Christmas Nails - Part 1

I've bought a few nail varnishes the past couple of weeks, ready for the Christmas season and I have tried to match them up to certain outfits I plan to wear (yes, I am THAT sad). Above is one of them, this was just a practice, so it could do with a bit of a touch up really. 

However, I am totally in love with these Collection Bedazzled varnishes. This one is called Razzle Dazzle and is a black/silver/blue toned glittery colour. Again, I don't like glitter on its own, so I put Nails Inc Motcomb Street underneath it as a base colour. Motcomb Street is a very deep blue colour, almost black and I think, goes really well underneath the glittery top coat. 

I'm going to wear this for Christmas Eve I think! 

mummystartingout x

12.12.2012

This is how I am spending this moment of history....

How are you going to remember 12.12.12? 

mummystartingout x

The scarier side of pregnancy

What started out as an ordinary week at work certainly took a diversion from the norm this week!

To be quite honest I was dreading the next two weeks at work; I can feel my body starting to slow down and I am getting much more tired, much more easily. But I was determined to carry on until next Friday when I was to finish for Christmas, with two weeks off. The thought that, when I went back in January, I only had four weeks before my official maternity leave was actually quite exciting and I knew that over the next two weeks I needed to get myself organised at work, so I can pass things to the person taking over from me in January.

So I went to work on Monday, spent an hour there and then promptly got knocked (accidentally) on the stairs and fell down them! Fortunately, (or otherwise...) I landed on my knees and went over on my ankle, I didn't fall face down the stairs and to my knowledge I didn't bang my belly or my sides at all. However, the pain in my ankle was IMMENSE! It brings tears to my eyes just to think about it now. I have broken a toe before and whilst I know that's a very minor injury really, the pain was about ten times worse than a broken toe. Of course, being in a school I was determined not to cry in front of students! Although none of them came rushing to my aid! Anyway, somehow, although I still no not know how I managed it, I hobbled to the staffroom where I collapsed in tears and pain. I couldn't put any weight on my foot and by now was starting to get concerned I had broken something!

A colleague called the medical woman and got me an ice pack. The hubby works in the same place as me so they asked me if I would like them to get him. I kept saying 'no he'll go mad!'' But in the end he had to come and take me to A&E as I couldn't walk, my foot was swelling up and the pain was horrid.

So off we went to A&E, had an X ray to check for broken bones, and whilst the doctor said he couldn't see anything obvious, he wasn't sure if there was something broken underneath as there was quite a bit of swelling. So they strapped it up, gave me crutches and sent me on my way with a prescription for diclofenac.

Now, I have taken diclofenac before, and as far as I was aware, you are not supposed to take them in pregnancy. So yesterday I rang the midwife to see what she thought. Incidentally, not once in A&E was the baby checked on or monitored. I did say, obviously, that I hadn't fallen on my bump or banged it, but I would have thought they would check. Anyway, the midwife was very angry with A&E! One for not notifying them at the time and asking for someone to check up on the baby and secondly for giving me diclofenac when you are not supposed to take them. She asked if I had felt baby moving, any bleeding or loss etc and I said that everything had been fine. I thought that would be enough. But no, she said I needed to go up to the hospital to the maternity unit and have them check me over. So, hubby threw some clothes and Pj's into a bag for me, just in case, and off we went in minus temperatures at 5pm.

The midwife at the hospital checked my urine, blood pressure and temperature and besides a slight trace of protein all was well. She then hooked me up to the baby monitor and hubby got to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time, which was lovely! His heartbeat was nice and strong and after half an hour I thought that would be it. But oh no, I hadn't pressed the button for feeling movements at all during the trace (I hadn't felt him in that half hour) and so I had to stay on the monitor.

This is where I started to panic. I knew that I had felt him move as normal since I fell, but now I was starting to worry that something was wrong, why hadn't he moved in that half hour?! The midwife said food might help to get him moving so I was presented with some food and a hot chocolate and lo and behold he started to move! Phew. After an hour or so, she was happy enough and took me off the monitor. Typically, just as she did, he started doing a jig in my belly and even hubby could see my belly moving across the other side of the room! Sod's law!

Anyway, I was given the all clear to go home, with some strong painkillers and instructions to rest for the next few weeks - since I can't walk or put any weight on my foot, I doubt I will be doing much!

This whole fiasco has shook me up a bit if I'm honest. Everything was going well; I was nearly 29 weeks, had had the growth scan and saw the consultant last week and everything was fine and then I felt like it was all going wrong. I started to worry about the baby moving and getting really freaked out if I didn't feel him for a few minutes.

After a good night's sleep I feel a lot better; I have felt him move most of the time and know that when he isn't, he is probably sleeping or resting.

So, now I am stuck either on the sofa or in bed for at least the next week, using crutches to get around. As they weren't sure if there is something broken or not, I have to go back next week and get it looked at again. I'm hoping by the weekend I can start to put a bit of weight on it again and start trying to walk on it. I feel completely useless and helpless; the hubby has to literally do everything for me. Including, oh the shame, shower me! Not my greatest highlight in life being showered and washed by your hubby I can tell you, but fortunately, I have a lovely hubby who was actually willing to do it. I feel a bit sorry for him, as he still has to go to work and then come home and start tidying up; put washing loads on; make tea etc and then finally about 10pm he can sit down! He hasn't complained, yet, but I am sure he will!

It made me think about what we (or I) take for granted. Even the simple things, like having a cup of tea! I can't negotiate a drink and crutches from the kitchen to the lounge, therefore I am stuck with a flask of tea. Bleurggh. Although, it's better than nothing.

So, not a great start to the week and it's messed up my plans of getting organised at work as I am now off work until January!

Any ideas for hobbies I can take up from the comfort of my sofa??

mummystartingout x

Bump Update: 28 weeks

Life in our house has been a bit hectic the last few weeks. Every evening after work there seems to have been something different we had to go and do and I feel like I haven't stopped. I tried to chill out this weekend, but even ended up mooching off to town to get the last few bits for Christmas (I always forget a few things, like getting my mum a table present for Christmas Day!). I've been trying to get a lot done before Christmas really, as after Christmas I want to start to wind down and take it easy as it will only be 8 weeks or so before my due date! The hubby and I spent a day sorting out the baby's room. He is going to be sharing with the step-daughter to begin with as we only have two bedrooms. But fortunately, it is a huge room and we plan to have him in with us for the first 6 months or so. By in with us, I  mean in the cot in our room, not in our bed!

So we unpacked boxes of nappies, cuddly toys, baby toiletries, wipes etc and went through the mountain of clothes that we have been so kindly given by three wonderful women! We've bought a few bits new obviously, we want him to have somethings that his Mummy and Daddy bought him, but really he needs no new clothes until he is about 6 or 7 months old (depending on how big or small he is!). We have also bought a mini wardrobe, which is super cute, and I am soo looking forward to this arriving. The only thing that is really missing from the room is a chair. But I really don't think I can fit one it. Not with bunk beds, a cot, a mini wardrobe, bookshelf and two chest of drawers! But I am starting to think about where I might feed him, especially in the night...

Anyway, this week saw my glucose tolerance test. For those not in the know (i.e. not over a certain BMI!!) this is a test that measures how well your body processes sugar. It basically determines whether you have gestational diabetes (although there is a further test if it looks like you have it). Basically you have a blood test, drink a load of lucozade and then have another blood test a few hours later. Oh and you also have to fast! Mine was on Monday morning, so I had to spend Sunday evening with no food or drink! Besides little sips of water. Not a pleasant evening, but I managed it and it the tests all came back clear!

I also had a growth scan and everything is measuring right, including my fundal height which was exactly spot on! It was also lovely to hear his heartbeat again. I keep saying he as well, as the scanner was able to finally confirm he is 100% all boy! Good job as he has so many blue clothes!

The kicks I was feeling have started to change into more squiggles and wriggles really, I think there must be getting less room in there for him to move around.  Two weeks ago he was lead head down and now apparently he is lead right across my belly (not good!) so I constantly feel uncomfortable and find getting up and bending down really painful.I really want him to move back into head down, although I know he still has a few more weeks to do that yet. Thankfully, the sciatica pain I've been getting hasn't been too bad this week. I took a picture of myself and didn't realise that I've actually grown quite a bit; I can no longer fasten my non-maternity jeans! But everyone keeps saying how neat and small I look. I haven't yet managed to weigh myself yet, but I don't feel I've put any weight on anywhere besides the bump, which is good.  I think the tiredness is creeping back, which I am NOT looking forward to! But if that's the worst of the pregnancy symptoms I get then I guess I can live with it.

My pregnancy app says that he is now around 15 inches long and 2 and a half pounds! I am having baby envy and keep seeing people on facebook or in the 'real' world having babies and I just want mine to arrive now.

I also found my Christmas Day dress this week, which I am most excited about, you can see it here and it is gorgeous, a lovely fabric and really flattering over the bump. I have ordered about 6 pairs of tights as well to see which ones will go best with it!

The next update I'll do will be around 30 weeks, which will be around Christmas time! Can't wait; hubby and I have two weeks off and I cannot wait to chill out.

Maternity bra shopping in M&S!! 

mummystartingout x

It's a boy!!

Just wanted to update you to let you know we have had it confirmed, that, baby is most certainly a boy!

Phew, I was beginning to panic as we have had so many baby boy items donated to us that I was thinking what on earth are we going to do with it all, but also the expense of starting again with pink things!

There are three very kind women, who I don't think know I blog, but have been so so generous and provided the hubby and I with bags and bags of new, unworn and nearly new clothes, bottles, nappies, a bouncy chair, a play mat and so much more - without these three women we would have had to spend so much more than we have.

I am now very much looking forward to going home tonight, writing my Christmas cards and then going through the bags of clothes to see what we have - this little boy is going to have to wear five outfits a day to be able to get through everything he has already! I'll try and post some photos of some of the outfits we have been given... (if you're interested!)

mummystartingout x

Nails of the week: Collection 2000 Bedazzled nail polish in Love Jewel

I think I stopped using Collection 2000 stuff when I was about 15; I moved on to more sophisticated territory and started buying No17 (sense the sarcasm). But recently, a lot of beauty bloggers have been raving about the recently relaunched brand, named just Collection now, and say there stuff is just as good as some of the more expensive ones. I recently bought the concealer on a blogger recommendation and it actually is really good; much more effective than some of the dearer concealers I have used and really does cover up the big black bags under my eyes at the minute (this little monkey likes to wake me up often in the night kicking!).

So I was in Boots the other day and was wandering around looking at nail varnish. My favourite past time. I love nail varnish and love painting my nails, particularly to match an outfit. As I wandered past the Collection stand I saw they had an offer of a free glittery nail varnish if you spent more than £4.99. I had a look and couldn't really find anything else I wanted, but this nail varnish was only £2.99 anyway, so I bought it regardless. The range is called Bedazzled and they had a few different colours. I chose as it has a purpley tinge to it and thought it would look nice over the top of a black nail varnish. I actually put it over an MUA nail varnish, a purple shade, imaginatively called 'Deepest Purple.'  I don't think it would look good just on its own as it might be a bit weak and I don't really like just wearing glittery varnish on its own.

Here it is on my nails (without flash)

Here it is again (with flash) 

This picture really doesn't do it justice at all. I really liked it and loved how it sparkled. It's just right for the Christmas season coming up! I have my eye on one of the other shades, Razzle Dazzle, which I think would be another great one for Christmas and I think it will look really effective with the dress I just bought to wear on Christmas Day, which you can see here, as it's more of a blue shade.

mummystartingout x

Christmas is all around....

I LOVE December! By far my favourite month of the year; indeed I love Christmas. And it's not just about the presents, although, of course, they are a welcome addition! I love the excitement and the buzz of December; the anticipation of Christmas. Living away from my family I look forward to Christmas and the hubby and I go and stay with my parents for a few nights and spend Christmas with them. My grandparents and their best friends and my Aunty always join us for Christmas Day lunch and it's a wonderful day; we eat, we drink, we play games, we open presents and then we veg out in front of the TV in the evening. For me, Christmas is about spending time with the family, enjoying each other's company and having fun. That normally involves a lot of wine on my part, but of course being nearly 31 weeks pregnant on Christmas Day I won't be indulging in that particular tradition this year!

I almost enjoy the build up to Christmas as much as the main event itself. I love going shopping and getting the presents sorted. I save a bit of money each month throughout the year and then in November I get it all out and the Christmas shopping commences. Each year, the hubby and I and more often than not, the stepdaughter, go and watch the Christmas light switch on and for me, this marks the beginning of the festive season and the start of my Christmas shopping. This year I have made myself be a bit more organised and get all the presents, wrap and cards sorted by 1st December! Traipsing round the shops a few weeks ago was actually quite traumatic - I didn't realise shopping would become so difficult when pregnant. And I am not all that big at the minute - but I get hot and sweaty and the sciatica I have been getting starts playing up and I end up limping round like an old woman. So I set the goal of having everything bought by 1st and I achieved it! Which I am pretty impressed with myself for.

I am a big sucker for the cheese of Christmas I suppose; I have looked forward to Costa bringing out their festive hot drinks for weeks! I was not disappointed. The Caramel Salted Latte is amazing as is the Black Forest Hot Chocolate - definitely worth a try. The hot chocolate was a little sweet, but so yummy with black forest syrup and cream!

I also love decorating the house; I always do it on the first Saturday of December and this year it just so happened that the first Saturday in December this year also happened to be the 1st. We always make a day of it and it is a family occasion. We clean the house and then the hubby helps put the tree up and get the lights working and then I start on decorating it. I always put Michael Buble on and some other Christmas albums and then once all the decorating is done I make Delia Smith's sausage rolls and Gruyere and Parmesan cheese sticks and we have them as a treat late in the afternoon. This year, we had the stepdaughter with us, so it was lovely that she was able to help us and share the occasion too. She even got to choose a Christmas tree and decorate it herself for her bedroom. As it was the 1st she got to open up her advent calender which she had been looking forward to for ages. I am not all that keen on non-traditional calendars so we compromised this year; she still got a chocolate one, but it looks a bit more traditional! Last year, my Mum bought her a playmobil one, which was fab! Each day has a different part of a Christmas scene behind it (all playmobil) and then when you get to 24 you have completed the scene! It lasts for ages then and you can reuse it to display your Christmas scene each year.

This year, I also decided to make the advent calendar below for the hubby and I as a bit of a treat!

Every year I also buy (at least) one new tree decoration. I try and get one with the year on it so that I know when we purchased it. My aunty also sends me one decoration in the post to have on our tree. I really like that we can look at our tree decorations and know when we got them - I think it makes it a bit more special. I think I may have gone a bit mad this year as I ended up with 5 new decorations! But I bought two of them from a Christmas Fayre that we went to.

Some of our 2012 tree decorations.

It was also the first weekend that we didn't go out anywhere; I spent the whole weekend in the house just pottering and cooking and it was lovely to be able to chill a bit as I haven't done that for ages! As I mentioned, I made Delia's sausage rolls and you can find the recipe here and I also made her Gruyere and Parmesan alumettes, which I can't find the recipe for, but may blog some time. They are basically a bit like cheesy bread sticks - yummy straight from the oven with the sausage rolls! I also made a beef in red wine stew that I might blog the recipe for too, as it was sooo yummy and really comforting, as it was so cold this weekend. I was a bit naughty and treated myself to one alcoholic drink! I spied the Crabbies Ginger Beer in the supermarket and this had a Christmas theme to it - it was spiced orange flavour. It was fab! I did check the percentage of alcohol and it wasn't too bad so don't tell me off!

Sausage rolls.

 The Playmobil Christmas Advent Calendar (Last year's complete version)

 The Christmas PJs came out

 Costa's festive hot drinks.

My Christmas present from the hubby arrived!

The hubby also did a bit of cooking and made Christmas tree cupcakes! 

I also managed to start reading my Christmas magazines that I bought back at the beginning of November.

Christmas 2012 Magazines 

Finally managed to use this treat I picked up for myself whilst Christmas shopping. 

December is usually a busy month for us; the hubby has his birthday in December, as does the stepdaughter and then of course we go away for Christmas Eve for a few days. There's always lots on; Christmas Fayres, Christmas Discos (the stepdaughter's not mine!) and lots of other festive events like light switch ons etc and I love getting involved. I am trying to not do as much though and I am pleased that I do not need to go back into town until after the New Year!

And of course, I am on the look out, as always, for the perfect Christmas outfit. My ideal one can be found here, but I still want a festive jumper. I was pretty organised and managed to find one in TK Maxx back in September, but it's a bit big and a bit itchy so I am still on the look out. Also, getting one to cover my bump and look stylish is proving a bit tricky!

Now all I have to do is wrap the presents and write the cards and relax!

mummystartingout x