Castle

Here I am at 36 weeks pregnant. As I type this though I am actually 38 weeks now! That's how far I'm behind again. I suppose I should stop mentioning the fact that I'm behind as I'm pretty sure that is how things will be from now on and I will just blog as and when I can.

So this is me at 38 weeks.

The baby is still in a breech position and I'm off to the hospital tomorrow to hopefully get him turned around. Not looking forward to it at all. Other than that though I'm feeling really good. I waddle from the weight but I'm not having lots of pain or anything which is great. Bloating is still an issue and my legs and feet generally look like this all day.

Last week was half term and I was sort of dreading it but it ended up being a great week. Ellis was still on top form although a little hyper on some days but that might have been bordom or the fact that we were doing different things.

On Monday I took them to the airport to watch the planes take off and land. Unfortunately the weather was rubbish so we didn't get to see that much but we arrived at a good time and got to see lots.

On the way back around the runway we stopped to see some horses and sheep and it wasn't too long before arrived at Nanny and Grandad Rennolds' house for lunch.

We had lunch and messed around before going home to make some fairy cakes. Leo crashed out on the way back as he hadn't had his nap.

Here is a little clip of Leo giving his new baby brother a little bit of love, bless.

Tuesday morning Sally came over with William to watch the boys for me so that I could go to my last antenatal class. It was all about bringing the baby home. I felt that it started rather slowly and covered lots of things that we had already talked about but the end was quite good. Pretty sure first time parents wouldn't have got much from it though.

I came home and stuffed lunch into the boys before going to meet Mum at Costco. I love going there but I always seem to buy stuff I don't actually need, like a Toy Story bag for Ellis to take on a plane that won't happen, and I spend a lot of money on very little. It's good fun though and the boys always have a lovely time running around.

We got home quite late and the boys chilled out while I put stuff away and put dinner on.

I'm not totally sure what I did on Wednesday. Not a lot apparently. Ah that's right I had a pyjama day and so did the boys. We didn't get dressed and just played around the house.

Thursday morning we went to do some food shopping and to pick up some birthday cards and gifts which needed sending off.

Then it was Ellis' swimming lesson and then after that we popped into a local pub where Mum was meeting are Ange. We stayed for a drink and the boys ate their snacks and then we went home to make some fairy cakes. It had been a non stop day!

In the evening my Mummy friends came over for takeaway curry. It was lush. We all sat around eating and chatting until quite late. Probably be the last time now until baba arrives.

I had originally arranged to meet up with Jaidan on Thursday to go to the zoo but it was pointed out to me by a friend on Facebook that I was going to be missing Ellis' swimming lesson. So instead of going to the zoo we met at a church which had a play area for the kids and a little cafe serving food, cake and drinks.

At breakfast time Leo showed me how he can pull himself up on to the bar stools, all by himself! So I let him eat his breakfast sat next to his brother. It didn't last long though and he was soon back in his high chair, but he loves the novelty of it and now climbs up and down just to show you he can do it!

The church was really good fun and it wore the kids out. We ate lunch there and left shortly after so that I could get home to put Leo to bed.

While Leo was in bed Ellis and I decorated his fairy cakes. They were yummy but I forgot to take a picture. Probably because I ate them so fast.

Rob was home in the afternoon and then we had a friend over to view our old car. They liked it and said they would have it. Yay! Car sold on first viewing.

Saturday was great! I had a lie in then got up and had some lunch then left to meet my Mum at the park and ride. We were going into town for an afternoon in the spa! So excited!

We got the bus into town.

Then we were there very early so decided to go into BHS for a cuppa and slab of cake. Mum's mug was as big as her head!

We jumped the queue as we had treatments booked and got changed into our costumes and put on our robes.

It was so funny and we were already having lots of fun.

First stop was the heated outdoor pool where we just sat in the bubbles enjoying the sun on our faces the breeze and just taking the weight off our bones.

Then we did the steam rooms and foot baths followed by the lazy river pool where you float around. It was hilarious! Mum got me to lie on my back and she pulled me around by my head. It was funny because I kept sinking and the jets of water pushed you all over the place so we were banging into everyone. It was really funny.

Mum's treatment started before mine so I sat in the bubbles for 10 minutes while she had her body massage. It was then my turn. I had to fill a form in to say that I was well and healthy etc and then I was taken down into a round room with a pool in. It was so pretty and tranquil. I was having a Watsu which you can see here.

Cerah was the girl who did it and she was very nice. We had a quick chat and then she put some floats around my calves and thighs. I took a few deep breathes with my eyes closed and she scooped me up and started to float me around. It was really relaxing. I loved it when she worked on pressure points. Would recommend it and I didn't once feel silly. Well actually the only time I did was at the end. She propped me up on a wall just hanging in the water and I didn't know if I was supposed to open my eyes or not so I just stayed there. As it happened she came over after a few minutes and said "OK? just take your time and have a minute before following me out of the pool".

Mum and I met in the rest area where I got snuggled under a lovely fleece blanket. I forgot to mention that I slipped over in the spa and ended up falling into a wall. I did hurt myself and now that I was out of the pool I could feel all the aches and pains that I had caused. It was very relaxing though and it was nice to be snuggled and warm.

Mum went for a shower but I didn't want to get wet again so I got changed and then waited for Mum. It didn't take long.

We decided to eat out and wanted to go to Bottolinos which was a bit of a walk away, up hill. We finally made it but they couldn't fit us in so we went back down the hill a bit to ASK which was really nice. We eventually found the right table for us after 3 attempts and ordered our food. I had two strawberry milkshakes, a glass of ice, bruschetta, spaghetti carbonara and some water. Mum had an Appletizer, bruschetta and I think a pasta dish of some sort.

We had a great time at the spa and the food was good too. We walked back to get the park and ride and a bus was waiting for us. Everything had just worked out really well and we agreed to do it all again in a few months, if Rob says we can afford it that is.

The following day we had organised to meet up with Lucy, Craig, Shauna and Ashlee at a castle to have a look around and some lunch.

It didn't take long to get there and although there was a cold wind, if you stood in the sun it was quite nice.

We arrived and eventually found somewhere to park. First stop was the cafe to give the kids their lunch and to buy some for us. Well it was heaving with people and the cafe turned out to be a tea room that served tea, cakes and sandwiches. They were really not prepared for the amount of people and most gave up. We were all rammed into the corner and Jaimie and Angela were there too. So around a little table in the corner was, Ellis, Leo, Ria, Jaimie, Jacob, Angela, Ashlee, Shauna, Rob, Craig and Me. Nappies were changed on laps, kids ate their food messily and we tried to have a cup of tea in all the chaos.

We eventually finished and went outside to have a look around. First stop was to watch the dancers. As you can see in the video the sky looks lovely but the clouds are coming.

As we were watching the heavens opened and we started to get drenched. Leo and I ran to the closest tent and Rob took Ellis to the main entrance. I didn't know that at the time though and didn't like being split up.

The wind picked up too and one of the tents blew over taking people with it! I eventually got back to the cafe just as the rain was stopping and I then saw Rob walk past the window. I joined them and we all then looked around the castle. It did rain on and off and everything and everyone was getting wet and cold. I hadn't eaten either so I was getting cramps and just generally feeling like I wanted to go and get some food.

We had a lovely time though and here are some videos and pictures of the afternoon.

Just before the rain.

Jacob.

Lucy, Angela & Jaimie - Sisters

We decided to make a move and Craig and Lucy came too. We followed them for a bit and we then pulled into a pub for some grub. It was hectic trying to eat with the kids but good that dinner so done so that we could just go home and put them to bed. One less job to do.

There was a little park in the garden of the pub and the kids loved it! Around and around they went, up the steps, across the bridge and down the slide. Leo broke down in tears as we dragged him away. They would have kept going for hours!

Today Ellis went back to school. I had had such a good week with him that I was actually a bit sad and knew I would miss him but he was looking forward to it.

I've had a lazy day really. Blogging a bit, sorted the washing and dishes as always and played with Leo. He is such a crazy, fun kid.

Fingers crossed for tomorrow!

Wordless Wednesday

ECV

Saturday 5th February I spent in bed. It was well needed as I could barely walk from the pain I was having in my back and pelvis.

I did manage to crawl out of bed at 4:30pm, gave Leo some dinner then got ready to go out to meet up with Sophie and her friends to celebrate her 30th birthday. They were all dressed up as different Disney characters and looked great. I was just in my normal clothes as I wasn't going into town with them, just having some food at the pub where Sophie works.

I had a really nice time and wasn't jealous at all about them all going into town. I was ready to head home and back to my snuggly bed. Really not like the normal Mush.

Sunday morning I did the early shift and it was a lovely relaxed morning. I played with Leo for a bit then when he went for his nap Ellis and I did loads. We made a den, did some colouring, did puzzles, lots of reading etc etc.

Rob got up and had some breakfast and Ellis made him (pretend) sad because he wouldn't show him the pictures he had just taken of us.

After lunch we all went into town as I wanted to get some new pyjama bottoms for my upcoming hospital trip and Rob wanted to get a new jumper from GAP. I had also promised Ellis that we would find a toy shop for him to look around too. He was excited about that.

We went to the toy shop that I wanted to look around and it was shut! Poor Ellis. He was not happy so we spent ages and ages looking for another one for him, which we eventually found.

Leo and Ellis both had fun in the shop and we came out with a pair of binoculars for Ellis which he used to look at people from all the different bridges in the shopping centre.

We stopped to let the boys have a go on a Thomas ride. Leo was OK to start with but then got rather scared and wanted to get off. Ellis sat on there fine but it was rubbish!

I managed to find some pyjama bottoms but wasn't so lucky with the top or slippers so will have to have another look soon.

It was getting late so we decided to have dinner out. I love eating out but Rob struggles with the fact that the kids need constant distraction and he himself ends up being distracted instead. It doesn't bother me and they were both actually not too bad.

Ellis was 3 1/2 on the 5th so I took some pictures of him just for record really.

Then after bath time I dressed Leo in his new pyjamas which are so lush! I'm in love with them!

It's hard to get a picture of Leo standing still but he is pretty good at being pushed about and told to say "cheese!".

Tuesday I dropped the boys at Charlotte, Faith and Honour's house so that I could attend my antenatal class which was really good again. It was on complications and pain relief. It was informative and well done.

In the evening I went to my active birthing class and then on the way home I stopped in for the last part of the committee meeting. I'm glad I did as I like to stay in the loop, basically I'm nosey.

The rest of the week was just the usual routine.

Saturday morning a man came over to valet our old car so that we could get it ready to be sold and it was supposed to be my morning for a lie in but I just couldn't sleep. I didn't get out of bed though.

I spent the best part of the day doing my hospital bag but I knew the weather was going to be bad on Sunday and Rob was away doing a run so I said we had to go out that afternoon.

We bundled the kids up and trekked down to the park. Ellis took a couple of pictures before we left.

Then we tried to race a bit. I sort of jogged but was aware that I didn't want to hurt myself so I didn't win obviously and this is what Ellis said to me!

LAHOOOSER!

The park trip ended when Leo got dog poo on his hand I wanted to get home to clean them properly.

On Sunday Rob did the Tough 10 race down at Weston-Super-Mare. It was tipping down with rain so I didn't take the boys down there but I did stupidly try and venture out to the shops. We all got wet and cold while I tried to pick up a few bits of food and supplies for my hospital bag. It really wasn't worth going.

Rob came home and showered after completing the run in 1hour 43 minutes ish. It got quite wet and muddy but said he enjoyed it and will be doing it next year. Hopefully we can go down with him and enjoy the beach.

After his shower Rob watched the boys for me so that I could pop out to Naomi's house.

Naomi and I were due 5 days apart and by surprise her waters broke on Wednesday 9th. She went into hospital where they induced her labour and she gave birth to a healthy little boy, Harri, 5lb 5oz on Friday 11th. I said I would post some bibs into her house and I had also bought Iesto a little something and Harri some small baby vests.

I didn't stay but had a quick peek at the very little cutie on Daddy's chest, spoke to Iestyn for a bit then left. It was so lush to see them and Naomi looked fab!

On Monday I seemed to have a lot of energy and I was really keen to get some cleaning done. I think I may have been spurred on by the fact that Naomi had brought her baby home and it made me realise that I wouldn't want to bring mine back to this mess.

I spring cleaned Leo's room, Ellis' room, our room and started on the bathroom. Still need to do the hallway and downstairs but I was worn out so left it for another day.

Yesterday morning Sharon came over with Sophie and Alexander so they could look after the boys for me so that I could go to my antenatal class. It was very hectic when I left but Sharon said it was okay.

The class was okay. I felt that it was slightly unrealistic. It was about breastfeeding and they described it as the most natural thing in the world and that the baby would just do it fine. I understand that they don't want be negative and cause issues that may not even be there for some women but I felt that the shock of the reality of it for some Mums would be too much and without support would soon give up. Not everyone struggles but I certainly did with Ellis. With Leo it was just a natural thing that happened, but I knew what I was doing, what to look out for etc. and I knew how tough it could be. It sometimes feels like you are constantly feeding!

I had to leave the class early so that I could pick Mum up and go to the hospital for my appointment with the consultant.

We arrived nice and early but it did take us a while to find a parking space. Then when we arrived at the clinic we were told that there was a delay to see the doctor. Strangely I didn't ask how long, but it didn't matter as time passed quickly and a few other things came up while we waited.

I was weighed, blood pressure taken and wee sample given. Then I said that I was due to discuss my options of birth with the registrar but said that the midwife wasn't sure what way around the baby was so maybe it was worth giving me a scan first otherwise it all could just be a waste of time. She said she couldn't authorise it but I heard her speak to someone else and 2 minutes after I sat down, Mum and I were called in for a scan.

Nugget was in exactly the position I thought he was. Head up on my left hand side, back going across, bum on the right and legs, feet and hands all tucked down in my pelvis area. She said it was a flexed breech, not full breech and had enough fluid for the doctors to try and turn him if they were happy to do so.

Anyway, very long story short, which I will do on my pregnancy blog, I am booked in on 1st March to have an ECV (external, cephalic, version). Which means they will manually try and turn him around in my tummy. If there are any issues, he will be whipped out there and then and if it is successful then I will be left to labour naturally. So it's all up in the air and only time will tell what will happen in the next 2-4 weeks. Whatever happens, it isn't very far away!

Mum and I stopped for a McDonald's on the way home which was yummy and then back at home Mum made us drinks while Dad ate his Mc's. I think I missed off the part where Dad took over from Sharon at 11am with Kamron in tow. Sorry about that but big thanks and love to Sharon and Dad for watching my boys for me. x

I was totally drained for the afternoon so we all just flopped about the living room with the telly on.

Today I have been feeling better about it all but not great.

This morning started with Rob waking up in Ellis' bed as Ellis had had another night of waking up after having a bad dream. I hadn't expected Rob to stay in with him but he did, although Ellis didn't go back to sleep until about 6:30am which is when I brought Leo in with me and then we all got up at 7:20am. Not really a rough night but an early start.

Rob had breakfast with us which was lush and then he left for work and I got the boys ready to take Ellis to school.

We walked to drop Ellis off and then after an hour at home, Leo and I went to Music with Mummy. He did really well in his class today but was very tired and a bit grumpy at the end.

We had lunch, which Leo scoffed and I put him to bed and then typed up this blog, apart from this bit which I'm doing at 8:20pm.

Mum picked Ellis up from school and I was really pleased to hear that he had had a very good day at school and had listened and played well all day. Wicked!

Then Mum took him to his music class with Deb and I went to see the midwife, taking Leo with me.

Midwife appointment was fine, she was very surprised about him being breech again and we talked a bit about what was going to happen next. She had a feel of my tummy and said, "oh yes, there he will turn easy, plenty of room in there, no problem". I don't trust her one bit unfortunately but it did give me a little bit of hope, even if just for a second.

Mum sat in on Ellis' music class this week and I asked her to take some pictures and videos. She did her best and after looking through 9 minutes of videos I was left with about 3 minutes worth :o) Thanks for trying though Mum.

Mum and Ellis caught up with Leo and I in Sainsbury's and I was again told that Ellis had been really good in his class and had made everyone laugh with a few comments. I love the one about being an Alien as we have been reading a book at bedtime called Man On The Moon and it has Aliens in it with stalks on their heads just like Ellis did in his class. Really made me laugh. Mum said he was quite funny at other times but soon realised that she wasn't recording at the right times. Never mind.

We finished our shopping and went into the cafe for a tea and bit of cake. The boys were starving and were munching through their snacks like locusts. I soon realised why when I noticed that it was gone 5pm which is usually when I'm getting them dinner.

This evening has been quite good. It has gone rather quickly as we were late home. Bath time went well although Leo was putting his fingers in his ears shortly after getting out of the bath which could mean he will be waking up in pain later on tonight. I have booked an appointment at the doctors for tomorrow to get them checked again.

Done loads of blogging today as you can see and I was hoping to do my pregnancy one tonight too but I'm past it now. It can wait until tomorrow. I'm going to veg before getting an early ish night.