Friday again, but in much better spirits. I am feeling a million times better than I was this time last week. I have given in to my cravings (of which I am having a ton more than I ever did with Ayva) and my body seems to be rewarding me with less intense nausea that is lasting for a shorter period of time. It is now only in the morning really and the rest of the day I'm feeling pretty good (not counting the debilitating fatigue of course, but that I'm keeping in check with a nap in the middle of the day).
Unfortunately the house looks like a BOMB went off! I just can't seem to face it, when I have a spare 5 minutes all I want to do is sit. I'm refusing all guests until I can get myself sorted out. I'm hoping for a motivating husbandly hand this weekend as he has three days off with Queen's Birthday.
This week is important as it marks the 2nd month without my period. A very good sign that thing are on track and staying healthy. :)
It has been a short week this week as we were in Christchurch on Monday breaking Monty out of quarantine. It is so good to have him home. Ayva has gone absolutely bananas over him so he has gone to work today with Bruce for some peace and quiet! He has settled in really fast (there was actually no real "settling" to speak of), he just seems really happy to have his family (+ 1) back. It has been delightful having my afternoon naps on our bed with him :)
Another short week next week with the Queen's Birthday. Thank God for small favours!!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Pregnancy Folklore
Thought you might enjoy some of these weird and wacky old wives tales about gender.
If you got pregnant right away - your having a girl. (Well, that was true with Ayva) Tries for this baby - just the 1 (tries for our lost baby - just 1) If this were truly the case I would say Bruce and I are destined for only girls. If it takes more than 6 months, then it's a boy.
If your morning sickness lasts all day - its a girl! I seem to have a reprieve of a few hours in the middle of the day but yes, it's pretty much all day. If you're morning sickness is virtually non existent or gone by the end of the morning then it's a boy. What I wouldn't give for a boy!
Improved complexion means you having a girl - hmmm, that one's not true for me but then it wasn't true with Ayva either..
If you conceived under a full moon, then it's a girl - true for us this time (about 2-3 days prior)! Interesting, so I went and checked the lunar calendar for around the time that we conceived Ayva and sure enough, almost a full moon (exactly the same time on the lunar calendar, 2-3 days prior!!!).
Eating breakfast everyday and eating throughout the day, helps to have a boy. That is certainly true for me this time, not true last time.
If your having a boy, your pillow faces north when you sleep, if it's a girl then your pillow face south. So I thought about this, got out the compass and yes! I do rearrange my pillow to face North!! Amazing! Until I realized that then the other end of my pillow faces south. What sillyness! :)
If you crave protein, it's a boy (if you read the last blog, you know I'm CRAVING protein). If you crave sweets and orange juice then it's a girl. (definitely not!)
Hmm...Seems the old wives are split on whether we're having a girl or a boy. Guess we'll just have to wait and see!
If you got pregnant right away - your having a girl. (Well, that was true with Ayva) Tries for this baby - just the 1 (tries for our lost baby - just 1) If this were truly the case I would say Bruce and I are destined for only girls. If it takes more than 6 months, then it's a boy.
If your morning sickness lasts all day - its a girl! I seem to have a reprieve of a few hours in the middle of the day but yes, it's pretty much all day. If you're morning sickness is virtually non existent or gone by the end of the morning then it's a boy. What I wouldn't give for a boy!
Improved complexion means you having a girl - hmmm, that one's not true for me but then it wasn't true with Ayva either..
If you conceived under a full moon, then it's a girl - true for us this time (about 2-3 days prior)! Interesting, so I went and checked the lunar calendar for around the time that we conceived Ayva and sure enough, almost a full moon (exactly the same time on the lunar calendar, 2-3 days prior!!!).
Eating breakfast everyday and eating throughout the day, helps to have a boy. That is certainly true for me this time, not true last time.
If your having a boy, your pillow faces north when you sleep, if it's a girl then your pillow face south. So I thought about this, got out the compass and yes! I do rearrange my pillow to face North!! Amazing! Until I realized that then the other end of my pillow faces south. What sillyness! :)
If you crave protein, it's a boy (if you read the last blog, you know I'm CRAVING protein). If you crave sweets and orange juice then it's a girl. (definitely not!)
Hmm...Seems the old wives are split on whether we're having a girl or a boy. Guess we'll just have to wait and see!
7 weeks 2 days
Friday here, the end of a very long week. I woke up this morning feeling very discouraged. I am nauseous all day long (which is incredibly debilitating), and struggling to sleep at night which is leaving me exhausted during the day. Bruce gets up and leaves us at 6.45 am and doesn't return until 6.15 - 6.30 at night. He has arrived home both Wednesday and Thursday evening to no dinner as I have just been too incapacitated to even cook. The strong smells of food are enough to make me sick. I am feeling a ton of guilt and the short 5 weeks that is needed to get us towards the end of the first trimester and on a plane to New York is seeming increasingly further and further away.
I also have had to give up my routine of juice with barley grass in the morning, followed by a fruit and nut milk smoothie and lunch was generally a salad, or raw veg wrap and then later freshly juiced carrots with some combo of vegetables. Now before you all start to wonder what's happening to the better part of my taste buds while I'm standing upside down on the other side of the world, let me explain.
This is all part of my new raw food diet, something I picked up after our miscarriage when I had felt so unwell for such a prolonged period of time. It seemed that I couldn't mentally or physically pick myself up and this dragged on for about 2 months when I discovered raw food and the amount of healing it could bring to a persons damaged body. I have spent a lot of time researching raw food, and although I had not converted 100%, I believed that I was seeing the effects of having a real balance of raw and cooked food in my diet. Raw food seemed to provide so much energy for me so I was eating it in the morning and as much as possible throughout the day. Sadly, I cannot stomach the sight of raw food, let alone eat it at the moment! At least not in the way that I had.
I get up now and consume a glass of milk (cows milk!! gross!) and wait for it to start to settle my stomach. Then all day long I crave breads, cheese, yogurt, eggs, chicken, protein, protein, protein, mostly animal protein which grosses out my vegetarian side but my pregnant side seems to be able to gobble it down just fine. I am really struggling to find a balance right now and am disappointed because I believed that I would provide my baby with this wonderful nutritious start in life and now instead all the little bean is getting is dairy cow products. :(
On the very bright side - we are headed to Christchurch this weekend to pick up Monty from quarantine!! Talk about excited Paterson family. Looking forward to curling up with Monty at nap time.
I also have had to give up my routine of juice with barley grass in the morning, followed by a fruit and nut milk smoothie and lunch was generally a salad, or raw veg wrap and then later freshly juiced carrots with some combo of vegetables. Now before you all start to wonder what's happening to the better part of my taste buds while I'm standing upside down on the other side of the world, let me explain.
This is all part of my new raw food diet, something I picked up after our miscarriage when I had felt so unwell for such a prolonged period of time. It seemed that I couldn't mentally or physically pick myself up and this dragged on for about 2 months when I discovered raw food and the amount of healing it could bring to a persons damaged body. I have spent a lot of time researching raw food, and although I had not converted 100%, I believed that I was seeing the effects of having a real balance of raw and cooked food in my diet. Raw food seemed to provide so much energy for me so I was eating it in the morning and as much as possible throughout the day. Sadly, I cannot stomach the sight of raw food, let alone eat it at the moment! At least not in the way that I had.
I get up now and consume a glass of milk (cows milk!! gross!) and wait for it to start to settle my stomach. Then all day long I crave breads, cheese, yogurt, eggs, chicken, protein, protein, protein, mostly animal protein which grosses out my vegetarian side but my pregnant side seems to be able to gobble it down just fine. I am really struggling to find a balance right now and am disappointed because I believed that I would provide my baby with this wonderful nutritious start in life and now instead all the little bean is getting is dairy cow products. :(
On the very bright side - we are headed to Christchurch this weekend to pick up Monty from quarantine!! Talk about excited Paterson family. Looking forward to curling up with Monty at nap time.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
7 weeks
This is the embryo's hand at 6 weeks 6 days -
and here it is just 3 days later -
Our baby has an amazing growth spurt this week more than doubling in size (from 4 -5 mm to 11-13mm). So from the size of a pea to the size of a black bean! Our baby's tail is continuing to shrink while the brain and heart area are becoming more complex. The eyelid fold are forming as well as the tip of the nose and the arms now bend at the elbows.
and here it is just 3 days later -
Our baby has an amazing growth spurt this week more than doubling in size (from 4 -5 mm to 11-13mm). So from the size of a pea to the size of a black bean! Our baby's tail is continuing to shrink while the brain and heart area are becoming more complex. The eyelid fold are forming as well as the tip of the nose and the arms now bend at the elbows.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
First Midwife Appointment
When the midwife arrived at our house this morning for our first appointment, lets just say - she was not what I was expecting. Our Alexandra midwife has been a underweight middle aged woman who looked like she hadn't slept in over 2 years, was never on time, and was still reeling off the adrenaline of the last baby she'd delivered. Andrea, our current midwife, is a rather large and very relaxed looking woman who pulled up to the house at 10am on the dot. She is a very friendly and good humored woman full of good information, confidently presented and I am very happy with our choice. Andrea has around as many years experience in midwifery as I have years of life. Now don't get me wrong, we adored our crazy eyed adrenaline junkie, infact I phoned her to see if she could be our midwife again but unfortunately she is moving back down to Alexandra. Andrea was her recommendation, so thank you Sonya!
Now might be the point at which to mention our birthing plan, just to help people warm up to the idea, as I know that in the US this is not the regular approach. We have a sleep out behind our house that is currently tenented which we plan to use as the birthing room. In Nelson you can rent a birthing pool so we will have that set up out there and the midwife tells me we'll have to fill it quickly (and high looking at my height!) as she's predicting a quick labor based on Ayva's speedy descent into the world. No drugs, no instruments, just all natural!
She has bumped my due date up a day, making it January 7th. And putting me at 7 weeks today. Either way, it's all an estimate! We've decided to do a 12 week scan just to check things out and ease our minds after our recent loss, but Andrea assured me that it wasn't necessary as she could see no reason why this baby wouldn't go to full term. I feel confident in this pregnancy, it feels so much like the pregnancy with Ayva in '05. Except that I haven't put on any weight yet. (I had gained around 4 lbs by now with Ayva - so is this a boy??? Old Wives Tale - you chub up less with boys!)
Now might be the point at which to mention our birthing plan, just to help people warm up to the idea, as I know that in the US this is not the regular approach. We have a sleep out behind our house that is currently tenented which we plan to use as the birthing room. In Nelson you can rent a birthing pool so we will have that set up out there and the midwife tells me we'll have to fill it quickly (and high looking at my height!) as she's predicting a quick labor based on Ayva's speedy descent into the world. No drugs, no instruments, just all natural!
She has bumped my due date up a day, making it January 7th. And putting me at 7 weeks today. Either way, it's all an estimate! We've decided to do a 12 week scan just to check things out and ease our minds after our recent loss, but Andrea assured me that it wasn't necessary as she could see no reason why this baby wouldn't go to full term. I feel confident in this pregnancy, it feels so much like the pregnancy with Ayva in '05. Except that I haven't put on any weight yet. (I had gained around 4 lbs by now with Ayva - so is this a boy??? Old Wives Tale - you chub up less with boys!)
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
In the Polls
This is the last time we'll mess with the name polls for a while, there were just a few glitches that needed sorted out. Firstly, you can now vote more than once from any computer, so if there is more than one voter in your household they can now have their say!
Bruce and I sat down last night and went through a name book so that we could give you a more realistic picture of names we thought we might actually give our child. We are having a really tough time (as you can see) with boys names. There doesn't seem to be much that we're interested in!
In regards to the boys name, we are currently thinking that we'll stick to the Paterson family naming tradition of the son's first boy being named after his grandfather. We do, however want our child to feel individual as well, so we will be calling the little monkey by his middle name exclusively. eg. G. Orion Paterson.
Happy voting and thanks for your input!!
As a side - it seems the pukeyness has begun - although I haven't lost my lunch yet, my stomach was very unsettled after dinner (it's the indian food the little bean is craving!) and then when I woke up this morning I felt very pukey indeed. I had to set aside my regular morning routine of OJ and Barley Grass (followed by a yummy smoothie) and had to settle for an immediate banana stomach settler. Alas, might be time for crackers by the bed side...
Bruce and I sat down last night and went through a name book so that we could give you a more realistic picture of names we thought we might actually give our child. We are having a really tough time (as you can see) with boys names. There doesn't seem to be much that we're interested in!
In regards to the boys name, we are currently thinking that we'll stick to the Paterson family naming tradition of the son's first boy being named after his grandfather. We do, however want our child to feel individual as well, so we will be calling the little monkey by his middle name exclusively. eg. G. Orion Paterson.
Happy voting and thanks for your input!!
As a side - it seems the pukeyness has begun - although I haven't lost my lunch yet, my stomach was very unsettled after dinner (it's the indian food the little bean is craving!) and then when I woke up this morning I felt very pukey indeed. I had to set aside my regular morning routine of OJ and Barley Grass (followed by a yummy smoothie) and had to settle for an immediate banana stomach settler. Alas, might be time for crackers by the bed side...
Thursday, May 15, 2008
6 weeks
The Beginning of the Embryonic Period -
From now until week 10, it is one of the most critical and sensitive times in the baby's development. Most malformations occur within these four weeks.
My body has been taken over by a very demanding little 4mm bean.
1. Eat 2. drink 3. pee (repeat steps 123 hourly until baby is born).
I am so hungry now that it seems I can't go two hours at a time without eating. I went into the supermarket this morning on an empty stomach (empty = haven't eaten in the past 2 hours) and I damn near came out with the entire store stuffed into their little trolly. Our little bean is currently craving chocolate and Indian food (good tastes! - I can live with that:)
To stay on top of the fatigue, I'm having a nana nap every day when Ayva takes hers. And then I barely make it to 8.30pm before I'm ready to crash again.
I'm already up once a night to empty my bladder. This, in my professional opinion, is by far one of the most annoying symptoms of early pregnancy.
We have definitely hit full first trimester pregnancy swing!
From now until week 10, it is one of the most critical and sensitive times in the baby's development. Most malformations occur within these four weeks.
My body has been taken over by a very demanding little 4mm bean.
1. Eat 2. drink 3. pee (repeat steps 123 hourly until baby is born).
I am so hungry now that it seems I can't go two hours at a time without eating. I went into the supermarket this morning on an empty stomach (empty = haven't eaten in the past 2 hours) and I damn near came out with the entire store stuffed into their little trolly. Our little bean is currently craving chocolate and Indian food (good tastes! - I can live with that:)
To stay on top of the fatigue, I'm having a nana nap every day when Ayva takes hers. And then I barely make it to 8.30pm before I'm ready to crash again.
I'm already up once a night to empty my bladder. This, in my professional opinion, is by far one of the most annoying symptoms of early pregnancy.
We have definitely hit full first trimester pregnancy swing!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Dancing Monkey
A Poem
Hey look, a banana!!
Thanks for that Grandma -
Despite your gaul bladder
You've shown that I matter
For me, its off to the shops
Won't you say hi to Pops
Hope your singing a new tune
And you get better soon!
Thanks for that Grandma -
Despite your gaul bladder
You've shown that I matter
For me, its off to the shops
Won't you say hi to Pops
Hope your singing a new tune
And you get better soon!
I think the video speaks for its self. (Isn't she cute?!)
Miss Ayva -
FYI - If you would like to comment on any of the posts there is a button at the bottom of each blog entry titled "0 comments", or 1 comment etc depending on the number already left. We'd love to hear from you!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Happy Mother's Day (5 weeks 3 days)
We've been away this weekend with friends down in Hanmer Springs celebrating our 2 year olds joint birthdays and visiting our beloved Monty at the Canterbury Quarantine where he has currently served out half of his 30 day sentence.
On Thursday we hit the 5 weeks mark - a real milestone for us since we lost our baby #2 in February at 5 weeks. Admittedly, I'm still feeling a little paranoid about losing this baby but trying to suppress the feeling since there is no real reason we shouldn't be able to carry this one to term. Every day right now feels like a real gift.
No exciting pregnancy symptoms to report yet. Sometimes I feel as though the whole thing is rather imagined...except then i feel that *empty* pit in my stomach just a 2-3 hours after I last ate a full meal and then I remember that there are small hints all the time and that I am not dreaming, (which normally results in a small panic attack and then I'm fine again) :)
This week our little bean has developed a heartbeat, an umbilical cord and arm and leg buds! See?! -
On Thursday we hit the 5 weeks mark - a real milestone for us since we lost our baby #2 in February at 5 weeks. Admittedly, I'm still feeling a little paranoid about losing this baby but trying to suppress the feeling since there is no real reason we shouldn't be able to carry this one to term. Every day right now feels like a real gift.
No exciting pregnancy symptoms to report yet. Sometimes I feel as though the whole thing is rather imagined...except then i feel that *empty* pit in my stomach just a 2-3 hours after I last ate a full meal and then I remember that there are small hints all the time and that I am not dreaming, (which normally results in a small panic attack and then I'm fine again) :)
This week our little bean has developed a heartbeat, an umbilical cord and arm and leg buds! See?! -
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Ayva's 2!!! (4 weeks 5 days)
We are celebrating Ayva's second birthday today. Big Kid!!
As the baby name polls don't allow me to make changes easily without losing everyone's votes, I am going to set them up by trimester. Each trimester, depending on the votes that we have received we will set up a new poll until we finally come to a decision. This poll finishes June 26th. Thank you all for your input!
As the baby name polls don't allow me to make changes easily without losing everyone's votes, I am going to set them up by trimester. Each trimester, depending on the votes that we have received we will set up a new poll until we finally come to a decision. This poll finishes June 26th. Thank you all for your input!
Monday, May 5, 2008
4 weeks 4 days
Sunday, May 4, 2008
4 weeks 2 days
a photo -
This is what our new addition looks like now. More lizard than human but we love our little bean anyway :)
I have added a name poll onto the left hand side. This is very preliminary as we haven't thought all that much about names yet so you can expect it to change and evolve over time. I'm sure more names will be added as we think of them and others removed as we get sick of them. Please feel free put your votes in all along the way, and if you change your mind or your choice dissapears just vote again!!
This is what our new addition looks like now. More lizard than human but we love our little bean anyway :)
I have added a name poll onto the left hand side. This is very preliminary as we haven't thought all that much about names yet so you can expect it to change and evolve over time. I'm sure more names will be added as we think of them and others removed as we get sick of them. Please feel free put your votes in all along the way, and if you change your mind or your choice dissapears just vote again!!
Friday, May 2, 2008
4 weeks
Ladies and gentlemen - we have a winner!!!
I've missed my period now and have 3 (very faint) positive pregnancy tests, so...
I'M PRETTY SURE I'M PREGNANT!!!
Telling Bruce was the BEST feeling and we are so very happy and excited and nervous (all rolled up into one big bundle of baby expectation!)
I've missed my period now and have 3 (very faint) positive pregnancy tests, so...
I'M PRETTY SURE I'M PREGNANT!!!
Telling Bruce was the BEST feeling and we are so very happy and excited and nervous (all rolled up into one big bundle of baby expectation!)
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