July 2016 Babies (9) - let the babies commence!

[Ellizardo]

Nearly there folks.

Dats - your posts do crack me up. There's nothing like extensive building work and an imminent delivery date to keep it real sister.

Anna I'm so sorry about your mum, it must be awful. I'm glad you and your siblings can support each other. Don't forget to look after yourself too.

Thom it must be quite exciting to know your 'date', have no experience but the steroids can only be a good thing to give baby's lungs a wee boost.

Lula my back has been sore too, a warm bath is the only thing I can suggest and the yoga class I go to helps mine too.

Cookies you've been busy! I was the same yesterday and did have a better sleep last night, woke up at 6 almost feeling refreshed.

Mar no wonder you're scared :( your oh sounds amazing. Please try to eat to keep your strength up (easier said than done I know) even if all you fancy is a great big bit of cake X

Dats you might remember I am measuring a couple of weeks ahead, well my gtt came back clear too, had the growth scan and just looks like a big baby taking after his daddy who was over 9lbs at birth.

Fifi how are you and the lovely baby Luca today?

I'm back at work today after the long weekend, the weather has been gorgeous here and I'm really wishing I wasn't going back. Finish up 3 weeks on Friday though! Has anyone else stopped gaining weight? I've gained 2 stone but not gained anything for a couple of weeks - not complaining as I didn't want to gain anymore than 2 stone anyway - just find it odd.

Anna so sorry about your Mum. As everyone says - you're being amazingly strong but don't feel you have to be. I found Macmillan fantastic and so supportive when my mum was ill - do seek them out, they are invaluable and answer all the questions you might have whizzing round your head. Sending love x

Mar crikey you've had a time of it! You rest up though lovey and let that lovely OH look after you - I bet he loves feeling he can help you. You must have such a strong relationship after all you've been through. Glad baby is ok though, so worrying for you after your experience. X

Dats we're mid building work with 5 weeks to go (2 to 37 weeks but I'm not thinking about that...hahahahahaha ) I'm just repeating the mantra of "everything is going to be fine"....
I'm very impressed by everyone else's organisation, Lordy knows when we'll be ready to get ready! Also I'm no Bloomin help really as massive bump gets in the way of decorating and I get tired after about 20 mins of sorting. OH and I usually make a pretty efficient team but he's rather on his own at mo.

anna I'm so sorry to hear about your mum and what your family have been through this weekend on top of everything else. I hope you've got support from family and friends. You're always welcome to post here too if you want to talk about or share anything. It's difficult but try to talk to somebody about how you're feeling and what is happening. My dh found that really helpful once he worked out how to talk and who he wanted to talk to.

mar sounds like an awful time for you. No wonder you're worried given your previous experience. I'm really glad you've spoken to your dh now though and you've both been able to tell each other how you're feeling. Glad everything picked up on the trace and they were happy to discharge you. Try to make sure you've got plenty to occupy you while you're on bed rest even if it is internet shopping.

kaytee I think my weight gain might have slowed too although I still feel huge! I had been gaining at least 1lb a week but only gained that in two weeks last time I weighed. Should find out today at weigh in Wednesday. We started it in work after Christmas for people who wanted to lose and I joined because I was curious how much I would gain!

Found it comforting that other people have no pattern of movement. Our little boy has quiet days (I've noticed just before a growth spurt) which are a bit disconcerting then some days he hardly stops moving. It does rather add to anxiety! cookies were you saying your LO was quiet after you'd been busy? I think having builders in the house for the last few weeks plus finishing up crazy work time has left me a bit pooped. Trying to rest up but currently have a Floor sander and lots of banging going on in the background so that doesn't help! Happy Wedsnesday everyone xxx
P.s. bluebell hope your midwife sitch gets sorted - you don't need flakey midwives at this stage!!!
Eliz meant to say - hope you're doing ok this week. Thinking of you and your friend. Life can be very unfair sometimes and that is so difficult to accept x

kaytee my weight has levelled off a bit too - I've put on about 11kg so far which feels like loads on a 5ft tall person! Can't really believe there's more to come!

Thinking of you Mar, what a frightening situation. Glad they were happy to discharge you. Try and enjoy the rest and preparing for the arrival of little one.

Full term here now 37+1 today. DD was born at 38+1 but midwife said I won't necessarily be early this time. She did say labour would probably be quicker though. Labour was only 4hrs last time, and only 45 mins from my waters breaking!

Hope everyone has had a good weekend.

Urgh, just lost a long post, so sorry if this is a bit blunt!

Anna so sorry to hear about your Mum. My Dad went through cancer treatment in the run up to my wedding (and even had a round the night before) and it really helped him to have a distraction and something to look forward to, so you and your baby will be a huge comfort.
I don't want this to give any false hope, but it might be worth checking with your Mum's doctor whether your baby's cord blood stem cells might be useful in your Mum's treatment?

Mar sorry you're having a rough time, take care of yourself.

Those moving house and having building works done, wishing you a very smooth process! We still have no door handles after "finishing" our works last October. I'm considering it advance baby-proofing (with the unfortunate side-effect of also husband-proofing when I had to come home from work early to let him out of the bedroom)

RE weight gain, I stopped measuring when I hit 25% gain on my pre-pregnancy weight I've just sneakily checked and actually it's barely gone up since, and I've heard that its normal not to put much on in third trimester, I suppose baby runs out of room and it's more development than growing now.

When is everyone starting mat leave (in terms of weeks gestation)? I was due to stop at 36+3, but my husband has just found out our due date is 1 week too early for him to get 3 months paternity leave. We're absolutely gutted, he was really looking forward to looking after baby himself. So now think I'm going to wait as long as possible so he can afford to take some unpaid leave instead.

And parting advice - don't forget your pelvic floor just had my first coughing accident

35+2

Cheery1 I've heard that as we're moving around the rocking motion of our hips encourages the baby to sleep. Not only that if you're distracted you're less likely to notice movements anyway. I don't worry too much if I don't notice him moving while I'm at work as I'm on my feet most of the time. I do usually feel a movement though.

The last two weeks for me have been a bit stressful. Went for midwife appointment - bump measuring too small - sent off for a growth scan the next morning. OH was allowed to leave work for the scan but annoyingly we had to wait 2 hours after the actual scan just to be told by a midwife that everything was fine, off you go. Of course I'm glad everything was fine and I understood they were busy but why couldn't they have quickly told us that so OH could get back to work? And we spent that time waiting a little bit worried.

Then, I had another midwife appointment within the last week and guess what - I'm measuring too big now! So off to be scanned again. And baby is growing well, which is good. Midwife joked this will be the most scanned baby in existence. At least got to see him a few extra times, lol. Just a bit worrying because each time I've had a sleepless night beforehand after googling possible reasons for being too small/too big.

Thinking of you also Mar, if they were that worried they wouldn't have discharged you. treat yourself to something nice as well as baby this week. Order it online to give you something to think about as you wait for it to be delivered.

Just had my mw appointment. At my 30 week appointment I was measuring 33 weeks and was sent for growth scan (told 93rd centile), now at my 33 week appointment I'm measuring 34 weeks so looks like his growth has started to level off. I wonder if he had had a massive growth spurt just before my last appointment and everything's levelling off to 'normal' now.

Mascara glad all seems ok with baby and at least you are getting lots of reassurance with so many checks. I must batch cook. I need to buy some tubs to put it all into though.

Anna sorry it wasn't better news for your mum. Hopefully they get started with treatment soon.

Thom for a c section I would definitely invest in the big maternity pants that practically come up to your boobs as you won't want anything digging in. I've not had a section but I'm getting some of the sexy pants pictured for after birth as I feel most comfy. It's not like DH will be going near me for a while
*
Cookies* painting with a toddler about? How did you manage that. I can't believe all our exercise I can barely waddle from the sofa to the kitchen.

Mar so sorry you are having such a rubbish time. Your fall sounds horrid. Yay for maternity leave though. You need to keep busy to keep your mind from negative thoughts. I think it's a good idea to try and get organised and get all the last few bits needed for baby. Do you have Netflix? Time to watch an entire series or drama you can really lose yourself in. Enjoy the last few weeks with DH before baby arrives. A few romantic bed picnics. You can order the food in with a good online grocery shop. Quite a few of the supermarkets do lovely afternoon tea spreads. I'm planning on getting one in for DHs birthday.

Dats thanks my toe nails might look ok but as for my feet they look like the marshmallow mans feet with added dry/hard skin for added sexiness. I hope we get some nice weather as an outdoor pool water birth sounds great

Kaytee I've no idea about weight gain obviously I know I've gained a lot but no way I'm stepping on the scale. I've never kept a check on my weight during pregnancy it's too depressing. I do usually weigh when I get into hospital just so I can compare how much I lose after the birth.

Foobio I will be 36+3 when maternity leave starts. Can't wait.

To all of you worried about bump measurements I wouldn't. Honestly they are so hit and miss I'm sure sometimes the midwifes just guess.

I've had the bugaboo raincover delivered as my bargain pushchair didn't come with one. Yesterday I had a new baby bath box, feeding pillow and some maternity yoga pants ( to wear after birth) delivered. Just waiting on bugaboo buggy board and the connecta this week. Then all that's left is a maxi cosi head hugger, breast pump and some baby toiletries. Eek it's getting so real now.

34+5

Thom sorry it's these sexy pants

Nice pants beaut so glamorous this motherhood lark!!

Thanks pink for reassurance - it's such a tricky balance between being mindful and panicking constantly.

In other news, builders have added on another day, can't wait for them to finish!!!! We've got no kitchen, no living room everything is covered in dust. Argh!

Bit late to the party!!

Fifi glad you and Luca are doing well, lovely seeing photos of him he is super cute!!

Mar sounds like you have had a tough time of it!

Sorry there is a lot to catch up on so cant really remember whats been said

Turned 34 weeks yesterday and had my appointment with the midwife, blood pressure is starting to creep up (had some worries over the weekend) its the highest its been so far at 128/82 nothing to worry about as of yet though and midwife didnt seem too concerned. I am measuring a week behind but thats fine too next appointment is a home visit to sort out my birth plan! Cant believe next month we are all going to be holding out squidges I am beyond excited! Sooo close now

34+1

Well I feel like I've got tons of energy but my body is saying don't do anything else! Made a hugggge amount of chilli, some for tea and the rest I'm going to freeze up for lazy dinners when baby arrives. Going to try do one big batch meal a week now (wishful thinking maybe)...Defrosted and cleaned out my freezer and done some general bits and bobs in the house but I feel like I can't physically bend anymore! Itching to clean but I think sitting down only jobs this afternoon now...

Need to wash all the baby clothes, has anyone done this yet? Guessing I need to wash all the crib sheets and stuff too. This will have to be another day, dull weather day here. Can you tell I'm starting to get twitchy with my jobs list?! Those of you having working done/moving, hats off to you!

Right pass me the cornetto...

mascara you are evil, you've just reminded me I have cornettos in the freezer, but it's all the way downstairs (working from home)
the fact that it's pissing down with rain and I've had to put the heating on play no part in this!

(I haven't really had pregnancy cravings, I'm just massively susceptible to the power of suggestion! I ate jam donuts for weeks after hearing an advert for a supermarket bakery on the radio!)

Had Drs appointment at hospital (routine ) today and had a ctg as yesterday I had regular braxton hicks 15 mins apart but all is fine body just gearing up. I think it will be early ish just gotta get to 37 weeks on 17th

34 + 5

beautician - those pants are a marvel. I got a pack of 5 cotton granny pants from Tu/Sainsburys for £7..

mascara - i too have been batch cooking. your chilli sounds fab. i've done shepherd's pie and spag bol (well, the bol bit). fish pie is also good and there's a mean chicken/chorizo/basque type stew from Delia which i would really recommend too. plus frozen fresh stuffed pasta. and cornettos of course! can anyone else see the recipe on the right hand side of their computer screen advertising 'all in one microwave chocolate cake'???!! MN is MESSING WITH OUR MINDS.

and yes, lots and lots of washing. i feel bad as i've used the tumble dryer LOADS due to the weather and the amount I've needed to get through so not been very eco BUT the little clothes smell so good freshly laundered...can't believe there'll be a little being in them soon!

missing and vikkijayne - glad to hear you're both ok...been getting quite a lot of twinges too and I actually moan out loud now when doing up a shoe. coffee and lula - sleep is like some uncharted territory for me at the moment.

Ok so after consulting some other mummy friends that I went through the ttc journey with I've opted for these pants instead. Pretty much the same but cheaper.

Mascara yes loads of washing here. I've washed all the first size and up to one month clothes. Still to do the bedding.

I better get on with the washing then and shove it all in the dryer!

I've never made a fish pie , may attempt it. The delia sounds good, is the recipe online? Shepherds pie next week I think Ellizardo. I'll start with the easy batches first!

www.deliaonline.com/recipes/type-of-dish/one-pot-recipes/chicken-basque

Here you go mascara.

Cookies glad I'm not the only one with peculiar noises emanating from my bump! As much as I am genuinely enjoying being pregnant, I am looking forward to my body becoming slightly more under control again!

Mar you poor thing, it sounds like you've had a truly stressful time. I'm so glad that you're on bed rest - your body and mind need some time to unwind and prepare for the birth of your lovely little one. I hope all goes smoothly for you from now on.

dats the crochet action was pretty good on hol thanks, and I even got DH's grandma involved (although just knitting random squares for a 'blanket' that I don't really intend to finish - she's a bit past it for following patterns now, bless her, but I thought it would be good for her soul to do a bit of knitting). I'm 3/4 of the way there with the hexagons and hope to start joining them up next week. I have been sodding slow, truth be told. Which blanket pattern are you doing?

Saw a midwife for ten minutes today, who kindly squeezed me in just to do bump growth and heartbeat to set my mind at rest. Bump is a bit on the small side (I'm 36+1, bump is 35cm) but within normal range so that is okay. Then I will be seeing a midwife for a proper appointment next week. The surgery and the midwife I saw today do agree that the service hasn't been very well-organised. Hey ho!

Looked round the MLU where I am planning to give birth this evening. It was lovely - very chillled, dim lighting, lovely scents, beautifully set up. I felt really cheered up and reassured after seeing it, actually. Almost shed a tear imagining meeting my little boy there! (I am an emotional wreck at the moment, though. I cried for ten minutes straight last night because I knocked a pint of water on the floor while I was changing for bed. Literally, could not stop wailing like a big child. The neighbours must have thought I was losing the plot...)