Page 27 | 9DPO Symptom Spotting

unCliche · 2020-11-22T11:31:22+00:00

Hey *@ButterscotchBabe*! Continuing our chat here 😁 I loooove that your temps did exactly what mine did too. So good that AF hasn't arrived at CD26!! Happy for you! When your temps increased last month, was it is to a gradual high or did it jump up again and then AF started? Because if this pattern is new, it could mean good news! Ours definitely look like the beginning of a triphasic chart. My temps last month started dropping at 7DPO, so it still being high at 9DPO is such an achievement for me and no sign of AF either although my vulva feels AF'y in a weird way. My pulse and breathing rate have also continued to shoot up!! If temps don't tell you AF is coming, pulse rate defo will because it always starts falling a few days before AF for me. I do suspect chemical but no BFP so can't confirm and nothing else changed that cycle so I can't explain it. Hormones were defo the reason I never took the pill, it plays such a big part in changing your reproductive cycle that of course it would have an affect on cycles after you come off them! 45 day cycles sound like a nightmare - especially when TTC too. I do have a FRER! I'm always so scared to use it though. I always use rubbish ICs which probably aren't the best thing but I will use my FRER with you! I like predicting what my temps will do with DH. What do you think will happen tomorrow? I think both our temps will go up again 😆

ButterscotchBabe · 14/12/2020 21:39

Happy 5DPO! Only 5 more to go then testing day . My temp is staying very stable which is unusual, normally it's higher in the luteal phase. I always get excited by something different but I don't know if it's a good or bad thing! Yes maybe a longer luteal phase could cause it to rise more slowly, hopefully it will be higher tomorrow! How was your temp today?

Haha I can relate to the trapped wind, I get that quite often, although I think I can recognise the difference now between cramps and gas, it's awful when you have both! Did it pass (excuse the pun 😂) or do you still have cramps? Haha I wonder if we'll get those symptoms you predicted?! I think mine was strong smell and yours metallic taste?

Finding the TWW okay so far, I've been quite busy at work recently and sewing at the weekend has helped keep me distracted 😊. No symptoms yet 😂 but they are possible from tomorrow!

Thanks for the FF explanation on the dotted lines 🙂.

Not really watching much on TV, I quite like GPs Behind Closed Doors and Say Yes To The Dress, last year I was obsessed with it, I would spend whole weekends watching back to back episodes on Quest Red! Have you seen Say Yes To The Dress?

Aww what plants are you growing? Half sorted shopping out, still struggling to find some things. Teenage boys are really difficult to buy for, if I had sisters it would be easy 😂.

Wow that top is awesome! Love the sweetheart neckline! I like the fabric to, it's more summery but maybe you could keep it until next summer? Thats really handy to have a mannequin, that must make it much easier when working out sizes?

Maybe don't go back to YouTube and just sew at your leisure? It's best not to cause yourself additional stress, especially during these strange times!

So this happened with both the T-shirt and the dress pattern, they both wanted the back split into 2 pieces with a yoke. I thought I could just join them together and cut as one piece. however the yoke did not match up with the remaining back part and it also didn't match up with the front piece. The sleeve bits were at different heights and lengths, I couldn't see how it would be possible to sew all 3 pieces together. So I cut 2 front pieces (I had already done this yesterday) the neck part is higher on the dress so it will be okay for the back. I don't know if it will work out but we'll see!

There wasn't a seam in the back of the T-shirt, I created one 😂. I noticed one of my smart shirts had these back seams which make it very fitted round the back, so I thought I'd copy it... Didn't turn out the same 😂.

Forgot to add to my previous message, this is the dress I'm now making. Annoyed as I paid £20 for it from The Fold Line and just seen it's cheaper here!

shop.tillyandthebuttons.com/products/stevie

Original poster

unCliche · 14/12/2020 10:44

I'm not too keen on the fabric I chose, but I wanted to go with something I didn't like for my comeback project in case my skills were rusty. But actually, with the pressure of YouTube behind me, I'm really enjoying taking a relaxed approach and everything I've done so far has been perfect technically. I've attached the pic of the bodice. Just need to add a separating zip and hem the bottom.

What do you mean the front and back doesn't join up. Do you mean the bias binding or the fact that the front neckline is lower than the back (which is normal - check your store bought tops).

You don't need a yoke. You usually find them on shirts but they also add a decorative element to the garment. Also, just googled it and apparently they provide support for looser parts of the garment, which makes sense, I guess. Also, don't do two front pieces! The necklines, the armholes and sometimes the general shape will be different.

Instead, attach the yoke and the back pattern piece together - trace them onto another sheet of paper, remove the seam allowance between them, and join them together. Or actually, have a go at sewing the yoke, it's really easy. And you can use another fabric for the yoke to add some contrast.

Also the baggy t-shirt, when stitching in at the back, was there already a seam or did you just create one? Better to stitch in from the sides. Before sewing, you can double check your measurements. Measure across your bust and waist and see if the bust and waist measurement across the t-shirt is similar. The t-shirts measurements should be slightly larger as there'll be added ease, which is needed so that the t-shirt isn't skin tight.

Yeah with FF, a dashed line means that the ovulation point doesn't correspond to your CM or OPK but FF explains it better:

The dotted lines on your chart for the coverline and ovulation detection mean that there is something about your data that puts your ovulation date in question. Usually this is because one or more of your non-temperature fertility signs do not confirm the ovulation date that your temperature would suggest.

Maybe things are a bit slower to rise because your LP is a little longer now?? Or maybe that's wishful thinking on my part 🤔

I woke up to cramping this morning but I think it could have been trapped wind! This TWW is going quite quickly. I'm enjoying the distraction that sewing provides. Tomorrow we'll enter the implantation zone 😆 How are you finding your TWW so far? Any symptoms??

Nope, once you delete the FF account, you can use that same email to create a new one. I use the account with my maiden name since I still have it.

Haha I'm such a lightweight too! A little sip and my head is all woozy! Exciting that you'll be able to get away with it. You'll have to let me know how Christmas turns out then 😁

My weekend was chill. Spent it watching TV shows with DH and sewing. Are you watching anything interesting right now? This year, everyone is getting a plant that was grown from love 💕 Have you managed to sort out your shopping?

OP posts:

ButterscotchBabe · 13/12/2020 18:50

The T-shirt is very baggy, I used the size 10 template but it's huge. I've tried to tighten it round the back by sewing the back bit inwards but now it just looks odd 😕

ButterscotchBabe · 13/12/2020 18:22

Ooh you'll have to send me a finished pic! I've finished my t-shirt now, the front and back neck bits don't join up properly, I don't really understand why 😕 but I'm gonna move onto the dress now. The patterns for the T-shirt and the dress, both have the back in 2 sections, there's a separate part for the top back bit called the yoke. Why is this? Why not just make a whole piece like the front? I have ignored the instructions and just done two front pieces as it seemed easier! I'll add a pic of the pattern I'm following in another message.

Yay that's good to see FF has picked up your ovulation 🙂. My temp has gone up a little, this time it seems to be rising quite slowly, whereas the previous 2 cycles it went up quickly. Do you know why sometimes the crosshairs are a full line and sometimes a dotted line?

Haha don't you have to keep using a new email though to make new accounts?

I've never actually tasted non alcoholic wine, so I don't know how terrible it is 😂. Luckily my family dont really drink wine, they're more into spirits, liqueurs and beers, so I think the alcohol free wine would be safe 😂. My acting skills are not good but if they see me appear to be drinking wine, that should be enough to avoid suspicions, they'll just assume I'm not a light weight anymore 😂.

Weekend has been okay thanks, got my hair cut yesterday and made a roast dinner this afternoon 😊. How's your weekend been? Have you sorted Xmas presents?

Original poster

unCliche · 13/12/2020 13:13

🤣🤣🤣 Maybe I'll recreate that for next year's halloween. I decided on a wax print fabric that's basically really colourful. I made my toiles
(practise garments) yesterday and everything fits great so I've started cutting it out of my proper fabric now. I'm thinking about making a blazer jacket too. Crop top alone would be too cold.

I'm so excited that you'll be making a dress! A shift dress in tartan would be gorgeous and they're really easy to make so you could find a nice pattern for one if you'd like. Or even try drafting one?

I finally got my my crosshairs on FF this morning. I'd like to see my temps go higher but I'm not sure they will. They'll probably zig-zag around for a bit. But at least ovulation has been confirmed for both of us - phew! Did yours go up this morning?

What I do, if I really need the VIP features, is I create another FF account and put my current cycle's temps in. Then once I'm done with it, I delete the account. And if I need it again, I just create another one. But I can only access the new account on the web browser of my phone/laptop as I don't know how to log out of the app on my phone 😅 But the web app is exactly the same as the phone app anyway.

Haha sneaky! What if someone pours themselves a glass of your non-alcoholic wine? I've heard from DH that non-alcoholic wine doesn't taste great. Maybe bring two bottles, one with the real thing and one with the non-alcoholic version. Then keep the non-alcoholic one away from view but only bring it out when you want to pour yourself a glass in front of everyone. You can make a proper pantomime about pouring too so it's proper obvious you're drinking "alcohol". Maybe even start acting tipsy? How are your acting skills? 😂

How's your weekend been?

OP posts:

ButterscotchBabe · 12/12/2020 22:52

I'm not sure the outfit being half white and half black would work, my first thought was Cruella de Vil 😂😂. Yes all white with maybe some sparkly or red patterns would look quite festive 🎄❄️.

I've just bought a tartan fabric which im gonna use to make a dress for Xmas day, if it's wearable 🤣. I bought some bias tape and watched some YouTube videos and I finally get how it works!

Ah that's a shame, I try and avoid buying from Amazon as I think they are taking over the market but sometimes they're the only place you can get what you need. If you paid on credit card you could ask your credit card company to pull the money back. Yeh I wanted to return something to Wayfair and they tried to make me pay the return postage. The item wasn't worth much so I decided to keep it but I would have fought it if it was worth more.

Ooh yes that's a good rise! Mine rose a little 🙂. I'm surprised Fertility Friend hasn't picked up your ovulation, you could change it to monitor OPK rather than advanced mode. It looks like you ovulated on CD16, hopefully it will pick it up tomorrow. I liked it showing the days post ovulation but unfortunately that only comes with VIP membership and my free VIP membership has ended.

Yeh a whole year is ages! Even when you go to the GP it will take months to be referred and see a fertility specialist, so it probably is best to go a bit earlier and just say you've been trying a year.

I've just had an idea for Xmas day if I am pregnant, I'll buy a bottle of non alcoholic wine and pour it into a bottle of normal wine! No-one will suspect a thing 😂. No we haven't told anyone we're TTC and aren't planning to, have you?

I would contact your friend and check everythings okay, is she overdue now?

Original poster

unCliche · 12/12/2020 10:56

Hehe, a princess line is more about how the seam lines on a bodice run. They go down through the bust point, as opposed to having darts - if that makes sense. I was thinking about making the coord in black and white. So one leg of the trouser be white and the other be black and similarly with the bodice, the opposite side white and the other side black. I think I'd look like a clown 🤡 Or I could just make the whole thing white. I think white is festive??

Jacquard fabric is textured and metallic and absolutely gorgeous, definitely have a google, I'm sure you'll be inspired. I've attached a photo from Asos as an example.

I bought it from easyequipment.com. Thought it would be nice to support a business other than Amazon this time, but at least I know with Amazon, disputes are handled a lot better, so as much as I want to support other businesses, they don't make it easy to do so! I've seen some terrible reviews on Wayfair too, did they refuse a return?

Thankfully I had a more respectable rise this morning! How are your temps looking today? I was thinking maybe I didn't ovulate this cycle and all that SMEP'ing was a waste of time. But now, looking at my chart, I'm thinking I may have ovulated a few days after my positive OPK. I wish ovulation was a lot easier to pinpoint, but with slow risers, it's really hit and miss.

Haha you've really thought about this! You're right! I never considered another year of nursery costs. Fingers crossed for an early birth, but not too early. Just the right amount of time early 😄 I think January and February are the only two months that's birthday-free in my family.

I hate reading the stat that says it'll take a healthy couple up to one year to conceive. One year seems like such a long time and I want it to happen now. So I'll probably not wait for a year either before seeing my GP or a private specialist. But I will try my best to keep you and I going and keep things optimistic 💕

I don't drink much so I don't think anyone will suspect anything. But just in case, I'll have DH handle all my drinks. You may have to ask your DP to do the same! Haha I don't think any parent wants to believe their child is doing it - even after marriage - it must be so awkward! I would love to tell them that I'm pregnant but if the pregnancy doesn't progress it would be so hard to break the news and then they'd know we are definitely trying for kids and would be expecting some good news again. Have you told anyone you're TTC?

A bun in the oven is cute. My family would be absolutely clueless if I did that, so let's hope yours clock on!

I'm not sure, I've just always wanted burgundy and grey. They just contrast each other well. Would you have a maid of honour instead?

I've had a friend who should have given birth last week but they haven't announced the birth yet so I haven't reached out. Not sure what to do. Do I just wait?

OP posts:

ButterscotchBabe · 11/12/2020 22:33

Is a princess line bodice where it's fitted at the waist and then fans out? I'm just thinking of princess wedding dresses! I do like jumpsuits but at least you'll be able to go to the toilet easier with them as separate pieces 😂. What is a jacquard fabric? I'm guessing that's not the name of a fabric with sculls on? 😂

That's pretty shocking, the item is faulty, you are fully entitled to return it. Did you buy it from Wayfair? I had a pretty bad experience with them. Aslong as you're okay with it but that is awful customer service.

Haha that's funny yours had a similar rise to mine! Let's hope we'll get a bigger rise tomorrow 😊.

I would be hoping for an August baby because they start school at 4 whereas a September baby would start at 5, so that's an extra years nursery costs! We don't have any September or August birthdays, ideally I'd like to avoid April and June as they are busy months for us!

I'm not sure if there's anything new we can try, I think we're doing everything we're supposed to. I've pinned down ovulation so I know we're DTD at the right times. This is my 5th cycle, so I'll prob give it a couple more months and then go to the GP for tests.

If I got pregnant this cycle it would be really difficult not to tell them at Xmas, even though it's super early and I'd rather wait. I always get drunk at Xmas so they will definitely suspect it if I'm not drinking 😂. Aww that's sweet she's wanting grandchildren but yeh you definitely don't want that pressure! It's also kinda awkward if your family know your 'doing it'. Like obviously they will assume you do anyway but I think it's more embarrassing when they know for definite 😂😂. Will you be able to hide it from your family on Xmas day?

DP had this idea of putting a bun in the oven and taking a photo and then sending that, see how long it takes people to work it out! Ooh yes something valentine's related is a good idea, if we get BFPs we can start planning!

Burgundy and grey is lovely! How long did it take you to choose the colour theme? I might not have bridesmaids as a way of saving money, I'll wait until we've booked somewhere and then decide.

Original poster

unCliche · 11/12/2020 18:43

You can never have enough scissors... Or tape measures... Or pins... Or spools of thread...

I created a princess line bodice and trousers. I wanted to make a jumpsuit but I think I'll keep them as two separate pieces - slim fit trousers and a crop top. Coords are always cute. Maybe I'll wear it at Christmas. I've been eyeing the attached fabric for years. I loooove jacquard fabrics, they make any style, no matter how simple, look so sophisticated. I definitely recommend you try a jacquard fabric sometime in the future.

They think, despite the dent, it's still useable and so sellable and hence not their problem. It's fine anyway, its function isn't compromised so I'll ignore the dent, but thank you for that bit of info 😊

Guess what my temps did... Went up to 36.47 from yesterday's 36.44. So pretty much the same as what yours did 😂Maybe we'll see a bigger increase tomorrow.

Now that you mention that, I'll have to avoid TTC in Junes going forward. Oooo I haven't checked my due date! So based on my LMP I'm due 28th Aug. Based on when I ovulated, I'm due 31st Aug. But our babies could come at any time, so they'll either be the oldest or the youngest in their class! Do you have any other September birthdays in your family?

Yeah, I think we'd go for another round of SMEP. I didn't hate it and I think it really helped me with my timings. If this cycle is unsuccessful, will you be trying anything new?

Have you thought about how you'll announce your pregnancy to your family? I was thinking something valentines day related as we'll be 12 weeks in February. My mum's been asking me when the babies are coming, thankfully I haven't told anyone we're trying or else I'd feel so much pressure!

We went for burgundy and grey. The bridesmaids wore different styles of grey dresses and our bouquets were burgundy. It was nice. Do you know how many bridesmaids you're having?

I think I'll appreciate the skill and the talent from afar. But maybe I'll try skiing in the next life 😄

Glad you feel better!

OP posts:

ButterscotchBabe · 11/12/2020 15:25

Ooh that's a nice sewing set up you've got there 😊, lots of scissors!

Did you buy the table online? If the item is faulty (it has a dent) the seller is required to pay the return postage. www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/i-want-to-return-something-bought-online

What pattern did you create? I haven't done anymore on the T-shirt yet as been quite busy at work this week. Hoping to finish it this weekend, might pop back to the fabric shop and see if they sell a neck bias. Yes the patterns have arrived , once I've finished the T-shirt I'm gonna start on a dress!

My temp was 36.4 this morning so almost exactly the same as yesterday (36.39). How was yours?

Haha yeh there's probably no such thing as conception sickness but I haven't looked! I felt fine yesterday and today so don't know where it came from 😕.

Well DP and I are quite different so maybe opposites do attract! Are you and your DH quite similar or different?

Thanks for the games suggestions, I'll have a look at those 😊.

Ooh March is going to be a busy month for you both but also an exciting one! Hopefully no future children will be born in March or that could get an expensive month 😂. If we got pregnant this cycle our babies would be due right at the beginning of September, my due date would be 1st September, so the school cut off would be very close!

I think we've been able to keep it fun and romantic because DP has been up for it when I've suggested its time lol. I think if he wasn't up for it that would become difficult because then it would put pressure on us. Do you think you'll do the SMEP again next cycle if you don't get pregnant?

What colour scheme did you have for your wedding? I might do some DIY but I'll probably keep it to a minimum, we don't have space here to store much!

It's not that cold if you go in March but Jan and Feb definitely are. Skiing is quite difficult and does take practice but apparently it's fun when you get good, I'm not there yet... 😂

Original poster

unCliche · 10/12/2020 22:43

I wonder if you can get conception sickness? I'm sure someone somewhere on the internet must have asked this question. "0DPO Symptoms." But we are not going to be one those girls. We will remain sane and won't symptom spot - despite the title of this post. But I do hope you feel better today and it wasn't anything too serious?

Haha! I'd like to think I am organised, and I reckon I am, but more in a chaotic way 🥴 But sometimes you need that pressure to spur you into action. I think it's great. Gets the adrenaline pumping 😂 It's good that you are more organised though, you'll balance each other out perfectly. Do you think opposites attract?

We don't really play games during xmas as my family just aren't the game-playing type, but I do play games with friends during gatherings. Some to consider:

Exploding kittens (love!)
Cockroach poker
Scrawl
Articulate
Codenames (love!)

We're aiming to move in by March. It's DHs birthday at the beginning of March and he wants to spend it in our first home together, which I think is a lovely idea. Our one year wedding anniversary is also in March so lots to celebrate!

The place where I got the table from were going to charge me a fee to return it, so I've decided to keep it and have set up my new sewing space. I finished creating a pattern this evening so tomorrow I will choose a fabric to cut it out from and hopefully have a finished garment soon. How are you getting on with your projects? Did your patterns arrive?

I think we'd need the mental strength of a warrior to hold out until 13DPO 😂 That being said, since I ovulated a little later, AF may now be due a few days before xmas, so maybe I do need to test earlier just so I can have a few days to process the results. Yeah, good idea! 10DPO it is!

Yeah, my temp rose to pre-ovulation-dip levels, similar to yours actually. I never get a huge jump, so I'm not really surprised at how anticlimactic that rise is. We're slow rise girls anyway, so it's only up from here (hopefully).

Haha you've been quite conservative with DTD so your DP can still enjoy it without it turning into a chore. DH and I are still at it and we're not done yet! We have another session in two days, but at least he can have a rest tomorrow. I thought I'd be able to keep it all spontaneous and just seduce him into bed, but it's more of a mad rush, trying to get timings right! Have you managed to keep things fun and less clinical?

😂 Fertilised egg being bashed out of place 😂😂😂

Rose gold is really pretty and idyllic 🥰 And rose gold on bridesmaid can be absolutely gorgeous! I really hope you can bring your vision to life. There's nothing better than seeing something you spent months working on, come together. It'll make your wedding day that more special 💕 I did a bit of DIY for my wedding, do you think you'll make any of the decor yourself?

I've never been skiing, and I like the idea of trying it out, but I don't think I ever will because I'll probably be really rubbish! (Plus it's cold 🥶) But I'm sure you must be really good at it!

OP posts:

ButterscotchBabe · 10/12/2020 21:01

Haha yay the TWW... One day down, only 9+ to go! Oddly I felt sick yesterday which is rare for me but the sperm and egg would have only just met (if they have), so must have been due to something else! I've seen lots of ladies on here saying they had loads of 'symptoms' with non pregnant cycles and then no symptoms on the cycle they conceived. So yes here's hoping for a symptom free TWW 😊.

Omg my DP is like that, when he applies for jobs he'll stay up till midnight on the day of the deadline, drives me mad. I'm very organised and plan everything well in advance 😂.

Yeh things normally get quieter around Xmas, on Xmas Eve those working only have to work until midday but can clock a full day, so I always tend to work Xmas Eve!

That's nice you're spending Xmas with all your immediate family. I've been searching for some games to keep everyone entertained, do you have any favourite Xmas games?

Yay!! That's amazing! You must be so excited . When do you think you'll be able to move in? Ah that's a shame about the sewing table, hopefully you'll be able to find a replacement?

I'd like to say let's be strong and wait until 13/14DPO if af doesn't come but I know there's no way I'll be able to wait that long!

Did your temp rise this morning? Mine did a little but I was hoping it would have risen more, fingers crossed it stays high. I haven't had any EWCM for a couple of days now. The EWCM you're seeing could have been made yesterday or the day before, I imagine it hangs around for a while before coming out!

Oh no I hope DTD is better today! DP doesn't get anxious, I think he's quite happy to be getting some action 😂. We won't be DTD anymore for baby making, I think we've done enough. I always get a bit nervous about it after ovulation incase it bashes the fertilised egg out of place!

I like rose gold so the plan is to have metallic wedding colours, so a mix of rose gold as the primary colour and then gold, silver and maybe creams. I've attached a pic of the sort of decor I'm thinking of.

DP is desperate to go skiing, he loves it! So there's a chance we might do that before the Greece holiday but depends if I get pregnant. Have you been skiing before?

Original poster

unCliche · 10/12/2020 12:18

Welcome to and congratulations on entering the TWW! 1 DPO and how are you feeling, any symptoms yet?? 😂😂 I hope this TWW can be as symptom free as can be because I don't need to be driven to insanity over things that mean nothing!

Thank you! The webinar went fine. I was preparing until 11pm last night because I'm more of a last minute, intense pressure, sort of person 😆

Since nobody was taking off annual leave, because of COVID, my workplace decided to close early so people could use up their holidays before Xmas. I'm sure around Xmas, it would be really quiet anyway so you probably won't have to do a lot up until Xmas eve.

Yes, Xmas bubbling with my parents so it would be them, my two sisters and DH and I spending Xmas all together. The extended family will spend it amongst their immediate family.

By the way, we got the house we looked at on Monday 😁 and my sewing table came but I want to return it because I don't like it and it has a dent.

It is so funny that we Ov'd at the same time. Can't believe yours came earlier and mine came later than usual. We've completely synced up from afar! I'm so nervous to test! I feel like I should wait until my period is properly missed! But at 10DPO it'll probably be late by then anyway! Let me get closer to the day and see how I feel 🙈

Yeah we DTD last night and will have to do it again today. I still have lots of EWCM so not even sure if I've ov'd yet! Or maybe I'm just super fertile this cycle. My cervix did feel a little bruised last night but I powered through it - the sacrifices one makes for a baby. DH kept asking if I was ok and I was like "yup" while trying to hurry him up in my head 😂 Does your DP ever get really anxious for having to perform on cue? And anymore DTD for you guys or are you done?

Sometimes Most of the time I'm naughty and I work from the bed 😆 It's just so warm and the electric blanket is on but I know how distracting it can be.

Nope, on the day, DH didn't see me until I was walking down the aisle. He was at the cocktail bar with the guests while I was still getting ready! A cheaper wedding sounds like a smart decision. I think COVID has shown us that anything can change at the drop of a hat and financial security is so important. What sort of theme were you going to go for with the decor?

I wish we could go somewhere as soon as January but most of our money will be going into the new house. Once we have more disposable income and feel a little bit more financially secure (after parting with thousands of £££) we'll definitely look into a holiday. Do you think you'd book anything for Jan, or are you waiting for the family getaway to Greece?

OP posts:

ButterscotchBabe · 09/12/2020 22:18

I've had a really busy day at work too! Good luck with your webinar tomorrow, hope it goes well. That's cool your work closes on the 21st, I'm working Xmas Eve but have the 3 days between Xmas and new year off. It's not gonna be the same this year though, can't meet up with any friends as we'll be in a bubble with my family. Have your family sorted the Xmas bubbles?

It's cool we've ended up ovulating on the same day, wasn't expecting that as I was a day behind! When do you think we should test? I'm thinking 10DPO with a FRER?

Did you end up DTD today? Hope you're okay and it's not caused any more pain or bleeding.

DP just had the laptop on his lap, really wasn't ideal! Lol yeh the dining table would be better than the sofa, even if it was just in the morning. I find I'm not as productive if I work on the sofa, I think it's because your body associates the sofa with relaxation.

Aww it sounds like you booked a lovely venue. That's lucky the registrar was available later on to be able to come back. As the ceremony was quite delayed, did your DH end up seeing you before you walked down the isle? We made lots of plans in February, we'd chosen the venue, decided what kind of cake we wanted and I had all the decorations planned out. We were ready to book and then covid happened. During lockdown we've re-evaluated our plans and decided to do a cheaper wedding, so once they allow large weddings again we'll restart the process.

I think they'll start allowing holidays again from January so you could book something soon, or hopefully you'll be pregnant!

Original poster

unCliche · 09/12/2020 14:00

@Jordie24 I can't see anything in either test. Sorry! But I agree with ButterscotchBabe, it would be better to start your own post as more people will be willing to jump in and respond to you.

@ButterscotchBabe Been in meetings all morning! Finally have a bit of respite but need to prepare for a webinar I'm giving tomorrow! We close for Christmas on the 21st so not long to go now! Can't wait!

Yesterday was definitely my peak as my LH levels have dropped this afternoon. Sometimes I get ovulation pain but nothing so far. I feel like my right ovary is a lot more sensitive than my left as that's where I usually feel things the most so maybe I'm ovulating from my left this cycle.

I think my cervix is still bleeding. There was a bit of blood when I removed the menstrual cup this morning. I really want to DTD today and I know if I tell DH about the blood, he won't let us do it. So maybe I'll go for it and hope I don't get an infection. Or I'll ask DH to have a shower before we DTD so there's less of a risk. But there's no chance I'll tell DH that my cervix might not be ready, I don't want to waste this month!

Omg what a nightmare working from a deck chair! How did your DP do his video conferences? I think we're really fortunate to not have been furloughed. DH and I are the same. I work in the study or the bedroom and he works from the sofa in the living room. But why he doesn't work on the dining table is beyond me...

We had ours in a hotel too. They were so generous. They gave us a room for the reception, a room for the cocktail hour and a room for the reception. So guests only had to move from room to room and it was so easy and convenient! The hotel suites were really nice and amazing for photos too. I think booking them was the best thing we did because the ceremony was so delayed that the registrars had to leave for another wedding and then come back to marry us. So instead of having the ceremony, guests were moved into the cocktail bar and had drinks and canapés first, before returning so that we could finally start the ceremony. So definitely a good idea doing it in a hotel. Have you started looking at dresses and anything else wedding related?

Not sure, I may end up being pregnant on the honeymoon because there's no chance we'd be able to go on one in the next few months. Or we could leave our child with my parents and DH and I can get away for a week or so.

OP posts:

ButterscotchBabe · 09/12/2020 11:48

@unCliche I think I've missed the 200% as it seems to be going back down, must of happened last night! I've been having lots of pain and twinges on my lower right side so pretty sure I'm ovulating from the right ovary. Have you got any ovulation pain?

Haha well done, that must have been awkward but necessary! Are you still planning on DTD today? Hopefully your cervix isn't still sore?

Yes and we both had to work from home, neither of us were furloughed. So I was working on top of the bed and DP was sat in a garden deck chair in the living room. That was a long month...

Aww I'm sure your children will love looking at them 😊. I'm looking at hotels because I'd like the ceremony, reception and accommodation to be all in the same place, easier for us and guests! What type of venue did you have?

Oh yes of course, you still need to book a honeymoon! Will you do that soon or do you think you'll wait until after the 1st pregnancy?

Jordie24 · 09/12/2020 11:11

Oh thankyou I will do, just as a lot of people on here I thought someone might reply haha what do u think?

ButterscotchBabe · 09/12/2020 11:02

Hi @Jordie24 if you make a new post for your question you'll get more answers 🙂

Jordie24 · 09/12/2020 09:48

I tested this morning 🙈 only 10dpo but feel like i can see a line but also don’t know if my eyes are playing tricks on me what do u think?

Original poster

unCliche · 08/12/2020 22:34

Woooo! Look at us peaking like bosses! How hopeful are you feeling this cycle?

I am officially inseminated! I have the cup inside me now to maximum my chances as we may have lost some sperm during transference from plastic cup to menstrual cup. DH said the whole process was weird so we'll be DTD properly from tomorrow. I think my cervix should be fine 🤷‍♀️

Does that mean you spent most of your days in the bedroom as the bed was the only furniture? I still remember when I first bought furniture with DH. We weren't married then and it felt like this huge commitment. I was so daunted by it. But I think making a baby is a bigger commitment so you probably never felt anything like I did 😂

That sucks. At least he has you and your family and you're making your own family together so he'll be surrounded by people who love him 💕

Yeah we did get lovely photos. It wasn't until months after that I actually felt that my photos were nice. I think I'll start to feel better about the day as time goes on. What sort of venue were you going to book for your wedding?

Oh it may be a small chance but it's still a chance! Carrying multiples will be so tasking on the body and I agree, stretch marks are something I'd like to avoid too. Unfortunately, we don't get to decide how many we have and how our body handles it 😅

A holiday would be amazing. Better yet, a honeymoon! I think, after my mansion, I'd be on my way to buy a car that's better than my little Renault Clio. Something that can accommodate all the twins I'll never have.

Ugh, the thought of everything just hanging loose. No thanks.

OP posts:

ButterscotchBabe · 08/12/2020 17:55

Yay!! That's great you got your peak too! Hopefully both our temps will drop tomorrow and rise on Thursday, then we'll have ovulation confirmed 😊. We'll def be DTD today, I've advised DP he is required 😂. I don't know if we'll do it tomorrow as well, I'm sure we'll have put enough up there 😂.

Will you be able to extract and insert some spermies?? 😂 Insemination should work the same way, healthy sperm know which direction to swim in! You'll have to be quick though because sperm don't survive long outside the body.

We moved into the flat on a Friday, ordered furniture on the Sunday to be delivered the following Thursday. Then on the Monday night Boris announced the lockdown and so the furniture company refused to deliver. We ended up waiting a month for our furniture. Luckily we had a bed but that was it!

We're looking at the West Midlands so that it's just straight down the M5. DP doesn't speak to his family but most of my family are in Devon. It's sad but his family are horrible, on the plus side it makes it easier at Christmas 😂.

Oh no, that's sad it's upsetting to think about your wedding day. I'm sure there were some really special moments, like the ones you mentioned with DH. Did you manage to get some beautiful photos?

Well I think I'd be guaranteed a ceasarean if I had multiples! I like the idea of only having to be pregnant once or twice. My grandmother's sister (on my Mum's side) had twins so it's a possibility but probably unlikely. The gene only runs on the female side as it's the woman's body that decides to release two or more eggs. The downside is getting really big and having loads of stretch marks 😕.

It's difficult to keep social things going over the internet as it's just not the same as meeting in person. Earlier in the year we did a zoom call with friends every week but that slowly fizzled out.

I think the first thing I would buy is a holiday! Somewhere amazing like the Maldives or Bora Bora. How about you??

I think with first babies women tend to be smaller because everything's tightly packed in. With subsequent pregnancies everything's already been pushed out so you show more 😂.

Original poster

unCliche · 08/12/2020 14:51

Eeeeeee! You were right! We'll be ovulating at the same time!! 0DPO tomorrow for both of us 💃💃 I have so much EWCM but it's so weird and chunky but I think it could be because of the solution they put on my cervix yesterday. Either way, tonight, I inseminate! Are you going to DTD today and tomorrow?

I suspect I'll see a drop tomorrow so our temps would do something similar again. I'm so excited to see what happens this cycle. I'm not expecting much with the insemination but I really hope you get lucky!

Ah, you're right. I've never thought about medications affecting temps but then, it makes sense that it could! I'm so chirpy and annoying today and DH said he preferred me when I was tired 😂

That sounds horrible. Lockdown in a flat wouldn't be anyone's idea of fun. But sounds even worse being furniture-less! Did you eventually find some furniture to buy?

Oh me too 😪 I can get proper anxious from doing something wrong on unfamiliar roads and I start getting really shaky. But wherever you move to, you'll quickly get familiar with the roads anyway. Devon to the East Midlands is a bit of a journey, will you be driving to visit your DP's family or be getting the train?

I find it hard to think about my wedding day because if I think too much about it I'll get upset. It was a nice day though and the guests did enjoy themselves. Luckily the makeup artist wasn't hurt but her car was totalled. She managed to make it to do my makeup (bless her) but she was a lot little late.

Hehe would you be ok giving birth to multiples? I like the idea of having all my kids once and for all and not having subsequent pregnancies but I have no multiples in my family and neither does DH. Do you or your DP?

In my group, we do book clubs, go for cinema trips, go to comic con and have general get-togethers where we chill and play games. Nothing has happened since lockdown. We did start having Netflix parties online and the book club moved to zoom too but that's it.

😂 Imagine if you ever won the lottery. Apart from a mansion what would be the first thing you buy? 😂

Thank you! I loved the exhilaration and the endorphins. I get why people get really gym-obsessed. I think it's important to remember that weight gain is good in pregnancy and even though we'll be bigger and rounder, it will be a good sign that the baby is growing so you needn't worry about self-image, although easier said than done because I'd probably feel horrible too! I'm waiting to put on all my pregnancy weight before I go back to my intense workouts (as if I'll even have time after I give birth...)

Oh that's lucky! I just iron straight onto the paper but with low heat - just enough to get it to straighten.

OP posts:

ButterscotchBabe · 08/12/2020 13:25

I got a peak on OPK this morning! Hopefully I'll get 200% later today, so ovulation will probably happen tonight or tomorrow. I'm really pleased because last cycle I didn't ovulate until CD17 so there's a clear improvement. Try doing another OPK this afternoon, you're not meant to test LH with first morning urine because apparently that hormone is always low when you first wake up.

My temp was higher this morning which follows the pattern of my previous cycles, my temp seems to jump up and down around ovulation, so I'm expecting it to be low tomorrow. I wonder if your temp is doing the same thing and you'll see a drop tomorrow.

That's great you had a better night's sleep, the Kalms tablets could possibly have caused the temp rise but I'm not sure how they work.

The first lockdown was awful as we had just moved into an unfurnished flat and couldn't buy furniture as the all the shops shut. Also the flat was on the 1st floor so there was no garden. We're in a house now so the lockdown in November was more comfortable!

I'm originally from East Midlands and DP from Devon, we were thinking on the west side of Birmingham so that it's near the city but not too polluted. It will also depend on what jobs we have at the time. Yes it's definitely nice living somewhere you are familiar with, I get stressed driving in new areas when I don't know where I'm going! I think if we moved up to Birmingham area we would rent first to see what areas we like. Some places are cheap for a reason!

Wow that was a huge wedding, I hope you still enjoyed the day even though things didn't go to plan! Was your make-up artist okay? Did you have to do your own make-up?

Yeh I think with babies it's mostly the initial costs of a car seat, pram, cot and equipment that are high, after that it shouldn't be too bad. Unless we have twins or triplets 😱!

Oooh what does a sci-fi and fantasy group do? I guess you'll have had to do those meetings online this year? Haha I'm more of a 'books for decoration' person 😂. Every so often I'll start dreaming of buying a mansion, then it normally leads to be buying a euro millions ticket 😂.

Well done on losing 11KG, that must have been hard work! Haha same with me, I was a size 10, got down to size 8 in March and now back to size 10! But I'm quite short (5.1ft) so I feel too big at size 10, would like to lose a few more pounds. I'm worried I'm gonna hate my body when pregnant! I currently have very little motivation to exercise, I think a lot of people feel the same. Being forced to spend such a long time at home with nothing really to look forward to, does drain your energy and motivation.

Ah yes I know the paper you mean, my DP is actually going to get some today for sending presents! I'm guessing you have to put a towel or something between the paper and iron??

Original poster

unCliche · 08/12/2020 10:15

Is this what it feels like to have... slept? Went to bed at 10pm last night. Think I got about 10 hours of rest. It was needed. My DH dosed me with 'Kalms' tablets and sent me to bed. Did you get better sleep as well?

I thought I'd do an OPK with FMU just to check if anything was happening, but nope - negative (18%). I think this ov will be a late one because I still have EWCM and feel very wet inside, so I can't have missed it. I usually go creamy straight after ov. It may be the vitamins delaying things. Temps are going up too but I don't think I missed anything important yesterday anyway. How are your temps looking?

I agree, a big garden is a must! After experiencing lockdown in our garden, I only wonder how we would have survived without it. How was the first part of lockdown for you? The West Midlands would be cool! Places like Birmingham have a lot going for it. Is that where your DP is from? Or you just like it over there? DH and I were looking to buy in Banbury as well, and although quite cheap, it's a bit far from my family. I have a friend who lives in Bristol and also briefly considered moving there too but we really like where we currently are, so decided to stay. Sometimes, for me, comfort and familiarity trumps house price. My town is youthful, diverse and has things happening and I know our kids will feel comfortable here (they'll be biracial, so definitely need to take that into consideration). House prices do suck but I've read posts on here about people moving away to cheaper areas and hating it so I think there's much to consider. Although you might love it too!!

I think save hard for a house. I know a wedding is important, but after having a huge wedding (250-300 guests), I almost wish I had saved all the money instead. The favourite part of my wedding day was the ceremony and seeing DH. The reception was nice but I had a nightmare of a day (my makeup artist drove her car into a tree!) And everything was so delayed and nothing went to plan so in hindsight, nice and intimate would have been better. And kids don't have to be expensive. Even though we can afford to buy new, I'm planning on getting some things second hand - especially clothes, because they grow up so fast! And once all the furniture and major items are out of the way, you only need to consider food and nappies which won't break the bank (I think??)

I loooove reading. I only read fantasy books though! I'm such a nerd. I run a sci-fi and fantasy meetup group in my town and we have a good number of members. My book collection is huge and the difference between DH and I is that I've actually read ALL the books that I've bought whereas, he just keeps them there for decoration. I'd love a library in my home but don't think I can sacrifice a room just for books. Maybe one day when I buy my mansion 😁

You can still go on walks. I think walking for miles and miles can help with weight loss? I'm trying to encourage DH to start doing so because nothing else has worked for him and although It wouldn't be my chosen form of exercise, I think it's definitely the easiest one to do.

For the wedding and during lockdown, I did a lot of weight training and HIIT workouts in the garden. I bought like 20kg of weights and really toned up! Lost 11kg of weight and I was quite pleased with how my body was looking. I felt really strong and could do pushups, 100+ sit ups. It was great! I went from a size 10 to a size 8 and now I think I'm back to a size 10 because I'm so lazy! I would work out at home but no motivation 😆 Do you have a particular set of favourite exercises?

I agree that it should be higher. I really salute single mothers who have to raise kids alone. With that amount of statutory pay, they wouldn't be able to take any time off! It's sad that we have to factor in our employment when making personal decisions about our bodies and men don't even have to consider any of this! I'd like a bit of an age gap but I might have to reconsider if it takes long to conceive.

I usually create my patterns on brown paper. You know the long rolls you use for wrapping? Like kraft rolls? So maybe copy the patterns onto them? Iron the paper flat first though because it's so annoying when it rolls up while using it.

Gosh I've written an essay! Think my brain is back to functioning after all the sleep I've gotten!

OP posts:

ButterscotchBabe · 07/12/2020 21:58

Ooh looks like your LH is rising! It's very clever how the apps use the camera, sometimes I look at the stick and can't tell a difference but the app can. Although it's clear when it's positive!

I really want a house with a large-ish garden and space to extend so we can build it how we want. We're considering buying in the West Midlands as it's too expensive in the South West. There are cheaper areas but not where we'd want to buy. We're not ready to buy yet, need at least another year of saving. Don't know how we're gonna pay for a wedding and a baby as well 😂.

Yep when we ovulate doesn't matter too much aslong as luteal phase is minimum 10 days. I'm sure we'll both get that again this month 😊.

Oh no, maybe only think about sewing during the day 😂. Are you into reading? I rarely read books but since this whole lockdown I've been reading the news a lot on my phone and I find it helps me fall asleep.

I guess sewing is my new hobby! Before lockdown DP and I used to socialize with friends quite a bit and we liked going on early morning walks in the woods before it got too dark. I'm annoyed because I've put on half a stone since March, it's difficult not to eat treats when trapped in the house all day!

Yes exercise is definitely good for sleeping and relaxing, do you have any weights to do exercises at home? Women's Health magazine online has loads of ideas for exercising at home.

Haha maybe the menstrual cup will do it 😂.

26 weeks full pay is pretty awesome! That's awful for your friend, I think statutory maternity pay should be higher, £600 a month would be a real struggle. Yes I've also thought my employer wouldn't be too happy if I got pregnant whilst on maternity leave 😂. I looked up on the gov website around maternity rules and you have to go back to work, even if just for a day, to be eligible for maternity leave again. So you can't roll one maternity leave onto the next. Ideally I'd like to get pregnant a year after having the first.

That's a really good idea, I'd have to get some large pieces of paper but it would mean I could keep different sizes. Yeh I was thinking if I wanted to make clothes for other people or if I changed size!