So long weekends

Well parental leave has officially begun! I'd be so much more excited if this stupid cold still wasn't getting the better of me but I think it's just at night/in the mornings because I'm starting to feel better during the day.

I had a huge send off at work, we have lots of different people based all over the metro area and everyone came to farewell me, it was really sweet and so appreciated. 3 of my co-workers put on an amazing spread and one of their daughter's made the sweetest cake (shaped like a bottle). I'll post photos once I've gotten them sent through. My boss gave this amazing speech as well and I've never felt so appreciated, it was just really nice to know everyone was gathered their because they liked working with me and to support me in my next 'chapter'. It was a little odd though because I know I really want to come back as they're a great bunch of people to work with.

I got some awesome goodies as well and everyone kept apologising that the hamper was in a pink basket and I also asked if the pink flowers were hinting at anything. So who knows maybe this is the universe's way of saying I'm having a girl either way I honestly don't mind.

It was hard at the end of the day saying goodbye to everyone but I know I'll be popping in to see them a lot especially because work is right around the corner. They've all said they'll happily babysit as well which is sweet although I think I'd wind up with a 'missing' baby if I took some of them up on their offer ha-ha.

My boss surprised me at the end of the day with an awesome present. She has this uncanny ability to get me the best presents and I know I'm a hard person to buy for. It was even better because when I was last in the city I was saying to Hubby how much I'd love to be able to buy a Fossil bag - so unless she was right behind me (which I doubt) she did very well, it even suits my crazy elephant obsession.

So my last day was great but I know I'm going to miss it (at least until Pecan comes) and it still doesn't seem real. Hubby and I didn't do anything to celebrate me finishing or him no longer having any more uni classes EVER but it was still a nice Friday night with a home cooked meal and curling up on the couch.

Today the weather is so beautiful and I think we're planning on spending it shopping - seems a bit of a waste. But Hubby wants a cover for his brand new iPhone (spoilt!) and I want to get Christmas fabric to force myself to start making Christmas Stockings as presents for the in-laws (plus Pecan and Hubby). We're going to be on a very tight budget until money starts coming in so hopefully that will be a cheap present option.

I hope everyone else is enjoying their weekends.

No More Sleep-Ins

Curling up on the couch just isn't the same!

I realised that this was going to happen when we decided to take the plunge into parenthood but silly me was hoping it would happen after Pecan made his/her appearance or at the very least when I was resembling a whale! Sadly I keep waking up at 6am (or even earlier) and not being able to get back to sleep, whilst Hubby can simply roll over and once again be sleeping in seconds.

But instead it's made me productive and at least I get a bit of housework done so that we're not consumed by it for the rest of the weekend. For example this morning I've: done a load of washing, made pancake batter in preparation for Hubby waking up and had a shower/washed my hair - not major things but every bit counts right?

I've got a bit of a To-Do list for this weekend and hopefully I can get it all done.

1. Go to my Nana's house (with my little sister) and pick out things that we want - I feel terrible raiding her unit but my Aunty wants us to and my Nana has now been moved to a nursing home in the country to be closer to my Dad.
2. Vaccuum - this will be Hubby's job with all our stairs and bending I'm out of commission (yay!)
3. More washing...hopefully the rain stays away so I can avoid using the dryer.
4. Use my maternity clothes voucher at MotherCare - I'm only using 1 pair of work pants at the moment and if I spill something on them I'm stuffed! Although I did try on a cute dress from my wardrobe that could work I just need some maternity leggings.
5. Figure out my sewing machine and at the very least start on a project. I have several lined up from pillow cases to a baby blanket.
6. Go on a date with Hubby - definitely something cheap because we're running low on $$$ (damn baby shopping being so tempting). This is the most important and something I want to factor in because with him studying so much and Pecan's due date moving closer and closer we need to make time for 'us'.

Saturday Sunshine and Laughs

Saturday was dedicated to picnics, baking, sunshine and laughs with a little bit of 'must-do' food shopping thrown into the mix as well as a short dog walk (gotta get my steps up for the Global Corporate Challenge as this is our beat your personal best weekend!).

After finishing our food shop I hurriedly started to bake using a yummy sounding recipe I found via: Chocolatesuze (anything with super easy in the title is a winner for me and I'll be posting the recipe on my food blog). Plus they were CHEESE muffins and because Hubby hates cheese I never get a chance to really cook with it :( Luckily my uni girlfriends love cheese and they were a big hit (although would have tasted better hot out of the oven slathered with butter!). We gorged ourselves on home made treats with yummy Old English scones, delicious mini-quiches (probably not on the list of recommended eating for pregnant people but YUMMO) and the most amazing macaroons (we were telling my buddy she should try out for MasterChef her baking skills are amazing and I know she and my scone making friend are both Baking Whizzes who would love nothing better than to open a little shop).

I ate too much and I think Pecan was battling my food baby because I didn't feel too good after that, probably not the best thing to do (gorge on food) after fasting on Friday for the second glucose test (more on that in my later Bonding with Bubs post). It was funny because I kept doing pathetic yoga poses trying to get comfortable but nothing other than walking/rocking worked (thanks basketball belly) but at least I look pregnant and not like some crazy person...

So after we'd gossiped and stuffed our faces full of food we all trundled back to my friend's house and then made our ways back home. I think I collapsed on the couch for all of 5 minutes before taking the dog for a walk. I figured I needed it after all that food but I was still so uncomfortable that it was only a short walk (which was annoying and not conducive to an increased step count, fingers crossed for a big hike today).

Then after feeling sorry for myself and lazing about on the couch Hubby and I went to see Josh Thomas' new show 'Everything Ever'. Now, I'm not a fan of the Australian 'game-show' like show he's a part of on TV (Talkin' About Your Generation) but I do like his sense of humour. After seeing Dylan Moran live last month and being slightly disappointed I didn't go in with high hopes for Josh but I was laughing the entire time! I don't know if it's because he's in my age demographic or because he's a dinky di Australian (or just because he was poking fun at his life so much) but I really enjoyed the show. The Q & A bit at the end was stupid (too many idiot young people trying to be funny and asking Harry Potter questions!) but I can see that it would have worked in other situations. I definitely recommend going to see him if you ever get the chance but be prepared for a very politically incorrect show. As we were driving home I told Hubby we'd have to go again next time he's in town but that we'd need a babysitter...Hubby said it was crazy how we were now having to think of things like that and it really is but in a super awesome way :)

Letter of the Day: M

So today was a day of pampering and baby/mum-to-be shopping (and now my bank account is angry!). I finally got to use a ScoopOn I bought for the Aveda hair studio in Subi and my split ends have GONE.

The salon is pretty tiny and it was super busy when I arrived (I waited for over 15mins and they set me up in the chair and just left me alone which was pretty off putting). After the wait my colourist told me that he'd still be another 10 minutes but asked what type of colour I wanted and I told him I'd like something with a bit of red but honestly he could do what he wanted (I get like that after I haven't done anything to my hair in awhile). He did an amazing job for a guy that had only just turned 17 the day before! I was super impressed and it's just so warm but still very natural looking which is highly unusual for me. The hair cut was also awesome, unfortunately I didn't go too crazy because I still wanted to be able to tie my hair up. So without further adieu I present to you my 'mum' hair cut ha-ha:

Granted you can't really tell the colour but I love how retro that photo looks (PS: taking a photo of your own face, especially trying to get in all your hair is really tough).

And for people interested in my previous hair colours/hair dos:

Oh cocktails how I miss you!

On our honeymoon

Marie-Antoinette

Bali Hair (yes bogan me can't resist) honouring Hubby's Danish-ness

My gorgeous sister and I at Christmas after I got engaged

My next hair stop will be at an awesome hair salon in Perth (Wildilocks) known for their alternative do's. I'm very excited, I was going to get it done in November for my baby shower but looks like with everyone's holidays we'll have to move it to August :( Still I might stick with November for cool hair when I become a new Mamma.

And for the other M of the day I finally got some maternity bras and damn if they're not the ugliest things I've seen! But so comfy. I got scared when she said no underwire, probably TMI, but with my boobs I'm so used to it that I freaked out they wouldn't work. Thankfully they are sooo comfy and seeing as I've always had big boobs I'm all about comfort over pretty little things.

So that was my day (as well as seeing my little sister's new home that her boyfriend just bought) and tomorrow is set to be even better with a birthday lunch for one of my uni friends and going to watch Bridesmaids.

Long Weekend

Emile Nolde

Hurrah! So here in WA we're getting a long weekend and I desperately need it. I have absolutely no plans set in stone everything is just drifting along nicely. Possibly a walk on Monday with my girlfriends and maybe a Sunday family lunch but who knows what will happen! The best way to have a weekend, knowing there's lots to look forward to but no times to stick to PURE BLISS for this pregnant lady.

Cosy Up

Brr it is freezing but stepping into the sun when it's so cold is one of my favourite things. Bright sun, no rain, thick stockings (or tights!), jackets, cute sunglasses...what a perfect Saturday.

Today I had breakfast with my all-time favourite girlfriends. My little bump was squealed over, coffees were drunk, hotcakes consumed, poached eggs stared at longingly (my gorgeous GF even asked if it was ok if she ate it when she knows I can't, this is the same girl who said she thought of me when making chocolate mousse and felt bad!). These girls always lift up my spirits and we're all so similar. In fact the 3 of us with partners joked to the other one that there was no way she could date a rugged manly man when our partners where the complete opposite! They even let me bitch about my SiL being so C-section is the only way to go I would NEVER have a natural birth...GRRR

After that I went shopping with my Mum. We think we've found the pram/stroller (whatever you call it!) the Baby Jogger City Mini. Wham bam thank you mam re folding it up and it will fit in the back of our tiny car. But have to get Hubby to test drive it. We've already bought a baby seat because it was massively on sale ($159 - gift from Mum) and I really have to stop myself buying anything else! I don't even look pregnant yet (unless you know and I'm wearing something tight) going into those shops with all the giant bumps gives me the impression I should just WAIT. Pity my personality has never been a patient one ha-ha.

via bananababy.com.au

Now after a yummy risotto dinner cooked with me sitting on a cushion on a chair in our kitchen - stirring, stirring, stirring away! I'm snuggled up next to our wonderful fire and watching all my taped tv shows. Perfect ending to a perfect day.

Mondays

So today was another Monday I can cross off the list, although I guess I should start enjoying them seeing as they signify a new week being pregnant! Still it's hard after 2 nice days off.

On Saturday we didn't really get up to much but went out to dinner at Zapata's in Fremantle for dinner (mexican food). The food was alright but I can cross it off my list of Mexican restaurants and I don't think I'll be going back. That was were we told one of my best friend's from high school, poor guy I started by saying he was going to be an Uncle and he just got so confused (he has a younger brother & sister so that might explain it) but he teared up when I told him I was going to have a baby. It was really sweet and one of the most awesome reactions we've gotten so far.

Sunday was a visit to the place we'll (hopefully) give birth at and I found out I can have a water birth so I'm stoked. Then after that it was afternoon tea with the in-laws and seeing our niece and nephew and it was A LOT better than the last time that happened. Our little niece has finally turned into a little baby and she was so reactive it was really cute. Especially as my MiL through her up in the air and she immediately threw up it looked hilarious and lucky for her it didn't manage to get her. I got to have a cuddle and she just smelt soooo good. I can't wait for our own little one. So far Hubby and my SiL think it's a girl and I think boy. Everyone reckons we'll find out but I said that just means we won't so we can prove everyone wrong...I have a very very stubborn streak :p So even if we did want to find out I probably wouldn't share with anyone else haha.

I hope everyone else had great weekends too. I've got Hubby cooking Beef and Bean chilli - great idea for a pregnant woman haha.

Rain

Finally we got some rain here in Sunny ol' Perth (it must have been over 2months+ without it) and what should I see as I was walking to get into my car and drive off to work:

It definitely perked me up, because I've been so tired and sleeping so much dragging myself to work is the last thing I want to do.

I'm hanging out for the weekend but it's going to be jammed packed. I've decided to cook roast for Friday night dinner and hopefully we can either watch some recorded tv shows or grab a dvd (I'm hanging out for a chick flick but Hubby will say no). Saturday I'm meeting up with my uni girlfriends and will finally break the news that they're all going to be Aunties :) Then I've got an 80's birthday party that night with bookclub (I haven't even sorted out my costume but I've done 80's so often that it shouldn't be too hard!). 

On Sunday I get to visit some old work friends and get some gorgeous baby time in and after that it's off to visit my little sister who was in the hospital this week and we still don't know what's wrong (it was thought to be appendicitis but apparently not). 

So yes very jam packed and I know I'll be hanging out for just some relax at home time so hopefully Friday night can fufill that craving!

Left the Nest

Our little dove baby has abandoned his/her nest and can fly! I've been using the dove baby as a sign (silly I know) that everything will be ok with our little Pecan.

Today has been a nice day, a bit boring and lonely but still nice. Hubby headed out (looking very spiffy!) to an Engineering Graduate fair and I stayed home pottering around the garden and doing the washing. Plus watching crappy tv. 

Later in the afternoon we headed down to the beach and even though I felt like a whale (damn me being so hungry all the time) it was beautiful. The water was so calm and our little puppy had a blast. I even went in which is highly unusual and it was freezing. But I couldn't resist and I had my bathers on, just next time I'll remember that shaving your legs and then going to the beach = OUCH.

Now I've got Hubby making dinner, yummy Balinese Lamb Chops, my mouth is already watering and poor man is crying because he's chopping onions. Life is good :)

Crumpet

I woke up starving (and way too early) and let Hubby sleep in another hour, thankfully he got up before I had to run in there and jump on him. Obviously this is going to be one pregnant woman who needs to be fed! So we headed off to my newest favourite breakfast joint - Crumpet. If you're in WA it's in East Victoria Park and an absolute MUST!

Yummy herb & cheese crumpets with bacon & avocado sides

Crepes with apples

Today's been busy busy and I'm finally starting to feel that exhaustion. As soon as we got back I got changed and washed our car and then after watching some tv off to do our weekly food shop. 

Tonight we're off to dinner at the Green House (yummy) to celebrate Hubby's first birthday as a married man. But before that I've got to drag myself off this couch, walk 3 dogs (we're dog sitting) and then get myself ready for dinner. Hope everyone else is enjoying their weekends.

Sculptures

So after a VERY religious wedding ceremony (to each their own but I really don't enjoy being forced to pray, instead I just willed the couple my best wishes). The bride looked stunning! I couldn't get a good photo of the dress but I definitely had dress envy. It was figure hugging but not too much and covered in a gorgeous lace with lots of sparkle! And the groom who usually sports a full on beard was clean shaven!

We went straight to look at the Sculptures by the Sea (after a brief stop at the in-laws so Hubby could get changed). It was so windy but worth it, I really enjoyed it, here are some pictures from the day:

 

It was heaps of fun but very windy! That's no where near all the photos just the ones I got on my iphone before it decided to get grumpy and not want to work.

I can't wait for Hubby's birthday and for the big family dinner, Wednesday is going to be AWESOME!

Weddings, Sculptures, Bike Hikes...Oh My!

Today is going to be busy, it's only 550am and I'm awake. My Hubby & Dad have left to get to the start of the Bike Hike (they're doing the 60km option) then as soon as they get back we need to start getting ready for this wedding (thankfully we're not invited to the reception which is the last thing I feel like doing), attend wedding, go & view sculptures and finally catch up with one of my best friends to go over his house plans.

It's going to be an awesome day and I can't wait to post photos later on :)

Oh and I changed my hair it's now mahogany (pretty red) and looks very pretty and with my gorgeous new dress (a present from Mum) I'll definitely do a little show and tell. I really want to braid my hair for today but I have no idea how. I guess I could youtube it but I really suck at that kind of thing!

Weekend

Movies tonight and then a full-on family/friend packed weekend. Kind of excited also kind of NOOOOO I just want to relax. We've got a wedding ceremony on Sunday afternoon (after Hubby and Dad do their Bike Hike) and plan on finally going and seeing the Sculpture by the Sea! Especially seeing as it ends soon.

Hubby's birthday is this Wednesday and it's going to be AWESOME! Well hopefully it will be, and I hope his present shows up in time.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

Cute

I finally felt like I 'perfected' an outfit. This was for a Saturday BBQ brunch with the in-laws where we finally got to see my adorable niece and nephew. I got to baby jiggle a lot because poor bubba has colic :( But for the first time she didn't cry once while I was holding her YAY!!! Unfortunately I didn't snap any photos but the MiL and FiL got heaps so hopefully I can get some off them next time we meet up.

I love this Sportsgirl nail polish :)

PS: Was hoping to share yay baby news but don't think it's going to happen (one very, very, very, very faint + and then a not pregnant digital) which means no more baby making until late May :( I already told my Mum it's her fault for having such an important holiday booked that it trumps her first grandchild being able to make a December/January appearance!

Decaf

I always thought not drinking alcohol would be the start of are you pregnant questions. Instead today when I asked if I could have a decaf cap my sister immediately stated I was pregnant. We're in the waiting to find out stage at the moment and I didn't really want to let my Mum and sister know that but it came out anyway! It was really nice at the Farmer's Market yesterday though because the first time in EVER, Mum was actually excited about the possibility of me being pregnant. Finally it isn't all about are we making a huge mistake (because Hubby might not have a job lined up). Now she's excited to be a grandma and it's just taken a huge weight off my shoulders because I wanted to share the happy and not just keep it between me and Hubby.

So back to work tomorrow and an early start :( It'll be a bit hard seeing as I slept in until 10am this morning, but that's what not going to bed until 1240am does to me obviously. I finally finished cleaning the house, the floors still need to be done but everything else is cleaned literally top-to-toe. We haven't done the balcony or outdoor courtyard/garden but I think we might leave the garden until Mum aka the landlord comes around.

I'm exhausted after the massive cleaning project but at least only 4 days left until Saturday! I can't wait I plan on just relaxing completely (with some gardening) and hopefully getting to the movies.

The newly cleaned kitchen

PS: Monday Yummy = incorrect Nando's order. I didn't want leftovers and just felt like a bit of a splurge. I'm going to start doing some dinner planning and I think I'll start that next weekend!

My Sunday

Well Wednesday is over and the weekend is now so close, I love that it feels like it was only Sunday yesterday :)

We had a great Sunday. First we went to the Farmer's Market with Mum, very hippie Freo and I loved it. Lots of yummy things to eat for breakfast and great fruit and veg to buy. We even got 2 bouquets of gorgeous roses for $10! There were so many dogs (including a huge black Lab with his head in the huge leftover yoghurt container - his owner was the frozen yoghurt lady) and so many cute little kids pretty much my idea of heaven so I'll definitely be heading down there next Sunday.

Following that we headed to the Melville Swapmeet (which is fantastic) and I got some fantastic succulents, a frangipani tree ($12!), honeysuckle (which may not be planted because apparently it's toxic to dogs damn it), an adorable little candle holder (the white thing you can see in the photo below) and a cool vintage weet-bix tin. The last 2 items will be/are succulent holders.

My cute kitchen counter (with the EVIL cactus)

My babies ;)