Growing our Baby - 31weeks

The weeks are passing fast still, they aren't going to slow now are they? My belly is stretching fast, faster than with Cooper I feel. This was confirmed when we went for an extra ultrasound last week to check the size of our baby. As Cooper had Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) due to the pre-eclampisa, the team is just being cautious and monitoring me and baby closely. 

But, the great news is, that this baby is so far on track, and my placenta is working just as it should. We had not seen a 3D ultrasound before, so the photo above is pretty special, it's amazing what can be seen. We think there is a resemblance between Cooper and this baby, especially the chin!

I am feeling well, although the tiredness has come back as expected for the third trimester. I have been doing some reading on the birth - I'm a researcher, it's what I always do. Who knows if any of it will be remembered by the time labour arrives (if it does), but it makes me feel more prepared which is important.I feel. I am reading Birth Skills by Juju Sundin, and am finding it really beneficial. The way it is written appeals to the nurse in me I think - she is a physiotherapist so there is straight forward facts on the body and how it works.

I have finally started my prenatal-yoga classes last week, and it was amazing. I left feeling so great, both physically and mentally. I tossed around the idea of possibly having a doula present with the birth. The yoga teacher is a doula, and I thought if she was available I would book her on in, but unfortunately her daughter is also due around that time, so she isn't taking on any women. Thinking this is a sign for me, that I will be fine with the support I already have. So I will keep reading, and mentally preparing myself, and counting down the weeks.

xx

Boba Mini - Cooper's own carrier

This week Cooper was lucky enough to get his own little Mini Boba Carrier! It is basically a replica of our Boba Carrier, only in a child's size so they can carry their toys around - too cute! 'Tommy' got to test it out with Coop, while having his hair brushed of course. It will be great once our baby arrives and Cooper can wear his own baby too.

(Oh, and I have just realised how messy the house is in these photos - things everywhere! Ahh, reality!)

From the Boba Website:

"The Boba Mini is designed for carrying dolls and toys to help spread the joy of babywearing to children all over the world. The Boba Mini matches our Boba Carrier 3G Classic Collection and is made with 100% Cotton. The Boba Mini is made for children ages 3 and older."

I am waiting to hear if these are actually available for purchase in Australia as yet, but they can be bought from www.BobaFamily.com online.

Disclosure: I’m a Boba Ambassador. I participate in Boba events and online conversations, and

receive thank you gifts for my participation, but all opinions and experiences expressed are

my own.

Daddy's Birthday

Wishing my beautiful hubby a very happy 28th birthday. I hope you enjoyed celebrating your birthday with Cooper and I yesterday, we certainly had a lovely time with you!

We love you, and wish you all our love.

Love Rhiannon, Cooper and Bubba xxx

Just like his Daddy

Dale is a wanderer when he is on the phone. He continually paces the house, often with the phone tucked into his shoulder. The other day I caught Cooper doing the exact same thing with a toy phone, chatting away to whoever may have been on the other end. The last photo is of him attepmting to take a photo of himself :)

Wandering, phone in hand, top off and wearing his dads beads - just like daddy xx

My Mothers day x

My Mothers Day present that Cooper made me at crèche, beautiful! 

Train coming soon mum?

Dale and I, warm again on the train home

First and second!

My mum and I

Bye bye train!

Loving the train on the way home

Hmm, not too sure about the train now mum, it's getting busy!

Kisses

There was no sleep in for this Mummy on mothers day, but it was all for a good cause. After my Aunty Colleen was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, my family and I signed ourselves up for the Mothers Day Classic fun run which was held in the city to help raise money and support her.

The weather didn't hold back, with the boys having to run 8km through the rain, after heading in early on the train. But Dale and Mick managed to run it in under 40 minutes, so a big achievement!

Cooper and I followed and caught a later train - Cooper was very excited to be riding his first 'toot toot'!

While this pregnant mummy never made it through her 4km walk due to the horrible weather, I am very proud of my family who braved it out. We managed to raise over $1700! 

Dale and I spent the afternoon snuggled on the couch while Cooper had his afternoon sleep, and then we headed over to Nannee and Poppy's for a Pizza and Pasta dinner. 

I was lucky enough to be taken out on Friday by Dale to the movies to see The Lucky One as my pressie (loved it!), and received two beautiful cards from my boys which made me have a little cry on the Sunday morning. 

Thank you to Dale and Cooper for a beautiful day, I just loved being able to spend it together and seeing Cooper smile. 

Another Happy Mothers Day to my amazing mum, I can't say how much we all appreciate everything she does for us, we love you!

xxx

*Blogger drove me mad with this post, it wont let me rearrange any photos, so all out of wack :(

Pushing the limits

My little man - you are testing me with all your strength this past week. You are pushing things as far as you know how, and while I understand that it is all a part of growing up, it doesn't make it any easier. 

But what does, is to see your big blue eyes when you smile. You completely light up and no matter what has previously happened we cannot help but smile with you. 

Learning curves for you, me and your daddy - all a part of life...

We love you Boopie xx

Natural Birthing

The past week my mind has been ticking continually with thoughts of the birth of our new babe. I want to be as mentally prepared as I can, and for me this involves researching and finding out the best ways to help myself. This forthcoming birth feels different than the first, there are a few limitations I feel this time since I am hoping for a vbac. While we are not private patients within our hospital, I am lucky enough to currently be a part of a team of midwives and an Obstetrician who are supportive of mothers who wish to have a natural birth following a previous caesarian.

In order to feel more calm about the situation I have been looking for advice and I am so happy that I have had some beautiful friends (some I know in person and others I don't) share their opinions and experiences with me. I have no great expectations, and if medically things change along the way I will be okay with this. But for me, I feel better knowing that I have prepared myself mentally for the natural birth if this is the way both my body and my baby decide is to way to go.

So my 'Spiritual Midwifery' and Kindred magazines are out and being flicked through while my first little man snoozes this afternoon. 

What will be will be.

xx

Growing our baby - 26 weeks...

In just a matter of a few weeks, my belly has literally popped. I can not just feel your fluttering any more, but feel the outline of your tiny body. Currently sitting head down and  bum up, lets hope you remember this is the position I would like you to be in when it comes time for you to arrive.
There have already been a few nights where you are keeping me me awake with all your wriggling. Little bubba, I don't need the practice, I remember very clearly how to stay awake in the night when needed. I do love to feel you wriggle though, it reminds me in all those moments when I am busy with your big brother that you are here too, just in case I forget.

Now 26 weeks, I am curious to see just how long you plan to stay warm in my belly. Cooper made it to almost 37weeks, I wonder what plan you have for your family.

Love you, Mummy x

O Bella and My Little Loves - Thank you x

Receiving mail is always exciting, but even more when you happen to have won something from one of your blogging friends! It took months to arrive here from overseas - a lesson in patience!

This beautiful head wrap was won over on the lovely Bekah's blog, and is made by the beautiful Betsy.

You can buy them from here Etsy shop here.

Thank you to both you girls!

Rhi xx

Duplo

NeeNaw!