Winter Melon

Dear Bump,

The countdown is on.

Though we thought you were making an early appearance over the Bank Holiday Weekend.

On Saturday night I was up with pains across my tummy and ribs with shortness of breath. 
It was one of the most scariest experiences of my life. 

I called the hospital at 6am to see what I should do and they wanted me in.

Notes packed, shoving what we could in a hospital bag at Nana and Papa P’s house, as we hadn’t packed one yet and we set off.

When we arrived I was hooked up to the monitor to make sure you were ok and they told me I was in early labour.
I looked at your incredible Dad (who I can't thank enough for how amazing he has been), as in all honesty I wasn’t sure I was ready, and he just smiled and said I love you we can do this.

Then it all turned upside down.

The contractions stopped but the pain in my ribs was getting worse.  

After blood tests and a lot of pain relief they explained that the ‘contractions’ were Braxton Hicks and they were very concerned that the pain in my ribs was due to my kidney.

Having been kept in Sunday night to be monitored, at 11:30am Bank Holiday Monday I was taken down for a scan to see what was happening.

It turns out that you are quite a big bundle and you are squashing the tube from my kidney to my bladder so I’m not draining my wee properly.

So the pain I’m in is due to a build up where my kidney can’t cope and function properly. 

The wonderful staff at Stoke Mandeville were just incredible and reassured me that everything will be alright. 
They have given me some antibiotics, pain relief and said if the pain continues to go straight back but at the moment the best thing to do is rest up. 

After a panic filled 31 hours the relief of being home was huge, but in a strange way we were both a little bit disappointed to not be bringing you with us.

The whole experience made it so clear how much we already love you and can’t wait to have you here.

Today I am 37 weeks, so you can now rock up and fingers crossed everything would be ok.

My tummy seems to be growing by the day, stretch marks unfortunately are making an appearance but I don’t really care.

Over the past few weeks tangerines have been the new craving of choice.

The strange thing is your Nana had exactly the same craving when she was pregnant with me.

So either you are a huge fan of the tangy juicy taste, or you are adding to, what we think will be, your orange locks.

Not long until we find out.

Three weeks to be exact…well…who knows after last weekend.

Either way do what is right for you.

Even though I am enormous and can’t even get out of bed without rolling like a turtle on it’s shell, it’s worth it to keep you safe.

Can’t believe how quickly this year has gone waiting for you to arrive.

The past nine months have all been in preparation for you, and we couldn’t be more excited…nervous…but excited to meet you.

Not long now bump.

Cauliflower

Dear Bump,

You are now the size of a Cauliflower according to the internet.
Though in my opinion and just from looking at me I would say you are more like the size of a giant pumpkin! 

The letters have been on stand by due to so many things changing in your parents lives. 

We have finally moved into our own little place, though it was stressful, it is also a huge relief. 
Your room looks amazing, it is full of neutral tones and woodland creatures. 
We can't wait for you to see it.
Which (quite crazily) isn't too far away now. 
If you arrive on your due date we will see you in only four more weeks time! 

Over the past few weeks you have given us a few scares which have resulted in tears and hospital visits.
The midwives have been incredible and put our minds at rest by reassuring us that all these 'little hiccups' are perfectly normal.
There is no such thing as a straight forward pregnancy, plus it also means I have some new snazzy stretchy bands that wrap around my ever growing bump...aka you.

Having your due date basically on our doorstep now is making your mum feel so uncomfortable. The waddle, the sleepless nights, and the constant need to graze is ever so real.
Not to mention the twisted pelvis which hasn't helped the situation, but hey it will all be worth it when we finally get to meet you.

If you can do me a huge favour though, can you stay out of my ribs.
It is beyond uncomfortable and there is nothing I can do to shift you. I can't imagine it being that comfortable for you either, so that would be amazing.

The count down is on Bump.
Keep growing (well not too much bigger otherwise I may develop my own gravitational pull).
Keep wiggling as it makes my tummy look funny.
And keep developing into the awesome little human you are.

Can't wait to meet you Cauliflower