*~*~* The Decemberists! *~*~*

[Pusscat]

Gaia - lovely bump piccy Glad you've been making progress with the baby shopping, even though you found out the pram didn't fit I'm sure you'll find the right one soon, you seem to be very organised! Hope your headache goes soon

Seaweed - hope you've had a relaxing and stress-free weekend!

Han - you sound like you're doing much better Great news about the car and glad you're looking on the positive side of having the cyst They sound fairly common so just relax and try not to do too much! Easier said than done, I know.

Hope everyone else has had a great weekend. Mine's been very relaxing and managed to get a few little jobs done. The garden's looking lovely and we have made the most of it, had a barbecue today. Hope the weather's this nice for half term week in a week's time. I've only got 4 days at school this week and also got my midwife appointment on wednesday, then half term, woo

 

[gaiagirl]

I have my midwife appointment Wed too! And only three weeks of classes left to teach...although 5 weeks including exams and report cards.

I also have two exciting ultasounds coming up! The big anatomy scan in one week tomorrow and the gender scan on June 16!!!!!

 

[Pusscat]

Lots of lovely things to look forward to!! And what a great feeling to only have 3 weeks of teaching left! I only have 5 weeks after half term and they tend to be full of fun things as we generally start to wind-down towards the summer holidays. Does anyone else have the feeling that this is the happiest they have ever been? I feel so content and lucky and like my life is very good at the moment. Probably some-what down to pregnancy hormones, also due to it all being true!

I'm writing reports at the moment. Trying to get them done before half term so that I can have a relaxing week off baby-planning and shopping! It's such a drag though, trying to think up different ways of saying the same thing 19 times

 

[gaiagirl]

I hear you on reports! I teach high school science though so the comments I do are very limited...

I've been pretty happy but the past few days have actually been a bit miserable hormone wise. I've had some headaches and felt just kind of off and also been really irritable. I'm trying to keep calm and use breathing, etc but today I've just felt so short-tempered all day!

For example: Our tenant (who is great and very neat and loves to help look after the yard) has these HIDEOUS black stork garden statues that I hate and he just moved them into an even more visible spot. Now I am forcing DH to tell him they need to move...which he doesn't want to do but they are going to bug me every time I look out the window! Argh!

So yah, very lucky and grateful but also battling hormone-induced rage!

I think also a bit of stress may be responsible as well because I'm out of a regular paycheck in 5 weeks and I am trying to sort out summer employment and then also hoping I get a teaching contract in Sept despite being 7 months pregnant...so yah...that doesn't help!

 

[FeelSoBlessed]

Hello lovely ladies!!

So pleased to hear everyone's well!! Just flying by quickly before school! Seaweed - you're right... 3rd tri !! As if!! It's all quite overwhelming. I'm just trying to embrace it all!!

I've got these FAT ankles unfortunately - looking a bit unsightly and restricting what I can wear! But hey, worth it in every single way!!

Pusscat and Gaigirl - high five on the 4 day week!! My GTT appointment is on wed too!! Then I break up for a week... Then back for 6ish weeks... Then... Maternity!! Arrrrhhhhh!!!! Where's the time going.

My year 11s left on Friday What an amazing bunch of teenagers! I'll miss them so much. I wear a lot of animal print so they bought lil bump these gorgeous animal print outfits!! I was so touched!!

Anyway, enough from me. I need to hit the gym tonight, feeling slightly sluggish!! Have a lovely week all

 

[smawfl]

Happy Monday everyone! Only a week left then a week off!!

Pussycat - we sorted the garden out at the weekend too, it's amazing what mowing the lawn can do and planting a few pots!
Can you not write the same thing in each report?! they only look at their own anyway dont they? LOL

Gairgirl - sorry to hear you're been hormonal! The garden statues sound 'lovely'

FeelSoBlessed - eek for the swollen ankles! Make sure you put your feet up when you can. Are your hands swelling too?

 

[Pusscat]

Smawfl - if only! The trouble is the head reads them all so don't think I could get away with it Glad you had a good gardening weekend too!

FSB - I have swollen feet and fingers at the moment too. I was on a course this afternoon and the room was ridiculously hot. Even for non-pregnant people!! Breaking up for the summer holidays is going to be a weird feeling isn't it, knowing we won't be back in September. I'm sure I'll be very happy but also will feel a bit left out too! Everything is going to seem very real at that point I think!

Hormone-induced rage sounds pretty scary!! I wouldn't want to get in your way during one of those moments! Stork man had better watch out

 

[FeelSoBlessed]

FeelSoBlessed - eek for the swollen ankles! Make sure you put your feet up when you can. Are your hands swelling too?

Hey smawfl... My feet and ankles mainly - my hands a little but not nearly as bad! The big fat tootsies are up as we speak! Lol!!

FSB - I have swollen feet and fingers at the moment too. I was on a course this afternoon and the room was ridiculously hot. Even for non-pregnant people!! Breaking up for the summer holidays is going to be a weird feeling isn't it, knowing we won't be back in September. I'm sure I'll be very happy but also will feel a bit left out too! Everything is going to seem very real at that point I think!

Hormone-induced rage sounds pretty scary!! I wouldn't want to get in your way during one of those moments! Stork man had better watch out

Hey Pusscat. Sorry to hear you're experiencing the dreaded swelling not nice. We had our meeting this year to discuss the new year 7s starting... I felt well and truly left out!! I agree - its going to feel real then!!

Ive not long got in from an aqua class (not antenatal, just normal)... Now bump is getting payback, it's as if s/he's saying, 'jiggle me around and I'll get you back mama'!!

Take care ladies. I've got a bump pic to post next time I crank up my laptop!

 

[smawfl]

How are you finding the Aqua class, FSB?

yes please post a bump piccie!

 

[Pusscat]

So how did everyone get on at their appointments today? Mine was good, I'm measuring 23cm so 2 cm smaller than my number of weeks. But I was expecting that as I do feel smaller compared to other people. And MW said it was fine as it's my first baby and everythings still nice a tight in there, which is good! She had a good feel of baby and told be she was lying on her side and where her head was. It's always nice to know. I wonder if you have to be an expert to be able to feel where the baby is. I'm too scared to try for myself! She had a listen to the heartbeat but because of the position baby was in she could only hear the HB through the umbilical cord. Baby's shoulder was in the way of her actual heart! But I didn't mind as the umbilical cord HB sounded nice and strong. And her vigorous movements are reassurance enough that she's doing ok DH saw my tummy move from across the room the other night - it was quite freaky!!

I've started looking into our local Birthing Centre. I had said I wanted to have baby at the hospital, but I'm not totally happy with the place, and this birth centre sounds amazing. So I'm just going to keep my fingers crossed for a healthy rest of pregnancy, and then for there to be a room available when the baby comes. They only have 2 birthing rooms so I have heard of people being turned away. Let's not worry about that yet though Are any of you planning on going to a Birth Centre?

25 Week bump attached. Doesn't look a lot bigger than the last pic I posted, but maybe slightly higher?

 

[gaiagirl]

You look great Pusscat!!! I think I am going to be massive though, because at 17 weeks I am already showing through a sweater...yikes. Maybe it will slow down, or just move upwards though...

Had my appointment today, pretty low key nothing really to report. Listened to baby at 150bpm but with a doppler at home it is slightly less exciting.

Haven't discussed birth plans yet, I am sure they will wait until third tri for that! However, I have thought a lot about it. SADLY we have no birth centres here (although a group was trying to get one going - no luck too much red tape). So it is either home or hospital and I am about 60/40 for the hospital right now but very very interested in a home birth...

Have any of you heard of this swing: https://www.4moms.com/mamaroo I am interested because it has great reviews but is pricey. One came up online used for about $150 and I am considering it but need to read more reviews, etc. Seems like alot for a chair but if it really does help with naps, soothing, etc it might be money well spent!

 

[Pusscat]

Gaia - I've not heard of it before but just looked at the video on the website and it looks brilliant! Think it would be worth the money if you were having trouble getting your baby to sleep. But you don't know yet if yours is going to be a good sleeper or not. And I'd be tempted to try a cheaper option first as I'm sure some babies are satisfied with a simple swing/bouncer.

Glad your appointment went well A quick appointment means everything is going as it should be! At my next one she's going to take a load more blood like she did at my booking in appt. Not looking forward to that at all as the last time she left me with a massive bruise on my arm Don't think she's very good at taking blood!! Might take DH along for some moral support.

 

[seaweed eater]

Pusscat, you look great! I need to take and post another bump photo very soon...have been lazy about that. Maybe this weekend.

Try sitting back and resting something flat and light on your belly, like a piece of paper or a clipboard...you can see it jump around and it really amplifies the kicks! I love all the vigorous movements, though sometimes a hard kick out of nowhere can be a bit startling!

Regarding birth plans, we never thought much about it...our insurance only covers delivery at one particular hospital, and I know I want to be at a hospital anyway because I'm high risk. But if I were not high risk, I would definitely look into birthing centers or at least midwife-led care at a hospital (I know there's one nearby people seem to like).

Glad everyone's appointments went well!

 

[smawfl]

Morning Ladies,

How is everyone doing?

Pussycat - glad your appointment went well! Can't wait for my midwife check next week and for her to feel where baby is laying! I could tell this morning Baby was all over to the left, as there was a massive hard ball, and the right was all squidgy!
I don't think I'll be using a Birthing Centre, not sure if there are any nearby!
Love the bump pic!

Gaiagirl - Glad your appointment went well! Are you still using yout doppler at home?
The swing looks fab! But I agree I would wait and see what your baby is like for sleeping, sometimes something simple works just as well. I daren't show DH that link, he loves gadgets and I'm sure he'd want to get it!

Seaweed - I've seen my belly move once, It's amazing isn't it!


Almost V-Day for me

 

[anneliese]

Hey guys, hope everyone is doing ok. I tested today at 11 dpo and BFN . I know I have a few more days, but I just know in my heart I'm out anyway. If AF comes Sun/Mon when expected, I'll be calling the doctor for blood tests and SA for my husband. I will lie and say we've been trying for a year if we have to in order to get testing done. I just don't think it should be taking this long if nothing is wrong. My skin still breaks out mildly-moderately around my period and ovulation and I don't think at almost 26 that should still be happening, so maybe I really do have a hormone imbalance that can be affecting fertility.

 

[gaiagirl]

Anneliese - So sorry if you're out...I would be going crazy too, especially with charting and doing everything 'right'. I am sure there is nothing serious going on but still...how frustrating! I always break out even at 27 so I wouldn't read into that too much. SA is easy and can rule out a whole half so definitely go for it!

Wishing you all the luck and sending dust this weekend

 

[anneliese]

Thanks Gaia, it actually did make me feel better you said you still get breakouts . I was just talking to a friend who has hypothyroidism and one of her symptoms was acne in her late 20s and that's what originally caused the doctors to do blood tests to check hormones and that's when she found out about the hypothyroidism, so she was just suggesting that to me.

My husband had a semen analysis years ago for some inflammation "down there" (his job requires to him to sit for long periods of time without getting up and that likely caused it) and the count came back good, but the motility(?) was a bit low. They said it was still normal, but on the low side and that he should be fine to have children, but if he waited too long it could become a problem in older age. So hopefully things haven't got worse down there.

 

[Shh]

Hi Anneliese, I'm sorry hun, likewise, i'd be going crazy too. I still get bad breakouts at AF, much worse when I'm off the pill, I'm 29, so I don't think its too unusual. I hope the doctor can give you some answers, or at least some reassuring advice.

 

[Pusscat]

Anneliese - lots of hugs and dust to you Keeping my fingers crossed for you that AF stays away, there is still hope! If not then hope the doctor can reassure you and give you some answers.

 

[smawfl]

Lots of hugs and dust Anneliese xx