The Return of the First Time Frolickers guest starring our friend Agnyss Cactus - join us as we wage war against the Evil Red Tide of Doom (hereafter known as ERTD)

[Ariesgirl]

For anyone old and new trying to conceive their first child. Lovely friendly ladies with a penchant for acronyms, charts and unsuitable snacks await your arrival with open arms. Here's the blatantly copied and pasted List from the last thread. If anything's wrong, I absolve myself of any responsibility!

evilgiraffe TTC#1 Cycle 2 UCL 28?! CD137
claireinthecommunity TTC#1 cycle12 UCL29 CD50
Junglebob TTC#1, Cycle 6, UCL31-36, CD49
PinkiePooTTC 1 Cycle 4 UCL 28-64 cd 40
wakarimasen TTC#1, Cycle 2, UCL25ish, CD39
Florin TTC#1 Cycle 3 UCL ??? CD34
takethatlady TTC#1 cycle 2 UCL32 CD34
Zippys TTC#1 cycle 12 UCL33-39 CD32
LankyLady TTC#1 cycle UCL29, CD28
Womanlytales TTC#1, Cycle 3, UCL28-33, CD26
Muser TTC#1, Cycle 1, UCL 28, CD24
Saor Alba TTC #1, cycle 1, UCL?, CD19
StreathamRanger TTC #1 Cycle 7, UCL ?, CD19
Superpenguin TTC#1 cycle 1, UCL29, CD15
Mrs Wajs TTC#1 cycle 10, UCL 29-32 CD15
Lipstie TTC#1 Cycle11 UCL25-28 CD14
cherrycobbler TTC#1 cycle 5, UCL32 CD10
Ariesgirl TTC#1 cycle 5 UCL 29-32 CD9
kkas TTC#1 Cycle 11 UCL31 CD9
almostknockedupgirl TTC#1 cycle 1 UCL 26-28 CD4
Kaloki TTC#1 cycle 8 UCL30? CD1
SarahAvon TTC #1 cycle 1, UCL 28-30 CD??

Not counting days
haloflo TTC#1 cycle 6
Bellaby cycle 2

Waiting to TTC
Calyx
Sevans
FelicityFlick
CaveMum
calligraphy82
hairytriangle

MIA (stopped counting cds)
Stellybelly TTC#1 cycle 1 UCL? CD115
blueberry noo TTC#1 cycle 2 UCL 31-32 CD89
CJ2007 TTC#1 cycle 7 UCL26/7 CD74
mrscinco TTC#1 Cycle 8 UCL 27-32 CD61
Hoping TTC#1 cycle 2 UCL 32 CD89
lipstie TTC#1 Cycle7 UCL26-28 CD77
lucieloo TTC#1 cycle 5 UCL 24-32 CD69
LinzRed TTC#1 cycle 1 UCL? CD77
Stiffybyng TTC#1 cycle UCL28 CD75
misshoohaa TTC#1 cycle 6 UCL-28-35 CD56
Headbanger TTC #1 Cycle 3 UCL 24 CD68
chico193 TTC#1 cycle ? UCL36 CD56
Dinkytinky TTC#1 cycle 3 UCL27 CD48
Claire 196 TTC#1 cycle2 UCL 25-28 CD46
moulesfrites TTC#1 cycle 1 UCL 28 CD42

Graduates:
Trying4Baby1 BFP 21Aug
Kaystar BFP 27Aug
Pepperonipizza BFP 12Sep
Fulhamgirl BFP 18Sep
Ladyemmalou83 BFP 13Oct
bluesnowfalcon BFP 14 Oct
DesperateHousewife21 3rd Nov
Spirael BFP 7 Nov
Curlycasper BFP 11 Nov
Sky27 BFP ???
EmsieRo BFP 16 Nov
vix206 BFP 8 Dec
HypotheticalMummy BFP 9 Dec
Ozziegirly BFP 16 Dec
NovemberAli BFP 24 Dec
Eleanora BFP 28 Dec
whiteroses BFP 11 Jan
hamsterlover BFP 11 Jan
Hobnob76 BFP 17 Jan
MadameG BFP 17 Jan
pixiestix BFP 18 Jan
ceebs05 BFP 22 Jan
addie81 BFP 28 Jan
WorrisomeHeart BFP 29 Jan
chancewouldbeafinething BFP 1 Feb
Hermya321 BFP 12 Feb
fudgecat BFP 19 Feb
honeymoo BFP ??
Pidgin BFP 27 Feb
YorkshireTeaDrinker BFP 29 Feb
DrewsGirl BFP 4 March
bunnygirl80 BFP 12 March
Mumnerves BFP 1 April
Spanishlady BFP 3 April
luckyseven BFP 8 April
Capricorn76 12 April
Homebound 30 April
Starberries BFP ?
Oneof8 BFP 18 May
seablue BFP ?
Aly323 BFP 20 May
applecharlotte BFP 29 May
chalky3 BFP 30 May
papertiger BFP 31 May
Wannamummy BFP 1 June
Pipsicles BFP 6 June

Before I forget, I've been getting ERTD cramps since yesterday evening so another short cycle is on the cards - I'm only on Day 17 at the mo!

Oh well, looking at the positive side of things, if I am going to have short cycles, at least it means I have more chances of getting pregnant in a year!

Just updating the list as ERTD showed up within an hour of posting yesterday. sigh.... gonna take a break to see what happens with the job this month, but will still be keeping track of days etc so i'm staying on the list for now.

lanky sorry to hear ERTD is coming and about your sister. i totally understand about how you feel. my sister already has a lovely 2 year old and is also 5 months pg. we are usually really close but i have been avoiding calling her for a few weeks since i just can't face talking to her on the phone. she knows we are TTC and is really nice and tries to be sensitive about it all but i just end up getting emotional about it so i have been trying to avoid speaking to her... sounds dumb i know anyway... well done on your house! really hope you find a buyer soon!

evilgiraffe TTC#1 Cycle 2 UCL 28?! CD164
Lipstie TTC#1 Cycle 11, UCL25-28 CD41
Kaloki TTC#1 cycle 8 UCL32 CD28
LankyLegs TTC#1 Cycle 9 UCL 27-29 CD27
haloflo TTC #1 cycle 7, UCL 26-33 CD27
Florin TTC#1 Cycle 4 UCL ??? CD25
Zippys TTC#1 cycle 13 UCL33-39 CD24
Womanlytales TTC#1, Cycle 4, UCL28-33, CD23
Karstan TTC#1, Cycle 1, UCL28, CD17
Saor Alba TTC #1, cycle 2 UCL32 CD14
Ariesgirl TTC#1 cycle 5 UCL 29-32 CD10
cherrycobbler TTC#1 cycle 6 UCL 32 CD9
Mrs Wajs TTC#1 cycle 11, UCL 29-33 CD7
kkas TTC#1 Cycle 12 UCL32 CD2

Not counting days
Bellaby cycle 2
Miffles TTC#1 cycle?
Kurlyvoice
Chalky3

Waiting to TTC
Calyx
Sevans
FelicityFlick
CaveMum
calligraphy82
hairytriangle

MIA (stopped counting cds)
Stellybelly TTC#1 cycle 1 UCL? CD116
blueberry noo TTC#1 cycle 2 UCL 31-32 CD90
CJ2007 TTC#1 cycle 7 UCL26/7 CD75
mrscinco TTC#1 Cycle 8 UCL 27-32 CD62
Hoping TTC#1 cycle 2 UCL 32 CD90
lucieloo TTC#1 cycle 5 UCL 24-32 CD70
LinzRed TTC#1 cycle 1 UCL? CD78
Stiffybyng TTC#1 cycle UCL28 CD76
misshoohaa TTC#1 cycle 6 UCL-28-35 CD57
Headbanger TTC #1 Cycle 3 UCL 24 CD69
chico193 TTC#1 cycle ? UCL36 CD57
Dinkytinky TTC#1 cycle 3 UCL27 CD49
Claire 196 TTC#1 cycle2 UCL 25-28 CD47
moulesfrites TTC#1 cycle 1 UCL 28 CD43
Junglebob TTC#1, Cycle 6, UCL31-36 CD51
wakarimasen TTC#1, Cycle 2, UCL25ish, CD46
Florin TTC#1 Cycle 3 UCL ??? CD52
takethatlady TTC#1 cycle 2 UCL32 CD52
StreathamRanger TTC #1 Cycle 7, UCL ?, CD37
Bobby12 TTC1 Cycle 3 UCL 29 CD30

Recent Graduates:
Seablue BFP 1 May
Oneof8 BFP 18 May
Aly323 BFP 20 May
applecharlotte BFP 29 May
papertiger BFP 31 May
Wannamummy BFP 1 June
Pipsicles BFP 6 June
Saltyair BFP 17 June
Muser BFP 22 June
Superpenguin BFP 1 July

Thank you Bellaby and Felicity for your kind words about the race. I didn't run- started with a fast walk with a friend who had knee trouble and so didn't want to run - - only then to follow her in a sprint for the last 500m - LOL.
Big hug back to you too Felicity Happy travels - Hope you get to return to England soon. My bro lives in Singapore and absolutely loves Hong Kong for its energy etc..then again there's good things and not so good things for most places.
Bellaby I am currently reading Jhumpa Lahiri's Unaccustomed Earth. It's a bit sad and depressing - NOT what I need right now - lol - but a good read nevertheless. I finished 'The Rehearsal' by Eleanor Catton which was fabulous - made me real envious of the author who's like in her early 20s and is so talented and a published author that has won awards and what not..
Wave out to haloflo - hope you're doing ok?
Big hello to MrsWajs and everybody else.
Best of luck to all those poas this week ahead.
Cavemum was out on Sunday and saw some long dresses and thought of you - - hope you had lots of fun at the ball.
Zippys Yes to supporting one another with serious dieting
Karsten I have hypothyroidism - underactive thyroid -and it means I am on medication every day for the rest of my life.. once you're on the medication for about 3 months your thyroid becomes normal and then doesn't really give you any other trouble. Monitoring it yearly is a must. It does also mean that you need to keep an eye out for PCOS and Diabetes... all related to insulin and hormonal changes in the body. I know lots of people who manage their thyroid and are successful at getting pregnant and becoming parents.
Lanky Am off to Crete for 10 days - so looking forward to sun, sea and some great food.
Cavemum Just caught up with your thread today - good to hear the ball was fab. Keep up the fabulous attitude on ERTD
kkas Sorry about ERTD showing up hope you feel better soon. Also, nothing dumb about avoiding speaking with your sis I feel that I am most sensitive about my family and friends being pregnant -- because we're all in it together related to my ttc efforts..so when they get pregnant - I feel really bad...but then I think - well what if that was me? IT's worse when everybody around me is getting pregnant too...or so it seems - till I give myself a big shake and then am 'normal' for all of 10 seconds - LOL.
I learnt that a friend's friend is 3 months pregnant and she didnt want to tell anyone about it -- I was like WHOA - this is someone who cdn't figure out if she wanted to have a child or not...and then just said we'll just see what happens...and as I heard her news..I was like - here I am totally committed to having a child..and there she is - doesn't give a care one way or other and she's pregnant... ERRRRRGH!
C'est la vie. DH says that it's completely irrational for me to feel envious of women who are pregnant or mothers -- and 'normally' I'd agree. But sometimes when I am consuming a self-pity feast - it becomes really hard to be rational. I hope this cycle is lucky for you and best of luck with getting the job too

About me - [TMI warning} DH and I are enjoying some S** without the Intent - and it's fab -- We both feel like it's so much better than our SWIathons...perhaps there's a lot of merit in just throwing away the calendars and going with the flow.
Today I am feeling a bit shaky though - went in for my Progesterone test. THis concludes my first cycle of follicle monitoring. Saw a woman in her second trimester come in for a scan and smiled She seemed all serious until she stepped into the scan room when she immediately smiled...and her excitement was contagious. I was like - can I just get a scan done too maybe miracle of miracle my much-loved tummy would transform into a young baby...LOL Talking about 'normal' - I didn't feel bad looking at her..and if anything felt it was a sign. The nurse has asked me to test in a week's time - - so that will from Crete... I am thinking I am not going to till we get back - - As flo said even if you test late you will be only that much more pregnant.
NOTE: I don't like the term 'ERTD' because when AF arrives is when the new cycle of nurturing a new egg begins - so if anything it's a time of heightened creativity.... THough I know ERTD reflects the gloom of not conceiving..though I wish there was a way to seperate the two... for me the real doom and gloom is when AF just doesn't show up and you have a bfn [happened to me thrice last year] - that's when you really wish you can go bury yourself somewhere and never surface again. So my prayer for all of us is that wee get our AF regularly and hope that when we miss it, it's because we're pregnant.
Gosh - this has been a long post. Have a good week ladies - Will catch up before we head out on holiday.
Also, I am really looking forward to our next bfp - it's been awhile already.

Hi everyone, on my phone so it'll just be a short message.

With the hypothyroidism it was more whether I need to rush to the gp the minute I get a bfp. I know sometimes the gp doesn't want to see you at all. Our silly appointment system means you have to sit and wait in a morning unless you're willing to wait 3 weeks. I don't mind taking time off work to do this if it's necessary but don't want to go if they say you need to wait a bit. I read somewhere about being monitored by an endo if you're pregnant, anyone know anything about this

I totally forgot to let you all know that I've had my offer of a place on the distance learning degree!

It came over the weekend and I'm very happy! I know now may not be the best time to sign up for such a long course (4 years) but I figure that I'm better off trying to do it now, than in 5 or 6 years time when I may have ankle biters running round distracting me!

Plus, as work are paying for me to do it, I won't feel as bad if I need to take a break in a year or so's time

Congrats cavemum

evilgiraffe TTC#1 Cycle 2 UCL 28?! CD164
Lipstie TTC#1 Cycle 11, UCL25-28 CD41
Kaloki TTC#1 cycle 8 UCL32 CD28
LankyLegs TTC#1 Cycle 9 UCL 27-29 CD27
haloflo TTC #1 cycle 7, UCL 26-33 CD27
Florin TTC#1 Cycle 4 UCL ??? CD25
Zippys TTC#1 cycle 13 UCL33-39 CD24
Womanlytales TTC#1, Cycle 4, UCL28-33, CD23
Karstan TTC#1, Cycle 1, UCL28, CD17
Saor Alba TTC #1, cycle 2 UCL32 CD14
Ariesgirl TTC#1 cycle 5 UCL 29-32 CD10
cherrycobbler TTC#1 cycle 6 UCL 32 CD9
Mrs Wajs TTC#1 cycle 11, UCL 29-33 CD9
kkas TTC#1 Cycle 12 UCL32 CD2

Not counting days
Bellaby cycle 2
Miffles TTC#1 cycle?
Kurlyvoice
Chalky3

Waiting to TTC
Calyx
Sevans
FelicityFlick
CaveMum
calligraphy82
hairytriangle

MIA (stopped counting cds)
Stellybelly TTC#1 cycle 1 UCL? CD116
blueberry noo TTC#1 cycle 2 UCL 31-32 CD90
CJ2007 TTC#1 cycle 7 UCL26/7 CD75
mrscinco TTC#1 Cycle 8 UCL 27-32 CD62
Hoping TTC#1 cycle 2 UCL 32 CD90
lucieloo TTC#1 cycle 5 UCL 24-32 CD70
LinzRed TTC#1 cycle 1 UCL? CD78
Stiffybyng TTC#1 cycle UCL28 CD76
misshoohaa TTC#1 cycle 6 UCL-28-35 CD57
Headbanger TTC #1 Cycle 3 UCL 24 CD69
chico193 TTC#1 cycle ? UCL36 CD57
Dinkytinky TTC#1 cycle 3 UCL27 CD49
Claire 196 TTC#1 cycle2 UCL 25-28 CD47
moulesfrites TTC#1 cycle 1 UCL 28 CD43
Junglebob TTC#1, Cycle 6, UCL31-36 CD51
wakarimasen TTC#1, Cycle 2, UCL25ish, CD46
Florin TTC#1 Cycle 3 UCL ??? CD52
takethatlady TTC#1 cycle 2 UCL32 CD52
StreathamRanger TTC #1 Cycle 7, UCL ?, CD37
Bobby12 TTC1 Cycle 3 UCL 29 CD30

Recent Graduates:
Seablue BFP 1 May
Oneof8 BFP 18 May
Aly323 BFP 20 May
applecharlotte BFP 29 May
papertiger BFP 31 May
Wannamummy BFP 1 June
Pipsicles BFP 6 June
Saltyair BFP 17 June
Muser BFP 22 June
Superpenguin BFP 1 July

Sorry changing list again as I lost another 2 days|!!!! For whoever does it next I am on the same CD as Cherry!

Quick rant - landlord is selling our flat. We've been here 4 months and are flat hunting again

Thats a pain Kaloki. We had to move due to our landlord selling at the beginning of the year. We ended up moving straight away rather than putting up with viewings all the time and then being given a month's notice. Landlord was keen for us to stay, and keep getting his rent, surprise surprise. I said we'd consider staying if we could have a rent reduction in view of the fact we'd be allowing viewings until it sold but no go. I take a perverse pleasure in seeing that it's still "Under offer" 6 months later.

Our landlord is a company now so less likely to suddenly decide they want to sell up (hopefully)

Evening all. So it's the all so important week where I see if ERTD arrives. Had quite bad back cramps yesterday but nothing today. I so hope it stays away but think I can handle it this month. Time will tell.

flick Glad to hear from you! Strange how ETRD of doom hasn't arrived yet?! Did you ever POAS or you just think that your ovulation date might have been wrong? Enjoy coming back to England. I know how much I love to get home after just a few days away (I get homesick easily) so I'm sure you are glad to see familiar sights and faces again.
Thanks for asking about my Race For Life- it was yesterday too. I loved it! We ran all the way and I was really proud of myself!

Womanly I'm glad you enjoyed RFL too - it's really motivating isn't it to be surrounded by people determined to do their best and something positive. I'm glad you are trying to relax this cycle.
Regarding ERTD - clearly you can call it whatever you like! There really isn't actually anything wrong with "period" One cycle ending, another starting - a full stop rather than a bad thing or someone's "auntie" visiting. Enjoy Crete - a holiday sounds like the perfect distraction and hopefully bring you back up from the low moods are you having.

lanky Sorry about temp drop. I hope it goes back up tomorrow. You sound like you've had a mixed weekend but it is brill news about the house and I'm sure you will sell your flat soon.

evil I'm glad your next appointment is in sight and I really hope they get things moving ASAP for you when you go.

zippys Where you off on your hols? When you back? Sounds like you had a good weekend - Hopefully a lucky one too.

Welcome Ifatfirstyoudon'tsucceed You really have had a tough time -I hope the next GP visit is better (or not needed!)

kkas So sorry about your BFN. I hope you didn't think me insensitive asking you yesterday when you were going to POAS. I hope for better news regarding the job.

kaloki What a nightmare about your landlord too! I hope you find somewhere soon. Have you and DP looked into social housing? (sorry if you have and the waiting lists are crap) The constant moving surely can't be good for either of you or TTC.

karstan What you mean about waiting? If you are wondering whether to keep SWI'ing I'd say yes! It's hard to pinpoint ovulation especially if you've just come off hormonal contraception.

cavemum Sorry about another short cycle and the chaos that is the your DH's Afghan plan. I hope you are feeling less stressed tonight. Well done on being accepted for distance learning - great to have a ongoing project away from TTC!

Cherry In my absence I forgot to welcome you back and also send my sympathies regarding your father. I hope things are getting better for you and your family. xx

I hope everyone else is ok. Waves to bellaby, aires, alba and florin.

Ooh, can I join?

I'm now 7 weeks and a day late. This is, I assume, down to breaking my collarbone 7 weeks ago and having to have surgery. Been testing every two weeks since, just to be sure, but it's always been "stick says no".

I think I might have ovulated a couple of weeks ago, so it's probably time to test again. Not sure how nice an environment my womb is at the moment though, having an extra-old lining and all.

I suppose we're still technically on cycle 7, which was due to end on the day of the accident. I'd like cycle 8 to start now please.

TomboyWife TTC#1 Cycle 7 UCL28 CD many

Womanly call it what you like - hell, as halo says, you could even call it period? Menses? Monthlies? Um...The Curse - or perhaps not! I'll sulk though because ERTD was my suggestion

Hello TomboyWife.

Awww, [pats Aries on the head] I like ERTD deary

kaloki what a pain in the ar*e! Is it any wonder people in this country would rather buy than rent when the landlords keep pulling the rug out from under people. Hope you get it sorted quickly.

TomboyWife welcome [waves]. This is probably the best thread on Mumsnet, and certainly a very lucky one.

-Note to whoever starts the next thread, we've got to work a Carlsberg reference in to the title - eg First Time Frolickers - Probably the Best Thread in the World

Hey everyone ,

Im back lol- Previous name was alien82

Just to recap- I had my mirena out 3 1/2 weeks ago and have just started my first time ERTD for 5 years! surprisingly it is not as painful as I remember lol.
Anyho, how can I get on the list that keeps everyone up to date? what do I need to count etc to get credentials after my name lol

Oh and I am TTC#1 and am excited/nervous/anxious about it all, can I have kids? how long will it take? etc etc

sorry for the rambling!x

Quick last post before hols as now all packed and ready to go

LankyLegs I have been sick nearly every morning since Nov, first they thought it was a brain tumour then all sorts of other things, then had the most horrendous tests done and still have horrible flash backs! BUT by cutting out sugars and fat seems to make it better so just queasy not actually sick. But I still have by bad days, like today Still under going loads of tests and have more consultants to see but everyone I have seen so far hasnt a clue whats causing it!
Anyway, glad your offer has been accepted, lets hope yours sells soon. Good luck for tomorrow, I will be thinking of you, and checking on updates.

Kkas thats not dumb at all, it must be so hard when you have been trying with no luck. Lets just hope if you have a month off to concentrate on your job that it actually happens.

Womanly it may irrational but i am also V jealous of other pregnant people, or just other people with young children so you are totally normal.

Cavemum congrats on the course.

Kaloki thats shitty about the flat, will the hearing effect what you move to? Thinking of you hon, you must be due some good luck.

Halo we are off to Tenerife, a villa with seaviews and private pool, I am soooo looking forward to it. Its only for a week but that should be bliss after the hours I have done this last few months.

TomboyWife hello and welcome, I hope you get a BFP or at least ERTD.

Aries see I am still using ERTD, I have to say I can see Womanly's point BUT the cramps and disappointment that comes with ERTD makes it ERTD!!

Welcome Alien we need your cycle day and then you can be added to the list fully.

Cavemum love the idea for thread title

hey I began on 10th July, so I would guess CD 2?? sorry am clueless

zippys Have a great time! A villa and private pool sounds heavenly.

TomboyWife Hello and welcome.

alien06 Hello again! Glad to hear you are up and running with TTC. You are CD3 today. (10th =1, 11th =2, 12th =3) I assume your stats are therefore?

Alien06 TTC#1, cycle 1, UCL ?, CD3

(UCL - is usual cycle length and i'm guessing after 3 1/2 years you might not know!)

The whole TTC business is very exiting but also scary. For some people it will happen first time, others longer and there is no way of knowing. I hope it happens fast for you.

cavemum Great idea for the new thread! If Carlsberg made TTC threads...then this would probably be the best thread in the world.

Not that we like to self congratulate ourselves much!

thank you haloflo Yep you are right I have no idea about my cycle length, its been 5 years lol .
woo im glad that I can go onto the list :0) Yep its scary and exciting, can only see what happens I guess After hoping that I start a cycle after so long it will be weird now hoping that I wont have them for long lol

How is everyone this evening? I am nervous as hell as have an observation by someone from the Council tomoz ( Im an NQT) so spending hours trying to get a good lesson planned!!

arrrrghhhh

x

Oops you did say 5 years - I got the 3 1/2 from the weeks you had your mirena out.

I'm just having a relaxing evening in front of the tv I think although I don't know what's on.

Good luck tomorrow! I'm sure you've no reason to be nervous.

Have a lovely time on your hols zips - sounds like a fantastic place. Laze around and do nothing if you want, run around and do everything if you want! I'll also repeat my sympathy about your sickness - it sounds completely horrendous and I think you're dealing with it really well. Those tests sound hideous - I'm assuming it was cameras and tubes down and up your orifices, you poor thing .

Perhaps we can have a new name for AF/ERTD per thread?

'allo gals

zips - your sickness sounds horrendous - you poor love! what motivation for cutting out sugar and fat though. Hols sound gorgeous and very well deserved. Interested to hear how the e-reader works out - I have a tendancy to drop my books in the pool so have concerns about it but will keep an open mind1

kkas sorry to hear about ERTD. What stage are you re: the job - did you say you'd applied and were waiting to hear? Also... hows the car? Was it a Tiguan [stalker emoticon]. I think you mentioned it a while back and my ears pricked up as we are thinking of getting one at the end of the year, to replace our well beloved but truly knackered little hatchback we've had for the last 10 years. Is it easy to drive? Fairly reliable so far...?

Bella - a late suggestion is the Shadow of the Wind which you may already have read as its been out for an age, but I only just read it and I loved it. Currently reading The Help - v good but makes me want to eat caramel cake whenever I read it. Cue lots of cake-based treats which have paved my way to artery-clogged hell. Lanky did you enjoy Wolf Hall? I am a bit obsessed by it at the moment - probably because its so intense - and getting twitchy about finishing it soon and having book bereavement! Boo for the Monday blues and the temp drop - it doesn't mean its over yet - good luck for test results tomorrow, keep us updated. You don't sound like a bitch re your sis, I have been there too. Yay for house offer though!

Big hello to all the newbies, esp. ifatfirst - you sound like you've had a rough ride of it, hope your stay here is short and sweet (for the best possible reasons).

womanly - glad to hear the S without the WI is going well! Stupid question - what is involved in follicle monitoring?

flo - hope you are managing to get distracted from the 2ww worries... fingers crossed for you, we are in dire need of a BFP, and soon.

Chilled weekend plans ended up being seeing friend and her baby - v cute but I may have cried like said baby for about ten minutes after they left due to lack of our baby and assumption we will never have baby etc etc. When did I become a fully fledged baby crazy lady?? DH thinks I am a bit unhinged and now looks a bit scared at SWI prospect. This is not a Good Thing and I am back on pretending I am totally chillaxed about the reproduction thing, que sera sera and all that bollox.

Thanks everyone for your lovely words of support re PadreCherry. Its all a bit heartbreaking and there's nothing we can do but recent bad spell has got a bit better for him so thats good. Ah, you are a lovely lot aren't you.

I quite like ERTD as thats how I see it but happy to go with the flow. Ahahaha. Pun not intended, honest

Oooh, Shadow of the Wind! Bloody brilliant! I'm also intrigued and amazed at the skill of its translation. The translator deserves equal plaudits to the author in my opinion.

agree! i hope he is a rock star in the world of translators and those UN-translator people talk of him/her in hushed tones of awe

Hello All

Wow flurry of posting here since yesterday!

Felicity - thanks for popping I'm (again). Which part of UK are you coming back to? I hope that the amazing weather we've been having recently sticks around for your stay! I like lots of books but prefer the easy reads and action/crime/thrillers. Actually the first Steig Larsson book is the only one I already have for my holiday courtesy of my Mum!

zippys - I'm like you and can read so many books on holidays. Have to try and restrict myself now because DH gets annoyed! I'm going to take a combination of hard copy and books for Kindle on my iPad. I've heard ereaders are really good. I will give the Sophie Kinsella book a try. Thanks. Have an amazing holiday and fingers crossed for you this month x

Lanky - sorry to hear about your sister. I think it's natural to feel like that. My SIL is on her 3rd and my brother gets very annoyed that DH & I don't want to spend a week on holiday with them and my other brother and his 2 little ones! thanks for asking about MIL. Some family problems on DH's side - you forget when you marry someone that their family problems also take over your life too! Hopefully things will get
better soon. Thanks for book suggestions - I've added
them to list of things to read so will let you know what I think. Just 7 more working days until my holiday - am so excited although not getting any work done!

Great news on the house offer!

cavemum I am liking the Carlsburg reference. Perhaps you & I could combine cycles - we might both end upmwith average ones . Great news on your course - well done

Kkas sorry about arrival of ERTD. I hope everything goes well with the job

womanly hope you have an amazing time in Crete.

kaloki sorry to hear about having to move again. What a pain. I hate moving

halo well done in your RFL too. Fingers crossed for this week and the continued absence of ERTD!

Karsten I also advocate continuing to SWI! I must have OV'd around day 60 in my last cycle!

Welcome Tomboy - you will feel right at home here!

Welcome back alien

Cherry I really enjoyed Shadow in the Wind!

Hello Aries - when are we next sharing a bottle of wine?

Big wave to Florin Alba and anyone else I've missed.

Lots of love xxx