Little Beehiive

I felt it was time to update.
Now I have a moment to sit down, grab a cup of tea and waffle. So here goes....

Babies are whirlwinds. They come into your life so unexpectedly. Sometimes late, sometimes early. The third trimester whizzed past before my eyes. I didn't have chance to write about my third trimester, I didn't have chance. Everything happened a week earlier than I expected. Our life became a non stop madness of nappies, feeds, cuddles and milestones. It feels like I've been on a holiday for the past 6 months. A holiday of a lifetime.

Henry Charles ventured into the world on the 22nd November at 3:39pm to be precise. All squished up, with his arm behind his head. His little button nose wrinkled, he snuggled onto my stomach. A perfect warm little bundle. My labour and birth was fairly straight forward and weirdly enough, something I'm so glad I experienced. The birth went pretty much to plan minus a little after surgery and giving birth out of the pool but none of that mattered. I had him here, in my arms.

We stayed in hospital a short while and it was difficult. Breastfeeding was meant to come naturally wasn't it? So why couldn't I feed my own baby? I was told I had to do so many feeds before I left. Wanting to go home I did everything I could to get him to latch. So I learnt to lay down and feed him. We went home the next evening. Bringing back Henry home was the most terrifying thing we've ever done. It was real now. We had to look after this tiny human being and keep him alive. I was his main food source. James and I was who he relied on to keep him warm, safe, clean and loved. The first night was absolutely terrifying, we bed shared for the first time. Something I didn't feel comfortable about beforehand but it worked for us. Henry wanted me and that was fine.

Although we took to parenthood straight away, the feeding did not come naturally. I think it's important to be brutally honest about how things worked out for yourself. I think you can sugar coat everything but honesty is best policy and breastfeeding did not work for us.



We've started BLW recently. He loves cheese, watermelon, broccoli, toast, yoghurt and sweet potato. He also loves drinking water from a regular cup, clearly too sophisticated for a sippy cup. He has a bunny called bon bon that he loves for comfort and a highchair toy called Wendy bird who he often snogs the face off. He likes being tickled, things hanging above him or over his head. He likes chewing hands, arms, clothes and sometimes his toes. He wears cloth nappies (pocket) and has a wardrobe full of scandi clothing and little bird. He is cheeky. He is stubborn and he often throws a little tantrum when he has cans of pepsi max moved out of his reach. He sits, he wobbles. He rolls from front to back but too lazy to go back to front. He loves cbeebies. He's very visual. He loves toys that roll, toys that move fast and toys that he can chew. He's very forward, independent and social. On the other hand he's clingy at bedtime, he LOVES cuddles and skin to skin. He is perfect.
I will try and update my blog where I can as I know I've got a few readers that enjoy my writing and quite frankly I enjoy waffling on. So if you've got this far, thank you!

I'll be updating with some BLW tips and ideas, talking about real nappies, our adventures, items that have saved our bacon this first year and so much more.

Thanks for reading!
Charlotte

The second trimester, my favorite trimester so far, which is no surprise. I rolled my eyes when people told me my pregnancy was going to get easier after 14 weeks. It felt like the nausea and constant fatigue was going to stay about but it soon subsided and I started to feel relatively normal again. In fact some days I even forgot I was pregnant, besides the constant reminder of my clothes getting tighter and not being able to breathe whilst climbing the stairs.

I'm not going to lie, I found it hard not being able to fit into my clothes anymore and when I got to 19 weeks and my trusty size 12 jeans wouldn't fit me anymore I was absolutely gutted. I have more than struggled with this new body, this bump I'm harboring and the inevitable weight gain but then you feel a kick and those feelings all evaporate. My body's growing this tiny human, I thought to myself. I should cut myself some slack. Not being able to walk for very long without getting swollen feet, out of breathe and overheated wasn't the best feeling in the world but just the thought of having these tiny little person inside of me again, changed my mind set.



Maternity clothes have been the absolute bane of my life, so expensive and so ill fitting with not many options besides online I began to feel so down about myself. I ordered some maternity basics from new look which fit perfectly and I'll hopefully get my wear out of. Ideal for work clothes and casual clothes. Their pj's are perfect and most of their maternity clothes are fairly priced! The thing I really struggled with was finding some jeans. That's when I stumbled across red herring in Debenhams. Their sales were incredible and I picked up the most perfect pair of cropped maternity jeans that fit like a glove. No baggy knees, no saggy bum and no tightening around the crotch! With an over the bump band. They're just perfect! I also got a maternity smock top and striped maxi dress all for under £30. Beautiful quality also!!
So when we did the nursery, again we were told it was far too early to be doing a nursery but for us it wasn't. I was nesting, James was nesting. It just felt so right to get organised at that point. So that's what we did. We have never been so organised about anything in our lives before. I've started on the hospital bag, washed all of his clothes, blankets, hats etc. and I feel so much better for it. How we see it for us personally we're now organised so there's no rushing at the end and we can enjoy each others company before this little whirlwind comes and shakes up our lives.
The second trimester migraines are not the best. The feeling that you've just been hit over the head with a cricket bat, not being able to open your eyes without being blinded isn't the most exciting. But if you drink plenty of water, use ice packs/masks and migraine strips (make sure you check that the ones you pick up are safe to use in pregnancy) you should be able to keep the migraines at bay for most of the time, but be aware your sinuses are changing!



Even though baby isn't here yet you still might be feeling a little alone. Even if you have mama friends already you may still want to broaden your horizons and find more support. There are plenty of amazing groups on facebook where you can literally ask anything and get support from other amazing mamas!!  Here are some of my ultimate favorites :

• Channel mum group - I absolutely adore this group, full of such amazing support. Whether you want to rant about something mama/pregnancy related, want opinions on a baby product or just want a chat this group is perfect. There's some amazing mama's who run the group also who have great YouTube channels.
• Mamameetyorkshire - Obviously the clues in the title but this is a great group to speak to other mums local in Yorkshire about anything and everything with some great events set up as an opportunity to meet other like minded mothers!
• Punky moms UK PMUK - Again, another group full of so much support with absolutely no judgement. A group where you can ask anything pregnancy/baby/mama related with very fast responses!

The third trimester is fast approaching...
2 weeks until the second trimester.
15 weeks until our baby boy arrives.



See you soon baby bean,
Keep growing!!

So I was expecting to nest at the end of the pregnancy, not so soon. It started with stocking up on grapefruit zoflora, then obsessing over my new comforter and smelling every piece of clothing that came out of my washing machine. It was ridiculous, then this overwhelming feeling to clean everything and make everything smell beautiful. It resulted in a massive trip to IKEA. Which then resulted in putting up nursery furniture.

I know some people wait, we're still not past the 'safe' point in pregnancy. But are you really ever? Some people have commented on how early it is. But it's quite clear we're far from traditional as a couple and as parents. We strive to do things the way we want to. So we decided to do the nursery. We still have little bits we want to add to our boys little room but this is it for the time being.Life is far too short not to soak up the moment.

It's not like we actually had to decorate as in our rented home we're not allowed to paint so we decided on wall stickers and making the room bright with beautiful decor.



























We decided on a theme of foxes, nature and bright colours. The typical painting the room 'blue for a boy and pink for a girl' just wasn't us. A mixture of monochrome, with pops of colour was more fitting. Especially when most of his clothes were rainbow themed, how could we not?!

So the old wives tales didn't quite meet their expectations and we found out on the 17th June that we're having a little baby boy. So although the odds were in the favor of a little girl the male genes were too strong and have blessed us with this tiny little guy! Who quite honestly looks like he's laid up on a tropical beach and not floating about in my womb.

Old wives tales, they've been around for centuries. A lot of people swear by them but some just think they're a load of cods wallop. Personally, my own stance on them is that unless it's backed by science I can't really believe it. BUT I have decided to give them a go and see what the outcome is.

On the 17th June we find out the gender of the tiny little human I am growing inside of me. For some knowing the gender isn't something they even think about doing, after all it's just a gender. But for us we want to know, we don't want the surprise we want to be organised with names and such. I'm not so much into gender specific items but still not knowing the gender is surprisingly hard in this day and age!!!

We'll soon find out on the 18th June if these old wives tales have some sort of accuracy behind them?!

So here are the old wives tales....


Heart Rate 
If the baby’s heart rate is above 140 bpm, it is said that the baby will be a girl. If it is under 140 bpm, then it will be a boy.

Prediction outcome: Inconclusive, yet to hear the babys heart rate other than a home doppler!

Acne
If you have acne while pregnant, it’s a girl. It’s thought that acne during pregnancy is caused by the extra hormones.

 Prediction outcome: Inconclusive, mixture of amazing skin days and then covered in spots kinda days!!

Cravings
People believe that if you are craving salty foods while pregnant, you can count on having a boy. If you crave sweets, fruit, and orange juice, you are having a little girl.

 Prediction outcome: Boy! Salt!

Skin under Left Eye
The eye test is when a “V” or “branches” appear when you pull down the skin under your left eye. If you see a “V” or “branches” in the white part, you’re having a girl.

Prediction outcome: Girl

Legs
If your legs get really big, you’re having a boy. If your legs stay in shape and lean, it’s a girl.

Prediction outcome: Girl, but that could change the further on I get.

Shape of belly
If you are carrying high with a big, round belly, you are having a girl. If you are carrying low with a smaller belly that sticks straight out, it’s a boy

Prediction outcome: Inconclusive, I'm showing early but bump is not yet a noticeable bump as such!

Moodiness 
If you are really moody, you are having a girl since you have another extra girl hormones in you. Your pregnancy will make you smile and be more happy if you are having a boy.

Prediction outcome: Boy

Chinese Gender Chart
The Chinese Gender Chart claims to have an accuracy rate of over 90%. It is based on how old the mother is at conception and the month that she conceived.

Prediction outcome: Boy

Mums beauty
Basically you are having a girl if your beauty disappears during pregnancy. It is said that the girl “steals” the mother’s beauty. If you think that pregnancy has never made you look more beautiful, a little boy it is.

Prediction outcome: Girl, family say I have looked glowing and beautiful but I've felt like I've piled on weight and just generally not felt good about myself.

Dream of Sex of Baby
If you have dreams that you are having a boy, you will have a girl. If you dream about having a girl, it will be a boy. Dreams show the opposite of what you are having. (I've only had dreams of it being a boy, even before I ever got pregnant)

Prediction outcome: Girl, although I've dreamt of both sexes at some point in the first trimester. But more so dreams of a boy.

Clumsy vs. Graceful
If the pregnant woman is graceful throughout her pregnancy, she’s having a girl. If she becomes clumsy, she’s having a boy.

Prediction outcome: Boy, I've always been clumsy though.

Side You Most Rest On
If a pregnant woman prefers to lay on her left side, she’s having a boy. If she prefers resting on her right side, she’s having a girl.

Prediction outcome: Girl

Dad’s Weight Gain
If the dad-to-be gains weight while you are pregnant, it’s a girl. If he doesn’t gain weight, you’re having a boy.

Prediction outcome: Boy, but James hasn't gained weight since we got together!

Breast Test
If a pregnant woman’s left breast is larger than the right breast, she’s having a girl. If the right breast is larger, it’s a boy.

Prediction outcome: Boy

What Do You Think?
71% of the time, the mom-to-be knows what she is having.

Prediction outcome: Boy

Morning Sickness
If you had a smooth pregnancy with no morning sickness, it’s a boy. If you were sick or felt really nauseous during your pregnancy, count on a girl.

Prediction outcome: Girl

Areola
If your areola (the part around your nips) have darkened, it’s a boy. If they haven't, its a girl.

Prediction outcome: Girl

Protein
When a pregnant woman craves meat and cheese, count on a boy.

Prediction outcome: Boy. Totally went of cheese and milk!

Feet
Are your feet colder now that you are pregnant? If so, you just might be having a boy. If your feet have stayed the same before pregnancy and during, you’re having a little girl.

Prediction outcome: Girl

Headaches
If you are having headaches, you might be carrying a boy.

Prediction outcome: Boy

Baby Names
It is said that when you can only think of specific names for a boy or a girl, you will have that particularly baby.

Prediction outcome: Inconclusive, we have both names chose.

Urine
What color is your pee? If it is bright yellow, you will have a little boy. If your urine is a dull yellow, plan on a girl.

Prediction outcome: Boy

Left or right?
If baby is laid on the left hand side it is said they are meant to be a boy, if they are laid on the right hand side they are a girl.
Prediction outcome: Girl

Hands
When the pregnant woman is asked to show her hands, it's a boy if she keeps her palms down and a girl if she shows her palms up.

Prediction outcome: Girl


Hands are Dry
If your hands are constantly dry, it's a boy.

Prediction outcome: Girl





TOTAL GIRL: 10
TOTAL BOY: 10
TOTAL INCONCLUSIVE: 4

So what do you think the gender of the baby is?
Did you do these old wives tales when you were pregnant? Were they accurate or the opposite?

Everyone's so 'traditional' and against not telling people before even their 20 week scan. For us it's different. We knew there was more chance of us having a miscarriage in the first trimester but for us we just couldn't contain ourselves, plus if anything did happen I know I'd have a great support system. So do what you feels best. We told family, close friends and I told my work colleagues (due to the nature of my job) straight away because we agreed we both didn't mind.
The apps I downloaded all told me off. Eat more fibre, eat more veg, eat more red meat and drink more milk! There was no way with my nausea could I stomach any of these things, it just wasn't going to happen. To me the most important thing is just giving baby any food in the first trimester even on those days you just wanna chuck your guts up. Surely that was better than absolutely nothing?! So don't worry, you've got the second trimester to improve on that. Just make sure you're taking your folic acid and drinking plenty of water! Also make yourself aware of the things you can't eat during early pregnancy. But don't read into everything and let it completely stop you from living!
Everyone will suddenly have something to say about the way you're gonna do things, about the products you need for baby, when you should start telling people etc. But it's your baby, you both decide. There is no wrong or right way of doing things. If you want to tell people before or after the scan, then you have the right to do so. If you want to know the gender, then you have the right to do so. If you want to avoid the nuchal screening then you also have the right to do so. Do not let people get into your head. Make your own plans, sit down with your partner and talk about what you want to do. If it's just you, then buggar everyone else and get on with it. It's not their baby, it's yours.

 Be patient and kind with yourself and try and look forward to the rest of your adventure.
This is the most terrifying, yet exciting adventures I've been on and I can't wait for the rest of it! Just to see that tiny little human that we made and that I've grown is such an overwhelming achievement. Already that little baby bean is more loved than you could ever imagine.