Awaiting Treatment

[pequele]

1 month to the day

where oh where has my AF gone oh where oh where can she beeeeeee

Next week would have been the end of my 1st trimester

today kinda really sucks ya know

Steph

[jen babes]

Hi all been away and manic since i came back..just getting over 2nd cold in 3 wks and now have a cough

Steph
we are on the same path...my m/c bleed lasted 14days...AF was due 10days ago still ZILTCH...need it soon as will be starting meds for hysteroscopy hugs to ya sweetie x x x

waiting for Mia- Here is an AF jig for you me and Steph for our AF's to arrive... hope it works. x x xPS welcome to the thread...

su and nimbs ... happy news on your lovely scan news.. woo hoo
good to focus on your expanding bellies and growing beanies x x x

beachbaby look after you and those growing twin bubbas x x x

Shants and Rachel...our preggie ones now in 2nd tri have a lovely christmas last one alone with your hubbies x x x...cos next year it will be extra special with your other family member...

IM buddies jen1d carolyn and Gill_ hey lovies have a fab christmas time cos it will soon be a roller coaster of tmt and schedules of adoption panels...2008 will be our yera my buds x x x x x

Becky- missed your sense of humour hun x x x Good to have you back x x x love and great big hugs x x x

Hope hun welcme to this thread...hugs to ya sweetie both Steph and i knw how you feel x x x love to ya x x x

Pumma your time is soon fr a sant stocking full of twin beanies eh!!!! good luck sweetie x x x

wishful and carolyn and everyone else i have missed on this personals..hugs and much love ...

I had a good 8 days in Glasgow seeing old friends and back of old works christmas party...a good but tiring time...been fighting my 2nd cold of 3wks and finally getting there !!!!! cant wait until we shoot off to Ayr/gasgow for family christmas, leaving this saturday and back late next week. than have visitors staying over from London to eperience a good old knees up of a Scottish new Year...really looking forward to the business. My tears have beeen falling a lot over grief and loss of beanie...it comes in waves and i suppose hormones getting back to normal and alll that will trigger it. Just waiting on Af so a jig would be great from you girls x x x ta x x x xxx
dont think i will get much chance to pop on before the big day...so happy christmas everyone xxxxxx

much love to you all jen Bxxxxxxxxxxx

[squeezan]

Hi Ladies
I had a bit of a shock at work today. One of my good friends, who knows, said that the biggest gossip in the dept had just told her I was pregnant How the hell did she know? and who else has she told?
It upset me so much I was shaking. I don't mind that people know but I feel I've been betrayed by someone I thought I could trust, but I don't even know who.
Its taken some of the excitement away as I was looking forward to telling people when I was ready but now I don't know who knows what.
I decided to go straight to the senior managers and tell them so they didn't hear it second hand. One was out so I'll talk to him tomorrow, the other one didn't let on she'd heard anything but she's a good actress so I just don't know.
I can't believe it! I knew there'd be some gossip just because I'm single etc but I didn't expect this.
Sorry to go on - I had to get that out. You're the only ones I feel I can trust right now
Su

[pequele]

Su- they are just jealous cuz they think you are "gettin some" and they aren't I mean HOW ELSE could you have POSSIBLY gotten pregnant


Steph

[nimble]

hi girls, a short and sweet one from me, still at work, plucking up the courage to go outside into the cold....... its also my works do tonight and I had made a decision a week ago that I wouldn't go as I wasn't sure of the outcome of the scan - I knew that if things didn't turn out well, it would be the last thing I would have wanted to do and didn't want to lose money either.....now feel I little jealous I'm not going but hey ho at least I'll be snuggled in bed by 10!!

Jen babes - so lovely to hear from you and wishing you a merry christmas and a happy new year. Hope your dreams come true in 2008.xxx

Su - can completely understand why you are upset - I've told a few close colleagues but would be upset if the betrayed my confidence - I know yesterday a co worker asked my boss if i was pg as i wasn't going to the do tonight. Also my DH works in the same company and area so need to be mindful of his privacy as well. But at the same you want to shout it out!! If anyone asks me, I'm just going to deny deny deny!!!!

Steph - right - this is it - WHERE ARE YOU AF - SHOW YR SELF OR ELSE!!! Think I also need to get a bloody wand to help ICSI - WHOOSH WHOOOSSHH - any better???
Hey and no I don't want your snow now - you put me off!! Wow you friend is really having a hard time at the moment, poor thing - that must be absolutely devasting to lose your house/contents/live basically and it does make us sit back sometimes and think how lucky we are really.

Oh and I didn't realise I was conversing with a DOC!! Whoo hoo!!

Hope - have your client thought of ICSI (not our ICSI ) but the procedure so therefore they get the best sperm??

Right know I've missed a few lovely ladies but think I ought to shift my arse outta of here otherwise I'll still be here in the morning!! DH parked the car somewhere in the car park and have no idea where it is and he is not ans his texts (he is out on his work do too!!)

Nims xx

[ICSI GIRL]

1 month to the day

where oh where has my AF gone oh where oh where can she beeeeeee

Next week would have been the end of my 1st trimester

today kinda really sucks ya know

Steph

HOLD YOUR PECKER HIGH MY DEAR FRIEND!! it WILL get better.......you're walking, talking proof of that....each day you sound a little more healed.....all good things in all good time

[Jen1d]

Hi gang

Wow i'm exhausted and the chrimbo season is just starting.

Finished work officially today for 7 days but got the panto in Edinburgh tomorrow with the kids. Its usually a good day---as long as they behave.

Then last minute shopping for some jewellery on friday for my Chrimbo party on saturday then recovery on sunday

I promise i will try and type more when i'm off but just so busy just now.

Will be around in a couple of days, thinking of you all.



Love Jen x

[ICSI GIRL]

OK – so I leave you guys alone for like a few hours and wam-bam-thank-you-mam!!!! SO busy out here!!! (I love it!!)

First of all – thanks for all of your input on telling my boss……….I TOLD HER!!! And I couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome of it all!!!!!!!!!! Turns out she has a sis that went thru IVF (I know --- right???!!! ) AND – she even went as far as being tested and they were GOING to have her (my boss) be surrogate for her sis – but plans changed and they ended up adopting………….regardless --- the point is, she’s familiar w/ the process and as I was saying “have bw/us appts” – she says “just come/go as you need to --- no need to check in/out w/ me……is nobody else’s business why you’re coming/going – I COMPLETELY understand is time sensitive…..blah, blah, blah” ---- absolutely couldn’t have DREAMED a better outcome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PHEW! One less thing on my mind, that’s for sure!

Hey wishfull/Carolyn ---- how was your hotsie-totsie luncheon today???? Hoping you had a lovely time….

Beck --- WOW --- you’re back and IN FORM!!!! Can I just say that YOU ARE ONE TO TALK ABOUT ALL OF THE ENERGY THAT I HAVE????!!!!! Back in the day --- I can VIVIDLY remember little tit-tats w/ you and shantala back/forth all day long!!! Go back and read some (if not all deleted – what a shame )…….i’m tellin’ ya --- I learned from the best!!! So you’re starting a new job after holidays – yes???? Are ya excited???

Jayne ---- you SUCK!!! I mean…….what I meant to say is that your Christmas pudding looks DIVINE!!!!! What’s in Christmas pudding anyway???????? We don’t do that over here…….atleast my family doesn’t – maybe our doc friend steph’s family does it??? Ha-ha-ha!!! Is FAB that you’ve got all of your shopping done and prezzies wrapped! YOU GO GIRL!! And I’m INSANELY jealous that you’ll be telling your in-laws about your BFP on Christmas eve……..awwwwwww ---- is sure to bring a tear to the eye!!!

Nims --- I feel like you’re my (and stephs) mother – and we’re being scolded for having dirty little minds (pecker) --- HA-HA-HA --- still laughing out loud at that one!! Just felt like saying “yes mom” after you saying “tut-tut-tut”…..i was all --- I’m sorry …….(no worries – I got over it quickly!!) oh and I’d also like to add that steph needs NO encouragement when it comes to ignoring me!!! Again --- as I was reading your post, was getting the best laugh EVER!!!

Su --- LOVE the pic you found of me!!!! Yep --- swish-swashing away!! Oh and for the record --- my waist really is that tiny…..you can all be jealous!!!! (NOT!!!!!) Sprinkling all that magic BFP dust to us all!!!!! Oh and maybe steph would like to make her way over to THAT side of the pond for BOXING DAY this year!!!!!! (the things we learn eh steph??) far as your office gossip gal --- SCREW HER!!!!!!!!!! I really wanted to use the 4-letter word that starts with “F” instead of “screw” ---- seriously, what a beeeaaattccchhh!!!!!! Something so private --- regardless of whether you’re married, or not, or have partner --- whatever the case may be ---- we’ve got a case of NONYA in the works ---- as in NONYA-BUSINESS-*****!!!!!!!!! Don’t sweat it babe……..let ‘em talk!!! Just think of how much fun the rumors could get!! Hell, you could even add to the fun/entertainment of it all!!! You know ---- gettin’ some from a hottie intern!!! (oh wait – that’s STEPH!!!!)

Shantala ------ well aren’t you just the busy-little-bee?????? Couldn’t believe the length of your post, you must be feeling good!! Can I just say --- I LOVE your name picks!!!! My fav though is ellianna ----- little angle right there!!! so sweet……………always such a pleasure to see ya out and about

DOC-Steph --- GET YOUR PECKER (I meant MIND) OUT OF THE GUTTER ---- like nims said “tut-tut-tut”!!!!! picking on me about “lil beaner” ----- for the record, I had NO idea about you California people and your slang!!!! By the way…….i’ve forgotten my fungal cream --- can ya hook a sista up???????????? Ha-ha-ha-ha!!!! OH AND YES!!!! Nims is SO right on ---- hook up with the hottie intern!! Make plans and everything ---- the ***** is sure to arrive under those circumstances!!!! Sorry ‘bout yer friend will keep her in my prayers this holiday season……also – regarding your doctorate --- why aren’t you teaching as a college prof somewhere making BIG, BIG BUCKS????????? Why did you go that far in school just to work retail pharmacy world??? What about hospital??? I know – these are all probably retarded questions…….just curious is all!!

Hope --- glad to hear sassy’s doing well!!! I’m sure is cuz you were there to help get her all better!!! Also – can I just say that my dh’s “demon seeds” are our issue as well and he too felt SO bad about it too……..tell him to hold his pecker high (steph & nims – that’s for YOU!!!) and it will all work out………on a more serious note --- how many to transfer???????? Ugh – that’s tough…….we transferred 2 last time…..got bfn…… doc was “inclined” to transfer 3 THEN – but we ultimately decided 2 (as I lay there having to pee so bad I could taste it!!!!) anyway……my point to all my blabbing is that BECAUSE I got bfn w/ round one ---- I’m much more inclined to go w/ 3 this time……maybe just cuz I feel it will increase chances????? Maybe just cuz I’m crazy????? (no comments from all you girls that know me better than hope!!!!) either way….good luck w/ that decision…. It’s a big one – I know!!

Waiting for AF to arrive......damn wand doesnt' work for ME!!! It has only been one day though.......so I'll give a few more days til i start freaking out about it.........and then LOOK OUT!!! I'll be opening a can of whoop-a$$!!!!!!!!!! (not sure on WHO.....but it should surely be somebody's fault -- right?????) ha-ha-ha!!! Anyway --- must run for now ladies...... 'bout time for me to leave for the day, am hoping last couple work days this week will be slow and uneventful here at work!!!!!

[Hope644]

I just have to say, I adore you guys! You crack me up and make my day, even if it takes me until midnight to get around to reading your posts. It seems I'm never on when you all are... late bloomer (always been the case in so many ways for me!) I work a modified evening shift and can't sign on from work (evil firewalls! ) so it takes me forever to get a chance to check you all out.

Steph - I don't know how to do the lovely animated graphics, like Jen Babes (I'd love to learn if anyone can teach me!), but I'm doing a little AF dance for you too!! Jen Babes, ICSI, and Mia, you're getting your very own little dance too, but be glad you can't see it!!! Thinking of you

JenBabes - How are you? It's good to see you here too. I know what you mean about the waves of tears. Every day has it's moments, some more than others. Had to shut my door at work for about an hour the other day. Thank you again for making me feel so comforted after my M/C. I'm going to print out my little butterfly for my little one. Hoping your busy Christmas plans will keep you in good spirits throughout the season and into the new year! My prayers are with you.

Nims - Yes, ICSI - (not our ICSI) has been a part of our protocol from the beginning due to the vasectomy. (I think that's why my DH likes ICSI's name so much!) RE said they are very selective with the sperm they choose, but we probably have a motility problem... i'm not exactly sure how that effects the whole process. You stay bundled up in that cold and enjoy your snuggly warm bed!

WaitingforMia - Like you, I definitely wouldn't have gone past my BA if I had had kids right away!! I know I couldn't go through GS now, especially working and going thru IVF. It was hard enough the first time! I completed my MA 7 yrs ago, seems like forever. I admire your dedication, no matter how part time it may be. It's a lot of work! Good luck with your studies and hang in there.

Su - I can relate to your dilemma with the co-workers. Mine wasn't the pregnancy, but just that we're going thru IVF. What amazes me is that people have nothing better to do. The weird part for me was that I didn't even KNOW the person whom I heard was talking about it and HE was talking about it as if he knew all about it. Shake it off, hon. The reality is, the people who do all this gossip lead horribly boring or wretched lives. They ARE jealous and miserable. YOU have a beautiful little bean growing inside you that is going to bring you so much joy - don't let them get you down!

ICSI - I'm glad you got such a good result from telling your boss! What a relief that must be! It's amazing how many people have experience with IVF that you'd never know. I found before my first cycle out that two guys I work with went thru it with their DWs - went to the same clinic and one even had my RE. Sorry to hear your DH had to deal with the sperm issue too. My DH already loves your name and is going to get a kick out of the whole pecker conversation!! Thanks for your input on the # to x-fer. It is a huge decision and DH is still not into it, especially if we use the assisted hatching as well. He's a little scared of having 3 (he already has 3 (singles) from previous marriage) but he's obviously more concerned about the increased risk. Additional factor: I have some back issues, which aren't bad, but will likely guarantee me bed rest with twins... who knows what 3 would do to me. Let me know when you decide what you'll do after the witch finally decides to show!

No news on this homefront... just starting to inventory drugs and evaluating the pros/cons of AH and the possibility of triplets... giving me a headache - or maybe it's just my hormones and betas screwing with my head! Celebrating Christmas with friends tomorrow and then preparing for the craziness that the weekend will most certainly bring with travel, stepsons, in-laws, family, I'm worn out already just thinking of it. I was planning to make cookies tonight, for the office Christmas lunch but it just didn't happen. Oh well, guess it's a good thing it was going to be a surprise!

[pequele]

THERE IS MORE SNOW OUT THERE!!! AAARRRRGGGHHHHHHHHHHH thankfully it is REALLLLY fluffy so I'm not gonna use the blower, i just shoveled the walk

Hope...yeh I say forget the cookies...they'd be burned by the time you get through all these posts

Angie- that is so awesome bout the boss!!!! I wish my boss was that cool...in fact I think my boss is no one I'd ever confide a damn thing in HATE HIM!! As far as the BIG BIG bucks haha...I don't think teaching is gonna get me that. Actually retail is the way to go in that regard. I'm far into the 6 figures there and no one in retail that I know of is in 5 figures unless they work part time. Hospital typically pays less, though they don't have shit rotations like everyother weekend (maybe like every 6th or so!) So yeh even the crappier pay may be worth the sacrifice I'm hoping!!! All I know is I'm outta retail as soon as my contract is up in May!!!! Maybe by then AF will show

Jen- I am so jealous of your vacays and celebrations!!!! You relax girl cuz 2008 is our year and you are gonna have no time to rest with a little one (or two) around this time next year!!!!! Love the smilie santa!!

Nims- thanks for adding your wand! Wave like mad girlfriend!

I'm gonna go grab lunch before I have to hell, uh work.
Steph

[ICSI GIRL]

doc steph ---- HOLY SHI*********** GIRL!!! you make WELL into the 6 figures???? shows ya how much my pea brain knows about the wonderful world of pharmacy!!!!! i'm about 20K short of the 6 figure mark.....and must admit that am quite content w/ my salary (i mean - i would love to make more......always) but to have my eve's and weekends off --- i'll take it!! PLUS, i also have dh and his salary --- which does put us well into the 6 figure mark as well..........so it's all good PLUS TOO --- i think cost of living out in your neck of the woods is WAY more than where i am!!! gotta say, back in august when i went thru round #1 - i was reporting to male boss at that time........and eventhough he's a MALE -- he would have been COMPLETLY supportive as he and his wife have trips from infertility treatment of somekind --- not IVF, but they did something --- don't remember, maybe just IUI???? anyway......i opted not to tell him as i had 2 week vaca that i planned for the whole event -- which worked out nicely......i have to say that there aren't many male boss's out there that would probably be overly thrilled about the whole process!!! PIGS!!!!!!!!!!!! OINK-OINK!

[squeezan]

Su- they are just jealous cuz they think you are "gettin some" and they aren't I mean HOW ELSE could you have POSSIBLY gotten pregnant


Steph

Don’t sweat it babe……..let ‘em talk!!! Just think of how much fun the rumors could get!! Hell, you could even add to the fun/entertainment of it all!!! You know ---- gettin’ some from a hottie intern!!! (oh wait – that’s STEPH!!!!)

Thanks, that brought a smile to my face

Steph - It sound like the world of pharmacy is similar there to here. Pharmacists earn so much more in retail, the hospital ones do it for love. But its the opposite for us techs we do better in hospital. What's it like for techs there?

Well, another interesting day at work for me. I had to wait all morning for the big (male) boss who finally came in at lunchtime. I said that I wasn't planning on telling anyone yet but some gossiping had started so I wanted to tell him myself that ....... He was really lovely and when I told him about the treatment he was genuinely interested and seemed to understand how hard it had been. He's very supportive of his staff and takes privacyvery seriously. He insisted on knowing who had started the gossip and wanted to speak to her and put a stop to it but I decided it was best to leave it and that I'd start telling people myself now.
I was feeling quite sick today and I think a few people noticed I was under the weather so when someone asked I said it was morning sickness. I could tell from the reactions of the few people around that none of them had heard the gossip. I think I'm gonna have fun with this over the next few days

[stephjim]

Hello all!!

Got my scan yesterday and unfortunately, there was either, the same humongo follicle still hanging out on the left ovary or there was a large cyst.

The doctor has canceled this month now as well to see if it goes away. I had a large follicle show up on day 12 last cycle on that same ovary which is why he canceled that one. Has anyone ever heard of a follicle not being absorbed? He could not tell if it was a follicle or a cyst. Either way, it was another disappointment on my road to motherhood.

I am hoping that all of these delays are a sign that I am going to get a natural pregnancy soon. I am trying to keep my head up, but it is difficult to just wait, as all of you know.

Su and Nimble, it is great about your scans and I look forward to seeing pics when the babies are born.

Steph and ICSI, I would love to give you my AF, this one was super painful for some reason. But I know you guys will start soon and you will then be on your way to a BFP.

Sorry I did not get on yesterday. We have my stepkids for a week and spent the day with my stepdaughter. In fact, she came with me to my appt. She was mesmerized by all the equipment. She is 13 and has started her cycle, but has not gone to a gynocologist yet. She was seriously weirded out by the device used to do the US. She did not understand why there was a condom on it. She thought it was to protect us from AIDS. It was very amusing. So, that helped the blow a little bit.

Wishing for all the baby dust to be on all of us waiting. I also, wish all of you a very merry Christmas and Hanakaha.

Stephjim

[pequele]

Ang- of if I had a hubby (or sugar daddy for that matter) I sure wouldn't be working full time I hate it...I like being home and doing my own thing, this whole working world sucks just about as much as waiting for AF! Now if I could just get the pool boy to shovel the damn snow!!!! Oh wait I gotta get the pool boy first huh

Stephjim- so sorry bout the scan. I can't really be of any help on the follicle/cyst thing. I had a cyst once when I was like 16...hurt like a mother I am worried about it only because with doing clomid I know you can get hyperstim possibly. I LOVE the reaction of your stepdaughter! Hey it is great a kid her age knows about AIDS and condoms! You'd be surprised how many OUR age have NO clue!!!! yes they for some reason are the ones that have no problem with fertility!!!

Su- I have to say the techs get paid crap! They do tons of work, running etc and certainly are comped for what they deserve! It is so awesome that your guy boss is so supportive!!! Is he hiring any time soon

Hope- totally know what you mean about no chat at work...not that I'd have time...but BOOOOOO! I have no idea how to do cool graphics either...I feel like I am in a world of PS2 and all I am is the old school Atarii! hehehe

OMG THE DOG JUST TOOTED I THINK I'M GONNA DIE!!!!

Hey I forget who wrote the comment about the TV show Office...I forgot to mention that awhile back....probly cuz I don't watch it haha...but I did see one blurb once about some chick in an upper body cast....yeh sooo not me if that was the girl haha. Now if we were talking the movie Office Space, some days I can totally relate to the guy wanting his stapler!!! My damn front store staff is always stealing ours!!! WHERE'S MY STAPLER!!!!

Freakin snow is STILLLLLLLLL falling!!! It fell all during work. Sorry but I'm not getting home nearly 11pm and plowing at that hour! Nooooooo. guess it will have to wait til tomorrow! OOOOPPSSS just heard a ton fall off the roof!!! Love having a metal roof!

On a brighter note...got my new Ipod all set up hehehe...soooooo excited. OOO simple pleasures I know haha.

Still no AF. I am so surprised too cuz it is my weekend from hell (ie never get a chance to go potty), gonna be busy with the weekend before Christmas, so I almost FIGURED it was a shoe in to show...well I guess I have tomorrow...then my heaviest days could be on the weekend for my hours and hours of fun ok it is time to quit my bitchin' and get into my nice warm bed!
nite ladies...ok yeh who am I kidding, none of you guys are awake right now!
Steph

[ICSI GIRL]

su ---- YEAH!!!! so lovely that your male boss responded nicely....... oh isn't it such a load off once you tell them?? it was such a relief moment for me.......one that very easily could have STRESSED ME OUT had she responded badly SO --- i can totally relate to the "phew" moment of boss reacting supportively and i still say LET 'EM TALK!!! let the rumors fly!!! oh this is gonna be so much fun!!!!

steph --- ya know, far as working full time --- i really love my job, my boss, my peers (w/ some exceptions of course -- i do have the occasional idiot-man cross my path!! ) but even having baby --- i've always thought i would go back to work -- full time...... i enjoy it.....NOW --- i haven't ALWAYS been able to say that....in fact, has just been since starting this new position back in march.....anyway - that's me...... OH WHAT FUN --- A NEW IPOD!!!!!!!!! Oh and instead of the pool boy --- why don't you just ask the hottie intern to come BLOW yer snow!!!!! (or something like that )

stephjim --- LOVE the story about your stepdaughter! i have 2 step sons, 14 & 16.......we actually have shared custody of them - mom lives on one side of the lake and we're on the other -- just 5 min apart, works out very well.......HOWEVER - we didn't/aren't telling our boys about the whole IVF process.....more than anything - is a very private thing for me and i'm not overly thrilled about their mother (dh's ex wife) knowing all about it and believe it or not -- we actually get along ok-fine, but i still don't think is her business......so i'm not quite sure how we'll handle ONCE i we get BFP!!!!! (notice i didn't say IF)......i am sorry that you're schedule has been pushed back cuz of the cycst but atleast its a precautionary measure and you weren't further along and had something worse happen

ok ladies..........my time is here!!!!!!!!!!! (sorry steph -- i really did EVERYTHING in my power to command your AF's arrival..... ) so my dh is (and always has been) an "early morning guy" --- he gets up for work around 4am and isn't surprising if he's awake by 3am.....and in his boredom ---- i often get gently awakend for a little action and this morning...................it brought about AF's arrival!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO ---- i'm going to RE's office today for my baseline scan & bw nurse had said before that long as everything "looked ok" -- i'd probably start stimming in 2 days --- so that would put me stimming as of sunday'ish.......am soooooooooooooooooooo excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! once i hit submit on this posting, i'm not sure when i'll be back online as i'm not back to work until next thursday (Dec. 27) --- will try very hard to sign on and check in between now and then --- but am scheduled to be very busy w/ family coming into town......having multiple holiday gatherings thru the weekend, blah, blah, blah -- i don't want to make a promise that i cannot keep......SO - if i'm not back, MERRY CHRISTMAS (and HAPPY BOXING DAY - or however you say it over that???) and all that jazz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love you gals............you are my ROCK

*******LOVE, HUGS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL MY LOVELIES********