Life Recently

by Bex

I keep writing loads of blog posts in my head but have just never had the inclination to get the laptop out lately, even for random browsing.  Any tweets/instagramming/pinning has been via my phone, either in bed or under the duvet on the sofa - basically my two favourite places at the moment!  I can't promise that after weeks of not writing this will even be any good/interesting/worth reading but hey, I'm blogging again and this is just what's been happening lately along with other random thoughts whirling round my head.  (It's mostly about pregnancy, because, well that's pretty much taken over my life for now.)

A couple of weeks ago on Friday Nik and I drove down to Durham to spend his birthday weekend with his parents.  Somewhere between Glasgow and Carlisle I started sobbing uncontrollably.  Nik noticed and obviously asked me what was wrong and I just kind of sobbed at him.  Straight away, he said "is it because you're so happy?"  He said he could tell it wasn't upset crying and basically just knows me so well, even at my most emotional.  Obviously I blame the hormones but I think just being in the car, not feeling nauseous (I was snacking ALL the way down for fear of being sick at the side of the A1!), with time to think about everything just had my mind drifting back to when we were convinced this would never happen for us.  Every time I think about our mini Ms (we haven't come up with any nicknames for them), it's just overwhelming.  I can't wait for the fun symptoms to start!!

My nausea (and what I want to eat) is still changing frequently.  Lately it's bad from early evening until I fall asleep, sometimes way later than planned/needed due to worsening nausea.  Some weeks I throw up every night (which usually gives me a window of feeling better to try to get to sleep) and some weeks I just lie suffering wishing I was unconscious!  It's certainly not easy this growing humans malarky!  I'm also fairly constantly burping like a champion but luckily don't have heartburn yet.  Anyway, looking at the positive side it is no longer coming in waves ALL day and despite it being pointed out that no nausea can mean just as healthy a pregnancy, I'm still seeing this as a good sign that everything is as it should be.  Basically that thought is what keeps me going when it gets bad!  It means I still have nice healthy levels (most likely doubly so) of those important hormones rushing around me helping our babies grow and do everything they should.

I've just received my appointments through for 'booking in', all our screening tests and then our 12 week scan the week after.  I'm so excited to see the babies again and actually be able to identify more than just their beating hearts!  :)  Obviously I am anxious to know that everything's OK and progressing as it should for both babies as well and we don't have long to wait now.  Plus, more pictures, yay!

I've now lost 8lbs since becoming pregnant, but I've been reassured by many that this is often the case at the start and my tummy is definitely still getting bigger!  I honestly have NO IDEA how so many women go through these first few months in secret.  First of all, there's no way I would have got away with it at work given how sick I was feeling the first few weeks.  Even though I would quite often eat a lot and eat random things anyway before I was pregnant, the fact that so many food smells made me nauseous and I was suddenly eating such a restricted diet, never mind the odd retching incident would have definitely tipped them off if they didn't already know!  Secondly, the reassurance and advice I've received on Twitter from all the mums and fellow mums-to-be has been so valuable!  I've never been one for keeping things to myself anyway (clearly!) but to get through what is surely one of the most horrible stages [I do realise I may change my opinion on this as other nasty symptoms appear (I have been warned), even if my sickness improves there may be worse to come, not to mention labour!] with no support other than from my husband would have been SO hard for me.  Thank you to everyone who's been keeping me sane!  Despite being over the moon about finally being pregnant which I was so afraid I'd never experience, it's still difficult to stay upbeat when feeling so rubbish so much of the time.

As for my tummy, given the fact that I am now the lightest I have been for at least the past 6 months, I'm taking my growing tum as a nice early bump.  I know at 10 weeks that may seem unrealistic but it's never been this big and since there are two wee babies in there, I'm kind of hoping it's not just bloating although it is definitely always bigger in the evenings.  I should probably be scared of how big it is already as I'm very aware of how big it might get with our two wee bundles in there!  Eeek!

Belly at 8 weeks - I used to be able to suck that in!  ;)

10 week belly
- please excuse my roughness, I have just been sick again, sigh!

I can't help it, I'm just so excited by my belly!

Since my writing and thoughts are all so random at the moment and I really want to document my pregnancy (especially since it will most likely be my only pregnancy), I did a quick google on ways to record things so I can add a bit more structure to my pregnancy posts and remember all the things I want to.  I've chosen a few questions from various sources/blogs/forums to have a regular update.

How far along: 10 weeks

Size comparison: green olives

Baby development: now a foetus, fingernails have grown, can kick and swallow

Weight gain: -8lbs

Cravings: cheese on toast (not strictly a craving, just my favourite thing to eat right now)

Symptoms: evening sickness, tiredness, definite small bump forming

I may add more things as I think of them or have more to remember.  Since I can still remember my 8/9 week answers I'm just going to add them below since I'm so behind on blogging everything!

How far along: 8 weeks

Size comparison: kidney beans

Baby development: tail disappearing, webbed fingers & toes growing

Weight gain: -5lbs

Cravings: potato waffles, cheesy mash (not strictly cravings, just pretty much all I want to eat)

Symptoms: all day sickness, tiredness, possible beginnings of a bump

So, that's all I can think of right now.  I'm sure I have plenty more things to write about, including our recent weekend exploring Sussex for the first time.  I hope to get back to blogging more regularly but it really depends on how I'm feeling.  I usually love writing while watching TV in the evenings but since I've been mostly sleeping or vomiting in the evenings it's been the last thing on my mind!  Now I have some more time on my days off without any more trips away planned I will hopefully find some time in the day to sit down and chill at home.  :)  Either way, I certainly won't be keeping up with my usual writing frequency of most weekdays (you know Roz has taken over Tuesdays already when she has time to write), but I would like to write something at least once a week, I miss my blog!

Home Safe

by Bex

After our epic 20 hour journey home, I ate a ham sandwich, slept, ate more ham sandwiches, watched Grey's Anatomy x3, slept some more and have been awake since ridiculously early this morning (and had another ham sandwich for breakfast).  The flights weren't as bad as I anticipated, bascially as I just ate almost constantly.  With the exception of having to use my blanket to breathe through to avoid the smells of everyone's plane food on our first flight, I had no nausea, yay!  Thanks for the salt & vinegar tips folks, I ate a massive bag of crisps during the journey along with lots of cola bottles, mentos and dry Special K.

I have a few plans with people today so am about to go back to bed for another nap before getting up properly and unpacking!  I really need to go for a proper food shop as well and am desperate for some new bras as mine are now all very uncomfortable.  Bear with me as I settle back into normal (pregnant!) life and I will be back writing all about the fun parts of our holiday soon!  :)

Random update

by Bex

There may not be many pictures in this post (unusual, I know!) but I'm not very organised at the moment and despite having SO many things I want to blog about, I'm just not quite finding the time right now.  I'm still trying to keep as busy as possible to keep my mind off impending knowledge of whether our IVF has worked and that has involved lots of meeting up with friends, going out, shopping, reading and watching films.  I've been having trouble concentrating on even the reading and films as my mind often wanders so I haven't done much photo editing or writing at all lately.

Last week has been lovely.  After the first couple of days being spent chilling in PJs, I spent every day out doing something fun.  I had lunch with Roz on Wednesday, Pammie on Thursday, Briony on Friday, various Yelpers on Saturday and some of our local friends on Sunday too.  I did a bit of holiday shopping (not too much Nik, I promise!), had a bubble tea outing with Lynsey and went on a great fun photo walk with Yelp, not to mention finishing my book and starting a new one which I've just been sent to review by Gemma.

Awesome burger at Jacker de Viande

Bubble tea at Tempo Tea Bar

I found Lynsey at the end of this rainbow, in a green dress.
Maybe she's a leprechaun!?   ;)

I'll upload the proper pictures from the photo walk soon
(my camera phone blew the highlights when I took a pic of the screen)

HUGE portion of lasagne at Tony Macaroni's in Livingston!

I have been trying to be healthy, contrary to the above choices!  At home we've been eating turkey stir fries and of course I've been on the pineapple just in case it helps those embryos stick!  It's so hard trying not to read into signs as to whether it might have worked or not.  Feeling a bit irritable at the weekend I assumed it hadn't as I thought it was PMS but apparently this can also be normal for early pregnancy so we're still hoping.  I found the first week post-FET quite easy but now my patience (what little I have) is wearing thin and I just want to know!!!  Only a few more days I guess.

I've started reading The Oversight by Charlie Fletcher - the blurb sounds amazing and I can't wait to get into it properly!  (I'm only on page 8!)  I do love a good magical fantasy book and this one sounds just up my street  :)

Mum sent us this very cool minion card she made to say the minions are on our side for the embryos sticking!  :)

I'm very excitedly planning my holiday wardrobe and am going for a very boho style for Thailand which you can read all about on Wednesday - lots of inspiration pictures and a few of the things I have purchased recently.  Including a gorgeous fringed kimono from Primark which I couldn't wait to wear and since it was sunny today (Sunday), I went for it with cropped jeans and a white T-shirt.  ;)

Sunday evening is being spent writing this while snuggled up in bed and about to read more of my book.  I'm also rocking these fab Brighton-esque PJ bottoms which I just had to buy when I saw them in Primark, in honour of our impending big move down south!  :)

I'm back to work properly this week so hopefully that will keep me busy and my mind more occupied.  Plus given the size of this book, I have to finish it before we fly off to Thailand next Monday so I have space to take all my maxis!  ;)

The Forever House - overdue update

by Roz

So it's been a while since I have written a post about the house.  I'm still not entirely sure how we are in the third month of the year, let alone more than half way through that month.....

Our initial plans were to be in the forever house in June (B was always aiming for July, he likes to be right more cautious than me sometimes) and the later date certainly looks more likely at the moment.  If I'm honest I wish we could wave a magic wand and move in already.  We have spent so much time working on the house, I'm beginning to think we should have kept a proper record of all the hours we have spent working at the house, all with out ever having stayed the night :(  

We almost have the whole building to a first fit stage, it's just the central heating / plumbing for radiators that's not quite there yet.  But wow was it a painful few months...  The picture below is on the second floor and you can see three rooms and the hallway, can you see the floorboards lifted everywhere??  The bright orange pipes are for the sprinkler system, which is now fully installed and filled with water.  All tradesmen are being warned not to put a nail or anything through the pipes!!

This is the L-shaped room (on the first floor) and is typical of the mess that seems to be throughout the house at the moment.  There is still a few final bits of electric work that need to be completed in this room before we can put the floorboards back down, but the electrician is booked in for tomorrow which makes me so happy!

Some rooms are being finalised though and that just makes me wish I could speed the whole thing up even more!  The plasterer started work last week and on Sunday we actually started painting!!  It feels amazing to actually be progressing rooms to the painting stage :) Okay it's only undercoat painted on skirting boards and door frames but it's visible progress.  Many more 'painting parties' are going to be hosted over the next few weeks.  My poor folks don't know what they've let themselves in for!  

We will have a painter / decorator starting in a few weeks time, to help us with the awkward bits - painting ceilings and cornicing and wallpapering the attic hallway for us.  I think we will also pick a room or two and get him to paint the walls too - like the L-shaped room, it's just such a big space that being able to have it done for us (especially after the days on end we spent removing the 8 layers of wallpaper from the walls!!) will be such a treat.

Downstairs remains one of the messiest areas, it's a natural dumping ground for materials, tools, things that need work... but again we should start to see a real difference in this room as other areas of the house get finalised and we can move radiators and pieces of furniture back in to the rooms they are meant for.

This week I am hopeful that we will finally order our kitchen!  The room is getting plastered this week and then we need to paint the ceiling, cornice etc. so that there will be no more mess once the kitchen arrives.  I just hope the lead time between ordering and fitting of the kitchen isn't too long.

This last picture is the newly created pantry, oh how I have dreamt of a pantry with everything arranged in nicely labelled jars and baskets :)  At the moment it is also being used as storage, mostly for wood that we will be reusing around the house, but it too is now cleared out and is getting plastered this week and then I can paint it and get the new shelves fitted.  I may be getting ridiculously excited at the thought of kitting it out!

Roz xx

Another busy silence

by Bex

Things have gone a bit quiet around here again due to things being the opposite of quiet in life!  Both Roz and I have a lot going on which is great for future posts but leaves little time to write.  I am currently sat in our hotel room (while Nik is studying for his exam on Wednesday) in Warrington for my cousin Lisa's wedding tomorrow!  We drove down this afternoon (with a lovely car picnic consisting of mini mozzarella balls with sun-dried tomatoes and basil, mini sausages, olives, crisps, Flipz and of course, Percy Pigs!)

Lisa is one of my cousins on Dad's side and is absolutely lovely!  She also reads the blog and has texted me every time I've written something on here about our IVF to offer her support, I'm so looking forward to seeing her marry her equally lovely fiance!

I of course have a fab outfit planned (in very autumnal colours) which I'll obviously be sharing on Instagram as usual ;) and am enjoying being away from home for a bit.  I haven't felt much like writing lately but have some fab posts lined up once I get back into it!  I also went for my first haircut in 6 months today before we left!  I can't believe I left it that long but since I'm not bothering with colouring it any more and it's been way down my list of priorities, I've just been tying it back and ignoring it mostly!  I'm really pleased with my long bob and it does feel good to have made a bit of an effort for once!  Thanks to Amy at Kano for such a fab cut and a good old chat about allsorts!

So, what else have I been up to lately?  I'm sure you'll end up hearing about these things in a bit more detail but I had a lovely spa day with Mum yesterday at Mar Hall.

I wore my cosy poncho again and Nik, Dad, Mum and I tried out Burger Meats Bun for the first time on Wednesday, followed by some cocktails in Bungo.  (Where I also aquired a FAB bottle for my 'Poison Bar' at Halloween!)

There have been a few shopping trips with Mum so I think I'll do a wee shopping post to share some things I bought (and didn't buy but love).

Another Baking Club meeting took place so I'm looking forward to writing that up!

And lots of other things including many a crafting session for Halloween and a spot of sewing (I'm making some pyjama bottoms and have made a start on my Christmas bunting - the Halloween bunting gave me the bug!)

Toilet roll tubes with scary eyes cut out and a glow stick inside

I also have a couple of recipes to share including a fab soup recipe for which I was sent a gorgeous wee hamper of ingredients (and those meringues above which I was very pleased with as my first attempt!)

And a couple of reviews of some lovely eateries!  Stay tuned ;)  xx

Flowers & Food

by Bex

This is another slightly random post.  Again, I had a few pictures I wanted to share but didn't feel they deserved their own full post so have combined them all here.  Basically it's just a few pretty pictures of flowers, fruit and some delicious platters I made during the summer.  These were all before we went to Malaysia after our 1st IVF cycle failed.  I bought myself the cheerful yellow ranunculuses (ranunculi?) and the beautiful Sweet Williams were a gift from Anne after I went home from work following the bad news.  

Doesn't jelly cheer everyone up?  Especially in the form of a heart!?  :)

Normal service shall resume ;)

Roz has been doing a great job of taking up the slack while I've been sleepwalking through a rather stressful life since returning from Malaysia!  However, as you know, we both have pretty busy lives and when it comes to blogging vs sleep and sanity, I'm afraid blogging loses.  We love the blog and writing about our adventures and fashion finds but if it all gets too much, it's the thing that has to suffer.  You all know it's a hobby for us and we're delighted to have so many loyal readers but we both have busy jobs and a multitude of other things going on in life right now so we know you'll understand if we don't post as often as we usually do this week.  We hope you miss us though!  ;)

I have SO many pictures to edit from our holiday and now the fantastic wedding weekend in London I just returned from (late last night and straight to bed, hence this late post as I'm writing it on my lunchbreak!) and I cannot WAIT to get writing about everything properly.  This weekend I plan to be in my pyjamas for an unhealthy amount of time while I catch up on some proper rest and enjoy some longed for writing time.  :)

Stick with us, there are LOTS of exciting things coming soon!!!

Random Happiness

By Roz

I've had lots going on recently and similar to Bex's post I wanted to share a few things with you all.

Firstly, and most excitingly, I became an auntie for the second time last week!!!  My brother and his fiancé had a boy, a teeny 6lb handsome little man called Joshua.  I managed to visit him at home about 24hrs after he was born.  Thankfully, despite staying for 4hrs, I didn't overstay my welcome as his very tired mum went to bed to try and get some sleep and beautiful Joshua slept on me :)

 

I've seen him loads in the two weeks since he was born and although it's difficult at times, I am so happy for them and love him to bits.  He is just the cutest little man.  His big brother Ethan is also smitten with him and I wish I could see them every single day but maybe it's just a well they live about an hour away or they'd all be getting annoyed with Auntie Roz there every minute.

 

 

We've also been helping my mum and dad, who are thinking of downsizing from their current 4 bed house, with decluttering etc before putting their house on the market.  This has it's perks, not only are B and I helping with odd jobs (and storing up some favours for when we move into the forever home!) but my mum keeps giving me things!!!  This week alone I was gifted some fancy Elemis Cleanser and a Sewing Machine!  I was very grateful for both of these gifts.  It's not the fanciest of sewing machines, but I am still very happy to have one that's all mine and I can't wait to make something on it :)

 

Just as we were leaving my parents house I made a throw away comment about them gifting us any books for our library...I had meant that we would happily keep them safe and they could read them whenever they wanted.  It turns out my mum had filled two suitcases with books to take to the charity shop the next day!  I happily rescued at least three quarters of these books (mostly crime thrillers like Harlen Coben) despite B's protests.  I cannot wait to start work on the library.

 

My big cousin had also been clearing out her wardrobe and I have gained a few 'new' outfits.  This really put a smile on my face given the spending ban!  This rather fabulous skirt was in the bundle and I've already worn it to work twice in this lovely weather :) The floaty hem line is gorgeous and I love that it's a bit longer, the perfect length to wear without tights in the office.

 

You all made me so happy with your comments and tweets about my first outfit post, I'll definitely try to do some more soon :)  I much prefer it when people take pics for me, either B is going to have to get much happier with me pestering him to be photographer or I'm going to have to rope in my besties, look out Bex and Lauren!

I also went to The Open golf at Muirfield as a team day out at work, the weather was amazing and it was so nice not to be stuck in the office.  This is me and my friend Lynn catching some rays, whilst the boys (standing behind us) were slightly more  interested in the golf!

I hope you've all been out and about enjoying the sunshine?

Roz xx

Random

I've been up to a few little bits and pieces lately, none quite justifying a blog post of their own but I wanted to share so this is just a random bits and pieces post (mostly from my instagram feed)  :)

You may remember that last competition we ran to celebrate our 500th post.  Our winner, Katy W, has been fantastically patient with me awaiting her prizes as I had to make them and with recent goings on kind of taking me over, I haven't been in the right frame of mind for crafts and sewing.  Anyway, I finally got everything finished and sent it off before I went on holiday so hopefully she will be delighted with them.  She chose the crashing waves picture and coral colours for the bracelet (and vest but I couldn't get coral felt so she chose turquoise on navy) so I made the card in coral as well.  I also included a print out of my recipe for Oaties and an extra print to make up for the delay.

As I finally had the sewing machine out, I made a top for myself as well.  I'd made one before for Anna for #Heartswap but hadn't made myself one yet.  I chose pink on grey and found a sparkly black felt for one heart!  I decided to try the other idea from the original pin and place them around the neckline.

I love it!

While I was on a wee crafty buzz, I also needle felted myself a dragonfly onto another H&M vest which went very well with an old maxi skirt I had made out of fabric in Malaysia last time I was there.

I recently discovered an old favourite in the World Foods aisle at Tesco - Nerds!  I used to love these when I was a child and bought a couple of different flavours to try.  I love them just as much as I remember!  Enough to drive to Tesco just to get some more I think ;)  The wild cherry and watermelon are best!

I had a wonderful breakfast date with Sarah Mac last weekend where we chatted so much we didn't realise we'd been sat in Cup for almost three and a half hours!  Their breakfast menu was great, I've become quite a fan of there recently!

After a particularly rubbish and frustrating day at work, I came home, went to bed with my kindle and a tea cake and my wonderful husband made dinner.

I received the most wonderful present in the post.  Sharon tweeted that she spotted me in Woman magazine at her hairdresser's and I asked if she might be able to nab it for me as I never did get a copy.  (I was only alerted to it being in after the date and despite contacting them, I never received a copy.)  Bless her, Sharon had already left but called her hairdresser to ask for it and sent it up to me with this wonderful postcard which I am calling my first fan mail!  ;)

I received another lovely letter from Linsey with a special gift inside.  Her note said "I know it's not a dragonfly but I saw this and thought of you"...

I love it!  I wore it straight away on my green tunic at work :)

Sarah and Roz came over to help me choose holiday outfits the day before I left.  They were a great help in making decisions between many maxi skirts and dresses and just strict enough to help me limit my luggage!  ;)

I did pack it much more neatly!

I made a delicious cheesy chicken & avocado toasted sandwich thanks to inspiration on Instagram from Gemma.

And got in the holiday mood to head out for a few last minute bits in an old maxi dress (which is too heavy for sticky, hot malaysia in monsoon season), green gladiator sandals and the zebra bag I bought on honeymoon in Zanzibar.

While slowly getting ready, (in amongst watching the tennis and writing blog posts!), I decided to pile up a few bracelets to glam up my travelling outfit - polka dot palazzo pants, maroon vest and bright pink jumper with my £4 massive stripy hat from Primark which has a big black bow on the back (so it doesn't get squished in the suitcase).  I can't wait to wear it in the sun but I'll look a bit of a plonker in Glasgow, even though it is sunny!  I think some things are strictly for abroad.

Now, I really should go and straighten my hair or my GHDs won't have time to cool down for the suitcase!  ;)

Edit: here's my travelling outfit :)  SO excited!!

Polka Dot Trews from Wallis, vest from H&M, Jumper from GAP, Hat from Primark £4!, Bag from M&S, Necklace from H&M, chain from Dubai airport with teenie dragonfly charm from ebay, bracelets - various (H&M, homemade, Dorothy Perkins, John Lewis, South Korea - there's a proper wrist party going on there!), watch from Guess.