Week 35 Pregnancy Update

35 Weeks @ Aerosmith in Clapham Common

Once again I'm a little slow with the updates but to be honest I've actually just been really busy the last few days visiting friends and family and making the most of my maternity leave whilst I can!

Although it felt a little strange last week to suddenly have all this time on my hands I have been easing myself slowly into my soon to be new role of a stay at home mum. My exhaustion has definitely returned so I am so glad I can just take things easy without having to worry about going to work. The problem is I wake up about 4.30 every morning and then am unable to fall asleep again until about 7. For someone who used to be unable to sleep at all during the day I am now a pro napper and love having a little sleep after lunch just to refresh myself.

I've been keeping myself busy by organising the house and making sure everything is nice and tidy. I've also taken up antenatal yoga classes which I'm attending Mondays and Thursdays. They're a really nice way for me to get out of the house in the afternoon and de-stress my body. You don't realise how much tension you end up holding onto carrying around all the extra weight, which I imagine is around 2 - 2.5 stone by now (oh well!)

The weekend was spent attending our last antenatal class at the hospital on Saturday morning. We were shown around the birthing suites and told about what to expect after the birth. Even though we are deciding on a home birth we felt it was still important to check out the facilities at the hospital as you never quite know what's going to happen!

My idol Steven Tyler :)

With my Sister & the one watery beer I consumed.

Saturday afternoon we went to Clapham Common to see my favourite band of all time, Aerosmith! I have literally been in love with Steven Tyler since I was about 12 when the Cryin' video came out with Alicia Silverstone and inspired me to get my belly button pierced (yep that'll show my age!) I've seen them before and they were absolutely amazing although I have to say it's a completely different vibe going to a festival when you're pregnant and unable to get off your face! :O 

Sunday we spent meeting friends for brunch in Brixton Village and then more friends for dinner to meet their new little boy who is now 8 months old. He is so adorable and just making me so excited to meet our own little boy now!

Brothers, so cute!

Symptoms wise apart from the tiredness returning I have to say the heat is getting to me a little. I can no longer remove my wedding rings from the swelling - still wearing them though, and I just find I get hot and sweaty so easily, so although I'd love more than anything to be out sunbathing in my garden now I just cant bear it to be honest. 

My stomach has also been contorted into some of the most bizarre shapes this week by baby moving about. I do wonder what he's doing in there some times!

xxx

Week 34 Pregnancy Update

34 weeks 

Well it's safe to say I have been a rubbish blogger.

I think when I got to 20 weeks and had my scan and everything was ok, I just finally relaxed and began to enjoy my pregnancy. I must say I did find work stressful and after a scare during week 22 when I woke up in the middle of the night with the most painful cramps and had to call the hospital to calm me down, I decided I was just going to try and take it easy and do as little as possible that would stress me out. This meant listening to my body and trying to relax on my days off and not force myself to do things if I wasn't in the mood. I did however finish work on Friday so I have plenty of time to do things like blog now. As well as get everything ready for baby's arrival!

How far along?
34 weeks and 1 day

Total weight gain?
No idea, I imagine I've hit the 2 stone mark by now but not really sure and not really that bothered any more.

Maternity clothes?
None. I've lived in XL American Apparel leggings and long stretchy tops from H&M. I did get an amazing dress from The White Company which although is not maternity wear is great for now and will be great for after the birth.

Stretch marks?
Not yet, and I've been really lazy about applying lotions and potions to my bump.  Hopefully I wont live to regret that.

Sleep?
I wake up about 2-3 times a night to pee but usually fall back to sleep. I do however keep waking up about 4am and then not being able to drop off again although I put that partly down to the sunlight in the morning. We will definitely be investing in some black out curtains!

Best moment this week?
Finishing work is definitely a relief as it has been quite difficult being on my feet all day in the heat, however I do think it's helped loads to be active. Our cot also arrived from John Lewis this morning and I can't wait to get it set up!

Worst moment this week?
I honestly can't complain although it is annoying me that my feet seem to have gone up a size and none of my shoes are comfortable :( I also hate feeling like a hot sweaty mess in this sunshine as I'm usually the first to be out there sunbathing in the garden. A little too much to cope with at the moment.

Miss anything?
My summer wardrobe.

Movement?
He is definitely hanging out more on my right side than my left. He tends to squirm about more with a few gentle kicks in the ribs, but nothing too painful like I've heard some people report.

Food cravings?
Nope, just trying to eat a healthy balanced diet.

Anything making you feel sick or queazy?
No!

Gender?
Baby boy!

Symptoms?
I've honestly been so lucky. I have felt a little down at times this week but sure that is just down to hormones. I have been suffering from a bit of swelling but I wouldn't say it has been that horrendous - certainly not Kim Kardashian style! Although I can't take my wedding ring off now most of the time and I would say my legs look fatter in the evening than they do in the morning????

Belly button in or out?
So out!!!!!

Happy or moody?
I can switch pretty quickly from one mood to the next but I generally just try to laugh about it. My husband certainly does.

Looking forward to?
Getting the cot set up. Also I start my antenatal yoga classes this evening which I'll be doing twice a week up until the birth.

Anyway, thanks for reading. I hope to be doing a lot more posts now that I have the time. We are also considering a homebirth and have the midwife coming round to discuss on Thursday so I will definitly be doing a post on that.

Bye for now xxx

Week 20 Pregnancy Update + Gender Reveal

20 weeks 1 day

How far along?

20 weeks and 1 day

Total weight gain?

Still don't know. I'm guessing about 1 stone but I really should weigh myself. I thought the midwife might do it today when I went for my appointment but she didn't. I might force myself to find out when I go to the gym tomorrow morning.

Maternity clothes?

No more at the moment. Doing fine with what I have. On the look out for some comfy shoes though.

Stretch marks?

Only on my boobs :( not on my belly :).....yet!

Sleep?

I've been quite stressed out with work recently so haven't ben sleeping all that well. I seem to spend the entire night dreaming about work...not fun really.

Best moment this week?

Going for a walk in the sunshine on Sunday with my hubby in Epping Forest. Why can't the weather be this nice all the time!

Worst moment this week?

Being stressed at work and bursting into tears because of it. I then fell over in the street on my way home and burst into tears so spent the whole journey home on the tube wiping my eyes and feeling like a right idiot. It's like when I start I just can't stop. Anyone else have this problem? 

Miss anything?

Kind of miss being able to have a few drinks with my friends when we go out in the evening. Especially after a stressful day sometimes you just want to kick back with a couple of glasses of wine.

Movement?

Starting to feel it a lot more regularly now. When I'm feeling down a little kick from my baby always cheers me up.

Food cravings?

Loving a good Hamburger at the moment! Tommi's Burger on Marylebone Highstreet is great and my hubby had an amazing looking one at the The Diner in Spitalfields Market the other night.

Anything making you feel sick or queezy?

No

Gender?

We had our scan today and are super happy to announce that we are having a little BOY! Everyone seemed to think it would be a girl but I had a feeling... :)

Symptoms?

None really, I've been feeling more or less like myself. However I have started to notice that when I sit down my coccyx (tail bone) feels slightly painful. This only bothers me when I sit down but is absolutely fine when standing up. 

Belly button in or out?

Half in half out!

Happy or moody?

Generally really happy. Although my recent stresses at work have caused me to have a couple of emotional outbursts

Looking forward to?

Meeting my baby boy! and to more sunshine. Clocks go forward soon...always love the lighter evenings!

Week 18 Pregnancy Update

18 Weeks + 4 days :)

How far along?

18 weeks, 2 days :)

Total weight gain?

Not sure at the moment. Will probably find out in 2 weeks when I see the Midwife after our scan. I'm trying to chill out about the whole weight gain thing...

Maternity clothes?

None! I went shopping for some with my mum the other day, we went into Seraphine and I have to say there was nothing I really liked and it was all far too pricey for something I'm never gonna wear after 5 months. A Tshirt for £45??? errr....no. In the end I got some printed tops from H&M £12 each and some basic vests £4/5, Leggings from American Apparel because they're my fav. Everything just in bigger sizes, at least my choices don't feel so restricted anymore and I'm actually looking forward to doing more shopping for my bump when the weather gets nicer.

Stretch marks?

Nope

Sleep?

Sleep is still good although my dreams have gotten progressively weirder and I even had a nightmare the other night which wasn't too pleasant :(

Best moment this week?

Just enjoying feeling more like myself at the moment. I had a lovely day out with my mum and even picked up a few baby things (unisex as we still don't know the gender). Also spending time with my hubby has been lovely and trying to do up the house a bit more before August. I'm very excited to have ordered our new sofa, no more being cramped on our dingy old two seater.

Worst moment this week?

Nothing its all been lovely!

Miss anything?

I was missing my runny eggs...but then I discovered that as long as they have the British Lion stamp on them then they are perfectly safe to eat runny, Win!

Movement?

Loads of movement on Sunday. It still feels like gentle flutters but it's definitely baby. I feel it most in the evenings or when I'm sitting down after eating.

Food cravings?

I've definitely got my craving for chocolate back! Other than that I could just eat anything. This week I felt like whatever I ate I just constantly felt hungry...annoying.

Anything making you feel sick or queezy?

No

Gender?

2 weeks!

Symptoms?

Weird dreams and constant hunger. Stuffy nose hasn't been as bad though recently. Oh and I constantly seem to have a few spots on my chin. They're not noticeable really but still there all the same.

Belly button in or out?

In. Actually looking forward to it popping out although my husband thinks it will look gross. Ha!

Happy or moody?

Super happy!!!!! Long may it continue!!!

Looking forward to?

Buying more things for peanut when we know the sex. It probably shouldn't matter but it does to me :)

16 & 17 Week Pregnancy Update

So...I have been a really rubbish blogger these last 2 weeks. Last week my mood was kind of all over the place and I felt like hiding from the world. So this is more like a 16 and 17 week update I suppose. I'd also like to do some more posts on other things but I have been struggling to find the time as I am always so exhausted when I get home from work. Must try harder! Anyway, for those who have been reading so far...a big thank you! x

17 week bump selfie

How far along?

17 weeks today.

Total weight gain?

I don't know, and I sort of don't want to. It's been putting me in a bit of a panic sometimes which I feel dreadfully guilty about because I know I'm supposed to put on weight but it feels like it's all going on my bum which is big enough as it is. If I didn't know better I'd swear the baby was growing in there and not in my belly.

Maternity clothes?

I've ordered a black maternity vest from Topshop...very exciting I know! It hasn't arrived yet though so don't know if it will be any good. I must admit I hate getting dressed at the moment as I find it so frustrating that none of my normal clothes fit like they used to and just look terrible now. I'm just getting bored of wearing the same old things day after day now especially when you want to dress up for a night out. Boo!

Stretch marks?

Non yet.

Sleep?

Sleep is fine at the moment. I actually managed to sleep all the way through the other night without getting up to pee! Haven't had any weird dreams yet but they are starting to get a little more vivid.

Best moment this week?

I've had a couple of evenings out with my husband and friends this week which has been really nice as previously I had no energy to do this so it's nice to start feeling like my normal self again. I even allowed myself to have a glass of red wine which I loved because it just made me feel a bit more socially part of the group if that makes sense? One glass was plenty :)

Worst moment this week?

Realising that dressing up for a night out is no fun when none of your clothes fit you properly anymore. It's sad to say but it actually made me feel like crying. Pathetic I know...but it's not like I have the money to go out and buy myself a whole new wardrobe either. I'm quite jealous of those people who manage to go through most of their pregnancy wearing their normal clothes. Sadly this is not working for me.

Miss anything?

Again...my clothes. Sorry this is making me sound so shallow!!! Argh!!! It really is a small price to pay for the amazing life we are bringing into the world and I do feel greatly blessed in reality.

Movement?

I keep feeling slight flutters, particularly in the evening.

Food cravings?

I'm craving poached eggs but I can't have them!!! Torture!!

Anything making you feel sick or queezy?

Not so much at the moment.

Gender?

Find out in 3 weeks time! Cannot wait!

Symptoms?

Still with the runny nose. I did buy some salt water spay which does actually help though, surprisingly.

Belly button in or out?

Inny

Happy or moody?

Happier lately, although I was in a mega strange mood the week before. I think the realisation of how our lives are going to change actually began to hit home and I started to panic a bit about how our relationship is going to change. My hubby took me out for a lovely meal though and we talked things through and I felt much better after that.

Looking forward to?

Our scan in 3 weeks time. I absolutely cannot wait to find out the gender and to know that everything is going ok in there. I also can't wait to feel my first proper kicks. So excited!

15 Week Pregnancy Update

Not sure how much is baby and how much is the roast chicken dinner i just ate.

How far along?

Exactly 15 weeks today. I think I got a little confused when I went for my first scan and they changed my due date by 5 days. Last weeks update should have been 14 not 13. Duh...

Total weight gain?

Not sure, really trying to be healthy most of the time but I think my body just wants to put on weight. Ideally I only want to put on 1 1/2 stone but I reckon it will be more like 2. Hopefully no more!

Maternity clothes?

Nothing new. Still looking for the perfect black long vest. Any ideas?

Stretch marks?

Not yet. I switched from the Bio Oil to Mama Mio Tummy rub oil and Boob Tube which I love. They are doing a deal at Harrods where you get the oil free when you buy the boob cream which worked out at £29 for both. Seemed like a good deal to me!

Sleep?

Sleep has been fine really although at the beginning of the night I always need to get up to pee about 3 times before I properly drop off. Annoying as I have to go all the way downstairs to use the bathroom. Not looking forward to that when I get bigger!

Best moment this week?

Had a lovely day with my mum looking at baby stuff in Harrods department. I saw so many lovely things but trying to hold off till we at least know the sex. My favourites were Petit Bateau and The Little White Company. We did have a look at the "designer gear" which although is quite cute I would frankly find it rather ridiculous as they would grow out of it so quickly.

Worst moment this week?

I also had this week off from work and although I have been resting I have still found myself getting ridiculously exhausted at times. It's actually starting to get annoying now.

Miss anything?

Having energy to go out in the evenings. Would like to go out more and see my friends but always so tired.

Movement?

Nothing this week :(

Food cravings?

Not really. I have been waking up in the middle of the night starving but have not given in yet to going down to the kitchen to stuff my face. Watch this space!

Anything making you feel sick or queezy?

No. Although I find I can smell people's bad breath really strongly at times. I find it particularly sickening when I'm on the tube sitting next to them and I can smell their icky breath. Really gets up my nose and makes me feel ill.

Gender?

Don't know. 5 weeks time!! eeeeeee!!!!

Symptoms?

Still really tired. I do have the whole itchy runny nose thing going on which is a bit annoying. It's ok though...apparently it will go away once the baby is born. YAY!

Belly button in or out?

Still in. Took my belly ring out though - first time in 18 years.

Happy or moody?

Happy, not crying what so ever this week :)

Looking forward to?

Gender gender gender!!! and buying cute baby stuff! I have started to clear a space in our room so I have somewhere to store it all when we start buying.

Week 13 Pregnancy Update

Little bump! (can't wait for it to grow)

How far along?
Exactly 14 weeks today.

Total weight gain?
Last time I was weighed was about 1.5 weeks ago, that was 3.5kg gain so far, 1/2 a stone! oops... most of the weight seems to have gone on my hips and butt so far, and boobs!

Maternity clothes?
I have been wearing black maternity Topshop jeans non stop because they are so comfy and the only thing that fits me properly at the moment. I went and bought another blue pair today just to change things up a bit, exciting exciting! and a black top that I can wear at work. I have to say I'm having real trouble finding anything that's particularly flattering top wise. All the tops I tried on in Topshop today looked like tents and made me look as big as a house.

Stretch marks?
Non yet, I've started to use Bio Oil but may switch to Elemis when this runs out. I'll try out a few and see which one I like best.

Sleep?
I have been off from work this week so have actually been sleeping pretty well as I'm feeling a lot less stressed. The one bad night I had was mainly because I got a little over excited about something...see next question...

Best moment this week?
Going out for dinner with friends and feeling the baby kick for the first time. I know people say that with your first you wont feel anything until about 18 weeks, but I'm sure it was the baby. Right above my pubic bone in my lower abdomen I felt a strong tapping sensation. It was quite random, some fast and then slow and went on for about 30 seconds. It certainly wasn't gas, trust me I've had enough of that in my life time to know what that feels like.

Worst moment this week?
I have been quite teary and sensitive and can basically start crying at the smallest thing if it upsets me. It's really hard to control and I think it stresses and worries my husband a bit as he doesn't like to see me that way and isn't used to it.

Miss anything?
Missing my poached eggs and was longingly eyeing up my sisters bloody mary at the pub today at lunch. Also miss my wardrobe and feeling good in my clothes.

Movement?
As mentioned above. I also felt a lot of prodding sensations around my belly button all evening that night but I'm not so sure about those. Haven't felt anything else since.

Food cravings?
No specific cravings really, but when I decide I'm in the mood for something I have to have it! Just been slightly more picky with my food in general.

Anything making you feel sick or queezy?
Strangely I've been finding chocolate, biscuits or anything overly sweet a bit sickly and off putting. Other than that nothing really.

Gender?
No idea yet, a whole 7weeks till our 20 week scan.

Symptoms?
Not really, mainly the hormones making me teary and my boobs started to get sore again yesterday. Also can still get quite exhausted if I try to do too much. My body finds it hard to get over a gym session at the moment. I went twice this week and both times the following day I felt absolutely drained.

Belly button in or out?
In

Happy or moody?
Generally happy, but a little bit sad and teary at times.

Looking forward to?
Finding out the gender, still seems like ages away. And getting some of my energy back now that I've hit the 2nd trimester.