Browsing Tag

2013

Pregnancy & Baby

22 – 25 weeks pregnant – Bumpin’

October 29, 2013
Many apologies for my lack of blogging recently, I have been quite lazy infact. Still very happy to say that everything seems well and we are in good health, in general I have been feeling pretty great other than the odd niggle but that is to be expected.

So back at 22 weeks we had another scan and got to see little Baby D’s progress. I was a bit nervous about this appointment as I didn’t seem to have much of a bump at all on a normal day and compared to others at this stage they are huge. Thankfully our wonderful doctor reassured us that our little boy is growing perfectly and right on schedule, my stomach muscles just seem to be holding him in well and he still has plenty of room in there without pushing forward. So as I said that was “back at 22 weeks”, alot has changed since then and Baby D must have had a crazy growth spurt. I am now quite obviously preggers. It’s lovely to have a bump and not just look totally bloated by holy cow it hurts to stretch so much over the space of 3 weeks. There isn’t much I can do for the growing pains other than to rest, lie down and let them do their thing until the growth spurt is over.




First pic at 22 weeks, second pic at 24 weeks looking alot more swollen and tight across the stomach. This is of different sides of my stomach, the tattoo isn’t a new one..

My regular yoga classes are still helping to keep me feeling good and pretty mobile. After class I really feel like I’ve helped my body to cope with what is happening and prepare for what is inevitably going to happen. Even if it helps me just a fraction during labor or recovery then it is definitely worth the effort now.

My only niggle just now is lower back pain which has crept up all of a sudden along with the bump. I have been told that this is normal for growing a bump so quickly your posture has to change to carry the weight and there is alot of strain on the lower back. I have been trying not to be more aware of bending and lifting so hopefully it won’t get any worse.

This week I have the dreaded glucose test coming up arghh. Basically you drink a measured amount of sickly sweet syrup then wait and hour to have a blood test taken to see how your body has coped with so much sugar at once. This will show if I have any signs of developing pregnancy diabetes. I’m not looking forward to this test as I really dislike sweet drinks, I’m more of a water or tea kind of girl. I’m not sure about the UK but this test is mandatory here for all pregnant women.

How far along: 25 weeks 

How are you measuring: The bump has finally appeared yay! Very strange seeing myself with a bump but loving that it is actually noticable now rather than just a pot belly.

Size of baby: An Eggplant

Sleep: Some nights are really great deep sleeps and some nights I toss and turn feeling restless. Luckily for me it’s still very rare if I have to get up to pee through the night so at least I don’t have that to contend with. Only the odd crazy dream now and again.

Total weight gain:  When weighed at 22 weeks I had put on 8 pounds over all.

Symptoms: My only issue just now is lower back pain from growing the bump so quickly. And also I’m a bit too sweaty for my liking but it is still around 37 degrees every day, maybe that’s the pregnancy ‘glow’?

Movement: Still lots of kicks and punches which is great to know he is moving and healthy, they are starting to get stronger and can make me jump. Nice to let friends feel baby kicking too they get so excited or freaked out by it.

Maternity Clothes: I’m still squeezing into some of my regular clothes but I did end up buying a couple of dresses and tank tops in larger sizes to accomodate bump so I’m a bit comfier now.

Must eat: No crazy cravings still. I really enjoy chocolate at the moment so trying to limit that and I did make an apple crumble at the weekend knowing that hubby didn’t want any so I just portioned it up so I could have a bit every day without being a pig eating a whole crumble in one go.

Must not eat: Raw steak/mince is the only thing freaking me out.

Best Moment of the week: Starting to plan my baby shower yay!

Gender predictions: IT’S A BOY!

What I wish people knew: Nothing much this week.

What I’m looking forward to: Cooking this little Bambino up until it’s birth time, it is all starting to feel more real that there is only 14 weeks and 5 days to go!

What I miss: Standing up from lying down without having to roll onto my side or feeling dizzy by the time I’m up.

What baby is upto this week: It’s crazy to think that a baby of 24 weeks can be born and survive! That has really got me thinking about just how amazing this little miracle is. Baby is putting on more fat now in preparation for birth and has alot more hair, I’m hoping he has dark hair like me rather than none like his Daddy 🙂


Bumping at 24 weeks 


Pregnancy & Baby

21 Weeks Pregnant – It’s a…….BOY!

October 7, 2013

For all of you who don’t know and we haven’t told yet, Baby D is a boy! We managed to keep the secret for about 9 days before the pressure got to Colin and he cracked by uploading a picture to Facebook. He announced it to the world in one big swoop to save the “but you told her before me” fighting.

There are so many things that I want to buy for a boys nursery! I have my theme for the nursery all ready now it’s just a matter of trying to find some nice and affordable things to go in it. The shops here seem to be filled with complete tat or ridiculously overpriced items. Hopefully we will find some nice stuff in Dubai next time we go. Colin isn’t understanding my urge to nest just yet.
Baby D has been kicking lots this week and every movement is a lovely feeling knowing that he is alive and kicking in there. Daddy even felt the kicks at 21 weeks and 2 days after a several nights of Baby D playing hard to catch.
I bought this cute outfit a few weeks ago when we found out it was a boy. Shark swimming shorts and a UV top (SPF 45) in newborn sizes so Baby can start coming to the beach with us 🙂
By the end of some days after running around and walking the dog I get achey feet and the fact that I don’t own a pair of sensible shoes does not help the matter. I did some internet research into wearing proper shoes to support your arches and purchased some Skechers Go Walk shoes, they have the support of a sneaker but look a bit more casual and less dorky. They weren’t cheap but hopefully they do the trick and my feet don’t suffer too much from pregnancy.

How far along: 21 weeks 

How are you measuring: My bump is still pretty small compared to others at this stage, maybe because it’s my first baby? I’m still looking just fat instead of bumpy.

Size of baby: A pomegranate 

Sleep: Oh boy my sleep this week has been horrendous! I am so tired by bed time then I go to sleep and wake up every hour. I’ve had some crazy dreams also that leave me sitting up in bed wondering where on earth they came from.

Total weight gain:  Nothing too crazy just yet but my stomach is looking pretty fatty. Hoping I don’t carry it all on my hips and thighs.

Symptoms: Only one morning of sickness this week yay! Apart from the crappy sleeps I am feeling pretty good, taking my vitamins religiously really seems to help how I feel through the day. And also a bit too sweaty for my liking but it is still around 40 degrees every day, maybe that’s the pregnancy ‘glow’?

Movement: Lots more kicks and rolls this week which is a lovely feeling! Daddy can now feel his little Bambino kicking too if he is patient enough to wait for a big one.

Maternity Clothes: No maternity wear this week but I haven’t really had much to dress up for so staying in slouchy clothes and tank tops is easy.

Must eat: Nothing too crazy this week either, I’m feeling a little cheated with cravings! I still love KFC which is weird as I never liked it before being pregnant but I can control the urge, most of the time.. 

Must not eat: Fish is the only thing that I will totally avoid.

Best Moment of the week: Knowing that we are more than half way there and feeling baby kicking alot more.

Gender predictions: IT’S A BOY! Very excited to start buying proper boy things like dungarees and corduroy trousers eekk!

What I wish people knew: Nothing much this week.

What I’m looking forward to: Getting a proper nice looking bump instead of just a fat swollen looking tum. Maybe I’ll regret wishing for that when I’m too big and sweaty.

What I miss: Wearing my regular cute clothes booo! All the nice little dresses, blouses and skirts have been moved out of my wardrobe to make room for stretchy more comfy clothes.

What baby is upto this week: Baby D should be around 10.5 inches long. He gulps down lots of amniotic fluid and then pee’s it out again into the water, weird huh? The water is replaced every three hours which is obviously a good thing.


Bump is looking a little more rounded than last week which is good progress. I take this pic every week before yoga so I remember to do it.


Pregnancy & Baby

20 Weeks Pregnant – Half Way There!!

September 29, 2013

Wow – Week 20 already! That means I am half way through this pregnancy already, well if it’s a 40 week pregnancy anyway. It’s funny how people talk about being pregnant for 9 months but it’s actually more like 10 months! Either way I’m happy that I’ve got to this stage without any major dramas. Good work Baby D!

This week my darling, wonderful husband finally listened to me huffing and puffing about not getting comfy in bed at night and bought me a full sized pregnancy pillow. What a gem he is! The pillow is shaped like a big squidgy candy cane so I can hug it. Not only is it comfy it is also beneficial for your growing body to support the bump, it encourages you to sleep on your side and to help align aching back and hips. I would recommend it to any pregnant lady who can’t get comfy at night, anything is worth a try though for a better nights sleep.


Some also very good news is that I have only been sick twice this week! I feel like the pregnancy gods might just be giving me and my oesophogus a small break which is amazing! I’m hoping that this might signal the end of the sickness so keep your fingers crossed for me.

People keep telling me that my bump is too small for 5 months pregnant – they maybe think that this is a compliment instead of being a massive whale but it just worries me that everything is growing alright. My next hospital appointment isn’t for another two weeks. I also made the mistake of doing the “fundal” measurement like old school midwives used to do to tell you how many weeks along you, that is even more worrying!

How far along: 20 weeks – half way!

How are you measuring: My bump is still pretty small compared to others at this stage but I can feel my stomach muscles can’t contain it much more and is starting to pop out more now.

Size of baby: A banana

Sleep: My pillow is helping me to get comfy but the crazy dreams are back again and I wake up alot through the night.

Total weight gain:  Nothing too crazy just yet but all my normal clothes are too tight around the boobs and tummy. I’ll get properly weighed at the next doctors appointment in 2 weeks.

Symptoms: Nothing too crazy this week thankfully! Only a couple of mornings of sickness, one night of aching feet and a couple of headaches but in the grand scheme of things I’m feeling pretty good.

Movement: I can feel the little rascal moving much more these days and I love every single little kick it’s such a lovely feeling. I was standing next to Daddy’s motorbike tonight when he switched it on and it must have scared the Baba there was alot of kicking after that.

Maternity Clothes: Maternity leggings, Some looser dresses for casual day time (it’s still around 40 degrees here) and today I have a new Mothercare maternity bra on. I grudged spending £18 on a bra that I don’t know how long it will last but for now it’s feeling great and not cutting in like my usual ones.

Must eat: I talk about KFC at least once a day and I can’t say no to a cake but nothing crazy right now. I’ve been trying to prepare proper homecooked meals for dinner to stop snacking and then I can control what goes into the food e.g oil, salt, fat.

Must not eat: Nothing too crazy but the thought of red meat is sometimes a stomach churner.

Best Moment of the week: Knowing that we are half way there and feeling baby kicking alot more.

Gender predictions: We know what it is and I will update soon

What I wish people knew: It’s not always a compliment to tell someone that their bump is “too small” you can make them paranoid.

What I’m looking forward to: Getting a proper looking bump instead of just a swollen looking tum.

What I miss: Wearing my regular clothes, they are soon going to be taken out of the wardrobe and boxed up to save me looking at them and wanting to wear them.

What baby is upto this week: Baby D shgould be around 16.4cm long already and weigh 300g

The chalk board is back! I was missing since week 13 as I was on vacation and then I lost it. How can someone loose a massive bit of wood? Anyway I found it behind the fish tank in the end. I need to find a new place to prop it up instead of on a chair ontop of a salad bowl.. Apologies for the poor picture, Colin wasn’t chuffed at taking this as the football was on and I was meant to be getting ready to go out for dinner.

 

Pregnancy & Baby

18 & 19 Weeks Pregnant – Pregnancy Yoga

September 29, 2013
Weeks 18 and 19 have been pleasant and pretty non-eventful, hense the grouping them into one post. Probably the most exciting thing was starting my new pregnancy yoga classes at 18 weeks. Now I’ve never been to a yoga class and it’s pretty much because I thought it would be a bit lame with lots of humming and hahhing noises like pregnant whales but it has actually been amazing. My body feels revitalized and strong. The next day my muscles are pretty sore from stretching those hidden away lazy muscles but a nice hot shower and a microwave wheat bag seems to do the trick for now.

I read that 75% of women do no exercise at all through their pregnancy and I was pretty shocked. Surely if you get yourself in a decent enough physical shape before the baby arrives then it will help you with the delivery and recovery?
The yoga is really helping me both mentally and physically to be more aware of what muscles I’m going to need from the labour all the way through to breastfeeding, holding the baby and regaining some sort of shape afterwards. Oh and kegel exercises!! These are important ladies no one wants to pee themselves in public. I’m also taking advantage of feeling better these days and making sure that I am walking the dog more to strengthen my back and basically not turn into a lazy lump just yet. Maybe this will help me once the third trimester kicks in and I’m exhausted at least I will be a bit stronger than I was before. These are my theories anyway, lets see if they work!

If your in the Muscat area then check out Whispers of Serenity clinic on the Azaiba beach road. The classes are run by Karen Wilmot who is a birthing coach/Doula and an all round very calm and knowledgeable person to know. I think I love her a bit already 🙂

Baby D’s nursery furniture arrived and I am so excited to have the first bits set up. As I said in last weeks post, It is quite early to be preparing a nursery but we took advantage of the sales that were on at the moment. I especially love my glider/rocking chair and was over the moon when Colin finally agreed that I could have one, he maybe thinks that will get him out of a few night feeds..

How far along: 19 weeks

How are you measuring: Baby is growing perfectly on schedule and the Doc is happy with Baby D’s progress so far.

Size of baby: A large mango

Sleep: Getting lots of sleep just now which is great but starting to get a little uncomfy, I think it’s time to invest in a full body pillow.

Total weight gain:  I’m desperately hoping that the slow weight gain is something that continues.. I must surely be around 6lbs now which is pretty good for me. I’ll get properly weighed at the next doctors appointment.

Symptoms: Still being sick in the mornings! When is this going to end? It is getting better and isn’t every morning but I still have to eat breakfast as soon as I wake up.

Movement: Starting to feel kicks which are more like a tiny balloon popping inside my stomach, they are not sore but I can just catch it in time to feel some with my hand if I’m lucky. I can feel like a rolling over sensation every now and again like when your in the car and you go over a bump too fast.

Maternity Clothes: Only maternity leggings because they don’t cut in like regular ones do. I had to go and buy a couple more casual dresses this week just in a size bigger than usual to cover these ridiculous sized boobs so I can dress a little more modestly.

Must eat: One night I had a craving for KFC but in general I have been pretty healthy with veggies and home cooked meals.

Must not eat: Nothing really I pretty much have all my appetite back.

Best Moment of the week: Nursery furniture arriving and being able to sit in Baby’s nursery.

Gender predictions: We know and it’s a secret for now 🙂

What I wish people knew: People seem to love to comment on my boobs being massive, it’s just because they have grown before the bump. They tell me like I haven’t already noticed them myself. Grump 🙁

What I’m looking forward to: Making things for Baby D’s nursery and getting crafty yay!

What I miss: Wearing my regular clothes, they are soon going to be taken out of the wardrobe and boxed up to save me looking at them and wanting to wear them.

What baby is upto this week: Practicing kicks and punches.

Not much in a week but it’s small progress 🙂



Pregnancy & Baby

17 Weeks Pregnant – We know the Gender!!

September 11, 2013

Week 17 didn’t start off too well after my ohh so generous husband passed on his flu germs to me which knocked me sideways. The rest of the week was spent in bed and resting up and thankfully I managed to shake it off quick enough, sadly for him he ended up with a sinus and throat infection. 

At 17 weeks and 4 days and we saw our precious Baby D again at our scan. Of course Baby would have grown since our last scan 4 weeks ago but I was really overwhelmed/freaked out at just how big it has grown in a month, it just all seems so real all of a sudden. Everything looks great and Baby is growing well and healthy. The doctor asked if we would be interested to find out the gender, she was met with a resounding yes from us. And with a 99% guarantee from the doctor we know what gender it is but I have chosen to keep it a secret for now until I am ready to reveal the news.


Whilst shopping in the mall we took advantage of the sales and ordered the furniture for Baby D’s nursery, how exciting! The general selection here in Muscat is pretty lousy but we managed to get a few good dark wooden items and I really can’t wait to get started on setting up the bedroom. The nesting has begun!



Momma’s little alien faced Baby!

How far along: 17 weeks

How are you measuring: Baby is growing perfectly on schedule and the Doc is happy with Baby D’s progress.

Size of baby: An onion. Weighing in at 220g, around the weight of a large chicken breast.

Sleep: Generally sleeping pretty well just now but I think I will have to invest in a maternity body pillow soon for comfort

Total weight gain: Very pleased to find out that after 3 weeks at home I only gained 1.5lbs and overall only 3.4lbs since the start. I’m desperately hoping that the slow weight gain is something that continues..

Symptoms: STILL being sick in the mornings! When is this going to end?

Movement: Tiny, tiny movements in tummy. I don’t know where this “flutter” thing comes from but mine felt more like a muscle twitch or a scratch, not sore but enough that I notice it.

Maternity Clothes: No maternity items this week but stretchy leggings for the ever growing tum.

Must eat: The only strong craving was a KFC one evening, I just had to have it or I wouldn’t be able to sleep that night. As soon as I had it I felt instantly better, weird as I have never liked KFC in my life before.

Must not eat: Red Meats

Best Moment of the week: Seeing our little Bub at the scan again and ordering our nursery furniture.

Gender predictions: We know and it’s a secret 🙂

What I wish people knew: How crazy it is to see a baby spinning, kicking and punching you from the inside and you can barely even feel it.

What I’m looking forward to: Our nursery furniture arriving and getting started on the room. I just love to nest.

What I miss: Feeling good in the mornings, this morning sickness just isn’t budging.

What baby is upto this week: Baby already has it’s own individual finger prints!


Baby D’s empty bedroom all ready for the furniture to arrive, exciting times!


Family Life

Penny VS Hornets

September 1, 2013

After only having a day back in our Muscat house and knowing that Colin was off out in the morning I was very much looking forward to having a cheeky long lie. I sleepily put the dog out for a pee, said goodbye to Colin and got back into bed.

Ten minutes later I was disturbed by a 5 stone German Shepherd jumping on the bed and sticking her face in mine with a look of pure panic. I almost jumped out of my skin at the sight of her! Not the fact that she is a massive hairy dog because I’m used to that but the state of her swollen face. It wasn’t like that 10 minutes ago was it?


This photo doesn’t even do it justice!


Jumping out of bed but trying not to alarm the balloon faced dog, she already looked pretty scared. Oh sh*t her face is massive, what do I do? I was currently wearing last nights make up and had to just get dressed and roll with the panda look as poor Penny’s face was getting bigger. Off to the vet we go on a Saturday morning.

Thankfully the vet saw her straight away, not that she was happy about that. It’s amazing how a huge dog who scares grown men suddenly turns into a whining little baby trying to sit on her Mummy’s knee as soon as we get to the vets. The nice vet made sure that there was no fever – cue the dreaded thermometer, sorry Penny! He said it is most likely to be a sting right on the nose from a hornet in the garden when I put her out for her pee. Right enough we do have quite alot of those in the mornings. 

The vet gave her a shot of anti-histamine to take down the swelling and a steroid to make sure that the hornet venom/poison/whatever didn’t affect her breathing at all.

Thankfully by around 6pm that night the swelling was almost gone and she looked normal again. Lets hope she has learnt her lesson and no more chasing hornets.

Hornets 1 – Penny 0
Pregnancy & Baby

16 Weeks Pregnant – The Pregnant Lady Upgrade

September 1, 2013
 
The start of week 16 was still spent in the UK visiting people, by this point I had well and truly ran out of steam travelling backwards and forwards and just had to accept that I just couldn’t fit it all in. Sorry to the people I didn’t catch before I left.
 
Even Colin was starting to feel a bit worn out with all the socializing
                                        
 
Towards the end of week 16 Colin & Myself were on a flight back to Muscat. It was bittersweet as I couldn’t wait to get back to see my beloved Penny but at the same time I don’t know the next time I will be seeing my loved ones again and by that time there will be the arrival of an actual human being! That was weird for me, kind of the realisation that my loved ones won’t be around for the pregnancy and birth of Baby D.
Being an Expat is really tough sometimes but luckily I have an amazing husband to lean on. Probably quite literally ‘cos I’m gonna balloon like a puffer fish!
 
We flew back with British Airways who were amazing and even gave me an upgrade to World Traveler Plus so I could get a proper sleep when I wasn’t feeling well. Being pregnant and flying maybe does have its benefits?? While sitting on the plane I felt the baby move for the first time (16 weeks and 4 days) at first I thought it was a muscle twitch but then I felt it move position, was I imagining it? I’ve felt it for the past 3 days now so I’m pretty sure that it is the real deal which is quite amazing!

How far along: 16 weeks

How are you measuring: Baby is growing well and my stomach has a definite podge look now

Size of baby: An avacado

Sleep: Generally sleeping pretty well just now but I think I will have to invest in a maternity body pillow soon for comfort

Total weight gain: Probably quite a few pounds by now after all those cakes at home. I will be weighed next week.

Symptoms: Still being sick in the mornings and arriving back to the heat hasn’t helped the sickness any. Lets hope this stage is almost over.

Movement: Tiny, tiny movements in tummy. I don’t know where this “flutter” thing comes from but mine felt more like a muscle twitch or a scratch, not sore but enough that I notice it.

Maternity Clothes: First time wearing maternity leggings today, not because I need them just because I didn’t have anything else clean but they were nice and comfy.

Must eat: Nothing really, not much of an appetite this week. Colin made me eat a KFC last night so he could make sure I ate something, thats a new one for me normally he is concerned that I eat too much haha.

Must not eat: Still really not keen on fish or the smell or garlic this week

Best Moment of the week: Feeling those first crazy little movements for sure!

Gender predictions: Everyone seems to think it will be a girl, especially my brother who keeps calling the baby “her”.

What I wish people knew: What it feels like to have your baby kick for the first time it was amazing!

What I’m looking forward to: Having a proper little bump so I look pregnant. 

What I miss: Wearing nice little dresses to dinner like my friends, I opted for a safe black maxi dress to hide the bloat.

What baby is upto this week: Baby is gearing up for a growth spurt, in the next few weeks it will double its weight and add inches to the length of its body.

I’ll get back to my chalk board progress for next week now that i am back home and settled in again. Sadly no bump photos from this week.


Isn’t it funny how animals know that you are pregnant? Look at this wee handsome chap Basil snuggling up and one paw on the bump 🙂

 

Pregnancy & Baby

14 & 15 Weeks Pregnant – Change of Scenery

September 1, 2013

Weeks 14 & 15 were spent back ‘home’ in Scotland and passed in a very fast blur of visiting family, travelling around everyone and eating lots of cakes. The night flight from Muscat to the UK was a tough one as I’m generally more sick at night and in the mornings so I spent the time with my face close to a puke bag and watching to see when the toilet was vacant, luckily I wasn’t sick on the plane thanks to lots of anti nausea tablets and an amazing air hostess who kept bringing me water.

The cool Scottish air was such a wonderful thing, getting rid of the majority of my queasiness through the day. When you feel sick it is lovely to go outside and get some fresh air instead of 46 degree heat and 80% humidity. Saying that one day I did find myself being sick in my mother in laws garden at 6.30am so i didn’t wake everyone in the house… Sorry Karen!

On week 14 I took my 7 year old twin nephews swimming on my own to a great pool where there are flumes and wave machines – every little rascals dream swimming pool. I underestimated how much 7 year old boys like to jump and climb on their aunties! My stomach muscles had other plans and after a few too many times on the flumes I had to call it a day. Thankfully they didn’t notice the pain in my face and had a great time. These growing pains are weird things!

I managed to fit in a few shopping trips also to baby shops to look for things that we just can’t buy here in Muscat. I managed to find a couple of maternity items also that I will need, it’s shocking that the only place in Muscat for maternity wear is a tiny section of H&M!

One of the gifts we received was from our dear friends Samantha and Max who bought us “Ewan the dream sheep”. It is meant be a miracle worker in getting a baby to sleep and comfort them. He glows pink and makes womb like noises that you can play to the bump so when the baby is born it recognises the sounds and is comforted by them. You can read the amazing reviews on the John Lewis website here.


This was my last trip home to the UK before Baba is due in February and who knows when we will be able to travel after that. I don’t even know how long it takes to get a passport for a newborn over here?! There were alot of people to visit which was tiring to say the least but thankfully these people all wanted to meet up over lunch or a cup of tea & a cake which made it a bit easier.



No where does good tea and a cake (‘funcy piece’ in Scotland) like us Brits!






How far along: 14 -15 weeks

How are you measuring: Baby D is perfectly on schedule this week and growing well

Size of baby: A navel orange

Sleep: Much better quality of sleep these days, only waking up maybe once on a good night

Total weight gain: Only around 2 pounds since the 8 week mark, that will probably be more now due to all these cakes!

Symptoms: Sad to say that I am still being sick in the mornings. I can handle once a day but I did really think it would stop by now. I guess thats better than some of the symptoms others are having at this stage.

Movement: Nothing I can feel yet, hopefully in a couple more weeks

Maternity Clothes: None yet but I’m not far away from it

Must eat: I made the most of being in the UK with cakes, fish & chips, chicken mayo sandwiches and haggis!

Must not eat: Fish is still a big no-no this week

Best Moment of the week: Baby shopping with my life long best friend, Samantha, who had her own little bundle of joy just 4 months ago so was able to show me what I would need. I’m glad she was there, I was useless on my own!

Gender predictions: Everyone seems to think it will be a girl but I’m starting to feel like its maybe a boy?

What I wish people knew: That it is tiring to go round visiting everyone and spending equal amounts of time, it would be nice if someone came to me for a change. I won’t be doing this anymore once Baby D arrives.

What I’m looking forward to: Our next scan in 3 weeks time, private medical care is amazing!

What I miss: Not much, I’m quite liking being pregnant just now and watching for my bump growing its an amazing feeling.

What baby is upto this week: Facial movements are now more pronounced and the baby can frown and squint its face. Although the eyelids are still fused shut the baby can react to light.




Bedtime bump at 14 weeks. Funny how its more swollen at nights and in the morning than through the day.




Morning bump at 15 weeks, definitely getting thicker around the middle now eek!
Pregnancy & Baby

13 Weeks Pregnant – The T-Rex

August 13, 2013

Well, well, well my lovelies this week was a very special week to us as we had our proper scan at bang on 13 weeks. After reading statistics describing that if everything is well at this stage you have a 92% chance of taking home a healthy baby, those odds sound pretty good to me so I was all hyped up and ready for this scan.

I don’t know what you pregnant ladies wear to a scan but I got it in my head that I must look nice to meet my baby via scan so I put a nice outfit together (with leggings of course yes), put on a face of make up and straightened my hair. Hubby did a double take.. It’s been a long 7 weeks since I was able to make an effort for an occasion like this.

The past week I managed to get my appetite back again and making the most of it, que guilt from frozen yoghurt, Enchiladas and Crunchies. When he nurse weighed me I was pretty scared to look, I’m not a skinny lass as it is, but thankfully I had only put on half a pound since my first weigh in at 8 weeks. Phewww!

By 13 weeks you don’t have to squint to see where the baby is on the screen anymore. It looks massive! You can see the two different parts of the skull, the spine, the heart, fingers and toes. So crazy to think that little old me has grown this! The doctor was busy pushing and prodding away at my abdomen and measuring its tiny body parts to test for Downs Syndrome and other abnormalities. I thanked my lucky stars when she announced that everything looks perfectly healthy and Baby D is growing strong. She thinks in another 4 weeks she could take a good guess at the gender. I left the gender decision upto hubby to decide what he wants, this was my way of trying to get him involved a little as I have probably been leaving him out a bit. There isn’t much for the Dads to do at this stage so he is pleased to have something that he is responsible for.

Colin has decided that if this baby is a boy then he will call it T-Rex, his reasoning is that it is a good strong name where no other kids will pick on him and he has tiny arms like a T-Rex. Poor Baby!




How far along: 13 weeks

How are you measuring: Baby D is perfectly on schedule this week and growing well


Size of baby: A shrimp?


Sleep: Much better quality of sleep now but trying to get comfy is not always easy.


Total weight gain: Only half a pound since the 8 week mark


Symptoms: Still sick but only in the mornings now which is big progress. Heartburn Grrr. Growing pains.


Movement: Nothing I can feel yet, hopefully in a few more weeks


Maternity Clothes: None yet but the sports bras are still a must have!


Must eat: Anything from home in the UK, nothing in Oman seems to cure my hunger.


Must not eat: Fish is a big no-no this week


Best Moment of the week: Seeing Baby D on the screen and that strong heart beat


Gender predictions: Everyone seems to think it will be a girl but I’m starting to feel like its maybe a boy?


What I wish people knew: The secret is out and the world, well yes Facebook, know that we are expecting. Phew I had to keep that a secret since 5 weeks!! 


What I’m looking forward to: Our next scan in 4 weeks time, private medical care is amazing!


What I miss: Every single bit of food from home, nothing here seems to satisfy me. Not long now until I’m home to stuff my face. I’ll have paninis, sandwiches, tray bakes, an Ashvale supper and an even fatter belly..


What baby is upto this week: We caught you Baby D already sucking your thumb, I found that so funny but Daddy wasn’t so impressed. He says if Mommy gives you a dummy he will take it straight off you. 

Here I am at 13 weeks, not so much of a bump yet but a definite swollen abdomen. Still crazy to think there is a baby in there!

Pregnancy & Baby

12 Weeks Pregnant – Goodbye First Trimester

August 7, 2013

We have made it to the sacred land of 12 weeks pregnant without any major health scares so far (touch wood!) and only one week to go until the first trimester is complete and onto the second. This is good news! Our scan isn’t until the 13th week so not much longer to wait.

The bad news is that I’m still being sick. That is a whole 6 weeks of sickness!Thankfully I have managed to get the sickness down to once or twice a day but I have a new nemesis – heart burn! Holy crap now I know why people complain about heart burn. I made the rookie error of a tangerine in the evening and boy did I pay for it. Gaviscon peppermint chews are my new friend.

How far along: 12 weeks

How are you measuring: I have a sticky out belly now so I’m assuming everything is growing.

Size of baby: A small peach

Sleep: Much better quality of sleep now but trying to get comfy is not always easy.

Total weight gain: I’ll be weighed next week at my scan.

Symptoms: Still sick but only in the mornings now which is big progress. Heartburn Grrr. Growing pains.

Movement: Nothing I can feel yet

Maternity Clothes: None yet but the sports bras are still a must have!

Must eat: Buffallo wings from Chilli’s, wow!

Must not eat: Still lots of food aversions, mainly to healthy food and fish this week

Best Moment of the week: Knowing that we are only a week from the second trimester

Gender predictions: Everyone seems to think it will be a girl, especially my brother who keeps calling the baby “her”.

What I wish people knew: These round ligament pains/growing pains really hurt. And generally that I’m preggers, I hate keeping secrets!

What I’m looking forward to: Our 13 week scan to check our Baba is healthy and growing well

What I miss: Every single bit of food from home, nothing here seems to satisfy me. Not long now until I’m home to stuff my face. I’ll have paninis, sandwiches, tray bakes, an Ashvale supper and an even fatter belly..

What baby is upto this week: Fingers and toes are starting to wriggle and the intestines are finding their place inside the body instead of outside where they were originally grown.


Bad times – My tummy is starting to show more, I’m starting the awkward “is she fat or pregnant” stage.