I'M FULL-TERM!!!

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

With all that’s has gone on in last week, I actually have just noticed that I’M FULL-TERM! Yes, FULL-TERM. And this means that my unborn sprog could be making his/her entrance anytime now.

When my midwife first told me that that the thirty-seventh week is considered to be Full-Term pregnancy, I didn’t understand why my due date is set three weeks later. But, now I do and I’m just going to tell you in case you don’t know what is meant by full-term or are wondering the same thing I did “why is the due date set three weeks later?”

When a pregnant woman reaches her thirty-seventh week, her baby is considered Full-Term even though she has three weeks till her due date, and that is because if she goes into labour after she reaches her thirty-seventh week the baby’s lungs I'm most cases will be mature enough to adjust to life outside the womb but in some cases some babies need more time.

So, yes I’m Full-Term and with all the physical difficulties I’ve suffered so far in this pregnancy I’m so glad I’ve reached Full-Term with my unborn sprog all healthy.

Well, that’s all for now so until next time,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

36th Week: Agony!!!

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

I’m back! I got discharged from hospital yesterday and I thought I’ll try to update you on my 36^th Week as my update is over-due.

Well, simply put I’ve spent my 36^th week in agony and that’s been from the start of the week. It was the start of the week when I suddenly got a really painful, itchy, weird rash in the middle of my left palm (if you would like to see what it looked like click HERE). The rash itched really severely and made my hand dry and I couldn’t stretch or clench my palm. I just felt like grating my hand with a cheese garter! That’s how bad it felt. I saw my GP on Monday in regards to the rash and even she couldn’t tell me what is was! I was given a tropical anti-biotic cream and told that if the rash doesn’t disappear within seven days of using it then I need to go back and see her again but luckily even though it hasn’t completely disappeared it has healed and practically not there anymore!

Then it was Tuesday night which I spent tired, sleepless and window shopping online. Window shopping for what? Click HERE to find out. But after finishing window shopping a severe case of chest pain, breathing difficulty landed me in A&E at six o clock in the morning on which was by now Wednesday. I spent the next few days in hospital on the Antenatal Ward which was a few of the most distressing, agonising days I’ve had in a very long time! I’m not going tell you much about it now as I’m hoping to do a separate post on my experience tomorrow or in the next few days.

Since coming home yesterday, I have been suffering a really bad hangover from all the medication I’ve been on during my stay in the hospital.

So, that was my 36^th Week which I spent in agony. How was/is your 36^th week? I hope it went well.

Anyway, that’s all from me today my lovelies. So until next time,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

From Early Morning Online Window Shopping to The Labour Ward!!!

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

I've gone from early morning window shopping to being in THE LABOUR WARD!!!

No, I'm not in labour. We'll I hope not!
So, what am I doing in the labour ward? Well after some online window shopping, around five o clock in the morning I started dehydrating and eventually feeling pain in my chest when I took deep breaths. Twenty minutes into it I couldn't talk or breath with out feeling severe pain. So, wild child's father called NHS direct they called me an ambulance and I was on my way to the A&E. I arrived at the A&E for about six, got the routine checks done (blood test, blood pressure, chest scan) which all reasonably came back normal except for the chest scan. Then I was told that I need to be checked for any blood clots and for that I had to come here, the labour ward.

Since coming here, I've been told that the ECG (baby monitor) is showing tightening in my tummy and that I'm going to be spending a few days here for all necessary investigations!

I can't express what I feel right now except that I feel very light-headed! Staying in hospitals is something I hate do I'm trying not to think about that too much. To be honest I'm trying not to think about anything incase I work myself up in a frenzy!

I'm sorry if none of this is making any sense as my head feels like a balloon and I don't even have the mind set to read back through what I've written.

So that's all for now,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

Online Window Shopping: Belly Bandit

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

It’s another one of those nights where I can’t sleep! I’ve actually made peace with the notion that I’m not going to sleep another single night until my unborn child comes out. So, what else to do but window shop online, when I can’t sleep and there’s nothing on tele? Yes, I’m having a session of online window shopping and one product that’s caught my eye is the Belly Bandit.

:: Belly Bandit, Yes or No? Image Source: Google ::

I’m actually surprised that tonight is the first time I’ve come across the Belly Bandit. After reading a little about it on the Belly Bandit website, I decided to look at some reviews and wow, am I intrigued? Very.

The Belly Bandit is tummy compression belt that fits around the post-partum tummy, it’s to be worn round the clock except for in showers or baths, for six to eight weeks after the delivery. And use of the Belly bandit is to start within twenty-four to forty-eight hours of delivery. The Belly Bandit works by constantly applying medical-grade pressure to your tummy which can strengthen, tighten your muscles, reduce stretch –marks and improve posture. Other claims the Belly Bandit has made is that it:

“Helps shrink the belly, waist and hips

Adds support to the upper body while breastfeeding

Comforts the mid-section after a C-section

Helps the body lose inches faster

Helps minimize stretch marks

Adds support to the back and legs

Accelerates the healing process

Streamlines the silhouette to look slimmer in clothing

Boosts self confidence

Aids in decreased bloating and swelling

Reminds you to utilize your core muscles

Helps to gently persuade muscles back together”

My post-partum tummy is something I’m worried about as my tummy wasn’t in great shape before I became pregnant and I’m scared that’s it’s going to be worse after the deliver. So, the idea of something helping me at least get it back in to where it was before I got pregnant sounds great and very ideal. But, where I’m unsure about the Belly Bandit is the price and that I might need two Belly Bandits. I don’t mind spending the money if the product is worth it but I’m a little wary about having to buy two. Buying two isn’t a requirement but it’s often the case that the user shrinks out of the first one very quickly! At £47.79 for the original and more for the bamboo version it’s quite a pricey piece of kit.

The Belly Bandit website recommends the best time to measure for the right Belly Bandit size is at eight and a half months but as I’m already in my ninth month it’s recommended that I measure myself and subtract a few inches (three to five inches). Also because it’s best used right after delivery, I'm going to need to pack into my hospital bag if I’m going to use it, thus I need to quickly decide whether I’m going to take the plunge or not!

So, what do you think, worth it or not?

As much as I know I won’t be able to sleep anytime soon, my poor eyes can’t take the laptop light anymore so until next,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

VTech Innotab 2 OR LeapFrog LeapPad 2???

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

Now, I actually don’t remember when my wild child started playing on my and his father’s phones but I'm sure it was a long time ago. His especially taken to my iPhone as its touch screen and has many apps on it. So, recently I’ve been thinking of getting him his own touch thingy-ma-bob! And here is where I’m stuck as I’ve got two choices and really don’t know what one to choose. It’s either the VTech Innotab 2 or LeapFrog LeapPad 2.

:: VTech Innotab 2 OR LeapFrog LeapPad 2 ::

I’ve been looking at the specs for both and reading lots of reviews but still can’t make up my mind. So I need your help to decide as I wasn’t to make the purchase as soon as possible, because it’s my wild child’s present for when his sibling makes his/her entrance.

I like both of them for different reasons so I’ll tell what I like about each one and maybe you can help me decide.

The features that stand out and differentiate the both for me are:

• I like that the Innotab has a SD Card Slot which allows you to expand the memory from the built in 4 GB to a massive 32GB. The LeapPad doesn’t have the feature of increasing the built-in memory.
• You can download your movies, pictures onto the Innotab whereas on the LeapPad you can only download Leapfrog Movies which you have to purchase. Obviously the idea of not having to pay for one strikes out more.
• The feature that the Innotab’s appearance can be personalised using your own media is very appealing and yes it’s another thing that can’t be done on the LeapPad.
• The LeapPad has more learning/game apps available for download than the Innotab, which is a key factor as I want my child to be able to learn more than just have fun. I want him to learn through fun.

So, what do you think? Both of them are around the same price tag with a difference of £5.00. The Innotab is selling at £84.95 and the LeapPad is selling at £89.95 at John Lewis

Here are links to both of their product pages. Please have a look for more information and help me choose:

VTech Innotab 2

LeapFrog LeapPad 2

And please, if you have experience of any of these; share your thoughts on them.

That’s all for now so until next time,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

My New Discover, Reading Eggs

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

Okay, Recently I’ve been trying to teach my wild phonics, but not knowing them myself I’ve it quite hard. So, I went looking for some interactive help and I discovered Reading Eggs!

:: Reading Eggs | Image Source: Google ::

Basically, it’s an online reading program for children from the age of four up to the age of thirteen. It has been developed by educational teachers, writers and developers. The Reading Eggs program focuses on the phonics and sight words. It teaches children how to read through several different activities. It’s a subscription based program priced at £29.95 for six months or £39.95 for 12 months.

I’ve signed up for a fourteen day trial to see how my wild child gets on. We had a try today and found it to be good fun, the program has an easy interface to use that my wild child managed to get on well. He didn’t want to end the session. My first impression of it is that it looks like a very well designed program and I can see it the program benefit my wild child greatly.

I shall let you know my final thoughts once we get through this trial. In the meantime if you have any experience of this program or any other children’s reading program please do share your thoughts using the comment box below.

Also, if you would like more information on Reading Eggs please click HERE.

That's all for now, so until next time,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

What Is This???

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

Okay, like I haven’t been feeling bad enough! Yesterday I suddenly started getting a itch in the middle of my left palm and within a matter of ten minutes it turned into this!

:: What Is This??? ::

I have no idea what this is and it’s so painful that it didn’t allow me to sleep the whole of last night. I have not scratched it at all and I haven’t touched anything so I don’t know what this can and what could have caused it.

I’m going to go see my GP about it tomorrow. I really hope it’s nothing serious and it can be treated quickly. But in the meantime if any of you lovely people out there recognise what it is or might have an idea please do share as I really want some relief from this horrendous pain.

Well my lovelies I’m so tired and in a lot of discomfort that this is the end of today’s post. I know it’s really short!

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

My Pregnancy Eating Diary: Last Day

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

:: My Pregnancy Eating Diary: Last Day ::

THIS IS THE LAST DAY OF MY PREGNANCY EATING DIARY! I’ve enjoyed sharing what I’ve eaten throughout this week but to be honest I don’t think I could do it for any longer if I had to. My diet is so irregular and I don’t have set times for eating just eat when I’m hungry. So, finding the camera everytime I’ve decided to eat something has been quite frustrating at times, especially when it’s early (five o clock) in the morning or just after I’ve woken up due to feeling hungry.

Anyway, so here is what I ate today:

:: Now these little gems are delicious ::

This is what I had for breakfast as I wasn’t too hungry and just wanted something to remove the empty void in my stomach. I have recently discovered these little gems and I love them. Nature Valley Bars are just splendid!

:: My Favourite Sub ::

Subways for lunch, this was just scrumptious. I made wild child’s father pick it on the way home. Don’t you just love a good Sub? Well, everyone in my house does!

:: Boroi Tenga, Yummy Yum Yum in my Tummy Tum Tum! ::

This is what I ate for dinner, Boroi Tenga, now that’s what this dish is called. It’s a watery broth made with a certain type of dried berry called Boroi and small fish called Khakia which are both native to my homeland, Bangladesh. We eat the broth with rice. I love this dish and it’s one of my favourites since I’ve been a child so I’m really glad that my wild child loves it too. However, wild child’s father doesn’t take to it much not because it doesn’t taste nice but more because its water based!

Before I end my pregnancy eating diary, here’s a roundup of what I ate each day of this week

:: First Day ::

:: Day Two ::

:: Day Three ::

:: Day Four ::

:: Day Five ::

:: Day Six ::

:: Last Day ::

So, that’s I for my pregnancy eating diary. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Until next time,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

My 35th Week: Annoying...

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

Annoying is the word that springs to my mind when I try to describe my 35^th week in one word. To describe it in several words I’d use “annoying”, “disappointing”, “frustrating” and the list can go on. Why, has my 35^th week been so annoying? Well, where shall I start….

Firstly, I’ve been feeling really unwell this week and that’s limited what I’ve been able to accomplish. As I only had five weeks left until my due date I planned out what I need to do each week in order to have everything ready before my unborn sprog makes his/her entrance. But, due to excruciating pain in my pelvis, severe fatigue and the occasional subluxation I haven’t been able accomplish this week’s targets!

Secondly, one of the hobs on my cooker is not working and that’s the hob that I use the most due to being the largest and being in front. So, not being able to use it has been very annoying as it’s takes longer to cook on the other hobs!

Then, there’s today. I thought my last bit of crucial baby shopping will be done by wild child’s father but I just found out that it’s not possible today. Worse bit is I wasn’t even given a reason so that’s really annoyed me.

Despite all the things that have been annoying this week, I have managed to complete all my labour preparations (click HERE to have a look at my labour bag).

:: My Labour Bag ::

My unborn sprog is as active as usual, at times a bit too active which have caused me quite a bit of discomfort. Other than that I think we’ve all gone passed being excited and now we’re more anxious than anything.

This was my annoying 35^th week, how was/is yours?

That’s all for now so until next time,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

My Pregnancy Eating Diary: Day Six

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

Now then my lovelies, as I’ve been really poorly today, my food intake has been quite different. Well, not different because it’s food that you’d eat because you’re feeling poorly. No, it’s different because it’s food that I couldn’t make myself due to being poorly, Take-away!

I do like a good take-away but today’s reason for take-out has been because I just didn’t want the hassle of having to cook or prepare food. Just wanted someone else to do all the hard work so I could just relax and eat!

So, I won’t keep you waiting here is what I fed my poorly self today:

:: Can't beat a good Tuna Mayo Sandwich ::

This I ate at two o clock in the morning. A good Tuna Mayo Sandwich. Not much to say about it a tuna mayo sandwich is as simple as it gets.

:: One of the worst Doner Kebabs I've tasted! ::

Not being able to sleep until six o clock in the morning due to the horrendous pain in my pelvis meant I slept through the traditional breakfast and lunch time. So, I tried to eat some Doner kebab at three in the afternoon but my appetite had disappeared and I couldn’t each much. On top the kebab was actually one of the worst kebabs I’ve come across, very dry and tasteless!

:: Now that was satisfying! ::

Managing to take another nap I decided I had no energy to cook and I really felt like a PIZZA. So, we ordered in and this I thoroughly enjoyed. It was a thin crust pizza with onion, green pepper, mushroom, jalapenos, pepperoni and black olives. We had side orders of BBQ wings and garlic bread. Oh do I feel stuffed after that meal or what.

Well, that’s all for me today. Tomorrows my last day of My Pregnancy Eating Diary so I’m quite upset about how quickly this week has gone by. But to be honest it’s been quite time consuming taking pictures of everything I eat and I don’t think I could do it on a regular base.

Until tomorrow,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

Another One of Those Days....

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

Yes, it’s been another one of those days where I’ve been in excruciating pain all day.

It all started about two AM this morning, when I started feeling really light headed and experienced pain in my lower tummy. Initially I put it down to the tuna mayo I had just gobbled down but then I realised it the pain was more like cramps. I started praying that it wasn’t contractions and that my baby was safe but the pain went on for about fifteen minutes and then it just disappeared. However, by that time my head was so light that I felt like I was floating in mid-air, I tried to work the feeling to my advantage by trying to go to sleep. But, when I eventually thought I was about to fall asleep I got pain shooting into my pelvis and hip and I couldn’t lie down. So, crouching down on the floor beside the bed with a head that I couldn’t hold up still was the only position I felt comfort in and eventually at six o clock in the morning, I somehow fell asleep with my body on the floor and head resting on the side of the bed!

So, since six o clock in the morning up until now, I’ve been in bed most of the time awake trying to sleep. Every time I’ve managed to fall asleep some part of my body has signalled discomfort which has woken me up!

That’s my day, how has your day been?

Anyway, I’m going to quickly type up today’s entry for my pregnancy eating diary then call it a day. So until tomorrow,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

My Pregnancy Eating Diary: Day Five

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*’’’*:•-:

 

:: MY Pregnancy Eating Diary: Day Five ::

Hello my lovelies, it’s that time of the evening where I tell you what I fed my tummy today. My tummy’s intake today has been quite simple so let me not go on about it and just show you what I ate today.

:: Nothing like a good cup of tea after I've just woken up and even better with french toast! ::

For Breakfast, I ate a piece of French toast and with that I had a cup of tea. French toast is a weird one for me as sometimes I like it so much that I can two/three slices and at other times even the first bite just tastes horrible. Today was a case of the former it tasted really good, but I knew I’d feel bloated if I ate more than just one slice.

:: We wanted seconds for lunch but there wasn't any left ::

Left overs from yesterday’s dinner was what myself and wild child ate for lunch today. And as delicious as it tasted yesterday, it tasted even better today. Myself was so gutted when he wanted seconds and I had to tell him it was all finished. I won’t lie I wanted seconds as well!

:: Now doesn't that look delicious? ::

For dinner, we had Chana Masala (chick peas cooked in a spicy dry gravy) with rice, paratha and a cucumber & red onion salad. This is one of our signature vegetarian dishes at our humble abode. I personally find chickpeas to be so filling that once eating it, you realise that you don’t always need meat/fish to feel like you ate A PROPER MEAL!

Well, what I had today, what did you eat? Please do share.

That’s all for today folks, so until tomorrow,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

"Mummy, where did the baby come from?"

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

This question is for all mummies out there with two or more children. How did you or would you answer “mummy, where did the baby come from?” “Mummy, how did the baby get inside your tummy?” and the ultimate one “how is the baby going to get out of your tummy mummy?” when asked by your little one/ones?

These are the questions my wild child has been asking since he found out “there’s a baby inside mummy’s tummy”.  I’ve tried to answer them correctly as much as I can each time I ask, but my answers seem to always lead onto other questions which I ultimately leads onto me thinking “what do I say, how do I explain this one?”

For example let’s take the first question:

I’m asked  “mummy, where did the baby come from?”

my answer to that is “it came from abby (daddy)”

but then I’m asked “did abby have it in his tummy?”

My answer is “no baby, it was somewhere else”

My wild child insists on knowing where and asks “Somewhere else where mummy?”

I answer “it was in one of abby’s privart parts”

Then the one where I get stuck, “how did it get inside you?”

Now my answer to that is “it’s something that adults do and you will know when you’re older!”

The questions don’t stop there but I always manage to change the subject or diver his attention somehow, but why do I feel guilty about leaving him confused? Is there a proper way of explaining the human reproductive system to a four year old?

So, I want to know how you mummies out there explained it to your child/children or did you avoid the subject on the whole? Please share as it might help me explain this a bit better to my wild child as right now I’m pretty sure he knows that there’s more to it then “mummy’s telling him”

Anyway, I’m going to go and write up the last of today’s post which is Day Five of My Pregnancy eating Diary. So stick around to see what I fed my tummy today.

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

My Pregnancy Eating Diary: Day Four

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

All right, the day has come to an end and that means it’s time for you to know what my tummy has consumed today! Day four of my pregnancy eating diary already, wow.

:: My Pregnancy Eating Diary: Day Four ::

Well, today I have ate to my satisfaction. The number of meals and the amount I’ve eaten is up to my usual standards.

:: My humble staple meal, Salad & Rice ::

This was my two A.M meal. I was really hungry but didn’t want anything to heavy so rice and salad did the job.

:: I know it looks very messy ::

For breakfast I had a large fry up. Toast, Scrambled eggs, Fried pieces of Salami, Fried pieces of tomato and Heinz spaghetti. I must admit that was even too much for but it didn’t stop me from gobbling it all up.

:: "NOT Subways, it's Mumsway" like my wild child says"

Lunch, was my home-take on my and my wild child’s favourite Subway sandwich. Turkey breast, cheese slices, lettuce, black olives, sweetcorn, cucumber, jalapenos in between a toasted warm baguette. Oh thinking about it now is making me hungry. For dessert I had a Plum!

:: My yummy scrummy dinner ::

:: My Seconds.... ::

A Prawn and vegetable dish served with rice was what I ate for dinner. It was so yummy that I had seconds and wanted thirds but I knew I couldn’t finish thirds!

Well that’s my tummy’s work for today? What did you eat today?

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

Nostalgia Lane: Childhood Programs

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

Good evening, how are you today? Since yesterday, I haven’t been feeling too great. Nothing serious just tired, weak and a little subtle than my usual self. I decided to spend most of my day in bed today hoping I don’t over exhaust myself even more. Somehow that one decision led on to a trip down nostalgia lane.

Watching tele while in bed with my wild child this morning, well watching Fireman Sam took me back to small twitter conversation I had yesterday. The conversation was on the topic of children’s programs from our childhood, what we remembered, what were our favourites etc. And this whole trip down nostalgia lane inspired me to share a tiny slice of my childhood with my wild child.

So, as you can probably assume by now, we have spent most of today watching children’s programs on the internet. Most of which are no longer broadcasted on tele. I was a 90’s child and I must say I had my fair share of good children’s program especially when I compare it to most of what’s on these days. However, I’m not going to go on about every program that became a part of my childhood, I’m just going to share a special few:

• Sooty & Co.
• Wizadora
• Fun House
• Bernard’s Watch
• The Queen’s Nose
• Art Attack
• Danger Mouse
• Sabrina the Teenage Witch
• The Demon Headmaster

Well, they were just a few of my favourite, what were yours and do you share them with your child/children?

Anyway, that’s all for now,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

My Pregnancy Eating Diary: Day Three

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

:: My Pregnancy Eating Diary: Day Three ::

Hello my lovelies how are you and how has your day been? I’m not feeling to well so I’m going to quickly tell you about what I ate today and then call it a night.

So, Day Three of My Pregnancy Eating Diary consisted of:

:: Good Old Kellogg's Cornflakes ::

Plain and simple Cornflakes for Breakfast. I know you can barely see any milk but there was a little. I like make Cornflakes crunchy not soggy!

:: Now you may disagree but that just look delicious to me! ::

For lunch I had Chips slathered with Tomato Ketchup, Chilli Sauce and Salt. Not the healthiest of lunches but very fulfilling.

:: These little gems are just splendid ::

For an early evening snack I had Crostinis with a tomato, red onion and black olive topping. I love these, there so simple, quick to make and still very sophisticated.

:: Chicken Wrap with Couscous Salad, yummm ::

Dinner was Chicken Wrap with Couscous Salad. Light but still left me feeling like a gorger!

:: Juicy Plums ::

A few plums (three exactly) for dessert.

Now, I’m off to bed so until next time,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

Ennis Fitness Gym Ball Review

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

If you have been following my blog over the last few months, you have probably noticed that I’ve been suffering from chronic SPD and Sciatica. If you haven’t been following or haven’t noticed then click HERE and HERE to read about my sufferings. And, if you don’t know what SPD is then click HERE to find out what it is. Anyway this is where the Ennis Fitness Gym Ball comes in.

:: The Ennis Fitness Gym Ball, My Relief for SPD, Sciatica & Back Pain ::

The Ennis Fitness Gym Ball has been vital in my management of the pain and agony. At times it’s the only thing that’s helped. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without it. When I was diagnosed a few months ago with SPD and Sciatica by my GP, She and my midwife advised me to get a gym ball or birthing ball. I was told to sit on for at least half an hour a day and also when I’m in pain, that it would help take the pressure of my pelvis and back. And fiddlesticks, were so correct! Until I got it and tried it I was cynical that “a gym ball” would help me with the pain and my previous experience of joint pains has proved to me that most things don’t help to take the pain away, they just distract me for a while or numb my nerves so I don’t feel the pain. But, I still wanted to give it a go and I’d been meaning to a get a gym ball for the last year to do some Pilates but never came round to buying one so this time I had all the reasons to make myself go and get one.

All the birthing balls that I looked at where around the price of £15.00 to £20.00, I didn’t want to spend that much money on something that I assumed wasn’t going to work or I wouldn’t make great use of. So, I decided to buy a non-slip gym ball instead. My first choice was the Davina Mccall Gym Ball but it was out of stock so I opted for this one, the Ennis Fitness Gym Ball. The reason I opted for this one is because the reviews where good and it was on sale for £9.74 (original price £12.99). And, am I glad I got it, yes I am. I make sure I sit on it for at least half an hour a day and I also sit on it when my pelvis plays up. And like my GP and midwife said it literally takes all the pressure of my pelvis. After sitting on it my pelvis and back actually feel stronger and not like they’re going to crack! It doesn’t take the pain away for good but if you’ve suffered from SPD then you’ll understand what I mean when I say that even the relief just when sitting on it is a god-send!

The Ennis Fitness Gym Ball is all that it claims to be, 65cms height once pumped up, sturdy and of great quality. It comes with a foot pump and the instructions to inflate and deflate are very easy to follow. Personally, I can’t pump it up without my ankle swelling but wild child’s father does it in a jiffy. Some of the reviews I read claim that the ball can only be pumped to 55 cm not the specified 65cm but we haven’t had that problem. I found it’s stays inflated for at least four to five days with me, my wild child and his father using it daily (well myself using it and them playing on it). It looks like a quality piece of gym equipment but I would prefer brighter colours. However, that’s just my preference.

So, if your suffering from SPD, Sciatica, Back pain and don’t have one of these then do yourself a favour and get one of these as soon as possible. Honestly, I can’t justify the relief the Ennis Gym Ball provides in words. You just have to try it. Even, if you’re just looking for a good gym ball or birthing ball then the Ennis Gym Ball is a great choice. I got mine from Argos and currently Argos is selling it for £10.39. So if you’re interested in the ball then click HERE or pop down to your nearest Argos.

That’s all for now my lovelies,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

My Pregnancy Eating Diary: Day Two

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

:: Not so much compared to my typical day ::

Today’s coming to an end so it’s time to make the entry for My Pregnancy Eating Diary. Would you like to know something weird? I haven’t eaten as much as I usually do today or yesterday, it’s not intentional. I actually have reasons to over eat (well I don’t really, nobody should have reasons to over eat) but I’ve been quite stressed out the last few days and food is my comfort. So, I don’t understand what’s happened to my appetite?

Anyway, I’m going to have to do some further investigation on that matter but for now here is what I ate today:

:: Keema Mattar (Lamb Mince cooked with peas) with two slices of bread at five in the morning!!!::

This is Some Lamb Mince curry which I ate with two slices of bread at five o clock in the morning!!! Talk about crazy. For some odd reason I woke up really hungry and it wasn’t peckish hungry, it was more like “GIVE ME SOME FOOD NOWWWWWWWWW!” so this is what I ate. Very filling but I think I fell asleep as soon as gobbled down the last bite as the memory is more like a dream. But, it couldn’t have been if I took the picture!

:: Tea & Biscuits for lunch ::

Didn’t want to eat breakfast so didn’t have any, I guess I was still full from the five AM meal. But, by lunch time I was feeling really weak, however I still didn’t want to eat any food and the only thing I wanted was a warm cup of tea but I thought I’ll have a few biscuits (exactly six pieces, I counted just for the sake of this post. Aren’t I committed?).

:: My "light" Supper ::

Today’s supper was quite light as well compared to my usual meals. Turkey Breast Sandwich with A packet of crisps (I’m sure they are considered crisps, if not then please do correct me) and a glass of Pepsi.

:: Now this one of my typical meals. Saag Aloo with rice and salad ::

Okay, I guess my appetite caught up with me and I just finished eating my second supper. Saag Aloo (spinach and potato dish) with rice and salad. Now I’m full.

Well, that’s all that I consumed today, what did you eat?

My humble bed is calling me so I have to go, until next time,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

Busy Day: Labour Preparations Complete

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

As I packed my Labour bag yesterday, I thought I’d carry on and finish off all my labour preparations today (well, whatever I can do before hand). Most of it has been packing but I did have to make care arrangements for my wild child as well as do some last minute household shopping to make sure everything is stocked up for after the birth.

I didn’t go food shopping myself as it’s become too much for me to handle so I sent wild child’s father with a long shopping list (if only I could show his face when I handed him over the list, he looked like he saw a ghost!). And, I’m not going to bore you with the long list but here are a few of my cupboard essentials:

:: Just a glimpse of my shopping ::

I spent quite a bit of time packing as I had to pack not one but three bags. Two for me and one for my wild child.

:: That's all the packing done for now ::

I’ve chosen to pack two separate hospital bags, the blue case is to take into labour with me (click HERE to see what’s in this my labour bag) but as I’ve only packed for one day (I hope I don’t have to even stay that long!) I’ve packed another bag, the floral weekend bag with more clothes and stuff that I’m going to leave at home and someone can pick it up/bring it for me if I have to stay longer than a day. As it’s only a fifteen minute drive from my home to the hospital I think it’s a practical plan, don’t you?

I’m hoping my wild child can stay at home with my sister but in-case that’s not possible I’ve arranged for him to spend the time at his grans and I’ve packed him an over-night bag with his essentials, his blue rucksack.

Well, that’s all my preparations and oh do I hope I haven’t missed anything. The only thing left which I can’t do until closer to my due date or on the day I go into hospital is pack a bag full of food and drink for me to take into labour with me.

So, that brings me to the end of this post, until next time,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

My Pregnancy Eating Diary: First Day

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

Throughout my pregnancy people have asked me about what food I’ve been eating, if there are massive changes in my portions, how many times I eat a day etc. And, today one of my darling friends asked me for a detailed description of all the things I ate yesterday! Weird or what? Why are people so fascinated with a pregnant woman’s diet? Anyhow, all of this gave me an idea and what is it do you ask? Well, a pregnancy eating diary obviously! I know it’s not really obvious but I like saying “obviously”.

So, I’ve decided for this week, the 35^th Week of my pregnancy I’m going to blog at the end of every day before I go to bed about what I eat and everything I eat throughout the whole day. I’m going to brutally honest even if it makes me come across as a GLUTTON. Every meal, snack, bite is going to be included so please BE AWARE!

Thus, today is the first day of My Pregnancy Food Journal and here is what I ate today.

:: My Pregnancy Eating Diary: First Day Breakfast ::

This was my breakfast, a small one consisting of a sausage, two pieces of salami, some baked beans and half of a piece of toast (wild child had the other half). I don’t normally opt for such a small breakfast but for some reason I didn’t want anything large this morning.

I’ve been so occupied with installing our new washing machine that arrived this afternoon that I ACTUALLY SKIPPED LUNCH! I know it’s not good but honestly I didn’t mean to by the time I felt hungry again and realised I didn’t have any lunch it was time for dinner.

:: My Pregnancy Eating Diary: First Day Dinner (First Serving) ::

For Dinner, Wild Child’s father made Seafood in a Very Very Very Spicy Tomato Sauce that was served with spaghetti and salad. And, boy did I enjoy this it was just scrumptious. So delicious, that I had two large servings.

:: My Pregnancy Eating Diary: First Day Dinner (Second Serving) ::

After that I didn’t have any space for dessert, so that’s all I had today.

What did you treat or deprive your tummy of today? Please do share using the comment box below.

Well, that’s me for tonight, so until next time,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

My Hospital Bag is Packed!!!

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

Yes, I’ve packed my hospital bag! I started thinking about my hospital bag since I found I’m pregnant (Can you believe that was thirty weeks ago? I can’t) and started buying little bit and bobs since then. I’ve realised many women dread the whole hospital bag matter and like to leave it as late as possible but I actually found it to be one of the exciting parts of being pregnant and have been waiting to pack my bag! I would have done it earlier, however I couldn’t because a lot of the things that I’ve packed have been things that I’ve been using throughout my pregnancy but now I have more reasons to just pack it all up.

I’ve only packed for a day (well twenty-four hours) and I hope I don’t have to even stay that long. My midwife’s assured me that I can come home after two hours of giving birth as long as the birth is without any complications, I don’t need to have a C-section and I’m well. But, in case I need to stay longer there will be a second bag packed at home that can easily be picked up/dropped off.

:: My Hospital Bags ::

I’m planning on taking a small trolley case and a rucksack, but I’ve only packed the case as the rucksack is going to be used for drinks and food which I’ll pack on the day of birth or on the day I go into hospital.

Enough of me babbling on and here is what I’ve packed in my hospital bag:

For Me, Myself and I

:: My Hospital Bag: What I've packed for Labour ::

Labour:

1. Birthing Gown, a Primark nighty that I’m going to bin so don’t mind it getting nasty
2. Camera
3. Hot Water Bottle, my comfort when I’m in pain
4. Hydrant Water Bottle (I love the idea of this)
5. iPod and Speakers
6. Lip Balm, oh I so needed this last time but didn’t have it so I’m not making the same mistake again.
7. Pregnancy notes
8. Nintendo Ds
9. Slippers
10. Small Spray Water Bottle for spritzing myself during labour
11. Snacks: Lucozade Tablets, Lollipops, Chewits, Nature Valley Cereal Bars

:: My Hospital Bag: What I've packed for the Post-partum/After-delivery ::

Post-Partum:

1. Boots Maternity Pads x2 Packs of 10
2. Nursing Bras x2
3. Socks x2 Pairs
4. Granny Underwear x5, I don’t like the disposable underwear so I bought a pack of Primark ones that I don’t mind binning.
5. Going Home Outfit
6. Toiletry Bag
7. Flip Flops
8. Snacks: Nice Biscuits, More Nature Valley Bars
9. Wallet with a debit card and loose change for vending machines
10. Straws and Disposable Cutlery. I prefer to use disposable cutlery and I love MY STRAWS (I think I’m addicted to them)
11. Hand Disinfectant
12. Make-Up Bag. I know a lot of women don’t care about how they look or don’t find putting on make-up on necessary but I know I will. I was very cautious about how I looked while giving birth (YES, DURING LABOUR) to my wild child as well as after the delivery so this time I’ll probably be more cautious. And, I don’t see any harm in a little comfort after a lot that hard labour!
13. Nighties x2
14. Small water jug for soothing while using the toilet.
15. Triple Velvet Toilet Roll, you might think this is unnecessary but you’d be wrong if you are. After the episiotomy last time, using hospital toilet roll felt like sand paper so this is crucial for me.
16. Lansinoh Breast Pads x6 Pairs
17. My Medication including Arnica Tablets
18. Dettol Wipes, I hate using public toilets and bathrooms but I know I’m most likely going to need to use the hospital ones so these will help me take necessary precautions.
19. Towel

:: My Hospital Bag: All the toiletries I've packed ::

Toiletries Bag:

1. Colgate Toothpaste
2. Cotton Buds
3. Dentyl Mouthwash
4. Dove Deodorant
5. Hair Brush
6. Hair Ties
7. Lansinoh Nipple Cream
8. Liz Earl Clean & Polis Face wash
9. Liz earl Moisturiser
10. Muslin cloth for my face
11. Olive Oil
12. Simple Unscented Shampoo
13. Simple Unscented Shower Gel
14. Toothbrushes (I ♥ these)

:: My Hospital Bag: The Make-Up I have packed ::

Make-Up Bag:

1. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturise
2. Mac Studio Finish Concealer
3. Rimmel Mascara
4. Urban Decay 24/7 Zero eyeliner Pencil
5. Body Shop Blusher with blusher brush

For My Baba

:: My Little Baba's section ::

1. Blanket
2. Cotton Wool Pads
3. First Outfit
4. Going Home Outfit Including Jacket
5. Nappies x10
6. Spare Outfit

So, that’s my Hospital Bag. As for the things that I’m going to pack in My Food Bag (rucksack):

• Sandwiches
• Frozen Lucozade
• Ribena

So that’s my hospital bag all packed and ready to go (I hope I haven’t forgotten anything!). But, I’ve got something for you as well, here’s a downloadable Hospital Checklist that I’ve made for the convenience of being able to print it out and having everything on one list. I found many helpful lists but not all of them featured the same things or the things I need so I made my own. To download it just click on the link below and I hope you find it useful.

Hospital Bag Checklist

That’s all for now my lovelies so until next time,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-: