Catching up with TTC #1, thread 8!

[MrsEG]

Getting a new one started before we are full! I’ll go back now and add people - answering everyone’s last posts here!!

@MrsR16 Nesting sounds like a good idea! Our house is such a mess at the moment mid-decorating and I cant wait for it all to be done so I can tidy!!

@BabySquid Fabulous bump! Glad you had such a brilliant time. I’m starting to think that pain sleeping is all just part and parcel of being pregnant now! At my yoga class everyone complains of it!

@Tropicana1 I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about!

@purplefig Yeah it was amazing to hear! Apparently IVF twins are more likely to be small but she never explained why. But yeah, induction is less likely for growth - it could still be needed for other reasons but it’s nice to have one of them off the list! How are you feeling, sleeping any better?

@ELW85 I did sleep a little bit better! I still woke up about 4:30 but slept all the way from 10 til then which is amazing! I feel like I’m slowly getting used to just being tired now! Glad you managed a better sleep!

@PippaPug Glad you got the radiator sorted! Yeah I’m amazed at how care changes from place to place but I think the main thing is as long as someone is seeing us at least once a month then that’s great!! How have you been feeling? I’m 24+4 today and really starting to feel uncomfortable now. My bump measured approx 32 weeks yesterday!! 32!!! She thinks they must be lying all at the front.

@cupcakesandglitter From doing some googling I think at the 28 week appt they’ll more start telling me what I can and can’t do in the birth - like start laying out all of my options? So I’m not gonna worry too much and wait to see what they say! My only ‘preference’ is everyone arrives happy and healthy and all are safe and well! I love the bong haha - how are you feeling today?

@BabySquid congratulations! She's absolutely beautiful. So glad all is ok I can't imagine how scary that was for you!

Hope everyone else is well! I get really behind. Freddie and I had our 6 week check up today ( can you believe it!) all is fine. He got weighed last Wednesday and was 10lb4! He absolutely loves his food he has 6oz bottles now already 😟 every 4 hours or so sometimes a little top up in between 😬. We are in the 6 week growth spurt this week bang on time and It's been a bit challenging but we are also getting loads of smiles and giggles which makes it all worthwhile! Xx

@purplefig Yep, all done! Feels so weird to not be working. I thought I’d be over the moon and super excited but I actually had a crap nights sleep and woke up in a panic - will we have enough money, are we ready, will we cope... not the best start haha! The Crown is on my list and I LOVE B99! Wow 32 weeks - I feel like time is flying now! I can’t believe how many babies have been born on the thread recently and we have an influx of them waiting to come after Xmas too! To think we all started talking about temping, SMEP and fertility smoothies!

@LokiCat Oh gosh what a horrible scare that must have been this morning! Has it all stopped since? Could anything have irritated your cervix at all - sex or something? Great that babies heartbeat is so strong, and I’m glad they got you in right away and examined you. Hope you’re feeling okay! Enjoy your Christmas do.

@Tropicana1 Hooray your friend is finally gone haha!! Sorry to hear about the cat bite! My sisters dog nipped her while she was pregnant too - maybe they wanna get through to those delicious hormones?! Wow 37 weeks... any day now!! Have you got your bag packed?

@thumper59 6 week check up already! He’s gorgeous - what a lovely little boy! Love his little smile! Are you all set for his first Christmas?

Had our NCT breastfeeding session last night which was really good - I was worried she’d be one of these ‘breast or nothing’ types but she wasn’t at all and I felt very informed by it all! I told her upfront I plan to BF and express and use bottles from the word to and she was very supportive and helpful and even gave me her phone number should I need any support in those early weeks. Last ‘regular’ NCT session tonight to get it all done before Xmas - I think tonight is ‘practical’ stuff like nappy changing, holding baby, etc. So DH is really looking forward to it as that’s the sort of stuff he’s terrified about!!

Had a bit of a ‘funny’ moment with a friend too on Tuesday - we were chatting and I was telling her about how I am looking in to an elective section (for zillions of reasons) and she was a bit ‘What so you don’t have labour or contractions or anything? That’s not giving birth’ and it just really pissed me off (to the point I’m still stewing 2 days later!) I know she is having some fertility issues and is going through egg freezing in the new year and I try to be mindful of that and only really discuss my pregnancy when she asks, but she can be very curt with me at times and this one really bothered me. As if major surgery because I have two breech babies is cheating 🙃

@MrsEG I spoke far too soon about how well Ethan sleeps! We had an awful night last night! 😂 but we're ok! It's a good job he's so goddamn cute... how weird about your friend! Of course a c-section is still giving birth! It's just a lot safer for your baby boys and you! It must be difficult with her struggling to have her own children, but still! Maybe one day she'll understand.

@LokiCat every day is a PJ day for me at the moment! Aside from yesterday... had that job interview and was worried I wouldn't fit in anything! I found a dress that wasn't too tight around my stomach though, so that worked well. Oh god, I'm sure that was terrifying at the time! I hope you are enjoying yourself this evening - you deserve it!

@PippaPug I'm sure it's a horrible situation to be in, lovely! I hope you're feeling a bit better about it today though. We are very excited about his first Christmas, although he'll be far too little to know anything about what's going on. I'm going to get so many photos though! It's such a special time 😊

@Lemonysherbet glad everything went well at your appt!! Be prepared - Ethan was a real wriggler and still is now 😂

@BabySquid oh my goodness, Ivy is absolutely adorable!! You sound like you're doing really with with expressing too!

@purplefig DH absolutely adores all the pictures haha! I'm sure he loves pictures of Ethan more than he loves pictures of me 😂😂😂

@Tropicana1 great to hear from you! That's not good about the bite though - joy of working with animals, hey? Full term!! That's so exciting! Baby could arrive any time now really!

@thumper59 6 weeks?!? Wow where on earth has that gone? Saying that, Ethan is 2 weeks old tomorrow... so scary where the time is going! Freddie is so beautiful 😍

I just had to share another picture of Ethan with you ladies!

@LokiCat sorry to hear about this morning, what a horrible stress for you. Are you feeling ok now? It's great they picked up a strong heartbeat 💗

@Tropicana1 oh my goodness - full term! How exciting!! Are you all packed up?

@thumper59 good grief he's a cutie! Great to hear he's positively thriving by the sounds of things 👶🏻 how're you doing?

@MrsEG what a stupidly naive thing of your friend to say. It's nice of you to cut her some slack because infertility is no joke, but there's no excuse to say such flippantly hurtful things. I hope you're feeling ok. Like you said the other day, a twin pregnancy is an 'extreme' pregnancy and you've done amazingly well to cope as admirably as you have. I'd 1000% opt for an elective in your shoes. Sorry to hear mat leave started a bit rubbish too, but for what it's worth I think those kind of worries are totally normal. I had a panic with DH just this morning about mat leave money...just gotta ride all the feelings out I say! Can you plan a few nice relaxing things tomorrow? FWIW I'm a big midday bath convert 🤣👌🏼

@MrsR16 I bet haha!! Did your DH get any paternity leave? Mine is taking the two weeks, but I think it's just statutory pay which is a bit rubbish.

Have a nice evening all x

@purplefig he could have taken the two weeks, but that would have been on statutory pay, which we couldn't afford. However, his work gave him 3 paid days instead, which was brilliant! So he took annual leave on the Friday Ethan was born, then had the Monday through Wednesday off the following week. Thankfully, he's got another couple of days annual leave he's taking on Monday and Tuesday and then he'll be at home till the New Year! 😊

@MrsEG @MrsR16 @purplefig thanks ladies. The spotting still hasn't stopped unfortunately, but has stayed brown thankfully. I called them up again yesterday afternoon and the midwife I spoke to was so lovely. She said to keep an eye on it today as well and if it is still continuing then I can go back for some reassurance checks, which I think I will do, especially since we're flying out on Monday.
Not sure what caused it, as we haven't had sex or anything (especially since the last scare a few weeks ago!). Doctor yesterday thought it may have been clearing out what was left from before 🤷🏽‍♀️

@Tropicana1 wow full term, how exciting! Glad your friend has finally moved out. Have you got everything ready?

@thumper59 can't believe he's already at the 6 week check up, time is flying! He's so adorable, love the smiles!

MrsEG - I hope the NCT class was good last night. Sounds like it would have been a very useful one, especially for your DH.
How awful of your friend to make a comment like that! Of course it's giving birth, it's better and safer option for you and the babies.

MrsR16 - ohh that photo of Ethan is so cute! Can't believe he's already 2 weeks!

Last day at work today till 30th and I'm only in for a half day! Really looking forward to this break.
Hope you all have a lovely Friday. Any weekend plans? Xx

@MrsR16 I was really shocked to learn paternity leave is only statutory pay! Considering it's only for two weeks, you'd think most businesses could just pay them the normal wage given the magnitude of the event and the unnecessary stress having a reduced income for two weeks would cause many new parents. It sounds like you guys have made it work for you though and it's great he gets a decent chunk of time off over Christmas 🙌🏻 and clever Ethan being born on a Friday too!!

@LokiCat sorry to hear it's still happening, but good to hear they aren't worried and have a plan for if it continues. Where are you off to on Monday again? Sorry - I can't keep up with everyone's travel plans!! 😂

How's everyone doing today? I managed to get all my work done yesterday, so I'm officially out of office until the New Year which feels bloody fantastic! And in Jan I'm just doing part time hours. Wooo hooooo!!

Also last night I started packing a birth bag for our week away tomorrow, and I think that combined with my new reduced work hours has made it all feel super real. Might have cried over the baby's tiny newborn clothes 😭💕 I'm just SO excited to meet them now!

I also did a guided birth visualisation before bed last night (I know, I know...I'm a card wielding member of club hypnobirthing I think 🤣) and went on to have the most real-feeling dream that I had a water birth. Even down to birthing the placenta 🤓😳

Right. I'll stop harping on. Have a fab Friday everyone! X

@MrsEG oh I'd be angry about that. Whichever birthing method is safest is the best, and we grow and birth and recover from having babies all the same and that is bloody amazing!! My OH is still in awe/shock over it! Thank you. Yep all his pressies are wrapped and under the tree 😊🎉 I know he won't give two shits, but I do 😂

@mrsr16 it's crazy isn't it! He's like a full on little boy now he doesn't seem like a newborn 😫 aww Ethan is gorgeous!! It really does fly.

@purplefig thank you!💕 he's a big lad 😂. I'm doing great thank you, I'm just loving being a mum even the harder parts his little face makes it all worth it. Hope your doing well xx

@LokiCat I know it's crazy isn't it! Thank you, yeah I would ring back up, it does sound possible it's a clear out though with it being brown xx

@MrsR16 @purplefig @LokiCat @thumper59 Thanks ladies I knew I wasn’t just being sensitive! She was really like ‘what so they wouldn’t induce any contractions or anything first, that’s hardly giving birth’ and was really quite funny about it. I didn’t really say much; I didn’t rise to it!

@MrsR16 Oh poor little Ethan - the newborn weeks have lulled you in to a false sense of security haha! Maybe he’s having his first little growth spurt?

@purplefig I’m loving my mid afternoon baths! Having one pretty much daily now haha! Yeah the money woes are horrible aren’t they. The whole paternity pay thing too, it’s awful. DH is self employed so could apply or do it through his books or something, but he’d honestly make more just keeping 2-3 clients on instead so he’s probably just going to do that as he’ll only have to work about 3 hours a week. Which is ridiculous! Oh I hope your dream comes true!! What a lovely birthing dream to have!

@thumper59 Oh bless him his first Christmas! I bet he’ll get so many presents from people!! At my nieces first Xmas she was only 6 months old and didn’t have a clue what was going on, but there were so many presents under that tree - it was like someone had basically ordered the entire Argos catalogue haha!

@LokiCat definitely go back in for some reassurance, I’d do exactly the same. I’m sure it’s nothing, many women bleed during pregnancy as the cervix is so so sensitive - but for your own peace of mind so you can really enjoy that holiday!

Happy Friday, and last days for many of you by the sounds of it! Last NCT last night was fab. We all got given a ‘baby’ on arrival that we had to look after for the whole session (we were given two!) - we went through safe sleep and nappy changing and picked up on a few more feeding bits too, Oh and bathing. Learnt a lot! DH said it was his fave session. We’ve all been on a WhatsApp group now for a while but apparently our reunion session will be about a month after all babies are born, so around March time. In a pub (wahoo!) - Have fab festive weekends ladies x

Morning all!

Apologies for being MIA; New York absolutely wiped me out! I was totally fine whilst there, but since I’ve been back...💤

@Larrydavid - I had a wonderful time thank you! So pleased we had a little break before the baby arrives! How are you?

@BabySquid - congratulations on Ivy! Absolutely gorgeous! I hope you’re doing well?

@MrsEG - can’t believe you’re off on your mat leave now! That’s insane. Are you feeling good about it all? I think I’ll be nervous when mine arrives.

@purplefig - I think I saw that you’re away this weekend? Have a wonderful time.

@LokiCat - I’m really sorry to hear about your scare. I hope you’re feeling a little better? It’s great news that the docs aren’t concerned though!

@MrsR16 - Ethan is adorable 😊 I bet the sleep disruption is more than worth it!

@cupcakesandglitter - I hope you’re doing ok? I think movements are really individual and my MW wasn’t worried about a pattern until after 24 weeks, but there seems to be conflicting timescales around it all! As long as you do what’s right for you, that’s all that matters.

@PippaPug - I hope you’re getting on ok and are getting sorted with the consultants and right level of care.

Sorry to anyone I’ve missed! It’s really hard to catch up (my fault!)

As we speak the nursery carpet is being fitted. Can’t wait to get the furniture up later 😀
Happy Friday, all!

Thankyou @mrseg it's crazy how much it varies across the country! Ahhh I can't believe you're on mat leave!!! Are you excited?! I'm excited for you 😂😁 I can't believe your friend said that to you, that's so bloody rude!!! Of course it's a real labour!! You have the same recovery vagina wise too! You're doing bloody brilliantly carrying the twins and you've not had an easy pregnancy either, take no notice of it - c section is still labour and as long as your boys are born safely that's all that matters!

@pippapug hoping you get an appointment and get it sorted ASAP!! Take no notice of rude midwives, as long as you and the babies are happy that's all that matters 😊 I'm not sure if yours is the same but I'm likely not going to see my MW at 28 weeks because of the growth scan? the bathroom is still being finished off - very excited but I'm very impatient and just want it done now 😂

@MrsR16 he is so gorgeous 😭 2 weeks already! Such a cutie 🥰

Thanks @lokicat everything seems fine with her, she's now started moving around a lot to music 😂 but at night she likes to lay low causing a VERY uncomfortable cervix and bladder!! So sorry to hear about your last couple of days, but I'm really glad it's all looking okay, I'd definitely go back in for the reassurance if you feel like you need it - Glad you still get to go away too! Enjoy your break x

Ahhh @babysquid what a lovely name!! She's beautiful! How're you both doing?

@purplefig 32 weeks 😂 I swear everyone's pregnancy is flying by!! You're so close too!! The guided visualisation sounds fab!! I love hypnobirthing 😂😁

@tropicana1 wahoooo hello full term!! How're you feeling?!

@thumper59 oh my god Freddie looks just like you!!! How gorgeous is he 😭 I bet the smiles are so worth it, I could cry thinking about it 😭

@elw85 I'm good thankyou - just keeping an eye on her and not going to chance it if I feel like something is wrong again... I'm 25 weeks tomorrow so you're almost third trimester?! How was your break?! Ahh nursery progress too!! Fantastic!!

@cupcakesandglitter - I’m so pleased she’s being so active!

I’m slightly worried that my little one doesn’t seem to react to music or loud noises. Not sure if anyone else worries as much as I do, but I’m sure we all have our moments!

The carpet looks great, but DH has chosen a super-light colour, so I need to brace myself for what the baby will do to it, haha!

27 weeks tomorrow, so not long until the 3rd Trimester! I really can’t believe how quickly it’s flown over since the 12 week scan...

@ELW85 Hope you had a great time in NYC! It does feel weird to be on mat leave to be honest - so odd not checking my phone emails every few hours just in case I’m missing anything - I’ve nothing to miss!! The sound thing - I didn’t even know it was a thing! Are they supposed to react to sounds? Enjoy the last week of your second tri!

@cupcakesandglitter Excited, nervous, all the emotions!! I’m almost 31 weeks and I am just desperate for them to stay put until at least 35 weeks. But whatever happens they’ll be here in 6 weeks now...! It is so so weird how much things vary from hospital to hospital isn’t it! I’m sure it’s the NHS and Tommy’s guidance though that says you don’t track regular movement until 28 weeks - that definitely helped put my mind at ease at times when I thought they were quiet! 31 weeks now and they sometimes wake me up kicking - and twin 1 regularly kicks me backwards right in the butt!! How are you feeling?

@ELW85 Also just to add - I can’t say I’ve ever noticed mine reacting specially to a loud noise or music at all - I play music fairly loud in the car and would say they’re fairly quiet when I’m driving! If that helps ease your mind at all!

@MrsEG - oh my god, I can’t tell you how much better I feel having read your post!!
It’s one of those bloody stupid app things “by now, you’ll notice your baby rhythmically moving to music” which then freaked me out as he doesn’t.
As DH said though, “the baby is NOT Chance the Rapper. He won’t move when you’re blasting your music” 😂
I’ve tried Dr Google and it doesn’t appear to be a thing, so between that and reading your experiences, I feel loads better - thank you!!

I must say, Hamilton was the best show I’ve ever seen. Incredible.
Tempted to go again in London!

So pleased you’re doing well, and I totally get what you mean about it feeling weird, not checking emails. Are you busy with Christmas stuff or are you all sorted?

@ELW85 Ha I love your DHs comment!! I find the apps can sometimes throw me off a bit too - this week mine said for twins ‘you’ve probably been advised about bed rest by now’ and I was like Eh? Mentioned it to my consultant on weds and she was like absolutely not - take it easy for sure but total bedrest could lead to blood clots!! So take the apps with a pinch of salt!
I’d love to see Hamilton! I have to hold out for things to come to Manchester (only recently saw Book of Mormon for the first time!) as DH hates going to London (he’s one of those ‘the money you spend for 3 days in London we could go abroad!’ - such a Dad already) so fingers crossed it doesn’t take too many years to make it up North!
Nope Christmas is basically sorted! I do have a nice Christmassy day planned for tomorrow though, a friend who lives in Cyprus who is also expecting is over so we’re throwing her a surprise baby shower so I can’t wait for that!
Have you finished up with work for Xmas now?

@MrsEG - honestly, DH is amazing for comments like that. Totally brings me round!
I think you’re right about the apps needing to be taken with a pinch of salt. I’m just gonna enjoy the last few weeks. Can’t believe it’s the third tri next weekend!!

Fingers crossed Hamilton does come up. When we costed the trip to London to see it (so trains from Newcastle, hotel for one night etc) it came to over £500 so it was actually cheaper to see it on Broadway 😂
We’ve still not seen Book of Mormon - that’s October in Newcastle, so I’m with you in that one and definitely behind the curve!

Oh wow that’s a lovely surprise for your friend, how thoughtful! We’re having our annual Christmas date day today. Basically, we take turns in planning it and spend the day together eating and drinking and going to see ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ at the local indie cinema. So excited for it!
DH has just brought coffees back to kick the day off 😊

I’m in work Monday but I feel like I could do with being in for all of it. Have decided to take the time off through, so after Christmas Eve won’t be back til 2nd!
Do you have any NYE plans? We were going to have a night away in Harrogate but have decided to stay closer to home.

@cupcakesandglitter aw do you think? He actually is the spitting image of his dad- but I won't post a pic of him on here he'd go mad😂 Fred does have my eyes though! I had my first night out last night and even taking it easy I've still got a heavy head 😫 missed him so much though!xx

@ELW85 oh that sounds so lovely! We’re doing similar today, it’s DH birthday on Xmas day so we go out the weekend before but he wants to see Jumanji 🙈 so no lovely Christmas movie for us!! Enjoy the Xmas break, get some good rest - a little taster of mat leave!! No nothing much for NYE cutting it a bit close to the wire for us so were just going to my sisters for dinner - I don’t even think we’ll see midnight!

Morning ladies!
Thanks for your lovely words. We ended up going back in yesterday evening because the brown bleeding had increased yesterday and there was another clot. They did a scan this time and everything was fine, still couldn't figure out where the bleeding was fro (she was waving at us on the scan, I bawled when I saw it 🙈). It's pretty much stopped this morning, so hopefully all is okay. As you've all said, the midwife explained that some women do bleed through their pregnancy and it's a positive sign that it isn't fresh, red bleeding. A part of me did feel a bit silly for constantly going in but they were amazing and still invited me to come back in if I needed further reassurance.

DH's birthday today and he felt baby move for the first time! I said it's her birthday present to him 🙊

@purplefig we're off to NYC on Monday (although doctor did say if the bleeding increases again, she doesn't recommend we go, which is understandable). Where are of you off to?
Wow, I hope your dream comes true. That must have been an amazing one to have!

@MrsEG that last NCT class sounds great, glad your DH enjoyed it too! The reunion sounds like it'll be a fun one!

@ELW85 ah so glad you enjoyed your NYC trip, it sounds amazing.
How exciting that your nursery is coming together! Do you have much left to do? Can't wait to see photos of it :)
Happy 27 weeks for today! I can't believe how fast it's gone, I still remember your BFP ❤️
I definitely think it's a good idea that you've taken a nice break off over Christmas. Your Christmas plans sound lovely xx

@cupcakesandglitter ahh how cute that she reacts to the music! I usually listen to the music really loudly in the car, so will be interesting to see if ours is the same 😂 she definitely is more awake at night, very active in the evenings or just before I try to sleep, it's so amazing to feel!
Happy 25 weeks!

We're off to DH's parents today for his birthday. I expect there'll be lots of food to indulge on, so I'm very excited 😁

Hope you all have a lovely Saturday x

Hey ladies!
@LokiCat glad you've been checked out and hopefully reassured a bit.

@ELW85 how are you?

@cupcakesandglitter that is so sweet! I noticed what I think was movement in the bath last night! Felt like something rolling or flipping in my tummy!

Xx

@elw85 ooh no definitely don't worry!! When they say cold drinks etc get them to move and what not.... absolutely nothing for Smidge, she just doesn't care 😂 every baby is different and as long as you feel her that's all that matters 🥰 happy 27 weeks!! It's flying by!

@MrsEG hopefully they stay nice and settled but it's so crazy how close you are to meeting them eeek! Kicking you in the butt 😂😂 they seem to get everywhere done they!! I'm okay thanks - Smidge seems to roll all over during the day, but at night settles nice and low so my bladder and cervix are DYING!! I'd rather that and be able to feel her I guess 😂

@thumper59 definitely!! Maybe it's his eyes but he definitely looks like you - although I've not seen your DH so maybe I'm biased 😂 a little cutie either way!! Glad you enjoyed your night though, I bet you couldn't wait to see him 🥰

@lokicat glad you went back in - it definitely can be normal and glad that little ones doing okay, pregnancy can be nothing but worry sometimes but as long as you have support and reassurance it's fine 😊 how lovely of your DH to have felt her too! What a lovely present 🥰 Interestingly she doesn't move when I play music in the car 😂 just when I'm playing my chill playlist around the house 😂 although when I sing to her in the car she'll give a little move 😂

@MrsH497 awww how lovely!! You can tell when they're rolling, it's quite sweet 🥰 isn't it exciting when you feel them move! So surreal!! X

The bathroom is complete HURRAH!!! The silicone is still drying but I'm having my long awaited bath tonight with a nice candle and music 😂 DH was talking to Smidge last night and he put his ear there after he kissed her (thinking she'd kick) but he heard her heartbeat instead 😭😭😭 I get really fluttery when I think about seeing him holding her and finally becoming a dad, it's still so surreal to me that this one stuck and she's real, not that I've forgotten any of my losses but she's so worth everything we've gone through together. Gah, pregnancy can make me so soppy 😭😂

@MrsR16 ah I missed your baby too! God I really chose the wrong time to go awol 😂
Ethan is gorgeous congratulations!

@MrsEG yea it's nice to have the house back and finally get going with everything! Also can't believe your friend said that 🙄

@purplefig Yea bags are mostly packed, still adding bits to them here and there, and I keep saying to DH "We NEED TO GET SNACKS!!" 😂😂 priories haha

Nursery is pretty much there now too, Including my (basically decorative) safari bedding and managed to get a really cheap Claire de lune Moses pod off Facebook for £30!

@tropicana1 beautiful nursery 😭 and a good deal with the Moses basket too!! Are you feeling ready?! 😁

@cupcakesandglitter thanks! I think so?! I don't know! I go from wanting her to arrive sooner to quite hoping I go a bit overdue so I have time after I finish work to relax 😂 DH is desperate for her to just be here now which is really sweet. How are you getting on?