40 weeks plus - Overdue

I didn't manage a 39 weeks blog post, I'm sorry about that everyone.  I didn't feel much like blogging last week.  To be honest, I don't feel much like it this week either, but Ethan is at preschool, I'm about as ready for this baby as I can be, I don't particularly need a nap just now and I don't want to do any cleaning.. so.... here I am!

Sunday just gone was my due date, 19th May (though going by my original dates my due date was 17th May).  So, seeing as we consider "term" in this country to be between 38-40 weeks, I am now overdue.  Don't you just hate that word, that label?  It's not very helpful I feel.  After all, each pregnancy and baby are different.  Some of us just seem to have naturally longer pregnancies.  My Mum was "overdue" with me (though my brother came on the day after his due date) and my husband's Mum was late with most of her children I believe (I know for sure she was with hubby and I think the other 3 were as well).  I reached 42 weeks with Ethan.

Back to my point.  Overdue isn't a good word really, is it?  It implies lateness... and most of us don't associate lateness as a good thing.  It's not nice to turn up late for something, to leave someone waiting for you (are you listening baby?!).  Overdue implies you are FINALLY receiving something you should have received a long time ago (baby, I'm talking to YOU!).  So, once you apply the term overdue to your pregnancy, you apply a negative connotation as well.  I am trying hard not to.  It's so difficult though!  Wherever I go, it's all people want to talk about.  How many weeks are you?  When was your due date? Oh, it'll only be a maximum of two weeks now, chin up!  I don't blame people for asking me.  I am being driven slightly mad by text messages/emails/tweets asking if I'm in labour/any twinges etc.  I don't feel angry at individuals.  After all, they are just interested.  It's just SO HARD not to focus on the fact I'm pregnant and overdue when it's all anyone wants to talk to me about now.  It's no wonder the baby doesn't want to come out.  He's probably bored to death of the inane conversations I keep having...

On the school run:

Acquaintance - "Still walking then?"

Me - "Yup!"

Acquaintance -"Chin up, the walk might encourage labour!"

At the supermarket:

Checkout lady - "When's the baby due love?"

Me - "Oh, I'm overdue now"

Checkout lady *look of abject horror on face* "Oh! Oh no!" looks around as if looking for a suitable panic button, one labelled "overdue pregnant lady in supermarket - may give birth at any moment" to press "Oh, well, errrm.... hopefully it won't be long then love, good luck!" hurriedly starts to deal with next customer in an attempt to usher me out of the shop at speed so she doesn't have to deal with a lady in labour.

There are many other such conversations.  I'm sure you can imagine them.  If you've asked me on Twitter/Facebook/email/Instagram if I've had any twinges or if there are any signs, don't worry, I'm not angry at you... well, maybe just a bit ;-D  No, I'm not, really.  It's just one of those things, isn't it!  I suppose over all it's better than people not being interested.  I have taken to growling at my neighbours if they ask how I am though!!

www.medicatedfollower.com - 40+2

I have actually been having "twinges" and pains.  For a few days actually.  On Sunday I actually had a show. I didn't have either of these "signs" with Ethan so I'm trying to remain positive.  What I don't want is to be facing a fight with the midwives in a week or so about induction.  I really want this homebirth.  Or, at least, I really want a shot at it.  If we start off at home and have to be transferred in, so be it, but I'd at least like to manage most of my labour at home and try out my wonderful looking birthing pool.

What does it feel like to be over 40 weeks pregnant?  Well, it mostly sucks.  Not so much physically.  Ironically, apart from tiredness, in the last couple of weeks I've actually felt a bit better than I have for a while.  My compression tights are so worn now they are well beyond repair.  They have been kept together with a mixture of thread, sewn in heels and clear nail varnish, but they are a mess and not to be seen in public.  Luckily, probably due to the fact I've been wearing them for a few month, my achy legs and varicose vein haven't been too bad, so I'm coping without them.  Equally, I'm not having to wear the support belt I bought.  I'm just generally less achy.  That's not to say I don't feel big and tired, I do, just not as much as I did.

www.medicatedfollower.com - Family Shadows at 40 weeks pregnant

The growth of the bump has slowed down.  Despite getting bigger quicker with this pregnancy, my bump isn't actually any bigger than it was at this stage with Ethan, which is good.  In fact, I've been complimented several times on what a nice compact bump I have.  So that's a good thing.

I think the worst thing about being over 40 weeks is the uncertainty of impending labour and the possibility of induction looming.  Other than that, it's mostly OK.  Don't get me wrong though, I'm ready for this baby to be out now.  I'm not kidding myself, I know it'll be hard once he's here, but it's inevitable that he will be so really, I just want to complete my family and get on with our life now.  It's been on hold for long enough now!

Wish me labour vibes!!

Bravissimo - always the best!

I LOVE Bravissimo.  When I was growing up, it was obvious I was going to have a large chest.  By the age of 12 I had D cup breasts.  It was a constant source of awkwardness growing up.  I remember being the first girl in the class to have to wear a bra.. this of course meant I was the one the boys were always annoying, pinging my bra straps and the one girls bitched about.  I constantly felt uncomfortable.  Older men stared at me not realising my age.  It was so bloody awkward.  I hated my large chest for a LONG TIME.

Eventually of course, probably around the age of 15/16 I started to realise the "power" or the boobs and got a bit more comfortable in my own skin.  I still had a journey ahead of me, but I was starting to realise I wasn't fat, I just had big boobs.  You see, I have a more "unusual" breast size.  I have a small back and large cup size.  I am normally a 30/32F/FF.  For years, and I mean YEARS most shops didn't even stock this size, let alone know how to cope with me.  Buying a bra that fitted was almost hopeless.  I remember being about 18 and finding out that House of Fraser finally stocked a wider range of bras but even still, they only ever had about 1 or 2 designs in my size to choose from.  Buying swimwear was even more of a pain in the ass.  I can't go into Debenhams, Top Shop or Primark and just buy a "size 10" bikini.  The bottoms would be fine, but the top?  No bloody chance.  No, I discovered that I could get swimwear to fit me but that I would have to stump up around £60.  No cheap and cheerful swimwear for me!

I remember the day I discovered Bravissimo.  I was so excited I think I nearly jumped a hole in the floor!  Now, according to the Bravissimo website, it started up as a mail order company from the living room of founder Sarah Tremellen in 1995.  I certainly didn't discover them then.  I think it must have been around 2001/2002 when I found them.  I know it made my day though.  It was so wonderful to have more than 1 or 2 bras to choose from.  In different styles as well!

I started a new Bravissimo journey in 2009 when I was pregnant with Ethan.  There was a shop in Cardiff (it's the closest one to me) and I decided to go and get myself fitted part way through my pregnancy as I knew my breasts had grown.  I had a fantastic experience there.  The staff were kind, helpful, discreet and attentive.  You feel really cared for when you're with them, like they are totally focussed on you.  I was so impressed.

Now, I am pregnant again.  I've been meaning to get myself to Cardiff for months but it just hasn't happened.  Finally, this weekend, at 37 weeks pregnant I've made it there again to get myself measured for a bra to wear now and a nursing bra.  Again, I had a fantastic experience.  I had a lovely lady fitting me called Jane.  Just like before, I felt she was totally focussed on me.  There was no hint of a rush despite the fact they had full fitting rooms with more people waiting to be fitted.  She sorted me out quickly with something to wear now - in fact, I went with the first bra she brought in (a gorgeous spotty number).  She also sorted me out a nursing bra.  We went for something with some room for growth because I still have a few weeks to go but she was happy to point out that as long as I keep the tags on, I can try it on when I actually need it and if it no longer fits, return it with no issue.

Bravissimo http//www.medicatedfollower.com

 
I cannot recommend Bravissimo enough.  I'm always recommending people go there, even if they don't believe they are an awkward bra size.  So many ladies are actually wearing the incorrect bra size due to the outdated measuring techniques that most shops use (step away from the tape-measure people!!!).  I myself had a rubbish experience the other week.  In an attempt to avoid the trek to Cardiff, I popped into the Triumph Bra Shop in Clarks Villiage whilst we were there the other weekend.  I was "measured" by a grumpy lady and her tape-measure   She put me in a bra that I knew was all wrong.  It didn't fit, it wasn't supportive in the back and was baggy in the cups.  To give you an idea, my new bra from Bravissimo is a 34FF (my nursing bra a 32H) but this lady in Triumph put me in a 38EE.  Completely wrong.  When I tried to suggest so to her, she got very defensive and just said "Well, that's what the tape-measure says".  Hmmm.. I don't trust these old fashioned methods!  You can find out more about Bravissimo's fitting philosophy here. You can read all about why the old tape-measure method is so bad here.

I've not been asked to write about this, this isn't a sponsored post.  I just love Bravissimo and want to tell you all about them!

37 week ponderings - homebirth plans, cloth nappies, nesting...

On Sunday (or today) depending on who's dates you go with (mine or the dating scan) I reach 37 weeks pregnant.  It's quite a big deal, reaching 37 weeks, I think.

As I'm planning a home birth, this means I can now happily labour at home (as long as there are no complications), even if I'm not 40 weeks.  Yippee!  There is a good chance I will get to use our birthing pool.  It's something I've worried about, after all this planning.  I really want to give home birth a go.  Even if things don't pan out, it'd be nice to think labour started at home, that I gave it my best shot.  Obviously, thinking positively  I hope that the whole birth will occur at home!

So.  What's going through my head at 37 weeks pregnant?  Well, quite a lot actually.  Though many pregnant women are worn out and suffering with "baby brain" causing them to forget things ALL THE TIME, we actually have quite full and active brains.  I think it's because they are so full of thoughts/plans that we forget silly stuff.  You know, like taking your son out in the car to ride his scooter up at the local sea front but leaving the scooter at home, right on the drive way, practically with a sign on it saying "please steal me and sell me on eBay!".  I'll give you a glimpse into my head right now:

I must plan ALL THE THINGS! 

I'm obsessed with being organised and prepared for things at the best of times.  As I reach the end of this pregnancy, I've gone beyond nesting.  I've decided that as baby is due in May and Fathers Day is in June, it'd be a great idea to buy/make presents for hubby and Granddad now.  Not only buy them, but wrap them up.  And make cards as well.  This is well and good, but the chances are that I'll probably have forgotten where I've put them by the time Fathers Day actually rolls round.  Or be too sleep deprived to remember on which day it falls.  Never the less, I am steaming ahead with this plan.  The power of hormones compel me!

Real/Cloth nappies

I used Naty nappies with Ethan - disposable but better than your average disposables.  I've planned throughout this pregnancy to do the same this time.  After all, I'm not planning to have a 3rd child so really it'd be silly to invest in cloth nappies now... and yet, at 37 weeks pregnant, when I could pop at any moment and should not be worrying but trying to rest all I can, I find myself trawling the internet and eBay looking at cloth nappies and thinking.. just thinking... it'd be so nice to use cloth!!  I'm mad to be thinking this now, surely?  One of the reasons I've steered clear of cloth, despite preferring to be green and loving everything about them from their ethos to the way they look, is that I know how easily stressed I am and that I am not someone who needs extra hassle when a baby comes along.  Like many things baby though, I'm not finding it easy to be logical about this.  Deep down I know I would love to use cloth.  I'm scared to though.  I have no idea where to start, I'm worrying about taking something on that I can't handle and I'm not sure where I'd come up with the money to buy what I need upfront.  I just don't know if it's practical for me.. all the same, I love the idea of them!

Baby position

Prior to my check up with the midwife this week (or middle-wife as Ethan calls her) I was seriously concerned about the position of baby.  Due to some big movements the week before and where I was feeling hiccups, I was convinced that he was breech.  I spent the whole week stressing over this.  Any spare time I had was spent hanging upside down from the sofa, on the birthing ball or on my hands and knees (and no, not in a sexy way!).

Here's an attractive photo for me to share with the world!

I didn't feel him move positions so was petrified on Thursday when I had my appointment.  I know people (locally) who's babies have been breech at 36 weeks and they were all sent into hospital to have the baby manually moved and if that didn't work, booked in for a c-section at 38 weeks.  So NOT what I want.  I pretty much had a panic attack in the waiting room this week.. it didn't help that my midwife was (as usual) running half an hour late.  Turns out I was worrying over nothing, that actually he is in an OK position.  Not perfect (he's lying to the side a bit) but he is still head down.  No engaged, but that's not something to worry about.  I never realised second babies don't generally engage until labour! Interesting!

Presents for my son

I've always liked the idea of giving your first born a present when the new baby arrives.  After all, they've been your one and only for however long (in Ethan's case, nearly 4 years) so it's likely that even if they are excited about the new baby and being a big brother/sister they are also likely to feel a bit usurped and left out.  The idea of a present "from" the baby to your first child is a simple one.  Something to remind them they aren't forgotten.  I like the idea of it being "from the baby" as well - I like to think it'll be an encouraging start to a lifelong bond.  I've bought a few things "from the baby" for Ethan.  I've tried not to go overboard.  I've got him a "Big Brother" t shirt (the baby has a Little Brother one).  I also picked up a couple of Dr Seuss books in the charity shop, a card game and I've ordered one of those huge lego head storage boxes for Ethan's lego.  Quite a nice selection I think!

Have I got everything for labour?

Planning a home birth means you have to go to a bit more trouble than if you're planning to go into hospital.  At first you think "I'm labouring at home! I won't need to do anything to prepare!" but that's just not the case.  First of all, I've packed a hospital bag anyway, because things might not go to plan..  Right there, that's all I did last time.  On top of that I've had to get everything I can think of to cover labouring at home.  The Good Birth Company have provided a birthing pool and they have a great selection of kits which you can buy alongside their pools (kits include a sieve, a thermometer  a pool liner, a pool lid, a pump to blow up and deflate the pool, a pump to remove the water afterwards, a hosepipe and tap attachments and other items) but I've still had to buy/gather up more items.

Just some of the stuff I've been collecting up..

I've collected a whole heap of old towels.  I've got plastic sheeting from a DIY store, a cheap shower curtain and oilcloth material.  All will be used to protect surfaces such as the carpet and sofa.  I've got a waterproof mattress protector on our bed alongside an old towel and a disposable bed wetting pad.  These are in case my waters go in bed or in case I decide I want to labour in our bed.  I've also got a dark blue fitted sheet on the bed because it'll be more forgiving if I stain it.  I've bought a cheap handheld mirror to help us see what's going on during labour.  I've bought masses of supplies such as energy drinks and snacks.  I've got my TENs machine from last time but I've had to buy new electrode pads.  The birthing ball is ready and set up.  I've got the potty down from it's hiding place (it's been hidden away after Ethan started using the loo) in case I need a poo/wee during labour and don't want to leave the pool.  I've got oodles of maternity pads and cheap black pants from Primark.  I'm sure there's even more that I can't remember just now!  Planning a home birth is definitely more involved!!  Even the birth plan took me longer...

I must clean the top of the wardrobe and sell those clothes at don't fit on eBay...

I can't seem to stop dying baby clothes or faffing around in baby's room!

Crazy nesting.  If you've ever been pregnant you'll know what I mean.  Nesting really does make us do strange things that people in our delicate (heavy) tired state should NOT be undertaking.  I remember some classics from last time such as cleaning out and bleaching our freezer, reorganising it and labelling the draws.  I also remember listing a whole heap of things on eBay when I was not only due to pop but overdue.  You can guess the outcome.  I ended up having to make trips to the Post Office to post items that sold when I had a tiny days old baby.  Stupid.  So stupid.  That's one mistake I won't be making this time.  But you can be sure I'll still be staying up until 2am tweaking the décor in the baby's room or steam cleaning the oven.

Style

Trying to look my best... feeling rubbish!

I'm mostly a style/fashion blogger but even my style is struggling to keep up with the body of a heavily pregnant women.  I just don't have the budget to buy heaps of maternity wear and I'm so far along now that it'd be pointless to buy any more.  I just have to struggle along wearing a tiny selection of clothes and trying to keep feeling "stylish" and "like myself" but it's getting harder by the day.  For one thing, I have to wear compression tights every day because I don't want to aggravate the varicose vein that has appeared on my leg.  Because I'm wearing these tights every day, they are taking a lot of punishment   I've now had to sew them up three times and paint the ladders in with clear nail varnish.  Whilst they are holding together and just about doing their job, they are NOT looking stylish.  Not at all.  They are unsightly so I'm forced to wear other tights/leggings or jeans over them..  It'd better not get too hot before this baby comes out!  I am NOT feeling stylish.. and that is why you are not seeing many style posts from me at the moment!! At least, women's style.  Thankfully I can still go on about children's fashion!

There are so many more things I could blab on about tonight . but this has been a massive blog post and in all honesty, I want to eat some ice cream now.. so I'm going to sign off!!

Trendy Tuesday - Nesting for baby!

As I write this post, I'm sitting at home in my living room at the table.  The house is peaceful - well, I have the radio on in the background.  I have the back door open next to me, the sun is shining and whilst it's still not exactly warm, I can hear the birds and see blue sky.  It's relaxing and calm.  A few weeks from now, this calm may well be shattered!!

Yes, at 35+2 I am well and truly in nesting mode because the arrival of my second son is imminent.  At the very most it could be 7 weeks.  Hopefully it'll be less than that.  I reached 42 weeks pregnant with Ethan and whilst I'm expecting to go overdue again this time (it's what I know!) I'm hoping I won't go quite that far over.  If nothing else, I don't want to have to fight to have my home birth and I know that the more overdue I go, the more I'll have a fight on my hands.

I digress.  Over the weekend, hubby finally moved our spare sofa out of the baby's room and downstairs to the living room.  The living room isn't intended to be it's final resting place, we are hoping to put it in our summer house in the garden (I have a fantasy of feeding the baby in the shade in the summer house on a hot summer day whilst Ethan plays in the garden - watch this space!).  Now the sofa has gone from baby's room, I can work on arranging it into a bedroom.  My intention is that he'll sleep in his moses basket in our room for the first few weeks but I still want to have as much ready before he arrives.  I've been nesting like a woman posessed.  I barely slept last night because I couldn't switch my brain off.  All I can think about is getting the baby's room sorted out, getting everything I need for the home birth and packing a hospital bag "just in case". I'd love to be someone who lives in the moment, but I'm not like that anyway, let alone when coming towards the end of a pregnancy!  If I could make pack lunches now for Ethan to eat next year at school I would.  I'm just wired that way.  Even now, I should be grabbing a quick nap whilst Ethan is at preschool but instead I'm doing this.  There is ALWAYS SOMETHING TO BE DONE!

Tuesday is about style and fashion though, so I thought I'd share a few photo's of the baby's room so far and some of the clothes I have for him.

Most of the clothing is Ethan's stuff and has just come from the loft but I have bought this one a few new items that are just for him.  I couldn't not really!

Tie-dye vests - plain vests I dyed myself

Knitted cardigan - from a small shop in Hawes, Yorkshire

Little Brother top - Asda

Star romper & retro print romper - Boys & Girls

Stripe shorts - Polarn O Pyret via eBay

Stella McCartney cloud print top - TKMaxx

Leg warmers - eBay

What do you think of baby's room so far?  I have a few more things that need to be added.  For one thing, I need to put up a couple of shelves for books and some toys to go on - I'm thinking floating shelves would look good.  I've also got some more bits and bobs to decorate the room with - I ordered a load of stuff from The Pippa & Ike Show last night (you should check out their site, it's wonderful!) and also a couple of bits from Lapin & Me.

Well, I'm going to hand over to those who want to join in now and show off their trendy tots, toddlers and older children.  It's easy to join in, just follow the rules below and use the linky form!

1) Link back to my blog in your blog post and/or display the Trendy Tuesday badge (code available to the right).

2) Comment on my blog post and please visit others who join in - share the love!

3) Tweet me @medicatedfollow with your blog post link so I can retweet it.

Planning my Home Birth - 34 weeks

Readers, things are starting to get real.  I am heading very quickly to 35 weeks.  Even if I go overdue to 42 weeks like last time, we are in single figure weeks now.  Yikes.

I'd like to say it's gone quickly.  In some ways it has, I suppose.  Quicker than last time because I'm inevitably more busy with Ethan to look after, even though he is at preschool, when he's there I'm doing the housework or blogging.  No maternity leave like last time.  I was damn lucky last time.  I had a load of holiday saved up so I finished working at around 31 weeks.  I had 5 days of the week to myself.  Even I can't make house work that long so I could potter around as I pleased.  If it was hot I spent the afternoon lounging around in a bikini in a paddling pool in the back garden (like a beached whale).  I had a two hour nap most afternoons.  I had the energy to take myself into Bristol to potter about the shops and buy baby clothes in TKMaxx and bulk buy Natty nappies in Boots... and I had the energy to carry it all home!  It's completely different this time around.  I've found this pregnancy so much harder physically.  I've reached the stage now where I can pretty much manage walking Ethan to and from preschool.  That's about it.  If I do that I can't really do any proper house work.  Not without paying for it in pain and stiff joints later in the day.

So, yes, things are getting real now and I need to start writing my birth plan and really getting things sorted for the home birth I'm planning.  Have I mentioned that before?  I think I may have in passing.  Yes, this time around I'm planning a home birth.  It's always appealed to me but when I was pregnant with Ethan I didn't have the confidence to go for it.  My experiences in labour with him, whilst not terrible, were not what I really wanted, so this time I'm trying to keep all the control I can.  Of course I realise that things may not go to plan and I may still end up with a hospital birth but if I can at least feel like I've done everything I can to get the birth I want then I'll be happy.

My experience with home birth has been mixed so far.  Way back when I had my booking in appointment with my midwife (I think I was around 10 weeks pregnant then) they were happy for me to plan a home birth.  The second time I went along, around 16 weeks I think, I was told that it was unrealistic, that there aren't enough staff and that the likelihood is that I'd end up birthing alone.  That meeting upset me greatly.  You can read about that here.  After that meeting, I started backtracking and planning a birth in a local birthing centre which opened in January.. I was getting myself all geared up for that when I went back for my next midwife appointment where I was then told that actually, I should try to go for a home birth seeing as I'm passionate about it!!  I couldn't have been more thrown.  Ever since then I've been planning the home birth, reading up about it, reading other peoples experiences.  I also know someone who's managed to have a successful home birth, one of my oldest and closest friends gave birth to her first daughter at home this February in London.  Knowing that she managed it has inspired me, so I intend to carry on making my plans :)

What am I actually doing to get ready then?  Well, of course, there are some practical implications.  I want a water birth so I've had to organise a birthing pool.  Some parts of the UK offer birthing pools for home births but North Somerset isn't one of those.  Birth pools are likely to cost around £100-150 to buy depending what type you buy and what extras you add.  You can hire them.  I've been very lucky and I'm going to be provided with one by a lovely company called The Good Birth Company.  They are providing me with a mini birthing pool in a box.  I've opted for the mini because I'm only about 5'2' if that and I want to make sure there's plenty of room around the pool for the midwife and Pete.

Image source: The Good Birth Company

Because I'm opting for a water birth, there are a few extra things to think about, such as making sure we have a way to fill the pool - luckily The Good Birth Company provide a hose in their basic extras kit which we can attach to our tap - hopefully the one in the kitchen.  I've invested in some plastic sheeting to place on the carpet under the pool just in case.  I will also be putting some spare oil cloth table cloth material I have on one of our sofas for me and baby to relax on after birth.  I'll be covering this with some old towels so it's comfy to sit on.  This is just really to save the sofa from blood leakage.  Hopefully I won't bleed too much but I remember in hospital last time bleeding through onto the bed sheets when I was in overnight, so it's better to be safe than sorry!!

In my bed I'm going to put some of those bed wetting sheets you can buy under my bedsheet - I'm going to do this in a few weeks just in case my waters break in bed.  I want to protect the mattress!  I'm also going to replace the fitted sheet with a dark coloured one I have once labour starts and will place an old towel in the bed to lie on when I do go to bed.

I intend to just wear a bikini top to labour in, maybe with a baggy t shirt when I'm not in the pool.  Last time I wore a cheap nightie which was fine.

I've bought myself some arnica tablets to take after the birth - I did this last time and I healed quite quickly.  Anything that might help!! I've also bought some raspberry leaf tea capsules.  I drank the tea last time in the last few weeks of labour but I HATED the stuff.  I am someone who drinks herbal tea on a daily basis so this is saying something!  I think it's because it's mixed with apple, I hate apple!! I'm more of a lemon and ginger girl.. So, this time, I've gone for the capsules.  I'm taking one a day now (just started) and will up it each week, so at 35 weeks I'll take 2 a day.  You can take up to 6 a day.  I'm not sure I'll go that far, but I'll certainly up it to 3 or 4 a day.  Raspberry Leaf extract is supposed to help tone the uterus which can help you have a quicker 2nd stage labour.  Now, I had to be induced last time, so I'm not sure if the tea I was drinking made much difference or not, but because I hated it, I only managed one cup per day, if that.  Some days I couldn't hack it at all.  I have no problem swallowing capsules!

For the birth, I intend to use my TENS machine as soon as contractions start - you don't really want to be getting in the pool before about 4-5 cms dilated.  My TENS worked well for me last time.  That reminds me, I need to buy some new pads for it so I can attach it!  I'm also planning to get into my bath at home whenever I feel it will help.  I want to avoid pain relief as much as possible - I didn't get gas and air last time, for some reason the midwife wouldn't let me have it!  I had pethidine right towards the end of my labour.  I'd managed nearly 30 hours with nothing but TENS and at that point they thought I'd labour for another 7 hours so I had the pethidine but Ethan was then born less than an hour later and we were both completely drugged up.  It wasn't a great start.

I plan to have some candles lit in the room for the birth - I'm going to use the living room.  I can have music on if I want.  I've not made a playlist because in all honesty, I'm not sure what I'll fancy listening to, I'm going to play it by ear (oh, haha!).

After discussion, we think it'll be best if Ethan isn't home for the birth.  Despite him knowing all about how babies come out, he's a sensitive little soul and I don't think it'll be helpful for him to see me in pain, or bleeding.  I didn't make any noise in labour with him, but I can't guarantee it'll be the same again this time.  I just think for him, it'll be best if he's somewhere else.  My parents are going to take him.  I'm just not sure exactly at what point!  Again, I plan to play it by ear.

This is my list of what I'm getting in ready for the birth/post birth:

Birthing pool & extras (hosepipe, tap connectors, thermometer, pump to remove water etc..)

Old towels - as many as I can get together

Plastic sheeting - for the floor

Oil cloth material - for the sofa

Maternity pads - for bleeding after the birth

Arnica - for after the birth

Lavender oil - to use in the bath after birth to help healing

Bikini top & t shirt/nightie - to labour in

TENS machine & new pads - for early labour

Snacks (chocolate, bananas, oat bars etc)

Water bottle & straw - makes drinking easier during labour

Blanket for me and baby post birth

Protective pads - for my bed in case of waters breaking and blood loss after labour

Dark coloured fitted sheet - for bed after labour

First set of clothes for baby

Camera - with battery charged!

That's my list at the moment - I'm sure there will be more things I'll think of!

Something else worth mentioning.  I plan to deliver the placenta naturally and to leave the cord attached for at least an hour post birth so that baby gets the best start he can.  If I can, I also hope to do what is known as the "breast crawl" in the hopes to establishing a good first feed.

Have you had a home birth?  Are you planning one?  I'd be really interested in hearing the views of others who've planned/succeeded in a home birth.

This post is linked up with Mums Make Lists for The Friday Baby Shower.

What I Wore Wednesday - Maternity Style 30 weeks onwards

A quick style post today.  I know that I've been slacking in the style stacks, but can you cut me some slack in the late stage of pregnancy?  I'm really struggling now.. I feel I have so few outfits/items to choose from.  I'm still restricted by relatively cold weather.  Hopefully by the time baby arrives we'll be able to enjoy some warm weather and I can break out the maxi dresses and birkenstocks.  Ahhh, comfy summer clothing!

Here are a few outfits from the last few weeks:

A nice bright scarf to cheer me up on a grey wet day!

Scarf - Stella & Dot via me

Dress - Isabella Oliver

Denim jacket - New Look (last year, non maternity)

Wellies - Joules

Quite smart!

Grey dress - Dorothy Perkins Maternity

Cardigan (under jacket) - Room 31

Tights - New Look (non maternity)

Boots - Wrangler

I wore this for my friend's son's Christening.  Quite pleased with this one!

Dress - New Look (non maternity)

Bag - Marc Jacobs

I'm linking this post up in several places:

What I Wore Wednesday with Transatlantic Blonde, The Pleated Poppy & Kiwi Women's Style

The Friday Baby Shower with Mum's Make Lists

Watch What I'm Wearing with Watch Out for the Woestmans

Sunday Style with Plane Pretty

and

Visible Monday with Not Dead Yet Fashion

Maternity Fashion & TIffany Rose - Oh, how things have changed!

When I was pregnant with my first son over four years ago, it created a new bond between my Mum and I. We've always been close but we've never been "best friends".  I wouldn't say we are now either...but my becoming a mum definitely brought us closer, and gave me a better understanding of her. We used to talk about all sorts when I was pregnant the first time around, and I was genuinely interested in what her pregnancies with my brother and I had been like so we talked about that quite often.

One thing I remember my Mum mentioning was the lack of maternity wear in the 1980s. In fact, it's not just my mum who has commented on this, I remember my mother in law saying the same.

Years ago, the whole fashion and clothing market was different. It was more common to make your own clothing (and that of your children) than today. Mainly to keep prices down! My mum used to make do with what she had in her wardrobe pre-pregnancy, and either adapted clothing she already owned or bought big baggy dresses.

I do remember her mentioning Mothercare (Mothercare opened its first shop in 1961 and started mail order business in 1962). She bought a couple of maternity items from them via mail order - including a rather "fetching" maternity swimming costume which she still has to this day!!

It has to be said though that maternity wear is still a relatively new concept in fashion terms. Even today it can be very hard to find maternity clothing on the High Street. Certainly my local high street doesn’t stock any maternity wear. I have to travel to my nearest city or order online.

Even when you do find a shop that stocks maternity clothing, the selection is generally small; two pairs of trousers styles to choose from, some vests, a shirt, a t shirt, a dress or two, a pack of bump bands and maybe a pair of tights in one or two colours - that seems to be what most shops stock. Understandable I suppose, pregnant women aren't the largest demographic in the country!!!

Luckily this gap in the market has been spotted and there are more and more maternity wear companies popping up all the time. They have seen this gap and recognised that, actually, women WOULD like a variety of clothing styles to choose from when pregnant and *gasp* they would actually like to feel stylish and fashionable as well as comfortable!

Nine - ten months isn't long in terms of a lifetime, it's true, but pregnancy is hard enough (as any pregnant woman will tell you) so why shouldn't you feel good about yourself for the duration?  It's not unusual when pregnant to find you need to attend an event which calls for a smart outfit. Perhaps a wedding, a christening or even a work event…

Luckily there are now companies out there who provide maternity clothing for such occasions and Tiffany Rose is one of them! Tiffany Rose stocks some of the most stunning and beautiful maternity dresses I have ever seen.

Amelia Dress - Tiffany Rose

I haven't had to attend any events during my current pregnancy but when I was pregnant the first  time, I had several including my brother’s graduation from Oxford University. I know I would have loved a Tiffany Rose dress for that occasion!! I think that if I were attending a similar event during this pregnancy I would choose the Amelia Dress - short (Windsor Blue). It is a truly timelessly stylish dress. I'm obviously not alone in thinking so, several celebrity Mum's have worn it including Dr Pixie McKenna and Julie Arshavin.

Obviously, not all women are going to feel that a wide choice of maternity clothing is absolutely necessary, but I believe there are a growing number of us who do - especially among the fashion and style blogging community!  Staying stylish during a pregnancy helps to maintain a feeling of "being you", at a time when so much is changing (not just physically!). Personally, I welcome all the new maternity clothing companies to the market - long may it continue! We deserve to feel and look good when pregnant!

Compression Tights - my pregnancy essential!

I mentioned recently that I've been suffering a lot with various leg aches and pains and discovered a rather large varicose vein.  Well, these issues had me googling like a mad thing in an attempt to find a way to relieve my symptoms.  My searches lead me to compression tights.  Something I'd never even heard of before - I think the closest I heard about are the stockings you get given before surgery or flight socks... I've been introduced to a whole new world of comfort!

I must admit I was sceptical - a pair of tights that would actually make my legs feel better?  Really?  Cost was quite a surprise as well, compression tights seem to start from the £20 mark (for a decent pair that actually work) and go upwards to around £40.  There are various sites that stock them and a few different companies who make them.  I decided I wanted to use someone reputable and who actually specialise in this area.  For that reason, I chose to buy from PebbleUK.  PebbleUK are "a Cambridgeshire based online retailer who specialise in therapeutic hosiery and underwear".  Just what I needed.

After careful consideration, I decided to go for a pair of Solidea maternity support tights with 18-21 mmHGg (mmHg is the measurement for compression, it means millimetres of mercury).  The aches and pains I've been suffering from have been quite considerable so I wanted to go for tights with a decent level of mmHg and the reviews I'd found online for the Solidea tights were good.  These tights set me back £29.70 including postage so I was hoping for a lot...

My tights arrived on Monday this week after ordering at the weekend, pretty good I thought.  I have to say that the PebbleUK customer service was excellent, they sent an email every time something progressed with my order which was very reassuring.

I tried my tights on for the first time on Tuesday.  Putting them on was quite amusing.  I knew it was going to be quite tricky.  Obviously you want to avoid snagging or laddering the tights (especially at this price!) so I was very careful.  The hardest part to fit is your foot.  Once you've gently got your foot fully into the tights it's quite easy to pull the rest of them up your legs and then adjust accordingly   I didn't feel immediate relief but I can honestly say that within a few hours of wearing the tights I was feeling better and since Tuesday I've worn the tights every day and my legs are much less painful.  I can tell the tights are suppressing my varicose vein as well which is good news.  My legs/hips still cause me discomfort at night time, but once I've got my tights on in the day I am SO much more comfortable.  Less achy.  I feel more supported.  My bump as well feels supported.

As I'm not above embarrassing myself, I'm going to include a photo of me in the tights so you can see for yourself what they look like.  Please excuse my pregnant body!!

I'm really pleased with these tights.  Yes, they were expensive but the comfort I get from wearing them is more than worth the expense.

Pregnant ladies, if you are suffering at all from varicose veins, achy legs, pelvic pain, restless leg syndrom, get yourself a pair of these tights!  I really don't think you'll regret it!

I'm linking this up with Mum's Make Lists who has a lovely new Mum/pregnancy related Linky.

**This is NOT a sponsored post.  I bought these tights myself.  I have not been compensated and all views expressed are my own**

Sotto e Sopra maternity wear

Well, here I am at 25 weeks.. this pregnancy is flying by!  I don't have time to think about it most of the time.          I'm itching to fully organise the baby's room but unfortunately I'm stuck until we can move the sofa out of there (anyone need a sofa?  We've no choice but to pop it in the summerhouse in the garden!!) and until hubby has finished refurbishing the chest of draws we bought.

I digress.. I'm still trotting around in what feels like (to me) the same few outfits.. One such outfit features my Sotto e Sopra top/dress (it's long enough on me to be called a dress!).  I was very lucky to be sent this item and I've worn it a lot since receiving it.  Very comfy, soft and practical.  The colour is quite an understated khaki green, but what I love about that colour is that it goes with so many others.  I find I like to add a belt to give the top/dress some definition.  Today I've styled it using a scarf!

Top/dress - Sotto e Sopra Mama

Tights - H&M Mama

Shoes - Jessica Simpson via TKMaxx

Scarf - H&M

Jewellery - old

I have a few evenings out coming up this week (get me!).  Hubby and I are having a long awaited date night on Wednesday evening and I'm out with the girls on Friday night.  Honestly, my social life (in the evening) isn't usually this active!  Most of my outfits remain the same in maternity, whether day or evening wear.  I think the best way to smarten them up is with some heels.  I can still wear heels at the moment, but don't worry, I don't wear them for hours on end!  I love my Jessica Simpson animal print heels I found in TKMaxx a few months ago.  Comfy but noticeable!

Linking up today with Watch What I'm Wearing & Visible Monday.

Happy 2013!

Happy New Year all! I'm back.  I really, really needed a break from my blog over Christmas and the new year.  I love having a blog, but it can be hard work at time, and that's just it, I don't want it to feel like "work" or forced.  So, I'm back, somewhat refreshed.  Only somewhat, because how refreshed can a pregnant woman be?!

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year?  Overall, we had a good time. Pete had to work a few days here and there which was a bit annoying, breaking up the holiday a bit and making it feel a bit funny.  We've been lucky the last few years and Pete has been able to take 2 weeks or so off (his birthday is 4th Jan so he usually stays off work til then).  It did make Christmas a bit odd because Pete had to go into work on Christmas Eve (not so bad), New Years Eve and then back to work properly on the 2nd... I know it could be far worse, but it put a slight dampener on things for us.  Overall though, it was a good time.  Ethan LOVED Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  I think he found it all a bit overwhelming, even though we didn't go crazy with presents.. but it's still so much, especially with a stocking as well!!  I think one of the funniest things was finding him in bed with his stocking on Christmas night covered in chocolates and marshmallows (or mashymoes as he calls them).  What a sticky mess.

On New Years Eve, we let Ethan stay up with us.  It wasn't a crazy night, just the three of us (and bump) watching TV and playing games.  At midnight our neighbours held a firework display which Ethan stayed up for - he ended up staying up until nearly 1am which amazed me (Pete fell asleep on the sofa!!) and he loved the fireworks.  He never really caught up on that missed sleep but it doesn't seem to have had an affect.

New Years Eve was exciting for another reason because we had our 20 weeks scan and found out the sex of baby 2!  If you've missed the news, we're expecting another boy! I must admit I was hoping for a girl so we'd get to experience both, but you get what you get and what we're getting (unless they're wrong, but it didn't look like that to me!) is another boy.  A little brother for Ethan.

Dress - bought from New Look in 2008 when I was last pregnant - not maternity, just a size up from normal!

I'm 21 + 2 now and hoping I've passed the half way mark.  I made it to 42 weeks with Ethan, so when everyone was saying to me at 19/20 weeks "Oooo, half way now!" I must admit I've been thinking... possibly not!!  I am very happy to report that over the last two days I HAVEN'T FELT SICK!!!!!  I don't know if that will last, but it's amazing!! A nasal spray from the doctors is allowing me to breath at night again so I'm able to sleep... that is helping a lot... and *shhhh* I think my energy levels are picking up a little.  I still have itchy huge uncomfortable boobs of doom, but we can't have everything, can we!

Today marks the start of getting back into the routine of every day life.  Ethan is back at preschool despite protesting and I am back blogging... Tomorrow marks the return of Trendy Tuesday so if you're reading today and you have a trendy child in your life, pop back tomorrow and link up a blog post showing off their style!!

I'm linking up today's post with Visible Monday, Sunday Style and Watch What I'm Wearing.

18 week bump - definitely showing.

A quick quick post.... I'm 18+4 now and there is no way you can fail to notice... This week was the first time I ventured out without a coat/jacket covering my bump and as a result my neighbours have started to notice!!! Funny.... Yes, the secret is fully out, the bump is on show.

I think once your bump pops out a bit it starts to get a bit easier to dress it... before that you're stuck in a no mans land where you're a bit too big for your normal clothes, but your bump isn't showing enough for it to be obvious that you're pregnant so you just feel kind of dumpy and don't know what to wear.. I think I'm coming out of that phase now.  I'm still wearing a mixture of maternity and non-maternity.  Generally speaking, I need maternity wear on my lower half, so it's mat jeans and tights.. Many of my dresses and tops still fit over the top quite happily.  It's quite a nice halfway house.  This is my fave look of the week so far... sorry I'm in the loo again!

Tights - Mama @ H&M

Boots - Kensington Uggs via Cloggs.co.uk

Dress - Primark (last year)

Cardi - New Look (earlier this year)

Belt - ebay

Snood - Primark

Hat - H&M (last year)

I've loved finding this dress at the back of my wardrobe... I didn't love it on me before being pregnant (despite adoring the print) but I feel it works really well over the bump, even if it makes the bump look bigger!! H&M Mama tights are a staple... they aren't toooo expensive and seem to be great quality.  I have 3 pairs and layer them up when it's cold.  Best of all are my Uggs though.  I really do love these.  I cannot believe how well they are coping with rain, they haven't stained and have remained watertight.  LOVE them. Comfy and warm as well....

Linking up with the lovely Transatlantic Blonde today :)

17 weeks - time for a festive tee shirt

Howdy folks!

I'm 17+3 today and feeling it.... tiredness still not eased off... my restless leg syndrome has ramped up a gear, I still have a blocked nose most of the day and sleep sitting up.  It's wonderful, I'm really glowing.  NOT.  I just keep thinking about the 20 week scan.  It'll be lovely to reach that "half way point", to know what we're having and hopefully to get a tiny bit more energy!

Although I'm not feeling physically my best, I'm trying hard to keep upbeat.  It helps that Christmas is round the corner, so I'm keeping everything festive.  This includes the annual "bringing out" of my festive tee shirt from Cath Kidston.  I've had it for a few years now, 4 I think, and it comes out every year in the run up to the big day!!  I love this tee shirt, it always makes me smile, and quite often other people as well when they spot it!

I'm afraid my photos are a bit rubbish this week, I took a few when I was in the loo at my local coffee haunt.   yeah, I'm so classy!!  So, my apologies for that!!

Hat - M&Co

Coat - Red Herring Maternity

Tee shirt - Cath Kidston (old)

Jeans - Topshop Maternity (2009)

Kensington Uggs - Cloggs.co.uk

Jewellery - Stella & Dot (you can buy via me, stylist I.D. 145279)

My jeans are from my previous pregnancy and I'm still very fond of them. "Pippa" skinny maternity jeans from Topshop. They really are a "true" skinny, a lovely fit. Loved them last time, glad I have them to wear again!! Also really really thankful I bought this hat a few months back because it barely gets above freezing at the moment and it's so handy. Between the faux fur collar on my coat and this hat, I don't need to wear a scarf. I do love my scarves, but sometimes it's easier not to have to worry about grabbing one before leaving on the school run!!

I just want to take this opportunity to say a bit thank you to everyone who reads, comments and follows my blog. It's been about a year since I started to make a huge effort with it and it's paid off. I'm not one of the biggest blogs out there, but I've carved out a nice little niche for myself which I'm happy with. So, thank you for helping making that happen. I hope I can keep at it in the new year!! In the meantime, I feel I need a break from all things blog, so with Christmas coming up, I hope you won't mind if I take 2-3 weeks off... There's a chance I might feel like I have a quick blog post I want to type up in that time, but just at the moment, the blog is starting to feel a bit like a chore. I know I need a break. Normal service will resume in the new year, when I will be over 20 weeks and hopefully feel refreshed and ready to start again!! Don't abandon me forever and have a lovely lovely Christmas and New Year!!

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy and and Transatlantic Blonde today.

TEN Skincare review

Did you know I'm pregnant?  You didn't? Where have you been?  Ok, ok, I know that you know...When I was pregnant with Ethan was hugely paranoid about stretch marks.  As it turns out, I was lucky, I didn't get any.  Whether this is down to my genes or skincare routine, I don't know for sure.  I suspect genes have a big part to play - my Mum doesn't have stretch marks after having my brother and I.. however, I'm not one to take a risk and leave it up to chance. Last time I applied Bio Oil and other lotions and potions liberally, twice a day, if not more when my skin was feeling tight and stretched at the end..  I'm not writing about Bio Oil today though.  No, lucky old me, the lovely people at Clever Skin Care have given me some stretch mark cream from TEN Skincare to try out.

I've been using this cream for about 6 weeks now I believe, applying it every day, most days twice a day (unless I forget).  I'm applying it all over my belly, the tops of my legs, side/hips and on my boobs.  My first impressions were good.  The cream is a lovely consistency and has a nice smell.  It's not overpowering at all, just a nice light fragrance.  It sinks into skin nicely though of course massaging it in is one of the huge benefits!  Now, as I said above, I suspect my genes have treated me well in the stretch mark department, but there is something I do suffer with that this cream is REALLY helping with.  Itching.  My breasts aren't small normally, but when pregnant they become vast (I'm not joking, last time I reached a 30J).  All that growing and stretching equals sore itchy skin for me.  Applying this time twice a day is reducing the itching I feel considerably.  I really notice on the days when I forget to apply it - my boobs are much itchier.  So, in my mind, this cream is worth it's weight in gold just for the anti-itch properties!!  Just something to note, before I used this cream I used other moisturisers on my boobs but they made no difference.  I'm not saying that there isn't something else out there that would help as well, but the fact is, this cream is helping me!!

Stretch mark wise, it's too early to tell I think.  Scientific evidence tends to suggest that it's not so much the properties of anti stretch mark creams that make a difference, but the actual act of moisturising and massaging you skin regularly.  That is quite probably the case, but if you ask most women, I think you'll find they air on the side of caution and buy some sort of "bump" cream to apply when pregnant!!! I know I did last time, and when this one runs out, I will again!

Something I like about TEN Skincare is their philosophy - a good mixture of science and nature (isn't' that the name of a Bluetones album - I love them!).  As much as I can, I try to use "natural" products on my skin. I'm a big Lush fan and my body moister of choice is by Jergens Naturals.  This anti-stretch mark cream has lots of lovely ingredients including jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil and shea butter. It doesn't include parabens, ethanol, SLES, formaldehyde, dyes, colour, phtalates, lanolin, soap, paraffin mineral oil and nitrosamine. This makes it safe for you and your baby when it arrives - great news if you are continuing to apply the cream to your breast area and are breastfeeding!

Would I recommend TEN stretch mark cream? Yes, I would. In particular I would recommend it to friends who I know are suffering from itchy, stretched skin. Is it worth the money? Well, it's not cheap (RRP is around £34.50 for 200ml and you can buy TEN Skincare from Clever Skin Care) but I feel it's going to last a long time. So far it's lasted me a couple of months almost and I still have loads left - this is with applying twice a day. You never know, it might last the whole pregnancy. Last time I must have spent at least £40 if not more on Bio Oil... All in all, it gets a thumbs up from me!

***I was provided with TEN Stretch Mark Cream to try out and review for free but I have not received any compensation and all views provided are my own***

16 weeks - some disapointment

Today I had my 16 week appointment with the midwives (I'm actually 16+4).  I was quite excited.  Well, there aren't many appointments with your second, so any appointment is a source of excitement   It also forces me to focus on what we're actually doing because most of the time I'm too busy with Ethan, going to and from pre-school, doing housework, food shopping, blogging, stella & dot work, organising stuff for Christmas.. the usual, most of the time I forget to actually "connect" with this growing bump.  I don't quite forget I'm pregnant due to the fact that the nausea hasn't completely left, my boobs are still growing (by the second it feels) and are terribly itchy, I still get odd cravings and feel hungry all the time, I'm always exhausted and my bump is growing.  But it's almost like it's not connected to the growth of a new human.  Just a load of stuff that's happening to me on top of every day life.

So... yes, it's nice to have an appointment.  To stop and take stock.  To think about the fact that 5 and a bit months from now (maybe 6) we will have another child.

Unfortunately, my good mood was soon destroyed during my appointment today.  When I went in for my booking in appointment I told my midwife I would like a home birth   She was happy with that as my choice, didn't mention any issues, wrote it down in my book and that was that.  Since then I've been happily planning the birth I want in my head.  What music I'd have, how to hire a birthing pool, where to put it in the house and all the other bits (ironically as I write this an advert for Call The Midwife is playing).  I've been getting really excited about it.  I don't want to go to hospital if I can avoid it.  I don't want to have to go on a ward again.  I hated it.  I know no one really likes it, but I think my PND was compounded by the night we spent on the ward.  I felt so scared, so alone.  There was so much noise, I didn't sleep a wink.  That lack of sleep (after the 30+ hour labour) compounded my tiredness and it all spiralled down from there.  I know there isn't always very much control in birth and labour, but whatever control I can have, I want to have.

I digress... Today I saw a different midwife (as often you do) and I mentioned the home birth to her.  Her face dropped straight away and she proceeded to tell me that despite her and her colleagues being huge advocates of home birth, it's not something they recommend.  She told me "It's an option, but I have to tell you that most ladies who opt for a home birth in our area end up giving birth on their own because no one can  get to them on time".  She even told me if I were to call an ambulance it might take up to 40 minutes to get to me.  She went on to explain how it works on an "on call" basis, which is fine, but the area they cover is HUGE.  Far too large for the number on midwives who are on call at any one time.

I feel my dreams have been shattered.  I appreciate this is the reality of the situation   I don't know where to go from here.  The midwife told me I can still have home birth as an option, but is it really a valid option?  It doesn't feel like it when someone tells you that in the same breath as telling you that safety of the baby is the most important thing and that you may be left to give birth on your own.

I honestly can't express how disappointed I am about this.  I know this isn't a countrywide issue.  My friend who lives in London is having a home birth with her baby (due in January) and from the get go she has received nothing but support and confirmation that unless complications arise  her baby will be born at home, as she wants.  I feel jealous of that.  Terrible useless emotion, I know..  I also know that 5 years down the line, most likely all this won't really matter as long as I have a healthy child at the end of it.  It's just so bitterly frustration to have choices removed from you.  I feel like the carpet has been pulled from beneath my feet.

I'll get over it.  I have to.  This is the reality of the situation.  But today, I feel low :(

Cold weather - time for boots (Cloggs Boots Review)

It's late on Sunday evening and I'm sat downstairs tapping away on my laptop.  Ethan is fast asleep and hubby is in bed due to the evil cold I've had for the last 2 weeks taking a grip on him.  Our gorgeous Christmas tree is up and smells wonderful.  I'm feeling quite festive!  We've had a busy week and what with the cold dragging on, I'm looking forward to the wind down to Christmas now.  Don't be surprised if my blog gets even quieter!

In baby news, I'm now 16 weeks and I feel SO SO HUGE.  I'm finding it really hard to get my head around after being so small when I carried Ethan.  I know it's different second time around, but honestly, I feel like it's getting out of hand.  I don't think I'm eating too much, but maybe I am!  I'm starting to get quite worried about loosing the weight post birth.  I know, I'm being silly, but it's the way my mind works!!

Beret - H&M

Scarf - New Look

Cardigan - H&M Maternity

Tops (underneath) - New Look & H&M (old)

Skirt - H&M 

Tights - H&M Maternity

Socks - H&M

Boots - Cloggs.co.uk

You might remember I mentioned my gorgeous new Ugg boots recently?  Well, Cloggs.co.uk kindly asked me if I would like to review another pair of boots for them.  Cloggs have brought out their own Merino wool boots (similar to Uggs) as part of their Signature Range. There are two styles to choose from, The Catherine, a short boot and The Victoria, a tall boot.  Both styles are available in chestnut (like tan) or black.  I chose to review a The Victoria in Black which retail at £89.99.

Now, I've tried quite a few pairs of Ugg "substituites" over the years and to be honest, never really been impressed by any of them.  There are the dirt cheap "fashion" ones you can pick up in places like Primark or New Look which in my experience are so poor they are pretty much slippers... Then there are brands like Bearpaw.  I had a pair of Bearpaw boots.  As much as they were a vast improvement on "store own brand" styles, there was something about them that just didn't work for me so I sold my pair... After that, I just decideded to save up and buy a pair of "real" Uggs.  I've never looked back.


I have to say that for £89.99 I feel these boots by Cloggs are good value for money.  Yes, they aren't quite in the same legue as Uggs, but for less than half the price they are a good alternative.  The lining isn't quite so thick, but I've actually found that quite handy because I love the look of thick tights and socks worn with boots.

Image source - Cloggs.co.uk

I think the outer of the boot is great.  I love the detail on the back, or as Cloggs call it the "crown stamped back plate".  It adds a little something, makes them stand out and not look cheap.  My absolute favourite thing about these boots, though, has to be the sole.  Described by Cloggs as a "Snowflake anti-slip sole".  These boots are a dream to walk in because of this sole.  It is so flexible and the grip is excellent.  I would rate the sole on these boots higher than those on genuine Uggs.  Walking is comfortable because they flex with your foot.  A big thumbs up from me on that score!  Would I buy these boots myself? Yes, I would.    Value for money, they look good and feel comfy.  Well done Cloggs!

Before I go, I thought I'd share a few snapshots of our Christmas decorations and tree.  Are yours up yet?  We decided the 1st December was the right time for us, but I know that's too early for some.  Ethan is so excited this year.  It's his 4th Christmas and this time he really really GETS it.  I thought he did last year, but he understands so much more this year.  He keeps asking for snow bless him because he wants to "make a snow castle and the snowman" (note, not "a snowman" but THE SNOWMAN!!

I hope you've all had a lovely weekend - have a fantastic Monday!

Linking up with the lovely Patti for Visible Monday.