Thread #9 - TTC#1 grads thread - it's the final countdown

[PotatosMum]

Welcome to thread 9 of TTC#1 grads. Warning this thread moves fast!

Time is passing and our first few grads are nearly ready to pop! Nesting is in full swing and everyone is in awe of Bunch's epic organisation.

Anyone is welcome to join the journey regardless of stage, no TMI is TMI, no question is too silly, we're all in it together so just pop in and say hello

Team P - 8
Team B - 8
Team V - 7

August
11 Mor (Team Vanilla)
13 Bunch (Team Blue)
16 New (Team Vanilla)
27 Potato (Team Pink)
30 Pink (Team Pink)

September
1 Shelb (Team Pink)
2 Taz (Team Blue)
4 Nev (Team Blue)
8 DrWhy
12 Danni (Team Blue)
14 Soda (Team Vanilla)
28 Leonie (Team Blue)
29 Laurenrl (Team Pink)

October
3 Lisa (Team Vanilla)
6 Irregular (Team Pink)
8 Miley (Team Vanilla)
12 Indi (Team Pink)
13 Co5mo (Team Blue)
15 Planet (Team Pink)
23 Lillian (Team Pink)
26 Lara (Team Blue)
30 First

November
19 Canters (Team Blue)
20 Jam
25 Audrey (Stark) (Team Vanilla)
29 Elle

December
12 Feef

January 17
4 May
13 Ni (Team Vanilla)

February 17
15 Evergreen

Haha just saw the last part your post New! I think I will have to get a cleaner before I get to your stage or we will be living in a pigsty!

Morning everyone,

Congrats on the mat leave starting Nev!

Lovely pram Cosmo.

Miley - I had to have an afternoon nap yesterday. I've not been sleeping well at all for the past week, a combination of being tired, hot and poorly, so I feel like a zombie constantly.

For the whooping cough vaccine, they offer it here between 28 - 34 weeks. I didn't have any side effects, other than a slightly heavy arm, which is fairly normal after injections.

Bunch, i can't believe you are 37 weeks . Not long now.

I agree about the quality of maternity clothes. The best I've found is Isabella Oliver, but even my dresses from IO are starting to go a little but bobbly on the inside.

Leonie - belly buttons - mine is still an innie, but its about as stretched as it can possibly get, so I'm expecting it to pop out. It freaks me out too though, i want it to stay as a innie!

leonie mine is still an innie but I think it's slowly giving up as it's more of a slit now than a belly button. It's definitely being stretched to its limits!

John Maman have some gorgeous tunics in the sale. I've just been and bought 2 new ones and a pair of leggings. All I'm living in now is leggings and a top with flip flops

Glad I'm not the only one napping, I feel like we should all have a big preggo slumber party with loads of mocktails and chocolate...

Baby hasn't been very active today, trying not to worry but it's so difficult! I have been out and about since 8am so maybe there has been movement I just haven't noticed it. Ahhh they're such a bloody worry!

Hi bunch! I seriously cannot get my head round the fact that you are now technically classed as full term. What the fuck?! I'm so excited for the first group baby ❤ place bets on who it's gonna be!

Miley, Pink it's a shock to me too. Literally overnight everyone I walk near has started asking when I'm due and saying "oh any day then". I must have a full term aura or something. Nothing to do with being the size of a small car
I've just had the hugest roast at the local followed by salted caramel flapjack brownie stack. Oh my it was epic. I'm having a day of dyeing nappies and embroidery whilst the men folk watch the F1 and MIL knits for Pip. Very civilised. I will be succumbing to a nap shortly though.
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Miley y*ou being active and busy would defiantly mean you wouldn't notice movements so much, for one you're otherwise occupied so don't notice so much and secondly baby is rocked to sleep. Try laying down and cold drink trick. Failing that call the midwife, you're not over reacting- it's best to be safe.

Re:belly buttons mins no longer exists. I have a very smooth section of skin where it was. My MIL is slightly obsessed with it ha!

I definitely agree with the bobbling of maternity clothes. Very annoying. I've started shopping for post birth clothes, I'm clearly getting fed up. I have bought a dress in sainsburys that people in a Facebook group ("Can I breastfeed in this") have been raving about. Half price at a tenner and stripey rainbow so can be used for easy feeding and I love the colour scheme.

Miley, Pink it's a shock to me too. Literally overnight everyone I walk near has started asking when I'm due and saying "oh any day then". I must have a full term aura or something. Nothing to do with being the size of a small car
I've just had the hugest roast at the local followed by salted caramel flapjack brownie stack. Oh my it was epic. I'm having a day of dyeing nappies and embroidery whilst the men folk watch the F1 and MIL knits for Pip. Very civilised. I will be succumbing to a nap shortly though.
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Miley y*ou being active and busy would defiantly mean you wouldn't notice movements so much, for one you're otherwise occupied so don't notice so much and secondly baby is rocked to sleep. Try laying down and cold drink trick. Failing that call the midwife, you're not over reacting- it's best to be safe.

Re:belly buttons mins no longer exists. I have a very smooth section of skin where it was. My MIL is slightly obsessed with it ha!

I definitely agree with the bobbling of maternity clothes. Very annoying. I've started shopping for post birth clothes, I'm clearly getting fed up. I have bought a dress in sainsburys that people in a Facebook group ("Can I breastfeed in this") have been raving about. Half price at a tenner and stripey rainbow so can be used for easy feeding and I love the colour scheme.

How are you, Bunch? Is it getting very uncomfortable now, or still quite cope-able? How are you sleeping?

I've had such a lovely day. We had two couples (some of my best friends) round for a BBQ and they surprised us with a huge basket of goodies (they know I didn't want a baby shower so made their own little thing). One of the couples has a 16-month old boy (so adorable!) and she packed me the best bag of goodies ever, with little labels on everything to tell me what to do with them and what I need (she know I'm quite clueless still!).

I feel so chuffed and touched, and it was such a wonderful afternoon. Hope other people have had good days too x

Aw lisa how lovely of them!!!

Finally managed to get into a comfortable position and I'm crippled with heartburn. Tried to have a long soak in the bath to help my back ache but I don't think little babbins enjoys it and I got kicked to ribbons which I'm oddly happy about considering we've had little amount of movement all day thanks for keeping me level headed bunch! I can always rely on you ladies.

Feef yay for half way mark. Things really seem to speed up not long after half way.

New all of my maternity clothes have gone bobbly too only 5 weeks though so no way I'm shelling out for more. I'll just have to look like a scruff bum until Potato is here.

Elle I second the lack of energy to be house proud. Cleaning is definitely overrated!

Miley I second that you probably haven't been as aware of baby while you have been busy. I bet when you sit down to dinner tonight it will feel like she's doing a samba!

Bunch really excited that you're full term (and bricking it as I'm only 2 weeks behind you) hope baby stays put until you're ready though.

Lisa your friend sounds so thoughtful. Glad you had a lovely non-baby shower

So, I'm still in bed feeling rubbish. OH is playing nurse even though he's still wiped out and has a terrible cough and DSD has arrived and she has it too so she's curled up in the living room and doesn't really know what to do with herself.
All in all not the best weekend ever and OH goes back to work tomorrow so I've got to fend for myself and look after a sick child who just wants her mum. I really hate that woman, I don't think I'd be able to leave my kid if they had flu just to gallivant down to the sea side on my own for a couple of days she's not even going with her OH she's just taking off to sleep on a friends sofa!

Lisa, that's such a lovely gift, and very thoughtful!

Today I've attempted to pack the hospital bag for baby. I've gone for a mix of newborn and up to 1 month clothes given we've no idea what size she is going to be! Have gone with three vests in each size and three baby grows in each size. Probably overkill if we are only in one day, but I'm worried about possible poonami's! Has anyone packed more than that clothes wise?

We've had a fairly relaxing day otherwise, just been to see Star Trek and I'm now relaxing in the bath while OH cooks dinner. I'm still loaded with cold and had a funny sicky turn in the night which wasn't pleasant. Also think I may have experienced my first Braxton Hicks but I'm still not sure it went really hard across the top of my bump for maybe 30 seconds a few times in a row, with a sharp pain, then wore off.

How's your dad getting on Bunch?

Good that baby is moving more Miley! Sorry about the heartburn though. Did you manage to get anything on prescription for it? I'm suffering with it more as the weeks go on.

I've decided I'm done with work now and just want to start mat leave, three weeks to go though

I haven't, pink. Decided it's easier to just buy gaviscon than try to get an appointment at my doctors! Sorry to hear you've been unwell, hopefully you pick up soon and it's just a 24 hour thing. Still not exactly pleasant though! I've packed a bag for baby and have 2 vests in 0-3, 2 in first size and 2 sleepsuits in each size. As well as mittens, hat, socks and a coming home outfit in each size, too. I was a small baby, OH was a chunk so I have no idea what to expect.

potato I've never met her but she sounds like a right cockend sorry you're still feeling poorly. Hopefully DSD will just want to laze around, watch Disney and eat crap tomorrow

That's really thoughtful Lisa
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Leonie* - I'm still an innie here at almost 33 weeks. I had a very deep innie and it looks a bit flat and stretched now but not close to being an outie.

Miley - I often don't notice baby much during the day if I'm out and about. I tend to feel a bit worried at the weekend as I don't notice them much whereas when I'm at work I always feel them as I'm just sat at my desk. They're always active in the evening and not so much in the morning. I think whatever is normal for your baby is normal.

Potato - hope you feel better.

Pink - I think I remember you saying you were planning on working til 38 weeks? Me too. I can't believe how long that now feels! Urgh! I just don't care about work now and have zero motivation to do anything.

Have had another lovely day with all my friends here in Peak District - 4 other couples with 5 kids between them aged between 3 years and 4 months so pretty full on but lots of fun. Heading home tomorrow and then DH and I have until Thursday off work to do baby stuff - really looking forward to it.

Yikes, sorry about the bold fail!

Lisa I think because my parents are still away I'm okay and not "get him out now" but saying that it is getting uncomfortable. His jabs hurt. My bump is so heavy it can be so uncomfortable turning in bed regardless of hip pain but because of the weight of the bump. Sounds so lovely. What kind of things were in the basket I'm nosey!

Glad you've been kicked lots Miley I'm about to get a bath myself, I've been kicked all day so would quite like the typical quietness of the bath to reign. It always seems to send him to sleep.

Potato DH is drastically trying to wrap up all his work this week (he's a director so has a lot to hand over) as he thinks as soon as my parents land I'm going to relax and we'll be off. Eek!

Pink that sounds like BH to me. He's doing okay, bored apparently. They should have flown home last night so they were both quite upset yesterday but today I've had lots of smiley photos so they seem to have perked up. He's back at the hospital for another scan and ecg on Tuesday to check his heart is still healing and they're happy for him to fly on Friday. Fingers crossed. Tuesday is a fun day all round as its my consultant appointment too.

Miley I can highly recommend asking for Peptac at the pharmacy. It's a third of the price of gaviscon and works better IMHO. My ranitidine ran out yesterday and it's not on repeat so I've decided after 3 months of it I can survive 3 weeks .... I really hope so

Fingers crossed he is cleared to fly then Bunch. Is he still in hospital or has he been let back to the hotel?

Soda, yep, I'm going to work to 38 weeks. I have three working weeks and two days left . I'm fine at work, its just the hassle of getting to and from work which I'm not looking forward to as I get bigger, especially if it stays so warm.

Miley, I'm going to pack cardigans etc too. Our newborn stuff is up to 7lbs 5oz (wishful thinking!) and the 'up to 1 month' stuff is to fit up to 9lbs 14oz. If baby is any bigger than that when she arrives she'll just have to be naked whilst OH nips out to buy bigger stuff and I sit and cry at the fact that i've given birth to a whale. I wasn't going to bother with the newborn stuff but my nephews were 7lbs 7oz and 8lbs 2oz and they both fit fine into newborn stuff at the beginning, and the other stuff was big. I suppose it depends on the weight of baby but also length etc.

Time for TMI so look away if you are eating.....i've just tried perineal massage for the first time with the oil I bought. It wasn't particularly pleasant but wasn't too bad either.

Potato, hope you feel better soon. I've decided its crap being ill when you're pregnant.

Your 4-day p00 made me laugh miley haha! I had whooping cough vaccine at 25w and the needle itself didn't hurt (after the anticipation it was quite anticlimactic) but the arm felt bruised and numb 1-2 days after - i found it helps to keep moving the arm around to get the blood flowing. No other symptoms.

potato I can't believe you are 35w!! hope that cold has eased up.

soda i went with the taupe colour pack and newborn pack. I ordered the black frame but they sent the white - it looks ok actually so i'm not going to bother returning/exchanging. it's so light and comes with a strap to carry it around your shoulder when packed flat. DH and I are quite happy with it!

bunch i've stopped looking for maternity clothes even if i still have 3 months to go - I'm onto looking for nursing tops/nursing dresses too!

lisa that's very lovely and thoughtful of your friends!

27w today and the urge to nap has returned (have my T2 glory weeks come to an end??). my belly button is also a smiling innie - not sure how long it can hold out now. tried my first pregnancy yoga class today - quite relaxing but did get a few good stretches in and my heart rate up slightly. the instructor is also a doula and had a very relaxing manner! she gave tips on how to relax and release tension in the pelvis as apparently it helps to ease and encourage the process of labour.

I'm packing one bag for me, one for baby and then a bag of snacks and spares (extra maternity pads, extra sleepsuits, etc) that will stay in the car. DH can nip out to get anything we need then. I'll probably take two vests and sleepsuits in - not sure in what sizes yet.

Morning ladies, how are you all today?

Pink your hospital bag sounds fine, I've just packed 3 vests, 3 sleep suits, a couple of hats and a blanket. I figure if I need anything else I can send OH out for it. Although I'm starting to think I should get some newborn stuff, my family usually have big babies but seeing as Potato only appears to be 6lb5oz at the moment I'm hoping she's on the smaller side.

I was done with work a couple of weeks before finishing too. Have you got much to do before you finish?

Bunch I second the uncomfortable turning over in bed because of bump weight. I feel like I'm doing everything in slow motion with many grunting sound effects at the moment.

Your OH is probably right about you popping as soon as you relax... Unless the law of sod gets involved and after all the drama you go on to be a late arrival

Hope your dad gets the OK to fly x

So, I had the worse night ever last night, felt really poorly, must have had to get up for a wee 10 times if not more and alternatively hot and sweaty and cold and shivery all night. Luckily DSD seems to be a little better today so hopefully she can entertain herself until her dad gets home. I intend to spend most of the day in bed if I can get away with it.

I don't think Potato is very happy either as she's been squirming and kicking really hard the past few days. Ouchy kicks instead of cute kicks too.

Oh well, I'm hoping we can exchange on the house in the next couple of days, that should cheer me up. OH is going to see if he can get next week off to help me pack and take care of the kids and his dad is having the kids for us next Thursday/Friday so that we can get in clean the carpets and set up the bare essentials. hope it all comes off ok!

Exciting stuff bunch!

That's so nice of her Lisa!

Potato glad it starts to speed up! Starting to feel kicks now too, happy for the 20 weeks in Limbo to be over.

Morning ladies

It's actually gone fairly quiet at work Potato, so not too much to do. I prefer to by busy (although the not super busy!) as it makes the time go quicker.

My cold has now moved to me chest and when I cough bump jiggles up and down Not sure she likes it very much!

I've done a bag for me, a bag for baby and will do a spare as well with snacks and drinks in. We're only 15 minutes from the hospital so OH can pop home if needs be.

Sorry you're feeling rubbish Potato, hopefully your DSD will just want to mope in front of the reply so you can get some rest.

Bunch that sounds uncomfy. Hope your dad gets back soon so you can relax about when Pip arrives.

Lilian do you have aches and pains and did the yoga help? I've got a weird crick in my neck and shoulder-I think due to sleeping in a weird position hugging my v pillow. I managed to get DH to massage me not the perineal type but will try and book a proper massage this week as it's still really sore.

I want to know what's in the basket too Lisa!

22 weeks today Feefs I second Potato that it speeds up after 20 weeks. I bought a changing bag on eBay yesterday which comes with a little changing May and bottle insulator. Hope it's nice as I haven't seen it in real life! It is a storksak and all the ones I've seen have been lovely so let's hope so.

Pink at least you won't have much to hand over if it's quiet at work.

I hope you manage to shift your cold soon. I'm so glad I got this now instead of I. A few weeks time though. I can't imagine how awful it would be to go into labour with a streaming cold. I barely have the energy to have a poop right now so pushing out a baby would be out of the question.

Elle DSD appears to be glued to her iPad. Probably text spamming her mum by the look of it. I feel really sorry for her. She just wants her parents but OH had to go back to work and her mum is a selfish cow

Hope your bag arrives ok and is as nice as you're anticipating

Morning all. Hope you and DSD feel better

I third the uncomfortable feelings of late pregnancy. I feel like the baby is going to fall out when I walk now if only it were that easy it must have moved down some more. I was awake from 3-5am with some weird sensations in my stomach (maybe braxton hicks?) and then baby had a dance party.

Having a lazy morning so far today. Really need to get on with some sorting.

New remind me how many weeks you are?

I get the weird, baby falling out sensation when I walk although now it has progressed to a feeling of pinching at the bottom of my uterus which isn't fun when you're trying to walk and suddenly want to double over.

DSD seems fine now. I keep trying to feed her but she's like her dad in that she doesn't want food when she's poorly... I'm the opposite. When I'm poorly I want to eat the entire content of the kitchen. I find it very disconcerting when poorly people won't let me feed them lol

Potato has decided to stick her bum out at an uncomfortable front and centre angle today and gets all squirmy and irritable when I try to poke it back in

37 weeks tomorrow. Can't believe how quickly it's come around.

I sometimes get a pinching feeling too. The funny angles the babies get themselves in are incredible. I do think they must be so uncomfortable squashed up like that.

Good news on DSD. I've literally done nothing all morning

New wow! Another 37 weeker! Not long now

If you've got out of bed you're doing one better than me. I've so far only emerged to check small child is alive, pee and forage for food before crawling back into bed and hiding from the world