Differences in pregnancy reaction

Being pregnant with number 3 I have to say I'm every bit as excited as with number 1. Sure there are some differences; no lie ins to recoup and not being able to fully focus on the being that is growing in me. But I'm looking forward to it just as much as number 1 or 2. The reaction however when you're pregnant really does change depending on your number. 

Number 1

Wow, the excitement! Everyone is really pleased for you and really excited. You're wrapped up in cotton wool and really taken care of by everyone. You get regular texts from people asking how are you and baby are and you're still treated as a person and not just a baby making machine. 

Number 2

If you do it close together like us (15 months) then you're met with varying reactions. Disbelief and shock often and most people will think you're mad. Strangers will let you know this too. I was so nervous before number 2 was born because the reaction was so negative and speaking to a friend recently who will have an 18 month gap she has experienced largely the same. It was the best thing we ever did, don't let people ruin it for you. 

Number 3

The perception is that it's easy. My body is used to it, the more you do something the easier it becomes? No! Ok for me this has been the easiest pregnancy but this is only because last time I was so sick. It was awful and I dreaded it happening this time to the point that I was put off having another but luckily it's turned out to be completely different to that. But it's just the same as number 1, I'm still anxious until I see the scans, I'm still excited when I hear the heartbeat or get a flutter in my belly but for others it's totally different. People forget to congratulate you. Not a person but people including several family members!! This isn't a rant against them at all just interesting how different it is. 

I sometimes get asked how I am but usually people ask about the kids first. Telling people I'm pregnant is usually met with an air of expectation and an expectation that this is me for the next 10 years, constantly pregnant. Believe me that is not happening! Not many people seem excited this time and not many people check how you are. And for being wrapped up in cotton wool? Forget it - you have to get on like usual and carry on being a human trampoline for the first two. 

The good thing between number 2&3 is that I don't get the same negative reaction. And I'm not nervous this time just excited. People usually say "you'll be busy" which really makes me laugh because life isn't quiet at the moment! I've also had a couple of compliments that I don't look old enough (hooray!!) and that my two must be very good because I don't look very stressed! I'll take those... Let's hope once number 3 comes I'll be looking the same. 

Things were always going to change between pregnancies but sometimes you don't realise how much. I'll be covering another post soon on how friendships change once you have kids, no matter how much you don't want them to change. But perhaps it changes when the bun enters the oven?! Or as each new seed is planted, your old life and how people treated you seems further and further away. I wouldn't change a thing though and I know how lucky I am to be in this position and not a day goes by that I'm not thankful for that. 

I would love to hear other peoples experiences about reactions to their pregnancies. Please let me know! 

Baby brain

Baby brain, does it really exist? Not sure I can answer that scientifically but it is my current go to excuse for my poor memory. But whether this is baby related or just due to being on the go all the time; 2 kids, full time work and pregnant it's a lot going on.

It might have its downsides but I'm trying to use these mishaps as an excuse to laugh at myself and share funny stories. The only problem is that I have to write them down as guess what? I forget them!!

I've mentioned previously things that I had forgotten: my daughters coat, laptop, lost mobile etc but I have more to add. One of the funniest is a recent bathtime with my son. Whilst he was in the bath I was wondering what these dark things were that kept appearing in the bath. I then realised that I hadn't taken his socks off! Poor boy having a bath with socks on. A downside and serious side effect was that I forgot his jabs. At this point I pointed out to my husband that perhaps child appointments shouldn't just be my remit. He agreed and luckily sorted the appointment and took him along, phew. 

Luckily most of the forgetful moments don't have consequences and I have people to remind me about things. For exams my friend who reminded me about the fact that we were going to see Peppa Pig on stage later that week. Oh dear - not of had I forgotten the date, I had forgotten all about the booking like it had been erased from my memory! After changing a midwife appointment and booking a days holiday from work we got there and I had a lovely day with my daughter. 

We got to Peppa Pig with a little bit of reminding from friends. 

I would love to know - is this just me? Or does anyone else have funny stories on baby brain to tell? 

10 things about being pregnant for the 3rd time

So as you can imagine each pregnancy is totally different. Different for both physical and psychological reasons and of course the general publics reaction. Here's my 10 observations about being pregnant for the third time. 

1. Some people really can't understand it. "But, why? You've already got a boy and a girl?" 

We have things in pink and blue so surely wouldn't want to add to this?!

2. You can't remember how many weeks pregnant you are, or what day it changes. This isn't exclusive to number 3 but this time I don't feel guilty about it. 

3. Daydreaming now consists of being slim and those gin drinking days that are ahead of me. 

4. Of course being slim usually means exercising but we won't worry at this point about how I will find time for that. Although I'm imagining I'll never sit on the sofa again so I'll burn millions of calories running in 3 directions?

5. Not many people talk about this pregnancy. Some people never even congratulate you (yes several people fall into this box). It's assumed that it's all been done twice before so you're a pro (I wish I was a pro, someone would be paying me!!) 

7. Those pregnancy aches and pains? Starting much earlier this time. Even dreaming about how sore my back is. 

8.  The third pregnancy will be much quicker. Two kids plus a full time job means it will go much faster... Surely.... Hopefully... Please....

9. Baby brain x3 is the worst. Whether it's the baby or the fact that life is generally busy I have no ability to retain information. 

10. Busy - this sums up life. Although when I tell people I'm pregnant and they reply that I "will be busy" I just look at them confused, it's not exactly like life is quiet at the moment with two! But busy plus baby brain means nothing gets done: "you must be on the countdown to maternity leave?" Erm, no. I haven't had the chance to think about it yet! 

But this time I also have experience on my side. Last time I worked until 38 weeks as I wanted time "at the other side" but this is my last maternity so will finish earlier and make the most of the "me" time and what spring cleaning I can get done in October / November.