Fun and Games

We love playing peek-a-boo together. This video was taken a few weeks ago shortly after Riley woke up in the morning. Love his laughs!

Lovin' the food

After some initial difficulties, Riley is now eating solids and loving it! A few weeks back, he became very unsettled through the nights, waking at least 5 times each night, which did my head in to say the least. He was up acting as if it was day time, thrashing around in his cot and generally being very hard to settle. After a week of it and suspecting teething again, I took him to the doctors to try and get to the bottom of it. Doc suggested starting food as he was just a few weeks short of 6 months and so that very day I started him on stewed apples mixed with rice cereal which he loved. Within three days he was on three meals a day, increasing each feed and sleeping very well again. He is eating like a champion and loving apples, pears, potato, pumpkin, carrots and cereal...and taking zucchini but only if its mixed with something else (must be like his mummy with greens!). He loves his feeds and enjoys playing with the spoon and smearing food everywhere!

Uncle Mike comes to stay

Mike visited us for two nights at the end of October and spent two days playing with Riley (except if he cried). We had such a great time exploring Canberra, which included taking Riley up to Mount Ainslie where this photo was taken, and had a nice lunch out at Manuka. The highlight of the weekend was giving Riley his first tase of solids. He tried some baby rice cereal on Sat 25 October. It was very amusing for Michael and I to watch his funny faces as he tasted the first thing he'd ever tried other than milk. It wasnt very well received with the little guy gagging and being very unsettled for the rest of the day. I think Michael had to change his shirt three times as the food kept making a re-appearance! Riley loves his Uncle, and I appreciated the company!

A visit from Nana Jann

Riley and I were lucky to have a visit from Nana Jann early in October. We spent a lovely few days together visiting Floriade, shopping at Gold Creek, enjoying some yummy lunches out and celebrating Nana Jann's birthday with a day out shopping at the new Canberra DFO. Here's a nice pic of Riley with Nana near the magnolias at home in Canberra.

Riley hits the beach

First up, geez I've been slack! Ive just realised its been way too long since I've written a post so there's lots to catch up on. Sydney seemed to get some good hot weather early this year, which has sadly since waned, but back on 3 October Riley had his first visit to the beach. It was a stinking 35 degree day so I decided to head down to South Cronulla with my little man in tow. He loved lying on the grass in his nappy but when it came to trudging across the hot sand in the scorching sun with mummy only to have his feet dipped in ice cold water, Riley wasnt too keen and my enthusiasm to have a beach loving water baby was met with screams. All the people nearby wondered what the shrieking was about and why it appeared I was torturing my child....so it was off to the indoor heated pool for us. After some initial cries, he was much more comfortable in the pool so that will have to do...until next time!

Spring has sprung!

I didnt realise how much I'd missed warm weather until the last few days. Canberra has turned on a gorgeous spring so far with some beautiful days of late which means we've been out and about enjoying every minute. On Friday, Riley and I went to the launch of Floriade, Australia's biggest spring festival, and the biggest event run by Australian Capital Tourism where I work. It was so nice to attend the launch as a guest and just turn up to enjoy the atmosphere, flowers, lovely weather and catch up with friends without the stress of running the media launch. Here's a pic of the little man amongst the flowers. To celebrate Floriade's 21st birthday, this year's theme is Films that shaped our nation -and its all things related to films with entertainment and garden beds representing many top Australian films. Actress and star of Strictly Ballroom, Tara Morice, launched Floriade and looked stunning amongst the flowers in the dress made famous in the film. And she just loved Riley! More information on Floriade at http://www.floriadeaustralia.com/

Yesterday reached a lovely 24 degrees and it was a perfect day for a spring bbq with the Wrights at their new house. It was so nice to get out and enjoy a lovely lunch and a few drinks on their deck with the Scobies and Salmons too. Check out some photos from the launch and bbq via the My Photos link.

Jumpin' Jack and Rollin' Riley

While in Sydney we spent some time with Kirrilea and Jack - both at their place and at Miranda. Jack just loves spending time in his Jolly Jumper as evidenced by this little video. And it was great entertainment for Riley!

Riley's reached some milestones of late. He has started to roll, only onto his side at this stage. He did a bit of a freak one at home a few weeks ago but it all really came together on 24 August and he's been having lots of fun grabbing his feet and rolling over quite regularly each day now. He has also started to grasp things more purposefully so I can actually hand him toys and he will take them from me. It comes as a surprise sometimes when I have him on my lap while eating lunch and he reaches out and grabs things!

Busy busy

Riley and I spent the last few weeks house-sitting for Michael and Leonie at their place in Kirrawee which was a nice little break away and great change of scenery (and warmer weather!). It was a very busy time spent catching up with lots of friends and family. I had my first partial night out for Corey's boat presentation - congratulations to Cozza for scooping three, yes three, trophies! We also spent a lovely afternoon at Matt and Mel's place celebrating Mel's 31st with her family and friends (David had us in stitches of course!), caught up with grandparents, spent a few days with Kirri and Jack and brunched with Mel and Brad at Cronulla. Riley also had his first visit to the big city of Sydney during which time he was most wide-eyed all day checking out all the cars and big buildings. I quickly became aware that babies in prams are a strange sight (and also seemed an annoyance) to all the busy city office workers. Here's a pic of us down at Circular Quay. A stunning Sydney day!

Too funny not to post

I've been off the air for a few weeks. Stayed in Sydney and forgot my camera cord so havent been able to upload any posts of what we've been up to. Anyway, for pure comedic value's sake - here's the little man watching TV at Uncle Mike's place a few weeks ago. Mel said she's going to call docs on me....

Family Celebrations

Last week Riley and I travelled to Sydney to spend time with lots of family and friends, and to celebrate two major events. First up was my brother Michael's engagement party on Saturday 9 August. After a 10 year relationship, Mike finally popped the question back in April and it was time to party. The party was held at Leonie's parent's place in Woronora. 70 of their closest friends attended and it was a great night with many laughs. The Navin's did such a great job of turning the backyard into a party place with a marquee and heaters, great music (thanks to Mike) and lots of yummy food. Riley made a brief appearance early in the night (receiving lots of lovely complements) and then headed to bed for the night - never waking even though his bedroom was right next to the bathroom! Mike and Leonie make a wonderful couple and I wish them every happiness for the future.

The following day, 10 August, it was time to celebrate my dad's birthday - the big 6-0. Dad didnt want a party but my grandmother was visiting and so we decided to have a family lunch. We headed to the Camden Valley Inn for lunch with Aunty Carol & Uncle Frans, Nana & Eric, Dale & Stace, Austin, Mikayla and Felicity, Uncle Jon, Kirk and Jaime. It was wonderful to spend the day with my family and celebrate this special birthday. It was also especially nice that Riley got to meet his Great Grandmother, Marie, and his second cousins. I know dad enjoyed his special day - and the food, drink and presents that came along with it.

Reflections

My gorgeous little man is three months old today so I thought now would be a great time to reflect on his life so far, and the changes we have experienced together. I wouldnt imagine this post would be particularly interesting for anyone else, but I'd like to include this every few months to record his milestones and how much he changes (and I intend to make a hardcopy book out of this blog for when Riley grows up). To say this has been an awesome experience is an understatement, I am loving every part of being a mother, and love nothing more than spending time with my beautiful son. My how things have changed since he was born 13 weeks ago! Sleeping -when he first came home from hospital Riley was a little confused between day and night, sleeping all day long, then at around 9pm his little eyes would pop wide open and stay that way until around 3am. I wondered what on earth I had gotten myself into! My midwife assured me that he would work it out and by his second week of life he had. Sleep has always been tricky for my little guy. We have been through so many changes...only sleeping when being held or rocked then as soon as he went into the cot his eyes would promptly fly open and that would be it! There was also a period when he would not sleep at all during the day so by the end of the day his eyes were massive, he would hardly blink being so over-stimulated, making it so much harder to get him to sleep, and then when I did even the sound of a pin dropping would wake him up. But with a little practice from me trying out different settling techniques, he finally learnt to self-settle a few weeks ago and is now a great sleeper, going down at 7pm each night. I think a huge part of it was me educating myself - now I wrap him up, sing his bedtime song and place him in his cot. The repetition has paid off as now he goes down to sleep so easily. This is a welcome developmental change as I worked out that for the first 7 weeks I never got more than two hours sleep in a row - sleep deprivation is torture! Days are getting better but he still has trouble rolling over the 45 min sleep cycle. Pram walks and car drives seem to work wonders when it comes to aiding sleep in the day! Early on, each time he woke up was with a cry as if he had been left alone, now each time he wakes he just chats and calls out to me and greets me with the biggest smiles, it is such a joy! Eating - hmmmm, I had no idea babies fed so much! In the first few weeks, each breastfeed took around 40 minutes or more. Riley would usually get hungry every 2- 3 hours. Some nights feeding every 2 hours for the first half of the night then feeding 2am, 3am, 4am, 5am. Boy those nights were tough! I became an expert on night time television programming, I had to just to keep from nodding off on my little man while feeding him. At 3 months, Riley still feeds every three hours in the day, then 1 - 2 times at night at random times. I love these times now, at night when its so quiet and its just us, no need or want for the tele anymore! Milestones - Riley first smiled around 4 weeks, quickly followed by his gorgeous coo-ing noises which rapidly became very cute chatter. Now I can't shut him up! He loves being played with, and especially loves me reading stories to him - The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Very Busy Spider are his favourites. He started really laughing at around 10 weeks, and loves being tickled. In the last few days he has started talking with his tongue lots, dribbling, sucking his fists, and putting everything into his mouth. His favourite toys are his new green frog that he got from his great grandmother, Marie, his musical chimes that were a gift from Aunty KJ as well as some simple coloured plastic rings which he loves to hold. He is not a fan of tummy time although Im persisting and he is getting better at holding his head up. There are many, many funny games we play but just so I remember in future he loves me playing his nose to the Baby Elephant Walk and Spanish Flea, clapping his feet to the alphabet song, pumping his legs really fast, eskimo kisses and for some strange reason cacks himself at me saying 'stop the pigeon' - go figure! Early on nappy changes and bath time were met with screams - these are now always fun with the latter being a lovely time of day for us. In terms of growth, at clinic last week on 5 August, Riley weighed 5.6kg and measured 60cm in length, both put him exactly on the average growth range.

The past three months have been the most amazing journey. I love my son so much it is unbelievable. I dont doubt he is meant to be in my life and I feel truly blessed to have him.

Mums Group

Riley and I have been going to a local Mothers Group every week for the past five weeks and it has been really great to get together with other mums with babies of similar age. Today was our last organised visit with Helen as our group leader and I took lots of pics of all the bubs spread out on the floor. It was a great group, all the women were very friendly with many useful tips, and all the bubs so cute! The group comprised 12 babies - 8 boys and 4 girls. Unfortunately baby Ava and James couldn't make the last session, but this short clip shows Riley with his new friends, Kaitlyn, Zac, Connor, Maegan, Lachlan, Andre, Owen, Stella and Joseph. We hope to see more of our new friends soon!

Lots of laughs

My little man has started real laughing in the last week or so. It's so cute to watch his smiles turn to laughter and fun trying to think of new ways to get some giggles out of him. I took this video this morning, it's a new game which he finds most amusing. Now 10 weeks old, he really has grown so much!

My new favourite pics

These are two of my very favourite pictures of Riley - I took them yesterday after returning from an outing to the shops. In true Canberra winter style it has turned bitterly cold here over the past week or so (starting with a minus 4 this morning!) so going out means I rug up Riley extra warm. I put this little red hat on him for more warmth and think it looks so cute - from memory it belonged to one of the Taylor boys. He is beginning to look like a real little man, I can't believe that he's already two months old on Monday. It's then that he's off for his two month immunisations - what a birthday present! Of course, Riley doesnt know what's coming but I feel anxious about it already. I hate needles! We have been really busy lately, I have started Mother's Group and the women are so nice and I have already made some friends. It's great talking to other mothers and seeing so many babies so close to his age. There are 8 boys and 4 girls in the group and they are all such cuties!

Baby Talk

I know I keep saying it but I am amazed at how quickly Riley changes. Now just over 6 weeks old, this week he has started making very cute little noises and mimicking sounds as if trying to talk which is most amusing to watch. He is happiest early in the morning so I've had to adjust - previously I was not a morning person at all - but he makes starting each day a real treat! He really loves being in his new vibrating bouncer which Jackie recommended.

Making friends

Last week Jackie visited us in Canberra to spend a few days with Riley and I. She brought her gorgeous daughter Mae along too! Mae is 2 1/2 months older than Riley and the difference is astounding. I cant believe how fast babies grow and it is scarey to think in just that short amount of time Riley should be doing all the things Mae does - in the three days they spent here she went from rolling onto her side to rolling all the way over onto her tummy in the blink of an eye. Here is a photo of Mae and Riley to show the size difference - Mae at 14 weeks, Riley at 5 weeks. It was lovely having them stay with us and we enjoyed walks and outings to the shops together.

Rileys first movie

Here's a short video clip of Riley - his first time on film. This was taken last week when he was four weeks old. After initially screaming at every nappy change for the first two weeks, he now loves it and it has really become play time now! He loves to kick around, especially nappy-free, and the little laughing bee toy he got as a gift from Aunty Mel.

Smiley Riley

After a few attempts I finally caught Riley's smiles on camera. Grandad Jeff and I spent some time tickling him which produced lots of smiles and cute gurgles as evidenced in these pics. It makes all the hard times well worthwhile!

Changing every day

So what's new with me and Riley? Things have changed a lot since my last post when Riley was just a week old. I can't believe how fast the time is going by, my little boy is a month old on Saturday. The days seem to blend into one as we are busy getting to know eachother and with me working out what Riley needs from day to day. At three weeks things changed, apparently it is very common for newborns to 'wake up' from there sleepy state, becoming much more aware of their surroundings, and as a consequence become more unsettled. There have been some very tough moments, and sleepless nights, but on the whole he hasnt been too bad and Im learning to take his cues much earlier which makes for a much happier baby...and mummy! We have reached a few milestones of late...Riley has now smiled a few times (although Im nowhere near quick enough to catch them on camera, the pic above is as close as I have come) and makes a very cute cooing noise much to everyone's delight. He has also started sleeping longer with a record six hours between feeds a few times. This is great as we are both catching up on much needed sleep. I have been enjoying introducing him to friends and family and are still receiving so many wonderful gifts. See the latest album for some updated pics.

The Hoola Doula

Since I was pregnant, and since having Riley, lots of friends and family have heard lots about my hired help, my Doula. Or as Mike calls her 'The Hoola Doola'. Having a Doula, a birth assistant, was the best thing I could have done to help educate myself about pregnancy, labour and birth and have a calming presence by my side throughout the labour. So many people have asked me what Vickie looks like, here is a picture of her with Riley...a wonderful woman who helped bring my little boy into the world. I can highly recommend a doula so if you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant check out her services http://www.confidentbirth.com.au/

One week on...

What an experience! Riley is a wonderful baby so far. In the past 9 days he has worked out a good feeding pattern for himself, is sleeping well (as well as can be expected for a newborn- although Im yet to get more than 2 hours in a row), doing all the right toileting, settling well and above all being super cute! We are just getting to know each other which is a special time so we've been home alot. But we've also had a few friends visiting and outings to the shops and lunch with Grandad and Nana which have gone reasonably well. He just loves the car rides in the capsule, cuddles and his lullabies CD. Check out the latest pics, he changes every day!

Introducing Riley

This entry will be long, but it's been 9 months in the making. Well, bub has finally arrived! On Wednesday 14 May 2008 at 10.41am I gave birth to a gorgeous and healthy little baby boy. I named him Riley Michael Cameron. I really love the name Riley and his middle names are after his two uncles (and yes, you too Peacey!) At birth he weighted 3.37 kg (7pd 6), was 51cm long with dark brown hair.

Well they certainly don't call it labour for nothing and he arrived after a strenuous 28 hours. I can honestly say I enjoyed the majority of the labour going naturally at home first, then at The Birth Centre at Canberra Hospital, from 7am on Tuesday 13 May, until around 1am on Wednesday 14 May at which time I asked for an epidural as I was suffering with severe back pain. Riley was posterior which means his spine faced my spine and he was heading out face up - the most painful kind of labour. The epi helped immensely but then Riley wasnt too happy. He was eventually delivered by Keillands Rotation - where they turned him around on the inside using large forceps, then pulled him out with regular forceps. Not at all pleasant but the team of obs and midwives at The Canberra Hospital did an amazing job getting him out quickly and safely. The fact that my body had laboured naturally for so long also assisted. The second he was out was truly the most amazing of all. So much joy accompanied by floods of tears (and of course relief that he was ok) I never believed I could be capable of feeling so much love!

I couldnt have done it without my support people. My Doula, Vickie, the most amazing woman who helped me so much throughout my pregnancy, labour, birth and after. My midwife Chris who has been a tremendous support and friend, midwife Ros who helped at the end, and my friend Kathryn (Riley's Aunty KJ) - I will never forget the friendship, commitment and sheer stamina of you staying by my side during my labour. Thank you is just not enough, you were there when I needed you most and I will never forget.

To my son Riley, to quote the song that was playing on the radio when I brought you home from hospital on Saturday 17 May, "In my dreams you were perfect. When I woke up you were perfect." I love you so much. Welcome to our wonderful world!

PS. Thanks to all friends and family for all visits, well wishes, cards and gifts.

PPS. The photo of me with Riley is, to quote Belly, as 'fresh' as he gets, taken at just a few moments old. Check out the My Photos linke for more pics.

Overcooked

Forty weeks plus one day today and isnt this photo stunning! I am completely ready for this, well, as ready as I can be. I think I am just over waiting and feeling very uncomfortable. But I dont want to wish this time away either - my life will be on 'baby time' as soon as it arrives. Some news since my last post, thankfully the baby turned around and is now in the normal head down position. Just as well as I was not at all looking forward to having a c-section. We are unsure whether it was as a result of the ECV performed by the Doctor, or the many and varied natural remedies I tried - including, believe it or not, burning large incense sticks near my little toes! - or whether it just decided it was ready on its own. I dont mind as we're all set for a natural exit now. I was due yesterday, Thursday 8 May, but believe it or not will be allowed to go on as far as 22 May providing bub is healthy. I have had lots of pre-labour this week so hopefully it's not too far off. At this morning's midwife appointment all looks good - strong heartbeat, good amount of fluid etc. We now dont think the advice I got a few weeks back about it being a small baby will be the case. Geez, please dont be big! All bets are on for a boy, it is really only myself, Grandad Jeff and Aunty Mel who believe it will be a girl. Bets are also on for a Mother's Day arrival (you know me with my 11's) - I dont mind what sex, or what date, as long as all is healthy. Next post should be news of bub! Yeeehhaaaa!

38 weeks and counting

A few friends wanted updates of what I look like now - these pics were taken on Thursday 24 April, at 38 weeks exactly. Tum is quite big now - still no sign of stretchmarks thanksfully. At my midwife appointment on Wednesday we discovered this bub is rather stubborn - he/she is actually facing the wrong way in what is known as a frank breech position - head up, body curled around and legs straight up in front of its face - a similar position to my earlier 3D ultrasound. I returned to the hospital on Thursday and saw a great Ob who tried to turn bub around manually in what's known as an ECV (external cephalic version), slighlty uncomfortable but not too bad, but the little one wouldnt budge. My options are now to try and deliver this baby normally but in breech position, or to opt for a C-section. I am leaning toward the latter but am seeing another Ob later in the week to discuss both options in more detail. I dont mind, as long as he/she arrives safe and healthy.

Da pups

Just thought I'd post some recent pics of the girls - Ruby at the bottom who just turned five, Chloe at the top who is five in August. They are such good girls (most ot the time) and have been proving to be great company. I thought it would be good to post them up so I can remember what they looked like and how old they were when bub arrives into our little family.

Counting down the days to motherhood

Well the countdown is on. I finished up work on Friday - it was very surreal, when else do you get 12 months off work! I've spent the weekend doing loads and loads of washing in preparation for bub's arrival. So many clothes and so much linen to wash. At what point do these teeny-tiny clothes become un-cute! Ask me in a few weeks and I'm sure I'll have an answer. For those who keep asking me, my due date is 8 May - 18 days to go - but who really knows when he/she will make an appearance in this world! There were three pregnant women at work, all three of us thought we were having a girl. One found out she is having a boy, the other gave birth to a healthy baby boy on Thursday. Hmmmm, I wonder if that narrows my chances, or if it will be three boys from three for the tourism staff :)

More Baby Shower madness - Canberra style

Saturday was spent celebrating the impending birth of my little one with my Canberra buddies. Sixteen friends in my tiny loungeroom was rather overwhelming - especially with the loud bunch of tourism buddies in tow - but it was a lovely afternoon spent with great friends and good food. Once again, my little one was blessed with so many lovely gifts which will come in handy once he/she arrives and I thank everyone for being so generous. Guests present were Donna, Fiona, Shea, Deb, Kerri, KJ, Jo, Louise, Bianca, Rachel, Carissa, Kate and Angela. Mel also came down from Sydney to join in the fun again and was a big help with icing baby cupcakes, being the official photographer and doing loads of washing up! Grandad Jeff was a big help with cleaning up the pergola so we could enjoy the nice weather outside, and very kindly took Chloe and Ruby for a big walk around the lake to keep them occupied. Nana Christine was also a marvellous help with cleaning up and making more delicious food. Thanks to everyone for making Baby Shower Mark2 such a memorable occasion.

PS. Thanks also for the very inventive suggestions for bub's names - I'm seriously considering Persephone, Eggbert and Gertrude!

Me, bub and the PM

These photos really have no relevance whatsoever, and are really only here for bragging purposes - and so I can one day show bub that he/she met the PM in utero :) - taken at the National Gallery's recent launch of the Turner to Monet exhibition.

Birthday Fun

30 is fast approaching. Damn it I feel old!

Last weekend, Saturday 29th March, I had a night out with close friends to celebrate this milestone. As I will be quite close to bub's arrival (and no doubt the size of a house) by the time my real birthday arrives on 26th April, I decided to celebrate the occasion while I was already up in Sydney for the baby shower. The night was spent at Fuchsias restaurant at Kirrawee with a group of 25 friends, and it was loads of fun despite being the only sober one present. Special thanks go to Mike for letting me crash his birthday weekend and for helping out with decorating the room....oh, and to Mel S for being my official photographer and coaxing (hardly) everyone to give a good 'Year-8-style' Paris pout for the camera. Thanks to everyone for your presence and presents xx

Baby shower madness

Last Saturday, 29th March, I had a Baby Shower for bub at mum and dad's place at Heathcote. It was such a lovely afternoon spent with some close girlfriends and relos. After stupidly asking everyone to bring a plate, we were inundated with food which covered the entire table and we all gorged ourselves silly - the green cupcakes went down very well, just ask Kathleen! Bub and I were graced with the presence of Nana Christine and Nana Jann, good friends and Aunties-to-be Melissa, Melinda, Kathleen (with Cooper and Harrison in tow), Kirrilea, Kylie, Jackie (who bought gorgeous new bub Mae along to meet everyone), Leonie, Christine, Anastasia and Aunty Judy. Thanks to everyone for your beautiful gifts, bub was most spoilt indeed, and for making my afternoon so special. I will always remember it.

PS. A special thanks also goes to Mel for organising all the fun (and original) party games.

Creating a place for bub

I have been having lots of fun preparing the nursery for bub. It is so nice to get things in order and know that my little one will have a lovely place to start its life in. A special thanks to Joan and Terry, Mum and Dad for helping me out with buying the nursery furniture. And to Grandad Jeff and Uncle Mike for assembling the cot and taking on the mammoth task of getting the change table into the room which was slightly difficult to say the least! As I dont know whether this baby will be a boy or girl, I've tried to stick to bright colours to suit either - and of course, me being me, animals feature heavily in this nursery!

Bubba on the move

This is a little movie clip of my little one moving around inside me. Like the last photos, this was taken at 28 weeks at the Bundles Baby Ultrasound in Canberra on 16th February 2008.
It sure has a fascination with its toes!

From little things, big things grow

It truly is amazing to watch this little one grow (on the inside) through the "miracles of modern medicine". Here's some pics of bub at different stages of development throughout my pregnancy. The first was taken at almost 13 weeks back on 26th October 2007 - see if you can even work out what's what! The second pic is a little clearer, taken at 19 weeks on 17th December 2007. As you can see he/she has long legs! The last pics are my favourites - taken at 28 weeks on 16th February 2008. This is a special 3D ultrasound taken at Bundles Baby Ultrasound in Canberra. The clarity was amazing and that day he/she seemed to have a particular fascination with its toes. I have been told he/she has large feet...certainly didnt get those from me :)

So...here I am

Hi all,
So here I am, almost 36 weeks pregnant. The past few months have been the most difficult ever, but I am looking forward to the arrival of my little one with excitement and nervous anticipation.
I have no doubt there will be some tough times ahead doing this alone, but I have terrific support from so many friends and family - you know who you are - I will never forget and needless to say I'll continue to need your support once this little bubba finally arrives.
I have no idea whether this baby is a boy or a girl, and I really dont mind at all, as long as he/she is healthy and grows up to be a happy little human being. I have so much love to give it and know it will be well loved by everyone and probably spoilt rotten if my Sydney baby shower last weekend was anything to go by.
Stay tuned to this blog for news, updates and lots of pics as I patiently await the arrival, and as he/she grows up.
PS. This photo was taken last weekend at my Sydney Baby shower - so just over 34 weeks pregnant here. I look massive!
Lauren xx