To-Do List

This is my weekend to-do list in preparation for the big move. Posting this mostly to see how much I actually get done!

Saturday:

1. BUY MORE NAPPIES!
   
2. Dry current wet laundry
3. Wash dark towels & try to dry
   
4. Pack clothes Zeke has outgrown
   
5. Pack Zeke's clothes for next summer
6. Remember to eat the leftover moussaka in the fridge for lunch before it turns
   
7. Clean fridge
   
8. Put fruit & veggies away properly
9. Go to mum's to pick up clothes (maybe)
   
10. Organise Zeke's outfit for party (I've picked mine, Ryan can look after himself!)
    
11. PIRATE PARTY! WHOO!
    

Sunday:

1. Finish dishes & clean benches
2. Sweep & mop kitchen floor
   
3. Pack big kitchen things I won't use before the move. (Stockpot, blender etc)
   
4. Pick up lounge and vacuum rug
5. Pack formal & summer clothes for Ryan and I (stuff that won't be worn before the move)
   
6. Dry any wet laundry from Saturday
   
7. Wash any leftover laundry (this should be it bar bedclothes!)
   
8. Organise Monday night dinner with Ryan's family
   
9. Clean up bathroom, pack assorted bubble bath stuff I don't use.
10. Cook dinner - I have SO much fresh food in my fridge, no excuse to order take away!
    

I think that's it... let's see how much I actually do! We're probably not moving for another week or so, so I can spread it out more, but I would like to get as much of this crap done as possible!

Oh, and because I haven't posted a piccie in a while, here's Zeke, with Arthur, my giant pink bear!

Blogging Hiatus

The last few days I've had some strict no-computer time as I've had a few things that really needed to be done, and if the computer is on, I will procrastinate there instead of cleaning up. Which brings me to my next topic. How can you fit in everything you need during the day, housework, baby care and a little bit (or a lot) of 'you' time?


Even with a baby-led way of parenting, when Zeke chooses his own naptimes during the day and bedtime at night, there is still a certain pattern to our day, that lets me get some housework finished, a blog entry done or some other online time, dinner started or whatever else it is I need to do.


The trick is to take note of your baby's patterns. They may always have an hour sleep in the morning, or a long sleep in the middle of the day. Use these times to get things done, but prioritise the things you need to do. Getting a head start on dinner is always good, as is doing some dishes or laundry (if bubs can sleep through the washing machine) however, if you have to choose between starting dinner or cleaning the windows, start dinner, even if it will have to be reheated at mealtimes. It is near impossible to cook when the baby is tired/hungry later in the evening.

Multi-tasking is great as well. If your mind allows you to focus on more than one thing, you can work on several small projects at once. For example you want to check your emails, do the dishes, and get a load of laundry done, pick up all the bits of rubbish toys on the floor, but only have 60-90 minutes while your little one naps.

Try this:

1. Put baby to sleep in cot/your bed/wherever works
2. Pick up toys/rubbish on the way back
3. Turn on your computer
4. While it boots, fill sink and put first load of dishes to soak
5. Check baby... turn face to side so nose is no longer pressed in mattress
6. Collect a few spare toys en route
7. Collect dirty laundry in basket
8. Do first sink of dishes & leave to air dry
9. Pick up bits off kitchen floor while there
10. Put laundry on
11. Pick up all bits of rubbish/toys en route and put in appropriate place
12. Rush to shut baby's door so washing machine does not wake.
13. Read emails.
14. Check baby again... rotate so head is not pressed against cot bars
15. Dry dishes & think of responses to emails
16. Check baby did not wake when you dropped entire cutlery drawer
17. Put next load of dishes in to soak
18. Reply to a couple of emails
19. Do next lot of dishes & leave to air dry
20. Return to computer to reply to more emails etc
21. Continue switching between computer & dishes

The theory being (and it works for me) that you do not get too bored/frustrated with any one task, and do not end up spending too much time waiting for your emails to load, crusty dishes to soften etc... obviously if you are still sleep-deprived this may not work because you will forget what you started.

But what if your LO doesn't nap, and is insisting on round-the-clock attention? Again the multi-tasking comes into play. Start playing with the baby in a safe place (where you can leave them) and when they're engaged get up and pick up a few things, fill the sink, etc. You may only get a couple of minutes in between returning to your child and resuming play or giving them a cuddle... but even a few less things on the floor or a couple of clean coffee mugs really helps the atmosphere feel less chaotic.

ALWAYS REMEMBER: Sleep is the MOST IMPORTANT priority as a new mum. If you are pooped and your child is asleep, throw a load of clothes in the wash and lay down. There is no point having a tidy house if you are exhausted to the point of tears. The first thing I do when Zeke goes down is consider if I need a nap myself!

Anyway, I know Zeke's nap is rapidly coming to an end (the builders next door have just come off lunch break and are banging and crashing with abandon,) so I'd best get myself another drink, throw some more clothes in the washer and get back to it!

Miranda

Baby talk...

Well, I still haven't gotten around to doing an "official" 5mo photo shoot yet - I planned to today, but Zeke had a longer nap than I expected! Weather obliging, I'll do it tomorrow!

Today, at 5months and 1 week exactly Zeke figured out how to roll from his back to his tummy! He was very pleased with himself, and so was I! It was all in the name of destruction, he had his heart set on grabbing the wipes and ripping them out of the tub one after another, but I didn't mind really! He's been rolling back to side for some time now, but only today got the full way over... what a big boy!

He also skipped his usual 1am waking last night... very pleased. I'm up too late again tonight though, and naturally he won't be so obliging LOL! My boobs hurt by 4am when he finally woke though... small price to pay in the long run! Hopefully this will become a habit, and he'll sleep 10.30 - 4am regularly. This would make me very happy!

I've also been busy making him baby food, at the moment he has sweet potato and broccoli, and apple, pear and mango. I'm hoping to also get his carrot and zuchinni done as well. It is so simple and cheap. Cook the food till tender and puree. It freezes in an ice cube tray and then into a ziplock bag in the freezer! He loves it too... this makes me really happy, as I've found some of the jarred foods have a lot of water in them, or other things that aren't on the label. Right now Zeke eats...

Sweet Potato
Carrot
Broccoli
Spinach
Peas
Apple
Mango
Pear
Banana
Apricot
Baby Rusks

But he doesn't like...

Plain Farex (rice cereal)
Farex with sweet potato (must be with a different veggie or fruit)
Pumpkin (makes him constipated)
ANY food with breastmilk added, BM has to be straight from the source or nothing for him, he won't even take it in a bottle. He has to have formula if he's having a bottle.

I will be introducing him to this week:

Zuchinni
Baby Porridge (Oats whizzed in a blender to get smoother)

A couple of eating pics from the other day. Spinach, broccoli & pea, with Farex added I believe... even though eating is actually a lot of fun and he really enjoys it, he takes it very seriously!



Not much else new atm, we're on a waiting list for his MRI, they're booked till June 09, but as soon as a cancellation happens they'll book us in. It's a bit sad really, partly because he has to wait, and really he needs to be seen and get this fixed ASAP, but also because it shows how overtaxed our public hospitals are.

We're also experimenting with sippy cups. He has a lovely one with a nice soft silicone teat that he has to chew/suck to make the water pour, which means he can't just tip it everywhere. He mostly lets the water run down his chin, but he's getting the hang of it. He needs some help holding it though... if I make it full enough so he doesn't have to tip far, it's too heavy for him to hold on his own, but if it's light enough, he doesn't tip the cup up enough so he doesn't get any water!

Anyway, a couple more pics of my cutie patootie, and now I'm off to bed! He's playing on the couch with his daddy... as you can now see, tummy time is AWESOME!

100 Days old...

Zeke was 100 days old yesterday! That's right, I've been a mum for 100 days (well 101 now!) I can't believe it, no matter how you look at it, 14 weeks, 100 days, 3 1/2 months... I still wonder where the time has gone, and how I've managed to not update my blog for nearly a month! (And don't even get me started on TUI... about time I did a vent or a rant or something... need to find something to be mad at!)

While I've been MIA, we've had our first holiday, Zeke has rolled over, we've had more funny shaped head related appointments, I (finally) have begun to regain some control over the ever-expanding dishes and laundry pile, our car crapped itself again, and I almost got a new car. I will try and get to each of these 1 by 1 before Zeke wakes up or Mum gets here so we can go shopping.

The holiday... a blissful weekend at Apollo Bay with Dave, Sal, Corrie and her friend Sarah. The weather was pretty miserable really, but it was nice to just 'feel' on holidays, Zeke had his first beach visit when we went for a walk on the breakwater and screamed bloody murder the whole time... needless to say there were no pics of that particular outing! He was amazing the whole drive there, we only had (we did stop other times, but not because Zeke needed anything) to stop once on the way there, and once back... and it's almost a 5-hour trip!

Now some pics from our holiday...




Zeke's first-ever beach photo!





Miserable weather, gorgeous scenery.





On the road





How Zeke spent most of his first road trip.





It's true...





Of course the weather improved once we were heading home!





I got bored, and snap-happy!





We stopped in Geelong for food and Zeke had a go at driving the car too!


Now... my beautiful clever talkative son has rolled from his tummy to his back a total of 6 times since he was 10 weeks old. I can still count because to date he has refused to do it again! He did it on 10 weeks to the day, 4 times when he was 12 weeks and 2 days, once more the next day and nothing at all since. Either he didn't really roll and he just overbalanced or he couldn't be bothered now that he's got that skill mastered. He's an epic squirmer though, he can wriggle himself around in a circle when he's lying on his back... I reckon if I let him keep going he'd do a full 360! (I usually stop him just before 180 degrees)


He's also chatty and giggles properly, especially when you play 'Superman' with him, he LOVES Supermanning to his mummy. Basically you hold him so he can 'fly' through the air like Superman, with his belly down and his face rushing towards everything. This earns you the biggest grins ever... I really should take pics, but am usually to obsessed with catching my Superman and kissing him! (I just used the word Superman or a variant thereof, 5 times in a single paragraph... not bad for a blog about my baby!)


Ok... I'll skip the doldrums about dishes and laundry, but suffice to say I'm setting myself realistic tasks regarding them. Ie: I wish wash and dry one load of laundry and start another today while Zeke naps. This is waaaay better than trying to do everything at once and feeling overwhelemed!


Now the car... well... we paid about $600 and waited two weeks to get various parts involving the timing fixed a couple of weeks ago. So guess what shits itself and dies while we're doing 100km/h (about 60m/h for my overseas friends!) on a freeway at 10pm at night, over an hour from home? That's right! The car! $360 later we have it towed back home, and taken to another mechanic, we are currently waiting on their verdict.

**Mum showed up, Zeke woke, so I saved the draft... now continuing nearly 24 hours later**

What were we doing over an hour from home at 10pm at night I hear you ask? Well, the decision has been made that I really should get a car. It's a total PITA to arrange for someone else to come drive me or to wake up early enough to take Ryan to work and pick him up so I can use the car during the day.

So Fungus arranges to look at a car, that is over TWO HOURS away (genius really) and off we go. It was a great car, and we said we'd take it with a RWC, but no-go on that and the bloke we were buying it from ain't happy, he only got it a month ago himself, but needs a different car... the missus had her say! So he was given a dodgy RWC, and probably won't be able to sell the car for a decent price.

Anyway, all that means is we're still on the search for a car. Fingers crossed we will find something soon! I really wanted it before next weekend because I have a picnic to get to, which is probably close to an hour and a half away. Mum said she'll take me, but it would have been kinda cool to go myself.

Hmm... nothing else much is going on today. I have to cook something for dinner... steaks or chilli con carne...?

Hopefully I will try and update more often!

Bad blogger...

Well, I guess it's time I updated all of you on how Zeke is going, and as you can probably tell by his smiles he is going wonderfully!

For the most part he is still a happy, sweet little boy who loves his mummy and likes nothing more than a good feed, bath and cuddle!

He's gotten more and more head control now, but still doesn't like being on his tummy. Tummy time is definitely more enjoyable for him if it takes place on someone's chest. When he's on your shoulder he will look around and peer at anything and everything he possibly can. His neck is very strong, but still gets tired pretty quick, so I've got to be quick with my hands to make sure he doesn't bash his head on my shoulder when it gives way without notice.

He's a smart one too! He's already learned the sound of my voice, the theme music to a TV show we watch every morning and most importantly the little 'click' the plastic clip on my bra makes when I unhook it to feed him! That noise results in a lot of cooing, and frantic flailing of the arms.

In the past day or so he's also discovered his hand is a tasty snack, and just this evening has really begun to get the hang of it. He's dribbling all over the place now as a result, but it's cute as anything!

The routine still isn't really a routine as such, or maybe I don't watch the clock closely enough to pick it. I feed him when he's hungry, change him when he's wet or dirty and sleep when we can!

Anyway, Ryan's gotta head out so I've got to go back to baby duty!

Miranda xxoxo

My two beautiful boys about a week ago!

4 Weeks Old...

How is it my little boy is ALREADY 4 weeks old? Where does time go? Seriously, the tiny little bubby who I first met 29 days ago who could barely stay awake for more than half an hour is beginning to smile, laugh, recognise me, hold his head up and has begun to develop a taste in music - you sing almost ANY kiddy or Playschool songs to him and he wails, sing Nickelback or Metallica and he immediately relaxes. He's a big fan of The Cat Empire too!

He's eating like an absolute champ, and already (or so Daddy claims, I haven't seen this yet) recognises the word 'boob!' You'd better not get in between him and a good long breastfeed, let me tell you! He's stopped shoving his fist in his mouth when there's a nipple on offer too... makes things a lot easier when you don't have to wrestle that out of the way. He'll usually eat every 2.5-4 hours, depending on whether he plays or sleeps in between, if he plays more the break is shorter, while if he goes back to sleep it's longer. I guess it's all about how much energy he burns up!

I am slightly worried he may begin to think of himself as some kind of foodstuff though, he's been my "Little Burrito" since he was 2 days old, but is also called a Crepe` (when he is wrapped up), and I call him Chook and Baba Ganoush, while his Granny calls him Lamb! I also frequently kiss him because he is just sooooo delicious! I wonder if there's a word for a personality disorder where you believe you are food...?

Sleeping is still a hit and miss situation. Last night he was in bed by 12, but right now (at 3 to midnight) he is still going strong. For the most part however he is a good sleeper and lets me get 2 solid 3-4 hour stretches overnight, as well as a couple of shorter naps during the day if I need. Don't get me wrong, there are days/nights where he will only sleep if he is cuddled, or won't sleep at all, but the majority of the time, he is a brillaint little boy!

I am still absolutely and completely in LOVE with this little man. I already can't imagine life without him, and am not 100% sure what I did before I had him... other than sleep full nights, drink, and go out when I wanted of course :P....

Anyway, time to send some sleepy messages to my sweet son, here are some pics to keep you busy!


A tad hungry and letting me know...


Snuggles with Mummy


Looking angelic and milk drunk


Cuddling with Daddy


And having a good yell during tummy-time!

Miranda xoxo

So In Love...

Well I guess you're wondering where I've been the last few days. The answer is mostly caring for and admiring my beautiful son! He is a wonderful, beautiful little boy, and I can't seem to tear myself away from him for very long, even when he is sleeping and doesn't need constant attention.

Zeke is now 17 days old, and sleeps and eats like a champion. I usually get a broken 8 hours sleep overnight as well as a couple of hours sleep during the day... he really is a wonderful boy... once he's asleep there's no waking him for at least 2 hours, and has even been as long as 6! (Twice to date... and just wonderful)

Of course like all bubbas he does have a good cry every now and again, but usually it's just because he has had enough of the world, and fortunately this doesn't often take place in the middle of the night. When he wakes then he's all about a feed, a nappy change, sometimes another feed, a cuddle and back to sleep... if he's really restless he gets to sleep in bed with mummy and daddy, which always works!

He feeds well too, and other than the fact that there is more milk than he knows what to do with I can't really complain too much. He is a champion latcher, and has been from day 1, so no sore nipples to date! Let-down is painful though it can feel like a million needles in my boobs all at once... if it's such a natural thing and at one point was the only way a small baby would survive I wonder why it hurts... you'd think if it was such a necessity it would be painless so the mother would want to continue.

Anyway... I have to take care of the grizzle guts again... I think it's time for dinner... pics and a better update to come!

Miranda xoox

36 Weeks

One more week and I am officially 'term'! The due date isn't till May 19th, but babies qualify as term from 37 weeks, which technically means the baby could make his/her appearance basically any time now!

I am soooo ready to have this baby. Actually I'm not, there are still some things we need to take care of before the baby arrives, but I am definitely ready TO HAVE THIS BABY OUT OF ME! Seriously, everything aches, my hips because the baby is settling and quite possibly starting to engage in my pelvis, my ribs because there are still feet lodged up there, my back because of carrying around the extra weight, and my shoulders/neck because... well I'm not sure, but may as well complete the package hey?

BH contractions are also a pain in the ass. Well they're not a pain in anything fortunately but it seems like I get them EVERY FREAKING TIME I MOVE. I know it's just because my body is practising and getting stronger so that when it pushes the baby out it can do so easily, but the ensuing rush to the loo is no fun. (Pressure on everything makes me think I have to pee, even though I don't necessarily have to)

Hehe... Can anyone tell I'm getting over this? I'm also SO impatient to meet the baby now, I want to know what my baby looks like, and hold him/her, and just cuddle and gaze at them for the first time. Not to mention finding out if Ryan and I have a son or daughter!

In other sweet news, Ryan's mum arranged a surprise baby shower for me (it was a family thing really, and because it was a surprise she couldn't ask me for phone numbers etc, so apologies to those who weren't invited) and we got some gorgeous things, and a lot of useful stuff too. I'll have to take some pics and show you all the lovely things I got. (First I have to get the camera out of the car though... that in itself will be an effort, I can't remember ANYTHING easily these days.)

I have another meeting with Julie this week, and then a midwife appointment on Monday... so there will be lots to update on soon. And hopefully the news that bubby is here in the not-to-distant future!

Well a girl can hope right...?

Miranda xxox

30 Weeks...

I'm really beginning to wonder where the time is going? It feels like I only did my 29 week post yesterday! Specially as there's still quite a few things to do in preparation for the bub.

Physically I'm well. Still eating the iron tablets. Interestingly enough, no matter how many and often I take them, the most obvious physical sign you've been on iron supplements still hasn't happened. Odd. (It's all a bit TMI to post really... but yeah nada on the symptoms of high iron intake)

Sleeping = tricky at times though. Some nights I just cannot get settled. Too hot/cold/thirsty/hungry/achy/busy thinking to sleep well. And then there are the nights I'm just overtired, and that makes it harder to sleep! Why is it being exhausted and overtired automatically makes it harder to go to sleep? I'll never understand that!

Bubby is ginormous, and so strong. Sometimes when I get kicks/rolls/whatever my whole body moves now! I will totally miss having this bump!

On the home front, I am still trying to pretend dishes will do themselves, and focusing on getting things nice for the baby. I have washed all of the clothes and dried them in the sun so they smell beautiful. I can't believe how many teeny tiny gorgeous little things I have already!

Oh, and my sling came today too! It's a front carry one that I can use from square one, a reclining style so that I don't have to wait till bubby gets neck control before using it. Which is great, I want to have that little bub snuggled against me as soon as possible!

I do however still have a looooong shopping list of things to get, nothing on that list is too big, just a million little things, soap, nappy wipes, plastic crates for storage, that sort of stuff.

As I mentioned last week I went looking at a different hospital to have the baby in, which was GREAT! I'm switching, and hiring a doula. I have my first session with her in a coupla weeks, helping me prepare physically and mentally for labour. I can't begin to explain how calm and relieved I feel now. Knowing that my options for birth will be paid attention to (Old place's response to birth plans was basically 'well that's nice but don't really expect anyone to pay much attention to it') and that there will be an experienced person to support me and Fungus the whole time is great. Plus the birth centre where I am switching to is in the same hospital where I was born and there is something just so 'right' about delivering the baby in the same place. It just makes sense and feels like a complete circle to me.

However I think it's bedtime (or very close to anyway) I'll catch up next week!

Miranda xxo

29 Weeks...

Well the aches and pain seem to have eased, I think my ribs are starting to get used to being more stretched. Plus buying a maternity pillow really helps my sleeping position, not to mention how much sleep I am getting!

I'm convinced this baby is going to be some kind of sports fanatic or an athlete or something, s/he is SUCH a kicker, and so busy all the time, it feels like there's more than one down there at moments.

I had my last day of work on Friday. It was typically hectic, and I realise that I'm going to miss the people, but don't miss work yet. I've only had 3 days to myself, I don't know if I will miss work for some time, especially with all the stuff I need to do here, dishes, laundry etc and most of all preparing for the baby! I have to finish cleaning the room out before Saturday because our change table arrives then, have been nagging Fungus like no other to get his shit outta there, but he really isn't making much effort... hmmm.

I also had my first antenatal class last week, which I meant to post about but ended up having a bit of a freak-out about everything so never got around to it. The MW only succeeded in making me feel extremely uncomfortable and on edge about everything. I can only hope it's because she has no public speaking ability and will be better tomorrow night during 'normal labour' when she has a topic she is comfortable with instead of getting eight uptight looking couples to relax and chat with each other.

As a result of having a freak-out I've started to research doulas and we are having a meeting with one tonight to see if I like her. The bad thing about this is that if I DO like her, it's going to cost money. The good thing about liking her is it means Ryan and I are going to have a supportive and informative person along with us when I have the baby.

At the same time, I really feel like I'm letting myself down by meeting with a doula, I really want Ryan and I to be the first and only two (except for the midwife/obstetrician) to be meeting our baby. And after all I am planning on kicking out my mum when it comes to the pushing/transition stage of labour, so I'd feel kind of guilty having some one else that I invited (even if I am paying her) present when bub finally arrives if I won't have any of the family members.

Decisions decisions! At least I've gotten all the shopping for big things done now. (Except the cot mattress and I need to confirm the size of the cot with my aunt before I can buy it.)

Well off to pretend to tidy up or something...

Miranda

28 weeks

Well, I'm doing better-ish this week. Not sick anymore but still sore and still exhausted!

I had my Dr's appointment on Monday, which went well mostly. The baby is healthy and head-down (although it may still decide to flip, but I really would appreciate it staying put) and fought back when the Dr gave it a poke! That's my bubba, stubborn as hell and no respect for doctors! I spoke to the doctors about being so tired and sick, and while she wasn't much help initially when I began to get all teary she realised it was serious.

The end result of that is that I am finishing work at the end of this week though. I'm sick of fighting my body physically (tired, aching, sick) mentally (Can't even remember what day of the week it is, and I believe in school they said sentences are supposed to have an endi....) and emotionally (general hormonal moodiness and trying not to break down at work/in public/at all if possible) Plus despite taking enough iron to spontaneously rust if I am left out in the rain I am still aneamic!

So while it is an abrupt decision, I am glad to no longer need to fight myself all the time, just to stay awake or make the easy 5 min walk to the bus stop. Financially it won't be great for a few weeks (I am not eligible for Gov't money till bubby is born) but Fungus and I have agreed mine and the baby's health is more important right now.

However, despite vomiting at the glucose test, I passed and with flying colours, turns out it was just the start of my stupid gastro. This is good news. I don't need to deal with gestational diabetes as well as generally being worn out.

Birth classes, well.... after much freaking out that whole evening (nothing to do with the actual classes, just that Fungus got held up at work) I got there, and waited for an hour along with like 5 other ladies and their partners, when we were finally told that our 'edcuator' was unable to make it, and classes will start this week. However I hope to be in a slightly less frazzled frame of mind this week so I can bring a notepad or something, because there is no way I will remember everything that is said!

Domestically, the dishes are still piling up, but I'm not stressing about that as I will have time to myself shortly to do them as I feel ready. I have a new washing machine too! (Don't even get me started on the delivery SNAFU... actually I'll try and remember to post it on TUI seeing as I have been somewhat anti-social over there) Which means clean clothes and clean towels without having to go to mum's... this is a godsend!

Anyway, I'm off to enjoy my new pillow some more. (Got one of those maternity pillows... worth EVERY SINGLE PENNY!)

Night!

Miranda

27 Weeks (a bit late)

So 27 weeks, finally in my 3rd trimester opens with being sick! A mild UTI and gastro to boot. My joints ache and I'm all feverish. Fun fun. However the doctor has given me tomorrow off as well, so I plan to sleep plenty and drink lots and get rid of this bug asap.

The baby is even more active than last week too. It recognises my voice and is starting to kick when Fungus talks to it now too. This is sooooo awesome! We had a lovely play today where I would poke my tummy and it would kick back in response. The game only ended when I became concerned for the safety of my belly button. (The bub was kicking HARD)

I had my glucose test on Monday, that was less than awesome, as I vomited heaps, but fortunately it was right at the end of the hour so they should have a good enough blood reading to tell me how it went at the Dr's appointment on the 25th.

Parenting and birth classes start tomorrow night too... exciting! This means I can really start to think about writing up a birth plan and sorting out what I will need to take to the hospital with me. I've got a few weeks to go yet, but I am soooo disorganised at times I will need as much time as I can get under my belt to prepare and pack stuff.

I've also found Ebay! I have spent HEAPS of money on cute but useful baby gear, can't wait for it all to start arriving. I'll have to post some pics when I get it all too. And some more belly shots.

I need to get some drawers or baskets to store it all in though. Can't all live in the top of the pram forever... there will be a baby needing it at some point.

Anyways, Neighbours is about to start so I am off to claim the 1/2hour of trashy TV that is so rightfully mine.

Miranda xoxo

25 Weeks...

Holy crap, time seems to be going faster and faster!

I'm now 25 weeks, and I'm not at all sure where the last week went. I do know that in the last 7 days or so though, the baby has reached my ribcage (at least on the right anyway) and that somehow the horrible depressing hormones have gone for a walk!

I guess deciding that I will be resigning at work was kind of stressful for me, but now that I have come to terms with it, and realised I only have 7 weeks left, I can't wait to have some time to myself to really get to know my precious bump!

My brain power however is shocking, I keep thinking of things to add to this blog during the day and by the time I am near a computer to do so, I've forgotten! I totally have to start writing things down so I can rememver them. Pregnancy brain has made me even more vague than before... and I was pretty vague!

There's one thing I meant to add, I love actually looking pregnant, now when I talk to the baby in public, no one thinks I am just talking to myself! (And if I am talking to myself, people don't think I'm crazy anymore!)

Well, just a short one this week, I really should head off and go to sleep now I guess. I doubt I will though, Ryan has a horrible shift and is unlikely to be back till much later, and I tend to sleep badly when he is away. Might shower first and see if that helps relax me.

Night all!

Miranda

24 weeks!

Holy crap, only 16 to go! I can't believe it, it seems like only yesterday that I saw those two pink lines...

The baby has been increasing in activity again this week, and getting so much stronger as well! The kicks are amazing to feel and even see now. And while I get more kicks during the day, it seems the activity at night has increased too as I am still waking up plenty. However, I'm not a fan of the fact that s/he's apparently turned around and is busy booting my spine and intestines. That hurts somewhat!

I've also started getting a little bit of heartburn after meals and at night... Quik Eaze will become my friend in weeks to come I have little doubt! I think I need to eat smaller meals, but no matter how often I eat, I am always starving at dinner time and eat freaking heaps! On the upside, I have only gained 6 or 7 kilos so I am obviously using everything that I am putting into me.

I'm also slightly freaked out there's only 4 weeks till I am in my third trimester and the next time I see the midwife there I will be 31 weeks! I'm really not sure where the time has gone, the last week has flown by... how on earth will I have everything ready in time?

I've actually been down in the dumps a lil this week, the hormones are playing around. Don't get me wrong I am vey happy to be pregnant with a healthy baby, and have my beautiful beloved Fungus with me, but at the same time I just feel so blah about the world... I think it's a collection of everything building up, housework, being exhausted from not sleeping properly and work, and a bunch of other random stuff at home, all of which just gets pushed to the back of my brain because I'm too tired to deal with it and then I bottle it up. Blah...

I'll be ok, I know this, I think I just need to get away from everything for a couple of days to relax and recoup... heh any one want to shout me a holiday?

Love Miranda

Midwife Appointment

I am officially 'too healthy!' It was an uneventful appointment all round to be honest.

The baby co-operated beautifully with the doppler this time (it went into hiding last time, scared me no end) and we heard a wonderful and rythmic little number coming at 146bpm. :)

The uterus is measuring at 24.5cm which is a little over for 23w5d (where I was at the appointment), but I am now 24w exactly so I'm not too worried. I was a little under at 17wks anyway, so it's good everything has caught up!

After chatting with the midwife, I will be finishing work at Easter we have decided, that allows 8wks of me time to get ready and panic as necessary. I will either be resigning from work then or taking maternity leave for a year. I haven't discussed much with the boss yet, but I need to let them know soon so they can start looking at replacements for me.

In baby news, I have a delightfully active little one, and I get plenty of wonderful kicks and wriggles through the day to keep me busy and very distracted. If I could I would just lie quiet all day to feel the baby kick!

Well the laundry won't do itself, and despite the fact that bub is currently wiggling like there's no tomorow so I'd better head off and get some work done!

23 Weeks!

Being as the ultrasound scanner, and the midwife's counting wheel actually have my weekly changeover as being different days of the week Saturday by the MW Monday by the scan BOTH with an EDD of May 19 (go figure) I will just try and post a weekly update somewhere over the weekend.

So 23 weeks, well the baby is DEFINITELY there, I feel kicks really frequently during the day. I haven't worked out a 'pattern' as such, but if I have a full tummy or bladder you can guarantee it will use whichever one is full as a punching bag!

I have been having really strange vivid dreams lately too, hormones do strange things to my subconcious! The only problem is I can never remember them properly to tell anyone to either have a laugh over or settle a fear... so I either go around all day feeling amused by something I don't remember or generally feel ill at ease and unhappy all day again not knowing why.

Another thing with sleep is the fact that I wake up 5 or 6 times! Occasionally to pee, but more often than not I'm just suddenly awake. I think the bub must give me a good kick when things get too quiet! There is only one remedy I have found and that is to go to bed so late I am exhausted, then I sleep through but have had too few hours to feel properly rested. If I go to bed early enough to get enough sleep I wake up... gah!

Other than that things have been really good this week baby-wise, Fungus has felt quite a few of the kicks bubby can do and the grin on his face is enough to make me smile just thinking about it!

Also I got bitten by the shopping bug the other day... I have bought the car seat and the pram! We weren't intending to, however 25% off sales were too good to resist! The cheaper prices meant we could buy some nicer gear than we planned too. (Of course we were getting proper safe ones etc, but the designs are nicer)

I've also accquired some baby suits and some gorgeous soft blankets for the bub as well... all in pretty greens and yellows. I can't wait a few more weeks for the end of summer markdowns when I can buy lots of stuff in 6month sizes, and then really start getting some tiny things in the winter gear! (I have a few tiny things now, but as most of the stuff in the shops is really lightweight and has short sleeves/legs)

Bub just kicked me, I think it knows when I am hungry as I often get a kick just before lunch/dinner as well... I'm taking the hint!

Miranda xoxox

Welcome!

I'm running this blog as a way of trying to keep Typing Under The Influence relatively baby-free. So when you delve into my own little world of domestic chaos expect to read all things pregnancy related and baby updates when the little one finally makes its way into the world!

Where to begin? You can find out most things you want to know about me in my profile, I'm a 21yo Melbourne based receptionist who is obsessed with music and very much in love with my gorgeous partner Fungus.

Onto the baby stuff... I am currently 22 weeks along with baby number one, who admittedly is entirely unplanned but not in the slightest unwanted. In fact we are completely over the moon and totally obsessed with the concept of meeting this little person on May 21st!

Naturally we both freaked out a bit at first, we were trying NOT to have a baby, but now the idea has sunk in (that didn't take long really) and we have a unit of our own (the biggest of our worries) we are both just settling into the idea of becoming a family.

As for me, the first trimester came and went with everything you read about in the books, mood swings, nausea and exhaustion. Particularly the nausea, there seemed some days where I would keep nothing down. Natural remedies didn't work and I had to see the doctor for medication, and so much for the 13 week mark being the magic number, it took about 16 weeks to truly go and even still there are just some days where morning sickness (my god that is a fallacy... morning my ass!) wins, but fortunately they are few and far between, mostly when I get overly tired or stressed out.

The mood swings were heaps of fun too. Fungus came home one evening early on to find me in tears because I couldn't get the top off my orange juice. (It was one of those stupid 'sports-top' bottles) They are better now, but occasionally I will have a massive tantrum followed by the most immense sobbing fit imaginable. My poor sweetheart! He doesn't know what's hit him when I do that.

We have had 3 scans now, the first was supposed to be for the nuchal translucency (Down Syndrome) check, but the baby was younger than we thought, so we had another at actual 12 weeks, and finally the major structural scan at 20 weeks. Let me tell you it was soooo awesome! Nothing I have ever seen compared to watching that tiny little being wiggle around and watching the heart beating, and then trying to comprehend that this is all going on inside of me!

We didn't find out what we were having but I have definite girl vibes, and most old wives' tales point to this baby being a little girl too. The cravings, when we conceived and a whole lot of other theories, however the way I am carrying indicates a boy. That being said, there is only one way we're going to find out now... so you'll just have to wait along with everyone else!

Bubby has started kicking and rolling that I can feel since about 17 weeks or so. It was just little flutters at first but now the kicks are proper ones, and every now and again if they are hard enough, you can acutally see the bit of my tummy that is being kicked jump! Fungus has felt quite a few of these, and the grin on his face when he can feel it is almost as good as being able to feel the movement. I have never seen him look so happy or excited about anything, the fact that I love him so much probably has something to do with his being so happy being so awesome.

Anyway, that's it for now... don't want to talk your ears off just yet!

Miranda xoxo