...I can't get no sleep. :(
I woke up about 3.30 this morning to go to the loo, and couldn't get back to sleep again, plus I woke both Jack and baby up too - so we were all awake! Jack went downstairs and had a cup of tea and relax down there and I tried my hardest to go back to sleep but I had baby kicking and I think I fell asleep about 10 minutes before my alarm went off, that's what it felt like anyway. I'm so tired this morning, I had to stop and get a hot chocolate and croissant to perk me up! I'm hoping the milky drink will help to curb the heartburn, I had it bad again yesterday.
More great news on the house front yesterday - our seller has instructed her surveyors to survey her property, so we have done the same. I spoke to the solicitor, who said she's sent a fixtures & fittings list etc (already!), and said that we should be in by APRIL! Wooooooohooooo, I'm sooooooo happy!
Baby was so movey yesterday, Jack was laughing at the amount he could feel it - for about 15 minutes non stop pounding and twisting - we've got a proper wriggler!
Had another names discussion. Louis seems like a fave at the moment.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Bringing it Home
We had some great news yesterday - the seller of "our house" has had her offer accepted on the house she liked, and it has no forwarding chain, it's all going through ok. We're going to get onto the mortgage people today to instruct them to start the survey. At last things can move forward!
It's scary, one of the May Mummies on Handbag.com had her baby this weekend! It really brings it home that it could happen at any point, and we are soooo unprepared, so I really would like to get in the house sooner rather than later.
I had the most massive heartburn yesterday - worst than I've ever had, I think I could have breathed fire! Yoghurt and milkshake calmed it a bit, but it was still hardcore.
I fell asleep about 10.30, then woke up again at 11.30 and couldn't get back to sleep. I couldn't get comfy - the tops of my legs were aching so much, I couldn't do anything to ease the pain. I could hear Jack sound asleep so got up and made myself a hot chocolate and fell straight asleep - result!
It's scary, one of the May Mummies on Handbag.com had her baby this weekend! It really brings it home that it could happen at any point, and we are soooo unprepared, so I really would like to get in the house sooner rather than later.
I had the most massive heartburn yesterday - worst than I've ever had, I think I could have breathed fire! Yoghurt and milkshake calmed it a bit, but it was still hardcore.
I fell asleep about 10.30, then woke up again at 11.30 and couldn't get back to sleep. I couldn't get comfy - the tops of my legs were aching so much, I couldn't do anything to ease the pain. I could hear Jack sound asleep so got up and made myself a hot chocolate and fell straight asleep - result!
Monday, March 06, 2006
Mystic Bump
I went back into work on Friday, I felt a lot better, but I was soooo tired! I think my body had got used to lazing about in bed with daytime TV as company!
We've been watching baby moving around through my clothes! Saturday I was laying down, wearing a jumper, and it looked like I had a cat in there it moved so much! Even on the train this morning I could see bubs popping about, it's mad! As soon as either Jack or I tells anyone else to look, it stops though!
We went out on Saturday night with our friends who had baby Charlie in December, they have said we can borrow their moses basket. Charlies starting to smile now! Can't wait to see him again!
Yesterday, Jack took me to Pizza Express, and we were chatting about the baby, and whether we thought it was a boy or girl, I put my hands on my tummy and said "if you're a boy, kick now", and it kicked straight away (it hadnt been moving before that!), then I said "if you're a girl, kick now" and after about a minute it kicked! I guess we can't read too much into that though!
We've been watching baby moving around through my clothes! Saturday I was laying down, wearing a jumper, and it looked like I had a cat in there it moved so much! Even on the train this morning I could see bubs popping about, it's mad! As soon as either Jack or I tells anyone else to look, it stops though!
We went out on Saturday night with our friends who had baby Charlie in December, they have said we can borrow their moses basket. Charlies starting to smile now! Can't wait to see him again!
Yesterday, Jack took me to Pizza Express, and we were chatting about the baby, and whether we thought it was a boy or girl, I put my hands on my tummy and said "if you're a boy, kick now", and it kicked straight away (it hadnt been moving before that!), then I said "if you're a girl, kick now" and after about a minute it kicked! I guess we can't read too much into that though!
Thursday, March 02, 2006
25 Weeks Pregnant!
Here I am this morning:
Babycentre says this about week 25... "Your fetus weighs more than 1.25 pounds/ 500 grams. Though she still has little body fat and her skin is thin and fragile, she's now well-proportioned. Her brain is growing rapidly, and she is starting to fill the space in your uterus. From crown to rump she could measure 8.75"/ 22 centimetres now. If you went into labour at this time, however, many obstetricians and midwives would make every effort to halt the progress of premature labour to enable your baby to continue maturing.
You may be noticing faint, red or brown streaks known as striae or stretch marks on your abdomen, hips and breasts. While creams won't erase them, wearing a supportive bra may help prevent or minimise them on your breasts. They are very common at this stage of the pregnancy — about 90 per cent of women get them. After you've given birth, the reddish or brown pigmentation in the stretch marks gradually fades, and the streaks become lighter than the surrounding skin.
Also, your eyes may be light-sensitive and may feel gritty and dry. This is a perfectly normal pregnancy symptom known as 'dry-eye'. To ease your discomfort, use an "artificial tears" solution to add moisture."
Babycentre says this about week 25... "Your fetus weighs more than 1.25 pounds/ 500 grams. Though she still has little body fat and her skin is thin and fragile, she's now well-proportioned. Her brain is growing rapidly, and she is starting to fill the space in your uterus. From crown to rump she could measure 8.75"/ 22 centimetres now. If you went into labour at this time, however, many obstetricians and midwives would make every effort to halt the progress of premature labour to enable your baby to continue maturing.
You may be noticing faint, red or brown streaks known as striae or stretch marks on your abdomen, hips and breasts. While creams won't erase them, wearing a supportive bra may help prevent or minimise them on your breasts. They are very common at this stage of the pregnancy — about 90 per cent of women get them. After you've given birth, the reddish or brown pigmentation in the stretch marks gradually fades, and the streaks become lighter than the surrounding skin.
Also, your eyes may be light-sensitive and may feel gritty and dry. This is a perfectly normal pregnancy symptom known as 'dry-eye'. To ease your discomfort, use an "artificial tears" solution to add moisture."
25 Week Checkup
I've just got back from my 25 week check up with the midwife. All is ok!
I've been off work for the past couple of days with thrush and I'm going to spend the rest of the day at home today.
We found my real blood test results, she measured the baby and said all was fine. We heard the heartbeat, and as she put the doppler on, baby kicked it away, she saw my belly move and was laughing!
I have to go back in 3 weeks time, where she will do a blood test to see if I am anemic. From then on I will have to go in once a week for them to measure the baby.
I've been off work for the past couple of days with thrush and I'm going to spend the rest of the day at home today.
We found my real blood test results, she measured the baby and said all was fine. We heard the heartbeat, and as she put the doppler on, baby kicked it away, she saw my belly move and was laughing!
I have to go back in 3 weeks time, where she will do a blood test to see if I am anemic. From then on I will have to go in once a week for them to measure the baby.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Stuff I Forgot...
...Woopsie, I'm loosing my brain!
We were in Tesco's on Saturday, at the deli counter, and as I had just got my ham, the lady behind the counter asked if I had long to go. I thought she was talking about with the ham, and couldn't work out why she was asking me that... and then I realised she was talking about the baby! She must have thought I was a nutter, it took me a good 10 seconds to register what she meant!
The estate agent called - the seller of "our house" has found a house over the weekend! Excellent news, we've just got to hope her offer gets accepted and that it's not in a chain. I never knew all this house stuff was so complicated!
I also got my Parenting Club stuff through from Boots this morning. I registered to be part of their Mother & Baby club back in October when I found out I was pregnant, and I still hadn't received anything about 6 weeks ago, so called them up, and they said that they didn't have my application. Anyway, it was worth the wait! I got a book of vouchers this morning - triple points every time I buy Huggies, 1500 points every time I spend £75 or more on baby things, any No7 item up to the value of £16 for free, any Boots Medeterranian Item up to the value of £5 for free, Boots Botanics deep conditioning hair mask for free and loads of money off coupons! Yipppeee! Guess who's going shopping for free?!
Jack has managed to start properly communicating with the baby... he's been tapping certain parts of my belly, and the baby has been hitting him back in the same place! Jack says he's doing high-fives with him!
We were in Tesco's on Saturday, at the deli counter, and as I had just got my ham, the lady behind the counter asked if I had long to go. I thought she was talking about with the ham, and couldn't work out why she was asking me that... and then I realised she was talking about the baby! She must have thought I was a nutter, it took me a good 10 seconds to register what she meant!
The estate agent called - the seller of "our house" has found a house over the weekend! Excellent news, we've just got to hope her offer gets accepted and that it's not in a chain. I never knew all this house stuff was so complicated!
I also got my Parenting Club stuff through from Boots this morning. I registered to be part of their Mother & Baby club back in October when I found out I was pregnant, and I still hadn't received anything about 6 weeks ago, so called them up, and they said that they didn't have my application. Anyway, it was worth the wait! I got a book of vouchers this morning - triple points every time I buy Huggies, 1500 points every time I spend £75 or more on baby things, any No7 item up to the value of £16 for free, any Boots Medeterranian Item up to the value of £5 for free, Boots Botanics deep conditioning hair mask for free and loads of money off coupons! Yipppeee! Guess who's going shopping for free?!
Jack has managed to start properly communicating with the baby... he's been tapping certain parts of my belly, and the baby has been hitting him back in the same place! Jack says he's doing high-fives with him!
Weekend
On Saturday morning we woke up about 8am, couldn't believe it - I was sooo tired all week and really looking forward to a lie in. Anyway, we took advantage of having the whole day to do things, and went to VolksWagen. At the moment we have a Smart Car, which is only a 2-seater, so we desperately need to get something a bit more family orientated. Unfortunately all the Golf's at VW were a bit new and a bit expensive. I think we need to go to a massive car lot where they sell all kinds of second hand cars - I still want it to be fairly new... like 2002... but with a nice price! We also need to find out how much we'd get for our car part exchanging it - we bought it brand new and only had it for a year, but it's going to be so much extra hassle to sell it privately. If we can get enough on a part exchange I think I'd rather do that.
We went on to Babies R Us - we thought we'd buy the cotbed that we'd decided on, and the travel system. Yes, we have a Smart, so we thought maybe they would deliver, seeing as when you order over the net they can deliver... and we would be spending about £350 there. We were looking at the travel system (I swear its changed patterns since last time we saw it!), when the store manager came over to us and asked us if we were ok. We just asked about the delivery, which they don't do, but they can hold items for a day.... and he proceeded to show us absolutely everything! We had another demonstration of the travel system in full-working order, he made me try it against some others... the Brittax I am too tall for, and is heavier when lifting up (as in going up curbs)... and it's just made it clearer to us that we definitely want to get the Graco. He then said that it might not fit in a Golf's boot because the boots are wide at the bottom and thinner at the top. He said we should buy the car, and then come with it to the store, they'll bring the pram to the car to check it fits in the boot, and will check the car seat fits in too. What if it doesn't fit? I'd rather get another car than another travel system!!!
He then showed us the different changing bags, and he recommended the same one we'd just been looking at (the Bruin Large Flap Messenger Bag), which we bought - it has an insulated bottle compartment, section for mobile, dummy, a changing mat, loads of pockets all over the place!
He then showed us the different clothes - said don't buy lots of outfits because people will buy them for you, but you will need sleepsuits, hats and scratch mitts... which we already have.
We told him we were thinking of the Positiano Cotbed, and he said that personally he prefers cots to cotbeds. He said as it's our first, after a few years we might want another, by that time we'll need the cot again and would buy a single bed and just a new mattress for the cot - which I think does make sense. It's definitely something to think about.
He then showed us basically round the rest of the store - the sterilers, muslin squares, bottles etc etc - he was really helpful, and we will definitely be going back to that store once we've made our minds up on what we're going to buy!
Yesterday made me realise why people don't tell other people their choices of names. We have decided, if baby is a girl, she will be called Macy. We went to my Grandad's house as it was his birthday in the week... and he said... "so what does everyone think of the baby being called MARCY?" Grrrr... I already told him its not MaRcy, it's Macy and that that WILL be her name so I don't want to know an opinion if it's a bad one! Anyway, I had to cut him off again because I didn't want to hear anything bad if he did have anything bad to say!
We went on to Babies R Us - we thought we'd buy the cotbed that we'd decided on, and the travel system. Yes, we have a Smart, so we thought maybe they would deliver, seeing as when you order over the net they can deliver... and we would be spending about £350 there. We were looking at the travel system (I swear its changed patterns since last time we saw it!), when the store manager came over to us and asked us if we were ok. We just asked about the delivery, which they don't do, but they can hold items for a day.... and he proceeded to show us absolutely everything! We had another demonstration of the travel system in full-working order, he made me try it against some others... the Brittax I am too tall for, and is heavier when lifting up (as in going up curbs)... and it's just made it clearer to us that we definitely want to get the Graco. He then said that it might not fit in a Golf's boot because the boots are wide at the bottom and thinner at the top. He said we should buy the car, and then come with it to the store, they'll bring the pram to the car to check it fits in the boot, and will check the car seat fits in too. What if it doesn't fit? I'd rather get another car than another travel system!!!
He then showed us the different changing bags, and he recommended the same one we'd just been looking at (the Bruin Large Flap Messenger Bag), which we bought - it has an insulated bottle compartment, section for mobile, dummy, a changing mat, loads of pockets all over the place!
He then showed us the different clothes - said don't buy lots of outfits because people will buy them for you, but you will need sleepsuits, hats and scratch mitts... which we already have.
We told him we were thinking of the Positiano Cotbed, and he said that personally he prefers cots to cotbeds. He said as it's our first, after a few years we might want another, by that time we'll need the cot again and would buy a single bed and just a new mattress for the cot - which I think does make sense. It's definitely something to think about.
He then showed us basically round the rest of the store - the sterilers, muslin squares, bottles etc etc - he was really helpful, and we will definitely be going back to that store once we've made our minds up on what we're going to buy!
Yesterday made me realise why people don't tell other people their choices of names. We have decided, if baby is a girl, she will be called Macy. We went to my Grandad's house as it was his birthday in the week... and he said... "so what does everyone think of the baby being called MARCY?" Grrrr... I already told him its not MaRcy, it's Macy and that that WILL be her name so I don't want to know an opinion if it's a bad one! Anyway, I had to cut him off again because I didn't want to hear anything bad if he did have anything bad to say!
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Friday, February 24, 2006
24 Weeks Pregnant!
Well, 24 weeks and 1 day now!
I was in so much pain yesterday I couldn't bear doing anything, which is why this is being blogged now, rather than then. I've been getting a stitch-like pain in my bump when I walk, and yesterday morning it was snowing, so I had to walk a little faster (especially as my coat no longer does up!), but in doing so, I made the stitch come and stay allllllllll dayyyyyyy longggggggg. I got home, had a nice soak and got into bed and watched the trashy but delicious Footballers Wives, and felt a lot better. This morning I literally pigeon stepped into work to stop it from coming back!
I've bought two books about the birth... Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, and Stand & Deliver, both which were recommended from some other June Mummies on Handbag. I've started with Stand & Deliver, and it is just great! Before reading it, I was really nervous about the whole birth experience, and thought it would be very painful and result in me having an epidural. I haven't finished the book yet, but already I no longer am nervous - I want it to be a positive experience, and am even thinking about a water birth!
We bought a glider chair and footstool too yesterday - off eBay and only paid £88 incl P+P! Its exactly the same as the ones sold on www.mums2b.co.uk and is actually the same seller, but a lot cheaper! We might have a slight storage issue until we have the house, but hey, we got a bargain!
Ooooh our mortgage has been accepted too! We're very happy! I just want to be in the house now though!
I'll have to add a bump pic over the weekend, but here we are with what Babycentre has to say about week 24... "Your baby now weighs a little over one pound/ 450 grams and measures about 8.25 inches/ 21 centimetres from crown to rump. Her hearing is well established and she can make out a distorted version of your voice, the beating of your heart and your stomach rumblings. Loud noises often heard in utero, such as the barking of a dog next door or the roar of a vacuum cleaner, probably won't bother your child when she hears them outside the womb. Numerous studies seem to indicate that the unborn prefer classical music, especially Vivaldi. Play The Four Seasons for your child and pay attention to her movements. Does she quieten down during adagio sections and speed up for the allegro portions? You may have a budding conductor in your womb.
In addition to advances in your baby's hearing, her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing. She's swallowing but usually won't pass stool until after birth.
If your baby were to be born now, she would have a good chance of survival (about 85 per cent) with the right care. Advances in science and technology now mean that a 24-week-old baby can grow outside the womb if necessary.
As for you, you may feel clumsy now that your centre of gravity has shifted. Your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth and your belly button, once an 'innie', may now stick out. Don't worry. It'll revert to its pre-baby state soon after you give birth."
I was in so much pain yesterday I couldn't bear doing anything, which is why this is being blogged now, rather than then. I've been getting a stitch-like pain in my bump when I walk, and yesterday morning it was snowing, so I had to walk a little faster (especially as my coat no longer does up!), but in doing so, I made the stitch come and stay allllllllll dayyyyyyy longggggggg. I got home, had a nice soak and got into bed and watched the trashy but delicious Footballers Wives, and felt a lot better. This morning I literally pigeon stepped into work to stop it from coming back!
I've bought two books about the birth... Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, and Stand & Deliver, both which were recommended from some other June Mummies on Handbag. I've started with Stand & Deliver, and it is just great! Before reading it, I was really nervous about the whole birth experience, and thought it would be very painful and result in me having an epidural. I haven't finished the book yet, but already I no longer am nervous - I want it to be a positive experience, and am even thinking about a water birth!
We bought a glider chair and footstool too yesterday - off eBay and only paid £88 incl P+P! Its exactly the same as the ones sold on www.mums2b.co.uk and is actually the same seller, but a lot cheaper! We might have a slight storage issue until we have the house, but hey, we got a bargain!
Ooooh our mortgage has been accepted too! We're very happy! I just want to be in the house now though!
I'll have to add a bump pic over the weekend, but here we are with what Babycentre has to say about week 24... "Your baby now weighs a little over one pound/ 450 grams and measures about 8.25 inches/ 21 centimetres from crown to rump. Her hearing is well established and she can make out a distorted version of your voice, the beating of your heart and your stomach rumblings. Loud noises often heard in utero, such as the barking of a dog next door or the roar of a vacuum cleaner, probably won't bother your child when she hears them outside the womb. Numerous studies seem to indicate that the unborn prefer classical music, especially Vivaldi. Play The Four Seasons for your child and pay attention to her movements. Does she quieten down during adagio sections and speed up for the allegro portions? You may have a budding conductor in your womb.
In addition to advances in your baby's hearing, her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing. She's swallowing but usually won't pass stool until after birth.
If your baby were to be born now, she would have a good chance of survival (about 85 per cent) with the right care. Advances in science and technology now mean that a 24-week-old baby can grow outside the womb if necessary.
As for you, you may feel clumsy now that your centre of gravity has shifted. Your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth and your belly button, once an 'innie', may now stick out. Don't worry. It'll revert to its pre-baby state soon after you give birth."
Monday, February 20, 2006
Weekend
It's Monday again... time really does seem to be going so fast since we hit the 20 week mark. I think because we're not any further with the house situation it's starting a bit of panic inside, but there's nothing we can do really - we just have to sit tight until the seller finds something she likes. I think a gentle nudge in the estate agents direction may be needed today.
We went to Hobbycraft this weekend - I wanted to look for a canvas to paint... we spent aaaaages there, there are so many things we're going to do with baby once baby is bigger! I bought a cross-stitch pattern that you put the baby's details in... I spent lots of the weekend doing it, obviously I can't put in the baby's name etc yet, but I'm really pleased with it so far! This is what it should look like once it's done...
We went into town to look for a coat for me because I don't have one that does up any more. I don't want to spend loads cos I won't get much wear out of it, so tried Primark, New Look etc but they were all those silly little short coats. Let's just hope its not too cold for much longer!
We went to Hobbycraft this weekend - I wanted to look for a canvas to paint... we spent aaaaages there, there are so many things we're going to do with baby once baby is bigger! I bought a cross-stitch pattern that you put the baby's details in... I spent lots of the weekend doing it, obviously I can't put in the baby's name etc yet, but I'm really pleased with it so far! This is what it should look like once it's done...
We went into town to look for a coat for me because I don't have one that does up any more. I don't want to spend loads cos I won't get much wear out of it, so tried Primark, New Look etc but they were all those silly little short coats. Let's just hope its not too cold for much longer!
Thursday, February 16, 2006
23 Weeks Pregnant
Again, I've left it too long between posts, and I've forgotten what I have to say!
We had a lovely Valentines Day - our first as an engaged couple, and last as just a couple... Jack had written a poem in my card... "Roses are red, violets are blue, this is our last valentines, just me and you"!
Last night we went round to our friend Mark (you know, the estate agent at Callum Roberts!) house and Jack cooked us dinner - it was SCRUMPTIOUS! I ate sooo much yesterday though! 2 croissants, 1 banana, 2 jam on toast, tuna & cucumber baguette, chocolate brownie, mozerella & tomato sandwich, lamb chops with veg & potatos, and ice cream, and there was still room for more!
Woke up in the night again last night with leg cramp - I've found lying on my front doing "naughty toes" against the bed to help.
I've been making a big fat spreadsheet of everything we need for the arrival of baby and the costs so we can total it up - its been keeping me very entertained but now I want more to look at! And I soooo want to go to Ikea to have a look round and get an idea for any baby stuff and house stuff.
Spoke to the estate agents this morning, our seller has found a house she may be putting an offer on, but nothing confirmed yet. Boo hoo, I wanna be innnnnnn!
Here's my bump pic for today... Its taken at work, so a clothed one this week!
We had a lovely Valentines Day - our first as an engaged couple, and last as just a couple... Jack had written a poem in my card... "Roses are red, violets are blue, this is our last valentines, just me and you"!
Last night we went round to our friend Mark (you know, the estate agent at Callum Roberts!) house and Jack cooked us dinner - it was SCRUMPTIOUS! I ate sooo much yesterday though! 2 croissants, 1 banana, 2 jam on toast, tuna & cucumber baguette, chocolate brownie, mozerella & tomato sandwich, lamb chops with veg & potatos, and ice cream, and there was still room for more!
Woke up in the night again last night with leg cramp - I've found lying on my front doing "naughty toes" against the bed to help.
I've been making a big fat spreadsheet of everything we need for the arrival of baby and the costs so we can total it up - its been keeping me very entertained but now I want more to look at! And I soooo want to go to Ikea to have a look round and get an idea for any baby stuff and house stuff.
Spoke to the estate agents this morning, our seller has found a house she may be putting an offer on, but nothing confirmed yet. Boo hoo, I wanna be innnnnnn!
Here's my bump pic for today... Its taken at work, so a clothed one this week!
Babycentre has this to say about week 23... "The baby now weighs almost one pound / 453 grams, measures nearly 8 inches/ just over 20 centimetres long from crown to rump, and is proportioned like a newborn, albeit a thinner version since her baby fat hasn't yet developed. Although she's getting heavier every day, her skin still appears wrinkled because she needs to gain more weight. The lips are distinct and the eyes are formed, though the iris (the coloured part of the eye) still lacks pigment. The pancreas, essential in the production of hormones, is developing steadily.
Even this early, the first signs of teeth appear in the form of tooth buds beneath the gum line. Before you know it, your baby will be born, and soon after, her first teeth will come through.
You've probably gained between 12 and 15 pounds / 5.4 and 6.8 kilograms. Starting now, you'll begin to put on weight more steadily, averaging about half a pound / 225 grams per week. You may crave certain foods and you may notice an increased (but not bloody) vaginal discharge. Both are a normal part of being pregnant.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Weekend Catchup
I rang the midwife on Saturday morning to get an answer about the notes mix up. I have a team of 6 midwives and it wasn't one that I'd met before, but I was basically told that someone had obviously just stuck them in the wrong book and sometimes that happens. No apology, nothing. I was told I can wait until my next midwife appointment, which is in 3 weeks, or if I was worried I could go to the hospital to get MY actual results.
What with it being a Saturday I thought I would wait until my next midwifes appointment - I just told Jack that if anything happens to me between now and then and I need blood then make sure they know that thats not my blood type! I was also a bit concerned that they didn't ask me who's notes I had... what if she has my notes and being given the wrong treatment because of it? I've done my own research and discovered if a blood transfusion was needed, further blood samples would be taken to make sure the right type was found, but I was a bit shocked that they seemed so unfussed about it like maybe it was just a regular occurence?
We had a lovely weekend despite all that - Jack took me for a pre-valentines Pizza Express lunch, I took him for a pre-valentines Chinese dinner, and yesterday we went for a Turkish with the family... corr we're such pigs!
The baby was moving so much last night that it kept me awake! It was like a mad jumping bean! My mum got to feel it too last night, now we have to get Jack's Mum to have a feel too so she's not left out!
Mum has said she will pay for me to do Pregnancy Yoga, so I've had a look into that today, and Aqua Natal. I'm getting very impatient in regards to the NCT classes, so I've emailed the teacher too, to see if she has any idea when the classes might start. I don't want to bother getting a maternity swimming cozzie if the NCT classes are the same night as Aqua Natal!
Ooooh I rang the estate agents too this morning, and it seems our seller has seen a house she likes! Im waiting for confirmation on that, but maybe maybe things might start moving!
I decided to wear trainers today and it's been so embarassing! I had to get my Mum to do them up this morning, and have had to get colleagues to do them up twice when they've come undone! The bumps getting so big now that it is physically impossible to tie up my laces!
What with it being a Saturday I thought I would wait until my next midwifes appointment - I just told Jack that if anything happens to me between now and then and I need blood then make sure they know that thats not my blood type! I was also a bit concerned that they didn't ask me who's notes I had... what if she has my notes and being given the wrong treatment because of it? I've done my own research and discovered if a blood transfusion was needed, further blood samples would be taken to make sure the right type was found, but I was a bit shocked that they seemed so unfussed about it like maybe it was just a regular occurence?
We had a lovely weekend despite all that - Jack took me for a pre-valentines Pizza Express lunch, I took him for a pre-valentines Chinese dinner, and yesterday we went for a Turkish with the family... corr we're such pigs!
The baby was moving so much last night that it kept me awake! It was like a mad jumping bean! My mum got to feel it too last night, now we have to get Jack's Mum to have a feel too so she's not left out!
Mum has said she will pay for me to do Pregnancy Yoga, so I've had a look into that today, and Aqua Natal. I'm getting very impatient in regards to the NCT classes, so I've emailed the teacher too, to see if she has any idea when the classes might start. I don't want to bother getting a maternity swimming cozzie if the NCT classes are the same night as Aqua Natal!
Ooooh I rang the estate agents too this morning, and it seems our seller has seen a house she likes! Im waiting for confirmation on that, but maybe maybe things might start moving!
I decided to wear trainers today and it's been so embarassing! I had to get my Mum to do them up this morning, and have had to get colleagues to do them up twice when they've come undone! The bumps getting so big now that it is physically impossible to tie up my laces!
Friday, February 10, 2006
Mixed Up Notes
I woke up with a sore throat and earache this morning. I know I probably would have beek ok as the day wore on at work, but I just couldn't face getting dressed, and sitting in bed sounded like a much nicer option. I feel a lot better now thanks to the rest I've had.
The Nappy Wrapper arrived from Mothercare, and the cardigan and nappy hanger from Vertbaudet along with their new catalogue which has kept me busy for part of the day!
My Nan came round with a Freeview box she'd bought but couldn't get to work in her tele, to see if it worked in mine, and it does! So she's let me keep it - woo!
Jack and I got a curry for dinner to go with our quiet night in which is just what I fancied.
I spoke to my Mum on the phone. She was telling me that she'd been to give blood today, and we got onto the subject of blood types. I told her I was B Rhesus Positive, which she said she didn't think I was. It says so in my maternity notes, and she asked me to check because she thought I was something different. So I went and looked, and sure enough, it said B Rhesus Positive under my blood type. I was reading through all the rest of my results, when I noticed something about a blood transfusion, so I looked again, and noticed I have someone elses notes mixed in with mine! Two of the sheets have someones elses name, address, dob, patient number and results on them. I am so mad.
There is a summary sheet detailing all my results - now I don't know which of these results do actually relate to me. What if I needed a blood transfusion and they gave me the wrong blood type? What if my triple test results are different? What if the blood they sent off as mine wasn't actually mine? Who has my results? What if this has affected them in a bad way by being given the wrong blood etc? Will they give me the right baby once I've given birth?
I'm going to call the midwife first thing tomorrow to try and get this sorted. I think I'd rather have all my tests done again to be sure.
The Nappy Wrapper arrived from Mothercare, and the cardigan and nappy hanger from Vertbaudet along with their new catalogue which has kept me busy for part of the day!
My Nan came round with a Freeview box she'd bought but couldn't get to work in her tele, to see if it worked in mine, and it does! So she's let me keep it - woo!
Jack and I got a curry for dinner to go with our quiet night in which is just what I fancied.
I spoke to my Mum on the phone. She was telling me that she'd been to give blood today, and we got onto the subject of blood types. I told her I was B Rhesus Positive, which she said she didn't think I was. It says so in my maternity notes, and she asked me to check because she thought I was something different. So I went and looked, and sure enough, it said B Rhesus Positive under my blood type. I was reading through all the rest of my results, when I noticed something about a blood transfusion, so I looked again, and noticed I have someone elses notes mixed in with mine! Two of the sheets have someones elses name, address, dob, patient number and results on them. I am so mad.
There is a summary sheet detailing all my results - now I don't know which of these results do actually relate to me. What if I needed a blood transfusion and they gave me the wrong blood type? What if my triple test results are different? What if the blood they sent off as mine wasn't actually mine? Who has my results? What if this has affected them in a bad way by being given the wrong blood etc? Will they give me the right baby once I've given birth?
I'm going to call the midwife first thing tomorrow to try and get this sorted. I think I'd rather have all my tests done again to be sure.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Bye Bye Buster
This is my darling dog Buster, who passed away last weekend. Gone, but never forgotten...
22 Weeks Pregnant!
Woop Woop - 18 weeks to go! ARGHHHH!
We need to start getting stuff, planning stuff - we need our house! ARRRRGHHH!
I bought a travel cot yesterday, from http://www.tchibo.co.uk - it was only £29.90 which is a bargain, and as I don't think we'll be getting a moses basket, we can use it for naps and if we visit people and baby wants to sleep.
Not really much else to tell - just been on the hunt for all things house-y... phone, gas, electric, broadband etc finding out roughly how much it will all cost.
Anyway, let's see what Babycentre has to say for this week... "The fetus now weighs about three-quarters of a pound/ 340 grams and is approximately 7.5 inches/ 19 centimetres long from crown to rump. The eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed and the fingernails cover the fingertips.
There's a saying: 'Little pitchers have big ears'. Your baby can now hear your conversations. If you talk, read, or sing to your baby, expect her to hear you. Some studies have found that newborns will suck more vigorously when read to from a book they heard frequently in utero. If you want to try, pick a book now and read it out loud. Make sure you won't mind reading it over and over once the baby is here. It may be your baby's favourite bedtime story for a long time after birth.
You're probably feeling quite comfortable these days. This, in fact, may be the most enjoyable time in your pregnancy. You're not too big yet, and the usual aches and pains associated with pregnancy like nausea, frequent urination, and fatigue are for the most part gone. Relax and enjoy while you can. The third trimester is just around the corner and with it comes some mild discomfort from carrying a baby that is nearly full-term.
It's hard to be graceful when you're pregnant so don't be surprised if you find yourself getting more clumsy these days. You're carrying more weight, your centre of gravity has changed with your growing uterus, and your fingers, toes, and other joints are all loosening, thanks to the effect of pregnancy hormones. Try to watch where you're going, and if you haven't already done so, say goodbye to high heels. They make keeping your balance more difficult, and can cause backaches."
Bump pix to follow!
We need to start getting stuff, planning stuff - we need our house! ARRRRGHHH!
I bought a travel cot yesterday, from http://www.tchibo.co.uk - it was only £29.90 which is a bargain, and as I don't think we'll be getting a moses basket, we can use it for naps and if we visit people and baby wants to sleep.
Not really much else to tell - just been on the hunt for all things house-y... phone, gas, electric, broadband etc finding out roughly how much it will all cost.
Anyway, let's see what Babycentre has to say for this week... "The fetus now weighs about three-quarters of a pound/ 340 grams and is approximately 7.5 inches/ 19 centimetres long from crown to rump. The eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed and the fingernails cover the fingertips.
There's a saying: 'Little pitchers have big ears'. Your baby can now hear your conversations. If you talk, read, or sing to your baby, expect her to hear you. Some studies have found that newborns will suck more vigorously when read to from a book they heard frequently in utero. If you want to try, pick a book now and read it out loud. Make sure you won't mind reading it over and over once the baby is here. It may be your baby's favourite bedtime story for a long time after birth.
You're probably feeling quite comfortable these days. This, in fact, may be the most enjoyable time in your pregnancy. You're not too big yet, and the usual aches and pains associated with pregnancy like nausea, frequent urination, and fatigue are for the most part gone. Relax and enjoy while you can. The third trimester is just around the corner and with it comes some mild discomfort from carrying a baby that is nearly full-term.
It's hard to be graceful when you're pregnant so don't be surprised if you find yourself getting more clumsy these days. You're carrying more weight, your centre of gravity has changed with your growing uterus, and your fingers, toes, and other joints are all loosening, thanks to the effect of pregnancy hormones. Try to watch where you're going, and if you haven't already done so, say goodbye to high heels. They make keeping your balance more difficult, and can cause backaches."
Bump pix to follow!
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
"Doctor Doctor...
... my pyjamas have shrunk!"
I couldn't believe the size of me last night, I had to take a pic!
Baby decided last night that it felt like being it's old self again - it was bouncing away like a loony in there, and Jack felt it for about 5 minutes non stop - baby kept punching his hand, then it started kicking and Jack saw my belly move where baby had kicked!
We went and drove past "our house" last night to check the For Sale sign had been taken down, and it had, and was replaced with a Sold one - yay!
I woke up in the night with the most painful leg cramp EVERRRRR! I didn't know how to get rid of it, but in the end sitting up cross legged seemed to do the trick, but it's still playing up this morning - hope it's not going to be a regular occurance.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Catch Up
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!
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!
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!
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