Nails, lunch and birthplan

New set of acrylic nails today

Wearing Bear's xtra large shirt

Lunch from Samurai on Baker Street

Meat dumplings with soy sauce. Always a hit with me.

Been working on my birth plan today, which mainly is my priorities from the moment I arrive at the hospital for Sean's birth.

It includes all sorts from what pain relief I want, who I want present in the room, what position I'd like to use, should I wish to use the birth pool, birth ball or mattress on floor. My request if I need emergency caesarean and what I'd like to happen after the birth, i.e. who should cut the umbilical cord and if I want Sean placed on my breast or washed first. Once I'm done with the final touches I will post it here. Yikes.... I'm scared!!!!!!!

Had my nails done today and feel good about it - I always do, once I've had my nails done. Its a little luxury but I want to look nice and make a nice impression for Saturday when me and Bear are invited home to his favourite clients from Holland.

RIGHT NOW:

Drinking: chai tea with lemon

Eating: no added sugar muesli with soya milk

Listening to: Sky News

Doing: reading incoming mail

Will be doing: calling my dear mum then I'll be watching the second episode of the brand new drama, Lipstick Jungle (based on the best-selling book by Candace Bushnell, the Sex and the City author).


Thinking: that I should go and get my nails done today

Trench coat time?

Statement-making coats have been dominating the catwalks in Autumn 2008 and there are some really gorgeous ones out there. We have the high street versions of various designer coats that are from Marks and Spencer Autumn 2008 Womenswear Collection which I quite like and they are reasonably priced.

I'm however thinking perhaps it's time to dig in to my closet and get my own trench coat out. Its knee length in a pastel pink colour with silk lining in classic pattern from Pringle 2006. Somehow I don't think it's gonna fit me as well as it used to! :-)

Still trendy trench?

Antenatal class

the perfect house wife, haha

I decided to take out my sewing machine today and alter a pair of maternity trousers that I think are too wide. I am running out of options for trousers that fit me nowadays and I refuse to buy more maternity clothes as that there are only a few weeks left now..

Other than that, I have now finally booked an ante natal class which I've been meaning to do for some time. I just couldn't postpone it any longer. It's weird.. sometimes it's like I'm in denial, that I am not pregnant at all and all the baby clothes laying around here are for someone else's child and that I am not gonna experience what will probably be the most traumatic time in my life in a few weeks, i.e. child birth..It's time I face the truth and start preparing properly for THE big day.



This class is called Prepare4birth - the Scandinavian way - which is a one-day workshop for both me and Bear. It is being held at the Scandinavian kitchen in central London.



It is a prenatal workshop for expectant parents which emphasises on the birth partner having a very good knowledge of how to support the woman in labour. It's run by two Swedish women who are both certified doulas, doula trainers, registered nurses and have diplomas in Professional Relaxation Therapy. Unfortunately it's not until 25 October and I hope that Sean is not in a hurry to arrive before then! :-)

Thank You!

Hello lovelies!

Wow, I've had such an nice response to this blog! :-) I got ichy fingers now and finding it hard not writing posts every hour, haha. Thank you for all lovely emails and comments - keep em coming! :-) I'll be back soon. Puss!!

IT’S GOOD TO BE ALIVE! :-)

London Zoo in the background

http://www.royalparks.org.uk/docs/park_maps/regents_map.pdf

Our late Indian summer continues!!! Another beautiful day with crisp Autumn air, bright sunshine and not a cloud in the sky!

We therefore decided to go make the most of the weather and once again, we went for a long walk - this time around the outer circle in Regents Park with stops at various places incl a bakery, the Sherlock Holmes Museum, London Zoo and of course I mustn’t forget to mention the four times we stopped for me to go to the toilet.

What used to be a power walk has now become just a stroll in the park - nevertheless it was lovely being outside in nature and it reminded us that it’s good to be alive.

Temptation at the bakery, wearing tracksuit bottoms Juicy Couture, white longsleeved top H&M, brown padded down waist coat from Esprit, brown suede Gucci loafers and an LA baseball cap from a stall on Venice Beach, LA.

The Boating Lake

Water fountain

Sunday football

Lovely Autumn colours in the Avenue Gardens

Week 34 - pregnancy update and arm candy from Marc Jacobs

Here’s a little pregnancy update as I’m today entering week 34:

Belly button - Mine feels like its on the verge of popping, as its not an inny or outty but a flatty at the moment - I keep wondering if its going to make the move out!

Bladder – seem to be more squished than before with Sean sitting deeper in my pelvis, so toilet vistist may well be up to 20 times a day.

Breathlessness - Sean is certainly bouncing on my diaphragm as I normally get it a few times a day without any major activities.

Needles and pins – The sole of one of my feet is completely numb due to water retention.

Feeling very hot – especially at night

Walking – I’ve found myself walking as if I’m carrying a watermelon between my legs

Yesterday I forgot to post this pic which I took while browsing in Marc Jacobs in Selfridges:

Arm candy this season

Saturday is here...

....and ♥ Bear♥....

....and I went for coffee in Queen Mary's Garden cafe (above)....
followed by a stroll in Regents Park....
then passing by the Swedish Embassy on our way to Gap......
...where we bought a cardigan for Bear and one for our "baby Bear" ♥Sean♥

Friday shopping for Sean

Aren't they cute??? Baby Nike trainers I bought from yesterday's listings on Ebay

brown corduroy dungarees, Gap
Duffle coat from Gap

soft and cosy on the inside- perfect for winter

Hello again! Had to rush as I was meeting someone in town for 9.30am and I wanted to get to the shops early to avoid crowds. I went to GAP to use the 30% discount voucher I informed you of earlier in my blog (and attached link to voucher), and YES it worked, it's not a scam as some seem to believe, so hurry up before offer ends on Sunday.

Last night was incredible. I was pampered to the max during a whole hour's session. The masseuse brought her own special equipment which enabled me to lay on my stomach (well not really, as there was a hole for it) the entire time.

She mainly focused on my back and lower back where I've lately had pain and cramp due to carrying all these extra kilos around.

Afterwards I got up fairly quickly which I shouldn't have, as it made me so unbelievably dizzy. It felt like someone had drugged me, and it lasted for quite some time. I'm guessing that the blood pressure drops as the body goes into relaxed mode. Also, toxins being circulated through the massage are being released and working their way towards elimination.

The minute my head hit the pillow at 9.30pm I was out like a light and slept like a baby throughout the whole night, which is a first in a long time. I am seriously recommending massage for all pregnant women out there. xxx

Morning glory

This is me this morning, before and after shower. Am in a hurry, off to town, but will report back later. The sun is already shining over London, 20 degrees is expected today :-) Have a wonderful start to the weekend. Puss!

Appreciation

Thank You my darling Bear

Today has been one of those days again, when I feel totally exhausted.. I lay on the sofa feeling sorry for myself, feeling heavy and useless. I have accomplished absolutely nothing today. I tried to clean my bathroom which used to be a simple task, but not anymore, it bloody killed me.

I am feeling so frustrated because the smallest of tasks are so hard.

So this is why I'd like to say a big thank you to my boyfriend who has book a 1 hour pregnancy massage for me this evening, in our own flat :-)
The masseuse will be coming around 7pm and I will prepare the room with dim lights, nice backround music and light some candles to get that whole nice atmosphere.

I appreciate everything you do for me and Sean, Bear. You are my everything. I love you.

Week 33 - heavy, tired and aching

Pssssst! A little secret for you celeb spotters....

Handsome devil

Last week Bear received a letter at his office, from a film production company informing him and other businesses in the same street, that they will be filming Sherlock Holmes - The Movie, in Freemasons Hall, Great Queen Street. The lead role is to be played by heartthrob actor Robert Downey Jr.

The location is near Covent Garden, (right opposite Bear’s office) and filming will take place from Thursday 2nd to Monday 13th October.

The movie (directed by Guy Ritchie, Madonnas hubby), is not due for release in the cinema until much later next year, but for all you R D Jr fans (including me!) who can’t wait until then, and would like to grab the opportunity of seeing the bad boy in real life, ....... you now know where to go!

Other celebrities starring in the “all-action” movie about the famous detective are Will Ferrell (as Dr. Watson), and Sacha Baron Cohen (AKA Ali G and Borat).

Five things you don’t know about me

Pinball machine

1. I am a pinball champion and have competed against women from all over Sweden, and at the age of 18, I was flown to Gothenburg for the Swedish pinball championship finals.

2. I am allergic to oysters (found out years ago whilst eating one in the Ritz in London and suddenly fainted in the middle of the restaurant)

3. I am double jointed.

4. I know the whole alphabet in sign language by heart

5. I am musical (i.e. I read notes, sing and find harmonies)

Today's outfit

Today I'm wearing white long sleeved top H&M, beige parka with hood from Primark, topshop jeans, ballerina shoes form LK Bennett and handbag from Prada.

lounging in Ama's kitchen

Irresistable! Who-the dog or Ama? You decide for yourselves! ;-)

Bear dropped me off at Ama's this morning at 8am as he was driving past there anyway, going to a workshop/seminar in Berkshire.

We had breakfast and were hanging out in her kitchen, she booked her trip to Monaco (lucky her!) for Friday and at one point I dozed off on her sofa! Exciting, eh? :-)
I am so extremely tired these days and the only explanation I have is being pregnant, but I guess we'll have to wait and see the result from the blood test. It might show that I have amenia or am iron deficient..

She later persuaded me to go for a walk which I'm glad we did, because I haven't had much exercise lately. On our walk I saw this irresistable dog and by the owner's permission, I took a picture. Isn't it gorgeous?? Doesn anyone know the specific breed?

Anemia test

Just as I was ready to get back to bed and snuggle under the weight of my protective duvet, I remembered that my consultant yesterday told me I had go and have a blood test to see whether I have anemia.
So I've just come back from 111 Harley Street which is only 15 minutes walk from my flat. On my way back I popped in to The Natural Kitchen on Marylebone High Street for some lunch. A pasta and tuna salad.

Absolute Vintage

Morning all!

Woke up at 5.30am with pain in my bowels from constipation. Completely clear and awake in my head though, I decided to get up. I made a bowl of porridge with cinnamon and have been trying to add labels to my blog (still learning), so sorry to those of you who's had lots of posts sent out this morning - my mistake!

This afternoon I'm going in to town to see an old friend, Hannah Potter (love the name!), who's coming up to London from Wales for the day. It will ge great cause we haven't seen each since she left London a couple of years ago.

And for anyone with a love of vintage or unique clothing; I've got a little tip for you. I reckon this is London's hottest vintage shop...
It is an Aladdin's cave of bargains where you are spoilt for choice with over 1000 pairs of shoes on offer.
Both men's and women's clothing can be found so you won't feel too guilty for dragging your boyfriend along too. :-)
Ab Vintage is also a firm favourite with celebrities with fan including Kirsten Dunst, Kelis, Sienna Miller and Peaches Geldof. Pictures are hung above the counter highlighting some of their celebrity customers.
So, is it a bargain or blowout? - Definitely a bargain. Prices can be as cheap as £3 for a scarf and dresses are in the range of £8 to £25. Go and have a look for yourselves and let me know!

Address: 15 Hanbury Street, London E1 6QR

Ante natal update

Been to my ante natal appointment this evening and everything is good, although I hadn't put on any weight at all since last time (three weeks ago) AND since the time before that too, which was 14 July!!! Not sure if that means anything but can't help but worrying. I guess Mr Wright, my consultant, would have said if there were any problems.
This is probably the only time in my life when I would have liked to put on weight...

After examining me I was told Sean is getting in to his position with his head deep down in my pelvis (which explains the constant need to go toilet), his bum right below my ribs and hands and feet on my left side.
My consultant said re my blood pressure "It's like a 12 year old's "- i.e. good I guess? :-)

Bigger is not always better

Imagine waking up to this view

Jeffery Broadhurst’s Shack at Hinkle Farm

Look at this little shack is built by Architect Jeffery Broadhurst for his family in a 27-acre mountaintop property in West Virginia.

Built by himself, friends and neighbors, using off-the-shelf materials. Board-and-batten siding and a standing-seam, terne-coated steel roof sit atop a wood platform. A ladder unhitches and swings down, providing access to the entry door. Oil lamps provide light and a woodstove heats the space.

Hand-powered, gravity-fed plumbing system, and water is heated using the woodstove. Rainwater from the roof supplies the outdoor shower. The front wall is an overhead-acting aluminum and glass garage door, opening to a cantilevered deck.

Wearing my new jacket - I'm loving it but can't do the zip up cos of my expanding belly.

Here are pics from yesterday's trip me and Bear did to the Lido Cafe. I forgot my camera so had to use my phone instead but it worked quite well.

The Lido cafe is located in Hyde Park, and has great views over the Serpentine lake and a stunning outdoor terrace and great facilities. It's entirely civilised and, as the restaurant is licensed for alcohol, you can enjoy a glass of white wine with your salmon salad. I however, had a tomato soup to start with followed by a warm goat cheese salad and Bear had a pizza and we both had coffee.

This evening I'm going for my antenatal appointment. This will be the first time in three weeks, but I will now start going every two weeks, and nearer the end I will go every week.

My consultant weighs me, test my urine for any sugar or protein, listens to Sean's heartbeat and tells me the position he is in.

I am really excited to go there but it's almost as surprising everytime I'm being reminded I've got another human being inside me, it's so weird and unreal....

Will post update of that later. Now it's breakfast time. Bye Bye X

Sunday, lazy Sunday

If only the weekend lasted longer! Sunday again which means I'm entering week 33 today. Judging by the sun shining through our windows, it's gonna be yet another nice day in London. I sent out Bear to buy coffee and sandwiches from Starbuck together with the Sunday papers. We always buy The Sunday Times and News of the World http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/ for the latest gossip.

A big disappointment when I noticed this morning that I've made a mistake with the dates of the Baby Show - it's not until next month! :-(

Oh, and I've done it again.... done what? bought another pair of slippers! These are actually not really slippers, they are called slipper socks and they are fluffy with a diamond stud on the side :-) I got them in black but they have them in pink too so am considersing to go back and get them as well. How much? £2 at Primark :-)