Pregnancy - 18 week update

How far along?  18 weeks

How big is baby?  The size of a bell pepper according to my app, around 14.5 cm and 190 g.  I also have a new app that compares it to unusual animals instead of fruit and veg - so this week baby is the size of a sugar glider!

Total weight gain/loss?  I'm 56.2 kg today so I'm still 2.3 kg down on where I started.  I keep seeing things about how to prevent excessive weight gain and when to be concerned, but nobody tells you when to be concerned about NOT gaining weight!  Since I've started gaining weight I've gained 0.9 kg (around 2 lbs) in 4 weeks which is not horrendous but it's dipped back down in between as well and people keep saying I'm tiny and don't have a bump at all so I'm starting to worry about little Pip's growth.

Waist?  29.5 inches so I'm the same as 2 weeks ago.  However, I'm measuring around my belly button and I seem to be growing outwards a little lower.  Either way it's still a big increase from where I started, especially considering the weight loss, so I'm guessing little Pip is growing fine.

Stretchmarks?  No new ones - the old ones on my hips and inner thighs have got a bit more noticeable but maybe that's just because I'm spending a lot of time looking at myself!

Maternity clothes?  None - I did try and buy some bigger dresses earlier from Primark but it was a bit of a disaster.  I thought buying bigger sizes rather than maternity clothes might be the way to go but because I'm so tiny everywhere else, they just hang off my shoulders and are generally a poor fit.  I also tried a few maxi dresses but even in small sizes they drag along the floor because I'm only just over 5 feet tall.  Guess I'll actually have to buy maternity dresses - I've been working lots overtime so I can afford to treat myself a little!

Sleep?  The odd bad night here and there but thanks to some relaxation tracks getting to sleep (which used to be the hardest bit of sleeping for me) is now a breeze.  Seeing as they've worked so well I've ordered my hypobirthing CD/book this week too!

Best moment this week?  Finding out one of my best friends is having a little boy!!  I have a few friends who are pregnant at the moment and they're all having girls, I was beginning to think boys were going out of existence.  It's made me super excited to find out what our little Pip is... in another 5 months!

Movement?  Still nothing definite enough for me to confirm it.

Food cravings?  Jazz apples - which is a bit of a pain because I get heartburn every time I eat an apple thanks to the acidity.

Food aversions?  Nothing really.  Now I seem to be able to stomach everything again I'm focusing on getting my diet back on track and eating plenty of healthy foods to help Pip grow, instead of binging on whatever I'm craving.

Gender?   I really have no idea.

Labour signs?  Definitely not.

Pregnancy symptoms?  I've started to spot a few varicose veins on the top of my feet and on my lower legs - only very faint at the moment though.  My feet were killing me when we went shopping earlier, despite only being out for about an hour and a half - this could be my EDS having a flare up day or could be pregnancy related, we'll wait and see.

Belly button in or out?  In.

What I miss?  People at work not knowing I was pregnant.  They seem to always have some comment to make - not always positive - and seem to think it's perfectly acceptable to tell me I "look like shit" (a direct quote from a colleague).  Pre-pregnancy they would never have thought that was acceptable so I'm not sure why they do now, it's a good job I'm not sensitive and had actually already thought I looked like shit. 

What I am looking forward to?  It might be a pipe dream but I really want to start glowing - this week I've noticed, especially on photos from a BBQ at the weekend, that I look really pale, I have giant bags under my eyes and my cheeks are quite drawn.  It's odd that I look so bad because I feel a LOT more energised, so hopefully my inner feelings will start showing on the outside sometime soon.

Upcoming appointments/scans?  I have my 20 week scan on 19th June and see the midwife again on 19th July.

Weekly wisdom?  This week my wisdom is for everyone, not just pregnant ladies - be careful what you let out of your mouth!  Sudden weight gain, looking tired and various other body changes are commonly accepted in pregnancy but it doesn't mean a woman might not be having difficulty accepting them.  Just because there's a reason for them, it doesn't make it okay for you to make comments that you wouldn't ordinarily make and that are, quite frankly, downright rude.  Asking someone if they're feeling okay because they look a bit tired is probably acceptable (although I'd err on the side of caution as you have no idea what hormonal response you might get) but openly telling someone they look awful, when they probably already feel self conscious, is just unnecessary.  Trying asking them how they're feeling, instead of telling them how they look.

Milestones?  I've not hit any particular milestones this week - I did think there'd be some maternity clothes shopping going on but it didn't go as well as hoped so nothing exciting to report!  From my point of view though, I have noticed that when I look down I can see my bump even in baggier clothes as things are starting to pull across it a little bit.

Bump picture:

In the last couple of pictures on here I've just looked kinda chubby/bloated but I feel like there's an actual bump shape starting to develop now and I am SO in love with it!  It may be tiny but it's definitely there and definitely growing.

I should be a Boy Scout!

It's been a long while since I wrote a post, aside from my weekly pregnancy updates, but I've actually had some time to sit down today and write.

I've decided that I should have joined the Boy Scouts as a child.  Their motto is "Always Be Prepared" and I LOVE being prepared.  I love making lists.  I love arranging and rearranging things.  I love knowing everything is in place well before it needs to be.

This has particularly occurred to me today when I realised that I'm not even halfway through my pregnancy, yet we have a hell of a lot of stuff already!  We have all the big stuff and a lot of bits and bobs as well, the only thing we're not really finished with is clothes and we will need to get more nappies etc. as we go but I'm running out of space until we have the nursery decorated and set up to put everything in.

So today I got everything together (as it's been sitting all around the house in various bags and boxes) and put it all out on the bed to take stock:

Here we have all our "bits and bobs".  There's a bouncer, breastfeeding pillow, bedding, blankets, bottles, various brands of nappies, baby wipes, other toiletries, a baby carrier, bibs, muslins and an array of clothes.  

I made a checklist of all the things we need, ticked off everything on here and we seem to be well over halfway.  We also have the big stuff such as cot, mattress, Moses basket, furniture, pushchair and car seat - but they are all being stored at my grandparents' house at the moment until we have the nursery decorated.

I feel SO much better for having a comprehensive list of everything and now we can just buy a couple of bits each week to tick off, ready for baby's arrival.  

What were your essentials when you had your baby?  Was there anything you bought that you never used or found to be a waste of money?  What about things you didn't buy beforehand but then rushed out to get later on?

PS:  I will be reviewing some of these items - such as the Cleva Cushion and the baby carrier once they are in use, but you'll have to wait until November for that!

Pregnancy - 17 week update

How far along?  17 weeks

How big is baby?  The size of a turnip according to my apps this week, around 13 cm and 140 g.

Total weight gain/loss?  I completely forgot to weigh myself this morning so I'm not sure!

Waist?  I'm only measuring my waist every couple of weeks.

Stretchmarks?  No new ones - fingers crossed lathering cocoa butter all over myself before bed every night is helping (it's definitely not helping my PJs and bed linen which are having to be washed excessively often due to getting all greasy from the cocoa butter).

Maternity clothes?  Still nothing - I've got a couple of bigger bras now but not actual maternity ones.

Sleep?  Mostly pretty good.

Best moment this week?  I haven't really had a stand out moment this week - all in all it's been a pretty naff week.  I may have felt baby move and if I was sure, then that would easily be the best moment but I need to feel a bit more to confirm!

Movement?  See above - I have some "me time" where I lie down and focus on my bump every night before bed and a couple of nights I feel like I might have felt a little flutter.  But it's hard to tell because I can always feel my pulse in my stomach (odd, I know) which detracts from any other little feelings.

Food cravings?  Juicy apples!

Food aversions?  Nothing really.

Gender?   I really have no idea.

Labour signs?  Definitely not.

Pregnancy symptoms?  TMI alert!  My nipples have become quite dry to the point where the skin is starting to peel - extra moisturising for them!

Belly button in or out?  In.

What I miss?  Quality time with my mum.  It's been a hard week this week after she had a "funny turn" 6 days ago and is now in the process of being diagnosed with bipolar.  For the past 6 days she's not been herself at all, she's been very confused and delusional, she's been loud and rude, she's had no concept of time (texting/calling me at 2am or 4am thinking it's morning and I'd be getting ready for work).   The doctors also want to rule out a stroke but we are pretty sure it's bipolar with episodic psychosis - she's suffered with depression for my entire life and, in hindsight, the signs of bipolar were probably there.  I'm trying to look after her as much as I can whilst not getting too stressed because of baby.  Fortunately, she's staying with my grandparents who are keeping a very close eye on her, but as they're both nearly 80 it's hard for them and they're starting to look exhausted as well.  They all live about 30 miles away from us so I've been doing a lot of trekking back and forth.  I just hope she regains some normality before baby is born as she was so excited about it and I don't want her missing out.

What I am looking forward to?  Getting the above sorted with some professional help :)

Upcoming appointments/scans?  I have my 20 week scan on 19th June and see the midwife again on 19th July.

Weekly wisdom?  Baby comes first.  I've always felt myself very responsible for my mum and put her needs before mine.  This time, I've had a far more practical response to her issues and made sure to take care of myself as well because of little Pip.  The funny thing is, because I've distanced myself a little bit and ensured I don't get too stressed out, I've actually been able to take better care of her than I would normally.

Milestones?  No big milestones this week, still marveling at the amazing thing my body is doing though!

Bump picture:

I thought my bump had shrunk a bit but actually I think the rest of me is just filling out to match it!

Pregnancy - 16 week update

How far along?  16 weeks

How big is baby?  The size of an avocado ato according to my apps this week, around 11.5 cm and 100 g.

Total weight gain/loss?  56kg so I am definitely starting to put a little bit on, which I'm happy about.

Waist?  29.5 inches!  That's 4.5 inches (almost 20%) on my waist - so all the people telling me there's "nothing there" are clearly underestimating how slim I was before!

Stretchmarks?  Only the ones that have been there for years.

Maternity clothes?  Nope.

Sleep?  I've had the odd bad night where I've struggled to sleep but mostly okay.

Best moment this week?  Hearing baby's heartbeat today with ALS at the midwife appointment - I got to hear it on Monday with the consultant but he missed it due to a parking disaster so I just felt guilty and upset that he wasn't there.

Movement?  Nothing yet - hopefully not too long until I start feeling it though.

Food cravings?  Nothing in particular this week.

Food aversions?  Nothing really.

Gender?   I really have no idea.

Labour signs?  Definitely not.

Pregnancy symptoms?  Nothing new this week, although I'm quite irritable.

Belly button in or out?  In.

What I miss?  I'm absolutely loving being pregnant but I miss not feeling like I owe everyone something.  I'd not outwardly told my work colleagues, aside from one friend, (and they have a limited view on Facebook because I don't like to mix my work and personal life) but I had my suspicions they may have seen bits and bobs that I'd not vetted on Facebook.  In the end I found out they knew and told them yesterday, except one woman who wasn't present.  Today she took my friend aside (the one I'd told a while ago) and said that she feels really awkward because I've not told her I'm pregnant but she knows because another colleague told her last month.  Firstly, I hadn't directly told that colleague so she's in no different a position to then.  Secondly, do I have to tell everyone individually or personally, can't I just wait til the figure it out?  Thirdly, she said she guessed months ago when I was eating ginger biscuits - because nobody who isn't pregnant can like ginger biscuits??  So tomorrow I have to go in and let her know in some way without directly telling her because then she'll know my friend told me.  It's so political.  What if I don't want to discuss it with everyone?  Work is the only place I've not been open about it because some of my colleagues are known for being overly judgmental and vocal with their opinions so I just keep myself to myself.  *sigh*

What I am looking forward to?  Starting to feel the baby move soon, hopefully!

Upcoming appointments/scans?  I have my 20 week scan on 19th June and see the midwife again on 19th July.

Weekly wisdom?  Try not to let little things stress you out - I've been really guilty of this in the last week.  Everyone has an opinion and wants to give you unsolicited advice, just smile and nod and try to tune it out without letting it get to you.  Just accept that it's your baby, your body and you generally know best.

Milestones?  Finally hearing a heartbeat!

Bump picture:

There's going to be no denying it's a baby bump soon! :D

Pregnancy - 15 week update

How far along?  15 weeks

How big is baby?  The size of a lemon or tomato according to my apps this week, around 10-11 cm and 70 g.

Total weight gain/loss?  56.3 kg today so a whole kilo on - however, I normally weigh first thing on an empty stomach but I forgot until later today so it isn't entirely accurate.

Waist?  Not measured this week.

Stretchmarks?  Only the ones that have been there for years.

Maternity clothes?  None yet but I'll have to go and get some soon I think.

Sleep?  Pretty good.  I've downloaded some free hypnobirthing tracks that focus on relaxation so I've been getting really relaxed for bedtime which has helped .  I did have to get up at 4am this morning and pt a bra on because I thought my boobs were going to fall off though!

Best moment this week?  ALS has been running fitness classes in the gym for a few weeks now and yesterday I went to one called "Beach Butt" (I've been taking it easy and working out at home lately).  I really enjoyed it and it was so nice to see him come into his own and teach confidently.  He's normally quite a shy person so it was great to see him in his element.  I can't explain how much my legs ache this morning though!

Movement?  Nothing yet - hopefully not too long until I start feeling it though.

Food cravings?  Crisps - in particular cheese and onion flavour Squares.

Food aversions?  Nothing really.

Gender?   Someone asked us the other day and ALS piped up that he really feels like it's a girl, but doesn't really know why.  I also keep picturing a girl in my head (despite always having imagined myself with a boy) so maybe Pip is trying to tell us something.

Labour signs?  Definitely not.

Pregnancy symptoms?  The usual - nausea, boobache, constipation.  However, I am starting to get my energy back, I've made it almost 2 weeks without having a nap after work!  I'll let you know when I start "glowing" haha!

Belly button in or out?  In.

What I miss?  I'm desperately craving a holiday right now - unfortunately, I don't think we'll be getting one this year as all this baby stuff is expensive.

What I am looking forward to?  Seeing my bump evolve!  Yesterday, I was really lagging behind in the class and having to do variations of some of the exercises.  Because I don't really look pregnant yet (depending on what I'm wearing), I just assumed everyone else though I was just lazy.  In reality, they probably weren't even paying attention to me but it will still be nice to be walking around with a proper bump.

Upcoming appointments/scans?  I see the Consultant on 15th May, midwife on 17th May and have my next scan on 17th June.

Weekly wisdom?  Get on top of the food shopping!  Before I was pregnant, we used to just nip to the supermarket every couple of days to stock up.  Between being more tired and working longer hours I'm finding I don't have time to go as often, then I don't have food to make lunches with, then I end up buying lunch at work - which is an expensive I could do without.  That being said, on the occasions I have planned meals in advance, by the time I've got to them I've not fancied them and ended up eating something else anyway.   Pip is very fickle!

Milestones?  We finally have a name for a girl (we've been discussing it for over a year and always only come up with boy names).  We mentioned a name a few weeks ago and it's definitely stuck now.  

Bump picture:

It's so cute I just want to stroke it all the time - also I love my panda PJs! <3

Pregnancy - 14 week update

How far along?  14 weeks

How big is baby?  The size of a lemon or tomato according to my apps this week, around 8.4 cm and 43 g.

Total weight gain/loss?  I'm now 55.3 kg but I did weigh myself this morning after being sick and throwing up a lot of stomach juices - I made up for it with a big carvery for lunch!

Waist?  28 inches - that's 3 inches bigger than when I got pregnant so there's definitely something going on in there!

Stretchmarks?  Only the ones that have been there for years.

Maternity clothes?  None yet but I'm wearing dresses a lot more as they're more comfortable and living in my leggings or PJs at home.  

Sleep?  Not bad at all this week, been waking up more feeling uncomfortable and needing to change position but I've soon dropped back off.

Best moment this week?  On Saturday we watched the boxing with some friends and someone had brought their 4 month old baby along.  ALS was actually interacting with her and making her laugh and it was beautiful to see, I can't wait to see him with our child.  He wasn't quite brave enough to hold her but he's certainly less uncomfortable around babies already! 

Movement?  Nothing yet - hopefully not too long until I start feeling it though.

Food cravings?  Nothing in particular this week.

Food aversions?  Nothing really.

Gender?   Still no idea - I keep changing my mind in my head about what I think it might be.

Labour signs?  Definitely not.

Pregnancy symptoms?  I was properly sick this morning for the first time since very early on - just after I thought it was subsiding.  I'm also pretty constipated - sorry TMI!

Belly button in or out?  In.

What I miss?  Nothing at the moment.  I'm really loving and embracing being pregnant and I'm too excited about it to worry what I'm missing.

What I am looking forward to?  Tackling the room that's going to be our nursery - on Monday we ordered our cot, mattress and bedding and emptied out the room that's going to be the baby's room.  I can't wait for the bedding to arrive so we can go and pick paint colours to match.

Upcoming appointments/scans?  I see the Consultant on 15th May, midwife on 17th May and have my next scan on 17th June.

Weekly wisdom?  Don't take things to heart!  I got a bit upset this week because a few people have said I'm not showing.  That in itself didn't bother me but I know I am showing (if only a little).  However, being a bit of a fitness freak I've always prided myself on my flat stomach so I was a bit offended that people can't tell the difference between that and now.  To anyone who doesn't know me, I don't look pregnant but for those who know me well they should be able to tell!

Milestones?  I'm now over a third of the way through pregnancy and we've bought all our "big" items!

Bump picture:

I'm quite constipated and bloated at the moment but there's also a definite bump there!  Also, check out my stupidly long spider fingers haha.