Week 31

*How far along?: Week 31


*Total weight gain: 10 kilos which is about 22 pounds


*How big is baby?: Sparky is (still) the the size of a squash

Your baby keeps gaining weight rapidly by week 31. Your baby now weighs almost 3.3 pounds and is about 16 inches long! Your baby is busy accumulating layers of fat under his skin as you continue your pregnancy week by week. The arms, legs, and body start to fill out and will look less wrinkly as each week progresses.

*Maternity clothes?: Yup - let's just say I wash my clothes a lot - my wardrobe is becoming more & more limited:) I also packed away all my dressy work shirts, as I won't be needing those for awhile now!

*Sleep?: Not great when I was still getting over my cold, but the last few nights I have slept wonderfully!!

*Best moment this week? My baby shower yesterday!!!! It was wonderful - I will post the pictures soon:)

*Movement?: Sparky still moves a lot, but now it's big 'shifts' in movement rather than kicks - he is definitely running out of space in there. A few days ago we felt a huge hard bit poke out at the front - we are thinking it was probably his back and bum! Hiccups are becoming a more regular occurance as well.

*Food cravings?: Nothing new, although I think Sparky loved the fancy treats at my high tea shower!

*Labor signs?: Too soon for that!

*Belly button in or out?: flattie

*What I miss: Hmmm nothing really - all is well :)

*What I'm looking forward to: Moving into 'month 8' next week. Also - starting our classes at the hospital on Saturday!!

*Milestone: I ordered the crib (cot) bedding that I love this weekend!! I don't LOVE any of the gender neutral bedding, so I decided to just order the stuff I really like in both pink & blue, then we can just return what we don't end up needing:) Unfortunately I found out they don't make the same combination of striped/dot bedding that I wanted in both pink and blue - how bizarre! Oh well - they are still gorgeous sheets - feels like a huge relief to now have them on order!!

*Feelings this week:

**Baby Brain has hit me with full force in the last week. At the movies the other night I walked into the men's room.... even though I have been there a million times - I just had to GO and didn't look at the sign well enough..... opps! I blame baby brain.....
Then later in the week I went to throw garbage out from my car at the gas station & threw my keys in the bin too - duh! again - blaming the baby brain.....
I know they say baby brain doesn't really exist - you just become fuzzy headed because of lack of sleep (those night time restroom trips & all....) - but whatever it is - I do feel it!

** I have been going to prenatal pilates with my friend Cassie for quite awhile now. It has been fantastic - I really feel like I get a good workout, and she tailors our shared sessions to exactly what I need (strengthen my bad shoulder & back & also lots of pregnancy specific exercises). She has predicted quite a few of her client's/friend's baby genders - so I thought I'd give it a go (her success rate is 5 out of 6 predictions were correct so far....). I brought in the 19 week scan and she thinks by looking at it that Sparky is a boy - we shall see!!!

** I also went to prenatal Yoga for the first time this week. Eh - it was ok. Too much laying on the floor if you ask me. I prefer actually getting a workout to laying around thinking about relaxing my 'toes & feet & legs & arms etc etc etc etc......). It was fun to check out though.

** Also I took my wedding ring off last night. It was getting a bit too snug for comfort..... and I really didn't want to leave it on so long that I'd risk having to have it cut off - so it's now in a safe place until Sparky arrives:) It feels so weird not having a ring on that finger though.... I keep feeling my empty finger with my thumb and having a minor panic until I remember - oh yea - I took it off!

Play Catch Up

Just a few pictures that I have been meaning to put on the blog... and a couple new ones.

Some flowers that my darling husband gave me at work....well actually, one of his co-workers Uliana. She didn't want them...so Murray saved them from the trash can!


Arranged on our dining table.


Murray went to a Tupperware party.....well not actually but he did make 15 Chicken and Vege meals to freeze. Holy Moly!

He also made from scratch these tasty Moroccan Skewers!


Our friend Matt braving the 'huge' waves on the long weekend with his buddy Paul who only hours previous to this shot was sitting on a plane from the UK. Loving the Manly beach life already!


On Monday night Murray decided to make not one, but TWO chicken and roasted vegetable lasagnas!! Lyn bought us this extra deep non-stick pan/dish to give some additional layers... and here's the result!.....

Week 30

*How far along?: Week 30


*Total weight gain: 9.5 kilos which is about 21 pounds


*How big is baby?: Sparky is (still) the the size of a squash

As baby's skin smoothes out, her brain just keeps getting more wrinkled. All those grooves and indentations increase surface area, meaning more room for that oh-so-essential brain tissue. She's also adding some brawn - her grip is now strong enough to grasp a finger.

*Maternity clothes?: Oh yes, and some are getting quite tight as the bump continues to expand.....

*Sleep?: Well not great this week since I have been sick:( I started feeling a cold coming on on Wednesday and it just went downhill from there. I had a few nights of tossing & turning from being so stuffy and hot. I am feeling back on the mend today - 5 days - fun fun!

*Best moment this week? My doctor's appointment. It was great to hear Sparky's heartbeat, and the ob said there was 'too many bumps' for him to be able to tell which position Sparky is in - ha ha. He thinks most likely at this point he's sideways or head down - hard to tell though, and he can still turn for another 4 weeks or so, so we'll see how it goes!

*Movement?: Tons!! Murray and I are both amazed by how strong Sparky is getting. I often see bits push out from my belly - in the center or off to the right side - feet, head, bum - hard to tell. It's great to feel so much movement though:)

*Food cravings?: I think I fully satisfied my Mexican cravings in the last week or two between Selina's amazing enchiladas, Mexican out with Anna & a burrito on my own for lunch one day:) Other than that, I'm just craving fruit all the time - especially oranges while I was sick!

*Labor signs?: Too soon for that!

*Belly button in or out?: Still very much a flattie - but kind of bulging in the middle a bit - eeeek.

*What I miss: Breathing through my nose

*What I'm looking forward to: My shower next week :)

*Milestone: 10 weeks to go!!!!!! (well, techinically 8-12), but 8 weeks of work to go!

*Feelings this week:

**Other than being sick, I am feeling good. Sparky is moving a lot, I'm eating well and the nursery is starting to come together bit by bit. We picked up our stroller 'carry cot' (bassinet) this week which is SO nice. I'm thrilled it finally came in!!

**I also bought some Clarins body treatment oil last week on the advice of Anna's friends to help keep stretch marks at bay (along with the continued use of cocoa butter). It smells great - reminds me of Aveda!

Also Murray put up our new dryer today - yay!!!!! Just in time for this cool winter weather (well, it's till 25c, 80f during the day, but it gets cool at night)! And yes it is upside down - otherwise how would I reach the buttons? They expect you to do this if you hang it up though, since they give you an additional sticker you can apply so you don't constantly have to read the buttons upside down!

Monza

When we were travelling Central America, we met a lovely girl on our tour from Melbourne named Emma. She told me that when I moved to Oz, everyone would call me Monza (Aussies love their nicknames, thus why Murray is called Muz). Luckily - it hasn't happened (I hate that name - don't expect me to answer if you call me Monza!!). BUT I did had a good laugh at the grocery store yesterday when I spotted these new candy bars.........

Southern Highlands - Steve and Murray

Steve and Murray were supposed to go camping down in Kangaroo Valley last weekend, but Murray caught a terrible cold that stayed with him for over a week and is actually still hanging around now. He should have taken time off work, regardless of meetings! Anyhow... Instead of risking a night in a cold tent they decided to do a day drive and take some snaps. Steve carried the gear due to Murray's 'man cold', but Murray offered some camera advice in return.....Point and Shoot right? ha ha

So here's a few shots....I'm told the disclaimer is that the weather was not on their side and their was no 'golden hour'...

The first lookout...




Roadside Gums....



Carrington Falls..


Probably the pick of the bunch, Steve's composition just above Carrington Falls.

Week 29

*How far along?: 29 Weeks


*Total weight gain: 9.4 kilos which is about 20 pounds


*How big is baby?: Sparky is the the size of a sqaush

Baby's energy is surging, thanks to white fat depositing beneath his skin. And since he's growing so fast (weight will triple by birth), things are getting kind of cramped in the womb. What all this means for you: Get ready for some more kicks and jabs to the ribs.

*Maternity clothes?: Yes, less & less is fitting now - so my poor pregnancy shirts are getting washed like crazy!

*Sleep?: No improvement there, still not great. But, my pillow fort has officially grown by one this week after Selina gave me a fabulous soft little pillow that is great for flattening under the bump for a bit of support!

*Best moment this week? Watching one of my favorite 80s movies (She's Having a Baby) and feeling Sparky moving around while watching it. It was so bizarre because I have watched that movie a million times.... but it was just SO different this time..... Gosh I love that movie.

*Movement?: Lots! This week Sparky has started pushing his (head or bum?) out regularly right by my belly button. You can see it bulge out and when you feel it it's hard - I think bum - but I'm not sure.... He is kicking and moving and rolling around like crazy now - to the point where it can sometimes be a bit uncomfortable cause he just doesn't have much space in there! I love it though:) Just this week I have started to feel movements like a fist or foot pushing along half of my belly as well (rather than just a kick). Murray thinks he felt a leg last night too! Around 8:30 every morning when he starts moving it's nice to say 'Good Morning Sparky!' :)

*Food cravings?: Nothing new really. I have given in to Mexican cravings lately with friends a few times which is always fun (and yummy)! Also went for a Thai dinner with Megan & Laura which was fab - really hit the spot! Sparky likes the spice as much as me I think!

*Labor signs?: Too early for that

*Belly button in or out?: Still very much a flattie

*What I miss: Walking up stairs without getting out of breath

*What I'm looking forward to: My doctor appointment tomorrow - looking forward to hearing Sparky's heartbeat again.

*Milestone: As of this week I'm officially in the 7th month - exciting! Gosh how time has flown....

*Feelings this week: Hmmm I dunno. I just feel good. I feel like the nursery is starting to come together (we haven't set it up yet, but we have the furniture and I have started looking for what else we need to buy & measuring stuff, etc.). Also I'm so so happy we bought that chair, it's SO comfy!!

It is officially autumn here, but has been 25c (80f) during the day lately - I'm loving these cool nights (it does help with sleeping...) but it's nice to still be able to go to the beach during the day on the weekend, even though we are well on our way to winter! Can't beat Sydney weather:)

**Also - CONGRATS to Mike & Beth on the birth of Blake Michael last week - we are so happy for you guys:) (note - I guess I did actually say this last week too - but oh well - nice to say it twice - I blame baby brain!!)

Late Easter Weekend

Last weekend we went to see Murray's parents & have a late Easter celebration

Their dog Emma was looking cute as always

Helen showing off her Lindt bunny & carrots from us

While Peter was still unwrapping his bunny, I was already nearly finished with a chocolate carrot (yummmmmmmm)

Lyn with her lavender foiled egg from us:)

My stash - chocolate bunny, chocolate carrots & a chocolate Bilby! Very very nice!!

How cute is the Bilby? I'll be honest, I have never heard of a Bilby before receiving this chocolate!

Helen & I spent a good chunk of the weekend crocheting. She was a very quick learner, and I got a good chunk of my crochet 'to do' list completed!

Peter watching us crazy crochet ladies:) We really got on a roll!

Sunday morning we went our for a lovely brunch in town

Lovely views & a very lovely weekend:)

Another Belated Photo

On the long weekend we also had Anna & Ali over for a sunny breakfast on our balcony. It was great to see them & hear how their wedding plans are coming along (plus I like the photo:)

Week 28

*How far along?: 28 Weeks

*Total weight gain: 8.3 kilos - which is about 18 pounds

*How big is baby?: Sparky is (still) the size of an eggplant

Baby's lungs are mature enough that, if born right now, she has a pretty good chance of surviving (with help from medical technology). Her skin is still pretty wrinkly (one by product of living in amniotic fulid) but will smoothen as fat continues to deposit.

*Maternity clothes?: Oh yea - and even those are starting to get tight as the bump seems to be expanding in every direction now.


*Sleep?: Not great. I wake up at least once or twice a night, just from being uncomfortable. I do feel like I'm starting to get used to it though... I'm not too tired during the day, I guess my body's just getting me ready for Sparky's arrival. The maternity pillow I bought is helping a LOT though. However, last night was the first night I was woken up by indigestion - that lovely taste of acid in my mouth at midnight freaked me out - I thought I was about to be sick. But no, just needed a sip of water, then went back to bed. I read I should be propping my head up higher to sleep so that doesn't happen - so will do that from tonight.... just one more pillow to add to my pillow fort:)


*Best moment this week? Feeling Sparky hiccup for the first time!! On Thursday as I was waiting in the lobby for Murray so we could drive home from work, I felt some light movements. I started counting them, and they were quite close together, once I got up to 30 I thought hmmm I don't think these are kicks. Too many, too close together. Then I realised ahhhh this much be hiccups!! They continued on like that, every couple of seconds, for a few minutes. Poor Sparky - no fun to have hiccups! I was thrilled to feel that for the first time though:)


*Movement?: Sparky is starting to get quite strong. As of the last couple of days we can now see bits poking out (head, bum, arm - sometimes hard to tell), but if you touch it it feels quite firm, then he will move back like 'hey - don't poke me!' Also, sometimes when I gently push on an area where I can feel a limb, he will give me a kick back. So bizarre to feel body parts now - but good to know/feel that he is getting so strong (just keep out of my ribs please - ouch)!


*Food cravings?: Mexican is a pretty consistent craving (burritos, enchiladas, yummmm). But other than that, nothing in particular:)


*Labor signs?: Too soon for that


*Belly button in or out?: Still a flattie


*What I miss: Hmmm nothing really - I'm loving this stage:)


*What I'm looking forward to: I am looking forward to seeing my doctor more often from next week. Will be great to hear Sparky's heartbeat every other week and know that everything is ticking along well!


*Milestone: This is the last week of my 6th month! Only 12 weeks to go until my due date - wow - time flies!


*Feelings this week:

*So the conclusion of the poll last week - 27 people voted - 70% say boy, 30% say girl.
I will put it out there and say Murray and I really don't have a clue, but we are both leaning towards girl. He had a vivid dream where Sparky was a girl, and I am basing my guess on the fact that every Chinese gender predictor I look at online says girl. We shall see!

*This week was kind of 'body maintenance' week for me. I had a skin cancer check (we go every 6 months) and the lady said I had the best skin she's seen all week. It was a very 'exposing' experience though with my big stretched belly on display, but good to have a check over. She asked if I had lived in Australia all my life - when I answered no she said 'but you have an Aussie accent?' Ummm no I don't - ha ha - ask anyone who knows me - I still sound American.

I also went to the dentist this week - ouch that was painful. He kept apologising as my gums were so sensitive, I guess it's that extra 40% of blood pulsing through my veins - including my gums. But again, it was nice to have a checkup, and nice to get a good cleaning:)

Also I'd just like to wish a BIG congrats to our friends Beth & Mike on the arrival of their second son Blake this weekend. CONGRATS to you two and Tommy - we wish you all the best :)

Me & the Girls

I love this picture of me with Clara & Amelia from last weekend.

Amelia totally knew what she was feeling for & even did get to feel a couple of kicks! Then she started suggesting names for the baby, I nearly fell over when the first name out of her mouth was one of the correct ones!!! Clara just came over to join in - too cute:)

Cameron & Nicole's Wedding

Sunday April 4th we made our way to Lavender Bay (North Sydney)

for Cameron & Nicole's wedding.

Murray & his sister Helen - all dressed up outside the church

Across the aisle from us - Helen, Kristen & Jerry

Cassie, Hamish, Me & Murray

The beautiful bride & her Dad

I love Cameron's face in the picture - I feel like he's thinking 'oh hello gorgeous!'

She had a gorgeous hair clip too - went perfectly with her hairdo!

My favorite part of the whole ceremony was after the exchanging of the rings - Nicole's face was just beaming with joy (I'm sure Cameron's was too - but I could only see Nicole's face:) She just looked so so so so happy:)

Greeting people outside of the church

The back of her dress - stunning

Nicole's sister Chelsea who was her bridesmaid - fab dress & what a great color!

BEST PICTURE OF THE DAY!!!! love love love it (well done Helen:)

And can I just say how amazing is that dress??? WOW

Me kissing the bride

Murray & Nicole

Their fancy wheels to take them to picture locations then the reception!

Me & Cassie with our bumps (she is 3 weeks ahead of me:)

Stunning views on the walk down to the reception venue

Me, Helen & Cassie

Drinks were held at a venue in Luna Park - this face at the entrance in scary!

Me, Murray, Hamish & Cassie chatting at the in-between drinks venue.

The snacky food was yummy too!

Then at 6:30 we made our way to the reception - at a restaurant called Aqua - the setup looked amazing!

I loved the personal touches - how pretty is this ribbon?

Lovely table decorations

WOW the cake!!! The whole outside is made from white chocolate - made to look like one big flower - amazing! (We each got a piece to take home and yummmm it was good too!)

The new Mr & Mrs entering the room

Me & Murray

Murray & Cameron

Nicole & Me

Me & Murray with the harbour bridge int he background

Murray's cool wine glass photo of Cassie & Helen

What a WONDERFUL evening. Amazing food, fun dancing and a fantastic couple. We are so happy we were able to celebrate with them:)