2012: The Year That Was

2012 is almost over - and what an emotional year it was. To follow tradition, it's time to get busy re-capping, just like in years gone by: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011. That's a whole lot of years blogging!

1. What did you do in 2012 that you’d never done before? Went through IVF; Brought home a Golden Retriever puppy; Went through IVF {again}; Got our first ever BFP; Travelled to Thailand.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I did everything I could to become a mum - and I'm on my way. Next year will be even better, I can tell.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? No. Lots of pregnancies though!

4. Did anyone close to you die? No.

5. What countries did you visit? Thailand, for my brother-in-law's tropical destination wedding.

6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012? A healthy and happy baby!!!

7. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? January 12, when we moved into our brand new home; May 25, the day we brought our Spencer pup home; August 11, the day I saw the first, ridiculously faint, double line on a positive pregnancy test; September 4, seeing our jellybean with its heart flickering away at the 7 week ultrasound; November 5, finding out that Baby Jag was a GIRL!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? I went through several rounds of IVF, and learned to be brave - self injections, pessaries, booster shots, blood draws - I would have done anything to become a mum & I'm so proud that we managed to get through it & get so lucky.

9. What was your biggest failure? I let myself get disappointed by things out of my control.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? The usual colds - but I'm thankful to have had a pretty good year. :)

11. What was the best thing you bought? SPENCER PUP. Hands down. Love that little/big guy.

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration? My lovely, fantastic husband - he has stuck with me through the crazy hormones, disappointment, and complete and utter joy during our journey through infertility and early pregnancy. He's going to be the most amazing dad, and I'm so excited to be sharing this with him.

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed? Certain parents at school, and their children.

14. Where did most of your money go? Expenses for our new home, and our rounds of IVF. Well worth it.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? So much! Moving into our home with the kitties, adopting Spencer, seeing and feeling our little blob growing and changing inside of my belly.

16. What song will always remind you of 2012? Call Me Maybe, even though it drives me INSANE.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

(a) Happier or Sadder? Happier. Even though I never thought I would get to where we are today.

(b) Thinner or Fatter? Fatter. But finally in a GOOD way!!!

(c) Richer or Poorer? Poorer. But happier. :)

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? I wish I'd read more books - thankfully my Kindle is helping me out in that respect. Hopefully I'll get more books ready in 2013 - ha! Wishful thinking!

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Worry. Things worked out at their own pace, worrying didn't help.

20. How did you spend Christmas in 2012? We had an early Christmas dinner at our place, a Christmas Eve BBQ at my parents place, and then Christmas Day with the in-laws. Very busy this year.

21. Did you fall in love in 2012? I stayed in love -- with my husband!

22. How many one-night stands? Oh plenty... just me and my jiggly baby belly. :)

23. What was your favorite TV program? Game of Thrones, Homeland, American Horror Story, Grey's Anatomy, Once Upon a Time & Grimm. I watch a lot of TV.

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? No-one jumps out at me.

25. What was the best book you read? Call the Midwife & the Sevenwaters series.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery? Stuck with the classics, as always. I'm boring. :)

27. What did you want and get? Knocked up!

28. What did you want and not get? I can't think of anything I missed out on this year. Very blessed.

29. What was your favourite film of this year? Hrmmmmm. Magic Mike? (mwahahaha)

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 28 & spent it recovering from our second round of IVF - the one that was successful! Our wee baby was busy growing at that stage.

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? The parents at my school being more supportive - teaching as a profession is hard work, and teachers are so unappreciated.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012? Lots of elastic waist goodies!

33. What kept you sane? Hubby, BFF, the fur-babies.

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? No-one comes to mind.

35. What political issue stirred you the most? The gun crimes.. makes me so angry and so sad.

36. Who did you miss? I missed seeing a few friends who live inter-state.

37. Who was the best new person you met? I don't think I met anyone new this year? Other than some of the lovely ladies on my online 'due-in group' - but that's online preggo support only.

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012. Good things come to those who wait.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. “Other arms reach out to me, other eyes smile tenderly; Still in peaceful dreams I see, the road leads back to you."

40. What are your resolutions for 2013? I want to be kind to myself & be the best mum I can be to our little one when she arrives; I want to be always grateful for my amazing husband; I want to stay in touch with the people who are dear to me; I want to always count my blessings about how lucky I am.

Happy New Year, everyone! I'm so looking forward to 2013 - it's going to be amazing!!!! :)

23 weeks + 3 days

Today's blog post is coming straight from the comfort of my lounge, because I'm so sore and exhausted that I can't physically pry myself upright. It's been a busy few days! Christmas was great - we had an early dinner at our place for the family, and were spoiled with a BBQ for our outdoor area from my parents.

Baby girl also got a present this year from my brother/almost SIL - a lilac bumbo. Hubby and I weren't supposed to be exchanging gifts this year, since we didn't need anything and thought we'd save up for the little one instead - but he surprised me by buying (& assembling) the wooden cradle I've been eyeing off for a few weeks. He even hid the packaging and finished product in our spare room, so I was completely clueless. It was such a lovely surprise.

In other baby news, we started putting together some of our furniture over the holiday break. So far, we've only completed the changing table {seen here with the mat} - we started on the crib, but looks like we're missing a few pieces from the flat-pack box, so might have to exchange it for a new one. We still have a chest of drawers to assemble, too. I love the timber furniture. It's so pretty and simple, and any colour will match it nicely. This is good, since I am ABSOLUTELY CLUELESS about where to start with decorating this nursery!

Yesterday was Boxing Day here in Australia - but for some reason, a lot of the suburban stores stay closed on the public holiday. That meant that shopping bargains started today - and I had my eye on ONE thing I wanted this year. The car-seat we were looking at buying is normally $300, but they were marked down to $150 - half price! Since we could get 2-for-1, we decided we'd get two of them, one for each of our cars, so that we don't need to manually chop and change for the first four years of baby's life. I got up super early, and hit the stores at opening time, with my mum in tow. Luckily, we found two - and they're safely put away in the garage now, until closer to our due date when we'll have them professionally fitted.

Lots of little pieces are coming together slowly - so I'm getting there. It's starting to feel a lot more real now!

The Weekly Run-Down: 23

How Far Along: We just hit 23 weeks yesterday - MERRY CHRISTMAS YOU GUYS!
Size of baby: We are back to confusing measurements this week. Isn't a grapefruit smaller than a rockmelon or a papaya, or even a mango? Another website says as long as a bunch of spring onions.

Random & Interesting Developmental Stuff:  Here's this week's run-down:

Billions of brain cells will develop in your baby's brain over the next couple of weeks. These will control all of your baby's movements and sensory, and basic life functions like breathing. Also around this time, some major changes are happening with your baby's lungs. Surfactant is being produced, a substance that enables the air sacs to inflate and the lungs to fully expand. Right now he's still breathing amniotic fluid, but when he's born he'll be ready for air.

Total Weight Gain: I've gained over 1kg this past week - huge.

Sleep: It's been really hot at night, so I'm not really enjoying sleeping unless I have the fan blowing right on me.

Symptoms: More cramping this week, and a very itchy belly.

Cravings: Haven't craved much of anything, to be honest. Just your average holiday goodies.

Gender: IT'S STILL A GIRL!

Movement: I started worrying the other day, because I wasn't getting as much movement from her. She's still giving me the occasional good boot - but still very sporadically.

Maternity Clothes: Even more dresses.

Milestones: I finished work for the year - and for a good year at least! Hubby also felt baby move - twice.

What I'm looking forward to: Seeing family over Christmas, hiding out indoors from the heat, and hopefully getting to assemble our nursery furniture soon. Also - one more week until viability!!!

The belly: Lots of comments on it this week, especially from family and friends who hadn't seen me in a while.

\You can catch up on my weekly pregnancy updates {in reverse order} by clicking here. For bump shots - go here!

It's already Christmas morning in Australia - wishing you all happy holidays. Thanks for sharing this with me!

22 weeks + 4 days

Well folks, I am officially unemployed! This is the time {our Aussie summer break} that I'm normally off on holidays anyway - but the difference is, next year I won't be returning to teaching. I'll be preparing for our wee one's arrival. 

My teaching colleagues surprised me with a huge basket full of baby goodies - lots of nappies, wraps, onesies & toys to keep baby girl busy. I love practical pressies, so I'm totally thrilled with the effort they went to. So very lucky.

Our nursery furniture also arrived this week, in the form of flat pack boxes that need assembling. I'm really excited to put it together - but we're both so exhausted from work & holiday craziness, it'll have to wait a few more weeks!  

We always said we'd start thinking about doing up the nursery from January... and it's only just dawned on me that January is only a little while away. I can't wait to be in the new year & counting down the days.

The Weekly Run-Down: 22

How Far Along: 22 weeks + 2 days pregnant.

Size of baby: Baby is the length of a zucchini this week, or as heavy as a papaya. Mmmm. Payapa. Yum!

Random & Interesting Developmental Stuff:  Here's this week's run-down:

Your baby's previously see-through skin will now become opaque. However, it will remain wrinkly, red, and covered in vernix until more fat helps to fill it out. Also this week, he's fine-tuning his sense of touch (thanks to maturing brain cells and nerve endings). Your baby may experiment with these newfound skills by feeling his face or anything else he can get his hands on. This week, your baby's eyebrows start growing and hair will start sprouting on the scalp, but this varies -- your baby may grow a thick head of dark hair or he may enter the world bald.

Total Weight Gain: Still holding steady for now.

Sleep: Glad of it and doing well! Maybe this whole 'training myself to sleep on my side' thing is paying off?

Symptoms: I've been really crampy this week. Nothing painful, just tight. Itchy too. My feet are getting wider.

Cravings: Back on my egg & cheese wholewheat Subway rolls. Yummo.

Gender: IT'S STILL A GIRL!

Movement: She went crazy during the GTT on Monday, but has been mostly quiet since. I'm still waiting for some harder kicks and movement from the outside - mostly inside flutters and flips again this past week.

Maternity Clothes: Dresses, mostly.

Milestones: Surviving the glucose tolerance test - now to cross fingers and wait for the results.

What I'm looking forward to: Three more work days.... we're so close. I'm really looking forward to catching up with the family at Christmas time and relaxing out of this super hot weather. Huzzah, holidays!

The belly: It feels very hard this week. My boobs also feel massive!

You can catch up on my weekly pregnancy updates {in reverse order} by clicking here. For bump shots - go here!

22 weeks & a Glucose Tolerance Test

Huzzah for 22 weeks! I still love checking off these weeks, it makes me feel like we're actually getting somewhere.

This morning I went through my first Glucose Tolerance Test - the full one, not the screener. If you're wondering why I did it so early {as opposed to the usual 24-28 weeks} it's because my OB is being extra cautious about me developing Gestational Diabetes. Some, but not all, women with PCOS also have insulin resistance. I don't have it, but I've always been 'borderline' - hence being on Metformin for years & continuing it throughout this pregnancy.

Multiple blood tests have never been my cup of tea, but after IVF, they don't phase me as much anymore. I checked in {with the world's wimpiest urine sample - seriously, I have the most ridiculously shy bladder} and they checked for sugars - none there, so all good. They also took a fasting blood sample, and then explained the test to me.

The glucose drink wasn't too bad - it was clear, mostly tasteless & reminded me of flat lemonade. The nurse told me that it was usual to feel nauseous or sleepy after it, but I felt mostly ok - just bored. A few hours & vials of blood later, and it was all over. Eating after having fasted for 15+ hours was an incredible feeling.

I won't find out the results for a few weeks, due to the Christmas holidays - unless I test positive, in which case I'm assuming I'll hear sooner rather than later. I'm kind of expecting to fail it, but I suppose you never know...

I celebrated getting through the test without puking or keeling over, in the form of baby clothes shopping!

Oh, this girl, I am SO looking forward to meeting her & having her in my arms. If it means I have to self inject with insulin, or completely change my lifestyle to have her here healthy, I'll do all that and then some. :)

21 weeks + 4 days

When you're a teacher, the end of the year is the best time of the year. When you're a pregnant teacher, it's even better than normal! I'm completely shattered. My class of Year 1 kidlets have been great to teach, but they are exhausting - as have been some of the parents. I've never been happier to count down the weeks.

The usual Christmas-time gifts for teachers are chocolates, and lots of them. Now that is NEVER a problem (hello, sugary goodness!) but this year, my students & their families have spoiled me in the form of baby goodies.

There is nothing sweeter than watching the joy on their faces as I open their gifts. They're legitimately excited about this baby already, and we're only halfway there. I'll definitely be popping back for a visit so that they can share in our excitement once the baby is here and healthy, all going well.

Gifts are never expected, but they are most definitely appreciated. Today I received a batch of home-made onesies {stock store outfits, with hand sewn decorations} from one parent/child & a huge hamper of newborn goodies from another. It was the most beautiful gesture! One more week to go... I am so, so ready for the holiday break to begin.

Week 21 has been glorious and uneventful and I'm feeling fantastic. We're going to have a look at nursery furniture and prams/car seats soon - something I've put off, since I felt like it was too early. (Also, all those things are for an ACTUAL BABY.. sometimes I forget that that's the final outcome to this pregnancy. BABY. omg.) Wish us luck!

The Weekly Run-Down: 21

How Far Along: 21 weeks along. :)

Size of baby: Baby is the length of a carrot this week, or as heavy as a pomegranate. 

Random & Interesting Developmental Stuff:  Here's this week's run-down:

Part of your baby's growth spurt at this point is likely because his stomach is now equipped to start absorbing energy-boosting nutrients from the amniotic fluid he's swallowing in there. Most of your baby's nourishment is still coming directly from the placenta, though.

Total Weight Gain: As of last week, I'm up 4kg from my 10 week appt. I'm ok with that. :)

Sleep: Hubby is home and I'm doing much better in the sleep department. We've had a lot of 'jet lag/baby' naps, and I'm feeling more rested now. I'm so glad to have him back.

Symptoms: Lots of round ligament pain this week.

Cravings: Grilled cheese sandwiches and fruit juice.

Gender: IT'S STILL A GIRL!

Movement: Still very soft, but I feel movement at night and first thing in the morning. I love feeling her move.

Maternity Clothes: Maxi skirts and cardigans. Light ones, since it's hot hot hot.

Milestones: Confirming that baby looks healthy from the morphology scan. Very happy about that!

What I'm looking forward to: I'm really looking forward to work being over for the year. Two weeks to get through, and then the Christmas season after that. My favourite time of the year!

The belly: Feeling pretty stable in size this week.

You can catch up on my weekly pregnancy updates {in reverse order} by clicking here. For bump shots - go here!

20 weeks + 6 days

There is nothing nicer than seeing the word 'normal' on an ultrasound report, especially after scary ones. :)

We had our OB check-up a few days ago, and all is looking well. He went over the report he was sent from the 19-week morphology scan, and everything in it was pleasantly boring. Baby officially measured 1-day behind gestational age, which is perfect. On all of the rankings, she's average or slightly below average - which he seemed pleased with. I've never been happier to be considered 'normal'. High five, baby girl!

Baby's heartbeat was loud and clear, and he's happy that I've started feeling some soft movements - told me it's common not to feel much until this point onwards in first pregnancies. He's also happy with the 3-4kg weight gain since the beginning, and told me I was doing well and looked great. We don't have another appointment until the New Year, when I'll be 25+4 weeks along.

What we DO have to schedule before Christmas though, is an early Gestational Diabetes test. He mentioned early on in the pregnancy that he'd do mine earlier than most of his patients, due to my PCOS, borderline insulin and Metformin usage. I'm going to have to schedule that in my last week of work. The doctor didn't give me much information on it, but since it's the full 75g tolerance test, I'm assuming it's the 2-hour one? I will ring the clinic this week and ask them to confirm some details - whether I have to fast, if I have to book, blah blah blah.

I have always had trouble managing my sugars {hence being overweight for such a long time} and I'm expecting a positive result. I'm trying to research on the condition already, just in case. I guess we'll see what happens.

20 weeks + 3 days

Tired, joyful, tired, joyful.

We're into the second half of this pregnancy and I couldn't be happier about it. Baby is starting to move a little more, though only faintly and only noticeable when I'm calm and still. I use my doppler a lot less now, but it's still reassuring to hear her heart beating loud and strong every now and again. Work is tiring, though.

I'm obviously pregnant now, and the comments are starting. 'When are you due'? 'Wow, you've popped.' 'How far along are you?' I do feel quite large for the halfway point, but I'm not worried - I'm being healthy, I'm moving everyday, and I take it as a good sign that the baby is growing. If it means appreciating every jiggle and every stretch mark, consider it done. 

I had my first leg cramp a few nights ago - my whole left calf seized up when lying in bed and it was absolutely agonising. Nothing I did could shake it, stretching didn't work; it eventually let up on its own. But here we are, four days later, and my left calf is still rock hard and tender. Yowch! I've heard bananas can help, but I've had at least one a day for the past few months. I suppose it can't hurt to keep chowing down on them.

Unfortunately, we had some sad news this week too - my nanna {who is one hell of a lady} has found out her breast cancer has returned. She went through a mastectomy last year, as well as a high dose batch of radiation, and now... it's back. I'm gutted for her. Anyone who meets my nan falls in love with her, she's such a 'nice' person - a genuinely lovely lady. She's had some big decisions to make this week about what she's planning on doing with the cancer this time around, and has decided to have a second surgery early in the new year - talk about brave. Apparently she wants to fight her butt off, so that she can be here for my brother's wedding in March & our baby's arrival in April. There is nothing I want more in the world than for my daughter to meet her great-nanna. 

We have our 20+4 week OB visit tomorrow, which I'm hoping is mostly uneventful. Wish us luck! :)

The Weekly Run-Down: 20

How Far Along: 20 weeks pregnant!

Size of baby: Baby is a banana this week. Hee. Banana.

Random & Interesting Developmental Stuff:  Here's this week's run-down:

Your baby is as happy as a clam in your womb, as his well-developed limbs continue to explore by curling, flexing, and kicking. And as his hair, nails and eyebrows continue to sprout, your fetus is looking remarkably more and more like Mom and Dad every day.

Total Weight Gain: Still putting on, about a half a kilo this past week. I'll weigh in on Friday.

Sleep: I jinxed my good luck: I've had a shocking night's sleep {if any} these last few nights. :(

Symptoms: Stabbing pains in the boobal regions.

Cravings: Not much, actually. I'm thirsty a lot, though.

Gender: IT'S STILL A GIRL!

Movement: I've been playing music to the baby at night, and get lots of rolls and flutters when I do. 

Maternity Clothes: Still more dresses!

Milestones: 20 weeks, baby - halfway there. I'm so ridiculously giddy!

What I'm looking forward to: Hubby is home soon AND we have an OB visit coming up this week.

The belly: Large and in charge. :)

You can catch up on my weekly pregnancy updates {in reverse order} by clicking here. For bump shots - go here!

19 weeks + 5 days

It's super hot here in the 'burbs of Sydney this weekend {over 40 celcius today} and I am NOT enjoying the heat wave. Fittingly, it's also the first of December, so summer has officially begun. As much as I promised not to complain during this pregnancy... I can't make that promise when it comes to the heat. I run hot at the best of times, and now that I'm pregnant I'm feeling woozy the minute the temperature gets over 25 degrees!

In all honesty though, I really am enjoying being pregnant. I'm sleeping better at night, I'm feeling good and loving the bumpy tummy, and the good news at the ultrasound last week has reassured me that baby is doing well. I needed that. I'm happy. I'm content. I'm also luck in that I've felt good for a while now- other than the tiredness and the heat, I haven't been ill and I've been feeling really well. The folk at work always comment on how pregnancy seems to agree with me, and you know... as cheesy as it is, I kind of feel like it does too. Maybe it's because I've been waiting so long for this, that I'm determined to enjoy it? Or maybe I just have a rockstar baby on the way.

I'm so close to the halfway point that I can reach out and almost touch it. BRING ON TWENTY WEEKS.

Speaking of things that are close, I'm also looking forward to a particularly special date - baby hitting that magical 24-week viability age. Each new week of my pregnancy falls on a Monday, which makes it easy to keep up with my progress. As I was counting ahead over the holiday season, I realised that I hit 24-weeks on the last day of December, the last day of 2012. I can't think of a cooler date to get to that point in this pregnancy and to wrap up the year - the year of heartbreak and infertility and medical treatments, but also the year that brought us our little miracle. I just know that 2013 is going to bring us even more joy - it's the year that we're going to become parents!