tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63724319897977809712024-03-05T21:05:56.818+00:00...in the pudding clubApril Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372431989797780971.post-25580367193713827022011-01-29T17:15:00.003+00:002011-01-29T19:03:21.952+00:00Some baby wants and not baby needs (from Etsy)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.146172880.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 360px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.146172880.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/47860700/baby-cocoon-in-homespun">Baby cocoon</a> by <a class="username" href="http://www.etsy.com/people/karenswimmer?ref=ls_profile"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">karenswimmer</span></a><br /><br />First up on my things to buy is this cocoon with pixie style hat.<br /><br />A nice alternative to baby sleeping blankets. My little tyke is a big wriggler so I like to think he would be easier to settle in something more womb-like such as this. Check out their store for other goodies as the shop seems to be run by a very <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">dedicated</span>, loving and crafty mother.<br /><br />$32/£20<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.192941377.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 356px; height: 233px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.192941377.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61838230/subliminal-baby-letterpress-poster?ref=v1_other_2">'Crying is for babies'</a> poster from the Subliminal baby range. <a class="username" href="http://www.etsy.com/people/sycamorestreetpress?ref=ls_profile"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">sycamorestreetpress</span></a> @ <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Etsy</span>.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Letterpressed</span>, original prints, great for the nursery. Other items from the range include <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60126864/subliminal-baby-letterpress-poster?ref=v1_other_1">'You are getting sleepy'</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62408208/subliminal-baby-letterpress-poster?ref=v1_other_1">'eating off the floor never ends well'</a>. Here's hoping they rub off.<br /><br />Reasonable at $35/£22 each.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.212560549.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 311px; height: 270px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.212560549.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66981781/gorilla-upcycled-cloth-diaper-soaker?ref=sr_list_2&ga_search_query=baby&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=4">Gorilla cloth nappy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">soaker</span></a> by <a class="username" href="http://www.etsy.com/people/thesittingtree?ref=ls_profile"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">thesittingtree</span></a>.<br /><br />Other than cloth/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">reuseable</span> nappies being <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">ecologically</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">economically</span> friendly you also get the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">opportunity</span> to buy stylish <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">unique</span> items that are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">cherishable</span>, a strange prospect when one thinks of what will soon be in the item of clothing, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">nevertheless</span> I think they are cute, a must have for those who are cut out for washable nappies.<br /><br />$18/£11<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.206264627.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 348px; height: 261px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.206264627.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65431088/baby-is-coming-sale-3-poms-pick-your">3x Pom features</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/pomtree?ref=ls_profile"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">pomtree</span></a><br /><br />The latest interior fad; pom poms!<br /><br />Great for the nursery as an alternative to mobiles. Either way sure to catch babies eye whilst brightening up the room.<br /><br />Pick your own colours here.<br /><br />Three for an absolute steal at $11/£7<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.179790812.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 281px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.179790812.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57915617/bless-this-mess-onesie-blue-and-green">Bless this mess <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">onsie</span></a> from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/friendsagain?ref=ls_profile"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Friendsagain</span></a> @ <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">etsy</span><br /><br />Cute unisex <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">babygrow</span> vest with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">vintage</span> twee cross-stitch font <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">screenprinted</span> by hand.<br /><br />A steal at $15, approx £9.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.212548517.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 311px; height: 316px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.212548517.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66979197/red-baby-leather-pawprint-moks-sz-3-12m?ref=sr_list_11&ga_search_query=booties&ga_search_type=all&ga_shopname=RainRainRain&ga_page=2">paw print baby <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">moks</span></a> by<a class="username" href="http://www.etsy.com/people/scandeez?ref=ls_profile"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">scandeez</span></a> @ <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">etsy</span>.<br /><br />Beautiful leather <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">shoesies</span>, it is a shame they <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">wouldn't</span> be used for long as you can tell from the photographs they are really delicately crafted, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">furthermore</span> making you hope that your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">littleun</span> stops growing.<br /><br />$30/£19<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.195611039.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 346px; height: 346px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.195611039.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62634833/animal-a-z-alphabet-hand-pulled-screen">A-Z Animal print</a> by <a class="username" href="http://www.etsy.com/people/boldandnoble?ref=ls_profile"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">boldandnoble</span></a><br /><br />Teach your child their ABC's with this educational art by the wonderful and talented <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Boldandnoble</span>.<br /><br />he <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">handscreened</span> print depicts a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">silhouette</span> of 23 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">animals</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">corresponding</span> to the alphabet, giving <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">opportunity</span> to learn how these letters make sounds as well as a broader <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">vocabulary</span> of animals.<br /><br />$67/£43<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.195837265.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 361px; height: 240px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.195837265.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62702708/organic-wooden-train?ref=sr_list_3&ga_search_query=baby%2Btoy&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=3"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62702708/organic-wooden-train?ref=sr_list_3&ga_search_query=baby%2Btoy&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=3">Wooden toy train</a> by<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span><a class="username" href="http://www.etsy.com/people/asummerafternoon?ref=ls_profile"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">asummerafternoon</span></a><br /><br />A timeless classic toy handcrafted in organic wood. Comes with four cars as standard. Chunky and sturdy in design. Would be great as a hand-me-down for generations to come. Beautiful.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Under priced</span> at $50/£30<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.197092680.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 337px; height: 409px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.197092680.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60975494/jeannie-in-yellow-with-free-pouch-worth?ref=sr_list_16&ga_search_query=baby%2Btoy&ga_search_type=handmade">'Jeannie'</a> knitted plush by <a class="username" href="http://www.etsy.com/people/theweaverbirdie?ref=ls_profile"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">theweaverbirdie</span></a><br /><br />Charming handcrafted toy made with cuddly wool.<br /><br />This one of a kind puppy comes with a free pouch.<br /><br />Check out the shop for more designs.<br /><br />$21/£12<br /></div>April Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372431989797780971.post-67179962837795458842011-01-21T17:40:00.003+00:002011-01-21T17:47:22.827+00:00High heels and low places<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31KNkLzMuOL._SX315_SY375_.jpghttp://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31KNkLzMuOL._SX315_SY375_.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 315px; height: 375px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31KNkLzMuOL._SX315_SY375_.jpghttp://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31KNkLzMuOL._SX315_SY375_.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Please stop advertising maternity wear with high heels! It makes me feel ill!<br />I like the stripper heels in this picture too, gives the look just that extra bit of class...April Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372431989797780971.post-6641549697852049172011-01-19T03:40:00.004+00:002011-01-19T04:25:19.051+00:00Bringing babby home.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Y0jgHQhY8EQnWxSaLml-ytWCJI_QyIukD14qNrA4n042fy5srHVtN6e5M-oUzkHvdNnVkPNPEm1E9I0dpahi1l7am92585gBj9qDVbH-sLQhzV3VTQhy88Pqh7QDKLoTV25RfVuMSdEC/s1600/IMG_5247.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Y0jgHQhY8EQnWxSaLml-ytWCJI_QyIukD14qNrA4n042fy5srHVtN6e5M-oUzkHvdNnVkPNPEm1E9I0dpahi1l7am92585gBj9qDVbH-sLQhzV3VTQhy88Pqh7QDKLoTV25RfVuMSdEC/s400/IMG_5247.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563737334994107810" border="0" /></a>It has been nearly eight weeks since our lives dramatically changed. Seven weeks and three days since the Big E came into town...<br /><br />Since time goes on I seem to cope better with having a newborn, but, I also seem to be remembering all the other things I have to do, so, by each day my list gets bigger and bigger, not necessarily easier. During this time I have since gone back to University, being in my final year of study I am incredibly stressed and to be honest not a lot of fun to be living with! Regardless of all of this, I am feeling really happy! Our house move has fallen through, my student loan is yet to be processed, I have no time to eat more than one meal a day. But... Hey! I THINK THE CHILD JUST SMILED AT ME.<br /><br />As time as gone on we have become very relaxed with childcare, no longer freaking out every time he cries, no longer staring over his crib making sure he is okay. Now Richard shoots up alien terrorists (or whatever) with one arm whilst the other holds a snoring child, I no longer panic when he throws up his dinner, we allow a few minutes to pass the hour of which we should re-sterilise his 'bot-bot', And so on...<br />I now understand how manipulative Mother nature is, babies shriek so one mildly panics, so they know to be alert and tend to the child's needs. It is all just an evolutionary ploy.<br /><br />These things have come intuitively, it's strange really when looking back at his first night home I was a complete emotional wreck. I recall Richard trying to work the steriliser equipment and make up a formula whilst I cradled a crying child to my chest just thinking 'omg hurry up. please god hurry up, omg what do I do... please hurr<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKePU062rhnoW6XeHIJk2Muhf5kajtlxcoP9TwVsFleYZ4B_hL633A9Xr0R0Y5ja1mKwpgrKA2oLE7nCfL2dCaEZmou8HYc6mV-QCT_NJl0Dw8zrJiezFKgRqvLkY_qKH9jQ7l3XEULcr/s1600/IMG_4936.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 326px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKePU062rhnoW6XeHIJk2Muhf5kajtlxcoP9TwVsFleYZ4B_hL633A9Xr0R0Y5ja1mKwpgrKA2oLE7nCfL2dCaEZmou8HYc6mV-QCT_NJl0Dw8zrJiezFKgRqvLkY_qKH9jQ7l3XEULcr/s400/IMG_4936.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563744659175639650" border="0" /></a>y up ARGHHH'. By the tenth mimute into the wait I started crying myself. I became over-run by guilt, it felt like because I couldn't get his food to him THAT second I was a redundant Mother. I felt almost, despicable. Now everything has healed, my stitches, and my jittery nerves! I am getting into the swing of things now, knowing to make batches of formula as and when, before he cries. Instinctively knowing wh cry means what... Currently childcare seems to get easier as time goes on. However, I am sure we're approaching the time where that will no longer be true, but by the looks of things it is going to be so much rewarding.<br /><br />Elliott is now ooohing and ahhhing, reacting to his Mother oddly dancing at him and the sounds his toys make. And now, even when he complains or cries, they seem to forumulate a pattern giving us a better idea of what he is trying to communicate. I fear I am wishing a part of his life away sometimes, but I really just can't wait till he starts talking to me! It's going to be SO amazing.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYExH6KHqa4V56LkpjW0ZmotQ1VhD5gDzpVv1wZKyxy4KqXoh0zCOxGndRCEUr_pOfhPJ20l4op9zYzTgIKiMKBP0BOwuVoeBaqeJyE1KthyvzfDyLnsMi3useYKW5eACKnjMWfd32eX8/s1600/IMG_5383.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 376px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYExH6KHqa4V56LkpjW0ZmotQ1VhD5gDzpVv1wZKyxy4KqXoh0zCOxGndRCEUr_pOfhPJ20l4op9zYzTgIKiMKBP0BOwuVoeBaqeJyE1KthyvzfDyLnsMi3useYKW5eACKnjMWfd32eX8/s400/IMG_5383.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563746907638882306" border="0" /></a>April Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372431989797780971.post-22200461494493440522011-01-07T08:02:00.012+00:002011-01-07T09:20:21.582+00:00Belated birth storyI went into labour 6 weeks ago today! And here's the story.<br /><br />The four weeks or so before I went into labour all the signs were telling me I was able to pop. All my labour signs came and went, they became more like annoying symptoms of a bizarre illness. I never had anything like false labour and I didn't get contractions that were continuous, I had the odd one before bed, going no-where else. two days before I went into labour I leaked fluid, we went into hospital to be sent home, they told me it was probably stressed incontinence, this annoyed me, because a) I knew it wasn't, b) I didn't like the idea I had been told I basically peed myself in front of my partner. Going home feeling a bit fed up, I gave up entirely on the idea that I was ever going to go into labour, it felt like I had never been pregnant and I was just ill, fat and ill.<br /><br />Two days later feeling fit to burst, exhausted, grumpy and very 'overdue', I went back to bed, taking a sneaky 1pm nap. Half asleep I rolled over and something felt like it had given away from inside and warm clear water spilled around my knees, it wouldn't stop. I yelled for my partner who came rushing up, and nervously muttered 'my waters have broken', he responded in kind 'Oh, okay then'.<br /><br />There is something to be said about being overdue, you become aware of every sensation and notice every minor feeling, thinking that is going to lead to the eventual delivery. At this point me and my partner had given up on 'going naturally', I was to be induced 2 or so days from this day. It was a very surreal and yet calm experience going in to the hospital. We both blushed and stepped over each-other whilst over packing our hospital bags. We both told each other it wasn't the 'real thing' and we should be ready to be sent home; it felt like this baby was never going to show itself.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfkAXrnnh-_OTPw_87CwlTwO5dKGzuqJnNhy2s6GNOSzV7ZO1m2IBMhV2oOh-1xaTcBG_QF7lpneGDcdiR9iC9A3IOPbAdqEJPzDejonMJwP7KbZFpJEnVRax93rf_kCed_o9MVoYemeK/s1600/154922_10150104262425148_706180147_8021802_2188350_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 381px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfkAXrnnh-_OTPw_87CwlTwO5dKGzuqJnNhy2s6GNOSzV7ZO1m2IBMhV2oOh-1xaTcBG_QF7lpneGDcdiR9iC9A3IOPbAdqEJPzDejonMJwP7KbZFpJEnVRax93rf_kCed_o9MVoYemeK/s320/154922_10150104262425148_706180147_8021802_2188350_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559367904957929218" border="0" /></a><br />We went to hospital and nothing much in the way of contractions were taking place, the hospital staff examined me and told me my backwaters had broken (which I had never of frickin' heard of) and not my 'normal waters'. I explained I was in there 2 days before as I thought I had been leaking amniotic fluid, turns out I was right and they were initially wrong to send me home.<br />At this point I was 2-3cm dilated but the 'contractions' started coming on, and as they were busy they thought it was best just to put me on a midwifery delivery unit right away. There I started to get lots of pain, even at this point I didn't know that what I was experiencing was in fact contractions it just felt like an ungodly pain. There was no throbbing, or contraction going on, just all over back pain, it felt like the bones in my spine were being crushed.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fKnKRdJju5JkS-erfT9dR9f8ZPYVc4aS17FKmXTyEtFyITN7m0AroxJIwzfSeFBrSVw2jwcmyReVF9AqJkSzofpd8wTm-Y_j7A1qpRxZdCHX9qvJYuw2pppAesUALmclZFe0biTGddN_/s1600/149542_10150104265050148_706180147_8021857_5118138_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 370px; height: 248px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fKnKRdJju5JkS-erfT9dR9f8ZPYVc4aS17FKmXTyEtFyITN7m0AroxJIwzfSeFBrSVw2jwcmyReVF9AqJkSzofpd8wTm-Y_j7A1qpRxZdCHX9qvJYuw2pppAesUALmclZFe0biTGddN_/s320/149542_10150104265050148_706180147_8021857_5118138_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559366955694655010" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg46SICpGf6zo9fqPXwneHuLaADUF2wWnvix3YF1KE7a6OQldek5mZI38eQKft8790uGjge5Vfc3kOjr_0UfbetffCS_lpRVs4pJOsjGYTmsi3FPl3RYI3LKaKiBu7db2V59n5M6Qfdg29/s1600/150564_10150104264990148_706180147_8021855_4767207_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 371px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg46SICpGf6zo9fqPXwneHuLaADUF2wWnvix3YF1KE7a6OQldek5mZI38eQKft8790uGjge5Vfc3kOjr_0UfbetffCS_lpRVs4pJOsjGYTmsi3FPl3RYI3LKaKiBu7db2V59n5M6Qfdg29/s320/150564_10150104264990148_706180147_8021855_4767207_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559367430647645426" border="0" /></a><br />On the midwifery unit I was given gas and air, and boy did I love it. I even recall sitting back and asking Richard what the big fuss of labour was about. With this stuff, I was wonderwoman! Oh, how how wrong I was... The nurses offered me a bath, so me and Richard went in there, as soon as I got comfy the contractions started getting stronger, they kicked and moved me in a way you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy, then I literally cried out for Pethidine. - I didn't like it much, it took the edge off but my eyes were rolling around in the back of my head. I couldn't focus on what I was doing, couldn't concentrate on the task at hand. I felt similar to when you are overtired and on your way to being 'overdrunk', cross-eyed, dizzy and not having such a good time. I tried going with just the gas and air but it didn't seem to be working any more, at the end of my tether, I accused the nurse of disconnecting the gas from the gas and air supply.My partner tried to console me, I felt bad that it didn't work.<br /><br />As I opted for pain relief I was taken on to a long stay ward, there, I started screaming for an Epidural. Now, with every contraction I screamed and turned onto my stomach, on all fours. For some reason I literally couldn't bare the pain any other way. It felt like nothing in my life has before and I was close to passing out if not in this position. Turns out, the reason behind all of this was that the baby's, (or rather Elliott's) head was stuck on my spine, it wouldn't budge. I wanted to push with contractions but they wouldn't let me this went on for in total 20 hours from when we went into the hospital. The space between the pethidine wearing off and the epidural being administered was the worst time of my life, up to date but will probably shall forever be. Thinking about it makes me unlikely to have children again. It makes me cringe and cross my legs writing about it.<br /><br />I was taken to yet, another ward, as the epidural did its thang, there I was lucid, calm, still, making jokes and to be honest, a bit bored. Lots of people came in and checked my lady regions, I soon became accustomed to being poked and prodded. Labour beame all of a sudden very easy.<br /><br />It wasn't until later I was told that there was evidence to suggest Elliott was becoming distressed, there were fears he wasn't getting enough oxygen. The consultant rushed in, there spending a lot of time with me and the staff, there she scratched the top of Elliott's head to check the oxygen levels in his blood. I was soon ordered to push. Because of the awkward positioning the pushing wasn't working, I was rushed into theatre and there I was numbed for the last time. They said if it didn't work this time I would have to do one the one thing I didn't want and have a C-section.<br /><br />The staff in the theatre made quips at one another, involving me all the way, I tried to ignore the forceps, they were the most terrifying thing I had seen,, never mind pointed towards my ladyparts! They made a large cut and I lost a lot of blood. I haemorrhaged in fact, these things I only found out afterwards as I physically couldn't feel much from the belly button down. And at this point none of it mattered.<br /><br />All I really take from that day was seeing what seemed like a million pairs of hands whirling this small lump towards me, his wondering eyes were like shiny pennies; they pierced through numerous gangly limbs. They passed him over, it seemed to take for hours, all I could say was 'Oh my god, oh my god... Oh, my god'. He was placed on my chest and I turned to my partner and tried to conjure up something different to say 'we finally did it' soon came out.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_uD8hFlI05z36LlQF9Z88gUam51YrDbVh8EB7FKkwzPQTzytc82lihA4liAjE1AkefOVO6E9zHSQpm7Yv4mVtNi3TE33aN8a5FoqiPs3CElTZe5-7chpqzyzskI5WWYCIvj5K2um2MVxP/s1600/148315_10150104257440148_706180147_8021696_2335621_n.jpg"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisn72Q7UkYnoascQaTcBU3kB-1a20LnmN7WUVSwF1jMeCilmHoBo8TrtDZQCfKrmiDn7RiUXWNj8OVhwJx6EBkbYoIVjmJsOIZORa3wAH9iEee9dwRTnqCgtZmq8yrduR7g_sAByPJFzPN/s1600/148315_10150104257440148_706180147_8021696_2335621_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisn72Q7UkYnoascQaTcBU3kB-1a20LnmN7WUVSwF1jMeCilmHoBo8TrtDZQCfKrmiDn7RiUXWNj8OVhwJx6EBkbYoIVjmJsOIZORa3wAH9iEee9dwRTnqCgtZmq8yrduR7g_sAByPJFzPN/s400/148315_10150104257440148_706180147_8021696_2335621_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559361349624361106" border="0" /></a><br />Going through labour has been the strangest most surreal thing to happen to me, I would like to say that it feels natural, but it hasn't. From the moment Elliotts warm head was plomped onto me I have been in a state of shock, my head was forced up into the clouds. I can't get my head around that my partner and I 'made' someone.<br /><br />Richard, the other half, says it feels strange to him that we have 'named' someone, and that people already come with a name, an introduction. But with him that hasn't happened, we are making choices for him. I find that terrifying, and 6 weeks on not much has changed from that.<br /><br />I hope I am good enough, I worry every day and night I won't be, I am in a constant state of numbed panic and alert. But I guess that's an evolutionary tool or something, with every cry comes a trigger, a thought that I am not cut out for this. In in the initial stages of motherhood I thought this would pass, it hasn't, I just worry about his future more rather than the present.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lwDlS_22CSROBObA8qHPL_Zu1m8dXJFloJ8tBFKeabMe9TeApl9gwGARjXOYlO5_FFLxm4VfRSJun59jwGGqA7LrtiiTwzbThyuA_qBy8jCbGW_oEwFaYsEjj1ublF5EL0sTVI7kqu0L/s1600/154216_10150105765995148_706180147_8041469_6384814_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 425px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lwDlS_22CSROBObA8qHPL_Zu1m8dXJFloJ8tBFKeabMe9TeApl9gwGARjXOYlO5_FFLxm4VfRSJun59jwGGqA7LrtiiTwzbThyuA_qBy8jCbGW_oEwFaYsEjj1ublF5EL0sTVI7kqu0L/s320/154216_10150105765995148_706180147_8041469_6384814_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559368103540416818" border="0" /></a><br />My heart goes out to single mothers/fathers, I have no idea how they do it. Hats off to them! Without my Richard I would be a tiresome nervous wreck, he has taken to fatherhood like a duck to water, in fact I am rather jealous! He has helped me to be less hard on myself, its tough to take motherhood calmly when the whole world tells you not to. If I were to give out advice to parents to be, it would be to take one day at a time, set your own pace, and as my partner says to me frequently, you aren't doing anything wrong! This is just completely new, enjoy it!<br /><br />Elliott Ian Madigan was born at 10:43 on 27th, November, 2010. Weighed at 7.9 Lbs.April Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372431989797780971.post-13889795527999389752011-01-07T06:29:00.001+00:002011-01-07T06:31:28.922+00:00Even Victoria Stilwell wouldn't go this far<a href="http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-to-stop-your-dog-from-barking-breastfeed-her/?When%3A17%3A15%3A36Z">Woof</a>April Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372431989797780971.post-40637517706382470592010-12-20T02:02:00.006+00:002010-12-20T02:38:35.075+00:00DO NOT READTake no notice, or even better, do not read posts such as <a href="http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/postpartumfitness/l/blpostwo1.htm">this</a>.<br /><br />No matter how many front cover magazine stories you see, or certified (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">certifiable</span> more like!) people feeling they can comment, do not exercise until 6 weeks postpartum (or 8-10 if you had a section)<br /><br />Exercising early can cause adverse affects, and you could be at risk to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hemorrhaging, damaged </span>abdominal muscles, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">infection, and spilt stitches</span>. But, to me, more importantly than all of that, I don't think women should be concerned with all of that just yet, if at all. Take this time to bond with the child, take this time to try and get your head around what has happened. I am 3 weeks postpartum and I still feel in shock. The first night I brought my son home I had <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">multiple</span> panic attacks, bouts of uncontrollable tears, worrying about this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">little</span>-life I had, somehow created. I felt <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">vulnerable</span>, and to be honest not up to the job. Feeling 'fat' on top of that and concerning myself with exercise would have been an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">un</span>-called for.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo/_new/g-hlt-080807-trista-sutter-Us-12p.widec.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 389px;" src="http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo/_new/g-hlt-080807-trista-sutter-Us-12p.widec.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />When will people understand that pregnancy and labour is probably one of the most traumatic events it can go through, it needs time to heal, it needs good food, and it needs lots of rest. Not to mention, with a newborn around it can be hard to replenish yourself as it is. This kind of pressure really gets on my nerves. My best friend was told by another person that they went for jogging sessions the first week of giving birth, now I am not even sure I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">believe</span> that, but to encourage another to do the same makes my blood boil.<br /><br />I have found just 'getting back to normal', for instance food shopping, lifting things has had a fast impact on my shape and my body is pretty much back to normal, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">I'm</span> lucky. For those who aren't so lucky and are desperate to do something, I would suggest taking the child out in the pram going for a walk, then increasing the length of the walk as you go on. Be mindful of your nesting instinct, you are probably working those muscles, by fixing up the nursery, making bottles of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">formula</span>/lifting child to feed.<br /><br />Please bare in mind, also that the uterus is contracting during this time, after labour it takes up room at the front of your stomach, it will go back into the pelvis when good and ready, the midwife/health visitor will check if this is taking place. Things are going back to how they were, it is a matter of time.<br /><br />I would not advise another to embark on a new <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">exercise</span> routine given the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">woman's</span> tender form, nor would I plaster on another (unnecessary) pressure at this most fragile and exciting of times.<br /><br />Get a grip.April Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372431989797780971.post-59965745603439859392010-12-01T17:46:00.002+00:002010-12-01T17:51:02.222+00:00The arrival Elliott Ian Madigan.I gave birth to a beautiful bonny boy on Saturday 10:47am.<br /><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a48/prilbot/1.jpg" style="width: 465px; height: 304px;" alt="" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a48/prilbot/4.jpg" style="width: 465px; height: 309px;" alt="" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a48/prilbot/2.jpg" style="width: 466px; height: 310px;" alt="" /></p><br /><br />Details to follow.April Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372431989797780971.post-2322743214522666362010-11-24T20:41:00.003+00:002010-12-01T17:45:53.198+00:00Come out, come out, placenta you are!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.babyfit.com/babyfit/member_pics/29%20weeks%282%29.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 345px;" src="http://www.babyfit.com/babyfit/member_pics/29%20weeks%282%29.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />So I am 40 weeks and 4 days along and sadly enough, there's no real sign that it is coming to end soon.<br /><br />Yesterday I saw my midwife who has booked me in for a 'plus 10' meeting, it's where I go into hospital 10 days from the day I was due, there we will arrange an appointment where there they will enduce me. - This was the one thing I didn't want to happen, besides being overdue that the sheer discomfort that comes with that, mentally I don't think it will be that great for me either. I hate the idea that I would know a day and time of which the baby will come, sounds strange but it fills me with anxiety, how would I ever sleep on the nights previous to the proceedure? [lord knows I have been having problems with as it is.<br />Adding to that anxiety are the other factors that come with being enduced. They usually last longer, cause more pain and have more risks involved. Now in the large scheme of things this bares no real weight as I don't know 'how much' pain I am going to expierience, as I am a first time mum. Also how does one quantify pain? I'm not sure, I suppose the more 'pain' the chance I will be using pain relief. This isn't something I am against, but it was something I was going to try with out.April Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372431989797780971.post-90648952758130379002010-11-20T17:46:00.003+00:002010-11-20T18:16:47.093+00:00Due DateI am 40 weeks today. My <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">baby was</span> due to say hello on this day, the 20<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> November, alas he wants to arrive fashionably late, like his mother <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Grrr</span>.<br /><br />I am becoming a nervous wreck not knowing when he is going to arrive, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">especially</span> since it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">appeared</span> to everyone he was going to come early [His head has been engaged from 31 weeks, ow].<br /><br /> The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">tenuous</span> sporadic early labour signs throw me into a belief he is coming that day/night I am finding it hard to ignore my body as I keep <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">analysing</span> it.<br /><br />Also as the day gets closer I have had a few hormonal doubting moments, sort of like muted prolonged panic attacks, wondering if I have made the right choice, etc.<br /><br />The thing that makes the wait more annoying, I am mindful that these worries and aliments will <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">dissipate</span> on his arrival, but thats then I am here, now. Painful, bored, anxious, now...April Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372431989797780971.post-59353617047377625362010-11-14T01:45:00.003+00:002010-11-14T01:52:55.722+00:00Fed up. A week to go....I want my body back.<br />I want my boobs back.<br />I want to be able to put my own knickers on without falling over.<br />I want the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">metallic</span> taste in my mouth to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">disappear</span>.<br />Most of all I want to meet my son.<br /><br />I don't know what I hate more the feeling my ribcage is being pulled apart<br />or the fact its much harder to breathe.<br /><br />Seven days have never felt so much like an eternity before...April Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372431989797780971.post-56511888202880524532010-11-09T00:40:00.002+00:002010-11-09T00:45:31.296+00:00'Pregnancy sexuality pictures'<span>I know I shouldnt, but this made me laugh...</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: right; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);" class="entry-author"><span class="entry-source-title-parent">"from <a href="http://www.google.com/reader/view/feed/http%3A%2F%2Fpregnantphotos.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault" class="entry-source-title" target="_blank">pregnancy pregnant photos and wallpapers</a></span> <span class="entry-author-parent">by <span class="entry-author-name">Nasreddin</span></span></div><div style="text-align: right; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);"><span lang="en"><span title="">"Most people who try out the many possible positions during sex, are motivated by the search for new and exciting sensations. </span><span title="">Aside from its novelty value but can help a number of less common positions, also in solving various physical and psychological problems. </span><span title="">If you are pregnant or overweight, back pain or a short penis or your partner is greater or smaller than you, turns out to be potentially in a position that you have not tried or had pulled even considered as the best. </span><span title="">Choosing the right position can a </span></span><span lang="en"><span title="">woman who previously had no orgasm help orgasm, an impotent man allow the execution of sexual intercourse and even make a seemingly infertile couple conceive possible."</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Some more...<br /></div><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);" title=""><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153); font-weight: bold;">Positions in pregnancy:</span></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);" title=""></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);" title="">At the beginning of pregnancy, a couple have intercourse as usual, unless the doctor forbids it in the first three months of pregnancy because of a previous miscarriage. If the pregnancy progresses and the abdomen of the woman is thicker, the conventional sex is uncomfortable or impossible. The woman is instructed on methods for which no direct pressure on the belly and she can control at least the depth of penetration. Both partners kneel on the bed, he enters from behind and avoid strong shocks Beck.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);" title=""></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);" title=""></span><a style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);" target="_blank" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMstjMi0OPU_YFVj2pU5gBrF3Ka4v9MJqQ8m8XvLHViHGVx_7VF8po5b9oVTgut8OZ7gOH9u5hQUdfd_VvlnqpxibBjfvzMnQE0VO4cmDXnGgvPySFXTsNE6QcuBHBIhqO4xYlD6XUV4/s1600/Pregnancy+sexuality+picture1.jpg"><img style="width: 200px; height: 161px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMstjMi0OPU_YFVj2pU5gBrF3Ka4v9MJqQ8m8XvLHViHGVx_7VF8po5b9oVTgut8OZ7gOH9u5hQUdfd_VvlnqpxibBjfvzMnQE0VO4cmDXnGgvPySFXTsNE6QcuBHBIhqO4xYlD6XUV4/s200/Pregnancy+sexuality+picture1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);" title=""></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);" title=""></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);" title="">It is supported with spread legs, torso and legs. Because here is no pressure on the abdomen, this position for the late stage of pregnancy is appropriate.</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This picture makes me laugh, as well as making me feel rather cautious. Y'ouch.<br /></div><a style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);" target="_blank" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rgjPQ6pOZBHR7ZWROm3xdle0qZII1WtdNmStjKvqTzVqTRnTSLbrBAkf4gdjvLxq-70udJz-9RS1b1q-q_Vl5Zr_Hu1AJpg_y8tS_I4vGRrVYtsFQENb8NUITDGuOboY0T1UEwMz87Y/s1600/Pregnancy+sexuality+picture2.jpg"><img style="width: 200px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rgjPQ6pOZBHR7ZWROm3xdle0qZII1WtdNmStjKvqTzVqTRnTSLbrBAkf4gdjvLxq-70udJz-9RS1b1q-q_Vl5Zr_Hu1AJpg_y8tS_I4vGRrVYtsFQENb8NUITDGuOboY0T1UEwMz87Y/s200/Pregnancy+sexuality+picture2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);" title=""></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);" title="">The couple is on the side, he enters from behind. Again, no printing is done on the abdomen.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);" title=""></span><br /><a style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);" target="_blank" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVEINSemjVYv6CmXnLaxv5C5KeSYgW8eNyFM3K_ua9ryowXgeLDX67U60fu9WM4cpHUCQq55qDfezErqQ4ZrMpYssT88mMFf_visHL86_xW8f_uei6au6743ri8fdXGlDD9XXDOZb3uw/s1600/Pregnancy+sexuality+picture3.jpg"><img style="width: 200px; height: 89px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVEINSemjVYv6CmXnLaxv5C5KeSYgW8eNyFM3K_ua9ryowXgeLDX67U60fu9WM4cpHUCQq55qDfezErqQ4ZrMpYssT88mMFf_visHL86_xW8f_uei6au6743ri8fdXGlDD9XXDOZb3uw/s200/Pregnancy+sexuality+picture3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);" title=""></span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);" title="">The couple embraced on a chair. She sits on his lap and can control the depth of penetration.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);" title=""></span><a style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwx4IKAUDWemf1a9uJCM6sX69VbxgJt3E7osC6fi9QuBGgMFuZnj0ipg4Xyg9fcehXNcnnwXOrCk1qiskgHpXiWixg0E_t8deWyfqFrCTfBmtjvVbVpNPKrADOoyJaKttrRPe20eiHkzk/s1600/Pregnancy+sexuality+picture4.jpg"><img style="width: 123px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwx4IKAUDWemf1a9uJCM6sX69VbxgJt3E7osC6fi9QuBGgMFuZnj0ipg4Xyg9fcehXNcnnwXOrCk1qiskgHpXiWixg0E_t8deWyfqFrCTfBmtjvVbVpNPKrADOoyJaKttrRPe20eiHkzk/s200/Pregnancy+sexuality+picture4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;" title=""></span><br /><span lang="en"><span title=""></span></span></div>April Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372431989797780971.post-46301177573789628232010-11-06T16:02:00.010+00:002010-11-06T16:53:58.237+00:0010 positives about my pregnancyEnough with the maternity moans! Below is a list of reasons to why I should like my pregnancy, rather than <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">wishing</span> for its <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">inevitable</span> end. This pregnancy has been rather tough, to be honest I hated the first and third <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">trimester</span> so much, those reasons alone would make me think twice about doing it again.<br />But <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">heres</span> a bunch of reasons that in a few weeks time, I may come to miss it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/215px-Gustav_Klimt_023.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 187px; height: 522px;" src="http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/215px-Gustav_Klimt_023.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>1 - I get to interior design shop, a lot. No questions asked! ...Junk shops, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ikea</span></span>, Habitat, no one can hold me back!<br /><br />2 - It makes me think of the 'larger picture', rather than just my own needs. Helps me to put my existence in perspective<br /><br />3 - Rowdy men on the street leave you alone, no wolf whistles or strange comments, sometimes they will be surprisingly respectful to you, holding doors open, etc.<br /><br />4 - Because I have had severe nausea throughout this pregnancy my partner cooks every night, he has now become really good at cooking whereas before I couldn't trust him with a microwave.<br /><br />5 - I did not suffer from stretchmarks nor did I get <span style="visibility: visible;" id="search">a Linea Alba</span>, which I don't really like the look of. (some women do, I don't)<br /><br />6 - Always having an unquestionable reason to get out of social arrangements if needed.<br /><br />7 - Random chats with nostalgic middle age women about pregnancy in the supermarket.<br /><br />8 - I have spent a lot of time reconnecting with my own Mother.<br /><br />9 - My relationship has got much better, we communicate more efficiently, hardly argue and take things on the chin a lot more, again pregnancy has a way of making light of things which may have really knocked you down before.<br /><br />10 - Sex is more intense when pregnant! It feels <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">incredible</span>!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"> <em>[Picture left Die <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Hoffnung</span></em> by Gustav Klimt (1903)]<br /></div>April Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372431989797780971.post-61518962135321484792010-10-28T19:27:00.002+01:002010-10-28T19:37:51.333+01:00Maternity clothing mayhem (belated post)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thebigshwop.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/picture1.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 332px; height: 222px;" src="http://thebigshwop.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/picture1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">The majority of maternity clothing is far from exciting, my friend recently described the high street choices as 'dull casual office wear'. There seems to be a gap in the maternity clothing market, it is either elaborate party wear or plain functional work wear, in most cases they are usually both extremely overpriced.<br />Besides being absurdly expensive I find maternity clothing sizes to be quite unpredictable. I purchased a body con skirt, size 8/10 from Moda Mothercare and even in my 6 month bump it was 3 times too big. I am over 8 months now and it is still just too big... 'body-con' my bum!<br /><br />Below are a few pointers that may help both women on a budget or women just wanting something with a bit more flair.<br /><br />1- First port of call, and most obvious place would be eBay, type in 'maternity lot', or 'maternity bundle'. I grabbed some ace bargains that way! I managed to get a bag of 20 pieces most of which were all in season, it came to about £4! The were based far away and refused to post so I asked my Mother to pick up the bag for me as she lived near by to the seller. Most of the items are lush and I still haven't had chance to wear all of them as of yet!<br />Another trick is to sell items you may not deem as 'mothery material', or items of which need to go to make space for all the baby stuff, trade in for some staple maternity classics.<br /><br />2- ASOS has a <a href="http://www.asos.com/Women/Sale/Cat/pgehtml.aspx?cid=3930">clearance section</a> which can offer some neat bargains. Maternity or not!<br /><br />3- Most vintage clothes have high waist/empire seams, great to wear above the bump, watch out with vintage sizing though, us ladies were a bit more petite those many moons ago!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 181px; height: 269px;" src="http://ethicalstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/gypsy05maxidress1.jpg" /><img style="width: 148px; height: 263px;" src="http://www.frugalfashiondiva.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Oli-V-Neck-Maxi-Dress.jpg" /><img style="width: 170px; height: 257px;" src="http://www.petitelefant.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/maxi-dress.jpg" /><img style="width: 90px; height: 261px;" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k224/lapinlicks/maxi-dress-246x300.jpg" /><br /></div>4- Most 'maternity' items are not maternity specific, its mainly items sold as comfort wear, you see a lot of Waterfall cardigans for instance, with a massive mark up because they happen to have 'maternity' labelled onto them. The same is to be said of the high street maxi dress as the in trend maxi seems to be made of out jersey material, but the maternity ones are sold for a premium price.<br /><br />5- Jersey! It's cropped up already, anything cottony and stretchy will probably be your lifesaver over the next few months, not those designer maternity jeans! (-speaking of which every pair I have purchased have caused me massive discomfort around the bottom of my bump when sat down... I despise the things!)<br /><br /><a href="http://bumpwearproject.com/wp-content/uploads/cole.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 433px; height: 258px;" src="http://bumpwearproject.com/wp-content/uploads/cole.png" alt="" border="0" /></a>6 - <a href="http://www.americanapparelstore.com/">American apparel</a>, they are quite unique in that their ranges sell in both maternity and non maternity ranges. Their maternity section is a collection of products that accommodate to both. Try to bear this in mind when looking at the price tag, though as admittidly, the prices are a wee bit steep... I purchased a body-con pencil skirt at the start of my second trimseter, I have been wearing it through out my pregnancy without any hassle, because of the density and nature of the fabrics they use in the body-con items meant that my ever growing bump was always left supported, it has been my staple piece of clothing ever since I nabbed it. It supports me and looks great, I will rocking this skirt pre and post natal.<br /><br />7- Speaking of investments, ther<a href="http://www.bellydancematernity.com/images/maternity_images_main/spx02_alt2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 396px;" src="http://www.bellydancematernity.com/images/maternity_images_main/spx02_alt2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>e are certain things on the market I would reccomend that may deem a bit pricey such as the above, but items do what they are supposed to. The Mama Spanx tights for instance offer great support aswell as lasting that bit longer than regular tights. I have tried other highstreet maternity tights and they just don't cut it, buying these to begin with may actually save you some pennies.<br /><br />8- Most of your clothes can be revised to fit around your ever changing figure, there are lots of great guides online. <a href="http://diymaternity.com/">DIY Maternity</a> has a great range of projects suiting to advance to novice sewers!<br /><br />9- The empire strikes back! Well no, not really, but one trick I love is typing in empire into eBay/wherever and finding empire seamed clothing which can be worn as maternity wear without the insane price tag<br /><br />10- Many people forgo this item, diving in for nursing bras or larger bras, but a good maternity bra will save you from discomfort and not to mention potential stretchmarks. My boobs feel great!<br /><br /><br /></div>April Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372431989797780971.post-18254376861847568802010-10-21T05:27:00.009+01:002010-10-21T06:23:24.338+01:00Nesting (rant) / ode to boyfriend<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/atimg/1888224/101810-color1_rect540.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 466px; height: 312px;" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/atimg/1888224/101810-color1_rect540.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I have a severe nesting urge, they seem to come on really late at night, stopping me from sleeping. Right now I am writing on the laptop researching furniture shops, rare tiles, how to do up my kitchen with the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">minimum</span> of money, whilst my beloved gently snores the night away...<br /><br />This is all rather silly as I don't even <span style="font-style: italic;">have </span>my 'own kitchen' as of yet. For reasons I cant be bothered going into, me and my partner are still yet to move into our family house, this leaves me with a million things to do in preparation for the child but the catch is I can't do any of it at present. This leaves me feeling stressed out, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">unhappy, and very very guilty</span>, also a bit of a chore to live with!<br />Because our current situation has left me unable to prosper with the physical side of nesting, I have been comforting myself nesting 'virtually'. This means spending a lot of time on websites, advice forums which <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">soon</span> gathers lists of new things to do, more things to think about, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">figuring</span> out how the new house is going to be, restoring old frames, listing design ideas, buying second hand furniture, figuring out how we will make the new place (where-ever-it-will-bloody-be) our own, this makes me feel <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">incredibly</span> silly as we are yet to know what address we will be living at ...damn evolution!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Desperately</span> do I want to assemble the cot, hang up the baby clothes and plug in the baby monitor, but it would all be quite futile (unless I were to be premature, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">eak</span>).<br /><br />Richard and I are still at our flat, surrounded by stuff we have accumulated for the house move and child, we are quickly running out of space... I am running out of time but yet, I just can't wait until this is all over!<br /><br />I am quite big now, can never get comfortable, hurts to walk, hurts to stand, hurts to sit up, can't tie my own shoes, or get my own tights off and of course, I pee <span style="font-weight: bold;">all </span>the time. We were told the baby's head is engaged and has been for a couple of weeks now, wondering if deployment is coming sooner rather than later... Either way has pros and cons. - Thank god mother in law got us the moses basket just in case!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Websites I have been exploiting:<br /><br /><a href="http://nymag.com/homedesign/spring2009/56426/?imw=Y&f=most-viewed-24h10">New York Home Design</a><br /><a href="http://community.livejournal.com/saucydwellings/">saucy Dwellings</a> (on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">LiveJournal</span>)<br /><a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/">eBay</a> (natch)<br /><a href="http://www.babygadget.net/">Baby Gadget</a><br /><a href="http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBsQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.apartmenttherapy.com%2F&ei=OcS_TKn-IeGQ4gaJ2vWUDA&usg=AFQjCNEnwgO6bJB-5hsrUP7JCr2nkVcF5A">Apartment Therapy</a><br /><a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/galleries">House to Home</a><br /><a href="http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_GB/rooms_ideas/splashplanners.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Ikea</span> room planner(s)</a><br /><a href="http://www.piewacketblog.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">piewacketblog</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.freecycle.org/">Freecycle</a><br /><a href="http://www.ohdeedoh.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ohdeedoh</span></a><br /><a href="http://uktv.co.uk/home/dgiped/kw/1">Home </a>(<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">uktv</span>)<br /></div>April Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372431989797780971.post-7008659793217808212010-10-09T14:22:00.001+01:002010-10-09T14:24:16.456+01:00Time bombIm in the lengthy process of buying a house, I am 34 weeks pregnant with the baby's head already engaged.<br /><br />I am freaking out.April Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372431989797780971.post-44038724021956736582010-10-05T10:39:00.005+01:002010-10-05T10:57:04.799+01:00A thought provoking and candid account of one woman's experiences of childbirth, and the idea of being 'womanlike'<div style="text-align: left; font-style: italic;">"When I told people I didn't plan to breast-feed my daughter (I only told people who asked; I'm old-fashioned that way), I met a fair amount of incredulity. "But don't you want to give your child every possible advantage?" I was asked. Not really, I replied. This kid will be born white and middle class in America; she's already ahead of 95% of the rest of the world. Why does she need every advantage?"<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;">- http://mcsweeneys.net/links/bitchslap/bitchslap10.html<br /></div></div>April Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372431989797780971.post-64523840674591411672010-10-04T19:51:00.003+01:002010-10-04T20:06:36.650+01:00a twit...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media.inhabitots.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/kickbee_version1_coreyandel.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 307px; height: 240px;" src="http://media.inhabitots.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/kickbee_version1_coreyandel.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.inhabitots.com/2010/07/16/kickbee-tummy-tweeter-sends-text-messages-to-dad-when-baby-kicks/">Oh dear</a><br /><br />This inventor seems to be more interested in showing off gadgets/silly ideas, rather than being excited over the kicking of the unborn... Or maybe I am just too cynical, I never really 'got' Twitter anyway...<br />I only find it entertaining to read what the famous kids are up to.<br />Also, if you care <span style="font-style: italic;">that much </span>to have a text message <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">every time</span> your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">littleun</span> kicks, get already poor long suffering partner to text you, don't make social networking websites even more tedious than <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">necessary</span>.<br /><br />My baby kicks the most (and not to mention the hardest) at night. He could show Ian Curtis a thing or to, so perhaps I would get some satisfaction by the idea the baby's father was being woken up as many times as me. Hmmm, food for thought.<br />Ah, it wouldn't work, phones have a silent mode, I wish pregnancies came with adjustable settings!<br /><br />Another thing, not to buy... The Kickbee fetal monitor!April Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372431989797780971.post-24865812345229907622010-10-03T17:22:00.003+01:002010-10-03T17:34:27.009+01:00Showing off: Children's artwork jewellery.<a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.179710945.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 442px; height: 362px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.179710945.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.179710947.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 173px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.179710947.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.179710948.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 189px; height: 178px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.179710948.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><p><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57891831/my-little-artist-necklace-sterling?ref=sr_list_27&ga_search_query=resin&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title">twochickstoo</a> at Etsy has made this lovely way of capturing and not to mention showing off your little un's artwork. </p><p>You scan a copy over to her or send the orginal to her house after paying and by 10 days your kiddie's work will be forever cherished in one of these resin cameo pendants. Love it.</p>April Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372431989797780971.post-61659531692594611732010-10-01T01:56:00.005+01:002010-10-01T02:31:42.395+01:00Getting my maternity kit off...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0DIvLEpm5EKI_wceATaZvmYT3HZ5U0EUvKfifHyS9TgbeqpeiiVTfSJuuxaDznS4ZeIv7eeIlxm1Cu-jmyTAZKgNeA6iCKHwtbCP_SgYdIw7G6pRqEWsUInC4cDck0f5pRlt5AW_Pqp9/s1600/IMGP4260.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 394px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0DIvLEpm5EKI_wceATaZvmYT3HZ5U0EUvKfifHyS9TgbeqpeiiVTfSJuuxaDznS4ZeIv7eeIlxm1Cu-jmyTAZKgNeA6iCKHwtbCP_SgYdIw7G6pRqEWsUInC4cDck0f5pRlt5AW_Pqp9/s400/IMGP4260.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522877014613352546" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RTvEiZQNBXAZvHSUBuh6BDQa9h-XZ7xQK4vjF4P910lWU8Uqny01Wek3FS0x_O_hOt0j7pKUiswoapKJfumNbpLR4ZNOm0bku8Sqtlj1TSEgGI1nS8I1rQTMatiu9J4ThVsGiXquk4f8/s1600/IMGP4211.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 394px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RTvEiZQNBXAZvHSUBuh6BDQa9h-XZ7xQK4vjF4P910lWU8Uqny01Wek3FS0x_O_hOt0j7pKUiswoapKJfumNbpLR4ZNOm0bku8Sqtlj1TSEgGI1nS8I1rQTMatiu9J4ThVsGiXquk4f8/s400/IMGP4211.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522876141670587746" border="0" /></a>So, a friend of mine needed a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">preggo</span> to bare (not really) all for his upcoming video installation. At first I didn't want to do it, but didn't want to let anyone down. I tried to re-write my parts where my chest would be covered with a newborn, un-surprisingly we had problems getting hold of one.<br /><br />Looking back at the day I suppose I felt more funny <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">about</span> being <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">partially</span> naked <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">in front</span> of my friend, I also felt odd that by getting my kit off when pregnant would misrepresent my usual shape. The day came closer and closer then on the day I just took a deep breath whipped my top and bra off and got on with it. - the tension dropped and not after long I felt fine.<br /><br />Looking back on the photographs (which I asked to be taken) I was slightly proud I had overcome being so wilful and just got on with it, not to mention I didn't appear to look like the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Jabba</span>-the-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Hutt</span> freak that I was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">convinced</span> I would. Also, after the pregnancy, looking back at this time in years to come, I can see how I carried my first born. (Not to mention being a part of a pretty <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">unique</span> art-piece!). Just as well it is being exhibited in lands far away, I would probably feel much different if my friends were to see it!<br /><br />I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">definitely</span> suggest doing something similar, this has made me consider making a video of the birth or from the day of arrival so I can <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">remember</span> all of this, the negatives make me forget how happy I am to be carrying. Also, on speaking to other Mothers about this they recall the final stages/labour as cloudy, it seems to upset them that everyone sees <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">their</span> experience from a better view of which they did.<br /><br />I don't know, maybe <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">i'm</span> going <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">maaaaaaad</span>.April Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372431989797780971.post-49014928023722067272010-09-28T03:05:00.002+01:002010-09-28T03:14:01.237+01:00Say cheese.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.emarkys.com/caviar/customer/image.php?type=P&id=17060"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://www.emarkys.com/caviar/customer/image.php?type=P&id=17060" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Rather than lumbering you pregnant folk with yet another collection of food that you cannot eat, here is a post about some food of which you can.<br />Below is a list of cheeses/dairy produce<span style="font-weight: bold;"> safe </span>to eat in pregnancy, some may come as a surprise - Enjoy!<br /><br /><b>Hard cheeses: </b><br />Austrian smoked, Babybel, Caerphilly, Cheddar, Cheshire, Derby, Double Gloucester, Edam, Emmental, English goat's cheddar, feta, Gouda, Gruyere, Halloumi, Havarti, Jarlsberg, Lancashire, Manchego, Orkney, paneer, Parmesan, Pecorino (hard), Provolone, Red Leicester.<br /><br /><b>Soft and processed cheeses: </b><br />Boursin, cottage cheese, cream cheese, feta, goat's cheese without a white rind, mascarpone, mozzarella, Philadelphia, processed cheese (such as cheese spread), Quark, ricotta.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yoghurts (all varieties)</span>, probiotic drinks, fromage frais, soured cream and crème fraîche - any variety, including natural, flavoured and biologically active - are all safe to eat.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;">[info collected from babycentre.co.uk]<br /></div>April Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372431989797780971.post-34756049081156162082010-09-20T20:12:00.005+01:002010-09-21T15:55:13.351+01:00A 'Mothery' Moan...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www3.sainsburys.co.uk/littleones/images/stories/bounty/bounty_mums-to-be-essentials.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 352px; height: 243px;" src="http://www3.sainsburys.co.uk/littleones/images/stories/bounty/bounty_mums-to-be-essentials.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Today I picked up my Mum-to-be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">essential</span> pack from Bounty. I wasn't too happy with its contents.<br /><br />The items that are 'for Mum' all had <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">connotations</span> which I thought were a bit off... The pack came with nipple pads... okay, they will come in useful... laundry tablets, I suppose there will be a lot of dirty clothes... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Hmm</span>... a can of diet coke with a voucher <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">exclusively</span> for another diet coke. Then pow! -a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">pamphlet</span> on life insurance!? So, the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">general</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">consensus</span> is that when I have my little one I will turn into a leaky, fat, housemaid who should start planning <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">their</span> death... Charming!<br /><br />I was hoping for some samples of baby lotion, advice on healthy eating, happier sort of stuff, the odd promotion-rubbish, but generally I hoped things like this would be a celebration of mum finally meeting baby. There was a pack within the pack for the baby which came from Pampers which will come in useful, wipes and newborn nappies, that sort of thing... But still, it's called a 'Mum-to-be' pack.<br /><br />The reason to why I am writing this up on here, is that I usually find that pregnant women do have things mentioned and said to them in passing which <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">wouldn't</span> when not pregnant, it would be seen as rude and unseemly. Not to mention these packs are handed out within <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">NHS</span> hospitals (also <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Sainsburys</span> and Boots). We should be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">encouraging</span> women to relax with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">their</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">bodyshape</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">during</span> this time, altered or not. We should be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">encouraging</span> women to apply a new routine with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">their</span> child which does not include just cleaning and weight loss. Also, what about the men? The men could benefit from nappy rash cream too! - they will have to learn at some point so why are these packs and vouchers pushed out to the women.<br /><br />This slightly relates to why I started this blog in the first place, as I read pregnancy magazines I found them more and more pushy. When writing up my baby shopping lists I found it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">difficult</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">differentiate </span>between things I needed and things that they told me I needed. As a first time Mum how can I ever be sure? With these messages how can I feel relaxed or prepared? My answer; stop reading those magazines and talk to women who have done it, speak to anyone in the hospital who will listen or seems <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">enthusiastic</span> about babies (this is not at all difficult to find on an antenatal ward!).<br /><br />Pregnancy magazines/<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">documentaries</span>/stories usually centre around two things shock and/or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">aspirational</span> living: 'Look at this poor woman!' or 'Look at this rich woman living it up!'. I would like to see some articles becoming somewhat more humble. I recently saw a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">documentary</span> on (BBC3 of all places) called 'Cherry is having a baby', it was patronising and a bit rubbish but it interviewed all different types of women from different backgrounds and it made for an interesting narrative. The women who had more in the way of money/career had massive concerns over <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">their</span> body image and changes of lifestyle, whereas younger parents/single mums would remain headstrong and would be very much open to the idea of change. There is a dialogue to be had that would be more interesting to have amongst new mothers and fathers. New found parenthood is tough on everyone, let's not make it worse by singling out women who are already vulnerable to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">commercial</span> ads.<br /><br />In any case, I am going off on one. With this I will finish.April Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372431989797780971.post-4698339271250420352010-09-14T17:06:00.002+01:002010-09-14T17:13:32.026+01:00The attack of the killer pram! - Parenthood and artistryI am not exactly the Guardians biggest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.barbarahepworth.org.uk/biography/A%207.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 252px; height: 372px;" src="http://www.barbarahepworth.org.uk/biography/A%207.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> fan, so I was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pleasently</span> surprised to see <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2010/aug/01/art-children-pram-hallway">this article</a> passed onto me by my partner. It's a refreshing piece discussing the realities of making it in the art world after becoming a parent. The article is written by novelist Frank <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Cottrell</span></span> Boyce, so obviously its about <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">writing</span> in particular, but the same <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">principles</span> can be translated to all the arts, or even an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">attitude</span> to life as a nervous parent.<br />In my household me and my partner both work in creative fields, to work nine to five to fund our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">lifestyles</span> would feel like more or less giving up... Giving in and by our standards, we would be failing a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">inspirational</span> good role models for our little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">un</span></span>'.<br />Richard (understandably) wants to support me and our child, to provide for us without worry. I, would also like those things, but only under certain circumstances. Echoing the role <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Cottrel's</span></span> wife, I also have only ever wanted my partner to write. For him to make a living from it, anything else is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">secondary</span> to the bigger picture. I would not be happy to either of us to lose sight of our ambitions, and if we were to what kind of example would that set for our child? In addition to this I think to create and explore new ideas/places with my child strapped onto my partners back would make a wonderful reality for the person-to-be.<br />The child's presence I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">believe</span> will <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">encourage</span> us to take our professions more seriously, as I am not only working for me now. We're working for the entire unit. It's going to be incredably hard, but hey, what other choices do we have?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><br />(Pictured above: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Artist</span> Barbara <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Hepworth</span></span> with child Paul, 1929)<br /><br /></div>April Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372431989797780971.post-91749334765914049102010-08-24T17:47:00.005+01:002010-08-24T19:10:40.277+01:0027 weeks! Update!<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcoSuoni_2M5FXYUIQzglNy071hd0Rg2dSRTBHkFli4qIZEI6cyCu5mQ8k6DFYiRIHQMPHF5oqkvDKcsExk02MTr3UBop-7cmzWMfHGtlf3FqWwTOSmSzIGw9zCL5aGz-4aUBo18XtfOy/s1600/IMGP3515.JPG" style="width: 421px; height: 292px;" alt="" /> <img src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k224/lapinlicks/belly.jpg" style="width: 405px; height: 292px;" alt="" /><br /><br />I am 27 weeks! Not long to go now, this feels all the more real considering David Cameron had his baba today, me and his wife fell pregnant around the same time, so it is a little scary! - Horrifying Torie babies aside I shall update you on the pregnancy niggle front: the 'morning' sickness has pretty gone just gone, or has actually been left to just the morning, thank goodness. I now waddle rather than walk, and I eat <span style="font-weight: bold;">all of the time.</span><br />Cravings are kicking in now, albeit them ever changing ones. The longest cravings I have had have been Spaghetti hoops and Aeros, not together, I don't really have any exciting stories on that front really. I usualy just prefer really starchy foods like potatos and bananas and insanely fruity drinks. Nothing really exciting like coal i'm afraid - unlike my friend who had a severe craving for bubble bath foam!<br />Regarding the hoops and chocolate, not sure what defiency that could be highlighting, if any... maybe its that I don't eat enough junk food and my baby is giving me a helping hand.<br />CHANCE WOULD BE A FINE THING.<br /><br />I had a scan last week where they told me I had a lot of placenta, meaning baby is getting a big ol' connection to my blood supply, this has been said in the same fortnight where had had t come in and out of hospital for collapsing. It isn't regular pregnancy fainting spells, either, I lose my vision, get a fever and pass out followed by violently throwing up - We have been in and out of different health services trying to find out the answers but thus far Doctors seem to think I have bad anaemia brought on or exasperpated by the pregnancy. M blood levels were low at the start but it goes to show its got to the point where baby is literally sucking ALL OF MY blood. Cheeky bugger! Thankfully though, everything is fine on the baby front, all tests on the baby have come back more than positive and he is kicking me now, more than ever. [Sigh]<br /><br />We have had it also confirmed I am in fact having a boy! - something I always had a feeling I would, but now I can stop panicking about all those baby boy clothes and toys impulsivly purchased.<br />This news has brought on slight anxieties though, I am worried about raising a boy, I know where I am with a girl, but what if my little boy turns into a macho woman hating man, or worse, ANOTHER GAMER? (like his Father) - I don't think I can take another nerd in the house!<br />How do I keep the balance between keeping an open mind and remaining vigilant with my own views? I am probably getting really ahead of myself, these things, they have a habit of just buzzing around my head at night. It's all just a part of a bigger problem, that I am getting nervous about actually becoming 'a Mother', being responsible for a person and as well as a unit, being a role model, and entertaining another little soul's imagnation till he becomes an independent person...<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">BUT I'M NOT ONE OF THOSE YET. ARG.</span><br /></div><br />On Sunday I have my baby shower, we are having a Mexican theme, as one of my many cravings have been burritos, this hits two nasty birds with one stone, this way the men can make ridiculously hotwraps and smoke cuban cigars whilst the women get on talking about the horrors of childbirth. Hooray.April Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372431989797780971.post-74852892268559069682010-08-11T14:34:00.011+01:002010-11-06T16:52:23.633+00:00T-minus 100 days!We're due our bundle of joy in 100 days, these are the things still left to do (I will highlight items as they become completed):<br /><br />1 - Have the baby shower. <span style="font-weight: bold;">[COMPLETED]</span><br />2 - Write up my birth plan.<br />3 - Complete house hunt. <span style="font-weight: bold;">[COMPLETED]</span><br />4 - Have the frightening meet up with partner's mother and discuss parenthood <span style="font-weight: bold;">[COMPLETED]</span><br />5 - Go to Antenatal classes. <span style="font-weight: bold;">[COMPLETED]</span><br />6 - Go to Aquanatal classes. <span style="font-weight: bold;">[HAVE HAD PHYSICAL PROBLEMS PREVENTING ME FROM DOING THIS]</span><br />7 - Learn how to knit (don't just learn how to cast-on then give up).<br />8 - Sell all the clothes I will no longer be able to fit it/not appropriate for 'motherhood' on eGay. <span style="font-weight: bold;">[ONGOING]</span><br />9 - Make labour mix tape. It will probably include lots of Brian Eno and none of my partners love for Thin Lizzy.<br />10 - Agree on a girl's name, just in case it isn't in fact a boy. <span style="font-weight: bold;">[COMPLETED]</span><br />11 - Move into new place. <span style="font-weight: bold;">[ONGOING]</span><br />12 - Decorate nursery.<br />13 - Make plushy toy for child.<br />14 - Sew a personalised blanket for chid.<br />14 - Do all that PC muscle stuff. <span style="font-weight: bold;">[ONGOING]</span><br />15 - Learn how to use and assemble travel system. <span style="font-weight: bold;">[COMPLETED]</span><br />16 - Have a meeting with midwife over breastfeeding/going back to work. <span style="font-weight: bold;">[COMPLETED]</span><br />17 - Learn all that crap about sterilisers/powders/warmers, etc. <span style="font-weight: bold;">[COMPLETED]</span><br />18 - Buy a cot. <span style="font-weight: bold;">[COMPLETED]</span><br />19 - Apply for maternity grant. <span style="font-weight: bold;">[COMPLETED]</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">20 - Stop worrying!! [ARRGH]<br /></span>April Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372431989797780971.post-77211395643833769342010-08-04T02:15:00.004+01:002010-08-04T02:26:23.635+01:00DIY idea!Found this little picture, thought some of you may like to see it as it would be perfect for a mobile that is non gender specfic. Also, fish are whey under-rated!<br /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9tUAi3dMpYGdXLHagHT0uvDaiw3djvkFZryr3c636wjPukaG2NfRPKTJnMcgxYWxJfg474SVqoMb1Cf09WyzQsJDHR5fAhK2PQvvIPCcVJfV8i_6ylkrIbAqI00yYuuC0FzvdgQHxIs/s400/pottery+barn+fish.jpg" alt="border=" 0="" /><br />Im doing something a bit diferent but am using very similar methods, will post when completed.April Showershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276601495557250425noreply@blogger.com0