Eggshell Green

Two weeks to go!

In less than 14 days I’m going to be a mother of two. That’s scary. I’ve been wondering whether I’m ready to be a mum again. Things with Abby were just getting to the point where I could start being myself again: wearing prepregnancy clothes; having proper sleep; having time and energy to do things like crafting, socialising and being my husband’s wife; basically having a life again!

I have a terrible cold at the moment so it’s been even harder to accept that soon I will be awake every three hours to feed a screaming baby as well as look after an active toddler (as well as running a household and keeping myself sanitary!).

As for the pregnancy, I’m over it! I want this baby out as soon as possible, but hopefully after this cold’s subsided. My joints ache, my stretch marks have stretch marks, I can’t breathe properly even more so because of congestion, I have indigestion, and am literally sick and tired!

In saying all that, I’m so excited to meet the boy (we have yet to decide on a name) and love him as we love Abby. I know it’s going to be very hard for a little while, but we will have two little darlings who will grow up as best friends and practically look after themselves. Hooray for optimism! (And the labour will be quick and easy no doubt, lol.)

38 weeks and two to go

Tags: baby, parenting, pregnancy

Four weeks to go!

Only four weeks to go until Abby’s little brother is due!

We’ve decided that we’ll let things progress naturally and if nothing happens by 39 and a half weeks then it’ll most likely be an elective caesarian.

Since the beginning of this pregnancy, I can’t help but make comparisons with when I was pregnant with Abby. So far, it’s been exactly the same in terms of how I’m feeling (only minor nausea in the first trimester, a great second trimester, and a tiring uncomfortable third). Fortunately I’ve not had carpel tunnel like last time, and no swollen hands or feet (though this will probably eventually happen).

However this time around I’ve had a lot more aches and pains in my pelvic joints, and am experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions which I didn’t have with Abby. The baby boy seems to be a lot more active too. Currently he’s having fun pushing downwards and making me think he’s going to drop out!

33 weeks - boy belly on the left, Abby's on the right

Now at 36 weeks on the left, and with Abby on the right

As for the belly, it’s certainly a different shape. Abby was more rugby ball shaped, and this one is more soccer ball. Apparently that’s usual due to the relaxed muscles the second time around. I’m still getting the “it’s a boy belly” comments from people purely based on the shape. (Mum was convinced Abby was going to be a boy based on how I was carrying, even though the scan already showed it was a girl.)

My belly feels bigger and much more stretched but that may be because the belly’s all pointing out front and not spread out like before. I’ve got quite a few more stretch marks around my belly button than last last time too. I think this boy is gonna be a big one. According to my mum, I should avoid taking evening showers/baths or else the baby will be too big – lol! Another of her old wives’ tales that I have to put up with, *sigh*.

Tags: pregnancy

It’s a boy!

Yes, there will be a little brother for Abby to play with next year. Hooray – one of each!

Boy Baby's profile

I had my 20 week scan today (although I’m actually 19 weeks 3 days). Baby was being difficult to scan because he kept moving. He’s quite an active fellow, more so than I remember Abby being at the same stage. At the 12 week scan he turned a somersault, and at this one he was constantly turning in all directions and moving his limbs – at one stage he even managed a wave.

Baby's spine, kidneys and pelvis

The stats are looking like this bub may be bigger than Abby, which is not something I’m looking forward to when the time comes!

Little feet

I don’t have the picture where it shows the baby has a scrotum and penis (giggle, and ew – there’s a penis inside me all the time!). I was surprised about this because the lady had paused the image on-screen to show us. I expected to find an image on our CD because we had the one showing Abby’s gender. Oh well, we still have a boy!

Now to think of some names. And maybe buy a new house with a white picket fence.

Tags: baby, pregnancy, scan, ultrasound

Preggiversary

It was a whole year ago that I found out I was pregnant.

We were on our way to a friend’s birthday drinks at the Southern Cross and Ms Constantine and I dropped by the New World Metro to get a pregnancy test. It was a few days after my period was due, and Ms Constantine couldn’t wait to find out if I was pregnant or not, so she convinced me to get a test as soon as possible after we finished work. The hubby and I had only decided to try for a baby a month earlier, so this was the first test.

Abby when she was an 8 week foetus and only 1.75 cm long!

So we got the test, and we were at a bar, and I had filled myself up with boring non-alcoholic beverages (boo!) and needed to go toilet, so there was nothing left to do but to take the test in the ladies’ loos. It wasn’t the best place, and the loos in the Southern Cross can be pretty dim which made peeing on a stick quite challenging… too much info?

I stayed in the cubicle waiting for the lines to show itself. I hate taking my time in a public loo. I always feel like I’m holding up the queue and annoying people. But I had to give the test a few minutes, five to be safe… I felt as if everyone was thinking I must be in there taking drugs or something because I wasn’t doing anything but waiting.

I had a feeling that it was going to be positive as I had felt all the symptoms of early pregnancy a few days prior. Surely enough, the control line showed up, then the second line started to colour and I had a lump in my throat. It didn’t feel real. Could I? Am I? Adrenaline rushed through me. Whoa – yes, I’m pregnant! What a very private moment in a very public place.

Abby asleep in the 12 week ultrasound scan

I felt a little weird with everyone around, but through happy teary eyes I managed to tell the hubby the news. He didn’t even know that I had gone to take the test in my absence, so was surprised muchly. Then I told Ms Constantine and there were more happy tears and hugs all round.

Too bad I couldn’t have any drinks to celebrate, but 20 March 2009 was a great night.

I did another test the next day, and then did another at the doctor’s the following week (because’s three’s a charm).

And that’s how I found out I was pregnant.

Tags: baby, pregnancy, ultrasound

To be or not to be

OK, so I’ve been pregnant once and that doesn’t make me an expert, but here are some things (apart from the usual morning sickness, swelling, pain etc.) that I think anyone thinking of having a baby might want to know:

• You will be extremely tired. More tired than when you did an all-nighter out partying, or for us geeks when you stayed up studying for exams… You might be less tired in the second trimester but then you’ll get tired all over again towards the end. You’ll be even more tired when it’s time to have the baby so rest and eat when you can before going to the hospital!!
• You will miss eating, both in terms of types of food as well as the amount. Pregnant ladies love food but usually it’s less more often rather than lots at one sitting. Going out to dinner isn’t so fun when you can only have half your meal. And you can’t just buy sushi when you want it. Also giving up the drink is another downer (although I admit to taking a couple of ‘tasting sips’ on occasion).
• You will get bored. This happens once maternity leave wears out its novelty. When you’re really big and really tired there isn’t much you can do for entertainment except maybe watch TV. Even then the Food channel repeats become tiring, especially when you know you can’t be arsed trying any of the recipes.
• You will get big. Obvious yes, but worth mentioning because simple tasks can became quite difficult – like putting on shoes, shaving legs, moisturising, hanging out washing, even lying yourself down to sleep. Your belly also gets wet washing dishes and hot cooking dinner!
• You will ache in places you’ve never ached before. This is even before labour begins.

Having said all that, I’ll quote what my wise sister-in-law once said about pregnancy- “You hate it and love it at the same time.”

And look what cuteness comes out of your troubles!

Tags: baby, guide, pregnancy

Baby Update at 39 Weeks

I am now 39 weeks and 6 days – the due date is tomorrow!

Having said that, no new developments towards her arrival. I am just big, uncomfortable, aching, tired and swollen. My feet look like trotters. I need to put them up to help with the swelling, but also go for walks to help kick-start labour. Can’t win.

I discovered a stretch mark on my belly yesterday. I was hoping I’d get away scott free, but no. I guess I don’t have much to complain about as some women have lots. It’ll fade anyway I’ve been told.

Will have a cardiotocography (CTG) on Wednesday Friday if she hasn’t arrived by then. That’s to monitor the baby and see where things are up to and perhaps get a date for when I’ll be induced. Good news is that they won’t let me go over 10 days overdue, so I will definitely have this baby by next Friday (or on the way to having her).

I really hope they don’t leave it too late as I’m worried she may no longer fit through, if you know what I mean. That and I don’t want to miss the Green Day concert on December 18!

39 weeks 6 days pregnant, one day before due date

Tags: baby, pregnancy

Baby Update at 37 Weeks

37 weeks 5 days pregnant

Oh little one
How you squirm
And kick mummy in the ribs

You’re better out
So I can dress you
In little cupcake bibs

So when are you
Going to come
We are all prepared

Your daddy is waiting
For the day
When he can resume drinking beer

There’s dinner on Tuesday
So how about Wednesday
Is that alright with you?

An easy labour
And quick birth
See what you can do

That’s all for now
My little Love
Mummy’s going to make a pie

We’ll see you soon
We can’t wait
K, thanks and bye!

Tags: baby, pregnancy

A Week Wiser

What has befounded me this week?

• In the last A Week Wiser post, I was talking about the baby’s descent being measured in fifths. There seems to be  worldwide confusion among pregnant ladies as to what number gets recorded, me included. I thought 2/5 meant the amount that can still be felt above the pelvis. Apparently the midwife at the last visit said they record the proportion of the baby’s head that’s descended below the pelvis, so she was only 2/5 descended rather than 3/5 at that time. There doesn’t seem to be any consistency with which number is recorded – could be either the proportion above the pelvis or the proportion below the pelvis. Best to confirm with the midwife so it makes sense. The baby is now closer to 3/5 descended, so this number should grow closer to 5/5 each time for me (or closer to 0/5 for others!). Can’t they make these things easier?
• Fez gets defensive and growls and barks at fireworks. I’m not that surprised, and can’t blame him. It was his first ever Guy Fawkes last night and the booms and bangs got him all edgy. Had to get him to nap while we watched a loud movie to make him forget it. I think we mother him a bit much… :)
• I keep failing at lemon curd pies. I’ve been wanting a more eggy set custard type of a pie/tart but keep ending up with a runny mess. Will try another recipe soon. Or I’ll give up and make a cheesecake instead…
• I have woken up with a sore tongue lately because I’ve found that I close my jaw on it when I sleep on my side. I usually sleep on my back and alternate between sides but since being pregnant I’ve trained myself to sleep only on my left and end up with a very sore left-side of my tongue.
• My spelling seems to be getting worse as I get older. I’ve had to google words lately that I should know how to spell!

Tags: baby, pregnancy