You will have heard AC/DC in the car when I drive to and from work.
We expect you to be a fan too little one :)
Thursday 28 October 2010
Present from Daddy...
You were a lucky baby today, Daddy and I found you a babygro that we loved and Daddy insisted he buy it for you:
You will have heard AC/DC in the car when I drive to and from work.
We expect you to be a fan too little one :)
You will have heard AC/DC in the car when I drive to and from work.
We expect you to be a fan too little one :)
Wasn't just me who got presents...
Auntie Laura sent my presents through the post and they arrived today. Most of them were for me but one is quite clearly intended for you...
They're so cute. Auntie Laura is spoiling you already!
They're so cute. Auntie Laura is spoiling you already!
First kick for Daddy
We were having a sneaky birthday listen on the doppler and you kicked hard enough for Daddy to feel you through the doppler twice! We gave up listening so Daddy could concentrate on feeling you kick and you've kicked him a few times since. He's a very happy man, he's been waiting patiently to feel you for weeks.
24 weeks
Today, I was supposed to have our follow up appointment about the effects of my murmur on the pregnancy. Your appointment went swimmingly but after no sight of an appointment for me, I thought I best call and move the follow up appointment.
It took several phonecalls to several members of hospital staff, the last (and most helpful) of whom was the Consultant's secretary. She eventually managed to discover that the reason I hadn't had my appointment was because cardiology had never received my referral. She's sorted it though and they've confirmed they've received it. I need to give them a call early next week to see when they can fit me in. I'd rather it was closer to 28 weeks anyway, that way we can see how my heart does under the pressure of maximum blood volume. Must be the most accurate picture that way?
Other than that, what can I tell you? You're a wriggly little thing, mainly when I'm quiet or eating. Daddy hasn't felt you yet but we're hoping it won't be long now.
I'm still hooked on ham sandwiches for lunch... Pear and apple based things usually very successful too.
I have started a list of things we need to buy for your arrival (I'm trying to be sensible) and we even started looking at camcorders today so the more distant relatives don't miss anything.
My pelvis and back can get quite sore at times - walking seems to make it worse. Ribs too - assume that's all the stretching. Ankles and feet got puffy this afternoon after a few hours of shopping :)
We're away this weekend for some Welsh sea air in honour of my birthday. Beach walks and good food. Nice and relaxing for my lovely bump and for Mummy and Daddy (not to mention Auntie Kerry, Uncle Mark, Auntie Hannah and Uncle John).
It took several phonecalls to several members of hospital staff, the last (and most helpful) of whom was the Consultant's secretary. She eventually managed to discover that the reason I hadn't had my appointment was because cardiology had never received my referral. She's sorted it though and they've confirmed they've received it. I need to give them a call early next week to see when they can fit me in. I'd rather it was closer to 28 weeks anyway, that way we can see how my heart does under the pressure of maximum blood volume. Must be the most accurate picture that way?
Other than that, what can I tell you? You're a wriggly little thing, mainly when I'm quiet or eating. Daddy hasn't felt you yet but we're hoping it won't be long now.
I'm still hooked on ham sandwiches for lunch... Pear and apple based things usually very successful too.
I have started a list of things we need to buy for your arrival (I'm trying to be sensible) and we even started looking at camcorders today so the more distant relatives don't miss anything.
My pelvis and back can get quite sore at times - walking seems to make it worse. Ribs too - assume that's all the stretching. Ankles and feet got puffy this afternoon after a few hours of shopping :)
We're away this weekend for some Welsh sea air in honour of my birthday. Beach walks and good food. Nice and relaxing for my lovely bump and for Mummy and Daddy (not to mention Auntie Kerry, Uncle Mark, Auntie Hannah and Uncle John).
Happy Birthday to Mummy
24 weeks pregnant and my 30th birthday. We're having some time off work and a weekend by the sea to celebrate - you might be a bit giggly on Saturday as I plan on attempting a glass of Champagne before dinner!
Today though, some shopping and lunch and maybe a virgin cocktail.
I'll do a proper post a bit later - love you precious xx
Today though, some shopping and lunch and maybe a virgin cocktail.
I'll do a proper post a bit later - love you precious xx
Monday 25 October 2010
Midwife 23+4 weeks
This afternoon, I saw Jacqui - the community midwife based at my GP's surgery. She took my blood pressure (normal), tested my urine (normal) and listened to your heartbeat (lovely and strong, nice and healthy). She always manages to get some gel on my clothes, but hearing you is totally worth it.
I told her that my pelvis grinds at the back when I walk and that it's been causing me quite a lot of lower back pain. I need to be referred through Birmingham Women's to a physio for that but that she can get me an apt if I can't wait til I see them next (28 weeks). I'll see them before that anyway for my follow up apt after our heart investigations so I told her not to worry for now, I'll see how it goes. She was surprised that I had an apt at the hospital before 28 weeks so I explained about the heart checks.
I told Jacqui I wanted a homebirth and asked if it would be her team or Birmingham Women's who would look after me. She said it would be her team but that she really wouldn't recommend I have a homebirth with a heart murmur. I explained that my murmur was long standing and functional and that it had never been a problem. She said that it was still too high a risk - the increased blood volume would increase the stress on my heart anyway - not to mention the stresses of labour. Essentially, I could go from fine to the exact opposite in no time at all and I'd be an ambulance journey away from the help that could save my life - or yours, or both. She thinks there's a decent chance I won't be allowed to use the birthing unit; I may stay under consultant care for the duration. I explained that I was still waiting for my echo apt and I was hopeful to return to midwife care after the results. She apologised for being so blunt with me (she was having a bad day by all accounts) but, although I was unhappy with her answer, I appreciated her honesty.
I left the surgery more than a little disappointed - I've always imagined having my babies at home and it always seemed such an easy decision once I fell pregnant with you. That said, I wouldn't put either of our lives at risk (not that your Daddy would give me much choice if I tried to put my foot down) so if hospital is the safest option then I'll just have to make the best of it.
I spoke to Daddy, Granny and Auntie Laura (my sister that is...) and we think minimal intervention (therefore less stress on me, you and my heart) is best so if homebirth really isn't an option then I'll aim for the birthing unit. That way, we're next door to consultants who can help if we need it but I can still be left to make the birth as natural as possible if we don't need anything. If we don't need any help and everything goes as it should, then hopefully any baby brothers or sisters in the future can be born at home.
I told her that my pelvis grinds at the back when I walk and that it's been causing me quite a lot of lower back pain. I need to be referred through Birmingham Women's to a physio for that but that she can get me an apt if I can't wait til I see them next (28 weeks). I'll see them before that anyway for my follow up apt after our heart investigations so I told her not to worry for now, I'll see how it goes. She was surprised that I had an apt at the hospital before 28 weeks so I explained about the heart checks.
I told Jacqui I wanted a homebirth and asked if it would be her team or Birmingham Women's who would look after me. She said it would be her team but that she really wouldn't recommend I have a homebirth with a heart murmur. I explained that my murmur was long standing and functional and that it had never been a problem. She said that it was still too high a risk - the increased blood volume would increase the stress on my heart anyway - not to mention the stresses of labour. Essentially, I could go from fine to the exact opposite in no time at all and I'd be an ambulance journey away from the help that could save my life - or yours, or both. She thinks there's a decent chance I won't be allowed to use the birthing unit; I may stay under consultant care for the duration. I explained that I was still waiting for my echo apt and I was hopeful to return to midwife care after the results. She apologised for being so blunt with me (she was having a bad day by all accounts) but, although I was unhappy with her answer, I appreciated her honesty.
I left the surgery more than a little disappointed - I've always imagined having my babies at home and it always seemed such an easy decision once I fell pregnant with you. That said, I wouldn't put either of our lives at risk (not that your Daddy would give me much choice if I tried to put my foot down) so if hospital is the safest option then I'll just have to make the best of it.
I spoke to Daddy, Granny and Auntie Laura (my sister that is...) and we think minimal intervention (therefore less stress on me, you and my heart) is best so if homebirth really isn't an option then I'll aim for the birthing unit. That way, we're next door to consultants who can help if we need it but I can still be left to make the birth as natural as possible if we don't need anything. If we don't need any help and everything goes as it should, then hopefully any baby brothers or sisters in the future can be born at home.
Sunday 24 October 2010
Wednesday 20 October 2010
Thank you Auntie Laura
Today Daddy collected a parcel from the Post Office. Surprise parcels are always exciting but with my birthday coming up next week, I just assumed it was an enthusiastic or particularly organised friend or relative.
When Daddy collected it, he text me to tell me the package had come all the way from Hemel Hempstead so I asked Auntie Laura if I should hold off opening it until my birthday. She said I could open it today and she never bends the birthday rules so I suspected it might be for you and it was - look!
It's a beautifully soft comforter and elephant toy - you're going to love it! Thank you very much Auntie Laura and Uncle Nigel xx
When Daddy collected it, he text me to tell me the package had come all the way from Hemel Hempstead so I asked Auntie Laura if I should hold off opening it until my birthday. She said I could open it today and she never bends the birthday rules so I suspected it might be for you and it was - look!
It's a beautifully soft comforter and elephant toy - you're going to love it! Thank you very much Auntie Laura and Uncle Nigel xx
Tuesday 19 October 2010
22+5 weeks
I have heartburn really bad at the moment. Seems to be from mid-late afternoon until bedtime and it's really rubbish. Doesn't seem to matter what I eat or drink :(
You're kicking more and more - at least, I'm feeling it more and more often. It'll only be a matter of time before Daddy can feel you too - he's been concentrating very hard on bump and you seem to be trying to reach him with your kicks.
Still pork biased. Sandwiches preferably bacon (breakfast) or ham (lunch). Snacking on clementines, bananas and trying to resist the sweet cravings... Not always very successful there...
We went to see Daddy's family in Wales this weekend. On Friday, Nanna listened to your heartbeat and your kicks with our doppler - she was very excited to hear you. On Saturday, we went pram test driving with Nanna. Having finally found a stockist with an UppaBaby Vista that we could have a play with, I think we've decided it's the pushchair for us. Nice and sturdy, not too heavy or bulky, not too expensive. We're going to get you a Pebble car seat too - all in black we think (seeing as we don't know if you're a boy or a girl yet). We'll brighten it all up with colours when you arrive. Uncle Rhys and Auntie Jo were pleased to see bump too - you'll be going to their wedding when you arrive but you'll only be a few weeks old so I think we'll restrict your involvement to a special babygro. We'll stay in the hotel so you and I can nap when we need to :)
We saw your Great Gran on Sunday for a few hours. She's bought you some babygros and bodysuits, a few blankets and a few other odds and bits. Great Gran and Grandad are buying your cot too - we just need to get the room ready for it!
I got sucked into a sale today and treated you to a few developmental toys - and a very cool Elmer the Elephant cuddly toy. I think they'll come in handy when we're trying to keep you amused...
I did a pilates for pregnancy DVD for the first time this evening - hopefully it'll help me keep some control over my pelvis and my back and even help me in labour. The plan is to do it two or three times a week.
I'm also trying to find a pregnancy massage to treat myself and try and release the tension in my back.
I need to remember to ask Daddy to take a bump photo this week - my bump is quite pronounced now :) Definitely need to start doing the photos weekly... I can't even blame my baby brain cos Daddy forgets too!
Love you little one xx
You're kicking more and more - at least, I'm feeling it more and more often. It'll only be a matter of time before Daddy can feel you too - he's been concentrating very hard on bump and you seem to be trying to reach him with your kicks.
Still pork biased. Sandwiches preferably bacon (breakfast) or ham (lunch). Snacking on clementines, bananas and trying to resist the sweet cravings... Not always very successful there...
We went to see Daddy's family in Wales this weekend. On Friday, Nanna listened to your heartbeat and your kicks with our doppler - she was very excited to hear you. On Saturday, we went pram test driving with Nanna. Having finally found a stockist with an UppaBaby Vista that we could have a play with, I think we've decided it's the pushchair for us. Nice and sturdy, not too heavy or bulky, not too expensive. We're going to get you a Pebble car seat too - all in black we think (seeing as we don't know if you're a boy or a girl yet). We'll brighten it all up with colours when you arrive. Uncle Rhys and Auntie Jo were pleased to see bump too - you'll be going to their wedding when you arrive but you'll only be a few weeks old so I think we'll restrict your involvement to a special babygro. We'll stay in the hotel so you and I can nap when we need to :)
We saw your Great Gran on Sunday for a few hours. She's bought you some babygros and bodysuits, a few blankets and a few other odds and bits. Great Gran and Grandad are buying your cot too - we just need to get the room ready for it!
I got sucked into a sale today and treated you to a few developmental toys - and a very cool Elmer the Elephant cuddly toy. I think they'll come in handy when we're trying to keep you amused...
I did a pilates for pregnancy DVD for the first time this evening - hopefully it'll help me keep some control over my pelvis and my back and even help me in labour. The plan is to do it two or three times a week.
I'm also trying to find a pregnancy massage to treat myself and try and release the tension in my back.
I need to remember to ask Daddy to take a bump photo this week - my bump is quite pronounced now :) Definitely need to start doing the photos weekly... I can't even blame my baby brain cos Daddy forgets too!
Love you little one xx
Tuesday 12 October 2010
Fetal Medicine Department
Today, Daddy and I attended an appointment at the Fetal Medicine Department at Birmingham Women's hospital (after we collected the second piece of nursery furniture).
We had a bit of a wait (not much fun with a full bladder) but we've gotten used to that now!
The consultant who saw us reassured us from the start - even before I got my bump out. The biggest risk for babies inheriting heart defects is with holes in the heart at birth, especially if serious enough to need intervention. I didn't have a hole in my heart and certainly no intervention (my murmur is functional).
She checked all of you, taking pictures and measurements throughout - although she did tell you off a couple of times for wriggling while she tried to get a decent shot or measurement. Daddy told her we were keeping your gender a surprise so she asked us to look away from the screen at one point, so we didn't see anything that would give the game away. She paid special attention to your heart (seeing as that was the worry) but gave you a glowing report - 10/10! We even got a couple of pictures (and we didn't have to pay for them!)
Daddy showed the photos off to one of the nurses while the consultant wrote up our report - she decided you have his nose :) and was generally very complimentary. I think he even showed her the previous photos on his phone...
Our report was received from the consultant along with the reassurance that everything they could check was absolutely fine. I subsequently analysed the report on the way home and you are perfect - which came as little surprise to the faithful family members and close friends, who had already made that assumption.
Lots of kicks this evening so we're hoping Daddy will feel you soon. He does sit patiently for hours with hand(s) on bump, just in case.
We love you little one xx
We had a bit of a wait (not much fun with a full bladder) but we've gotten used to that now!
The consultant who saw us reassured us from the start - even before I got my bump out. The biggest risk for babies inheriting heart defects is with holes in the heart at birth, especially if serious enough to need intervention. I didn't have a hole in my heart and certainly no intervention (my murmur is functional).
She checked all of you, taking pictures and measurements throughout - although she did tell you off a couple of times for wriggling while she tried to get a decent shot or measurement. Daddy told her we were keeping your gender a surprise so she asked us to look away from the screen at one point, so we didn't see anything that would give the game away. She paid special attention to your heart (seeing as that was the worry) but gave you a glowing report - 10/10! We even got a couple of pictures (and we didn't have to pay for them!)
Daddy showed the photos off to one of the nurses while the consultant wrote up our report - she decided you have his nose :) and was generally very complimentary. I think he even showed her the previous photos on his phone...
Our report was received from the consultant along with the reassurance that everything they could check was absolutely fine. I subsequently analysed the report on the way home and you are perfect - which came as little surprise to the faithful family members and close friends, who had already made that assumption.
Lots of kicks this evening so we're hoping Daddy will feel you soon. He does sit patiently for hours with hand(s) on bump, just in case.
We love you little one xx
Second item of nursery furniture...
Having successfully won an eBay auction last week, Daddy and I went to Stoke on Trent today to collect the second piece of furniture for your nursery (the first being the toy box Auntie Kerry and Uncle Mark bought you weeks ago). I'm not sure how to describe it - it has drawers and a cupboard with shelves... Anyway, I liked the shape and I'm going to have a play to make it ours so it should (fingers crossed) be beautiful by the time you arrive.
It looks a bit like a filing cabinet in that picture, with any luck it won't when I'm finished with it!!
It looks a bit like a filing cabinet in that picture, with any luck it won't when I'm finished with it!!
Sunday 10 October 2010
Oooh!
I just felt you kick my hand for the first time! It was amazing. Daddy has been trying to make you do it again (mainly via the medium of poking and prodding my bump) but you're stubborn and clearly are not prepared to perform on demand just yet.
You've been a very wriggly baby today. Moving my bump around and all sorts. Some pressure on my cervix earlier which freaked me out quite a bit but it seems to have gone again so I assume that was just you having a rest low down... You do quite like to lean on my bladder and they're not a million miles apart, especially for a growing baby, so not a huge surprise I guess :)
You've been a very wriggly baby today. Moving my bump around and all sorts. Some pressure on my cervix earlier which freaked me out quite a bit but it seems to have gone again so I assume that was just you having a rest low down... You do quite like to lean on my bladder and they're not a million miles apart, especially for a growing baby, so not a huge surprise I guess :)
Two out of three ain't bad?
I've had two appointment dates come through. Your fetal scan (that's to check your heart is taking after Daddy and not Mummy) and our follow up appointment with the Ante Natal Consultant. Frustratingly, no appointment for my echo yet - fingers crossed it comes through for a date before the follow up appointment, else I'll have to move things around.
So that's your scan on 12 October (that's this Tuesday) and our follow up for 28 October (my birthday!).
Love you little one xx
So that's your scan on 12 October (that's this Tuesday) and our follow up for 28 October (my birthday!).
Love you little one xx
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