Kate.. countdowns, let me see... 7 sleeps until we leave for Paris, 17 sleeps until we're home, 21 sleeps until DD's birthday, 22 sleeps until DS's birthday. What a busy month!

As for Paris, yes it's finally starting to seem real. My cousin sms'd me yesterday morning and she's booked her flight to come over on the Tuesday. Then I sms'd my friend in Belgium and he's driving to Paris (approx 4 hours) on the Wednesday. I'm so excited about seeing my cousin in Paris. She's been to Oz 4times and now I'm meeting her on what will be closer to 'her turf'. Can't wait. As for my Belgian friend. I've never met him IRL. I met him in a UK chat room 4 years ago just after my cousin's trip to Oz. She and I would often chat on MSN and also in the chat room. It was there I met him and we've been friends since then. He's now got a nearly 2yo daughter and since we first 'met' I've had Blake. It's going to be so strange but exciting to meet him face to face. As for the rest of Paris... I'm getting out the travel guides again... Mental note, revisit my Paris thread on BB as some of the girls left me a list of things to see and do.

Vivienne woke up with a tummy ache this morning. I'm not sure if it was a real one or whether it was just a bit of separation anxiety - thinking about us going away. She seemed to brighten up after some breakfast and some quiet time at home. She went off to school about 10.45am as she was feeling well enough. I hope she'll be ok. I'm just not going to push her. If she says she's not well, she can have as much time and as many cuddles as she needs.

Kate I have no idea about back braces for lower backs. I had a shoulder brace when I was pg with Blake but it didn't seem to make much difference so I didn't wear it. Hope your back doesn't cause you too much grief.

Sending sleeping-in vibes to Kelse!
xx