Week 14
Adrian’s grandmother passes away. Despite having never met her I am overly emotional and sob throughout the service. I’m embarrassed but figure I can blame it on my ever-expanding bump. I rush from the drinks afterwards to a house inspection. The agent clearly likes babies as she offered me a private viewing after I explained that I was 3 months pregnant. The house is perfect and the agent seems to like me – and my bump!
Week 15
We got it! The house is ours, but we have move in 2 weeks. Luckily my current landlord is fine with this. Everything is happening so quickly, and organising a move is exhausting. Moving house is hard enough without being pregnant.
Week 16
Moving day. It’s nice not to have to help lift heavy items, but even carrying the smaller things is killing me. It’s hot and my feet are swollen and sore. Our mates come over for pizza to celebrate and I sit with my feet up with frozen peas on my ankles!
Later in the week I (finally) have my first hospital appointment. I’m going to a public hospital a short tram ride from work. At this first visit I see a doctor, followed by a midwife. The doctor is quite abrupt and the appointment feels rushed, but luckily the midwife is lovely and explains everything really well. In the waiting room I get signed up for a trial program where you get to see the same midwife for the whole pregnancy and hopefully the birth too. I’m thrilled.
Week 17
I’m not even half way yet but I’m getting really big and people keep asking me when I’m due. I decide it’s time to ditch the belly belt and actually buy some proper maternity clothes. I find a maternity factory outlet store and get some bargains (including some Harry-high pants – see photo), then buy a few things at Target and Kmart. It’s much cheaper than the maternity stores, and some things are actually really nice I also find that Target has some great long tops that cover my bump despite not being labelled maternity. I buy five!
Week 18
A fairly quiet week, but I head out on Friday night to see Mamma Mia the musical with my best mate and both our Mums. It’s great fun. I’m starting to really enjoy being pregnant. I’m feeling pretty good – apart from the sore ankles - and think maybe I have that pregnancy glow that people talk about.
Week 19
Music festival number 2! This time I don’t feel sick and I look pregnant. Lots of people stop to chat about pregnancy and babies. I still have really sore ankles so struggle to stand up to watch the bands. I retreat to the top of the hill with my camping chair and some magazines and listen from afar.
Week 20
We have the 20-week scan at the hospital. Unfortunately it’s in a dodgy room where I can’t see the screen and they can’t record or take photos. However, bub is still looking healthy and that’s all that matters. Adrian doesn’t want to know the sex, so I agree not to find out for this baby. I plan get my way for the next one.
Week 21
My friends hold a cocktail party at their house and I struggle to find something to wear. Luckily a black work dress looks okay without the belt. I’m feeling big and not very attractive at the moment - and I’m only half way! There are two other pregnant friends at the party and we all fight over the seats. I never knew that sore ankles and feet were a side effect of pregnancy… there are so many things they don’t tell you.
Week 22
This week I have my first appointment with my allocated midwife, who I will be seeing for the rest of the pregnancy. She will be there for the birth too. I’m not too sure if we really click; she’s nice enough, but we don’t seem to be able to communicate well. I decide to give her another go before pulling out of the midwife program.
Week 23
It’s Easter and we head up to Noosa for our ‘babymoon’. We’ve hired an apartment in the heart of Noosa and it’s a literal 2-minute walk to the beach, as well as restaurants and cafes. The weather is perfect. Adrian surfs and I swim everyday. I also book in for a pregnancy massage, which is so good I go back for another one the next day! It really helps my sore ankles, so we can actually go for a walk in the national park.
Week 24
Back at work I’m shocked to hear that a colleague went into early labour and had her baby while I was away. She was only 25 weeks pregnant. I feel so bad for her, but am pleased to hear her baby is doing well in hospital, where he will stay for another 3 months. It makes me think that I’d better start getting organised for my baby’s arrival – just in case it decides to come early too. We buy a cot on sale and I start to buy a few more baby clothes. I also put my unborn baby down on about ten childcare waiting lists. There is a childcare shortage in my area and the earlier you get your name down, the better.
We have a low-key housewarming party and lots of friends bring over hand-me-downs for the baby. There is so much stuff that I’m a bit overwhelmed. I put it in the shed and decide to sort it all out later. By 1am I’m exhausted. One friend is particularly drunk and wants to have a deep and meaningful which I just can’t cope with. I go to my room and burst into tears. At 2am Adrian finally kicks out the last few guests. I used to be a party animal. What happened?
Week 25
I go to a family friend’s baby shower. During the gift opening I’m shocked by the expensive and extravagant gifts, and I feel a bit embarrassed by the Bonds outfit I bought her. But she seems to like it and the afternoon is actually quite fun. Lots of cake and I win a jar of chicco babies!
The next day is mother’s day, and my baby (also known as Adrian) has written me a lovely card and bought me a great pair of socks. A lovely first mother’s day.
Week 26
Another appointment with my midwife this week, and I decide that I can live with her, despite her being a bit odd. After the appointment I have a blood test to check my iron levels and drink the super sweet drink so they can check for diabetes. I was expecting the drink to taste awful, but it just tastes like flat lemonade.
