32 weeks and Jim's Birthday!

How far along:  Thirty-two Weeks!

Weight Gain:  25 pounds.

Maternity Clothes:  Warm weather has posed another problem in the maternity clothes saga. I saw myself getting through my pregnancy with leggings and jeans, a few dresses and tshirts. Well. It's too warm for leggings, jeans AND my long sleeve dresses. I am going to investigate shorts and skirts in a desperate attempt to stay cool. Hopefully they are easier to track down!

Stretch Marks: Nothing new to report!

Belly Button:  I think we are on the verge of an outie. 

Queasy or Sick:   Since taking the iron tablets I've had a bit more energy, but still not much motivation - especially following a long day of work!  At least it's not nausea!!  

Sleep:  Apparently I snore. B was not impressed with this, but I don't really seem to notice (or care). I'm getting up only once a night for a loo break - but other than that, I'm happy!

Best Moment of the Week: On Saturday B and I had a BBQ with his current work partner. We busted out the non alcoholic beer, sausages and grilled halloumi. It was *gorgeous* outside - sunny and at least 21 degrees. It was probably the nicest day of the year so far!  We topped the afternoon off with some amazing slutty brownies. I've never made them, but I'm going to give this recipe a go!

Worst Moment of the Week:  I don't think there was anything too bad this week. I had a minor clothing meltdown when I realised that nothing was cool enough to wear in the sunny weather. Oh well, a shopping spree is needed!

Miss Anything:  I miss wearing wedding ring. I'm not feeling particularly feminine at the moment with swelling hands and feet.  I know it's all part of it, but it's really unsightly!

Movement:   Baby loves a bit of rolling around - especially when I finally get to put my feet up at 8:00 at night!  I think room is becoming scarce as I feel so much more movement than I used to. 

Cravings:   Blueberries and raspberries. I can't get enough of them at the moment. I crave fresh, cool drinks - especially iced coffee. I'm trying to be good and only allowing myself a small nespresso coffee every other day or so. 

Looking forward to:  We have one more week of school and then it's HALF TERM!  I can't believe it. Once we hit the other side of the May half term, maternity leave will be on the horizon!  You know what that means - Baby McBerry will be arriving soon after!  

In other exciting news, we celebrated my father in law's 70th Birthday on Sunday!  

B and I batted around ideas for ages but couldn't think of the perfect gift. 70 is a big deal - my proposal of 70 items seemed a big far fetched - so we came up with this happy little alternative! 

B's dad likes good, old classic food. We decided to get him an edible gift symbolic of each decade he has lived through. 

We wrapped all of the gifts and places them in the planter of a raspberry plant - the final, "for the future" gift!  We then read to him a little poem while he opened the gifts. He was pretty good at guessing most of them. 

B and I were pretty pleased with how it turned out - here's the poem in case you missed it!

In celebration 

Of your 70th year,

We wanted to gift you something 

Filled with excitement and cheer. 

We thought long and hard

To work out the perfect treat

And we finally decided 

What better gift than a gift you can eat?

Each gift represents

The decades you've seen

So here are the treats

Of years that have been.  

You were born in the 1940s

The war made you flustered

But at least you always had

Spotted dick and custard.

In the 1950s

You no longer needed to cheat

rationing ended 

and you could buy your meat.

In the 1960s

You were old enough to drink

Here's to a good ol gin and tonic

Which impairs your ability to think.

The 1970s 

were a lucky decade for you

You met and married Marilyn 

And enjoyed a honeymoon.

For the 1980s 

Classic party food came to mind

What could be better 

Than a gift of this kind.

In the 1990s

You cooked dinner a lot 

The kids saw it on a nightly basis 

And face it they could not!

By the time it was 2000

Your usual birthday gift was set 

Everyone always knew

Thortons chocolate ginger you would get.

Now that it's the 2010s

You just fancy a cuppa tea

The classic biscuits are nice

But posh ones you deserve to see. 

And last but not least is the future 

The 2020s to be exact. 

We wanted to give you something 

That will last and that's a fact. 

This plant will grow like our family

Extending every day,

Providing fruit when you are peckish

And reminding you of us gathered here today. 

Happy 70th Birthday, Dad. 

We hope you enjoy this stuff

For all you do and all you've done 

We can't thank you enough. 

Love,

B, Jenny and Baby McBerry

And who could forget the amazing cake made by B's mum! 

Seriously, how amazing is that?

Here's to a lovely week - hopefully your weather is as bright and cheery as it is here!

Xx

Dear Baby

Dear Baby,

We are getting closer and closer to your arrival day and I’m feeling a mixture of absolute excitement and pure panic.  I watched you last night as you did summersaults around my insides and I tried to picture your face and imagine your personality.  I still find it hard to believe that you are actually in there, living and growing.  You are so incredibly strong – sometimes I try and tickle you when you are stretching out and your little foot or head comes bulging out of my side.  I’m not sure you find it amusing, but you kick back with quite a bit of force.  I like that about you.  It makes me think you'll have gumption - I think that's a great quality.

Nine weeks is not very long at all.   I keep catching sight of myself in the mirror and I cannot actually believe the changes I have undergone over the past few months.  I try not to get worried or anxious over the way I look (as pregnancy is not very kind to a woman's body), but then you start bopping about and I laugh and realise it doesn't really matter if I look like I did a year ago.  These changes are important.  Not just the physical changes, but the mental and emotional changes as well.  It’s amazing how your perspective changes because a baby – you – are on the way.  It’s amazing that the things which I once thought were important are now irrelevant.  I can't stay up until 10:00 marking essays because I'm just too exhausted.  Some nights I need to sit in a bubble bath for an hour to make the back pain go away.  All of those things which used to worry me or stress me out don't really matter any more - looking after you is my number one priority.  

I told your Daddy the other night that after all of these changes - I don’t feel like me anymore.  It’s taken me awhile to get it, but I think that’s the way it should be.  I’m not meant to be the same person I always was.  I’m stepping into a whole new role as “mummy” or “mommy” or “mama” or whatever you decide to call me.  I can’t be the same person because that person was meant to be the foundation of a new version of me.  I have no idea who I’ll be in two or three months time – you will make me into that mother that I’ll become.  The uncertainty is scary, but also pretty amazing.

As frightening as this whole process is, I know that in the end we are going to have someone amazing joining our little family.  You have no idea how brilliant your Dad is.  He is clever and hard working.  It never fails to amaze me just how much he knows - he's a fountain of knowledge, just like my dad is.  He's going to be the dad that you can ask anything of.  He'll always know of be able to fix it.  I can't wait to watch the two of you playing and running around, causing all sorts of mayhem (don't forget - you can't gang up on me as I've provided a lovely and comfortable house for you for nine months!).

It's going to be nice to put a face to the kicks and turns and movement.  A face and a name.  We know what your name is, but no one else does.  Hopefully you love it as much as we do.  I'm so excited to actually have you in my arms and see what we managed to create.  I promise, the home you are coming to live in is full of life and love, and your nursery is AMAZING in comparison to the dark womb you've been hanging out in.  I hope you like it - it was designed especially for you.  (The pom poms were my idea, regardless of what Daddy says)

In all honesty, I have no idea what to expect when you arrive.  I don't think you can predict what life will be like.  But I'll tell you one thing I do know - life with you is going to be exciting and complete.

I can't wait.

Love,
Me 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

  

5 things I will be taking back to England with me

The past two weeks have just flown by.  I cannot actually believe that my time here in Ohio is over and I am going to be heading back to ol Blightly over the weekend.  It's even more difficult to believe that the next time I come back, I'll have Baby McBerry with me - in the flesh!

There are a few things I'll be  taking home with me in addition to my kick butt gifts for Baby.

1.  Raspberries and Strawberries are ALWAYS a good idea
I'm fairly certain I've eaten close to six pounds of each over the past two weeks.  (Think my belly has grown?  Nope, it's just fruit and Fritos)   I LOVE berries.  Baby LOVES berries.  Why on earth don't we buy berries in England?  

Berries are always a good idea.  PYO season will be here before we know it, so there's no excuse for us not to stock up on these delicious little gems.  In the meantime, Tesco may charge an arm and a leg for them....but it's totally worth it.

2.  Happy Little Trees

I can't actually believe you can still watch Bob Ross on WVIZ. I just stood watching him the other day in awe.  The Bob Ross philosophy has always made me smile - there are no mistakes, just happy accidents. Things that don't appear "right" can be turned into something great. Perspective is a beautiful thing. Thanks, Bob. I needed that reminder. 

3. Tradition 

We have so many family traditions. When you live about 4,000 miles away you tend to become slightly removed from tradition.  It could be convenience or lack of resources, it could be because some things just aren't done. For one reason or another, I've lost so many traditions.  

I haven't coloured Easter eggs or gone to a fish fry in seven years. Seven. I've taken to hiding B's Easter egg - merging the two ways of celebrating Easter. I'm not sure he likes searching for his chocolate in the house, but it's tradition. Baby McBerry will definitely have an Easter basket.  Baby will definitely be dressed up for Halloween.  Baby will send Valentines and wear green on Paddy's day. Tradition. It's important.

4.  The McDonalds Filet-O-Fish Song

Seriously.  What is that advertisement?  I can't get it out of my head.  I don't like filet-o-fish - let alone McDonalds.  I have visions of singing this four weeks down the line and no one will have a clue what I'm talking about.  I know.  And that's torture enough!

5.  Sometimes you just need to curl up on the sofa and watch Frozen

When I come back to Ohio, I like to spend my evenings with my family.  We've gone out together to get ice cream, we've popped out for drinks at the Winking Lizard, but my favourite times have been curling up in the living room and watching a film with the family.

B and I work so hard during the week.  It seems by the time we get home and eat I have a few hours worth of work to do and before you know it - it's bed time.  Is it worth it?  I don't think so.  Obviously things need to get done, but I think recharging in the evenings needs to be a new priority.  Besides - who could pass up on the opportunity to watch Frozen?

Five things that won't take up any room in my suitcase, but five things I'm more than happy to be taking back to London with me.  It's hard to believe that the next time I'm back here it could be for good.  

B reminded me today that we need to spend the next year relishing all that England has to offer.  He's got a point.  What I've always loved about living in England is the "quintessentially English" things. Stay tuned - I have a feeling the next year is going to be a year to remember.

Xx

Baby Shower: You are my Sunshine!

I am so SO excited to be writing a post about the Baby Shower my sister and mom threw for me on Sunday!  I didn't have a bridal shower as it's just not something that is done in England, but these two were not going to miss the chance to celebrate Baby McBerry's upcoming arrival with family and friends!

The Venue:  We opted for Hellriegel's Inn in Painesville to house the event, which is the same place we had our American wedding last year!  They are well known for their food (which is delicious), but they also have a large room with a old fashion, family feel to it.  We had about 35 guests, so we needed somewhere spacious, but not huge!  

The tables were arranged in a U shape, making it easy for everyone to see and chat and just enjoy themselves.  We are friends with the owners and I couldn't recommend a place in the Painesville area more!

When I visit, I tend to have such a rushed stay I can't see everyone I'd like to.  This was the perfect opportunity for me to visit with everyone at once.  I don't know if people realise how often I think of them and how much I miss them.

 

(Talk about a blast from the past - the three of us grew up together!)

The Menu:    Breakfast was on the offer for our midday shower!  Pancakes and syrup, eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, fresh fruit and pastries.  Tea and Coffee were also on offer, but I think everyone was more interested in the Mimosa bar!  

The Dessert table housed a gorgeous sunflower cupcake cake made by Cakes to You (the icing was out of this world), plus a massive tray of our Italian cookies.  

I can't give away too much, but we had family recipes and all sorts of amazing treats on there.  The cake pops were a labour of love Erin and I trialled this week.   They are really hard to make!  How do people get them so round and pristine?!

The Decorations:  Erin really outdid herself on the decorations.  There were sunflowers, ivy and a hyacinth type flowers in small vases, wrapped with twine and set around the tables. There were also pictures of elephants and sunshine drawn by a friend's students as place mats.

The Games:   We are not big fans on playing games at showers, but we thought it would be fun to have a few activities for people.  Firstly, we had onesie decorating in the corner.  Erin had tons of onesies in different sizes and she provided fabric, stencils, fabric glue and fabric pens.  We had some adorable onesies by the end - my friends and family are so talented. 

We didn't manage to get a shot with all of them on the line - but I thought the presentation was just spot on!  Clothes pegs!  Adorable!

The other big hit was the Frozen Baby game found on Pinterest.  Erin froze little plastic babies in medicine cups and then gave one to everyone to "look after" whilst enjoying their food.  You weren't allowed to touch the baby, but if your baby melted out of the ice first, you had to shout "My water broke!" to win a prize.  We had some serious strategies in place with salt and babies being placed over cups of coffee.  

The prizes were adorable flower pots with lemon soap, sunflower seeds, candles and hand cream.  My favourite winning moment was when one of our Italian ladies shouted "The baby's out!  The baby's out!" 

We also spent a bit of time trying to guess the gender of Baby McBerry based on Old Wives tales (still half and half) and gave people notecards to try and guess the Baby's Name.  There were some hilarious options making the most of a surname like Berry.  Terry Berry and Ellie Font Berry had to top the list.

On the tables Erin also left a sheet with "Wishes for Baby" (adapted from Pinterest) for people to fill in in their own time. Erin has since put them all in a binder with the place mats and baby name suggestions.  

The Gifts:  I'm totally blown away by the generosity of my family and friends. I'm touched by the kindess and thought people put into gifts for Baby McBerry.  

One of my favourite things that we did, was asking for books instead of cards.  Being an English teacher, a mini library is incredibly important to me.  We were gifted some gorgeous books - some for infants, some for when baby grows a bit older.  The notes people left were beautiful and I cannot wait to read these stories to baby - always thinking of the person who gave the book to us.

 (My Dress)

We did an Amazon Baby Wish List in order to help with the whole transportation of gifts back to the UK.  It was fabulous because people picked out gifts and they are shipped directly to us in England.  It's been a lovely treat to get things in the post and have no idea what they are or who they are from!  I took photos of some of the gifts and Erin displayed them behind the gift table with clothes pegs.

There are a few things I'll be taking back with me, but thankfully my suitcase is HUGE and fairly empty!  My dad and friend, Jen, took loads of photos, and I thought I'd post a few pictures of some of the wonderful gifts we received.

  My cousin got us a baby calendar - there are little stickers for "firsts" or other important events.  She is currently using one for Baby James and said it is a lot easier than filling in a baby book/diary.  I LOVE the look of it and can't wait to fill it in!

 Boy or girl - Baby McBerry loves the Indians.  

My friend Jen asked me for old T Shirts B and I no longer wear a few weeks ago.  This AMAZING quilt came from Maiden Jane - the quality is outstanding!  I can totally recommend it!

 Jeri (my cousin's mother in law) knitted a few gorgeous jumpers, but I love the elephant buttons on this one!  I'm wondering if she knits adult sized....

Luckily we had the adorable Baby James on hand to seek his seal of approval on a super cool car mirror.  I'm fairly sure I'm going to hang it up in the mini - baby or not!

And finally, my mom gave me a gift and said it was from my Grandma.  If you have been reading, you'll know about my wonderful grandma and how we lost her this past September (link here and here).  There was a poem in the box (similar here) about a handkerchief which has been fashioned into a bonnet.  It's meant to be the "something old" on a wedding day. Well, I nearly lost it.  But what an amazing idea.

And that, my friends, was the Baby McBerry Shower.  It was a truly amazing day and I am so thankful and blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people.  Baby - I can't wait for you to meet these people.

Xx