Hogmanay

Wishing you all the best for 2011!

Happy New Year for when the time comes!

2010 has been an amazing year for me and I'm looking forward to what 2011 brings ♥

first Christmas

Bug's first Christmas was lovely ♥ Obviously he didn't understand what was going on and was trying to eat the wrapping paper! I think his favourite present was the box my sisters present for him came in! The toys are starting to take over..

Tooth number 6 started making it's appearance on Christmas eve (the one right of his two front teeth - no idea what it's proper name is)

On boxing day (26th) he took a few steps holding onto the couch :) The last few weeks have happened so quickly - first crawling, then standing and now almost cruising.

I can't believe it's almost the end of 2010.

In other news.. I'm going to be an aunty again *shock* My little sister found out she was pregnant in the middle of December and thinks she's due some time in August. She's scared - she'll have an 18 month age gap. Scary stuff! She did say she was worried about telling me incase I thought it would take the attention away from the boys first Christmas but I didn't think that at all. She also thought I might think she was stupid for not being careful etc but I told her as long as she's happy then I'm happy for her. I feel quite nervous for her (mainly because her partner is an idiot who refuses to get a job) but I'm sure she'll be fine and everything will work out.

I had to abandon my car today!! I didn't realise how bad the roads were until I was halfway down one of the hills here and couldn't get the car back up it. I tried an alternative way home where the hills aren't as steep but it wasn't happening. Two guys (one I know from work) helped me get it off the main road. This meant I had to walk home with bug - was a good thing I put the push chair back in the boot of the car! I feel Maclaren deserve some praise for their push chair handling the snow/ice so well!

Bug's sleeping is still awful. It doesn't matter what time I put him down at he fights it for a good hour before accepting that he's tired and that it's ok to sleep. I'll now have sleep in 3 hour stretches and this is a huge improvement!

I should probably try and sleep while I can...

positive update

How can it be the 23rd of December already? I honestly have no idea where this year has gone. Time really does fly in once you have a baby! I'm feeling excited for bug's first Christmas. I know he isn't going to understand what's going on and I know he's more interested in the wrapping paper than his presents but it's still so exciting. Double excitement because it's also my nephew, N's, first Christmas as well.

Last Saturday (18th Dec.) bug pulled himself onto his knees using the couch, table, changing box for support. On Monday (20th Dec.) I was sitting on the couch and he was holding onto the legs and pulled himself up onto his feet. There really is no stopping him now! Crawling is adorable - he'll follow me if I leave the room. Or even if I walk around the coffee table - he'll follow me around the room. This means that he is in at everything and I mean everything. He especially loves getting right in at the windows (the living room windows come down to floor level). There is a photo of him from when he was five days old that he loves to pick up and look at. Even DVDs aren't safe anymore!

So things are hectic with a mobile baby but we still have quiet moments too. Last night I was lying next to bug just stroking his hair as he fell asleep. It's beyond amazing.

I've noticed that since he's started crawling he feels slimmer. I'm not concerned because he was becoming a bit of a pudding! That itself makes me smile after all the weight issues for the first few months.

I think the AD's are starting to make a difference. I'm not getting upset as much over little things and I generally feel a lot calmer. I think calmer is the word - just feel more in control and on top of things. I'm also no longer feeling physically unwell. All good things. I have another appointment with my gp in January.

A really positive entry from me!

If I don't update before Christmas I hope you all have a wonderful time ♥

Standing (with assistance)

Bug pulled himself up to stand today using the couch for support.
My clever boy!

pulling himself up

Bug has started trying to pull himself up! Yesterday he pulled himself up onto his knees just the once but today he's been doing it a lot! This morning he was using his swing (which has a fix so it doesn't swing) to pull himself up onto his knees but he quickly fell over. After that he's been using the couch to pull himself up, still just on his knees but he's doing so well! I can't believe how quickly he's learning new things. Just reminds me how quickly he is growing! He's not quite figured out how to go from his knees to standing but I'm sure that will come soon. This meant I had to put his cotbed onto the lowest setting (from the second setting).

I was feeding bug in the living room this afternoon. It was really quiet and just felt so peaceful. I love quiet moments like that. I know I'm going to miss breastfeeding when it's time to stop.

We have more snow. It's pretty while I'm in the house but if I have to go out it's a huge inconvenience. I can't even see my car anymore.

I think the AD's are starting to help. I'm not sure I'm feeling better but my sleeping has slightly improved the last few nights and I even managed to sleep in the day when bug napped yesterday and today! I'm taking that as a good sign after many months of taking ages to actually fall asleep.

I'm sure I had something else to write about but I can't remember what it was. I imagine it will come back to me once I switch off the computer!

gp appt

So the snow is gone which meant I made it to my appointment this morning with my GP. Had it been three weeks already? I'm still feeling the same but she said as I've only been on the full dose for 2 weeks it might take another few weeks before I feel a difference. I mentioned that the first night I took them I felt really anxious about breastfeeding even though she had assured me it was safe for bug. I'm not as anxious now but it's still sitting at the back of my mind. She doesn't feel that I'd be ready just now to go to any groups but she does think that once I'm feeling better about things it would be beneficial to speak to other mums who have gone through it.  She wrote me out another prescription and made an appointment for me to see her again in 4 weeks.

Crawling

Bug is officially crawling!

He had been army crawling for the past few weeks, occasionally going up on his knees but falling back down onto  his tummy after a few seconds. On Saturday afternoon he crawled a tiny distance but there was nothing more until today where he has been crawling loads! I'm so proud of my little man ♥

The snow here is awful and I'm starting to feel the strain of not being able to get out. I have my GP appointment next Monday but if it stays like this I have no idea if I'll be able to get there. Hopefully the roads will be clear(er) by then. Seriously can't see the roads at all! Not impressed with all this snow.

feel worse

I actually feel worse now than I did a week ago so I'm really regretting listening to my hv and seeing my gp...

PPD

I was feeling a bit overwhelmed to update yesterday. To be honest I'm not sure I'm feeling much better today.

My GP was lovely. There was a trainee GP in with her too. When we were walking from the waiting room she asked if it was ok, at first I felt a bit anxious but then said it was fine. I did say I was probably going to get upset which is why I felt a bit nervous about someone else being there.

Anyway.. my GP diagnosed PPD.

She prescribed antidepressants (Lofepramine) Initially I said it was a bit scary but after talking with her we decided I've given it time and I'm not feeling any better. If it's going to help then it's worth while. She assured me that Lofepramine is safe while I'm breastfeeding bug. My GP also suggested that I go to a group to speak to other mums but she's going to find out more about that and speak to me when I'm back to see her - in three weeks time. She did say it's been a hard 8.5 months and that I've done well.

Bug was with me (obviously) and was smiling the entire time. GP mentioned that he was looking rather massive since the last time she seen him. Then she was explaining to the trainee that in the first few months he wasn't gaining much weight and about how strong I was sticking with the breastfeeding.

She also took some blood to check my iron levels etc although she thinks they'll be fine since I was taking the iron supplements.

I felt weird last night before I took the first one. I think I felt more weird about feeding Bug. It's hard to explain but I almost felt like my milk would be tainted and that I had failed him.

I do feel like I've failed him anyway. That's what I'd said to both the HV a few weeks ago and the GP yesterday. I feel so, so guilty for feeling like this when I have this wonderful little boy.

HV appointment

Bug and I seen the health visitor this afternoon.

19lbs 13oz!!!!

Now above the 50th centile! He was born on the 75th centile (8lbs 11oz) and dropped to below the 2nd centile but he's climbed his way back up!
HV also done some developmental checks - is he rolling, babbling, sitting. I sat him down on the floor for her and he was smiling away. She was also getting him to follow a pen which he soon lost interest in. I mentioned that he's trying to crawl. Overall she's happy with him. I don't have to take bug back to see her until he's a year now although if there are any concerns I can just call up and make an appointment.

HV was worried with how I'm doing.
She asked how I was getting on. I mentioned that I was feeling down, teary and then guilty for it all. I said I hadn't seen my GP yet because if I feel this way because I'm tired (from not getting a break etc) then I didn't want her thinking I was a nut job. HV assured me GP wouldn't think that and I should really speak to her. I felt myself getting upset and kept just kissing the top of bug's head :(
HV asked some more questions which I can't really remember but I had to do another one of those multiple choice things and my score was worse than it was before. She also asked if my ex had been in touch. He hasn't and I think it's better no contact than half assed contact. HV agreed.

Anyway.. I made an appointment to see my GP. It's Monday 22nd November. Almost 2 weeks away but I wanted to see my own GP and not some random temporary one I've never met before.

I wasn't sure whether to write about this or not.

Physiotherapist

Bug  has his first lot of immunisations yesterday. They were horrible. We both cried. He did seem to have forgotten all about them by the time we got home. I wish I had! We're back in 4 weeks for the next lot.

We were to sit in the waiting room for five minutes to make sure he was ok ( I had to wait on my sister anyway - N's appointment was right after Bug!). Anyway, in the waiting room, Bug was rooting for me, I'm sure it was more comfort than hunger but at that point I didn't care how busy it was, I gave my baby what he wanted. I know it was only a waiting room but that's the first time I've breastfed outside the house (other than being at the support group at the cmu).

I was up seeing the obstetric physiotherapist this morning. It was Ada I seen, the same person I seen for my spd. The appointment went well. I've not to stay on my feet for too long, no heavy lifting, not walking too far. Generally taking it easy and making sure I'm doing pelvic floor exercises (which I try to do at each feed). Ada was explaining, with the use of a drawing, how I had torn and what it all meant. She explained in a normal delivery the baby would be delivered slowly but with it being an emergency forceps delivery there wasn't any time wasted in getting Bug out which is why I tore so badly and why there's been the damage to my pelvic floor. All that aside I'm feeling much more positive about things now. I'm back next Thursday morning and I've to go to a post natal class for some exercises. Ada agreed with what my gp said, I've just to keep reminding myself that it was a bad tear and needs time to feel back to normal.

When I was pregnant I did worry about episiotomies, tearing, stitches etc but I never really thought about the recovery from it.

I have a new breast pump. I was previously using the electric philips avent one (which I had borrowed from a friend) but it wasn't feeling as comfortable as I thought it should be so I bought a medela swing. It's my new best friend. I love it. Definitely worth the money (£89.99) as it's so comfortable and I can express so much quicker now. 

Bug is sleeping longer at night now. He seems to cluster feed from around 6/7pm and I've been putting him in his moses basket around 9pm. This week he has been sleeping just over 6 hours - then he's up every 2/3 hours to feed. I think it was Tuesday that he slept for 8 hours. It appears to have been a one off but still great! I've been getting up during the night to express aswell. It's hard going making myself come downstairs at 2am but so worth it when I see my expressed milk chilling in the fridge. I've also started freezing some of it aswell - just incase.

This entry has taken me pretty much all day to write. I'm exhausted so I'm off to bed.

Just to add - Bug was weighed on Tuesday and was 9lbs 9oz! So he gained 5.5oz in one week!

Breastfeeding

Yesterday I went to register Bug. I was really upset in the register office when the woman asked me about the father. That happens a lot. Whenever anyone asks I just burst into tears. I really thought I had accepted it but I guess it's a bit different now that Bug is here and no longer a bump. Anyway, the woman was really nice about it and just said we're better off without someone like that and this way I'll have him all to myself. So everything is now official.

I mentioned in my last entry that we were back in hospital for a few days. I was initially discharged from hospital on Friday. That first night home was hard going. Bug just wouldn't settle I was in agony trying to feed him. My nipples were cracked and bleeding. I nearly gave up that night. I decided I'd be ok since the midwife was coming to see us on Saturday. It got to 5pm and no-one had come round so I phoned the midwife led unit (they would take over my care again even though I didn't deliver there in the end). The midwife I spoke to said they hadn't received my discharge papers from the other hospital. She asked how we were getting on and I explained I wasn't sure about the breastfeeding going well but I'll see how it goes if the midwife is coming out on the Sunday. The midwife on the phone sounded concerned that no-one had been out to see us but said to call back if I had any concerns or wanted to speak to someone. It was still really painful feeding him but I managed to get him to settle down around 9pm-ish when the midwife called me again to check how I was. I said I was ok and was feeling better knowing someone would come out on Sunday morning.

As soon as I got off the phone to the midwife Bug was unsettled and crying. I tried to feed him again, trying to ignore the pain, but he was just getting frustrated. I was getting really upset about it because I couldn't settle him. My nipples had started bleeding a lot more as well which worried me. I phoned the midwife back again to explain I was still having problems breast feeding him. They said I could go up to the midwife led unit for some help - which is what I did. That was the first time driving with Bug in the car so it was a bit scary driving there. Once I was there two midwives came took me into one of the post natal rooms and just wanted to see how my position etc. Bug wasn't latching on properly. They showed me how to properly position him. The midwives weren't impressed with the fact the other hospital discharged me before breast feeding was established. I had said in the other hospital that I didn't think it was right but they kept saying it's normal to think that. The frustrating thing about the other hospital is the delivery suite is fantastic - it's the post natal care that lets it down but I think that's due to being under staffed. Anyway I breast fed him for around 2 hours when they asked me to stay for a few hours so they could see how I got on at his next feed. One of the midwives took him out for a wander around the unit until he settled so I could have a few hours sleep. They were so lovely there.  His next feed was just after 6am and he was managing to feed for an hour. After that I felt fine to go home with him.

It was arranged the midwife would come out to see me in the afternoon. This let me get Bug settled and have a few more hours sleep.

When the midwife, Tracy,  came she was asking how I was. I was crying about the breastfeeding and just feeling overwhelmed. I felt awful that I hadn't been doing it right and he was hungry. Tracy just reassured me that it was an issue that should have been picked up before I was discharged. She wanted to check his weight and it turns out he had lost 12% of his birth weight. This meant I had to go back to the other hospital to see a pediatrician to make sure Bug was alright. I think I was crying the entire drive there. After taking some bloods it turns out he was a bit dehydrated so we were readmitted. On Sunday night the midwives said he was to get a formula top up. I didn't want him bottle fed in case it interfered with breast feeding so they fed him with a cup - which was strange to see. I had to wake him every three hours to breast feed him and then they were giving him a top up during the night. Bug had to have more blood taken at 4am to see if there was an improvement - there was. In the morning after speaking to another midwife we agreed I would breast feed him until he refused anymore and then express. Bug was fed the expressed breast milk with the cup.

They think there was a delay in my milk coming in because it was a difficult birth and I lost a lot of blood. That didn't make me feel any better about it.

Anyway, throughout Monday I could see the difference in how much milk I was managing to express. It started off with around 10ml but eventually going up to 40ml and that was on top of him breast feeding. He was weighed on Monday afternoon and had gained weight! On Monday night I was advised to take domperidone to help stimulate my milk supply. That night Bug was back to being on my breast milk without any top ups. On Tuesday afternoon he was weighed again and was still gaining weight. The pediatrician came to the post natal ward to check him and was happy with his weight gain which meant we got to come home.

I was so glad to go home. I hated being stuck in the hospital - although my mum came to visit us on the Monday and Tuesday.

Tuesday night was a bit scary. It was my first night home previously that things fell apart. Everything was fine. He was feeding well and sleeping for decent periods.

On Wednesday the midwife came out to see us again and to check he was still gaining weight - he was!

The midwife is coming out again today to see us and to weigh Bug again. I'm hoping he's still doing well. He's started wanting to be fed for 15 minutes then taking a 10 minute break before wanting to be fed again. Yesterday afternoon he kept falling asleep so I eventually gave him a bath to wake him up - he likes the water being poured over his hair. Once I had bathed and changed him he was awake enough to feed for over an hour. I'll mention that today.

I never thought breastfeeding would be so difficult.

---

So I wrote the above this morning.

Midwife, Irene, has now been out to see us. Bug is now at 4% weight loss from his birth weight so he's still gaining weight. I must be doing something right.

I mentioned to the midwife about his random 15 minute feeds and she thinks it might be more for comfort rather than him being hungry. Midwife did ask if I'd thought about using a dummy. I hadn't because I didn't want to do anything that might interfere with my milk supply or make breastfeeding more difficult. I know I could change my mind but for now I'm quite happy to see how we get on without.

40+6

The midwife tried to do a sweep this morning. Apparently my cervix is still quite far back and although the cervix was soft enough she couldn't properly hook around it. Lovely. I did feel some cramping for an hour after it but it's fading away now. I'm back on Thursday to try it again. 

Midwife today was also concerned my iron levels might not be high enough. They were on the low side (10.5) at my 36 week appointment. At the time I said the iron sulphate tablets will make me sick so I had asked if spatone would be ok because I know I can take that. Two midwives said that would be fine. I asked at my 38 week appointment if they would be checked again to make sure and was told no. The midwife today wasn't happy with the spatone and said it might not increase my iron levels enough so she wanted to check. It's frustrating because if the first two midwives had said spatone might not be enough then they could have tried something else. Now it's too late to do anything about it if there on the low side. If they come back low then I won't be able to deliver at the midwife led unit. I really wanted to have my baby there. 

My fundal height isn't increasing so if it's still not increased on Thursday I'll need to have a growth scan. 

I just burst into tears when I got to my car. 

When I was parking the car at home the wheels kept sliding on the ice so I was getting really wound up about that. 

I came online to send an email to my friend and thought I'd check facebook at the same time. I had a comment from someone asking if there is any sign of the baby yet. Again I just burst into tears. 

I'll be 41 weeks tomorrow. 

I hope the midwife phones soon to let me know about the iron. She did seem concerned so I'm expecting them to come back low. 

40+4

Still no baby. 

It's really rubbish not being able to get proper cuddles from my nephew because I'm this pregnant. 

So what's going on? Plenty of braxton hicks. For a while earlier when I was having braxton hicks I would get a sharp stabbing pain in my cervix (I'm guessing cervix anyway). That was exciting but it didn't last long. I keep having irregular period type pains and pain in my lower back but everything seems to vanish. 

Another short entry but I'm needing to sleep. I just wanted to update incase anyone thought I might have had a baby! 

40+2

I had my midwife appointment today. My little boy is still 4/5 palpable. My midwife said that he might not move down any lower until I'm in labour. He's been 4/5 palpable since 36 weeks. I'm back at the hospital on Tuesday for a sweep. Here's hoping I'm favourable! Or even better - here's hoping something happens before then! My induction will also be booked on Tuesday. They allow me to go 14 days over but I can request to be induced at 12 days over if I'm not happy. 

Just a short entry tonight - I'm really needing sleep. 

40+1

So today I'm officially overdue. 

I'm not impressed. I just want him here. 

Nothing has really been happening. I'm still having period type pains on and off combined with pains in my lower back. I'm having braxton hicks on and off. I've been feeling so much pressure that sometimes it feels weird to walk or even sit down. It all comes and goes. 

I have a midwife appointment tomorrow but at the moment we are snowed in so I'm not even sure I'll make it. I hope I do. I'm just worried that if I can't make this appointment that I'll have to wait ages to see the midwife again. I should be offered a sweep on Tuesday (40+6). 

So here is the snow.. 

That's my mum standing in the garden - not looking too impressed I took a picture of her! The other pictures my mum took when she was attempting (unsuccessfully) to get to work. 

These pictures were taken early this morning. My car has just about vanished under the snow. Poor car. 

Single figures

In the official baby countdown I'm into single figures! It's 9 days until my due date! I keep telling myself that I could potentially be pregnant for another 23 days but it's hard not to get excited. 

The last few nights I've had cramps during the night and when I feel my bump going tight it's almost like a wave of nausea. They aren't regular and don't last long so I'm not sure what it means. By the time I get up in the morning they have vanished completely. In all honesty I was starting to feel a bit worried last night because they hadn't been that painful before but, like I said, they are gone now.

Definitely need to think about upping my pain threshold! 

My travel system was delivered last week. I've been playing around with it since then and it's really easy to fold up and down. It's quite a bit smaller than the other pram but looks like it will be really cosy for a new born. I already knew the car seat would fit in my car but I wanted to see how easy it was for me to fit it. Very easy. Pleased with the car seat. It's solid and again looks really cosy. 

I'm feeling exhausted. Once the washing machine has stopped I'm going to hang the clothes on the clothes horse and go and lie down for a while. 

36 weeks

I'm 36 weeks pregnant. That's just one week away from being full term. 

My appointment went well this morning. I'm classes as low risk so as long as I make it to 37 weeks then I can deliver at the midwife led unit. He is currently 4/5 palpable so he's definitely moved down. The midwife also listened in and his heart rate was 128bpm. My next appointment is on the 10th February when I'm 38 weeks. 

I asked my friend, Lorna, this afternoon about the 4/5 palpable and she explained that it means 4/5 of the head is above my pelvis. When I'm 3/5 palpable then it means the head is engaged and won't come back out. 

My filling came out today :( I phoned the dentist (as soon as it happened!) and I got an appointment for next Wednesday but if it gives me any bother then I've to go down any morning for an emergency appointment. I hate the dentist. My mum found it amusing that I'm more concerned about going to the dentist next week than I am about having a baby next month. 

So here are the picture for today.. 

I don't think that looks real - I think it looks like I've put something up my top! 

As always I look smaller in the mirror! 

33+6 scan

Roisin done my scan - she's lovely. I was glad when she came into the waiting room and called my name. 

My placenta is high enough to avoid a section. I think she said it was 4.1cms away from the neck of my uterus. 

The scans just get more amazing each time. He looked amazing. Roisin pointed everything out - heart, kidneys, stomach etc.. I could even see him making breathing movements on the screen. His head is very low down which explains all the extra pressure I've been feeling. She checked the sex again and he is definitely a little boy. There is no doubt about it so I can feel confident removing all the tags and washing all the blue clothes! His estimated weight is 4lbs 11oz. He's just perfect ♥

After she checked everything she just let me watch him moving around and I got to see his face. He kept opening and closing his mouth and sticking his tongue out. 

scan tomorrow

It felt really strange this morning not having to go to work. 

I did get over it quickly with going for a long bath and then watching Bones on dvd. I'm sure that will keep me amused for the next week or so. 

I was looking at the baby things aswell. Baby clothes are everywhere. I'm thinking about starting to wash them and put them away. I didn't want to start washing them too early but was thinking it's just over 6 weeks until my due date so maybe it's not too early anymore. Sometimes I think I'm in denial about it being February next month. Initially my plan was to start with all the neutral colours and then move onto the blues but I've decided I feel confident enough he is definitely a little boy so I'm not so bothered. 

I'm also planning on writing out a list of what I want to put in my hospital bag(s). I know in my head what I should be packing but I'm thinking seeing it on paper will let me relax a little. On Wednesday I'm hoping to pick up some nighties with buttons on the front to wear while I'm in labour and for afterwards. Also need to buy some underwear which I won't mind being ruined. Other than that I have everything I'll need. Just need to check with my midwife if I'll need to bring my own bottles/formula just incase I'm unable to breast feed. I really want to breast feed so hoping I'll be fine. 

I have my scan tomorrow morning at 9am. Early. This scan is just to check the position of the placenta. When I had my emergency scan up at RAH last month they said placenta looks high enough so this is just to confirm that. I felt nervous earlier thinking about it but that seems to have passed. I'll probably feel nervous while I'm in the waiting room. I am looking forward to seeing my little boy again although I imagine he'll be really squished in there now. 

Think that's all for now. I'll update tomorrow after my scan. 

Finished work

Oh my - this the third day in a row I've written an entry. 

I've officially finished work!! 

I wasn't expecting to feel sad about leaving. It's not so much the work I'll miss, it's the people I work with. I'll miss seeing them every day. I don't think it's hit me yet that I've finished up. I imagine that will hit me at some point next week. 

When I went into work this morning my desk had been decorated. There were banners saying good luck and loads of little sparkles everywhere. I had a huge bouquet of flowers. I don't like being the centre of attention so I felt mortified when I first seen it. At the same time it was so nice of them all to do that for me. I received lots of presents. Most of them are clothes - I'm starting to think that my little boy has more clothes than he'll ever wear. I got little minature toiletries aswell which I thought was a really thoughtful present. Will be handy for the hospital bag (when I actually get around to packing it). I'll add them all to the list of photos I've to take and upload. 

So that's me. Home. No more work. 

It feels weird but in a good way. I'm getting closer everyday to meeting my little boy. 

33 weeks

I know I should really try and write more than once a week. I just feel like I have no energy at the moment. Hopefully I'll be around more often after I finish up at work on Friday! 

So it's Wednesday.. and that means.. 

I'm 33 weeks pregnant today!! 33 weeks!! Only 7 weeks until my due date - that's 49 days ♥

I'm aware I could go over my due date but it's still very exciting. Sometimes I still can't believe it but other times I feel like I'm wishing away the weeks until he's here. 

Really uncomfortable now. I try not to complain about it because I know everything is worth it and I wouldn't change it for anything. I'm really uncomfortable sitting at my desk all day at work. I'm sure I've mentioned it before but that itself is draining. Sitting all day means my pelvis and back are aching. I have no idea what he is doing in there but today he felt really high up to the point where it felt weird breathing. I wouldn't say it was sore when I took a deep breath but it felt different. Feeling much better now that I've been able to have a walk and I can relax at home. 

I love feeling him kicking and moving. It's too amazing to even begin to explain. His kicks and stretches can hurt but they always make me smile. That's my little boy in there. 

Sometimes I wonder if he gets uncomfy or I'm squishing him when I'm trying to sleep. If I try to sleep on my left side he kicks so much until I move. On my right side he still moves but it's more gently movements. Not sure if it's just me but it's a pattern I've noticed. I try not to sleep on my left side because that acid reflux is worse for me for some reason but when I wake up all achy and sore then I'm changing sides! 

There hasn't been anything else much happening this week. Everything seems to be going well. I finish work on Friday on a half shift! I'm really looking forward to it. I'm also looking forward to my scan on the 13th January - my scan is at 9am so hoping at that time I'll get parked and also won't be waiting too long. I still feel nervous before scans. Even though I can feel him moving and I seen him three weeks ago I still have that worry. The scan is to confirm my placenta is high enough as part of my risk assessment I'll be getting at my 36 week appointment. Since it's not an emergency I hope I get a picture at this one although I imagine things must be getting really cramped for him in there. 

So here is the bump this week. I think I look smaller but he feels like he's stretched out so that could be why.. 

That's really not that great a picture. That top looks really short - even though it's a maternity one. Oh well - after Friday I can stay in my pyjamas for 7 weeks if I wanted to. I'm planning on going for a shower very soon so I'll try and take some better ones and update later on.