The Lister Hospital and Fertility

If you’re regular reader of LBR, you will know both our boys are IVF babies. My goodness were they wanted. We didn't realise there was a problem with our fertility, because Step D was conceived naturally and the first time we didn't use protection, we were pregnant. (We lost that baby on the day of our 12 week scan.)  So I thought we wouldn't have any problem conceiving another baby. 

The problem was, 2 months after losing that baby, Step D got leukaemia and as mentioned before, the whole world got turned upside down.  Although I was also devastated, I wasn't getting any younger. I had just turned 37 when I lost our first baby and I knew time was running out. (That dam body clock) Rightly so, the husbands’ first concern was the survival of his daughter and all thoughts of other children had vanished. We didn't use protection for a year and I kept a note of when I ovulated. We still didn't get pregnant. In that time I had reflexology, massage and acupuncture. All to no avail. That's when the first blood tests began. 

Day 3 tests, Day 21 tests. FSH, LH, Thyroid. All came back normal. I had scans and dyes injected. Again all came back normal. That's when The Husband was tested. (He went along with it because he loved me. But his heart really wasn't in to it.) So it really came back as a huge surprise that it was a Male Factor problem. . The consultant explained stress has a huge bearing on fertility and it would be difficult to know, if ever, we would be able to conceive naturally. The only option was ICSI (where they inject the sperm into the egg)

We live in Bournemouth. Probably unless you have fertility issues, you won't know that it depends on where you live, it is a fertility lottery. In Bournemouth, you can have one round, unless you already have children. Well I thought we would be OK, as obviously I didn't have any. But I was wrong. The husband had LGH (Holly) with his first wife, so that made me not eligible for my own baby.

The Husband, pre LGH illness worked for himself. But with LGH being so ill, all thought of work went out the window. His business went under as he was spending so much time at the hospital. So money was an issue. Luckily we had a little bit saved "for a rainy day" well it wasn't just raining it was pouring! So with The Husband Kicking and screaming we went to The Lister Hospital in London. I knew The Husband didn't want to be doing this. I knew we only had one go at this. So we went to the best.

For anybody who has ever been through IVF, they will know how stressful it is.I became an expert patient. I researched, the best drugs, what they would do to my body.  It took over my life. I was on, a zillion vitamins; I was having weekly acupuncture, lymphatic drainage massage. Eating brazil nuts. . . .You name it I did it!  I hadn't touched alcohol for over a year. Stopped drinking caffeine, only ate organic food and drink. Had blood test after blood test. Needles in my stomach , bits up my girl bits (sorry!) on a daily basis. It really isn't pleasant. The only way I got through it was believing it would be all worth it. 

To cut a long story short. My body did me proud. I produced 34 eggs (av is about 10) I had 3 excellent blastocysts after 5 days. 2 were put back. (I saw both boys at 2 cells, 8 cells and 100 cells). 

LBR at 8 cell embryo

And 2 weeks of torture later, I was pregnant. I still have the HPT with the lovely blue cross. It was amazing. After all the stress of the previous 2 years, something had finally gone right!

Giving Birth. Is it that bad?

I was asked by a friend on Face book, to leave a comment on her wall about giving birth as she had a friend who was pregnant and was terrified.  I dithered about writing something as LBR birth was best described as a "car crash"  

We decided not to have any pain relief as Step D was very ill with Leukaemia and the research had shown they thought it was prenatal. (I will write another post with more details about that) So any form of drugs in my body was not an option

Look at the size of that head!

Needless to say I had a terrible time of it.  35 hours of labour, a big baby, a lot of sick, 4 hours pushing (without any natural instinct to push. . .way too tired by then) a lot of cutting, a lot of stitches. Infection. . . .And on it goes. 

How do you make that into a positive experience? I look back in absolute horror and to be honest not in any way joyous even when they first handed me my baby.

This is what my reply was:

 My Birth was terrible with Redd. But if you asked me would I go through it again to have another baby? I wouldn't hesitate to say yes. Some people have an easier time than others. But when you are bathed, have had your Tea and toast (the best ever!) and you look at the little person your holding in your arms. You actually can't put into words the love you feel. It really does cancel out all you have been through.

Step D taking LBR on his first walk

Dungarees for Babies

I love dungarees. I love them because, other than work men and the bizarre 80s fashion. Dungarees belong on children. They are little peoples clothes. Both my boys wore them up to the age of 2, but after that I found it impossible to get them  long enough  for them as they are both tall. Which I think is an absolute shame.

I have come across these lovely Dungarees In Cashmere/Merino  from  babatude childrenswear

The sweetest little deliciously soft knit turquoise dungaree baby grow made from 80% merino wool and 20% cashmere.  Retail at £30

Available in 3-6 months (will fit chest 46cm, height 68cm) 6-12 months (will fit chest 48cm, height 76 cm). Machine washable

Your dungarees will be beautifully presented in a gift box, with lashings of wrapping, ribbon, gift card and a burst of elephant confetti for an extra fun surprise! A Touch of luxury.

These are absolutely lovely, from nicki b. (and a little more practical) The dungarees are made out of 100% natural fabrics, mainly cottons. Practical as well as attractive, they are machine washable. The dungarees are designed to grow with your child incorporating features such as the adjustable shoulder straps, and roll up legs on the dungarees, which enable them to last much longer than other children's clothes.

The dungarees are designed to be versatile and can be worn all year round, in winter with tights and roll-neck tops and in summer with just a T shirt or nothing underneath. produced mainly out of cotton corduroys they are a classic design that won't date and can be handed on for a few generations.

All of  their clothing is made in their studio in Cumbria and visitors are welcome to come and see the production. In my mind, makes them all the more attractive!

Leukemia and a New Forest Wedding.

Writing LBR post yesterday, reminded me of all the poignant times the New forest has had for us over the past few years.

My Husband asked me to marry him, whilst I was in recovery after losing our first baby at 12 week in -vitro. I was devastated. We decided to "do it properly" and get married and then try for another baby. We decided to have a church wedding with all the works. Friends and family coming from all corners of the globe. 

We should have had an incling things wouldn't go to plan. When we first went to see the vicar, in mid conversation there was a huge crash. We ran outside to find a man had crashed into a wall outside. When Andrew put the ring on my finger, (on his bended knee)  in Hatton Garden, all hell broke loose (at that exact moment) it was 7- 7. London was being bombed! Me thinks it was an omen!

Three weeks before our summer wedding my (then) 7 year old soon to be stepdaughter was trying on her bridesmaid dress and we noticed severe bruising. She also felt under the weather. We took her to the doctor and she was rushed into hospital. She was diagnosed with Leukemia. I still cry thinking about when the doctor said those words. . . .our world fell apart. Step daughter was taken to The Royal Marsden in Sutton by ambulance. We followed by car. Obviously our wedding was cancelled.

Within the next few weeks Step Daughter became gravely ill as the chemotherapy wrecked her little body. She lost all her hair. So I had all my hair cut off  in sympathy. A very small gesture.

Walking in the New Forest

On what would have been our wedding day. My future husband, packed a surprise picnic, including champagne and we went to the Forest. At the exact time we should have been putting rings on our fingers in church, we did exactly that, sitting on a rug, surrounded by nature and a very friendly New Forest pony.



New Forest Pony

Step D, had a fight on her hands and boy did she fight. About a year and a half into her treatment. We again went to the forest. She was in a large pushchair as her muscles were very sore and had shortened as her bones grew and her muscles hadn't. She decided that day she would walk. Again surrounded by incredible beauty, she walked pushing her chair for over a mile, feeding the ponies as we went along(getting her to walk that distance now, is nearly impossible!)
Step D is well now. She is in remission and will have met the magical 5 years clear in November. She is a typical teenager in every way! We wouldn't have it any other way!

The New Forest National Park

We have spent the weekend in the New Forest. The New Forest National Park is  located about 20 miles from Bournemouth.  We set off in our wellies, our waterproofs and jumpers, to enjoy our classic summer weather.  It was cold and wet! 

Walking in The New Forest

The New Forest is absolutely beautiful. It has pigs, ponies and cows roaming around freely. Today we found a grass snake, which I dithered about picking up,( as I wasn't a hundred percent sure it wasn't an adder) It was amazing. LBR (who is scared of spiders, ants. . pretty much everything) held it, and really studied it. Surprisingly  they really are quite beautiful.

A New Forest Local

We found a "horsey tree" where the boys sit on the branch and bounce up and down, A poorly mole, which ended up having a full burial (in a hole dug by the dog) and we all said a pray.  

A dragon Fly

Fox Gloves

We stood on a bridge and threw stones in the water, we built a dam. Finlay dug up a shoe, a ball and a sock from the bottom of the river. (I was a bit worried there could of been something attached to the shoe!) There were, foxgloves, furns and oaks.
It really is one of the most beautiful places in the UK. No wonder it has just received the "National Park" Status.

"Color in Kids" and Buckets of Water!

 We have found a new way of entertaining the boys. Getting a couple of old buckets,  filling them with bubbles and warm water and a couple of bath toys and hey presto, hours and hours of fun.

A lot of back breaking work for Moma, carrying out hundreds of buckets of hot water.  A lot of mess, where wet dirty feet walk in and out of the kitchen. But worth it!

I have just come across this fabulous company color in kids. Color in Kids tees and sweats are designed for kids to color over and over again. Each shirt comes packaged with 5 washable markers and instructions for use. The color washes out of the shirt completely each time it is washed and is safe for regular laundry. Color In Kids markers are 100% certified non-toxic and can be recharged by dipping the tip in water. 

color in kids T shirts

Sizes range from 2 - 20 months and cost $15

I especially love the design below, I can imagine LBR really enjoying creating his masterpiece and then showing it off.

Bovington Tank Museum

We have just spent an afternoon at Bovington Tank Museum in Bovington, Dorset. I went reluctantly in February for the first time. I have absolutely no interest in military (I come from a military background and have seen my fare share of beat and retreats and tanks) So when I arrived I thought I would be bored out of my mind.  How wrong can you be? It is a great day out for all the family. It costs £12 and £7.50 for 5-16 yr olds'

LBR resting on a bunk at the Tank Museum

Example of quarters at the Tank Museum

The boy's just ran around looking at the tanks and the size of them, the power etc. I just spent my time reading about how and why  they were made. The videos documentaries are excellent, really informative and child and mummy friendly.

LBR in his element at the Tank Museum

The stories of heroism and bravery brought a tear to my eye!

Some of the exhibits at the Tank Museum

You can find the Bovington Tank Museum at: www.tankmuseum.org



The Tank Museum 
Bovington 
Dorset 
BH20 6JG 

Sickness and Danefae

We've had a stressful few days, resulting LBR being sick in both our bed and his own. I slept terribly as I had half an ear open ready to pounce with the sick bowl! So LBR is off school for 2 days. (school policy on sickness) Children are amazing, he is absolutely fine in himself now, well enough to go down to the beach and torment his baby brother!

I suspect the reason you are reading this blog is because it is "slim pickings" out there, trying to find exciting, good quality colourful boy's clothes. I have found another lovely designer out there that might excite you as much as me.

danefae. A Danish company. Why do the scandinavians think there children look great in colour, but the majority of the shops in the uk don't?

They have loads of fabulous clothes, I thought I would show you something from the baby range.

The velour is renowned for its softness that doesn’t disappear even after many many washes. Adjustable elastic waistband and elastic at the ankles, which give these pants a great looking and comfortable fit. Lovely rainbow stripes. Retail at 40euro

Cute baby body made in Danefæ’s renowned super soft material. The garments made of 95% cotton and 5% lycra are dyed through and not just printed on so the colors keep wash after wash. Buttons on the shoulder make our bodysuits easy to put on.
A striped bodysuit in indigo and white colors with "Viking" print. Retails at  26.77 euros. Only comes in 3months OR 2 years. So if your inbetween, you have to wait!

Frugi and Keeping Going!

I've been under the weather for a few days, although you wouldn't have known it. I still took the boys to school, swimming, dancing and play dates, picked up from school, the feed, the bathed, the washed. . .I think you get the picture.  I don't think the weather has helped either. we've had too "do things"  instead of just hanging out in the Sunshine.  Please, please let the sun shine soon! Just so I can I have a rest!

I have shown you a few things from frugi. But I would like to show you a few more things from them.

 The sweatshirt can be worn winter or summer and retails at £22. The Cropped Pull-Ups, are a great length for warmer weather, they have a comfy elasticated waist, and the organic cotton will be gorgeously gentle against those busy legs!  

The cropped pull-ups come in green, red and blue and retail at £22

Euro 2012 and Flatcoated Retrievers

I used to love watching the Euro games, World cup any football tournament. The hype the wags, the ridiculousness of it all. One of my claim to fame's is, in my 20's I was in a sports pub in the city, wearing a union jack, very small top. A TV camera turned up just as England scored (a very rare occurrence) and filmed me and a friend jumping up, arms in the air. Lots of boobs bouncing and tummy showing, perfect for the 10 o'clock news! So we made "and finally " with Sir Trevor and again in the yearly round up on New Years Eve. . .those were the days of the flat tum and sky facing boobs! Now to be quite honest I can't be bothered. I just haven't got into it. The football is soooo boring, I just don't care who wins. I suspect a lot of it is to do with watching it, whilst changing nappies, feeding the tribe, clearing up,putting to bed. I wouldn't change any of it! How priorities change!

Also in our family, we have 7 fish and 2 flat coated retrievers. I had the dogs before the children. I knew they  were known to be  very good with children and with other dogs. Mine are no exception. They respond so

well with the children. They walk to heal, do silly tricks. They just really enjoy each other. If you are looking

for a family dog, you can't go wrong with a .flatcoated retriever. They are the best guard dogs out of the retriever family.   The only drawback is the mess. The big paws and the malting. But to be honest the enjoyment we all get out them them makes up for it.