Some thoughts...

[May23]

An important deadline has passed. A couple who are old work-colleagues and friends-of-friends had announced they were expecting a baby about 2 months before I became pregnant. He arrived on Thursday. This now makes it real for me; I’m next…!

So I've been thinking of starting a blog for a while, but wasn't really sure a pregnancy blog would hold that much interest for the majority. Don’t want to become a Baby-Bore. I figured it’s more likely to be of interest to people on this site than anywhere, so this is where I’m at:

1. For reasons far too long-winded and private, I have spent most of my adult life thinking I would never have a baby. Totally compounded by the two years TTC, and to the point where I got myself a new job with better money to help fund some more fun stuff like moving house and holidays and dance lessons ‘instead’. As it happens, it would seem the moment I got the job and stopped trying…well, you know the rest. Or I wouldn't be here now. You read about this all the time. I am a text-book case.

2. Apart from having to switch Midwife to one who I felt would actually take care of me, and some anxiety issues with a couple of trips to the MAU in trimester 2, I think it’s fair to say I have had a smooth ride thus far. I hope I am not tempting fate by writing it down. Too bad if I am. I was nauseous, not physically sick, have kept healthy due to my body wanting me to eat tons of fresh fruit (which I usually don’t like) and veg (which I do), and so far nothing has swollen except my, now more ample, boobs! The internet will give you a list of all the possible symptoms, which I read at the beginning, expecting a glorious cocktail of all of them. So far, so good.

3. Over the past week and today my husband and I have been doing some more prep-work in the house in general and in the baby’s room-to-be. Over this time I have witnessed him do plastering, painting, carpentry and plumbing. Proper grunty man-work. Yet my favourite was today when I watched him very delicately sew press-studs onto the Moses Basket to make the hood stay up. And not lose the plot completely when he realised he’d sewn the same bits of the two different press-studs in line so they wouldn't work. This is where we’re very different. And it’s a blessing.

4. I’m now thinking about labour. Well, have been for a bit. But when you struggle to accept there’s a real-live baby inside you at first, worrying about how it’s going to get out isn’t really up there at the top of the concerns list! So why should it be now? I have surprised even myself with this attitude.

5. I finished training for my new job on Thursday 28th. I now have only 11 more work get-ups after the Easter weekend before I start Maternity Leave. This is a strange thought, as this will be the longest time I have not been to work since I was 18 years old. Yet something tells me even this cannot have prepared me for the work that is coming my way in approximately eight weeks’ time…

[ashy2005]

Hi May23

Really enjoyed reading your blog Congratulations on your pregnancy im sure you cant wait. I have 12 weeks to go and finish work in 3 weeks so im planning on starting baby proofing my house then although my partner doesn't sound as DIY friendly as yours (ill end up doing most myself no doubt). Try not to worry about labour (easier said than done i know), its the fear of the unknown although I have a daughter of 7, sometimes i think knowing whats coming is worse. I just think of the little bundle of joy I will have at the end and the fear goes I cant wait until hes here now Enjoy your time off work, relax and pamper yourself before your little one arrives Take Care xx

[Kaleidoscope]

Exciting times lay ahead for you! Really enjoyed your blog! This is a great place to share your journey, you'll find lots of support and encouragement and if you ever need non-professional advice you will get it here!

Resting before labour is harder if you're a bit of a workaholic. I've found it very difficult not working and resting is so alien to me but I have found ways to occupy myself and you may find your body will encourage you to nap a lot. I haven't long left and I'm so snoozy and labour I'm not even going to sweat it... I haven't a clue what to expect other than at the end of the task a baby, hopefully healthy and well. We'll all get through it whether it is the first time or after already having kids.

Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy and thanks for sharing your thoughts, really enjoyed reading!

[Hidden]

I really like this blog & i would be happy to join in with you on your debates "when possible" I'm currently in the 1st trimester of 2nd pregnancy (so i know "roughly" what to expect) BUT believe it or not i'm still very nervous about labour & late pregnancy "in fact.

I dont know if it's the fact that now i have someone else to think about (apart from myself & unborn child) or the fact that my 1st experience of labour was a Lil on horrific terms i cant help but wonder if the 2nd time will be better or worse.

The plus side if this pregnancy so far though is my sickness has been less severe "yes i've felt nauseous" but not physically sick on every given moment ( with 1st child) so all in all i've been given a easy ride with this pregnancy. & my eating habits have also been pretty good as i've craved more fruits & rich / milky foods which can only be a good sign of what's left to come

Anyway i try not to over-induldge myself with everything that could or not happen because apart from an elective c- section ( which is Not very likeley) there's only one way out.

Anyway Good luck & keep us posted of your experiences.