37 weeks: Ready to Pop!

How far along:  Thirty-seven Weeks!

Weight Gain:  34 pounds!

Maternity Clothes: I may finally get to wear my shorts this weekend as it's finally warming up!  I am having a real issue with shoes though as I've now swelled out of my wide fit shoes I bought around Easter time.  There is now only a flip flop option as part of my wardrobe. Pray for no rain?

Stretch Marks:  None!  I feel very fortunate that this hasn't been one of my symptoms!

Belly Button: Out and a little bit wonky!  It seems to point off to the left a bit. I think that's because Baby McB likes to push and prod my right side. B thinks it likes my liver - maybe it's warm.  

Queasy or Sick:   Just exhausted! 

Sleep:  I've started waking up four to five times a night needing the loo. That's REALLY annoying as every time my feet hit the floor it's like stepping on millions of tiny daggers. Plus the real HEAVE of getting myself up. 

Best Moment of the Week:  On Thursday, B and I went to London to the US Consulate for his immigration visa interview!  Don't get me wrong, the actual process was drawn out and horribly frustrating, but just the knowledge that the interview was the last step had me leaping (as much as I could) with joy. We aren't in the clear yet for a visa, but hopefully soon.  We celebrated anyways with a  cup of tea and macaroons at Laduree in Harrods. B did - after all - pass his second USMLE exam with flying colour!

Worst Moment of the Week:  QUEUING at the US Consulate. There must have been 300 people there at 7:30 when we arrived. There was nowhere to sit, so we stood for a good hour. Then, you sat in an airport style waiting room listening to an awful "ding" "ding" "ding" every time a number came up. It was a long, long wait and my feet definitely took one for the team. Poor things. 

Miss Anything:  Being able to move rather than waddle/limp?

Movement:  I met with my midwife on Tuesday and she said baby was head down, hence the tickling I'm getting under my bump and urge to have a wee every ten minutes.  I've started to get the Braxton Hicks tightening across my bump- I'm finding that really uncomfortable.  

Cravings:   Cold drinks - especially fruit smoothies. B made me an awesome watermelon, apple, strawberry and spinach smoothie on Friday for breakfast. I could have just melted. It was gorgeous and actually managed to quench my thirst!

Looking forward to:  This week is my last official week of work.  One of my new colleagues for next year is starting on Monday and will be taking lessons and classes from me throughout the week- really I'm only teaching two or three lessons this week.  I'm quite overwhelmed as I have a lot to do before I go, but I also know that the end is now eminent. I have to give up my OCD control over my desk and where things are. I've surrendered job responsibilities.  I'm leaving keys. I'm turning my email off of my phone. It's actually really sad....but I know maternity leave is one of the most important things in the world, and I'm so lucky I get five months of it. 

Today we popped into the Old Stores in Roydon to pick up my mason jar glasses.  If you are in the area, you must pop in as everything is just gorgeous.  I had to restrict myself to just the jars and a wedding card today.  I could do some serious damage in there.  Check them out on Facebook - it's that quintessentially English look to a T!

B and I are taking some time off from socialising this weekend as it could be one of our last before Baby McBerry joins us.  There's plenty of rest and relaxation scheduled (for me) and pottering in the garden (for B).  We are BBQing this evening and we even have s'mores (I cannot actually contain my excitement!) made with Ritz crackers.  Trust me.  Ritz crackers are where it's at.

Happy Weekend!

Xx

THIRTY WEEKS!

How far along:  THIRTY Weeks!

Weight Gain:  24 pounds.

Maternity Clothes:  Oh yes.  I even needed to buy new underwear yesterday.  

Stretch Marks: I'm still rocking a small patch, but so far, so good.

Belly Button:  Pancake like - a tiny crater?  Better yet - you know when you are walking on the beach and you leave those soggy footprints in the sand?  Yea...

Queasy or Sick:   I've been feeling good (aside from this morning)!  A bit of heartburn, a UTI, anaemia...but it's NOT sickness - I couldn't be happier!

Sleep:  Bed time is definatly 9:00.  I'm starting to get quite uncomfortable as I just don't know where to put my bump and the sheer effort it takes to turn over is comparable to firing off a cannon in the middle of the night.

Best Moment of the Week: My Midwives appointment last Thursday meant hearing Baby McBerry's little heartbeat!  It was amazing!!

Worst Moment of the Week:   Wednesday. I don't know what it was about Wednesday, but I just wanted to sit and cry.  My antenatal class was full, so they told me I have to attend next month.  I was worried about work and the lack of care most of my students had.  It was just the most demoralising day on record.  One of those - I can't do this - type of days.  I know I can and it will be difficult, but that was a real damper on the week.

Miss Anything:  I've got to admit, it wasn't wine or blue cheese which had me wishing Baby would grace us with it's presence.  It was the back pain that left me stranded in the bathtub.  I'd love my normal range of movement back!  Then again, now that it's getting warmer, a nice Blue Moon in the garden would be nice...

Movement:   Does the Karate Kid enjoy a nice kick?  Baby decided to stretch out across my middle during my Year 11 lesson the other day.  I was clearly uncomfortable and one student actually asked if I was going into labour at the way I was massaging my side.  I tried to explain that we may have a tiny foot popping through my belly button (they were then quite relieved).

Cravings:   Fruit!  I'm desperate for strawberries and raspberries but they are just too costly!  Plus - Twizzlers.  I am thanking my brother for that.  He shows me the most glorious looking red, white and blue Twizzlers via Skype.  Can we get Twizzlers here? Of course not!!  Saying that, it may be a good thing we can't get all of the American treats that I want....I'd have gained a heck of a lot more than 20 pounds!
Looking forward to:  We have an extra special weekend planned!  For one of Rich's Paper anniversary gifts, I got us a gift voucher for The Neptune Inn - a Michelin star restaurant on the north Norfolk coast.  We've had friends who have been and just rave over the food.  There isn't much vegetarian on the menu, but I am REALLY looking forward to their dessert menu!  Seriously - check this out:  

       Milk Chocolate Mousse, Poached Cherries White Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce

Poached Savarin Sponge, Gariguette Strawberries, Mint Ice Cream

Vanilla Pannacotta, Caramel  Poached Pineapple, Honey Ice Cream

Mango Mousse, Peanut Butter Ice Cream, Shortbread, Blueberries,

Selection of British & French Cheeses, Biscuits, Grape Chutney

Ummm, I'll just go for one of everything. No mains or starter.  Thanks.

This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend my friend Gemma's Hen Do in Nottingham!  We stayed in an amazing mansion complete with pool, courtyard, ducks and dreamy showers:  Horspool Farm  (seriously, check out the photos on their Trip Advisor Page).  We also went to It's a Knockout and I got to play paparazzi.  It was great fun to get away for a weekend to celebrate the Bride to Be!  I can't wait for their wedding in July!  

On that note - wishing everyone a wonderful week!  I'm getting so tired in the evenings that I'm spending most of my time daydreaming about Baby whilst watching it do rolls around in my belly!  10 Weeks to go...I can't wait!  

Xx

29 weeks: Hello, Third Trimester!

Old Navy Maternity Dress (Similar)

How far along:  Twenty-nine Weeks!

Weight Gain:  21 Pounds (that number was a bit higher when I got back, but I blame that on American food - it quickly dropped off once I returned to jolly old England)

Maternity Clothes:  But of course!  I have started to think about hospital bag packing and that has commenced some rather horrified conversations between myself and some American mums. Things are done slightly different over here. One thing I've been thinking about is nursing tank tops and like the look of this.  I'm in love with the nursing bras I bought from Target!

Stretch Marks:  Since the appearance of those cheeky little things on my chest, I've been inspecting daily - nothing new....slight relief!

Belly Button:  Is it normal for that area of my stomach to be flat as a pancake?  B told me I'd explode unless I expand more....

Queasy or Sick:   Feeling good!   Some heartburn in the evenings, but it's nothing too unbearable.  

Sleep:  I like my sleep a bit too much at the moment. I'm still going to bed quite early and needing it.  

Best Moment of the Week:  Sunday morning with B.  We put on BBC Radio 2 (Sunday morning love songs), made scrambled eggs on bagels and fresh coffee.  Before we knew it, it had been nearly an hour since we had sat down!  We don't get time to just sit and chat with both of us being so busy.  It was a beautiful morning and the best possible way to spend it.  

Worst Moment of the Week:   LAST Sunday morning when I arrived at Heathrow airport.  I had a rather traumatic trip back from America and just burst into tears as soon as I saw B.  I was overly tired as I didn't get any sleep on the turbulent flight and my feet and ankles were swollen beyond reason as my seat had been changed and I didn't get the extra leg room I had paid for (£136!!). Not cool, Air Canada.  

Miss Anything:  I miss America.  I'm not going to into the ins and outs, but I love my hometown and miss everything about the place, my family and friends.  Hopefully we will be seeing you again soon!

Movement:   Loads of movement!  You can now feel a foot/head/bum bulging out of my side.  Slightly creepy and slightly alien-like....but it's a nice reminder that Baby McBerry is happy!

Cravings:   Ice poles!  I couldn't believe how badly I wanted these this week.  Unfortunately, they aren't really a popular item in the shops yet as it's not really summer weather yet.  We tracked some down in PoundLand yesterday and I'm waiting patiently for them to freeze.  I did bust out the Zoku for a Iced Tea lolly and that almost appeased me!

Looking forward to: It's an unbelievably busy week this week.  I have a midwife appointment on Thursday and am looking forward to hearing Baby's heartbeat and finding out next steps.  I had a glucose tolerance test on Tuesday where I had to starve myself, have blood taken, drink a lucozade and then wait TWO HOURS before another blood test.  That wasn't too bad, but my surgery keeps cancelling my appointments since our move.  Hopefully they actually have me on record for this week!

SNEAK PEEK!!

B and I finally managed to find a spare moment to create some sense of order in Baby's room!  I'm not going to post photos until it's done, but I'm *loving* the look of the room.  It won't be properly finished until baby is born as we have a route for Baby Boy McBerry and then a different route for Baby Girl McBerry. The foundation is the same, just slight additions of a few things!  I've just ordered more poms as there just isn't enough up there!

Poms (I LOVE Sarah at Pom Pom Studios - she is always helpful and efficient!)

B did a marvellous job painting our chest of drawers white!

We have also washed and folded all of the clothes (cutest laundry load ever?!) and have found a home for everything.  It really LOOKS like a baby's room now rather than just a dumping ground.  Hopefully next week we will be finished!  I can't wait to share!

We were gifted with so many amazing things while I was in America. Packing was slightly more challenging than I anticipated, but my mom is a super packer and managed to get nearly everything in my suitcase ("That's wasted space!  Let me stuff your underwear into those baby bottles."  Thanks, Mom.  Don't worry - I'll sterilise them). I had to pay excess baggage, but I figured it was worth it for all of the treats Baby McBerry would have upon arrival. 

With some of the money we were gifted, I bought this adorable Baby MD outfit. I thought B would appreciate it - I'm so in love and can't wait to put it onto our little one!!

Oh goodness....baby scrubs....

I've also been suffering from a serious case of post America blues!  It's so difficult to go from seeing people nearly every day to seeing them once in awhile over Skype. I really miss cuddles from this guy:

It's great to be at the age where friends and family are having babies!  I've never really been around babies since my own siblings were born. I was WAY too young to appreciate all that went into them being raised - so now I'm asking questions and seeking advice. It's been good fun comparing ante and post natal treatment.  Fun in the sense that I enjoy the horrified looks!

Another thing to look forward to this week is the Hen weekend for my friend, Gemma!  I can't reveal any details because it's all a big surprise, but I am *super* excited for the festivities!  Gemma was one of my first friends here in the UK and at my hen do managed to persuade me to dress up like a chicken. Good thing she was willing to put that chicken mask on so I didn't look like such a pratt! 

The tables have turned, Miss Coombs. 

In other good news, the weather is turning - spring has sprung, the sun is out (sometimes) and everything is in bloom!  Just think - ten weeks and we should have a little McBerry to enjoy the glorious British summer!  Happy Spring and a very happy week to everyone!

Xx

  

Twenty weeks! Halfway there!!

I wanted to thank everyone for their kind words and support over the past few weeks. It's been amazing to receive so much feedback - online and in person from here and afar. I'm always shocked by the number of hits my posts get (especially as I think I'm just rattling off utter rubbish). I'm just glad people want to know how B and I getting on - it's just going to get funnier and funnier (as we have NO IDEA what we are doing).  
Stay tuned - you may get a chuckle or two!

(Photo update!)

How far along:  Twenty Weeks!

Weight Gain: 9 Pounds!  Wow! 

Maternity Clothes:  I ran out of excuses....and clothes.  See  below for the update!

Stretch Marks:  Nope!

Belly Button:  In but feeling rather vast. 

Queasy or Sick:   I'm feeling pretty good even though I've had a few vomity days. Every time I smugly remember I'm vomit free - boom - I'm hugging the toilet.

Sleep:  I'm sleeping really well.  My only problem is I need to get more and more of it. I'm not interested in staying up any later than 9 - this makes me a real social recluse. I don't care how anti-social I appear. Grumpy and pregnant just aren't a good mix. 

Best Moment of the Week:  It's been half term - every day is wonderful. But really it had to be the scan on Friday.  Baby was all arms and legs - which isn't a surprise if you've seen my arms and legs.  Baby also kept it's legs crossed, so we had no chance of finding out the gender!  Auntie Erin thought it was a good sign - conservative baby.

Worst Moment of the Week:    Having to pay out £90 to remove the buildup of winter grime on my tyres - at least it will save me from screeching every time I stop the car!

Miss Anything:  I've had a real hankering for Stilton and white wine. A proper wine and cheese tasting - but more than a taste. More a jumbo sized selection.... a lunchable to end all lunchables...I just have this really refined a pallet, ok?

Movement:   I've worked out what "flutters" feel like and I've had loads of them!  B can even feel them now!  Baby doesn't like me resting the iPad on the edge of my belly. That message has been received loud and clear. 

Cravings:   I'm not sure there's been any mad cravings. I'm just far more obsessed with certain foods and won't rest until I get to eat what I want. Soft pretzels, for instance. Where on earth am I going to get an Aunt Annie's Pretzel in King's Lynn?  Solution.  And Lemon Curd? I'm obsessed at the moment!  I've just had a very big fail trying to make buttermilk waffles...so, moving back to America is really the only option here.

Looking forward to:  We have a really busy week this week, but most importantly we are having our couples massage on Thursday for our Monthly Anniversary gift!  I'm so glad I booked that.....a much needed treat!

Why hello, bump!

B and I have been debating names this past week. We are both dead set on our girl name, but our boy name has been spoken for - so it's back to the drawing board for Baby Boy McBerry. Being a teacher, names are a real problem.   There's a list about a metre long of names that could be quite lovely - could be - if it weren't for some child who ruined the integrity of that good old name and has haunted my memories.

Maternity Clothes! I finally had success!  After going into *every* shop in King's Lynn, I finally visited New Look - and geeze - talk about having to eat my words.  There wasn't a massive selection, but it was the best selection I had ever come into contact with.  Clothes were affordable and - gasp - stylish.  They actually are cut in a flattering way - I especially love this red top as I can wear it with leggings or trousers (when I find some) and B really likes the black dress (similar) (my chests looks huge...of course he loves it).  Mom and Erin also came to the rescue and are sending me some US maternity trousers....Frumpy is not ok - and I'm lucky I have my family to help me fight the limited maternity clothes selection!

In other news, I've started a youtube Pregnancy Yoga class, seeing as there are NO classes for much of anything maternity related in the West Norfolk Area.  At least it's something to keep me moving and stretching.  I tried a session the other night when I was feeling pretty lousy and the breathing and gentle stretches genuinely made me feel better!

B and I are also attending an Expectant Parent Night at Mothercare.  Now this is a good idea.  A friend recommend it and I'm really glad we have signed up - there's loads of freebies, plus teaching of first aid/CPR, advice on feeding and safety and other shopping/buying options.

For my emotional well being, I've joined Lauren Conrad's Book Club to keep me reading and engaged in a life beyond work.   "Where'd you go, Bernadette" is the book on the table at the moment - it was only £3 on Kindle, so I was more than happy to jump on board!  The only problem?  You have to read section 1 by 6 March.  I finished the whole thing in 24 hours.  Oops.  A good read though - I loved the style of the book with emails and faxes and articles.  It just helped to shape the characters!  I've now started Gina Ford's "The New Contented Little Baby Book" at the recommendation of a few friends.  I've learned a lot - it's terrifying!

As half term is coming to a close, I'm jumping with glee at the next break - in six weeks time I'll be in America with my fabulous family!  Baby needs to experience Ohio.  I've been so homesick recently, so I can't wait to see my US family and friends.   My sister sent me this picture the other night of my mom and I felt those pangs of homesickness creeping in again.  Luckily, Auntie Erin has it all sorted and we have a checklist of places to see (mostly food places) to settle my pregnancy cravings for Ohio!

Xx

Dear Baby

Dear Baby,

It feels strange writing this because I've been thinking all of these things, but never said them out loud. I don't think you can hear my thoughts (that's a good thing though) so I wanted to write them down here.

This idea of being a mother terrifies me. I'm going to be 30 a few weeks after you are born, and I still feel like I'm too young to be a parent. Most people I know are onto their second or third baby - in the grand scheme of things, B and I are pretty old for first time parents. 

I'm sure everyone gets this feeling of panic. I'm going to be responsible for a little human being? How am I going to know what to do?  Why is everyone else so much younger than me (my kid is going to be friends with someone whose parents are more than ten years younger than me!)? What if I make a mistake? I know that you are exactly what we want. But that doesn't make it less scary. 

Whenever I'm worried, I focus on you and us and our little family. I don't know what kind of a mom I'll be, but I know what kind of mom I want to be. 

I'm going to be the mom who bakes. My mom and grandma taught me how, and I'm going to show you everything I know.  We will bake cookies at Christmas and cupcakes on a rainy day.  We will bake blueberry pie in the summer and rosemary cookies when we fancy a snack.  I promise I will write all of the recipes down so that you can make them if I'm unable to help you. 

I'm going to be the mom who sits with you while you do your homework.  I'm a teacher and I put a lot of time and effort into my students. You will be no exception.   I love the idea of helping you as you learn and explore new things.

I'm going to be the mom who reads to you. Every night. We will read together, you will read to me, we will read side by side.  We will go to book shops (if they aren't a thing of the past) and a book is always a gift you can take home.   So many kids tell me they hate reading or they never read with their parents.  I think my fondest memories of childhood involve reading books with my dad - especially A Woggle of Witches or Watch out for Chicken Feet in your Soup.

We will eat as a family, we will go on outings as a family, and you will know the importance of family. Family is not an option, nor is it a sentence. I've been lucky enough to be a part of a family where we loved, shared and enjoyed being together. Your Auntie Erin and Uncle Brian are still two of my best friends - I would do anything for them and I know they would do the same for me, you and Daddy. Grandma and Grandad US and UK are the same.  It doesn't matter what country we live in, you are loved by people across a sea. Family is imperative. 

We will have pudding and there will be chocolate or cookies in the house.  I'm not going to ban you from eating things, but I will always make sure we have blueberry or strawberries or other fruits and vegetables that you love. Food will be fun and tasty - I promise you that.   I don't care if you want to sit and eat the whole carton of raspberries the day we buy it.  They are good.  Eat them!

I'm going to support you in anything you choose to persue. If it's illegal, B and I will intervene (sorry, but rules are rules). I'll be a soccer mom, football mom, ballet mom, band mom - you name it. I'll be there and I'll be cheering you on with B. Just get involved in something and we will be there.

I promise I won't dress you up in hideous clothes. If you look back at photos and wonder what we were thinking - I do apologise. Trust me - they were cute in 2014.  I like to think I dress in a classic way, so I'll do my best to give you timeless clothes.  And when you want to try on my high heels or lipstick (even if you are a boy), I will love you for wanting to be a grown up.

I hope you have my stubbornness - it's shown me how to stand up for what I believe in. I hope you have my determination, because it showed me opportunities are endless. If I could pick up and move to another country, you can do anything. I hope you have your Daddy's motivation - he's a fighter and so will you be and I hope you have his sense of serenity. He keeps calm - you need to too!  

You have no idea how much I've dreamt of you and how in love with you I already am. Most importantly, I promise to love, trust, cherish, value and appreciate you. 

And when you look at all of this, everything I have written, I'm not sure I should be terrified. I was raised by great parents, and as long as I use the tools they gave me, I - and we - will all be fine. I know the mom I want to be, and it's not too different from the person I am today. I can't wait to meet you and actually take on the role of "mom."  Until then...

Love always,

Me 

Xxx

Bump Shot: Week 16

It's been a frosty week, but even the colder weather welcomes some bright skies!

Of course I can't complain as Ohio has been dumped on with snow this week.

How far along:  Sixteen Weeks! 

Weight Gain:  4 pounds!

Maternity Clothes:  I am still determined to wear my regular clothes and have even begun experimenting with skirts. How high can they realistically go??  Maternity jeans at weekends and evenings though - I need the comfort!  I'm wearing a pair from Top Shop jeans - amazing!

Stretch Marks:  None - and I bought new Weleda stretch mark massage oil. The smell of all of the others left me queasy - we found this in Boots and although it's a bit expensive it smells and feels great!

Belly Button:  In - but actually looks bigger. Is that normal??

Queasy or Sick:  I'm waiting for the day when I get to say NO. I've had really bad nights and mornings this week - I've even messed up my vomit free streak. The doctor has taken me off of one of the medications and now I'm suffering again!  Don't get me started!

Sleep:  Quite good when I manage it. Tuesday night I woke up at 2:30 and could not for the life of me get back to sleep. I was a walking zombie all day. I was stressing and worrying and then feeling queasy. It just wasn't a good night. Luckily, I seem to be back to normal. 

Best Moment of the Week:  So much great stuff happened - a Spa Day for Heidi's 40th at Congham Hall and the amazing package my brother sent with the most brilliant gifts in it - but really it's a toss up between Poppy and Bella planting their faces into my belly to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to Baby McBerry and FINDING A HOUSE!!  I haven't mentioned that little gem yet becuse....

Worst Moment of the Week:  Being told our landlord is selling our house. Boom. B got the call last week and I was just devastated. I love this house. I've planned a nursery for this house. It's OUR house!  Long story short - B took control and sorted it in a week. The new house is gorgeous!

Miss Anything:  Blue Cheese and wine. I want to be in a position in life where I have a fridge full of wine, champagne and nice cheese.   I really REALLY want La Gachere wine from the vineyard we stayed at in France two summers ago!

Movement:   No, but I get so many niggles of pain - I often feel like tapping on my belly and asking if baby is comfortable - he/she's certainly making me uncomfortable!!

Cravings:   Avocado. Of course this could be because this week Baby McBerry is the size of an avocado. We've already had guacamole and chips and then avocado, tomato and mozzarella salad to appease me. 

Looking forward to:  The February half term. I cannot wait for a break just so I can catch up with marking and sleep. 

In the world of work, this aren't exactly going to plan as I'm feeling so rotten in the evenings. Wednesday night I was in bed by 7. 7!! I'm working so hard while I'm at work and then in the evenings, when I was usually putting in about four or five hours of marking, I'm virtually unable to do anything!  I'm getting panicked as my marking needs to be done, but I've had no time (while well) to actually do it. 

I think I have a plan though - so let me trial it and I'll get back to you. 

In the meantime, I'm starting moving preparations!  Here's a shot of our new house - it's HUGE!  Hopefully we will be in by mid March - just in time for St. Paddy's day!

I'm most looking forward to the little things - loo roll holders, a table in the kitchen, heating that doesn't lock out in the middle of the night and leave us freezing, getting away from a main road...the list goes on!

How we are going to fill a four bed house is beyond me - I mean, there are four toilets.  Such options!

Tonight B and I are headed to the Comedy Club at the King's Lynn Corn Exchange.  I bought him tickets as part of an anniversary present - a prepaid/pre-organised date for every month.  January's gift was the comedy club!  How's that for a fun night out?  Hoping I don't puke...

Xx

Bump Shot: 14 Weeks!

There's a little bump there!

How far along:  Fourteen Weeks! 

Weight Gain:  2 1/4 pounds!  Hooray!

Maternity Clothes:  I don't own anything yet, but I'm wearing the same five outfits every week (hopefully no one caught on to that).  All of my work trousers are officially too small - I may need to invest in some bottoms that don't squeeze my expanding belly.

Stretch Marks:  Nope!

Belly Button:  In!

Queasy or Sick:  Only a little.  The evenings seem to be the worst - most nights I'm just zoning out.  I am still taking the medication early in the morning to be safe!

Sleep:  I'm sleeping really well at the moment.  We bought some pop up black up blinds and they are amazing - more below. (embarrassed to confess we have been in our house for over a year and still haven't gotten a blind/shade/curtain for our bedroom skylight ).

Best Moment of the Week:  We had a scan on Friday and got to see Baby McBerry!  I find ultrasounds hilarious - our sonographer had me up and down and turning violently in order to get baby to turn over so she could measure it.  Hilarious.

Worst Moment of the Week:  Being told I was NOT allowed back in work as we have a case of Slapped Cheek.  Seriously - I've just come back?  I am allowed back, but I have to wait until Thursday to see if I'm immune to it, so in the meantime I'm allowed in work but I'm not allowed to touch anything.....Ok......

Miss Anything:  I've got a mad craving for some champagne.  I'm not a huge drinker, but the thought of a nice, cold glass of bubbly.  I've requested a case for my 30th....

Movement:   Not yet.

Cravings:  Chilli Heatwave Doritos.  Why can't I crave the healthy stuff??

Looking forward to:  The weekend!  B and I have special plans - stay tuned!

We went to Kiddiecare in Peterborough on Friday.  B has been dying to go and as it was the first weekend I actually felt somewhat human, we decided to check it out.  This place - only comparable to IKEA for babies - was AMAZINGLY OVERWHELMING.  

Not only was it a hot bed for hormones, it housed everything - and I mean EVERYTHING you need/want/imagined for a baby.  Things I didn't even know existed!

We got a pretty good list which I have combed through with my friend who is experienced in this whole world of babies (note four things are already crossed off! Yay!).  Heidi gave me great advice on what types of things were better than others, what can be borrowed and what was a must have.  I'm feeling slightly less panicked now. 

We bought the Lights Out Portable pop up blind - more so for us than for the baby.  They were only £10 for a pair.  Our bedrooms have one window - a slanted skylight which is fairly large.  Custom blinds were so expensive.  These just pop onto the window and keep out the light and in the heat!

We also bought a lovely little change table.  B's parents bought us a crib and mattress and we have a chest of drawers we are going to paint.  It was reduced because it had a tiny scuff on the back - quite frankly I thought it was a steal!

The final thing we bought was this ADORABLE Summer Buddy Elephant.  Our niece has one and we loved it - the stars on the ceiling are just perfect!

We decided to slowly acquire bits and bobs - but on the whole it's nice to know our big purchases are dwindling.

I don't plan on only writing about baby, but I thought I needed to get a bump photo on the blog before long.  It's been such fun at work as most of the kids know and will cheekily say "You're pregnant Miss, aren't you?"  One boy was horrified when I looked at him blankly and said I had a big breakfast, but I didn't think I looked THAT big.

Such fun, such fun!  

Xx