Pregnancy Diary Week 9

10/12/201704/11/2023 Lisa 5 Comments

Pregnancy Diary Week 9

Pregnancy Diary Week 9 Week starting 29th October – This is seriously going to be a testing week. The tiredness I’m feeling at the moment is overwhelming and the sickness is still at its peak.

Pregnancy Diary Week 9

Isabelle is really excited looking forward to Halloween. Last year she had her first taste of trick or treating and loved it so much that it is definitely the expectation that we will be going again this year.

We did go trick or treating after finding some energy reserves from somewhere. We went as a group with some of our neighbours. Isabelle had a lovely time so it made making the effort totally worth it and I was able to sneak a few sweeties once she was in bed as well.

The baby is now the size of a raspberry but I feel like the size of a whale! My belly feels really rounded even though in reality it just looks a bit squishy not flat.

I’ve bought some jumpers which will hopefully make me feel less self-conscious. I really don’t like the beginning bit waiting for the bump to become an actual bump instead of looking like I’ve pigged out too much.

I look awful. Tired and a bit sickly, but Isabelle is full of a cough and cold which I think unfortunately is heading my way.

Remember that feeling of trying to hide stuff from your parents? Well hiding this pregnancy and the risk of being outed by my teenage son is way worse than that. He’s going to be disgusted. I feel that we may be sat down and read the contraception riot act. How irresponsible! At your age. God we’re so embarrassing!

So the hardest part of this week has been the eating. How do you explain away the fact that one second you’re not hungry at all (feeling sick) and the next your ransacking the snacks.

Oh and chicken has been added to the no go list.

Cheese is still up there, even better with silver skin pickled onions. Ryvita crackers are also a fave at the moment.

They do say savoury cravings for a boy and sweet cravings for a girl, but I’ve had the same tastes for both and have had one of each.

Concentrating at work is proving a lot more difficult than I thought. I’m looking forward to the scan and afterwards being able to tell people our good news.

Development

The baby’s organs, nerves and muscles are starting to function now. Their ears are starting to develops and it has eyelids. Fingers and toes are changing from buds to actual digits. The baby is stretching and moving about. They are also beginning to swallow fluid and produce its own digestive juices.

Hold on in there little Raspberry.

Lisa x

For all Pregnancy Diary Updates head to the top of the page and hit the Pregnancy Diary link.

I am linking up to the Bumps & Babies Linky on Let’s Talk Mommy.

Pregnancy Diary – Week 8

09/12/201712/08/2021 Lisa 2 Comments

Pregnancy Diary – Week 8

Pregnancy Diary Week 8 week starting 22nd October. This is the second week of our half-term but I’m back to work this week leaving the rest of them at home and still in bed.

Week 8

This week is the same as last week in terms of how I’m feeling. It’s really hard being at work as I feel so so tired and have no concentration span whatsoever.

I always take my own lunch to work which is proving so problematic. I don’t really want anything but am snacking throughout the day. The smells from the staff kitchen are also bothering me. We’ve gone from everybody bringing salads and sandwiches to everybody bringing in warm food. Warm food = food smells.

I’m really fed up of being sick now. I know nobody likes being sick, but the constant feeling of feeling sick whilst hungry and not knowing if the next thing I eat is going to have me heading to the loo.

I also went to a wedding meal this week where we had to pre-order our food. What I’d previously ordered didn’t seem too appetising and I struggled through the meal with gritted teeth.

Development

My baby is as big as an Olive weighing around nearly 2cm long. Already it’s fingers and toes have formed and it’s heart will beat at around 160 beats per minute. The baby’s skin is almost transparent and the colour pigment in their eyes has started to form. The baby’s diaphragm is developing which will enable the baby to breathe and hiccup.

Until next week.

Lisa x

For all Pregnancy Diary Updates head to the top of the page and hit the Pregnancy Diary link.

#Blogmas – A Trip to the Christmas Lights

08/12/201709/05/2021 Lisa 6 Comments

#Blogmas Day 8 – A Trip to the Christmas Lights

Yesterday was late night shopping in Exeter and as I’m feeling a little bit less exhausted at the moment we thought we would take the opportunity to take a trip to the Christmas Lights.

I met Chris and Isabelle in town after I finished work in the hope that we could catch the 5pm showing of Spark which are an LED drumming group in Princesshay.

We turned up just in time as they had just started. It was heaving so it was quite difficult at first to find a spot where Isabelle might have a chance to be able to see.

We did find the perfect spot where lots of children were and Isabelle had the perfect view until a group of women came and pushed their way through and stood in front of the kids. I was more than a bit annoyed!

However, it took a bit of an unexpected turn when the drummers started to march through the crowd and headed off through the shopping centre. Everybody upped and left to follow them.

At first we weren’t going to follow as there were so many people we didn’t think we’d stand a chance of being able to see them. We headed off in the directed of the Charity Christmas trees, which if you know Exeter are in behind the side of Debenhams and go along all the way past Chando’s Deli (yum) where you end up back in the centre of Princesshay.

It just so happens that we ended up in the middle of the Spark drummers. Quite literally as they went past either side of us which was quite a treat. We had a great view and managed to watch the remainder of the show.

We finished off our Christmas Lights outing by going for food of Isabelle’s choice, so off we headed to McDonalds to join the longest queue along with half of Exeter’s parents and kid population!

This year I think I’m going to try and convince Chris into taking us on a bit of a tour of the streets where there are houses that have decorated the outside of their houses. I thought that we could have some snacks, maybe some chocolates and even a cup of hot chocolate (in a travel mug). I’ve yet to mention this so Sshhhh…….

Charity Christmas Trees

Pregnancy Diary – Week 7

07/12/201712/08/2021 Lisa 1 Comment

Pregnancy Diary – Week 7

Pregnancy Diary Week 7 started 15th October. This week was our holiday at Bluestone Wales. I was really looking forward to it but at the same time a bit worried that our secret would be outed.

Week 7

Food and smells are a real issue at the moment. When we arrived at Bluestone it was bucketing down, and we’d also arrived early so had a little wait in the carpark before we could check in. It was worth the wait, the lodge was amazing and so spacious. You can read about out Bluestone stay in our previous posts.

Although it was nice having a secret between Chris and I, we were bursting to tell people. Due to our scare last week it feels better to keep it a secret just in case anything happens.

We didn’t have proper milk on our first day, we had UHT milk which is totally rank in tea. My issue with tea has already begun, but add in UHT milk and hello toilet bowl. Bleurgh.

The advantages of being on holiday was not always knowing what we were going to eat. If I think about eating too much, the much wanted bolognaise planned this morning becomes the last thing I want to eat in the world as they day goes on.

My Mother-in-law and Sister-in-law went for a morning in the spa which sounded really lovely. I would have loved to have gone as well but never mind. We took Isabelle to a craft event instead where she made a leaf lantern which she really enjoyed.

Weirdly we got around the issue of wine which I poured down the bathroom sink. Either nobody noticed me take my glass to the loo with me or they think I sit on the loo to drink wine!

Anyway we had a lovely week and I wish I could have brought the bed home with me which was super comfortable and my favourite place at the moment.

Development

According to the Bounty Pregnancy App, at six weeks the baby is the size of a blueberry.

The baby is starting to form into an actual person with emerging arm and leg buds and a beating heart. It still has a tail which will go soon.

Amazing.

Lisa x

For all Pregnancy Diary Updates head to the top of the page and hit the Pregnancy & Baby Link.

#Blogmas – Christmas Wish List of a 7 Year Old

06/12/201722/01/2024 Lisa

#Blogmas – Christmas Wish List of a 7 Year Old

Following on from My Christmas Wish List, I thought I would post Isabelle’s Christmas Wish List so here is the Christmas Wish List of a 7 year old. The list is endless. She wants everything that she see’s advertised on the TV so we have had a chat about Christmas not being just about presents to which she rolled her eyes at me.

So here goes……

Top of the list has to be the Zoomer Show Pony and I’m pretty sure that you can get a unicorn version as well. Neither of the kids have had any kind of robotic toy before so I’m not sure if this will be a five minute fad or something Isabelle will get a lot of play out of.

Hatchimals Twins – I thought Isabelle would have liked the pink giraffe’s but apparently she wants these Peacats. She was desperate for a Hatchimal last year but after searching high and low we just weren’t quick enough off the mark to get one.

The Shopkins Shoppies Skyanna’s Jet Set Playset – We ummed and ahhed over this for Isabelle’s birthday in September but in the end opted for a different Shopkins Set. However, this has been mentioned time and time again and she really does get a lot of use out of her Shopkins so I’ve got a feeling that this may be under the tree come Christmas day.

Unicorn Poo – What is it with slime at the moment? We did try and make our own slime a couple of times which went completely wrong. I’m not sure that this is slime but she loves the rainbow colour and it’s squishy so it’s on the list!

LOL Doll Big Surprise Ball – I feel awful writing this, but although this is on Isabelle’s wish list it will not be under the tree this Christmas. Apart from the fact that they are impossible to get they really don’t seem good value for money at all. Once all the plastic has been taken off and each ball has been open there is very little to show for your money.

Fingerlings – These cute little monkey’s curl around your finger and seem to be one of the must haves for this year. Isabelle has wanted one of these for a little while and they are very reasonably priced as a gift so why not.

A Unicorn Hooded Blanket – With the colder weather and my pregnancy exhaustion we’ve been snuggling up on the sofa after school to watch films and play games. Isabelle loves a blanket and we spotted this hooded one which I thought would be perfect. She may even let me have a corner to cover my feet.

Spirograph – This has been around for years, but I don’t think will ever go out of trend since it’s a bit of a classic. Isabelle loves to draw and colour so would really enjoy this set. She’s seen it on TV quite a few times and has screeched at the TV that she ‘has to have it’!

Lego Friends Heartlake Summer Pool. She’s got a few smaller Lego sets now and has really enjoyed building them. We saw this set in town the last time we went in so this went on the Christmas list.

Colour Glow Glisten Build a Bear. I did point out that she already has a Build a Bear Reindeer but it’s not this one, so it’s on the list. She has quite a nice collection of Build a Bears along with accessories but never tires of them. This is the one shop along with Smiggle that we can’t get past in town without just having a look.

This is just the cream of Isabelle’s Christmas Wish List.

What’s on your kids Christmas Wish List?

Lisa x

Pregnancy Diary – Six Weeks

05/12/201712/08/2021 Lisa

Pregnancy Diary Six Weeks.

I wrote all of this when I thought I was around eight week’s pregnant based on my dates, but since having the scan it seems that I would have only been six weeks at this point. So here is my Pregnancy Diary Week Six (written 8th October).

Nausea has hit a high!

Monday morning and not only did I switch my alarm off and go back to sleep but there’s a smelly man on the bus. The smell is wafting and it’s taking all my energy not to be sick on the head of the girl in front of me.

I’m starving but I don’t fancy anything unless it has cheese in/on it. I’m loving those Tuc Cheese Sandwiches, crackers and cheese, crisps and a lump of cheese, cheese on toast or just cheese on its own.

I wonder how far I’ll get before I’m swigging Gaviscon from the bottle.

I’m not sure if I’m going to get to the twelve-week scan before I’m outed. I look and feel like death. I do not have any glow about me. I have the concentration span of a goldfish and am toddler foot-stamping tired!

We’re off on our holibobs next week with the kids, our son’s girlfriend, the in-laws and my sister-in-law.

This is going to be the test of all tests. Why am I not having a glass of wine and how am I going to disguise the sickness.

I could pretend I have an all-week sickness bug! Hmmm, I dunno.

Would it be so bad if they knew? Probably not but I want the reassurance that all is well before we reveal our secret.

On the plus side, it means I only have one week of work which will make things slightly easier.

Today was possibly the worse so far in terms of feeling sick. The highlight of the day being needing to wee for the millionth time. After going in the loo and locking the door does the whiff of somebody else’s pooh. A hand clamped over my mouth I have two options:

1. Run out and gasp for air whilst gagging on an eye-watering way.

2. Stop breathing, go about my business and get out of there asap.

As much as it pained me I had to opt for number 2. I was desperate to go and was just about to leave for a 45-minute trip home. I had to gather myself and act/look normal on departure. Bleugh, why can’t people save their dirty business for when they get home!

I’ve had a little bit of spotting this week which has scared me so much. I’ve been obsessively checking and have been barely moving in case I do something to harm the baby. Of course I’d convinced myself that I was going to lose the baby and although the GP was great when I spoke to him, he did say that if it’s going to happen it will and there’s very little I could do about it.

It may be factual but not at all comforting. I’ve got my first appointment with the midwife on Friday and he said that she may book me in for an early scan.

I think that I’m possibly further on than 8 weeks but we’ll see.

Meeting the Midwife

I met one of the practice midwives today along with a student midwife. They were both very nice and asked me lots of questions.

We’re we happy about the pregnancy? Yes

Had I had any previous complications? Gestational diabetes.

All the usual checks such as blood pressure and weight. I wasn’t expecting to have blood taken today. My appointment was really close to Isabelle’s pick-up time and I’m a bit of a fainter when blood is taken.

I explained that I thought I was further along than expected which has been the case both times previously. The dates are taken from the first day of your last period which technically makes me eight weeks today, but I’ve had a full period both times before which would actually make me 12 weeks pregnant.

Despite this, my scan was booked on my predicted dates for the 16th of November. This seems like a long way off.

I was given an enormous folder that was packed full of stuff so had to cram this into my bag and smuggle it home before school pick up.

The next appointment I have is at home which the midwife will be contacting me to arrange.

How did you feel at this stage?

Lisa x

For all Pregnancy Diary Updates head to the top of the page and hit the Pregnancy Diary link.

Christmas Tree Pizza Recipe

05/12/201725/11/2023 Lisa

Christmas Tree Pizza

No excuse needed for making Pizza for dinner, but a Christmas Tree shaped Pizza is guaranteed to give you extra Mum points. To make these pizza’s you could cheat and use a ready made pizza base but we prefer to make our own. Here is the recipe for traditional dough base.

What you need:

3 cups of strong plain flour
1 cup of water
1 teaspoon of fast action dried yeast
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of sugar
1 tablespoon of olive oil

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and cover. Leave for half an hour to give the yeast a chance to work.

Christmas Tree Pizza Recipe - Making the dough — Making the Pizza dough

After this time, divide the dough into 4 pieces and flatten with your hands. I then hand cut christmas tree shapes and put onto a greased baking tray.

Christmas Tree Pizza - Cutting the dough into tree shapes — Making Christmas Tree shapes

Using a jar of pizza sauce (can be found in most supermarkets) or use tomato puree mixed with some dried oregano.

Adding the tomato sauce to the Christmas Tree Pizza — Adding the sauce!

Then comes the fun bit of adding the toppings of your choice. I used a selction of peppers, sausage, chicken, salami, tomatoes and cheese. I let both of my kids decide what they wanted on their pizza. Put in the oven on gas mark 6 for approximately 20 minutes and they had them for dinner.

All the topping choices for your Christmas Tree Pizza — Pick your Pizza Toppings

The Christmas Tree Pizza's are ready to go in the oven — Ready to pop in the oven!

The cooked Christmas Tree Pizza's are ready to eat — Ready to eat!

If you’re feeling extra crafty then why not give making Handmade Christmas Wrapping Paper or make some Christmas Tree Bunting.

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

04/12/201719/06/2020 Lisa 4 Comments

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

This is the first time that I’ve ever made anything sweet in my slow cooker, and we have definitely used it far more this year with lots of lovely soups, stews and casseroles.

So here goes!

What you need:

6 Cups of Milk
1 1/2 Cups Double Cream
1 Tin Sweetened Condensed Milk
12oz Milk Chocolate (chopped small of chocolate chips)
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
Marshmallows

Pop all of the ingredients into your slow cooker and set on a low heat for approximately two hours.

Stir every ten minutes or so and once ready top with a few marshmallows and serve.

This hot chocolate is not for the faint hearted. It is really sweet and choc0latey!!

We made this whilst we put up the Christmas Tree and decorations and then watched the Polar Express in preparation for our Polar Express Train Ride next Sunday.

Lisa

#blogmas – Christmas Activities for Families in Exeter

04/12/201725/11/2023 Lisa

#Blogmas – Day 4 – Christmas Activities for Families in Exeter

I think we’re really lucky living in Exeter as there are so many things to do and see, and we’re definitely spoilt for choice at Christmas. Here are some of the things that we have done in the past as well as some things we think you will love.Exeter

1. Cathedral Christmas Market

Don’t forget to take a trip to the Christmas Market which is held in the Cathedral Green. It’s packed full of lovely local sellers where you can buy lots of unusual and unique gifts. There are also lots of food stalls so you can make a bit of an event of it with a bit of shopping, something to eat and a glass of mulled wine. It’s even nicer if you go on a Thursday evening for late night shopping, but be warned if you take the kids as it’s usually heaving. If you want to check out what kind of stalls are there then head on over to the Exeter Cathedral Website where they are listed.

2. Spark at Princesshay

Thursday 7th December. Performances will take place at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm and last about 30 minutes. Spark combines high impact drumming with kaleidoscope lighting. It looks like a real treat. We’re going to head to Princesshay to watch this and am looking forward to it.

Spark! by Worldbeaters Music from Fools Paradise on Vimeo.

3, A Touch of the Wild Christmas Family Fun Day

Saturday 16th December. Taking place at Grammarcombe Woods this festive celebration involves Christmas Craft Activities. All children get that chance to make a Christmas gift to take home and keep. There will be a surprise visit from Santa and his elf helper where all children will receive a special gift. Tickets (booking essential) are priced at £9.50 for children over 18 months, £6.50 for adults. The price includes a Christmas gift for the children and hot chocolate or hot drinks for all.

4. Cotley Farm Christmas

If you’re looking for a real Christmas Tree then head to Cotley Farm and make it into a christmassy experience. Visit the farm shop, pick out a tree and then head to meet the reindeer (including one year old Willow). They are also holding Kids Craft Events in December where the kids can make a creation that they can take home to keep. Booking is advisable for the crafting but you can pop to the farm during opening hours at your leisure.

5. Christmas at Killerton – Wind in the Willows

It’s a while since I read Wind in the Willows, and we’ve yet to read it to Isabelle. Killerton is one of the places that we like to and explore, often with our dog in tow. It’s a beautiful setting. This year you will find Toad, Ratty Mole and Badger throughout the rooms where scenes are set up to tell the story. As well as the house, you can wander through the twinkling outdoor trails where you will find activities themed on the classic story. Dates for this are available throughout December and end on the 5th January. Booking is essential as all events do get really busy.

6. Carols by Candlelight at the Donkey Sanctuary

Join the donkeys and Santa himself for a magical evening of Christmas carols illuminated by thousands of candles. There will be 20 jazz saxophonists from the Saxminster band who will play a host of merry tunes followed by a 45 minute Christmas Carol Service starting at 5pm. Mulled wine, hot drinks and mince pies will be available as well as hot food served in their restaurant. The event is free to attend so I imagine you will have to get there nice and early.

7. Cofton Christmas with Father Christmas Story Time – 20.12.17

For one day only there is a very special surprise for all the very lucky boys and girls who have been well behaved this year! Santa will share his favourite Christmas Story, and you will get to meet his trusted Reindeer and Snow Dog. You can even pop to the North Pole Workshop and make your own gift. For the adults there will be the opportunity to buy some Christmas gifts at the Christmas Market where local traders will be selling their wares. Admission is £8.00 for children which allows one adult free admission. Additional adults will be charged at £4.

I hope this give you a good start with things to do. This is going to be an ongoing post that I will update as I find or go to exciting events. Do you have somewhere great that you like to take your children?

Free or paid events welcome.

Lisa x

Handmade Christmas Wrapping Paper

04/12/201702/11/2023 Lisa

Handmade Christmas Wrapping Paper

Handmade Christmas Wrapping Paper is perfect for making your gift extra special, particularly for Mummy’s, Daddy’s and Grandparents. Using brown paper is also much better for the environment since usual wrapping paper isn’t recyclable.

For this you can use either plain brown paper (the type used for packaging) or you can get a roll of white paper from most craft shops.

Isabelle sat waiting to get started with her handmade christmas wrapping paper — Waiting to get stuck in!

We cut a good size piece of paper and used bluetak to attach it to table making the job easier.

Printing onto brown paper with Christmas sponge shapes — A spot of sponge painting

Using stamps (we found some sponge Christmas stamps in our local craft shop) and red paint. I let Isabelle loose with the stampers and armed with glitter she went to work to create a great piece of Christmas Wrapping Paper.

Sponge painting onto brown craft paper with christmas shapes — Stamptastic fun!

We have stashed this away to use for Daddy’s Christmas present and will finish it off with some matching red ribbon.

adding some glitter to make it extra special — Adding a sprinkle of glitter

Easy peasy!

If you’re feeling extra crafty then why not give making Easy Christmas Tree Bunting or make Christmas Tree Shaped Pizzas.