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

Hello everyone!

Cherrycobbler I am keeping my fingers crossed for you that you won't be in need of consolatory gin because you'll be getting a BFP!

Crazy I agree with cherrycobbler that it's the follicular phase that can be affected by stress ... not the luteal so late is, as she said, late. Hopefully there will be some happy poas results for you too!

Tigerseye I am sure your well timed nookie will have done the trick. Best get a few more sessions in just to be certain

Cave I used AC earlier this year and noticed a bit of a difference in the first cycle and then my next three were really regular (all 28 days). I also noticed that it really killed my appetite which was brilliant! Its effects lasted for a couple of cycles after I stopped taking it - I was thinking of going back on it again but I've just been prescribed clomid so I thought I'd best not mix and match just in case I end up going mad and / or having octuplets or something ridiculous (just my luck - been TTC for ages and then eight come along at once!)

MrsW boo to thrush. Hope you are not suffering too much with it

Not much news to report here as I still haven't ov'd but I think my body is gearing it up for it.

I have to admit to being VERY naughty indeed though as Mr Garden and I have just had a bit of a dalliance in the woods while we were walking our dog. We were in the middle of nowhere and there was nobody around but I am very shamefaced about it now ... oh well, at least we were getting some practice in for the next few days when, with any luck, the timing might be better!

Big waves to everyone and enjoy the rest of your weekend

How shocking rustling about in the woods

We don't do that when we walk the dog, though to be fair on the Thames path you don't get many private moments.

Sorry I haven't been around too much. ETRD hit me hard this month so was taking a break. DH realised I was really hurt by it so did eventually really look after me and promised to put more effort in this month he was very sweet. Although have to admit it was the shortest ERTD I have every had TMI alert I spotted for a couple of a couple of days and then ERTD for just one day all very odd! We are now in the middle of getting down to business so see how everything goes this month.
Evilgiraffe Sorry that the doctor upset you but hope you are nearer a diagnosis which has to be positive
Cavemum I tried agnes Castus for a month or two and it really seemed to help. Then I took a break from everything to help me de-stress. Still got a packet so might start taking it again
Gardenpixie Good on you trying to add some spice got to try and stop it getting boring! I have to admit I have bought something to spice it up next week in time for day 14!
Right I should be around more this week so will try and keep up with everyones news! Anyone due to test soon?

Morning!

Garden Ok, I am faking the shock... I say good for you!!! No need for blushes in my book...

cherrycobbler thanks for the info re the luteal phase, I definitely hadn't realised that, and on pregnology you can change the luteal phase, is that because it's a bit like a regular cycle for each person? Late is late for me anyway because I did poas this morning and got a BFN. I am sort of pleased actually because I have had a reeeeally sore back this weekend and was worried about taking anything; now I can dose myself up good and proper

Hi Florin I am a new crasher sorry to hear you have had a hard month hug hug.

Fingers crossed for testers this week xx

Monday's List

evilgiraffe TTC#1 Cycle 2 UCL 28?! CD185
Saor Alba TTC #1, cycle 2 UCL32 CD35
Crazybutterflylady TTC#1, cycle 1, UCL30, CD32 (maybe)
cherrycobbler TTC#1 cycle 6 UCL 32 CD30
Mrs Wajs TTC#1 cycle 11, UCL 29-33 CD30
Pinklady76 TTC#1, cycle 1, UCL ?, CD27
IfAtFirstYouDon'tSuceed TTC#1, Cycle 4,UCL 28, CD26
Alien06 TTC#1, Cycle 1, UCL??, CD24
kkas TTC#1 Cycle 12 UCL32 CD23
RaspberryTipple TTC#1, Cycle 1, UCL ?, CD21
LankyLegs TTC#1 Cycle 10 UCL 27-29 CD20
cookiemoo TTC#1 Cycle 17, UCL 27 CD20
TomboyWife TTC#1, Cycle 8, UCL28, CD18
GardenPixie TTC#1 cycle 8 UCL30-35 CD18
Womanlytales TTC#1, Cycle 5, UCL28-33, CD17
FelicityFlick TTC#1 Cycle , UCL 32-33, CD14
Karstan TTC#1, Cycle 2, UCL28, CD14
Florin TTC#1 Cycle 5 UCL ??? CD13
stegasaurus TTC#1 cycle 16 UCL? CD10
highheelsandequations TTC#1 cycle 13 (ish) UCL 32+ CD9
Zippys TTC#1 cycle 14 UCL33-39 CD4
Ariesgirl TTC#1 cycle 6 UCL 29-32 CD4

Not counting days
Kaloki (40 days to Wedding )
Bellaby
Miffles
Kurlyvoice
Chalky3

Waiting to TTC
Calyx
Sevans
CaveMum
calligraphy82
hairytriangle

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
Muser BFP 22 June
Superpenguin BFP 1 July
Haloflo BFP 22 July

Morning frolickers,

sorry I have been lurking the last few days but DP and I have done loads of talking and I feel a lot better, but still v anxious of getting his test results back. I reaslised that by keeping DP in the dark about my cycle has not been the best move. He though I was fertile when I had ERTD and could not understand why I didnt want sex when ERTD was here! So he knows when roughly in a cycle I would be fertile but still not telling him the full facts.

Aries - how you doing chick, hope ERTD is not a bad one. I have have horrible cramps that feel like I am being stabbed when I sit down!

Evilgiraffe ((hugs)) what a shite doctor, I am also overweight and they assumed I would have PCOS because of my weight. I have now had all the tests and I dont but I can understand what you are going through. I have been told I have a fatty liver which had no impact on my fertility but is a sign of being overweight (or obese as I am). Join womanly and me on our weight loss kick. I was meant to start when I got back from my hols but on the 2ww my head was not in the right place. BUT I have restarted today, I am doing the dukan diet (low carb) so if you need support I am here.

Gardenpixie loving the outdoor SWI

Sorry have to dash as have a client in a few mins, sorry for everyone I have missed.

just a quick one from me to check in after a wonderful weekend in edinburgh. the drive in our new car was fantastic. we ate at amazing restaurants (the kitchin!) and spent way too much money shopping and seeing the sights and drinking lots of whisky and wine. was definitely too short though and don't want to be back at work. luckily i am on holiday again for a week starting 12 aug... countdown begins today!

hi to everyone. i'll try to catch up on what i've missed throughout the course of today.

Hello frolickers,

Hey Giraffe am really sorry about your unsympathetic doctor. Why are they so insensitive? We are here for any support needed - as echoed by the other ladies. Also I am starting my 'detox month' in September and am looking into different things to kick start it - drinks, diet and reflexology or acupuncture so will report back with findings soon. Chin up - we will get you through.

Cave how was James Morrison? I lurve him I do. Sorry sweets - have not used our friend agnus - but I take vit B6 instead which has sorted me out and kept me regular as well as lengthening my luteal phase. Good luck with AC.

Kaloki great that you are counting some sort of days and to be honest a lot more exciting counting days to your wedding! Just over a month to go! How is the dress coming along?

Flick Hope you had a great time at the wedding and have a good week at the in-laws! Thanks for all the shopping links... bad gal! I love it!!

Tomboy the whole CM thing can be a bit confusing - but pleased you are getting the tests started. I have had them all done as well - and its I think ti just takes some of the stress off if you know that everything is in working order and if it is not - then at least they can start to put right those things.

Mrswajs uggh to thrush - not nice. I am not sure whether it's a symptom of ERTD - I have not heard of that before. I am hoping that its a symptom of the other kind for you.

Tiger hope the shagging is going well!!!

Soar!!!! I can imagine it must be hard not trying to obsess think about it too much. But fingers crossed for you!!

Crazy and Cherry any more news for you?

Garden* loads of shagging in forests! You bad girl! I think it sounds fab! Long may it continue!

Florin how are you me dear? Sorry you have been feeling a bit down in the dumps about your last ERTD - I know it can get like that, and pleased that your dh is being lovely about it too!

Zippys Sooo pleased you have had a chat about it to MrZippys - see men don't have a clue about such things and now he is more clued up. I think its important that we do share some of the bits and bobs about TTC with them as it is the both of you TTC not just you - and it can get stressful and frustrating as we all know....especially as the months roll by as they have been for us. You sounds lot cherpier which is good.

Kkas your weekend sounds absolutely lovely! Food and wine and shopping.... mmmm. Sounds like the drive in the new car was divine too!

How is everyone else? Hi to anyone I have missed!

Well even though I am not really trying this month I think I have not actually ovulated as my temps were all over the place - so I thought 'I know it must be the battery' started fiddling around with that and now I have killed my thermometer. Which I think is a sign as it was obviously telling me 'f*ck off you are not supposed to be taking your temperature when you are on a break from TTC' so there we go. Actually it felt really good not knowing what my temps are doing etc etc - feels a bit liberating and now I can actually focus on not TTC.

A 3 day week for me as we are off to the Malvern Hills for the big chill festival on Thursday so very super excited - I have my denim shorts, trilby and little waistcoat packed. I can not wait to drink copious amounts of cider and eat crap food!

Morning all, hope everyone's week is getting off to a good start!

Florin I think spicing things up is definitely the way forward! Hope your new purchase does the trick on day 14! I think Mr G was getting a bit bored with our normal SWI-ing so he's in a great mood this morning after our al fresco incident.

Glad that your chap is being more supportive and has got his head round the ridiculously short window we ladies have to get all the right ingredients to meet up. My DH was shocked when he found out it was only 2 to 3 days a cycle and he had the same thing about thinking it was during ERTD - not sure what that's about.

Crazy nothing's certain until ERTD arrives - fingers crossed your follicular phase was a long one this cycle.

kkas your hols sounds fab! Really glad you had a good time

zippys sorry you are having rubbish cramps. Hope you feel better soon

MrsW I hope you are feeling better too?

Evilgiraffe I hope you are feeling a bit cheerier after your horrid Dr experience. I remembered something about the advice my friend with PCOS was given about losing weight - I don't know if this is of interest but she was told to exercise before breakfast when possible because it gets rid of any rogue insulin so then when you do eat, if it's all low GI food, the pancreas doesn't kick in with producing more. It effectively gives your system a break from dealing with any insulin imbalances and allows your liver to clear out any excess LH too.

I think she was told she didn't have to exercise every day but that if she was planning a session, to do it before eating when possible so it would have as big an impact on her hormones as possible.

Tigerseye the ovulation node sounds very interesting - I read up on it after your post but still can't work out how to locate it. Presumably that's because I'm not ov-ing at the moment?

Big waves to everyone else xx

Hug hug zippys it sounds like you and DP had a breakthrough, I think that's really positive. I am sure there will be some good news for you soon xx

kkas I have heard great things about the kitchin!

Garden... don't say that! I have convinced myself I am not up le duff... are you saying I still could be? Oh I am so confused, my brain hurts

I am also intrigued about the OV node... How do you know which ovary you're ovulating from - or do you just check both? I am a bit annoyed that my cycle is clearly buggered now and I won't know when I am ovulating. I wanted to put off poas to find out when I am ovulating but I can't see how else I would know if my cycles are being naughty.

Hi Lanky I got a BFN this morning, I took the advice and did it first thing, am 3 days late now and have had no PMT symptoms. Mr Crazy said I haven't been as "crabby" as usual

Hello ladies - Happy Monday to you all and lanky I am terribly envious of your 3 day week -- can feel your excitement for the festival -
giraffe and anybody else fighting the fight with fat and PCOS can join a thread I recently started in the weight loss board for PCO women We're in week 3, though since I went off to Crete, the thread's gone all silent The idea was that we'd weigh in every week/week-end and keep each other motivated over a six month period - - IE meet your weight goals by 2011. The average weight loss goal is about 2 stones.

I know it's really really hard to listen to a doctor when he tells me I am fat especially when the consultant [in my case] is going about fixing you like you were some machine making them use words such as 'infertility' and 'obesity' ... when I was put on my first cycle of Clomid, the consultant said - you'd better ovulate with this or else you'll just have to lose some weight. This was post the ovarian drilling op that failed in my case. So at that point I was really not ready to listen to that..so walked out on him. Take 2 - I meet this wonderful wonderful consultant at Queen Charlotte Mr.Lavery Highly recommend him because he's really gentle. This time he told me the same stuff - but he did it in such a gentle way -- but sadly for my follow up visit they pointed me to another consultant [NHS is weird that way] - who isn't as worse as consultant #1 but not as fabulously kind as Mr. Lavery. He told me I need to lose weight and then quickly added that he needs to lose weight too...making it a problem we share...only difference he didn't look over-weight. But, I thanked him in my head for trying to communicate this awful truth in a kinder light.
So long story short I need to lose the weight. It might not result in a BFP BUT it's one more thing crossed off the list...and since I have PCO - that's plenty enough to carry on my plate without the weight adding to it.
Is losing weight hard for PCO women? I would have sworn that this is the truth BUT I am an excellent example of why this is NOT the case. I am not going to say losing weight is easy -- but that for PCO women losing weight is just as hard as for non-PCO women...ie, losing weight is hard, sometimes very hard but it's not harder or near impossible for PCO women.
With a low GI/GL diet [80% of the equation] and moderate exercise [20% of the equation] it is possible to slowly but surely let go of the fat. So what's low GI/GL? I think of it as three colors -- Whites = White bread/rice/flour, Sugar Potatoes [except new potatoes in moderation], Yellows - Greasy food (fries etc), butter, egg yolk and Chocolate Brown [Chocolate].
I initially thought I'd moderately reduce these items from my diet - and I realized that I only eat the stuff when I am anxious or worried...food for comfort..so how do you moderate the comfort you give yourself...SCREEEEECH -- the brakes in my brain took over... I realized I'd need to deal with the need for comfort (turned out to be silly anxieties over issues that really didn't matter to me) and completely stop my intake of the above.
From an exercise perspective I try to do 10k steps every day. I also add meditation to help calm myself down. It's amazing how many anxieties I wake up to every morning...and how many I cultivate through the rest of the day...
Even though I started this regime on June 20, I had many, many false starts...so much so that I thought I'd need to mark good days with a star...in the first three weeks, I earned 2 stars...abysmal. Then my holiday to Crete came up..and DH jumped on board and helped me commit to a star day everyday.. That was on July 15 and I've had 18 star days..so much so that last night I decided to now put a star against a bad day...as should be the case. Note: Each day I kick and scream about staying away from the whites, yellows and chocolate brown... BUT each following day I feel so good about myself...and am so grateful I didn't reach out for the high GI/GL stuff. I've also lost 2kilos...It's just a start and my target is to lose 14 kilos..so now I have 12 more to go -- it's terribly daunting and not a day goes by without me feeling fearful and wondering if it is even possible...but the good news is this is what I want to be doing...I want to be letting go of the fat.
When in Crete, I wrote down a list of things my doctor would write on a wish list for his patients..and here's what that list said:
I would like my patients to...

• Be positive about the advice I give them and know that it will get them to their goal.
• Be open to changing their behaviors,
• Demonstrate to me that they are responding to my advice and
• Let me play to my strengths.

When I read this, I realized that while I am very critical of consultants, I am not their dream patient either. So two take-ways for me was that before my next appt with him that I lose some weight and demonstrate that I heard his comment on the fat bit..and also let him go about helping me the best way he knows how to - and if sensitivity is not his strong point, then I will be sensitive for myself..and not try to project my frustrations onto him. I'd rather he did what he does best..than be all the wonderful things a doctor can be. Last but not least -- I do want to place my trust in him and not second guess his advice.

OK - so that was a really really long message

Mrswajs Sorry about the thrush..
Wave to flick and whispering hello to halo
Everybody else I can't wait for our next bfp so good luck and stay positive

weight loss thread for pco women - www.mumsnet.com/Talk/big_slim_whatever_weight_loss_club/997342-PCO-Letting-go-off-the-fat-Joi n-me-for-the

New month ladies, which must mean new BFPs! And a new thread from the looks of it

Still no SWI here, still cramping, and (usefully) my painkillers were causing migraines. Still got plenty of anti-biotics to take though, and all the tests came back clear for STD's.

gradenpixie Ooh you saucy wench! lol, sound like fun!

lankylegs Got the dress bodice finished, just waiting for my wedding boots to arrive so I can do the skirt

crazybutterflylady No ERTD is still a good sign, will keep my fingers crossed for you!

womanlytales You are doing really well If it helps at all, you are really inspiring me.

Hi ladies. Just thought I'd pop in and say hello.

zippys & aires so sorry about ERTD.

soar good luck when you test.

mrsw & cherry I hope those ERTD symptoms turn into pg ones.

womanly I thought your post was brilliant. Well done for your loss so far and with that attitude you can defiantly lose all 14 kg.

Huge wave to womanly cherry and flick who were asking about me. Sorry I've been a bit AWOL just wanted to keep a low profile until I felt more confident. News from me is mixed. I had brown spotting on Friday and Saturday which as you can imagine sent me into a pit of despair but it seems to have stopped now. After going to my GP this morning I have an early scan booked. It's on Wednesday morning & I will be 7 weeks at that point. I will let you know how I get on.

PS. Could one of you slap me? Saw the Dr this morning because of the painkillers and found out I have low blood pressure. I've just looked up low blood pressure and the NHS site says it is common in early pregnancy - I am blatantly not pregnant, so need slapping to get the idea out of my head.

womanly you sound very determined, I wish you every success... and think of the positives: a lighter you will be able to chase a little naughty toddler around much more easily and you'll be fitter and healthier and much more able to cope with the tiredness etc.

I have been following the Clean Lean diet for the past 3 mnths or so and have felt so much more energised than when I was living on crisps and haribo - I am really starting to enjoy the gym and planning meals.

kaloki thanks for keeping my hopes alive I am pretty sure I am not pg though, I hope not anyway since I have had 4 ibuprofen today. Should I stop?! My back is KILLING me though. I can;t carry on thinking everything is a symptoms - surely 3 days late and a negative test is enough to think I am not pg? I really don't know

I am praying for you all and your BFPs!!! From the list we haven't had one since July - congrats and good luck Haloflo - so we must be due a high percentage in August

Hey Flo hope the spotting is nothing and stays away my dear. I hear lots of women get this and pregnancy is still fine. I hope the scan and bloods go well - do check in and keep us posted won't you? I can imagine you are feeling really anxious so just wanted to send you a big virtual squeeze.

Womanly you are a hell of a woman and an inspiration to all. It was moving reading your post and also realising how far you have come on this journey. It is quite amazing and I am wishing every success in continuing up the same path.

Kaloki the boots look super funky - they will look awesome! How fab! Also here is a slap with a wet kipper as requested

Crazy send you some deep breaths as it sounds like you are working overtime on the 'am I aren't I pregnant' questions. Hope you get an answer soon! It is very frustrating!

Kkas the kichin sounds fab! I love eating out but we don't often head to Michelin stared restaurant unless there is an occasion and this month it's MrLanky's birthday so we have 2 dinners booked at some gorgeous restaurants in town 1 for just him and me and then another for 6 of us for a long lunch. Can not wait! So was the food amazing? Did you do a tasting menu? Yum yum

Crazy send sending !

Sorry been keeping a low profile this weekend girls - thrush was a bit of a non-starter (thankfully) only really had 1 day of it. I hear those of you who are thinking it's normally a pg symptom but for me it's definitely a sign of impending ERTD, I get it every month in the week before ERTD is due and don't think this month has been an exception to the rule. Have the dull feeling today so fully expect to be back to CD1 either later today or tomorrow

I'm so fcking pissed off with this, what do I have to do to get a bun in the oven?? Was speaking to a woman last night who just forgot to take her pill once* and fell pregnant - how is that fair!?!? Sorry just feeling really sorry for myself today. If ERTD appears today am gonna make Dr's appointment tomorrow and try and get some answers.

Sorry very me me me.

Halo hope the scan goes well for you on Wednesday - keeping every thing tightly crossed for you.

Will come back later and have a good read through everything else and try and catch up properly.x

(((hug))) MrsWajs sending tons of baby dust to you xx

lanky those breaths have helped thank you... Mr Crazy has just said we should be as normal as possible until we know there's a bun in the oven, he says once (if) we know there will be plenty of changing our life ahead so we should put ourselves first until then. So that is what I shall do!

x

hi lanky yes - kitchin was amazing! we also don't normally spoil ourselves that much but we were on holiday and actually the food was quite reasonably priced. we went for lunch and he does a 3 course set lunch for £24.50 which is amazing value. of course we ended up spending double that on wine and cocktails in the bar beforehand. DH got the wine tasting menu and was a little worried what the dessert wine might be (usually way too sweet for us) but the sommelier brought a muscat which was actually really nice. i just had a glass of the south african viognier. amuse bouche was an amazing pea soup (how do they get it that smooth?!) and then i had girolle and ham ravioli, roasted pork belly (with diced trotters - yum!) and then cheese. DH got the chocolate souffle for dessert which was out of this world. was definitely worth it for the experience and the food was some of the best i have ever had.

it's our 5 year anniversary on saturday and we're going to the bleeding heart in london to celebrate. not michelin starred, but i've heard good things so will let you know how that is!

(can you tell that i love food - i could go on for hours!)

do you mind sharing where you guys are eating? would love to have your review once you've been

Big hug to Halo - You are on your way, girl Stay strong and have a lovely scan
Big wave to everybody else and thank you for your comments

Kkas just dashing off but wanted to say yum bloody yum! Great value for the lunch. And the bleeding heart is gorgeous - you will love that - the wine vault is amazing - make sure you go and see it if you are not sat downstairs!

We are heading to Galvin at Windows in the Hilton and then Marcus Wareing at the Berkely - he has a set lunch at £38 a head which is OK value too (could be better). Galvin however will be pricier - but hoping the view will be worth it.

Will catch up properly later when home to comment on your food!!

God am salavating already!

Also Kkas promise me you will have the cheese board at the bleeding heart. If you like smelly cheeses you are in for a treat - they bring around the cheese trolley with about 40 different cheeses.

Ok - got to go now!

Blimey I feel hungry after reading that!

Lanky I've had the set lunch @ Marcus Waring @ the Berkley, it was very good! Even better that someone else paid (I was being shmoozed by work connections!)

We will be needing a new thread soon won't we - don't forget (whoever creates the thread) that you've got to work in the 'Carling' reference somewhere! Something along the lines of "The First Time Frolickers - Possibly the Best Thread in the World"

Hope the scan goes well halo and lots of sticky baby dust to everyone who is approaching testing time.

Huge thanks to womanly and all the rest of you for being so supportive. The doctor wasn't particularly insensitive to be honest, it was mostly just me focusing on the most upsetting bits. I KNOW I'm fat already, and I know it's not ideal, and it was just quite hard to think of that as being quite such a major issue as she thinks it is. It is especially upsetting as I don't know if I definitely do have PCOS or not, so it feels very much like that is all that's being focused on. On the other hand, losing weight is something I need to do, and with any luck I will be able to force myself to do it now. DH could do with it too, so we're both going to try to sort it together, which is a huge help. The doctor gave me a big sheet of weight loss tips (none of which is that earth-shattering, but then weight loss is very simple, just hard), stress-reducing techniques, and a fair amount of other conception ideas, including making sure me and DH have lots of "romantic appointments"

Two stone will be gone by Christmas. Just you wait.