9DPO Symptom Spotting

[unCliche]

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 😆

@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.

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!

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?

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?

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!

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... 😂

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!

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.

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?

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?

🤣🤣🤣 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?

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?

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 😕

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?

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

Wooooo! We've made it to the implantation zone!! How are you feeling? My CM is still milky/creamy so I'm hoping that that's a good sign for my LP! I'm usually dry/sticky by now. And my nipples have been so sore since 2 DPO! Obviously, it's that random symptom generator at play 😂 Also, TMI, I can smell myself down there a lot! I don't think it's an infection as it doesn't smell bad, just strong 🙈

Oh wow, your temps really have stablised. They are like what mine were two cycles ago. Did they go any higher today? Mine is so zig-zaggy this cycle! And the coverline is much higher than usual so I feel like my temps could drop below it at any time!

Hehe, the wind did pass, thankfully, but I do struggle to tell the difference because I feel it quite low down in my lower abdomen. But going forward, any cramps I have, I'll assume it's gas! Yeah, my random symptom was metallic taste but I'm having none of that yet, how's your sense of smell? 😂

Did 'Say Yes to the Dress' inspire your wedding dress choice? I've seen a few episodes - I prefer it when it's full of divas, My choice of reality TV is married at first sight. I love a good social experiment! The Australians are crazier than the Americans - I was shocked! The UK version is so tame though, really boring. Have you ever seen it?

I'm growing tomatoes and chillis for my family. I need to figure out how I'm going to transport 24 plant pots in my car without making a mess. I once bought my male teenage cousin a mini portable speaker - he loved it. I bought the other one an electronics kit to build circuits - he didn't use it at all. Then I bought the youngest a minecraft lamp as he was obsessed with it back then. Now I just give them money. Hopefully that gives you some ideas of what/what not to buy.

I love that we're both keeping ourselves busy with the same hobby! I'm not a sweetheart neckline fan but thought I'd refine some old skills. It's awesome you mentioned summer as you've inspired me to do a wintery photoshoot wearing the outfit. Crop-top in the rain with a cute umbrella. Love it! I've done photoshoots in below freezing temperatures so I'll suck it up and photoshop out the goosebumps 😂 I've also almost finished the trousers. Just need to add a zip and hem! In the meantime, I'm going to start a new project and design and make an appropriate Christmas outfit.

Yes, I think definitely I'll ease myself back into sewing before reconsidering YouTube.

I love the dress pattern. That little peephole is so pretty. I really think you should have a go with the yoke. Could you share a pic of your pattern pieces so I can have a look? It would be easier for me to give suggestions then.

Haha! A* for creative thinking! Amazing stuff getting inspiration from looking at your shirts. What shirts have are darts and not a seam. A dart creates shape and helps garments curve around the body. The back darts in shirts help with following the curvature of the back. Actually there are some darts on my trouser pics - the little triangle things.

I haven't reached out to my friend who gave birth as I think maybe her and her DH will still be settling into life as new parents and I don't want to disturb them. But I also want to know if she's ok. Guess I'll give it another week.

My temp has gone up a bit more this morning which is good, I don't have much CM so it's difficult to tell but it's a bit more on the creamy side today. Oooh do you normally get sore nipples in the luteal phase or is that something new? With your temps jumping and bordering the coverline and mine remaining quite stable, it seems both our bodies are doing something different this month! My sense of smell is no different at the moment 😂.

Yes, Say Yes To The Dress has helped me narrow down what I'd like, which is straps and either a princess or mermaid style. Completely different 😂 so don't know how I'll choose, I'm just hoping I fall in love with one! What was your dress like and was it difficult to choose? Ah I like the UK and the 2 US versions, I'm not so keen on the Canada one, I find that too tame 😂. I think with the UK one it's handy to see what kind of dress you can get for what price, as it's in pounds.

Are your family into hot food? I can't handle chillis and most of my family are pretty wimpy when it comes to hot food. Tomatoes are nice though 😊. Ooh yes transporting them could be tricky, do you have a large cardboard box? If you fit them in snug then they won't move around. Thanks for the present ideas, I think I must have left it late this year as lots of things have sold out. I bought the codenames game, so that should be fun on Xmas day!

The trousers look great, you're very good at sewing!! Have you thought about becoming a fashion designer and selling the clothes you make? Haha the photoshoot in the rain sounds cool, at least you can rely on the UK for rain 😂. Ooh lovely can't wait to see the Christmas outfit!

I've attached a picture of the fabric, the white bits are the interfacing which will go on the inside of the neck. The material is a bit thin for a winter dress, so I was thinking about buying an underlayer fabric, would that work? Problem is though I don't want to spend too much money on it incase it doesn't sew together properly 😕.

Haha thanks, I'll have to learn how to make darts, my lower back curves in quite a lot so clothes that have shape round the back look better on me.

I'm sure your friend wouldn't mind you checking she's okay, has she posted anything on Facebook? That might give a clue to if things are okay.

Ah that's awesome! Your temps are going in the right direction. Last cycle at 8DPO our temps shot up so I wonder if that'll happen again. I have gotten sore nipples before during the luteal phase but it only lasted for a day. Maybe this is a sign my progesterone is higher as it's hurting for longer?? I'm getting sore boobs too, right on cue. Every 6DPO without fail 😅 All of my charts have been so unlike so I guess it's reassuring that yours are all different too 😂

My wedding dress was a strapless A-line. It had lovely embellishments but was very simple. I think when you see your dress you'll know! Both styles you like are lovely. I do wish I'd gone with another dress though.

Yeah almost everything that's cooked has a little spice in it 😁 I love spice but sometimes I do suffer for it. Why didn't I think of putting the plants in a box! 📦 I just imagine them falling over and soil going all over my boot 😂

Ah amazing! So glad you bought Codenames, it's such a fun game. Your family will love it! It can be so hilarious too. I think I want to buy it too now!

Hehe I did consider fashion design but I had such major "writer's block" that I couldn't think of anything new to create. I also get major sewing anxiety when I make clothes for people so I avoid doing it and only sew for myself. For Christmas I'm thinking a white one shoulder puffy sleeve playsuit. I rarely make trousers/shorts so I'm really going for it!

Since your front and back pattern pieces are the same, stitching them together should be fine. With the interfacing you'll need to iron that onto another piece of fabric to create the facing for the neckline. Definitely look at facing tutorials as you'll need to finish your neckline with one.

My friend hasn't been on any social media. I haven't even seen her online on WhatsApp.

Oh also, to answer your underlay question. You could line the dress with lining fabric - that's usually quite thin so probably won't add any warmth. Or maybe wear a vest top underneath?

Also, does your coverline change position every month? Mine have gone from 36.07 to 36.2 to 36.35 to 36.45.

Oh I've just checked and I've never gotten sore nipples in my luteal phase! I get them after AF.

My temp has gone up quite a bit this morning, so progesterone levels must be increasing well 😊. What did your temp do? That's really interesting you've got sore nipples when you don't normally, that's a good sign! I was really off my breakfast this morning which is unusual for me, I'd made some museli and really struggled to eat it, tried adding honey but that didn't help.

That's odd your coverline has risen each month, id be surprised if it got any higher! My first cycle temping it was 36.41, next cycle 36.39 and this cycle 36.3, so mine have gone in the opposite direction to yours 😂.

Oh no, what wedding dress would you have preferred? I like dresses with embellishments, I definitely want some sparkle on my dress.

Haha if you pack them in tightly they shouldn't be able to move around, or your DH could hold the box if you're driving.

You could practice making clothes for family but it's probably easier sewing for yourself, at least then you can choose exactly how you want it. Do you think you'll make some baby outfits? For someone who rarely makes trousers you've done a great job with the ones you showed me earlier, I imagine your Christmas outfit is going to look awesome!

I think I'll go back to the fabric shop tomorrow and see what they've got for me to use as inner lining. I'm not keen on wearing vest tops underneath dresses as I find they ride up 😂.

I'm not sure why I'm not getting mumsnet notifications anymore 🤔

My temps are still zig-zagging about. Hehe, if my coverline gets any higher I won't have any temps above it! Omg I'm so impressed by your temp spike! Actually I'm jealous! I've never been as high as 36.7! This could be your lucky cycle! I'm actually feeling so hopeful for us, I'm trying hard not to get too excited!

My nipples are still sore! And my CM is still creamy! I've been so cold (even with electric blanket on full heat)! And I've gotten some left sided pelvic twinges! (I never feel anything on my left side)
So many new things to obsess about but I'm nervous in case it's just AF announcing her imminent arrival. Did you feel sick eating breakfast or you lost your appetite? But Eeeeeeeeee! It could be a sign! Although we're not meant to be symptom spotting I'm still excited! I really want this to be it for us.

Your chart looks sooo good! Fingers crossed tomorrow our temps will go higher. Actually I wouldn't mind seeing an implantation dip either, although it'll probably freak me out seeing a temp drop. Or maybe we'll go triphasic??!!

As it's almost Christmas, have you reconsidered how you'll announce your BFP to your DP? Omg if we get pregnant, would we start a new thread in the pregnancy board? What would we call it?

I would have preferred a dress that fit. It was apparently a size 10 and I worked so hard to get to a size 8 and it still didn't fit so I had to get it altered. I also would have liked a plain front with lots of back detail, maybe a more flowy A-line and straps - my boob folds kept showing on the side of the dress. When it comes to choosing your dress, definitely take your time and don't feel the need to settle for anything!

Thank you lovely! I really am enjoying sewing again. And it's all thanks to you! You really have inspired me 💕 You'll always be my far away cycle twin 😂 Oh I'd loooove to make baby outfits, if I have a son, it'll be bow ties that match my outfit and a girl we'd have matching dresses. I made a bib for a little cousin once too so I'd make loads of those. What sort of things do you imagine making for your little one?

Yeah vest tops do ride up but if you're wearing tights as well you can just tuck 'em into your tights 😎

I'm not getting Mumsnet email notifications either, I thought it was just me! Wonder why they've changed that 🤔.

Haha I wasn't sure whether to trust the thermometer so I retook my temp and on my the second time it was 36.73 so pretty close. I'm really pleased with my new thermometer, it's working much better than previous ones!

Your sore nipples and creamy CM are really promising signs 🤞. I didn't feel sick, just lost my appetite which is unusual as I'm normally very hungry in the mornings! Although my appetite has been fine for the rest of the day. It's so hard not to symptom spot, especially when you experience new symptoms!

Only 2 and a bit days to go before we find out eeeek! I have a load of IC's so it's tempting to test early but it's really unlikely to show, so gotta be strong! Do you have a FRER to use on Saturday?

Yeh I'm really pleased with my chart this month, I'll be gutted if it turns out it meant nothing! I don't know if my temp will go much higher but if it stays around 36.7 that will be good. Fingers crossed yours comes up a bit tomorrow. FF says only 12% of pregnant ladies get a triphasic pattern, so it's more likely that we won't but it could be an indication if we do see one!

Ooh yes we could do, looking forward to graduating to the pregnancy board 😂! Maybe call it 9 Month Symptom Spotting?? 😂

I wonder if they ordered it too small, that must have been really gutting to lose that weight and the dress still not fit. If you fitted into other size 8 clothes then the dress wasn't a true size 10. I think wedding dresses always come in small, so you have to go up a size, which isn't going to make any lady feel very good! Have you kept your dress?

Aww I'm glad I inspired you to start sewing again 😊. The matching 'Mummy and me' dresses would be sooo cute 😍. Hopefully by that point, I'll be a competent sewer 😂. I haven't thought about what I would make them, maybe when I get better some ideas will come to mind 🙂.

Ah that's a good idea to tuck vest into tights!

I'm trying not to have a heart attack but my temps jumped to 36.72 this morning!!! The highest they've ever been! I didn't think they'd go any higher! Omg!!!! I just hope they don't come crashing down!! Where are your temps today????

I'm glad to hear you can put a little faith in your new thermometer! Definitely fills you with a bit more confidence that your body is doing what it's supposed to! What time do you usually wake up to take your temps? Do you go back to sleep afterwards?

Any lost appetite this morning? Nothing has changed for me. CM is still creamy, I can't believe I haven't dried up! Usually this is a symptom of low progesterone but my temps seem to be doing ok. I usually get creamy CM during the luteal phase until around 4dpo but then I guess as my progesterone increases it gets stickier and dryer. Nipples still hurt too. What's your CM like today?

I bought so many ICs and the only way to stop myself from testing is going straight to the bathroom and peeing away all my FMU. I only have one FRER, hopefully it should do the job for us 🤞

I think it definitely is so hard to predict pregnancy from charts. Temps can go anywhere and do anything and mean nothing. It's so scary! But right now, it's the only thing giving us hope!! Let's hope we're part of that 12% then! 😂 Now I'm off to stalk FF charts!

In all this symptom madness, I forgot that with my short LP, AF could be due at any time, but luckily, no sign of her just yet.

Oh I love that!! Symptom spotting for 9 months will be so fun with a baby on the way. We'd talk about how sick we feel. How everything hurts. How grumpy we are at our other halves. I think it'd be great! Let's hope we graduate together!

I bought the dress off the rack so it was the only size they had and I was certain I could fit into it with a little less fat. Anyway, I've learnt my lesson and next time (vow renewal maybe) I'm making my own dress. Yeah, I've kept it. It's stuffed inside a cupboard. Not sure what to do with it. It cost me a lot! But yeah, bridal sizes do tend to be smaller so definitely don't feel bad if a size 8 doesn't fit.

I have a spider on the ceiling, literally above my head, and I don't know what to do... 🕷

Yay that's great news on your temp! How exciting, your progesterone levels must be high . My temp went down a little this morning, hoping it's an implantation dip! I try and take my temp around 6am but depends when I wake, most the time I'm unable to go back to sleep ☹️.

That's great news you haven't dried up 😂😂, I'm still getting creamy CM but only small bits so sometimes it's hard to tell. Trying not to get too hopeful but it's looking really positive for us!

No lost appetite today unfortunately, wouldn't mind having that symptom more often 😂. Just had a mince pie with ice-cream and Bailey's cream 😋😋.

I agree, I was looking at pregnancy charts and they are so different, some temps stay high and some have big dips and jumps so you really can't tell.

I wish tomorrow would hurry up then we can be 9DPO and only 1 day left till we can test! Will you be setting an alarm or just doing it when you naturally wake up?

That will be amazing to make your own dress, it can have everything you want on it. Only downside is you can't try it on before making it, to see if you like it. But you're experienced, I'm sure you could make changes if you weren't happy.

😱😱 Omg that's horrible, I hate it when spiders crawl on the ceiling right above your head, I often move incase they fall off 😂. Did it move or did you manage to get rid of it?