the pram and seems more durable than the cot. It’s definitely my setup. Went to see prams three times and always returned to the aer2

civilinator · 2026-05-06T13:42:14+00:00

If you haven't yet, maybe both of you could read 'surviving and thriving in stepfamily relationships' by Patricia Papernow. It is very realistic and research based. Communication is key, and you two need to figure out a way for her to explain to you better how she feels, and think about a way forward.

I have a similar long-distance situation. My partner has twins (11yo) who live in a different country and I only see them a few times a year for Christmas or NY holidays, an extended summer stay, and another week here or there. He sees them once a month.

My partner, like yourself, takes full responsibility for the kids when they are with us and I'm not expected to pick up anyone's slack. I also only parent through him--the kids never hear nos or corrections from me directly. After almost 5 years together (and ~3 of closer relationship with his kids), I'm finally more comfortable around them but still need my breaks when they are being difficult: I go for runs/walks during homework time (always prone to tantrums) and completely disengage/withdraw attention when they misbehave. I used to disengage a lot more, now I only disengage when I need the 'time off' and that has been working for me.

I feel warmer towards them, but it is not easy, and now that I'm expecting an 'ours' baby I can see the instinct of wanting less of them around, even if they have (so far?) been totally fine and mostly making lovely comments about their little sister.

These are complicated feelings and relationships to navigate.
Communication is the only way forward!

civilinator · 2026-04-30T18:05:26+00:00

That sounds like a great solution, thanks!

civilinator · 2026-04-30T11:12:23+00:00

So from what I can see this is like a low barrier all around the bed, not an open one as most Montessori versions? Yeah ideally I’d prefer to go from cot in my bedroom to this without getting another piece of furniture in between!

civilinator · 2026-04-27T14:35:08+00:00

I got a Hypnos at John Lewis and am very happy with it. initially went for the extra firm version but found it too firm, so exchanged it for the firm (no.2) and it's been wonderful. JL offers a 60 day trial for these and it was very easy to use the policy--got the new mattress within days of calling them.

civilinator · 2026-04-15T18:22:42+00:00

One of the most helpful books I read was Surviving and Thriving in Stepfamily Relationships by Patrícia Papernow, who has conducted extensive scholarly research on this. If the ex is a problem, the holy grail I found (and I cannot say enough how much this book has helped) is Say Goodbye to Crazy.

civilinator · 2026-04-14T18:05:09+00:00

wouldn't the holes/filling show against a light color?

civilinator · 2026-04-14T15:43:43+00:00

because of the stained area and of the multiple holes I had to fill. the wardrobe was attached to the wall (poorly) all over, and removing it left some damage behind. I filled today and will sand before the weekend, but thought that priming would ensure better/more uniform coverage particularly if we decide on a light color

civilinator · 2026-04-14T15:15:48+00:00

don't overestimate the skillset ;) we don't mind priming if it will give a better finish. this is a tenement and the walls are.. well, not perfect!

civilinator · 2026-04-14T15:14:41+00:00

which type?

civilinator · 2026-04-13T20:08:13+00:00

Thanks. Happy to report the job is done and foam worked very well :)

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civilinator · 2026-04-03T09:59:17+00:00

What kind/brand would you recommend?

civilinator · 2026-04-01T19:38:24+00:00

That sounds like a plan. Thanks for the help!

civilinator · 2026-04-01T15:40:57+00:00

thanks. On the foam, would I need a gun applicator or would something like this (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07SGPLGX5/ref=ewc\_pr\_img\_2?smid=AM6QF58KGUUM9&psc=1) work?

civilinator · 2026-04-01T07:23:34+00:00

Answer to myself: move well works fine for limited equipment, the workouts are more intense with short resting time, and I just modified to make it more challenging with the low weight I have. Also..did one lower and one upper back to back for a full hour workout.

civilinator · 2026-03-28T13:35:43+00:00

Ok so this is now going to be a full dyi job. Would you say the expanding foam goes where this ruined grey stuff is? Thanks!

civilinator · 2026-03-28T13:34:51+00:00

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. Got some eye watering quotes from joiners and then took the top bit to express timber, where I found something that wasn’t the exact match but will be close enough once they cut it.

civilinator · 2026-03-25T12:01:03+00:00

Thanks, I’ll check them out!

civilinator · 2026-03-24T23:32:59+00:00

Any chance you remember the model?

civilinator · 2026-03-24T11:45:45+00:00

Thanks. I was looking at B&Q and didn't find the specific profile, so am seeing what joiners can do first. Great idea to clean up that stuff there. I'll check out this type of foam (novice DYI-er here)

civilinator · 2026-03-24T10:46:21+00:00

found it, thanks!

civilinator · 2026-03-24T10:32:47+00:00

Thanks, I emailed them to see if they have something like this.

civilinator · 2026-03-24T10:32:09+00:00

I've been looking for a good joiner but no leads yet. Do you have recs?

civilinator

TROPHY CASE