Your thoughts about this please

[tonicha]

As Julia is expecting her second child in September, my immediate reaction was - I'm off to England.

But, having thought about it and also thought about the logistics and money, (and the cold in September/October!!) I'm having second and third thoughts.

Not mentioned this to her yet, but wanted to hear what you think. She is my daughter, and I love her to bits, but she's also my very strong daughter who didn't really need/want me over last time, when she had Oliver.

Would I be incredibly selfish and a nasty batty granny and not go over until June next year?

My thinking is this.

I fly to Gatwick, get bus to Windsor, stay a couple of days. Get bus to Bristol, see loads of mates, get bus to Birmingham and see you lot. Fly back from Birmingham. That is, if you're having a meet there next year.

Keith would stay here, he's a home bird, really and if he came over, we'd hire a car, see his boys, see other people and spend a blummin' fortune. It cost us 1,000 last time we were over, and that was 5 years ago.

We ain't rich, we live mostly on his state pension, but do have an emergency fund.

What do you think?

[Kaz]

Well it all depends on whether Julia wants or needs you Ton If not, then it is up to you

Personally I was glad of my mum after my youngest two, as I wasn't very well. When I had Chris I was only 19, and after a week in hossie (standard procedure at the time) I was fit as a fiddle and didn't need her. After having B, and the blood loss from the abruption and the op for retained placenta I was weak as a kitten for weeks, so really needed the help, and after H I was just tired out (well I was nearly 41, rather ancient to be having a baby) so her help was much appreciated.

Even though I was ready to strangle her by about day 4

You know your own daughter best

[tonicha]

I do, and I know she'd be fine with whatever was decided.

She'll be 37 by then and Oliver popped out not problems. If she wants me over, then I'll go, but was just thinking.........

[Kaz]

Sounds as though she'd be fine xxx

[Workingman]

Of course you would not be a selfish and nasty batty granny. Grandmas, granddads, uncles, aunts, brothers and sisters are not compulsory at a birth... though mum and dad are.... and it is not as if you would be there long-term to help out immediately after, is it?

Leaving it a few months to allow things to settle might be a blessing in disguise.

On the Birmingham thing.... Yes, we will probably be there again: it has become an annual event. And, yes, it would be absolutely fabulous if you could make it, it would be a real hoot. However, a word of warning, don't make too much of it with Julia, it's just a day out while you happen to be in the UK.

[Kaz]

I meant to add, it would be FAB to see you in Brum next year!

[Diflower]

I'm sure if for any reason she did need you to be there, you could be
And you'll let her know that xx

[Ally]

I'm sure if for any reason she did need you to be there, you could be
And you'll let her know that xx

I agree. xx


It's actually 4th September I'll be in Portugal for a day.

[saundra]

Well what do you do know ton if ally is in Portugal on Sept 4
Baby expected in UK September 6
Ho dear decision decision s

[tonicha]

ll what do you do know ton if ally is in Portugal on Sept 4
Baby expected in UK September 6
Ho dear decision decision s

And you know, I'd be there tomorrow, if needed. But Julia is like me, a bluddy strong lady. She has everything planned - also like me and I just know that she'd be happy with whatever I decide.

Also, this would probably be my last visit to England - I really can't see me going over again.

Oh, just thought - take a huge huge bag and stuff it full of spices