I have been shopping for Florrie!!!!!
Enjoy...
Love Sophia xxx
Sunday 26 February 2017
Wednesday 22 February 2017
Week 2 Update
Here
is mine and Florence's week 2 update...
We both had our 10 day check, which went brilliantly and we both have now been discharged.
We both had our 10 day check, which went brilliantly and we both have now been discharged.
Mama
Recovery:
I feel almost back to normal,
my below area is still a bit on the painful side but that will get better soon I am sure.
My milk is starting to get
better too but I am still producing too much for Florrie!
Body:
I haven’t weighed myself yet but am still not able to fit into pre-pregnancy jeans easily.
Body:
I haven’t weighed myself yet but am still not able to fit into pre-pregnancy jeans easily.
I want to buy a few new bits, preferably nursing clothes, so if anyone has any recommendations, please let me know.
Mood:
My mood has changed this week and I have been so up and down. I think that it’s a combination of the count down to Chris going back to work and the fact that Florrie is already growing too fast. I know that it's mainly to do with my hormones settling but it still doesn’t help.
Florence
She has just been so easy
this week and she has fitted into our family as though she’s been here for
years. Her colour has got better but I still think there is a bit of jaundice in
there, so hopefully that will be gone soon.
Milestones:
She has become a bit more alert this week, spending more of the day awake and looking around. Jackson loves this time at the moment, he finds it funny to copy her facial expressions!
Routine:
Generally its about 2-4 hours
between feeds but she then cluster feeds from about 10pm–12'ish, which is not
ideal but she’s still so little so I forgive her! At night, it’s really hard to
get her to sleep in her bed too, so we have just ordered a 'Sleepyhead' to see if that
will help. I have heard great reviews on them so hopefully it will
help us!
Weight:
She is back over her birth weight, weighing 8lbs 13oz.
Jackson just loves his little sister!!!
Love Sophia xxx
Tuesday 21 February 2017
Speed Cleaning Video
I jumped on the band wagon and filmed a speed cleaning video.
Enjoy...
Enjoy...
Love Sophia xxx
Monday 20 February 2017
Week 1 Update
Here is mine and Florence's one week update...
Mama
Recovery:
My recovery is so much easier this time. After having Jackson, I felt like I had been hit by about 10 buses, whereas this time it just feels like a car or 2! Not sure if this is due to the natural birth element, the fact that it was a quick labour or that it happened during the day, rather than in the middle of the night. Maybe it is even a combination of all of the above. We managed to leave the hospital the next day after having Florence too, which was an amazing feeling to be at home so quickly.
Going to the loo hurts this time due to the stitches I had, which doesn't make it a pleasant experience. Also, my boobs are just massive!!!! I am pretty sure my body thinks I've had twins or something.
I am exclusively breastfeeding and this time round it's a lot easier - no waiting for bottles to warm up or expressing etc.
Body:
I have lost a fair amount of weight already, due to Florence being so big but I just feel very squishy now!!! I am also in that awkward stage where maternity clothes fall down but there is no chance pre-pregnancy clothes will fit!
Mood:
My mood has been really good; we are currently in the 'baby bubble', which I just love, I don't want it to end!
Florence
We had to keep checking her blood as she was diagnosed with jaundice (which wasn't hard to tell since she looked like she had been given a bad spray tan) but she just kept falling below the line, meaning she never had to go under the lights. We got the all-clear on day 6, which I am so glad for, as we can finally start bonding as a family of 4 without the constant hospital visits.
Milestones:
Nothing at the moment, she is still getting a grip on being on the outside!
Routine:
Again no routine yet, I feed her on demand. Sometimes we are lucky and get 3 hours straight of sleep, other times she is on the boob for 3 hours straight!
Weight:
She is doing really well, only lost about 2% of her birth weight at the 5 day check, making her weight 8lbs 8oz.
Love Sophia xxx
Mama
Recovery:
My recovery is so much easier this time. After having Jackson, I felt like I had been hit by about 10 buses, whereas this time it just feels like a car or 2! Not sure if this is due to the natural birth element, the fact that it was a quick labour or that it happened during the day, rather than in the middle of the night. Maybe it is even a combination of all of the above. We managed to leave the hospital the next day after having Florence too, which was an amazing feeling to be at home so quickly.
Going to the loo hurts this time due to the stitches I had, which doesn't make it a pleasant experience. Also, my boobs are just massive!!!! I am pretty sure my body thinks I've had twins or something.
I am exclusively breastfeeding and this time round it's a lot easier - no waiting for bottles to warm up or expressing etc.
Body:
I have lost a fair amount of weight already, due to Florence being so big but I just feel very squishy now!!! I am also in that awkward stage where maternity clothes fall down but there is no chance pre-pregnancy clothes will fit!
Mood:
My mood has been really good; we are currently in the 'baby bubble', which I just love, I don't want it to end!
Florence
We had to keep checking her blood as she was diagnosed with jaundice (which wasn't hard to tell since she looked like she had been given a bad spray tan) but she just kept falling below the line, meaning she never had to go under the lights. We got the all-clear on day 6, which I am so glad for, as we can finally start bonding as a family of 4 without the constant hospital visits.
Milestones:
Nothing at the moment, she is still getting a grip on being on the outside!
Routine:
Again no routine yet, I feed her on demand. Sometimes we are lucky and get 3 hours straight of sleep, other times she is on the boob for 3 hours straight!
Weight:
She is doing really well, only lost about 2% of her birth weight at the 5 day check, making her weight 8lbs 8oz.
Love Sophia xxx
Friday 17 February 2017
Birth and Labour story
After my false labour (not sure if that's what it's actually called), we came home expecting to be rushing back to hospital by the next day, however, I only felt a few twinges over the following day or so and they were nothing too write home about. That was until Tuesday, 3 days later, when I woke up and went down for breakfast with Jackson and Chris (he has Tuesdays off work). Quickly after eating, I ended up going for a bath, as I just didn't feel right.
At around 11:30am, I was having my second bath and I was now definitely feeling contractions. They weren't very regular though and due to the discomfort they were causing, I was unable to time them. I called downstairs to Chris to see if anyone could come around and look after Jackson, so that he could focus on helping me, although I was still unsure if this was actually the real thing (my 'false labour' had started in a very similar way a few days beforehand). Chris' parents were originally coming over at 1:30pm anyway, as we had a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) appointment, during which I was planning on telling the Consultant that I now wanted to have a C-Section, as I was tired, fed up and worried that if we wait any longer, I will end up in the same situation as last time - an emergency C-Section after a long labour.
Therefore, Chris called them and by 12:30pm, both his Mum and his Dad had arrived and Chris was now able to focus on timing my contractions. At that stage, they were about 4 & 1/2 minutes apart and lasting a minute each. We called the place of our VBAC appointment to ask if we should come in to the appointment still or stay at home (now looking back, what a pointless phone call that was - I was in labour, why would I go to the appointment!!!!) and the lady obviously said not to come to the appointment and to ring the labour ward in an hour or so if things are carrying on the way they currently were.
Within 20 minutes, my contractions had suddenly gone to 2 & 1/2 minutes apart, if not closer at some points, so Chris rang the labour ward and off we went. As the hospital is 45 minutes away, Chris and his mum decided that it would be best if she followed us, just incase anything were to happen on the way. I was having very strong contractions at this stage but I remember thinking that they were massively over reacting (in hind-sight, maybe they weren't)!!!
After probably the worst car journey of my life, we had finally arrived at the hospital, however, we still had to walk to the ward which seemed to take ages as I was having so many contractions. Apparently, in the car park during one of them, I said 'wowzer', a word I don't think I have ever said before! At the time, Chris joked 'if that's as bad as its going to get, you'll be fine!', words that do not help when you are in labour, ha!!! Needless to say, I apparently gave him a very stern look after that comment!
When we eventually got into the hospital, we were taken to the examining room, where one of the midwives asked me to do a urine test, as they always do when someone first comes in. I asked Chris to help as I was in a lot of pain by this point but when in the loo, we noticed fresh blood, which prompted Chris to race and get a midwife. She assured me that it was fine and not to worry about it but when she was telling me this (still in the loo) I suddenly got a really strong urge to push! Off she ran to get me a wheelchair and they took me straight to the labour room, with me mentioning quite a few times on the way that 'I want to have my epidural now'!!!
Once we were in the room, they finally managed to examine me and I was 7cm dilated, which was fantastic although, again, all I had to say was 'can I have an epidural please'! Everyone kept asking me, 'are you sure? You are already at 7cm and doing really well' but there was no changing my mind! They offered me gas and air numerous times too but for some reason, I had in my head that if I said yes to that, they wouldn't be able to give me the epidural (which is not at all true and I don't have a clue as to why I thought that).
The anaesthetist came in and was talking me through everything and all I remember thinking was, 'if you don't hurry up it will be too late!'. Mid-explanation, my waters suddenly broke, which is such a bizarre feeling, just like a water balloon going off in between your legs. A couple of weeks beforehand, I had watched 'Call the Midwife', in which one of the ladies had meconium in her waters and for some reason that had stuck in my head and was the first thing that came to mind when mine broke. Unfortunately, when I looked down, I noticed that the water definitely had meconium in it, so in a panicked voice, I called to the midwife who in turn, pressed the buzzer to get some extra help. It wasn't long after that when I embarrassingly said to Chris that I was pooing! However, the midwife checked and said that it was in fact the babies head coming out and that we didn't have time for the epidural!!! She turned and said 'Mr Anaesthetist, we don't need you anymore, we can see the head!'
Not long later at all (not sure exactly how long but it was very quick) and after a few big pushes, my baby was born!!! It all happened within about 40 minutes of arriving at the hospital and, to be honest, I was in a bit of shock. I was just looking down at my baby, who took what seemed like forever to cry, when Chris looked up and said 'it's a girl!'. I hadn't even thought about what sex it might be but I think hearing that made me suddenly realise what had just happened and I immediately started to cry. One thing that I missed with Jackson was skin to skin contact straight after the birth, due to the fact he arrived via C-Section, so this time I started ripping off my robe straight away and was asking for skin to skin, after ensuring she was ok due to the meconium. Needless to say, they handed her straight to me and I got that all important first time skin to skin moment.
She was just perfect, and she was a she!!!
With an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment, I thought that was it - I had done it. But no, next was the passing of the placenta; I had that injection to speed it all up but it still seemed to take ages and was quite painful too. Therefore, it was at this stage that I opted for the gas and air (I have no idea why I didn't want it before, it was brilliant!).
Once again, after the placenta was out, I thought that was me finished for the day. However, unfortunatly I was bleeding a lot, so in came some more staff to assist. It turns out that I had some blood clots forming in my Uterus, which they told me was probably due to the quick labour and my body basically being worn out, meaning my Uterus wouldn't contract properly. One of the doctors was pushing on my stomach to try to get it contract, while another was scraping the blood clots out, which were both really painful. The main consultant told me, whilst doing this, that I may have to go into surgery if the pain got too much for me but I remember thinking, 'HELL NO', I wasn't going to go through a natural birth only to then have to go and have surgery anyway!
Finally, after all of that, came what I think was the worst bit of it all - the stitches (down below). All I kept thinking was, 'can everyone just leave me alone so I can be with my baby!!!!'. The pain and discomfort of this seemed more intense than anything else I had just been through. However, once they were finished, we were finally left alone and they brought in some tea and toast, which everyone always tells me is the best meal they have ever had and it really was an amazing comfort after all of that!!!
We were both on cloud nine and just couldn't believe it. Deep down I thought I would almost certainly end up with another C-Section and I always thought she would be another he (not that I really minded either way though).
One of my main reasons for wanting to do it naturally this time was that I always felt a little bit like I hadn't done it 'correctly' with Jackson. However, now having been through two completely different births, I can safely say that I felt incredibly and equally proud both times!!!
I would like to introduce the world to Florence Lucy Corbitt, born 2:36pm Tuesday 7th February 2017 and weighing a healthy 8lbs 11oz.
At around 11:30am, I was having my second bath and I was now definitely feeling contractions. They weren't very regular though and due to the discomfort they were causing, I was unable to time them. I called downstairs to Chris to see if anyone could come around and look after Jackson, so that he could focus on helping me, although I was still unsure if this was actually the real thing (my 'false labour' had started in a very similar way a few days beforehand). Chris' parents were originally coming over at 1:30pm anyway, as we had a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) appointment, during which I was planning on telling the Consultant that I now wanted to have a C-Section, as I was tired, fed up and worried that if we wait any longer, I will end up in the same situation as last time - an emergency C-Section after a long labour.
Therefore, Chris called them and by 12:30pm, both his Mum and his Dad had arrived and Chris was now able to focus on timing my contractions. At that stage, they were about 4 & 1/2 minutes apart and lasting a minute each. We called the place of our VBAC appointment to ask if we should come in to the appointment still or stay at home (now looking back, what a pointless phone call that was - I was in labour, why would I go to the appointment!!!!) and the lady obviously said not to come to the appointment and to ring the labour ward in an hour or so if things are carrying on the way they currently were.
Within 20 minutes, my contractions had suddenly gone to 2 & 1/2 minutes apart, if not closer at some points, so Chris rang the labour ward and off we went. As the hospital is 45 minutes away, Chris and his mum decided that it would be best if she followed us, just incase anything were to happen on the way. I was having very strong contractions at this stage but I remember thinking that they were massively over reacting (in hind-sight, maybe they weren't)!!!
After probably the worst car journey of my life, we had finally arrived at the hospital, however, we still had to walk to the ward which seemed to take ages as I was having so many contractions. Apparently, in the car park during one of them, I said 'wowzer', a word I don't think I have ever said before! At the time, Chris joked 'if that's as bad as its going to get, you'll be fine!', words that do not help when you are in labour, ha!!! Needless to say, I apparently gave him a very stern look after that comment!
When we eventually got into the hospital, we were taken to the examining room, where one of the midwives asked me to do a urine test, as they always do when someone first comes in. I asked Chris to help as I was in a lot of pain by this point but when in the loo, we noticed fresh blood, which prompted Chris to race and get a midwife. She assured me that it was fine and not to worry about it but when she was telling me this (still in the loo) I suddenly got a really strong urge to push! Off she ran to get me a wheelchair and they took me straight to the labour room, with me mentioning quite a few times on the way that 'I want to have my epidural now'!!!
Once we were in the room, they finally managed to examine me and I was 7cm dilated, which was fantastic although, again, all I had to say was 'can I have an epidural please'! Everyone kept asking me, 'are you sure? You are already at 7cm and doing really well' but there was no changing my mind! They offered me gas and air numerous times too but for some reason, I had in my head that if I said yes to that, they wouldn't be able to give me the epidural (which is not at all true and I don't have a clue as to why I thought that).
The anaesthetist came in and was talking me through everything and all I remember thinking was, 'if you don't hurry up it will be too late!'. Mid-explanation, my waters suddenly broke, which is such a bizarre feeling, just like a water balloon going off in between your legs. A couple of weeks beforehand, I had watched 'Call the Midwife', in which one of the ladies had meconium in her waters and for some reason that had stuck in my head and was the first thing that came to mind when mine broke. Unfortunately, when I looked down, I noticed that the water definitely had meconium in it, so in a panicked voice, I called to the midwife who in turn, pressed the buzzer to get some extra help. It wasn't long after that when I embarrassingly said to Chris that I was pooing! However, the midwife checked and said that it was in fact the babies head coming out and that we didn't have time for the epidural!!! She turned and said 'Mr Anaesthetist, we don't need you anymore, we can see the head!'
Not long later at all (not sure exactly how long but it was very quick) and after a few big pushes, my baby was born!!! It all happened within about 40 minutes of arriving at the hospital and, to be honest, I was in a bit of shock. I was just looking down at my baby, who took what seemed like forever to cry, when Chris looked up and said 'it's a girl!'. I hadn't even thought about what sex it might be but I think hearing that made me suddenly realise what had just happened and I immediately started to cry. One thing that I missed with Jackson was skin to skin contact straight after the birth, due to the fact he arrived via C-Section, so this time I started ripping off my robe straight away and was asking for skin to skin, after ensuring she was ok due to the meconium. Needless to say, they handed her straight to me and I got that all important first time skin to skin moment.
She was just perfect, and she was a she!!!
With an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment, I thought that was it - I had done it. But no, next was the passing of the placenta; I had that injection to speed it all up but it still seemed to take ages and was quite painful too. Therefore, it was at this stage that I opted for the gas and air (I have no idea why I didn't want it before, it was brilliant!).
Once again, after the placenta was out, I thought that was me finished for the day. However, unfortunatly I was bleeding a lot, so in came some more staff to assist. It turns out that I had some blood clots forming in my Uterus, which they told me was probably due to the quick labour and my body basically being worn out, meaning my Uterus wouldn't contract properly. One of the doctors was pushing on my stomach to try to get it contract, while another was scraping the blood clots out, which were both really painful. The main consultant told me, whilst doing this, that I may have to go into surgery if the pain got too much for me but I remember thinking, 'HELL NO', I wasn't going to go through a natural birth only to then have to go and have surgery anyway!
Finally, after all of that, came what I think was the worst bit of it all - the stitches (down below). All I kept thinking was, 'can everyone just leave me alone so I can be with my baby!!!!'. The pain and discomfort of this seemed more intense than anything else I had just been through. However, once they were finished, we were finally left alone and they brought in some tea and toast, which everyone always tells me is the best meal they have ever had and it really was an amazing comfort after all of that!!!
We were both on cloud nine and just couldn't believe it. Deep down I thought I would almost certainly end up with another C-Section and I always thought she would be another he (not that I really minded either way though).
One of my main reasons for wanting to do it naturally this time was that I always felt a little bit like I hadn't done it 'correctly' with Jackson. However, now having been through two completely different births, I can safely say that I felt incredibly and equally proud both times!!!
I would like to introduce the world to Florence Lucy Corbitt, born 2:36pm Tuesday 7th February 2017 and weighing a healthy 8lbs 11oz.
Love Sophia xxx
Thursday 9 February 2017
Week in photo's
Monday
On Monday, we went to meet my friend's new baby. Jackson saw me writing the card for her so he just had to 'help' and sign the card too.
Tuesday
This photo makes me laugh, he made me get all of his comforts out of his cot (he has a lot now!) and he was showing them all to me. He was also non-stop talking the whole time - he must of been telling me all about them.
Wednesday
Jackson had a snotty nose today and just didn't want to sleep in his cot. Have to admit, I really didn't try that hard, I was very happy to have cuddles while he slept.
Thursday
Jackson was with my Mum for most of the day today so I was treated to getting my nails done. A proper pamper day, something that doesn't happen very often. I even got to squeeze in a Yoga class in the evening.
Sorry, I forgot to take a picture of my day as I was too involved in having a baby free day!!
Friday
We had a really relaxed day; in the morning was a midwife appointment. Jackson was desperate to hear his 'baby' heartbeat too, the midwife was just brilliant with him.
Saturday
This evening it was my Sister and her Fiance's engagement party, which was smart dress-code. I love getting Jackson all dressed up!
Sunday
For Christmas, 2 of Jackson's Uncles bought him and his Cousin a 'Build a Bear' voucher, so we all went together to pick and build their own bears, which was such a lovely thing to do!
Love Sophia xxx
Wednesday 8 February 2017
False Labour
Last Friday afternoon, I was getting some of my regular Braxton Hicks and some were even starting to hurt more than usual, so I was getting my hopes up a little bit. By 10:50pm though, everything had stopped and I was quite annoyed and frustrated, so went straight to bed while Chris stayed downstairs to do some work. To be honest, I was really fed up and my mind was going round and around in circles, as I was so sure my baby was going to be earlier than this, so I just couldn't get to sleep.
By 12:00am, Chris came up to bed and I started to get a solid stomach cramp, similar to when you have food poisoning, which is just how my labour started with Jackson. An hour later and the pain wasn't going away, so I decided to have a bath to relax myself. After the bath, I started to get regular contractions and they started at just over 10 minutes apart. I rang the labour ward for advice because throughout all of my appointments, I never thought to ask if it mattered that I was going for a VBAC, as to when I should come in. The midwife told me to come in when they were under 5 mins apart and lasting for about a minute each.
Surely enough, an hour later they were coming on 4 minutes apart and lasting a minute or longer. I remember turning to Chris and saying 'this is it isn't it?' to which he laughed and said, 'of course it is!', so my Mum was called and over she came very quickly.
By 5:20am, we were at the hospital, after a very uncomfortable car journey. I was monitored and checked and firstly they told me that this baby was back to back and then, when I was checked internally, they also said that the baby was looking up (this is just the same as with Jackson and the main reason that my labour was so long with him, ending in a C-Section). I was also told I was only 3cm dilated. A while after that, my contractions slowed right down and it is safe to say I was incredibly disappointed.
Still, they moved us to the Labour Ward and recommended that I went for a walk to try and get things moving again. Therefore, off we went walking around and around, breaking for the occasional contraction. I was checked again 4 hours later and had only moved to 4cm, so they recommended that we went for lunch. Of course, I wanted to do everything that they told me too so off we went again. On the way, I had a few contractions but after lunch they completely stopped which, again, was so disappointing.
As things weren't progressing very well, I was moved to the ward upstairs in order to see if we could wait and get anything to develop, whilst they could still monitor me. I managed to get a sleep in, as I hadn't slept at all since the Thursday night. After the sleep, we thought we would give walking another go by walking round and around the hospital. The contractions started back up again and were between 5 - 7 minutes apart, which got our hopes up but after a couple of hours, they slowed right down again. By this point it was 8pm and the midwife recommended trying to get some more sleep as this could be the reason why my body wont go into active labour.
By 4am the next morning, I had woken up and just wanted to go home. Everything had completely stopped and I was tired, hungry and missed Jackson like mad. I asked the midwife on duty and she checked with a doctor, who eventually came up and said that I could go home. This all took nearly 2 hours, so after a total of 26 hours in hospital, we were heading home, without a baby.
Most people's 2nd labours are supposed to be easier and quicker but for me, it seems to be quite the opposite. It's so frustrating and disappointing, not only for me but also for Chris as he got so excited to meet our new son/daughter.
Fingers crossed it will all happen soon and we will be meeting our new baby very quickly!
Love Sophia xxx
By 12:00am, Chris came up to bed and I started to get a solid stomach cramp, similar to when you have food poisoning, which is just how my labour started with Jackson. An hour later and the pain wasn't going away, so I decided to have a bath to relax myself. After the bath, I started to get regular contractions and they started at just over 10 minutes apart. I rang the labour ward for advice because throughout all of my appointments, I never thought to ask if it mattered that I was going for a VBAC, as to when I should come in. The midwife told me to come in when they were under 5 mins apart and lasting for about a minute each.
Surely enough, an hour later they were coming on 4 minutes apart and lasting a minute or longer. I remember turning to Chris and saying 'this is it isn't it?' to which he laughed and said, 'of course it is!', so my Mum was called and over she came very quickly.
By 5:20am, we were at the hospital, after a very uncomfortable car journey. I was monitored and checked and firstly they told me that this baby was back to back and then, when I was checked internally, they also said that the baby was looking up (this is just the same as with Jackson and the main reason that my labour was so long with him, ending in a C-Section). I was also told I was only 3cm dilated. A while after that, my contractions slowed right down and it is safe to say I was incredibly disappointed.
Still, they moved us to the Labour Ward and recommended that I went for a walk to try and get things moving again. Therefore, off we went walking around and around, breaking for the occasional contraction. I was checked again 4 hours later and had only moved to 4cm, so they recommended that we went for lunch. Of course, I wanted to do everything that they told me too so off we went again. On the way, I had a few contractions but after lunch they completely stopped which, again, was so disappointing.
As things weren't progressing very well, I was moved to the ward upstairs in order to see if we could wait and get anything to develop, whilst they could still monitor me. I managed to get a sleep in, as I hadn't slept at all since the Thursday night. After the sleep, we thought we would give walking another go by walking round and around the hospital. The contractions started back up again and were between 5 - 7 minutes apart, which got our hopes up but after a couple of hours, they slowed right down again. By this point it was 8pm and the midwife recommended trying to get some more sleep as this could be the reason why my body wont go into active labour.
By 4am the next morning, I had woken up and just wanted to go home. Everything had completely stopped and I was tired, hungry and missed Jackson like mad. I asked the midwife on duty and she checked with a doctor, who eventually came up and said that I could go home. This all took nearly 2 hours, so after a total of 26 hours in hospital, we were heading home, without a baby.
Most people's 2nd labours are supposed to be easier and quicker but for me, it seems to be quite the opposite. It's so frustrating and disappointing, not only for me but also for Chris as he got so excited to meet our new son/daughter.
Fingers crossed it will all happen soon and we will be meeting our new baby very quickly!
Love Sophia xxx
Tuesday 7 February 2017
Open letter to Jackson, Jan. 2017
Dear Jackson,
It's not long now until you become a Big Brother and we are just so excited to see our family grow.
It's not helping the Mum Guilt at the moment though - I worry that you might not feel as loved as you do now, compared to when you have a sibling getting our attention too. But most importantly, I feel bad at the moment because I am really tired all of the time (and rather fat!), which maybe makes me not as fun for you. I just hope that you don't think that and you still feel like I am playing with you loads.
You have made your Dada and I laugh so much recently, you just seem so grown up already. You love playing with all of your new toys that you got for Christmas and always want us to join in your role playing games, which I just find absolutely adorable. One toy you got for Christmas was a baby doll, which I wasn't sure if you'd like very much, as you never play with dolly's at Play Groups or your friends' house's but due to your sibling coming, we thought it would be a good idea anyway. How wrong was I - your doll joins in with all of our games! You pretend he is your patient when you play with your doctors set and you even put him in the high-chair to feed him your pretend food. Dada and I just hope you don't pick your sibling up by their face or leg like you do with dolly!!!!!!
All of your little buddies are starting to turn 2, which makes me realise that your Birthday will surely creep up very quickly. I have already started looking for presents and ideas of what we can do on your special day. The only problem is, we are still so close to Christmas, therefore I can't think of anything that you need or want (we completely went over board at Christmas so I will really have to get my thinking cap on)!
I find it amazing how clever you are getting and how much you have noticed about my pregnancy. For instance, you show such an interest in my very large belly and you like to kiss it and stroke it. Sometimes you like to sit on my lap and just put you hand on it (not sure if you actually understand why you are doing this but you must see Dada do it all the time).
Your speech is just coming along so well at the moment too, with you saying new words every day. However, you still babble away as though you are speaking and like we should understand what you are saying! You've even had strangers ask me what you said as though the babble was really proper words. We ask you if you think you are having a Sister or a Brother too, which you seem to be 50/50 on at the moment. It's funny but whenever you say either one, your Dada and I look at each other as though you actually do have the answer. It's not long to wait now though, so you better make up your mind!
I hope you remain your happy and healthy self, and know how much we both love you!!!
Lots of love,
Mama xxx
It's not long now until you become a Big Brother and we are just so excited to see our family grow.
It's not helping the Mum Guilt at the moment though - I worry that you might not feel as loved as you do now, compared to when you have a sibling getting our attention too. But most importantly, I feel bad at the moment because I am really tired all of the time (and rather fat!), which maybe makes me not as fun for you. I just hope that you don't think that and you still feel like I am playing with you loads.
You have made your Dada and I laugh so much recently, you just seem so grown up already. You love playing with all of your new toys that you got for Christmas and always want us to join in your role playing games, which I just find absolutely adorable. One toy you got for Christmas was a baby doll, which I wasn't sure if you'd like very much, as you never play with dolly's at Play Groups or your friends' house's but due to your sibling coming, we thought it would be a good idea anyway. How wrong was I - your doll joins in with all of our games! You pretend he is your patient when you play with your doctors set and you even put him in the high-chair to feed him your pretend food. Dada and I just hope you don't pick your sibling up by their face or leg like you do with dolly!!!!!!
All of your little buddies are starting to turn 2, which makes me realise that your Birthday will surely creep up very quickly. I have already started looking for presents and ideas of what we can do on your special day. The only problem is, we are still so close to Christmas, therefore I can't think of anything that you need or want (we completely went over board at Christmas so I will really have to get my thinking cap on)!
I find it amazing how clever you are getting and how much you have noticed about my pregnancy. For instance, you show such an interest in my very large belly and you like to kiss it and stroke it. Sometimes you like to sit on my lap and just put you hand on it (not sure if you actually understand why you are doing this but you must see Dada do it all the time).
Your speech is just coming along so well at the moment too, with you saying new words every day. However, you still babble away as though you are speaking and like we should understand what you are saying! You've even had strangers ask me what you said as though the babble was really proper words. We ask you if you think you are having a Sister or a Brother too, which you seem to be 50/50 on at the moment. It's funny but whenever you say either one, your Dada and I look at each other as though you actually do have the answer. It's not long to wait now though, so you better make up your mind!
I hope you remain your happy and healthy self, and know how much we both love you!!!
Lots of love,
Mama xxx
Monday 6 February 2017
Too Posh to Push
'Too posh to push', that's what everyone said about Victoria Beckham when she opted for a C-section with her babies. Back then, I really didn't have a thought about it, all I saw was that a few weeks later, she was up and about and in her pre-pregnancy clothes. After having a C-section myself, it is so not like that. In many ways, a planned one is easier than an emergency one, but more on that in a minute!
Many of you know that my C-section was not a planned one; after about 16 hours of labour, Jackson's heart rate kept dropping so we were rushed into surgery in a bit of a panic. I can't say that I remember much of the whole thing (apart from the amazing moments, like that first cry, when he was placed next to my head on the table and when I got to hold him for the first time), as I was in and out of sleep, which could have been to do with the spinal block or maybe just the lack of sleep and long labour. For Chris though, it was a horrible experience, as he could hear everything that the doctors were saying and, like he has put it before, suddenly the two most important people in his world were having major surgery.
Afterwards, I did struggle to pick up Jackson too, as he was a big baby weighing at 9lbs 6oz. I had to spend a few days in hospital and Chris wasn't able to stay either, which made it much more difficult because all I wanted was for him to be there and help me through the night. It was much easier when we got home and he would pass Jackson to me for me to breast feed.
Another down side is that the numbness by my scar is still there to this day, I wonder if it will ever go? During the early time in this pregnancy, I would also get a bit of pain around my scar - I always mentioned this to the midwives but I think it was just to do with stretching due to my belly growing.
For me, the emotional side was very difficult too. I always planned to go with the flow with my birth but never did I ever think that I would end up having a C-section. Afterwards, I struggled to cope with the fact that I didn't do it naturally. I felt like a bit of a failure and as though I didn't really do it 'properly'. I knew other people that had similar stories to mine and not for one minute did I ever think that about them though. All I know is that when the doctor said that Jackson's heart rate was dropping in and out, it was a no brainier and there was no other option.
By no means do I think that it is a walk in the park, having a natural birth, but this time around I really want to at least try to do it naturally again. I do think that, when giving birth naturally, you tend to bounce back a bit quicker and I really need to be able to drive and pick up Jackson/take him places, so that he can stick to his routine (so different when you already have a toddler to take care of!).
I can see sooooo many pluses to having a planned C-section; you get to pick the day, therefore you can plan childcare and ensure that you have everything ready, it's generally quicker and you also generally have the baby slightly earlier, as they don't want them to engage because it makes it a little trickier during the operation, which, in late pregnancy, sounds quite appealing! But, out of preference, I think I would always favour doing it naturally. Fingers crossed that I get the type of birth I am after this time but if not, it will be what it will be - I just want a healthy baby to hold and that is enough for me.
By the time you read this I may have already had my baby and you may already know my ending!
Love Sophia xxx
Many of you know that my C-section was not a planned one; after about 16 hours of labour, Jackson's heart rate kept dropping so we were rushed into surgery in a bit of a panic. I can't say that I remember much of the whole thing (apart from the amazing moments, like that first cry, when he was placed next to my head on the table and when I got to hold him for the first time), as I was in and out of sleep, which could have been to do with the spinal block or maybe just the lack of sleep and long labour. For Chris though, it was a horrible experience, as he could hear everything that the doctors were saying and, like he has put it before, suddenly the two most important people in his world were having major surgery.
Afterwards, I did struggle to pick up Jackson too, as he was a big baby weighing at 9lbs 6oz. I had to spend a few days in hospital and Chris wasn't able to stay either, which made it much more difficult because all I wanted was for him to be there and help me through the night. It was much easier when we got home and he would pass Jackson to me for me to breast feed.
Another down side is that the numbness by my scar is still there to this day, I wonder if it will ever go? During the early time in this pregnancy, I would also get a bit of pain around my scar - I always mentioned this to the midwives but I think it was just to do with stretching due to my belly growing.
For me, the emotional side was very difficult too. I always planned to go with the flow with my birth but never did I ever think that I would end up having a C-section. Afterwards, I struggled to cope with the fact that I didn't do it naturally. I felt like a bit of a failure and as though I didn't really do it 'properly'. I knew other people that had similar stories to mine and not for one minute did I ever think that about them though. All I know is that when the doctor said that Jackson's heart rate was dropping in and out, it was a no brainier and there was no other option.
By no means do I think that it is a walk in the park, having a natural birth, but this time around I really want to at least try to do it naturally again. I do think that, when giving birth naturally, you tend to bounce back a bit quicker and I really need to be able to drive and pick up Jackson/take him places, so that he can stick to his routine (so different when you already have a toddler to take care of!).
I can see sooooo many pluses to having a planned C-section; you get to pick the day, therefore you can plan childcare and ensure that you have everything ready, it's generally quicker and you also generally have the baby slightly earlier, as they don't want them to engage because it makes it a little trickier during the operation, which, in late pregnancy, sounds quite appealing! But, out of preference, I think I would always favour doing it naturally. Fingers crossed that I get the type of birth I am after this time but if not, it will be what it will be - I just want a healthy baby to hold and that is enough for me.
By the time you read this I may have already had my baby and you may already know my ending!
Love Sophia xxx
Thursday 2 February 2017
Toddler's Room Tour
We always had in our minds that as soon as we fell pregnant with our second baby, we would move Jackson into the bigger bedroom so that he had more room. He is only going to be about 22 months when the baby arrives so is still very much a little toddler but I really wanted it to be his room that he can grow into.
In regards to the furniture, we had to buy everything new because we have reused all the bits from the Nursery for the next little bundle. We have moved a lot of his decorations over though and have added a few new bits too, seen as he is a bit more grown up now.
As you come into the room, the wall on the right has this print which one of Jackson's Guide Parents gave to him on the day of his Naming Ceremony. Under this is these 3 star hooks, which his Yaya brought him last year for Christmas, meaning we have a place for all of the hanging bits that were in his old room, with the addition of his little dressing gown.
Next to that and just underneath is his rocking chair that another one of his Guide Parents got him for a present. It was also in his old room, where we used it as a bit of a table for his monitor etc. but now he loves to actually sit on it.
Then it's on to his Cot-bed, which we bought in the Mothercare sale - I wasn't too fussy with which one we got, I just wanted it to have a drawer underneath for extra storage. I keep spare nappies and bedding in it.
I looked all over the place for bedding for Jackson but could hardly find any that I liked. I did, however, end up finding this set on eBay. I love the print and even though the quality could be slightly better, I can't really complain when it came to the cost!
Above his bed are some of the same bits he had in his old room; The J and the hand & foot print in particular. The new additions are the Pirate Clock from his Uncle and Aunty, and the record was a present from another of his Uncles.
We bought this wardrobe from Ikea and I love it!!! He has loads more storage than his old room, where he had a chest of drawers and wardrobe (he does have a lot of clothes!!).
I really liked the curtains in his old room but I wanted to change them into a blind, which one of my amazing friends did for me. I am so pleased with it (let me know if you want anything similar done and I can put you in contact with her).
On his window sill, he has his name train, which he had in his old room too. He also has these pirate bookends and a money box - both presents from Chris's cousins (think that makes them Jackson's 2nd cousins).
We bought this wicker chair from Ikea to read bedtime stories on etc.. On the bottom is an Ikea cushion and the upright cushion was a Christmas present from Yaya.
Also, above his chair is his mobile from his old room, which was from Not on the High Street (it was a bit on the pricey side but I really like it).
His toy box is from 'The Great Little Toy Storage Company'. We only have a few toys in his room at the moment but when baby comes I think that we will put a few more in, incase I am feeding upstairs at any point and he needs entertaining.
Above that is his bookshelves (I have done a blog post of his themed bookshelf - click here to see it). The top one is his 'special shelf', where we have a few books that have been given to Jackson on special occasions by a few friends and family members.
The last thing left to show you in his room is the rug, which I found at H&M. It's a car rug but with a bit more of a modern twist from the traditional ones.
Hope you like his room, he certainly does!
Love Sophia
Wednesday 1 February 2017
39 Week Pregnancy Update
Here is my 39 week update...
My mum took this picture, I was eating some of the best ice cream ever!!!
Symptoms: I had a midwife appointment this week and baby is doing well. I am now measuring 37 weeks, when at the time I was over 38 weeks, but they don't seem to be worried. I just can't keep up with this, one minute I get the impression I am massive and the next I am told I am small! I was also hoping they may give me a sweep but she rang the Consultant who told her no, as we have to wait until I am 40 weeks. She did say that the baby was partially engaged though, so fingers crossed things will be happening soon.
If I am honest, I really didn't think that I would be writing this blog, as I was pretty sure that I would have had this baby by now, so I am already feeling overdue. I decided not to have my acupuncture this week too because I am not sure how I actually feel about it and I didn't find it the most relaxing of things.
The Braxton Hicks have calmed down a bit this week, but I have been getting growing pains down below so hopefully something is happening.
I have also been feeling a little more myself this week, although still very tired and in pain, just not as much as I have been before.
Food Cravings: Chocolate again this week!
Movement: Movements are taking my breath away now, I think because the baby is so big he/she just seems to be kicking all of my organs.
Sleep: Same as normal, can't get comfortable and then, when I do, I need a wee.
Things I am Missing: My baby!!!! I just can't wait to meet him or her.
Best Moment: Managing to make my sister's engagement party.
Worst Moment: Jackson has been really cheeky this week and I know that it is because I am not as mobile for him.
Love Sophia xxx
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