Hi all. Just read through all your posts and it all rings true for me as well. I totally understand all the reasons you have given for avoiding having to tell people you are pregnant. People's reactions can be so annoying and there is no way of predicting what you will get. My only advice is that often when I told people about being pregnant (provided they knew about Nathaniel - if not then I just avoided seeing them!) I would then follow up with how I was feeling well physically but that it was an anxious time etc. Most people seemed to understand and I have been pretty lucky with the support we have received. I know DH would also tell people that we were anxious, so that helped as well. I would often just preempt or remind people subtly that this pregnancy is very different for us and that seemed to keep the whole 'bubbly, jumping around with excitement' reactions at bay. I also avoided telling people until it was quite late and I was very obviously showing. I would often catch people looking at my belly and I knew they were waiting for me to say something. I really feel for you all as it is a tough time. I hope you all get good support and sensitive reactions from people. For those that don't - then maybe try to remind them that it is difficult for you.

Laney - I am so sorry you have found out about your sisters' pregnancy over myspace! I know that she probably doesn't know how to tell you, but come on she is your sister and a phone call is not that hard! Aagghhhh I also get irritated (and no offence meant if any of you choose to do this) when people announce to the world their pregnancies really early. It used to bewilder me before but now it irritates me as I guess it shows their confidence and innocence...everything I didn't have this time and that irritates me!

Rozzie - I really feel for you having to move into the maternity uniform before you feel ready to announce it. I was lucky in that I represented the company here in Vic so worked on my own. It saved me having the whole big announcement at work - I didn't tell work until I was 16 or so weeks and that was because we were having a change of senior management and I wanted my colleagues to know prior (I had to travel a lot with work and I knew I would have to start pulling back and needed their support). I was also showing a lot by 16-17 weeks so I had to tell eventually. Just take small steps and hopefully people will allow you to tell them rather than come out and ask you.

Aagh Christmas. Yes it is a difficult time of year. I keep remembering last year as we lost Nathaniel on the 3rd Dec and then had an early Christmas in Brisbane with my family and then Christmas with DHs family. By Boxing Day I was exhausted by all the I'm sorrys etc. I am hoping this Christmas will be a little easier, but I know I will still feel the loss of Nathaniel keenly. My advice is, let your DH know that you will only go to events if you feel capable. I refused to do the visits to friends etc as I knew the usual family events would be exhausting enough. DH and I had an agreement that if I felt too tired or emotional than we would leave an event (this didn't happen but it was nice knowing I had a safety net). If you get it all agreed with your DH, you at least know that you have options.

Okay sorry for not doing personals. Also I want to clear up something - I am wanting to nest but don't seem to have the talent for it! You should see our place now...even worse than yesterday. I have the largest pile of junk to throw out and wonder why we ever kept it all anyway! Take care lovely ladies