Hi girls!

Firt of all, I survived ice skating but only just! I am one massive bruise from hockey and skating. I look like one of those reject pears you see in the supermarket kicking about under the veggie counter.

Oh my god Tortoise that's so exciting that the eggs are in. What the heck will you do if you become Tripomum?!

As for the sleeping I say tough love approach but then I'm a horrid mother!! I find if we ignore Stella when she cries (even if she goes on for hours) the next night she stops it because she knows there's no point to it.

Kat, Bec and Kye hang in there with the pregnanc and the insomnia and the sickness and everything else!! Kat you are so nearly there and for Bec and Kye just keep remembering you get a little cutie at the end of it.

Julz - Sounds like you're having a great time. I went to Fremantle and felt the same way about that place! Everyone having drinks and a laugh and there we were with our one year old having a tantrum so back to our hotel by 8pm. It's really depressing giving up your freedom to have children!!

Stella's TT is going ok if you overlook the fact she's now done three poos on the floor! Thank god for floor boards.

We went camping last weekend to the Great Ocean Road. We saw a pod of whales and koalas and parrots which Stella fed from her hand. Can't believe she was so brave. A parrot landed on my back and my husband started pissing himself laughing while I freaked out. In the end I started crying because he wouldn't get rid of it for me!!!!

We are going to Qld tomorrow - last minute thing. We're going to stay on the Sunshine Coast for the weekend then Mon - Weds we're going to Brisbane to stay there. My husband has to work next week so I've got the two girls on my own for three days. Help! Not looking forward to taking both of them on the plane tomorrow, especially as we were really stingy and didn't buy Stella a seat so we have both girls sat on our lap! The idea is to look at some potential areas to live in. I'm looking forward to getting some sunshine. Is it warm enough for shorts girls?

OMG Zara just did the biggest poo next to her cot (on carpet). I literally thought I would vomit. She told me that she had done a naughty stinky poo after the event!

Tortoise - How funny is Lily with her Dad. I was more a mummy's girl as well, where as my sister was the Daddy's girl. Zara is such a Daddy's girl. She will wait at the front door from 6pm just to make sure she gets to hug him first. In the morning she "helps" him get ready for work (she follows him around like a lost puppy) and tells him he looks like a 'beautiful girl' when he is all dressed! She even has to call him at work before her day sleep! This morning she wanted to save the wee she did in the potty to show him.

Jen - it is definitely warm enough for shorts for some of the day but you will need jeans and a jumper still as it drops really quickly. It is meant to be 30 some time on the weekend. It is still quite chilly at nights so Zara is still in winter jim-jams. The weather has been so beautiful lately, you will not want to leave!

It sounds like you had fun camping. How brave is Stella?!! Not like her mummy lol!!

Jen - it is warm enough for shorts - still cool in the evenings though. This weekend Jeremy and I are spending Sunday on the beach at Mooloolaba. You should call if you have time to catch up for a coffee or something! maybe we could set the munchkins up on a play date.

Kat - I also vote to de-stress about the cake and either buy one, make an easy one or buy one that you can decorate easily! Pregnancy can be such a bitch sometimes and not at all the lovely glowing period that they sell it as!

Tortoise - I am a bit of a tough mum like Jen. Ryan started this week screaming once he went to bed and not wanting to stay in there. Every night we have re-settled after he cried alot and then left him a bit longer and every night he cried a little less and it became more of a whinge cry and tonight not a peep - just good night and down he went. But in saying this - it doesnt work with everyone.

Kye - that is soooo gross! I am considering TT soonish... I bought Ryan some training pants to help him get used to undies and to catch the little accidents. I am thinking of trying it on weekends and if we have some success I will get daycare to go for it during the week. I really want him to be TT by the time I have number 2!

As for Jon and Kate... I cant believe he was shagging around... seriously! AS for her, I see her with the bodyguard but usually in situations where they should be together - like out shopping etc... I have not seen any pics of them in compromising or intimate looking situations so I am undecided.

Ok, I just had to google Jon and Kate so I know what you are talking about!!

Bec - we are staying in Mooloolaba and plan to go to the beach at th weekend so keep your eyes peeled for us! I'll be the frazzled fat one running after two children!

jen you will be in good company... I am also looking more fat then pregnant these days!!

We are going up to Mooloolaba on Sunday as well! Just for the day because it is going to be so warm.

Tortoise/Bec - I don't think that Kate cheated. I think she is way too obsessed with herself to worry about another guy! I do not know how she has managed to have such beautiful well behaved children considering she is so highly strung.

Also I had an idea last night Tortoise that if you have triplets, you can move to Brisbane and I will help you out! With Bec only up the coast (so an hour-ish away) Jen possibly moving to Brisbane/Sunshine Coast, and Amy in Brisbane as well, you will have a great support network!

Bec - Gross is an understatement. I keep gagging when I think about it. I bought training pants as well (pull-ups). I have put them on today because I am having a lazy day. I am still talking about the potty and reminding her to sit on it but I am over having to wash the floors.

Jen you have picked a perfect weekend/week for coming to Qld. They are saying the temps for the last week of winter are more like summer. 27 today;

rest of temps for Brisbane.
Saturday Fine Min 14 Max 30
Sunday Fine Min 15 Max 29
Monday Fine Min 16 Max 33
Tuesday Fine Min 17 Max 31
Wednesday Fine Min 15 Max 25
Thursday Fine Min 13 Max 23

I am going to have to throw Taylor's size 2 summer outfits in to be washed.

Kye, OMG @ the poo. Thankfully Taylor's two poos were very solid, so no mess. I think I will put up her Ikea highchair too and stop putting her in the other one with a towel under her. So that if she wees she is in a puddle. So cute about the red circle. The only shape Taylor can consistently point out is a triangle. Not sure if she picked that up from her talking telephone or television.

Bec, good idea to start TT now. I am wondering if I have left Taylor a little too long. I just wish I had of persisted last year when she would actually sit on the potty and we would catch the odd wee. Had more success then!

Sounds like you ladies will all be at the beach this weekend

Jen enjoy the sunshine - it's been so hot where we are at the moment that it feels like the middle of summer already. Everyday has been 29/30 and getting hotter - It will get hotter the higher up north we go to so i think that will kill me!

Kye how funny is Zara she sounds like she is five she is going to keep you on your toes! when she is older.

Tortoise I have my fingers crossed that all goes well this round and your telling us your pregnant really soon as for Lily crying i'm a bit like the others I let her go and she soon learns it doesn't work. We have been having trouble with Summer going to bed she wants one more story or one more play in the end I got jack of it so now I give her her milk, read her story I kiss her goodnight and I leave she carries on for about two minutes and that's it so she knows. I think sometimes you have to be a bit hard on them or they try it on a bit.

My friend that we are staying with had her baby on Wednesday she had a little boy only 6lb 10oz and soo tiny and cute he has made me so clucky!! we planned to move on but she has asked me to stay and give her a hand she seems to think that it will be good for her if i'm here to help out and give her any advise. I am still in two minds about it as I remember how exhausted I was when I had Summer but she seems to be doing so well he feeds like a champion and sleeps all the time. We come back down to Surfers in two weeks for our holiday with my sister and then down to Coffs Harbour to meet with our best friends which was whne planned to leave up here which would have worked out that my friend had her baby while we were away but she went three weeks early. I guess we will stay for a bit see how she goes she thinks that she could easily get depressed and thats one the reasons she has asked us to stay. I am so concious of Summer though being noisy and a bit of a brat at times. What do you ladies think you would do?? we are sleeping in our van outside and i'm doing the cooking and cleaning for her and doing as much as I can I try to get out during the day and we are inside of a night to watch tv and so on. I guess if she has asked us to stay we can't really leave but I don't want to be in anyones way IYKWIM so i'd apreciate your thoughts ladies

Hi girls

Oh god! Today has been a looooooong day! We left the house at 9.30 and arrived in Mooloolaba at 6.30pm. The traffic from the airport to here was a nightmare. Day started well cos we were in the posh club lounge at the airport drinking champage and the first hour of the flight was fine but then it was way past Stella's sleep time so she started getting whingey and fell asleep just as we were about to land so I had to wake her up to put the belt round her waist and then she refused to sit on my lap. I was holding her down so firmly that I'm paranoid she'll have bruises all over her tomorrow and she'll get taken away from me and I'll get put in jail and end up getting beaten up by someone in a blue jumpsuit

She was such a nightmare she just screamed and tried biting and scratching me!! Supernanny would have had a feel day!

Anyway, we're here now and our apartment is lovely right on the beach. Bec, I've just been down to Coles to get some nappies and I took a little walk along the esplanade. The moroccan restaurant looks nice!

Kye - how funny you are here too. I hope we all see each other.

Amy - I am walking to the shops in shorts and t shirt thinking it's hot hot hot and everyone here is in woolly hats and fleece jumpers!

Julz - I say stay with your friend to get her over the first stage when everything is new and scary then I bet she'll actually prefer to have some space on her own. Doesn't sound like much of a holiday for you if you're cooking and cleaning

Jen - I was in Mooloolaba tonight! we went out for some dinner - Jeremy grabbed a Kebab and I got a pizza from Augellos. and it was cold for us Qldrs!!! That morrocan restaurant is great - I love it!! hmmmm now I want to go there for dinner again - might need to bribe my mum to watch the munchkin! Sorry to hear that Stella was such a nightmare on the plane - I hope that Ryan is not like that when we next fly, which I am not sure when that will be at this stage.



Julz - if your friend has asked you to stay you are not in the way. like Jen said - she is probably scared and overwhelmed right now. I remember when I first had Ryan I freaked at the prospect of cooking, cleaning and looking after a baby and I was so happy when mum came over and did it for me or Jeremy took care of it all! Maybe just reassure her how well she is doing all the time and build up her confidence that she is a good mum and she will be ok.

Now fancy you girls being at beach this weekend! I'm so jealous.

Jen, that's exactly why when everyone asks me when I'm bringing Lily back home to London, I tell them when she's mature and about 18! But what long day! Hope the weather stays nice for you.

Julz, I would stay with your friend, I didn't have a clue and would have loved help. It will give her confidence you being there.

Kye, poo! I would have died! How cute is Zara wanting to show her dad the contents of her potty! Bless. If I have triplets, youself, Bec and Jen can have one each. But I might want to trade one for my monster. I wish Kate would do something with her hair, that style is very 80's! And yes she's a bit of a control freak. But I suppose you would have to be when you've got 8 kids, fancy that!

Oh my god my monster has got worse. I was only saying yesterday that she goes to bed ok in the evenings. But seemingly not! Last night I went out and she cried from 7 til 9.40pm. In the end hubby had to sleep on her floor to keep her calm. She does NOT give in. I mean how long can I keep her crying for? And she woke crying again at 5am this morning. She did not stop until I finally couldn't bear it any longer and got her up at 6.45. So for 1.45 hours she cried mummy, mummy, mummy. There was NO break in between, it's like being mentally tortured. Again tonight the whole thing started again. I'm shattered, I ended up going in there and just sat on her floor, eventually she calmed down and went to sleep. I'm at my wits end. Her bedroom is off the living room so I can't escape the crying. She didn't have a sleep today so she's been up since 5 this morning. Do you think she might be taking speed?! I recon that she would cry all night If I just left her, she's so determined. Please let it stop! I dread going to bed as I'm just on edge waiting for it all to start.
And now I've got a cold as I'm so tired and run down.
Not much planned this weekend, sleep sleep and sleep hopefully. Enjoy x

Tortoise - talk to amy about SOS method - it might be for you! I had a girl in my mothers group whose baby seriosly never went down to sleep and then used to wake all through the night and scream! in the end she got in the baby whisperer who said that they just had to leave her and persist with it - now I know that alot of mums think that this is not nice to do - but her daughter was over 12 months old and they have never had more then 2 hours sleep solid! Anyway they persisted with this and it took them 6 weeks! the baby whisperer said she had never seen a more determined or pig headed child!! Now she has a child that goes to sleep and stays asleep like a dream!

Tortoise, if you're game for doing it, I would say leave her to cry. We have been through phases where we've turned the TV up to drown out the noise of Stella crying. She cried for two hours or more. It is the most hideous thing to do and seems so cruel at the time and you think you can't go through with it but you just have to think what's harder; three nights of her screaming for a couple of hours or weeks and weeks of screaming and having to get up in the night and feeling anxious about bedtime. I say do yourself a favour and snap her out of it!

Hopefully you're tired because you're pregnant!

I am in love with Mooloolaba. My husband slept in today so I took the girls down to the esplanade for a walk. Stella played for ages on that brightly coloured sculpture next to the BBQ area. She loved it. Then we went in the sea while Audrey slept in her pram.

The rest of the day we drove around different suburbs to see where we fancied living. Kings Beach, Dicky Beach and Mooloolaba are our favourites. Tomorrow we're going to drive to look at Noosa.

I think Mooloolaba is gorgeous. It was so sunny today. I went shopping on my own and spent a fortune on a skirt, dress and bikini. THis afternoon, I took Stella swimming in the sea while the sun was setting and this evening we ate out in the place next to the Morrocan. It was gorgeous.

Hope we can all catch up tomorrow. I'd love to meet you, Bec and Kye.

Jen I was hoping to see you - but on Saturday I spent the morning shopping at the plaza and then I got a call from a friend who was coming up to see her brother and we ended up going to Kawana Beach to see them. Saturday night Jeremy and I went to Hot Pipis for dinner - it is up near Mooloolaba surf club. Was so yummy! Then today we went shopping at the homemaker centre on Kawana island - spent heaps at Trade secrets (on Ryan and Jeremy though...) and at spotlight (that was for me!) and then Ryan fell asleep. we went to the beach (mooloolaba) to make and destroy sandcastles - but not until about 4pm! was still lovely though!!


I have to say that I have lived on the coast for 7 years (prior to living in Bris) and of all the places I lived I really loved Mooloolaba the most!

ok 2 things I forgot to mention/ask.

What is everyone else getting the Dads on Fathers Day????

and

Ryans latest obsession is Spiders. He doesnt like them, but thinks that every piece of fluff or whatever is on the ground is a spider - points to it, tells you Spider, spider, spider and then stomps on it! I dont know where this came from - but it happened just after they said he was doing the same thing at day care. then yesterday my Mum asked why he was stomping the "spiders" and he said clearly "spiders bite us" ... have I somehow got a little arachnophobe on my hands??

Jen - hope you are having fun. The weather has been amazing! We ended up going to the Gold Coast yesterday so Michael could see a friend. Are you in Brisbane now?

Bec - sounds like you had a fun weekend! I have never been to Trade Secret - is it worth checking out?

I have no idea about Father's Day. Zara's party is the day before so that has been on my mind. Will have to start thinking about it soon.

Zara is SO scared of spiders and any crawling/flying insect. She freaks out if ants are crawling on our outdoor pavers. She doesn't stand on them though - she runs and screams! On Saturday night we were having a BBQ at my parents house (outside) and there was a moth on the tiles. Zara started screaming "Get spider Grandad quick!". Such a sook!

Hi girls

Bec - Stella is fascinated by spiders at the moment too. Luckily for me she's not scared of them which is good cos they petrify me!

Tortoise - any news?

Kat - How are you feeling love?

Well, I'm sat in my very posh apartment with 360 degree views over the Brisbane river and I have to say, I could get used to this!

Had a really fab Sunday in Mooloolaba. I love getting up in the morning (which is about 5am for me at the moment because Audrey has started waking that early) and being able to go for a walk in the sunshine to pick up a cup of tea and feel normal because there are other people up at that time too. It's a really family friendly place. Saturday night, we went to Karma Waters for dinner and had a really lovely meal then Sunday morning we went to Noosa because that's the other place we were thinking of living. It was really pretty with lovely shops and restaurants and really leafy and green but I have to admit it didn't feel very "real"! Sunday evening, we went to the surf club for some beers then we got a pizza from the A place you recommended to us Bec. It was great.

Now we're in Brisbane and it's my first visit here and I love it. It really reminds me of Singapore. There are loads of Asians here and the river is a lot like Clarke Quay. I love the old buildings and the boats. We went on the wheel yesterday then for drinks along the river. Today I'm taking Stella swimming then I may take both girls on a boat while my husband goes to work.

So, that's the good stuff. The not so good stuff is my eldest daughter and what I can do about her tantrums! Seriously, it's like she's just flicked a switch and become even more super naughty. She's as bad as the worst case Suppernanny examples they use to get you to watch the programme!

She cries the SECOND we tell her no, she asks for something (like a drink) then if you can't get it to her that minute she starts repeating the word DRINK over and over and then starts crying. We ordered her a sandwich yesterday for lunch but she saw my husband's chips and wanted them instead. She had a total melt down when we told her she couldn't have any and we had to leave the restaurant in the end because she was causing such a fuss. She won't accept the word no at all and just pushes us all the time with whingeing and really loud crying to get her own way. If we order her a glass of ice at a cafe, she screams at the top of her voice until it arrives at the table.

Yesterday I took her and Audrey in the pram for a walk. She didn't want to sit in the pram, she wanted to walk so I let her walk on the condition she held my hand. She refused to hold my hand so I told her she had to go back in the pram so she then held my hand for about a minute before refusing to again so I threatened her with the pram and this scenario goes on for about five minutes until I got really fed up of her just trying it on the whole time so I put her in the pram and started pushing her along the road. OH MY GOD! She started trying to climb out the pram while we were going along so I had to tighten the straps and then she had the most gigantic tantrum to the point where people were just stopping to stare in the street. She shrieks like a banshie and beats her arms on the ground - the full works!

I thought she'd gone through her terrible twos early but she's only just getting into them now! It's a nightmare. Any tips? Is anyone else experiencing this?



One more thing....not sure if Kye and Amy you read the stuff I added to your question about the Phil and Ted pram in the other section but I've discovered two other things about it since. 1. When Stella gets into it (now that her seat has moved to the bottom of the pram) she has to stand on the seat because the gap for her to get into it is too small so if her shoes are muddy or wet the seat gets filthy before she sits in it. Then, her dirty shoes go all over the bottom of the pram making that filthy too. Once she's sitting in this position, the basket at the bottm where you are meant to put your groceries is no longer useable because that's where their feet go.

2. The pram is really unstable. Sunday morning, Stella tried to climb out the back of it while Audrey was in it and it tipped backwards. Luckily both were ok but this morning Stella was playing in it on her own, did the same thing and ended up under the pram with a trapped finger. It's really dangerous!

Thanks everyone for your advise on staying with our friends we decided to stay as i figured i couldn't well just up and leave when they had asked us to stay. I am helping her as much as I can without being over bearing or in the way. I am not sure how long it will last though because I think her partner is being unrealistic about Summer she is only two (almost) and she can be quite loud but babies dont need total silence to sleep so that is starting to get to me a bit. I don't have any issue with our friends saying something to SUmmer when she is being naughty or doing something wrong but I don't like her being disciplined when she is doing nothing wrong or being told to continally be quiet she isn't that noisy!!

The weather is hot up here and im already hating it I'm bored out of my frickin brain as there is nothing to do here there is only so many times you can go to the shopping centre, or the park or the beach - least at home i have my friends and activities that we do TBH this week I just want to go home!!

Jen i feel for you with Stella we went through a similar kind of thing with Summer and she seems to have gotten a lot better lately. I guess consistency is really the thing i found if i told her she couldn't have it and then I gave in she would keep trying it on the next time. We also found she went through a stage where we would order her a drink or lunch but if someone was having something different she would want that it drove me mad. I used to end up sharing everything with her and she eventually got over it although I know there is no way she would eat a sandwich if my hubby was having chips so i would have bribed her with a few chips to get her to eat the sandwich I think the tantrum thing to is because they are trying to be a bit independent and also they can't say exactly what they want and they get frustrated so carrying on seems to work for them!! but yes i feel your pain i just found being consistent and picking my battles ignoring or letting her have her way on some things and sticking to the rules on others - good luck hope it passes soon

Jen - glad you are having fun. It has been too hot though!

I don't have any advice on Stella. Zara doesn't throw tantrums as such (yet!) but she can whinge for hours! I would just be consistent with telling her no and ignore the stares of nosey people. I very rarely give Zara the opportunity to get out of her pram because I have been there done that and learned my lesson the hard way!

As for the pram, I didn't think about the dirty shoe problem. Although the sales assistant I spoke to said that we shouldn't put the toddler underneath unless there was a toddler in the front section as well. She said that the baby moves to that position and the toddler stays on top. I guess that will help with it being off balance.

Julz - it must be hard. And your right, babies don't need total silence. Maybe you can just remind him that one day he will have an almost 2 year old and will understand!

I forgot to add that toilet training is going really well. Yesterday and today we have even left the house in undies (just to visit people). We haven't had any accidents now so I think that we may be able to venture out to shopping centres with undies on towards the end of the week.

Morning girls.
I'm soooo stressed at work, thought I deserved a 5 min break to come and chat to you ladies!

Sounds like everyone had fun at the weekend.

Julz, I also get bored staying in one place for too long, especially if the shopping is crap! If the shopping is good, well that's a different matter! I remember when Lily was really little, we had a friend come round with her 2 year old. And honestly I remember thinking at the time that she was really difficult and hoped that Lily didn't end up like this little girl who was clingy and demanding... Well guess what, Lily is exactly the same! I'm sure my friend's who don't have kids or younger kids will think the same about my monster! Hopefully your friend's husband will soon realise that all kids are noisy!

Kye, wow you're game taking Zara out without a nappy! My sister had all her kids toilet trained by the time they were 2 years old. She's really mean and said they hated bein in wet pants that they quickly learnt! Once we get over Lily's sleeping issues then I'm going to give it a go. I have no idea what to do about Father's day either. My hubby will be away, so he might forget!

Jen, sorry I had to laugh at your post. I can give you Lily for a couple of hours, might make Stella look like an angel. Lily's tantrums have gotten a little better but she can throw a good one. She can be happily playing and then will start to roll around the floor having a melt down. I have no idea why! I totally get the repeating over and over. It's torture. Lily is the same only she gets louder and louder with what she wants. I tend to just ignore her or distract her. She can really push my patience! When Lily wants something and she's not allowed it, I tend just to start talking to her about something else, I don't bother even saying no! That might help?
Have you decided to move to Brisbane or the coast?

Bec, how funny is Ryan about spiders. Lily LOVES anything that moves, unlike her mother! Everytime she sees a spider she wants to touch it and says "aah incy spider" The other day she was out on our balcony playing with a baby gecko or a baby gizzard as she called it.

Now about the sleep issues, I let her cry and cry and cry. Guess what, she didn't stop! I just don't understand how she can keep going for hours and hours! I can just about listen to it at 7 at night but at 2 in the morning it's unbearable. She must be waking up the whole apartment block. She will just not sleep until someone is in the room with her. She tells me to get in the cot with her! I've tried leaving a night light on and the door open, but it's no good. We have been so desperate for sleep that hubby has slept on her floor for 2 nights! I'm going to make a dummy of myself for her room. I'm not kidding! I told hubby that if he goes to the markets this week to get me a wig for the ballon head I'm going to be making. Hubby also suggested we buy walkie talkies and put one in her room so that when she cries we can talk to her as if we're there! You can see we're losing the plot!

I'm suppose to be having a PG test on Saturday. I dreamt last night it was Saturday and I decided not to go for the test as I was too scared. I've no symptoms what so ever, so god knows. I don't have a great feeling about it though, think it will be negative. Last time I was sure it would work.

Well best get back to it!

Kye - The pram starts with the baby in the bottom then the baby moves to the top and the toddler moves underneath. Stella tipped it with Audrey in it so believe me, if Zara is at all fidgety like Stella, she will try and get out of it. I find it really flimsy and wish I'd got the mountain buggy although the downside with that is that it's very wide.

Great work on the potty training. Ours has stalled because we didn't bring a potty on the plane with us. THis does mean that Stella takes her nappy off every time she wants the toilet - regardless of where we are - and also delights in announcing to entire rooms of people what she's got in it. One couple heard all about her poos last night. They must have loved it.

Tortoise - I reckon I'd get a sleep person in if I was you. I just can't stand that feeling of dread when you go to bed and know you're going to be woken up. Although, I'm tempted to persuade you to go with the balloon dummy because the idea of it really makes me laugh.

I didn't feel pregnant with Audrey so hang in there for some good news yet.

Julz - What a nightmare! Reckon your friend's husband should be pleased you're there for his wife! Although, I have to admit I think back to some of the stuff I used to say/think about people with babies and cringe now. You just have no idea what it's like until you have one. When I think about the noise Audrey sleeps through with Stella honestly, the worst thing you can do is get your baby used to silence.

I understand the boredom thing. I can normally keep occupied with an elastic band for company but sometimes the hard thing is the fact you have no choice but to stay there. Also, when you have children, you're bound by what you can do with them. Because Audrey needs sleeps and Stella is too embarrassing to be outside in public with I keep having to come back here to the apartment for breaks and all I want to do is walk round the city and see some of it!

Audrey rolled at the weekend for the first time. She's also started chatting away. Honestly, I think I'm already showing favouritism towards her!! She's so much easier than Stella so I tend to want to spend more time with her! Having said that, sometimes Stella does something so goddam cute I could just eat her. In the supermarket this morning she went up to the guy cutting the ham and said "careful, very sharp!". She also follows the words in a story book with her fingers and pretends to read out loud which is kind of cute.

Tortoise - I really really like Brisbane but I love Mooloolaba and think I would like to live on the coast, even for just a few years. I've lived in the city for the last 15 so it's time for a sea change. I'll definitely come down to Brisbane regularly though. The plan is to love here in Feb next year so unless anything changes with my husband's job, that's the plan. Bec - get the kettle on!

oh Jen - the Kettle is on! I need someone to hang out with - and when number 2 comes along, I will need someone who will go out and have some drinks with me!

I also go to Brisbane fairly regularly - it is an easy drive - but I just love coming home to the coast!

I was almost considering a P&T - but in reading all the reviews I am less and less inclined to get one. to be honest I think that I am going to get the Baby Jogger elite and a skate for Ryan.

Tantrums - dont know what to do there... Ryan is pretty good, he has had some moments - like one day he had a melt down at Myer and screamed for over 30 mins! Was just insane and nothing I did calmed him down! I basically tried to ignore the behaviour and when he was good I told him how good he was being.

Julz - we are setting temp records in Qld right now. it is bloody hot that is for sure. I have been to Mackay and I see why you are bored - there really is not much there, for me it is a stop off on the way to Airlie!! I would also be annoyed if someone was telling off Ryan for just being a 2 year old.

tortoise - I was talking to mum about your issue with Lily and she said that I went through something similar so she moved me to a bed and I started to sleep better. Is it possible that Lily might be wanting to sleep in a bed? you could try taking the side off her cot perhaps and see if it helps? I have another friend whose daughter was screaming of a night and when they took the side off her cot she just went to sleep. could be worth a try... also GOOD LUCK for Saturday!

Kye - I am jealous of your TT! With Ryan he knows what poos and wees are and that they go in the toilet now - but he doesnt want to sit on it! he points and tells me Bum - as he knows you sit your bum on the toilet..

can you believe that I am over 16 weeks pregnant already.. I swear number 2 is going so much quicker!

Bec - I nearly called you this weekend but we were pretty full on with driving around to see as much as we could. We probably passed each other at some point without realising. I'll be up for the drinks with you. You know me, can't resist a pint of cider! Actually, I'm a bit worried you lot are a bunch of tee totallers and I'm the only alcoholic amongst us. Although, Julz, I know you like a fizzy pop now and again too.

I can't tell you how much I don't think the P&T is safe! This afternoon we walked for miles all over the city and along the river. We went to Fortitude Valley and ended up at Eagle Street Pier for a pint and as I pushed the pram up a curb Stella bashed her head against the seat in front and a lump came up! These days I have to carry paw paw ointment with me at all times because it's the only thing that stops her crying when she's hurt herself. As if that wasn't bad enough, my little Einstein tries to grab the wheel as it goes along and burns her finger.

I think Brisbane is great. Really relaxed with great places and buildings and love the hills because Melbourne is so flat. Honestly, I would love to live here for a couple of years then move to the SC but realistically, the SC is much better for us with kids. Tortoise - have you been here?

Bec, I need to get Stella's name down for daycare now so is there a council waiting list I should contact? Can you help me with local childcare recommendations? IN Melbourne, you contact the list for your local council and they send you the paperwork but not sure how it works in your area.

Thanks love!

Hi girls,

Just a quick one for me.

I'm sick again...had A's birthday party on Sunday (can't believe sh'es 2) and as an added bonus ended up with ANOTHER bout of gastro on Sunday night. Yep, I love being pregnant...its like one long trip of illness. CRAPOLA!!!!

Am starting to feel a bit left out with all you QLD gals!...lol...how about you T, are you keen on moving to QLD with everyone? If you do, I will...lol

Right, must be off and drink my watered down lemonade, and continue to feel like crap.

Much love to you all,

Kat x

Jen, like Kye mentioned, the ladies in the baby shops have told us that to begin with, the toddler goes in the toddler seat attachment at the front while bub is still small and needing to lay flat. But then once bub reaches a certain size, bub goes in the toddler seat on the bottom and the eldest/heaviest child goes in the regular part of the pram up front. All to do with distributing the weight and keeping it stable.

Also, not sure when you bought your pram, but I have a friend who has a Sport and she bought it early 2007 I think and there were some issues with it in regards to the wheel being accessible by the child in the back. I think maybe back then it didn't have a wheel cover at all ? (sorry, could be wrong but I know there was something like that wrong with it) Check out their website, I am pretty sure they have a recall history on there.


Depending what mode you have it in, the toddler seat has different weight limits. When on the front the limit is 20kg. When it's on the back it's 15kg. The main seat limit is 25kg.

With the tantrums. Only thing I can suggest is trying to use another word apart from no and instead of just saying she can't have something, try and have something there that she can have as an alternative ? I too find distraction is a great thing for various situations, whether that is doing something Taylor enjoys or just talking about something she loves.
Hope Stella gives you some peace soon.

Kye, you need to come visit so that Taylor can watch Zara going to the potty! She sat on the toilet twice at the IL's today, but won't sit on the toilet at home. All because her cousin who is nearly 4 used the toilet and Taylor followed her and watched

Tortoise, wishing you all the best for the weekend.

Kat, hope you are feeling better very soon. You have certainly had a bad time of it.

Julz, hope you aren't melting in this weather! Oh, tomorrow is supposed to be cooler...........a whole 28 degrees! LMAO!

Bec, just keep up with what you are doing with regards to poos/wees. Make sure Ryan always sees you on the toilet doing your business. Every little bit helps. I just wish I hadn't been so darn lazy with Taylor!



ETA: Jen, I love a good drink! Beer is my fave :drool:

Tortoise - I would try moving Lily into a bed as well. You can always move her back to her cot if it doesn't work out.

Jen - how cute are your girls!! I had to giggle when you said you favour Audrey!!

I don't think Zara can sit in the toddler attachment underneath because she is too tall already. Plus she is now 13kgs so too close to the weight limit for my liking so she will sit up top once the baby is around 10-12 weeks old and the baby will go underneath.

WHY OH WHY DO YOU HAVE TO LIVE ON THE SC!!!! I want you to move here (and I want Bec back too!). We will have to meet up once every month half way between the two. I am sure Amy will be up for that as well.

Bec - I do way too much shopping to expect Zara to stand on a skateboard for hours lol!!! I hate side-by-sides so the P&T is really the only pram on the market that is suitable. I agree that there are so many bad reviews but they seem to have great resale which has helped me make the decision. The need some competition! As soon as Zara no longer needs to be in a pram, I will sell it and go straight back to the Bugaboo with the skateboard attachment.

Kat - I am so sorry you are feeling sick. I hope Miss A's party goes well on Sunday. Cannot believe our babies are almost 2!

Does anyone have the old Women's Weekly cake cook book? I am after the Castle Cake recipe. It used ice cream cones and had white fluffy icing. The new one has a different one which is much more time consuming.

Kye is it called the Candy Castle? If so I can scan it and email it to you

That wasn't the sport it was the E3 which is the model before the sport.
I love my P&T but i haven't had to use it in the double mode yet

Jen - I love a drink we are finding we drink nearly every day since we have been our trip especially since we've been with friends and my brother and so on and the heat it's always a good excuse for a drink.. Just to prove my point that I drink to much if I ask Summer would she like a drink she always answers with beer!! or if anyone is drinking anything it's beer

Thanks girls for your sympathy lol I know that 2 year olds can be bratty but in the scheme of things she is pretty good can just be loud occasionaly and doesn't really listen well at times and of course she gets excited about the baby. Me on the other hand I am pretty home sick and just generally feeling over it all I feel teary and have no patience with Summer. I tried to talk to my hubby but he just doesn't get it he thinks I should be happy/thankful that he's the one who is working while I can do whatever I want which is great except there isn't anything to do. I am missing my friends and family like crazy but I don't even feel I can ring them up because I don't want to break down on the phone. On a positive note my sister and her family are on the Gold Coast the week after next so we are flying down for a week with them and then driving to Coffs Harbour for a week with our best friends and then my parents are here end of September.

Bec - We loved Airlie Beach we've been there twice now just recently the weekend before last loved it. I can't believe how fast your pregnancy is going wow

Tortoise - with Lily's sleeping we had a similar problem with Summer when we first came on our trip at first I thought it was just because of the change but we put her into a bed and she was fine so i'd try Lily in a bed and see how she goes

Kye - Zara is doing so well with the TT that's great. Summer is hopeless she still wees on the floor when I take her nappy off she will tell me she has done a poo but not before. I dont think I will worry about TT her for a while yet i think i will wait a bit longer until she seems more ready. Kye I do have that book and I know which castle you mean my mum made that for me one year but unfortunately I don't have the book here it's at home in tassie packed away so i'm not much help!!

Kat you poor thing this pregnancy has been really hard on you. I hope you are feeling better soon

Well im off to the shops!! we are struggling big time with our winter doona it's just to hot so i'm going to buy some new bedding today

oops sorry JUlz. Thanks for the correction.

Morning girls, you're a chatty bunch!

Kat, can't believe you are ill again! Hope you are ok. Have you managed to put on any weight this pregnancy?! What did you end up doing about the cake? We will be expecting photos of the birthday party!

Bec, I'm too scared to take the side of the cot off! Honestly you have no idea how willful my critter is. Last night I took her to bed, I left her door open and just told her I was going to have my dinner. She just stood at the end of the cot watching me for over an hour. Eventually she got shits and wanted me back, then the crying, screaming started. I went in and she's stood smiling thru her dummy telling me to lie down and night night mummy. After 30 minutes I had enough and left and sent in hubby. She finally went to sleep at 9.30. It's a joke. If I put her in a bed, she will be out of it in a flash! She will not sit or lie down in her cot unless someone is in the room with her. And she was up and down last night and early this morning, we're all so tired. 16 weeks already, another 4 weeks before we find out what you are having!

Jen, it must be hard having to move after making so many friends in Melbourne, but I'm sure it will be a fab move! I've never been to the Sunshine Coast but I would love to visit! Audrey sounds like a delight! Must be nice having one that doesn't answer back

Kye, when you having Zara's party. Can you believe are critters are nearly 2. I've decided to have 2 parties, yes I must be crazy! I'm having one on Sat 5th for our friends and hubby's family, they'll all be leaving that night for Europe. Poor me and critter will be left home alone. And she'll have another party on her birthday for her school friends. Now what about games, do they play games? I've not a clue and what's everyone doing for the party bags that they take home? What do you put in them? Help...!

Julz, sorry that you you're so homesick. It's only another week and you'll be with your family and friends. Hope you are ok.

Amy, thanks!
But I think I'm out, I said I felt nothing but now I do and not in a pregnant way!

Ohhh I think that is it! Thank you so much - I am going to PM you now.

Julz - I am so sorry you are feeling home sick. Hubby's don't quiet get it do they?! At least you get to see your family really soon. Where are you planning on going next?

Tortoise - I still have my fingers crossed for you. xxxxx

I am having Zara's party on the 5th as well. Just hiring a jumping castle so hoping that will keep her entertained.

good evening lovely ladies!

Jen - I do love a drink - just been a little out of it all with the whole pregnancy thing! beforehand I did love a drink, but I had so few friends that enjoyed it anymore (they were all boring parents!) I have met a few new people up here that so enjoy going out still - so yay for once this baby is here for having someone to go out with! as for childcare - email me rebecca.kroes@iinet.net.au and I will inform you on all you need to know as I researched the hell out of sunshine coast daycares!

Tortoise - I hope that the lack of feeling preggers is a good sign! as for birthday parties - I am only having 1 for Ryan and I am not worrying about games - we are going to have a party at a park at Mudjimba Beach as it is a fun park that Ryan loves playing at. I must get onto invites - I am so slack!!

Kye - a jumping castle sounds like so much fun! ryan will love it also I can understand you needing the 2 seater pram for lots of shopping. I have not been shopping as much lately, but since I started working full time I just dont have the time or energy I think!

Julz - yay for being able to see your family soon! that should be great and help with the homesickness.

Kat - I hope that you feel better soon honey. It is a shit when you just want to be pregnant and glowing and instead you just feel like crap 24/7 ... hoever in saying that I want to see pics of your little munchkins birthday!

well I must go - dinner is ready ! talk to everyone soon x

Holy crap! Amy and key, I have to confess all this time we've been putting Audrey in the seat on top and Stella in the underneath one!!!!!! It's a wonder I haven't killed them both! Now I see why it's unstable I'll start putting them in the right seat and see what happens next

Actually, here's a question.... where do you put the baby if you're only wheeling one?!


Kat - god you've had a run of it. I reckon you'll be please when this baby arrives. Not long now. Would love to see updated pics of A at her party.

Tortoise - Do you wish you'd gone home to Europe now? How long will your husband be away? Can you do more IVF without him if this isn't a success?! (Try explaining a Chinese baby in nine months time )

Kye - Stella loves bouncing Castles. As fr brisbane, I just loved it (we're back home now) so the plan is to move there for six weeks until we find somewhere in mooloolaba. Love those Queenslander style houses. Also, have you ever been to Cloudland?

Julz - I reckon you are going stir crazy at your friend's place and need to move on. It's boring enough when you have your own new baby cooped up in the house all day feeding and sleeping let alone watching someone else do it. Can you move to the GC any earlier?

Bec - I'm on it now!

Morning girls. I'm so tired it's not funny. And no it's not because I'm PG, it's the monster that's causing my tiredness!

Jen, you're a dag, fancy not being able to use your pram correctly, you're just like Britney Spears I don't think I'll go another round of IVF until November/December, that's if I go again, I'm not convinced whether to try again or just get Lily a dog instead
When I conceived Lily with IVF, hubby was in India for a week! So yes I could have had a Chinese baby. When my mum and dad were here last year we kept being asked by Chinese people if she was half Chinese. In the end my dad just replied, no she's just tired!
The move sounds really exciting! I love love the queenslander homes. How was Stella on the way home, did you have to resort to drugs?!

Bec, I use to love a drink but I can't drink anymore, well I can but I get hangovers from hell, especially if I drink white wine. I get a headache for about 3 days. I love cider, but it's difficult to buy here. I keep meaning to ask you, how's Ryan's hearing, does he still have to go for tests?

Kye, the bouncy castle sounds like fun, it's bound to wear them out! Are you making the castle cake yourself?

Glad it's Friday tomorrow, it's been a busy busy week. Got to get organised this weekend for Lily's parties. I've so much to do! Being a control freak that I am, everything will have to be perfect!

I just changed our tickets we leave on Tuesday now

Are any of you ladies on facebook?

Julz - I am on facebook... here!

Tortoise - Ryan does still keep having to have tests etc... however I am having issues with appointments as his last 3 hearing appointments have been cancelled! I was so angry with the last one as they rang 30 mins before the appointment (knowing I had to drive to Brisbane from the SC) and told me that they had to cancel because our audiologist was sick! I was already in Bris!! Anyway I was feeling so frustrated for many reasons that day - yelled at the chick on the phone and hung up. I felt really bad, but I was so annoyed that they called so late in the morning, they should have known earlier that she wasnt coming in.

I also have to book his speech therapist appointment, but to be honest working full time is such a hassle as I have to remember to call in my lunch break and I dont have a desk etc.. which also shits me... !

Jen - I loved living in Qldr homes, but in winter they can be bloody cold! but I am a real qldr now after living here for so long!

Bec I just added you on facebook

Jen - yep I have been to Cloudland (you do mean the club/bar don't you?).

So when do you move?


Tortoise - I have to get organised this weekend for Zara's party as well.

I PMSL when I read what your dad said about Lily being tired - too funny!!


Julz - that is great news you get to leave earlier. How did your friend take the news?


Bec -I would be annoyed about the cancellation as well.


Tonight I went over to Mum and Dad's for dinner and we had to go out to get some take away. Zara was in undies and she told me that she needed to do a wee so I had to take her to public toilets (ewwww gross but I covered the toilet seat in toilet paper before she sat on it!) and she did a wee and poo no problems. I think we are ready to leave our nappy days behind as the out and about thing was my biggest hurdle.

Yay Zara you clever little chicken!


Jen, you crack me up woman! When you are only pushing one, you put them in the front.

Yes it's very early for me....... Lily and hubby are still in bed. I've had a terrible sleep and have been dreaming and convincing myself I'm pregnant and then convincing myself that I'm not pregnant! I remembered that I had a pregnancy test in the cupboard.... so I took one and I "think" there's a very fine line!!!!!!!!! But the test could be faulty as the control line didn't come up that well. Holy crapola! Suppose I'll go and buy a few more today and retest tmw morning before I go off for the blood test. But I still feel like AF is on route. Oh well who knows....
Well best get my critter up for her milk x

OMG Tortoise!!!!! Go and get some more tests now and come back and tell us!!! Aarrgghhh I am so excited!!!

Thanks Kye, don't get too excited!!! I'm really not sure to be honest. I sort of feel strange and sicky but it could be due to the progestrone that I'm taking and I could still have the drugs in my system which can make a false positive. But I'm crapping myself!!!! I might have to walk to a chemist in the blazing heat at lunchtime to see if I can track down some HPT's. I'll keep you posted! x

Good luck Tortoise! I so hope this is it for you

Speaking of pregnancy tests, I still have a stack of internet cheapies here that I need to get rid of. Hmmm, don't know anyone that is trying.

Kye, I'll place a bet with you now, that Taylor won't spend more than 5 minutes on the jumping castle.......in fact I doubt she will get close to the 5!

Ok I'm back...phew it was hot out there 34 and stinking humid. Managed to find a chemist with about 50 other people. I was embarrassed to buy more than one test so just got the one and I also had to buy shaving gel so I didn't just have the test in my hands whilst waiting to pay (I don't even use shaving gel). Anyway back to my airconditioned office..... took a trip to the bathroom and what do you know, 2 minutes later there's a positive hpt in my hand! Holy holy holy crap! I was convinced it hadn't worked. Now I feel sick. I wonder which one it is.. Mary, Mungo or Midge? I've got a really funny feeling that it might be twins, now I'm really scaring myself x
Right off to have some lunch.

OH MY GOD!!!

Tortoise - I feel sick for you! Congratulations! that's the best news!

Now, I realise I should only want you to have one in there cooking but I've got to be honest, I want you to be tripoMum! How fantastic if you had twins but even better if you had triplets!!!!!!!!

I feel all flustered as if it's me that expecting three!!! Have you told your husband yet?

As for your Dad's comment about your Mum - that's a classic.

Julz - good work with the trip move. I bet you feel better already. How did your friend take it?

Bec - Did you get my email? No desk? Where are you supposed to write personal emails, call your mates and hide your snacks?!

Kye - We're moving in Feb but will be up there again beforehand to sort things out. I just want to move now.

Stella's birthday in next Sunday on Father's day. We're having a pinic with our friends on the beach but it will be freezing!

Oh dear god, best ring hubby!
Thanks Jen! I laughed at your comment to Bec about her desk. All I kept thing was... where would I sleep if I didn't have a desk! I would die if it they found 3 or even 2 for that matter!

I am so excited for you Tortoise! Congratulations!

Jen, February? geeez, that's so long to wait! I hope you get a surprise warm day at the beach for your picnic.

Jen - it is crap where I work! I got your email and will reply tonight - if my prego memory doesnt let me down!

tortoise - HOLY CRAP!!!!! YAYAYYAYAYAYAY! 3.... arghhhh

Kye - so jealous of Zara being TT!

anyway I have to go and eat dinner - chinese - Yum! talk to you all later. xo

Tortoise - that is such great news. I am so happy for you all! I am with Jen - I so hope it is triplets - that would be amazing! Congratulations xxxxx.

Jen - Feb is ages away! I will have a little baby by then.

preggo brain Bec, don't forget to check your emails and msn