The Continuing Adventures of the First Time Frolicker Graduates....

[Hermya321]

Right (plonks self down and breaks out the biscuit tin and tea bags), I've stuck the kettle on. Whose joining me?

ARRIVALS:

Fulhamgirl - EDD 30th May - DOB 9th Apr - Girl - Lily Ann - 4lb

CURRENT__GRADUATES:

Trying4Baby1 - BFP 21st Aug - 25th Apr - Girl
Kaystar - BFP 27th Aug - EDD?
Pepperonipizza - BFP 12th Sep - 24th May - Boy
Ladyemmalou83 - BFP 13th Oct - 23rd Jun - Girl - Erin Elizabeth
bluesnowfalcon - BFP 14th Oct - EDD?
DesperateHousewife21 - BFP 3rd Nov - EDD 18th Jul - Boy - Dylan
Spirael - BFP 7th Nov - EDD 25th Jul - Secret
Curlycasper - BFP 11th Nov - EDD 21st Jul - Girl
EmsieRo - BFP 16th Nov - EDD 20th Jul
vix206 - BFP 8th Dec - EDD 22nd Aug
HypotheticalMummy - BFP 9th Dec - EDD?
Ozziegirly - BFP 16th Dec - EDD 24th Aug
NovemberAli - BFP 24th Dec - EDD 2nd Sep
Eleanora - BFP 28th Dec - EDD 4th Sep
WhiteRoses - BFP 11th Jan - EDD 15th Sep - Boy
hamsterlover - BFP 11th Jan - EDD?
Hobnob - BFP 17th Jan - EDD 26th Sep
MadameG - BFP 17th Jan - EDD 16th Sep
pixiestix - BFP 18th Jan - EDD 24th Sep
ceebs05 - BFP 22nd Jan - EDD 29th Sep
addie81 - BFP 28th Jan - EDD 8th Oct
chancewouldbeafinething - BFP 1st Feb - EDD 11th Oct
WorrisomeHeart - BFP 29th Jan - EDD 12th Oct
Hermya321 - BFP 12th Feb - EDD 24th Oct
fudgecat - BFP 19th Feb ? EDD 28th Oct
Pidgin - BFP 27th Feb - EDD?
Honeymoo - BFP ? - EDD 1st Nov
YorkshireTeaDrinker - BFP 1st Mar - EDD 6th Nov
DrewsGirl - BFP 4th Mar - EDD?
bunnygirl80 - BFP 12th Mar - EDD 19th Nov
Mumnerves - BFP 1st Apr - EDD 8th Dec
Spanishlady - BFP 3rd Apr - EDD?
luckyseven - BFP 8th Apr - EDD 17th Dec
Capricorn76 - BFP 12th Apr - EDD 1st Jan
Homebound - BFP 30th Apr - EDD 8th Jan

FUTURE_GRADUATES:

aly323
Ariesgirl
Bellaby
calligraphy82
Calyx
CaveMum
chalky3
cher rycobbler
claireinthecommunity
Dinkytinky
evilgiraffe
FelicityFlick
haloflo
Kaloki
kkas
kurl yvoice
misshoohaa
MrsWajs
Muser
Papertiger
pinkiePoo
pipsicles
seablue
Sevans
Stiffybyn g
Wannamummy
Zippys

The lovely MrsW got her BFP!!!!

Just been over to congratulate Mrs W!

Has anyone else been checking in daily here to see if there has been an update from Fudge? Really hope she and family are ok

Its been a really long week with work etc, so I am so glad its Friday!

Not sure if its the tiredness or actual real growth, but I how have a "bump" shape when standing from the morning... it was only appearing in the evening prior to about Wednesday, so could just be the muscles (or whatever I have in the place of stomach muscles ) are just as tired as the rest of me, and possibly after a lie-in tomorrow will revert back to "Morning Jelly Belly" with "Evening Baby-tum"

Anyone else get excited when they noticed this, or am I a sad loner, who is grateful for a reason to have a protruding belly?!

Congratulations Soar, welcome to the grads!

Halo - I had the same thing and couldn't do my jeans up from about 8 weeks, think it was the bloating , I found the waistband extenders were great with a longish top to keep me out of maternity clothes for a while.

Worrisome - hope that baby spins round for you, but like others have said you still have plenty of time.

Hermya - fortunately I haven't got any stretch marks yet, been using bio oil every now and again but don't think that has had anything to do with it

Addie - i think the fundus measurement is notoriously unreliable for baby's size, it might just be that you are carrying more water.

One week left at work for me although just heard one of the girls from my NCT group who was due a few days before me has just gone into labour, so now I'm panicking it could be me at any minute! Picked up my TENS machine yesterday and had fun trying it out - it feels so weird! Anyone else going to try one?

November, I'm totally of your one week left! It really could be anytime now- for you and Ozzie, we're ready for some new frolicker babies!! BTW, what's a TENS machine?

Congrats to Mrs. W and Soar, I love adding BFPs! It's also strangely comforting to start moving up on the list.

Oneof8, I spend loads of time staring at my bump in the mirror. I'm so in love with it. However, I'm not so in love with the extra weight and spreading I'm noticing around my butt and hips. Or, with the stretch marks that are suddenly visible on my boobs and thighs.

I've been making do very well with belly bands and long tops, but I think I'm going to buy a pair or two of maternity pants this weekend since my regular pants are now getting too tight. I've also been wearing some maternity tops since my bump started to appear. I like the maternity tops because they make me look slightly more pregnant.

Right now, I'm in the middle of making my amnio decision. I'll be 37 when the bay is born and my blood tests have returned with excellent odds. I think I'm I'm going to wait for my level II scan on the 27th and if everything looks good, I'll probably bypass the amnio. Before I got pregnant it was a given that I would have one. Funny how much your emotions change.

Also thinking about Fudge.

November I've got a TENS machine as well- I'll let you know how it goes!

At almost 39 weeks I am thrilled to say I don't have any stretch marks yet. I think it's pure luck though as although I have been using a rosehip cream, my mum didn't get any. Still got a week to get them though!

My boobs are another story. I don't have any stretch marks on them but they are looking rather saggy and not their original pert selves, and I've only gone up one cup size. I don't know why as I've been in underwired bras until the last couple of weeks.

Ah well, I can't expect to go through pregnancy totally unscathed.

Yay more BFPs! Congratulations MrsWajs!

OneOf8 - I was obsessed with how much my bump was growing, in fact I still am - I think I'll really miss it when it's gone! I went through a definite stage of no bump in the morning to quite a obvious one in the evening.

Aly - TENS = transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, basically electrodes you stick on your back that stimulate you muscles, for use in early labour. Supposed to release endorphins and give you a bit of natural pain relief - I'm willing to try anything!

Big congratulations to SaorAlba and mrsWajs yayyy!

My news is I have my first scan booked for 24th Aug. Can't wait! :)

I have had a bad week of the sickness I'm afraid though. Ended up taking the whole week off work sick as couldn't manage the driving in, or the concentrating on doing any work, or even the staying awake and not being sick. Spent most of week in bed asleep or leaning over the toilet. Not being sick every day but more than was before, but the worst thing is the constant nausea.
Really messed up work as it's really busy at the mo but never mind.
I'm 10+6 today and think I am going to tell my boss next week. I wanted to wait until after the scan but I feel I need to explain my absence and also he is on holiday from when I will be 12 weeks for 2 weeks.

Am trying hard to make sure I eat enough but it's really hard as I don't fancy anything these days. I have lost a whole stone in the last few weeks according to the scales, yet my stomach still seems huge, all my clothes are tight round the waist and my boobs have gone up a cup size.
halo I am sympathising with the clothes problem! I am only wearing stretchy jersey dresses and big cardigans at the moment as I can't stand anything with a waistband digging in!

The TENS machine sounds very interesting. I'm guessing we'll find out soon enough how helpful it is!

I went to the maternity store today and bought my first real maternity pants. I'm still going to use my bump band and try to make my usual pant last for awhile longer, but I must say that the actual maternity pants were exceptionally comfy. Also, the woman took one look at me and suggested I let her measure me for a new bra . My 32/34 B is now and strong 34 D and will probable keep growing. I hadn't realized my bra was so small until I put on the new one.

Ok, I'm just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on my current situation. I was raised primarily by my single mother with loads of support from her parents. They've been like my "other parent." My mother passed away several years ago, as did their other son (they also lost twins at birth). So, now they're really like my parents.

My grandparents live 2000 miles away and I received a call from my grandfather today suggesting that my grandmother is going to pass very soon. She's been sick for awhile, but seems to have turned for the worse and is no longer completely aware. At first, I said I would fly out tonight. Then, my DH suggested strongly that I get clearance from the Dr. first due to my diabetes and more importantly my placenta previa. The Dr isn't in because it's the weekend, but the advice nurse was not very positive about my flying. I've decided to wait until monday to talk to my dr, but expect him to say that it's risky, but my decision. I wobble back and forth on going, or waiting. My cousin lives close to them, but he's not very involved.

I'm already feeling guilty because I know my grandfather wants me to bring along my disabled brother and I just can't do that either way. He's in a wheelchair and requires me to do too much lifting, etc (I'm on restrictions from the dr because of the previa). Also, taking care of him stresses me out and I don't want to layer stress upon stress right now.

Sorry for this long post. I'm just looking to vent and to see what other people's thoughts are. Thanks...

Hi girls :)

Am sneaking in and sitting down quietly as I am very a little bit apprehensive about this whole thing.

Totally not convinced yet that I am pregnant. And this is compounded by the fact that I have zero in the way of symptoms and when I did a repeat test this morning it was fainter than my first test yesterday (which was also very faint) Could someone please tell me that it will be ok and that I'm just being silly??

Went to Drs yesterday (with test in hand) and she confirmed that I am roughly 5 and a half weeks gone. I just really thought I would feel more/see a darker line on the test etc.

Sorry first post and it's all mememe!

aly tricky one, regarding your grandparents.

I would probably wait and see what the Dr said, but really press them on what the actual risks are - eg, presumably flying doesn't affect the diabetes, but how could it affect the previa? Would the pressure of flying affect it, or the stress? Are there things you can do to minimise the risk?

Have you told the GPs that you're pregnant? I am almost 100% certain that your grandmother would never want your pregnancy put at risk by you coming to see her. Equally I know if it was me I would probably be tempted to go - but then I don't have previa.

Good luck, it's a really hard decision to make.

oneof8 I was really excited when I first noticed the beginnings of a bump that was definitely baby rather than gas Now I've tipped over into the stage where I'm happy with the size of it and really don't want it to get any bigger

November I wish I only had one week left at work Looks like it's a race between you and ozzie now for the next frolicker baby.

I'm thinking about using a TENS machine, but will wait to see how you guys get on with them before I make my mind up. My SIL says it was fantastic - she managed with just the TENS for 48hours of contractions - she ended up with an EMCS due to her lack of progress in labour, but the TENS must have been good for her to cope for 2 days

penguin sorry to hear you're still so sick. I really hope it starts to ease up for you soon

MrsWajs congrats on the BFP. Try not to worry too mcu about the darkness of the lines - it depends on soooo many different factors - as long as there is a line then you are pg

aly so sorry to hear about your grandmother. It must be so hard for you to know what to do.

If I were you I would wait to speak to your dr. I can't see the diabetes being a problem, but I'm not sure what they'll say about the previa. I assume the concern would be about the risk of bleeding, and needing immediate medical attention if that happens....which is hard to come by in midair.

I'm sure your grandmother will understand if you can't make it there. If you can't travel could you speak to her on the phone/skype - even if she's not fully aware it might help you to know you've said goodbye to her

I wish this baby would make up his mind where he wants to make himself comfortable. All week he's had his head wedged up against my stomach making it impossible to eat more than 4-5 mouthfuls of food at a time and giving me killer heartburn. I finally caved this morning and went out and bought and industrial sized vat of Gaviscon. By the time I got back from the pharmacy he'd moved so now I've managed to eat a full sized lunch with no discomfort whatsoever I'm sure he's just lulling me into a false sense of security and he'll pop back up there in a couple of days.

Hi All,

Sorry have been MIA for a few weeks. We made it to Sydney on Friday last week and have been spending time with family. Happy to say that we have all arrived without any problems, the journey was actually pretty good ( i think the stop over in singapore was the the answer)

Will have to do a big catch up tomorrow as i am struggling to keep my eyes open.

Hope everyone is doing well - congrats to the new grads!

Aly I know you want to please your family, but you have a little baby to worry about at the moment and you need to put them first. I know it does sound slightly selfish, but it's not going to make the situation any better if you make yourself ill through flying when you shouldn't and lifting your brother when you shouldn't be. Please don't feel guilty though, I'm sure your GP's will understand.

MrsW Sometimes your symptons don't hit until about the six week mark. If it makes you feel better, my Mum went through all four of her pregnancies with nothing but a bit of light headiness and I'm pretty sure I didn't start feeling rubbishy until about six weekish either. But congratulations!!!

Penguin Oh you poor thing, I hope you feel better soon.

November So so jealous.

Other than that, I'm doing ok. I have major baby brain at the moment. I tried to use bodywash as conditioner the other day, I forgotten more names than I care to remember and yesterday I made plans to go to a baby fare and I drove there only to find that it was happening next weekend not this one. I'm so embarrassed at the moment.

Thanks ladies. I spoke to my grandmother on the phone today. She's not doing great, but was able to talk for a few minutes. I'm going to talk to the dr tomorrow and see what he says, but I've decided not to go if he's at all reluctant sounding.

MrsW I had no real symptoms at all until slightly over six weeks. Then, I felt like Penquin.

I've got a cold and now feel like total crap. My ms left a few weeks ago, but came back yesterday. I puked every time I coughed.

Oh Aly I'm glad you got to speak to her, I hope that she feels better soon and that the Docs are a bit more helpful with you. I'm also sorry about your MS.

Thanks for that guys, my mum also informed me yesterday that she sailed through all 3 of her pregnancies and that I shouldn't wish to be feeling sick or different!!

So for the moment I'm just pretending that nothing is really happening! Easiest way I think for me to get through it! Haven't done anymore tests either as the faint lines were freaking me out! I do have a CB digital which I might do next week, hopefully the hcg should be strong enough then for a definite PREGNANT 3+ WEEKS!!

Still feel like AF could appear at any time, is this a normal sensation, is it just my bits and bobs sorting themselves out down below? Keep knicker checking just to be sure.

MrsW I knicker checked like mad in the begining, also you can still get AF type symptons when you're pregnant. I had cramps when I was supposed to be due on for the first couple of months. It was all a bit disconcerting, but seriously if you are worried do ring your Docs and ask for an EPU referal.

MrsW I felt af type cramps for awhile. They were persistent enough that I got worried when I finally stopped feeling them. As Hermya already said, if you're worried, don't hesitate to call the dr. They get these calls all the time.

I spoke to a dr today. Not mine because he's on vacation and kind of broke my heart(I finally fully understand the movie Knocked Up). The dr seemed ok with the travel, but I'm not 100% comfortable with her. However, I'm kind of feeling that my complications will probably only get worse, so now's probably a good time to go.

My cold is clearing up. I've never had my butt kicked so hard by a cold before. I was desperate and took a questionable cold pill then spent days stressing. I can now tell you loads about the effects of phenylephrine on rabbit babies. The dr also said this will be fine.

How are you feeling Ozzie?

chance glad you made it here ok. Hope you're settling in ok. Where are you staying at the moment?

hermya Are you going to go back to the baby fare on the correct date? I keep getting attacks of baby brain too - the other weekend I decided we were going on a walk to look at some of the historical sights of Sydney. I dragged DH out of the house, got all the way to the start of the walk only to realise that I'd left the book with the guide to all the stuff we were supposed to look at behind. I was sooooo annoyed at myself and DH just stood there laughing at me!

MrsW I think everyone spends the first few weeks of pg wishing they had some symptoms so it feels more real. Then when you finally get them you spend weeks wishing they'd go away I definitely had AF cramps at the start-it's probably just everything stretching and the baby getting comfortable in there

aly I'm glad you got to speak to your grandmother. It's a shame you didn't get to speak to your own dr - I know what you mean about finding it hard to completely trust someone else.

I have definitely started nesting. I spent several hours yesterday clearing out our spare room, which was full of boxes and general rubbish that we never use. I got it all sorted, and put all the baby stuff into the cupboards. I left a big box of DH's hardly ever used sporting equipment for him to put in the garage when he got home from work, but he decided it's too precious to store in there and it has to stay in the house So he then spent ages putting it all back in the house

I've got my glucose tolerance test this morning - hope I pass as I don't really want to give up cake for the next 3 months

Sorry to hear about you Grandmother Aly, that's a really difficult situation to be in. I hope you can get over to see her.

Definitely had period-like pains when I first found out I was pregnant MrsWajs - I was like you, convinced period was going to arrive at any moment!

FIngers crossed for your GTT bunny! I'm with you on the nesting, any mess really stresses me out now! I keep ordering DP to get the hoover out

Hope you're settling in chance and have managed to get some rest!

mrsw Try not to worry. I know exactly how you feel. I was convinced ERTD was going to arrive at any moment, especially the first couple of weeks of knowing. My lower back hurt less than normal though and the cramps were more constant than the usual coming and going for a couple of seconds at a time. Is there something like that you can cling to? I still knicker check now but in a more rational way than earlier. (I.e. I don't go to the bathroom just to knicker check!) As for the faint lines, as you know a line is a line. HCG is different for everyone and every pregnancy. Remember everyday that ERTD doesn't arrive is a good sign.

aly I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother. I hope you manage to visit her but as others have said make sure you look after yourself too.

bunny Good luck with your test today.

I have my booking appointment tomorrow with the midwife when I will 9 weeks. I don't know really what to expect - any hints and tips?

I hope everyone else is well, I need to eat lunch NOW!

Hello all, I felt the need to update the list so here it is!
Hope I haven't missed any crucial updates

ARRIVALS:

Fulhamgirl - EDD 30th May - DOB 9th Apr - Girl - Lily Ann - 4lb
Trying4Baby1 - EDD 25th Apr - DOB 6th May - Girl - Emily - 10lb 2.5oz
Pepperonipizza -EDD 24th May - DOB 28th May -Boy
CurlyCasper - EDD 21st July - DOB 24th June - Girl
Spirael - EDD 25th Jul - DOB 7th July - Girl - Miranda Jane - 8lb 3oz
DesperateHousewife21 - EDD 18th July - DOB 9th July - Boy - Dylan James

CURRENT GRADUATES:

Ozziegirly - BFP 16th Dec - EDD 24th Aug - Boy
Sazziej - BFP? - EDD 1st Sep - Girl - Evie
NovemberAli - BFP 24th Dec - EDD 2nd Sep - Surprise
WhiteRoses - BFP 11th Jan - EDD 15th Sep - Boy
Hobnob - BFP 17th Jan - EDD 26th Sep - Girl
Pixiestix - BFP 18th Jan - EDD 24th Sep - Surprise
Addie81 - BFP 28th Jan - EDD 7th Oct - Girl
Chancewouldbeafinething - BFP 1st Feb - EDD 10/10/10 - Boy
WorrisomeHeart - BFP 29th Jan - EDD 12th Oct - Boy - Lochlann
Hermya321 - BFP 12th Feb - EDD 24th Oct - Boy
Fudgecat - BFP 19th Feb ? EDD 28th Oct
Pidgin - BFP 27th Feb - EDD?
YorkshireTeaDrinker - BFP 1st Mar - EDD 6th Nov
Bunnygirl80 - BFP 12th Mar - EDD 19th Nov-Boy
Mumnerves - BFP 1st Apr - EDD 8th Dec
Luckyseven - BFP 8th Apr - EDD 17th Dec
Capricorn76 - BFP 12th Apr - EDD 1st Jan 2011
Homebound - BFP 30th Apr - EDD 8th Jan
Seablue - BFP? - EDD 10th Jan
Oneof8 - BFP 18th May - EDD 17th Jan
Aly323 - BFP? - EDD 31st Jan
Muser - BFP 22nd June - EDD 27 Feb
Superpenguin - BFP 1st July - EDD 7th March
Haloflo - BFP 22 July - EDD ?
SaorAlba - BFP 7 Aug - EDD 4th April
MrsWajs - BFP 13 Aug? - EDD ?

FUTURE GRADUATES:
See list on this thread
Hope that's ok to put the link there rather than the list. This way you can click through to see the latest.

MrsW hi had cramps and the sensation you get when you have done to many sit ups. People in RL say they had the same/similar as period crams, and i believe it was something to do with the growing/moving/stretching going on. I was a bit concerned at first, but then I was concerned when I hadn't felt any "crampy" type sensations as I started to associate these with LO growing!

Halo - booking in for me was straight forwards, they ask general health, did you mean to get preggers, what contraception previously (I was pill, so they confirm the dates of last pill) last LMP and then some basics about family health. MWife didn't seem bothered by OH family conditions (OH has a relative with Diabetes and one with Downs). But wanted as much about my side as possible.

Also asked if I knew blood group - but tested me anyways (I have lovely, healthy blood apparently!

All in all, a bit dull. The "good" appointment for me was the 16 week(ish) one, as heard the babies heartbeat!!

I know i saw it before at the early scan, and saw the baby on the 12 week scan, but for some reason this was when it really sunk in I was to be a mum of a real life person!

Most my friends think this is a tad insane, as surely the scan would be more "real", but for some reason it was the hearing the baby for me!

I get my overtime from the summer classes paid just after the 20 week scan next week so thinking I'll treat myself to one of those at home Doppler's so I can listen more often than every 4 weeks!

Has anyone purchased one, if so which model/brand? I will be reasonably sensible - as it's overtime pay, we used use it as "treat cash" so not like it was allocated to bills/boring thing...

Ooh super my EDD is 10th April! :)

Still feels totally unreal, but think I am believeing it a bit more now! Crampy/AF type feelings still there - only now and again but basically just going to take on the attitude that as long as no actual AF appears then all is well! Might even let myself get a little bit excited!!

Bunny Yeah I'm going to go back this weekend, it was so embarrasing as I had asked a security guard where the fare was and he was like 'it's not till next week love, have you come far?' and I stood there silently stewing and just answered airily 'oh no, just around the corner mate'. I had actually just done a half an hour drive to get there, I just sort of smiled brightly and walked off dragging my DH who all the while was laughing at me.

Haloflo No hints and tips really, did they ask you to take pee in. I'm still convinced theres some mountain somewhere with a lot of pregnant womens urine samples being horded for some odd reason.

MrsW Oooo I hope you sail through your pregnancy, I won't be too jealous I promise.

Chance Glad your journey went well.

Fudge If you're reading, I hope everything is well. I'm thinking of you, your DH and Splodge.

I seem to hit my bloom, seriously after months of feeling like death and an absolute misery I now feel full of the joys of spring. I feel like my normal self again, apart from the whole SPD and a bump thing. I was literally beaming at everybody at work today, I even smiled at the annoying person I had to deal with. If I could have done, I'm sure I would have skipped down the corridors.

I'm going to be making my list of things to get tonight and my hospital bag list as well. I've already done the birth plan so at least one thing is done. Then all we need to do is sort the babies corner of the spare room out.