This is our little boy! We had our 18 week scan, a couple of weeks ago, where we marvelled at all the amazing things he showed us; kicking his little arms and legs, making sucking motions with his mouth (or was he blowing us kisses?), picking his nose (truly... already such a boy!) and stretching back and putting his hands behind his head!
We got a beautiful 4D image of his face and a great shot of his (not so) little feet - each measuring 3cm long! Overall he is measuring 1 week ahead of dates, already on the bigger side. It was so beautiful to see him and very reassuring to know that he is growing and developing well.
Needless to say, like much of this pregnancy I was pretty anxious and nervous about the scan. ... And we did have to go back a second time, a few days later, to get all the images of his heart, because he kept moving and waving his arms around and they couldn't get any clear images. That was slightly stressful, with my overactive imagination playing tricks on me for those few days. But everything was perfectly fine and once again we came away with more lovely images and reassurances that all is well with our little one.
Baby continues to make his presence known, with lots of little kicks throughout the day and night. I love it! Being pregnant (despite the side effects like bleeding gums, insatiable thirst and over-emotional state. ie: propensity to cry about practically anything sentimental!) is truly a gift. Every day I feel so grateful.
This pregnancy is slightly different to my others, as I require a bit more monitoring this time due to complications after Elly's birth. In some ways, the additional scans provide extra reassurance, yet there is also additional anxiety too...
I must say, the support of caring friends has been very comforting. All the way from Canada, a dear friend sent me this beautiful card depicting one of the Dutch masters set against the backdrop of poetry;
I keep every card I am ever given, but I think I'll find a little frame for this one, and hang it in the baby's room. I really love it.
I have been so lucky to be surrounded by other thoughtful and caring mother's at Livvie's school. She goes to a Catholic primary school, and on hearing of my worries and concerns early on in this pregnancy, one of the Mums gave me a beautiful gift; a St Gerard Majella religious medal and prayer card;
For those who don't know, St Gerard Majella is considered to be the '
Mothers Saint', helping women conceive and expectant mothers to deliver healthy babies. Needless to say, I have been praying to him daily. I am definitely not here to push religion on anyone, but there is much to be said for the comfort and hope that a little prayer or quiet reflection can provide.
I thought I would share a particularly lovely prayer that can also be found on the website above, for anyone who might need it;
Prayer to St. Gerard.
Gentle and joyful St Gerard, friend to mothers everywhere, especially those expecting a child, please interceded for me to our loving God, to protect and nurture the child I carry. You so loved the Virgin Mary as mother of our savior. You had a special love for all women, praying for them whenever you would see one.
Be with me now as my baby grows within me. Take my fears about this journey and turn them into prayers of thanksgiving for the person I carry, whom I dearly love.
Guide me in these months of development to make good choices for my baby so I may welcome a new member of our family into the world when my child is born. As I pray for the grace to accept God's will in all things, please watch over me and my baby, that we may grow together in faith and hope. In your joy and love for the Risen Christ, please hear and answer me. Amen. St Gerard, special friend of Jesus and Mary, pray for me.
Yesterday, I went to the letter box and there was another beautiful surprise...
A little blue box...
with some little blue knitted booties;
So beautiful! So soft and sweet. I absolutely love babies booties. I have kept the girls' baby booties and these ones will be treasured too. Thank you, Maxine!
I didn't mean to get all emotional and sentimental (and religious!), but these are some of the little things that have been keeping me going the last few weeks. I am 21 weeks pregnant now and past the half-way mark. Nick couldn't contain his excitement and set up the cot after the last scan...
So now we're focussing on positive things, like setting up the baby's room! I've found the motivation to sew again and I am working on a quilt for the baby....
I couldn't resist those cute penguins. Or the octopus. And especially those whales!
The quilt won't be for the cot (obviously) but used more as a play mat / rug for the baby to lie on. This, and a few other little sewing projects, has been keeping me busy....
