Dear Mumma with Morning Sickness, From a Mumma with Hyperemesis Gravidarum.

Dear Mumma with Morning Sickness,

I'm sorry you are sick.
I'm sorry that you can't enjoy your pregnancy completely.
I'm sorry that you feel miserable because you can't keep your breakfast down and brushing your teeth makes you cringe.

I know you think you know how I feel because you can't imagine feeling any worse.


But when you say 'I know how you feel' I feel hurt.

I'm not dismissing your morning sickness, I know it sucks, but when you insist you feel or have felt like I do, it feels like you're dismissing mine.

I see your food posts, I'm glad you can eat.

I see your latest adventure, I'm glad you can leave your bed or bathroom.

I see you waiting for your antenatal appointment, I'm glad you don't have to stay over night.

You look fabulous with that bump, I see your eyes aren't sunken.

Your hair looks amazing, I'm happy you haven't lost chunks.

That sucks you had to get up through the night to go to the toilet, I'm glad it wasn't to be sick all night.


I'm happy for you, I really am! But I can't help but envy you. And when you tell me you know how I feel, I can't help but envy you even more. I wish you did. I don't wish Hyperemesis on you, but I wish we felt the same. We could swap natural remedies and 'crackers before you get up' theories. I wish you weren't sick at all, but I wish I had Morning Sickness like you so I could eat, and do things, and not have to spend my pregnancy in the bathroom or hospital.

It's my dark demon I'm dealing with. I know, it's my issue. But please stop telling me you know how I feel. Let me tell you a little bit about how I do feel.

I see your food posts, and I instantly throw up.

I see your latest adventure, and each time I roll over in bed I throw up.

I see you waiting for your antenatal appointment, while I'm getting IV fluids.

I really do love your bump, I wish I would start showing.

Your hair is looking so full and wonderful, my body is so dry I'm losing my hair.

I was up through the night too cause my body won't stop being sick.



You can talk to me about your sickness, you can complain, I won't give you ginger and life saver advice, I will tell you to get drugs. I won't tell you it will get better after 12 weeks, it not always does. And I won't tell you it's a sign the baby is healthy so be thankful, because for me all that sickness made my baby not grow. Because I DO know how YOU feel. I will make sure you're okay, and help you anyway I can... I really am sorry you're sick......

 but please do not say you know how I feel.

From a Mumma with Hyperemeesis Gravidarum.

The difference between Morning Sickness and Hyperemesis Gravidarum. My story.

The difference between Morning Sickness and Hyperemesis Gravidarum. My story.

It came at a complete shock this pregnancy of how sick I was. I had experienced Morning Sickness with my son, so I expected some sickness but I didn't expect it to be this bad. In fact, I didn't even know what Hyperemesis Gravidarum was. A bit of googling at around 12 weeks pregnant lead me to find out what Hyperemesis is, and also made me realise that what was happening to my body wasn't your typical morning sickness, but was a pregnancy illness. It was a bit of a wake up call, and made me realise that I really needed to go to the hospital. And really should of gone in much, much sooner.

When I was pregnant with Jydan, I was told by a few people how silly it was to complain about morning sickness. Their words 'You wanted to get pregnant!' ... So I thought it was silly to complain about being sick, let alone go to the hospital for it!

Finally at 13 weeks I was diagnosed with Hyperemesis by the hospital, and started of trying a couple of different drugs.

There isn't many people who have had Hyperemesis for one pregnancy and not for the other, so I thought I would write the sickness differences between my two pregnancies, comparing MS and HG.

3 Weeks

- I found out I was pregnant with Jydan at about 3 weeks, 3 days. No symptoms yet.

- I found out I was pregnant at 2 weeks, 6 days. I had been feeling sick already, and that's what got me to keep testing.

4 Weeks

- First doctors appointment, still no sickness.

- First doctors appointment, HCG levels up very high, spoke to doctor about feeling ill already.

5 Weeks

- No symptoms or sickness, worried because I hadn't been sick yet.

- Started feeling even more sick and extremely tired. Had to eat constantly to try and make myself not feel sick, but then it would all come back up. Especially tried crackers. First scan showed baby was measuring 7 days smaller.

6 Weeks.

-  First scan for Jydan, we were relieved as I hadn't been sick yet.

- Sickness is getting worse each week, more so in the evenings and at night. We also moved this week. Couldn't keep pre natal vitamins down.

7 Weeks.

- Spoke to the doctor about not being sick, who said I would probably expect it around 8 weeks pregnant.

- Began throwing up a lot this week, especially at night. Was worried that something was wrong since I was SO sick. Had another scan, baby now measuring 9 days behind. Started trying different things for sickness like sea sickness bands. Noticed my skin was drying up.

8 Weeks.

- Began feeling nauseous this week, and felt relived as I knew it was a good sign that hormones and everything were doing their thing! Announced pregnancy. Started getting a little bump.

- Announced pregnancy and tried a few more different things for sickness which was now happening all day. Ginger, amber and hazelwood, crackers, bands, teas ect. Days where I couldn't even get out of bed I was so sick. I was throwing up at least 6 times a day. My skin was scaling. My son would scream everytime I threw up, he was so scared of what was happening.

9 Weeks.

- Continued working but was throwing up each morning. Smells would make me nauseous. And was very tired. 

- My hair began falling out in chunks and my skin was peeling so badly. My tongue was dry and stuck to my mouth. I couldn't move in bed without throwing up. Tried some things from the naturopath. Struggled to brush my teeth as it would make me constantly throw up.

10 Weeks.

- Had a day off work due to sickness, but was fine after a couple of hours in the morning.

-I thought I couldn't deal with this sickness anymore. I couldn't drink any more then a sip of water at a time, or keep any more then a small meal of food down a day. I couldn't move from bed or any part of my body without vomiting. I was vomiting about 10 times a day. 

11 Weeks.

- Still fairly nauseous, especially from smells, but fine to work and do daily things. Had gained 4 kilos already. Had trouble with pre natal vitamins, and was sick when I brushed my teeth. Scan showed that the baby was measuring 2 days ahead.

-I couldn't even look on Facebook or Instagram as a picture of food would make me vomit. All the house hold chores was left to my husband as 90% of the time I couldn't get out of bed or off the couch. Days where I had been in bed I forced myself to go on the couch so I could at least see my son. I would cry constantly because I just didn't want to go through this anymore but knew it would only last a couple more weeks so I dealt with it.

12 Weeks.

- Morning Sickness began to ease up, and since I could feel the baby start to wiggle it made it all worth it.

- Went to the hospital as things weren't easing but only become worse, had fluids through the IV which made my dehydration headache instantly go, was given a shot of Zofran and a packet of Maxalon. I had felt my best I had all pregnancy after this. I was diagnosed with Hyperemesis.

13 Weeks.

- Only throwing up in the morning every few days. Took a day off work as I threw up and was exhausted.

- Maxalon helped take the edge of the sickness for a couple of hours, but my vomiting would return hours before I could take more. Maxalon made me very tired. Doctors appointment, I hadn't gained any weight yet (usually I gain weight very very quickly and easily, even though most people with Hyperemesis loose heaps of weight, I only maintained my weight), given a script for more maxalon and was sent to have a scan as the doctor was concerened about the amount I had thrown up. Still struggling to brush my teeth and my asthma was so bad due to me throwing up so much.

14 Weeks.

-Sickness had pretty much eased except for the odd feeling sick or throwing up probably once a week, if that.

-Maxalon made me more tired then helping with the sickness. But I was starting to be able to drink and eat. Husband was on cooking duties now as the smell would make me throw up, and I often left the table while eating to throw up. I couldn't even go into the pantry without throwing up. Had some bleeding so went to the hospital where they said it was because I was throwing up so much there was too much pressure on my cervix. Scan revealed baby was fine. Baby was now measuring 14 days behind.

15-20 Weeks.

- Possibly threw up twice in these 5 weeks, was able to go on a holiday and enjoy myself and do all the daily activities plus working. Had gained around 10 kilo by 20 weeks. Had our 20 week scan and baby measured 4 days ahead. Was tired and had back pain.

- Sickness never settled and uterus was measuring three weeks behind at 17 weeks. I hadn't gained any weight until 17 weeks, and 'bump' hadn't started showing yet. Was given two other drugs, Zofran and Restivit which helped so much with the sickness. Zofran was my main help. Was very dependent on the drugs to have a normal day and began finally taking chewable prenatel vitamins. Although I still had terrible days where I would vomit blood, and every morning I would vomit bile. 20 week scan showed that the baby had started catching up to size very quickly, although still behind a week. Car trips made me feel really sick and I would often vomit when we had stopped. Some times I struggled to get out of the car after a drive, even if it was for 10 minutes as I was so sick. Eyes had become very black and sunken. 

20-25 Weeks.

Same gestation with both of my pregnancies.

-No sickness and another scan showed that the baby was measuring well still. Had back pain and exhaustion. Had gained around 12 kilo at this point, and blood pressure had started to rise.

-Had good days and bad days, the good days were starting to outweigh the bad, but when it was bad I couldn't keep anything down for a couple of days. Husband was still cooking as much as he could but I was able to do a bit more around the house. Had began gaining weight and belly had 'popped'. Was able to do daily activities thanks to the drugs I was on, which I was still very dependent on, but if I did too much I was very sick for a couple of days. Had started increasing my Zofran dose as my body is getting too use to it and it's not working as well. Had gained a significant amount of weight as my body was in 'starvation mode' and stored a lot of the food that I could keep down. But have not gained anything since 19 weeks. Blood pressure was rising the same as my first pregnancy too. Car sickness had started to get worse and I often needed my husband to pull over so I could be sick even if it was a 10 minute drive. Some days I wouldn't throw up at all!! But that wouldn't last more then two days and I would have a terrible day to make up for it.

25-30 Weeks.

- I have only thrown up once in this entire time, yey! I've been able to organise my baby shower, go to work and live as normal as possible. I feel the best I have all pregnancy, I'm surprised, I thought this would be the hardest part. Blood pressure is rising very high though, doctors are concerned for pre-eclampsia.

-I have been too ill to help my mum organise my baby shower, I have had to cancel it. Although the sickness is starting to slightly ease up, I'm so exhausted from being so sick. I have no goodness left in my body. There are days where I survive of a Zooper Dooper. Those Zooper Doopers have been my life saver! I have had to have a few extra check ups due to bleeding so much from my cervix from the hard vomiting. I can no longer see my GP and need to be on the watchful eye of the hospital. I fainted while out and about and often feel really faint.  They are considering putting a stitch in my cervix. They belive bub will be 5 pounds at the very most full term, Im so worries about that too!! I have been diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes. The doctor believes that it's because my body has been in starvation mode for too long, it's storing everything, even sugar! I have also been diagnosed with pre-natel depression. This is all too much. I just can't take another day of this!!!!

30-35 Weeks.

-I have now finished work and enjoying pottering around at home, cleaning up what I can and making the house ready for baby. I had a wonderful time at my baby shower. I have been diagnosed with pre-eclampsia so am worried about my blood pressure. I am retaining so much fluid. Attending my sisters wedding where I went into pre labour! Ready for this pregnancy to be over!!

-This is the best I have felt all pregnancy, thank goodness, I am definitely making the most of it! I still have bad days, but I'm feeling more abe to do alot of things! Feeling very very thankful after feeling like death for 7 months!!

35-40 weeks.

- I can't remember the last time I've been sick, but I'm SO ready for this pregnancy to be over! After being in and out of early labour for a couple of weeks, a stay in hospital since bub decided to come early, and then not, I was finally induced at 38 weeks because I have had such bad pre eclampsia that has turned into eclampsia. Baby boy was born, a healthy 8 pounds 5 ounces.. gorgeous darling Jydan!!

- I have started to spend alot of one on one time with my son since I missed out on so very much of him. I was feeling alot better until the last two weeks. I feel like I am at the start of my pregnancy again and can't even get out of bed. I'm hot and sweaty from being so sick, and shaking. I've been begging the hospital to get this baby out. I'm tempted to cut this baby out myself. Finally baby came at 39 + 5 weeks, weighing 6 pounds 11. A tiny diabetes baby. However we're grateful for GD in the end, we believe that's helped bub grow. Needed loads of nausea medication during birth. SOOOO glad its done. Just hours after I had bub I couldn't believe how amazing I felt.. I felt so good I was walking about just hours after my Cesarean and only had panadol for the pain. That's what happens when you've just had 9 months of hell.

I should of gone to hospital plenty more times then I did, but I just didn't know the complications or symptoms of being so dehydrated from being so sick. I felt silly that my body was so sick this time. But it's not silly, it's pregnancy illness that's completely different to morning sickness that needs more awareness.

Life this minute..

So I haven't blogged for about a month now! It's been crazy times in this little household of mine, but I think I'm ready to get back into it, how do I get back into it again?! How do I juggle blogging/ Social Media / a toddler.. and, oh, being pregnant!

WE'RE HAVING ANOTHER BABY!!

(Photography by the amazing TK's Photography)

As of today I am 7 weeks & 2 days & due the 4th of April!

Not only have we just moved into our new family home (which is three - four times the size of our last home, so great!) AND still trying to establish a new routine. I think Jydan has only gone to bed once on time in this new house, and we've been here for about three weeks now I think! I've been dealing with horrible morning sickness & then I'm SO tired! But finally, after a year of trying I got that positive line.. again, again & again! EK!

So I'm going to spend this week playing catch up with all my posts, I have some fun posts up my sleeve, so just excuse me while I go a little crazy!

All in all though, life has been fun and great and little Mr Jydan is teaching us so many things everyday. At the moment, it's patience, lol.

Baby Tiley- 25 Weeks

Tiley This Week:
Well let me just begin to say how crazy it is that I'm 25 weeks pregnant! I can't believe how far I am! I can't believe how well baby is! Only 15 more weeks to go :D :D
Tiley would be 34 cm now, about 13 & 1/2 inches and weighing in at almost 1 & 1/2 pounds! My uterus is also now the size of a soccer ball!!
This is a week for Tiley's brain development. Which is often developing each week now because baby is pretty much in proportion.

Tiley's Movements:
This week I felt Tiley do a huge turn/flip. Their is no denying it was a turn/flip, although I've never felt it before. It was nothing I've really felt, and was the strongest feeling I've felt. It was like my insides in my stomach twisted around.. it's so hard to explain! I'm sure if I was looking at my stomach I would have seen it too. It was VERY strong. I was really shocked because I thought Tiley would be too big to do this, so it was really amazing! I suspect I wont feel it much because he is getting so big so wanted to document the feeling :).

Booking Maternity Shoot:
So I've booked my maternity shoot for nine weeks time through a lovely photographer called TK Photography. I can't wait! Here is her blog so you can so take a look at her amazing work!!

http://www.tksphotography.com.au/topic/maternity-photography/

Morning Sickness:
A couple of NIGHTS this week I have been nauseous, nothing major and definitely not as bad as the first trimester sickness :)

Preparing Millie For Baby:
We have started to prepare Millie for little Tiley so she's not too shocked having to share HER (as she likes to think it is) house. Here are some of the tips and tricks we have done so far.

-Making sure the nursery isn't 'out of bounds'. While we are home we leave the nursery door open. When I'm putting stuff away in the nursery I invite her in. Were hoping that this will mean that when the baby is in there she wont be too curious and get into things. So far this has worked and she doesn't even go in there out of curiosity now and get into things.

-Listening to baby cries. This is something we will work on more and more over time to try and get her use to the sound of a baby crying. Millie likes to bark at anything unusual for her so hopefully she will be use to the sound before the baby makes it.

-Getting Millie use to nail trims. Sounds unusual huh? Millie's fairly good at this but it will be good to get her even more use to as she will need regular trims so she doesn't scratch baby.

-Baby smells. This is something we haven't tried yet but I want to get Millie use to the smell of baby powder and the oils we will be using so Millie doesn't want to sniff, lick or pee on the baby

Nappy Checklist:
So Tiley's nappies have become our priority to finish buying and organising, we don't have much left so here's what's left:

Need To Get:
-One Week Worth Of Disposable Newborn Nappies
-Newborn Covers (3)
-Medium Modern Cloth Nappies (10)
-Large Modern Cloth Nappies (10)
-Liners (200)
-Wipes (3 Weeks Worth, Approx 500)
-Bags For Soiled Nappies (2 Packets)

Maternity Photo Book:
I've been working on maternity photo book, I'm doing it on the same site I made my wedding photo books. I've made SO much from this site, I LOVE it. www.shutterfly.com
Here's some pictures of my maternity photo book coming along without giving too many gorgeous photos away:

Mocktail Recipe:
Last weekend I went to a 21st birthday party and thought I would make up a mocktail to drink so I made a Piña Colada mix! I thought I would share the recipe :)
Serves 4
250 grams coconut milk
170 grams crushed pineapples
110 grams pineapple juice
230 grams crushed ice
4 tablespoons of brown sugar
Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth (about 30 seconds). Pour into chilled glass.

Garnish with an orange slice, a pineapple wedge, or a maraschino cherry. Enjoy!

For a sweeter, less tangy drink, use pineapple canned in syrup rather than its own juice.

Five weeks till I'm 30 weeks!

BABY TILEY- 24 WEEKS.

Tiley This Week:
Tiley would be around 30 cm this week! His graduated from the ruler length.. go Tiley, go! Also weighing in at around 1pounds 3oz! Over the next weeks he will have a MASSIVE growth spurt and grow about 4 cm in a week!... with his average growth spurts being about a cm each week, 4 is just amazing!!
It's also a big week for Tiley's lungs, one of my MAJOR hopes for Mr. Tiley is he doesn't have asthma. Having asthma my whole life I wouldn't want that for my dear little boy. Although he won't begin breathing yet the cells and branches of the respiratory tree begin developing.

Morning Sickness:
So, yes, I spoke too soon. Although my morning sickness is so much better then it was, I had it for three days this week, even had today off work. Oh well, all for the good 'ol hormones helping my little darling.

Gender Guesses Results:
So It's been a few weeks now since we found out if Tiley is a boy or girl so I thought I would share the results of the survey I put on here:
70 % of people said BOY
30% of people said GIRL

Movements / Patterns/ Routines:
Some days this week I hardly felt movements and some days it was amazing with lots of kicks. Tiley's the most active in the morning. I often hear about tummy babys being the most active in the evening, so I'm so glad my darling has his own little individuality all ready! :)
Tiley isn't overly active... after his morning workout I feel about 3 kicks during the day, if I feel much at all. Nothing that feels like the hiccups yet, like continues jumps or patterned kicks in my belly- some babies don't hiccup though, but I will definitely announce when I do! Sunday was a BIG movement morning. So many big kicks. Tim laid with his hand on my belly and it was so special because he often stops kicking when someones hands are on my belly, but Tim could feel every big kick :)
I felt alot of movement's this week while I was holding baby Jax. My little boy was kicking Jax non-stop... It was funny! I can't wait to watch these two grow up together.

Baby Jax:
So I got my first cuddle from Justine's brand new little man, when he was only three days new...Isn't he just ADORABLE!!

I also went back for another cuddle when he was 6 days.

My Bump This Week:
His starting to sit a little higher which is nice, I thought I was so low to begin with, now my bumps looking higher and more rounded.

 

Stranger Moment:
Well I must be looking PREGNANT now because last week my clients at work began asking if I was pregnant and this week a stranger asked how long I have left!
I was shocked at the stranger. I wasn't rubbing my belly or anything, just walked past HIM and he asked. I turned around and said, 'who, me?' lol. Naww.. little bubby is getting noticed now!

My Pregnancy Beauty:
My pregnancy skin is finally starting to look better! I had very dry, itchy, flaky skin but have FINALLY managed to find somethings that helps my skin. I still haven't managed to find a good exfoliate, a lot tend to dry out my skin more so have resorted to just making my own. It's amazing how much your skin, hair (I've had to change shampoo's & conditioner's) teeth & everything else changes, so here is what I use as part of my beauty care while pregnant:
                                                          

I combine sugar as it's a great exfoliate and the
sugar cane has anti-ageing properties. (not salt as salt tends to dry your skin out more).
 With honey which is a soothing and heeling agent. Smells so yummo too!
I do this everyday.

This lives beside my bed. When
my back is dry and itchy, hubby sprays
and rubes this into my back. It doesn't
moisturise it just sooths and stops the
itch. It's VERY soothing!

I'm a HUGE nutrimetics fan, and try and
use this 'warming face masque' once a week,
mostly on Friday afternoons after a long week.
It feels great to distress my face and leaves
my face feeling amazing afterwards.

I use this on my face after a face mask
& when my face is feeling really dry.
It's also by nutrimetics and leaves my skin
feeling extra smooth! I also use this on my
belly. It's an intense moisturiser so it's not something
I apply often.  I'm almost out, so will have to
order some more :)

   

I use the vaseline cocoa butter
as my daily moisturiser and sometimes
twice a day on my face and body. I apply
this about ten minutes before I do my
makeup as well. It's a great daily
moisturiser as it's not too intense to
leave you feeling oily but enough for
your skin to stop feeling dry! 

My hair has never been so
oily! For someone that has dry
hair normally, I had no idea how
to deal with oily hair and was having
to wash my hair everyday and
loosing my natural oils making my
hair look very dull. I switched my
shampoo and conditioner to WELLA
and it's worked so well! You would
never pick that I have really oily
hair at the moment and I am able to
wash my hair every second day.

Baby Shower Update:
While in the midst of printing my baby shower invites the ink in my printer ran out. I'm hoping they will be out by the end of this week, if not the start of next week :).

My Baby Shopping Tips:

There's a few things that I've found with buying clothes, and a few tips that people have given me, so I thought I would share them too:

• We're going to buy a couple of outfits in 00000 if bubs small, and I can always send Tim or a family member off to buy some more.
• Singlet-suits! A great invention to keep bubs singlets down, to wear under a wonder suit when cold or on its own with cold. We all ready have enough in 0000's and 000's.. need to stock up in bigger sizes.
• We're going to buy feet-less outfits in 0000 & 00000 in case bub has big feet or long legs but is too small for the next size up. From size 000 I'll be buying outfits with feet covers.
• Although were using Modern Cloth Nappies, were going to use disposables at first, especially in the first week with the meconiam poo and then till we get into a washing routine with baby. We're getting enough disposables for two weeks. And then see from there.
• Old style terry towling cloth nappies for burping cloths. They're made to soak up lots of liquid so perfect for lots of vomit! We will be taking these in our hospital bag instead of bibs or burp cloths.
• We're going to use mini pegs to hold pairs of socks together instead of folding them together. This is so we can see and compare bub's sock sizes without unfolding them all to find the right size. They will look alot neater in bubs drawers too ;).
• While bubby is tiny were using cloth bibs but as bubby gets older, on solids and starts getting messy we are going to use plastic bibs with catchers down the bottom. Catch all the little ones mess.
• Snaps on the back of bub clothes is something were going to avoid in sizes 000 or smaller. Not only is bubby going to be on his back most of the time, he will also not be very strong so getting to those back snaps I imagine will be difficult.

That's my progress for this week...
Three weeks till I'm in the next trimester!!

Baby Tiley- Week 22

Tiley This Week:
This week means I'm officially 5 months pregnant!! And bubby's doing so well, growing heaps too! Almost gaining his first pound!!
Here's a weight and height chart for the next 8 weeks

WEEK	LENGTH(inch)	WEIGHT	LENGTH (cm)
22 weeks	10.94 inches	15.17 ounces	27.8 cm
23 weeks	11.38 inches	1.10 pound	28.9 cm
24 weeks	11.81 inches	1.32 pound	30 cm
25 weeks	13.62 inches	1.46 pound	34.6 cm
26 weeks	14.02 inches	1.68 pound	35.6 cm
27 weeks	14.41 inches	1.93 pound	36.6 cm
28 weeks	14.80 inches	2.22 pounds	37.6 cm
29 weeks	15.2 inches	2.54 pounds	38.6 cm
30 weeks	15.71 inches	2.91 pounds	39.9 cm

Can you believe how quick Tiley is going to put on the weight now? It took over 22 weeks to get to one pound, and then only another 5 weeks to gain another pound!

Mummy's lesson this week:
So I thought this week I would share a little lesson my little boy taught.
Last weekend left me feeling a little flat, Saturdays is my most uncomfortable days and random blood spotting last Thursday (Scan on Friday showed no reason- again, but received an answer from the doctor).  So I thought I would share a moment today. An amazing one second moment that changed my day.
 A big strong kick.
 Even though I get many a day, this was a big strong one right when I was feeling flat. It made me smile. It made me stop and think, okay, yes I'm uncomfortable but his so so so worth it all ready. It made me fall in love with my little boy that tiny bit more which I didn't think was possible. It made me positive.
My dear son, although not here yet is the most precious thing to me. I'm so proud of him all ready.

Kicks:
Tiley's kicks are really strong now. About a week ago they started feeling like proper kicks. I love documenting how his kick's feel because they change all the time. They went from pins & needles, to flutters/spiders in my tummy and now they feel like big air bubbles in my tummy poping (and no it's not wind : P). They are strong enough to sometimes lift my hand/jolt my hand when he kicks it.

Second Scan:
So this scan went very smooth and bubby was turned on his back so the measurements for the heart, brain and kidneys were taken which we missed out on last week and everything was perfect!! I couldn't believe how big he had got in just a week! The pictures this week are also so much clearer! The sono also ended the scan right between the little boys legs... still a boy ;)

Doctors Appointment:
I waited over an hour to see the doctor for a ten minute appointment but I found out our son is perfect (which I all ready knew). My fundal height was measuring at 22 weeks, perfect. My blood pressure has gone up a little bit but still in the normal range, perfect. My darlings heartbeat is between 150-160 bpm which is normal and perfect. Everything from the morphology scan was perfect too....... one very perfect little babe on our hands :)

Morning Sickness:
Am I speaking too soon? Could my morning sickness really be finally all gone?? It looks that way! Finally no morning sickness this week which is the first time since I was about 6 & half weeks pregnant!

Baby Shower:
This week I began organising my BABY SHOWER!!

I realised that their was only 8 weeks before my baby shower, me being the organised person I am, (We also have to be organised when family will need to travel) I started jotting down some ideas:

• The shower will be at my mums house, in Gravelly Beach. It's a bit far out for my friends, but I'm sure people could car pool.
• BLUE theme.
• Dedicated to TILEY not mummy-to-be.
• It will be on Saturday the 15th of September. Probably from 2pm.
• Kids & babies will be welcome.
• Lots of fun games!!
• Name Reveal.

Nothing like having your first baby :)

 

 

What I couldn't live without:
Here are some things I couldn't live without!!

I adore my pregnancy journal!!
You have room to write about three sentences
each day. Highly recommend it for every
pregnant lady.

VEGEMITE! One of my major
cravings through my pregnancy. Definitely
can't live without it.

I have this wonderful November 2012 mum's club
through bub hub. There's always someone to
answer my questions and it's been great to share
my experiences and experiences of others.

My husband!
This pregnancy has been really hard on my body
and my wonderful husband has been the best support.
I couldn't imagine doing this without him.

My Body Pillow!!
I only have cheapy, but WOW is it comfortable,
especially with this big bump.

Okay.. so to be honest, I could live without
Ebay... but it's been brilliant! Bargains everywhere!
We've got so many clothes and MCN's from Ebay- love.

Justine's Baby #2:
My beautiful friend Justine is due this Friday with her dear little darling, bubby number 2. Her first little boy is just a bundle of cuteness and was born the day before his due date so my fingers are tightly crossed that this little (cheeky) bub comes soon!

Pop-To-Be's Birthday:

Today is my dad's birthday! We're celebrating with dinner and a blue's night on the weekend but I gave him his birthday cards yesterday. He got one from Tim & I and then a 'Happy Birthday Pop' one from Tiley.



Blog Readers:
I've realised that somehow I have a growing number of blog readers each week. The readers double and this week tripled. I'm really excited to share my journey with everyone.
I thought of making this a private blog, as this is my pregnancy diary, but my little baby boy is not just a miracle in the sense of a child being made but also in the sense that so many odds were against conceiving him, and then carrying him. I think it's worth sharing with everyone how my husband and I have (almost!!) come out the other side.

So THANK YOU for reading :)

Only 8 weeks till I'm 30 weeks!!

BABY TILEY - 20 WEEKS.

Half Way: 
HALF WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So over the moon to have made it! The last 20 weeks have gone SUPER quick and I’m expecting the next 20 to go quick as well! So super proud of our little treasure... our little spec of gold is really turning into something so more amazing. So this blog is pretty long this week, because it was SO exciting to be half way!

Tiley this week:
This week is a BIG week for bubs skin protection!
A protective white fat substance has been made around bub's skin to help protect the delicate skin as well as bubs skins getting thicker. The growth of fine body hair is starting to grow on the rest of bub's body. Toe nails and finger nails are also starting to grow. Can't wait to feel the darling’s soft skin!!
Some more amazing things bubby is doing this week is swallowing even more, Tiley would also start recognising my voice and have grown to about 25 CM (10 inches) from head to heal, around half of what Tiley will be when it's born! As of next week, bubs measurements will be taken from head to heal, instead of head to bum. This will make things so much easier when I research bubs size!

Progress Video:
Take a look at how much Tiley has grown and developed in the last 5 weeks:

http://www.babycenter.com/2_inside-pregnancy-weeks-15-to-20_10308111.bc

Morning Sickness:
So just when I thought my morning sickness had left... it came back just for a couple of days this week. I've also had throat infection/flu this week so that combined with morning sickness was not fun!

Nursery:
So the painting has begun on Tiley's room... here's some photos of the room colours before and updated photos of the room all painted. I'm SO happy with how it's looking! Exactly how we pictured it :). Next week it's time to make a start on moving stuff in and decorating. Still a lot of wall decorations on order, we don't have a cot yet and a lot of other stuff, so the decorating won’t be finished for about a month or more.

Now

Before




Before

Now

(Click the photos to make it bigger)



Checklist:
here are some things we've accomplished being half way pregnant:

-MADE A BABY
-Bought a portacot, nappy bags, clothes, nappies, rocker/bouncer, play mat.
-Delegated and chosen bassinet, high chair, pram, bath, towels, face washers and capsule to/from family members.
-Chosen a nursery theme and colours.
-Painted nursery & bought decorative wall stickers.
-Booked maternity & newborn shoot.
-Bought maternity clothing.
-Filled out admission forms for St Vincents.
-Rough drafted a birth plan
-Booked into the Launceston General.
-Chosen names!!
-Bought baby monitors.
-Began maternity scrapbook.
-Started progressive shoot.
-Joined a birth club.
-Laybyed a baby carrier.

Some things we still need to do and organise:

-Buy stimulating toys, coat hangers, more clothes, electric breast pump, bathing equipment, disposable newborn nappies, wipes, baby carrier.
-Buy bottle steriliser.
-Buy nursing pads.
-Buy breast milk storage containers.
-Buy swaddle/Sleeping bag.
-Decide on and buy a cot.
-Wash clothes.
-Decorate nursery.
-Buy a tallboy.
-Finalise my birth plan
-Book into St Vincents.
-Buy cot bedding X 3 or 4 sets.
-Buy bassinet bedding X3/4.
-Buy waterproof plastic sheets.
-Get a queen size bed.
-Buy a rocking/nursing chair.
-Buy nursing bras.
-Buy nursing tops.
-Pack baby & mummy bag.
-Arrange care of Millie while in hospital.
-Make a list of names and numbers of people to call when babys born-Delegate!!
-Make lots of food and freeze for when baby arrives.
-Book antenatal classes.
-Finish maternity scrapbook.
-Get material for curtains and get Di to make.
-Buy a video camera.
-Buy a SLR camera.
-Begin baby proofing the house.
-Organise baby shower.
-Organise naming ceremony.

SO MUCH TO DO!!

Things for Tim & I to do before 2 becomes 3:
-Regular date nights, at least once a month. A whole night, just us.
-Go on a babymoon.

Babymoon Itinerary:
FRIDAY:
11:00am Morphology Scan.
2:00pm Leave For Hobart.
4:30pm-5:00pm Check into Hotel Collins.
Dinner
7:00pm Gold Class Cinemas (Ted)
SATURDAY:
Breakfast
Lunch
1:00pm Savoy Day and Spa
Dinner
SUNDAY:
Breakfast.
11:00am leave Hotel Collins - Head back home.

Morphology Scan:
Not long to go now!! Only two more days, amazingly excited. Were hoping bubs not shy so we can find out what sex bubby is too :). But before we find out bubs sex, my first priority is finding out if all is okay with Tiley xx

Progression Shoot:
Did we finally start our progressive shoot?
....................................................................
WE SURE DID!!
Remember these are a set of 4 photo's throughout my pregnancy, in the same position, wearing the same clothes at different stages of my pregnancy that will go into bubs room with a photo of bub when it's born. I'm not sure which ones we will use as the actual progressive one, but here are some of my favs. PS. I THOUGHT I was smiling... apparently I can't smile when I've got the flu!

These will go on the brown feature wall in the babys room so I wanted them to reflect the green walls.

Tim's card from Tiley x

Tim's Birthday:

It's Tim's birthday TODAY! It was present time this morning, filled with winter wonder warmers, thermals and slippers and DVD's he wanted. I hope he has an amazing day... he deserves the best xx




Millie's Birthday:
It's Millie's birthday on MONDAY.. her second birthday, so no longer a pup. She really has settled into adult life the last month or so which is great for when baby comes. Her day will be filled with presents (toys & a new jacket) and walkies.


Officially HALF WAY!
2 days till our scan xx

Baby Tiley- 19 Weeks.

Tiley this week:
Its a huge week for sensory development this week.. such a clever little thing! The nerve cells for each sensory is now developing in bubs brain.
Nerve cell production begins to slow down now while the little body focusses on the strengthening, developing and growing it's current nerves.
Tiley's hair on it's head is starting to sprout.. I wonder what colour? This is probably the biggest thing i'm looking forward to seeing on bubby. The most exciting thing. There is no way of telling until bub is born, there's no way a scan or test can show so it makes it so exciting!!
They say from now and over the next 10 weeks is the most active time for the little babe before it gets too crowded. Looking forward to making the most of the movements.
The best thing about my pregnancy so far is knowing if Tiley is asleep or awake by the movements.

We've added a few more people to the list so here it is:

Those who have felt bubby move:
Tim (Daddy) 10th of June.. 16 weeks & 3 days.
Jyle (Uncle Jyle) Jarrett (Pop) Jordan (Uncle Jordan) 17th of June.. 17 weeks & 3 days.
Graham (Grand dad) Pam 23rd of June.. 18 weeks & 2 days.
Kelly (Nanny) 26th of June.. 18 weeks & 5 days.

Morning Sickness:
I'm STILL getting morning sickness :(. Although it is alot better then it was in the first trimester but i'm still a bit sick.. sick enough to have to have a day off work every now & then still.
Names:
This week we picked names!!!! YEEYY!! Were not sharing them.. yet ;) but we are very in love with the names. For me it made it so much more exciting that very soon we could privately talk to this baby by name. For now though, we will keep it as Tiley :P

Breastfeeding:
This week I've been researching breast feeding, were definately going to try as much as possible so I want to know exactly what to do and how to do it properly, so heres some tips I found:
-Don't wait to get help. The longer bub is having trouble feeding the less bub will want to feed from you.
-After a traumatic birth for baby, brest feeding straight after birth is the best way to make bub feel safe.-Make sure bubs mouth is wide open so he/she can get as much milk as possible and I can reduce the risk of dry and cracked nipples.
-Have positive support.
-The more your comfortable, the more baby is comfortable.
-Don't forget that practice makes perfect!
LOOK WHAT WE ORDERED!!

So this is a gender predictor. It's 98% accurate and picks up if bubs a boy or a girl. It works by reading the chemicals in your urine :)... It should be here anyday and hopefully we can update with what it says on the next blog! :)

Some clothes we've got for Tiley so far:

My FAVOURITE outifts so far. A thick & warm body suit for next winter. My favourite hand-made MCN. Peter Alexander PJ's we bought on our honeymoon. Fluffy white booties. I love DAD socks. Tigger body suit + matching hat. Jeans from cotton on kids.

 

MY NAPPY COLLECTION NOW:

I haven't counted how many we have now, but I think we only need a few more smalls and we can get the medium & large's later :)

Nursery:
So we now offically have a BABYS ROOM!! Tim has started fixing up the walls and will start painting next week. So a bit of planning has been going on the last few days. Here's our ideas and what were looking at buying:

Woody brown feature wall, Nature/Forest green for all the other walls.

 Matching Safari drawers, bookshelf and toy box.

Wall Decorations.

Well this is our update for this week.
21 weeks till baby is due!!