And then the smiles arrived

So here I am, attempting to type with one hand, whilst supporting a hiccuping nearly-6-week-old, who is partly resting, partly grumbling, on my chest after his afternoon feed.

Yes, the latest (last?) human member of our family arrived on Saturday 14th May, claiming a birth date all to himself, not sharing his birthday with any family members, had he actually arrived on his due date (6th May). A week and a day overdue, he made his way into the world quickly, with the aid of an induction (which clearly proved that once the gates were unlocked, there was no stopping his entrance) – disproving the midwives who expected a reasonable labour length. Not he – a 3 hour labour was enough, thankyou. Quite a difference to the length of labour his elder brother needed. And quite a difference to the weight – 8 pound, 2 ounces – to that of his brother – 9 pound, 6 ounces. And, given the labour – no pain relief because it was so quick – I was glad he wasn’t bigger than his brother. I can’t imagine the pain – or the amount of tearing and subsequent stitches – that a larger baby would entail.

I had meant to blog earlier – considering I managed to do so not long after his brother arrived 3 years – but somehow time passes far too quickly and it seems I have far less time to do things, and have far less ability to do things with a 3 year old and nearly 6 week old. Today’s amazing achievement - 2 loads of washing ON THE LINE (and not just getting the machine going and then forgetting about the load afterwards until a couple of days later... oops) as well as doing the grocery shopping. Yay me!

And whilst the fanfare of his arrival is a little less subdued – no baby shower (my decision), no houseful of congratulatory floral bouquets, no spotlessly clean house on arrival home (yes, this did happen after the birth of first baby) – he is much loved already. And the last 5 weeks of erratic feeding, sleeping, nappy changing and undeterminable cries have rewarded us this week with our first little grins and smiles. Worth the wait despite our lack of sleep.

Waiting, wishing...

So, right now am wishing that this pregnancy would live up to this blog's name and 'skip to the end'. Currently, 38 weeks and feel like I'm carrying a bag of bricks.

Fortunately, unlike last pregnancy, I'm in a better mindset as to what to expect. And, not suffering high blood pressure, suspected kidney stone, pelvic soreness or a blind sense of panic.
Unfortunately, like last pregnancy, have been suffering from reflux/heartburn (much worse than last time) and lack of sleep (not helped by 3 year old).

Things different from last time - have kept much fitter, still going to gym throughout pregnancy (although tomorrow - Saturday - will probably be my last visit). Have maintained better figure - still managing to fit in size 14 clothes (and thus, maternity clothing looks slightly more welcoming), despite putting on some 20 kilos - hopefully due to internal child and water retention! Recent blood test showed iron deficiency, so taking supplements to combat that. And, another plus, breasts appear bigger so perhaps breastfeeding might actually work this time. (But I'm not going to let it do my head in if it doesn't, like last time).

And, as per last pregnancy, adopting the 'slug' pose (lying sideways on couch/bed) is still the most favourable position. I can't wait to be able to lie on my back again and get back to the gym!

something to talk about

"I've been dreaming
of the things
I've learnt about a boy"
(Something to Talk About - Badly Drawn Boy)

It's been a week and 2 days since Rory was born. After a long inducement, which started Monday 25th Feb, he made his entrance in the small hours on Wednesday (27th Feb) morning. Our much anticipated, long awaited son weighed in at 9lb, 6oz and entitled his mother to many stitches.

In the days that followed, we've had many phone calls, cards and parcels. We've slowly become accustomed to this individual who now rules the household. We've begun the habits of sleeping/changing/feeding shift changes. We've adopted new measures for settling and soothing. We've learnt that 3am television sucks.

Still wouldn't change it for the world, we're both utterly, utterly in love with this gorgeous little monkey. Still can't believe that he's here.