37 weeks! Whoooo!

I am 37+3 today so a little late with this post! I am not sure why 37 weeks is considered 'full term' or what it even means but it sounds pretty good to me and I like saying, "I'm full term now!" If she were born this week (although I would like her to stay cooking a little longer!) she would most likely, according to websites, 'thrive' as she is pretty much fully developed now. Her little lungs are doing well, she is still putting on a little weight but she must be around 6lbs or so now. I feel I have done a pretty good job is keeping her safe and healthy in my belly. I am putting on lots of weight now, not sure if that is a good thing or not but have put on 5lbs in 12 days! That can't all be chocolate cake?! Anyway...here is my full term bump! I shall miss taking pictures every week but I guess I will have someone else to take snaps of soon enough ;)

 Posing in my sunnies as always.

 

I've almost perfected the self take after many years of practice.

Still no 'real' signs of labour, although it feels as though she is engaging a lot more now (also I have a feeling she has moved from back to back now, thanks to lots of bouncing on birthing ball!) which means, not long to go! I reckon she will stay in there until at least the 20th September. I've had constant cramps in my lower stomach which the midwifes keep telling me is 'stretching' and 'preparing' for labour. I've had backache and pressure but that is about it! I've had only a couple of braxton hicks during my whole pregnancy. I'm not complaining at all as I'm lucky I've not been in agony like others BUT I am eagerly awaiting the proper signs she is coming! My next appointment is my 38 week check up with a consultant because of my recent heart problems however thankfully all the blood tests were fine as well as the heart echo so as to what is going on with my ticker...your guess is as good as mine!

Baby's movements have been really worrying recently and both Michael and I have been a little anxious. On Wednesday she barely moved at all and we were very close to visiting the hospital again. I know that baby's movements slow down so close to labour BUT we know what she is like and what gets her moving and she was very, very quiet. However come Thursday morning she had moved a few times and then was as active as ever! Cheeky monkey.

 I am still being naughty and buying some clothes. Not too much though I promise! I especially love this Ladybird romper from Tesco. I sneakily used some discount codes and got it very cheap. Our poor daughter will be dressed up like a bumble bee, frog, teddy bear...and will most likely never forgive me when she is older haha!

I also picked up this 'tummy time' mat from Ebay-we do have a few playmats and things but I like this as it has a little support thing attached. Obviously, it's pink!

So that is about it from week 37, can't believe there is so little time left until my due date! I honestly feel ready but I still keep finding things to do, like keep re-packing my hospital bag. I have packed loads of snacks but I have a feeling I won't be eating any of them! I am so worried I have forgotton something! Next week, I better actually put it all by the door so it's ready to go. IT'S REALLY HAPPENING! WHOOOO.

xoxo

Packing my hospital bag!

Boredom on a Bank Holiday Monday has led me to write this post about packing my hospital bag! I thought it may be useful to someone as it's sometimes quite confusing to know what you actually *need* to take to hospital with you. Labour and the whole birthing process is so unpredictable I guess you can never be fully prepared though can you?

Firstly I don't know how anyone packs all they need in one single bag! I have a little suitcase and a weekend bag and I'm still struggling for space! I would highly recommend using a little suitcase on wheels-I plan to get Michael to lug it about everywhere anyway ;)

First up I have a weekend bag filled with my stuff. I think giant knickers are very important. Not very attractive...but important. I am normally a size 12 but I have gone up a few sizes in the underwear department during pregnancy and I can't be doing with thin thrilly knickers, so I've packed nice big Bridget Jones ones! In my own bag I have also packed a toiletry bag (see below), breastpads, nighties (with buttons down the front for easy breastfeeding), slippers and socks (feet get cold during labour apparently) and at the last moment I shall pack some comfy clothes, make up and things like camera, charger etc. I know it may seem weird taking make up but for me, I feel that little bit better when I'm wearing at least some mascara. I am fully prepared to look like a sweaty, horrible mess but if I get an opportunity I would like to put some on. VERY importantly I have packed a list of vital numbers: local taxi numbers and numbers for triage, the main hospital and day assessment unit.

I decided to go for mini toiletries just to save on space. You can buy them in Boots for 3 for 2 at the moment and I got things like face wipes, shampoo and shower gel. I also have some Lanisoh cream, hair bands and things like flannels.

In my main suitcase, I have baby's bag as well as a few more of my bits like a dressing gown, nursing bras and lots of maternity pads for that lovely post-birth bleeding (before pregnancy I had no clue that you can bleed for up to 6 weeks after birth, fun times). I have also packed about 15-20 nappies which may seem a lot but I don't know how long I will be in hospital for!

I am using my pretty Hello Kitty (who else) changing bag that Michael bought me for all of baby's stuff. It's so pink, love love love!

In baby's bag I have packed in a lot! Things like a baby bath sponge, cotton wool, muslin cloths, wipes, cream etc. I also packed some socks, scratch mitts, a hat and booties.

The main bulkage comes from all the clothes I have packed! I have lots of vests in both newborn and 0-3 as I am not sure at all what size she will be. Also a few sleepsuits and 2 dresses, one which she will probably wear home! I've also packed a little comforter/bunny we bought her and a blanket. I went for a lightweight one as it can be quite warm in mid-September!

I still need to pack some snacks and drinks for us, things like my camera (I have a new shiny one for lots of cute photos), chargers and my phone which I can only really pack last minute. Otherwise I am READY! argh!

xoxo

36 week blog video! x

It's been a while since I have done a blog video, 2 months in fact! I filmed one today, as always the visual quality sucks but never mind. Hope you enjoy ! xoxo

Unfortunately I can't seem to upload my room tour video which I filmed on my Ipod but as soon as I can figure it out, I'll put it on here!

xoxo

35 weeks!

35+2 weeks today, less than 2 weeks until I am 'full term' and only 4 weeks and 5 days until my due date! Here is an interesting little comparison to my bump at 24 weeks and my bump now-I thought I hadn't grow much (please excuse my giant arms!) but looking at this, wow!

 

I am feeling so incredibly heavy right now. I can't lie down without seeing little baby body parts sticking out and I can't bend over without feet in my ribs! She has been an active little lady recently which has made us very happy. I really feel like my body is getting ready now, as scary as that sounds! I've been getting stomach cramps on and off now for a few days, definitely not contractions, but I've had a lot of immense pressure and I think that may be baby getting ready to engage any day soon now! I imagine whilst I'll be able to breath easier, my penguin waddle will be even more enhanced. I'm trying to limit myself in what I do but I find it so boring just staying in and find myself constantly nesting! My hospital stuff is 90% packed, or should I say mini suitcase (which is full to the brim!) and all I need to pack now is last minute stuff like change of clothes, toiletries etc. It's rather scary seeing the suitcase standing by our bed all ready to go if anything happens! 

This past week I feel that, despite the discomfort (and let me tell you, this stage of pregnancy for me is the toughest) I am just floating around in a bubble of happiness simply waiting for our little girl to arrive! Time is going quickly and it may sound cheesy but I feel a lot more at peace with the process of giving birth now, well as calm as I possibly can be! The unknown is horrible and as a first time mum, I can only go on what people have told me what labour is like. I have heard such a variety of birth stories which tells me that labour really is different for everyone, no two births are the same. I desperately want to meet our baby so this pain is something I will have to go through but it is a GOOD type of pain because every hour that passes will be one step closer to being with her.

We had our antenatal class last weekend which was fantastic and highly reassuring for me. The midwife talked about contractions and compared them to mountains which I thought was a great analogy and helped me visualise it all a bit more-the pain will reach its peak at the top of the mountain but once you are there, you know it will 'come down' and end soon. I like to be able to visualise things like this because it will help me deal with the pain. We also learnt lots about breastfeeding, something I really hope to do and how to look after a newborn. It all made me very excited to meet her next month and I think I am truely ready now.

xoxo

p.s: Despite saying I have bought everything for baby, I still have been naughty and bought some clothes. Here are a few bits I've bought.

Before we meet x

To my beautiful daughter,

This is the last letter I am going to write to you before we get to meet you. You are due to be born in only 5 weeks time-how time has flown. Me and Daddy are so excited but you probably know that because you can constantly hear us talking and singing to you. We have been waiting for this moment for so long, you are the most precious thing in our hearts and right now, you have no idea how happy you will make us. You make us so happy now, every day and almost every moment we mention your name, we smile, we picture what it will be like when you are here. We hope that we can make you the happiest girl in the world.

Mummy has had some sad times in her life but I want you to know that we will never let anyone hurt you or make you cry because we are going to protect you with everything in our power. I never want you to feel alone because no one could ever possibly love you as much as we do. I already know you are a beautiful little baby who will turn into a smart, smiling little girl. Our family may be small but you don't need anyone in your life who is going to let you down-our little circle of happiness is all you need sweetheart. We will more than make up for anyone or anything missing.

Right now, you are almost ready to be born and I may be in pain but you are so worth every moment of discomfort. I know you must find it fun to bounce on my bladder and kick me in the ribs every day! The moment I hold you in my arms will be the best moment of my whole life-but then you will give us so many amazing moments. I can't wait until you can walk and talk, share our silly sense of humour, when you say 'mummy' and 'daddy' for the first time, when you first laugh, when you learn to swim, when you start school....all these milestones we have to look forward to.

You have made me feel a type of happiness I have never felt before-it's so real and puts everything negative I have ever felt into perspective. Your Daddy and I have spent the most amazing 7 years together as a '2'. We've travelled to beautiful countries, shared in eachother's academic success, seen eachother start new careers, shared millions of laughs and tears, been there for eachother through tragic moments and every day our love and bond has grown stronger. 

Now though, it's time for us to be a 3 and YOU will be the one to make our hearts and life complete. Keep safe in there my darling, we will be together soon.

Love your adoring mummy, Cheryl x

34 weeks pregnant and 41 days to go! x

41 days to go! That really doesn't sound long does it? Eeeek. I'm 34+1 today and I had my antenatal check up which went well. Blood tests and ECG came back fine so no explanation for my heart racing and palpitations! Maybe I'm more anxious than I think I am about birth! (I am petrified to be fair!) Baby is the right size and in the right place-I've had lots of pressure erm 'down below' recently which the doctor said is her getting ready to engage! Exciting because when she does it will really hit home that she is ready to make her appearance soon!

I had a soppy moment yesterday whilst listening to some music whilst I was home alone. It didn't help it was an emotional song but I just started crying because I realised (yes finally!) that I am about to become a mother. Someone responsible for another human being! And a huge feeling of happiness just rushed over me, I had never experienced anything like that before.

I'm happy to report that she has been moving like crazy this week, which is such a relief after last time. The movements have also really changed in recent days-she feels huge in my stomach and I get ripples and glides rather than kicks now. They're also VERY uncomfortable haha. It's very surreal seeing baby body parts poking out of your skin but also reassuring to know she is busy in there and hopefully, happy. She has hiccups about 2-3 times a day now and always when I am trying to drift off to sleep-they can sometimes last 15 minutes!

Here is my 34 week bump and I treated myself to a new dress! It's not maternity so I should be able to wear after baby arrives, it's from a shop called Store 21. Again, still don't feel my bump is any larger than last month although my stretch marks are coming thick and fast! I have put on a pound in weight this week too. Still only had 2 braxton hicks as well.

I have generally been feeling ok but so exhausted and waddling everywhere! I get tired doing the smallest things so I guess I really need to take it easy. Time is actually going really fast now, Michael and I are ready to go if she decides to come early! We have bought pretty much everything, my hospital stuff is almost packed and I've been reading up a lot on labour, people's birth stories and pain relief like epidurals. I'm trying not to read the scare stories though! I'm a whimp with pain so I'm hoping to surprise myself when it comes to giving birth...!

Our antenatal class is on Saturday! 4 hours long! Excited! Just excited about everything at the moment so I shall keep using lots of exclamation marks! yay! yay!

xoxo