[Omnomnom:)]

I'm sure a lovely day with Grandad has helped take his mind off it. Ah, they sound like the best visitors ever! Thank you, I'm a little nervous for Friday but I'm sure it will be fine. With a date in your mind it must be so exciting knowing that you'll be bringing him home 💙.

Lots of vivid dreams of meeting our boy at the moment. They're wonderful but then I wake up sad that he's not here. I know it won't be long now. The latest they will let me go is the 18th March but I hope he's here by then! It's nice to have a latest date in mind at least. House is now officially straight. Everything set up and ready to go. Nothing to do but wait and relax ☺.

 

[hannahdaisy]

Yeah, apparently he had quite a good day with him, although Grandad didn't put him down to nap so he fell asleep in the car on the way home and then was very grumpy when he had to be woken up to come indoors! Apart from that he said he played, ate and drank well etc. Another quite bad sleep last night, waking up coughing still, and then a mammoth nap this afternoon, more than 3 hours!

Yes, for sure. Three weeks today!! Hopefully we'll be able to do some more sorting tomorrow if we can make it to nursery. Got the Snuzpod ready to set up, think we're going to make the carrycot for the pram to check that we have all of the pieces and that it all fits together as the double. Got a few hospital bag bits to still sort out too like my going home clothes, hats, bibs and socks/bootees for baby etc. Must feel so lovely to have everything ready, feel like I have lots of little jobs to do!

Hope he's here before the 18th for you too! Could be any day now really. Are you doing anything to encourage it?

 

[Omnomnom:)]

Feeling elated today! For some reason, I was on the defensive when I went into the midwife appointment but I had one of the really lovely ones who ran our antenatal class. She confirmed my GTT results and iron levels are normal, which is strange seeing as I messed the GTT up and I've hardly taken the iron meds. But oh well! Baby still engaged & could arrive at any time now. Beautiful, strong HB and a good size. I even got shown the birthing pools which was quite wonderful (if a little bit too real for me). I'm booked in for a MW on 6/3 (EDD) & she asked if I would consider a sweep which I definitely would. I would prefer not to be induced at a later date. So he really could be with us in the next fortnight or so! Aaaaaaaaaaah! I couldn't be more physically ready in myself and having everything packed but psychologically I'm not sure I'm ever going to be there until it just happens. The birthing suite number is on the fridge in huge caps so the husband doesn't need to do anything now but follow very clear instructions.

HD - It's such a relief to hear your son is improving every day. I know he had the epic nap but perhaps that's done his recovery some good. Hopefully, he's well and truly over it in time for his little brothers' arrival. Don't think you need that added stress. Less than 3 weeks for you now! They'll be here before we know it! Hows the hospital bag coming along? How are you feeling now as well? Any better than you were?

I have quite leaky boobs so apart from cleaning them and checking them more regularly (& therefore inadvertently stimulating them), I haven't done anything to encourage our LO. Kind of hoping he'll make that final decision so I don't have to, haha. 

 

[hannahdaisy]

That's great! At least you didn't have to battle about medication or anything. I agree, I don't think you ever really feel psychologically ready because you can't really imagine what's about to happen and the impact that it'll have on everything. As long as everything is packed and ready, that's all you can really do now, just wait!

He seems much better, thanks! He had quite a good time at nursery yesterday although they did say his nose was streaming, poor boy! He's slept much better the past two nights so hoping that'll continue. Feeling better in myself, although my son and partner have definitely given me their cold so I've gone straight from a sinus infection to a normal cold! Ah well.

Hospital bag is coming along ok, still need to find my going home outfit and a few little bits like snacks for the hospital, headphones etc. Need to wash some hats, bibs and socks for the baby too. Got them all out yesterday and sorted them into the different colours so now more big wash loads to do! My aunty's coming over later so that we can get some more bits done around the house. I made the carrycot for the pram yesterday and it took forever, it was so tricky! Glad we got that done in advance. Went to make the Snuzpod but none of the allen keys would fit so we're hopefully gonna get one today. That'll make it feel real, having the cot in the bedroom!

My midwife spoke to me about colostrum harvesting, has yours? They never mentioned it last time and I think it really varies from hospital to hospital. I have to say, I'm a bit too nervous in case I end up bringing on labour early!

 

[Omnomnom:)]

I know, I really couldn't believe how effortless the appointment was. Its exactly that, I mean how does anyone prepare themselves for experiencing labour, the birth of your first child and then trying to breastfeed them when you have literally no idea! 3 concurrent, overwhelming and exhausting experiences which you can't relate to until the moment you do it. I'm sure it doesn't just end at the hospital either. Aaah, it's all just daunting and yet I'm super excited as I know you only get to go through it a handful of times and each time will be different and magical in its own way. I have to be very grateful that I get to experience it at all!! ☺ That and I just can't wait to squidge him.

Fantastic that your boy is getting over his poorly spell. Typical that you ended up with a cold though! Saying that, I'm sure you'd take that over the sinus infection, that sounded downright painful. Hope you both make full recoveries and soon! You've reminded me that I need to stock up on some snacks, I've only packed boiled sweets. Its hard to know exactly what to take. Eeeek, sounds like you're almost there though. I agree about the cot. Ours is in the box as I'm worried if we set it up too quick then the kittens will claim it 😂 So lovely of your Aunty to help, bless her. We need all the support we can get. Are you packing more than one size of outfit?

No one has mentioned it to me but I agree with you, surely that would encourage the release of oxytocin? Not ideal for someone like yourself with a date in mind. I wouldn't personally harvest mine as I have no containers of any type for that and I imagine I will continue making the colostrum once he's in my arms. Whenever I dream about him I get really leaky so I'm sure I'll be fine 😄 ha. If your labour did start spontaneously before your elective date, how would it likely pan out? Is it just a case of an emergency c-section?

 

[hannahdaisy]

Exactly, it definitely doesn't just stop at the hospital. Even things like the first time you go out, the first time you take them in the car (especially on your own), I used to even get nervous taking him to the supermarket in case he got hungry and started to cry but I was in the middle of shopping and couldn't feed him haha. Just a whole new thing to get used to and learn about. Even now he's still so unpredictable, still learning! Ah I know, so exciting isn't it.

Yes, would definitely take a normal cold over a sinus infection. Hope I never have to experience that again because it was awful and just so long and drawn out! Yep, I can't quite remember what I took last time. Think I Googled it and got some good ideas. Think one of things was the packets of mini breadsticks, took some Haribo. Definitely get some Lucozade Sport. My mother-in-law also found me some Lucozade water with added electrolytes and bought that to me when she came to visit at the hospital last time. That was handy and I used it when I made squash etc.

Made the Snuzpod and it's now up and next to the bed, feels very real, eek! Yeah, it's lovely to have lots of family around to help. She often comes over and we make her dinner and she lets us get on with jobs we need doing. For the hospital bag I've packed mostly newborn babygrows and then 1 or 2 up to 1 month ones just in case he's a bit bigger.

Exactly, think I'm too nervous to do it! I don't have any containers either and I told the midwife that. She said that a pharmacy might give them to us or if you just Google it there'd be kits that'd come up etc. She said to use 1ml syringes. I kind of wish I'd done it last time because after all the blood loss I struggled to produce anything and the midwifes had to keep helping and it was honestly like I was being milked like a cow. Wasn't very pleasant! I was so weak that I had to just lay there in bed and they'd spend ages trying to get some little droplets out. Nice of them to make the effort though coz it wasn't easy!

If labour started early the midwife said to ring ASAP and that it'd be classed as an emergency but not like the last one, just because it wasn't on the right date. I said I was worried they'll say they have no space for me but she said that wouldn't happen and that the elective list would get held back for example. Still nervous about it though because I'd heard you might just have to wait and that you're not necessarily a huge priority. Really hoping baby stays put until the date!

 

[Omnomnom:)]

I can only imagine how new and daunting it must all feel. Amazing to think that you learn as much from them as they do from you, even as they grow. Thank you for the snack advice, I've got myself some lucozade sports now too. Ah, I love how just setting up the bedside cot let's the reality set in and you're one step closer! It's feeling like a late Christmas over here with all the new gadgets around the house. We feel like big kids just waiting on the main present now!

I keep rubbing my belly and telling him how excited we are to meet him. He still won't budge 😂. That's not a bad shout about the baby grows. I bought this set that has varied sizes but I wonder if one of each is enough. The little suitcase is fit to bursting. I have to remember that the hospital is a 5 minute drive from home so it really isn't much of a stress if we need something. Packed lots of bibs, hats and mits as I couldn't decide my favourites, haha.

That was quite sweet of the midwives to try and help you out. There doesn't seem to be much dignity in motherhood, does there? 😂. I'm really responsive at the moment so I guess I'm taking it for granted, just hope I don't regret my decision not to express early. Its sort of reasurring to hear that they would fit you in no matter what for the c-section. As you rightly said, you just have to trust they can offer you a slot as quickly as possible! Everything crossed that your LO will behave himself and chill till the elective date.


** Hope all the ladies on this thread are keeping well, whether you're preoccupied with work or finally getting to enjoy your maternity. Look forward to hearing how you're all getting on 😘

 

[hannahdaisy]

Really is getting so close isn't it! Yeah, I've just Googled 'snack ideas for hospital bag' and lots of things came up. Seeing lots of things about cereal bars, flapjacks, rice cakes, chewing gum, fruit, sweets, biscuits. Will have to grab some of these things when I next go shopping. I keep getting nervous that it'll happen early and that certain things won't be ready. Getting that last minute panic. Should have a few more sessions where my little one is at nursery and I should be able to shop and sort things out but who knows!

I would say to pack some more outfits if you can squeeze them in. Just checked our hospital website's list and they suggest 4x babygrows and 4x vests. Good that you're close to the hospital to quickly grab more bits if you need them though. We had to change our first son's clothes quite often because of nappy leaks and sickness. They do say that's more common after a c-section I think though because their lungs haven't had the stuff squeezed out of them. I remember he kept throwing up yellow liquid and we were continually asking for sheets and having to change the cot too. If you have a nice, straightforward birth then hopefully you'll be back at home really quickly anyway!

Hats, bibs and mitts are one of my next jobs actually. We washed a whole load of them at the weekend and now just need to choose which ones to take. The main thing that we're umming and ahhing over is which hat to take into theatre with us.

Haha, no, most dignity must just be left at the door I'm afraid! Just kept telling myself that they see and do all of this however many times a day. Just got to go with it.

Yep, very quiet on here isn't it! Hope everyone is doing well.

 

[Omnomnom:)]

Definitely! Feels so imminent now. Especially as everyone around me is getting impatient, ha. They're some great suggestions, especially the breakfast bars & flapjacks. I'm a fan of those! Ah, try not to stress. I'm sure you'll get everything you need with some time to spare. Perhaps a family member could grab anything you couldn't get round to? Mum has asked if I need more outfits so she said why don't we repack the suitcase, add some more and she'll buy any extra's we feel we need. This will be Friday, so hopefully he doesn't decide to arrive before then. I have this overwhelming feeling that he's not going to play ball when I have the sweep on 6/03 and instead I'll have to be induced 2 weeks late. Apparently being induced can make it unbearably painful in a much shorter time period. Perhaps before then, I'll try the hot curry first, washed down by raspberry leaf tea, before jumping on the hubby whilst getting him to tweak my nipples 😂 literally anything to avoid unnecessary pain! If all that fails then my hypnobirthing may fall by the wayside and I'll be leaning towards an epidural, haha. I'm such a wuss!

Aw, choosing that right outfit is just the best and the mitts are always sooooooo tiny, I love them!! Fingers crossed I'm away with the fairies on G&A or something and oblivious to it all when I'm completely on display & my body isn't giving 2 hoots about my dignity, ha. MW rang me to confirm whether I would like the case closed with the GTT, only because it wasn't fully completed with all 3 blood tests so it was my choice. From the results they had, she confirmed it was highly unlikely that I have GD so that's some welcome news.

When's your next MW appointment, HD?

 

[hannahdaisy]

Yep, anything with oats is more of a slow release energy isn't it and filling. When I go food shopping in the next few days I'm going to grab some of these bits. Ah that's lovely, some nice extra outfits for baby I'm sure with some repacking you'll manage to squeeze it all in. Haha, yes, try it all! Hard to know what to believe in terms of what will actually work isn't it. If it's nothing too awful you might as well try!

Yeah, you won't care when it comes to the time! Just doing whatever you can and whatever they say to help you to meet baby boy good news about the GTT!

My next appointment is Thursday, when is yours? Not sure if I'll have anymore after that because the week after I have my pre-op appointment at the hospital, then a few days later is the c-section.

 

[Omnomnom:)]

39 weeks 🥳 Feeling proud of LO having made it to the 'fully cooked' stage, ha.

So today I'll grab the very, very last outfits. No sign of LO arriving anytime soon even though I was convinced he would, especially as he was measuring a week ahead. Excited and getting a little impatient now! Nothing new to report though, sadly.

Next MW appointment is next Friday (6th) where they're hoping to perform a sweep if he hasn't made an appearance. How did your appointment go yesterday, HD? Everything still looking good for the 11th?

 

[hannahdaisy]

Happy 39 weeks!

Did you get some nice outfits?

Let's see how this week goes for you then, a lot could happen! My appointment was good thanks. The midwife said she wanted to make a birth plan and at first I was a bit confused, but she said you can still have a birth plan for your c-section. When she felt my belly she said there really wasn't much room in there and that baby felt a good size! Surprised me a little bit because from my last scan I just kind of expected him to be a bit small. Hard to say though anyway isn't it until they're born!

Got my pre-op appointment next Friday and I'm interested to see what info they'll be giving at that appointment.

Officially on maternity leave now, feels quite strange!

 

[Omnomnom:)]

*Crap bladder explains the early morning reply, ha*

Thank you! I did yes ☺ they are so adorable. Turns out, when I double checked that we actually had numerous outfits up to to 7.5lbs but nothing over that. So mum and I each bought a few and I've washed and packed them today. He should be pretty covered now, at least until I leave the hospital and I can get more if necessary.

We've just had some brilliant but equally sad news. DH works as a site manager and his latest contract will be 5 weeks long at double rate if he does 7am till 8pm. The journey to the job is too far for him to keep coming home so his work are paying for hotels. Its come at the best and worst time for us. The money will be absolutely amazing but I'm literally about to have our first child 🤦‍♀️. I'm going to try my best to ensure he can be at the job as often as possible as I have my mum who will care for me. I'm just a little sad due to the timing. He even said himself that this might be his only son and he wanted that time to spend with him without the pressure. Ergh! I'll miss him being away Mon-Fri but I know it will get us ahead with our finances and pay off our holiday later in the year which is just a bonus. Trying to remind myself to be grateful for opportunities likes these as they're few and far between. Just hard as now I know he'll be torn between how much time to spend with us and how quick he should return to work. Bummer.

Ah I hope the maternity leave means you can get those last few bits together. I love not having to even think about work! Few people have asked if I'm bored but I keep myself active all day, even if it's just the mundane stuff. The house has never looked so clean. DH keeps telling me I'll never work again if I keep this up 😂.

How brilliant that you can still make a birthplan. It's nice to know they're going to consider your preferences rather than just make the decisions on your behalf. Bet it makes the day run smoother too. You're right, their weights seem to be nothing more than a guess between two relatively wide margins. I reckon I'm looking at between 7-9lbs. What do you think for your LO? You must really be able to feel his movements with such little room left. Did MW say if he was engaged at all?

Oo I'm excited to know how your appointment goes! Keep us informed. Scary to think that will be my due date though. Then again, your surgery is only the following Wednesday, right? Eeeeeeeek! 😁

Noticed my first silvery stretch mark on my belly today. Proudly showed DH to which he beamed at me. I'm convinced a few have formed on my boobs but all the veins are making it difficult to tell, haha. When I get my body back it's going to look so different! Hope to keep an open mind and embrace it all.

 

[hannahdaisy]

Not sure what's happening with my bladder. For the past few weeks I was getting up 2-4 times a night and the past few nights it's just once. Not complaining, just wondering what's happened!

Ah that's lovely. I love seeing the little outfits.

Oh, that is tough. The money will definitely help as you say, but such a shame for him to be away. At least you'll have some help but I'm sure you'll all be missing each other a lot.

Haha, I'm a bit obsessed with Mrs Hinch and the Marie Kondo book but most of the time at the moment I have no energy to do anything or have a 2yr old wanting to play! I do my best with the housewife role, hopefully will get into a good routine through the year. I've managed to put a few more final bits in the bags and I dyed my hair yesterday. Just booked in an appointment to get it cut too because we'll be having a newborn photoshoot again a few days after baby is born. Last time I wasn't in any of the pictures because I looked and felt so awful, but this time I'm hoping we can get some pictures of all of us. I was going to get a manicure and pedicure booked in but don't think you're meant to have any nail varnish on and especially not shellac so not going to waste my money. Think it might just be your fingernails though so might have to ask my partner to try and help out with my feet, it's a struggle to even get socks and shoes on now!

Yes, 4/5 engaged, how about you? Not sure with the weight, I thought he might be quite small but who knows now! At my scan in January he was just under the 50th centile. My first son was 7lb6oz and that was with my partner's egg. She's taller and bigger than me so we've just kind of assumed that this baby will be smaller. Looking forward to finding out!

Yep, appointment on Friday and surgery on the Wednesday, eek! Aww, your due date, wonder when baby will arrive! It's also our anniversary but don't think we'll do anything. We're going to go out for dinner on the Sunday as an early birthday celebration for my partner, seeing as we obviously won't really be celebrating it on the Wednesday! Think we'll just tie in anniversary celebrations to that meal too.

Aww, yes, you'll naturally notice some changes. I have to say though, mine wasn't as drastic as I expected. Of course, it may be a different story this time after two though!

 

[Omnomnom:)]

Perhaps a change of position? Either way can we swap? Haha. I wouldn't mind waking up just the once in the night!

It's a military-run site as well so you have to be escorted all together when arriving/leaving which he said can take forever so it's best to avoid certain times of the day. Looks like I'll need to just pop my labour on hold during rush hour 🙄  .. thankfully everyone has told me that with it being my first I really shouldn't worry too much about it. It's highly unlikely I'll have LO before he can get to us, even if he was hours away. He's so worried about missing it, bless him. We keep having heart to hearts to discuss what would happen if future treatment for a sibling was unsuccessful and I think for him it's ramped up the importance of ensuring he's there for this one in case it's the only one. I didn't mean to frighten him or up the pressure but as we will all know, there's sadly no guarantees with IVF. 

What a lovely idea to have a photoshoot! I had a nose about but everywhere/everyone was so expensive near me that I never arranged one. Bet you'll all look lovely and have photos to treasure. I totally understand what you mean about the shoes and socks dilemma. I feel like one of those weebles trying to dress myself. I thought the exact same when it came to a manicure. I religiously have my nails done (hard gel) and I wondered if the Dr's/MW's/Nurses would flag them if I needed emergency surgery. They're currently just white tipped at the moment & as surgery isn't the plan, I'm hoping it won't prove an issue. Nice to be pampered when you feel like we do. Hopefully your partner happily obliges!

He was 3/4 engaged last time they checked. Next appointment this Friday and I'm really excited to hear the latest. Decided against a sweep this time round. I figure that I would rather let him arrive when he's ready than try to encourage him. We're not in any rush and I figure he isn't aware he has a due date, ha. I'll just have to be brave if I get induced on the 18th. We could very well be meeting our boy some time after you. Week tomorrow, eeeek! Ah, so you could be looking at a smallish baby! 6 or 7lb's always seem to be nice weights, not too little/big. Wow so you've got quite a lot to celebrate over this next week or so! 😊 How wonderful for you both. One last special meal as a family of 3. 

Since last night I've been having cramps with a slight stomach tightening. They last no more than a minute or so and I'm trying to be sure that they're 100% not just gas or something. Hard to know exactly what's going on as they're hours apart. I might be imagining things at this late stage, haha. We'll have to see what happens.

 

[hannahdaisy]

Haha, if it makes you feel any better, I definitely wake up a lot more than once a night, just don't get out of bed.

Aww, it's definitely tough going through IVF. As you say, no certainties, but I hope your frosties will give you some siblings in the future.

Yes, they're expensive! Our last one produced some absolutely precious pictures though. We have one as a big canvas and a few others printed out too. The detail is just amazing, all their little wrinkles, fingers and toes, strands of hair etc.

I'd say you should be fine getting your nails done. I took my shellac off just before my last birth and painted them at home myself and nobody said it was a problem. I guess they had bigger problems than my nail varnish to worry about though in the big hurry of it being an emergency! Will have to leave my nails plain this time which'll feel weird because I never do!

Hopefully baby boy will decide to come by himself soon for you sweeps don't sound mega pleasant, and as you say, he'll come when he's ready, got a while yet before you really need to hurry him along.

Well, the meal will actually just be us two! My aunty and her Mum have said that they'll come over at the weekend so that we can go out and maybe get on with a few jobs depending on how early they arrive. We'll have to try and have a lovely, relaxed evening together on the Tuesday.

Maybe Braxton Hicks? I seem to get them quite often now too. I keep thinking it's baby poking out and stretching but sometimes I touch my belly and it's really hard.

Had a real wobble two nights ago and started crying when I went to bed. It all got a bit real that it's officially next week now. I suppose it's seemed quite far away but now it's close to actually happening and I have to really face up to it. The thought of the surgery and things potentially going wrong again is just horrible. Need to be optimistic and brave! Hopefully when baby boy arrives I'll be so distracted by that and the rest of the operation will go quickly and go well.

 

[Omnomnom:)]

That's hilarious 😂. I feel your pain! Even turning from one side to the other feels recognition worthy at the moment, ha. Thank you for the positivity about the frosties!
Ah see now I really want a photoshoot! SIL is a whiz with her professional camera/backdrop and is happy to snap us some gorgeous photos though she's not trained or anything. Still, any photos she takes will look better than what I can achieve on my phone and I get some piccies with his cousins which is a bonus! Just need some prop ideas. We've booked a professional photographer for our first family holiday in Turkey. He'll only be 5 months. I can't wait!! Such an exciting year ahead.

I bet you'll be so looking forward to having your nails done again! Gives you a good excuse to get pampered. Ah a meal just the two of you sounds equally as wonderful. Do you think you'll be able to stay relaxed Tuesday night? 😂 I reckon you'll be quite distracted, haha. Do you feel officially packed and ready or you nearly there? How is your partner feeling? Must be such an exciting time in your house.

It's difficult to tell if they're BH's because sometimes it turns out to be gas but other times my belly goes rock hard like you said and nothing happens aside from a cramping sensation. Only happens once he's awake too which is midnight onwards usually. I wish I knew for sure.

Honestly I think you're gonna boss it just like your first baby. Try and remain positive, hun. I can appreciate the overwhelming feelings you're having now with it all round the corner. Reality is setting in over here and I'm getting quite anxious too. Glad I have someone who's due so close. Sharing this experience (even if they turn out very different) is so comforting for me right now. Pregnancy would seem quite a lonely journey without a forum like this as I don't know any women who are expecting anytime soon so I'm waddling around on my own, ha.

Apologies for the delayed reply BTW. Been a busy few days. I'm physically shattered from it all. More than happy it's the weekend! DH home tomorrow night too, eeeeeeek 🥰 Its only so I can wash his clothes, but still haha! I'll sneak in some cuddles before he disappears again.

MW was happy for me to avoid the sweep today. All our checks were normal and he's measuring on target. Still head down but no longer engaged at all. She just wrote 'free'. She didn't seem concerned but I don't know what that really means in terms of how that affects things. I'm not clued up on this stuff and I hate googling, I usually end up regretting it. Do you have much knowledge with it all, HD? How did your appointment go today? All set for Wednesday still?

 

[hannahdaisy]

Oh, for sure! I have to slowly roll onto my back, then a feel a bit out of breath, then I have to build up the energy to carry on the roll haha. Keep reminding myself that this is nothing compared to how it'll be in a few days though, trying to get in and out of bed, up and down from the sofa/toilet etc after the section. Have kind of forgotten how I used to do it last time!

Well you still have a tiny bit of time to change your mind about the photos. If not, then I'm sure the photos from your SIL would also still be brilliant quality and better than what you'd take on your phone. As you say, we quite liked the props and how the photographer swaddled him etc and knew we wouldn't be able to recreate it, but not everyone is interested in that and the price is a bit crazy! One thing I'd like about a family member taking the pics is that you could be picky with ones that you're in and keep getting them to retake!

Yep, looking forward to the meal tomorrow. Maybe we'll try and talk more about names seeing as I can't believe we still don't have one! Do you have a name sorted?

I have no idea about Tuesday night! Guess I'll have a bath and try and relax. The midwife said it's better if I shave too so I'll have to get my partner in to help me and make sure it's done properly! Don't know what to eat for dinner or if it's even important, if there's anything that's 'better' to have. I think my partner is so busy with work stuff and deadlines that she said she probably won't worry/think about it properly until Wednesday morning! She's started her job as the assistant headteacher at our school this year and there's been so much to do and learn.

Still just my going home clothes that are missing really. Dunno why that keeps being put off! Just need to grab something baggy that will go over my belly, maybe just some of my maternity leggings and a loose top. My legs and feet were so swollen last time from the IV drips that my shoes wouldn't fit. Was going to take some Ugg boots and hope that they'll be ok!

Thank you for the little pep talk, just have to stay optimistic and hope that you're right! Aww I know, the forum is really helpful isn't it. I wonder how the IVF and egg sharing journey would've been if I hadn't been able to get lots of advice on here.

Enjoy the cuddles!

No sorry, no knowledge of it. Wonder if that means that you probably still have a little while to wait. Maybe they can engage again just as quickly as they came out. The appointment was ok, much quicker than I thought! Surprised too because my time is later than I expected, don't have to get there until 11.30 so guessing that it'll probably be the afternoon by the time we meet baby. Means I'm allowed an early breakfast though and can drink until 11am so that's quite nice. Just think it's going to feel like a long morning and lots of time to sit and be anxious!

 

[Omnomnom:)]

Haha! That is exactly it. It's can't be rushed 😂. I imagine the caesarian really takes it out of you and you'll be needing plenty of rest (easy to say) but it would be amazing if your partner and family could support you as best they can. It's not even close to abdominal surgery but I remember having a breast augmentation done and getting dressed or sitting up in bed simply wasn't achievable on my own. My bf at the time thought I was exaggerating but surgery can be so limiting and you don't pay attention to what muscles you use for the simplest tasks until it all hurts. Just hope your toddler takes it easy on you whilst you recover from the worst of it.

I think my SIL is silly not to turn her passion into a part-time business. Perhaps she thinks it would no longer feel as enjoyable with the pressure added. It's good money though by all accounts! If I liked other people's kids, I think I'd consider it. Sadly I find them icky for the most part 😂.

Before I was pregnant I knew I'd want to name a boy, 'Beaux'. We've spelt it as you would the plural simply because it's a bit different. His initials will spell out B.O.W too which we thought was sweet. The whole family refer to him as the little Beaux bear. If we'd fallen with a girl, we'd have been so stuck! As you can probably tell, I wouldn't personally choose your bog-standard name but that's just me. I also wouldn't choose one that I thought would raise eyebrows. Deciding on one we both like was always going to be a nightmare with my DH so I couldn't believe it when he loved it from the off. Have you weedled yourselves down to a few favourites/maybes or are you both at the drawing board?

Ah that's amazing news about your partners new job! She must be quite overwhelmed with everything going on at once. It always happens that way. Hope this meal can help clear her head a little and allow you both some time to just enjoy one another's company before he arrives. I reckon you'll both be craving a holiday before long, haha. Sounds like a good idea about the boots, uggs normally have a bit of 'give' in them and they're always mega comfy.

That's the only thing with a later appointment, you're given time to work up some nerves. It might surprise you how quick it goes though, especially when you're anxious about something. Perhaps tonight you could decide on some distraction tactics, ha. I was wondering the other day what the best thing to eat was if we have to be induced. Few people have suggested porridge or jam on toast. Something that will slow release but not be too heavy/sicky. Perhaps a small banana and some biccies. I think dairy might not be my best friend if I start feeling any nausea. What do you think you might try Wednesday morning? Good news about being able to have breakfast and fluids. I hate fasting, it never agrees with me.

Thank you, it didn't seem like he was home long enough to really enjoy his company. His brother (also a site manager) keeps playfully threatening me that they desperately need my DH over the next week so I must not go into labour under any circumstances 😂. No pressure.

Enjoy your much deserved meal tonight! Look forward to hearing the names you come up with.

 

[hannahdaisy]

Ah I imagine that would've been a really painful recovery too, and again, using muscles that you don't realise so everyday things are trickier than you thought.

Definitely good money! Even as a part-time job at the weekends or something to start with. You should definitely take her up on the offer of photos then, so precious!

Funnily enough we were talking about that name tonight, but without the x. I really like it love the initials part too, how cool! We were the opposite with the gender, if it was a girl we were completely sorted! We've found boy's names soooooo ridiculously difficult. We did the first time too. I've never said what my first son is called, not that it's a secret haha. He's called Finley (Fin). I also like names that are a bit more unique but my partner is kind of the opposite. I think Fin's about number 26 or something on the top 100 and that's too high for my liking! We did agree tonight though and it's quite a unique one this time. We're going for Rafferty (Raffy). Now that we've left it so late we've agreed not to tell anyone and just send them a photo on the day with the info and name on it.

Yeah, the meal was nice but soooo quick. We booked the table for 5pm and we were back home by about 6.30. She's had a deadline for an essay this week and has an important presentation to do tomorrow so she's been working really hard on her laptop in the evenings this week and is back on there now, preparing for tomorrow. Bet she'll be so glad to get a rest from it all during paternity leave, but very busy in a different way!

Slow release sounds good. I can't remember what I did on the morning of my induction now, but then once the induction started I was eating the hospital food so didn't have a massive choice! Once the labour actually started to kick off I remember them giving me a sandwich, yoghurt and juice though and the midwife insisting that I ate it all. For Wednesday I've been told I can have tea (no milk) and toast (no butter) before 6am and then carry on drinking clear fluids until 11. Need to ask if I can put other things on the toast, like maybe honey or something. Guessing it's just no dairy. Reckon I'll find it tricky to eat and will be feeling sick and nervous but know I'll have to get something into me!

I've had a bit of a scary day today actually, soooooooo many contractions and period pains. Actually started to worry that I should be timing them and ringing the hospital. In the afternoon I had a shower and it still felt the same and then I went and laid down on the bed for a bit because it says they can be worse when you're doing too much or feeling stressed. They disappeared for a bit but I'm feeling them again now. Really hoping that it's just Braxton Hicks and not real ones!

Aww, I really wonder when baby will decide to appear