2 Weeks

Happy 2 week birthday to Liam! He's still changing each day. He's got big blue eyes, but I have a feeling they will change soon enough. Not sure if they'll stay blue, go brown like mine or maybe a hazel colour like Oliver's. I love this picture... I surprised him a bit with the camera flash.

Right, so it's a bit tough at the minute. He doesn't have any routine established (think it's a bit early anyway) and he's up and down and screaming his little head off. Breastfeeding is really tough. He still won't take the breast without the nipple shield and he wails his head off for a good while before he takes it. We're still topping up with a bottle now and then, but I'm starting to express as well- if he wants a bottle, I would rather give him a bottle of breast milk. I knew it would be tough, but there are times when he won't stop screaming and I feel like crying myself. But we must persevere... we'll get a wee routine established soon.

Look how exhausted poor Oliver looks...

Some action shots...

I'll post some more pictures on Christmas day. Got him a lovely little red outfit and his grandma Kerwin and godmother Linda sent a nice Christmas bib.

1 Week Old

Happy Birthday to Liam who is a whole 1 week old! He's already changed loads. We're trying to get a bit of a routine established, but it's a bit difficult. Luckily Ollie is off until next Friday and then only in 1 1/2 days the following week because of Christmas. A few pictures from today...

You can really see how long he is in these photos. He doesn't fit any of our newborn clothes, so it's all 0-3 months for our young son. We've been getting lovely clothes from friends. Nice blue ones for our baby boy- makes a difference from all of the white, yellow and green ones we've stocked up.


I'll try and regularly post updates when I have time. Just want to spend it all with Ollie and Liam at the minute.

Oh, and thanks to everyone for their well wishes and congratulations.

Our New Arrival

Well the wait is finally over....

Liam Daniel Reynolds arrived on Saturday, 8 December at 12:38 am. He's a big boy- over 23 inches long and 10lbs, 2 ozs. Below is his first picture...

I wish I could say labour was fun, but they don't call it labour for nothing. My waters broke at 2 am on Friday morning and I was so excited that I took a shower and shaved my legs (which was near impossible) and got all ready to go into hospital. I didn't want to go in too early, so I waited until my contractions were around 5 minutes apart and lasting for over 30 seconds. We went down to hospital at 5:30 am and they admitted me. I was only 1 cm dilated and they transferred me to a ward to wait for me to go into established labour. I'm not sure if it's because I was so exhausted or because I was put onto a post natal ward because they had no room in the antenatal ward, but I laboured there all freakin' day. The pains started to become much much worse around 6:30 and after an examination put me at 3 to 4 cm dilated, I was transferred down to the labour suite. This was a much more relaxed atmosphere. There weren't screaming babies and visitors in and out. I was labouring hard from 8:30 to 11:00 when I was fully dilated and started to push. It took me ages to get this big kid out! Over an hour and a half of pushing!! I used gas and air, which I didn't like and got a shot of pethidine which I don't think worked. By the time I decided on the epidural it was too late, so I had to go it alone! Ollie was brilliant throughout, but I think he's been a bit traumatised from the whole incident. I screamed as though I was being killed. Ugh, it was pretty horrible. But all worth it in the end when our beautiful baby was placed in my arms.

Think he looks massive in this picture... need to not put him in horizontal stripes! And do you love the throw back to John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever??

I had a few complications after the birth because of his size and the size of the placenta. I lost a lot of blood and my hemoglobin levels dropped from 12 to 7. I needed 2 transfusions and I'm still only up to 7.8. They considered giving me another transfusion, but I was so eager to get home. I was on a shared ward with about 7 other women and babies. It was impossible to get much sleep and I think that's really what I need to fully recover. I'm still really weak and haven't gotten my appetite back, but I'm at home with Ollie and our beautiful new son and over the moon!

Proud daddy...

At home with my new man...

Still effing pregnant...

Right, offically over due and not a happy bunny. I had all of these great signs last week, but this kid isn't ready to go anywhere! Each night I would go to bed all optimistic and excited that I'd be woken up with a strong contraction and rush off to the hospital, but each morning I have woken up disappointed and rather pissed off. I'm done! This turkey is ready, but the freakin plastic popper thing hasn't popped up!! UGHHHH!!!!

Breathe. Okay, so I went for reflexology again today and she worked hard on my uterus, cervix and general lady areas- on my feet of course. She did say that a few sessions can help to bring on labour, but I'm not getting my hopes up anymore and set myself up for a let down. I just need to focus on other things. I remember when we started trying to get pregnant at the beginning of the year. I went off alcohol and was eating 9 portions of fruit and veg a day and taking my temperature and plotting my ovulation cycle/ fertility times... made it super sexy for Ollie. I was so disappointed each month when I got my period. Then in March I went to London for a conference, had a good piss up and forgot about it... and then I got pregnant. I guess it's true when they say a watched kettle never boils. I'm going to try and take my mind off of it and maybe that will do the trick!

I'm scheduled for induction this Sunday, 9 December, so baby should be here by this time next week. I really hope s/he decides to make an appearence before then because I'm really not looking forward to induction, but what will be will be.

Hope to post some good news and pictures of our beautiful wee baby soon! Till then...

Ready and waiting...

Well I'm offically 40 weeks. The due date has arrived and there has been a bit of activity. I visited the doctor on Wednesday and when she asked if I would like an internal, I eagerly jumped at the chance. Ouch! Not terribly pleasent, but don't think it will be anything in comparison to what is to come! She said the head was fully engaged and after the internal I was around 1 to 2 cm dilated. She did a scan and the weight was 4.5 kg, which is nearly 10 lbs! I nearly freaked, but she said that it's never an acurate reading at this stage. She did, however, say we'll be having a 9 pounder... not going to be fitting into all of the clothes for much longer!

Last night I bounced around on my ball for a good 10 minutes before bed. Straight after I had to go to the bathroom and had my show. I was so excited. It's totally gross, but I know it is a good sign that things are getting ready down there. I'm just hopeful that the baby will be here before the end of the weekend.

Here's a picture of me at 40 weeks... massive!!

On another note, I have some very sad news to report. Our friends Marguerite and Ruairi were expecting twins in December. We were all so excited to be pregnant together. Marguerite went into labour last Wednesday night and had two wee boys, James and Jack on Thanksgiving day. There were complications and James, the larger of the two was very poorly and put onto a ventilator. Sadly, he passed in his father's arms on Tuesday after his ventilator was turned off. Today was the funeral. I was a bit worried about going because I didn't know how I would react, but I knew it was important to be there for Marguerite and Ruairi. It was the sadest thing I have ever seen. I didn't stop crying the entire service and my heart is broken for them. It was horrible to see the little white coffin and they were both in pieces. But they were supported by at least 100 friends and family that came to be with them on this sad day.

These events make me want to meet our little one even more. Just to hold him or her and make sure s/he is okay. Kiss your children and loved ones tonight and remember how precious our time is with them.

The home stretch

Well I'm entering my last week of pregnancy and I am completely sick and tired of it. I'm trying to stay positive and happy, but to be honest I just want it to be over. I want my body back, even if it's going to be completely different than it was. I long to sleep on my stomach and my back and be able to bend over and touch my toes.

Ollie and I went to see American Gangster (only came out over here) and then for an Indian on Saturday night. I woke up about 4 in the morning with some tummy pains, like period pains and though 'oh my god, this is it'. I was so excited that I was up until 6 am waiting for the next contraction and for them to get quicker and stronger, but no dice. I fell asleep disappointed and woke up for mass in the worst mood. This wasnt' helped by visiting our new house to see that the roof tiles have STILL not been put up. It's the same as it was 3 weeks ago and the other side of the street is progressing more and they're not even supposed to be ready until the end of February!

Anyway, I'm continuing with the spicy foods, getting in some long walks, bouncing like mad on my birthing ball... trying pretty much anything to get this kid out! I was with the midwife on Monday and she says the baby's head is about 2cms above my pelvis, which is good news and indicates engagement is right around the corner. Let that corner be today and that baby be ready on Friday!!

I'm just dying to meet him or her. I want to see what his or her face looks like and dress him or her up in all of the new clothes.

I went on a bit of a re-arranging craze on Monday (must be nesting). I re-organised our room and the spare room to get our mattress out from behind our bed, the crib beside our bed and everything all ready for little one's arrival. Here's a picture of the crib...

...we had to go for something quite small to fit in the room. We don't anticipate our long legged child to be in the crib for more than 3 months, by which time we'll be in our own house and have a proper nursery for him or her.

We also picked up the car seat and a travel cot (pictured below).

The store is holding onto our pram (see picture) until after the baby is born- we have no room for it. The pram matches the car seat (couldn't find our fabric in the pram pictures).

Right, well that's all for now. Hope the next post announces the arrival of our little one!!!

More belly shots

Sorry for the delay on these, but better late then never. I'm getting huge!

36 1/2 weeks...

38 weeks...

33 Weeks

I had a physio appointment today. I have been having rather horrible lower back pain and have started getting pain on the left side of my pelvis. Great appointment- loads of massaging and cold and hot compresses. Totally relaxing. Then I got fit for this gorgeous (sarcasm) back/pelvic support strap. Super sexy (sarcasm again)! I will have Ollie take a picture of me in it- that is if he can withstand the urge to ravish me with it on! Barbara, my physio, said she thought I looked brilliant. I was carrying really well- all to the front, my skin looks brilliant- no marks or stretches and once I was in the support she said 'wow, you've really kept your waist'. I didn't think I had a waist left.

So pregnancy is coming along well, I guess. Heartburn/indigestion is still plaguing me now and then and I'm exhausted most of the time. My feet, legs and hands are still pretty swollen. I'll get pictures up soon of them too. They just look ridiculous. I'm counting down the days until I go off on maternity. I finish on the 30th, taking 2 1/2 weeks of annual leave and then start my maternity 2 weeks early. I'm not back in work until the 2nd of June! Woo-hoo!! I can't wait. I have so much to do before the baby arrives. I’ll need to give a big clean to the room and want to sort through some boxes in the garage. I have 3 assignments for university to complete- I really want to get them out of the way before the baby arrives. This way I’ll only have the 1 exam to study for in January.

I’m keeping up with the pregnancy yoga and have another class tonight. Once I’m on maternity full time, I plan to take a nice long walk each day. We have a large park about 5 minutes walk from the house. I think the fresh air and light exercise will do me all of the good. And I’ve heard it’s the best thing for getting the wee one ready for arrival.

I just can’t wait! I started to get really excited around week 30. And now I know this little person will definitely be with us in less than 9 weeks. They will take me in for induction at 10 days over, but I’m really trying to stay positive that this little one will be sick of having no room and want to get out as soon as possible!

The baby is so active. I mean super active! They say the average is around 10 or 12 periods of movement a day. This kid is on twice as much. I’m sure I would complain if s/he weren’t moving about enough, but this baby is so strong and my ribs so sore! The people at work probably think I’m nuts because I’m always talking to my belly and saying ‘will you please give me some peace!’

Baby is comfortably laying downwards, with his/her head towards the left side of my pelvis and his/her back going up the right side of my belly. A few people commented today that they thought the baby was dropping, but I think I always carried pretty low and feel like I’m a bit higher than before if anything. I don’t know. I just can’t wait to hear the word ‘engaged’ and then I’ll start getting excited.

More Belly Shots

Finally got these downloaded from my camera!

30 weeks

32 1/2 weeks

Loads of growth, eh??

30 weeks… the countdown begins

Passed the 30 week mark on Friday and this last trimester has brought a whole host of new and fun things. I have developed the most evil heartburn/indigestion. It is relentless and wakes me up at night. I’m trying to cut out spicy foods (although I love them) and acidic fruits- oranges are my favourite at the minute. I carry around gaviscon (heartburn tablets) with me at all times. My feet are still swollen and I’ve signed up for reflexology classes at our hospital- hope they ring soon. I have heard that they can really alleviate the aches and pains if used consistently. My back is killing me- lower back especially. I am finding it difficult to get comfortable sitting, standing, sleeping. My bras are going to have to go- the underwire is digging into me like mad and baby seems to have discovered my ribs. Boy, this kid is a kicker. I seriously thought s/he was having a fit the other day when I received consistent punches/kicks to my left side for at least 1 minute straight. This baby is beating me up! My appetite has not subsided. I think I’m carrying pretty low, so the baby mustn’t be up against my stomach just yet.

We had our 30 week appointment/scan on Wednesday. The scan wasn’t terribly clear because baby has gotten so big. Seriously big. I was 29 weeks and 5 days at the scan and this baby weighs nearly 2 kilograms (1.85kg=4.07lbs). We are over the 90th centile for weight. See the chart I have reproduced below showing Baby Reynolds bigger than the average ‘big baby’. Oh joy.

They say the baby usually gains ½ lb a week, so if I go the full 40 weeks the baby should be around 9lbs. But the way this kid is growing, I could have a 11 pounder (I have just crossed my legs at the thought). I had blood tests done to check everything is okay. The doctor was really pleased with my growth and how everything was looking with baby. She said I shouldn’t really be worried about the weight because Ollie and I are so tall, so we’ll most likely have a longer baby which could account for the high weight. She didn’t change my due date, but said the growth indicates the baby is ahead of schedule and estimating the due date is just that- an estimation. I’m still hopeful that I will go a couple of weeks early- I hear your sniggers!

I have another picture of belly to post. Will do tomorrow as I don’t have my camera in work with me.

Belly shots are finally here...

18 weeks... think I may have been sucking in a little...

21 weeks...

24 weeks...

I'll have Ollie take another picture tonight, my 28 week shot. I've certainly gotten bigger since the last time!

The Rash

I've been pretty lucky throughout my pregnancy. I didn't have any morning sickness. I didn't have any major issues with exhaustion or irritability (I'm sure Ollie would disagree). I've been a pretty smug mummy so far... until now. I have developed a horrible rash all over my belly. I thought it was brought on by switching from my Palmer's Cocoa Butter lotion to Bio Oil, but I've not used that damn stuff in over a week and it's still here!

I visited the doctor last Friday and he gave me a hydro cortisone cream and said 'it's just folietus, an inflammation of the hair follicles'. What a load of crap. It's not gotten any better and the other night I could not sleep from the itching. So on Monday I booked another appointment and googled pregnancy rash. Big mistake. Why do I insist on self-diagnosis?? It's not a good thing for a semi-hypochondriac to do. I was convinced I had all of these ailments and was going to put my baby at risk. But I didn't stop there, I had to google image it as well. Lovely. So then I thought I would get the horrible rashes and lesions I saw. Stupid move, Reynolds, stupid move.

I saw a different doctor yesterday. She was lovely and took more time to listen to my concerns and skin rash medical history. She was about my age, I think. She phoned the maternity clinic to double check anything she prescribed me was okay for baby and confirmed that she thought it was a pregnancy rash as well. Unfortunately there's not much you can do. I don't have a severe case, it's more annoying than anything. I'm on an antihistamine and another cream. Hope it subsides at least.

Pictures of my lovely belly will follow shortly...

Belly Shots

I know, I know. I have been religiously taking the belly shots, but in our recent move I've completely misplaced the lead for the camera. I'm going to try and hook up my printer tonight- it has a section to insert your SD card. I think I should be able to save the pictures that way.

Keep looking back! I will get them on here eventually.

27 weeks, 4 days

Attended my 3D scan last night. We are not offered these scans on the NHS, so we went to a private clinic on the Lisburn Road, 352 Medical Consulting. We had to pay £230 for a ½ hour, but in my opinion it was totally worth it. The radiologist was lovely. We did a short structural scan in 2D and then the 3D scans. It was such and amazing experience. She took a few pictures, but allowed the scan to just run at most intervals (when baby was cooperating). We saw the baby yawn and smile (I think it’s a smile) and drink and rub its wee eye with its wee hand. I’m in love. I was in love already, but it seems so much more real now. My dvd programme on my laptop allows me to capture single frames (like taking a picture), so I’ve got some pretty cool ones below…

Our gorgeous baby smiling…

The little angel…

I’m really happy that we had the scan done. I played the dvd about 10 times last night when we got home. I think it will make the last few weeks a lot easier to get through. I’m just so excited to meet him/her in person!

Everyone has been saying baby looks like a boy… what do you think??

25 weeks, 5 days

I had another hospital appointment. I think they have actually mixed up my times and given me a few extra appointments. I’m not complaining… I suppose any chance to check on the bun in the oven is a good thing. It was a fairly quick scan, blood pressure check and check for protein in my urine (all came back fine). The doctor asked if we had found out the sex and I said ‘no, but I’m dying to know’. He then teased me a bit and said that he knew and could tell me. I REALLY REALLY want to know!! I know it will make the last few weeks more exciting and maybe I'll be able to deal with the labour a bit better, but I just want to know dammit!

He took measurements of the abdomen and our little one looks like a porker!! The baby’s measurements put him/her at 27 weeks, 1 day- a whole 10 days ahead of schedule. S/he is also 1.01 kg or 2.23 pounds! Already!! This puts him/her in the 90th centile- I still don’t fully understand what that means, but I’m guessing it means that s/he is above average. The doctor actually said, ‘you’re sure feeding your little one well’. Cheeky bugger! Considering I am really lacking on the baby bump front, I was just thrilled to know that some of my weight gain is actually made up of the baby! I’m 15 pounds up. Which is a bit much, really- but since the baby is pretty heavy??

I have no energy. I attribute this entirely to the fact that I am not exercising at all. It’s completely ridiculous and will change today. I’m in yoga tonight, but it’s not the most aerobic thing I could be doing. I know my energy levels will improve once I get my fat arse up and start moving about. I need to stop being so lazy. I have no excuses anymore- no house to worry about, no moving to be frustrated over… just need to get this booty of mine moving!! Walking is free. Plus, I’m still paying a freakin’ gym membership. Hello???
I’m going to start looking at prams and furniture this weekend while Ollie is in Liverpool. I haven’t had any money, nor has my head been in the right place to think about all of the stuff I need for the little one. I’m going to start compiling lists of things I/we need and prices and (hopefully) allocating them out to the relatives to buy! He he. Baby shower & bridal showers are not the done thing over here, so I don’t get the advantage of a bunch of pre-chosen gifts before baby’s arrival. That’s not to say that you don’t get gifts, but I would dare say they’ll be more than likely clothes rather than more practical items. I think I might still do a bit of a list and casually mention it to friends.

23 weeks

The back pain continues. It’s almost unbearable at the end of the day. I mentioned this to the midwife at my last midwife appointment (7 weeks ago), but I’m not sure if she took me seriously. She seemed to be attributing it to a bit of weight gain and hormones. I’ve got to get this sorted out! Hopefully the yoga will help.

The baby is kicking like mad!! I was reading a book the other night in bed and I got this serious kick on the right side of my belly. Some force to it! It really took me off guard. The movements are also throughout the day, rather than just at night. The baby is stirring like mad. I feel a bit of movement when I wake up, mid morning, lunchtime, afternoon… this kid is up all of the time.

I’ve been really fortunate throughout my pregnancy in that I’ve not really had to pee like mad. I only get up once a night to run to the bathroom and I only really go two or three times during the day- which is pretty normal really. I was carrying a bit lower at the start, but seem like I’m carrying a bit higher now. I guess the baby isn’t pressing down on my bladder just yet. Latest pictures show I’m getting a bit bigger.

I’ve just started reading ‘Diary of a mad mother to be,’ on my friend Anna’s recommendation (she’s due at the beginning of November). It’s a great read- definitely a funny and engaging book. And my God, it’s like this woman is me. Seriously! All of the little neurotic tendencies I have, she has. It is great- I don’t feel like I’m totally mad.

22 weeks, 6 days

I started my pregnancy yoga class. It’s great. Totally packed…. I didn’t realise there were so many of us preggos! I’m going with a friend from work who’s 5 weeks behind me. I also saw a friend, Deborah, at the class. But it didn’t really matter if you knew anyone or not- you got to know the people beside you very well. It was fun and very entertaining. We started off by doing some relaxation (totally need this) and then went into some movements. I’ve taken yoga on and off since I was in grade school (first time I went was with my Aunt- I think I was around 9 or 10). And I’ve always gone back to it. I’m blessed with great flexibility, so I enjoy the stretching and contortion. It’s not very advanced when you are pregnant- no mystic dancer for me! She also puts in little exercises and movements for common complaints- we all list any issues we are having at the beginning of class and she incorporates that into the class. I’ve been suffering a bit from swelling of my legs and ankles. Seems that my flight back home and the hot, humid weather was the catalyst and I’ve never recovered! So, apparently celery and pineapple juice help get rid of the problem.

It’s actually quite physical! My legs were quite sore from squatting down with my partner for the night, Diane (I think, this pregnesia is wiping out my memory). Over the next 6 weeks, I’ll learn techniques for relaxation, labour and after. I might then book another 6 week course bringing me close up to my due date.

Scanning the room, I was checking out the size of people’s bumps who were around the same week as me… I’m definitely hiding it well. There were some big bumps in there- mine the smallest and by far from what I could see.

Oh, I had on a pair of loose sweatpants and my ‘Rage against the machine’ t-shirt. I think I’ll try for a more maternal t-shirt next time!

21 weeks, 5 days

I had my structural scan done this week. What an amazing experience! We spent more than an hour with the consultant looking at every little bit of the baby. We decided not to find out the sex- although I’m just dying to know!! Ollie said, ‘it’s a boy,’ because I guess he thought he saw a little pee-pee, but I think you might have to have a bit of training in order to see it with the naked eye. I couldn’t tell. We looked at the baby’s head and saw all the parts of the cranium and little brain inside developing. We looked at the spine and feet, legs, arms, hands. This baby is super active! I’ve been feeling him/her for a couple of weeks now, but the kicks and punches are getting so much stronger! We took a long time to look at the heart and could hear the heart beating. Checked out the kidneys and hips and took loads of measurements. This baby is pretty big- all of the estimates are putting him/her around 1 week ahead of schedule (hopefully, my delivery will be ahead of schedule too!). My placenta and uterus are both looking lovely- whatever that means. All in all we’re doing really well.

A few pictures of baby will be added shortly...

S/he wouldn’t give us a profile shot. Just kept looking straight in the direction of the scanner- such a poser! Moving his/her hands around like crazy. Kind of looks like s/he is waving…

16 Weeks

Well, here is the belly in all its glory at 16 weeks. I think I’m starting to show, but no one else agrees. It just looks like I’m either retaining a lot of water or I’ve been drinking a bit too much beer.

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First Scan

We had our first scan on Wednesday. I must say I wasn't wholey impressed by the experience. It felt like a deli counter... take a number and wait to move into another queue. You are able to go private here at an additional cost, but everyone that I know has gone with shared care- midwife lead, with your scans and any other major exams with a consultant at the hospital. They put us in the wrong queue and we were seen by the doctor who normally sees later pregnancies. She was very quick and a bit impersonal. The scan she gave us was very unclear and she spent no time showing us the different parts of the baby or really giving us a chance to enjoy the experience. Finally the nurse in attendance said 'I think you may have been placed in the wrong queue, we don't normally see patients this early on in their pregnancy'. We were then taken to another room and the doctor was much better. He did a great scan, pointing out the foot and arm, showing different angles. My placenta looks lovely... but of course! The measurements put the baby at 6 days older, but no change to my due date. The printer wasn't working so I had to use my lovely new mobile to take a picture.

Not a bad picture, huh? S/he was moving around quite a bit... almost raving inside my belly. Gorgeous little thing, huh??? I was a bit disappointed that I couldn't get a proper picture, but at least the baby is okay. And I am feeling more optimistic about my future experiences at the hospital. I'm considering a 3D scan at 352 Medical Consulting. It's a bit expensive, but seems like an awesome experience. We'll get dvds and loads of pictures... as long as I can get an appointment.

Okay, well I will need to get a move on it. We have tons of packing to get started on. Will post more pictures soon.

"Past the vulnerable stage..."

Well I'm 12 1/2 weeks and officially 'past the vulnerable stage'. I took the opportunity to spill the beans to everyone at work. I had actually told a good few people over the past few weeks, but told my boss and my other colleagues on Friday. Everyone is so excited for me. Ollie and I are super excited too!!

I just can't wait to get my scan... next Wednesday. I know it will make the whole pregnancy so much more real (especially since I really don't feel pregnant). And it will make it more real for Ollie.

I've booked Ann's spa break... I can't get any of the massages because I'm pregnant and they don't have a prenatal message therapist... so it's going to have to be a facial and a manicure for me... I suppose it could be worse.

Okay, well I'll have more to report after the scan next week... SO EXCITED!!!

First Midwife Appointment

Well I had my first midwife appointment on Monday. It was mostly just answering questions about medical history. They also took my blood for a bunch of different tests. I usually have a nightmare giving blood, but the midwife got it on the first try... always a good sign.

My first scan is set for the 30th of May. I couldn't make the first appointment on the 16th because I'm in London, so I'll be 14 weeks. I'm not going to opt for the 3D scan until my 22 weeks scan. Because it's national healthcare here, 3D scans are considered a bit of a luxury and come with a fee. While not too expensive, the midwife suggested waiting until there's a bit more to actually see. I actually had to reschedule the appointment a couple of times. Susan (Ollie's sister), myself and Ollie's mum's best friend Eileen are taking her to Donegal for a luxury spa break for her 60th birthday and we're supposed to leave that day. It's a bit awkward- the 'shared care option'. You see the midwives in the doctor's office for most of your appointments, go to the hospital and meet with your ob/gyn consultant for scans and any other invasive tests, and then meet with the midwives at the hospital for the remainder of your consultations. So anyway, I am assigned to 1 consultant and she's does the scans every other Wednesday afternoon- so unflexible, right? Anyway, so I was originally scheduled for 3:30pm and that was a bit too late, so I asked the receptionist if there were any earlier appointments and she said 'you're in luck, the 2 o'clock had a miscarriage'. Can you believe that? How horrible is that? I did take the earlier appointment, but didn't feel it was luck that let me get it.

I hope my next interaction with the reception isn't as insensitive.

Still no sickness, no nothing really. I can't wait to get this scan- I'll finally feel like I'm actually pregnant.

7 week itch

Keeping this quiet has become quite a challenge! I figured, why not start a blog and you'll be able to share your feelings without telling anyone. Good idea, right? Not so when you use the internet. I didn't realise this blog would be listed under my profile, so God knows how many people know. Well, what's done is done and I enjoy having an outlet. I really can't wait for these next few weeks to be up and then I can tell everyone!!

So, 7 weeks. I should be feeling sick, but I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. I was on the phone with my Grandmother over the weekend and she told me that she never felt any sickness when she was pregnant with my mom and Aunt. Then my mom mentioned that she never felt any sickness with me or my brother. Happy days! I'm not really feeling much of anything... except constipation. Glad I shared that one, knew you were wondering. I've been increasing my water intake, but to no avail. Still have this metalic taste in my mouth, but no other symptoms. I guess I shouldn't be complaining- who wants to be sick, right?

Just waiting for our first midwife appointment so I can find out more about what the months ahead hold for me. I'm sure it's going to be super fun! Woo-hoo a little person is growing inside of me. I'm also letting myself believe that labour is going to be a synch. This little baby is just going to slide on out! Let me live in own little world, I'm happy there.

Congratulations, you're pregnant

I visited the nurse at my doctor's office today. I needed to confirm 100% that I was pregnant. I had no problem giving a sample seeing as I'm using the bathroom three times as much as I usually do. She did a test then and there and also sent a sample off. I was so excited when she said 'congratulations, you're pregnant,' I really had to stop myself from doing a little dance around the treatment room. She has initially estimated my delivery date as the 28th of November. I've made my first appointment to see the midwife for the 23rd of April. I'm so excited!

I told Ollie's mom today and she cried with joy. She then had to tell Ollie's sister, Susan, who was over the moon as well. Ollie's still in a bit of shock, but really excited to be a dad.

I hope that the next few weeks go smoothly. I am going back to the gym and getting a medium to low impact exercise regime designed for me. I'm letting myself enjoy the next couple of days, but the hard work begins on Monday. I want to be fit, fit, fit when I have this baby!

Well, that's all for now...

It's positive

I had gotten my hopes up again when I was 4 days late this month. After 2 unsuccessful months, I didn't want to be disappointed. I had Ollie pick up a pregnancy test from Boots and when I returned from my conference in Dublin I took the test. I was anxious and nervous and praying for a blue plus sign to appear. It was a bit faint at first and my hopes were crushed, but then Ollie read the instructions more closely and it said it didn't matter if it was faint. As the next few minutes passed by, the lines got darker and darker. I was so excited that I started jumping up and down in the bathroom. It looks as though my prayers to St Gerard have worked!

Ollie was worried about me getting my hopes up. We've known a few people that have had miscarriages lately and didn't want to face that upset. He wants to keep the pregnancy hush hush until we're around 3 months along. I completely understand and agree, but I am horrible at keeping secrets like this!

I'm off to the doctor's tomorrow to get a proper test and discuss next steps. I don't fully understand the pre natal care system here. My experience has always been- you go to your OB/GYN and that's who you will deal with for the duration of your pregnancy. Although there is that option available here, it seems to be for special cases on the NHS or you have to pay extra and go private. The normal course of action is midwife lead care. I'm a little unsure of how everything will work, but I hope the next few weeks all will become clear.

So, how am I feeling? Well, my breasts are incredibly sore and I feel really tired. I don't have any morning sickness, but I've heard that it may not start for another few weeks. I really hope I don't have any sickness. I'm super excited and finding it really hard to hide the smile on my face. I'll try my best to keep it under my hat, but think that will be easier said than done.

I'm continuing my prayers to St Gerard to make sure the pregnancy goes well. My aim is to update this log every couple of weeks. I'll soon add pictures once I begin to show. I'm so excited to be a mom!!!