1st Christmas

Mikey seems rather bemused by the whole concept of Christmas! Thankfully he is now fully recovered from his pre Christmas illness (as he kicked over his medication on Christmas Eve!!) and had been observing the whole thing quite carefully! The present thing has baffled him, but his cousin helped out on the opening side of things... he seems relatively impressed by the small toyshop we now have in our living room especially as most of them make a copious amount of noise! At least they have off switches or I'd be removing batteries very quickly!

At least the snow seems to have stuck on the other side of the pond over Christmas...seeing as Mikey had to get to his adoring fans it was a huge relief as Andy isn't happy driving in ice etc and got a little stressed on Christmas Day as the road my sister lives on was still more like a skating rink than tarmac! We also headed over the Canterbury to see Andy's Dad on Monday.... more new people for Mikey to meet and he handled that with ease! He can be very sociable when he needs to and extremely charming (well he did get to sit on the lap of a glamorous blonde!!)

We have also moved onto cups for juice... a big step forward that he handled with ease! Although Pear juice can have quite an effect on nappies... I think that is enough detail though! He has also worked out that sticking hands in food is fun and you can clean your mouth by just wiping it with your sleeve! I guess mud pies will follow in the warmer weather!!!

Being British...

Right now I think the whole country is concentrating very hard on being very british and worrying about the weather!! After all, how british can we get! At the moment we appear to be having another cold snap along with snow... I am now officially old as I can say with feeling that I hate the stuff. We simply can't cope with it and everything comes to a grinding halt plus I would love to actually see news on a news report rather than just a weather update!

I called this morning to chase up a prescription I requested last Thursday but haven't seen yet... the pharmacy checked their records, it has been passed to my GP (who are in the same building) so they nipped over to check what has happened to it only to be told it has never been requested! They showed their records showing it has so it has now been re-requested and the earliest it can be done is Monday, thankfully I won't run out by then (just) but I had allowed plenty of time when I requested it last week. In fact while I was waiting with Mikey last week they were searching for another one which they had amanaged to lose. They seem to be making a habit of this now! But getting an appointment with a Dr is hard enough when you are ill and no way am I going to try to do that just to get a repeat prescription done... Maybe if they had a decent receptionist again they wouldn't lose as many... The one they have is a real 'old fashioned' one who scares the life out of me when I phone up and doesn't talk to you but at you, they used to have a really nice one but she moved to another surgery just before Mikey was born.

My Uncle and cousin are supposed to be coming down from Yorkshire tomorrow (just for the day I think!) mainly to meet Mikey as they haven't met him in the flesh yet! And the rate he's growing they have got a little worried he's going to be walking and talking soon!  He has spent quite a while talking to his dummy for some reason this morning - I have no idea if it made much sense but he seemed happy! We're still waiting for the first tooth to make it's appearance, if the drool is anything to go by it should be here at any time! He has chewed through one dummy so far and to be honest Mummy is a coward and doesn't really want to keep sticking her fingers in his mouth as he can exert quite a bit of gum pressure!!! The photo is Mikey and the Bear he was given by Santa, to be honest we weren't to sure what to make of Santa and kept a tight hold of Mummy but we've done it now and I'm sure we'll be fine next year!

Next Stage

We've moved Mikey out of our room and into his own room now and he's now in his cot! To be honest he had out grown his moses basket... when he stretched he filled it completely so it really was time to move him! The only thing is he looks so tiny in his cot... I could fill it with soft toys to keep him company but knowing him they'd all end up on his face! So Mum would spend all night checking he was still breathing and not being smothered by a bear...

The first night was a little unsettled but we've soon learnt that he is like Daddy and needs noise (a radio) and a little light and then we get a nice quiet night! (well so far we have at least!) We haven't yet rolled over or anything exciting like that but we are very good at doing leg slams - and now we have the 'It's a Small World' Mobile up and playing that triggers even more! I think that will be a ride to avoid if we ever visit WDW with him!! I'm not sure how the boat would react to a Mikey leg slam!

We're slowly building up to Christmas, thankfully the snow has melted. I now know that I am getting old, it was pretty for the first day then I was totally fed up with the stuff and just wanted it to go. We showed it to Mikey through the window - after all he isn't really big enough to go and play in it yet, and his reaction was one of being completely unimpressed! Maybe next time he will be in more of a mood to find out how to play with the stuff!!!! But the next 'big' thing I think will be the Christmas tree when we get round to putting it up! I have a feeling the lights will be a big hit with him as we have little twinkly white ones which have a changeable 'pattern' so I can play 'confuse the baby' to my hearts content!! Only joking, I'll have to hide the controller incase he works out how to change it himself!

Coughing

Mikey now has a new trick... He has mastered the art of the most pathetic cough you have ever heard and he started this cough just after 6 this morning and kept it going until 7ish when we stuck a bottle in his mouth which did at least stop the coughing for a while!!

Andy has also broken his car again! He decided on Wednesday that I was in no way in a fit state to drive myself and Mikey to Nanny and Gandad's so he would drop us of on his way to work, that bit worked fine but the car decided to break down as he tried to park it at the office! He got it towed home and found my spare keys and drove my car back to collect us (my keys were safe in my hand bag rather than leave them in the house for any burglar to find!) So We then had to get the car seat into the back of my car and me folded into the moved forward passenger seat... I so need a larger car but no chance of one of those at any time in the foreseeable future. But when I picked my car last year there was no inkling of a Mikey on the horizon so that possibility wasn't even considered!

Tonight is Andy's infamous Murder Mystery Party... It has already been hit by the weather with 1 charachter pulling out as her babysitter has backed out due to the possibility of snow or something (I admit I wasn't really listening to him that hard!!) I think I'm looking forward to it - so long as I'm not the murderer and I manage to stay warm enough...I may have to add a jumper to my outfit somehow! Shame I don't have one in the right colour though! If anyone has a purple jumper I can borrow please let me know asap!

THe last 12 months...

I've just been reading my entry for Remembrance Day last year.... it was actually the 12th of November and I was moaning that I wanted a baby an there was no sign or chance I was going to get or have one! How little did I know! That was a Thursday and I did a test on the Saturday and found out I was expecting the little bundle we currently have bouncing in a chair right here now! How things change when you don't expect them to!! The last year has not been easy but I wouldn't change it and I would not want to change Mikey at all, I love him to bits and at the moment he and Daddy are playing with a teddy dressed as a devil (I wouldn't ask!!) as he was such a good boy during the 2 minutes silence  - just 1 tiny quizzical noise just before it ended, really not bad for a 21 week old baby!!

Yesterday was my first full day away without Mikey... It was tough. I only phoned twice, which I was quite proud of, Andy sounded fairly calm but kept telling me he was crying and that didn't help! Luckily at the first call I made was from Sutton Valence and couldn't drop everything and rush back! It probably did Mikey good to have a break from me too if I'm honest!

Something must have changed as he didn't wake up until 8.20 this morning so by the time his bottle was ready didn't have breakfast until nearly 9.00!!  But he seems very happy so I'm not going to worry! And he's still bouncing as he watches the march past at the Cenotaph...his timing is pretty good to be honest! But I don't really want to encourage him to join the armed forces if I'm honest... after all I'm afraid he will always be my baby however big he gets....

Headache cure

I've found a wonderful headache cure...unfortunately I have a feeling the NHS won't agree to fund it for me as it is basically me spending 3 hours at the hairdressers being pampered... which is what I've done this afternoon! The only other possible other down side is I would eventually run out of hair - I know mine grows fast but it doesn't grow that fast! Today was a temporary colour (which only lasts a couple of shampoos and a cut & blow dry) But I spent 3 hours there and I did miss Mikey but I also had 3 hours of just being me! Something I haven't done since June really and if I'm honest something I needed to do for my sanity.

The solid food thing had a bit of a break yesterday, I decided I couldn't face another highchair battle and the seat we had been using for feeding was in the back of Daddys car for some reason so Mummy took the easy option and we stuck to bottles... the nice blonde nurse in creche fed Mikey much earlier than I was expecting so we had an extra bottle to fit in but I don't think he was too bothered! The only problem was the odd bang from fireworks, he wasn't upset he just seemed to be a little annoyed every so often. More I think as he didn't know what it was all about, rather than being scared or worried! I think we'll wait until next year before we take him to an organised event  and he really isn't big enough for sparklers yet... But Mummy may have to have 1 or 2 after he has gone to bed!!

5th Month

We've now had Mikey for nearly 5 months...to be exact he's 19 weeks old! But if I'm honest I find it hard to remember life without him now. At the moment he is sat on my lap screaming! It is very difficult to ignore him at times like this!

One bottle demolished and a happy baby is now bouncing in his chair with Freddie the Firefly (Lamaze toys are wonderful) who currently goes everywhere with Mikey and has bells and wonderful crinkle material wings and lots of 'bits' that are perfectly designed for small hands and fingers to grab. I have a feeling a couple more Lamaze toys may be delivered by Father Christmas this year as Mikey would most certainly welcome them! The advantage of Lamaze is although the toys make noise it isn't horrifically loud! Even when Mikey really lets rip it is still bearable!

We have now been having one solid meal per day for a week! I'm learning fast that baby food is not clothing friendly in colour! Especially those that contain carrot... I'm not sure the bib from Lunchtime will EVER the same! I will admit that Mummy has tried a few of the foods he's had... the apple cookie crumble (which Mikey didn't like) was delicious! I'm not so sure about todays but he loved it!

Deja Vu

I have a very strong feeling of this right now....This time last year I was feeling very amazed as a headache I'd had since April finally seemed to be vanishing! As it turned out that was due to Mikey making his presence felt but as of the end of October 2009 I was totally oblivious! Unfortunately the headache seems to have realised I'm no longer pregnant and has returned to make my life miserble and painful again. I tried to make an appontment with my GP yesterday (as requested by my other half) but was told I can't make any appointment except on the actual day and not to bother on Monday as they are busy! Well I have a headache and a 4.5 month old baby so get un-busy! They managed to waste a morning of our time earlier this year so they can just fit me in somewhere! All they'll do is refer me back to my neurologist anyway... I just hope it won't mean more MRI scans, they only showed the existing damage last time and I proved I'm claustophobic again.

Other than the headache life is going well... Mikey is just starting solids and we've pretty much mastered baby rice now (along with tongue clicking and blowing raspberries!) We did try apple and cookie crumble out of a jar but that wasn't greeted with too much excitment (Mummy liked it though!) but tomorrow we'll try another flavour just for a little variety! Mikey was also happy to see Emma from next door as well this afternoon - although for once he didn't stick his hand down her front!!! But she did get some very nice smiles etc so he was clearly glad to see her (makes a change from Mummy anyway!)

Andy had a day off this week to get his car MOT'd...as expected it failed but it vanished early this morning and is now back and has a certificate for another 12 months!! Hopefully now he will be happy to drive around with Mikey in the car as getting all 3 of us into my car is a challenge! We tried last night and it came close to having to shoe horn Andy into the back as it is easier (!?!?!??!) than putting Mikey in the back - although it's not going to be long until we have to fit a seat into the back for him as he will be too big for his current car seat...and having tried to carry him in it recently I can see why he'll need a larger seat soon!

1st Family Outing

Today was our first family trip out (other than to Mothercare!!) and thanks to the Sure Start Centre we got free admission to Leeds Castle  which is valid for the next year!

I've been watching the forecast all week and it has been terrible! As we drove along the M20 the first spots of rain started but we'd wrapped Mikey up  so kept going! After all, this is the UK so if we stopped every time it rains we'd never get anything done! Mikey was ready for the cold weather and pulled his arm right up his sleeve bless him!

When we arrived and found the car park I discovered the park etc was not nice and flat...instead we headed down a leaf covered slope - very slippery and not great with a heavy pushchair and sore ankle! At the botom we found Kim with our tickets and it turns out she used to work with Andy's brother years and years ago... our surname again!

As we wandered through the park it started drizzling...our first port of call was the Maze which we found eventually after going slightly off route! The sign posts were useless! Once we did find it (after a real downpour) it had a notice saying it wasn't compatible with pushchairs! We headed back via the Aviary where we met a couple of birds who were quite taken with Mikey - and for once they weren't blonde!  But both said hello to him and even when all the parrots started screaming he wasn't bothered! Possibly his hood muffled the noise a bit for him! Once we'd left the birds we stopped off for a hot chocolate (well the wind was cold) and Mikey had a bottle whilst I chatted with Jenny from my Friday afternoon group,we got investifgated by a peacock but Mikey was really not bothered by it! Then it was a quick comforst stop for Mikey before we had a look at the castle (again not push chair friendly) But we have a year to go back again! As we left we saw a peahen with 2 chicks - I really hope they haven't been born too late...

For a first family outing it went well. Mikey was awake for most of it (I think the wind made sure of that!) and he chattered away most of the way round! Daddy had to push him back up to the car park, but he still refused to have a nap when we got home!!!

Falling apart

My stupid ankle is loads better now...but where I haven't been walking properly I've now messed up my right knee and it is total agony, but no way am I going to see a Dr, Osteopath  or any other medical type person as I'm going to take my old perspective on this problem...If I ignore it or long enough I'm sure it will go away!

Mikey is still busy growing, I weighed him at the Childrens Centre place on Wednesday and he's 14lb 15oz. My tiny baby is growing and he has even been wearing 3-6 month clothes too... He is also working hard on rolling over, we haven't quite done it yet but I don't think it will be too long once he's worked out how to get over the shoulder obstacle! He gets onto his side but really hates being on his tummy so everything comes to a griding halt! But I don't think that will last much longer as he seems quite anxious to get mobile!! I have a feeling the decorations on the Christmas tree may be on the top rather than the bottom half!

I will admit I have started Christmas shopping, and I am really loving looking at all the toys! We have bought  a toy box but it is already full so I think we may have to buy another 1,2 or whatever in the January sales! Failing that I'll just give him the boxes and wrapping paper to play with!

Sue managed to get over to see us in between hospital visits - Mikey loved her as she is 1) blonde and 2) paid loads of attention to him! She also sang songs to him which unfortuantely Mummy can't remember due to baby brain so if Auntie Sue wants another cuddle before she jets back to the sanity of the USA she is very welcome and I'm sure tea etc can be provided! Any other people who would like a Mikey cuddle are also welcome provided that are able to have an adult 'type' chat with Mummy...! Much as I adore my son I do sometimes need to talk in something other than baby gurgles!!

Colds and flamingo feet...

Mikey was supposed to have his 2nd lot of injections on Tuesday, but for the last week or so he has been decidedly snuffly! Being a neurotic mother I mentioned this to the nurse who promptly took his temperature... 37.3 The 'rules' say they can't administer the jabs with a temp over 37.5 so she wasn't to keen as this lot do carry a risk of increasing the childs temperature leading to convulsions. Once I heard that I was more than happy to pospone for a couple of weeks so we are now trying again on 18th October!

As a result I now seem to have caught Mikey's cold, I think yesterday was my worst time as I spent the morning wrapped in as many layer as possible plus a fleece blanket and was still shivering but by the afternoon I was nearly passing out as I was soo hot... Once Andy got home I was feeling a little better but by 8 last night I was back in shiver mode and went to bes at the same time as Mikey - again wearing as many layers as I could, plus socks and a blanket on top of the quilt! I was quite happy until just after 9 when I sent a text to the kitchen reuesting toast and I went hot again so took most of the layers off and threw the socks accross the room! By now my brain appeared to be over heating as well... I heard on the news that the Chinese Government had summoned the Norwegian Ambassador to moan about the Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to one of their 'criminal element' - I got rather wound up as the Nobel Institute is independant/automonous and not controlled by the Norwegian Governement. I had the idea that manybe the Duke of Edinburgh should go and sort the problem out! I then started thinking too much and the next thing I knew was the fluffy flamingo feet that I last saw/experienced during my coma were busy dancing on the ceiling.  I spent most of the rest of last night sticking arms and legs out of bed trying to cool down (which really didn't work)

But it did meant that Mikey was smiley and cute when he met Sue on Wednesday, and he loved all the songs although I have to admit I can't remember them so we will need a recorded version of them for him! But he was chuckling away quite happily, especially as he has a real fondness for blondes!!

Thankfully Andy has been able to work from home this morning so Mikey hasn't been abandoned with his snuffly Mum - I may forgive him for laughing at me every time I blew my nose eventually... but he did find me rather amusing yesterday! So now I know - if he gets grizzly all I have to do is blow my nose to re-amuse him...

been meaning to update...

I've been meaning to update for days - but I am very aware that, at the moment, my orld revolves around one particular small person and he is pretty much all I talk about...and want to talk about so if I bored you into submission I do apologise! But he has made such a change to my life it is very hard to think about anything else!

All that has happened really is my little baby is busy growing! We did manage to cut his nails at the weekend (well Andy was brave and did it) but other than that he is just getting longer. We haven't yet rolled over but he is getting a little agressive to his moses basket, when he really gets going it sounds like someome stomping upstairs in our bedroom! All this noise from 1 small person!!!

Currently he is using Mum as a mattress...I want to go and take some pain killers as I have a terrible headache, it has been decreed that I am staying put for now as my morning role had been decided for me! But it is a great way to get a major cuddle fest! Strange thought time... I know pets are taken into hospitals for pet therapy....maybe they could also think about taking patients to Maternity to cuddle babies????

Slightly more mobile!!

My silly ankle is still playing up but I've had a session with an Osteopath and it is at least moving now! Apparently there was one bit that was in the wrong place and has probably been wrong since I broke it in 2002!!! It was a little painful having it corrected but at least it is done now!! I also had some ultrasound treatment on it - a little odd as all the previous ultra sounds I've had since last December have been to look at how a baby was doing!!

I can now cope around the house without a crutch so long as there is furniture within reach and when outside I'm coping with 1 crutch rather than 2. Still makes looking after Mikey a little challenging and he really doesn't understand what is wrong with Mummy - and explaining that will take the rest of his life!!

I've spent another couple of days with my parents this week - luckily Andy is off for some of next week so he can drive Mikey and me around!! I've been banned from driving for at least another 4 weeks unless I make an amazing recovery or my car turns into an automatic! But it has meant that Andy could use my car on Thursday and Friday as his had a puncture!

Mikey and I had our first baby massage lesson this week, he loved it whilst is was being done but by the end of Wednesday afternoon he was in a foul mood.... no idea what caused that but the screaming was unearthly and took major Mummy cuddles to stop.

We may need Mummy cuddles next week as well - Mikey has pretty much out grown his Moses basket so Grandad ordered his cot bed this week which is now in a box in our lounge waiting for Daddy to put it together... I may take Mikey out so he doesn't hear the swearing!! Just need to go shopping for sheets etc for it!

Still limping...

We're now over a week on from my spectacular (not) slip outside the Osteopath's office and I'm still hobbling around like a 90 year old. Mikey and I have been travelling to my parents for most of this week, Daddy has been dropping us off on his way to work - I have discovered that my son is really not a morning person and is not ah his most smiley/happy at 8.00 in the morning. Also he doesn't like Wednesdays and was a real grump all day as well as screaming everytime the car stopped in the morning, we have not yet grasped the concept of traffic lights or other traffic!!

It has been a fantastic help being at my parents - 1) I can't pick Mikey uo and walk with him and 2) they have a downstairs loo! I think Mikey has enjoyed it too, although hopefully he didn't listen too carefully to the rugby songs Grandad was singing instead of nursery rhymes! I think personally I'd prefer him to stick to the periodic table for now rather than Mary Had a Little Lamb in various versions....along with a few other songs I've managed to forget - along with some of the 'jokes' that came out!! Thankfully at 3 months he can't repeat anything yet or remember stuff!!!

Yesterday we stayed at home and then went to the Bluebell Childrens Centre - Mikey went into the creche and I'n doing a 2 hour art/craft course to give me a break! It was good fun and Mikey slept through his 2 hours without waking up once! Next week I will have to avoid feeding him just before we go! I think the nurses we a little disappointed he didn't wake up or need them this time... but I can't stand the screaming if you try to delay feeding him. And I thought his Dad was bad about feeling hungry!! One big plus about this course is you get lunch provided... considering when  it's just me and Mikey I don't always get round to having lunch at all it's great to walk in and find it all waiting for you!! And the staff are constantly offering drinks etc so you can just relax and be you rather than being someones Mum!

A & E...ER....Casualty....ED

I've just spent most of this morning in William Harvey as a patient of one of the above...whichever name is being used right now!

As I was walking out of the osteopaths office on Thursday I went over on my ankle, being me I pretty much ignored it and for the last few days the pain has increased until this morning when I could just about stand but walking was a real NO!

Dave kindly drove me ot the hospital so Mikey and Daddy stayed put! On arrival he blagged a wheelchair (Or I'd still be walking in to be honest) and I checked in and prepared myself for a long wait and some serious people watching! THe waiting area seemed pretty full and there was a steady stream of customers arriving - many seemed to be football injuries of the clashed heads and copious bleeding type... which didnt help me when another customer also in a wheel chair sat opposite me and proceeded to try to make herself throw up I nearly did just that for her from the noise she was making...

The staff we on fast forward mode today and I was called in very quickly and despatched for x-rays. I'd announced yesterday nothign was broken...it hurt rather than grated the way it did when I did break it! On arrival at x-ray I was taken straight in and 4 shots later it was all done and I was wheeled back to 'minors'
As predicted I haven't broken anything but I have torn the ligaments in and around my left ankle...which as he nurse happily pointed out will hurt more than breaking my ankle! Not exactly what I wanted to hear if I'm truthful! I was quickly issued with a pair of crutches (I only gave my last pair back earlier this year!) and shown how to walk and support my damaged foot correctly. I then returned to the waiting area to phone Andy to ask to be collected  - easier said than done as he was feeding and changing Mikey so couldn't answer the phone! Once I got hold of him I escaped outside to the Ambulance bay to wait and get some freash air (and gaze at the air ambulance paramedics and pilot.... men in uniform, guaranteed to make a Heather feel much better!!)

Mikey was happily staying at home with Emma so it made Andy's trip to collect me much easier! He's also already spoken to my Mum and I'm going to work with him tomorrow and Mikey and I are spending the day with my parents! Cuts down the trips up and down stairs and so reduces stress on my ankle!

Cranial Osteopathy

Mikey had his first appointment yesterday, and it's safe to say he adores Andrew who was working on him!! It appears that he is a little scrunched up/tight on the right hand side, possible due to his head engaging quite early and also the delivery taking a while and he did get a little distressed... (Cue Mum feeling very guilty...)

It is a strange experience for an on looker! Mikey was laid across our laps as we sat knee to knee and to be honest most of the time it was hard to see anything being done! But Mikey's face did show that he was enjoying it, although he also refused to let go of his SCBU dummy (it is his favourite, I dread to think what will happen when we have to throw it away) But I think I was almost as relaxed as Mikey was - Andrew has a very calming manner and makes you just relax! Maybe this is therapy for Mum and Baby!?!?!

We are going again next week, so we can have more work done on Mikey's back and neck and also check his skull bones positioning! I guess squishing through the birth canal can have a nasty effect on the poor little things and being a cowardly first time Mum I will do whatever it takes to look after/protect or make my gorgeous little boy feel better... and if I carry on like this I'll make myself cry again!

Life from now on gets a little busy! We have Mum & Baby group on Wednesdays, and from the 22nd we start a Baby massage course on Wednesdays as well! From next Friday I'm doing an Art/craft course whilst  Mikey tries out a creche (new socialising experience for him) and next Thursday is Osteopathy... Not sure whan he'll fit in all his naps!!

Drs, immunisations and Mikey

We finally got the 8 week immunisations done today! We started off with my post natal check - Mikey is only 11 + weeks now!! That was really a waste of time. It really felt as though everything I said was totally ignored/disregarded and unimportant, I got the idea quickly that I was just supposed to sit quietly, smile and agree with everything the Dr said to me.

Once he was satisfied that I was fine (whatever I thought!) we moved onto Mikey's check up. This involved Mikey being naked  - I just left his nappy on until I had to remove it as I know my son is a great fountain when he wants to! I think Mikey has had a small growth spurt...he had grown 3 cm in length since last Wednesday and his head has also grown - I am so relieved it wasn't that size when I was trying to give birth to him! Weighing Mikey took a bit longer. The first attempt came out a kilo less that last week - There is no way he has lost weight (my bad back confirms that!) but by the third attempt we worked out that the scales were being held up at one end, making Mikey lighter than he really is! It turns out he has put another 200g on in the last 6 days - but it is fine to feed him as much as he wants as he could put more on if he wants to!

I was then allowed to re-dress Mikey and let reception know we had the all clear for the infamous jabs! Mikey settled in his car seat happily until we were called into the nurses room, he then decided he was a touch peckish! He soon started on his 4th bottle of the day, only pausing to scream as the first injection was done - but that stopped as I tried to remove his bottle! He did scream briefly when the second injection was given b ut again stopped as soon as Evil Mum tried to remove his bottle! We've now booked in for his second lot on 5th October...hopefully he will have forgiven me by then!

Life is due to start getting busy from next week...Friday I start an Art course designed ot help my post natal depression, the Wednesday after we start a baby massage course and at some point we will also sart to visit an Osteopath for some baby cranial massage to help Mikey relax and hopefully improve his colic/reflux (which the Dr today also ignored - plus he had never heard of this type of treatment!?!?! I'm a little concerned to be honest!!!)

3 Sept

Today was Grandad's birthday so Mikey and I headed over to Medway once I had dragged myself out of bed and got us both into some clothes - luckily those can't be confused! Breakfast for Mikey had happened at 6am, but he wasn't finished yet and needed a top up before we left - which gave me time to wrap birthday presents as I wasn't very organised yesterday!

We had a slight delay for a quick bottle at 10 before hitting the M20! The trip was uneventful, and once we arrived the car had to be unloaded as we don't travel light these days!  Grandad was given his birthday presents whilst Mikey had his first experience of singing happy birthday! I think the presents went down well as Grandad started eating his toblerone pretty much immediately!

Mikey had a great time, we had loads of smiles, lots of bouncing in his chair and major arm and leg waving thanks to his Fisher Price Camera from Auntie Nicky & Uncle Miff! I don't have a clue what it may be saying but he loves it! I think we are moving into the noisey toy stages now as they are far more fun for him! Thankfully the 2 he has do have off switches built in...failing that I may still need that sledge hammer I've been craving for the last 8 years! I just need a translator as the camera is talking away in Spanish and it lost me at Hola!

He's actually been awake for most of the day and has literally just fallen asleep! Typical as I want to feed him at 8 and then get him into  bed! His last feed was at 4 so he can't go to bed yet... He's also been filling nappies regularly today, as well as watering the sofa at Nanny's (bless him!) and puking milk down Auntie Nicky so she had to go home and change her underwear! (Daddy is very proud of him!)

Stressy Driving

I currently have a very ill hubby - man flu has struck and has left me in a very quiet house as the main symptom is a lost voice! Mikey is talking louder than Daddy at the moment!

This morning I was being a loving wife and heading for Boots to buy Strepsils (which I forgot to buy yesterday) and Mars Bars which are apparently essential mediation for Man Flu! As I drove slowly along Brookfield road I had to stop at the first set of lights, as I stopped a large gentleman in a high Vis waistcoat and a daft cap wobbled along the road on his bike. I was under the impression that traffic lights apply to cyclists as well as motorists but he jsut carried on pedaling and sailed straight through the lights. Once we law abiding motorists got moving again it was easy to see where he's got to because of the wide berth everyone gave him as we went past - I've never seen anyine stick their knees out so far before!

Driving back from Boots left me even more stressed. As I was crawling up to the Cow roundabout due to the road being taken down to 1 lane, I got increasingly annoyed by the number of driver who were screaming up the inside lane and then forcing their way into the other lane, thus slowing us down even though we'd been patiently working our way up the road. Once I got round the cow roundabout heading down to the tank roundabout there was the usual Ashford idiot turning right from the left hand lane...I will admit I used the acceleration on my little rocket to make sure they didn't get infront of me, by this point I'd had enough and just wanted to get home.

This evening we a big event in the Zerfahs household - we went out and left Mikey at home!! Not alone of course, he had his very first babysitter and I really hope he behaved himself for her! We saw 'Grown ups' Not a film you had to think about at all, but funny and really a good choice for our first trip out sans baby!  I was not happy leaving him but I knew he was in safe hands, and I only checked my phone a couple of times...

10 week update!!

It is hard to believe we've had Mikey for 10 weeks now - if I'm honest it feels far longer and it is hard to remember times without him he is such a part of our/my life now.

The sleep deprivation has improved beyond no end now - he can sleep for up to 7 hours on a good night and the coos and gurgles make even bad nights seem far more worth it! The last 2 weeks have been harder though because Mum, Dad, Nicky, Miff & Jake have been sunnoing themselves on a small boat somewhere off the coast of Italy... OK it was a huge cruise ship in the Med - The Independance of the Seas if you're interested... we're off to see Mum & Dad today, I'm not looking forward to the tans and I was not at all sympathetic that Rome was 42c - they chose to go there in August, what do they expect!!!!

We spent yesterday afternoon in Canterbury, Mikey and Andy supervised Grandad's cooking whilst Nanny Jan and I went clothes shopping - we may now have almost enough to get to Christmas and I can't wait for colder weather so I can dress him on some of the things we got yesterday! And knowing how he hates being changed/dressed I could have a few battles ahead! Kat may get jealous as he also now has a top with ears! I can get away with that now as he can't moan at me yet!

Sleepy times...

The daily and night;y routine is starting to get a little easier, except when Mikey gets a little upset and won't settle! Monday night was one such episode as we ended up resorting to Calpol which finally got him to relax and go to sleep! I can honestly say that is is a wonderful invention and I can now see why so many friends with children swear by it! I'm never having a house without it from now on! After all the poor little thing can't tell me when something is hurting other than by screaming blue murder for 2-3 hours!

I have a feeling that Mikey has had a sort of bug this week as since Monday he has spent hours and hours each day fast asleep...more often than not whilst laid on me so just call me a cot from now on! But I guess I am reassuring or smell/sound safe to him so I'm not complaining, plus it gives me a valid excuse for cuddles! Not that I really need any excuse to be honest - plus the Dr told me to keep cuddling as it helps negate post natal depression!

We had a health visitor here on Monday - not our usual one as she is on the grandparent version of paternity leave as her daughter has had a little boy as well! Mikey got weighed again and has now reached 11lbs 3oz - and is staying on the centile line he started on (well slightly above it now) so 'they' are pleased with how he is doing - maybe we are getting things right at the moment... miracles have been known to happen after all!

Mikey is getting a little more talkative at the moment - it is wonderful to see him telling Andy all about his day when he gets home from Work. They lay on the floor together and Mikey tells him everything he's done (usually this is sleep!) and Andy listens really carefully. Father Son bonding is wonderful to witness....

Exploring times...

Firstly I am sorry for any errors, but I am currently under a sleeping baby and my headache won't allow me to move him and his father has vanished!!!

Today we were intending to meet the mad cyclists at the pub in Brook, but Dave called earlier to say due to the forecast downpour there was a change of location! Thankfully he had a postcode and I managed to get the Sat Nav to work out a route!!! This was rather miraculous as I've never done that before!!!

Stage 1 was to load my car up.... small people do not travel lightly and I usually forget something! I strapped Michael into his chair and stuffed the nappy bag into the back of my car before wrapping the seatbelt round the baby!! I reactivated the voice on Brenda and set off...to be honest I had no idea where I was going, but I went anyway!!

Amazingly I didn't take any wrong turnings and arrived at the pub as the screaming started, but once we had transferred to the pushchair silence reined again!! We were first to arrive so I went to sample their OJ and perch on a stool awaiting team Styles! Once they arrived we move to the table and thanks to Dave we got the pushchair down the steps and 'parked' at the end of the table. The menu was on boards all around the room and was prett varied! I stuck to a burger and chips, Tina sampled the scampi, Kat demolished a large (massive) prawn cocktail, 2 others have the steak and ale pie whilst Dave opted for a baked marrow stuffed with pork and apricot! The food was fantastic, my burger was rather large and home made and decidedly tasty - and for £6.50 well worth the price! The dessert menu looked very tempting, but I was far too stuffed so passed this time , but I'm sure we'll be back there as the food really was that good!

I was impressed that someone didn't want feeding until I had eaten, once he had drained his bottle he retired to the other side of the table for a cuddle/snuggle with Tina (I know who to call for babysitting!!!)

6 August

Got a real bargin today! Facebook has a local buy, sell, swap site and yesterday I was a travel cot on it... we got it for £10.00 and Andy picked it up this morning! We've had it open and it looks great - perfect condition and just what we need once someone gets more mobile!

This week has been better - we seem to have grasped the sleeping at night concept on one night we even slept for 7 hours!! Feeding has improved as well... hopefully we have really turned a corner and things will start to get easier/more simple!!

Next week is my last week for  while having my Mum at the end of a phone, they are all off on a cruise in the Ned next week. I'm really going to miss them and to be honest feel a bit abandoned. I won't have Walderslade as an escape route until nearly the end of August... I'm also going to miss my daily chat with Mum, it's so nice to talk to an adult as Mikey isn't that vocal most of the time.

25 July...

A view of the feet for Tina!!

This being a Mum is far harder than I expected - and I was tol some horror stories whilst I was pregnant! Michael is still of the opinion that sleep should happen during the day and the night is for keeping Mum and Dad wide awake instead.

I can now see why the  CIA and other security services use sleep deprivation as a form of torture... I can report from my personal experience that it works! Andy (bless him) took care of Michael last night and I got 6 hours of sleep. It was fantastic but not enough... I still feel quite a way from being human again and having felt tired during my pregnancy I can now confirm that was not really tired! I could honestly now sleep for at least 24 hours, possibly more, if it was allowable/possible.

I'm not really moaning too much - I love him to bits and when he smiles at me it all seems to feel worth it... If only he would sleep at night it would be fantastic and I'm sure I would feel that I'm coping better than I do right now. At the moment I feel like a total failure and I'm sure there is something important that I'm not doing, my while life and being revolve around a small person who has managed to find the perfect pitch to scream at and create a 'wonderful' headache for me! I have been meaning to wash my hair for the last 3 days...it hasn't happened yet though and really needs to happen very soon...

Setting a Routine!?!?!?

We actually had a pretty good night last night! No idea why - possibly the number of people Michael met yesterday wore him out!! It's looking as though we will ned to be out every day meeting people so he can sleep! And we can then sleep as well...should reduce the number of times I snap at people and hopefully seriously reduce the number of times I burst into tears for no real reason!

This week has had lots of firsts for Michael. He's been driven around by me for the first time  - we made it to Nanny & Grandad on Tuesday perfectly safe but with a car packed full of stuff!! On Wednesday we made it into Ashford and had the pushchair in my car for the first time...both back seats down but we made it! The only problems we had were when we got back to the car and 2 other idiots had parked too close - I couldn't open the boot or get the push chair round the back of the car or open the passenger door to get Michael in... County Square need some parent and child spaces so people realise what they're doing.

Thursday was a quieter day - really grey, depressing and windy so the pair of us hibernated! I had no intention of getting us both wet and miserable! But I did end up feeling rather trapped stuck in the house...maybe I should work out how to use the rain cover this weekend! I'm just not sure if it will go over the car seat or if I'll have to wait until he graduates to the push chair proper!!

3 weeks and lack of sleep

Well we've reached 3 weeks old... and if Michael doesn't start sleeping soon he may not make 4!!! (Only joking, honest!)

Michael did manage to let us have some sleep a week ago - but since then he's been impossible to wind and has been awake pretty much all night due to it. Yesterday I decided I'd had enough and having googled the problem decided that Infacol may help us out! So a quick trip to Tescos just before it closed and £2.69 later I had a magic bottle... Michael's face was a picture for the first dose, it was the first time he had tasted anything other than milk! I think he's getting used to it now, but does tend to screw his nose up after each dose, but on last nights showing it works so he'll just have to get used to it!

We had another visit from the Health Visitor today, she is really lovely and very supportive of me. Michael has out some more weight on and adding more may be easier now we've hopefully sorted the wind problem (at least reduced it!) But she is more worried about me than him right now. She is very worried about Post natal depression and the fact I'm just feeling very stressed and pressured right now. I'm also still very, very tearful so she is back next Monday to check me and talk through what support etc can be offered to me to help me cope with a baby and the way I seem to be feeling more and more. She is also following in Andy's footsteps with the constant nagging about eating - it may be a little easier now it's got cooler, rather than feeling as though I can't be bothered to eat I might even get round to it!

2 weeks old...

Techically Michael should now be with us as he was due on 4th July! I have no problem with him being 2 weeks old now, at least our birthdays are seperated a little more than it originally appeared they would be!

I have been discargd by the midwife tem today, but I am allowed to still phone them in a panic up until Michael is 28 days old - after that I have to phone the Health Visitor as the midwives have no expertise re babies over 4 weeks old!!! Crazy or what!

The midwife I saw this morning gave me quite a talking to - I have to start being nice to myself as I'm at risk of running myself right into the ound and I'm increasing my risk of post natal depression. I'm already feeling that I'm failing Michael as I don't know how to stop him screaming at 3am and I have been told to stop thinking like that and that I'm still learning...and it can take several months for summer babies to learn that night time is for sleeping simply beause there isn't a long period of darkness over night!

But during daylight we have a very contented and laid back baby, not much phases him and this afternoonn he happily filled nappy after nappy! All I've done today is feed him and change him! He's had several major naps but I didn't manage to do the same...Oh I've also burst into tears for no reason on several occassions - stupid hormones have so much to answer for!

Problem No. 1

Sunday night was a whole lot easier than I expected...but it turned out to be the calm before the storm! Michael and I were very bad and he spent most of the night sleeping on a pillow besde me in bed - but the Midwife on duty was checking up on us very frequently and I was so tired all I wanted to do was sleep!

As the morning went on I was amazed how quiet Michael was and how little he complained about anything, he certainly wasn't demanding food at any time which did start to worry me slightly. Eventually a Dr came to have a look at him, not sure who called him in but as it turns out it was the right move... His resp rate was too fast and they were concerned he didn't want to eat. He was whisked away for some blood tests and an X-ray...Andy went with him as I couldn't face seeing needles being jabbed into my baby.

Eventually the Dr returned with a couple of midwives/nurses and it was 'suggested' that he could do with an overnight stay in the Special Baby Care Unit. I tried to keep calm but it really wasn't easy. How dare they suggest that there was a problem with my baby??? Thankfully we had a wonderful nurse looking after me at that point, she just hugged me which was exactly what I needed at that point. About 20 minutes after Micheal was wheeled away she took both of us over to see him. Luckily it was very close to where I was and I was ready to get away from the ward as the bed opposite me had about 10 visitors making one hell of a noise, including a small child screaming constantly. My one redeeming thought was how much bigger than all the other babies Michael was, plus he was still in his plastic tray/crib and not an incubator. If they had put him in one of those I think I would have grabbed him and run.

The Special care nurse looking after him was lovely, and after I'd been moved to a side room that evening came in to find me and I was back in the unit that night feeding and cuddling him. That hardest thing for me was the thought that I felt sidelined - he wasn't my baby any more and had muh better/higher qualified people looking after him so didn't need me anymore.

From what I'd been told I was expecting Michael back on Tuesday morning...unfortunately that didn't happen as he started to turn orange  - Jaundice. I also had this when I was born so by Tuesday afternoon he was esconced under a blue light with a mask over his eyes. By now I was stating to get closer to freaking out again...I remembered Andy getting 'annoyed' when I was ill 2 years ago - I went in with one thing and they kept finding more, which seemed to be what was happening with Michael.

By Wednesday the light had gone and Michael was moved into a different nursery - basically a HDU rather than ITU where he'd started. This made me feel slightly better until the consultant started talking about a 5 day antibiotic course which would keep him until Friday. I also managed to  get really wound up by a midwife which resulted in me phoning Andy in a total panic and he had to come in and calm me down again...we both retreated to SCBU and just cuddled Michael - always a good thing. I think I got back to the ward just after midnight but was back in the SCBU just after 7 the following morning. I don't think I left there much after that - until I finally let a midwife examine me. The next thing I knew a Dr was checking me and I was then prescribed horsepill sized antibiotics as I had an infection and was running myself down as well.

Thankfully my wonderful staff nurse was back on duty and she kept both Andy and I sane for the next couple of days - especially when she told me my nemesis was not going to be on duty again that week. She got very good at finding me on SCBU when she needed to inject me or force me to take my horsepills!

By Saturday morning I was beginning to feel that we were never getting away - from the beginning of my pregnancy I'd been having nightmares where the hospital refused to let me take the baby home. It was starting to feel more and more real/likely and I was terrified. But the consulatant on duty over the weekend felt Michael was nearly ready to go (he had another session under the blue lights but his bilirubin levels started to fall nicely!) and I shoudl do one more night on the unit 'rooming in' once a room was free. Unfortunately no other baby got discharged so I stayed out where I was. By Sunday I was allowed to take him back with me to the ward to room in there with a view to going home on Monday!!!! I had the biggest grin ever at that point and poor Dr Martin nearly got flattened with a hug!

I can honestly say I hardly slept on Sunday night, I as far to busy watching Michael! I was totally packed by 6.30 Monday morning and ready to go home! All I needed was Michael to be checked and me discharged! Michael was 'done' by 11.00 and the Drs decided I was allowed to go - we then just waited to get my notes etc back and at 12 were told it would be 10-15 minutes... we left at about 1pm! But without the remainder of my antibiotics - Andy had to go back in the afternoon to pick those up! But Michael seemed to enjoy being in the car - no screaming or crying and we mastered fitting the seat fairly easily!

All Change for the next heaven knows how many years!

On 20th June at 17.44 our son arrived! Michael Andrew Zerfahs weighed in at 7lbs 12 oz or 3510g.

The induction on the 19th worked very well, when it was done I was told they may have to repeat it on Sunday morning, but at 3am (it had to be!!!) my waters broke just as I got out of bed to go to the loo. Apparently this is quite rare as it was a real 'film moment' as I stood there leaking! I was fairly nice and waited until 4am before phoning Andy to tell him that things were underway and he might want to head into the hospital. I was very aware that it wasn't going to happen too quickly but being a coward I really was not enjoying the start of contractions and I wanted someone else there with me as I went through them!

I survived the contractions until just before lunch when I started demanding an epidural... I got gas and air which I really didn't like and was told they would sort out better pain relief once the bloke had finished in theatre. Pregnant women are not a priority and seeing as it was a Sunday I can only assume there must have been a real emergency!

Labour is a strange thing,  was very aware of time passing but not how much really! People kept rying to give me food but I really was not interested in the slightest, Andy was encouraged to help me drink (as if he needs to be told to do that!) and Mel and Angela produced a straw to help him pour liquid into me! One thing I do remember is trying to get off the bed plus I tried to lock myself in a toilet for some reason... I did tell Angela I wouldn't give birth in there but the idea did start to appeal to me! I also had an overwhelming desire to lie on my right side - a big no no as the baby apparently doesn't like it, I think that was the point I just wanted to stop the whole thing and go back to bed for a nap and some peace and quiet!

Luckily I've managed to read the labour notes as I can't remember most of what happened in the afternoon...I vaguely remember being told about STAN which is some sort of computer which measures the baby through a clip placed on their head. A little easier to cope with when compared to the monitor I'd been attached to all day which as I wriggled kept losing the baby heartbeat etc.

Actually having the baby was tough...it turned out his head was a little on the large side and STAN kept warning of a few problems/issues. It was decided to use the Dyson to suck him out in the end - I had been moaning for a while that I was too tired to do the pushing thing anymore...At this point the room gained a Dr and another midwife which meant it felt decidedly crowded in there! Andy did vanish for a minute and returned waving a bar of Galaxy at the end of the bed. Much as I love him it was going to take a much bigger bar than that to make me keep pushing! I would think Star Trek technology shoul be worked on...transporting babies out of the womb would make the whole thing much easier/less painful and a whole lot less messy!

Once Michael had been sucked out I really have no idea what happened next!!!! I think I got injected to help the placenta to be delivered - and I did get a glimpse of it, not sure about Andy though! But once I'd had a baby placed in my arms I really didn't care what happened so long as nobody tried to take him away!

Mid week...

I will admit that this week is really dragging... but yesterday I did think things might be moving but as per usual I was wrong! I woke up feeling very rough and kept getting a horrible pain across he bottom ot the bump - nothing else happened at all other than me just feeling cruddy (which I feel should be an official medical term!) and my blood sugar stayed low all day...not like me at all to be honest!

I also seem to be practising not sleeping again, I was up at 2.30 for the first bathroom trip of the day and it carried on from there. To keep this 'clean' it's safest to say I seem to be clearing out...which from our NCT class is to be expected but it is not something I'm enjoying (it still seems to be continuing today :( as well) All I want now is for this to start and get it done to be honest...

The local school seems to have had it's sports day today, and someone gave the PA to a very loud teacher, by mid afternoon I was seriously considering gatecrashing and stuffing his microphone somewhere that would hopefully make less noise! I've been very aware all day that the Blue team weren't doing very well whilst Red appear to have run away with things. 1 chil did manage to get hold of the microphone at one point and told his Mum that he loved her which was sweet, but the teacher got it back and carried on telling all the Kids to keep trying harder...

One thing I have oticed at the moment is I really don't have much patience with anything or anyone (sorry Andy) Whilst I still can I'm blaming hormones as I can't think of any other reasonfor being so grumpy right now (other than feeling so uncomfortable)  Another thing that really isnt me is I realised yesterday it's only 20 odd days until my birthday - and I just can't get excited about it at all. To be honest I almost feel like not bothering with it this year...

Final Countdown....

Well it's now just a week to go... Saw my midwife this morning and got the OK from her - although it was tough finding the baby's heatbeat as I was having a Braxton Hicks contraction at the time so she couldn't feel where the baby was! But she found it after I ended up flat on the floor...I really do resemble a beached whale in that position!! Thankfully I'm now 3/5 engaged so the baby is heading in the right direction all on his own, if I got into labour naturally this week Andy will not be a happy bunny, so far as he is concerned this baby is not due to make any kind of appearance until 23rd June and not a minute before!

We took the easy option for lunch and headed over to Chimneys... it was very good not to have to cook or tidy up afterwards and I got to eat what I wanted rather than what I should! But I DIDN'T have a dessert so I'm feeling very self rightous!! There was a small lecture from Nicki (the midwife) this morning about keeping up the good work for the last week to ensure the baby doesn't go into insulin over production once he is born - no way do I want to risk him being born with sugar cravings and have to go into the special care unit.

Once home I was rather torn...it was either a nap or I was feeling a real need to bake something! The baking won and I've made some scones...no cream available but I'm sure we have some jam somewhere! I have to admit that at the moment I'm more thirsy that hungry...probably due to having a baby squashed bladder which results in frequent trips to the bathroom as he objects to my bladder being filled at all! I must admit that being pregnant has taught me an awful lot more about my body than I knew before, even taking into account everything I've seen/learnt since 2008!

My ambition for 2011 is not to learn anymore about my physical make up! Plus I'm hoping that my trip to the neurologist on 1th July will result in me being signed off from his care as well! I know I haven't lost the weight he wanted me to, but hopefully I'll have a wonderful reason/excuse in a pushchair for not doing so... the last time I saw him I think I was literally 'just' pregnant so as far as I was concerned I was intending to lose more weight... but midwives don't like you to lose too much and get jumpy if you do!!!

Becoming more real...

Andy had a day off today so this morning I phoned the hospital to try to get a tour of the labour/maternity wards sorted out. It took a while to get hold of the midwife I needed to talk to but as it was only 2 of us it was quickly agreed we could go straight in to have a look!

Once we got buzzed into the delivery suite we met a very nice lady, I have no idea what her name is but unfortunately she isn't on duty next weekend. At least we now know where we are going and it has been suggested we arrive at nearer to 7.45 as 7.30 is handover time and no Drs/Consultants will be around to decide how they are going to proceed once we're there! The delivery rooms look really nice and actually quite comfortable, they are painted either green, yellow or lilac...I'd prefer any except the last! Bit too feminine for me to be honest and far too close to pink! It is also reassuring how close the rooms are to the theatre bit if they are needed for any reason (I'm hoping I won't get to see that bit at all! - Although I would like to see Andy dressed in scrubs!)

Once we'd had a quick look in Maternity (it was pretty much full!) we retired to the coffee shop as I was hungry and aching! The midwife had been a little concerned I was going to start something early but to be honest at the moment every part of me aches and is extremely painful... he is great at sticking his elbows out as he spins on his head...bless him! I just hope he doesn't miss the spinning sensation too much! As I have no idea how we can even hope to recreate that for him once he's out...and I'm sure Health Visitors will frown upon head spinning as well!

My main feeling right now is how close and real it is all feeling now... but having seen a very pregnant woman walking up the hospital car park dragging a toddler by the hand whilst smoking heavily I've decided I am more than capable of doing this - and all I want to do now is cuddle my baby for the first time. I'm not sure if anyone else will be allowed to, I may let Andy have a cuddle, but I've been waiting for years for this to happen and having thought it never would I know I'm going to have real trouble ever letting go of him...

The end is in sight....

It was Tuesday therefore it must be Ante natal clinic day! Andy had got the morning off to go with me - lucky really seeing as he's still driving my car around at the moment!! We got to the William Harvey just after 9.00 as I was doing my usual Tuesday morning wait for a blood test thanks to the ACC clinic! Amazingly they extracted my blood in time for me to check in at the Radiology desk for my 10.00 scan! Also, as per usual, we had to plod/waddle down to maternity for it - not nice when I know there are 2 machines nextoor to the clinic I was due back in during the morning!

The scan happened pretty much as soon as we got there and thankfully I didn't have ot have an internal one as was threatened! The placenta was found and has been classed as 'clear' which no doubt has added to Andy's notion that it resembles a jelly fish! Once we'd removed all the jelly from the bump it was time to waddle back to the clinic in Area A where I was quickly seen by the midwife...Blood pressure and Urine sample both fine and I have put a little weight on - but only what is expected! Well actually slightly less than they would expect so they were quite happy with me!

THe main thing that happens at the clinic is lots of waiting! But we got called by the Dr fairly quickly. Grumpy had a whinge about how long it take me to move... I'm getting better at ignoring it now! This was yet another new Dr to me and I pushed for an answer about when I was expected to hve this baby...Thankfully she wa sympathetic and we hve now been booked in to be induced on the 20th June! Father's Day - does this mean I don't have to buy Andy a present????? He He!!

I saw the Diabetes Team shortly after the Dr, and they are still pleased with me and the progress we've made! My HbA1c results have stayed at 6 for the last few months and I've avoided the need to be put on insulin and stayed on tablets! I'm now feeling rather proud of myself...

Overheating

If I'm honest I've been dreading today most of this week...for once the Met office are right and it is 'Warm' (to quote the smug forecaster on BBC1 in his airconditioned studio) As my midwife has been telling me since November I am currently running at a degree or so hotter than I would normally and as such Warm weather makes me feel decidedly uncomfortable, grumpy and very short tempered (sorry to anyone who has been around me today, I'm really not nice to live with at the moment)

As usual Andy had the Gro Egg hermometer thing in our bedroom last night, when I gave up and went to bed it was glowing orange but quickly switched to red and it was 24.5 c in there - far too hot for me to sleep and it will be far to hot for a baby too. Does anyone have any ideas how we are supposed to cool the bedroom down? We had both windows wide open and a fan going but neither seemed to be helping...

Once I finally dragged myself out of bed this morning I went straight into the nursery and started sorting some of the boxes of clothes out... it is really scary getting all this ready but after my couple of hours of contractions on Wednesday I'm really starting to realise that the arrival is getting closer and closer and we need to be ready (or as ready as I ever will be) sooner rather than later! I've even more or less packed the imfamous hospital bag - but I will have a chat with Nicki next Sunday about what should really be in there! Knowing me I've stuffed a load of things in that I won't need at all while I'm in hospital! It looks as though I won't be in that long as they tend to get you out asap once the baby has arrived! I just need to make sure it isn't before the 9th June as we wont get the car seat until then so couldn't bring the baby home!!!

The moses basket has now arrived but isn't actually here yet...probably a good thing as we on't have space in our bedroom at the moment! I think a load more clothes are going to get vaccuum packed and end up in the loft to clear the spac that is currently my Floordrobe! Once the temperature goes down I'll get stuck into clearing/sorting that, but at the moment there is no chance of it happening as I'm exhausted within minutes and when I get that tired the bump retaliates! Which he has just done...how did he know I was writing about him????? This is getting spooky!

A waiting day...week...etc

I have been meaning to update over the last few days but for some reason I simply haven't got around to it - not through being rushed off my feet but more down to being totally exhausted all the time.

I think the party went well on Saturday, it was so nice to actually see people for once! Much as I wasn't enjoying work towards to end it did at least mean I saw people every day...OK, most of them didn't talk to me but they were still company! It was also good to have a laugh at the expense of Europe, I know many (most) European countries take the contest a little more seriously that the UK does and the political voting still makes me chuckle, but it was good to watch with a group of friend who treat the who thing with the disrespect I feel it deserves!!!

Sunday morning arrived far too quickly and the painting in the nursery started and the clearing out of the kitchen, until 11.00 when my midwife arrived. The bump and I got a clean bill of health  - what was really amazing was how 'normal' my blood pressure was!! The baby partly helped when Nicki was listening to his heartbeat but then moved so it vanished totally! Bless him!

I'm still being woken in the early hours of every morning...usually to dash into the bathroom before someone goes into wriggle mode which means falling asleep again isn't going to happen! I was contemplating my ankles at 4.32 on Monday morning mainly as I could see ankles rather than cankles for once! This morning I was woken at 3.10am and I had intended ot have an afternoon nap, but Mum & Dad popped in so that went out of the window!!! Maybe I'll try to have an early night and hope I get a few hours before the bladder bouncing starts again! Even Andy could feel hw violent the movements were last night - I can honestly say I feel bruised at the moment and I can't wait to get through the next 3 weeks!!!

Eurovision 2010

We are having our Eurovision party tomorrow so I've been trying to build up/store some sleep so I can survive the 3 hour marathon! I didn't drag myself downstairs until just after 10 this morning and I'm already exhausted... so I guess it'll be another early night tonight if I manage to get comfy! This hasn't happened much recently and I simply keep waking up at silly times. Last night was 1.30am, 5.30am and not much sleep between them.

I have to admit to having no real ideas food wise other than I want pate and french bread. Which I'm not allowed to eat but I have missed it so much! One thing I may do is have a glass of wine...our NCT teacher said one glass can't hurt and it it calms my dancing bump down I'll be a happy Mum!! To be honest he's much better as creasting heartburn at the moment - Maybe it's the lack of room that has calmed to movements down, athough every so often he seems to just want to move and nothing is going to stop him! Somehow I get the feeling we're going to have one very determined child to cope/deal with!

The last Eurovision party we actaully managed to have was back in 2007... I sort of messed up the 2008 plans by being in a coma at the time and last year we were in Oslo at the time - sort of Ironic seeing as that is where the Final is coming from this year! I have to admit I loved Oslo, we saw it in the sun/heat and the rain and it looked good in both! I'm relieved that is isn't as hot as it was on the 17th May last year - no way could I cope with that much heat/sun right now!

Once I get through this weekend (I am looking forward to it, honest!) my next target is Fathers Day... I have bought my darling Andy a present in the past, but in the last few years I was so sure it would never happen I have avoided it like the plague - but now he is already a Dad whether the baby is here or not and I want to celebrate the fact. Also I feel he has missed so much, he can't feel when the baby moves etc and even telling him is usually too late as the movement stops as soon as I say anything!

Braxton Hicks

I've been suffering from these all day today...I'm really not enjoying it and I'm fairly sure the baby isn't either. It possibly hasn't helped that today was my Aunt's funeral up in Yorkshire and I really wanted to be there - but it wasn't my choice and I was told in no uncertain terms, immediately after I'd heard she'd died, that I wasn't going. To be perfectly honest the way I've felt today I can understand why the decision was made, but it hurt that it wasn't a decision I made...

That sounds quite silly to me reading it back but I know how I feel and I loved my Aunt, she used to tell me that she loved me and that is something I am really going to miss - and I hate that I haven't been able o say goodbye in the way I would want to. As she is being cremated I can't even go to a grave later - although I'm not sure what is going to happen to her ashes -maybe there will be a grave of some description...

Today has been quite a bit cooler than yesterday - one thing I am very grateful for! Andy (bless him) put the baby room thermometer in our bedroom last night, I wish he hadn't as it glowed red as it was far too hot in there and we are really going to have to keep it cooler once there are 3 of us sleeping in there... I did notice that Andy escaped downstairs at around 3am when I was up for the 2nd or 3rd time. When he left for work I was simply ready to sleep for a few more hours, but then the BH contractions started so I gave up on sleep and went downstairs to sit in front of the tower fan again (where I still am as I'm still feeling far too hot)

Tomorrow a group of Mums to be from our ante natal class are off to 'Bumps & Babes' but are meeting in Starbucks at 9.00 before hand! So no lie in possible for tomorrow, I just hope the bump behaves itself...I know I was worried on Sunday when he didn't move much, but after today I would really appreciate a calm day! But then again if he is too quiet I'll only worry again!!

34 Weeks

Possibly we only have 4 weeks left seeing as I was told at the end of last year that I would only be allowed to go to 38 weeks...but then again since then we've had a few scares and it really hasn't been mentioned much since! But hopefully after the scan on 8th June we should have a clearer idea of what, how and when! Alhough having been talked through a C Section at the ante natal class yesterday I really would prefer to avoid that unless it is totally needed... but the baby comes first and if there is a problem and that is the safest way for him to arrive then that is what will happen.

I've been shopping this afternoon...a major trip to Mothercare! We pretty much filled my car again and Andy has a baby monitor to play with now! We also now have new baby sized nappies so I won't need duct tape to stop them falling off the baby!! Also Andy has 'proper' bottles to steralise rather than trying to do that to water bottles and melting them! I guess it is all becoming much more real now...we're almost prepared for a small person to move in... the moses basket is on order, the pushchair is arriving on 9th June and we've bought the top & tail bowl as we can't bath him for the first week... I guess it's time to read Dr Spock as I have no idea how to do that!

Probably time for bed now...my ankles are turning into cankles righ now and I'm ready for a sleep before I get woken at 3am as usual for the early morning bathroom dash!

2 days running!!!

This is not like me to blog 2 days running...and to be perfectly honest there really isn't much going on in Heather World right now but here goes!!!

This morning was my weekly midwife check up day - they are wonderful people who come to me which means I don't endanger the population of Ashford by being let lose with a mechanical killing/maiming machine (aka a car!)

Today I got to meet a different midwife as poor Nicki was rushing around like a proverbial headless chicken! Bev was really sweet and as Nicki told me by phone much quieter than her!! But she still had to report back to Nicki once she'd checked me and the baby and Nicki is back next week...Sunday morning after the Eurovision party!!! So hopefully we won't make too much mess to have to clear once I drag myself out of bed on Sunday morning! Today I got patted on the head and pretty much had a glowing report - my blood pressure wasn't as good as it has been but it is nowhere near being considered a problem or high so I just have to carry on doing whatever it is I am doing! When I was trying to get up this morning Idid experience a horrible pain in my pelvis, when I mentioned this I got well prodded to try and find where the baby was and it is apparently him trying to get his head engaged... next stage labour!!!! It usually causes quick 'flashes' of pain which finish very quickly and it is basically the baby shuffling around! I just hope he gets sorted quickly as I can honestly say it really did hurt this morning and it isn't the way I like to be woken up at the moment!!

One other bit of excitement today was the arrival of my new phone...all I can say at the momeont is it looks very nice, as it will take about 48 hours for it to be fully connected for some reason. As I only have one sim card it is now in the new phone so I'm fairly unreachable right now as it isn't recognising the sim so I'm not getting any messages etc!! I'm currently charging the battery and I may even read the instruction book at some point... but to be honest it isn't very Heather friendly as it is mostly black printed on Grey and is not eye friendly or laid ou in a clear/helpful way - but I'm sure if I just play I'll work it all out! What is good is that it fits into the case I have for the current phone, and even though that has 'Sony' Plastered on it at least the touch screen will be protected on the new one! Well it is only 40is days until my birthday... Andy if you're reading this that is called a subtle hint!!! I've also just though I can add the 'mobile jewellery' that Nicky brought me from Disney last year to my new phone - that will help make it more mine/unique!!

I need sleep...

I think I'm in training for my sleepless nights at the moment...3.06am this morning someone decided that his mother should be up and around!! I think he was bouncing his head on my bladder and it is safe to say that my joints were not in a fit state to move at any kind of speed!

So far this week has been pretty quiet - just what I need really. I have to admit I am having lot sof naps as something (or someone) is sapping all my energy... but I know it will all  be worth it in the end. All I can say is I now know God is male - no woman woul have ever agreed that pregnancy should be this long! And the more I think about it the more I want to come back as a Seahorse! The males look after the babies - or we should be redesigned with a Kangeroo pouch so the child/baby care/carrying can be shared! I do feel envious (or at times guilty) that Andy has missed out on feeling the baby move around and grow. I guess in a way I'm already bonding with him as I feel him move - I have an idea of what sort of music calms him and what he enjoys (he can make that very clear!!) so I feel as though I almost know him... I really can't wait to meet him now :)

I wonder how old he will be before his father starts brainwashing him with Star Trek! Thankfully I haven't seen any baby uniforms anywhere...and no way am I letting ridges be added to his head poor little mite!!! But I do know a tricorder and a phaser have been kept for him so I guess the inititation will start asap!!

At the moment I'm watching the Classical Brits from alst night  - and I think he's quite enjoying the Strauss! I have no problem using classical music to send him to sleep, maybe once he has a passport I'll have to take him to Vienna (somewhere I've always wanted to visit) Maybe I could even convnce Andy to dance with me!! He never has on any of the cruises we've done, the only time I've ever danced on a cruise was in 2000 with my Dad!!! Myleene Klass appears to be wearing a Turkey as a dress! Although having watched Heston's Ultimate Feast last night I dread to think what may have been combined in her dress!

I got quite excited this morning - I found a top I've never worn before and it fits!!!! The only problem is it has horizontal stripes and the bump looks even bigger in them than in a 'normal' top! But I guess I am quite proud of it - after all I'v spent the last few years trying to convince myself that it would never happen to me. I'm still blaming the consultant who sorted out my Kidney stone(s) as I'm sure he must have zapped something else with his laser! Failing that I'm blaming Switzerland! The day the stone(s) were sorted was the first time they tried the big collider machine so it could also be their fault!!! Mind you the treatment they started me on for diabetes is also used as an infertility treatment, but the chances are I was already pregnant before I started taking Metformin!! Maybe someone up there finally decided it was my turn!!!

I've just seen one of my favourite compsers has a new album out...Amazon Wish list here it comes! Einaudi is another composer the baby enjoys and hs music seems to invoke sleep - One day I may even hear the whole album as my usual reaction is to relax and fall asleep by track 3!!! I don't think he appreciates Sopranos though, he's just given me on hell of a kick as one has started screeching an aria from Madam Butterfly!