ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
Congrats!!! smile.gif

Double-posting to say that the wink.gif smiley looks nothing like a wink!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-19 08:09:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (The Red Baron @ Aug 19 2008, 07:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Mornin everyone im here early because its visa delivery day smile.gif


YAAAY, bet you're so excited!!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-19 04:52:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
Well I'm glad she never got it.

Same rules apply to celebrities. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-18 08:00:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
Oh I see! Makes much more sense, now...
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-18 06:52:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
Random, but why did Amy Winehouse need a visa to travel to the US for MTV awards this year? I remember her being denied due to drug reasons... but she's not staying there, so why was it needed??
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-18 05:20:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
When I can join you! tongue.gif

Only kidding, I want a report when you get back.

I'm sad right now because me and the boy have been fighting all day about his work. It was my last day off before I go back to work too... oh well... it will all blow over.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-17 12:25:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
I like hearing that.. calms me down for next year!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-17 07:01:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (Poiteen @ Aug 15 2008, 06:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello guys! Congratulations Julez!!! Hope the house sale is finalised with the minimum of fuss. The house must have been nice to go so quickly! Sorry I didn't post earlier, I read this thread now and again on the road, on my phone, but I'm too lazy to post on the small keyboard.

Aly and Muffin, I might be around tomorrow, though I'm not sure. We may be out looking for a new-old car, but if i'm here, I'll be chatting.

Well, you could say that we found a place to live. We'd been looking at tons of apartments, we found one we really liked on Tuesday, and we put in an application. They called us the next day, and said that our credit was fine, but since we don't have jobs, they would have to take a double deposit, and 2 months upfront, but that second month would be applied to our 4th month living there. Are you following this? Essentially they wanted a month upfront, and 3 months rent worth of deposit. We actually had an hour or two of being so shellshocked that we considered it.

We found another place, that I wasnt' so keen on but C really liked it, and they had a move in special of 2 months free (it was a new development they were trying to fill up). So we asked about the application procedure. It was very simple, credit check and our last 3 pay stubbs. Well, the last 3 pay stubbs we have are in GBP£. Hmmmm. If we couldn't show current employment, then we had to show that we could pay for at least the next 6 months of rent from our savings. They had a formula for this, rent x 3 x 6months. So for rent of $1850, that would be $33,300. Well, we have some savings, but nowhere near that much.

Soooooooo. We have come full circle, and decided to move in to the Archstone Los Feliz for 3 months. Get ourselves some jobs and a couple of cars, and hopefully settle in to the city, and try this again then. By then we will have a much better idea of where we want to live and what we can afford, so I think it's a good decision. I only wish we'd made it a month ago. Oh well. We're certainly getting to know our way around now.

Hope everyone else had a better week than me.

xxx Poit (aka Pointy smile.gif )


ooooh that IS a lot of money... I really hope not all places are going to be like that. I'm quite happy paying the monthly rent each month, from paycheck to paycheck (once we get the income and place, that is!)

I'm glad you feel that you've learned a lesson though; getting a good idea of what's around and what you can afford etc.

My week has been OK... I can finally afford to pay my rent off, which is the reason I had to leave the US and come back to work. Such a good feeling to know I worked really hard to cover those outgoings and I get rewarded by a trip back to the US in a few weeks! I know I probably shouldn't go... we can barely afford anything at the moment, but you guys are a LOT stronger than me. I can't handle going until Christmas without seeing my fiancee. Luckily, I have a great best friend that is more than happy to loan me some money for a night out while all of mine goes towards visits!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-15 05:31:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
Writer's block does indeed suck... I take Creative Writing at university (alongside Psych) and sometimes when I have a deadline looming over, I find it hard to write something decent.

I usually try to come back to it after a break. The more I struggle, the less chance that I'll find that hook!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-14 17:33:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
So I'm feeling lonely tonight.

Last night I went out with some friends and today I just cleaned up... now I'm alone in the house and find myself missing my Billy. Just tried watching movies but everything seems so quiet!

So just thought I would blab in the off-topic thread. smile.gif

Um... some good news! I was contacted by my psychology professor (Bath Spa University) who asked if I wanted to take part in some research with him and a scientist from the Unviersity of London - I'm so excited and flattered that he asked me! It's about brain differences in homosexuals, and I'm going to make it my dissertation.

kicking.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-10 16:28:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (SMB x2 @ Aug 9 2008, 08:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good afternoon everyone!
Stu and I got married yesterday! biggrin.gif
Now we're going through everything so we can send off AOS paperwork next week. Yay more USCIS paperwork wacko.gif At least we're together now good.gif

Weedebz, it depends on where you are in NE, but we're not too far from Nebraska, being in Iowa. I have no idea about the cat, though, sorry blush.gif


Congratulations!! kicking.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-10 13:05:00
K-3 Spousal Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWhat the heck...?!!
I don't think married couples should have more rights than engaged couples when it comes to the filing time. Because, and I don't mean this to be disrespectful to anyone, people know when marrying a foreigner that there will be paperwork involved and I believe it's up to the couple to choose which direction they want to go in. If you wanted to get married first because you wanted to go on a honeymoon or you wanted to do it in the foreigner's country, then that's fine... but be aware of the waiting time if you do.

We looked at the applications before we filed, and saw that the K1 reunites the couple quicker but then requires a few more months of paperwork afterwards. The CR-1 means a longer separation time but more rights and privileges on arrival. I saw a LOT about the invalidity of filing a K3 since it was taking around a year for approval, and then AOS was still required.

We thought it was more important to be together and then wait for the green card together, so we filed the K1. Took over 8 months, so it still wasn't quick... then a further 2.5 months with the AOS application. All in all, about the same as a spousal application, but we are pleased with the route we took because we were together during the green card stage.

Edited by Gemmie, 13 January 2010 - 12:13 PM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-01-13 12:11:00
IMBRA Special Topicscancelled 2 K1's
Or you might meet a girl that you like that isn't foreign... stranger things have happened!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-18 04:44:00
IMBRA Special TopicsThird K1 Visa
I think it's kind of sad when people feel a need to "shop" for a spouse.

Applying for more than one K1, I don't have a problem with, coincidences and changes happen.

But *purposely* looking for a foreign wife and trying to get them to move to the US simply because you like that nationality? I don't understand why anyone could go through this process without genuinely loving someone for the PERSON they're with.

For me personally, I could never go through this horrific process if I hadn't accidentally fallen for an American and decided to be with him, no matter what.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-12 13:52:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)Help - I am so upset :(
Being put in AP must be destroying... well done anyone who has been through it and good luck to everyone dealing with it.

Edited by Gemmie, 16 November 2008 - 04:21 PM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-16 16:21:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)K-1 denied...now what?
I agree with Damian.. I'm all for telling the truth but when you're facing a 3 year ban for something that may have happened years ago, I wouldn't admit to it.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-02-15 11:37:00
United KingdomBritish Bun in the Oven

A quick post to say that baby Leo arrived 3 weeks ago. :D

 

He weighed 8lb 12oz. I was told I was being induced at a routine ultrasound- scary! But the birth went smoothly, not nearly as bad as I thought. I made it to 4cm with horrendous back labour all night and day and then got an epidural. 2 hours later, I was ready to push! Was a great experience. No side effects, was up within a couple of hours.

 

It's been challenging to say the least. Leo is hard work! For the first 2 weeks, he screamed all night and we were running on empty until we found that letting him sleep on our chests was the only thing that kept him quiet. It's not something we want to keep up, and in a couple of weeks when we're both home for a long weekend, we will start the process of getting him to sleep in his crib in his room. Any tips anyone??

Attached Files

  • Attached File  vj.jpg   120.85KB   8 downloads

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-05-20 19:58:00
United KingdomBritish Bun in the Oven
Ahhh sorry it's been a while, ladies!

I've been so busy. Work has been both stressful and jam-packed full of different projects, it pretty much takes up most of my time. We also just moved. So far, we absolutely love it here and I can't wait to explore all of the beaches and parks that we can take the baby to as he grows. We haven't decorated the nursery yet, right now it's just a storage room, but getting there!

I'm now nearly 29 weeks! It's gone so fast.

I had a couple of months where I was feeling great, and then bam- I had SI joint pain so bad that I could barely walk. The hormones, plus the added weight, and my joint was jammed. I saw a Chiropractor for a month, but now my insurance has stopped covering the sessions, so a bit worried about that. They said a misaligned pelvis can make for a difficult birth. But for $80 a week, I don't know if I can keep it up. Other than that, just dealing with heartburn, aches and pains, struggling to breathe, bruised ribs, stretching skin, restless sleep, and I'm also anemic so need to start taking extra iron. The joys! Plus I think I failed my glucose test as we've been playing phone tag trying to discuss my result. That means I have to take the 3 hour one next- lovely!

Pregnancy has been both a joy and a pain. Our baby is doing well. We've decided to call him Leo Christopher :) Keeping it quiet apart from close friends and family, as when we were discussing names, everyone had an opinion. No one liked Leo, most of all my MIL- she keeps hoping we will change the name and suggesting other ones, but I finally just thought 'sod them- we like it, and that's all that matters'. He's a little wriggler, I feel him moving all the time, especially when I'm hungry. It's so strange seeing a foot pop out when he really gets going. My husband just rests his hand over me every day for about an hour. :lol:

I hope everyone is doing well. I wish I could keep up with VJ!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-02-02 10:18:00
United KingdomBritish Bun in the Oven
Bahhhh... my dad said "I thought you already knew ages ago and you said it was a girl" followed by "I would've liked a girl to be honest, I already have two grandsons, but never mind, always the future". Did that make me feel all glow-ey inside? :no: He hasn't even spoken to me about the baby since we told him 2 months ago. My brother just sent a message with "congrats on your son". I really don't have any support from my family anyway, so it's not a huge shock that they are so blunt and uninvolved. It does upset me at times though.

We made a cake as a surprise for my hubby's family since they didn't know we were having a scan. They were happy (although again, MIL said she would have liked a girl as it would be different).

Bill and I both would have liked a girl, but we are happy regardless. I was beaming when I was told how healthy he is.

There was some drama when the in-laws assumed that they would be at the hospital during labour and delivery. Not. Happening. I've since made it very clear to my husband that I'm having them nowhere near, they can wait by the phone until we invite them over. I'm already feeling overwhelmed with the idea of giving birth, breastfeeding, bonding, recovering, and would like at least a couple of hours to adjust before having visitors. He was shocked at first since he always assumed his parents would be standing by and meet him ASAP, but we've sorted it now- or should I say 'I am not changing my mind' and he understands. :lol:
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-11-28 15:15:00
United KingdomBritish Bun in the Oven
It's a BOY!! :thumbs:

The ultrasound was disappointing, the tech didn't let me see the screen and stayed silent the whole time. Then at the end, she had me roll around as baby had his legs crossed. She then casually just said "it's a boy"- we were like what?? We expected her to walk us through and do some kind of fun reveal. She then finally let me see the screen, showed me the #######, heart, bladder, hands/feet, profile, and then we were rushed away with some photos. Bummer! But I have to go back for another one this weekend as she missed part of the spine, and I will ask to see the baby this time.

The midwife notified me that the baby has a white spot on his heart. I almost died. But then she said it's ONLY a soft marker for Down's Syndrome, and my other tests came back negative, and my risk level was 1 in 50,000! So she said it's virtually no risk, and the baby won't have any heart problems.

Maven, it will be awesome if you get that done and dusted for the start of 2013. :)
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-11-27 16:36:00
United KingdomBritish Bun in the Oven
I am SO EXCITED AND SO NERVOUS about the scan this afternoon, my heart is racing.

Baby's kicks are especially big when eating garlic bread... go figure. :thumbs:

What's the update on the other babies? How is your sister doing, Empress??

Edited by Gemmie, 24 November 2012 - 09:33 AM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-11-24 09:32:00
United KingdomBritish Bun in the Oven
Argh, how frustrating. I have to admit, I would cry in your situation. And still wouldn't be as immature as him.

Sorry for being MIA, not much to report other than my baby is kicking away daily now and I'm only 18 weeks which apparently is very early. It's easily the best part of the pregnancy so far.

I find out the sex on Saturday!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-11-21 16:10:00
United KingdomBritish Bun in the Oven
Yeah, I know loads of people that didn't move until the baby was walking and they just needed the extra space. Your little one will be a baba for a good few months and able to share a room with you. I do plan on having a crib next to our bed for the first month or so, but I really want to get it moved into its room fairly quickly as I fear separation issues (for the both of us) and want to set a bedtime routine early (watch me in my naive way of thinking). Either way, I'm sure the situation will be resolved in the best way possible for you. Even if he's a few months old when you move, you'll still get to decorate a nursery. :thumbs:

Btw, spoke too soon with the nausea decreasing. Gagging over my own deodorant, walking too quickly, leaning forward too much, bluurrrgghhh
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-10-23 16:56:00
United KingdomBritish Bun in the Oven
So amazing isn't it? Do you feel him move yet? I can't wait to feel that.

I'm still very tired but my nausea has decreased. I'll be 14 weeks in a few days and the midwife says that's when I should have more energy.

We looked at an apartment yesterday and signed for the waiting list to move in January. Right now we live in a one bedroom loft, and as cool as it is, I really don't want to have a screaming baby in one great room where every sound is amplified. The apartment is very insulated with thick carpeting and walls. The baby's room is a perfect size, right next to the master bedroom. The complex has a playground, a kid's pool, a duck pond and it's near a park and beach. I am just so excited to move already. We're going to paint the baby's room either pink or blue, so can't wait to find out. :D Are you getting a nursery ready now?
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-10-21 09:43:00
United KingdomBritish Bun in the Oven
This is my favourite because of the legs and feet :D

Attached Files


Edited by Gemmie, 20 October 2012 - 10:56 AM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-10-20 10:52:00
United KingdomBritish Bun in the Oven
Congratulations on the boy!

I kind of understand how you feel. I asked to speak to my brother on the phone and he said he was too busy, so I emailed him the news with the scan pictures, and INSTANTLY got a phone call. He said he was happy, but also made some negative comments. We were expecting that as my brother has a personality disorder (not exaggerating, he fits the diagnostic criteria and has always been hard to communicate with). I told my dad on the phone and didn't get a "congratulations" from him or my sister-in-law- my dad just kept saying he didn't expect it (even though we've been married for 3 years and are always talking about having kids) and wondered how we would cope- and my SIL just said "I hope you don't go through what I have" [with my nephews- they have developmental issues]. The males in my family seem to all have some kind of 'slow learning' going on. And I'm 90% convinced that this baby is a boy, and I am worried about that. But all we can do is hope for the best, we will love it no matter what and help it as much as we can if it turns out that way.

It is sad when your family can't be happy for you. So far they're the only ones that have been negative about my pregnancy. I long to tell family and get happiness and joy. But what with my mum and grandparents all having passed, all I have left is my dad and brother and we don't have a close bond these days. It's a real shame. Take comfort in your other family and/or friends around that are happy for you.

Absolutely gorgeous pictures of Loxley! That face on the ride is hilarious.

We had our 12 week scan the other day and it was amazing. The tech was trying to wake it up and have it move in a certain way to get the measurements, but it just refused- which meant we got a whole hour to stare at it. :D

Edited by Gemmie, 13 October 2012 - 12:28 PM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-10-13 12:28:00
United KingdomBritish Bun in the Oven

Hi ladies! I have my anomaly scan tomorrow for Anglo-American baby number 2! No idea what the gender is but looking forward to finding out. So far I am finding the experience much different from the 1st, as I did that one alone in the Channel Islands before I moved. Maybe its the healthcare, maybe its the work life balance with one already. So far it's very boring though. Will get more exciting once we know if its team pink or blue!


Congratulations! Let us know which team you're on!

Tracy, please do not feel bad about venting AT ALL, this thread is about parenthood and all that comes with it, not just about the happy baby stuff. It sounds like you're going through a tough time at the moment, even if you have decided that things aren't going to change, it doesn't make it any easier. As with anything in life, there's always a little part at the back of your mind that hopes that things will get better and then sinks when they don't. I want to hear what's going on with you, Chas and Emily. I truly hope that things do get better and her grandparents realise that they are missing out, big time- as well as not giving you two the break you need.

Here is a pic of my "bump" at 11 weeks and 3 days. It is actually laughable :lol: But this is first thing in the morning. By the end of the day, I am full of bloat and roundness.

ETA:

Attached Files


Edited by Gemmie, 09 October 2012 - 06:48 AM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-10-09 06:42:00
United KingdomBritish Bun in the Oven
Oh man, it's scary to read about the stresses of parenthood! I know it's inevitable, but for right now, I can't even think about how to balance work-family-sleep-couple time etc. I'm much happier just thinking of the scans and the little clothes and the joy. :lol: I'll just be ignorantly blissful for a while!

I haven't been around much but I do pop in now and then to read updated posts, and I hope all of you are hanging in there. I leave for work at 7:30am, get home around 5pm, my husband cooks dinner, and then I go to bed at 8pm. I am so wiped out that actually being in my living room is an accomplishment nowadays. I'm 11 weeks and 3 days- still getting some sickness, but nothing huge. Looking forward to starting the second trimester.

I have my NT scan on Tuesday. Will let you know how it goes!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-10-06 10:15:00
United KingdomBritish Bun in the Oven
Tracy, I'm sorry that your family aren't very supportive. I really don't see why a three hour period would tire them out to the point where they don't like having her stay. It doesn't seem fair, especially when there are so many families out there that either wish they could spend time with their grandchildren (in situations like on VJ, where oceans separate families) or wish they even had grandchildren. It's great that you like your babysitter though- it's important for you and the husband to have a break now and then. No one said it would be easy, and I'm sure no one expects it to be, but we're all human, and need some space and time to recharge, or we'll just cave.

Unfortunately, I think it will be the same with us. My husband has parents living 45 minutes away, but they never come to see us now (we had to practically force them last time by refusing to come to theirs again and again) because they don't like "long drives" and claim they just don't have the time because of work- this is when they were working part-time. We haven't yet told them that we're having a baby, but we don't anticipate any change when it's born. They already tell us that kids change everything in a relationship and that they're too young to be grandparents (they're both 56-ish). It's not nice to say, but this seems like something we will just have to handle ourselves. We don't really have any close friends around. Bill will be home all day as he works nights, so he won't get much break from childcare, and I will try my hardest to give him some time alone often, but I guess we'll just have to see how it plays out because I know there will be exhaustion from both of us.

I hope your sister's scan goes well tomorrow, Empress! I was thinking about her earlier, so checked this thread for updates. I have mine in 3 weeks time, and I'm already so nervous about whether there will be a heart beat, even though we already heard it at 8 weeks. I didn't realise how anxious this first trimester would be! I met with a midwife this week and had all the testing done. She tried to find the heartbeat with a doppler as long as I promised not to panic if she couldn't find it, as I was only 9 weeks. Never did find it, but I appreciate that she tried.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-09-20 17:05:00
United KingdomBritish Bun in the Oven
Yeah, apparently the extreme sickness is due to higher levels of HGC (pregnancy hormone) which scientifically, is higher when carrying females. The others are just myths, but it is fun to guess.

The Chinese calender says I'm having a boy, so I guess I can't argue with that. :lol:
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-09-13 17:35:00
United KingdomBritish Bun in the Oven
Oh man, I feel so bad for you two. I couldn't stand being sicky for a few days, I have no idea how you handled it for weeks on end. And heartburn... I'm still not sure I know how that feels, but I probably will in the coming months.

My skin completely broke out this weekend, it was AWFUL. I read that I'm not allowed to use anything with certain ingredients in it (read: everything that works) so I just had to deal. But I found a Tea Tree Oil face mask that I bought from the Body Shop in England about SIX YEARS AGO, and it actually dried out of all the break-outs and 'froze' them, and it's gotten a lot better. I've read so much stuff online about pregnancy acne means you're having a girl, or not having much morning sickness means you're having a boy- I don't think there's anything in those old tales, but did they work for you and your experiences?
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-09-12 16:31:00
United KingdomBritish Bun in the Oven
Did you have a terrible time during the first few months?

For being in the first trimester, I'm doing good. I've still got a bad head cold so dealing with congestion, headaches, general unpleasantness from the sinuses. Very short of breath. I get nauseous now and then, but nothing too bad there. The worst I've had is dry-heaving (when feeling slightly sick, looking at the cat litter does the trick). Just tired mostly. It sounds like I have a lot going on, but compared to what other women report, I feel very lucky.

I know exactly what you mean with the 'this is happening'- I've been looking at my pics ALL day and can't believe that it's growing inside me. Just looking at the head, seeing the start of the mouth/forehead/neck, and thinking 'we MADE that'- I can't imagine what it's like to actually give birth and see your baby for the first time! The lady doing the ultrasound wasn't very personable. She just wanted to get in there, get the measurements and get out. I had to ask her how big it was, and how things looked, she stayed quiet for most of the scan- she didn't even give us a due date. But I can't possibly feel annoyed today, I'm just in love with my husband's constant smile. :luv: He hadn't slept in 30 hours because he came straight from his night shift, but he was on such a high that he was wide awake and took me out to lunch.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-09-11 17:29:00
United KingdomBritish Bun in the Oven
Congratulations on your healthy little boy! :) Nice to have some new babies cooking in this thread. Sorry to hear she's been so unwell. I hope it dying down a bit now means she can have a break.

So I just got back from my ultrasound and everything is good! Saw the baby straight away where it should be, and it has a heartbeat of 160bpm which she said was bang in the middle of the normal range. :thumbs: My husband was holding my hand the whole time as I was so nervous, and I actually cried when I saw my little gummy bear on the screen- was just so emotional, I never expected to do that. I asked if everything looked normal and she said she's not a doctor so can't comment, but on the quiet, "nothing looks drastic". She gave us two pictures to take home. And the ultrasound itself really wasn't that bad. Just uncomfortable when she moved around in there. I go back on Monday to meet my midwife and have the first full prenatal visit.

Congratulations on your healthy little boy! :) Nice to have some new babies cooking in this thread. Sorry to hear she's been so unwell. I hope it dying down a bit now means she can have a break.

So I just got back from my ultrasound and everything is good! Saw the baby straight away where it should be, and it has a heartbeat of 160bpm which she said was bang in the middle of the normal range. :thumbs: My husband was holding my hand the whole time as I was so nervous, and I actually cried when I saw my little gummy bear on the screen- was just so emotional, I never expected to do that. I asked if everything looked normal and she said she's not a doctor so can't comment, but on the quiet, "nothing looks drastic". She gave us two pictures to take home. And the ultrasound itself really wasn't that bad. Just uncomfortable when she moved around in there. I go back on Monday to meet my midwife and have the first full prenatal visit.



ETA: Oh, and I'm measuring 8 weeks tomorrow, so I'm a few days further than I realised.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-09-11 13:10:00
United KingdomBritish Bun in the Oven
So my ultrasound is tomorrow. I'll let ya'll know how it goes.

Someone from the office called me to let me know about costs- there is a $500 deductible. I'm just confused about when the bills come in. She said it's after delivery, but then she also said they will start coming in soon and to let her know if I need a payment plan. I guess I'll have to clarify that. I didn't even think there would be a deductible. She told me I'm very lucky as she tells most people they have to pay the first $3,500. :hehe:

Unfortunately I've been really ill, someone at work gave me a cold and there's nothing I can take for it so feeling sorry for myself in bed with a headache/congested head/completely out of it.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-09-10 15:44:00
United KingdomBritish Bun in the Oven
There isn't an official 'maternity leave', just a 'Leave of Absense for Medical Reason' and they include birth of a child in that. It's 16 weeks unpaid, so we're hoping we can get by on savings. My coworker said when she had her baby a couple years ago, they only gave her 6-8 weeks, but because she had been there for so long, she applied for an extension and they gave her the full 16 unpaid. It's terrible in comparison to the UK where I could take off 9 months to a year, paid. But my husband tells me to stop comparing them, it is what it is.

I will look into those wrist-bands, thank you! I did try the ginger cookie thing but the aftertaste made me feel worse. I found sipping lemonade and nibbling plain potato chips helps. Anyway it's actually disappeared as of yesterday (after just 4 and a half days of nausea). I know you will think I'm crazy, but I actually am comforted by it (as it means my hormones are on the rise), so I hope it comes back. :lol:
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-09-05 08:05:00
United KingdomBritish Bun in the Oven
Spoke too soon, girls- as soon as I hit 6 weeks, the sickness began. :lol:

Just feeling seasick constantly, so have to eat every 3 hours.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-09-02 15:45:00
United KingdomBritish Bun in the Oven
What is the NT scan?

The 12 week?
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-09-01 07:48:00
United KingdomBritish Bun in the Oven
YES! :D Great news, she must be so relieved.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-08-31 16:04:00
United KingdomBritish Bun in the Oven

I know I am an outsider but I keep following this thread..lol I love to read all the updates.

We are going to see a fertility doctor next Tuesday. We have been trying for a baby for about 2 years now. We did some initial testing a few months ago and all my parts seem to be in working order but there is an issue with my husband, most likely to do with his high blood pressure and his smoking habit :unsure: I am 38 and I would like to have a baby before I hit 40..

I wanted to add that the first two times we tried I got pregnant within 3 or 4 months. the main difference back then was that my husband didn't smoke nearly as much as he does now ...


I loved lurking in this thread to read all the preggo and baby updates. Good luck with the doctor visit. I actually had no idea how much smoking could harm fertility (only marijuana and other drugs because the people I talk about this stuff with are prison inmates, haha)- I hope everything goes smoothly for you both.

Honey Crump, I think you would feel a lot of closure if you got the ball rolling and finalized the divorce. It is very "final" but then you can focus completely on your current situation. Don't let him guilt-trip you. :)
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-08-30 18:15:00
United KingdomBritish Bun in the Oven
Tracy, I love the sound of the Mirena. I've never gotten one because I always knew I wanted a baby in the near future, but would definitely go for it in the future. I teach about birth control for my job, and it's one of the methods that has the least unpleasant side effects.

The reason I asked about telling your boss... there's a sticky situation at work. One of my coworkers recently took a State job as a Therapist and lied in the application, saying she had a degree when she didn't. I went along for the training just in case they needed someone to do extra hours. Well they just busted her lie when she was unable to produce transcripts, and forced her to resign. She said that I will most likely walk into the position as I have the qualifications and am already trained. Thing is, I wouldn't be entitled to a Leave of Absence when I have baby as they require you to be there for a year. So it looks like I would have to tell them about the pregnancy due to that. And then I'm hesitant to tell them I'm pregnant in case they tell my current boss (before I'm 'in the safe zone'). The bosses are all inter-connected. So you see it's a mess. :lol: It's a real big shame though because this job pays a LOT better and has better benefits.

Empress, it's great that you're so self-aware with the reasons you wanted another kid. A lot of people (in my opinion) yearn for another once the baby reaches toddler age for similar reasons, at least that's what I've witnessed (people are so honest on Facebook- I've seen so many people openly admit they want another baby because #1 or #2 is growing up too much). The Vasectomy is a lot safer and easier to reverse if that decision is ever made.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-08-30 15:21:00