Saturday, April 30, 2005

29 Weeks Today !!!

Must admit, wasn't sure about posting this belly pic but what the heck !!!




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29 Weeks Today !!!

I can't believe I'm 29 wks already. The time has flew by so fast. There is a very good chance that I could be having my baby in just 9 wks. I'm so not ready!

I'm getting to the stage where I can't sleep at night, I run to the toilet every hour and then can't get back to sleep. The SPD has started in earnest and getting up to walk after sitting for long periods of time or turning over in my sleep is so painful it's like getting kicked in the pubic bone by a donkey!

When do I start lifting the stuff out of the attic, checking if the sterliser & monitors still work, if the travel system is in good working order? When do I start packing a hospital bag? I keep thinking I'll wait until the end of May and then start!

We just spent the last of our wedding gift money today and we got lovely blankets and bedding for the cot, otherwise I've just to get a few vests and that is it clothes wise.

On the plus side I've only put on about 9 - 10 lb since November, despite the size of my huge bump (note to self :: post 29 wk bare belly pic later).

Down side is total strangers have started touching my bump and saying things like "not long to go now" "you must be due any day now" or "are you sure there is only one in there!"

Ivan caught me standing on a table to clean the windows earlier today and joked that it was a bit too early to be nesting !!!

Thursday, April 14, 2005

Big Congratulations to Mamma Duck

I have to say congratulations to Mamma Duck, a fellow blogger (I have a link to her whitty & wonderful site), who gave birth to a beautiful baby girl at 4pm on the 13th April.

She was 8 lb 1 oz and 20.5 inches long.

Mamma & baby are doing great. No names yet.

Congrats Mamma Duck x

Antenatal Appointment Today

I had an appointment this afternoon. BP was good and just a little ketones in my urine. I got the test sticks to check my urine daily!

The Doctor said she wouldn't try to measure the baby today but she'd let me have a look at my little one on the scan anyway. Seen her moving around and heart beating away.

Doctor made a note that we should aim for a c/section at 39 wks but then rang to see if there was an Anaesthetist available to come a discuss what happened last time etc.

I met with the Consultant Anaesthetist and I think they have decided that I will have a Epidural Cathater & Spinal. She talked about the risks involved and said that if the baby is very big, if there is a lot of fluid surrounding the baby and if I myself am quite swollen and puffy, this will increase the risk to me during the op. She explained my breathing, BP etc. could all be effected and as a last resort they might have to put me under. She also said they would probably do a test a week or two before to checking my blood cloting agents. If they are low then I may have to be put under to lessen the risk of bleeding out again. I was in for 45 mins with her and I made/took lots of notes so I do feel reassured. She thinks they might do the op at 38 wks.

Not sure how I feel about the overall outcome. I have mixed emotions at this stage. I'm worried, anxious, nervous but hopeful everything will go ok. What's the worst that can happen? ~ we have a repeat preformance of last time? I think I can handle that.

I really don't want to be put under but as long as my baby is ok, then I'll go with whatever they decide is best.

Tuesday, April 12, 2005

Movement

I’ve been feeling lots of movement. Last Friday was the first day I actually felt uncomfortable ~ is that too early?

The baby was in a position, which meant it was all up top, and to the front of my bump. Sitting at my desk was awkward. Just plain sitting was hard. I had to gently nudge the baby but to no avail.

I’ve also noticed in the past few days that you can see my tummy move. This has to be my all time favourite part of pregnancy.

The strangest feeling has to be the low down, deep inside, standing or punching of the bladder!!!

In an effort to involve Caitlin in this new phase of pregnancy, I got her to put her hand on my tummy to feel the baby kick. She jumped of the sofa and started kicking the chair. I asked her what she was doing and she said, “The baby was kicking me Mummy”. “No, no” I said, “The baby was just nudging you and saying ‘Hello, Big Sister’” Her wee face lit up.


Now she is running around saying, “Hello, Big Sister” and telling everyone who will listen “Baby not bigger than me, I’m Big Sister!”.

Monday, April 11, 2005

Whatz Up?

Nothing much really. We had a great couple of weeks, including a week of work, which in turn meant I’d not a lot of online time.

Good Friday, I finished work on a half day and spent 3 hours in the hairdressers getting a new colour. I opted to go lighter than I’ve ever been before. Blame the hormones!!

Easter Monday, we went to a nearby town with Ivan’s cousin, wife and twin girls, to watch their Peter Pan Parade. Wasn’t bad and the kids loved being and playing together.

Wednesday, I took Caitlin to see the Scooby Doo Stage Show and she loved it. She was dancing in the aisle and everyone was laughing at her. It took her a little while to get the jist of what was going on but then she was shouting and joining in with everyone else. I loved the day I had with her. Her & me all day. Every time she looked up into my eyes, I filled with pride at my little girl. She really is special.

Thursday, we headed to Portrush for a few days and stayed in a hotel. It was great to spend time as a family and wonderful to watch Caitlin enjoying herself. At the park her “Daredevil” side came to the fore as she tackled things she hadn’t been on before. At the beach, despite the cool temperature, she ended up stripped to the nappy & vest, paddling in the water!

We were sitting in the hotel bar one evening and she was all chuffed with herself. She leaned across to me and said “You go home Mummy. I stay a bar with Daddy and watch bootball”!!!

Saturday, April 09, 2005

Scan Pictures

The last one had the baby looking directly at the screen. If you know what to look for (as you look at the screen, tilt your head to the right) you can see the eyes, nose and mouth outline. We actually watched, amazed, as the baby turned her head towards us. The Tech said, "I've got to get a shot of that", lol




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Scan Pictures

Forgot to add these !!! I love the top one, it's a profile shot and it looks like she is blowing bubbles!




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Wednesday, March 30, 2005

Yesterday, whilst Ivan took Caitlin to his mums for a while, I tackled the roof space! Well officially, it's not up in the roof but in under the eves ~ so there was no climbing involved. But I did have to scramble about in the dark, hunched over and knelt down so as not to put my head out through the roof!

I was looking for maternity clothes and baby clothes and successfully found both. I also noted the Moses basket, bouncy chair, baby bath, toys and all the head huggers for various chairs etc. placed neatly in a bag!

I then had a quick fashion show with the maternity clothes before throwing them all in the wash basket for a *freshen up*. To my delight they are still very much suitable. Mostly work wear but very much needed.

I held off checking the baby clothes until today but I just had to rush out and buy a new baby box tidy thing to put them in as plastic bags will no longer do!

I have lots and lots of babygros, cardigans, little suits & dresses. Lots of little socks, bibs, blankets and sheets. The only items I'm missing are vests. I have also ordered a few items online and they should be here within the next week or two. After the new vests, that is it ~ I'm not buying anymore clothes until the little one arrives. I know she will be well kited out when my family start buying, so I'd better hold off!

I need to start making a list of the things I do need, like :: bottles, changing mat ...... my mind has gone blank! I also need to check things like the sterilizer and baby monitors still work!

Oh, I also stumbled upon a baby name book, so I think I'll curl up with that before going to bed tonight. Any suggestions will be gratefully received!

Saturday, March 26, 2005

Well .................

We had our scan on Thursday afternoon and it was amazing.

We were in for over half an hour and the Tech was amazing.

The detail we got was incredible. She measured everything and the dates were near enough spot on. She said it was the best pics she'd got all day and that the baby was really in a great position.

We saw our baby yawning, waving, pulling her leg over her head ...

Yes, that was *her* leg over *her* head ...... We think she looks just like Caitlin.

I'll have to scan the pics in later for you to see. So, I'm having a ikkle baby girl and I can't believe it, I'm was all emotional. I drove the whole way home with a big stupid grin on my face I had to stop for petrol and I'm sure the people in the garage thought I was mad. I just felt so special. I couldn't believe I had this little miracle inside me.

The tech said she was as sure as she could be regarding the sex and showed us the markers they look for in the u/s. They were as clear as daylight. Even still, I wouldn't rush out and do my nursery up or buy tons of girl clothes. I don't know. I just feel funny. I just have this feeling that you can't really tell until you have that little baby in your arms, kwim?

Caitlin is going to have a sister. She will love this little one so much, of that I'm sure.

Now we can think of names. Ivan has already ruled out any of my suggestions but I'll post about names later!

Mt. Bubba

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Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Tomorrow, tomorrow!

The sun is shining this morning and it looks like a beautiful day. I feel like bursting into song & dance in the office at work just thinking about my u/s tomorrow ...


The sun'll come out Tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar
That tomorrow
There'll be sun!

Just thinkin' about
Tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs,
And the sorrow
'Til there's none!

When I'm stuck a day
That's gray,
And lonely,
I just stick out my chin
And Grin,
And Say, Oh!

The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
So ya gotta hang on
'Til tomorrow
Come what may

Tomorrow! Tomorrow!
I love ya Tomorrow!
You're always
A day
A way!

Monday, March 21, 2005

A Few Caitlin Funnies !!!

We went to the park on Saturday morning and Caitlin finally mastered the scramble net type thing that is strung across like a hammock.

Every time we go to the park, she goes up to it but then backs away. I think she was afraid of getting her foot caught in it

Anyway, she went across (with a little help from mummy) and she came back all by herself. She was as pleased as punch. She was clapping her hands and she had a big grin on her face.

So she went to go back and forth again, then turned to me and said "You can't do it mummy, your tummy is too big".



Caitlin has a great understanding of what is going on and regularly kisses / talks & listens to the baby.

She had her ear at my tummy over the weekend and I asked her what she thought the baby saying.

Caitlin replied "Baby saying ~ Let Me Out". So I explained that when the time comes I've to go into hospital and the doctor will take the baby out, then I can bring it home.

Quick as a flash, Caitlin replied (doing the cutting action!) "Doctor will cut your tummy and lift baby out"

All Change

Last week I was so fed up with feeling and looking run down, so I did something about it!!!

It started on Wednesday. I was feeling really rough. I was also in a funk and didn’t know what was wrong with me.

I think I was a bit depressed about going to the dentist and getting a crown fitted. It was costing £350. Money I could best spend elsewhere! I came out of the dentist and went into the shop across the road and found an ex-work colleague working behind the Clinque counter. We had a good natter about life in general and I complained about the state of my skin and my general “run down” appearance. In the end, I bought myself new make-up and she loaded my bag up with lots of free samples. So I am now doing the 1-2-3 wash, cleanse & tone your face thing and must admit I’ve notice some difference already.

I then spent another small fortune on another make-up counter and got myself some tanning cream. I was fed up looking pale and interesting, so last night I had a bath, shaved, exfoliated, moisturised and applied the tan. Result a very healthy glow (albeit a little patchy but fixable!)

So as I enter this week, I’m feeling a little bit better about my appearance. I’m going to get my hair coloured this week and want to go from a redy purple to a golden hue! Then the transformation will be complete.

I am also looking forward to my antenatal appointment this week ~ Thursday afternoon. We have our big scan and I can’t wait. We’re bringing Caitlin and hopefully we will be able to find out the sex of the baby.


Roll on Thursday!

Saturday, March 19, 2005

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

I've Been Slacking

I've been slacking with my blog recently, not good, and I've no excuse other than Ivan downloaded a new game to the PC and I'm addicted to it!

I have been feeling really tired again but I'm putting that down to being anemic. I am sleeping every chance I get. I went back to bed on Saturday afternoon (in fact, we all did!) and got a quick nap on Sunday too. I have a stuffy head cold, which hasn't helped.

Caitlin and I are talking about the arrival of the new baby, more and more now. She asked on Sunday if the baby was coming out of my tummy to play with her, bless. She quite likes the idea of me putting the baby in the *plam* and her putting her baby in the buggy and we both go for a big walk. She has also got it into her head that the baby will cry a lot! I've said that this is a possibility but I'm hoping for an angel baby just like her.

We were in a baby shop the other day and I was showing Cailtin a moses basket and explaining that this is what our baby will sleep in. She then started to tell the other customers to "be quite, baby sleeping".

We have our big scan next Thursday and I can't wait. We will get to see our baby again. I think we've decided to ask about the sex of the baby. If they can tell us then I'd like to know. It will help prepare Caitlin (well that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!).

You know I still haven't bought a thing for the baby yet. How bad is that? We have all the practical stuff, all in working order and in excellent condition. We really don't have a lot to get. I've my eye on a few items of clothing but I'm not going to go overboard until the baby arrives.

Last time, I had to give a lot of tiny baby clothes, vest and nappies away cause Caitlin was sooooo big (remember her birth weight was 10 lb 14.5 oz ~ they joked that she came out with her school bag on her back!).

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

Update

Had a MW appointment on 03 March and everything was ok. My BP and urine were normal. The MW thinks I might be a little anemic because of the pumping headaches, black stars in my eyes and shortness of breath ~ so I've to start a course of iron tablets. I just started them yesterday so hopefully they will help with the tiredness I've been feeling too!

Heard the heartbeat again. It took a little while to find cause the MW said bubba was doing cartwheels (and there's me still not feeling a thing!) Heard lots of kicks too. It was really strange so hear so much going on but not actually feel any of it. Felt I was really disconnected from my body!

No more appointments until 24 March when we have our big scan. Can't wait. I think we have decided to ask about the sex of the baby. It's funny cause I was dead set against finding out with Caitlin but this time I think I *need* to know!

I had a baby dream the other night and I dreamt we had a little boy!

I guess my biggest news to date is the fact that I felt my baby move today
Heart Beat I was sitting in work leaning over the desk and I could feel the kicks inside my tummy. I put my hand down to were I thought it was coming from and felt it from the outside! Lots of kicks and then a swift little turn around. I'm in love.

Sunday, February 27, 2005

Half Way Mark

Well as of today, I'm half way through this pregnancy. 20 weeks today and it really has flown by. I think a lot of that is down to not being able to enjoy the pg as much as the first one, simply because real life must go on. I must work, cook, clean and take care of Caitlin. Last time round, I was afforded the luxury of being able to lie and read *every* pg book available and constantly monitor each stage I was at, whilst making Ivan do everything for me Lol

I was starting to get worried about the lack of movement I'm feeling but last night my tummy felt like it was on a rollercoaster for about 4 hours. I finally think it's starting and I know that in another 4 weeks I'll be cursing the elbows and feet in the ribs!

My baby bump has taken on a life of it's own this week Open Mouth I'm starting to get *big* This week, I got one stranger asking me when I was due and another stupid silly bitch in work asking when I was due and then saying "OMG, you're massive. Are you sure you are not having twins!" Mad No ~ I'm just having a BIG baby.

Anyway, I'm going to be brave and post a 20 week belly pic. Last time I post a belly pic was @ 16 weeks. What do you think?

Saturday, February 26, 2005