Maternity Photo's

This is way waaay late but Andrei finally found a photo converting app so we could see our shots taken by my dad just weeks before Luka was due in December.

Here are my faves :-)

Feeling impatient with my dad, it was extremely hot in my room too. Take note pregnant women + heat = not good

But I managed to keep face!

 

 

It was  a gorgeous hot summer day!
Although getting photos in our room with the empty bassinet was quite frustrating due to it being so hot inside, we did capture some nice pics, but I was very relieved to get outside!
 

Andrei and I in a nutshell!

He's too cute!

My dad used his Sony NEX5 to take our photos as well.
He's a pro/hobby photographer so I knew he'd get some swell pics of us and my burgeoning bump

I know Andrei is kinda cut out of this pic but I like this one of me!!!

Yes, we are ridiculous!

Dress // ASOS Maternity
Gold earrings // gift
Middle finger ring // sisters (woops!)
Ring finger ring // Pandora

I'm so rapt with our pics and it was so good that my dad got to them, it gives them that sentimental value that family were so close to getting them as well as saving us some money!

Looking back on these I can remember the anxiety and exhaustion of waiting to pop but loving every minute of my last few weeks with my baby in my tummy.
I remember being told that it goes so quickly and never believing it because it felt sooo long!

But it did go very quickly and I'm looking forward to giving Luka a sibling in another few years.

It's honestly the best feeling and I would fully recommend getting pregnant, obviously for those that want to do it!

Hope you enjoyed my latest!
I swear I'll post things up that aren't baby related, as soon as I have an individual life again haha!

XOXOX

<3

Luka Anya - 1 month old

Just look as those big beautiful eyes!

Ok so she was officially on Monday 27th just gone.

Anyway, this last month has been a roller coaster of excitement, heartache, exhaustion but none the less the most rewarding, yet, thankless job ever.

Since Luka was born so much had happened. She's gained weight, has developed physically and mentally at such an alarming rate I am really quite surprised :-)

Here's some pics of her in the last month...

Loves sucking on her fingers!

Pretty in pink!

Loves with nanna

Curious of her surroundings during tummy time!

"Why so serious?"

Family photo for my 23rd Birthday

Weight: Luka's starting weight was 2.7kgs (5.4pounds) and it fluctuated more so down than up in the first few weeks and now she's clocked in at 3.5kg thanking her growth spurt at 3weeks she now weighs and is the size of a normal newborn baby :-)

Sleep: She sleeps really well, when she's settled enough. She's more so settled at night time. She goes down about 10:30-11pm and wakes every 3 hourly for feeding which usually takes 40mins to an hour due to her being wide awake and fussy after feeding or after a nappy change. Her first feed of the day starts at 8am and she's usually awake for 3hours before sleeping for at least an hour or two then she's awake and bursting with energy for another 2-3hours.

Diet: Her whole diet is breast milk and she feeds from 10-20mins on one breast. We've developed a good latch system since week 4 and she feeds for the first 5mins before needing to be burped then from there she goes for at least another 10mins before feeding herself to sleep and she feeds about 6times a day including early morning feeds.

Crying: Well you know how I mentioned how placid she was, well she's made me eat my words!

For the tiny size she is she sure can shake a house down with her screaming!
I blame the pethadine that I had during birth for mellowing her out in the first week. She rose with a vengance once that week was over!

And most of her screaming is cause she doesn't like being put down, something that Andrei and I have started weaning her off (being held all the time). It's taken us 4 long hard days of weaning, picking her up when she cries until she's soothed thus making her know she's safe then gently putting her back down and holding her hands to let her know there's nothing to be afraid of. This technique was recommended from a baby book we have and so far it's started to work in the last 2days albeit having to do it 50million times in an hour! Were gonna keep this up until she's more compliant but otherwise her screaming a caused by hunger, full diaper, fussiness, over tiredness, boredom or loneliness. Y-know, the usual.

Social: Luka's very sociable and loves her cuddles! She's very good around people and doesn't fuss too much when being held by other people but she let's you know when she's had enough of being held by a stranger (to her) and wants to either go back to mum or dad. Typical baby :-)

Milestones: Luka loves her tummy time! She kicks and squirms a lot and can shift her whole body around as well as hold her head up for a good 20seconds before she gets tired, sometimes longer. She's also starting to roll herself over which is very advanced for a 1month old baby!
Her eye sights developing more and she's becoming more aware of her surroundings.
Were watching out for her first smile which she should do by next week when she's 6weeks (fingers crossed!) and she's a very good traveller :-)

Postpartum: The last month has been quite good to me apart from my stitches taking 3weeks to heal. I haven't gained much weight. I gained approx 12.2kgs throughout my pregnancy, my starting weight was 60.1kgs and I'm now at 69.2kgs. I'm eating very healthily, a lot of home cooked meals, drinking plenty of water, eating salads etc. I haven't done much in the way of exercise (apart from using Luka as a weight when I do lunges to the mail box and back and doing arm lifts haha) as I'm taking the first 6weeks to settle into mummy hood then I'll be going for walks with Luka, going back to the gym once a week and I've also purchased a kettleball set which I can use at home when Luka's sleeping.
I know it's taken me 9months for my body to get the way it was but I can't wait to get back to my pre-preg body.

So that's her first month in a nutshell. Will keep you updated for her second month of milestones and photo's etc. Hopefully not too many pics next time although I know there will be as were going to Dunedin next week for Andrei's sisters wedding which you can check out on her blog 'Hung up, On Makeup', but Lukas 6week vaccinations are that week so we'll see how she responds to them first.
Until next time!

XOXOX

Possibly my last post for the year

So not long to go now before Luka's here.
I had what I thought was my final scan last Thursday and the OB caught that Luka's growth has slowed down a lot since my 29week scan, this can be quite serious I.E. a calcifying placenta in which the placenta is starting to decay before the baby's out and the baby isn't getting as much food as he/she needs.
This can harm the baby, or worst case, cause still birth.
She was measured and weighed in at 5.4pounds (2.4kg) which is much less than the 7pounder I thought she was!


Drei and I decided to go for a quick walk along the Viaduct Harbor before our last scan and monitor at Auckland Hospital on Monday morning.

The next day Andrei and I met with my midwives colleague who called Auckland Hospital (where I'm birthing) and told them that I was coming in to have baby and as well as my contractions monitored that night.
Everything seemed fine, and after 45mins of being monitored the doctor arranged with my midwife to have me induced this Thursday to be on the safe side for mine and Luka's health.
It's a really good thing that at 38weeks preggo I am technically classed as 'full term'.

I guess I feel relieved that there's a date I can accurately go by to meet our baby now, but at the same time I'm riddled with first time 'parental guilt' at having a small baby even though I've constantly eaten and been healthy throughout my pregnancy.
I kept thinking "why is this happening to my baby" and blamed myself to the point where I really hated myself for Luka being so small.
I told Andrei and my mum how I was feeling and it all came out in a big fat cry.
After having my little moment I remember my mum and mother in law saying to me after the scan that Andrei and I aren't very big people so we could just be genetically having a small baby, plus my mum and sisters had small children too.
Either way I still felt shit and have been on a constant worry and monitoring every move Luka makes which has meant sometimes I've had to wake her up to make sure she's still alive.

I've had so much assurance from my mum, Drei and mother in law and friends too that everything will be fine and she's going to be a happy healthy baby.
They've all been nothing but amazing with helping me stay calm since finding out about the induction and I feel so safe and assured and I know I'm in the best of hands :-)

My heart melted when I was in hospital the other night; Lukas heart rate peaked quite high and Andrei came over kissed and stroked my belly and talked to her and her heart rate went back to normal. It was seriously the sweetest thing.
He's going to be an amazing daddy :-)

Yesterday we had one more monitor and one more scan to check my fluid levels in the sac. Everything is perfect but my contractions have peaked since Friday so it's definitely close to the time!

Can't wait to see our baby in her little outfit and booties and watch her dream away in the bassinet :-)

 For now I've been finishing off my nesting, our hospital bags are packed and ready and we've been enjoying our last time together as a couple before we become our own little family.

So this may be my last post for the year 2013.
When I go for my induction on Thursday it may not happen straight away and I could be in hospital for a few days depending on if and how long the artificial treatment kicks in.
But I will be writing up my experiences when I can and I can't wait to share them; also something to look forward to in the new year from me is of course Lukas intro and birth story (warning that there will be a lot of TMI, but giving birth isn't glamorous and I guess it'll give you an insight of what to expect when you go through it yourself. I've never 'sugar coated' anything in this blog and I don't plan on starting), my maternity shots and maternity style plus heaps more!

Something to look forward to, my maternity style.

You'll hear from me soon, have a safe and happy new year everyone!!!

How far along? 38weeks (9months 2weeks).

Total weight gain/loss? I've lost a kilo so I'm now 72.2kg from 73.2kg last week. I hear this very common to lose a few kgs before giving birth.

 

Maternity clothes? Yes and no, Read about that 'here'

 

Stretch marks? Still none :-)

 

Symptoms: Braxton's (Hicks) that feel like dull period pains, lower back pain, pelvic floor pain and a creaky pelvis, gas, and just this morning I had 'the show' which is the mucous plug that seals the cervix during pregnancy comes away just before labour is due to start.

Sleep: It's been fantastic surprisingly.

 

Best moment this week? This week it'll be seeing my family tomorrow for Family Day (aka Xmas) and of course meeting my little Luka baby in a few days ;-)

 

Miss anything? Nope.

 

FOTD and 'They're Real' Mascara review in the new year.

 

Movements? Slowly becoming few and far between. I'm constantly monitoring them and have even had to shake Luka around to be sure she's OK. It's perfectly safe but I hate doing it cause most of the time she's sleeping but it puts my mind at ease.

 

Food cravings? Cherries, they're in season too :D

 

Happy or moody most of the time? Anxious. nervous, excited.....hormonal. I've been feeling quite blue about my pregnancy coming to an end and also with being induced it's all just really hit me; I've held myself together so well throughout this time that I'm now realising I'm only human and there are a lot of things I can't control, plus learning how fragile human life is.

 

Exercising? Walking when I can, my gym memberships on hold.

 

Labour signs? Frequent Braxton's and lower back pain that comes and goes, but when it comes it lasts for ages. (TMI alert!!!) Increase in discharge. I have the early signs but not quite the beginning of the actual labor itself.

Baby is a: Girl!

 

Belly button in or out? In.

Looking forward to? Giving birth and meeting our beautiful baby girl in just a few short days :-)

Last weekly snap shot! 38weeks, no more counting :-)

 XOXOX

9 Months and counting...

L to R: Week 7, Week 36

Crying hysterically the nurse asked me "Is this a good or bad thing?".
My reply was "Oh no, no, this is a good thing! I'm happy".
That was the first question I was asked in May after finding out I was pregnant with Luka.

It's still a good thing :-)

L to R: Week 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33

Today Andrei and I had our routinely visit with our midwife. Today it was to discuss our birth plan.
Today, shit just got real.

We covered everything from Vitamin K injections, Andrei helping to guide Luka out into the world and handing her to me, what kind of birth would I like etc etc.
And due to Andrei and I already having a plan written up in advance it was a very simple procedure and my midwife only had to add in breastfeeding and Vit K injection to be done once Luka was out.

I've decided on a water birth as I've always had a lot of pressure on my lower back during and pre-pregnancy.
The only thing this means is I can't have an epidural (which is a needle that goes on the spine and numbs you're lower body), which I'm completely OK with as I've heard nothing but good stories about water births and even if that doesn't work out I will get out of the pool and either squat or get on my hands knees.
I really don't understand why women lay on their backs, it's defying gravity and adding more pain than necessary.

Next week is also our final scan for Luka as well as me going to the hospital to discuss some religious procedures for me (I'm a Jehovah's Witness), and by the end of this week we'll have our hospital bag packed and from there it's just a waiting game.

Week 34

 I'm really stoked with how organized Andrei and I have been about this whole thing.
The only thing left we really need is a car seat and travel pod and were away!

This has been the most easiest pregnancy and I couldn't have done it without him, our families and our friends :-)

Week 35

During our meeting with out midwife she remarked on how small I am and felt around my belly.
She found that Luka's sitting right into my back (hence the back ache) and she has dropped 3cms since we last saw her (explains my pelvic floor pain) and also thinks that Luka may be due in the next 3weeks, give or take.
Andrei and I know our baby, and we know that she might be early. But we shall see, she loves it in my belly, but she is quite the mover!
At our final growth scan next week we'll get to know how much Luka weighs and have one last black and white glimpse at the little gem that has us completely consumed, I can't wait :-)

How far along? Officially 9 months pregnant! (36weeks) Phew where has the time gone?!

Total weight gain/loss? 73.3kgs, total gain 13.2kgs (29.10 pounds), I really feel just all belly right now, she's gonna be at least a 7pounder!

 

Maternity clothes? Yes and no, Read about that 'here'

 

Stretch marks? Still none :-)

 

Symptoms: The same as last time which you can read about 'here'. A few others that I missed are heartburn and indigestion, increase in appetite now that Luka's shifted down, Braxton Hicks, itchy skin and needing to pee ALL the time! I went 6 times in a space of an hour today!!!

Sleep: It's been difficult because of the heat and finding a good position to lay in for a long period of time before one side gets numb. Otherwise it's fine and I haven't been waking up at strange hours.

 

Best moment this week? Finishing antenatal classes (they are the bomb! I recommend taking them) and getting our birth plan all written up :-)

 

Miss anything? Nope.

 

Movements? Always. Luka definitely let's us know when she's moving haha! Andrei and I always place objects on where she's kicking and watch her move them about it's so cute, I'm really going to miss that. Her movements are also becoming painful cause there's not much room or amniotic fluid to cushion the blows anymore.

 

Food cravings? Fish pie...

 

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy, I've been feeling so excited and complete knowing how well my pregnancies gone ad how on top of everything Drei and I have been.

 

Exercising? Yes and no. I've only been to the gym once in the last 2weeks. When I went last week my pelvis was sore for days, it seriously felt like it had been broken so I'm taking that as a sign to put my membership on hold and opt for light walks and swimming.

Labour signs? No.

 

Baby is a: Girl!

Belly button in or out? In.

Looking forward to? Final hospital bag checks and prepping, getting my maternity shots, seeing my mother in law, Luka's last scan and meeting her very shortly :-)

 XOXOX

Week 36 :-)

Outfit Of The Night and 30week update

It's taken me a while to finally get this up cause I've been waiting for the weather to warm up and also to have an adequate amount of time to get outside and take some pics of the outfit I wore for my baby shower.

My mumma helped me take these photo's in her beautiful garden :-)

 

 Dress // unknown label // brought 3years ago and the shower was the first time I'd worn it! Can't remember the cost

Heels // Siren from Wild Pair (old purchase) // NZD$80

Statement necklace // Colette Hayman // NZD$5.70 from NZD$22!

 

I wanted to wear something light, flowy and feminine and maybe something a little sexy too ;-)

 

I honestly can't remember the last time I did and 'outfit' post!

My goal for pregnancy summer fashion (and afterwards) is maxi dresses, wedge heels, statement necklaces and all items combined with plenty of colour I.E. yellows, reds, oranges, blues, crisp whites and mint.

 

I'm finding fashion is anyone's game these days, I'm not fashionista and still pretty much live in my jeans and t-shirts!

But working in fashion retail has opened my eyes up to new ways of dressing up even you're simple plain white T and blue denim.

 

 

 

 

I can't wait to update you more on my pregnancy style, watch this space!

 



How far along? 30 weeks! Only 10 or so more weeks to go, I cannot believe how fast time has flown!!!
 

Total weight gain/loss? 69.58kgs (153.39pounds). I've gained a total of 8.98kgs since my pregnancy started (21.09pounds) which isn't that much. In total I'm aiming to gain a minimum of 13kgs.

Also we had a growth ultra sound for Luka last week and she's happy, healthy and weighs approx 3pounds!

No wonder I feel so heavy in my belly...

Maternity clothes? Alright I know I've said before that I don't want to fish out for maternity gear, well I caved.

My body has been growing at an extremely fast rate the last few weeks, thus being unable to fit into my usual size NZ 8/10 jeans and now being able to fit comfortably into size NZ 12's.

I finish work in just a few short weeks so instead of me buying jeans I brought this beautiful dress from ASOS as well as this one when it was available in orange (I'd wanted it for months and brought for the sale price of NZD$85 from NZD$170!), but that one is a little to snug around my belly so that'll be saved till after Luka's born :-)

Otherwise that gorgeous aqua blue/green dress is the only thing I've brought maternity wise, it's now warmer here in NZ so I doubt I'll be wearing jeans!

 

Stretch marks? Still none, I'm using Mum to Be Organics stretch mark oil as well as good ol' Bio Oil.

 

Symptoms: Absent mindedness, shortness of breath, sore feet and legs, tummy heaviness, rapid hair and nail growth (yay) which is all common for around this stage of my pregnancy. Also pelvic floor pain which started about a month ago but is bothersome every now and then.

Sleep: Is great. I'm used to Luka moving a around at night now so I sleep more soundly.

 

Best moment this week? Would've been last weekend actually, it was labour weekend so Andrei and I stayed at our friends' place out of Auckland in the Waikato region and then the next day road tripped it to my fave place in NZ (and possibly the world), Whangamata. We walked along the beach, had some ice cream and then shot off home it was really lovely to escape out of the city chaos!

Miss anything? Hmmm... Nope nothing really :-)

 

Movements? Yeah, she's always moving! Having little boxing rounds in my belly and rolling about, I love it :-) I'm actually going to miss feeling her movements when she's here.

 

Labour signs? No. Not planning on feeling anything this early!

Food cravings? Apples and apple juice strangely enough! Still fruits though, strawberries are in season and I've made a few trips to a local strawberry farm which I've indulged in their yummy ice creams and brought a few packs of strawberries :-)

 

Starting to show? As per the photo's above I think I am starting to show :-)

 

Happy or moody most of the time? I was a bit up and down over the weekend as I worked quite a few shifts last week so I was a bit tired and grumpy. But now that I've had a good rest I'm fine :-)

Exercising? Yup, I didn't go to the gym last week due to the amount of shifts I picked up and I wanted to rest and conserve as much energy as possible. But I did do quite a lot of walking, I'd say about 5hours last week, 30mins to my bus stop and back.

I went to the gym today and cause my belly's getting so big now I've slowed right down and certain exercises are becoming difficult so I'm just really going at my own pace.

Baby is a: Girl!

 

Belly button in or out? In. It's starting to look slanted so I think it'll pop out any week now.

 

Looking forward to? Receiving my ASOS maternity dress, work leaving party and work Christmas party (it's Great Gatsby themed!). My last trip to Whangamata in early December with some friends before baby arrives and of course meeting Luka very soon :-)

 

XOXOX