Where Emmsy's established friendships continue to support us on our journeys.....

Hi there lovely girls

I thought I'd spend my lunch break catching up (again) with you lot. No doubt baby mindee will wake up early but I feel like I've missed so much.

Georgie Really feel for you I can't begin to imagine how stressful all this building is but here a {{{{{big hug}}}}} anyway. It just sounds so dreadful. I can't believe they are so behind and over budget It sounds as though this project manager should sort them all out for you. Now they've got two hormonal women to contend with Want me to come and give my two bob's worth too?
I'm pleased you're getting your fertility tests sorted out.
Are your girls on half term next week? Wanna catch up? I think you need a "putting the world to rights" session.

Teehee Buy yourself a feeding pillow. They are a god send when you start to get uncomfortable in bed, don't worry, it wont be long!
How are you enjoying your sneaky (but well deserved) days off? Have you moved from your duvet?
Oh and about the vits, I carried on taking Pregnacare throughout my preg with DS. I'm still taking it now for this one. Can only be good eh? I'm not eating too healthily at the moment which is unlike me so I think Button needs them! Also I'm usually quite low on Iron anyway.
Carry on taking them and see if they perk you up a bit

Sparkly Is DD getting excited about her birthday? Are you having a party?

Scully I knew there was another good reason to move to Oz. $1k!!! . That would be a very nice xmas indeed Good luck with the pre-seed! When's your next AF expected?

Cricri I can't believe you're nearly due When is your due date again? I hope my preg goes as quickly as yours has. Although at the same time, I'm really enjoying it at the moment so don't want to wish it away to fast
GET THAT BABY MOVED!!! I swear DS was back to back and the pain was excruciating! I thought my back was actually going to snap in two! Epidural soon sorted it though but I don't imaging you'll have that option will you. Move baby mooooove!!!!

Mibbes I'm loving your FB pics! You look fabulous! I swear I'm about your size now - I feel it anyway I think I need a new bump pic as everyone has been shocked at how big I've become lately. Must be all that chocolate
You know I've heard that they did a study in Switzerland which proved that eating chocolate throughout pregnancy almost guarantees a happier baby - sounds good to me!
BTW, the floor looks amazing! It has transformed the flat, I can even walk through the house without taking my shoes off!

Ei How's the fame getting to you? Excellent news about the new job, when does he start?

Kate! Beautiful puppy you have there! I wish our place was big enough for a dog. Not sure I've got it in me to go out at the crack of dawn every morning for walks though How's Nemo finding sharing you?
About the Halloween choc, supermarkets make you buy it early by reducing the prices so early, I haven't been fooled yet! I'm staying clear of Sainsburys! Just sticking to my online shopping
I'll just have to buy all the treats nearer the time when they'll put their prices up
Funnily enough, now I remember, we didn't get any trick or treaters last year (our 1st Halloween in the flat) bought LOADS of goodies too. I think kiddies are too scared to walk down the dark creepy path and too lazy to climb the stairs to my front door. Ah well, I shall buy sweeties anyway
How are the bras?

Mollie I'm sorry you're having such a hard time of it lately I think you and Georgie are due a huge big slice of luck/cake

I have a feeling this post will take up a whole page and it's taken me about 2 hours to write so I've probably missed some posts while typing.

I ordered my Blue Camo Phil and Teds yesterday from Babies r us, OUCH! I decided I couldn't get a 2nd hand one for much less so just bit the bullet! Dreading telling DP but I did save up for it myself so I'm not using "our" money. How can I justify it? I wonder if I can convince him it only cost me 50 quid Not sure if he's that stupid. So I'd better sell my Quinny double then! Ebay here I come!

Hi. Just wanted to post quickly to say sorry for not being around so much over the last week or so. I have been lurking though and trying to keep up. So everyone is in my thoughts. Especially you, Mollie. Kate has given some wise words. Think the key is to not think too much about what you're supposed to be doing. But just do what you feel will get you thru the day.

Thought we'd had a break thru today with the build as they were pouring concrete. However, the wooden shuttering has given way and the concrete is now useless. Back to square one.

I'm hoping to get a little time on Friday to catch up with you all properly.

Hi LobsterLass. Welcome. Pull up a chair, open the box of cream cakes and join in the fun.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sorry to hear how you are feeling Mollie, I hope having the day at home helped a little
You have a very good reason to be confused Mibbes Baby brain doesn't go away after the baby arrives either, be prepared for that
dd1 was breech cricri but I found out too late to move her, although I did try. Learnt what not to do for dd2's pregnancy at least, you need to be cleaning lots of floors (or pretending to) for the next few weeks
Teehee, what are you wearing at 15wks and no maternity clothes Even with dd1 I had to change what I was wearing by 10wks or so. Enjoy shopping tonight.
Hi to everyone else

Glimmer Also meant to add that I'm sorry to hear of your experiences and wish you every bit of luck for the future.
Georgie Hope today brings a better day with the builders
EI I have one session left booked for next Weds, as it is my last one I think I'll hold on until then, although I am hoping I may get some more assistance from work for more.
Kate I have the Lesley Regan book and I promise to try and read some more of it today as I haven't got very far with it, think I'd better avoid that website you were talking about, as I tend to get obsessed with things very easily. I interviewed a customer last week who worked as a research asst looking at links to miscarriages and listeria. So now I won't eat prepacked sandwiches or anything from a chilled cabinet!
TeeHee Fortunately work have been fab, but not sure how far their understanding will stretch IYKWIM it's just another worry to add to the list

Thanks girls for all your support, it's nice to know that I'm not going completely insane and that others have felt this way.
Glimmer Hello thank you for your advice, it was very thoughtful of you to post, and very informative, my GP asked me to go back in 2 wks if I nothing had happened so if I am still AF-less by next Tuesday I will go armed with your info

I am taking a sickie today as it never rains but it pours - found out last night that BIL & SIL are pg, they will be due in June which was the due date of my chemical pg, so for the next 7.5 mths I will have a constant slap in the face reminder of what should be happening to me. I've hardly slept and very emotional so thought I'd better not go in to work to end up crying on my boss again
Sorry for the "me" post x

Sorry if my posts came out of the blue and may seem a little "medical". Mollie, its sounds like I was in a very similar emotional state two years ago: having had a mc of a very much wanted baby and then no return to normal for months and months. In my case the GP didn't believe me and I ended up with post traumatic stress, literally shaking when I learned of pg friends. All I wanted was to try again (and after two more surgeries I was able to and have now a wonderful DS), but the not returning to normal plus all the hormones floating around was agonizing. Once I was physically sorted out, I felt much better. If I had only known about these rare, but possible complications,I would have pushed for a scan earlier on and it would have saved me months of pain...

Hi everybody,

I have been lurking, wanting to TTC but not possible right now.... (that's another story), when I read about Mollies wait for AF.
So, this post is for her: I was exactly in the same position (twice) 2 years ago: no AF for months after an ERPC. In the first case the ERPC had been incomplete and the placenta still in utero (no bleeding), the second time I had a cervical stenosis (cervix grew shut because of scar tissue). Those are known complications with chances 5% and 1 out of 10000. So, in addition to blood tests (which would have been inconclusive in my case), a scan might be very helpful.
Sorry, I do not want to scare you and chances are small, but it would have helped me to know of these possibilities, that's why I am posting. It seems you ae in excellent hands, but if you have any qeustions, please feel free to cat me. All the best to everybody.

hi ladies
mollie sorry to see you are having a rough time of it of late i agree with what the other ladies have said. it does sound like grief it is a natural process and unfortunately it will come whether you want it to or not i found that hiding mine away and not dealing with it when it reared its ugly head i still have wobbly moments now do you have any more counselling sessions left? it might be worth booking another session and calling in sick to work for a few days. i hope you start feeling better soon and your AF arrives to let your hormones settle down
a big hello to everyone im off to bed in a sec so i will talk to everyone tomorrow i just wanted to let mollie know i am thinking of her xx
xx ei xx

teehee will try to pay more attention to who posts what (but am glad you like the preggy-brain posts !). Kate is not making up agnus castus, it is supposed to help regulate cycles but can apparently aggravate hormonal imbalances so some people strongly advise against - I actually tried it one month and that was the month I had a 45 day cycle and was convinced was PG for 2 weeks . Evening Primrose Oil helps generate EWCM and yes it only to be used pre-ov

cricri get down on your knees and crawl lady !

Mollie am glad the more experiences ladies have been able to give you more comprehensive advice - hope you are feeling as well as can be expected and have taken on board what these lovely ladies have said hun xx

Kate check you out with your posh bras - bet they are fancier than my grey non-wired mat bras - NOICE !

Mollie Your description of how you are feeling takes me right back to April when, as you know I ended up taking 3 months off work. My work were dreadful so hopefully yours will be more sympathtic and you can stay at work. It sounds so normal and like grief that needs some attention. When I was alot better I was able to see that before I had got some help this undealt with grief was seeping into all aspects of my life uncontrollably (the feeling you describe about wanting to put your brain in a jar and actually being petrified of moving forward and getting pregnant is exactly how it was) After getting some help I was able to go to that sad place and remember my babies without it taking over my life. I agree with Cricri some councilling could be the way to go. The miscarriage association may be able to put you in touch with someone or a group. I hope I haven't overshared but i wanted you to know that you are totally normal for feeling the way you do and it will change. Lots and lots of hugs and you know where I am if you need anything.

Kate Our old cat had his nose seriously put out of joint when we got George and to be honest after nearly 18 months he is still pretty unimpressed and often looks at george like he is a complete imbecile. He's OK though and still seems fairly happy so I'm sure Nemo will get used to it (he'll have to won't he) I did say if Biff didn't like George he would have to go but as DP pointed out that was not an option after about 2 hours- he'd kinda wormed his way into my heart already !! Also what on earth is Angus Cactus - you made it up no? I am 15+3 today and bump is growing - I have still not bought any maternity gear but am going shopping Thurs night as can't bear it any longer!! Got our combined triple test/scan results today - 1 in 1791! Yey!

HTGG How did you get on today?

Mibbes Please don't stop posting - I love your baby brain posts, thanks for the vit info- your specialised subject.

Cricri Fantastic that all systems go for HB - maybe she will come on Halloween !! Spooky! Keep crawling.

Took the day off again today - still have stretching pains and apparently the best thing to do is get comfortable and rest - so I did. Fell asleep for nearly 2 hours this afternoon so I guess I need the rest.

Long post today but you ladies have been chatty - nice to see the room getting busy again. xx

Afternoon ladies!
Mollie So sorry things have been getting on top of you over the past few days. Dr Kate is right, it does sound very much like grief. Are you still seeing your counsellor? When is your next GP appt? The fact that AF hasn't turned up yet surely warrants some investigation? (((Hugs)) to you.
Kate How cute is Lola! Love the pictures. Sorry to hear Nemo is getting jealous but hopefully he'll soon get over it when he realises that he's got a new playmate
Georgie and at all the stress you've got to deal with atm. I can't believe the council gave you so little notice - unbelievable. In the current economic climate renting out privately would probably be best wouldn't it? If (and it's a big if unfortunately) you find a good agent then you should find a tenant pretty quickly as lots of people want to rent at the moment. Hope your PM manages to sort out the builders too. Can't you sack them and find some new ones? There are plenty out there who are short of work at the moment who would be delighted to take on your project.
The scan went well thanks for asking. Everything was fine ? no change since last time so follow-up will be the same, i.e. a scan no sooner than 3 days after birth and within 6 weeks. So my home birth plans are not affected The bad news is baby has turned back again and is back-to-back so I'm going to be spending some time on my hands and knees over the next few days!
No sign of anything moving yet but will let you know once things start!
One of the ladies on my AN thread said that they'd had to take the Halloween emoticons off because they felt it inappropriate for sad to have one (which is true I guess) and until the techies fix it then all the emoticons have lost their hats.
Hope everybody else is OK

Mollie What you're describing sounds totally normal, sounds a lot like grief to me, and after everything you've been through, I'm not surprised Have you read Lesley Regan's book yet? I know I keep harping on about it but there's a bit on grieving which I think you might find really helpful. I got my copy for £1.99 plus p+p from amazon.
I remember feeling very similar to the way you describe after my mmc last year. I got myself into a right state, I really wanted to lose the weight I'd put on as none of my clothes fitted, my skin was awful, I'd been on the foresight website and terrified myself that we were being poisoned by our house (don't ask ), I'd convinced myself that the only way to lose weight was to eat things like porrige and muller light yoghurts, but foresight says no microwaves and no artificial sweeteners, so all diet food is basically out... etc etc. There were so many things, I just felt like the world was caving in on top of me.
Your migraine sounds like your body's response to all the stress you are having to deal with. I remember having a headache for 4 days solid, every morning I woke up and it was still there. The (little) things that helped me were: good food (as in local, organic, seasonal, all that malarky), wine, walks on the beach, hot baths with Jo Malone bath oil in the middle of the afternoon (felt very decadent), and trying reiki and acupuncture.
I know exactly what you mean about the no sex thing too. My DH went without for a LONG time - tbh he's not getting much atm either, knowing that we MUST NOT GET PREGNANT is not much of an aphrodisiac. But he'll survive. Poor bugger
But to all things there is a season, and this will pass. Sorry for the long ramble, I just thought it might make you feel better to know that I've been where you are. You won't be there forever. Be kind to yourself in whatever way you can. xx

Teehee it's def ok to carry on with pregnacare or any of the pregnancy vits throughout your pregnancy. The only thing to aviod is too much vit A which is why you shouldn't take a normal multi vit. How's your bump looking nowadays? What are you now? about 14 weeks? We haven't done the list for ages... You could have meant Georgie with the scan, I think she's having one as part of her investigations? Or it could have been cricri

Not long to go now Cricri til you won't need a sonographer when you want to look at your baby

Ei Mibbes is right about the B6, def worth a go I reckon. Isn't evening primrose supposed to help too Mibbes? But you only take that for the 1st half of your cycle I think. How about agnus castus? I think that's 1st half only too isn't it?

Teehee Nemo is VERY grumy about the whole puppy situation Poor little fella. We're trying to pay him extra attention and frankly he's being spoiled rotten, but he's still miserable

What's happened to the hallow'een emoticons?? We bought pumpkins at the weekend to carve with our friends' kids who were staying, but with one thing and another we ran out of time, so at some point I need to do them . We've almost finished the chocolate I bought for the trick or treaters too The supermarket fooled me into thinking halloween was a lot sooner than it really is

On a plus note, the (double A cup ) strapless bras I ordered from Figleaves have just arrived, I love being able to try on new things without having to go shopping Will send most of them back though. They'll prob be too big

OMG scully what was I thinking ? I may have to stop posting as am quite frankly posting a pile of p!sh ! sorry I think I meant cricri...

Anyhoo, Kate OMG Lola is gorgeous

Ei am so glad things are looking up for you hun xx and yes I agree, new job new baby !

teehee yes I am the Vit-obsessor ! I am still taking my preggo vits (albeit less often as I forget a lot). I have been prescribed iron as was a bit low and the tablet has added folic acid to help absorption, so if GP gives me folic acid it must be safe later in PG too. I think the 12 weeks thing is because that is when the Folic acid can make a difference neural tube-wise but it defo won't do any harm further on in PG. Oh and on the subject of Vits, Ei it is vit B6 and B complex that are supposed to extend LP

Oh Mollie you poor love you sound as if things are really getting on top of you, all I can do is offer {{big cyber hugs}} xx

Fruity Glad your feeling better hun, love those shoes for DS, very cute.
Sparkly So pleased AF has arrived for you, now you can draw a line underneath and try to move on, how are you feeling about things?
EI Sorry TEW got you, but Sparkly is a very luck CB you know Fab news about DH's job Love the article famous girl
Georgie So it's good news on the fertility front as you are starting with the tests, but bad news on the building side of things! My you are having a stressful time of it chick, really for you, if you are like me you want to be in control of things and unfortunately all this stuff is now out of your control. Really hope the project manager becomes worth her weight in gold so you don't regret the expenditure. Sorry to hear about the house/rent situation, how pants is that, typical council not letting you know. Like you said selling would probably be a nightmare but renting privately can cause a headache too, none of this is good for TTC so sending you hugs I too have written off 2008 so 2009 had better be one helluva lot luckier for all of us!
LobstersLass Lovely to see you back, I've just started my own slimming club with a friend, we are weighing in her front room and she's the only person in the world that knows what I actually weigh (officially a fat heifer) so that is motivation alone for me Good luck with your plans x
TeeHee Good on you for taking a sicky, you are the most important thing not work and if you don't feel like it, don't go
Scully What good news about the extra money, what a lovely government, hope the pre-seed napalming did it's trick last night
CriCri How did it go at the hospital yesterday?
Kate Unfortunately it's not CD1 for me just Sparkly & EI still waiting for mine But your puppy pics have definately cheered me up, how cute is Lola??? Poor Nemo is trying hard with the sad dog eyes, bless. Let's hope she distracts from all the stress you've had and you can have more peace (but not sleep) x
Mibbes LOL at baby brain

Things are a bit shit with me at the moment, last week at work things started to get on top of me with this new job without training but I just carried on although IBS flared up a little, had a huge migraine Sunday so I was off yesterday too. Went into work today and had a bit of an emotional meltdown I just feel as if I have so much stuff going round in my head at the moment, a couple of friends have asked if there is any chance I'm pg again as still no sign of AF, we did have unprotected sex once a few weeks ago so there is always a chance and to be honest the though absolutely terrifies me to the point where I can't bring myself to do a test. Its all this not knowing, I don't feel like sex so I'm worrying about my DH, I know someone at work is pg but don't know who, my sister was late and I was really worried about that as I know she would have a termination (which is right for her ) but I would have trouble dealing with it. I don't want to sound like a drama queen but I feel like I want to hibernate for a few months and just not have to think, if I could remove my brain and put it in a jar so I could stop worrying and thinking what if this, what if that. Even when I re-read this it seems like nothing but I just can't explain there are so many little things that have just added up. I watched TV Friday and saw a woman having a 20 wk scan, I started crying and since then it's all I've thought about like I'm trying to torture myself, I just don't know what to do I feel out of control and a little frightened by it all

Kate She is so adorable and Nemo does look quite grumpy about the whole situation - which is also adorable. They will look so cute together.

HTGG I agree with Scully. I'm sure it will all get sorted eventually. You sound so utterly fed up. Hope the house is in an OK state to rent because I'm sure you will get someone in. You could put with an agency if you don't want the hassle. Hope you are feeling more positive today. I would also recommend taking full advantage of your OV if only cos a few orgasms might help put a smile on your face

Ei So pleased about DH's job. Must be a huge weight off your minds and well done him for finding something so quickly.

Little question for you clever ladies, especially Mibbes (cos I think you were the one who is vitamin obsessed) I've stopped taking my pregnancy vits cos the books all say folic acid for the first 3 months only, but will it do me any harm to carry on. I feel really tired this week and thought the iron in them might help me feel a bit better. What do you think?

Yep, definitely baby brain Mibbes, I'm not going for a scan So how were you contacted for the article Ei, what a great article, hopefully it will all make a difference eventually. & must be a relief that your dh is working again.
HTGG, I think you just need to give up on this year and work on next year being a great year, once you're house is finished, your other house is rented and you're pregnant How much longer does your project manager think the building work will take? Why doesn't the council want to rent your other house anymore? There's such a shortage of rental properties here right now, there would be a queue for it if it was in Brisbane or Sydney.
Kate, both your puppy dogs are so cute What does Nemo think of his new friend? Yes, the high tea on Saturday was lovely, something special I usually do but once a year

She seems to be thank you Not much luck with the house training so far though but I think maybe she's just too little atm. She seems fairly bright (unlike her big brother ) so I'm hoping she'll pick it up fairly quickly in time - if that makes sense! Seriously, one night with 4 hours' sleep and I'm shattered, what on earth would I be like with a baby?!?

Sweet dreams everyone xx

kate iv seriously been waiting with baited breath since you said you were uploading pics is she settling in well??
xx ei xx

Blimey Ei that was quick! I've only just finished uploading them! Glad you like her and SO glad to hear about your DH, FANTASTIC news xx

aaawwwwwwwwww!!!! kate!!! lola is so gorgeous!! dont you just want to put her on a butty and eat her!!! shes gorgeous!!
a quick one from me aswell to say hello and CD2 for me today oh and forgot to say DH has gotten himself another job and started today so things are looking up new job new baby i hear you cry?? (same goes for new puppy new baby kate)
hello to one and all
xx ei xx

Evening all

Just a VERY quick one from me to upload some puppy photos as she/Nemo had us up at 3.30 this morning

But she's very cute - as you'll see! Our wireless internet doesn't seem to be working on my laptop which means the only internet is upstairs in the study and puppy isn't allowed upstairs, so I can't get on much atm, but I am thinking of you all often

Georgie & for you
Ei fame at last!
Sparkly & Mollie CD1 can only be a good thing, but it made me a little wistful for what should have been... sending hugs, Cake & wine
Lobetrlass hello! I remember you from the ttc baby waiting room So sorry to hear all you've been through. no weightloss tips here either I'm afraid, I just can't seem to muster any will power to get started with it - but if you find any spare laying around please would you send some my way? Good luck though!
Scully your tea venue looked gorgeous! ()

PS thanks for the Mabel votes, but she's definitely a Lola

Hey guys. Whenever you think your life is shit, then just look in my direction and know that it can't be as bad as the whopper of a trail of bad luck that seems to be sticking to me like a bad smell.

Site meeting laughable. Bloke that owns building company didn't even turn up. Just left his foreman to take the flack. Gave it to him both barrels. Our project manager also gave it to him both barrels. She's great at taking no prisoners and I am sure she will shake the builders up no end. Just heart breaking to think that we're so behind schedule, so over budget and now having to shell out for project manager. And the fucking arsehole of a building bloke can't even be bothered to turn up to a sodding meeting. ARRRRGGHHHHH.

Also got voicemail from Lambeth Council this arvo (I rent my little house in Streatham to them), telling me that they are giving the keys back tom at 11am. Apparently I should have got a letter? Hmmmm. No letter. And last phone call with them last wed we agreed to rent them the house for another year? So now, no rent from house to cover mortgage. More expense that we can't spare.

Have to see whether I can rent privately or sell house. Not going to be easy in this market. If sell, will loose loads of money on it. Have no idea what state the house is in after tennents moved out. Guess that joy will await me tomorrow.

Oh, and of course I'm ovulating today. Just when I'm so nice and calm and really ready to concieve. NOT.

I've obviously done some bad shit in a past life and karma is coming back to bite me on the arse.

Just wish we could catch a break. And for something to go our way.

Oh dear teehee baby brain strikes again

OMG Ei you are famous - I feel so proud of you

OH MY GOD Ei you are famous. Well done, such a great article. Shame Mumsnet didn't take their own advice when they moved the miscarriage section around all the time!! But still good to have this stuff out there.

Mibbes You must have alot on your mind as it is Georgie with the incrediably stressful life - mine is just lazy!!

article from The Times on MN recommendations for HCPs dealing with mc
Spot one of our ladies in the article
On a more sober note, let's hope these recommendations are taken on board and implemented quickly.