Wednesday, April 2, 2008

33 weeks

Whoops! Where did 31 and 32 go? I know Easter weekend kind of threw me out of sync, but beyond that I'm not 100% sure where the last two weeks went. Hooray for preggo brain and being sick....

Well this week I had my first appointment with the midwives at the birth centre I have transferred to, and the news on bub is that we are doing well. Very healthy and active, good heartrate, but the little bugger is breech right now! (Bum, not head down) This is not too much of an issue yet, I am to spend lots of time on my hands and knees and rotating my hips to try and get bubs to turn around between now and my next appointment at 36 weeks. If the little one hasn't rotated by then, we're going to look at other methods of getting him/her turned around. If of course by the time I go into labour the baby hasn't turned I will be having a c-section... this is not my ideal plan, but my end goal is a safe and healthy baby so if that it what it takes, I will deal when the time comes.

Right now I am sick. This bug has lasted about 4 days now, yesterday was the worst, with earache, a sore throat, freezing to death despite being sweaty, snotty nose, aching generally from head to toe and a cough that was so bad it would make me throw up. The doctors have diagnosed a virus and prescribed lots of panadol and water. (Which is what I was doing anyway... blah) I am better today though My ears and throat hurt less, but my nose is runnier, so I can't breathe properly, but I think I will take that over the general feeling of death from yesterday.

I've got an appointment with my doula soon too (next day or two I think... CBF checking diary right now), so lots more to write about then.

Anyway, off to prop on my hands and knees for a while longer, send some baby-turning vibes my way!

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

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

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

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

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

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

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

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

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

26 Weeks

It's going faster and faster now... I have less than 100 days to go, and about a week till I am in my 3rd trimester! Where did the time go?

This week seems to be a tired week, I have been utterly exhausted as sleeping is difficult again, everytime I find a comfy spot, and get used to it, something in my body changes and then I am awake all night trying to get comfy again. Add that to hip pain most of the time and my ribcage starting to hurt... Miranda is very worn out from not sleeping and then pretending she is not in pain for 8 hours a day!

I have however found a magical cure, called Elmore's Oil... not 100% sure what is in it other than tea tree and eucalyptus but it smells good and even if you do the most half arsed job rubbing it into aching muscles you feel better for days. Great for the leg cramps which are starting to visit!

Oh, I think Braxton Hicks contractions have started too... that is strange, mostly if I have to go up and down the stairs a bunch of times at work. Not painful, just odd. The top of my uterus goes into a really hard ball, definitely weird. At least I know what the practise ones are like, so if they start to hurt I can a) recognise them and b) panic b/c it means bub might be on the way.

Nothing really exciting to report as exhaustedness has meant I am being vey unadventurous, but my 'Becoming Parents' classes start next week, I can't wait!

Oh, and my feet have dissapeared now too, even when I stand with them shoulder width apart. At least I don't have to feel bad about needing a pedicure now... I can't see em so I don't need to worry! Not like I could reach them if I tried though... heheh.

No doubt next week will be far more exciting to read about, what with the birth classes and third tri!

Miranda xoxo

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

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