I'm Renee: baby on the way

baby on the way

He is in size 2 but we are still squeezing the most out of some of his 12-18m tees thanks to an unseasonably warm snap we are having. Hurry up cold! I have gorgeous puffer vests, knits and button downs waiting to be worn.

Favorite Foods:
We are all about bikkies this month so luckily I've discovered mini natural gingerbread men to at least keep the sugar in check. I've also been baking mini lime coconut cupcakes that are a big hit. Surprisingly, Easter confirmed E isnt really a chocolate kid or the eggs and bunnies just confused him but he really didn't eat any despite being given ample opportunity.

Favorite Words:

Mister Mimic this month, E is repeating almost anything we say and us putting so many words together. Our favourite phrases are 'Oh wow' used in context when he is excited about something. 'Woah' is also another he uses when overwhelmed and we are seeing a huge assertion of self with lots of 'no Einy do'. He's also moved on from just calling out 'mummy' over and over when he wants me, instead going with 'muuuuummmeeee where you' ... Too cute!

Favorite Activities:
His make believe play and his Toy Story obsession continue to explode and amaze us. Woody, Buzz, the Potato Heads and new Easter addition, Bullseye continue to be constantly by his side or in his arms and he actually has them interact. It's amazing to watch.

He is also enjoying puzzles and pulls them out at least once a day to do. I try to encourage patience and stay hands off with this activity so he can really learn and he seems to be figuring it all out however sometimes his 22m temper gets the better of him and pieces get tossed and tears ensue.
Least Favorite Activities:

Getting dressed is back on the black list of things he despises. We have all out tantrums for both dressing and undressing with screaming, thrashing and tears. Not fun having to pin him down but I know it will pass... Hopefully soon.

His Favorite Things:

Reading has always been popular with E but is even more so now. He just loves books and as well as enjoying being read to, he will often now grab a book from the shelves, park himself down somewhere and tell me 'Einy read' and then garble words and turn pages.

One of his other favourite toys this month has been his Tiny me name puzzle. He was given it for his first birthday and he now actually recognises that it spells his name and loves to sit and put the pieces in.

Toy Story and anything associated is a favourite so he was pretty thrilled at Easter to be given a branded lunch box, drink bottle, toy camera with Buzz voice, books etc..

My Favorite Things:
Our portable DVD player for the car is a lifesaver, especially as the highway we drive every other day is undergoing extensive road works and a 10 min trip often takes 30 which is torturous with a child who has hated the car since birth. The player at least gives me some respite and keeps the boy calm and occupied.

I am loving the Tupperware sandwich keeper plus for Es kindy lunches. Lots of compartments that seal off mean that I can pack a good assortment of food and still adhere to the Kindy's rule of no wraps or plastic.

The Babylove ezy combo seat was bought in long term consideration for b2 graduating out of the capsule and E eventually needing a booster. Often on sale for around $180, it has the highest CREP rating for its type and E looks pretty comfy in it. It will also take him through till at least 6 years old so a good investment.

Other Milestones:
Swimming lessons from as early as possible was something S and I felt very strongly about from a safety aspect. E started weekly at 4 months old and His swimming continues to progress at a great rate and he is now diving assisted to collect toys off the bottom of the pool. He has a great attitude around water with no fear but rather a healthy respect of it and his abilities. He knows he can't get in the pool unless mummy or daddy are in and he won't go beyond his depth unprompted.

baby on the way

I confess...

16:58

My ongoing confessions to a not so perfect life:

I was so tempted to find out the sex of B2 at my last scan and keep it a secret ... but then I thought better of it and reminded myself that I wanted the surprise, not S so it was a pretty stupid thing to do.

E watched Toy Story 3 twice, back to back on Sunday morning. In my defence, it was 4am and he was screaming the house down and this was the only thing that quietened him down so I could close my eyes on the lounge and pray the neighbours weren't hearing the screeching.

I finally cleaned out my makeup supplies ... I had lip glosses and mascaras in there that were over 10 years old! Not sure what I thought I was saving them for and it's pretty gross to think of applying 10 year old lipgloss now.

I hate play-doh! The smell, the texture, the way it gets under my nails ... so E hasn't got to play with it much at home. I'm going to rectify this though, overcome my aversions and whip it out this weekend for him.

I don't put S' washing away. I clean it, sort it and fold it, is it too much to ask he puts it on hangers and in drawers?

I am terrified B2 may have reflux like E did. Its been a long hard journey in this regard with E and I just don't know if it will break me having to go through those early days again and this time with a demanding toddler in the picture.

I adore the English Royal family and am hooked on anything Duchess Catherine related from her looks, likes, fashion etc. There is just something so likeable about them since Kate joined the family and the Queen, well she is just fabulous in every way.

It's been forever since I've been out to do anything on my own like a movie or dinner... I get out and about plenty but always with E so I'm only ever half listening or get to eat half a meal before his patience is out the window. .

Some nights we don't eat dinner till 8:30/9pm ... By the time we get E down for the count and debrief on our day, it's already 8pm sometimes.

I love to bake and cook but I have a tendency to read only the ingredients & start of a recipe before getting underway then halfway through, discovering it needs to sit overnight or be refrigerated for hours. Case in point this morning making crumpets. I skipped the part about the mixture needing to sit for an hour till I got to it and as a result, S & my brekky was slightly delayed.

We've had a tough couple of days here with the most demanding screeching tantrum-ing toddler I could imagine and lots of nap/sleep refusal thrown in for good measure. It kind of feels like the past days may have been amongst the hardest we've ever had or maybe I've just struggled to cope more. Tears have helped a little and I admit I'm a bit excited to have a couple of hours out by myself tomorrow while S takes over.

But you know what?

I'm a really great mumma to E and a really great wife to S.

I'm not perfect but they don't need perfect,

they just need me, imperfections and all.

What are your confessions to a less than perfect life ...

about me

Sydney Shop Girl's tag ...

11:48

I was asked by one of my favourite bloggers – the famous SSG of Sydney Shop Girl – to participate in the 2014 edition of The Tag.

I’m a big fan of time wasting aka filling in questionnaires like this and like SSG, I find it soothing to allow my mind to wander and think up the answers to the questions. I love that some cause reflection of past memories while others remind me of truly fun fabulous times I’ve had.

Here are my responses to The Tag…

1. What time did you get up this morning?

A blissful 7am … The Toddler and S allowed me an extra hour on their 6am start by staying confined to downstairs and the playroom. (In the interests of honesty, there was a 4am bathroom wakeup but I went straight back to bed and sleep).

2. How do you like your steak?
I like it pink with no sign of redness… I’m especially fussy about my red meat and have found it best to stick with steak cooked by me, S or my dad. Usually I stick to a rub with some Vegeta stock and olive oil for flavour, I’ve recently discovered a local Bush Pepper rub by local Gold Coast company Murrumbooee and I’m hooked – this stuff is divine!

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?

This took some thinking but actually, it wasn’t that long ago … Saving Mr Banks with my sis. We have grown up adoring Mary Poppins and were overdue a sister date so it was a logical choice. That said, I’m reminded we are supposed to be seeing The Other Woman on Thursday night so I must email her now to confirm.

4. What is your favorite TV show?
The Blacklist! Is there any better actor on TV than James Spader? Love him! The show itself we pick to death and honestly, it doesn’t inspire any confidence in CIA (could they be any more incompetent?) but Spader… he is magic.

And again, in the interests of honesty, like SSG, anything that keeps The Toddler occupied for a period. In our house, that means most of the ABC Kids lineup.

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Sydney or New York City … as long as I had my boys. Oh and as long as my parents and sister were there too.

6. What did you have for breakfast?
An enormous pre-natal vitamin, 2 raspberry leaf tea capsules and a glass of juice followed by a bowl of Sustain.

7. What is your favorite cuisine?
Italian complete with accompanying wines and Mexican complete with margaritas or sangria.

8. What foods do you dislike?
Have you got a month while I write the list? Keeping it short, most meats other than beef, bacon and chicken, pumpkin and anything fatty (ie pork belly).

9. Favorite Place to eat?
It depends on the who what when where … I love Grill’d burgers, Dumpling Republic, Montezumas, Benihana Teppanyaki.

10. Favorite dressing?
I’m not really big on dressings but I guess lately its Apple Cider Vinegar over a salad with make in the Thermie with broccoli, celery, red cabbage, red onion, carrot, green apple, salt & pepper.

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive?
A soccer mum car whose key features and selling points were that it could comfortably accommodate a carseat and capsule on the backseat with room for an adult in the middle, the Bugaboo Donkey and a load of groceries in the boot and S and I comfortably up front (and not folded into the dash).

12. What are your favorite clothes?
Ones that don’t need consideration to bump or nursing accommodation. Unfortunately this means I won’t be wearing or enjoying my favourite clothes for about another 12 months unless I get the occasional hour or two off for good behaviour.

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance?
Japan – the whole country again! I’d also love to see Vegas, New York and San Fran again.

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?
It’s always half full if you look closely enough… unless its wine and then its half empty with always room for more.

15. Where would you want to retire?
Wherever my children may find themselves in the future … hopefully that is somewhere warm.

16. Favorite time of day?
The moment when E wakes up … he smiles, says hi and is just so cuddly and happy to see me that my heart melts and I’m reminded of how blessed my life is.

17. Where were you born?
A little town called Queanbeyan, just outside of Canberra. Not so little now I believe… my cousin has been telling me for years that it is the fastest growing city in Southern NSW.

18. What is your favorite sport to watch?
I’m a big fan of the Soccer but really only the World Cup, Socceroo and English Premier league matches. I guess I don’t mind the NRL and AFL but live, not on TV.

19. Bird watcher?
No but I’m a people watcher which is kind of the same thing.

20. Are you a morning person or a night person?
Night … which doesn’t combine as well as with having a toddler who si a morning person but I’m learning.

21. Do you have any pets?
No and no plans for one either although my parents are always trying to palm off their dog to us.

22. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share?
Give me a couple of weeks and I’ll have the sex, name and vital stats of B2 for you!

23. What did you want to be when you were little?
The first female President of Australia. Funnily I’m now a Monarchist and I work in Politics .

24. Are you a cat or dog person?
Definitely dog… I’ve just never warmed to cats.

25. What was your last drink?
Too many months ago – pregnancy puts paid to cocktails and evening wines better than any other measure.

26. Always wear your seat belt?
Ummm yes, that is a definite no brainer.

27. Been in a car accident?
No, I’ve been very lucky … touch wood.

28. Any pet peeves?
I can’t stand hypocrites, narrow-mindedness and stupidity … the last one because you just can’t argue with stupid!

29. Favorite Pizza Toppings?
Cheese, lots of cheese… and on homemade pizza, my favourite toppings are finely chopped shallots, basil, lightly fried prosciutto, quartered cherry tomatoes and bocconcini.

30. Favorite Flower?
Peonie. I considered changing my wedding date just so I could have peonies in my bouquet.

31. Favorite ice cream?
Connoisseur Strawberry but only when its half price otherwise Baskin Robbins rockin’ candy or rainbow sherbet.

32. Favorite fast food restaurant?
Mickey Dees gets me everytime.

33. How many times did you fail your driver's test?
I didn’t … much to everyone I knows’ surprise I suspect.

34. From whom did you get your last email?
My boss.

35. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?
Chanel … not sure my limit would cover anything in store though J

36. Do anything spontaneous lately?
Not that I can think of … its hard to be spontaneous while pregnant with a toddler.

37. Like your job?
Yep. I have a great boss who works hard and really wants to make a difference.

38. Broccoli?
Definitely – raw or steamed.

39. What was your favorite vacation?
My two trips to Japan with S – even the earthquake on our honeymoon couldn’t dim how much we loved everything.

40. Last person you went out to dinner with?
Is it bad that I can’t recall when I last went out for dinner? Probably my family … actually, yes, it was my parents and my brother, sister in law and niece with S & E. Chaotic, exhausting and lots of fun at the local Italian.

41. What are you listening to right now?
The printer and 90.9 sea fm radio.

42. What is your favorite color?
Loving blush pink at the moment … but don’t seem to have much of it in my wardrobe.

43. How many tattoos do you have?
Not one … too much of a wimp for tough man stickers plus they’re a bit permanent for my liking.

44. How many are you tagging for this quiz?
Ummmm just 3:

Kacie at Lady Bear - http://www.ladybear.me/

Mez at Domestic Divinity - http://domesticdivinity.blogspot.com.au/

Sam at Marriage Motherhood and Renovations - http://marriagerenovationsand.blogspot.com.au/

45. What time is it?
11:45am … almost time for lunch!

46. Coffee ??
Nope, but I love a good iced coffee.

baby on the way

Loving two children

13:48

B2's arrival is getting closer and closer with everyday ... heck, I thought baby was going to make its arrival over the weekend with all the niggles and apparent 'early' labour signs I seemed to be undergoing. As the days pass, I worry sometimes about the arrival of B2 and if I will love this baby as much as I love E. I know I will love my baby, but will it be the all consuming, heart melting love that I get just from looking at my precious first born who makes my heart squeeze and sing.

Most of all, I worry that E won't understand the changes and will be upset at the loss of having S and I solely devoted to him only. I worry that he will think he has been displaced and isn't as loved or important anymore. Thinking of this actually gives me a physical ache and I know S has been feeling the same.

Its scary to think that in just 3 or so weeks, our family of 3 will become 4 and E's whole little world will be rocked. I may be overthinking it all and I really hope I am but knowing my beautiful sensitive little boy, I know that he is gentle and emotional and doesn't yet comprehend sharing 'mummy' with anyone, not his cousins, his daddy or grandparents. He becomes distressed when he cant have my full undivided attention and he is too little to reason with when it comes to emotions.

I have a whole lot of plans and tips I hope will help us in the early days (I will share these in another post) but also, finding and reading this has given me some comfort (and lots of tears) ...

Loving Two

I walk along holding your 2-year-old hand, basking in the glow of our magical relationship. Suddenly I feel a kick from within, as if to remind me that our time alone is limited. And I wonder: how could I ever love another child as I love you?

Then he is born, and I watch you. I watch the pain you feel at having to share me as you’ve never shared me before.

I hear you telling me in your own way, “Please love only me”. And I hear myself telling you in mine, “I can’t”, knowing, in fact, that I never can again.

You cry. I cry with you. I almost see our new baby as an intruder on the precious relationship we once shared. A relationship we can never quite have again.

But then, barely noticing, I find myself attached to that new being, and feeling almost guilty. I’m afraid to let you see me enjoying him, as though I am betraying you.

But then I notice your resentment change, first to curiosity, then to protectiveness, finally to genuine affection.

More days pass, and we are settling into a new routine. The memory of days with just the two of us is fading fast.

But something else is replacing those wonderful times we shared, just we two. There are new times – only now, we are three. I watch the love between you grow, the way you look at each other, touch each other.

I watch how he adores you – as I have for so long. I see how excited you are by each of his new accomplishments. And I begin to realize that I haven’t taken something from you, I’ve given something to you. I notice that I am no longer afraid to share my love openly with both of you.

I find that my love for each of you is as different as you are, but equally strong. And my question is finally answered, to my amazement. Yes, I can love another child as much as I love you – only differently.

And although I realize that you may have to share my time, I now know you’ll never share my love. There’s enough of that for both of you – you each have your own supply.

I love you – both. And I thank you both for blessing my life.
Author Unknown

http://www.bellybelly.com.au/baby/loving-two-children

So while I'm anxious about what lies ahead for us, I'm also excited and I know that ultimately S and I will have more than enough love to share with our children. There will be a period of adjustment of course but giving E the gift of a sibling is pretty special and I know that with time, he is going to love being a big brother.

aldi

Shopping round-up

11:51

baby on the way

Lately

11:46

baby on the way

Coping with Toddler Tantrums

09:44

''Reasons my child is crying' only a few weeks ago could be related to any or all of the following reasons:

his sippy cup was empty
there were dried apricots in his sultanas
his daddy looked at him
I picked up the wrong bedtime story to read
I opened his cheese stick at the wrong end
I wouldn't let him throw his toys down the stairs
I wouldn't let him dance on the laptop

You get the idea. All ridiculous reasons to cry but all very genuine reasons for a toddler to be upset and even descend into an all out tantrum.

We had an utterly exhausting whingy whiny period of nonstop tantrums and tears over absolutely everything recently and I have to admit that to start with, it was killing me and I would get so frustrated with the behaviour. It was everything I could do not to have a tantrum myself and some days in Toddler Town were hellish with me just about bolting for the door the second S walked in from work.

I tried everything starting with reasoning with him - have you tried reasoning with a screaming red-faced tear stained 18 month old? No? Let me save you the time and tell you now, don't bother! I tried ignoring him while he carried on and doing whatever I was doing, holding him till he stopped, talking to him calmly while sitting on the floor at his level, distraction, bribery ... you get the idea.

Then thankfully, a few articles started popping up in my newsfeed and on news and parenting sites I regularly read about toddler tantrums. Hoping one of them would have the magic cure, I happily read away. Well, as you no doubt know, none of them have the magic cure but what they did give me was some understanding of where and why which lead me to acceptance.

As soon as I stepped back from the drama, made a conscious effort in myself to stay calm and looked at it from E's perspective, I found it so much easier to cope and not get worked up myself.

Most of the worst tantrums come from frustration I find - in trying to make himself understood or trying to do something, E would become frustrated and upset and then the tantrums would start because I either couldn't understand what he was telling/asking me or because he wanted to do something himself, not with my help. In these instances, I have found the best approach to diffusing or minimising fallout is by acknowledging how upsetting it must be for him through talking calmly about it and even apologising for not understanding him, keeping it light and relaxed by sitting at his level with my arms open and out to him so that he can come to them when he is ready.

Other times when the tantrum was/is because he doesn't get his own way or puts him at risk, rather than become infuriated, I crouch down to him and try to talk him through it and explain why he can't have/do etc. I use a short brief sentence and also act it out a little like patting my head if its because he will fall down and then I ask him for a cuddle and sit with him till he is ready.

For parents, there is nothing worse than that feeling of guilt that comes if you happen to lose your temper at your child by raising your voice. So in the case of toddler tantrums and meltdowns, I think the key is before you get exasperated at another 'performance', you need to talk yourself down from your own mini-tantrum and recognise that their little brains are so overloaded at that moment and they have no idea how to regulate emotions or handle what they are feeling. Adding to that confusion won't help anyone so the best thing to do for them and for you is to try and diffuse the situation by giving them a safe place to let it out and calm them down.

For me, understanding that E is at a process of learning his emotions and how to regulate them and is so overloaded with thoughts and new experiences, it became easier to cope with the tantrums by realising that this was the time he needed me most to supply a safe harbour and anchor for him to have these outbursts of emotion.

I think another contributor often overlooked in the reason for tantrums is the environment or surroundings. Its not fair to expect a toddler to sit still for hours at a time in a pram or a trolley or at a table. They are children and they want to run and play and explore so to confine them for long periods and suppress their natural urges is only going to lead to belligerence, tears and poor cooperation because they are bored and feel punished.

If I go to the shops with E for example, I have a plan of attack that usually involves visiting the main shop I need first then a milkshake break followed by one or two more stores, a run around the shopping centre playground, one more store and then home. I try and ensure its a fun experience for him rather than having to sit quietly in his pram indefinitely while I browse as that's just not fair.

Its all about balance I guess and realising that they don't act up or have tantrums just to be brats or make our life hard. There is always a reason for their behaviour, even if it seems like a silly reason to us and a little patience and understanding will go a long way to making for a happier mummy and toddler.

Of course I'm no expert, just a mumma with a tantrum throwing toddler and this is what works for us.

anticipating

Currently

12:15

Wanting

The new Mary Higgins Clark book, 'I've got you under my skin'. My favourite author, I can never put her books down but the only problem is, there is too long between books for my liking.
Brown knee high flat boots. I found the perfect black pair for Winter (for a ridiculous sale price on The Iconic) but unfortunately the brown was all sold out. I don't want to spend too much just yet as I would like to see if I get wear out of the colour and style this coming Winter then invest in a better pair.
Sleep! I can't get enough lately so a few days of rest would do me so much good.

Needing

Feeding singlets and nursing bras. I wore my last Lovable singlets to death with E and can still use them for home/bed but I'd like some new ones for out and about under cardigans and wraps. I also need some new nursing bras as my bust is much bigger already than last time but I am holding off buying in case I go up or down again after bub is born
A new fridge! Thankfully this is already on order through Scott's work. Our home layout is such that our kitchen is upstairs but our huge stainless steel double door fridge doesn't fit in the cavity - which we thankfully discovered before carting it up the stairs - so we've had a smaller regular fridge in the kitchen to hold the everyday items. That smaller fridge died this week and I am now having to trip up and down the stairs for even a drop of milk. Not ideal at 7 months pregnant and with a toddler underfoot but I guess the incidental exercise won't do me any harm.

Listening to

The Wiggles. You name it, we've got the CD. I don't mind so much because E dances and sings along both at home or in the car and watching him have so much fun makes me happy.
Toy Story on dvd in the car on constant repeat. E is obsessed with Woody and Buzz.
The Script, 6 degrees of Separation when I'm on my own in the car.

Reading

My 'to do' lists. Checking and double checking it constantly, adding to it and my favourite part, crossing things off!
Literature that relates to me last birth and my birthing options this time around with consideration to last time.

Loving

My thermomix! I don't know how I ever did without it but I'm glad I don't have to now. It just makes life so much easier... and healthier.
Going through all of E's newborn clothes and getting B2's wardrobe sorted. Its hard to believe my big toddler was once so tiny.
Our Bugaboo Donkey... and so is E. Its easy to assemble, push and maneuver, has lots of space for E and all the associated items I need to tote around for him. It also has plenty of room for shopping bags and my things too plus it doesn't hurt that it looks pretty stylish with its Happy Bugs hood.

Watching

The Block. I was addicted the last 2 seasons and am enjoying this one just as much. I think the twins are copping a bit of a raw deal from the judges, love everything the Super K's do, enjoying the fun dynamic between the boys and puzzling over how Steve & Chantel even made the show.
The Blacklist. Despite how incompetent it makes the FBI look, I juts adore James Spader and the show's content. I'm also glad its going to start delving into the husband's story a little more if the last ep I watched is anything to go by.

Anticipating

A scan scheduled for next week. Its still so exciting to see baby on screen wriggling and waving.
Starting maternity leave. Just 5 and a half weeks to go and with some big events coming up at work, they are going to fly.
The arrival of B2 of course! I cannot wait to find out if we will have another little boy or a new adventure start with a little girl. I'm excited for newborn cuddles and for giving E a sibling to love.

Dreading

The birth of B2 and sleepless nights ahead. I'm not sure knowing what to expect the second time around makes things easier or worse... in my case, a little bit worse I expect but that is because E's birth was a bit of an ordeal in hindsight and then he had silent reflux so was a non sleeping handful. The good thing is, I know that both of those will pass and are minuscule in the scheme of things so dreading might be a bit of a strong word.

baby 2

Countdown to do list before B2 arrives

22:18

Time is ticking down and there is still so much to do before B2 arrives!

I kind of hate that the whole nursery and any decorating decisions are on hold until B2 arrives as we don't know the sex but E never slept in his nursery or spent much time in there so I guess it really doesn't matter in the scheme of things. On the plus? Its one thing I don't need to add to my to do list!

A birth plan is also something else I can skip this time around too. After spending hours on researching and writing it last time and it never making it out of my labour bag, I am willing to let this go. Writing one served its purpose last time and that was to allow me to feel organised and in control and this time I feel that way already having a reasonable idea of what is to come. I'm also confident of my abilities to advocate for myself and for Scott to support me and know what I want if I can't advocate for myself at any stage. I know what I'm capable of now, my options and choices and that really makes all the difference. At the end of the day, I realise birth is a means to an end and don't really care how it happens as long as I am holding a healthy baby at the end of it all.

So here goes, this is my current to do list:

1. Pack hospital bags for B2 and for me - I will do a separate post on this with my must haves & not necessaries from last time around

2. Install our Maxi Cosi capsule in the car for B2 - it looks like we will put it behind the drivers seat and leave E where he is behind the passenger seat.

3. Get as much practice in folding and assembling our Bugaboo Donkey before I have the added pressure of a newborn and an antsy toddler waiting on me.

4. Put together E's 'Big Brother' pack for hospital - some books, crayons & colouring paper, some small toys/games, stickers and a biggish item like a doll or toy - Buzz Lightyear likely now he's loving Toy Story.

5. Prepare a reading basket of new books I've bought for E to enjoy when I'm feeding B2.

6. Start taking my Raspberry Leaf Tea tablets from around 32 weeks ... not sure if they worked or not last time but my uterus definitely contracted quickly according to my Ob and I had great milk production without oversupply from the beginning.

7. Start my maternity leave! The plan is to start from 36/37 weeks which will be at Easter time however there is flexibility for me to go earlier if need be.

8. Stock up the freezer with meat and some meals for E, Scott and I. So far I have lasgana, risotto, beef stroganoff, homemade meat pie and zucchini slice

9. Continue spending lots of quality time with E, prepping him for what is to come and making the most of being with just him. I plan on including some theme park days too if I can manage while it’s just him to take out.

10. Dig out our baby bjorn carrier, bouncer, swing etc and check batteries, wash fabrics etc and get everything in working order.

11. Choose an announcement card and find a newborn photographer - the lady that did E's pictures is now interstate. I like these three from Etsy depending on the sex - I love the idea of E announcing the arrival especially:

12. Prepare the basics for a 'meet the baby' morning tea I'm planning to host once bub is born and rope mum and my sis into helping me out.

13. Pick up E's big boy bed and start the transition - fingers crossed as I'm really not sure how this is going to play out at all.

14. Confirm arrangements for E's care when I am in labour/hospital - with my parents only across the road from us, it makes total sense that they are on call to come stay with E if I go into labour spontaneously, especially in the middle of the night however we are lucky enough to be surrounded by family so if need be, we can also call on my mother in law or sister at anytime too and they can be there in under an hour.

15. Clean out my wardrobe and ebay some items I know I am definitely never going to wear again.

16. Get some rest once I start leave including daytime naps and a couple of pajama days while E is at kindy/grandma's house.

I think that's it for now but I'm sure I will add to it as we go and more things pop into my head.

baby names

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet ... Really?

14:37

As you know, B2's sex is a surprise - my restraint and resolve in this regard is nothing short of unbelievable as no one thought I would last and honestly, nor did I.

This means we need to come up with a short list for girl and boy baby names... Oh what fun! For those that gave done the baby name discussion with hubby/partner, you will know it often ends in argument or simply at an impasse. Often the arguments are caused in our house because S won't take it seriously, throwing out ridiculous options or just not even talking. Other times we can sit and talk about baby names endlessly with me rattling off lists and S just 'yes' or 'no' ing, sometimes throwing in an anecdote for the no.

Finally at 26 weeks in, we have made some headway and our boys name is picked, agreed on fully and sealed with a middle name of Mark after my dad as Es middle name is after Scott's dad.

Strangely our girls names however are proving far more difficult and while we agree on most we don't like, we are finding common ground a little harder. You would think it would be easy and we could just use our shortlist from last time before we found out E was a boy but to be honest, I had a shortlist but it was never really discussed or reviewed with S as he was sure it was a boy all along and yep, he was right.

Middle name is easy, depending on the first name, it will be Ann - from my maternal side as it is mine, my mum, my grandmother etc middle name - or Joy as a tribute to my paternal grandmother's name.

So in the pink corner after much deliberation and hours of discussion, we have:

Harper - we both like it and although ridiculously popular in the US, it doesn't seem quite as crazy common here. To be honest, I loved this name ten years ago, long before I knew S even or the Beckhams went and gave it worldwide desirability.
Harlow - Scott is not sure on this one but I think it's so pretty and a little different. Thankfully I think long enough has passed since the birth of the Richie /Madden namesake that it's lost its celebrity cache too.
Giselle - this is one I've snuck in to be honest as S just doesn't love it - age old story, he went to school with a Giselle - but hey, Ethan wasn't his top pick either and look how that turned out.
Jacinta - we both love this and it was our original agreed number 1 pick but I just have a feeling it might get skipped come crunch time.

Chelsea was also right near the top of my list but it's one I've had to compromise on and let go of given Scott is English and has a family history of supporting Man U. I accept it wouldn't be fair to name his only daughter after his nemesis team.

I also like the names Leighton and Quinn but Scott has a thing against surnames as first names and another of my favourites, Matisse, I just dont think will get up the list at the end of the day.

When considering a name, I put a big emphasis on its suitability for a child - what kind of nicknames etc can be derived - and for an adult - does it sound professional in a serious environment if said child was a doctor, lawyer, high court judge or politician?

baby on the way

A weekday in the life of ...

10:15

Having a 19 month old and two adults who work fulltime, routine and schedule are key to everyone's happiness. Even a few minutes off schedule can throw the start of our day into chaos and have S and I both heading to work stressed, bad tempered and exhausted before we even begin. I like to know other's routines as I'm constantly adjusting ours to maximise time spent with E and getting things done around the home so we all start our day well.

In only a few months we are going to have some very big changes to the current routine but for now, our Monday to Friday looks a little like this:

5:15-6:30am - E wakes up and if its before 6am we beg him to go back to sleep by putting him in our bed and snuggling him under the covers. Despite our tired eyes, its such a delightful way to start the day with E all cuddly, sleepy and very happy to see us. If its still before 6am and no sleep is coming, S being the best dad/husband ever, gets up with E, changes him and gives him a sippy of milk to drink while watching Waybaloos on ABCKids while I either get an extra half hour of sleep or jump up to shower, apply makeup and dress.

7am - S has usually prepped E's brekky so I fix mine quickly (this week its Sustain cereal and juice) and sit down with E to supervise him eating and to talk about his day/dreams etc. Es breakfast starts with a piece of fruit (pears, mango or kiwi this week) followed by toast/crumpet he picks at then a bowl of weet bix with mashed banana and full cream milk (with a half a losec tablet thrown in). S will use this time to have a coffee, eat a piece of toast and clean up the kitchen/do dishes apart from Thurs/Fri where we swap and I pack E's lunchbox for DC including cutting fruit/sandwich shapes while S does breakfast supervision.

7:30am - I clean E down from smeared weet bix and we head downstairs to play and dress him while S has a shower and gets ready for work. I put The Wiggles or a Playschool cd on and we dance while we put the washing out (if I was organised and set the timer the night before) and play in the playroom or in the yard then we choose an outfit for the day, change nappy and get dressed.

8:15am - depending on the day:

S's mum arrives to take E and I head off to work
S goes to work, I take E to my mums and then head to work
E & S head to swimming and I go to work
I take E to daycare before going to work and S goes straight to work x2

This is obviously based on a good day where all goes to plan but if E sleeps in past 6:30am, it can throw the whole morning out, especially if we're lazy and don't get up anyway to shower and prep ourselves.

Scott is home Monday Tuesday and otherwise finishes work at 5:30pm or a little after whereas my finish times are a little more flexible and almost always before or on 5pm so the afternoons and early evenings start and then go like this apart from Mondays when I get home and we head to my inlaws for dinner and to pick up E:

4:30/5:15pm - I pick E up from my parents or daycare and we arrive home.

5:15/5:30pm - cook, warm or prep E's dinner. I pull out whatever meat portion or meal he is having for dinner in the morning to defrost in the freezer so its usually just a matter of cooking/warming that and adding it to his steamed veg then we sit at the table while he eats and talk about his day. We always finish with fresh fruit, frozen berries or yoghurt (spiked with losec) for dessert.

6pm - Scott gets home and takes E for his bath or shower while I clean up E's dinner mess and try and prep what I can for our dinner. Bath and shower time involve lots of noise and splashing of course then we all play on the 'big bed', dry E off and put pajamas on.

6:30pm - E watches In the Night Garden with his sippy cup of milk while sitting on my lap or pottering around the lounge room reading his stories. At the end of the show we say goodnight to all the characters, take E to brush his teeth and rinse his mouth then he gives S or I goodnight kisses and cuddles, says goodnight to the trampoline and the bats (don't ask) and then S or I read him a story, put on his Tomy lullaby star projector and lay with him till he falls asleep which normally takes 10-20 minutes.

7:15pm - S or I (whoever is not on bedtime duty) prepare and cook dinner so we can eat once E is asleep then its clean up the lounge room toys followed by mostly couchtime watching tv, catching up on each other's day and tidying the kitchen before bed by 10pm. Sometimes (not lately) if I'm energetic, I will bake something for the week and I try to set the washing machine for an early morning wash load to peg out.

That's a typical weekday in our house and there are some times S will have a soccer game once a week or an afterwork job to go to or I will have plans to catch up with a girlfriend so by the time E is down on those nights, whoever is home is ready for bed too having done the nighttime routine single handedly.

Life is good

Catching up

Monthly update: 22 months

I confess...

Sydney Shop Girl's tag ...

Loving two children

Loving Two

Shopping round-up

Lately

Coping with Toddler Tantrums

Currently

Countdown to do list before B2 arrives

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet ... Really?

A weekday in the life of ...

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