I swear we need to take out shares in a tea merchant. Adam's a brit, and he drinks it by the bucket.



We're having devilled chops tonight... mmmmmm with Mashed potatoes, and peas.



Tomorrow, I'm going to make spring rolls, with pork mince, and cabbage, and carrot. I think I'll bake them, rather than fry.



So, can anyone guess what I've got on my mind right now



In other news, we had our first midwives appt today. I heard Turtle's lovely heartbeat, and our midwife is a goregous woman, who is totally supportive of my parenting choices, and all that goes with.(read into that what you will )



I'm so so excited now, and it feels so real being able to feel turtle, and having heard his/her heartbeat - to confirm it's not all just a dream.



Plus, how nice is it having the midwife come to you In the comfort of my own home, over tea and biccies, we had a chat and did my obs, and found a heartbeat. I'm so stoked!



I can smell my dinner. And I'm starrrrrving!

Haha reading your last post reminded me of being obsessed with food when I was pregnant, isnt it funny how your day revolves around what you'll be eating

That is great news about your midwife and fab that she is coming to your house.

I think its fantastic that you're planning a home birth. Simon and I were talking about the next bub (we are definitely going to try again in a couple of months) and what we'll do next time around. My obs said he thinks Im prone to having big babies so it would be likely I'll have a ceasar next time which doesnt bother me, but of course we are struggling with the breastfeeding decision. After what happened with me Simon is adamant he wants me to bottle feed but I ironically think I may want to try breastfeeding again. Then sometimes I remember back to how sick I was and have second thoughts! At least pregnancy lasts for a number of months so we would have time to decide I guess.

Are you finding out what this bub is? Are you going to find out Nina? (have I already asked you both that question )

Leash, I reckon every baby is different, so don't make any decisions until you know either way Mum was told she was prone to big bubs. My sister was 10lb, but the rest of us were around 6/7lb - so who knows



You're going to produce milk to begin with, so you've got the choice to BF or bottle feed. And knowing your body this time, you can keep a VERY close check on your health.



Whatever you do, you're going to end up with a beautiful healthy bub so that's all that matters.



We ARE going to find out. I didn't want to initially, but Ad did. So.... rather than having him try keep a secret for 4 months, I thought we'd both find out. (He'd totally slip up anyway)



Con's taking proper steps now

Great news about Connors walking. It is such an exciting time. Hope he stays put in his pram for you though as Eva just hates being confined now.

Also glad you heard turtles heartbeat and everything is going well. Will you be letting us in on what you are having??

As for the Tea thing. I am english so drink tea all the time. I have switched to decaf why I am pregnant and to be honest haven't been able to drink as much the last few weeks.

Michael caught me in bed watching tv last night- eating a cornetto!!!. He goes 'omg how things changed, you would have never done that when pregnant with Eva'. This time I just have to eat and unfortunately its a sugar rush I am craving all the time.

We aren't finding out the sex. I think I am going to find it hard (Im a control freak) but Michael doesn't want to know as he doesn't want to lie to people. I really thought we would want a boy but its funny we both really don't mind.

I have just found out there is a psychic show at a local club here. It is with the psychic 'Charmaine' that is on the TV show - The One if you are watching it. I am soo excited as I really want to get Mum to come through so I am willing to do anything.

I've been thinking about the BF thing too Leash. I had no problems so will definately be doing it again and I think you should just see how you feel nearer the time. You did have an awful time and I have a friend like you who says there is no way she will attempt again. I reckon don't stress yourself out until you need too.

Nina, I'm approaching this pregnancy differently as well. Much more relaxed.



I really hope you get some results from the Phsycic. That would be lovely for you. xxx

Hi Girls

WOW - you don't pop in for a little while and pages and pages happen!!

Happy birthday to any bubs I missed. and I hope everyone is well.

In Hannah News:- we are ALMOST walking properly. we can get about 4-5 steps out of her at a time now, so it won't be long until it's full-on!
We have SIX teeth now, 4 on top and 2 on bottom. problem is we like to bite EVERYTHING - including mummy LOL
Unfortunately she is unwell AGAIN poor little darling, this is her 2nd lot of antibiotics THIS MONTH!
Tried a new trick (well OLD trick if I ask anyone) - we put VICKS on her feet, put her in her sleeper suit and put her to bed. she slept the whole night! honestly, why don't people tell you this in the parenting course/group? I would have done it from the beginning, it's amazing!

In other news, my mum has just undergone treatment for cancer. they found a tumor in her bladder and removed/biopsied it last week. We don't have a good run with cancer in my family. this is about the 6th episode within 3 people! praying everything works out ok.

in MORE news (it just goes on and on LOL) I've lost 10kg in 8 weeks I'm feeling fantastic, and my cycles have started to regulate themselves. I think the PCOS may be waining
BUT - C and I have decided to wait until after we get married to have another baby. I know it's the right thing to do, I'm working so hard to get healthy and finance is still a bit shakey, but I didn't think I would be as clucky as I am! it's hard to refrain from BD'ing when the EWCM is around, and my god am I noticing it now!

anyway girls

big hugs to you and your bubbas
Take care
Jess and Hannah

Yay for Connor! Thats exciting that you'll be finding out this time around Kiera. I would love to know for the next one but Simon sounds the same as Michael he doesnt want to find out the sex of the next one and I dont think I could keep a secret. Oh and Nina Im such a believer in psychics, if you go you'll have to come back and post about it.

I think I'll probably be a bit more laid back next time around as well, its hard with the first one though you get really paranoid.

Jess - sorry to hear about your Mum I hope she gets better soon, it must be a real worry. That is good news that Hannah is almost walking full time and your weight loss, you must be very pleased with yourself

Emma has been asleep for an hour, I cant believe it! Maybe I shouldn't have typed that I might jinx myself

Jess, sorry to hear about your mum. I hope everything turns out ok



Good news on Hannahs' nearly walking Bad news on her being sick again... poor little tyke!



Bah lucky you Leash. Connor had a grand total of 20 minutes. Then would NOT go back down so he's shaking his sippy cup over a table cloth right now

Guess what, for the first time in almost 3 months Emma just slept right through for her second night in a row!!!!!!! Finally all those nasty teeth are through and she has gone back to being a good sleeper, we were worried she might have got herself into a bad pattern but I guess it was just the teeth. I feel so rested

Jess I am so sorry to hear about your mum. I don't really talk about it on here because it's a little traumatic, but my nanna has bowel cancer and she had had some of her bowel removed and is now half way through chemotherapy. The ramifications of the chemo have been enormous. I didn't know how horrific it was and how much it crippled a person and as a result, we've had to nurse her through things which isn't easy when she lives a few hours away. She's exceptionally close to our family so it's really impacting on us, especially when we all have to drop our other responsibilities to be with her and get her through this.
If you need to talk to someone who's also going through the same thing, I'm always here hon.

Leash, WOOT! That is EXCELLENT! You wouldn't know yourself this morning would you!?! 3 months is a LONG time. Keely's are still coming through so I know how frustrating it can be - we've had a few nights of troubled sleep then a few good nights and then back to the troubled sleep, but at least we get a little rest, you poor thing not to get it for 3 months.

So nice to hear our pregnant women talking about their pregnancies.

Gayle Im really sorry to hear about your Nanna, cancer is such a horrible thing. Its obviously terrible for the person going through all the treatment but it is also really horrible for the family members having to watch them suffer through.

We're all here for you and Jess if either of you need a download

I hope Keely's teeth come through quicker than Emmas did!

Bek that is such fantastic news, you must be so excited! Cant wait to hear the news when he is at home with you all

Emma and I are really well thanks, now that she is sleeping again I feel like a completely new person

beck that's fantastic about your little trooper.

just a question girls..
what would you do if you boss was constantly coming to you since being back at work (and having a sick baby) and telling you that they don't think you're coping as a mother and a worker, and that you had too much time off, and that your position was no longer working out for them ?
what would you do?

If my boss said that I would tell them that my abilities as a mother had nothing to do with them. Regarding the too much time off comment, I would ask them to clarify what is considered to be too much time off and give examples of what time you've had that they consider to be excessive. The last comment seems strange either they are letting you go because the position is not needed by them or they're not. Either way it doesnt sound like a very good place to be working. Im not sure where you live and how easy it is to find work, but if I were you I'd be looking around for another job.

don't worry leash- i am looking for other work!

Jess that sounds pretty ominous. You might try looking for work elsewhere, but then again, you can also ignore him and tell him that you thank him for his thoughtfulness but you like not to mix your private life with your work life (ie. BUTT OUT MR!) Just reading what you wrote almost makes it seem as if he wants to make your position redundant but is too gutless to fire you. You could always ignore him until he does make it redundant.

I'm on cloud 9 here girls! We officially get the keys to our home tomorrow. After over 12 long months of dreaming, our house is finally built!

Congratulations Gayle That is brilliant!



Jess, grrrr to your moron boss. Play professionally, and make sure you get a reference And I hope you can hang in there until something fabulous comes along



How's your mum?

my boss is a woman - that to me makes it worse!

Jess I agree with Gayle it sounds as though your boss wants to make the job redundant but isnt prepared to come up with a severence package, I would look for work but as Kiera said try and get a reference for the future.

That is such fantastic news Gayle you must be soo excited! You'll have to post some pics for us

Congrats Gayle. Can't wait to hear more about it. Have a champagne for me and enjoy every second.

Jess err to your boss. Hope it gets better or you find something else.

in other news...


HANNAH IS WALKING... EVERYWHERE!
mum had her at the shops today and she was wandering up and down the aisles with ease

that is great news bek, so happy for you!

Hey Bek! I am over the moon for you. It's been a long and rocky road and finally your family is together as a whole unit. No more hospitals! That must be SUCH a relief. I think that today you would be the happiest mother in the world. Huge hugs!

WOW I have watched his story from afar but wanted to wish you a big congratulations and a well done cooper. What a tough road it is. You won't know yourself without the visits and monitors leads and everything else that goes with a prem.

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Oh WOW Bek, congratulations! You will have the best weekend ever

Wonderful news Bek!! here's to the up and up

Such fantastic news Bek. Well done Cooper!

Hi Girls I thought I would just pop in and post a fantastic little trick to clean your oven without chemicals. You cut a lemon in half, put it into a baking dish, cover it with water and cook on 180 degrees for 2 hours. It is honestly amazing once the oven has cooled a bit you can just wipe all of the grease straight out!

Hope everyone is well.

How are you getting on with all 3 bubs at home Bek?

Gayle how is your new house?

Guess what, we have found a house we love on the Central Coast of NSW. Im going through with a builder tomorrow to get a rough idea on how much the changes will cost and if it seems OK we will be putting in an offer tomorrow! Im so excited, but trying to not get too emotionally attached too

Leash, that sounds awesome Wooo!



We're busy house hunting ourselves. The last one we thought would be ok, had a 2m drop off the back patio... I could see falls, so back to square one.



Thanks for the oven tip - might give that a try.... our oven is well....

Hi girls! Just wanted to say I haven't forgotten about you!! I need to catch up but thanks so much for Elijah's birthday wishes, he had an ear infection (so we found out that night) so he wasn't feeling the best but still enjoyed the monkey cake we made him!

Bek excellent news about Cooper, what a little fighter!

Leash and Ki good luck on the house hunting, how exciting!!

Hope your bubs all had fantastic birthdays

Heidi xxxxxx

Oh, and Gayle you must be so excited to move into your new house, have you posted pics? I can't wait to see them

Ladies,

I'm taking a bit of a break from ido I've placed a ban on myself from this place, I seem to spend far too many unhealthy hours on the net, when I ought to be playing with my boy



If anyone wants/needs anything - I'm on MSN - greedly_kiera@hotmail.com



I might pop in once Turtle's born - but right now, I need to refocus on the boys and the business



Love to you all

Ki

xoxoxo

we'll miss you Ki

take care.

We'll definitely miss you, take care

Oh no Kiera I understand what you mean, I've had to force myself to cut back the amount of time I spend on the net too We really will miss you though, good luck with the remainder of your pregnancy, make sure you keep us updated though!! Heidi xxx

Hi Girls

Guess what...we got the house! We are so excited, just busy at the moment getting building and pest inspections sorted out.

Nina - how did you go with the psychic? Was s/he any good?

Leash congratulations! Speaking of new houses, yep we're in ours but there's more boxes around than accessorising at the moment! No photos yet either as our net isn't connected yet and whilst I've borrowed Mum's wireless connection, it is like pulling teeth - it's currently running at LESS than dial up speed! AAAAHHHHHH!
Will post them as soon as life is a bit more normal and the net is on but until then I may be a little spasmodic on here due to the @#@^!#%^ wireless!

YAY for you Leash!!! How exciting! Have u posted pics yet?

Gayle I can't wait to see pics of your home!! I know it's going to make me want a new one

It definitely will! Our friends built a Metricon Home and while I would change a few little bits and pieces about it, overall, I love it!..........except for the no fly screens and hideously expensive bifolds huh Gayle

Thats great Gayle, looking forward to some photos!

Unfortunately we've had a bit of a hiccup, they've have discovered termites! Thankfully we had the pest inspection done so for now we're in a bit of limbo deciding whether to continue with it or not, I'd say we'll probably pull out though the market is dead so we arent in a huge rush. Not to worry Im sure things always happen for a reason

Don't worry, we got flyscreens! Didn't get those bi-folds though as much as I love them, I just couldn't justify $5K! I am envious your friends have them though!
I currently have bright brown hands from staining the plantation shutters we bought - that was something else that we could source elsewhere for a much cheaper price. It's funny - I thought that moving in would make for contentment but all I can see when I look around is more things to do! It's going to take a while to make this feel like home.

Hi Girls

Wow its been quiet in here, I couldnt even find our thread at first

How is everyone going?

Are any of you having night waking issues? Emma has started waking at around 2am and literally screaming the house down. I think she started waking for a bottle so Ive stopped that and only give her water but she is still waking. Some nights (like last night) it doesnt matter what I do - cuddle her, sing to her, put her in our bed she just keeps screaming. I have even climbed into her cot and tried cuddling her off to sleep there and its not working. I know she isnt cold and she definitely isnt hungry, Im just starting to get tired and over it - not to mention our poor neighbours who have their bedroom window right opposite hers! Oh Ive also tried playing music in her room but that doesnt work either. Ive also tried CC but she seems to get worse when I go into her and I dont know whether to try the Cry It Out method incase she is experiencing separation anxiety and I make her worse

Tonight Ive put a teddy bear in her cot so fingers crossed maybe that will help

hope the teddy works leash. she already has a million teeth doesnt she? so prob not that?
Taylor wakes a few nights a week normally upset but thankfully cuddles and hylands teething relief see her settling back 2 sleep. i dont really know what causes it tho.


gayle i dont know how my friends could not get flyscreens and goodluck 2 them with the bifolds when they start a family!!!they better enjoy them now

Thanks Amy. Yep she now has all of her teeth except her 2 year old molars which I figured it was way too early for. Im not sure if it was the teddy bear or just that I stopped giving her milk when she woke and we did CC for a couple of nights, anyway she is back to sleeping through thankfully.

On another note, I have finally managed to get Emmas hair into little pigtails! She wouldnt sit still long enough for me to do it properly but here is a shot. Now people might stop asking if she is a little boy

AWWWWWW! How GORGEOUS is that? Oh I needed to see a pick-me-up like that tonight.

Keely's is really thick but curling into ringlets. I can't get it up yet so she looks like a scruffy boy!

I'm sorry to hear about the waking. Keely's not that extreme but she teethed some molars last week and also dropped a nap. She's still out of whack with that and waking up at weird times.
Hmmm. Otherwise I dunno. It's not something else common like an ear infection that is just enough to wake her when she's not in deep sleep?

Dont you hate it how people call them little boys!

Yeah Im not sure what it was with her sleep, seems to have sorted itself out again though so Im happy about that.

How are you going sorting out your house? How is your Nan doing?

2 Chemo sessions left and then hopefully she's clear. After that she'll then have to have surgery to fix a major hernia. It never ends does it?? Mum and Dad have just bought a large property with her so they be there for her whilst still living in their own houses (although it's an 1.5 hr drive away from me. Sob!) Cracks me up though - the property is located on a Kealy Rd.

As for our house, it's coming together slowly! I think that I had romantic notions of moving in and then everything would be like riding into the sunset. I am currently lost in a world of boxes, storage issues, late utility men, a million and one handyman jobs that I can't do (such as decking, fence) and the mercy of terrible Victorian weather.

I am the owner of a double garage that has so much stuff in it that I can't fit in a bicycle, let alone our cars! I am sporting a letterbox atop a pile of bricks and some of my window furnishings are sporting such a fashionable style of...sheet!

Hahahaha. We'll get there eventually!

So glad that life is back to normal in your house. It's so awfully when your sleep patterns are disturbed. It's not just lack of sleep, it changes up the routine and when you're too sleep deprived to function properly, it really doesn't help.
Keely's cheek is burning red today. Looks like we're in for Round 2 of the Molars within 2 weeks.

Fingers crossed for your Nan, I hope everything is fine. That is nice of your parents to move in with her for support. I know what you mean about them being so far my parents are currently 1.5 hrs away from us too, its hard. Hopefully we'll be moving up there soon.

I remember moving into a new house that my parents built and we had stylish sheets up at the windows too for ages, we also didnt have a driveway at first and it was a steep slope which made for a hair raising event getting in and out of the garage. Ah the joys of new houses Im sure it will all be sorted out soon and then you'll be so pleased

I hope poor Keely gets through the next round of teeth quickly, poor little thing

hi girls how is everyone?

I haven't had a chance to catch up yet but I hope you are well.

do you like my sig pic? it's from the sitting we had about 3 weeks ago

yesterday while she was at daycare, the worker put her hair into pigtails!! she looked SO adorable will try to upload a pic to show you all

Hi Girls

Gayle I am soo glad you are in your house and I am sure it will be all done soon. I hate being in a mess though so I am sure it is doing your head in.

Wow I can't believe Emma has nearly all her teeth. We only have 8 here and each one of those has been painful. I love the piggy tails and its funny cos I only tried yesterday but Evas hair is soo fine and she knew that I was doing something so kept pulling at them.

We have had night time waking too and we have pulled the dummy out again (I was soo proud that we had got rid of it too) and really helps. I still try and use it only when I have too and thankfully she doesn't always look for it.

How is everyones daytime sleeps going?. We are still having two (thank god) but I know she can cope on one if we ever need to go out but I am still encouraging the two at this stage.

Also how is the bottles going?

She is up...gotta go (clingy clingy today so role on bedtime).

Well, I have mum on the case now...making my curtains! Hopefully our new side-by-side and the plasma will be here early next week so that's exciting too.

Bek, glad to see you back and that your routine is starting to happen for you! We missed you around here. As for your computer being down, I am borrowing mum's wireless and it's slower than dial-up. It's so painful and I can't do most of the things I'm used to. It's just like withdrawing from an addiction!

Jess, OMG look at those piggies! SO cute!

Nina, Keely is currently dropping to one nap (dammit! ) Sometimes she handles just one nap, sometimes she drops the morning, sometimes she drops the evening. It's tough to routine her when it's her body telling her what she can handle. I guess it's just one more thing that you just have to cope with until it sorts itself out? As for the bottles, she doesn't want to drop any still!

Ooh Leash, I don't envy that driveway. That would scare me senseless!

Ooh, I have to ask too: anyone else's child addicted to In The Night Garden, 9am weekdays on ABC? It's the only thing Keely really loves to watch. I've also seen a thread on here about it, it seems to be quite the sensation.