2 Months ~ Letter to August

Auggy Bear,

Month 2 has gone so fast. We had our check up and your first injections, you were brave and only cried for a few seconds. You met your Oma & Opa for the first time along with Tante Miranda. We had our first long car journey down to the south coast sunshine, where we had a BBQ to celebrate Nana's Birthday, with your gorgeous bumped up Auntie. 

It amazes me on a daily basis that you are growing so fast, and not just physically. You stick your tongue out at me when I do, you are batting away toys, and talking so much more. Yours smiles are just divine. We spend most mornings talking to one another...big smiles and kicking legs are just perfect even at 5am!

You have grown out of your mosses basket.

You are wearing 3-6 month clothes albeit a tiny bit big.

Your hair has turned blonde.

You had a boys night in with Daddy.

You have been playing in your big boy cot.

There has been the odd sleepless night, and days of random crying. The tears make me sad; however I understand you are just trying to tell me something and I just have to learn what that is.

The more I get to know you the more I am sad that some people are missing it. Sometimes I feel them around us...you often look into space and smile a lot...staring at nothing, however I believe you see what I only feel. We are lucky to have them visit us August. 

Others choose not to be apart our world.... their loss. Missing out on your pure beauty, happiness and joy only makes me realise how foolish one persons decision can be. 

Your happiness is not dependent on another person August...never let someone else rule your world.

"You are the captain of your own ship; don't let anyone else take the wheel."

 Michael Josephson

Until then Captain, I will guide you through the still & rocky waters, holding your hand all the way.

I love you 

Mummy

xxx

Surprise!

My lovely friend Jenna was due to come around on Saturday for lunch and to cheer me up, as I was pretty grumpy!! I got a text off her saying she had met my neighbour in town and that we could go around her house for a change of scene and a gossip...so when I turned up, I found 8 of my friends and family ready to greet me!!

The table was set out with all sorts of yummy-ness, vintage china teacups, candles and cute silver birds....not to mention handmade fabric cupcakes which turned out to be burp cloths, made by my friend Priscilla.

Homemade brownies, Victoria sponge, & cupcakes....it was a delight!

We played games and laughed a lot.

We got completely spoilt with fabulous gifts. Handmade booties, and shoulder warmers, toys, photo albums, clothes and a few lovely things for me too including a bottle of bubbles for when the Pickle turns up!!

Amazing LOLA cupcakes and percy piglets!

Too cute!

I cannot thank everyone enough for the most fantastic afternoon! 

This Pip and me are so very lucky to have such wonderful people in our lives.

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

Week 35 ~ Bumpiness!

This Girl is feeling good right now!!

We are loving being pregnant...our gorgeous bump is blossoming....and the wriggling Pip is keeping me pulling great faces...s/he is one strong bambino!!

The growth of my bump is amazing me, I can seen it has grown, but these photos confirm it..I wonder how much more it will grow in 5 weeks?

Life is great

I cant wait to meet this wriggling bump

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

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 Bob & The Bump

26 weeks and the Bump is starting to feel big!

Me, Pip & Bob had a few hours on the sofa this afternoon, the Christmas fever is hotting up in our little shop.

Bob is finding the space for his big bum limited!

However we enjoyed a cuddle all the same.

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

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

Pip The Pickle

Do you like Pip's new name?

Today we had our 20 week scan....we gave Pip a strong talking to beforehand, as last time s/he was wriggling around too much and the sonographer gave up with her measurements...read about it here

This time Pip was snoozing on his/her belly happily nibbling his/her fingers. The sonographer measured Pip's leg bones which are growing nicely...still nice and long!! She also checked Pip's brain {amazing what these scans can show it is like a MRI scan straight through the head to see the different parts of Pips brain!!}, kidneys & intestine, spine, teeth, and lastly the heart...here is where the problem beings!! Pip was in the wrong position...we could see it beating away...but she needed to check it thoroughly....we got sent for a 30 minute walk and then back we went onto the couch!

 Boo!!! did I make you jump??

 S/he did as they turned out of the darkness....a little hand up by their mouth!!

Pip was then wriggling too much after our walk and she still couldn't be sure if everything was perfect...

So back we go in 2 weeks....I'm not very amused...those blooming sonographer probes are so painful when going over the same spot 30 times getting more forceful {read desperate} each time!!

{Maybe this is a better view of scary Pip!!}

So Pip the Pickle is staying true to form, being stubborn...but when your'e this little and cute a Mummy will forgive you anything....but hey let her see your heart next time please Pip...thank you!! 

xxx

Week 19

 This week has been a week of firsts. Firstly I have 'popped' the bump has arrived...Yay!!

I have started to take some photos to show the progress the growing belly!

The second first is that Pip kicked me!! ;)

I was in a lovely bath singing along to this song and s/he kicked me 3 times.

It was amazing!

The third new thing was; we saw our first firework display...pip jiggled the whole way through.

Apart from a stinking cold, it has been a fantastic week for our Pip.

Happy Days

xxx

Letter to Pip ~ Part 2

Dear Pip,

Wow darling you are growing fast! 2 weeks ago I really didn't feel that pregnant, but boy you have made up for it in the last week. Week 18 has seen you double in size. I feel your weight in my belly all the time now, and I am still in awe of this....your'e really in there Pip, and in no time you will be in our arms.

At the moment your dad and I are working out which cot to buy you. Decisions like this are so exciting...its a big deal to us to make your room relaxed fun and a happy place to dream in. As we don't know whether you are going to be a girl or a boy we are going to paint your room yellow...it is a sunny room anyway but yellow will brighten those dull days.

I can just see us now playing in your room, seeing you snuggle your bear while I read you a bedtime story, watching your eyes get heavy with sleep, imagining what amazing dreams you will have.

We have also been discussing what it is going to be like to raise a bi-lingual child. We cannot wait for the challenge it will bring us...We are off to Holland in December and we are going to buy you lots of books and lovely Dutch clothes. You will be 23 weeks old and it will be your first time there, we cant wait to show you around!! You are only going to benefit from having a second language. Oma and Opa will be proud of you and Dad, and who know maybe I will learn too!! ;)

In 9 days we have your 20 week scan...halfway there little Pip. I cannot wait to see your acrobatics again.

Stay safe, happy and wriggling tiny one.

Love Mummy

xxx 

Letter to Pip ~ Part 1

Dearest Pip,

I have decided to write you regular letter while you are camping out in my belly. I really don't want to miss a thing, in this wonderful experience you are giving me.

You are now 15 weeks old, the size of a beef steak tomato...that blows my mind already...you started so tiny and already you have grown so much. I'm so proud of my body for looking after you, nurturing your life, creating what I know is going to be a fantastic, happy baby.

This week your Dad and I decided to take the left over honeymoon money that all our lovely family gave us for our wedding and spend it on a canvas bell tent. A honeymoon every year...perfect! 

They are so beautiful Pip. I can imagine us relaxing in some English countryside with you in my arms, while Dad builds a fire. Then he will open a beer and tickles your toes, and we will then amaze over how glorious you have made our life.

This week we have been battling over sleep....I wake and cant drop back off so we come downstairs, read, internet search, write blogs and upload photos....I then start to feel sleepy and either fall asleep on a little camp bed in the living room...or go and annoy your dad with our duvet wrestling... he snores and sleeps through most things....I wonder if he will wake for your cries? I hope he does!! ;)

Tonight I thought I felt you....while watching Nigel Slater on the TV. I felt a weird delicate tapping under my belly button, slightly to the left....you caught me off guard....I don't know if I imagined it...but I think it was you. Next time please make it a big one so there is no doubt in my head...I cannot wait to feel you wiggling!

Keep growing big, strong, happy and healthy

We love you Pip

xxx

Tiny Bump

Last week (week 14) I had started to notice a firmness in my baby belly.

Ok, so it not a huge bump but it is a good start!

 I can certainly feel Pip now in my belly...no movement yet, but I feel it wont be long until Pip is making her/himself known to us.

The Kindness of Friends

Our friends are just the best! We have had offers of baby clothes, cots, Mosses baskets, bath seats and a hole heap more. We have had friends phone from their honeymoon in America to congratulate us. Today I got home to this card from our Dutch friend who had handwritten a letter to Our Pip...it was so sweet it made me burst into tears!

"Enjoy your mummy's heartbeat and your daddy's voice. They will wait patiently. You don't know it yet, but you are so loved already."

Sometimes, someone else's kindness touches you so deeply, you find it tough to put into words.

I will treasure this card forever.

Pip, you are blessed with a whole bunch of beautiful, unique, creative, kind, & generous Aunts & Uncles

Tante Mel was so right....You are a lucky & loved baby already

xxx