Still baking!

But not much longer to go now!

Its all so quiet...shh, shh

So, I've been a little quiet around here for a while. It's not that things have been quiet...on the contrary, things have been a bit busy.
As well as growing twins, we're also moving house and trying to stay sane!
By way of an apology for disappearing for a few weeks, I have some photos...

The bump at 22 weeks (two weeks ago). I'm now a bit bigger. I really should start measuring the bump and charting my growth!

Having fun at a park!

Who needs toys when there are empty boxes lying around?!

Expansion of the pod

We had another scan on Monday (we'll be having one every two weeks from now on) and this picture made us think of two peas in a pod...

I didn't take bump photos a few weeks ago but to give you an idea of the growth of the babies, one website has compared their sizes to fruit...so here is weeks 14 and 15...

...plus, it gave me an excuse to bake Mary Berry's St Clement's muffins...yum!

Now, an actually bump photo at 16 weeks. Not the most glamorous but you get the idea!

Being an oven for two...

I would say the only major difference for me so far in this pregnancy has been the speed at which I have start to sprout a bump. This, of course, makes a bit more sense now that we know there are two people taking up residence in there!
The sickness has been pretty bad, but it was with my first pregnancy so that didn't seem any different. And I assumed I was feeling extra tired because I was running round after a toddler as well as being pregnant.

I shall endeavour to produce bump photos as I did with Ethan but this time they will need to start sooner...as I have a bump already! I can't believe that at just under 14 weeks my bump is about the same as it was at 20-22 weeks with Ethan. I only have bump photos from weeks 19 and 23 last time but I have included them below for comparison with this bump. It's not the best of comparisons as the outfits and zooms are different, but you'll get the idea!

I'm now curious/slightly freaked out by just how big I'm going to get over the next few months!

The Bakery

Hello!

Sorry I've been a bit quiet for the past few weeks. I've been a bit busy doing some baking.

Only this time, I have two buns in the oven not just one!

Yes...we're having twins!

Happy Wednesday x

Ethan Robert

Born Tuesday 27th April at 23:54 weighing 8lbs 12oz!

Timing...and trust

So, here I am. 41 weeks pregnant. Wishing that this baby would please decide to make an appearance sooner rather than later. But, unfortunately for me, it's something that I have absolutely no control over.

I like to have a plan. To know what's going to happen. To be organised and prepared. But you can't do that when waiting for a baby to arrive.

Everything in me that wants to be able to control what is going to happen is struggling with each and every day that goes by. All the not-knowing, all the wondering, all the waiting.

Exactly one month ago I ended up spending the weekend in hospital. Again, I struggled with the not-knowing, the waiting, the not understanding what was, or might be, going on. God reminded me of a scripture that I have held onto for many years now, and I continue to hold onto as these hours and days pass.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

I don't know and I don't understand why the baby has decided to stay put for now. But God knows when the time is right. So, I just have to trust Him in that...even though it's very hard!!! It's hard for me to not be able to plan and prepare. But if I keep my trust and focus on God, who has blessed us with this amazing baby, then I'm sure I'll know what to do when the time comes...I hope!!!

Tummy Thursday - weeks 35 to 40!

Ok, so this is like well over due...and missing a week...but I hope you'll all forgive me!

So, the last time I posted a tummy photo was week 34 and, as that was so long ago, I'll post it again here as a reminder.

34 weeks...

Now on to the new photos...35 weeks...

36 weeks...

37 weeks...

38 weeks...

39 weeks...I didn't take a photo! Naughty me! I am now finding that I'm far more comfortable in my pj's than in normal clothes and so spent most of last week in pj's and didn't think they were suitable to photograph and post on here...sorry! But sometimes comfort has to come first!

So, 40 weeks...the official end of the pregnancy...the due date...not that the baby is taking any notice of that!!!

Hopefully it won't be long before I'm showing photos of the bump's occupant!!! Although you might get a 41 week photo if it decides it still cosy in there!!!

Although I'm now getting a little impatient and desperate for this baby to come out so we can meet it and start the next part of the journey, I have enjoyed being pregnant and there are some parts that I will miss. Not the terrible sickness at the beginning, and not the lack of energy and general uncomfortableness at the end. But it has been wonderful to feel it move around inside me and respond to voices and poking (gentle of course). It has also driven me crazy and paranoid when it has been less wriggly...which I'm sure is only a sign of more crazy mum worries to come!!! Seriously, I didn't realise being a mum would be so stressful already!!!

Anyhow, I've rambled on far enough now.

And I need to go and spend some serious time in prayer begging for this baby to come soon!!! He he he!!!

Lazy Days

I know my presence on this blog has been a little less than regular or frequent over the last few days/weeks. I'm sure you're all thinking that I being super busy getting everything ready for the arrival of the baby. Or that I'm relaxing and enjoying the last few moments of 'me' time before my life is turned completely upside down! Or even that the baby has arrived and I've been far too busy to remember what a computer is. It's true, I have been doing some of both of those things (not the baby arriving bit unfortunately) but mostly...I've just been pretty lazy!

It maybe that I struggle to 'relax' without thinking about all the things I could/should/ought to be doing which makes me feel like I'm being lazy. Or it maybe that my heavily pregnant body is unable to do anything at a normal pace or with any form of comfort unless it involves sitting down or eating! But I have really been struggling with the fact that I just feel like I'm being lazy...and that I feel that is wrong!

I have watched the whole of Ugly Betty Season 1 though (it's only taken me like two years) so I have managed to achieve something!!!

Anyhow, I will endeavour to get this weeks tummy Tuesday posted as there are many weeks to catch up on... and I'm hoping (wishfully thinking) that it'll be the last!

Thank you for being my therapist today!!!

Happy Tuesdays xxx

Tummy Tuesday - 33 & 34 weeks

So here it is...the fortnightly update on the growing belly!

I'm not sure how much you can tell from these photos but I really feel that I have expanded loads particularly in the last week. My bump is becoming more round now and less pointy as the baby puts on some serious weight.
And I have to apologise to Alison...I forgot to get the tape measure out, sorry! Maybe next week!

So, here's last week's record - 33 weeks...


And this week's - 34 weeks...


Can you see the difference?!

I'm starting to get very tired again now and stairs or uphill inclines have become hard work! Eating and breathing have become a bit more difficult too as the baby grows further and further into my rib cage! And waking up with a foot in the ribs (on the inside) is very weird!

I'm still really enjoying all the wriggling and kicking. Sometimes it's a little uncomfortable and I've started to yelp a little, which I've been kindly asked to refrain from doing as Phil keeps thinking I'm going into labour!

Ooh, and I've also found that the bump is a now a great place to hold a plate, bowl or bag of goodies (chocolate/crisps/healthy snacks!) whilst sitting on the sofa! Happy Days!

Happy Tuesdays x

Happy 1st Birthday!

Well, as of today this blog has existed/been alive for one whole year! I can't quite believe it!
12 whole months of my ramblings and randomness!

I'm not sure if it was the excitment of Pancake Day yesterday or the knowledge that today was a blogiversary...but Baby E treated me yesterday and I was able to get a great video of some wriggling!
So, to celebrate today's anniversary, here is one wriggly baby!


I wonder what the next 12 months will hold, and what will make it onto the blog?!

Tummy Tuesday - 31 & 32 weeks

I seem to be getting into the habit of taking the photos each week but not reporting on them for two weeks. Maybe I should rename this 'Two-weekly Tummy Tuesday' but that would be a bit of a mouthful!

Anyhow, on to the important bit...so this is last week's photo at 31 weeks.


And this is this week's at 32 weeks.


There doesn't seem to be that much difference between the two this time, but today I feel like I've expanded by another 2 inches or so over night!

Other things of note this week:
- I am still sporting an 'inny' belly button much to my surprise.
- I really need to paint my toenails this weekend:
a) before I go to Center Parcs next weekend and
b) before I can no longer reach them!
- I am being taught by my unborn child to sit up properly. Whenever I slouch I get a kick/punch/nudge/wriggle in the ribs!
- I still haven't managed to video any wriggles. I will try harder this weekend!

This last week has also brought the arrival of the first stretch mark...which made me cry!
I had a huge battle with myself about the whole thing but I think I'm getting over it now...kinda.
I'm saving my thoughts on this for another time. I don't think they're profound...just too long to add onto here!

Anyway, more importantly...today is pancake day! Yay!
I can't wait to get home and munch on lots of pancakey goodness :)
(And obviously think serious thoughts about lent!)

Happy Pancake Day xxx

Tummy Tuesday - 29 & 30 weeks

I was bad last week, and though I took photos of the tummy I never got round to uploading them. So this week there is a slight catch up.

The first two photos are from last week - at 29 weeks. There's the standard side on view along with a slightly different angle...just for a change!

(Please ignore the messy hair and slightly gormless look!)

Then this one is this week's entry - 30 weeks!

So that means...10 weeks until the due date! I can count that down on my fingers and thumbs! That makes it slightly scary and real and close! (I am aware that the likelihood of it arriving on it's due date is slim to none but that just makes it all a bit more scary!)

Other things of note this week:

- I wish I'd documented what has turned out to be the fascinating changes of my belly button (for my personal entertainment only)! Seriously, I had no idea a single belly button could change shape, size and form so much. So far it's still an inny...but I think the progression to an outy is not far away!

- I have tried in vain to capture the various wriggles and kicks for your viewing pleasure, but it would appear that my unborn child is as camera shy as it's mother. It's also too smart for it's own good already and always stops wriggling just as I press record on the camera. How on earth does it know?!

- oh yeah, and I've started to get to the point where certain parts of getting dressed and undressed are a bit more tricky than usual! Putting on socks and shoes is a particular effort. And, as I found out in the middle of the supermarket the other day, picking pennies up off the floor is a complete faff and totally not worth the struggle. If only I'd known it was just a penny before I made such a plonker of myself!

Happy Tuesdays xxx

Tummy Tuesday - 27 weeks

So, here is my expanding midrift at 27 weeks.

Definitely looking pregnant now...which hopefully means people don't think I've just over-indulged at Christmas!

Happy Tuesday x

Tummy Tuesday - 23 weeks

So, here it is...the most recent bump photos taken literally 2 minutes ago using the ironing board as a tripod!!!

This is my 'I'm pregnant and have a sore back give me a seat' pose!!! So far only used at team meetings, but I'm perfecting it for the many busy bus journeys in the New Year!!!

I'm still totally amazed and bewildered everytime I feel it kick and move. I could actually stare at my stomach for hours on end...if I didn't have to work and sit at a desk in an office with other people!!!

Happy Tuesdays xxx

Tummy Tuesday - 20 weeks

This weeks Tummy Tuesday is actually from last week as I'm 21 weeks along now. And it is an inside view of what's going on in my tummy!

We had the 20 week scan last week and all is well. The baby slept through most of the scan apart from a couple of times when it yawned, probably to let us know we were disturbing its sleep. Its already so much like its daddy!!!

I hope to get back to a regular posting of my growing midrift but things are a little crazy at home at the minute. My lovely assistant is studying hard for an exam and its quite difficult to take a picture of myself! I think my camera thinks its in trouble as its been used so little recently. I must rectify that soon!

Happy Tuesdays xxx

Tummy Tuesday - 19 weeks

Don't worry, I'm not going to reveal my actual tummy. That would be far too much information! But for those who requested it (Alison, that's you!) here is a fully clothed picture of my gradually expanding waistline!

I think it looks kinda pointy at the moment! I'm sure it will round out soon.

This week has been very exciting in the baby department. I have felt it kick and move much more and we even got to see it kick at the weekend. I'm starting to feel a little like a human punch bag...but in a good way! I'm sure this is nothing compared to the kicks and punches I'll get over the next few weeks and months!

Happy Tuesdays xxx

Today was the first...

...time I saw my baby!!!













I'm struggling to focus on work at all today!!!

Maybe by next week I'll have calmed down enough to organise a return to Big Word Wednesdays!!!

Happy, Happy, Happy, Happy Wednesdays xxx

Grow Slow, Grow Strong

Patience is a virtue. Patience is a virtue I don’t always have.
Sometimes I’m great at waiting. But sometimes I’m not.

Approximately 9 weeks ago I found out I was pregnant. And I wanted to tell everyone! Waiting for 8 weeks until the first trimester was over was very difficult!

Now that it’s all a bit more public, I want to have more of a baby bump. You know, to confirm that there is actually something in there and I’m not just making it up! I want to have the scan. I want to feel something (other than sickness!)
But I have to wait. I have to be patient.

It’s really easy to want things to happen quickly, to want the baby as soon as possible and to start the next stage of life. But there is a reason why it takes 9 months to grow a baby, and a reason why we go through life in seasons.

Howies used to have a series of posters that used the slogan ‘grow slow, grow strong’. (I tried to find a photo but had no success)

Sometimes in our modern culture we think fast is better but that’s not always the case. When trees grow slowly their rings are closer together and they produce a much stronger wood which will last longer. It’s the patience that gives the tree its strength and sets it apart from other wood.

I need to wait and let my baby to grow at the right speed because then it has time to develop properly and grow strong. And I need the next few months to prepare myself for one of the biggest changes in my life.

And while I wait, patiently, I hope to grow along with my baby so that we are both ready for the next stage of life. Growing together, slowly but strongly.

He has made everything beautiful in its time.
Ecclesiastes 3:11

And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
Hebrews 6:15

A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.
Proverbs 14:29

Why I've been a bit quiet...

Dear Mr. Toilet,

I feel that recently we have become more than just acquaintances, but I'm not really sure that we could be called friends. I have certainly seen a lot more of you than I would care to. And our meetings have definitely been less than pleasurable for me.

However, I can take some joy from our regular get-togethers. The doctor says its actually a good sign! And at least I can be thankful that it means I am very blessed.

You see, I have been visiting you quite a lot because I have a little person growing inside me. And my body has to take care of this little person so that it can grow strong. And to do that I have to be sick for a while.

I hope that our visits will return back to their normal frequency soon. I can't really say I'll miss them. But I promise to introduce you to the little person who has been responsible for increasing the frequency of our encounters (around April sometime).

I hope you understand.

Yours gratefully,
Lindsay xxx