2012 was a fabulous year for us. Amazing, exciting, busy and fun!! Here is my 2012 in review.
JANUARY saw us celebrate our engagement with those who matter most in our lives (well, most of them anyway!) with a big party at the local sporting club. I used my 30th Birthday present from the Englishman and jumped out of a plane (attached to someone else with a parachute of course!). The Englishman's parents Kate and Dave came to visit and we spent time with my family.
FEBRUARY started with a Sunny Day wedding for my awesome cousin and his gorgeous partner in crime - a perfect sunny day for a beach wedding! Next was a holiday with Kate and Dave - shame about the weather but we had lovely time anyway, picking strawberries, cooking lovely meals and watching the storms!! We ended Feb with a 30th birthday for a good friend - lots of food, fun and little people.
MARCH started with a visit to my Pop in his new home - not where he wanted to be but there were no other options. Some comedy, A birthday for a Mummy-to-be friend, a boozy dinner at a friends house, and a very welcome discovery - we had our own little baby on the way!!! Another wedding rounded out the month.
APRIL started with Easter and a camping trip to Tiona with friends. Another 30th, this time decked out in 80s gear! We bunny-sat our friend A's gorgeous bunny Sootie, hung out with lovely friends for Anzac Day and took a trip to the Gold Coast to celebrate an engagement for some other sunny friends.
MAY started with another engagement party for QLD friends, but a little closer to home thank goodness! The Englishman caught a nasty flu and was bedridden for a week - not fun at all. Luckily he recovered in time for a house party which he DJ'd at, and a very important day for him - becoming an Australian citizen! Followed by another important day - turning 30. In the midst of all this my Mum made Mother's Day a little special for me with a cute book :). We ended the month with the Englishman's birthday celebrations, including a meter long pizza at the local pizzeria!
JUNE started with chocolate milk cravings for me!! Two weddings on the long weekend - one via Skype, the other at the State Library. We had my 20 week scan and found out we were expecting a boy! Huge surprise for my Mum! I attended a baby shower for a dear friend and discovered how intolerant I can be of drunk people when I'm sober.
JULY's highlight was a last minute "baby moon" to Fiji for a week - perfect weather, great accommodation, lovely people and an all round relaxing holiday! We had another 30th for my wonderful friend C which included a cake with macarons on top - yum! We became an Aunty and Uncle for the first time - so wonderful!!! And started work on our little monkey's nursery after picking up the family furniture.
AUGUST began with a weekend in the Blue Mountains with a lovely group of friends - food, olympics, birthday celebrations for C's hubby and lots of fun with the Little Girl. Cooking (including a croquembouche!!) a new iPad, hormonal mood swings, a Hen's night, and Monkey's cot started to look like new. We rounded out August with another gorgeous family wedding!!
SEPTEMBER started with a catchup with my lovely 'Uni' girls which included some baby news! I found out I was suffering from Gestational Diabetes and we started getting ready to sell the Englishman's car, Ruprecht. Another baby shower and another Hens Day/night.......and a Baby Shower of my own, in Newcastle :-) Our new lounge arrived and we had a trip to Ikea!
OCTOBER was a busy month! A second baby shower for the monkey and I, 2 weddings (both beautiful!) and I finished up work and started maternity leave!
NOVEMBER started off with some lovely time off work, being social and getting important things like hair appointments and massages in before the monkey was due to arrive on the 19th. Lucky I got stuck straight into them though as he decided to arrive 11 days early, on the 8th of November. Little Billy made a reasonably quick entrance into the world at 7pm on a Thursday and our lives totally changed, forever.
DECEMBER brought a bit of experience and some challenges - going out for my birthday for dinner (success!!), staying with my parents over Christmas (success but hard work for them) and a quick change of plans for New Years when Billy got a bit sick. We brought in the New Year at home instead of at the J's house, but still managed to celebrate with a bit of an impromptu bbq, a view of the fireworks, homemade pizza and a glass of bubbles or two.
2012 has been insanely amazing and good. We have had so many opportunities to celebrate life and everything wonderful about it, watching our friends and family tie the knot and start their little families, and ended it with a wonderful family Christmas and a New Years at home with an amazing view.
I can't wait to see what adventures 2013 will bring, with the Englishman's parents coming to visit, our planned trip to the UK and watching our Billy grow for his first 12 months!
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Monday, October 15, 2012
35 Weeks!! OMG.....
Soooooo.......today marks '35 weeks' of being pregnant for me. I can honestly say it hasn't flown by but it also hasn't dragged on either. I wanted to enjoy the experience and to remember it as much as I could and I think I've done that pretty well so far! It's not been a breeze but it also hasn't been a terribly hard process either. I've had my fair share of issues but mostly they've been ok.
Over the weekend, I had a second baby shower for our little monkey. Yes, I know, seems greedy right? The only reason for 2 was location, location. Having grown up in Newcastle but having lived in Sydney for almost 6 years now, I have strong ties to both cities and wanted the chance to see friends from both, catch up, swap stories with those who have kids or are preggers and to just enjoy the moment. Told you I wanted to enjoy the experience!
Yesterday was just lovely - a properly gorgeous party in our little flat. My beautiful friend C did most of the organising, with help from my sisters and Mum. The decorations were gorgeous and there was even a Lolly Bar for people to take home a lolly bag!!
We only played one game but that was because everyone was too busy chatting and eating and having a lovely time, which was just perfect.
It was so nice to have all my "Sydney friends" in one place as I havent had many opportunities to get them all together - I like everyone to know each other so no one feels awkward and can always find someone to talk to.
Anyway, the monkey was spoilt and so was I, yet again! The boys had a nice day out in the city so I think all in all, it was a good day for everyone. Even C's Little Girl had a good time.
This week, I have another midwife appointment and I'm getting fitted for some wrist splints, as I've developed carpal tunnel syndrome due to pregnancy and my hands go numb through the night if I sleep on them the wrong way- weird and very annoying. I'm catching up with some friends tomorrow night and other than that, I'm recovering from the weekend. Luckily I was able to have today off work so I plan to rest but also to finish sorting out the flat as it's not entirely back to normal (even with all the cleaning up the girls did yesterday!).
With only 9 days of work to go, things are really starting to hit home....in the next 6 weeks, we will have a very small person to look after. We really will! He will be tiny and totally reliant on us for everything. We will be tired and a little scared but oh, it will be worth it.
I can't wait!
Over the weekend, I had a second baby shower for our little monkey. Yes, I know, seems greedy right? The only reason for 2 was location, location. Having grown up in Newcastle but having lived in Sydney for almost 6 years now, I have strong ties to both cities and wanted the chance to see friends from both, catch up, swap stories with those who have kids or are preggers and to just enjoy the moment. Told you I wanted to enjoy the experience!
Yesterday was just lovely - a properly gorgeous party in our little flat. My beautiful friend C did most of the organising, with help from my sisters and Mum. The decorations were gorgeous and there was even a Lolly Bar for people to take home a lolly bag!!
We only played one game but that was because everyone was too busy chatting and eating and having a lovely time, which was just perfect.
It was so nice to have all my "Sydney friends" in one place as I havent had many opportunities to get them all together - I like everyone to know each other so no one feels awkward and can always find someone to talk to.
Anyway, the monkey was spoilt and so was I, yet again! The boys had a nice day out in the city so I think all in all, it was a good day for everyone. Even C's Little Girl had a good time.
This week, I have another midwife appointment and I'm getting fitted for some wrist splints, as I've developed carpal tunnel syndrome due to pregnancy and my hands go numb through the night if I sleep on them the wrong way- weird and very annoying. I'm catching up with some friends tomorrow night and other than that, I'm recovering from the weekend. Luckily I was able to have today off work so I plan to rest but also to finish sorting out the flat as it's not entirely back to normal (even with all the cleaning up the girls did yesterday!).
With only 9 days of work to go, things are really starting to hit home....in the next 6 weeks, we will have a very small person to look after. We really will! He will be tiny and totally reliant on us for everything. We will be tired and a little scared but oh, it will be worth it.
I can't wait!
Monday, September 24, 2012
The Good, the Bad, and the Preggo.
It's been a while between blog posts (again!) and not due to a lack of ideas, just due to a lack of energy and motivation (well, I AM pregnant after all!). Right now, I'm sitting up in bed after a nice hot shower. The Englishman is watching the Grand Prix and while I am tired, I'm not quite ready to go to bed. So I thought it might be a good time to bite the bullet and get a post in while I have a little bit of motivation to do so....
Tomorrow is officially "32 Weeks" of pregnancy, which, when you get the pointy end gets a bit confusing. Pregnancy is 9 months, right? and I have 8 weeks left which is roughly 2 months, so I am '7 months pregnant'....but 32 weeks of pregnancy divded by 4 is 8....so am I 8 months pregnant or 7 months pregnant? The discrepancy (I figured out) is due to the 'weeks' of pregnancy being measured from last period, not from conception. So I'm 7 months pregnant but in the 32nd week of pregnancy. Nothing is ever simple is it?
I have been taking a "Bump Photo" every Wednesday (originally Wednesdays were the day the 'week' ticked over) and to look back over them, I can see when my bump really started to 'pop' - around Week 22. Since then it has just grown and grown and I'm having trouble imagining what it will look like by the time I hit 40 weeks as it seems huge already!
I think I have been pretty lucky with my pregnancy as I have not had any complications which have landed me in hospital or on any medications. I have however, had my fair share of 'issues'. Some I was expecting (morning sickness/nausea anyone?) but others really caught me out.
For posterity as well as sympathising with other preggo ladies, here is a list of my 'pregnancy ailments': all the worst bits of pregnancy so far!
Word of warning for the non-pregnants: Read on at your peril! But remember this is just my experience and every pregnancy is different (plus I promise I'll end the post with some nice stuff as well.)
* A few old favourites first - heartburn, constant urination, tiredness
These are pretty much a given for almost every preggo lady, I think. My mild level of heartburn is fixed with a chewable minty Quikeeze or two, others are not so lucky. The constant need to pee thanks to the baby monkey dancing on my bladder is increasing, as is the tiredness which seems to be due to a lack of sleep, carrying a growing foetus around 24/7 and actually providing nutrients for the growing of said foetus 24/7. 'Nuff said.
* Pregnancy Congestion and Nosebleeds
Why does no one ever mention this as a pregnancy symptom? The first I heard that nosebleeds were associated with pregnancy was my pregnant Sister in Law, who suffered a bloody nose often towards the end of her preggo time.
Since early on, my nose has been stuffy and blocked. Think post-cold nose, the one where its not all clear and clean but its no longer running like a tap. You need to blow it good to get the gunk out a few times a day and when you go to bed it makes you breathe noisy or breathe through your mouth (and end up with lips like a snow-hiker). In the last few weeks this has progressed to a bit of bleeding when I blow it too much as well - ick. Lucky I'm not a nosebleeder so it stops quick and I dont have to stand over a sink until it stops dripping!
* Tailbone (and other 'down there bone') Issues
At some point around the 20 week mark I started having a sore tailbone if I sat for too long. It gets stiff, and achey, and I moved like a heavily pregnant woman when getting up WAY before I should have been! My midwife sent me to see a physio who wasn't really that helpful, although she made some common sense suggestionst that I really should have worked out myself, like, dont sit for more than 30 -40 mins at a time, then get up and move around.
So the tailbone thing is still an issue but I'm handling it ok. I try to lie on my side at home and at work I have a chair and a fit ball which I alternate between.
The 'other' stuff down there is a mystery - I often feel like I've been for a loooong bike ride. It's painful and awkward and I can't figure out how to help or fix it. The physio had no ideas. So at the moment I'm just trying to take the same tack as the tailbone issue, and sit all different ways or not sit for too long. I suspect its more to do with the baby monkey pushing on everything with his head than anything else now!
* Calf cramps
These are nothing too new for me, I used to get them when I played netball/ran a lot/was a LOT more active than I now am. Now I dont get the cramps so much as the pre-cramp feeling all the time, especially when I'm in bed. It's just weird, and appears to be waiting to launch a sneak-attack on me one night.
* Numb arms
Another bedtime ailment and only a recent one. You aren't supposed to sleep on your back when preggo, however when I sleep on my side with my arms bent (because otherwise I'll hit the Englishman in the head), my arms go numb, so numb it seems to take minutes for them to come back. WTF?? Can't sleep on my back, can't sleep on my massive basketball tummy, can't sleep on my sides.........WAAAHHHHHH!!!!!
* Gestational Diabetes
Yep, that's right kids, I got the Diabetes! And yes, I've been fortunate enough (so far) that I have been able to manage just by changing my diet a little and watching what I eat. Over the last 3 weeks I've learnt how to test my blood glucose levels and have lost count of which finger I used to do so countless times each day. I've figured out that chicken schnitzel wraps have too many carbs/sugar in them and that I CAN have a Ferrero or two for dessert if I want. I actually don't mind eating heavily grainy bread/toast and enjoy having to eat my breakfast before I leave the house. I've got my fingers crossed that I can continue to manage this particular ailment, although as its hormone related I may have no choice but to move to using insulin at some stage. At least it goes away once the bub pops out :)
* General uncomfortable/awkardness
Sitting/standing, getting in and out of cars, moving around furniture, carrying groceries.......all of a sudden they are just a bit awkard to do, can feel uncomfortable or just plain painful. It's not a bad one, and its one that I think is pretty universal, but it is strange to notice yourself being really careful about the way you do things without even thinking about it....like standing up from a lounge chair. You just have to lever yourself to the edge and then push your way out, there's no other way to do it!
* Cray-Cray Mood Swings
Every so often, I've had a day or two where I just want to burst into tears at all kinds of things.
Ok, so its been generally once a week at least and often its at nothing at all!
I had one week where I got super upset - both the Englishman and I were having trouble sleeping as we were keeping each other awake with snoring/heaving breathing. One night I had a go at him about it, which made him have a go at me, which ended with me going and sleeping on the lounge and crying until i got to sleep....then crying some more in the morning when the Englishman found me on the lounge and asked if I was ok.....then ended with me in hysterical laughter at this photo:
Anyway, I keep reminding the Englishman that at least the mood swings have stayed being just Happy/Sad swings. No moody/cranky/bitchy ones - thank goodness!
While all these ailments add up to make this Miss Holly pretty tired and uncomfortable most of the time, it has not been enough for me to say that pregnancy is horrible and I would never do it again. There are all kinds of amazing, awesome parts to it as well! Here are few of my favourite things:
* Maternity Clothes
Yes, you have to buy a bunch of new clothes that cost money and you can only wear them for 9 months or so, and if you don't have kids in the same seasons you may never get to wear them again.
So what? That can happen if you put a few too many kgs on or if you become a marathon runner.
They're still NEW CLOTHES!
And while it can be hard to find nice, good quality maternity clothes sometimes, when you find them, they rock!
When I was non-preggo, I was very careful to choose clothes that hid my slightly-flabby tummy. Hence lots of slighty flowy tops.
Now, I just want EVERYONE to see my bump so I choose lots of tight, fitted or clingy clothes that show off the Bump to the world!The rest of my body hasn't changed too significantly so I feel pretty good about how I look. I LOVE my bump and for the first time have a pair of skinny jeans that are comfy and don't show my bumcrack to the world when I bend over.
I've also been lucky enough to have two lovely friends lend me some of their maternity clothes. This has been a lifesaver and has given me some different outfits I may never have chosen myself but have LOVED.
*Preggo body
I was pretty sure I would be ok with my body changing shape during pregnancy, and I was right. I love the shape I am and have grown into. I have put on a bit of weight all over but it seems minimal, and my belly is quite a tight, round shape. Even better, the Englishman seems to love it too :)
* The little monkey Movements
It's quite a surreal experience, having something growing inside you, and one I still can't quite fathom. It's hard to believe that if for some reason the little monkey had to come out now, he would be a little baby, a real little baby.
Still, he has been making his prescence known regularly for quite some time now, so its not like I ever forget what's going on in there. The little quivers at the start, the punches, kicks, elbows and knees, the full-on tumbles, the hiccups.....these movements are a bit bizzarre and a bit strange but they are also really, really cool.
* The Englishman's Excitement
My wonderful Englishman was happy when I showed him the pink stick with the two pink stripes on it, and has been involved and excited throughout my pregnancy. But this has gotten more and more and MORE, to a point that I never expected. Some days I think he is more excited than I am! He is constantly rubbing my belly, putting his head to it, kissing it, talking to the baby,........he bought a toy for the baby for the first time yesterday and was stupidly excited about it. He got all teary the other weekend after we came home from having a baby shower at my Mum's because, he said "I get it now". He has lovingly restored the family cot so our little monkey can sleep in the same cot (different mattress though) as his Pa, his Mum and his Aunties. He is selling his beloved car, Ruprecht the Peugeot and has given in to the pressure to buy a 5 door car. He tells me I look beautiful all the time and that he can't wait for the little monkey to arrive! For a man who claimed he was 'too much of a kid to have my own' only 12 months ago, I'm so happy and excited that he gets it and is so happy and excited, too.
They're probaby my favourite, and the most nicest, parts of pregnancy. There are heaps more but quite a lot of them run to more material things (like baby showers and presents, and little toys and clothes and setting up nurseries and reasons to go to Ikea.....amongst other things).
One I would have previously included was "Being able to eat whatever I want, whenever I want" but that's no longer the case. The Diabetes beat that. On the plus side, I'm unlikely to put on too many extra kilos as a result!
So that, in a nutshell, is the last few months and what it has been like for me. If I can motivate myself, I will try and blog some more as I have heaps of stuff in my head at the moment! It's just getting it out through my tendonitis wrists/tired brain/sore tailbone situation.
Tomorrow is officially "32 Weeks" of pregnancy, which, when you get the pointy end gets a bit confusing. Pregnancy is 9 months, right? and I have 8 weeks left which is roughly 2 months, so I am '7 months pregnant'....but 32 weeks of pregnancy divded by 4 is 8....so am I 8 months pregnant or 7 months pregnant? The discrepancy (I figured out) is due to the 'weeks' of pregnancy being measured from last period, not from conception. So I'm 7 months pregnant but in the 32nd week of pregnancy. Nothing is ever simple is it?
I have been taking a "Bump Photo" every Wednesday (originally Wednesdays were the day the 'week' ticked over) and to look back over them, I can see when my bump really started to 'pop' - around Week 22. Since then it has just grown and grown and I'm having trouble imagining what it will look like by the time I hit 40 weeks as it seems huge already!
Week 22
Week 24
Week 26
Week 31
I think I have been pretty lucky with my pregnancy as I have not had any complications which have landed me in hospital or on any medications. I have however, had my fair share of 'issues'. Some I was expecting (morning sickness/nausea anyone?) but others really caught me out.
For posterity as well as sympathising with other preggo ladies, here is a list of my 'pregnancy ailments': all the worst bits of pregnancy so far!
Word of warning for the non-pregnants: Read on at your peril! But remember this is just my experience and every pregnancy is different (plus I promise I'll end the post with some nice stuff as well.)
* A few old favourites first - heartburn, constant urination, tiredness
These are pretty much a given for almost every preggo lady, I think. My mild level of heartburn is fixed with a chewable minty Quikeeze or two, others are not so lucky. The constant need to pee thanks to the baby monkey dancing on my bladder is increasing, as is the tiredness which seems to be due to a lack of sleep, carrying a growing foetus around 24/7 and actually providing nutrients for the growing of said foetus 24/7. 'Nuff said.
* Pregnancy Congestion and Nosebleeds
Why does no one ever mention this as a pregnancy symptom? The first I heard that nosebleeds were associated with pregnancy was my pregnant Sister in Law, who suffered a bloody nose often towards the end of her preggo time.
Since early on, my nose has been stuffy and blocked. Think post-cold nose, the one where its not all clear and clean but its no longer running like a tap. You need to blow it good to get the gunk out a few times a day and when you go to bed it makes you breathe noisy or breathe through your mouth (and end up with lips like a snow-hiker). In the last few weeks this has progressed to a bit of bleeding when I blow it too much as well - ick. Lucky I'm not a nosebleeder so it stops quick and I dont have to stand over a sink until it stops dripping!
* Tailbone (and other 'down there bone') Issues
At some point around the 20 week mark I started having a sore tailbone if I sat for too long. It gets stiff, and achey, and I moved like a heavily pregnant woman when getting up WAY before I should have been! My midwife sent me to see a physio who wasn't really that helpful, although she made some common sense suggestionst that I really should have worked out myself, like, dont sit for more than 30 -40 mins at a time, then get up and move around.
So the tailbone thing is still an issue but I'm handling it ok. I try to lie on my side at home and at work I have a chair and a fit ball which I alternate between.
The 'other' stuff down there is a mystery - I often feel like I've been for a loooong bike ride. It's painful and awkward and I can't figure out how to help or fix it. The physio had no ideas. So at the moment I'm just trying to take the same tack as the tailbone issue, and sit all different ways or not sit for too long. I suspect its more to do with the baby monkey pushing on everything with his head than anything else now!
* Calf cramps
These are nothing too new for me, I used to get them when I played netball/ran a lot/was a LOT more active than I now am. Now I dont get the cramps so much as the pre-cramp feeling all the time, especially when I'm in bed. It's just weird, and appears to be waiting to launch a sneak-attack on me one night.
* Numb arms
Another bedtime ailment and only a recent one. You aren't supposed to sleep on your back when preggo, however when I sleep on my side with my arms bent (because otherwise I'll hit the Englishman in the head), my arms go numb, so numb it seems to take minutes for them to come back. WTF?? Can't sleep on my back, can't sleep on my massive basketball tummy, can't sleep on my sides.........WAAAHHHHHH!!!!!
* Gestational Diabetes
Yep, that's right kids, I got the Diabetes! And yes, I've been fortunate enough (so far) that I have been able to manage just by changing my diet a little and watching what I eat. Over the last 3 weeks I've learnt how to test my blood glucose levels and have lost count of which finger I used to do so countless times each day. I've figured out that chicken schnitzel wraps have too many carbs/sugar in them and that I CAN have a Ferrero or two for dessert if I want. I actually don't mind eating heavily grainy bread/toast and enjoy having to eat my breakfast before I leave the house. I've got my fingers crossed that I can continue to manage this particular ailment, although as its hormone related I may have no choice but to move to using insulin at some stage. At least it goes away once the bub pops out :)
* General uncomfortable/awkardness
Sitting/standing, getting in and out of cars, moving around furniture, carrying groceries.......all of a sudden they are just a bit awkard to do, can feel uncomfortable or just plain painful. It's not a bad one, and its one that I think is pretty universal, but it is strange to notice yourself being really careful about the way you do things without even thinking about it....like standing up from a lounge chair. You just have to lever yourself to the edge and then push your way out, there's no other way to do it!
* Cray-Cray Mood Swings
Every so often, I've had a day or two where I just want to burst into tears at all kinds of things.
Ok, so its been generally once a week at least and often its at nothing at all!
I had one week where I got super upset - both the Englishman and I were having trouble sleeping as we were keeping each other awake with snoring/heaving breathing. One night I had a go at him about it, which made him have a go at me, which ended with me going and sleeping on the lounge and crying until i got to sleep....then crying some more in the morning when the Englishman found me on the lounge and asked if I was ok.....then ended with me in hysterical laughter at this photo:
Anyway, I keep reminding the Englishman that at least the mood swings have stayed being just Happy/Sad swings. No moody/cranky/bitchy ones - thank goodness!
There's Good Stuff Too, I Promise!!
While all these ailments add up to make this Miss Holly pretty tired and uncomfortable most of the time, it has not been enough for me to say that pregnancy is horrible and I would never do it again. There are all kinds of amazing, awesome parts to it as well! Here are few of my favourite things:
* Maternity Clothes
Yes, you have to buy a bunch of new clothes that cost money and you can only wear them for 9 months or so, and if you don't have kids in the same seasons you may never get to wear them again.
So what? That can happen if you put a few too many kgs on or if you become a marathon runner.
They're still NEW CLOTHES!
And while it can be hard to find nice, good quality maternity clothes sometimes, when you find them, they rock!
When I was non-preggo, I was very careful to choose clothes that hid my slightly-flabby tummy. Hence lots of slighty flowy tops.
Now, I just want EVERYONE to see my bump so I choose lots of tight, fitted or clingy clothes that show off the Bump to the world!The rest of my body hasn't changed too significantly so I feel pretty good about how I look. I LOVE my bump and for the first time have a pair of skinny jeans that are comfy and don't show my bumcrack to the world when I bend over.
I've also been lucky enough to have two lovely friends lend me some of their maternity clothes. This has been a lifesaver and has given me some different outfits I may never have chosen myself but have LOVED.
*Preggo body
I was pretty sure I would be ok with my body changing shape during pregnancy, and I was right. I love the shape I am and have grown into. I have put on a bit of weight all over but it seems minimal, and my belly is quite a tight, round shape. Even better, the Englishman seems to love it too :)
* The little monkey Movements
It's quite a surreal experience, having something growing inside you, and one I still can't quite fathom. It's hard to believe that if for some reason the little monkey had to come out now, he would be a little baby, a real little baby.
Still, he has been making his prescence known regularly for quite some time now, so its not like I ever forget what's going on in there. The little quivers at the start, the punches, kicks, elbows and knees, the full-on tumbles, the hiccups.....these movements are a bit bizzarre and a bit strange but they are also really, really cool.
* The Englishman's Excitement
My wonderful Englishman was happy when I showed him the pink stick with the two pink stripes on it, and has been involved and excited throughout my pregnancy. But this has gotten more and more and MORE, to a point that I never expected. Some days I think he is more excited than I am! He is constantly rubbing my belly, putting his head to it, kissing it, talking to the baby,........he bought a toy for the baby for the first time yesterday and was stupidly excited about it. He got all teary the other weekend after we came home from having a baby shower at my Mum's because, he said "I get it now". He has lovingly restored the family cot so our little monkey can sleep in the same cot (different mattress though) as his Pa, his Mum and his Aunties. He is selling his beloved car, Ruprecht the Peugeot and has given in to the pressure to buy a 5 door car. He tells me I look beautiful all the time and that he can't wait for the little monkey to arrive! For a man who claimed he was 'too much of a kid to have my own' only 12 months ago, I'm so happy and excited that he gets it and is so happy and excited, too.
They're probaby my favourite, and the most nicest, parts of pregnancy. There are heaps more but quite a lot of them run to more material things (like baby showers and presents, and little toys and clothes and setting up nurseries and reasons to go to Ikea.....amongst other things).
One I would have previously included was "Being able to eat whatever I want, whenever I want" but that's no longer the case. The Diabetes beat that. On the plus side, I'm unlikely to put on too many extra kilos as a result!
So that, in a nutshell, is the last few months and what it has been like for me. If I can motivate myself, I will try and blog some more as I have heaps of stuff in my head at the moment! It's just getting it out through my tendonitis wrists/tired brain/sore tailbone situation.
So come on readers, what were your unexpected 'ailments' during pregnancy, and what were your favourite bits??? Or what are you worried about/looking forward to after the little pink stick shows 2 pink lines?
Sunday, August 26, 2012
A Lovely Weekend
We've had a pretty lovely weekend.
We started off with takeaway Chinese on Friday night. Normally we're very much Thai takeaway junkies but we discovered a good Chinese place up the road and ordered twice in a row. Good sang choy bow, good Cantonese style sweet and sour chicken..... Shame they don't do chips as Englishmen need chips with their Chinese!!
Yesterday we had a sleep in, made ourselves a nice breakfast of scrambled eggs on sourdough toast and tea, then went out looking at cars. My Englishman has finally decided that his little car will be no good for kids and has agreed to upgrade- with conditions of course! (his car also needs a few expensive fixes so while some have to be fixed to sell it, others, like new tyres, we can give a miss.)
We have only been able to agree on one type of car and even then, the sensible side of me thinks this is not the best choice of car. But the little bit of car hoon in me REALLY liked the car- its looks, its sound, it's comfy comfy seats..... We looked at two cars and have verbally bought one! A few financial things to sort out and we will have a new car very soon.
Saturday evening a had a Hen's party to attend for a lovely lady who is getting married in Italy very soon! Her husband-to-be and my Englishman are firm friends, so I'm glad we've gotten to know and like each other, too.
A week ago I had no idea what I was going to wear- being 6 months pregnant I have a limited 'going out' wardrobe (read- almost nothing). Lucky for me, my lovely friend Candice leant me some maternity dresses last weekend, perfect for nights on the town, weddings or other parties which require a certain level of dressing up!
A blazer, tights and boots and I think I scrubbed up pretty well.
after drinks, nibbles, games and some light entertainment, the Hens party headed out for Spanish tapas in Surry Hills for dinner. So.Much.Food!! And delicious too!
A quick dance after dinner and I was ready to head home so said my goodbyes and left the girls to party on. I had such a good time and hope there'll be an opportunity to go out with them another time, sans pregnancy.
This morning has continued the loveliness of the weekend! After a nice sleep in, we headed up the road to the new farmer markets at our local primary school. They're relatively new and I've only been up once before but was keen to head up and get some breakfast, then mosey around and find something nice for dinner. The Englishman was a little reluctant, being a tad hungover from keeping the buck company the night before, but luckily the free range bacon and egg rolls didn't disappoint (they even had brown sauce!!), there was Toby's estate coffee, and we found some yummy pumpkin and ricotta ravioli for dinner with a truffle cream sauce to top it off- mmmm decadent!
We also picked up a massive bag of fruit, all grown in Orange. The stall owner kept slicing pieces of pear off and feeding us- soooo good! We only wanted half a bag of apples and pears but came away with an overflowing bag instead! Not sure what we're going to do with it all......
We also bought some free range pork,apple and cranberry sausages and some cream delight potatoes for tomorrow night's dinner. Yum!
After we got home I spent almost 2 hours tidying, cleaning and generally making the house nice. Now I've say down, I'm done!! The Englishman is doing some more cot painting and after I finish this post I'm going to read, have a nap, maybe eat a pear or find a pear related recipe for later.
Have you had a lovely weekend? What makes a weekend lovely for you?
We started off with takeaway Chinese on Friday night. Normally we're very much Thai takeaway junkies but we discovered a good Chinese place up the road and ordered twice in a row. Good sang choy bow, good Cantonese style sweet and sour chicken..... Shame they don't do chips as Englishmen need chips with their Chinese!!
Yesterday we had a sleep in, made ourselves a nice breakfast of scrambled eggs on sourdough toast and tea, then went out looking at cars. My Englishman has finally decided that his little car will be no good for kids and has agreed to upgrade- with conditions of course! (his car also needs a few expensive fixes so while some have to be fixed to sell it, others, like new tyres, we can give a miss.)
We have only been able to agree on one type of car and even then, the sensible side of me thinks this is not the best choice of car. But the little bit of car hoon in me REALLY liked the car- its looks, its sound, it's comfy comfy seats..... We looked at two cars and have verbally bought one! A few financial things to sort out and we will have a new car very soon.
Saturday evening a had a Hen's party to attend for a lovely lady who is getting married in Italy very soon! Her husband-to-be and my Englishman are firm friends, so I'm glad we've gotten to know and like each other, too.
A week ago I had no idea what I was going to wear- being 6 months pregnant I have a limited 'going out' wardrobe (read- almost nothing). Lucky for me, my lovely friend Candice leant me some maternity dresses last weekend, perfect for nights on the town, weddings or other parties which require a certain level of dressing up!
A blazer, tights and boots and I think I scrubbed up pretty well.
after drinks, nibbles, games and some light entertainment, the Hens party headed out for Spanish tapas in Surry Hills for dinner. So.Much.Food!! And delicious too!
A quick dance after dinner and I was ready to head home so said my goodbyes and left the girls to party on. I had such a good time and hope there'll be an opportunity to go out with them another time, sans pregnancy.
This morning has continued the loveliness of the weekend! After a nice sleep in, we headed up the road to the new farmer markets at our local primary school. They're relatively new and I've only been up once before but was keen to head up and get some breakfast, then mosey around and find something nice for dinner. The Englishman was a little reluctant, being a tad hungover from keeping the buck company the night before, but luckily the free range bacon and egg rolls didn't disappoint (they even had brown sauce!!), there was Toby's estate coffee, and we found some yummy pumpkin and ricotta ravioli for dinner with a truffle cream sauce to top it off- mmmm decadent!
We also picked up a massive bag of fruit, all grown in Orange. The stall owner kept slicing pieces of pear off and feeding us- soooo good! We only wanted half a bag of apples and pears but came away with an overflowing bag instead! Not sure what we're going to do with it all......
We also bought some free range pork,apple and cranberry sausages and some cream delight potatoes for tomorrow night's dinner. Yum!
After we got home I spent almost 2 hours tidying, cleaning and generally making the house nice. Now I've say down, I'm done!! The Englishman is doing some more cot painting and after I finish this post I'm going to read, have a nap, maybe eat a pear or find a pear related recipe for later.
Have you had a lovely weekend? What makes a weekend lovely for you?
Friday, August 10, 2012
Future Conversations with the Monkey Monkey
I was thinking this morning about being a teenager and a young adult and all the 'life experiences' I had through this time....possibly brought on by Mrs Woog's posts and blog about alcoholic beverages of choice in your teens.....sub zeros, Bombora and Wipeout all got a mention and got me all nostalgic for my 'escapades' as a 15-18 year old.
But it also got me thinking about all the other things I did when I was a little bit younger: things I was glad I had done, things that may not have been fun at the time but taught me something, gave me some understanding for a different life or a different world, or just plain taught me the things I should avoid at all costs in the future.
And THAT got me thinking about the type of advice I might give my own kids one day.....in particular, one little boy who is currently rolling around in my tummy weighing about 600grams....
So, in no particular order, these are a few things I would suggest/encourage the 'Monkey Monkey' (as he is affectionately known) to do at some point....well, maybe some of them I might not suggest or encourage but just hope he gets the experience without me having to know about it.....
* Live in a Share House. There are so many good things about this and a few bad things but you learn a lot about yourself and about living with others that you dont nessecarily learn when you live at home. And you can make some amazing friends if you choose to live with people you havent met before.
* Work in Customer Service. Retail, Hospitality, Call Centres, these can be Hell to work in, but working in them can give you an appreciation of why store clerks are so moody sometimes, and also of when you know someone is doing everything they can to help you but just.cant. AND you can then rule it out as a career choice (if of course, you want to rule it out!)
* Experience a Relationship Breakup. Relationship breakups are hell and they suck and can be really horrible, but again you learn a lot about yourself and often about the person you are breaking up with. That might mean you realise you are meant to be together, or maybe not. Usually not. And you can learn how strong you really are and also how many people care about you and are there when you can't get yourself up on your own.
* Get so drunk that you never, EVER want to drink again. For some people that might mean having 4 West Coast Coolers, dancing on a table and showing your knickers to strangers, for others that might mean drinking so much you end up in hospital with liver damage. Hopefully it doesnt come to that. Either way, its about learning your limits.
* Go on an overseas holiday WITHOUT your family. Our little monkey will have ample chance to travel overseas with us, since half his family live in the UK! But travelling with friends or a partner is a totally different experience. And travelling in general is definitely going to be encouraged in our house!
When I posed this question on facebook, travel came up a few times (including via student exchange, something I wish I had done myself!) but a few more general comments came up as well.
My gorgeous friend Candice at Measuring Out My Life With Coffee Spoons made the comment:
"I always come back to advice about making decisions that are right for you rather than what other people says is right for you. And about making your own mistakes."
I think this sums up a huge part of what I want for my little monkey. To make his own mistakes and not to regret them, to learn from them and move on. And for him to take any opportunities that he wants to take and to do so with gusto.
What experiences would you want your kids to go through, to shape the people they become? What experiences that you had as a teen and young adult do you think shaped you as a person? And is there anything you wish you'd done that you chose not to or never got the chance to do?
(Mine is going to Japan to teach English - I had the opportunity but my boyfriend at the time didn't get accepted so I didnt go without him. But even with that I can't regret it as I may not have moved to Sydney and met the Englishman later on.......)
But it also got me thinking about all the other things I did when I was a little bit younger: things I was glad I had done, things that may not have been fun at the time but taught me something, gave me some understanding for a different life or a different world, or just plain taught me the things I should avoid at all costs in the future.
And THAT got me thinking about the type of advice I might give my own kids one day.....in particular, one little boy who is currently rolling around in my tummy weighing about 600grams....
So, in no particular order, these are a few things I would suggest/encourage the 'Monkey Monkey' (as he is affectionately known) to do at some point....well, maybe some of them I might not suggest or encourage but just hope he gets the experience without me having to know about it.....
* Live in a Share House. There are so many good things about this and a few bad things but you learn a lot about yourself and about living with others that you dont nessecarily learn when you live at home. And you can make some amazing friends if you choose to live with people you havent met before.
* Work in Customer Service. Retail, Hospitality, Call Centres, these can be Hell to work in, but working in them can give you an appreciation of why store clerks are so moody sometimes, and also of when you know someone is doing everything they can to help you but just.cant. AND you can then rule it out as a career choice (if of course, you want to rule it out!)
* Experience a Relationship Breakup. Relationship breakups are hell and they suck and can be really horrible, but again you learn a lot about yourself and often about the person you are breaking up with. That might mean you realise you are meant to be together, or maybe not. Usually not. And you can learn how strong you really are and also how many people care about you and are there when you can't get yourself up on your own.
* Get so drunk that you never, EVER want to drink again. For some people that might mean having 4 West Coast Coolers, dancing on a table and showing your knickers to strangers, for others that might mean drinking so much you end up in hospital with liver damage. Hopefully it doesnt come to that. Either way, its about learning your limits.
* Go on an overseas holiday WITHOUT your family. Our little monkey will have ample chance to travel overseas with us, since half his family live in the UK! But travelling with friends or a partner is a totally different experience. And travelling in general is definitely going to be encouraged in our house!
When I posed this question on facebook, travel came up a few times (including via student exchange, something I wish I had done myself!) but a few more general comments came up as well.
My gorgeous friend Candice at Measuring Out My Life With Coffee Spoons made the comment:
"I always come back to advice about making decisions that are right for you rather than what other people says is right for you. And about making your own mistakes."
I think this sums up a huge part of what I want for my little monkey. To make his own mistakes and not to regret them, to learn from them and move on. And for him to take any opportunities that he wants to take and to do so with gusto.
What experiences would you want your kids to go through, to shape the people they become? What experiences that you had as a teen and young adult do you think shaped you as a person? And is there anything you wish you'd done that you chose not to or never got the chance to do?
(Mine is going to Japan to teach English - I had the opportunity but my boyfriend at the time didn't get accepted so I didnt go without him. But even with that I can't regret it as I may not have moved to Sydney and met the Englishman later on.......)
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Signature Outfit - Winter
Yesterday, I read this post by Mrs Woog. Her innate sense of style inspired me to share my own Signature outfit.
My outfit is a winter outfit only, although parts of it can be worn in the transitional seasons also. It is a fairly new outfit (2010-2012) but this is because previously, I did not have an outfit for the occaision of "not leaving the house today/now I'm home". And THIS is because previously, I simply wore my pyjamas during these periods of time - Satin pjs are the most comfortable piece of clothing on the planet as far as I am concerned!
Ongoing requests that I not put my pj's on as soon as I get home from my Englishman have created a gap in my wardrobe which I have filled over the past 2 winters, and this is the result:
FIRST - THE UNDERLAYER.
I like my clothes to match so imagine my delight when I came across this wonderful ensemble! Wildcats indeed. It had been quite a few years since I owned a tracksuit (don't ask me why, I really don't understand it myself) and this was the perfect pair to re-introduce myself to the wonders of fleece and hoods.
This was purchased about 2 years ago while living in our previous unit - top floor with lots of windows and air con that would trip the circuit, requiring a phone call to Energy Australia to get into the room downstairs and flick a switch. Hence, the need for warmth, comfort and something that doesnt quite look like pyjamas.
When its really cold, I add a singlet a la Supre or a grey 'Cheetahs' tshirt to this outfit, which fits with the underlayer theme of 'slightly feminine sounding animals as mascots for ficticious sporting teams'.
NEXT - FOOT UNDERLAYER
In keeping again with the feline theme, these little beauties were shipped back from the UK in my last visit to the 'Motherland' (thankyou, TopShop). In fact, they were replacements for the previous pack of 3 bought a few years prior which are still in rotation but looking a bit sad.
Really, how can you resist thick, warm socks with Hello Kitty all over them? The colours aren't a great match for the tracksuit (Blue, Brown or Blue-and-white) but hey, you can't have everything, right?
FINALLY - THE OUTERLAYER and FOOTWEAR
These are only a recent purchase and one that I am thoroughly pleased with. I believe I have many, many years of comfort ahead of me!
This particular set may still be available at your local shop that starts with a big 'K' and includes pyjamas (tshirt and long pants) which don't feature here because frankly, my tracksuit from the shop with the bit red spot is MUCH better.
As I mentioned before, I like my clothes to match. And while my Underlayer doesnt match the Outerlayer, I'm still very happy. Purple being my favourite colour, I'm even more pleased!
Did you notice this dressing gown, like the underlayer, also has a hood? Double warmth for the head if I need to duck outside for some reason. The minky softness of this layer is its biggest drawcard, and the slipper/bedsocks even have grip on the base!
It is also important to note that a dressing gown is adjustable in size, and as I am currently looking like this:
and still 3 months to go! Adjustability is important.
I will lament the day my Wildcats Hoodie no longer stretches over my bulbous stomach - not quite sure how I will replace this important piece without throwing the balance of the outfit off altogether.....
What is your signature outfit? Blog about it and link to me (or Mrs Woog) or just comment and let me know!
My outfit is a winter outfit only, although parts of it can be worn in the transitional seasons also. It is a fairly new outfit (2010-2012) but this is because previously, I did not have an outfit for the occaision of "not leaving the house today/now I'm home". And THIS is because previously, I simply wore my pyjamas during these periods of time - Satin pjs are the most comfortable piece of clothing on the planet as far as I am concerned!
Ongoing requests that I not put my pj's on as soon as I get home from my Englishman have created a gap in my wardrobe which I have filled over the past 2 winters, and this is the result:
FIRST - THE UNDERLAYER.
I like my clothes to match so imagine my delight when I came across this wonderful ensemble! Wildcats indeed. It had been quite a few years since I owned a tracksuit (don't ask me why, I really don't understand it myself) and this was the perfect pair to re-introduce myself to the wonders of fleece and hoods.
This was purchased about 2 years ago while living in our previous unit - top floor with lots of windows and air con that would trip the circuit, requiring a phone call to Energy Australia to get into the room downstairs and flick a switch. Hence, the need for warmth, comfort and something that doesnt quite look like pyjamas.
When its really cold, I add a singlet a la Supre or a grey 'Cheetahs' tshirt to this outfit, which fits with the underlayer theme of 'slightly feminine sounding animals as mascots for ficticious sporting teams'.
In keeping again with the feline theme, these little beauties were shipped back from the UK in my last visit to the 'Motherland' (thankyou, TopShop). In fact, they were replacements for the previous pack of 3 bought a few years prior which are still in rotation but looking a bit sad.
Really, how can you resist thick, warm socks with Hello Kitty all over them? The colours aren't a great match for the tracksuit (Blue, Brown or Blue-and-white) but hey, you can't have everything, right?
FINALLY - THE OUTERLAYER and FOOTWEAR
These are only a recent purchase and one that I am thoroughly pleased with. I believe I have many, many years of comfort ahead of me!
This particular set may still be available at your local shop that starts with a big 'K' and includes pyjamas (tshirt and long pants) which don't feature here because frankly, my tracksuit from the shop with the bit red spot is MUCH better.
As I mentioned before, I like my clothes to match. And while my Underlayer doesnt match the Outerlayer, I'm still very happy. Purple being my favourite colour, I'm even more pleased!
Did you notice this dressing gown, like the underlayer, also has a hood? Double warmth for the head if I need to duck outside for some reason. The minky softness of this layer is its biggest drawcard, and the slipper/bedsocks even have grip on the base!
It is also important to note that a dressing gown is adjustable in size, and as I am currently looking like this:
I will lament the day my Wildcats Hoodie no longer stretches over my bulbous stomach - not quite sure how I will replace this important piece without throwing the balance of the outfit off altogether.....
What is your signature outfit? Blog about it and link to me (or Mrs Woog) or just comment and let me know!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
More than halfway there....
I've been quiet on the blog front lately: too busy soaking up this whole 'pregnancy experience' I think!
I've been a lucky lady so far as I've had very few issues. No morning sickness, just constant nausea for about 2 weeks and random nausea for a few weeks either side. I've had a bit of indigestion and reflux but very rare. The worst and most constant symptoms I've had are congestion and tiredness. The tiredness has not gone away as promised, though winter always makes me tired anyway.
This weekend we are off to Fiji for a Babymoon! Though the term Babymoom always confuses me: Honeymoons happen after the wedding so shouldn't Babymoons happen after the baby?
Anyway- its our last holiday as a 'Two' for a while and I'm really looking forward to it. Heat, water, yummy food and relaxation with the Englishman, doesn't get much better than that!!
Oh and did I mention we're having a boy? The Englishman is very excited!!
I've been a lucky lady so far as I've had very few issues. No morning sickness, just constant nausea for about 2 weeks and random nausea for a few weeks either side. I've had a bit of indigestion and reflux but very rare. The worst and most constant symptoms I've had are congestion and tiredness. The tiredness has not gone away as promised, though winter always makes me tired anyway.
This weekend we are off to Fiji for a Babymoon! Though the term Babymoom always confuses me: Honeymoons happen after the wedding so shouldn't Babymoons happen after the baby?
Anyway- its our last holiday as a 'Two' for a while and I'm really looking forward to it. Heat, water, yummy food and relaxation with the Englishman, doesn't get much better than that!!
Oh and did I mention we're having a boy? The Englishman is very excited!!
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