Hi girls and welcome back JR.

We're officially in holiday mode here DS2 and I endured a lengthy prizegiving at DS1's school this morn before they broke up. I can't believe that he's heading into year 10 (4th form) next year we've even got the squeeky voice thing going on at the moment cracks me up big time.

DS2 had a tummy bug on Tue night but it passed pretty quickly, meant that I scored a day off work yesterday. We've got my work dinner tomorrow night, can't say I'm really looking forward to it since everyone else will be enjoying a few. Being a govt dept we don't get anything either so it will no doubt be an expensive night.

Everything else is plodding along, still got this darn heartburn but otherwise feeling not so bad. Only a few more weeks until the third trimester and the countdown until meeting these babes.

Have a nice one girls.

Hey ladies

Welcome JR nice to see you here officially after what sounds like a very long journey!

Gosh sounds like those of you in farming are having a tough time and that you ladies have to be pretty self sufficient when those babies arrive! I'm hoping bubs arrives around Easter so we have a few extra days with DH before I am overwhelmed with a house of 3 tiny monsters

Been a busy few days but at least I got today off work and went with DD1 to her kindy Xmas party which was fun but completely mad! About 50 kids and one bouncy castle so of curse DD is sporting sme lovely face bruises from banged heads!

DD2 turns 1 tomorrow. Can't believe it and feeling a little tearful about it (damn hormones!). Seems like just yesterday she was born and now we are halfway to number 3. Think perhaps a few of those tears are fear to be honest. DD1 is going through a real bratty phase so it all seems like its going t be too hard right now with the 2 little ones so close in age. Sure it will work out but it's fear of the unknown right now

Sober driver for work xmas functions too here this weekend. Gotta stop having babies so I can have a few wines next year

Hope everyone is dong well and coping with this awful heat!

The Video of pole dancing preggy women is

I am very jealous of all you ladies being able to eat all the christmas goodies out there and blame it on the baby! ENJOY!

Denz

I have a certain unborn daughter electrocuting my cervix - ow! Very comforting though as she's been so quiet today! She was so active yesterday and after Olivia being up sick last night, I was worried that it was food poisoning as I was feeling a little ill too this morning. Still have my fingers crossed that it isn't, I'm sure that you're sick for a couple of days with food poisoning. My ill feeling passed out the other end *gross* after 30 mins. So I've been hanging on for my mini chick to move all day.

I so don't mind being a sober driver, maybe because I've reserved the role of chauffeured drunkard for so long! It's so the best excuse to eat too much or not enough or not lift anything.

I should be asleep but I can't be naffed.

Diane - hugs re feeling a bit worried. But don't - they change soooo fast at that age, as you know, and between now and when bubs is born your DD will be different again.

I am loving the heat. In fact I am loving this stage of pregnancy. I feel fine (other than being totally knackered from working too much, still 1:30am every morn and up at 6:30). I don't get constant movement, but this wee man goes nuts once or twice a day, and I love it (haha even though most of his kicks are to my cervix too!). I am guessing this one will be carried breech until around 32-34 weeks like the other two were. I get the odd bit of heartburn but that doesn't bother me either. And I have a belly, how awesome is it to be able to start to look obviously pregnant. Is anyone else getting any swelling? I get a wee bit in my hands, mostly at night, but again no major and can still wear my ring etc (well, the one I wear in place of my wedding/engagement/eternity rings that I haven't fit for about 3 years LOL).

Peace - there are heaps of tummy bugs around at the moment. My kids had it - B for a few days and C for 2 weeks (and another week of gross nappies). DH and I just had slightly squiffy tums on and off for a day or two.

Getting through my deadlines. The one that was on the 26th of Nov has been met, one for tomorrow is sorted, one for Tues next week is done. The others were the 3rd, 7th, 8th and 9th - and they are partially completed. The next one is the 15th I think. And there is my photography as well - I finished editing my last shoot and have it up for them to proof, and have some orders to drop off for printing tomorrow for another two, YAY. And a 100th bday party to shoot on Sunday - the local rag want one to put with a story, so that is a bit of free advertising too.

Xmas shopping almost done, just need to get to a decent Warehouse as the local one has run out of what we are getting the boys (fishing rods). Plus need to get IL's pressies but know what we are getting, and something for my Mum - have no idea on that one. Plus she has got the pip with us for some reason.

LOL Michelle, those boys who can't let go of the farm for a milking eh!! I made my DH get a hobby tho, so he has had a few milkings off lately go go hunting. When I get this work out of the way I am going to have some time for ME. And go and try some landscape photography out at the coast in the evening.

JR - yeah our grazier is trying to hold us off for getting our calves out there, but he is rolling in grass and ours are eating dust. They still look good, but won't for long so we want them off! They are only 20 mins away, but have had a wee bit of rain so are still green and feeding their stock well.

Cows are going OK on once a day. Such a bugger though, we WERE 12% up for the season which we desperately desperately needed. We lose a block we lease at the end of the year, which hugely impacts on us, and we needed a good season to improve our chances of being able to afford to stay here. I think we are down to about 5% up now, but that is dropping really fast. Fingers crossed we can make some up at the end of the season when it crapped out last year, but being on OAD this early doesn't bode well at all.

Great post Nimbus. I am glad we are all feeling well at this time of pregnancy but being tired is understandable, you sound soo busy. The nausea has subsided for us ladies and yes I also love seeing a roundness to my belly too.
My last scan has showed us that our boy is laying across my tummy with his head to my right. 3 Weeks before that he was laying with his head to my left. I guess bub is finding his most comfortable place. My blood pressure is being monitered at home every other day and e-mailed to my Gyn/Ob. It is a little on the high side and if the second number reaches 90 and over I will need medication to control it. It is great to feel so well looked after!!!

If any one is interested in how I got to where I am today with my DH, well just clink on to this link to our story.

www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10671250

Have a great day everyone and a relaxing weekend........

C U

Wow, that is some journey JR! Thanks for sharing.

Here is my Xmas card this year, finally got around to doing it!

Great pic Nimbus Next years one is going to be even better!

I'm sick I've caught Olivia's tummy bug and it sucks. She bounced back and I thought I had but my tummy is still getting used to food after only 1 vomit at 7am. No temp though and Miss is kicking along I so hope she's not too effected

I hope you're all having a lovely weekend.

Peace - bummer about bug, Ihope you get better soon.

JR - that is so cool you could get eggs overseas, shame it isn't more readily available here. Are kiwis not allowed to sell them?

Well I am home early from my DH's work do - left him there We had my one last night. I just am still so tired! am on iron tabs so it just pregnancy...seems I am not blessed to have more energy in 2nd tri as predicted. I even had a nap before going out.

Tummy getting rounder by the day and b**bs are getting huge...seriously i am worried they are going to get even bigger closer to time. LOl am having kicks as I ma typing. So reassuring to finally feel movement...I am loving it.

Xmas shopping all done today, thank god...4 days until hols...then it we will move out to our crib (LOL batch for those of you up North) for 6 weeks!!!! Am counting the days...

I hope everyone is well

Oh nice Addison, sounds great being at the crib for 6 weeks. Where is it (if you can share that online of course LOL). Hehe my boobs just kept getting bigger with my first preg. I am hoping they don't this time, they are too big for my liking already! That movement is good eh. I don't get it often, but I do at least once a day in a "cluster".

How are you feeling today Peace?

I have a 100th bday to photograph today. It will be good, but gee I am so tired, and finding it hard to muster up enthusiasm TBH! Better get ready actually, I have to leave in about 45 mins.

Thinking I need to get my iron levels checked too. I know I have had constant late nights, which will make me tired, but I still suspect iron.

I have a gurgling tummy again this morning. I slept all night and feel so tired still I wonder if I can con another day in bed?

Addison - Ill jump in here as Ive been down that road too. No money is allowed to change hands in NZ for egg donations. IPs pay for all costs that a donor has but can not be compensated. There's lots of debate on this for and against payment but personally I would have given my right arm for a donor to come forward. It is such a generous gift a girl can give to someone who is trying to concieve that I think you should be able to give them something as a thank you. Thats why over on the infertility threads you will find many girls are now heading overseas to find egg donors. Otherwise you can sit and wait for years for someone to come forward in NZ. And many of us dont have years to wait. Thats why we continued doing IVF with our own eggs while we waited for a donor...and we got lucky. Anyway thats just my personal opinion. JR may feel differently.

Morning

Is super quiet at my house, both boys are still asleep, unheard of for the 4 year old. We had a huge day yesterday at the Methven races, our local put on a bus and the most fantastic spit roast and anything else you wanted. It was brilliant they organised races for the kids, lollie scrambles and even santa visited with a gift for each child. DH and I are not up with the betting but did did join in syndicates and the girls one ended way ahead.

Sorry you're not feeling so good Peace, I hope it passes soon enough.

JR and Milo it alawys blows me away, the lengths that IF couples have to go to the achieve a family. I am delighted that you both get to share your journey with us!

DH and I had my work do on Fri night and it wasn't as bad as I thought although my boss (female) hooked with some random on the dance floor and it made it quite uncomfortable. Good idea Addison on heading home and leaving your DH, I do that pretty much every time DH and I go anywhere.

Hi Nimbus and everyone else.

I took a belly shot at 24 weeks so will get that up soon.

Have a nice day.

Hey ladies

Sorry I haven't been on here lately, but my dad has taken a turn for the worse and we don't know how long he has. He had a heart attack initially, but now more and more thngs keep happening.
A bit gutted as my mum died when I was 21 so I might end up with no parents which sux! Oh well, sounds like you girlies are all doing well, my baby is very active, he is keeping me happy!

Oh slershie. What a difficult time for you. Thinking of you and sending you a big hug.

Hi ladies. Busy times.

Sorry to hear about your Dad slershie. It is difficult seeing your own parents' suffer with their health. I hope he is getting the care he needs!! ((HUGS))

Take care of yourself Peace. Tummy bugs have a way of knocking you down. Mums' matter too.

What a very 'special' Christmas card Nimbus. Clever lady. I hope you didn't feel too tired after your weekend 100th Birthday photo shoot. Imagine living to be 100 years old. OK if you are well and have all your brain cells still working well!!

I agree what Milo9 has said to answer addision's question regarding NZ and egg donors.
My DH and I had a sad experience with a lady who offered to be our donor. She knew no money could exchange hands but still lead us on, then when she got to know us both better, she started to ask for money for petrol, money for a 2nd hand car so she could be reliable to get to the FA for her tests etc. We would have been quite happy if she was up front and honest at the start. It was difficult at the time because yes, we would have given an arm and a leg to help me conceive, and she used that,BUT if we started giving her a bit of money, when would that have stopped??? My DH and myself wanted a donor who was giving us her "GIFT" for the right reasons. She was a Mum to 2 beautiful girls, so I thought she would understand where we were coming from. Some people can be so hurtful.........

YAY for the movements from your bub. Arn't those feelings wonderful!!!

Hi everyone else.

Hi all,

Sorry to hear about your dad Slersh...

Great photo Kim - helps when you have two georgeous 'models'!

All good in our hood - lots and lots of movement from 'Lily' - seems to be all day and all night - am wondering when she sleeps!

Counting down the days till Xmas - mainly cos I go over to Aus where my mum does all the cooking and cleaning and I go into 'holiday' mode - plus we have booked a couple of days at a beachside place called Mollymook so really really looking forward to that. 6.5 days of work left....

Oh slershie I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad being unwell, take care.

Not much going on for me this week, just the usual work and home stuff.

Hope everyone else is well, we seem to have turned quiet. I guess with Christmas rocking up everyone has loads on. Not to mention that we're all at that point of pregnancy where things seem to cruise along without too much trouble.

Slershie, your poor dad

I'm at the end of my tummy bug now (just of this evening). So I'm feeling good tonight. I weighed myself on Sunday night and I'd lost 2.5 kg's Which is not so good.

I want to say I'm on the countdown to Christmas but I'm mostly working I really don't want to work this Christmas but I am completely out of luck. I've only got a voucher and some $$ to get the kids for gifts now though, most of the hard work is done at least.

JR, sounds like your family has had a bit of a ride to get here. Infertility is complete arse and I'm so glad for you IVF ladies that get success