Argh - 7 Weeks to GO!

So we are heading into the final countdown, and every week seems to fly by faster than the next. We have included a few more photos this time to show, how well the tummy has expanded and progress with the baby's stuff.

See below, the belly (literally) has a life of its own!

Antenatal Classes:
So far have proven to be helpful in some respect, the first night was nerve racking - and pleasantly calming to see a few more people in the same boat as us. I felt slightly out of place, I think that I am one of the youngest people in there - and with the lack of any other Maori or Polynesian peoples have made me feel quite isolated. As we may well know, we bring our children up VERY differently in comparison to our Caucasian counterparts. So it is difficult to relate, or put into context our cultural beliefs - and find a place for it all.

The couples in the class are lovely, and they come in all shapes, colours and sizes - as I slowly open up a little, I have actually found some common ground. Both, Bo and I have done a fair bit of research, reading, Google searches, and long chats with family members whilst attending these classes. So it is not completely a mystery :)

In our second antenatal class, Bo happily volunteered to wear the belly for the entire class - very bemused, we took these photos :)

So far we have covered:
- Wellbeing during pregnancy
- Stages of Pregnancy, Labour and Birth
- Baby's Development
- Preparation for Birth
- Types of Births
- Birth Interventions
- Helping your partner in labour
- Breastfeeding

We have even been treated to a home birth video, set in 1981, Australia. I however, closed my eyes, through out 99% of the screening - as everyone else in the room embraced the occasion in all seriousness.

As the classes have progressed, so too the shapes of all the women's belly's. Some are progressing more than others, and some are about to burst at the seam :)

Concentration and comfort are hard to come by, as we head into mid-spring - with fluctuating core temperatures... and the ease of baby movements ever so more evident on the faces of all the mummy's. The impending "fathers-to-be" are gradually coming to grips with the role they play from "whoa to go" - trying to note down as many practical tips and tricks that will make the whole experience a little easier on their better halves. The mothers weigh up all the options available to them, measuring them by their own values and beliefs - the fathers, whisper contently with brows of confusion "is that what you would like darling?".

You can see all the women, visually going through a million scenarios of what they would like to happen - going through the benefits and risks. Each woman is individually different, and we are slowly realising, that our births are going to be equally different, with its unique challenges. Not to worry though, our tutor keeps our minds at ease, breezing through our panic questions... and reminding us that help is only a phone call away. If in doubt, we call our midwife...

Midwife Team:
We have had a couple appointments since oranges - a few with the Midwife Team and another with the Anesthetist. All test undergone, have come back fine - other than the fact that I am quite low in Iron... which was quickly remedied with a prescription for iron tablets.

We listened to baby's heartbeat, pumping away, loud, proud and strong. The midwife indicates that baby is head down at the moment, she actually had a little chuckle to herself - she could see him kicking, left, then right... up then down - more of the up and then full rotations. I just sighed, "yupp, a day in the life".

Baby Equipment:
We have managed to get ourselves a "moses" bassinet, at the relief of my mum's sanity, now our son will not drown in the HUGE cot.

Here below is a picture of Bo, with the bassinet in question.


Mum has also been kind enough to get us a changing table, bath centre. It took us a few tries, to get it up and running. Below you can also see Bo in some construction mode, very cute indeed to watch.

And finally the end product!!!

Up & Coming...
eeeeeeeek, we have another midwife appointment on Monday at 7:30 am (looks like there are a fair few women having babies around the same time!!!)

At our last midwife appointment, we were lucky enough to go and see the Delivery Suite, where we are going to have our baby. We were allowed to see an actual birthing room, all complete, with bed, monitoring equipment, a spa bath, separate bathroom with a dual headed shower. The seriousness and reality of actually having baby, becomes a lot more visual and real!

In early November, we have a final 36 week scan, which I am completely looking forward to and another check up with our Obstetrician.

Mum, is already on her way down - and she couldn't be the most excited Nanny!

Here is another photo of me and the tummy, we hope you enjoy the blog and we endevour to keep you as up-to-date as much as possible.