quote:

---

Originally posted by sophs:
I couldn't find the arrivals hall thread, so I decided to start a new one to say that I'm 8 weeks pregnant. I went to an early scan this morning and although they couldn't see a heart beat on a normal ultrasound, the internal scan showed a blob the correct size, with a heartbeat.

I'm quite relieved, hopeful and terrified. The due date is the 11th September.

---

Wow how lovely Sophs! So pleased for you both


(That date is my birthday - though the shine has rather gone off it in the last 12 years...)

Mrs. S - pondering, what's the opposite of schadenfreude?
 

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Posted by Alicïa (# 7668) on :
 
Congratulations Sophs and here's hoping for a healthy and happy pregnancy.
 

---

Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on :
 
Congratulations!
 

---

Posted by St Everild (# 3626) on :
 
Great news Sophs!
 

---

Posted by Gussie (# 12271) on :
 
So pleased to hear your news
 

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Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Congratulations, Sophs, and look after yourself!
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Showering you with prayers, hon!

(Great thread title, by the way. )

[ 01. February 2014, 02:55: Message edited by: Kelly Alves ]
 

---

Posted by Jade Constable (# 17175) on :
 
Many congrats Sophs
 

---

Posted by Meg the Red (# 11838) on :
 
Wonderful news, Sophs!
 

---

Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :
 
Congratulations and crossed fingers.
 

---

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
Congratulations, Sophs. I am delighted for you. xx
 

---

Posted by basso (# 4228) on :
 
Wonderful news, Sophs. Congratulations!
 

---

Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
PaulW and I are also expecting number 2. We must be mad.

Auntie Doris x
 

---

Posted by Japes (# 5358) on :
 
Congratulations, Auntie Doris and PaulW!
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Congratulations to Sophs, Mr Sophs, Auntie Doris and Paul W!
 

---

Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Auntie Doris:
PaulW and I are also expecting number 2. We must be mad ...

---

You must indeed, but congratulations anyway!

contentedly childless piglet
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Congratulations from here, too.

My great nephew and his wife finally found out was causing it and they say things have been easier since.
 

---

Posted by Wesley J (# 6075) on :
 
Congratulations, all!
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
I'm a grandma!

Baby Grace was born on Easter Sunday to lapsed-shipmate Chasee#1 and her husband. All are well and healthy and charming the staff at the hospital in Sitka and hopefully I'll get to meet the newest addition by this weekend!
 

---

Posted by L'organist (# 17338) on :
 
Congratulations granny!
 

---

Posted by Japes (# 5358) on :
 
Congratulations, Comet, Chasee#1 and husband.

Welcome to the world, baby Grace.
 

---

Posted by Kitten (# 1179) on :
 
Congratulations Comet.
 

---

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
Being a granny is wonderful, I can thoroughly recommend it! Congratulations to you and the happy couple.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Chorister:
Being a granny is wonderful, I can thoroughly recommend it! Congratulations to you and the happy couple.

---

Sentiments seconded here.

Congratulations to all, Comet.
 

---

Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Congratulations, Grandma Comet!
 

---

Posted by mousethief (# 953) on :
 
Congratulations to you, Comet, and to Chasee #1 and her hubby, along with a hearty Mazel Tov and Many Years!
 

---

Posted by Barnabas Aus (# 15869) on :
 
Congratulations Comet! Our foster son's wife delivered a baby boy early in the month, and now we have two grandsons and a granddaughter. Our pleasure is diminished a little since the boys are on the other side of the country, and our darling little girl three and a half hours distant. Enjoy the wonders of grandmotherhood.
 

---

Posted by St Deird (# 7631) on :
 
Morning sickness finally lessened enough for me to ease myself up from my pillow and post...

Expecting our first, start of November.
 

---

Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on :
 
Congratulations!
 

---

Posted by Left at the Altar (# 5077) on :
 
Congratulations to Sophs and Auntie Doris and Granny Comet.
Babies are lovely.
 

---

Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
Oh LATA how lovely to see you! When did you return to the ship?
 

---

Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 
Congratulations to St Deird - I hope now you're emerging from the morning sickness fug that you can enjoy your pregnancy!
 

---

Posted by LRP (# 5013) on :
 
Bit belated but congratulations to Sophs and Mr Sophs. And Auntie Doris a+d Paul X.
 

---

Posted by sophs (# 2296) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by St Deird:
Morning sickness finally lessened enough for me to ease myself up from my pillow and post...

Expecting our first, start of November.

---

Keep an eye on the sickness, I've been diagnosed with hyperemisis and have been throwing up for the last 21 weeks! There are wonderful drugs that are available (although I had concerning side effects from the one that worked best with me) and the difference in being able to keep some food and water down is amazing.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
May God bless the upcoming births of these babies!

 

---

Posted by Jenny Ann (# 3131) on :
 
Hi,

It is with great pleasure that Stoo and I would like to announce the expected arrival of a little Mighty Pirate in January 2015.

After an 8 year wait and a cycle of IVF we are thrilled to be able to make this announcement.

Baby is due on epiphany, we're torn between calling it Melchior or Bathazar.

Jen
 

---

Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
Well done! I prefer Melchior - what was the name of the third wise man?
 

---

Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
Caspar. How awesome for you!!!!
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Great news!

I hate to agree with PeteC but I think Melchior would be a great name - unless, of course, you name him/her Woderwick[a] - hmm, perhaps not.
 

---

Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jenny Ann:
Hi,

It is with great pleasure that Stoo and I would like to announce the expected arrival of a little Mighty Pirate in January 2015.

After an 8 year wait and a cycle of IVF we are thrilled to be able to make this announcement.

Baby is due on epiphany, we're torn between calling it Melchior or Bathazar.

Jen

---

Fantastic - congratulations Jenny and Stoo! I'm so happy to hear your news
 

---

Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Wonderful news, JA. To me, Caspar sounds just exotic enough to be interesting but without being silly, if you know what I mean.

Huge congratulations, and look after yourselves!

eta: if he's going to be a pirate, shouldn't he be called Frederic?

[ 04. July 2014, 16:35: Message edited by: piglet ]
 

---

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :
 
I've somehow missed the news of all this reproductive activity going on. Wow. Congratulations all round.
 

---

Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
Oh Jenny what wonderful news!

Such a long wait for you both but how fabulous for you all.

Auntie Doris x
 

---

Posted by Tina (# 63) on :
 

Many congratulations to you both, such happy news!

 

---

Posted by Jenny Ann (# 3131) on :
 
Caspar ruined by the whole friendly ghost thing.

Thanks all! A long way to go of course.

Jen and stoo
 

---

Posted by Japes (# 5358) on :
 
Congratulations, Jenny Ann and Stoo.
 

---

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :
 
Absolutely delighted for you Jenny Ann and Stoo
 

---

Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
Wonderful news Jenny Ann and Stoo

(I did wonder when you said you weren't up for long walks on the Scottish thread if that was the reason)
 

---

Posted by Tom Day (# 3630) on :
 
Congratulations Jenny and Stoo, fantastic news!
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 


I love babies! Congrats to all in the family way.

[ 04. July 2014, 22:22: Message edited by: Banner Lady ]
 

---

Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on :
 
I am delighted to announce that PaulW and I had a gorgeous daughter this time last week. A rather speedy arrival at 37 weeks with a labour time of 2 hours 20 minutes.

She is gorgeous, and we have given her my Mum's names as her middle names which has made me really happy.

Auntie Doris x
 

---

Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
I've already admired the pictures on Flickr, but congratulations, Auntie Doris and PaulW. Brilliant news for you both.
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Congratulations!
 

---

Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :
 
Congratulations. And on such a speedy delivery.
 

---

Posted by piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Congratulations, AD and PW, and welcome to Planet Earth to Small Person.
 

---

Posted by ChastMastr (# 716) on :
 
Awesome and congratulations!!!
 

---

Posted by Emma Louise (# 3571) on :
 
Was redirected over here re: Jen and Stoo's news. One very big grin here and sending much love across the country. You will be fab parents

Congratulations to AD and PW. Lovely news
 

---

Posted by Japes (# 5358) on :
 


Congratulations Auntie Doris and PaulW.
 

---

Posted by St Everild (# 3626) on :
 
Many congratulations, Auntie Doris and Paul W!
 

---

Posted by Raptor Eye (# 16649) on :
 
Congratulations! Welcome to the world, little one.
 

---

Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
I am just realising that it will not be long before the first ship-babies will be old enough to be shipmates and have children of their own.

Jengie
 

---

Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
Already started!
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
I'm catching up with the thread and wanted to say "congrats" to Auntie Doris and Paul W and also to Jenny Ann and Stoo. What wonderful news!

And of course, happy grandmothering to Comet (who is a very youthful granny!)
 

---

Posted by St Deird (# 7631) on :
 
Two months to go, and the house is starting to fill up with baby things. Each time we get something new (a pram, a little jacket, nappies...), I start to believe a bit more that we might be about to have a baby. Rather than it all being a weird dream.

It's rather exciting.


(I am also heartily sick of having constant reflux, but that's another story.)
 

---

Posted by Zacchaeus (# 14454) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Auntie Doris:
I am delighted to announce that PaulW and I had a gorgeous daughter this time last week. A rather speedy arrival at 37 weeks with a labour time of 2 hours 20 minutes.

She is gorgeous, and we have given her my Mum's names as her middle names which has made me really happy.

Auntie Doris x

---

I missed this while on holiday, great big congratualtions to you all..x
 

---

Posted by sophs (# 2296) on :
 
Currently sick to the back teeth of being in and out of hospital as the weeks wear on! One almost started induction, one planned induction and a "maybe well bring it forward" induction later and I'm still on the ward, waiting. I'm not at my due date yet, she's meant to come on Friday but the last thing I heard from the doctor is possibly Monday for the induction, otherwise the 15th. It doesn't help that the doctor said he'd get back to me but hasn't!

So please pray for all three of us, four including the housemate as it's pretty wearing having late night hospital trips and so much "oh my god it's going to happen! Wait, no it's not" confusion and adrenaline rushes.
 

---

Posted by sophs (# 2296) on :
 
I had my waters broken at 10am on Sunday and had a beautiful baby girl at 00:33 on Monday morning. She weighed 6 lb 12 oz and is called Elaine Ursula. It was slightly traumatic but worth it.

We were released from hospital today and are back home!
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 


Congratulations!!!


 

---

Posted by Japes (# 5358) on :
 
Congratulations sophs!
 

---

Posted by Kitten (# 1179) on :
 
Yay, congratulations
 

---

Posted by Zacchaeus (# 14454) on :
 
congratulations
 

---

Posted by Wesley J (# 6075) on :
 
Very sophs-isticated! Congrats and blessings to all!
 

---

Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on :
 
Congratulations!
 

---

Posted by Tina (# 63) on :
 
Congratulations sophs
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
sophs

Moo
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Great news, congratulations!
 

---

Posted by Mrs Shrew (# 8635) on :
 
Congratulations!!!!
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Congratulations from over here, too.
 

---

Posted by basso (# 4228) on :
 
Congratulations, Sophs!
 

---

Posted by ChastMastr (# 716) on :
 
HOORAY!!!! <3 <3 <3
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Welcome to the world, baby girl!
 

---

Posted by Adrienne (# 2334) on :
 
Wonderful news - congratulations!
 

---

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :
 
Many congratulations Sophs - enjoy the mad world that is parenthood.
 

---

Posted by guinness girl (# 4391) on :
 
Hello all,

just dragging this thread off the very bottom of page 3 to announce that Erik and I are expecting a second half-pint in June scan shows a perfect and very wriggly baby at 13 weeks. Elder half-pint is taking it all in his stride too. We are all happy and excited!
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Congratulations to the Guinnesses - look after yourselves!
 

---

Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on :
 
Congratulations!
 

---

Posted by Jen. (# 3131) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jenny Ann:
Hi,

It is with great pleasure that Stoo and I would like to announce the expected arrival of a little Mighty Pirate in January 2015.

After an 8 year wait and a cycle of IVF we are thrilled to be able to make this announcement.

Baby is due on epiphany, we're torn between calling it Melchior or Bathazar.

Jen

---

On Monday 16th Dec at 3:45 the baby mighty pirate was born! Born at 36 weeks, baby boy weighs am acceptable 6lb 10oz.

The baby mighty pirate is doing well, and he an I are well, despite a long hard birth.

Thanks to all for their support.

Jen and Stoo
 

---

Posted by Japes (# 5358) on :
 
Congratulations, Jen and Stoo, and welcome to the baby mighty pirate!

Congratulations to the Guinness family and welcome to the newest half-pint
 

---

Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
Ooh, congratulations Jenn and Stoo - brilliant news. 36 weeks is plenty and 6lb 7oz is a good healthy weight.
 

---

Posted by Ariel (# 58) on :
 
Congratulations!

What a lovely early Christmas present
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Congratulations

Any local Nativity plays he could star in?

Huia
 

---

Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on :
 
Congratulations!
 

---

Posted by welsh dragon (# 3249) on :
 
Many congrats and Happy Christmas
 

---

Posted by welsh dragon (# 3249) on :
 
Many congrats and Happy Christmas
 

---

Posted by Ferijen (# 4719) on :
 
Oo-ar to the mighty pirate.

Thrilled for you.
 

---

Posted by Uncle Pete (# 10422) on :
 
Uncle Pete loves babies! In a nice coconut sauce, they can't be beat!


Congratulations to the Guinesses and stoo and Jenny.
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Congratulations, Jenn and Stoo, and welcome aboard, lesser mighty pirate!

** Piglet trots off, whistling "hurrah for the Pirate King" **
 

---

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
Congrats to Jenn and Stoo, obviously he couldn't wait for Epiphany, and certainly didn't want to wait a whole year for his first Christmas!
 

---

Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
He wanted to share a birthday with me, evidently!

Congratulations!
 

---

Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :
 
Dafling younger is due in April.
The elder Dafling has caught on that Mummy has a baby in her tummy. Apparently the baby will be her cousin. We've just come back from family Christmas where there were four grandchildren in total, so that makes a certain amount of sense.
 

---

Posted by Raptor Eye (# 16649) on :
 
I hope you all enjoy looking forward to the little 'cousin', Dafyd, and I pray for God's blessings.
 

---

Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
Congratulations Dafyd and family - she'll find it different being a big sister.
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Congratulations, Dafyd, and all the best!
 

---

Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :
 
The younger Dafling has arrived safely. She is unsure about this 'light' thing and keeps her eyes shut mostly so far. Mum is well.
Dafling senior seems cheerful about all the arrangements so far.
 

---

Posted by Pigwidgeon (# 10192) on :
 
Congratulations to Dafyd and family!

 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Congratulations!!!
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Congratulations!
 

---

Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 

 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Huge congratulations Dafyd and Mrs. D., and welcome to Dafling Mk. II.


 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
from here, too.
 

---

Posted by Uncle Pete (# 10422) on :
 
And from here, downstairs, too!
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Lovely - another Shipmate-in waiting.
 

---

Posted by Raptor Eye (# 16649) on :
 
Congratulations, and welcome to the world little lady.
 

---

Posted by Wet Kipper (# 1654) on :
 
COngratulations, and welcome to Daffling II


[duplicate deleted - WW]

[ 02. April 2015, 13:52: Message edited by: Welease Woderwick ]
 

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Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 
Congratulations to Dafyd and family, and welcome to the world Dafling II (Daflingling?).
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Congratulations!
 

---

Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
Congratulations Dafyd, Mrs Dafyd and Dafling, hope the Dafling minor continues being amiable.
 

---

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
Congrats to the Dafyd family!
 

---

Posted by MrsBeaky (# 17663) on :
 
Many congratulations to the Dafyd family!

I have just heard that we have another another grandchild- a little girl born to my eldest daughter and husband in NZ.
Thankfully all is well after what ended up as another scary delivery (she's had three of those altogether now) with an emergency c section- she says morphine is great....

All the best to all of you expectant mothers, fathers and families.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
OOOoo another wee kiwi

Good to know things are going well after a scary start.

Huia
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Congratulations Grandma Beaky!
 

---

Posted by MrsBeaky (# 17663) on :
 
Thank you both!
 

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Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :
 
Congratulations on the new grandchild. Will you get to visit her soon?
 

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Posted by MrsBeaky (# 17663) on :
 
Thanks Dafyd
We will meet her when we all return to the UK in October for our youngest daughter's wedding.
So for now Skype will have to suffice!
 

---

Posted by jacobsen (# 14998) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Intrepid Mrs S:
[QB
Mrs. S - pondering, what's the opposite of schadenfreude? [/QB]

---

Herzlichen Glueckwuensche. trans. Best of luck/congratulations.

with apologies for lack of umlauts - it does look a bit odd substituting the originally correct 'e' but I would need administrator powers to access character map at work!
 

---

Posted by The Intrepid Mrs S (# 17002) on :
 
I am so excited - finally allowed to tell people that The Former Miss S and SiL are expecting a baby! It's due in December - must think of a name so I don't have to refer to 'it', which sounds so ... uncaring.

I had quite given up hope of achieving grandparental status, so this is wonderful news for me (and Mr. S, and everyone else who knows, I hasten to add).



Mrs. S, beaming with pride
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Being a grandma is just lovely. Congratulations to all.
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Congratulations, Mrs. S. (and the daughter and s-in-l). Don't worry about calling it "it" - just call it Bump.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
A friend of mine referred to one of hers as The Growth which may have been technically accurate but had unfortunate connotations, but then she did have the morning sickness from Hell - I've just realised in typing that he must be about 35 or more by now - lovely guy.
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Exciting times, Mrs S! You will be a lovely grandmother!
 

---

Posted by The Intrepid Mrs S (# 17002) on :
 
Thank you all for your kind wishes. The Former Miss S is beginning to look chubby - she says it's a great relief to be able to tell people yes, she is pregnant, not just eating too many pies

They have begun to refer to 'Stevie' for some complicated reason, but as I pointed out, at least it was a good non-gender-specific name!

Mrs. S, practising looking like a Grandma
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Intrepid Mrs S:
... practising looking like a Grandma

---

When my mum first became a granny (in 1980) I remember a conversation with her and my granny (her mother-in-law) that went something like this:

Mum: I don't really feel like a granny

Granny: You don't look like one either

Mum: What does a granny look like?

Me (pointing at Granny): Like that.

[ 22. June 2015, 14:20: Message edited by: Piglet ]
 

---

Posted by The Intrepid Mrs S (# 17002) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Piglet:

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Intrepid Mrs S:
... practising looking like a Grandma

---

When my mum first became a granny (in 1980) I remember a conversation with her and my granny (her mother-in-law) that went something like this:

Mum: I don't really feel like a granny

Granny: You don't look like one either

Mum: What does a granny look like?

Me (pointing at Granny): Like that.

---

At one stage, when my mother and I were living with her parents, she found me picking daisies one day. When she asked what they were for, I said they were for my great-grandmother's grave.

Mum: 'but Granny Richards isn't dead yet'

Me: 'no, but she's nearly dead'

Mrs. S, unsentimental now as then
 

---

Posted by Pigwidgeon (# 10192) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Intrepid Mrs S:
Mum: 'but Granny Richards isn't dead yet'

Me: 'no, but she's nearly dead'

Mrs. S, unsentimental now as then

---

Once again, we're reminded of a Monty Python sketch.

 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Being a grandma myself, I am interested in the uniform. How should a grandmother look?
 

---

Posted by The Intrepid Mrs S (# 17002) on :
 
Let's see - from my personal experience, you should have long white hair, preferably pinned up in a hairnet, or possibly - though this was a great-aunt - metal curlers topped with a black beret, rather greasy. A pinny with a crossover front, as worn by all Welsh aunties and grandmas. Generous quantities of wrinkles, painful feet, and the unusual habit of cutting bread by clutching the loaf to your chest and sawing the breadknife towards you as if aiming for Amazonia...

Only my vision of my grandmother, you understand!

Mrs. S, who hasn't nearly enough hair of any colour to look like that
 

---

Posted by Uncle Pete (# 10422) on :
 
All very interesting, this discussion of Grannies.

My personal experience is that if you ask a child what a grandparent looks like, he will point at his own personal grand.

To me, also from personal observation, an adult will carry a picture of his own grandparent in his head to decide what a grandparent looks like. This personal picture could be youngish, middle-aged or elderly depending on how long the adult knew (or knows) his grandparent.
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Absolutely, Uncle Pete - my sister is now a granny* and as you can imagine I have even more difficulty in getting my head round that concept than I did when my mother became one.

Of course this means that I'm a great-aunt, and my image of Orcadian great-aunts (of whom I had several) is almost exactly like Mrs. S's image of Welsh ones.

Not a bit like me though ...

* She doesn't seem to mind the appellation, but when the first of her children got engaged, I said to her "ooh, you're going to be a mother-in-law", and she replied in brief but fluent Anglo-Saxon ...

[ 23. June 2015, 14:26: Message edited by: Piglet ]
 

---

Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Piglet:

Of course this means that I'm a great-aunt, and my image of Orcadian great-aunts (of whom I had several) is almost exactly like Mrs. S's image of Welsh ones.

Not a bit like me though ...

---

My niece when she was 15 offered to do some babysitting and said she'd bring her aunty along. They were wondering why she wanted an old lady with her and were somewhat surprised to see a 21 year old me - my mother became a grandmother when I was 6 years old.
I have been a great aunt for about 18 years now. I'm 45.
 

---

Posted by Ags (# 204) on :
 
I became a Grandma 12 weeks ago and am quite overwhelmed with love and wonder for this beautiful little boy.

I am looking forward to taking him to his first music festival when he is old enough and also to watching Crystal Palace play at home.

Not quite so hot on the knitting and all that kind of stuff!
 

---

Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ags:
I became a Grandma 12 weeks ago and am quite overwhelmed with love and wonder for this beautiful little boy.

I am looking forward to taking him to his first music festival when he is old enough and also to watching Crystal Palace play at home.

Not quite so hot on the knitting and all that kind of stuff!

---

Congratulations
 

---

Posted by The Intrepid Mrs S (# 17002) on :
 
And congratulations from me!

I did say to Mr. S that if I started knitting now, we might have something Sproglet could wear by the time (s)he starts secondary school!

Mr. S and I are looking forward to reading to our grandchild - we still miss those stories with Mr. S doing all the accents. I remember sitting outside Master S's bedroom, tears rolling down my cheeks, when it was the turn of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (though they were tears of laughter at Joan Aiken's Mortimer and Arabel stories

Mrs. S, still a child at heart...
 

---

Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
Congratulations Ags. Sounds as if you have another model of a grandmother again for the heaven thread
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Congratulations, Grandma Ags!
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
**bump**

Great-Auntie Piglet strikes again! My nephew and his wife had a baby boy yesterday, 7lb 15oz, both doing well.


 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Have you picked the Bear yet?
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Not yet (although the subject has been under discussion). As we're not going to meet him until we go over in November, we're thinking we might enlist the help of Amazon - they do quite a nice line in Small Bears.
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
I have to get one soon as my friend in Mysore and his wife recently had a daughter so they've now got the set and can give up sex!

That must be such a relief
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Amazon has been my friend - a "my first teddy" bear dispatched to A., and an "I'm the big sister" bear to his big sister, M., so that she doesn't feel left out.

[ 31. July 2015, 23:30: Message edited by: Piglet ]
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
**bump** to avoid hostly hoover.
 

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Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on :
 
I'm going to be Great Aunt Dormouse for the second time at the end of October! I met great-neice for the first time over the summer. For a baby she was quite sweet. But I don't, if I'm honest, have much affection for babies. I prefer them from about 5 onwards. Until about 10. Only a short window really!!!
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
I love babies as long as they're other people's, which they always are.

We acquired a new great-nephew in the summer, and I can't wait to go over the Pond to meet him in November. I'd have preferred to be able to see him when he was tiny (we met his big sister when she was just a few weeks old) but our plans didn't quite work out this time. He'll still be quite little though, and beginning to develop his own wee personality.
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Had a stupid, soppy phone call from Mrs Sioni this afternoon. She sounded like a kid who has been asked out for a first date, which I suppose is right, because the mother and father of our first grandchild "wondered if we would do them a huge favour on October 4th and look after the baby all day".

This is a radical redefinition of the term "favour". We pick up the boy at about 8:30am, and his parents get back (from some American Football match in London) just before midnight. I expect we will be out on our feet by then while the boy will be bouncing.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
You'll be just fine. Enjoy yourselves.

I left my mother minding my three, including a six week old boy. Just for an evening. Left everything I thought she might need. We returned about midnight. All were fine, including baby, as long as mum jiggled pram constantly with her foot. If she missed a beat, he cried.
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Oh we will. Mrs S has the day planned, from the very moment we pick him up, and has alternative itineraries for fine/wet/typically Welsh weather, allowing for varying mood of child. We expect his Wacky Aunt to put in an appearance too.
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Wacky Aunts are mandatory - Uncles, of course, are all perfectly sensible!


 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Of course they are, Uncle Wodders.
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
I never got to look after my nephew because he lived in another town, but I did my best to be a wacky Aunt.

Now he's in his twenties and we stillhave a good relationship.

Huia
 

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Posted by Uncle Pete (# 10422) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Piglet:
Of course they are, Uncle Wodders.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
Oh we will. Mrs S has the day planned, from the very moment we pick him up, and has alternative itineraries for fine/wet/typically Welsh weather, allowing for varying mood of child. We expect his Wacky Aunt to put in an appearance too.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lothlorien:
bump

---

Most appropriate for this particular thread
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
My bump was completely unintended.
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
I thought much the same.
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
There's a lot of it about. In addition to our first grandchild (born August 21st) our second is due c 16th January (different parents, duh!) and we have just heard that two of my nieces are expecting babies in the summer (one already has a two year old boy).

Mrs Sioni also has three great-great nieces and one to follow. It isn't that we're especially old but some of her family are older than us, started having children young and this has continued through the generations.

If anyone is worried about who will be working to provide the tax revenues for their old age be assured that we are doing our bit.
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
I was a completely unintended bump - my mum used to say that I was unexpected but I've never quite believed that!
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
She must have expected you for at least a wee while ...
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Yes, she always also said that I started being difficult in the womb - something I find hard to understand as I always thought I was perpetual sweetness and light.


 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
But of course you are dear ...
 

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Posted by The Intrepid Mrs S (# 17002) on :
 
The Intrepid grandchild has landed! It's a boy and mother and baby are doing well, that's all I know!

Mrs. S, sleep-deprived but delighted
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Welcome to the Intrepid Baby and congratulations to his parents - and the Intrepid Grandmother too!
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Great news Mrs S!


 

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Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Congratulations Mrs S!
 

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Posted by neandergirl (# 8916) on :
 
Yay!
 

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Posted by Mrs Shrew (# 8635) on :
 
Congratulations Mrs S
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Congratulations, Intrepid Grandma and welcome to planet Earth, Intrepid Baby!
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Woo Hoo, Intrepid Baby.

Congratulations Grandma. I chose not to have children, but I wouldn't mind being a grandma,

Huia - contrary to the death.
 

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Posted by The Intrepid Mrs S (# 17002) on :
 
Thank you all so much!

The Intrepid Baby, who has been known as Stevie (as a non-gender-specific bump!) was born on the Feast of Stephen weighing 8 pounds 2 and a half ounces, and is absolutely beautiful - we haven't seen him yet as there were Unspecified Difficulties in the later stages of the delivery) but we have seen a photo and hope to see him and his intrepid parents later today.

Mrs. S, who shall henceforth be known as Grandma Susie
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Lovely news as I said elsewhere. Just as well I took Ship's Grandma some years ago. I now have another two grandchildren, offspring of son's fiancée.

[ 27. December 2015, 07:53: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Nenya (# 16427) on :
 
Wonderful news for the Intrepid Household, congratulations to you all. I hope the Intrepid Mother is OK after the difficulties.
 

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Posted by The Intrepid Mrs S (# 17002) on :
 
the Intrepid Mother is fine - it turns out it was a forceps delivery . We went up to visit them in hospital this afternoon with the Dowager (aka Intrepid Great-Grand Mama!) and although the traffic was horrible it was well worth it to see the little family. He will be Sebastian James, and we are all relieved that it wasn't Reuben, the other possibility

We went round to see the Dowager's next-door neighbours this morning and when they answered the door I said 'We bring you good tidings of great joy. To us yesterday was born a grandson' and that was as far as I got!

Mrs. S, delighted with the new addition to the family!
 

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Posted by Sarasa (# 12271) on :
 
Great news Mrs S. Hope the new family are home soon. Lovely name btw.
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Intrepid Mrs S:
... The Intrepid Baby ... was born on the Feast of Stephen ...

---

It could have been much worse - they might have called him Wenceslas ...
 

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Posted by Nenya (# 16427) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Intrepid Mrs S:
the Intrepid Mother is fine - it turns out it was a forceps delivery

---

My sympathies. I've had one of those and was very far from being intrepid about it.

Great names as well! He'll bring great joy to your whole family, I know.
 

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Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 
Congratulations to the whole Intrepid family, what lovely news! (although, maybe I'm being thick but what is wrong with the name Reuben? It's not a name in our family so I'm not offended, just curious!)
 

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Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Congratulations to the Intrepid family!
 

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Posted by Uncle Pete (# 10422) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jack the Lass:
Congratulations to the whole Intrepid family, what lovely news! (although, maybe I'm being thick but what is wrong with the name Reuben? It's not a name in our family so I'm not offended, just curious!)

---

Taunting nickname - Rube
 

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Posted by The Intrepid Mrs S (# 17002) on :
 
Or Ruby! It just doesn't appeal, somehow. I put the kibosh on Nathan, also, as the nephew of one of my dear friends is called Nathan and is in the nick (at 16 ) for attempted murder, or GBH, or something undesirable anyway, and I just couldn't handle the associations

All home safely and Sebastian is still gorgeous ;o)

The Doting Mrs. S
 

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Posted by Mrs Shrew (# 8635) on :
 
Mr Shrew and I are expecting, due at the end of July. Currently baby is referred to as" the Balrog " ( I have been suffering from truly horrible pregnancy sickness- thought have managed not to set fire to any of the well meaning individuals who have suggested that ginger biscuits might work better than two separate kinds of prescribed medicines at helping me keep food and fluids in situ)
 

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Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 
Congratulations Mr & Mrs Shrew, what lovely news! I hope that the urge to chunder disappears soon and you can enjoy at least some of your pregnancy!
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Congratulations and I echo Jack's wishes for you to feel better quickly.
 

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Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :
 
Congratulations and best wishes to the Shrews.

[ 15. January 2016, 21:02: Message edited by: Dafyd ]
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Congratulations to the Shrews, and I hope you feel better soon.
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Best wishes from here, too.
 

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Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
Congratulations Mrs Shrew. I was morning sick for 6 months, so have a lot of sympathy and there was someone in my prenatal exercise class who was really ill with it. It's not much fun.

Congratulations to the Intrepid family. Apologies for being so slow.

A Boxing Day birthday isn't much fun, particularly as a child. Lots of groaning adults and left over Christmas food, because no-one wants to cook something special for that birthday or party again on Boxing Day. The other wrinkle is that Christmas born children theoretically get "bigger presents" across the two days, but if they have siblings comparison just shows that this ain't necessarily so.

(I spent my birthdays as a child sitting on the bank of a sailing club as my parents went sailing to work off some of their overindulgence over Christmas. Nobody wanted birthday cake and no, I really didn't want turkey curry followed by left over mince pies and Stilton for my birthday meal.)
 

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Posted by Brenda Clough (# 18061) on :
 
My daugher reports that she is expecting! It is a boy and is due in late June. This will be my first grand! I can't think what to do yet. Perhaps I should knit a very elaborate baby hat.
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
It's raining babies. After our first grandchildren in the last six months two of my nieces are expecting in the summer!
 

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Posted by Pigwidgeon (# 10192) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
It's raining babies...

---

Our church is having a baby boom of grandchildren. Maybe it's global warming or something.
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
A couple of years ago, the whole island of Newfoundland had a power cut that lasted a whole weekend. According to a report on Facebook, the local hospital had to open an extension to the maternity ward nine months later ...
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pigwidgeon:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
It's raining babies...

---

Our church is having a baby boom of grandchildren. Maybe it's global warming or something.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Curiosity killed ...:
Congratulations to the Intrepid family. Apologies for being so slow.

A Boxing Day birthday isn't much fun, particularly as a child. Lots of groaning adults and left over Christmas food, because no-one wants to cook something special for that birthday or party again on Boxing Day. The other wrinkle is that Christmas born children theoretically get "bigger presents" across the two days, but if they have siblings comparison just shows that this ain't necessarily so.

(I spent my birthdays as a child sitting on the bank of a sailing club as my parents went sailing to work off some of their overindulgence over Christmas. Nobody wanted birthday cake and no, I really didn't want turkey curry followed by left over mince pies and Stilton for my birthday meal.)

---

Thank you CK, and no indeed - I think the plan is to have a half-birthday in June!

TFMissS is now paying for her remarkably easy pregnancy by having a baby who - like her, and me - doesn't like milk. He falls asleep during his feed, they wind him and put him in his cot. 30 minutes later - I'm hungry, where's my next meal? Or, alternatively, he cries and cries, pulling his little knees up and giving them sad, blue-lipped, windy smiles

Mrs. S, sympathetic - we've all been there.

PS and congratulations, Brenda!
 

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Posted by Pigwidgeon (# 10192) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Intrepid Mrs S:
Thank you CK, and no indeed - I think the plan is to have a half-birthday in June!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mrs Shrew:
... Can anyone offer helpful things I can eat to increase iron levels ...?

---

I'm not a dietician or doctor, but the most appealing iron-rich food I can think of would be a nice juicy steak, served with eggs (for brunch), a spinach salad with strawberries and nuts or stir-fried broccoli.

Hope you feel better soon.
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Wholewheat Toast and Marmite™!
 

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Posted by Mrs Shrew (# 8635) on :
 
Thank you all- will try the foods and ask midwife about spatone when I see her next week
 

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Posted by Jengie jon (# 273) on :
 
Make sure you are getting plenty of vitamin C as well as your body needs it to absorb iron.

Jengie
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:
Wholewheat Toast and Marmite™!

---

She wants to feel better ...
 

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Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 
Raisins for iron. That's what the Red Cross puts me on when I m too low to donate. Also any tomato based soup, sauce or stew cooked in an iron pot.
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Mrs Shrew, this isn't a serious suggestion (as Piglet said you want to feel better) but when my Grandma had low iron levels, around 80+ years ago she had to eat raw liver sandwiches. Just the thought of them makes me want to

Fortunately some of the other suggestions sound more palatable.

Huia
 

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Posted by Pigwidgeon (# 10192) on :
 
My grandmother also ate liver for iron, but she cooked it. The house stank for hours (my sister and I would go outside and play when possible), but our dog thought it was the greatest smell ever.
 

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Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
I ate (cooked) liver at least once a week through pregnancy to try and keep my iron levels up - and when I've been anaemic at other times. There are ways of making it edible - variations of devils on horseback, little chunks wrapped in bacon and grilled on a skewer - alternating with prunes so it's not all liver, served with rice and salad isn't too much liver. Also calves liver with sage. I'd much rather eat spinach, but we're better at absorbing iron from animal sources. Definitely eat/drink something high in vitamin C to help your body absorb the iron whether it's dietary iron or tablets. Tea and coffee reduce absorption

(I have been badly anaemic a few times and have been lectured on how to make sure I get enough in my diet - then put on iron tablets. I had two years or more of the iron tablets last time.)
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Do chicken livers work if you turn them into a pâté?

This recipe from the blessèd Delia is a breeze to make if you've got a food processor, and delicious on toast or crackers.
 

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Posted by Mrs Shrew (# 8635) on :
 
Very pleased to say that baby Arthur joined us on Saturday morning at 1.43.

He is a wee slip of a thing, at 3.5kg (a week and a half overdue), and seems healthy and happy so far.
 

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Posted by MrsBeaky (# 17663) on :
 
Youngest daughter had cancer six years ago and was told that as a result of the treatment it was highly unlikely she would ever conceive.
She and her lovely partner married last October with him saying "I'd love to have children but regardless of that it's you I want to spend my life with......"

They have just gone public with the news that they are expecting a baby in January. I remember holding her as she wept when the consultant told her there wasn't time to wait to harvest any eggs from her to save towards the future as her cancer was quite advanced and they needed to start treatment straightaway.
So this news comes as a complete surprise- they are stunned but thrilled as are we.
 

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Posted by Sarasa (# 12271) on :
 
Congratulations on the arrival of Arthur, Mrs Shrew, great name.
Mrs Beaky, what exciting and lovely news for your daughter and her husband.
 

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Posted by Japes (# 5358) on :
 
Congratulations to the Shrew family! Welcome to Arthur.

And congratulations to the Beaky family. That's fantastic news for you all.


 

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Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
Congratulations Mrs Shrew - hope you recovered enough from the tiredness before his birth.

What wonderful news Mrs Beaky.
 

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Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Really great news, Mrs Beaky. Best wishes from us to all.
 

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Posted by Ethne Alba (# 5804) on :
 
Spatone was enough to raise my daughter's iron to very acceptable levels
 

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Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mrs Shrew:
Very pleased to say that baby Arthur joined us on Saturday morning at 1.43.

---

Congratulations.
 

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Posted by Doone (# 18470) on :
 
Congratulations
 

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Posted by The Intrepid Mrs S (# 17002) on :
 
So thrilled for everyone rejoicing here - especially Mrs Beaky and Mrs Shrew

The Intrepid Grandson, as foretold, is a different child now he's weaned and scoffing solid food as fast as he can - very happy and pleased with himself

The Doting Mrs S
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Welcome to the world Arthur.

Mrs Beaky, such good news lights up even a horrible winter day at this end of the world.

Huia
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Congratulations to the Shrews and welcome Arthur!

Mrs. Beaky, that's wonderful news - for your daughter to have a happy, healthy pregnancy.
 

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Posted by MrsBeaky (# 17663) on :
 
Thanks everyone and many congratulations to all of you who are celebrating good news too!

 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
I'm not sure that Themselves completely see it as good news when they have each been pacing the floor for a couple of hours with either a fractious son or a fractious daughter in their arms!

But mostly they are a complete delight.
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
**bumpity-bump**

Hostly Hoover avoidance tactics.
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Don't babies grow fast?

Ours aren't so much putting on weight as they are just getting longer - the cradles which dwarfed them a few short weeks ago seem to have shrunk as the kids have grown so much.

At least now we are starting to get real smiles from them.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Hum, hum, cometh the hostly vaccuum cleaner.
 

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