Winter Cycle Friends 2009/2010 - Everyone Welcome!

[hjw]

HELLO!!!!! First of all, SORRY, SORRY, SORRY for not having checked in for so long. Internet connection in our hotel was OK to start with, then DH's laptop started playing up so I haven't been on here for about 10 days. So you busy ladies had put over 15 pages of posts on here since I last read up - it's taken me over an hour to do the very briefest of scans through the new pages so unless I get a load of time free this week I'm probably not going to be able to catch up with you all properly and do personals to cover everything that's happened to you all over the last two weeks. Again, SORRY! Suffice to say, I missed you all and you were all in my thoughts while we were away.

Our holiday in Dubai was fantastic (once we actually got there after the volcanic ash cloud delays!) - the hotel was great, amazing breakfasts and afternoon teas with sandwiches and cakes (yum...) and a lovely pool, the weather was good (one cloudy day, otherwise in the mid 30's and bright blue skies) and the golf courses were amazing as always. So all in all, we really enjoyed ourselves and had a lovely relaxing time, but we seemed to blink and then the holiday was over! We flew back on Saturday afternoon, but then spent Sunday and Monday travelling round the country visiting friends for lunch and then my parents overnight to collect our two dogs. So we only really got back properly yesterday afternoon, which means that today has been crammed full of chores which have built up over the last two weeks. Hence, I'm only now getting around to posting.

On the pregnancy front, everything is fine. I'm 22 weeks today. Zorba has been wiggling increasingly often and while we were on holiday DH was able to feel him/her kicking for the first time, which was so exciting for both of us! The baby also likes doing somersaults (mostly overnight, unfortunately, so it keeps me awake!) and when it turns around you can very easily feel the head as it pushes against the front of my abdomen. It's like having a hard tennis ball shape pressing from the inside and moving from one side to the other - DH has been able to feel that as well quite a few times. Sometimes I think it's a bit like having an alien thing living inside me, the feelings are so strange!

I have now put on about 8kg in total (eeek!) which is more than the books suggest, but I'm honestly eating pretty well and within my recommended calories so there's not a lot I can do about it! Everyone keeps commenting how big I am already - thanks guys... It was funny on holiday because I kept catching DH sitting on the sun lounger laughing at the side view of me paddling around in the pool - he says that the "bump" has now graduated to a "beach ball" and looks on course to be the size of a Swiss exercise ball by September!

I have LOVED seeing the photos that some of you have posted, it's great to see the bumps and also to put a face to some names. I got DH to take a few photos of the beach ball in my bikini while we were round the pool, so I will get around to loading our holiday photos onto the computer tomorrow morning and will post one of them so that you can see how big I am! I love the idea of introducing ourselves as well so I'll have to dig out a full length shot and one of the dogs and DH too...

Right, DH is just home from work so must go and sort out dinner. Catch you all soon, ladies. I promise I'll pick up personals from tomorrow - it's good to be back!

Hazel

[lycase]

steph - maybe the hb only count at the first u/s. So like when the baby is only a little blurb then it can be moving or getting exited that much. It's just for fun anyways... while we wait

Lou - thanks for the hb rate sorry for the spotting dear. Maybe you should try and not workout too too much while pg??

katie - wow it is so expensive?? My not sure I will do it now?? I will check it out too and see if I can find it cheeper?

Actually my loosing my job would be a blessing cause I can never take a day off or I don't get paid. I also get other jobs... they come and go and for the last 2 years they never stopped I even had 4 jobs at once when I was 8m pg last year so I could use a break specially when I have to move. I know I will get another one sooner or later

Katie do you need help again with your links? Make sure not to loose the brakets.

hjw - happy you had a nice holiday. 22w wow you are more then halfway. way to go girl how are you feeling?

Helene

[Stephanieford78]

Hazel - Welcome home! You have been missed. I was so curious about your holiday... so happy it went well. How funny the bump graduating to a beach ball. lol So what will the beach ball become by the 3rd trimester?? I guess we will have to wait and see what DH calls it huh? Gaining 8kg or about 17 1/2 lbs for us over the pond, isn't that bad. You are allowed to gain up to 30lbs or around 14kg and you are over halfway there so I am sure you are just fine. 22 weeks... wow! So exciting that DH got to feel Zorba move. I can't wait until Andrew gets the chance. I will have the problem of having two kicking and punching me. I still haven't felt any flutters yet, but in a few weeks I am bound to.

Katie - It's amazing that more docs don't know more about IVF or other sorts of things. I would think being an OB and having that as their specialty that they would need to or at least make a point to take a class or seminar a year to learn about it. I mean... they are bound to get patients who have used some form of fertility, right? We shouldn't have to school our OB and staff! As far as your codes, maybe it's because you disabled you BBcode? Not sure... all I do is type the address in such as http://www.betabase.info and it links up automatically. Though to do my sig I didn't have to disable anything like you suggest. So everything is how it was when I first signed up, only the signature is clicked on. I am feeling well, thanks for asking. The spotting has stopped and my OB office still hasn't called me back. Going to have to call yet again.

So I went to babies r us online and found two cute cribs. I thought about getting mini cribs but if they convert, they only convert once, where we prefer the 4 in 1. Not to mention I couldn't find anyone with a good selection of mini cribs, nothing that I was that impressed about. I found two really cute ones though with babies r us, we go to put money down today after Andrew gets home. I can't wait... this will be the first thing we are purchasing for the twins.

IDEA! Not sure who all wants to jump on this, but I say that we should all register somewhere online for baby things. I planned on doing this anyway so that things are picked out for the baby shower. I figured this would be good for those friends and family out of the state too. Well, that got to thinking about all of you! How nice it would be to pick even a little something that you might need and order it. Online registeries don't give out your address, just the area where the store is so your personal information is private and it's even possible to remain anonymous in purchasing items so if someone wanted it to be a secret, that is possible too. If anyone agrees... I say we can just add behind our names on Katie's list the link to where we are registered. What does everyone think?? Good idea? Bad idea?

[claud662]

Afternoon Ladies!!

Steph-I think that is a really cute idea! I like it because it could give us ideas as to what we need plus if we want to get each other something small for when all of our deliveries happen it would be so nice!!! Glad the spotting is gone and hopefully you get to have Fun Time soon!!!

Katie-My RE just released me last week and I think she was hesitant since she is totally invested in me after being with her almost a year and all my crazy ups and downs!!! The place where I go for 3d scans is right next to the fertility office so I will pop in and say hello!!

Hazel-welcome home!! I can't wait to see belly pics!!

Lou-as someone who is a constant spotter I wouldn't worry too much about it! Definitely bring it up tomorrow but as long as it's not a constant flow or bad cramping you are ok!!! loved the belly bump picture!! I will post my new one in the next day or so but my nighttime I feel like it's so obvious!!

Just a quick check in since I have to go back to work in a few and I wanted to pop in and say hello. Nothing new to report-feeling pretty good and not as tired as I had been the past few weeks. Anxious for Thursday so that I can relax for at least a few days!!! Thinking of how to tell our family on Sunday the big news...maybe getting my two nieces shirts that say future big cousin!

[lou71]

Claudia -- Thanks for your reassurance on the spotting. It has increased a bit and I ended up calling me OB since she's right upstairs in the medical building above the wing I work in. She said I don't need to be seen and can come in tomorrow.

Helene -- Yes, good idea. I will tone down the workouts if this is what I get!

Hazel -- So glad you had a great trip. I can't wait to feel my baby moving inside. How wonderful!

Katie -- My OB gave me brochures from both cord blood banking places. I thought the price on the brochures was a bit less than what you found... maybe $1750 + the yearly fee. We haven't made a decision on it yet either.

AFM -- Well, my spotting has increased and I called OB. She said that I can wait until tomorrow to be seen since it isn't heavy and I'm not having bad pain. Could this be from stopping the progesterone? From my workout last night? It's certainly not from intercourse. So I can tell you, I'm definitely NOT going to sleep much worrying about this tonight. If it gets worse, I can go to my OB office until 7PM or after that the ER. Greeeaat.

[claud662]

Lou-Try not to worry. I have had about 3-4 incidents of a light-medium flow (definitely more than just spotting) and almost all of the times it has been red blood and even once with big blood clots and Flick still hung in there. I know it's totally nerve-racking but just try to take it easy tonight and drink tons of water and keep your feet up. You will have reassurance tomorrow!!! Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

[malya324]

Hi all, just got back from my 17wk ultrasound, IT'S A BOY! Here are our pics.

[angelaezra]

Gi – I am sorry you are not feeling well. I have had heartburn really bad for the last couple of days also. So I finally went out and bought some Tums. I sure hope it helps. I ate a spicy sandwich and tried to lie down about 4 hours later and I about chocked to death because it burned my chest and throat so bad that I thought someone set it on fire. I guess no more spicy chicken sandwiches while I am pregnant anymore. That is exciting that you are weaning off your meds.

Karen – I am so glad your OB appointment went well. That is also great news about “no” blood thinners.

Katie – thank you for the words of encouragement! Yes, we are so excited now that we have seen our baby and heard the HB. I will spend the day w/ my nephew one day this week and tell him the news.

Ronda – I hope you are doing well and thank you for the well wishes regarding my u/s appointment.

Stephanie – I think two boys would be great and I also don’t think you are an odd ball.

**I love your idea about registering but I just can’t register right now. I am still very terrified about this pregnancy and I don’t want to jinx it. I know that sounds strange but I was just about to buy my crib and order everything I needed for Ashley (even plan a baby shower) when she passed away. I think losing a child especially that late in a pregnancy ruins your innocence and sometimes your excitement about a pregnancy because of the past because you are always scared! I know I shouldn’t feel that way, but I just can’t help it.

Tammy – I am so glad to hear from you. I truly hope that you are able to heal and cycle again soon.

Lou – I love the picture. I know how you feel. You read information about do’s and don’ts and it makes you panic because of all of the don’ts. I am sure you will be fine! I am so glad you grandmother is doing better sometimes it is something as simple as a change in diet (vitamins) that can make all the difference in the world. I just read your next post, to make you feel better you can ask for a progesterone level but I remember when I stopped my progesterone I had a lot of cramping but no spotting. Please make sure you take it easy during your workouts. I just saw your last post … I think it is a good idea to get off your feet and try to relax. I am sure everything is fine but please take it easy in the mean time. It is good that you don’t have any cramping.

Babyluv – thank you for the reassurance! I am glad the bleeding is not as bad today. It will take awhile for it to go away. I think when I had my bleed during my last pregnancy; I bled for maybe 2 or 3 weeks off and on. Please take it easy!

Katie – I hope you are doing well.

Hazel – Hello … it sounds like you had a wonderful time on your vacation. I am trying to figure out where to go w/ my DH for our vacation because we were supposed to go to Hawaii and Las Vegas this year but I cannot fly so I will have to think of a place that we can drive to. That is also exciting to hear about the baby moving around in there … I am glad everything is going well for you.

Claudia – that is great news that you were released by your RE. I am sure exciting but probably a little scary all at the same time. I am so happy that you will be able to tell your family members this weekend … that is so exciting. I can’t wait to hear how they react!

Mayla – I love the ultrasound pictures. IT’S A BOY!!!! Congratulations!!!!

AFM - I had another long day today at work and I am so glad to be home. I still feel pretty good so I am happy. I called my high risk OB today to schedule an appointment and we keep playing phone tag so hopefully we can schedule our first appointment for early June. I am terrified to think that I will be leaving my RE because I feel so comfortable w/ them. It is just like the last time, I didn’t want to leave then either but I guess I have to … lol.

Angela

[lycase]

claud - wow t-shirts would be so cute

steph - its a good idea about a little something but I think I will be making somethign instead of buying if its ok

lou - glad you are thinking what am thinking... you are going to be such a good and cute mama love the belly shots. And I know you are going to be ok just your body adjusting to your pg... you are also in the 2 digit so mc is passed now Not to worry. Just try and relax the physical exercise and get a book to exercise your mind ... specially baby books good positive thoughs... (wish I had the time to read

Me too I though the price for blood banking cord was cheeper I will have to take a look again.

malya - it's a boy... wow oh wow... he is so amazingly cute... it looks like he is lookign through the window to find you so cute.

AFM - almost done packing my fun part of the house and dh has the boring parts to do like kitchen, livingroom, clothes etc.

Hugs and prayers to everyone... Goodnight

Helene

[hjw]

Morning! It's so nice to be back in touch with you all again...

Helene - I'm feeling really good, thanks! The first trimester was horrendous and I spent weeks 6 to 13 pretty much laid up in bed vomiting constantly. Weeks 13 to 16 saw a gradual improvement and since then I've got all my energy back and I feel really great, other than getting heartburn in the afternoons and evenings (acupuncture really helps for that, but I haven't been for the last three weeks thanks to the holiday - I'm going again tomorrow so hopefully it will improve a bit after that). The bump (or rather, the 'beach ball', as it's now known thanks to my DH) is just starting to get solid and so it's restricting my movement a bit, but nothing to complain about. It starts off OK in the morning but by the evening it is rock solid and feels like a huge immovable object! Everyone says that the last trimester is the uncomfortable one, so I'm trying to make the most of feeling good while it lasts. I see that you're almost at the end of the first trimester - how have you been feeling so far?

Steph - how is the new house? Hope you are all settled in and cosy! What fab photos, I really enjoyed 'meeting' your family! Hahaha, I think the 'beach ball' is going to be a Swiss exercise ball (are they called that in the US?) by my due date! I'm going to try and post a few photos once I've done a few personals so you can see just how big I already am at 22 weeks! I'm sure your flutters will start soon, particularly as you are carrying two and it's not your first pregnancy - I bet you can't wait! p.s. Love your idea of registering somewhere, but we don't really have anything like that in the UK or do baby showers...I think we should though!

claud - love your photos, and I'm so pleased that Flick is doing well. Glad you're feeling less tired - hopefully in a few weeks once you hit the second trimester you'll feel more back to normal.

lou - oh my God girl, the photos of you in your bikini almost scared me off posting mine on here! I agree with whoever said that there are a lot of glamorous women on here! So sorry to hear about the spotting, particularly when it was going so smoothly. Hopefully everything will be perfectly fine at your appointment today and you can stop worrying - are they going to give you a scan? Thank goodness your grandma is back home and better now.

malya - congratulations on having a baby boy and what fantastic u/s photos you got! I particularly love the ones of him waving at his Mummy... We saw some lovely images at our 20 week scan but the tech only gave us one photo of a side view of Zorba, which was nice but a bit boring in comparison to what we'd seen of the footprints etc.

Angela - I hear you on the heartburn, it's so not fun. I keep trying to tell myself though that it's better than the days when I was puking constantly, and it won't last forever. Did the Tums help? I've found that sipping milk is the best thing for me. I bought some Gaviscon but honestly the taste of that is worse than putting up with the heartburn!

Photos to follow...

Hazel

[hjw]

OK, so here goes (hopefully!) for the pictures, if I can do this right. Sorry in advance for the number of them, I think I've gone a little picture crazy!

Firstly, introducing my two four legged babies. This is Joya (4 1/2 year old female Labrador)...


and Flynn (5 year old male Irish Setter/Labrador cross)...


and both of the little monsters together, looking like butter wouldn't melt (I assure you, it does!)...


This is me, taken on holiday last June in Portugal, post-IVF weight but pre-Zorba weight...


Introducing the 'beach ball', as at 21 weeks...


...and again...no prizes for guessing where the 8kg has gone then!


Finally, here is DH and I on our wedding day 6 years ago...


...and on the last day of our holiday a few days ago.


And that's our little family.

Hazel

[lycase]

hjw - oh dear you must have lost so much weight. I am so sorry dear about all the troubles. Glad to see it's getting better. so you are still doing acupuncture wow that's amazing I didn't know you could do that.

Yes I am at 10w4d I think and still feeling NOTHING I never feel anything in all my pg. I though this one since it's donor embies I would feel different like rejection or something but no nothing. Just tired when I climb the stairs. And I know it's going to be that way all the way. Lucky me. Maybe that's why I don't mind lots of kids I am never sick

Wow love your pictures. Talk about pretty and cute too. Love the belly and the dog and the couple of course. Specially you with the glass you have such a natural beauty wow!! Nice wedding picture too.

AFM - I am glad I didn't have to long to caught up this morning cause I did it last night. Cause my co-worker at work decided to send me work... loads of work just before I leave can you believe that... like over 100 pages to work on... I though this is stupid. I am about to be gone in a couple of weeks why didn't she just leave me alone... So anyways I will see how far I will get to do them but I told my boss there is no way I can do all of that before I leave... Too bad.

Hugs and have a good day everyone.

Helene

[lycase]

This is the picture of my dh and all our children when Jamie was born. He was 4 days old and so of coures I was NOT only FAT I also got everyone ready so they would be perfect and by doing so I forget to get MYSELF ready and only noticed it after I got the pictures back. No make up, no hair done. Boy that was stupid, I was pretty upset at forgetting about me?

But since my daughter is now back from Japan we redid those pictures last Saturday and so you will see a new one soon with my dh's son Andrew and my daughter Caitlind too. Can't wait to see them I am going to pick them tonight to choose which ones I want to get printed.

And this is the picture we got that day of the little man. Pretty good for being only 4 days old

[katie99]

Olim - EDD is on Aug 4
Hazel- midwife appt on 5/26 - EDD is Sept 7
Riley -EDD is on Oct 5
Malya - EDD is Oct 10
Katie RE b/w on 5/11 -Anatomy scan w/o 5/22 - OB appt on 5/27 -EDD is Oct 24
Merri - EDD is on Oct 26
KTelise-EDD is on Nov 3
Hope -EDD is on Nov 7
Gi -Saw 1 perfect baby waving! - next OB appt on 5/6 - EDD is on Nov 14
Positive thinking - EDD is on Nov 14
Ronda- HB of 183! - EDD is on Nov15
Claudia - OB appt on 5/7 - NT scan on 5/18- EDD is on Nov28 - Thanksgiving weekend!
Helene -IPS (NT scan) on 5/19 - OB appt on 6/9 - EDD is on Nov 28
Libby - HB was 173! - EDD is on Nov 29 - Thanksgiving weekend!
Angela YAY! 1 strong HB of 117! - EDD is on Dec 22 - A Christmas baby!
Franca -1st u/s on 5/14 - EDD is on Dec 28- another Christmas baby!




Karen- EDD is Oct 4
Ashley -EDD is Oct 7
Stephanie- next u/s on 5/28 -EDD is on Nov 4
Sara- - EDD is Nov 22
Babyluv- Surprise twins! 2 strong heart beats of 110 & 119 -EDD is on Nov 28




Tammy - m/c - 1 angel looking over her -
DrBoots (Ryan) - m/c - 1 angel watching over her
Lou - m/c 11wks - We all grieve with you.. -

[claud662]

Thought you would enjoy this pic taken at my 30th birthday party which of course was an 80's theme!!


here is my 10w3d pic....the belly bump is definitely growing!!


Figured I would show off my body pre-IVF!!!


personals later