Scoliosis + Me

There was a time that I was lucky enough not to properly understand back pain. It was easy for me to perhaps judge others who suffered with it and to not take the time to understand just how painful it could be. There was a time that I didn't know or care what scoliosis was. Those times are gone and have been gone for close to four years..
This is my story of my experience with back pain, I have written this in the hope that anyone searching the Internet for answers when it comes to living with back pain comes across this post and realises that as bad as it can seem in a moment, life does honestly get better.
The beginning: 
In 2009 I started a new job, I went from being constantly active at work to sitting down all day, this is when the pain started. At first it was just back pain, a small amount, nothing overly concerning. But it was new - I'd never had any back pain before {well, certainly not any that I could remember}. I adjusted the way I would sit and pretty much 'put up with it'. But it got bad.. a lot worse, eventually I had enough -  I left work early and made an appointment with the Doctor. The Doctor took one look at me and told me to 'Go and put some weight on and then come back in 6 weeks', apparently if I didn't put weight on my bones would become brittle and I'd suffer a lot more. She never checked my back and really wasn't very interested. I left in tears, because honestly the pain was terrible and I needed help, help that she was just wasn't prepared to give..
Physio & an answer:
Thankfully, I'm lucky enough that my employer has it's own occupational health unit and my supervisor at the time sent me to see the Doctor, he promptly sent me for private physiotherapy to help with the pain. I got 6 sessions free through work and I was naive enough at the time to think that just one session would sort out my pain once and for all. Of course this wasn't the case.  The physio was great and the physiotherapist was lovely and very understanding {She had such a different approach then my own Doctor had}. She would massage me where I was in pain and would teach me exercises to help me manage the pain for when I was at home/work. She also found the root of my pain.... I was suffering with pain due to Scoliosis.

Accepting Scoliosis & learning to live with pain:
I soon used up all my free sessions and was trying very hard to adapt to living with the pain from my scoliosis, by then the pain was every single day and boy was it intense! I did my research: I learnt that scoliosis was a curvature of the spine, I read forums and web page after web page of definitions and 'treatments', I soon realised that there was no 'treatment' - when a bone is bent it's bent. 
The pulling and over stretching of my muscles to compensate for the curvature was sending my muscles into spasm. My upper back was in agony, my neck was in agony. I had more muscle knots then I knew. I had gone from being 'normal' to in pain every single day. I got depressed and obsessed over finding answers that didn't exist, I took so much sick time off of work and suffered with major anxiety and stress over this. I knew I was doing all I could but I didn't expect work and colleagues to understand that, I thought nobody could understand not even Adam. I was so worried and felt isolated and honestly, so alone.
Adam did all he could to help me, there were days he would get frustrated.. I now realise he just didn't want to see me in pain and was as frustrated as I was that the pain wouldn't go. We brought ice packs and heat packs, a wheat bag, vitamins, a tens machine, we went swimming, he gave me massages, I took my prescribed tablets and did my exercises, I reduced my hours at work, we went for scans {and was told that my curvature was not big enough to be operated on} and endless appointments, work even brought me my own chair and had it specially designed for my back, but nothing helped and we felt like we were banging our heads against the wall.  I would cry in pain at work and spend my breaks alone in a 'rest room' doing my back exercises. I really did go through a stage of feeling low.
Coping through Chiropractic treatments:
It was Adam that booked my first appointment with the chiropractor. I was scared of having my back 'cracked' and manipulated, but I was desperate. In the beginning I would go every week. It was £35 in each time, but my chiropractor was so understanding and friendly and would often not charge me in between sessions which I was so thankful for. Honestly, out of everything I've ever tried to help my back pain - it has been chiropractic treatment has been the best thing for it. It's not cheap when you have to go a lot like I did but for me it was worth it. It got me back to work but it wasn't enough and in the end I was forced to ask to be redeployed from my job role at the time.
Redeployment: 
I was redeployed to my current role, a role where I was able to be active again, this helped so much! My back could not take long periods of sitting. I went up to full time working, I still suffered with the spasms and the pain but it was much more manageable. 
I learnt that my pain was less intense when I sat with my legs up {strange, but true} - so I got a leg stool and I eat dinner with my legs up everyday. I learnt that my spasms would come on when I would write or look down, so I got a writing tool that was almost vertical which I could lean against to write on. Anything I could do to avoid writing helped so I got trained up to use certain systems at work so that I didn't have to fill out forms manually - I did it digitally instead. I've been incredibly lucky with work, they have been so understanding and my current manager has been nothing but supportive. In return I have pushed myself to be in work every day that I can and have  been completely honest with them, I've been flexible with them as they are flexible with me. I am very lucky and I appreciate this fully. 
Right now:
I was worried that getting pregnant would make my pain so much worse, but on the whole I've been okay. I've had a few periods of really bad pain where the bump is growing which have been quite intense, because of this I have reduced my hours at work this has helped me so so much throughout the pregnancy. 
Lower back pain has made an appearance, as it does for most pregnant women, but as painful as it can be it's nothing compared to my upper back pain from my scoliosis. I'm currently working at a less stressful office and I've seen a massive improvement because of this. Stress doesn't cause my pain but it certainly doesn't help it.  I have an appointment with the anaesthetist on Thursday to discuss any impact my scoliosis will have during childbirth, but I have a feeling that I'll be okay.  Things are so much more positive in my life now, I have learnt to live with my back pain and have accepted it {which is something I really struggled with for a long time}. I've adapted my life a little so that I can manage my pain. Being pregnant has taken my mind off of myself and my pain, I now have something and someone else to focus on.
Yes, it hurts when I go out for meals and have to sit 'normally' against chairs that hurt me, yes I struggle to go to the cinema and sit throughout a film. I can't sit at dinner tables without sending my back into spasm, I can't write or wrap presents without pain. I will always have to take random days off of work because my pain sometimes becomes unbearable and it'll be like this for the rest of my life. Yes, I'm hurting right now as I type this. I know I'll struggle to bath my baby and play games on the floor with him, I'll struggle to change his nappy and carry him, but am I worried about any of this? 
No. I have accepted that this is part of who I am, it's part of me. 
My answer to all of the above..  I will do what I can, I will push myself even if it hurts but know when it's too much. I will remember that other people face daily challenges like I do everyday and that so many people are in much worse situations.
Ultimately I will not let pain define me, it's part of me but it's not who I am.
Life is good, in fact life has never been better. I have so much and so much to look forward to and despite the low times I've had in the past with my back.. Right now - I think I might just be the happiest girl alive!

hellocotton

Just 15 Things That Make Me Happy

1. Cats: Cats, cats and more cats. I've loved cats all my life. I feel an instant connection and bond with every cat I come across. If I could I'd rescue as many as I could and work with cats as a way to earn money for a living.
2. Adam {my wonderful Husband}: There are no words to describe how happy he makes me, but being with him is what makes me happiest. And being his wife and sharing his surname is just the best!
3. Food: Specifically pasta, Dominos Pizza and vegetarian style Chinese.
4. Home: Home is where the heart is {and where the cat is}. 
5. Memories: Of growing up with Adam, we met at 14 and have so many wonderful memories together, I hope we have many many more yet to create.
6. Days out: I love being at home, I'm such a home person, but random days out are exciting, be it to to a Theme Park, a day of shopping, feeding the ducks, anything.. I just cannot wait to have random days out with my baby, just us: as a little family of three.
7. The Internet: I spend a lot of time on the Internet.. at the moment my time is mostly spent on here blogging it's my way of creating something that we can look back on.
8. Game Of Thrones: It's a television series that I am so in to at the moment. I'm slightly obsessed in fact. 
9. Music: I like lots of music. I don't have a specific genre that I stick to, I like what ever sounds good to my ears. Some of the artists I love at the moment are: Eminem {my all time favourite}, 30 Seconds To Mars {'Hurricane' is amazing}, Lana Del Rey, Drake, Trust Company, Linkin Park, Damien Rice, Disturbed, Breaking Benjamin and Chase & Status. I've probably missed lots of others I love, but as you can see the type of music I love covers a wide variety.
10. Twilight: The Twilight movies are my favourite. 
11. Being Vegetarian: I am so proud of being vegetarian and love that I have been for most of my life. I would never go back to eating meat: not ever.
12. Being Cosy: PJ's, dressing gown, dim lights, candles, cuddles, blankets, slippers, snacks and a tasty drink to hand = happiness. 
13. Bed: {and sleep} I love getting into bed in the evening.. relaxing whilst watching television, browsing on my iPhone, cuddling up to my Hubby and the cats under the duvets. It's total bliss, especially after a stressful/tiring day. 
14. My Wedding Day Photos: Sunday 19th August 2012 was the best day of my life and looking back at the photographs from that day fills me with so much happiness.
15. People with good qualities: Honesty, a good sense of humour, someone 'down to earth', kindness, selflessness etc etc.. good people make me happy. I just cannot understand bad people, with bad personalities.

Baby: Nursery Tour {Updated}

  Your nursery is looking more and more finished everyday now. Your Dad and I have done so much work to it to make sure that it looks nothing less than perfect for you. I can't believe that what feels like just yesterday this was our study, our computer room that we use to spend many an hour gaming in {on the ever-so-addictive World of Warcraft}, and now look at it... it's your room, complete with all of the lovely little brand new things that we spent so long choosing out for you. Right now, as I sit here rubbing my close to 33 week pregnant belly I'm imagining you in there using all your lovely new things. I cannot believe that soon I wont be imagining, it'll be for real.. I really can't wait. 

My MUST Haves During Pregnancy

   There are some things that have definitely helped me out a ton during the last 7 months. Some of these things have been invaluable and have stood out as clear 'must have items' during the sometimes bumpy and at times completely exhausting road that is pregnancy. Below are a few of the things I could not have done without. I will begin with my favourite, something that has sort of become my best friend throughout pregnancy so far..

Dry Shampoo:

I used to religiously wash my hair every morning in the shower before going to work. But I quickly came to realise a few months into pregnancy that I was just way too tired to be showering every single morning! I now take my showers in the afternoon when I get home from work, I still shower every day but I have made a big change to my hair routine since discovering how amazing dry shampoo is. I have managed to cut my hair washing down to 2-3 times a week and oh my gosh what a difference it is has made to not only my hair but also how long it takes me to shower! No longer does my hair get greasy if I don't wash it for only one day, in fact I don't actually know when the last time was that my hair felt greasy. I am also able to get home from work and have what is a 'quick shower' rather then spending up to half an hour in there and this is great for when I'm feeling completely knackered and just want to have a quick wash. I  have been using dry shampoo every single morning when I get up for work now and it instantly refreshes my hair, gives it volume and even lightens my roots up - which is amazing for me because I have have highlighted hair which grows out very quick! Dry shampoo: I love it!!

A bottle of water:

During my pregnancy I seem to have been consistently thirsty, so having a bottle of water to hand has been key in helping to keep me nice and hydrated. Also, what is up with baby care shops permanently blazing out heat all day long?! Don't they know that pregnant mums-to-be are feeling more than hot enough? (Mothercare - though I love you, I am looking at you). So yes, carrying some sort of drink around is definitely a worth while habit.

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Snacks:

For those random spouts of hunger and for when a little boost of energy is needed.

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Nearby toilets:

Ensuring there is a toilet close by at ALL times is a MUST. I often find myself thinking: "If I go just before I pop out then I won't need to go again for a little while." This is not the case and is definitely not true as pregnancy progresses. There's not a lot of room in there anymore, and the bladder is definitely feeling this.

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Pregnancy/Maternity notes:

It is recommended that these are carried around at all times 'just in case.' Though, unfortunately they're rather bulky, I do take mine to work with me everyday, and have actually found myself in the situation where I have needed them in an emergency.

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PJs + Dressing gown:

Without a doubt I would strongly advise overly large PJs and a soft, warm, snuggly dressing gown. (I pretty much live in these). Always comfort over style for me. Yes, wearing baggy pyjamas doesn't exactly give off the 'I'm pregnant and glowing' look, but for me wearing comfortable clothes in times when I can often feel uncomfortable is invaluable!

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The "Health And Parenting" pregnancy app:

My manager actually recommended this app to me after his wife used it throughout her pregnancy and I have to say I have been loving it! I can't remember how much I paid for it at the time but I've definitely had my moneys worth out of it and it wasn't anything expensive. There are absolutely loads of pregnancy apps available for the iPhone on the app store and I've tried a few but this is definitely my favourite by far! It has all the information I need on it, see pics below for exactly what this app contains. I love reading through the weekly updates each Sunday before I move over to the next pregnancy week on a Monday morning.

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xo
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32 Weeks: You've got HAIR!

How far along?: 32 Weeks.. 3 Days.

Maternity clothes: Still haven't got around to getting some bigger clothes yet.

Stretch marks: Same as last week.

Sleep: I'm not sleeping too bad, though last night I woke up quite a few more times than I usually do. I've noticed an increase in the amount of times I'll wake for a toilet trip and at times I'm still randomly waking up because you're awake and kicking!

Best moment this week: Tuesday was a pretty awesome day. We had your second growth scan and boy are you growing!.. You're now measuring above the average growth line! We got to see you again and the sonographer pointed out little sparkles on your head and told us that this was your hair. Your Dad and I think that this is amazing, it all just got very real!

Miss anything?: Not having this nasty lower back pain.

Movement: Oh so much! I think I said this last week, but seriously you are one very active baby, and I swear you are already stronger than I am!

Food cravings: Craving nothing.

Anything making you queasy or sick? No.

Gender: Boy <3

Labour signs: No

Symptoms: Lower back pain which can be quite nasty, especially in the evenings. Some heartburn. Lots of pressure down below. Even a little stomach pain at times.

Belly button in or out? Out!

Wedding rings on or off? On!

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!

Looking forward to: Meeting you, hurry up already!

Also This week: Your Dad and I went out for our late Valentines meal at the Thai and discussed how amazing it is going to be having you. Sammy went back to the vets for her post dental op check up and the vet was happy with how her mouth and teeth are now looking. I finally have a dent free car, thats right.. months and months and £100 later the dent in the back of my car has finally been fixed. (That'll teach me to reverse into the street sign next time!)

Expectations Of A First Time Mummy-To-Be

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    As a first time Mum-to-be with less than eight weeks to go until my due date, I can safely say that my mind and probably the minds of other expectant parents, races daily with both pure excitement and joy and also the fear of the unknown and uncertainty of the future. At times I feel completely ready to face the fear that is childbirth and become a confident and ready-for-whatever life throws at me first time parent and then other times I feel like I'm waiting in line for the biggest, most scariest roller coaster I could ever imagine and it is with this vision that I seem to turn to jelly and feel a little overwhelmed by it all.

   But, really, it doesn't matter which frame of mind my head is in... I am going to be a mum and honestly I could not be happier about that if I tried. I feel completely ready and somehow I just know that this is going to be the best thing I've ever done.    So as a first time Mummy-to-be I thought I would share some of my personal expectations about what the future holds for you, your Dad and I. I expect that...

•  I will have an undying, unconditional love for you as soon as I see you. My heart will probably feel like it is going to burst because it will hold that much love for you inside of it!

• I'll probably not ever want to let you go.. I'm already an over the top protective person (just ask your Dad).. So I imagine that I will be probably be the most protective mum in the world when it comes to you! I will try hard not to be too over the top.. But I can't make any promises!!

• Normal sleep at normal times will be a thing of the past for me.. I'm expecting to be so tired that I will feel like a mindless zombie - anything better than that will be greatly appreciated, but I'm not holding my breath.

• The house that I obsessively clean daily at the moment will not stay this way for even 10 minutes after you are born. I expect that I will not even have the energy to clean it in the first place.

• That taking a shower will become a luxury.

• I may well live in my PJ's and dressing gown for a long time after you are born, it wont be too different to now though as I have pretty much done this the whole way through my pregnancy with you.

• I will become more mellow and learn to chill out when it comes to housework and silly everyday occurrences that bug me now as I will have you to focus on and worry about.. (and again - I will most likely not have the energy to care about the small trivial things.)

• At times I will get really stressed, possibly upset and even frustrated, but that most of my time will be spent having fun with you, learning with you, cuddling, and staring at you with complete adoration. 

• The amount of washing that needs to be done to go through the roof.

• I will learn so much about myself and feel like I've unlocked a whole new way of life.

• I will feel so much happiness and complete joy in my heart when I see you interacting/cuddling/playing with your Daddy and with the cats.

• I will feel so unbelievably proud of myself when you are born.. knowing that I have grown you inside of me and that I have faced my biggest fear: childbirth. 

• I'll be in a lot of pain after the birth, this scares me, but I know it'll be worth it.

• My body will probably never look like it did pre-pregnancy.

• I will have a whole new respect and understanding for my own mum and other parents.

• I will adore your Dad even more than I do now, seeing him be a parent will probably make my heart melt into complete mush.

• Your Dad and I will have many conversations about who you look like most and how amazing it is that we created you. We'll probably discuss at length what we think you will become when you're older - I'd already like you to be a Vet! ;)

• The future holds so many happy memories for us. 

& I know that...

• You will be so loved by so many people and that as long as we all have each other it doesn't matter where life takes us - as long as it takes us together!

xo Follow {Bump to Baby}
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31 Weeks: Feeling Oh So VERY Pregnant!

How far along?: 31 weeks.. 6 days.. Though right now, feeling like I'm 40 weeks!!! 

Maternity clothes: Nothing new, but I think I perhaps need to change this and invest in some new either just bigger or actual maternity clothing as things are starting to get wayyyy too tight!!

Stretch marks: All around my boobs still.. though honestly, like I've said before, they aren't really bothering me.. stomach stretch marks I think will upset me a little when and if they come, but hey it's all part of creating a new little life! So completely worth it.

Sleep: Randomly waking up during the night a few times...then deciding I need to visit the toilet seems to be a near every night occurrence now, you usually seem to be awake when this happens and you'll give me a little kick or two. Getting to sleep hasn't really been a problem.

Best moment this week: Yesterday your Dad and I shopped at Mothercare to try and finish off getting all of the things that we will need for you straight away after you are born.. we got lots of little bits for you using a 10% off discount voucher, including your car seat {we got the Graco Evo car seat in 'Pitstop' (black), to go with your pram.}, car seat base for the car, baby bath and accessories, changing mat, {both the bath/accessories and changing mat are from Mothercare's 'Loved So Much' range which we have pretty much kitted your room out in.} and lots of other little bits that you or us will be needing. I still get such a lovely feeling and little rush of excitement as a first time expectant mum when buying you things.

Miss anything?: Not that I can think of.

Movement: The pregnancy app I use on my iPhone says that your movement will slow down around now because you are growing so big and there is less and less room, however I feel like this is the stage that I have felt you moving the most!.. Maybe that's because you are getting so big.. I feel you wriggling and tapping away at me. I feel and see little lumps under my skin, which are probably your feet. You still like picking at my ribs, sometimes I think my ribs must be bruised! If one of the cats sit on top of me, you'll usually kick them too!

Food cravings: Still not craving anything..

Anything making you queasy or sick? I've been unwell these last couple of days with what I think is a stomach bug or something and so have been feeling rather sick with that! >.< {booo!!}

Gender: You're A Little Baby Boy!

Labour signs: No

Symptoms: SO much lower back pain. I feel like my bump has grown so much just this last week, and my back is feeling it too! It hurts and is very uncomfortable but it eases from time to time, and on the plus side my upper back pain {from my scoliosis} is behaving itself {thank God!}. 

I have felt some pressure down below and am suffering a lot with acid + wind - I can't work out whether or not this is related my stomach bug or not. Or whether or not it was in fact a stomach bug or something that was pregnancy related. Today I got an odd feeling in my mouth - like a metallic taste with some heartburn.

Belly button in or out? Out and still looking very much like a little eyeball poking through my tops!

Wedding rings on or off? On!

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy -- but starting to feel very uncomfortable!

Looking forward to: We have another growth scan at the Hospital on Tuesday for you, so we'll get to see you again {Yay!}.. We then have to take Sammy for her check-up appointment at the vets and then we are going to go out for a Thai meal to make up for last Friday when I wasn't well enough to go.

Also This week: Apart from being unwell this week, it was also Valentines Day on Thursday and I blogged about it {here}. You may remember that in last week's bump update post I blogged about Sammy {our cat} having to have a dental operation and that the Vet was concerned about a small mass in her mouth that was either an abscess or a tumour... well we've had the call from the Vet and it's good news!.. It's not a tumour, it's just a mass from the bad teeth she had in her mouth! :) So obviously we're very happy about that!

Valentines Day 2013: Feeling Rough

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      I'm writing this blog post from the covers of my warm bed, Charlie, our cat, is snuggling at my feet and I am feeling totally rough! I've been in bed since 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon with what I think is a horrible stomach bug, it really sucks! Obviously my main concern is you, but the Internet tells me that the bug shouldn't effect you as long as I drink plenty of water which I am doing. I've felt you moving lots and lots (in fact more than I ever have), so I guess you're telling me that you're okay in there! I haven't felt this rough in a long time, and on top of being nearly 32 weeks pregnant it's pretty tough - so I'm getting lots of rest and am hoping to be feeling better soon!

     Yesterday was Valentines Day.. <3 To be honest - I'm not crazy about this particular holiday because I think that love should be celebrated and shown to the one you love every single day. Your Dad and I decided that we weren't going to do 'presents' as such for each other this year, 1. because of this reason and 2. because buying things for you and your nursery these last few months has not exactly been cheap! ;)

     However we did of course exchange cards and I brought him a little box of choccies. He came home from work in the evening with possibly one of the best presents I may have ever received.. 

Yes - that is a giant cookie from Millies Cookies!! I absolutely LOVE cookies and although I couldn't eat a lot of it due to feeling poorly, it really cheered me up! As I opened the box the smell of cookie was so intense and heavenly! Your Dad is pretty amazing and knows me too well! 

We we're due to go for a 'Valentines' meal tonight at the Thai that he loves here in Aylesbury, but I don't think I'm going to be well enough for it... so we will go just as soon as I'm feeling better again which I'm hoping will be very soon!!

xo
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Snow + New (Hunter) Boots

 Snow

 Just when I thought we'd seen the last of the snow for this winter.. we woke up this morning to a blanket of yet more snow outside! I'm not a lover of snow to be honest. Yeah, it's pretty and makes everything look clean (until it turns to mushy sludge), but it's cold, wet and very slippery, and slippery surfaces do not go well down with me on any day of the year and especially not when I'm 31 weeks pregnant and trying to be extra careful not to have a clumsy fall.

Sooty loves the snow. 

      

Midwife appointment

  Today I turned 31 weeks pregnant with you, and like I mentioned in last nights bump update we had another appointment this morning at the Doctors surgery with the midwife. I heard your heartbeat again and it sounded nice and strong! The midwife had a little feel of my stomach to see if she could see how you were laying -  it was hard to tell but you seemed to be more on my right side today and more than likely you are still head down. She measured my bump and told me that you are now measuring bigger than average! 

  My iron levels have dropped a little so the Doctor prescribed me some extra iron tablets to take alongside the Pregnacare. Low iron levels combined with being quite a way into the third and last trimester with you, is most likely responisble for my complete exhaustion lately.

New boots

 After the appointment with the midwife I headed back out into the snow to the car.. my feet and socks were soaking wet and very cold as the snow had leaked through my boots and so I decided it was time to invest in some new footwear! Something suitable for the snow and rain. I headed to TKMaxx at the retail park but all they had were Hunter Boots, which yes, I very much wanted and had wanted for a little while but the price tag had up until now always been very off-putting. Tesco had absolutely nothing and honestly I did not want to have to venture into town to find probably nothing. So I went back to TKMaxx, and decided to treat myself! I sold my wedding dress on eBay last night so I figured I was allowed to spend a little of the money on myself to keep my feet nice and warm.

  To be honest they were a great price, I got the glossy black full length boots for only £49.99, which yes may be a little more than the average person spends on a pair of wellie boots but for Hunter boots which are often close to £100 I thought the price was quite good. They are so warm, and really easy to walk through the snow in and what's more is I think they look great on! I can definitely see myself getting my wear out of them. :) Luckily, even though they didn't have my size (7), they had a pair of size 6's, which when I tried them on fit my feet perfectly! 

30 Weeks: We've Hit The Big 3-0!

How far along? This is my 30 Week bump update... I am actually 30weeks.. 6 days today. Can you believe it has been 30 weeks already?!

Maternity clothes: Still wearing my usual - comfy baggy tops usually with a pair of leggings, there's nothing like being comfortable - especially when pregnant!!

Stretch marks: The stretch marks on my breasts have got darker this week. Still nothing on my stomach yet.

Sleep: This week it has been harder getting to sleep because I have found it a bit more difficult finding a comfortable position. Last night I woke up a record number of times to visit the toilet, and often I find myself very suddenly awake because you're wriggling about in there!

Best moment this week: Turning 30 weeks pregnant!.. Going from the 20's to the 30's is a pretty big milestone!

Miss anything? Not having my ribcage crushed and poked!

Movement: I feel you wriggling about all of the time! You like mummy's ribs - a lot. I feel you readjusting yourself when I move positions especially when I'm in bed. This week when I have felt you kick/wriggle, and I've brought my hand to my tummy to feel you, I've been able to grab a little lump - possibly your foot/elbow/bum. Daddy has felt this too!

Food cravings: When I first fell pregnant with you, I began drinking Irn Bru. I discovered this again yesterday! I'm not sure if it is a 'craving' or not, but I really like the taste!

Anything making you queasy or sick? No not really.

Gender: Boy!

Labour signs: No

Symptoms: More back pain this week! :( My lower back is definitely feeling your growth!

Belly button in or out? My belly button is poking out! And is visible through my clothes, which people seem to think is quite funny!

Wedding rings on or off? On!

Happy or moody most of the time: Very happy to be carrying you and so looking forward to meeting you! I have been a little hormonal and grumpy though, especially when I'm feeling uncomfortable.

Looking forward to: The appointment with the midwife tomorrow morning, so I can hear your heartbeat and see if you're still in the same position. 

Also This week: Sammy (our cat) had to have an operation at the vets to remove five (yes, five!) teeth. Mummy and Daddy were both so worried about her, but she was fine! She has a growth in her mouth which the vet is sending off for testing, we will get the result at her check-up appointment next week (the same day we get to see you again - our growth scan appointment. I don't actually know why we are having anymore growth scans, you measured on the bigger side of average at our last scan! Originally they were concerned about my low BMI pre-pregnancy, but that hasn't stopped you growing big and strong).

xo