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?

@PippaPug Hi lovely how is everything going? How was your last growth scan? Hope you’re enjoying mat leave!

@ELW85 Enjoy that week off next week!! Great to hear the new midwife is fab - did you ever hear anymore about the old one and what they were going to do about it? Sorry if this is a dense question but what does it mean that your platelets are dropping? Hope it’s nothing serious.

Morning all! We have the midwife this morning. Don’t really see why considering I’ve been in hospital twice this week already but I’ll go! It’s nice to see her anyway I guess! Then building the travel cot we bought this afternoon and otherwise having a lazy day. Have good ones, all!

@MrsEG it's one of the great conundrums of being human I think: it's so much easier to be kind and understanding with others than it is to ourselves! Glad you got lots of sleep yesterday, (you need it especially as your night sleep is broken). Your sonographers comment did make me laugh, I'm sure they'll de-pasty shortly after birth though 💕. Enjoy your midwife appointment and happy travel cot building! I'm feeling ok at full term thanks, it's just my back really. But resting and staying active as needed really, really helps. Just have to accept I cannot do half of what I could previously! And no more scans - if there's no issues, the last scan you have is at 20 weeks. So I've got my 38 week midwife appointment next where she'll keep an eye on position / engagement etc. But otherwise, we're just waiting for him or her to make their arrival now....eeek!!!

@PippaPug no worries! How're you? Are you on mat leave yet?

@ELW85 glad you like your new midwife, makes all the difference. What does dropping platelets mean? Haven't come across that one! I'm pretty good thanks...trying not to analyse too much as statistically they aren't likely to come for at least another fortnight...but it's hard 😆

Today I'm baking a birthday cake for family and then planning to take a short trip into town to pay my library fine (the shame!) and have a potter. Then I reckon an ep or two of cheers (thanks for the rec MrsEg, I'm engrossed)! Have a good one all x

Morning!

Having such a chilled morning with DH which is about to be interrupted by the gym 😢

@MrsEG @purplefig - my platelet levels are
decreasing which can happen in pregnancy apparently because the extra blood dilutes them and your blood turn over is higher, but it means that I’ve got an increased chance of bleeding so there may be things that I can’t have, if they get too low.
If they get super low, it might be due to an underlying condition but my platelets were normal before pregnancy so I’m hoping it’s nothing!

@purplefig - ooh, what sort of cake?! I hear you on the stats, but I’m trying to ignore them as I think I’ll go mad if he’s late or even 40 weeks!

@MrsEG - enjoy the midwife appointment! We heard nothing more about the bad apple, but it was great to have the new midwife validate my concerns (in a way).

Happy Thursday all!

Doesn't sound weird at all @elw85 I'm looking forward to birth too! Has baby been okay this week? X

Thankyou @MrsH497 🥰 how are you doing? X

@mrseg definitely!! Seems so surreal that my 20w scan was 10w ago!!! How're you doing? Your comment about the Cornish pasties made me laugh 😂 not long left to go until they go back to non-pasty looking feet 😂

@MrsR16 definitely trying - have been feeling a bit pants so making more of an effort to try to look after myself a bit more before she's here! X

@purplefig 37 weeks 😮 how's mat leave going?! X

@lokicat the appointment went well Thankyou!! I was with another lady who's had it before so didn't actually let me speak much because she kept interrupting 😑 but I'm actually kind of enjoying monitoring my bloods and seeing what foods make a massive difference! Most of mine are within target apart from my fasting one (not sure if this is because I'm not sleeping properly) and so then my breakfast is high too. But I'm figuring it out i think 😂🤦🏻‍♀️ how're you feeling with yours? Work should be starting next week to get the building bit done, and then we can come up with a final plan for how we want it 😂😁 hopefully I'll have a new kitchen before baby Cupcakes makes an appearance!! 🤞🏽

Sorry if I've missed anyone, hows everyone doing? I'm bloody rubbish with keeping up, everything seems to have just slowed down for me (thinking, walking, eating...) had a scare last week and had to rush to hosp because they thought I might be in early labour!! Thank god I wasn't and everything was okay but my god the speculum hurt me!! I'm VERY sensitive down there and can't even handle sex anymore 😢 it's never been sensitive so it definitely takes some getting used to 😂😑

@ELW85 ahh I see, fingers crossed they don't go too low. Great they've caught it and can monitor now though. Are you feeling ok? So chuffed you've got a nice (non abusive!) midwife now. I started making lemon cupcakes with lashings of lemon buttercream icing, but I'm thinking of doing another batch or raspberry and white choc to go with them...really starting to enjoy mat leave now 🤣👌🏼. I'm trying to remind myself it's perfectly normal to go to 42 weeks, and trying not to fixate on my due date too much. But if I start to get really uncomfortable / less mobile etc. I think that'll be really challenging.

@cupcakesandglitter sorry to hear about your scare and glad everything is ok! Sounds like your blood monitoring is going really well. Must be quite fascinating in its own way?! I'm enjoying mat leave now thanks, just needed a bit of a routine and a to do list to balance out the sofa dog snuggles / Netflix sessions! I love the latter, but I need to keep moving otherwise my back is murder.

Hope everyone's day is going well? I'm having a baking day and just been to the library to pick up a couple of new books to dig into. X

Evening all!

@cupcakesandglitter - he’s been way more active this week until I went to the gym earlier and he’s definitely moved, but not as much as the past few days. I can only think it’s a positioning thing.
Sorry to hear about your scare, and really pleased you’re ok!

@purplefig - I’m so hungry for cupcakes now! I love white choc and raspberry so if you ever feel like shipping some up 🤣
I’m feeling food thanks, just getting more and more tired. I have a feeling these last few weeks will fly over though!
I don’t think you’ll get to 42 weeks, I have a food feeling for you 😊
I’m pleased you’re enjoying Mat leave, and I’m definitely regretting not putting mine in earlier.
Which books did you go for?

Morning all!

Midwife apt yesterday as expected was totally not needed at all considering all my hospital appts this week but the community midwife basically just sat and had a chat with me instead. Asked how I was feeling, went through the home visits I’ll get once babies are here etc. Her main piece of advice post-birth was ‘don’t leave the hospital until you’re ready’ - she said if all goes really well and they’re trying to turf you out but you just need that bit of extra help with feeding or are feeling unsure of something, just say!

Also got the travel cot set up yesterday - it was recommended by so many twin mums for downstairs so you can just plonk them both in for daytime naps and if someone comes to the door, you need a wee, etc!

Today’s task is to blitz the house again (how do houses get messy so fast?!) as I’m obsessed with everything being spotless at the mo, then me and DH are going to do some baking together! Feeling fairly terrible at the mo and really struggle to leave the house alone so DH suggested it for something for us both to do today :)

Also stressing ever so slightly that next week is my last full week before babies arrive... but mostly excited!

@purplefig I hope your back eases for you soon! Are there any specific exercises you can do or is it just one of those things with pregnancy now - you just have to roll with the punches!! Good luck at the 38 week appt, I hope everything feels favourable for you! It must be such a weird waiting game. In our NCT group two ladies had their babies 1-2 weeks early and one has just had hers at 42 weeks! I guess they really do come whenever they please haha!!
So glad you’re loving Cheer - I loved it and sobbed my way through the finale!!

@ELW85 Great they’ve spotted the platelets issue and that it’s being monitored now - fingers crossed it doesn’t affect your birth preferences much! Can’t believe you’re still getting to the gym - well done you!

@cupcakesandglitter Oh you poor thing! I had something recently - we thought my waters were leaking and I had to be examined and it really was so uncomfortable down there; luckily it was a false alarm and babies are still tucked away!!

Hi ladies! Happy Friday 😊 I got back last night and have got a day off today, so gonna relax on the sofa! So happy it's the weekend as well 😊

@purplefig haha aww bless you! I've started struggling to turn over and get out of bed, as well. I was telling DH yesterday how I'm having a little difficulty picking things up off the floor, similar to Rachel when she was pregnant on friends 😂
Those cupcakes sound amazing! When is your 38 week appointment ? How exciting that your little one could be here any day now 😍

@MrsEG i know, I can't believe how fast time is flying. I can't wait for her to be here. Also as I know I can't go over much due to GD, it'll definitely be by end of April!!
Glad to hear all was okay with the twins when you went in and that they were able to reassure you/explain why twin 1 may feel quiet at times. You've been amazing through such a trying pregnancy journey! Not long left. Around 10 days before they're here right? 🥰
How nice that the community midwife had a chat about how you're feeling and to give you some advice. It can be really reassuring when everything is so close/overwhelming!
Ahh, how cute - enjoy baking together! What will you be baking?

@PippaPug How are you doing lovely? Are you on mat leave now?

@ELW85 it really is flying by! I can't believe how many weeks are left every time I look at the calendar. We have so much left to do, especially the nursery! We haven't been able to make a start on it due to DH being away. Can't wait to get it all done when he's back properly in Feb!
Glad to here they're monitoring your platelets, hope all is okay. How are you doing otherwise?
Enjoy your week off, well deserved!

@cupcakesandglitter glad to hear the appointment is going well (annoying about the other lady though, especially if it was her second time. Should have been your opportunity to speak!). It is interesting monitoring the bloods, but so confusing at times, especially when certain meals that I think will spike my levels don't at all! So keeping a food diary is definitely helping.
My fasting levels have been higher the last few days as well compared to when I first started. A few ladies on the FB group have said that it may be due to dehydration/glucose being produced whilst you sleep. Their midwives suggested eating a snack before bed to help. I drank quite a lot of water last night and some grapes before bed and my fasting level was lower this morning.
Ah how exciting! Hope it all starts off without a hitch next week.
Sorry to hear you had such a scare, glad all was okay in the end. The speculum is horrible, it has really hurt me when I've been into triage.

Have you ladies got weekend plans? DH parents won a raffle for a 3 course meal at a really nice restaurant, but kindly gave us the voucher so we'll be going there tomorrow night and then go to the cinema. Also meeting my friends for brunch in London on Sunday - can't wait 😊

@ELW85 haha if only we could send food via mumsnet 🤣 glad to hear you're feeling good, fwiw I deffo felt more tired again in the 3rd trimester. It's humbling really, I've just learned to slow down (otherwise I pay for it with back pain)! I was also glad I brought mat leave forward - would not want to be sat at a desk 8 hrs a day right now 😅. Ooo so book wise I picked up Little Fires Everywhere (Celeste Ng) as I've been meaning to read it since it came out. And also my copy of Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men (Caroline Criado Perez) was finally ready to collect - only two chapters in and it's fascinating! Oh and I've got an Anne Tyler on the go on the libraries kindle app too. I've just finished Sally Rooney's Conversations with Friends which although excellently crafted left me feeling a bit desolate 😂 so looking forward to reading some more uplifting things. Have you got anything on the go at the mo?

@MrsEG ahh your midwife chat sounds lovely, and lots of good advice re; not being pushed out. It's mad how quick they try and turf you out these days...only a few generations ago you were in for a week! Travel cot is SUCH a good idea! I'm going to set our out n about carry cot up downstairs so they've got somewhere to sleep on both levels. Enjoy your day of blitzing and baking with DH, sounds very fun and productive! I think my back is just one of those pregnancy things, exacerbated by my already dodgy back. It's fine - not much longer left. Yeah it's mad how much it varies between babies isn't it?! I'd be shocked if mine arrived pre 39 weeks, but only time will tell...! I'm only on ep 2 of cheer, it's my little late afternoon treat atm 👌🏼 thanks again for the rec (though I definitely cried over Morgan and Jerry's stories yesterday 😳).

@LokiCat yeah the struggle is real isn't it?! 😅 my 38 week appointment is next Tuesday - not 100% sure what they do, guessing the usual checks and measurements. Your weekend of fine dining and London brunching sounds lovely - enjoy 😋

Happy Friday all! What're we all up to this weekend? I'm heading out to a birthday lunch today and then getting our dishwasher installed ahead of our new arrival. I haven't had one since I lived at home over a decade ago so I'm VERY excited 🤣. Then this weekend we're just seeing some family and ticking off a few last minute baby bits. Have a good one! X

@LokiCat Enjoy your relaxing sofa day! 11 days now until our booked section. I have a final growth scan next weds and a visit to see the consultant so we need to be ready from Weds as a just in case but hopefully all will look fine!
Baking wise I love to bake anything with Biscoff so thinking some Biscoff blondies! Just waiting on DH to come home at lunch time :)
Enjoy your meal - How lovely of your in laws!

@purplefig I know! I have a friend who had her baby at 9am and she was discharged at 3.30 the same day - that to me is insane. She said she was a bit shellshocked so just left but got home and said she just felt lost!
Oh man, Morgan and Jerry! There are loads of moments that made me well up but the final episode was a real test of my hormones!
Enjoy the dishwasher - I got one for the first time in my life last February and I honestly don’t know how I ever lived without one!
Also - I read and loved Little Fires Everywhere, such a fab book. Love Sally Rooney too but agree her books are far from uplifting haha!

Hey ladies. Had a very lazy day today DH is nights so he was asleep all day I had my nails done which was lovely.

@MrsEG can't believe how close you are to meeting your boys!

@MrsEG how's your weekend going? I've started getting some pain in my pelvis (I think the baby is getting in position!) and mane aliveeeeee it's given me even more sympathy for you - owwww!!! Yeah it's mad how quickly some people are shipped out of hospital post birth, some friends of ours were sent at at 3am after a long birth...just seems a bit mental Not to mention unsafe. The dishwasher is in and I'm in love. Everything is so sparkly!! I'm reading my feminist data bias book first, and then I'm hoping little fires will be a more uplifting read.

@MrsH497 what sort of nails did you go for? 💁🏼‍♀️💅🏼

Having a very chilled weekend here. Yesterday we hung out with some visiting family, today we're just pottering and doing the food shop. Will take the dog to the beach later. It's tricky to know what to do at this stage as I get so uncomfy in the car / doing too much, but I hate doing nothing all day. DH tells me I'm 8.5 months pregnant and need to learn how to to chill the f out 😆 x

Evening all!

How are we?
DH and I are celebrating our first wedding anniversary early by staying at our venue in the gorgeous bridal suite. This week off together has been wonderful and it isn’t over yet!

We did have a bit of a scare this morning though.
I felt like little one had been quiet yesterday but let it go, trying to take into account he’s bigger, etc. 4am this morning I was awoken by him going mad (perfect, he has a couple of morning rampages!) only to start getting really intense pains in my bump that radiated.
Waited for half an hour thinking it was a one-off, but they hit again.
Rang the PAU and the midwife was great. She basically said him moving was a great sign but we’d “have to see which way it goes”.
I’m not in early labour (thank Christ) but I was really scared this morning.
No clue what the pain actually was, but it’s gone away now so I’m hoping it’s just random.

@purplefig - those books sound great, and I’m ashamed to say I hadn’t heard of them.
I’ve been between my hypnobirthing book and a novel DH got me for Christmas. Very intrigued about your Invisible Women book though; might order it now!
How was the doggy beach walk? I hope you have chilled out; DH sounds like he’s going to make sure of it, which is wonderful 😊

@MrsEG - it’s crazy how quickly your friend was sent home. I’m keen to not stay for ages, but also don’t want to be away within a few hours.
How are you feeling? I hope you’re having a great weekend! The brownies sound amazing!

@LokiCat - how was your meal and brunch? We had a lush date night on Friday and went for Italian food followed by Star Wars! This week off is exactly what we needed!

@MrsH497 - your chill day sounds fantastic! I hope you’re well?

That’s me off to get ready for dinner.
DH surprised me with a baby play list he’s made for when little one is on his way. Totally caught me off guard and made me cry. We were already super-close but I feel like we’re getting stronger and stronger, and I feel very lucky; I’m really pleased we’re getting to celebrate our anniversary (albeit early!)

Have a wonderful evening all!

Hiya ladies, just a quick one from me! I'm so excited to see all your babies that are arriving imminently! Don't let the hospital push you out before you're ready - if you have a decent midwife, they'll let you stay until you are absolutely ready! I had Ethan at 08:30, had to wait an hour to dry off before they could give stitches and were discharged at around 16:00. The midwife was asking if I was feeling ready to go home that day or if I wanted to stay overnight - the choice was mine! If you want to stay, tell them!

We had a massive scare with Ethan last week, ending up in hospital overnight but thankfully he's absolutely fine - just sleeps very very deeply!! 😂 xx

Evening all!

36 weeks today - still can’t believe it. With all the scary warnings when we first found out it was twins I’ve mentally prepared myself for an early birth for months, and yet here we are almost fully cooked!

Have been in tremendous pain this weekend - so many feet in my pelvis! The PGP is off the charts now. I actually left the house today with the dog (pic attached to showcase the belly!!) and felt better for it but I’m paying for it tonight!

Also really suffering with late anxiety and insomnia - which is fun!! The last 3 nights I haven’t been able to fall off until after 2 and I always wake again at 4. I sometimes then manage another sleep between about 6 and 8 but that’s it. Which hasn’t been fun! I need to start harvesting colostrum as of today though so just running a nice bath now and hoping that may help me drift off - but if anyone has any sleeping aids let me know!!

@MrsH497 I love getting my nails done! Haven’t done it for ages as I just kept thinking well if I go in to labour and need my section they’ll make me get rid so what’s the point haha! But a friend got me a voucher so I’m saving it for once the babies are here!! Hope you’ve had a lovely weekend :)

@purplefig pelvic pain is theee worst! I will never take my pelvis for granted ever again haha! Has it felt any better today? That’s the thing with hospitals sending you home - sometimes I honestly wonder how safe it is; has baby had all the right checks? Is Mum okay? Things like jaundice can take a little while to show up - would a mum at home realise something was up?! Ha no wonder I can’t sleep worrying about all of these bloody things!! Ahh enjoy the dishwasher. Nothing beats a sparkling clean still-a-bit-warm glass!! Your chilled weekend sounds fab :)

@ELW85 Happy early anniversary! Ours is in March - I honestly wonder what we’ll be able to do this year - I can imagine it’ll probably be Dominos balancing a baby each!!
Sorry to hear about the scare - but if it helps, I had some tremendous pains that really scared me too - the midwife described it as almost like late ligament pain as all babies do in the final weeks is grow. Which I then found very reassuring haha! I saw my consultant as well who said if it isn’t coming and going constantly in a pattern, there’s no concern. So scary though - especially in the middle of the night!! Also - what is it with babies having dance parties through the night in to the early hours?! Probably giving us the heads up of their waking hours when they’re here...! Your DH sounds fab with his playlist!

@MrsR16 Cross-posted with you! I’ve been told the exact same - if something in you just doesn’t feel ready to leave yet then don’t go! I’m sure I’ll be asking a million questions of the midwives before I let them turf me out!
Oh gosh sorry you had a scare with Ethan - hope he’s alright now!

Happy 1st anniversary @ELW85 hope you have had the best time. Bless your DH with the playlist. Hope you're ok.

@MrsR16 you poor thing having a scare with Ethan glad everything is ok though

@MrsEG your bump is just beautiful. Not good that the PGP is horrific for you but the end is in sight now.

Went for a very dark purple almost looks black! I'm not normally allowed colours for work (when I was front line) so making the most of it for now! 24 weeks now in some ways it's flying in others it's not. DH is just so sweet he sits resting his hand on my bump hoping to feel baby move it's a pickle and won't do anything until he moves away!

@MrsH497 @MrsEG - thanks ladies! We’re celebrating 50 days early but next month is my birthday and little one is due March, so we wanted a separate celebration with it being our first anniversary! Loving every second though 😊

@MrsEG - thank you so much for that reassurance. It did actually resemble ligament pains but went across my bump. Wasn’t sure if it was Braxton Hicks but realistically as long as he’s ok, I’m not bothered.
Your bump (and you!) looks amazing! You’ve done so well to get this far and it’s really not long now til you get to meet them!
So sorry your PGP is as awful as it is though.
Your anniversary plan sounds great and I’m sure it’ll be the best one yet!

@MrsR16 - so sorry you had the scare with Ethan, but it’s fantastic that everything is fine. It really is one worry to the next, isn’t it?

@MrsH497 - my little one is getting tricky too! He knows when I’ve lifted my jumper up to try and see him move across my stomach, so he stops. The second the jumper is down again, he’s on the move! They’re so sensitive and clever. I’m sure DH will get to feel little one soon!

@ELW85 sorry to hear about your scare - pregnancy can be such an anxiety inducing time. Glad to hear you're feeling reassured. Huge congrats on your (nearly!) first year wedding anniversary, it sounds like a lovely celebration. and what a cutie making you a playlist! The Invisible Women book is really, really good imho. I'm only a few chapters in but it's such an eye opener, and written in very accessible plain English. Though as I said to DH last night, it's mainly putting stats to a lot of issues I'm already aware of and would be better read by a certain other demographic really!

@MrsR16 ahhh that must've been so frightening, I'm glad he's ok 💕 how're you feeling?

@MrsEG your bump is just glorious and I'm in awe of how stylish you always look! That hat and coat combo 👌🏼. It's amazing to think you're nearly at 37 weeks which is full term for a singleton, just incredible! You've done so, so well putting up with PGP - that sleep deprivation sounds intense. Are you managing to nap during the day at all? My pelvis pain is lightweight really - it's just when I get out of bed or have been sitting for a long time. I feel like I finally got what you meant by saying you felt like the tin man though! Let me know how your colostrum harvesting goes 🤓

All good here - 38 weeks today! Off to meet some NCT babies later and then I've got a midwife appointment tomorrow. So excited to see if they've engaged anymore, bloody well feels like it 😳🤣 x

Looking like we are needing a new thread very soon!

@mrsEG - How are you, do you have a date for your C section yet?
Growth scan once again went well - these two little piglets are putting on weight really well - I somehow don’t think they will be fitting the tiny baby clothes we bought if the measurements are correct!
It’s on serious countdown till we both meet our babies!

@purplefig - Enjoying the majority of mat leave, if I need to leave the house now I either have to get at a lift with someone or a taxi (we only have one car and DH needs it for work) as cant walk far which is a little frustrating! Other then that ok enjoying pottering and napping when I want! How are you doing, enjoying Mat leave?

@LokiCat - I’m good thank you, how are you? You must be on a count down now till baby is here, not long for you either! How’s the GD going for you?

@purplefig - congratulations on 38 weeks! I bet the midwife says they’re good to go when you see her tomorrow 😃
I know exactly what you mean about books like that; really affirming but need to be read by the people who don’t want to be educated on those sorts of issues, or are cynical about the scale of the issue.
I’ve not long finished ‘Becoming’ by Michelle Obama and it was a really easy read, but she nailed the issues you wanted to hear her take on.
Recently, I especially loved her minor shade at Sheryl Sandberg...”sometimes that shit doesn’t work” (about it just being enough to lean in). She’s awesome!
Enjoy your NCT baby cuddles!

@MrsH497 My babies do the same to DH still! As soon as his hands go on my belly they take a rest haha. I’ve taken to calling him in while I’m in the bath as that’s when they really go nuts!

@ELW85 Lots of celebrations to start the year then!! Do you have anything planned for your birthday also? Yeah, I honestly don’t think I’ve had any Braxton Hicks - If I have I really haven’t noticed them at all. I think mine is all ligament pain, I’ve been getting it a bit the last few days when rolling over/getting out of bed etc. Just so much baby in the way!! Hope it’s feeling better now :)

@purplefig I love that coat, a New Look sale bargain a few years ago! Doesn’t fit anymore but it’s fine if I leave it open ha! Oh wow 38 weeks! I’ll keep everything crossed baby is behaving and well engaged for you today; how are you feeling? I definitely nap a lot in the day; I just put something awful on tv and I’m out like a light! I just can’t seem to sleep longer than 2 hours no matter what.

@PippaPug My section is next Tuesday! I can’t believe it! Oh how fab they’re growing so well - were the same, I’m thinking even if the tiny baby stuff does fit it’ll only be for about a week! How are you feeling?

Had a go at expressing colostrum last night and it was hopeless! Some clear liquid came out but nothing resembling the ‘liquid gold’ I’m after! Will be having another go this afternoon. The hospital gave me 5 syringes to fill - so I hope something comes out soon!!

@PippaPug when's your due date again? I can't keep track 😅. We've just got the one car too and I have to say it's made me very grateful for living 2 mins walk from town. Some days even that gets my back! Like you I'm enjoying pottering, and just not having the stress of work. It's freed up some headspace!

@ELW85 thank you! Yeah I'll be intrigued to see where they're at tomorrow. Ooo I must add Becoming to my list...love the passive aggressive dig at Shezza, not gunna lie 😂👌🏼. Another decent feminist book I read recently, that I wish all males would read, is 'who cooked Adam smiths dinner' which looks at the economic contribution of the unpaid work that women do. I'm a total economics noob so it was heavy going in places, but fascinating.

@MrsEG yeah all my costs other than my maternity parka are only available worn open 😂 I think it looks good! And luckily it's a mild winter. Glad you can nap, but agree nothing beats a proper stretch of sleep. If it's any consolation the two that've had babies at NCT said today they're feeling better and less sleep deprived since having their babies 👌🏼. Oooo the colostrum harvesting sounds so intriguing...keep us posted! Fingers crossed for some gold stuff 🤓

So lovely to meet some newborns today...that smell!!! Just gorgeous. I feel like I've got into the swing of things with mat leave now and am enjoying it more and more. Have a good evening all! X

@purplefig I expressed the tiniest amount today!! And it took ages too! But I got some, so that’s something! Oh that’s such good news that your NCT mums are getting better quality sleep now! I honestly think just the loss of all the weight and sleeping on my back will make all the difference!
It’s so lovely you’re having so many NCT catch ups already! I think we’re all waiting for babies to show up first! Being spammed on WhatsApp with all the baby photos and they are just adorable!

I really need to catch up on all the messages! I half wrote a reply twice which has disappeared!

Good news - I found my passport last week a few hours before I flew to amsterdam - so I made it and then was the most boring person in the city! Whilst all my pals went to a club until 6am, I headed to my hotel to watch grace and Frankie. It was bliss!

I had my 20 week scan today - all is well - such a relief! Can't believe I'm halfway through. Crazy. They whizzed me in for another cervix scan too - not sure why but I guess it's good to be monitored. All is ok with that too for now, I have a low placenta but they're hoping it will shift up.

I'm going to read all your messages tomorrow on my long, early morning train journey and will reply properly then. Hope you're all having a good week!