Hairstyling! Who would have thought?

So we were lying in bed chatting on Friday night, or driving somewhere - I can't remember now, when the conversation somehow turned to hairstyles.  All of a sudden hubby says to me "you must think about what hairstyle our boy is going to have!" I then immediately said 'NOT a mullet'.  We both laughed and then hubby said I must remember his hair is really wavy.  So I said oh boy, thick, dry, wavy hair here we come, and I hope that he has my hair.  A while later he joked and said he's waiting for the day his boy wants to grow his hair, and I said yeah, all you have to do is show him your ID photo and he'll never do that!


Who would have thought, my hubby is worrying about the baby's hair already!  That, and how many nappies we will be going through.

Pictured:  Image by A Brand New Minneapolis on Flickr

Nursery Project: Some Progress

I think the nursery is starting to take shape!  I wanted a happy room, so I think the aqua and yellow works really nicely for this!  Can't wait to put up the little pictures I've found.  They are all printed and ready, just need to get the frames painted and put them up.

Hubby put up the mozzie net, and we shuffled the room around a bit.  Need to get a little table for the lamp to stand on.  It will go between the two chairs.  Also need to put the bunting up.  

Cot with teddies etc, I'll move them when we put up some shelves.  We eventually decided to get a cot bumper.

Storage under the cot!  This stuff will need to move into the cupboard.  The cupboard will need to be emptied, we have to find another place to store the linen and towels.  We planned to get a linen cupboard, but with the likely early arrival we'll probably have to make another plan for now and save our money for hospital expenses.

This wall will get two floating shelves in white, and maybe some cut out letters.

This wall will become the art wall.  The changing station will stand next to the bed.  Hubby's going to collect it from my step sis next weekend.  Then 'we' will have to paint the top.

April Scan! 25 Week Dr Appointment

We went for our monthly appointment on Thursday 26th April.  25 Weeks!  This baby is going to come early.    


Baby boy has been so busy, I feel him move around and kick so often during the day.  On Monday night I felt him above my belly button for the first time.  I pushed there with my finger and felt something hard so poked once or twice... and he actually pushed back twice.  Quite strong too.


Anyway, back to our appointment.  I still have low fluid, and my boy is really big.  The placenta is healthy though, but what he thinks happened I can't really explain properly.  From what I could make out, something about what the placenta does in stage two regarding getting the food to the baby.  I was too busy panicking.  


Dr said we will start steroids next week, on Thursday 3rd May.  I need to have two injections, 12 hours a part.  He first asked if Hubby could inject me, and must have seen my big eyes and said, alternately we can come to the hospital - we'll do that.  I'm also booked off on bed rest for the week.  Dr says we will monitor the baby's weight as well as he is concerned that he will start losing weight at some stage, and if he does he will need to take him out.  


For now we are going to try to get to 32 weeks.  That's in 7 weeks time, on 14 June!  Oh.  My.  I want to keep him in here as long as possible.  I'm supposed to have an exam on 23 June, but I'm sure they'll understand and let me reschedule if anything happens.  June is way early.  I pray that my baby stays put for a while longer. 


I'll see the doc again on 15th May, which is just over two weeks away from our last appointment. 

Everything else with baby boy seems to be ok.  His weight was 886 grams...  the average for 25 weeks is around 660 grams if I remember correctly. 

My poor doc must think I'm a big baby, cause I had a good cry too.  He kept telling me not to stress too much, we will take it step week at a time.  From now on I will need to see him every 2 weeks, unless sooner visits are needed. 

Have to get the baby's room ready in a hurry. 

On the plus side, I could be a mommy sooner than planned.  And more appointments mean I'll get to see him more often.

I went in to work to give in my doctor's note, and finish up on a few things, and when the girls asked me how it went and what was wrong, I had another cry.  I think it's all a bit too much to process, feeling a bit overwhelmed, and worried about my baby.  At the end of the day,  do know that this Dr saved my life, so I trust him with my baby's life.  The girls did manage to get me to have a good laugh, especially when they said the up side is that I'll have less stretch marks!  

Here's a pic of the scan (not very good though), and also the growth chart. 

3rd Wedding Anniversary

We celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary on Wednesay the 18th!


I got him a set of whiskey glasses and leather coasters - what a difficult time I had trying to think of something to get him.  I got some crystal earrings from him, and we went out for dinner at a Greek restaurant.  What was so special, is that he arranged for them to get me a bunch of red roses!  Can't remember the last time I got flowers!


Later on he joked and said the other guys must feel like tossers cause nobody else got flowers for their ladies, and I said I suppose, but I'm also sure you know how that feels...  


Some photos from the night... also took a little belly pic....

Sense and no sense...

I always knew the day would come when my parents would get old and sickly, but never thought it would happen to my mom so soon.  She called me twice last week.  


The first time, she phoned and in a panicked voiced asked me where I am.  I said I was at work, and she asked why I left without saying goodbye, and she wanted more time with me.   She couldn't understand and said I had come up with my dad and hubby.  So I said no, that was for the wedding 3 years ago, and then I told her I had to go to a meeting.  Before hanging up she asked where my brother is too, and I told her he's also at work.


Friday morning she called, and again asked me where I am.  I said I'm at work again.  She said that is not possible because I was sitting in her lounge just this morning.  I told her no, I'm in Jhb at work.  I wish I was there, but she was still convinced I had been there that morning.  I waited a while, and then said, she must miss me so much that she wants me there, but I wasn't.  After a pause she must have realized and asked why she's so disoriented.  I said it's because she isn't well and she needs to take one day at a time.  So the conversation went a bit better than the previous phone call.


My one aunt and gran are driving up from Cape Town.  They will spend some time with her and take her to physio.  My other aunt has been dropping off meals and helping out as much as possible.  


I wish I could be there for her.  I have been really upset after each phone call.  What do you say to someone you love when they are making no sense?  I can't tell you just how heartsore it is making me but I am trying to keep calm though for the baby's sake, I just have to.

This is Me @ 24 Weeks

24 Weeks!
We went for sundowners and snacks at a friend, so she did the snapping.

Look at the beautiful sunset, view from her balcony...

This is me @ 23 Weeks

We made it to 23 weeks.  Time is still flying by!  Baby boy is getting busier by the day.  His kicks are getting harder and stronger...

I'm really enjoying being pregnant now!  The best part is feeling him move.  I'm still amazed at how you can grow a whole little person, from nearly nothing.  

Really looking forward to our next appointment on Thursday morning.  Can't wait to see how my baby has grown!

I'm officially starting to run out of clothing, and quickly.  Time to go out and get a few things!  My zip up warm jerseys and tops are not zipping up!

I need my Mom.

My heart is so sore, I only heard yesterday that my mom collapsed at home on Saturday last week, and then spent the week in hospital.  I had been trying to phone her but her phone has been off, so I thought she was just busy and I decided to try and call her this week again.  She didn't want anyone to tell me, but phoned me herself last night.  The saddest thing is that the person on the phone wasn't my mom.  She didn't sound like herself at all, and she couldn't talk properly.

She was so excited about coming here in August - and always said she wanted to be here the day the baby comes, and I kept telling her we will see closer to the time because I need to settle in at home first.  I feel so selfish for saying that, and not wanting her here.

I asked her to tell me what was wrong, and she said it was just stress.  I knew it can't be that.  I just told her I love her and she must get better and I hope to see her really soon.  I need my little boy to know his granny.

I got hold of my aunt today and she said my mom had a stroke, but I shouldn't worry because my step dad is taking really good care of her, and I mustn't be too hard on her if I do speak to her.  The road to recovery is going to be long.

I pray with all my heart that she gets better.  I'm going to be a mother soon and I need my mom.  I don't know if I can do this without her.

If she's not better by the end of the year and hasn't been able to come visit us, we will try make plans to go and see her and the family in December.

Nursery Project: Preparations & Setting Up The Cot

Today was a long day at the office... and I couldn't wait to get home...  I wanted to do some more work on the baby's room.  I'm not sure if this is nesting, or if nesting involves cleaning and scrubbing, but nevertheless, I enjoyed this.


This is what I've done so far.  Also packed a lot of the things in the cupboard, and cleared the room a bit.  Really hope it turns out nicely, and excited to get it finished. 

I've set up the cot bedding, just quickly to see what it will look like.  Not too bad hey.  Haven't decided if I'll have the bumpers made up, been reading up about it and I'm in two minds at the moment.  Maybe just needs something blue added.  The white bear may or may not stay.

Teddy and toys.

 Close up of the bedding, I love it!

Mozzie net.  I've been looking for an affordable one for white a while.  Done!

Now to find some pretty bunting.

Bought this really cool floor lamp - it looks like a big globe on a pole!  Not sure where I'll put it, but for now I just unpacked it and set it up. 

Some fabric I bought - going to ask MIL to make two covers for cushions for the bed, and lining for the  little baskets that will hold cream, shampoo, etc.  Not bad for R9,00 per m.

These are pillow covers.  Just to add a little colour.

 I folded the blue star fabric over a cushion... can't wait for MIL to help out with the sewing!

Big Cuppa

Dear Baby...please don't be as fussy as your daddy.  Mommy had fun with him today though.  


Every single time I offer him coffee or tea, or make him a nice warm cup just the way he likes it, he asks me for a bigger mug.  So, I went out and found him a nice big mug!  His eyes  were just as big when I gave it to him all wrapped up.  He looked up and asked if I had bought him a vase - and I said no, open it.  Why would I buy a vase for a man, unless he had a thing for pretty flowers?


Super size mug!  We had a good giggle about it.

Nursery Project: Before Photos & Getting Started

I've been itching to start decorating the spare room (trying to get used to calling it the nursery), but at the same time wondered if starting it now already is too soon.  I suppose there's no better time like the present, and I like to be organized - I think I have about 3 and a half months to go before baby arrives, so here we go... 


It took us a while to agree on colours. We're not doing a 'themey' or 'matchy' room, so I hope it still turns out nicely.  I'd like the room to have a happy feel.


Here are some pics of the room:

This is what you see when you walk in the door.  The first thing I did was sort out and remove anything from the room that we didn't need - that took a month and a half to get done - I just didn't feel like doing it.  The orange is going to be packed away.  The bed may or may not stay in the room.  Looks more like a store room, doesn't it?  Every time we get something new we just put it in the room.  My dad dropped off the cot last Saturday, so that gave us more 'packing space' for the soft/ small things and the clothes. I've put up some dark grey curtains for now, just a set I had in the cupboard - will look for better ones later once the rest of the room is done.  I'd like to put up some shelves there above the 2 chairs, and maybe also a cool floor lamp in that area.

The view from the window facing the door.  The room is 3,75m long and about 3m wide, so hopefully everything will fit.  

See how full the cot is? 

The bedding we bought the other day - we wanted calm colours for the bedding.  A little duvet cover and pillow set, and a quilt, in grey and white.  Mind you, I think I have a thing for baby blankets.  We already have about 6.  My mom in law is trying to convince me to return some of them and exchange for something else... but I think for now I'll keep them.  A also found a really nice mosquito net in white which we'll put up above the cot. 

Here are some more things taking up floor space - nappies, monitor, wet wipes, bottle, and a carry cot.

 Loved this little yellow clock and the blue lamp...  will still decide where to put them.

Here are a few ideas for the art wall.  I'm on a tight budget, so need to improvise where I can.  Still looking for a few more pictures that won't pixelate too badly if I print them out.  I'd like to frame each print and then hang them up on the wall above the bed.

Here's a pic of the changing station I need to arrange to pick up from my step sister.  The plan here is to paint the top and change the handles...  

Special Delivery from my Dad, Nursery Update

On Saturday, we received a special delivery from my dad!  A wooden cot... now I can start working on the nursery properly.  I'll put up a picture of the cot when I have a chance.  


I've said this before but I'm so excited - flip, I just want to unpack everything we have so far and start setting the baby room up, but that's probably not a clever move because for the next while everything will just gather dust.  And we have to get through the winter first.  


I have been spending some time in the baby's room every now and then, looking through all the stuff have already gathered, and every time I start feeling all fuzzy inside.  


The main (big items) for the nursery are sorted, just need to arrange to pick up the changing station soon - my step sis is giving hers to us, just need to paint the top bit a different colour (aqua or white - it's lime green right now) and maybe change the knobs.  Also we have a pram, and two car seats (one for each car).  The pram we bought came with a car seat, and my step sis gave her other car seat to us, what a luck! 

Dress Up Birthday Party

It was a friend's 30th on Saturday night, and it was a dress up theme party.  The theme was strange, but well suited to her...  "I can't believe you came to my party dressed like that"

I went as a nun, and hubby went as a sperm bank.  There was some outrageous costumes there!

Baby's FIRST Sneakers

My boy isn't even here yet and he's already styling a pair of little Reebok sneakers, thanks to his aunty T.


Look how cute they are!

Disappearing Act

I love lying in bed in the early mornings, and at night - because I get to feel my baby boy moving around, and kicking...  he's started getting really busy!  


Last night hubby got into bed and I told him to feel because the baby is really busy, and when he put his hand there, it stopped.  Nothing!  He kept it there for a while... so after a while he took his hand away and I put mine back there, and the moving started again.  I laughed and said he's moving again!  Hubby frowned and said the baby doesn't like him or his hand... I think maybe his hand was a bit colder, or felt a bit different, or baby doesn't know what his daddy's touch feels like just yet.  But - he knows mine!


This happened 3 times last night!    

This is me @ 22 Weeks

Nearly forgot to take photos last week... oops!  Scatter brain has become my new friend.
This is me @ 22 Weeks, belly is growing nicely...

Easter & 4D Scan - Incredible!

I can't believe Easter has already come and gone.  April has always been my favourite month with all the holidays, and it's our wedding anniversary in a few days...  

We went for our 4D scan this past Saturday, all I can say is wow.  We took hubby's mom with us, she was so excited, almost more excited than I was.  So special to have had her with us to share this experience.  I had a little easter egg that morning, to get some sugar in and also to celebrate!

BabyG had his face in my placenta, so we struggled for a while before we could see his face.  And what a sight for sore eyes, I think I fell in love with him there and then, if I hadn't already.

The doctor was a bit worried about my amniotic fluid levels, it was low at 7cm when apparently it should be 12 cm.  I phoned my doctor about this and he said not to worry too much, just rest a bit more and drink a bit more, and we'll monitor it again at our next visit on 26th April.  

I'm sad I never got to see our angel baby, or know if it was a little boy or girl, but in the same breath I'm so incredibly happy right now.  I don't think I've ever really been 'happy' if I compare life as it has been, to what I'm feeling now.   

Here are some of the snapshots from Saturday, I'm so amazed, every time I look at them.

Here is my baby boy's leg, fully grown, the length of the entire body plus half the head.

This one shows the nasal bone, upper and lower jaw - no cleft palate.  Can you see the little nostrils?

Holding on to the umbilical chord, not much else to hold on to in there

And finally, we got to see this... I think probably the most beautiful face I've ever seen.  

This one shows the umbilical artery, red = from me to baby, blue = from baby to me, it's high normal, but still normal.

"Growing" Used To It

I think hubby is getting used to the idea, now that my belly is growing.  He's started feeling my belly without me telling him to give me his hand!


Last night I kissed him good night and went upstairs, and before I turned away he opened my dressing gown to feel and see my belly.  He said it's gotten much bigger, and probably will still...


Later he came up to bed, and snuggled right up to me, and felt my belly again... 


I love this man!  Can't wait for him to become a daddy and to see the look on his face when he hold his boy for the very first time.

Photo Shoot Day

This month is our 3rd wedding anniversary, so I booked a little photo shoot for us this past Sunday!  We had these taken at Strubensdam Bird Sanctuary, in Menlyn.  Look how incredible our photos are, I can't wait to see the rest.  Thank you so much Karin, we absolutely love them...


Celebrating 3 years... 18th April 2012