We eat happiness

A journey to becoming a mum and a reminder to our kids of everything that's important.

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Thought of the day

Having a baby is like filling a void in your life that you didn't even realise you had.

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Birth story: to the hospital

Forgive me if the story is a little muddled. I was pretty out of it at the time…

So on Sunday night after dinner the pains started getting worse. I suffered through it and let Hubby sleep so he would be rested so that he could support me when I needed him.

Around 2pm I’d had enough. The pains had started to hurt my back even though I was just ‘cramping’.

I woke up Hubby and we called the hospital. The midwife said that if I needed pain relief I could go into hospital if I wanted to. Of course I wanted to. Why do you think I’m bloody calling? To have a nice little chat while I breathe through pain?

Mad dash to finish last minute packing for the hospital. Then we were in the car heading there. 5 minutes after getting in the car my water broke in a huge gush. I had previously put an old towel and some plastic in the car for the car seat but in the rush we forgot about it. The car seat got soaked but at least I sopped up a lot of it with the towel. The liquid was warm and I am so surprised how much fluid came out of me. Even though I lost the majority of it then and there I still continued to leak fluid through until the birth. I felt like a leaky water tank.

Thank heavens it was night time and there was no traffic on the road. Made it there in record time. Would have been hell if we were stuck in traffic.

Got to the hospital and Hubby parked in the emergency drop off and took me up, towel in tow so they could check the fluid for signs of meconium…

Everything happened in such a rush but I remember thinking it’s finally happening. This is it. I’m going to see my baby soon and all I want is to make sure she’s doing OK. Please let her come out safe and healthy…

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Umbilical cord relief

Hi Chloe Today your umbilical cord finally came off. It's a great relief to us as we've been extra careful when changing and bathing you not to aggravate it. They say it can still take between 7 to 10 days for your belly button wound to heal. We look forward to doing tummy time with you more. Your dad always said he hoped it'd fall off when I was changing you but he copped it instead. It is a little gross you know. Today we took you for your first walk around the pond near our house. It was also your first ride in the pram. You slept through it though but I think you enjoyed it. Your grandparents are doting on you and your great-grandmother adores you very much. You have brought so much joy to our little family. Your dad and I are crazy about you. Some days are a little harder and some easier, but a look at your cute little face and everything is worth it. You're napping on your play quilt next to dad as we watch a little TV. Maybe I'll take a nap with you. Love, Mum

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IOUs #1

Hi Chloe Today you peed on me after a feed. I just wanted to note that down. You owe me one. We'll settle the score once you're older. Now you need to pee on your dad to make it even. Thanks, Mum

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It's been awhile...

It's been awhile since the last update. And that's because Chloe is now 6 days old and I just found 30 minutes to sit down for breakfast by myself. A cup of hot English Breakfast tea and two pieces of toast; an outrageously gorgeous blue-sky day; quietness. Hubby is still asleep upstairs with Chloe. This is the most serene I've felt in days. But Chloe needs to be fed now so more updates later... Coming baby!

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Week 40 and 3 days update

Had intense cramps last night that woke me up close to 3 am. It came in waves of about 8 minutes apart and lasted between 30 seconds to a minute.

After 2 hours of pain that didn’t go away after I changed positions, I called the hospital again to be told that cramps didn’t mean labour - take a painkiller and call back later. I don’t think this midwife was particularly helpful. If pre-labour cramps hurt that bad, I hate to know what actual contractions will feel like.

Anyway, took the painkiller as suggested and eventually got some sleep on and off. Woke up and the cramps were still there. Ended up contacting our OB and he said it sounded like early labour and to keep him updated.

That made me feel better in any case. So spent the day resting and breathing through the cramps, waiting for things to feel more intense. Definitely lost the mucus plug today though.

Have a check-up appointment with OB tomorrow, will be making it at this rate! I guess we might still do the inducing on Tuesday if things still have not progressed enough. Not sure how it all works. Will find out soon enough anyway.

Not looking forward to another night of this but glad things seem to be heading in the right direction.

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Week 40 and 2 days update

Been having more intense Braxton Hicks lately and last night noticed they were accompanied with some mild period-like cramping.

This morning I noticed some spotting as well. Called the hospital just in case and they seemed to think I might be in early labour.

Was quite excited to think I might actually be in labour! However, the cramps went away since the phone call, though had a bit more spotting in the arvo.

I guess it was false labour. Starting to feel more cramps now that it’s night time. Hoping something will happen tonight or tomorrow.

Maybe the internal exam on Thursday did something after all?

It’s amazing how having a baby can throw so many surprises your way. I think pregnancy helps develop your patience for when you become a parent.

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Week 40 update

So it appears the little bub has not engaged yet and my cervix has not started to dilate.

Bah humbug.

CTG and ultrasound showed she’s still quite comfy which is good.

Have an appointment next Thursday arvo for inducement. The doc will apply a gel to get things started and we’ll be monitored over the next few hours. If that starts the contractions we’ll stay in hospital. If not, we’ll go home and either it will kick in overnight or we’ll go back in on Friday for a c-section.

Either that or she might decide to shoot out like a cannonball before then.

Another appointment on Monday to check her and cervix again.

She kept moving during the CTG today. We think she’s trouble haha

Lots of messages from friends and family to see how we’re going. It’s lovely but also starting to drive me a little mad. Standard reply is “No, not yet. Yes, hopefully soon.”

Mum-in-law jokingly said it’s because I rub my belly too much and she’s too comfy in there. *stubbornly rubs belly more*

If she’s born late next week her birthday will be quite close to her godmother’s instead of her dad’s as we had hoped. Hubby thinks there’s some sort of conspiracy going on there.

What’s with me and Leos?

Slightly disappointed she probably won’t fit some of the 0000s I bought her. But glad we only have a few in that size so it’s not too wasteful. Some of the other 0000s will still fit - you really need to check for weight instead of size if you can. Wish someone told me that earlier!

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Week 39 + 6 days update

Oh my, tomorrow is the due date for Chloe and there’s no sign she’s going to come soon.

She has dropped, I think, as everyone says my belly looks a lot lower. I definitely have a better appetite this last week. Am eating everything in sight.

Returning to cleaning mode last few days. I had cleaned and tidied everything when I started maternity leave but it’s been awhile so doing it over while I can.

When will she come out?! Been waking up the last two days and feeling rather disappointed she’s still not here yet. I know, I know, first babies are normally late and she’ll come when she’s ready, blah, blah… But I’m so uncomfortable this week I can’t imagine doing another week of this! It hurts to turn in bed and I feel like I’m carrying a bowling ball inside. Well, a mini watermelon is what they say anyway.

Also starting to get a little nervous about the actual birth and parenting thing. Wondering if and how I’ll cope with the pain of labour. Hubby is confident I’ll do OK. Men! I don’t think he fully understands how it’s going to feel. I have a feeling I may have to whack him whilst in labour.

And I think I’ve forgotten everything I’ve learnt in prenatal classes, the books I’ve read and videos I’ve watched about caring for a baby. It’s like this baby had sapped all my brain power.

40 week OB appointment tomorrow. He’ll be checking to see how she’s going in there and how far down she’s moved and we’ll decide next moves from there.

Come out Chloe!!!

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Baby love

OK, so I'm still very much looking forward to Chloe coming out. But sitting here feeling and watching her move around in my belly, I still can't believe that's a little baby in there. She's a little person I helped to create. Soon she'll be out of there and every time I see or feel her move I love her a little bit more. I'm going to miss this feeling but I look forward to seeing what she looks like, looking into her little face and holding her close to me. I will let her know that I will protect her and always be here for her. I will help her become the person she was born to be and she can always count on me. I may not be the best mother in the world but I'll be the mother she needs me to be. She was loved before she even existed and she'll always be loved. Soppy mother moment.

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Week 39 update

39 weeks today! Originally had a tentative c-section booked for today but after an appointment yesterday we cancelled it. Bub is still head down so now we’re playing the waiting game for a vaginal delivery.

I’m glad I get the chance to have the labour without the operation but was also bummed that we have to wait to see her as was so excited. But it’s OK. She’ll come when she’s ready.

Am walking a lot more and planning on lots of curries and spicy foods. Hoping she won’t come too late.

Feeling more tired and lazy. Should probably do more cleaning but I can’t be bothered and my back bothers me too much. She feels so heavy now!

If she doesn’t come by week 40 OB will do an internal exam. Hope that will trigger labour. Fingers crossed!

Waiting, waiting, waiting…

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Week 38 update

Another OB appointment this morning. Hubby has started to work from home on the days we need to go in so he can drive me. We’re grateful his work place and manager is so flexible.

I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted the result to be leading up to it.

Sure, it would be great if Chloe spins head down. It would mean I get the natural birth I wanted. But then again I was really looking forward to seeing her next week. If she turns head down, potentially it could be another three weeks before she arrives.

Also going a bit mental on maternity leave. There’s only so much stuff you can do and physically everything is harder now.

Anyway, turns out she is head down! Though I’m sure she only did it in the last 24 hours. I’m relieved in a way as I’d rather not have the c-section but am wondering how long before she gets here now.

She’s apparently lying head down with her body to my left. Though I’m adamant that she was lying to my right earlier this morning as I felt a huge bulge to my right when I got up to pee in the wee hours.

We still have the operation booked for Thursday but will go see the OB again on Wednesday to see where she is at. If she’s still head down we’ll cancel the operation but if she’s moved again will go ahead with it.

Doc says it’s rare for babies to be moving so much. I always wanted our kids to be original and not follow the pack but she’s starting much earlier than I expected.

Not much we can do in any case. Will do more walking to try and get her to engage. I’ve been doing more walking lately, wonder if that helped turn her? The exercises didn’t do it.

Doc showed us her face as well. She was making sucking faces, looked so weird on the ultrasound. But oh how I love that face!

Braxton Hicks becoming more frequent and uncomfortable. Feeling bigger than ever. Feet getting larger by the day. I seem to be thirsty a lot more.

Am knitting a baby blanket. One needs a project to stay sane. More baby book reading. Starting to watch more TV.

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Hi kids,

You are born so pure and innocent. Always remember that you were beautiful from the beginning. Always be your beautiful self and never lose sight of who you are.

Love, Mum and dad.

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Crib mattress tip

Thought I'd just share a tip I found online for all the new mums out there: Double layer your baby's mattress. This means you start with: 1. Waterproof mattress protector 2. Bed sheet 3. Waterproof mattress protector 4. Bed sheet This way, if they leak onto the top set, you can just pull it off and you'd still have the bottom set ready to go. Especially handy for night time. Mums have such great ideas!

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Being brave

Normally my reaction to seeing a large spider in the house would to be call Hubby to deal with it. However, given I am on maternity leave and he's at work, I am learning to be brave for Chloe's sake. Therefore today I fearlessly dealt with a spider I found at the bottom of our stairs. Granted it wasn't that big but progress is progress. I suppose if it was bigger I'd just vacuum it and suffer the consequences later. Yes, I am feeling quite pleased with myself.

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Hi there, Thank you for being amazing and being part of our quirky little family. Your dad and I hope you'll like living with us as much as we love having you around. Love you muchly, Mum and Dad

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Why didn’t I find this sooner?