How far along?35+6. I turned 8 months on Boxing Day and I just cannot believe that baby will possibly be here in the next month. On Christmas Eve Willow out of the blue said the baby was coming on Boxing Day. Thankfully it didn't. She's now said it's coming on Friday.
Stretch marks?Sometimes they look angrier than other times. I'm not sure why. I've absolutely 100% gotten more this time around than I did with Willow. I wonder if it's because I didn't start using Bio Oil earlier or if it was just that my bump is bigger this time.
Sleep?Still not great, my hips and back are just so achy. Although with Willow not being in nursery and Kyle not being up for work the last few days we have been getting lie ins until about 9am which has been lovely.
Best moment this week?Obviously Christmas eve and Christmas day. It was just lovely seeing Willow's excitement. It's funny though when you think about the big build up and then by the time Boxing Day hits that's it it's done for a another year.
Miss anything?Not really. It's been a quiet few days and I'm enjoying just pottering around the house slowly getting things back to normal.
Movement?Still very active. I did end up at triage on boxing day night because I'd lay down to watch Call the Midwife and it wasn't doing it's usual somersaults. I told myself I'd give it until the programme had finished and if nothing I'd call triage, so yeah that's how that night went. I did 20 minutes on the monitor and it's heartbeat was perfect but just no movement so she did another 20 minutes and towards the end it woke up, and it's more than made up for it since. It was obviously just having a bigger nap than usual, but the midwives were so welcoming, especially when you doubt yourself and think you're just being silly.
Food cravings?Still just eating everything in sight!
Anything make you queasy or sick?Nope, no cat sick this week thankfully.
Gender?Still no idea. I am so ready to know who it is in my belly now though.
Labour signs?The Braxton Hicks are back in full force. When I was on the monitor on Boxing Day the midwife asked me if I was in pain because she could see I was regularly contracting but they obviously can't tell if they're real ones or Braxton Hicks. Thankfully they're just Braxton Hicks, but I think it was the day after Boxing Day I was in bed on the evening and I was getting back pain, you know the kind when you get when you're in labour. I suppose every little twinge from now on I'm gonna read into it just because it is so imminent.
Symptoms?Just like I've said the Braxton Hicks, a little bit of back pain and general aches, but really I'm feeling quite good.
Belly button in or out?Out.
Mood?I did have a wobble the day before Christmas Eve. I think everything just felt a little on top of me. We'd seen Kyle's Mum and partner for the last time until who knows when and it just made me really upset, then Kyle got home and had been sent to Oxford for a job on Christmas Eve. Thankfully my friend Naomi came to the rescue, and we took our kids out for a walk in the fresh air for an hour on Christmas Eve. It's people like that in my life that I'm grateful for.
Maternity clothes?Nothing new. Like I said last week, i'm really reluctant to buy anything new at this point. Whilst I'm at home i'm just living in my ugly leggings or my blue stonewashed ones from H&M which are really comfy.
Looking forward to?Obviously baby's impending arrival now Christmas is out of the way. I've started cracking on getting things washed and ordering little bits that we still need to get. I imagine the next few weeks are just going to absolutely fly by!
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How far along?34+6. 35 weeks tomorrow. A week that I've strangely been anxious to get to. My friend from work, and I really hope she doesn't mind me talking about it, lost her baby girl, Emily-Rose, at 35 weeks, right in the midst of the first lockdown. It's changed my view on pregnancy this time around. You think at 12 weeks you're safe, but in reality, and without sounding harsh, you're not. That's why it's so important to be aware of your babies movement. That's why I'm so grateful that the baby in my belly is so active, it's like it's been reassuring me this whole pregnancy. I do think though that you're never truly 'safe' until you have your baby in your arms.
Stretch marks?Lots, and my skin was really irritated towards the end of last week. It wasn't itchy as such, but the lower part of my bump was just really tingly. I just kept moisturising it with all sorts of creams and used some of Willow's ointment and it seems to have eased off now.
Sleep?Terrible. Some nights I can lie wide awake for about two hours, and it always seems to be around 3am that I wake. It reaches a point where I just think I might as well give up and go do some washing or go and clean the kitchen.
Best moment this week?Definitely seeing our little Wonky again at my consultant scan last Thursday. As soon as she put the gel on my belly it just went wild! I saw all it's tiny little toes on it's wonky foot and saw it's little face close up. She also confirmed that the placenta had moved because I was still worrying with how casual the sonographer was about it the other week that I just wanted to double check.
Miss anything?I was thinking about it last week and I really can't wait to go for walks with Willow and Kyle. I think the last one I went on was around Dothill Nature Reserve not long before my iron levels got really bad. Kyle basically gets walked by the dog and there's no way I could keep up with them.
Movement?Still wiggly. My older sister is so obsessed with it.
Food cravings?It's Christmas. I'm basically just eating anything in sight.
Anything make you queasy or sick?I was sick for the first time this pregnancy last week! The stupid cat had eaten his meat at the speed of light then vomited on the windowsill. Kyle had literally just left for work so I had no choice but to clean it up and yeah I suppose you can guess how well that went down...
Gender?Still so many people convinced it's a boy. I think Willow and Kyle are the only ones saying girl. Ha but my Mum and Dad had asked Willow what we should call it the other day and she said Snowy for a girl and Radiator for a boy.
Labour signs?None, thank goodness. I definitely don't want a December baby. In all fairness I have said since the start that I'd rather be late and have a February baby, but then I've had it in my head weeks that it'll be early. In reality though I don't care when it arrives, as long as it arrives safely.
Symptoms?The only thing that's been bothering me this week is the SPD/sciatica. But it's still nowhere near as bad as it was earlier in on in this pregnancy which is strange. It's strange that I had the occasional Braxton Hicks for a couple of weeks and even that has completely gone. We're just enjoying these last few weeks of just us.
Belly button in or out?I've said it before but it doesn't even resemble a belly button anymore.
Mood?Feeling okay. Not feeling terribly festive but then with all the recent announcements who really is? It does also seem like a 3rd lockdown is highly likely and I'm hoping that's not going to affect the birth too much. I just need to go into hospital, focus and get the F back out.
My friend asked me how being pregnant in a pandemic compared to my pregnancy with Willow and I don't really feel like it has been different. I can't fault the care I've received up to this point. But I'll definitely notice the difference when baby arrives. I think the thing that bothers me most is that Kyle may have to leave after just a couple of hours which just seems so unfair. And that Willow won't be able to come in to meet her sibling.
Maternity clothes?I'm really really trying not to buy anything else now with potentially only 5 weeks left. I think we can just about manage.
Looking forward to?I know I'd just said I don't feel very festive but of course I'm still looking forward to Christmas day, more for little Willow. I'm glad she's blissfully unaware of the way things are right now. I was saying the other day though I'd kind of reached that point where, without sound like a Scrooge, I will be glad when it's all over now. I hate myself for saying it because I love Christmas! It could be the pregnancy talking or it could just be the covid situation.
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How far along?33+6. Just like that another week down.
Stretch marks?So many. I said it last week but I do wonder how much more I can stretch.
Sleep?Oh my goodness, it's just getting worse as the weeks go on. I wake up so achy from just switching from my left side to my right all night. I reach a point where I try and prop myself up a bit on my back because I can't lie flat anymore, I feel like I'm going to suffocate.
Best moment this week?Nothing major has happened this week. Sometimes I feel like we're just getting by, from one day to the next, with a nap chucked in for good measure.
Miss anything?I don't think I do. Although I'm reaching a point where I'm fed up of never feeling comfortable, I'm also trying to savour these last weeks knowing baby will be here soon.
Movement?As wiggly as ever.
Food cravings?I've been enjoying the Quality Streets this weekend. You can keep your Celebrations, Quality Streets are definitely my favourite chocolates this time of year.
Anything make you queasy or sick?Nope nothing.
Gender?Kyle's sister had a dream it was a boy, and it only weighed 7lb2. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I think we'll all be shocked if it's a girl.
Labour signs?Nothing really.
Symptoms?My breathing is much better than it was. I still struggle sometimes in the morning, but I think that's just because I'm wasting my precious breath trying to get Willow to get ready for nursery. She takes a hell of a lot of encouraging. Other than that and just generally aching I'm not feeling too bad.
Belly button in or out?It sticks out that much now that a couple of times this week I've caught it on doors and door frames. It makes me cringe so bad when it happens.
Mood?I'm doing okay. I said last week about feeling like I'm running out of time so I made sure I put aside an afternoon to start sorting the baby's room. It's a slow progress but it felt good to start. There's just some things that keep lingering like books and toys that need to go to the charity shop, but I just need to pull my finger out and get rid of them.
Maternity clothes?The only thing I've bought this week was a new pair of fluffy slippers, because you know nothing else fits. Oh no wait, I did start picking a few bits up for my hospital bag. Primark's nightdress options was poor but luckily I found a spotty one in Matalan that was right up my street. I also bought my black granny pants for post birth. Does anyone else really struggle with what size to buy for afterwards?!
Looking forward to?Willow breaks up from nursery on Thursday and I can't wait to spend our last school holiday together before baby arrives. There's not much we can get up to really but I'm sure I'll wing it and come up with something. I'm aiming for a 'today was the best day ever' every night at bedtime from her.
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How far along?32+6. Panicking more as the days go on that I'm not ready! I'm selling stuff on Facebook Marketplace like it's going out of fashion just so I can feel like the house is a little more cleansed of 'stuff'. It's working, but at the same time I feel like the baby's room isn't changing, but I suppose when things like the Snuzpod and the pram get moved out of there then it'll help. I'd normally leave the Christmas tree up until New Year but I'm going to start putting some of it away as and when I can between Christmas and New Year, just so I can start getting organised then for baby.
Stretch marks?There's lots of stripes going on now. My belly feels so tight and stretched. I wonder how we'll manage for another seven weeks!
Sleep?It's still getting worse. I just find that it's so much effort switching from one side to another but I struggle to stay on the same side for too long. Still napping in the day, which is easier said than done at the weekend when Willow just wants to poke my closed eyes...
Best moment this week?Definitely getting to see baby on a growth scan on Friday AND being told that my placenta has moved from lying over my cervix! Thank god! The sonographer told me that it's moved 5cm which when she initially said that I thought it wasn't a lot, but a little later when I actually thought about it 5cm is actually quite a lot inside your body. Honestly such a relief! I don't think the sonographer quite understood how relieved I was.
Miss anything?I can't lie, and I know it sounds really materialistic, but I'm really missing being able to wear my normal wardrobe. I'm really enjoying just walking around the house at the moment in my pants because trousers are just so uncomfortable.
Movement?Still wiggly. But head down which is also amazing news. I haven't had many feet in my ribs so I was worried it wasn't head down even though I know there's still plenty of time for it to move, but she confirmed at the scan that it is head down.
Food cravings?All I wanted this morning was chocolate. But I think that was just because Kyle had bought a box of Celebrations at the weekend and I knew they were there.
Anything make you queasy or sick?Nope nothing.
Gender?My sister made me laugh the other day. She had circled a bit on one of my scan photos and messaged me saying that's a boy. Then in one of her next message was like equally it could be a leg. Don't give up the day job Em!
Labour signs?Nothing really.
Symptoms?I didn't notice a difference from my iron infusion until about Thursday, which was the day before I had my next one again on the Friday. I can definitely feel an improvement, especially when I do the nursery run. I also had a growth scan on Friday as I'd said. Baby has measured above the 97th centile the last three times it's been measured so the midwife who did my infusions sent me for a growth scan and the sonographer said baby is measuring around 5lb 3oz and would be over 9lb if it carried on growing as it is. I fully understand though to take their growth measurements with a pinch of salt because they're not always that accurate. I've had the blood test to check for gestational diabetes but haven't heard anything back from that yet.
Belly button in or out?My belly button is ruined. I don't think there's any saving it anymore.
Mood?Feeling okay, just very tired. I think it's starting to sink that there will be two little people in our lives soon. Although I don't think it fully feels real until you have the baby in your arms.
Maternity clothes?I nipped to H&M the other day to drop off a bag of recycling and picked up some basic long sleeve tops from the sale. They'll do for a couple of weeks I suppose. I also found some old grey joggers from my pregnancy with Willow, they're hideous, the most unflattering things in the world, but so comfy. I changed straight into them after the nursery run this morning, so I may have a look what H&M have got in black or something, just so I've got a pair that are more socially acceptable to wear in public.
Looking forward to?Christmas I suppose! It's coming around thick and fast now isn't it! I've started wrapping a few presents a night because I can't sit for long enough to do them all in one go so I'm just doing a few whilst I watch a Christmas film. Anybody else feel like they can't wrap presents unless they have a Christmas film on?! There's nothing too exciting happening this week now that my appointment with the consultant has been moved to a weeks time. They pushed it back a week so they can monitor baby's growth a bit better otherwise I would have had two scans six days apart which would have been a little pointless.
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How far along?31+6. It feels like the real countdown is on now! At what point should I pack my hospital bag?!
Stretch marks?No new ones on last week. My belly looks so veiny now as well.
Sleep?On a whole not terrible, but it's definitely deteriorating as the nights go on. I do struggle to get through the day without a nap. I've also woken a few times with really sore hips, I don't know if that's because I end up rolling onto my back in my sleep which is maybe too much for them at the moment.
Best moment this week?Spending time with my family. Mum and Dad live next door so their house is somewhat of a headquarters for the family. My younger sister was home for a few days last week and my older sister with my nieces and nephew visited on Saturday for the night. I can't wait to do the same with Kyle's side of the family, Willow's definitely missing her Nanny Nia and her little cousins.
Miss anything?I haven't been missing anything in particular this week.
Movement?With Willow I could remember it being every evening that she'd become really active but with this one I've not found a pattern to it, it literally is just none stop. When the midwife checked baby on Friday she was trying to establish whether it was bum down or head down. As soon as she thought she'd got it's head it jumped and I don't think she was sure anymore.
Food cravings?Nothing. I don't even know why I include it anymore because it's been pretty boring for cravings.
Anything make you queasy or sick?Nope nothing.
Gender?I think the majority of my family are convinced it's a boy. But then I had a sudden realisation that it could very much be a girl so I bought two girls outfits over the weekend just incase. Oh I just can not wait to find out who this little person is.
Labour signs?Not really. I've had a few tightenings but nothing as strong as what I was getting a few weeks ago. They tend to just be in the evening after I've been on my feet for a bit cooking dinner and tidying the kitchen.
Symptoms?I had my iron infusion on Friday and although I'd say I've felt a tiny improvement, I've still had days worse than others, Sunday was a particularly bad day. The midwife did warn me that I wouldn't feel the effects of it immediately. Luckily I've got my second infusion booked in for Friday and she said even after that some people feel the change so gradually they don't really notice.
Belly button in or out?It's really out these days.
Mood?I feel okay, feeling slightly overwhelmed with what I still need to get for Christmas and what I need to buy for baby. Not that I need a lot for baby, but I do also need a few bits for my hospital bag. I think I need to just make a really long list...
Maternity clothes?So many of my tops are short on me. I think I may have to take a trip to Primark when they reopen just to stock up on basics to see me through the next 8 weeks.
Looking forward to?I'm actually looking forward to my next hospital appointment on Friday, not for the infusion part of it, there's nothing enjoyable about that, but mostly just the part where the midwife measures the bump, and checks it's position and all that jazz. Baby is measuring above the 97th centile so she did say I may have to have a growth scan but with me having a scan with the consultant soon anyway it might just be done then.
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How far along?30+6. We're in the single digit countdown as of tomorrow!
Stretch marks?I've got some silvery ones around my belly button and some really low down. I will be so surprised if this baby comes out smaller than Willow!
Sleep?Not too bad at night, it's just such a mission to roll over and I feel like every time I flip sides I end up stirring.
Best moment this week?I'm just living for the weekends at the minute even though we don't do anything, it's just nice having everyone here in the house when I've spent all week here on my own. It got to about 6pm on Saturday evening and I decided we'd go for a ride around in the car looking at houses covered in Christmas lights. There's some around our town that go really over the top and raise money for charities which is lovely and as we were driving along in the car Willow told me it was the best day ever (she's having a lot of those lately bless her).
Miss anything?I just can't wait to be able to lie on my belly again. I think I managed it for quite a while but it's definitely not going to happen anymore.
Movement?It's still a wild little thing, which the midwife said is brilliant and obviously if anything changes then I'd know to call triage straight away. I would anyway, movement and kicks is something I'm so aware of. It did this crazy move on Saturday when I was just lay on the bed and my whole body jolted, it was like it did a full flip from one side to the other, it was so weird!
Food cravings?Still the most boring pregnancy in terms of cravings...
Anything make you queasy or sick?Nope nothing this week.
Gender?No idea, but according to Willow if it's a boy we're calling it Lunchbox...
Labour signs?None really. I've not even had any Braxton Hicks this week.
Symptoms?Still struggling on the iron front, and as a result struggling with my breathing. I had the midwife on Friday and she phoned straight through to the Day Assessment Unit to see if they could get me in for an iron infusion. She had to do my bloods again and wait for the results which obviously meant it wasn't followed up until the Friday evening and then I didn't hear back from the midwife then until the Sunday evening because she had to speak to the doctor. So thankfully I'm booked in for an infusion this Friday coming up and another one next Friday, and in the meantime I'm just taking it easy, not that I'm doing a lot anyway. Apparently I'll feel great once I've had it so looking forward to that.
Belly button in or out?It's at the point now where it doesn't even resemble a belly button really.
Mood?I feel much better knowing I'm getting the infusion Friday. It's been so frustrating being out of breath just walking around the house. I also haven't managed to make it through the day without a nap for the last few days which I felt so guilty about at the weekend when Willow was at home but she didn't seem to mind.
Maternity clothes?I'm managing on what I've got at the moment. Slowly but surely though, the tops section of my wardrobe is just getting smaller and smaller. I don't feel massive but I'm definitely bigger this pregnancy because the shirt I was wearing the day I went into hospital to have Willow was getting tight on me last week and I've still got ten weeks to go!
Looking forward to?Like I said last week, there's not really much to get excited about at the minute is there. Obviously I'm looking forward to Christmas and baby's arrival but in the more near future we're just taking each day as it comes.
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How far along?29+6. Crazy to think I'll be 30 weeks tomorrow!
Stretch marks?Some quite low down, I keep being told I look like I'm carrying low so that'll be why. I didn't get a single stretch mark with Willow until she dropped right at the end of my pregnancy.
Sleep?Sleep as night is good, but I do feel like some days I could easily have a couple of hours nap. But then maybe that's just boredom as opposed to tiredness.
Best moment this week?Definitely Saturday when we decorated the Christmas tree. Willow was 100mph from the moment she woke up, sometimes I wonder how her tongue hasn't fallen out she chats that much! She went to bed that evening and told Kyle she'd had the best day ever and that she wanted to do it again. It made my heart burst when he came down and told me. Sometimes I forget how magical and exciting it must be for her.
Miss anything?Not at the moment, enjoying this new slower pace.
Movement?Still so active for the majority of the day. It's quite hard though at times and I do wonder if baby is maybe currently lay transverse or breech. Tonight was the first time I've actually felt a foot in my rib so maybe baby has moved?
Food cravings?Absolutely nothing. I have the occasional evening where I fancy a bit of chocolate but I think that's just normal female behaviour.
Anything make you queasy or sick?Nope nothing this week.
Gender?Still got a boy feeling but still absolutely clueless.
Labour signs?The Braxton Hicks haven't been so strong this week. I'm convinced I'll have to have a c section though, the closer I get to my next scan the more anxious I'm getting. I'm really trying to send out positive vibes that my placenta will have moved but it's hard, the anxiety does quickly creep back in. I think being told I look like I'm carrying low doesn't help, it seems like everything is so low down. I've got a midwife appointment again on Friday though so hopefully she can at least tell me what position baby is in, even though I know it has still got plenty of time to be flipping around.
Symptoms?I never heard back about my iron stores blood test so I'm assuming everything came back fine from that. I have been really out of breath today for the first time in over a week though so I'm guessing I'll probably have my levels checked again on Friday.
Belly button in or out?There's no going back for it now and it's the weirdest feeling when the baby presses a foot or a hand or an elbow, I'm not even sure what part of its body it is but you can push it from the outside and it's so weird.
Mood?Feeling good, maybe a little bit naggier than usual but nothing Kyle can't handle.
Maternity clothes?I bought a new pair of maternity jeggings which rival my New Look faux leather ones in the comfy department. I didn't end up buying anything else even after my meltdown last week but it's tiding me over for now. All my knitwear came out of the loft the other week and the majority of that fits me at the moment.
Looking forward to?Not sure at the moment. Everything is a little mundane at the moment isn't it so we haven't made any plans for the foreseeable.
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How far along?28+6.
Stretch marks?I'm going hard on the Bio Oil now but things are getting very tight. There's some new ones quite low down I think but I can't see them so that's that.
Sleep?I'm still getting some really good night's sleep thank god. I'm gonna make the most of them whilst they're I still can.
Best moment this week?I think I'm just savouring our slow weekends a little more now. It was nice for us all to get out for a long walk together on Saturday. It's about the most we can do at the moment so I'll just take what I can.
Miss anything?I don't think I do atm. Feeling very content.
Movement?I was saying to the midwife how considering it's foot problem it's still so much more active than what I remember Willow being. She was shocked when she used the doppler at my appointment on Friday how active it was.
Food cravings?Still nothing major. How boring.
Anything make you queasy or sick?Nothing. The cat has stopped pooing in the bath so that's a bonus.
Gender?Your guess is as good as mine.
Labour signs?Apart from the Braxton Hicks we're all good, but even they've calmed down since last week.
Symptoms?One thing I completely forgot to mention last week (I really don't know how it slipped my mind!) was about how out of breath I was. I phoned triage about it because it was at the time when I was isolating so I wasn't really overdoing it, just pottering around the house. The midwife said it could be my iron levels, which I'm already on two iron tablets a day. Well I had my 28 week appointment on Friday and she did a blood test again, I think more because I had my anti-D injection on the afternoon and they have to check if you have any antibodies in your system. They called me Saturday to say my iron levels had dropped again, which explains the breathlessness. I went for another blood test not long after that so they could check my iron stores, and if they're low I'll have to have an iron infusion.
Belly button in or out?As you can see by the picture it's definitely popping now.
Mood?I've been okay actually considering the lockdown. My midwife asked me how I was coping at my appointment and to be honest i'm enjoying being at home. I was so ready to finish work. It reached a point where it just felt like so many customers weren't happy with the rules and regulations that were in place, as if you'd put them in place yourself. I've got a nice balance of Willow being at nursery and home so I can get my to do list for the day done by about 11.30 then at least I know when I pick her up we can do something fun like go for a walk or bake cookies.
Maternity clothes?I had a mare on Sunday morning when I was just sat in front of my wardrobe with not a clue what to wear. I spent a while after that looking for some maternity outfit inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram. I definitely feel like I lose a bit of my style when I'm pregnant. I want to look nice and embrace my bump but it's hard when you've got this new shape to dress for such a short amount of time.
Looking forward to?I think we're going to put our Christmas tree up this weekend, as long as Scrooge, I mean Kyle, get's the decorations out of the loft for me. Me and Willow watched the video of us decorating the tree last year and she loved it so I definitely think we'll make a video out of it again.
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How far along?27+6. Rolling into the third trimester as of tomorrow!
Total weight gain?
Stretch marks?There's definitely more coming, but I still don't think they look angry and red. I've started using Bio-oil (better late than never eh) but it does say to use it from the start of the second trimester. But I was looking at my stretch marks this morning and I thought, they really don't bother me. Don't get me wrong I doubt I'll be flashing them off if we were to go on holiday in the future, I just don't think that's my style but I'm more than happy to rock a high waist bikini or a swimming costume.
Sleep?Good this week. I'm getting the hours in whilst I still can! The dark mornings definitely help, especially whilst me and Willow were isolating, and Kyle's good at the weekend that he gets up with Willow and lets me sleep in (most of the time).
Best moment this week?There's been no stand out best moment this week. I had the phone appointment with the orthopaedic hospital last Wednesday that I said I'd been waiting for. The consultant just went through the Ponseti method which is the treatment method used nowadays. A lot of it I already knew, because like I've said before knowledge is power in a situation like that. One of the main things Kyle and I were worried about is that baby's treatment might get delayed because of Covid, but it was a relief to know that it won't affect it's treatment whatsoever.
Miss anything?I miss how the world used to be. I really do. I miss having a weekend off and being able to go to the caravan and spending time with Kyle's Mum. Willow broke down in tears last week saying she missed her Nanny Nia so we facetimed her and I just sat behind her in tears because she was so upset. It just broke my heart. We said we'd see Nanny Nia as soon as her lockdown in Wales finished but obviously now that's not going to be the case after Boris's announcement on Saturday. It's just hard at the minute to see a light at the end of the tunnel with it all, no matter how positive we try to stay with it all.
Movement?Still loads of movement. Willow loves putting her head on my bump and letting it kick her in the head.
Food cravings?Still nothing major, but I realised the other day that I'd happily have peas on every meal I cook. Kyle always jokes about my love for peas since the one time when I said "I love peas" in a really creepy voice. I've always loved peas though but I just especially love them at the moment, like we get through a bag of peas a week at the moment.
Anything make you queasy or sick?I heaved and was nearly sick on Sunday when I had to clean cat poo out of the bath. Cat's are disgusting you know.
Gender?I haven't really thought to much about it this week. I was saying to Kyle the other day though how I don't like when people ask Willow what she wants or what she thinks it is. I hate that there's an emphasis put on the gender where she's concerned because she doesn't fully understand that it's completely out of our control and she won't get a sister just because that's what she wants. Whenever she says about a baby sister I always make sure I remind her that she might have a baby brother.
Labour signs?None yet.
Symptoms?I've been getting so many Braxton Hicks this week. I had to google whether what I was feeling could have been them because I thought they was something that came much later in the game but turns out you can have them from really early on but you just don't feel them. I've definitely been feeling them this week!
Belly button in or out?Yep, it's definitely out now.
Mood?Up and down, as I can imagine a lot of people are feeling at the moment, pregnant or not.
Maternity clothes?I've not bought anything new recently, I've actually got a bag of items from Primark that I'm going to return tomorrow because I'm not going to wear them in the next month whilst we're in lockdown.
Looking forward to?Although like I said I'm feeling very up and down about this second lockdown, I am looking forward to being able to pick Willow up from nursery everyday. I'm gutted the store is closing, I literally had about 4 weeks left anyway but it now means that Wednesday is my last day. I am mentally preparing all the Christmas films I'm gonna watch whilst Willow is in nursery and all the cleaning I'm going to do. I suppose at least this year we've really got our money's worth out of our rent having spent so much time at home! Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin
How far along?26+6. Six whole months today!
Total weight gain?
Stretch marks?No angry red ones still thank god.
Sleep?I had a bad night the night that the clocks went back. I actually watched it go from 1.59am back to 1.00am again. Then I did that hour wide awake again. But then on Sunday night I had such a good sleep. You know the ones where you don't stir at all from the moment you go to sleep to the moment you wake up.
Best moment this week?It's been a very quiet, very slow week. I've spent it all, apart from one day, in pyjamas. We've been isolating after being in contact with someone who tested positive for covid. It's had its ups and downs but it's been lovely spending some time with Willow.
Miss anything?I'd love to go for a walk but I don't think we're even allowed to do that. I actually have no idea what we can and can't do whilst we isolating so we've just played it safe really. I feel like over the last seven days I've watched the tree over the road turn so autumnal, it's beautiful. I just want to get out there for a long walk with my camera.
Movement?Oh my goodness so much movement! I feel like it's hardly stopped moving around and kicking this week. Probably because I've not been walking around as much as I would at work so I've probably noticed it more than usual.
Food cravings?I very briefly on Friday craved chocolate but I think that was more because I knew I couldn't just nip out to get any.
Anything make you queasy or sick?Nope.
Gender?I was thinking about it the other day and a lot less people have put their input in this time than I thought they would. You still get some people that automatically assume because we've already got a girl that we'd want a boy but that's absolutely not the case. I genuinely hand on heart just want my baby to be born safe no matter the gender.
Labour signs?None, but I do feel like my kicks are getting higher up, which in some ways is a good thing because at least it means baby is potentially head down.
Symptoms?I've been getting some very tight feelings in my lower tummy this week, the kind when you feel like your bladder is really really full. I don't know but I'm guessing it's just that things are getting super stretched down there.
Belly button in or out?Yep, it's definitely out now.
Mood?I've enjoyed the slowness this week. It's been that slow at some points I'm surprised we haven't stopped. I'm fully embracing it because I realise that even in the newborn bubble we'll still have to rush out for the nursery run every morning.
Maternity clothes?Like I said I've only been dressed one day since last Tuesday, I've lived in my pyjamas and truth be told I've not even bothered with underwear.
Looking forward to?Not so much that I'm looking forward to it but we finally got our referral from the orthopaedic hospital about baby's foot and I've got a phone appointment on Wednesday. I'm not sure what it will entail and whether we'll find out anything new but we'll see. I'm glad to see things are still moving and Covid hasn't put it on hold.
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How far along?25+6. The weeks just seem to be running away with themselves lately! Next Monday i'll be 6 months!
Total weight gain?I haven't weighed myself again this week.
Stretch marks?I can't tell if they're new or old ones on my belly. If they're new then they're not angry red ones which is somewhat of a relief I suppose but I'm not sure, they might just be my old ones that are more obvious because my skin is so stretched.
Sleep?Still getting good nights sleep around here, apart from very early Sunday morning when Willow came and snuck in by me and was just a nightmare. I was in work on Sunday at 8am and I swear I could have slept standing up.
Best moment this week?Nothing massive jumps out this week. It's just flew by in a flash. As I've mentioned a few times last week was my first week dropping down to four days at work and it was so nice. It means I'm on the home stretch now. I think I've got about six-ish weeks left at work. I'm not sure what my exact last day is but I know I still wanted to be in store for my 10 year H&M anniversary on 30th November.
Miss anything?Missing all my knitwear from last winter that is currently vacuum bagged up the loft. I asked Kyle to reach it out over the weekend but I think he copped out of that one by saying he couldn't reach with the step ladder. It's gotten so chilly recently and I'm desperate for all my long polo necks back in my life. I'm hoping they'll be long enough over bump.
Movement?Loads of movement still. As I'm sat here writing this I can something brushing right across the front of my belly. It's such a weird feeling isn't it. One that you so quickly forget about when it's gone but I'm appreciating it all the more right now.
Food cravings?Nothing!
Anything make you queasy or sick?Nope thank goodness.
Gender?I still have a boy feeling. I keep suggesting names to Kyle and he keeps questioning why I'm only suggesting boys names. I think I just hear a lot more boys names that I like than girls names. I have about four girls names that I like but I like slightly unusual names, nothing massively out there, but definitely more individual than what Kyle would typically like.
Labour signs?Nothing.
Symptoms?I've had a few more achy days this week than I have been having more recently. The pain has been down my left side but right into my groin. I've also noticed that I get out of breath so quickly. Even just walking around work and talking to staff I'm finding myself having to stop and catch my breath.
Belly button in or out?Yep, it's definitely out now.
Mood?I've been feeling a little anxious about the thought of a C-section. I'm really really trying not to dwell on it too much until I have my scan at 31 weeks because right now it's just out of my control and I suppose if my placenta hasn't moved and I do have to have one then I'll make my peace with it when I know for definite. I had a chat with my friend about it a couple of weeks ago, she had a C-section with her twins so I feel like we've discussed the worst parts of it.
Maternity clothes?I've been trying to find a few new pieces this week and ended up having to send some pictures of me in a couple of outfits to my sister down in Surrey. I can always rely on her for honesty. I'm not finding maternity jeans comfortable at all so picked up a fitted dress from Primark which is way out of my comfort zone and a knitted skirt and jumper which out of the two outfits my sister was not so keen on.
Looking forward to?Looking forward to Willow breaking up for half term on Friday. We've not really got any plans, we would have gone to the caravan for Halloween weekend but they've just announced a two week lockdown so that won't happen so I think I'll do a Halloween sweet hunt around the house and just do some baking and chill at home.
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I think this pictures a bit of a cop out since there's a pumpkin covering my belly, but hey! tis' the season and all that!
How far along?24+6. I definitely didn't have time to sit down and write this last week. I was busy building a balloon arch and wrapping presents like the birthday fairy I am.
Total weight gain?I haven't weighed myself again this week.
Stretch marks?I do look from time to time but I think the only ones there at the moment are still old ones.
Sleep?Sleep is good at the moment thank goodness, although I am starting to feel that need to pee a few times a night...
Best moment this week?Well obviously Willow's birthday last Tuesday was a highlight, I didn't stop on the Monday and Tuesday but it was so worth it! Then Sunday we went pumpkin picking and she loved that. It's the first time we've been and it's definitely a new tradition.
Miss anything?I don't. Just feeling grateful.
Movement?So much movement. Willow's even started to feel it and it's the cutest thing ever when she pops her little hand on my belly.
Food cravings?Nope still absolutely nothing.
Anything make you queasy or sick?Nope thank goodness.
Gender?Still don't know, but I'm swaying more to boy feelings at the moment but I think that's partly just because I know that the talipes is more common in boys. I was convinced Willow was a boy all the way through her pregnancy so who knows.
Labour signs?Nothing.
Symptoms?I saw my midwife for the first time on Friday and I'd spoke to her on the phone a couple of weeks ago about my worry about having to wear a mask all day at work. When the rules first changed in July I ditched wearing a visor and started wearing a mask, but then one of the days I had a funny turn and thought I was going to pass out. Needless to say since then I went back to wearing my visor. Anyway, she said she'd take some blood which I don't think is done routinely at 24 weeks but thank goodness she did because my iron levels are low so I've started iron tablets today - pray for my bowels haha. I've also got low blood pressure which my sister said can be improved with regular fluid and salt so I'm just trying to remember to drink plenty and more often because I'm definitely not the best at that.
Belly button in or out?I think we can officially say it's out.
Mood?Like I said I'm just feeling so grateful to be carrying this baby. We've reached the viable stage of pregnancy which is somewhat of a relief but at the same time I know just how precious the pregnancy journey actually is. I think the fact that it is baby loss awareness week has brought it to the forefront of my mind even more.
Maternity clothes?I've still been living in my leather look leggings. I'm not even joking they are the comfiest trousers I've got at the moment. I've been browsing Primark quite a bit this last week and found some lovely autumnal pieces including some midi dresses so I might get a couple to try.
Looking forward to?It's my first week doing only four days so I'm looking forward to my few days off this week. I'll be so glad to go on maternity leave so I can just stay at home in my own little bubble. I'm not someone that's really anxious about the virus but the working environment hasn't been the same since we reopened (as I'm sure nowhere is) and not a day goes by that a customer isn't happy about the new rules that are in place, even though they are fully out of our control.
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How far along?22+6. How rubbish am i at taking photos this time around?! I'm going to make sure I have the photo out loads over the weekend.
Total weight gain?I haven't weighed myself again this week.
Stretch marks?My stomach is definitely feeling tighter. I think there must be some heading my way.
Sleep?It's been a good week in the sleep department. And my favourite thing is when Willow first sees me in the morning she has asked me if my tummy is okay.
Best moment this week?There wasn't one particular moment but Friday turned out to be a good day. I spent the morning fretting about maternity leave, unsure what to do, when to plan on finishing work. I've been feeling really swamped later. I said last week about missing having more time and it's really taking its toll on me. Something had to give. So my manager, who I have to say, I'm so grateful for, mocked up some rotas if I was to go down to 4 days a week and use a days holiday every week until I go off on maternity. I'm so ready for it.
Then my instagram started working! Totally unrelated to baby or pregnancy or anything but I've gone really quiet on there lately because it seemed a little pointless uploading a photo without a caption, and I'd get more and more annoyed every time I'd forget and tried to like a photo and get the message pop up saying it wasn't allowed.
Then towards the end of the day I had a message from a lady who was selling a Snuzpod on Martketplace to say the person who was supposed to be collecting it hadn't shown up. So Mum came with me for company and we headed over to the next town to pick it up that evening. I am honestly so pleased with it! I was going to have a moses basket from my sister but I'd been thinking about it and with baby's foot/leg potentially having to be in a cast I figured something with a little more room would probably be better. The lady I bought it from said her twin daughters had only grown out of theirs at 10 months so hopefully it'll last a while. Mum joked that if I have the side down next to the bed I'll wake up covered in bruises from Wonky's cast.
Miss anything?I don't think I do this week.
Movement?Saturday baby was going crazy, really big strong kicks. Then Sunday hardly anything. I can normally rely on a good kick about in the evening when I'm still after a day on my feet but I was almost getting to the point where I was considering phoning triage. It must have just been having a chilled Sunday because it's made up for it today.
Food cravings?I've had more savoury cravings this week. Like I could eat one bag of crisps then eat another straight after. I've always been a bit of a crisp monster though.
Anything make you queasy or sick?Nope, it's been a good week!
Gender?Still a surprise. I do honestly just love this feeling of not knowing. It's so special.
Labour signs?Nothing.
Symptoms?I've noticed the need to wee a hell of a lot more has started again.
Belly button in or out?I think it's the last week I'll be able to get away with saying it's just about still in.
Mood?Feeling better knowing it's my last week of working 5 days. I worked yesterday too so I'm doing 6 days in a row which is also something my manager has tried to do is give me no more than 3 or 4 days in a row just in case my SPD flares up, but thankfully, I've not ached too much lately. Only the usual aches from being on my feet nearly all day.
Maternity clothes?I bought a pair of faux leather leggings from New Look and they are honestly the most comfy pair of trousers! I've also been wearing a pair of beige colour trousers that I just grabbed from H&M in the sale. They're the perfect colour for a lovely neutral autumn outfit, but they go baggy so quickly!
Looking forward to?My Christmas present from Mum and Dad this year is a tumble dryer, I'm all about the practical presents these days and to be honest I think Mum was probably fed up of me asking to use hers all the time. But anyway, it arrives tomorrow and I cannot bloody wait!
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How far along?21+6
Total weight gain?I did remember to weigh myself on Saturday morning. 10st 7lbs so altogether I've put on about a stone from my average pre pregnancy weight.
Stretch marks?I think there might be a couple making an appearance. I might buy some bio oil just to help with the whole process as my skin is starting to feel very tight.
Sleep?Great this week to be fair!
Best moment this week?We finally told Willow! It was the sweetest thing. We filmed the whole chat and I'm so glad we did. The first thing she asked me this morning is if my tummy was okay. And when we were colouring when I got home from work she told me to be careful because I was making my tummy wobble.
Miss anything?Just having more time. Working 9am-6pm five days a week is so hard. I feel like there's just never any time. I get home in the evening and by the time I've cooked and eaten dinner it's nearly 8pm. Then I also have to fit in washing, tidying, hoovering, showering. I know I'm only just halfway through but I am honestly so ready for maternity leave.
Movement?Still more little kicks than big ones. Although judging from our scan with the consultant on Thursday it was clear to see that it's bent foot definitely doesn't hold it back. She was very happy with the amount of movement in both legs.
Food cravings?Still nothing!
Anything make you queasy or sick?Nothing. Generally overall it's been quite a good week.
Gender?I'm feeling more like it's a boy again, but who knows! I think it's so weird when you go to a scan and the medical professional can probably clearly see the gender but obviously just don't say.
Labour signs?Nothing.
Symptoms?Just the same as always, aches and pains all over the place. I definitely need to blow my ball up soon!
Belly button in or out?It's honestly so so close to popping out.
Mood?Much better than last week. We had our consultant appointment on Thursday and it put my mind so much at ease. Obviously we won't know 100% until baby is here but I'm feeling a lot more confident that it's left foot is an isolated incident and we've just got to wait for our referral from the orthopaedic hospital, which I've also heard is a brilliant hospital so that's great to know.
Maternity clothes?I still think I need a few more bottoms but we're getting there!
Looking forward to?Nothing in particular just a few days rest this week. I think I nice big autumnal walk is on the cards for Saturday. I've worked the last two full weekends so it feels like ages since we've spent some time properly together.
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How far along?20+6. What a week!
Total weight gain?I forgot AGAIN! I was so good with Willow's pregnancy, this time I just don't care.
Stretch marks?None, I'm feeling much bigger though, I can't imagine it will be long.
Sleep?I've been struggling to get to sleep initially as opposed to having broken sleep. There's been a couple of nights where it's as if I'm about to go to bed and my body pretends it's got a water infection. The last couple of nights I've just taken paracetamol before bed just to help me get to sleep.
Best moment this week?Definitely when Kyle felt baby kick on Tuesday evening. I was exactly 20 weeks and we'd had a rubbish afternoon after the scan and it's like baby was telling us it will all be okay.
Miss anything?Not really this week. My head has been a little bit elsewhere.
Movement?Still small, but enough that Kyle managed to feel it, so did my Mum and sister.
Food cravings?Still nothing! Absolutely nothing. I never used to like ice cream before my pregnancy with Willow but I started eating that when I was pregnant with her. There's still plenty of time for something though.
Anything make you queasy or sick?Not this week. It's been a good week on the sickness front.
Gender?I came out of my scan on Tuesday and just had this really strong feeling that it was a girl. I don't really know why. But my sister looked at the scan picture and said she's guessing boy and also talipes is more common in boys so who knows!
Labour signs?Nothing.
Symptoms?Still just the backache which I suppose you're bored of reading about. For a couple of weeks now I've been getting a horrible throb in my vagina when I've been stood up for a bit, it's something I mostly complain about at work but we discovered at my scan that I have a low lying placenta which could maybe explain all the extra pressure on my poor lady bits.
Belly button in or out?In, but nearly out. I noticed as I was doing my hair the other day and my top was riding up that it looked like it had popped out but it was just the way I was sat.
Mood?It's been up and down. We found out at the 20 week scan on Tuesday that baby has a unilateral left sided talipes, which means it has a bent foot. I was obviously upset, sat there being told that by the sonographer I had absolutely no idea what it meant for baby's future. I spent Tuesday evening learning all I could about the condition and after a good night sleep I felt so much better about the situation.
I still get pangs of anxiety but I think it's just me reading into things, like the fact the sonographer gave me information about an amniocentesis, incase the consultant brings it up at our appointment on Thursday. In my head I'm thinking why would I need an amniocentesis if it's just talipes, unless she's noticed something else that she didn't tell me. I just have to snap out of those little moments and tell myself that what will be will be and we'll hopefully find out more on Thursday. But at the same time I don't want to go in too hopeful and positive to have it all shattered.
Maternity clothes?My sister kindly informed me my maternity leggings were see through after I'd worn them all day and on the school run, so that was great. I decided then that I desperately needed to get more maternity trousers. I had a couple of pairs of jeans from my pregnancy with Willow but the waistbands have gone on them and they just don't fit snug over the bump anymore. I'll maybe do a little haul on Youtube or some sort of autumn styling video.
Looking forward to?I just want it to be Thursday so we can have our appointment with the consultant. Like I said I spent the evening researching the condition so all I know about it is what I've learnt myself. I'm unaware what our individual situation looks like and I'm just really unsure what to expect from the appointment.
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