Grams and Gramps arrived yesterday! Owen loved meeting his first set of grandparents. Mom and Dad loved having 2 more pairs of arms to hold baby. We even slept in the same bed for a few hours as Grams took the 5:30-8:30 shift! It was great. And Owen is doing much better with nighttime sleep. He slept in his Moses basket for 2 hours for me last night! What an adorable little superstar.
Anyway - Picture of Owen in his Christmas outfit to the right. He is ridiculously cute, even when he's screaming his adorable head off.
2 weeks old today - I can't believe how fast it's gone. I am feeling so much better - still a bit slow and need to take it easy - but so much better than 1 week ago today when I was a total disaster.
Ok, off to get ready to feed the baby! x
Monday, December 28, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Christmas eve eve
Hi all!
Mom is feeling so much better these days. I got some real painkillers - none of this paracetemol crap - and it's made me a new woman. I can now focus more fully on Owen instead of my own pain!
Here are week 1 pictures of Owen:
http://www3.snapfish.co.uk/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=2255590010/a=159224501_159224501/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfishuk/
Also, Owen in one of his Christmas outfits on the right!
I wanted to share our favorite phrase with Owen when trying to comfort him. Coined by Jason: "Use your words, Owen, use your words." Hysterical every time.
That's all for now. Back to baby, the couch and feeding. I feel like all I do is breastfeed these days!
Merry Christmas!
love, Chris, Jason & Owen
Mom is feeling so much better these days. I got some real painkillers - none of this paracetemol crap - and it's made me a new woman. I can now focus more fully on Owen instead of my own pain!
Here are week 1 pictures of Owen:
http://www3.snapfish.co.uk/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=2255590010/a=159224501_159224501/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfishuk/
Also, Owen in one of his Christmas outfits on the right!
I wanted to share our favorite phrase with Owen when trying to comfort him. Coined by Jason: "Use your words, Owen, use your words." Hysterical every time.
That's all for now. Back to baby, the couch and feeding. I feel like all I do is breastfeed these days!
Merry Christmas!
love, Chris, Jason & Owen
Monday, December 21, 2009
1 week birthday!
Our little man is 1 week old today! It has been an amazing adventure so far and Jason and I fall in love with Owen more and more each day. He is seriously adorable, even when he is screaming bloody murder at 4am. Yeah, I had a rough few hours last night, to the point I woke dad up earlier than I would have wanted because I was having a meltdown. All part of new parenthood, right?
While Owen is doing great - he only lost 1 ounce from his birthweight as of Saturday - Mom is in a fair amount of pain. Bless this country and home visits... the midwife didn't like the look of my stitches so 2 doctors came to our flat to check me out. I won't go into the dirty details, but they prescribed me actual painkillers (as opposed to the usual recommended paracetemol, which was doing NOTHING for the pain) and said it'll be a few more weeks until I feel better. Ugh. I thought labor was going to be the hard part (it was) and then it would be easy, at least easy on my body? Apparently not.
Anyway... gotta run, hungry baby to feed. Hope everyone is well! Happy Christmas week!
While Owen is doing great - he only lost 1 ounce from his birthweight as of Saturday - Mom is in a fair amount of pain. Bless this country and home visits... the midwife didn't like the look of my stitches so 2 doctors came to our flat to check me out. I won't go into the dirty details, but they prescribed me actual painkillers (as opposed to the usual recommended paracetemol, which was doing NOTHING for the pain) and said it'll be a few more weeks until I feel better. Ugh. I thought labor was going to be the hard part (it was) and then it would be easy, at least easy on my body? Apparently not.
Anyway... gotta run, hungry baby to feed. Hope everyone is well! Happy Christmas week!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Baby has arrived!
All of you likely know this by now, but on Monday, December 14 2009 at 7:11pm Owen Daniel Vonderhaar arrived! He was 7 pounds 7 ounces and just under 21 inches long. Healthy and happy!
Here's my labor story - feel free to not read this if you are faint of heart or haven't had kids yet and don't want any scary stories. Although this isn't a particularly scary labor story as they go.
My water broke at 6am on Monday and contractions started at 8am. We went to the hospital at around 930... they sent us home as I was only 2 cm dilated. Big mistake, in my opinion, as it took ages to get home (via cab) and we only spent 1.5 hours at home before heading back. I was in a LOT of pain! When we got to the hospital I was 5 cm dilated. Pretty much begging for an epidural at this point but they were very busy so the doctor couldn't get to me for a few hours - I was 8 cm dilated at that point. NOT a fun time to try to get a needle stuck into your spine! But we managed and it made me a human being again instead of a screaming monster. The epidural made me pretty sick though (but the pain relief made it totally worth it). At 7pm I got sick and the baby's heart rate dropped dramatically, so a doctor rushed in and decided baby needed to come out NOW. I was fully dilated. Baby needed some assistance coming out but literally 6 minutes after I started pushing we had our little son!
I had some issues later - I passed out when they tried to move me to the maternity ward, which was quite dramatic and I think scarred Jason emotionally - but eventually we got there. We were home by 9pm the next day.
It's been an adventure so far! We are exhausted and learning as we go, but it's all worth it as Owen is the cutest little thing in the whole world and we are absolutely in love with him. (:
Photos to follow at some point, and I will try to continue to update the blog as we go through the adventure of parenthood together.
love
Chris, Jason and Owen
Here's my labor story - feel free to not read this if you are faint of heart or haven't had kids yet and don't want any scary stories. Although this isn't a particularly scary labor story as they go.
My water broke at 6am on Monday and contractions started at 8am. We went to the hospital at around 930... they sent us home as I was only 2 cm dilated. Big mistake, in my opinion, as it took ages to get home (via cab) and we only spent 1.5 hours at home before heading back. I was in a LOT of pain! When we got to the hospital I was 5 cm dilated. Pretty much begging for an epidural at this point but they were very busy so the doctor couldn't get to me for a few hours - I was 8 cm dilated at that point. NOT a fun time to try to get a needle stuck into your spine! But we managed and it made me a human being again instead of a screaming monster. The epidural made me pretty sick though (but the pain relief made it totally worth it). At 7pm I got sick and the baby's heart rate dropped dramatically, so a doctor rushed in and decided baby needed to come out NOW. I was fully dilated. Baby needed some assistance coming out but literally 6 minutes after I started pushing we had our little son!
I had some issues later - I passed out when they tried to move me to the maternity ward, which was quite dramatic and I think scarred Jason emotionally - but eventually we got there. We were home by 9pm the next day.
It's been an adventure so far! We are exhausted and learning as we go, but it's all worth it as Owen is the cutest little thing in the whole world and we are absolutely in love with him. (:
Photos to follow at some point, and I will try to continue to update the blog as we go through the adventure of parenthood together.
love
Chris, Jason and Owen
Sunday, December 13, 2009
The final days (hopefully)
Hi all, quick update for the week. Nothing exciting has happened yet... fingers crossed for baby making her arrival at the end of this week!
How far along?: 39 weeks, 4 days
Total weight gain: Ok, I caved and got on the scale. Still hanging in the recommended weight gain range.
Pregnancy symptoms: Very tired. Difficult to get up off couch. Tiring to sit on uncomfy chairs for long periods of time. Other than that ok for being about 9 months pregnant.
Movement: Yes, still moving around, but much less frequently.
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: Appetite seems pretty normal although I get ridiculously thirsty. Drinking a LOT of milk.
Gender/ names: Questioning one of our middle name choices... hmm...
What I miss: Easy mobility like getting off the couch without grunting and moaning.
Best moment this week: Lots of moments, like sleeping till whenever I want each morning! Actually, decorating our cute little 3 foot tall Christmas tree was really nice. We've been trying to collect ornaments from the cool places we've been - too bad we only started a year ago or we'd have a bigger collection!
Weekly Wisdom: If you buy a 3 foot tree and pose in front of it, you will look larger than you are (even for a 9 month pregnant woman) and your tree will look smaller. See photo to right for proof.
Milestones: Baby is ready to come out. Any day now, little one.
How far along?: 39 weeks, 4 days
Total weight gain: Ok, I caved and got on the scale. Still hanging in the recommended weight gain range.
Pregnancy symptoms: Very tired. Difficult to get up off couch. Tiring to sit on uncomfy chairs for long periods of time. Other than that ok for being about 9 months pregnant.
Movement: Yes, still moving around, but much less frequently.
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: Appetite seems pretty normal although I get ridiculously thirsty. Drinking a LOT of milk.
Gender/ names: Questioning one of our middle name choices... hmm...
What I miss: Easy mobility like getting off the couch without grunting and moaning.
Best moment this week: Lots of moments, like sleeping till whenever I want each morning! Actually, decorating our cute little 3 foot tall Christmas tree was really nice. We've been trying to collect ornaments from the cool places we've been - too bad we only started a year ago or we'd have a bigger collection!
Weekly Wisdom: If you buy a 3 foot tree and pose in front of it, you will look larger than you are (even for a 9 month pregnant woman) and your tree will look smaller. See photo to right for proof.
Milestones: Baby is ready to come out. Any day now, little one.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Full time mum! (only thing missing is the baby...)
Getting very close now! Here's our weekly update, with a bonus giant belly shot. I am now officially a full time mum for the next 7 or so months, so hopefully I'll be able to update the blog more often... I will try to continue to do so once baby is born so everyone can keep up with our little bundle of screaming joy.
How far along?: 38 weeks, 4 days
Total weight gain: Weight gain is a state of mind.
Pregnancy symptoms: Tired, slow, awkward. Fat ankles and feet when I stand too much during the day. Baby brain. Pre-occupation with how dramatically our lives our going to change in the next few weeks.
Movement: Yup. Less frequent, more forceful. A foot/knee that regularly juts out of the upper left corner of my uterus.
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: Nothing interesting, although I'm excited that I get to eat mince pies soon because it's Christmas time. Yay British holiday treats.
Gender/ names: Dad has a feeling, I don't. Who the heck knows! Oh, there IS one person who knows - the woman who did our second ultrasound scan.
What I miss: Tieing my shoes with ease.
Best moment this week: Finishing work for the next 7 months. Gotta love the UK and P&G being so family friendly!
Weekly Wisdom: If you're pregnant, shopping online is a godsend. No Oxford Street for me, thank you very much!
Milestones: Our baby has a firm grasp now. I think the only thing in there to grasp is its umbilical cord, but pretty soon it will be able to grab onto mom and dad's fingers!
How far along?: 38 weeks, 4 days
Total weight gain: Weight gain is a state of mind.
Pregnancy symptoms: Tired, slow, awkward. Fat ankles and feet when I stand too much during the day. Baby brain. Pre-occupation with how dramatically our lives our going to change in the next few weeks.
Movement: Yup. Less frequent, more forceful. A foot/knee that regularly juts out of the upper left corner of my uterus.
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: Nothing interesting, although I'm excited that I get to eat mince pies soon because it's Christmas time. Yay British holiday treats.
Gender/ names: Dad has a feeling, I don't. Who the heck knows! Oh, there IS one person who knows - the woman who did our second ultrasound scan.
What I miss: Tieing my shoes with ease.
Best moment this week: Finishing work for the next 7 months. Gotta love the UK and P&G being so family friendly!
Weekly Wisdom: If you're pregnant, shopping online is a godsend. No Oxford Street for me, thank you very much!
Milestones: Our baby has a firm grasp now. I think the only thing in there to grasp is its umbilical cord, but pretty soon it will be able to grab onto mom and dad's fingers!
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
2 weeks from tomorrow!
2 weeks from tomorrow is d-day! And 2 more days of work left. Let me tell you, I am feeling every second of it and very much looking forward to next week when I don't have to face the crowded train station, bus and in general the 2 hours a day I spend commuting.
It feels pretty unreal that at any time now Jason and I will become parents. Even as I stare at my wiggling belly and play games with the baby, poking at the little foot or knee that always seems to be sticking out of my left side, it's unreal that soon that wiggling bundle will be out in the real world with the rest of us.
Besides cuddling with our baby, I am looking forward to a few other comparatively insignificant things. Like being able to tie my shoes without severe discomfort and groaning. Having any kind of discernable ankle again. And being able to wear my rings. Walking without waddling. Also sleeping well, even if it's just for the short periods of time baby lets me. Oh, and a wardrobe consisting of more than a few shirts and a few pairs of pants would be faaaaaantastic.
Anyway, the couch misses me.
It feels pretty unreal that at any time now Jason and I will become parents. Even as I stare at my wiggling belly and play games with the baby, poking at the little foot or knee that always seems to be sticking out of my left side, it's unreal that soon that wiggling bundle will be out in the real world with the rest of us.
Besides cuddling with our baby, I am looking forward to a few other comparatively insignificant things. Like being able to tie my shoes without severe discomfort and groaning. Having any kind of discernable ankle again. And being able to wear my rings. Walking without waddling. Also sleeping well, even if it's just for the short periods of time baby lets me. Oh, and a wardrobe consisting of more than a few shirts and a few pairs of pants would be faaaaaantastic.
Anyway, the couch misses me.
Monday, November 30, 2009
last Monday of work.
I did not need the torrential downpours, hurricane-like winds and bitter cold this morning. I am one tired, soggy, giant pregnant woman.
On the bright side, it's the last Monday I'll have to do this for 6+ months! 3 more days this week coming into Weybridge and 1 day going into London for meetings. Today is my last official day on the brand but my replacement has taken over most work already, so I am a dead man walking this week, tieing up loose ends and organizing my work life but not adding much more value. My goal is to leave things nice and orderly so that no one can blame me for mess-ups or say bad things about me when I'm gone.
Wish me luck!
On the bright side, it's the last Monday I'll have to do this for 6+ months! 3 more days this week coming into Weybridge and 1 day going into London for meetings. Today is my last official day on the brand but my replacement has taken over most work already, so I am a dead man walking this week, tieing up loose ends and organizing my work life but not adding much more value. My goal is to leave things nice and orderly so that no one can blame me for mess-ups or say bad things about me when I'm gone.
Wish me luck!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Quick update
How far along?: 37 weeks, 4 days
Total weight gain: Nope. I'm seriously not weighing myself any more.
Pregnancy symptoms: Exhausted, hard to move, etc.
Sleep: Not good at all.
Movement: Yes, baby is still moving. Lots of hiccups.
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: Nothing too weird. As soon as the baby is born I need to immediately cut down on some of the crap I consume these days. So no more Doritos, however, I am very much looking forward to eating smelly cheese and drinking some wine for Christmas. Mmmmm.
Gender/ names: It will soon be clear to all, now won't it?
What I miss: I think this is the third or fourth time in a row I've said this, but sleep. As in a whole night's sleep where I don't wake up every hour.
Best moment this week: Wednesday when baby was officially full term! Knowing that baby is allowed to come at any time. Preferably waiting until her due date.... but I would be okay with a few days on either side. Just a few.
Weekly Wisdom: Heavily pregnant women stick out in bars. Yesterday we were at a pub near our flat with Jason's Chicago friends, and I got quite a few funny looks when I walked across the bar to the bathroom. At 8.5 months pregnant, I don't blend in. I think that will be one of my last times at a bar as a preggo woman.
Milestones: Baby is now partially engaged. Her hair could be up to 3.5cm long - or she could have none at all!
Total weight gain: Nope. I'm seriously not weighing myself any more.
Pregnancy symptoms: Exhausted, hard to move, etc.
Sleep: Not good at all.
Movement: Yes, baby is still moving. Lots of hiccups.
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: Nothing too weird. As soon as the baby is born I need to immediately cut down on some of the crap I consume these days. So no more Doritos, however, I am very much looking forward to eating smelly cheese and drinking some wine for Christmas. Mmmmm.
Gender/ names: It will soon be clear to all, now won't it?
What I miss: I think this is the third or fourth time in a row I've said this, but sleep. As in a whole night's sleep where I don't wake up every hour.
Best moment this week: Wednesday when baby was officially full term! Knowing that baby is allowed to come at any time. Preferably waiting until her due date.... but I would be okay with a few days on either side. Just a few.
Weekly Wisdom: Heavily pregnant women stick out in bars. Yesterday we were at a pub near our flat with Jason's Chicago friends, and I got quite a few funny looks when I walked across the bar to the bathroom. At 8.5 months pregnant, I don't blend in. I think that will be one of my last times at a bar as a preggo woman.
Milestones: Baby is now partially engaged. Her hair could be up to 3.5cm long - or she could have none at all!
Monday, November 23, 2009
36.5 week midwife appointment
Just a quick update as I had a midwife appointment this morning. Everything looks fine with baby! I am measuring exactly where I should be - 37 cm from top of the pubic bone to top of uterus. I'm supposed to be within 2 cms of the number of weeks I am, so perfect.
Baby is head down and starting to engage, which is exciting. Of course, when I asked how engaged baby is - they measure on a scale of 1 to 5 - the midwife said, "Oh, I don't know, I never guess because I'm always wrong." Hmmm.
I also probed the midwife on induction, and the picture she painted wasn't pretty. I see my GP in 2 weeks, then the midwives again on my due date. A week later - at 41 weeks - I see the midwives again and they do a 'sweep'. I'll spare you if you don't know what that is. Then they make an appointment for me to go into the hospital for a scan at 41 weeks + 3 days, during which they'll do another sweep and TALK about induction, which they generally schedule for 42 weeks. I think during that appointment I get to see a real live doctor.
It was at this point that I started protesting and pushing the midwife as to how much influence I have on how soon to get induced... I think in the end I can probably get them to induce me before 42 weeks, but I'm not sure how much before then.
HEY BABY - let's not get to the point where this an issue, ok?
Baby is head down and starting to engage, which is exciting. Of course, when I asked how engaged baby is - they measure on a scale of 1 to 5 - the midwife said, "Oh, I don't know, I never guess because I'm always wrong." Hmmm.
I also probed the midwife on induction, and the picture she painted wasn't pretty. I see my GP in 2 weeks, then the midwives again on my due date. A week later - at 41 weeks - I see the midwives again and they do a 'sweep'. I'll spare you if you don't know what that is. Then they make an appointment for me to go into the hospital for a scan at 41 weeks + 3 days, during which they'll do another sweep and TALK about induction, which they generally schedule for 42 weeks. I think during that appointment I get to see a real live doctor.
It was at this point that I started protesting and pushing the midwife as to how much influence I have on how soon to get induced... I think in the end I can probably get them to induce me before 42 weeks, but I'm not sure how much before then.
HEY BABY - let's not get to the point where this an issue, ok?
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Almost full term!
We hope everyone is having a good weekend! We are getting closer and closer to D day. At 37 weeks - in 3 days - I am considered full term. Crazy. I only have 2 more weeks of work to go - it's a weird feeling to be handing over my brands and becoming less and less important at work... luckily I will soon be very important to one little super cute bundle of joy.
We've been doing a bit of nesting this weekend. Lots of laundry, cleaning up the flat, organizing to make room for baby. Our flat feels much smaller than before with the piles of baby stuff we've been gathering. We are also 75% done getting our hospital bag together. It's more complicated than it sounds, actually.
Here's our update:
How far along?: 36 weeks, 4 days
Total weight gain: I am officially no longer answering this question, and no longer getting on the scale in the mornings. Pointless. And kind of sad.
Pregnancy symptoms: Very tired. Difficult to walk, get up off the couch, etc. I groan a lot when I move around. Ankles are huge. Fingers are stuffed sausages (my rings now live around my neck on a chain).
Sleep: I've abandoned my maternity pillow as I think it is now making me sleep worse, rather than better. I wake up a zillion times in the night. These days, Jason spends about half the night in our room then retreats to the 2nd bedroom because I am not a pleasant bedmate.
Movement: Baby is still in there and kickin'.
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: We pinpointed my food obsession for the pregnancy - Doritos. I disgust myself when I eat a half a bag in one sitting, and then smell like Cool Ranch for the next 12 hours. Ewwwww. That is the first nasty habit I need to cut when baby comes.
Gender/ names: Got a bit of a 'it's a boy' feeling this week, but we'll see.
What I miss: Sleeping well.
Best moment this week: So last week I mentioned Jason doing the first load of baby laundry... yesterday I swear he spent 12 hours doing laundry. Our baby has a LOT of crap!!! Especially 0-3 month onsies, towels, and blankets... no more, no more!!!! (:
Weekly Wisdom: When your upstairs neighbor is going to do 20+ hours of sanding and hammering the floor over 3 days, don't be home sick (Jason) or 36+ weeks pregnant.
Milestones: On Wednesday I will be considered full term!!! If baby comes at any time after that they will not try to stop the labor. Wow!
We've been doing a bit of nesting this weekend. Lots of laundry, cleaning up the flat, organizing to make room for baby. Our flat feels much smaller than before with the piles of baby stuff we've been gathering. We are also 75% done getting our hospital bag together. It's more complicated than it sounds, actually.
Here's our update:
How far along?: 36 weeks, 4 days
Total weight gain: I am officially no longer answering this question, and no longer getting on the scale in the mornings. Pointless. And kind of sad.
Pregnancy symptoms: Very tired. Difficult to walk, get up off the couch, etc. I groan a lot when I move around. Ankles are huge. Fingers are stuffed sausages (my rings now live around my neck on a chain).
Sleep: I've abandoned my maternity pillow as I think it is now making me sleep worse, rather than better. I wake up a zillion times in the night. These days, Jason spends about half the night in our room then retreats to the 2nd bedroom because I am not a pleasant bedmate.
Movement: Baby is still in there and kickin'.
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: We pinpointed my food obsession for the pregnancy - Doritos. I disgust myself when I eat a half a bag in one sitting, and then smell like Cool Ranch for the next 12 hours. Ewwwww. That is the first nasty habit I need to cut when baby comes.
Gender/ names: Got a bit of a 'it's a boy' feeling this week, but we'll see.
What I miss: Sleeping well.
Best moment this week: So last week I mentioned Jason doing the first load of baby laundry... yesterday I swear he spent 12 hours doing laundry. Our baby has a LOT of crap!!! Especially 0-3 month onsies, towels, and blankets... no more, no more!!!! (:
Weekly Wisdom: When your upstairs neighbor is going to do 20+ hours of sanding and hammering the floor over 3 days, don't be home sick (Jason) or 36+ weeks pregnant.
Milestones: On Wednesday I will be considered full term!!! If baby comes at any time after that they will not try to stop the labor. Wow!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
1 month to go!!
One month from today I am due to have a baby!!!!
In celebration of that fact, we thought everyone could let us know if they think we'll have a son or daughter, when the little bundle of joy will arrive, and how "little" the kiddo will actually be. Be nice!
http://www.expectnet.com/games/BabyVonderhaar
Happy Tuesday!
In celebration of that fact, we thought everyone could let us know if they think we'll have a son or daughter, when the little bundle of joy will arrive, and how "little" the kiddo will actually be. Be nice!
http://www.expectnet.com/games/BabyVonderhaar
Happy Tuesday!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Tick tock
Time is going by so fast. In 1.5 weeks I will be considered full term (at 37 weeks) so if baby decides to make an appearance at any point after that we'll be early parents! It's hard to believe baby is due in 4.5 weeks. I have 3 more weeks of work, which is good because it keeps me busy during the week and doesn't let me sit around and think about baby alllll day. I am looking forward to the 12/13 days after I am done with work before baby is due to arrive... I plan on sleeping as much as humanly possible, and making sure all the last minute things are in place.
How far along?: 35 weeks, 4 days
Total weight gain: 30 lbs. They say (but who is "they"?) that around now you generally reach your weight gain peak, so hopefully I don't have much more to gain! We saw a bunch of friends today and everyone said I looked great and like I hadn't gained much weight, so there is that. Maybe they were just being nice.
Pregnancy symptoms: Tired and uncomfortable.
Sleep: Not good.
Movement: Still lots of wiggling and shifting around in there. Dad's gotten to feel it a bunch recently which is lots of fun!
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: Actually eating less than I was in earlier parts of the pregnancy, probably due to baby squashing my stomach up into my ribs.
Gender/ names: Still no clue whether it's a little boy or little girl.
What I miss: Sitting comfortably. Sleeping comfortably.
Best moment this week: Watching Jason do our first loads of baby laundry (happening as I type this).
Weekly Wisdom: I've got nothing.
Milestones: Baby weighs over 5 pounds!
Have a good week everyone!
Chris
How far along?: 35 weeks, 4 days
Total weight gain: 30 lbs. They say (but who is "they"?) that around now you generally reach your weight gain peak, so hopefully I don't have much more to gain! We saw a bunch of friends today and everyone said I looked great and like I hadn't gained much weight, so there is that. Maybe they were just being nice.
Pregnancy symptoms: Tired and uncomfortable.
Sleep: Not good.
Movement: Still lots of wiggling and shifting around in there. Dad's gotten to feel it a bunch recently which is lots of fun!
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: Actually eating less than I was in earlier parts of the pregnancy, probably due to baby squashing my stomach up into my ribs.
Gender/ names: Still no clue whether it's a little boy or little girl.
What I miss: Sitting comfortably. Sleeping comfortably.
Best moment this week: Watching Jason do our first loads of baby laundry (happening as I type this).
Weekly Wisdom: I've got nothing.
Milestones: Baby weighs over 5 pounds!
Have a good week everyone!
Chris
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Swine flu.
This morning I finally got the swine flu vaccine! My GP had a walk-in clinic for pregnant women and people with underlying health issues like asthma. I had to wait forever but I'm glad I went today as they only have 500 vaccinations total. Not looking forward to potential side effects like fever, headaches, achiness, etc, but glad I got it anyway.
Our friend just got diagnosed with swine flu (we have cancelled our weekend plans with them as a result) and everyone at work and on public transport seems to be coughing and sickly. I feel much better (mentally, not physically) now that I am vaccinated. (:
OH, and today I am 35 weeks pregnant. Due date 5 weeks from tomorrow. Holy crapola!
Our friend just got diagnosed with swine flu (we have cancelled our weekend plans with them as a result) and everyone at work and on public transport seems to be coughing and sickly. I feel much better (mentally, not physically) now that I am vaccinated. (:
OH, and today I am 35 weeks pregnant. Due date 5 weeks from tomorrow. Holy crapola!
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Baby shower!
Hi!
We had a really good week this week, ending yesterday with a great baby shower planned by Jason (seriously - whose husband would do that besides mine??). 8 of my London friends came over to celebrate the little bundle of joy growing inside me, and I even had a few US visitors attending via webcam. (: It was so fun to play the baby games (again created by hubby) - baby food tasting and baby scattergories were my favorites - and open lots of fun presents for baby.
Thanks to all who attended and mostly to the best husband ever for planning this for me. xo
How far along?: 34 weeks, 4 days
Total weight gain: 29 lbs
Pregnancy symptoms: Exhausted. Back hurts. Getting more and more awkward and umcomfortable.
Sleep: Ugh. My quality of sleep has declined pretty dramatically. I am umcomfy and flipping over is a huge project and wakes everyone up (dad, mom, baby) each time it happens.
Movement: Getting a bit more forceful - sometimes takes my breath away!
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: Lots of sweets at the baby shower - yum.
Gender/ names: We've got our confirmed name choices! We've agreed they are only 99% confirmed, so if we are really inspired when we see baby we can change our minds, but I don't buy the whole when-you-see-him/her-you'll-know-the-name story.
What I miss: Deep, uninterrupted sleep. Tieing my shoes withing serious discomfort. A nice glass of wine. Salami. Smelly cheese (although I did eat a bit of Brie yesterday).
Best moment this week: My fabulous baby shower!
Weekly Wisdom: As I get farther along in this pregnancy, I need to do less and less on weekday nights due to my severely depleted stores of energy.
Milestones: By the end of this week, baby's hearing will be fully developed! We went to a loud soccer game last Saturday, watched fireworks on Thursday night (Guy Fawkes night - a British thing), and watched the big England-Australia rugby game at a pub yesterday (really, really loud fans), so baby must think Mom and Dad have the loudest lives ever. (:
-Chris
We had a really good week this week, ending yesterday with a great baby shower planned by Jason (seriously - whose husband would do that besides mine??). 8 of my London friends came over to celebrate the little bundle of joy growing inside me, and I even had a few US visitors attending via webcam. (: It was so fun to play the baby games (again created by hubby) - baby food tasting and baby scattergories were my favorites - and open lots of fun presents for baby.
Thanks to all who attended and mostly to the best husband ever for planning this for me. xo
How far along?: 34 weeks, 4 days
Total weight gain: 29 lbs
Pregnancy symptoms: Exhausted. Back hurts. Getting more and more awkward and umcomfortable.
Sleep: Ugh. My quality of sleep has declined pretty dramatically. I am umcomfy and flipping over is a huge project and wakes everyone up (dad, mom, baby) each time it happens.
Movement: Getting a bit more forceful - sometimes takes my breath away!
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: Lots of sweets at the baby shower - yum.
Gender/ names: We've got our confirmed name choices! We've agreed they are only 99% confirmed, so if we are really inspired when we see baby we can change our minds, but I don't buy the whole when-you-see-him/her-you'll-know-the-name story.
What I miss: Deep, uninterrupted sleep. Tieing my shoes withing serious discomfort. A nice glass of wine. Salami. Smelly cheese (although I did eat a bit of Brie yesterday).
Best moment this week: My fabulous baby shower!
Weekly Wisdom: As I get farther along in this pregnancy, I need to do less and less on weekday nights due to my severely depleted stores of energy.
Milestones: By the end of this week, baby's hearing will be fully developed! We went to a loud soccer game last Saturday, watched fireworks on Thursday night (Guy Fawkes night - a British thing), and watched the big England-Australia rugby game at a pub yesterday (really, really loud fans), so baby must think Mom and Dad have the loudest lives ever. (:
-Chris
Friday, November 06, 2009
Midwife appointment
I had a midwife appointment today and it went well. I had 2 midwives - one was a student midwife.
They measured me for the first time! My fundal height is 34 cm - apparently you should be measuring within 2 cms of the number of weeks you are, and as I am 34 weeks, seems perfect to me. They said I'm measuring just fine, so all the people who have been telling me how small I am can just shut up. (: My blood pressure is fine and baby's heartbeat is totally normal. Baby is behaving well and staying head down.
When asked about swelling, I showed them my shrek-like foot/ankle/ leg (the right one) and they were appropriately sympathetic. I've also had to stop wearing my wedding rings as they get really tight when I am hot. They live on a chain around my neck. But, they both complimented me and said the bump is nice and neat and my skin around looked really good. So, nasty legs, but nice bump. (:
Anyway - that's my update for now!
-Chris
They measured me for the first time! My fundal height is 34 cm - apparently you should be measuring within 2 cms of the number of weeks you are, and as I am 34 weeks, seems perfect to me. They said I'm measuring just fine, so all the people who have been telling me how small I am can just shut up. (: My blood pressure is fine and baby's heartbeat is totally normal. Baby is behaving well and staying head down.
When asked about swelling, I showed them my shrek-like foot/ankle/ leg (the right one) and they were appropriately sympathetic. I've also had to stop wearing my wedding rings as they get really tight when I am hot. They live on a chain around my neck. But, they both complimented me and said the bump is nice and neat and my skin around looked really good. So, nasty legs, but nice bump. (:
Anyway - that's my update for now!
-Chris
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
I'm sure you are cute, but....
Dear Baby,
It would be great if you could remove your foot from my ribs.
love,
Mom
It would be great if you could remove your foot from my ribs.
love,
Mom
Sunday, November 01, 2009
T-46 days
Hi All!
A quick update for this week, then I'm going directly to bed. Mondays are brutal without a good nights sleep, and tomorrow night is Part 2 of the first aid class we took a few weeks back, so I'll leave the house at 7am and won't get home till after 11. Ouch!
How far along?: 33 weeks, 4 days
Total weight gain: 27 lbs
Pregnancy symptoms: Again... pretty tired all the time. My back is still bothering me a lot. I bought a microwavable heating pad thingy today, tried it out, not totally convinced it will help. But, I guess it's worth a try.
Sleep: Whatever. Fine I guess. Having a hard time sleeping on my left side, which is what everyone tells me I'm supposed to do (something to do with a key artery being on my right side, or something like that).
Movement: Lots of elbows and/ or knees. Of course baby usually gets really still when I make Jason feel my belly, but we get lucky sometimes.
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: I thought I was being normal, but then we ended up with a box of Sugar Snaps in our kitchen, and then I got really excited about Honey Nut Cherrios. So, honey cereals? Random. And the Sugar Snaps are kind of gross.
Gender/ names: No idea if I have a pink or blue bundle of joy growing inside of me.
What I miss: Back pain-free sitting (repeat from last week but definitely deserves the repeat).
Best moment this week: On Friday my replacement at work was confirmed! So as early as this week I will probably start to hand over some of my stuff. Big relief... I was starting to get nervous as baby might decide to make an early appearance (which wouldn't be so bad, as long as it's not too early! Post-37 weeks preferably. December 17 would be just perfect baby, thanks).
Weekly Wisdom: Not baby related, but instead directed at a certain Vonderhaar family friend who was visiting London this weekend: when you travel across time zones, don't forget to re-set your watches and phones. (:
Milestones: Baby could weigh 4.4 lbs!!! Nice, that's at LEAST how much weight I'll lose on the day I give birth. I know, who cares, it's not about me anymore...
Have a good week everyone!
-Chris
A quick update for this week, then I'm going directly to bed. Mondays are brutal without a good nights sleep, and tomorrow night is Part 2 of the first aid class we took a few weeks back, so I'll leave the house at 7am and won't get home till after 11. Ouch!
How far along?: 33 weeks, 4 days
Total weight gain: 27 lbs
Pregnancy symptoms: Again... pretty tired all the time. My back is still bothering me a lot. I bought a microwavable heating pad thingy today, tried it out, not totally convinced it will help. But, I guess it's worth a try.
Sleep: Whatever. Fine I guess. Having a hard time sleeping on my left side, which is what everyone tells me I'm supposed to do (something to do with a key artery being on my right side, or something like that).
Movement: Lots of elbows and/ or knees. Of course baby usually gets really still when I make Jason feel my belly, but we get lucky sometimes.
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: I thought I was being normal, but then we ended up with a box of Sugar Snaps in our kitchen, and then I got really excited about Honey Nut Cherrios. So, honey cereals? Random. And the Sugar Snaps are kind of gross.
Gender/ names: No idea if I have a pink or blue bundle of joy growing inside of me.
What I miss: Back pain-free sitting (repeat from last week but definitely deserves the repeat).
Best moment this week: On Friday my replacement at work was confirmed! So as early as this week I will probably start to hand over some of my stuff. Big relief... I was starting to get nervous as baby might decide to make an early appearance (which wouldn't be so bad, as long as it's not too early! Post-37 weeks preferably. December 17 would be just perfect baby, thanks).
Weekly Wisdom: Not baby related, but instead directed at a certain Vonderhaar family friend who was visiting London this weekend: when you travel across time zones, don't forget to re-set your watches and phones. (:
Milestones: Baby could weigh 4.4 lbs!!! Nice, that's at LEAST how much weight I'll lose on the day I give birth. I know, who cares, it's not about me anymore...
Have a good week everyone!
-Chris
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Getting ourselves a baby education!
Lots has gone on in the past week!
Last week we went to a baby first aid class, which was great. It was 3 hours and went over what to do if the baby isn't breathing or if she's choking. I feel really good about having taken it. I will probably take the second part of the class next Monday where they teach us some further basic first aid and about lots of bad stuff that can happen to babies. Scary, but good stuff to know.
Sunday and Monday we had our intensive all day NCT classes - that's the National Childbirth Trust. It was really really good. There were 6 other couples there from around our area (so potential new mum friends!). We talked about late pregnancy, lots and lots about birth and labor, pain relief options and life with a newborn. Some real reality checks there. Scary, but good to be extra prepared. Lots of it we had heard about or read about before, but a lot we hadn't. Ah, the graphic photos! The ridiculously personal conversations! Also, a big British news station came and interviewed the mums on our views on the swine flu vaccine. So I was on the 1230 and 630 news. Unfortunately, I didn't see it because we were in class all day. Friends recorded it for us, apparently I had 15 seconds of fame. (: Anyway... it was actually useful because they brought an expert who answered questions and talked to us about the vaccine. It has almost swayed us to get me to take the vaccine, which is actually not available yet but when it arrives at my GP (next week) I will be top priority as I am in the highest risk group.
Here's my update:
How far along?: 32 weeks, 6 days
Total weight gain: 26 lbs
Pregnancy symptoms: Exhausted. Upper back is KILLING me. Indigestion here and there. Braxton Hicks.
Sleep: Ok I guess. Waking up more often, more awkward and uncomfy, etc.
Movement: Jiggling and shaking!
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: Normal.
Gender/ names: I have no intuition, but the guesses in our baby class was half and half....
What I miss: Back pain-free sitting.
Best moment this week: Seeing the look on Jason's face during some of the labor and birth conversations at baby class. (:
Weekly Wisdom: Uh... it will end, they tell me..... 7 weeks....
Milestones: Today's topic: baby's hair! Our baby could have a full head of hair! Or, she could be bald. Also, if baby is born with thin hair, she's likely to have thin hair later in life, but if she's born with thick hair, it doesn't necessarily mean she'll have thick hair later. I'm voting for Dad's hair for the sake of our little one, especially if she's a girl!
That's it for now!
-Chris xoxo
Last week we went to a baby first aid class, which was great. It was 3 hours and went over what to do if the baby isn't breathing or if she's choking. I feel really good about having taken it. I will probably take the second part of the class next Monday where they teach us some further basic first aid and about lots of bad stuff that can happen to babies. Scary, but good stuff to know.
Sunday and Monday we had our intensive all day NCT classes - that's the National Childbirth Trust. It was really really good. There were 6 other couples there from around our area (so potential new mum friends!). We talked about late pregnancy, lots and lots about birth and labor, pain relief options and life with a newborn. Some real reality checks there. Scary, but good to be extra prepared. Lots of it we had heard about or read about before, but a lot we hadn't. Ah, the graphic photos! The ridiculously personal conversations! Also, a big British news station came and interviewed the mums on our views on the swine flu vaccine. So I was on the 1230 and 630 news. Unfortunately, I didn't see it because we were in class all day. Friends recorded it for us, apparently I had 15 seconds of fame. (: Anyway... it was actually useful because they brought an expert who answered questions and talked to us about the vaccine. It has almost swayed us to get me to take the vaccine, which is actually not available yet but when it arrives at my GP (next week) I will be top priority as I am in the highest risk group.
Here's my update:
How far along?: 32 weeks, 6 days
Total weight gain: 26 lbs
Pregnancy symptoms: Exhausted. Upper back is KILLING me. Indigestion here and there. Braxton Hicks.
Sleep: Ok I guess. Waking up more often, more awkward and uncomfy, etc.
Movement: Jiggling and shaking!
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: Normal.
Gender/ names: I have no intuition, but the guesses in our baby class was half and half....
What I miss: Back pain-free sitting.
Best moment this week: Seeing the look on Jason's face during some of the labor and birth conversations at baby class. (:
Weekly Wisdom: Uh... it will end, they tell me..... 7 weeks....
Milestones: Today's topic: baby's hair! Our baby could have a full head of hair! Or, she could be bald. Also, if baby is born with thin hair, she's likely to have thin hair later in life, but if she's born with thick hair, it doesn't necessarily mean she'll have thick hair later. I'm voting for Dad's hair for the sake of our little one, especially if she's a girl!
That's it for now!
-Chris xoxo
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Quick update
Just a quick update for today. I'll write again tomorrow night after Jason and I get back from our first how-to-have-a-baby-and-be-parents class, which is from noon till 6 tomorrow and all day on Monday.
I had a doctor's appointment on Thursday, which went okay. I got to hear the baby's heartbeat, which is always awesome. Doctor seemed happy with how I am growing, although it's not like they ever measure me or anything! She didn't like my pee though - yes, TMI, but you're reading a pregnant woman's blog, what do you expect - so sent it and some other samples off to get tested. Possibly a urinary track infection... but I'll find out on Monday. I've been feeling pretty beat up recently so it might help explain. Or, I could just be 32.5 weeks pregnant.
Besides absolute exhaustion, my other big complaint these days is my back. It is killing me. Not lower back, which I hear is good because that could be an indication I'll have some painful 'back labor' (not going to go into THAT), but my upper back. All day long it aches. When I am laying on the couch I get some relief, which is good.
Anyway, I put up a picture of our pram and carseat! Fun stuff. Can't believe it will be filled with a little bundle of joy in a few short weeks.
We are off to visit friends of ours who just moved outside of London... will be a late night, but luckily tonight is the night the clocks change in the UK. So for the next few weeks - until the US catches up - we will be 4 hours ahead of you, not 5. Don't forget! (:
Till tomorrow,
Chris xo
I had a doctor's appointment on Thursday, which went okay. I got to hear the baby's heartbeat, which is always awesome. Doctor seemed happy with how I am growing, although it's not like they ever measure me or anything! She didn't like my pee though - yes, TMI, but you're reading a pregnant woman's blog, what do you expect - so sent it and some other samples off to get tested. Possibly a urinary track infection... but I'll find out on Monday. I've been feeling pretty beat up recently so it might help explain. Or, I could just be 32.5 weeks pregnant.
Besides absolute exhaustion, my other big complaint these days is my back. It is killing me. Not lower back, which I hear is good because that could be an indication I'll have some painful 'back labor' (not going to go into THAT), but my upper back. All day long it aches. When I am laying on the couch I get some relief, which is good.
Anyway, I put up a picture of our pram and carseat! Fun stuff. Can't believe it will be filled with a little bundle of joy in a few short weeks.
We are off to visit friends of ours who just moved outside of London... will be a late night, but luckily tonight is the night the clocks change in the UK. So for the next few weeks - until the US catches up - we will be 4 hours ahead of you, not 5. Don't forget! (:
Till tomorrow,
Chris xo
Saturday, October 17, 2009
2 months till DD!!!!
Hi all!
I can't believe that our little baby is due 2 months from today. Of course, the liklihood of baby being born on that day is very low - apparently less than 5% of babies come on their due dates. You'd think they'd revise the system to reflect this inaccuracy. (:
How far along?: 31 weeks, 3 days
Total weight gain: For once, my weight gain is unchanged... I'm steady at 25 lbs.
Pregnancy symptoms: Tired alllll the time. The fatigue from trimester 1 has returned with a vengence. Also, getting pretty uncomfy sitting at my desk all day at work! Besides that, I'm feeling okay overall.
Sleep: Ok. What's funny is when I flip from one side to the other... it's like a tidal wave on the bed and I'm sure each time I do it I wake up the husband. Oh, funny story though, the other morning I got up to pee right before 6am (close to my wake up time anyway). Jason had gotten up to go for a run very early and thought he was being helpful by closing the door to our bedroom, to block out the bathroom light and the noise of the key in the lock. It's pitch black in the flat at this time of morning... are you seeing where this is going? I ran smack into the door. Awesome.
Movement: Loved the acrobatics baby was doing while I was lying on the couch today! Dad was feeling it and watching - it was so fun, cracking us both up. What was he doing in there??
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: Nothing too weird lately...
Gender/ names: We have a leader in girls names!!! We haven't exactly crossed off the other contender, but one is winning. I think we are close to agreeing on the boys name as well, again just not quite ready yet to cross off the other choice.
What I miss: Bring me a glass of wine, please! I'm not an alcoholic, but I am very much looking forward to relaxing (if that's possible with a baby) at some point with some vino post-December 17.
Best moment this week: Taking my birthday off of work and having a relaxing, fun day that ended with my husband taking me out to dinner. Last birthday sans child. (:
Weekly Wisdom: I got nothing - let me know if you have suggestions.
Milestones: Baby's arms, legs and body are getting fatter and are finally in proportion to his head. Cutie!
That's all for now.
-Chris
I can't believe that our little baby is due 2 months from today. Of course, the liklihood of baby being born on that day is very low - apparently less than 5% of babies come on their due dates. You'd think they'd revise the system to reflect this inaccuracy. (:
How far along?: 31 weeks, 3 days
Total weight gain: For once, my weight gain is unchanged... I'm steady at 25 lbs.
Pregnancy symptoms: Tired alllll the time. The fatigue from trimester 1 has returned with a vengence. Also, getting pretty uncomfy sitting at my desk all day at work! Besides that, I'm feeling okay overall.
Sleep: Ok. What's funny is when I flip from one side to the other... it's like a tidal wave on the bed and I'm sure each time I do it I wake up the husband. Oh, funny story though, the other morning I got up to pee right before 6am (close to my wake up time anyway). Jason had gotten up to go for a run very early and thought he was being helpful by closing the door to our bedroom, to block out the bathroom light and the noise of the key in the lock. It's pitch black in the flat at this time of morning... are you seeing where this is going? I ran smack into the door. Awesome.
Movement: Loved the acrobatics baby was doing while I was lying on the couch today! Dad was feeling it and watching - it was so fun, cracking us both up. What was he doing in there??
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: Nothing too weird lately...
Gender/ names: We have a leader in girls names!!! We haven't exactly crossed off the other contender, but one is winning. I think we are close to agreeing on the boys name as well, again just not quite ready yet to cross off the other choice.
What I miss: Bring me a glass of wine, please! I'm not an alcoholic, but I am very much looking forward to relaxing (if that's possible with a baby) at some point with some vino post-December 17.
Best moment this week: Taking my birthday off of work and having a relaxing, fun day that ended with my husband taking me out to dinner. Last birthday sans child. (:
Weekly Wisdom: I got nothing - let me know if you have suggestions.
Milestones: Baby's arms, legs and body are getting fatter and are finally in proportion to his head. Cutie!
That's all for now.
-Chris
Friday, October 16, 2009
Pram!
We got our pram (British to American translation: stroller) delivered today! I am soooo excited. It's too early to put together given that we don't live in a giant house and have guests staying with us next month, but we'll at least open the boxes and check it all out this weekend.
There's tons we don't have, but at least now there is a place for baby to sleep and a way to transport the little peanut. Speaking of said peanut, she just gave a couple of giant kicks.
Full update tomorrow, which is our 2 months to go mark!
There's tons we don't have, but at least now there is a place for baby to sleep and a way to transport the little peanut. Speaking of said peanut, she just gave a couple of giant kicks.
Full update tomorrow, which is our 2 months to go mark!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
So tired.
Wow. Baby is sucking all the life out of me. I am exhausted... last night I headed to bed by 9:30, which is really early for me. Baby is really active these days and hopefully getting nice and big through a growth spurt, which would explain my lack of energy.
Also not excited about going anywhere these days as people are just not nice. No one gives up their seat to the giant pregnant woman. ): Meanies. Today is a super long day as I have meetings in London (hence me being on the tube during rush hour - ouch - and not getting a seat) all day and then am meeting a pregnant friend for a quick dinner before a speaker event at LBS. Estimated arrival home is 9pm, at which point I'm guessing I will go directly to bed!
Anyway.... going to try to be motivated for work and not fantasize about my bed/ couch.
Also not excited about going anywhere these days as people are just not nice. No one gives up their seat to the giant pregnant woman. ): Meanies. Today is a super long day as I have meetings in London (hence me being on the tube during rush hour - ouch - and not getting a seat) all day and then am meeting a pregnant friend for a quick dinner before a speaker event at LBS. Estimated arrival home is 9pm, at which point I'm guessing I will go directly to bed!
Anyway.... going to try to be motivated for work and not fantasize about my bed/ couch.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Single digit weeks to go: 9.5!
Hi all!
Hope everyone has had a good week. We've had a busy bunch of days. Jason's birthday was on Thursday so we went out for a nice dinner after work. Saturday we had a birthday party and got to catch up with lots of friends, which was great! Today is our 3 year first-date anniversary, but we're not doing much, as tomorrow is my birthday so we'll go out for a quick bite to eat in the evening.
How far along?: 30 weeks, 3 days
Total weight gain: 25 big ones. I am aiming to stay right within the 25-35 range. Another goal is to keep below my husband's weight (!). It will be close in the end, but I think I'll manage. New bump shot on the right. (:
Pregnancy symptoms: just tired really, feeling more and more slugglish these days. Oh, and the sprained ankle from last week is taking its sweet time going away. I actually ended up working from home on Thursday because my foot was so giant and Shrek-like I desperately needed to elevate and ice it. It looks much better today, but still kind of fat and bruised. Gross.
Sleep: Pretty good.
Movement: definitely periods of lots of movement and sleepy time for baby. When I get up to go to the bathroom or to press snooze on my alarm clock, he generally gets all feisty. Yesterday Jason got to feel all the crazy movements - fun for the whole family!
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: I made carrot cake and cream cheese icing for the birthday party yesterday and I really enjoyed eating the cake. And icing. And, there is a container of leftover icing in the fridge. Yum.
Gender/ names: Happy with a little girl or little boy! Can't wait to find out.
What I miss: Energy. And, bizarrely, working out.
Best moment this week: Lots of friends coming to our birthday party yesterday!
Weekly Wisdom: Pregnant women don't like it when people say 'you're so big!' or 'you're so small!' when you tell them how far along you are. One is crap for our self esteem, and the other just makes us nervous.
Milestones: Baby's lungs and digestive track are almost fully developed. All that needs to be done now is for little one to get nice and fat!
That's it for now. Jason's out for a run, so, I'm going to go have a spoonful of icing.
-Chris
Hope everyone has had a good week. We've had a busy bunch of days. Jason's birthday was on Thursday so we went out for a nice dinner after work. Saturday we had a birthday party and got to catch up with lots of friends, which was great! Today is our 3 year first-date anniversary, but we're not doing much, as tomorrow is my birthday so we'll go out for a quick bite to eat in the evening.
How far along?: 30 weeks, 3 days
Total weight gain: 25 big ones. I am aiming to stay right within the 25-35 range. Another goal is to keep below my husband's weight (!). It will be close in the end, but I think I'll manage. New bump shot on the right. (:
Pregnancy symptoms: just tired really, feeling more and more slugglish these days. Oh, and the sprained ankle from last week is taking its sweet time going away. I actually ended up working from home on Thursday because my foot was so giant and Shrek-like I desperately needed to elevate and ice it. It looks much better today, but still kind of fat and bruised. Gross.
Sleep: Pretty good.
Movement: definitely periods of lots of movement and sleepy time for baby. When I get up to go to the bathroom or to press snooze on my alarm clock, he generally gets all feisty. Yesterday Jason got to feel all the crazy movements - fun for the whole family!
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: I made carrot cake and cream cheese icing for the birthday party yesterday and I really enjoyed eating the cake. And icing. And, there is a container of leftover icing in the fridge. Yum.
Gender/ names: Happy with a little girl or little boy! Can't wait to find out.
What I miss: Energy. And, bizarrely, working out.
Best moment this week: Lots of friends coming to our birthday party yesterday!
Weekly Wisdom: Pregnant women don't like it when people say 'you're so big!' or 'you're so small!' when you tell them how far along you are. One is crap for our self esteem, and the other just makes us nervous.
Milestones: Baby's lungs and digestive track are almost fully developed. All that needs to be done now is for little one to get nice and fat!
That's it for now. Jason's out for a run, so, I'm going to go have a spoonful of icing.
-Chris
Sunday, October 04, 2009
In my 30th week!
Hi! We are having a really relaxed, lazy Sunday on the couch... Jason is exhausted from his Australia trip and I am relatively immobile (more on this below).
I can't believe I am in my 30th week. Something about that milestone makes it even more real - as if it weren't real enough at this point!
How far along?: 29 weeks, 3 days
Total weight gain: 24, and not the TV show.
Pregnancy symptoms: very tired. Clumsy - see weekly wisdom section for latest events.
Sleep: Not too bad.
Movement: She's a shaker and mover! As always, I love feeling her wiggle in my tummy. Funny how people get creeped out by it; I'm not that pregnant woman who makes everyone feel my tummy when baby kicks, but I have had people (coworkers, friends) warn me that it creeps them out to feel babies move. Weirdos. And as if I'd grab a coworkers hand and shove it on my belly!
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: Nothing too weird this week!
Gender/ names: Well, we officially do not have conflicting first initials with Aunt Sarah and Uncle Kenny's baby. Phew! Still holding strong at our 2 girls and 2 boys names.
What I miss: A nice glass of red wine. Mmmm. I am planning on a nice big glass for Christmas (planned very precisely between feedings, of course!)
Best moment this week: Saturday morning when Jason got back from Australia! We missed him!
Weekly Wisdom: Warning - pregnancy and lots of weight gain has thrown off my sense of gravity. Yesterday we were at LBS for an alumni event and I totally bit it.... sprained or strained or whatever my right ankle but managed to avoid a belly bump by clinging to my husband and twisting my body around as I fell. Have spent all day on the couch with foot elevated as a result. Boo.
Milestones: Baby should be reacting to sounds at this point, and also will follow bright lights.
-Chris
I can't believe I am in my 30th week. Something about that milestone makes it even more real - as if it weren't real enough at this point!
How far along?: 29 weeks, 3 days
Total weight gain: 24, and not the TV show.
Pregnancy symptoms: very tired. Clumsy - see weekly wisdom section for latest events.
Sleep: Not too bad.
Movement: She's a shaker and mover! As always, I love feeling her wiggle in my tummy. Funny how people get creeped out by it; I'm not that pregnant woman who makes everyone feel my tummy when baby kicks, but I have had people (coworkers, friends) warn me that it creeps them out to feel babies move. Weirdos. And as if I'd grab a coworkers hand and shove it on my belly!
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: Nothing too weird this week!
Gender/ names: Well, we officially do not have conflicting first initials with Aunt Sarah and Uncle Kenny's baby. Phew! Still holding strong at our 2 girls and 2 boys names.
What I miss: A nice glass of red wine. Mmmm. I am planning on a nice big glass for Christmas (planned very precisely between feedings, of course!)
Best moment this week: Saturday morning when Jason got back from Australia! We missed him!
Weekly Wisdom: Warning - pregnancy and lots of weight gain has thrown off my sense of gravity. Yesterday we were at LBS for an alumni event and I totally bit it.... sprained or strained or whatever my right ankle but managed to avoid a belly bump by clinging to my husband and twisting my body around as I fell. Have spent all day on the couch with foot elevated as a result. Boo.
Milestones: Baby should be reacting to sounds at this point, and also will follow bright lights.
-Chris
Friday, October 02, 2009
TGIF.
Thank god it's Friday! Jason gets home tomorrow morning and baby and I are both pretty happy about it.
Today I start week 30.... crazy. Time is definitely going by pretty fast at this point and I am amazed that it's October, and in 2.5 months I'll be heading to the hospital. Baby, let's keep it to Dec 17, ok? I really am not looking forward to trying to get to the hospital on Christmas Day or Boxing Day (Dec 26 and a national holiday here). There is no public transports and cabs are pretty much impossible to get. The whole city shuts down... our only option will likely be to call 999 (translation: 911) and get an ambulance.
Anyway - I'll do a full update this weekend!
Today I start week 30.... crazy. Time is definitely going by pretty fast at this point and I am amazed that it's October, and in 2.5 months I'll be heading to the hospital. Baby, let's keep it to Dec 17, ok? I really am not looking forward to trying to get to the hospital on Christmas Day or Boxing Day (Dec 26 and a national holiday here). There is no public transports and cabs are pretty much impossible to get. The whole city shuts down... our only option will likely be to call 999 (translation: 911) and get an ambulance.
Anyway - I'll do a full update this weekend!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Home alone
Hi family and friends,
Early this morning I had to say goodbye to Jason as he is off to Australia for a week. Baby and I will miss him so much!
I had a midwife appointment on Friday. The best part was hearing baby's heartbeat, which was soooo nice and strong, especially compared to the last time I heard it with the doppler back in July, when it was quite soft and difficult to find.
I left the appointment pretty disgusted with the whole midwife system here. She doesn't seem to know anything, and honestly I don't even see the point of going to the appointments (I will, of course, continue to go). In the end - they aren't doctors, they aren't nurses, just people who take a midwifery course, so I guess I should keep my expectations pretty low. I brought up labor and birth and asked if we could start talking about my options, and she said I'd learn about them in my NCT class. NCT (National Childbirth Trust) is an organization in the UK that offers classes on pregnancy/ parenting, but it's something that is optional (most people who can afford it do it) and we paid £275 for. So the midwives should NOT be telling me I need to wait until these classes to talk about birth. The worst part of the appointment was when the midwife tried to take blood from me. She tried THREE times without success, stabbing me in the arm and moving the needle around trying to find a vein and said I had really difficult veins and would have to go to a clinic. I went directly to the clinic and when I told them what happened they said it was ridiculous as I have really really easy veins to find. Within 30 seconds they had the blood they needed. I asked other questions and she just didn't seem to know anything. Good thing I am a fairly intelligent person and read up on these things on my own. I've talked to some friends who have had kids recently and get the same general feedback from them about the whole process.
Anyway, that's my giant rant for the week. In other fun news, Jason and I ordered our pram yesterday morning, so in the next few weeks we should have it in our flat, all ready to transport our little baby!
How far along?: 28 weeks, 3 days - new bump picture on the right!
Total weight gain: I don't know as haven't stepped on the scale for ages... but last time I was at 23 gained. I'll just be happy if I can stick within the 25-35 range.... clearly on the higher end of that scale!
Pregnancy symptoms: Indigestion/ heartburn, my new least favorite friend. I'm pretty sure I've been getting Braxton Hicks contractions, that 'stitch' below my bump that I mentioned last week in the blog.
Sleep: Fine! I heart my giant pillow. Pillow's photo debut on the right.
Movement: Baby moves lots and lots. I love it. Jason gets to feel it all the time, although sometimes when I think baby is kicking/moving strongly he doesn't feel it. I think my layers of fat are growing thicker making it harder for baby to reach Dad's hand. (:
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: I am eating a lot of almond croissants.
Gender/ names: We are officially down to 2 girl names and 2 boy names! All 4 of them are great. Not sure when we'll get it down to the final 1 and 1, but potentially within the next few weeks.
What I miss: Being skinny, but even as I type that I know I love my bump and am amazed by the little life growing inside me every day. It's pretty amazing, no matter what chaos it's caused my body.
Best moment this week: As we narrow our name search down I can really start to imagine having a child, not a nameless, faceless baby, but a little person, half me and half Jason, with a name and a personality and a nice little spot in our family.
Weekly Wisdom: Nothing too new here, just that I really really need lots of sleep each night (and often don't get enough!)
Milestones: baby can open her eyes and will turn her head towards the source of any continuous light. Fun! Also, baby is almost as long as she'll be at birth (about 7.5cm to go) - the next 11 weeks will just be about getting nice and fat. (:
Hope everyone has a great week!
- Chris
Early this morning I had to say goodbye to Jason as he is off to Australia for a week. Baby and I will miss him so much!
I had a midwife appointment on Friday. The best part was hearing baby's heartbeat, which was soooo nice and strong, especially compared to the last time I heard it with the doppler back in July, when it was quite soft and difficult to find.
I left the appointment pretty disgusted with the whole midwife system here. She doesn't seem to know anything, and honestly I don't even see the point of going to the appointments (I will, of course, continue to go). In the end - they aren't doctors, they aren't nurses, just people who take a midwifery course, so I guess I should keep my expectations pretty low. I brought up labor and birth and asked if we could start talking about my options, and she said I'd learn about them in my NCT class. NCT (National Childbirth Trust) is an organization in the UK that offers classes on pregnancy/ parenting, but it's something that is optional (most people who can afford it do it) and we paid £275 for. So the midwives should NOT be telling me I need to wait until these classes to talk about birth. The worst part of the appointment was when the midwife tried to take blood from me. She tried THREE times without success, stabbing me in the arm and moving the needle around trying to find a vein and said I had really difficult veins and would have to go to a clinic. I went directly to the clinic and when I told them what happened they said it was ridiculous as I have really really easy veins to find. Within 30 seconds they had the blood they needed. I asked other questions and she just didn't seem to know anything. Good thing I am a fairly intelligent person and read up on these things on my own. I've talked to some friends who have had kids recently and get the same general feedback from them about the whole process.
Anyway, that's my giant rant for the week. In other fun news, Jason and I ordered our pram yesterday morning, so in the next few weeks we should have it in our flat, all ready to transport our little baby!
How far along?: 28 weeks, 3 days - new bump picture on the right!
Total weight gain: I don't know as haven't stepped on the scale for ages... but last time I was at 23 gained. I'll just be happy if I can stick within the 25-35 range.... clearly on the higher end of that scale!
Pregnancy symptoms: Indigestion/ heartburn, my new least favorite friend. I'm pretty sure I've been getting Braxton Hicks contractions, that 'stitch' below my bump that I mentioned last week in the blog.
Sleep: Fine! I heart my giant pillow. Pillow's photo debut on the right.
Movement: Baby moves lots and lots. I love it. Jason gets to feel it all the time, although sometimes when I think baby is kicking/moving strongly he doesn't feel it. I think my layers of fat are growing thicker making it harder for baby to reach Dad's hand. (:
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: I am eating a lot of almond croissants.
Gender/ names: We are officially down to 2 girl names and 2 boy names! All 4 of them are great. Not sure when we'll get it down to the final 1 and 1, but potentially within the next few weeks.
What I miss: Being skinny, but even as I type that I know I love my bump and am amazed by the little life growing inside me every day. It's pretty amazing, no matter what chaos it's caused my body.
Best moment this week: As we narrow our name search down I can really start to imagine having a child, not a nameless, faceless baby, but a little person, half me and half Jason, with a name and a personality and a nice little spot in our family.
Weekly Wisdom: Nothing too new here, just that I really really need lots of sleep each night (and often don't get enough!)
Milestones: baby can open her eyes and will turn her head towards the source of any continuous light. Fun! Also, baby is almost as long as she'll be at birth (about 7.5cm to go) - the next 11 weeks will just be about getting nice and fat. (:
Hope everyone has a great week!
- Chris
Sunday, September 20, 2009
I love the couch.
Hi all! It was a good but long week for us. Back to work for the full week... tough. Jason has been working some pretty tough hours, and mine haven't been exactly easy (for me, anyway).
Yesterday we went to see Ben Hur Live at the O2 Centre. It was.... different. The best part might have been the chariot race at the end of the performance, but 'best' is a strong word, probably. Anyway, something different to do on a Saturday afternoon! We also went to Harrods yesterday to spend a few gift certificates left over from the wedding. Was really good fun! Had a long walk and that was us done for the day. Exhausting! Today we are looking forward to a really nice relaxing day at home. I have an exhaustion hangover.
Here's my update:
How far along?: 27 weeks, 3 days
Total weight gain: A pound more than last week. Like clockwork.
Pregnancy symptoms: getting slower. Sometimes when I'm on my feet for too long or walking too fast I feel a stitch or little bit of pressure right below my bump. That's when I know I need to slow up and sit down.
Sleep: Not too bad. Slept 10.5 hours last night and it was awesome. Made it 8 hours without a bathroom break!
Movement: Lots of movement! Felt and saw some good kicking last night while we watched a movie. It was Drumline and I think the baby liked the drumming. (:
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: Can't think of anything crazy, although I'm sure my husband would have something to add here.
Gender: These days we are trying calling the baby a different name every day, to see what kind of ring it has to it. We're not making too much progress in the name department, but we still have a few months to get there.
What I miss: Having more than a few shirts and a few pairs of pants that fit me.
Best moment this week: spending £200 in gift cards at Harrods. Some useful baby stuff but mostly fun baby stuff. There were definitely smurfs involved. (: Oh yeah, and I'm looking at a bouquet of nice sunflowers Jason brought home last week. Nice husband!
Weekly Wisdom: when you buy a delicious pastry with your husband, do not, I repeat, do not eat it all the next morning without offering half (or even a bite) to said husband. It will get you in trouble, baby or no baby.
Milestones: baby could start dreaming this week. Baby is probably 2 and a quarter pounds and almost 15 inches from head to heels. Cute!
-Chris
Yesterday we went to see Ben Hur Live at the O2 Centre. It was.... different. The best part might have been the chariot race at the end of the performance, but 'best' is a strong word, probably. Anyway, something different to do on a Saturday afternoon! We also went to Harrods yesterday to spend a few gift certificates left over from the wedding. Was really good fun! Had a long walk and that was us done for the day. Exhausting! Today we are looking forward to a really nice relaxing day at home. I have an exhaustion hangover.
Here's my update:
How far along?: 27 weeks, 3 days
Total weight gain: A pound more than last week. Like clockwork.
Pregnancy symptoms: getting slower. Sometimes when I'm on my feet for too long or walking too fast I feel a stitch or little bit of pressure right below my bump. That's when I know I need to slow up and sit down.
Sleep: Not too bad. Slept 10.5 hours last night and it was awesome. Made it 8 hours without a bathroom break!
Movement: Lots of movement! Felt and saw some good kicking last night while we watched a movie. It was Drumline and I think the baby liked the drumming. (:
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: Can't think of anything crazy, although I'm sure my husband would have something to add here.
Gender: These days we are trying calling the baby a different name every day, to see what kind of ring it has to it. We're not making too much progress in the name department, but we still have a few months to get there.
What I miss: Having more than a few shirts and a few pairs of pants that fit me.
Best moment this week: spending £200 in gift cards at Harrods. Some useful baby stuff but mostly fun baby stuff. There were definitely smurfs involved. (: Oh yeah, and I'm looking at a bouquet of nice sunflowers Jason brought home last week. Nice husband!
Weekly Wisdom: when you buy a delicious pastry with your husband, do not, I repeat, do not eat it all the next morning without offering half (or even a bite) to said husband. It will get you in trouble, baby or no baby.
Milestones: baby could start dreaming this week. Baby is probably 2 and a quarter pounds and almost 15 inches from head to heels. Cute!
-Chris
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Sunday update
Hi all! Here's my update for the week. We did a bit of baby shopping today - some clothes and little things like a little baby hairbrush and nail clippers.
Hope everyone is doing well!
How far along?: 26 weeks, 3 days
Total weight gain: 21 pounds. Wow. Still - within the 16-22 window given for this point in pregnancy..... but... wow.
Pregnancy symptoms: tired with intermittent back pain thrown in for good fun.
Sleep: I missed my giant maternity pillow in Mallorca! With it my sleep is not bad. Clearly still have the middle of the night bathroom breaks but that is the norm these days.
Movement: Baby was much more active when we were lounging by the pool in Spain, but I feel him really regularly and so does Dad. What's fun these days is feeling baby move from two different parts of my belly - we imagine baby stretching arms and legs at the same time. Cute!
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: Again, not really things I didn't want pre-pregnancy, I just let myself eat it now. Chocolate with some peanut butter - yum! Home made reeses peanut butter cups. (:
Gender: Still no idea which it'll be. We are taking a break on the name conversations as we are at a bit of a stalemate... in 2 weeks we'll possibly try again and see if we can narrow it down to 2 names for each gender.
What I miss: grace
Best moment this week: huge baby acrobatics in Spain.... and in general hanging out in the sun by the pool. Ahhhhh.
Weekly Wisdom: got nothing.
Milestones: baby is 'breathing' - not air but yummy amniotic fluid. Also, baby's eyes are beginning to open.
love
Chris
Hope everyone is doing well!
How far along?: 26 weeks, 3 days
Total weight gain: 21 pounds. Wow. Still - within the 16-22 window given for this point in pregnancy..... but... wow.
Pregnancy symptoms: tired with intermittent back pain thrown in for good fun.
Sleep: I missed my giant maternity pillow in Mallorca! With it my sleep is not bad. Clearly still have the middle of the night bathroom breaks but that is the norm these days.
Movement: Baby was much more active when we were lounging by the pool in Spain, but I feel him really regularly and so does Dad. What's fun these days is feeling baby move from two different parts of my belly - we imagine baby stretching arms and legs at the same time. Cute!
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: Again, not really things I didn't want pre-pregnancy, I just let myself eat it now. Chocolate with some peanut butter - yum! Home made reeses peanut butter cups. (:
Gender: Still no idea which it'll be. We are taking a break on the name conversations as we are at a bit of a stalemate... in 2 weeks we'll possibly try again and see if we can narrow it down to 2 names for each gender.
What I miss: grace
Best moment this week: huge baby acrobatics in Spain.... and in general hanging out in the sun by the pool. Ahhhhh.
Weekly Wisdom: got nothing.
Milestones: baby is 'breathing' - not air but yummy amniotic fluid. Also, baby's eyes are beginning to open.
love
Chris
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Last day of 2nd trimester....
Wow - just read in one of my baby books that week 27 starts the 3rd trimester... so I am officially in the last few hours of trimester 2. Crazy! Time is officially flying by now and I can't help but think of all the stuff I have to do before baby arrives - at work to wrap up my current role and handover, to prepare for baby and a zillion other things like get a new visa so I don't get kicked out of the UK, new passport with new name, and lots more.
Baby was super active while we were in Spain. Little peanut cooperated really well and gave Dad plenty of great strong kicks... and me too. I love feeling baby move around and remind me she's there. Which is good, because otherwise pregnancy is causing total chaos in my body. My skin issues are unending... horrible veins, dry patches, lots of things that I will NOT go into as no one really wants to hear about them. Hanging out in a bathing suit for a week just reminded me of my extra layers of love. Diet starts in January?? This bundle of joy better be the cutest thing EVER! Just kidding... it's all worth it, etc etc. (:
A few Mallorca pics on the right, for your entertainment. We'll give our official update this weekend.
-Chris
Baby was super active while we were in Spain. Little peanut cooperated really well and gave Dad plenty of great strong kicks... and me too. I love feeling baby move around and remind me she's there. Which is good, because otherwise pregnancy is causing total chaos in my body. My skin issues are unending... horrible veins, dry patches, lots of things that I will NOT go into as no one really wants to hear about them. Hanging out in a bathing suit for a week just reminded me of my extra layers of love. Diet starts in January?? This bundle of joy better be the cutest thing EVER! Just kidding... it's all worth it, etc etc. (:
A few Mallorca pics on the right, for your entertainment. We'll give our official update this weekend.
-Chris
Monday, September 07, 2009
Warm, sunny, beautiful Mallorca
Hi all
Just a quick n0te as we've neglected the blog (and anything online) since we've been enjoying a wonderful, relaxing, sunny week in Spain. The weather has been gorgeous. We are staying in a beautiful giant house with a ridiculously breathtaking view of the Mediterranean. W0w.
Baby has been enjoying our time in the pool greatly, and has likely been evesdropping on our very productive name conversations! After 2 major name negotiation sessions, we are down to 5 girl and 4 boy names. Tomorrow, our last full day here, will hopefully get us down to 1 or 2 finalists!
Must run now and help get dinner together! We will give a full report on baby status when we are back in London on Wednesday or Thursday.
love
Chris, Jason and baby
Just a quick n0te as we've neglected the blog (and anything online) since we've been enjoying a wonderful, relaxing, sunny week in Spain. The weather has been gorgeous. We are staying in a beautiful giant house with a ridiculously breathtaking view of the Mediterranean. W0w.
Baby has been enjoying our time in the pool greatly, and has likely been evesdropping on our very productive name conversations! After 2 major name negotiation sessions, we are down to 5 girl and 4 boy names. Tomorrow, our last full day here, will hopefully get us down to 1 or 2 finalists!
Must run now and help get dinner together! We will give a full report on baby status when we are back in London on Wednesday or Thursday.
love
Chris, Jason and baby
Sunday, August 30, 2009
3 day weekends = gooooood.
Hello! I had a doctor's appointment on Friday and all was ok. I got to hear baby's heartbeat, always nice to get definitive proof it's still in there (besides exploding belly! see new bump pic on the right!)
Yesterday we made huge progress in baby-stuff-buying. Well, considering we hadn't really bought anything, progress is relative. We got up super early (for me, for a Saturday) and headed up to Oxford Street to John Lewis, one of the big British department stores with a good baby section. We finally have a place for the little peanut to sleep. We bought a Moses basket, very cute. I was envious of all the beautiful cribs... but that's for later, I suppose. We got a bunch of feeding stuff, bathing stuff, clothes and lots more. Only a start as we still have tons left, but I feel much better now. We also spent a lot of time with one of the sales people and looked at prams (strollers for you Americans) - I think we are pretty close to choosing one.
Today we are both beat so just hanging out at home. We were supposed to go to Cambridge but yesterday's exciting day plus the gloomy looking sky gave us a good enough excuse to postpone to another time. Not next weekend though - we are off to Mallorca (a Spanish island) for a week starting on Thursday! Speaking of island... I had to find a bathing suit. Finally bought one yesterday. Think of how painful bathing suit shopping is anyway. Now imagine it when you are 6 months pregnant. Ugh.
How far along?: 24 weeks plus 3 days
Total weight gain: Let's just say I've still got hope that I'll stay within the 25-35 pound recommended weight gain.
Pregnancy symptoms: New category that I should have had to begin with. Back pain - yesterday's excitement ended in my back aching like crazy... not sure what's going on with that. Feel better now but was still achy when I got up this morning.
Sleep: Pretty good.
Movement: Jason finally felt the baby! Friday night baby kicked me twice pretty hard so I had Jason zoom over and low and behold, baby did it twice more for Dad. Was really great.
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: Sometimes I get insanely thirsty and have to down something cold and sweet - a sports drink called Lucozade has been my favorite.
Gender: Husband think it's going to be a girl (not the terrifying part) who will worry him for the next 20 years (definitely the terrifying part). I am on the girls name section of the baby name book, so who knows. We are going to have our first name conversation in Spain next week!
What I miss: Again, my old legs. My dad used to say that I'd never be a panty-hose model - due to all the scars I had on my legs from being a rowdy kid - but now it's particularly true. Pregnancy has not been nice to my legs at all. ): The doctor even kind of cringed when I showed her on Friday. She was like, "already?" Hoping they go back to 'normal' after baby comes.
Best moment this week: Definitely baby kicking for Dad!
Weekly Wisdom: Walking all day = bad for legs. Legs elevated = good.
Milestones: If baby was born today, it could possibly survive with lots of extra care. But let's stick around in there for another 3+ months, baby!
-Chris
Random comments from dad-to-be:
(1) One thing Chris has failed to mention is how hot she gets these days. Totally random, and definitely entertaining for me considering how cold she always was before pregnancy. Don't get me wrong, I feel bad for her and am totally sympathetic, but I'm definitely hoping this new temperature thing lasts after the baby arrives. Would love to avoid a temperature war like some people we know!
(2) Baby kicking was simply awesome. Nuff said.
Yesterday we made huge progress in baby-stuff-buying. Well, considering we hadn't really bought anything, progress is relative. We got up super early (for me, for a Saturday) and headed up to Oxford Street to John Lewis, one of the big British department stores with a good baby section. We finally have a place for the little peanut to sleep. We bought a Moses basket, very cute. I was envious of all the beautiful cribs... but that's for later, I suppose. We got a bunch of feeding stuff, bathing stuff, clothes and lots more. Only a start as we still have tons left, but I feel much better now. We also spent a lot of time with one of the sales people and looked at prams (strollers for you Americans) - I think we are pretty close to choosing one.
Today we are both beat so just hanging out at home. We were supposed to go to Cambridge but yesterday's exciting day plus the gloomy looking sky gave us a good enough excuse to postpone to another time. Not next weekend though - we are off to Mallorca (a Spanish island) for a week starting on Thursday! Speaking of island... I had to find a bathing suit. Finally bought one yesterday. Think of how painful bathing suit shopping is anyway. Now imagine it when you are 6 months pregnant. Ugh.
How far along?: 24 weeks plus 3 days
Total weight gain: Let's just say I've still got hope that I'll stay within the 25-35 pound recommended weight gain.
Pregnancy symptoms: New category that I should have had to begin with. Back pain - yesterday's excitement ended in my back aching like crazy... not sure what's going on with that. Feel better now but was still achy when I got up this morning.
Sleep: Pretty good.
Movement: Jason finally felt the baby! Friday night baby kicked me twice pretty hard so I had Jason zoom over and low and behold, baby did it twice more for Dad. Was really great.
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: Sometimes I get insanely thirsty and have to down something cold and sweet - a sports drink called Lucozade has been my favorite.
Gender: Husband think it's going to be a girl (not the terrifying part) who will worry him for the next 20 years (definitely the terrifying part). I am on the girls name section of the baby name book, so who knows. We are going to have our first name conversation in Spain next week!
What I miss: Again, my old legs. My dad used to say that I'd never be a panty-hose model - due to all the scars I had on my legs from being a rowdy kid - but now it's particularly true. Pregnancy has not been nice to my legs at all. ): The doctor even kind of cringed when I showed her on Friday. She was like, "already?" Hoping they go back to 'normal' after baby comes.
Best moment this week: Definitely baby kicking for Dad!
Weekly Wisdom: Walking all day = bad for legs. Legs elevated = good.
Milestones: If baby was born today, it could possibly survive with lots of extra care. But let's stick around in there for another 3+ months, baby!
-Chris
Random comments from dad-to-be:
(1) One thing Chris has failed to mention is how hot she gets these days. Totally random, and definitely entertaining for me considering how cold she always was before pregnancy. Don't get me wrong, I feel bad for her and am totally sympathetic, but I'm definitely hoping this new temperature thing lasts after the baby arrives. Would love to avoid a temperature war like some people we know!
(2) Baby kicking was simply awesome. Nuff said.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Happy Sunday!
Hello! I've been quiet this week, very busy at work with projects and upcoming launches. Baby isn't really a big fan of me working longer hours....
Mostly I'm feeling really good, still just tired, and also a bit hot these days due to the lack of air conditioning in this country. I'm getting a bit more awkward sized and have a slightly difficult time getting off the couch. Oh, and my back has started to be a bit achy. Other than all of that, everything is great! (:
I have a doctor's appointment on Friday with my GP (general practitioner). I'm on what they called 'shared care' over here, which means I alternate seeing the midwives with seeing my GP. The GP I saw before left the practice so I'm seeing a new one on Friday. The one thing I don't like about the maternity system here so far is there isn't 1 doctor or 1 midwife who really knows me well as I am often seeing new people, as opposed to the US system where you see your own doctor regularly who knows you well and who will deliver your baby. My next appointment with the midwife my key question is - who will deliver my baby??? Imporant thing to know, I think.
Anyway, here's our weekly update:
How far along?: 23 weeks plus 3 days
Total weight gain: MYOB
Sleep: Fine, although turning over is getting to be more cumbersome due to growing belly.
Movement: Still wigglin' along. Next challenge is trying to get Dad to feel baby... yesterday at least 5 different times during the day I made Jason run over and put his hand on my belly... but the little one is not yet cooperating. I feel it move every day, but I don't always feel it from the outside.
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: I'm changing the title of this section, mostly due to the cookie-dough flavored milk from last week. So hubby just reminded me the weird thing I did this week was to put chocolate chips in my cinnamon-flavored oatmeal. Gives it a nice kick! Ew, also ate McDonalds last night... so gross.
Gender: Who knows! Jason has finished with the baby book and has his name list all ready, so as soon as I get mine together we will start having the name conversation. Fun!
What I miss: My waist and my old legs which were thinner and had more muscle.
What I am looking forward to: Name conversations! And, our trip to a nice Spanish island in less than 2 weeks. Last big trip pre-baby! What I am NOT looking forward to is going bathing suit shopping today for said trip...
Best moment this week: Baby moving around while I'm trying to concentrate at work, completely distracting me from what I'm trying to do!
Weekly Wisdom: Baby does not always follow directions (i.e. 'kick for dad!'). Precursor of things to come?
Milestones: Only 4 more weeks of the 2nd trimester!
-Chris
Mostly I'm feeling really good, still just tired, and also a bit hot these days due to the lack of air conditioning in this country. I'm getting a bit more awkward sized and have a slightly difficult time getting off the couch. Oh, and my back has started to be a bit achy. Other than all of that, everything is great! (:
I have a doctor's appointment on Friday with my GP (general practitioner). I'm on what they called 'shared care' over here, which means I alternate seeing the midwives with seeing my GP. The GP I saw before left the practice so I'm seeing a new one on Friday. The one thing I don't like about the maternity system here so far is there isn't 1 doctor or 1 midwife who really knows me well as I am often seeing new people, as opposed to the US system where you see your own doctor regularly who knows you well and who will deliver your baby. My next appointment with the midwife my key question is - who will deliver my baby??? Imporant thing to know, I think.
Anyway, here's our weekly update:
How far along?: 23 weeks plus 3 days
Total weight gain: MYOB
Sleep: Fine, although turning over is getting to be more cumbersome due to growing belly.
Movement: Still wigglin' along. Next challenge is trying to get Dad to feel baby... yesterday at least 5 different times during the day I made Jason run over and put his hand on my belly... but the little one is not yet cooperating. I feel it move every day, but I don't always feel it from the outside.
Food cravings/ weird crap I'm eating: I'm changing the title of this section, mostly due to the cookie-dough flavored milk from last week. So hubby just reminded me the weird thing I did this week was to put chocolate chips in my cinnamon-flavored oatmeal. Gives it a nice kick! Ew, also ate McDonalds last night... so gross.
Gender: Who knows! Jason has finished with the baby book and has his name list all ready, so as soon as I get mine together we will start having the name conversation. Fun!
What I miss: My waist and my old legs which were thinner and had more muscle.
What I am looking forward to: Name conversations! And, our trip to a nice Spanish island in less than 2 weeks. Last big trip pre-baby! What I am NOT looking forward to is going bathing suit shopping today for said trip...
Best moment this week: Baby moving around while I'm trying to concentrate at work, completely distracting me from what I'm trying to do!
Weekly Wisdom: Baby does not always follow directions (i.e. 'kick for dad!'). Precursor of things to come?
Milestones: Only 4 more weeks of the 2nd trimester!
-Chris
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Ahhhhh weekend.
After the excitement of having Grandma and Grandpa K here, a busy work week for both of us, and the stress and excitement of our ultrasound, it's been so nice having a really slow and relaxing weekend watching movies, sleeping and hanging out.
Here's our update:
How far along?: 22 weeks plus 3 days
Total weight gain/loss: A lot!!! More than 10, less than 20. That's what I'm sticking to for now.
Sleep: Ok except for the sometimes multiple bathroom trips.
Movement: Baby is movin' and shakin'. Our ultrasound took 30 minutes + last week because baby wouldn't stay still long enough for her to take all the measurements she needed. I feel lots of movement, but they aren't proper kicks as baby's feet are up above my belly button and I feel all the movement further down... so it's more likely punches or wigglin'.
Food cravings: I bought cookie-dough flavored milk yesterday, which turns out to be not so tasty.
Gender: We will remain in camp yellow as we didn't find out the gender during our scan like we could have! No intuition either way as to what it is.
What I miss: Having a drink with friends. Friday night we were out at my coworker's birthday celebration and by the time everyone is on their third plus drink it becomes a bit less fun to hang out! (:
What I am looking forward to: Getting baby stuff sorted over the next few months.... like where baby will sleep, how we will transport baby, etc. Also, starting to have the baby name conversations.
Best moment this week: Seeing little peanut during our scan!
Weekly Wisdom: I need serious amounts of sleep.
Milestones: As of the scan, baby was 1 pound 2 ounces. Little peanut looks like a proper proportional baby now - just with some saggy skin as baby needs to spend the next 17 weeks getting fatter.
-Chris
Here's our update:
How far along?: 22 weeks plus 3 days
Total weight gain/loss: A lot!!! More than 10, less than 20. That's what I'm sticking to for now.
Sleep: Ok except for the sometimes multiple bathroom trips.
Movement: Baby is movin' and shakin'. Our ultrasound took 30 minutes + last week because baby wouldn't stay still long enough for her to take all the measurements she needed. I feel lots of movement, but they aren't proper kicks as baby's feet are up above my belly button and I feel all the movement further down... so it's more likely punches or wigglin'.
Food cravings: I bought cookie-dough flavored milk yesterday, which turns out to be not so tasty.
Gender: We will remain in camp yellow as we didn't find out the gender during our scan like we could have! No intuition either way as to what it is.
What I miss: Having a drink with friends. Friday night we were out at my coworker's birthday celebration and by the time everyone is on their third plus drink it becomes a bit less fun to hang out! (:
What I am looking forward to: Getting baby stuff sorted over the next few months.... like where baby will sleep, how we will transport baby, etc. Also, starting to have the baby name conversations.
Best moment this week: Seeing little peanut during our scan!
Weekly Wisdom: I need serious amounts of sleep.
Milestones: As of the scan, baby was 1 pound 2 ounces. Little peanut looks like a proper proportional baby now - just with some saggy skin as baby needs to spend the next 17 weeks getting fatter.
-Chris
Thursday, August 13, 2009
22 week scan!
Today was a good day - we had our 22 week scan and everything is looking great! Check out our cutie new scan photos!
The baby is within the normal range for every measurement (head, belly, legs, heart) but on the higher end. Especially its femur length, which is right at the top of the range. Maybe we have a tall baby?
Baby weighs approximately 1 pound 2 ounces. Its head is down low and its feet are up way above my belly button... much higher than we thought it would be at this point!
The most difficult part was when the midwife told us to close our eyes because she was checking out baby's bits. It pretty much killed me when she was done and she said she knew if it is a boy or girl! I can't believe we managed to not cave in and find out the gender.
Barring any complications, that was last time we'll see baby until the birth! See you in 4 months little kiddo!
- Chris & Jason
The baby is within the normal range for every measurement (head, belly, legs, heart) but on the higher end. Especially its femur length, which is right at the top of the range. Maybe we have a tall baby?
Baby weighs approximately 1 pound 2 ounces. Its head is down low and its feet are up way above my belly button... much higher than we thought it would be at this point!
The most difficult part was when the midwife told us to close our eyes because she was checking out baby's bits. It pretty much killed me when she was done and she said she knew if it is a boy or girl! I can't believe we managed to not cave in and find out the gender.
Barring any complications, that was last time we'll see baby until the birth! See you in 4 months little kiddo!
- Chris & Jason
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Good week!
Hello! We've had a busy week here with Grandma and Grandpa K visiting the UK and all of us heading to Germany together. It was so fun for me to practise my German skills... I think I did alright actually. "Ich bin schwanger" means "I'm pregnant" in German, in case you were wondering. I will post a picture of Jason and I in Munich where you can see the substantial development of my baby bump! I am definitely, definitely pregnant these days. (:
Some great developments with baby recently, so read on....
How far along?: 21 weeks plus 3 days
Total weight gain/loss: I have not weighed myself in a week, but looking at my bump growth, I'm assuming this number has grown quite a bit as well.
Maternity clothes?: Yes. This is the last week I am including this question as it is pure silliness!
Sleep: Not bad, although I had to live without my special pillow in Germany the last few nights and I was not happy about it.
Movement: FINALLY. Earlier in the week I was sitting at work and felt a few very gentle pokes in my lower tummy. Every day since then i've either felt another of these cute little pokes, or funny rumbling feelings. Nothing like the whole butterfly or fluttering feeling crap they tell you to expect, but as it's a new and weird feeling, it has to be baby!
Food cravings: Nothing at this exact moment in time.
Gender: Camp Yellow.
What I miss: This week while in Munich, I was gutted not to be able to drink a giant liter beer with my hubby!! I did have a non-alcoholic one, which was actually pretty tasty, but still. Not the same. What I should say here is that I missed out on having a giant bratwurst in Germany, as you are not supposed to eat sausage in pregnancy, but I'd be lieing as I ate several sausages. And baby liked it.
What I am looking forward to: Our 22 week scan - this Thursday!! Can't wait to see the little bubba and make sure everything is going ok. Hopefully it will be less stressful than last time...
Best moment this week: Realizing the funny new feeling in my tummy was probably baby moving!
Weekly Wisdom: The baby is sucking my brain away. I forget a lot of things these days. My husband makes fun of me.
Milestones: Baby can probably hear us now, and she might be 10.5 inches long and weigh three quarters of a pound!
-Chris
Some great developments with baby recently, so read on....
How far along?: 21 weeks plus 3 days
Total weight gain/loss: I have not weighed myself in a week, but looking at my bump growth, I'm assuming this number has grown quite a bit as well.
Maternity clothes?: Yes. This is the last week I am including this question as it is pure silliness!
Sleep: Not bad, although I had to live without my special pillow in Germany the last few nights and I was not happy about it.
Movement: FINALLY. Earlier in the week I was sitting at work and felt a few very gentle pokes in my lower tummy. Every day since then i've either felt another of these cute little pokes, or funny rumbling feelings. Nothing like the whole butterfly or fluttering feeling crap they tell you to expect, but as it's a new and weird feeling, it has to be baby!
Food cravings: Nothing at this exact moment in time.
Gender: Camp Yellow.
What I miss: This week while in Munich, I was gutted not to be able to drink a giant liter beer with my hubby!! I did have a non-alcoholic one, which was actually pretty tasty, but still. Not the same. What I should say here is that I missed out on having a giant bratwurst in Germany, as you are not supposed to eat sausage in pregnancy, but I'd be lieing as I ate several sausages. And baby liked it.
What I am looking forward to: Our 22 week scan - this Thursday!! Can't wait to see the little bubba and make sure everything is going ok. Hopefully it will be less stressful than last time...
Best moment this week: Realizing the funny new feeling in my tummy was probably baby moving!
Weekly Wisdom: The baby is sucking my brain away. I forget a lot of things these days. My husband makes fun of me.
Milestones: Baby can probably hear us now, and she might be 10.5 inches long and weigh three quarters of a pound!
-Chris
Saturday, August 01, 2009
MORE than halfway there!
Happy Saturday! We are having a really nice weekend hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa K. Went for a long walk around Clapham and found some great baby stuff stores, including one gem of a woman who educated me really well on buggies.... I am going to go back to her so she can help me figure out what the heck I need for this baby!
How far along?: 20 weeks plus 2 days
Total weight gain/loss: 14 pounds or so. At the high end of 'normal'! But I now have a bona-fide baby bump. Picture to be uploaded soon... stay tuned.
Maternity clothes?: This question is getting to be silly.
Sleep: Fine! Although middle-of-the-night pee breaks are back.
Movement: Now I'm just annoyed.
Food cravings: I am yearning for a giant Friendly's sundae. A Reeses peanut butter cup one. Mmmmm.
Gender: Equal opportunity.
What I miss: Nice glass of wine.
What I am looking forward to: Heading to Germany on Wednesday and testing my German speaking skills!
Best moment this week: Realizing I am more than half way to baby!! And fun baby gifts from Aunt Gwen and Grandma K! Hanging out with the soon-to-be grandparents.
Weekly Wisdom: Got none.
Milestones: Baby is the size of a large banana. A super cute one, presumably!
-Chris
How far along?: 20 weeks plus 2 days
Total weight gain/loss: 14 pounds or so. At the high end of 'normal'! But I now have a bona-fide baby bump. Picture to be uploaded soon... stay tuned.
Maternity clothes?: This question is getting to be silly.
Sleep: Fine! Although middle-of-the-night pee breaks are back.
Movement: Now I'm just annoyed.
Food cravings: I am yearning for a giant Friendly's sundae. A Reeses peanut butter cup one. Mmmmm.
Gender: Equal opportunity.
What I miss: Nice glass of wine.
What I am looking forward to: Heading to Germany on Wednesday and testing my German speaking skills!
Best moment this week: Realizing I am more than half way to baby!! And fun baby gifts from Aunt Gwen and Grandma K! Hanging out with the soon-to-be grandparents.
Weekly Wisdom: Got none.
Milestones: Baby is the size of a large banana. A super cute one, presumably!
-Chris
Thursday, July 30, 2009
As the immortal Bon Jovi said...
Whooah, were half way there!
Dad-to-be here. Waiting for grandma and grandpa-to-be K to knock on the door any minute. Baby Bibab is excited to have them here, and hopefully will prove it by starting to kick the heck out of Chris for the next week plus.
Dad-to-be here. Waiting for grandma and grandpa-to-be K to knock on the door any minute. Baby Bibab is excited to have them here, and hopefully will prove it by starting to kick the heck out of Chris for the next week plus.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Soooo much ice cream... mmmm....
We had a great time yesterday at the Ben & Jerry's festival on Clapham Common! It was a gorgeous, warm, sunny day. I think we each had 5/6 ice cream cones, including: Caramel Chew Chew, Mango & Strawberry sorbet, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Cheesecake Brownie, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, and Strawberry Cheesecake. We also had some cotton candy (or candy floss, as they call it here)... I ate all of mine and some of Jason's. It was soooooooo good.
Luckily we both went to the gym yesterday pre-festival, and went for a nice long walk afterwards, stopping to hang out on Wandsworth Common and enjoy the day. I was pretty beat last night and our bodies were in shock from all the sugar and activity!
All in all a great day. (:
-Chris
Luckily we both went to the gym yesterday pre-festival, and went for a nice long walk afterwards, stopping to hang out on Wandsworth Common and enjoy the day. I was pretty beat last night and our bodies were in shock from all the sugar and activity!
All in all a great day. (:
-Chris
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Ice cream - mmmmmm.
Ahhhh the weekend. Today we are off to the Ben & Jerry festival - what a perfect event for a pregnant woman! Lots and lots of ice cream. Mmmm.
I feel pretty good overall these days. Headaches seem to have left me (knock every piece of wood you can reach) and I'm mostly just tired. I can get through the work day but crash pretty hard at night. But, the good news is that in just a few days I'll be halfway through my pregnancy!!!!!!
How far along?: 19 weeks plus 2 days.
Total weight gain/loss: 10-12 pounds, depending on the day.
Maternity clothes?: Yes sir, may I have another.
Sleep: Good, and I need lots of it. Went to Birmingham for the day for work on Thursday and was SO beat.... last night I slept 11 hours.
Movement: Hellloooooo baaaaaaby.... are you in there?? Each night when Jason chats with the baby he tells it to give mom a big kick, but alas, baby does not follow directions well.
Food cravings: COOKIES! Luckily, Connie sent us a huge shipment of her mint chocolate chip and peanut butter home made cookies. So delicious!!!
Gender: Yellow, green, beige, orange, etc.
What I miss: I still yearn to sleep on my back. Only 20 weeks to go! Although I probably won't be 'sleeping' much then....
What I am looking forward to: Seeing Grandma and Grandpa K this week
Best moment this week: Best hubby ever surprising me with sold-out Ben and Jerry's festival tickets! He is full of surprises these days!
Weekly Wisdom: I really do need to get 8 hours sleep a night at this point in my life. Maybe it's being stored in my body in preparation for the first months baby is in the world and I'm not sleeping much at all??
Milestones: Baby might be getting hair!!
Enjoy your weekends!
-Chris
I feel pretty good overall these days. Headaches seem to have left me (knock every piece of wood you can reach) and I'm mostly just tired. I can get through the work day but crash pretty hard at night. But, the good news is that in just a few days I'll be halfway through my pregnancy!!!!!!
How far along?: 19 weeks plus 2 days.
Total weight gain/loss: 10-12 pounds, depending on the day.
Maternity clothes?: Yes sir, may I have another.
Sleep: Good, and I need lots of it. Went to Birmingham for the day for work on Thursday and was SO beat.... last night I slept 11 hours.
Movement: Hellloooooo baaaaaaby.... are you in there?? Each night when Jason chats with the baby he tells it to give mom a big kick, but alas, baby does not follow directions well.
Food cravings: COOKIES! Luckily, Connie sent us a huge shipment of her mint chocolate chip and peanut butter home made cookies. So delicious!!!
Gender: Yellow, green, beige, orange, etc.
What I miss: I still yearn to sleep on my back. Only 20 weeks to go! Although I probably won't be 'sleeping' much then....
What I am looking forward to: Seeing Grandma and Grandpa K this week
Best moment this week: Best hubby ever surprising me with sold-out Ben and Jerry's festival tickets! He is full of surprises these days!
Weekly Wisdom: I really do need to get 8 hours sleep a night at this point in my life. Maybe it's being stored in my body in preparation for the first months baby is in the world and I'm not sleeping much at all??
Milestones: Baby might be getting hair!!
Enjoy your weekends!
-Chris
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Mmm...Ben & Jerry's
Surprised the mum-to-be with tickets to Saturday's Ben & Jerry's festival in Clapham Common. Hopefully we'll have good weather, so we can spend a few hours listening to the different bands and enjoying loads of ice cream. Cookie Dough, Fudge Brownie, Cherry Garcia...mmm.
Chris seems to be sleeping a little better these days, which is bizarre considering how much I'm flopping around at night due to the heat. Luckily I don't think she can feel me from inside her question mark-shaped body pillow.
Spending a few minutes in bed each night bonding with the baby. So far I must not have said anything too interesting because I don't get any sort of reaction. Anyone have any good jokes I can use?
Thanks to Grandma-to-be V for all the cookies. The baby is enjoying them thoroughly. I have only had one or two. (The sound you hear is Chris rolling on the floor in a fit of laughter.)
The long awaited bump is almost here. We'll get a picture up here again soon.
Chris seems to be sleeping a little better these days, which is bizarre considering how much I'm flopping around at night due to the heat. Luckily I don't think she can feel me from inside her question mark-shaped body pillow.
Spending a few minutes in bed each night bonding with the baby. So far I must not have said anything too interesting because I don't get any sort of reaction. Anyone have any good jokes I can use?
Thanks to Grandma-to-be V for all the cookies. The baby is enjoying them thoroughly. I have only had one or two. (The sound you hear is Chris rolling on the floor in a fit of laughter.)
The long awaited bump is almost here. We'll get a picture up here again soon.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Almost half way there!
Hi! So I had a midwife appointment yesterday. Got to hear the baby's heartbeat, which was great, although it took the midwife a solid 60 seconds (this is a LONG time) to find it, during which time I started to freak out a bit. She reminded me that 'the baby is very small right now'. A few women had gone in before me - much much further along - and I could hear the baby's heartbeats through the closed doors! Guess I forgot I still have a mini-bump compared to their ginormous bumps. Everything else was fine.
I am still feeling pretty good and trying to appreciate it, as I know in a few months I'll slow down considerably. We've started to plot when we will make our big purchases... goal is to be done end September/ early October before I am too big to function.
How far along?: 18 weeks plus 2 days
Total weight gain/loss: 10 pounds. I'm attributing some of this to the fact that I know have 25% more blood that I did pre-baby. Crazy! Also, that's according to my scale as they don't weigh you much here during pregnancy.
Maternity clothes?: Heck yeah. Just did some shopping yesterday in London for shirts, and ordered some stuff for my Mom and Dad to bring when they come to visit in a few weeks. Shirts are the tough part now as my belly makes it pretty difficult to look acceptable in normal-people shirts.
Sleep: Much better than a few weeks ago. I credit my special pillow.
Movement: Still waiting....
Food cravings: Nope. Although Jason brough me peanut M&Ms the other night, which satisfied a craving I hadn't known I had. (:
Gender: We are less than 4 weeks away from our 22 week scan that could potentially give us the answer... but are still in the 'yellow' camp.
What I miss: Not being so lame and going to sleep at 1030. But there's a chance I was doing that pre-baby too, I don't remember.
What I am looking forward to: My parents coming to visit in a few weeks and our trip to Germany!
Best moment this week: Hearing the baby's heartbeat yesterday. Happy to know the little guy is still in there! Now just need it to give me a reassuring kick.
Weekly Wisdom: Don't ditch my husband on Tuesday nights.... it's our night to go for pizza at the pub across the street, but I made plans with a friend for dinner, and he happened to get out of work super early. Sorry honey! x
Milestones: Bibaby is probably about 6 inches long and might be able to hear my voice.
That's it for now!
-Chris
I am still feeling pretty good and trying to appreciate it, as I know in a few months I'll slow down considerably. We've started to plot when we will make our big purchases... goal is to be done end September/ early October before I am too big to function.
How far along?: 18 weeks plus 2 days
Total weight gain/loss: 10 pounds. I'm attributing some of this to the fact that I know have 25% more blood that I did pre-baby. Crazy! Also, that's according to my scale as they don't weigh you much here during pregnancy.
Maternity clothes?: Heck yeah. Just did some shopping yesterday in London for shirts, and ordered some stuff for my Mom and Dad to bring when they come to visit in a few weeks. Shirts are the tough part now as my belly makes it pretty difficult to look acceptable in normal-people shirts.
Sleep: Much better than a few weeks ago. I credit my special pillow.
Movement: Still waiting....
Food cravings: Nope. Although Jason brough me peanut M&Ms the other night, which satisfied a craving I hadn't known I had. (:
Gender: We are less than 4 weeks away from our 22 week scan that could potentially give us the answer... but are still in the 'yellow' camp.
What I miss: Not being so lame and going to sleep at 1030. But there's a chance I was doing that pre-baby too, I don't remember.
What I am looking forward to: My parents coming to visit in a few weeks and our trip to Germany!
Best moment this week: Hearing the baby's heartbeat yesterday. Happy to know the little guy is still in there! Now just need it to give me a reassuring kick.
Weekly Wisdom: Don't ditch my husband on Tuesday nights.... it's our night to go for pizza at the pub across the street, but I made plans with a friend for dinner, and he happened to get out of work super early. Sorry honey! x
Milestones: Bibaby is probably about 6 inches long and might be able to hear my voice.
That's it for now!
-Chris
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Why? That's just unfair.
So, nobody told me that my calves would get fat. Seriously.
I have grown a LOT in the past 72 hours. Wow. I almost look actually pregnant, and I am pretty much incapable of wearing normal-people shirts. Looks like I'm doing some work maternity shirt shopping this weekend...
-Chris
I have grown a LOT in the past 72 hours. Wow. I almost look actually pregnant, and I am pretty much incapable of wearing normal-people shirts. Looks like I'm doing some work maternity shirt shopping this weekend...
-Chris
Sunday, July 12, 2009
TOTALLY the best moment of the week...
One of the 'symptoms' of pregnancy is a really bad memory. The surprise Ben & Jerry's delivery on Thursday night was definitely the best moment of the week!!
Just wanted to make that clear. (:
-Chris
Just wanted to make that clear. (:
-Chris
Life's guilty pleasures
Dad-to-be checking in again
Little bummed that the "best moment of the week" wasn't when I showed up on Thursday night with two pints of Ben & Jerry's. I was trying to make mom-to-be feel better about finding out that tickets to the Ben & Jerry's festival in two weeks were sold out. The Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough was a not-so-surprising favorite.
Baby Bibab is definitely looking forward to his/her first concert this evening. I'm letting Chris get some extra sleep right now as it's going to be a long night at Wembley rocking out to Oasis.
This new question-mark shaped pillow that Chris is sleeping inside is hilarious. It takes up half the bed, and she's having a bit of trouble adjusting to it. But it seems to make her hips and shoulders feel a lot better, so I'm all for it.
We were out yesterday with a bunch of people with kids under three and those who were expecting their first a few weeks before us. It was by far the most time I've ever spent discussing things like prams (why can't they just call it a stroller over here?). Chris was pretty excited to see how noticeable the bump was on the girls due a few weeks before us. So we're very excited a major bump will arrive in the next few weeks.
Grandma and Grandpa K are coming over in a few weeks, and we're planning to go to Munich for a long weekend. The major to-dos include a trip to Neushwanstein (the castle used as the base for the Disney castle), a trip to Augsburg (where dad-to-be spent a life-changing summer), and most importantly a stop or two in the Hofbrauhaus (not getting to partake in the litre beers is going to be disappointing for the mom-to-be).
Cheers,
Jason
Little bummed that the "best moment of the week" wasn't when I showed up on Thursday night with two pints of Ben & Jerry's. I was trying to make mom-to-be feel better about finding out that tickets to the Ben & Jerry's festival in two weeks were sold out. The Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough was a not-so-surprising favorite.
Baby Bibab is definitely looking forward to his/her first concert this evening. I'm letting Chris get some extra sleep right now as it's going to be a long night at Wembley rocking out to Oasis.
This new question-mark shaped pillow that Chris is sleeping inside is hilarious. It takes up half the bed, and she's having a bit of trouble adjusting to it. But it seems to make her hips and shoulders feel a lot better, so I'm all for it.
We were out yesterday with a bunch of people with kids under three and those who were expecting their first a few weeks before us. It was by far the most time I've ever spent discussing things like prams (why can't they just call it a stroller over here?). Chris was pretty excited to see how noticeable the bump was on the girls due a few weeks before us. So we're very excited a major bump will arrive in the next few weeks.
Grandma and Grandpa K are coming over in a few weeks, and we're planning to go to Munich for a long weekend. The major to-dos include a trip to Neushwanstein (the castle used as the base for the Disney castle), a trip to Augsburg (where dad-to-be spent a life-changing summer), and most importantly a stop or two in the Hofbrauhaus (not getting to partake in the litre beers is going to be disappointing for the mom-to-be).
Cheers,
Jason
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Getting thicker.
Time is flying by! I am definitely still pregnant. I'm getting..... thicker. See the 17 week photo of me on the right. Next week I have my next midwife appointment. Looking forward to it - hopefully they'll let me hear the baby's heartbeat but I'm not sure they do that at the clinic. Might have to wait until Aug 13 which is our next scan.
Today we are going to the going away party of our friends who have a little girl. Too bad as she is my closest girl friend with a kid and would have been really useful to have around! Tomorrow is the Oasis concert - can't wait but it'll be a looooong day.
Here's how I'm getting along:
How far along?: 17 weeks plus 2 days
Total weight gain/loss: 9 pounds. I swear it's still within 'normal' even though it sounds scary. For all you lacking the know, I'm scheduled to gain a pound a week until the baby comes. Holy canolia.
Maternity clothes?: All in.
Sleep: Still struggling a bit, but I bought this gigantic funny-looking maternity pillow to sleep on. It takes up well over my half of the bed, but it's done a pretty good job supporting my hips and back and shoulders so I'm not as achy any more.
Movement: Nada.
Food cravings: Not really.
Gender: We're not going to find out, almost for sure. When we tell people that half of them look at us like we're crazy, and the other half think it's the best idea ever.
What I miss: Having a glass of wine with some smelly cheese. Mmmmm.
What I am looking forward to: Feeling the little guy move. Any day now!
Best moment this week: I told a few more coworkers I am pregnant and had some great reactions - mostly from women who are mums already, which isn't surprising. They were soooo excited for me it was cute! One was going on and on about how much they'll miss me when I leave for maternity leave because I'm such an asset to the team... that was nice. This was also the woman who admitted she noticed I'd gained a few pounds but thought I was just relaxing after getting skinny for the wedding. She is awesome - she doesn't beat around the bush! (:
Weekly Wisdom: I need to work out more.... I was all in last weekend then lost it during the week. Trying to get my pregnant butt to the gym right now...
Milestones: Bibaby's eyes are now they should be, in front of its head. Apparantly, the eyes were previously on the sides of its head. Weird.
-Chris
Today we are going to the going away party of our friends who have a little girl. Too bad as she is my closest girl friend with a kid and would have been really useful to have around! Tomorrow is the Oasis concert - can't wait but it'll be a looooong day.
Here's how I'm getting along:
How far along?: 17 weeks plus 2 days
Total weight gain/loss: 9 pounds. I swear it's still within 'normal' even though it sounds scary. For all you lacking the know, I'm scheduled to gain a pound a week until the baby comes. Holy canolia.
Maternity clothes?: All in.
Sleep: Still struggling a bit, but I bought this gigantic funny-looking maternity pillow to sleep on. It takes up well over my half of the bed, but it's done a pretty good job supporting my hips and back and shoulders so I'm not as achy any more.
Movement: Nada.
Food cravings: Not really.
Gender: We're not going to find out, almost for sure. When we tell people that half of them look at us like we're crazy, and the other half think it's the best idea ever.
What I miss: Having a glass of wine with some smelly cheese. Mmmmm.
What I am looking forward to: Feeling the little guy move. Any day now!
Best moment this week: I told a few more coworkers I am pregnant and had some great reactions - mostly from women who are mums already, which isn't surprising. They were soooo excited for me it was cute! One was going on and on about how much they'll miss me when I leave for maternity leave because I'm such an asset to the team... that was nice. This was also the woman who admitted she noticed I'd gained a few pounds but thought I was just relaxing after getting skinny for the wedding. She is awesome - she doesn't beat around the bush! (:
Weekly Wisdom: I need to work out more.... I was all in last weekend then lost it during the week. Trying to get my pregnant butt to the gym right now...
Milestones: Bibaby's eyes are now they should be, in front of its head. Apparantly, the eyes were previously on the sides of its head. Weird.
-Chris
Sunday, July 05, 2009
I love the weekend, which has nothing to do with this post.
Hope everyone had a great 4th of July! We had a pretty mellow day with Jason working most of it - booo. No bbq or fireworks for us - maybe next year. The weather has been crazy in London for the past few weeks - hot and sunny. Really nice except for the fact that we don't have air conditioning in our flat....
I continue to feel fairly normal, with the continuing tiredness and headaches. Yesterday I went to the gym for the first time in, oh, 8 weeks or so (!). I need to keep that up while I still can and am feeling okay. My belly is getting bigger - I still mostly look like I've gotten a bit fat, but when you look closer it's clear that's not all it is. Belly shot will come soon, when I'm feeling mentally strong enough. (:
How far along?: 16 weeks plus 3 days
Total weight gain/loss: oh lord. ok - here goes.... 8 pounds. Ok maybe 8.5. But in my defense, that is still in the 'normal' range. Jason did say to me today "you're a lot squishier than you used to be", followed by a little giggle. *sigh*
Maternity clothes?: Yes. I still wear a lot of non-maternity shirts but that will stop in the next week or two I think. Many many thanks to Nicole and Gwen and Connie for all their contributions to my collection!
Sleep: Not very good. My hips and legs bother me due to the stupid have-to-sleep-on-my-side thing.
Movement: Nope.
Food cravings: Nope.
Gender: Have no idea. We are now debating finding out with the new factor being the baby clothes people have been wonderful enough to send us - such cute stuff! But, we'll have 1 of two problems. Either an entire wardrobe of yellow and green, OR, both pink and blue stuff. We've already agreed that the adorable pink jumpsuit with flowers on front will not be worn by a son, even in the secrecy of our own home. (:
What I miss: Sleeping on my back.
What I am looking forward to: Feeling the little kiddo move!
Best moment this week: My wonderful husband surprising me with Oasis tickets for next Thursday night! Baby's first concert!!!!
Weekly Wisdom: Am I really supposed to have weekly wisdom?
Milestones: For me - getting back tot he gym. For baby - Bibaby is the size of a pear by now and, when it's bored, might be playing with the umbilical cord. Funny.
-Chris
I continue to feel fairly normal, with the continuing tiredness and headaches. Yesterday I went to the gym for the first time in, oh, 8 weeks or so (!). I need to keep that up while I still can and am feeling okay. My belly is getting bigger - I still mostly look like I've gotten a bit fat, but when you look closer it's clear that's not all it is. Belly shot will come soon, when I'm feeling mentally strong enough. (:
How far along?: 16 weeks plus 3 days
Total weight gain/loss: oh lord. ok - here goes.... 8 pounds. Ok maybe 8.5. But in my defense, that is still in the 'normal' range. Jason did say to me today "you're a lot squishier than you used to be", followed by a little giggle. *sigh*
Maternity clothes?: Yes. I still wear a lot of non-maternity shirts but that will stop in the next week or two I think. Many many thanks to Nicole and Gwen and Connie for all their contributions to my collection!
Sleep: Not very good. My hips and legs bother me due to the stupid have-to-sleep-on-my-side thing.
Movement: Nope.
Food cravings: Nope.
Gender: Have no idea. We are now debating finding out with the new factor being the baby clothes people have been wonderful enough to send us - such cute stuff! But, we'll have 1 of two problems. Either an entire wardrobe of yellow and green, OR, both pink and blue stuff. We've already agreed that the adorable pink jumpsuit with flowers on front will not be worn by a son, even in the secrecy of our own home. (:
What I miss: Sleeping on my back.
What I am looking forward to: Feeling the little kiddo move!
Best moment this week: My wonderful husband surprising me with Oasis tickets for next Thursday night! Baby's first concert!!!!
Weekly Wisdom: Am I really supposed to have weekly wisdom?
Milestones: For me - getting back tot he gym. For baby - Bibaby is the size of a pear by now and, when it's bored, might be playing with the umbilical cord. Funny.
-Chris
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Dad to be checking in
Hello all,
Here we are at 16 weeks, and life is getting pretty interesting. I've been working a lot lately, so I don't get to spend nearly as much time as I'd like with my ever-expanding (but TOTALLY adorable) wife and Baby Bibab (or Bibaby as our friend Moobs coined). But I make sure I'm home in plenty of time to kiss the belly.
Our collection of adorable baby clothes got a major upgrade yesterday with lots of cute stuff arriving from grandma- and grandpa-to-be V and the Hagners (is Nancy the baby's great-godmother? - this is the kind of stuff that runs through my mind when I'm out for a pre-work run at 6am).
Chris is anxiously awaiting the next few weekends, with lots going on (a tame 4th of July, birthday parties, going away parties). But the highlight of July's social calendar is very clearly the Ben & Jerry's festival in the park by our house the last weekend of the month. The baby is very excited for his/her 3rd Ben & Jerry's experience (Baby V certainly enjoyed the multiple cones in Stockholm).
It's been really fun this week continuing to break the news to our friends. Of course, none of the girls were surprised at all. Apparently, you can only get away with so much when you follow "I gave up alcohol for Lent" with "I'm on a prescription" and "I have a headache". But all the boys were truly shocked.
This weekend we're heading out for our first baby gadget shopping expedition. Luckily we live in Clapham, a.k.a. "Nappy Valley" or "Yummy Mummy-ville", so there are plenty of options. Chris really needs to start showing more so she fits in with all of the others down here.
Bizarrely enough, Chris has not had any strange cravings thus far. I definitely have, but I don't think that's pregnancy related. So jealous that Sarah gets those cravings addressed.
I have been trying to be as supportive as possible, doing extra chores (when I've been home) and buying all the nutritious food I can carry. To show their support, some men will go so far as to put on loads of weight during the pregnancy. I've decided to do them one better, and have gone so far as to develop hayfever like Chris.
More from us soon.
Love,
Jason
P.S. Happy 25th Sarah!!!
Here we are at 16 weeks, and life is getting pretty interesting. I've been working a lot lately, so I don't get to spend nearly as much time as I'd like with my ever-expanding (but TOTALLY adorable) wife and Baby Bibab (or Bibaby as our friend Moobs coined). But I make sure I'm home in plenty of time to kiss the belly.
Our collection of adorable baby clothes got a major upgrade yesterday with lots of cute stuff arriving from grandma- and grandpa-to-be V and the Hagners (is Nancy the baby's great-godmother? - this is the kind of stuff that runs through my mind when I'm out for a pre-work run at 6am).
Chris is anxiously awaiting the next few weekends, with lots going on (a tame 4th of July, birthday parties, going away parties). But the highlight of July's social calendar is very clearly the Ben & Jerry's festival in the park by our house the last weekend of the month. The baby is very excited for his/her 3rd Ben & Jerry's experience (Baby V certainly enjoyed the multiple cones in Stockholm).
It's been really fun this week continuing to break the news to our friends. Of course, none of the girls were surprised at all. Apparently, you can only get away with so much when you follow "I gave up alcohol for Lent" with "I'm on a prescription" and "I have a headache". But all the boys were truly shocked.
This weekend we're heading out for our first baby gadget shopping expedition. Luckily we live in Clapham, a.k.a. "Nappy Valley" or "Yummy Mummy-ville", so there are plenty of options. Chris really needs to start showing more so she fits in with all of the others down here.
Bizarrely enough, Chris has not had any strange cravings thus far. I definitely have, but I don't think that's pregnancy related. So jealous that Sarah gets those cravings addressed.
I have been trying to be as supportive as possible, doing extra chores (when I've been home) and buying all the nutritious food I can carry. To show their support, some men will go so far as to put on loads of weight during the pregnancy. I've decided to do them one better, and have gone so far as to develop hayfever like Chris.
More from us soon.
Love,
Jason
P.S. Happy 25th Sarah!!!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Where I'm at
This is something else we are shamelessly stealing from Sarah.... hope that's ok!!!
How far along?: 15 weeks plus 2 days
Total weight gain/loss: none of your beeswax! not quite ready to share yet.
Maternity clothes?: heck yeah. mostly on the bottom half as any tightness on my tummy does not feel good.
Sleep: eh. not happy about not being allowed to sleep on my back, and the middle of the night pee breaks aren't helping either.
Movement: nothing yet. it could happen around week 16 but they say with your first it usually takes a few more weeks.
Food cravings: nope.
Gender: the debate is still going on about whether to find out or now. I thought we might accidentally find out when we got our test results on wednesday but apparently they no longer routinely check gender with the CVS. damn!
What I miss: last night I was jealous of everyone else having a drink at dinner - a nice glass of wine would be great.
What I am looking forward to: I've not been the biggest fan of being pregnant so far, so it will be great when we have a cute little bundle and I can claim my body back (mostly).
Best moment this week: that phone call on wednesday when we found out baby was okay...
Weekly Wisdom: i got nothin'.
Milestones: the baby is movin' and shakin' inside my tummy, I just can't feel it yet!
25 weeks to go!
- Chris
How far along?: 15 weeks plus 2 days
Total weight gain/loss: none of your beeswax! not quite ready to share yet.
Maternity clothes?: heck yeah. mostly on the bottom half as any tightness on my tummy does not feel good.
Sleep: eh. not happy about not being allowed to sleep on my back, and the middle of the night pee breaks aren't helping either.
Movement: nothing yet. it could happen around week 16 but they say with your first it usually takes a few more weeks.
Food cravings: nope.
Gender: the debate is still going on about whether to find out or now. I thought we might accidentally find out when we got our test results on wednesday but apparently they no longer routinely check gender with the CVS. damn!
What I miss: last night I was jealous of everyone else having a drink at dinner - a nice glass of wine would be great.
What I am looking forward to: I've not been the biggest fan of being pregnant so far, so it will be great when we have a cute little bundle and I can claim my body back (mostly).
Best moment this week: that phone call on wednesday when we found out baby was okay...
Weekly Wisdom: i got nothin'.
Milestones: the baby is movin' and shakin' inside my tummy, I just can't feel it yet!
25 weeks to go!
- Chris
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