Homemade Touches

A common theme in the nursery and baby collection has been homemade. I'm fortunate to have a very crafty Mother who has many creative talents, including knitting and sewing.

I was rummaging through my fabric basket the other day, overflowing due to my need to buy cute pieces of fabric as I see them. I had no idea what to do with the fabric collection as it didn't really go together well enough to make a quilt or anything substantial.

Mum suggested I add some fabric to the plain white nappy towels I'd purchased, so they were slightly more interesting burp cloths. I was sold. I handed over my pack of nappies and fabric remnants, and "voila" next day on my desk, a pile of customised burp cloths.

She also backed some towels with fabric to make them more suitable for use as changing mats to keep in my nappy bag or around the place.

Because I didn't make these, I can't say how easy it is to do, but judging by the turn around time, I'd say it's a fairly easy sewing project and would make a nice gift for an expectant mum - practical and customised. A good way to use up those accumulating pieces of fabric also if you're a fabric hoarder like myself.

A few of the many towels... 

A change mat version - with fabric on the back of the towel

So this is nesting?

So, do you want to hear my thoughts on these final few weeks of pregnancy? Yes? Read on.. No? Stop reading. I'm going to ramble about nesting and other things that only a few people will find interesting. You've been warned.

I wanted to write this down because I think I'll find it hilarious when I look back and read this through exhausted eyes. I'll kick my zombie, mother self and go, you ungrateful bi**h, you should have enjoyed that time more. I know... I am actually enjoying it some days when I get to finish crafting projects with my mum or pop out to the shops and have the freedom to just wander. It's just taken me time to learn how to relax!

New found skills... 
I've become really good at washing the dishes, staying on top of the washing (there are currently only 3 things in my washing basket, it's a miracle), vacuuming the house and folding/washing baby clothes. I'm not sure how I feel about these skills and accomplishments. Sad? I know it will be different when the baby is here, obviously I'll have something quite important to do, but until then I walk from room to room sort of...  bored. I did recover the dining room chairs (blog to come) which was quite satisfying.

On a typical day I'll glance down and see fluff on the floor and ash around the fireplace and I'm like "oh time to vacuum!" this is a bit depressing. Except today I looked at the fluff and ash and thought, "nah, I'm going to leave you there today" . Instead, I then felt compelled to go down under the house and flatten all of the boxes from our move. Hugely satisfying, and no, it didn't bring on labour.

I've popped into the office a few times for sanity, and had several doctors appointments, as well as collecting the final baby bits and pieces. However, errand days are becoming fewer now that I have everything ticked off the list.

Wandering...
When working full time I'd always be rushing around the mall at lunch time to grab a quick present for someone or pick up some dry cleaning after work, rushing, rushing, and be thinking to myself "who are all of these people just wandering? don't they have jobs to get back to? do they do this all day?"

I'm one of those people now. Except I'm waddling, and only short distances before I have to stop and snack or catch my breath. I feel 'mother's eyes' on me when I'm waddling through the shops. They look at me with this longing,  'that used to be me...pre-baby... wandering.. waiting...anticipating... ' look.  It's hard to explain it, but I'm sure my mother friends will know the one. The 'make the most of this time!!!!' look. They give pregnant women like me those looks whilst forcing a screaming, stiff child into a push chair and admiring the latest child induced stain to appear on their once clean shirt.

Speaking of shirts, let's break up the text with a picture of a shirt I purchased for maternity and post baby wear. I hope to be able to do up more buttons soon. I'm keen on button front clothing in anticipation for the feeding months ahead.

Talking to strangers...
I've decided as well, being pregnant is like having big boobs (something I've never had) but every single person that passes me in the street looks down at my bump. They don't see my face, just the bump. I'm just bump these days... that is all. I have strangers asking me questions everywhere I go. I've never had so many conversations with so many strangers before. It makes the world feel nice and friendly, even if it is the same conversation over and over...

Do you know what you're having? How much longer do you have? First baby? Are you excited? And yes, actually one man even went so far as to enquire whether I was having a hospital birth or home birth, or one of those crazy 'birthing with dolphins' experiences, whilst I was unloading groceries onto the conveyor... It was pretty funny, and he was very helpful with taking my basket and offering to help carry things.

Eating...
The other thing I've noticed recently is this baby has suddenly become very hungry. My appetite had been normal up until two weeks ago and I'm suddenly getting these actual strong cravings that just won't go away. Especially strong cravings for calcium (cheese and milk). Oranges still feature, but not as heavily as the first trimester.

My body told me I HAD to make macaroni and cheese one day 15 minutes before Rachel Ray started. I know! so inconvenient! I was amazed at how quickly and efficiently I whipped up a little bowl of mac 'n cheese just before the show started. These cravings make me achieve great things.

I'll leave you with my latest nesting efforts. Sorting out all of my bathroom cupboard. Amazing.

Time to stretch these ribs. 

Well done if you got to the end. 

The Nursery

After several months of not knowing where we'd be living when this little guy arrived, it's nice to stand in this room and think "finally, I'm ready".. well as ready as I'll ever be! I like that we have this space for him now with all of his little teeny tiny things and mementos on display, and somehow it just feels more real.

Mr D finds me in there some most nights...

"what are you doing?"
"folding his clothes, sorting them into sizes... now look at this, these two drawers are newborn, so you can grab anything from here to dress him in...oh look at this one, oh and this one...remember when we chose this one?"
"you love this don't you"
"yes"
"he's not a doll you know"
"yes... I know..."


He smiles and leaves the room...

Back to the nursery...

I posted this sneak peak yesterday so many of you have probably already seen the first few pictures. We collected things throughout the pregnancy for a room that didn't really exist, so the end result is very eclectic. I also didn't know his room would be peach! I've grown to like the peach, it's quite warm and gives the room a nice glow. Given that most of his furnishings are on the masculine side, it sort of balances with the peach.

 The cats are curious.. 

A little break down for anyone who is interested; 

• The cot was made by Laban's Pop for his little brother, who slept in there 10 years ago. He re-sanded it and sealed it again all ready for us. It's beautiful.
• The owl and the pussycat were knitted by my Nana. I saw them at her house and loved them, so she made a set for me Lenny.
• The fake moose head was a gift from our farming friends, they purchased it in Melbourne. It's so cute!
• The Larry David print was one my husband discovered online. I just framed it using an off the shelf frame and had some mats cut to fit.
• The chair is the perfect size for a little boy. I purchased it from Ezibuy of all places. I've never purchased furniture from them before, and was pleasantly surprised.
• The shawl on the chair was made by my Nana. I'll be taking it to the hospital with me. It's so beautiful and very special. I've blogged about it before
• The knitted jumper collection made by my Mum, Nana and Mr D's Nana as well. Beautifully soft  jumpers which I can't wait to put on Lenny.
• The blind was in the room already and I made some curtain panels to go over the top and tie everything together. I should do a blog post on how I made them.. one day... basically I didn't use a sewing machine. Just fabric, hemming tape and an iron. Very inexpensive and they do the job. I even made the tie backs without a sewing machine. So easy, and great when you're renting and don't want to invest too much in window dressings.
• The cot quilt was from Wallace Cotton when they had a sale a few months ago.  Grey and white striped.. surprise surprise.
• We inherited the drawers from Mr D's Poppa when he moved into the nursing home. I found an old photo of his Grandparents in one of the drawers from many years ago which I've kept in the nursery as a little memento. 
• The Jungle book prints are gorgeous watercolours we found a few years ago on Trademe and I had them re-framed. They were in Mr D's office.. but work well in a nursery.
• The Disney vintage posters were a gift I gave Mr D about 6 or 7 years ago. You can't see them too well in the picture, but they're very cute.
• The tins were given to us by Mr D's Nana. He used to play with them as a little boy when he went to her house, and everyone would clap and tell him how clever he was when he stacked them up. There is a gorgeous photo of him grinning from ear to ear with those tins stacked next to him. I hope to get the same photo of Lenny with those tins.
• I've temporarily placed his toys in an empty basket I had lying around. Mr D's old gollywog is hanging out with sleepy ted, little ted and superman (all made by my Nana) and a few other soft toys given to us by friends and family. Woody takes pride of place, his gift from Amelia. 

I do have a change table in there, just a wooden and canvas folding one, but it's covered in his things for the hospital, so you'll just have to use your imagination on that one. 

So there it is.. as you can see it is a very mixed collection of things given to us by friends and family which makes it a very special room. It will evolve over time I'm sure.. but for now it's done.

Putting Baby in the Corner

Given that it's Winter and we're living in a non insulated home... and first time parents... we've decided the best place for Lenny to be when he arrives is in our room.

This way we can heat the one room, keep an anxious eye on him to check that "yes he is still breathing" and reach out with my tired arm to gently rock his bassinette in the hope he will fall back to sleep...

We set up his little bassinette in the corner next to my side of the bed, in between the wall and dresser. I really felt like I'd just shoved the bed there in the corner, and it looked a little bit sad and lonely, so I decided I'd make it a little more personalised. So here it is.

I lie in bed looking at Lenny's corner, trying to imagine him sleeping in there. It's all a little bit surreal, but does give me warm fuzzies. It's funny making a bed for someone you've never met, yet you want it to be cosiest, snuggliest little bed you've ever made.

I purchased the bassinette and the rocking stand online with a nice wool filled mattress. He has some yummy soft flannelette sheets, a little muslin wrap for 'spills' and a beautiful cotton blanket given to me by some very special people.

His little friends, from left to right include; Mr Ted. This was Mr D's when he was a baby so is very special. Then there's Tortie (or Yurtle) made by my Nana, featuring a removable shell sweater, and finally there's Squeak, made by my Mum. Squeak is more feminine than the others and is sensitive about her moustache, but I think Lenny will like having her around.

Can't wait to put a little baby in there!
Photos to come of his own little boys room... and some DIY projects I've done whilst on maternity leave fighting boredom.

x

Knitted Delights

If you could see just how many knitted things this little Lenny Lump has your jaw would drop. The knitters have truly emerged from within the family and showered this baby with the most beautiful handmade knitted delights. I'm not worried about the house having no insulation now... not with this amount of wool to wrap him in.

Knitted blankets, hats, booties, jumpers, jackets and toys...we've got all bases covered.

I actually said to Mum the other day after I'd run out of coat hangers in his wardrobe..." you know what? I think he has quite a few knitted things now... maybe we can make him something else?"

But...she couldn't help herself... I came into the office this morning and found this wee one on my desk. Her 9th jumper!  A little wrap number for mini Mr D! (of course she actually wanted to know the initial of his first name... nice try Mum!)

All of the jumpers and jackets are different sizes, but this one should fit him when he is still quite small and should last through to when we go to Canada. She is one talented Mumma.

Belly Update

Mr D and I are going to try and do some photos this weekend of the bump before I pop. In the meantime, you can see... it's LARGE!

Some little updates and thoughts on pregnancy with 4 weeks to go.

Simple things like washing the dishes and eating dinner have become a little bit harder. Moving a house was a bit of a mission with this bump sticking out front too. I make a lot of noise when I move...getting off the couch, rolling out of bed, getting out of the car if I'm parked on a hill (that's hard!)... all simple movements that all now feel a little bit more of a challenge. I get breathless all the time, so I feel chronically unfit, but I've been told it's the pressure of the baby pushing up on my lungs. Thanks doc, that made me feel a little better.

I've started filling out in the face, arms, legs...but my rings are still loose, so I mustn't be retaining too much fluid yet (just fat!). The cellulite has crept from the back of my thighs around to the front which is awesome and my posterior has softened somewhat and dropped into a lower position ( I thought just the baby did that?) It appears not, the rear bump has followed suit. I didn't move the scales into the new house, probably for a good reason. No one wants to see that number increasing by the day.

The weight gain is somewhat reassuring though. It's not like non-pregnant weight gain where you think OK starting tomorrow I'm going to cut out treats, wine and go walking every day... It's more of a reassurance that baby is getting bigger and stronger and I'm fueling that growth (with delicious food). I figure I'll need those fat stores too once the milk factory opens for production.

I love this belly and I love this little baby growing inside me and I love my body for coping with pregnancy so well. It's been an amazing experience to watch my body change and adapt to everything. I'll miss watching my belly dance while I'm resting on the sofa. I'll miss when Mr D cuddles me in the night and holds my belly and Lenny dances away, like he knows his Dad is there. He will lie all still while I sleep (thank you baby), and then Mr D cuddles in close and puts his hand on my belly and the dancing begins. Sometimes it's so strong it wakes me up. I like those moments.

A (positive) Birth Story

A while ago I asked if any friends or readers wanted to share their birth story since I have been on the topic of babies for about 9 months now. A friend of mine kindly shared her really positive birth experience and has allowed me to share this with others who may be interested in reading about a really positive experience (rather than a horror story!)

Thanks Jen!

Hi Victoria,

So here is a short (well I will try & make it short) version of my birthing experience with Abby.

I was always terrified of needles and pain (personal pain and other peoples/animals pain)! I fainted over almost everything! Even in front of the vet when my horse had a tiny mole removed from below his eye. I passed out when I had my ears pierced, passed out when I broke my arm, passed out when I had the cast removed...anyway you get where this is going ...

So when I found out I was pregnant with Abby I was super determined to not pass out or freak out! I wanted to have a peaceful beautiful experience giving birth to my baby. I had already decided a long time ago not to let other mothers 'horrid' birthing stories effect me - not an easy thing to block out of one's mind. I also had decided to try for a natural drug free birth.

I came across Hypnobirthing and a few friends from Muriwai had done the course and had the most beautiful birthing stories to share. So I booked Andy & I in to do the course when I was 28 weeks. In short Hypnobirthing is not about being Hypnotised while giving birth, it's a course to teach your mind and body how to be 'very' relaxed - I would describe it as being in a kind of 'daydream' state but being 'present' in what your doing at the same time. Part of the Hypnobirthing course is listening to the 'Rainbow Relaxation' cd - yes sounds a bit 'out there' but Andy and I listened to it often and had it playing in the background in the birthing room. The Hypnobirthing course also got me over my fear of needles and I was able to have blood tests with total confidence!

So on my first day off work - 4 weeks until Abby was due, my waters broke! Noooooo, this was NOT part of my birthing plan story that I had written to myself. Off to the hospital I went with the midwife with NO bag packed! Andy left work and met me at the hospital and waited until I was set up comfy in bed and then I sent him home with a list for things we needed (next time I'm packing the bag 8 weeks in advance!).

Andy and I knew we may have a good amount of time before baby decided to come, so we went for a big walk around the hospital and it was such a clear sunny day and we looked up and there was a perfect rainbow! That for us was an amazing sight and sign to see - we took a picture. My contractions started at 1.00am and I had Abby at 6.25am. The time between went so fast and Andy was a super star talking to me quietly and letting me just zone out and he talked me through the different breathing techniques. At the pushing stage I craved cold fizzy lemonade which was so weird and I would sip on the straw and push - sip - push - sip - push .....

The moment Andy passed Abby to me was insane - it was the most amazing feeling of gut punching love that I had never felt before. I felt so fantastic after giving birth to Abby - I had so much energy and I was so proud of myself. I now had a positive birthing story to share with others. The days that followed were a little harder. Abby was tiny - only 4lb 9oz. The next day Abby decided to stop breathing in Andy's arms - luckily this happened within minutes of arriving in the SCBU (special care baby unit) and nurses and doctors were onto her right away. She had to have so many awful tests including a lumbar puncture and over the next 4-5 days she would still stop breathing. It was so hard having her in an incubator and not being able to hold her,  however after day 3 we were allowed to hold her as much as we liked and the skin to skin contact was the best thing for her and us. We were in hospital for 2 weeks and it took this long for her to latch on to breast feed, but so glad I persisted as there were many days where I felt like giving up. Bringing Abby home was nerve wrecking - we drove like nanas! Muriwai put on a beautiful day for her home coming and a magic sunset of course :o) X

 

How happy and beautiful does Jen look here. Jen actually was the reason Mr D and I went to hypnobirthing. It was such a positive workshop, and we learned a lot about each other, as well as the birthing process and relaxation. I absolutely loved the course, and if anyone out there currently pregnant is interested then do contact Amanda www.naturalgentlebirth.co.nz She is a wonderful teacher. I'll let you know how we get on with using the techniques in a few weeks time!!

4 weeks to go!!!!!!! 

Getting Ready

Even though little Lenny will be in our room for the first wee while, I'm still in the progress of setting him up a room of his own. This has been a bit of a journey... We thought maybe we would be in our own home by now, but that doesn't look as likely. With 8 weeks to go, we wanted to get him a space set up so we have somewhere to put all of his things and feel a little more organised (nesting much?). I also really want a space, not just for him, but for us as a family to be together in sometimes. We share a house with family at the moment, so it's become important to me to just have this space there, ready and waiting for the three of us...our little family, where we can just chill together. The flip side is, if we do end up finding a place of our own in the next few weeks, we will still be coming back to the beach often to see friends and give Lenny lots of hang out time with his Nana Milly, so it's nice to have a spare room set up at the house.

Here's a picture which really shows you nothing... but a chair, in a concrete room, mid painting.

After I had finished painting I discovered the colour is very lilac. Sorry Lenny... I was going for soft grey but you know.... a hint of lilac is very soothing. They say it gives off feelings of safety and love and in my opinion that's never a bad thing.

This will do. I'm not about to do a repaint. Painting is hard work... Those home reno programs make it look too easy. Damn you reality TV.

Pregnancy Must Haves

It's taken me a bit longer than I thought to actually sit down at the computer and start typing... and since you guys took the time to send me suggestions and other pregnancy information, I thought the least I could do was put it all together.

So here goes!

When you're pregnant, it's really easy (and addictive) to get distracted with cute baby clothes and all of the bits and pieces, and forget about things for yourself... things that make the pregnancy journey a wee bit more comfortable, especially around the final trimester.

I'll try to summarise everything, from bits I've picked up, read, and of course things my friends have tried and vouched for (best advice!)

Not everything will suit everybody of course, but there may be bits and pieces that help other mums-to-be.

1. Buy a New Bed.  It seems extreme, but going from a Queen to a King size bed was the best decision and investment ever! That extra 15cm or whatever it is has provided ample room for us, the cats and the belly to fit together and have an awesome nights rest. I've been well informed that sleep is something to be treasured whilst pregnant, so I've been doing just that... enjoying my amazing new bed. No partner disturbance (Mr D doesn't even know how many times I get up in the night), no roll together, not that I don't like a snuggle, but when you feel like a little oven, or you need to roll over and lack stomach muscles, this is a godsend. It was annoying to go out and buy new sheets etc... at a time when I thought we should be saving money, but it was well worth it.

2. Stretch Mark Prevention. They say you're either genetically predisposed to getting those pesty stretch marks or you're one of the lucky ones. You can slather on whatever you like, but chances are, you could still get them. Either way, it's really nice to keep that growing bump well moisturised, and provides a nice relaxing bonding time with the bump each day.

Wheat Germ Oil A friend of mine who has had two beautiful babies and no stretch marks recommended this one. It doesn't have nice scented oils or anything fancy and comes in a brown glass bottle from the pharmacy, but it's not super greasy, so leaves your belly feeling supple and smooth. I've been using this at night on my belly and hips and so far so good! It's not a beautiful product, but it's inexpensive, natural and feels really really nice on your skin.

Palmers Cocoa Butter Tummy Butter I haven't used this one yet but several friends have used it during their pregnancies and had no stretch marks. It's apparently quite thick and sticky but I bet it smells delicious, and obviously does the job too. I couldn't find it the other day at the shop, but I might have another look. I like to alternate between my wheat germ oil and nice smelling moisturisers so I feel a little bit pampered.

3. Pamper Yourself One friend suggested pedicures as a way to counteract all of these changes in your body that can sometimes leave you feeling a tad fat, frumpy and frazzled... Having beautiful toes made it just that little bit nicer. I totally agree!! I can't easily reach my toes now, cutting them is a mission and there's nothing glamorous about my technique... so I'm ready to start investing in pedicures! I'm looking forward to a girly manicure/pedicure session with my best friend in the next few weeks!

4. Massage I've had several full body 1 hour massages since my first trimester. Bliss!! You feel energised and relaxed at the same time. It rids me of tension and stress and lets me lie there for an hour doing absolutely nothing! Why not pamper myself while I still can...

5. Dressing the Bump This has been a hardish one for me. It's no secret I love to shop, but when it came to dressing the bump I wanted to be budget conscious (because I don't want to spend up large on 'fat clothes'), but I still needed clothes that would work for all of my wardrobe needs - work clothes, nights out and weekend lounging... I actually think this could be a whole blog post on it's own.. so stay tuned.

6. Tissue Salts These were a life saver when my legs decided to start cramping during the night. Being woken up with cramp in your calves is never a good thing. Neither is googling "how to get rid of leg cramps" at 2am, reading through burning eyes that standing on a cold floor will help and therefore finding yourself standing on freezing cold tiles at 2am drinking water. It's a lonely time.

7. A Supportive Partner I feel I need to add this one in there. I know not all are fortunate to have this during pregnancy, but if you do, it makes the whole journey so much more exciting and special. Mr D and I have become a lot closer during the pregnancy and he has been so understanding and supportive, even though I know it's hard to relate or understand, when his body isn't going through all of the changes. So even if you find yourself without a partner during pregnancy, even having a really close friend you can confide in is a massive help. I'm fortunate to have that too, with my friend very recently going through the journey of being a mother for the first time.

I've become even slacker in the blogging/photo taking thing. I don't know what happens with time. Perhaps working full time, growing the baby and trying to get life organised has kinda gotten in the way. I've fallen behind on Lenny's maternity journal as well which I'm not too happy about. Can't do everything though...
I never thought pregnancy went this quickly. It's insane!

8 WEEKS TO GO!!!!!!!

Sorry I don't even have a picture to go with this post. I'll try get onto some pictures this weekend. It's always dark when I get home, so I never take updated shots.

Lenny through the iPhone

Periodically I take a snap on the iPhone to send to my sister in Sydney, or my nana or my mum, or whoever asks "how's Lenny?" It kinda sums it up... he is getting bigger.

I think I'll miss this belly when it's gone, I'm getting quite attached to the way it moves and jumps as he does. I'm still not used to my new dimensions and knock it on things several times a day. Just learning to open that door a l i t t l e bit wider before entering the room, or trying to give myself enough room to get out of the car when parking. No sucking in this gut anymore.

Sharing is Caring

Over the next few weeks before little Lenny arrives I'm going to be sharing stories, tips and advice from my friends who are mothers themselves. I thought it would be a good way for me to learn a few things along the way as well as share with other expectant mums out there who may be reading this little blog.

Sometimes I find the information available overwhelming and not overly honest or applicable. I feel you read one thing, and then hear something totally different, and everyone has totally varied experiences and opinions when it comes to bringing their baby into the world.

I gave up reading pregnancy information and wasn't too enthused about antenatal classes. I am however enjoying Jackie Brown's book "I'm not fat, I'm pregnant" it's a great honest read, and I guess it inspired me to ask if anyone else out there wants to share honest advice. Let's cut the bulls**t and just get real answers from real people - and more importantly from people we can relate to.

I know not everyone wants to share, after all it is a very personal and private experience. I do appreciate anyone who does want to share though, and encourage you to contact me through my facebook page or email address (on my about me page).

I've already received one great birth story to share, and I'm currently collecting information on two topics which I'll use to put together in a post.

The current topics are: Best tips for the mother to be, and Best pregnancy purchase...

Get in touch if you'd like to contribute. Quotes and advice are anonymous. Birth stories will be published as I receive them and have the drafts approved by those brave enough to share their story. 

I look forward to hearing what you all think!

Source: birthphotographers.com via Arden on Pinterest

T is for Tired...

We've reached the third trimester! It seems strange to be this far along and still getting my head around the fact that;

1. I am having a baby
2. He will be here in less than 12 weeks
3. We haven't yet found a suitable house to buy.

We had another check up at the obstetrician this week to go over my recent bloods and talk about how things are going. At the pre-check with the midwife, she opened up my test results and went "woah woah woah"... never a good thing when you've just been tested for gestational diabetes. Naturally you think the worst.

Her words were. "How are you still standing? Do you just want to keel over and go to sleep? Do you get dizzy often or feel like fainting?"
Ummm... sometimes?

Turns out Lenny has stolen all of my precious iron supplies. I've always run a little on the low side at various times in my life, so I shouldn't be surprised. But I had this overwhelming relief after the doctor visit that there was another reason behind this tiredness I've been feeling, and it probably has a lot to do with my emotional outbursts and irritability of late. I kept telling myself, "yes you're tired, but you're pregnant, this is the easy part... the calm before the storm, suck it up"... So to know that these little red pills may just ease this tiredness a wee bit is a huge relief.

So not much else happening in baby development world. We have chosen a paint colour for his temporary nursery, purchased a nice reading chair for his room, inherited some sweet drawers from Mr D's Poppa and have made some progress on putting it all together to get more organised (slowly). We've booked our babymoon to Sydney and have started discussing serious stuff like what pram to buy.

Here's Lenny at 27 weeks.

Putting my feet up

The other weekend my mum and I flew down south to spend a weekend with her parents, my grandparents. It was a special trip, visiting them with my big round tum knowing that the next time they see me I'll have Lenny here, on the outside!

I love staying at Nana's house. The beds are so soft and cosy, it's quiet and warm and has all of the things I remember being in her house when I was a little girl. The same little statues, the same cabinets and embroideries on the wall. They fussed over me so much, insiting I put my feet up in the lazy boy, just like the Chawners, and Nana made me hot cups of tea served with home made biscuits. Yum!

We drove around to various places, seeing where my mum grew up, hearing her stories of sneaking out, and "running up that hill to see her friend, and kissing a boy behind that hall at some dance". It's always funny picturing your parents as teenagers. We stopped at a little town called Outram which had all of 5 shops. It was so quiet, it really felt like you'd stepped back in time. There may have only been 5 shops, but they were the amazing thrift stores and antique shops. I could have filled a truck with so many amazing things for the house I don't yet own and the nursery I'm yet to create, again... in the house I don't yet own... Little chairs, perfect for a little boy.. vintage trunks and miniature drawers to house little collections, for next to nothing. It killed mum and I to walk from the shops empty handed, knowing we couldn't fit a chair, vintage suitcase and wooden petrol station in our luggage.

I did however find this little plate that will go perfectly in Lenny's room (the one I've created in my head). He has a very cool collection of artefacts and prints to date, and I knew this plate would look great in amongst everything else. It will remind me of the time I went to stay with Nana and Granddad while he was in my belly, which makes it all that bit sweeter. There was another little store where everything in the shop was hand made by people in the town. I got the sweetest pair of hand knitted socks for Amelia Bedelia, I'll try to get a photo of them on her cute little feet.

 

The rest of the visit was spent drinking tea, reading books and watching my mum and nana knitting adorable things for Lenny. 

Look at the Nana's go! You can feel the love and concentration in the room..

Here my mum is sewing together the softest, most adorable little wrap cardigan and Nana is working on another knitted toy, which is going to be pretty awesome.

 

It made me wish I could knit. But I think I'll leave it to the Nana's. We have Nana's on Mr D's side furiously knitting away as well so I hope Lenny likes home knits. He will be wearing them for many years to come.

I'll endevour to take photos of his hand knitted treats soon, they are so adorable. 

And here's me and Lenny by a tooth? It's art.... 

 

Sorry for the lack of blog updates. Our internet has gone back to dial up speed. It's infuriating and we're waiting until the new billing month to tick over to enjoy super fast speeds again. It took a long time to get these pictures to load. I have a little bit of a backlog to share now. 

Lenny is nearly 28 weeks cooked! 12 more to go! eek!

Oh and just to clarify - his name won't be Lenny on the outside world. People aren't sure, so there we go, the outside world name is being saved for when he's actually here.

Lenny - On He Grows!

It was such a beautiful sunset the other night before we went out, we grabbed the camera and decided to take some photos of Lenny in the setting sunlight. 

 

I had a weird outfit on that emphasised how large the rear end is getting and I quickly got changed (again) into a loose black shirt before we headed out the door.  Mr D was so understanding. We were meant to be out the door at 6pm. Come 6.30pm I was still throwing discarded outfits across the room and hadn't even started on my face paint. I had clothes strewn all over the place, and would pause every so often, sit down on the bed in a huff and let out a "nothing fits!" sigh. So pathetic. Then my nesting bug would kick in "oh look at this room! there are clothes everywhere, it's a mess, I need to refold everything in my drawers and rehang everything and... and..." 

Mr D would give me a nice big hug to settle the situation and tell me I looked beautiful and said he'd help me tidy the room in the morning...but seriously let's go. He was trying so hard to be understanding. I know it drives any guy mental when his partner is taking forever to get ready for a night out, but he didn't let it show.

He called me outside, mid frantic outfit changes to look at the beautiful sunset and said we had to get some photos of Lenny Lump. I'm glad we did. I wasn't feeling very photo ready, but it's more about this swelling belly and the sun saying goodbye. 

 

I love this photo of Lenny and Uncle Z, despite me appearing to have no neck. Uncle Z is so excited about Lenny. The other night he danced for him and his Uncle Mikki for so long. My whole stomach was moving and wriggling from side to side. It verged on a scene from aliens, but still cute. The uncles like to feel him kick.

Baby Brain...

Ok, I take it back. I admit, I never really believed baby brain existed, especially during pregnancy. I thought it was something that came perhaps after you had the baby and are stumbling through the days and nights, barely existing.

This week it hit home that my brain may not be up to it's normal speed. I keep a notebook full of notes and appointments, as well as having diary entries on my iphone synced to my desktop computer... to ensure I don't forget anything. Since I've been pregnant I suddenly have so many appointments?

So it's 4.45pm and I'm rushing out the door to head home and get ready for my first pregnancy yoga class, I can't find my keys. Then I remember, oh. I don't have a car. It is still at the garage getting serviced. Riiiggghhhttt.... ok.

On route to the mechanic, I ring my friend to say, "Hey, change of plans, I'll meet you there... and can you pick up my gym clothes from my house on your way?" . A quick call to the brother in law extraordinaire to pack my gym bag. He can't find my normal fat pants, and finds my old gym pants...They'll do. I hope. Oh shit, can I actually still fit those? Fingers crossed the muffins will be contained. I hang up the phone, still on route to the mechanic but feeling on top of things. Breathe...

Oh what's that? A missed call and voicemail. "Hi Victoria, it's insert fake name here from insert bank name here. We had an appointment at 4.30pm today, just wondering how you're getting along"... Well obviously I'm not getting along, quick check of the clock, 4.55pm. Shit.

Is this... baby brain?

So I make it to yoga, squeeze my recently enlarged squishy toosh and muffins into my old gym pants and set about mmmmmming and breathing for an hour.My brain finally catches up.

Feeling rested, I head off to bed circa 9.30, look online for some houses to live in, please house, come to me, discuss some loose life plans with Mr D. Cuddle my lovely cats, go to the toilet (about ten times) and finally take off into dream land.

And then it begins... a night of dreams, where I forget I have to be places, uncontrollably gag in a butchers shop, spend $440 on meat, leave it in the shop, back into a car, give that person my card, twice, who mentions, "ahhh you already gave me this?" looks at me like I'm an idiot and so it continues, all night. Seriously!!!??? baby brain IN MY DREAMS? You must be joking.

22 weeks...

The bump is growing every day now, I'm sure of it.

Here's Lenny Lump at 22 weeks. He's kicking me as a write this, it's hilarious, exciting and weird all at the same time...

There are no shots of my face here, I look/feel/am really tired today. Mr D took a few, and I look at them and think, oh wow, is that what I looked like today? Tired. Tired and a little bloated in the face as well to top it all off, which I know I should just get used to.

I can feel the days now where Lenny is growing, I'm sure of it. My energy levels plummet and I feel quite emotional. Hopefully an early night and a full night's rest will be enough for him to give me my energy back. Maybe my body is just preparing me for the tiredness you experience when you're a parent? Who knows... all I know is that all the tiredness is worth it when you feel those little kicks.

It's good night now from Lenny and I.

Lenny's Latest

To date I haven't really purchased anything for this little baby... but the further on I go, the more I find myself drawn to the teeny tiny clothes departments. Whilst the Nanas and Great Grandmas are furiously knitting up a storm of warm delights for little Lenny, a few things have found their way into my shopping trolley...

A few things this week.

I got some striped little body suits from Country Road and a wee striped blanket ( you know I like stripes right?). I couldn't find images of the other two... but you get the idea. Stripes!

Mr D chose Lenny's first piece of art for his room. We framed it tonight and it looks awesome. We're big fans of Larry David... if you don't know him, I suggest you do, he will fill your life with awkward moments and laughter.

Nana decided Lenny will need some warm slippers for Canada at the end of the year, so although too big for the first wee while, Lenny will have nice warm feet when we head off to the snow.

Aunty Maddy (my new featured blogging companion) popped into Zara on her lunch break and came away with some little red jeans. These aren't the exact ones, but you get the idea. They're cute, and red. Every kid needs some. Hooray for having a sister in Sydney who loves to shop!

Lastly, I couldn't resist yet more stripes... so picked up a little cotton onesie from Nature Baby.

And if it wasn't obvious from the above shopping list... Lenny is in fact a HE. He made that VERY obvious at our last two scans.

I can't wait to meet my little boy!


A mini Mr D... I couldn't be happier. 

A new friendship...

This beautiful little girl has no idea that she has a new friend growing in my belly. Here is their first photo together. Amelia meet Lenny...Lenny, Amelia. 

I can't wait to see her reaction to meeting a brand new baby. She will be nearly 18 months by then and can show Lenny the ropes.I hope she teaches Lenny how to sleep through the night too.

We're halfway there...

We've come to the halfway mark for this pregnancy... I can't believe how fast it's gone.
20 weeks!!!!!!!

I feel bad that I gave up on taking belly photos every few days for my husband's stop motion movie plans... but I was too lazy and kept putting it off. Now I'm already looking at my belly and thinking, I should have kept going... time just runs away with me.  So we've decided we will just take random belly photos at different times around home and things to track the growth and marvel in how big it's getting.

My belly button is really shallow now and the skin on my stomach looks quite shiny. I love rubbing oil on my belly at night and feeling Lenny move around in there. No stretchmarks....yet... but it's early days. I'm definitely finding it harder and harder each day to dress myself for work in the morning.
I look at my wardrobe and sigh a lot.
 
Here is a typical after work shot. Yoga pants and a slouchy t shirt. I don't do yoga...but the pants are just insanely comfortable. Thank you for the person who invented these amazing fold over waistbands. 

There's a baby in there

In the past week it's actually dawned on me that there's a little person setting up home in my belly. I don't know why it's taken me so long, but now I feel officially pregnant. I still think that when I start to feel little movements in there, my realisation of 'oh wow, I'm actually pregnant', will move to a whole new level.

My back isn't actually sore yet, so I'm not sure why I'm standing like a woman after 40 weeks of pregnancy, waddling around, cursing about the sciatic, but there you have it. My ever increasing belly, on a summery Saturday evening, on our messy front door step, before we headed out to a family 50th.

Obi is just passing through in the background there.

 

Little pregnancy updates for anyone who made it this far down the page: 

Oranges and cherry tomatoes have been given the flick. Apples are better than oranges now, so are peaches with passionfruit Piako yoghurt. No new massive outbreaks on my face to report, which is great. Fingernails are growing like weeds and currently resemble claws.Clothes shopping when pregnant officially sucks. 

You know you're pregnant when you walk into a shop surrounded by cute tops and dresses and come away with a pair of black stretch pants with a fold over waist band for added comfort.

This blog has been taken over by all things pregnancy, sorry.  I do actually have several photo shoots to share with you, of other people and babies, which I hope to get around to after I've organised my entire house and completed all of the never ending washing soon.