10 Months ~ Letter to August

 Mr Moo,

Wow how you have grown little man! Developmentally you are so smart, I love to see the amazement in your face when you discover something new. We build towers out of your blocks and you don't like to knock them down but place more things on top. Like your dummy or another block, it is so sweet to watch.

You love to share and offer everything to us....if your playing, you offer us a stacking cup, dummy, or toy. You have even started to offer us your spoon after you have taken a mouthful. I adore to see this kindness in you, I pray it continues throughout your life, because it is a wonderful quality to have August.

We have seen you sleep a lot better this month...I bought you an amber anklet to see whether it sooth's your horrid teething pain...I really think it has worked to take the edge off. You seem so much better, and that make Mama & Papa so happy.

This month we have been spending a lot of time with other babies, it has been fun, you are so calm and gentle, even when others are crying and fussing. However the only time this doesn't work is if your hungry...you are ruled by your tummy; just like your Papa!! Your meals just keep getting bigger and bigger as does your appetite!  Food is your world, which is great. I am very grateful you are not fussy about what you eat and you hardly ever refuse anything...thank you for that darling boy, it makes Mummy's life so much easier.

Avocado is still your favorite and you have just started to eat some finger food and wheat puffs are devoured with much pleasure and orange hands.  

Mama has made your 1st Birthday Party invites, which I'm trying not to think about because you cannot possibly be one soon!

You love wheat puffs

You can stand up with the help of the chair

You can turn around on your bum

You now sit sideways in your high chair!

You still wave like crazy

You bounce to the beat of the music

You Dutch clock ALWAYS gets you smiling and laughing

You hate strong wind

You hate the car seat

You saw your first ever snow, and loved touching it

Your handknitted GG blankets are a huge comfort for you

You love to dance with Mama in the sling
You play peek-a-boo, lifting your blanket to cover your eyes then dropping it to reveal a huge grin!

You had your first fall...and bruise!

I have spent 19 months loving & nurturing you. Imagining your future, worrying, laughing and enjoying your every wriggle, hiccup, smile & giggle. Seeing your achievements, the light in your eyes, every pound gained, every mouthful , every ounce of milk & every outfit outgrown. Words cannot say how mind blowingly beautiful this time has been. 

Can we do it all again August? With maybe more sleep?

I adore you with every tiny atom in my body and soul.

Hugs,

Mama

xxx

P.S I want to see teeth next month please!

9 Months ~ Letter to August

Wave, Wave, Wave Auggy

This month you have waved at everyone...to Daddy and me, to the dog, a lady in the street, the mirror and the telly....you never stop. It is still a slightly royal wave, which has us laughing all the time. 

You really are a joy to be around and your first Christmas was amazing. Watching you rip open presents and your big round cheeks fill out as the huge grin reaches across your face....you light up with happiness...i treasure every time this happens....i mentally tie it up in a ribbon and store it in my heart forever.... precious moments.

 These 9 months have been such a wonderfully new and exciting time for us....I have learnt so much, and experienced so much more than I ever thought possible. Sharing my waking moments with you is an adventure, never the same, never boring...you keep me on my toes little man!

I feel the next adventure will be the crawling! I have to be honest...i'm dreading it....you however will love it! I dread it because your growing up too quickly Auggs, its all going to fast. I look back on photos and wonder where 9 months have gone? It feels like yesterday we brought you home, with your giant feet and long legs! I think i have been in some weird time warp.

You are such Fun! you love all your toys and play with each one with intrigue and a slight frown...then a huge grin once you work out that it makes a noise or moves... stacking cups are a favorite you love to knock them down.

We wont mention the teeth...or the lack of sleep...but boy there are taking their time!

You however made your Mummy very happy by saying 'MAMA' as your first word...thank you you clever chap!

You walk across the kitchen in your walker

You wave, and wave, and wave!

You say 'Mama' and 'Papa'.

You love to make noise by hitting things together

You throw your dummy out in anger

You have gotten really loud

You seem to love to eat the high chair!

You are trying to crawl, however you quickly get frustrated.

You recognise voices

You wave goodnight to your toys and room. And over Christmas...the tree!

You went to the airport to meet your auntie Elle off the plane from Oz!

2013 is going to see more changes, adventures and a mountain of fun and laughter...we will share it with wide eyes and hearts full of wonderful memories. 

Bring it on August...I cannot wait for another amazing year with you by my side.

Love Always,

Mama

xxx 

5 Months ~ Letter to August

To My Darling Auggs,

This week we have been for a short holiday to the seaside; our first holiday as a family!

We visited a sandy beach, a cobbled town, and an artists house...Your Dad and me have relaxed and you have been so well behaved. You came to dinner with us every night and had everyone in awe at your manners...we couldn't have asked you to be more wonderful.

This month we have been trying to pile on the pounds as you are taking your time to gain weight. I started off being worried, now I'm relaxed to the fact that you will be what you are, which is happy and healthy and growing strong...your'e perfectly long and lean like your Dad.

You are so bright...you love all toys and look at them with such fascination, joy and happiness. Your favorite is your dummy clip...Monkey, he is perfect mouth sized!

You love bananas, sweet potato, porridge & squash.

You are starting to sit up unaided...however you just sway to one side!

The simple toys are the one which hold the most joy.

You tug on your ears when you are tired.

You had a cool bath in the garden tub.

You grab your toes, and they are now going into your mouth!

You are chatting loudly.

You know your name.

You know when your food is coming and get very impatience.

You are drinking water from a sippy cup.

You are starting to get a bit anxious if you cannot see me or Dad.

We think one of your bottom front teeth is going to come through first.

The other day you woke for a feed at 1.30am. I walked into your room to smiles and sweet coos...your arms open asking to be picked up. As your were feeding I realised that these moments have been my favorite since you came into my life. The gentle noises outside, the slight chill of the room, a shared experience between Mother and Son.

Once you had finished you peacefully watched the light and the shadows that come through the door from the hallway... you have always loved the light dancing on a ceiling, or shadows cast from a dappled sunlight, or the bright red flowery umbrella on a dull day. Your wonder and intense stare remind me of an artist working out his approach to a painting...trying to get the best light...waiting for the inspiration to hit. 

I love the way you play with my hands like you are making a study of them....bending them, working them out in your own sweet mind, then moving yours in realisation. I'm going to miss these tranquil snippets of our lives. I know soon you will sleep through, become more independent and you wont remember our quiet conversations...but I will.... and they are so precious to me. Your sweet face, milky breath, pure wonderment, and the gentleness of being in the moment.

Thank you for them August... You are my wonder...My masterpiece.

I love you,

Mummy

xxx

Hey Blue Eyes

Those eyes...they will get him far!

I hope they stay blue

I can now see us both in him...my eyes, hands, ears... Martin's everything else :)

Truly English

The English country Fete...It was the Wonderful Dutchmans first ever village fete....cream teas were a must!

 I couldn't take my eyes off this tiny owl, he was so cute and his nose looked just like lichen on a tree...the most perfect camouflage. 

Papa nearly won at the skittles...August was fast asleep to witness it!

Isn't this the most quintessentially English scene ever? There were Morris dancers, a dog show, raffles and smack the rat...my childhood was relived. I also won a hot air balloon flight in the raffle...so, so, so happy about that!

I cannot wait for August to enjoy these moments...running around asking for 50p for this and that game and entering his puppy into the most waggiest tail competition.

It makes me happy to know we will make this happen for him...maybe he and his puppy will win a rosette!

My First

I have the sweetest Husband in the whole wide world

I love you 

xxx

One week and four days to go!!

We are so near the finishing line! I am slightly grumpy and uncomfortable right now, but I am still so excited about giving birth to this little Pip. As a woman the whole process amazes me and it is something I have been wanting to go through for ages...so bring it on baby :)

I feel I have had a super easy pregnancy so far. No horrid symptoms, no swollen ankles, not a lot of sickness. Ok, we have been to the hospital more than most, but it normally ended up with us getting a look at Pip, so that has been our silver lining. I have been uncomfortable yes, but that is nothing compered to what some ladies I know have been through. 

The Wonderful one, told me it has been difficult for him. Our pregnancy wasn't what he expected. He, unlike me, thought it would be easier for me. He hates that he cant help me when I'm uncomfy...he said he just never thought that would be an issue...so maybe I have been moaning more than I thought!! 

He is also worried about how he will be in the delivery room...bless him! I know it will be tough to see someone you love going through such a powerful and painful experience, however I have told him to be strong, make me smile, tell me I'm doing a great job and to keep the cold face cloths coming!! 

....The pressure is building...the excitement is mounting...

Do you think Pip will hold out until after Mother's Day?

Will I get another weekly photo out of this bump?

Is my guess day right?

Time is a cruel, but thrilling thing :)

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

Sunday's Worry & Wednesday's Joy

Pip the Pickle struck again on Saturday...After having months of huge kicks, turns and going on in my blooming belly...on Saturday it stopped...a few lazy jolts, but nothing much.

Panic started to set in, as one of the things the consultant told me to watch out for was reduced movements.

After getting home from work I sat on the sofa and prayed my belly would wriggle like before...but no, the lazy kicks were few and far between. We then went out for dinner and got a few big ones...I went to bed slightly stressed out.

We woke in the morning, with plans to go to my aunts 60th Birthday party...we phoned the hospital and they told us to come in then and there...posh frock now back on the hanger, notes gathered... Ugg boots on....bags in the car boot just in case...an ever positive Dutchman by my side...we got to a lovely quiet hospital at 12pm.

by 1.30 I was hooked up to the monitor....then; right on queue..... Pip Kicked...this baby I tell you!!

We danced away to her/his heartbeat, like some drum & bass music, mixed in with all the other worried Mums, babes heartbeat!! The stress washed away, as I watched her/his heartbeat and kicks register on the monitor. The lovely midwifes made us tea, reassured us, and booked us in the next day to double check.

We didn't go back the next day, as Pip was kicking away nicely...not the same as before, but no way as lazy as Saturday/Sunday.

We went back to the hospital yesterday, for a growth scan and an consultants visit.

Pip is growing nicely. 1 to 2 weeks ahead...the computer said s/he weighs 6lbs 15oz...I can only hope it was wrong! however s/he feels heavier each morning :/

We also do not need to go back, as my blood sugars are great. We also have an induction date (!!)...so I will not be allowed to go overdue, which is exciting!!

So from worry & stress to joy & excitement in a few short days.

I think Pip is just letting us know that life is to be on big rollercoster now they are here...I am enjoying the ride already....a little less heart stopping moments would be lovely those darling baby!!

Keep kicking bambino

We love you 

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!

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

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!!

...Start as we mean to go on!

....being silly all the way....with happy laughter filling the air!

Happy New Year!

Did you see this beauty? Pip is so loved & one lucky baby!

A Great Grandmas Love

Blurry but this is us 3, our little family, on New Years Eve {27 weeks}...2012 you are going to rock!

New Year round up of the best bits!

Wishing you all a Wonderful 2012!!

xxx

15 Weeks to Go!!

Oh My God....that fact is rocking my world right now...25 weeks has come around so quickly I'm finding it hard to believe that in 15 weeks I will be a Mummy....It really is the strangest feeling!

I am feeling great...tired, but wonderful. The shop is so busy but I find myself totally exhausted by the end of the day, and often get sent home by the wonderful one and my Ma to put my feet up!! I have the best family ;)

The photo above was taken before we went out for dinner at a friends house...I felt amazingly pretty, however I paid for the heels later!

Our friends had just come back from holiday where they picked up these amazingly cool olive picks! I thought it was some form of modern art, until someone used one!

We also have our tree up! It is just divine!

Our last Christmas as 'just us'...next year we will be looking forward to Pips first Christmas!

As this ever growing bump wiggles, turns and perfects his/her star jump, I cannot help to feel totally in awe of my body...I feel relaxed, calm and thoroughly excited ...

...I can do this.

xxx

Pip's First Sinterklaas

The flight was no different with a Pip in my belly thankfully!

It didn't snow.

 We sat in a the most stunning cafe in Haarlem, surrounded by friends and watched the world and all the bikes go past...it was blissful.

Pip got his/her first presents from Sinterklaas, spoilt is the word of the weekend. We have raided HEMA and bought all Pips clothes for the first few months of his/her life...all so fantastic, all so Dutch!!!

My Dutch menu reading is getting much better...the Pip is on full view now.

A busy trip Home for the Wonderful one...many good luck wishes for March & Pip...a gallon of coffee drunk....suitcases full to the brim with baby loveliness...Family and friends enjoyed....Nephews treated to human horse rides, cuddles, and bedtime stories.

Exhausted but.....Mission accomplished!!

Thank you everyone

xxx

Week 22

I took these photos last week. Pip is certainly visible now. 

Week 22 has been a week of hard work in our little flower shop, buying for Christmas orders and working out window displays. My Grandparents have moved into their gorgeous new apartment, the old house with its 4 bedrooms and years of clutter has been cleaned and sorted.

If I could of had a large Gin & Tonic I would of had 3!!

Tomorrow we are off to Holland for Sinterklaas...Pips first time...I hope S/he will love to be surrounded with the dutch chatter....We are very excited!

I am wondering if it will be different in a plane when you have a Pip in your belly? 

Will we have another surprise from Zwarte Piet?

Will it snow?

Will we be able to sit in a cafe in Amsterdam and watch the world go by?

I will be back with photos next week 

xxx

Priceless

While laying in bed the other night, the wonderful one and I were reading. Martin has finally started Harry Potter, and I am reading all about Hypno-birthing, which is utterly fascinating....

then....Pip kicked me and I mean REALLY kicked....I grabbed Martin's hand and 3 more kicks came our way...and he felt everyone! 

The smile on his face was priceless.

Thank you Darling Pip.

We love you

xxx

This Wonderful Man of mine...

I honestly don't think I could have married a more kind, happy, caring, protective, loving man.

He amazes me every day with his kind thoughts for me and our little pip. 

This week (week 9) I have been feeling really sick, and he has cooked, cleaned, taken the rubbish out just generally been a whirlwind of activity....while all I have done is found it hard to laze on the sofa without feeling really sorry for myself.

This handsome man loves me so much...I feel it everyday...the way he looks at me...he doesn't even need to tell me...I  KNOW....and I am so lucky.

This little growing Bambino is the most loved baby. S/he is so lucky to have a Daddy who loves them already...a little Pip showered with love & care, and strong hands to protect them.

That truly is the best feeling a girl can have while battling the dreaded sickness.

Thank you Mr B, you are simply Wonderful.

ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Now I love my bed. As a little girl I adored bedtime, being read a book, in the bottom bunk, feeling safe and secure.  I don't think that feeling has ever left me.

Now I'm in week 8 and I flit between being unable to sleep, to being unable to stay awake. This new sleep pattern is not going down well with me. I always knew sleep would be an issue when we had the baby...but already??? Boy, I'm so tired it is ridiculous.

That lovely sickness has also hit, here was me thinking I had got away with it, no such luck. I feel queasy most day but it normally the smell of something that sets me off....did you know boiling water has a smell? and that our saucepan drawer smells really bad....and our fridge.....jesus nose please calm down!!

On a positive my belly is feeling so firm, and the Wonderful one says he can feel my body changing....he fell asleep with his hand lovingly resting on my growing belly and it felt so good ;)

We have been discussing names, and have some great ones in the bag. Planning some trips away before the year is out is keeping me excited for the next stage, when I hopefully will feel amazing!!

We are hoping to get our scan date through soon, then somehow it will start to feel real, I cannot wait to see our little Bambino's face!

xxx