What it's really like to be a parent...

2WEEKS POSTPARTUM

You can count on leaky nipples, washing your hand multiple times in an hour and staying in your pjs!

There is nothing quite like being a parent. You'd think you know what it feels like if you have a pet, you think that they can be fed on schedule and given the right amount of attention... WRONG!
Babies are very dependent and needy and will most certainly let you know that something isn't right albeit they can't actually tell you - you have to be a mind reader or go through a mental list; hungry? tired? need changing? need a cuddle? uncomfortable?

I had it in my mind from the beginning that babies need a lot of attention and cuddles and will often need feeding on demand and will cry a lot, but when you experience it first hand yourself, there's no other way to deal with it other than panic a bit then sort the baby out, often that means completely ignoring yourself and your needs to attend to the needs of the child. Dinner has gone cold or eating 1 handed has led to peas and carrots on the sofa and showering isn't a daily thing anymore, it's more of when baby is quiet and asleep so you can trust nothing will happen in the next half hour or only being able to shower at 5pm at night only to be puked on again and having to change your top for the second time in an hour. 

As far as how I'm feeling - it's been a journey I never thought much about until now.. Because Quinn was born early - little lady didn't want to wait for her due date - which are approximate anyway, I didn't really have time to get into the mind set 100% that I was having a baby! Everyone talks about how 1st born's are late and all that so I assumed (silly me) that she would be the same, so when I was having contractions for real, I didn't believe it until we went to the hospital *see previous post for details*

I was 37 weeks and 6 days pregnant when she was ready to be born - I still wanted to do things around the house and I wanted to get my Christmas shopping done so I could relax when she was born - that didn't happen and if I'm completely honest, I felt like I ran out of time to get prepared so when she was born I felt so out of my comfort zone because I didn't around to do the things on my mental to-do list. It's not just me who has felt like this, I'm sure plenty of mums all over the world have felt like they didn't get everything done in time.

It took me 3 days to fully adjust and fall in love her. I'm really not alone with this either. My body had gone through so much but my head wasn't 100% with it. I had gone through an 8 hour labour and delivery, with only gas and air for the last hour, I was resting in hospital for 1 night and only had 2 hours sleep while there, the midwives were checking on us, and made sure I knew how to feed her. Kurt went home to sleep and so I felt a little lonely and very alert to all the noises in the hospital and all the noises Quinn made! Kurt had been doing his super dad bit and was holding her, changing her and cuddling her while I rested in hospital after the birth, which meant I didn't really get a look in on my own baby! When we got home Kurt continued to do most of the work, which meant I felt like I only fed her and that's it! I didn't get an instant bond with her! She's still a Daddy's girl, even now! 

I did feel a lot of anger towards Kurt (blame the hormones).. He did ask me how I was as he noticed I wouldn't really go near her on my own and wanted to continue to clean instead of rest! I confided in him with tears running down my face; "I need to do this stuff myself, I need to be a mum but you're taking over". His reply was a hug and him saying that he wanted to take care of us all and let me rest and I've had her for 9 months now it was his turn to be there for her. 

Does that make me selfish or does that make him sound like a saint? 

I fully understood his reasons but how was I meant to get to know her and bond with her if all I was to her was a source of food? We even had a few problems with that too, which resulted in Kurt insisting we bottle feed her and he bought SMA milk for newborns - the premade stuff to tide her over, which made me feel even worse about myself - I knew she needed to be fed but the more pressure I had from everyone including Kurt, I felt like I couldn't perform...
By the 3rd day we got over all of that and Quinn fed properly and for a long time, the sense of relief and an immediate bond literally grew over night! I definitely know I'm not alone with this feeling too!

Mummy stats;

• Pre-pregnancy weight: 8st 2lbs
• Pregnancy (at the very end) weight: 9st 12lbs
• Day 1 after birth weight: 9st 7lbs
• Day 5 after birth weight: 8st 10lbs
• Day 10 after birth weight: 8st 5lbs

Bearing in mind I was ALL baby, you couldn't tell I was even pregnant!

Baby stats;

• Birth weight; 7lbs 7oz
• Born; 9:16am 28/11/15
• Music playing when she was born: Top loader - Dancing in the moonlight (on the radio)
• Delivery: SVD (standard vaginal delivery)
• Weight 4 days after birth: 6lbs 13oz
• Activity: Very expressive, can follow with eyes slowly, loves music and noise 
• Weight 1 week after birth: 6lbs 15oz
• Sleep: 3 hours approx
• Feeding: On demand - 10/15mins each breast
• Schedule: Nope!
• Weight 10 days after birth: 7lbs
• Length 10 days after birth: 50cms

Must haves and tips;

• Tops with easy pull off arms, like vests!
• Maternity bras or sports tops
• Hoodies with zips - so you can keep warm while still feeding
• Breast pads... Leaky boobs aren't nice!
• A manual breast pump is a very good idea, other people can feed baby (Kurt loves to be involved)
• You DON'T need fancy sterilizing equipment - just sterilizing tablets and hot water is fine!
• Keep the rooms in your house around 18/19 degrees.. Not too hot, not too cold!
• A nappy disposal bin is one of the best purchases! Less hassle & trips to the bin & no smell!
• Keep antibacterial hand soap in the bathroom, you'll be touching baby & dirty nappies & then touching doors and other items - Don't be afraid to buy soap that have moisturizing properties too, hands get chapped!
• Let family help out, it seems silly to say, but we can feel like we need to keep the place tidy & do the washing, let them take a load off - literally!
• There's nothing easier than pre-made food! Just make sure it's NOT take away! Shop bought lasagne and chicken ready to go in the oven is better for you than greasy food!
• Keep taking the pregnancy vitamins- they've still got a lot of power to help boost your mood and vitality after baby!
• Its OKAY to still be in your pj's since last night! 
• You'll still be bleeding after having your baby, Maternity pads are bulky but they are more than sufficient to soak up the blood, normal sanitary pads aren't as thick and aren't as absorbent for this much blood.
• You DON'T need branded products for the breast pads or maternity pads. Shop brand ones are brilliant, much cheaper!
• Try to have your 3 meals a day & a healthy snack! You need feeding so you can feed baby!
• It's very beneficial to leave the house even for an hour or less, it keeps you feeling refreshed and more able to cope with the crying once you've had a break out of the house.
• Do let your boyfriend/husband/partner be very invloved! It's better for everyone! Little things around the house, letting you have time to shower, changing baby while you sleep.. ect!

Hope you enjoyed this blog post! I've certainly have had a memorable 2 weeks so far! It's a whole other experience that people try to tell you about, but can never put into words.. I almost can't describe it either!
~Ellie xoxox

It's the most wonderful time of the year... (sort of!)

Good afternoon beautiful people!

I cannot express how much I'm looking forward to Christmas with my little family! But it's bitter sweet..

The only thing that would make me feel 100% complete would be having the chance to speak to my Dad again & tell him everything that has happened since he's been gone & see him react to being a grandpa.. Unfortunately my Dad passed away 4 years ago on Christmas Eve. It was the 1st year I'd not spent Christmas in South Wales with my family - I had taken up the offer to go to Abu Dhabi for Christmas with my boyfriend & we stayed with his family - At the time his Dad was working there & it seemed like an amazing opportunity.

 

(Above pics - Kurt & I, Kurt's 2 sisters & I, and the family Christmas tree)

I made plans with my family 2days before I flew out so I could open their presents to me in front of them & my Dad was there, but hadn't been well at all, he was getting on a bit..
(my parents are older parents, both in their 60's - my sister & brother are in their 30s, which makes me the youngest, mum had me when she was 40!!) 
He had few nasty falls and at the time he had broken his wrist being silly, trying to do jobs outside in the dark! My parents divorced when I was 9 years old, so our family dynamic was different..
Anyway, he wasn't well and left pretty early, but that was the only time I got to say goodbye to him - sometimes it doesn't feel real that I left him behind - he did insisted that I go on this trip and have a good time, little did I know I was emailing him for the last time and letting him know all what I got up to - I was away for 3 weeks in total and came back to the UK on the 27th of December... That was a horrible flight home.

In the mean time, My boyfriend, his parents and 2 sisters & I went out for Christmas dinner on the 25th, in an amazing hotel and it had so much food, everything you could think of.. There were so many decorations and Christmas trees and each table had Christmas crackers... It was sunny, so glamorous, but it didn't feel at all the same to me, no matter how fantastical it looked. We ate so much, drank a fair bit & when it was around 4pm UAE time me & Kurt decided to go back to his parents house, he was too hot & I was feeling homesick.

 (Above pics - Christmas dinner in the hotel, Kurt & I, & the most expensive Christmas tree of 2011 in the hotel lobby!)

I Skyped my family on Kurt laptop & the news came out..
Mum: Kurt, I want you to hold Ellie and love her and comfort her, okay?
Kurt: Sure I'm here, she's been wanting to get hold of you guys.
Me: Yeah mum I'm here, how's Christmas in Wales.. We've opened presents and had our food already.
*I was showing them some of the gifts I had & they played it cool*
*silence fell and something didn't seem right*
Me: what's the matter what's going on?
Mum: This is the hardest thing I've ever had to tell you & your not even here...
Sister: Dad passed away, Elle. Tessa (my Dads gf) found him at his house.
*Uncontrolable sobbing and utter shock*
I knew deep down there was something not right and felt so bad I'd left them behind and kept telling Kurt before that "what if something happens to my dad and I'm not there" - he'd asked me a few month before to go with him to Abu Dhabi..

I couldn't have controlled what had happened, no-one could. My Dad was supposed to spend Christmas with his girlfriend and when she didn't hear from him like usual, for a goodnight phone call, she drove to the house and found him outside.The coroner had ruled that he could've technically passed away in the very early hours of the 23rd, but when he was found they wrote it was the 24th. His heart and lungs had stopped at the exact same time and that he didn't feel anything. The report said that even though he smoked since the age of 14, his lungs were in "good" condition, but his body couldn't cope with whatever & he collapsed. I feel sorry for his Girlfriend who found him (we keep in touch now, still) but she was in so much shock, she didn't believe it, she wrapped him up in a blanket and my sister called that night because that was also their scheduled night to talk on the phone & when his girlfriend answered so panicked muttering "Omg he's cold, he's outside, what do I do".. My sister drove to his house, only to find the police and ambulance everywhere.

This year will be incredibly different. We all, as a family mourn every year on the 24th, we all try to think of the positives of his life, but we find Christmas so different. Especially the 1st year he'd been gone. That was so hard.

(Above pic- Dads plaque - he was cremated, his ashes scattered at sea - he was a keen fisherman!)

Now, 4 years on, I'm engaged and a Mother & I've passed so many milestones unfortunately my Dad wasn't there to see it all happen.. I just hope that now my baby has come, that we all find peace and truly soak in the miracle that I have, rather than the deceased. I hope it to be a happier time rather than depressing...
My heart goes out to other peoples' families who've lost someone, important dates like birthdays' and Christmas will always be hard. The people who don't have a family at all or had to leave them behind in another country.. It's absolutely heartbreaking.

The one thing that pushes me on to think positively is that there is so many bad things in the world that happen, but in turn, so much good follows it. 

~Ellie xox
P.S. sorry for the sob story and looong post.

Our little arrival came early! *warning TMI*

Welcoming Baby Quinn C Noelle into the world; 

At 9:16am - 28th November 2015!

Where do I start? 

Well, it all began at 1:22am very early hours of Saturday morning I woke up feeling pretty uncomfortable I felt as if it was just Braxton Hicks contractions so I went to the bathroom as I thought it was brought on by a full bladder, but it didn't go away.. I couldn't go back to sleep so I went into the lounge with my pillows & made myself  'comfy' with my laptop but soon enough I couldn't distract myself and felt a moderate amount of pain in my lower back and occasionally in my stomach.

I kept needing the loo and kept changing my pants (TMI- I was just so weirded out by how damp I was) then at 3:22am I went to the bathroom again and lost my mucus plug also known as "bloody show".. I felt even more pain and called into the bedroom to Kurt - who was fast asleep and didn't realize I left the room, so we were both up by about half 4 in the morning. He was panicking asking if he should take me to the hospital - I wasn't 100% convinced I was far along enough to go to hospital and I could still breathe through most of the contractions, I didn't like sitting or laying and only standing or adopting the "doggy" position and rocking my hips helped. 

I had been to a midwife appointment on Friday 27th and she did say baby was head down and engaged but we couldn't have forseen that baby was really on the way already! I had only been to 1 parent class by this point with my mum and had booked myself for another appointment for the Sunday 29th, but little did I know i'd never need to be at that appointment! 

I waited it out and practiced my breathing and managed the pain all by myself and had a hot chocolate to keep me going as by this point at 5am I was feeling hungry and sick at the same time as well as having a bad tummy - apparently that's a very common sign something is happening! Kinda disgusting and painful as I felt contractions while going to the loo! Some people say having a cold a week before is a start sign too - which evidently I did have, I was supposed to get better and then have a flu and whopping cough injection, but that never happened because the baby was ready to come before I could get vaccinated! 

Anyway, I got the rest of my hospital bag ready and my pregnancy notes, baring in mind I didn't have a birth plan just yet or even an idea on how I wanted the birth to go or even which hospital I wanted to deliver at. All I knew was that I didn't want too many painkillers/relief and I was 80% sure I wanted to try a water birth! I had a choice of 2 hospitals 1 that was 10 mins away if I didn't want much intervention and this was midwife led care or the other hospital was 45mins away but had more facilities in case something happened and has a drs unit and emergency care.

We had a shower each by 6am and I felt a bit of relief from that but it wasn't enough, the contractions were coming on fast and very close together, we got into the car to go to the closest hospital and the journey was hell! The back contractions were so strong and sitting down whilst having pressure down on everything made me feel so uncomfortable - the pain I can only describe was the same intensity as when I had food poisoning! It's not as bad as some women make out or how it's portrayed on TV and movies! My experience was fast and I felt very in control the entire time - perhaps it's because I didn't fully believe what was going on! 

We got to the hospital and it took over half an hour to get from the car park to the MLU - not because of distance but because I was having very strong contractions and walking helped but I had to stop and lean on Kurt until they passed and continued to walk again. There's 2 flights of stairs to the unit and I remember nearly crying out saying "Oh you've got to be f*king kidding me, there's no lift here"... Much to Kurt's amusement!
I reached the top of the stairs to the ward and had to have my hand over my mouth to stop screaming out as finally the adrenaline kicking in and I did start to panic, we got into our room and I had no choice as strong and as quiet I had been all that time I couldn't help but scream and swear (with much apologizing to the midwife who saw me) She and Kurt were having to remind me to breath in for 3 and out for 5 and it worked but then the pain got too much and I wasn't making sense talking anymore and my legs felt like jelly! Kurt had to hold me up and communicate for me to the midwife. I do remember telling the midwife I did want gas and air and a water birth and they got that set up while the checked out how far I was. I remember her asking permission to check my cervix and my reply was yes get it over with but do I have to be on my back?! She handed the gas and air to me as I was in a lot of pain now and it was around 8:15am by this point. Kurt whispered in my air telling me I was 8-9cms dilated and they were ready for me to get undressed and get into the birth pool!

It felt so nice and warm and comforting and all this time I was having gas and air! With much screaming and swearing and apologizing I was doing well with pushing and I ended up having the midwife I saw on Friday helping me as well as another midwife on the unit. The midwife I saw on Friday couldn't believe how quick everything happened for me and laughed saying "oh no need for that next parenting class then"..
As I was feeling more and more pain I also felt the urge to push and bare down & with that comes the inevitable messy parts of childbirth - I do remember apologizing again "So sorry for the mess". My legs spread and feeling so hot and sweaty and uncomfortable and I was saying sorry - how many mothers are that polite?! I ended up adopting only 2 positions in the birth pool and all the way along Kurt was being very supportive and calm and I didn't particularly want to be touched but I did like him stroking my hair and talking calmly to me! 

By 9:16am the baby was born and put right on my chest straight away, Kurt saw that baby was a girl and told me, he was teary eyed while I felt so over-come and bewildered about what had just happened!
Let me tell you... The ring of fire is so REAL! The last few pushes your body slows right down and then all of a sudden with 2 pushes her head was out and her body just followed through! Her umbilical cord was a little short so as much as I wanted to keep the cord on her for longer, it was getting caught on the way out and Kurt had to cut the cord while she was in the water! Perfectly fine and healthy! We couldn't have asked for a better delivery, so quick and fairly calm and in some ways the perfect birth I had been wanting, but never knew I could have! Knowing your options and keeping calm and in control is the key, so many people told me that and I read that as well, It's a state of mind and the more relaxed ect you are the easier it is to push baby out with minimal/no complications!

We stayed in the hospital over night just to make sure that baby was okay and breast feeding fine! That was the longest night ever! I only had 2 hours sleep! I was still too wired! We went home on Sunday 29th at around 3ish in the afternoon! It took me 2 days for my head to catch up with my body, at 1st I didn't really love her and felt that it was all so fast for me to process - everyone had said the first born would be late and she would be difficult, but in reality it happened exactly as intended and I couldn't have asked for it to happen any other way! Once we got confident with one another especially with breast feeding, the bond literally grew over night and I fell hopelessly in love with her!

There's no point in beating around the bush with the story and making it out that it was easy/harder than it was in reality or missing out bits to "save face" because in the end most women experience childbirth of some description and it's not pretty. A stork doesn't drop off the baby - you have to work hard to get that baby out and although some women get complications of varying degrees,  the magnitude of feelings you get when you have your baby is indescribable and unfathomable. It's the highest form of a miracle. 

Hands down I would do it all again. 

Now for the fun part - the actual parenting...
You might wanna stick around on my blog for those...

Thanks for reading my VERY long, honest post!
~Ellie

How I was feeling.. 35-37 weeks Pregnant & counting...

  Afternoon you beautiful people!

I've only got HOW LONG left?! 

Am I REALLY doing this?!

I cannot express enough at how fast everything has gone! I've hit a few more milestones along my journey that includes the inevitable Braxton Hicks contractions - only brought on by a full bladder, which I didn't realize I had until I was sooo uncomfortable in bed & went to the bathroom. I was honestly bricking it, I NEVER suffered badly with period pains & apparently Braxton Hicks aren't meant to be painful, I think because my bladder was so full that's why it hurt. Every so often I feel butterfly type feelings further down my pelvis but nothing major..I was kinda panicking at the time thinking that if I couldn't handle Braxton Hicks then how the hell would I cope in real labor!!  

I've also been well into nesting, which is a good thing, sorting out rooms and cupboards and drawers, washing all the baby clothing and all the spare blankets ready for whatever occasion.. My poor washing machine is in over drive these days! We're also going to get a tumble dryer to help with all the loads of washing, as in winter time you can't be leaving clothes to naturally dry outside or indoors it'll take days and I'll run out of baby clothes. Not to mention the amount of clothes I'll be running out of of with all the mess.. Which I haven't quite got around to thinking about yet. I've had a few scary moments where I feel like I won't cope and that I'll just panic.. That's normal at this stage I guess. After all, everyone focuses on pregnancy that, no-one tells you what it's REALLY like to have a newborn, other than you'll be sleep deprived. No-one really talks in detail about what it's like.. Perhaps the truth is you just have to deal with it & you'll work it out, Kinda scary for me because I like to know everything, every possibility & every outcome so I can manage.. I've always been like that - how about any of you moms?!

I've been thinking more and more about my options for place of birth, who I want with me & how I'd prefer things to go.. I've been doing my research, but it's never the same. Even if you plan or not plan or plan not to plan, things happen that you'd never have thought of, or it goes worse/better than expected. Here's where I've fully welcomed all sorts of stories from women and everyone's experiences, it's good to know that everything is different, although that has its bad sides too because you can often feel like they are trying to persuade you into a certain route. Just keep a VERY open mind, that's the only way!

I've lost touch with a lot of friends & just people in general, I admit I've let it happen, but it's sad how people you'd thought would be there for you aren't anymore and don't really care - well, I wouldn't say that exactly but they've got their own lives, which I appreciate, but at the same time they don't appreciate how much energy you lose carrying a child and then on top of that worrying about things & preparing yourself, it's just that the only people that truly care & truly matter, stick around the most & for me it's been 2 friends and  mostly family, as you grow up you realize who's a good friend & who isn't. And the people who only went out with you or talked to you because you did it 1st no longer matter. I've found that so hard to come to terms with - I wouldn't say I was popular or anything but I used to have a wider group of friends before pregnancy. Harsh reality of growing up & then becoming a parent. Something most 20 year old's have no idea about. How did you guys feel?

Bump is growing tremendously, on schedule, not too much not too little. Overall I've excited, but there is a bit on reservation and nerves too - which is understandable! I've also FINALLY received my compression tights for my varicose veins. There was a few weeks where I didn't get anything, the midwife who suggested I get them seen to didn't finish off the form to fill in so I could get measured for the tights. They have to check the pulse in your feet, measure your ankles, calf and thighs - I had no idea they had to do that. And boy are they TIGHT!! It'll take me roughly 5 minutes to put them on, but it's so worth it, especially during the day, walking around ect & you take them off at night and keep your legs elevated. The nurse suggested for me to wear them even after pregnancy because of the blood flow and everything still changing that it's worth keeping it all under control - Did you moms have this too?

How is mum doing?
How far along:37 week 2days
Total weight: 9st 12lbs 
 Maternity clothing: 100% in maternity clothing.. Pj's are not fitting
Sleep: All over the place, it's uncomfortable now.
Best moments of the week: Hearing the baby's heartbeat & always feeling baby move.
Miss anything: Friends & leaving the house without feeling tired.
Cravings: Always into eating fruit.
Anything made you sick or nauseous: Nope been great so far
Gender: Not worried about gender.
Symptoms: A few Braxton Hicks and back pains
Belly button in or out: 100% Out! It hurts sometimes

Happy or Moody: Anxious & excited
Wedding rings on or off: Engagement ring is still on, perhaps I should take it off...

Thank you so much for reading my huge blog post again...
So much to share, such little time! I can only hope everything goes according to plan!
~Ellie xoxox

How I was feeling; 32-34 weeks Pregnant & counting...

Where has the time actually gone?!

Well into the 30 weeks + now... 

I don't even know where to begin with these weeks... My belly has grown again so much, my appetite has been amazing back to pre-pregnancy (eating big meals, snacking, eating a sh*t ton of fruit) & seeing the baby move and kick so hard - it's as if it's either a foot or a fist sticking out of me!!

I've made more of an effort with leaving the house now, in my previous post, I mentioned that in my 1st week off I did absolutely nothing, but now as time has gone on I've been taking trips out of the house to stay active, albeit if they are outings to someone's  house, it's the change of scene and company that makes all the difference! 

I have also been looking more and more into what I should be packing in my hospital bag - Everyone has such differences it's difficult to know if you're packing/bringing too much or unnecessary stuff - Some hospitals provide things and some don't - it's a bit of a job to know what the heck to pack... Reading up on websites and watching YouTube channels isn't enough, I've taken to asking friends and family what they bought, knowing they had several different births, I've kinda got the realistic version of what you do & don't need. (I'll go into more detail next time!!)

I feel so blessed, but it's kinda boring to have a non-eventful pregnancy, I'm starting to think it's cursed me so much so that either the birth will go slightly wrong OR my baby will have colic and other issues that will require so much MORE of my attention! Is that bad of me to admit!?

My fiancé had a scary dream recently that I went into early labor and as he works away he basically had a nightmare that he couldn't get to me in time & considering I've not had nightmares yet, I found it strangely comforting that he had been thinking about us!

I realize that throughout my posts I've talk a lot about myself & not enough about my partner, after all it takes 2 to make a baby, 2 to be a couple & 2 to be amazing parents! 

We both had weird family dynamics growing up, me with my parents divorce and small family & him with his divide in real parents and step parents & all those "siblings".. We've come to the agreement that we hope Baby Fisher grows up with a very balanced childhood and given the best opportunity to grow up & change be his/her own person! Right from the very beginning we make so many choices for our kids that we forget that they need to learn/expand their own horizons.. Kurt & I will have different disciplinary ways but I hope once we get into it we'll compromise with one another. We don't want to impose on gender roles either.. Your son wants to play dollies and ponies as well as being a fireman and chef - go for it! Your daughter wants to dress up as Darth Vader, be a vet & wear pink ALL THE TIME - then let her! There's nothing wrong with mixing up the colours in their wardrobe either.. I've said to people already that I don't like imposing that blue is for boys and pink is for girls.. RAINBOW COLOURS ALL DAY, EVERY DAY! 

We've even discussed what it would be like to have a gay child.. We're all for it, once they know their own mind - that's the main thing. You don't want to push anything on them, but just let them know that different is good & change can be good too!

What are your views?

 

Sorry went on a tangent... Kurt has been an awesome partner, we've been best friends for 5 years & 9 months.. Ahh college day's were the best (that's when we met!) We are different in so many ways, but we're connected on the same level! Many people say that we're "the best couple" they know of. Seriously - I take that as a compliment. It's not often that you find someone who is a total opposite but it somehow works.. We make each other laugh every single day & care deeply about one another. That is beyond rare, surely? He's 3 years older than me, taller than me & has some pretty weird habits, but I can't say I'm safe from weird habits either.. We both have a bizarre silly sense of humor. We also have the same political, religious, & general well-being views & we end up talking so in depth about stuff. Living with him is almost like a sleepover every night, which is always nice because you always feel at ease with all of the perks of being there all the time *wink wink, nudge nudge*

Have guys found your soul-mate?

How is mum doing?
How far along:33 week 2days
Total weight: 9st 6lbs in the morning & 9st 10lbs at night time
Maternity clothing: 100% in maternity clothing
Sleep: Getting worse.. I'm up right now as I type this..
Best moments of the week: feeling the baby move so much & so often
Miss anything: Work.. Sad as that sounds
Cravings: Nope, none.
Anything made you sick or nauseous: Not really. Travel sickness - what's new...
Gender: Not worried about gender tbh
Symptoms: Aching feet & back
Belly button in or out: 100% Out!

Happy or Moody: Feeling much better & happier
Wedding rings on or off: Engagement ring is still on - fitting better! 

 

How come this whole year has passed by?! 2015 is nearly over - what the actual heck?!

Hope you enjoyed my overly large blog post... 

~Ellie xoxo

How I was feeling.. 29-31 weeks Pregnant & counting...

Not to brag but, pregnancy has been easy for me... I know!!

3rd Trimester has been treating me very well.. I'm shocked!!

A few problems sleeping, but that was bound to happen at some point... 

There honestly hasn't been any problems with my pregnancy - so much so that it's been very uneventful.. A lot of women get problems and I haven't had any really, apart from those varicose veins, which haven't worsened. Thank god! 

Sleep on the other hand has become quite a bit of a slight issue.. I find myself tossing and turning an awful lot at night, mainly because it's comfortable on my left side, but I also love sleeping on my back & before pregnancy I'd be sleeping on my right side - but I forget sometimes it's so nauseating on my right side, but I still end up trying! Imagine a turtle on his back trying to get the right way up - that's how I feel trying to get out of bed, I've decided I have to basically do a slight roll and then move my legs out first not body first!

I also finally managed to get myself some proper maternity clothing, before I was just wearing vests with long flowy tops and leggings, but I've actually picked up a few maternity tops and my 1st pair of maternity jeans! All of which are from New Look - they never let me down! I was starting to give up and only look online, but trouble with that is there's so much choice and you end up reading the reviews and it just puts you off - not to mention the return policy in some shops. Sometimes its free & sometimes there's the extra charge which you have to look out for. 

I officially left work to go on Maternity leave on Oct 1st, most places have settled everything with you and its all standard before you go, but because I work for a small family run ltd company shop, their accountant messed up big time meaning i've not actually got my payslips or my 1st payment for being off... The shop gets a lump sum of money from the government which is then filtered down into smaller payments to me. Bigger shops and businesses have their own policy or their own way of paying you so make sure you know what you're entitled to. 

Overall now that I have left work and have so much free time, I've been trying my best to keep active and out of the house - in my 1st week off I enjoyed the peace and quiet and watched a few things on Netflix that I wouldn't normally have the time for. We still have work going on at the house, thankfully it's been outside work, but it's still not been 100% stress free for me, despite the amazing pregnancy. 

Kurt and I have been thinking more and more about the birth and our options as it will be Christmas time we're taking the winter weather into consideration for our hospital plans & travel! We've also had a lot of fun putting some of the baby stuff together & imagining how things will be once Baby Fisher is here! It was a sudden realization that we're having a baby when we set up the pram... Sh*t is getting so real! 

How is mum doing?
How far along:32 week 2days
Total weight: 9st 6lbs in the morning & 9st 10lbs at night time
Maternity clothing: Finally in maternity clothing.. Top to bottom!
Sleep: Getting worse
Best moments of the week: having a great midwife appointment
Miss anything: Feeling like my 'normal' self
Cravings: Nope, none.
Anything made you sick or nauseous: Not really.
Gender: Kinda swaying towards it being a girl....
Symptoms: Varicose veins & aching ribs
Belly button in or out: 100% Out! It hurts most of the time   

Happy or Moody: 50/50. Feeling down but not depressed. majority of the time i'm okay
Wedding rings on or off: Engagement ring is still on - fitting better!

How I was feeling: 26-28 weeks pregnant & counting...

Afternoon, lovelies! 

The 3rd Trimester has come around wayyyy too quick!

I haven't actually kept with with my blog as you can tell, mainly because my pregnancy has flown by so quickly that actually nothing interesting has happened! I'm rather blessed to not come across any problems as such and baby is doing very well, kicking all the time, I'm learning the lil' ones routine already - I really enjoy waking up in the mornings to loads of movement, as baby has gotten bigger my ribs are starting to take a bit of a beating! I can only describe it as nudging but can wake me up and startle me from a sleepy state!
Throughout 26-28 weeks I feel like my bump has grown tremendously and it can only be a good thing as there were worries before that I was 'too skinny' - read more on that in previous blog posts...

My overall feelings from the past 2-3weeks is that as much as I think my head wants me to do things, especially in work - my body literally cannot keep up & I get tired very easily and it comes along with the process of being pregnant that your legs don't move as fast as before and your back can sometimes give out and become so achy that you feel little relief until your laying down or in the shower...

Those pesky varicose veins are having to be watched closely now, I used to think only bigger or heavily pregnant women got varicose veins but in reality your body is just not used to extra weight/pressure and even as someone as slim as me can get them! They are no longer just protruding out, there's also clusters of purple veins which really need to kept an eye on as if they get more/bigger i'm in higher risk of clotting...

I did have my 28 weeks midwife appointment that went really well, being measured and being told I was growing nicely and babans heartbeat was brilliant, blood pressure was fab & I didn't find it bad at all getting my blood taken again! I did talk to the midwife about my cramps and varicose veins - which did result in a hospital check up the same day but overall I only have to have stockings to keep my legs contained. If I do experience anymore pains then it's back to the hospital as I might need injections to reduce the swelling...

These next few weeks are honestly going to fly by & despite everyone saying 'towards the end you'll wish it went faster'.. But honestly I feel like it's gone by so fast I haven't had time to enjoy being pregnant - It's still almost as if it's not even real..
How is mum doing?
How far along:28weeks & 6days
Total weight: 9st 10lbs
Maternity clothing: Mixing it up by buying larger size dresses - still wanting a decent pair of jeans though!
Sleep: So-so
Best moments of the week: Hearing the heartbeat & having my ribs kicked in!
Miss anything: Being able to move as fast as I used to.. I'm slow :( 
Cravings: Nope, just been eating as healthy as I can - with cheating of course... 
Anything made you sick or nauseous: Not really.
Gender: Whatever it'll be it'll be..
Symptoms: Varicose veins and back ache & sore ribs! As usual
Belly button in or out: 100% Out! It's poking out of my tops now & bruising :(
Happy or Moody: Happy - but tired!
Wedding rings on or off: Engagement ring is still on - fitting better!

Thanks for reading this update, hopefully when I'm on maternity leave I can actually enjoy my pregnancy!
~Ellie xoxox

How I was Feeling 24weeks Pregnant & counting...

Gooood afternoon to you beauties!

The weeks are literally flying by now - 24weeks, crikey!

So a lot more has been going on since last blog post.. We've progressed with buying stuff for the baby regardless of the fact it might be "too early" or there's those "superstitions".. Since last blog post Kurt was working away for 2 weeks & some things had been going on as far as building work is concerned, I've been forced to move into my mums house for the time work has been on. We've had a new bathroom fitted complete with new tiles and 2 of the bedrooms have been mold/damp treated and re-plastered... Next on the agenda is to get our hallway sorted (see other post for more in depth rant)

We bought a Moses basket from a local baby boutique as it was a lot nicer and cheaper than anything I've been looking at online! I didn't want a modern looking basket nor a soft wicker basket - We went for white wicker with a white lace cover! All together with the stand it came to £63.. Much cheaper than Argos (which you can pay £70+), Mothercare (£70-£100+) & other websites/stores... Of course there was the option to buy second hand - but you never know the condition of something someone else has had - regardless of age, especially when you're putting a newborn in there!

We picked up a few outfits & I couldn't resist buying a kids book!! Kurt was very excited to order some things for me to open while he was working away - A triceratops plush toy & an outfit saying "I heart daddy" with a Welsh flag - he loves dinosaurs & is also proud to be Welsh... He would like to have dinosaurs as a theme for the baby even if it's a girl OR a boy.. I'll let him have this one.. Secretly I think kiddies clothing looks nicer when it's unisex, rather than putting them into specific colours - especially when they are so young!!

We've decided (very quickly) on a 3 way pram from Mothercare. I wanted it to be specifically able to have multi-function, 4 wheels, and a pleasing on the eye colour scheme! At first I was looking at prams costing over £400+ and was convinced I couldn't find what I wanted with all the extras for any less than that, Kurt asked me to try and look again at prams and if I honestly couldn't find something cheaper then we'd go for 1 of the prams I picked out on my "virtual items list"... I managed to find a good brand name pram, with 4 wheels, came with accessories I needed and had the "trio" conversions. The price was the same in Argos as in Mothercare... £259.99 Black and green Hauck pram set! I kept looking on it and reading up on the reviews and reading size & weight before and after it's been folded down - I was very impressed! We purchased it right away - Although I was disappointed that I couldn't go in a local store to look in person & experience picking the pram out with Kurt, I also trusted his instincts to buy it online there and then!

Hauck travel set pram

We also bought the nappy disposal bin from Mothercare! It was on sale for 1 day only and you can't always guarantee a sale online so we bought it there and then in the shop! £36.99! It came with 6 cartridges, rather than buying them separately - it was sold as a "starter pack". I've no doubts this will be a life saver! Although the bags may not be bio-degradable as such it can cut out numerous trips to the outside bin, as well as not taking up so much room in any other bin or waste disposal. I have thought that once baby is old enough then I might start cloth nappies as they are more in a routine and have better control over their toilet habits ( as when they are newborn and a few months old they go poop VERY regularly) - then the fun of potty training can begin once they're ready!

Very happy that baby is doing well and that I've finally put on weight, I'm still in awe every time I feel the baby move around. I'm just so in love - I can't describe it! The midwife was very happy with my condition and weight gain and said it was nice and steady progress - which was ideal! Right size belly for how far long I was & we got to hear the baby's heart beat on the Doppler again - which is always magical! I spoke to my midwife about what the consultant said & she consoled me and said sometimes consultants like to say things & unfortunately it doesn't go down well with women, especially pregnant hormonal women! She agreed that he did cause concern but it wasn't at all necessary and if there was problems then we'd know about them! Next time I see the midwife I'll be reaching the 28 week mark! After that it's more frequent appointments! Exciting stuff!

I'm also glad to have received my maternity pay & leave form (MAT B1) and can't wait to hand it into work - I love working, it's all family based (not my personal family) they understand my needs as they've all got kids and grandchildren, but to have time to rest and nest for the baby is all I've been pining for ever since we had work done on the house. That, and I can only do so much in a shop now, as we've got all the responsibilities - its not like a chain store or a supermarket - everything is done by us, pricing, shelving, helping and serving customers, order goods & dealing with deliveries - we do it all! It's quite physical work - it does come with the perks that we get tea breaks for 10 mins whenever we want to, and it's basically like a free workout at the gym - but to a pregnant lady it's not fun for much longer!

How is mum doing?
How far along:24weeks & 1day
Total weight: 9st 1lbs
Maternity clothing: Yep! But also still fitting into my pre-pregnancy tops and t-shirts!
Sleep: So glad I bought a pregnancy pillow - I'm surrounded by pillows now!
Best moments of the week: Kurt felt the baby kick and move very strongly!
Miss anything: Being able to finish a plateful of food in one go instead of slowly eating!!

Cravings: No cravings as such, but much better appetite
Anything made you sick or nauseous: Still getting travel sick :(
Gender: Whatever it'll be it'll be..
Symptoms: Varicose veins and back ache & sore ribs!
Belly button in or out: 100% Out! It's poking out of my tops now!
Happy or Moody: Moody - our house hasn't been getting done and finished quick enough!
Wedding rings on or off: Engagement ring is still on - fitting better!

Thank you so much for reading my blog post, this journey has been certainly VERY fast and it's almost as if I run out of time to write/type things down as I experience them... I just can't wait to have him/her in my life for real!
~Ellie xoxox

How I was Feeling... 21weeks pregnant & counting...

Do a little dance, make a little love... Get down tonight!

Woop woop I'm halfway through my 1st pregnancy. 

I can't believe I've reached the 20week mark, honestly I didn't think it would come around as fast as this!
It's nearly time for me to finish work and focus on decorating and buying things for the baby - of course family and friends want to help out and that's fine, but there's that little niggling part of me that just wants my fiance and I to chose the Moses basket and the pram ourselves and then let family buy the little things like a bouncer and the toys and the clothes, we've got a lot of family and friends who want to pawn their stuff on to us, they might think they're helping but we have our own tastes and while it's cheaper to have everything given it's also nice to be the adult and buy for OUR baby.
Did anyone else feel like this?!

We had also quite a few changes happening around the house, for months we've been renting and they've been doing some of the outside work but it's taking way too long to have some rooms and our hallway redone. I've been eying up some furniture and just wanting to tidy and get the house looking nice for our little arrival in December, it's not nice to have to wait for others to get stuff done as my baby will be here before we know it and my fear is that the house will not be at a standard as I'm expecting it to be. I had many a temper tantrum at my fiancé for this reason.. Consequently we're actually renting from family and it's proving to be very annoying, while our rent is less than it would be anywhere else,  it seems we're forfeiting money for progress of work on the house. As Kurt works away for weeks at a time we're relying on others to pick up the pace!.... #sorryrant

As for the baby I've been feeling so much movement and it poking me and I've noticed little quirks already! My fiancé really wants to incorporate dinosaurs into the baby's room, no matter what if its a girl or boy & it also turns out that the baby responds to his version of the Jurassic park theme tune... I ended up looking at some decorations for girls and boys nurseries with a dinosaur theme on Etsy.. SOOOO much cuteness there!!

Overall after my explosive rant last blog post I ended up doing more research and weighed myself a couple of times to figure out that to be 19/20 on the UK BMI scale I had to only gain 5lbs. That's all. It's minimal. It's worth it as I've got an increased appetite again now so that also means baby is getting bigger and I'm growing in all places accordingly. That information was vital, I stressed a bit too much about being underweight and to only find that 5lbs is the difference between healthy and underweight in pregnancy. I very much would expect a consultant to tell me that!! But of course they won't, or at least in my case they didn't even seem approachable to ask how I might go about adding on the lbs... I felt a little bit cheated with my experience because it's like they scared me, but withheld information that would've changed my way of thinking as well as eating habits. After speaking about it to family and friends I decided the best thing to do was carry on as normal and just listen to the midwife, if she had concerns or if I had questions I would go to them, not a consultant. I was just 17 weeks when this all happened, things are still moving slowly, I wouldn't have gained that much as they'd expect at that time, it's my 1st pregnancy, it's not going to be the same as if I had another child - I'd probably put the weight on more quickly the next time around... I don't think they thought of that really...

How is mum doing?
How far along:21weeks2days
Total weight: 8st.9lbs or 8st.12lbs depending on what I ate!
Maternity clothing: Hello maternity tops & leggings... I am still yet to find the perfect pair of jeans though!
Sleep: I find that I have to switch position rather a lot in the night!
Best moments of the week: 20 week scan! Everything is good! We have more pics!
Miss anything: My hair! I had it all cut off! (see last post!)
Cravings: No cravings, I just love fruit & very sweet things.
Anything made you sick or nauseous: Nope I'm all good now.
Gender: No idea. We're thinking deep down it's a girl...
Symptoms: Varicose veins and leg ache! :(
Belly button in or out: 100% Out!
Happy or Moody: Happy! Sometimes sad as fiance is working away!
Wedding rings on or off: Engagement ring is still on!

Thanks for reading!!
I've been feeling very blessed and I cannot wait for the last leg of this pregnancy! It's going to fly by but it's all so worth it!!
~Ellie xoxox

#MondayMotivation ; Ellie's picks for Summer tunes!

Have YOU got that #MONDAYMOTIVATION

Look no further for inspiration on what to listen to during those sunny days!(or rainy - as it is here in the UK!)

I know there's the charts and so many compilations CD's around but when your at home and you feel like making cocktails and having a BBQ it's hard to chose some songs! I've personally picked out my favourites that might help you! 

Katy Perry - This how we do; I love this one, it's fun and got a laid back style - I can imagine all the fun family pictures and videos being made to this one

Katy Perry - This is how we do!

Nicole Scherzinger - Your love; I'm not even ashamed to know the words to this one!
It's got a beach in the video & a catchy tune! 

Nicole Scherzinger - Your Love!

Calvin Harris - Summer ; Of course! I couldn't leave this one out, it's going to be on EVERYONE'S list! 

Calvin Harris - Summer! 

Iggy Pop - The Passenger ; Classic! You're nan and mum and everyone else will be dancing to this one, it also makes a good traveling song! 

Iggy Pop - The Passenger! 

David Bowie - Rebel Rebel ; I grew up with David Bowie in my  mums house! There's a huge cult following & your current singers like Lady Gaga & Ke$ha took some of his inspiration! 

David Bowie - Fashion! 

Lady GaGa - Star Struck; This was THE sound of my summer whilst in college, dancing around in mum garden with my headphones on (eeek embarrassing!) 

Lady Gaga - Starstruck 

Lady GaGa - Beautiful, Dirty, Rich; I had to follow on with this one, I continuously listened to this song, I can imagine and all the kids from Gossip Girl on a boat throwing money and alcohol around, more importantly it's the song EVERYONE knows

Lady Gaga - Beautiful, Dirty, Rich 

Madonna - Bitch I'm Madonna ; The queen of pop is back! I had to add this one in, love it or hate it, it's very current and everyone will be playing and making their own versions - don't be affraid to make a vine video dancing to this one!

Madonna - Bitch I'm Madonna! 

Skillex & Diplo Ft. Justin Bieber - Where are U now ; This is a song I admit I've been stupidly obsessed with, it's got all the softness in the beginning to pull you in and then wait for the crowd to go bananas with the drop. Turn it up - that's my only advice! 

Skrillex & Diplo ft. Justin Bieber - Where are u now? 

Nicki Minaj - Super Bass ; I put this one in, this cannot escape my list! It's just so well known now that everyone will be dancing and singing along! 

Nicki Minaj - Super Bass

Jennifer Lopez - Get Right ; Welcome to the glorious 00's! J-Lo was a staple in everyone's collection, even if you didn't admit to it at first. I still have my original CD and it has a place in my playlist! Given the right moment in a party, everyone will be up and dancing to this classic!

J-Lo - Get Right

Beyoncé - Check On It ; This is second favourite of mine from the 00's, this was from when Bey featured in a the movie "Pink Panther", unfortunately it wasn't put in the movie but this song accompanied the movie! 

Beyoncé - Check On It

Simple Minds - Don't you (forget about me) ; This is the classic and original song from the movie "The Breakfast Club" this movie also has a cult following! Its recently claimed back its fame from the yesteryear from the movie "Pitch Perfect", I recently fell in love, and I admit I hadn't seen the movie but I did after watching Pitch Perfect. Nicki Minaj & Kanye West also used this as a backing tune in one of their songs in collaboration! It changed music forever as soon as this one was released! 

Simple Minds - Don't you (forget about me)

Nicki Minaj ft Kanye West - I'm Blazin' ; I loved this song on her Pink Friday album! This song for me, was a game changer, from her crazy songs previous she showed her talent, Kanye West added a lot to this one for me, it's such a piece on its own! This song featured the previous song on my list!

Nicki Minaj ft. Kanye West - I'm Blazin'

Will Smith - Miami; What summer wouldn't be complete without a little Will Smith! There are no words! This is this sound of my 90's Summer holidays!

Will Smith- Miami!

Sum 41 - Fatlip ; The 90's was made for punk! Everyone loved and knew this one, it's got it's place too in my summer playlist, can't deny that you know this one! 

Sum 41 - Fatlip

Sum 41 - In Too Deep; this one has to follow on! I loved this song, Everyone and their grandma danced along to this one! In secondary school this one was on everyone's minds & would just randomly burst out into song! 

Sum 41 - In Too Deep

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Thrift Shop ; How could I NOT add this?! The sound of 2012 All through the year, including the summer - Literally it was played so much that eventually people got sick of it. I had to add it. Sorry not sorry! 

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Thrift Shop

I shall end my big summer playlist with this banger... 

Pitbull ft Ke$ha - Timber ; fast paced, catchy, of course it would be added into the list! Its the modern day classic American song! Get those daisy dukes & light up cowboy boots! 

Pitbull ft Ke$ha - Timber

Stay safe, don't do anything stupid but more importantly... HAVE FUN!!

Thanks for reading and enjoying my playlist!

What was your fave song for the Summer?

~Ellie xoxox

How I was feeling... 18 weeks pregnant & counting

Hello you beautiful people!

So much has changed over the past few weeks read more to find out how....

So I had my Consultant appointment on the 8/7/15 & my mum came along to support me. Every time you go to an appointment they check your blood pressure and (so gross) but they have to also check your urine sample for anything in your diet or blood changes, or infection - so far so good... On to the appointment that I was discussing last time about my very mild Raynaud's disease, it went well, the dr asked me about my symptoms and what I knew about the condition and also asked if I had been medically diagnosed - which I admit I haven't been seen about it, but my Aunty has it and also used to work in a hospital so she knew a lot about my problems with being cold and, many a time has spoken to my mum about my circulation and condition, the dr didn't seem at all worried and didn't offer any tests or advice, I seem to know more than he did! 

One thing he really did pick on me about was my weight and BMI. Here in the UK, if you are 18.5 and above that's considered normal and healthy, and if you are a women above 25.5-30 on the BMI scale, you are more likely to be considered too heavy for your height. BMI is Body Mass Index and calculates height with weight, at the very beginning of your pregnancy at your 7 week appointment a midwife calculates this information for you by measuring your height and asking you to stand on weighing scales. I am 5'6', slim, and with a (normal for me) weight of 8st3lbs. A few years ago, while in school I was pretty skinny and had a weight average of 7st and above, my whole family is slim & at my mums heaviest she was just a little over 9st, so when the dr questioned me about BMI it sounded like I was very underweight, as during school 17 on the BMI scale used to be healthy, but as it's based on averages & now that everyone is bigger, the scale has been raised and I am no longer considered healthy, even though I am fairly active with working 25 hours a week - on my feet and not behind a desk, I walk and I don't drive, I have never had a bad reaction to food, I love food, I have a healthy appetite - much to people's reactions, they see me as slim but see me eat more than enough!
I have been known to eat a 3 course meal at my mothers house on a Sunday and complete that with 2 different types of desserts and cleaning all of my plates! At the same time I have been known to prefer salad and pasta dishes at a buffet and with this as my normal eating habits, it was insulting to hear at 17weeks pregnant that I wasn't big enough! I'm 'supposed' to be a 19 or 20 on my BMI scale during pregnancy, I found it hard to take as I couldn't possibly eat more than I do, and to change my lifestyle accordingly because I am as healthy and as fit as I can be, otherwise how would I get pregnant or keep my baby for this long?! Yet the consultant didn't offer me any advice on how to up my intake to be higher on the scale, and I left feeling like I wasn't doing as well as I thought - I don't think that should've been the end result of the appointment, everyone I have spoken to said midwives know better - and they do, after all my previous blood tests and results I am more than capable and healthy for this pregnancy and have been told that dr's can scare and add information that I don't need to think about right now. And as to my knowledge it is more sufficient to add weight slowly towards the end of the second trimester (roughly 22weeks) rather than piling it on too quickly. The information I've read also offers advice on women who are needing to loose weight for their pregnancy and little to no advice for women who need to up their weight. I find it completely contradictory!
Any advice or opinions on this matter? - I'd love to hear from you!I have finally got a defined bump! Although I am still wearing regular clothing for now, I have also re-sized for bras and have been buying slightly bigger tops - not maternity yet. I have bought more leggings and joggers for later on in pregnancy & hope to find suitable jeans with a big bump band at the front - unfortunately the majority of this stuff can be found online and very little in actual shops now. 

When did you buy maternity clothing? What was the best company/brand for you? 

I have noticed my skin and hair changing - I DO NOT have that famous glow! I have spots the majority of the time and my hair isn't as fabulous as it normally is... Here's my before & after pics of my haircut! What a difference!! I also suffer with dermatitis and it's supposed to get better but I've noticed more around my belly and cleavage area it's a lot more dry than usual - time to slather on the creams!

What brand company body butters and creams do you recommend for dry and sensitive skin?

How is mum doing?
How far along:18weeks
Total weight: Not checked in a while.
Maternity clothing: Bigger bras and leggings (not maternity yet)
Sleep: Moderate sleep. Feeling more tired after work!
Best moments of the week: Feeling the baby wriggling!
Miss anything: Nothing so far
Cravings: No cravings, I just love fruit & very sweet things.
Anything made you sick or nauseous: Nope I'm all good now.
Gender: No idea.
Symptoms: Heartburn? Leg ache as if I've been running a marathon and had major cramps :(
Belly button in or out: Out!
Happy or Moody: Mixed feelings!
Wedding rings on or off: Engagement ring is still on!

Thank you for reading this weeks blog post - sorry it's a long rant!
Things always aren't as good as women make out & it's not as bad either!

~Ellie xoxox

How I was feeling... 16 weeks pregnant & counting...

Hi everyone! 

Long time no blogging - again! 

I'm sorry I'm slacking!!

I've had an eventful time so far, Kurt (my fiance) got a full time job and it's working away 5 days a week and so weekends are for us together, and that's it... It's hard to go to work and come home to only Rory (the cat), I love me time, but I love spending time with Kurt even more - he's so funny and just makes my day so much better!!
I went away for a mini holiday with my mum, sister & brother to Bath, Somerset - England... It was beautiful honestly, I loved it, we're hoping to go again in the future! I've also made a YouTube video of my experience.. My Mini break to Bath, Somerset - England

I hit 16 weeks, so well into the second trimester! My 16 week midwife appointment was awesome I heard the baby's heartbeat, again Kurt was working so he couldn't come, but when I got back from Bath I had my letters for my 20week scan appointment (29th July) & also a consultant appointment (8th July) - Sounded scary to me too, but I actually suffer from a condition called 'Raynauds disease'. It's tingling and burning feelings of the hands and feet when the blood rushes back after changing temperatures from the cold - many people get the colour changes as an indication, it's mild for me and thankfully I don't have the more painful version. I have to get checked out by the Dr's to make sure I'm not in any risk, after much internet surfing I discovered that it's mainly women who get the disease and there's no cure.. I've known that for a while, but during pregnancy when there is extra blood being pumped and produced the body temperature is raised so I've not felt the cold or any symptoms and according to research pregnancy can help the condition during and after having a baby, so I don't think I'm in any risk... Never say never though...

I'm so excited for my second scan - it's going to be more in depth and it'll be a longer appointment, fingers crossed Kurt has the day off work, as planned but things change and I'll have to get used to him not being around as much, but he really wants to be there with me! We also want to find out the sex of the baby, we already have names picked out for girl or boy so we're ready to start calling the little bump by his/her name!
When did you guys figure out a name and did you all find out or wait for a surprise for the sex of the baby?

Few more symptoms happening, my travel sickness has gotten worse and I've been feeling more 'round ligament pain' as well as lower back pain. I'm a small framed person so my hips aren't primed up for the task so pain is inevitable, my mum had the exact same, we're all slim, not curvy at all.. That'll change soon enough I hope! I have been feeling more queasy for no reason, it's different to morning sickness and nausea, I don't know why it happens... Maybe acid reflux or something, heartburn maybe?!
I'm nearly coming to terms with finishing work and having me-time and I honestly want to start buying things for the baby, but our rented house is having work done and it's taking too long so I'm a little bit stressed that I don't have room tidy enough to put things...

Here's a few pictures to see my progress...

2 weeks

 1 month

 2 months

 3 months









How is mum doing?
How far along:16wks2days
Total weight: 52.5kg (8.2st)
Maternity clothing: Sticking to the leggings now, I can't wait to buy more clothes!
Sleep: Less sleep, but better sleep
Best moments of the week: Waking up with my bump still visible
Miss anything: Nothing so far
Cravings: Just loving the cold fruit juice!
Anything made you sick or nauseous:  Getting travel sick even more.
Gender: No idea.
Symptoms: Heartburn? Aches and pains in my hips and back
Belly button in or out: It's nearly a proper outy!
Happy or Moody: Happy
Wedding rings on or off: Engagement ring is still on!


Thank you so much for reading this weeks blog post!
I hope my journey so far has been good to read... It's all happening so fast now!
~Ellie xoxox