Baby H #2: 35 weeks

As I sit here writing this I have been struck down with a head cold. Let me tell you, this sucks. I could be very descriptive about how much it sucks, but I’m too polite to put that ish down in writing.

But let me put it this way: It’s the middle of a heat wave here, I can’t breathe because I am seriously congested, but at the same time my nose is seriously runny. I look like a sick Victorian child who won’t make it through the winter. I have an annoying cough and I’m tired because not only do I have to get up 10 times a night to pee, but now I can add not being able to breathe to the list. Take my advice and avoid getting sick in the third trimester at all costs!

We have also been a one car family this week as mine has been getting repairs done. This is not ideal as A and I work on complete opposite ends of the city, but somehow we’ve managed to make it work. I have just been praying super hard that I don’t go into labour before my car is sorted.

Other than that this week has been marked by plenty of painful Braxton Hicks, especially in the afternoons and evenings, nothing timeable, but they are always accompanied by period-like cramps and I have had to breathe through them a time or two. I have also had tons of lightning crotch and have been just generally exhausted and grumpy.

On a positive note, next week is my last week at work and then I’m on leave! I’m seriously looking forward to some down time.

How far along? 35 weeks

Baby is the size of a: Honeydew melon

 Total weight gain/measurements: 66.5kg. Still gaining 500g per week

 Stretch marks: Nothing yet

 Best moment this week: I’m struggling to pin down a moment. Last week was hard and I felt like I was waiting for it to end since Tuesday. I had a moment of extreme disappointment when I woke up on Friday morning only to realise it was Thursday…

 Miss anything? Being healthy. I’m over this cold.

Movement: Bubs was moving regularly but not as vigorously as she normally does. I’m pretty sure it’s because I haven’t been as active this week myself. But whenever I’ve done kick counts she’s been well within the movement recommendations

Food cravings: I haven’t really wanted to eat. I’ve been too sick and too hot.

Exercise: I have not been great at exercise this week, but I have had an awful head cold, so I’m cutting myself some slack. I did manage to squeeze a toning workout in at the end of the week and that’s just going to have to be good enough.

Gender: A girl!

 Symptoms: I have been getting a lot of crampy, achy, lower abdominal pain and lower back pain lately. I’m not sure if its a result of sitting a lot more than I usually do as I’ve been ill. My energy levels have been seriously low this week and I have been very irritable. My Braxton hicks contractions seem to be remaining the same though. I have also seen a lot of swelling in the heatwave we’ve had, especially my feet, but I’ve noticed in my hands as well. I still get hip pain at the end of the day and pressure in my hips at night. I have also felt like I’m being burned alive in this heat. I had forgotten just how hot you get during a summer pregnancy. Oh and let’s not forget the lightning crotch.

Belly button in or out? It has officially popped.

Wedding rings on or off? Completely off and replaced with one in a larger size

 Happy or moody most of the time: I admit I have been moody AF this week. Being this far along and sick is not something I would recommend. I would get through my energy reserves pretty quickly and then get super snippy with everyone. Sorry family.

 Looking forward to: We have our 36 week appointment next week. I’m hoping that we will get more clarity one what may happen the following week. As the 15^th is close approaching. Also last week is my last week in the office. I will be on leave from Friday!

 

Baby H #2: 34 weeks

This week went by a lot quicker than previous weeks and for that I’m really grateful!

For some reason up until now time seemed to be moving at snail pace, so a quick moving and productive week was a refreshing change. I am so close to wrapping up my to do list at work. I will be really glad when it’s all done! That vacation time is dangling like a carrot in front of me.

I do admit that I feel slightly anxious at the moment. I have been experiencing a few labour signs that have my mind a bit on edge. Firstly, I feel it’s too early for Bubs to come now, she needs those extra three weeks! I also need those three weeks, I have stuff to do. Even though we’re ready for her in terms of the state of our home, family etc. I just need a her to stay put a little longer so I can wrap everything up in a neat little bow.

But each stab of lightening crotch, each twinge of hip and back pain, each trip to the loo makes me more and more anxious. I feel the clock ticking…

Speaking of lightning crotch, that delightful symptom is back in full force. I can usually tell when it’s been caused by the baby. She will give and enormous roll or stretch and I will feel like I’ve been tazered from the inside. It’s lovely (sarcasm). I remember it vividly from my previous pregnancy and it was the one symptom that pregnancy amnesia never dulled for me. Once you’ve felt lightning crotch you will never forget it! I get the odd stab during the day when Bubs hasn’t moved at all and I have the feeling that may be cervical change. I won’t really know until I see my Dr again.

I had a short reprieve from the hip pain for a few days, but its back in force now and feels worse than ever. I am really struggling to walk these days. I look like a cowboy just home from the range. I feel terribly bow-legged and wobbly.

I’m also seriously starting to run out of steam. I’m slower, heavier and just terribly unenthusiastic. I feel super emotional all the time. I can barely make it to 8pm most nights without wanting to cry I’m so tired. The final days of pregnancy are such fun.

Wow, I have moaned my way through this whole post. It’s definitely time to wrap things up.

How far along? 34 weeks

Baby is the size of a: Honeydew melon

 Total weight gain/measurements: 66kg and counting. I seem to be steadily gaining 500g per week

 Stretch marks: Nothing yet

 Best moment this week: I was surprised by a wonderful baby sprinkle this weekend. It was so special that people thought about Bubs and I. A few people who couldn’t join us still sent a gift through mutual friends and it was a lovely afternoon spend chatting and laughing.

 Miss anything? Being a stable, non-emotional human being. But it will still be a long time till I’m back there.

Movement: Bubs has been so busy this week. She’s makes me anxious when she doesn’t move so having her be super busy is definitely how I prefer it.

Food cravings: I wanted a coke so badly the other day I could have cried. I have been trying to hold strong against that craving, but I may end up giving in.

Exercise: I wasn’t brilliant with my workouts this week, but also I wasn’t too bad. I got in two good walks and a strength workout. If I can stick to three workouts a week until the end I will be super happy.

Gender: A girl!

 Symptoms: My long list remains the same with the inclusion of lightning crotch. I have also felt really crampy with lots of back and hip pain these past few days. Turn away now form TMI I have had some unpleasant symptoms this week too: (increased discharge and an ‘upset stomach’)

Belly button in or out? It has officially popped.

 Wedding rings on or off? Completely off and replaced with one in a larger size

 Happy or moody most of the time: I was very up and down this week. I had moments of being super happy and then moments of being really sad. I think the exhaustion is messing with my brain.

 Looking forward to: I am looking forward to getting the last two weeks of work behind me and hopefully having a few days to catch my breath a bit before Bubs comes. My last day of work is the 9^th of November. I also have a dr’s appointment on the 8^th to look forward to.

 

 

Baby H #2: 33 weeks

I started this week out really struggling with weekend hangover. It was such a busy weekend with two four-hour road trips and a huge family and friends gathering that I felt really worn out come Monday morning. I feel like it took me the whole week to recover!

Feeling like a zombie was a trial as I had so much on my late last week.  I have been working furiously at work to get everything ready for while I’m away. I am slowly but surely starting to conquer the to-do list and to be honest, I’m very impressed with how productive I was last week, but it was not easy! I have also packed my hospital and labour bags, I have packed the baby’s bag, I have filled out my UIF forms, I have finalised my leave with my boss. I feel as if a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.

With the prospect of having this baby on the 15^th on November looming over me I came to the realisation that the idea of going from work straight to my appointment and then possible being admitted to the hospital to give birth was a little soul destroying. I have some leave owing to me, so I have moved up when I will start my leave. I just need a little bit of breathing room and time at home to relax before she comes. So the 9^th of November will be my last day before I start my annual leave and my maternity leave will start as planned in December.

A and I have a few chores to do at home to prepare for her arrival, but really these are not essentials. If we get to them, we get to them. If not, it’s not the end of the world. We’re pretty much just waiting for her to get here and I am more than ready! Having a baby camping in your pelvis is not a comfortable experience.

I have a serious waddle going on and the back and hip pain have become daily struggles. I’m battling to get through the most basic of workouts right now. I also feel huge and have been having more Braxton Hick’s contractions each day. I am also running to the loo what feels like every five minutes, so she has definitely dropped. On the other hand I have had some really great sleep lately, aside from very early waking times (but I have been falling asleep at 9pm every night). Other than that I haven’t seen any other labour signs. I’m not too concerned, but I’m keeping an eye on things just in case.

I just have a few more loose ends to wrap up, but I feel very in control of everything right now. I am very much looking forward to going on leave though.

How far along? 33 weeks

Baby is the size of a: Pineapple

 Total weight gain/measurements: Still keeping with my given target. I’m now at 65.5kg

 Stretch marks: Nothing yet

 Best moment this week: It was a birthday on the weekend and I got to spend it with friends on Saturday and was able to go on an epic fabric shopping trip on Sunday.

 Miss anything? Being able to walk normally

Movement: Bubs is still quite busy, but not nearly as acrobatic. She is too low and too cramped for major shenanigans.

Food cravings: I can’t say I have craved anything specific this week. But a lot of my food choices haven’t been great based on sheer lack of energy to make the healthy choice.

Exercise: I did manage to do two strength sessions and a good walk this week and I’m proud of that. I feel very heavy, cumbersome and tired. Working up the motivation right now is hard!

Gender: A girl!

 Symptoms: I still have a lot of the symptoms I have mentioned previously – pregnancy rhinitis is the most annoying because I have had a blocked/runny nose for nine months. I also have dry, itchy eyes, dry, itchy skin, back and hip pain, the need to run for the loo constantly, fatigue, bouts of indigestion, nausea etc. But it is what it is and I just get on with things. To be fair, aside from the blocked nose I sometimes don’t notice the other symptoms.

Belly button in or out? It has officially popped.

 Wedding rings on or off? Completely off and replaced with one in a larger size

 Happy or moody most of the time: I was pretty irritable last week because I was so tired. Aside from the weekend. I had a great weekend.

 Looking forward to: I have a few things I’m looking forward to. I’m seeing my mom on the weekend, we have a dr’s appointment in just over two weeks and then I go on leave. I have a lot of work to do between now and then, but I am looking forward to wrapping things up.

 

Baby H #2: 32 weeks

This week I have been feeling every one of my 32 weeks.

I’m not sure what happened, I was going really well. Then all of a sudden I hit this wall and I was struck with some serious grumpiness. I feel heavy, swollen, cumbersome and uncomfortable. I’m struggling to eat, I’m congested, I’m tired, I’m itchy, I’m emotional, I’m cranky, my hips are killing me. Maybe I’m coming down with something? Maybe I’m 8 months pregnant and over it? Whatever the reason, I’m reaching my limit.

We had our 32-week appointment and our 4D scan this week, which were both highlights. A wasn’t able to join us at the 4D scan, but I took Willow with me and it was such a lovely experience. I remember loving this scan when I was pregnant with Willow as well, but having Willow there just added to everything. I wrote a whole post about it if you’re interested. She is still talking about it a week later so I think it really made an impression on her.

Our 32-week appointment with my OB was the next day. It all started pretty standardly with my blood pressure being taken and my weight jotted down. My Dr also had a chat with us about how babies come in their own time and we must try to be patient.

Then she asked me how I was doing otherwise and I told her about my hips. She decided to see if she could find out where Bubs is positioned and it turns out she is already fully engaged in my pelvis. She is so low and that is what’s causing the pressure in my hips, my extreme waddle and the increase in the lightning crotch. Second children don’t usually engage this early from what I have been told.

While my Dr is not too concerned about preterm labour because I’m showing no other labour signs, we are concerned that when Bubs does decide to come that she will come very quickly. As a result, I have been told to try and stick close to home if possible (we live very close to our hospital).

I’ll go to my 36-week appointment as scheduled on November 6, but my appointment on the 20^th has been moved up to the 15^th. My Dr said if she sees any signs that I am ready to have the baby she’ll admit me on the same day. So theoretically we could be meeting this little girl in exactly a month from today. That’s just wild!

How far along? 32 weeks

Baby is the size of a: Kale stem

 Total weight gain/measurements: I seem to be gaining the textbook 500g a week. So that’s good. 65kg according to my scale at home.

 Stretch marks: Nothing yet

 Best moment this week: Taking Willow with me to the 4D scan. It was so sweet to see her reaction and how she soaked up everything she was shown. She’s very excited to be a big sister. We also went on our last visit to the Lowveld to see out families before Bubs arrives and we were lucky enough to attend A’s parents 40^th wedding anniversary with our close friends and families. It was a lovely weekend.

 Miss anything? Being able to sit through a car journey without Braxton Hicks contractions and needing to pee every 10 minutes.

Movement: Bubs gave me a scare over the weekend. I think she changed positions again and her movements didn’t seem to be as much or as vigorous as usual. I did a few kick counts however and she was all good. I think what got to me was that I was having some serious Braxton Hicks contractions that were coming every 10 minutes or so. I confined myself to the couch with lots of water to see if they would go away and they did. At one point there I was convinced was had to go to the hospital though.

Food cravings: I have wanted everything ice cold this week. I have really enjoyed cold fruits, especially if they’re tart like pineapple, grapes and strawberries. A big thing this week though has been not wanting to eat. My desire for food seems to be waning. I often open the fridge and then close it again because nothing appeals.

Exercise: I started out pretty well. I have had to shorten my workouts because I’m struggling with the pace right now. But I’m proud to have gotten in a few this week; especially since I have had some pretty bad hip pain. I got in a quick strength circuit each morning and two walks. It was great to be out in the sunshine, listening to music, enjoying the good weather. It’s good for my spirits if nothing else.

Gender: A girl!

 Symptoms: Don’t get me started on symptoms. I have a laundry list of things to complain about. The pregnancy rhinitis is getting out of hand now, especially in the mornings and evenings. I have also been so fatigued and have started getting headaches again. I get heartburn on pretty regular occasions, especially after large meals, I’m up all night to go to the loo, I can’t sleep because of the hip pain. It’s all my body reminding me to slow down which I am trying to make an effort to do.

Belly button in or out? It depends on how Bubs is lying.

 Wedding rings on or off? Completely off. But my gorgeous push present from A arrived and it fits perfectly. So I’m wearing that in place of my wedding ring.

 Happy or moody most of the time: I feel I’ve been happy most of the time.

 Looking forward to: It’s my birthday on the weekend! I’m ushering in 32 with a brunch or lunch with my friends. It will be a pretty quiet affair, but I love birthdays so I don’t care.

 

Our 4D scan

One of the things I have looked forward to most in my pregnancies has been the 4D scan.

It was the most incredible experience with Willow and I felt that she looked exactly like that when she was born. It really helped me to see her and connect even more with her.

This time around I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for Willow to connect with her baby sister. Willow is already pretty possessive of the baby and calls her ‘my baby’ which is stinking cute. She is also always telling us what she and the baby are going to do together when the baby gets here. So I figured this was the perfect opportunity for Willow to see what was going on.

I fetched her early from school and we headed off to the hospital. It dawned on me that this was also the perfect opportunity to explain to her that this is where mommy would come when it was time to have the baby and that Daddy would bring her here to see me. She took it all in with huge eyes, but the highlight was being able to press the button for the elevator (oh to be three and so easily entertained).

The Sister who administered the scan was lovely and she really explained to Willow what was happening and showed her things she thought Willow would be interested in. We found her hands and counted her fingers, we pointed out her long legs and how she was all curled up.

Bubs was not really cooperating as usual. We struggled to get a clear shot of her face. She kept hiding behind her hands or squishing her face into the placenta. We did get one good shot though.

By far willow’s favourite part was listening to the heartbeat. She asked the Sister to play it over again and again. I eventually took a video recording of it so she could listen to it at home as well. I found that fascinating.

What I loved about having Willow at this scan with me was that it wasn’t a medical scan. We weren’t checking to see if Bubs was alright and growing well. This allowed us to really enjoy it and to soak up Willow’s reaction to everything. Willow was able to sit on the bed with me and she got her own picture printed so she could keep it in her room. It was so sweet and well handled. I highly recommend moms with older children taking them to a 4D scan.

Baby H#2: 31 weeks

Now that September is over I am in full-blown maternity leave preparation mode at work. It dawned on me that in all likelihood I will have a baby next month!

We’ve had a few really productive meetings that have allowed me to draw up a schedule so I can get as much stuff done in advance as possible. Until now it has been a source of stress, but I feel a lot calmer now that I am once again checking things off my list. I feel a lot more proactive and productive.

This week was really quiet as A and I had a bit of a babymoon staycation. It was school holidays so Willow went to visit her grandparents and spent the week with them. It was a bit bittersweet. The weekend was lovely – it was our anniversary and we got to spend the day together. We went out for a great breakfast then headed to a baby show and got a few things that we needed, then we got home early, watched some series and relaxed before going out to dinner with some close friends.

Come Sunday, however, I was really missing my munchkin. Sundays are usually our chill days at home and I really missed the early morning snuggles. But I did do something I haven’t done in years – I read an entire book in one day. It was pretty epic. I just picked a book at random and didn’t really put it down till it was done. It’s the little things you know.

The week itself was quiet. A and I both had to work but we had quiet evenings at home and it was nice to not be running from pillar to post every day, I forgot how much more relaxed it is when you’re not looking after a little one as well. I got in some really good sleep and I feel a lot better for it.

But I won’t lie I was very happy when we went to fetch Willow on the weekend. It was also very gratifying to see how excited she was to see us. Now it’s time to get back into the routine of things.

This coming week is a big one for us. We have our 4D scan on Tuesday. I have been really looking forward to this. It was such an awesome experience when we were expecting Willow. I plan to take Willow with us and I’m equal parts excited and nervous about her reaction. We also have our 32-week appointment on Wednesday and they are spending the weekend away. This is the last time I will be travelling before the baby comes I think. I can really feel how I’m slowing down and such long distances spent in the car are much harder now.

How far along? 31 weeks

Baby is the size of a: Coconut. She is supposed to be 1.5kg, I’m looking forward to seeing what her weight is at our next appointment.

 Total weight gain/measurements: currently 64.5kg and 94cm around

 Stretch marks: Still holding strong. I am currently using the Palmer’s CocoButter Belly Balm at the moment and I really like it. I used it when pregnant with Willow as well.

 Best moment this week: A and I getting to spend our 6^th wedding anniversary together child free. It was such a nice day

 Miss anything? Even though it was awesome to have a break this week, I really missed my munchkin all week. I’m glad to have her back home

Movement: Bubs has been moving a lot. Her movements have changed, but she definitely lets me know she’s there. We’ve reached that stage where I look like I’m in a sci-fi movie with the way my stomach moves.

Food cravings: I didn’t really experience many cravings this week, but I can’t say I was eating my healthiest either. We really relaxed the rules a lot not having Willow at home. It’s amazing how having a child in the house keeps you on the straight and narrow when it comes to healthy food.

Exercise: I really took advantage of not having to do school drop off and pick up to get some good workouts in.

Gender: A girl!

 Symptoms: I had a few issues this week which were entirely self inflicted such as a little dehydration and heartburn – which result from me not eating as well as I usually do. I am still struggling a lot with dry, itchy skin and it’s not just confined to my belly and boobs, it’s pretty much everywhere. But as mentioned I got some good sleep. The one downside of the good sleep is that spending too much time on one side results in a lot of pressure on my hips. This have given me some really intense hip pain. For a few hours after getting up in the morning I struggle to walk.

Belly button in or out? It looks like it’s trying to pop, but it hasn’t yet.

 Wedding rings on or off? It depends on the day. But I have had to take them off more and more as the days go by. In order to keep them safe I have taken them off and stashed them in my jewellery box. I am currently wearing one of my cheaper rings that’s always been a bit big for me.

 Happy or moody most of the time: I think I was mostly happy this week, but I won’t lie I did have a few crying spells.

 Looking forward to: Seeing the Dr and having our 4D scan. I’m taking Willow with me and I am looking forward to her reaction. She’s been asking to see the baby on the camera for a while now. Then on the weekend we’re taking our final trip to the Lowveld before the baby comes. Another busy week.

 

Baby H #2: 30 weeks

And just like that its good bye 20s and hello 30s. This pregnancy feels to be both crawling by and flying past at lightning speed.

It occurred to me when I woke up on Sunday morning (my roll over date) that if this pregnancy follows Willow’s timeline then I have eight weeks left!

With Willow I had spent weeks preparing myself for the fact that most first time moms go past their due dates. When I woke up on the morning I went into labour I really thought nothing of it. I convinced A to take me out because I was dying of boredom. As the day progressed however it became clear that that was the day. Willow was born exactly at 38 weeks.

When I first saw my OB Gyn at the beginning of this pregnancy she told me that due to my size (I’m on the taller side, but have a very small frame) and my history, we all need to be prepared for Bubs to make her appearance at a similar time, although it is still possible that I could go over.

Add to that the fact that I’m showing signs of a mature placenta and I have a feeling I may not see the end of November pregnant. I’ve been told to be on baby watch from November 17. For some reason my brain has latched onto November 18^th as D day. If that comes to pass I’m totally claiming mother’s intuition. But I’m not sure if it’s not because that was the timeline we followed with Willow. But as we all know each baby is different and will come when they come. So I’m trying not to put all my eggs in one basket.

For now, nothing has really changed much as side from my ever expanding girth. 30 weeks has always been significant in my head because it signifies the final stretch of pregnancy. This is when the aches and pains and tiredness start to settle in again for me.

How far along? 30 weeks

Baby is the size of a: Apparently she is now the size of a cabbage

 Total weight gain/measurements: I am up by a total of 12kilos so far for this pregnancy. I was right not to take the scale at face value last week. After a chilled week at home with my feet up whenever I could and a few good workouts it is now telling a very different story. I think 64kg sounds a hell of a lot better than last weeks’ number so I’ve logged it. I am also measuring 94 cm around now.

Stretch marks: No nothing yet. My stomach and boobs are incredibly veiny though and I’m starting to see the faintest hints of the linea nigra

Best moment this week: We had a long weekend in South Africa and boy did I need it. It was both chilled and productive. I managed to sort out Willow’s cupboard, A did a few chores for me in the garden so I was able to get stuck in and tidy up there a bit. He also fixed a light for me, we got rid of a whole lot of clutter and we sorted out an issue with the shower head in the bathroom. Other than that we just chilled. I finished sewing a nursing top, I played with Willow, we watched movies and napped. It was lovely.

Miss anything? My energy. I feel like I’m constantly tired.

Movement: She has been quite busy, especially over the weekend.

Food cravings: I have noticed that I can’t eat as much as I used to without feeling nauseous and if I don’t eat on time I feel nauseous too. So that’s fun. This week I have wanted sweet things I think it’s my body’s way of trying to recoup some energy. I have been very lucky that this pregnancy has been marked by mostly healthy cravings.

Exercise: It was ok. I went on a long walk and did a strength session, but it could have been better.

Gender: A girl!

Symptoms: I have developed really sore nipples this week. Like beyond first trimester sore. I’m not sure what’s up with that but it kills. I’m also a lot achier in general. My hips get really sore in the night and that keeps me up quite a bit. I’m most definitely waddling these days and a lot of people have commented on how strange it is to see me with hips (my build is usually quite narrow). I am also getting those electrical shocks when Bubs decides to head butt my cervix as well as some pretty intense round ligament pain.

Belly button in or out? Completely flat and weird looking

Wedding rings on or off? On but down to two

Happy or moody most of the time: I was generally quite happy I feel

Looking forward to: We have a babymoon staycation this week because Willow is visiting her grandparents. It’s so strange not to have her in the house, but I won’t lie, I’m looking forward to some down time and a few good night’s sleep (relatively speaking)

 

Baby H#2: 29 weeks

Remember all my complaining about the cold? Well, this week we had a heat wave that left me feeling like I was being burned up alive.

I forgot the wonderful feeling of being pregnant in the summer months. You’re carrying this furnace around with you all day from which there is no escape! Not to mention that the instant it got hot my ankles blew up like balloons and I retained water like crazy. Joy.

Luckily for me it only lasted a couple of day before the weather settled down to much more manageable temperatures. It definitely reminded me why I’m grateful not to be pregnant in high summer. I thought I would escape it this time given that this is technically supposed to be spring and a lot more temperate, but it seems I am in for a few days of feeling like I’m being burned at the stake at least. Still, much better than the cold as I actually have clothes that fit me.

Other than that things have been a lot better. We had a very chilled, laid back weekend at my parents’ place which was much needed. I also took a few days when we got home and allowed myself to be lazy. Sometimes I feel like I always need to be on the go. It’s good to be reminded to slow down every now and again. I was soon able to be my usually productive self with no emotional breakdowns this week, which helped a lot.

My stomach is growing by the day along with my butt and thighs. Sleep is getting harder, but still manageable. Baby girl is very busy kicking and stretching and doing her thing. I’m looking forward to seeing how much progress she has made when we go back to the Dr in two weeks (already!).

How far along? 29 weeks

Baby is the size of a: according to the apps she should be the size of a butternut squash or around 1.1kg. We know she’s bigger than that

 Total weight gain/measurements: I didn’t like the number I was given this morning so I have chosen to ignore it. I had a lot of water retention over the weekend as we had two very long car journeys on top of the heat. So I think that’s skewing things.

Stretch marks: Nope not yet. But I feel that if I’m going to get any they will be around the spot where she like to push her knee out…

Best moment this week: I just enjoyed the fact that it was a very normal, routine week. We’ve been so busy lately that just having time at home felt great

Miss anything? My slim ankles. I am regretting asking for hot weather (not really, the swelling is nothing in the face of nice weather), the moment the weather got warmer my ankles started to swell.

Movement: Movement has definitely changed. I feel a lot of stretching these days as she fights for space in her cramped quarters. She particularly likes to jab me with a knee in the exact same spot. It’s gotten very painful.

Food cravings: I haven’t had specific cravings, but I have wanted to eat all the time. I feel like I am constantly hungry. I felt this way at the beginning of the second trimester as well, but this is much more intense.

Exercise: I was very good this week with three strength training sessions and a walk. I’ve started the third trimester workout my Lucy Wyndham-Read and it is very leg focused and leaves me quite stiff. So I needed the walk and a rest day to recover.

Gender: A girl!

Symptoms: I have much the same symptoms as last week. I have noticed that I’m sleeping less and the nights are getting longer and longer. That said I still feel my quality of sleep is pretty decent. I feel good most days, but I definitely fade a lot earlier. I’m asleep by 9pm most nights.

Belly button in or out? In.

Wedding rings on or off? On but down to two

Happy or moody most of the time: I was a bit moody due to the excessive heat we had

Looking forward to: It is our anniversary on the weekend and Willow is going to visit her grandparents for a week as its school holidays. So we will be child free on our anniversary for the first time in four years.

 

Baby H #2: 28 weeks

Goodbye second trimester, hello home stretch. I’m already sad to see the second trimester go.

Already I feel like I can’t get in a full breath and I’m constantly out of breath, my stuffy nose is also 100 times worse. I’ve had to put away one of my wedding rings because they were starting to cut off my circulation (I’m wearing my engagement ring and one band), I feel like I waddle most days, car trips results in swelling, I can’t remember what a full night’s sleep feels like, come to think about it I can’t remember a lot of things. Thanks Pregnancy Brain! I’m back to being ravenously hungry all the time, but I don’t have the stomach capacity to eat a full meal and if I force it I pay for it with nausea and heart burn. The third trimester is fun.

I also get a little twitchy when I think of just how quickly time is flying by. We’re pretty much ready for this little one to arrive. I have a few things here and there to finish up, but mostly it’s all a waiting game now.

I have never liked not knowing exactly when my children will make their appearance. I’m a planner and I like marking things down in my calendar. Even though Willow came on the early side, the wait was the worst part for me. It makes the third trimester feel extra long. I can already feel the angst creeping in, especially since our lives feel like a runaway train of plans and events right now. This poor little girl has got to just slot in to an already full calendar.

For now I’m consoling myself with the fact that she still has plenty of time left. It just this feels more real with weeks 30 to 40 within arms’ reach.

A few things kinda blew my mind this week. I realised I was pregnant for 200 days on September 13^th, we have just four Dr’s appointments left before my due date (less if she decided to come early like her sister), I will be 30 weeks pregnant in two weeks (30 has always been a big one in my head). It really is getting to crunch time. I can’t decide if I’m calm about the idea of labour and delivery because I have done this before, or if I’m even more nervous about it because I know what’s coming…

We had our 28 week appointment this week. At my last appointment we were told that she had to be 1kg this week. I’ve been on tenterhooks about it. Even though my placenta is showing signs of maturation, Bubs is growing really well. She exceeded her 1kg weight target and is currently ahead at 1.32kg. My Dr also did a thorough check on the blood flow in the arteries in her brain and umbilical cord. She was very happy with all the results. My amniotic fluid, baby’s bladder and kidneys and more all look perfect so we’re happy. My appointments have not changed; I go back in early October. I have been advised to continue to eat well and exercise to promote good blood flow.

How far along? 28 weeks (Third trimester! Whoo!)

Baby is the size of a: Bubs should be as big as an aubergine or an estimated 1kg and 37.6cm long. But we know she is 1.32kg   and her other measurements put her a week ahead.

 Total weight gain/measurements: I didn’t take a circumference measurement this week, but I did fudge another fundal height measurement and we look on track for 28 weeks. I feel like I’m starting to get big, but so many people have told me how small I am. They used to say the same thing about Willow. My weight is 63kg. Holding on target.

Stretch marks: Nope not yet. I do have a few very suspect looking veins on my stomach though.

Best moment this week: I always look forward to our Dr’s appointments, which was all the sweeter with all the good news we received. It was really good to hear that Bubs is growing as she should. We also had Willow’s School concert on Friday and I have been looking forward to this for ages. Her class sang Can’t Stop The Feeling from Trolls and she has been practising at home for weeks! Finally we went for visit my parents for the weekend. I really needed a weekend away from the city and it was lovely.

Miss anything? Warm weather! We had a serious cold snap this week and it was miserable. None of my cold weather clothes fit. I need it to be hot again!

Movement: I feel 80 to 90% of all her movement on my right side under my ribs. I have thought for ages that this means she is head down and lying on my left. I feel her hiccups below my belly button. The Dr confirmed this at the ultrasound. She is also facing my spine, which is good and I hope that’s a position she settles in for the duration. We were also able to confirm that what I always thought of her knee jabbing be in a very specific spot under my ribs is indeed the case. It was quite cute to see on the screen. She’s a busy girl. She likes to start her day at about 6am with a good stretch and lots of kicks. Then she goes back to sleep until around 10 or 11 am. She has a short play session then naps till about 3pm and then naps again until 8pm. She almost always gets hiccups at 11am, which is very strange and hilarious.

Food cravings: I have been quite good this week I think. I want pineapple all the time. It is the best tasting food in the world to me right now. I have been trying to make sure I eat plenty of full cream yogurt, cheese, milk as well as avos and almonds – all the good fats for Bubs. They go a long way in staving off cravings.

Exercise: I had a slow start to exercise this week. I really struggled with the motivation. But I got myself out of bed early on Thursday and did my first third trimester workout from Lucy Wyndham-Read. She just about killed my legs, but I went on to have a really productive day. Now that its getting light earlier and its warmer in the mornings I’m going to try to get my workout in much earlier.

Gender: A girl!

Symptoms: I think I covered it all above

Belly button in or out? In but it looks very weird and foreign.

Wedding rings on or off? I have two rings on and one ring off, but I have been noticing more swelling

Happy or moody most of the time: I felt very emotional this week. I had a major hormonal breakdown on Wednesday when I burnt a hole in my latest sewing project. Oh my word the tears were for days. At one point I was lying on my bed staring at the ceiling and the tears were just streaming down my face. I seemed incapable of stopping them. I thin I have been holding onto a lot of emotions and this was the catalyst to let it all out. The next day I felt a bit puffy but a whole lot better.

Looking forward to: There is a long weekend coming up that I am very much looking forward to. I have a project on my Sewing table that I hope to use the time to make up.

 

 

Pregnancy Update: Week 36 and 37

Good morning all, long time no see. I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas!

I apologise for being a bit lax on the blogging front lately. Its been a little crazy around here. Between getting all the last minute things I needed wrapped up, trying to catch up on some much needed sleep and getting ready for Christmas the past few weeks just slipped passed and now the New Year is already barrelling towards us.

In terms of how Baby H and I are doing we are still here, still pregnant and still waiting. This baby girl is getting bigger each day, which makes me a little nervous to be honest, but she is healthy and has made it past the full term mark so we’re very happy about that.

She still moves a lot, but you can really tell her space is restricted.

As for me – I am feeling huge, uncomfortable and cumbersome. I spend most of my time these days waddling around the house doing odd jobs, taking naps or chilling in the swimming pool because it it so incredibly hot and the pool is one of the few places I feel comfortable.

I have been experiencing some really intense Braxton Hicks contractions. These are quite painful and on more than one occasion Hubby and I thought we had to make the trip to the hospital. These always show up at night when I’m trying to sleep so right now most of my sleep takes place during the day…

Other than that we’re all still happy and healthy and looking forward to greeting the challenges of 2015 with open arms!

How far along? 37 weeks

Baby is the size of a: Leek (I thought we had been a leek already, but the app says leek so leek it is)

Total weight gain/measurements: Weight gain had slowed down a bit, but then Christmas happened. I’m scared to look!

Stretch marks: Nope not yet

Best moment this week: Christmas is always a highlight even though this one was a bit strange in how quite it was. Hubby’s family came down to spend Christmas and Boxing Day with us as I am stuck in Joburg until the baby arrives.

Miss anything? My abs, my feet not being all swollen and gross, real champagne and gin and tonic. 

Movement: She’s still moving quite a bit, but her movements have changed. There’s a lot more stretching and wiggling, not as many acrobatics.

Food cravings: Nothing really this week

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope

Gender: A little girl

Symptoms: Carpal tunnel, swollen feet, general moodiness, extreme tiredness, a little bit of nausea that comes and goes, very intense Braxton Hicks contractions… Oh and heartburn for the first time this pregnancy!

Belly button in or out? Out

Labour signs? At my appointment last week the doctor confirmed that my cervix had started shortening. She ruled out us having a Christmas baby, but any time from now is a real possibility. Baby is fully engaged, is in the perfect position to be born and is a really good weight. So we wait….

Wedding rings on or off? off

Happy or moody most of the time: I’m generally happy until I get over tired then I get really emotional

Exercise: I’ve been pretty good with exercise these past two weeks. I have gone on almost daily walks and have splashed around in the pool. It definitely makes a big difference to how I feel at the moment so I’m really trying to be consistent with it. It helps that I have so much free time on my hands right now.

Looking forward to: Ringing in 2015 – we’re not doing anything special, but I’m looking forward to saying good bye 2014 and hello to the new year. Then we have a Doctor’s appointment next week Tuesday and will hopefully get more info on when this monkey is coming!