Wednesday 25 September 2013

Uncomfortable

I am happy to report that Baby Boy Gibbs is doing very well. The last few antenatal check ups I've had have been very reassuring. Bubba is a healthy size, growing well and his head is engaging, which is a good sign that he's getting ready to come into the world. My blood pressure is good and I'm healthy, although I spend most of my day now in pain with such bad backache! It starts to hurt earlier and earlier each day, I guess because the weight of my breasts and baby are pulling on my spine continuously. The only respite I get is when either J rubs my back or if I lay down on the bed. Even if J just lightly strokes my skin, it feels so heavenly, I forget the pain in my back.

I haven't been to Aquabump for a few weeks now. The weather has suddenly shifted into autumn and the cold pool, tiny changing cubicles and prospect of driving home with wet hair puts me off. We also attend a Hypnobirthing class on a Thursday night, and being out late two week nights in a row takes it's toll. 

Hypnobirthing is going great. I really like all the relaxation exercises, but we've only got two classes left and I still haven't finished the book or properly practiced the breathing exercises. It's not so much as having the time as remembering to do these things when I have got a spare moment. Everything seems to fill my days up so quickly. I am so glad that J is supporting me with the Hypnobirthing exercises and lessons though. He is great, and it means so much to me to have him learn with me and support me. Like we are a proper team. Last week I was able to relax in the class very easily and got so caught up in the visualization and breathing techniques that I couldn't believe it when the teacher said that 30 minutes had gone by - it felt like 5! That was a real turning point for me and made me realise that Hypnobirthing is going to work for me. 

In other news, we have finally got round to putting up some of the wall stickers in the nursery. They look fantastic! 





J had been putting them up - I'm amazed at how fast he does it and how easy he makes it look! I know I'll ruin the stickers for sure if I attempt to stick them on. There's still a lot left to do, but it's getting there.

The time is going by so quickly these days, I know it will go by in a flash and before I know it our precious little baby will be here. Occasionally I have my moments where I feel panicky and scared of going into labour and birthing him, but most days - days like today, I imagine holding him in my arms for the first time and I'm overcome with love. 

Sunday 8 September 2013

Baby on the Move

The last few weeks have seen our little baby's movement grow increasingly strong and noticeable. I still can't identify hands, feet etc, just lots of big sweeping movements under my skin. It feels weird, slightly alien, but also reassuring and fascinating at the same time. There can be no doubt that there is a little person inside me wriggling around!

I have taken to letting the light fall on my bump and feeling / watching the amazing reaction of our child as he responds to the sunlight through my skin.

Saturday 7 September 2013

Maternity Shoot

Last Saturday I had a maternity shoot done by Gemma Giorgio Photography. At the time I was 30 weeks pregnant. I've never done anything like that before, seeing as I'm more likely to spend time behind the camera, but I had a really fun time and I'm really happy with the photos. I'm so glad I'll always have these now to remember this magical time.


Me and my bump ❤
This one was one of the first lot of photos we took inside the house. She took so many it was hard to choose, but this was my favourite of me and the bump up close.



We were really lucky with the weather last weekend so we walked to Highwoods Country Park from my house to take the next lot of photos outdoors. This one was taken under a beautiful canopy of trees.


In one of the meadows at the park. I love the colours in this one.


This one was one of the last we took at Highwoods Country Park where I laid down in a big patch of soft grass.


This photo was taken over by the lake and is my favourite from the whole day. I think I look really cheeky and happy as I cradle my lovely bump.

The whole experience was really positive and enjoyable. I quite liked having my photo taken in the end and I will always treasure these photos. 

Wednesday 4 September 2013

Dream Baby

After moaning that I hadn't dreamt about our baby for months and months, yesterday I was finally rewarded with a dream about our little guy. The details, as always, are hazy, but I remember kneeling on the floor with my arms outstretched, excitedly urging our baby boy towards me as he hurriedly toddled into my waiting embrace. I then covered him with kisses and cuddles whilst he nuzzled into my neck. It was such a delicious dream and has made me smile all morning :)

I hope that dreams come true x