I know - another inexcusably long gap between entries. There have been plenty of times when I've thought "I must blog that" only to be distracted by something. I guess I'll update on the pregnancy first. I've mentioned previously that I'd be given a couple of growth scans and I had them at 31 and 33 weeks. The first gave the baby a predicted weight at term of between 9 and 10lbs. The second gave a predicted weight of 7lbs. So basically they have no clue, but he probably won't be significantly larger than his brother. On that point there is no reason why the birth shouldn't be straightforward and avoid the need for a ventouse. I was tested 3 times for gestational diabetes and after the third negative result the midwife has finally given up on the idea that Michael's size was due to uncontrolled gestational diabetes. Only one issue remains with Baby O and that is that he is still lying transverse in the womb, He was transverse at the 20 week scan and has remained in that position almost constantly ever since. He's rapidly running out of room and needs to turn by the time I have my next midwife appointment in 2 weeks. A transverse baby can't be born naturally so if he doesn't turn there are only a couple of options. Firstly, a scheduled c-section. Scheduled because if I were to go into labour naturally there is a risk of the cord being compressed because the head is not blocking the birth canal. Secondly, a consultant could attempt to manually turn the baby (called a external cephalic version). This has a high success rate with transverse babies but is not without risk. In my case the risk is increased because the placenta is at the front. The doctors need to be on standy to perform an emergency c-section when this procedure is performed. Due to the risks, I doubt that I would agree to this if suggested. At the 31 week scan we got a good look at Baby O's face - he really is a beautiful baby. He was blinking, sticking his tongue out and waving his arms around. I've never had a scan so late on before so we were mesmerised (well, as Phil was trying to keep Michael from wrecking the place, he was mesmerised when he had a moment to look at the screen). We didn't get to see his face at the 33 week scan because he had his arms crossed over his face. No doubt fed up of being peered at - don't blame him!
Michael is doing very well. He is a book addict and expects to be read at least 10 stories a day. We have a pretty big selection and some of the Baby Einstein books have been a real success. He can recognise most letters of the alphabet and even read 'BBC' off a page I was reading. He knows the numbers 1 - 10 and can often point them out when he sees them. He's a happy little chap and rarely tantrums unless he is tired or we are trying to take a particularly fabulous new toy from him (like the phone receiver he ran off with yesterday and did something weird to). He has a good vocabulary now despite having a slow start. The most wonderful thing is that he is very loving and I am greeted in the morning with a big smile and he often blows me a kiss. It makes my heart melt and makes everything worthwhile. Even now, I find myself periodically peeking into his room when he sleeps to remind myself that he's real, and our little boy. I can't wait to find out what Baby O's personality will be like.
I've been trying to prepare Michael in a very simple fashion for the arrival of his little brother. It started with me saying:
Me: Michael, there is a baby in Mama's tummy.
Michael (hopefully): Book?
Me (somewhat deflated): No... baby...
I then bought the book "There's a House Inside My Mummy" which attempts to explain the subject to toddlers. He loves the book but I'm not sure what impact it has had. I always end the story by saying that Baby O is in Mama's tummy, and by putting his hand on my tummy. I put his hand on my tummy when Baby O is moving around too. He was quite startled on the last occasion and gave the area a vague stroke before wandering off in search of his juice cup. Basically, I think he's completely clueless but at least I can say I've tried. I was only a few months older than him when my sister was born and I still remember the resentment I felt when I was forced to wait for attention whilst my mum attended to her. Both my mum and dad are younger siblings and I don't think they could really appreciate what it feels like to be the oldest. Phil is the youngest in his family so between us we should be able to empathise with our children in this respect.
I'm trying to think if there is any other news to relay. I don't know if I mentioned that Phil was promoted to Technical Support Manager back in April? We're all very proud of him. I've told him not to turn into a corporate drone ;-)
I think that will do for now because I need to go and get Michael some lunch. I'll try to post more regularly from now on.
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