Weaning, Sleep etc

All has been busy in the Hanekom house!

We have started weaning Ethan and have given him a few first tastes now! He has tried Baby Rice (wasn't keen on this really), Butternut squash (a firm favorite) and Banana (this was a thumbs up too)! He is so funny and grabs the spoon to shove it into his mouth- only problem is sometimes he shoves too hard and almost chokes himself!!!

Sleep got quite bad and the method pupd routine was just rubbish! So back to CC (Controlled Crying) and making sure he goes into his cot proper awake now. Had some bad and good nights. Last night he went down at 7pm woke at 9.45 but he wasnt due his feed yet then so CC til 10pm when he fell asleep. Woke him at 10.30pm for dreamfeed. He then woke at 1am but again wasnt ready so used CC and he went back to sleep til 5.20am! He hasnt gone that long between night feeds since he was tiny! Maybe we are on the way... or maybe he is just teasing us LOL :)

Anyway- he really is amazing and is so strong. He can hold his weight standing easily, just has poor balance! He really is happiest standing up as he is so inquisative and it means he can see everything then.

We took him to a wedding Saturday and he came to watch Olympia on Sunday. He was such a good boy and totally charmed everyone with his huge smiles :)

I love him soooooo much!

All change

Well, what an odd week. We suddenly seem to have a new baby!

All of a sudden he began to scream during bedtime routine which he had always loved. This started a little after his 2nd imms but has got earlier and earlier. It's quite stressful as this is meant to be our winddown time and Nic only time with Ethan!

Also we have screaming and panicking when he is put down to sleep, especially during the day. He is also waking up lots during the night for feeds and comfort.

Finally he hated swimming this week! After being fab on week one all of a sudden he decided he hated it! He was fed, clean and had slept well so no real reason... grrr babies!

However, this week has begun to improve again, he is starting to go back to longer stretches during the night and isn't so worried about being put in his cot. We have also done one session of his bedtime routine in the bathroom so that it's a different scenery to normal and is nice and warm in the hope we can break screamy habit. I am also bathing with him now, someone holding him seems to help him feel happy! I've also cranked the heating in his room as I wonder if he may have been waking because he is cold?

Daytimes are pretty good and although he FIGHTS his daytime sleeps, he is now going about three hours in between feeds quite happily whereas before we would struggle to make two. I think as he is getting into the habit of longer food gaps, he is feeding better when he does eat!

He is a busy, busy lad and although plays really well, grabbing, chewing and kicking his toys he does get bored if he isn't entertained, he isnt a baby who will just sit and watch. It means that my days are crazy busy and when he is awake he really demands my attention. However, he does spend pretty decen gaps of time in his baby gym alone as he has to learn to entertain himself and be happy in his own company as well as having Mommy time.

His favorite at the moment is if he lies on his back and we jiggle him about, it is raising some lovely giggles from him! He also is liking tummytime much more and is really looking about and grabbing things, his head control seems really strong during this but it seems quite physically demanding so he only spends a few mins this way each day.

He is adorable and so funny. Constant changes make parenting so hard, babies seem to change from day to day and you never know what to expect from them. They are however, totally and most definately worth it!

Updates!

Well, lots happening since my last post!

Ethan went through an awful week of waking every 1.5/ 2 hrs through the night and he seemed genuinly hungry on waking. When finally I had collapsed crying into bed one morning I decided from that night he was going to have to wait for at least three hours in between feeds. I went to bed armed and ready for battle... for him to go back to four/ 4.5 hourly feeds! Thank God!!! LOL

He has just begun what I call a 'proper' laugh this week. One that comes from deep down rather than just those throaty baby giggles. It's the most fantastic sounds and although rare right now he is busy cultivating it! The first time he laughed we were at Corton Ltd show and Nic was making faces at him in his pushchair, I couldnt belive it when I heard it and was so jelous (but pleased too) that Nic was honoured with ETs first laugh!


Me and Nic also have now battled our first sickness while looking after a young baby, we were both really, really ill for about ten hours, all I wanted to do was curl up in bed but we had a baba to take care of. We did some shifts and you know what... I still didnt resent ET, not in the least- he still made me smile even when I felt awful!


Last night I had problems resettling him after his dreamfeed as he needed a total outfit change (poo incident) and decided he was awake and happy. I decided to use the whole feed back to sleep idea but ET decided a better game would be to latch on, then pull off and stare at me with an enormous smile on his face, as soon as Mummy glanced down (trying to stay glazed and NOT smile and encourage him) he would giggle and hide his head coyly in my arm until he managed to make Mommy smile then the game would start over... he is so adorable! Yes, even at 12.20am when Ihave been trying to resettle for two hours!!!

His hand eye coordination continues to improve, he now seems to be able to grab things easily and bring them to his mouth without too much trouble. Everything goes in his mouth and everything is grabbed- especially my hair at 4am during nightfeeds... I put him back in his cot and OW!


Some of my loveliest time with Ethan is his dreamfeeds. I wake him at about 10.30/11pm for a feed before I go to bed and this is always the most relaxing feed of the day. He doesnt usually, wake totally so keeps his eyes closed and his whole little body relaxed with maybe just a hand resting on me on closed around my clothing or fingers. I hope the image of his tiny fingers curled around my hand stays with me forever- it is amazing and makes my heart ache just thinking about it.


I love this boy so much that I didnt think it possible. I cant stand the thought of him ever being sad or in pain and want to make him smile and protect him as much as I can. He is my angel who tests our patience and wills every day but I miss him so much, even when he is just sleeping next door. Daytime naps are a wonderful time. I love it that he will still sleep on my chest- arms wide, wrapped around me, legs and body totally relaxed and draped over me. Head tucked down, as close to me as he can get, little snores and snuffles sounding from his mouth. Cheeks squashed and lips open and innocent. I am so excited for each next stage you will reach Ethan but I wish we could stay like this forever x

Going Well?!

Well all is going quite well now although I am almost scared to say so in case I Jinx it!

Bedtime routine starts at 6.15ish with bath, playtime and cuddles followed by a feed. Then into his Moses basket awake. He is now going off to sleep by himself with no crying at all! Good baby! He then sleeps til about 10.30 when if he hasnt woken by himself, I wake him for a feed before I go to bed. He is then sleeping til about 2.30/ 3.30 when he wakes for another feed then up at about 5.30/ 6ish for a quick fill up. He is then up properly at 7/7.30am. So could be better but not toooooo bad! He is also having daytime naps in his basket although he protests these loudly!!!

He has started taking his bottle again now. We switched to Dr Browns bottles which make his less windy so he is happier with (yes Nic you DID suggest this months ago)!!! Nic did his entire bedtime routine for the first time ever tonight- my little angel went off to sleep with no grizzling- love that the boys do so well together and arent so dependant on me now...

We also took Ethan to his first swim lesson on Sunday at Waterbabies, it was fantastic and he did his first ever underwater swim! Nic took him in alone and I loved watching them interact although would have liked to have gone in myself!

Now I have quit work I am getting to spend more time with Ethan. I love it and he is such a sweetiepie. He is gurgling now and making quite loud noises in his throat and mouth- some little screams and lots of giggles. He 'talks' back to me and I love this interaction. He has also learnt lots more hand-eye coordination and is putting toys in his mouth- not easily but he can and has just begun sucking his hand for comfort during the day and at night. He still LOVES his taggie which he has to have each night and during the day to cuddle in to!

Time to wake him for a feed soon! Byeee xxx

New Stuff

Well ET keeps doing new things all the time! On the 27/10/08 he learnt to smack his lips and continued to do it all day, he was so pleased with himself! He also seems more in control of his hands now- he is grabbing an pulling the babygym toys, blanket and taggie, he shoves everything in his mouth and chews hard!

We got him a new babygym this week from Tiny Love. Its called an Activitot centre and has hanging toys, repositionable arches, and interchangable movable toys sticking out of the floor! So cool! He didn't like it at first as I think babies very much like familiarity and he didn't know it, two days later and he is loving it- I so like spoiling my baby boy!

His sleeping is going well, he goes down every night around 7pm and sleeps till dreamfeed time about 11pm, on good days he just wakes once at around 2pm for a quick feed and back to sleep til wake up time 7am (ish). He will also nap during the day is his basket which gives me some time! Just a week left til we hand the business over now- whooohoo! Then I get to spend time during the week with my angelboy!

Nic has just been away for a stag weekend and although we missed him I LOVED spending time with Ethan, jst the two of us and no pressure of work :)

Ethans growth has slowed a lot in the last few weeks- and funnily enough has conincided with him sleeping better. We will keep an eye and hope he is ok.

Ooo and we start baby swimming classes next week- I so cant wait!!! Charl and Kerry are bringing Alexa along aswell.

2nd lot of Imms on Monday... NOT looking forward to them... Mum is on her way over for the day so that should be nice :)

The Crying Game...

Well ET is now almost eleven weeks. Nic and myself decided it was time to instill a routine as I was going crazy through lack of sleep and ET wasnt sleeping either.

On Saturday we went to Mothercare and purchased some Sleepvests with long sleeves and some Sleeping bags for baby. We also got a 'womb noises' CD to help him relax.

Saturday night we started his bedtime routine at 6pm. Cuddles, nice long bath, baby massage, into his sleepbag and a feed. Then popped him into his own space, letting him cry himself down in his Moses Basket in his own room. We battled on and off for two hours but eventually he drifted off!

Five days later and he is doing really well. He only cries for about twenty minutes before Sleeping usually now and when he wakes for a feed in the night he goes straight back to sleep with little or no fussing. It is making our lives so much easier as it has given us our evenings back- we have dinner together, watch TV, read, bath etc etc. He is still waking about every three hours to feed but last night he did 4.5 hours so watch this space!

Listening to my 'angel' crying is SOOOOO hard but he is a happier baby for the better rests. He is also going down twice a day in his own room for sleeps and sometimes he cries.... sometimes not but it DOES mean he sleeps during the day in decent blocks now too! (Hence being able to update my blog)!

He is doing fantastic weight and height wise and is in 3-6 mth clothing already (2 mths old)! He is smiling, giggling and chewing his fist. Also he hits out at his toys in his babygym and kicks so hard on his change mat that we worry he is going to bruise himself! We are both so taken with this little man!

Oh and we have sold our business! It means that finally I will be able to spend more time with Ethan which I am so excited about! :)

I am sooo tired right now with trying to run the business, look after the house, dogs and Ethan- I hope it will be easier once I dont have to do the work stuff anymore!!!

So long...

Since I posted! LOL I really have had NO time at all :)

I am IN LOVE with my baby boy. He is a total angel and he makes me smile so much. He is really quite a big lad now at 13lbs and in the top 75th centil for his weight and in the top 97th for height at 62cms approx!

He is smiling and giggling at me now and really interacting with his Mommy and his playgyms etc. He also is a little clingy since he had his vaccinations on Monday but i am hoping he settles back down soon.

Nights are still tough as he doesnt go long between feeds. He has just started managing four and a half hours between feeds this week but that's about it- ah well- he is SO worth it!!!

I have so little time its just crazy so we made some huge decisions this month. We decided to sell SEW WHAT as I purely dont have time to do it. Trying to take care of Ethan, the dogs, the house and the business was not only impossible but was shattering me and was just way to much pressure. We decided that the only thing that COULD give was the business so I can focus on my little angel and our darling woofs :). It has however meant that financially we had to make some changes so have sold the van and brought a car and are selling our caravan aswell! I will miss them both but It is worth it to be able to spend time with Ethan.

He continues to surprise and delight us every day with his innocence and charm. We love our baby boy more than we thought possible!

Hope yuo like the pic of our chubby cheeked lad at eight weeks old

Fantastic, Knackering, Wonderful and awful!

Well how amazing is it, having a young baby around! We sit and stare at Ethan for hours, fascinated that we made something so perfect and wonderful. He is sweet and funny, making faces that make us giggle and being at his happiest and most settled when cuddled onto your chest.

The nights have been up and down. We seem to be doing better at the mo. and he is sleeping in about three/ four hour shifts only waking for a short feed which is just fine :)

Each day our little man changes, he spends more time awake, staring and staring at me and Nic, he likes lights and our walks with the dogs.

I feel like we have been totally blessed and honoured having our baby boy.

Little Vid

Here is a little vid of Ethan and Grandad Stuart...

Few more pix

All three of us...

Charl & Alexa, Nic & Ethan

Photos

Here are some photos from our first week at home...

First hour - still in hospital!


Sleeping Soundly on Mums bed


Eyes Open!!!

Welcome my angel!

Well sorry I haven't updated for ages but Toto has arrived!


Our 'welcome to baby' started on the evening of the 6th August with some cramping pains and a 'show'. I sent Nic to work on the Thursday (7th) morning as I was sure Baby was still at least a week away.
At about 12.30pm when my waters broke at home I called Nic and despite my arguments he insisted on coming home. By the time he got back I was having contractions fairly reguarly about 3mins apart.
We called the hospital and were told to wait a few hours until the contractions were stronger. I popped on my TENS machine and concentrated on breathing using my gym ball to lean on.
Two hours later the contractions were painful enough that I couldnt talk through them and we left for the hospial. I was also being really sick- nice eh!
I arrived at assesment unit in the hospital where they checked Totos heartbeat and examined me. I was 3cm dilated but they were worried about the colour of the waters.
They told us that I would be taken in, and hooked up and monitored as there was meconium in the waters and this can be detrimental to baby.
Two hours later and my contractions still werent regular enough to be moving the labour forward fast enough. Due to the concerns for baby they decided to pop me onto a Synotocin drip to induce the contractions.
At this point I knew that the induction would be a shock and that my contractions would come faster and stronger so I asked for Gas and Air to help dull the senses. COOL! This stuff is fab and although it doesnt get rid of the pain, it dulls the senses enough and refocuses you. It also helped with my breathing :) Nic got in a few sneaky puffs when the midwife left the room.
As time went on I finally decided I needed and epidural. The midwife checked and told me I was already 9cm dilated! Not much point in an epidural this far gone so I decided to stick with gas and air.
At the pushing stage Totos heartbeat started to drop and the midwife told me my baby was in distress. If he didn't arrive by 2am they would have to C-Section me. The race was on!

Finally at 1.22am on his due date 08.08.08 our baby boy was born weighing 7lbs 3oz. For anyone who hasnt experienced childbirth nothing can describe or explain the feeling of holding your baby for the first time. It really was amazing, awesome, and totally consuming. I suggested the name Ethan as he just didn't suit the others we had thought of. Nic would have agreed to anything I asked right now which he did. Toto became Ethan!

After health checks for mum and baby we left hospital at 1.30pm (they have to keep you in for 12 hrs after baby is born because of the meconium). Nic has been just amazing, he has been looking after and changing Ethan, walking the dogs, cleaning the house, doing washing, shopping and cooking for me, bringing me drinks etc. He really is Superman and I cannot believe what an amazing husband I have and how lucky Ethan is to have Nic for a father.

Our first few days home have been magical. I ache like anything and can't do much before feeling really drained but It's so worth it. Ethan sleeps, eats and poops but he is angelic. There is no feeling like your baby sleeping soundly hugged to your chest. He LOVES milk time and has fed and latched on really well right from the start. He HATES nappy changes with a passion. Saves all his wees for when his nappy is off mid-change and burps for england but he is ours and he is perfect!

Ethan also met his grandparents for the first time this week and they all fell in love with him. The adoration on both Mum and Dads faces when they looked down at him was just incredible and I hope I remember that always.

The midwife came today and weighed him etc. He has just lost 10g which is totally fantastic and they expect babies to loose up to 14% of their birth weight in the first few days so he is miles ahead already. He also had blood taken. Babies have their heels pricked then the blood squeezed out for this- poor sausage had a good cry and wasnt impressed with this at all!

I am loving our babymoon with Nic, Ethan and myself closeted away, making the odd car journey and coffee outing and just enjoying being a family. I am however already dreading Nic going back to work as I know how much he has spoiled me. I am going to miss him so much :( Ah well, over a week left still so I will make the most of it.

I am laying in bed using the laptop to type this so I don't have access to any photos here. I will however try to get on the main PC in the next day or two and add some photos of Ethan Nicholaas Hanekom!

One day left!

Well, just one day now until my due date and at last something has happened.. ish. Last night I started getting some crampy pains and had a 'show' and through the night today am getting the odd Braxton Hicks type pain but stronger. They seem to come about every 15 mins, then eveery half hour etc. It's certainlty nothing that stops me typing away or cleaning the house etc. Last night was exciting feeling stuff happening, still managed a decent kip though! :) I still think nothing else is going to happen for a few days but at least something is moving on! Fingers crossed it shouldn't be too much longer! However according to websites etc it could still be a week or so before he makes an appearance! Yawn!

Babies Awww

Well my waist keeps expanding- I am 47" now and feeling like such a heifer!!!

In the last two days I have seen both Michelles baby Haydn and Kerrys Alexa. They are very cute (for babies) and it was lovely to see them and their Moms :) See photos! Aw

Baby Alexa

Baby Haydn

I am BOILING and really feeling the heat now. Especially when I do anything- I just finished cleaning the oven and feel like I have gone for a ten mile jog heat wise! No suffering from being out of breath etc really though so I think I am still lucky.

Just seven days to go before due date now, every little twinge gets me excited about meeting our baby. I am sure maternity leave was invented so we get bored enough to actually get excited about that much pain...

Anyway, not much to write except- come on Toto!!!!

Midwife

Well saw the midwife today. She checked me over and as usual said I am well and have nothing to worry about. Toto is laying in an Anterior position which is the typical position ready for birth with his head down and his back curved towards my front (although he is quite side on at the moment. His heartbeat is fantastic and he is wriggling lots! I am getting more and more excited about my little baba each day!

Poor Kerry is still in hospital and now has been in labour for ages. She went into Latent stage on Sunday night and has finally reached 9cms of dilation at 8.30am this morning (Thursday) she must be shattered. I am thinking of you the whole time Kez xxx We are hoping your little girl turns up today and are hoping to come see you all this evening!

Another girl from my NCT group has had her baby now aswell. She came to lunch with us on Tuesday afternoon. By the next day at 4pm baby had been born!

People are dropping like flies- not long till Toto time!!!

Stuart Apsey

Just thought I would add that this is the website of Stuarts photos, he lives in South Africa so most are local to the Cape Town area.

Aren't they just amazing! http://photo.net/photos/sapsey

Posting just coz

Well I felt like popping a post on here coz I have finally finished work! Yay!

Today so far is absolutely fantastic! I woke up late and had brekkie and a grapefruit- yum and watched some TV. Did a few chores, vaccumed a bit, watered plants, cleared up the garden, cleaned the pool. Put some pictures in frames that Nics cousin Stuart took (amazing shots) and hung them on the wall. They look fab! I then went off to the shops and posted some clothing out, some letters etc etc, got the van washed, brought some books from the charity shops to keep me entertined and now am home with a coffee (yes with plenty of caffiene) :p LOL

Michelle my pal had her baby on her EDD 19th July. He was 6lb 11oz and she went into hospital at 7am and Haydn was there by 9am! Lucky sausage she is! I am so, so happy for her and cannot wait to meet Haydn.

Also I spoke to Kerry this morning and it seems that she has gone into labour now aswell! That means Baby Apsey should be here very soon!

With the other girls babies being born and work having finished for me, I am now feeling ready and prepared for our little lad. Still just under three weeks left until my due date so not too panicked yet but starting to really look forward to his arrival!

Hmmm, a nice afternoon of relaxing lays ahead for me now, although I suspect I will find something to keep me busy!

Mental Preperation...

Waist 46" and feeling huge!

Well, into week 37 now and if Toto was born now he would be considered 'full term'. I am as bit concerned about myself at the mo as I dont feel ready for Toto at all.

I think if I went into labour now i would be a little terrified! I have been trying to figure out why that is and why my friends etc all seem so ready. My only conclusion is that while they are on maternity leave and having enough down time to wonder when baby is going to arrive, I am still running around working, walking and looking after dogs, cleaning etc. Therefore I am determined to finish work today so that I can begin the mental process of preparing for our little one. It feels important to me that I am ready mentally aswell as practically and physically. Saying all that, the little s*d will probably turn up two weeks late now, by which time we will be dying for him to appear!

Sleep is difficult as the weight of the bump is quite uncomfy. He is also big enough now that when he moves it is pretty hectic and does wake me! Finally anyone who says Braxton Hicks doesn't hurt is lying. I have had some pretty painful ones which take my breath away, especially in the evenings and at night.

My belly also feels like it has 'dropped' really low and is quite uncomfy when I am walking around day to day.

Also the first girl in our NCT class has now had her baby! Elinor went into labour on Tuesday and by 5pm had had a baby boy by emergency C- Section as he turned breech. All is well though- we are so pleased for them.

Intresting article i found had a break down of weight gain-

An average newborn baby weighs in at around 7lb 71/2oz.
Placenta 1lb 6oz.
Amniotic Fluid 1lb 3oz.
Extra Blood 2lb 12oz.
Increased Body Fluids 2lb 2oz.
Increased Breast Tissue 1lb.
Womb (Uterus) 2lb.
Increased Body Fat Layer 7lb 7oz.

now put that all in a rucksack and carry it around all day... LOL

Time Flies!

Waist: 45"- Yes Really! OMG!
Weight: Too Much
Energy: Not Enough!

Well time flies and there is just four weeks left till Toto is due! Full term is anytime from 37 weeks till 42 weeks so that means by Friday week (18th) I will be counted as full term and we can expect the little one from anytime onwards really!

I am feeling very well in myself and still loving being pregant. I can't belive how hard some regular things are. Putting on socks and shoes is a challenge and getting up off our somewhat squishy, deep sofa requires thought and momentum! I have had a really sensitive stomach through the last few weeks so have just started realising I can't just eat whatever I want. I am going to have to stick to non rich foods and lots of fruit and salad :) Oh and the odd ice cream Mars cant hurt...

We have had a busy few weeks with writing my birth plan, midwife appointments, blood tests etc. We also took a tour of North Hants (Basingstoke) hospital. There were so many couples on the tour! My god I hope we dont all go into labour at the same time otherwise all those Mummies get in before me and I really don't want to have to go to another hospital... :( The tour however was great and we got to see what we can expect when the time comes, there are various rooms including quite a few private rooms which we will pay the extra for when the time comes if they are free, I am not so bothered about the pre baby as they move you to a private room for the last stages of labour anyway although I would like to be in the Home style Birthing Suite which has a sofa, gym/ birthing balls etc. But if we have to stay overnight I would like to have my own space with Toto. We also saw the various other rooms and asked to see a resuscitare (baby resus cot) as we didnt want to panic and not understand it if Toto needs it. The hospital was really nice and the midwives were lovely and friendly! Lets just hope they arent full when Toto arrives!

I am incredibly busy right now as we are trying to wind down Sew What for maternity. I have been updating our accounts and fufilling orders like crazy. I feel a mixture about working so hard now. The good thing is it keeps me distracted and doesnt allow me to think too much about when Toto is going to arrive etc. Staying busy is fab coz I am not clock/ week watching :) However i also feel a bit miffed when all my friends are on maternity leave and relaxing and chilling while I work my butt off... It also means that I will be working again pretty much as soon as I have the baby, whilst my mummy mates will have that time totally devoted to baby. Shame I do feel so sorry for myself.. LOL. The thing is though that this is the perfect job to have with a young child/ baby. It allows me to earn a wage and still be at home which will be just fantastic in a few months time when my my mummy friends have had to go back to their offices etc. Always look on the bright side- and my work has way too many bright sides to give it up!

Whingeing now over I must get back to work, I think another week of hard work and I will be winding down in preperation for the manic Toto time!

Byeeee xxx

Midwife and all is well!

We had our 34 week midwife appointment yesterday and all is well! We discussed my birth plan which she seemed very happy with and checked in on Toto.

He is lying in the correct position, head down etc. We could even feel his head when we pushed our fingers into my belly! His heartbeat was fine and he wriggled away as always.

My weight, BMI, blood pressure etc etc are all just fine. Nothing exciting- or scary thank god!

Not much else to tell. Toto continues to be very active and is keeping me awake plenty, my belly grows every single day.

It shouldnt be much longer till I get to meet our little boy! I cant wait!

NCT Class- Session two!

Well yesterday was the second session of our NCT class. We covered induction for labour, baby care, relationships and our new role and Mom and Dad.

It was yet again a fantastic session. We learnt how to swaddle babies, change bath and dress, we talked about our new roles and how we might feel.

I think both of us are worried about different things, but all our concerns are very common. We split into two groups (Dads in one, Moms in the other) and each group had to list Bad Points and good points of becoming a parent. Strangely enough each group found about five bad points before we all started on the good. We know how hard this is going to be, but for that first smile or giggle- it will all be worth it!

Baby Shower!

Well, last night was my baby shower. I had the most fantastic time! What an evening. I got home and walked into the house which had been decorated by Yvette and Jo whilst I was out. It looked amazing! WOW! The whole lounge had baloons, banners, ceiling danglers, curtain style decs, cardboard cutouts, matching plates, tablecloths and more! The conservatory and outside had banners and decs too! FAB!

Jo and Yvette also arrived early to help get the food out and arrange things. Both of them were just fantastic and I am so happy they are my friends x

We drunk (shloer for me), ate, nattered and laughed. It really was a perfect evening and meant so much having so many friends there for us.

Presents! They are amazing. People have been so, so kind and generous. I feel very humbled by how nice everyone has been. The gifts we got were:

Jo, Matt and family: Gift basket containing tons of baby stuff, bib, wipes, nappies, powder, a gorgeous Humphreys corner plate and bowl set, the cutest pair of Lonsdale baby shoes and more!

Yvette & family: A gorgeous blue taggies blankie- soooo cute and soft, a touchable and lovely teddy and a taggies baby book.

Sophie: 37 degrees baby wear! We got a vest suit and a baby grow- this stuff is awesome and we just wouldnt have treated ourselves :) http://www.37degrees.co.uk/

Mum & Stu: Baby bouncer/ vibrating chair that we can carry round with us AND a 3 in 1 rocker which is exactly what I wanted for Toto! He will be a happy baby with these- I LOVE this stuff! Also baby grows, teddy etc http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3754030/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CBaby+and+nursery%7C9556510/c_2/2%7Ccat_9556510%7CBaby+bouncers+and+swings%7C9556541.htm

Charl and Kerry: Very cute crawling Pooh bear- he is lovely AND extra baby gear! Awww

Laura and Steve: Beautiful baby blanket and teddy from Mamas and Papas

Sue: Soooooo cute baby lumberjack outfit with matching felt booties.. OMG sooo cute!

Martyn and Becky: All stuff they found most useful! Dummys with individual teat covers and sterilising box, baby grows and a V cushion with cover- fab especially the cushion- I am already using it!

Yvonne: Wonderful baby gym! Bright colours, dangly toys- Toto will adore this I am sure- we do!!!

Kerry: Fantastic baby bag with baby wipes, toys, bath stuff etc- all the bits we need!

Richard & Gemma: Fab playmat with colours and textures! Wicked!

Heather: couldnt make the party but got us a beautiful nappy cake containing nappies, socks, cotton wool etc- stunning!

Mari: Couldnt make it either but got us a mini nappycake with Muslins, Nappies, socks and a teddy bear! Awww

We just had the best evening ever. What awesome friends we have :) Love you all xxx

NCT Class

Well, we had our first NCT class on childbirth and labour yesterday. It ran from 11am until 5.30pm so was a long day!

I must say I thought it was absolutely fantastic. We were one of seven couples, four of the girls are due just before me and two of them not until the end of August, everyone had their husbands/ partners with them which worked really well.

We covered a huge amount of information but Rachel (who runs the sessions) made it very enjoyable and fun!

Main things we covered were: What your body does during labour/ childbirth, stages of labour. Contractions and knowing when to go to Hospital, call midwives etc. Coping with early stages of labour, relaxation techniques, positions, breathing, massage etc etc. We then went through pain relief methods including everything from Hypnotherapy to water labour/ births, Gas and Air, Pethidine and Epidurals. We discussed Home Births, Midwifery led units, Consultant led units etc and the difference and advantages/ disadvantages.

The men were also given a bag in which they had to add items to the weight of what Mum is carrying around, including the baby, placenta, waters etc I think every single guy there was amazed at the sheer weight of it all!

One of the items we used a lot during the session was birthing balls/ gym balls. They are fantastic during pregnancy just to sit and relax on, just watching TV even! This also helps to get baby into the correct position for birth! Then once labour starts are perfect for helping you in different positions etc. They really seem invaluable so we brought one on the way home :)

There is a good mix in our group of different planned births. From Home water birth to epidural births. I think we all agree that we will just take it as it comes.

For me I went in being fairly sure I would have an epidural to being less set on this. An epidural will extend your labour time significantly and I really want to be quite fast if possible!!! Also the baby is much more likely to have an assisted delivery (ventouse or forceps) which shouldnt give any long term issues but must be painful and more stressful for the little one. Also you are likely to have to stay longer in hospital afterwards to recover. There is also a fair percentage of Epidurals that just DONT WORK! At least one in every eight simply doesnt work- Just hope at that time that you have practised your other birthing techniques- although they can resite the epidural if needed. The other issue is the headaches. Sometimes (in fact about 1 in 30 epidurals) will cause some cerebo spinal leakage! This causes the Mother of all headaches, think of a terrible migraine and treble it! There is also nothing they can do if this happens you just have to sit it out and the next day or so they can inject blood to seal it, this should then help! Oh also you are more likely to need a cut or stitched with epidurals! Finally as you have to be totally still to have an epidural, a lot of women by this point in labour just cant stay still therefore cant get one!

For me I am going to try to go into this open minded. I think I will start with baths at home then onto Gas and Air at Hospital, If I find that I am really not coping I have no problem with an Epidural but would like to try without- we will see how it goes! The only thing I am not keen on is Pethidine as this is the one thing that can affect baby and for the benefits it gives me I don't feel it would be worthwhile.

This is quite a good site for reading about pain relief in labour http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/labourandbirth/painrelief/

I must say that I feel much more prepared and excited after attending the class- reality is setting in!!!

Sunday we have our next NCT class. This time we will concentrate on caring for ourselves and baby after birth! Nic is looking forward to that more than this one :)

Ouch Belly!

Well belly continues to grow and grow bump is now 43.5" all round and my muscles ache!

At the moment I am getting a lot of muscular aching right on the top of my bump. It is all so stretched and solid it feels like if someone poked it with a pin it would pop!

Last night I was lying on my back and massaging my bump with moisturiser, it allowed me to push quite hard and I was amazed at what i felt... I could feel the hard bumps of Totos back and legs etc. Nic got all freaked out and wouldnt feel him LOL... I think I will keep winding Nic up with this for a while now :)

NCT childbirth classes start Monday coming! Will let you know how they go!

Ooo and heres a quick sketch of what Toto and me should look like now!

Fat Tum!

Suddenly realised i havent taken any measurements lately! Well I just measured around my bump and it is 42.5" now! Good God will I ever get my waist back!?!

What I didnt expect is the extra weight that seems to have been distributed everywhere else on my body. Now apparently this is to store fat for when you are breastfeeding after the baby comes along.

Ok, whoevers listening 'up there'... my baby DOES NOT need that extra fat thank you very much, there will be plenty stored up without you adding a few inches to my butt!

I am still active.. eating pretty much the same (give or take the odd MARS ice cream) still doing my agility, walking the dogs etc but my butt seems to want to grow. Ah well, at least it balances the big bump round the front, out a little...

tee hee BFN! x

His Name...

Well we don't know what it is yet but we heard some of you were getting worried that his name would actually be Toto... LOL but NO!!!

Toto is just our nickname for him until he is born and we decide on an official name x

I WANT: Taggies Blanket

Well, I have decided to add an I WANT post every now and again. These are baby/ kiddie items that are not a necessity by any means but I just WANT ONE coz they are either so nifty or cute!

First into the I WANT vault is...

TAGGIES!

I have just discovered a CUTE item called 'Taggies' for babies! Apparently babies love the labels on things, so following that idea, a clever person created 'Taggies' which are soft blankets with tons of tags on them for baby to play with!

They are such cute designs I just HAVE to get one!!!

Yvette I love you! My fab and funky mate Yvette has asked to get me one of these as a Baby Shower gift (along with arranging the whole thing and paying for it)! Yvette you are a star!

Final Scan

Well, we went for our final scan today. I am 30.5 weeks gone and my belly is big and uncomfy. I feel like I have eaten a meal, got overfull and then had pudding and then another dinner!!!

Dru our scanner said all is well with baby Toto. She got some fantastic photos and we watched him gulping, swallowing and waving his arms around. He even gave her a hefty kick in response to her trying to make him move his hand.

We finally went and brought some bottles. I have stuck with getting Dr Browns even though Nic has tried to change my mind! I was reassured and pleased when the pharmasists at Boots csaid that they are absolutely fantasic! We are planning on breast feeding and formula feeding Toto. We decided that we want him to be able to take either but want the benefit of Moms milk if possible. We also got some more dummys/ soothers for him!

Well Dru was fab and worked out his birthweight for us. She is expecting him to be over 8lbs nearly 4kgs which is a good, healthy size... no, easy-to-push baby for me! Ouch!

Anyway, here are some photos from the scan. I have marked these as they obviously arent as clear as the last ones. (As the babies get bigger they get more difficult to see clearly on the scan shots).

The Sarcastic Journalist- I'm not a b*tch, I'm pregnant!

I love the sarcastic journalist articles- they always make me giggle :)

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There were four words that drove me nuts every time I heard them while pregnant: How do you feel?
I know, I know, seems simple enough. Someone wants to know how you are feeling! How nice! Those words, although simple enough, seem loaded during pregnancy.
How do I feel? HOW DO I FEEL? I���m pregnant, my belly is stretching, I have cravings for peanut butter at 3 o���clock in the morning and my husband has affectionately nicknamed me ���Pudgy.��� How the heck do you think I feel?
The people who asked me this question always did with such concern. They���d place a hand on my shoulder, lean in and utter those four little words, much like I���d expect a doctor to say ���It is malignant��� to a patient.
My pregnancy hormones usually had a role in the way I answered. I���d have to bite my tongue not to reply something horrible about how I really felt.
How do I feel? I feel like shoving my foot up your butt if you ask me that stupid question just one more time.

Weekend Away

Well we have just been to Buxton for our last weekend away alone before Toto arrives. We really had a fantastic time, but home and back to normality now. I went to give blood today and made more appointments etc. I can't belive how many you need! Blood today, doctors checkup on Friday, double midwife in four weeks etc etc.

I am still feeling well. Loving being pregnant bar a little heartburn which I have NEVER had before and problems getting comfy at night but all in- feeling great!

Oh and Toto is kicking the cr&p out of me! OUCH! He is now apparently the size of a watermelon- no wonder I am feeling a little awkward! He is fully developed and can open his eyes, yawn, suck his thumb etc. He is just busy building fat to survive once he appears. The most amazingf and freaky times are when he jams a leg or arm out the side and you can see the lump under my skin and feel it sticking out. Its the most odd thing but so totally amazing!!!

Baby Group

Just wanted to post this, as I have just got back from a lunch with my lovely Baby group... It consists of Myself- 29 weeks pregnant, Michelle- 32 weeks, Kerry- 32.5 weeks and Becky with her twin girls Mia and Neve who are 11 weeks old.

It is so nice to share stories, problems, worries etc with such a lovely group of girls and I hope we will all keep meeting for a long time to come!

Love you all girls!!! x

Nic and Myself are off to Buxton in the Peak District this weekend for our last weekend away alone before Toto comes along. My fab brother is dogsitting for us so it will be just the two of us. We have a B&B room booked which sounds lovely, right on the market square in Buxton. We are hoping to visit Bakewell (for the Tarts)! Chatsworth House and lots of other places and generally enjoy each others company and just CHILL! :)

Presents!

Yay! We met Dad and Karen last night and they gave us a present. A BEAUTIFUL teddys wash day Moses basket, with some sheets, bedding, a gorgeous wooden rocking stand and goodies too including: Soothers, baby bathtime wash, baby shampoo, bibs, vest suits, baby wipes and more! It was such a sweet, kind and thoughtful gift and me and Nic absolutely LOVE it! It will have pride of place next to our bed for little Toto to snooze in xxx

Sorry it's taken so long!

Sorry it's taken so long to update my blog. I have been so busy with various stuff I just haven't had the time to get on here. Also TBH not much has really happened to report!

I still feel really well. My belly continues to expand every week and with the hot sunny weather we have been having I do feel the heat this year more than ever before! Nic has puchased a mini swimming pool for he back garden. It is just 10m big but nice and deep and cooling! We have also done some work in the garden with the huge help of Charl and Kerry. It's looking really nice and I love spending time out there now. I think I will be using it as a place to relax a lot through the final three months of my pregnancy especially with the new sunlounger and table set I brought- thanks Nic ;) xxx

Each week I try to read the websites about Totos development. If he happened to be born now he woud actually be 'viable' which means the hospitals would have a good chance of saving him. Of course the longer he stays safely growing inside the better! I still feel him moving a huge amount. Even while I sit here and type I can feel him squirming and wriggling. He is very active. I find it quite reassuring as every single day and least every few hours I feel him move and kick. He is most active once I have gone to bed and am relaxing... bodes well for after the birth NOT! tee hee. Both myself and Nic still love feeling him move around. It is also perfectly visable from outside aswell. You can see my belly bounce when he really kicks and you can see when he moves accross close to the surface aswell.

Every now and again I get a huge panic shock. It is usually when he is churning about and a moment of terror spreads through me, thoughts like: How will the birth be, will he be ok, will I be ok? Will he be healthy, will he have disabilities? How will we afford him, how will our lives change... it goes on. The thoughts only hover for a moment, always to be replaced by excitment and happiness but they are there. Talking to friends, this is pretty common really! It's so lovely to have friends pregnant aswell!

I have just over twelve weeks left now before our little lad is due to arrive. I really do hope to continue this blog, but as I also am going to try keeping the business running and dogs cared for and Toto brought up I wonder how much 'me' time will actually exist...

Oo myself and Nic have booked a weekend break in Buxton (Peak District). It is just outside the village of Bakewell (yes where the pies come from) and we love this area of the country. We have booked a little room above a restaurant and are just going alone. My lovely brother is going to dogsit for us! Our last weekend alone before the baby- I can't wait!

Ok that's all for now. I have peppered this post with pictures of how our baby should look at around this point and added a photo of our garden- enjoy! x

The Nursery!

Yay! We have mostly finished the Nursery now. I am a bit of an organisational freak anyway but also wanted to do the Nursery before I started feeling terrible and tired! We chose Humphreys Corner theme as we just fell in love with it after visiting Mothercare and it is sooooo cute! Nic also did his first ever bit of wallpapering. We had a few disaters which resulted in us ripping down and whole wall of paper and lining but ended up with a very cute and colourful finished product. It is the first room me and Nic have done that's just for us (eg no resale planes, no worries about clashing colours blah blah). I did the painting (including the sky style ceiling) and Nic did the boy stuff (wallpapering, plastering etc). But we both worked together.



















Once we had finished and setup the furniture etc we both sat down and the emotions really hit us. We are having a BABY! We both got a bit tearful then. I must say this whole baby thing really is the most amazing and emotional thing either myself or Nic have ever done. It just ties you together and makes you really feel happy, sad, scared and excited all at once!

Yvette and Jo have also started planning my baby shower! Whohoo! It should be great fun and it is so nice to sit back from the organisational side and leave it to someone else- even though it's totally unnatural for me to do so! I cant wait for this- its gonna be so much fun!

My belly is growing and growing. Most of my regular clothes are a no no already but there are so many nice maternity shops out there that I really dont mind. New Look do a fab range and they are not expensive :)

Toto continues to kick and wriggle daily and I am so used to it now. I hate it when a day passes without me feeling him as I really worry. He is most active in the evening when I have settled down. I wonder if thats an indication of how he will be when he is born???

Thats all for now!

ps I LOVE BEING PREGNANT :)

20 Week Scan

Whohoo we are having a boy! The scan was incredible. We could see little Toto yawn and stretch! He posed beautifully for our scanner 'Dru'. It is amazing! Our baby is well and healthy! Just cant put much into words right now...

Bouncing Baby!

Ok well kicking baby!

I have really started feeling Toto move this week. It has gone from small bubbling feelings to quite distinct pushes and kicks. They are even strong enough to feel from the outside.

For the first time on Friday, Nic put his hand to my belly and felt quite a strong shove/ kick. The smile really lit his face up. To feel our baby moving is something amazingly special.

Big fat belly...

Well I decided I had to post here today as this is the week that my belly has suddenly gone pop! I am sitting at the computer now, feeling slightly uncomfortable and bloated! The last week or so I have felt pressure under my ribcage. I think this is due to everything expanding and moving inside my stomach to make way for Toto!

Literally in the past week my stomach muscles seem to have given up the ghost and my belly is starting to really stick out. I just measured my waist at 37"- no wonder I don't fit into anything!!! I still look perfectly normal with my jacket and jumper on. Come sunny days when I am wearing my TShirts and Vests, I think people will freak! LOL :D

Just a week left before our next scan! Whoohoo

I have had a worried week this week as I couldnt feel much movement. I had begun to feel fluttering and all of a sudden thought It had gone. I think truth is I have just got used to the feeling and it isn't as noticable as it first was.

Funny I thought by this stage I would be less worried. Ok, well I am less stressed than I was about loosing it but it's obviously still there. So many people know now- it has spread the the Agility community like wildfire, I so hope everything goes ok.

Scan.. scared, excited, so many feelings. I have been putting off buying anything else just in case, so after this scan, decorating, shopping and organising begins!

Where does it go?

Where do the weeks go! 19 weeks today and counting! Wow, nearly halfway. My belly is growing and I feel fab! Not much to report- only a week and a half before our next scan where we will hopefully find out if we are having a boy or girl!


I found this article on the web and it made me giggle- it's so true!


Decaf THIS!
by The Sarcastic Journalist

Once I started showing a little baby belly, there were certain things, such as downing a pitcher of beer, skateboarding and pole vaulting, that I decided to stop doing in public.
You see, many people view that belly as a way to tell you what you should and shouldn���t do. I don���t know how many times I walked into a coffee shop only for them to ask me if I wanted my drink ���decaf.���

Uh, no. If I wanted my drink without the ���good stuff��� in it, I would have told you so. Also, why are you looking at me strange? What? You don���t allow cigar smoking inside Starbucks? Okay, fine.
All kidding aside, it really chaps my hide when I see people telling a pregnant woman what to do. Even better is when the advice is coming from someone who has never been pregnant.
I know that the 16-year-old making my mocha thinks that all caffeine is bad, but it isn���t. That is because she hasn���t studied up on what is okay during pregnancy.

Instead, she listens to what she has heard and assumes that any woman that dare drink a cup of joe that isn���t decaf is going to have a five-headed baby.

Even if the baby does have five heads, I���ll make sure to teach those heads not to give unsolicited advice to pregnant women.

Heartbeat Scan and Midwife

Well last week we went to see the midwife again. We saw someone different this time and she was a bit odd- not as nice as Melanie but still lovely.

We listened for the heartbeat and sure enough- strong and loud we heard it! Toto is doing just fine, I am continuing to get a big belly and feeling great!

16.5 weeks and counting now- just 3.5 weeks till we have the boy/ girl scan- whooohooo!!!

16 weeks and counting!

16 Weeks into pregnancy

I am feeling better than ever, content and fat!

My Stats:Weight: 65.5kgs - Waist: 34"- OMG!

Well as you can see from the stats I am quickly growing! My jeans don't fit- my tops dont fit but I dont really care!!!

Lots has happened since my last post. We had our first ultrasound scan just past 12 weeks and it was amazing! Baby Toto was picture perfect and posed for photos. I was so worried that it was too still that I asked the nurse if it was ok! She said it was fine and perfectly normal- she then wiggled the scanner forcing baby Hanekom to move and wiggle it did! It was the most amazing thing ever! We were really very happy with Basingstoke Hospital today, they were quiet, small, friendly and efficient! The only problem was they couldnt get blood properly from my left arm so I ended up with a huge bruise there- they switched to my right and it was fine! LOL

Myself and Nic both went away from that day feeling very emotional. It is such an enormous thing we are doing and the excitment and responsibility are draining and invigorating all at once!

Now at 16 weeks I am feeling fab! Healthy, energetic and starting to belive this is really happening! This week we have more blood tests (Yes the THIRD lot in 16 weeks) and also a scan to hear Totos heart beat! Ooo also within the next few weeks we should start feeling it move! We cant wait!

11 Weeks- getting there!

11 Weeks into pregnancy

I am feeling happy and well, and much less nervous!

My Stats:
Weight: 63kgs
Waist: 30.5"

Well, this week I had my blood taking for testing and I also booked my scans!
The nurse was very good about taking blood and Nic came along for moral support. The nurse took three samples, and considering I have low blood pressure I think we filled em quite fast!
My first scan is booked for 30th January at Basingstoke Hospital. It's to date the pregnancy and also to scan for Downs Syndrome. We will hope that all is ok.
I am feeling better and better each week. I have had a few weeks of real stress and hormones. But that is settling now and I am feeling more like my happy self again. I am also much less worried about miscarriage now and we have told Heather and Keith and my friend Michelle who is also pregnant- she must be about 12.5 weeks now!
Not much else to report at the moment- Oh I have a small belly but nothing much. Apparently baby is the size of a fruit now and not just plum size?!?! LOL I guess mine is about an apple size? Maybe I should copy Gwynneth Paltrow and call it Apple... Nah!!! But have found some photos of others at 11 weeks and OMG they are huge! LOL- have a look at this... Ok so the second one has twins but still!!!

8 Weeks & 6 Days pregnant!

8 Weeks & 6 Days into pregnancy

I am feeling happy and well, but nervous and scared aswell.

My Stats: Weight: 60kgs Waist: 29

This week our baby has started moving. Although I can't feel it, apparently it is wriggling about like crazy! It is now almost an inch long and has fingers and toes etc. Apparently light and noise now stimulate the baby... perfect time to go Raving maybe???!

We had our first appointment with the midwife today. Her name is Melanie and both Nic and myself felt really comfortable with her. We were given a huge pack containing information, vouchers, booklets etc. Maelanie has helped us fill out all our forms and talked through a lot of information. We really do like her a lot and I look forward to an honest and easy relationship with her. After all, we are putting a lot of our trust with her.
I have had such a pleasurable pregnancy so far. Bar a few days of sickness and very sore boobs, generally I feel fantastic!
Today, discussing the pregnancy with the midwife made things feel even more real. I Can't wait until the scans begin and we actually get to see our little one. Before we left the miswife told Nic to come to the sixteen week appointment, as she would scan then and we would b able to hear the babys heart beat for the very first time. The way his face lit up was amazing. I am pleased that he is so excited about the baby. It makes me feel so close to him.
We also told my Mum and Stuart, my borther Daniel and Dad and Karen over Christmas. Everyone is so pleased for us- my Dad and Mum nearly cried!

I still am very nervous of loosing the pregnancy. The more people we tell the more I feel responsible. Everyone is so happy for us and I would hate to have to dissapoint them. We are also feeling quite excited and attached to the little one now. With each week that passes, I know that it will get harder and hader if we loose the baby. We still haven't told any of our friends, purely because we dread having to tell so many people that we miscarried. Dealing with their kind sympathies and thoughts would just make it more difficult. The only other people that know are Charl and Kerry, they are also pregnant- (by 3 weeks more than us) they knew about the previous miscarriage. (We lost the first pregnancy at just five weeks) They were also living with us when we found out about this baby so telling them made sense!
We will just try to take each day as it comes now and enjoy the moment. If we are going to loose it, then nothing I do will change that. We are both trying to just enjoy it while it is happening. After all, I am not planning on doing this too many times in my life!!!