I've moved!

I've made the move with my blog! Please go over and have a look at the new Hayley from Home. It has a new shiny design and I've gone self-hosted. It's still a work in progress but I'll be writing all my posts on there from now on so please update in your readers.

Thank you!

A Baby No More {Flashback Friday}

Over a month ago now we decided that we had to take the plunge and move Lucas into his big boy bed and new room. I was already feeling guilty that he was being moved into the smaller room as with twins on the way we will need his original room for them. Fortunately, we hadn't decorated his old room so we were able to make his new bedroom like a proper child's bedroom; all colourful and exciting. I promise I will get a post up about this while it still looks like a newly decorated room! We thought we might as well make the change to a big bed well before the babies arrived so he would be settled and happy with a new bedtime routine. 

He seemed quite interested to see his new bed being put together and we chose a date when we would move him in. I was so convinced that he would be up as soon as we put him down, that he would be running up and down the landing or awake playing. We relocated his favourite books and teddies and did the whole bedtime routine in his new room. Come that night I felt terrible and I can't even explain why! I didn't want to leave him in the bed; he looked so little. He was actually really happy going into his bed but it took him a while to figure out where to lie and what to do with the duvet. It was his confused expression as we said night night and shut the door that got to me; I wanted to go back in and sit with him but I knew there is no way he'd sleep while I was in the room. We both stood outside his room looking at each other in silence but eventually decided to sit downstairs. We sat, not speaking, no television on, just waiting for any sign that he was up or had fallen out of bed but there nothing, not a peep. We couldn't believe it, I was itching to go up and check on him but I didn't want to disturb him. I checked before we went to bed and eagerly dashed into his room in the morning to get him up. He was quite happy and I felt so relieved. 

That week we had a few disturbances early on in the evening. I went in one night and thought I'd just sit with him until he drifted off but instead he started chatting to me about the car stickers and bouncing on the bed. I realised that tactic wasn't going to work with Lucas so I told him it was time to sleep, kissed him goodnight again and left. To my utter surprise he stayed in bed and went to sleep. Some evenings we could hear him chattering but he always managed to get himself off to sleep. I still felt anxious at bedtime for at least two weeks and I would have loved for everything to stay the same but it can't, he is growing up and soon he will be a big brother. I am so proud of how well he has coped with the transition and now he has a lovely little space to call his own.

Twin Pregnancy Diary - 24 Weeks

Breathing a little easier now our two boys have reached 24 weeks and it all is still going smoothly. Since we found out they are actually MC/DA it's like a great weight has been lifted of our shoulders and I feel so much more relaxed. I had another scan last week and a check up with my original consultant  I feel much better after seeing her and being able to discuss things with a positive attitude. We are back to expecting them at 36/37 weeks and depending on their position or my preference, I can go for a natural birth or a caesarean  That is something I'm still not quite ready to make a decision about but hopefully we'll have a few months yet.

The babies are now proportioned like newborns while all their organs continue to develop and they put weight on. The growth of both of them is still on track and they are very active. At my last scan they were both breech but I can feel them moving so I'm sure they will continue to switch position for a few weeks yet. Apparently they will stop in one position soon as their won't be much room for them to turn. I can feel them much more than I ever did with Lucas, he never kept me awake at night but these two are starting too.

I'm feeling a lot bigger all of a sudden; I can't even imagine what the last few weeks will be like this time round. I'm also absolutely ravenous! I've gone from having to practically force myself to keep eating to just hovering around the kitchen while I eat anything that comes to hand. I'm taking this as a good sign that my body is preparing for the growing twins. I'm definitely feeling the aches and pains as I get bigger but they aren't bad enough to stop me getting out. Overall physically I still feel good, if it hadn't been for the emotions of the last few weeks this pregnancy would have been trouble free.

I've started putting some things together for my hospital bag; as there is a higher chance of twins arriving early I need to be prepared. Of course this is a great excuse to pick up little mini goodies to stock up my wash bag (alongside the obligatory massive pants!) I have another scan and consultant appointment booked for two weeks then all being well they'll go down to every four weeks and before we know it we'll be preparing for our extra additions.

Autumn Nature Walk

I'm so pleased that we have managed to get some outdoor time into our weekend. We've been so busy with appointments and the weather hasn't been great that we hadn't managed to get out as much as I would have liked. Doesn't a bit of fresh air always make you feel better though? We love to get out and walk; take an hour or so away from everything else and just enjoy each others company.

This weekend we went for our walk around our town's cemetery; you might think that's a bit strange but it's such a nice walk full of really old trees and very peaceful up there. So many local people go for walks round there and it is lovely in Autumn. They also have so many chestnut trees, perfect at this time of year. I wanted to collect some treasure for us to start an autumn nature box and we were lucky enough to come across some early conkers and beautifully coloured leaves. There were a few people out hunting around the chestnut trees, it's a serious business! We also found a particularly good game to play with the 'helicopters' from a massive Sycamore tree; they weren't quite ready for spinning but made a rather amusing moustache. 

 As Lucas gets older it's great to see him learning new things and he was quite particular that he carried his conkers rather than put them in the bag. Of course we also had to collect a few sticks and some very green acorns. Lucas loved it when we found a conker still in it's shell and we could open it for him to get out. They are now dotted around the house while I look for a suitable container to keep them in and I'll cover the leaves in sticky back plastic so they can be played with. I'm hoping we'll be able to add some pine cones and more acorns when they turn brown, what else would you be on the hunt for?

Autumn Wishlist

Everything has been very pregnancy heavy this week so I fancied distracting myself with a little wishlist. I am so in love with Autumn and I always feel more inclined to organise, buy treats and make changes at this time of year. I'm sure it must be the back to school mentality from my childhood! Here are a few bits and bobs I would love to have over Autumn/Winter.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

1. I'm sure a buy a new pair of gloves every year but I still love them. I'm much more of a knitted kind of girl and fingerless gloves are my favourite so I can access my phone when out and about. These Long Fair Isle Trapper Gloves from John Lewis (£15.00) are just my style.

2. Another essential buy every Autumn, this year I am in desperate need of some Maternity Tights, I love the colour of these from Tesco (£10.00).

3. I cannot say enough good things about Moroccan Oil! I was lucky enough to get a little bottle in a goody bag for an event I attended hosted by My Bag, Look Fantastic and All Sole. I have been using it religiously since and my hair feel super smooth and I find I can leave it longer between washes. I had a mini consultation at the event and they recommended the Light Treatment (£31.85) for my fine hair; it is perfect for taming my dry winter hair.

4. I get especially excited about Lush products in Autumn, particularity their Christmas bits. I don't get to buy them as often as I did so they are a real treat and Dreamtime Bath Melt (£3.25) is an all time favourite. 

5. I had to include some new stationery and I'm a sucker for cute notebooks; this one is an Eco Bamboo Notebook (£4.50) from Paperchase.

6. In my Autumn Tag I mentioned I was on the hunt for some canned pumpkin (£2.00) as I love to make pumpkin pie but it really is a pain to make puree from a fresh pumpkin. Luckily Leeks and Limoni told me she had spotted some in the World Foods section of her local Tesco and I have found it too in mine, yey! Pumpkin Pie for everyone!

7. These are really cool little sewing kits from Paper & String that I discovered a few years ago. I bought a couple last year when I had my gall bladder removed and I was confined to the sofa. I'm usually terrible and things like this but these are so easy and great fun. I'm espeically liking the look of this Robin Mini Kit (£5.00).

Is there anything that you love to buy in Autumn, what would be on your wishlist?

Twin Pregnancy Diary - 23 Weeks An Early Update

Another emotionally exhausting week has passed and I'm updating a little earlier than usual because so much has changed. We've had some amazing news about our twins that has been a total weight of my shoulders but at the same time feeling very let down by our original hospital. If you've been following my pregnancy diary you'll know that early on I was told the twins appeared to be MC/MA sharing a placenta and sac. When I looked into to it myself it seemed that they sometimes spotted the membrane later on but 5 scans later my notes hadn't changed and no one had told me any different. I had a very scary conversation with the consultant and had to face up to the fact that these babies might not survive  We were referred to a specialist at a different hospital, went in for our scan which was with a lovely Doctor and one of the first things she spotted...a membrane! I held my breath while she checked the babies out and had a double check but even we could see it. All I felt was absolute relieve and struggled to keep my emotions in check while she finished the scan. 

I could not be happier that our twins have been confirmed to now be MC/DA meaning they are still identical, sharing a placenta but in separate sacs. One of the first things she explained was that there is no risk of cord entanglement now - the thing that was keeping me awake at night as my original consultant hadn't given me much hope. She also said I could now be referred back to my original hospital for the rest of my care. The thought does not fill me with much joy; the ante-natal department only spotted the MC/MA on my notes at 20 weeks and I've had it confirmed that I should have seen the doctors at the specialist hospital straight after it was first suspected. Fair enough they still may not have picked it up until later on but I had more information and reassurance from that doctor in that one appointment than I have the whole way through my care. 

I am never quick to complain and it isn't in my nature to kick up a fuss but I can't help but feel like the time wasn't taken to explain things to me. While it all looks good for now and I should be able to carry the babies until 36/37 weeks there is still a chance of early labour as there is with all twins and I'm afraid this experience hasn't left me with much confidence. I have to say that on the whole I am a massive supporter of the NHS, I think so many staff do an amazing job and I have nothing but good things to say about the staff at my first delivery (at a different hospital). I could rest easy with this one and I can't help feeling that maybe some of this stress and upset could have been avoided. It has only been a week since they told me and I feel like it has been months of worry.

Thank you all for your kind wishes, I am honestly overjoyed that these little boys will have a safer future. I can't wait for them to be here safe in our arms! When I first found out I was pregnant I never imagined it being like this and I think this time I will be glad when it's all over and we have two healthy little boys to bring home and add to our family.

Chances Of Conceiving Twins Naturally

Since finding out that we are expecting identical twins I have suddenly been thrown into a world I was previously unaware of. There are so many factors as to whether or not you will have twins naturally and I’ve read a lot of information and statistics about multiple pregnancies since I started researching it myself. I discovered that a lot of what I thought to be true about conceiving twins was in fact a myth and it’s interesting to learn that there are still unknown elements about the conception of twins...

The lovely Shona and Cecile from Wriggly Rascals asked me to do a guest blog on the topic of conceiving twins naturally; as I am expecting identical twins I decided to share my experience and hopefully it will help some other parents. You can read the full article here.

Have you conceived twins naturally? If so, did you have a family history of twins or any of the other predisposing factors? If you have conceived twins naturally please share your experience here and help another mum work out her chances of conceiving twins.

About Wriggly Rascals

Wriggly Rascals was set up by Shona Motherwell, a frustrated mum of twins Mhairi and Archie to get mums together to share pregnancy, baby and toddler advice via quick surveys to get the facts about what other mums do. Our mums pass on loads of great tips to mums who have asked for help. If you would like some advice, get in touch at www.wrigglyrascals.com

Wriggly Rascals are also on Twitter and Facebook so pop over and say hello to them!

Twin Pregnancy Diary - 22 Weeks

This week has been a tough one if I'm honest. For the first time I've had to come to terms with the risks in my pregnancy; I've been blissfully ignorant up until now! I always knew twins were a higher risk and when I found our that our twins shared a sac and placenta (MC/MA) I knew that the risks were going to be even greater. I had read a few things about my type of pregnancy; enough to know that they are very rare and I found a couple of Mums on forums who had had their babies early, all was well and they had two healthy, happy twins. I deliberately didn't Google anything to do with MC/MA twins because I didn't want to read to horror stories.

My hospital seemed to get their act together, better late than never. I had a scan booked and as usual went to see my consultant. As she was going over my notes we were discussing me giving birth around 37 weeks and then she spotted on my scan reports MC/MA. She then had a good look over the NICE guidelines (might be worthwhile swotting up on these if you're having twins!) and we had to discuss the risks and complications. Obviously something I need to be prepared about but I was quite happy in my state of oblivion. Nevertheless, I'm pleased I have now been referred to a specialist at our local Women's hospital and already have an appointment for this week. I now know that my twins will have to be born by c-section, at 32 weeks and will have to spend some time in neonatal. After 32 weeks the risks of cord entanglement are too high to be considered safe. I'll have steroids at 26 and 28 weeks to build the babies up ready for their early delivery and if all goes to plan at least we will be prepared. It's been an emotional week but we are carrying on with a positive attitude. Once we get past the 24 week mark I'll feel more relaxed and every week that passes will get easier as it will be a week closer to meeting our boys.

I have to get organised now as our boys will be here much earlier that we thought and chances are we will be spending time going back and to the hospital so I need to be organised with Lucas as well. I can't help but feel anxious about how he will cope with the next few months but ultimately I know we will all have to; people have done it before us and we will have to manage. We're lucky to have amazing family and friends close by so I know I have people to rely on. Aside from all this I still feel good, this pregnancy has gone smoothly and I have to take that as a good sign. The scan showed that both babies are still growing well and the little guys are both breech at the moment; I'm feeling so much wriggling and kicking! These boys are keeping us on our toes.

Turning Two {Flashback Friday}

Two weeks ago today my little boy had his second birthday. We'd decided to keep it fairly low key this year and just had some family and friends visit on they day with some fun days out before and after. As we weren't giving him a big party we had a day out to Chester Zoo a few days before just the three of us. It was lovely to spend a day out together and Lucas loved looking at the animals (although he did spend most of his time climbing rocks and stroking the floor!) We went round all the favourites; elephants, penguins, bears, monkeys, lions but Lucas seemed to prefer the flamingos to everything else. 

On his birthday we had a lazy morning in our pyjamas while he opened all his presents. This can take some time; everything he opens needs to be given the proper attention and be played with before we can move on. Grandma, Grandad and cousins visited for lunch and Nanny and some friends visited for tea. There was plenty of cake but we soon realised that Lucas hates people singing Happy Birthday; even the arrival of his Postman Pat birthday cake couldn't stop him being grumpy. Second lot of visitors we didn't sing and that seemed to be ok, hopefully he'll have grown out of it by next year! 

That weekend we visited Great Nana and more family and had a picnic out at the woods and some ice cream down by the river. A perfect way to celebrate our boy turning two!

Autumn Tag

The lovely Vicki from Let's Talk Beauty has tagged me in this as we have had many discussions about our great love for the season that is autumn!

For Autumn what is your…..

1. Favourite thing about it? My wedding Anniversary. We were married three years ago this October and it was the most amazing, sunny, autumnal day. I also first went out with my husband in October 13 years ago now! Also collecting conkers.

2. Favourite drink? As I am firmly off the alcoholic beverages now (although maybe our babies will arrive in time for a Christmas tipple) I am really enjoying chai latte. I love anything chai really but the latte is particularity nice in the colder months.

3. Favourite scent / candle? Cinnamon, always makes me think of the changing of the seasons into the colder months.

4. Best Lipstick? I'm much more of a lipbalm girl but I do like the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lipstain. It's more of a matte finish which I like in the autumn but I still keep my usual pinky colours going.

5. Go to moisturiser? I stick to my old faithful No7 Advanced Hydration. I can be prone to dry skin and this works a treat when it gets cold and my skin needs a moisture boost.

6. Go to colour for the eyes? I'm never that daring with my eye colour but I will use the darker end of my neutral palattes and find myself using my Rimmel Soft Kohl eyeliner more often.

7. Favourite band / music to listen to? I think I lean more towards mellow music in autumn, Smashing Pumpkins, Incubus, Bon Iver and Ani Di Franco are favourites at the moment.

8. Favourite outfit to wear (i.e Boots & a scarf combo)? Not sure this year as I'm pregnant and don't have many winter maternity clothes. Usually I love to wear skirts, tights and comfy boots. I can still fit into my winter boots so they will have to do this year and I love a big knitted scarf and bobble hat.

9. Autumn Treat? Pumpkin Pie. My husband got me into Pumpkin Pie when he first went to Canada and tried some. I make one that is more like a pumpkin flavoured egg custard but it's so good and I can only ever make it when the pumpkins hit the shops. If anyone knows where you can get canned pumpkin in the UK let me know!

10. Favourite place to be? Home - is that a cop out?! I love nothing more than staying in on rainy autumn days. Me and Lucas can stay in our pyjamas and watch Disney films with hot chocolate and snacks; so cosy. Plus I can see the trees from our local park out of our patio doors so I still have a lovely autumn view.

Twin Pregnancy Diary - 21 Weeks

Last Wednesday I finally got my consultants appointment; he said I should have seen him sooner which I had thought myself but didn't like to kick up a fuss. Luckily everything has gone smoothly up to this point and I feel so much better now I've met with him. Our twins are still showing as MCMA which means we have to squash in another growth scan so I have 3 more over the next month then they should go to every four weeks all being well. I'll be seeing him much more regularly from now on as well. He told me I can have a caesarean if I choose to and I'm feeling like that would be my preference. I won't be allowed to go past 36/37 weeks but there is a high probability that they will arrive earlier than that so any early labour signs I have to get checked out. There is also a good chance I'll be put on steroids later in the pregnancy to boost the babies in case they arrive early. So far so good so I'm hoping we carry on like this.

Our last scan checked the anatomy and everything is looking good. One of them is starting to get a tiny bit bigger but they are still the same size as a singleton baby would be at this stage...another reason the caesarean seems like a good idea! From now on they are keeping any eye out for Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome. As both my babies share a placenta there is a chance that blood will be transferred from one twin to another leaving the other twin anaemic and smaller. Fortunately we live relatively close to a great Women's Hospital so I can be referred to a specialist if need be. They'll be sick of me in the ultrasound department by the end of this month! 

I've felt a lot of activity from the babies this week, still not keeping me awake but I am getting some sharp digs now. It can make me feel queasy maybe if they are somersaulting around. Each time they have scanned since 16 weeks one baby is head down and one is breech and on our last scan we could see plenty of jabs from both babies.

Not much has changed for me this week. I do crash sometimes and need to take myself off for an early night. I'm feeling much more reassured knowing that I'll be seeing our consultant regularly and being monitored. I'm just trying to enjoy this stage while I still feel good, I'm not too big and I can get ready for our boys.

The Summer Of 2013

Early this year, in the depths of our snowy winter, I was dreaming of the summer months. We are very lucky to be able to have my teacher husband at home over the holidays and when I can drag him away from his work I had planned all sorts of fun days out. In between then and now however, we found out we were expecting twins and not only has it meant we have had to be a little more careful with our money but it has given us a kick up the bum to get the house and garden in order. Poor Lucas had his outdoor fun confined to the garden while we built and painted a shed and he has patiently played while we decorated a new room for him. Maybe we haven't quite made the most of the summer like I had hoped but towards the end of the holidays we managed a few trips out to squeeze in some outdoor fun in the sun! This is a little photo round up of our summer but if I'm honest, I'm an Autumn girl anyway and I'm looking forward to getting those knitted scarves and wellingtons out and going up the the park on the deserted mornings where we can jump in the puddles and collect leaves. 

Paddling with Nanny / Park fun with Auntie / Digging /Gardening / Tree Climbing / Garden Dining / Ice Cream Eating /Family  BBQ / Rook Pooling

Beach Picnic / Down the Bear Pit / Playing Fetch / Chester Zoo / Outdoor Games / Long Walks / Tired Legs / Ice Cream Stop / Picnic in the Woods

Twin Pregnancy Diary - 20 Weeks

Halfway point! Hard to believe that in a few months our babies could be here. This pregnancy feels like it is progressing so much faster than last time as we really haven't had as much time to think about it. Finding out we are having twins has meant a shuffle of bedrooms and we've been busy making sure Lucas is well settled in his new room, clearing out clutter to make way for two babies and sorting through baby things so we know just what we need. 

Yet another scan this week which is always something to look forward to but I am much more anxious to meet with the consultant. There is still so much I don't know; so many people have asked if I will be having a c-section and I really want to find out the chances of this and if I can elect to have one. I'm not too sure either way if I'm honest but my labour with Lucas was long; I had slow early labour and was in hospital for over 36 hours before he arrived. I'm worried if the same happens this time there could be more complications with two babies. Of course there are chances of complications with twin births especially as our twins still appear to be MCMA (in the same sac and sharing a placenta) part of me just wants to security of knowing they will arrive quickly and at a time when they can be delivered safely. On the other hand I'm a little nervous of a c-section because of the extra recovery time; I just really hope my questions are answered on Wednesday and I have some more information.

The babies should be about the size of a banana and all the senses are now starting to develop. The boys should be able to hear things and will be able to feel when they touch something. We'll have more checks done of their anatomy at the scan but they checked some at the 18 week scan and all looked like it was developing well apart from them being a little squashed in there!

I'm still feeling quite energetic so I'm trying to make the most of this while I can and getting jobs done in the house and garden. I have discovered that if I walk too far it takes it's toll which I don't remember this early on in my first pregnancy. I'm trying to keep up with light exercise though and I'm hoping to get down to the swimming pool to help out those aches. The babies had been quiet for a few days but I can feel wriggles again now. I know it gives all mums-to-be reassurance when they can feel the movements, especially in these early days before it gets too vigorous!

24 Funny Things You Do (That I Love)

Dear Lucas

Today you turn two; I never want to forget you at this age so here are 24 Funny Things That You Do (That I Love):

• You dance (spin round) to any kind of music that you hear. It can be something on TV, music from the iPod, Daddy playing the guitar or just one of us singing.
• I love how you raise your eyebrows to try and keep your eyes open when you are trying to stay awake.
• That you love books and you will sit quietly with a book on your own or bring them to us to read. Reading books with you was something I dreamt of while I was pregnant and I love to cuddle up every night at bedtime and read a story you have chosen.
• The way you hold your cheek out when we say 'kisses.' At bedtime you have started to pat my back when I say 'I love you'. I am taking this as 'I love you too Mummy'.
• You talk to your toys when you play and make them talk to each other. 
• You love your family.
• Your chuckle when something makes you laugh is so carefree and infectious.
• Your love of hats, any hat will do but they are particularly special when they are either Mummy or Daddy's.
• The animal noises that you come out with when we read together; I particularly like your snapping crocodile.
• You love to play outside and get dirty; you have no hesitation in getting mud everywhere!
• I love your gorgeous hair, at the moment it is an amazing multi-coloured blonde but I suspect you will go darker as you get older.
• That you add several sets of eyes and mouths to your Mr Potato Head and get quite cross when we try to put it right.
• You ask to be lifted up when I say you can choose a film to put on and it is always either Toy Story or Puss in Boots. 
• That you will play with our hair when we give you your bottle. Whether it is me or Daddy you will grab a fistful of hair. If it's Daddy you will sometimes just got for his beard but if it is me you will tickle it across you face while you drink.
• You won't share cake
• You have started to make us cups of tea from your little kitchen and we have to sit and drink them; several cups that you re-fill. Sometimes we are given it from a spoon too.
• You always try to put on other people's shoes, sometimes over your own shoes if they are big enough!
• You are so stubborn and so independent and even when it drives me to despair I still love it. It is great that you will go and play happily without needing me with you, you don't even look back when we go to your playgroup but you always know you can find me if you want me.
• You call our cat Weegoo (her name is Rio).
• When you are enjoying your food you make yummy noises and rub your tummy.
• When we say babies you point to my belly and if we show you the scans photos you will say 'babeee' I don't think you understand what is coming but hopefully it will prepare you for meeting your two little baby brothers.
• You remember games that we have played and we have to recreate them. You will drag out your box of playmobil grab my hand and then point to the floor and say 'there' for me to sit down. Daddy gets the same treatment with the train set.
• You will eat any fruit under the sun, we have yet to find one that you don't enjoy. I love that I can fill your plate with fruit and you will gobble it all up
• I love that you are mine and you make me smile every single day. We are so proud to say that your are our little boy, undoubtedly cheeky but charming and loveable in every way.

Happy Birthday Lucas

All My Love

Mummy

x

Twin Pregnancy Diary - Week 19

Very nearly at the half way point and every week that passes is a week that the babies are getting stronger. We had our 18 week scan last Wednesday and everything was good; they checked as much as the anatomy as they could see and will try and check the rest at the 20 week scan. As I wasn't expecting them to check as much this time I wasn't expecting it to take so long so as the scan was going on and all was quiet I started to get myself worked up that something was wrong. So silly getting myself in a fluster as I know they have to be quiet to concentrate but still can't help but worry. The consultant had to sign off the scans this time as one of the twins is quite high and a little squashed but she was happy to wait until 20 weeks to see us so I am happy with that. 

The babies are both 14cm and all the measurements are fairly good considering they are twins. I can feel a lot of movement now from both babies; we were shown on the scan where they are lying and Twin A on my left side was particularly active. We could see his little legs kicking away furiously, thank goodness I can't quite feel those blows yet! Twin B is the one squashed higher up so he was more confined but we were still amazed to see the arms and legs so clearly. All the sensory development for them is happening this week and they should be the size of a small cantaloupe. 

Not much has changed for me this week but my husband has said he thinks I am showing more all of a sudden. I have felt so happy everytime I feel a little movement, it's nice to have the reassurance. My appetite is finally coming back and I'm starting to get very hungry at times, it comes on all of a sudden and I have to find something to snack on quickly. I have noticed my hair feeling thicker this time which I didn't last time but my nails aren't much different. I'm not sure I'll ever feel like that 'glowing' pregnant woman but I still feel pretty good so that will do for me.

A Day Beside The Sea

This day out is something we have been planning to do all summer but we've been busy with DIY and gardening and we haven't had as much chance to get out and about as I had hoped. Before we know it the summer will be over so we finally set a date to visit New Brighton beach on the Wirral with Lucas' cousins and Grandma and Grandad. 

I honestly think it has been at least 15 years since I last went to New Brighton, probably with my Grandparents, and needless to say it has changed dramatically  The beach is lovely with plenty of rock pools to go exploring in and we spotted several jelly fish on stroll down the sea. The sea wasn't too chilly for little feet to go paddling in and there were plenty of shells for us to collect and even a couple of crab claws. The boys had a little go on the rock pools but I was forbidden from climbing too high as my husband warned me they were very slippy. We took a picnic, camped out on the beach and ate whilst building and demolishing sandcastles. One of the best things about the day was that it didn't cost us a penny; parking is free and as we were there early we got a great spot by the beach. There is plenty more to explore there and we'd love to go back to walk along the prom and check out Fort Perch Rock, the RNLI shop and the crazy golf.

We had such a great day and Lucas and his cousin loved running around the beach. Lucas in particular liked the freedom a little too much and kept making run for it, back towards the sea. Luckily his cousin was very sensible and would grab his hand quick to bring him back. Despite the escape attempts it was so lovely to spend the day with the two of them, seeing them play together and giggling at each other is a joy. 

 

One Year On - Thank You

After being sure I wouldn't, I did in fact forget and I am a couple of days late with my one year anniversary post. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who reads, comments, and shares my blog because it really does mean the world to me. I also have to thank Vicki over on Lets Talk Beauty for encouraging me to give blogging a go and opening me up to this whole new world. Just been back to read my first post, not as bad as I was expecting but I haven't read anything else from that first month!

I thought to celebrate my blog-iversary I will of course be having some cake but I'll also let you in on some secrets, here is 12 things you may not know about me.

1. My Nana was Italian but she never taught any of her children or grandchildren the language, much to my disappointment.
2. When I was younger I wanted to work for the RAF in Air Traffic Control until I realised it involved a lot of Maths.
3. I trained as a Primary Teacher but never became one. I would love to work in education someday but not as a teacher; that is one tough job!
4. I have been with my husband since I was 16; he was my first real boyfriend.
5. I have the most terrible fear of slugs.
6. When I was a teenager I never wanted to get married or have children.
7. I have one tattoo of a lotus flower and would one day like some more.
8. My eyesight is truly terrible; I can't see a thing without lenses or glasses.
9. I have one brother who is 5 years younger than me but we have always been very close..
10. My favourite film is True Romance.
11. I get terrible homesickness, especially if I'm on my own; I am such a homebird.
12. I sleep walk and sleep talk.

Thank you for reading!

What to Expect The Workout & Film - DVD Review

If I'm honest, with my first pregnancy I didn't give much thought to my fitness. I did a tiny bit of swimming but that was all; I worked full time and I drove everywhere so I did very little exercise. This time round I was determined to be fitter and healthier! I had such a long labour with Lucas and I'm sure had I been more active it would have made a difference. 

When What To Expect UK offered to send me their pregnancy fitness DVD. 'The Workout' I thought it might give me the push to do some more exercise during this pregnancy  Even having said all that when I first put the DVD on I just sat down on the sofa, brew in hand, to watch. However, having looked through a few of the workouts I felt like it was something I could do and even wanted to do so the next day I did just that and gave it a try. I tried out 'Barefoot & Pregnant' in the Cardio workouts which I liked but couldn't always keep up with the instructors! It's easy to take it slow when you want to though and it did boost my circulation. My favourite it definitely the Stretch and Relax workout and I want to try and keep this up. My aches and pains have been much worse this time round; I get awful sciatica at night but I find when I do some light exercise it is better. This 'Mind, Body and Baby' workout helps to relax and stretch out the muscles; I do it when Lucas has just gone to bed and I can find 10 minutes peace to wind down. It doesn't leave me with any extra aches and I have been able to get more comfortable at night since I've tried it. I found the DVD easy to follow and I like the bonus feature about safe exercise in pregnancy seen as I am most definitely a beginner. I think there is something for everyone in there, a bit of dance, some stamina based routines, workouts for staying toned and yoga and pilates based exercises to finish off. It is American but don't let that put you off; the pregnant Mamas really do look amazing and are much more inspiring than intimidating!

Obviously the lovely people at What To Expect thought I deserved a reward for my exercise attempts so they also sent a DVD of the film, What To Expect When You Are Expecting. l was excited to have a good reason to have a girly film on in the house! Still I decided to watch it with my friends rather than with my other half; we all had a good chuckle at it but being the only one with children I really found it funny! My friends were very amused when my pregnancy hormones got the better of me and I sobbed at the adoption story. I will watch it again; although it touches on some sad issues it is heart-warming and amusing and I love the 'Dudes Club,' I'm sure some Dads could relate to that fear of having your first child. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at pregnant with twins Sklyer (Brooklyn Decker) wearing a bikini at her baby shower but I love that it is shown in contrast to Wendy (Elizabeth Banks) having a complete meltdown about how awful pregnancy is. Even if it is Hollywood's version of pregnancy there is something in there that every parent-to-be could relate to and I even think I might be able to convince my husband to give it a watch.

You can buy both the DVDs through Amazon. If you have any questions about fitness during pregnancy (or anything else) the What To Expect UK team are very helpful so feel free to say hello to them on Twitter or Facebook. 

Disclaimer: I was sent What To Expect When You're Expecting and What To Expect The Workout DVDs. All opinions are honest and my own.