Lovely weekend

Although it is now Wednesday, I would still like to do a weekend review (finally)


We managed to make it down to the beach both Saturday & Sundy morning - which for some reason isn't something that happens too often (just too busy usually!) On Saturday there was a big dress up volleyball competition going on down at the beach, I really wish we had brought the camera!! There was a flinstones team, mario brothers, hula girls, etc etc - there must have been 20 teams dressed up - fun! We also went for a swim down at the Manly end of the beach which was SO lovely & refreshing:) It's nearing the end of summer here - but gosh it can still be quite hot during the day and that cool ocean water feels great!


Sunday when we went down to the beach it looked bizarre. The beach was closed and the life guards kept annoucing that they recommended everyone stay out of the water & off the sand. The tsunami warning from the earthquake in Chile was sent out to the East Coast of Australia saying the wave was meant to hit around 8am. We waited around for ages to see it, but it never happened. Good to be careful I guess though. There was also live music down at the Corso - a band of 2 sisters & a brother and WOW they were pretty darn good, so we sat & listened & enjoyed & just relaxed - lovely:)

A reporter down at Manly doing his waiting for the tsunami report (in admist all the seaweed - yuck!)

Me resting on the walk to Shelly Beach next to some random guy with Manly in the background

And we shared some nachos out in Manly:) After a week of eating super healthy, a bit of nachos & cheese & guac really hit the spot!

Week 22

*How far along?: 22 weeks

*Total weight gain: 5.5 kilos - which is about 12 pounds

*How big is baby?: Sparky is now the size of a papaya
Watch what you say -- baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that baby finds gentle music and your own voice most soothing. Nipples are starting to sprout, and that little face is fully formed. And, baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop.

*Maternity clothes?: Yes of course. I got into a swim suit on a crowded public beach for the first time this week - my belly felt HUGE in a bikini!

*Sleep?: Really starting to get uncomfortable.... apparently last night I was snoring away on my back so got proded until I turned back on my side. The bump is just getting uncomfortable to sleep with on my side - I think I need to do a bit more trial & error with building myself a little pillow cocoon. Worse dream of the week: waking up because I was dreaming I had leeches all over my feet & legs - lovely.

*Best moment this week?: Seeing Sparky's movement from the outside!

*Movement?: Nearly a week ago now (Feb 28th to be precise) I saw a kick that was so strong my belly actually moved. Murray & I were both amazed - and we have seen it a few times since then this week as well - I guess Sparky is getting nice & strong in there!

*Food cravings?: I did eat a lot of dill pickles this week as snacks.... nothing more interesting than that though:) More that Murray has been cooking some lovely lean meals lately - the pork steaks we had last night covered in wholegrain mustard then rolled in breadcrumbs were GORGEOUS!!

*Labor signs?: too soon for that!

*Belly button in or out?: Innie

*What I miss: being able to comfortably paint my toe nails. I'm JUST about the point where I can't do it myself anymore cause the bump is in the way for me to lean forward!

*What I'm looking forward to: Hearing Sparky's heartbeat at our doctor's appointment tomorrow!

*Milestone: Well it was a big milestone for me - I bought our first baby outfit!! Last night before grocery shopping I popped in a few shops and found a GORGEOUS one piece outfit with feet, and a matching hat (July is winter here after all!). It is white with little stars all over it and has a matching hat and a 'precious' badge on the chest - so cute. So I bit the bullet & just bought it. I have been quite hesitant to buy anything up til now..... but it did feel GREAT to finally pick something out for Sparky:) Also the gorgeous girl & boy outfits Grandma Sis sent this week were fun - toooo cute! Makes me think oh sure I can dress a boy in pink!?! Or maybe not, ha ha, but the blue outfit is definitely something either sex could wear - super cute!!

Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Queensland

Last weekend we flew to the Sunshine Coast for our babymoon :)

We stayed in the LOVELY town of Noosa Heads where this gorgeous beach was just steps from the main street!

We took a walk through the nearby National Park on the 'coastal walk' and saw a ton of hidden lovely beaches

Me on the walk

On the way back we saw this goanna crossing the path - he was massive!

Gorgeous beaches, good for swimming too - the waves were pretty calm close to shore.

We stood and watched these boys for awhile - they devised a fun game

Duck - it's a wave!

Totally covered!

Some bizarre bug

It really is such a lovely area!

We took advantage of our relaxing weekend & even made it to a few movies (3!), something that we just don't seem to have enough time for lately. On our first trip to Noosa Junction (we later realized it was only a 10 minute walk, so didn't take the bus again!) I had Murray take this picture - cause how often do you see surfboards on a bus? lol

Between movies we went to a local Italian place for dinner. They make all of their own pasta and oh my GOSH this vegetarian lasagna was AMAZING!!!

The pudding wasn't bad either:)

All in all a wonderful weekend. We ate, we walked, we shopped, we movied, we swam and we just relaxed. It was lovely! Hot and quite a bit more humid than Sydney, but gorgeous. I'd definitely go back to Noosa again - great place for a family holiday!!

Happy M&M Day to us :)

Today is our 10 year dating anniversary!!! Way back when we first started dating we decided we wouldn't celebrate valentines day, but instead would celebrate what we decided was our first 'real' date - Feb 24th, 2000 - which we call M&M day.

We went out for lunch together which was lovely, and mid afternoon Murray called me at my desk to say I still hadn't wished him Happy M&M day:( Opps!!!! I blame pregnancy brain. I did buy him a present the week before, but it just slipped my mind on the day!!

Anyhow, Murray made some lovely lamb on the BBQ for dinner then we exchanged gifts. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the dress he got me. So thoughtful after my complaining last week that I am running out of casual things that fit! It has a lot of room for the bump and is SO cute!

Wow - 10 years - I can hardly believe it! I love you Murray :)

Week 21

*How far along?: 21 weeks

*Total weight gain: 5.5 kilos - which is about 12 pounds

*How big is baby?: Sparky is now the size of a banana Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, speaking of the diaper situation... baby's genitals are now fully formed!

*Maternity clothes?: I have officially outgrown all of my summer work shirts now, so it's on to maternity & stretch tops! Luckily I have a few flowy shirts & lots of stretch ones that I can wear with a black sweater, so that should last me for awhile:)

*Sleep?: Starting to be uncomfortable. Last night was the first night I slept with a pillow to support me on my side - both to keep me sleeping on my side (you aren't supposed to sleep on your back, cuts blood flow to the baby cause of the weight) and just to be more comfortable. It seemed to work - so that's the plan from here on out.

*Best moment this week?: Going on our Babymoon trip:)

It was a LONG week - Wednesday night I got rear ended by a scooter - at VERY low speed (so barely any bump to us) and Bruce only got a bit of scratched paint - but it was still upsetting. Friday a bus kicked up a stone and put a chip in the windshield of Betty -lovely. Then Friday at the airport I forgot to take my mini swiss army knife off of my keychain and they made me throw it away. I cried because it was inscribed with my name & was pink & Murray got it for me years ago when we went to Switzerland:( So after that long week a babymoon was just what we needed. We had a LOVELY weekend in Noosa - we ate, we walked around the gorgeous surroundings, we went to movies & we relaxed (post to follow soon)!

*Movement?: Yup - every day. Some days stronger than others. Not often many kicks in a row though - usually just 1 or 2 here & there all day long, which makes it hard for me to tell Murray when to hold his hand on my belly to feel them!

*Food cravings?: Well I have been starting to quite like walnuts. I have been snacking on them for a few weeks because I read they are excellent for brain development & also a good source of protein, and I'm starting to really like the taste! But ALL I can ever think about at food time is Mexican. I was CRAVING enchiladas our first night in Noosa & we found a Mexican restaurant that TOTALLY hit the spot!!

*Labor signs?: too soon for that!

*Belly button in or out?: Innie

*What I miss: nothing really

*What I'm looking forward to: Hearing Sparky's heartbeat at our doctor's appointment next week.

*Milestone: People now notice I'm pregnant:) Well, as long as I'm not wearing a super baggy shirt! I did go to a baby store at the mall last week and I said to the girl who was working there 'There aren't many gender neutral things are there?' She replied - 'yes don't you hate it when people don't tell you the sex? Makes it SO hard to buy!!' Ha ha. I responded 'Wellllll I'm buying for my own, but yea it's kind of frustrating when almost all of the cute stuff is pink or blue! I still like the idea of a surprise though:)' She was a bit embarrassed, but really I understand the frustration! Just because we decided a surprise would be the best for us doesn't mean I'm not dying to buy cute little pink & blue clothing!!!

Week 20

*How far along?: 20 weeks

*Total weight gain: 4.5 kilos - which is about 10 pounds

*How big is baby?: Sparky is now the size of a cantaloupe (rock melon)

Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies respond best to tastes they've already had via amniotic fluid.

*Maternity clothes?: Yes of course, belly seems to be expanding by the day. I'm glad I'm still not too big to wear my own t-shirts though, well - the ones that have some stretchiness to them.

*Sleep?: Weird dreams continue - I will give you an example of my weirdest dream this week. I dreamt that Murray & I were renewing our vows. For the ceremony I was wearing a purple mini skirt & purple top and had a wedding dress over it that snapped in the front (I remember thinking in the dream - ewww Monique - awful outfit)! Anyhow, so I look back into the audience & our friends Heather & Jason are there - and I thought - oh isn't that nice that they came! I noticed Heather brought her friend Brittney Spears (ha ha) and Brittney brought her sister Jamie Lynn and Jamie's date is Brian Austin Green (from 90210). But then, rudely, Jamie Lynn & Brian got up & left early, leaving in a motor boat. Then I woke up - going huh????????

*Best moment this week?: Getting our new pram (or as I would call it, stroller)!!! We were worried maybe it was a bit too soon for such a big purchase, but then some of the pieces weren't in stock & had to be ordered - up to 12 weeks for them to come!! So I'm glad we DID order!

We got a Mountain Buggy 'Urban Jungle' in the color 'Chilli'

We also got the bassinet so Sparky can face us for the first 6 months! (it's also just a nice bassinet!). I love that the seat or bassinet snaps off the frame easily - gives you lots of options!

Oh and another highlight this week was the 'Preparing for Parental Leave' course that work sent me on. I got to spend the day with 15 other pregnant ladies & learn about how to negotiate your leave, and how to balance your baby & work when you come back, how day care works here - all the options & what to ask when you interview them, and what government benefits are available. It was VERY interesting, and I started the day with a ferry ride & a Starbucks chai - fantastic day!

*Movement?: Yup - every day now - so nice & reassuring!

*Food cravings?: Nothing new

*Labor signs?: too soon for that!

*Belly button in or out?: Innie

*What I miss: Fitting in my summer shorts - it has been HOT and humid lately! But my stretchy maternity skirt is the next best thing I guess, it's just a bit long for a HOT day!

*What I'm looking forward to: I'm looking forward to more regular movement so Murray can feel it more than once & awhile.

*Milestone: Reaching the half way mark!!! 20 weeks is half way to the average gestation of 40 weeks!

Holy COW it's hot!

I just walked for 15 minutes to get some lunch and I thought holy cow it's hot. Even in the shade it's HOT!!! I got back a bit sweaty and saw the temperature gauge says 36c!! (102f!)

Whew

Anyhow, back in work's air conditioning now..... lovely:)

Last night we went to see Diesel perform at The Basement. It was a late night, but WOW is he a great performer - fantastic voice and an amazing guitarist! He played his favorite covers as well as some of his hits! Sparky kicked along to a few of the songs with a lot of bass too:)

The Basement was SUCH a cool venue too - Dad you would have loved last night - we are definitely taking you there next time you're in Sydney!