Argh, I'm not going to leave it this long before writing again, because I end up with having too much to say!
Let's see.... Thursday evening I didn't feel very well, and I still didn't on Friday, so I was allowed home a bit early and we got take away pizza and watched TV. Saturday day we did nothing all day - it was bliss!
Saturday was Jack's... Mum's... Best Friends... Daughters 18th birthday, so we went to her party. Jack was excited because there were more people we could talk to about the baby and show off the bump to - he's worse than me! So many people were touching me, it was weird! Towards the end of the night I was cornered in the ladies loos, and someone did the ring test on me. She got me to pull out a strand of my hair, which she threaded through my engagement ring, then held that over my bump to see how it turned. She kept loosing my hair though, so I ended up pulling about 5 strands out in the end, which of course wasn't a strand, more like a clump, but luckily I have a lot of hair! The tale goes, that if the ring spins round and round it's a girl, and if it swings back and forth, it's a boy. It told me I'm having a boy. Then the barmaid came in the loos and told me I'm having a boy because she carried her two boys like that - she said I'm carrying out front and glowing, so it has to be a boy.
Loads of people at the party were asking us about names. When I said we didn't really have any boys names, a surprising amount said we should call it Jack Junior if it's a boy. Erm, no.
We've been invited to a wedding on 1st July which will be a tight squeeze but if baby is on time maybe it will be our first family outing!? I was invited to the Bride's hen weekend mid May but I doubt I will be in much of a clubbing mood at that point!
Sunday we went to Lakeside, we went to Toys R Us to the Babies R Us there, and think we've found our pram! We like the Graco Travel System Deluxe, and had a go with putting it up and down and wheeling it around. Jack looks sooooo adorable behind a pram!
We had a look at cots too, I think we'll get a cotbed. We went into Mothercare and still liked the Graco the best. We can't buy it yet because we have no where to put it! I bought a Tommy Tippie Nappy Wrapper cos they were on 50% special offer, and Jack bought a giftset for someone from his work who just had a baby girl.
Jack took me to TGI Friday's for lunch, we'd just placed our order when I got a phone call from my Mum. She had to put our dog down. Poor little Buster, my Jack Russel. We'd had him since I was 8, but he was getting so old - he hadn't really eaten in the last week, and could hardly stand up. I was crying at the table, its so sad. Plus I didn't get to say a proper goodbye. I keep thinking about all the times I could have taken him out, or shooed him off me when I was eating, and I feel bad. I know he had a good time with us though, and the vet said he was ready to go. Mum asked for the vet to cremate him, but didn't ask for his ashes, which I was really upset about - I would have liked to have scattered them in the garden.
We got back home and I just got in bed and had a little cry. I didn't really feel like seeing anyone I just wanted some time by myself, so just stayed in bed for the rest of the day, feeling a bit crap really!
Yesterday, Monday, I still felt rubbish. Plus since I felt ill last week, I hadn't felt the baby move as much as it had been. It had gone from hyperactive child to a few movements a day. I was getting really worried and decided I'd give the midwife a call later if they hadn't gone back to normal. I didn't want to trouble them because I was still feeling the baby, just not as much. But then again, it is my first baby and it's better to be safe than sorry.
By the time I'd left work the number I had for the midwife was going through to a pager, and as I was going to get on the tube, I called Jack and asked for him to page her. Once I got overground I called him, the midwife had told him to pick me up and take me straight to the hospital. She gave him the number of the hospital, which he called so they would know to expect me. I got there and all the staff were really nice, they showed me where the drinks machine was so I could make a cup of tea, then took me to a bed in a ward where they told me to relax for a while because they or me wouldn't be able to feel the baby move if I wasn't relaxed. So Jack and I went into the ward, I lay down and Jack sat next to me. It was really comfy, I could have fallen asleep! There were two other women in the ward, one that looked about to pop, and another that I think was having her blood pressure monitored. God I'm so nosey!
After about an hour and a half, we thought maybe they'd forgotten about me, so I sent Jack out to ask how much longer we'd be because I was getting really hungry, and I think maybe we had been forgotten because within a couple of minutes we were seen! Well anyway, I didn't mind because I just wanted some reassurance, and that's what I got! The babys heartbeat was very strong and clear, and the nurse timed it, so we got to hear it for ages which was lovely! She was considering doing a trace, but she said she wasn't sure if it would be clear enough to do one, so settled with the doppler. She was really nice and said that I did the right thing by coming in, and if I was ever worried again just to come straight in and they'd see me straight away. She also said if I take my maternity notes with me I can always go to the nearest hospital. I felt really good knowing that if I am ever worried I can go there to be seen and they expect it. I feel a lot happier.
By the time we got home, there was only time for a bit of toast and cereal then bed - I was shattered.
I woke up this morning feeling a lot better than I have been over the past few days, and more positive about everything. I have a steady flow of work to be getting on with too which I like cos that make the day go quicker! I met up with my friend Kate for lunch, who I last saw just before I was 12 weeks. It was really nice to catch up with her but she had to dash off back to work. I'm such a pig I stayed in the restaurant by myself and had dessert! Well it is the best bannoffee pie EVER!
On the way back to work I stopped at Boots and thought I'd buy something for bubba seeing as I was so happy that everything was ok in there. Everything was quite gender specific, apart from a pack of 2 Osh Kosh scratch mitts which are really sweet, and when I took them to the till they were on special offer, only £2.88!
Jack rang to say the midwife had rung him to check how everything went yesterday at the hospital, which I think is really nice. I'm liking the service more and more!
My fingers are reallllly aching now, and I'm sure your eyes are too - so for now, byeeee!
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Consultant Appointment
As I said in my last entry, I had an appointment with the consultant today. This was because I have had abnormal smear results in the past, and they needed to let me know if this could affect the pregnancy or birth in any way.
I had to wait about an hour to be seen, even though I had an appointment, but I didn't mind. There were loads of other pregnant ladies there, all far more pregnant than me, and I started chatting to a woman who was 34 weeks. Lots of people were talking about a breastfeeding programme that was on Channel 4 last night, about breastfeeding in public, and a woman who breastfed her 8 year old daughter! It was interesting to eavesdrop on other peoples views on the whole situation!
A midwife came out and addressed us all and told us not to have been put off by the show last night, and handed out leaflets on breastfeeding. I want to breastfeed anyway, so it was useful to get some information on it.
The consultant was very apologetic when I finally did see him. He told me that my abnormal smear would pose no threat to the baby or my pregnancy, and looked through the results of all the tests (from the bloods I had at my booking in appointment), and was pleased with everything. He got me to lie on the bed so he could listen to the baby's heartbeat, which he tried to do, but couldn't detect anything. I wasn't worried because before I had lain on the bed I had felt the baby kicking. He went off to get a scanning machine (yay!), and as soon as he'd left the room, baby started kicking again, as if to reassure me, or let me know that it knew what was going on!
The consultant came back with the scanning machine, and faced the screen at me so I could see everything that was going on. The picture was smaller than the last one (as in the baby looked smaller), and he said "see the heartbeat and the chest?" I told him I couldn't see a thing! So he made his way down the whole of the baby pointing out what everything was, which was lovely. I saw the leg bones, the tummy and chest with heartbeat and ribs, and baby's face and hands - it was sucking it's thumb! Better not let it carry that on too long or it'll get sticky out teeth ;) I had a blood pressure check done too, which was fine, then I was sent on my way.
My next antenatal appointment will be in 4 weeks with the midwife.
I had to wait about an hour to be seen, even though I had an appointment, but I didn't mind. There were loads of other pregnant ladies there, all far more pregnant than me, and I started chatting to a woman who was 34 weeks. Lots of people were talking about a breastfeeding programme that was on Channel 4 last night, about breastfeeding in public, and a woman who breastfed her 8 year old daughter! It was interesting to eavesdrop on other peoples views on the whole situation!
A midwife came out and addressed us all and told us not to have been put off by the show last night, and handed out leaflets on breastfeeding. I want to breastfeed anyway, so it was useful to get some information on it.
The consultant was very apologetic when I finally did see him. He told me that my abnormal smear would pose no threat to the baby or my pregnancy, and looked through the results of all the tests (from the bloods I had at my booking in appointment), and was pleased with everything. He got me to lie on the bed so he could listen to the baby's heartbeat, which he tried to do, but couldn't detect anything. I wasn't worried because before I had lain on the bed I had felt the baby kicking. He went off to get a scanning machine (yay!), and as soon as he'd left the room, baby started kicking again, as if to reassure me, or let me know that it knew what was going on!
The consultant came back with the scanning machine, and faced the screen at me so I could see everything that was going on. The picture was smaller than the last one (as in the baby looked smaller), and he said "see the heartbeat and the chest?" I told him I couldn't see a thing! So he made his way down the whole of the baby pointing out what everything was, which was lovely. I saw the leg bones, the tummy and chest with heartbeat and ribs, and baby's face and hands - it was sucking it's thumb! Better not let it carry that on too long or it'll get sticky out teeth ;) I had a blood pressure check done too, which was fine, then I was sent on my way.
My next antenatal appointment will be in 4 weeks with the midwife.
21 Weeks Pregnant!
Babycentre says this of week 21... "Your baby's putting on weight now and has turned into a slippery little thing — a greasy white substance called vernix caseosa coats the entire body to protect the skin during its long submersion in amniotic fluid. Some babies are still covered with this whitish goo when they're born.
How your life's changing: Out of breath? Most women start to feel a bit like Thomas the Tank Engine, huffing and puffing up a short flight of stairs. Some breathlessness is normal and may get a little worse as your expanding uterus pushes up against your lungs, but tell your midwife if it gets out of hand. Also, make sure you're getting enough iron. Your baby needs it to make red blood cells, among other things. It's almost impossible to get too much from food alone, as long as you're not overeating. Iron-rich foods include lean red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, spinach, and iron-fortified cereals. Don't take supplements though, unless they're prescribed by your doctor.
Although pregnancy might sometimes feel like a one-woman show, it doesn't have to be that way. If your partner is going to be your labour partner, he'll want to know how he can help and how he can communicate your wishes to the professionals."
Here are my bump pics for week 21, excuse the pj's!
I'm off to see the consultant now, I'll let you know how it goes...!
How your life's changing: Out of breath? Most women start to feel a bit like Thomas the Tank Engine, huffing and puffing up a short flight of stairs. Some breathlessness is normal and may get a little worse as your expanding uterus pushes up against your lungs, but tell your midwife if it gets out of hand. Also, make sure you're getting enough iron. Your baby needs it to make red blood cells, among other things. It's almost impossible to get too much from food alone, as long as you're not overeating. Iron-rich foods include lean red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, spinach, and iron-fortified cereals. Don't take supplements though, unless they're prescribed by your doctor.
Although pregnancy might sometimes feel like a one-woman show, it doesn't have to be that way. If your partner is going to be your labour partner, he'll want to know how he can help and how he can communicate your wishes to the professionals."
Here are my bump pics for week 21, excuse the pj's!
I'm off to see the consultant now, I'll let you know how it goes...!
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Football Player?
I think we may have a hyperactive child on our hands! Not that I'm complaining - I absolutely LOVE feeling the baby punching and kicking, but it's developed suddenly into constant full-on movements, which is all very exciting! If I lay down and leave my hands on my tummy, every 1 in 5 moments can be felt. I told Jack to keep his hands on my tummy last night, and in about 5 minutes he felt about 10 movements - he was really happy!
House news - it's off the market! Woohoo! We had a meeting with our Financial Advisor last night and have our mortgage sorted which is a big relief, and we have a solicitor (dontcha know ;)). Our lovely friend Mark Portas, who is an estate agent and works at Callum Roberts, Holborn, London, WC1, which I hear is a very good estate agency (is that good enough Mark?!), put us in contact with a very good solicitor, so everything is going through at the moment, and the property is off the market. It's been handy to have Mark on hand to call when we haven't got a clue what we're meant to be doing next! Now we need our seller to find a house, everyone keep your fingers crossed! I want to be in by April ideally.
House news - it's off the market! Woohoo! We had a meeting with our Financial Advisor last night and have our mortgage sorted which is a big relief, and we have a solicitor (dontcha know ;)). Our lovely friend Mark Portas, who is an estate agent and works at Callum Roberts, Holborn, London, WC1, which I hear is a very good estate agency (is that good enough Mark?!), put us in contact with a very good solicitor, so everything is going through at the moment, and the property is off the market. It's been handy to have Mark on hand to call when we haven't got a clue what we're meant to be doing next! Now we need our seller to find a house, everyone keep your fingers crossed! I want to be in by April ideally.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
20+1 Bump Pix
A bit late, but here they are! Me at 20 weeks and one day. Excuse my homemade jeans-fastener! I was wearing a long jumper, don't worry!
Thursday, January 26, 2006
20 Weeks Pregnant
Today I am 20 weeks pregnant, half way through the official pregnancy calendar. It has zoomed by scarily quickly!
It’s been an excellent day today for a number of reasons! Let me update you on the house situation, and then we’ll move onto baby cos I have lots to say!
Ok, so we viewed the house again, Jack really liked it, and we spoke to her about our situation and feelings. We both came out of the house really positive and decided we would put an offer on on it! So on Tuesday I rang the estate agents, put and offer in – and we heard back yesterday that the offer had been rejected. So we went back with another offer, and found out today that it has been accepted! We’re soooo happy! I just hope everything goes well with the survey and it doesn’t take the seller too long to find a house – I know she wants to find somewhere quickly too. It’s quite scary because we’ve never done it before, not knowing what the next step is etc, but it’s exciting too!
Now onto our beautiful little baby! We had the 20 week scan today, and 20 week midwife appointment...
I went to the midwife’s first, it was just a routine appointment… I took a urine sample which she tested – all was fine. She took my blood pressure – that was fine too. Then she got me to lay down while she listened to the baby’s heartbeat – it was lovely to hear it again! She found it straight away and listened for about 10/15 seconds. She said the baby was in just the right position. I was asked how I was feeling – I told her about my sore ribs, she said it sounded like positioning, and was nothing to worry about (but it hurrrrrttttsss!), and I showed her my weird-puffed-out-one-side-belly-button… she said I will get all kinds of things with my belly button, spots and moles… and it’s all fine.
Then it was onto the hospital for the scan. I drank two litres of water in preparation, and I needed to wee soooooo much; I thought I might wet myself! I laid down, and was told that she was going to have a good look at baby today, and she would do everything she had to do with the screen facing her, then once that was done she would turn the screen to me so I could see baby. Jack was sitting by my feet again, so he could see the screen all along, so all I had to go on was his face. He looked so confused that I started getting worried, but I knew I’d heard the heartbeat only half an hour before, and the sonographer seemed to be content with what she was doing. She measured the head, and counted fingers and toes… and I don’t know what else, but where the baby is getting big now, it’s hard to make out the bits when she’s looking close-up, which is why Jacks face looked puzzled! It took about 10 minutes for her to do all her bits, and she then turned the screen round so I could see – and showed us a full body picture of our baby. We saw all it’s facial features, and even saw it opening and closing its mouth – she said the baby was drinking some fluid! We saw both arms, and all the fingers, it gave us a little wave – and even gave us a peace sign at one point! We saw both legs and feet too… it looked perfect! We asked for 9 copies of the scan picture because so many people had asked us for one, she printed 11 so we paid for 9 of them and she threw the other 2 in for us. Last time we had a scan she had made us 5 copies of the same picture – this time we have 11 different pictures! It’s going to be hard choosing who will get which picture, and because they are all different, I want them all! I’ve scanned them all in so I still have a copy of them all. And here they all are!
The bump pic for this week will have to wait until tomorrow!
It’s been an excellent day today for a number of reasons! Let me update you on the house situation, and then we’ll move onto baby cos I have lots to say!
Ok, so we viewed the house again, Jack really liked it, and we spoke to her about our situation and feelings. We both came out of the house really positive and decided we would put an offer on on it! So on Tuesday I rang the estate agents, put and offer in – and we heard back yesterday that the offer had been rejected. So we went back with another offer, and found out today that it has been accepted! We’re soooo happy! I just hope everything goes well with the survey and it doesn’t take the seller too long to find a house – I know she wants to find somewhere quickly too. It’s quite scary because we’ve never done it before, not knowing what the next step is etc, but it’s exciting too!
Now onto our beautiful little baby! We had the 20 week scan today, and 20 week midwife appointment...
I went to the midwife’s first, it was just a routine appointment… I took a urine sample which she tested – all was fine. She took my blood pressure – that was fine too. Then she got me to lay down while she listened to the baby’s heartbeat – it was lovely to hear it again! She found it straight away and listened for about 10/15 seconds. She said the baby was in just the right position. I was asked how I was feeling – I told her about my sore ribs, she said it sounded like positioning, and was nothing to worry about (but it hurrrrrttttsss!), and I showed her my weird-puffed-out-one-side-belly-button… she said I will get all kinds of things with my belly button, spots and moles… and it’s all fine.
Then it was onto the hospital for the scan. I drank two litres of water in preparation, and I needed to wee soooooo much; I thought I might wet myself! I laid down, and was told that she was going to have a good look at baby today, and she would do everything she had to do with the screen facing her, then once that was done she would turn the screen to me so I could see baby. Jack was sitting by my feet again, so he could see the screen all along, so all I had to go on was his face. He looked so confused that I started getting worried, but I knew I’d heard the heartbeat only half an hour before, and the sonographer seemed to be content with what she was doing. She measured the head, and counted fingers and toes… and I don’t know what else, but where the baby is getting big now, it’s hard to make out the bits when she’s looking close-up, which is why Jacks face looked puzzled! It took about 10 minutes for her to do all her bits, and she then turned the screen round so I could see – and showed us a full body picture of our baby. We saw all it’s facial features, and even saw it opening and closing its mouth – she said the baby was drinking some fluid! We saw both arms, and all the fingers, it gave us a little wave – and even gave us a peace sign at one point! We saw both legs and feet too… it looked perfect! We asked for 9 copies of the scan picture because so many people had asked us for one, she printed 11 so we paid for 9 of them and she threw the other 2 in for us. Last time we had a scan she had made us 5 copies of the same picture – this time we have 11 different pictures! It’s going to be hard choosing who will get which picture, and because they are all different, I want them all! I’ve scanned them all in so I still have a copy of them all. And here they all are!
The bump pic for this week will have to wait until tomorrow!
Here's what Babycentre.com says about week 20... "You're halfway there! The top of your uterus now reaches your belly button and will grow about a centimetre per week. The fetus measures around 6.5 inches/ 15 centimetres long from crown to rump and weighs about 9 ounces/ 255 grams.
She has started to swallow amniotic fluid, and her kidneys continue to make urine. Hair on the scalp is sprouting.
Sensory development reaches its peak this week. The nerve cells serving each of the senses — taste, smell, hearing, seeing, and touch — are now developing in their specialised areas of the brain. Nerve cell production slows down as existing nerve cells grow larger and make more complex connections. If you're carrying a baby girl, she already has roughly six million eggs in her ovaries. By the time she's born, she'll have about one million.
You no doubt feel the kicking and somersaulting of your growing baby. At times, she may be so mobile that you can't sleep. The next ten weeks or so will be your baby's busiest and most active time, until the womb gets too crowded. Two will soon be three and that will mean lots of changes, so have a look at our relationships section."
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Second Viewing
Baby was kicking like mad yesterday, they're definitely moving into forceful movements rather than little bubbles, but still not enough to feel every time from the outside if I'm sitting up.
We called the estate agent to book a second viewing on the property we saw yesterday. It was lucky that we did, because we found out when we went to see it in the evening, that an offer had been made, but because the seller knew we were interested she didn't accept.
Jack seemed to like it a lot more, and was getting excited about it - I think he looked at it more like a blank canvas, and I noticed a lot more things that I hadn't noticed before! When we got home we decided we were going to put an offer on today. We couldn't sleep through excitement, and I rang up the estate agent this morning and put in an offer.
We haven't heard whether or not it has been accepted yet, but the agent has called to say that the seller is thinking about it but she said it's looking good, and we should know by this afternoon - it just feels like forever and I can't stop looking at my phone to check it's on etc!
A very exciting week... only 2 days to the scan too!
We called the estate agent to book a second viewing on the property we saw yesterday. It was lucky that we did, because we found out when we went to see it in the evening, that an offer had been made, but because the seller knew we were interested she didn't accept.
Jack seemed to like it a lot more, and was getting excited about it - I think he looked at it more like a blank canvas, and I noticed a lot more things that I hadn't noticed before! When we got home we decided we were going to put an offer on today. We couldn't sleep through excitement, and I rang up the estate agent this morning and put in an offer.
We haven't heard whether or not it has been accepted yet, but the agent has called to say that the seller is thinking about it but she said it's looking good, and we should know by this afternoon - it just feels like forever and I can't stop looking at my phone to check it's on etc!
A very exciting week... only 2 days to the scan too!
Monday, January 23, 2006
A Kick for Daddy!
We had to get our car serviced early on Saturday morning, so decided to take advantage of being up quite so early, and how empty the shops would be, so went to Bluewater while we waited. We had a look in all the baby clothes places... H&M, Gap Kids, Petit Bateaux etc... all the clothes were so adorable... but very gender specific. Nearer the time we will have to buy a 'going home outfit' for our little one... that will be such fun! We had a look in the maternity places too - I just bought another bump band from Topshop in black. We had a look in John Lewis and Mothercare at Nursery items and pushchairs. John Lewis had some lovely feeding chairs in there that rocked forwards and backwards, with a footstool that did the same... Jack and I could have stayed there all day, they were so comfy! They had a lady doing hand and foot prints on clay with babies too - they looked really good. The pram section, which is what we really wanted to look at, was quite cramped up, and lots of people were looking at them, so we didn't get much of a look and left feeling a bit more confused than I had been going in! Mothercare was great... not as many to choose from, but could totally get hands on pulling bits apart and putting different things on there! We saw a travel system we liked, not saying that this is THE pram we will end up with, but it's up there at the moment. We like the fact it is a travel system but with a lay-flat attachment too (a baby can only stay in the carry cot attachment found on many travel systems for a limited amount of hours because of the damage it could do to their backs).
We went out for Jacks best mates birthday on Saturday night. Lots of people that were there hadn't known I was pregnant so there were lots of congratulations flying about! When we went in, Jack went to pay for us both and the bouncer said "oi there's 3 of you there!". Stupidly, they had heating on in the club - it was boiling! Another pregnant girl that was there, and I were sooooo hot - she went and asked them to turn it off, and aparently someone had complained about the air conditioning, so they decided to turn on the heating instead?!!!
Yesterday we went to view a house, and we like it! I'm going to arrange a second viewing today. It's 3 good-sized bedrooms, which has been well looked after, and within our price range. It's within walking distance to the High Street, but it's on quite a main road which is a bit of an off putter for me, but it's definitely one of the nicest houses we've seen. I really want to get a move on with the whole house situation now, I want to be ready by the time the baby is here.
We went to the cinema afterwards then went home and watched more films! We were watching Celebrity Big Brother, laying down in bed... I had my hand on my stomach and felt a big kick... on the outside! I got Jack to put his hand on the same place, softly, and a few minutes later, there was another massive one! He definitely felt it and we were both so happy and excited!
I had a weird dream last night that we had our scan done and were left alone in the room, so I was using the machine on myself, and found a willy... and the baby kept swinging it around as if to say "cooie, I'm a boy!"
We went out for Jacks best mates birthday on Saturday night. Lots of people that were there hadn't known I was pregnant so there were lots of congratulations flying about! When we went in, Jack went to pay for us both and the bouncer said "oi there's 3 of you there!". Stupidly, they had heating on in the club - it was boiling! Another pregnant girl that was there, and I were sooooo hot - she went and asked them to turn it off, and aparently someone had complained about the air conditioning, so they decided to turn on the heating instead?!!!
Yesterday we went to view a house, and we like it! I'm going to arrange a second viewing today. It's 3 good-sized bedrooms, which has been well looked after, and within our price range. It's within walking distance to the High Street, but it's on quite a main road which is a bit of an off putter for me, but it's definitely one of the nicest houses we've seen. I really want to get a move on with the whole house situation now, I want to be ready by the time the baby is here.
We went to the cinema afterwards then went home and watched more films! We were watching Celebrity Big Brother, laying down in bed... I had my hand on my stomach and felt a big kick... on the outside! I got Jack to put his hand on the same place, softly, and a few minutes later, there was another massive one! He definitely felt it and we were both so happy and excited!
I had a weird dream last night that we had our scan done and were left alone in the room, so I was using the machine on myself, and found a willy... and the baby kept swinging it around as if to say "cooie, I'm a boy!"
Thursday, January 19, 2006
19 Weeks Pregnant
It was Jack's best friends birthday on Tuesday... he rang me up yesterday to invite me out on Saturday, and said he'd made sure that the place we were going to had chairs so I, and another pregnant girl who'll be going, can sit down. I thought it was really sweet that he thought of us, and call me personally to invite me... maybe my hormones are making me soft but I thought it was really nice.
My ribs have been hurting again recently. I'm seeing the midwife next Thursday so I will definitely speak to her about that, as well as my bad skin, and the funny popped out thing next to my belly button.
Here are my 19 week bump pix:
Here's what babycentre.com has to say about week 19:
This week, you officially begin your fifth month of pregnancy. Your baby may have reached 15 cm from crown to rump by now, and he can both feel and hear. Admittedly at the moment, all he can hear is your heartbeat and the flow of your digestive system but soon he'll be able to detect noise outside the womb and identify your voice.
Your baby is approximately 6 inches/ 15 centimetres long from crown to rump and she weighs about 8 ounces/ 225 grams. Her chest moves up and down to mimic breathing but she's not taking in air, only amniotic fluid.
A mid-pregnancy ultrasound scan is often done sometime in the second trimester (usually between 18 and 22 weeks) to assess fetal growth and development, screen for certain birth defects, check the placenta and umbilical cord and determine whether the gestational age is accurate. During this scan, you might see your baby kick, flex, reach, roll, or even suck her thumb. Bring your partner along, and whether or not he's able to accompany you, make sure you ask for printouts of the baby in various poses.
If you're having a girl, the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes are in place. If it's a boy, the genitals are distinct and recognisable.
My ribs have been hurting again recently. I'm seeing the midwife next Thursday so I will definitely speak to her about that, as well as my bad skin, and the funny popped out thing next to my belly button.
Here are my 19 week bump pix:
Here's what babycentre.com has to say about week 19:
This week, you officially begin your fifth month of pregnancy. Your baby may have reached 15 cm from crown to rump by now, and he can both feel and hear. Admittedly at the moment, all he can hear is your heartbeat and the flow of your digestive system but soon he'll be able to detect noise outside the womb and identify your voice.
Your baby is approximately 6 inches/ 15 centimetres long from crown to rump and she weighs about 8 ounces/ 225 grams. Her chest moves up and down to mimic breathing but she's not taking in air, only amniotic fluid.
A mid-pregnancy ultrasound scan is often done sometime in the second trimester (usually between 18 and 22 weeks) to assess fetal growth and development, screen for certain birth defects, check the placenta and umbilical cord and determine whether the gestational age is accurate. During this scan, you might see your baby kick, flex, reach, roll, or even suck her thumb. Bring your partner along, and whether or not he's able to accompany you, make sure you ask for printouts of the baby in various poses.
If you're having a girl, the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes are in place. If it's a boy, the genitals are distinct and recognisable.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Noooooooo!
I woke up this morning as usual, had a bit of a lay in because of the optitians, in a jolly mood, got washed and dressed and sat down to do my make up, and spotted it. A grey hair. I couldn't believe it! Just because I'm a mum it doesn't mean I have to have grey hair! Even my mum doesn't have grey hair yet! It was all curly and silvery and staring me straight in the face - so I got my tweezers and yanked it out. So long grey hair! Don't come back!
I then had my optitan appointment - I need new lenses, so I have a few days where I'm going to be glasses-less which is not fun when I can't see my computer properly! I've been advised to wear my glasses at home, watching the tele, driving too... and it set me back £99!
Work has been hectic, and my colleagues are annoying me - it's my job to make sure they meet their deadlines, but they seem too relaxed and not bothered and it's driving me up the wall!
I then had my optitan appointment - I need new lenses, so I have a few days where I'm going to be glasses-less which is not fun when I can't see my computer properly! I've been advised to wear my glasses at home, watching the tele, driving too... and it set me back £99!
Work has been hectic, and my colleagues are annoying me - it's my job to make sure they meet their deadlines, but they seem too relaxed and not bothered and it's driving me up the wall!
Sunday, January 15, 2006
18+1 Bump Pix
I got round to doing some bump pics on Friday night, here they are... me at 18 weeks and 1 day:
A friend of mine text me on Friday to say she had been thinking of me when all of a sudden she saw 3 magpies! (1 for sorrow, 2 for joy, 3 for a GIRL!)
We went out last night to a friend's leaving drinks before she's goes travelling for 3 months. I haven't seen her since becoming pregnant, she kept talking about the size of my boobs! She also said my face looked more mature and more 'Mummy' like! (I don't know whether that's a good or bad thing!!?)
Today we went to visit my Grandparents, who have very kindly given us some money to get some baby bits with.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
18 Weeks Pregnant
18 weeks today - can't believe it (corr I sound like a stuck record!)
We got the results of the triple test today - I have a 1 in 8600 risk of having a baby with downs syndrome or spinda bifida, so that's good news, and nice to have peace of mind knowing we have a low risk.
I've been getting really sore ribs since yesterday, and have to make big breaths while stretching to kind of 'click' my ribs back in to place - it's horrible, I hate the feeling. I think it might have something to do with the amount of sneezing I seem to be doing - as soon as I get into work I am like a machine, which has only come about since being pregnant!
We've also noticed one side of my belly button might have started popping out; I have a small little lump on one side of my belly button which feels all soft, and the inside of my belly button has gone kind of flat and smooth - my belly button just used to be a line, it's very strange!
No bump pics today because I'm having my hair cut tonight and not going home, so I will take some tomorrow instead.
Here's what babycentre.com says about week 18... "Things are really moving now. This week, your baby's eyes look forward instead of to the sides, her ears are almost in their final place, and the rubbery cartilage that will become her skeleton is about to start hardening into bone.
Your baby is now nearly 5.5 inches/ 14 centimetres long from crown to rump and weighs approximately 7 ounces/ 200 grams. Her skeleton is mostly rubbery cartilage, which will harden later. A protective substance called myelin slowly begins to wrap around the spinal cord.
With the help of a special stethoscope, you can now hear your baby's heartbeat. There's almost nothing more comforting or exciting than hearing your baby's heartbeat galloping along. On days when you're worried about how your pregnancy is progressing, hearing the heartbeat lets you know that your baby's developing and growing. For times when boredom strikes and you feel as if you'll be pregnant forever, it can be a pleasant reminder of what will come at the end of 40 weeks of waiting.
Your growing uterus has shifted your centre of gravity and you've probably been feeling a bit off-kilter. Be careful and wear low-heeled shoes. Finding it hard to settle when you go to bed? Check our tips for sleep in the second trimester.
If you haven't had an amniocentesis yet and plan to, this week is a good time. One perk: You'll get a long look at your baby through the ultrasound scan used during this procedure."
We got the results of the triple test today - I have a 1 in 8600 risk of having a baby with downs syndrome or spinda bifida, so that's good news, and nice to have peace of mind knowing we have a low risk.
I've been getting really sore ribs since yesterday, and have to make big breaths while stretching to kind of 'click' my ribs back in to place - it's horrible, I hate the feeling. I think it might have something to do with the amount of sneezing I seem to be doing - as soon as I get into work I am like a machine, which has only come about since being pregnant!
We've also noticed one side of my belly button might have started popping out; I have a small little lump on one side of my belly button which feels all soft, and the inside of my belly button has gone kind of flat and smooth - my belly button just used to be a line, it's very strange!
No bump pics today because I'm having my hair cut tonight and not going home, so I will take some tomorrow instead.
Here's what babycentre.com says about week 18... "Things are really moving now. This week, your baby's eyes look forward instead of to the sides, her ears are almost in their final place, and the rubbery cartilage that will become her skeleton is about to start hardening into bone.
Your baby is now nearly 5.5 inches/ 14 centimetres long from crown to rump and weighs approximately 7 ounces/ 200 grams. Her skeleton is mostly rubbery cartilage, which will harden later. A protective substance called myelin slowly begins to wrap around the spinal cord.
With the help of a special stethoscope, you can now hear your baby's heartbeat. There's almost nothing more comforting or exciting than hearing your baby's heartbeat galloping along. On days when you're worried about how your pregnancy is progressing, hearing the heartbeat lets you know that your baby's developing and growing. For times when boredom strikes and you feel as if you'll be pregnant forever, it can be a pleasant reminder of what will come at the end of 40 weeks of waiting.
Your growing uterus has shifted your centre of gravity and you've probably been feeling a bit off-kilter. Be careful and wear low-heeled shoes. Finding it hard to settle when you go to bed? Check our tips for sleep in the second trimester.
If you haven't had an amniocentesis yet and plan to, this week is a good time. One perk: You'll get a long look at your baby through the ultrasound scan used during this procedure."
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Baby on Board
Well I am in a better mood today you will be pleased to hear!
I had an absolute nightmare of a day yesterday and I knew it was going to be one even before I'd got dressed, but I won't go into details as today is a new day!
I've booked my optitians appointment for next week, but have found out I can't use my maternity exemption certificate, only at the dentist & doctors, as the pregnancy hormone doesn't generally change your eyesight that much apparently. However, because I look at a VDU for over 4 hours a day, my employer has to pay for my eye test, so at least I get a bit of help there!
One of my colleages bought me in a 'Baby on Board' badge - I remember they did them last year on the Underground but haven't seen them for yonks. Anyway, she found some when she went to the gym so got one for me! It will be handy for in the mornings when I'm all wrapped up in my jacket so no one can see my bump!
I had an absolute nightmare of a day yesterday and I knew it was going to be one even before I'd got dressed, but I won't go into details as today is a new day!
I've booked my optitians appointment for next week, but have found out I can't use my maternity exemption certificate, only at the dentist & doctors, as the pregnancy hormone doesn't generally change your eyesight that much apparently. However, because I look at a VDU for over 4 hours a day, my employer has to pay for my eye test, so at least I get a bit of help there!
One of my colleages bought me in a 'Baby on Board' badge - I remember they did them last year on the Underground but haven't seen them for yonks. Anyway, she found some when she went to the gym so got one for me! It will be handy for in the mornings when I'm all wrapped up in my jacket so no one can see my bump!
One of the May Mummies on Handbag.com has had the same symptoms as me - bad skin, spotty chest & back, illuminous wee... and just came back from her 2nd scan, where she's been told she's having a GIRL! So now I'm not 100% that we will have a boy! Just have to wait and see!
Monday, January 09, 2006
More Headaches
We had a lovely weekend - Saturday I stayed in my pyjamas the WHOLE day long, how embarassing - but it was lovely! We didn't do much yesterday either so it was nice to catch up on some rest after the first week back at work.
I received the info pack from the NCT - it basically had loads of leaflets in there about all different things - hiring TENs machines, home births, midwives etc etc, and a letter saying what the antenatal classes cover and that we are on the waiting list. There was also a catalogue in there which was fun to look through.
I didn't feel baby move a lot yesterday, so I started freaking myself out, thinking something had happened, convinced my bump had shrunk etc etc, and when I got to work this morning and sat down, it was dancing around like it was in the middle of a rave, which was nice reassurance!
Maybe because of the worry, or just the excitement of it being Monday the following morning, I slept so badly last night - I feel as if I've had 10 minutes sleep in total so feel like crap today. On top of that I have a headache over my left eyebrow AGAIN and my eye is constantly twitching. I've decided to book an appointment for the optitians; I was due a check up about 6 months ago anyway, and now I can use my maternity exemption certificate! The only thing is, because my body has changed so much and will be, I don't know whether they will change my prescription or not. But then again, I can't go for the next 5 months with these headaches, it would make more sense to change my lenses now, and once baby is born if my body is changing that much.
Sorry my post today's not very upbeat but I just wanna go home and get in bed!
I received the info pack from the NCT - it basically had loads of leaflets in there about all different things - hiring TENs machines, home births, midwives etc etc, and a letter saying what the antenatal classes cover and that we are on the waiting list. There was also a catalogue in there which was fun to look through.
I didn't feel baby move a lot yesterday, so I started freaking myself out, thinking something had happened, convinced my bump had shrunk etc etc, and when I got to work this morning and sat down, it was dancing around like it was in the middle of a rave, which was nice reassurance!
Maybe because of the worry, or just the excitement of it being Monday the following morning, I slept so badly last night - I feel as if I've had 10 minutes sleep in total so feel like crap today. On top of that I have a headache over my left eyebrow AGAIN and my eye is constantly twitching. I've decided to book an appointment for the optitians; I was due a check up about 6 months ago anyway, and now I can use my maternity exemption certificate! The only thing is, because my body has changed so much and will be, I don't know whether they will change my prescription or not. But then again, I can't go for the next 5 months with these headaches, it would make more sense to change my lenses now, and once baby is born if my body is changing that much.
Sorry my post today's not very upbeat but I just wanna go home and get in bed!
Thursday, January 05, 2006
17 Weeks Pregnant
Wow, I'm 17 weeks pregnant today - can't believe it, time is absolutely flying by! I have to let work know in 7 weeks when I will want to be off on Maternity Leave. At the beginning "15 weeks before your due date" sounded like ages away!
I rang the local NCT lady today, because she said she would send me an info pack, which still hasn't arrived, and we definitely want to go, so thought I could book them then and there. She said I am on her list but she isn't booking the classes yet but will call me nearer the time. I was a bit confused because all the other June Mummies on Handbag have theirs booked up, but as long as I'm on her list and that means I will end up with a place then I'm happy!
I'm feeling ok - been getting lots of aches in the back and the top of my bump like stretching. And I've been absolutely ravenous, I am eating eating eating!
This is what babycentre.com says about the 17th week... "Your baby is now about the size of an avocado (about 5 inches / 12.7 centimetres long from crown to rump and weighing approximately 6 ounces / 170 grams). In the next three weeks he'll go through a tremendous growth spurt, doubling his weight and adding inches to his length.
In or out of the womb, babies are playful creatures. Yours may already have discovered his first toy — the umbilical cord — which he'll enjoy pulling and grabbing. Sometimes he may even clutch it so tight that less oxygen gets through, but don't worry — he doesn't hold onto it long enough to harm himself. The circulatory system and urinary tract are in full working order, and he's inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid through his lungs.
Sometimes, when you move suddenly, you may a feel a slight pain in your sides. Ligaments on each side of your uterus and pelvic walls are stretching as your baby grows. It's normal to feel some pain, but if it continues for a few days or escalates, talk to your midwife.
You've probably gained at least 2.2kg/5 lb by now, maybe as much as 4.5 kg/10 lb. Your uterus is growing and you might feel pangs caused by the ligaments stretching in your abdomen. These pains are usually temporary but your growing uterus will put extra strain on your back — follow our tips for protecting your back so that you avoid backache."
Here is my bump now, at 17 weeks:
I rang the local NCT lady today, because she said she would send me an info pack, which still hasn't arrived, and we definitely want to go, so thought I could book them then and there. She said I am on her list but she isn't booking the classes yet but will call me nearer the time. I was a bit confused because all the other June Mummies on Handbag have theirs booked up, but as long as I'm on her list and that means I will end up with a place then I'm happy!
I'm feeling ok - been getting lots of aches in the back and the top of my bump like stretching. And I've been absolutely ravenous, I am eating eating eating!
This is what babycentre.com says about the 17th week... "Your baby is now about the size of an avocado (about 5 inches / 12.7 centimetres long from crown to rump and weighing approximately 6 ounces / 170 grams). In the next three weeks he'll go through a tremendous growth spurt, doubling his weight and adding inches to his length.
In or out of the womb, babies are playful creatures. Yours may already have discovered his first toy — the umbilical cord — which he'll enjoy pulling and grabbing. Sometimes he may even clutch it so tight that less oxygen gets through, but don't worry — he doesn't hold onto it long enough to harm himself. The circulatory system and urinary tract are in full working order, and he's inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid through his lungs.
Sometimes, when you move suddenly, you may a feel a slight pain in your sides. Ligaments on each side of your uterus and pelvic walls are stretching as your baby grows. It's normal to feel some pain, but if it continues for a few days or escalates, talk to your midwife.
You've probably gained at least 2.2kg/5 lb by now, maybe as much as 4.5 kg/10 lb. Your uterus is growing and you might feel pangs caused by the ligaments stretching in your abdomen. These pains are usually temporary but your growing uterus will put extra strain on your back — follow our tips for protecting your back so that you avoid backache."
Here is my bump now, at 17 weeks:
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Triple Test
This morning, I went to the hospital to have the triple test done. It's basically just a blood test, which tells you your risks of your baby being born with spina bifida or down syndrome. Both Jack and I are young and healthy, so not worried, but had it done for peace of mind really. The reason the midwife couldn't take the blood last week was because the test has to be done from 16-18 weeks, and I was only 15+5 when she saw me.
Nothing really exciting to tell about it - blood was taken into one vial, then I had to take it to the ante-natal unit so the courier can pick it up this afternoon to take it away to be tested. We will be contacted within the next few days if there are any problems, but if all is ok we will get a routine letter letting us know our odds.
I went via H&M in Marble Arch on my way into work, they have a big maternity section there but all the things I liked were only in L or XL so came away empty handed.
Nothing much else to report on. Oooh I've subscribed to Pregnancy & Birth magazine for 6 months - it's a great read!
Nothing really exciting to tell about it - blood was taken into one vial, then I had to take it to the ante-natal unit so the courier can pick it up this afternoon to take it away to be tested. We will be contacted within the next few days if there are any problems, but if all is ok we will get a routine letter letting us know our odds.
I went via H&M in Marble Arch on my way into work, they have a big maternity section there but all the things I liked were only in L or XL so came away empty handed.
Nothing much else to report on. Oooh I've subscribed to Pregnancy & Birth magazine for 6 months - it's a great read!
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Happy New Year!
Happy new year! We had a lovely time last night - just went to a friends' house party which was nice because I got a spot on the sofa! Jack managed to drink for the three of us, but all the girls were cooing over my bump and all the boys telling me to go away 'cos I was getting them all broody! Here is our first pic of the three of us - I'm getting very noticeable now!
My high heels didn't last as long as midnight - I changed into my slippers! We were home by 2am because I was so tired, and I think it was a wise move to stop Jack drinking before he got past the point of no return!
The loud music was making lots of bubbles in my tummy from the baby, it was great!
My high heels didn't last as long as midnight - I changed into my slippers! We were home by 2am because I was so tired, and I think it was a wise move to stop Jack drinking before he got past the point of no return!
The loud music was making lots of bubbles in my tummy from the baby, it was great!
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Movements
Yesterday, we went to Bluewater - it was ram-jam! Didn't really think it through properly, but then again EVERYWHERE is busy in the xmas holidays. We were going to go to the cinema but the queues were so long, we decided against that, then went into Santa Fe for some lunch. While we were choosing what we wanted, I felt something inside me, on the left hand side & below my belly button, like tiny little bubbles, very light - they kept coming for a few minutes on and off then went and came back again a bit later on in the meal. I have thought in the week that I have felt flutters but I didn't know if I was imagining them, but this was definitely real! Woohoo!
We had a look in a few shops, and popped into H&M, they had the maternity section in there, I found one at last! They had a few nice things and I got a nice warm brown cardie and a smart black top. The cardigan had one of its buttons coming off so they gave me £5 off, result!
For ages I have been fancying Krispy Kreme doughnuts so I bought a dozen, they are now all gone! I don't know how many I had but I reckon it was about 7 (shhh!)
We went to visit little baby Charlie again today, 3 weeks old today, he's such a sweetie. Our baby did some more bubbles too! I love it!
We had a look through the baby name book again for inspiration for a boys name, Jack's Mum came up with Dennis today. Yum!
Gotta go to get ready for NYE! Byeeeeeeeeeeeee x
We had a look in a few shops, and popped into H&M, they had the maternity section in there, I found one at last! They had a few nice things and I got a nice warm brown cardie and a smart black top. The cardigan had one of its buttons coming off so they gave me £5 off, result!
For ages I have been fancying Krispy Kreme doughnuts so I bought a dozen, they are now all gone! I don't know how many I had but I reckon it was about 7 (shhh!)
We went to visit little baby Charlie again today, 3 weeks old today, he's such a sweetie. Our baby did some more bubbles too! I love it!
We had a look through the baby name book again for inspiration for a boys name, Jack's Mum came up with Dennis today. Yum!
Gotta go to get ready for NYE! Byeeeeeeeeeeeee x
Thursday, December 29, 2005
16 Weeks Pregnant
Wowie, I really can't believe we've hit the 16 week mark. 4 months. It feels like yesterday I got the positive result!
Here are my bum pics for this morning - excuse the PJs!
Babycentre.co.uk says this about week 16... "You may not know it when it happens, but your tiny tenant frequently gets the hiccups, which babies master before breathing. Babies don't make any sound because their trachea is filled with fluid rather than air.
Although you've probably gained between 5 and 10 pounds / 2.2 - 4.5 kilograms, the fetus weighs in at around only 5.5 ounces / 156 grams. It measures approximately a little more than 4.5 inches / 11 centimetres long, crown to rump. Legs are growing longer than the arms now, fingernails are fully formed and all the joints and limbs can move. You may be able to find out the sex of your baby by ultrasound now, since the external genitals may be developed enough that the ultrasound technician can tell you if you're going to have a boy or a girl.
If the idea of having a baby seems so remote, nothing makes it feel more real than feeling your baby move for the first time. Most mums-to-be discern movement (called quickening) between 16 and 20 weeks. If you've been pregnant before, you'll feel things earlier rather than later. What you may first think is a rumbling stomach may be your baby doing some back flips. Make note of when you first start feeling the baby and tell your midwife at your next visit. This middle stage of pregnancy is a good time to start exercising."
Here are my bum pics for this morning - excuse the PJs!
Babycentre.co.uk says this about week 16... "You may not know it when it happens, but your tiny tenant frequently gets the hiccups, which babies master before breathing. Babies don't make any sound because their trachea is filled with fluid rather than air.
Although you've probably gained between 5 and 10 pounds / 2.2 - 4.5 kilograms, the fetus weighs in at around only 5.5 ounces / 156 grams. It measures approximately a little more than 4.5 inches / 11 centimetres long, crown to rump. Legs are growing longer than the arms now, fingernails are fully formed and all the joints and limbs can move. You may be able to find out the sex of your baby by ultrasound now, since the external genitals may be developed enough that the ultrasound technician can tell you if you're going to have a boy or a girl.
If the idea of having a baby seems so remote, nothing makes it feel more real than feeling your baby move for the first time. Most mums-to-be discern movement (called quickening) between 16 and 20 weeks. If you've been pregnant before, you'll feel things earlier rather than later. What you may first think is a rumbling stomach may be your baby doing some back flips. Make note of when you first start feeling the baby and tell your midwife at your next visit. This middle stage of pregnancy is a good time to start exercising."
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
First Midwife Appointment
We've had a lovely Christmas, and had the excitement of the midwife's visit to keep us on our toes.
She came round this morning, through the snow, and stayed for about an hour. She was a very nice lady and everything went very well.
Firstly, we went through my maternity notes - talking about family history, if we smoked, did drugs etc etc - anything they may need to know which may affect the baby or the labour. She then spoke to us about antenatal classes and showed us what Barnet has to offer on the NHS. I asked her if the NCT ones were worth doing and she said they were good and they had smaller classes and can be more thorough. The leaflet she gave us said the NHS course lasts 3-4 weeks, but the NCT ones last 8-10 weeks so you must get told more information.
She then told us about the triple test which is the blood test you have which tests to see your risks of having a baby with downs syndrome or spinda bifida. This test has to be done at 16-18 weeks, and as I'm in the 15th week at the moment she has asked me to go to the hospital next week to have that done. She took 3 other vials of blood to test for Rubella, Hep B etc, and a urine sample to test for protien and sugars which were fine, she's going to send the sample away too to check for any infections.
Once she'd done all the horrid things she got me to lay down and she tried to listen for the baby's heartbeat. She felt my tummy first and found where the baby is, she said it's very big and grown a lot since my first scan. She then put the doppler on my tummy and within a few seconds she'd found the baby's heartbeat - it was very fast and loud - she said it was very good and powerful. She kept it there for about a minute which was lovely for us to hear.
She also took my blood pressure, and Jack asked to have his done too because he's never had it done before! We both have very good blood pressure according to her. She gave me all the information I need to contact her or any of the other 4 midwives on her team - I have their pager number and general number if I have any queries or emergencies. She's also going to book me in with the consultant for 20 weeks, and has asked me to make an appointment with the midwife at the surgery for in 4 weeks, which is also at 20 weeks. I also have my scan at 20 weeks, so a very busy week that week!
She came round this morning, through the snow, and stayed for about an hour. She was a very nice lady and everything went very well.
Firstly, we went through my maternity notes - talking about family history, if we smoked, did drugs etc etc - anything they may need to know which may affect the baby or the labour. She then spoke to us about antenatal classes and showed us what Barnet has to offer on the NHS. I asked her if the NCT ones were worth doing and she said they were good and they had smaller classes and can be more thorough. The leaflet she gave us said the NHS course lasts 3-4 weeks, but the NCT ones last 8-10 weeks so you must get told more information.
She then told us about the triple test which is the blood test you have which tests to see your risks of having a baby with downs syndrome or spinda bifida. This test has to be done at 16-18 weeks, and as I'm in the 15th week at the moment she has asked me to go to the hospital next week to have that done. She took 3 other vials of blood to test for Rubella, Hep B etc, and a urine sample to test for protien and sugars which were fine, she's going to send the sample away too to check for any infections.
Once she'd done all the horrid things she got me to lay down and she tried to listen for the baby's heartbeat. She felt my tummy first and found where the baby is, she said it's very big and grown a lot since my first scan. She then put the doppler on my tummy and within a few seconds she'd found the baby's heartbeat - it was very fast and loud - she said it was very good and powerful. She kept it there for about a minute which was lovely for us to hear.
She also took my blood pressure, and Jack asked to have his done too because he's never had it done before! We both have very good blood pressure according to her. She gave me all the information I need to contact her or any of the other 4 midwives on her team - I have their pager number and general number if I have any queries or emergencies. She's also going to book me in with the consultant for 20 weeks, and has asked me to make an appointment with the midwife at the surgery for in 4 weeks, which is also at 20 weeks. I also have my scan at 20 weeks, so a very busy week that week!
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Finally!
Yesterday I went shopping and popped into Dorothy Perkins - they had a little maternity section there, and I bought some black combat trousers and a nice greyish V neck & back top with a bump panel. How exciting!
Just as I was about to get back to the car, the midwife called me on my mobile to say that there would be someone coming round on Tuesday... yes... THIS Tuesday! to give me my first midwife's appointment. I'm so pleased, plus it means that Jack will also be here and can join in with it too.
We've just finished wrappping the presents, and I'm listening to 'Hello Children Everywhere', a CD I bought in preparation for the baby - it's got all the tunes I remember from my childhood on it, it's great!
Just as I was about to get back to the car, the midwife called me on my mobile to say that there would be someone coming round on Tuesday... yes... THIS Tuesday! to give me my first midwife's appointment. I'm so pleased, plus it means that Jack will also be here and can join in with it too.
We've just finished wrappping the presents, and I'm listening to 'Hello Children Everywhere', a CD I bought in preparation for the baby - it's got all the tunes I remember from my childhood on it, it's great!
Thursday, December 22, 2005
15 Weeks Pregnant
Today marks the big 1-5 weeks! I'm feeling pretty good - no more nausea, getting bursts of energy every once in a while, and I keep waking up just before my alarm goes off feeling very awake, so it's all good! Only thing I wish I could change is my spotty face, back and chest. I've bought a Lemslip Butter Bar from Lush because it's meant to be good, so I will have to let you know how I get on with that.
I've been wearing my new maternity bras, they are SO high up in the chest and under the armpits - they kind of limit what tops you can wear! I've had a look about on the net but few places seem to do a DD, and lot's of the bras in the 'maternity' ranges are actual nursing bras which I don't need quite yet!
I went out this morning and had a look in Topshop Maternity for anything I might be able to wear this xmas - nada. Then, walking past Jane Norman I saw a lovely aqua/teal jumper dress so I bought that which I can wear with jeans and some gold sandals and accessories. I can't believe xmas is only 3 days away, it doesn't feel xmassey yet! It's the last day of work now until 3rd January - bliss!
Other changes are the bump is a bump at all times now! Before, it used to get bigger at the end of the day - but now it's big all the time. Here are my 15 weeks pics (taken yesterday evening)
Babycentre has this to say about week 15... "Crown to rump, your baby is around 4 inches / 10 centimetres long and weighs one-and-three-quarter ounces / 49 grams. The body is now growing faster than the head. This week, its parchment-thin skin covers itself with lanugo (ultra-fine, downy hair that usually disappears before birth). Though eyebrows are beginning to grow and the hair on top of the head is sprouting, this hair may change in both texture and colour after birth. About now, the fetus can grasp, squint, frown, and grimace. It may even be able to suck its thumb. Researchers believe these and other movements probably correspond to the development of impulses in the brain."
I've been wearing my new maternity bras, they are SO high up in the chest and under the armpits - they kind of limit what tops you can wear! I've had a look about on the net but few places seem to do a DD, and lot's of the bras in the 'maternity' ranges are actual nursing bras which I don't need quite yet!
I went out this morning and had a look in Topshop Maternity for anything I might be able to wear this xmas - nada. Then, walking past Jane Norman I saw a lovely aqua/teal jumper dress so I bought that which I can wear with jeans and some gold sandals and accessories. I can't believe xmas is only 3 days away, it doesn't feel xmassey yet! It's the last day of work now until 3rd January - bliss!
Other changes are the bump is a bump at all times now! Before, it used to get bigger at the end of the day - but now it's big all the time. Here are my 15 weeks pics (taken yesterday evening)
Babycentre has this to say about week 15... "Crown to rump, your baby is around 4 inches / 10 centimetres long and weighs one-and-three-quarter ounces / 49 grams. The body is now growing faster than the head. This week, its parchment-thin skin covers itself with lanugo (ultra-fine, downy hair that usually disappears before birth). Though eyebrows are beginning to grow and the hair on top of the head is sprouting, this hair may change in both texture and colour after birth. About now, the fetus can grasp, squint, frown, and grimace. It may even be able to suck its thumb. Researchers believe these and other movements probably correspond to the development of impulses in the brain."
Monday, December 19, 2005
Huge Boobies
I thought my breasts hadn't really grown since being pregnant, but knew that I needed to move to non-wired maternity support bras, so braved the nightmare that is Oxford Street, and went to Debenhams for a fitting. I couldn't believe it, I have gone from 34C - 36DD! I bought a white and a black bra, both exactly the same and both extremely unsexy!
The 4 Pregnancies of Xmas
On Friday night, we went out for one of Jacks friends birthdays. All the usual boys were there with their girlfriends, and everyone commented on the little bump and said I was showing! I lurve my bump! Another of the girls is one month further along than me so it was nice chatting to her to see how she was feeling and if she'd felt the baby yet (she had).
Then Saturday we went to visit tiny little baby Charlie - he is SOOOOOOOO sweet, so tiny and cute and he looks like both his parents so much! I had a little hold and he was just a little sweetheart and slept while he held onto one of my fingers. Then Jack had a little snuggle and loved it too, I'm so glad we're having one!
Saturday night I had my xmas meal with the girlies, and another of the girls is due 2 days before me - she rolled up to the resteraunt with a flat stomach! I couldn't believe it! I felt like such a fatty! But once we'd eaten it bulged out a bit, so it's all good! At least I can get a seat on the train ;) One of my other friends bought me a lovely jumper dress for xmas, which Im wearing as a jumper today, it has good coverage!
Im looking forward to this week very much! Only four days of work then off off off for xmas - it's gone so quickly I can't believe that this time next year we will have a little baby!
Then Saturday we went to visit tiny little baby Charlie - he is SOOOOOOOO sweet, so tiny and cute and he looks like both his parents so much! I had a little hold and he was just a little sweetheart and slept while he held onto one of my fingers. Then Jack had a little snuggle and loved it too, I'm so glad we're having one!
Saturday night I had my xmas meal with the girlies, and another of the girls is due 2 days before me - she rolled up to the resteraunt with a flat stomach! I couldn't believe it! I felt like such a fatty! But once we'd eaten it bulged out a bit, so it's all good! At least I can get a seat on the train ;) One of my other friends bought me a lovely jumper dress for xmas, which Im wearing as a jumper today, it has good coverage!
Im looking forward to this week very much! Only four days of work then off off off for xmas - it's gone so quickly I can't believe that this time next year we will have a little baby!
Friday, December 16, 2005
Waste of Time
Yesterday was a complete waste of time. I trundled off to the GPs, all excited about seeing a midwife and finding out more about the bubba, and ended up waiting 45 mins in the waiting room.
I then went through and met the midwife, she was lovely. Basically, when I rang up the doctors on Tuesday to ask when my appointment would be, they said "come in Thursday", when really the Thursday appointments are for ladies further along in their pregnancies, and are only 15 min slots. So I was told I would get a call in a few weeks to arrange my booking in appointment, which is the first appointment you have, and the midwife will come to my house to do that.
I got home and cried and cried! I'm very emotional at the moment anyway, and expecting something then getting nothing was very disappointing.
Roll on 3 weeks then!
I then went through and met the midwife, she was lovely. Basically, when I rang up the doctors on Tuesday to ask when my appointment would be, they said "come in Thursday", when really the Thursday appointments are for ladies further along in their pregnancies, and are only 15 min slots. So I was told I would get a call in a few weeks to arrange my booking in appointment, which is the first appointment you have, and the midwife will come to my house to do that.
I got home and cried and cried! I'm very emotional at the moment anyway, and expecting something then getting nothing was very disappointing.
Roll on 3 weeks then!
Thursday, December 15, 2005
14 Weeks Pregnant
Today, I am 14 weeks. Off to see the midwife at midday, which is lurverly having the morning at home!
Here are my bump pics
Here are my bump pics
Getting bigger!
Babycentre for this week says... The fetus is now 3 to 4 inches / 7 to 10 centimetres long from crown to rump and weighs about an ounce / 28 grams — about half a banana. Its unique fingerprints are already in place. And when you poke your stomach gently and she feels it, your baby will start rooting — that is, act as if she's searching for a nipple.
If you're having a girl, she now has approximately 2 million eggs in her ovaries; she will have only a million by the time she's born. She'll have fewer eggs as she gets older, and by age 17, the number will have dropped to 200,000.
As for you, the fog may be lifting, so to speak. For many women, the side effects of early pregnancy — frequent urination, intense fatigue, nausea — diminish sometime in the second trimester. Your uterus, while large enough to announce to onlookers that you're indeed pregnant, isn't so huge that it gets in your way. Even though birth is months away, your breasts may already start making colostrum, the fluid that will feed your baby for the first few days before your milk comes in.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Midwife Appointment
I rang the doc's to chase up my Midwife Appointment, and I have one this Thursday! Woooohoooooooooooooooooooooooo
Hello Charlie!
I've just realised that I'm not posting here much, apart from the bump pics and babycentre stuff about what is happening that week - and that I really must stop!
I think its just because theres not much happening to tell about. I still haven't been contacted with a midwife appointment, which I'm starting to worry about, but not overly so. Some of the Handbag ladies will be having their 2nd midwife appointment at 16 weeks, and I'm almost 14 weeks and haven't even had one! I think it's silly giving you one so late - the beginning is when you need to know what you can and can't eat, the reassurance regarding the feelings etc.
Saturday night we were meant to be going out with our friends who have a baby due on xmas day (eek!). We got a call on Saturday morning to say that she'd had a show, so the baby could be arriving within the next week, so they were going to stay in instead. Sunday morning, I awoke with a text message from her saying that she'd had him at 11.30 that night! Welcome to the world Charlie! It's so exciting and I can't wait to see him! Jack and I went to Mothercare to look for a pressie for him but we weren't overly impressed. I spotted a little snuglo 'Action Man' knotted hat yesterday though, and I know Jack loves the snuglo stuff too, so whipped that up!
I think its just because theres not much happening to tell about. I still haven't been contacted with a midwife appointment, which I'm starting to worry about, but not overly so. Some of the Handbag ladies will be having their 2nd midwife appointment at 16 weeks, and I'm almost 14 weeks and haven't even had one! I think it's silly giving you one so late - the beginning is when you need to know what you can and can't eat, the reassurance regarding the feelings etc.
Saturday night we were meant to be going out with our friends who have a baby due on xmas day (eek!). We got a call on Saturday morning to say that she'd had a show, so the baby could be arriving within the next week, so they were going to stay in instead. Sunday morning, I awoke with a text message from her saying that she'd had him at 11.30 that night! Welcome to the world Charlie! It's so exciting and I can't wait to see him! Jack and I went to Mothercare to look for a pressie for him but we weren't overly impressed. I spotted a little snuglo 'Action Man' knotted hat yesterday though, and I know Jack loves the snuglo stuff too, so whipped that up!
Thursday, December 08, 2005
13 Weeks Pregnant
Today, we hit the 13 week mark - officially into the 2nd trimester, and out of the worrying part. More and more people know now, it feels strange knowing we've had to have kept it a secret for so long, to be able to tell it!
This week has been good - I've had really bad headaches which I saw the doctor about, he said I could take nothing but Paracetemol. That doesn't really have an effect on me, so I bought a stick of 4head, which is a natural headache remedy, and that seems to have done the trick. My skins gone bad too - he's given me something for that and said that it should clear up with the hormones, and also that my midwife letter has come out (yay)! Other than that, I've been feeling good which is great, just still tired and hungry all the time!
Here's my weekly bump snap, just taken with my new mobile (check ME out!)
This week has been good - I've had really bad headaches which I saw the doctor about, he said I could take nothing but Paracetemol. That doesn't really have an effect on me, so I bought a stick of 4head, which is a natural headache remedy, and that seems to have done the trick. My skins gone bad too - he's given me something for that and said that it should clear up with the hormones, and also that my midwife letter has come out (yay)! Other than that, I've been feeling good which is great, just still tired and hungry all the time!
Here's my weekly bump snap, just taken with my new mobile (check ME out!)
Babycentre says this about week 13...
"Your baby's face is beginning to look more human, even though she is only about 3 inches/ 7.5 centimetres long from her crown to her rump and weighs slightly more than half an ounce/ 14 grams. The eyes, which started out on the sides of the head, have moved closer together. The ears are almost in their normal position on the side of the head. The liver is making bile and the kidneys are secreting urine in the bladder.
The fetus squirms if your abdomen is prodded, although you cannot yet feel movement. Fetal nerve cells have been multiplying rapidly and synapses (neurological connections in your brain) are forming. The fetus has acquired more reflexes: touching the palms makes the fingers close, touching the soles of the feet makes the toes curl down and touching the eyelids makes the eye muscles clench.
Your midwife can now feel the top of the uterus, also known as the fundus, low in the abdomen. As you enter the second trimester, you may find yourself donning looser, less restrictive clothing. Soon you won't be able to fit into your regular clothes any more.
You may now find that once the 'sickness' feeling has passed, your appetite returns."
Friday, December 02, 2005
Dating Scan
Yesterday morning, we went for our first scan. I hardly slept through excitement, and I kept waking up having dreamt that we'd slept through our alarm and missed the appointment!
I was told to have a full bladder when I went, and just before we left, I weed! I totally forgot! Ooops! Anyway, I drank a big bottle of water hoping to top up my levels, and we left half an hour early to make sure we gave ourselves enough time.
We arrived at the hospital with 25 minutes to spare, but drove round the car park looking for a space for about 15 mins! We finally found one, parked up, then realised we were in the Staff Parking bit! In the end we drove back out and parked on the roadside and walked back with a few minutes to spare.
When I checked in at reception, I was given a big pile of things - a Bounty Pack which had lots of leaflets in and a little pregnancy booklet, a big book about pregnancy, and a big book which will hold all my Maternity Records. I think I have to take it to every appointment with me now but I wasn't told anything.
We waited for about 5 mins, when a lady called us through to the room where I was to be scanned. Jack sat at the end of a bed, and I was told to get on the scales and weigh myself, which I did, then got on the bed. The screen was to the right of me, and totally facing in the opposite direction so I couldn't see a thing.
She put some gel on my stomach, and said that first of all she was going to check for a heartbeat, check how many babies were in there, and measure it. Jack was sitting by my feet, so he could see the screen - I tried to have a look but got told off because it made my stomach muscles tense. I also got told off for having an empty bladder, even though I felt like I was about to wet myself! She said she could see a single baby in ther (phew!) and could see a heartbeat. She measured and said she was getting a reading of 11 weeks and 3 days, but also said that my dates were accurate so stick to them.
The whole time this was going on, Jack could see the bubs, and all I had to go on was his reaction. He was laughing! Not laughing, but you know when someone's smiling SO hard that it makes them kinda make a laugh noise? It was that, and that alone made me smile and happy. I was then finally allowed to have a look - she did a close up on the heartbeat, fluttering away, and showed me all the body parts which all seem to be in tact. She zoomed out to take the pic, but I still love it!
We bought 5 copies of the scan for £2 each and she gave us some little paper frames to put them in. Jack and I have kept one each, given one to each sets of parents, and I've sent the other to my Grandad. We can't stop looking at it! My mum thinks she can see a willy! We can clearly see a head, body, arm, leg, foot and umbillical cord in the pic... here it is....
We made our next scan appointment for 26th January, and went off to work as proud Mummy & Daddy!
I was told to have a full bladder when I went, and just before we left, I weed! I totally forgot! Ooops! Anyway, I drank a big bottle of water hoping to top up my levels, and we left half an hour early to make sure we gave ourselves enough time.
We arrived at the hospital with 25 minutes to spare, but drove round the car park looking for a space for about 15 mins! We finally found one, parked up, then realised we were in the Staff Parking bit! In the end we drove back out and parked on the roadside and walked back with a few minutes to spare.
When I checked in at reception, I was given a big pile of things - a Bounty Pack which had lots of leaflets in and a little pregnancy booklet, a big book about pregnancy, and a big book which will hold all my Maternity Records. I think I have to take it to every appointment with me now but I wasn't told anything.
We waited for about 5 mins, when a lady called us through to the room where I was to be scanned. Jack sat at the end of a bed, and I was told to get on the scales and weigh myself, which I did, then got on the bed. The screen was to the right of me, and totally facing in the opposite direction so I couldn't see a thing.
She put some gel on my stomach, and said that first of all she was going to check for a heartbeat, check how many babies were in there, and measure it. Jack was sitting by my feet, so he could see the screen - I tried to have a look but got told off because it made my stomach muscles tense. I also got told off for having an empty bladder, even though I felt like I was about to wet myself! She said she could see a single baby in ther (phew!) and could see a heartbeat. She measured and said she was getting a reading of 11 weeks and 3 days, but also said that my dates were accurate so stick to them.
The whole time this was going on, Jack could see the bubs, and all I had to go on was his reaction. He was laughing! Not laughing, but you know when someone's smiling SO hard that it makes them kinda make a laugh noise? It was that, and that alone made me smile and happy. I was then finally allowed to have a look - she did a close up on the heartbeat, fluttering away, and showed me all the body parts which all seem to be in tact. She zoomed out to take the pic, but I still love it!
We bought 5 copies of the scan for £2 each and she gave us some little paper frames to put them in. Jack and I have kept one each, given one to each sets of parents, and I've sent the other to my Grandad. We can't stop looking at it! My mum thinks she can see a willy! We can clearly see a head, body, arm, leg, foot and umbillical cord in the pic... here it is....
We made our next scan appointment for 26th January, and went off to work as proud Mummy & Daddy!
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
11+5
The scan is now only one day away, we are SO excited!
I came home early for the past 2 night because I'd been feeling rough - I have had a mega headache and have been feeling very sick. I'm having the day off today just to relax and try to get better. Maybe I'm just getting myself worked up because Im excited about the scan... I hope I'm not getting ill... I don't know how I'd cope without being allowed to take anything!
I took another bump pic... this is me last night at 11 weeks, 5 days. I think I'm having a triangle!
I came home early for the past 2 night because I'd been feeling rough - I have had a mega headache and have been feeling very sick. I'm having the day off today just to relax and try to get better. Maybe I'm just getting myself worked up because Im excited about the scan... I hope I'm not getting ill... I don't know how I'd cope without being allowed to take anything!
I took another bump pic... this is me last night at 11 weeks, 5 days. I think I'm having a triangle!
Thursday, November 24, 2005
11 Weeks Pregnant
1 week until the scan!
Here's an 11 week bump pic, just taken with my phone at work.
Babycentre.com says for week 11... "Your baby will double in size in the next three weeks. He or she is now swallowing and kicking, and all the major organs are fully developed. More minute details are appearing too, like fingernails and peach-fuzz hair. The external sex organs are beginning to show and in a few weeks they will be developed enough to tell whether you're going to have a boy or a girl. The fetus is only about 2 to 3 inches / 5 to 7 centimetres long from crown to rump and weighs less than half an ounce / 14 grams. Even so, it's busily swallowing and kicking. Each day more minute details start to appear, such as fingernails and peach-fuzzy hair. The vital organs — the liver, kidneys, intestines, brain, and lungs — are fully formed and functional, while the head is almost half the length of the entire body. The forehead temporarily bulges and sits high on the head, but later will change into a more human-like feature. If you could take a look at your baby this week, you'd be able to see the clear outline of his spine. Spinal nerves stretch out from the spinal cord.
Your uterus is now the size of a grapefruit. With the help of a Doppler, a hand-held soundwave stethoscope, you can hear the fetus's rapid heartbeat — one expectant mother likened it to the sound of tiny horses galloping."
Here's an 11 week bump pic, just taken with my phone at work.
Babycentre.com says for week 11... "Your baby will double in size in the next three weeks. He or she is now swallowing and kicking, and all the major organs are fully developed. More minute details are appearing too, like fingernails and peach-fuzz hair. The external sex organs are beginning to show and in a few weeks they will be developed enough to tell whether you're going to have a boy or a girl. The fetus is only about 2 to 3 inches / 5 to 7 centimetres long from crown to rump and weighs less than half an ounce / 14 grams. Even so, it's busily swallowing and kicking. Each day more minute details start to appear, such as fingernails and peach-fuzzy hair. The vital organs — the liver, kidneys, intestines, brain, and lungs — are fully formed and functional, while the head is almost half the length of the entire body. The forehead temporarily bulges and sits high on the head, but later will change into a more human-like feature. If you could take a look at your baby this week, you'd be able to see the clear outline of his spine. Spinal nerves stretch out from the spinal cord.
Your uterus is now the size of a grapefruit. With the help of a Doppler, a hand-held soundwave stethoscope, you can hear the fetus's rapid heartbeat — one expectant mother likened it to the sound of tiny horses galloping."
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Maternity Clothes
This week I have searched for nice maternity wear. What I really want is a couple of jumpers - something that can keep me warm without riding up the bump! So I went to H&M in Oxford Street - no maternity section. Next Oxford St - no maternity section. I couldn't believe it - only 4 London H&M's stock their maternity range.
Anyway, yesterday I went to Topshop Oxford Circus, where they now actually have a whole seperate floor for their maternity stuff which I was very impressed with, it's very calm up there! They had no jumpers, but I did get two lovely pairs of jeans - Mooch & Duke. Mooch are baggy in the leg, and Duke are tight on the leg, so could wear a nice top with them and wear them out-out too. I got a plain white t-shirt which is long and tight (all my other tops ride!), and it does accentuate my bump I think! I also got a white tube top which is like a book tube but you wear it on your tummy under a normal t-shirt so it looks like you've just got a white top on underneath, giving a layered look. Very handy, and only £5!
On the the tube on the way home, I had to go one stop, so was standing up... there was a lady with a big bag, and it was getting kinda cramped, a man noticed and said "be careful, I think this lady's pregnant"! So she got out of my way. He had his iPod on, so he shouted it, but it made me smile that a stranger had noticed my lickle prawn!
Anyway, yesterday I went to Topshop Oxford Circus, where they now actually have a whole seperate floor for their maternity stuff which I was very impressed with, it's very calm up there! They had no jumpers, but I did get two lovely pairs of jeans - Mooch & Duke. Mooch are baggy in the leg, and Duke are tight on the leg, so could wear a nice top with them and wear them out-out too. I got a plain white t-shirt which is long and tight (all my other tops ride!), and it does accentuate my bump I think! I also got a white tube top which is like a book tube but you wear it on your tummy under a normal t-shirt so it looks like you've just got a white top on underneath, giving a layered look. Very handy, and only £5!
On the the tube on the way home, I had to go one stop, so was standing up... there was a lady with a big bag, and it was getting kinda cramped, a man noticed and said "be careful, I think this lady's pregnant"! So she got out of my way. He had his iPod on, so he shouted it, but it made me smile that a stranger had noticed my lickle prawn!
Oooh I nearly forgot, we got "Cool Names For Babies" the book on the weekend, everything was a bit too cool though or horrid! Like Snoop Dogg, Margaret etc etc. We're sorted for a girl, but a boy is what we're having trouble with. I suppose we have long enough to think!
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
10 Weeks Pregnant
Again, I'm 2 hours away from the big 1-0, but again, can't wait until the morning, so here is a current bump pic...
This week, according to babycentre.com... "Your baby weighs under 10g — a fraction of an ounce — but is poised for rapid growth. All the body parts are now present, including arms, legs, eyes, genitals and other organs, though they're not yet fully formed. At week's end, your fetus measures approximately 1.5 inches / 3.5 centimetres long. In both shape and size, it resembles a peapod and weighs about a third of an ounce / 9 grams. The eyelids are fused and won't open until week 27. The wrists are more developed, ankles have formed, and the fingers and toes are clearly visible. Arms are growing longer and bend at the elbows. By week's end, the inner workings of the ears are complete. Though you can't yet identify the sex of the fetus by ultrasound, its genitals have begun to form. By now the placenta has developed enough to support most of the critical job of producing hormones."
PLUS... now only 2 weeks until the scan! (How slow do you wanna reckon that will go!?)
Monday, November 14, 2005
Heave
I had a Jack and germ-free weekend, which was very boring! It's rubbish doing nothing by yourself!
Saturday I stayed in bed all day, and tidied up a bit. In the evening I went round to my friends house and got a take away and sat thinking of names.
Yesterday I heaved while I was eating my breakfast. It was discusting! We went out for a family lunch, I came home and felt so rough I had a bath and put myself to bed.
This morning I had to sit next to the bowl of the toilet for a while because I kept heaving, my eyes kept watering and I thought I was going to hurl any second. Luckily my Mum was there and heard me so bought me some dry cream crackers to nibble on. Yum.
Jack's coming round to stay with me for a few days until his house is completely clean again, so that's something nice to look forward to!
Saturday I stayed in bed all day, and tidied up a bit. In the evening I went round to my friends house and got a take away and sat thinking of names.
Yesterday I heaved while I was eating my breakfast. It was discusting! We went out for a family lunch, I came home and felt so rough I had a bath and put myself to bed.
This morning I had to sit next to the bowl of the toilet for a while because I kept heaving, my eyes kept watering and I thought I was going to hurl any second. Luckily my Mum was there and heard me so bought me some dry cream crackers to nibble on. Yum.
Jack's coming round to stay with me for a few days until his house is completely clean again, so that's something nice to look forward to!
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Wooohoooo
Mum and I went out for a Chinese after work and had a good long chat about everything - I feel very happy and content and I know she is very pleased for me.
When we got in, I noticed an NHS envelope... tore it open, and it was the letter telling us of our first scan... Thursday 1st December! Although we knew we would be getting a dating scan, just having a date to look forward to is amazing! And it's not too far away either... WOOHOO!
When we got in, I noticed an NHS envelope... tore it open, and it was the letter telling us of our first scan... Thursday 1st December! Although we knew we would be getting a dating scan, just having a date to look forward to is amazing! And it's not too far away either... WOOHOO!
Friday, November 11, 2005
9 Weeks cont...
In the 9th week (as I am now), babycentre.com says... "The tiny tail is disappearing and so many changes have taken place that your baby has changed from an embryo and is now officially a fetus. This is the critical stage when your baby's organs are forming. The baby is now constantly moving and shifting, though you won't be able to feel anything for several weeks. The arms have grown and the hands are now flexed at the wrists and meet over the heart. The legs are lengthening and the feet may be long enough to meet in front of the body."
I stayed at home again last night - Jack's Mum, and now Jack's sister have the sickness bug, I don't want to risk getting it and doing any damage. Hopefully Jack won't have picked up any of the germs so can come stay with me in my germ-free home!
Mum told me she's secured me a babyseat and pushchair from a friend of hers (yes, although we told them not to tell anyone, our parents seem to have told EVERYONE!) I'm surprised there hasn't been an ad in the local paper at the rate they're going!
We booked tickets to see Little Britain Live next November, someone's going to have to babysit! Our first babysitting favour to be asked, how exciting!
I stayed at home again last night - Jack's Mum, and now Jack's sister have the sickness bug, I don't want to risk getting it and doing any damage. Hopefully Jack won't have picked up any of the germs so can come stay with me in my germ-free home!
Mum told me she's secured me a babyseat and pushchair from a friend of hers (yes, although we told them not to tell anyone, our parents seem to have told EVERYONE!) I'm surprised there hasn't been an ad in the local paper at the rate they're going!
We booked tickets to see Little Britain Live next November, someone's going to have to babysit! Our first babysitting favour to be asked, how exciting!
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
9 Weeks Pregnant
Well I know I'm 2.5 hours off the 'actual' 9 week mark, but just took a bump pic and had to post it up (won't have time in the morning)!
I've just noticed how much I've grown since the 7 week bump pic!
I've just noticed how much I've grown since the 7 week bump pic!
Proud of Daddy
Yesterday I managed to get through to a human at the Ante Natal Unit. My doctor had told me I'd be getting a Midwife appointment at 10 weeks, and a scan at 12. The lady at the AN Unit said that I get a scan at 12-15 weeks and a Midwife appointment after that. Very confusing. Anyway, I gave her my details and she said she could see me in her system so a letter should be coming out by the end of this week regarding my scan. Woooohooooo! I can't wait until I have a date for my scan!
I was sooooo tired yesterday, and I ended up working until 7.30 - the worst day that I could have worked late seeing how tired I was! I had to go to the loos to have a little cry about it! All day I had been looking forward to getting home, having dinner, watching Eastenders, having a bath and getting in bed.
I'm very proud of Jack - he didn't smoke at all today. Nada, nought. He said he keeps fancying one, but then thinking of me and the baby and that's over-riding his feelings. He's smoked 20 a day for over 10 years, so I really hope he manages to quit. I've told him if he lasts for a week I will treat him. Argh I don't know to what though!
I'm going home tonight, so I will be able to get a bump pic for 9 weeks. See ya tomorrow!
I was sooooo tired yesterday, and I ended up working until 7.30 - the worst day that I could have worked late seeing how tired I was! I had to go to the loos to have a little cry about it! All day I had been looking forward to getting home, having dinner, watching Eastenders, having a bath and getting in bed.
I'm very proud of Jack - he didn't smoke at all today. Nada, nought. He said he keeps fancying one, but then thinking of me and the baby and that's over-riding his feelings. He's smoked 20 a day for over 10 years, so I really hope he manages to quit. I've told him if he lasts for a week I will treat him. Argh I don't know to what though!
I'm going home tonight, so I will be able to get a bump pic for 9 weeks. See ya tomorrow!
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Blerghhhhhhhh
I'm back into my 5-meals-a-day-stage now YUM! If I don't eat I feel empty so I have to give my body what it's asking for.
Jack's dad was sick in the night last night - the bathroom is next to our bedroom, so I heard everything, felt so much sicker, and couldn't sleep after that. Well I did, then the bin men came, oh joy! So I'm not the happiest of campers today.
On the good side, I have the right extension number for the antenatal department that I need to talk to to chase my midwife appointment. The bad side is they are constantly engaged, but I'm on the right track now at least.
Jack's dad was sick in the night last night - the bathroom is next to our bedroom, so I heard everything, felt so much sicker, and couldn't sleep after that. Well I did, then the bin men came, oh joy! So I'm not the happiest of campers today.
On the good side, I have the right extension number for the antenatal department that I need to talk to to chase my midwife appointment. The bad side is they are constantly engaged, but I'm on the right track now at least.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Grrrrr
The weekend was lovely - did nothing on Friday night but relax with a takeaway and the tv. Saturday we went to look round some houses, and abslutely fell in L-O-V-E with one of them. Went out on Saturday night to a friend's birthday (very smoky pub) - I felt like I'd been smoking in the morning! Yesterday we went out for a big fat Sunday lunch and dreamt about our lives in "our house".
I called the estage agent this morning to ask which direction the garden faced, and got an "oooh I haven't got a clue" (very helpful, thanks).
This afternoon I hoped the same lady wouldn't answer the phone, and called back to try and arrange another viewing in the daytime (it was dark when we saw it the first time) - and they've accepted an offer on it BOOHOO!
I've been looking on the net since then, but no where seems to compare - it was perfect. May be a little expensive, but it was ideal.
Prawn has been fine - I watched lots of Discovery Home & Health (lots of births) and been scaring myself! I think I should stay away from those shows, especially when we're eating!
I called the estage agent this morning to ask which direction the garden faced, and got an "oooh I haven't got a clue" (very helpful, thanks).
This afternoon I hoped the same lady wouldn't answer the phone, and called back to try and arrange another viewing in the daytime (it was dark when we saw it the first time) - and they've accepted an offer on it BOOHOO!
I've been looking on the net since then, but no where seems to compare - it was perfect. May be a little expensive, but it was ideal.
Prawn has been fine - I watched lots of Discovery Home & Health (lots of births) and been scaring myself! I think I should stay away from those shows, especially when we're eating!
Thursday, November 03, 2005
8 Weeks Pregnant
Today bump celebrates it's 8 weeks of life. Hooray! I know last week I said I was going to post a bump pic each week, but we've been house-sitting and I forgot to pack my camera! So 9 weeks will be the next pic installment. According to babycentre " the eyelid folds are forming, the tip of the nose is present, and the arms now bend at the elbows and curve slightly over the heart." Wow.
It seems I've been getting lazy with my blogging, but I just don't want to end up like a stuck record moaning about how sick I'm feeling! This week has been rough. Still no actual vomit, but I'm feeling closer and closer to that point and I don't like the feeling! I actually feel ok as I'm writing this, so hopefully that will be it for a while *please*!
Jack's been excellent while we've been house-sitting, letting me lie down while he makes us dinner, and making sure I get enough veggies. Every morning when he drops me off he says "love you" then "love you bump".
My jeans are getting tighter, no one's offering me a seat on the trains yet though which is a shame cos I'm sure now is the stage when I'd really appreciate it!
It seems I've been getting lazy with my blogging, but I just don't want to end up like a stuck record moaning about how sick I'm feeling! This week has been rough. Still no actual vomit, but I'm feeling closer and closer to that point and I don't like the feeling! I actually feel ok as I'm writing this, so hopefully that will be it for a while *please*!
Jack's been excellent while we've been house-sitting, letting me lie down while he makes us dinner, and making sure I get enough veggies. Every morning when he drops me off he says "love you" then "love you bump".
My jeans are getting tighter, no one's offering me a seat on the trains yet though which is a shame cos I'm sure now is the stage when I'd really appreciate it!
Monday, October 31, 2005
Happy Halloween
I haven't posted a message for a few days because I felt so rough. I went to Holland & Barrett on Friday to get some crystalised ginger, and bought a ginger and choc chip flapjack which I picked at all afternoon and I did feel a lot better.
I felt ok-ish on Saturday, we went to a Halloween party in the evening and I stayed on my bum allllllll night because I started feeling the tiredness.
I felt ok-ish on Saturday, we went to a Halloween party in the evening and I stayed on my bum allllllll night because I started feeling the tiredness.
I also took out my belly bar. There are special ones you can wear through pregnancy which are stretchy, but I don't really think I will be bearing my post-pregnancy belly to many people, so it's come out! Jack's happy because now he can rub our bump without catching himself on anything!
I got a bit worried yesterday because I was experiencing pains which were worse than the period-type pains I had been having before. I asked on the Handbag forums, and apparently they are perfectly normal, and is just the uterus stretching, which made me feel a lot better and made both me and Jack more reassured.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
7 Weeks Pregnant
Wooohoooo today we've reached the 7 week mark, how exciting! But I feel the sickest I have ever felt. Yucksville. I've decided that I will try to add a photo each week to show how my bumps progressing, so to start, here it is this morning, at 7 weeks...
I know I know, it looks quite big for only 7 weeks old... but here's where I must add I didn't exactly have a flat stomach to begin with! It has definitely grown, and before pregnancy, it was 'pinchable', now it's firm and hard!
I didn't go in to work today until 11am, I felt as rough as a dog. We went out to our friends' new house last night and for a bite to eat, it was really nice because it took my mind off feeling sick. She gave us the baby trainers (sooo cute) and 18 babygro's! 6 for newborn-3months, 6 for 3-6 months and 6 for 6-9 months!! They are teeny tiny and it meant Jack couldn't sleep because he got excited all over again!
I woke up and couldn't even stomach my early morning toast, I just had to go back to bed. I didn't feel good all day (I told work that I had been sick in the night and couldn't get myself up just yet), so I told them I still felt sick when I eventually dragged myself in, which was nice because I was treated a little more delicately than usual!
I've ordered a little bump belt off the internet http://http://www.bloomingmarvellous.co.uk/product.aspx?CategoryID=Practical_Essentials&ProductID=6912&language=en-GB which apparently is recommended to use from 2 months of pregnancy, incase of any jerks in the car, basically the belt pushes into your lap rather than tummy, it also means its more comfy once the bump is more prominent!
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Instant Dinner
Last night all I wanted to do was get in, lay down and not move again! Jack and I had planned to make a lasagne from scratch, but I couldn't be bothered, and now, when I'm hungry, I have to eat NOWWWWW!! So Jack went and bought a pizza and garlic bread and cooked that up... dinner in an instant!
I'm feeling a bit better today thankfully.
I've decided I'm going to tell another one of my friends too... I was going to tell her at the party, but the right moment hadn't come up... and now we've been house sitting in N.London I keep hoping to bump into her on the tube but haven't done so far!
Ooooh I've had a look on http://www.babynames.com for some inspiration... we only have one name we like for a girl and that's it! Can you believe, some people actually would call their child 'Chaviva'!?!?!
I'm feeling a bit better today thankfully.
I've decided I'm going to tell another one of my friends too... I was going to tell her at the party, but the right moment hadn't come up... and now we've been house sitting in N.London I keep hoping to bump into her on the tube but haven't done so far!
Ooooh I've had a look on http://www.babynames.com for some inspiration... we only have one name we like for a girl and that's it! Can you believe, some people actually would call their child 'Chaviva'!?!?!
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Oh Mum!
My mum's just told me she suffered with morning sickness alllllll the way through her pregnancy with me, and she was in labour for 26 hours. I reeeeealllly hope I don't take after her! I'm still feeling a bit sicky, I hate hate hate it!
Teary
Last night was a verrrrrry tearful one. I won't go in to details over what, but I don't think I usually would have been as bad! Jack was very good at comforting me and making sure I stayed relax, for the sake of the little bubba.
The remote control for my tv has been lost, and it won't work without it. I felt really bad going up to bed at 10pm and Jack having to do the same as there is no tele to occupy him! I think I'll have to look for one of those universal ones....
Oh, and I forgot to say in yesterday's entry that I told my Dad, Stepmum and his parents this weekend too and they all were very happy!
The remote control for my tv has been lost, and it won't work without it. I felt really bad going up to bed at 10pm and Jack having to do the same as there is no tele to occupy him! I think I'll have to look for one of those universal ones....
Oh, and I forgot to say in yesterday's entry that I told my Dad, Stepmum and his parents this weekend too and they all were very happy!
Monday, October 24, 2005
Lazy Weekend
The weekend went well... on Friday I went and got some 'Mum To Be' vitamins from Boots, and they most definitely have helped. I have been eating a slice of toast every few hours too, but I have felt so much better since taking them. Lucky I got 90 of them ;)
It was lovely just catching up on sleep and lazing around on Saturday, we watched the X Factor and just got a take away which I was more than happy to do!
Yesterday we went to view our first house in S.E, which was nice, but the bathroom was downstairs which is a bit impractical, so Jack drove us round seeing if we could see anything nice and looked in some estage agents windows... Im hoping this isn't going to take too long!
Jack's been lovely, and when I woke up this morning he'd made me some toast and a glass of O.J so I wouldn't have to move and end up feeling sick.
We're house-sitting this week so it will be nice to be pregnant and alone for a while!
It was lovely just catching up on sleep and lazing around on Saturday, we watched the X Factor and just got a take away which I was more than happy to do!
Yesterday we went to view our first house in S.E, which was nice, but the bathroom was downstairs which is a bit impractical, so Jack drove us round seeing if we could see anything nice and looked in some estage agents windows... Im hoping this isn't going to take too long!
Jack's been lovely, and when I woke up this morning he'd made me some toast and a glass of O.J so I wouldn't have to move and end up feeling sick.
We're house-sitting this week so it will be nice to be pregnant and alone for a while!
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