Hi all,
We have had a busy few months, and my blog has been pushed to the bottom of my priority list for way too long, so I'm doing a mammoth update to let you know how the Chalmers clan are getting on...
Well, we've had half term since the last blog, so I had a few days to rest and chill out, although I was ill for some of it (the last half) with a pretty rotten cold. I even took the Monday off following half term, only to receive a phone call at lunch time asking if I could get in for the afternoon as we had had THE CALL from ... (cue dramatic music) - OFSTED!!!!
I still managed to go swimming that Monday, then worked 6.30-9.30 on the Tuesday, getting ready for lesson observations and book inspections - not fun! As it turned out, the inspectors saw me on the Thursday, were very complimentary about my class and teaching, and all the stress and time and effort paid off.
I really could have done with the rest though, as just two weeks later I ended up with the worst bout of sinusitis I've ever had - a remnant of the cold I'd forced myself to recover from after half term. My doctor prescribed me with a low dose of Amoxycillin and up to 6 (yes, 6) paracetamol per day. It took the full week to recover, and I still had pain when I returned to work a week later. The kids missed me at school, and apparently their behaviour deteriorated while I was off. That was around week 26.
I've had a couple more midwife appointments since my last blog, and heard our little girl's heartbeat - she is a sturdy little thing by the sound of her :D
Scott and I started Parentcraft classes in June, and learnt all about pain relief in labour. We've decided that, all being well, we'll have a water birth in a birthing pool at Ashurst Birth Centre, with pain relief via Entonox only. I'm under no delusions about the pain - I fully anticipate labour being painful, but it's not something I will worry about.
One thing I found out about at the parentcraft classes was breastfeeding... us girls (no men allowed!) were shown a video of a newborn baby who was just left on his mummy's tummy after birth - he had been dried but not washed. After around 30 minutes he literally crawled up towards his mum's breast and fed with no assistance, no midwife to grab the back of his head and "help him" and everything seemed really natural. Not sure what the fuss is, if babies instinctively know what to do, why does breastfeeding seem so difficult for some mums?
We had quite a broad range of couples at the classes, including a lesbian couple, who were really lovely and deeply committed to eachother and their future baby - we got on really well. One girl who made us all cringe every time she opened her mouth (which was pretty often!) was the youngest of five, the others all being boys, who felt the need to share every bit of advice and experience her mother had ever given her. Most of her sentences started "My mum says that..." or "I've heard that..." It was comedy gold to watch the other mums around the room roll their eyes every time she spoke :) My favourite moment was when she asked if you could take an underwater camera in the birthing pool. Now, call me old-fashioned, but I'm pretty sure there are some things you just don't need a photo of!
Another moment of joy for me came at the final parentcraft class, where one of the mums was moaning about how much weight she had put on - 25kg!!! That's about 4.5st!!! She asked how much I had put on, and I was still 5lbs under my starting weight! I still am, by the way - I put it down to no alcohol, loads of fruit, and a smaller appetite in general.
I've been booked onto an Outdoor Pursuit course for my final day at school, which has annoyed Scott and I rather, as it seems a rather unnecessary risk so close to my due date - I'll be 32 weeks by then! I may just have to sit out of a few bits if I don't feel up to it.
We went to Reading in week 28 to review the Devolution Magazine Alt Collective event, which brought together all sorts of designers, photographers and models for a day of revelry. Scott had a photo stand, and snapped most of the models and some of the visitors. He even managed to take some new photos of me, complete with red and black wig and 4" platform heels.
This week I had my first leaving present at school - a packet of Pampers newborn nappies... nice! We are going eco for nappies, and will be using Bambino Mio washables. We can buy them using the "Health in Pregnancy" grant money which should be winging its way to us in the next few days - the governement give all mums to be £196 to spend on healthy food in the final couple of months, so I figure that will cover the cost of birth-to-potty nappies for our little pickle.
We made a gift list at John Lewis during half term, as so many people have asked what we need still (we've managed to get lots of things via NCT sales and through friends and family, so are really set up for clothes up to 3 months and have lots of toys - thank you so much to everyone who has given us so much already). If you are interested in purchasing from the list, the number is 372130 - go to www.johnlewisnurserylist.com
Last weekend we went to the Blissfields festival and managed to camp out for two nights, which was far more comfortable than I thought it would be. We had plenty of sun, plenty of beer (alcohol free for me, of course) and plenty of dancing. I think a few people were a bit shocked to see my skanking and pogoing to Imperial Leisure, though, and the St. John's Ambulance people looked decidedly nervous at times! Since our return I've had a lot of pain in the left side of my pelvis, but swimming seems to help immensely, so I'm going to try to go twice a week now, rather than just once. Anyone wanna come with me? :)
I have just five days of teaching left now, and there are less than 10 weeks until our due date, so I'm getting more and more excited. The baby is kicking lots, and Scott is regularly being kicked in the head when he tries to hear her heart beat. As I'm typing she has a foot up in my ribs (which I can feel for the first time in years, along with my now-visible collar bones!!) and is giving my lungs a bit of a seeing to.
I'll sign off now, and promise to do another blog in the next week or so. Take care all, and I look forward to your messages as always :D
Jeanie
xx
Sunday, 12 July 2009
Sunday, 17 May 2009
Week 22 - Chimmy kicks daddy's hand!
It's weird knowing that there is a new life growing inside you, particularly when only you can feel it moving. This week, Chimmy has been making much stronger, more definite moves, and has delighted daddy Scott with a few swift kicks to his hand and arm. She is certainly active in the morning!
I've been very self-indulgent this week, and have purchased a glider chair and footstool for the nursery - I tried them out in John Lewis a week ago, and decided I NEEDED one... but I didn't want to spend £200 on one! The ebay bargain was £30 so I'm chuffed :D
I got to meet up with an old school friend last weekend - the aforementioned Kirsty. It was like we only left school yesterday - we clicked back into the same comfortable status that old friends have. Kirsty is due a couple of weeks after me, so we were able to do some shopping without feeling like we were dragging the other halves out against their wills!
I've officially started my countdown to the start of maternity leave now - 40 more days of teaching - doesn't sound much, does it? I'm now getting frequent funny looks from children from other year groups (who haven't been told I'm pregnant) and a few of the bolder ones have asked me outright. One delightful girl commented, "You're getting fat Miss!" Lovely!
I'm off to Holy Family Church now for the first Holy Communion for a few children in my class - should be interesting - I've never been to mass outside school!
Let me know how you're all getting on too - would be great to hear from you :D
I've been very self-indulgent this week, and have purchased a glider chair and footstool for the nursery - I tried them out in John Lewis a week ago, and decided I NEEDED one... but I didn't want to spend £200 on one! The ebay bargain was £30 so I'm chuffed :D
I got to meet up with an old school friend last weekend - the aforementioned Kirsty. It was like we only left school yesterday - we clicked back into the same comfortable status that old friends have. Kirsty is due a couple of weeks after me, so we were able to do some shopping without feeling like we were dragging the other halves out against their wills!
I've officially started my countdown to the start of maternity leave now - 40 more days of teaching - doesn't sound much, does it? I'm now getting frequent funny looks from children from other year groups (who haven't been told I'm pregnant) and a few of the bolder ones have asked me outright. One delightful girl commented, "You're getting fat Miss!" Lovely!
I'm off to Holy Family Church now for the first Holy Communion for a few children in my class - should be interesting - I've never been to mass outside school!
Let me know how you're all getting on too - would be great to hear from you :D
Monday, 4 May 2009
Week 20 - second scan results!!!
It's been a busy couple of weeks - I've been to my aquanatal classes at Romsey, plus a couple of NCT sales where I picked up more babygros, a baby bath and some groovy toys.
I had a bit of a scare on Tuesday this week - came over very dizzy at school on Tuesday, with pins and needles, queasiness and a pounding head. My knight in shining armour came to collect me and brought me to mums to await a doctor's appointment. The doctor took all of 30 seconds to check my bloodpressure only to tell me I need to rest. Thanks. But on further research (via the Cow and Gate website) I found it was probably due to sleeping on my back - the baby's position is such that there is no cushion between the baby and my spine, as my placenta is at the front. Essentially, baby had cut off my circulation in my sleep, resulting in a whole body head rush! Bad baby!
Wednesday saw the arrival of the 20 week scan at last, and it turns out that after all my speculation (I'm sure it's a boy... yada yada yada) I am, in fact, expecting a little girl. She is currently around 16cm from crown to rump, and growing rapidly, as evidenced by my bump.
On the subject of bumps, I have to say it feels so strange to look down to see a big tummy and to think "that's so cool - I love it" rather than "Oh my word, I'm so fat!" I've been overweight for my entire adult life, and have made a conscious effort to hold in my tummy whenever I'm out, so the concept of relaxing my tummy is very odd.
My brother and sister-in law to be, Graham and Tess, have given me a whole load of gorgeous clothes now that we know I'm having a girl, as their little girl, Amelia, is now nearly 15 months old. I've also got a moses basket and bouncer coming my way from them.
Clothing-wise, I think we're good up to 3 months now, so I can relax a little, although the shopping bug is never one I lose. Another friend of ours is giving us her son's cot, and we're being given bags of toys and other bits too, so we're getting well kitted out.
Daddy's having a busy time of it lately too, with multiple photoshoots going on around the south. It all helps with our finances, though, as he is getting paid more often than not :D Today we're setting up our garage as a photo studio so that people can come to us for shoots. Hopefully I'll also get my 20 week bump photo done today. Scary stuff!
Anyhoo, hope you're all well, and that the idea of another rock chick in the Chalmers' household isn't too scary for you. First tattoo won't be until at least 18 months - don't worry :P
I had a bit of a scare on Tuesday this week - came over very dizzy at school on Tuesday, with pins and needles, queasiness and a pounding head. My knight in shining armour came to collect me and brought me to mums to await a doctor's appointment. The doctor took all of 30 seconds to check my bloodpressure only to tell me I need to rest. Thanks. But on further research (via the Cow and Gate website) I found it was probably due to sleeping on my back - the baby's position is such that there is no cushion between the baby and my spine, as my placenta is at the front. Essentially, baby had cut off my circulation in my sleep, resulting in a whole body head rush! Bad baby!
Wednesday saw the arrival of the 20 week scan at last, and it turns out that after all my speculation (I'm sure it's a boy... yada yada yada) I am, in fact, expecting a little girl. She is currently around 16cm from crown to rump, and growing rapidly, as evidenced by my bump.
On the subject of bumps, I have to say it feels so strange to look down to see a big tummy and to think "that's so cool - I love it" rather than "Oh my word, I'm so fat!" I've been overweight for my entire adult life, and have made a conscious effort to hold in my tummy whenever I'm out, so the concept of relaxing my tummy is very odd.
My brother and sister-in law to be, Graham and Tess, have given me a whole load of gorgeous clothes now that we know I'm having a girl, as their little girl, Amelia, is now nearly 15 months old. I've also got a moses basket and bouncer coming my way from them.
Clothing-wise, I think we're good up to 3 months now, so I can relax a little, although the shopping bug is never one I lose. Another friend of ours is giving us her son's cot, and we're being given bags of toys and other bits too, so we're getting well kitted out.
Daddy's having a busy time of it lately too, with multiple photoshoots going on around the south. It all helps with our finances, though, as he is getting paid more often than not :D Today we're setting up our garage as a photo studio so that people can come to us for shoots. Hopefully I'll also get my 20 week bump photo done today. Scary stuff!
Anyhoo, hope you're all well, and that the idea of another rock chick in the Chalmers' household isn't too scary for you. First tattoo won't be until at least 18 months - don't worry :P
Sunday, 19 April 2009
Week 18: Chimmy's first holiday
Well, it's the Easter holidays (and as I write this I'm dreading going back to school tomorrow) and Scott and I have been to Brussels for the Easter weekend. It was lovely, and we spent far too much, ate more pasta than we did even in Italy, and had a few quiet beers sat in the sunshine. I only had a half each day, and had the only non-alcoholic beer sold in most establishments - a Tourtel. Nice!
In addition to all of that, I had a midwife check up, and got to hear the baby's heartbeat - a really amazing experience. I had my mum with me as Scott was in Palma for work, and I think she enjoyed being back in Hythe Hospital :D The baby gave a few good kicks or stretches while we were listening, which came out as loud bangs on the listening device. Sooooo cool!
I've had to start wearing maternity clothes, as Chimmy is growing rather rapidly at the moment. It's really nice though - I actually look pregnant, rather than just fat for a change.
I went to Aquanatal swimming on the Monday before Easter, and that was a really surreal experience - the water makes everything weightless, and I was able to have a bit of a swim too. I'll be going every Monday to Romsey Rapids, so I should be so fit by September!
I've discovered a few other school friends who are also pregnant - one of whom is meeting up with me for a bit of shopping in May, so it'll be great to meet someone else due in the autumn. We're both big girls too, so I won't feel like a complete frump.
A couple of key purchases this week - a travel system and high chair (not combined, that would be silly!). The travel system is by Graco and is a 3-wheeler. The high chair on the other hand is about as non-modern as I could find - it's a proper vintage 1950s style bucket seat in red vinyl and cream painted tubework. It's amazing what you can find on Ebay! It'll go perfectly with our 1950s diner-style kitchen.
Enough rambling - I've got 3 more days of maths planning to do, so I'll sign off now and look forward to hearing from you all.
Jeanie, Scott and Chimmy.
In addition to all of that, I had a midwife check up, and got to hear the baby's heartbeat - a really amazing experience. I had my mum with me as Scott was in Palma for work, and I think she enjoyed being back in Hythe Hospital :D The baby gave a few good kicks or stretches while we were listening, which came out as loud bangs on the listening device. Sooooo cool!
I've had to start wearing maternity clothes, as Chimmy is growing rather rapidly at the moment. It's really nice though - I actually look pregnant, rather than just fat for a change.
I went to Aquanatal swimming on the Monday before Easter, and that was a really surreal experience - the water makes everything weightless, and I was able to have a bit of a swim too. I'll be going every Monday to Romsey Rapids, so I should be so fit by September!
I've discovered a few other school friends who are also pregnant - one of whom is meeting up with me for a bit of shopping in May, so it'll be great to meet someone else due in the autumn. We're both big girls too, so I won't feel like a complete frump.
A couple of key purchases this week - a travel system and high chair (not combined, that would be silly!). The travel system is by Graco and is a 3-wheeler. The high chair on the other hand is about as non-modern as I could find - it's a proper vintage 1950s style bucket seat in red vinyl and cream painted tubework. It's amazing what you can find on Ebay! It'll go perfectly with our 1950s diner-style kitchen.
Enough rambling - I've got 3 more days of maths planning to do, so I'll sign off now and look forward to hearing from you all.
Jeanie, Scott and Chimmy.
Sunday, 5 April 2009
Week 16 - telling my class
This week has been a bit weird - work has been ridiculously busy and stressful, with data tracking and getting ahead with planning. But on Wednesday I decided to tell my class my news...
They were awesome about it, and asked some good questions, about whether I want a boy or a girl, what food I can eat ("Can you have sugar?") and what the baby's room is going to look like. They swore an oath of secrecy, only telling parents, so even by Friday only a handful of the rest of the school knew. After Easter it will be impossible to hide, as my other excitement for this week is - I have a definite bump! I have even worn maternity clothes and bump covers (basically a band of fabric to make your tops meet your trousers).
I was told that once I relaxed my bump would start growing quicker, and this is meant to be a time for rapid growth anyways, so mum was definitely right! I bought a couple of extremely cute baby tops yesterday with rock and guitar imagery, but I think they're suitably unisex to get away with.
I have an appointment with my midwife Monday, and then I start Aquanatal classes at Romsey Rapids Monday evening - I'll be fitter than before at this rate! What with yoga in the summer too, you won't recognise me!
I caught up with my lovely colleagues at Romsey Primary on Friday, and showed my scan photo... "You haven't seen it? Wow!" Now I think everyone and their dog has seen the scan.
We're off to Brussels, Belgium on Friday for Easter weekend, so I'll be even more Easter-egg shaped by the time we come back after eating loads of Belgian chocolates, and Scott will probably have a beer belly to match.
Loads of love to you all,
Jeanie, Scottie and Chimmy.
They were awesome about it, and asked some good questions, about whether I want a boy or a girl, what food I can eat ("Can you have sugar?") and what the baby's room is going to look like. They swore an oath of secrecy, only telling parents, so even by Friday only a handful of the rest of the school knew. After Easter it will be impossible to hide, as my other excitement for this week is - I have a definite bump! I have even worn maternity clothes and bump covers (basically a band of fabric to make your tops meet your trousers).
I was told that once I relaxed my bump would start growing quicker, and this is meant to be a time for rapid growth anyways, so mum was definitely right! I bought a couple of extremely cute baby tops yesterday with rock and guitar imagery, but I think they're suitably unisex to get away with.
I have an appointment with my midwife Monday, and then I start Aquanatal classes at Romsey Rapids Monday evening - I'll be fitter than before at this rate! What with yoga in the summer too, you won't recognise me!
I caught up with my lovely colleagues at Romsey Primary on Friday, and showed my scan photo... "You haven't seen it? Wow!" Now I think everyone and their dog has seen the scan.
We're off to Brussels, Belgium on Friday for Easter weekend, so I'll be even more Easter-egg shaped by the time we come back after eating loads of Belgian chocolates, and Scott will probably have a beer belly to match.
Loads of love to you all,
Jeanie, Scottie and Chimmy.
Saturday, 28 March 2009
Week 15: movement and emotional wreckage
This week has been one of the most hectic since doing the Christmas production in terms of school - I am up to my neck in work and not feeling terribly inclined to do any of it! Hence emotional wreckage - I resent having to work such long hours with so little free time. I can't keep on top of everything at home, and Scott has tons of photography work to do so he can't do as much as he might like. Still, come July I should get the nesting instinct and everything will be clean and spick and span.
Hot baby bump news - I can now feel Chimmy moving. On Wednesday there was a definite bubbling feeling, and today there were two definite thumps that felt like a strong heartbeat. I'm assuming that was the baby, not wind!!
I ordered a few bits of maternity wear at the weekend and they have now arrived, so I can start showing my bump off with pride - Newlook for some baby bump covers and a t-shirt, plus a gorgeous wrap-around cotton cardigan from JoJo Maman Bebe. Plus, because I bought them through the Kidstart website, a percentage of the purchase price has been put aside for our baby's Child Savings Account. Check it out if you get a chance - most online versions of high street shops put a percentage of any online purchase into a kidstart for a child of your choice (or it can be split between several children). As our baby hasn't been born yet, they will hold the money for us until the birth and will then transfer it across when we open an account. All sounds pretty good. I love free stuff!
It sounds like lots of people are reading the blog now, which I'm really pleased about. Thanks all, and we'll see you all soon no doubt :D
Much love,
Jeanie, Scott and Chimmy.
Hot baby bump news - I can now feel Chimmy moving. On Wednesday there was a definite bubbling feeling, and today there were two definite thumps that felt like a strong heartbeat. I'm assuming that was the baby, not wind!!
I ordered a few bits of maternity wear at the weekend and they have now arrived, so I can start showing my bump off with pride - Newlook for some baby bump covers and a t-shirt, plus a gorgeous wrap-around cotton cardigan from JoJo Maman Bebe. Plus, because I bought them through the Kidstart website, a percentage of the purchase price has been put aside for our baby's Child Savings Account. Check it out if you get a chance - most online versions of high street shops put a percentage of any online purchase into a kidstart for a child of your choice (or it can be split between several children). As our baby hasn't been born yet, they will hold the money for us until the birth and will then transfer it across when we open an account. All sounds pretty good. I love free stuff!
It sounds like lots of people are reading the blog now, which I'm really pleased about. Thanks all, and we'll see you all soon no doubt :D
Much love,
Jeanie, Scott and Chimmy.
Saturday, 21 March 2009
Week 14 - test results
Ok, I'm a bad person for not blogging last week, but we were having a massive clear-out. We've emptied (sort of) our small spare room to be the nursery, so I was Freecycling our old furniture and other shizzle.
Big news this week - I'm finally out of the first trimester! I got the results of the 12 week nuchal fold scan and various bloodtests - it turns out I'm low risk for having a Down's Syndrome baby - a chance of 1 in 17,000 - not bad. I've been showing anyone who stands near me the scan picture, still trying to convince myself it's true. I'm still lighter than I've been in 5 years, so I'm finding it hard to believe there is a new life forming inside me. Chimmy (that's what I'm calling him/her at the moment) is starting to make his/her presence known, though - there is a definite bump starting to appear, though only Scott and I really notice it.
I went to my first NCT nearly new sale today, and really enjoyed it - they have loads of furniture, toys, baby clothes, maternity wear and other random bits like baby baths and cot toys, all being sold by the NCT for mums. I picked up a brand new maternity top from Mothercare for £3 and 3 vests for a fiver, plus some cute new baby grows and vest tops for the baby. Oh, and I got a "Sign with your baby" book, and have learnt about 10 signs already. Woop woop!
Work is getting really hard already, as I'm generally too tired to do much in the evening still, and we've had parent consultations this week. Next week there's a big concert for all my musical kiddies at Central Hall, Southampton, and I'm up to my eyeballs organising tickets and transport for that. I've still not told the children about the baby, as there's really nothing for them to see yet. I'm hoping to last till after Easter before I tell them.
Scott and I have booked a long weekend in Brussels, Belgium - home of beer... what's the old saying, "water, water, everywhere, but ne'er a drop to drink!" - just how I'm feeling. I could murder a pint of Hoegaarden!
Anyhoo, love to all, and please let me know how you're all doing - I love to get emails back :D
Jeanie, Scottie and Chimmy!
Big news this week - I'm finally out of the first trimester! I got the results of the 12 week nuchal fold scan and various bloodtests - it turns out I'm low risk for having a Down's Syndrome baby - a chance of 1 in 17,000 - not bad. I've been showing anyone who stands near me the scan picture, still trying to convince myself it's true. I'm still lighter than I've been in 5 years, so I'm finding it hard to believe there is a new life forming inside me. Chimmy (that's what I'm calling him/her at the moment) is starting to make his/her presence known, though - there is a definite bump starting to appear, though only Scott and I really notice it.
I went to my first NCT nearly new sale today, and really enjoyed it - they have loads of furniture, toys, baby clothes, maternity wear and other random bits like baby baths and cot toys, all being sold by the NCT for mums. I picked up a brand new maternity top from Mothercare for £3 and 3 vests for a fiver, plus some cute new baby grows and vest tops for the baby. Oh, and I got a "Sign with your baby" book, and have learnt about 10 signs already. Woop woop!
Work is getting really hard already, as I'm generally too tired to do much in the evening still, and we've had parent consultations this week. Next week there's a big concert for all my musical kiddies at Central Hall, Southampton, and I'm up to my eyeballs organising tickets and transport for that. I've still not told the children about the baby, as there's really nothing for them to see yet. I'm hoping to last till after Easter before I tell them.
Scott and I have booked a long weekend in Brussels, Belgium - home of beer... what's the old saying, "water, water, everywhere, but ne'er a drop to drink!" - just how I'm feeling. I could murder a pint of Hoegaarden!
Anyhoo, love to all, and please let me know how you're all doing - I love to get emails back :D
Jeanie, Scottie and Chimmy!
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