Issys girls.....10 down, only 4 to go! :-)

[Bubblebell1]

So here it is... our shiney new thread... hope you all see it soon or i will be here all on my own.

Congratulations Sunny . What fantastic news.

Haven't caught up with all posts since my last one, but just had to congratulate Sunny.

Blue - How was Berlin? Hope your mum enjoyed her birthday there. I'm totally confused about what to do about car seat. I hadn't read anything about side impact but I did read that, apart from the cot death thing, for rear impact flat is better, but for head-on wedge is better. Also for a bad crash a carrycot seat offers more protection from flying debris. It seems half a dozen of one and 6 of the other. Don't know what I'll do when visiting mum and dad though as is a 5-hour drive plus stops and read that baby shouldn't be in a car seat for more than 2 hours a day and 1 hour at a time. Maybe get the Streety which has both and keep switching between the flat and wedge one. I'm also really confused about prams. Why do so many people say a travel system is a waste of money? It seems the only option if you want a true lie flat, which is recommended for the early months. Haven't seem any prams which are just a carrycot style on wheels. Am I missing something?
Head - Good luck for tomorrow. Hope baby is in a good position for all his/her measurements and finding out the flavour if you want to know.
JJF - With so much going on I'm not surprised you had a wobble. Your ds sounds so sweet though.
Girl - Hope the OPKs, grapefruit juice and EPO do the trick. Your holiday in France sounds lovely and hopefully being relaxed on hols will help.
Sunny - I have a new face pattern for you:
Has it sunk in yet? I understand your caution. I still have moments where I think that I can't possibly be allowed to actually have a baby and something will go wrong before January, but they are reducing as I get further along.
Bubble - How's the Clomid going? Have you been referred to the fertility clinic yet?
Irish - How are you doing?
Sif - Have you got your 20-week scan coming up? Mine's week on Thursday and I seem to remember your dates moving forward a little at your last scan.
Wasabi - How are you doing? How's the move?
Wishing - Have you left us or are you still lurking?

I bought a car yesterday, but not a micra. Boot was too small so upgraded to the rather unexciting Note. Quite ugly and doesn't have the cute factor of the micra (or the nice purple-black colour) but much more practical and nicer to drive. Have to wait nearly a month for it though. Garage is MOTing my car tomorrow and is going to loan it back to me if it passes but otherwise am carless. They have promised to lend me one for my holiday though as new car won't quite be ready in time. In baby news, still waiting to feel bump move - hopefully won't be too much longer.

Just wanted to say a whispered, but very heartfelt, CONGRATS to Sunny
I was secretly hoping that while I typed about spotting pre-AF etc. that you were really pregnant Sending lots of sticky bean vibes...it's got to be so hard but really sounds like this one is very much meant to be, after only BDing once! A quick line for a BFP means that your HcG level must already be pretty high- always a good sign.

Head good luck with the scan today! Hope all goes well and you get lots of pics of your LO.

Issy congrats on the new car! The car seat issue is so complex- I wanted a flat one/carry cot style, but finances restricted us when DS was born. As he was premature and prone to some reflux it actually ended up that a "standard" car seat was better- with a special prem insert to support him. We were very nervous when he was in it though, as it's not great for keeping airways nice and open, so really kept trips short for a good while until he developed some neck muscles and was better able to hold his head up. I never used a travel system with either or mine- had a second-hand mamas and papas traditional lie-flat pram with a carry cot. It was enormous but felt it important to have DS flat as much as possible until older. With DD I just didn't use a pram at all- just a sling! Used a sling a lot with DS too, much handier and also very good for supporting the spine, reflux., etc. I have a long piece of cloth type sling which takes a bit of getting used to in terms of the various tying options, but was fantastic.

Got to run but will keep an eye out for you all! x

Helllooooo everyone. Did you miss me? grin Been away for what feels like forever. The week before last we went to see the in laws for a week in Norfolk (great for DS as has access to huge garden, a very relaxed dog and the beach but less so for me as have to deal with MIL for entire week) and last week was a blur of yet another ear infection for poor DS combined with DS deciding to wake up about 4 times a night and to start his day at 5am. I spent all my spare time either sleeping or working (yes as freelance law dictates I had loads of work on when I was least able to do it!). But, we seem to be coming out the other side .

God I am knackered just typing that. The little Peanut is fine and dandy ? I had a 16 week check last Friday and heard at happy 146bpm heartbeat! I actually started feeling the faintest movement last week which was reassuring. I had a feeling all was well though as am STILL being sick (yuck) although not every day. The tiredness resulting from DS?s illness and bad sleeping has seemed to make it much worse. Gross. Anyway, have been catching up on all your news.

Sunny Aaaaaaaggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. That is just fantastic news, I am so, so happy for you. You were so due a break and now you have it. Is it possible for you to see a gp or midwife early to try and allay your concerns over the fact that you conceived straight away? There are loads of people on early pregnancy threads like the 4 weeks and bricking it lounge that are/were in a similar position and their outcomes have been good so please try not to worry too much (I know I am a fine one to talk). The fact that you got a BFN 2 weeks after your mc is a good sign.

Sif Hello ? I missed you! Glad you are feeling better and that all is well. You must be coming up for your 20 weeks scan soon. Such excitement! You must let us know how it goes x

Blue Hope you had a fab holiday and enjoyed that time with DH and your DS before the pre pre school sessions start! I want to weep when I think about DS starting school so I can kind of relate there. I love your gender predictions although on the CGC I am predicted another DS so we will have to wait another 23 weeks or so to see who is right! I hope your trip to Berlin with your Mum and sisters went well and that you didn?t slip into any old habits. It?s scary how we regress when around family ? well, I do anyway.

Issy Happy very belated birthday. I?m glad to see that this test turned out to be ok and that all is well although I?m sure it was a very worrying time. Sorry to hear that work isn?t going great right now ? it?s a bugger when someone lets you down isn?t it? You?ve been busy elsewhere ? the new car sounds great. I am a small car person ? I had an ancient Fiat Punto before DS came along but we flogged it and consolidated to being a 1 car family. Got a BMW estate thing now which is very practical and super reliable, but will never win my heart like my little Punto did.

You are clearly having some issues with car seat/buggy etc. We had a Bugaboo and Maxi Cost travel system thingy which was a waste of money. We used the Maxi cosi seat on the pram frame about twice and DS hated laying flat and was quite a clingy baby (Velcro boy) so spent most of his 1st 3 months in a sling. Obviously we used the car seat until he was about 1 but ended up buying a cheapo stroller as the Bugaboo is so bloody heavy that slinging it in and out of a car boot is impossible. Plus we can?t take him to nursery in it as it takes up so much space in the buggy park. If I had my time again I wouldn?t buy a Bugaboo thats? for sure ? we just got seduced by clever marketing and pretty colours. I know ? how lame?

For this baby we plan to re use the original kit but without the same expectations! I am also going to treat myself to a lovely fabric sling (had a Baby Bjorn last time) ? have got my eye on a Moby. Jumping what one did you use?

Girl Glad AF has shown up (and it isn?t often I type that) and that you can now get back on the ttc rollercoaster! Wishing you all the positive vibes out there x

Jumping I was sorry to read that it had all been getting a bit much for you. As others have alluded to, you have so much to juggle that a bit of a cry every now and again is the least you deserve frankly. If I had been without a washing machine for 6 weeks I would prob start to initiate divorce proceedings against DH so I think you have done pretty well! Your DS sounds lovely and sensitive. I don?t think it hurts then to see that Mummy is human every now and again. Better a few tears than to bottle it all up and then explode at them and scare them.
On a more cheery note, well done on your masterpiece being complete! I know what you mean about formatting ? I have to sometimes submit pieces to magazines in incredibly strict formats that change line by line and it absolutely does my head in ? and these are just 1500-3000 worders. God knows what formatting a whole PHD must be like. I hope the rib pain is easing a little. I had this when pg with DS too and it lasted around a month or so. Either that or I just got used to it.

Head Hope you are ok ? how was your scan? Am hoping you have just been too busy to post x

Phew, another mega post. Right I am off to have some lunch while I still have some peace!

Hellloooooo all, Sorry I haven't posted much, been mega busy, and had the MIL to stay for two weeks so I felt it was rather rude to sit on Mnet every evening instead of chatting to her

First of all, let's the the catch up done...

sunny that is fabulous news, a billion congrats!! I can't pretend being pregnant after a mc is particularly easy, but whatever you do won't change the outcome so try not to worry too much. There's lots of us on here who've been through it so plenty of hair stroking and hand holding to be had But good going Especially after only one bd.... way to go!!!

wasabi Glad to hear you had a good holiday but about poor ds and his ear infection, I hope he's back to full strength now. It's so knackering being pg and dealing with a sick child, I hope you get a chance to catch up on some sleep. Glad to hear you had a good mw check.... I'm quite of you feeling movements already... I only started feeling things last week and it gave me the major colly wobbles!

Issy I wish I could help with the car seat thing... I'm using the one I had last time... It's a bebe confort Creatis Fix, I think they've been taken over by Maxi Cosi now as I've seen our model seat but with the Maxi Cosi label on. I haven't done too much research on these things to be honest, I'm not a very good mummy am I? Glad to hear you've got your new car sorted, I hope it's ready sooner rather than later. Where are you going on holiday to? Are you driving a long way?

Hi to jumping, I hope you've managed to get at least some of your stresses sorted. No washing machine would be the killer for me as we do so much. I do remember being without ours for 8 weeks the Christmas after ds was born. He was only three months old and I had to lug giant bags to the launderette every couple of days with him in a sling.. in all weathers, usually collecting in the evening, in all weathers (one memorable occasion in the snow - poor ds bundled up like a snowman!) NOt a happy memory! I'm very impressed at you taking so much on though, I hope you don't tire yourself out too much.

Blue I hope you had a smashing time in Berlin. I looooove Berlin. I was based there for 8 weeks for the World Cup in 2006 and had an amazing time. Our offices were on Pariser Platz so we had a cracking view of the Brandenburg Gate (we were one floor down from the Match of the Day studio so we had the same view - plus I got to share a lift with Gary Linekar every now and then ) We went to some fab bars and restaurants, and I spent many a happy lunchtime wandering through the Tiergarten. One very cool city!

I hope that's everyone, a big hello to girl and anyone who's MIA Sif Bubble et al. Sorry if I've missed anyone out. I'm on nights this week so brain is a bit fuzzy!!

Well so my news..... ok I had my scan today. Baby looks perfect, all measurements are good, organs look good, in the right place etc etc.... and I'm afraid Blue you were wrong, it's a girl!! I had a tiny twinge of sadness because I love baby boys so much (esp if they're anything like mine ) however, we are very happy of course... dh was slightly taken aback as everyone has been saying boy to us, and he'd decided too that it was a boy, and he was planning all the football camps he'd take them to... oh well, girls can play football too

At least I won't have use his choice of name - Enzo Not sure I could have stomached that one! Got to start thinking of nice Italian/Spanish girls names now... I have a couple up my sleeve but I'm keeping schtumn for now. Oh and there's to be absolutely no pink plastic in the Fairy household!!! Ever!!!!

Anyhooo... I'm off to bury myself in my nights, I hope everyone is well. Speak to you soon xxxx

Hellloooooo all, Sorry I haven't posted much, been mega busy, and had the MIL to stay for two weeks so I felt it was rather rude to sit on Mnet every evening instead of chatting to her

First of all, let's the the catch up done...

sunny that is fabulous news, a billion congrats!! I can't pretend being pregnant after a mc is particularly easy, but whatever you do won't change the outcome so try not to worry too much. There's lots of us on here who've been through it so plenty of hair stroking and hand holding to be had But good going Especially after only one bd.... way to go!!!

wasabi Glad to hear you had a good holiday but about poor ds and his ear infection, I hope he's back to full strength now. It's so knackering being pg and dealing with a sick child, I hope you get a chance to catch up on some sleep. Glad to hear you had a good mw check.... I'm quite of you feeling movements already... I only started feeling things last week and it gave me the major colly wobbles!

Issy I wish I could help with the car seat thing... I'm using the one I had last time... It's a bebe confort Creatis Fix, I think they've been taken over by Maxi Cosi now as I've seen our model seat but with the Maxi Cosi label on. I haven't done too much research on these things to be honest, I'm not a very good mummy am I? Glad to hear you've got your new car sorted, I hope it's ready sooner rather than later. Where are you going on holiday to? Are you driving a long way?

Hi to jumping, I hope you've managed to get at least some of your stresses sorted. No washing machine would be the killer for me as we do so much. I do remember being without ours for 8 weeks the Christmas after ds was born. He was only three months old and I had to lug giant bags to the launderette every couple of days with him in a sling.. in all weathers, usually collecting in the evening, in all weathers (one memorable occasion in the snow - poor ds bundled up like a snowman!) NOt a happy memory! I'm very impressed at you taking so much on though, I hope you don't tire yourself out too much.

Blue I hope you had a smashing time in Berlin. I looooove Berlin. I was based there for 8 weeks for the World Cup in 2006 and had an amazing time. Our offices were on Pariser Platz so we had a cracking view of the Brandenburg Gate (we were one floor down from the Match of the Day studio so we had the same view - plus I got to share a lift with Gary Linekar every now and then ) We went to some fab bars and restaurants, and I spent many a happy lunchtime wandering through the Tiergarten. One very cool city!

I hope that's everyone, a big hello to girl and anyone who's MIA Sif Bubble et al. Sorry if I've missed anyone out. I'm on nights this week so brain is a bit fuzzy!!

Well so my news..... ok I had my scan today. Baby looks perfect, all measurements are good, organs look good, in the right place etc etc.... and I'm afraid Blue you were wrong, it's a girl!! I had a tiny twinge of sadness because I love baby boys so much (esp if they're anything like mine ) however, we are very happy of course... dh was slightly taken aback as everyone has been saying boy to us, and he'd decided too that it was a boy, and he was planning all the football camps he'd take them to... oh well, girls can play football too

At least I won't have use his choice of name - Enzo Not sure I could have stomached that one! Got to start thinking of nice Italian/Spanish girls names now... I have a couple up my sleeve but I'm keeping schtumn for now. Oh and there's to be absolutely no pink plastic in the Fairy household!!! Ever!!!!

Anyhooo... I'm off to bury myself in my nights, I hope everyone is well. Speak to you soon xxxx

oop! two mega posts eh? I told you my brain was fuzzy

Oh I do love logging on to news . CONGRATULATIONS Sunny - what fabulous news and your pre-BFP symptoms are just like mine (be afraid, be VERY afraid ). Seriously I know you are now in terrified land but each pg is different, you have a DD so your body can carry a baby to term, so deep breath and plough on in there. We'll be here every step of the way and know only too well how utterly stressful early pg is. don't worry about your dates either, they ONLY go on your 12-week scan now, and you know when you bd so fret not!

Head - waiting here with bated breath re: flavour!!

Issy - sorry if I've confused you with all the car seat comparisons, there are gazillion of options for everything to do with babies, it boggles the mind. I have a travel system and used it well. Carrycot birth-4 months, car seat for car til 9 months, puschair facing me 4 months - 12 months then pushchair facing away ("much as i love you Mummy, I really want to see what's out there ") puschair facing away 12 months 'til just shy of three years when his legs were too long. Saying that though, DS was hardly in the pram after he could walk as - fool that I am - used to carry him when he got tired and I never really took to my MacLaren buggy (purchased by MIL), as I didn't want to be one of those buggy Mum's down the town . I realyl fancy a sling this time too, had a standard baby bjorn one for DS but used to get myself all tangled up. Really fancy a soft fabric one this time around...

Crikey I've now boggled my own brain!

wasabi - lovely to hear from you and sorry your DS has had the lurgy and is early rising, it is a killer. So you succumbed to a Bugaboo ? What colour??? Great that you heard the hb too, not long til you can add flavour to our chart .

Jumping - really hope your heeding your midwife friend's advice and getting some early nights in, easier said than done when you've got so much on but be kind to yourself. Your DS sounds just lovely .

Girl - hope your AF is on her way out and your gearing up for some BFP making BD .

Well Berlin was beautiful, really sunny and clean and full of handsome Germans. We saw the men's marathon leaders run past when we were walking past the Brandenberg gate. Unfortunately family dynamics kicked in and me and middle sister may as well have been 15/12 again rather than 41/38. We just know what buttons to press and they were duly pressed. My Mum had a lovely time though but can't help but feel for her and at myself and my sisters for being so bloody petty.

Anyhoo, was LOVELY to get home to DH and DS and see my calm, laid back self return. DS seemed to have grown in 3 days and his words are just a-tumbling out now .

Head I KNEW you would have posted by the time I finished my ramble .

So its a girl for you - FANTASTIC so brill everything is fine. My prediction coat is now on a shakey nail bit you may be the exception that proves the rule . To get the Spanish/Italian girl's name rolling - Ines?

The Tiergarden was beautiful, and know exactly the building you mean. Oooh, Gary Lineker - did you brush against his arm at all ?

Hey everyone,

Sorry have been MIA - work going mental - no time to post personals as hve to go to bed. I am wrecked - AF due tomorrow if I get it according to my normal cycle.

SUNNY that is such brilliant news I am delighted for you and am hoping everything goes well for you. Gives us all a little hope

I'll talk to you all sooner and wil do a big mega post to catch up

Yay again for you sunny - oh and "Head" that's so cool about your scan.

Talk later

Blue I didn't brush against his arm, but I was sorely tempted to "casually" touch his bum I've never seen a firmer buttock before! Must have been all that running around a football pitch

Lovely to hear from you all again- been a busy evening!

Wasabi your poor DS, and poor you. Interrupted sleep is a killer. Hope you are back to decent sleep again and DS is much better- and work has eased up too? Know exactly what you mean about it all coming at once- that's the story of my life!

Head so pleased to hear the scan went well, and a girl eh?! I have a DS followed by a DD, and like you I really was so in love with my DS I almost couldn't imagine how it would be bringing up a DD, but 2 years down the line I'm so incredibly grateful to have one of each, they are very different characters but usually play really well together- DD is already turning into a tom boy, inevitable really! And worryingly she kicks a ball better than DS!!

Blue glad you had a really lovely time in Berlin, definitely a city I'd like to visit- on my very long list of places I want to see (once children are teens/older/so DH & I can go on our own sans guilt!!)

Irish you poor thing working such horridly long hours- hope AF doesn't leave you in limbo for too long...

Off to see midwife for another BP check this afternoon...find myself getting oddly nervous but it's always good to hear LO's heartbeat too. LO is jumping around a lot which makes me think could be a boy, but my Mum felt that with my sister, and obviously she was wrong!
We started thinking seriously about names, well, as serious as DH can ever be about such things! When DS arrived at 30wks he caught us so unawares that we're hoping by being better prepared this LO won't make an early appearance (excuse my odd and inconsistent superstitions). Baby names are sooooo hard though, matching two sets of memories/experiences/relatives/inherent preferences! Especially since we decided not find out the flavour... The DCs have been putting in their pennies worth too, bless them (no, we can't call it "Bugsy")

A big hello to Sif, Girl, Bubble and Sunny too

Hello everyone

Thank you so so so so much for all your congratulations - I was in tears reading them. It is so lovely to hold them to my heart, esp when I don't feel right telling anyone in RL.

Headfairy, so delighted to hear from you - obviously my irrational worrying was hormone-related. And congratulations on your girl bean! Lovely to have one of each flavour. So glad everything is ok.

Blue, welcome back from Berlin; so glad you had a good time. It sounds amazing. I'm off to Scotland to see my mum tomorrow: I've heard it's freezing and rainy. Plus ca change there, then!

Irish, lovely to hear from you, too. Hope you are feeling okay and not too tired by your job. I found I felt worse a month after my mc, then it eased off a bit. Really hope you're over the worst of it.

Jelly, hope your scan went ok and that you are feeling more relaxed about everything. Just realised we usually shorten you to Jumping, not Jelly, but never mind. Maybe Jelly is better for a nervous day?

Wasabi, glad the little peanut is doing well. How are you feeling? Less nervous? I have joined another thread as you suggested, but I'm not that in to it yet. I feel a bit like an intruder who always posts the wrong things.

Girl, hey, you'll be gearing up for a marathon BD session soon, no? Good luck with that. They say you're more fertile after a mc and I can't deny it!

Issy I don't know much about car seats as we don't have a car. What I would say in the Bugaboo's defence, though, is that it is brilliant for non-car families who walk everywhere (comfy, durable, lasts forever) AND the resale value is excellent. It costs a lot, but you'll recoup at least 90% of it if you sell it on ebay later. At least, that used to be true in 2005 when I was looking for a second hand one! That said, I probably wouldn't buy one if I had a car. They take a while to deconstruct and store in the boot, which can be tedious / stressful with a newborn. Hope you are edging towards a decision. Oh, I loved that part of being pg. Deciding all these delicious things!

Well, I think I am probably still pg but am worried by my lack of symptoms, predictably. I did another test on Monday (Clearblue digital) and it showed 2-3 weeks. But I do wish I'd puke or something. I keep reminding myself that I didn't puke once with DD, and in fact always fancied a pint as well. I do have sore boobs, and when I try to suck my stomach in I feel resistance (always a good sign for me, and one that disappeared shortly before I mc'd last time). But oh, it's so terrifying. I'm just trying to keep busy. I think I'm so used to things going wrong that I can't imagine them going right. Anyway, sorry, will stop waffling. Hello to everyone else xx

Hi everyone,

Am enjoying a slightly more relaxed week this week so am making the most of my MNing time. DS seems to finally be over this ear issue ( 2 separate infections in 10 days ? how unlucky can one little boy get?) so enjoying slightly better sleep all round. To be fair we?d had a pretty good run before that ? he hadn?t had anything for months so he wasn?t doing too badly. The only downside is that I can see 2 whacking great canine teeth sat under his gum line which are going to come up any time now so we will have some teething grumbles I think. DS is a mega late teether ? he was still all gums at a year old so when they come through they tend to do so in pairs which can?t be much fun for the little fella.

Fab to hear from you Head and fab to hear your great scan news. So, a girl? Much as I can empathise with the ?I?m used to boys? sort of feeling as it is one I share myself, it will be so lovely to have a little girl too. Pink plastic would by no means be obligatory. I caught myself flicking through the mini Boden catalogue the other day going mushy over girls clothes. My heart had sank going into places like Mothercare and seeing this sea of pink everywhere but there does seem to be some really lovely bright colour options around.

I think Ines is a really beautiful name. It makes me think of always think of Ines De la Fressange who was a Chanel model and ?muse? in the 80?s. She was, and still is, incredibly beautiful ? not in a girly sort of way but a slightly haughty, stylish, dignified and very French way! Hope the nights pass quickly.

As time passes I am more convinced I am having a girl this time. I?m sure by now I had a little blonde downy fuzz on my bump (and on my jaw! ? thank god it was blonde) with DS and I don?t this time. Plus I am still being sick. With DS I had awful sickness up until about 15 weeks bit then it went completely. With this one I have had less severe sickness but it has been far more prolonged. It isn't too bad ? I wake, puke and carry on with my day. Sorry if TMI there. However, as we aren?t finding out flavour we?ve got a while to wait before we find out whether Madame Blue is correct!

Blue Yeah we got the Bugaboo first time round ? just went for the sandy colour as MIL knitted a lovely red pram blanket which would have clashed with everything else. We still use it pretty much every day so I guess the investment is sort of justified. I am now torn as to whether to shell out for a new double buggy (not an attractive prospect) or whether to go for a buggy board for DS. He?ll be 2 years and 5 months when baby arrives . He?s very active and has a habit of trying to climb out of his buggy when mobile so I guess the board is the intuitive option. The alternative is of course to keep the new one in a sling and keep DS in the buggy. Opinion seems somewhat split on buggy boards ? some love them and some say they keep whacking their shins!

Sorry to hear that the old family stuff kicked in on your girls long weekend. As I said before, regression around family seems to be a natural response. I just have a brother so the dynamics of sisters aren?t that familiar to me but I can see how you may be a little sad that it wasn?t perfect for your mum.

Irish Your work sounds crazy. Hope all is well and that AF hasn?t shown! If it has I hope the hormones haven?t been too evil.

Sunny How are you feeling? Is it all going ok so far? I know what you mean about joining other threads. I stayed away from the Due Feb ante natal thread as I thought I was tempting fate and now the thread is all well established and I?m not sure about joining. This is my fave thread. I am comfy and cosy here! I think keeping busy is a good plan generally ? what else can we do after all? I drove myself nuts in those early weeks ? analysing every symptom or lack of it. Something Sif once posted to me I think is worth repeating. The odds are massively stacked in your favour ? it just feels like exactly the opposite. Try to keep this in mind in the difficult weeks ahead! X

Huge hello to everyone else - Sif, Bubble, Girl - how are you all?

Oh no I forgot Jumping - so sorry. How was your check up? All good? I'd love to hear some more of your DC's name suggestions!

List update, post to follow (have written my little notes ready to post at work waiting for traffic to subside but need to go home now). Sorry I know there were more Chinese Gender Chart predictions to add but can't remember them:

TTC
Girlwithacurl TTC#1
Bubblebell TTC#3
Irishmumwannabe TTC#1
Suzibhoy TTC#1

BFP
Wishing BFP 16/3/09 EDD ???.
RipMacWinkle TTC#2 BFP 30/3/09 EDD ??.
JumpingJellyFish TTC#3 BFP 31/3/09 EDD 7/12/09. Blue predicts girl
Bluesatinsash TTC#2 MC Aug 08 MC Dec 08 BFP 14/4/09 EDD 25/12/09. Blue predicts girl, CGC predicts girl
HeadFairy BFP 22/04/09 EDD 27/12/09. Blue predicts boy. Scan says girl.
Issy TTC#1 MC Mar 08, CP Sep 09, IVF BFP 9/5/09 EDD 17/1/10. Blue predicts girl, CGC predicts girl, scan says girl
Sifuentes TTC#1 MMC Dec 08 BFP 11/5/09 EDD 12/1/10. Blue predicts boy
Wasabi TTC#2 MC Jan 09, BFP 25/5/09 EDD 2/02/10. Blue predicts girl
Sunnydale TTC#2, BFP 22/8/09

Good morning all

Sunny how are you feeling today? Like you I am usually completely symptomless in early pregnancy, at least until around 8wks, and with DS I hardly had ms- more so with DD, but not much with this one either. Boobs don't start to grow much til past 8wks either, so those first few weeks I find it really hard to convince myself I'm pregnant and nothing's gone wrong. I was lucky this time to have a dating scan at 7wks, which provided such a sense of relief (even though you know you're not yet through the 12-14wks of the first trimester uncertainty). Have you spoken to your GP at all yet? I'm sure given your history they should arrange an early scan for you?

Wasabi glad your DS is all better, and things are on a more even keel! Both my DCs were very late teethers too- first tooth didn't come through until 13.5 months, and DD is still cutting her last canines now. She has been really out of sorts this past couple of weeks while they came through, poor mite- coincided with a nasty cold so her sleep pattern isn't great.

Well my check-up went fine- it was just a BP check and heartbeat listen. BP so far has been 120/60 in late first trimester, now sitting at 120-130/78-83 since 20wks. So it has without doubt rise but I'm still a way off the threshold of diastolic (second number) of 90. As soon as I hit that they'll medicate and hopefully buy us more time. I'm just desperate to get past DS's gestation (30wks)- I know somehow we coped with that, and if it happened again hopefully we'd be as lucky (obviously praying we get a good few more weeks yet). Anyhow it was lovely to hear LO's heartbeat again, such a beautiful sound.

DS started school yesterday! So far so good, he seems to really like it (and loves his school uniform- wonder how long that'll last!). I'm so relieved it's all going ok...
Anyhow short mornings at work for a while as DS finishes at 12 for first 2 weeks, so better get cracking!

Hope you are all keeping well and our TTCers (Girl, Bubble, Irish) are all getting plenty of BDing in...sending lots of baby dust your way. Irish any sign of AF yet? Hope you're ok x

Have a lovely weekend all- we're supposed to be having a house-warming BBQ tomorrow, with some friends camping in our paddock, but not sure if the rain will ever stop so could be a full house! Bit full of the cold at the mo and could really do with hibernating all weekend but too late to change plans now...

Hi All,

Right so now for a massive catch up while the work has died down for an hour.

Jumping Goood to hear the BP is staying where it should - here's hoping your bean gets far too comfy in there to make an appearance for as long as possible. The house warming soudns like it will be great craic - hope you have fun. Happy very belated birthday.

Issy wow a new car - am so jealous. Although now we have changed offices I am "train-ing" to work and don't need the car but still would have liked a new one. Hope your car seat indecision has sorted itself out - there is so much information either way available these days you wouldn't know what to do.

Blue sounds like you had good fun in Berlin. I know what you mean about regressing around your family - I'm a completely different person when I go to family things - and each time I say I won't let myself get dragged into it... ah well.

Head how lovely to have a girl - you made me remember when I was five and my mam had my little brother - upon being told it was a boy I threw an almighty strop and said "God was supposed to send me another sister - I don't want a boy" Hope the night shiftss aren't too bad for you. P.S. I never buy my niece pink clothes etc - she has too much of it already so ther is a better variety of clothes around.

girl so glad you have had AF - and let the bd sesh commence (or has it already) fingers crossed for you.

wasabi It's mad isnt' it the way work ebbs and flows - even if you're not freelance it seems to have it's cyclical pattern. Hope your poor DS is better now and getting more sleep - you too.

Sunny it's a pain to not have any pg symptoms - hope you are ok and that everything is going as well as it can I'll send you on some sticky vibes!

Sif, Bubble, hope you are both lurking and everything is going well for you. Come adn talk to us soon.

Right, so on to me - well AF finally showed up yesterday so I am now on CD2 and back on the vits, EPO, Grapefruit juice and the OPKs will be broken out next week. DH has been warned not to smoke anymore and to eat lots of steak and brazil nuts. {grin] If fertility is high after an MC well I'm going to give it an even bigger boost. [army drill sergeant emoticon]

I've told a few people about themc - 2 of my sisters, and a few friends and they ahve all been really supportive so that's been really nice. Oh and Sunny were you wondering abotu different AF after MC - well I used to spot a day before but nothing this time, also I had teh worst PMT ever the night before it started and I cried for abotu an hour (so much it physically hurt me to cry) That has never happened befoer either. Poor DH didn't know what to do - I was crying one minute and in a foul mood the next. God bless him

So that's me - no other news to report - will keep you updated on any news.

Hope you're all enjoying the bank holiday weekend.
JJF - Glad the midwife check went OK. You'll be 30 weeks in no time and you have the 28-week milestone to reassure you in between. Lol at 'Bugsy'. Quite a milestone for DS to start school. Did he look all grown up in his little uniform? Hope your cold has passed and you managed to enjoy your bbq. Did you escape the rain?
Wasabi - Nice to have you back. Does 146bpm give you any indication of gender? Glad DH is getting over the ear infection but poor love with the teething. I think nature gives us wisdom teeth so we can sympathise with how painful it is for them. I'll have to check out Boden for non pink clothes. Oh and I too have the downy fuzz but I have typically celtic dark hair and pale skin - not good.
Head - Congratulations on your baby girl. So great that you're feeling movements. I'm with you on the aversion to pink, though that leaves people having to buy lemon or green and I particularly dislike green as it was my brother's favourite colour. I'm afraid I'm not well up on Spanish/Italian names. I'm going to Lakes again for my hols, but to Ennerdale this time. Feeling very greedy for having a 3-bedroom cottage all to myself.
Blue - Glad you enjoyed Berlin, but with you on the family dynamics. I can only bear my parents' company for 5 days because I get so annoyed with myself for reverting to child behaviours. I actually don't speak to my brother at all, but he is a particularly nasty piece of work and I had to tell social services about him when his son was born, but said son is staying with my mum at the mo and is starting to ask her awkward questions about why we don't like each other. I feel bad because he gets excited whenever I call mum and wants to speak with me, but have to keep it short so no time for questioning.
Irish - Sorry AF got you and with such bad PMT. I think PMT is always worse when you have something to be upset about as you can't shrug it off so easily as just PMT making you feel down. The cry probably did some good though. Fingers crossed the ttc kit works for you this month. I'm glad you've managed to tell people about the mc.
Sunny - Congratulations on getting the 2-3 weeks. I was a week late on those indicators though so don't worry if the 3+ takes a while to come up. When the sore boobs really start I recommend Mothercare's sleep bras. They don't look like they do much but really makes a difference.
Hi Girl, Bubble, Sif - hope you're all well.

I started feeling movements on Thursday evening. Wouldn't have recognised them if friends hadn't told me about the bubbles bursting feeling. Not very often at the mo but had some more about an hour ago. My car passed it's MOT so have it back until new one arrives at the end of the month. Still not decided on pram/car seat issue but going to the big Peterborough Kiddicare store on 15th September with a friend who's 38 weeks so will check them out then if not before. Also looking at somewhere for her to sleep until 6 months that will fit in my room and may go for an Amby Nest. Alternative is the Universal co-sleeper as smaller than other similar ones but still leaves her close to radiator, whereas Amby Nest is a bit more flexible. Nearly forgot to say am 20 weeks today, halfway to motherhood .

Hi guys,

Had time to catch up whilst on lunch, yes no Bank Holiday for us Scottish lot - boo!

Well done Issy for being halfway there . I didn't feel DS until I was 22 weeks so you're lucky to be feeling your DD at 20 weeks . Good luck with all the pram/cot/car seat buying. It is v. exciting but stressful too as there is SO MUCH to choose from! I'm treating this one to a moses basket that will sit beside my side of the bed. We had my sister's swinging cradle for DS but I couldn't bend down to it post-c-section so used his pram carrycot which was a bit of a pain.

Jumping - you must have been full of pride watching your DS go off to school, I can well up just thinking about my DS starting school and being exposed to the big bad world. Good to hear your BP is behaving itself for now. Although I have completely different history to you I'm also willing my weeks on as my miscarriage fear has been replaced by premature labour fear which is irrational I know as DS was overdue but I can't get to 30+ weeks fast enough... Hope your bbq wasn't a wash out!

Irish - lovely to hear from you but sorry your had intense PMT. Maybe your hormones just needed a bit of a clear out before AF resumed as normal. Really hoping your BFP is round the corner and you have a wee summer baby on the cards.

wasabi - I was out for lunch on Friday and there were 'wasabi nuts' on the menu! I always wondered where your name came from . I'm not going to buy a buggy board as DS will be 3.5 when lo arrives and is very rarely in his buggy (although i've had to use it recently as I can't carry him for any length of time). He will no doubt regress though and want back in the pram nae sling . Let's hope the regression doesn't involve demanding to be breast fed again I'm still feeling it strong for you having a girl so not long to wait now....

So how is everyone else? Head, Sunny, girl, siftheelusive, Bubble?

My heartburn has kicked in royally so looks like another hairy headed baby for blue . My bump is so high I struggle to breathe at times. I am so not one of those women who feel gorgeous and sexy come the second trimester - I wish. Although I did go 'sod it' and order the long black 'grecian' dress from Isabella Oliver for the wedding we're off to on Friday. Figure I can wear it to DH's b'day meal in November, my work xmas night out and xmas day if I've not popped by then .

High fives to all xx

issy so pleased you've started to feel movements! It's such a lovely stage of pregnancy (until the start to keep you awake in the middle of the night!)

irish sorry you've had PMT from hell. Really hope though this is the lucky month, and it sounds like you're going for it with guns blazing!

blue my bump is very high too, and giving me constant rib-stretch ache! Trying to remember if this is more like it was with DD or DS, and just can't recall... Felt at first that we're having a boy, but now wondering that it could be a girl... Have nearly decided on names but keeping schtum even here as have silly fears about jinxing things! Sorry to hear about your heartburn, I've not had this too much with any of mine, but know how debilitating it can be (SIL had it really badly, could barely eat at all because of it).

Well we managed our bbq on Sat! The rain stayed off pretty much until about 7pm, by which time we'd all finished cooking/eating- but had 15 kids under age 6, and 20 adults over, so it felt pretty crowded once everyone came inside! The house was well warmed anyhow Pretty knackered now, truth be told, and still clearing up! DH is slightly driving me mad, says he's worried that I'm overdoing things and will endeavour to make me take things easier, but doesn't seem capable of helping with domestic chores in spite of various promises... He's DIY obsessed, always something to do, then wonders why I'm doing all the cleaning/washing up/laundry etc. late into the eves... Grr. Men. He's also beginning to make me worry as thinks my face is getting puffier, which I know is very normal in most pregnancies at this stage, but for me was also related to onset of BP probs etc. It was fine last week and apart from being tired I don't feel anything has changed, but he wants me to get it checked if I can by midwife tomorrow... Still debating whether or not to, as quite like burying head in sand and trusting my own feelings (am barely 26 weeks, I am not allowing PE to cause probs at this stage)... Anyhow have an afternoon to work- DH is off for bank holiday but uni don't recognise this one...

Hello everyone ... its been really busy in here..

just wanted to congratulate sunny. Fingers crossed for a nice sticky bean.

head so glad your scan went well.. and 1 of each will be lovely

blue i had terrible heartburn with both my boys... i used to drink a milk shake before bed and take the gaviscon up with me...

how is everyone else??

issy how lovely you are feelin movements now.

well...... no news from me... the clomid is working tho coz AF arrived this morning. i have 1 more go left so fingers crossed something happens.

ive also lost a stone. been tryin hard to do more exercise and it seems to be working. i was hoping that if i shift some weight that my body might work again..

hope your all well i have missed u all loads

JJF and Blue - Sorry you're having to work today.

Blue - I think that's the first time she's been referred to as my dd - feels good . My friend swore by probiotic yoghurts for her heartburn. She would stay with me every month or so and towards the end she'd bring a pack of 4 with her for tea. I'm sure you'll look fab in your IO dress.

JJF - Glad your bbq went OK. You must be exhausted after having so many people around. Tell your dh we said he needs to get the marigolds on . Annoying not to have the same bank holidays. When my parents lived in Fife they had different bank holidays to each other (different counties) which was a pain for them. I hadn't realised you work for a uni. I do too.

I have another shopping dilemma. The cotbed my friend has is really nice so asked her about it and she pointed out it was the only one with drop side in the colour she wanted. Made me realise I hadn't considered the drop side thing, so went a-googling last night and her cot is indeed the cheapest drop side one and I've found it in the PreciousLittleOne sale £120 cheaper than full price. So am thinking should get it while it's cheap but feels too soon and a bit jinx-y to get it now, esp as not needed until July next year.

Issy - if its exactly what your after then go for it. You can hide it away unti next year!

Bubble - lovely to hear from you and yes I am armed with Gaviscon . Off to docs tomorrow to get it on prescription as i will go through a bottle a week, God I hate the taste of aniseed/mint/peppermint. Wish it came in full bodied red wine flavour . Were your DS's born with lots of hair in a heartburn = hairy headed babies? It was true big time in my case but just wondered if it was one of those silly old wives tales . Well done you on the weight loss, lets hope it starts going up again with good reason! Fingers crossed clomid helps your cycle this month and your BFP is en route.

Jumping - glad your bbq went well, you hostess with the mostess! re: your DH, if he is keen to help out, you could give him a wee 'to do' list every week . You never know....

Big Hi's to everyone else. I do love this time of year, the turning of summer (Ha!) into autumn, cosy nights in, winter woollies and better telly .

I am officially an old fart .

Sorry Bubble - we cross posted the other day. Great that Clomid is working but sorry you found out by AF arriving not BFP. Fingers crossed for next month.

Blue - Hope Gaviscon works. Apparently sale on until end of month so may buy when I'm on leave as I'll have had a chance to have a proper look at it then - didn't really look closely at friend's house, just saw it as I walked passed room and thought it looked nice. And you're right about telly - autumn definitely has better telly. I love Strictly. Speaking of which, I must go as have one hour to get home from work and eat before leaving for my dance lesson.

Hi everyone else.