The Bubs are going well and are just two days off 30 weeks. One if my surrogates is back in hospital and has been vomiting. I hope she recovers quickly, hopefully I will get some more information soon.
I'm a bit nervous about what is happening in India in regards to exit visas. I've seen in a few places that single or gay couples have had some problems and have had to pay bribes.
I'm interested in hearing what people have done to get through the process. I've applied and received a tourist visa.
Friday, 28 December 2012
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
iPhone 5 prepaid sim
Has anyone purchased a prepaid iPhone 5 (super-tiny-small) SIM card in India?
In the past I have been able to get regular sims but I'm not sure about the iPhone 5.
Thanks.
A
In the past I have been able to get regular sims but I'm not sure about the iPhone 5.
Thanks.
A
Sunday, 25 November 2012
Another step closer
My auction was held this weekend. I was calm and relaxed through the whole process,I thought to myself if it doesn't sell everything thing will be ok. Well it did sell for a good price, settlement is 15 January, which is my last day at work.
The twins are going well, I'm at the 6 month mark at the moment. It still feels quite surreal.
The twins are going well, I'm at the 6 month mark at the moment. It still feels quite surreal.
Thursday, 15 November 2012
24 weeks
Just received the first 24 week scan and it looks like bub one is sucking their thumb, how cute!
The great news is that the mineral buildup that was picked up the other month has gone so everything is on track and going well.
I'm wanting to set up a nursery but it wait until I get a new place.
Will write more soon.
A
The great news is that the mineral buildup that was picked up the other month has gone so everything is on track and going well.
I'm wanting to set up a nursery but it wait until I get a new place.
Will write more soon.
A
Sunday, 4 November 2012
22 weeks
I just got back to Canberra after a nice weekend in Sydney…. I have to say that I am making the most of my free time before the babies come.
Last week was an eventful. On Thursday night I got an email telling me that my Miss B was admitted to hospital with bleeding, I wasn’t given too much information on the severity but she was kept in hospital for a few days and released on Saturday. I tried not to over google ‘bleeding at 22 weeks’, and I put my trust into SCI, after all she is getting the best care she can. The ultrasound I got on Friday night was great and bub and Miss B are doing well. I’m hoping Bub stops having tantrums and starts being nice to Miss B.
In other news, on Friday, I had fantastic news from work, after three months they agreed to pay me 14 weeks paid leave once the twins are born (the same provisions that available for others in my department that are eligible for maternity or adoption leave), while I wasn’t counting on this to come through it will make thinks a little more comfortable.
It feels strange being in the 20+ weeks period, the birth seems so far away yet so close. I think about the twins all the time, pondering about their future and from time-to-time I occasionally feel a little disconnected. I wish I could just drop and say ‘hi’ to the surrogates, rub their belly’s, cook them dinner etc. I was chatting to a friend about this the other day and she mentioned it’s normal for some fathers to feel a little disconnected even when their partner is pregnant, the conversation was helpful and helped put things into perspective.
There seems to be some interest in the house so hopefully it will be sold on Auction day. I’ve also decided to move to Perth on 14 January 2013, this will be about 7 weeks before the twins are due and will give me time to set up the new place and be ready if they decide to arrive early.
A
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
Falling into place
Things are starting to fall into place. I didn't expect that renovations would take 4 months. But finally my house is on the market.
I have mixed feelings on leaving Canberra. I have loved this place but anew chapter is starting.
For the first 12 months I will be living in a small granny flat near my parents house.
If anyone is looking for a house in Canberra. Buy this one. http://www.allhomes.com.au/ah/act/sale-residential/13-tatchell-street-calwell-canberra-dining-room/14139670285011?lid=168353780&prid=1396702850
I have mixed feelings on leaving Canberra. I have loved this place but anew chapter is starting.
For the first 12 months I will be living in a small granny flat near my parents house.
If anyone is looking for a house in Canberra. Buy this one. http://www.allhomes.com.au/ah/act/sale-residential/13-tatchell-street-calwell-canberra-dining-room/14139670285011?lid=168353780&prid=1396702850
Monday, 22 October 2012
Parent training
Just came across this news article on practicing to become a parent. It's worth the read. Are you ready to have kids? After you read this, maybe not
news.com.au
October 23, 2012 12:00AM
Dressing small child: Buy a live octopus and a string bag. Attempt to put the octopus into the string bag so that no arms hang out. Picture: Thinkstock
THIS hilarious 'test' designed to find out if you're ready to have kids was originally posted on UK parenting website Mamami and has gone viral.
Test 1: Preparation
Women: To prepare for pregnancy
1. Put on a dressing gown and stick a beanbag down the front.
2. Leave it there.
3. After 9 months remove 5% of the beans.
Men: To prepare for children
1. Go to a local chemist, tip the contents of your wallet onto the counter and tell the pharmacist to help himself
2. Go to the supermarket. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.
3. Go home. Pick up the newspaper and read it for the last time.
Test 2: Knowledge
Find a couple who are already parents and berate them about their methods of discipline, lack of patience, appallingly low tolerance levels and how they have allowed their children to run wild.
Advertisement
Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's sleeping habits, toilet training, table manners and overall behaviour.
Enjoy it. It will be the last time in your life that you will have all the answers.
Test 3: Nights
To discover how the nights will feel:
1. Walk around the living room from 5pm to 10pm carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 4 - 6kg, with a radio turned to static (or some other obnoxious sound) playing loudly.
2. At 10pm, put the bag down, set the alarm for midnight and go to sleep.
3. Get up at 11pm and walk the bag around the living room until 1am.
4. Set the alarm for 3am.
5. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2am and make a cup of tea.
6. Go to bed at 2.45am.
7. Get up again at 3am when the alarm goes off.
8. Sing songs in the dark until 4am.
9. Put the alarm on for 5am. Get up when it goes off.
10. Make breakfast.
Keep this up for 5 years. LOOK CHEERFUL.
Test 4: Dressing Small Children
1. Buy a live octopus and a string bag.
2. Attempt to put the octopus into the string bag so that no arms hangout.
Time Allowed: 5 minutes.
Test 5: Cars
1. Forget the BMW. Buy a practical 5-door wagon.
2. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there.
3. Get a coin. Insert it into the CD player.
4. Take a box of chocolate biscuits; mash them into the back seat.
5. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car.
Test 6: Going for a walk
a. Wait.
b. Go out the front door.
c. Come back in again.
d. Go out.
e. Come back in again.
f. Go out again.
g. Walk down the front path.
h. Walk back up it.
i. Walk down it again.
j. Walk very slowly down the road for five minutes.
k. Stop, inspect minutely and ask at least 6 questions about every piece of used chewing gum, dirty tissue and dead insect along the way.
l. Retrace your steps.
m. Scream that you have had as much as you can stand until the neighbours come out and stare at you.
n. Give up and go back into the house.
You are now just about ready to try taking a small child for a walk.
Test 7: Conversations with children
Repeat everything you say at least 5 times.
Test 8: Grocery Shopping
1. Go to the local supermarket. Take with you the nearest thing you can find to a pre-school child - a fully grown goat is excellent. If you intend to have more than one child, take more than one goat.
2. Buy your weekly groceries without letting the goat(s) out of your sight.
3. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys.
Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.
Test 9: Feeding a 1 year-old
1. Hollow out a melon
2. Make a small hole in the side
3. Suspend the melon from the ceiling and swing it side to side
4. Now get a bowl of soggy cornflakes and attempt to spoon them into the swaying melon while pretending to be an aeroplane.
5. Continue until half the cornflakes are gone.
6. Tip the rest into your lap, making sure that a lot of it falls on the floor.
Test 10:TV
1. Learn the names of every character from the Wiggles, Barney, Teletubbies and Disney.
2. Watch nothing else on television for at least 5 years.
Test 11: Mess
1. Smear peanut butter onto the sofa and jam onto the curtains
2. Hide a fish behind the stereo and leave it there all summer.
3. Stick your fingers in the flowerbeds and then rub them on clean walls. Cover the stains with crayon. How does that look?
4. Empty every drawer/cupboard/storage box in your house onto the floor and proceed with step 5.
5. Drag randomly items from one room to another room and leave them there.
Test 12: Long Trips with Toddlers
1. Make a recording of someone shouting 'Mummy' repeatedly. Important Notes: No more than a 4 second delay between each Mummy. Include occasional crescendo to the level of a supersonic jet.
2. Play this tape in your car, everywhere you go for the next 4 years.
You are now ready to take a long trip with a toddler.
Test 13: Conversations
1. Start talking to an adult of your choice.
2. Have someone else continually tug on your shirt hem or shirt sleeve while playing the Mummy tape listed above.
You are now ready to have a conversation with an adult while there is a child in the room.
Test 14: Getting ready for work
1. Pick a day on which you have an important meeting.
2. Put on your finest work attire.
3. Take a cup of cream and put 1 cup of lemon juice in it
4. Stir
5. Dump half of it on your nice silk shirt
6. Saturate a towel with the other half of the mixture
7. Attempt to clean your shirt with the same saturated towel
8. Do not change (you have no time).
9. Go directly to work
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Parents put foot down on walking
Holly Ife CHAUFFEUR parents are stopping many children from walking because they fear they will injured in traffic .
The funniest parenting blog post ever
THIS 'test' designed to find out if you're ready to have kids has gone viral. The real challenge is to get through it without crying with laughter.
Birth intervention study shocks docs
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Fashion & Beauty
Are you ready to have kids? After you read this, maybe not
news.com.au
October 23, 2012 12:00AM
Dressing small child: Buy a live octopus and a string bag. Attempt to put the octopus into the string bag so that no arms hang out. Picture: Thinkstock
THIS hilarious 'test' designed to find out if you're ready to have kids was originally posted on UK parenting website Mamami and has gone viral.
Test 1: Preparation
Women: To prepare for pregnancy
1. Put on a dressing gown and stick a beanbag down the front.
2. Leave it there.
3. After 9 months remove 5% of the beans.
Men: To prepare for children
1. Go to a local chemist, tip the contents of your wallet onto the counter and tell the pharmacist to help himself
2. Go to the supermarket. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.
3. Go home. Pick up the newspaper and read it for the last time.
Test 2: Knowledge
Find a couple who are already parents and berate them about their methods of discipline, lack of patience, appallingly low tolerance levels and how they have allowed their children to run wild.
Advertisement
Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's sleeping habits, toilet training, table manners and overall behaviour.
Enjoy it. It will be the last time in your life that you will have all the answers.
Test 3: Nights
To discover how the nights will feel:
1. Walk around the living room from 5pm to 10pm carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 4 - 6kg, with a radio turned to static (or some other obnoxious sound) playing loudly.
2. At 10pm, put the bag down, set the alarm for midnight and go to sleep.
3. Get up at 11pm and walk the bag around the living room until 1am.
4. Set the alarm for 3am.
5. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2am and make a cup of tea.
6. Go to bed at 2.45am.
7. Get up again at 3am when the alarm goes off.
8. Sing songs in the dark until 4am.
9. Put the alarm on for 5am. Get up when it goes off.
10. Make breakfast.
Keep this up for 5 years. LOOK CHEERFUL.
Test 4: Dressing Small Children
1. Buy a live octopus and a string bag.
2. Attempt to put the octopus into the string bag so that no arms hangout.
Time Allowed: 5 minutes.
Test 5: Cars
1. Forget the BMW. Buy a practical 5-door wagon.
2. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there.
3. Get a coin. Insert it into the CD player.
4. Take a box of chocolate biscuits; mash them into the back seat.
5. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car.
Test 6: Going for a walk
a. Wait.
b. Go out the front door.
c. Come back in again.
d. Go out.
e. Come back in again.
f. Go out again.
g. Walk down the front path.
h. Walk back up it.
i. Walk down it again.
j. Walk very slowly down the road for five minutes.
k. Stop, inspect minutely and ask at least 6 questions about every piece of used chewing gum, dirty tissue and dead insect along the way.
l. Retrace your steps.
m. Scream that you have had as much as you can stand until the neighbours come out and stare at you.
n. Give up and go back into the house.
You are now just about ready to try taking a small child for a walk.
Test 7: Conversations with children
Repeat everything you say at least 5 times.
Test 8: Grocery Shopping
1. Go to the local supermarket. Take with you the nearest thing you can find to a pre-school child - a fully grown goat is excellent. If you intend to have more than one child, take more than one goat.
2. Buy your weekly groceries without letting the goat(s) out of your sight.
3. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys.
Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.
Test 9: Feeding a 1 year-old
1. Hollow out a melon
2. Make a small hole in the side
3. Suspend the melon from the ceiling and swing it side to side
4. Now get a bowl of soggy cornflakes and attempt to spoon them into the swaying melon while pretending to be an aeroplane.
5. Continue until half the cornflakes are gone.
6. Tip the rest into your lap, making sure that a lot of it falls on the floor.
Test 10:TV
1. Learn the names of every character from the Wiggles, Barney, Teletubbies and Disney.
2. Watch nothing else on television for at least 5 years.
Test 11: Mess
1. Smear peanut butter onto the sofa and jam onto the curtains
2. Hide a fish behind the stereo and leave it there all summer.
3. Stick your fingers in the flowerbeds and then rub them on clean walls. Cover the stains with crayon. How does that look?
4. Empty every drawer/cupboard/storage box in your house onto the floor and proceed with step 5.
5. Drag randomly items from one room to another room and leave them there.
Test 12: Long Trips with Toddlers
1. Make a recording of someone shouting 'Mummy' repeatedly. Important Notes: No more than a 4 second delay between each Mummy. Include occasional crescendo to the level of a supersonic jet.
2. Play this tape in your car, everywhere you go for the next 4 years.
You are now ready to take a long trip with a toddler.
Test 13: Conversations
1. Start talking to an adult of your choice.
2. Have someone else continually tug on your shirt hem or shirt sleeve while playing the Mummy tape listed above.
You are now ready to have a conversation with an adult while there is a child in the room.
Test 14: Getting ready for work
1. Pick a day on which you have an important meeting.
2. Put on your finest work attire.
3. Take a cup of cream and put 1 cup of lemon juice in it
4. Stir
5. Dump half of it on your nice silk shirt
6. Saturate a towel with the other half of the mixture
7. Attempt to clean your shirt with the same saturated towel
8. Do not change (you have no time).
9. Go directly to work
Email a friendShare on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on LinkedIn
HAVE YOUR SAY
LIFESTYLE TOP STORIES
Parents put foot down on walking
Holly Ife CHAUFFEUR parents are stopping many children from walking because they fear they will injured in traffic .
The funniest parenting blog post ever
THIS 'test' designed to find out if you're ready to have kids has gone viral. The real challenge is to get through it without crying with laughter.
Birth intervention study shocks docs
news.com.au
October 23, 2012 12:00AM
Dressing small child: Buy a live octopus and a string bag. Attempt to put the octopus into the string bag so that no arms hang out. Picture: Thinkstock
THIS hilarious 'test' designed to find out if you're ready to have kids was originally posted on UK parenting website Mamami and has gone viral.
Test 1: Preparation
Women: To prepare for pregnancy
1. Put on a dressing gown and stick a beanbag down the front.
2. Leave it there.
3. After 9 months remove 5% of the beans.
Men: To prepare for children
1. Go to a local chemist, tip the contents of your wallet onto the counter and tell the pharmacist to help himself
2. Go to the supermarket. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.
3. Go home. Pick up the newspaper and read it for the last time.
Test 2: Knowledge
Find a couple who are already parents and berate them about their methods of discipline, lack of patience, appallingly low tolerance levels and how they have allowed their children to run wild.
Advertisement
Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's sleeping habits, toilet training, table manners and overall behaviour.
Enjoy it. It will be the last time in your life that you will have all the answers.
Test 3: Nights
To discover how the nights will feel:
1. Walk around the living room from 5pm to 10pm carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 4 - 6kg, with a radio turned to static (or some other obnoxious sound) playing loudly.
2. At 10pm, put the bag down, set the alarm for midnight and go to sleep.
3. Get up at 11pm and walk the bag around the living room until 1am.
4. Set the alarm for 3am.
5. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2am and make a cup of tea.
6. Go to bed at 2.45am.
7. Get up again at 3am when the alarm goes off.
8. Sing songs in the dark until 4am.
9. Put the alarm on for 5am. Get up when it goes off.
10. Make breakfast.
Keep this up for 5 years. LOOK CHEERFUL.
Test 4: Dressing Small Children
1. Buy a live octopus and a string bag.
2. Attempt to put the octopus into the string bag so that no arms hangout.
Time Allowed: 5 minutes.
Test 5: Cars
1. Forget the BMW. Buy a practical 5-door wagon.
2. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there.
3. Get a coin. Insert it into the CD player.
4. Take a box of chocolate biscuits; mash them into the back seat.
5. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car.
Test 6: Going for a walk
a. Wait.
b. Go out the front door.
c. Come back in again.
d. Go out.
e. Come back in again.
f. Go out again.
g. Walk down the front path.
h. Walk back up it.
i. Walk down it again.
j. Walk very slowly down the road for five minutes.
k. Stop, inspect minutely and ask at least 6 questions about every piece of used chewing gum, dirty tissue and dead insect along the way.
l. Retrace your steps.
m. Scream that you have had as much as you can stand until the neighbours come out and stare at you.
n. Give up and go back into the house.
You are now just about ready to try taking a small child for a walk.
Test 7: Conversations with children
Repeat everything you say at least 5 times.
Test 8: Grocery Shopping
1. Go to the local supermarket. Take with you the nearest thing you can find to a pre-school child - a fully grown goat is excellent. If you intend to have more than one child, take more than one goat.
2. Buy your weekly groceries without letting the goat(s) out of your sight.
3. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys.
Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.
Test 9: Feeding a 1 year-old
1. Hollow out a melon
2. Make a small hole in the side
3. Suspend the melon from the ceiling and swing it side to side
4. Now get a bowl of soggy cornflakes and attempt to spoon them into the swaying melon while pretending to be an aeroplane.
5. Continue until half the cornflakes are gone.
6. Tip the rest into your lap, making sure that a lot of it falls on the floor.
Test 10:TV
1. Learn the names of every character from the Wiggles, Barney, Teletubbies and Disney.
2. Watch nothing else on television for at least 5 years.
Test 11: Mess
1. Smear peanut butter onto the sofa and jam onto the curtains
2. Hide a fish behind the stereo and leave it there all summer.
3. Stick your fingers in the flowerbeds and then rub them on clean walls. Cover the stains with crayon. How does that look?
4. Empty every drawer/cupboard/storage box in your house onto the floor and proceed with step 5.
5. Drag randomly items from one room to another room and leave them there.
Test 12: Long Trips with Toddlers
1. Make a recording of someone shouting 'Mummy' repeatedly. Important Notes: No more than a 4 second delay between each Mummy. Include occasional crescendo to the level of a supersonic jet.
2. Play this tape in your car, everywhere you go for the next 4 years.
You are now ready to take a long trip with a toddler.
Test 13: Conversations
1. Start talking to an adult of your choice.
2. Have someone else continually tug on your shirt hem or shirt sleeve while playing the Mummy tape listed above.
You are now ready to have a conversation with an adult while there is a child in the room.
Test 14: Getting ready for work
1. Pick a day on which you have an important meeting.
2. Put on your finest work attire.
3. Take a cup of cream and put 1 cup of lemon juice in it
4. Stir
5. Dump half of it on your nice silk shirt
6. Saturate a towel with the other half of the mixture
7. Attempt to clean your shirt with the same saturated towel
8. Do not change (you have no time).
9. Go directly to work
Email a friendShare on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on LinkedIn
HAVE YOUR SAY
LIFESTYLE TOP STORIES
Parents put foot down on walking
Holly Ife CHAUFFEUR parents are stopping many children from walking because they fear they will injured in traffic .
The funniest parenting blog post ever
THIS 'test' designed to find out if you're ready to have kids has gone viral. The real challenge is to get through it without crying with laughter.
Birth intervention study shocks docs
Fiona Baker AN Australian study linking the surge in caesarians and inductions to private hospital care has sparked fiery debate in the medical sector.
More in Lifestyle
Health & Fitness
Health & Fitness
Food
Food
Relationships
Relationships
Fashion & Beauty
Fashion & Beauty
Are you ready to have kids? After you read this, maybe not
news.com.au
October 23, 2012 12:00AM
Dressing small child: Buy a live octopus and a string bag. Attempt to put the octopus into the string bag so that no arms hang out. Picture: Thinkstock
THIS hilarious 'test' designed to find out if you're ready to have kids was originally posted on UK parenting website Mamami and has gone viral.
Test 1: Preparation
Women: To prepare for pregnancy
1. Put on a dressing gown and stick a beanbag down the front.
2. Leave it there.
3. After 9 months remove 5% of the beans.
Men: To prepare for children
1. Go to a local chemist, tip the contents of your wallet onto the counter and tell the pharmacist to help himself
2. Go to the supermarket. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.
3. Go home. Pick up the newspaper and read it for the last time.
Test 2: Knowledge
Find a couple who are already parents and berate them about their methods of discipline, lack of patience, appallingly low tolerance levels and how they have allowed their children to run wild.
Advertisement
Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's sleeping habits, toilet training, table manners and overall behaviour.
Enjoy it. It will be the last time in your life that you will have all the answers.
Test 3: Nights
To discover how the nights will feel:
1. Walk around the living room from 5pm to 10pm carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 4 - 6kg, with a radio turned to static (or some other obnoxious sound) playing loudly.
2. At 10pm, put the bag down, set the alarm for midnight and go to sleep.
3. Get up at 11pm and walk the bag around the living room until 1am.
4. Set the alarm for 3am.
5. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2am and make a cup of tea.
6. Go to bed at 2.45am.
7. Get up again at 3am when the alarm goes off.
8. Sing songs in the dark until 4am.
9. Put the alarm on for 5am. Get up when it goes off.
10. Make breakfast.
Keep this up for 5 years. LOOK CHEERFUL.
Test 4: Dressing Small Children
1. Buy a live octopus and a string bag.
2. Attempt to put the octopus into the string bag so that no arms hangout.
Time Allowed: 5 minutes.
Test 5: Cars
1. Forget the BMW. Buy a practical 5-door wagon.
2. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there.
3. Get a coin. Insert it into the CD player.
4. Take a box of chocolate biscuits; mash them into the back seat.
5. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car.
Test 6: Going for a walk
a. Wait.
b. Go out the front door.
c. Come back in again.
d. Go out.
e. Come back in again.
f. Go out again.
g. Walk down the front path.
h. Walk back up it.
i. Walk down it again.
j. Walk very slowly down the road for five minutes.
k. Stop, inspect minutely and ask at least 6 questions about every piece of used chewing gum, dirty tissue and dead insect along the way.
l. Retrace your steps.
m. Scream that you have had as much as you can stand until the neighbours come out and stare at you.
n. Give up and go back into the house.
You are now just about ready to try taking a small child for a walk.
Test 7: Conversations with children
Repeat everything you say at least 5 times.
Test 8: Grocery Shopping
1. Go to the local supermarket. Take with you the nearest thing you can find to a pre-school child - a fully grown goat is excellent. If you intend to have more than one child, take more than one goat.
2. Buy your weekly groceries without letting the goat(s) out of your sight.
3. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys.
Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.
Test 9: Feeding a 1 year-old
1. Hollow out a melon
2. Make a small hole in the side
3. Suspend the melon from the ceiling and swing it side to side
4. Now get a bowl of soggy cornflakes and attempt to spoon them into the swaying melon while pretending to be an aeroplane.
5. Continue until half the cornflakes are gone.
6. Tip the rest into your lap, making sure that a lot of it falls on the floor.
Test 10:TV
1. Learn the names of every character from the Wiggles, Barney, Teletubbies and Disney.
2. Watch nothing else on television for at least 5 years.
Test 11: Mess
1. Smear peanut butter onto the sofa and jam onto the curtains
2. Hide a fish behind the stereo and leave it there all summer.
3. Stick your fingers in the flowerbeds and then rub them on clean walls. Cover the stains with crayon. How does that look?
4. Empty every drawer/cupboard/storage box in your house onto the floor and proceed with step 5.
5. Drag randomly items from one room to another room and leave them there.
Test 12: Long Trips with Toddlers
1. Make a recording of someone shouting 'Mummy' repeatedly. Important Notes: No more than a 4 second delay between each Mummy. Include occasional crescendo to the level of a supersonic jet.
2. Play this tape in your car, everywhere you go for the next 4 years.
You are now ready to take a long trip with a toddler.
Test 13: Conversations
1. Start talking to an adult of your choice.
2. Have someone else continually tug on your shirt hem or shirt sleeve while playing the Mummy tape listed above.
You are now ready to have a conversation with an adult while there is a child in the room.
Test 14: Getting ready for work
1. Pick a day on which you have an important meeting.
2. Put on your finest work attire.
3. Take a cup of cream and put 1 cup of lemon juice in it
4. Stir
5. Dump half of it on your nice silk shirt
6. Saturate a towel with the other half of the mixture
7. Attempt to clean your shirt with the same saturated towel
8. Do not change (you have no time).
9. Go directly to work
Email a friendShare on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on LinkedIn
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LIFESTYLE TOP STORIES
Parents put foot down on walking
Holly Ife CHAUFFEUR parents are stopping many children from walking because they fear they will injured in traffic .
The funniest parenting blog post ever
THIS 'test' designed to find out if you're ready to have kids has gone viral. The real challenge is to get through it without crying with laughter.
Birth intervention study shocks docs
Monday, 15 October 2012
3d picture.
I just received my first 3d picture this morning. I guess I should get the second one next week.
Almost at 20 weeks.
Adrian.
Almost at 20 weeks.
Adrian.
Thursday, 11 October 2012
18 week scan
I just had the 18-week (almost 19-week) scan done last night by a specialist and it was good news, they have found that everything is normal and okay. The mineral buildup is still there but they have not found any problems.
My house is goes on the market next week, so I will be able to get back into blogging.
Adrian
My house is goes on the market next week, so I will be able to get back into blogging.
Adrian
Saturday, 29 September 2012
16 weeks
Well I have hit 16 weeks. I only received one scan this week. I will get the other scan for bub number two next week.
Has anyone had any experiences echogenic intracardiac focus?
It was picked up in my scan.
dated 27th September 2012.
We would like to inform you that Dr. Shivani has reviewed the reports and noted that "Small echogenic intracardiac focus seen".
In regards to the same we would like to bring in your kind notice that generally, this is of no consequences and it disappears later.
However, we will do a detailed cardiac USG scan for R with the specialist within two weeks.
Tuesday, 21 August 2012
The growth spurt
I’ve been a bit slack with the blogging. The trip to Perth and house renovations have been chewing up a fair bit of time.
Everything with the pregnancies is going well and both surrogates are doing well.
Around the 22nd of July at 7 weeks, Miss B had some bleeding so an urgent ultrasound was undertaken and everything was found to be fine. Instead of doing the scheduled scan for Miss B at 8 weeks, it was pushed back to 9 weeks then 11 weeks, so it is kind of nice getting weekly scans of the babies.
2 weeks ago when we had the 9-week scan for Miss B, it was indicated that baby number one, was at 8 weeks and 5 days, two weeks later baby number one is estimated to be at11 weeks 5 days. So I am pretty happy that bub has made three weeks progress in two weeks. Has anyone else had this experience, is the baby going to become some sort of giant??? I am guessing that it is a normal variation.
A funny thing happened the other day, I was chatting to a friend and sharing the news about the twins and before I mentioned the clinic’s name, I was asked “it’s not Dr Shivani is it?”, turns out my friend also took a trip to India and is using Surrogacy Centre India.
Not only are they using the same clinic they are also having twins that will be due in February. Pretty Amazing!!!!
My parents are over the moon, they love seeing the ultra sounds, Mum has also started watching Bollywood movies and asking some of her friends from India about places to go and things to see. It is going to be so great having the family there sharing in this wonderful experience.
I hope everyone is well.
I heard a rumour the other day that you can claim some of the costs after the birth on Medicare, does anyone know anything about this?
A
Saturday, 4 August 2012
Telling my parents the news
I am so lucky to have such an amazing family, they truely are remarkable.
I had told my parents that I had a few work meetings in Perth this week. When we arrived at my parent's house, I handed mum her birthday present a few days early. Inside the box were a few gifts I brought back from India, when mum opened the card, she started reading out loud.
"Dear Grandma,
Happy Birthday!
We are both looking forward to meeting you and Grandad.
Love the Tilby Twins
P.S Dad has attached a couple of pictures of us for you"
It wasn't until they read the last sentence that it clicked, my parents didn't even know that I had snuck off to India for a week in June. They were really thrilled, very supportive, and will be coming across with me to India early next year.
I told my neices and nephews the following day and they were very excited, one of my nephews, thinks that the twins are growing in my belly....... so I now can start eating for three.
My neices loved the Sari's I bought back for them, they couldn't wait to hop into them and dress up. I will upload some pictures when I get back to Canberra.
Congratulations to Richard and Simon on their three little girls.... They are just stunning.
A
I had told my parents that I had a few work meetings in Perth this week. When we arrived at my parent's house, I handed mum her birthday present a few days early. Inside the box were a few gifts I brought back from India, when mum opened the card, she started reading out loud.
"Dear Grandma,
Happy Birthday!
We are both looking forward to meeting you and Grandad.
Love the Tilby Twins
P.S Dad has attached a couple of pictures of us for you"
It wasn't until they read the last sentence that it clicked, my parents didn't even know that I had snuck off to India for a week in June. They were really thrilled, very supportive, and will be coming across with me to India early next year.
I told my neices and nephews the following day and they were very excited, one of my nephews, thinks that the twins are growing in my belly....... so I now can start eating for three.
My neices loved the Sari's I bought back for them, they couldn't wait to hop into them and dress up. I will upload some pictures when I get back to Canberra.
Congratulations to Richard and Simon on their three little girls.... They are just stunning.
A
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
7 weeks and the financial hiccup - update
Not too much to say today, bubs are both at around 7 weeks today.
However there has been a financial hiccup and I hope it can be rectified as soon as possible. I'm one of these people that always pays bills on time or earlier, so I feel a bit uneasy about the mix up.
This is what happened, last Tuesday I made my 6 week payment. A week passes and I don't hear whether the payment has been received, so I thought I would follow up with an email. I received a response very quickly telling me that I had paid it into their old account and that account has now been closed.
So as you can imagine, I'm a tad stressed.
I am partly to blame as they did note that their account details had changed in their 6 week email to me, but it was towards the end and I didn't pay any attention as it appeared stock standard wording, plus I'd already set them up as a regular payee. Though I am not sure why they wouldn't keep their old account open during a transition period.
So I logged into my Internet banking and the funds have not bounced back, so I have called and spoken to a few people at the bank and have been advised that I need to call back tomorrow when the 'International Team' is working. I'm worried that it will be a painful process to chase up the money and get it sent to the right account.
Hopefully this update will help prevent others from making the same mistake.
Adrian
Update 25th July
Spoke to a number of people in the bank and they had sent me a secure email telling me the money had bounced (you think they would call for a large some of money- but then again if 5 days had passed they would have reconverted the funds and I would have lost out $1000) see below.
I have given them the correct details and the funds should be reissued in the next few days.
Phew!
Dear Sir/Madam,
We refer to your instruction to remit an International Payment for INR 536,968.18 on 18/07/2012, in favour of SCI HEALTHCARE VISHAL DUTT GOUR, which was sent under our reference xxxxxxx
The overseas bank is unable to make the payment in terms of your instructions and they have cancelled it, returning the funds to us (less their charges) as "UNABLE TO APPLY - 'BENEFICIARY ACCOUNT CLOSED".
We are presently holding the sum of -- INR 536,468.18 and seek you instructions for disposal.
If you would like to provide us with new information, we will send a new payment
Please confirm the amount for which you would like the payment to be resent
Original amount- INR 536,968.18.
(Please provide authority to debit your account with INR 500.00 being the difference amount)
Or
Returned amount- INR 536468.18
*** PLEASE NOTE: If no confirmation is received concerning the amount that needs to be re-effected, we will re-effect the payment for the returned amount ***
If you instruct us to return the funds to your ANZ account, we will convert at the current day's prevailing exchange rate.
If we do not receive your response by close of business 27/07/2012, we will credit your account using the current day's prevailing exchange rate.
As per current prevailing exchange rate the loss is AUD 950.00
If you have any questions, you can make an enquiry via Secure Mail. Simply select Contact Us from the left-hand navigation menu of ANZ Internet Banking and choose International Enquiries.
We look forward to your reply.
Note: If you would like to receive a text message to notify you that we have sent a Securemail, please log on to Internet Banking and add your mobile number under 'Change Personal Address / Contact Details' in the 'Update Details' tab. If you require assistance please call 131314
For
The Manager
Customer Enquiry Unit
Payment & Cash Operations
ANZ REF: ROF9888895/SK
However there has been a financial hiccup and I hope it can be rectified as soon as possible. I'm one of these people that always pays bills on time or earlier, so I feel a bit uneasy about the mix up.
This is what happened, last Tuesday I made my 6 week payment. A week passes and I don't hear whether the payment has been received, so I thought I would follow up with an email. I received a response very quickly telling me that I had paid it into their old account and that account has now been closed.
So as you can imagine, I'm a tad stressed.
I am partly to blame as they did note that their account details had changed in their 6 week email to me, but it was towards the end and I didn't pay any attention as it appeared stock standard wording, plus I'd already set them up as a regular payee. Though I am not sure why they wouldn't keep their old account open during a transition period.
So I logged into my Internet banking and the funds have not bounced back, so I have called and spoken to a few people at the bank and have been advised that I need to call back tomorrow when the 'International Team' is working. I'm worried that it will be a painful process to chase up the money and get it sent to the right account.
Hopefully this update will help prevent others from making the same mistake.
Adrian
Update 25th July
Spoke to a number of people in the bank and they had sent me a secure email telling me the money had bounced (you think they would call for a large some of money- but then again if 5 days had passed they would have reconverted the funds and I would have lost out $1000) see below.
I have given them the correct details and the funds should be reissued in the next few days.
Phew!
Dear Sir/Madam,
We refer to your instruction to remit an International Payment for INR 536,968.18 on 18/07/2012, in favour of SCI HEALTHCARE VISHAL DUTT GOUR, which was sent under our reference xxxxxxx
The overseas bank is unable to make the payment in terms of your instructions and they have cancelled it, returning the funds to us (less their charges) as "UNABLE TO APPLY - 'BENEFICIARY ACCOUNT CLOSED".
We are presently holding the sum of -- INR 536,468.18 and seek you instructions for disposal.
If you would like to provide us with new information, we will send a new payment
Please confirm the amount for which you would like the payment to be resent
Original amount- INR 536,968.18.
(Please provide authority to debit your account with INR 500.00 being the difference amount)
Or
Returned amount- INR 536468.18
*** PLEASE NOTE: If no confirmation is received concerning the amount that needs to be re-effected, we will re-effect the payment for the returned amount ***
If you instruct us to return the funds to your ANZ account, we will convert at the current day's prevailing exchange rate.
If we do not receive your response by close of business 27/07/2012, we will credit your account using the current day's prevailing exchange rate.
As per current prevailing exchange rate the loss is AUD 950.00
If you have any questions, you can make an enquiry via Secure Mail. Simply select Contact Us from the left-hand navigation menu of ANZ Internet Banking and choose International Enquiries.
We look forward to your reply.
Note: If you would like to receive a text message to notify you that we have sent a Securemail, please log on to Internet Banking and add your mobile number under 'Change Personal Address / Contact Details' in the 'Update Details' tab. If you require assistance please call 131314
For
The Manager
Customer Enquiry Unit
Payment & Cash Operations
ANZ REF: ROF9888895/SK
Tuesday, 17 July 2012
6 Weeks
Firstly, I just received my 6 week scan and the two singletons are doing well. Heartbeats were recorded at 128 and 132.
The scan also picked up another sac, that has no embryo. The email noted that the sac would naturally be absorbed into the body. This bit of extra info saved me from having to consult with Dr Google.
It has been a busy couple of weeks and I apologise for not blogging earlier. I've taken this time to reflect and expedite my plans to move back to Perth, to be closer to family. With twins I have realised that I will be flat off my feet, and the support I can receive from family will be a lifeline.
Originally, I was going to patiently stay in Canberra, until I could either get a transfer with work or a redundancy payment. My dilemma about moving back to Perth earlier was that I would possibly loose a number of entitlements that I have accrued over the years, as well as the excellent family working arrangements. However, one good thing is that my work will hold my job open for me in Canberra for 2 years and during this time I will apply for positions in the Perth office.
The other thing that has kept me busy is what should I do with the house? I haven't decided if I am going to sell it or rent it out and I'm in two minds about it. I do love this house and the market here at the moment is not that strong, so I am leaning towards renting it out for a couple of years and maybe buying something small in Perth. I am keeping all my options open and already have a huge spruce-up-the-house to do list.
I'm also heading across to Perth in a couple of weeks to catch up with family and let my parents know that they have more grandchildren on the way. They will be fairly surprised, as I kept the trip to India a secret, but I know they will be supportive.
Well I need to get some sleep.
Adrian
The scan also picked up another sac, that has no embryo. The email noted that the sac would naturally be absorbed into the body. This bit of extra info saved me from having to consult with Dr Google.
It has been a busy couple of weeks and I apologise for not blogging earlier. I've taken this time to reflect and expedite my plans to move back to Perth, to be closer to family. With twins I have realised that I will be flat off my feet, and the support I can receive from family will be a lifeline.
Originally, I was going to patiently stay in Canberra, until I could either get a transfer with work or a redundancy payment. My dilemma about moving back to Perth earlier was that I would possibly loose a number of entitlements that I have accrued over the years, as well as the excellent family working arrangements. However, one good thing is that my work will hold my job open for me in Canberra for 2 years and during this time I will apply for positions in the Perth office.
The other thing that has kept me busy is what should I do with the house? I haven't decided if I am going to sell it or rent it out and I'm in two minds about it. I do love this house and the market here at the moment is not that strong, so I am leaning towards renting it out for a couple of years and maybe buying something small in Perth. I am keeping all my options open and already have a huge spruce-up-the-house to do list.
I'm also heading across to Perth in a couple of weeks to catch up with family and let my parents know that they have more grandchildren on the way. They will be fairly surprised, as I kept the trip to India a secret, but I know they will be supportive.
Well I need to get some sleep.
Adrian
Monday, 2 July 2012
Confirmation!
Great news!
Both my lovely surrogates are expecting.
Looking at the HCG levels of 101 and 180, I'm taking a wild guess (with some help of Dr Google) that I am having twin-singletons.
I am thrilled, estatic and over the moon.
Adrian
Both my lovely surrogates are expecting.
Looking at the HCG levels of 101 and 180, I'm taking a wild guess (with some help of Dr Google) that I am having twin-singletons.
I am thrilled, estatic and over the moon.
Adrian
Sunday, 1 July 2012
How can 14 days take so long?
Well the 14 days is creeping up. Monday, 2nd of July is the day.
I am hoping for good news, but if it isn't, I will keep on trying.
I will keep you posted.
Adrian
I am hoping for good news, but if it isn't, I will keep on trying.
I will keep you posted.
Adrian
Tuesday, 19 June 2012
Back from India
Well yesterday I got back to Australia from India. After 24 hours of travel it was so nice to be able to jump into a hot steaming bath without worrying about my sperm levels dropping.
I loved India, the people there are so lovely and welcoming (maybe not the tuk tuk drivers, but they wern't so bad after all if they rip you off it's only a dollar). I was told by a local that if you do have a problem with a tuk tuk just use your smart phone to take a picture of their number plate and they may be a little more accomadating.
I stayed in Jung pura extention at a furnished appartments that my freinds had rented. They just welcomed a new addition to their family on 5 June. Jung Pura is more of a neighbourhood area, though it does have local Markets and is in a central location. At first I felt a bit issolated being their but once I found my way around I fell in love with the place - it was also nice being out of some of the touristy spots where you could walk around in peace.
The local food there was amazing and so cheap, I loved the indian food and would always order far too much - However I found a good use to the left over butter naan; it goes really well with vegemite at breakfast.
Talking of food, I met up with Adrian and Jason one night and we all went out for dinner, we found a small chinese place at citywalk and we ordered the duck with chilli and garlic, I took a mouthfull and it literally tasted like fish, pretty bad fish, I tried to have some class as I chewed and tasted the flavours of 1000 dead fish bursting through my mouth, I couldn't keep it in and just had to spit it out. We have no idea where that duck came from, but I will be ducking the duck next time I'm in India.
I went shopping with a local on Saturday and she took me to a few malls and then to the emporium at CP. The emporium was amazing, many things to choose from all over india, good quality, fixed prices etc. I recommend it to anyone.
I wish I had been able to spend more time in India, I was quite sad to leave, but I am looking forward to returning.
Adrian
I loved India, the people there are so lovely and welcoming (maybe not the tuk tuk drivers, but they wern't so bad after all if they rip you off it's only a dollar). I was told by a local that if you do have a problem with a tuk tuk just use your smart phone to take a picture of their number plate and they may be a little more accomadating.
I stayed in Jung pura extention at a furnished appartments that my freinds had rented. They just welcomed a new addition to their family on 5 June. Jung Pura is more of a neighbourhood area, though it does have local Markets and is in a central location. At first I felt a bit issolated being their but once I found my way around I fell in love with the place - it was also nice being out of some of the touristy spots where you could walk around in peace.
The local food there was amazing and so cheap, I loved the indian food and would always order far too much - However I found a good use to the left over butter naan; it goes really well with vegemite at breakfast.
Talking of food, I met up with Adrian and Jason one night and we all went out for dinner, we found a small chinese place at citywalk and we ordered the duck with chilli and garlic, I took a mouthfull and it literally tasted like fish, pretty bad fish, I tried to have some class as I chewed and tasted the flavours of 1000 dead fish bursting through my mouth, I couldn't keep it in and just had to spit it out. We have no idea where that duck came from, but I will be ducking the duck next time I'm in India.
I went shopping with a local on Saturday and she took me to a few malls and then to the emporium at CP. The emporium was amazing, many things to choose from all over india, good quality, fixed prices etc. I recommend it to anyone.
I wish I had been able to spend more time in India, I was quite sad to leave, but I am looking forward to returning.
Adrian
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
Packing for India
I'm off to India on Saturday and I can't wait.
If anyone else is going to be in town next week, let me know. It would be great to meet some other IP's.
Any advice on places or things I should see, eat or avoid let me know.
Adrian
If anyone else is going to be in town next week, let me know. It would be great to meet some other IP's.
Any advice on places or things I should see, eat or avoid let me know.
Adrian
Monday, 28 May 2012
Surrogacy Australia Conference
Well I'm back in Canberra and I had a blast down in Melbourne, I met many lovely people and heard so many stories, I just wish there had been more time. Sam and the crew did an amazing job.
Dr Shivani received a huge applause at the conference and at the SCI dinner, it is so conforting that so many people look up to her and SCI.
Well less than two weeks until I head to India!
Adrian
P.S One of the american presenters reminded me of the movie Baby Mama and the role that Scourney Weaver plays as the head of a surrogacy clinic, check out the clip below......... but I do love when they are talking about the cost of surrogacy in the clinic.
Surrogacy Clinic "Our fee is $100,000"
Intending Parent "$100,000! It costs more to have a baby, than have a person killed"
Surrogacy Clinic "It takes longer"
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1706164505/
Dr Shivani received a huge applause at the conference and at the SCI dinner, it is so conforting that so many people look up to her and SCI.
Well less than two weeks until I head to India!
Adrian
P.S One of the american presenters reminded me of the movie Baby Mama and the role that Scourney Weaver plays as the head of a surrogacy clinic, check out the clip below......... but I do love when they are talking about the cost of surrogacy in the clinic.
Surrogacy Clinic "Our fee is $100,000"
Intending Parent "$100,000! It costs more to have a baby, than have a person killed"
Surrogacy Clinic "It takes longer"
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1706164505/
Friday, 18 May 2012
Surrogacy Australia's First Conference
 |
| A sign that was put on on Sainte Catherine, Berri Uqam, Montreal - Basically it means 'there will be a time and place where you can be yourself' |
 |
| Me and Darth Vader |
 |
| Ice Hotel - Quebec City |
This argument drives me insane, it is people's behaviours that make the difference not their title. The focus should be on what behaviors make a good parent, rather than what gender they are.
The other week, Minister Penny Wong who had a baby with her partner was asked to defend her family on TV. From what i recall a conservative MP was talking about the mum and dad issue, so when he was asked by the audience 'what makes him a better parent than Penny' he was not able to back up his argument, and Penny delivered a very subtle softly spoken comeback. The look on his face was priceless.
Well back to the Conference.
I am very much looking forward to heading to Melbourne and meeting others in the same boat or those who are thinking of boarding.
Melbourne reminds me a lot of Montreal and it has been just over 6 months since I moved back to Australia. I think I am starting to get the hang up uploading photos.
A
Monday, 30 April 2012
The first trip
Not only am I jumping into the world of surrogacy, I'm also jumping into the world of bloggery!
So where does this journey start?
Having a family has always been in the back of my mind for many years. I think it was around 2005, when I first saw a news story about surrogacy in India. The subject really got my attention and casually over the years I looked at a number of websites, thinking that this may be an option in the future. My plan was to have kids at 30, so at the time, the idea of surrogacy was something to look into down the track.
Well talking about down the track, in a month, I will be turning 33, the following week, I will be jumping on a plane and flying to Delhi, India and taking part in the birds and the bees, version 2.1.
The decision for me to use surrogacy hasn't been made lightly, as I mentioned before, I've been looking into this casually for around 7 years, and fairly significantly in the last 6 months. I thought about many different topics (far too many to list here), and discussed it with close friends. I'm 100% comfortable with my decision and I want to share my journey that I am sure will have many ups and downs with those interested in surrogacy.
Adrian
So where does this journey start?
Having a family has always been in the back of my mind for many years. I think it was around 2005, when I first saw a news story about surrogacy in India. The subject really got my attention and casually over the years I looked at a number of websites, thinking that this may be an option in the future. My plan was to have kids at 30, so at the time, the idea of surrogacy was something to look into down the track.
Well talking about down the track, in a month, I will be turning 33, the following week, I will be jumping on a plane and flying to Delhi, India and taking part in the birds and the bees, version 2.1.
Adrian
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