Week Sixteen: Friday 25th April 2008

How about another belly photo…





I can’t help but take a double chin photo at the moment – it’s very frustrating. I am also certain our camera is adding another 5 kilos to my body, so realistically this isn’t an accurate portrayal of my current body shape – shame about that.

At the moment I am really starting to feel full and round – although I am still trying to work out if this is simply me letting everything hang out (with the combination of a chocolate or ten), or if this is really baby belly and all those calories are being absorbed by the effort required to form fingers and toes?

This week I have had a few twinges here and there in my tummy, in particular a strained muscle type feeling. As I am the type to imagine the worst, I rang my obstetrician to check in that I had nothing to be worried about. With my doctor on leave (hopefully for the last time this year), I was assured by the nurses that everything was just moving around and that I probably had a few ligaments making way for baby. Still no movements though – not so sure if I would even know it if it happened at this point.

This weekend I am off to shop for a baby shower present for my boss, Kristen. I am also throwing her a small version of a baby shower at work on Friday – will have to take some photos as I have been busy working out the menu and decorations, so it should be a bit of fun.

I will really miss Kristen while she is on maternity leave – she has been a great source of leadership and support, and I doubt I will have a Manager like her again. Kristen is due on the 15th of June, however as her baby is currently in a breech position, so she may have to undergo a caesarean – something she was hoping to avoid – and me to for that matter. Of course the most important thing is that the baby arrives safely, and while I may not have a choice, I am really looking forward to getting through the labour, and working my way through the experience for the first time. I guess it’s clear at this point that I am yet to be subjected to any of the following: real life birthing videos / horrible birthing stories / any real knowledge of what happens during labour through the baby books.

Think it’s time for some more chocolate…

Week Fifteen: Thursday 17th April 2008

Wow the weeks are starting to really fly by – can’t believe we are rounding the bend to the 4 month mark already. It’s been great getting the baby blog up and running, if only I could get my husband into gear. In typical male fashion he moaned about not having made a contribution, then proceeded to procrastinate and is yet to complete it.

This week has been a busy one at work, and apparently a busy one for my body too. Yesterday morning I woke up and literally felt as though my tummy had popped out over night. Does it really happen like that? My latest trick is doing up only the first two buttons on my shirts and then throwing a vest over the top to hide the fact the rest needs to be left undone to accommodate my tummy. I tell you it’s quite strange walking around the office with your trousers and shirt completely undone and covered only by some stretchy fabric.

On the weekend we caught up with Ash’s family for some lunch and the chance to coo over little Dylan. Following lunch we had a wander around the baby sections of Target and Big W, whereby we were spoiled by Ash’s Mum and Dad. We ended up with some key essentials (at the advice of Kym) to add to Mum’s boxes of goodies, as well as our baby bath and baby’s first Bunnykins set. And, ok so it might be a bit nuts taking photos of these things, but hey, all words and no pictures makes for a boring blog. As we walked around the stores, Ash carried Dylan in the baby bjorn, and was quite the picture. During the 30 minutes or so Ash carried Dylan, he was heard to crow “This pregnancy stuff is nothing, I could carry Dylan like this for 12 months and he weighs loads.” Not the smartest man in the world, I can guarantee Ash will live to regret that comment and will suffer at my hands when the swollen feet and sore back comes along.

Week Fourteen: Monday 7th April 2008

You know how all the books say that once you pass the first trimester, your symptoms magically disappear and you gain a new sense of energy – yeah, I’m not sure that is true. I am still exhausted, and come the weekend, when things slow down, all I want to do is nap…

Some exciting goings on this week and last with two of my favourite girlfriends. First of all, on Tuesday 25th March, Laura and Andrew Kellett welcomed the birth of their lovely son, William Anthony. Laura and I are friends from our Bunnings days together and we have kept in touch because of our love all things gym related and the fact we enjoy a good old gossip every time we catch up. Laura looked wonderful through out her pregnancy, and although I didn’t see her at the end, she was apparently working in her Mona Vale deli right up until the week before! Haven’t met the handsome little William yet, but I am really looking forward to it, and of course hearing the horror story, (if there is one) of the birth.

Ash and I also attended the wedding of Elysia and Craig on the 4th April. Elysia and I worked together first at NRMA and then at IPC. Ash and I had a fantastic time at the wedding, and Elysia looked absolutely stunning. I think Ash is really beginning to appreciate having a guaranteed designate driver every time we go out – particularly when drinks are on the house. Craig and Elysia seemed to enjoy their day; I don’t think Elysia stopped smiling the whole time. The two of them certainly headed off to a honeymoon in style, travelling around the US in a Mustang.



Ash and I leave for Sunday to Terrigal for a few days. Getting in some much needed rest before Ash starts his new job and things heat up at work for me when Kristen finishes up. Can’t wait to put my feet up….

Week Thirteen: Monday 31st March 2008

Well the news is really getting out there now (well at work anyway), and have started telling friends too. It is a very surreal experience to go through, starting to talk about this baby arriving. Until now it has really been a family secret, so to have people around the office calling me “Mum” and giving me pregnancy advice still seems a little strange.

My boss, Kristen is fantastic. Today she brought me in belly belts to help extend the life of my non-maternity pants, as well as a pair of maternity cords. It’s so lovely for someone to think of you that much. And I am really lucky to be surrounded by so many good people. Kristen was also the first person to give me a baby present – a very cute rattle and teddy set.

On the subject of presents, this weekend Mum gave me possibly the biggest preparation gift of all. Two huge tubs of everything you could ever want – baby wipes, nappies, bibs, dummies, bottles, a steriliser, a baby monitor, jumpsuits, singlets, cotton buds, baby powder, baby shampoo and conditioner, baby wash, change table mats, cot sheets, brushes, teddy bears, nappy tidies... Ok so you no doubt get the picture – and just in case you didn’t here is a happy snap.




The final surprise came in the form of a beautiful bunch of flowers I received from my gorgeous girlfriend Emma in the UK. Completely unexpected, and absolutely stunning, it was so lovely of Em to go to the trouble of sending them. Although she has been overseas for what seems like a short life time now, it’s been great to have her back occasionally to share in some of the big moments. In 2004, Em travelled back to be a bridesmaid at my wedding, Now, in October this year she will be flying back to meet the newest little Parmenter. I can’t wait to see her again, and am just so pleased she will be here for the first few weeks.

I thought this was a good week to start the baby bump photo collection. Not sure if week-by-week is too much – especially considering the way I take a photo! But I think I will aim for fortnightly, as it will be great to look back and see how the baby has grown.

This week we have another obstetrician appointment – not sure what will be measured / checked, it seems as though we were just there! This week we also booked in for our pre-pregnancy classes which don’t start until the 29th July, but are something I am looking forward to.

Week Twelve: Wednesday 26th March 2008

Anxiety, anxiety, anxiety calls, with the twelve week scan just hours away. I think I have done an excellent job of remaining calm over the last couple of weeks, and being busy at work has left me little time to contemplate. But now it is oh so close, my stomach has turned and I can barely think straight. Last night I started imagining the worst which I know I shouldn’t do, but at 4am in the morning, who’s to say what is reasonable.

Ash and I have had a lot to celebrate this past weekend, with him being offered the position of Marketing and Communications Manager at Parramatta Leagues. For Eels fans such as ourselves this is really a dream come true, although while I sit here planning just how close Ash can get me to Nathan Hindmarsh and Co, he is just so pleased to be leaving his current role. We celebrated on Thursday with dinner at our favourite Lebanese restaurant, and I couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. The great news is, he only needs to work three more weeks, as we have leave booked for a week in a month’s time, so he finishes up on an annual leave week!

Well somehow, I now need to drink 750ml and keep it in there for an hour before this scan, so that’s where my concentration is going. Will save some space for an update following this afternoon – fingers (and everything else) crossed…

Well, surely the most severe form of torture should be making a person fill their bladder to capacity and then watch them squirm. On the drive to the hospital, I was particularly cranky and just wishing the time away. But that was nothing compared to arriving right on time at half three and then being forced to wait another 20 minutes until they were ready for me. By this time I was pacing the tiny waiting room, positive that if they didn’t call me in the next 30 seconds, I was going to bathroom anyway! Of course as soon as I jumped up on the bed, the sonographer told me I was too full and needed to empty out!

Despite all the pain, the actual experience was amazing. Our baby really looked like a baby, and we saw arms, hands, legs, feet, the spine, and the heart beating away. It’s easy to forget what’s going on inside my belly until you see everything up on the ultrasound. Even then, it’s still a bit surreal. After a blood test following the scan, we were then given the news that the baby’s chances of being affected by a chromosomal abnormality are significantly small and are very little cause for concern. Now we can share our news wih everyone - hooray!

Week Eleven: Tuesday 18th March 2008

This week I write while sitting in the airport waiting lounge for my flight to Melbourne to board. Off for one night to complete some interviews for a State Manager. Right now I’m feeling very uncomfortable as I couldn’t help myself to a slice of apple and cinnamon bread so I wouldn’t be tempted by anything on the flight, and am now so full I don’t know whether to burst or be sick! Probably not the best position to get myself into, heading to a ninety minute flight.

Although travelling for work is not my idea of fun, happy to report that it has served as a welcome distraction to the 12 week scan looming over us next week. Up until now I have been feeling really confident that everything would be fine, but now the actual result is just around the corner, part of me is starting to prepare myself for bad news. Of course every indication to date has been really positive (and I have certainly had plenty of scans), however this time around there is an actual test to determine the “risk level” of something being wrong with our baby, and I’m just not sure I am ready for what our “risk level” might be.

A good distraction for Ash this week (and most of last) has been waiting to hear about a position he interviewed for with Parramatta Leagues. The process since the interview has been quite drawn out, and Ash is now having as much trouble sleeping as I am, mulling over whether he has got the job or not. Today they called to bring him in for a meeting on Thursday afternoon, but after they completed the reference checking last week, we are hoping this is just a formal meeting to offer him the role. Regardless I am sure the distraction has been a good thing, as we have had more to talk about for a change rather than how long it’s taking for the 12 weeks to roll around.

Apart from the sleeping difficulties, this week has been rather good. Definitely feeling bloated, and my stomach has been hanging out by the afternoon. In fact yesterday I went into a meeting with a hiring manager and I think they did a double take at the size of my belly. It will be so nice not to have to hide it anymore, but by the same token, not too pleased that I am starting to show so early – I mean Elwood is only 4cms long!

Ash and I bought a baby naming book this weekend, just because he had a discount voucher. Although I am not all that interested – I know the names I want: Harrision and Charlotte.

My flight is being called, best get moving…

Week Ten: Wednesday 12th March 2008

Wow, week 10 has arrived – finally in double digits – hooray! It’s comforting to know that in the next fortnight, we should receive (fingers crossed) a healthy scan result, which means the go-ahead to tell everyone our good news.

This week the symptoms have begun to ease, in particular the queasiness, although I am still quite tired. Also having a lot of trouble sleeping as I am so hot at night, and we don’t have a fan at the moment to cool things down. Once I am up for my regular 2pm pee, I have zero chance of falling back to sleep. I feel hot and bothered and have about a million things on my mind.

Also had another acupuncture appointment this week, which was good, because it’s almost like being able to talk to another pregnant woman. She is great at putting all my questions and fears to rest, and when I walk out of my session, I literally feel as though I am walking on air. At the moment I am seeing her weekly, but once this critical stage is over with, may change to fortnightly or even monthly. I vented to her this week about the mass of pimples which have invaded my forehead, and her interpretation was that this might indicate I am having a girl, as it is said the pimples come from having two sets of hormones floating around in your body.

This week, Ash and I are on baby-sitting duties with our very gorgeous nephew, Dylan. He is such a dream, we absolutely love him to bits. It seems as though he is growing so quickly. The last time we were over, we had him giggling at us, which was just the funniest thing ever. Dylan and his cousin to be will share a birthday in the same month, along with myself, Ash, and my sister-in-law Kym, not to mention my lovely girlfriend Daniela. So I’ve heard, Librans are the good looking, talented and wise star sign…

While talking about Dylan here, I must make mention of his wonderful mum, my sister-in-law Kym, who has been absolutely amazing during these first few difficult months. She has been so supportive, and willing to provide her advice, and I feel so much closer to her now, that we have been through her pregnancy and now mine together. I can just imagine what she, (and the rest of the world) will have to put up with once I get big and fat, so I am very grateful to have her around.

This week Ash was interviewed for a Marketing Manager role at Parramatta Leagues Club, and although he isn’t confident, I have all my fingers and toes crossed that he get’s it. There really couldn’t be a better fit for our family could there, than having Ash work at the club we worship? He won’t find out until the end of the week if he has been successful, so we will be on tenderhooks until then. The funny thing is, Ash said to me at the beginning of the year that he had two new years resolutions, one was to have a baby, and the other to get a new job. Let’s hope he is able to cross both off his list before the end of the month!

Week Nine: Tuesday 4th March 2008

Week nine was marked a little earlier than expected with the scan last Thursday. As it turns out, Elwood is growing very nicely thank you very much, and was almost a whole week ahead size-wise for it’s age. God help me if this is a big baby – Ash will want to be running for the hills. Measuring 1 inch at the moment, and with a heartbeat of 170 beats, everything is looking really good at the moment, and we are now in the over 95% category of bringing a healthy baby into the world.

It’s not hard to get carried get away and start wanting to share the news, particularly as there is a fair amount of news happening around work at the moment, but I guess we keep coming back to the fact, it just gets too hard to explain if things don’t work out.

About four weeks into the pregnancy, Mum made this outrageous prediction that I was having a girl. Kym too seems convinced that I am having all the Parmenter girls, and she the boys (as the tradition goes). So I decided to look into this in a little more detail and came across the ancient art of the Chinese Gender Chart…

Now while Ash believes this is total rubbish, who am I to knock the Ancient Chinese? Although not quite sure if Mum and Kym’s thinking is nearly as well thought out. Just to add fuel to the fire, I think it’s important to note, that I once saw a psychic who told me I would have two girls and then a boy. She said the first girl would have an avid interest in horses and be very creative but somewhat “head in the clouds.” Then she went on to say how overwhelmed and scared I would be with most first baby – what do bloody psychics know anyway?

We heard some very exciting news this week, with Margaret, Nick and Livinia Holt welcoming their little bundle of joy into the world, Elyssia Lauren on the 1st of March. Margaret is really the most amazing woman, having brought 9 pound Elyssia into the world with only the aid of gas. Very impressive, but sets a dangerous benchmark for the rest of us! Looking forward to catching up with Margaret and her beautiful girls during my maternity leave – yeah!!

Week Eight: Monday 25th February 2008

The nausea from this morning has definitely subsided, and I am hanging out for lunch! I honestly thought that this morning I would loose my breakfast, as I was standing in a group talking to people and all I could think was that I was about to be sick. Two pieces of toast and vegemite later, I was feeling much better, but I simply cannot continue eating like this. My waistline is definitely starting to expand, my pants are a little harder to do up, and I just can’t suck my stomach in so that it looks decent. All this, and Elwood isn’t even 2 cms yet! How am I going to get through the next month without it being obvious?

Had a great night on Saturday baby-sitting Dylan who is now almost four months. He is the most adorable and fun baby, and we had a great time trying to make him laugh. Although I have to say the whole day was quite exhausting, and I collapsed on the couch after a late dinner at about half ten. Ash was really hands on, he gave Dylan both feeds, as well as taking on bathing duties. I was really very impressed that he wanted to get in there and get involved. The most priceless event of the whole night was once we undressed Dylan for his bath, and he then did a big wee all down the front of Ash’s shirt – Ash was so grossed out he let out a big yell which then frightened Dylan so he started crying! All up, it was a lot of fun, and I can’t wait to do it again.

Dad saw the 6 week scan photo this Sunday and he was so excited – it was really lovely. It must be strange having so much information compared to when I was a baby. Mum has asked that I get two copies of this week’s scan so she can compare with her girlfriend at work, whose daughter is only a couple of days behind me with her pregnancy.

Week Seven: Monday 18th February 2008

Urgh, I feel like crap. Who was asking for symptoms??? I have to say, I am very lucky as I am yet to achieve throwing up status, however at the moment, I feel constantly queasy, and no matter what I put in my mouth, nothing makes it go away. The worst thing for me is, no food is appealing, I can’t think of anything that I would really love to eat. Ash dished up a lovely dinner last night of beef steaks and vegies, and I just picked around it, and forced myself to eat. Normally I love his dinners, especially when he makes sweet potatoes, but last night it was just blah.

I have also been getting a few headaches which haven’t been great. I am not one to normally get them, but when I am work, I notice at least one a day. Not too tired today, but boy was I yesterday, I must have had two naps, and then slept soundly from about 10pm to 5:30am.

Adding to all this, I have also been feeling pretty grumpy. Although I did have someone reverse their truck into me last week, so I feel as though some of my moodiness is justified. On the same day (Valentine’s Day), Ash sent me two dozen red roses from Roses Only. Quite a nice cheer up I must admit, and I probably didn’t show enough gratitude as I have been such a grinch.

Ash and I both had an urge to check out the baby shops this weekend, just to get a feel for the sorts of things we need to buy. But we managed to hold ourselves back. I think the eight week scan will do a lot to ease our minds, however at this stage, even 90% isn’t that reassuring. Plus it would be a bit weird walking around Baby Galore’s and being the only woman there without a huge belly sticking out.

Went back to a full gym session today and definitely feel a difference. I am not sure if it is because I am feeling more cautious, or all this baby growing is having an effect, but I definitely didn’t feel myself and couldn’t push through as much as I would have liked. I know I will feel a lot better about that once the class knows I am pregnant, but as this stage, I think they think I am just being lazy.

Showed Mum the pictures of Elwood on the weekend, I think they made her pretty excited. It will be great when we get a picture that actually looks like a baby in some shape or form, and not just a white blob. I had a quick flick ahead in the “Up the Duff” book, and once you hit about the 10 week mark, the embryo becomes a foetus and is starts growing out of control!

Week Five / Six: Wednesday 13th February 2008

Wow, I think it still feels like a dream, but it’s certainly for real – Elwood was just where he/she needed to be yesterday and was doing well. After the 90 minute wait to get in to see the Prof, I was practically climbing the walls and trying not to scream. After all, I was surrounded by dozens and dozens of very heavily pregnant women counting down the last days of their pregnancy. I told Ash that it felt like each one of them was looking at me with a look that said “you don’t look pregnant, what are you doing here?” Of course, completely mental, but I wasn’t in the best frame of mind.

Regardless, almost two hours after our scheduled appointment, Ash and I finally met with the Prof and he turned on the ultrasound machine. I thought I was in for an internal as that was what the nurse had suggested; however he decided to give the external one a try first. And there, almost instantly was little Elwood. We didn’t wait long at all for him to find him/her, but then had our socks blown off when he said, "And there’s the heart beating away". When he first turned up the volume and we heard the heartbeat, I started laughing, which then of course made if difficult to hear. When we listened again, I looked up at Ash and I think he was in a state of disbelief, it was like, is this really happening? Then we took a good look at our embryo, not that there was much to see. There was a big black hole, and then a small glob of white in the middle. However it didn’t really matter, so long as it was pulsating along with the little heart going a mile a minute. I think the read was 119 beats a minute, which is just crazy!

Once we were given our first photo of Elwood, Ash and I then followed the Prof into his room for a bit of a quick chat. I asked about exercise, and was given the ok to return to the gym, so long as I didn’t push myself too hard, and didn’t do anything that was considered a “jerky” movement. Pleased to know I can run and box though, as I think another 33.5 weeks of walking around the park would have done my head in.

After telling mum and texting Ash’s family, I had to have a little nap when I got home. And let it all sink in. Ash sat down to dinner with me and said “you have another heart beating inside you” – it was nice to hear him speak about Elwood, as I think he has been a little cautious about getting too excited. The good news is, the Prof said we now have a 90% chance of making it to full term, and when we return in two weeks for the 8 week scan, provided everything is ok then, our chances increase to 95%. I think that’s just incredible, and feel a lot better about the next six weeks of waiting.

Week Five / Six: Monday 11th February 2008

It’s amazing how much difference a week can make. After a visit to the acupuncturist this weekend, it turns out Elwood celebrates a birthday each Monday, rather than each Wednesday. So we are skipping Week 5 altogether and going straight to week 6 – even fast forwarding just a couple of days, is a fantastic feeling.

So tomorrow is quite a big day, Ash and I have an appointment with Professor Chapman for our six week scan. I have to say after a week of very little symptoms last week, I have begun noticing a few changes in the last couple of days. This weekend, I felt pretty tired, enjoying a number of naps during the day. And Ash has been going on about how moody I am, and while I admit I may have the occasional spray at him, overall it hasn’t been too bad – surely? Then today, I have been feeling a little nauseous, nothing bad at all, just a general “ick” feeling. The saos have been going down a dream today.

Anyway, back to the big event of the 6 week scan. Although I have praying for the day to arrive, it is quite scary to think about all the things that could go wrong… What if Elwood isn’t in the right place? What if he/she isn’t developing the right way? What if he/she isn’t there at all and these so-called symptoms are all in my head? I haven’t really prepared myself for the worst case scenario, as I don’t think I will be able to cope very well. Instead I am praying every night, and hoping that everything is fine, and will continue to be during the pregnancy. Fears aside, it will be absolutely amazing to see little Elwood for the first time since he/she was cell! By now there should definitely be some shape to the embryo, and I hope like mad the heart is beating away furiously. If all goes well, I think I will be floating out of the doctor’s office.

Caught up with some friends for dinner on Saturday night - Gen and Ed. Gen is due to give birth in May. I definitely had belly envy, as she looked remarkably well and hasn’t put on an inch of weight on except for around herwaist. Although I then heard about her morning sickness which lasted day and night from week seven to week twenty! Even the thought of loosing six kilos in the effort, isn’t enough for me to wish for 13 weeks of eating nothing but saos and vegemite and the reassurance of genuine symptoms!


Had an email from Daniela today who is doing well, but feeling really tired, can’t believe how quickly her time is flying by. She asked after me and how everything is going. I hate lying to her, but I know in the end it’s for the best. I guess after this week, the countdown will be on, and we can look forward to sharing the news.

Week Four: Monday 4th February 2008

It’s seems like a lifetime ago, however it has only been a week since I found out I was pregnant! It was last Wednesday, the 30th of January, when I received that amazing phone call from Georgina at St George IVF to tell me I had a positive result. My first reaction was to burst into tears, which of course made it a lot harder to talk, but as I has been preparing myself for a “no” verdict for at least a good 48 hours before the event, actually getting a “yes” was a little tough to take. And not that I would take back a minute of IVF (after all, look how lucky I was), but it was disappointing to have to tell Ash over the phone, rather than finding out together…

Finding a space to ring him where no one would hear at work, was a challenge, but when I did get him on the phone, I simply asked, “So, are you ready to be a father?” In his usual, laid back manner, Ash’s response was “Really?” He too had been prepared for a “no”, so the “yes” was quite a shock...

I guess the most disappointing thing is, that we have this amazing news, but as there is chance things won’t work out, we can’t tell anyone for another 8 weeks (well that might as well be a lifetime!) We told our immediate family of course, but the feeling wasn’t as exciting as I thought it would be. I mean, I thought that once the positive result came through, I would be giddy, rushing around overjoyed and smiling non-stop. But instead I find myself in constant worry about any pain I am having, or not having. It was just be nice if nature had some way of letting you know that everything was ok and to just relax.

Having caught up with friends a lot over the last week (both of whom were well and truly pregnant), I was dying to let them know that I too had joined the club. But as Ash constantly reminds me, it would be so much harder to turn around and tell everyone, there was no longer a baby there. I have told one friend, Judy as she had been on the whole IVF journey with me, and she has been great, giving me advice like staying away from bleach when cleaning! But in all honestly, speaking about the baby with her, or Tim and Kym, or Mum, makes me really nervous, almost like I am temping fate.

This week, I have decided to rest the body from Peter’s Boxing Class and walk with Ash instead. I am hoping this will help make life in there a little easier for “Elwood” and that way he/she will want to stay put. Ash came up with the name Elwood for our little embryo - now it's kind of stuck.

Week four ends tomorrow, and from there, it is only a week until our first scan. At six weeks there isn’t really going to be anything to see, but it will be comforting to know Elwood is hanging in there and in the right place. God knows I won’t be sleeping the night before that one, and I’m sure everything will be crossed as we wait in the waiting room. For now, it’s just a matter of praying – saying one section of the rosary a night, and trying to stay positive. There is definitely a part of me that wonders off for a while and dreams about getting big and fat, and preparing for the biggest day of my life!