Tilly

The day you came home

It was supposed to be spring. But the day that we took you home, could not have been more wintery. Everything was packed up, and even though we took a lot of the things you were given home in the previous days, there was still a lot of things to take home with us on the day. Including you of course.

Daddy had the baby capsule ready, sort of. But it was quite a squeeze to get you in. You didn't like it much.

It was overcast and raining, and could not have been a more yucky day to bring you home. Trying to get you into the car without getting you rained upon. Trying to work out how to get the capsule into the base in the backseat of the car. What a rigmarole! Then Daddy proceeded to drive the slowest I have ever seen him drive. What should have taken 10 minutes to get home took double the time! The rain, and the fact that he had you, at 4 days old in the back, just terrified him. He said he had a nightmare that he had an accident right outside the hospital the night before!

The Paediatrician told us that you weren't allowed to go "visiting" until you were 3kgs in weight; you left the hospital weighing less than 2.4kg. Which put us in a bit of a bind, as we had planned to go to the new house, then to Baby Bunting to buy you some more clothes etc. So we had to change the plans, and we decided to sneak you at least to the house, because we had to go and make some decisions.

So I put you in a sling (so you would be snug to my body and I could keep you warm and safe) and we stayed as short a time as possible before coming back home to settle in.

It was hard. The house that was our home, that we were now just renting, was not prepared for your arrival. No cot, no change table, nothing. Lucky for us, your Aunty Irene and Aunty Di came the day before and cleaned the house from top to bottom and they even brought food so we wouldn't have to worry about preparing dinner that first night we had you home. They did us such a favour.

But we can't wait until we get you 'home' home. To our new house that we bought because we knew you were coming into our lives. Can't wait to make your room ready, the one we saw and thought of you immediately. The house that will hopefully be full of happy childhood memories for you and for us.

Things have progressed

Ok, so late on Friday night (technically early Saturday morning) at approximately 2:45am, my water broke while I was falling asleep in bed.

Hubby was sound asleep when I nudged him and told him the news. He was dubious at first, in his sleepiness, but once I showed him the water stain, he was up and getting dressed.

A quick phone call to the hospital and they asked me to come in.

Six and a half hours later at 9:20am on Saturday August 28th, Tilly was born:

Weighing in at just 2.39 kg / 5.5 lbs, 44 cm long and almost 3 weeks premature.

My labour progressed quite quickly and I could only rely on gas to see me through. In the end, she required the vacuum to help deliver Tilly into the world.

Tick tick tick

I think I've been having a few more Braxton Hicks. No pain, no discomfort, just a very tight tummy/uterus for half a minute or so. Its only a few times a day.

Had a small bit of old bloody discharge. Only a miniscule amount, but enough to be noticeable. So I called the OB office just to let them know. I'm not concerned, but I think I'm supposed to report these things, so I did just out of due diligence. If there was a concern, then they would call me back to come in. So there was no phone call. I see him on Tuesday anyway.

The signs are just starting to show... hurry up house, so we can move in before I go into labour!!

10:38pm

Oooh. Slightly more discoloured discharge... Not a whole lot, but noticeable! Been doing some googling and I may have as much as 2 more weeks to a month. I hope so!

Hubby is a little gob smacked. I ummed and ahhed about telling him, because I knew what his reaction would be, but then he'd be upset if I hadn't had told him.

Weight

I weighed myself at the last OB visit and the number was 58kgs (about 11 more than my pre-pregnancy weight).

Here is a weight gain calculator that I found at www.babycenter.com.au

You:

Uterus: 1.1 kgs

Breasts: 0.5 kgs

Blood: 1.4 kgs

Water: 1.9 kgs

Fat: 3.8 kgs

Subtotal: 8.6 kgs

Your baby:

Fetus: 3.4 kgs

Placenta: 0.7 kgs

Amniotic Fluid: 0.9 kgs

Subtotal: 5.0 kgs

Total: 13.6 kgs

Of course, its just an estimate!

36 weeks

I've finally made the watermelon stage!

36 week check up today, my OB wasn't there as he was in delivery, but the midwife was there as always. BP is good, and baby's heartbeat is good. Still all going as expected.

Now we have weekly check ups. The next one will be after our ante-natal class and my breast feeding workshop, so we may or may not have any questions for him specifically.

Bags are packed!

Went and completed my hospital list for what to bring to hospital.

The baby bag has been ready for over a week, but I have been slow on my things: maternity bra/nursing top, decent pjs, slippers (only my granny wears slippers!), comfortable day clothes (trackie daks!) and a robe. Plus a tee shirt for labour.

So now I'm ready in the event of an early arrival. Oh, except for toothpaste, I want to buy one of those mini ones you get for travelling.

I guess there are other things to bring too, like a camera, my iPod etc for the moment of truth. Maybe I should have those on stand by too so its easy to grab at any moment.

Watched this amazing video the other night, and I made Hubby watch it too: Natural Unmedicated Birth (2nd baby)

Warning: its warts and all!

TENs

Went to a TENs information workshop today. Very interesting.

Certainly worth having as another weapon in my arsenal of pain relief and drug avoidance.

I will order my kit in a couple of weeks.

Sweet sleep

Wow, I actually slept through the night. Didn't even wake up for the loo. Woke up to lightness coming through the window and feeling rested.

I must have been physically and emotionally exhausted yesterday.

Feeling much better and motivated to get some things done.

Bah!

I need another relaxing massage.

I had a serious case of preggo rage today. Had so much to do and not enough time. And other people just got in my way. I mean, how slow can one drive?! Ggggrrrrrr.

By the time I got to my last destination I was oscillating between punching someone out and bursting into tears.

I didn't even have time to think about my Mum much today. It has been 4 years since her passing. The time sure has flown, and I'm sure she was shaking her head at me for being so irrational today. Ah well. I blame the hormones.

Love you Mum, miss you.

Ahhh...

I redeemed my massage voucher that Hubby gave me for my birthday.

It was really wonderfully relaxing. I almost fell asleep and did not want to get up from the futon. The whole experience was only spoilt by having to drive myself home again.

They recommend having a massage every 2 weeks prior to birth. Sounds good to me!

Pinching

Wow, the nerve pinching is getting a little more severe.

I was putting together some cupboards (gotta love Ikea) and was predominantly on the floor, moving slowly. But I would get the weirdest twinges eminating from my groin and down my thighs. Both sides at different times, on the floor as well as standing up. Kind of like when you hit your funny bone.

Man, this uterus sure is getting in the way of me getting things done!

Preparing

Baby bag is packed and ready. Now I have to finish packing mine. I have most of the bits and pieces the hospital has listed, just need to go out and get some "comfortable day clothes, an old t-shirt for labour, maternity bra/top, nighties and slippers".

Then I can rest easy knowing that all we have to do is grab the two bags.

Not that its going to happen any time soon, I still have 6 weeks to go! But somehow 6 weeks doesn't sound like that long away.

I have to buy a fit ball too, I love sitting on those things and apparently they're handy for labour.

Gee, I hope the new house will be ready in time. But I am prepared to have the baby in this old house. Just would prefer not to, but I'm being realistic. Bub can sleep in a bassinet until we can move in. The thing is, the baby room will probably be ready, and maybe even our room (we're getting a new bed) it all hinges on the bathrooms. If they're not ready, there's no point in moving in. Painting should be finished in no time, then the carpets can go in probably if most of the bathroom has been tackled. Hydronic takes 2 days and is booked for early September, so we're using that as a rough date to start moving in.

Speaking of which, better start packing and culling stuff...

Sore pelvis

Did a bit of walking and getting in and out of cars today.

A bit sore in the pelvis.

Hubby says "maybe you shouldn't walk around". Well, its difficult not to be walking around when I'm the one making dinner, I'm the one feeding the dogs etc etc.

What about doing the walking for me?

So helpful.

34 weeks

Check up at the OB went a.o.k as usual. BP good, strong baby's heartbeat etc.

See him again in 2 weeks. He says I have a neat little package!

I have noticed in the past 36 hours or so, I'm getting weird twinges around my inner thighs, eminating from my groin. Definitely like nerves being pinched. I think the head is nestling in there and causing all sorts of pressure here and there. Not a nice sensation. I fear the time of leg cramps are coming up, people have warned me!

Sight unseen

I've lost sight of my, uh, intimate parts.

They have set beyond my belly. Or rather, my belly has eclipsed them perhaps.

Bruised

... on the inside!

Cheezel has been booting me in the ribs of late. Forcing me to sit up straight at least.

But Cheezel's head is also giving me weird sensations down low, somewhere above my bladder. It feels like headbutting is also part of the internal gymnastics; and sometimes my pelvis cops a boot or punch. The right side of my uterus has taken the brunt of the baby's physical force ever since I could feel movement; it has always been on the right. Bodes well for childbirth anyway, I think the position is one of the more ideal ones for natural child birth. Fingers crossed.

Meanwhile the pelvic instability has continued to give me a bit of grief. I have to take it easy tomorrow, did a bit too much walking today. Dammit.

Life and death.

My grandma-in-law passed away this week. She was 93 years old.

We went to her funeral today, and it was really lovely actually. She was buried with her husband who died in 1969(?). Hubby never met him. I got to meet many of hubby's relatives.

But she has missed out on her first great grandchild by 7 weeks. When my dad-in-law said that during his tribute it made me really sad. This little baby means so much to so many people and its not even born yet. That is wonderful. So loved already.

Yuck

I have had 2 days (not consecutively) of yucky tummy aches. Ones that wake you up and make you pant with pain. No, not Braxton Hicks. Something I ate. And the pain of whatever evil thing I ate takes a few hours to pass through the point of discomfort. Not a nice feeling. Gives me practice for pain control that's for sure. Breathe, breathe.

Just wears me out.

33 weeks

Wow, I can't believe its only 7 weeks to go-ish. I have ticked off the things on the list for the hospital stay for bub and I. Just in case. Have ordered the baby bag that should arrive this week, and I think we'd better go get the pram with bassinet next week. Just in case.

So Cheezel is the size of a pineapple. I think they should have used a better analogy; a pineapple seems too prickly to give birth to really!

I'm feeling optimistic for the reno's to be done in time for us to move in before the birth. Got to keep positive!

The sign of things to come

So this is the first of many, many scenes to come in the future I am sure.

Luckily we opted for the large heated towel rail for the laundry which will be the indoor clothes line, as most of these baby things are "do not tumble dry". What is with that? How bloody impractical! lol

Then again, they grow out of their clothes so quickly that it probably wouldn't matter if they got ruined eventually after a few goes in the dryer; new clothes in the next size will then be called for.

Baby shower

My best friends organised a baby shower for me, and I had a very fun afternoon with lots of games and gifts. Pooie nappy guessing game was a fave!

And Cheezel was given lots of practical and beautiful gifts, spoilt before being born!

Hiccups

Cheezel has them.

The OB said that inutero baby hiccups are pulse like, which is good to know. As long as its not a tick I'm happy!

Maybe its the Ribena I'm drinking...

Growing

I had to buy the next size up for my tubigrip. I was just getting so tight, and by the end of the day, it felt like I was being strangled from below. It wasn't worth the discomfort even though I'm sure it was helping with my pelvis.

I did do a bit of walking today, but I walked really slowly, and I have been icing. So its not as bad as yesterday.

On the subject of Braxton Hicks: I think I've had them. But its more the tightening of the uterus that I notice rather than the cramping per se. Which apparently is completely normal and I should be thankful. Then again, I am only 33 weeks-ish so there is quite a few weeks to go before I could be having full blown Braxton Hicks.

Cheezel has been getting me in the ribs often these days. Makes me sit up straight anyway.

Architect thinks we have no problems with our house moving deadline. He says we will have a more definitive answer to that burning question by mid August, so we can give rental notice either way then.

I guess I really should start packing...

32.5 weeks

Despite my good night's sleep, I still look tired! My cough and cold are slowly running their course, at last. Now Hubby is feeling ill. :(

11:43pm

Having a hard time with the pelvic instability tonight. I think I spent too much time sitting today and it has really made me quite sore. I am icing when I can. I have so much to do, but I really should spend tomorrow doing nothing. Maybe I will take it easy for a few hours in the morning and see how I am before venturing out in the afternoon to run some errands.

Very frustrating not being as able bodied as before! And we're not even moving yet! Sheesh.

Footnote on the new house

So we finally got the keys to the house late on Monday.

We had a meeting with the hydronic people on the Tuesday and we have nutted out what goes where.

Wednesday the Builder started to demolish the bathroom. We were to have a debrief late in the day after he had gutted the room.

Well, it seems they built them solid back in the day (80s maybe?). The Builder had quite a time with the wire they had used to reinforce the plaster walls, so it could hold up the layer of cement that the tiles were laid on. Not to mention the cement sheet on the floor for the tiles. And the bathtub weighs a ton!

The Architect is going in tomorrow for a few hours to give the Builder a hand. This potential drawback will cost us time. A move in before Cheezel is born is looking shaky, but we are being cautiously optimistic.

Good news is that painting will take 3 days, carpets should be 1 day, and the hydronic takes 2 days.

Its just the bathroom/s that will hold us up.

7 and a half weeks til B-day...

The Good and the Ugh

32 weeks OB check up, alls well as usual.

We had a little sneak peek at baby today; head is down, back is on the left and the hands and feet are on the right. Ideal! Now stay there for the next 8 weeks or so.

On the ugh side: my cough has turned into a nasally cold. Yuck. Not sure which I prefer, but I knew it was going to progress to this stage. As long as I'm over it in a few days and before the baby shower.

I always thought honeydews were the same size to canteloupes, but apparently baby is the size of a honeydew, even though it has already been compared to a canteloupe earlier on. Oh well.

Just another 8 weeks or so

So it has taken almost 32 weeks for me to become uncomfortable.

3 times last night to get up to the toilet, all of which were painful to get up off the bed.

My hands have started to swell a bit, particularly the right. Feet so far are ok.

I even had my first bout of heartburn.

I have a cough at the moment, and all I am taking is lemon and honey, buttermenthol drops and gargling. I rarely get coughs, so I want this one to run its course quickly.

So tired.

Being pregnant

Someone asked me if I was looking forward to having my pre-baby body back.

And actually, I'm not really minding too much how I am now (of course, ask me when I'm 8.5 months pregnant!). But I am really enjoying being pregnant. I can understand how many mum's feel now who say that they liked being pregnant. I can so empathise. I know I will miss that feeling of someone kicking me from the inside!

A friend just had their 12 week scan and all was well, so now its all official, and its been interesting talking to her and how similar the feelings she's had leading up to this moment in time for her and her husband. The initial shock, the trepidation with scans, the paranoid eating habits (or lack of eating) and all the usual pregnancy symptoms.

I'm glad that we will be having kids 6 months apart, and that I can give her some advice when she asks for it, as its all still so fresh in my mind. It will be good to have someone to ring up and chat to when you need that support too.

Stretching

I've been naughty today and not worn my tubigrip for the whole day.

I just wanted to let my belly breathe and stretch without feeling constricted. Such a relief not to wear it, but I know it helps to support me (I also spent the day in my pjs ~ it has been rainy all day and I have not left the house!).

Tomorrow we have pilates, so it will be back on with the tubigrip, promise.

I should also not blow my nose after a hot shower; too conducive to nosebleeds! Such a pain.

Balancing

I had a toasted sandwich with avocado, cream cheese and cherry tomatoes to offset the vanilla slice.

:)

Guilty pleasures

So it was my birthday yesterday, and I was bestowed many sweet gifts. All edible.

I just had a vanilla slice for afternoon tea (after my healthy cereal breakfast of course!). I have 3 more vanilla slices plus a macaroon cake to go!

Must pace myself...

31 weeks

I have just entered the single digit countdown (weeks that is, not days!).

Eeek!

Belly belly

Ah the uncomfortableness has started to kick in.

Sometimes my uterus feels really hard, and when I'm lying on my side in bed, its quite uncomfortable. I am sleeping with a U shaped pillow between my legs, and supporting my belly. Its hard to roll over with my pelvic pain and a huge pillow in the bed. Poor hubby, I am taking up a bit more room.

I am walking like a little old lady (still no waddle though). A bit of a pain when you are loaded with grocery bags and its raining: you just can't hurry!

Baby is the size of a head of lettuce apparently. Feel more like a watermelon to me!

I am not delusional

I have been avidly watching maternity programs on Discovery Health, and one of my favourites is Deliver Me. Another one I watch often is A Baby Story which shows a variety of deliveries from C-sections to water births. Very informative and shows the spectrum of experiences (good and bad) and options available. Of course these two shows are US based and is quite different to Australian practices but still, I'm sure an epidural is still administered the same way. Leave me out of that if possible!!

BUT. But I am not discounting the possibility of needing (or wanting) to have one. I watched one particular episode of Deliver Me where the mum-to-be was adamant about no drugs and no intervention. Well, they sure didn't hold back on the screams she was emitting from the pain she was experiencing! She had been labouring at home for 17 hours before she came to the hospital. And then after 24 she had still not progressed and she conceded that she needed an epidural. And when they told her it would take an hour for it to be administered she screamed Noooo!!!! 36 hours later she gave birth to a large baby vaginally. She also haemorrhaged quite severely and nearly had to have an emergency hysterectomy. Quite scary and a reality check. Had she stayed at home to birth, she may not have survived.

I mean, I want to do it all naturally. But I have not a clue as to how much it will hurt. This woman said "it was like a lightening bolt shooting through your body and it's just wrong!". Now how can I imagine that?! I don't know what her pain threshold is so I can't knock that she tried to go without but conceded. I am open to whatever is available to me, and I will never say never, until I am in that situation. Only then will I be able to say whether I can go without. I won't be afraid to get off my high horse!

30 week OB check up

All good. BP and baby's heartbeat good. My glucose screen was fine, so no diabetes, iron and calcium levels excellent.

He wasn't too concerned about the pelvic instability or the diastisis ~ just the usual pregnancy war wounds.

Baby's head is down, which is excellent. Which is what I suspected with the pressure I get in the bladder at times, and I'm sure Cheezel is currently in the optimal position as I feel the kicks mainly on the right side. So hopefully that is the position by the time delivery comes round in 10 weeks time.

Next appointment in a fortnight.

Yawn

My first restless night of sleep. Feel tired this morning but couldn't sleep in.

I think I had my first Braxton Hicks last night too, at least the most obvious feeling ones that I've really noticed. But I'm not entirely sure.

It felt like I had a tummy ache, low down, and my uterus felt quite hard. It wasn't all over my uterus, just down low. And they lasted about 10-15 seconds, then subsided, then came back a couple of minutes later; this happened about 4 times.

That along with the SPD and trying to find a comfortable position in bed. Oy. Plus my belly is getting that little bit bigger where I am needing some support now I think. At the moment I'm just using my rolled up pj pants as a prop, might need something more. I have also introduced a sausage pillow to put between my legs. Apparently it makes it easier to roll over and alleviate the SPD pain, but frankly, it feels just as uncomfortable with a pillow.

And I woke with my left leg feeling like its about to have pins and needles. So I roll over but that strange sensation remained. Quite a bizarre feeling, and wriggling my toes and massaging the leg didn't help, so I had to just get up. Its probably the uterus pressing on some nerve internally.

*yawn*

Dad's

Craig did his Dad's Only workshop. I think he found it interesting. He asked lots of questions, which I'm glad he did. Now we have a month until our big workshop day.

Reminds me, I must book my TENs lecture...

Physio

Saw the physiotherapist this morning.

I have a tubigrip (elastic band thing that goes around my bump to help with stability).

Apparently I also have about a 3cm gap between my stomach muscles or 'diastisis' (separation of the rectus abdominis muscles), which again adds to my instability, along with the pubic symphysis dysfunction. And my butt muscles and my inner thigh muscles are tight and sore from trying to keep my pelvis together.

So I have to wear the tubigrip, I have to ice for 10-15 minutes, I have to stop doing thigh squeezing pilates exercises, and I have to roll to get up out of bed etc.

She gave me some massage that absolutely killed, but I feel better for it.

When I got up (earlier than usual) this morning, baby hadn't moved for an hour and a half, which was unusual, as the morning Cheezel is usually quite active. But by the time I got to my appointment, there was movement. So I was relieved. Cheezel just had a sleep in I guess!

SPD

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction.

I'm 99.9% sure that's what it is.

Okay, so walking a distance is a bit of a pain. Walking around the house is no problem. I was like a little old lady going to the market today. Sheesh.

Anyway, I booked a physio on Monday morning, so hopefully they can prescribe me a hip brace or something. Maybe some more strengthening exercises.

I iced it a bit and that sort of helped fractionally. I still have to be careful and keep my legs together! Ha! Just gotta keep taking it easy and get it back to how it was before the pilates class; I'd be happy with that, and I promise to be super good from then on. Honest. No pushing my luck.

:(

Still a bit sore this morning.

Mind you it was already niggle-ing a bit before I aggravated it. "It" being the gap between my pelvis bones at the front (pubis symphysis joint).

Its just difficult to get up off the couch, roll over in bed, getting out of bed etc.

Walking, standing is fine.

I'm really disappointed in myself for doing this.

Stoopid!

Silly stupid

I over did it at pilates today. Our usual instructor was away and the stand in gave me an exercise that I shouldn't really have persevered with. I did make it easier on myself by reducing the tension, but I just shouldn't have tried to do it.

Silly me. And I'm sure if I had told the instructor, they wouldn't have minded. In fact, I'm sure they would be disappointed that I had done the exercise without complaining.

My own fault, no one to blame.

I just strained those ligaments holding my pelvis together, the ones that hurt when I power walk. I have been best friends with my warmed up wheat bag tonight. I shall be taking it very easy for the next few days.

Push and shove

Ah the kicking and spinning and bulging out. I'm starting to have a little more discomfort when the baby moves, especially when rubbing against bone and other organs. The weeing is relentless!

Strange happenings in the night

Weird.
Last night, I had to get up and go to the loo. I got up, as I have for the past week or so, and made my way down the corridor. All of a sudden, I had the uncontrollable shakes. I felt warm yet cold at the same time. It was quite a task to do what I had to do whilst shivering hard!

I ran back into bed and needed Hubby to cuddle me back to warmth. I lost my breath and everything and my heart was pounding. Such a strange feeling. Time to invest in a bathrobe I think (I need one for the hospital anyway). I think it was particularly cold last night, and I was still warm from being in bed, so my body had a shock coping with the change in temperature.

And I had my first night cramp. My right calf just seized. Lucky my pilates instructor gave me some tips to relieve it.

So it begins, the nightmare 3rd trimester issues.

29 weeks

Cheezel is the size of a butternut squash. Something we have been eating a lot of ~ yum! I have a box of Cheezels waiting for me in the pantry to munch on in a weakened moment...

I've had a few nose bleeds, which I read is normal as I have more blood volume or something. But it only really happens on the odd occasion that I blow my nose. Luckily they're not gushers.

The movements are becoming stronger and a little more uncomfortable. I'm dying to know exactly what position the baby is in. I can't really tell. Well, I have a vague idea; I think its transverse, with feet on the right side of me. But its been in that position since I could feel the first kicks. Surely Cheezel wouldn't stay in the one position for so long? I need to know so I can help it get into the optimal delivery position (head down, facing my tail bone, feet up preferably). I think the OB said he could tell at around 32 weeks, which is not that far away now.

Some advise counting kicks (which my OB hasn't asked me to do, just asks if there has been any; I think they don't want to freak expectant mothers out about not feeling enough kicking). Well Cheezel is kicking way over the minimum they suggest (at least 10 kicks an hour) so I'm not worried. Now that they are stronger, I feel them more often, whilst I'm out and about, and not just during quiet times.

Hubby has his Dad's Workshop next week. Then we have our Day Antenatal Workshop, and my Breast Feeding Workshop. I might see if I can sneak into the Early Pregnancy Workshop to speak to the physio about my rubbing pelvic bones. Or maybe there really isn't much I can do about it at this stage, except keep doing my strengthening exercises. Well at least it bodes well for a natural delivery. My body is co-operating, just need the baby to do the same and get into the right posi too!

Movements

The moving and kicking is getting stronger, some times a little uncomfortable too. Goodness! I have 3 months of this getting stronger and even more uncomfortable!!

I'm watching a lot of maternity type shows: Deliver Me, Bringing Home Baby, A Baby Story... can never have too much information I say.

Meh

Had a small meltdown today.

I feel like things are closing in on me, a little overwhelmed: baby, house, dogs...

I just want to be on a lovely tropical beach, drinking lovely mocktails with nothing to worry about, and the warm sun shining down through the dappled palm fronds above.

Surely not too much to ask.

I miss my Mum too. Wish she was still here.

28 weeks 2 days

Those kicks are getting stronger and stronger. Luckily, Cheezel is still transverse so I haven't had many kicks in the ribs or pelvis. Still, the side kicks aren't exactly ticklish!

So bub is the size of a cabbage head. Hmm.

Waddling

I'm not there yet, but I think I can better understand why pregnant women do it.

I don't think it's because of the weight and bulk of the baby and uterus, its the discomfort of the rubbing pelvic bones! I found this on the Spinning Babies website:

"Another type of pubic bone pain is from the natural separation of the pubis symphysis joint by the hormones of pregnancy. Some women will get particularly loose. Then the bone rubs together when she rolls over at night or walks".

I know what that feels like! No more power walking for me, just normal walking is a bit ouchie and rolling over in bed too. And I'm only 6 months! More joys to come I'm sure.

Kapow

Wow, Cheezel's kicks are getting stronger. Not sure what is more uncomfortable - the strong kicks or the stretching the baby does.

Glucose screen

Had my glucose screening test today.

That stuff tasted like lemonade, for the first half, then it was just too sweet.

BP was fine, baby's heartbeat was fine too.

Funny the side effects of that glucose drink, getting the yawns near the end of the hour.

I'm sure it'll all be ok, everything else has been text book.

I will hear from my OB if there is any concern.

Next appointment July 13.

3rd Trimester - 27 weeks

Eeek!

Only 12 weeks-ish left! The time sure has flown.

So according to literature, this should be the trimester of not so much fun. So far so good, but we shall see.

Baby is the size of a head of cauliflower. Sure feels like it!

Tummy troubles

I had my first real tummy ache since I found out I was pregnant. Not bad for almost 6 months!

But it was weird, because the painful part of my digestive system is now pushed a bit further up towards my rib cage. And where I used to be able to clutch at my guts when I had a spasm, I couldn't as my uterus was in the way and my ribs were also in the way. What a pain! Plus my system has slowed to injest all the nutrients, meant that the painful bits were prolonged as well.

Anyway, it wasn't fun. I lost a couple of hours sleep and spent it on the can instead.

On the positive side, I'm working my way through the loo book, which is Bart Cummings' autobiography.

Stitch

Every time I try to power walk, I get a stitch. Very annoying.

And when I bend down a little and lift my leg (like in the shower so I can soap my legs) it also hurts a little below the belly, next to my pelvis.

Those stretched muscles are having a time coping with "normal" non pregnant activities.

Had dinner with friends who are recent new parents, along with a couple who are expecting next month, and they joked that they had the same long, Ikea shoe horn; the one you can use while still standing up. They said it should be passed on to the next expectant mother like a baton.

So far, I can still bend over and put my shoes on. Besides, I have visions of my dear Hubby putting my shoes on for me! Ha!

Sport and veg

My uterus has grown from a soccer ball into a basketball, and Cheezel is the length of a cucumber!

26 weeks

Last night I had Hubby place his hand under my side (with me lying on his hand on my side) so he could feel the baby kick a little stronger.

He was visibly (and audibly) shocked by the sensation of little feet (I assume) kicking vigorously at his hand. And he could feel the baby turning slowly too.

Just my everyday experience these days. Its still amazes him that there is someone alive in there.

My Aunty (Mum's sister) is here from OS so I was happy to have her have a feel of her grand nephew or niece's little kicks, seeing as Mum isn't here to share this with me.

Weird food combos

Heidi Murkoff's 'What to Expect When You're Expecting' suggested a snack option:

apple with peanut butter.

I was skeptical.

But I have an open mind and will try almost anything at least once.

And you know... it wasn't that bad as a combination.

That's where all those weird cravings come from: they're suggested by other people!

Line up

My faint linea negra under my belly button has progressed past my belly button.

Very interesting (and perfectly normal).

Sleep, sleep, sleep

Well last night was the first night that I had to get up twice to go to the bathroom. Mainly because Cheezel was stretching and spinning around and putting pressure down there.

I'm sure there will be more of this to come as he/she gets more and more cramped in there.

My belly at 25 weeks, just felt it looked particularly large that I had to take a quick pic.

Again?!

I have a cold. Yuck.

The sneezing, the watery eyes, the running nose, the congestion.

Not fun at all!

Went to a dinner party last night, caught up with friends whom we haven't seen since our announcement.

It was amazing the stories and advice. The main advice being "do what is right for you and don't worry about all the opinions"!

Then they all tried to convince us not to find out the sex of the bub before the birth.

Well, we will take their advice and "do what's right for us!"

LOL

Paradoxes

I've never had the duel sensation of feeling full in the belly yet hungry all at the same time.

Very strange indeed.

Meanwhile, I can spend hours just laying on the couch feeling and watching my belly wriggle and bounce of its own accord.

Check up

24 week check up with the OB today. Alls well, nothing unusual to report. Next appointment in a fortnight for my glucose screening.

Did you know that around 65,000 babies are born in Victoria a year? That's like 175+ a day! No wonder the traffic is getting worse!

And I finished the mobile for the nursery. Haven't decided if it will be the one that goes over the cot or the change table. I think it turned out ok.

Bulging!

24 weeks

So bub is the length of an ear of corn. Hmmm

And my uterus is the size of a soccer ball!! Yikes!

And my belly button is slowly making its way outwards.

Nursery mobile

So to occupy my time not being able to nest immediately, I have decided to make a mobile for the nursery.

I have 2 ideas, both I found inspiration from on the internet.

Idea #1 Pinwheel mobile (inspiration and left image c/o Mamax2 on Etsy).

Not sure if my pinwheels are that good. I'm making them from fabric and felt and not paper. Still have to think about this idea.

Idea #2 Fabric origami cranes (inspiration and left image c/o Makikoko on Etsy)

I like this idea better, although more time consuming. Again I'm using fabric and not paper.

I had fun rummaging through the fat 1/4s at the patchwork store looking for the right, bright colours at least!

A cold

Yuck.

Runny nose, sneezing.

Went to the pharmacist and all they could offer me was a saline nasal spray with eucalyptus. I thought it was worth a shot at seeing what my options were.

And actually, the nasal spray did wonders. I might just use that from now on instead of resorting to cold and flu tablets (they just make me high sometimes!).

Oompa Loompa

I'm still getting used to this growing body of mine. The belly I don't mind, the other bits I'm not too fond of.

Ah.

I'll get used to it! Just saying.

Better ease off on the vanilla slices. Mmm... vanilla slice...

First buy

I went to Baby Bunting to prep myself for the shopping list ahead.

Wow is that place huge.

Everything you could possibly need is all there. So it was a good opportunity to have a good look around and make little mental notes. It was daunting to think how much we have to get.

I'm not just talking the big ticket items, which really isn't all that much. Its the things like bottles, nappies, wraps, onesies, manchester, thermometers, etc.

Not having access to the room to decorate and not knowing the sex of the baby hinders the planning somewhat. Although there are plenty of non sex specific decorations available. Lots of neutrals.

Well I didn't go away empty handed. My first official purchase! I'm sure my chiropractor will tsk tsk me, but the Peanut Shell sling was on sale, so I just had to buy it. I saw it in a baby mag and thought it would be something I would like to use, despite the apparition of my chiropractor on my shoulder saying "that's not good for your back!". I chose a neutral colour so Hubby won't feel self conscious using it too.

It has whetted my appetite to buy more, but I have to pull on the reins a bit as I really don't want to accumulate too much that will just have to be moved to the new house.

Which reminds me, I should start doing some packing really, while I am more agile.

Classes

Antenatal full day workshop: booked.

Breastfeeding workshop: booked.

Just for Dad's workshop: booked.

All systems go.

23 weeks

I'm still eating more than usual. And Cheezel is kicking and stretching a lot, but still in the same transverse position, head on the left and kicking apparatus on the right side.

Last night I was lying on my right side in bed, and I could feel the feet pressing against my hand. It was quite amazing, like he/she was standing on my palm.

Never ceases to amaze me.

Bump into a small hill

Hubby is shocked at the amount of food I am consuming! I'm not going crazy or anything, its just that he is so used to me eating like a bird before, now I'm helping him finish his meals! Ha!

And I am slowly losing sight of my lower regions as bub and bump are growing! That's why I'm eating so much, I have to keep up with the growth!

22 weeks

Just weighed myself on the Wii...

I am now just a titch over 50kg (I used to be 47kg) so a slow and steady weight gain.

Can't believe how much I'm eating!

Just had for breakfast:

French toast with 2 rashes of bacon, a whole banana with maple syrup.

Ate it easily, with a cuppa.

Before I would have struggled!

Feed me ~ says Cheezel!

Hubby is home

and he has felt his first kick from Cheezel.

Nice to have him home!

21 weeks

This is a spaghetti squash, or a winter squash. I have never heard of this vegetable before in my life, but apparently it is the size of Cheezel now. That's around 20.23cm.

My squash has feet and arms and thumping the inside of my belly!

I've been trying to work out what that sensation feels like. If you have ever cupped both hands to hold and cover a mouse, and the feeling you get when they wriggle around your palms trying to find a way out, is the closest I could come to an analogy. Or if you have ever caught a goldfish and done the same, cupped it in your hands and the wriggling against your palms is a similar feeling.

Anyway, its really like nothing else except the feeling of a baby in your belly at the end of the day!

Belly growth

Wow. It seems my belly has blossomed in the last week! I really look pregnant now!

Hubby will be shocked when he gets back in 2 days time.

Mum's Day

I received lovely flowers from grandparents to be this morning.

So nice.

This year I'm really missing my mum, for obvious reasons: be it hormones, becoming a mother myself, or both! Wish she was here.

Happy Mother's Day.

xx

Walk cut short

Today was surprisingly sunny and still. Perfect for a nice, long walk along the bayside with my pooch. So I get ready to go, put my walking shoes on, and harness the doggy.

100 metres down the street and I have a stitch on my left side.

Great.

So I slow down, find a park bench and stretched it out a bit.

Nup.

Ok, so maybe if I just keep walking it'll pass.

So we walk along the canal (our usual walking route) on the way to the beach.

Nup.

It wouldn't go away. I had to press on the left side to mask the ache as I walked.

I find another park bench and thought I would just take 5 minutes to let it pass and sit down.

Nup.

Ok, abort mission. Head back to base. *sigh*

Such a lovely day wasted.

So I get home and plonk on the couch. I have a rub of my tummy and I feel this lump low down above the pubic bone. What on earth is that? I push on it a bit and it goes away.

Surely its not the baby's head? Cos the feet are on the right side.

I read somewhere that if you push against a lump, and you feel a lot of movement, then its the bottom or legs. And if the lump moves but you hardly feel anything, then its the head.

So according to those observations, it was the head. Surely that can't be comfortable!

Anyway, after 10 minutes on the couch not doing much, the stitch totally went away and I was right as rain again.

I guess baby didn't feel like much of a walk. Oh well. My poor dog will have to get used to being 2nd priority, sooner than expected!

Burp

I feel like I'm always eating! Lucky I don't look like it yet!

Bigger

Went and bought D sized bras today. I thought I'd never see the day! From small Bs to Ds! Woohoo! Hubby is excited. LOL

Ahhh...

Just sitting here, on my warm couch, watching tv, with my hands on my belly.

OB check up

Well, nothing to report. Blood pressure is good, baby's heartbeat is good, uterus is growing to schedule, and the scan was good. Next milestone is the glucose test in one and a half months.

20 week scan

Everything is going as it should be. Cheezel is on track at 20 weeks.

10 fingers and 10 toes, 2 brain hemispheres, 2 kidneys, 4 heart chambers, etc. All good.

Cheezel was a bit camera shy and kept its face hidden with its hands, but we managed to get one little picture.

We did not find out the sex, but we have that information in a sealed envelope. So when Hubby gets home, we may or may not open it and find out. Teehee. Nice to have that option tucked away anyway. I had him on speaker phone so he could hear everything that was going on, and we have the DVD so he can watch it when he gets home.

The main thing is, all is going well. Textbook as they say.

20 weeks

Technically half way now. Time has flown. Feels like my belly is getting bigger by the day!

So Cheezel is the length of a large banana. Having the 20 week scan later today; stand by for new pics of little bub inside, and a more accurate length estimate than 'a large banana'.

And Cheezel is now technically a person, according to Australian standards.

"Hello little boy or little girl!"

Well I'm glad to say...

That there will be a house (that we own in conjunction with the bank) for Cheezel to come home to after the hospital. We finally bought a house and we will make it our home for the next 20+ years.

Nesting will now be better planned and will start in earnest from July.

to know or not to know part II

Went to my god daughter's 15th birthday tonight, and most people there were actually pro finding out. Interesting, so its balances all the nay sayers from previous discussions.

Doesn't really make up our minds really. It will have to be a gun to your head moment on Monday at the scan I think!

Sleep

Well I haven't felt the need for afternoon nanna naps, but my night sleeps are becoming longer. Seems like 8 or so hours just isn't enough. I turn my alarm off, aiming to lie in for another 15 minutes or so, but before I know it, its been another hour an a half! I am waking in the middle of the night for a trip to the loo, and not falling asleep easily afterwards, perhaps that's the problem.

In the mean time, I am enjoying the belly movements. It's still an amazing feeling ~ one that I never thought I would ever comprehend; the feeling of something alive, something we made, inside me. Totally amazing. Wish Hubby was here to experience it too, but he will be very soon. But I can see how it can keep you up at night especially down the track when baby is much bigger. At the moment its keeping me up cos I want to feel it!

Sex

To find out or not to find out, that is the debate.

Most people we have asked have lent towards not finding out.

"There aren't many suprises in life."

"What does it matter finding out?"

"It's exciting to find out on the day."

All true.

No, it doesn't matter what sex the baby is, I'm/we're just bloody curious! Would make shopping easier!

Anyway, doing some keyboard surfing I have found that sometimes, at 20 weeks, the baby isn't very co-operative, or shy, to let on what sex it is, with its legs tucked up firmly around them.

We have a few more days to discuss anyhow, but I think we're leaning towards not finding out.

*sigh*

But we're going to do the 3D/4D thing if the baby, again, is co-operative and not ultrasound shy. I'm sure it will look just like a baby, but its our baby. Again, I'm just so curious.

19 weeks

Its like the green flag has been waved. The somersaulting and kicking has, er, kicked in! Its quite the novelty at the moment, but Hubby has missed out on the action (he left last night on business) and my attempts to let him feel the kicking yesterday were futile. Ah well, I'm sure Cheezel will be well and truely active by the time he gets back.

So, a small cantaloupe is what I have now. Apparently my uterus will be growing a centimetre a week now, so I'd better go have some breakfast! And keep eating more!

Movement

Ok, so after a few days of pondering, I think its the baby kicking that I'm feeling. Particularly on the lower right side, well I've only ever felt it on that side, so I am presuming the head is on the left side. I don't think gut movements should bounce against your palm, at least it hasn't in the past 37 years, so it must be what I think it is. Plus it isn't accompanied by gurgling.

Now to try and let Hubby have a feel before he jets off for a couple of weeks tomorrow.

Good moves, better eating

My pilates instructor has her thinking cap on for allaying my ligament stretching issues. We did do a few exercises last session, and she gave me a couple ones for at home. So now I am more prepared for the challenges ahead! She will seek out more exercises for next session.

Today we had a naughty brunch at the Pancake Parlour (yes, lovely it was!). But to make up for it, we took the dog for a brisk walk in the evening with ominous clouds overhead. Drizzle dampened the outing and we headed home only after 20 minutes; still, better than nothing for the little pooch.

For dinner we had roast veggies and I experimented with a huge portobello mushroom roasted with bacon and onion and a bit of cheese. Hubby turned his nose up at it (not a huge mushy fan) but after a taste, he approved. I had that with a fresh salad with home made dressing using fresh lemon.

So I think that cancels out the naughty pancakes with ice-cream and maple syrup!

18 weeks

Weird? Perhaps.

I've started to read Alice in Wonderland to Cheezel. I've read that the fetus can hear your voice (albeit muffled) but its a nice way to bond I think. It helps me fall asleep too.

Spoke to the midwife at my OB and she said I could come in so we can check the baby's heartbeat to make sure everything is ok.

So we did just that (might as well get my money's worth, its costing enough!).

The heartbeat was strong and regular, and we could hear the kicking too, it was like a thumping sound. Still can't feel anything though.

Well my muscle tone is good so its not abdominal weakness. She said to use a not too hot wheatie and take panadeine if the pain is too much to bare. But I think I will just toughen up a bit.

The main thing is that its all normal, and the baby is not stressed. And I'm not stressed either, albeit in a bit of discomfort.

Good god

The ligament pain is just excruciating.

Feels like someone is sticking a fork in my left groin and twisting it!

To go to the doc or not? Not sure what relief I can get from this.

Feeling pregnant today

All that ligament stretching etc.

So apparently the fetus is the size of a large mango.

Mmm... mango...

Pity mango season has ended.

Rub a dub dub

I think Cheezel received a lot of static love today from all the belly rubbing. Teehee. Wait til he/she arrives in person!

Bumpity bump

Doing pilates today and I could feel the melon in my belly. Not uncomfortable, but just, weird. And hugging Hubby there is a little lump in the way, where it used to be soft and squishy. Its not even that big and its already getting in the way!

I was wondering why my chiropractor offered me the special pregnant ladies bench when I was last there. I was like "why would I need it already?". But now it becomes clear how quickly the melon that is my uterus starts to run out of room for it to "go" anyway when you lie on top of it. Its not fist sized and squishy any more, it has something in it, and it is quite solid!

Such a weird feeling this whole baby carrying thing, and to think I thought I'd never experience it.

Bump2

Even though my bump is only little, now when I roll over on my tummy, I can feel something there. Not too uncomfortable, but enough to remind me that Cheezel the fetus is there in my melon sized uterus.

17 weeks

I'm working my way through the fresh fruit and veg department here. Sweet potato fetus.

The time has come to invest in some larger sized clothing. My boobs are getting huge and my belly is well and truly developing. Things are just that much more tighter and getting uncomfortable. *sigh*

Bump

We went to a wedding yesterday. I wore a jersey (read: stretchy) dress that made it easy to expand in the mid region after the main meal!

My bump is getting a little obvious now, and most people there knew I'm pregnant.

But it was the first time that someone (who wasn't family or a close friend) stroked my belly.

OMG it was weird!

You just don't expect it, as in any other circumstance, a male friend of your husbands would not put their hands on you!

It took me a little by surprise, yet not a total shock at the same time. Mind you, I think he had already partaken in quite a few brews so was feeling rather uninhibited.

Anyway, I guess its something I may have to get used to, or at least expect and deflect if need be!

Ahh the perils!

Time has come

No more ab work, well, crunches, at pilates from now on. And no more exercises on my belly.

Hmmm

... I have a turnip growing inside me now.

Wait list woes

We attended the maternity ward tour of my preferred hospital this evening. A very nice ward with great facilities, and newly refurbished private rooms.

But alas, we are still on the waiting list. Spoke to the midwife and she wasn't very positive about my chances of getting a spot. We should have heard already if there was an opening for me, but she said we could stay on the list and they can give us a call if our luck changes.

But she did suggest we book elsewhere in case, which we have.

*sigh*

I really did have my heart set on it, but I knew our chances were slim. Oh well, we can only hope for a spot later on. You can't always get what you want (shut up Mick!).

16.5 weeks

Gawd I look tired!

Fibre

I've turned to the psyllium husks.

Stay tuned...

I'm not feelin' it

I thought this 2nd trimester thing was supposed to be good?

Snotty nose, constipation, gas... still waiting...

Backed up.

Woke up with severe constipation pains. Yes, lovely I know.

The belly pain was quite bad and just on the left side. Like it was having trouble getting past my uterus. It was so painful, that I almost contemplated going to the doctor. But I knew it was just a digestive thing and not a uterine/womb thing.

The pain passed after I did some hula moves to help the obstruction get past whatever it was.

My belly was a bit tender from the process.

I got the odd spasm throughout the day, but was able to have a little toast and a cuppa, and lunch later on. No pains in the late afternoon, just a bit of tenderness.

Have had a lovely dinner, and still no movement in the bowel department. No gas either. My belly looks HUGE, like I'm 6 months pregnant! But hopefully I have a successful sit down session, I will be back to my 15 week proportions.

A good poo will brighten up my day right now! The simple pleasures.

Just skulled 3/4 a cup of prune juice ~ awful stuff! Better bloody work!

Maternity ward tour at hospital #1

Which is my second choice hospital.

Hubby was a little freaked by the whole thing by the end, as I think it is really sinking in now.

This one has no bath, but they're happy for you to use the shower. They have fit balls as well for use.

They all seem very nice, and its a small hospital, so there is a small chance of not being in a private room at the start, which would be a bummer.

We got given a little show bag at the end that had some interesting brochures etc.

Another tour is booked for hospital #2 first choice next week.

15 weeks, 2nd OB check up

BP: good. Blood tests: good. Heartbeat: good.

He took longer than (I) anticipated to find the heartbeat, and for a moment, my heart stopped. But there it was blobbing away on the doppler thingy.

He said that I was 1/3 to have a C-section. I bloody hope not! I want to be the other 2/3 thank you very much!

My next 2 milestones are the 20 week scan and the glucose test.

Appointments galore

Off for the flu vaccine today.

OB next Tuesday, maternity ward tour next Wednesday at the hospital, and another maternity tour the following week at the wait-listed hospital.

14 weeks

Even though most research says that from now on, the fetus' growth now goes in starts and spurts, so a month by month guestimation is harder, I will just go with the general findings.

So at 14 weeks, its the size of a navel orange.

Weight gain

Stood on the Wii Fit this morning.

I have gained 2kgs since before my pregnancy. I guess that's good progress.

Those shorts

that were always a bit loose in the waist, now fit perfectly! But they won't be much good to me in cooler climes.


Fetus is the size of a lemon.

Denim

Haven't worn my jeans for just over a week due to our warm weather.

Put them on today, and its just that much more comfortable to have the button undone. I mean I could button it up. but its just that teeny, tiny bit too tight.

It was going to happen eventually, but now I am precariously poised somewhere in between maternity jeans and my pre-pregnancy ones.

Time to go shopping I think.

Guilt?

Should I feel guilty telling someone I am pregnant, when that someone has been trying for an eternity, and even IVF has failed them?

I know I shouldn't really, but I can't help thinking that its a kick in the teeth to the other person. Particularly when my pregnancy has been totally natural, and they have been trying so hard for so long.

Hmmm.

The numbers

Well, being pregnant at my age (37) puts me at 1/130 for DS. But with the scan and the combined blood test the number is a more reasonable 1/2710. But there is still that one chance, as with friends of ours who had quite a low chance, and their daughter was born with DS.

There are further tests to do obviously to rule it out completely, as in CVS or an amnio. But with the low measurement and the presence of a bone in the nose structure at this early stage has made us quite confident not to go ahead with those tests.

But I guess we'll definitely find out in September!

Like never before

I'm liking these boobs!

Such a relief

to let people know our news!

Still haven't got our numbers for DS, as the lab had a technical issue for collating the combined blood and scan today and were severely backed up. Find out Monday, but the Radiologist and Doc were confident to give us a 1/1000 chance without the blood result.

Scan Day

So far so good, its all textbook. Everything is as it should be, on track for the 20th September.

Hubby is relieved, for now, until the 20 week scan! Such a worry wart he is.

Bub is 6cm. We're calling it Cheezel for now. There was a near leak on Facebook last night around the subject of Cheezels and cheese (my brother is a doofus), so I think its an apt name for now.

Owwy

Had a time this morning passing a bowel movement. OMG it was like moving a rock through a hose! Painful stuff, for not much reward! I'm going to have to resort to the dreaded prune juice, I can't go on like this!

I dragged myself to pilates (without brekkie ~ too much time spent on the can!) but I left feeling energised and recharged amazingly. The instructor gave me some exercises to help "get me moving" down below.

And after lunch, voila ~ another (not so painful) bowel movement. Thank goodness.

Then I thought I would have a nanna nap for a little bit... 2.5 hours later!! Yikes! Who knew I needed so much sleep!? Bummer, now I'm tired!

Two more sleeps til the scan...

Its not all peaches

This peach inside me is really draining my energy.

So tired today. Judging by the cramping and expanding inside my abdomen, I guess its understandable that I am so tired today. Its a bit frustrating being so tired all the time.

Bring on the second trimester please!