Showing posts with label Pregnancy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pregnancy. Show all posts

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  

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  

Gender

Boy or Girl? Myself, and Aaron, are unconcerned either way. We will have either, and we will be happy. However, some women are very much aware of what they want. Tonight, we've been watching '8 Boys and Wanting a Girl'. It follows several families in their quest for little girls, after having several boys. It goes into detail on a procedure named PGD, which can help a woman choose the gender of her children. This is currently illegal in the UK, which I think is wise, especially with the choices of Countries such as China, in their preference for boys.
It is sad to think that with all the women, the world over, who cannot concieve, and are desperate to have children, that there are women who have children, and are still unsatisfied purely based on gender. I think as a society, we have come to a point where we choose to go against nature, for selfish means, and we're ignoring what is best and right, in favour of our preferences and personal gains.
Gender is determined by the male, and which sperm is more dominant than others. In this way, many women end up blaming their other halfs for their lack of girls. During the programme, one woman admitted she had refused to marry her now husband, until he gave her a girl. Four boys and several thousand pounds later, she concieved twin girls through PGD.
I have talked to my bump today, and explained that it can be whatever it wants to be, whoever it wants to be and I will love it just the same whether it is male or female. Family is one of the most important things in life, and mine will be complete, with whatever we have.Children, boys or girls, are a blessing. It doesn't matter what they grow up to be, their interests and their hobbies. It matters that they can love, feel love, and are loved. What more in life could anyone possibly want for their children?

Posted in: , , , on Sunday, 17 April 2011 at at 14:49 0 comments  

Coming of Age.

So I had my hair chopped in, brand new full fringe. Just what the doctor ordered, and it makes me look a little older. This is becoming an increasing concern as the baby begins to grow. Am I going to be a 'teen mum'? At the moment, many signs point to yes. I don't look older than I am. I'm not the kind of girl who'll pile on make-up or dress like a thirty year old. I'm claiming Job Seekers Allowance as of today, and that is a MASSIVE deal, when you've had a steady job for almost three years. And I'm eighteen. So I guess you could say that is what I am.
Being a teen mum has so many negative connotations. The first of which is that teenage girls fall pregnant in order to get a flat from the Council. FALSE. I am not seeking Council housing and refuse to write myself on to the housing waiting list, I'll do just fine staying with family until Aaron and I have raised the funds for a house deposit. Teenage mums also carry 'slagtags'. As soon as a teenager strolls down the high street with a buggy in tow, the same judgement is passed. Not all teenage mums are entirely reckless. Accidents happen, and good on the girls for dealing with the consequences. In general, being a teenage mum is not a good look.
HOWEVER. I am on a mission to shake the negative tag. I think, all in all, I'll make a good mum, I've got my A Levels, and University is wide open for me. By the time baby is five, I'll have my degree. I plan to be Supermum, and not let a little 'bump' in the road stop me from living a great life.

Posted in: , , on Friday, 15 April 2011 at at 10:53 0 comments  

Fat

I'm only, (according to predicitions) seven weeks pregnant, and already I am piling on the weight. My clothes are shrinking daily and for the most part, I am looking a little bedraggled. I feel a little retail therapy is in order, if only I could magic myself a new bank balance!
For now I will stick with looking frumpy and a little uncomfortable. Aaron is always reassuring but he has to say nice things, otherwise I will throw a tantrum!
I'm looking forward to a haircut (fingers crossed). I used to be the kind of girl who had her hair chopped every five weeks without fail and it was neat and pristine. Not so much anymore. I haven't had it done in six MONTHS. Literally, my dead ends are screaming out for attention.
Apart from that, everything is pretty much the same. We went through a whole load of baby clothes people have given us last night! They're so small! It's odd to think that we all used to be that size, and the fragility of babies frightens me! But prehaps more scary is the prospect of breastfeeding said baby.
The BBC are running 'Baby Season'., programmes based on parenthood and 'Bringing up Britain'. So Aaron and I decided to watch, 'Is Breast really best?' BAD IDEA. Some of the women were struggling so much with feeding their babies, it looked ridiculously painful. The presenter, Cherry Healey, who I have a massive amount of respect for, after watching her final stages of pregnancy last year on telly, seemed to have gotten the worst of it. She contracted mastitis which is an infection in your breast, and it sounded agonising. So it got me thinking whether breast feeding is going to be difficult for me. I do not like the sound of cracked and sore nipples, I do not look forward to being sucked on in any way BUT the benefits for your baby are so vast that I'm guessing it will be worth it. I'll tell you in seven months whether my Boobs have passed the test.

Posted in: , , on Thursday, 14 April 2011 at at 03:25 0 comments  

Generosity.

Possibly one of the most endearing qualities to have is generosity. I count myself lucky to know a fair amount of people who possess it. I'm moving back home to Manchester in two weeks, and in with my fiancee's mum and her spouse Gary. These two people have shown me a lot of love over the past eleven months, and are welcoming me into their home with open arms.
My parents and the church they attend are already gathering things together for the baby, and a pram, a cot, baby clothes and toys, are piling up at my parents house.
Today at work, I recieved a wonderful present from my colleagues and my lovely boss. It's basically a baby starter kit, and has all sorts in it to get me going when the baby arrives. It is this kind of generosity that makes me melt inside.
I hope that one day I can return the favour to these people, but also that I will be able to pass on the valuable lesson that they have taught me.
As Winston Churchill once said,
'We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give'.

Posted in: , , , on Saturday, 2 April 2011 at at 13:16 0 comments  

Pregnant?

That was definitely the question. Finding out you're going to be a mother at 18 is a HUGE step in an unfamiliar direction. But there I was.
It actually came to light at work. As you might expect, working in an overheated kitchen is bound to leave you feeling nauseous and maybe a little on the headachey side. But this was different. This was light headed, can't concentrate, stomach churning 'yuckiness'. The thought has crossed my mind, but after making a massive decision with my beautiful fiancee Aaron, not to sleep together again until we were married, in order to follow the Christian faith, the irony would be to big.
God and my belly had other plans. My super boss Carolyn was the first to mention that I might be 'up the duff' as it were. After much pleading from me, she ran off to the shop floor to get me a test. Ten to twenty minutes later there I was. In the staff toilets at work , peeing on a stick. Classy.
Tests can be misleading. It tells you to lay the test flat and wait for the result for five minutes. After five minutes, the test was inconclusive. No result. Nada. So i left the test in the box, and Tesha (My super work pal) and I, went back to work. Returning upstairs after a long day, I anxiously had another peek at the test. Positive. That little blue cross was unmistakable. I was pregnant.
Its difficult to say what goes through your head at that moment. How will I tell my man, my parents, my family, his family? How will they react? Aaron, as always, was an angel. He was the supportive superman that he always is. Family reaction were mixed. Some were shocked, some excited, some didn't have a clue what to say. I'm guessing that eventually it will sink in and all will be fine.
After a further test, a doctors green light and a prescription for folic acid, it finally set in. I was going to be a mum, in less than nine months. Bring on the birthing hips.

Posted in: , , on Wednesday, 30 March 2011 at at 09:43 2 comments  

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