toddler awesome...

So this time last week I was in hospital...

2011-12-15T02:38:00.001-05:00

This little man is certainly keeping us all on our toes!

Last Wednesday I had a friend come over and we were just chatting and I was getting strong braxton hicks (which had become a regular evening occurrence over the previous week and a bit).... but they soon seemed like they were not going to stop at all. They were on top of one another. My belly just wasn't easing at all.

I rang the hospital and they said to come in.

When I got there they did a trace on babys heartbeat, movements and my tightenings. We saw baby on the ultrasound and the Dr. said he seemed very healthy and happy.

A Dr. examined me and said my cervix (tmi I know) was still closed but he would like to keep me in under observation for a day or two to see if the tightenings settled.

James was sent home to collect some things for me to stay over! I HATE staying in hospitals.

They started the series of steroid injections (4 in total) to mature baby's little lungs in the off chance he came early and started me on antibiotics (incase it was a urinary infection that had started the tightenings). The steroid injections were SORE!

The pains managed to settle a little but returned the next morning....

The Dr. took a swab for fibronectin, a hormone that means that labour is imminent.... this test came back negative meaning there was an 80% chance I would not go into labour within the next fortnight.

After the above set of contractions, things calmed down and stopped and I was allowed home the next morning after my last steroid injection. They said the results had come back that I didn't have urinary infection and that this was likely 'one of those things'. They said I should get as much rest as possible.

All in all a scary visit... but it was so exciting being on a ward where women were going off to have their babies and coming back hours later with their teeny tiny little bundles. It made me so so broody and made me so excited for when I would have my own baby boy.

Check out my bump shoot!

2011-12-06T15:31:00.001-05:00

28 and 30 weeks pregnancy updates

2011-11-27T16:04:00.001-05:00

I've been having some time away from the blog.... and all of a sudden I'm 30 WEEKS! It feels like no time at all.... we've been so so so busy getting the house decorated. I really want it to be finished before this little man makes his appearance. All that is left to do is the hallway/ landing and the master bedroom!

It doesn't feel like its sunk in that we will have a baby in about 10 weeks or less. 8 weeks if baby comes at the same stage that Ollie did and LESS if he comes a little earlier! This pregnancy has not dragged in the slightest. In a few weeks the house will be finished and Christmas will be here and just a few weeks after that our baby boy will arrive.

I haven't given a lot of thought to the birth yet. To say I am terrified is an understatement. I can't remember the majority of Ollie's birth.... I've blocked it out. The bits I do remember are a bit grim. I want to have a different experience this time and I have an appointment in a couple of weeks with the consultants at the hospital to talk through some of my options.

There is definitely an increase in size in the last couple of weeks!

How much bigger can I really get? I don't think my belly can stretch a lot more than that to be honest. I have a firm feeling that this little one won't hang on to 40 weeks. I feel like he may come at 37 or so weeks. I KNEW Ollie wouldn't wait until 40 weeks and he didn't so maybe I am right this time too. I'm eager to get my hospital bag packed, the carseat ready and all the baby's clothes washed... so I'm properly ready for the moment he decides to get started! Every morning Ollie exclaims "mummy look at your baby bump, it's getting bigger!".

Our baby measures approximately 40cm now and weighs about 2.8lbs! I can almost make out limbs now when he moves. My whole belly shudders and flips.... it's pretty crazy. I don't ever remember Ollie moving this much. I've been pregnant for 212 days and only have 68 days to go until my due date!

My braxton hicks have started in full swing too. They're pretty painful and it scares me every time. Not sharp pain.... but dull period pain much the same as how labour started with Ollie. They are uncomfortable and very frequent!

How far along? 30 weeks!

Total weight gain/loss: + 9lbs.

Sleep: Not sleeping well, get up to pee once or twice and suffering leg cramps!

Food cravings: Fruit juice, cheese, sour/ tangy things.

Best moment this week: Realising just how close we are the the finish line.

Movement: My whole belly moves..... all the time!

Gender: BOY!

Stretchies: Some but I am not sure if they are new or from my first pregnancy...

Belly Button in or out? Out. So gross.

What I miss: Iced coffee, brie, goats cheese, cider.

What I am looking forward to: Meeting the consultants in 4 weeks time to hopefully reduce my fears!

Symptoms: Sore hips, sore back, tiredness, sore braxton hicks, sore boobs!

Milestones: Into double figures now.... less than 100 days to go!

Weekly wisdom:

Emotions: Excited!

24 and 26 weeks pregnancy updates!

2011-10-28T05:00:00.000-04:00

I'm 26 weeks pregnant now and everything is going well. I feel so much further on than I currently am though! I remember feeling like this when I was about 35 weeks pregnant with Ollie!

I don't think there has been much increase in size in the last month or so but I definitely feel like my bump is getting tighter. You can see baby moving all the time and sometimes I see it out of the corner of my eye and it makes me jump!

Our baby boy now measures about 36cm (Ollie was 51cm when he was born!!) and weighs nearly 2lbs. Apparently he can hear a lot better now and can hear Ollie, James and I chatting.

I am just 2 weeks away from entering my last trimester..... the home stretch, and I'm in double figures now. Only 98 days until my due date!!

How far along? 26 weeks!

Total weight gain/loss: + 7lbs.

Sleep: Not sleeping well, but just bought a pregnancy pillow which really helped last night!

Food cravings: Chinese food, salty things, fruit juice, Coca Cola, cheese.

Best moment this week: Choosing the baby's home from hospital outfit.

Movement: My whole belly moves..... all the time!

Gender: BOY!

Stretchies: A few...

Belly Button in or out? Out. So gross.

What I miss: Iced coffee, brie, goats cheese, cider.

What I am looking forward to: The NCT Nearly New Sale next week to pick up some bits!

Symptoms: Sore hips, sore back, tiredness!

Milestones: Into double figures now.... less than 100 days to go!

Weekly wisdom: Get some rest!

Emotions: Rollercoaster!

I'm back......

2011-10-28T02:44:00.001-04:00

Yep..... I've been MIA for a couple of weeks! I was stuck in a MAJOR blog funk. I couldn't gather the OOMPH to write ANYTHING.... hopefully that's sorted now. I know we all go through it at one time or another :) Everything's good here though!

Ollie is still really enjoying preschool. We had our first parent and teacher interview and it went well. His teacher said he had settled in well and was polite and starting to make friends but that he could be quiet at times (news to me!!!) and finds it hard to decide which activity he would like to do next but I think that all comes with him being the 2nd youngest in the class. There is a Halloween fancy dress party for the kids today and Ollie is dressing up as a dinosaur!!! He is then off for a whole week.

Ollie and I have both been under the weather quite a bit! It felt as though we had been sick for a month! We both had pretty bad colds but his turned into a bad cough and bad breathing and he was later diagnosed with asthma. How horrible for him. I've had asthma all my life and know how horrible and hard it can be so I hope his turns out to just be seasonal (when it's cold out) or that he will grow out of it.

I had an eye test..... the first in over 10 years.... and found out I needed glasses. The improvement is INCREDIBLE!! I can't believe I didn't realise how badly I needed them. I don't even mind wearing them because the difference is so amazing. I got 2 pairs.... kind of chunky with a 'sexy secretary' feel about them :)

We are in the middle of doing up our house. Ollie (and the baby's) bedroom is finished now and looks fab (James just has to put shelving and a clock up) and I'll post photos soon. We are almost done with the kitchen and it looks amazing so far (though tiling and grouting etc is super time consuming!) and then next is the living room. I plan to have everywhere finished before the baby comes. It would be nice to have the house all sitting pretty when baby comes, without having to get stuck into decorating all over again.

I can't believe Christmas is so near now.... it freaks me out slightly because the baby is due so soon after Christmas. It feels like we have so much still to do. I have sorted all of Ollie's Christmas present now so that's the main bit of pressie buying sorted. I can't wait for Christmas morning! Christmas next year, Ollie will have an 11 month old playmate to wake up and be excited with!

My last 2 fortnights pregnancy updates coming later today......

22 weeks pregnant!

2011-10-04T16:52:00.002-04:00

I'm 22 week pregnant now and FEELING it. I am so SORE!!!!!!!!! This pregnancy is a lot harder than my pregnancy with Ollie. I get super bad pain in my lower back and hips every. single. day. To be honest though, I don't rest as much as I should. There is a lot to do at home, with taking Ollie to and from school and we are also in the process of redecorating! I'm not a complainer though.... I am appreciative of the fact that I have this back pain etc because I'm lucky enough to be pregnant right now :)

Can you see the veins up there above my star tattoos? Eeek! I am loving my bump this last couple of weeks.... so long as I can find something I like wearing. The only thing I have an issue with is my belly button poking out.

Our wee baby is SO active. I have a party baby in there and he responds to voices too which is cute. He wakes at the same time as the rest of us and then moves all day long.

We have told Ollie the name we have chosen for the baby and he has trouble remembering it so far, but when he DOES remember, the way he pronounces it is so cute!

How far along? 22 weeks!
Total weight gain/loss: + 6lbs.
Sleep: Sleeping well, but I wake up SO tired every morning.
Food cravings: Fruit juice, Indian food, sushi, cheese with tomatoes and crackers, salty things!
Best moment this week: Getting Ollie's and the baby's room decorated!!
Movement: There is a constant party in my belly!
Gender: BOY!
Stretchies: A couple around my belly button....
Belly Button in or out? Out. Ack.
What I miss: Iced coffee, brie, goats cheese, cider.
What I am looking forward to: Buying more baby boy clothes etc!
Symptoms: Sore hips, sore back, tiredness!
Milestones: Finally 20+ weeks!
Weekly wisdom: Get some rest!
Emotions: Up and down all the time!

Ollie's and Baby's new room!

2011-10-02T15:47:00.001-04:00

Here is a sneak peek of my weekend spent decorating!!! I'll be sure to do a proper post once the curtains and shelving are up and everything is in it's right place!

The toy corner complete with table and chair for art

The cool spinny chair with hood and bunk bed for the boys!

I also made them a book nook! I need to dress this up a little more..... with pictures of something :)

What I'm Loving Wednesday

2011-09-28T12:53:00.001-04:00

Leggings........ oh maternity comfort!
Baby movements
Glitter nailpolish
Pinterest
Tomorrow is pay day! Whoop!
House re-decorating!
Ollie being at pre-school and the lovely drawings he brings home!
Coca Cola
Crisps and anything salty
Knowing (having decided on) the baby's name :)
Maternity clothes.... my maternity clothes are nicer than my real clothes!
Poached eggs and smoked salmon
Yankee Candles
My 2 dogs.... Dexter and Lola
All the new seasons of TV shows have started!
My handsome and hardworking hubby
Planning Christmas crafts
(and Christmas gifts)
Buying new baby boy things!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-28T03:00:00.000-04:00

The Ark Open Farm (newest addition to the family!)

2011-09-25T16:06:00.003-04:00

James was able to take the whole first week of September off work so we could have loads of fun as a family before Ollie started school. One of the places we went to was The Ark Open Farm. We had never been before and I actually had vouchers so we could all get in for free! It was fab and we will definitely be going back. They had little pots of food that you could feed to all of the animals.... pony rides, quad bike rides, a duck pond and a little train ride too.

Ollie was really brave and loved feeding the animals... I was a bit too scared! He fed pretty much every type of animal they had!!

They are so good with kids there and the staff really encourage the kids to participate in the feeding/ cuddle the animals sessions and Ollie loved it! He was really gentle holding this little chicky!

...and he had his first ever pony ride. I was sure he was going to want me to hold onto him while he went.... but he didn't. Off he went down the paddock on a tiny pony with only the guy holding the rope. He smiled the whole time :)

There was a cool playpark there and a lot of it was made out of old tractor parts etc.

He also fed a baby lamb his lunchtime bottle.

AND.... we came home with a new puppy. He was sitting in this pen with his brothers and sisters and was just 9 weeks old and we were told they were all for sale. We couldn't resist. More about him in the next post. He is a DARLING.

Camera Phone Friday

2011-09-24T05:20:00.001-04:00

1. Little Dex, 2. Enjoying the trains :), 3. Deliciousness, 4. Good to myself... Bagel, halloumi, balsamic roasted cherry tomatoes and poached egg with tobasco on top :), 5. Reading a book about school the night before Ollie's first day of pre-school, 6. Iron-on name label heaven, 7. School breakfast of champions, 8. My big boy all ready for his first day of pre-school, 9. Excited!!, 10. Zonked., 11. Driving, 12. Model train exhibition, 13. Kitchen progress, 14. Hot chocolate date

Joining in at:

Instafriday at Life Rearranged

iPhone Photo Friday at Adrienne Rose Photography

iPhoneography at Courtney Noffsinger Photography

Camera Phone Friday at My Home Sweet Home

Ollie is really enjoying pre-school!!

2011-09-21T15:39:00.003-04:00

Ollie has been at pre-school now for almost a fortnight (although has spent the last 3 days at home with a chest infection though) and so far so good. He loves it! We haven't had any tears at all at drop off. When I leave him off he runs into the classroom with hardly a glance back at me. I have to REMIND him to give me a kiss!!!

His first day was a success though when I went to pick him up he had just fallen asleep on his teachers lap.

His class is quite small and he has 2 teachers, Laura and Stephanie. They're both lovely! He is learning the names of the other children and there are already a couple of names he mentions daily. I love that he is making friends!

There is a boy in his class who is also called Ollie and I have been getting to know his mum a little bit. She is also pregnant and is just a week or so behind us! It would be lovely if our boys got to know each other a bit better and we could have play dates!

I have to say he sleeps a lot better now that he has started school! It really tires him out and he is going to bed with hardly any fuss at all. Previous to starting school it would have taken about 45 minutes to an hour to get him to settle.

He has started bringing artwork home and so far he has drawn 4 train tracks and 2 climbing frames! He hasn't painted anything yet.

20 weeks pregnant!

2011-09-21T11:25:00.001-04:00

Yep...

You may find it hard to believe, but I am only just now 20 weeks and 5 days pregnant! My date was moved back by 6 days at our 20 week scan. Baby was measuring a little bit smaller than he should have been but it isn't a worry.

The scan went well! He was moving around a lot and the woman who did the scan was lovely and very reassuring throughout. Everything is measuring ok... a little behind but she said unless the difference is 10 or more days there is no cause for concern. My new due date is 3rd February.

Our little boy now measures 27cm and weighs about 360g. That's a huge increase in the past fortnight isn't it!!

James and Ollie have both felt the baby move now and it is really cool. I feel him wriggle and squirm and kick a lot under my hand... but a lot of the time it stops before James gets over to it. He has felt it a number of times though. Ollie wasn't that impressed.... I don't think he has as much of an idea of what it really means!

We have the most perfect name picked out for this little man, but it is top secret. It clicked almost instantly and just sounds perfect. It's a lovely fit with our family name and with Ollie's name too.

How far along? 20 weeks!
Total weight gain/loss: +2lbs.
Sleep: Sleeping well.
Food cravings: Fruit juice, Indian food, sushi, cheese with tomatoes and crackers, fruit!
Best moment this week: Getting started on decorating the house in time for the baby coming!!
Movement: Lots of movement and the kicks are really strong!
Gender: BOY!
Stretchies: A couple around my belly button....
Belly Button in or out? Out and it makes me feel like throwing up!
What I miss: Iced coffee, brie, goats cheese, cider.
What I am looking forward to: Decorating the boys (love saying the boys) room!
Symptoms: Sore hips, sore back, tiredness, breathlessness!
Milestones: Finally 20 weeks!
Weekly wisdom: I have none!
Emotions: So excited. We have baby's name picked and I feel like I know him already.

Tomorrow is Ollie's Big Day!!

2011-09-07T17:23:00.000-04:00

My first little baby boy is off to pre-school tomorrow!! Agh! Time has gone so fast and now tomorrow marks the start of Ollie being in education for the next 15 years (until university etc!). Isn't that so crazy?

I read him the 'Starting School' book. I had this book when I was his age too and I remember all the pictures in it and the story. It's lovely.

Ollie's school jumper.

He is super excited about tomorrow and I am so proud of him. I THINK he will be just fine. He isn't really the type to miss James or I.... he dives in head first and isn't shy around new people. He keeps telling us about all the fun things he is going to do there (play with sand, paint etc).

All of Ollie's school stuff laid out ready for tomorrow.

I spent this evening ironing all his name labels onto his clothes and shoes and everything.

My big boy asleep, getting his rest for the next day!

18 Weeks Pregnant!

2011-08-30T11:39:00.003-04:00

(posting this 4 days late eek!)
I am now just 2 weeks away form being HALFWAY through this pregnancy. I am pleased with how everything has been going... I haven't had too many worries and haven't had any problems so far.

Apparently the baby is now 12-15cm from head to bum and he weighs 190g and his ears are in the position they will be in when he is born. He sucks his thumb, rolls around, reaches and kicks..... oh boy does he kick!?

I mentioned that I had felt movements from outside my bump (I can feel them with my hand on my belly)... but James still has not felt them. It is frustrating because any time I lie flat and I feel a kick on my hand I get James to rush over.... but baby boy stops right away. Movements are huge now. I love the feeling.

As you know we found out this baby is a boy.... the scan was so much fun. I took my mum with me and I guessed what he was before the sonographer told us! It was very obvious. As soon as she confirmed that baby is a boy.... everything felt so perfect. I can't wait to have 2 brothers. Ollie is going to love it too and we are going to have them share a bedroom when baby is a little bit older.

We are finding it hard to think of a name for this little man. Nothing just clicks and I really think you know when you have the right name, because it clicks.

How far along? 18 weeks!
Total weight gain/loss: 0lbs.
Sleep: Pregnancy insomnia. Boo.
Food cravings: Fruit juice, Indian food, sushi, cheese with tomatoes and crackers, salty things!
Best moment this week: Finding out that the baby I'm carrying is a boy!!
Movement: Lots of movement and the kicks are stronger now!
Gender: BOY!
Stretchies: A couple around my belly button....
Belly Button in or out? Out!
What I miss: Iced coffee, brie, goats cheese.
What I am looking forward to: Our next scan in a fortnight!
Symptoms: Sore hips, sore back, tiredness and insomnia!
Milestones:
Weekly wisdom: I have none!
Emotions: In love!! I am over the moon that I am having another boy. TWO boys for me... eek!!!

We are having a.....

2011-08-28T16:05:00.002-04:00

BOY!!!

Ollie is going to have a little BROTHER and we are all so so so happy and excited. The scan went really well and there was no doubting the gender of this little one!!

Camera Phone Friday

2011-08-27T04:42:00.000-04:00

1. Saturday tradition, 2. Friday evening fun, 3. Lunch date with most handsome boy alive, 4. Happy Birthday Jason :), 5. Ollie in his Little Tiger Cubs uniform <3, 6. Showing off in his uniform :), 7. Loving farm Playmobil, 8. Date night :), 9. My clever boy painted this... Red For the windmill, green door and grass and blue sky which he described as a big storm!!!! Clever!!, 10. The biggest spider I've ever seen in Ireland. Not nice to wake up., 11. James is my hero, 12. Sushi for one, 13. Swimming, 14. Ollie was first in the Disney store so got to open up!, 15. Breakfast date with my gorgeous boy

Joining in at:

Instafriday at Life Rearranged

iPhone Photo Friday at Adrienne Rose Photography

iPhoneography at Courtney Noffsinger Photography

Camera Phone Friday at My Home Sweet Home

I felt the baby move from the outside....

2011-08-26T06:36:00.000-04:00

If you know what I mean? Haha! I had my hand on my belly this morning and just after James left for work I got about 5 or 6 little nudges on my hand. SO CUTE!!! I gave the baby a tiny poke and it did it again.

I wish James had been there and felt it too, but I know he will soon.

Very very exciting.... and we find out the sex tomorrow! EEK!

Camera Phone Friday!

2011-08-19T15:51:00.000-04:00

1. Gettin the bus to Tesco!, 2. Paddling pool times, 3. Coffee date :), 4. Snuggling with a big Mickey!, 5. New shoes!, 6. Feeding ducks at Castle Espie, 7. Hot chocolate with daddy, 8. Feeding the ducks and having a ramble, 9. Enjoying ourselves at Belfast Taste and Music Festival, 10. Out with Grandpa Crispy, 11. Making cake for daddy coming home, 12. Enjoying pizza with nanny and mummy, 13. Yay! James is home from Chicago and brought lots of candy!, 14. Lola sunbathing, 15. Ollie enjoying the new floors, 16. Fun in the ball pool, 17. , 18. Ready to try out Little Tiger Cubs

Joining in at:

Instafriday at Life Rearranged

iPhone Photo Friday at Adrienne Rose Photography

iPhoneography at Courtney Noffsinger Photography

Camera Phone Friday at My Home Sweet Home

Pregnancy thinkings....

2011-08-19T14:48:00.000-04:00

I had my first midwife appointment today (I saw her briefly to tell her I was pregnant) and everything is great with baby so far. We listened in to the baby and heard it's super strong heartbeat and we heard lots of movement. It was like the baby was showing off..... when she pressed the doppler and the heartbeat was located, it got super loud after just a few seconds, as if the baby knew what we were doing and wanted to show us how healthy it is and shifted into a better position.

I am just finally starting to really believe that everything might actually go well this time and I feel very lucky. When I have a day where reassurance has slipped, the baby always lets me know in one way or another, that it is ok!

The baby kicked me so hard the other night while I was lying in bed ready to go to sleep, that I nearly jumped out of my skin. It took me by surprise because it was so hard! Since then the kicks have been more prominent than before and although it feels very strange, feeling the baby move is the BEST feeling in the world.

I am still using the doppler to find the heartbeat every few days and it's very easy to find now. The baby always seems to be cuddled into the very left side of my belly so I always know exactly where to find it.

It's good that the gender scan is in less than to weeks because I hate referring to the baby as 'it'! Well, at home we refer to it as 'he' but that's because 'he' comes naturally having already had a boy!! I don't want to refer to it as 'he' on the blog incase someone just starts reading and thinks we are having a boy! Only 12 more days and we will know.

We have thought of a few names but because we change our mind on names quite frequently we have decided to stop thinking of names until we know what sex the baby is and hopefully only having one set of names to focus on will make it slightly easier! I won't be sharing the names on the blog, though I will be sharing the sex :)

I'm so happy :)

16 Weeks Pregnant!

2011-08-16T12:50:00.002-04:00

It would seem I've been slacking! Yep... I've had no motivation to post although I do have a couple of posts in mind. Tiredness has kind of set in again which is annoying!

Anyway! I am 16 weeks pregnant now! Just 4 weeks away from being half-way through this pregnancy! Different symptoms have been coming back.... my boobs are a little bit sore again, I've been sick a few times and pretty much always have indigestion, though it isn't bad yet. If I sit anywhere for longer than 10 minutes it's nearly IMPOSSIBLE to get up again haha! If I move too fast I get pains in my sides which apparently is
normal!

Apparently the baby is now the size of a pear/ avocado which is cool! The baby's most advanced body systems are also working now. Isn't that crazy given how small it still is?

I'm loving my bump this week.... it doesn't seem to have increased much in size but I think it is rounder. I've lost some weight so that probably explains it not getting much bigger in the fortnight since I last posted.

How far along? 16 weeks!
Total weight gain/loss: -2lbs.
Sleep: Sleeping well!
Food cravings: Cheese scones, juice, watermelon, gravy and mashed potatoes, Indian food!
Best moment this week: Feeling a couple of really good kicks.
Movement: ^^^ As above!
Gender: I can't wait to find out! We have our gender scan booked and it is on the 31st of this month!
Stretchies: None yet that I can see....
Belly Button in or out? Almost out!
What I miss: Iced coffee, brie, goats cheese.
What I am looking forward to: Seeing our baby on the scan again!
Symptoms: Sore boobs, backache, sickness and indigestion!
Milestones: Second trimester whoop!!!
Weekly wisdom: I have none!
Emotions: Excited... but my emotions are going up and down all the time these days!!

14 Weeks Pregnant!

2011-07-31T14:53:00.002-04:00

I can't remember if I said it before, but this pregnancy is going so fast! In less than 6 weeks time I will be halfway!

I am now starting to feel a lot livelier than I have in recent weeks and I don't feel like crashing 2 or 3 times a day (not that I would have the chance to anyway!). I have felt the baby move a few times and it's lovely. I felt movement early with Ollie too. Apart from the movement and my growing bump there is nothing else to make me feel pregnant. Boob pain has gone, nausea and sickness is gone and I have my energy back. I feel almost normal!

The baby is now about 8cm long and is beginning to get eyebrows and hair! The baby can now make facial expressions and it can grasp, squint, frown and grimace. Although the baby is still small, it has fingerprints already.

Oh! We bought the pram! It's very very cool. In the end I decided to get the Mamas and Papas Zoom. It comes with a carrycot to so can be a pram and a stoller, both forward and rear facing.

How far along? 14 weeks!
Total weight gain/loss: -5lbs.
Sleep: Sleeping a little easier than in previous weeks!
Food cravings: Watermelon, cherries, fruit juice, feta cheese, caesar salad!
Best moment this week: Feeling the baby move when I wake up most mornings.
Movement: ^^^ As above!
Gender: I can't wait to find out! We have our gender scan booked and it is less than 4 weeks away!
Stretchies: None yet.
Belly Button in or out? Almost out!
What I miss: Iced coffee, brie, goats cheese.
What I am looking forward to: My bump getting bigger! Love it! Also looking forward to feeling PROPER kicks.
Symptoms: None!
Milestones: Second trimester whoop!!!
Weekly wisdom: I have none!
Emotions: Excited!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

2011-07-27T17:06:00.002-04:00

Pinterest
Feeling the baby move
Sun!!!!
Being able to play in the garden and the paddling pool
James has booked time off work at the end of the month
I'm going to spend my birthday money tomorrow.... hurrah!
.... and taking Ollie to the Disney Store for the first time.
Feta, mint, cucumber and tomato salad
Instagram
Burt's Bees Mama Bee Oil...... seriously delicious!
My handsome hardworking hubby
Ollie telling me stories about his trains
Tropicana still lemonade
My hair being long enough to put in a pony!
Baths

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-27T16:44:00.001-04:00

Interview with Ollie at 3 years and 7 weeks

2011-07-22T12:50:00.002-04:00

What is your full name?

Ollie shoes (Ollie Hughes)

What age are you?

I'm free (three)

What is your favourite colour?

Blue

Who is your best friend?

Emmmm.... Ruby

What is your favourite animal?

A T-Rex

Where are you going to work when you are grown up?

On a airplane... ill be a big man and drive you to the holidays

What is your favourite movie?

Polar Express

What is your favourite book?

Bright Stanley, Elmer

What makes you happy?

Trains and cars erm stones and paper, boats and fishes and hugs

What makes you sad?

Scary things and monsters and when mummys cross

What is your favourite food?

A pineapple, watermelon, cheerios, cake

What is your favourite song?

wheels on the buses

Got the idea for this here.

I felt the baby move!!

2011-07-22T12:29:00.004-04:00

In the last couple of days I have felt the baby move a little bit. The first time I felt it properly was when I woke up a couple of mornings ago and as soon as I rolled over to face hubby, I felt a SQUIRM..... yep. Early I know, but I felt movement from 14 weeks with Ollie, while feeling it PROPERLY at about 16 weeks, so I'm not surprised.

Since then I have felt the baby a few times a day.... little tickly sensations, always around the same area.

Also, when I use my doppler now, the baby is so much easier to find and the heart beats SO LOUDLY now. I don't have to dig the doppler right into my pelvis anymore to find it... it is about an inch and a half below my belly button, very slightly to the left.

:)

What I'm Loving Wednesday

2011-07-20T10:48:00.001-04:00

Pinterest
Hearing my baby's heartbeat
The funny things Ollie says these days
It's only a week until payday
Planning what to spend my birthday money on
It is only 5 1/2 weeks until we find out the baby's gender
Thinking of baby names
Baking with Ollie
Yankee candles - Bahama Breeze and Cherry Blossom
Matte nailpolish
Coca Cola
Baths
Little Me body butter
Decluttering my reader and filling up with new blogs to read
Betty Crocker chocolate fudge frosting.

Having a bath with a naked toddler running around...

2011-07-20T09:31:00.004-04:00

...is not easy!

I was having some cramps in my bump this morning so I ran myself a bath and put some yummy mum to be bath soak in it. I told Ollie my plan.... I told him that I was going to have a bath to relax a little. He agreed and went off to play.

No sooner had I climbed in to the bath when he came in naked (?):

"I need a poo mummy"
..... fair enough....
"Count my poos when I'm doing them mummy!"
....... erm....
"Haha... doesn't it make a funny noise mummy"
.........
"Does daddy do poos in the toilet?"

After I wiped his bottom (while I was still sitting in the bath), he ran away only to appear 2 minutes later:

"Do you have boobies mummy?"
.....yep I do! Why don't you go and read a story to dinosaur....
"Do you have pecs?"
.....No only men have pecs....
"Does daddy have pec boobies?"
.....No just pecs....

I suggest to him again that maybe his soft toys would like to be read to... he runs away and I hear him getting into his mickey mouse playtent with his toy dog and toy dinosaur and I hear him reading his book 'Elmer' to them.

He then comes in and reads 'Elmer' to me too.

Have you ever tasted bath bubbles? Ollie has.... lots of times.... he kept sweeping the bubbles out of my bath and eating them.... wiping the remainder on his face!

"Mummy, I'm cold now!!"
......why did you take your clothes off??.....

My bath is cold by that point anyway and my cramps have eased off so out I get!

12 Weeks Pregnant!

2011-07-18T16:58:00.005-04:00

Woohooo! I made it! 12 weeks is that milestone that a lot of people feel relaxed enough to tell family about. The rate of miscarriage drops to below 2% at 12 weeks also!! Next week is the start of my 2nd trimester and I am excited to get some energy back!

The baby has been growing so much in the last couple of weeks...

The baby now measures almost 6cm. All of his (I hate saying it's) organs are there and are now just out of the critical development stage and now into the growth and maturation stage. His size has more than doubled in the last three weeks.

I'm starting to feel a little better! Nausea is GONE completely which is nice. I'm still pretty tired most of the time but I'm sure that will ease up a bit in the coming weeks. I'm definitely showing now... but am still at the in between stage where I feel flabby and fat in most clothes rather than baby bump-ish.

How far along? 11 weeks!
Total weight gain/loss: -7lbs.
Sleep: Need to make a point of going to bed earlier!
Food cravings: Ice-cream, strawberries, Indian food, chicken nuggets, cheese!
Best moment this week: Reaching 12 weeks on my birthday.
Movement: I don't think so though I can't be entirely sure!
Gender: So exciting! We have our gender scan booked and it is less than 6 weeks away!
Stretchies: None yet.
Belly Button in or out? Almost out!
What I miss: Iced coffee, brie, goats cheese.
What I am looking forward to: My tiredness easing up and feeling the baby move!
Symptoms: Exhaustion, bigger boobs, mood swings, spots!
Milestones: We had our 12 week scan (at 11 weeks) and only 1 week until 2nd trimester!
Weekly wisdom: Too tired to think of wisdom this week!
Emotions: Up and down ALL THE TIME!

How I celebrated my 27th Birthday!

2011-07-18T14:35:00.002-04:00

In our house.... birthdays mean lie-ins, breakfast, family trips, presents and yummy dinners.

This year was no different! I didn't have quite as long a lie-in as I would have liked because I had to get up to take Ollie to a birthday party. BEFORE that though, James made us gorgeous french toast with maple syrup and fruit salad.... with pink lemonade to drink. It was DELICIOUS!

After breakfast I took Ollie to the birthday party for his friend Ivy. It was fancy dress so he went as Thomas The Tank Engine.... I wish I had got a photo of him!

When we got home we headed off our our family day out. It was raining very heavily so we were unsure if our plans would work out but we drove in the direction anyway. We stopped for lunch at The Mourne Seafood Bar in Dundrum where I had Langoustine and Crab Claws. It was delicious!

After lunch we went to Seaford Butterfly Farm!

We had a lot of fun! Ollie was really pleased with himself when he was holding the butterfly. He was so careful, gentle and serious!

When we got home we had caterpillar cake! I have seriously had a caterpillar cake almost every year since I was very little! You can't beat it!

My mum came and collected Ollie shortly afterwards and took him to her house for the night, and James and I got ready for our night out. We went to Sakura Japanese Restaurant with 3 of our friends. I LOVE Japanese and would eat it every night of the week if I could afford to!

I ordered a lovely non-alcoholic cocktail with pineapple, ginger and mint.... Golden Dragon Rolls (Avocado, tempura prawn and sweet potato sushi) and I had Beef Ramen for my main.

Our friends came home with us afterwards and we just relaxed and chatted! I was able to stay awake until midnight!!

On Sunday we went to my mums house as she always cooks a special meal on our birthdays. She made a gorgeous ham joint, cabbage, mushrooms and baby potatoes. It was delicious. Instead of cake, she made meringue and because I don't like cream, she made me my very own individual one!

As for my gifts? OOOOOH I got LOADS! My mum and step-dad bought me a sewing machine! My first one.... I've never had a sewing machine before and can't wait to make things for the baby and for Ollie. They also bought me some books. My brother Ryan gave me a photography dvd and Paul Smith perfume... my brother Jason gave me The Sanctuary Spa pamper things.... a friend gave me a gorgeous maternity nightie.... my other friend gave me special mum to be pamper bits including belly butter, a hairband and cute cup.... my mother in law took me shopping for maternity bras so that my boobs are no longer tortured by underwires.... my dad gave me some money... my granny sent me an amazon voucher and James is giving me money on pay day so that I can treat myself!! I can't wait!

The best gift though? I've reached 12 weeks in my pregnancy. The milestone that takes an age to get here!!

I had a lovely birthday :)

It's My Birthday + I'm 12 Weeks Pregnant!

2011-07-16T11:36:00.003-04:00

...and I am having the BEST day :)

Will update tomorrow!

Lovely Weather To Visit The Beach!

2011-07-13T03:21:00.004-04:00

Sliding down the sand dunes.

His underwear was full of sand by the end!

...and his trains had to come too!

Muddy sand!

Rockin' the Baby Link-Up!

2011-07-10T06:10:00.002-04:00

Shell at Things I can't Say, is hosting this baby linkup tomorrow (I'm posting early)! Stop by to join in! She wants us to link up our favourite baby pictures!

Now, I don't have trouble choosing favourites out of my stack of baby photos of Ollie. I actually have trouble trying not to pick too many! Every single photo of Ollie as a baby brings back memories of that whole day. It reminds me of little things I have forgotten, little noises he used to make, how chubby his little cheeks were!

On the day Ollie was born I started Project 365. I took a photo every single day for the first year of his life. I love the collection of 365 photos.... but it also meant I was never short on photos!

I also have a photographer for a father and this came in very handy (and still does!) as we were able to have sets of professional photos done for free!

I took the above photo myself and I love it. I love how you can see his perfect little nose and the newborn fluff on his cheeks. You can tell by his face it is nearly sleep time again.

My dad took this photo and the one below. These photos were taken when Ollie had just turned 1 month old. His eyes are so big and shiny!

Looking at these photos again, brings back so many memories and feelings.... and it makes this pregnancy seem even more real! I'm going to be doing this all again! I can't wait!

Meet Baby Hughes No. 2!

2011-07-08T18:18:00.000-04:00

Ta da!! Introducing our little baby bean!

We had a brilliant time at the scan.... it was lovely to see our baby jumping and moving around... it was very active! The baby measures right on target and so far looks very healthy and happy. The midwife who did the scan for us was so nice and let us take home 3 pictures. I get my next scan at 20 weeks! (9 weeks to go!!!).

I don't know why, but I have a feeling this little bubba is a boy :) I think Ollie would LOVE to have a brother.

It really feels like we are actually going to have a baby soon, after all the trying and waiting. I hope the next few months go as quickly as the last couple of months have gone! I can't wait to meet him/ her!

Our scan is tomorrow!

2011-07-07T16:40:00.000-04:00

I'm more excited than nervous now, having heard the heartbeat all week! I wasn't looking forward to it before as my worries had taken over any positive thoughts.... but now I'm so excited I just want to go to bed so I can fall asleep and then it will be morning quicker.... like at Christmas!

Fingers crossed everything is well with our little bean :)

Ollie's Preschool Visit!

2011-07-07T03:39:00.001-04:00

I completely forgot to post all about Ollie's school visit. He went to visit his new school a few weeks ago in June. The kids got to visit the school, meet their classmates and meet their teachers so that there is some familiarity when they start in September. James and I had already been to the parents meeting to gather the information about curriculum, uniform etc.

So, in September he will be starting preschool here everyday from 12.30 until 3! HOW EXCITING! The building nursery is set in is so cute, very colourful and fun! They each have their own coat peg and a photo of them with their name above the peg. They each also have a little box to put crafts, paintings, worksheets in.

Ollie loved his visit. He was very chatty with the other kids and had fun playing with all of the toys there. They have a shop corner, LOTS of building bricks, playdoh, a messy craft area, a sand and water table..... and TINY toilets. They have a small covered playground (so even if it is raining they can go out to play), a climbing frame, a ball run,

I had a chance to chat to his teachers and I feel very comfortable now with leaving him there. They seem friendly (but firm!) and I think he will really enjoy himself there! He didn't really want to leave when it was time to go!

I'm nervous now though!

We still have to go and get his school uniform.... I can't wait to see him in it!

* the photos are off the website!

10 Weeks Pregnant (+ Heartbeat)

2011-07-05T16:41:00.003-04:00

I'm a bit late in posting this one as I turned 10 weeks on Saturday! It's been a bit of a hectic week here.

Ollie has been waking so sooooooo early and I am SHATTERED! Extreme tiredness coupled with waking up before 6am does make for a jolly mama!! I've been taking naps when Ollie sleeps.

Already some size increase in my little bump. I love having a bump and can't wait for it to get bigger (I love my maternity clothes.... the majority of them are nicer than the clothes I normally wear day to day!).

I had my first midwife appointment last week and she was so nice!! She did all the normal things... blood pressure, urine sample etc.... and we talked a little bit about where I would give birth. When I said Dundonald Hospital she absolutely raved about it, which has made me feel super confident! I have my 12 week scan in less than a weeks time when I will actually be 10 weeks and 6 days!

The baby is approx the size of a lime now and already has all his/ her fingernails and toenails. It seems crazy to think that something so small with already perfect little fingers, could have such teeny tiny fingernails. Apparently this is the landmark week in that the whole plan for my baby's body is already laid down.

I had such a feeling of doom and gloom on Friday, partly to do with my hormones probably.... but while shopping I got some cramping. I freaked out and got myself so worked up about it even though everyone cramps at some time or another in pregnancy.... I mean, look what your body has to go through! Freaking out while my emotions were already playing havoc, had me a blubbering mess. I went to my mums house that evening for a chinese takeaway and some girly chat. My mum always makes me feel better!

On Saturday morning... the cramps had disappeared and I took it nice and easy. The weather was gorgeous so we all headed to the beach and I was pretty relaxed, but super tired.

on SUNDAY.... the most EXCITING day................ I FOUND THE HEARTBEAT! I bought a doppler a couple of weeks ago after reading reviews on Amazon from people who managed to find the heartbeat at 10ish weeks. I made myself more worried when I couldn't find it on Friday and Saturday. I found it just before my shower on Sunday and there was no mistaking the steam train sound of the baby's heart beating at 168bpm!!

To say I was relieved is an understatement. A feeling of pure and utter calm and excitement came over me and I grinned all day! When I was feeling down and gloomy, I was not looking forward to my scan this Friday at all. The reassurance from the 6 week scan had worn off and I just wanted to get the scan over and done with to see if my baby was ok...... now I am MAJORLY excited to see my baby bopping about!

Wanna hear it?? It's clearest at about 4 seconds

Baby Hughes heartbeat at 10 weeks and 2 days! by Emma Rodwell Hughes

How far along? 10 weeks!
Total weight gain/loss: -5lbs.
Sleep: Sleeping well at the moment!
Food cravings: Celery and humous, grilled halloumi, takeout food, icecream!
Best moment this week: Finding my baby's heartbeat.
Movement: Not yet!
Gender: Only 10 weeks until we can find out!
Stretchies: None yet.
Belly Button in or out? Still in.
What I miss: Iced coffee.
What I am looking forward to: My scan in 3 days time!
Symptoms: Nausea, exhaustion, frequent peeing, bigger boobs, seriously hormonal, spots!
Milestones: I announced the pregnancy on Facebook haha!
Weekly wisdom: It's HARD to find the heartbeat this early... don't freak out if you can't!
Emotions: Excited x 100!

We have a super cute visitor!

2011-06-26T13:34:00.000-04:00

We have a hedgehog in our garden (in our shed actually). It's so cute! We are leaving the door open when it gets dark tonight in the hope that he can find his way home!

Best cure for morning (all day) sickness?

2011-06-19T12:57:00.000-04:00

I need some tips and cures for my sickness. It has slowly been getting worse and worse and today it is just awful. I've been sick 3 times already today and have only had crisps to eat. Hopefully there are only another couple of weeks in sight!

What helped you to keep food down and how long did your sickness last?

8 weeks pregnant + first bump picture!

2011-06-18T13:43:00.005-04:00

Ta da!!!!

Introducing my 8 week bump! I showed very early with Ollie and was in maternity trousers at 11 weeks, so I think this pregnancy is going the same way!

James and I have known we are pregnant for more than a month now and it has gone really fast! If the rest of the pregnancy goes that fast there won't be time for patience and wishing the weeks away! I'm not sure whether it's just that I am distracted because I have Ollie or if the nausea is making it all a blur.

The baby is now about the size of a pinto bean, about 1.5 - 2cm long. So cute! Apparently the baby is now moving loads though I won't feel it for a few weeks yet....

Nausea has really taken me aback! Especially today. I went to a coffee shop with James and I had iced coffee...... delicious. I crave it all the time though only actually have it less than once a week. When I got home I was violently sick. I've only vomited a couple of times with this pregnancy and both times have been because of coffee. I guess the baby doesn't like it!

We have told Ollie about the baby but because there is nothing to see and not enough change in my belly, he doesn't really understand. I think it will sink in more with him when he can feel the baby kicking and when we go for our gender scan at 20 weeks, we will take him with us.

I am EXHAUSTED. I never knew the meaning of extreme tiredness until now.

All these symptoms are great though and I shall not complain! They are all proof that everything is going well and baby is ok!

I had my first Dr. visit and he has sent off my letter to the hospital for my booking in appointment at 11/ 12 weeks. I can't wait to see the baby again in just 3ish weeks.

How far along? 8 weeks!
Total weight gain/loss: 2lbs so far.
Sleep: I wake every single night very very early morning (3 or 4am) to pee. ANNOYING.
Food cravings: Steak, iced coffee, pickled onion meanies, poached eggs.
Best moment this week: My date with James this morning, my first Dr. appointment.
Movement: Not yet!
Gender: Only 12 weeks until we can find out!
Stretchies: None yet.
Belly Button in or out? Still in.
What I miss: Goats cheese.... and brie.
What I am looking forward to: The next scan in 3 or 4 weeks!
Symptoms: Nausea, exhaustion, frequent peeing, bigger boobs!
Milestones: We are now further on than my 2 miscarriages, huge sense of relief!
Weekly wisdom: Nap!
Emotions: Up one minute and down the next! Haha. HORMONES.

Ollie's 3rd Birthday (Pictures)

2011-06-17T03:54:00.000-04:00

Ollie had a fab birthday! He woke up on Sunday morning to lots of presents including a bike, lego, a book, crafty bits and pieces and a game. Daddy then made us all french toast with maple syrup for breakfast. It was delicious!!!

We then got ready and went to the train museum, which I think is one of Ollie’s favourite places on the planet! He had fun sitting on the trains and pointing out all of the bits…. the chuggers, the buffers, couplings etc.

After the museum, we came home and Ollie had a sleep in the car while I tidied and got ready for the party!

The party was CRAZY! The kids all had so much fun but it was mad here! SO many people! It calmed down a little bit when the food was served and afterwards James blew bubbles for them.

I made the cake myself. I’m really pleased with how it turned out. Inside was multicoloured as I put sprinkles in the batter.

We saw our baby bean :)

2011-06-10T02:29:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday at 2.20, we saw our baby for the first time. It was so so so tiny, but there was a blurry but definite little flicker of a heartbeat. To say I am relieved is an understatement. I don't know quite what I expected at the scan but I was so overcome with relief on seeing the heartbeat that I burst out giggling.

The baby is measuring perfectly and everything looks healthy so far. Only another 4 or 5 weeks until my next scan at 10/ 11 weeks.

I can't wait.

It definitely feels like it is going to happen this time :)

Happy Birthday Ollie

2011-06-04T18:43:00.000-04:00

To my gorgeous, clever boy, Ollie...

Yet another birthday has rolled around faster than I could have imagined. You are now THREE! Three years has not felt like three years. I honestly feel like I have been cheated out of time as it has gone so fast... but it's ok... I love watching you grow and get older.

I've been you're mummy for 3 years now and I am very very proud of the lovely big boy you are becoming. You have learnt, experienced and accomplished so much since the day you were born.

You are going to be starting pre-school in September and part of me wonders how I will use my time when you are away each day.... part of me kind of wants you to stay at home a little longer but the other part of me knows you are going to LOVE it there.

Since your last birthday, your speech has improved 100%... you know so many words and people are often surprised at how many words and phrases you know. You went on your first camping trip with mummy and daddy! You know all your shapes and colours and you are quickly learning how to share! You are fully potty trained (though not at nighttime). Just a few days ago you drew your first clear picture and it was a drawing of me... you're also a pro at drawing train tracks. You use super cute phrases like "I'm happy you're here mummy" and "You look pretty mummy" and you got your first pet.... a little Jack Russell called Lola.

You love Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Special Agent Oso, you are still in love with anything to do with trains, cars, trucks, diggers, mud and sand. We bake together sometimes... and you like the batter before it is cooked. You love to wrestle with daddy on the bed when he comes home from work and you know how to bodyslam him. You're favourite foods are chicken, gravy, mash, olives, meatballs, cereal, fruit and crisps and you aren't scared of spicy food!

When it comes to discipline.... well you pretty much ignore us on that one.... haha. We use the naughty step but you normally tell me "I don't want to sit on the naughty step"... I make sure you do anyway. You can have quite the temper sometimes!! I wonder who you get that from!!

I think you look very like daddy.... so handsome!

You are our little ray of sunshine and we feel lucky to have you.

Lots of love, Mummy

6 Weeks Pregnant!

2011-06-02T18:40:00.001-04:00

It's weird being at the start again.... but the weeks are going fast at the moment (I know it has only been 2 weeks!!). It has been more than 3 years since I was pregnant with Ollie and I'm looking forward to going through the experience of pregnancy again.... and you know what? I have a really good feeling. I didn't have a positive feeling or a bad feeling the last 2 times... I had no feeling about whether things were going ok or not..... but I have a feeling this little bean is going to stick.

I've had 2 milestones in the back of my mind and I'm already past one of those (1. the first miscarriage, the baby stopped growing at 6 weeks and we lost it closer to 9 weeks.... 2. the second miscarriage took place at 5 weeks). I've past the 2nd milestone already and I am getting super super dark tests (I am a testing maniac!). I will have an early scan on Tuesday and I am hoping we see our little bean flashing on the screen and that will be the other milestone done and dusted and then hopefully I will relax a lot more.

Symptoms wise my boobs are KILLING me. OUCHY! They have also grown already and all my bras feel too small. Surely it wouldn't be wise to buy new bras yet as I am sure my boobs will get even bigger. The relief I feel taking my bra off at the end of the day is tremendous haha! Tiredness has set in too.... I'm pretty shattered a lot of the time.

I've also put weight on already! Eek.... I can't seem to stop eating!

This week our baby is about the size of a cupcake sprinkle. This week the baby's gender is being determined and the baby's heart has started beating.

Happy Anniversary to us!

2011-05-30T14:32:00.000-04:00

It was our Anniversary on Thursday (26th May).... our 4th!! I can't believe I have been married to my awesome/ handsome husband for 4 years now. We've been together for 7! I'm a very lucky lady to have him as my husband.

We didn't celebrate our anniversary until Saturday. My mum took Ollie to her house from Friday until Sunday morning.

We started our date day with a lovely lie-in.... and then we got ready and went to the Spring Continental Market in Belfast. I have only ever been to the Christmas one. We love it! There are tons of stalls that sell interesting gifts and foods. James had an Ostrich burger for lunch followed by a Bratwurst in a bun! I had a large tray of hog roast (done on a spit with stuffing and everything.... delicious). We picked up some brownies, some fancy sausage and macaroons.

After the market we went to Clements for coffee (I had an iced mochaccino and James had a tea) and to read our books. I love doing that.... so relaxing!

For dinner we went to a place we have wanted to go to a few times! Zen. It's an Asian/ Japanese restaurant and it's pretty fancy! More food! For starters I had pumpkin and asparagus tempura and deep fried eel and sweet egg sushi. James had ribs. We shared our mains..... monkfish in a wasabi pepper sauce with rice and soft shell angry crab with red curry leaf and chilli. We followed this with an elderflower sorbet and a yulan tea! To say we were stuffed is an understatement! I'd definitely go back there.

We went to the cinema when dinner was finished and we saw Thor... not really my cup of tea but I thought it was quite good. I REALLY wanted to see Water for Elephants, but being the awesome wife I am, I agreed to Thor.

...and coming January 2012

2011-05-24T16:04:00.003-04:00

We are pregnant again.

I was hesitant on whether to post or not.... or whether to wait until we have had a scan and know that everything is ok. In the end I decided to post, because I want to keep this blog as an accurate account of what is going on in my life and I don't want to leave anything out.

We found out almost a week ago now and everything is going ok. I have every finger and toe crossed that it works out this time. The top test there is not very clear, but there is a line.... and since that line, I have continued to do tests and they keep getting darker and darker..... this didn't happen last time, so that is comforting.

I also have more symptoms than the last 2 times.... I feel nauseous in the evenings and my boobs are so sore!

Because of our miscarriage history we will be having an early scan in about 3 weeks.

I am so happy and so excited and just hope we can keep this pregnancy and have a healthy baby at the end.

Estimated due date is 28th January.... one day before James' next birthday.

Our new addition!

2011-05-24T15:40:00.000-04:00

Introducing....... LOLA :)

Lola is our new 1 1/2 year old Jack Russell. Isn't she GORGEOUS. I have to admit, I have never seen a black and tan Jack Russell before. I always thought they were white and tan.

Lola came from a pound. Her previous owners weren't good to her. She was abused and neglected and as a result is very quiet and timid and LOVES affection.

We are teaching her to play... but she just doesn't understand yet as no-one has ever really played with her before.

She is BESOTTED with James. As soon as James comes home from work, she is pretty much stuck to his lap until bedtime.

I am so glad she is a part of our family now and hope we can make her happy. She is definitely more settled than she was when we first got her. She is becoming more relaxed and visibly happy.

A bit of a catch up!

2011-05-20T10:18:00.000-04:00

Ollie and I are sick..... AGAIN! We both have chest infections. My ribs, back, stomach and neck are all sooooore from coughing so much. Please keep your fingers crossed that we recover soon and stay well! We have had recurrent sickness in this household for about 3 months! It would be nice to get a couple of months in where no-one got sick!

Our little man turns 3 in about 2 weeks time! Crazy! We are having a Mickey Mouse themed party here at the house and he wants me to make him a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse cake! I'll try my best! We have bought him his very first bike for his birthday and also some Lego and a Mickey Mouse Play Tent. I asked him what he wanted to do for his birthday and he said he wants to go to feed the ducks and then to the Transport museum to see the trains. We will be doing that on the Saturday and having his party on the Sunday.

The last weekend in April, I became Godmother to an amazing/ gorgeous little boy called Leo. He is the son of a very dear/ very old (I've known her for 13 years!) friend and I was pleased as punch that she asked me to play that role in his life. I couldn't ask for a lovelier Godson! The ceremony was in England, so I went away for the weekend to England all by myself leaving James and Ollie here on their own! It all went well!

Ollie tells me cute things these days like "I'm happy you're here mummy" and James worked so hard in the past year that his work saw fit to give him a payrise.... Yay to hardworking husbands!

AND.... we got a dog. I will devote a post entirely to her!

Our Easter

2011-05-03T04:12:00.000-04:00

Easter this year lasted a whole week! Ollie and I both got a chest infection at the weekend, so Easter Sunday actually happened on Wednesday!! We had a lot of fun though.

Ollie had fun in his paddling pool...

We dyed eggs! Ollie loved doing this and did the majority of it himself :)

We rolled the eggs down a hill and Ollie threw them about until they smashed.

And THEN we had an egg hunt in the garden.

Are you watching the Royal Wedding?

2011-04-29T04:45:00.000-04:00

Ollie and I are watching in our pyjamas. Ollie keeps asking "What is a Royal Wedding?" even though he doesn't even know what a normal wedding is haha!

Very excited, though feel like we should get washed a dressed before we watch!

Do you use Pinterest?

2011-04-26T13:09:00.002-04:00

It's FAB! I love it and am addicted to checking out everyones boards. Check mine out!! I'm primarily using mine for house ideas.... we are hoping to do up the house in the summer!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-22T16:14:00.000-04:00

We are spending Easter weekend at James' parents house as they are away to England for a wedding. We are house-sitting and minding their dog Sam. The weather here is glorious at the moment and James' folks live in a lovely part of Belfast beside a gorgeous castle and lots of park to walk in. We are going to get the paddling pool out and I'm going to make an Easter egg hunt for Ollie on Sunday! He had a lot of chocolate today actually!

On Sunday we are meeting up with my mum and step-dad and going for a walk. I want to dye eggs with Ollie so we can roll them down a big hill.... and we will be having a gorgeous roast duck for dinner!

James and I had a baby making appointment!

2011-04-22T15:44:00.000-04:00

A week and a half ago James and I went to the fertility clinic for the appointment we have been waiting AGES for.

When I first went to see the Dr. and to ask to be referred we were on month 14 (since the first miscarriage) of trying for a baby. After the referral letter was sent, but we were yet to receive an appointment, we had our second miscarriage.

Finally the appointment came through in March and it was for 12th April.

My Dr. told us to keep the fertility clinic appointment even though we had got pregnant in the meantime. She said that they would investigate a) why it took so long to get pregnant the last time and b) why we have had 2 consecutive miscarriages.

The appointment was about as invasive as it could ever be. I had to have an internal examination and then swabs were taken and I also had to have an internal scan. The Dr. said everything looked very healthy for the stage in my cycle and everything surrounding looked as he had expected it to which is good.

After the examinations, I had blood taken which will be tested for auto-immune disorders which can cause miscarriages.

On day 2 of my next cycle I have to go to my Dr. for a whole panel of bloods to check for different things.... I think there are 8 different things they check for including different hormone levels etc which can cause it to take a long time to get pregnant.

James has to drop in a sample sometime in the next couple of months.

We have another appointment in 3 or 4 months to go over things and see what we need to do next :)

It feels so good to have been seen and to have everything put in our notes and we have another appointment in a few months so if things aren't happening there are other things we will do. I feel like we are a step closer to having our second baby.... which is good considering that in August it will be 2 years since we first started trying for our second baby! Too long!!

I really hope it happens.

Summer has come!

2011-04-11T08:12:00.000-04:00

Finally... and to think we had snow a couple of months ago!!

We took advantage of the amazing sun and warmth this weekend and went to Tyrella Beach! We had a blast... I love the beach! It was a little bit chilly but it was fine... it heated up a little towards the end. Ollie got his trousers soaked.... and end up in just his pants. He also did a wee in the sea...........

Playing in the 'river'

Looking out to sea

Both my boys taking a stroll!

More scenery

I love this photo of Ollie.... So handsome

Here I am taking his wet shorts off!

Hopefully we get some more days at the beach soon and that this nice weather hangs around!

Ollie is going to SCHOOL!

2011-04-05T16:09:00.000-04:00

We got the letter on Saturday. Forge Integrated Primary School wasn't our first choice of school.... but still a VERY good school nonetheless. It is so REAL now. In less than 4 months Ollie starts pre-school. He will be one of the youngest in his class at only 3 years and 2 months... little thing. He will be away every single day from 12.30 until 3.00. He seems excited to be going to school. See the video above.... in the video he says he is going to Forge School and when I ask him what his teacher will be called he knows she is called Mrs. Cherry (isn't that the cutest teacher name?)... when I ask what he will do at school he normally responds with painting, playing cars, playing in the sand.... but in the video above he brings Handy Manny into it. Haha...

He will have to wear a little uniform and everything. I am so excited for him but hope that being much younger than some of his classmates, won't hold him back.

You can visit the school's website here.

Mothers Day :)

2011-04-04T08:08:00.000-04:00

I had THE BEST day yesterday with my men :) Ollie and James were so good to me and it was the perfect Mothers Day! First of all, I got a lie-in until 9.30 and when we were all up and dressed we got a take-out breakfast of coffee (hot chocolate for Ollie), cake and a blueberry and white chocolate scone.... oh yes!

When we were finished eating, we went to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. Ollie adoooores the trains and the transport bit and I LOVE the folk bit... I always have since I was little.

Ollie drinking his babycino (hot chocolate)

My coffee and scone

Ollie and I snuggling on a bench

Woohoooo massive trains!

"I can hear the trains!"

An old chemist!

The Drapers!

The Pub

How comfy does the bed look..... not!

James and I when the rain started!

This is the inside of the Police Station

...and the Post Office

This is the inside of a Banker's house

...and the inside of the Bank

The Cinema :)

And there's my boys!

When we came home we all relaxed for the rest of the day. James made a roast chicken dinner for us and when Ollie went to bed James and I watched a movie :)

OH! I also got pressies. I got the sweetest little Pandora charm - a monkey holding a baby monkey! I also got things from Lush! Whoop! I love Mothers Day.

Happy Mothers' Day!

2011-04-03T12:15:00.000-04:00

Happy Mothers Day!!! (To me... since MOST of the readers of this blog don't celebrate until May haha!). I've always found it strange that most other countries celebrate in May.... but we celebrate in March here.

Anyway.... I can still wish all you mummies out there:

Happy Mothers Day!

I am having a LOVELY day so far. I can't believe how perfectly lovely a day it has been, considering Ollie and I haven't been very well the last few days. Post with photos to come later today :)

2011 Ultimate Blog Party

2011-04-01T05:43:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to be participating in the 2011 Ultimate Blog Party over at 5 Minutes for Mom!

WELCOME to my blog. Thank You for coming to visit!

Here on Toddler Awesome you will find my day to day ramblings about my life as a SAHM to an incredible little boy called Oliver (Ollie). My name is Emma, I am 26 and I have been married to my handsome hubby for almost 4 whole years and Ollie will be 3 in June. We live in a sweet little housing development in Belfast, Northern Ireland. You can read more about me and my family by clicking here. I started this blog July 2009 and love keeping it!

With this blog I document what Ollie and I get up to day to day. I like to record the random goings-on in my life and this is kind of my diary! You can read about Ollie, funny things he says, how clever Ollie is and all about my new camera (my first SLR).

I recently took part in a lot of memes etc and hosted a couple myself, but have decided to strip the blog right back and just write about what I like.... and our life :) I also will be documenting my progress in the world of digital SLR photography!

Hope you enjoy the PARTY and your visit here. Please do comment to let me know you have visited, so that I can come and visit you also! COME BACK SOON!

A poorly boy…

2011-03-30T14:46:00.001-04:00

But still OH SO HANDSOME.

Little man became unwell today after we left toddler group. We were on our way home and we had stopped at a shop to pick up something nice for lunch. All of sudden I heard Ollie shriek from his pram “the juice is all over the pram mummy” and when I turned to look he had vomited all over the pram, his clothes and the shop floor. Poor wee thing.

We came home and he was sick again, and again, I gave him a bath in which he was sick, and again. He was being sick about every 20-30 minutes and we got through all the blankets and pjs in the house!

He was going through phases of being quite perky and then phases of being drowsy and sad.

Ollie has NEVER had a vomiting bug… in his almost 3 years of existence, so this is new to us! It is so sad hearing him wretch and have nothing come up and it’s making his little tummy sore.

The Dr. said it is gastroenteritis and it should ease up for him tomorrow at some point. I hope so. He has fallen asleep on the sofa and I hope he gets a good and restful sleep tonight (it’s 7.45pm here)…as today has been horrid for him.

And here is hoping that neither James or I get it too!

A very lovely sunny weekend!

2011-03-28T06:24:00.003-04:00

It looks like we are finally entering Spring! This weekend was so bright and warm. Unfortunately James had to go into work for the biggest part of Saturday but Ollie and I went to the play-park with our friends and then played in the sandpit at home. It's so nice to be able to play outside!

James and I decided it would be a nice tradition to go to a park every Sunday morning before we go to either the in-laws or my mum's (we alternate Sundays). There are so many parks and the weather is getting nicer now, it would be nice to go first thing every Sunday (on the days it is raining though, we will be going swimming!).

This weekend we went to Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, which is just 5 minutes from my house. They have a rose garden there but the roses aren't in bloom until June I think, they have a cafe, a massive play-park with a huge sandpit and lots of garden walks.

As far as photography goes, I STILL have not ventured off auto on my new Canon D3100 but even without changing settings etc aren't the pictures TONS better than on my old point and shoot? Setting myself a study regime so I can learn how to use my gorgeous camera PROPERLY :) Wish me luck!

How we spent Paddy’s Day (in photos)

2011-03-27T16:27:00.003-04:00

We spent St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin this year. As you know we have been in Dublin for a few months but James’ project has now come to an end, so we took the opportunity to go down for a couple more nights, have some fun and see the parade and pack up all our stuff!

I desperately wanted to get Lucky Charms for Ollie for St. Patricks Day… but they don’t make them here in Ireland. They used to, but don’t anymore and we know a store that imports them from America. Unfortunately there had been a rush of people buying them and they were out of stock, so I bought him Fruit Loops instead. They are rainbow coloured so still count I suppose.

We got Ollie dressed in his green hoody and I painted a little green shamrock onto each cheek. After we were ready we had a look at what festivities would be taking place! There were apparently some fairground rides in Merrion Square and the parade was due to start at 12. My dad advised us that Dame Street would be the least busy place to watch the parade go past.

Ollie went on his first fairground ride! He went on a kids teeny tiny rollercoaster. It was only €3 so we gave him 2 rides. The first ride he spent in a taxi cab and the second he rode the train. He LOVED it. It was so cute watching him go past again and again and to be honest it made me feel a little bit choked up… he was so big and independent!!

After his first go on a rollercoaster was over, we went on a ferris wheel together. He loved it too!

Isn't the view lovely and how gorgeous a day did we get!!

When we got to Dame street we waited for about 1 1/2 hours for the parade to reach us. Ollie got really fractious and bored (and who could blame him!) and we had to occupy him with more Fruit Loops! There was a lovely old man and woman in front of us and the man chatted to him a bit.

I’m not sure I understood the theme of the parade at all. To me it didn’t seem to have a lot to do with St. Patrick’s Day but it was apparently based on a story by Roddy Doyle. It was so much fun to watch though. There were bands from all over the world, youth groups joining in and some weird displays.

I love bands. I especially love how loud the drums are. Ollie preferred the random and strange things that passed instead. Lots of pictures below:

…and a guy sitting on the traffic lights so as to be able to see the parade! Haha!
Town was busy, though not quite as packed as I had anticipated. We had a voucher for our lunch, so got paninis and drinks and ate them in the sun.

We passed a store we love and to our surprise they had Lucky Charms in stock. Ollie got to have his first taste of lucky charms after all!

I think we will go to Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day again. There is a much more fun atmosphere there than up North… and so much more to do. We didn’t get to do everything, there were storytellers and facepainters and lots of other events for families!

…and that’s Dublin over with now. It’s strange to be saying goodbye. We won’t have another opportunity to go because Ollie starts school in September. Ollie was born in Dublin and we spent his first few months there so it holds a special little place in my memory. We even passed the hospital he was born in and I told him and pointed it out, but I doubt he even knows what ‘birth’ or ‘you were born there’ means haha!

Recent Ollie-isms

2011-03-26T17:55:00.001-04:00

Body slaaaaam (play wrestling with daddy.... though when you ask him how you be with girls he says "gently")

Nice to meet you mummy.... happy to meet you

I need your kisses mummy (he said this first thing in the morning when he dandered into our room)

I don't like stinky poos, I don't eat dem

You're not me, I'm me, you're you

Thanks for wiping my bum mummy (nice to be thanked isn't it!)

Roshambo not got a willy.....has got a wendy (he noticed his teddy had no willy....)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T05:05:00.001-04:00

We're in Dublin today staying in the apartment here one last time (and to collect our stuff)...

Today we are off to the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin City Centre. It looks like so much fun and is apparently a HUGE parade lasting almost 1 1/2 - 2 hours! Ollie is going to love it. There are other things happening in the City Centre also.... facepainters, storytellers, a FERRIS WHEEL!! We also have a €20 voucher for lunch and the skies look clear :) It should be a good day! I've brought Ollie's green hoody to wear and will be painting a little green shamrock on his cheek. Earlier he said "I don't want green hair!"... so that's out of the question hehe.

To see last year's St. Patricks Day post click here.

On a sidenote, you might notice there is no Totally Toddler Thursday today. I don't think I am going to carry on my memes because they just don't get enough traffic to make them worthwhile. On Monday I had just THREE people link-up after having had 28 people link-up the second week! Just so you know :)

So... my new camera!

2011-03-10T15:49:00.000-05:00

I got myself a Nikon D3100! I am so excited!

I have wanted a DSLR for such a long time now and finally have one. I got a good deal on a Nikon D3100 complete with 2 lenses, a bag, filters and memory card!

So far I love it, but feel limited at the moment for a couple of reasons: 1. There are much much better lenses I would like to get in the near future that would allow me to do what I want to do... and 2. I can not yet shoot on manual. I hate to use auto, when I see other peoples fab photos and know there is no-way they took it on auto. I want pretty photos like that, so am teaching myself slowly but surely. I'll be updating my progress on this blog.

Here are some photos I have taken so far! Even though I do not have extensive knowledge of my camera, without changing a single settling, the photos are still A TON better than the average photo I would take on my compact!!

I can't WAIT to have learn! Any tips and advice would be very very welcome!

Ollie eating cereal from a cup.

Peeking around the stairs.

Taking a stroll in the park.

Playing in the leaves.

Before and After {Best Friends}

2011-03-10T15:18:00.001-05:00

SOOC shot....

After editing... I brightened a little, brightened their eyes too... cropped slightly... worked a little on the levels and curves.... I'm very very new to using my new camera and also to using Photoshop!

This is Ollie and his little best friend - Ivy, who came over for a playdate today.

Join in...

I'm so proud of the boy...

2011-03-08T09:11:00.001-05:00

The last time I updated on Ollie... he was about 28 months I think.

Now Ollie is 33 months..... with less than 3 months to go until he turns 3! Time just seems to be going FAR too fast. I don't feel like I have been a mummy for almost 3 years. It is hard to explain what I mean.... I mean the time that has passed doesn't FEEL like 3 years and I feel a bit robbed! Hehe. Everyone told me the time goes by so fast, but I didn't believe them.

I have never been one to get emotional though, the older they get. I love it! Every new stage/ milestone that Ollie reaches is so much more exciting than the last.

So what can I tell you about Ollie these days....?

OH! In just under 4 weeks we find out which school he got accepted in to! We applied to 4 schools and are desperately hoping he gets into one of our first 2 choices. I'm so excited for him to start. If you ask him where is he going in September he replies "I'm going to school".... if I ask what is he going to do at school he says "Going to play cars. The boys want to play cars with me."

He is fully potty trained (daytime....) and doesn't have accidents anymore. He is able to go on a toilet too rather than just his potty and balances himself! I'm surprised by how well he took to potty training. I think I was quite lucky and that he was completely ready when I tried. He is dry almost every naptime and has been dry on the occasional morning, I guess that just comes naturally though!

Ollie can use an iPad independently.... haha.

Ollie still can not dress himself, but he can put socks and trousers on.... and has no trouble taking all of his clothes off. He is able to pull his pants and trousers up and down himself when going to the toilet.

He still naps!! 2 hours every day between 1 and 3! This is when I get the main bulk of housework completed/ relax, depending on the day I have had! For instance.... today has been rubbishy so far, so I'm chilling out, catching up on missed tv shows and snacking on junk food.

Some rhymes Ollie knows and can say all by himself include Twinkle Twinkle, I Had a Little Turtle and Row Row Row Your Boat. He claps for himself when he is finished...

His drawing skills are developing really fast though I don't have a picture here right now (will post on Wednesday). Last week I had paper and colours out for him and I asked him what he wanted to draw. He told me he wanted to draw Daddy, so I told him he should draw a nice, round head first. He then did little dots and a line for a mouth and then 4 lines which resembled arms and legs. I was so proud and so taken aback by it!

When it comes to colours and shapes, Ollie knows most of them, but he can't count yet. He counts "1, 2, 4, 8, 9" hehe. I'm sure that will come soon though.

Isn't it incredible the rate at which they learn? And in less than 6 months he will be away to nursery school and will be learning even more!

OH! I tried to teach him his address recently and let's just say that he does NOT live at 17 Morning Present.... hehe!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

2011-03-02T09:04:00.000-05:00

This week I am loving:

♥ That the weather is brightening up!

♥ Gateau Breton (Thanks Nigella!) and baking in general recently

♥ My new Canon D3100....

♥ Learning how to use it!

♥ Cuddles from Ollie (I'm getting more at the moment because he is unwell)

♥ Meal planning :)

♥ Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo..... YUM

♥ Lipton Morocco Tea

♥ De-cluttering

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-02T03:57:00.000-05:00

My boy is sicky... I hate that he is not well, but love that he needs lots of cuddles from me.

Oooooh look!

2011-03-01T08:04:00.002-05:00

Eeeek! Look what just arrived! Yep. A Nikon D3100. More on this later :)

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

2011-02-27T16:03:00.000-05:00

Ollie saw the dentist last week!

2011-02-27T16:01:00.000-05:00

He LOVED it haha!

The dentist made a big deal of showing Ollie his 'magic chair' which went up like a seat and down like a bed. He then showed him his special mirror (the teeny one that goes in your mouth hehe). Ollie was quite impressed. He asked Ollie to lie back and open his mouth which Ollie did really well.... he thought it was so funny and did a very very long 'aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah'. The dentist then exclaimed 'Oh my goodness!! Your teeth are so shiny and white!!'. Ollie was so proud of himself. His teeth are all perfect.

He has 18 teeth. Just 2 more to go and my baby is finished with teething. I had a feel around the top/ back of his gums and it feels slightly sharp on both sides. That could explain the weird/ grumpy episodes we have been having recently.

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-02-23T17:04:00.000-05:00

Making our way to the park. Ollie found a nice stick :)

Playing with his trains on the big stone statue.

Hmmmmm.

Ollie felt peckish and started to eat the bread that was for the ducks.

He finally gave them share.

What I'm Loving Wednesday

2011-02-16T18:13:00.002-05:00

This week I am loving:

♥ The fact that my tooth isn't sore anymore.

♥ Being back in Belfast and seeing my friends.

♥ Tacos!

♥ New blog friends (I'll be putting a list of my favourite blogs in my sidebar shortly)

♥ Healthy eating! I'm going to try much harder this week!

♥ My new book - Room by Emma Donohue

♥ Watching Dexter. We are only catching up on season 4 and 5 now!

♥ Ollie is copying EVERYTHING I say and it is really cute!

♥ How well behaved Ollie is being recently.

♥ My handsome hubby.

♥ Half Baked Ben and Jerrys.

♥ My other new book - How To Talk So Kid's Will Listen and Listen So Kid's Will Talk.

♥ New followers :)

♥ Busy busy blog design

♥ Luxury baths with Lush bath bombs!

My 2 Newest Designs Are Up

2011-02-10T17:03:00.000-05:00

What I'm Loving Wednesday

2011-02-09T12:12:00.001-05:00

This week I am loving:

♥ Brainstorming for our house decorating over-haul using Pinterest (click to check out my boards)

♥ The relief that ibuprofen and Solpadine bring me (I have crazy bad toothache)

♥ Takeaway Chinese food

♥ New blog friends (I'll be putting a list of my favourite blogs in my sidebar shortly)

♥ Halloumi (Hubby and I had never had this before until a couple of weeks ago.... now we can't get enough!)

♥ How skinny I am going to be now that hubby and I are dieting :)

♥ My new book - Room by Emma Donohue

♥ Planning out my new tattoos (more on that later)

♥ The way Ollie cutely asks if I am feeling better yet

♥ Playing shop with Ollie (I got him a toy till and toy shopping basket with food!)

♥ Painting my nails with Saville Row by Nails Inc.

♥ Chocolate Tart from Insomnia

♥ New followers :)

♥ Busy busy blog design and the fun blogs I am being asked to makeover!

♥ Paperchase

♥ Putting together a parcel for my fab penpal Kendra :)

♥ Chai Lattes

♥ Watching Ollie and James play together.... they're rough and loud and so cute!

Who would be interested...

2011-02-08T15:29:00.002-05:00

...in a couple of new weekly link-ups.

I've been thinking of a couple for a while now and have decided to take the plunge with them... that is, if you are all up for linking up!

These are what I thought of:

Mama Monday's

I wanted this to be a weekly be-good-to-yourself linkup. I would think up a nice thing for us to do each week (inexpensive... and not needing much preparation), and then we post about it on the Monday. To be the best mamas we can be we really need to be good to ourselves once in a while... or once a week :) I would like if this linkup was specifically about mamas and we could not only post about the weekly be good to yourself task, but we could also write about and discuss anything concerning us as mamas...

Totally Toddler Thursday's

Because we will post about the mamas on the Monday, I thought it would be good to post about the tots on a Thursday so as not to close together. Basically Totally Toddler Thursday's will be a link up of ANYTHING you are doing with your toddler/ preschooler... or any hints and tips you want to share.... new art project you are doing, a new toddler favourite book.... a new tried and tested recipe your toddler loves! Just anything and everything to do with your little one :)

What do you think?

New Design I've been working on!

2011-02-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

I forgot to show you my new hair!

2011-02-04T07:00:00.001-05:00

I felt brave that day!

Show Us Your Life: What do you feed your toddler?

2011-02-04T01:46:00.000-05:00

Show Us Your Life is hosted by Kelly over at Kelly's Korner and this week she wants us to share what we feed our preschoolers/ toddlers.

Ollie used to be a FAB eater but recently his portion size decreased quite a lot and he became fussy! He won't eat anything cold (ham etc) and he won't eat cheese unless it is warm and melted. He seems to only like chicken or minced (ground) beef/ lamb. I suppose he likes fish too... He LOVES grapes and cereal. He won't eat green beans, broccoli or sprouts but will eat peas and sweetcorn!

Breakfast
(Everyday Ollie will have one of the following for breakfast.... he loves breakfast)
Porridge
Coco-pops
Cheerios
Shredded wheat
Shreddies
Weetabix
French toast

Lunch
At the moment, the following are Ollie's favourite lunches)
Chicken dippers with potato waffles
Cheese and ham omelette
Scrambled egg and toast soldiers
Jam and peanut butter sandwiches (he loves when I use cookie cutters and cut his sandwiches into fun shapes!)
Chocolate spread sandwiches (he won't have savoury sandwiches...)
Soup (he gets this in a sippy cup with no lid on it.... because it has 2 handles it is easy for him to drink instead of using a spoon and bowl which would be super messy)
Baked beans on toast
Alphabetti on toast

Lunch Extras
Yoghurt
Fruit
Breadsticks
Dried fruit (banana chips, dried mango etc)
Crackers
Chocolate (occasionally)

Dinner
Cottage Pie (gravy, minced beef, carrots and peas topped with mash)
Shepherd's Pie (gravy, minced lamb, carrots and peas topped with mash)
Beans on toast
Alphabetti on toast (Alphabetti or beans depends on what he had for lunch obviously)
Pizza
Baked potato
Roast chicken with gravy and mash (he likes things like this all mixed together rather than seperate)
Sausage and mash with beans
Homemade soup and toast soldiers
Chilli and rice
Chicken curry and rice
Pasta bake (tomato based)

Other snack bits he likes
Olives (A weird one I know, considering some of the things he is fussy about!)
Wasabi peas (I know... super hot but he loves them)
Nuts
Mandarin oranges
Peeled and cored apples

I'm going to start trying him with more different foods... even if he decides he doesn't like them. I want him to grow up giving all foods a try at least.

When he starts school in September all the kid's have to take hot lunch, not packed lunches. When I spoke to the teacher she said that a lot of fussy eaters that have started at school usually relax about food after a couple of weeks and try more because all the other kids are eating the same thing!

New Design Up

2011-02-03T03:35:00.000-05:00

What I'm Loving Wednesday

2011-02-02T07:00:00.005-05:00

I'M LOVING...

My new blog! Trying To Be a Domestic Goddess
The days are getting brighter!

Painting my nails french!

My blog design business being busy!
My handsome, newly 31, husband :)

Mojitos!

Cherry chocolate brownies!
Pay day :)

Being in Dublin.... I'm finding it so relaxing.

Planning how we're going to decorate in June.... talking about TOTAL HOUSE OVERHAUL!

Writing in my new Moleskine planner :)

Ollie talking to himself "I'm not a man, I'm a boy".............random.

New episodes of Fringe!

Wordless Wednesday - Tracing!

2011-02-02T07:00:00.002-05:00

Ollie traced for daddy's birthday card and such a fab attempt!

Friend Makin Monday

2011-01-31T04:39:00.001-05:00

It's been a while since I participated in this and have noticed that it has changed hands and is now run by Kenz @ All The Weigh!

A Short Survey

1) What is your favorite household chore? And what is your least favorite?
My favourite chore is hoovering... I don'd mind hoovering at all. I hate cleaning the bathroom (or changing the beds)... those are my least favourites.

2)What is your favorite city?
My favourite city.... I don't really have a favourite city, but I guess I'd say Dublin.... where we are living at the moment. It's so pretty here and there are tons of nice places to go and eat.... or just sit and watch the world go by.

3) Have you found real love yet?
Definitely. I'll have been with my husband 7 years in May (married for 4 of those years). He is awesome.

4) What's one thing you eat almost everyday?
Crisps.

5) What was your last thought before falling asleep last night?
I was hoping that Ollie wouldn't wake at 5am!!

6) What's the worst injury you had as a child?
I broke my leg when I was 3. I fell off the 2nd last stair after walking down the stairs so carefully.

7) Will you/have you worked out today?
Not really workout.... but will probably go for a walk with the pram.

8) Do you tweet? If so, what's your name?
I have a username but I never use it... I never got into it!

9) List three things you wouldn't want to live without:
My family, My iPhone and my friends.

10) Hold old were you when you had your first kiss?
I was 12 and a boy called Neil kissed me on the cheek on the last day of school! I'd had a crush on him for the whole year so was happy but embarrassed.

To join in Friend Makin Monday stop by All The Weigh

Photographer in the making...

2011-01-31T03:51:00.001-05:00

My dad bought a Fisher Price kid's camera for Ollie for Christmas. He really likes it!! The resolution isn't the best, but for a kid's camera, it's fab! It's also drop proof and waterproof etc. Here are some of Ollie's shots so far! It took him a little while to discover that after he pressed the button, he had to hold the camera still until the click noise, so his first pictures are quite blurry. He soon got the hang of it!

Grandpa!

Trains balancing on bus

Trains in a line

Firefighter Mickey

A tree in Herbert Park

A duck looking for bread

The duck pond

More ducks

Who has taken my happy boy and left me with...

2011-01-30T12:10:00.001-05:00

The grump of all GRUMPS!

I've asked him if his teeth are sore and he has told me no a few times.... but he is dribbling a lot (and he has never been dribbly!)... he pokes his finger in his mouth sometimes... has a small rash on his cheeks.

And he just isn't in good form at all!

James took him to the duck pond today and he didn't feed the ducks any bread and he didn't want to play on anything in the park.... he has been unsettled going to bed the last few nights and he is having a few potty accidents.

I know he has 16 teeth already. Are his very very back ones coming up now? If they are, I hope they come up soon!

New Design Up!

2011-01-30T08:37:00.001-05:00

Please stop by my new cooking blog!

2011-01-29T15:55:00.001-05:00

(Click the header to visit!). If you like it please follow me. I plan to update regularly with recipes (my own and from recipe books... I want to have a go at a few Nigella Lawson recipes soon.... well as soon as I get the new book that I want!) and general domestic bits and pieces!

The next batch of chosen few are....

2011-01-20T04:56:00.001-05:00

Kathy @ http://handfulofellers.blogspot.com/

Mizzreviewlady @ http://mizzreviewlady-mommyreviews.blogspot.com/

Debra @ http://ourimperfectlife.blogspot.com/

Could the 3 of you please visit http://indiechickblogdesign.com and fill out the order form!

As before, I'm offering 50% off any package to anyone who commented on either of the free blog makeover posts before today. My way of making it up to you that I couldn't choose everyone! Just visit http://indiechickblogdesign.com.

Ok... so I need 2 more participants in 'Who wants a free blog makeover?!'

2011-01-19T19:05:00.001-05:00

...but this time I am looking for people who want a NON-SCRAPPY look... i.e. cute and funky photoheaders etc.

Let me know. I have space for 2 of you in exchange for a review!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

2011-01-19T09:29:00.001-05:00

I'M LOVING...

Visiting the duck pond with Ollie and listening to him talking to the ducks... 'Here you go ducky' 'Have some dinner' (he means bread hehe)....

Not having to change nappys anymore as everything is being done in the potty.

Playing shop with Ollie.

My hardworking husband.

Getting busy again with blog design and trying a few new things!

Lush Snow Fairy shower gel.

My new haircut which I will post about later!

Snapple.

The weather in Dublin.... it's really nice! Not too cold, no rain and lovely and bright.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-19T09:22:00.001-05:00

Feeding the ducks in Herbert Park, Dublin

The chosen few....

2011-01-18T04:08:00.002-05:00

These are the blogs I have picked to makeover (my choices were based on follower count, enthusiasm and persistance hehe!):

Dawn
http://www.mom-a-logues.blogspot.com/

MsBabyPlan
http://msbabyplan.blogspot.com/

Jesseca
http://sweettreatsbyjesseca.blogspot.com/

Emma
http://www.methemanandthebaby.com/

GapGirl
http://thegapgirl.blogspot.com/

If the 5 of you could all please visit http://indiechickblogdesign.com and fill out the order for (select Ultimate Makeover), we can get started!

I'm offering 50% off any package to anyone who commented on the free blog makeover post before today. My way of making it up to you that I couldn't choose everyone!

The scoop on the poop!

2011-01-18T04:01:00.001-05:00

Ollie poops on the potty! Today was his 6th day of successfully pooping on the potty! As I thought, he did it himself in his own time without me asking him. One day he just plucked up the courage and told me he needed to poo in his potty so we ran and got it. It took him a little while, but he kept telling me the poop was coming, so I left him to it. He has pooped every morning since, apart from just one!

As far as accidents go.... he has been training for 2 weeks now and has only had one day with accidents in the last 10 days! ONE day with accidents! I don't think that's bad at all! I'm very proud of him and there is something to be said for just waiting until they are ready. It is as if something just clicks.

He is completely dry nap times and is ALMOST dry overnight. That's the next thing to work on.

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

2011-01-12T14:09:00.000-05:00

I'M LOVING...

Baby Powder scented Yankee Candles,

Ollie copying EVERYTHING I say... only it sounds WAY cute when he says it,

How well my boy is doing with potty training... 5 days in a row with no accidents!

My tidy house!

My wonderful hubby,

My new blog design,

Cherry Coke flavour Lip Smackers (which by the way you cannot buy here in Ireland!),

Electric blankets,

Being excited about my spa day tomorrow (Christmas present from my mum),

Jumper dresses and boots,

The way Ollie says "Hey duuuudes".

Free blog makeover....anyone?

2011-01-11T15:36:00.000-05:00

I have space on my waiting list at the moment and was wondering if anyone would like a free blog makeover, in exchange for some publicity on your blog by way of a review post!

New year, time for a change around here!

2011-01-10T16:42:00.003-05:00

Hope you like the new design!! I felt it was time to update the design as I was growing bored of the old one and Ollie is just far too cute to not have a header made up entirely of photos of him!

(Want a new blog design to kick off the new year? Stop by Indiechick Designs and get on the waiting list. Turnaround time is currently a fortnight!)

Some not so good news...

2011-01-08T18:58:00.000-05:00

I mentioned in my post on 2nd January that I had a surprise to share with you all. Unfortunately I never got the chance to.

James and I found out we were pregnant on Tuesday 28th December with an estimated due date of 7th September 2011. The test I took had a very definite positive result and James and I were very excited. It took us 14 months to get pregnant. I felt so positive about the pregnancy... I thought I would be so scared! I swore to myself that I wouldn't say "if it all goes ok" at the end of any sentence to do with the pregnancy or the baby.

I was having strong symptoms. My boobs were so sore... I had stretching pains... was peeing all the time...so tired... nausea at different times of the day.

On 3rd January I woke up and noticed my boobs weren't quite so sore and while out doing the groceries, I noticed my nausea was not making itself known. I bought some more tests.

I made sure to get a strong sample of urine to test but after the 3 minutes there was no line on the test. 7 days after finding out I was pregnant, the line should have been SO much darker than my first test. But there was no line there at all.

I tried to figure it all out.... why was this happening? Why would a line disappear and why would it disappear that fast?

That night I started cramping and after some research online I found out I was having a chemical pregnancy. Basically this means that I could get a positive test and a few days later a negative one. This is because I could have become pregnant but the pregnancy only lasted a couple of days before it failed and hormone started to dwindle... I got a faint positive because the hormone was still there and I thought it was a BFP, but a week later it had dwindled enough to be a negative.

I started bleeding on 4th January. I thought with it being so early it would not be as bad as last time.... but the pain was the same and the bleeding was worse. The miscarriage itself happened on 6th January.

I'm feeling ok. I'm upset, but ok. I keep telling myself that I'm lucky it happened when it did and not further down the line. I'm also lucky the miscarriage happened itself, almost instantly..... whereas last time it was a whole week and a half before I lost the baby.

This time was different. This time I am telling myself that I wasn't REALLY pregnant. There was a bunch of hormones in my body but it never got further than that. There was nothing in there. Nothing would have shown on a scan. Not like last time. I think it's easier this way... because there was no little bean this time. I was not far enough along.

It's crap that I now refer to the first miscarriage and the second miscarriage and it makes me wonder.... will I have anymore?

I've carried a healthy baby to term so I know my body can do it. I hope there is nothing wrong with me and I hope I can carry another healthy baby some day.

I'm glad I've been potty training Ollie this week. It has really taken my mind off everything and helped keep me upbeat. He is my little ray of sunshine and I know this week would have been a lot darker without him there being silly, funny and cute. We were supposed to be in Belfast this week, just Ollie and I, while James worked away here in Dublin, but I didn't want to be without him and I'm glad I wasn't. We had an amazing family day today and it made me really appreciate what I have here right now.

Potty Training 1st Week Over!

2011-01-08T15:31:00.000-05:00

Not a SINGLE accident today! Woohooooooo! He spent the whole day dry including his nap!

He went to the potty/ toilet about 10 times today. He is definitely going longer in between and having a much larger wee when he does go. We went out for lunch and then to do groceries and later on we took him to get his hair cut and do a bit of shopping. It was a lot of trips in the car and out in public and Im so proud of him that he didn't get distracted and have an accident.

The poop is another matter though. As I mentioned before he really doesn't want to go in the potty/ toilet.... so I have ignored it.... if he wants to go in his nappy/ pants I let him. He is obviously not ready to poop on the potty yet and it's up to him when he feels ready to do it..... today there was an improvement. He told me he needed to poop and could he sit on the toilet.... nothing came of it in the end.... he later got his pull-ups on again and pooped in them, but I thought it was a step in the right direction with trying out the toilet for a little bit. I praised him on the effort. I don't count the poop in the pull-up as an accident.... he just isn't ready to poop on the toilet yet... but I know it will come soon. He is maybe trying to concentrate on one thing at a time and on the wee side of things he is doing amazingly!

Will see how it goes tomorrow and see if we can keep up the no accident streak and see how pooping goes!

Potty Training Update!

2011-01-06T14:21:00.000-05:00

When I last posted we were only on day 2 so here are the stats the last few days:

Day 3 went quite well:

Accidents - 4
Wees in potty/ toilet - 14
Poos in potty/ toilet - 0

It seems to me that when he has an accident, he seems to lose all concentration and has a few in a short space of time. 3 out of the 4 on day 3 were within 30 minutes. The 4th was not until the evening time. I am not sure why this is!

Day 4 was a bit useless:

Accidents - Unsure as was in a nappy at some points
Wees in potty/ toilet - 6
Poos in potty/ toilet - 0 (he pooped in his pants again)

On Friday morning Ollie had to go to the Dr. about his arm (Ollie and James were playing and whatever way James lifted him up, he got pulled elbow!), the Dr. suggested we go to hospital as he couldn't be sure if it was fractured or not... I knew the wait at the hospital would be long and he would need to sleep, so I put a nappy on him. He didn't have a single accident the whole time he was at the Dr. surgery though which is fab!

After he got his pulled elbow (shifted back into place by a paediatrician! youch) sorted, we had to pack up and drive the 2 1/2 hour drive down here to Dublin.

Today - Day 5 has gone really well!

Accidents - 4
Wees in potty/ toilet - 9
Poos in potty/ toilet - 0 (pooped his pants AGAIN)

He is starting to have longer periods between wees and leaves about an hour and a half between them which is good. Today we went out to lunch successfully. I asked him as soon as he was finished would he like a wee and he said yes and so off we went. He was dry the whole time and dry still when we got home. I also took him out later to the park for an hour. Again, no accidents.... even though he was playing and distracted!

I'm hoping for even better things tomorrow. See if we can bring the number of accidents down a little.

I'm unsure what to do about his pooping. He just doesn't want to poop in the potty or the toilet and I am not sure why. I am also unsure of what to do about it, but I can't leave the house in the morning if he hasn't pooped, because I know he will need to go and will go in his pants. I have to wait until he has gone before we can go out! I have tried bribery.... I have tried giving him toys and books while he is in there.... I have read to him while he is there.... I even tried giving him juice to drink.... and the last thing I tried was videos of kids pooping on youtube (yep people really do put them up there!). The pooping videos got his interest up a little more and he sat on the potty for a while at least.... but he still pooped about 15 minutes after he got up.

Yuck!

Oh! And the proudest thing.... when he woke from his nap today (he sleeps in a pair of pullups) he was COMPLETELY dry. That was a whole 2 hour and 15 minutes nap!

All seems to be going in the right direction apart from the pooping.

Potty Training Day 2!

2011-01-03T16:37:00.000-05:00

At the end of day 2 the results stand as follows:

Accidents: 4
Wees in potty/ toilet: 15
Poops in potty/ toilet: 0 (he pooped in his pants this morning which was yucky!)

The 4 accidents he had today were all before 9.30am! He was either tired or distracted as I admit to not paying enough attention this morning. After the few accidents this morning though, there wasn't a single other one the whole rest of the day! He even had 2 trips out in the car in his underwear (and trousers obviously....). When he woke up from his nap today his nappy was almost totally dry... so I'm taking that as a good sign too.

He is doing so well. I'm hoping tomorrow will be an even bigger improvement on today. I got him a little reward chart today with little silver stars, which he seems to like so far! He is proud of himself when someone sees how many stars he has and congratulates him!