Tuesday 11 May 2010

Neglectful...

Been rather neglectful of this blog. I guess these things happen when you have a baby! Havn't really had much time to do much - let alone shower and take care of my other basic needs...but we are getting there! Will eventually update on everything!

Sunday 18 April 2010

This weeks photo - 40+1!

Yeah yeah yeah...still here!

Still huge... But actually have not grown that much this past week.


Tick tock tick tock...come out baby! lol

What happened this week:
Only 5% of babies are born on their due date so birth could happen any time. Levels of amniotic fluid have stabilised. Your baby may now be deep in the pelvis. You have now completed 38 weeks' gestation 40 weeks from your LMP. Baby's length: about 20-21 inches from head to toe.

Friday 16 April 2010

Acupuncture...

Still having acupuncture... and still going good! Today she put some of these 'seed' things in my ears (not my ear, but they look like picture shown) that will help with 'calm' and 'grounding' myself before/during and after labour as well as for my kidney yang (which I am always out of balance with) and for my uterus (not to be used until I am in labour of course!). She also gave me some pointers on 'induction' points as well - and some other useful points to use for any 'complications' that could occur such as retained placenta, etc.
I have an earlier appointment with her next week just in case I am still pregnant! hehe - Hope I don't have to see her then. I am very ready to meet this baby of mine!
Though I still feel great! The antibiotics for the mastitis have helped so much and I feel on top of the world now. My boob still looks pretty sore but it is no longer actually sore to the touch. Also got myself some probiotics.
Can not belive I am due tomorrow! - Wonder when this little one will decide to show themself!

Thursday 15 April 2010

Mastitis!....

Yes - apparently you can get this in pregnancy. It's rare...but still possible!
I am not one for taking 'drugs' - but I have happily accepted antibiotics from my GP who came out to see me today because the last thing I want to feel like is death when I go into labour!...Any day now perhaps?

Sigh

Sunday 11 April 2010

This weeks photo - 39+1!

Was hoping that I wouldn't have to post this week photo in all honesty!...Forgot to do one for last week too! (oh well)...
So here it is anyhow...still pregnant as you can see.


What happened this week:

Baby is fairly plump now. Lanugo hair has now all but disappeared, except for isolated areas on the tops of shoulders and the back. Toenails reach tips of toes; limbs are held flexed. 37 weeks' gestation 39 weeks from your LMP. Baby's length: about 35cm crown to rump (48.5cm or 19 inches head to toe). Average weight: 3150g or 7lbs.

Friday 9 April 2010

Sling stash!

I actually have a handful more slings than this (shame on me!), but they are not slings I plan on using for this baby right away. For example, I do not have pictured my freedom ring slings, my 'Katja' Didymos or any of my mei tais - though I have pictured my podaegi (My Bei Bei) because I love it more than anything (well, its it 'catagory') and can not wait to use it - though I won't be using it right away.

So, here are my newborn sling stash photos!:


(From Left to right: Krokus Indio Didymos in cotton, Sonne/natur Indio Didymos in cotton, Bebina Rainbow & MaM Eco in 'pomegranate' - hemp/cotton mix)
(From Bottom to top - as this photo appears to have displayed itself sideways!: Slingafied pink Silk Mille, Comfy Joey in 'Buttercup', Slingafied Bara Barn in 'Cappuccino' and my water ring sling!)
(My Bei Bei in 'plum')

Thursday 8 April 2010

And more plug!...


How much of this stuff is in there?! lol

Baby is also now 3/5ths engaged!

Can't be long now surely?!


Monday 5 April 2010

More plug...

Still no 'bloody' show but last night and the night before I have lost a pretty sizable amount of my mucus plug and continue to lose little bits of it during the day. I also have BH all throughout the day - and these strangly feel rather arousing!... Maybe I will get a wonderful orgasmic birth! hehe

Saturday 3 April 2010

Finished Bump Casting!

Well - the casting is finally finished (glossed and bowed!) and hung on the wall next to my sons bump casting. The differences are pretty funny. I hope I caught them well enough on camera. I am not saying either assumes one is a boy and one is a girl of course, but the differences are there. My sons was round, high up and all over whilst this one is more oval shaped, low down and all up front. Clearly two different shaped babies in here! hehe Will just have to wait and see if there are any other differences (like a penis or not! hehe)

Friday 2 April 2010

Mucus plug!

I have indeed been losing bits of my mucus plug for the past few days. Its like really thick and stretchy snot! Ugh hehe
Of course this has no bearing on when I will go into labour at all - just another pregnancy fact to add to the archives!
With DS, his labour started with my waters breaking and I only lost my plug when a MW had a feel to see how 'far along' I was dilated at the time. I may have not even lost it then had it not been fiddled with but she took great pride in showing me my plug at the time ...and at the time I had no idea what she was on about - a lot of gross stuff was coming out of me at the time and I was in labour so I really didn't care! hehe

Sunday 28 March 2010

Belly Casting



We did my belly casting today! With my sons pregnancy, we did it on my birthday (at 39 + weeks of pregnancy) and he was born exactly a week after! This time around I keep worrying that I won't have that long to wait and whilst I would be doing the belly casting in early labour (rather than not doing one at all! lol) - I would rather do it now whilst I am relaxed

and comfy and not rushed so we decided to do it today whilst we have the chance! hehe

I loved doing the belly casting last time and I loved it this time as well! It is so easy to do (though slightly messy) and I think worth it! I have my sons casting hung up on the wall in our bedroom and this one will go next to it once I seal it with a nice white gloss and throw a nice silk bow around it (similar to my sons).

I will have to do an updated post to show the two compared because the differences are amazing! You would almost think they were two different castings from two different people. And, though essentially they are two different people on the inside, I am just so surprised at how different they have turned out on the outside (cause I am still the same person! hehe) - but then my 'bump' shapes are very very different!

This weeks photo - 37+1!

Well here we are, nearing the very end! Lots happened this week (in the way of nesting and getting sorted/ready!) and I feel ready to pop! I feel good though still! But bump has clearly dropped. I have one funky shaped bump - in fact, at this point, I think it is kinda ugly! lol

The henna didn't come out too dark as you can see (oh well) - its like a fight between my stretchmarks and henna and I think the stretchmarks are winning! hehe

But here it is - this weeks photo!


What happened this week:

Baby gains weight most rapidly during this month: about ½-¾lb per week. Baby settles into the pelvis, a process called lightening or engagement, which makes breathing easier. Baby's new position doesn't stop it from kicking and punching. 35 weeks' gestation 37 weeks from your LMP. Baby's length: 33cm crown to rump (about 45cm or 17 ½ inches head to toe). Weight: 2700g.

Saturday 27 March 2010

My Blessingway!

Today I had a Blessingway! It was really quite a great little get-together with special friends that was really meaningful and special to me (a HUGE thanks to all those who attended and helped make this work and the day special for me!)!


At my Blessingway we made a 'Birthing Wreath' (the 'norm' is to make a Birthing Necklace but I just don't think I would fancy wearing a necklace whilst in labour so I got the idea to do a similar thing, but to use a wreath instead that I could hang on the wall whilst in labour!) and poems, songs and well wishes were shared. I found this very touching and special.


A close friend of mine also did a henna tattoo on my bump! This has turned out great and it was a lot of fun!


And of course - we ate great food too!

Today has offered me lots of positive encouragment and thoughts that I will be able to bring with me when I start my journey of labour and childbirth!

Monday 22 March 2010

A great (head) MW appointment!

So today I had my 'head' MW appointment at the Stroud Maternity Unit in Stroud! I got to meet the 'head' MW there (who was actually really lovely and nothing how I imagined! hehe) and we discussed my birth plan and did a quick 'risk assessment' as well. I am not sure if the risk assessment is standard for all those planning a home birth or if perhaps it is just because I am planning a home birth after a c-section and/or because I have also declined to see a 'consultant'. Maybe all of the above really! She basically just covered the basics of 'emergencies' (focusing on the ones that pertain more to me such as uterine rupture and possible 'problem's that could arrise with a 'big baby') and what they usually like to do in certain situations - and letting me know that I can of course 'decline' anything they suggest (all of their suggestions coming from the 'NICE Guidelines'). So really, the 'risk assessment' was so that they could cover their backs. My MW said it was so I didn't go into labour, have something happen and claim that I didn't 'know' - and sue them or something! ...cause thats the way the world works these days you know! (shame but true). And of course, we covered my birth plan - what I would like and not like to happen. I think she got the basic idea that I would simply like a natural hands off birth as much as possible and noted the extras such as the fact I would have my own cord ties, plan to keep the placenta, etc. That was about it!...

Oh and before the 'meeting' my MW did a quick antenatal appointment as usual (feel and measurment of my bump as well as checking my urine and blood pressure - all of which are great!). I am still measuring large though (41 weeks) so I did agree to a quick scan (and no - I did not peek) to check that - as in, to make sure there was only one in there cause thats all been a bit 'iffy' (which they are not actually jotting down a scan because my MW preformed it and she is not a sonographer and I gave her 10 seconds to work it out, no longer - Am really pleased she respected that! ...must be the shortest scan in the history of man! lol). Well - there really is only one baby in there, it is just measuring on the larger side! But I guess I just grow large babies!

Sunday 21 March 2010

Birth Pool Practice Run!

Today we did our practice run of the birthing pool! It was actually a lot of fun (and I wasn't expecting that! hehe). We even ended up deciding to fill it all the way - which gave DH the practice on how to empty it and put it all away again as well! (it only took about an hour to put up in total - which including blowing it up and filling it up - so not bad at all!...but took longer than that to put away! hehe) Also - the bottom does inflate, which is lovely! The pool we will be using (thanks to a super great friend of mine who is letting me borrow it!) is the La Bassine. I love its shape and the fact it has handles on the inside! hehe
Duncan also really enjoyed the set up and didn't want the pool to go way (I certainly didn't want to get out - it was so comfy! Will be a huge help when I am actually in labour!). He was having fun in the pool as well until it got 'too deep' for him and then he wanted out but he enjoyed watching me float about in it! I really think he is looking forward to a new family member! (well - we shall see! hehe)

This weeks photo - 36+1!

Into the final last weeks and another weeks photo here:

Just getting all the last things done around the house and any last baby items needed. Really not much longer now! I am getting very excited and trying not to stress myself out too much!

What happened this week:

Baby is putting on fat and things are getting cramped inside. Almost time to come out. 34 weeks' gestation 36 weeks from your LMP. Foetus length: 32cm crown to rump (44cm or 17¼ inches head to toe). Weight: 2500g or about 5.5lbs.

Saturday 20 March 2010

One up on the MWs!

Yeah yeah yeah... Even my DH thinks I am being silly but it can't hurt. I have ordered my own urine test strips! (and actually, I only ordered 25 for a fiver but they sent me 100!) Now I can check my own pee out, before anxiously waiting it out the journey to the MW! And since I have so many strips, I can have fun with them too! Took my pee this morning after it had been sitting in my bladder for much longer than normal and all checked out fine! Will test my limits a bit - Going to a birthday party today so will have a slice of cake and see what my urine says some time after that. Not highly scientific, but it seems more logical to me than a glucose tolerance test! (yuck!) They are exactly the same strips that the MWs use - and if anything, will help me lower my stress levels as nothing will be 'unknown' to me that isn't known to them - at least I will know before hand! (helps me feel more in control at least!)

Friday 19 March 2010

My Goldfish Bowl

My son was big - well over 10lbs at birth. I gained a lot of weight during pregnancy with him and my diet could have been called 'neglectful' in all truth. I figured it was probably my diet and liefstyle that led me to grow such a big baby! ... I would do it differently next time around. I would eat healthy and exercise, etc. This could not only be helpful to my own state of health but also to the health of my baby. And perhaps, hopefully - produce a tiny little bundle of joy! hehe

But it's not looking that way. That is, this baby is not looking tiny. I am begining to believe that perhaps my body just grows big babies.

But if you have ever been in the position to suspect growing a large baby, you have probably also been faced with worries, fears and scaremongering for the impending birth because of this.

So I shall clear up a few facts. Well, I won't personally - but I found these links helpful, insightful and positive! (very important that last one!)

Pushing
Pelvises
and
Big Babies!

Heck - they could be wrong!...This baby may surprise everyone and come out a very average for their gestational age! I can only wait and see.

Either way - my body will not grow a baby larger than it can birth.

Centering myself

I have been pretty stressed and offbalance the past few days. Most of this is due to my current state of mind - of feeling there just isn't enough time left for me to do everything I had planned to do before this baby is born! Perhaps that is also my bodies way of saying 'hey - this baby plans on arriving a bit earlier than your due date' (and I really do feel that this is the case - I am not talking an 'early' baby, I think we are past that! - But deff around the 38 week mark rather than 40+!). I haver also been phyiscally feeling unwell - perhaps more so becasue of the stress? But, either way, it has left me feeling drained and stressed. Add that with my MW appointment that I had on Wednesday and we suddenly have a mix for disaster! It was only a few days ago, but looking back now, I suddenly feel like laughing at it all. I was nearly thrown off track there! I have had some time to research and relfect and feel much more calm and centred and in control now. This is a great relaxation technique for centering myself. I also find that flower/crystal essesces (these are great for my son as well!) really help too!

I need to listen to my body. I need to be in control. I need to let nature do its job. All of this is very important to remember. I need to face reality and let any of those 'medical' fears go (this includes not surrounding myself by others fears for me). Pregnancy is a natural body state for woman - for me...it is not an 'illness'. My body knows how to work and it does not need 'fixing'.

Thursday 18 March 2010

A heck of a MW apponitment!

So I had another MW appointment yesterday and it was quite a roller coaster of one!
First - I am suddenly measuring much more than I really am! 36 Weeks - measuring 41! Yikes!
Second - there was sugar in my urine.
So of course, the first worry is ...gestational diabetes! (especially considering my history with my son who was quite large himself)

I went back with a urine sample today though - and it is absolutly fine! Not a trace of anything out of the ordinary.

I have declined a glucose test. I only have a few weeks of pregnancy left and my diet is, on the whole, pretty great. The urine test itself does not rule out (or rule in!) gestational diabetes (GD) ...and a glucose test could be just as inaccurate. But either way, simply having a good diet seems to be working well for me - and if I did have GD, then that is all I could do anyhow!

You know - this could be one heck of a long blog post...but I really don't know where to start...or what to say! A lot of thought and research has gone into every decision I have made. I don't just do things on a whim!

I personaly feel, as much as I was hoping for a smaller baby this time around, that I perhaps just make big babies. I had a crap diet with my son and he was big...I am having a fanstic diet this time around and it appears that this baby is still going to be on the larger side!

Their concern with a big baby though is obviously that the baby might get stuck. I am confident in my bodies ability to 'sow what it reaps' - so to speak!

The good news is though - baby is not breech and are in a most ideal position! Thats a start I guess! hehe

Am seeing the head MW on Monday to do a 'risk assessment' and make up my birth plan (with them/their format - I already have one made of cours). I appreciate how organise they are. I hope they appreciate how much research I have done and how much trust and faith I have in my body and the job it has before it! I know that simply coming across confident and sure of myself will go a long way.

Of course - they are not actually sure there is one baby in there...and neither am I tbh! So I have agreed to a quick 10 second scan on Monday to confirm that there really is just one baby in there. The last thing I want (I know it is also the last thing the MWs want - but to heck with them! lol) is to go into labour, give birth...and find out I have more children then previously thought! (no one wants a surprise twin home birth after a c-section! lol)...Some people might be thrilled with the idea of twins, but I guess if that is the case for me, then I would like a few weeks to come to terms with that first! lol .... I think it is just one though...I hope its just one!

Not long now anyhow! :)

Sunday 14 March 2010

This weeks photo - 35+1!

So here we are - the 35 weeks mark! (and this weeks photo of course!) I could happily and safely have this baby after next week (they are fine with home births after 36 weeks of pregnancy - most people, individuals or otherwise, seem to be comfortable with that mark)...or in just three weeks time (which is more realistic - the 38 week mark!...statistcally, second babies come 2 weeks earlier than firsts! - and that puts one at 38 weeks!) ...I suddenly feel like I have so much to do in the way of 'nesting' (though I really don't! - Super organised me!)...


And I think I have 'dropped'. Well, a lot of people I see often seem to think so - and so do I. I mean, I thought so first but knew it could all be in my head and then when everyone else started commenting - I knew it wasn't! Not that it means anything! hehe

What happened this week:

Skin is pink and smooth. Baby begins to develop sleeping patterns. If baby is born now and is healthy, he or she would have an excellent chance of survival with special care and respiratory support. You may feel bulky but you are, literally, full of life. 33 weeks' gestation 35 weeks from your LMP. Foetus length: about 31cm crown to rump (42.5cm or 16½ inches head to toe). Weight: 2300g or 5lbs.

Oh...and I seem to be averaging out at about 1/2 inch of growth around my waist every week now! hehe

Mothering Sunday

So today is Mothering Sunday here in the UK - and I just had to share this most fantastic card that my DH managed to find!

They really do make cards for everyone from everyone! hehe


But I love it!

Friday 12 March 2010

Big Kicks!

Another video - just for fun!

Tuesday 9 March 2010

Online 'baby pool'!

Guess my baby's date of arrival, gender and size!
A lot of fun! hehe

I will put my guess in first - you can find the little ticker on the right hand side of my blog!

Sunday 7 March 2010

This weeks photo - 34+1!

So here we are - another week gone by and the weekly photo to share!


What happened this week:
Fingernails have now grown enough to cover the whole of baby's fingertips. 32 weeks' gestation 34 weeks from your LMP. Foetus length: 30cm crown to rump (about 41cm or 16 inches head to toe). Weight: about 2100g or 4lbs 11oz.
Spring is here and I am so looking forward to meeting this little one inside of me!

Saturday 6 March 2010

Poem

I did not write this poem but it was shared with me on a forum and I found it very fitting so wanted to share it here too!

Loving Two

I walk along holding your 6-year-old hand, basking in the glow of our magical relationship. Suddenly I feel a kick from within, as if to remind me that our time alone is limited.
And I wonder: how could I ever love another child as I love you?
Then he is born, and I watch you. I watch the pain you feel at having to share me as you've never shared me before.
I hear you telling me in your own way, "Please love only me."
And I hear myself telling you in mine, "I can't," knowing, in fact, that I never can again.
You cry. I cry with you.
I almost see our new baby as an intruder on the precious relationship we once shared.
A relationship we can never quite have again.
But then, barely noticing, I find myself attached to that new being, and feeling almost guilty.
I'm afraid to let you see me enjoying him -- as though I am betraying you.
But then I notice your resentment change, first to curiosity, then to protectiveness, finally to genuine affection.
More days pass, and we are settling into a new routine.
The memory of days with just the two of us is fading fast. But something else is replacing those wonderful times we shared, just we two.
There are new times -- only now, we are three.
I watch the love between you grow, the way you look at each other, touch each other.
I watch how he adores you -- as I have for so long.
I see how excited you are by each of his new accomplishments.
And I begin to realize that I haven't taken something from you, I've given something to you.
I notice that I am no longer afraid to share my love openly with both of you.
I find that my love for each of you is as different as you are, but equally strong.
And my question is finally answered, to my amazement.
Yes, I can love another child as much as I love you -- only differently.
And although I realize that you may have to share my time, I now know you'll never share my love.
There's enough of that for both of you -- you each have your own supply.
I love you -- both.
And I thank you both for blessing my life."

~Author Unknown~

Thursday 4 March 2010

Tinctures ordered as well!

...and the homeopathic kit arrived the day after I ordered it!
I have ordered three tinctures from G. Baldwin & Co. - Motherwort, Angelica and Shephards purse!

Not much else on my 'need to buy' list!

Tuesday 2 March 2010

Homeopathic kit ordered!

Well March is finally here and it is time to make my final purchases. Being March, it doesn't really matter when I make them exactly - just as long as it is this month. Though I am starting to feel a bit panicky and wanting to make sure everything is in place! I am having a baby next month - NEXT month!!!! OMG!

So as the title says - homeoapthic kit ordered! Woop!

Sunday 28 February 2010

This weeks photo - 33+1!

Here it is. I think I am bigger. I think I will average out at a little bit bigger every week now really as baby just piles on the pounds and slowly grows a bit in length.


What happened this week:

Baby is able to hear and is becoming accustomed to family voices.
Baby's brain and nerves are developing fast, and directing bodily functions.
Baby should be head down. (and I think they are this week actually) 31 weeks' gestation 33 weeks from your LMP. Foetus length: 29cm crown to rump (40cm or 15¾ inches head to toe). Weight: about 1900g or 4lbs.

Saturday 27 February 2010

OMG - its back!.... (I think?!)

So I think my 'morning sickness' is back. Or something is up. It is not exactly how it was the first few months of this pregnancy but something odd is going on with my body - again! lol
I get hungry, as we all do...I just don't feel like eating! And then when I think 'I should really eat something!' - I just don't know what to eat! Nothing takes my fancy. And then I do eat and just feel queazy. I think I have connected this queazy feeling to feeling tired as well so it must be 'm/s' ...again. Oh well.
This has to be a girl with all the trouble I am getting from this baby! hehe

Wednesday 24 February 2010

Oh...so thats a Braxton Hicks contraction!

So...I have been getting these odd random sensations in my 'bump' area. I figured, as it felt, that baby was just super stretching out or something. It kinda feels like I am about to pass some pretty serious wind (which isn't uncommon for me in pregnancy hehe!)...But I have recently noticed also that my bump gets super hard during that 'sensation'... And what do you know?! - Its a Braxton Hicks contraction! I never had them with DS and everyone has been talking about having them since they were like 15 weeks pregnant - I just figured I might just not get them! But there you have it! hehe

Sunday 21 February 2010

This weeks photo - 32+1!

Another week...another photo! I know there has been some growth as I measure every week just for fun, but I can't really tell in this photo!


What happened this week:
Baby comforts herself by sucking a thumb. Grasp is well developed. Foetuses weighing 1500-2500g can survive but may face respiratory distress and other problems. 30 weeks' gestation 32 weeks from your LMP. Foetus length: 28cm crown to rump (39cm or 15¼ inches head to toe.) Weight: about 1700g.

Saturday 20 February 2010

Baby heater!

My baby heater has finally kicked in - or so it seems! It is very cold out there and has even snowed (again...) but I am just SO hot! Can't really remember when it kicked in with my first pregnancy - but then again, I was heavily pregnant through a rare (for England) very hot summer that year as well. I thought I would just die! So glad to not have to be heavily pregnant through a summer again!

Wednesday 17 February 2010

My MW appointment!

All still looking great! - Measuring exactly on track (31cm - for 31 weeks and 4 days pregnant!). Got me a wriggly one still - plenty of amniotic fluid so this baby is still able to move about quite a lot and would not stay in the same position - took the MW a good 10 minutes to work it out! hehe And...she not only remembered her pinard today - but also her watch (without me having to remind her at all!) - and got 140 for the heartrate. Which I think is about right as the last time I had a listen I got 144 beats per minute.
I also have an official date to go and see the head of midwifery - to discuss my 'risk assessment' (as I have declined to see a consultant) and to go over my 'birth plan' so that all the MWs there are aware of it (what I would like to happen, and what I don't want to happen!). They sound really organised!

Sunday 14 February 2010

This weeks photo - 31+1!

So here we are again with this weeks photo...and I tell you, I actually look a bit bigger this week than last! Yikes! hehe You know, at first I thought doing a weekly photo would be a bit overkill. When I was pregnant with my son, I only did a photo every month. But you really can see many differences week to week - so I think it is just about right!



What happened this week:

Skin is slightly wrinkled and eyes are wide open. Good head of hair often present at this point. 29 weeks' gestation 31 weeks from your LMP. Length: 27.5cm crown to rump (37.5cm or about 14¾ inches head to toe). Weight: about 1500g.

Sunday 7 February 2010

Hiccups - and some more photos!

Another thing different from this bump than my sons bump is that the hiccups are much more...dainty! Now, I know it could really all be in my head. I am not using the word 'dainty' to imply that this has to be a girl bump...but they really are much more dainty than my sons ever were! Perhaps it has to do with the fact that this baby is just that much more 'average' in size (rather than always measuring a few weeks ahead! hehe) or that they are indeed heads now (and not breech)...or...I don't know! They are very different though! DH even got to feel them today!!! :D


And here are some nice photos - very fitting for the week seeing as how Valentines day is coming up soon! :D
...awww....baby love! hehe

This weeks photo - 30+1!

OMG - 30 Weeks already! That means 10 weeks to go...give or take of course! Not long now!
Here is this weeks photo... I can see a bit of a difference but there was only 1/2 an inch growth this week.

And of course - for comparisons sake...10, 20, and 30 weeks pregnant photos compared!:



What happened this week:

Toenails now visible. Baby is developing a layer of fat under the skin and likes to suck her thumb. 28 weeks' gestation 30 weeks from your LMP. Foetus length: 27cm crown to rump (36cm or 14 inches head to toe). Weight: about 1300g or 3lbs.

3lbs! - Cor!

Wednesday 3 February 2010

Birthing pool is here!

My very super wonderful friend (lets call her Yvi ;) hehe) bought a birthing pool (La Bassine) for the birth of her daughter in October last year. She has so very kindly let me borrow it for the use of this baby's birth! I feel so blessed and grateful to have such wonderful friends in the world!

I never actually pictured me giving birth in water - 'land' was always the more appealing of the two. But for some reason there is something about water that is luring me to its soothing effects - now that I am actually here, pregnant, due 'soon'. I know it will be a great help in natural pain relief during labour and childbirth. It could also provide a little fun! hehe

And wow! - This 'home stretch' seems much closer to home now! It really is not long until I get to meet this little being of mine that has spent the last many months growing inside of me! It feels like such a powerful thing having this wonderful piece of birthing equipment in my house (a baby was born in that!!!) ! hehe

Oh I am getting all excited now! I love pregnancy but can not wait to meet my baby!

Sunday 31 January 2010

This weeks photo - 29+1!

I notice no difference in bump size this week - and my bump has also been much less itchy as well so there probably was no real big growth. But here is this weeks photo!:



What happened this week:
Blood volume has doubled by now; iron requirements are high. Baby's eyelids open and eyelashes are present. 27 weeks' gestation 29 weeks from your LMP. Foetus length: about 26cm crown to rump (35cm or 13¾ inches head to toe). Baby's lungs are developed enough to breathe air fairly efficiently but they would tire rapidly.
Aww...my baby has eyelashes!

Saturday 30 January 2010

New feelings

That would be a foot stuck in my ribs! It just occured to me that I never had that with my son - and that was probably due to the fact that he was always breech! It doesn't hurt, but it is ...well...it does make me go 'oh!' everytime this baby does kick me or get their foot stuck in my ribs! lol ...But it is different and I kinda like it - because I just love being pregnant!
Grow baby grow! I can't wait to meet you!

Wednesday 27 January 2010

Another fabby MW appointment!


And believe it or not - there really is only one baby in there! hehe Currently, baby is head down - so in a nice position. (though I would not be terribly worried at this point if they were not). I am also measuring spot on! Though I look huge - all seems to be going great!


Tuesday 26 January 2010

Dandelion Root

Now that I am into the third trimester I have started on dandelion root. I am taking the capsules rather than the tea simply because it is easier to remember to take everyday! (and actually works out cheaper! hehe) ...plus when H&B has a 'buy one get one half off' sale, one can not help themselves but to stock up!
I had terrible water retention with my sons pregnancy and whilst I have had no visable water retention as of yet, I would rather be prepared. There are many wonderful benefit of dandelion root that you can see here - espeically in pregnancy. Preventing/helping with water retention is just one of them!

Sunday 24 January 2010

This weeks photo - 28+1!

Into the third trimester now and here is this weeks photo!...and yep, I can see that it is slightly bigger than last weeks! (apparently though, my photos are not doing my bump any justice! ;) hehe)


What happened this week:
26 weeks' gestation 28 weeks from your LMP. Foetus length: 25cm crown to rump (33cm or almost 13 inches head to toe). Weight: about 1000g.
Just growth from the looks of it - though apparently, if this baby were born now, it would have a 90% chance of survival and that is pretty amazing!

Saturday 23 January 2010

Into the third!

I am 28 weeks today and officially into the third trimester! Yay!
I also did my 'trimseter' weigh in today and stand currently at 12 stone 6lbs. So that puts me at just over 2 stone weight gain so far (which is about right actually and still puts me at just under 3 stone weight gain total by the end of this pregnancy). That makes me sound fat and I feel kinda sad when I think of it that way...but when I look at the reality of it, I don't feel so bad. For example, I am still in size 10-12 maternity clothing (thats an American 4-6 ..so say the lables!). Size 12 being a bit loose on me. I have not really gained any weight in my arms or my face - though I have in my thighs and probably therefore my bum as well. So ...those facts do not make me feel too fat or sad!
This bump is pretty big though and sticking out much more so than my son did (instead of 'all around' growth) - so in that area of clothing, my clothes are getting a bit on the 'small' side - but I have discovered the wonderful bump band! Fabulous! Because I like to keep bump warm and snug and not exposed. They will help my tops last me longer as they fit me fine everywhere else! ...of course, I am still buying myself clothes on ebay - shame on me! hehe

Better be a pretty heavy placenta in there! lol

Friday 22 January 2010

Solid baby!

I can officially feel limbs. No longer just baby kicks and rolls...I can feel baby parts too! So cool! I can start mapping my belly out! hehe
This one still rolls a lot though, so they are in no 'final' position yet!

Tuesday 19 January 2010

New Stretchmarks!

It's official...I have new stretchmarks! hehe
And just as predicted, as this bump is growing out more to the front (rather than 'all around' like my bump was with my sons pregnancy) - the stretchies are right out front and centre. Some new small ones right above my tummy buttom.
Womans bodies sure are maps! - They tell such wonderful stories!

Sunday 17 January 2010

This weeks photo - 27+1!

Nearly into the third trimester (I am gonna go with 28 weeks being the end of the second rather than 26 weeks as I think that makes a bit more sense...though I could settle for the medium ground at 27 weeks...eh?!...whatever! lol) and here is this weeks photo!


Not much difference! I look tired, but I am not - honestly! lol Having to buy some new maternity tops as my bump is getting bigger but I am still proud and impressed with myself that the rest of me isn't really getting all that bigger - and thats a good thing when considering a healthy weight gain! :)


What happened this week:
Lungs begin to manufacture surfactant to stop lung tissue from sticking to itself. Uterus should measure 26-28cm at this time. Baby's brain continues rapid growth. 25 weeks' gestation 27 weeks from your LMP. Foetus length: 24cm crown to rump (32.5cm or almost 12½ inches head to toe).

Wednesday 13 January 2010

152!

Thats beats per minute! (this baby's heartrate obviously hehe!)...Thats what I calculated over and over again anyhow. I had to concentrate hard though...you really have to pay attention as it beats so fast! (and its not like its very loud and solid with a pinard! hehe) Still, not as fast as my sons though who was nearer to 170 bpm on average. Perhaps its a girl then! hehe

Perfect chocolate bar!

I found it I found it!

Its dark chocolate. 72% Cocoa! (dark is my most fav) ...and so therefore free of milk. It is also sugar free too! AND most importantly - 'fake' sugar free! It is naturally sweetened with Xylitol (some lovely stuff!). And to add a nut-free nutty flavour and crunch...riddle throughout with shelled hemp seeds! (so high in protein and omegas!) ...A chocolate bar suitable for pretty much everyone! The only downside is that it is £2 a bar! hehe (but I feel thats worth it anyhow!)

'Plamil' - apparently....and they do a variety of other chocolates as well! I am in love!!! hehe

Alien bump shapes!

Well...my bump is officially no longer just 'round'. Depending on how baby is positioned in there and depending on how they fancy moving about...it can be all sorts of odd shapes! It is pretty funny to look at! My tummy button is nearly perfectly flat as well! Don't think I'll have a tummy button that pops out - it just went flat with my pregnancy with DS as well. Guess I just don't have that type of tummy button! Oh well - that could have been fun to play with! hehe

Sunday 10 January 2010

This weeks photo - 26+1!

And I can not believe that I almost forgot about it this week either! The holidays and all this snow seem to have me unorganised! Oh well ...here it is!




And OMG I am huge! lol



What happened this week:

(Growth...deffinately...but lets see what else hehe)

Baby's bowel contains meconium, a dark green, tar-like substance excreted during the first few days after birth. 24 weeks' gestation 26 weeks from your LMP. Foetus length: 23cm crown to rump (31cm or 12 inches head to toe). Weight: about 800g or 1 lb 12 oz.

Saturday 9 January 2010

I just realised...

That my 'days to go' is now in the double digits only! (98 days to go to be exact)...of course babies come when they are ready so that could be less or more, give or take a few weeks here and there! lol
But it's something! I have come so far and I feel so great! :D

Monday 4 January 2010

This weeks photo - 25+1!

Actually got a photo this week! Looking much more round in this photo but I think baby has shifted downwards again instead all up in my ribcage! Breathing isn't as laboured this week! hehe
So here is this weeks photo!

What happened this week:


Baby's skin is wrinkled, translucent and pink. If you could take a look at your baby, you'd see her bones, organs and vessels. 23 weeks' gestation 25 weeks from your LMP. Foetus length: 22cm crown to rump (30cm or 11¾ inches head to toe). Weight: about 700g. Blink-startle responses have been reported when your baby hears a loud noise.


Cool!