IVF Pregnancy - Weeks 23-25 Xmas & New Year!

I am currently enjoying my last couple of days off work before returning on 2nd January.  I really am struggling to get the motivation to return, if I am like this after 9 days off.... what on earth will I be like returning after maternity leave?!  

I have been an extremely busy little bee while off, I have been careful not to overdo things but have tried to do a little bit of nursery stuff every day.  I have painted my bargain preloved eBay chest of drawers white to match the cot and have made lots of progress in painting my tree and animals on the walls. 

There is still lots to do but I am loving every second of getting everything ready for our beautiful daughter. 

I am having lots of movement the last couple of weeks and some issues with heartburn - although I wouldn't change a thing because she is worth all this and more.  She does have a habit of going really high up so she feels like she is in my ribs (either that or she has pushed all my other organs up) - little minx lol 

I saw the midwife today and everything is going well.  I have my consultant scan and appointment on the 17th so hopefully we will be able to see our girl and find out how she is doing in there. 

We had a lovely Xmas at my sister's house, it was really nice to be a part of my niece's first Xmas.  I was surprised, but delighted, that Santa hadn't forgotten Emby - she was spoiled with lots of presents from my family. 

We are having a quiet New Years Eve this year, just planning to snuggle up with hubby and bump in front of the TV. 

2013 has been a rollercoaster ride, but worth every second!  I spent the last three New Years Eves desperately hoping the next year would bring my dream - 2014 is going to be the best year of my life! 

I haven't got any New Year resolutions, other than to try every day to be the most amazing mother to my daughter. To never let myself forget for one moment what a blessing Emby is and how lucky I am.

Wishing everyone an amazing New Year! 

As always, sending love to my TTC sisters.  Always have hope, just because you may be starting the year in a low place doesn't mean you won't finish it on a high.  I hope 2014 will be your year! Xxxx 

IVF Pregnancy Weeks 18 to 22

I am so sorry for the long delay in updating, I have been crazy busy with our house move and getting organised for Xmas.

I am now 22w3d pregnant and loving every second of it.  My only complaint is that it is going way too fast!  Of course I am really excited to meet my daughter, but at the same time, I don't want this pregnancy to go so fast.  I am conscious that this might be the only chance for me to experience this, I don't want it to end.

So what have I been up to? 

I moved house the day of my last blog post and have been busy unpacking and decorating.  It's amazing how much junk we accumulated over 5 years in the flat!  I am loving being in a house, it's so cosy and whilst we haven't gained a lot more floor space, we have a better layout and more usable rooms. 

I started decorating Emby's nursery.  I have chosen an animal theme as per the picture below. The bedding and accessories are from Next but I have painted the walls a very pale mint green.  I am then going to paint the various animals and and big swirly tree on the walls to customise it a bit.  I am trying to do a bit each weekend so I don't over exert myself.  I know it's early to get the room ready, but I wanted to get it sorted out before I am too big to function.  I also want to have the expenditure while I am still working so I am not cutting into my maternity leave money. 

I had my 20w anomaly scan, everything is perfect and she is still apparently a girl! Although she is measuring a week bigger!  Hopefully just a growth spurt.... I hope she isn't a record breaker like that baby in China that weighed well over 13lb recently!  Ouch! 

I am feeling so much movement now!  To start with it was mainly just kicks when I was l laying down at night (or just had lunch) but now she squirms about on and off during the day.  Some days she doesn't move as much but apparently that is normal - babies have lazy days just like us! 

Rick has been able to catch her kicking a few times, but she is sneaky and usually stops once she realises she has an audience.  I think she will be a little minx, she loves to sit on my bladder and make me dash to the loo, only to move as soon as I sit down and then not need to go anymore.  I love her so much it's insane! 

My bump has suddenly grown much bigger, I really look pregnant now.  I hadn't initially gained any weight because I lost some from morning sickness, but now my body is catching up and I had gained about 6lb by week 21.  I am keeping an eye on it because I don't want to gain too much from over eating, a healthy gain is around 1lb a week at this point so I am trying to stay relatively healthy, but at the same time I do give in when my body fancies something because I rarely have any cravings. 

I am looking forward to Xmas, we are going to my sister's this year and I am really looking forward to it, especially as it will be my niece Sophie's first one xx

Some of my TTC sisters are having a tough time at the moment.  I know what you are going through and I am here for you all.  I hope my updates are not too hard for you to see, and that you can find  hope from them.  It won't always be this way, but while it is, you are not alone xxxx baby dust to all xxxx