Well what a Bank Holiday it has been.

Dom and I are having mixed emotions as the birth of Megan gets nearer. From excitement to fear. We have tried very hard to be positive but as the birth gets nearer and nearer we both find ourselves worrying that little more. Only we didn't want to tell each other this for fear of putting more pressure and stress on the other partner. But in the end I could not hide it and I broke down. Turns out he has been thinking the same thoughts - (my family's history of giving birth does not have the greatest record).

S0 we decided as we hadn't been to Portsmouth to see my family in awhile, that we would go down on Saturday morning. Both of us said that this wasn't because of our fears of something happening to me, but deep down I felt it played a part. My friend Shukwai had been staying with us for a few days so it was also a chance to drop her home. We went to my parents fish and chip shop where we had the best fish and chips I had ever eaten. After a few hours we headed to my Nan's flat on Hayling Island. It was good to see her. She hasn't been well of late but I think we raised her spirits. At about 5pm, we left and went to my sister and her family, which is only round the corner. After about half an hour I needed the loo. And that's when the bomb shell dropped!

There was bright red blood in the pan. I started to shake and hyperventilate. I called my sister to get Dom to get my hospital notes from the car. She shook and hyperventilated more than me!! I called my local labour ward who told me to go to the hospital immediately. I explained that I was an hour and a half away so I had to go to the local St Mary's. Now, ironically, only a few minutes before, I had been saying to my sister that if there were any problems I would drive right passed that hospital to get to my own one because I had heard such bad things about it. Luckily she had put me right and said that she had been in the best hands.

Me waiting to see a midwife....was this the start of labour?

So we went to St Mary's and I was taken to the Labour Ward and put in a room. I was thoroughly examined by wonderful midwifes, but I was still passing blood. I had to wait for the Doctor who was stll in surgery, and in that 3 hours I heard 3 women giving birth. When I finally saw the Doctor she gave me my first internal examination. I bled more and so they wanted a second opinion. The Registrar came in and did a scan to look at where the placenta was lying. All was okay but I was to stay in over night and have regular checks made.

They prepared me for emergency surgery just in case. This was the most painful thing I felt throughout my stay!

Come the early hours I had stopped bleeding. The baby's heart beat was strong and she was moving well. I was fine too. They said that I would have to see a Doctor in the morning before I could be released but they couldn't say when, because it was a Sunday AND a Bank Holiday and there is only one doctor on. Turns out she was in surgery. God, by now I was thoroughly bored! I just wanted to be home. At the same time I was geared to having the baby here, in my home town, in the same hospital that I had been born, my mum had been born, my sister and her children too.

The doctor came around at midday, to tell me the bad news that she would like me to stay in until this evening just incase I bled more. 6pm to be exact. But come 5pm I said to my midwife I had to go!!! They did a few final checks and then I was released! I just had to take it easy.

Poor Dom was so bored but supportive. I sent him to my parents at Sunday lunch time to watch the Grand Prix. Well there was no point in two of us being bored!

We went down to the beach and had an ice-cream. I had to be by the sea one more time before I went home. We got home safely, although I was getting lots of braxton hicks. I just needed to be near my own hospital with all my own stuff. A bath was in order and a change of clothes.

I am fine now. And still no sign of Megan popping out! Shukwai is coming to stay with me again for a few days so I have company. We are going out tonight all being well, as it is her birthday. Hey, maybe Megan will be born on the same day....there is still time!

All I can do now is wait!

As from tomorrow I will be 38 weeks pregnant. As of this last week Megan is regarded as safe for delivery. There are five weeks now when she can be born safely. I feel she will be with us within the next week.... there are so many signs! Because of this, Dom got a little panicked and realised that we had to sort the nursery out ASAP in case she does arrive soon. So a few hours of DIY and the room is complete. Shelves are up, cot assembled and changing table ready to take dirty bums!

(As Megan hasn't arrived just yet, Dom has had to improvise a changing nappy demonstration using Grommit the dog!)

I have been very lucky with the people around me of late. I have started making friends at my ante-natal swimming classes and at the usual,boring antenatal classes. My neighbours have been gems too, particularly Bernice, who has four boys of her own. She customised the Ikea drawers below, by painting them with Winnie the Pooh icons, and in each drawer there was a gift! She is the kindest person and sometimes I feel she is used by other people in the neighbourhood because she is too good to say 'No' to them.

So this could be my last post before Megan arrives. Who knows? I will keep you posted.

Our last weekend away for awhile

Looking after guests in my late stage of pregnancy was quite tiring and so I decided that Dom and I were to go away for the weekend for one last relaxing time before Megan arrived. He said he would surprise me but that night he couldn't contain his excitement and I couldn't wait til the weekend.

Lacock Abbey

So we went to Lacock Abbey, where the BBC drama adaptation of Pride and Prejudice was filmed - you know, the bit where gorgeous Darcy is coming out of the lake.....anyway it was absolutely beautiful. As was the village. Unfortunately, Camilla's daughter had decided to get married here on the same day and so the police were out checking for bombs etc. Finding somewhere to eat was a little difficult too because of all the press. Still, a kind landlord took pity on a pregnant lady and made up a table just for us!! Next thing I know there is a week old baby down by my side in a car seat - oh and wouldn't you know it, the next thing I find is the baby in my arms, while its daddy is offering sound advice to Dom!

Typical house in the village of Lacock

After visiting the Abbey we headed towards the hotel, but stopping at a few villages on the way. In a couple of years time, Dom and I would like to move more to the countryside offering a better way of life for us and Megan. There are some beautiful quaint little villages out there. The hotel was lovely and we walked along the forest trail around the golf course. In the evening we drove in to the lovely town of Cirencester but there was no place to eat. We held our breaths, deeply, and headed into Swindon!!

Now I have never been to Swindon before but had heard lots of interesting things about it......mainly that you want to avoid it if you can - concrete city full of chavs. The rumours turned out to be true!! We finally found a greek looking italian restaurant which was an experience in itself! Nothing ever seems to be straight forward with our outings which helps me to remember the experiences in the long term I guess!!

3 observations were made while in Swindon.....

1. It seems that every other girl there is on her Hen Night.
2. Most of the young women are over weight
3. Alot of Swindon people smoke......are they just bored?


The next day we headed home and spent the afternoon pottering and garderning. It was a lovely weekend and one I will appreciate very much and look back on with a smile. Cause when Megan arrives, that precious time will be even more precious to us.
Dom enjoying tremendously mowing the lawn.

Take care y'all.