Simone: we take walks and do some exercise, hill climbing mainly, and it handles most terrain fine. The wheels are different again from most of the other steelcraft prams, they are solid on the outside but actually squish down a bit like a pump up tire (hope that makes sense). The other thing that this pram has as opposed to the others is a suspension system so it doesn't tend to feel the bumps as badly. DD used to get great sleeps in it but now has decided that she only likes to sleep in her cot so we don't get to try it out as much as before. The only terrain that I have had a problem with has been really soft grass, just makes the pram extra heavy so harder to push but everything else including sand has been fine.

C'mon girls, we have got the same amount of pages as the oct and nov mummies...... What can we talk about????

I don't have anything pregnancy related, all is going well. Tomorrow is the big scan, can't wait.

I too am looking at options for a 2 seater pram. Not sure whether to go the whole hog and buy an exxy one like a p&t, or go a cheaper option and get a stroller with toddler seat, or even better yet, a stretch limo pram (tandem) Decisions decisions.

Ran - don't stress about the belly size - it will sneak up on you don't worry. I was a little concerned that at 16 weeks I had not really put on any weight, my belly will always be there But now at 18 weeks, the weight has exploded and so it feels my belly.

I will post a pic of my belly taken at 16 weeks. Will have to take another soon as I am sure there is much more belly now .

Thanks for the belly shot Cheeky monkey - looking good!

I am ok, still sick though which is a little annoying as everyone told me it would be over by now!

I have some questions for you ladies - what books have you bought and do you reccomend any? I was given gentle birth, gentle mothering by a friend and while I probably dont agree with everything the author is into, it does make we really want a drug free intervention free birth and if possible a physiological third stage of labour. I am trying to also always remind myself that I get the birth I am given and if I need a c-section then that is what will be done.

Apart from that I havent read anything else much i.e. on pregnancy and birth. I also havent really started thinking about buying stuff, although I probably should I guess.

Also anyone thought about baby products? I would prefer not to use J and J due to all the petrochemcials but realistically I am not going to spend a fortune on baby products and it needs to be easy to get too. Baby magazines have SO many products advertised I wouldnt know where to start! I am sure this does not need to be an expensive process if done right...

Ran: We mainly use the Dermaveen products as DD has eczema. The Curash are also quite good and reasonable. If you are able to try and get to one of the baby expo's. I went to one before DD was born and have only just now had to start buying products as we were given that many samples that I was able to try them all out before settling on one.

Cheeky: Yay for scan day. We are a week away from it now.

AFM: Not really been able to think much about pregnancy and related things the last couple of days. DD has had 2 teeth come through and they have been knocking her about something cruel. Just put her to bed after giving her panadol as she felt like she was running a bit of a temp and has been really grizzly all day long. Just hoping that she has a much better night tonight than last. I don't think I will be far behind in going to bed either.

Well had my scan this afternoon. Everything is looking great. Unfortunately I went public this time so don't have the cd with pics on it to peruse at my leisure
The sonographer was 90% sure of the sex, but we have to decide whether we will tell everyone or not.

Ran- books, there are so many. I think the main one I read was birth by catherine price and sandra robinson which was fairly in depth and to the point. Bought books off ebay. Others that have been recommended are What to expect.
With regard to baby products - for bathing you can just do water for the first little bit, while their skin is toughening up a bit. There are many products out there as well, just be thankful that a lot goes a long way on a bub so it shouldn't work out to be too exxy. I use bepanthen ointment for nappy changes, but not sure if you would use that if you want to use more non-chemical varieties. If you google each product one-by-one to find what many recommend you may get an idea of what to use, other than that, the sample idea from the expos was a good one. I am still yet to go to one of those, might be fun.
Hope you get a break from being sick soon.

MrsMac - hope your DD is better soon. My little DS has had a horrid couple of weeks, and some of it I have put down to teething, he has 4 coming through at the top and just before that the bottom molars. Except I can't complain about his sleep at night, it is still great

Cheekymonkey- How exciting, I want to find out the sex but DH can't be trusted to keep his mouth shut and I don't want others to know so we won't be finding out again. What pran do you have now?

MrsMac- Thanks for the info on the Strider...hear you on the teeth. After having only 4 teeth for ages, D has got eight in the last month and half! Luckily apart from a little grizzle and a couple of minor temps he has been fine.

Ran- Hope you feel better soon!
For birthing I recommend Birth Skills by Juju Sundin. I highly recommend you read it if you would like a natural birth. Do bear in mind though, I had the same idea, prepared well and ended up with an emergency ceasarean as 4.46kg DS did not want to come to the party. The obs I saw told me that the people who end up most disappointed in their birth experience are those who build up in their heads the kind of birth they want and if it doesn't happen they are crushed. It is important to keep an open mind and read up on all types of births.
For baby rearing I highly recommend Baby Love by Robin Barker. I find her practical approach very reassuring and helpful. There's also 'What to Expect' the baby version, which is very info heavy if you're a person who likes to be able to read about every possibility.
Buying baby products does not need to be expensive! I got a bunch of stuff at my baby shower, mostly J&J, and couldn't use it as D got atopic dermatitis! I would recommend a soap free cleanser from the pharmacy, we use QV here. In the early days I only used a tiny bit on his hair and bottom, and even know it takes ages to get through a bottle. It's gentle on the skin and cheap, it's the only product we really needed to buy.

As for us, plodding along. Weighed myself the other day and have put on 4 kg already. I really would like to have only put on 2.5 by now but it's done now! I just found it so hard to lose the weight after the birth being so busy and tired I prefer to just try and avoid putting on the excess weight to start with. Am trying to get into a routine of walking again that went by the wayside when I was in the throes of MS. Got ten days to go before I go to my first hospital appointment, not sure whether I'll be having my morph scan there as it's pretty close to my initial appointment, or I'll get it done at the local radiology place I had my earlier scans. I don't like waiting all this time to check the baby but I'm putting on weight and my belly is growing, and I can feel the baby every now and then so I guess all should be ok.

Simone, I am using mostly a mothers choice shopping buggy which is light and narrow for the car/shopping trips etc, it is useless for anything else, but I am not complaining as I bought it for $60 from toysrus. I also have 3 other prams which are hand me downs or borrowed - a big 3 wheeler childcare which is a good walker, a smaller roger armstrong 3 wheeler which was good when Alex was smaller and didn't need to sit so much, but it makes him slouch and one of the clips is broken. I have a simple steelcraft stroller which I'm sure one of the wheels is dodgy - waiting for hubby to look at it, waiting, waiting , and a big pram thingy which is good for newborn, is a lot older, alright for walks but nothing special. None of which will help me with another bubby. The irony of it all, I had a quick look in the pram warehouse and couldn't for the life of me navigate my tiny pram around the store. I looked at a peg perego skate or something like that ($1500), but not sure I will be spending that type of money. Would be good to actually buy something even though I am not complaining about all the hand me downs which have saved an absolute fortune

Hi Girls, I'm still in Tas on hols but thought I'd drop in for a quick update:

- we have decided on the Bugaboo Chameleon - I'm going to get it in Navy & Cream
- I went to pumpkin patch today and brought some maternity clothes, went more for comfort than style.
- I'm struggling not knowing the sex, I would love to start buying things but there is hardly anything nutreal - I did buy a few cute things whilst on pumpkin patch, I also brought a little girl outfit that I'll gift if I have a boy and a little boy outfit that I could easily girl-up.
- I'm still throwing up, this morning was 4th time this week!! Booh!
- my skin has been aweful - I usually have clear skin so I am hating the blotchiness and the spots - I thought mothers to be were supposed to radiate a lovely glow??
- my belly has definatly popped but that's ok it's nice to feel like I'm looking pregnant rather than just fat!!
- my bloody wisdom tooth on my right side is causing me greif deciding to pop up and down which also causes headaches
- still no real cravings - though kinda play that card with the hubby when I feel like a treat
- missing soft cheese and shell fish - what a silly time to be in Tasmaina!! Lol
- still getting very occasional flutters - can't wait to get some kicks

Hope you are all well, will come back for personals when settled back in at home - boohoo go back tomorrow

Oh!! When are you all going on maternity leave??

Simone it is funny you mention weight - my mum told me today that I weighed 4.3kg, my sister 4.4kg and my brother 3.9kg so now I am a bit worried I will be having a big baby. Thoughts of a natural birth with such big babies doesnt seem as tempting now! Oh well, I will just wait and see what develops and go with the flow.

I dont normally like expos but maybe it is a good idea to have a look at all the available stuff so that it is easier to decide on things...

thought ms was getting better but today it has been pretty bad. rather annoying!!

ran my son was 3.62kg born and the whole time I was told I was having a big baby. He was just under 8pounds old school and 8 pounds is the average weight. But he did enough damage. The midwife I saw at the clinic when pregnant with him said weights really don't make that much of a difference as most babies have similar size head and it is that part you should worry about.

She had a 9 pound baby and tore. Second she was determined not to tear so told everyone she was going to pant through contractions, only to have a 6 pound baby that came out with it's hand against it's head that did more damage than the 9 pound. My best friend also had a little baby and tore a lot too.

Oh and as I told the midwives while giving birth, I think the shoulder hurt more not the head. But it is different for everyone.

I think I just scared myself out of having this baby.

I got some strong kicks yesterday. I am worried if I have a girl, I realised I don't like many shades of pink. Though my sister keeps telling me she has put in her order, she wants a baby niece.

She sells some baby items on line. I wonder when we find out if I should tell her or just order things from her store in that gender.

Might not be around for a little bit we are off to Byron for SIL wedding next weekend. Nice relaxing break for us.

Ran: I'm the same, not normally a fan of the expo's or huge show type things but thought at the time that as I had no idea about babies and products that it would be a good thing. Turned out to be a really good day and learnt so much about products available.

Rosita: have fun at the wedding.

Cat: I'm still on mat leave from DD. With her I didn't start until 36 weeks, she was here 1.5 weeks later so I didn't get much rest at all. It will really depend on your companies policy as to how far in advance you can actually start the leave oh and how much time you want off. My company had a strict policy that stated you couldn't leave until 36 weeks and it was enforced for all.

AFM: Got to have a good sleep last night. DD is still running a temperature but she tends to be better through the day, it starts at about 4 in the afternoon and goes through the night. Still only feeling occasional flutters but that's about it.

Have fun Rosita!! I love Byron!! Lucky duck!!

I am back at work today, miserable because I started the day off with my head in the toilet again, I can't believe I am still throwing up - though nausea has reduced heaps so I will try not to complain - too much.

I can't wait to start mat leave - I am kinda over being at work and would love a little break before Rocky arrives - though everyone is telling me not to go too early as I will just be bored. I am not sure about my company's policy here - seems a bit rough if they enforce when people can go. I thought you could go when you wanted but the earlier you go the earlier it starts... so if you wanted to come back within the set period you could cut into that.

I am not sure yet whether I will be returning back to work or if I will a full fledged stay at home mum. A few of my friends who said they were going to stay at home full time needed to go back to work not just for the cash but also just because they felt they needed to. I guess time will tell.

Rosita LOL about scaring yourself out of pregnancy! Maybe we just dont think about those things for now

I think my company allows you to start maternity leave at 34 weeks but with a doctors certificate you can work later if you want. I will probably try to work as long as I can so that I get more paid leave when the baby is around.

Catmeo- I wouldn't worry about work unless you have to right now. When D was 9 months I was totally not ready to go back to work, but after he turned 1 I started to feel a bit restless so things can change. When they're tiny it's impossible to imagine you'll ever go back!
You're not wrong, there is hardly anything neutral these days. I went to try and just get some bibs for the new baby and you can't even get those gender neutral now

Rosita- Have a good time in Byron!

Ran- I don't think baby weight is the sort of thing that necessarily runs in families (unless you come from a family of tall and solid people!). Both my mum and MIL's children were all normal size, DH and I as adults are not big at all, so I have no idea where DS gets his size from. Interestingly enough, when we went to the 20 week ultrasound the sonographer predicted he was going to be a big baby and adult but I thought he must be wrong as I'm only 5"2 and DH I don't think is even 6 foot. But he was right, DS was in like the 97th percentile for weight at birth and now, he's thinned out which is more like us but he is still quite tall for his age.
I can't wait to see if this baby is big or more normal sized.

My work they say to have leave 6 weeks before the due date but if we are happy to work and Drs are ok then we can continue as long as we are happy to.

I forgot to say I didn't read any books. I was given Baby love and looked in it for help when Kanga wouldn't sleep but alas, no secret answer and that was it.

Oh and Cat that dress thing on FB. I managed to find the first dress in the colour I wanted in my size on ebay and got it for $40 as opposed to $160. Stoked.

hey girls, just a fast one as I should be in bed asleep!!! Hope the morning sickness settles down for those who have it, I feel very lucky to not have anything bad like that!!

I left work on the dot at 36 weeks as I couldn't wait to leave and had always planned on not returning, but also left that option there if I needed/wanted - some days I really want to do something else than change a nappy, but still wouldn't have it any other way - your children are just so special.

RE: baby weight - alex was just over 4kg and none of our family/ hubby family were that big. He has slowed down the growth a lot now and is more "normal". He had a average head and length from what I remember, just think he was solid It really will not matter what size your baby is when the time comes, what will happen will happen. You can try to ready yourself as much as possible, but in the end it will happen one way or the other. Easy to say thought when you're looking down the barrel of birth for the first time

AFM - I can feel bubby a lot more frequently now, starting to remember those feelings all over again - feels a bit like one of those muscle twitches, but a bit more subdued.

I have been having leg cramps at night - the sort that wake you up - for about a week. googling today i discovered that this is pregnancy related which suprised me as I am still so early. Although I have got these in the past if I have been doing a lot of yoga or running. Anyone else getting these?

I have some magnesium powder I used to take but not sure I am comfortable taking it while pregnant. Anyone been through this? They are rather painful and then i usually cant go back to sleep...

Just thought I would refresh the list and add my next appointment

September 2011 mummies to be:
Rosita: EDD 4/09/2011
cheekymonkey: EDD 06/09/2011
mrsmac05: EDD 10/09/2011
Neek: EDD 10/09/2011
*Simone*: 24/09/2011
Catmeo: 24/09/2011
ran: 27/09/2011
Angela: 29/09/2011

Appointments:
Mrsmac05 - Morph scan (15/04/11)
Catmeo - Morph scan (21/04/2011)

I got these in my last pregnancy in the second half, can't remember how early they started. So annoying and painful, but only got them every so often. Haven't had any this pregnancy.

Can you check with your obs about the powder?

Ran: I had these in my first pregnancy too. I also got restless legs. Keeping hydrated helped this, I know its hard when you're still being sick to remember to drink lots but it can help. The other thing I was told to use was iodised salt I have no idea why but it also did help.

Cat: On the work front, I would wait and see. Hedge your bets and give a date about a year down the track. I was the opposite of Simone, I was saying I was definitely going back and even thought that after 6 months I would be there. However, I didn't count on having a bub that didn't sleep through the night and we didn't find out why until she was 13 months old. I couldn't even fathom going back now. Even without number 2 on the way I doubt that I would have gone back. When we added up all the costs of daycare, travel both time and money, food etc the financial gain would not have been worth it.

AFM: Holding out until Friday now for my scan. I'm a little nervous about it as DD has been climbing over my tummy lots lately and I'm a bit afraid that she may do some damage. Trying not to dwell over it though and keep positive. Have been getting really uncomfy at night too so it will be time to break out the U pillow soon.

Im seeing the OB next week so will ask her then but i did try the magnesium powder last night and I didnt get any cramps. Not particularly conclusive though. I am seeing my senior yoga teacher tonight so will ask him for some good calf stretches too - I am very flexible so it is often hard to get stretched. I know he has a prop that I have used before that is good so I might get DH to see if he can make me one

I am pretty good with my fluid intake in general, although i am eating a bit of salt (and junk food) too so maybe I need extra water.

Hope everyone is feeling good. I still have m/s but not quite as bad as earlier. I really hope it stops soon!! The ads for the double down KFC burger make me feel really sick too atm - why would you want to eat a chicken burger with no bread and chicken instead of buns? gross

Something weird that I have found - I have been cracking my knuckles heaps - something I never do and something that makes me cringe when others do it!! WEIRD - wonder if it is pregnancy related?

catmeo i have been more cracky lately too which is weird because I try not to as it is not that good for you. not sure if it is pregnancy related though. the stuff that the body does is really suprising me I must admit...

For me its the pizza ads that make me feel sick at the moment!

So quiet - which I guess as they say no news is good news.

I hope that everyone had a great weekend and is travelling well.

I have a scan on Thursday - we are so excited to find out the baby sex - we have a feeling its a boy, but really we have no idea and will be thrilled either way.

We have had a few ppl tell us not to find out, but we really want to create the nursery gender specific.

Who else is going to find out??

Or has anyone found out yet??

Does everyone in our group have facebook? I noticed on when stalking one of the other mummy groups that they are starting a private facebook group where only they can go to - if you guys are interested in doing that let me know?

Hey ladies

Scan went well on Friday, didn't find out what we are having though. Stayed strong throughout and since bub was in an awkward position it would have been pretty hard for the sonographer to tell us for certain. Bubs measured spot on for date too which is nice. Hopefully means that bubs won't be huge like DD.

Had obs appointment today which went ok. I have to go and get iron injections now though so am really not happy about that. First one will be tomorrow so I'm trying to keep calm for that. Had another scan at Obs today and bubs was measuring a week ahead so now I'm not too confident that it won't be huge. Oh well what will be will be.

Cat: I'd be interested in the facebook group. We have one for Feb 10 mummies but I have no idea how to create them.

Hope everyone else is doing well.

I can set the group up if everyone is keen - we should really make it all in or not at all though because I would hate for someone to feel left out of conversations if they don't have facebook

Cat- I am happy to do that, I don't know how to set it up either
Find out if you want to find out most people do, that's why it's so hard to find gender neutral clothes now.
We're not finding out again, we didn't with D either. The first time I wanted a surprise, and it was nice, but I don't think it makes a great deal of difference if you find out at 20 weeks or when you give birth. Perhaps you might like to keep the name a secret so you still have something to surprise people with once bubs is here?
To be honest this time I would like to find out for practical reasons, if it is a girl I could do a lot more shopping Our nursery is gender neutral from Daniel so nothing to do there. If we were to find out I would want only DH and I to know so it is still a surprise for others after the birth, but seeing as DH can't keep a secret we won't be finding out again.

MrsMac- Are you low in iron? A BT just before I fell pregnant had me on the cusp, I've felt ok since I've been on the Blackmore though. Did you have your daughter naturally?
My son was 4.46 kg at birth but I had him emergency caesar, I am also worried about having another big baby.

As for me, we finally booked into the hospital yesterday. Had to do another blood test (yuck) and will see the obs there in three weeks' time, so at least it feels like something is happening now. They are too busy at the hospital to do the morphology scan, so I've got to go to a radiology place to have it done, hopefully I can get in somewhere soon as I'm already 17.5 weeks!
The midwife gave me a long spiel about trying for a VBAC, I told her I haven't made up my mind but am leaning toward a planned c-sec this time. But I want to wait til I'm a bit closer to see if any of the same complications develop, so she wants me to see a midwife that specialises in them just to see what she has to say about it. She also wants me to see a lactation consultant after the issues I had breastfeeding D, before the birth.
Apart from that not a lot happening. Off to see how I go booking in to a morph scan.

We are finding out the gender tomorrow - SO excited

I am 18 weeks tomorrow and am still starting most mornings with my head in the bucket.

I am feeling almost constant fluttering now <3

I will open the facebook group - can you all DM me your facebook address so that I can add you

***WARNING = LOSS MENTIONED***

Had some terrible news yesterday that had me in tears all day, friends of ours lost their little girl at birth. The mum did contract Fifth Disease in October and they were told at that time that it could be fatal to their unborn child, but I believe all their scans and everything since were fine... and she went into labour on the week she was due. It absolutely breaks my heart. They put a picture of their daughters foot print on facebook yesterday. Gutted me - I had never felt empathy the way I did yesterday.

Cat- Good luck tomorrow MS sucks, I'm over it now, feeling sorry for you, what an awful way to start each day. Is it bad enought that perhaps the obs could give you something for it?

That is so sad and my absolute worst nightmare... I don't even know what to say, it's absolutely heartbreaking to hear of it happening let alone have it happen to yourself or someone you know.

Thanks

He has tried heaps of things - nothing works... but once I have been sick in the morning, I am fine for the rest of the day now - I can totally handle it now that its not allllllllll day long and with the nausea.

I have created the secret facebook group now girls, I am pretty sure I only have Rosita on my FB friends list - if you want to send me a PM I will add you all

I am still sick too but not vomiting, just naseous all day. I was told it would be over by now! am hoping that by 18 weeks it will be... oh well, it is all worth it.

Seeing the OB tommorrow so looking forward to seeing my baby - it has been so long and I guess I need the reassurance. although the sickness, calf cramps and growing belly probably help too. I seem to have popped the last week or so, DH thinks it is awesome. I still dont know if I am just fat! Havent felt any fluttering or movements yet, I cant wait!

What are you girls doing about coats and jumpers maternity wear wise. It is not worth buying a coat so am thinking i might just have to get used to not buttoning up. Melbourne gets very cold in winter Even jumpers - I have not seen very many maternity wear warm clothes, seem to be mostly wraps and the like.

Catmeo, I am very sorry for your friend, that must be so hard for them.

Cat: I'm extremely sorry to hear about your friend. Goodluck for your scan tomorrow.

Simone: yeah the iron injections are because my iron level was low after DD's birth and supplements haven't worked to bring it back up. I'm actually allergic to most of them so I'm absolutely frightened that it could actually be iron itself that I'm allergic to and not the supplement. Had to have blood taken yesterday to see if my levels went up but doubting it.

DD was born by cesarean in essentially emergency circumstances but they called it an elective. I didn't have much choice this time as its now pretty important for next bub to be born early otherwise neither one of us may survive natural labour. The best bit of advice I got from my ob is to not let anyone push you into anything you are not comfortable with. If you don't feel the risks are worth it then go with the birth you want whether that's c-sect or natural.

Ran: I actually got a couple of cheap mens jumpers. For some reason they are cheaper than women's but fit just as well and are warmer. As far as coats went I just wore extra warm clothes underneath and then had the coat unbuttoned. I live in Perth though so not cold throughout the day but the mornings can be extremely cold so layering up was required.

Hope those with MS have it disappear soon. I can totally relate though. I spent my entire pregnancy with DD extremely sick, I can't really suggest much but can totally sympathise and yes it is worth it in the end.

AFM: I'm going to have to go shopping very soon. I still have very little in the way of maternity wear and am getting sick of wearing the same pants day in day out as they are the only ones that fit me properly now.

Hello lovely ladies

Sorry i have not posted in here for a few weeks, had the flu for a few days a few weeks ago which i had a few days off work, now im off again with low blood pressure, constant headaches and faintness

I am finishing up on the 1st july as we are moving to be closer to hubbys work only about 9 weeks to go yayyyy!!!!! been in retail for 11 years so am really looking forward to leaving.

Cat- i will send you a pm with my facebook details sounds like a great idea!

Next scan in 3 weeks already counting down the days xxx

love to u all xxx
Angela xo

So sorry to hear about your friend Cat. That would be absolutely unbearable

I will PM you my facebook too.

I am floating along as normal. We are on a quick holiday to Melbourne, so won't say much this time. Hoping all are feeling better and better each day.

Ran- I am still undecided about winter clothes. I was in my second trimester across winter last time so not as big. At the moment I am getting by with loose shirts and cardigans over the top, and bigger jumpers that have some room.
If I were in Melbourne I might try wearing a couple of long sleeve shirts, maternity or loose, with an undone coat over the top and scarf.

MrsMac- I know what you mean, I am living in leggings and a shrinking variety of shirts and jumpers that I can still fit in.

Angela- How great you only have two months to go!

Cheekymonkey- Good to hear from you!

Got in for a morphology scan next week, so that's a relief. Am so looking forward to seeing bub again. I was at the GP yesterday and got to hear the baby's heartbeat on doppler so that was nice.
Will PM on FB as well.

Just thought I'd put my little "WE ARE HAVING A GIRL" update here

Congratulations!!!

I want to find out now

How exciting Cat!!! Makes me want to know too

Angela hope you are feeling better!

Hope everyone had a good easter. We went to see the in-laws - hello 6 hour car trip one way, not fun!

Had a mini freak out yesterday because my belly went all soft instead of being all hard like it normally is. It is a bit harder today and I am hoping it means the baby just moved or something

I had a look at maternity bras today but could not bring myself to buy one when I realised i had become a 14DD. OMG. I tried the lovable bras on in Myer, they seem ok, anyone have any reccomendations for maternity bras? Anyone started wearing one yet or is it too early? Am thinking i might need bigger undies too, or maybe maternity versions of undies. I feel like such an elephant today!

I am wearing them. I can't remember what brand mine are but I just bought them from Big W or Kmart I think. They're good in that they're also suitable for breastfeeding later on as they unclip.
I'm just wearing the ones I still had from Daniel, might have to buy some new ones soon.

I know how you feel My tummy is massive, particularly at the end of the day after I've eaten three meals.

Congrats on your little girl Cat. Now you can start decorating that nursery.

Ran: I've started wearing my maternity bras. I've been using the Elle Mcpherson ones but think I'm going to give the triumph ones a go this time too. My tummy was getting hard ages ago then baby moved and I now have a different hard area. I ended up buying granny undies They are just about as supportive as the maternity ones and about 1/3 the price.

AFM: I'm totally over this dizzy yuck feeling I keep getting. I just want to lay down all the time. I know its cause I haven't gotten enough sleep over the last few days but just when I think yay catch up night DD has a shocker. Soo not coping at the moment. Here's hoping that the next few days will be better than the last few.

Funny as - I was thinking the same thing about undies this morning!!

Yes we have already started on our little girls nursery

We painted a pink feature wall over the weekend - it looks great!!

I will pop some photos up once we have made some progress!

Anyone else want to join our private FB group??

I didnt see any maternity undies in Target but maybe I wasnt looking hard enough. DO the granny undies go too high to be comfortable though? or is it for later when the baby is a bit higher up?

Hey Mrs Mac no good about the Dizzy feeling. Is your blood pressure ok?

I think I have been feeling little movements but not sure if that is what they feel like. Little taps I guess pretty low down. maybe i am making it up! i am sure it will get more obvious.

Yes please, haven't got round to this yet. Can you PM me the details?

Just thought I would refresh the list and add my next appointment

September 2011 mummies to be:
Rosita: EDD 4/09/2011
cheekymonkey: EDD 06/09/2011
mrsmac05: EDD 10/09/2011
Neek: EDD 10/09/2011
*Simone*: 24/09/2011
Catmeo: 24/09/2011 - its a girl
ran: 27/09/2011
Angela: 29/09/2011

Appointments:
Mrsmac05 - Morph scan (15/04/11)
Catmeo - repeat Morph scan (09/05/2011)

Ran: The granny undies were fine for me even after the caesarean they gave enough support for the whole of my body. I'm just talking about the full brief though not the full on up to the chest ones. Sounds like you are feeling some movement too.

Just been to the doc about the dizzy feeling I keep getting apparently its just vertigo and has something to do with my inner ear. Possibly some kind of viral infection, or the fact that I haven't had a good nights sleep in the last week, but can't be too certain as its not a constant thing just on and off. Also had the first of the iron injections ouch I'm trying very hard not to sit down for too long now. Blood pressure is in the normal range although it has gone down since the last time I went which for me is amazing. Alright must try and get some lunch into me before DD wakes up. Have had a really busy morning so far.

Mrs Mac- I hope you are feeling better and the vertigo has stopped

It has been so quiet around here and on FB! How is everyone going?

i have been ok apart from a little morning sickness every now and then - it is getting less and less though. Not feeling too great this morning but might have been the late night and a small dinner maybe.

A friend of mine just gace me stacks of reusable nappies - half of them bamboo and half organic cotton. It started to freak me out a little looking at all the nappies and imagining all the washing and changing and stuff. Babies need a lot of stuff dont they! Its nice that I can get some stuff second hand of my friend though, very handy!

Is anyone swimming? Any suggestions for pregnancy swimwear that isnt too pricey?

Had a couple of pretty hard kicks last night, but I was lying on my back and then rolled onto my side and they stopped. I wonder if the baby was uncomfortable or something. They were the strongest I have felt but havent felt anything since.

Cant wait for my 20 weeks can, 11th May woohoo!!!

Thanks Ran. The Vertigo has lessened now which is nice. I had a terrible day yesterday too but that had a lot to do with the fact that little missy decided that 4am was the best time to wake up.

Know what you mean about the cloth nappies freaking you out. And yes they do need a lot of things but you can get away with as much or as little as you want really. DD would go through up to 6 outfits a day but she was a spewy bubs so it was more for comfort than anything but certainly didn't help the washing situation. Once we got her under control we would go through about 2-3.

As far as pregnancy swimwear goes I've been using a tankini with a lot of stretch to it. A few of the girls I go to swimming with have used a bikini, rashy and maternity boardies that way they've saved themselves a bit of money. Really depends on the type of swimming you are going to do. I haven't really found a pair of bathers under $100 though.

I've been getting some nice strong kicks lately and am able to now feel some from the outside too. Soo different from last time when I didn't feel anything but stretches.

Started nursery shopping yesterday. Can't believe the prices on some things but I'm trying to get things that will last and not break within a few days of proper use or that will be used through like a cot that converts to a bed etc.

so quiet here and on fb!

Baby just had a kickathon all in the one spot. Is that normal? normally it seems to be all over the place and not so frequent! Seems to kick a lot more when I am at work too, must be telling me to go home!

Had some bad m/s this morning but thinking it was becasue I had an early morning and it was soooo cold today.

Scan tommorrow, cannot wait to see the little one again!

Hope everyone is doing well, no sickness or issues for anyone!

Out of interest for the second timers, at what stage did it start to become quite hard to work etc. I am hoping to work until 36 or more weeks, but does it just get physically uncomfortable? I am trying to finish my PhD before bubs comes and am wondering when I should have my cut off date for submission (i.e. make it a bit earlier just in case)