Comparing...

Noah: 2yrs 4mnths
Freya: 5 wks

I don't know whether it's a boy/girl thing or a 1st/2nd baby thing but already I am seeing complete difference between my two!

Noah was soo laid back as a baby. Never really grumbled - happily led and watched the world go by. Fed constantly for long times with short intervals.

Freya gets really bored when she's awake and makes bossy little noises at us until we entertain/cuddle her. She's an efficient feeder and although still feeds fairly frequently is done in 5/10 minutes and is then content.

Neither of them have been babies that cry and cry, thanks goodness. Also, even though Noah happily laid awake without being entertained at Freya's age, he did already have a dummy by then so I think that made a difference. Both have been happy little souls - Freya just seems to have a shorter attention span and likes to have her own way! I think she's going to be bossing Noah about before long!

Both have been fiercely determined to lift their heads from a very early age (one or two days old). Both did their first smiles at 4weeks although Noah's then came all the time whereas Freya is not so generous. She did her first full 'eyes and all' beam at me today - was heart-warming. Until now all she's done is two or three little 'smirky' smiles!

Noah is and always has been a skinny little mite. I think Freya's going to be a bit of a podge. Her face has really filled out and you can see her little thighs thickening up a bit (yay! I need some chunky thighs to squeeze).

The main thing is that they are just so different to look at! Noah is definitely mainly a Spayes. He's just like the men on my side of the family - fair hair, blue eyes, fair skinned. Freya is becoming more and more like a mini-me of Simon every day! She has dark hair (what's left!) and eyes and olive-skin. They're going to be one of those brother/sister's that you wouldn't know were brother and sister by looking at them I reckon. Funny, as they were so similar at birth. You do see a look of the other one in them occasionally but not often at all. Here they both are at around 4 weeks old:



They really are two such individual little people and it's lovely to be able to experience all sorts of characterisitcs and behaviour from the two of them. Can't wait to see how they both develop and grow as brother and sister and as individuals!

Snotty

Freya's got her first proper cold, bless her. Noah's got one too. It's something I failed to think about when having two children - that they'll pass on all their lurgies to each other!

Poor Freya is so snuffly and her nose is really running. She gets really cross when I wipe it though! I've never seen such a little baby with a proper runny nose! She's found it really hard to feed as she can't breathe. Yet she's still seemed fairly satisfied after even just a short feed - she's obviously not feeling particularly hungry.

It's so horrible when you can't give them anything.

Smiles!

4 weeks today

Freya did her first smile two days ago! She did one yesterday too but has been in far too serious a mood and frowning lots as usual to do one today! It took a lot of talking in a silly voice and raspberry blowing from me but it was definitely a proper smile!

It was nice to see her happy as he's quite often cranky when she's awake! If she's just left in the chair/moses basket/gym for more than 5 minutes, anyway. She likes to be cuddled and entertained far more than laid-back Noah ever did. She's not a crier at all but she doesn't half grunt at you in her bossy little way until she gets some attention.

Also, she is really determined to lift her head. When laying on her tummy on my chest etc. she can lift it almost upright for a fair few seconds. She's just so nosey - has to know exactly what's going on and be involved in it all! It's the same reason she gets cranky when left alone when awake I think!

Just need to catch it on camera now!

Weight update

Birth weight: 6lb 13oz
Day 5: 6lb 9oz
Day 11: 7lb 2oz
Day 17: 7lb 9.5oz
Today (Day 25): 8lb 3oz

Oh, and remind me not to ever gloat again about how good Freya is at night. She was hideous last night! I didn't get to bed until gone twelve last night after fiddling about online and getting stuff done. When I came to bed Freya was wide awake and cooing in her basket so I thought I'd have a quick chat - she was so close to smiling! Anyway once I'd started talking to her I wasn't allowed to leave. She cried, fed, burped, puked, pood, fell asleep, cried, fed, burped, puked, pood, fell asleep again and again until half three!! I was wondering what to do by that point as she'd polished off both my boobs and still wasn't settling but luckily she did one really big screech, which made her do a rather rude and loud noise at the other end and then she was fine! Needless to say I've been reeeeeaally tired today! Hope she's back to her usual self tonight! And I've certainly learnt not to chat to her in the night!

Week 3

My little frog is well and truly part of the furniture now. She certainly has attitude when she's cross about something but is easy to please once you suss out what the problem is! Some of the looks she 'gives you' when she's having a strop make me worry what we'll face in her teenage years!!

Generally, she's still very good natured. She's incredibly alert and pays particular attention to Noah's voice! She likes her bouncy chair and the odd spell on her gym but more than anything likes a cuddle! Oh, and some boob!

Her feeding's much the same as it's been since day dot. Feeds hourly for the first and last 3 hours of the day and only once or twice in between. Have got the 'doing it in public discreetly' thing almost sorted but just can't bring myself to do it in front of my Dad still - have to disappear upstairs! She has her last big feed at about 8pm (both boobs!) and by the time she's finished, has thrown up a bit and got her jammies on it's 9ish and she's nods straight off when put in her basket. I don't usually hear a peep put of her then until 5am ish. Maybe one night a week she decides she wants to feed an extra time or two.

Tonight was the first time she didn't scream blue murder while being bathed. I dreaded bathing her as she absolutely howls the place down - so much so it actually frightens Noah (who now doesn't take any notice of her crying) and gets me all stressed out. Tonight I made the water warmer and she was fine. She's just like her brother was. Make the bath water the temperature those baby thermometers say it should be and it's no good. Make it 'Too Hot' and baby is happy! I'm sure she'd soon let me know if it really was too hot for her.

She's quite a pukey little thing. There doesn't seem to be any pain when she does it so I don't think it's reflux. Just milk that gets stuck above a bubble of air while she's guzzling. The number of muslins I get through! She can get quite grouchy with wind at times too and thinks she wants more boob when all she needs is a good slap on the back!

She's just starting to try and 'talk'. You can hear proper little vocal noises in her throat now rather than just grunts and squeaks. It's really cute!

Also she's going a bit bald on top!! THe long hair at the back and on the sides is fine but the fine, short stuff on top has been slowly falling out! She's beginning to look a bit like a Grandad! I keep finding soft fuzzy hair in her coat hoods and inside her hats! What with that and the spots she has on her cheeks from laying on damp milk/old puke/sweat!! So attractive...!!

Hmm...think that's it! Going to get her weighed at clinic tomorrow. I love trying to guess what they'll be beforehand! I wonder if she's piggy enough to have hit the 8lb mark yet or if her weight gain has settled a bit and she'll only be a few oz more!

Doing fine!

The Health Visitor came this morning - she's happy with Freya's colour now and says her eyes are ok. She also weighed her again. She's now 7lb 9.5oz!!!!! That's 7.5oz in 6 days this time. A whole pound in less than two weeks! Although still spot on the 25th centile. Greedy little toad!

No more home visits now. Everything is as it should be with my Baby Girl and now we can be left to get on with being a family.

Two weeks old!

I really feel like we're settling now. It's all still very new and we're still working our way round what works and what doesn't but it feels like my gorgeous girly has always been here and it's just all feels so 'normal' now.

Freya's doing well. She's not AS laid back as Noah was (he was just frighteningly placid!) but she's still extremely easy-going.

Her feeding has changed a bit. She goes longer at night now (only waking once during the 10-12 straight hours sleep she has). Because of this she has a bit of a top-up session when she wakes and just before she goes to bed and feeds a bit more often and for longer during the day. Totally bearable though as she sleeps so well at night!

She only lost 4oz in the first 5 days, going down to 6lb 9oz and when the HV weighed her on Monday she'd gone all the way up to 7lb 2oz! 9oz in 6 days! The Health Visitor is coming again next Monday to weigh her as she still quite jaundiced and wants to make sure it's not affecting her.

Her eyes have already turned a muddy brown colour. What with that and her dark head of hair, I think she's going to be the complete opposite of Noah in looks.

She's had her Guthrie test and her newborn hearing screening test (passed with flying colours) and we've registered her birth.

One of her eyes is still a bit gunky - will take her to the Doctor next week when Daddy is off if it doesn't clear up over the weekend.

She loves the hoover! She was having a snuffle and grunt and strop this morning but I've been trying to make a point of not running to her as she often settles if left to get over it! If she ends up crying properly you know she needs feeding/winding/changing etc. Anyway....she was moody this morning but as soon as I turned the hoover on she stopped grumbling and paid lots of attention to where the noise was coming from before drifting off to sleep. I remember Noah being the same. Nice to know something settles her..not that I'm going to have the hoover on every time she grumbles!!

I also have to confess that I'm a terrible Mummy and will put her on her tummy to sleep at times during the day. Only during the day so I can keep an eye on her but she rests better that way as I'm sure she feels more secure like being held against my chest.

She's now awake a bit more during the day and I feel I should be talking to her and stimulating her in some way...it must be very boring being a baby! This is what I've found quite hard. I feel a bit torn trying to share my time between her and Noah! When she slept a bit more I had time to be with Noah and keep on top of the housework etc. Now sometimes I feel I'm not giving Noah as much attention as I'd like (or as much as he's used to but that's something he'll have to learn to adapt to). I also feel like Freya's not getting as much quality time as Noah had as a baby but she doesn't know this so it's only me feeling bad!

Anyway, we're all happy and getting on well. Already I can't remember what it was like before Freya arrived. It's amazing how quickly the second one slots in - even more so than the first as you have a vague idea of what you're doing!

Settling in as a family of four!

Or family of three as it feels like as Simon doesn't start his time off until next weekend so I've kind of been thrown in at the deep end! He was off on Friday and Saturday when Freya was born but I didn't come home from hospital until the Saturday afternoon so didn't really get to see much of him!

It's not been so bad though. Been a great way to get yourself into some sort of vague 'routine' that goes something like: I get the next days clothes for myself and the kids all laid out the night before etc. and as soon as I hear Noah is awake in the morning will go and put some toast in and then go and get him up and dressed and started on his toast so he's busy while I feed/dress Freya etc. He then has his cereal while I get myself ready! When they're both fed and clean and happy then I squeeze my breakfast in!

Doesn't always work like that though! On Wednesday Noah woke up at the same time Freya wanted feeding. I went into him and his face, hands, pyjamas and bedding were covered in blood! I think he'd just had a good pick of his nose - he wasn't crying - but it totally messed up my system!!! I had to bath him and strip his bed-clothes and get them in the machine while poor Freya was screaming for boob! Talk about throwing a spanner in the works!

It's been a fairly laid-back week though. Freya is a very good baby. She feeds 2-3hourly during the day and at night she'll usually go 6 hours and then 4 (feeding at roughly 10pm, 4am, 8am etc.). It's completely bearable and I'm getting a good amount of sleep which helps no end. She's a very good breast-feeder although has her moments when she messes about and won't suck properly, popping on and off the breast. If my boobs are really full and the milk flows on it's own she'll just lay under the nipple poking her tongue out to lap it up! Might have to start expressing the first bit off! Last night was a nightmare. I was really tired and she wouldn't suck properly but was crying cos she was hungry and I ended up crying and telling her she could starve!! Simon was telling me off and telling me to give her the other boob and I'm sat sobbing on the toilet! She definitely prefers one boob to the other but I'm not going to let her have her way! She was much better this morning though and is back to feeding nicely.

She has been fairly jaundiced for the last week and it's only now starting to fade but she's bright and alert, doing lots of wees and poos (we had a projectile poo across the bed and all over me during the night last night when I was changing her!). Her eyes are a bit gunky but cooled boiled water seems to be keeping it from getting horrible.

Have only seen a Midwife 4 times since coming home. Obviously a bit more laid back second time round. Seeing one for the last time tomorrow. I'm all healed and comfortable and the bleeding has practically stopped. I'm a bit weepy, especially in the evenings when I'm tired and starting to think about Simon leaving me again in the morning but not worryingly so.

Noah has been an absolute star! He's been such a good boy. Maybe gets stressed out a little easier when he gets a bit wound up or tired and a bit more cuddly but he's definitely happy. He helps me bath and change Freya and runs to her when she cries. He's forever stroking, kissing and talking to her in a high-pitched baby voice! He'll put his muslin and teddies in her moses basket and is desperate to share his food with her - she's already tasted toast and cheese! His sleep pattern and behaviour don't seem to have been affected at all so far. I'm really proud of my little man (who suddenly seems enormous!).

I'm loving being a Mummy to two although I am tired and can't wait for Simon to have some time off with us. I feel sorry for him as he's missing out on these amazing early days but at least by the time he's off I'll know what works and what doesn't and we'll be able to enjoy our time together without getting too stressed hopefully!

Freya Rose

Freya Rose has arrived!

Here's the Birth Story!

The lead up...
Thursday was a MADLY busy day. We were up at 6.30am ready for the scan at 9am. After the scan, Noah and I went to Toddlers and then whizzed round town for a few bits. I said I'd drop into work but as I drove out of the car park, the car started playing up on me so I got all stressed and managed to get it to Sy's work to park it and tell him - there was no way I was going to drive it like that! Sy lives just around the corner from our soft play place so Noah and I walked the 10 mins to get there and stayed there and had some lunch until Sy was on his break and could pick us up. Popped into school quickly and then went home. Noah had a huge 3hour sleep from 3-6pm but I was busy updating here etc. and tidying up so didn't nap myself (wished I had later!).

The birth story...
Simon got home from work at 6.30pm. As Noah had slept so long we knew he'd be up late so thought we'd descend upon the MIL for a couple of hours! At 7pm, just as we were about to leave I felt a small leak down below so rushed to the loo where some fluid fell out of me - completely clear (and not wee as I'd just done a big one!). I wasn't sure if it was waters or not but told Sy just in case and thought I'd wait and see what happened. In the car on the way to MILs I had my first cramp and had a few for the couple of hours we were there. Was texting a Mummy friend at this point for advice on waters breaking and what labour feels like when it happens naturally, lol! The cramps weren't bad enough to cause any real pain and I didn't mention them to Sy or the MIL at the time as I still wasn't convinced I was in labour!

Got home at 9pm and the cramps soon got closer and ‘crampier’! I thought I’d have a shower and freshen up and when I went to the loo after getting out I had a show! It must have been pretty much complete – an enormous blob of pink jelly. Fascinating! Thought we better phone Sy's Mum then to come and get Noah in case it really was labour! The cramps were now about 5 minutess apart already but I could still talk through them while bouncing on my trusty ball. I had it in place of the computer chair so I could sit and surf the net/time the contractions online to take my mind off things between cramps! We phoned the labour ward to let them know what was going on and to ask their advice about what to do and when. They said the typical take paracetamol, have a bath, ring back when the pains are 4 minutes apart and hurt a bit more!

I didn’t have a bath – had a funny feeling things would be quick. By 11pm I knew it was time to tell the hospital we were coming in. The pains had intensified and were 3 or 4 minutes apart. Still only painful enough to make me go ‘Oooooohhh owowowowowowowow!’ but definitely at the point I knew things were happening!

We got to the hospital at about 11.30pm and I was taken to my room (which was one with a birthing pool even though I hadn’t asked – was really pleased!). Because of the oligohydramnios I was strapped to the monitor for 20minutes to monitor baby’s heat-rate during the contractions but she was fine. I did a wee and got changed out of my clothes and then, not long after midnight, the contractions suddenly changed!! VERY painful, very fast and very long! It felt like there was hardly any let up between them!

I wasn’t comfy on all the ball all squashed up anymore so knelt over the back of the bed. Asked for some Gas&Air as hadn’t used it before. I didn’t mind it and it did help me become a bit less aware but I preferred the feeling of ‘coming down’ after I’d stopped breathing it in than the feeling of while I was sucking it so stopped using it after about half an hour. I couldn’t be bothered to hold onto the damn thing either and by this stage I was really growling and moaning and the sound of my noises echoing down the mouthpiece was horrendous! So in the end I just hung onto the bed and shouted lots!! I was so quiet and calm with Noah but I was a bit of an animal with my grunting this time round! It did hurt a hell of a lot more though! I also poo’d when I was at the ‘almost ready to push’ stage. I knew I needed to and I knew I wasn’t quite ready to push baby out but had to push something out so thought I might as well! Good old labour, eh! I remember apologising for it being soft and squidgy (not that I could see it!). I also remember the Midwives at this point discussing anal swelling and wondered what on earth I’d done (luckily nothing - the Senior MW was just giving the student MW a bit of a lesson!!)!!

By 2am I was ready to push. I’d not had an internal or anything since I’d arrived but it was all happening so fast and the midwives didn’t seem concerned. I turned over to sit/lie on the bed as I was tired of kneeling at this point. With Noah, the pain of the contractions seemed to die down a bit when it came to pushing but this time it was still excruciating. I felt the head moving down and crowning a lot more too. I had one really long contraction which I controlled really well, pushing and stopping on command to get her head out and then one final contraction to get her body out. Two big pushes – that was all it took!

Freya Rose was delivered, squawking, onto my tummy at 2.17am on Friday 28 March 2008. 11 days early and taking us all by surprise! She arrived 7 hours after my waters broke, not quite 3 hours after I arrived at hospital and after only being in hideous pain and 'established labour' for about 2 hours! Fast and painful.

After the birth...
I had the injection to deliver the placenta, the doing of which also hurt this time (little contractions) and even asked to have a look at it – I was curious!! I only had a first degree tear (graze they told me!) so didn’t need any stitches this time. It’s a little tender but that's all.

Freya was given her Vitamin K and was weighed – 3.09kg or 6lb 13oz (bang on the 50th centile for a baby girl born at 38+2. She seems so small compared to Noah, although is the same length he was when born but they told me she’d be long! She had a feed then and mastered it instantly.

Simon didn’t hang around too long so once I’d convinced the Midwife I would like to stay the night (she asked if I wanted to go home then!) he trotted of to make his phone-calls and go to bed!! I bathed and got dressed and we arrived on the Post Natal Ward at about 4am.

I’m really glad I got to do it naturally...and that it’s over now!! I’m also really proud of myself for having no pain relief this time round!

Labour!!

Well at about 7pm, just after doing a wee, I pulled up my pants and felt something squirt out! Quickly sat back on the loo and some liquid 'fell' out of me. Wasn't sure what to think as had no pains at all today - thought I may have pee'd myself! Thought I'd text a good friend Jo to get some advice on waters breaking!

Fifteen minutes later had my first crampy feeling. Had a couple more at 15/20 minute iintervals but for the last hour they've been coming every 5/10mins. Have only just started properly timing them!

Was at the MIL's so asked Sy if we could come home. Hopped in the shower (too scared to have a bath in case I won't make it to the hospital in time, lol!!), had a funny feeling down below when I got out so did a wee and had a show! Bright pink jelly blob. So exciting! The first time I've experienced that!

Even though the contractions are fairly close together they're still bearable. Like REALLY bad period pains that make me hold my breath and sway about but not moan or anything yet! I hope they're not going to fizzle out.

Have phoned the labour ward who said the typical - have some paracetamol and a bath and ring back when they're about 4 mins apart and lasting a minute and are a bit more painful. Just scared it's going to be a not hurt much labour and I won't make it on time!! Knowing my luck it'll probably actually stop!!!

Just thought you'd like ...oooh just had a really painful one.....to know!!

I just can't believe it's happening naturally!!

They're still at every 5 minutes ish but getting stronger. I'm sat here bouncing on my ball. SImon's job is to press the button to time the contractions on a website we found!

Sometimes I'll get a sneaky contraction after about 3 mins but it'll only last 20 secs. Just now was a 7 min gap but the contraction was longer.

Simon's dad just came to get Noah. I cried when he left thinking it'll be the last time I see him as my baby. I felt really sorry for him. He was quite clingy too.

Week 39: Scan

38+2

Everything is fine! There's still not loads of fluid in there but there's 3cm more than there was so I'm obviously not losing any which is the important thing. They like there to be more than 7.5cm at 38weeks (last time I was 7cm) and I've got 10 so that's fab news!

Girly has grown well too. A fortnight ago her Head Circumference, Abdominal Circumference and length of the thighbone were: 32.3cm, 31.4cm & 7.2cm. This week they were: 33.8cm, 34.1cm and 7.7cm. She's gone from sitting on the average line on the chart to being just above it. I hope she doesn't get too big! They didn't give me an estimated weight or anything but I would think she'll be high in the 7lbs somewhere at least going by what Noah was.

BP fine, even my urine was fine today and not full of glucose. She is still head down and is quite well engaged as they had a real hard time getting head measurements for her as she was so low in my pelvis!

I had a lovely positive and informative Registrar this time too who gave me real confidence that things were fine and there's nothing to worry about. She could see no reason for interfering with nature and inducing me and I was actually really relieved! I feel like a huge weight has been lifted. I think a lot of the reason I've been bogged down about the pregnancy over the last couple of weeks is because I've been feeling in limbo, not knowing what was going on in there and was worrying my socks off! Now I feel all happy about being pregnant again and can't wait for labour to begin and give birth normally! I'm actually quite excited!

Those period pain like niggles have settled a little although I can still feel some strange aches. I think my body is just preparing itself.

I'm really happy now!

Week 39

38+1

I woke up feeling like I'd been for a long horse-ride over night!!!

My pelvic bones ache all inside as do the muscles on the inside of my thighs at the top. Not sure why baby's head engagin would affect my leg muscles though...maybe I just sat in a funny position yesterday?!

It's making me do the 'John Wayne walk'.

Have also had some quite strange niggles/pains/cramps over the last 24 hours. They've been quite erratic though - ranging from a couple of times an hour to every couple of hours.

I think it'd be obvious if it was the beginnings of labour but they're strange feelings nonetheless. Not like the windy/muscular/need the loo etc. aches and pains I've felt on and off for the last few weeks - more crampy and tight. And down quite low like sharp period pains which then spread over my bump and round my back. I think it's the Braxtons hotting up. They're quite contration like but definitely not contractions. Not that I know what early natural labour feels like, lol - when induced with Noah it was from nothing to horrendous contractions just like that!

It would be so lovely if it was the beginning of things but I think that's just wishful thinking, lol! Little madam has also been having a major squirm so think she might be stretching my insides! Just thought I'd make a note of it for future reference!

Week 38

37+5

Urgh. I'm definitely at the 'had enough' stage!!! I'm just soo unbelievably achey and uncomfortable. I constantly have to move about and not stay in one position for too long (although walking too much and being too active also makes me sore!) otherwise I seize up! Night-time is awful, I'm still peeing frequently (usually 4 times a night) and it's just such an effort to try and get out of bed each time! My back and pelvis seem to lock into position while I'm sleeping and just rolling from one side onto the other is a huge mission!

Girly's movement are just so painful most of the time. Especially at the moment - there's an obvious bodily part poking out (not sure if it's a knee/elbow/foot) which she wiggles constantly. I'm really noticing the lack of fluid now! And when poor Noah sticks an elbow in me while cuddling he gets squawked at! Ouch!!

Have had some very strange niggles over the past week, many in my back. Not sure if I might have a urine infection or something as it almost feels like it could be my kidneys. Unless it's just painful Braxtons in my back (goes all the way up to my neck sometimes!!).

I'm bouncing on my ball and going for walks like crazy. Have also started on the old raspberry leaf tea. I tried all the old tricks last time. Might try eating copious amounts of fresh pineapple soon but there's no way I'm going down the sex or curry route! Can't manage either without serious discomfort these days!

I'm curious about the scan on Thursday. As much as I want a natural labour, the thought of being induced sooner isn't bothering me! I'm going alone this time as Sy can't get off work and I'll have to take Noah so I hope he behaves!! He'll be pinned into his pushchair with lots of snacks and books to keep him occupied!! Hope he doesn't create! The whole thing took about an hour last time what with the waiting, the scan, the consultation etc. It's a long time to keep a little man occupied.

Week 37

36+2

I had the scan to check the girly's position today. I was excited about seeing her again...and also hoping she'd not be too big and squashed that they might confirm she's a girly, lol (which they did - definitely a she!). I was also really looking forward to, either way, finding out which way up she is so I could move on and start planning for the birth!

Well the good (great/fab!) news is that baby HAS turned!! She's head down, although not anywhere near being engaged (but then she's only been that way up for a week or so!). My blood pressure is fine too but there was massive amounts of glucose in my urine again. Not too much of a problem though and I've not been the healthiest eater over the past week or so and baby's growth is fine so it's not affected that at all which would be the only reason to worry.

We did have some worrying news though - there's very little fluid in there with baby. Not super-dangerously low, just 'borderline' apparently. They spent ages looking for some and measuring it. Over the next two weeks I have to keep a real eye on the girly's movements and any leaks from below. I wasn't told what to do or who to call if I AM at all concerned - I assume contact the labour ward or my Midwife. I'm worrying about the waters leaking now as for the past week or so I have been quite 'damp' down below. I've almost felt like I've been leaking but put it down to increased discharge. Now I know the fluid is low it's got me wondering! I'm going to give my Midwife a call just to check what I need to do and get her opinion on the joyful wet knickers!!

I've been reading up about low fluid (it's called oligohydramnios) and it says the normal healthy measures of fluid are 5cm-25cm. Mine was 7cm so still within those brackets. They're going to scan me again in two weeks. If there's no change in the amount of fluid, or it's lessened or baby has stopped growing then they'll induce me.

I've just realised that the low fluid is probably what is causing her movements to feel so painful for me. They really do take my breath away and make me cry out sometimes. No padding to make it gentle for Mummy. Have to be careful I don't hurt her back I guess!

I'm not bothered about being induced - at least I won't have to have a section now unless there's an emergency. Although, if she's not engaged still in a fortnight is it likely that induction alone will get her out? Anyway, I'm just really worried about baby having to live in there with not much fluid and that I'm going to be constantly worrying if she's moving enough or whether or not I'm leaking fluid or imagining it! It's stressing me out and making me feel quite tearful.

Thing is, if I hadn't had the scan to check her position I wouldn't have known about the fluid and wouldn't be worrying. Then again, that might mean I wouldn't have worried when I'd needed to.

Only other thing to report is that during the night and again when I woke up this morning I found a wet patch on my sheet near my pillow. I thought I might have dribbled (attractive!) or spilled water when drinking but turns out if was a booby leakage!! They were in full flow a few hours later! It's getting a bit dramatic now! Was never so obvious with Noah before he was born!

That's it for now. I'm so happy she's turned, I just hope she hangs on to her fluid. Although I just want her safely out now!

Week 36

35+1

Trying not to get my hopes up but I think she might have turned. I didn't necessarily feel her do it but I've had some incredible painful movements over the last few days that have made me cry out in pain which I think is either due to her making her way round or the fact she slipped easily into the head-down position and the more painful movements are now due to the way she is now laying. Most of the prods and sharp movements are now at the top of my bump but at the front - I think if she has turned she is laying back to back as it's like her feet and knees are poking out of the top of my bump. It's really quite uncomfortable! Amusing too though as if I have soemthing resting on my bump (a hand, a glass of water etc.) she kicks it out the way! When I move my hand etc. she follows it and kicks it again! EIther that or I'm completely wrong and she's still head-butting me! Only a week until we find out for sure at the scan.

I'm really aching now - especially my back (all over) which is another reason I think she may be back to back. I can't sit/lay/bend for too long as I end up aching for ages. It's really slowing me down now and making me incapable of doing anything! I'm feeling very whale like and huff and puff and grunt and groan getting out of chairs and rolling over in bed!

Other news is my left boobie (just the left one!) starting leaking more than just a few drops this week! I looked down to found a small sticky circle on my top and was glad I was at home!
My hospital bags are also almost packed now. Baby girl's is completely done but I've left mine as what I take will depend on what kind of birth I have and wanted to wait and see if I'd need a section first. Plus I'll be using lots of the stuff until I go into the hospital!

I can honestly say I enjoyed Noah's pregnancy much more. Having the time to revel in it all and sleep and rest when I wanted to in the later weeks. It's so much harder at this stage with a little monster to run around after and I'm just about ready for it to be over now!

Hopefully she HAS turned and I'll be able to have my natural birth but she won't keep me waiting too long! Don't want much do I?!

35wks: Bump

Week 35

34+1

I had my 34wk MW appointment yesterday. BP was up a little but it's usually low so it's just normal now! I did have a huge amount of glucose in my urine though but as my last GTT from a fortnight ago came back normal, the MW said it was just one of those things - the body gets rid of it in your urine for no apparent reason sometimes when you're pregnant (I had spent the weekend eating lots of chocolate crispy cakes Noah and I made though - wonder if that was the cause!!!) I've also starting to get slightly puffy feet in the evenings too - especially if my feet get too hot or I've been on them a lot in the day. Again - nothing out of the ordinary. Measuring 35cms - so still that 1cm extra but I was with Noah too.

The main news is that the girly is still breech. I'm starting to get a bit worried now!! I have to have a scan on 13th March (they leave it until 36wks as there's still a chance she'll turn) and if she's still breech then, they'll talk to me about trying to turn her the week after and my options if that does or doesn't work.

I soooo don't want a c-section but I'm not sure I'd want to risk giving birth naturally and have the cord prolapse, or forceps used, or an emergency section if there's trouble (i'd rather have the planned one!). So lots to think about.

Feel alright in myself though - still get the odd bout of heartburn and there's certainly no way I can bend down to pick things off the floor now!! Also I'm getting a bit breathless where her head is crushing everything up towards my lungs! Feel healthy though!

Week 33

32+3

Had my 2nd GTT test this week. Once again, have not heard from anyone with bad news so am just assuming the results are fine again. Came to the conclusion the woman who does the tests is just rubbish at taking blood as she struggled to get any again (yet it was pouring out around the needle!!). It's a shame as I've never had trouble before and it's made me really nervous about having bloods taken...and I'm due another routine lot at 36wks...aaargh!

I still don't think madam has turned. She shifts from side to side but stays the same way up. I'm off swimming tonight to see if it helps (haven't been on my own to do lengths fo over a year!) and tomorrow I plan to buy a birthing ball to bounce and roll about on to try and get the stubborn madam to shift! I tried the all fours thing whilst rotating my pelvis and it just gave me backache and need the loo! Plus Noah though it was really funny and kept crawling under me as if I was a tunnel!

I'm really fidgetty at night again now. Have a hard time getting comfy - no matter how the pillows are arranged! I feel like my lungs are being crushed by baby's head and can't always breather properly. Plus the heartburn has returned with a vengeance! I hate Gaviscon but Rennie fruit has become my new best friend - definitely make a huge difference even though they don't completely get rid of it. Then of course there's the night-time weeing adventures....at least 3 times a night recently. Ah well!!

Moan moan moan!!

I finished work yesterday though. Did an extra day Wednesday too so was more than ready to leave by yesterday evening! My back was killing me. I know it's only one day a week but I'm on my feet aaaaalllllll day and it's tough! Finished at just the right time I think!

Next MW appointment on 26th Feb. Hoping the madam at least thinks about turning by then as otherwise I won't be able to discuss my birth plan until later when I've been scanned and I'll feel really badly organised!

Oh, and we're STILL not 100% on the name!! We keep having moments of doubt and it's driving me mad that I can't think of anything I LOVE!

31wk Midwife Appointment

Just got back from the MW. Pretty bog standard visit.

BP 100/60 (normal), wee normal, no swelling etc. Finally got the official results of my Glucose Tolerance Test and 28wk bloods - all normal - no diabetes, no anaemia etc. Baby girl's heartbeat is normal too.

But.....the little madam is still breech. The MW wasn't too concerned as a lot still are at this stage. However because she's breech, my 34wk appointment will be at the surgery, not at home to discuss the birth plan as it would usually be (as it might be pointless as she's the wrong way up!). If she's turned by 34wks, we'll then discuss birth plans at an extra appointment the week after. If she hasn't turned, a scan will be booked for 36wks to confirm it and then I'll have to see a consultant to discuss my options (section, turning, breech vaginal delivery etc.).

I really want a normal birth again so please send lots of baby turning vibes my way!!!

Week 31

30+2

It's the final countdown da da daa daaaa da da da da daaaaaa!

I'm freaking out a ltitle bit that there's less than ten weeks to go (except it's not because of course I'll go over!).

The main thing bugging me was getting my Maternity Allowance sorted out. I still haven't tackled it yet. The form you have to fill in is so long and detailed and complicated and there's just so many forms and proof of earning/benefits/credits etc. you have to take with you. Not to mention rejection of SMP letters etc. I didn't have it all together and was beginning to panic. Especially as the dozy stand-in MW I saw at my last appointment told me I didn't need a MAT B1 certificate when I did and I couldn't collect one until Tuesday and couldn't get it taken into work until today......!! Anyway, turns out that, on taking the MATB1 in to work today, the bursar tells me the lady from payroll has double checked for me and because I've done enough overtime between December 06 and now (the claim period) I've actually paid enough NI contributions to be entitled to SMP!!!! I'm SOOOOOO thrilled as it means it's now up to work to sort it all out and I just have to sit back and receive the money! Such a load off my mind! I'll still get the same amount of 90% of my earnings but it's a whole load less sorting out and stress. Yay! Only two weeks left of work now!!

I won £30 at Bingo tonight, lol!! I go once a month with my friend as they have free games one Thursday a month and it's my 'thing' I do to get out on my own for some me time! We been doing it for about 8 months and I've never won so was so excited! Just when I really needed it with no bank card after it swallowed by the cash machine!!

The little lady is well. Such a wriggler, Makes me quite uncomfortable sometimes and causes me to catch my breath. My tummy now contorts as she does her larger movements and I love to watch the different shapes she makes! I have no idea which way up she is as the prods and kicks are now all over the place. There is, however either a head or a bottom right under my ribs now and I can barely bend down/forward without feeling like I'm crushing her!

Sleep has come easier the past couple of weeks. I'm sure the hot chocolate is helping me to relax and avoid heartburn. And lots of warm baths with a book! I'm having to be careful what I eat now (apart from late night coke and flakes!!) as I can feel the pounds piling on. I'm determined to keep it under control this time and do something about the excess as soon as baby arrives rather than use the baby as an excuse for being wobbly like I did with Noah! I only have two pairs of maternity trousers, with stretchy side panels and they're now getting alittle tight and uncomfy at the button. With my bingo money I'm going to treat myself to some nice, soft, stretchy, over-the bump jeans or something on Saturday when we go to buy our new double buggy.

Week 30

29+1

I've been in nesting mode this week. The kitchen has had a complete seeing to - including the cupboards, microwave, fridge and oven. There's been scrubbing, mopping and wiping! The bathroom has been cleaned so hard you need to put sunglasses on when you go in - I even spent a good 20 mins on my knees scrubbing the loo! I hope that will have encouraged my little one to turn out of the breech postion!

I've been sufffering with really unconfortable Braxtons that take my breath away and I definitely notice them more when I'm overdoing it. The heartburn too! Every time I bent down to pick something off the floor today that hot, acidy feeling hit me! Bedtime is a nightmare. I've been faffing about until the small hours before giving in to the tiredness and getting into bed. I just have to make sure I'm super tired otherwise I just can't sleep. Getting comfy is becoming a bit of a battle althjough I only seem to be up once, maybe twice a night for a wee now (which is good cos it takes a while to lever myself up off the bed now and I pulled a muscle last night!).

I've put on a good stone now but I'm still feeling pretty good most of the time. I've been craving Coke which is awful as it's full of calories and sugar and caffeine and all sorts of rubbish. I'm also craving sponges. With Noah I used to chew on a clean, new bath sponge enjoying the texture and juiciness (sounds gross I know!) and it's recently appeared this time too but I don't have a clean sponge to chew! No mammoth cravings for ice like I had with Noah though!

The baby's hospital bag is all packed. I was having a sort out and a wash of all the stuff we've got and thought I might as well put it all together before it gets shoved in a drawer and I can't find it! I've got as far as writing a list for mine, and for Noah's to take to Grandma's but won't pack it for a few weeks yet.

11 weeks to go. Time is flying!

29wks: Bump

Week 29

28+1

Just got back from my 28wk MW appointment. The usual lady wasn't there so some old dear was in her place and, although lovely, didn't seem to have a clue what she was doing! Everything took twice as long! Thank goodness they HAD actually taken my 28wk bloods at the same time as I had my GTT - I don't think I wouldn've trusted her to know what she was doing! I'm sure she was very experienced, just a bit unfamiliar with her surroundings!

Everything is normal. Blood pressure, wee etc. I actually measured right this week (whereas last time I was 2wks ahead) but I guess it depends on who's doing it. 1cm or 2 isn't a huge amount either way. The MW had a very painful squeeze of my tummy to see which wasy baby is laying and she's definitely breech for now. I'm not really that bothered by that yet though. She has another 12 weeks to turn. Her heartbeat was fine although by this stage baby girl was a bit fed up of being prodded and kept kicking the doppler thingy off!

I frightened myself silly this morning by taking a pretty spectacular tumble. I was crossing the road with the buggy and misjudged the height of the curb as there was a big puddle up to the top of it. The buggy didn't go up the curb, instead flew forward with me trying to save it from falling while trying not to fall on top of it, or even fall at all! It all happened in slow motion! In the end I managed to let poor Noah fall slowly and he was so padded in the buggy he didn't even touch the ground! I landed with one knee on the buggy, one knee on the ground but managed not to bump my tummy by falling onto my hands. It's quite funny now but at the time I was so shaken up and embarrassed!! My knee has a lovely swollen bruise and graze on it but baby girl was kicking away immediately afterwards so I knew she was ok.

I really need to sort out my Maternity Allowance. It's such a pain that I'm not entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay as I only work one day a week and don't earn enough. I got confirmation of my requested Maternity Leave dates last week (I finish on 14th February) but unless I take a trip to the Job Centre, won't be getting any money. I went round today to speak to somebody about the long and complicated Application Form I have to fill in and all the proof of earnings and benefits I need to produce only to find it had moved and I couldn't be bothered to walk round to the new place with a sore knee!

Next MW appointment is in 3 weeks (yay, they get more regular now!) and I have my 2nd GTT in 4 weeks.

Week 28

27 + 0

I had my glucose tolerance test last week. I was really nervous cos I had to have fingerprick test, lol and was worried it would hurt!! Needless to say it didn't really! The nurse also had to take one lot of blood from my arm right at the start and she could NOT get any out. This has never happened before. She was wiggling the needle around in my left arm before she had a go and did the same in the right arm where the blood slowly started to drip out. Bearing in mind I'd not eaten since the day before as well as the thought of the needle wiggling around in my arm I suddenly warbled 'I'm starting to feel a bit funny!' I managed not to pass out though and once I'd had some water and the sugary drink they supply for the test I felt much better! It was very boring sitting in the waiting room for two hours though. I got such a numb bum and back ache.

The Dr surgery is right next door to the flat so when I go back for my second test at 32 weeks I might ask if I can go home for those 2hrs! I went back in to have more arm blood taken (which left a HUGE bruise) and then when to collect Noah from his Grandma's. I felt quite rotten until I had something to eat. Still, it's over now and I get to go through it all again at 32wks.

I take it all is well as they said the results would be back the next day and they'd let me know if there was a problem but I've had no phonecall or anything so hopefully have avoided gestational diabetes for now.

I had a lovely week of hardly needing the loo at all but now I feel desperate all the time! Even while I'm weeing and straight after - like there's still lots in there that can't get out because of the way baby girl is laying!!

I'm getting a little bit of heartburn when I first go to bed still but it's totally bearable.

I think little one is breech too. At my last appointment, the MW said she was lying with her spine down my left side but couldn't tell which way up she was. I'm feeling most kicks down quite low. Still. Plenty of time for her to turn!

I have my 28wks appt on Monday and I'm really hoping to avoid having any more blood taken!!