So the Cot has Arrived

So this afternoon at about 4.30pm I got a call from Anne at Generation XY Plus to let me know that the cot had arrived from Brisbane. I was so excited that we jumped straight into the car and headed to Warragul to pick it and the mattress up.

Once we got it home Bennie decided that he would like to help me unpack it from all of its wrapping.

He was perhaps more of a hindrance than a help.

But finally I had all of the bits out ready for Jochen and I to put them all together.

It was so easy to put together, next thing you know we had this.

I think Jochen looks pretty happy with his handiwork too.

Hopefully Miss Ernie will have many nights of peaceful sleep here.

The OB and Breastfeeding

So today we had another appointment with the OB - Dr. Simon. Everything is going really well, Ernie is measuring right for dates, has a good heart beat and seems to be developing normally. Dr. Simon even managed a bit of a laugh today, normally he is so serious.

After our appointment we wandered around Warragul and decided to have lunch in a Cafe before our Breastfeeding class. Arrh I wish we hadn't. It would have to have been some of the worst food that I have had in a long time and Jochen's wasn't that much better either. We both thought that a hamburger for Jochen and a hot potato with sour cream and colesaw for me, couldn't be that hard to make and would be very hard to stuff up. We were wrong. Apparently it is much easier to make it look uninteresting and unappertising than we had given them credit for. Let's just say we certainly won't be going back there again.

Anyway after our awful lunch, I visited some of my old work colleagues, Vicky and Brooke before we headed off to our breastfeeding class. The class was really interesting although the way the woman who was giving us the information talked.... all with the same tone of voice... I found myself thinking about other things at times and really had to force myself to concentrate on what she was saying. We got to practice how to hold the baby whilst feeding, using little stuffed dolls, which was really funny. Picture Jochen holding a stuffed doll to his breast whilst he was busy fashioning a nipple with his tee-shirt. I had to try so hard not to crack up laughing... and off course the more he saw me trying to get myself under control, the more he continued doing it. Though all this I was also meant to be listening to the presenter give further information - let's just say it was quite difficult. By the time the class was finished - a half an hour or so later than it was meant to I was past concentrating on anything.

I already knew before this class that I was going to try and breastfeed for as long as possible, this class just confirmed my decision. It was also great for showing Jochen that breastfeeding is a skill that needs to be learnt by both the mother and the baby, he was under the impression before the class that it was as simple as just putting the baby to the breast and away you go. I know that it can be that simple for some women but that a lot of women also have trouble and having his support, if it is difficult, could make all the difference between being able to persist or giving up if it just feels too hard.

A little bit of sun....

We are having the most beautiful warm day here today. Considering it is still winter it actually feels very mild. So Ernie and I sat outside on our deck for about half an hour, enjoying the weather and the feel of the warmth of the sun on my exposed belly. I’m pretty sure that Ernie liked it as there was lots of kicking and movement happening. It was funny watching my belly quiver with each movement. I’ll have to try and video it for her soon so that she can see it when she grows older. I can only imagine how it would feel for her to be able to watch a video showing her kicking inside my belly.

I've been meaning to post this for ages.

This is the cross stitch that I have been working on for Ernie. I've been doing it now for a long time. Throughout all the failed IUI's and this first IVF cycle, it was something that I used to do to help me stay positive when I was feeling down or feeling like I would never be able to have a baby.



I've done the bottom corner now as well and am working my way up the side. I think by the time Ernie arrives in another 11 weeks or so I will well and truly have it finished. All I will need will be her little tiny footprints and then I will be able to get it framed to put in her bedroom. I have to say - I'm pretty pleased with it.

The best news...

This morning I received a call from one of my best friends, Nicole. She had the best news to share with me - she and her husband Sean are expecting their second child in March of next year.

I am so happy for them both. Nic sounds like she is having a bit of a hard time morning sickness wise and when we compared notes, if symptoms are anything to go by, I think they might be having a girl. It will be interesting to see if I am right. Could be another little playmate for Ernie.

Anyway, congratulations to you both.

At the 29th Week.....

According to Birth.com, our little Ernie will be looking something like the following at the moment. I've found it hard lately to find any photos and although this isn't brilliant, I thought it was better than nothing at all.

So what according to Pregnancy.org has Ernie been up to lately -

• Ernie's head is in proportion with her body now and she appears more like a newborn each and every day.
• Fat continues to accumulate under her skin, only now preparing for entering the real world.
• Ernie's brain can control primitive breathing and body temperatures.
• Her eyes can move in their sockets. Soon she will be able to follow a blinking light.
• Our baby is increasingly sensitive to changes in light, sound, taste, and smell, with various studies showing that she may indicate preferences or dislike for particular tastes or odors at this stage.
• She is also moving from side to side, but probably still is head up. In the next few weeks, Ernie will move to the head down birthing position. At times I may feel as if she is performing somersaults for a circus act or in her case practicing many of her now famous sporting moves and new games.
  
• Ernie's length is now approximately 38.6cm from head to toe and she weighs about 1153gm.
• If born now Ernie would have about a 90% chance of survival with medical assistance. Those odds are getting better every day.
  

As for me, after my antenatal class which started to answer some of my questions I started work on my birth plan. Not that you can really completely plan something that is so out of your control, but at least I've started to think about what I would like to have happen in an ideal world. Unfortunately I think it is a bit long and no one will want to actually read it to see what I would like and not like, but basically it goes something like this -

• quiet, relaxed and darkish environment.
  
• try for no painkillers and use non-medical forms of pain relief as a first course of action.
• free movement during labour.
  
• if painkillers are required try anything that will not effect Ernie first.
  
• avoid epidurals, general anesthetics, episiotomies and caesarian sections if possible.
  
• skin to skin contact after birth.
• breastfeeding with no supplementation.
• and so much more.......
  

Now all of you reading this who have already had children are probably thinking, hah... wait till she experiences the pain then she will be begging for painkillers, but I really want to see if I can manage without a lot of medical intervention. It is something that is very important to me but if it doesn't turn out that way, at least I would have tried. This is not just for me but for Ernie as well.

Our first Official Antenatal Class

So today we had our first antenatal class at the hospital with Livia one of the midwives. Have to admit it was pretty interesting.

It was really great to be around so many other pregnant couples. Some of the people there were also at the physio class that I did a few weeks ago but there were some new faces as well. Of the eight other couples that were there I was due the latest, the earliest was due early September - which would have been cutting it a little close if it was me. We compared notes on how we were feeling both physically and emotionally and the positives and negatives of pregnancy. It's nice to know that I'm no different from anyone else and I'm so incredibly normal.

After this we discussed a 'normal' birth and what we could expect. I had never seen a doll with an umbilical cord and placenta attached before - it was pretty funny. Then it was time for the video of both a natural and a caesarian birth. It was the first time that I had seen a baby being born and it bought tears not only to my eyes, but I noticed to Jochen's as well. It is all starting to get incredibly real. It really sunk in that in no time at all that will be us. Arrhhh.... very scary thought.

I had to laugh though at one of the videos that was used... it was a little old (late eighties I guess) and made in the U.S. which makes some things not relevant to over here. There were two men who were meant to be helping their partners during labour - but I'm telling you now that if Jochen did what they did - well let's just say it wouldn't be pretty. One guy got so up close to his partner's face whilst she was having contractions that he wasn't just encroaching on her personal space but I'm sure he was trying to get inside her body. Apparently he really thought he was helping - hmm... that is definitely help that I could do without. The other guy kept pointing his fingers right in his partner's face as she was having contractions - I don't think I have to worry about that one though, as Jochen whispered to me as it was being shown "I'd bite that idiots fingers off" or something to that extent. Actually one thing I'm not worried about it how supportive Jochen will be, he knows me so well I don't think I could get anyone better.

Lunch was at the hospital canteen - my first taste of hospital food. It occurred to me when we walked back from lunch to the room that we were in, that with so many pregnant women all together there should have been a truck at the front with a 'Wide Load' warning in front of us all.

After lunch there was a lot of talk about natural pain management methods, and medical intervention that may be needed. I love the fact that the hospital is very focused on trying to manage labour with the least amount of intervention as possible.

It was a long and tiring day for me but I'm looking forward to the next session in two weeks time - we will get to do a tour of the new birthing suites and actually see many of the things that we have talked about. I wonder what those forceps look like - they certain sound scary enough.

The Martial Arts Expert

Early this morning, 4am I was woken by one dog that needed to go outside and my own bladder which was very uncomfortable. All that taken care of I came back to bed and tried to get warm again so that I could go back to sleep.

Luck however was not on my side. There seemed to be a practice session for Tae Kwon Embryo going on inside my stomach. Numerous high round house kicks to the left side of my stomach and a few quick punches where hammered out in quick succession over the course of about half an hour. Finally with all her moves obviously carried out to her satisfaction the frantic pace eased off and I was able to go back to sleep.

Little Dog Update

I received a phone call from Joan this morning, just as we were folding flyers to drop into all the houses in the area, to tell me that little Ali had been found. Jochen and I are both so relieved, we had both been so worried that she wasn't going to be found, although last night I did actually dream that she was found and I was disappointed this morning when I realised that it was just a dream.

Anyway later today we are going to get some flowers from the florist and take them over to her.

I'm just so glad that it is over. I've been developing a stress headache with all the worry.

A Hospital Visit

This afternoon I went to visit Sharon and the newly arrived Sienna in hospital.

Also in the photos is the little present I bought for Sienna - her first denim jacket. Every girl has to have a denim jacket, don't you know.

Last time you saw Sharon she looked like this. What a difference a little bit of time can make to change your life completely. Before I know it, I'll be at the same hospital with our little girl in my arms.


Speaking of which, Sharon's mum made a prediction of when Ernie is going to arrive - the 2nd October, 2005. This would make her prem at 36 weeks but Cathy also said that if she did arrive then that she would be fine. We will just have to wait and see.

It was a lovely day for Snow.. but not for long

So today is my birthday and for the first time in about 10 years it has been snowing. What a lovely thing to have happened. It hasn't snowed very much, not enough to do anything with but it is still very pretty to see the snow flakes falling. I called Jochen at work to tell him and he told me that he organised it just for me. Isn't he so clever.

(Stop the press - someone I don't know has just come to my front door. I'll continue this in a little while.)

I've now had a crazy mixed up sort of day so far. The snow which is wonderful and the not so wonderful after the visitor at the front door. Let me explain.

This morning I got a lovely present of a relaxing massage voucher from Jochen and some bath and hand cream from Mum. I then went shopping and experienced the snow. When I got home I found one big Zakie dog on the front verandah. I have no idea how he got out but I was just hoping that no one had walked past our house with a dog as Zak would have attacked it. Anyway to now make matters worse I've just had a lovely little old lady come to my door with a picture of her dog. She was walking him past our house and Zak came out and attacked her dog. He didn't bite it or anything like that, he just made a lot of noise and proved who was the boss. The poor little thing was terrified (as I would have been), broke its lead and ran away. The lady, Joan, called round to see if I had seen it and strangely enough I had driven past it on my way home. What was even stranger was that I almost stopped to pick it up but as it seemed to look like it was hanging around home I decided that I had better leave it there. We worked out that it looked like her little dog had headed home as that is roughly where I had seen it. I have offered to help her find it and do anything I can, but I feel just awful just the same. Not only did our dog attack hers, which is bad enough, but I left it running around when I should have picked it up. I so hope everything is okay and that it is all right. I'm going to be worried about it now for the rest of the day.

Oh Drat

Just rang up for my ultrasound appointment at the 3D Imaging place and their sonographer is away until the 15th September. Arrrhhhh. That is only 2 days before I reach 34 weeks.

Anyway I've made an appointment for the 16th so that Jochen can come too. I hope that it isn't so late that we can't see much.

Looks like my OB might have won after all and my next ultrasound will be when he wanted to have one anyway.

Now for the positive side - I can't wait to see her.

I'm thinking of you Sharon G.

Today is the day that Sharon is being induced. I'll be thinking of her all day until I hear from her husband Andrew that everything is okay and the baby has arrived safely.

If she holds out till midnight tonight, the baby and I will share a birthday which would be pretty cool.

I can't wait to find out if it is a boy or a girl.

Now for the Good News

After my appointment with Dr Simon I have excellent news.

Firstly, I do not have gestational diabetes.... Yey it is such a relief. I didn't realise how worried about it I was until after he had told me that I didn't have it.

Secondly, my iron levels are fine. Those pregnancy vitamin tablets must be doing their job as I've hardly had any red meat in ages so I'm not getting much in the way of iron from that source.

Thirdly, I told him about the weird heart beat thing and he confirmed what I thought about the reason. An extra 40% in the way of blood and the other organs moving up. He was not concerned in the slightest and said that it was pretty common, especially in pregnancy.

As for Ernie we heard her heart beating, and a very nice little heart beat it is too. I'm also measuring a week ahead with the size of my uterus. I don't know that it means anything much other than she is obviously growing well. It would also explain why today I have felt like I have had indigestion all day sitting just under my breasts. It's so uncomfortable but it's perfectly understandable when she is growing so much she is taking up more and more room in there.

The best news was that I convinced him to give me a request form for an ultrasound earlier than the 34 weeks than he had planned so that I can go and have a 3D image of our little Miss. He wasn't that keen I have to admit but I got my way in the end, so I am happy. I'm so excited. I'll make the appointment tomorrow and hopefully there will not be a big long waiting time.

Finally, we now go to visits with him every 2 weeks instead of the 5 weeks that it was up until now. It really does mean that we are getting closer. I think that I will be totally freaking out by the time it goes to weekly visits at the 36 week mark. There really will be no turning back then - actually I don't think there is any turning back now. (But it isn't as if you all don't know that I wouldn't have it any other way.)

Dr Simon Visit

So today we have another visit with the OB, Dr Simon in Warragul where we will get the results from the Gestational Diabetes Test that I did last Monday. I'm a little bit nervous about that. Gestational diabetes is really something that I do not want to get, but because of my Polycystic Ovaries I have a greater chance. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the results are negative.

I've also got to ask him about my irregular heart beat. It is a little bit disconcerting to hear your pulse in your ear, especially at night when all is quiet. It is even more disconcerting when that pulse decides to skip beats and add in extras late at night when you are trying to get to sleep. It must have gone on for a couple of hours one night as I got to enjoy some late night television including Stargate Altantis and a repeat of the old classic, Tour of Duty. Jochen kept snoring through it all as he was really tired and I didn't want to wake him up and get him to feel my pulse to make sure that I wasn't imagining it. Actually deep down I probably didn't want to wake him up and confirm that it was all very weird. I was worried enough as it was. Finally I was that tired that the noise of the TV was able to block the noise of my irregular pulse and I got to sleep. I'm sure it is just to do with the extra pressure being placed on my heart as not only there is more blood moving around but Ernie is starting to take up more room in my chest. It has also happened years before and they weren't able to find out what it was. I do promise I will get it checked though, to reassure not only any of you reading this who might be a little worried but Jochen and myself.

Anyway I'm sure Dr. Simon is going to say that everything is fine. I'll keep you all posted.

The Intrauterine Soccer Competition Commences

I just thought I would officially announce what appears to be the commencement of the Intrauterine Soccer Competition today.

Round One Results
3 Points - (Result includes one bonus point)

Never heard of Intrauterine Soccer? Read the explanation below.

Equipment -
1 Ball - (Otherwise known as me)
1 Player - (Otherwise known as Ernie)

Opposition Players -
None

Rules -
Player to kick the ball as hard as they can, as many times as possible.
Player to also kick and wave their arms in celebration after each goal scored.

Bonus points awarded for waking the ball from a deep sleep.

Anyone interested in starting a Intrauterine Soccer Tipping Competition?

Welcome to the Third Trimester

As of today I'm 28 weeks pregnant and I've decided I'm considering this the start of the third trimester. Why am I deciding? That would be because from what I've been reading on the internet and in books some have the third trimester start in week 27, others in week 28 and still others in week 29. I've decided to take the middle road and start in week 28. So I'm in the home straight, the last 12 weeks. Oh my goodness. I'm still remembering when I got to the first 12 weeks.

Ernie has certainly changed since then. By about now according to my usual sources on the net -

• Ernie's eyebrows and eyelashes are now very noticeable.
• Her hair is growing longer. Some babies are born with almost none at all, while others appear to be ready for their first haircut! If she is anything like her father she won't have any hair at all.
  
• Ernie's eyes are completely formed now and will be getting quite a view from inside. Glad it is her and not me.
  
• Her body is getting plump and rounded, most of that increase is muscle tissue and bone but essential fat will be added during the rest of the trimester.
• Ernie's muscle tone is improving with the various sporting events that are taking place inside me. (Eg. Poke/Kit and Intrauterine Soccer)
  
• Thank goodness her lungs are capable of breathing now but she would still struggle and require medical attention if born now.
• Ernie weighs in now at approximately 1005gm and is now about 37.6cm from head to toe.

As for me, well I'm getting bigger and bulkier. I love that she is growing and taking up more room - I'm not sure I'll be so happy as I start getting more uncomfortable but that's okay. I can take anything this pregnancy throws at me so long as - yes I'll say it again - she is healthy. I seem to get tired so easily again now. Need a rest day on the couch after every normal day. I think I'll be having afternoon sleeps soon, but I'll try and hold out a bit longer as it then completely stuffs up my sleep at night.

A Sad Day but one left with Promise.

Today was little Hannah's funeral and it was just so sad.

I've never been to the funeral of a little baby before and seeing the tiny little coffin was probably the worst. I don't think it is something that I will forget in a long time and I can only imagine how hard it must have been for Sharon and Darryl and will continue to be for a long time. I'm sure I would have fallen in a heap if it had been us. I even feel guilty that we still have Ernie when they have lost little Hannah.

Every day I'm thankful that everything is still going well with Ernie. Today was a reminder of how tenuous life can be. Each day that passes for us is another day in which we are closer to hopefully having a healthy, happy baby. Ernie's arrival will be a happy time for us but one that will be difficult for Sharon and Darryl as they will only be able to imagine what would have been the imminent arrival of Hannah. Sometimes life and in this case death, just really isn't very fair.

After I got home from the funeral there was a message from Sharon G - due 19th August that she is now being induced on the 9th August, 10 days earlier than expected. After the grief of the morning I was left with the promise of a new life in the afternoon. What a day!

Arhh I hate the Glucose Test

My goodness I had forgotten just how truly horrible that glucose test for gestational diabetes is before I went to do it today. I only had to do the hour long version and did not have to drink as much of that foul tasting drink but even then I was having a hard time drinking it all without throwing up. The poor old man sitting next to me was a bit concerned about my uncontrollable gagging reflex as I tried to drink the last of it in the waiting room. It would not have been pretty to watch.

I'm telling you now if the results are positive or inconclusive on Monday I'm not going to do the 2 hour test, I just can't bare the thought. I threw up this afternoon and felt nauseous all day - arrhhh.... it was horrible. Never again.

Okay that is my whinging over with.