Hormones;

Up and down. Rollercoasters don't have as many turns as me these days! I keep saying to Aaron, 'its only because I'm pregnant'! Excuses, excuses. It's difficult not to get down when you have a permanent gag reflex! Luckily, the bug that I've had all week has passed, so I'm back to only the occasional sicky moment.
I think the worst is over. The worst being, driving down a busy road and needing to throw up, jumping out of the car, and holding up a bus and several other vehicles whilst I threw up the better part of that day's food on the sidewalk. Doesn't get more glamorous than that!
Tonight, I am going to stay in bed all night, and do my scrapbooks. Keeping busy is vital. Otherwise, I find myself counting days and hours, and waiting for my little miracle to arrive. It's more than half a year away. A lot can happen in half a year. Aaron will be well into the end of his first semester at University by then, I'll be a couch potato with a huge bump and hips to match!

Posted in: on Saturday, 28 May 2011 at at 07:18 0 comments  

Our little munchkin

There he/she is. Twelve weeks and two days, perfectly healthy and content. Our first ever ultrasound. It was quite an experience! First off, they make you drink a pint of water, one hour before your appointment. So there I am, downing a litre and a half. It makes you need to pee for the entire time that you're waiting. When you do eventually get seen, you are pretty much rushed in and out. However, for those five minutes that you spend watching the screen, the whole world stands still, and there it is. Tiny hands and feet, distinguishable body, the most beautiful thing in the world. It puts everything into perspective, and I was in need of some perspective.
Morning sickness is like an unwanted plague that comes back every time you think you've gotten rid of it. They say it should pass by twelve weeks. Unlikely story, I am now twelve weeks and four days, and becoming increasingly paranoid about my throwing up. Today, twice. I haven't managed to keep anything down at all. Nightmare.
It's the worry that keeps you down. Panic, panic. Especially since it's our first, it makes you feel jumpy and nervous. I just can't wait until we're seven months down the line, and christmas is coming around. The baby will be here and all will be gravy. Until then, it's gonna be me, Aaron, and a whole loada buckets and toilets!

Posted in: , , on Saturday, 21 May 2011 at at 14:49 0 comments  

Giving Birth;

Oh dear lord am I scared of giving birth. If I could just skip ahead to the cute sleeping baby part, that would be ideal, yes? No? Well, one can dream. Since our appointment with the midwife, we've been discussing all of our birthing options. I'm a little concerned about having the baby at the hospital. Research has shown to me that hospital births can be very informal, invasive and slightly rushed! Midwives do shiftwork, meaning you could be pushing your baby out, and quick-change, you have a different midwife ten seconds later. Not for me, thankyou. So we are seriously considering having a home birth. Crazy, unsafe, you say?
Think again! It is said that home births are just as safe as being in a hospital, and the option to transfer to hospital if there are complications is always there. Not just that, women are said to be more relaxed and comfortable at home, labour is often quicker, and the baby is much calmer, as it is being born into warm water, which makes its transition into the world's environment a lot smoother! So myself and Aaron are working on a birth plan, fingers crossed we figure it out, and not just that, that we actually get to see it through, since it is often the case that birth plans change at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances. Time will tell.
In the mean time, myself and Aaron had our first year anniversary. Its been a wonderful year, and one which I think has determined a large part of our future. When you're married, they call it the 'paper' year. I think the best paper gift we'll ever recieve is our baby's birth certificate, what could be more special or more unique than that? I'm more than excited. I'm ecstatic. At the same time though, it's very difficult to adjust to actually believing there is something growing inside me, particularly since I haven't actually seen it yet. Just me saying 'it' proves that. However, the baby is doing its best to make it known that he/she is around. This morning is the fourth time I've thrown up in two weeks. My stoumach is in a world of pain. All thanks to my little bundle of joy. After creating you and looking after you in my warm tummy, this is how you repay me? Thankyou baby , thanks a lot.
Life after finding out you're going to be a parent is one big culture shock after another. But when the day comes, and I see Aaron's beautiful brown eyes looking up at me, I'll know it was all worth it.
More than worth it.

Posted in: , , on Wednesday, 11 May 2011 at at 14:31 0 comments  


Hey all, I've been AWOL for a few weeks, so apologies for that. It's hard to keep on top of things when everything gets so busy! In general, we're very very well. Here's a quick recap of the last two weeks.

We've seen a lot of my cousin, Chris, who is practically my brother these days. On one particular trip, we went to Mama's and Papa's at the Trafford Center. NEWSFLASH: Babies are made entirely from money, money and more money. My word. I think I had a slight reality check. Their most expensive pram was £1500. Who has that kind of money? & where can I find and steal from these people? Not only that, the harshness of being a teenage mother has finally come to light. Every person in that shop had a doting sales assistant. Except us! It's a tough perception to shake off. But, in the spirit of not letting it get us down, Chris bought us a baby Manchester United football kit! We're swaying it's allegiances to the Red Devils early on!

There are, however, some people who actually see what a blessing babies are. My mother, Aaron's grandmother, and many others have all decided to get on the knitting. We've already got a pram blanket, and plenty more blankets and cardigans on the way. You don't get items like these in the shops anymore, and there is something so special about handmade things.

It isn't just family that are pleased. Today we had an appointment with our midwife, who just so happens to be my childhood friend Charlotte's mum! Small, small world. It is nice to have someone I know, and who isn't judgemental to take us through this. At a booking appointment (which we had today), they check medical history, take a pee sample , and do blood tests. They're looking for things like, thlassemia, HIV, sickle cell disease, and antibodies that could harm the baby. So, they have to take four test tubes of blood. I'm unphased by needles, and assumed, that Aaron, being the hunk that he is, would be the same. Not so much. Aaron is a BIG WIMP. He was so squeamish, it was like he was the one being vampired!

And then there was that wonderful routine thing, peeing in a cup. You'd think I'd have the aim down by now, having done four pregnancy tests, and two urine samples! I tell you what, it's harder than it looks! I've pretty much given up! But, apparently its very neccessary, so there we are.
We've also been discussing where to have our baby. These days, hospitals are so busy, it sometimes happens that you can't actually get a bed, and since Rochdale Hospital is closing, the demand for maternity wards at Royal Oldham is going to be huge! So it looks like we're going to opt for a homebirth, just me, Aaron and our midwives. Oh, and a paddling pool. More on that tomorrow!

Posted in: , , on Saturday, 7 May 2011 at at 14:57 0 comments  

Family

Family, you can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em! Most things in life you can control, but no matter what choices you make in life, you cannot choose your family. So it's like it, or lump it.
Today, Aaron and I went to visit my parents, and no one was in the house. So, like I have been doing since I was twelve, I broke in, through a window. This is an age-old tradition, my parents have never been bothered about it before. So, when I went round again later, I didn't expect anything to come of it.
However, that was not the case. Apparently, my sister Mary, who in her divine wisdom feels its okay to tell me off, thought it was neccessary to tell me a few things.
1. When there is no one in the house, I'm not allowed to be there.
2. I'm no longer allowed to break into the house, apparently it is breaking and entering, which clearly my parents will totally prosecute me for.
3. When I argued that I should have a key, I was told I was not allowed a key, because it's not my house.
OUCH, I think myself and Aaron should stay away for a while and maybe start to treat the house as though it isn't where my family live. Whoops.
Anywho's , I've had my rant, and I'll get back to telling you all about my pregnancy. Lately, I'm totally excited about our little Brom. I'm happy to have a boy or a girl. As long as they're happy and healthy, I'll be the happiest lady alive. Slowly, I'm learning what's important in my life. My Aaron. He makes my heartbeat faster every moment. He's inside my heart, beating eternally. My baby, he/she will be here soon and they'll be welcomed into the world with open arms. My family, who are growing steadily. Obviously there's my three sisters, my parents, my extended family. And then there's my new family. Every now and then you meet people who make you realise that the world is a place full of love. I've been living with Aaron's mum Caron, and Gary/Richard for a few weeks now, and I already feel at home. Spending time with Aaron's niece, sister and Dad has also been lovely.
I feel truly blessed.

Posted in: , on Sunday, 24 April 2011 at at 13:52 0 comments  

Out & About




Being pregnant has not stopped me from doing some epic exercise! Yesterday we cycled from here to Dovestones Reservoir, climbed up and down a mountain and cycled home again! My shoulders are burnt, my feet are tanned and I am aching from head to foot. WORTH IT.
It got me to thinking, how much can you do when you're pregnant, without affecting the baby.
I stumbled across an NHS lists of things you should and shouldn't be doing when pregnant.
'DO avoid any activity where there is a risk of falling over.'
'DON'T do any strenuous exercise in hot weather'
'When walking, try to stay on level ground'
I think I may have broken a few rules. Luckily, baby is still thumping away safe in my belly. So all seems fine. We had another doctors appointment day before yesterday. It was ridiculous. Basically, they told me everything I already knew, what to eat, what not to eat, what to be taking (i.e. folic acid), and then they made me do a pregnancy test. It was the fourth test I'd taken. How certain must they be? Apparently, they need to have it on record that I'm pregnant, so off I went to pee in a cup, only to be then told it takes them a week to process pee. I'd be better off running to the shop, getting a normal, pee on a stick pregnancy test, and proving it to them that way. Muggins.
So far, I'm really enjoying being home. Aaron and I have filled up our days with seeing friends, exercising possibly a little too much, and just generally enjoying our families and surroundings. One thing that does cross my mind is our lack of jobs. Within five days of being home we'd both gotten ourselves job interviews. Aaron's is next week, and I've had mine, waiting to see if they offer me a formal interview. After having a job for two and a half years, changing to doing nothing makes everyday feel like a weekend. For the most part, its extremely enjoyable, but then there is the worry that the job opportunities will never arise. Often feels like Aaron is going to be supporting us, which for me is a big no no. I like to share responsibility with him. We're a team at the end of the day. But if that does become the case, I'm going to the best house wifey ever. Tea on the table when you get home, anyone?

Posted in: , , , on Thursday, 21 April 2011 at at 01:57 0 comments  

Beaverbrooks

Today I had a job interview at Beaverbrooks in Manchester. Its immense! You go in there, they offer you drinks, and then they help you find anything you need. S'like being a celebrity. I'm unsure how the interview went, it was informal, and there are formal interviews in three weeks. Its very nerve racking!
In other news, being pregnant is making me TIRED. I feel like I need a nap every two hours and my attention span is way out. I think Pregnant women should get a medal, because I'm seven weeks in and its already hard work! Also, I think I might be getting a little snappy. I'll try and keep that buried though !
Tomorrow is my first doctors appointment with my actual GP, so hopefully I'll get a little more information on the little person growing inside of me. I'm already taking Folic Acid daily, so I'm unsure what more info we'll get until we see a midwife. Then it'll be birth plans, and breathing techniques until due day! By our estimation, we should be due later november/early december, so it'll be a little Christmas baby! Yum :).

Posted in: , , on Monday, 18 April 2011 at at 07:25 0 comments  

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