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

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 :)

Spa Day

Yesterday we had our Spa Day (thank you Pip for holding out!)

To say it was bliss is an understatement....it was glorious! We had lovely long swims which were wonderful. We floated around looking like a whale, but feeling weightless. Getting out of the pool was another matter altogether...ok so I am THAT heavy!

Anyhow, my lovely friend Jenna came with us...we got scrummy massages and facials, along with head massages and I got a leg massage which was out of this world, who would have thought my legs were SO tense!! We then had a gorgeous bento box lunch which was perfectly delicious. We read trashy magazines, gossiped about people we have never met and generally chilled the hell out.

 I also had a tingling pedicure, which set off my restless legs!! However it was still fab, and she painted my toes the most dramatic red...and I got to take the colour home, which was just perfect. 

I cant thank my wonderful Family enough for treating me to this joyous day.

I love you all so much

xxx 

So Pip, I am ready...get a wriggle on!

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

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!

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!!

Letter to Pip ~ Part 4

 Hey bouncy baby Pip,

Well haven't we have been busy bees this month? From decorating lovely homes for Christmas, serving hundred of customers in our shop, walking Bob in rain & wind, Christmas shopping, and now finally I have started on our own little room.

I am so excited about this...plus a little daunted as Ma hasn't kept it very tidy, so everything needs sorting out before I can fit any of your beautiful things in it.

However I think a couple of weeks and I will be posting photos of your new home...oh it going to be wonderful Pip!

You have been so active this last month. I sometimes jump with the force of your kicks...under the ribs are fast becoming a favorite of yours...& boy baby these hurt!! I think you are a little shy, as your Auntie Lottie really wanted to feel you over the Christmas break, and you didn't kick for a good 2 days...you also do this to your Papa, I swear he thinks I make up the force of your kicks, as you go quiet when he rests in hands on my bump! However strong, I love these daily going on in my belly...I can feel your hiccups, and the way you are lying...I marvel at this, as I will never have this again with you, and it is so special.

We saw the midwife yesterday, and Papa got to hear your heartbeat for the first time...he looked amazed.

Sue our Midwife was pleased with your progress...totally normal and the perfect size for 28 weeks.

I however feel huge...that space by my ribs are beginning to be filled, which is stopping me bending very far...Papa might have to paint my toe nails soon!

Words cannot describe just how excited I am to meet you in 12 weeks...I have moments of being scared, then I remember that all the pain in the world will be worth having your eyes look into mine...seeking that acknowledgement that knowing that I am your Ma...

We are planning to giggle you out...happy smiles...and belly laughs all the way Little Pip

We cant wait to hold you close and be amazed by you.

All my love Always,

Ma 

xxx

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

Christmas 2011

Christmas was relaxing & fun filled.

It started with a little glass of bubbles....and ended with the wonderful one making everyone bankrupt in a game of Monopoly!

My darling Ma's house looked divine, with twinkling candlelight, old remembered tree decorations, and presents by the fire.

Even Pip had 3 pressies...a beautiful cot blanket, some reindeer boots for next year, and some snugggly baby grows....s/he is so spoilt already!

The Wonderful one is back at work with Ma....I have my feet up as week 27 is proving to be a tough one...no sleep and those silly restless legs are back ;(

I hope you all had an amazing Festive few days

xxx

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

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

Letter to Pip ~ Part 3

Dear Pip the Pickle,

This photo is of your Daddy testing out your new baby sling...it is fantastic. We know you are going to be snug as a bug in a rug. We will walk with pride around town with you, bring you into the shop and maybe even make you work among the flowers for the day!!

Yesterday we went for another scan, as you were a pickle at the last one....She checked your heart. We watched it beating, saw all the chambers and the blood vessels...a weird thought that we have seen inside your beautiful heart. We saw you curled up in a ball looking fast asleep, your big round belly emerging through the screen...You are just the cutest!

You kicked me last night and daddy felt it again...those kicks are getting so strong Pip...it is the best feeling in the world right now...I love these shared moments we are all having as a family. 

We have found a cot for you, it is white with butterflies carved into the headboard...perfect for all stages of your growth. All I have to do is sort out your room...I have given myself until the end of January to do this. It's going to be fun creating a beautiful space for you...I wonder what you are going to like the most. Dolls, trucks, teddy bears, Lego, building blocks, books, your lucky elephant. 

Pip you bring us so much joy, making us smile daily, bringing us closer as a couple, looking forward to our future as parents. 

We talk all the time about what you are going to be like...will you have your Dads ears? My eyes?...will you been born with hair? Will you be tall like your Dad? What will make you smile and laugh?

We promise to protect, love and cherish you. To let you have your own freedom, grow in your own way, and share those moments with you. A little team...strong and happy.

What an amazing adventure for all of us!

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