Baby Shower

My baby shower was on the 9th July in Jhb at my moms house. I flew up on the Thursday and hung out with my dad on Thursday night and spent the day with my mom on Friday. Saturday was spent rushing around cooking and prepping for the 30 plus people we had invited. Firstly Russell arrived bringing millions of floating pink balloons and beautiful flowers, they Jenn arrived and turned the house into a pink baby paradise! Mom made the most amazing food and we were finally ready. Everyone arrived at 2 and I was flabbergasted at the amount of presents we received! I had seriously thought I'd fit most of what we got into my suitcase! HA! Thank goodness for my mom in law who was driving down to Durbs the following week, and offered to bring it all down. We had a lovely time, although I didn't get to spend as much time with everyone as I had hoped. We got so spoilt and I have 99% of the stuff I need for Lily now! Here are some pics of our wonderful day!

101 things you didn't know about me...

1. Ive always wanted to be a mom
2. but I never thought Id have my own kids, I always thought I'd adopt.
3. until I met my soul mate!
4. I love being married more than anything
5. I lived in JHB my whole life but live on the coast now and happier than Ive ever been.
6. I love cooking
7. My favorite comfort food is home made Mac and Cheese with tomoato sauce
8. Creme Brule is my favorite dessert.
9. I have a younger brother who I adore, and constantly worry about.
10. My biggest fear is losing someone I love
11. Im terrified of needles< but not of the pain. The thought of them poking me freaks me out.
12. Im also terrified of spiders, but not of being bitten. Im scared they touch me.
13. Everyday I wish my parents didnt get divorced, even though they have been apart for 10 years now.
14. My have to forgive my step mother everyday, so that one day hopefully Ill stop blaming her.
15. I am a passifist and dont like conflict
16. Im not very creative, but I wish I was!
17. when i think horrible thoughts about people I berate myself and apologize to them...in my thoughts.
18. I belive thoughts can change things
19. I believe what goes around comes around, so I try to be nice to everyone I meet
20. I hate racism
21. especially women who are racist, I find it much more offensive than when a man is racist
22. I openly admit im sexist.
23. I very rarely swear
24. I try hard not to judge others, although I have to remind myslef of this often
25. especially when I see parents not strapping their children in- this makes my blood boil.
26. i thank the ATM when it gives me money, not always in my mind.
27. I pray every night
28. the first thing I say is Thank you for my hubby
29. I love religion
30. But I'm not at all religious
31. I'm very spiritual and believe what I believe with everything I have
32. I still have two Great- Grandmothers, but no Great- Grandfathers
33. I don't believe in heaven and hell, even though I grew up terrified of the devil
34. I remember the second I realized that I didnt believe in any of it
35. Im not very clever (I'm not being modest) but I read a lot so I sound clever.
36. I read so fast I usually read my books four or five times.
37. Im a Harry Potter addict and just about know the books off by heart
38. All I want from my kids is that they are kind
39. The worst thing my kids could be are bullies
40. I wish I could be a hippy, its just not a look I could pull off.
41. I'm the kind of person who wont be happy anywhere, I'm always thinking "where to next"
42. I loved England and will live there again one day
43. As soon as I landed in Australia I wanted to go home.
44. I hate having a maid, but unfortunately I'm a terrible house keeper so have a lady who comes in once a week.
45. I can do pretty much any style in my hair using my GHD, its my most prized possession.
46. When I found out I was pregnant I went blank, then sat on the toilet and smiled for like five mins
47. I have a cat named Milkshake who is so special, he has a wonderful little soul and I'm so glad we saved him from the SPCA when we did.
48. I wish I could do more to help the starving people in the world, but I don't know where to start.
49. I always wanted to have bright red hair, like Ariel the mermaid
50. I love feeling my baby kick, but other than that I'm not enjoying being pregnant. I hate being so huge.
51. I've never won anything
52. I get very upset when people are rude to me, it can destroy my whole day
53. I have a fantastic relationship with both my parents
54. My cousin is like a sister to me, and I miss her so much now that she's moved away
55. I think cheating is the worst thing someone can ever do
56. closely followed by lying
57. My husband is a fantastic surfer and is only truly happy when he's in the water, I'll never move in-land purely because I know how much he'll miss the sea
58. I'm terrified of the sea and the waves
59. My brother is incredibly intelligent, and most of the time I have no idea what he's talking about
60. I'm pretty good with computers- although this is thanks largely to Google.
61. I have a soul friend in Jenni, she is the most wonderful person and I hope her life is perfect.
62. I have very sensitive skin and terrible eczema.
63. I meet people very easily
64. but I'm pretty happy with my own company
65. I would love to own a book store
66. I have a BA in Corporate Communications.
67. I wish I had studied hairdressing, but feel that its to late now
68. I'd also have loved to be a GP
69. I remember my dad being horrified when I said I wanted to be a secretary one day when I'm big, but I still think its a cool job!
70. I spend 97% of my time worrying something will go wrong with my baby.
71. the other 3% of my time is spent telling myself not to worry
72. I hate making phone calls to people I don't know, but do it just about daily
73. I had laser surgery on my eyes a year ago, and it was the scariest thing I've ever done- but so worth while
74. I'm a terrible speller, so I use spell check all the time
75. My pet peeve is bad spelling and grammar
76. I work from home, which I love and hate. I get so lonely.
77. As a recruitment agent I have had to fire two people. Both times I cried.
78. Every time I leave the house I check I've turned my hair straightener off, whether I've used it or not. I'm so scared the house burns down and its my fault
79. I cant believe people drive drunk, I'll never understand it.
80. I'm not a big drinker because I get sick to quickly and don't like the taste of alcohol
81. I miss Shaun so much when we're apart, even just for a day
82. He once worked away for 5 weeks...it was hell from day one.
83. I'd rather my kids have their dad with them all the time than have buckets of money
84. I hate discussing weight, yours, mine, anyone's. I hate it.
85. My parents took us travelling when we were younger, and so I have seen most of Europe and America. I have wonderful memories from these trips.
86. My favorite song in the whole world is Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, it was my dance with my dad at my wedding.
87. It rained all day on my wedding day, but I didn't mind.
88. I can read violent books, but not watch violent movies.
89. I love flowers that look like cartoons, that's why Gerberers are my favorite
90. I love Disney!
91. I'm a handbag person more than a shoe person. I'd rather spend money on a handbag.
92. I hate telling the time on a normal clock
93. I always mix up my lefts and rights.
94. I also have to consciously think which way a "b" and a "d" go when I'm writing
95. I actually don't mind washing dishes
96. but HATE washing the floor
97. I laugh at stupid jokes for ages, and will often wake myself up laughing at something dum.
98. I don't like going out to clubs, although I have fun when I'm out. I prefer to go out to dinner or a braai so I can talk.
99. My babys name is Lily and my cousins baby is James. Together we have Harry Potters parents. No it wasn't planned.
100. I only drink Rooibos tea, normal tea smells disgusting to me.
101. I love all things pink and sparkly!

Baby School

Im just loving antenatal classes. the midwife is very nice, she's funny and seems to really know what shes doing. I think shes a bit over protective, in that she is an absolute purist, wants us to only eat the healthiest food, exercise, breast feed for two years or longer. Unfortunately this isn't possible all the time! I wont be breastfeeding for two years for sure, I think its way to long and is a bit weird. My aim to to do it for 8 months, but if I decide after 3 months to stop that's ok too, I'm not putting any pressure on myself. I'm trying my best to eat healthily, having smoothies or cereal for breakfast, a sarmie for lunch and a good dinner. I've always eaten pretty healthily so it's not too hard, however I refuse to totally cut out all sweets and choc, milo, bacon, sausages and the millions of other things she has told us to avoid. I'm not eating loads but geez, when this baby comes I wont be allowed any of it (for breastfeeding and weight loss) so I'm using my discretion, my baby will tell me what I feel like and don't feel like and she's the boss! This weeks class we went up to the labor ward, delivery room and maternity ward. I'v got to say I was a bit creeped out when I saw the delivery room, its got this high bed that sort of splits and has stirrups fixed on the sides. There is an incubator and a table thing to put the baby on that has a heater and stuff. I've never stayed over night in hospital, and have only been in twice for other things so I'm a bit nervous. The classes make it all easier though because we get to meet the staff and connect with other couples who are in the same boat as us. We spoke about what we need to pack in our bags for the labor ward and maternity ward and now that's all I can think of! I'm obsessing over what bag to take, what to wear, what Lily will wear...ugh driving myself mad.
I'm getting a cold, which really sucks as my already aching body is aching even more now. But at least the weather is nice and its half way through the week! One week closer to my baby shower, seeing my baby again and the big day!

26 week scan and 4D scan

Had our 26 week scan, shes a healthy 1kg and is a happy bouncing butterfly in my tummy! heres some pics:

today we went and had our 4D scan, at 28 weeks. she was so uncooperative but eventually we managed to see her face!

Best (and worst) things about pregnancy

Best:
1) Being treated by a princess by waiters and waitresses- today I had a waiter move the table to make sure I could fit in, asked me if I was comfy and then double checked with the kitchen that my coffee was decaf. Its the small things that really make a difference.
2) being allowed- and almost expected- to have an afternoon sleep! and having everyone tell me to just take it easy and put my feet up, like I'm made of spun glass. I love it! Wonderful to feel so treasured.
3) having people say I look wonderful pregnant, I know they're just saying it to make me feel better, but I love it that they care enough to say it!
4) car guards who help me with my groceries
5) scans to see our little bean growing and bouncing around my tummy
6) FEELING my little bean bouncing around my tummy!
7) seeing my tummy get bigger- though this is one of the worst things to.
8) buying baby stuff!
9) weekly updates on what our baby is up to via the internet, and then checking our baby books to see what else shes doing.
10) seeing my hubby get so excited when he talks about our little gem.

Worst:
1) Swollen Feet
2) Aches and pains all over- back pain, pelvic pain, leg cramps uuuugh!
3) PIMPLES!
4) worrying constantly about whats safe to eat, do, smell....
5) getting dirty looks from other women- I've noticed this a few times? So weird! Maybe its because I look young? I'm married for goodness sake- and even if I wasn't- who are to to judge me??? What the hell???
6) Being oversensitive and perhaps seeing things as worse than the are. Also getting annoyed much faster than usual, I'm usually a peaceful and calm person. My blood seems to start boiling at the smallest things now.
7) baby brain baby brain baby brain!!!! I lose my thought half way through talking, drive like a maniac and forget peoples names. This baby better be very smart, because shes taken all my brain power.
8) weight gain and not fitting into my favorite clothes and people saying "wow your carrying heavy" or "your getting fat hay" or " how much do you weigh now" um.... excuse me? what makes you think its ok to say/ask this? Its not ok when I'm not pregnant so why would it be ok to say this to the irritable, tearful pregnant person?
9) Peeing...all...the...freaking...time....
10)  people taking photos of me looking like a beached whale.

although the lists are the same length, I really feel the pros outweigh the cons. The fact is, I'm gonna have a gorgeous baby girl at the end of it all- and I cant wait! so I don't mind being a fat, tearful pimply crazy person for 3 or 4 more months, if it means i get to hold me little precious one at the end of it all.

All suddenly very real...

So I booked my bed yesterday. I had to go into the hospital and fill in millions of forms and answer all these questions about my medical history and all that.Then went up to the maternity ward to book our ante-natal classes. When I walked out it suddenly hit me that in at least 10 weeks- though probably 14- I'll be giving birth. I know its silly, this should have dawned on my when we bought the pram, or collected the cot or crib, or maybe when my tummy obscured the view of my feet, but it didn't. Only when the women checking me in said "you're husband can get you settled in the ward and then come down here and get your file" did I think..."Oh My Gosh I'm gonna be in a ward!!!" I'v never even stayed over night in a hospital before! So I freaked out a bit but then gave myself a bit of a talking to (she's gotta come out sometime Shaz, you can get your body back Shaz, you can have a cup of coffee or a glass of wine Shaz!!!). Then I went shopping and felt better.

The more irritating thing is trying to do her nursery (ok, granted most things are irritating to me these days- like the fact that my cat insists on sleeping on my feet, or that its windy or the robot isn't green when I get to it... ha ha) but I have not been able to find Linen for her bed. I walked Pavillion and Gateway and looked all over the Bay and couldn't find what I was looking for. So in desperation I googled "cheap baby linen" and came across a women who sews from home and makes gorgeous stuff! So I chose what I want and its so perfect!

Its exactly what I wanted, and really not expensive at all- which was the other big factor of course! So now we have the pram, linen will be ready first week in July and then all we need is the this and that baby stuff that I'll buy after my baby shower. Next scan is the 7th, I cant wait to see our little bean again!

Holidays and 21 week scan.

I haven't written for a while, so I'll start with our lovely holiday at the vaal. We had so many public holidays so we went up for 10 days. We left after work on the Thursday afternoon and arrived late that night at the freezing cold Vaal. Mom came through the next day and we spent the next 10 days surrounded by wonderful friends and family.  Was so wonderful to see everyone. The only thing is that it was so cold! I was very ready to come home to Richards Bay where the coldest it gets to is about 16, and thats first thing in the morning when I'm in bed anyway! I started feeling Lily moving when we were up there, she had moved once or twice before but not every single day, as soon as we hit 20 weeks she started moving loads! Especially after I ate anything- especially anything sweet!

We had a scan the day after we got home, and saw our little girl properly for the first time. The doctor had to do the organ scan to check all her insides were developing properly and all that (which they are). She has moving loads during the scan, I don't think she likes being poked and prodded! We finally got a good look at her face, after the doc shook my tummy! She was lying with her arms thrown up over her head and eventually moved them and he snapped the pic. I cant believe shes only 20 or so cms but is a complete person. She looks just like Shaun, has the same mouth and I can just see him in her- hopefully when she comes out she has some of my characteristics to, but her daddy is very handsome so Im not complaining!