Just a quick note to let you know that Hubby and I will be leaving to collect our things tomorrow, at long last. It's been much much longer than I thought this would all take, but I'm just so happy we're finally on the way to getting our things. Once we return to Hubby's Homeland, we can start sorting out our things, I can wear some different clothes, and we can round up all the baby things we have and work out what we still need to buy.
Fingers crossed everything will go well, and I hope to be back on Thursday
Saturday, 27 March 2010
Friday, 19 March 2010
4D Scan Success!
We have success!
Our beautiful baby was kicking around this week, however it seems he/she likes to play games, because despite being awake, it was reluctant to show us much of it's face. We did get these photos though:
It looks like we will have to wait until the birth to find out what he/she really looks like. But we did get to see him/her making licking motions, opening and closing his/her eyes and mouth, and even dancing at one point. I've added the video below, if you have the patience to watch it!
Our beautiful baby was kicking around this week, however it seems he/she likes to play games, because despite being awake, it was reluctant to show us much of it's face. We did get these photos though:
It looks like we will have to wait until the birth to find out what he/she really looks like. But we did get to see him/her making licking motions, opening and closing his/her eyes and mouth, and even dancing at one point. I've added the video below, if you have the patience to watch it!
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
Closer to Getting Our Things Back!
We've heard back about our van in France, and they've quoted us 2000 euros (£1810 or $2730) to have the reconditioned engine fitted. The quote is in addition to the £750 ($1130) the engine will cost to buy and ship to France. We can't find that kind of money, so our only option now is to have the van scrapped and drive up to France with another van to retrieve our belongings.
Unfortunately it's caused a lot of frustration, because Hubby has replaced an engine single-handedly in the past, and, if he has the right equipment, it can take him 6 hours start to finish. The quote they've given us was based on 18 hours' labour, which we know is a con, but unfortunately they hold all the cards. It's illegal to tow a broken down vehicle through Spain, so we can't tow it to Hubby's Homeland. There isn't really any other way to get it here.
So we're making plans to travel back to France now. We've been offered a van by a friend, so we're just ensuring all the paperwork is sorted before we make our move. Parts of Europe are quite strict, so if we get pulled over, and it's registered in someone else's name, we could be in for more problems if they think it's stolen. So once that's all sorted, we will be on our way again. I estimate it to take around 4 days round trip, and hope to be leaving sometime this weekend.
In other news, I feel absolutely massive this week:
I'm surprised how much I've grown over the past week, but I'm definitely feeling it. The stretchmarks are taking over, and the aches and pains are coming. Hubby now needs to help me up off the sofa, and since we're sleeping on a mattress on the floor (our bed frame is on the van), I may as well be mountain climbing to get up out of it to go to the toilet during the night! But amongst it all, it's a good feeling. The baby is kicking lots. It will randomly stretch out, and make my belly a weird shape, which Hubby still finds alien-like!
Unfortunately it's caused a lot of frustration, because Hubby has replaced an engine single-handedly in the past, and, if he has the right equipment, it can take him 6 hours start to finish. The quote they've given us was based on 18 hours' labour, which we know is a con, but unfortunately they hold all the cards. It's illegal to tow a broken down vehicle through Spain, so we can't tow it to Hubby's Homeland. There isn't really any other way to get it here.
So we're making plans to travel back to France now. We've been offered a van by a friend, so we're just ensuring all the paperwork is sorted before we make our move. Parts of Europe are quite strict, so if we get pulled over, and it's registered in someone else's name, we could be in for more problems if they think it's stolen. So once that's all sorted, we will be on our way again. I estimate it to take around 4 days round trip, and hope to be leaving sometime this weekend.
In other news, I feel absolutely massive this week:
I'm surprised how much I've grown over the past week, but I'm definitely feeling it. The stretchmarks are taking over, and the aches and pains are coming. Hubby now needs to help me up off the sofa, and since we're sleeping on a mattress on the floor (our bed frame is on the van), I may as well be mountain climbing to get up out of it to go to the toilet during the night! But amongst it all, it's a good feeling. The baby is kicking lots. It will randomly stretch out, and make my belly a weird shape, which Hubby still finds alien-like!
Thursday, 11 March 2010
4D Scan; Take Two
We went for our 4D scan today. It was originally booked for last Thursday (the doctor only visits the surgery once a week, on Thursdays), but when the doctor was sick, it had to be postponed to this Thursday. During our 21 week scan the baby was VERY lazy, and he/she was like that again! I drank half a litre of lemonade beforehand too - It's official; sugar does nothing to this baby! Unfortunately while we got to see the baby, there was a problem with the equipment and the DVD they gave us was blank, so I don't have any photos or videos. I called them and they have told us to go back next week Thursday (for round three), where they will repeat the scan and give a new DVD.
The baby currently weighs around 2kg (4.5lbs), has Hubby's nose, big beautiful eyes, lots of hair (which I assume will be blonde because we were both blonde as children), and was sleeping resting on his/her hands the entire time. He/she did wink and yawn, but that's about it. The doctor checked the heartbeat, the heart itself and brain and all appear healthy.
He took the measurements from the head (1 week behind), the abdomen (2 weeks ahead) and the femur (1 week ahead), and estimates a birth between 30th April and 5th May. Of course, the baby will come whenever it likes, so it doesn't necessarily mean anything. The doctor said he is 90% sure of the sex, but Hubby wouldn't let me find out... again. Go team yellow!
All Moved, But... Where Are Our Things?
I can't believe how long it's been since I last posted. I am still here; just. So much has happened, which I promise to update you on in the coming weeks. Life has been so busy with the move, but now I have more time to be able to post, so here goes. I will do it gradually...
I'm now 32 weeks pregnant. The time has gone so quickly already, so I dread to think how fast the last few weeks will go! I am now this big:
And I feel like if I get any bigger, I will explode. Looking at me, I still have plenty of space to grow, but the aches are coming thick and fast now, so I wonder what I will be feeling like in another 8 weeks! I have lots of stretchmarks, but luckily the majority are on the underside of my bump, so I am in blissful ignorance of their presence!
In regards to the move, I worked up until 12th February, and we spent the weekend packing our things. I kept out all the important things until the last minute, but Hubby decided to pack everything left in unmarked boxes, "boxes of crap" he called them, resulting in me losing my underwear, maternity clothes and toiletries.
Anyway, we officially moved out of our place on Monday 15th February, and moved in with my mum for the week while we tied up loose ends, met up with family etc. Hubby's parents came up to England to meet us and help share the load in their car. Hubby's mum is a retired midwife, and it was reassuring to have her on the journey with me; just in case something happened and I went into early labour.
We left England on 20th February, and made the journey to Homeland # 2 to see my grandmother, aunts and a few cousins, before continuing our journey through Europe and down to Hubby's Homeland. However we didn't get any further than Poitiers in France before the van broke down on us. We hadn't expected it, since we had taken it for a full service and had repairs done on it before leaving England, and everything seemed to be in working order. But now it seems the engine has gone. Completely.
The garage in France quoted us £5,000 for a new engine; a cost we couldn't afford. They then offered to scrap the van for us, but they couldn't do anything without the vehicle documentation; something we didn't have. The person we bought the van from was really lazy in submitting the form to the DVLA, and therefore we hadn't received copies of the documentation before we left England. Now we were in limbo. We promised to get the documents to them, but in the meantime we couldn't wait there in France, so we all crammed into Hubby's parents' car, and continued the journey to Hubby's Homeland with only the basics:
* Travel clothes (consisting of sweats and "Guinness" T-Shirts)
* Basic toiletries
* My medical notes
* Jewellery
* One laptop
To this day we are still surviving on these things alone. The van is still in France, but now we are debating whether to get a reconditioned engine sent from England to be fitted into the van, and for it to be given a new lease of life; or to scrap it as originally intended. The paperwork still hasn't reached us, but it is in the mail as we speak. We hope to receive it tomorrow.
People are asking why we don't just scrap it and be donw with it, and I can only tell them it's because of the costs. We would have to pay to hire a van to take us back up to France, transfer all our things over, possibly pay to have the old van scrapped, drive back to Hubby's Homeland (all the time paying toll roads and hotels), only to have to give the hired van back and buy another vehicle here. Vehicles here come with a minimum price tag of £3,000. You can't seem to get an old banger over here like you can in England. It's for that reason that we're now considering paying to have the van fixed, and then at least we still have a vehicle at the end of all this.
The choice is obviously a gamble, and we're still liaising with both the seller of a reconditioned engine in England, and the garage that has our van in France, as to what the best option will be. I will keep you posted.
But on to today; we are going for our 4D scan in less than 3 hours. I need to get some lemonade to wake up the baby...
I'll update you more the next time I post.
I'm now 32 weeks pregnant. The time has gone so quickly already, so I dread to think how fast the last few weeks will go! I am now this big:
And I feel like if I get any bigger, I will explode. Looking at me, I still have plenty of space to grow, but the aches are coming thick and fast now, so I wonder what I will be feeling like in another 8 weeks! I have lots of stretchmarks, but luckily the majority are on the underside of my bump, so I am in blissful ignorance of their presence!
In regards to the move, I worked up until 12th February, and we spent the weekend packing our things. I kept out all the important things until the last minute, but Hubby decided to pack everything left in unmarked boxes, "boxes of crap" he called them, resulting in me losing my underwear, maternity clothes and toiletries.
Anyway, we officially moved out of our place on Monday 15th February, and moved in with my mum for the week while we tied up loose ends, met up with family etc. Hubby's parents came up to England to meet us and help share the load in their car. Hubby's mum is a retired midwife, and it was reassuring to have her on the journey with me; just in case something happened and I went into early labour.
We left England on 20th February, and made the journey to Homeland # 2 to see my grandmother, aunts and a few cousins, before continuing our journey through Europe and down to Hubby's Homeland. However we didn't get any further than Poitiers in France before the van broke down on us. We hadn't expected it, since we had taken it for a full service and had repairs done on it before leaving England, and everything seemed to be in working order. But now it seems the engine has gone. Completely.
The garage in France quoted us £5,000 for a new engine; a cost we couldn't afford. They then offered to scrap the van for us, but they couldn't do anything without the vehicle documentation; something we didn't have. The person we bought the van from was really lazy in submitting the form to the DVLA, and therefore we hadn't received copies of the documentation before we left England. Now we were in limbo. We promised to get the documents to them, but in the meantime we couldn't wait there in France, so we all crammed into Hubby's parents' car, and continued the journey to Hubby's Homeland with only the basics:
* Travel clothes (consisting of sweats and "Guinness" T-Shirts)
* Basic toiletries
* My medical notes
* Jewellery
* One laptop
To this day we are still surviving on these things alone. The van is still in France, but now we are debating whether to get a reconditioned engine sent from England to be fitted into the van, and for it to be given a new lease of life; or to scrap it as originally intended. The paperwork still hasn't reached us, but it is in the mail as we speak. We hope to receive it tomorrow.
People are asking why we don't just scrap it and be donw with it, and I can only tell them it's because of the costs. We would have to pay to hire a van to take us back up to France, transfer all our things over, possibly pay to have the old van scrapped, drive back to Hubby's Homeland (all the time paying toll roads and hotels), only to have to give the hired van back and buy another vehicle here. Vehicles here come with a minimum price tag of £3,000. You can't seem to get an old banger over here like you can in England. It's for that reason that we're now considering paying to have the van fixed, and then at least we still have a vehicle at the end of all this.
The choice is obviously a gamble, and we're still liaising with both the seller of a reconditioned engine in England, and the garage that has our van in France, as to what the best option will be. I will keep you posted.
But on to today; we are going for our 4D scan in less than 3 hours. I need to get some lemonade to wake up the baby...
I'll update you more the next time I post.
Saturday, 23 January 2010
Latest Bump
Here's a shot of my 26 week bump:
After the advice of my midwife, I took off all my rings a couple of days ago, and yesterday I went out and bought a sterling silver band to wear instead. At least if I have to have it cut off because of my fingers swelling, then it's not my real wedding ring.
After the advice of my midwife, I took off all my rings a couple of days ago, and yesterday I went out and bought a sterling silver band to wear instead. At least if I have to have it cut off because of my fingers swelling, then it's not my real wedding ring.
Friday, 22 January 2010
100th Post, and...
100 days until our baby is due!
And I didn't even plan these milestones to coincide. Weird.
In other news, my mum reminded me that when we were kids, we used to fall asleep to Dire Straits.
My parents put it down to having heard it while we were in the womb. It turns out Hubby also loves Dire Straits, and they are the only band we can agree on. I thought therefore that it would be fitting to get the baby accustomed to their music sooner rather than later, and who knows, if it works, we may have a quiet baby on our hands.
Hah! I should be so lucky.
But as it turns out, the baby kicked up a storm last night when I put the CD into my laptop. So I've concluded that it either loves it, or was desperately trying to swim away. Answers on a postcard...
And I didn't even plan these milestones to coincide. Weird.
In other news, my mum reminded me that when we were kids, we used to fall asleep to Dire Straits.
My parents put it down to having heard it while we were in the womb. It turns out Hubby also loves Dire Straits, and they are the only band we can agree on. I thought therefore that it would be fitting to get the baby accustomed to their music sooner rather than later, and who knows, if it works, we may have a quiet baby on our hands.
Hah! I should be so lucky.
But as it turns out, the baby kicked up a storm last night when I put the CD into my laptop. So I've concluded that it either loves it, or was desperately trying to swim away. Answers on a postcard...
Thursday, 21 January 2010
I Love Naughty Things
You heard it; I love naughty things - especially Juicy Lucy stationery:
You can see the full selection (of naughty ones, obviously) here.
Now I just need to figure out which one to give Hubby for Valentine's Day...
You can see the full selection (of naughty ones, obviously) here.
Now I just need to figure out which one to give Hubby for Valentine's Day...
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
In One Month Today...
We will be leaving the UK and moving abroad to start a new life in Hubby's Homeland. One month! I'm anxious, I'm scared... if I'm honest I don't really want to go, but I'm an adult and I'm about to be a parent. I have to get used to doing things I don't want to do.
Anyway, ignore me. I'm sure things will work out well in the end.
I've been back in the UK for 4 days already, but only just had an opportunity to update you all. The trip to Hubby's Homeland went well. We didn't manage to sort out all we had hoped, but we got the basics sorted.
First of all, it was great to see the in-laws. We hadn't seen them since the wedding in July, so we had a lot to catch up on, and I had a belly to show them. Hubby's Homeland is a place where everyone knows everyone, and good news travels fast, so it seems that wherever we went, someone was congratulating us.
The situation with the house is still not settled, but I don't think it will be for a while. We've probably got a temporary base in the one-bed flat, but it's so tiny it really isn't practical for 2 people with a baby. I think I measured the bedroom at 3m x 3.5m; it will fit a double bed if you have nothing else in the room. For that reason, we would need to swap the bedroom over with the lounge, which is slightly bigger, so we could get the cot into the room, and have a really small lounge. It will be okay for a few months, but certainly nothing long-term.
After that, we have the possiblity of Hubby's grandmother's house, which is a 2 bedroom flat near the town centre; but she would be living there too. That's not such a big problem until the baby needs its own room. Oh, and she doesn't speak English. And I only speak English.
Cue major awkwardness.
That's the only thing I'm worried about, but I know that it's the most likely eventuality, so I need to get used to the idea. Trouble is, while we would be buying the house from her, and paying the mortgage, I would feel like it wasn't our place, and would feel like I feel when I live with the in-laws - like I can't be myself. It's not ideal in that respect, so I'm not totally happy, but it's a house, and it's the baby that matters.
Hubby's Homeland is also a very hard place to get a house, so I am grateful we've been offered something. We know a couple who applied for housing when they got engaged. They've had 2 weddings, a long TTC journey, and their baby is now 5 months old, and they are still waiting for a house of their own. So I can't complain.
I've asked Hubby if we can stay in the tiny flat for at least a month after the baby's born. While it will be tight, I think it's important that we have time together as a family unit, without other relatives around. I know Hubby's grandmother would be really helpful to have around, but in the first month I will probably be going out of my mind with stress and exhaustion, so it's the worst time to have people around that you can't say goodbye to at the end of the day.
If we have a month alone with the baby, we can at least get to grips with being parents before thinking about living with someone else. I don't want her to have to walk around on eggshells for fear of upsetting me, and most of all, I don't want to unleash my hormones on her when she's only trying to help. I don't know if I'm explaining myself properly...
Hubby's heard of a few job opportunities. The one he's holding out for still haven't got around to releasing their applications yet, so he can't apply until February. We don't like that it's so uncertain, but it's a good opportunity, and because of Hubby's experience, he's very employable, so I'm sure he'll find something. The recession hasn't affected Hubby's Homeland, so there are no job shortages there, which makes things that little bit easier.
Hubby's mum took me to see her old colleagues in the maternity department of the hospital, and arranged for me to have a look around the ward etc. She also got me in with the community midwife who took a look at my notes and took my blood so she can get me processed before we move back over in February. I'm glad we went over this week, because when we go back in February, I will be thrown straight into appointments and checkups, so I won't miss out on anything.
They've already booked me in with a specialist to discuss the heart condition my grandmother has, which they ignored in England. I'm glad they're looking into it. They've also booked me in for what they call "parent craft", which I think is where they coach you through the labour process. I also have a dentist appointment booked (which I'm not especially excited about) and my 4D scan booked for the first week in April! I can't wait for that one!
On the return flight I got fantastic treatment! The lady at the check-in desk noticed I was pregnant and gave us priority boarding, which meant we got to sit right at the front with extra legroom. And we had great luck with our luggage; the second we got to the luggage belt, our bags were there for the taking. And they say Easyjet is crap; I beg to differ!
And on the baby front, it's spent the week kicking up a storm, but now I'm back at work I'm hardly feeling anything. It's moved now though, because up until 24 weeks, I only ever felt kicks up to the level of my belly button, but now I feel them just under my ribs. It's moved so much in a week, and the kicks are harder now.
I had my first bout of heartburn on Monday. This is going to be too much information, but throughout my life I've had those moments when you have a little sick come up, but then you have a swig of a drink, and it's gone. I thought that was heartburn.
Nope; heartburn is worse.
I went to see the midwife for my 25 week appointment yesterday, and she seems happy with how everything's going. She advised me to start counting the baby's movements, and if I have below 10 per day, I should get it checked out. She also advised me to take off my rings in the next few weeks. I was deliberating yesterday, and I've taken them off for good now. My jewellery isn't insured, and there's no way I'm having them cut off me!
Anyway, ignore me. I'm sure things will work out well in the end.
I've been back in the UK for 4 days already, but only just had an opportunity to update you all. The trip to Hubby's Homeland went well. We didn't manage to sort out all we had hoped, but we got the basics sorted.
First of all, it was great to see the in-laws. We hadn't seen them since the wedding in July, so we had a lot to catch up on, and I had a belly to show them. Hubby's Homeland is a place where everyone knows everyone, and good news travels fast, so it seems that wherever we went, someone was congratulating us.
The situation with the house is still not settled, but I don't think it will be for a while. We've probably got a temporary base in the one-bed flat, but it's so tiny it really isn't practical for 2 people with a baby. I think I measured the bedroom at 3m x 3.5m; it will fit a double bed if you have nothing else in the room. For that reason, we would need to swap the bedroom over with the lounge, which is slightly bigger, so we could get the cot into the room, and have a really small lounge. It will be okay for a few months, but certainly nothing long-term.
After that, we have the possiblity of Hubby's grandmother's house, which is a 2 bedroom flat near the town centre; but she would be living there too. That's not such a big problem until the baby needs its own room. Oh, and she doesn't speak English. And I only speak English.
Cue major awkwardness.
That's the only thing I'm worried about, but I know that it's the most likely eventuality, so I need to get used to the idea. Trouble is, while we would be buying the house from her, and paying the mortgage, I would feel like it wasn't our place, and would feel like I feel when I live with the in-laws - like I can't be myself. It's not ideal in that respect, so I'm not totally happy, but it's a house, and it's the baby that matters.
Hubby's Homeland is also a very hard place to get a house, so I am grateful we've been offered something. We know a couple who applied for housing when they got engaged. They've had 2 weddings, a long TTC journey, and their baby is now 5 months old, and they are still waiting for a house of their own. So I can't complain.
I've asked Hubby if we can stay in the tiny flat for at least a month after the baby's born. While it will be tight, I think it's important that we have time together as a family unit, without other relatives around. I know Hubby's grandmother would be really helpful to have around, but in the first month I will probably be going out of my mind with stress and exhaustion, so it's the worst time to have people around that you can't say goodbye to at the end of the day.
If we have a month alone with the baby, we can at least get to grips with being parents before thinking about living with someone else. I don't want her to have to walk around on eggshells for fear of upsetting me, and most of all, I don't want to unleash my hormones on her when she's only trying to help. I don't know if I'm explaining myself properly...
Hubby's heard of a few job opportunities. The one he's holding out for still haven't got around to releasing their applications yet, so he can't apply until February. We don't like that it's so uncertain, but it's a good opportunity, and because of Hubby's experience, he's very employable, so I'm sure he'll find something. The recession hasn't affected Hubby's Homeland, so there are no job shortages there, which makes things that little bit easier.
Hubby's mum took me to see her old colleagues in the maternity department of the hospital, and arranged for me to have a look around the ward etc. She also got me in with the community midwife who took a look at my notes and took my blood so she can get me processed before we move back over in February. I'm glad we went over this week, because when we go back in February, I will be thrown straight into appointments and checkups, so I won't miss out on anything.
They've already booked me in with a specialist to discuss the heart condition my grandmother has, which they ignored in England. I'm glad they're looking into it. They've also booked me in for what they call "parent craft", which I think is where they coach you through the labour process. I also have a dentist appointment booked (which I'm not especially excited about) and my 4D scan booked for the first week in April! I can't wait for that one!
On the return flight I got fantastic treatment! The lady at the check-in desk noticed I was pregnant and gave us priority boarding, which meant we got to sit right at the front with extra legroom. And we had great luck with our luggage; the second we got to the luggage belt, our bags were there for the taking. And they say Easyjet is crap; I beg to differ!
And on the baby front, it's spent the week kicking up a storm, but now I'm back at work I'm hardly feeling anything. It's moved now though, because up until 24 weeks, I only ever felt kicks up to the level of my belly button, but now I feel them just under my ribs. It's moved so much in a week, and the kicks are harder now.
I had my first bout of heartburn on Monday. This is going to be too much information, but throughout my life I've had those moments when you have a little sick come up, but then you have a swig of a drink, and it's gone. I thought that was heartburn.
Nope; heartburn is worse.
I went to see the midwife for my 25 week appointment yesterday, and she seems happy with how everything's going. She advised me to start counting the baby's movements, and if I have below 10 per day, I should get it checked out. She also advised me to take off my rings in the next few weeks. I was deliberating yesterday, and I've taken them off for good now. My jewellery isn't insured, and there's no way I'm having them cut off me!
Saturday, 9 January 2010
Baby Update
Since the Christmas period got away with me, it occurred to me that I haven't updated anyone about the baby since our 21 week scan. As you know, the baby was kicking since I was 19 weeks and 6 days, but since then the baby has been visibly kicking in my belly. If I time it just right, I can see my belly moving with the baby, which is a very weird experience.
Since the 21 week scan, I have realised I'm actually glad we didn't ask the baby's gender. While I was going crazy with curiosity at the time, the moment has passed and I'm actually quite looking forward to the birth, because that's the first time I will know whether we have a son or daughter.
One New Year's Day we hit the sales; not for the usual things (clothes etc), but for the baby's buggy. We have been shopping around over the last couple of months, and finally found this one in Toys R Us. And even better, it was in the sale, costing £150 ($240). It's the Graco Excursion travel system, in black and champagne. The buggy comes with a car seat, which can be attached to the buggy for when the baby is small, and a footmuff for the colder days (not that we will be having many of them in Hubby's Homeland).
This is the basic buggy, with footmuff:
The car seat:
And the car seat attached to the buggy (I couldn't find any photos of it online, so you have to bear with me while I show you my skanky flat!):
I turn 24 weeks tomorrow, which is an important stage in any pregnancy, because it marks the point where, should the worst happen and I go into early labour, doctors will do everything in their power to help the baby. In a way it's a weight off my mind, because although the chances of survival are still low, at least you can be sure that every possible effort will be made for the baby. This is also the last point a loss is classed as a miscarriage, and from now on it would be classed as a still birth. I believe this means the baby would have the birth recorded.
I won't be online until 16th January now, as we're off to Hubby's Homeland to sort out a few things before the big move in February. We're hoping to get Hubby's job prospects more secured, meet with the midwives at the hospital, book a few birthing classes, inform healthcare etc that we are moving back (because I need to have medical support as soon as we arrive), and sort out where we will be living. It's going to be a busy week, but it will be good to get it all sorted.
Since the 21 week scan, I have realised I'm actually glad we didn't ask the baby's gender. While I was going crazy with curiosity at the time, the moment has passed and I'm actually quite looking forward to the birth, because that's the first time I will know whether we have a son or daughter.
One New Year's Day we hit the sales; not for the usual things (clothes etc), but for the baby's buggy. We have been shopping around over the last couple of months, and finally found this one in Toys R Us. And even better, it was in the sale, costing £150 ($240). It's the Graco Excursion travel system, in black and champagne. The buggy comes with a car seat, which can be attached to the buggy for when the baby is small, and a footmuff for the colder days (not that we will be having many of them in Hubby's Homeland).
This is the basic buggy, with footmuff:
The car seat:
And the car seat attached to the buggy (I couldn't find any photos of it online, so you have to bear with me while I show you my skanky flat!):
I turn 24 weeks tomorrow, which is an important stage in any pregnancy, because it marks the point where, should the worst happen and I go into early labour, doctors will do everything in their power to help the baby. In a way it's a weight off my mind, because although the chances of survival are still low, at least you can be sure that every possible effort will be made for the baby. This is also the last point a loss is classed as a miscarriage, and from now on it would be classed as a still birth. I believe this means the baby would have the birth recorded.
I won't be online until 16th January now, as we're off to Hubby's Homeland to sort out a few things before the big move in February. We're hoping to get Hubby's job prospects more secured, meet with the midwives at the hospital, book a few birthing classes, inform healthcare etc that we are moving back (because I need to have medical support as soon as we arrive), and sort out where we will be living. It's going to be a busy week, but it will be good to get it all sorted.
Friday, 8 January 2010
White Britain
Don't get me wrong; I absolutely love the snow. I love the snow so much that when it comes, I dance around my living room hoping it will settle. Well, settle it did, all over the UK! I didn't know that at the time, and was just chuffed when they mentioned my town on every news channel. You see, Scotland is normally badly affected by snow, but here in the south it's rare we have any more than a light dusting. Alas, here we are surrounded by the white stuff.
They say that due to the low temperatures we are experiencing (last night it was -21c in Scotland), it could last another 3 weeks, which is causing chaos across the country. I'm normally pretty happy with a few days off work, but the trouble is, I can't enjoy it, because every time I venture out it seems my bum is magnetised to the ground, and all I want to do is skid around. That's fun, but not when you're five months pregnant, and hospitals are at full capacity.
But back to Wednesday - I woke up to a beautiful white covering of snow, 6 inches deep in our area. I spent about an hour trying to find warm clothes (that I could fit over my ever-expanding belly) and coaxing Hubby out of bed. It was time to find some breakfast. After breakfast we took a walk around the lake, where I took these photos:
This morning, two days later, I saw this on the news:
I heard our county was the worst affected area in the entire of the UK, but it's now apparent that snow has got everywhere. Through sheer guilt for not having worked in two days, I trudged to the train station this morning and made it into work, and it was a mammoth task. Taking 90 minutes and almost slipping about 10 times, I reached the office and breathed a sigh of relief. Just got to get home again this afternoon, and then I can relax for another day.
The big challenge comes on Sunday morning, when Hubby and I have to travel London-bound to catch our plane to Hubby's Homeland. Our flight leaves early on Sunday morning, when a second round of heavy snow has been predicted. I just hope the flight is still running, because I've heard it's a sunny 22c at our destination. If we can just get there...
Worried much? Haha, cross your crossables for me!
They say that due to the low temperatures we are experiencing (last night it was -21c in Scotland), it could last another 3 weeks, which is causing chaos across the country. I'm normally pretty happy with a few days off work, but the trouble is, I can't enjoy it, because every time I venture out it seems my bum is magnetised to the ground, and all I want to do is skid around. That's fun, but not when you're five months pregnant, and hospitals are at full capacity.
But back to Wednesday - I woke up to a beautiful white covering of snow, 6 inches deep in our area. I spent about an hour trying to find warm clothes (that I could fit over my ever-expanding belly) and coaxing Hubby out of bed. It was time to find some breakfast. After breakfast we took a walk around the lake, where I took these photos:
This morning, two days later, I saw this on the news:
I heard our county was the worst affected area in the entire of the UK, but it's now apparent that snow has got everywhere. Through sheer guilt for not having worked in two days, I trudged to the train station this morning and made it into work, and it was a mammoth task. Taking 90 minutes and almost slipping about 10 times, I reached the office and breathed a sigh of relief. Just got to get home again this afternoon, and then I can relax for another day.
The big challenge comes on Sunday morning, when Hubby and I have to travel London-bound to catch our plane to Hubby's Homeland. Our flight leaves early on Sunday morning, when a second round of heavy snow has been predicted. I just hope the flight is still running, because I've heard it's a sunny 22c at our destination. If we can just get there...
Worried much? Haha, cross your crossables for me!
Thursday, 24 December 2009
Merry Christmas!
This is possibly my last opportunity to get online before the festivities start, so I wanted to wish you all a wonderful Christmas. I will probably be back between now and the New Year, but in case you're not; have a wonferful New Year as well. I hope you have everything you wish for and family and friends all around you.See you in 2010!
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
Our Lazy Baby
I had my 21 week scan on Monday, and we were so excited to be able to see the baby again. Since we had agreed not to find out the sex, we didn't ask (even though I wanted to).
The sonographer took measurements of the baby's bones etc, but because he/she was lying face down, she couldn't get to the heart or face to check them. She ended up jabbing my belly a fair bit, but the baby didn't respond - lazy baby!
In the end I had to get up, jump up and down and shake my belly, poor thing. But it worked. When I lay back on the table the baby was wriggling around, head up. She looked at the heart and the face, and all looks well. The baby is measuring well for 21 weeks; no "whopper" baby for me! The baby even yawned a few minutes later; a result of all the poking I'm thinking... I realise that this might not be big news for you, but at the moment, everything the baby does is beyond amazing to me.
They're only supposed to give us three photos in total, and she gave us three identical photos of the profile, but accidentally slipped the others in my notes so I took them home. I think they're supposed to keep them for their files. Oops. I've taken advantage and scanned them all, and will let my midwife know I have them when I see her in January. But for now...
Baby's Profile:
Baby's Hand:
Baby's Foot:
Annoyingly, as Hubby was driving me back to work, he said "I want to know the sex". I could have killed him at that moment, because I've been telling him for weeks that I want to know, but he always said he didn't, and so we didn't ask. Now we have to wait until the birth, which is still okay, but I'm not the most patient of people.
He did say that he now thinks it's a girl, because he "didn't see nuts or a willy". I replied saying she didn't go down there during the scan, and he said she did. He said that means we have to find a "really good girl's name"... haven't we been trying to do that all along?
We'll see; perhaps Hubby is right about it being a girl...
The sonographer took measurements of the baby's bones etc, but because he/she was lying face down, she couldn't get to the heart or face to check them. She ended up jabbing my belly a fair bit, but the baby didn't respond - lazy baby!
In the end I had to get up, jump up and down and shake my belly, poor thing. But it worked. When I lay back on the table the baby was wriggling around, head up. She looked at the heart and the face, and all looks well. The baby is measuring well for 21 weeks; no "whopper" baby for me! The baby even yawned a few minutes later; a result of all the poking I'm thinking... I realise that this might not be big news for you, but at the moment, everything the baby does is beyond amazing to me.
They're only supposed to give us three photos in total, and she gave us three identical photos of the profile, but accidentally slipped the others in my notes so I took them home. I think they're supposed to keep them for their files. Oops. I've taken advantage and scanned them all, and will let my midwife know I have them when I see her in January. But for now...
Baby's Profile:
Baby's Hand:
Baby's Foot:
Annoyingly, as Hubby was driving me back to work, he said "I want to know the sex". I could have killed him at that moment, because I've been telling him for weeks that I want to know, but he always said he didn't, and so we didn't ask. Now we have to wait until the birth, which is still okay, but I'm not the most patient of people.
He did say that he now thinks it's a girl, because he "didn't see nuts or a willy". I replied saying she didn't go down there during the scan, and he said she did. He said that means we have to find a "really good girl's name"... haven't we been trying to do that all along?
We'll see; perhaps Hubby is right about it being a girl...
Sunday, 20 December 2009
Gone Too Soon
Too many celebrities are passing before their time. First there was Brad Renfro, then less than a week later it was Heath Ledger, and now it's Brittany Murphy.
Brittany was one of my favourite actresses, and I was truly saddened when I heard of her death this evening. The death of Michael Jackson was sad, and unexpected, but he had lived a decent life. At 32 you don't expect your life to be so dramatically cut short.
I loved the films she was in, from Clueless to Just Married. She was quirky, funny, beautiful and talented. And I don't just mean her acting abilites, but her voice too. She hadn't even accomplished all she could have. I don't often quote celebrities, but in the words of Ashton Kutcher, the world has lost "a little piece of sunshine."
Friday, 18 December 2009
Wintery Week
As I logged into my Blogger account this afternoon I thought, “I’ll check in and see what’s going on, but I don’t think I have anything interesting to post about”. But as I was reading my favourite blogs, it suddenly occurred to me that I’ve had one crazy busy week. How did I forget that?
So I’ll take you through, starting from Monday (you’ll have to bear with me here)…
MONDAY 14th DECEMBER: The baby decided to play games with me and reverted back to flutters on Sunday and Monday. I may have been disappointed, but I have only had one flutter through the entire pregnancy, so being able to experience them throughout an entire day was great. However, this baby doesn’t seem to “flutter” like most babies. I got none of those feelings of butterflies or a feather on the inside of my belly, but just crazy vibrations instead. Like someone’s setting off a Bumble Ball in my belly…
It was interesting trying to find a picture of that on Google (using the phrase “vibrating ball toy”), I can tell you!
TUESDAY 15th DECEMBER: Tuesday was a great day, if you ignore the obstacles… Getting ready for work was pretty average, but as I got to work, Hubby texted me to tell me our boiler was stone cold. Here in the UK we’re in the middle of a cold snap, and it seems the house was already losing heat. I got on the phone to our letting agent and asked them to arrange a gas man to visit.
He explained to me that everyone was on a training course, and there was nobody around to help. He didn’t even offer to call the gas man himself. I called back in the afternoon, but nobody was answering.
But back to the good stuff… We had our work Christmas meal. As ever, we weren’t very productive in the morning, and headed out at 1pm to the restaurant across the street (the perks of working in the city centre). I treated myself to a glass of Champagne, and savoured the red pepper soup, squash and mushroom risotto and apple tart, before opening our Secret Santa presents.
It seems my powers of telepathy worked, since I got a massive bar of Toblerone (possibly the naughtiest chocolate in the world). Since we’re moving abroad, we’ve cancelled gifting this year amongst family. Anything we’re given we would have to find additional space for in the van, or end up parting with it within a matter of months. I was in two minds about my Secret Santa present, but I’m thrilled someone spotted my chocolate craving, because I have no doubt it will be gone by Christmas!
Granted, it wasn’t that big, since our budget was £5 ($8), but you get the idea. Besides, I don’t think you’d come out looking as slim as her after you’d polished off that bar!
When the meal was over we headed to the pub. Unfortunately the turnout wasn’t great, but it was a good laugh. Being pregnant, I was the sober one in the group, but my colleague made the most of it by getting completely sloshed and asking if I could walk her home at the end of the night. We only live about 200 metres apart, so it wasn’t a big deal. In fact it was actually quite funny as I directed her down the street, having to stop occasionally to let her write obscenities on people’s windscreens.
I’m not going to tell you what she wrote, but she was pretty embarrassed the next morning!
After I got home, I put my feet up (this is becoming a regular pattern, which is why I have stopped inviting people round to see our scummy home). Our house was now barely 14C (57F), and nothing had been done to fix our boiler. I covered myself in all the winter wear I could find that fit me, and covered each leg with a hot water bottle, since I’m not allowed to put them on my belly because of the risk of cooking the baby.
It was about 11pm when I felt the baby kicking again. I sat back, pressed my hand to my belly, and the baby kicked back on it! I never expected to feel it against my hand so soon after feeling the first kicks, and now I was suitably impressed by my little one’s abilities to throw two milestones into a period of four days. I was now aching for Hubby to get home and hoping the baby would put on a show for him too, but I felt nothing more for the rest of the night… or for the following day in fact.
WEDNESDAY 16th DECEMBER: We spent the night sleeping in 10C (50F), and I took it upon myself to go and kick some ass in person at the letting agent’s office. Turning up at 9am I have them a piece of my mind, flashing my puffed-out belly (because you have to exaggerate these things, don’t you) and showing them that I was “six months pregnant”. They offered no form of apology, and said I was 4th in line to have an engineer sent out. Apparently you don’t get any special treatment for being pregnant.
I spent all day hounding them on the phone, and eventually told them I’d booked my own engineer and would be charging them. Within the hour they called me back to say they were sending a rep to the house to “assess the problem”. When he turned up, Hubby realised he was simply one of the guys from the office, who proceeded to tap the boiler a few times and conclude “yeah, it’s not working, is it.”
Genius.
He then laughed and said off-hand to Hubby, “so your wife’s pregnant, is she?” I love Hubby for what he did then; he just gestured to our scan photos, which are tacked onto the fridge and simply replied, “yeah, she is actually.”
Serves him right for not believing me.
Miraculously, an engineer was with us within four hours, and our home was toasty once more. Good thing really, because I don’t think I could have managed another night in the cold.
FRIDAY 18th DECEMBER: I woke up this morning to a fine blanket of snow. How’s that for getting in the festive spirit. They say it could last until Christmas, and it would be our first white Christmas since the 1970s. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for more snow tonight, because Hubby and I both have a day off tomorrow, which means we can go outside and make snow angels!
So I’ll take you through, starting from Monday (you’ll have to bear with me here)…
MONDAY 14th DECEMBER: The baby decided to play games with me and reverted back to flutters on Sunday and Monday. I may have been disappointed, but I have only had one flutter through the entire pregnancy, so being able to experience them throughout an entire day was great. However, this baby doesn’t seem to “flutter” like most babies. I got none of those feelings of butterflies or a feather on the inside of my belly, but just crazy vibrations instead. Like someone’s setting off a Bumble Ball in my belly…
It was interesting trying to find a picture of that on Google (using the phrase “vibrating ball toy”), I can tell you!
TUESDAY 15th DECEMBER: Tuesday was a great day, if you ignore the obstacles… Getting ready for work was pretty average, but as I got to work, Hubby texted me to tell me our boiler was stone cold. Here in the UK we’re in the middle of a cold snap, and it seems the house was already losing heat. I got on the phone to our letting agent and asked them to arrange a gas man to visit.
He explained to me that everyone was on a training course, and there was nobody around to help. He didn’t even offer to call the gas man himself. I called back in the afternoon, but nobody was answering.
But back to the good stuff… We had our work Christmas meal. As ever, we weren’t very productive in the morning, and headed out at 1pm to the restaurant across the street (the perks of working in the city centre). I treated myself to a glass of Champagne, and savoured the red pepper soup, squash and mushroom risotto and apple tart, before opening our Secret Santa presents.
It seems my powers of telepathy worked, since I got a massive bar of Toblerone (possibly the naughtiest chocolate in the world). Since we’re moving abroad, we’ve cancelled gifting this year amongst family. Anything we’re given we would have to find additional space for in the van, or end up parting with it within a matter of months. I was in two minds about my Secret Santa present, but I’m thrilled someone spotted my chocolate craving, because I have no doubt it will be gone by Christmas!
Granted, it wasn’t that big, since our budget was £5 ($8), but you get the idea. Besides, I don’t think you’d come out looking as slim as her after you’d polished off that bar!
When the meal was over we headed to the pub. Unfortunately the turnout wasn’t great, but it was a good laugh. Being pregnant, I was the sober one in the group, but my colleague made the most of it by getting completely sloshed and asking if I could walk her home at the end of the night. We only live about 200 metres apart, so it wasn’t a big deal. In fact it was actually quite funny as I directed her down the street, having to stop occasionally to let her write obscenities on people’s windscreens.
I’m not going to tell you what she wrote, but she was pretty embarrassed the next morning!
After I got home, I put my feet up (this is becoming a regular pattern, which is why I have stopped inviting people round to see our scummy home). Our house was now barely 14C (57F), and nothing had been done to fix our boiler. I covered myself in all the winter wear I could find that fit me, and covered each leg with a hot water bottle, since I’m not allowed to put them on my belly because of the risk of cooking the baby.
It was about 11pm when I felt the baby kicking again. I sat back, pressed my hand to my belly, and the baby kicked back on it! I never expected to feel it against my hand so soon after feeling the first kicks, and now I was suitably impressed by my little one’s abilities to throw two milestones into a period of four days. I was now aching for Hubby to get home and hoping the baby would put on a show for him too, but I felt nothing more for the rest of the night… or for the following day in fact.
WEDNESDAY 16th DECEMBER: We spent the night sleeping in 10C (50F), and I took it upon myself to go and kick some ass in person at the letting agent’s office. Turning up at 9am I have them a piece of my mind, flashing my puffed-out belly (because you have to exaggerate these things, don’t you) and showing them that I was “six months pregnant”. They offered no form of apology, and said I was 4th in line to have an engineer sent out. Apparently you don’t get any special treatment for being pregnant.
I spent all day hounding them on the phone, and eventually told them I’d booked my own engineer and would be charging them. Within the hour they called me back to say they were sending a rep to the house to “assess the problem”. When he turned up, Hubby realised he was simply one of the guys from the office, who proceeded to tap the boiler a few times and conclude “yeah, it’s not working, is it.”
Genius.
He then laughed and said off-hand to Hubby, “so your wife’s pregnant, is she?” I love Hubby for what he did then; he just gestured to our scan photos, which are tacked onto the fridge and simply replied, “yeah, she is actually.”
Serves him right for not believing me.
Miraculously, an engineer was with us within four hours, and our home was toasty once more. Good thing really, because I don’t think I could have managed another night in the cold.
FRIDAY 18th DECEMBER: I woke up this morning to a fine blanket of snow. How’s that for getting in the festive spirit. They say it could last until Christmas, and it would be our first white Christmas since the 1970s. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for more snow tonight, because Hubby and I both have a day off tomorrow, which means we can go outside and make snow angels!
Sunday, 13 December 2009
The Halfway Point
Baby and I have officially reached the halfway mark: 20 weeks!
People warned me the pregnancy would go quickly, but I never believed them. I don't know if it's the run-up to Christmas, but right now time is passing in the blink of an eye. The baby will be here before I know it! Here is my latest belly pic:
I seem to have ballooned in the past couple of weeks, but I'm loving every second. I had to go through all my clothes and pack away the ones I can't fit into anymore. I've packed away a bin bag full already, and only have a small pile of pregnant clothes I can wear, haha!
Anyway, to mark the halfway point, I thought I'd post a collection of my belly pics to date:
But even more exciting than reaching this milestone, I felt the baby kicking last night!! You probably know I've been really impatient about feeling kicks, because aside from feeling what I think was a flutter at 15+4, I have felt nothing. But last night, I felt something. Like a little hand knocking away in my lower belly. I was so thrilled.
The feeling came and went within a second or two, but there it was ten minutes later, and again about an hour later. I tried pressing my belly to see if I could feel anything, but the movements stopped. I haven't felt anything since, and I guess it will be another couple of weeks before I can feel it with my hand. But for now, I'm happy just knowing the baby's doing well.
People warned me the pregnancy would go quickly, but I never believed them. I don't know if it's the run-up to Christmas, but right now time is passing in the blink of an eye. The baby will be here before I know it! Here is my latest belly pic:
I seem to have ballooned in the past couple of weeks, but I'm loving every second. I had to go through all my clothes and pack away the ones I can't fit into anymore. I've packed away a bin bag full already, and only have a small pile of pregnant clothes I can wear, haha!
Anyway, to mark the halfway point, I thought I'd post a collection of my belly pics to date:
But even more exciting than reaching this milestone, I felt the baby kicking last night!! You probably know I've been really impatient about feeling kicks, because aside from feeling what I think was a flutter at 15+4, I have felt nothing. But last night, I felt something. Like a little hand knocking away in my lower belly. I was so thrilled.
The feeling came and went within a second or two, but there it was ten minutes later, and again about an hour later. I tried pressing my belly to see if I could feel anything, but the movements stopped. I haven't felt anything since, and I guess it will be another couple of weeks before I can feel it with my hand. But for now, I'm happy just knowing the baby's doing well.
Thursday, 10 December 2009
I Don't Write to Santa Claus; HE Writes to ME!
Yep, you read it right! I received a letter from Santa Claus! I don't know what I did to deserve this, but I must have been a very good girl this year!
Smug much?
The letter came through with this stamped on it:
Needless to say it's turned me into an impatient child. Tee hee, I'm so excited; I want to open it now!
Smug much?
The letter came through with this stamped on it:
Needless to say it's turned me into an impatient child. Tee hee, I'm so excited; I want to open it now!
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
It's Official
We're moving. 
Of course it was official months ago, but now it's really official. I typed the letter we have to submit to terminate our tenancy, and I sent it off this morning. In two months we will be leaving our flat forever.
Our last official day in the flat will be Saturday 13th February 2010. Since we're paid up until midnight, and the letting agent closes at 5pm, they cannot take the keys from us on that day, so we are handing them back on Monday 15th February. It means we get a whole extra day to move out... and I think we're going to need it. Even after we get all our stuff out we have to lay down a new carpet (I'll go into that another time, but it's a great story!)
We're a step closer to the whole process though; Hubby bough himself a van. I won't hold out for your gasps of excitement, because quite frankly, I don't find buying a dodgy van off Ebay exciting at all.
It's a good thing Hubby does.
We ended up "winning" (I still don't know how you win anything from Ebay, when you've clearly promised to pay for it) a red Volkswagen Transporter for £1,200. That's about $1,950 for all my friends across the pond. It looks (I'm told) something like this:
I have a feeling it's going to be a little more dingey and much less shiny than this one, but you get the idea. Apparently the owner tried to revamp it into a Volkswagen Camper-type vehicle, but not very well, so it has a little table and cooker in the back, which we will be ripping out in order to be able to fit more stuff in. Once we get the van, we can assess how much we can fit in it, and start thinking about shipping the rest of our things to Hubby's Homeland.
Of course it was official months ago, but now it's really official. I typed the letter we have to submit to terminate our tenancy, and I sent it off this morning. In two months we will be leaving our flat forever.
Our last official day in the flat will be Saturday 13th February 2010. Since we're paid up until midnight, and the letting agent closes at 5pm, they cannot take the keys from us on that day, so we are handing them back on Monday 15th February. It means we get a whole extra day to move out... and I think we're going to need it. Even after we get all our stuff out we have to lay down a new carpet (I'll go into that another time, but it's a great story!)
We're a step closer to the whole process though; Hubby bough himself a van. I won't hold out for your gasps of excitement, because quite frankly, I don't find buying a dodgy van off Ebay exciting at all.
It's a good thing Hubby does.
We ended up "winning" (I still don't know how you win anything from Ebay, when you've clearly promised to pay for it) a red Volkswagen Transporter for £1,200. That's about $1,950 for all my friends across the pond. It looks (I'm told) something like this:
I have a feeling it's going to be a little more dingey and much less shiny than this one, but you get the idea. Apparently the owner tried to revamp it into a Volkswagen Camper-type vehicle, but not very well, so it has a little table and cooker in the back, which we will be ripping out in order to be able to fit more stuff in. Once we get the van, we can assess how much we can fit in it, and start thinking about shipping the rest of our things to Hubby's Homeland.
Saturday, 5 December 2009
Family Matters
I find myself wondering what things will be like when Hubby and I move in February. I know many good things will come from it, but I also fear bad things will come.
Our family, like many others, has its problems. They may not be as big as others, but they affect the dynamics and happiness of those I love. Often, I feel like my only role within the family is the negotiator. People turn to me to help sort out misunderstandings.
Am I happy about that? Not really, but you get what you're given.
My mother has fought for almost thirty years to ensure a good life for her children, but my brother doesn't always act the way most sons do. There is a reason for this, which I won't go into, but let's just say; they are both right - to a point.
I'm not saying he's a bad person; on the contrary. He's a kind, genuine and loving person, but sometimes he doesn't stop to listen, or try to understand what people are telling him. Sometimes my mother can't explain herself properly, and therefore can't get her point across. Sometimes she is confused for overreacting when in fact I think she's just misunderstood.
In short, their characters clash. They always have done, and I believe they always will. It's caused many problems over the last 20 years, and I often wonder if either of them are learning anything from this.
I'm happy to help, but sometimes I dread answering the phone, because I know it's going to create stress that I don't need. At the same time, this is my family, and I love them unconditionally, so of course I'm going to do everything in my power to help them. I just wish they could work out how to deal with each other.
Hubby is the only person who knows how this effects me, because I can't talk to them about it. Without me, I wonder if things would ever sort themselves out. And if I move away, I can't be here to help them. I worry what will happen in the future, even though I shouldn't have to worry. I worry that when I go, they won't be able to find a middle ground, and there will be nobody to help them find it. They will argue, and I see them drifting apart. I won't be able to see them as much as I'd like, but they will be able to see one another, but may choose not to.
To me, family is the most important thing in this world. Your parents, siblings, partners and children are to be treasured. They may not be perfect, but they are a part of you, and you should accept them for who they are, and work with it. You shouldn't try to change them - they are who they are because of their imperfections.
I can't do much from 2000 miles away, and I feel guilty for moving, but this is my time, and I need to give my child the best upbringing I can possibly give.
Sometimes I just wish I could live my life without worrying what will happen to those I love.
Friday, 4 December 2009
Baby Bump
I thought I'd post a photo of my bump, because, finally, it's here:
This was taken yesterday at 18 weeks 4 days. After a lot of ligament pains last week, it appears the baby is going through a growth spurt. Good, because I'm not feeling any more flutters, and I haven't felt any kicks yet, so half the time I forget the baby's in there!
This was taken yesterday at 18 weeks 4 days. After a lot of ligament pains last week, it appears the baby is going through a growth spurt. Good, because I'm not feeling any more flutters, and I haven't felt any kicks yet, so half the time I forget the baby's in there!
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
Lots of Walking
I went to my third physio appointment this morning. I'm not sure if I've mentioned that yet, but when we got back from our honeymoon, I found I'd torn my hamstring. I'm still not sure how, because people say you know when you've torn it, but I only felt it when it ached in the days afterwards. In the UK you can get 5 physio appointments free of charge. After that, you pay around £30 ($55) per session.
The physio has been helping me with my hamstring, but is also taking the opportunity to give me some exercises for the pregnancy, which I know will be really useful in the coming months. But it's like being back at school! I have to do seven exercises three times a day, and at my next appointment on 11th December, she will check to see how I'm doing. It's a good thing she's given me the exercises printed out with photos, because my memory is atrocious!
At midday I headed to the doctor for my swine flu jab. Now, I know this may have people up in arms, but trust me, I've gone back and forth over this for months now, and I decided it was the best thing for me. My midwife also recommended it especially in my situation, seeing as I will be travelling across Europe for a week when we emigrate in February. Going into early labour in a foreign country is one thing, but being pregnant and falling ill with swine flu is another thing altogether. I just don't want to risk further complications.
Anyway, the nurse said I may have a "dicky tummy" (nothing out of the ordinary for me), and in a day or so my arm may start to ache. Fun fun! I made a point of reminding her I was pregnant (in case she gave me the wrong vaccine by mistake), and she said she noticed by the size of my belly! She said the baby might be "a whopper" if I'm so big already.
Scared much?
On my way back to the office after my jab, I bumped into two people I know, and both asked me straight out if I was pregnant. What a great feeling to be able to say "yes". Last time someone asked me that, I actually wasn't - the shame - and I signed up for Weight Watchers the very same week!
I've walked three times my usual amount today; because after my lunch break I had to take my winter coat to the dry cleaners (after having found moth larvae under the lapel - guh!) I'm feeling all the exercise in my back and hamstring now though, so I guess this gives me an excuse to relax this evening!
In other news, I'm 4 months pregnant today; woohoo! I officially look great in all my stretchy dresses! I had been saving them because up until now I just looked like I'd eaten all the pies, and who wants to wear a figure-hugging dress to accentuate that? Not me. But I tried them on last night and I look great! Time to start jazzing myself up again...
The physio has been helping me with my hamstring, but is also taking the opportunity to give me some exercises for the pregnancy, which I know will be really useful in the coming months. But it's like being back at school! I have to do seven exercises three times a day, and at my next appointment on 11th December, she will check to see how I'm doing. It's a good thing she's given me the exercises printed out with photos, because my memory is atrocious!
At midday I headed to the doctor for my swine flu jab. Now, I know this may have people up in arms, but trust me, I've gone back and forth over this for months now, and I decided it was the best thing for me. My midwife also recommended it especially in my situation, seeing as I will be travelling across Europe for a week when we emigrate in February. Going into early labour in a foreign country is one thing, but being pregnant and falling ill with swine flu is another thing altogether. I just don't want to risk further complications.
Anyway, the nurse said I may have a "dicky tummy" (nothing out of the ordinary for me), and in a day or so my arm may start to ache. Fun fun! I made a point of reminding her I was pregnant (in case she gave me the wrong vaccine by mistake), and she said she noticed by the size of my belly! She said the baby might be "a whopper" if I'm so big already.
Scared much?
On my way back to the office after my jab, I bumped into two people I know, and both asked me straight out if I was pregnant. What a great feeling to be able to say "yes". Last time someone asked me that, I actually wasn't - the shame - and I signed up for Weight Watchers the very same week!
I've walked three times my usual amount today; because after my lunch break I had to take my winter coat to the dry cleaners (after having found moth larvae under the lapel - guh!) I'm feeling all the exercise in my back and hamstring now though, so I guess this gives me an excuse to relax this evening!
In other news, I'm 4 months pregnant today; woohoo! I officially look great in all my stretchy dresses! I had been saving them because up until now I just looked like I'd eaten all the pies, and who wants to wear a figure-hugging dress to accentuate that? Not me. But I tried them on last night and I look great! Time to start jazzing myself up again...
Monday, 30 November 2009
Random Thoughts
* I'm beginning to think getting pregnant before emigrating was a bad idea. If we move abroad in mid-February as we intend to, we only have 11 weeks, or 77 days left to tie up all of our loose ends. That may sound a lot, but there's Christmas in the middle, and we're taking a trip to Hubby's Homeland in January, so in reality we have far less time to sort everything out. I was actually lying awake last night wondering how it's all going to slot together in time; we just have so much to do!
It means that even if we shop for things when we go over in January, it still might not be there when the baby is born in May! Because of this, we're looking into buying at least the buggy in the UK and taking it over with us. This is the one we've found, and we think it's a bargain at £199:
I know it's blue, and we won't know whether we're having a boy or a girl... but since when have I been traditional? And I'm bored of shopping for gender neutral colours.
* And finally, I paid a whopping £900 ($1,400) onto my credit cards today. I know, what was I thinking? I can't really afford to part with that kind of money, but I found a crazy balance of £1000 on a card I thought I'd cleared, so the debts I need to clear before we move have doubled. I would cut up the cards, but with a baby on the way I'm sensing it could be wise to keep hold of them...
* I can't wait until we go for our 21 week scan. 21 days and counting...
* We've seen a buggy we want already. Scary, huh? Well, not totally scary, because my mother-in-law popped into a couple of shops in Hubby's Homeland to ask how quickly items would arrive into stock after ordering them, and the result is 12-16 weeks.
It means that even if we shop for things when we go over in January, it still might not be there when the baby is born in May! Because of this, we're looking into buying at least the buggy in the UK and taking it over with us. This is the one we've found, and we think it's a bargain at £199:
I know it's blue, and we won't know whether we're having a boy or a girl... but since when have I been traditional? And I'm bored of shopping for gender neutral colours.
* And finally, I paid a whopping £900 ($1,400) onto my credit cards today. I know, what was I thinking? I can't really afford to part with that kind of money, but I found a crazy balance of £1000 on a card I thought I'd cleared, so the debts I need to clear before we move have doubled. I would cut up the cards, but with a baby on the way I'm sensing it could be wise to keep hold of them...
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Ouch!
I'm not liking today. Today hurts.
I woke up with a headache and a pain in my side, as if I'd slept wrong. Now, don't get me started on sleeping wrong, because I'm starting to believe there is no right way to sleep when you're pregnant. I don't think I've been able to sleep through since before I knew I was pregnant. If I'm not waking up to use the toilet, my belly's getting in the way, or I have a bed spring poking me in the rib, or Hubby is snoring in my face, or I just feel nauseus.
And they say it's a wonderful time...
I headed to work, all the time having to clutch my side to ease the discomfort, which got worse whenever I moved or walked. I spoke to my colleague and asked her what it might be, and she said it was probably my ligaments stretching to accommodate my ever-growing baby. That's cool, but I didn't expect it to feel so uncomfortable.
The feeling eventually wore off around lunchtime, but it seems the muscle cramp and my headache have struck a deal, and my headache has become steadily worse since noon. This is the first day since being back at work that I've had to deal with the pain without my trusty friend, Paracetamol. I don't like it.
I woke up with a headache and a pain in my side, as if I'd slept wrong. Now, don't get me started on sleeping wrong, because I'm starting to believe there is no right way to sleep when you're pregnant. I don't think I've been able to sleep through since before I knew I was pregnant. If I'm not waking up to use the toilet, my belly's getting in the way, or I have a bed spring poking me in the rib, or Hubby is snoring in my face, or I just feel nauseus.
And they say it's a wonderful time...
I headed to work, all the time having to clutch my side to ease the discomfort, which got worse whenever I moved or walked. I spoke to my colleague and asked her what it might be, and she said it was probably my ligaments stretching to accommodate my ever-growing baby. That's cool, but I didn't expect it to feel so uncomfortable.
The feeling eventually wore off around lunchtime, but it seems the muscle cramp and my headache have struck a deal, and my headache has become steadily worse since noon. This is the first day since being back at work that I've had to deal with the pain without my trusty friend, Paracetamol. I don't like it.
Monday, 23 November 2009
17 Weeks and Counting
My hope of posting more often didn't really work out, but I hope now things will be different. At 12 weeks I was still in the throes of morning sickness, which I didn't really see an end to until I was 15 weeks. In early November I had a three week long bout of migraines which made my sickness worse, and resulted in me being signed off work for a week. The doctor gave me a course of an anti-nausea pill which worked wonders.
But the good news is that I am doing well. I have now given up on caffeine completely (and I mean completely - I haven't touched a drop in 2 weeks). I'm not really feeling any different, but my migraines haven't made an appearance so I like to think it's linked.
My energy levels are slowly creeping up, and I'm now able to wait up for Hubby to get home from work (most of the time at midnight) about 4 nights a week, which is an achievement in itself, because at one stage I was going to bed at 7pm every night!
The baby is doing well too. I can't be sure, but I think I felt my first 'flutters' on 11/11, at 15 weeks, though I don't know why they call them flutters because to me it just felt like a rush of bubbles popping. Very weird. I know they say many women mistake it for wind, but I've never had wind there! I've since mentioned it to my midwife, and Hubby's mum (a retired midwife) and they both said it probably was the baby. I haven't felt anything since, but it's not unusual to feel something and then have nothing for a few weeks.
A week ago we went to see the midwife (my Hubby and I, not the baby and I - I'm not that crazy yet!), and we heard the heartbeat again. It took her a while to find it, mind you, because the baby kept swimming around trying to avoid the doppler. It seems the baby thinks it's on a stealth mission...
Right now I'm 17 weeks. I'd like to say I have a big pregnant belly, but I don't. When I took my 16 week belly photo I was ecstatic to see the beginnings of a belly, but over the course of the week it deflated somewhat, and I'm back to looking as if I've been eating all the pies. I have, but that's not the point...
Now I'm over the chaos of the first trimester, I'm thinking forward to the coming months. We have pretty much decided that we're moving to Hubby's Homeland in mid February, so we have to give the notice on our flat lease, we have to get quotes for shipping companies to take our stuff over, we have to buy a van to drive down (and to have space for the things we need immediately, like clothes etc), we have to pack, I have to sort out my maternity leave, Hubby has to sell his cars (one of which has no engine), and we have to get rid of whatever we're not taking.
Anyone want a bed?
But the good news is that I am doing well. I have now given up on caffeine completely (and I mean completely - I haven't touched a drop in 2 weeks). I'm not really feeling any different, but my migraines haven't made an appearance so I like to think it's linked.
My energy levels are slowly creeping up, and I'm now able to wait up for Hubby to get home from work (most of the time at midnight) about 4 nights a week, which is an achievement in itself, because at one stage I was going to bed at 7pm every night!
The baby is doing well too. I can't be sure, but I think I felt my first 'flutters' on 11/11, at 15 weeks, though I don't know why they call them flutters because to me it just felt like a rush of bubbles popping. Very weird. I know they say many women mistake it for wind, but I've never had wind there! I've since mentioned it to my midwife, and Hubby's mum (a retired midwife) and they both said it probably was the baby. I haven't felt anything since, but it's not unusual to feel something and then have nothing for a few weeks.
A week ago we went to see the midwife (my Hubby and I, not the baby and I - I'm not that crazy yet!), and we heard the heartbeat again. It took her a while to find it, mind you, because the baby kept swimming around trying to avoid the doppler. It seems the baby thinks it's on a stealth mission...
Right now I'm 17 weeks. I'd like to say I have a big pregnant belly, but I don't. When I took my 16 week belly photo I was ecstatic to see the beginnings of a belly, but over the course of the week it deflated somewhat, and I'm back to looking as if I've been eating all the pies. I have, but that's not the point...
Now I'm over the chaos of the first trimester, I'm thinking forward to the coming months. We have pretty much decided that we're moving to Hubby's Homeland in mid February, so we have to give the notice on our flat lease, we have to get quotes for shipping companies to take our stuff over, we have to buy a van to drive down (and to have space for the things we need immediately, like clothes etc), we have to pack, I have to sort out my maternity leave, Hubby has to sell his cars (one of which has no engine), and we have to get rid of whatever we're not taking.
Anyone want a bed?
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Introducing our Beautiful Baby
I'm starting to feel a little more human, which is a cause for celebration! I therefore hope that I will be back a little more regularly from now on, so I can keep you all filled in on how things are going.
We went for our 12 week scan yesterday, and I'm relieved to say all is looking good.
We had a bit of a chaotic time getting to the hospital, because unbeknownst to us they had closed the usual car park, meaning cars were at a stand still trying to find a parking space. I was worried I would totally miss the appointment, so I went ahead leaving Hubby to park the car.
He actually ended up missing the first half of the appointment, and I felt really guilty being able to see the baby kicking around; but thankfully the sonographer was happy to repeat the scan for him when he did arrive. She did all the measurements before he got there, so he was just able to see the baby moving about happily.
His face lit up as soon as he saw the baby, which was lovely to see. He was grinning from ear to ear afterwards!
It might sound strange, but when she put the scanner on my belly, it was weird to actually see a baby in there! Of course I know I'm pregnant, but I was sitting there thinking "what's that doing in there?!"
The baby was still at first but bouncing around happily afterwards. He/she had a strong heartbeat of 164bpm, which we hadn't been expecting to hear until 16 weeks.
The baby is currently measuring 5.5cm crown to rump, and the chances of Downs Syndrome are 1 in 221,817, which is very low. The estimated due date remains 2nd May 2010, and I'm currently 12 weeks and 2 days.
Up until now it was like a dream. Now I''ve seen him/her I'm overcome with love for this little baby. I can't explain it, and it feels like such a cliche, but my entire world has just got 5.5cm bigger!
We went for our 12 week scan yesterday, and I'm relieved to say all is looking good.
We had a bit of a chaotic time getting to the hospital, because unbeknownst to us they had closed the usual car park, meaning cars were at a stand still trying to find a parking space. I was worried I would totally miss the appointment, so I went ahead leaving Hubby to park the car.
He actually ended up missing the first half of the appointment, and I felt really guilty being able to see the baby kicking around; but thankfully the sonographer was happy to repeat the scan for him when he did arrive. She did all the measurements before he got there, so he was just able to see the baby moving about happily.
His face lit up as soon as he saw the baby, which was lovely to see. He was grinning from ear to ear afterwards!
It might sound strange, but when she put the scanner on my belly, it was weird to actually see a baby in there! Of course I know I'm pregnant, but I was sitting there thinking "what's that doing in there?!"
The baby was still at first but bouncing around happily afterwards. He/she had a strong heartbeat of 164bpm, which we hadn't been expecting to hear until 16 weeks.
The baby is currently measuring 5.5cm crown to rump, and the chances of Downs Syndrome are 1 in 221,817, which is very low. The estimated due date remains 2nd May 2010, and I'm currently 12 weeks and 2 days.
Up until now it was like a dream. Now I''ve seen him/her I'm overcome with love for this little baby. I can't explain it, and it feels like such a cliche, but my entire world has just got 5.5cm bigger!
Monday, 5 October 2009
Checking In...
Just a quick one today, to let you know that I am still around, and I'm doing well. I'm just exhausted, so what time I do have, I'm ploughing into work and housework at the moment. Sorry if it seems like I'm avoiding you; I'm simply diving for my bed each evening.
We went on our honeymoon and had a kind of okay time. I've told the story a thousand times now, and I don't want to bore you with the details, but basically we spent £5,000 on the most chaotic trip imaginable, and we were just glad to get home. Sad, eh?
Anyway, we've been back for two weeks now, and I'm over the jet lag, but not over my exhaustion. Nobody told me that even ten minutes of housework would make me feel as if I'd been hit by a truck and wanting my bed, but I've been told this is normal in the first trimester.
I was feeling pretty nauseus between weeks 6 and 10, but it seems to be subsiding now. FIngers crossed it stays that way! I'm now 10 weeks gone, have seen my midwife and am eagerly awaiting my first scan, which is booked for 19th October. I'll try to post again soon...
We went on our honeymoon and had a kind of okay time. I've told the story a thousand times now, and I don't want to bore you with the details, but basically we spent £5,000 on the most chaotic trip imaginable, and we were just glad to get home. Sad, eh?
Anyway, we've been back for two weeks now, and I'm over the jet lag, but not over my exhaustion. Nobody told me that even ten minutes of housework would make me feel as if I'd been hit by a truck and wanting my bed, but I've been told this is normal in the first trimester.
I was feeling pretty nauseus between weeks 6 and 10, but it seems to be subsiding now. FIngers crossed it stays that way! I'm now 10 weeks gone, have seen my midwife and am eagerly awaiting my first scan, which is booked for 19th October. I'll try to post again soon...
Friday, 28 August 2009
First Doctor's Appointment
I went for my first doctor's appointment this morning, to discuss what I should be doing now I'm pregnant. I had expected him to ask to see a positive pregnancy test, or for me to pee in a cup or something; but he took my word for it.He gave me the expected due date of 4th May, which is 2 days past what the internet and the baby books have been telling me; not that it matters really. He also booked me in to see the midwife on 29th September. I'm unclear as to whether I'll be having an ultrasound then, but they've given me a pee cup to look after, so I know I'll be doing that.
I'm so impatient; I almost want to wish the first trimester away just so I have peace of mind and so I know I'm out of the woods as far as losing the baby is concerned, but at the same time I want to experience everything in its entirety.
I've been on the verge of telling a lady I work with for a few days now, but when I was going to blurt it out yesterday, she was sick with cold, so it wouldn't have been a good time. Now she's off sick, so I suppose it's a good thing. Even if I have to blurt it out when I get back from honeymoon; I'll be 8 weeks gone, so my chances of miscarriage will be significantly lower anyway.
I feel like I'm bursting at the seams; but in a good way!
And now I'm off the diet I've allowed myself to indulge in the naughty foods a little, but yesterday I went way over the top by having a KFC for lunch and a pizza for dinner. Today I'm reigning it back in and I'm eating sensibly; or this poor kid may be born with an addiction to junk food...
Thursday, 27 August 2009
Call me the Tantrum Fairy
Day three, and I'm an emotional wreck. Hubby would argue, but I don't normally consider myself prone to PMT; however today I can't seem to stop!I found out this morning that my dad isn't going out of town after all, and that we could have told him about the pregnancy this weekend. However it then means that my mother, older brother and sister-in-law won't know until after the honeymoon, because last night was the last night I would see them before we fly.
I know it's not a big thing, but it now means I have to keep quiet for three more painful weeks because of disorganisation. I'm finding it so hard to keep quiet as it is. But I know I won't mind so much on Saturday; when I get to spend 3 full weeks talking to Hubby about the pregnancy, and bore him silly. At the moment I only see him for an hour each day, and I don't want to overwhelm him with baby talk, so I'm pretty limited and only able to talk to people online about it.
So that would explain my blog rant ;)
Seriously though, I'm having a wonderful week, despite feeling constantly drained and emotional. It's all part of the experience, and I'm just glad to be going through it, because it only ever felt like a distant dream.
I went to my Weight Watchers weigh-in last night to discover that I'd lost another pound, despite eating cakes and scones this week. I have come to the conclusion that my body only ever loses weight when I feed it junk food. It's a weird but rather exciting realisation; though I don't think it will do me much good when I have a baby relying on me to provide the essential nutrients...
I told my Weight Watchers leader that I was pregnant, and that I wanted to continue going to the meetings (but not weighing), because I want to ensure that my mum still goes and gets to her goal weight), and she said it was fine, and that she too was pregnant! She hasn't said a word to anyone yet, so it's like we're sharing a secret with one another.
Anyway, that's my last weigh-in with Weight Watchers for now, and it feels good. I didn't get to my goal weight, but I got down to 139.5lbs; under 10 stone! I'm thrilled to be 9-stone-something for the honeymoon; the lightest I've been in 4 years!
Lastly, I wanted to say a huge thank you to those that have sent me their warming congratulatory messages. They mean so much to me at the moment, and I just wanted you to know that.
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
Sinking In
Actually, I don't know that it is sinking in, but I couldn't think of another title! I've known about this baby for 33 hours, and it still feels weird. It still feels like my period's about to start, so until I'm about 2 weeks late, I think I'll be expecting it to arrive.
I told a colleague about the pregnancy today; the first live person I've told other than my husband. It feels weird to say it out loud, but I'm so glad I now have someone to talk to face-to-face about it. And she's pregnant with her second, so she knows what I'm experiencing.
I told a colleague about the pregnancy today; the first live person I've told other than my husband. It feels weird to say it out loud, but I'm so glad I now have someone to talk to face-to-face about it. And she's pregnant with her second, so she knows what I'm experiencing.
I'm going for my last Weight Watchers weigh-in tonight, and I know I will have put on weight. I didn't pig out this week, but I did bake scones and fairy cakes, and since yesterday I've had a little bit extra to eat during the day; even though I know I didn't need it!
I'm also going to dinner with my mother, brother and sister-in-law tonight in order to celebrate my birthday and their second wedding anniversary. We're a little late, but it's good to celebrate all the same. I was also going to throw the pregnancy news into the mix tonight, but I have since decided against it.
The reason for this is because my dad, stepmum and little brother are going out of town this weekend, which is the only opportunity we had to tell them the news. For that reason we have to catch up with them when we get back in mid September. And if my big brother and sister-in-law accidentally say something to them about the pregnancy, then they're effectively found out from someone else, instead of hearing it directly from us.
My dad found out about my brother's wedding planning through someone else; I don't want him to find out about his first grandchild the same way. So tonight I'm going to have to "keep it buttoned" and resist saying anything. It's going to be very hard!
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
The Best Gift in the World
I literally can't believe it! I woke up early and went straight to the bathroom to test. I wear my contact lenses to bed, and when I get up, I'm bleary eyed for a moment until the sleep clears. But today I wasn't prepared to wait. I took the test and headed into the lounge, turned the TV on and waited. I looked at the test before the allotted time, and still bleary eyed, I saw the line emerging. I frowned, thought nothing of it; my contact lenses must be dirty.
But looking back at it, the line was there, plain to see. I couldn't believe it; I couldn't be that lucky...
Well, I didn't wait until the evening to tell Hubby, because I couldn't hold in my joy. I was jumping around the lounge squealing; I had to tell someone. I boiled the kettle and poured him a coffee in a mug decorated with lots of "No 1 Daddy" script, (after all, 8am is too early for beer...) and went to wake him up...
Me: "Honey, honey, wake up"
Him: "Mmph, go away"
Me: "Do you want some coffee?"
Him: "No, leave me alone" (he's not a morning person)
Me: "No, I think you want this coffee, it's in a special mug!"
He opened his eyes, looked at it and laughed slightly, closing them again and trying to go back to sleep. He thought I was being silly.
Me: "no, you don't understand", and waved the test around in front of his face.
He looked at it, frowned and sighed. "I need to pee".
Me: "is that all you can say?"
Him: "I need a pee!"
I wait in the lounge, he comes in and looks at the test again, this time comparing it with the diagrams on the box. He too realises it's a positive. He shrugs, "well, I had no doubt; I am amazing", and then he smirks and tells me his coffee isn't strong enough. Well, not after that shock, no
Yeah, he's not a morning person, but when I left he was smiling, so that's a good sign!
But looking back at it, the line was there, plain to see. I couldn't believe it; I couldn't be that lucky...
Well, I didn't wait until the evening to tell Hubby, because I couldn't hold in my joy. I was jumping around the lounge squealing; I had to tell someone. I boiled the kettle and poured him a coffee in a mug decorated with lots of "No 1 Daddy" script, (after all, 8am is too early for beer...) and went to wake him up...
Me: "Honey, honey, wake up"
Him: "Mmph, go away"
Me: "Do you want some coffee?"
Him: "No, leave me alone" (he's not a morning person)
Me: "No, I think you want this coffee, it's in a special mug!"
He opened his eyes, looked at it and laughed slightly, closing them again and trying to go back to sleep. He thought I was being silly.
Me: "no, you don't understand", and waved the test around in front of his face.
He looked at it, frowned and sighed. "I need to pee".
Me: "is that all you can say?"
Him: "I need a pee!"
I wait in the lounge, he comes in and looks at the test again, this time comparing it with the diagrams on the box. He too realises it's a positive. He shrugs, "well, I had no doubt; I am amazing", and then he smirks and tells me his coffee isn't strong enough. Well, not after that shock, no
Yeah, he's not a morning person, but when I left he was smiling, so that's a good sign!
Monday, 24 August 2009
Cooking Mad
I spent about 3 hours on Sunday cleaning up the state that was our kitchen. I'm ashamed to admit that I had neglected the room, in favour of closing the door on it and living in denial. But it's time all that changed.
I cleaned everything, and I stood back to admire my work before sitting down in front of the television; only to realise that I was restless. So I baked scones!
In all honesty, mine didn't look as yummy as these ones, and only when I was putting the scones on the baking tray did I realise I was out of raisins, cinammon, jam, cream, or anything else that made scones sweet. So I ended up putting cheese on the top of a few, and leaving the others plain. I've since bought raisins, cinammon and chocolate chips :)
But tonight, as part of my cooking frenzy, I will be baking fairy cakes.
I've never baked fairy cakes, so it's going to be a learning curve to say the least, but I stocked up on mini cake cases, icing sugar and toppings, which should keep me busy for a while. It won't help my weight loss, but I can always bring the extras to work and make everyone else chubby!
I cleaned everything, and I stood back to admire my work before sitting down in front of the television; only to realise that I was restless. So I baked scones!
In all honesty, mine didn't look as yummy as these ones, and only when I was putting the scones on the baking tray did I realise I was out of raisins, cinammon, jam, cream, or anything else that made scones sweet. So I ended up putting cheese on the top of a few, and leaving the others plain. I've since bought raisins, cinammon and chocolate chips :)
But tonight, as part of my cooking frenzy, I will be baking fairy cakes.
I've never baked fairy cakes, so it's going to be a learning curve to say the least, but I stocked up on mini cake cases, icing sugar and toppings, which should keep me busy for a while. It won't help my weight loss, but I can always bring the extras to work and make everyone else chubby!
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Brilliant Weekend Full of Food
I'm just popping in quickly today, because this week is hectic at work.I had a brilliant weekend, starting with a night out with the girls from work on Friday night to celebrate my birthday. We had only intended on staying for one, but somehow it had reached 11pm by the time we left the bar; fed and watered and we'd had a blast.
On Saturday I woke to realise it was my birthday. Hubby bought me a card; though he forgot to collect the envelope in the shop, and ended up wrapping it in tin foil(!). Hubby never buys me cards, so I was thrilled to get one from him, that had "wife" emblazoned across the front.
At lunchtime my mother picked me up and we headed into town. We went to see "The Time Traveller's Wife" at the cinema; which I thoroughly recommend by the way. It's such a good film, but so sad! I've since decided to add the book to my honeymoon reading.
After the cinema, we went for dinner at "Old Orleans", which specialises in dishes from the Southern States; cajun chicken and all that. As you can tell; I was right off the diet...
I went home in the evening and vegged out on the sofa watching a couple of films, and waiting for Hubby to finish work.
On Sunday, Hubby and I went to Kingston to spend the gift vouchers we'd been given for the wedding. We wandered around the store choosing stuff (including more of the crockery we'd had our eye on, some Le Creuset cookware, and a lean meat grill), went to grab a bite to eat (bangers and mash), before making our way back home and grabbing a KFC for dinner.
Monday strolled around, and it was back to the throes of work; although I'd forgotten that this week we are auditing, so I was in for a busy one. Nevertheless, I met Hubby for lunch and wandered around town for a while in the sunshine (because England finally decided to perk up!). I got home last night and Hubby was cooking me a jacket potato and Yorkshire Puddings. Mmmm...
A weekend of food and sunshine; over way too quickly. I should turn 25 more often...
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