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.

Me and LP - Weeks 17-20

Week 17
Busy weekend us as we started to organise ourselves and the guest room for Busters parents who were going to look after our house and cat while we went to New Zealand for our last "Couple" holiday or as I like to call it "Babymoon".

They say that my uterus is now about the size of a honeydew melon and is increasing to accommodate your growing baby. My stomach is now starting to look more like a baby bump than looking like I’ve just over eaten.

LP - Sized at approximately 12 cm (head to rump), LP's organs are starting to function, albeit within the amniotic fluid world it lives. At approximately 100 grams in weight. LP’s weight will increase approximately six times over the next four weeks. Good to know I won’t be the only one tipping the scale.
LP’s sense of hearing is developing and they say that I should start to feel him react through movement if it hears a loud noise; however I haven’t felt him move yet.

Week 18
I been waiting for the day that I would feel LP move. It finally happened on the 16th January, I felt 3 sets of movements within a short period of time. As I've read and been told it felt like butterflies - bring on the butterflies. It brought a smile to my face, told Buster and who was happy but as his unable to feel LP he misses out on the level of excitement. Give it time and I will start to feel like a football I'm sure.

We head off for out "Babymoon" this week, I'm looking forward to spending time reading and resting. One thing I'm not looking forward to is the air travel, due to the fact that I suffer from travel sickness. Doctor gave me some pills for nausea but I have my doubts about them working.
Flight to Christchurch - made it in one piece!

Flight to Queenstown - mmm and I'm looking and feeling green. Poor Buster and the other passengers (on the plane and the bus)

Part of the reason for the "Babymoon" is a wedding of one of John's friends. As I was packing the bag I changed my outfit. On the actual day of the wedding (just a week latter) the outfit was not looking quite as good and wish I had something else to wear; I was feeling fat. While quite a few knew I was expecting, my tummy wasn't really looking like a baby belly - more like I had a beer belly.

LP - At this stage, he is about 13 cm long and by the end of the week will weigh roughly 140-180 grams. His fingerprints are now formed as well his ears which are now facing forward and can actually hear us talking.

Week 19
Our last week in New Zealand, and while it has been good to get away I'm looking forward to returning home. I miss my comfy bed and pillow, not to mention the list of all the things I want to get done before LP arrives.
Flight to Christchurch - made it in one piece!
Flight to Melbourne - mmm and I'm looking and feeling green. Poor Buster and the other passengers.
Our last scan (providing pregnancy goes to plan) this week, the day we return. Before you ask; from day one we decided that we wouldn't find out the sex. In today’s world everything is planned to an inch of its life. It's good to have thing happen that are unplanned and unknown it keeps us on our toes and spice to our life. So while I call LP a he, the baby could easily be a she, only time will tell.

Belly has now popped out nicely and when I'm wearing a fitted top I'm looking and feeling pregnant.
I’m starting to worry about money now that holiday is over and the credit card bills will come in (not to mention the doctors next week) as well as only having 1 more month of regular employment left.

LP – his approximately 15.5 cm (head to rump), your weighs nearly 200 grams with a resting heart beat of 134bpm. Ears are now in their final position and eyes are pointing forward, rather than to the side. His kidneys are also fully functioning and producing urine this week, which means lots of diapers in the near future.
LP is busy growing a layer of fat called 'brown fat' which helps to keep him warm after being born, and will soon be covered in a waterproof layer on top of the skin called vernix (a sebaceous gland excretion that is usually gone by birth, unless his born prematurely) that protects him from the dehydration of the amniotic fluid. LP’s tastebuds have developed to the point where his aware of the flavours of different foods in my diet.

LP's cute little feet!

Week 20
Joined a walking group since I'm limited to the exercise I do. For a group of older ladies (50-65year old) they set a mean pace. I'm able to keep up with them at the moment, but in a month or so I'm not so sure.

Officially I now have 1 month left of work and half way through the pregnancy, yippee. My hours have been reduced from 4 days a week to 3, working Tue-Thu. However I receive a phone call early Monday afternoon from the manager asking if I would like other week off. While it was hard to get them to agree to have 2 weeks of to start with, I wasn't going to complain. So now there are only 3 short weeks to go, YIPPEE.

I'm now weighing it at 70kg. Only put on 4kg.

Received 2 compliments this week even though I have been feeling a bit flat - I must be now at my glowing stage :)

LP - approximately 14-16 cm (head to rump), and now weighs approximately 285 grams. With all of the developing done, it is now time for LP to just grow! He continues to grow hair and it's tiny fingernails and toenails develop further. Lungs continue to develop, but are not strong enough to be viable out of the womb.

And the bump appears

Babymoon

All expecting parents are told to take time out for a holiday.
And while it wasn't intentional, it sort of all just fell into place nicely. What can you say; 'it was meant to be'.

One of Butster's friends had set the date for their 2010 wedding back in the middle of 2009. As the wedding was going to be in New Zealand it gave us all time to organise ourselves (and our bosses). When we found out we were expecting the trip to New Zealand worked out to be perfect timing. I wasn't going to suffering from morning sickness (fingers crossed) and I wasn't going to be too big not to be able to enjoy it.

When it comes to holidays my job is to book all the plane tickets and hotels etc etc. However this time I was slightly worried that I would stuff everything up. In the back of my mind there were all those stories I had been told about, expecting mothers and their crazy/forgetful minds. I think I must have checked all the dates and tickets/bookings a dozen times before confirming each thing. The frequent checking must have worked as all bookings were fine!

Those that know me, know that I'm not one for sitting around and doing little but noting. So when it came to travelling to place that was known for its "Adventure Sports/activities", first of all I was looking forward to it. We had been to New Zealand about 5 year earlier and I regretted not parasailing of the Queenstown Gondola. Once I say I started thinking about the holiday I realised that once again I wasn't going to be able to do the parasailing. I was somewhat disappointed, but I was pregnant and that was far more important. However as the holiday came closer and the countdown began I realised that there might not be much that I would be able to do. Once we arrived I found one thing that I thought could be okay, after all you would be all rigged and tided in safely as you zipped down the cable on the flying fox. mmmm Buster didn't think it was a good idea, but when one of his mates said he would go with me, Buster didn't stop me from inquiring about it. Lucky for Buster's nerves, they wouldn’t let me do it. Even the massage I ended up settling for was softer that what I normally enjoy, all due to the pregnancy.

While I was limited to what we did, we did enjoy the time out. We walked, slept and read a lot and while I really did miss some of the adventure it was good to be forced to relax.

Relaxing by Queenstown Lake

I don't think Buster liked this shot.

The wedding was a lovely relaxed affair and took place on a hobby vineyard. The bride was designed her own dress and hat which suited her perfectly. The groom seemed to take the day all in his stride and enjoyed the whole day or should I say the week long celebrations.

Me and LP - Weeks 13-16

Week 13
Into my second trimester and feeling all the better for it!! No morning sickness but still lacking some energy . Spent the weekend at my parents for her families Christmas party. Saturday was a long day and my attempts to take a little cap nap didn’t quite happen - It was a long day/night.
The tummy is starting to pop and while my clothes still fit they are starting to feel a little firm. I have already picked up a few items of clothing when “Soon” was having a warehouse sale. Will have to start wearing them now.

Buster has for some time now rubbing moisturiser on the my tummy every now and again. But now that more people know it’s becoming more real to him and his started to worry a little bit about what our life’s will be like come end June. Sleep, money, time alone and even time for just the two of us is on his mind.

LP – weighs about 20grams and is nearly 7.5cm long. He can now make a fist and even suck on his thumb (if he chooses), oh and he also has his own unique set of finger prints

Week 14
Sick again this week, hopefully it’s the last time.
Doctors appointment Christmas Eva and his happy with my progress, however he did say if he didn’t know any better by looking up me (and pocking my bump) he would think that I was 16 weeks. He did say not to worry at this stage as everyone is different, LP better not be too big is all I can think off. I’m hoping in 4 weeks time his still not saying I big.

Christmas day is at our place and while Buster asked if it was a good idea I insisted that it would be fine and that I would rather it this year than next year when we have a 6mth to look after. Lucky for me most of the family leant a hand were they could. Dad and Buster were great always in the kitchen washing up after each meal, couldn’t have done it without them.

LP – weighs about 30grams and is nearly 9cm long. Now that the “big stuff’ (like skeletal and organ development) is done he will start a rapid brain growth and start to build up fat and detail work. His finger nails are fully formed and all his limbs and joints can move freely (won’t be long to I start to feel these movements) Oh and the most important part, the doctor was very happy to report that the chances of Down Syndrome was very low (so low that the results were almost of the chart :))


Week 15
After Christmas day at our place with my family, Boxing Day at Busters parents with his family I spent the next day tidying up. By the time the 28th came along I was completely flat and spent the day on the couch. Sick twice this week, but I’m thinking that it’s due to not eating enough now that baby is growing. Must start to eat more! Some may think this can’t be hard but trust me, when everything you look at isn’t taking your fancy it’s hard work.

LP – weighs almost 90grams and 10cm long. Although his eyes are sealed shut he is able to sense light and his eyes and ears finally look like real baby features now. Fine hair called lanugo has started to grow to help insulate the body. He is also learning to breath.

Week 16
Sick and had bad headaches twice this week – really MUST eat more food and drink more water.

I'm weighing in at 68kg. The weight gain; and this is where it all begins.

LP – is about the size and weight of an avocado (100grams and about 11.5-12cm in length). His skin is still translucent and wrinkly, not unlike an old man, but more fat will soon accumulate under the dermas to plum him out.

Secrets Out

So at the start of week 7 I was 11 people and counting, can I say it's getting hard to keep up.

12th and 13th Person (13th November)
As mentioned we decided to tell Busters parents for his mum's birthday. As the evening rolled by we both had to stop our self’s from laughing as Busters mum was so funny.
Buster arrived at their house before me with a box of fruit that I picked up from the SPC outlet store. She thought this was her birthday gift (along for being taken out to dinner) and was very happy as she loves it when I make a trip up north and make special effort to stop in to SPC. I latter turned up with a bunch of flowers and she had a smile ear to ear and said she was being spoilt. Oh if she only knew :)
We sat down to the dinner table at one of our favourite places to go for a special occasions (Great Expectations in Essendon), after the waiter poured glasses of wine (which I had to say no too) and left to give us a moment to look at the menu I pulled out the little book “Good Grandparents, Bad Grandparents”. She carefully unwrapped it and then as she read the title it she started to smile and then asked 'Really". Dad was then given the book to look at it, he started to read it like nothing important had just revealed. We took a moment longer and then made a comment and he just turned around and said "I know, knew as soon as you walked in the door". He says he has this thing for picking women who are pregnant even before they look pregnant.

14th Person (16th November)
Just before I fell pregnant (or at least before I knew I was) the friend that I work with said she had this 6th sense of being able to guess when women are pregnant. Anyway when she said this I decided that when I was I was going to test this 6th sense of hers. While she didn’t pick it she did keep asking this particular day what was wrong, so I had to tell her. She is now working out what the sex is since she didn’t pick up on the pregnancy.

15th & 16th (week 10)
Told an old friend that I worked with that I was looking for freelance work between March and June before having a brake to have a baby. She replied that she will start putting a few things aside for me as she is now working on babies garments.
Emailed an old flat mate/friend as I couldn’t keep it a secret from her any longer. Since her best friend knew I felt very guilty

17th & 18th (28th November)
My Mum was due to come to Melbourne for a few tests, so I asked if Dad could come down as well. It wasn’t an ideal weekend for them as Dad would have to go back on Sunday due to starting a new job on Monday and has we had plans Friday night there were no point in coming down until Saturday. Anyway they both came down as requested with no question. They arrived at lunch time and as Buster was out and wouldn’t be back until dinner time I held of saying anything to them. After lunch I got them to help us around the house, cleaning gutters and windows. Buster arrived home about afternoon tea time, I served them all a cup of tea and sat down. Mum started muttering about little ones and Christmas and I said something like “maybe next Christmas”, I didn’t get my desired response so said “we are 10 weeks” at the same time she said do you want to make a bet (she was thinking it was going to be a sure bet). Buster didn’t have enough time to take her up on the bet before she realised what I said. I got in trouble as Buster could have made a quick $50 (sorry babe).

19th & 20th (29th November)
As Mum and Dad were leaving they said to make sure I called Grandpa (Dad’s dad) and tell him the good news. As his lady friend had just walked in the door to cook them a lovely dinner, Grandpa put her on the phone so I could also give her the good news.

And the secrets out!
As I couldn’t keep the secret, once week 12-13 came around there wasn’t too many more people to tell. However Buster had kept the secret quite well so he started to share the news with a few people at work.

We had my Mum’s family Christmas on the 12th December. The get together was at Mum and Dad’s and Mum had made Bon Bons for everyone and made a special one for ‘Baby Naish’. As people walked in the door, most noticed the Bon Bon as she had laid them all out and for some reason it was very noticeable. For those that didn’t notice it as the crowd became bigger or then walked in a different way it didn’t take long for them all to hear the news.

Then as we started sending out Christmas cards along with our annual letter more and more people were told either before the letter reached them or by the letter.

We are still finding the odd person that doesn’t know but as my tummy is growing it won’t take long for them to start working it out before I even have the chance to tell them. At the moment though I’m finding people are still a little scared to ask the question just encase I’m not (the close I’ve been wearing don’t give it away all that much, and the extra roundness could be mistaken for fat if you didn’t know any better).

Me and LP - Weeks 8-12

Week 8

So I had Monday off due to the sleepless night on the Sunday. And while I had to work on Friday I spent the week looking forward to telling John's parents about the baby.

LP - is now a little more than ½ inch long, about the size of Eva Longoria's engagement ring. LP's heart has separated into four chambers and is ticking at 150bpm. That's twice my resting heart rate. Buster thinks he now looks like an alien.

Week 9
Ended up telling a friend that I work with that I was pregnant as she kept asking if I was okay as I wasn't looking myself (was feeling a bit green and tired). Good thing I told her as I ended up being sick on the Tuesday. The other girl that worked up stairs didn't say anything but it wouldn't be hard to work out what's going on.

We had our first doctor’s appointment on Friday, not much to report from this. Doctor just went over everything with us and told me what to expect in the coming weeks (headaches and dizziness) and gave me forms for a blood test as well as a 10week scan (to confirm conception/due date) and a 12 week scan. We also decided to get John to do a blood test to find out his blood type due to me being A Negative. Before you ask, if a mother's blood type is negative and the fathers is positive then there could be issues at birth. Nothing major, they just need to know so they can take the necessary steps to deal with it (I have to have more injections than normal)

LP - is about 2.5cm in length, about the size of a martini olive and weighs a mere 2 grams.

Week 10
Sick again this week while at work but the highlight of the week is seeing our baby for the first time. While it was a bit of a blur it was good to see that something was growing as apart from the sickness, tender breasts and lack of a period I wouldn’t know that I was pregnant. Tummy is still pretty much looking like it was before conception - but that won't last much longer.

I'm weighing in at 66kg. So far I've put no weight on, must be due to the weekly occurrence of morning sickness. I've also read that I should prepare for my emotions to start heading for the extremes. Although I have to report I haven't had any issues so far.

Oh - I also started to buy the odd thing for LP. Target had a little sale so I picked up a gate to put at the top of the stairs (I know it will be a while yet, but it was on sale), a nappy bag and cot starter set which has a few sheets, matters cover and a blanket.

LP - weighs about 4 grams and measures just under 3.5cm, about the size of a Brazil nut. Resting heart beat is 167bpm. LP also graduates from embryo to foetus.

I know it just looks like a bit of a blur - but the little blur is ours and there are smiles all round.

Can you see the legs and little feet? I can but they have been pointed out to be, oh and I got to see a different angel were I got to see the feet from the bottom which included his little bum. I know I'm the mother, but it was ohhhh so cute (sorry no photo/scan).

Week 11
Bad week as I was sick twice, but I'm one of the lucky ones I guess as there are some ladies out there that are sick most days.

LP - weighs about 10grams, is about 5cm long and all vital organs are now formed and functioning, so the risk of defects decreases this week (yeah).

Week 12
I've reached the last week of the first trimester and they say that I should start to feel better (a little less sick and start to have more energy). But in saying that I was sick again, but just the once and it was all put behind me as we enjoyed the 2nd scan of LP.

I'm weighing in at 66.5kg. Happy with that, but I'm sure it won't last much longer.

Buster has started to tell his work mates and close friends, which is making it all seem a little more of a reality for him.

LP - weighs almost 15grams, is almost 6cm long, heart is beating at 156bpm and his face is looking more human as his eyes have moved to the front of his head and his ears are in place (so they say). His reproductive organs are developing and I believe that he will also begin to grow hair, form eyelids, fingernails and toenails, not to forget those vocal cords which are beginning to form (I'm sure they will be in full form in no time and ready to put me to the test).

His giving us a little wave. I can also make out his little nose and lips (but again I'm his mum)