The Parent Trap MSN Life & Style Blog

Finding My Mojo

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:35:37 GMT

Coming soon...

Why It's All Worth It!

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:41:31 GMT

Work a Colic

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:24:26 GMT

Mmmm... How can I put this? Today was a ruddy nightmare!
It was awful.

...Then again, I knew it would be difficult at first. It was just a question of HOW high on the 'scale of difficult'?
Are the words evil and horrible on the 'scale of difficult?'

Because of numerous reasons (that I'm not going to go into here), I had SO MUCH work after hoping for a nice relaxing return. I was constantly trying to answer questions and comments as well as write posts and do other things (plus the baby has colic). I told everyone that I didn't want to take time off... and this was why. Things change that shouldn't have, additional requests are made, others have new ways of doing things and then other people have new expectations - It's all wrong. I always love my work but at the moment I hate it and I'm exausted!

But what can I do?

To be honest, I have to grin and bear it - Suck it up Sel!
I knew that having time off would mean I'd have to work twice as hard coming back. Things change and we all have to adapt I guess. It just seems so unfair - everything has gone mental and it's no fault of my own. I've no doubt that everything will settle down, it's just so difficult at the moment because it's happening to me right now.

When I've settled back into my daily routine and everything's fine, I probably won't remember all this.

Fingers crossed for a happier Selena real soon...

Selena x

P.S Here's the info I found on helping baby through colic...
Hope it helps x

Baby colic/reflux is generally caused by an immature digestive tract and a sensitivity to milk (especially dairy).

Characterised by lots of crying, squirming and inability to settle between feeds.

Your baby may bring up milk (posset) or be sick between feeds.

Often worse in the evening, although colic can occur after any feed.

Reflux is worse for lying the baby down flat.

Usually clears up by the time the baby is 3 months old; but can go on longer.

Infant has sharp intermittent abdominal cramps: the pains come and go with varying intensity.

Breast-feeding mothers need to watch their diet to ensure that food is digested properly.

Culprit foods include cows milk, cheese, alcohol, tea, coffee, chocolate, spicy foods, onions, garlic, oranges, grapes; and vegetables from the cabbage family.

Some bottle-fed babies are sensitive to cows milk as this contains complex proteins which are difficult to digest: consider switching to Nanny Goat Formula (goats' milk) or soya.

Try to be as relaxed as possible during feeding: infants quickly pick up on a mother's stress or anxiety. Make sure you're drinking plenty of water.

Massage the baby's tummy in a clockwise direction if colic occurs before passing a stool. Attending baby massage classes is an excellent way of learning techniques to calm and bond well with your baby.

Make sure that the baby isn't thirsty: offer cool boiled water.

Warmth can help; a warm bath has a relaxing effect.

Selena Ledgerton Cooper

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It's All Go!

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 05:43:22 GMT

Well, it's all go today...

First day back at work (with Jaycen), I'll let you know tomorrow how it goes!

Finally managed to get my thank you cards done. I ended up writing them from Jaycen and adding some graphics and photos...

I think it turned out pretty well. I love these photos of the little guy!

Back soon...

Selena x

The Road Back...

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:21:57 GMT

Now where was I up to?

Ah yes, my little yellow baby... Jaycen's Jaundice is much better thanks. In fact the midwives have visited every day and having recovered, he's been officially upgraded on his care plan from 'yellow' to 'pink'. It looks like all those days with his little babygrow open (like a little medallion man) worked a treat! Amazing what a little daylight can do isn't it!

After the lockdown ended, it only took a couple of hours for my living room to fill right up. It was lovely to see everybody and we had a whale of a time as everyone thought Jayce was gorgeous - Proud parent alert! After kitting out the nursery and buying us more presents than sense, my mum came to visit AND had a beautiful bouquet of flowers sent to the door. The card read, 'thank you for my beautiful grandson'. Isn't she fab? It'll be a cold day in hell before she stops buying and buying I reckon...

...Then hubby's mum arrived with a bath full of fruit. I know it sounds crazy, but the one thing we'd asked for was a little baby bath we could use downstairs (we already had one for the bathroom, but I couldn't use the stairs too much). She killed two birds with one stone by using the bath as a fruit basket and filled it up - ingenious eh? Jaycen thought it was a great idea and LOVED his bath!

He also loved the personalised card and pooh bear characters his auntie Shell and uncy Stephen brought him. They have already bought him SOOO many presents... Talk about spoiled rotten. I think his auntie Shell is determined to buy him every pair of designer trainers ever made and they both got him the latest Angelcare monitor - I love that! It has a sensor pad that sits under the matress and an alarm incase baby stops breathing - That's a real godsend. It gives me peace of mind because I had convulsions and stopped breathing when I was small.

Hubby's sister bought Jaycen a gorgeous designer outfit and a bear, friends bought us toys, clothes, vouchers and tons more. Everyone bought us so much, I could be here all day listing presents. Can you believe we took five bags of gifts home from the hospital, I'll have to get working on a thank you card.

This photo has nothing to do with anything... But I had to add it because it's so cute. Nappies and little socks!! It's one of the only photos that shows Jaycen's tummy button clip. His little nubbin dropped off shortly after this, revealing a tiny 'innie'. It's those little chubby baby legs that get me!

Anyway, enough of my gushing...
I think my son's the cutest baby ever - you get it...

Every mother is the same.
Back to the blog.

Lockdown ended on the Saturday, by Sunday I'd had a turnaround with regards to pain. It hadn't took that long, but I felt a lot better. Climbing the stairs was a little easier and all those jobs that involved a small bend or lean were finally manageable. Everyone noticed that my movement had improved, it was a small step but I wasn't complaining. Jaycen was still sleeping through the night and less pain and more sleep made Selena a happy girl.

The Sweet, Sound, Passage Of Time...

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:01:25 GMT

Still recovering...

Jaycen's aunties, uncles and grandparents are all going potty.

We are officially on lock-down!

While I was pregnant, the one thing that hubby and I agreed was we'd have a few days ALONE to get to know our baby (a lock down). We told everybody that they could visit at the hospital, but when we went home we we'd like three days to ourselves to bond with our little one, find our way and get into a routine. At the time, everyone said this was fine and brushed it off but when it came to putting the plan into action it was not well received!

Our poor families were climbing the walls and couldn't wait to come and see the baby again.

In the meantime, we arrived home. Simple tasks were still very difficult for me and I was in a lot of pain, but I carried on regardless. You have to do something and I needed to build myself up as I was very weak. I needed help from hubby to get up from a seated position (and down again), but it was worth it. Just to be home and surrounded by our creature comforts was great and made life so much easier. Jaycen was a star! Here's some pics from the first few days..

DAD HELPS TO GET JAYCEN READY FOR HOME

HE PUTS ON HIS FUNKY HOMECOMING OUTFIT FROM AUNTIE SHELL AND UNCY FLASH. WHAT A TRENDY BABY EH? CHECK OUT THOSE TRAINERS!

DADDY GRABS ANY OPPORTUNITY FOR A HUG!

SO ANGELIC, BLESS HIM...

JAYCE CATCHES SOME RAYS TO HELP HIS JAUNDICE...

THEN HAS A NAP LIKE BABIES DO...

AND ANOTHER NAP...

AND ANOTHER NAP WITH BONUS RAYS!

THEN IT'S TIME FOR SOME ENTERTAINMENT FROM DADDY...

THEN BATHTIME (WHICH HE LOVES)

AND A SNUGGLE ON HIS BIG CUSHION...

A CHEW ON HIS FINGER...

AND SOME SETTLING TIME WITH MUMMY...
THEN OFF TO BED - NIGHT, NIGHT X

______________________________________

...We were pleasantly surprised that Jayce was napping happily after every feed (which was every four hours) and sleeping through the night (from 11pm-6am), as long as he got a few pats and cuddles when he stirred. He also loved his bath as long as his shoulders were under the surface and he had lashing of warm water poured on his tum. All in all he was having five feeds a day, lazing in a bubbly tub and then out like a light! We even had to up his feeds a little as he was missing his sixth feed during the night while he was dreaming away... Can you believe that! With hubby off on paternity leave (spoiling me rotten), I had chance to recover and we both settled ourselves into a lovely a routine. Everyone should have a lock-down when they have a baby, it's my top tip for all mums-to-be. Have some time with your other half and your baby - You'll love it!

Here's some hints and tips for bringing baby home.

When it came to our homecoming, I'm afraid the main problem was me - I was 'in pain' and 'a pain'. I have to be honest... I've never liked sitting around and I'm usually running around like a blue ar**d fly, so the whole 'do nothing' and recover thing was not the one. Needless to say, I was pretty sore the first week as I was doing too much and kept being told off by my irate other half - There's no telling me, there really isn't! I have to say though, it was SO frustrating. You try having a new baby and not running around after him or entertaining him - It's impossible. You just want to keep him happy and give him all the love you can.

...The good news is that I didn't 'do myself an injury!'
The midwives visited every day and checked on baby and me (my incision, general health and emotional wellbeing) and they advised that everything was fine. One midwife (Bev), told us that it was lovely to come and visit a family where everything was under control and so calm. I can't tell you how chuffed we were to hear that - It was lovely! We had tried to keep everything up-to date, but when you have a new baby you concentrate on him and some of the household upkeep goes out the window. It will still be there tomorrow after all and as all the books say, babies first burp and babies first smile won't be! Enjoy and care for baby first, sleep when he sleeps and catch up on chores later - Sounds good to me!

Painwise, I was still very sore and unable to walk well at all. Climbing the stairs was getting a little easier, but I still had to stay on tip toe till the pain subsided when I stood from sitting down. I also swore by my huge 'V' cushion for padding the incision while I sat - It's a must have if you're going to have a c-section or a natural birth ladies, so go out and buy one now! On the medication front, I was still taking the paracetamol (big whoop!) and the arnica (a great herbal help for bruising and healing if you like that kind of thing), but nothing that really 'managed' the pain. As each day went by... it started to ease and I felt better and better in myself, until Friday...

Ouch! On Friday I had my staples taken out and six of the little bu**ers were stuck! Talk about pain**, I nearly hit the roof and I screamed so loud that my hubby took the baby and left the room. He didn't want to distress the baby and he couldn't watch himself, it was horrible. The poor midwife was so careful and caring and she kept apologising when it wasn't even her fault (Lynne you were an angel!) I was just glad that she was there to whip 'em out, otherwise I wouldn't have known what do. I'd have been riding up diarrhea drive without a saddle (or up s**t creek without a paddle!)

I can only apologise myself for the unusually large amount of profanity in the above paragaph, but it ruddy hurt!

** The one thing I will say is please don't let this worry you if you're having staples removed soon. The staples that were positioned correctly did not hurt at all when they were taken out and it's a walk in the park if they're not stuck in there. The midwife uses a tiny tool to remove them and it's very quick and simple, I promise! If you would like to see the procedure (for some reassurance) click here, but only if you're not squeamish. These are graphic images of the incision scar.

Anyway... Enough about pain, pain, pain, let's get on to the baby shall we. I could sit here and tell you that he's gorgeous over and over (for a very long time), but rather than bore you stupid (like I've bored everybody else), I'll tell you what I've learned...

I've learned that once parents finish their routine (feeding / burping / changing etc), babies have their own routine...

- Throw up a bit

- Produce a super-poo when daddy has just removed my nappy

- Then make a wee fountain that hits mummy, the changing unit and my babygrow all at the same time

- Then spit out my dummy

- Throw up some more, scream and then get hiccups! Woohoo!

...Oh yeah and when all of that's done and baby has just been cleaned and dressed, you hear a cracking loud 'parping' and that nappy's full again!

If you've ever had a baby, you'll know where I'm coming from. I've tried to highlight the funny side here, but I CAN understand why people just want to pull their hair out sometimes. It can be overwhelming at first and very frustrating.

When hubby had gone out for something, the baby started kicking off, then he needed changing, wouldn't stop crying, was sick, the phone was ringing, I was sore, couldn't get up quick enough to get the phone, hurt myself picking up the baby, struggled changing him, got a text that hubby's car had broken down, I was all alone and then more and more and more... Believe me I've had my bad hours, but far more good ones.

I've had all of the above points happen while Jaycen had colic and was screaming blue murder for two hours. I wouldn't mind if there was a lot you could do about colic (but that's another post) - You have to laugh or you would cry!

If you ask me, they know exactly what they're doing these little ones and it's all for their entertainment at our expense - It's hilarious! Take it with a pinch of salt, take a deep breath and smile, it's their way of punking us I guess! An important thing to say here is if you feel too stressed, put the baby in the cot and walk away for a minute - take a few deep breaths and calm down before returning. Crying or Colic can cause many parents to lose it. Never shake your baby and get help if you feel too overwhelmed (speak to your GP). As our confidence grew, we got to know our baby and we settled into a routine, things got a lot easier... The same will happen for you. Time is an amazing thing isn't it... I can't believe that Jaycen has grown so much and so have we as parents. It's been such a short time, but we are all so different. Everything has changed...

I'm off to give my boys a cuddle. Hubby goes back to work on Thursday and we aren't looking forward to it. It's been great having him home and I'll miss him, so I'm going to go and grab some extra time with him now.

I'll be back soon with an update, a ton of tips on colic and more funny things I've learned too!

See you then,

Selena x

P.S Special thanks to all for their best wishes, gifts and cards.

So It Begins...

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:36:41 GMT

Can you say agony?

Believe me, I don't want to put anyone off. But all of the books that I've read make little mention of the amount of pain I feel right now!

...Sure they say that there will be pain after a section and it takes a while to recover, but holy hell do they make light of it! If you read some of the books and websites that I have, you would think that a surgeon comes and tickles your tummy and a baby pops out - That is not the case believe me! I am in agony...

So where do I start... On Monday morning I met my wonderful midwife Enid. I was surprised when she said we were the only ones for surgery today and after completing some paperwork she would be going to get her scrubs on ready - Talk about quick!

I was in theatre for 9 o'clock and baby was born at 9.55am. After walking up to theatre (what with my previous back problems) it took them a good while to get my spinal in (which was fun - not!), but Sally (who did it) was gentle, patient and lovely and she stayed to cheer me along throughout the surgery too! As my legs went numb it was such a funny feeling and they had to lay me down quick before my lower half was total jelly. The test to see if I was numb was hilarious (which I was happy about as I was starting to get very nervous at this point). Sally came and squirted me with ice cold water on my arm (it was freezing!) - Then she did the same on various parts of my tum and I felt nothing, nada, zip, zero, it was so strange. Enid was with me throughout this part, she was a godsend! My IV had been placed earlier, but once I was numb they put my catheter in. I was all tubes and needles, it was very surreal and more than a little scary.

Next they put up the divider screen, hubby was led in and the nurses put my birth CD on. It was nearly time to get going... I was so glad I added the CD to my birth plan, it gave us something to talk about, took our mind off things and made us smile. I'll add a full list later, but some of the tracks included: Signed, Sealed, Delivered by Stevie Wonder, Get This Party Started by Pink and Unwritten by Natasha Beddingfield. I also had a little blue birth blanket that I had slept with the night before. Baby would be wrapped in this after the section, while I was being stitched and he was being weighed.

So off we went...

Hubby held my hand and stroked my face and I was asked if I could feel anything, I couldn't. Then I was told that they had already started! I took my mind off what was happening behind the curtain by trying to describe to my other half what 'it all felt like'. If I had to try and describe it, I would say it's like someone is doing some hand washing in your stomach. There's no pain but lots of pushing and shoving. It all starts when they cover your tummy in iodine, you can see her doing it but you can't feel a ruddy thing!

Then before you could say baby, I had the surgical blue sheets tucked all around me as they were going to break my waters... They were definitely in there then! SPLASH! Before you knew it, a voice shouted "baby's out dad" and from my laid out position I could see my husband beaming from ear to ear at the image poking his little head above the curtain. I had to laugh as after huge smiles he screwed his face up to mimic the little one...

Enid went to clean and weigh him with dad and after I had spent a while taking a few relaxing breaths I heard, "here's your baby" and this beautiful tiny boy was plopped onto my chest. To say I was overwhelmed was an understatement. I thought to myself, no matter what happens now... It's worth it! You only had to look at him... I turned to my husband and knew I had never felt closer to him. We had our baby and all I could say to him was, "look what we made daddy!"

We stroked his little face while I was stitched and stapled and the time seemed to fly by. I couldn't believe that it had only taken a few minutes to get baby out and yet around 40 minutes had passed for the rest of the operation. It just didn't feel that long when you have that babe in your arms. I was moved from the theatre table back to my bed and then the three of us were wheeled off to my room...

Initially baby was changed for me and I was pretty much in charge of the boob department. He was hungry too and things got off to a great start. After a few wonderful hours of bonding (and morphine), I discovered (very quickly) that I was going to be in a LOT of pain - Boy do you feel that incision! The best way to describe it is like a spiking pain that runs across the area, which burns - Trying to stand up after you have been sat down is murder! I had to stand on my tip toe with one leg until the burning pain went away and then slowly lower my heel (it's a good trick if you need it!)

The best advice I was given was from a friend of my sisters (who recently had a section)... She said to hold a cushion against the area if you are getting up or down (or moving around) and have that cushion ready (and press it to you) if you sneeze or cough, because LORD DOES THAT HURT! If you're breastfeeding you should also be prepared for the pain you feel as your uterus shrinks. It happens pretty quickly, but you'll feel it later if you're formula feeding too. I know I'm making this sound like a nightmare, but I would rather be honest so you can be prepared and it's all worth it when you have your baby believe me.

You should also be aware that I'm allergic to two types of 'allowed' painkiller, so I can't say if everyone feels like this... Maybe if I had been able to take the pain medicine everyone else has, I may have ben more comfortable - I can't say... Anyway, after a days worth of morphine I had 2x500 paracetamol every four hours and that was that. The nurses did their best to make me comfortable, but I was sore guys. It's no picnic I'm telling you and I'll happily take on anyone who says a section is an easy way out. Unlike natural birth, instead of 'during' you feel the pain for weeks and weeks afterwards. Regardless of this, it's well worth it. But be prepared and don't listen to those books that lie and websites that paint a pretty picture and leave you unprepared.

Day 1:-

THE SURGERY!

Followed by blissful hours with baby -

New mummy and daddy cooing...

Visiting:- Family and Friends

There were too many to count and we were only supposed to be allowed two to a bed. It was great to see so many loved ones, but I was so tired afterwards and they were all so shocked at how awful I looked. (I did look terrible and pale as a ghost!) - They thought Jaycen was gorgeous though, which made mummy and daddy very proud! I missed my dad, but I knew he was watching from somewhere...

Pain kicks in!

Then more pain and very little movement!

Night:- Jaycen spent all night feeding, for eight hours straight he was latched and lunching - No sleep for mummy and lots of pain getting him in and out of the cot! The nurses were a great help, but sometimes they were busy with other mums and I needed to get Jayce out of his cot before he progressed to full blown screaming!

Day 2:-

THE DREADED SHOWER!

I was exhausted after eight hours of feeding, but I was still elated every time I looked at Jayce... The fatigue just didn't matter. Having a baby is the best thing I've ever done! I have to say though, I did count the hours and minutes till his dad returned. The hospital only allows dads to attend from 9 till 9 and I don't think I have ever been happier to see his smiling face walk through my door... Cheesy as it sounds, he was fantastic and just as I'd expected him to be. A real doting dad and a wonderful husband...

So what does all this have to do with a shower you ask? Well... Shortly after hubby arrived back, I was told that I could have a shower (which was well received news after yesterdays bed bath!) - I was chuffed to bits! Finally some normality and a chance to really freshen up. My catheter was removed and my IV disconnected (you should have seen the bruise), then a nurse came in to collect my towel and toiletries... Mmmm... You know when you think to yourself that something's not quite right, well I had that feeling...

It turns out that the shower on day two is what I like to call the turning point of care. Throughout day one and most of day two, the nurses and midwives run circles around you and tell you that you need to move a little, but you should be resting (most of the baby lifting and changing is done for you too). THEN when it's time for your shower, you are helped from your bed for the first time and walked to the bathroom (the pain of standing for the first time is impossible to describe) - THEN you are left to take a shower alone. From this point on, you pretty much fend for yourself!

I know it sounds cruel and it was probably one of the most horrible experiences I have ever had in my life! But there really is method in their madness. I can only write that now I'm looking back, believe me I was almost in tears at the time. The pain combined with the prospect of trying to move around and fend for myself was terrifying.

I have to apologise as this is gonna be a little graphic, but in the bathroom you are literally bleeding all over the floor. Then after standing and walking for the first time two minutes ago, you have to try and co-ordinate yourself, sit in a shower chair (thank God for that) and try to move around and get things done - regardless of the spiking and burning pain. I was convinced that my incision would just burst open, but it was fine. You also have to shower the incision area and remove the gauze that covers it - This takes a lot of water as it's stuck fast. Again I was frightened that my removing it would damage something and pull off some staples or something... Is this sounding like fun or what?

...Then (if that's not enough) when you're finished, you can put money on the fact that you'll need the loo! That in itself is an experience and a half, but thankfully not too painful. I was more shocked by the bleeding to be honest, which you don't expect a lot of with a c-section. I guess with a natural birth it's par for the course (everything has to make its way out after all), but you get just as much from a cesarean so be prepared guys.

Anyway... Although the walk back from the shower was agony and I thought I was going to pass out at one point, I can't tell you how much better I felt when I sat down in my room. My husband couldn't believe the difference in me and said how much better I looked and how well I was moving compared to before. I managed to have a drink and a banana sat in the chair and hubby offered to comb my hair for me (it was like a birds nest after the mop hat from surgery) - I told you he was a ruddy gem didn't I!

This was the first night I felt weepy. When my husband left I was heartbroken and felt so alone... They really should let dads sleep in hospitals like they used to! It would be so much better for new mums emotional wellbeing and my husband didn't want to leave. If you ask me, it takes something away from them as fathers when they are forced to leave like a normal visitor - They made the baby too! Thankfully, Jaycen slept through the night which lifted me right up. The midwife was very impressed and told me that babies just don't sleep through the night or hold their head up so soon (Jayce was doing that too!)

It was so funny, I was SO tired from the first night's non-stop feeding but I couldn't sleep again. I just couldn't stop watching him.

Day 3:-

So enough of my gooey ranting...

Bless you all, you'll need a bucket in a minute!

Needless to say, the staff were wonderful in the hospital but unfortunately for them, I hate hospitals and requested to go home. They refused point blank on day 2 but folded on day 3 (as all of our tests were fine) and I would have discharged myself anyway - I just wanted to be at home.

What can I say, it's a long story... After my dad spent so much time in hospital before he passed away, we had a number of bad experiences with certain staff members in a specific hospital and as I have a bad temper and no patience (but fortunately a long fuse), this did not bode well. In turn, this ruined my childhood rose-tinted view of hospitals as I learned that there are some individuals within them who are both patronising and stupid - My father was one of the most intelligent men I have ever met and I did not appreciate him being shouted at and spoken to like he was five - not all sixty year olds are senile or deaf. There were also numerous errors made with his medication and 'they' would not believe my father when he advised that certain pills could not be mixed. Can you believe they tried to get him to take said pills at the same time? The consultant was shocked afterwards and said he could have had a fit had taken them that way, fortunately dad refused. Go on dad! - I won't be mentioning names or hospitals where the incidents happened here, but I thought I better explain why hospitals and I don't mix!

Anyway... When we were told we cold go, I was so happy to see Jane Bamber appear (who did my pre-op). She would be doing all the final checks before we could go home and she gave us all the info we needed.

Jayce had a little jaundice on day 3, so Jane asked for the paediatrician to take a quick peek before we left too.

We received information on:

Breastfeeding and drop-in centre times

Contraception options

Expressing

NSPCC guidelines on caring for baby

(Don't shake your baby)

Clinic information and midwife home visits

Health visitor information

Feeding and care guides and much more...

We were also handed a copy of our green care plan from the hospital. This has details of all our hospital care so the midwives can add to it on their daily visits. When the midwives are happy with our progress (and my staples have been removed and my incision is fine), then we will be discharged from their care and we just pop to the clinic for weighing and things.

Time to go... After giving us everything we could possibly need and ensuring all was well, Jane gave me a huge hug goodbye and Enid walked us to our car. What a credit to the NHS these two are!

After I squeezed myself gently into the car, we settled baby down and drove off into the sunset with 'it's a boy' balloons flying out of the windows. I'm sore as hell, but it was all worth it and I can't wait to see the trials, tribulations and joy that motherhood will bring...

Well I'm off to recover. I'll be back next week with a huge update and some photos too, but for now I have to concentrate on my new baby and healing. My usual daily posts will resume at the end of the month. It all begins here!

More soon...

Selena x

Jaycen Lee

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 22:58:38 GMT

Jaycen Lee was born on the 2nd of June 2008 at 9.55 am.

Mummy, Daddy and Baby Jayce are all doing well...

Baby is pink and perky, but Mummy is very sore and pale...

Daddy is a wonder-hubby!

GORGEOUS EH?

Selena x

The Last Day...

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 17:11:25 GMT

Just one day left and one more bump photo before the birth...

He really is a whopper!

Can you believe he's coming out two weeks early?
I wonder how enormous he would have been?
... and I wonder what he'll weigh?

What a wonderful nine months it's been for me and my husband, soon two become three!

See you when I get home!

Selena x

Pre-Op Appointment

Thu, 29 May 2008 21:11:13 GMT

Special thanks to Jane Bamber who made my pre-op appointment such a pleasure today! I was concerned about the ins and outs of my cesarean and had a ton of questions, but she was both understanding and patient.

She answered all of my questions and went through everything that would happen on the day. This detailed discussion also included things like visiting times, pre-meds, ward routines and what I should expect to happen, I honestly felt one hundred percent better than when I went in - especially as she was so considerate of my back problems and put my mind at ease.

The good news is that she also liked my baby blanket idea and said there should be no problem with it. I've bought a blanket to sleep with the night before my section, so that when baby is born he can be wrapped in it (as an additional aid to bonding). I can also make a music CD, which I'm going to get to work on tonight...

If you are wondering what else is involved in a pre-op appointment, you are asked about and advised upon skin-to-skin and breastfeeding, health issues, any possible complications, the amount of time you may spend in hospital and the various procedured that will take place during your stay. I was so pleased that my hospital offered this appointment, it really helped!

The only downside was having to give yet more blood afterwards (as you know I'm not a fan), but even that was fine thanks to the care and consideration of Sarah Watkins. Who I have to say always has a smile!

I'm going to post my final bump photos tomorrow and then it's off to the hospital for the operation...

The next time I see you, we will have our baby!

See you then...

Selena x

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Legs That Wont Go

Wed, 28 May 2008 12:28:15 GMT

Did I need a walk this morning or what?

I woke up and couldn't believe that my legs wouldn't work, I'm not kidding! My poor little pins had cramped up over night and my muscles were aching so much, I couldn't bend at the knee...

Thankfully after lots of toe wiggling and stretching they found some life and carried my more than ample frame to the bathroom for my first visit of the day... Thousands more visits to come!

Have to go shower, walk, shop and then I'll be back...

I think I'm going to add a swollen kankle gallery here - ha ha! Give me a chance and I'll post a few pics, I just have to get things ready for my pre-op appointment tomorrow.

Wish me luck...

Selena x

KANKLE GALLERY

WARNING: THIS GALLERY OF MY HOBBIT FEET IS JUST FOR FUN. SWOLLEN ANKLES ARE PAR FOR THE COURSE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN AND IT'S HANDY TO SEE WHAT YOU'RE IN FOR I GUESS... IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM, DO NOT AND I REPEAT, DO NOT SCROLL DOWN! YOU KNOW YOU'RE GONNA!

WHAT A LOVELY DENT!

THAT'LL TEACH ME TO REST ONE LEG AGAINST THE OTHER... ATTRACTIVE ISN'T IT!

JUST CALL ME FRODO BAGGINS!

TODAY WAS MY BEST YET...

WHAT A WHOPPING KANKLE!

GOING TO PUT MY FEET UP NOW...

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Time Flies!

Mon, 26 May 2008 18:59:09 GMT

It's funny how things work out. No matter what, this time next week we will have our new baby and it's more than exciting!
It's also about as scary as it gets because there is so much still left to do in this house! Although we ARE prepared, it doesn't feel like we are yet... Things ARE falling into place, but it still looks like everything is everywhere and I'm starting to get depressed... or is it frustrated - one of them anyway!

At a time when we should be taking it easy and snuggling on the couch infront of the TV (while patting our lil' bump), we're painting, moving, shifting, cleaning, working, organising and building. This week is going to be a tough one and to say it will be 'full' is an understatement! - On the flip side, I guess that's a good thing. My hospital bag is already packed and it's a waiting game now until it's time for the op, so if nothing else the workload will keep the nerves at bay and help us make it through the week.

Random thought: We can't wait to see this little guy for the first time, but we're also suffering from first-time parent nerves. How will we fair...?

As we speak my poor husband is moving a huge nursery chair across my living room, just so he can slide the dishwasher past it and get the ruddy thing plumbed in. The walls are wet in the hall, on the stairs and across the landing because the carpet is being fitted in a few days and it will end up ruined if we paint afterward... Half my office is in the living room while we move everything else around and the leftover junk in the nursery needs to come downstairs and go in the garage, so that forementioned chair can go up in it's place - and that's not the half of it!

There's still three doors in my porch waiting to be hung and my bannister is in bits at the bottom of the stairs... But hey it's all good!

We can do this!

...Throughout the house, I'm doing this, that and the other every day and then hubby comes home and does all of the massive jobs (whilst keeping an eye on me so I don't do too much!) - Oh yeah, and both of us are working too!

I can't wait for the day when it's all done and the house is just for living in! I don't think it's ever been finished and initially we just want to be able to bring the baby home and enjoy him for a while. The idea of managing the house without outstanding jobs and leftover DIY is bliss! I have no idea if it will become a reality, but we're hoping.

I'll let you know how we get on with the work - Ha ha ha ha!

Back tomorrow...

Selena x

Aches and pains today include: Swollen toes and kankles that make me look like I have hobbit feet, liquid legs, aching knees (from painting), heavy belly, light headedness and back ache. Although I am only 37 weeks, my tum is over full term size (it was at 34 weeks). I'm 43cm and should be around 37cm, so I'm just hoping to make it through to the day of the op... I really don't want to go into labour before then. The consultant advises that you can bleed more during the op if you're in labour - so that's to be avoided if possible eh? Keep your fingers crossed for me...

I'm off now, my feet have made me want to watch Lord Of The Rings!

Selena x

Time To Reflect!

Sat, 24 May 2008 18:53:41 GMT

Yesterday I had my final obstetrician appointment at the hospital and I can't believe how quickly the time has gone. I looked back over my bump photos and blog posts and it's impossible to comprehend that nine months have passed by and I am about to be a mother.

I like to think that I'm a hard worker, a decent friend, a loving wife and a caring daughter and sister - but a mum? I've read all the information that's available and sought advice from everyone I can, but there's no book that can REALLY tell you what to do. I just hope that everything I've learned and the experience I already have will stand me in good stead. I have a lot to live up to, to be anything like my mum (who's top notch I'm telling you!) - My dad used to call her Florence Nightingale, she's fab!

When we were small she's on every photo, caring for us, playing with us or laughing with us and dad was the same. In this day and age it's rare to find a mum and dad who are still together, never mind those who are still together after 46 years and are pretty much model parents - We were happy children with simple needs, working class, easy going, taught manners, morals and life skills, off on camping holidays and bike rides, building sand castles on the beach, educated and cared for - Jobs a goodun eh?

I hope I can come close to the job my parents did...

Tomorrow I'm mounting a set of photographs of both our families. I want everyone to have a place on the wall before the baby arrives...

Selena x

Quick one... Pre-op is on Thursday ready for my c-section next week. I'm not sure what to expect during that appointment, but I've heard it's a lot of paperwork and information about what will happen on the day. The consultant said my bump is 'pretty much all baby', so we are still expecting a little whopper - but I guess we'll never really know until the birth. There could be a good pool of hidden water somewhere and he could pop out at 7lb instead of over 9 (like they think). It's easy to think he'll be a good size though... When the consultant first felt my bump his exact words were "good lord!" He later asked if I'm sure there's only one baby in there - Nuff said!

37 Weeks

Thu, 22 May 2008 17:02:51 GMT

Tomorrow I will be 37 weeks and I will have just ten days to go until my section! Here's what's to come for all us 37 weekers...

Your baby weighs close to 6.5 pounds / 2.8 kilograms and may be about 20 inches / 50 centimetres long from head to toe.

Your baby's head is now cradled in your pelvic cavity and is surrounded and protected by your pelvic bones. This position clears some much-needed space for her growing legs and buttocks.

Many babies now have a full head of hair, with locks maybe around an inch long. But don't be surprised if her hair isn't the same colour as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes taken aback when their children are born with bright red or blond hair, and fair-haired couples likewise can produce babies with dark hair.

Speaking of hair, most of the downy coat of lanugo that covered your baby from 26 weeks has disappeared, and so has most of the vernix caseosa, the whitish substance that also covers her. Your baby will swallow her lanugo and exterior coating, along with other secretions, and store them in her bowels. These will become your infant's first bowel movement, a blackish waste called meconium. What a pretty thought!

For a fabulous week by week guide click here...

Selena x

Bump In The Night!

Tue, 20 May 2008 06:32:08 GMT

So you know how this works by now right?

It's time for the latest bump photo...

The freaky thing is, it could be the last one!

My cesarean is due in 13 days and as long as baby stays put, I'll try and snap another shot on the day I go in. Otherwise this will be the final image, so I've treated you to a front and side shot - You lucky people!

I'm so glad I have taken these photos... I can barely remember what I looked like before and it's hilarious that I thought I was huge at 20 weeks! If I knew then what I know now eh?

January - 19/20 weeks
(Teeny bump!)

February - 24 weeks

(Getting bigger... but flat fronted)

March - 27 weeks

(ROUND!)

April - 32 weeks

(Rounder than Roundy McRound of Roundland!)

May - 37 weeks

(Enormous! The word hippo springs to mind...)

Even though he's a whopper, my belly button is still refusing to pop out...

You can just make out where the 'smaller' me used to be (at the top of my tum) and now I have a firm ridge right around my bump. If I had to describe it, I would say it's almost like a huge pod has grown or someone has come along and stuck a turtle shell on there. There is an obvious line dividing baby bump and the old me.

In comparison to the weeks before, my bump is rock hard and relatively high. We just have to cross our fingers that he'll stay in there as long as possible. I've told him that if he stays put, the doctor will come and get him and he doesn't have to move from his warm home and end up squashed during birth. Then again, his mum and dad have always had minds of their own - If he's anything like us I have no idea what he'll do...

It's getting frightening and exciting all at the same time!

Selena x

36 Weeks

Mon, 19 May 2008 18:06:16 GMT

At 36 weeks pregnant you may experience a phenomenon known as lightening when your baby drops down lower in preparation for birth. Although this eases the pressure on your lungs, making breathing easier for you, it also means walking may be more uncomfortable.

From now onwards you may go into labour at any time and you should be prepared for this. Make sure you have a bag packed and arrangements made for your transport to hospital if you are having a hospital birth. Don't forget to pack your birth plan and hospital notes!

Your baby will probably move into his birth position around this time. Most babies position themselves head down in preparation for birth although some may be feet or bottom down which is known as breech. Your GP or consultant will discuss your birth options with you if this is the case. Baby is now gaining around 1oz a day and continues to plumpen. His kidneys are fully developed and his liver is functioning.

By 37 weeks the baby is classed as full term, roll on next week!

More soon...

Selena x

What A Whopper!

Fri, 16 May 2008 12:40:03 GMT

Look at our cheeky baby boy! No wonder they've pulled the date back for my C-Section eh?

17 days left and counting!

Normally it's impossible to get 4D scan images at 35 weeks because there just isn't room... but thanks to a large amount of fluid, the wonderful Richard at Innervision managed to snap these for us last night! Can you believe how clear they are?

I can't recommend these 4D scans enough - every time we go we leave with huge smiles on our faces! Special thanks to Richard, Jess and Becky for all of their help. We'll bring the little one in soon to see you.

Selena x

Coming soon on The Parent Trap Blog:

- New Bump Photographs

- Buying Your Travel System

- Best Buys & Educational Toys

- Hospital Bag List & Tips

Gift List

Wed, 14 May 2008 19:03:23 GMT

After writing my previous post about making a gift list, I thought it would be a real snap! But my problem wasn't the different websites (they were all so user friendly), it was choosing which gifts to add to the list!

The different online shops have a fantastic range, but you have to have a good look around to cover all the price brackets. I wanted to have gifts on there that started at just a few pounds and that was tougher than you'd think...

Both Argos and Mothercare have a gift registry, so if a gift is ordered online and delivered it's deleted from the list. This is a great way to keep track and make sure you don't get doubles of anything. At the moment I have the Barnaby Bear range from Mamas and Papas in the nursery, so I went through their site for links too and chose one link for a weaning feeder that I like (fantastic for fruit and to avoid choking).

The joy of the internet is that you can make a list of links to any gift you like, but I would suggest going with a store that has a gift list or registry as the individual links I've posted here for Mamas and Papas could be bought in multiple and I would never know.

This post is just for my family and friends anyway so I guess if they choose something from the Mamas and Papas links, don't want to buy online from Mothercare or Argos or want to buy the feeder, then they can email me and I can say if someone else has 'bagsied' them.

Here's my gift list!
Feel free to have a look through as each link has different items...

Huge hugs x Selena

MOTHERCARE LIST IS HERE (LONG LIST)

ARGOS LIST IS HERE (SHORT LIST)
LIST NUMBER 437731

BABY SAFE FEEDER (1)

MAMAS AND PAPAS CHART (1)

MAMAS AND PAPAS TEETHERS (1)

MAMAS AND PAPAS DOOR HANGER (1)

Phew, that was a mission and a half but I'm so glad it's done. Now I can tell all my friends who've been asking where the list is!

Stay tuned, it's our final 4D scan tomorrow and I can't wait...

Selena x

P.S If you would like a personal person to person service when making your gift list, why not visit your local Babies 'R' Us? You can create your gift list in store and friends and family can tour the store to view possible gifts. It's perfect if you prefer to touch and experience the goods you're buying!

35 Weeks

Mon, 12 May 2008 13:39:27 GMT

Your baby now weighs about 5.25 pounds/ 2.4 kilograms and measures approximately 18 inches/ 45 centimetres from head to toe. His elbow, foot or head may protrude from your stomach when he stretches and squirms about. Soon, as the wall of your uterus and your abdomen stretch thinner and let in more light, your baby will begin to develop daily activity cycles.

This week, your little one is now sporting fingernails and has a fully developed pair of kidneys. His liver can also process some waste products.

There's much less amniotic fluid and much more baby in your uterus, which has expanded to a thousand times its original size. You've probably put on between 25 and 30 pounds/ 11 and 13.6 kilograms and your weight gain has hit its peak. Even your belly button has got bigger and has popped outward. You may be feeling breathless now that the top of your uterus is up under your ribs. Try getting down on all fours to take deeper breaths. Although the pressure on your bladder will make the bathroom your second home, don't drink any less water -- your baby needs the fluids. But you may like to cut down on diuretic drinks like tea and coffee, which will make you have to urinate even more often.

For a great week by week guide, visit Babycentre.co.uk

Selena x

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