A Sibling for You

Neglectful...

2010-05-11T03:38:00.001-07:00

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!

This weeks photo - 40+1!

2010-04-18T10:27:00.001-07:00

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.

Acupuncture...

2010-04-16T11:37:00.000-07:00

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!

Mastitis!....

2010-04-15T05:58:00.001-07:00

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

This weeks photo - 39+1!

2010-04-11T09:41:00.000-07:00

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.

Sling stash!

2010-04-09T10:19:00.000-07:00

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')

And more plug!...

2010-04-08T02:51:00.001-07:00

How much of this stuff is in there?! lol

Baby is also now 3/5ths engaged!

Can't be long now surely?!

More plug...

2010-04-05T03:47:00.000-07:00

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

Finished Bump Casting!

2010-04-03T08:13:00.000-07:00

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)

Mucus plug!

2010-04-02T11:08:00.001-07:00

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

Belly Casting

2010-03-28T12:57:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-03-28T12:48:00.000-07:00

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.

My Blessingway!

2010-03-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

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!

A great (head) MW appointment!

2010-03-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

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!

Birth Pool Practice Run!

2010-03-21T11:18:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-03-21T11:03:00.000-07:00

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.

One up on the MWs!

2010-03-20T02:46:00.000-07:00

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!)

My Goldfish Bowl

2010-03-19T03:22:00.001-07:00

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

2010-03-19T02:40:00.000-07:00

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'.

A heck of a MW apponitment!

2010-03-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

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! :)

This weeks photo - 35+1!

2010-03-14T13:10:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-14T13:08:00.001-07:00

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!

Big Kicks!

2010-03-12T12:27:00.000-08:00

Another video - just for fun!

Online 'baby pool'!

2010-03-09T00:26:00.000-08:00

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!

This weeks photo - 34+1!

2010-03-07T05:35:00.001-08:00

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!

Poem

2010-03-06T05:46:00.000-08:00

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~

Tinctures ordered as well!

2010-03-04T11:57:00.001-08:00

...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!

Homeopathic kit ordered!

2010-03-02T02:05:00.001-08:00

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!

This weeks photo - 33+1!

2010-02-28T10:53:00.000-08:00

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.

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

2010-02-27T13:12:00.000-08:00

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

Oh...so thats a Braxton Hicks contraction!

2010-02-24T12:39:00.001-08:00

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

This weeks photo - 32+1!

2010-02-21T06:33:00.001-08:00

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.

Baby heater!

2010-02-20T05:58:00.000-08:00

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!

My MW appointment!

2010-02-17T10:47:00.000-08:00

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!

This weeks photo - 31+1!

2010-02-14T09:42:00.000-08:00

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.

Hiccups - and some more photos!

2010-02-07T09:48:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-02-07T08:49:00.000-08:00

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!

Birthing pool is here!

2010-02-03T10:58:00.000-08:00

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!

This weeks photo - 29+1!

2010-01-31T09:42:00.000-08:00

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!

New feelings

2010-01-30T10:20:00.000-08:00

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!

Another fabby MW appointment!

2010-01-27T10:10:00.001-08:00

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!

Dandelion Root

2010-01-26T04:03:00.000-08:00

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!

This weeks photo - 28+1!

2010-01-24T08:44:00.000-08:00

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!

Into the third!

2010-01-23T05:01:00.000-08:00

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

Solid baby!

2010-01-22T09:39:00.001-08:00

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!

New Stretchmarks!

2010-01-19T14:04:00.000-08:00

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!

This weeks photo - 27+1!

2010-01-17T04:44:00.000-08:00

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).

152!

2010-01-13T13:31:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-01-13T11:29:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-01-13T11:26:00.001-08:00

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

This weeks photo - 26+1!

2010-01-10T10:57:00.000-08:00

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.

I just realised...

2010-01-09T10:51:00.000-08:00

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

This weeks photo - 25+1!

2010-01-04T04:35:00.000-08:00

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!

Weaned...

2009-12-29T04:12:00.000-08:00

That is myself from my variety of herbs I was talking. Finally and fully weaned from the Burdock Root and the Agnus Castus (vitex). I did it slowly as I figured that was the best for my body so they both took a few weeks each (and I also did them seperately - weaning myself from the BR first and then the AC).
I will then be weaning myself onto red raspberry leaves (RRL) once I hit the 30 week mark in preparation for labour as RRL are known for toning the uterus. Will probably start off with a gentle tea and then just buy the capsules closer to the end.
Off one herb - onto another! hehe

This weeks photo - 24+1....well...

2009-12-28T11:12:00.000-08:00

No photo this week (Christmas, being away, all of that - etc) - but I am now over 24 weeks pregnant!
You know what that means?...Viable! Apparently, if baby were born today, they would have a 30% chance of survival. At 24 weeks, they are offically considerd 'viable'. And even more amazingly - at 27 weeks, they have an 80% chance of survival! It really makes you appreciate how precious and amazing life really is doesn't it?!

What happened this week:

Baby is taking iron and calcium from you. Baby's rapid eye movements begin. 22 weeks' gestation 24 weeks from your LMP. Foetus length: 21cm crown to rump (29cm or 11¼ inches head to toe). Weight: 630g.

This weeks photo - 23+1!

2009-12-20T04:54:00.001-08:00

So here it is - and you can see the upward shift. Well - at least I can! Not that attractive from the side - I do like the view from the front though because you can see how it is still very much an 'up front' kinda bump. My bump is looking a bit more up and down rather than sticky-out because of the upward shift...I think...

I wonder if my tummy button will pop out this time. With my pregnancy with DS, it just went very flat! hehe

What happened this week:

Fine downy hair called lanugo now covers baby's body; eyebrows are visible. Testes in boys begin to descend; ovaries in female babies are present against their posterior abdominal wall. 21 weeks' gestation 23 weeks from your LMP. Foetus length: 20cm crown to rump (28cm or 11 inches head to toe). Weight: about 500g.

Surprisingly yummy!

2009-12-20T01:04:00.001-08:00

So I opted for the hemp protein powder as it seemed the more 'natural' choice and the much more well rounded choice in terms of nutrience. It was also the cheaper option too - which is always a plus!

It arrived yesterday. And I have to say, it didn't look too yummy - being a baby poo green in colour (as you can see pictured)...But it was very yummy actually - surprisingly so! I just mixed it into a glass of almond milk and drank. Would also be happy to add it to yoghurt, etc as well! It has a very subtle sweet flavour like an apple or banana or carrot does. Its hard to describe, but it certainly doesn't taste nasty!

Moving up!

2009-12-19T13:02:00.001-08:00

For the past few days I have noticed a big shift in my bump. It has moved up. The first sign of this was my ability to breath...or lack of! Of course I can still breath but I have deffinately noticed a change in how I breath and the fact that I can no longer take deep breaths. Baby is deffinately squishing my lungs a bit now!...And then tonight I noticed about a three inch shift upwards on the kicks! Whilst the kicks used to be right on my tummy buttom, they are now near to three inches above it! I don't think baby has grow a huge amount neccessarily - just they have shifted up a bit. I base this on the fact of the upward evidence as well as the increased space between my bump and my legs! haha I knew I wasn't imagining that! Can't wait to see what tomorrows picture looks like!

Another boy dream!

2009-12-18T07:54:00.000-08:00

So it must be a girl! I only ever had girl dreams with DS and he was ...well... a boy! hehe
Last night I had another boy dream. Surprisingly it wasn't about the pregnancy or birth or anything. He was already here and part of the family. I just remember carrying him around in my wrap and people asking about him and me saying I was a mother of boys! hehe

Herbs and stuff!

2009-12-17T02:31:00.001-08:00

So I have been thinking about what herbs/tinctures/homeopathic remedies/etc that I will need in preparation for the birth and afterwards. Getting my list together. So far, it is not a big one. I am finished with my Burdock Root and nearly finished weaning myself off the Agnus Castus as well. So onto the next list! So far I have:

RRL - Red Raspberry Leaf tea and/or capsules. I can only drink so much tea during the day so the capsules might just be handier to have around. I will wait though until I am 30 weeks to start this. It is for toning the uterus (that big muscle that will help birth my baby! hehe). So also handy to continue taking after the baby is born (for getting it back down to size and for just keeping it in general good health!).

Nettle - Great for iron! (would buy this in tea form)

Dandelion root - Great if you have water retention. I had loads when I was pregnant with DS, but I also did gain a lot and he was a pretty big baby as well. So I will only buy this as needed. Not too hard to get. Good ol' H&B!

Arnica - 200c. This will be taken every few hours once in labour and after the baby is born. It can help with general aches and pains, bruising and afterpains. I currently have some of this on its own but am considering buying the labour/childbirth homeopathic kit that includes many other homeopathic remedies that are handy to have around. 'Considering' only because I have been offered this twice but have not recieved it as of yet, so may need to splash out and buy it if I still have no news come March at the lastest I feel.

Motherwort - I will buy this in tincture form. I have bought from G Baldwin & Co. before and am pleased with their products and service so will get all my tinctures from them again as well. Motherwort is good for after the baby is born. It can help with releasing the placenta and with afterpains as well.

and

Shepherds Purse - Also in tincture form. This is for after the placenta has been birthed as it can stop any unwanted bleeding (such as hemorrhaging). Might not need it, but worth having around (its not like it is terribly expensive or anything!)

and I think thats about it for now!

Quinoa!

2009-12-16T10:33:00.000-08:00

Just about the most perfect snack for anyone - especially those pregnant I think (and vegetarians, and those trying or having to follow a diabetic diet). It is quick and easy to make and high in protein, and with its naturally balanced set of essential amino acids, it is not just high in protein but a complete protein source!

I made Quinoa Tabbouleh and am very pleased with it. It is super easy to do - and makes a lot so you can save it for days in the fridge and have it as the odd grazers snack (and because it is so easy and quick to do, you can also add other things into it that you may like such as pine nuts and olives!). Perfectly healthy! I am going to try the Quinoa Pilaf next!

Another great MW appointment!...

2009-12-16T10:03:00.000-08:00

Had another MW appointment today - my third so far - and all is going well! It was another great MW appointment! She seems really pleased to see me and kept commenting on how well I looked and how I just come across as just really enjoying pregnancy! (I do I do! hehe) - I think she must have had a few appointments that were otherwise! hehe
Everything is fine - of course! Baby measuring fine as well! She forgot her pinard though and was actually rather disapointed about that because she thinks my bump would be perfect for her to listen easily...which will be great for her student as well as she has not had experience in the use of a pinard as most people want doppler use 'these days' (she says).
The biggest thing really is sorting out all this maternity pay. Mostly because I am both employed and self-employed. So that will just make it all a bit more complicatd. Oh well...
So all is well! - Will see her next in the new year!

This weeks photo - 22+1!

2009-12-13T09:51:00.000-08:00

So here is this weeks photo! Think I grew and inch this week!
Nothing much else to report! hehe

What happened this week:

20 weeks' gestation 22 weeks from your LMP. Foetus length: about 19cm crown to rump (27cm or 10½ inches head to toe). Weight: about 400g or 14oz.

Gestational Diabetes Diet

2009-12-12T12:38:00.000-08:00

I did not have GD when I was pregnant with my son (this was checked many times).
However - I did gain a fair amount of weight (6 stone exactly) - and my son was a pretty big baby (near 10 and a half pounds! lol).
So I have decided that the best thing to do, is to go for a diet plan that is suitable for those with GD - just to be on the safe side!

I am no pro at this at all - it is all new to me. But it looks like the basics are no sugar - non at all. I am using Xylitol as a sugar replacment that is natural (unlike sweeteners) yet suitable for diabetics. High protein (which I should be having anyhow as I am pregnant) - and small meals spaced out throughout the day to keep my metablolism working (preventing any insulin overloads) - even more improtant during pregnancy due to all the mad hormones rushing through my body - diabetic or not! This site is good for some basic info I have found - but its a lot to take in at once so will take awhile reading it over a variety of days for it all to sink and me to feel like I have found my feet with it all a bit more.

I have got the small meals throughout the day thing down as I am naturally a grazer. Big meals a few times a day are not my thing. They never really have been.

Breakfast is also sorted! I am having eggs with fresh fruit and veg and lots of nuts and some yoghurt - topped of course with my favourite veggie condiment of yeast flakes! So all high protein and the carbs are well balanced.

I will also treat myself to Boots range of diabetic goodies because there is no way I can go without something like chocolate or cake for the duration of this pregnancy! hehe

I am also lazy - I have to admit it. I am all about the quick fix! You will not find me in the kitchen whipping up meals all day long. This diet will be hard for me. I like cakes...I like my sugar and I like my ready to eat and go foods! But there are some things that can help me on the way - such as a 100% casein protein powder (or perhaps a more natural based protein powder such as hemp protein powder). I can add this to my almond milk alternernative - a nut milk! Another great way to get in some nut protein. I like nuts, but I don't like munching on them all that often if I am honest! I will also be making batches of easy to make things like bean salads that I can snack on throughout the day.

So...we shall see! Here is to small - or at least normal sized babies! hehe

He felt a kick!

2009-12-12T06:46:00.001-08:00

Last Thursday my DH felt a kick!...It was one of many but at least he felt it! He wants to know if I will stop bugging him about it now! Cheeky git! lol

Early Visable Kicks!

2009-12-08T00:49:00.000-08:00

Baby has been going wild all yesterday, and today (woke me up to a wonderful dance)! I got some pretty 'woah!' kicks all throughout the day yesterday...so whilst in the bath, I thought I would try and record what I could see as well...yes! - I could actually see the baby moving!

They are kinda hard to see though, so you need some patience and pay attention! hehe.... I swear they looked bigger with the naked eye that anything this camera caught but they are there...if you look closely! hehe

So here it is:

Bola Ball Necklace

2009-12-06T13:15:00.000-08:00

My DH got me a bola ball necklace. It is something that I have been wanting for awhile for any potential 'bump' that I might have. I, of course, have a bump now - and because the package wasn't a quiet one, I got to open it early! hehe

The idea is, the soft chiming sound made by the bola ball (that is worn on a long necklace so that the bola ball hangs over the bump) can be heard by the growing baby inside the womb. The soothing sound then becomes familiar to them if you wear the bola ball necklace often (which I do!). This soothing sound caused by the bola ball will then also be a comforting and soothing connection for the baby once they are born as, like my very own voice, it is a familiar sound to them.

And I don't see why that shouldn't be true. The same is said for the mothers voice as baby can hear it from about halfway through pregnancy and onwards!

I, of course, often forget that I am wearing it and start to wonder where the chiming sound is coming from until I remember! hehe But I like it! :D

This weeks photo - 21+1!

2009-12-06T10:05:00.000-08:00

So here it is! I am finally getting strangers asking me when I am due! hehe...It's nice! Though people have interesting views of either 'not long then!' or 'Oh so awhile to go then'....a bit of a contrast! Guess it depends on how you look at it! As I see it, once Christmas has come and gone - then spring isn't far around the corner!

And as always...

What happened this week:

Baby's skin is coated with a cheesy substance (vernix) which protects against chapping, abrasions and hardening. If baby is a girl, the uterus is formed and development of the vagina has begun. 19 weeks' gestation 21 weeks from your LMP. Foetus length: 17.5cm crown to rump. Weight: 390g or 14oz.

Our Christmas Ornament!

2009-12-02T09:59:00.000-08:00

Well - every year we pick out one christmas ornament for our tree. It's a bit of a family tradition we have started and it started with our first christmas together as a married couple - which also was our sons first Christmas ever as well!

I found this online and have to say I am super pleased with it - espeically the service and how fast the shipping was considering it had to come overseas to get to me! (it took only a week to get here! - I am amazed! hehe - So I would highly recommend their site and be happy to use them again!) ...So here it is: I love that it represents us all! I found a few others that were either not Chrsitmasy at all - or did not include a 'Duncan' (so just the husband and wife). I love it! We are putting up our tree this weekend and I can not wait to add it to our collection! :D

This weeks photo - 20+1!

2009-11-29T06:45:00.000-08:00

Halfway there and here is this weeks photo! Feeling such a close bond and connection with my ever growing baby and bump! :D

What happened this week:

Rate of growth is now slowing down a little. Your baby receives nutrients 1-2 hours after you eat. 18 weeks' gestation 20 weeks from your LMP Foetus length: 16cm crown to rump (25cm or 9¾ inches head to toe).

My first BOY dream - Ever!

2009-11-29T01:44:00.000-08:00

Last night I had my first boy dream!!!...ever! I never even had a boy dream when I was pregnant with DS - Not even after I knew he was a boy! So thats a first for me!
In my dream, everything went as planned. I was just so happy to have birthed and finally to meet my baby that I totally forgot to check if we had a son or daughter! hehe ...It wasn't until after my placenta had been birthed and after I even remembered that I had made my own cord ties (and found them) - that I finally though 'Oh yeah...lets see if we have a son or daughter!'...and sure enough, we had a son! And the name we have picked out for our might-be-son fit perfectly well as well. I was officially outnumbered! hehe
Oh - and he was tiny! Under 7lbs! All the girl dreams I have had so far they have been between 7-8lbs so 'average' in size.
Wonder what it means! hehe
Still not getting any deffinate boy or girl feelings for this baby - though I find myself constantly refering to my bump as a 'she'. So wonder if that means anything either?...hmmmm....

20 WEEKS! - Halfway there!!!

2009-11-28T05:46:00.001-08:00

I am 20 weeks today! Halfway to birthing day! Can-not-believe that I am already here!!! How time does fly!

From start of this pregnancy to now I have gained 19lbs so far. Not sure how I feel about that. Its not bad. Deffinately not as much as I gained in my first pregnancy with my son - so in that way it is good. Not sure if 19lbs is 'normal' though. I am also keeping measurments of my thighs and I can still get my wedding rings off - so it must just mostly be baby! hehe I am cutting out sugary carbs though and having a higher protein breakfast - so that should help with healthy weight gain! :)

I am also deffinately feeling hiccups now! hehe

My decision to go Unassisted - 'A paradigm shift'

2009-11-26T07:47:00.000-08:00

The decision to go unassisted was deffinatley a gradual thing. There are many different reasons that people are doing UC and I am sure just as equally, many different ways that they reached that desire.

For me, to reach this decision invovled a lot of healing, soul searching and research (four years of it so far and I think it still a continued thing and will be for the rest of my life - though I imagine that part of the shift will have more to do with developing an open mind and understanding and accepting others for who they are and their choices...One day I am sure I will have my own daughter-in-law lmao).

I had the same 'shift' (as some have called it) in my parenting when my son was born. I grew up in many fosters homes - many abusive in more than one way...and I sometimes wonder if I would be the parent I am today without that. Its kind of the same to where I am today in regards to my body, my baby, birthing - and just being a woman and mother in general. My son was born via C-section and I often wonder if I would be where I am today without that. I am one of those people that do not have 'regrets' because I can see where my past has brought me on my path today.

For us - UC just feels right. If there is one thing I have learned as a mother, it is how to listen and trust my instincts. This is just a gradul and learned thing as well. I get this feeling and then I know its right. That was the only thing 'sudden' about our decision to UBAC - that feeling of 'right'.

Becoming a mother changes everything, as well all know. It changes our view of the world in a major way. Suddenly we are responsible for a life that we love more than even our own life. I had also been doing the 'reclaiming my body and the rest of myself from mainstream thinking and living' as someone I know on the Freebirth forums has called it. This too also started with my son and me becoming a mother. I felt I was also helping him to reclaim his body and the rest of himself from mainstream thinking and living as well after his traumatic and jerky entry into the world. Whilst I have read many birthing stories and know that in many ways I was lucky as our birth was not as traumatic as some very close friends that I have - I can only imgaine what it must have been like for my sons soul and placement onto this earth. With him, we stepped away from modern medicine and entered a world of alternative therapies. With this knowledge, we were also able to concieve the child I carry today when 'modern medicine' could not help us (in either way that I needed - physically, emotionally and spiritually). Trusting my body, being comfortable with it and the woman that I am came through this. Alternative therapies are a different emotional world as well. They are a whole healing rather than just a surface scratching. This was part of the healing that I needed in my body and my heart. All of this of course has deffinately been contained by my own research and practice and experiences through life and motherhood - something that has taken time during my own healing over the birth I had. This has also, for me, invovled a bit of spiritual healing and growth as well. I feel whole once again. Without this feeling of wholeness, I am not sure I could be where I am today - with the decision to UBAC. Though research has deffinately helped - sifting through the fact from fiction and empowering myself to take control of my body, that was only a very small part of the decision to UBAC. Though its reassuring to know that I will not rip apart and die by having a birth at home after a C-Section or that a breech baby can be born perfectly normally and healthily and thats it perfectly fine for the placenta to take three hours or more to birth and all the signs to watch out for if anything is not going 'smoothly' and the probability of anything going 'wrong' ...etc...all of this gathered pregnancy and birthing knowledge/information probably helped me heal more from my sons birth that it did in helping me decide to UBAC this time around. This of course was much needed either way.

I am not sure there was any 'one' shift. I guess the shift is a gradual thing but I do feel there was a 'shift' of some kind. I think for me this happened more recently (hence my recent decision to announce our current plans to UBAC! :D). At the begining of this prengancy I knew I would be having a home birth. The thought of going unassisted has been there since we started to TTC (especially ever since I saw the Freebirth documentary that aired here first in the UK) though. But at that point in my life, it felt more like a 'nice' thing to do if I 'could' rather than something I felt I had to do. I didn't want to go into something because of an 'ideal' - if I was going to UBAC, it had to be the right decsion for me - for us. And up to the point where I am today, it was just a nice 'ideal'. For me, the final decision to go unassisted was through that feeeling of 'right' that I got - that was it, it just clicked. I think this feeling of right was helped through the connection of a close friend and support groups such as forums like Joyous Birthing and BornFree! (and through the gradual connection that I have with this little baby growing inside of me). I am not one to comform for the feeling of fitting in and I no longer feel it is just a nice 'ideal' - but it certainly feels nice to be understood and supported and talked to like a human - an individual spirit that is right and desrving.
This is no longert my 'birth plan' - it is what will happen.

Pregnancy differences

2009-11-24T09:49:00.000-08:00

It's fun to sit here and think about the differences between this pregnancy and the pregnancy with my son. I don't think one or the other suggests either sex though. I simply think they are difference because well...they are different!

The first noticable difference is my cravings. When I was pregnant with my DS, my cravings were longer lasting. Almost by trimester. For the first trimester I craved a lot of fresh fruit and eggs! It was mostly just fresh fruit in the second trimester - I was eating a punnet of strawberries a day or more! And then for the third trimester it was salty and sour so popcorn and lemons were on my cravings list!

This baby is certainly more picky! Whilst I am having deffinate cravings, they come and go - sometimes by meal but mostly by week. I have gone from craving burritos to salad to watermelon to pork chops...

Which reminds me - as a vegetarian, I do not eat meat. Even when I am craving it. This baby craves pork chops whilst Duncan craved salmon! hehe

The second most noticable difference is the way they move. My son was a kicker. He was never very active but he kicked. This one is more of a roller. They don't do much kicking but they certainly like to roll which is such an odd feeling!!! Especially when they completely roll around in a 360 degree way. It's like having a giant bubble of gas within me - that isn't gas at all!

I will also add that I think the third most noticable (or not so noticable to anyone but me hehe) is my bump shape. With my son I was certainly all over the place but this bump seems to be neat and right out in front.

Will be interesting to see how this pregnancy progresses! I can't wait to meet my baby! hehe

This weeks photo - 19+1!

2009-11-22T05:46:00.000-08:00

Here is this weeks photo! Measured this morning and I am an inch bigger around than last week and I can tell by the photo alone that my bump has shifted up more! Cool!

So here it is!

What happened this week:

Growth of baby's body is now catching up with its head. Baby's lower limbs lengthening and bones are becoming ossified. By this stage, amazingly, early ovaries, follicles and eggs are now beginning to grow in the female foetus. Your baby's ears are close to their proper position at the side of the head, though they stick out at the moment.17 weeks' gestation 19 weeks from your LMP. Foetus length: 15cm crown to rump (20cm or 8 inches head to toe). Weight: about 240g or 8oz.

Woohoo - A lot this week!!! Still so amazed!

NO! - To late scan...

2009-11-22T01:41:00.000-08:00

I have another MW appointment at 22 weeks (so in just a few weeks), so will she how she takes its but I have decided against her desire for a late scan in this pregnancy.
Why you ask?.... Well there are a few reasons. First I will explain why she (the MW) wanted a late scan...and this is because she wanted it to confirm baby position and placental position. Now this is why I will not be having a late scan.

First I have not had any scans at all for this pregnancy. This is mostly because the scans that they offer (one at 12 weeks for dating and one at 20 weeks for I don't really know but most people like to find out the sex during this time) would not tell me anything I or anyone else needs to know. Add that to the fact that I do not feel they are safe. So those two scans were easily passed up/declined.

So...onto the 'late scan' (which at the time I felt would be most appropriate - for the reasons desired for the scan - at a later time in pregnancy such as 35 weeks +) and why I feel confident in also declining the MW's desire for this...

The first is that a scan only tells you what is happening in the present. Baby may or may not be breech at this time but it is well known that babies can and do often change position once in actual labour. So whilst a scan can tell you one thing, it can only tell you what is happening then and the outcome can be very different in labour and delivery. A good MW can tell the position of a baby simply by feel. You can also 'map' out your uterus by the baby's movments to help determine/confirm baby position.

At the end of the day - breech birth is just a variation of normal (and if done correctly, is just as safe!)

So what about the placenta? Well it does move around quite a bit during pregnancy but usually towards the end of it, it is set where it will stay until birthing day. So whilst a 'late' scan can indeed confirm where the placenta is position, this is not too terribly important to know. Of course, placenta previa is a serious thing but there are usually many other signs that the placenta is in such an undesirable position - as well as being able to hear it with a pinard or feel its position. So I feel comfortable in declining a scan for this as well as the placentas position can be confirmed with other non invasive/medical techniques to rule out something like complete placenta previa.

I still do not feel scans are safe or desired. I remember having a late scan at 30 weeks when I was pregnant with my son and he sure did not like it as well. He was indeed breech during that scan and would often turn away and cover his face when the scan came near to his face. If this baby is indeed also breech, that could put a breech baby in an undesirable position due to the fact that they are trying to hide from such a breech (ha! - no pun intended!) in privacy. This is such an intimate thing and something I am not comfortable with being exploited for unnessary reasons.

Then theres the 'Eeyore' complex as well. That is - negativity. My MW wants the scan - I do not. Whilst a scan would not change my feelings or decisions on the matter, it might change her feelings and her comfort level which adds up to the support - or lack of support - I may recieve...all due to the outcome of a scan (that once again only tells you what is happening at the present). This is something I am not willing to risk. I need to stay in tune with my body and my insistincs and trust them to be able to birth naturally and peacefully - the way God and nature intended. 'Ignorance is bliss' in this situation. I would rather my MW stayed positive and prepared rather than negative and worried and whatever else she may be feeling due to unpredictable and unreliable results of something medical and not intended or desired for my body or this baby (ie - the 'late scan'). Because at the end of the day, it is my body and my baby - so any scan results would be down to what I would do with the information and not my MW. So = No scan!

To sum it up - there is nothing a scan, even 'late', could tell me that would change my desired decision - and thats a natural vaginal home birth. I feel confident in this decision and my ability to have a natural vaginal home birth (breech or otherwise - however this baby is meant to enter the world!) and am looking forward to the rest of my pregnancy and meeting my baby for the first time on their Birthday! :D

Thee Amazing Body - Nipples

2009-11-20T10:25:00.000-08:00

Yes - nipples! Apparently they get bigger and darker in pregnancy. They certainly did with my first pregnancy and whilst they are no longer that dark, they never did get smaller! hehe
I keep waiting for them to get darker but I think they didn't until the third trimester with my first pregnancy. So far, I seem to just have a dark ring around my nipples - which looks terribly attractive...not! Though it is kinda funny!
Whats that all about then? Well apparently is had to do with hormone changes in pregnancy - thats just what they do! Makes it easier for baby to find source of food as well when baby is born due to their poor eyesight.

Heartburn

2009-11-20T10:24:00.000-08:00

Not much. I didn't have any with my first pregnancy so this is a bit new for me. So far, the trick is small meals. Especially before bed.

UBAC

2009-11-19T12:18:00.000-08:00

Perhaps...maybe...Honestly, its one of those things I plan to be prepared for and wait until the moment to decide as I don't feel this is something I can deffinately say yes to at the moment. It is something that even pre-conception I have been considering though.
In case you are wondering - thats 'Unassisted Childbirth After C-Section'.
Why unassisted childbirth you ask? Well - you can get many answers (and information) here.

Kick sounds...(so far)

2009-11-18T10:34:00.000-08:00

Here are some flutter type kicks...

And here are some proper big kicks! hehe

Today at 18W4D. (gotta be a bit patient with these - they arn't too fantastic but they are something! hehe)

We have a heartbeat!

2009-11-18T09:51:00.000-08:00

We have a (non-doppler) heartbeat!!!

Don't quite know how to figure out the 'rate' of it - but I do know it was rather fast. About 160+. That was about the same as my sons as well. 18W4D today so thats not bad going...though perhaps the baby was just in the perfect position for me to hear. I think they are floating up high in my uterus (sideways with feet dangling down) at the moment based on where I feel movments.

Have been recording all sorts of sounds with my 'electronic pinard' (lol) - But have yet to figure out how to 'share' it with the world yet! Think I need to try another program in recording it. Hope to get them up soon though - so far I have some good 'kicking' ones where baby is doing a little dance...not to record this heartbeat! :D

Baby can hear!

2009-11-16T10:47:00.000-08:00

I mean...I know I have read that babies in utero can hear at this stage in gestation but to feel it is another thing! Everytime today that a loud noise was made, my baby made a very quick big kind of movement - like they were startled or something. At first I was not too sure but I seem to be getting more clumsy! hehe It's amazing though! My baby can hear me! hehe

It has to be a girl...

2009-11-16T09:25:00.000-08:00

Because despite the fact we 'had' a name for a girl picked out for the last 5+ years.....It isn't sticking and none of the ones I think I like are. So for the moment, I am stuck on girls names ideas.
I never thought that would happen. We had a girls name!!! lol

This weeks photo - 18+1!

2009-11-15T04:58:00.001-08:00

So here is this weeks photo... (ugh - not the best picture of me!...honestly, I am not as tired as I look! hehe)

And whilst we are at it - a few other photos as well! hehe

What happened this week:

16 weeks' gestation 18 weeks from your LMP. Foetus length: 14cm crown to rump (18cm or 7 inches head to toe). Weight: about 200g.

Huh...well thats all it says for this week! hehe

Deffinate movement!!!

2009-11-14T13:50:00.000-08:00

This baby is awake today! I have felt many kicks today that are deffinately baby! Perhaps it was due to my 'accident' this morning. I feel down the stairs! I know that sounds rather serious but it was only about five steps and I fell on my bottom and back creating a bit of a carpet burn on my elbow. Both my back and elbow are suffering because of it but baby is just fine. Think its first 'roller coaster' ride woke the baby up! hehe
It is such a lovely feeling and I know for sure it is baby in there. Hello baby :D

Heart Monitors

2009-11-14T06:18:00.000-08:00

Because I do not feel they are 100% safe (and studies have shown them not to be - but I realise this is a very touchy subject for a lot of people and sometimes the benefits can outweight the risk and of course there will always be some medically necessary situation...) I have decided to opt out of doppler use and ultrasound technology for this very precious pregnancy and baby.
However - that does not mean I miss out at all on the precious sounds within me!
When I was pregnant with my DS I had this device and I am happy to use it again! (it is also much cheaper than any doppler you can get! It only requires a bit of patience! hehe)...
It is the 'Summers Infant Prenatal Heart Monitor' - that is basically a microphone (unlike doppler and ultrasound, it emits no energy into me or my baby). I like to call it my 'pinnard with microphone'. But unlike a pinnard I can hook it up to the computer and record the precious sounds!!! Of course, like a pinnard, you can't hear much until about halfway through the pregnancy (despite I have been having a listen in since about 10 weeks! hehe). I did not hear my sons heartbeat until I was 20 weeks pregnant with him but it was very strong then and deffinate!

So you will be lucky to hear these precious shared moments throughout this blog from this point onwards. I am hoping to record kicks, hiccups as well as the precious heart beat!

First sling

2009-11-12T02:19:00.000-08:00

This baby is very blessed and already very spoilt - hehe.
Yesterday I recieved my Comfy Joey (hybrid shoulder ring sling) in 'buttercup'. Not the most expensive or fancy sling in the world, but I love it! It will be the perfect first sling for this baby (followed shortly by one of my wraps). I am not a RS fan but they have their uses and are pretty nice for newborns.
As you might have guessed - I have a lot of slings. A bit of a 'stash' that isn't quite complete as I have a few more on the way. I am dying to take a photo of my 'stash' and can not wait to share it! - Something I am really proud of! hehe
There are many benefits to 'babywearing' other than just the obvious practical reasons. All of baby's and mothers needs can be met with a simple piece of fabric. It is something I am very glad to have discovered and I feel I have such lucky children because of it! :D

For some reason I feel...

2009-11-11T01:10:00.001-08:00

This baby is a boy.
I know at the begining I was feeling 'girl' vibes. I think this was from how different a start this pregnancy had (which could simply just be down to the fact thats its a different prgnancy - and most likely is really). But now I am feeling 'boy' vibes.

I have to be honest - whilst I just pray for a healthy baby, I would slightly prefer a girl. Only because this will be our last and it would be nice to have the variety in mother-child relationships. So having another boy makes me feel a teeny-tiny bit sad. Though I think having another boy would be best for my DS in the long run. He says he wants a sister hehe.

This weeks photo - 17+1!

2009-11-08T05:38:00.000-08:00

Another week gone by!...We are well into November now. Hard to believe how fast this is going!

So here is this weeks photo! I don't think you can tell much from this photo and last weeks but I know my diameter is an inch bigger than last weeks as I am keeping measurement for fun! hehe I have gained a total of 10 inches around my waist since becoming pregnant!

What happened this week:

Eyes are slowling migrating from the sides to the front of the head. Slow eyeball movements begin. Baby continues to grow rapidly; add blinking to its list of reflexes (sucking, swallowing are others). 15 weeks' gestation 17 weeks from your LMP. Foetus length: 13cm crown to rump (16cm or 6¼ inches head to toe). Weight: about 155g or 5 oz.

So a bit more this week! :D

This weeks photo - 16+1!

2009-11-02T00:04:00.000-08:00

So here we are at 16+1. I also swear I felt a little kick Saturday night as I lay on the sofa eating Halloween sweeties and watching Enchanted!!!

What happened this week:

The uterus is approx. halfway from your pubic bone to your umbilicus (tummy button). 14 weeks' gestation 16 weeks from your LMP Foetus length: 12cm crown to rump (14cm or 5½ inches head to toes). Weight: 80-90g (about 3 oz).

So again - not much but growth.

Teeccino! - Coffee Alternative

2009-10-29T11:17:00.000-07:00

I got my Teeccino order in yesterday and could not wait to try it! It is a herbal 'coffee'. It is naturally caffeine free and not coffee at all - instead made up of a variety of fruits and herbs. And yes - it does actually taste like coffee! The first few sips don't, you can taste the fruity-ness in it all ...but the avertaste is very much coffee taste so after the first few sips, you could not tell the difference with the rest!

I got 'Original' flavour, but now that I know I like it I will venture out and get their variety of other flavours!

Deffinately would recommend it - especially during pregnancy! (and for some reason, thats the only time I crave coffee - it is not something I normally drink at all! hehe)

Another great MW appointment! :D

2009-10-28T04:32:00.000-07:00

Had my second MW appointment this morning. It went well! She did joke my 'birth plan' was a bit of a novel but was impressed by how organised it was (no - seriously hehe). She also seemed to think nothing of the fact that I planned to eat my placenta and told me about this course they did on 'Lotus Birth'. Lotus birth is in my birth plan, but only in emergency situations. She did wonder if I planned to do both but I don't think its a good idea to consume a piece of meat thats been sitting out for a week or more. I feel consuming the placenta will be most benefitial if all things go peacfully to plan but that a LB will be best for my baby if any emergencies arise.
She had a feel of my uterus as well and all is measuring just fine! She also showed me how to feel for it too. :)
My next appointment is scheduled a few weeks into December.
I am looking forward to that!

Weaning...

2009-10-26T08:29:00.001-07:00

From my 'pills' that is. Burdock root will be the first to go then I will gentle wean myself from the Agnus Castus (Vitex). Its a five week course for both. I feel gentle weaning is the probably the best way to go about it. I no longer need either.

This weeks photo - 15+1!

2009-10-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

Getting right in there and I think I might be slightly bigger this month.

Still not sure if I can feel baby move yet but sometimes I think I can - it feels more like 'rolling' than kicks though, if that is baby I am feeling. It is nothing deffinate yet though - so will just have to wait and see. My next MW appointment is this Wed - looking forward to that :D

Here is this weeks photo!

What happened this week:

13 weeks' gestation 15 weeks from your LMP. Foetus length: 10cm crown to rump (12.5cm head to toe); weight: 80g (1½ ounces).

Well that doesn't say much does it! Looks like nothing too exciting next week either. I guess baby is mostly just doing growing now as everything is in in place! Grow baby grow! :D

Kidney Yang deficiency

2009-10-21T09:37:00.001-07:00

I saw my accupuncturist for the end of my first trimester last Friday. I will not be seeing her again until I am halfway through this pregnancy at the begining of December! There is no special reason for this. I would see her more if I could afford it (or wanted to afford it really) but I also want to see her throughout this whole pregnancy so I have picked out a few key point dates such as the 20 week mark and end of trimester. At my last appointment we discussed my 'kidney yang' deficiency. She said that there were foods that could help balance me out between accupuncture appointments. A small list of foods can be found here - though I am sure I could google more as my accupuncturist had a huge list. Unfortunatly, a large part of that list is meat and I am a vegetarian! I have however noticed that jasmine tea is on that list so will be getting some this weekend as that sounds really nice and drinking hot drinks this time of year helps to keep me warm (as these things do hehe!)
In short, I have learned that accupuncture is part of a bigger whole. A way of life. The theory is, if your body is in balance, then everything can work as it should and as efficiently as it should - and if it is not, then it will not. Accupuncture can help balance your body, as what you eat and how you live can as well. - Makes sense to me! :)

This weeks photo - 14+1!

2009-10-18T05:05:00.001-07:00

Into the second trimester at 14+1 this week - and here is this weeks photo!

What happened this week:

Vocal chords develop. 12 weeks' gestation 14 weeks from your LMP. Foetus length: 8.7cm crown to rump (11cm or 4½ inches head to toe). Weight: 45g.

Well - not much! Perhaps thats why I was less tired this week.... But that baby is bigger than I thought it was! Amazing!

Out of the first ....into the second!

2009-10-17T04:47:00.001-07:00

So I am now 14 weeks pregnant and entering my second trimester! Yay!!!

I have also only gained 7lbs! Thats good going I think.

So happy to be here!...Just can not wait for this pregnancy to become more real for me! I really can not wait until I can fill this little bean of mine moving about! I certainly look pregnant but it still feels all a bit surreal to me!

Coffee Alternatives

2009-10-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

In pregnancy, it seems then and only then do I crave coffee and tea (though mostly coffee). I have no idea why this is as these are not drinks that I drink any other time in my life (or really have any desire to)! But as tea and coffee generally are caffinated, they are not something I wish to consume during pregnancy (or really any other time in my life either). I also do not fancy the 'decaffinated' stuff and would prefer to go for a natural alternative instead.

So I discovered 'Dandelion Coffee'. It arrived the other day and I have to say...it tastes nothing like coffee! So in that respect I am a bit disapointed. However, it does taste like tea! And as a drink in general - it tastes great! Plus, it is 100% dandelion and 100% natural, so as a drink itself for the properties of dandelions - it is also great! Dandelions are great for digestion and, later in pregnancy, great for helping with water retention. If this pregnancy resembles anything that it did when I was pregnant with my son, then anything to help with water retention will be greatly appreciated! hehe

Next - I shall try Teeccino. Which apparently does taste like coffee! (I hope so!)

Books for Children - Cont.

2009-10-13T06:01:00.000-07:00

The last book I got my son (and his second favourite book of all) is called 'Hello Baby' by Jenni Overend and Julie Vivas.

This book is absolutly lovely. In fact, I have a hard time not tearing up whilst reading it to him! hehe It is another home birth book about a little boy (one of already three other children) who gets another baby brother.

The pictures are beautiful and done in a very soft way and there are some photos that portray birthing in a more realistic light without being offensive or 'scary' at all about the process. I think it is good that they include them though, so that the child knows that this is what happens when a baby is born - where the baby comes out and how, etc. It also talks about preparing for the baby, how mummy is having pains in her tummy which means the baby is ready to be born and how 'mum' goes for a walk to help the baby come along and people that might arrive at the house to help bring the baby into the world (such as the midwife) when mum goes into labour. It also talks about how 'mummy' leans on dad every now and then and how sometimes she yells and screams to help the baby come along and for her to feel better during that process - how these things are normal and nothing to worry about. They are expressed in a funny light as well - the boy telling the story thinks the whole world will know he is getting a baby brother or sister that night because of how loud his mummy is yelling! hehe The whole book just puts the whole 'birthing' process in a peacful and 'normal part of life' kind of light with a family who is obviously very close and all members very much loved. The last page shows the whole family sleeping together by the fire.

Books for Children - Cont.

2009-10-13T05:56:00.001-07:00

The second book I got my son (and actually his least favourite) is 'Our Water Baby' by Amy Maclean and Jan Nesbitt.

This is probably his least favourite because of the pictures. I am not too fussed about the pictures either to be honest.
However, it is, so far, the only home 'water birth' book I have found and it does cover a few things I might not have thought of that a child might worry about if you are planning a water birth. Such as how the baby will not have to 'swim' in the water and that the baby 'holds its breath' until it is lifted up out of the water. My son loves going to the pool, but he certainly does not 'swim' yet and hates having water on his face - so he might be worried about the baby being born in the water. This books covers home water births wonderfully I think. But the pictures are a bit messy in a childish way (so not sure how much a child would take in ...'yes mum I see the lady in the pool with the baby but look at all these fun colourful drawings of puppies and frogs around the page!' - despite they do cover the normal noises mummy might make and how she will feel better making them and feel even more better when the baby is born, especially in the soothing birthing pool).

The pictures are also not very graphic (some people might like this?). Which I actually think is not always the best of things. But I guess a child might not see much if you are in the water anyhow. However, I think because your child might see something, it is good for them to see such pictures so they are reassured that it is completely normal and what its supposed to look like (which is why I like the next book I am about to post about!)! hehe