[kristin5]

Yes, I am rapt that Ryley doesn't need grommets (I wasn't looking forward to him having yet another operation ) And I really hope his speech continues to improve. The speech therapist says she can't work on his pronunciation (clarity) until next year as he is still too young now to fully understand. So at the moment we only need to work on expanding his vocab.

The drive-in was great! All day before we went, I kept thinking about Grease as well! And we went in Glenn's ute The drive-in is in Coburg (up behind Pentridge). I liked the movie, but Glenn didn't (he thought it was too far fetched, so he went to sleep instead! Old man! So obviously, we didn't get up to no-good at all LOL ). The story was very unrealistic, but I like those sort of movies for the special effects.

Myself and the other EBer have met up about 4-5 times now and it has been great. Ryley and her daughter play very well together, so it's lovely to see.

I am still at the company I was working with before I got pregnant, and the same company who allowed me to then work as a consultant from home. They have been wonderful to me. It is up in the hills (the Dandenong Ranges) for a plant company. The extra cash will be very handy, but it is also a good opportunity for Ryley to go to kinder more (and get more comfortable with the other kids, as well as helpful for his development). It's a nice way for me to re-enter the workforce too (I was going to eventually, but I was thinking of waiting til Ryley started primary school).

Got some lovely news today too - Glenn's boss has given him a night's stay at the Windsor Hotel (to show his appreciation for all of Glenn's good work this year), complete with bottle of wine on arrival, valet parking and full english breakfast. So we have booked it for the 30th of December (our anniversary is NYE so we will wake up at the luxurious hotel on the morning of our 4th wedding anniversary!).

That sounds great about the makeup party! I have heard that they are all the rage lately with the pre-teens, so it's a great opportunity for you! Have fun! I wish I knew you when I was a tennager and just starting to wear make-up - I was never very good at applying it, and I think only very recently have I finally found the right make-up and the right shade for my skin. I don't worry too much about eye shadow and that stuff though - just foundation, lipstick and mascara.

And wow, 6 weeks now in England!!! Lucky you! Surely it'll snow (it's never nice weather in England anyway is it?! LOL). I adore the snow too. I lived in England when I was a toddler (so don't remember it obviously) but I also lived in Canada for a year and went to school there (grade 6), so experienced living in a lot of snow. And with all this revolting hot weather we have been having, it has made me long for snowy weather even more.

And I am reliving my teenage years this week - I am going to see the midnight release of New Moon on Wednesday night (and watching Twilight before that). I am really looking forward to it! No doubt when Ryley wakes me nice and early on Thursday morning though, I won't be feeling as excited!!!

[kristin5]

Hellooooooo, anyone here???

Mel, maybe you have gone o/s already? Have a great time (I am sure you will!) Has Natalia ever flown before? Also, how did the teen makeup party go?

Bec, how is Alex doing? Haven't heard from you in a while

I have started back at work, just yesterday actually. But wouldn't you know it, I had today off as Ryley has hand, foot and mouth disease (so the kinder are saying - the doc isn't so sure and Ryley seems quite ok, but does have a couple of spots. The doc says if he has it, it is an extremely mild case, but to be on the safe side he needs to stay home for the rest of the week).

I have finished all my christmas shopping and tonight I wrapped all the presents and put them under the tree. I am so organised this year. I am really looking forward to christmas, as Ryley is getting into it this year, and is very excited. I have completely spoilt him, again, but oh well, I enjoy watching him open his presents - he does this little gasp of surprise, it is so cute! (I could just eat him up, he is so adorable!) Anyway, I will stop gushing now Nothing much else to report (that I can remember).

[Mel1609]

Hellooooooooo !

I'm still here, have just been a bit busy and tired of late. I'm detoxing to get ready for our trip ( hoping it'll help drop a few kilos ) so I'm in bed by 9.30 most nights. Am starting to feel more energised, so it must be working.

Speaking of work, great to hear you've started back, Bec, albiet briefly ! Poor Riley - and poor you ! Childhood ilness can be sooo inconvenient - ha ha

We leave in two weeks today. So very busy as I need to finish shopping for family here, and also am doing what I can for family over there before I leave. We've only got about 4 days before X-mas once we arrive, so don't want to be too mad. But we're all very excited, and nervous. I've not gone too mad on presents for Natalia as she'll be getting two lots this year, plus she doesn't seem all that fissed about opening them. At her birthday a few weeks ago she kind of lost interest and went off to play. Not a bad thing I guess, but I doubt it will last !

Not much other news, I'm afraid. Very boring.....

[chookys2boys]

Hi Ladies!

I am so very sorry I havent been around much
I have been so busy with work, and now I have been demoted over something really silly. So looks like I may be leaving in the new year. But Im hoping by then I am pregnant and dont have to return to work at all!!

Mel I hope you have a wonderful trip!!! Have a wonderful Christmas, Im sure all will go fine!! Natalia will love it!

Kristin Im glad Ryley didnt have to have the grommets. Hope he has recovered from foot and mouth disease. How are you coping being back at work?

Im so looking forward to Christmas this year, we have been talking to Alex about santa!! Hes getting excited too now!!
I better shoot, I hope to get back in here again soon!!

If not ..

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU BOTH AND ALL YOUR FAMILIES!! HAVE A SAFE AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!!

[chookys2boys]

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU GIRLS AND YOUR FAMILIES!!! HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY AND A FANTASTIC NEW YEARS!!!!

[kristin5]

Sorry girls, I have been extremely slack

My only excuse is that I have been busy back at work.

Mel, you are o/s right now, lucky you! Hope Natalia was well-behaved on the long flight!

Bec, sorry to hear about your work problems. Work causes more stress than it is worth sometimes.

Ryley has yet another ear infection, so the audiologist now says grommets won't be avoided. I wish they'd just hurry up and do them now (but we have to see the specialist first, on the 7th of Jan, and then book into hospital, and we don't have private health cover - there is a chance that Ryley's case will be urgent so he will get in quickly, but we'll see).

He is loving it at kinder 3 days a week - I can really see the benefits. He looks forward to going now as he doesn't feel so much a stranger, and doesn't forget what it is week-to-week.

Wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

[sunflower82]

Hi.

I am new to this site etc. Umm the run down, I am 28, DH is 30 and my DD is 4 this yr. I had her at ipswich hospital on 25/10/2006. we have just found out that we are FIANLLY going to be having another. due november 2010. I love reading all your entries seeing that i am not alone in the weird and wonderful world that is motherhood. Hope to chat to you all

[Mel1609]

Hi Sunflower - I am quite new to this section also. There's only a couple of girls who post here, and not all that often either. I've been very slack myself. But welcome !

Bec & Kristin - are you still about ???

Will try and post a bit more soon. xxx

[chookys2boys]

OMG!! I havent been getting notifications!!!

How are we all?

Mel I hope your trip was awesome!

Kristin how is Ryleys ears? Did he end up getting the gromits?

Welcome sunflower! Congrats on your new bundle on the way!! I totally understand the FINALLY bit! We have been TTC # 2 for about 2 years now, with a m/c in may last year. Totally over it at the moment!

Sorry I havent been in much, been busy with work

[kristin5]

Welcome sunflower82! Congrats on your pregnancy too

I hadn't been posting here because I thought everyone must've left me!!! Glad that it's not the case and you are back

Ryley is booked in to have grommets, and it is supposed to be in the next couple of weeks (still no firm date). We have been having a few dramas though as his kinder got him checked so they could get extra funding for an additional assitant (they were using him as just an excuse they told me) and then it turned out they thought there was something more seriously wrong so we were referred to a developmental paed. She has ruled out autism (which I didn't think was likely anyway) but is now suggesting that he might have ADHD! I don't think so, and nor do the teachers at kinder (they just think he has a problem with his attention span) nor our gp, but it seems they like to make a diagnosis these days (and when they are very young). I am beyond caring, because whatever they say, I will find it hard to believe. I know my own child! He does have some slight developmental delays (in that he is a little bit behind other kids his age, in some areas), but they are caused by his lack of speech and his many ear infections and slight hearing loss. Hopefully the grommets will help fix these problems. Anyway...enough about that.

I have been flat out with work (a few people have left and I have taken on their jobs - 3 full time positions into my usual 3 working days!) It just doesn't quite fit so I have been very stressed.

I also had my wisdom teeth out in January and had an amazingly quick recovery. I'd recommend my surgeon anyday!

Better go now - it's late and I need to get to bed

Hope you are all well and that you all write more soon!!!