:: introducing... WILLEM {birth story} ::

{disclaimer... my jeans aren't done up. Not quite there yet!}

I had to pause just now, and simply be amazed at what I'm going to write about.

The arrival of my first child. Ok, just tearing up a little!

A miracle. I'm watching little Willem sleep beside me, and I don't think I know where he came from. A drop of this and a drop of that, equals... this perfect, soft, warm little person. Complete with all working heart, lungs, eyes, mouth, even a soul. How can each one not be an act of God?

I really don't know where to start, there might have to be a 'part two'. I definitely learnt LOTS and have a few things to share that really helped, and some that didn't (for me anyway). So I'll save all the tips for another time, and just focus on the actual birth this post. I promise I'll try and come up with a short version!

Sunday 17th March: So I was due last Sunday, and although it's usual for first-time mum's to go 41weeks 5 days overdue (on average) I obviously didn't want that. Mainly because my own mum arrived 3 days before I was due, and we were hoping for more post-baby time together, rather than big-belly time!

Tuesday: A friend of mine recommended "clary sage oil" (which I had never heard of) to get contractions going. She said it worked for her and a couple of her friends, so I wasn't going to miss giving it a shot myself. She mentioned that I shouldn't sniff it/bathe in it too early in case my cervix wasn't ripe, but I'd been drinking 4+ cups of raspberry leaf tea each day for weeks to speed that part up. So at 2 days overdue (Tuesday) I bought some and started on the stuff that night. Really strong smelling, but not unpleasant. Kind of reminded me of lavender in some ways. I drenched tissues in it, carried them in my bra when I was out, and on my face when I was home. Plus took a steaming bath or 2 of it.

Wednesday: Still sniffing like an addict. Mum and I went to a Thermomix cooking class for fun that night, hoping that I'd have to cancel, but nah. Twas awesome, and during the class, I felt my belly tighten up a bit. It did this a couple of times. No pain/sensation of any sort... the belly just went hard for a few moments.

Thursday: I decide we should go to Geelong shopping (1 hour away) with my mum, and mother in law (much to the latter's horror). I figured that if labour did start, there is no way baby would arrive in the hour it would take us to get back. So I drove there and back, tissue to face. The weather was shocking too, massive wind and rain hehe. Back at home later that arvo, I spotted a little mucous show... hooray!!

Friday: Feeling a bit defeated, and like clary sage is a big joke. Still sniffing, and chugging that tea. A few fast walks, and more squatting to pass the time. I was getting the odd tightening sensation still, and a couple of stronger ones close-ish together during my nap. Braxton Hicks, I figure. A few more of these 'sensationless' tightenings through the evening, when suddenly - one of them ached slightly. Not really a normal hurt... kind of like a period ache. It lasted a couple of seconds. I glanced at the clock on the laptop, and it was 7:30pm exactly. I went back to emailing my friend, when I felt another one like it. I glanced at the clock again and was surprised that it was only 7:35pm. I went back to typing, and 5 minutes later the same thing. I decided to time the 'ache' and it was 30 seconds long exactly. This continued from then on - every 5 minutes. I was a tad confused because I thought contractions started at like 20 min intervals and when they are 5 mins apart, you go to hospital. I checked my book & it said early labour contractions can be between 5-20 mins apart, and the length of contraction 30-45seconds long. So I figured I was still in early labour.

We all decided to go to bed at about 9pm and get some rest, but there was no way I could rest with them that close together. I popped on my headphones with my birthing relaxation tracks on repeat. I then downloaded an app and started timing them properly. It was about 11pm when they were up around 45-50 seconds long & around 3-4 mins apart, that I rang the hospital. The guy told me I sounded like I was still in early stages (even though I had to stop 3 times during the conversation to breathe through the pressure!) and to kick at home for a while.

About 1:00am, mum knocks at my bedroom door and says she hasn't slept a wink (oh mum) and thinks we should go. I was hesitant, as things were around the same as when I rang the guy, but I gave in. We drove the 15mins to hospital, and were calmly given a room and left to it. I had planned to spend as much of the labour in the bath as possible, so they filled the big spa bath for me and I donned a hospital gown, dimmed the lights and spent the next 4 hours in there.

5:00am: I was getting pretty frustrated that I didn't feel things were progressing, and decided to get out and move to the bed. They checked me, and to my surprise, I was 8cm dilated! Things were good, but I was really tired, exhausted and felt like I needed relief. I didn't want any pain relief that was going to have side effects or make me & baby drugged afterwards, so I went on the gas. Thankfully I didn't feel sick from it, and sucked hard. The stuff seemed a bit useless - barely took the edge off it, and just blurred my sight and hearing. I stayed on it though, because the really good thing about sucking gas was that it regulated my breathing (long, deep breaths on the mouthpiece) and also gave me something to do. I was still listening to my relaxation tracks, which was an excellent way to fill the space in the air, and keep time ticking.

7:30am: FINALLY the pushing urge arrived. I should have had him out a while ago (a doctor popped in to see what the hold-up was) by the progress I was at at 5am, but he was lying posterior, so that held things up a bit. I was so, so exhausted but very excited to get this baby OUT. The pain of contractions eased off at this point, and it became much more about hard work. The midwife shift changed, and I had this older lady who seemed to really know what I needed to do, and told me so. I switched off the mp3 player and mum and Jason all cheered me on as I put everything I had into each contraction. I was amazed at how much strength and muscle I had to put in... 120% of everything I didn't have at that point in time. I was so glad at that point that I'd stayed fit.

8:30am: Head arrives! And the rest of the body in one great gush immediately after. He gave a one-syllable 'squark' and was placed on my chest; wide-eyed and simply gorgeous. I was so tired I could barely look at him, but I knew he was amazing & just gave myself time to breathe. He started to suckle, and didn't cry or anything. Jason chose his name (which we hadn't been able to settle on beforehand) and we were suddenly a family.

WILLEM JASON RODGERS
born: 8:32am, 23/03/2013
6lb 15oz (3.14kg)
length: 50cm


below: seconds old

with my now-minutes-old boy:

extremely proud daddy:

super excited grandma:

calmly ringing up less than 7lbs:

2 hours old - all cleaned up:

:: 40 WEEKS ~ ??? to go ::

(green jeans for St Patty's Day)

I have arrived! I think?? Weird time of life I reckon. Probably the weirdest I've ever had. You count up these weeks, and you prepare all this stuff.... and then you feel like you must be just pretending or something because everything is just as normal! People keep texting me, asking for news. The answer is nada peoples! Bub is sitting mighty high, up under my ribs, so there is a lot of decending to still happen before I'm expecting any action.

But, I feel great, and have plenty of energy. That's what scares me; I feel like I could carry this baby for the rest of my life. Is there actually an end? At least there is comfort in knowing that the doctors won't let me carry it forever and eternity. :-P

Mummy-Dear arrived on Thursday, and buried me under a pile of gifts (a whole 15kg suitcase full), which I then had to find homes for. Then she's got this thing going where she can't sit still, and doesn't let me wipe a single dish. She keeps hunting for jobs to do, which there just aren't that many of, considering I have already had 5 weeks at home to get the house spick-and-span, plus there aren't any kiddlets messing anything up (yet). So I'm inventing ridiculous jobs for her, like organizing my linen cupboard (she created two empty shelves = win!). In other words, it's totally awesome having her here, but I've got to keep busy too, y'know! x

I've been doing squats with deep breathing to encourage the head to lower (recommended exercise whether it does lower the head or not) as well as those yoga sits, where you have your feet together up as close to your body as possible, while having your legs pretty much flat on the ground. This helps open things up a bit too. It's easy to do while reading or watching a movie, and it's nice to feel flexible.

I've been drinking raspberry leaf tea about 3- 4 times a day. Contrary to some rumours I used to hear, it's not supposed to help induce you, but has many other benefits. So it's good to drink throughout pregnancy. 

• Ease the symptoms of morning sickness.
• Sooth and prevent bleeding gums which many pregnant women often experience.
• Relax the smooth muscles of the uterus when it is contracting.
• Assist with the birth of the baby and the placenta.
• Calm cramping of the uterus.
• Provide a rich source of iron, calcium, manganese and magnesium. The magnesium content is especially helpful in strengthening the uterine muscles. Raspberry leaf also contains vitamins B1, B3 and E which are valuable in pregnancy. 

So anyways, that's me at the moment. Nursery photos this week, I promise. Painting the cot with mum tomorrow! Thanks everyone for your messages and prayers.

xo

P.S. Any good tips for bringing on labour? :P

:: 38 weeks ~ 2 to go ::

Nearly there! Happy dance time!

I've had a fantastic 2 weeks at home. I'm loving being at home. It's amazing all the thing you can get done when you have back-to-back weekends haha.

Time does move very fast when you have the whole day to yourself though, so I've had to make myself a little schedule to make sure I do always fit in the things that are important to me. In case anyone was interested, I thought I'd share it:

• 8:00 - Breakfast
• 8:30 - Walk
• 9:00 - Weights/Stretches
• 9:30 - Bible reading
• 10:00 - Clean kitchen
• 10:30 - Housework/whatever I want to do around the house/yard
• 12:00 - Lunch
• 1:00 - Reading/research
• 2:00 - Computer work/photos/designing
• 3:00 - Relaxing session/nap
• 4:00pm - Decide what to make for dinner and start on that.

 I've been trying to eat dinner a bit earlier these days, about 5:30pm as soon as Jason gets home. It seems to give us more 'evening', plus Jason has a couple of music students in the evenings during the week, so it works in well with them. I've found the schedule to be really helpful, and keeps me from giving up on achieving anything on those mornings where I wake up feeling like I don't want to leave bed. 

We had the baby's room painted on Thursday, and our dining room at the same time. It made SUCH a difference, and now the rest of the house looks so daggy. I'm just going nuts making the nursery 'just so' and trying to design some pictures for the walls on Photoshop. So far I've spent 5+ hours on the program and haven't really come up with much. Hmm. So much in my head but I'm so clumsy with finding the quickest way to produce something.

Yesterday my cousin-in-law Jessica and mum-in-law threw me the most gorgeous baby shower! I had a friend taking some photos for me but I don't have access to those yet. So here are just a couple of pictures that I took myself before everyone arrived.

{ amaaaaaaaaazing elephant bunting made by Jess. So cannot wait to add this to the nursery}

{ best mudcake in the WORLD by mummy-in-law, and dips by her too }

{ some of the food that went down }

{ oh, and not to mention the UNREAL sugarcookie favours that mummy-in-law also made for everyone to take home. The detail was incredible! }

{ the beautiful Donna and I }

We played some hilarious games and had a hoot of a time with lots of lovely ladies. Hopefully I will get my paws on the rest of the photos soon!

So to finish up, I'm feeling fantastic, and we are both just so so keen to meet our little person. At the moment I think it is very comfortable where it is, so I'm not expecting an early appearance. Watch this space though! 

P.S. The nursery is getting closer to being finished, so I'll make sure to share some photos on that too in the next week or so.

xo

:: 36 weeks ~ 4 to go ::

So it comes to this.... 4 teeny tiny weeks left! I post fortnightly and it's just getting ridiculous. I will only be posting 2 more photos after this. Maybe even just 1 photo if I go a day or two early!

We've just come back from a very perfect 7 days on the Gold Coast (pictures to come) as a bit of a babymoon before it all begins. We had a wonderful time and I was relieved to complete both flights with no worries. At my doctor's advice, I drunk lots of water (thank goodness I don't have to frequent the toilet any more than usual) and took a 1/2 hourly walk up and down the aisle. Absolutely hated that. Every single face on the plane = stuck on you. But it's better than getting a blood clot. Oh, and I wore the old lady compression stockings to also avoid clotting. So all good!

Yesterday Jase and I attended an all-day (10am - 4pm) birthing class at the hospital. First section was really good. All about the different stages of labour, and at what point to ring/come to hospital. Also what signs are bad signs. I definitely got a lot out of that. The section half involved watching a DVD of ladies in the different stages. Jason found this all a bit disturbing and kind of forgot all the things I have been telling him about how wonderful and peaceful labour CAN be (keeping an open mind of course... anything can happen/go wrong). 

Proof is in the pudding though, so I will keep on with my scheduled relaxation times, and prepare myself to relax every muscle as each contraction 'wave' approaches. The doctors at my last antenatal appointment were very supportive of my ambitions, and said they had heard really good things about the results of purposeful relaxation during labour. Also the maternal child health-nurse at my work said that at a recent conference she attended, they had a speaker on the subject of birthing hypnosis (a conscious and in-control state of hypnosis) and it's becoming widely accepted & noted as effective pain relief option, particularly in Melbourne. Keen to give it a go!

Otherwise, I'm still feeling great; no heartburn or trouble sleeping. Cushions are my new best friend though and I love sitting on them, having them behind me, around me and on my lap while I read/eat/work etc. Actually, I am starting to find the heat very annoying. The forecast looks like 30 for the whole week and I'm not looking forward to it. Just makes achieving things so hard. Washing up in a hot sink is just the worst.

Hope to blog a bit more often now that I'm fluttering around in my nest :)

:: 34 weeks ~ 6 to go ::

Time.Is.Flying.

Not just for those around me, but for me, myself and I! I feel like I'm racing toward the due date, and I'd really like to slow the clock a tad. I'm ready, but at the same time, so not ready. I have way more I want to do before bubs arrives, but I also feel like just keeping it simple and not bothering. I'm counting on my 4 weeks alone at home to really shed some light on what I should still make an effort to accomplish, as well as relax and prepare my mind for the great changes ahead.

I guess I would have to contribute the pregnancy being so fast to having such an easy time of it.  I can count on one hand the times I had heartburn. Barely an ache or pain. I really believe that exercising all the way through has helped immensely (those are biceps, not nanna-arms y'all). I would strongly advise everyone to do this! Some mornings Jase drops me off at the gym and I feel like a fat slug with a grey cloud for a brain. I say to myself, "What on earth am I doing here?" and wander in. By the time I've pumped a few free weights and done some deep squats I walk out of there feeling SO much more energetic! We have to take care of ourselves like this, at this time!

I had 2 appointments this week. The Hospital's doctor says the head feels nice and low down, so that should stay that way hopefully. Still 'facing up' but that often changes during labour. My belly is measuring a bit small, but the ultrasound measurements are showing a bub measuring about a week and a half ahead of it's time. So it's not going to be a small baby. They think I'm measuring small because my belly seems to be wider and more spread out on the sides. *shrug*

So this coming week is my last one at work. That's just so scary because that must mean I'm nearly at the end of this journey. I'm starting to get itchy to actually meet this little person though. I can't believe it's going to be mine. All mine. It's too much. It's overwhelming. I can't wait.

xo

:: 32 weeks ~ 8 to go ::

Well here I am with less than 2 months to go. Time is still flying and the whole thing has been pretty fun so far!

I have another (hopefully, my final) ultrasound on Tuesday, so we can check the position of the placenta. It was fairly low down the bottom on the 20wk scan, so we're praying it's moved (like they usually do) up the uterus as I've grown. If it hasn't, hmm.....

I'm pretty much 100% sure that the bub is still breech too, judging by the high shape of the bump. It's been moving around heaps though, and I think it's diagonal, because a very hard, round 'head' is often so prominent below my left rib! Very easy to touch and feel! Funny!

I also want to say a HUGE thanks to the ladies that commented/emailed me in response to my mention of the "Childbirth without Fear" book and it's methods towards aiding a less painful birth. I had lots of wonderful confirmations that the book is indeed speaking the truth! I want to share with you one friend's experience she recently had (this was her first birth):

"I just read your post and had so much to comment that I thought I'd just email!! So true what you said about fear during childbirth, anxiety and relaxing! I read a book called Hypnobirthing,which has NOTHING to do with Hypnosis and all to do with breathing and consciously relaxing your body and allowing it to do what we have so amazingly been designed to do! 

It was so good to know the different stages of labour and what I should expect and learning (prior to birth!) how to breathe through each contraction, riding each wave (as I prefer to call them)!

I had a wonderful natural pain-relief free childbirth in water and I think the key to having a beautiful childbirth is to let go of the notion that we should FEAR labour and just let our body do what it is designed to do. Trust that your body knows what its doing (cause it does!!) and most of all enjoy the experience!"

Isn't that encouraging ladies?! I'm keen to get to the part in the book where you work on practicing relaxing and breathing. Because lets face it - when push actually comes to shove (hehe), relaxing is not going to come naturally. I'm going to have to practice this!

Only 3 weeks of work left. BRING IT ON!!

xo

:: 30 WEEKS ~ 10 to go!!! ::

I have been hanging out for this milestone! 

Counting down weeks from 10 feels so achievable. I know these last 10 weeks will be the most challenging, but bring it on I say!

I had an appointment yesterday, and I'm measuring a tad small (only a week and a half "behind") but that could just be because I'm very "compact" (being my first). I must admit I'm looking deceivingly tiny in this picture though!

I'm still feeling good and active in general. Although this morning I admit to feeling particularly unenthusiastic to move off the couch.. we had a scorcher of a day yesterday and I was out shopping alone so I figure I'm recovering from that a tad!

I've finally started reading a very important book regarding labour which my mum found to be a total lifesaver, after 6 children in which the labours were more and more 'traumatic'. Her 7th labour was such a breeze that she thought she had given birth to a 'barbie sized' baby when he popped out! Turns out that us woman make the labour so much worse than it needs to be by being anxious, tensing ourselves when contractions arrive, and squeezing the life out of our hubby's hand or fistfuls of bedsheets. It almost sounds "new age" (but can't possibly be since the author wrote his first obstetric article in 1919) but it's all about the mind and relaxing to let the body do it's natural job, which is hard work but isn't supposed to be painful (if everything is in order, of course).

I haven't gotten very far in the book though, but already I can see that this guy is onto something, he quotes in his preface, "In a series of over 50 lectures that I have been invited to give upon the influence of the emotions upon labour, one fact is outstanding: those who have seriously applied themselves to the care of the mind have been enthusiastic about their results."

I won't go into any more detail (this time :P) for the sake of the male-readers of my blog, but the book is called "Childbirth Without Fear" by Grantly Dick-Read. I'm looking forward to using his methods for a calm, stress-lowered experience!

So I'm back to work on Monday (lets see how this goes!) for my final 4 weeks... FOREVER!

xo

:: 28 weeks ~ 12 to go ::

Hey there, Mr Third Trimester! It's SO great to meet you!

I can't believe how fast time has gone, and how fast I think it's going to go very soon. I've finished up work for the year and am currently very much enjoying 2 weeks off. Then I only return to work for 4 weeks before I go on maternity leave (5.5 weeks before due date). Far out!

I'm feeling great still! The pregnancy specialist at the gym worked out a new program for third-trimester-ers for me. It's mostly the same, just dropping the weight on most free weights and machines. Apparently our ligaments/tendons/bones all loosen up towards the end. I sure wouldn't want to pop a hip or shoulder!

Baby prep wise, there is still so much to do. So much... There is still no nursery set up; we've actually decided to swap rooms with Jason's study/music room. BIG job. His room is packed with bookshelves, filing cabinet, piano, saxophones, 2 desks, lounge and other random objects. It would be nice to try and get it all swapped over before his music students start up for 2013, so I guess we better think about that very soon...

Renovations have made a little bit of progress though. Yesterday Jase and I installed 5 blinds ourselves (so proud!) and the place looks so much better, brighter and fresher already. We got the double blinds (one translucent one for day time, topped with a separate blockout one for night) from Lindcraft for 50% off, so we did 5 rooms for just over $400. Very glad I waited. Patience does pay off, it turns out hehe. We also bought a new toilet which will be installed after Christmas. This was also half price, as one of our local hardware stores was closing down! It was $600 originally. Can you imagine paying $600 for a toilet??? Unreal. Anyway we only paid $299, so it better be a luxury one or something lol.

Christmas for us is with Jason's family in Melbourne this year, and we'll head to Tassie to spend time with my family on the 28th. I haven't been back since last Christmas, whoa. Looking forward to mum getting to pat my belly.

I'll try and post some more this week, I've been so lazy and loving it. 

Love you all, thank you for following my blog this year and making me feel chirpy with your encouraging comments.

God bless and Happy Holidays!

xxx

:: 26 weeks down - 14 to go ::

Hello, it's me, the absentee!

26 weeks and 1 day today... and things are still going really well. I have put on about 8kg so far, as much as I can tell. The scales had started climbing a bit before I fell pregnant so I'm not 100% sure how heavy I was to start with. But I know I've been eating more sweets/chocolate lately so I might try and control myself a bit more! I still have weeks and weeks to get even bigger and I heard you're supposed to put on between 10-12kgs....

We just had the nicest weekend away in Canberra with our friends Daniel & Rebecca. 8 hours driving each way with no incident - thank God. I get paranoid about the car stuffing up somewhere remote and hot etc.

We toured the beautiful city of Canberra while sipping on smoothies, BBQ dinners outdoors in the twilight, breakfast of sweet summer fruits, and did laps of amazing food festivals and markets. Very 'foodie' weekend, sampling so many local delicacies!

Lunch was a highlight at the Bean & Grain, which made lunchy bagels, with fantastic layered combinations like turkey, avocado, swiss & cranberries. Or roast lamb & caramelized peach. Divine.

We also got to pop in on my long-time friend & penpal, Beth and her little family of four. Her boys were so well behaved and just gorgeous! May have fallen in love with her tubby youngest one!

So back to work tomorrow, only 2 weeks to go before we close for Christmas. 

Just can't get there fast enough.

below: the view down towards Parliament House

:: 24 weeks - 16 to go ::

Our internet has been down for an entire WEEK, hence my shameful lack of posting. It's been quite refreshing however, not having the computer to turn to when a moment of boredom strikes... Not so handy though, when I wanted to use all my spare computer-free hours trying some new recipes on Pinterest that I couldn't even access. :-/

We had an incredibly productive weekend in the garden/house though, as well as a very successful garage-saleing adventure! We found & bought several things that we were planning on buying new anyway (and now don't have to, yay!) and bought some things we didn't exactly need, but couldn't leave. Like this beauty for only $20:

Can't wait to get sanding.

Bub has been really active and having parties down in there I think! I did get some information back from the scan I had 3 weeks ago, that my placenta is quite low (2.2cm os), so although there isn't really anything to be concerned about, the doctor wants to do another scan at 36 weeks. Also, baby is breech at the moment, but apparently that's pretty normal for this point in time. They flip around mostly towards the end of term.

So otherwise, I'm feeling good. Belly is really tight. It's a funny feeling. It's also a funny feeling buying baby clothes. Yep, did that for the first time last week. Can't wait for a cutie to put inside them.

xo

:: 22 weeks & smiling ::

 {hmm.. don't look so big in this one, must be the white top...}

It's all downhill from here, people!! 18 weeks to go.

I'm still feeling great, not as hungry as I was 4-6 weeks ago, so it's easy to get through the day without grabbing random, naughty snacks. I'm enjoying all foods equally, no particular cravings.

Belly is really starting to pop! And change things. Snuggling up to hubby at night is a little more difficult, and getting food spills on my shirt is a lot easier.

We had our final scan last week, and got to see lots of little things... hands, feet, face... it's going to be adorable. It still weirds me out to think that there is an entire human inside of me. Someone who comes everywhere with me. Funny stuff.

Since about 8 weeks, I've been applying Miranda Kerr's (KORA Organics) "Luxurious Rosehip Body Oil" after every shower. All over my belly, thighs, and any other area that might be susceptible to stretch marks during this time. It's absolutely fantastic and my skin feels so great. I was also planning on using the "Enriched Body Lotion" afterwards as Miranda advises, but haven't gotten around to purchasing it yet. Need to soon though.

And here's a profile of a certain little person:

:: hello, halfway ::

Well, how about that... this pregnancy is halfway over! Human babies don't take long to cook, do they? I mean, 9 months isn't a lot. But before you all say, "Hey, that was fast!", don't forget that you only knew about it 8 weeks ago! ;) The 2nd half is going to drag like snail slime.

So I've been feeling all fine and dandy, which is great! I am a bit lightheaded for the first hour in the morning, but I pick up quick enough to start my 8am gym routine.

Baby is very active... kicking a lot throughout each day. Often after a meal and always when I lay down at night. It's so cute, I can't wait to meet the little person who's tapping away inside there. I know you're supposed to sing and talk to your baby bump, but I can't seem to do it without choking up. Especially if I use the word mummy, eg. "Hello, mummy can't wait to meet you!". That just cues the tears! Silly hormones...

I definitely have an element of "baby-brain" going on. Not very often, just the odd super-blonde moment that totally comes from nowhere. Like at work, when I went to put paperwork on the desk of someone who left months ago, or when I had to wipe down a mess and got the roll of plastic bags out to put on my hands instead of disposable gloves. So much fun.

This weekend we went away to the coast (Warrnambool) to use up a free motel voucher I've had kicking around for nearly a year. We spoilt ourselves a little and went to lots of new places. It's kind of ironic, that the last time we came to Warrnambool was also for a weekend, and it was nearly exactly a year ago... it was where we went to 'get away' after hearing that we wouldn't be parents this time around. I hadn't even had the operation yet. We just went.

And here we are, a year later. Same place but halfway along with a very healthy 'bun' in the oven.

God is good.

{squinted faces at the beach}

{at Port Fairy. And no, it wasn't as cold as Jase is making it look. He stripped to a t-shirt soon after}

{some really pretty buildings}

{an emu we spotted at Tower Hill}

{view from Tower Hill. an old volcano}

{a facinating house that was surrounded on 3 sides by a collosal hedge}

{the best steak I've ever had. totally worth the $40 (though we had a 50% off card). Eye fillet with bacon & mustard sauce}



:: approaching halfway ::

This coming weekend I'll be 18 weeks. Just 2 more to halfway!

I might.... might have felt my first 'movement' today too! People are always asking if I've felt anything, but I think a lot of the time I'm just not paying attention to my belly (it's always gurgling away anyway). This time though, I felt a different feeling - twice within seconds. It was like a warm "bloop"... a smooth sort of quick thing. Very hard to explain.

Not a lot else has changed since the last post. I bought a pair of maternity black skinny jeans which I love..

I'll tell you what else I bought today (actually I'll show you). Chocolate. Chocolate is still VERY much my friend, and although I can GUARANTEE to you that I have not been going berserk with it, this is what I bought today:

They were only $1.90, what was I supposed to do??? And all these types that I hadn't tried.
Don't worry, I usually only get them out when there are a few people over to assist me in devouring it. I also often give them away when someone has helped us with a housey thing (lent us their trailer, delivered some mulch, etc etc). So it's all for a good cause ;) ;).

My weekend is starting off on a very, very exciting note tomorrow night.
I'M GOING TO SEE MAROON 5 LIVE!!!

EEEEEEP!!!

They are finally touring Australia, and I was so fortunate to have a friend who is equally keen to hear Adam Levine sing in that 'only' voice that he has. So, so pumped :). Plus they are supported by Evermore (which I did like for a while there) and The Cab (which I am yet to 'research' before tomorrow night). I hope we get good seats and I can get some good piccies to share. It's going to be MASSIVE.

Hope your week has been great, and not as wet and freezing as mine.

xo

:: starting the second trimester ::

(photo taken at 15 weeks)

Entering the Second Trimester was all I wanted to do. Even though the mini heartbeat was spotted on the 7.5 week ultrasound,  I still nervously awaited my 12 week scan. I didn't want to hurt things by being anxious or stressing, but I just couldn't completely relax.

Finally scan day arrived, and Jason was able to be with me. We had a long wait in the radiology waiting room. Way too much time to think about how you might react if you get bad news.

But up pops bub on the screen. So.. so human looking! I was expecting a bit more of a lumpy mexican bean to be honest. But there it was, laying on it's back, legs curled up and looking very relaxed.

The radiologist took a million measurements. It didn't even cross my mind that it actually was laying super still the whole time until the radiologist asked  me to cough to try and get it to change positions. It gave me such a rush of joy to see it suddenly 'jump up' and kick it's leg exactly like a frog. Praise God for the miracle of life.

We booked the 20 week (GENDER DAY!!!) scan on our way out. 8 weeks seemed like forever away.

After that things started to feel a lot more 'real'. My belly was a bit bigger than it had gotten to last time. I sort of hoped I might be able to keep it quiet for a few more weeks, but then caved. Plus people at work were guessing anyway.

Now I'm 16.5 weeks (whoop indeed) and loving my more noticable bump. It feels really firm.. No kicks as yet, but for the first time, I feel like I have a bulge that is actually pretty :). I'm out of all my jeans, and 'button' shirts. Stretchy T-shirts are fun to wear, and my maternity tights are saving me at work. Mum bought me some maternity bras which I had been procrastinating on getting for way too long. I put the first pair on and just about cried. Nothing had ever felt so blissful.

And as for the coming months, it's going to be a maxi-dress summer. x

:: the early weeks ::

It’s not longer a secret that Jase & I have our own little person – a perfect combination of the two of us – growing & being moulded by God inside of me. I had all the good intentions of ‘keeping it quiet’ for as long as possible (it’s such a long wait for everyone if you spill the beans too early!) but at least now I can share the journey with you along the way.

So yes, we were trying. This November it will have been a year since we lost our first little gift, and the timing felt right. 2 months later, Aunt Flo was late (which she never is) so I waited a whole three days (I know, I know..) and did a test. Nothing. Oh well, I rushed it anyway. I waited another 3 days – another negative. I spoke to the nurse at work and she told me to do another one after the weekend, and if that didn’t show up, to arrange a blood test.

By this time I pretty much knew I was pregnant.  Still no sign of Aunt Flo, I had the urge to snack constantly to feel right, and my shirt was suspiciously filling out. Monday I popped another test, only to show negative again! I booked in to see my doctor 2 days later. She asked me to do a 4^th test before arranging for a blood test. This time, there were 2 wee pink lines. Yiew!!

The good news was, I was already 5 weeks along. Not going to complain there. Doctor arranged for a 7.5 week ultrasound, as she knew my history and thought it would be encouraging to see the jellybean on the screen, and a little heartbeat a-fluttering.

I’ve barely had any morning sickness. I fell slightly nauseaus most of the time between weeks 5-10. It consisted of being repulsed by the stuffy lunch room at work, turned off most savoury foods (except bacon & eggs.... yummy!), and forcing myself to swallow lunch & dinner. Sweet foods (ie. Yogurt, fruit) went down a treat. Ok, and the occasional muffin or chocolate bunny. So much for my planned ‘sugar ban’ too.

Needless to say I nicely placed an extra 4kg around my back and thighs which I could not claim as being ‘baby’. I just had to snack all the time, especially at work, where I felt the most miserable. By 10 weeks though, it was all gone and I felt (and still feel) super normal. I can finally cut back on the snacks, and be a bit more in control about my food choices.

To be continued.

xo



:: things that make humpday not so lumpy :: {with a twist}

How absent have I been? Heaps absent. I haven't even done a humpday post for months. There be a good reason for that though, if you will keep reading.

So here are this Wednesday's 3 brightening bits of life. One very bright indeed.

1} French-toasted Nutella-Banana Sandwich

What a wonderful idea, yes? You make a nutella-banana sandwich, dip it in your usual egg/splash of milk mix and fry in butter. So warm, so satifying. P.S. That's rye bread.

2} Most Amazing Homemade Chicken Seasoning!

I found this recipe here, but adapted it a little.

1/4 teas cayenne pepper

1/2 teas garlic powder

1 teas fine sea salt

1 teas dried oregano (I used mixed herbs)

1 teas paprika

1 teas black pepper

1 teas chicken stock

2 eggs

4 chicken breast

Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl. Cut your chicken breasts into strips/tenders and dip in the egg. Let drip for a minute then coat in the seasoning. Either bake in the oven or fry in a bit of coconut oil.

(Tonight, I chose not to do the egg at all, and just coated in the spice and fried. Came out AMAZING. Jason couldn't stop going on about it.)

3} This photo.

It gets an hourly visit from me.

If you squint your eyes, you can almost see a tiny human in it.....

Hope that's a good enough excuse for being MIA. ;)

xo