Hi all, I’m Rod and my wife is Melanie , we have been in Canberra for about 2 years and guess with working shifts etc. haven’t really had the chance to meet many people outside work.
We are due on the 3rd April 2006 after about 18 months trying etc (IVF and all the emotions/heartache associated).
I guess as Mel doesn’t really know anyone in Canberra, I thought that she may be able to meet some friends, who might also be pregnant through here and be able to share all the wonderful things that will come along.
I try the best that I can and tend to think I do ok in that role (after all, I’m just a guy !!!!!! lol) but I am also aware that having other women who are preg. as friends will be fantastic for her.
So if you are preg and would like a new friend, please get in contact...hey if you are not preg and still would like a new friend get in contact.
I love her dearly and know how much she misses her friends in Adel so would like her to meet some new people here and not feel alone or that she is by herself.....

Anyway I wish you all the best
Regards
Rod

Hi Rod (and Mel),

What a nice husband you are!

Congratulations on your long awaited pregnancy. Fantastic news. There are many other mums on here who have also embarked on IVF and assisted conception journeys whom I am sure will be of great support to you both. My brother and sister in law are about to start their first cycle of IVF and I have seen how emotional this process has been for them. I think it's just wonderful that you are due in April!

The ACT Essential Baby mums/mums to be/and those planning, or trying, are quite a social bunch There are currently a few things on this week. If you live on the southside (Weston Creek) one of our mums is having a morning tea, if you live anywhere else there is a catch up this week at a place called Kidcity where some of the mums take their kids to run around in a big enclosed playground and we all sit and chat over coffee etc (at least one of the mums that goes is pregnant). We quite often will organise a coffee catch up during the week in the Belconnen Mall (we are happy to organise one in the city or elsewhere to). There will occasionally be a morning tea at someones house, some people attend the mums and bubs movie sessions at the Hoyts movie cinemas, AND, we have GREAT dinners or weekend family get toethers which someone usually organises every month or so.

Where abouts do you guys live? I love meeting new people and would love to catch up with Mel. Only thing is, I am not pregnant (have a son who was born April this year) so if that would be ok then let's maybe work something out

Feel free to send me a private message if you want!

Good luck, and once again CONGRATS!

Mel
DH - Tim
DS - Ayden born 06.04.05 - 9.1oz (4.1 kilos)

Hi Rod and Mel,

Congratulations on your pg! My DD was conceived by IVF and I've found many lovely friends on EB over the years I've been here.

In addition to the get-togethers advertised on the ACT board, there is a very active support group for women going through (or having success from) assisted conception. We have a morning tea about once a month with TTC or pg women and even some mums who've been through AC but aren't currently TTC. We even have one "graduate" who is due almost exactly the same day as you (Diva)!

To get in touch with the "Canberra ACers" visit this thread
http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/CFForum/vi...35&Topic=205346


Steph
DD Alex (March 04)

Hi there,

huge congratulations to you both!!! No doubt you must be just so over the moon to know that a little one will be joining your family soon.

Having been on the IVF rollercoaster ourselves for many years, finally becoming parents for the first time in 2004 and now I'm pregnant with number 2 (due in May 2006), we know all too well the ups and downs that this journey brings.

We moved here from Sydney several years ago, and DH and I found it difficult to meet new friends here outside of the workplace. EB has been a lifesaver in that regard as we've met so many people and made some wonderful friends.

Just a suggestion - some of us (assisted conception members) are having morning tea come lunch at the cafe at the Botanic Gardens this coming Saturday. Mel, if you'd like to join us just let me know. Rod, my husband will be there as well but just not with us ladies (he can't keep up with the chatter, lol). He's bringing our 17 month old son along for some run around time as there is plenty of space. If you'd like to come along as well, you're most welcome. I don't know if you know how to use the private messaging (PM) feature here on EB - if you do, send me a PM letting me know and I'll adjust our table booking. Otherwise, click on the link that s_m (Steph) included and leave a message there for me. Hope we see you both on Saturday.

Cheers for now,
Helen.
DS 22/4/04.
Bub#2 due 20/5/06.

This message was edited by ckrmum on Monday, 19 September 2005 @ 9:37 AM

Hi Rod,

What a truly lovely thing for you to do!

I'm part of the Assisted Conception support group with Helen and Steph - it's a great group of women at all stages of the process. Melanie would be more than welcome to join us at the Botanic Gardens this Saturday!

I came from Canberra to Sydney just over a year ago and found it exceptionally lonely until I met up with these ladies. My baby is due the day after yours!

Really hope you guys can make it this w/e.

Best wishes,



Terrie
Me: 36
DH: 35
EDD#1: 4/4/06
<a href='http://www.baby-gaga.com/'><img src='http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/p/dev092pr___.png' alt='pregnant' border=0></a>

Hi Rod

I responded to your PM but I'd love to have a chat to Mel!!

What area do you live in?

Hello Girls,

Thankyou for all your lovely replies to Rod's post. Sorry it has taken me so long to actually post myself. I was initially a little embarrased that he had posted a "my wife needs friends" post, but then I realised that he was trying to help, and that it was a sweet thing for him to do.
I would have loved to join you on Saturday at the botanic gardens but I have left it a bit late for you to change your booking. I would love to come to the next one though!!
Look forward to getting to know you all on the forum and hopefully in person soon.
Melanie

Hi Melanie,

I don't think it will matter if an extra person turns up - especially since I think one of the girls might not make it. Please come along if you like.

Steph

Hi Mel and Rod

Welcome to Canberra Melanie...must be hard after the gorgeous Adelaide.....

What a gorg hubby you have, I can say that I don't have a gorg hubby, nor do I have a hubby FULLSTOP!! That is not a reflection on me...I am totally GREAT (ROTFLMAO!!!)

I have lived in this town all my life but I bloody tell you it is hard to make friends. It is a very 'cliquey'
town...and (mind you) most of them are family to me!!!

And MOST of the family own half of Canberra!! LMAO, but seriously...please don't feel like a stranger here.

I certainly did when I had my first.....even though I was born and bred here.......

Rod, what a champ....Melanie, can't wait to meet you if I get a chance!
Rach



Mum to Sorcha Lee 14/10/01 and Jordy Lachlan 29/03/94.

This message was edited by RachH on Friday, 23 September 2005 @ 9:06 PM

Hi Melanie,

The table I booked at the cafe at the Botanic Gardens tomorrow is for 10 people at 10 ... I usually book it for more than expected in case we have last minute extras.

So unless diva (who has taken over the booking as I'm probably not going to be able to make it due to personal reasons) has reduced the number of seats, I'm sure there is plenty of room for you.

Please try to come along tomorrow and meet the ladies if you are able to.

Cheers,
Helen.
DS 22/4/04.
TTC#2 - after recent m/c not starting again 'til 2006.

This message was edited by ckrmum on Friday, 23 September 2005 @ 9:45 PM

Hi Melanie and Rob,
First just wanted to give you a belated welcome to Canberra and congratulations on your pregnancy! Rob you are a very caring and wonderful hubby!

My husband and I also have moved from Adelaide and have been living here for almost six years (wow!). We too miss Adelaide like crazy (aah, to live near the beach again and have 10 straight days of 40 degree plus weather, the joys !), but we have made a home here now and find everyone in Canberra to be lovely, welcoming and it's a great place to start a family!

We are expecting our first in mid March, after almost a year of trying, but we were lucky enough to conceive naturally. I'm so happy for you that IVF has worked for you!

I won't be able to make the botanic gardens this weekend (sorry ladies, have a wonderful time!) but feel free to PM if you like!

Best of luck with your growing bubba...

Amaly

Me 28
DH 37
TTC #1 since July 2004
First BFP 4 July 2005 after 11 months of trying!
EDD March 15, 2005

<a href='http://www.baby-gaga.com/'><img src='http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/p/dev072pp___.png' alt='pregnancy week by week' border=0></a>

I just wanted to say hi as well, I am originally from Adelaide too! Im a SAHM so if you want to get together to go for a walk or a cup of coffee let me know..

Rhiannon

DD Brenna Rose 24/9/2004

<a href="http://www.tickercentral.com"><img border="0" src="http://www.tickercentral.com/view/41e2/6"></a>

Wow!! I can't believe how many of you are due around the same time as me!! how exciting!
Sorry I didn't make it to the botanic gardens. I didn't log on again to see that it would have been ok, until afterwards...
Are there anymore get togethers organised?
I live in Charnwood (5 mins from Belconnen)

Rhiannon - what's a SAHM? is that a silly question..?

Melanie

Hi Melanie,

Firstly, SAHM = Stay At Home Mum.

As for future get togethers, I'm currently in the process of seeing what date suits everyone on the Canberra TTC group in the AC Buddy Group forum. I can't see it happening til probably the middle of October at the earliest though so keep an eye on the thread for any developments.

Heck, I'm normally the person that suggests the date so here is my suggestion - October 22. No idea where it will be as I normally let everyone else come up with that detail.

Definitely come along (wherever we decide) if you are able.


Helen.
<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://www.lilypie.com/pic/050724/db7c5bf.jpg" alt="Lilypie Baby Pic" border="0" /><img src="http://lilypie.com/baby2/040422/0/5/4/+10" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" /></a>
Three Angels in Heaven.