When I met (and then married) BJ, I knew he was a party animal. He loves catching up with friends or family over drinks or dinner. He is a very social person which helps him in his job as a salesman. Apparently even when he was a baby he always wanted to the centre of attention and never wanted to go to bed. Unfortunately it seems his son is the same way.
Over the past couple of weeks James has not wanted to go to sleep after his bedtime feed. Since we brought him home, we have used a bedtime routine where he has a bath/shower, a feed and a book then bed. Now after his feed, he just wants to play or be held, sometimes not going to bed until an hour and a half after his 'dinner'. During the day he is fine, I can usually read his tired signs and get him down for a nap. But this not wanting to go to sleep at night is, surprisingly, making me really stressed. This isn’t good for anyone.
I didn't realise how hard or stressful it would be to get him to sleep. I don't mind him being up and I love spending time with him, but I also don't want to get into the habit of having to rock him to sleep or have him cry to sleep (why is this always the advice from Grandparents or older people???). But he makes it up to me by (once he is asleep) sleeping until 6am!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Two months...
The one thing people told me over and over again during my pregnancy was, "Time will fly". And it sure has! I can't believe James is already two months old! He has nearly doubled his weight since birth and therefore already grown out of his newborn/0000 clothes, which I thought was a little bit sad.
He has been sleeping from 7pm until around 4am for the past week, which I've been grateful for. Sometimes after his 6pm feed he fights sleep which is frustrating because you know he is tired but I can't complain too much. James loves his hands and is consistently putting them in his mouth, even while I try to burp him or he is on is tummy.
James is more active now, legs and arms are always flying around, and he has started making some cute "talking" noises. He can hold his head up while on his tummy for ages (which is probably really only 30 seconds) and has a good look around. He loves bath time and taking showers with BJ. He loves the feeling of the water while taking a shower. No matter what mood he is in, once he is in the shower and feels the water, his whole face lights up.
He has been sleeping from 7pm until around 4am for the past week, which I've been grateful for. Sometimes after his 6pm feed he fights sleep which is frustrating because you know he is tired but I can't complain too much. James loves his hands and is consistently putting them in his mouth, even while I try to burp him or he is on is tummy.
James is more active now, legs and arms are always flying around, and he has started making some cute "talking" noises. He can hold his head up while on his tummy for ages (which is probably really only 30 seconds) and has a good look around. He loves bath time and taking showers with BJ. He loves the feeling of the water while taking a shower. No matter what mood he is in, once he is in the shower and feels the water, his whole face lights up.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Frostie is here...
I'll start off by apologising for not posting sooner but, as many new mothers can agree, motherhood comes with a huge learning curve so I haven't had time to post about Frostie's arrival until now. But I have been following your stories (usually while nursing in the middle of the night!) and I'm so glad to hear about some of the terrific arrivals and BFPs during late 2011!
And without further ado I'm pleased to announce the arrival of James Nicholas!!!
Every time I look at him, I count my lucky stars that we have him. It still seems surreal and especially for the first couple of weeks, it felt like we were babysitting someone else’s baby and I would wake up and it would all be a dream. But now, almost ten weeks down, it feels like he's always been here.
As you would have read, I was booked in for a c-section on the 31st October due to Placenta Previa, but James decided to come a little early. On Thursday 27th October, I had cleaned the bathroom and decided to rest my inflated ankles by watching some TV. At 11:00am I went to the toilet and found out that I had started bleeding. I called the hospital and they said to come in straight away. I called BJ so he could pick me up and put the last few things into my hospital bag. At that stage we thought I would just go in for monitoring and since the bleeding wasn't too bad and just stay in hospital until the 31st.
Once we got to the hospital they set me up in a birth suite with monitors so they could keep an eye on Frostie's heartbeat and any contractions I was having. My bleeding had stopped but they still called my OB and he said to keep monitoring me for an hour. So BJ and I sat there talking with the midwife giving her a run down on our past and how Frostie was "conceived in October 2010 and was being born in October 2011"!
The monitors were showing very mild contractions about ten minutes apart that I couldn't even feel but Frostie's heartbeat was still very good. My OB called back and advised that he was 99% sure we were going to go ahead with the c-section today but would come a see me before making a decision. So I started to get ready for the c-section around 1pm, thinking it would take place around 5pm that afternoon. Nope, I had just finished my shower and worked out how to put on the lovely hospital gown when my OB turned up. Frostie was going to make his/her arrival now! A quick blood test and discussion with the anesthesiologist later and I was on the move to theatre. Poor BJ, still in his work clothes, had to call both our mum's to give them the heads up. It was only as I was speaking with the anesthesiologist that the midwives realised BJ didn't have a theatre gown or scrubs so a set had to be quickly found. And then as I'm being wheeled out of the room BJ was still trying to get the scrubs and booties on before chasing after us!
The nurses and staff were terrific while I was getting the spinal, as I was a bit worried and I think it showed on my face. I was glad when BJ could come into the room once the spinal was done and the screen had been put up. The nurses kept us informed of what was going on so I wouldn't freak out when I felt the pushing and pulling. It felt like a lifetime before we were finally told our baby was coming out. At 2:26pm on Thursday 27th October 2011, James was born. BJ jumped up so he could see over the curtain and he was the one to announce, "It's a boy!" even before our OB could! We were both crying over the arrival of our little man, the poor nurses thought something was wrong! I also had a quick peek at our boy before he was taken away with BJ so they could warm him up.
This was the nervous part, if I started to bleed too much I would put to sleep and I have to require a hysterectomy to stop the bleeding. Another lifetime later, my OB told me everything went well and they were finishing up. BJ and James were allowed to come back in and I could finally see our little boy!
This is what we had been waiting, praying, longing for the past three years. All the anger, tears, hopes and dreams had brought us our little boy and we are over the moon about him!!!
And without further ado I'm pleased to announce the arrival of James Nicholas!!!
Every time I look at him, I count my lucky stars that we have him. It still seems surreal and especially for the first couple of weeks, it felt like we were babysitting someone else’s baby and I would wake up and it would all be a dream. But now, almost ten weeks down, it feels like he's always been here.
As you would have read, I was booked in for a c-section on the 31st October due to Placenta Previa, but James decided to come a little early. On Thursday 27th October, I had cleaned the bathroom and decided to rest my inflated ankles by watching some TV. At 11:00am I went to the toilet and found out that I had started bleeding. I called the hospital and they said to come in straight away. I called BJ so he could pick me up and put the last few things into my hospital bag. At that stage we thought I would just go in for monitoring and since the bleeding wasn't too bad and just stay in hospital until the 31st.
Once we got to the hospital they set me up in a birth suite with monitors so they could keep an eye on Frostie's heartbeat and any contractions I was having. My bleeding had stopped but they still called my OB and he said to keep monitoring me for an hour. So BJ and I sat there talking with the midwife giving her a run down on our past and how Frostie was "conceived in October 2010 and was being born in October 2011"!
The monitors were showing very mild contractions about ten minutes apart that I couldn't even feel but Frostie's heartbeat was still very good. My OB called back and advised that he was 99% sure we were going to go ahead with the c-section today but would come a see me before making a decision. So I started to get ready for the c-section around 1pm, thinking it would take place around 5pm that afternoon. Nope, I had just finished my shower and worked out how to put on the lovely hospital gown when my OB turned up. Frostie was going to make his/her arrival now! A quick blood test and discussion with the anesthesiologist later and I was on the move to theatre. Poor BJ, still in his work clothes, had to call both our mum's to give them the heads up. It was only as I was speaking with the anesthesiologist that the midwives realised BJ didn't have a theatre gown or scrubs so a set had to be quickly found. And then as I'm being wheeled out of the room BJ was still trying to get the scrubs and booties on before chasing after us!
The nurses and staff were terrific while I was getting the spinal, as I was a bit worried and I think it showed on my face. I was glad when BJ could come into the room once the spinal was done and the screen had been put up. The nurses kept us informed of what was going on so I wouldn't freak out when I felt the pushing and pulling. It felt like a lifetime before we were finally told our baby was coming out. At 2:26pm on Thursday 27th October 2011, James was born. BJ jumped up so he could see over the curtain and he was the one to announce, "It's a boy!" even before our OB could! We were both crying over the arrival of our little man, the poor nurses thought something was wrong! I also had a quick peek at our boy before he was taken away with BJ so they could warm him up.
This was the nervous part, if I started to bleed too much I would put to sleep and I have to require a hysterectomy to stop the bleeding. Another lifetime later, my OB told me everything went well and they were finishing up. BJ and James were allowed to come back in and I could finally see our little boy!
This is what we had been waiting, praying, longing for the past three years. All the anger, tears, hopes and dreams had brought us our little boy and we are over the moon about him!!!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
38 weeks...
Only five days to go until we get to meet Frostie!!! I finished up work on Friday, so this week has been catching up with things at home and trying to relax. I'm so glad I was able to work up to when I planned, which means I'll be able to have more time at home once Frostie makes his/her arrival. Now I have twelve months off at home!
I've been starting to get more uncomfortable and my sleep is getting worse but that's supposed to be expected at 38 weeks. I've been pretty lucky this whole pregnancy with sleep so I think it's just my body getting ready for the sleepless nights ahead.
At this stage I'm not worried about c-section, but I am worried about how I'll recover and be able to look after a newborn. Luckily my mum is coming to stay with us for a week after I get out of hospital and BJ has two weeks off after mum goes home. So I'll have plenty of support once I get home.
How far along: 38 weeks, two days
Total weight change: not sure
Maternity clothes: All the time, thankfully now I'm not working I can wear what I want at home
Total weight change: not sure
Maternity clothes: All the time, thankfully now I'm not working I can wear what I want at home
Stretch Marks: Not yet
Movement: More rolling and the odd kick or punch
Movement: More rolling and the odd kick or punch
Sleep: Has been better
Best Moment This Past Week: Only another five days until we get to meet our little bubba
Most Difficult Moment This Past Week: Reflux has still been bad and more sleep required
Belly Button In or Out: Still pretty flat but pokes out every now and then
Cravings/Aversions: Nothing much
Symptoms: Reflux and multiple toilet breaks
Symptoms: Reflux and multiple toilet breaks
What I'm Looking Forward To: meeting our little Frostie and becoming parents!
Monday, October 3, 2011
35 weeks...
Thirty-five weeks down four more to go! Sometimes I can't believe how fast the time has gone and sometimes I think the 31st October is going to take forever to get here. We both can't wait to meet our little Frostie. October is the perfect month for Frostie to be born. BJ's birthday is the 12th, one year ago tomorrow was our first transfer day (of our first IVF cycle) and three years ago we starting down the TTC path. To be able to realise our dream of parenthood this month seems too good to be true.
On a whole I've been feeling really good. Reflux has been bad the past week, even to the point of waking me up at night but if that's all I've got to worry about, I feel pretty lucky. The only other gripe I have this fortnight is the 'fat' jokes my parents-in-law have been throwing me. It's getting a bit tiring trying to be pleasant when someone (especially family) calls you large, not once but twice in a week. And "maybe you should hold off on the sweets" when they're on their eighth beer and overweight themselves. What do you say to that? "Thanks"???? I couldn't hold my tongue yesterday afternoon and did end up saying, "at least my stomach will deflate in a few weeks". If anyone has some polite comebacks please let me know :)
How far along: 35 weeks
Total weight change: +8kg (17 pounds)
Maternity clothes: The majority of the time, still fitting into my workout pants :)
Total weight change: +8kg (17 pounds)
Maternity clothes: The majority of the time, still fitting into my workout pants :)
Stretch Marks: Not yet
Movement: More rolling and Frostie has had regular hiccups
Movement: More rolling and Frostie has had regular hiccups
Sleep: Sleeping well, apart from the toilet breaks
Best Moment This Past Week: Being able to say, Frostie will be here THIS MONTH!!!
Most Difficult Moment This Past Week: Reflux and rude comments :(
Belly Button In or Out: Still pretty flat
Cravings/Aversions: Nothing to mention
Symptoms: Reflux
Symptoms: Reflux
What I'm Looking Forward To: Only fourteen days to go until I finish up at work!!!
Monday, September 19, 2011
33 weeks...
Thirty-three weeks gone already, I can't believe how the time has flown so far. I just hope the next month and a half go as fast. At our last appointment with Dr J, he confirmed the placenta was partially covering my cervix so I've been booked in for a c-section. It's not really the path I wanted to go down but a healthy Frostie is our main priority. I was really hoping to have a natural birth for a few reasons. But now that the choice has been taken out of my control it does suit my personality to schedule the birth as I always like to plan, plan and plan some more. Frostie's birthday has been scheduled for Monday 31st October, which is six weeks today. I can't believe in six weeks Frostie will be here.
How far along: 33 weeks
Total weight change: +6kg
Maternity clothes: The majority of the time
Total weight change: +6kg
Maternity clothes: The majority of the time
Stretch Marks: Not yet
Movement: More rolling rather than kicks these days
Movement: More rolling rather than kicks these days
Sleep: I've had a couple of bad nights but the majority of the time I've been sleeping well
Best Moment This Past Week: Finding out Frostie's birthday is only six weeks away
Most Difficult Moment This Past Week: Getting use to the idea of having a scheduled c-section
Belly Button In or Out: Is pretty flat
Cravings/Aversions: Nothing to mention
Symptoms: A rolling belly
What I'm Looking Forward To: Counting down the days until the finish of work and to meeting our little Frostie!
Cravings/Aversions: Nothing to mention
Symptoms: A rolling belly
What I'm Looking Forward To: Counting down the days until the finish of work and to meeting our little Frostie!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
31 weeks...
Happy Birthday to me! I had a terrific birthday. BJ surprised me with a Kitchenaid and even though I didn't love the colour he was happy to exchange it for the grey. But I love, love, love the grey and can't wait to get a bit more time to start whipping up all the desserts I love. Otherwise my birthday weekend trip away was wonderful. It was great to catch up with some friends who are also expecting their first bubba. I got to have a pedicure which was lovely and spent some time up in the Yarra Valley exploring the beautiful wine region (without any wine tasting for me, of course). A couple of days after we got back I came down with a throat infection which I'm still battling.
On the Frostie front we finally got our specialist appointment to check out Frostie's heart and I'm happy to report the calcification we saw on the 20 week scan has disappeared. Until the day of the appointment I had no idea how much BJ was concerned about Frostie's health. He was practically pacing in the waiting room. After reading up and speaking with some other couples I wasn't concerned and just knew everything would work out.
Unfortunately while they were performing the ultrasound the technician noticed my placenta was lower than normal. The report from my 20 week scan also said it was low but didn't state any problems. The technician and the specialist were concerned so I had an internal ultrasound which showed the placenta was covering my cervix. The specialist said they prefer the placenta to be at least 3cm away from the cervix and if it was going to move it would do so in the next couple of weeks, otherwise I would be booked in a c-section. When we see Dr J on Monday I'll have another scan which should determine if the placenta has moved or not and then we should have a better idea of what will happen. I'm not happy about having a c-section but know getting Frostie out healthy is our number one priority.
How far along: 31 weeks and one day
Total weight change: +6kg
Maternity clothes: The majority of the time
Total weight change: +6kg
Maternity clothes: The majority of the time
Stretch Marks: Not yet
Movement: Frostie is getting stronger everyday and the movements are becoming more freqeant
Sleep: With my throat infection I’ve been sleeping ten hours a night and then having a couple of naps during the day, which all finish tomorrow when I head back to work
Best Moment This Past Week: Finding out Frostie’s heart is looking great
Most Difficult Moment This Past Week: Finding out about the placenta previa and getting my head around the possibility of having a scheduled c-section
Movement: Frostie is getting stronger everyday and the movements are becoming more freqeant
Sleep: With my throat infection I’ve been sleeping ten hours a night and then having a couple of naps during the day, which all finish tomorrow when I head back to work
Best Moment This Past Week: Finding out Frostie’s heart is looking great
Most Difficult Moment This Past Week: Finding out about the placenta previa and getting my head around the possibility of having a scheduled c-section
Belly Button In or Out: Still in
Cravings/Aversions: Nothing to mention
Symptoms: Belly movements
What I'm Looking Forward To: Finishing up the antenatal classes this week and starting fortnightly visits with Dr J next week!
Cravings/Aversions: Nothing to mention
Symptoms: Belly movements
What I'm Looking Forward To: Finishing up the antenatal classes this week and starting fortnightly visits with Dr J next week!
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