An update - what has been going on...

[stellar_muddle]

I have been rather sporadic in the postings lately, so to give a bit of an update (and for a bit more of a blog feel rather than terse Facebook postings)...
For those not following Facebook...
I am 13 weeks pregnant. 12 week scan was last week and the ultrasound was all good.

Things appear to have calmed down now, in that in contrast to the previous ~6 weeks, this past week has not been filled with nausea and a complete and utter lack of energy. Hurrah !!! That timed awfully well with presenting at a conference in Adelaide last week. It had not combined well with things like DA and friends wedding last month... Hence some projects ended up being far less advanced than their initial intentions.

I may start calling for suggestions later re specific recommendations eg for (cloth) nappies (sources/make your own?) etc, but for now:

What links/books do people recommend?
So far I have been looking at*:
Conception, Pregnancy and Birth by Miriam Stoppard
and various websites, including giggling at the fruit size comparison - apparently we are now at "peach".

There have been others hit on by random searching.

I have had "Oh Baby" by Kathy Fray recommended as an NZ take on things.

Any other suggestions?

* Cause I always get annoyed at people who ask for blanket info without indicating they have made some effort to find some of their own first...

Comments

[mmy-me.livejournal.com]

totally agree with Aaron about the washing. You won't have known washing until you have kids.

Also agree with Lancrewitch - trust your gut. Take lots of advice, smile and thank, and then go with what you think is right. Nobody will know your baby like you do. That's not to say that people with experience can't help you recognize the unknowns at times. Don't be afraid to ask - when I had to change my first nappy I had to ask the nurses which way was front! Beat putting it on backward though!

Your life will never be the same. Be prepared! You will change too. This can be very disconcerting to others.

If you need a dryer, we have a 5kg one going which does a full laundry load if you take out the delicates. Yes, that was on purpose. :-)

Also good point about the car. The car breaking down takes on epic connotations when you have a baby in the back seat.

Totally go with the Plunket carseat to start with, but then invest in something that will last right through.

Finally: it's not that hard. Be pragmatic, all your plans and principles will go out the window the moment you clap eyes on the little guy. Accept that things are going to be chaotic, and random, and not fit in any of the standard 'types' you read about in book, and enjoy the ride. It's amazing, and great, and funny and tragic all at once: you can't beat it for thrills.

Finally: give up all expectation of personal space. You won't have any anymore. The baby will be in your bubble at all and any time. Also, during your pregnancy and post-birth random people may prod you in places you've only been prodded by intimate invitation before - you will have little dignity at times.