Tag: acid reflux

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Pregnancy Waiting II

B And The Bump (35 Weeks / 28th December 2021)

Self-portrait where I am holding B above my bump. She has my hair in her hands and is hiding her eyes. I am kissing her on her forehead.
B And The Bump (35 Weeks / 28th December 2021)
 
#ITookAPhotoOfMeHoldingBWhenIWas24WeeksPregnantAndYouCanSeeABitOfABumpButItIsDefinitelyMorePronouncedNow
#SoIWantToDoASimilarShootAsTimeIsRunningOutAndItCouldBeTheLastPhotoOfBWithMyBump
#IAmDefinitelyGettingToThePointOfBeingBoredWithBeingPregnant
#IDoNotLikeAcidRefluxAndNotBeingAbleToEatAsMuchAsIWant
#IWillEatSomethingAndKnowThatIWillFeelAwfulLaterWhichIsLotsOfFun
#IAmJustGladThatIHaveMoreEnergyNowAndFeelQuiteFit
#IAmNotSureIfIHadAnySideEffectsFromMyBoosterAsIFeltSoRubbishInTheWeekLeadingUpToItAndFeltMuchBetterByTheTimeIHadIt
#ChristmasWasVeryQuietAndWasJustNanTBAndIInTheEnd
#BHadAFewPresentsButNoneFromUsAsWeGotHerHerClimbingFrameAndSlideInTheSummerAndAnythingWeBuyForHerWeGenerallyJustGiveToHerStraightAway
#SheHasACoupleOfMolarsComingThroughAndSheWasInAFunnyMoodAllXmasDay
#IHopeThisTeethingStopsSoonButSheStillHasSpaceInHerMouthForMore
#HerConjunctivitisHasClearedUpNowWhichWeAreRelievedAbout
#WeUsuallyBathHerACoupleOfTimesAWeekButWeWereGivingHerDailyBathsToMakeSureHerEyesWereClean
#IAmSurprisedByHowMuchSheLikesWaterAndDidNotMindUsThrowingWaterAtHerFace
#ThisWeekSheSeemsToHaveLearnedWhatEarsAreAndWhenIAskHerWhereMineAreSheSticksAFingerInMyEar
#IAmNowTryingToTeachHerCheeks
#WhenWePutHerInHerHighchairAndPutHerFoxBibOnMostOfTheTimeSheWillTouchItsNose
#WhenSheFinishesHerBreakfastNowSheUsuallyPassesMeHerBowlWhichIsGood
#IThinkSheHasOfficiallyGrownTiredOfBakedBeansForLunchSoWeAreTryingOutDifferentThings
#WhileSheWasReallyIllSheWasNotEatingMuchSoItIsGoodToSeeHerGettingAnAppetiteAgain
#IGenerallyStruggleABitThisTimeOfTheYearWithMyMentalHealth
#TheOtherDayIJustFeltReallyTrappedInThisHouse
#WeArePlanningToMoveAwayInTheSummerSoIJustNeedToHoldOutUntilThen
#IMissHavingAPlaceOfOurOwnAndIGuessCovidHasComplicatedMatters
#IfItWasNotForCovidThenWeProbablyWouldNotBeHereOrInBirmingham
#ItHasBeenGoodInWaysButIHaveFoundItHardInOtherWays
#IGuessHavingASecondChildSoonWillBeABigDistractionAndTheMonthsWillFlyBy
#IWouldLikeToKnowMorePeopleButItAlsoSeemsABitLateNowIfWePlanToMoveAway
#IJustFeelLikeEveryDayIsTheSameAndWithASecondChildItMayFeelMoreThatWay
#INeedToStartGoingToBedEarlierAsIHaveBeenStayingUpTooLateWatchingShowsAndReadingIGuessAsIKnowThatWhenBabyXIsBornINeedToStartGoingToBedWhenTheyDo

#ITookAPhotoOfMeHoldingBWhenIWas24WeeksPregnantAndYouCanSeeABitOfABumpButItIsDefinitelyMorePronouncedNow

For my 33rd birthday portrait / marking B’s 16 month birthday. Post here.

#SoIWantToDoASimilarShootAsTimeIsRunningOutAndItCouldBeTheLastPhotoOfBWithMyBump

We will see how it goes. B was not very happy last time…

(I put off doing it all day, but in the end it was actually quite nice. She was unhappy at first, but then she started to just play with my hair and seemed to relax. Phew.)

#IAmDefinitelyGettingToThePointOfBeingBoredWithBeingPregnant

I know that once the baby is born my life will change a lot again, but I also just want to move on with our lives.

#IDoNotLikeAcidRefluxAndNotBeingAbleToEatAsMuchAsIWant

So much rich, fatty food at Xmas that is not good for acid reflux…

#IWillEatSomethingAndKnowThatIWillFeelAwfulLaterWhichIsLotsOfFun

Yesterday I had pizza for lunch and a few chocolates afterwards, and I didn’t feel as bad as I thought I would actually. Hurrah.

#IAmJustGladThatIHaveMoreEnergyNowAndFeelQuiteFit

I feel like I am not waddling as much as I was at this point when I was pregnant with B, but maybe it’s because I walk slower and not as far with B, and her pushchair gives me support.

#IAmNotSureIfIHadAnySideEffectsFromMyBoosterAsIFeltSoRubbishInTheWeekLeadingUpToItAndFeltMuchBetterByTheTimeIHadIt

It was hard to tell. I couldn’t feel more lousier than I did before having it.

#ChristmasWasVeryQuietAndWasJustNanTBAndIInTheEnd

Super chill.

#BHadAFewPresentsButNoneFromUsAsWeGotHerHerClimbingFrameAndSlideInTheSummerAndAnythingWeBuyForHerWeGenerallyJustGiveToHerStraightAway

I’d got her some felt tips the week before, but my Mum also gave her some. I guess next year we will have to be more Christmassy.

#SheHasACoupleOfMolarsComingThroughAndSheWasInAFunnyMoodAllXmasDay

It was a bit of a drag at times.

#IHopeThisTeethingStopsSoonButSheStillHasSpaceInHerMouthForMore

*Nervous laugh*

#HerConjunctivitisHasClearedUpNowWhichWeAreRelievedAbout

Hurrah. We’re still trying to clean her eyes a couple of times a day though, just in case it wants to come back.

#WeUsuallyBathHerACoupleOfTimesAWeekButWeWereGivingHerDailyBathsToMakeSureHerEyesWereClean

She loved it. We weren’t planning to give her a bath last night, but she went to the bathroom and looked longingly at the bath. It helps the time before bed go faster, and probably relaxes her so why not. She also uses a lot of energy up splashing about…

#IAmSurprisedByHowMuchSheLikesWaterAndDidNotMindUsThrowingWaterAtHerFace

She has a whale jug that we use and normally splash about with, so we’d splash her and say splash, and she’d laugh. Win.

#ThisWeekSheSeemsToHaveLearnedWhatEarsAreAndWhenIAskHerWhereMineAreSheSticksAFingerInMyEar

Lovely.

#IAmNowTryingToTeachHerCheeks

A lot of blowing my cheeks out and squeezing them.

#WhenWePutHerInHerHighchairAndPutHerFoxBibOnMostOfTheTimeSheWillTouchItsNose

Then I ask her where hers is etc.

#WhenSheFinishesHerBreakfastNowSheUsuallyPassesMeHerBowlWhichIsGood

I don’t like when she starts throwing her food about, so this is good progress. Last night she passed me her yoghurt bowl when she was done.

#IThinkSheHasOfficiallyGrownTiredOfBakedBeansForLunchSoWeAreTryingOutDifferentThings

She had a houmous sandwich the other day, she had some pasta, yeah we need to mix it up more. Sorry B – I got lazy.

#WhileSheWasReallyIllSheWasNotEatingMuchSoItIsGoodToSeeHerGettingAnAppetiteAgain

I was getting a bit worried, though I know she will eat when she wants. She might not eat much of her food sometimes, but she will always steal a bit of whatever we are eating.

#IGenerallyStruggleABitThisTimeOfTheYearWithMyMentalHealth

Dark days where we can’t go out for walks so late etc.

#TheOtherDayIJustFeltReallyTrappedInThisHouse

We’ve lived here for 14 months now, and we’re very grateful to my Nan for letting us live with her.

#WeArePlanningToMoveAwayInTheSummerSoIJustNeedToHoldOutUntilThen

There aren’t many short term options now and it does not seem worth it now.

#IMissHavingAPlaceOfOurOwnAndIGuessCovidHasComplicatedMatters

It’s good to know that Nan is fine and that she is being looked after, but I also can’t wait to have our own place where I feel a bit more relaxed.

#IfItWasNotForCovidThenWeProbablyWouldNotBeHereOrInBirmingham

T and I were talking about how things might be now if it wasn’t for Covid. I’m really not sure. I guess we might have moved closer to a park in Liverpool, or we might have just put up with living in the city centre (it wasn’t that much of a chore, but just not that kid friendly) and I’d be taking B to the museums every day…

#ItHasBeenGoodInWaysButIHaveFoundItHardInOtherWays

There’s space for us at my Nan’s, I haven’t been worried about her (I used to call her every day before living with her), she lives in a safe area and close to a park etc.

I just feel trapped as there aren’t many places to go within walking distance, Covid makes me not want to go to the few places that we could go to, I don’t know many people etc.

#IGuessHavingASecondChildSoonWillBeABigDistractionAndTheMonthsWillFlyBy

Once the baby is born I guess I will go into a baby tunnel.

#IWouldLikeToKnowMorePeopleButItAlsoSeemsABitLateNowIfWePlanToMoveAway

It’s been so difficult trying to meet other parents. Everyone has their old schedules too which makes it more complicated. We can’t invite new friends round to my Nan’s (well we could, but it’s not the best set-up), and I don’t feel that comfortable with going to other people’s homes, because of Covid.

#IJustFeelLikeEveryDayIsTheSameAndWithASecondChildItMayFeelMoreThatWay

I’ve been complaining about Groundhog Day vibes for a while. I’m glad we’re having a second kid now though, rather than leaving it until later. It does make sense as I’m really not up to much.

#INeedToStartGoingToBedEarlierAsIHaveBeenStayingUpTooLateWatchingShowsAndReadingIGuessAsIKnowThatWhenBabyXIsBornINeedToStartGoingToBedWhenTheyDo

I finished reading House of Gucci yesterday. I’m currently watching a series of Survivor Australia at 2x speed, and skipping through it a bit as the episodes are too long.

I need to read my hypnobirthing book again, and just go to bed earlier.

–

35 weeks pregnant with B comparison:

Self-portrait with my hands supporting my bump, and a patch of dried colostrum is visible on my dress by where my right nipple is.
Yes, That Is Dried Colostrum (35 weeks)
 
#InMyHeadIHaveBeenCountingDownTo42Weeks
#AsTheySayThatUsuallyYourFirstBabyArrivesLate
#ButTalkingToPeopleLatelyEveryonesStorySeemsToInvolveTheBabyComingEarly
#SoIGuessNowThereIsAChanceThatEveryShootForThisProjectCouldBeTheLast
#BabyDefinitelySeemsMoreActiveTheseDays
#SoMaybeItHasJustGotToThePointWhereItsMovementsAreNotShelteredByThePlacentaSoMuch
#LastNightIWasHavingALotOfBraxtonHicksContractionsIThink
#SomeWereQuitePainful
#WhenBabyHiccupsItIsQuiteUncomfortable
#ThisMorningTiagoPointedToAWetPatchOnMyDress
#MyRightBoobHadLeaked
#ItHasBeen6WeeksSinceMyLeftBoobFirstLeaked
#IThinkOneOfThemHasLeakedSinceButICanNotRememberWhichOneAndItDidNotSeemThatSignificant
#TodayItDidForSomeReason
#SoMaybeMyRightBoobHasLeakedBefore
#IHaveAScratchOnMyBellyWhichIMustHaveDoneWithAFingerNail
#TiagoAlsoHadToPointThatOutAsICouldNotSeeIt
#YesterdayIWentOutByMyselfForTheFirstTimeSinceBeforeLockdown
#IWentForAWalkWhilstTiagoWentToTheSupermarket
#IFeltSelfConsciousByMyselfAsINoticedPeopleStaringAtMyBump
#IWalkedOnTheSideOfThePathAndYetPeopleWouldPassSuperCloseByMe
#IWasOnThePhoneTheWholeTimeSoItMadeItNotSoBad
#WeFinallyGotSomeWholemealFlourSoIPlanToMakeSomePancakes
#IHaveNotHadThemInSoLong
#IDidNotAskTiagoToBuyMyFavouriteChocolateOatMilkAsIThoughtIShouldHaveAWeekWithoutIt
#ButNowIReallyWantSome
#IThinkLockdownIsStartingToGetToMeALittleMoreNow
#IJustWantToSpendAWeekendAtMyNansAndKeepHerCompany
#ButItIsLookingLikeItWillNotHappenBeforeTheBabyIsBornDueToRulesAndAll
#AndOnceTheBabyIsBornIDoNotThinkItWillBeAGoodIdeaForABit

Lol at the first two hashtags – B came before 38 weeks.

I thought I leaked a lot earlier than this, so I feel a little less worried now. I got given a colostrum kit today. (Oh wait, it said I leaked 6 weeks before.)

I still don’t like hiccups. I didn’t think that B was that active, but this baby is a lot more active.

I go out loads without Tiago, but usually just for walks with B. I do go to the local shops by myself sometimes, and I went to my midwife appointment alone today.

When I picked up B’s prescription a woman with a walking stick said I should sit down on the chair, so I must be looking quite pregnant to other people.

I’ve been on about making pancakes for a long time, and I haven’t. I finally bought some maple syrup the other day, so I should try to do it soon. Reading this makes me want some now.

‘#IJustWantToSpendAWeekendAtMyNansAndKeepHerCompany’

Well, we’ve spent many weekends with her over the last year+…

Self-portrait of Tiago and me hugging. We are hugging so that my bump is to the side of him.
Hugs Are Different When You’ve Got A Bump (35 weeks)

#ThePictureWasSupposedToShowHowWeHaveToHugNow
#ThoughIAmNotSureHowWellItShowsThat
#IAmSoUnawareOfHowBigMyBumpIsSometimes
#LookingDownIsSoDifferentToSeeingItSideOnInTheMirror
#WellEvenLookingDownIKnowItIsBig
#ButStillIBumpIntoThings
#INearlyKnockedAPlateOffTheTableTheOtherDayWithIt
#OrITryToGiveTiagoAHugFromBehindAndJustBumpIntoHim
#IHaveToHugHimWithMyBumpToTheSide
#HeOnlyGoesToTheBigSupermarketOnceAWeek
#ButWeGoToASmallShopOnceAWeekForBitsAndBobsWeNeed
#LikeTomatoesAndMushroomsAsWeSeemToRunOutOfThoseQuick
#SoTodayIAskedForSomeChocolateMilkAsIHaveBeenThinkingAboutItForAFewDays
#ItIsNotMyFavouriteOneAsYouCanOnlyGetThatAtTheBigSupermarket
#ThatIsProbablyBoringButIAmHappyThatIGotSome
#TodayIBoughtSomeMaternityPants
#IDoNotKnowIfIHaveAHomebirthIfIWillGetGivenThoseHospitalStylePants
#SoIBoughtSomeAsWhenIThinkOfPhotographingMyselfPostBirthIThinkOfAPhotoByRinekeDijkstraWithTheMotherWearingThosePants
#ThoughActuallyInTheOtherTwoPicturesTheyAreNotWearingPants
#WeShallSeeHowSoonIEndUpTakingAPictureAfterBirth
#TheMoreIThinkAboutItTheMoreIWantPicturesOfTheBirth
#ButIGuessItDependsOnHowThingsGo
#AndIThinkTiagoDoesNotWantTheResponsibilityOfTakingPictures
#AndWeBothWantToJustExperienceTheBirthAsMuchAsWeCanWithoutDistractions
#IAlsoBoughtADressThatICanNurseIn
#IBoughtABreastfeedingScarfAWhileAgoForMorePrivacy
#ButAtThisRateIDoubtIWillBeDoingMuchFeedingAwayFromHome
#IAmIWillNotFeelSelfConsciousDoingIt
#IThinkTheBabysNeedWillOverTakeAwkwardnessOrIHopeSoAnyways
#ItIsSuchANaturalThingThatItIsAShameThatPeopleGetOffendedByIt

Yeah, we have to hug like that again now.

I’m definitely bumping my bump into things, and Tiago often knocks it as he goes past…

I didn’t use my maternity pants, but I’ve dug them out as a maybe for my hospital bag this time.

I definitely want to get a picture or two of me giving birth this time, but we’ll see.

I never used the breastfeeding scarf… I hope breastfeeding is easier this time.

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Pregnancy Waiting II

Imitating B Wearing My Pants On Her Head (23 Weeks / 9th October 2021)

Self-portrait diptych. I am wearing a black dress with white stripes in both. In the left image I have pants on my head in a way that looks more like a hat. On the right a leg hole follows my nose and shows the left side of my face.
Imitating B Wearing My Pants On Her Head (23 Weeks / 9th October 2021)
 
#IHaveMentionedBeforeThatBLikesToPutThingsOnHerHeadAndOrAroundHerNeck
#AParticularFavouriteIsGettingMyPantsFromTheClothesLineAndPuttingThemOnHerHead
#ItIsFunnyButItAlsoScaresMeABitSoWeNeedToKeepAnEyeOnHerAtAllTimes
#IWishSheCouldSayWhySheLikesToDoItSoMuchButSheIsStillJustBabblingALot
#IFeelLikeIShouldTalkAboutHowIAmFeelingThisPregnancyAsIThinkThatIHaveNotReallySpokenAboutItMuch
#IHaveBeenHavingALotOfDaydreamsWhereSomethingBadHappensToBabyXEitherNowOrAtTheBirth
#OftenIDaydreamForQuiteALongTimeBeforeIRealiseWhatIAmDoingAndSnapMyselfOutOfIt
#SometimesIDoNotFeelTheBabyForQuiteAWhileButIKnowItIsProbablyBecauseIAmRunningAroundAfterB
#ThoughLastNightIThinkICouldFeelHerHiccuppingForAWhileSoThatWasARelief
#IDidNotFeelBMoveThatMuchReallyAndSheHiccuppedALotTooWhichWasAGoodIndicationThatSheWasOkay
#AtLeastBIsAGoodDistractionWhoMakesTimeFlyButIAmStillQuiteAnxiousWithThisPregnancy
#IMessagedMyMidwifeYesterdayAsIHadNotBeenOfferedTheWhoppingCoughVaccineAndSheSaidToCallMyDoctors
#SoIDidThatAndThatWillBeInAFewWeeksAndSheAlsoEmailedMeMyMaternityExemptionCertificate
#TheDoctorsSaidIJustNeedToAskForMyFluVaccineAtTheSameTimeButIDoNotWantToWaitThatLongForIt
#SoIBookedWithAPharmacyToGetThatDoneThisWeekAsIKnowPeopleMyAgeWhoHaveBeenGettingTheFluQuiteBadThisYear
#YesterdayAfterBreakfastIFeltLikeIWasGettingSomeAcidRefluxWhichIHaveNotHadMuchOfYetAndICanFeelItABitNowWhichIThinkMayBeCausedByOrangeJuice
#ReadingAdviceTheySayToEatSmallMealsButOnceIEatIGenerallyCanNotStopSoIThinkTheTimeHasComeToShowSomeRestraint
#MyBumpIsGettingQuiteBigNowAndIFindItHardToImagineHowMuchMoreItCanGrowBeforeTheBabyIsBorn
#SoItMakesSenseThatINeedToEatLittleAndOftenInsteadOfALotAndInfrequently
#LastNightIWasAwakeForAboutTwoHoursFromTwoInTheMorningWhichWasAnnoyingAsIHaveNotHadThatMuchInsomnia
#IWasJustReallyHotAndThirstyAndThenMyBrainWouldNotLetMeGoBackToSleepSoThatWasFun
#IWasMainlyThinkingAboutSendingBToNurseryAndForHowMuchTimeDuringTheWeek
#ItWouldNotBeYetButWeNeedToHaveALookAtThemAndCheckAvailability
#WeSeeAGirlAroundWhoIsTheSameAgeAsBAndTheyGetQuiteExcitedWhenTheySeeEachOther
#SheGoesToTheNurseryThatWeWereLookingAtSoItWouldBeNiceForThemToHangOutMoreAndItIsGoodToHaveARecommendation
#WeWouldProbablyStartOffSendingHerTwoMorningsAWeekInACoupleOfMonthsTimeSoICanHaveSomeTimeToSortOutThingsBeforeBabyXIsBorn
#IWouldRatherSheGoForTwoMorningsThanAFullDayAsAfterAWhileIWouldJustStartToFaff
#TiagoHasStartedToTalkToBumpABitMoreAndFeltSomeMovementLastNight
#HeMadeMeLaughWhenHeWasTellingTheBabyToWakeUpAndSaidWakeyWabyInsteadOfWakeyBaby
#BAlsoMakesMeLaughWithHerEnthusiasmForThingsLikeHerTryingOutTheRampOnHerClimbingFrameByRunningUpAndDownItFiftyTimesPlusLastNight

(Trigger warning: I talk about some of my anxiety during the pregnancy and unpleasant day dreams.)

#IHaveMentionedBeforeThatBLikesToPutThingsOnHerHeadAndOrAroundHerNeck

I think so anyways. The dry skin at the back of her neck has probably been caused by her love of it…

#AParticularFavouriteIsGettingMyPantsFromTheClothesLineAndPuttingThemOnHerHead

I love when she also carries three pairs of my pants around the house too.

#ItIsFunnyButItAlsoScaresMeABitSoWeNeedToKeepAnEyeOnHerAtAllTimes

You can see how kids can easily suffocate themselves on accident…

#IWishSheCouldSayWhySheLikesToDoItSoMuchButSheIsStillJustBabblingALot

It’s probably just because she found she can do it and it usually gets a reaction. Fair enough.

#IFeelLikeIShouldTalkAboutHowIAmFeelingThisPregnancyAsIThinkThatIHaveNotReallySpokenAboutItMuch

I generally plan to, but then end up talking about all the things that B has been up to.

#IHaveBeenHavingALotOfDaydreamsWhereSomethingBadHappensToBabyXEitherNowOrAtTheBirth

Basically, I end up without a second baby.

#OftenIDaydreamForQuiteALongTimeBeforeIRealiseWhatIAmDoingAndSnapMyselfOutOfIt

I imagine the events, the conversations, the feelings, the reactions etc. It’s deep.

#SometimesIDoNotFeelTheBabyForQuiteAWhileButIKnowItIsProbablyBecauseIAmRunningAroundAfterB

I can feel her (I find it weird that I know it’s a girl) moving about now as I am sat writing this, but sometimes I don’t. When B is awake my attention and focus is elsewhere.

#ThoughLastNightIThinkICouldFeelHerHiccuppingForAWhileSoThatWasARelief

I originally wrote them instead of her as I find it weird to say it’s a girl, I think as I didn’t know what B was until she came out.

#IDidNotFeelBMoveThatMuchReallyAndSheHiccuppedALotTooWhichWasAGoodIndicationThatSheWasOkay

Hiccups are reassuring. My Mum said before that my younger sister was the same.

#AtLeastBIsAGoodDistractionWhoMakesTimeFlyButIAmStillQuiteAnxiousWithThisPregnancy

I need to start reading about hypnobirthing again and start mentally preparing myself for the birth. I stretch in the morning and evening, and try to go for a walk or two a day with B so I feel quite strong at least. I just need to get strong mentally.

#IMessagedMyMidwifeYesterdayAsIHadNotBeenOfferedTheWhoppingCoughVaccineAndSheSaidToCallMyDoctors

With B I’m sure they said about booking it quite early on, or maybe I was just on the ball.

#SoIDidThatAndThatWillBeInAFewWeeksAndSheAlsoEmailedMeMyMaternityExemptionCertificate

I’m sure with B they told me to come in the same day, so I was surprised it was a bit of a wait. It’s good that the certificate is not a piece of paper this time – so much more convenient.

#TheDoctorsSaidIJustNeedToAskForMyFluVaccineAtTheSameTimeButIDoNotWantToWaitThatLongForIt

I’m more bothered about getting my flu vaccine now than the whooping cough.

#SoIBookedWithAPharmacyToGetThatDoneThisWeekAsIKnowPeopleMyAgeWhoHaveBeenGettingTheFluQuiteBadThisYear

My Nan got hers at the start of the week. I do not fancy catching the flu.

#YesterdayAfterBreakfastIFeltLikeIWasGettingSomeAcidRefluxWhichIHaveNotHadMuchOfYetAndICanFeelItABitNowWhichIThinkMayBeCausedByOrangeJuice

I’m still loving my hashbrowns and scrambled egg toasted sandwich with a small glass of orange juice.

#ReadingAdviceTheySayToEatSmallMealsButOnceIEatIGenerallyCanNotStopSoIThinkTheTimeHasComeToShowSomeRestraint

I won’t be hungry, but then I’ll just keep eating for ages once I start – especially at lunch.

#MyBumpIsGettingQuiteBigNowAndIFindItHardToImagineHowMuchMoreItCanGrowBeforeTheBabyIsBorn #SoItMakesSenseThatINeedToEatLittleAndOftenInsteadOfALotAndInfrequently

I feel like I am running out of space already.

#LastNightIWasAwakeForAboutTwoHoursFromTwoInTheMorningWhichWasAnnoyingAsIHaveNotHadThatMuchInsomnia

I mentioned it before but it seemed to be a one off, or two night event.

#IWasJustReallyHotAndThirstyAndThenMyBrainWouldNotLetMeGoBackToSleepSoThatWasFun

I thought my Nan had put the heating on, but she hadn’t. By the time I’d checked the thermostat, and gone to the loo I was wide awake.

#IWasMainlyThinkingAboutSendingBToNurseryAndForHowMuchTimeDuringTheWeek

It’s been taking over my brain space for the last 16 hours or so?

#ItWouldNotBeYetButWeNeedToHaveALookAtThemAndCheckAvailability

I’m keen for it to be after B drops down to one nap a day, which isn’t far away, and when baby X isn’t so far away.

#WeSeeAGirlAroundWhoIsTheSameAgeAsBAndTheyGetQuiteExcitedWhenTheySeeEachOther

We see her and her parents at the playground a lot. They’ll see each other from a distance and start smiling and flapping.

#SheGoesToTheNurseryThatWeWereLookingAtSoItWouldBeNiceForThemToHangOutMoreAndItIsGoodToHaveARecommendation

If it’s good enough for her, then it’s good enough for B. Great.

#WeWouldProbablyStartOffSendingHerTwoMorningsAWeekInACoupleOfMonthsTimeSoICanHaveSomeTimeToSortOutThingsBeforeBabyXIsBorn

And just have a bit of time to feel less tired?

#IWouldRatherSheGoForTwoMorningsThanAFullDayAsAfterAWhileIWouldJustStartToFaff

I do not know what I would do for a full day a week without having B around. I have work to do, but it’s more beneficial for it to be two mornings than a whole day. I’d get a lot more done. It’d also break the week up a bit.

#TiagoHasStartedToTalkToBumpABitMoreAndFeltSomeMovementLastNight

He feels the middle of my belly, but I said I feel more movements at the bottom and then he felt something.

#HeMadeMeLaughWhenHeWasTellingTheBabyToWakeUpAndSaidWakeyWabyInsteadOfWakeyBaby

Yeah, not that funny really but we had a good laugh.

#BAlsoMakesMeLaughWithHerEnthusiasmForThingsLikeHerTryingOutTheRampOnHerClimbingFrameByRunningUpAndDownItFiftyTimesPlusLastNight

I was hoping it would wear her out, but she was up just before 6. Zzz.

–

23 weeks pregnant with B comparison:

Self-portrait diptych. I am wearing a maternity bra and leggings in both. On the left my leggings are covering my bump, and on the right my bump is exposed.
I Am Not Sick, I Am Just Pregnant (23 and a half weeks)
 
#IWasFeelingStressedYesterday
#WorryingAboutTheBabysMovements
#EveryoneTellsMeNotToWorryButItIsEasierSaidThanDone
#IHaveNeverExperiencedPregnancyBeforeSoIDoNotKnowWhatIsNormal
#IWasOnTheFloorEarlierAndWasStrugglingToGetUp
#AndIWasLaughingToMyself
#IHadToGoOntoAllFoursSoThatICouldStandUp
#IKeepThinkingMyBodyIsTheSameAsItUsedToBe
#YesterdayIWasSayingToTiagoThatMaybeIDoNotEvenLookThatPregnant
#AndHeWasLikeYesYouDo
#IGuessLookingDownAtMyselfItSeemsFairlyNormalNowAsItGrowsABitDaily
#ButIGetMoreWeirdedOutWhenILookInTheMirror
#IDefinitelyLookedMorePregnantInMyDanceVideosToday
#ItIsWeirdLookingBackAtOlderPhotosThoughOfWhenIThoughtIStartedToLookPregnant
#AndIBarelyLookPregnantComparedToNow
#IAmAlsoFeelingAnnoyedAboutWorkAndOpportunities
#WhenIWasTryingToGetPregnantNothingReallyCameUp
#AndAsSoonAsIGotPregnantIStartedToGetApproachedForThings
#IFeelLikeIHaveBeenTurnedDownForThingsBecauseIAmPregnant
#ButInsteadOfThemHavingAConversationWithMeAboutWhatIFeelAbleToDo
#TheyChooseToShutItDownAndJustStartIgnoringMe
#MaybeItIsNotBecauseIAmPregnant
#ButEitherWayJustSaySorryWeDoNotWantToWorkWithYou
#ByThemNotSayingThatAndNotTalkingWithMe
#ItJustFeelsLikeItIsDiscriminationBecauseIAmPregnant
#ButByThemNotChoosingToTalkAboutItThenICanNotCallItDiscrimination
#IAmPostingThisProjectOnlineNowAndIThinkPeopleThinkIAmPostingItInRealTime
#IAmStillWorkingIAmStillMakingWorkIAmStillDancingIExerciseTwiceADay
#IAmNotSickIAmJustPregnant
#IKnowHavingAKidMeansIWillHaveToTurnDownCertainOpportunitiesButIAlsoFeelLikeMaybeIAmAlreadyOnADoNotHireListNow

Another unintentional pairing of comparison pictures – two diptychs. They also both talk about anxiety during pregnancy.

I decided to have another baby as soon as possible as I felt like it would be good to get the baby stage done and then hopefully in the not so distant future I can apply for bigger opportunities again. I also do think it will be good for them to be close in age.

I feel like since becoming a parent I have been approached for less opportunities, but maybe it’s because Covid is also a big part of life now and that also affects things?

I had to turn down one opportunity when I was pregnant with B as it was for international travel around the time B was due, but I guess it got cancelled due to Covid anyways.

Thanks for reading! If you’re enjoying my blog (and/or the work I make) please consider supporting me by ‘buying me a coffee’ on Ko-fi – thanks!

Categories
Pregnancy Waiting II

I Didn’t Get A Photo Of Me In My Dress On Our First UK Couple Night Out Since B Was Born, So I’m Taking One Now (23 Weeks / 5th October 2021)

Self-portrait in a very colourful dress. I have my right hand on my back and I am resting my chin on my left wrist/arm.
I Didn’t Get A Photo Of Me In My Dress On Our First UK Couple Night Out Since B Was Born, So I’m Taking One Now (23 Weeks / 5th October 2021)
 
#SoWeWentAwayForTheWeekendToGoToAWeddingReceptionAndSeeFriendsFromOurLiverpoolDays
#WeLeftOnTheFridayJustAfterBsSecondNapAndTheTrafficWasBadAndItWasStressful
#LuckilyIHadDownloadedSomeTeletubbiesAndSomethingSpecialOntoMyPhoneAsAJustInCaseMeasure
#BHasStartedToWatchMoreOfShowsInTheLastCoupleOfWeeksRatherThanJustTheThemeTunes
#MyArmWasAchingFromHoldingThePhoneAndISuddenlyHadHadAFlashBackToBeingAKidInTheCarWithAnArmRest
#IWonderedIfOurCarHadOneAndThenItWasANiceSurpriseToFindItDid
#WeGotThroughItAndBWasSurprisedToSeeSomePeopleAtMyFriendsHouseButWasThenFine
#WeLetHerStayUpABitLateAndIShowedMyFriendHerBedtimeRoutineAndSheWentToSleepFine
#TheNextDayWeWentToAFirstBirthdayPartyWhichWasNice
#WeTookHerHomeForHerSecondNapAndSheWasFineUntilWeWokeHerUp
#SheKeptCryingAndNothingReallySeemedToHelp
#AtHomeWeWouldUsuallyTakeHerOutForAWalkOrSomethingToTryToChangeHerMoodButTheWeatherWasNotNice
#WeTriedToGiveHerDinnerButSheWouldNotHaveItSoWeTookHerOutOfHerHighChair
#ThenAfterAWhileWePutHerBackInAndPutTheClappingSongOnAndSheSeemedOkay
#WeWereDueToGoToAWeddingReceptionAndItWasGettingLate
#TiagoWasGoingToDropMeOffWithBInTheCarThenComeJoinMeAfterSheWentToBed
#ButThenSheSeemedOkayAndOurFriendSaidWeShouldGoAndThenSheWouldLetUsKnowHowBWasGettingOn
#ItHadBeenAStruggleFindingADressForMeToWearAsMyUsualOnesWereNotWeddingPartyEnoughAndTheOneIWantedToWearDidNotFit
#ThenIFoundThisDressThatICanNotRememberTheLastTimeIWoreItButItSeemedToFitTheThemeAndICouldFitInItSoItSeemedLikeAWinner
#ByTheTimeWeGotThereItWasJustAboutBsBedtimeAndMyFriendSaidSheWasInABetterMood
#TiagoAndIHadNotHadANightOutInTheUKSinceBWasBornAndByThisPointWeWereQuiteStressedOut
#WalkingIntoTheVenueWeFeltOverwhelmedByAllThePeopleAndLoudMusic
#WeHadDoneFlowTestsBeforeWeArrivedAsInstructedToButItWasStillWeirdToSeeSoManyPeopleWithoutMasks
#WeDidNotKnowAnyoneAtTheWeddingBesidesTheBrideAndGroomSoWeFeltQuiteAwkwardAndEndedUpNotStayingVeryLong
#WeThoughtWeShouldMakeTheMostOfOurOneNightOfFreedomAsWeKnowWeWillNotHaveManyBeforeBabyXIsBornButWeJustWantedToGoHome
#OurFriendHadSomeFriendsRoundWhoWeKnewSoItWasNiceToJustRelaxInAHouseWithPeopleKnowingBWasFineUpstairsAndChatToPeopleLikeOldTimes
#TheNextDayWeHadToTakeBOutOfHerHighChairAtLunchAndTryAgainLaterSoNowIAmTryingToNotGiveHerSnacksBetweenMealsToSeeIfThisHelps
#YesterdaySheAteMoreOfHerLunchThanNormalSoWeCouldBeOnToAWinnerThere
#IReallyNeedToWorkWithBOnLearningSignsAsItWouldBeSoMuchEasierIfWeCouldCommunicateBetter
#IThinkSheHasACoupleMoreTeethComingThroughAndSheIsMoreSensitiveToUsSayingNoToHerAboutThingsNow
 

I’m going to attempt to write this blog post while B plays around me. I had planned to do it during her nap, but something that was meant to take 5 minutes has not been sorted yet.

I feel a bit awkward writing this post as I know my friends who are talked about in this might read this, but I’m not saying anything bad. I’m just saying how things went and how we felt.

#SoWeWentAwayForTheWeekendToGoToAWeddingReceptionAndSeeFriendsFromOurLiverpoolDays

Great.

#WeLeftOnTheFridayJustAfterBsSecondNapAndTheTrafficWasBadAndItWasStressful

We’d managed to get petrol so that was one thing. Trying to entertain B in the car for 2 and a half hours was a barrel of fun.

#LuckilyIHadDownloadedSomeTeletubbiesAndSomethingSpecialOntoMyPhoneAsAJustInCaseMeasure #BHasStartedToWatchMoreOfShowsInTheLastCoupleOfWeeksRatherThanJustTheThemeTunes

I read her about 5 books first before resorting to them. I said I’d never let my kids have lots of screen time, but desperate times mean desperate measures.

I had brought lots of snacks and a picnic dinner for her.

#MyArmWasAchingFromHoldingThePhoneAndISuddenlyHadHadAFlashBackToBeingAKidInTheCarWithAnArmRest #IWonderedIfOurCarHadOneAndThenItWasANiceSurpriseToFindItDid

Wahoo. Tiago wasn’t sure if he even knew about it. How many trips have I done in the back of the car without realising it was there? It has a drinks holder too, so I felt a bit posh with B’s cup in one and mine in the other.

#WeGotThroughItAndBWasSurprisedToSeeSomePeopleAtMyFriendsHouseButWasThenFine

She was a bit shy, but then she got over it quite quickly.

#WeLetHerStayUpABitLateAndIShowedMyFriendHerBedtimeRoutineAndSheWentToSleepFine

We thought she might as well enjoy hanging out with people she doesn’t see very often, and from our time in Portugal we know her staying up a little bit late doesn’t do her any harm from time to time. (She went to bed at 9, rather than 8.)

#TheNextDayWeWentToAFirstBirthdayPartyWhichWasNice

We were supposed to go to a zoo, but the weather forecast looked bad so we went to their house instead. Typically the weather was okay until much later in the day.

#WeTookHerHomeForHerSecondNapAndSheWasFineUntilWeWokeHerUp

Sometimes she is not in a great mood after we wake her up from that nap.

#SheKeptCryingAndNothingReallySeemedToHelp #AtHomeWeWouldUsuallyTakeHerOutForAWalkOrSomethingToTryToChangeHerMoodButTheWeatherWasNotNice

It’s always fun trying to figure out what to do without all your usual tools and distractions nearby. At home we would have probably gone out with an umbrella, but we didn’t know where to go in that area.

#WeTriedToGiveHerDinnerButSheWouldNotHaveItSoWeTookHerOutOfHerHighChair

Maybe she wasn’t hungry? Maybe she was teething? We did give her some paracetamol as she had started to put her fingers in her mouth.

#ThenAfterAWhileWePutHerBackInAndPutTheClappingSongOnAndSheSeemedOkay

At home we do use music as a big distraction. I’m so bored of The Clapping song (by Shirley Ellis) now.

#WeWereDueToGoToAWeddingReceptionAndItWasGettingLate

The invite said from 6 and it was probably around 6.45 by this point.

#TiagoWasGoingToDropMeOffWithBInTheCarThenComeJoinMeAfterSheWentToBed

I didn’t want to wait until B went to bed, as what if she was miserable for ages and we missed it.

#ButThenSheSeemedOkayAndOurFriendSaidWeShouldGoAndThenSheWouldLetUsKnowHowBWasGettingOn

It seemed the same as Tiago dropping me off with B in the car, except B would be at home so if things were okay then he could stay.

#ItHadBeenAStruggleFindingADressForMeToWearAsMyUsualOnesWereNotWeddingPartyEnoughAndTheOneIWantedToWearDidNotFit

I get stressed enough about wedding attire as it is, let alone being pregnant. The last wedding dress experience didn’t go very well, so that was a definite no.

#ThenIFoundThisDressThatICanNotRememberTheLastTimeIWoreItButItSeemedToFitTheThemeAndICouldFitInItSoItSeemedLikeAWinner

My older sister gave it to me when she worked for a fashion company. I’ve had it since my BA days and have only wore it out a few times, but have worn it for photo shoots.

#ByTheTimeWeGotThereItWasJustAboutBsBedtimeAndMyFriendSaidSheWasInABetterMood

Hurrah.

#TiagoAndIHadNotHadANightOutInTheUKSinceBWasBornAndByThisPointWeWereQuiteStressedOut

We hadn’t had a night out until we went to Portugal and Tiago’s parents would keep an eye on her after she went to bed. Our friend was the first person who had put her to bed besides us.

#WalkingIntoTheVenueWeFeltOverwhelmedByAllThePeopleAndLoudMusic

Well, maybe it was more me than Tiago. I just found it odd. I think I had been expecting less people for some reason.

#WeHadDoneFlowTestsBeforeWeArrivedAsInstructedToButItWasStillWeirdToSeeSoManyPeopleWithoutMasks

We had brought masks with us just in case. I saw one guy around our age wearing one, but no one else. I’ve had my second jab so I feel better about things, but I am still worried about catching Covid.

#WeDidNotKnowAnyoneAtTheWeddingBesidesTheBrideAndGroomSoWeFeltQuiteAwkwardAndEndedUpNotStayingVeryLong

Another couple we know weren’t able to go in the end. If you’ve been at a wedding all day it’s different as you have seats you can sit in and you’ve spoke to people next to you on the table. We just felt really awkward. We had some alcohol free drinks, and danced on the spot. People seemed to be in groups, so we said hi to the groom (the bride was too in demand) and then left. Sorry to my friend if he reads this, but I don’t think our company was missed.

I do think we were great guests though – we didn’t cost them any money by being there and we donated to their honeymood fund.

#WeThoughtWeShouldMakeTheMostOfOurOneNightOfFreedomAsWeKnowWeWillNotHaveManyBeforeBabyXIsBornButWeJustWantedToGoHome

This may have been our last one. We thought about going out for dinner, but on the way there I said can we just go home please.

#OurFriendHadSomeFriendsRoundWhoWeKnewSoItWasNiceToJustRelaxInAHouseWithPeopleKnowingBWasFineUpstairsAndChatToPeopleLikeOldTimes

They’d just ordered pizza, and we felt more relaxed being home to keep an eye on B (not that we didn’t trust her babysitters) and with a group of people we knew. I changed out of my outfit pretty quick.

I’d wanted Tiago to take a picture of me in my dress, but I felt so awkward at the party that I would have felt embarrassed for him to take it there – hence why I will do a shoot that fits this title later on.

#TheNextDayWeHadToTakeBOutOfHerHighChairAtLunchAndTryAgainLaterSoNowIAmTryingToNotGiveHerSnacksBetweenMealsToSeeIfThisHelps

Our friend had some family round and she may have had some chocolate pretzel, so I do not think she was hungry. I will try to give her lunch around 12:30/12:45 now instead of 1.

#YesterdaySheAteMoreOfHerLunchThanNormalSoWeCouldBeOnToAWinnerThere

It was about 12:45. She has a big breakfast – lots of porridge pancakes that she eats quick – and then usually steals some of my Nan’s and my breakfast (scrambled eggs and crusts).

#IReallyNeedToWorkWithBOnLearningSignsAsItWouldBeSoMuchEasierIfWeCouldCommunicateBetter

I think we all get frustrated these days with not knowing what she really wants.

#IThinkSheHasACoupleMoreTeethComingThroughAndSheIsMoreSensitiveToUsSayingNoToHerAboutThingsNow

This morning she tipped her head back and I could see two upper teeth coming through, though maybe she has more as I thought she had been touching the bottom of her mouth but maybe not.

I changed her nappy and she kept trying to put her hands in it, so I shouted ‘B, no!’, so Tiago came in and then she got upset.

I’m sorry B.

–

23 weeks pregnant with B comparison:

Full length self-portrait. I'm wearing a hat with ears, which also has two big pink dangly bobbles. I have a grey jumper, navy coat, cropped trousers and boots on too.
I Usually Wear This Outfit When I Leave Home These Days (23 weeks)
 
#IUsuallyWearThisOutfitWhenILeaveTheHomeTheseDays
#AJumperThatIGotFromMySisterForSecretSanta
#AndSomeTrousersThatIBoughtFromHerProbablyAFewYearsAgoButHadNotReallyWornMuchBefore
#IStartedToWearMyOldBootsEarlyOnInThePregnancyAsIFeelLikeINearlySlipOverALotInMyTrainers
#WhichWasFineBeforeButNotNow
#AndThenIAlwaysHaveToWalkByAMassivePuddleWhereIWorryAboutGettingSplashedByCars
#SoWithMyBootsICanWalkInASmallerPuddleToGetAwayFromIt
#AndAlsoHaveToWorryAboutWhereITreadAllTheTimeAsIDoNotGetWetFeet
#IHaveALotOfHeatTechTopsThatIHaveBeenWearingAllWinter
#SoIAmUsuallyWearingOneOfThoseAsTheyKeepMeWarmAndIDoNotGetSweaty
#DoubleWin
#TheSockChoiceIsImportantAsSomeFallDownEasilyWithTheBootsLikeTheOnesIAmWearingForThisPhoto
#ThenIWearMyCoatWhichIGotTheWeekBeforeIFoundOutIWasPregnant
#ICanStillDoItUpButNotForMuchLonger
#SoHopefullyWarmerWeatherIsComingSoonSoICanJustWearItUnzipped
#AndThenTheHatThatMyMumGotMeWhichFeaturesInMyUlteriorMonologueProject
#IFeelAwkwardWearingItButItKeepsMeWarm
#IOftenCatchPeopleStaringAtMeAndIAmLikeOhItIsProbablyBecauseOfMyHat
#NowMyBumpIsShowingMoreIWonderIfTheyThinkIAmAYoungMother
#AsIDoNotThinkThatILookLikeIAmInMyEarly30sMostOfTheTime
#LetAloneWithAnAnimalHatOn
#IAmStartingToGetHeartburnNow
#IThoughtIHadNeverHadHeartburnBefore
#ButThenIRealisedThatAcidRefluxIsTheSameThingAndIDefinitelyHave
#LastYearIWasGettingItBadBecauseIKeptEatingLate
#IDidMyOwnMadeUpStretchingRoutineLastNightAndNotAVideo
#AndIKeptWakingUpWithPelvisPain
#SoINeedToMakeSureIFollowVideosOrDoAMoreThoroughStretch
#IAmStretchingInThePhoto

Unintentionally the comparison image is also about clothes. I also talk about wearing something that my sister got me, but this jumper was from my younger sister, whereas the dress was from my older sister. Fun fact there.

I haven’t really been wearing this outfit this time. I wear Tiago’s hiking boots when he isn’t wearing them as they’re a lot easier to slip on and off. I do wear the jumper sometimes but it hasn’t been cold enough yet. I do wear the coat. I favour wearing a dress with leggings over the trousers, just as the trousers are cropped and so I do have to wear them with the boots. More fun facts.

I’m now 26 weeks and I do struggle to do the coat up if I have eaten a lot. I will wear the hat once it gets colder. It is hung up waiting for me…

I haven’t had many cases yet where I’ve woken up in the night with acid coming up my throat. I think last night might have been the first time actually (maybe second).

I don’t wake up with pelvis pain so much this time, but maybe it is because I am stretching more, running round after B, and maybe our bed is more comfortable. When we were at Tiago’s parent’s house I don’t think their bed was as comfy and it did cause me a lot of pain at times.

(I’m writing this in late October as I want my blog posts to be up to date to post.)

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