No more baby belly!

She was there one minute and gone the next!

Evie's birth story will come in a few days, but in the meantime, here is the tummy now.

1 day post birth

4 days post birth

No more sweets!

Here I am after my check up last week. I apparently put on too much weight that fortnight and was told to go easy on the confectionary. With 5 weeks to go, I have put on about 10kgs which is probably an exuberant amount for the Japanese! This is about the same as when I was pregnant with Billy. I'm not too concerned. The end is almost in sight and I am starting to really look forward to meeting our little girl.

Utemerin

Well, I was warned that the medication that they've put me on isn't very pleasant for the mother, and right they were. The side effects are hideous - dehydration, constipation, shakiness, dizziness, exhaustion, rash...

I went back and looked through my paperwork from my scan at 23 weeks with Dr Frank Carmody, at the Wesley in Brisbane. (They were also ever so slightly concerned about my cervix length at this stage, however decided it was borderline, and I told them it was the same with Billy, so they let it go.) It turns out that it was only 25mm then (3cm - 5cm is the normal/safe range). I know that the length changes from day to day, so the fact that now it is at 27mm, reassures me a little, that, in general, I probably just have a short cervix. She is down very low, and I am feeling a lot of pressure etc (which will only get worse as she continues to get heavier!), which seems a lot sooner this time around, though that just may be part of it being my second pregnancy. But, I'm pretty sure all will be ok.

I know I still have to be careful, especially with all the walking, and biking, and running around after Billy that I do over here. Plus, at this stage, the heartburn I am experiencing is so painful that I will be happy if she waits until the New Year, and not too much longer after that!

Thank you so much to all those that have shown concern for me over the past week or so! I have another check up at the end of this week (gosh, they come around quickly now), so I will be in touch as to how that goes :)

The latest.

I had my fortnightly check up a couple of days ago, and I'm glad to say everything is much the same with bub. I actually met with a different obstetrician this time, as mine was unavailable, and I really liked him aswell. He was young(er), and very enthusiastic about trying to speak English to me. I would be comfortable with him delivering our baby too. He commented that her femur bone is long, she's 1.8kgs, and that she has a strong heart beat.

Unfortunately, they sprung an internal exam on me, which I was completely mentally unprepared for (I hate that stupid chair!). He was slightly concerned, as my cervix is a bit too short and her head is right down. This can lead to preterm labour. He asked me countless times whether I have been having any contractions yet, which I haven't, just some heavy pressure. He told me to rest and lie down as much as possible, and also put me on some medication which will hopefully stop me from going into labour too soon. Atleast that is a bit of an explanation as to why I have been so incredibly sore for the past month! It makes me a little bit nervous, as I really don't have the opportunity to lie down and rest too much... I'll just be taking each day as it comes!

That's all for now. Here's the belly a few days ago.

(less than) 9 weeks to go...

Here we are this morning at 31 weeks. It's finally starting to not look like a pot belly, though some people are still very surprised when they are told I'm pregnant. Some of the Japanese ladies didn't even realise?! Seriously?! Maybe they are just being kind.

I'm kind of ready to throw the towel in this week, which isn't really a good thing. Billy gets more active by the millisecond, and I feel like I am going to fall asleep as I write this. On a more positive note, we went to a joint 2nd and 4th birthday party today. Billy had a ball and I overindulged in lots of delicious children's treats. Win - win for all!

30 weeks...

... or thereabouts. (I swear I am a little further along!)

I had a check up on Friday. A very thorough one! I was moved from room to room (I think I counted 7 all up!) for an ECG, body check, apointment with obstetrician... It went on and on! But, everything is going well; I am in good health, and so is the baby. The only thing - I must wear socks! (Not for swelling or anything... to keep my feet warm!)

She is measuring at the top end of normal/average size, however the doctor reassured me that this average is based on Japanese babies, who are generally a lot smaller than western babies! At 1600 grams, she is healthy, and we are thrilled.

My next appointment will be in 2 weeks, and I will have a meeting with an English speaking midwife. I am going to start compiling a list of questions now, as the only information I have so far has been via word of mouth! So far they are -

How much is it all going to cost?

(Apparently you are roughly $5000 out of pocket, with $3500 given back on National Health Insurance after baby is born.)

How many days will I be required to stay for a normal delivery?

(I think it's 6 days, and apparently the food is divine, with menus designed to help you drop weight as quickly as possible.)

What are my pain relief options if I need them?

(I've been told the midwives offer a foot rub!)

Wish me luck!! Here's the belly with less than 10 weeks to go.

Beautiful things..

There are lots of beautiful things over in Japan, but there are also lots of divine western things that we miss out on. Consequently, I have become very good (too good) at online shopping. I just had to share a few things that I am coveting at the moment... And for once, it's not food!

These beautiful Santa sacks are by 3 Blonde Bears, and I found them on Not on the High Street - a gorgeous website that is not too dissimilar to etsy. I have actually ordered one for Billy, and one for his little sister, and I can't wait for them to arrive!

Somehow I came across this organic baby skin care range by Little Pumpkin Organics, and the products sound so nice! The ingredients are good enough to eat. I love this Arctic Berry Newborn gift set. They also make a Night Time Snuffle Balm, and an All Weather Protective Balm, both of which caught my eye as we are heading into the freezing months of the year!

I was actually looking for a good quality, preferably organic, towel for our baby due in January (I just want one girly one, as everything else we have is boy colours!), and found these Breganwood Organics ones that just became available in Australia this week! They are a bit big for a newborn, but lovely for Billy's age and older so Mum has offered to get Billy one for Christmas. The bird one, of course (he loves 'birdies'). Tick! They also make Bath Mits too.

I just adore all things, particularly the art prints, by Belle and Boo. I know it's impractical for us to buy things like this at this stage, as who knows how long it will be before we are properly settled into our 'own' home, but I would just hate to miss out... This print is called Muddy Morning, and I have fallen in love with it. I'm not sure if I will be able to resist buying it for much longer!

And here are some other beautiful things from their site.

These Raggidy Rag Dolls are SO lovely, and I would love to get one for Billy to give our little girl as a gift when she is born.

Billy would love this armchair by Incy Interiors. I wish I could get it shipped to Japan! He loves having his own 'grown up' things and I can just imagine him reading his stories in it.

And finally, this is what I'd like the presents under my tree, and my Christmas table setting to look like. Jo Malone... Ahhhh.

I'm allowed to dream!!

29 weeks

Here's a quick update with some 29 week belly pics. I'm feeling quite big, but constantly being told how small it is.... I think you can't win when you're pregnant!

Generally, I'm feeling pretty good. Eating like a horse - all the wrong foods, of course - but I'm trying hard to be good. I'm still loving my chocolate pastries, and croissants, and all sweet things in general. Maybe I'll go and bake a cake...

Tough week.

As the title reads.

For the first time since being over in Japan, I'm really starting to struggle, and notice the lack of car, support and extra hands. The past two weeks have been particularly tough, as Billy and I have both been hit with colds, and Nug has, literally, not been home. Emotionally, I can get my head around it all (well, sort of) - I know it's not forever - but, physically, I'm not really sure how much my body can take! And when Nug doesn't have a day off in the next two weeks, I have to say that it's hard to 'lift yourself up' and look to the future. Big sigh, and everyone feel sorry for me, please. (Clearly, it's not our fault that I'm pregnant...)

I am doing my very best to try and enjoy the pregnancy (as it could very well be our last little one), and really appreciate the little (big) kicks and her movements, before I get too big, but it is almost impossible not to get frustrated when it's a struggle to pick up Billy, squeeze in between all the bikes, carry the groceries up the stairs, and run around after a toddler! Also, as winter arrives, they have turned up the heat in the shops, and on the trains, which makes me feel very faint, almost instantaneously, and I have had to sit myself down a few times in the past few days for fear of passing out!

But, Nug and I do love lying together on our couch of a night time, feeling her bounce around, and talking about what she'll be like. We feel quite happy and content that we have a name (95%) chosen. Actually, the whole naming process seems to have been a fair bit easier and more relaxing this second time round. It wasn't hard, as such, with Billy; we just had a few front runners. With this little one, there is a solid front runner, with a few others that we also like, just lingering in the background.

Another thing - someone asked me about paternity leave the other day. I didn't mean to be rude, but I had to laugh. In Japan, the woman usually goes and stays with her parents, and the parents help out, while the husband stays at work, goes about his normal life, and is generally no where to be seen! This seems to work for them, but I'm not sure how it would go down in Australia/western society! Anyway, I don't really have any idea what to expect in terms of when Nug will be around - there's no point in asking - though I know he certainly won't go a day without being expected to be at work. So, do as the Japanese do, and fly your mother over from Australia to help out!

Here's the big tum - hanging out nice and low, just as Billy did. I'm hoping this means she'll come a little early aswell.

Third trimester... !

Would you believe that 27 weeks pregnant constitutes the start of the third trimester? So, here I am, in the final third of my pregnancy. Less than 13 weeks to go. I guess we should start getting organised!

This is the latest belly shot, from last night. A dear friend surprised me with some divine Peter Alexander maternity pajamas, and while I intended to save them for the hospital, I couldn't resist wearing them last night. I think it's extremely important to treat yourself (or be treated, in this case) to nice things when you are pregnant as it is so easy to fall into a bit of a lull when nothing fits, you feel swollen and chubby, and it's just not feasible to go out and do the things you are used to doing.

I had an appointment with my obstetrician on Friday and was very happy to hear that everything is continuing along nicely. I've put on 6kgs, and the baby's fetal weight is 1.1kg. Hmm. (Doesn't quite seem fair!) She's pretty much bang on average, maybe ever so slightly above.

I'm busy brushing up on some important vocabulary for when it's go time, so at least I don't feel completely helpless! Ideally, I'd like to feel confident enough that the words will come to me naturally, and I won't have to be mid contraction, trying to remember how to say, 'I need to push!'. I'm sure I won't need words, and they'll know anyway (they're incredibly thorough here!), but I'd rather be prepared.

There's heaps more I could go into, but won't!

Labour

breech position: sakago

show (pink or bloody, jelly-like discharge): shirushi

labor pain: jintsu

rupture of membrane: hasui

cesarean section: teio sekkai

fetal monitor: taiji kanshi sochi

pain or discomfort: itami, itai desu

shaving: teimo

enema: kanchoo

injection: chusha

general anesthetic: zenshin masui

Delivery

delivery room: bunben shitsu

delivery table: bunben dai

episiotomy: ein sekkai

father attending birth: otto tachiai bunben

pillow: makura

placenta: taiban

umbilical cord: heso no o

vaginal delivery: keichitsu bunben

I want to push: Ikimitai

Push now: Ima ikinde.

Don't push: Ikimanaide

epidural: komakugai masui

spinal anesthetic: sekizui masui

Time to get 'Big in Japan'.

After just over 3 weeks in Australia, I have finally returned to Japan for the remainder of my pregnancy. It was particularly hard and emotionally upsetting leaving my loved ones this time round, but it's time to settle down, get organised, and rest. I am so grateful to those special people that took the time out of their busy lives to see me, and thank-you to Mum and Dad, who treated me to a beautiful going away lunch with family and close friends, where myself and our baby girl were truly spoilt.

After a helter skelter type of September and October, it's wonderful to have our little family of three back together again. I've been rushing around like a mad woman, often forgetting I'm pregnant, and then wondering why I'm so sore and exhausted by early evening. Not to even mention all the international travelling with a 14 kilogram, and incredibly active, 17 month old. How different it is to the first time round, where I was so careful and so gentle on my body. That, plus all the climbing and jumping Billy does all over me, it will be a miracle if she arrives in one piece. All preparation for her life with an older brother though, I suppose!

Here are some pictures, taken this morning, at 26 weeks. I think my belly has grown a fair bit over the past few weeks. Hopefully it's mostly baby, and not all the good old Aussie junk food I indulged in!

Speaking of food, I've got the biggest sweet tooth this time round, and almond croissants are all I can think about!! You must admit they look pretty good. Dean & Deluca make the best ones so a trip to Roppongi Hills may have to be on the cards this week! With an espresso... ahh, pregnancy heaven.

Chubby cheeks and pouty lips.

My scan last week was fantastic and it was so great to see some pictures of our growing baby girl. Technology is amazing and she looks so developed already, despite having 16 weeks to go.

I was told she has pouty lips, and well, the chubby cheeks speak for themselves! I was very grateful to hear that everything is progressing normally and that she is strong and healthy. Whilst chatting with the sonographer, I asked whether it was common to go through a whole day without discovering an abnormality, of some description, in a baby, and she said it is quite rare. I really feel for the families that have to hear that something is wrong with their baby and have such admiration for the children, and their parents, that grow up with these disabilities. When I think life is hard, and I'm feeling sorry for myself, I really need to take a step back and remember how truly lucky we are.

Enjoy the latest pictures of Billy's little sister.

A quick one...

It's been a while, so I thought I better post a picture of my growing tummy. This was taken today, at 23 weeks and 3 days. All is going well and I am generally feeling pretty good. I am off to have a scan at the Wesley tomorrow morning, which I am really looking forward to. It will take one hour; there will be two sonographers; and they will check the baby all over, so I'll get a nice good look at what she's up to in there! Until then...

All about onii chan.

In Japan, when you're pregnant, they encourage you to wear a tag on your bag that lets everyone know you are, in fact, pregnant. (You're provided with this tag when you register your pregnancy.) It apparently reserves your right to a good seat on the train, however this rarely happens!

Anyway, so combine this very obvious indication with the fact that I am slowly starting to show, and what do you get? Everyone wanting to talk to Billy (and I) and call him 'onii-chan'. This means, and is what they call, their big brother.

'Yes,' I say politely. 'He is going to be a big brother.'

'Itsu?' they say. (When?)

'Ichi-gatsu.' (January.)

'Sugoiiiii. Kawaiiiii.' (Wow!!! Cute!!!)

At the moment, this conversation is averaging atleast once, if not twice, a day! So, I thought I'd dedicate this post to our little onii-chan, who loves showing off his tummy, and his big boy's room.

Planes, trains, boats and cars.

B is for Billy.

Suntory jersey.

Pockets for his treasures.

'You are my sunshine....'

Decisions, decisions!

A beautiful cushion by Japanese designer, Atsuyo Et Akiko. Random, but I love it.

There's a new bedding option in the equation! And it's by good old Australian 'Boori', made from high quality Araucaria timber, sourced from plantations in Queensland. That makes me happy! I can't believe they have it here. Another bonus is that it's only a tiny bit more expensive than what you pay in Australia.

The Boori Urbane Bassinet

(Pictured in English Oak. It also comes in Heritage Teak, which is a

lighter wood, and White.)

There is also a new pram in the equation. But not really. Sort of.

Sigh. The Bugaboo Donkey.

It's the pram of all prams and I'm in love. Of course, it comes at a hefty price, one I am not even going to mention for fear of giving some a heart attack. Why, oh why, did Bugaboo have to release this just as we are (I am) shopping around?

20 weeks and 3 days

It feels like it was weeks ago, but here is an update from my check up on Friday. I was quite confused going to the hospital, because I had an appointment booked for 10am, yet they called on Wednesday and said I needed to make an appointment (??). I tried to explain that I already had one that was confirmed, and all she could say was, 'OK, 9.30am or 10.30am?'. The language barrier really stopped us from getting anywhere on the phone, and while there was a lot of talking going on, the majority of it was definately lost in translation. I booked in for 9.30am.

After doing the routine urine sample, blood pressure test, and weight check (I've put on 1.3kg), my number was finally called, 40 minutes and one very naughty toddler later. It turns out that the 9.30am appointment was a consultation with a midwife, followed by my general check up with my obstetrician afterwards. The consult was a very detailed chat going through my health, Nug's health, family history, previous labour and birth, my birth weight, Nug's birth weight, what we thought when we found out we were pregnant, and a message for our baby. The midwife spoke brilliant English and the amount of effort they had gone to really put me at ease.

Then it was on to my obstetrician who must have been waiting for me all morning, as he was very excited to announce that we are both Scorpios. Hopefully this will mean he will look after me! We listened to the heart beat, the nurses checked for 'swelling in my legs' and Dr Katayama checked the baby thoroughly, taking all sorts of measurements, and finishing each sentence with 'normal' or 'very good', which, of course, is always what you want to hear.

He also said, with a chuckle, that the baby is still a girl.

About 10 viles of blood, and over 2 hours later, we were finally finished and on our way home (well, off to pancakes with Kaoru, who had very kindly come to help).

And I made a not so silent vow that that will be the last time that Billy will ever come to an appointment!

Oh, and nothing to see here. It's just me without my clothes on again.

Almost half way!

Well, I can't believe it. Today, I'm 19 weeks and 2 days, and fast approaching that 20 week mark. Where has the time gone?

I can now see and feel her kicks, ever so gently, from the outside, which is absoloutely one of my favourite things. It's when it really feels real.

I have my next appointment this Friday the 9th, which I am really looking forward to. I am taking a Japanese friend with me who will be able to translate, so I will be writing a list of questions that I want to ask about the hospital and their procedures, visiting hours (so, who's coming?), pain relief etc etc. I'll let you know how it goes!

Finally, here are my latest tummy pics. I don't know what you think (I'm being laughed at by some of the girls here!), but I really feel like there's something going on there!

Yesterday...

This morning...

This evening...