39 weeks

Little one still in belly.

I'm not fed up yet. In fact, I'm still very happy just pottering about, enjoying the kicks (mostly) and carrying this precious load. I think K is finding these last few weeks hard though - and is getting mighty impatient to meet our little one. We've met some teeny newborns over the past few weeks and I can see that he is aching to hold his own baby. I guess it must be hard for him, not feeling the little one's movements so intimately, to feel that same connection - and that's where the eagerness for this baby to be born comes from. But not long now....

We're still hanging things in the nursery and adding little treasures - but I'll post some peeks soon, Little Sister (and others who have been asking). K and I will go in most nights and just look around, flicking through the books on the shelves, smoothing down blankets or holding up the outfits and carrying on about little arms and feet that will soon be sticking out of the rompers. Such the dags.

But you can't blame us for being excited.

Breakfast in Bed

Inspired by a purchase at a garage sale this morning (a watermelon pink old-school breakfast tray), I picked up some croissants on my way home and surprised K by sending him back to bed. We neglected the chores and opted instead for a morning under the covers. Who knows when we'll get the chance to do that again...just the two of us.

Ps. The Rubik's cube was a geeky little garage-sale present for K, as we'd been discussing an article from this magazine about the puzzle...did you know that the 3x3x3 world record is currently 6.24 seconds?...and is held by a 15-year-old from Melbourne. Fun fact.

38 weeks

I've been thinking so much about the little one lately. Mainly wondering what he/she will look like (will they have K's bubba lips, his chocolate skin, my funny nose, my little 'pincer' fingers!)...but also of course, whether the little one is a little boy or a little girl. I still don't have a strong feeling either way. In the beginning of my pregnancy people were telling me with certainty that my baby was a boy...but now some good friends, and both K's mum and my mum have changed their minds. But really, who knows? I just thought it would be fun record what people thought and look back at the predictions later...

Another kind of prediction you can't avoid as a mama-to-be is the old, when will the baby be born. My due date is in early October and very close to my Granny's birthday so was always happy to know that the babe would be born around this time...and every Libran I know is a beautiful soul.

But anytime you want to make that journey, little one, is fine with me. I'm feeling ready. I'm armed with positive thoughts, and an open attitude, and can't wait to embrace every moment of this amazing experience.

Just wait until your papa gets back from Melboune please. (tomorrow afternoon)

If a baby drops out of your tummy when you're shopping...

Will do.

When I was 10 years old our family went to live in England for a year. Most weekends, we would head out for a walk in the countryside somewhere, visit a castle or ruins and have a Sunday meal at the pub. Along the way we would often duck into charity shops or stumble across a car boot sale. It was on one of these trips that I picked up a series of books of children's sayings compiled by Nanette Newman. They are total classics.

I came across them when we were unpacking books for the nursery and had a good old giggle.

Read on for a chuckle.

37 weeks

The past week has been a lovely mix of productive and relaxing times. It's a relief to me that the little one's clothes are now washed, folded and stacked in neat piles in drawers or hung on mini hangers in the cupboard, the nursery is starting to take shape, my hospital bag is packed (albeit with a few items still to add), a few final baby goodies have been ordered and Mum and I have plans to head out tomorrow to tick the last few items off my bebe shopping list.

I've also had some time to catch up with friends, cuddle a new babe (which definitely made me feel a little impatient to meet our little one), enjoy another pre natal massage and hit some garage sales over the weekend - picking up some wooden toys and puzzles, and a lovely old bevelled edged mirror for the nursery.

The little one continues to move and dance about in my belly - and I'm beginning to notice some twitches and pains way down low. I woke to some aches, almost period pain-like, early this morning and lay wondering if they were going to progress into anything more. They didn't...and whilst I feel we are getting close, I'm sure there is still quite some time before we meet our little one. It feels reassuring to know that my body is starting to prepare...

PS. Some sweet, sweet decals from Shanna Murray's charming collection arrived in the post today, and just because this lovely lady posted about them only yesterday (spooky!) I thought I'd include a few pics as they just delightful and capable of bringing a little bit of happiness and a touch of surprise to your walls...

Precious

Little 8 year-old Odessa learnt to crochet in the holidays and made my baby a special gift. This gets me every time...

36 weeks

Time for another bare belly shot, I thought. Before it's gone. (Just excuse the daggy nursing bra).

I am endlessly fascinated by how this little one fits and feels within my body. The round, firmness of a pregnant belly is just so soothing...and it's a beautiful feeling to know you are carrying a precious little being around with you.

We had our check up with the midwife today and were pleased to hear that the little one is 3/5 engaged, perched in a lovely position, head down with spine curved gently on my left side. I've been practicing cat pose (when I remember) and being careful not to slouch on the sofa or in the car, so maybe my diligence has paid off. It comes at a price though (one I'm very happy to pay for a well-positioned babe, mind you)...I can't enjoy a long soak on my back in the bath anymore. Boo.

Speaking of such matters, we're planning on having a water birth (all going well) as the idea really appeals to me and they can facilitate this at the birth centre we are going to, so any advice, reading or links on this subject are more than welcome. Is it very different to a birth 'on land'?

Ps. Big love to Meu Amor, Papa-to-be. Who I know will make the most achingly beautiful father. Hope you liked your fathers day reads - one for you and the little one...and one for just you.

Slow

So I've skipped a bump post...and whilst that troubled me for a few days I've decided to embrace a more accepting attitude. I'm starting to realise that you can't be a perfectionist when raising a bebe.

It's been lovely to slow down over the last week or so...notice where the sun falls in corners of our house, gently rinse the wondersuits, master the art of brewing a pot of tea, pick small posies to pop in each room and send emails or letters I've been meaning to write for some time.

The sweet little bloomers (oops - I mean romper! I'm such an amatuer!) you can see in the middle pic are part of a present sent by Little Sister. She picked them up from a vintage store in Paris. Natch. Needless to say, I couldn't resist taking a photo of teeny tiny clothes drying on the clothes horse - I know it's probably done to death, but it really does melt your heart.