Mid-August Testers

[NotNic]

That tea bag is perfect for you Snow! Hope that your appt clears up the oestrogen mystery.

I'm loving the olympics too guys. My sil danced in the opening ceremony and her fiancé filmed the David Beckham speedboat sequence. We are so proud! Hubby has tickets but I'm hoping to get hold of some returns. I'm watching a lot of the coverage because of bf'ing and was glued to the gymnastics. The GB boys were great.

Hands - F has always been a reasonable night sleeper and an appalling day one. We have now put him in his own room and we are doing c9pm-c4am now so getting close to through the night. When he got to 5-6 weeks we started to dream feed with formula, rather than wake him and he started to sleep in a solid block waking once rather than twice in thr night. Have you tried not having him in the room with you? He might be a light sleeper.

Bex and Lisette how much longer do you have at work?

Bea - hello lovely xx

CH - Hope you are enjoying your summer off.

 

[snowflakes120]

Well, it's a cyst. My IUI is cancelled for this cycle. I also cannot take any meds at all. So we have to try Au Naturel this cycle. Here's hoping... I'm a bit relieved and a bit sad all at the same time. Oh well. What can I do? My body hates me!

 

[InHisHands]

Snow - I'm so sorry that things have been so hard when it comes to TTC. I keep looking for your grand BFP announcement and haven't lost hope of seeing it. I can't imagine going through a loss and then to hit so many road blocks afterwards. You are a very strong woman. Wouldn't it be amazing if you got your BFP this cycle after everything you've gone through? I say relax and just have fun this month... not like they have given you much of a choice.

As far as dexter goes. I tried everything under the moon to get him to sleep. Even cosleeping... but at last it appears that i've found the answer to my problems. Not really the answers i wanted, but it appears to be the solution.

Dexter is a tummy baby. He sleeps beautifully for 3-4 hour stretches on his tummy and has done so the last 3 nights. Leaving me with about 7 hours a night and only getting up once in the middle of the night.

I have also made it pitch black in his room and that seems to help.

But the biggest change (and saddest) is that I am not longer breastfeeding. His improper latch was the problem when it came to the gas/colicy issue. The more i started feeding him breastmilk via bottles, the less gassy he became. In fact the only time we had bad gas spells that werent solved by using anti-gas and gripe water followed by a 30 minute burping session was when he fed from the breast.

I met with an LC and she still couldn't get him to latch properly and agree that it was the gas culprit.. and so i've given up. If even a specialist can't get my son to do the right thing... then im taking my raw chewed up hamburger meat nipples up to pasture.

I'm expressing now and feeding him half breastmilk/half formula meals. I figure i'll dry up before 3 months... but im hoping to make half meals till then to help with the budget and so he can continue to have the benefits of breastmilk. I'm trying to store up as much as i can, but i'll be lucky to get enough to cover 1 weeks worth probably. I tend to only get "extra" one or two times a day and with him feeding 6-7 times a day.... i probably won't be getting 50+ bags before its all said and done.

I really wanted to make it till 6 months... but at least i was able to soley breastfeed for the first month. He actually likes the formula better than the breastmilk and is starting to fuss when i give him the breastmilk bottle (i use 2 bottles each meal.. one with the breastmilk and one with the formula) I'm really sad about the situation.. but it's whats best for us.

Nic, Bea .. im so glad that you guys seems to have babies that sleep well. It's such a blessing as im starting to figure out. Only having to get up once in the middle of the night has been an answer to my prayers.

 

[MrsBea23]

Oh snow what a nightmare. What does that mean? What do they do about it, could that be why there has been no BFP?

Hands - Glad it has all started coming together for you.

Nic - How are your cats getting on with LO? Mine seem fine so far luckily.

Bex & Lisette - How are you girls getting on?

Ch - Hope your hold are going well.

 

[snowflakes120]

Hands - Things really sound like they are starting to fall into place with Mr. Dex. I think it's great that you are able to do half and half. And great that you figured out he likes his tummy! My sister is a tummy sleeper. Always has been and always will be!! We have plans to just keep it cool this cycle. I'm gonna continue to not chart and I am thinking about not even doing OPK's. I'm a bit curious though about what my LP is without the Progesterone. Just gonna keep calm and cool. RE says she has seen girls get BFP while on an off cycle - hoping I'll be one of the lucky ones!

Bea - We don't do anything about it. It should just resolve itself on its own by next cycle. Can't do any meds as it could make it bigger - not good! No, it wouldn't be preventing a BFP. It is pretty common to get a cyst when you use Clomid.

Nic - That is sooo awesome that your SIL danced in the ceremonies! And awesome about filming David Beckham. He's soooo hot!!

Just got done making home made hot fudge! Can't wait for ice cream tonight!!

 

[Srbjbex]

Snow - sorry to hear about the cyst but sounds good that it should just go away on its own. Certainly having a month without all the meds cant do any harm and your body might just appreciate the break for a month. Oh and the hot fudge sounds amazing.

Hands - Its good to hear Dex is starting to settle down. it sounds like you have had some really hard choices to make, but i am defineitly of the mentality that you need to have a happy mummy, and sleep is a big part of that! I bet in a few weeks time you'll look back at this and it will seem like a very long time ago!

AFM I just cannot wait to finish work!! After this week I have 2 weeks left at work and then that is me done for 12 months. Plus I am taking a long weekend this weekend to go and watch the OLympics down in Stratford so really I only have 11 working days left.... just trying not to think about all the work I have to do in that time.

Lisette - have you finished now???

 

[NotNic]

Hey girls!

Hands - So sorry that breast feeding hasn't worked out for you, but you know what you did a great job going as long as you did. Bea and I know just how hard it is to persevere with breast feeding through all the pain. I didn't cry through labour but I cried numerous times with breast feeding. It was just soo painful in the beginning. Nipple shields were the only thing that got me through that and the fact that Finlay liked it. I always said that I would only do it for as long as it worked for baby, and it sounds like health and happiness wise Dexter is far happier with the bottle solution. I have begun to introduce more formula now as I'm ready to cut back and I'm getting more independent now and even researching weaning. Where has the time gone already?

Bea - The cats have been great with him. Lottie in particular is quite protective and investigates when ever he cries. She is normally a rather nervy cat, hiding from strangers until she's sure but now she 'supervises' anyone holding him. We jokingly call him 'her baby' She also likes to sit on the window sill when he has his nappy changed and she looks at him. She doesn't go into the nursery when he's not there though, and won't sleep in there. It's like she just wants to make sure that he is happy.

Snow - Do you ever think that your body might be telling you something? I get a funny feeling that this cyst is your body asking for another month to try. Eat more blueberries and have a fun month. When you're not expecting it then it will happen.

Also rather late, but as promised some photos now we finally have tinterweb! Finlay likes doing a Usain Bolt impression. This one isn't the best one he's done but he's a fidget pops and hard to photograph face on, eyes open.

 

[InHisHands]

Snow - how are you enjoying your summer thus far?

Bex - no way!!! Only two weeks? That's awesome. How exciting!

Nic - Finlay is an absolute gem!! He's so sweet. Thank you for an updated picture. He looks good in blue. Oh and BTW Lottie sounds adorable!! I love cats.

CH - when is hubby's surgery?

 

[Srbjbex]

LOVE the usain bolt impression!!! Made me laugh out loud and OH too when I showed him!!

 

[NewbieLisette]

Hey girls :wave:

Sorry its been forever again!!! I've been stalking from my phone buts the last few weeks have been very trying for me training a new person for my job while not getting much sleep & having more & more back & siatic nerve pains Finally saw a Dr yesterday who took pitty on me & gave me a note to be off early! Taking naps has been my savior!

Bex only 2 more weeks for u!!! Yipppeee how u been feelin?

Hands hunni I'm sorry you've had such a rough go don't feel bad for switching to formula & bottle feeding! Its absolutely better than suffering for u & Dex!

Nic the latest pics are just precious Are you more in a routine now that its been a few months? You girls in the UK have a year like us in Canada right?

Bea we need new pics of ur lil sweetie

Snow my love u are one special girl I read ur updates & how ur spirit is soo strong & positive & I have to admit I'm amazed! I don't think I'd be half as brave esspecially after having had a loss as well...its not easy I will keep up the prayers hun & really hope this off cycle will be the one for u

CH hope ur well

I can 36 weeks now! LO will be here sooooooon most recent big bump pic to come I promise!xxx

 

[NewbieLisette]

Full view of nursery and latest bump

 

[liz0012]

Full view of nursery and latest bump

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BEAUTIFUL nursery!!!! LOVE IT!!!!

 

[InHisHands]

You look great Lisette and the nursery is so elegant!

 

[MrsBea23]

Aw snow that is pants. I really hope you get a magical BFP this month on your month off. Big

Nic - He is adorable. Great to hear your cats are getting on so well, it is funny my shy cat comes and stands by her when she cries as well my other cat is a bit funny though and if she comes on the bed in the morning she always lies between me and the Moses basket so I'm hoping it doesn't turn into anything more than this.

Bex - That is so exciting, maternity leave is the best thing ever. How is the nursery is everything set up? Do you have most things you need? If you need any reviews of things I might have just let me know, I have to say I live the mothercare pod steriliser it looks good and does the job lol.

Lisette - I love your nursery and you are looking amazing. I only post from my phone these days so don't know how to add pics from it.

Hands - How are you getting on? When does DH get back?

 

[InHisHands]

We are thinking about getting a cat here in a few years. Maybe once my hubby and I settle down and arent moving around alot and when Dex gets old enough to help take care of it.

He should be back somewhere between Christmas and Valentines Day... so we arent even half way through yet. *sighs* Only 141 more days till Christmas... not that anyone is counting.

Dexter is sleeping 3-5 hour stretches at night.. yay!!! Im usually only getting up at around 1 30 and at 6am for feeds now. He just doesnt always go back down right away at the 1 30 feeding.

I've also have noticed that if i go out shopping and am out 2 or 3 hours... when we get back home he is super clingy. He's tired because he doesnt sleep well in his car seat at all... but he wont sleep unless he's on me. It's the only time he does that. So i have just learned to sit back in the recliner and let him sleep on me while watching tv.. because he'll be like this for a good 3 to 4 hours before he's okay to be by himself again. It must be an insecurity issue when going to the stores or something. Haven't gotten it all figured out yet.

 

[snowflakes120]

Hands - Yea for Dex sleeping for a good amt of time at night. That is great. Time is just going to fly by and Xmas will be here before we know it!

Bea - Thanks hun!

Lisette - Love the cupcake on your shirt and the nursey is just gorgeous!

Nic - Love the new pics of Finlay!

Bex - So jealous that you went to the Track and Field event!!

I am officially hooked on the Acu. I loved it and I loved the girl. So happy I am doing it and giving it a shot. I already can't wait to go back and I don't go again til Saturday. She gave me things to try/change. One of those things being cutting out all Dairy. Eeeeekkkkkk!!! I have a slight addiction to Ice Cream - we eat it every night. Yes, every night. It is my most fav food in the world. Anyways, it was a hard weekend giving up all dairy. But I did it and will continue to do it - it will pay off in the end.

As of right now, just waiting on OV. Should be by Sunday. I haven't decided on whether to do OPK's or not. I haven't really thought about it. I guess if I feel like doing them - I will but still not to sure. We started our BDing every other day yesterday. So I know we'll be covered if I decide not to do OPK's. Just trying to stress free as much as possible. So far so good.

 

[MrsBea23]

Hands - you should definitely get a cat they are so loving. I also want to getv2 dogs when we move to a place with a bigger garden.
Great to hear Dec is sleeping better.

Snow - that is fantastic so pleased you like it. I will try and find my notes from when I was having it the no dairy rings a bell and I know there where things like make 4 of my 5 a day veg and at least 2 of those green leafy. Also make sure you eat breakfast ( I used to skip it before). I have a feeling I threw all my notes away but I will look.

 

[snowflakes120]

Bea - That would great if you still have your notes. She also said to cut out refined sugars. So no white sugar, white rice and sweets. I eat a ton of rice so I will have switch that. She also said no cold foods. So my drinks need to be room temp. No more cold cuts for lunches. I gotta have leftovers re-heated. I skip breakfast too - but it's so hard to eat anything because it can't be dairy and can't be cold so cereal or yogurt is out. Basically, all I can think to eat is Oatmeal or Grits but I need to make sure it doesn't have refined sugars and its whole wheat. Ugggh. It's gonna be alot of work. And its gonna be hard.

 

[InHisHands]

Snow - Im so glad you had a postive experience!!! I dont know if i could stick to that diet either. Good luck! I know you have the motivation for it and i know you are strong willed. I'm so excited for you this cycle. Fingers crossed.

 

[NotNic]

Hey everyone!

Lisette you are looking lovely as always. You do look like a pregnancy poster girl! The nursery is beautiful. It's a lovely room for you all to be when baby is here.

Hands - fab news about Dexter's improved sleeping. Finlay treated us to a full night's sleep last night (sort of). 8pm asleep, dream feed at 10.15pm then clean through to 5.50am! He did however have a very exciting dream around 2.30am. He was making a whiny noise like a dog but when I checked on him he was fast asleep! Have you now healed up or are you still sore?

Snow - I'm really pleased you're enjoying the acupuncture. Try looking at vegetarian / vegan recipes. I eat a lot of veggie food and one of the best chefs out there is Ottollengi (spelling is v. wrong but hopefully it's close enough). He has a couple of cafe type
restaurants and he has some great vegetable dishes and an amazing brownie recipe too! I also make warm salads a lot. I fry a bit of bacon / pancetta in a wok. Once cooked I take them out and add salad dressing in the bottom of a wok and then add cherry toms, cooked cut up potatoes, French beans or other veggies and once they are warm add the bacon bits and I chuck in some lettuce stir it all up and serve once it's wilted. Yummy, filling and ticks your veg and warm food boxes!

AFM - Finlay now weighs 12lb 14oz and I think is starting to teethe. Where has the time gone?!

Also I nearly forgot to tell you I'm off to the olympics tomorrow! We got returned tickets for handball. I'm so excited! Finlay has his GB outfit ready Bex - how was your visit?