Speedy's ETA = 63 Days! 9 Weeks To Go!

With a blink of the eye, we are now 9 weeks away from meeting our little man!

Back in April, when we first found out we were pregnant, the end of December due date seemed so far away. We were busy planning for a wedding, which we had to move forward to accommodate my expanding waistline, so we were ultra busy shifting the whole event from the original October date to August. We also started looking much more seriously for a new home to accommodate our expanding family. And of course, I had to get use to the idea that I was to be a mother by the end of the year.

All this was a lot to take in at the time. And slowly but surely, we became accustomed to the idea of being new parents, and adjusted to the growing excitement surrounding the newest member of our family. The wedding came and went, we bought a new house, we're in the market for a new car, and we're due to meet Speedy in a matter of weeks.

Today marks the start of the final countdown to my maternity leave, after all necessary approvals were granted by the powers that be to allow me to take my maternity leave. Only 7 more weeks of work left before I head off to be a full time mother until August next year. So much to do and so little time to get it all done. And I have a feeling that my boss and my team are starting to quietly panic as the realisation that I'm only around for another 7 weeks is slowly sinking in.

So it was fitting to have a great start this morning, on my way into work, when I boarded a packed bus with no seats available. A young lady got up from her seat and offered it to me. This was the first time anyone has offered their seat to me during my pregnancy, and although I felt a little sheepish taking the seat, I was also very grateful.

We are almost ready. Last night, we bought a whole bunch of stuff from Baby Zone Direct. Speedy's first set of wheels were amongst the order, as is his car seat, his brand new rocker, and the awesome nappy disposal system. Buying the stuff through this website has saved us a little bit of money, which is always good. Just need to wait for the delivery is all.

Tonight, we will be attending the 3rd of 6 baby classes that are being run by the good people at North Shore Private Hospital. The first 2 classes were quite confronting, so I'm hoping that tonight's class will be less confronting, or hopefully, I've become more immune to the course material - according to Jonathan, I became quite pale during Class #1, and I wasn't doing that much better last week. The midwife who's running the class, Libby, did mention that tonight will be the last of the birthing lessons, which should mean that by next week, we will be looking at the parenting side of things - less blood and gore and more "what to do with a baby".

63 days to go! And looking very very very much forward to meeting our little man!

Speedy & The Home Stretch

To our darling Speedy,

Daddy and I are on the final countdown to meet you, and we can't be more excited!

Today, you're 29 weeks and 2 days old, and we are now in a period called the "third trimester". You're now nearly 1.5kg, and just over 40cm tall. I'm suppose to be counting how many times you kick per hour to make sure you're OK, but judging by the dance parties you've been having in my belly, Daddy and I both think you're just fine.

Yes, my darling, you have been having major dance parties in my belly every night. Or are you just getting in plenty of kicking practice for when you're playing fullback for the Wallabies or the All Blacks?

I'm finding that as you get bigger, I get breathless more easily. And you're really poking out of my belly now. No one can mistake you for a big lunch any more! Speaking of food, I'm eating noodles almost every day, and now I'm craving spicy flavours too. I wonder if you will grow to love noodles and spices just as much as me!

I finally had to buy maternity clothes tonight, because you're poking out of my belly too much for me to fit into my regular skirts and pants. Daddy said it was about time!

We hope you're nice and comfortable in my belly. We need you to stay nice and comfortable until Christmas time. Please remember to keep kicking me so we know you're all OK in there!

All my love,
Mummy
xxx

Full House Again!

And they're home!

Jonathan and Mina had a great time in New Zealand, spending a lovely week Malcolm and Robin and doing lots of things. I had a lovely week too, which went by all too quickly in the end, just as Jonathan had predicted!

Apart from spending precious time with Malcolm and Robin, Jonathan and Mina also spent time with Dave and Jolie and their gorgeous girls Alyssa and Tammi, and took a day trip to Rotorua to visit Rachel and Neil and Stephanie and Jordan.

Most days were spent doing not very much - it was a relaxing holiday for Jonathan. The point of the holiday was to spend time with our New Zealand family, and Mina did exactly that - did activities with Grandpa and Grandma, played with Alyssa and Tammi, and when they went to Rotorua, Mina and Stephanie got reaquainted and enjoyed some lovely playing time together.

Mina never really adjusted to Auckland time (2 hours ahead of Sydney time), so there were a few issues going to bed every night. But conversely, she "slept in" every morning until around 8.30am, which meant Jonathan was able to have a lie in as well.

They brought home lots of presents for me and Speedy. Speedy got the cutest outfit, which we'll be sure to dress him in for his trip home from the hospital. Jonathan also bought a gorgeous baby lambswool rug for Speedy to use. For our new house, Jonathan bought these beautiful Kauri wood coasters.

With her own money, Mina bought a whole bunch of stuff. A Pūkeko soft toy, which she named Keko, is now a proud addition to the company of soft toys. Mina also bought a gorgeous Pūkeko purse and a Pūkeko photo holder, an activities book, a beautiful ceramic fridge magnet (for me!), a new house number with Paua shell for our new house.

Jonathan brought back the first piece of art he ever bought as a 17 year old. It's a lovely limited edition painting of a wood pigeon, which will have a pride of place in our new home.

Jonathan told me that the A380 was just the same as any other plane when you're seated in cattle class. The food was nice enough and the in-flight entertainment was good, but the kids packs were awesome! Mina really lucked out with the fantastic kids packs - there were plenty of goodies, like a hand puppet, and soft toys with dress up kits, and story books. I was very impressed with the goodies that Emirates gave Mina!

I had a lovely week by myself. I didn't get to do as many things as I thought I'd do, nor eat as many things as I thought I would eat, but I did enjoy sleeping in the middle of the bed for 5 days, and have the TV on in the bedroom to help me fall asleep every night, without being teased!

It was certainly lovely to fall asleep next to Jonathan last night, and to walk up with Jonathan this morning. We'd both missed each other so much - it's good to have them home.

Speedy @ 28 Weeks

As Jonathan was overseas, Speedy and I went to see Dr Baber on our own today.

Dr Baber was on time this visit, largely due to the patient in front of me taking a trip to the bathroom with her 2 kids. Lucky for me, I was in and out in 15 minutes, which meant I only paid $1 for parking!

Dr Baber was as pleasant as always, showing me into the room and giving me the results from the blood tests taken a week earlier. My haemoglobin levels were spot on, my blood sugars just fine, and my blood pressure consistent and perfect. Overall, the doctor was very happy with my health.

Then it was time to check Speedy's development. The ultrasound showed Speedy was growing well, and his heartbeat is perfect. I saw his little face - what a cute baby boy! I saw his legs, which were crossed over. I saw his right foot and counted 5 toes. Dr Baber took 3 pictures for me to bring home to Jonathan.

The ultrasound also showed that Speedy was in breech right now, but Dr Baber was not too worried, as we still had plenty of time for the baby to turn before birth.

A couple of nights ago, I had a vivid nightmare from which I awoke hyperventilating. I dreamt that I was in labour, and Dr Baber said that I needed an emergency caesarean section to get the baby out safely. Jonathan and I both agreed, and Dr Baber started cutting into my belly. I could feel the knife slicing through my belly like butter, but no pain. Then Dr Baber reached down inside my belly with his hand, and pulled out the baby by his head. The baby was huge - and Dr Baber proudly announced that we have a 10kg baby!

I told Dr Baber about my nightmare, and he laughed and said I was in no danger of giving birth to massive baby. Phew!

With that, the appointment was over. We certainly hope Daddy will love the pictures we got for him!

Home Alone!

I'm home alone for a week, after taking Jonathan and Mina to the airport for their big trip to Auckland, NZ to visit Jonathan's family.

Being quite hormonal right now, I had a bit of a cry last night. Jonathan and I haven't spent more than 4 nights apart from each other since we met, so I was quite emotional about not having him around for 6 days.

This morning, we got up at 4.45am to get dressed and ready for the airport. We woke Mina around 5am, and once she woke up, she was excited about the trip. We got her dressed, put the last minute things into the luggage, and we were ready to head to the airport.

At 5.30am, there was barely any traffic on the road. We arrived at the airport around 6am, and headed straight to the check in counter. Within a few minutes, Jonathan and Mina were checked in and we were ready to find some breakfast.

We thought Mina would like a treat of bacon and eggs, but she requested a fruit salad with yoghurt and museli, so we ordered the breakfast and sat down to demolish a mountain of fruit and yoghurt and museli.

All too quickly, it was time for Jonathan and Mina to clear Customs. I gave them both a big hug and kisses and wished them a happy holiday, and they disappeared through the gates.

The trip home was just as quick as the one to the airport, and once home, I laid down to catch up on my sleep. By the time I woke, Jonathan and Mina were nearly in Auckland. As a matter of fact, about half an hour after I woke from my nap, I received a message from Mum to say that Jonathan and Mina had arrived safely.

So I'm now home alone for a week. I miss Jonathan terribly already, and I wonder if I'll be a bit teary in bed tonight. But at the same time, it's a long weekend, and I have the apartment all to myself tomorrow, so I really should take advantage of the fact that I am home alone and enjoy the time and the space!

Have a great time, Jonathan and Mina. Safe travels and come back to me soon!