July 2014 Babies Club

Rua1

You'll love it, Merkin. No need for a full bladder, thank god! I'd only say perhaps keep a little bit in there if you can just in case baby is being stubborn. It's one of the tricks they use to get the baby to move, or so I found out.

I had my anomaly scan yesterday. All seemed to be well. He was still a he, which is good, as I've got a load of blue clothing, and he's already named, and booked on a flight in November to visit Nannie and Poppa in Wellington!

Jerrica

Merkin wrote: »

Oh brilliant, thank you Jerrica, it's horrible having to hold on with a full bladder isn't it?

Thanks so much for good wishes, we're both extremely excited. Everyone keeps asking whether I secretly hope for a little boy or girl and I genuinely don't mind at all, I'm just so happy to have a little bubba on the way, I just want it to be healthy and happy. We're looking forward to finding out though, we love Baby Merkin so much already so finding out what flavor it is will make us feel that much closer to the little thing if that makes sense?

Oh stop, it's horrible. I was overfull at the 12 week scan and the Sonographer laughed at me trying to squish bubba with my hugemongous bladder :pac:

It makes complete sense, we feel even closer to lulu now we know she's a girl and we have some photos of her. Enjoy every second of it! Will you have time to have breakfast or lunch together afterwards? We treated ourselves to our first baby clothes purchase too, it helped us to celebrate seeing our little lady for the first time

Merkin

Rua1 wrote: »

You'll love it, Merkin. No need for a full bladder, thank god! I'd only say perhaps keep a little bit in there if you can just in case baby is being stubborn. It's one of the tricks they use to get the baby to move, or so I found out.

I had my anomaly scan yesterday. All seemed to be well. He was still a he, which is good, as I've got a load of blue clothing, and he's already named, and booked on a flight in November to visit Nannie and Poppa in Wellington!

Thanks for the tip! I actually thought I was going to burst at my 12 week scan, it's awful holding on!

Congrats on the anomaly scan, must have been so reassuring! Babies are great to fly with when small. We flew back from Dublin on Monday and I was across the aisle from a beautiful little five week old beauty called Ella. The little sweetheart just fed and did little yawns for the duration of the trip.....adorable!

Jerrica wrote: »

Oh stop, it's horrible. I was overfull at the 12 week scan and the Sonographer laughed at me trying to squish bubba with my hugemongous bladder :pac:

It makes complete sense, we feel even closer to lulu now we know she's a girl and we have some photos of her. Enjoy every second of it! Will you have time to have breakfast or lunch together afterwards? We treated ourselves to our first baby clothes purchase too, it helped us to celebrate seeing our little lady for the first time

I over tanked at my 12 week scan too.....agony!!

Our scan is not until 2.50pm tomorrow so we're both going to finish work at about half twelve, go for a nice leisurely lunch together and then have the rest of the afternoon off after the scan so we can really make the most of it! It's such a momentous day so it would seem like a bit of a come down having to return to work. Lulu is such a cute little name

Jerrica

The only plus about going back to work was being able to tell co-workers about the scan :pac: Sounds like you've a great day planned, delirrah for you. Lulu is just our bump name, but now we know it's a girl it might stick a bit longer!!

Merkin

Hey guys, well the great news is that we're having a little bubba boy! It has been a pretty fraught day with mixed emotions however as the poor little unfortunate thing appears to have bilateral clefting of the lip and because the little guy was moving around so much they couldn't get a clear view of him. We have been referred for a second ultrasound on Wednesday morning and if confirmed (I suppose to check the extent of it) we will be meeting the cleft team then. It's been a very upsetting turn of events but on the other hand we are very fortunate that the little chap looks perfect otherwise, spine, nuchal fold and other organs all look good.. Long legs like his Dad and is a week ahead in cranial dimensions etc!

I think I will be advised to have an amnio on Wednesday which frightens me a little. Apparently a cleft is sometimes although very rarely indicative of chromosomal abnormalities so that may need exploring. It's all a bit much to take in but I've been reading voraciously on the topic this evening and it seems the prognosis for those with cleft lips and/or palate is good. That's not to say I haven't shed a few tears today, as has my beloved Mr. Merkin. It's been a tough old day tbh and I'm too wired and agitated for sleep.

Ocean Blue

Merkin wrote: »

Hey guys, well the great news is that we're having a little bubba boy! It has been a pretty fraught day with mixed emotions however as the poor little unfortunate thing appears to have bilateral clefting of the lip and because the little guy was moving around so much they couldn't get a clear view of him. We have been referred for a second ultrasound on Wednesday morning and if confirmed (I suppose to check the extent of it) we will be meeting the cleft team then. It's been a very upsetting turn of events but on the other hand we are very fortunate that the little chap looks perfect otherwise, spine, nuchal fold and other organs all look good.. Long legs like his Dad and is a week ahead in cranial dimensions etc!

I think I will be advised to have an amnio on Wednesday which frightens me a little. Apparently a cleft is sometimes although very rarely indicative of chromosomal abnormalities so that may need exploring. It's all a bit much to take in but I've been reading voraciously on the topic this evening and it seems the prognosis for those with cleft lips and/or palate is good. That's not to say I haven't shed a few tears today, as has my beloved Mr. Merkin. It's been a tough old day tbh and I'm too wired and agitated for sleep.

I'm sorry to hear that Merkin but fingers crossed there is nothing further at play and like you said the cleft issue is readily treatable. I can't even imagine the shock you guys must have gotten. I hope you have gotten some sleep tonight x

Merkin

Thanks Ocean, very little sleep tbh so taking day off, still a bit shell shocked and can't face questions from colleagues about scan.

Rua1

Congrats on your little man.
I'm really sorry to hear about the cleft palate I hope you get some rest today, it would have been one hell of a shock for you yesterday.

Jerrica

Oh Merkin. If only you lived in Ireland, I'd drive across the country if needs be to give you a big hug. I think taking the day off was a good call, it's going to take you a couple of days to process all of this. The odds are firmly stacked in your favour that the cleft is just that and not an indication of anything more serious, and I'm sure the amino will yield very positive results next week. Congratulations on finding our you're having a little boy, he's going to be a very loved and wonderful little bubba

Merkin

Thank you Rua, it was very shocking, we're both still feeling like we've been in the wars! Awful feeling when the sonographer and obstetrician went quiet and called a colleague in:(

Thanks for kind words Jerrica m'dear. You know we're still absolutely thrilled, he looks otherwise like a perfectly healthy and very busy and wriggly little boy! We love him so much already, this just makes us feel more protective of the little guy. We're actually blessed as well with the quality of care we are having. We had thought initially I'd go home and have the baby in Holles Street but thusfar the treatment through the NHS has been exemplary and the cleft team in one of the country's leading tertiary hospitals will be looking after us from next week, mainly Professors and senior consultants so we are very lucky with the standard of care. Above all else, both Mr. Merkin and I are kind and loving people so I think the little chap is in good hands to get through this with a lot of hugs and laughter. I have moments of total fortitude and then moments of despair but it is all very recent and I know once it sinks in it will be fine, thanks xx

Jerrica

I've heard nothing but positive things about the NHS in terms of their peri-natal care. Mini-Merkin will be treated as the VIP that he is

I wonder do the Hospital offer a Support Service or someone you could link in with in case you need to talk things out sometime? Probably not what you need right now as it's all sinking in, but maybe down the line? What your feeling is completely understandable and normal, and I'm sure your emotions will be up and down like a flagpole for the next wee while. He's going to be an awesome little man though, with an awesome Mum and Dad to watch over him.

Merkin

Awww thank you. I looked up the team and it consists of maxillofacial and plastic surgeons, orthodontists, speech therapists, feeding specialists and three psychologists as well so I should imagine there will be support, one of my brothers recommended we do the same to help us. I also know there is a very active network called Clapa and I've been looking at their before and after photos, the results that can be achieved are simply phenomenal, poor little dotes every one of them.

http://www.clapa.com/medical/surgery_photos/

I actually said to the medical team yesterday, Im glad baby Merkin is a little boy as I think they can wear war wounds a little better, I'm sure he can tell other little boys any scars were caused by wrestling with a bear or being involved in a sword fight with a knight And lets not forget Joaquin Phoenix and what a THOROUGHLY handsome chap he is, it almost makes him more distinguished!

Jerrica

Those photos are incredible, there is almost no visible scarring in so many of them! And you're right, it will be a real battle scar for baby Merkin - and sure if he ever plays rugby or any kind of contact sport he'll pick up plenty to add to it Obviously it's going to be an emotional journey between now and then, and the "then" possibly seems like a very long time away, but it's fantastic news that there's is such an extensive care team who will be looking after him, they seem to have every base covered.

Merkin

I know, it's amazing what they can do and seemingly from when they are really little as well so that's good!

Merkin

Am feeling so much more positive today, it's unbelievable what a decent sleep does. I've also been helped enormously by a wonderful girl in NI who is an advocate of the network www.clapa.com who also discovered at her 20 week scan with her firstborn (also a little bubba boy) that her baby had bilateral cleft lip and palate. She shared all her little boys photos with me and it has really changed my perspective and helped enormously. After three constructive surgeries (all before he was year old) the little man is now five and has little film star looks, is top of his class at school and is thriving. He doesnt even know he was born with such imperfections. So encouraging and such help to speak to someone who has been through the whole process, from dealing with the initial shock of the scan to the medical process. I know it's going to be hard but above all else we can't wait to meet our much loved baby boy and give him all the love and support he needs. Thanks too to you guys for your kindness yesterday, you really helped xx

Jerrica

I'm so glad you've been able to link in with someone who has been on this journey, that'll help so, so much. And what a positive journey to have!!

Jerrica

The kicks have become strong enough that my husband is now able to feel them. He's beside himself with excitement!! We're starting to be able to differentiate between kicks and rolls, and we can feel her changing position in my belly. It's all coming together

Jerrica

Also, despite us being away for a rosemantic weekend, Lulu is an early riser and wakes me at 6, hence I'm posting away on the internet while I let himself get some rest :pac: Still, it's a pretty magical feeling to lie in your leaba of a Sunday morning feeling the party going on in your belly as baby stretches out for the day!

Merkin

Aww it's the best feeling ever! Hubby felt bubs on Friday evening and again last night and it's so lovely being able to share the movement at last, makes it all the more real!

Funny you have a little morning lark, baby Merkin is a little night owl and prefers to show us his little moves in late evening. Obviously not a morning person so a bit like both his parents!

ShaShaBear

So, with a biting back of tears for Mr. Bear, we've discovered that Abigail is head-over-heels in love with her Daddy/s voice. He felt her kick hard last night (which shocked him, cause he assumed it must hurt on the inside) and then started singing to her and telling her stories about Shadow (who also "sings" when Daddy does). Every time he stopped, she kicked!! Soon as he started to sing again (keeping in mind that he cannot actually sing), she stops moving. She kept me awake all night two nights ago and him singing managed to get me to sleep and settle her.

He was definitely a changed man this morning! :pac:

j@utis

Merkin wrote: »

....
http://www.clapa.com/medical/surgery_photos/
I actually said to the medical team yesterday, Im glad baby Merkin is a little boy as I think they can wear war wounds a little better, I'm sure he can tell other little boys any scars were caused by wrestling with a bear or being involved in a sword fight with a knight And lets not forget Joaquin Phoenix and what a THOROUGHLY handsome chap he is, it almost makes him more distinguished!

oh Merkin, I'm so sorry to hear about your little boy but after looking at before & after photos on that website I must say pffff that's nothing! After photos show all of those happy babies having a tiny tiny barely noticeable scar/mark and that's all. It's amazing what modern plastic surgery can do! And because your one is a little boy it won't bother him a slightest later in his life.
I'm saying this having in mind my OH siblings. They're 7 kids and 4 of them have some real life threatening issues since birth: one has one kidney, other one lung, third one has some serious lung problems, fourth one is no longer with us Now that is really bad, that's for life and it's irreversible. This is what I'm dreading, I hope is not genetic and although my OH is perfectly fine I'm very worried.
My big scan is not until April. I have about 5.5-6kg of plus now; +8cm around the widest part of my belly and +14cm :eek: around my chest. My boobs used to be a little handful each before and they are almost two handfuls ea and still growing :mad:

21week last wednesday:

Jerrica

j@utis is that stripy top from New Look? I have one just like it

Lying here watching the Lulu's kicks in my belly. I only felt her for the first time two weeks ago and now I can SEE her. It's so amazing. I'm a Mum!!!!

j@utis

yeah, that's new look top. I only have two maternity tops in total and one pair of pants
my little bugger isn't kicking yet

January

I wouldn't be too worried, your placenta could be at the front and therefore taking the impact of the kicks.

ShaShaBear

Officially cannot see my toes any more with a morning bump before eating or drinking.
Got asked about my bump in Tesco by the cashier and it really made me smile. Like really smile. I know I'm pregnant, but having a total stranger look at my bump and smile at me like that made me realise that I am actually, really pregnant.
16 more weeks until she is due to get here, and we're almost fully prepared. We have the cot and pram, carseat should be delivered tomorrow, ordering our steriliser set on Thursday, mum is getting the monitors and auntie in-law is getting us a carrier
My own little sis isn't quite at the money-making age yet, so she's making us a hamper with essentials in it like bibs, dummies, creams and lotions, nappies etc.
Abi has enough clothes to literally be in a different outfit every day for her first month!! :eek:

All we need now is a bedset for the cot (cannot find one I like at all),
A chair/bouncer for her for in the house,
and her going-home outfit (again, I can't find anything that has the right balance between comfort and uniqueness).

Any ideas on websites for the above (minus the chair) would be great! :pac:

Ocean Blue

Bump at 22+3 - it has only really appeared properly in the last 10 days!

j@utis

January wrote: »

I wouldn't be too worried, your placenta could be at the front and therefore taking the impact of the kicks.

yes, my placenta is indeed in anterior, or whatever it's called, position.

gosh, ShaShaBear, that's a lot of stuff! you have everything sorted already and I have absolutely nothing! not a one smallest baby item... I'm not in the rush and leaving everything for late may/june (hoping baby won't decide to arrive early :eek:)

Ocean Blue: yeah bump is definitely there and it can't be mistaken for anything else ha I just noticed: I have the same scales as yours

Jerrica

j@utis wrote: »

yes, my placenta is indeed in anterior, or whatever it's called, position.

That'll will reduce how much you're able to feel the kicks hugely - I'm quite sure baby is thrashing around in there having the time of his or her life

R.P.McMurphy

So our 5 month scan revealed that we are expecting a little boy! Everything went great and buzzing but the mid wife diagnosed the below condition. She said generally its ok and doesn't cause any issues but they have booked us in for a 30 week scan just to make sure everything is progressing as normal. Anyone else any familiarity with this? Seems to be common enough (which is hopefully a good thing).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_umbilical_artery

ShaShaBear

R.P.McMurphy wrote: »

So our 5 month scan revealed that we are expecting a little boy! Everything went great and buzzing but the mid wife diagnosed the below condition. She said generally its ok and doesn't cause any issues but they have booked us in for a 30 week scan just to make sure everything is progressing as normal. Anyone else any familiarity with this? Seems to be common enough (which is hopefully a good thing).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_umbilical_artery

Gratz on the little baby boy!

I'm having a bit of a weird situation myself. Can't get in touch with my midwife until I get home from college at 6, so hopefully someone coming online in the meantime can put my mind at ease!
Noticed at lunch-time that my pants were quite soaked. Not right down my legs or anything (no dripping) but the pants were totally wet and my leggings were damp around the crotch. What's worth noting is that it definitely was not sweat, or urine, but had a distinct smell that reminds me of something slightly chemical, maybe in an old people's home/hospital??
I'm not in any pain, discomfort, there's no spotting or cramping. Just more so embarrassed as the smell is sort of lingering, and not exactly pleasant!