Me and LP - Week 39

The week started well with my last massage before LP arrived to help relax and prepare me for the day. Maybe the massage worked so well it sped the whole process up!

As I mentioned last week Buster was picking his parents up on Saturday so we could take them to lunch on Sunday for his Dad’s birthday. When Sunday arrived I said to John’s mum that I had a feeling that LP wouldn’t be waiting to be induced as I started to feel somewhat different and the Braxton Hicks were also feeling stronger/different.

Monday was much like Sunday, well at least in the morning and early afternoon.
But by the time the evening came I was starting to wonder if I was going to be able to sleep.
The Braxton Hicks defiantly changed and I started to wonder if they were contractions, but as I hadn’t had what they call the “show” I guessed that the Braxton Hicks were just getting stronger to prepare be for what lies ahead. Through the day I booked John’s car in for 4 new tyres on Tuesday at 11am.

I awoke early Tuesday morning (managed to get a good night sleep all things considering), to what I had been calling Braxton Hicks being very strong and about 10mins apart I then consulted “What to Expect When Your Expecting”. It turned out that what I had been feeling since Sunday was most likely ‘Pre-Labour Pains’. At this point John asked if he should be going to get his new tyres. I said that it should be fine as it’s only an 1hr job and the pre-labour pains could last all day. But they were soon 5min apart.

At approx 10am the ball started to roll or should I say LP started his process into this world. While John rang to cancel his new tyres, I rang my girlfriend who was going to support both John and myself on this big day. She didn’t answer the phone so I left a message along the lines of “LP isn’t waiting to be induced and that you need to leave work NOW”. I then rang the hospital and informed them that I would be in there before 4.30pm (when they were expecting me to arrive for inducing), they said to stay at home as long as possible but as I was already having contractions 5mins apart they knew that I would be in soon. My girlfriend rang back not long after and said she was on the way home to pick up the car and did we want her to meet us at home or the hospital. Told her to come to the house but if things changed we would let her know. By the time she arrived the contractions were 3mins apart and by the time we arrived at the hospital approx 11am (5-10mins from home) they were 2mins apart.

By 2.30pm the doctor came in and said that he would have to brake my waters for me. It never accrued to me that this process would have any pain associated with it, let’s just say it didn’t tickle and I told the doctor to leave me alone, but I was polite about it, using please and not swearing (after the birth and I was in my room, my girlfriend said that I would have to have been the most polite female in labour ever). I was unaware of this at the time but Buster latter told me that when the waters were broken the midwifes and Lucy heard LP. I latter asked Lucy what noise was she heard, she said that she was unsure but she defiantly heard the LP.

The midwifes asked if I felt like pushing and even though I didn’t they told me that I needed to start, while I was pushing for the next few hours all I could remember was saying that I didn’t want to tear or be cut. They kept trying to keep me charm and saying that I was almost there. My girlfriend kept repeating it and I remember that I decided and discussing with her that LP going to arrive by 6pm. By about 4.30pm they informed me that they called the doctor back as LP wasn’t tracking very well and I wasn’t crowning, they also prepared me for the doctor either opting to use forceps or perform a caesarean. I remember that I told them that I didn’t want him to use forceps as it would hurt. Once the doctor arrived he advised that I would need a caesarean and the room then began preparing me.

Even though I was now having a caesarean, until they gave me the epidural I was still having contractions and all I could think about is that I wish that they would hurry up and give it to me as I was sick of them and they were now pointless. By the time I was prepped and wheeled to the operating room it was close to 6pm. I asked permission for my girlfriend to be allowed in the room with us as I wanted her to not only be there for us but to also to take photos. Before they put the screen up so we couldn’t see my stomach I looked down and all I could see was my belly sitting very high, just under my rib cage; no wonder I couldn’t feel anything to push, LP was swimming away rather than swimming towards the light.

LP finally arrived at 6.11pm.

Date: 15th June 2010

Time:6.11pm

Weight: 8.2lbs / 3.68kgs

Length: 49cm

Me and LP - Week 38

Week 38
Started the week off with a weekend away to celebrate our 3rd Wedding Anniversary (9th June). Our last ever weekend away as just husband and wife. We stayed at this lovely B&B called Willowlake Restaurant & Cottages http://www.willowlake.com.au/. As I lack a lot of energy these days we didn’t get up too much, we had some lovely but somewhat short walks and drove to a few of the nearby towns. We watched a few DVD’s and I managed to have some nanna naps, something that I haven’t been able to do at home. As I say I will just do this first then lay down for a rest, only to find that that thing I just had to do, took longer than I thought. The meals were lovely, the sort of meals that your grandmother would have cooked for you! Oh they were so filling….. And on the way home we stopped at Yea for a vanilla slice, okay we also brought some home. Can’t beat country made vanilla slices. The only down side to the weekend (apart from it having to end) was that the mild itching that I had throughout the my pregnancy really kicked in. Feet, hands, chest, belly and sometimes legs, arms and were itchy whether or not I scratched them (I gave in most of the time, it started driving me crazy).

Couldn’t sleep Monday night due to the itchy skin. So when I saw the doctor on Tuesday I asked him if there is anything I could take to ease it as it was driving me crazy. He checked the colour of my eyes for yellowness to find that they looked normal but as the itching was more than what normal pregnant women suffer from and the fact that I mentioned my mother had a Liver Transplant he sent me for a Liver Function Blood test. He didn’t think it would be an issue but if it was said that we would induce baby next week (week 39). Apart from the itchy skin doctor was happy with everything and said and showed me that he was getting into the right position (in my words; locked but not quite loaded). I weighed in at 80kgs and while he didn’t measure the belly said it looked a nice size. At the end of the appointment he said he would call me if there was an issue with the blood tests.

Doctor called me today (Wednesday), and informed me that the liver isn’t really copping well, so he needs to induce me next week. So we now know the date of LP’s arrival, just don’t know if he will be in fact be a he or not. Guess we will find out on the 16th June. After I got off the phone from the doctor I rang Buster, and told him to take the 15th and 16th off, we are both now a little nervous. Rescheduled the massage I had booked for next Friday to this coming Friday, John will help me do a few things around the house tomorrow (he had already scheduled this off to get a few things done) and over the weekend to finish getting ready for the big arrival. Better book in for a hair cut (don’t know when I will be able to find time for it after LP’s arrival) and a bikini wax (just encase I end up having a caesarean). Guess there isn’t much more I can do but wait now.

Buster will pick his parents up on Saturday and bring them back to stay the night. We will then take them both out for brunch or lunch on Sunday for Buster’s Dad’s birthday.

LP - Sized at approximately 49 cm head to toe, LP's growth is relatively stable, other than some continuation of the gain in general fat stores. LP's weight should be a little under 3kg and if we go to full term is only 17 days until we meet our little precious cargo. LP’s movements have been consistent but are feeling somewhat different, they feel more like he is kicking off the wall to push himself into position.

View from the cottage we stayed in

Buster had the birds eatting out of his lap and hands

Me and LP - Week 37

Week 37
Now that we are down to the pointy end of the pregnancy I thought I better make weekly entries just encase, as babies are classed as being fully baked at 37 weeks even though full term is said to be 40 weeks.

We started the week off with our last antenatal/parenting class on Saturday. Followed by my lovely girlfriend coming over and helping me with rearranging my pantry and wardrobes. I kept putting the jobs off; but when I attempted the job of the pantry the other week I found that rearranging 2 shelfs took me most of a day and left be completely buggered. Upon her arrival she produced a baby gift that she said that she couldn’t wait to until LP arrived to give to us. It was perfect, it was a set of mesh circle lanterns to put up in the nursery. With her clear excitement I thought it was a perfect time to ask her if she would accept the all important role of Godmother. She was very excited and honoured, and even blogged about it http://lovememyblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/have-fab-week-my-lovelies_30.html.
So back to rearranging; my girlfriend came in and while she wasn’t a whirl wind (took her time and thought how I used everything that she was finding a new home for), she rearranged not only the pantry and 2 wardrobes but also vacuumed and washed the floor in half a day. She is a blessing in no disguise!!!!

The sleepless nights have started, a number of nights this week I have been dead tired but do you think I can get to sleep; No! I spent hours watching the clock tick over or tossing and turning (annoying my poor husband) or spending hours watching really crappy TV until I fall asleep. Getting up in the middle of the night a few times can’t be as bad as not being able to sleep at all.

I finished up with other freelance client this week, as I am really become tried not to mention I’m ready now to stop and take some time to prepare for LP’s arrival. They sent me home with some beautiful lilies, and made sure I promised to send photos and bring the little one in once I was ready to leave the house. The company is truly a fantastic place to work, and I hope that I get a chance to work with them again.

Picked up some more freelance work from my last client. I think she got a little excited as she gave me more than she had done over the last few weeks. So I had to tell her that it will run over into the next week, which she was fine with after she prioritised a few that she wanted first. I’ve now decided that this will be the last lot of work I do for her as well as I’m just wanting to rest, relax and bumble around getting ready for LP’s arrival now.

Had the first of my weekly doctor appointments. As normal his happy with how things are going, weighed in at 79kgs and belly measured spot on at 37cm. Doctor said to except a 7-8 pound baby. With our anniversary weekend away the all important question about whether LP was going to arrive this weekend or not was answered when he said that LP hadn’t dropped yet.

I had what would be my 2nd last massage, I know Buster thinks that going as often as I do is a little bit of an over kill, but they really help with my back and it’s the one thing I look forward to every other week. I followed this up with lunch with a girlfriend at Mellissa’s in Lower Templestowe. I can highly recommend the grilled lamb salad. I don’t know how I managed to eat as much as I did, with LP taking up so much room, but there was no way I was leaving there without finishing every month full (including the mars bar cake we shared).

LP - Sized at approximately 48 cm (head to foot) and weighing around 2.8 kg, LP’s fingernails now reach the end of his fingers. His face is plumping out along with its shoulders and neck, and the amount of space inside the womb really is lessening, so his movements are becoming restricted. However that isn’t stopping him from pushing (very hard at times) causing me to be very uncomfortable at times.

Me and LP - Weeks 33-36

Week 33
Quiet weekend, just had my craft group Saturday morning and the rest of the weekend was spent resting and doing a few house hold jobs. Not a very interesting weekend, but it was good to rest with a few big weeks to come. I don’t know if it was the quiet weekend or it’s because time is getting closer and everything is becoming a little more of a reality, but I’ve started to worry about the birth a bit now. But I just keep reminding myself that many women before me have given birth and many more will after me. It’s just the natural thing to do and we wouldn’t be able to do it if our bodies were not built for it (just look at men for example; there is no way they could)

Other busy week with freelance, don’t know why I ever thought I wouldn’t have enough work to keep me out of trouble. Fitted in a massage on Wednesday and then everything when to mud as I had a car accident Thursday morning. I had just dropped Buster off at his work colleagues and was making my way to a freelance client, however I didn’t make it very far before I run into a car in front of me (which he then run into the car in front of him). Lucky for all concerned (including LP) I wasn’t going very fast has I had slowed down and had put the brakes on, but due to the wet conditions I unfortunately hit some oil and slid into the car/s. Buster and his work colleague drove past about 5min latter so stopped to make sure I was okay, which I was but rather shook up. Buster was fantastic, all I could think about was the fact that we couldn’t afford what I had just done, but he was just concerned with making use LP and I were okay (even well after the fact his not angry at me, just keeps saying these things happen).

As the car was still drivable I continued on to work as there was a lot to do and I needed to show a work colleague how to use the reporting program. However I left early to see the our doctor just to make sure LP was okay. I weighed in at 77kg (which means I’ve put on approximately 10kg so far) and the belly is measuring perfectly at 33cm.

LP - Sized at approximately 40 cm (head to rump) LP now weighs approximately 2.2 kg (which is apparently the size of an adult duck; after reading this Buster’s taking to calling LP a duck this week). His lungs have developed sufficiently enough to support life outside the womb, although the lungs, along with all the other well-developed organs and digestive tract, will benefit greatly by remaining in the womb (plus our stress levels). I’ve read that LP should be able to feel; and will respond usually by changing its position; when I or Buster stroke my belly.

Week 34
First of the big weekends in May started by celebrating Grandpa’s 80th birthday. We travelled up to Benalla for a family and friends lunch. He had a great turn out and with quite a few tails told everyone really enjoyed the afternoon. As lunch went a little longer than expected we didn’t join the family at the ‘old homestead’ for afternoon tea as we needed to get back home. But they all had a lovely time and then kicked on with a bonfire and dinner at Grandpa’s place.

We had our first antenatal/parenting class on Sunday, it was better than I thought and put my mind at ease regarding the birth etc. Buster also found that it made him feel a lot better about it all as well, he even decided to look at a placenta which surprised me. As much as his worried that he won’t be able to handle it all (he thinks he will faint at some point) I think he is going to be fine and be a great support (okay maybe not a good massager but the support side of things he will be great).

Other busy week of freelance work including picking up some work for a 3rd company, it’s defiantly keeping me out of trouble (but it is starting to wear me out I think). The week was finished off by a lovely afternoon tea with long time family friends of John’s parents.

As we were unable to see Buster’s mum for mother’s day last week, we presented her with her gift before we left for afternoon with the family friends. The framed photo of me and the bump taken at 26 weeks was a hit, she thought it was very artistic and just beautiful. She made mention that in her day, ladies generally covered up their growing bump and would never show it off.

Oh and I’ve had my first Braxton Hick contractions – feels oddly strange.

LP - Sized at approximately 42 cm (head to rump) and weighing around 2.3 kg. LP is now beginning to developing his own immune system, instead of relying solely on antibodies received through the placenta.

Both mothers or should we say grandmothers received a framed copy of this photo for mothers day

Week 35
The week is kicked of with my sister and brother’s girlfriend throwing a baby shower for me. They did a fantastic job and every one enjoyed the games and the painting of the baby clothes was the hit of the party. Oh I shouldn’t forget about the cupcakes with the little feet on them, they were very much enjoyed.

We were suppose to have the last antenatal/parenting class on Sunday however it was cancelled due to the midwife being sick. So what was going to be a big weekend suddenly changed to a quieter one, which was fantastic as I was totally exhausted after a busy week and the baby shower. And it gave me time out before other busy week of freelance work.

Doctor’s appointment this week pointed out that I had a bit of a weight gain in the past 2 weeks (must have been all those cupcakes). I weighed in at 77kgs and the belly is 3cm over measuring at 38cm.

My back has been giving me a lot trouble and pain so I made an appointment with a physiotherapist that specialise in pre and postnatal care for pregnant women. I also enjoyed a massage this week.

Driving home from work on Thursday, LP did some great circle work. My belly felt so weird let alone what it was looking like, I had some odd lumps and bumps for a little while. Very weird feeling but oh so beautiful.

LP - sized at approximately 44 cm (head to rump) and weighing around 2.4 kg, the antibodies continue to flow from my body into LP’s, and he continues to fatten up, although not enough that he can easily regulate his own body temperature at birth or for the first few weeks afterwards.

Week 36
Start the week off with a lovely lunch at the Eltham Glasshouse with the girls I use to work with at Designworks about 6-8 years ago. It was great to catch up with them again before little one arrives. We try to catch up at least once to twice a year as a group, but I do see a number of them at different times throughout the year.

I spent Sunday finishing up a group of work for one of my freelance clients. They will have more work towards the end of June, so we will just have to wait and see how that will pan out. If LP has arrived Buster might be able to look after him while I work on it, there should only be about 1-2 day’s worth of work which I can spread over a week.

While I finished up with one client I still had a busy week with the other 2 clients. But I did manage to fit in a little shopping as I started worrying that our little one had no clothes to wear. While walking though the shopping centre I had some more Braxton Hick contractions which are getting a little stronger these days.

So now that I have stopped worrying so much about the birth experience. I’ve moved on to worrying about what sort of mother I will be. I’ve always wanted to be a mother and I’ve always thought that when looking after children it come naturally to me. However now that I will be a mum in a matter of weeks I’m slightly worried. Will I be able to go and gar at this little baby and be happy to do so and will this child grow up always feeling like he/she can talk to me about good things, bad things and everything in-between. Oh I hope so!!!!

LP – sized at approximately 46 cm (head to rump) and weighing around 2.6 kg, LP should now be in the correct position for birth, with their head down towards the birth canal. As the doctor keeps saying that his head is down I can only presume that everything is okay. LP isn’t punching and kicking us much as he use to, but as his fast running out of room to play there is a consistent pushing sometimes worse than others. Oh and then there are the times that he shifts position and I can clearly see and feel his movement (sort of like the movie ‘Species’).

Me and LP - Weeks 29-32

Week 29
Low key weekend, finished off with lunch with Buster’s parents for his birthday. Followed by a week of freelance and a trip to my parents for my sisters graduation. I took a train to my parents and a train and bus home; mmmm not the most comfortable sets when pregnant.

Had doctor’s appointment on Wednesday which involved a blood test first followed by the doctor giving me my first of 2 (most likely 3) shoots of Anti D, due to me having A- blood. As Buster has a positive blood group there are a few issues that could arise once LP is born, so they give me 2 injections before LP’s birth and then if LP has a positive blood group then they will give me other. The doctor’s scales were not working so my weight remains a secret this fortnight. LP is doing well as the belly is measuring 34cm which is approximately 5cm over size.

We have decided to try cloth nappies (better for the environment and our hip pocket even with when you include the water usage) and as there are sooooo many different brands out there I’m buying a few different ones to start with just to work out which will work best for LP. So I picked up a few at the baby show last month and a few more this week as well us Mum ordering a few pre-fold ones.

LP - Sized at approximately 36 cm (head to rump) about the size of a loaf of bread. LP now weighs approximately 1.4kg, and will at least double his weight between now and reaching full term. The placenta holds approximately 1 litre of amniotic fluid so it is understandable that I’m short of breath with this precious extra cargo onboard. And with LP taken up most of the space in the uterus his most probably curled up in foetal position. They say that his most likely not to move as much but his moves are getting stronger and more regular

Week 30
10 Weeks to go, as long as LP’s not early or late in his arrival.

We had dinner with Buster’s best mate and his wife Sunday night (belated birthday dinner). They surprised us with announcing that they are also expecting (10 weeks). Buster is excited as it means the dreams of his child/children playing with his best mates child/children will become a reality.

Other busy week of freelance this week finished off with a well deserved massage.
With all the pregnancy supplements that I’ve been taking my hair has grown and thickened up quicker than normal so booked in for a hair cut so it’s looking at its best for Buster’s work colleague’s wedding.

LP - Sized at approximately 38 cm (head to rump), LP now weighs around 1.5 kg. Over the next few weeks, he will grow longer more than it will increase in weight. The brain is developing further, enabling him to absorb and learn at a great pace when outside the womb, and LP will be actively storing nutrients from my body such as protein, iron and calcium for his own development. His will also start to get into position for birth, with its head down towards the birth canal. Oh; when his awake he now fully open checking out his very dark surrounds.

And it just keeps getting bigger.

Week 31
The leg cramps and started to set in as well as my feet just aching, but I won’t complain (too much), as the reward at the end of it will be well worth it.

We attend Busters work’s colleague’s wedding. They are a young couple but in many ways they both have older soles and make a lovely couple. Buster isn’t one for telling me that I look lovely etc, but as I’m getting ready he says that I don’t need much make-up as I have a lovely pregnancy glow. He can be a real sweetie every now and then.

Doctors scales are working again so my weight is now unveiled at 75kgs. LP or should I say my belly is back to a ‘normal’ size, measuring 32cm (just 1cm over)

LP - Sized at approximately 40 cm (head to rump), and weighs approximately 1.5 kg.


Week 32
Start the week off with a massage and a visit from a close friend and her husband. While my girlfriend has been around a few times since the completion of the renovation her husband hadn’t so they were keen to check it out and to see my every growing belly.

Each year on ANZAC day we go to the Collingwood v’s Essendon football game and this year was no expectation. I had told Buster that it would be the only game that I would go to before LP arrives and within minutes of being there I reminded him again. As much as it would have been difficult to sit comfortable for the whole game anyway, it was topped off with us being seated right up the very top at the very back were they run out of leg room. Luckily I only had to sit through the first ¼ before it was clear that the a few people in the row in front weren’t turning up so I moved down a row and enjoyed (as much as one could on hard plastic seats) the extra leg room and space to spread myself out. Oh and we (Collingwood) won the game easily.

A busy week made up of a couple days of freelance work, a info session on reusable nappies (which was very informative and helped pin point good nappy brands), dinner with a friend that I had also worked with while at Big all finished off by Grandpa and his friend visiting and spending a night and Grandpa leading a hand with a few odd jobs.

We booked our annual weekend away to celebrate our wedding anniversary (3 years). Not wanting to travel too far from home (just encase) we booked a lovely self-contained spa cottage with wood fire in Macs Cove which is just passed Mansfield. So looking forward to this!!!!

LP - Sized at approximately 40cm in length (head to rump) your baby now weighs around 2.1 kg. With less room to move, LP is sleeping up to 95% of the time, still has some very active periods. That combined with pressure on the bladder means I’m up more often in the middle of the night, but on the up-side, I guess it’s getting me ready for night feeds once his arrived. On average I’ve read that he should be moving 10 times every 4 hours…….. I can vouch for that! LP only major organ left to develop is the lungs know which will be completed very soon. Toenails are completely formed while his hear continues to grow.

Me and LP - Weeks 25-28

Week 25
Spent the weekend with my sister doing bits and pieces and went to the baby show on Sunday. Was a little disappointed in it as I thought the one that Buster and I had gone to a year or so ago (different venue) was bigger and better. Anyway I picked up a few things including a couple of different cloth nappies, baby wrap and some bathing bits. My sister started to realise how much babies cost and wondered how her friends were going to cope with the cost as well as the everyday stresses of raising a child (they are 21). Sister was very excited to be able to feel LP move.

Picked up some freelance work so will be working 3 days a week most weeks right up until the end of March. So much for a quite month to spend getting ready for baby.

Had another doctor’s appointment on Tuesday. LP has slowed down on the growth spurt as my belly was is measure only 2cm over size now (measuring in at 27cm). I’m still very happy with my weight gain of about 8kgs, making me 72kgs.

We too John’s parents to see ‘Cats’ on Wednesday, it was their Christmas present. It was a great show, shame we were too far away to really see the costumes and the fantastic makeup.

Painted the ceiling of the nursery, so have the window and architraves left to sand & protect and the wardrobe to paint.

LP - Sized at approximately 23 cm (head to rump), and weighing approximately 720g. LP is awake and moving most nights now about 8.30pm. His adult teeth have formed by now, in readiness for when his baby teeth start to fall out at around age 6. LP hands are now fully developed and he spends most of his awake time groping around in the darkness of my uterus.

Growing Bump

Week 26
Started the last week of my second trimester with a group physio class at the hospital on Saturday. It was all about the pelvic floor mussel; it’s function and how to strengthen it with exercises. Then went to a 50th fancy dress party with the theme being Harry Potter, most of the guests went to a lot of trouble and the hosts had the house well decked out, Funny thing was we almost didn’t have a Harry Potter, lucky one turned up towards the end of the night.

As well as the 3 days a week freelance work I also picked up some design work for Fri and Saturday. I also fitted in a photo shoot of my growing bump, I decided that a photo of the bump would be a great birthday present for buster. And as the it turned out there would be a perfect one to give to my mother and mother in-law for mothers day.

After a long fight with Alzheimer’s Grandma finally passed on Thursday. She had spent almost 9 years in care, which meant I really had lost the grandma that I knew and loved well over 9 years ago. The best thing is that Grandpa can now move on and enjoy the rest of his life (he turns 80 in May). LP would have been Grandma’s 8th Grandchild.

LP - Sized at approximately 25 cm (head to rump) and weighs approximately 690-780g (a quarter of the final birth weight). LP’s spine is strengthening and eyelashes, along with more head hair, are developing. He has 150 joints formed and more than 1,000 ligaments and his heart is beating at approximately 150 beats per minute. If he was born now, he would have approximately 80% survival rate, with medical assistance.

Week 27
Busy week which started with Grandma’s funeral followed by full week of freelance work, however the light at the end of the tunnel was the massage. I’ve had a few massages now while I’ve been pregnant but I was a little worried how my tummy was going to go as it had grown quite a bit since the last time. I could rest easy though as it fitted nicely in the specially designed pillow. The masseuse was very happy with how my body was handling everything. Said that most women at this time of the pregnancy are showing a little fluid retention, so whatever I’ve been doing to keep it up. I’m putting it down to trying to see my personal trainer at least once a week.

Started standing the window this week, have to finish the sanding before Easter so I can give the sander to Buster’s Dad. Buster’s parents are concerned that I’m doing too much and have offered to help by starting with the cot. Buster’s Dad offered to start with the ceiling but he was a few weeks late.

I find that I run out of breath easier these days, might have something to do with my uterus being up around my rib cage now.

LP - Sized at approximately 30 cm (head to rump), and weighs approximately 1 kg. His starting to plump up, appearing less wrinkly as the subcutaneous layer of fat forms. The placenta has fully developed and will be benefiting from the antibodies crossing through, ensuring some degree of immunity against infections in the first few months of life. Some experts think that by this stage babies are having dreams, hope his dreams are not as weird and fare fetched as mine. LP is now fully formed and if he arrived today he would have a good chance of surviving.

Week 28
Had my parents visit this weekend, Dad helped me by putting together cubes for the bathroom. While they are not baby related they have been ready to put together a few years and now that they are in place it will give us more room in the linen cupboard and also make the bathroom look nicer (once I have finished decorating).

A couple more days of freelance and I finished the sanding and protecting the window and architraves.

Buster celebrated his 39th Birthday.

Happy Birthday

Your loving wife and little footy mate

LP - Sized at approximately 34 cm (head to rump) and weighing around 1.2 kg. LP will be busy looking around and opening its eyes. Other senses are also nearly fully developed. His eyes also have colour now but it may not be the colour he ultimately ends up with.

Me and LP - Weeks 21-24

Week 21
Started the weekend with a baby shower for a girlfriend. She all ready know what she's having which made a little gift all that much easier to make and buy. I made her a stretchy worm and brought a little romper; the worm was a hit. Sunday we had a BBQ at Busters best mates along with some close family and friends. Their friends had a couple of sweet little girls, the sort that make your heart melt. We have a fingers crossed for own little angle.

Had a doctor visit and I'm still weighing in at 70kg. While have personally haven't put any weight on (since last week), little LP is growing rapidly and the size of my belly is 4cm over size measuring at 25cm. Oh and I’m starting to have a lot of weird dreams, some I remember and others I just wake up and think ‘what the’.

LP - Sized at approximately 18.5 cm (head to rump), and weight approximately 280 grams. Since LP is still only 10% of what it will be at birth, it's no wonder that people are commenting on the size of my belly. LP now looks like a mini-version of what he will look like when born, all facial features are formed and hair is growing starting to grow. LP's brain is now linked to the nervous system and muscles are fully developed, and sucking, swallowing and blinking reflexes are all in place.

Week 22
While I haven’t officially finished work and started freelancing, I picked up my first freelance job and will spend most of the weekend working on my first ‘designer’ freelance job. Very exciting, hence was not able to sleep, so spend most of the weekend and night working. My best friend visits on Sunday and as it’s the first time they have seen me with my new belly, her husband couldn’t wait to pick on it. His lucky I’m use to him and can give it back.

LP - Sized at approximately 19 cm (head to rump), and weight approximately 280 grams. LP is now able to recognise my voice, and his skin is no longer transparent (now opaque), and sweat glands are developing. For girls, the vagina, uterus and ovaries have formed and for boys, the testes will be dropping into the scrotum this week, with testosterone and juvenile sperm already active. LP has started growing taste buds and may be able to detect strong flavours in the amniotic fluid

Week 23
A full weekend is planned, Saturday we see Jersey Boys which was wonderful (I’m a sucker for 60-70’s music) and Sunday go to a baby market and pick up a second had cot which will need a sand down and a stain/oil. I tell John that I should have time in March to do this as I don’t expect to pick up much freelance work until April.

Buster felt LP move for the first time on the very last day of work. LP must have been very excited to finish up as well.

LP - Sized at approximately 20 cm (head to rump), and weight approximately 520 grams. LP’s teeth appear as buds within the gum line and your baby's skin is quite saggy. This is simply because the skin grows faster than the underlying fat. Bones now have marrow and are equipped to contribute to the formation of blood cells. LP has a while to go before her lungs will be ready for air and is practicing his "breathing" on the amniotic fluid—sucking it in and out.

Week 24
First week of March and the first week of not working for a boss; so to speak off. I catch up with this and that and while I take it easy the week is full with one thing and other. One of the days I go back into work and have a going away lunch were, they presented me with muslin wraps and a $200 voucher to Baby Buntings. We put the voucher towards buying the pram which is slightly on the pricy side but we need a one that folds down small due to our small cars we have, and there are only a few to chose from. My sister comes down at the end of the week and helps me with a few things as well as shop for bits and pieces (muslin wraps, baby wipes and a cute little romper set).

I’ve started sleeping with a long pillow and a little one shaped like a bit of a wedge that sits snugly under my belly. Helps a bit I guess but sleep it doesn’t help with having to get up to the toilet each night now; normally about 3-4am. While I haven’t started looking swollen my legs are differently starting to cramp and sometimes have a life of their own as they jump every now and again as they sit resting on the coffee table.

LP - Sized at approximately 21-22 cm (head to rump) or 30 cm from head to toe, and now weighs approximately 570-700 grams and can open his eyes. Whilst LP’s lungs have developed enough to sustain life outside the womb, there would be only 50% chance he would survive even with intensive care and a high percentage rate he would have disabilities.