Winter Cycle Friends 2009/2010 - Everyone Welcome!

[gi]

Hey ladies,

Bei glad to hear you went to doc. hopefully you are feeling bit better and back to the land of living. We dont do baby showers over here in Ireland but you normally get baby clothes/presents when baby is born from family or friends.

Katie oh i have had a few very werird organ kicks and one only an hour ago in the car though i still remember the 1st one at 21wks when jason and i were having lunch in town she actually took the life out of me only for a split sec and i was like what the hell are you kicking If shes turned inwards she always kicks my organs! Glad to hear you are feeling much better, can you believe next wk your ticker will be in single digits for wks!! and yes i do play with baby toys sure jason and i have a huge stack of kids board games which we play regularly!!

Steph its great Andrew is feeling much better it must feel like a different household. How in the name are you coping in the Texas heat no fear of a heat wave in Ireland!! I hope you get the dressers soon as the nesting feeling must really be kicking in esp with twins and you never know when they will come.

Angela thanks for the explanation on BH i dont think i have had any yet thank goodness but its good to know the signs, i hope you dont get them too often even though they are safe its still nerve racking!! Good luck with u/s and soon you will be over that tough hurdle for you and dh.

PA fair play to you for flying till 27 wks i hope it all goes safetly for you, me i hate flying!!! Hows the bump coming along??

Lou and Tammy fingers crossed we will see ye back over here shortly xxxxx

gi xxx

[natasha10]

hi everyone!!!

i seen there are a few ladies going for another cycle. good luck ladies!!!

i hope all of you a great weekend. the heat was bad still. stay hydrated ladies and dont work too hard.

AFM- Nothing really new with me besides friday i go to see if the placenta is making enough progesterone again to get off these shots so my fingers are crossed everyone knows how i feel about them otherwise im just trying to cope with these migranes. i dont like taking tylenol all day but threse headaches arent going away at all. the last a day or two then go away for a day or so before i get another. im not sure was going on but i guess we'll see. i have been having lost of cramps sharp or pains in my lower abdomen, i guess i really didnt know what to expect being pregnant. everyone else i saw prego never mentioned all these feelings and problems.. but its all worth it like sara said.

[lou71]

Hi girls!

We transferred two perfect blasts today! RE said we have a 60-70% chance of success and a 40% chance of twins. I have one more embie in an early blast stage a nd 3 morulas so I'm hoping something can be frozen tomorrow. I'd love to have that insurance.

Miss you all. I really appreciate your support. XOXO

[PA_FA]

Angela- Thanks for the info. I'm sure they are going to freak me out the first time anyhow. Good to know that it can be brought on by dehydration.

gi- Flying is still going well. I am starting to grow out of my uniform and may have to switch to the really ugly maternity uniform. ICK! It's horrible. I'd much rather prefer my cute skirt and heels but the pantyhose are starting to get uncomfortable. LOL No trips to Ireland this month. I do have 2 to Italy though. I plan on completely pigging out on pasta! I can't wait until I get back to Ireland though and can have a proper Guinness. Next year I guess.

Lou- YOU ARE PUPO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Woo hoo!!!!! Baby dust to you! (I can't do the cool fonts and pics like Katie...but I'd make it all sparkle if I could!)


Have a great day ladies. I'll check in tonight when I get to my hotel. Cheers!

[claud662]

Hi Ladies!! I hope you all had a nice weekend! Ours was somewhat relaxing-took the dog down to a doggie beach and he had a blast!!! I rocked the bikini with a big old bump and loved it!!! Then Sunday my DH and I attempted to start looking at baby items and I was sooooo OVERWHELMED!! I literally wanted to cry and felt I was totally unprepared even though I have 16 weeks left!! I was confused on the baby seats, the snap and go, strollers, etc! I talked to a bunch of friends that had babies so I understand it a little more and a friend is meeting me today at Buy Buy Baby to go over stuff so hopefully this time will be more successful!! My next obgyn apt is August 27th and I have to get my glucose test that week and then I have my 28 week ultrasound on Sept 7th!!!

PA-FA-you are crazy to be flying all over the place! I give you tons of credit for doing it pregnant! I don't love flying normally so it must be tough on you! I am so happy you got a good report at your last DR apt and keeping my fingers crossed for the best!

Angela-sorry about the BH! I had those bad for a couple weeks and then they went away so hoping they stay away!!! The new thing for me is waking up in the middle of the night with cramps by my hip flexers and butt area! I don't know if it is because I'm not drinking enough water or if it's from sleeping on my side or what?!?!!

Natasha-good luck getting off the PIO shots!!!

Katie-I haven't felt anything like that but today I was studying my stomach and could see where Flick was kicking/punching and it was sooo much fun!!! You are a few weeks ahead though so I will definitely let you know!! How are you doing in this heat?!? I can't wait till your nursery is done so I can see pics!

Steph-poker night is so much fun! My best friend and her DH have a poker room in their house and used to be really into the games! I always ended up losing like 50 bucks so my DH put an end to that!!! haha!!!

gotta go run to a lunch meeting but love to everyone:)

[babyluv]

Hey Ladies!

So no personals right now, but some fun news (get ready for sarcasm). I am on modified bedrest! Whoo hoo! I called my OB today because the last several days I've been averaging about 5 BH per hour while still taking it pretty easy! If I lay in a very specific position and don't move, I can get them down to maybe 2-3, but other than that, I'm just having a lot. He checked my cervix and I'm not dialeted, but he wants me on modified rest and then come back in two weeks. A part of me thinks it's overkill, but I also don't want to take any chances. I've heard too many stories of women blowing it off and then landing in the hospital.

The GOOD news is that my mom gave her official resignation today (she's a homebound teacher and is in between summer school and the fall session), and got pretty much everything she needed taken care of just hours before I called asking if she could come up here tomorrow (she's about 3 hours away). So most likely she'll be here for the next two weeks until school starts for my kids, permanently if I ask her (though I want her to be able to go home for awhile and get stuff done...hopefully I'll be released from house arrest at that point.

Happy 30th to me in two days!! But hey, I'll do what I need to.

[angelaezra]

Gi – Glad to see that you are doing well.

Natasha – I am sorry to hear that your headaches aren’t going away. I would definitely mention it to your physician; my doctor said that if my migraines didn’t subside w/ Tylenol that he would prescribe me Tylenol with codeine.

Lou – That is awesome news regarding your transfer. I am praying for you!

PA_FA – I am glad that flying is still going well and I am sure that you still look great in your maternity uniform.

Claudia – It sounds like you had a great weekend with your family! Thanks for the reassurance regarding the BH. During my doctor’s appointment today, she said that they normally subside a little after a few weeks, so I hope that happens to me also.

Babyluv – Sorry to hear about the modified bed rest but you are right, if it is the best thing for your babies then that is all that matters.

AFM – Well, my lovely ladies, I am back from my extensive anatomy scan today. All night last night I tossed and turned because I was so very anxious regarding the scan and when we got there we had to wait well over an hour. Ok, so by then I started to get perturbed because we even arrived early and everyone who arrived well after of me was called before us. I wouldn’t have minded but I had a doctor’s appointment right after the scan so I needed to get the ball rolling. Anyway, I am happy to say that Gabriella is Gabriella so it’s a girl and she is perfectly healthy! I was so nervous and excited at the same time that I started crying. I just kept remembering my nightmare with her sister a 1 ½ ago during her anatomy scan. After we left, we went straight to the hall to officially rent it for the baby shower. My parents were nice enough to help pay for part of the rental. So now I will purchase the invitations and then turn everything over to my sister, sister-in-law, and nursing school friend.

Angela

[katie99]

Whew!! its now 7pm and this is the first time I've got to sit down all day. I'm beat. I had to run all sorts of errands this morning, then quick come home and shove some food in my face, then excercise Gracie, have time for a 5 minute shower ( and you know thats not easy pregnant!) then run to my OB appt - which involves circling the parking lot til a spot opens up, then hiking up the hill to the office ( who designed this wonderful feature??) THEN have my BP taken right away? Hmmm... I even said to the nurse, who figured all the pregnant ladies should hike up the hill? - she laughed and said everyone complains about that - gee really? oh and all of this on a day with temps in the mid 90's and sticky! - fun, fun, fun! My OB appt was with a different Dr again, but I was wrong, it wasnt the HR guy - I get him next time though. This one wanted to keep telling me jokes - I dont know why. As usual I'm medically boring again - thankfully
But when I told him I'm waking up with stomach acid in my mouth at times, he told me to eat smaller meals more frequently - huh, like I didnt already know that? When i asked him about the organ kick Savannah got me with the other day, he said it will happen sometimes - umm, thanks Dr. When i asked him about my grapefruit sized ankles/ insteps and why my left is so much bigger all the time than my right - he said "well then, I guess you should use your right foot to kick your husband" - WTF??? Maybe I just wasnt in the mood for bad jokes today. But he did say after comedy hour that she's most likely pressing on a nerve leading to my legs and helping to block blood flow to my legs/ feet - yay for some explaination, right? I had to ask him twice to guesstimate Savannah's weight - and he said he thinks about 2 lbs. Well I could have got that from the pg book, couldnt I ? and then I asked him how its possible that I'm 7 months pg and am still the same weight as my first OB appt? His answer was that "if he thought my weight was a problem, that he'd tell me so". Hmm, so in other words, I got nothing out of today's appt at all. sigh. If I dont get a u/s at this next appt I'm going to scream until I get one, I mean come on this next appt I'll be 32 weeks! Isnt it time yet? I did find out from the receptionist that I only have to see each Dr in the practice at least once - then i can make the appts with the one I like better - the female OB of course! So I have 1 more to go and I'll see him in 3 weeks. But I'd be ok with any of them on the big day - umm ok maybe not this guy - haha

Lou - I was super happy to read your ET went fab yesterday! As happy as I am that you had 2 to freeze (yay) I dont think you'll need them for a while til you decide on a sibling! because this is your time! I saw your embie pics on the summer thread and damn girl! they look fantastic!! And to hear that your RE gave you such a great success rate and a 40 % chance of twins? I'm so excited for you!!! I'm sending you the stickiest of thoughts, my friend-
I dont know who is more excited for your beta - me or you - hee hee - ok hurry up the 17th!! - xoxo

Tammy - ugh sorry about your burn! You por thing, is it getting better? Your fert rate was great and I'm patiently waiting to see you PUPO soon!

Bei - Hi honey, how you've been? Now remind me, are you having twins? or triplets? When is your due date? How are you feeling mama?

Steph - Oh honey i simply cant wait for you to get your nursery ready to go, and then its time to sit back and enjoy it for a bit - I cant wait for mine either. And yep, the stores here are the same, always a season ahead. If you need a bathing suit in say the summer, its like good luck, you have to go online. it drives me nuts. And here the day after Labor day, the Christmas trees go up in the stores - so you can look at them while you're still in shorts and flip flops
Why do they do this? You'd figure in TX you could find some capris since you all dont really get a change of seasons - ugh. This is exactly why I've started to buy online, but thats no fun for an 11 year old, i know. Ah, so now you're married to a pool shark! whoo hoo! A monthly get together with friends sounds like a wonderful idea. I'm glad that Andrew is doing so well with the zoloft, now once the frniture is together he can relax a bit too. Wow your schools go back early
( in the South too) here they dont go back until 9/8, but i think they're stuck in school til almost the end on June each year. How are you feeling twin mama?

Angela - Yippeee! I knew your anatomy scan would go great, but now you're relieved too and thats whats important. I havent had any BH myself, but every thime Steph and Babyluv say they've got them I get nervous for them. You just have to take it easy, I know your schedule makes that really hard, but try, ok? Wheee, now onto the party planning and the shopping part! Enjoy every moment of it!

PA- FA - Whew just hearing your schedule make me tired! Glad to hear you're still feeling good. Dont you worry about an ugly maternity uniform, soon all you'll care about is that you're comfortable, i promise. Have a safe trip mama.

Natasha - ugh, sorry to hear that your headaches are still bugging you. I had a few weeks worth and boy was I miserable, the OB said they'd pass when my hormones leveled out, and luckily it was true. hang in there honey.

Gi - Tomorrow is your furniture day!!! Bet jason is just dying to put it all together, right? I'm glad I'm not the only one having those organ abusing kicks. maybe it just happens to us lucky number 7 women? haha - I know! eek! I have 11 weeks left! OMG when did that happen?

Hazel - you know when you are quiet we all start wondering about Zorba, right? Miss you lots!

Claudia - Oooh girl a doggie beach? How fun was that? I'll bet Lincoln had a ball! And I'm sure you did rock that bikini too! yeah, the first trip to babies r us ( i'm calling them BRU from now on, its too much typing) I thought we had instant ADD, then a few hours later - I was like my head will explode if we dont get out of here! I found that if I broke the list down to a reasonable amount, and only focused on those items, it was easier. oh and I did alot on research online especially reading all the product reviews on BRU's website - that helped alot! But I do notice that if you find a certain product you want, definitely price check online - I've found a big difference in prices! And buy buy baby seemed like they had a bigger selection, but wait til you see the difference in prices on some items! On a swing (fisher price, my little lamb) there was a 60 dollar difference between BRU and walmart online - multiply that by how big your list is - and wow! But BRU loves to give out those 20% off coupons and we've saved a bunch that way too. In hindsight, I wish we had started earlier, but you know how easy it is to stay nervous after all we've been throught to get pg - but try to remember this is suppossed to be FUN, not stressful
Enjoy shopping, just take your time. - xoxo

Babyluv - Oh honey, modified bed rest? with 2 little ones at home? Whew thank God for you Mom coming to help you out just in the nick of time! I'm sure that it sucks, but whatever we have to do to have healthy babies, right? big hug - xoxo

Whew I feel like I wrote a book - time for food! - xoxoxo

[katie99]

http://registryforwintercyclethread.webs.com/


Hazel -Scan on 8/25 @38weeks! EDD is Sept 7-
Riley -EDD is on Oct 5
Katie - OB appt 9/1 -EDD is Oct 24 -
KTelise-EDD is on Nov 3
Hope -EDD is on Nov 7 -
Gi - EDD is on Nov 14-
Claudia - OB appt w/ GTT on 8/27 - 28 week scan on 9/7 - EDD is on Nov28 - Thanksgiving weekend! -
Emerald - EDD is on Dec 7 -
Angela- EDD is on Dec 22 - A Christmas baby! -
Natasha next OB on 8/25 - EDD is on Feb 7
Franca- next appt /scan on 8/16
PA -FA - EDD is on 2/15/2011 a Valentine's baby!






Stephanie - Peri on 8/11 - OB on 8/12 - EDD is on Sept 30 - - AND
Sara - EDD is Nov 22 - AND
Babyluv - HR OB appt on 8/13 - EDD is on Nov 28 - AND
Bei - Twins! - EDD is Feb 15 - Valentine's Day babies





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.. -
Malya - premature labor @ 20wks - 1 angel watching over you -
Natakia - m/c - 1 angel watching over you -
Ronda - m/c 17wks - we all grieve with you -
Karen- premature labor @ 23.5 wks -We all grieve with you -

[lou71]

Lou - I was super happy to read your ET went fab yesterday! As happy as I am that you had 2 to freeze (yay) I dont think you'll need them for a while til you decide on a sibling! because this is your time! I saw your embie pics on the summer thread and damn girl! they look fantastic!! And to hear that your RE gave you such a great success rate and a 40 % chance of twins? I'm so excited for you!!! I'm sending you the stickiest of thoughts, my friend-
I dont know who is more excited for your beta - me or you - hee hee - ok hurry up the 17th!! - xoxo

Katie --- You are too funny!!! Your post made me laugh out loud! My RE was sooooo excited as well. I'll feel awful for him if it's a BFN. I'm excited with the chances I was given but to tell you the truth, I feel super pressured as well for this to work. I'm terrified!!!! Miss you my friend!

To everyone else: -- I really appreciate all of your support this cycle everyone. I have a question from you all.... My last cycle I felt a lot of implantation cramping on dpo 7, 8, and 9. This time, it's day 7 and I feel NOTHING except for bloatedness and sore ovaries. Did any of you feel implantation? If you've been pregnant more than once, did you feel it each time? I'm letting this worry me too much I think.

[angelaezra]

Lou - It is great to hear from you. I understand how you feel regarding the pressure for this cycle to work but just remember we are here for you no matter what but I have a feeling you will get another BFP!

I have been pregnant four times and the only time I felt cramping was the first time I was pregnant (naturally), and my first IVF but this time I didn't feel crampy but I did feel bloated just like you are feeling. I too worried because my symptoms were so different.

Angela

[Stephanieford78]

Lou - I remember how concerned you were last time about your cramping. You were just about convinced it didn't work when it did. However, just because you don't feel the same sensations doesn't mean it isn't working this time. Because of what we go through, we are so much more aware of our bodies. Each little cramp and twinge we tend to analize. I can tell you that through the IVF process, I felt absolutley nothing the times it didn't work. The only time I ever felt bloating, cramps, tired, sore boobs etc was when it was a BFP. I had sore ovaries too with this pregnancy. Another thing that I analized because I was thinking that meant that my body wanted to have a period, but it was just side effect from taking the drugs. You just went through a fresh cycle. Your ovaries are probably sore thanks to still being pretty huge. They still need to go back down to normal and that will cause some soreness. I can't say that the odd cramping I was feeling was implantation, I never understood how a person could really feel something microscopic attaching. lol I guess it is just a sensation that some people claim to feel and others don't. Either way, stay positive and act pregnant! I found that it really helped me to visualize the embryo growing, being healthy and telling it how much I loved them and wanting them. Of course I did a few supersticious things too. Like wearing my mom's wedding ring to transfer day and since I found out I was preggers, I haven't taken it off. lol All my other rings are gone, but not that one.

Katie - I knew you would get those answers from your ob. lol Saw that "2lb" guess coming a mile away. I know how much you want to see Savannah, but maybe you will have more luck with the HR ob? Either way, you are having a wonderfully perfect pregnancy and really don't "need" one and so they aren't doing one. I am sure that doesn't help the strong need to see your baby after all you have been through and hearing all the information we get from our u/s. Hang in there baby mama! I am feeling... ummm... fine? lol As good to be expected I suppose. I am getting more and more uncomfy every day it seems. I don't want to complain because I will put up with all this as long as it takes to make sure they are in there till they are done cooking. Oh, and as far as school shopping... it isn't a season ahead. They have plenty of shorts, just hoochie mama shorts. lol Too short that if I allowed Alex to wear it to school she would be sent home. I was lucky last year and found two she could wear. She still fits them and a few capris I found last year too. This year, either everyone scooped up ALL of the capris and longer shorts or they just didn't stock them. There definately was more of a selection last year. She does go to school just a bit early, but they get long vacations and more days off during school. There are hardly ever days they call off here. They only reserve one day at the end of the year for a "make up day" incase there is snow or ice. This past winter, we actually did get snow but they held school anyway. Like idiots because no one in Texas knows how to drive in snow. She had to stand at the bus stop while it was snowing and then we had to pick her up at 10am when they finally closed school. It was a mess and they were so unprepared they had to hold staff there like a regular school day because some parents couldn't get off work to pick up their kid and they wouldn't run busses in that weather.

Angela - Awesom to know that Gabriella is still a girl. lol Also that she is perfect! So the baby shower is on it's way now. I bet you are getting excited and finally and truly enjoying this pregnancy! I know how you feel about the waiting. For each of my u/s visits I hav always had to wait an hour no matter how early I showed up. It is frustrating and I know exactly how it happens too. For me, they schedule an hour long u/s but it usually takes longer because they have two babies to contend with. So we are usually there for 2-3 hours total each time. On top of not estimating time for that, there are people with a bunch of questions they want answered and that takes up time. I have seen where one girl had her whole family in there asking questions and shooting the shit with the doctor while I was waiting. I was like... come on already people! Questions ok, but from literally 8 people?? Then to be making jokes and fooling around? Not cool. lol

Babyluv - Sorry you are on bedrest but at least it looks like you will have your mom. I am scared that I will get the same orders. If I get on bedrest then Andrew gets "quarters" where he can stay home. We looked into this already so we could be prepared for the what ifs. I still have the BH and they get a lot worse when I am doing things, even house work. The day before the shower I was trying to clean up, I wasn't even doing a lot, I was just on my feet more. I felt a contraction so I rested thinking as long as I don't have one in 20 minutes of rest I will get back up. Well, I had one at 20 minutes, then every 10 minutes, then 5 minutes until finally they stopped about two hours later. I got up to do more work and kept getting them throughout the day and night. Since that day, they have been pretty regular though not as bad if I just sit on my arse. lol

Claudia - Glad you have friends to help with the baby stuff. It can be a little much with all they have out there now. Even I had to shake my head a few times. Though I love the changes. I wish I would have had so many options back in the day. lol The upgrades they have made in baby and child stuff from over a decade ago are very convinient! Can't wait to see how it goes and hear what all you get!

PA - How are those flights treating you? Notice anything different being preggers? I have never been on a commercial flight pregnant or not. lol Must be a dream to be able to see so many interesting places. I have always wanted to travel and see the world. I have a big connection to Europe and a lot of things in the history over there. So much so that I have been asked by a colledge student majoring in European history, if I was a professor or something because I knew more than she did. lol I have never even visited... but someday I will!!! Hopefully this lifetime.

AFM - Well, I have a peri appt tomorrow then my ob the next day. I plan on asking yet some more questions. I am starting to feel some strange flutters that feels like my heart. Almost like my heart is vibrating. So I am guessing an extra beat maybe? I woke up last night to turn from one side to the other and when I turned on my left side I felt it a few times. Maybe the babies were blocking my vena cava? Not sure but it wasn't the first time I felt it so yeah, gotta bring that up. lol I suppose I will wait till tomorrow when I might know some answers to say more. Hope everyone is having a great week! Take care baby mamas!

[bei]

katie : hi i m sorry for late reply at first u/s they got 3 heartbit so at that point i was having triplets , and then at 2ed u/s they just found 2 babies so now i m having twins ,and my due date is feb 15th , anyways hows everythings going with u sweetie takecare talk to u soon

[babyluv]

Bei - Glad you are feeling well. Sorry to hear about the loss of one of your babies...it sounds as though you are handling it well. I am very excited that you are now in your second tri! Hope you feel better!

Steph - Hope your appt goes well and you don't get bedrest! If you do, at least Andrew will be able to be home, sooo...I guess there are pros and cons. Still, I hope those BH calm down!

Katie - Girl, that doctor would have irritated me also! I like that my OB has his own practice...just he and the midwife. I'm not crazy about her, but she won't deliver me anyway since I'll be high risk and most likely end up with a C anyway. Hopefully you can get the OB you want when it comes time!

Angela - I am SOO glad your appt went well and Gabriella looks wonderful. That must have been a huge relief. Take it easy with those BH!

Claudia - Whoo hoo, swim season is over! AWESOME that you rocked that bikini! I'm just way too big right now (plus my stomach is all sorts of veiny), so I went with a suit that covered me up while we were at the beach. My bikini days ended at 11 weeks!

Lou - AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!!! SO excited for two great embies and two more to freeze! I can totally understand you being under pressure this time around. Hope everything works out beautifully!

Tammy - Sounds like you are doing really well also...FOUR!!! Praying you'll be popping out another baby (or more!) next year!!

Sorry for anyone I missed...I'm a little behind.

AFM - Mom came up yesterday and oh, OH how I love that woman! Between she and DH, there is really nothing I have to worry about. Right now she is at the park with the kids, she's doing my laundry, keeping things neat...she's amazing. The kids came into our room at 7 this morning and were bouncing all over the place with birthday cards and presents (M&Ms and Snickers...HA!). This isn't how I planned to spend my 30th when Darren and I talked about it last year, but it's really been so nice. Darren and I are going out for a quick dinner tonight then back home. He got me a few things, one being a prenatal massage, so I'm going to double check with my OB that it's ok and maybe go this week or next. I woke up at 2am with my back really hurting and it took awhile for it go away...so I get to blame that on the twins AND age! HA!

The BH are definitely better. I don't think I've had more than 4 an hour, and yesterday I even went over an hour with none, so apparently the rest is helping. My next high risk appt in next Friday, and they'll double check my cervix. Hopefully it still looks really good.

[hjw]

Afternoon ladies, hope all is well. I had my 36 week midwife appointment this morning - all is OK, my blood pressure is still low and the urine sample got the all-clear. Zorba is still head down but not engaged yet. I'm starting to wish he/she woudl arrive soon, as I'm starting to get pretty uncomfortable, particularly trying to turn over in bed at night (it's like having the turning circle of an oil tanker!). I have to count myself lucky though, I've still not started feeling the horrible aches and pains which so many women seem to be plagued with in the 3rd trimester, and I even played 18 holes of golf at the weekend (my hips were really aching for the last hour of it though, so I'm not sure I'll do as many as 18 again!). My worst complaint is still the heartburn. Plus some nausea on and off.

PA_FA - I'm so happy for you that they didn't see a cyst at your appointment! Is that because it had gone, do you think, or might it never really have been there in the first place?

gi - yay, so did your furniture arrive yesterday and is it all in place yet?

bei - sorry to hear about your m/s. As gi said, I had a horrible time with it between weeks 6 to 13, then it tailed off gradually and was gone by week 16. The doctor prescribed me Phenergen, but it turned me into a zombie so I largely tried to manage without drugs, but if I did take any I cut them into halves or quarters which took a little edge off the sickness and let me function slightly, without making me so dozy I couldn't stay awake. I was lucky in that I'm not working so if I needed to stay horizontal most of the day to lessen the number of times I was sick, that's just what I did. I had acupunture twice a week, which improved things enough that I was able to drink water without bringing it back up, and dry toast. That's what I credit with being able to get through the m/s phase without needing to go to hospital. Otherwise, you just need to try and eat tiny amounts as often as you can (lying down if need be!) and just get through it - it won't last forever! Sleeping is good too. Don't worry about the babies, they will take what they need from your reserves and will be just fine. Zorba is testament to the fact that bad m/s doesn't restrict their growth as he/she is now on course to be a 10lb baby!

angela - I'm so happy that your anatomy scan went well!! Now that you know for sure that Gabriella is a girl, are you going to hit the baby shops?

katie - oh honey, food poisoning and pregnancy is not a fun mix! Hope you're all better now. Your story about Savannah moving organs around made me smile - Zorba quite often moves suddenly in an odd way and it takes my breath away for a second, which kind of sounds like a similar thing. Or he/she will scrape a foot down the inside of my ribs, which is a truly weird sensation and makes me feel all 'icky', just like if someone scrapes their fingernails down a blackboard! You'll have to ask them to let you know Savannah's weight when you get your u/s - they can only do it with a scan, so you won't be able to find anything out until they give you one. The size of your uterus when they measure is a guide but not conclusive - the outside of my stomach has measured bang-on for my stage every time, but the stomach contents have always been big! Wow, I can't believe we're at 29 and 36 weeks respectively - sometimes it seems to be going slowly but then every so often I get very scared at how little time there is left. Is the nursery all set now?

babyluv - your getaway sounds great, I'm jealous - just as well you got that in before your modified bedrest! Hope that's not driving you too crazy, with any luck it won't be for too long, whatever is best for the babies. Oh, and BTW, HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY for today!

claudia - hahaha, I remember the first time DH and I went into a baby shop, there was such an array of stuff that it was all totally overwhelming and after an hour it felt like we both had snow blindness! Slow and steady was the key for us, I think, just pick a few items a time and concentrate on those rather than trying to look at everything at once.

Steph - I think I felt some BH contractions for the first time at the weekend, on Saturday while I was playing golf and on Sunday while we were walking the dogs. It seems to be physical activity which sets them off, if I lie down they go away. How funny that we seem to have a fair few stomach sleepers on this thread - I'm one too, and can't wait to be able to sleep on my stomach again once Zorba is here. Of course, I have been warned that I still might not be able to if my boobs are too sore from the milk, but I live in hope... Hope your OB appointment went well today - are the babies still measuring ahead? And did the remaining furniture get purchased, or am I silly to even ask the question??

Riley - an early delivery wouldn't just be no bad thing for me, it would be a GREAT thing, hahaha! If you know of any tips to use from 37/38 weeks to get things moving, I'm all ears... Reagan sounds as if she's picked a much more sensible birth weight for her Mum!

Sara - hope your first week back at work is going OK. Just make sure you take it easy and that your work colleagues help you out if you need it!

lou - hurray for two perfect little blasts. To answer your question, I got very slight odd cramps on and off soon after transfer, then absolutely nothing for the whole of the second week so I was convinced it hadn't worked again. Just goes to show. Everyone is different and each time is different and you just can't tell, so try not to read anything into things either way! Keeping everything crossed for you, when is your beta?

H x