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?

@purplefig - cross post! Oh I’m sorry your MiL has said something stupid and insensitive.
They have a habit of doing that!! She won’t have meant it as it sounded (mine constantly calls me fatty), but it doesn’t make it any better.
FWIW I think you look fantastic. Enjoy your lovely beach walk and forget all about it! X

@ELW85 Whoops cross post! Yeah I am baffled by baby clothing sizes - some have the same size on the labels too but are wildly different when you hold them up next to each other!! I love your photo album idea by the way, it’s encouraged me to go and get a load of photos printed from this year! I really do recommend sleeping sitting - I just prop the preggo pillow right up with some more pillows behind it and I drift off really easily- kinda like sitting up in a hospital bed? Enjoy your last day off, only for a few more months!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR LADIES 🥳 sorry I've been MIA, we're still doing the nursery but the progress is amazing, we're nearly done! Finally had my bath too 😂 spent NYE in Manchester watching the fireworks (back and bump pain was unreal so we decided to leave before midnight but ended up in a gridlock so ended up watching the fireworks anyway). Cried a little - this time last year I was mc'ing and this year I get to meet my daughter, so surreal 😭 this is gonna be the best year!!! I loved all of your beautiful bump pictures, I've attached a pic of mine yesterday, please excuse the mess! (i was in MAU for reduced movements and I'm 2 weeks ahead bump wise 😅 the heaviness is getting beyond uncomfortable!)

@purplefig oh god!! Not the right thing to say at all 🤦🏻‍♀️ as long as you know she didn't mean anything malicious by it, but I don't think people think before they speak sometimes 😂 my MIL pokes my belly and calls me podgy/or says I keep eating too much 😉 - we all know it's a baby in there!! FWIW I think you look fantastic!!!

@mrseg your pictures are insane!! You look so so incredible considering you're carrying twins honestly!! Well done you for carrying them this far 😁 how're you feeling?!

@elw85 how are you? How was your break? Happy third trimester!!!! X

Ahhh @lokicat glad you had a fantastic break!! How're you feeling? X

Oh my god @stormtrooperjulian what a gorgeous picture 😭😭🥰

@MrsH497 @larrydavid how're you both doing? Xx

@tropicana1 can't remember if I've already posted this but eeeeek congrats!!! What a beauty!!! How're you getting on? How's baby Olivia? Xx

Sorry if I've missed anyone, how are you all?! Xx

Thank you for all the kind words over MILs comments. I'm going to let it go...just a silly thing to say to a pregnant woman. BUT I can't believe what some have you have had to put up....stomach jabbing and being called fatty as a joke?!? Aghrrr. No.

@ELW85 so glad gaviscon is working for you. Mine hasn't been too bad, but had to take a rennie last night for the first time. Pregnancy is so glam eh?! Hope your breaky was tasty whatever it was. I'm back to work tomorrow too - but then it's nearly the weekend 👌🏼 when are you off on Mat leave?

@MrsEG aghrrrr DH no!! 🤣 honestly I think sometimes people just don't think. Chuck in raging hormones and it's not good! The dog walk was lovely thanks - we went with some friends and their kids and it made me so excited for the relationship our pup and baby are going to have 😭❤️ bet you're the same. And they'll be two of them!!! 💕

@cupcakesandglitter gorgeous bump! And congrats on the nursery and bath progress, I bet that feels good. Your NYE sounds lovely (minus the back pain). It's so crazy to think how much times change isn't it?! Sorry to hear you experienced reduced movements, that must've been so scary. Are you doing ok now?

Have a fab New Year's Day everyone. We're de-Christmasing the house and then chilling. I think I'm going to start making a plan of action re: batch cooking. X

Hey @cupcakesandglitter love the picture you look amazing! I'm good ta (well back is sore and I've twisted my ankle but I'm clumsy!) and I'll take that over sickness!
Sofa day for me resting a bit think xmas and NY have taken it out of me a bit. I'm still on cloud 9 from the scan yesterday our little poser ❤️💙🥰

@ELW85 back tomorrow sadly but I've had a good few days off here and there. The sonographer said he honestly doesn't need much reason to bring people back as he loves showing people their babies! But I'm happy they are checking it out.

@MrsEG 18/5 is my due date just over 20 weeks now.

What baby monitors have people got?

Pic of baby just because I'm so in love

@purplefig I ended up buying a big pregnancy pillow in the end! One of us can always sleep in the spare room if there's not enough room! Comments about your size are never helpful - I'm sure your MIL was just trying to be complimentary but people should just not say a word!

@ELW85 it's massively reassuring that you also had abnormal smears and was cleared. I'm sure it will be the same for me - fingers crossed. I hope they can let me hear a heartbeat - the doc didn't let me hear one on the 16 week appointment and 20 weeks still feels like ages away! Your New Year's Eve sounded perfect. What a great idea with the albums! Back to work already? I'm trying not to work for a few more days.

@MrsEG Thanks for the reassurance on the pre-term labour - you're right, it's great that they're already monitoring and doing all the right tests, I'm sure I'll be well looked after if it's not positive. I'm so happy that you've kept those little babes inside too - you've done amazingly well, I'm sure the discomfort will all be worth it! Not long now!

@LokiCat Hope the jetlag has gone now!

@MrsH497 Glad your scan went well - hopefully that placenta moves up a bit for you. What lovely pictures! They're so clear 🧡

@cupcakesandglitter I'm good thanks! Enjoying the days off before real life kicks in again. Your bump looks wonderful! Also, what a great year ahead. It's amazing how much can change in a year!

We ended up having an impromptu party last night, I eventually snuck away upstairs at 2am but then couldn't sleep (is pregnancy insomnia a thing??) so we're having a lazy day today watching films. It's lovely! Happy new year all. What a year ahead!

@Larrydavid how many weeks are you now? I found it took ages to get to 20 weeks!!

Sorry really struggling to keep up with this thread atm!

Happy new year to you all, Mummies, babies, Mummies to be and Bumps! 🎉🎉

@MrsEG and @ELW85 - Thank you for your advice, I just panicked slightly, babies kicking around all fine afterwards but I was very careful for 24 hours just incase - it hasn’t happened again thankfully! Sounds silly but the way I have been treated at the hospital lately I just didn’t want to call and be made to feel silly again 🙈

Yes to body confidences being so low - I got rid of our full length mirror as it was in the nursery, and suddenly thought yesterday I don’t know what my stomach looks like, put a photo of my stomach and saw horrendous stretch marks and when I said how bad they are DH said “I’m saying nothing” queue me properly crying....apparently he meant whatever he said would be wrong - like that comment!! I really feel crap with them though.

I have a midwife appt tomorrow - but the letter said scan - so I’m not sure what’s going on and a bit nervous about it all.

Isn’t it weird - we are going to have our babies this year!

How was everyone’s NY? And more importantly how is everyone and bumps?

Thanks @purplefig I think things are okay now - her movements have changed over the last week and definitely aren't as strong but I think when I'm active she isn't and vice versa, so I've just sat in the nursing chair watching DH do all the work bless him 😂😅 but she seems to be a lot happier today! Fx she stays this way, it's horrible when you feel like something is wrong. Ooh I need to get onto that, although truthfully can't be bothered 😂 what meals are you thinking of batch cooking? X

Ahh @mrsh497 the pregnancy clumsiness is real 😂 sorry to hear about your back and ankle, just try and rest up as much as you can 😊 what gorgeous clear pictures!! I've got a BT 6000 I think? I'll find the box when I go upstairs and double check - my ILs have the same one and they loved it! As if you're over halfway now!! How amazing!!

Ahh @larrydavid it definitely is crazy!! Pregnancy insomnia is DEFINITELY a thing! I can switch from being so tired I can fall asleep standing up, to be knackered but wide awake in bed for hours. Doesn't help when the pain hits as soon as you get comfortable 🤦🏻‍♀️ how far gone are you now? I didn't get to hear the heartbeat (with NHS) until my MW app at week 24 😦 like @mrsh497 I found it super slow going to the 20w scan (ended up having a private one beforehand) but since then it's flown massively!

Oh @pippapug I bet you still look beautiful 💕 stretch marks can't be helped and although we may not feel like it when they're fresh, try and see them as your marks of how strong your body has been through pregnancy - I get upset looking at mine but then I remember how wanted this baby is and how I would rather have them and her than still be TTC. Hope this helps you, it's hard but remember you're doing amazingly and our bodies are bloody resilient and awesome 🥰

Evening lovely ladies! Happy New Year to all of you!! The last few days have been a bit of a whirlwind, hence why I'm only just catching up now with everything!

@cupcakesandglitter you look absolutely stunning! I'm glad baby is happier today - always a relief that everything's ok!

@PippaPug I am sure you look absolutely beautiful - stretch marks are a wonderful (if frustrating) sign of becoming a mummy! DHs just don't know what to say sometimes do they? 🤦‍♀️

@Larrydavid pregnancy insomnia is most definitely a thing! I'm so glad you've had a good couple of days though and are relaxing today 😊

@MrsH497 oh what wonderful pictures you have of your gorgeous baby!!

@purplefig I agree with the others - probably not intentionally hurtful but still!! There's no need for anyone to comment... as for the crusty stuff in bras - yep, it's absolutely colostrum! When milk came in after Ethan was born (about day 4) I really wasn't expecting it to be orangey in colour!! But bloody hell, if you're bottle feeding, don't underestimate the uncomfortableness of boobs with milk, but not breastfeeding!! Lasted for 3 days before it started feeling better! Your bump is simply gorgeous!!

@MrsEG clothing sizes are so complicated! Ethan isn't overly chunky but he is long, so is struggling to fit in up to 1 month stuff! We have so many clothes he hasn't worn yet and possibly won't be able to! Your bump (by the way) is absolutely incredible! You look so amazing!

@ELW85 i hope work is manageable for you tomorrow!! I wish Christmas would be every day! Aside from the expense 😂

@LokiCat the hunger for me was unreal... I was constantly eating!! I'm so pleased your had a great time in NYC!

Just a quick picture of Ethan - being a mummy is hard work but this face absolutely makes everything worthwhile!!

Thankyou @mrsr16 definitely!! I just want to squish his cheeks 😭🥰 he's so bloody gorgeous!! How're you finding it all?! X

@cupcakesandglitter it's definitely the hardest thing ever and my life has changed entirely, but it's absolutely awesome! I wouldn't have it any other way - I can't imagine life without Ethan now. I wouldn't wake up at 3:15am for just anyone! 😂 xx

Morning all!

Ended up at the hospital yesterday afternoon as the little one had been so quiet yesterday. Hard to describe other than he just wasn’t himself.
Got hooked up to a couple of monitors and everything looked ok, but I’m keeping an eye on him today too.
He seems to be back to his morning flurries, which is great, so fingers crossed it was nothing.
I was furious though as all of the hospital car parks were full as idiotic Newcastle fans had used them for the match. We couldn’t get in; I was nearly in tears. Anyway, pregnancy meltdown over!!

@cupcakesandglitter - you look fantastic! The break was wonderful thank you, just gutted I’m back in work today!
Very jealous of the fireworks - I bet they were amazing 😊
Sorry to hear you were in MAU too, but so pleased everything is fine! She measured my bump but didn’t say anything which didn’t help...

@purplefig - off on Mat leave in 9 weeks. Christ that’s scary! How did your batch cooking plan go? I need to get in gear for that too!

@PippaPug - good luck for your appointment today! I’m sure everything will be fine and it’ll just be an extra scan as you have two little ones in tow!
Never feel silly for going to the hospital. You know your body and your babies, and if you need the reassurance, then so be it. Honestly, please don’t feel silly about any of it. Keep listening to yourself 😊

@Larrydavid - you survived way more of NYE than I could, but I totally identify with the pregnancy insomnia. I find it hits me randomly for a few nights then goes again.

@MrsR16 - Ethan is so adorable!! Happy new year 🥳

@MrsH497 - wonderful scan photos! Sorry that you’re back to work, but it’s great you’ve enjoyed the break. I genuinely feel like I could have done with another few days off. So tired!

Morning all!

Had a bit of a funny one yesterday - I just couldn’t tell if I had felt twin 1 move all day. I tried all the usual fizzy drinks, cold water etc - twin 2 was going mental but I just couldn’t pick up twin 1 at all. Ended up hooked up at hospital and they picked them both up, but want to scan me this afternoon to have a good check over them. I can feel them both as normal today so trying to keep positive but I’m a little nervous about the scan - twin 1 is always the quiet one so I’m hoping it’s nothing. I almost regret going in as I feel like I’ve caused myself this extra worry!

@cupcakesandglitter You look fab! Glad all was well at the hospital. I honestly find tracking movement in the third tri the hardest part of all pregnancy! Glad you managed to see the fireworks - I’m in Manchester but we stayed away from town as it always gets so busy!

@purplefig I can’t wait to see how the dog and boys all get on! My niece and her dog have the best relationship already. The dog is obsessed with her! It’s weird too - my niece will flick her ears and things (something the dog would hate us doing) and she just sits and takes it - anything as long as she is getting to hang out with her! It’s adorable. We’re starting our batch cooking - I managed to get a chilli done this week and have my recipes ready! Only thing I don’t have is enough Tupperware I think!

@MrsH497 18/5 is a lot of my friends and families birthday!! Always a good one - close to the may bank holidays and often get food weather - I’ve been to many a birthday BBQ! We got a motorola baby monitor in the black Friday sales.

@Larrydavid You will definitely be well looked after! Wow 2am, well done you! I had the insomnia in the second tri in particular but nowadays I could sleep standing up. The rest will come! I just wish I could sleep longer than 2-3 hours, my PGP always wakes me up!

@PippaPug I hope you have a better experience than usual at your midwife appt today! I hope it all goes well for you. I noticed my first stretch mark this week, a massive one right above my belly button and I’ll admit it got me down too but you just have to embrace it - it’s all part and parcel of growing our twins!

@MrsR16 Oh Ethan is gorgeous he’s coming along so much already! I feel the same with clothes - we’ve been given so much I’m sure there is some they’ll just never fit in or ever wear! I’ll have to get some charity bags ready!

@ELW85 Sorry to hear you ended up being monitored too! It’s a horrible thing isn’t it. I was actually doing okay until I said to DH ‘I don’t think I’ve felt twin 1 today’ and it was like saying it out loud made it real! I know that even at this stage they can roll over and change positions etc and I try so hard to be rational and not let my anxiety take over but some days are harder than others. I will be so so glad when these babies are here now!! Glad all seemed okay for you at hospital :)

@Larrydavid you can't beat a big comfy pregnancy pillow imho, it's made such a difference to my quality of sleep. I'd legit go in the spare room if I had to! Kudos on staying up until 2am - I managed 1am and was wiped the next day.

@PippaPug Sorry to hear you're struggling with body image, it's totally normal but also really unpleasant to deal with. I had a really tough day with body image yesterday - I think it was the combination of my MIL saying 'the weight really suits you' and discovering new stretch marks on my hips. I had a bit of a cry and a moan to DH and then I spent some time journaling. I actually found the latter the most helpful because it was basically myself giving myself a kind, compassionate talking to. I came to the conclusion that: our bodies are amazing and I wouldn't give up growing this epic little human for a 'perfect' body. I've also resolved to re-read The Beauty Myth and Intuitive Eating before the baby arrives, just to properly reinforce all those ideas. I don't know if any of that blathering is helpful to you, I just thought I'd share as I was feeling so low with all this the other day and now feel totally fine.

@cupcakesandglitter I've noticed the movements have changed in the last few weeks too. I'm 34+3 now and they're much more rolling than kicking/jabbing. I guess there's just less room in there. Re: batch cooking, I'm veggie and am thinking: curries, stews, soups. Basically hearty, nutritious food so I don't end up existing on takeaway and twirls .

@MrsR16 Oh look at him - what an absolute cutie pie!! Thanks for confirming it's colostrum, I'm honestly so in awe of our bodies. I'm definitely planning to give breastfeeding a go, but I have heard about those mega-sized first few days. Mine are already huge from pregnancy god help me!

@ELW85 glad everything is OK with your little one. So selfish that the car park was being used by football fans - that definitely shouldn't be allowed. Batch cooking planning went well - I'm trying not to overwhelm myself so just going to try and double up on dinners and stock up the freezer as much as I can. Thinking curries, stews, soups etc. Oh my goodness 9 weeks is nothing at all! How exciting!

@MrsEG fingers crossed the scan goes well today, I'm sure it will. It's always worth going in if you're worried, but I totally get you with the scanxiety thing. Awwww your niece and her dog sound utterly adorable our pup is an outrageous attention seeker, he just loves being stroked/touched/annoyed so I think he'll be fine. Well done on getting a start with batch cooking - chilli is a great shout. I went to poundland the other day to pick up some Tupperware, they had a fairly good selection.

Back to work today, but I'm easing down the deadlines/hours so it's not too full on. Planning to have everything wrapped up for Friday 24th. That is slightly frightening/exciting! Have a fab Thursday all x

Sorry for the double post and ramble below, but can I pick your collective brains on getting some boundaries / coping strategies in place before my PILs post-baby visit?

They are difficult for lots of reasons and consequently DH has a strained but polite/superficial relationship with them. They live about 8 hrs away and we rarely see them.

I'm due early Feb and they are renting a nearby house for a month in March to a) meet their grandchild and b) be out of their house while renovations take place.

I'm struggling with the thought of them being around for so long, despite the fact they won't be staying in our house. I don't enjoy their visits at the best of times, so I'm dreading it with the added element of a newborn baby (and the whole trying to establish breastfeeding / being sleep deprived / generally getting to grips with this life changing event).

To make matters worse, they have a really unfriendly dog who cannot be left alone as he barks constantly. Their dog doesn't get on with our dog and would be aggressive towards our cat, so if they visit our house it involves quite a lot of planning in terms of getting someone to have our dog / locking the cat away etc. As such, usually when they visit we go to them - but I'm thinking this will be way harder with a newborn. One small example: I wouldn't be comfortable breastfeeding in front of them.

What sort of boundaries / coping strategies would you have in place to deal with this?

@purplefig Thanks lovely - scan is at 3 so I’ll keep everyone posted. They are wriggling about all over the show today so I’m hoping it’s a formality, they always seem so over-cautious with me.
Re: your in-laws - I would personally find that far too imposing. Did they run this by you both before organising it? The worry I would have is that they are going to see this as a holiday and as such will want to be visiting/seeing you all the time.
If it were me I’d actually be asking them to cut the visit way, way short (if work is being done at their home can’t they go on an actual holiday as well, rather than spending a full month in your pockets?!). The only thing I can even slightly link it to is my very over beating mother who wants to be heavily involved and I’m sure would move in if she could - I’ve told her that isn’t happening, basically. I’ve let her know visits have to be pre-arranged and I’m very firm on that, I’ll be furious if she just ‘drops by’. I’ve also said if she is wanting to be around a lot then it isn’t to cuddle the babies and coo/take photos, she can help me clean/cook etc in the house while I get on with learning the ropes of early motherhood. I also plan to BF and so will likely be glued to the bed or sofa for the first few weeks and I don’t need anyone coming over pulling one of them off me for a cuddle.
She was really put out at first - but I just keep reiterating it and she’s come around. I don’t doubt we’ll have some hairy moments - I can envision the arguments already! - but I think you need to decide what level of visiting you will be happy and comfortable with and then you and DH lay those ground rules. It’s not up to them, it’s up to you. As I’ve said to mum - no one is saying she can’t visit and spend time with us and the babies but it absolutely must be on our terms and not ‘well I was passing’ or ‘but I’m in the area on Tuesdays’ like I don’t care. If it’s not suitable or convenient for us then she waits for another day!
A LOT of this stems from my sisters experience who felt so ground down by her being there all the time (with those comments only mothers can make ‘You really shouldn’t let her sleep on you like that’ ‘Are you not going to take her out at all today?’ etc) that she contributes it directly to her PND - this was relatively mild and she recovered fast but it was at a level she needed counselling for several weeks. She wishes she could go back in time and lock the doors!

It’s a really tricky one when it’s in laws so get DH fully on board too.

@purplefig I absolutely echo what @MrsEG has said! You have to be firm with them and anyone else who may tip up with no notice. The first few weeks are so important for you to get used to each other! You will never get that time back again and you may resent not having that time with your baby, so for your sake, have a talk with your DH and figure out how you can appropriately tell your in laws to not be the centre of attention... yes, of course they'll be excited to be grandparents, but you will be a brand new family, you'll hurt and still have hormones raging round for a couple of weeks (I literally had a weepy evening on NYE and Ethan's 4 weeks old tomorrow!) so make sure that you'll have time for you, DH and baby. If necessary, lock the doors, close the curtains and just shut the entire world out! Even if they're banging at the door... 😂 xxx

@MrsR16 Ethan is a little beauty - seeing all the baby pics on this thread make the pregnancy feel so real. Glad motherhood is treating you well!

@MrsH497 I'm nearly 17 weeks now. What about you? Time has definitely slowed down again!

@cupcakesandglitter I'm 4 months now. I have an anterior placenta so that's probably why they didn't try to hear a heartbeat as I was 15 weeks at my 16 week appointment. Time went so slowly up to 12 weeks, then quite quick and now it feels like an age away until my 20 week scan! I'm so glad so many of you have confirmed the insomnia as being real - I'm so tired in the day but can't sleep at night at the mo, hoping my giant pregnancy pillow will help! please send us nursery pics!

@PippaPug Partners never say the right thing! I totally understand where you're coming from on body image - I thought I'd be confident and logical about being pregnant but not feeling yourself teamed with raging hormones can make you feel terrible. Be kind to yourself, you're growing a human, you're bloody superwoman right now!

@ELW85 Glad everything is ok and the baby is back to wriggling around! Newcastle fans taking up car parking spaces is definitely worthy of a pregnancy meltdown. I cried when I replayed the nye fireworks - at least yours was warranted!

@MrsEG Get those naps in when you can. 2-3hour stretches sound brutal. I hope you're enjoying your maternity leave and resting as much as humanely possible!

@purplefig I just bought the huge pillow in the end. It's at least 5ft long and I love it. Probs the best thing I've ever bought. I'm currently testing it out on the sofa! I didn't need much persuasion but thank you for recommending the big one! As for the PIL, i would absolutely use the dogs as a reason for them to not just drop in all the time and perhaps get your partner to outline the logistics around having them over (getting someone to look after your dog may not be possible at short notice/ regularly). I prefer to use practicalities over just being blunt but you might find the latter a better approach for you. Either way, say something sooner rather than later would be my advice or it will play on your mind and you have bigger things to focus on! X

I'm not back at work yet, I'm easing myself back in. I went to a barre class early and am glad I forced myself but am back on my sofa now, on my new pregnancy pillow, snuggled up with the pooch. I've attached a picture. She's a babe. Hope you're all having a good start to Jan x

@Larrydavid I'm 20+4 now which feels surreal! Your pup is gorgeous!!! I'm exhausted today early dinner, bath and bed I think!
Those who've got or are expecting boys was it quite obvious on the scan they were boys?!

@MrsEG hope the scan was ok x

@Larrydavid How gorgeous is your dog!! How old is she? Glad you’re enjoying the pregnancy pillow! They’re invaluable I find just for that bit of extra comfort! Hope you enjoyed the barre class :)

@MrsH497 Re: boys, on the screen during the scans it’s so obvious (I think it’s why sonographers often ask if you know the sex post-20 weeks) - a few times the twins have literally waved their weiners at me on screen! But in scan photos, not obvious at all - the ‘nub’ theory has one of mine as a girl! He definitely isn’t ha. But yeah, we always have to tell our sonographer we know the sex these days (if you don’t want to know they just pull the screen away initially) as on one occasion as soon as she put the Doppler on twin 2 was sat but upright wiggling his bit about for all to see!!

All went pretty okay at hospital yesterday; they scanned to check blood flow through placentas and twin 1s was perfect (he’s the one I’ve now had reduced movement with twice) - twin 2s was a little on the high side but not high enough to concern anyone but they’ll check on his growth next week to ensure they are still growing as expected. We were at hospital hours as so many people wanted to speak to us but it sounds like when I see the consultant on Weds we’ll be starting to make plans to get them out (!!). Although I am so, so extraordinarily uncomfortable (could barely walk yesterday and was offered a wheelchair at hosp!) that as scary as it sounds that they’ll be here soon, I also can’t wait!

Morning all!

@MrsEG - so pleased the scan went well! It really does sound like they’ll be here soon; beyond exciting!

@Larrydavid - I think any crying in pregnancy is generally accepted! Your dog is so cute! I’m still campaigning for a puppy but DH isn’t going for it...we do have a lot on to be fair!

@purplefig - I totally get strained relationships with family, so can very much sympathise.
If I was in your position, I’d have a chat with them and DH and just be clear that whilst of course you want them to see their grandchild, you’ll both need the space to find your feet.
Visits need to be as you invite them.
You’ll give them as much notice as you can, but if you cancel, it’s not personal.
If they come to you, no pets. If you go to them, it’s as and when you can muster the energy.
And obviously, you’re so pleased that they understand 😊 that type of thing!
Try not to get too worked up over it, these things are always really emotionally charged and it’s just not worth your energy right now!

Happy Friday everyone - I’m just getting ready for my midwife appointment. She’s only 5 weeks late in measuring me, so fingers crossed all is ok!

Thanks for all the advice re: PILs everyone, much appreciated. I do love this group! I spoke about my concerns with DH this morning and he was under the impression that it's predominately a holiday for them (and getting away from the renovations) and that hanging out with the grandchild is a sort of bonus.

It's tricky because if it was my family, I'd feel obliged to see them most days etc., but they have a totally different family culture and expectations. I had in my head we'd have to see them at least every other day, whereas DH was thinking more a couple of times each weekend - the latter sounds much more doable! He's going to reiterate this to them next he speaks with them.

@MrsEG great news the scan went well and how exciting that they're going to start making plans to get them here! How do you feel about it? You've done an absolute champion job growing those boys and putting up with serious levels of discomfort. I agree it is pretty imposing of our in-laws to book a month, but unfortunately it's done and there's not much we can do about it beyond set boundaries. You've done an excellent job laying the groundwork with your family - I need to take a leaf out of your book I think . Sorry to hear about your sister's experience with PND, I can understand why that has made you doubly dedicated to getting boundaries in place now.

@MrsR16 thanks for your advice - I think I'm a bit of a control freak by nature (TTC and pregnancy are doing an excellent job at teaching me to let go mind) and there is just so much about early motherhood / newborn stage that is unknowable. It makes it difficult to plan and think about how visits will work. But you're right, I'm just going to live it day by day and see how we're all doing and what is do-able for us without pushing myself.

@Larrydavid good for you - my huge pillow is probably my fave pregnancy buy so far! fortunately PILs aren't really spontaneous drop in people (probably because of their dog) so that will be a good barrier. Like you, I do struggle with being blunt - fortunately DH is better at that with his side though! Well done on the barre class - epic effort. Also, that is one cute pupper!

@ELW85 All the best for your midwife appointment - keep us posted! DH is going to reiterate that we'll still be very much finding our feet and get those expectations set now. Totally agree about not wasting energy too. It's not something that had crossed my mind until I started flicking through the calendar and saw the big block scheduled in.

Happy Friday everyone! What's everyone up to this weekend? I've booked onto another yoga block that starts tonight, slightly dreading it as it's markedly more challenging than the other pregnancy yoga class I go too and I am feeling...unfit to say the least! Then we've got coffee with the NCT lot on Saturday and a friend staying over on Sunday. I had a dream last night she was a girl...I'm getting so intrigued to know for sure. x

@ELW85 Enjoy the midwife appt today! Hope all goes well.

@purplefig If DH feels confident they’ll leave you be then I think you’re on to a winner; my main concern in that situation is they’d be dropping in every single day for a month! So if you can set expectations now that that won’t be the case I think everyone will be happy :) Like you say it’s just all the unknowns - when will I actually give birth, how many weeks post-birth will I actually be, could I be recovering from a section, etc etc - it’s why I’m so strict on early visits as if I’m not up for it yet, then it’s not happening! My ILs wanted to come from Ireland 2 weeks after our expected delivery date and I just said no. Just no chance; c-section scar recovery and breastfeeding newborns with visitors in the house? Nope. Nope nope nope! They are now coming at Easter instead!

Ladies I’ve done a silly thing and need talking down from the roof I think. During the scan yesterday the sonographer mentioned the blood flow resistance in twin 2s umbilical cord was high, but she said it wasn’t over 95% on her chart (I didn’t know what this meant) so not really concerning unless he is measuring small at the growth scan next week. The midwives and doctor never mentioned it during the scan review.
However as I’m a twat I’ve gone through my notes and googled it and have now terrified myself. The actual reading for twin 2 was ‘90-95%’ and even though there’s very little info online it suggests all kinds of scary things, from low birth weight to pre-eclampsia to even scarier things like problems for baby. I know I have a growth scan literally on weds and I’m sure if anyone had any concerns yesterday they’d have said something but they were very busy and I’m now sat here terrified it was maybe missed when my scan was reviewed. It seems odd to me given what google said that no one mentioned it. Would I be mad to call the hospital or is this my third tri anxiety going in to overdrive??