15 Months ~ Letter to August

                             

Hey my clever walker!

Yep Mama was right...this month you WALKED!! You took your first few steps on the 12th June 2013...I was so proud and so was Papa. It took me awhile to get a photo though. You would walk a few steps and bump down onto your bum so quickly I couldn't catch you mid step!

This new found skill is making you a very happy chap, you look pleased as punch with your new freedom. Mama however is slightly weepy at the fact that her baby is now all independent. 

Life has been passing by at a gentle pace...mornings in pyjamas, and lazy hazy hot days of naked baby time, long lunches & BBQ's is the garden. I have enjoyed this month with you so much. I am remembering the baby and looking at the toddler it is weird for Mama...but wonderful to see you grow so beautifully.

You are happy, fun and charming little Pip...all this hard work is paying off.

You have really developed a love for books this month, and I often find you looking through one.

You walked!!

You share all your food with us.

You love to chew on the flooring foam letters.

You have 4 new teeth all coming through at once ;(

You have inherited your Papa's love for Lego.

Opa, Oma and Tante Miranda came to visit you.

You love an audience and anyone with a camera.

You get shy and upset when new faces are around.

Banana's still rock your world.

You went in a big van on a work trip in the gorgeous June heat and met your cousin for Lunch

You HAVE to smell flowers if you seen them.

You will not lie down to have your nappy changed.

You know the phrase 'shall we go and brush your teeth' in both English and Dutch. you also put your hand up to your month in a mock brushing action!

You are quick at learning new things.

You love to empty your bookcase.

You are still clingy if tired, in pain or in new situations.

Life is gloriously full at the moment. You make us so proud and thankful. You make me think quick and enjoy the small things. Living simply is a big thing for us right now. We don't want to miss a thing.

Keep amazing us Darling boy.

You Rock our world.

Love you,

Mama

xxx

7 months ~ Letter to August

Hey Pickle,

It seems this month has been the the month for teething...however we still have none! Frustrating is the word of choice. It makes me sad to see you in pain and not being able to make it disappear in a flash...I wish I could be the one in pain and have you giggling and happy. 

You love routine, and as I have found out, dislike it when we deviate from it, infact it puts you in a huge grump for the rest of the day. Likewise you have to have a lovely full belly, and just like your Daddy, get grumpy when hungry or someone else is eating and you're not. You have also developed a fascination with mugs...you love them and watch our every move when drinking from one...hands out stretched and little grunts indicating you want it....I think you might have a love for tea...or maybe a Dutch love of coffee more like!

At baby sensory you dressed up as a pirate captain for pirate week...we were the only ones dressed up but everyone loved it, and it has to be one of my favorite moments with you...such fun! It confirms my wish for you 'There is no one else like you, so be Magnificent!' Your day as a pirate only proved that.

All signs of that tiny dependant baby have left, and you are now starting to strive for more and more independence ..you want to feed yourself, you sit up unaided, pick out the toys you want to play with, you have, in your own way, started to communicate your wants and needs more than ever.

You now wave.

You have mastered sitting up

You are moving up to all the big boy classes, which makes me a tiny bit sad that we won't see all the dinky babies come in.
Shiver me timbers you were a baby pirate!

You giggle at silly faces and love being made to jump

Fruit is slowly being added to your meals

Prunes are your new favorite

You still havent mastered finger food

You love me singing 'Old MacDonalds farm' especially the ducks & the pig noises.

You have been seen rocking your winter squirrel hat

You have a little cheeky sideway grin

I think the next month is going to see you grow in so many more ways. I have my camera ready for all those fabulous moments and my heart ready to be filled with more amazing memories.

Please remember to keep smiling, giggling and being a wonderful little chap. You make my days so full to the brim with happiness and joy.

I adore you Pip the Pickle & always will,

Mummy

xxx

Delight in Him

I'm not going to lie...this month has been a toughie...moving, teething, and trying to sort out a new house has taken its toll on me. My days run into one another and by the time August is finally asleep at night i realise i have only drunk one glass of water and forgotten to eat anything...let alone kiss my husband!

However i was reading a blog the other day, and the writer has twins...She was taking about taking delight in them....its her mantra...and it got me thinking.

These moment will never happen again, we will never get them back as she says... good or bad. There is something magical in that phrase 'Delight in them'...my boy, Funny, Grumpy, Happy, Content, Picklish, Loving & Unique. He is my world and i do delight in that.

I have made a pact to try and wear him as much as possible, or as much as my back will take...as i love babywearing. It brings us closer, and i can read his needs so much better. To take delight in him...being like one again...his heart next to mine.

Week 3

August is keeping us amused & very busy.

He is growing well...his wrists are getting chubby and his cheeks are totally quishable!

xxx 

26.03.2012

3.15am

7lb 6oz

A Bouncing Baby Boy

No Name Yet

The most intense experience of my life

I am utterly in love all over again

xxx

Letter to Pip ~ Part 7

 Darling Pip,

This is us at 39 weeks...don't you look fab? I'm still happy with my gorgeous bump and I'm going to miss being pregnant feeling your kicks and general naughty antics. 

I didn't sleep so well last night as I had my second experience of Braxton Hicks, I got all excited and was willing them to stay and get bigger so we could meet you....that and it is my guess day today!! Your Dad got it sooo wrong with his I thought I had won the bet, however they went after 3 hours and I fell asleep dreaming about what you are going to look like.

Everything is ready for you...the house is getting cleaner by the second, due to my boredom! Your drawers are still neat and tidy, and your bag has been repacked my Daddy so he know what to dress you to come home in. We have done the last minute shopping, my bag is packed and the list of your possible names is getting longer!

I am trying to relax, get some sleep, and not worry about being induced, which seems more likely as each day passes. I'm sure we will cope either way. The excitement about meeting you will over take the worry anyway :)

The daffodils daddy planted for your Birthday are all out and happy, waiting for you to arrive. I can't wait to walk you through our garden...have picnic rugs on the decking under the umbrella when it is hot, and listen to the swifts chattering overhead, while I marvel at your chunky legs with rolls of baby fat, while you coo away in ruffly bloomers! 

Life is going to be so sweet little one.

Stay safe until the time is right...then arrive quick and healthy, bouncy bambino

We love you to the moon and back

xxx

Letter to Pip ~ Part 6

Dear The Mighty Pip the Pickle,

Well my darling we are nearly there...today you are 37 weeks old and I couldn't be more proud of you and my body. We have been through a lot. We have had adventures, laughter, stresses, fun, tears and moments of breath holding and prayers.

You seem to be kicking well this week. In fact I feel you are running out of room and those long legs are getting a bit cramped now. We managed to freak Auntie Louise out as she watched you kick and jiggle about, she just couldn't believe how strong you are...I think we might have put her off having a baby. I however told her how wonderful the feeling was. After last weeks antics you can kick as much as you like darling baby.

So all you have to do now Pip is arrive soon, before the 28th March would be wonderful. I want to give birth to you naturally, so you have 2 and a half weeks to pack your bags and come into this wonderful world.

We are all waiting & wondering what you will be....boy or girl? We have all had a guess in the 'Pip Tote'. Mine is a Boy born on the 21st March, however I am only about 50.5% about the boy thing...I think it could go either way!! 

Daddy thinks Girl born on the 9th March....so you better get a wriggle on if he is to be right!!

We are off to have a spa day on Thursday with Auntie Jenna...a lovely gift from our wonderful family...I honestly cannot wait. We are going to have a massage, facial and pedicure....we are going to float in the pool for ages, in our blue polka dot tankini, in which we look rather like a whale in!! 

So if you can resist coming out until we have been pampered I would really appreciate it!

Come safely and quickly gorgeous babe...we are ready & waiting for you to complete our little world Pip.

Head down little one

We love you 

xxx

Wiggling

                                           Wriggle Pip Wriggle from Emma Bakker on Vimeo.

This is mine and Pips first attempt at getting those wonderful belly jiggles caught on camera! It took a lot of practice, as Pip is not only daddy shy, s/he is also camera shy....the minute I gave up and turned the camera off s/he showcased their biggest kick or forward roll :)

This has to be one of the most wonderful things about being 8 months pregnant...I will miss these movement in 4 weeks, but at least I will have a beautiful bouncing baby to giggle with!

Happy Days 

xxx

Kicking to the Beat

This was Pip, The wonderful one and I on Sunday. Chilling out in bed while playing Pip some music.

At one point Pip was kicking along to the beat...s/he was liking a little bit of Nina Simone & Elbow.

Watching my belly move is our new hobby... surreal is the word!!

This is one of my favorite photos of Pip so far!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Us & the Roses at 34 Weeks

xxx

At Last!

At last Pip's room is complete! This Mama can now relax :)

It seems to have taken forever but we are so happy with the results. Me and The Wonderful Dutchman keep popping in to this lovely new room in our house...we walk past and say 'Hello Pips room'...sad I know but it makes us smile.

We only bought the bookcase new, everything else, we had, or is an ebay bargain. There are plenty of charity shop finds too, and my passion for finding wonderful books which are in great condition at car boot sales might have got slightly out of hand but who doesn't love a bedtime story!

 We have plenty of Dutch books too!

The world is yours to discover Little Pip.

Handmade curtains made by me on my 1950's trusty sewing machine...she is a gem and fantastic to use...I think she will be getting plenty of use once this one arrives.

Now all we need is a gorgeous baby to make it perfect.

7 weeks to go...time to pack the hospital bag I think!!

xxx

Sleepy Head

Pip's room is starting to take shape. I couldn't resist making his/her bed.

It's getting harder to bend right now...this bump is growing by the day. 

We had a scan yesterday and my darling Ma came along to Pip watch...it was her first ever scan, as she never had one. She loved seeing Pip's chubby cheeks and was amazed with what they can do. S/he is measuring a week ahead at 33weeks and weighs around 4lb 4oz!! 

I have to stay I did get a bit teary eyed making Pip's bed all lovely...the thought that a bouncy baby will be snoozing in it is still hard to believe. 

Hopefully next week I will be able to show you the rest of the room...that is if I start to sleep a little better...this Mama is tired of these restless legs and only being able to nap for an hour before waking...it has been the worst thing about being pregnant...but the positives outweigh the negative every day. 

Must be time for a bath now!

Happy weekend 

xxx

Letter to Pip ~ Part 5

Our Dear Darling Pip,

This is us at 31 weeks....the PJ's are being rocked a lot lately which is just great as we are both super comfy in them.

These last few weeks have been sleepless. A mixture of you and me tossing and turning in bed, and the dreaded restless legs. Nothing seems to calm them down, so we are ever grateful for a good book!

When we do sleep I wake up to you striking weird positions in my belly. Papa and me try to work out which part of your tiny body we are feeling but it is tough. However your poses make us smile and marvel at your skilled acrobatic moves!!

To attempt to calm the dreaded legs we have been soaking in the tub A LOT, a personal favorite of mine...blissful hot water and bubbles makes my day. Your wriggles make the water ripple like a fish in a pond...you still amaze me everyday... I cant wait to meet your sweetness...tickle your toes...and watch you be in wonder of the world.

This weekend we have managed to get on top of your room...it is looking so fantastic. I have a slight love of pale blue at the moment, I don't know whether this is you trying to tell me that you are a boy...but we are working it in with pale greens, grey and lemon yellows...a giant world map is going up soon, so you can plan your big adventures from your cot.

We have placed our last orders for all the essentials...they all arrive this week, so your room will be done and all pretty in time for your Auntie Nats and Uncle Luke to visit....and before Valentines day, which will leave us free to make lots of people very happy with flowers! It will be a very busy few weeks until you are born... however I promise to keep you safe and happy until the doctors; or you decide to make an appearance.

8 weeks little one...8 weeks until you become a part of this beautiful, inspiring and amazing world of ours

It holds it arms open in a huge welcome to you Pip

You are Lucky

We love you

Papa & Mummy

xxx

Drawers of plenty

Last week I made a start on sorting out Pips room...It is still a mess and looks as if a bomb has gone off...However one afternoon, I wanted to be proactive so I collected all Pip's clothes and sorted them out.

The Bob barked at the hoover as I cleaned the drawers, then settled back down once 'The enemy' has gone away. I lined the drawers with some aged Laura Ashley wallpaper I got in a sale forever ago.

I then was amazed at how much stuff this little Pip has got! I think s/he will be set for the first 3 months of his/her life!! I love the rainbow of colours we have...not a hint of pink which makes me very happy!

Lots of Dutch loveliness....how I adore Continental baby outfits...they all seem to be unisex, bright and such fun.

Muslin's, cotton wool, teething rattles, strawberry hats, hand-knitted cardies and foxy jumpers.... could it get any better?

This little job made me smile...getting small things done is just fantastic and makes me feel like I am getting prepared...who cares that the bomb has gone off in the background :)

oh Pip you are going to look fantastic, and be super comfy in all your colourful outfits.

Berry Head

The other day our lovely friend sent this in the mail.

Isn't it adorable?

I have had strawberry hat envy for a while. There is a Mama who walks past the shop most mornings with her baby in the sling with a berry hat...I have adored the hat from afar, and after seeing my friend has made a Christmas pudding hat, I asked if she could make a strawberry...and voila!

Thank you so much Jenna, it is beautiful. I simply cant wait to get the Pip in it ;)

xxx

The Thirties

Week 30 and this Pip is still wriggling well...kicks in the ribs and stomping on my bladder are starting to take there toll!!

We had yet another appointment at the hospital to check up on how the blood sugar testing is going. I'm pleased to say that I seem to have got a handle on it. We just have to hope my body doesn't start playing games or this little Pip will be born at 38 weeks and I will be on medication....2 things we would like to avoid please!

A Pip arriving on Mothers Day is lovely, however when your a florist it is not the best timing...our busiest day of the year...I can hear my Ma screaming in terror!!

As long as this little one is safe and healthy I will be happy...Mother's Day or no Mother's Day!

Things are starting to get very real...I have a few Wishes...I wish that I don't get induced...I wish to have this Pip naturally... I wish to be calm and relaxed while in labor...I wish that Pip comes into this world happy and safely...and I wish that this diabetes goes away after Pip has entered our life.

And the greatest thing? 

Wishes come true!!

Happy Days 

xxx

A Very Vintage Nellie

I honestly could not resist him...

...Look at his cute butt!

...and that knowing expression...

...Like most vintage creatures he is missing his teeth...

...however his skin is still super soft...some might say huggable...

This is going to have to stop...I think I have an addiction!

Oh Hello Toes!

Everything is disappearing...but the bump!!

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

This week 29 has been a rollercoaster of emotions already.

 THE GOOD

~We are at week 29, 11 weeks until I hold our little Pip in my arms!!

~Still feeling pretty and enjoying dressing this very expanding bump of mine.

~Showing my consultant that just because I am a size 16 does mean I have piled on the pound like he assumed I would...I am the same weight as at my booking appointment....I am proud of that fact!

~We finally bought a car seat in the sales...no we just have to work out how we get it in the car.

~The Wonderful one hearing Pips heartbeat for the first time.

THE BAD

~ A rather horrid morning at the hospital, drinking the most disgusting drink ever.

~Grumpy nurses.

~Restless legs, which result in 2 hours of sleep a night.

~Finding out I have gestational diabetes :(

THE UGLY

~No sleep.

~Pincushions for arms.

~A pointless hospital appointment.

~ The bags & dark circles under my eyes.

It has been a tough one so far, but I am keeping Positive, 11 weeks of a diet change all for the good of Pip...then the reward of looking into his/her eyes, and my world being rocked!

Not long now!!