We are home!

Yesterday evening we took a taxi ride from the hospital and headed to Shad Thames. It felt so good to be home! 

This is how we were welcomed. I loved it, so much better than the hospital (apart from the views of the Thames, of course)! 

P.S. Emilia tested both the Bugaboo and the crib and slept like a little angel. 

Also, she sends a message to all of you: Thanks very much for all the nice wishes and compliments. I can't wait to meet you all and play with you :)

Labour Day...and finally Emilia!

So, I haven't written for a couple of days and I think you could guess why?!

Here we go...once upon a time....and this is the story of my labour.

On Sunday September-2nd, at 3.45am, after a couple of days of pain and irregular contractions, I was awaken by a massive pain in my lower belly, and all of a sudden I understood what contractions felt like and let me tell you, I didn't like it! I stayed calm in bed for a good hour without telling anything to Rob nor my parents. I checked how regular they were and they were already five minutes apart, but they didn't last longer than thirty-fourty seconds. At about 5.00am, I woke Rob up. The contractions were getting more intense and closer to each other. I could see the excitement on his face when I told him what was going on, finally the wait was over. I dealt with the pain for a couple of hours and then we called the hospital. They advised us to stay home another hour or so and then call them back. Long story short, we ended up calling the hospital three times before we got admitted. We called a taxi, grabbed the bags, and started our adventure. At the hospital I was assessed, and thankfully I was 4.5cm dilated, therefore I was sent to the Birth Centre and not back home! They explained to us that they only admit women who are at least 4 cm dilated. We were given a lovely suite overlooking the Thames, right next to the London Eye. Not bad for a labour ward! After ten hours of active and regular contractions I requested an epidural and boy am I glad I did it! Once the epidural kicked in, I was in heaven. So much better. Labour went on for quite a few hours and it wasn't time to start pushing until 9.30pm, almost eighteen hours after the first regular contractions. After pushing for an hour, there was still no trace of the baby and all of a sudden the baby's head felt very high. Baby O decided to turn on her shoulder and this caused some little problems. The doctors decided to transfer me to the operation theatre immediately and get me ready for a C-section. Although they were still hopeful to be able to deliver the baby vaginally with the help of forceps, at that point, for the safety of the baby, a C-section had to be considered. So, they dressed Rob up and to the theatre we all went. Not for a minute I felt scared, all the doctors and members of staff made me feel incredibly safe and in excellent hands. They tied me up and topped up the epidural, just in case. The doctors did everything they could to get the baby's head in position and once they could see it they asked me to push very hard. By that point I was almost completely numbed and had no feelings in my abdomen and legs. But I wanted Baby O to be delivered naturally, I didn't want to have a C-section after twenty hours of labour! So I pushed, and pushed as hard as I could. I couldn't see anything, I had my eyes closed in the effort of pushing but at some point I heard Rob screaming: Oh, Vale, look! And there she was, our beautiful baby girl. 

Baby O was born on 2/09/2012 at 23.46. She was a little ball of 3.6 kg and long (or short!) 52 cm. I had been thinking of that moment for so long but you can never be prepared to the wave of emotions that attack you when you see your baby. In that exact moment Rob and I became mum and dad and from now on we have someone to look after. Please welcome our little Emilia.

Final (!?) Gain

While the pregnancy is still rolling, I reflect a bit on what has been going on in the last few months...

It has been interesting to see how pregnancy is treated in different countries. Being Italian I get a lot of information from my fellow Italians who have already given birth in Italy. Also, being married with an American guy and having quite a few American friends, I receive details about antenatal care in the US too. Moreover, all my international friends fill me in with what happens in their countries. One interesting difference is the way pregnancy gain is treated in each Country. While doctors and people in general in Italy are quite obsessed with how much weight you gain during these nine months, I have only been weighted once in this Country, right at the beginning of the pregnancy, back when my weight was still 53 kg. However, I still weighted myself every now and then at home, out of curiosity. The first four months I didn't gain any weight, in fact, I lost three kilos. remember all the sickness? That's why. But from the fifth month I started putting on weight rapidly. Until the eight month I was quite in shape with a total gain of about 9 kilos, if I remember correctly. Then something happened. First of all, our home scale broke, so I stopped weighing myself as it wasn't reliable anymore. Then, I started gaining several kilos in a week or so. Everybody tells me that you can't really see it, that in person I only have a very big, round belly, and that from behind nobody would guess I am pregnant. But I can see I am bigger. My legs are definitely bigger, although, according to my mum and dad they are better now (they think my *normal* legs are too skinny, otherwise) and my face is certainly a bit rounder too. Anyway, I weighted myself one more time at the doctor and it looks like my current, and hopefully final!, gain is....14.5 kilos! Can you believe it? I can't. One thing for sure though is that this belly is starting to be heavy! I am starting to have problems sleeping (I know, I can't complain, I have been sleeping fine until week 40, so I feel quite blessed), I am bored of the same position and my back hurts.

Speaking of which, I have some updates on labour signs: I now have backache, menstrual cramps and it looks like I have started to loose my mucus plug, or at least I hope that's what it is! Sorry, I don't mean to be gross but many of you have been asking...

Now, these are only signs and it can still take quite some time for me to go into labour. But something is happening. 

While I am growing rather impatient now, I still try to live my life normally. I took a nice stroll with my parents yesterday afternoon and even made a two-course dinner for them and Rob last night, and apparently it was delicious! As usual, I'll keep you posted and thanks so much for all your messages, I am overwhelmed by all your love.

Nine months recap

Nine months are a long time for a woman to be pregnant, I have said it before and I'll say it again! 

In all honesty though, I cannot complain. In the end my pregnancy has been pretty straightforward with no major problems. It has definitely been an interesting journey, with ups and downs, and lots of changes. My body, of course, is what has changed the most. If I look at the first pictures I took, back in week 12 or 14, I cannot believe how big I have grown. I seriously cannot wait to have my waist back...together with my skinny legs! And...I cannot wait to start clothes shopping again. I want nice pairs of trousers, lots of them! But first thing first, I want Baby O to come out...I can't wait to see her!!!!

Due Date

First of all, thanks so much to all of you who have been in touch today. I can't believe how many of you remembered that today is my due date and felt to check on me. As always, I feel blessed to have so many loving and caring people in my life.

I am sorry to report that, unless I go into labour now and have a rather short labour, Baby O is not going to be punctual! When I first found out to be pregnant, they told me that my due date was September-2nd; then, they gave us a new date at the first, or *dating*, scan. I wonder if they got it right :) 

Thankfully, I still manage to stay calm. Of course, I am quite impatient to meet my baby girl but I am not feeling anxious or scared. No need to get panicky now, there will be plenty of time for that later on! All the people around me, instead, are growing rather impatient. Every morning when we wake up both my mum and Rob ask me: "Nothing yet?" and all I can say is: "Well, did you see me going to hospital last night? Or did you see me screaming in pain? and most important, do you see a baby in the house yet?". They make me smile though, I know they mean well. 

For now we can only wait and try some natural tricks to speed up the process. 

Also, despite being very skeptical, I checked the calendar and the full moon is approaching (August-31st). It's a widely held belief that a full moon can kick full-term pregnant women into labour. So, as un-scientific as it is, let's have some faith in the moon! 

Midwife appointment

Apologies for the silence, I realise that when I don't write for a couple of days, you all think something has happened! Many of you have asked me to write more regularly, so here we go. And I thought I was bombarding you with news already...

I have just got back from a midwife appointment and everything is going well. Mama and baby are doing great. She did the usual checks and everything is fine; this time, she also asked me if I wanted a membrane sweep and I said yes. Without going into details (I doubt you want to hear them!), it looks like something is indeed happening. Of course, this doesn't mean that I will give birth today, although it could happen, but at least it's good to know that things are progressing as they should. 

Meanwhile, I try to live my life without being too impatient, and enjoy the nice spells of sun that we have been having these days in London. 

This morning my mum and I left the flat around 9.30 and went to a local cafe' for a delicious breakfast. We chatted for almost two hours. It's so nice to have her here, I don't get to spend so much quality time with her usually. I miss that, but that's part of the burden of living abroad, I suppose. After breakfast we strolled to the More London Place, where all the little fountains are, and enjoyed watching all the kids playing with the water. It was endearing to see all those little kids and all I could think of was baby O. Next Summer we will play with the fountains too!

I felt particularly good strolling around this morning and feel very lucky to live in such a great area, in such a cool city. 

All the walking, however, made me tired. It's time for me to rest a little now. But before I go I want to thank you for all your support! I know you are thinking of me and baby O and feel blessed to have such good friends and family. Grazie!

Labour Signs

Still here with no baby, folks!

At the antenatal class, back in July, among many other things, they talked about labour signs. Yesterday, I took the chart they gave us to see if I am getting close or not. Apparently, these things could happen before labour kicks in. I have added my status in the last column.

Of course, every woman reacts in a different way and not everybody experiences all these signs. 

I seem to be having some of these but definitely not the most important ones. Does it mean that there is still quite a long way to go?? Hope not.

Meanwhile, mum and Rob are getting more and more anxious and forcing me to do things that are supposed to speed up the process. I am adding chilly oil to every meal I eat these days and take a little stroll in the area at least once a day. My mum is also making me take the stairs up and down when we go out. Six floors of stairs people, six floors! If that doesn't induce labour, what will?

This morning my mum and I went out a little. It was a nice, crisp day in London. Once back home we took a couple of pictures...hopefully the last ones with the bump! And as you can see, pink flowers are a must these days! We are getting there...Stay tuned.

"Last" Week (or so I hope!)

So, today I enter the 40th week. Somehow, it's hard to believe it has been nine months already. If I think about the moment we found out I was pregnant or the moment we told our parents, I get a bit emotional. It has been quite a journey. I am certainly ready to have this baby now but thankfully I am not feeling impatient or anxious. I just can't wait to see her. I haven't had any nightmare about labour yet, which is very good, and I am not too concerned, strangely. I mean, I know it's going to hurt and the process will last for a while but I am not too scared. This baby has to come out and there aren't many options! 

Unlike her mummy, she doesn't seem to be in any particular rush, so sorry for those who voted for her birthday to be on the 19th and 20th. Next guess on the poll is for the 25th. We will see, of course, you will all know when it happens. 

Last time I posted pictures of the bump was two weeks ago. Back then I thought it couldn't get any bigger but I was wrong. Look at this watermelon! 

The last two weeks have brought a big wave of tiredness. I am constantly exhausted. However, I try to stay fit as much as I can. I can't really walk too much but I still enjoy a short stroll along the riverside. Apparently, walking also helps to speed up the process, so bring it on! In fact, I am about to go out now and am thinking to skip the lift this time. Six floors of stairs here I come. Anything to help Baby O to come out! I have also added some chilly oil in my gnocchi for lunch today. Do not underestimate the power of spices! And tonight we will try with pineapple and raspberry tea.

Another gift of week 39 has been super swollen feet. I bet you can tell from the pictures. Even flip flops are not that comfortable any more. 

Apart from this though, I am doing ok. I don't sleep well but that's mostly because of the heat. We sleep with the window open and the fan all jazzed up but I still manage to sweat. Next baby will have to be born in winter! 

The very good news is that my mum is now in town. She arrived a couple of days ago, which means help help help. She has been treating us with the best dishes and has already baked a kilo of Rob's favourite biscuits, the famous *ciambelline all'anice*. It's very nice to have mum here, I feel more relaxed and so does Rob who is starting to panic a little about the big moment and needs some help. Interestingly, I seem to be the most relaxed among all...My dad is not even here and is already all nervous. He is flying over next Thursday and I truly hope to have given birth by then...I don't want too many panicky people around!

Beauty Treatments

As the arrival of Baby O is approaching, I am trying to look after myself a little so that I will be ok for a while. If I look good, I feel good and hopefully that will help me to face the big moment! Also, everyone and everything I am reading recommend pampering myself these days, and so I did. On Monday I had a waxing, on Thursday a pedicure and today I had a hair appointment for colour and blow-dry. I usually get to dye my hair once a month because of the gray hairs, so next appointment will be on the 12th of September...by then Baby O will be in our lives, hopefully! My parents will still be in town so they will get to spend a day with the baby while mummy takes care of herself...I am sure they will love it! 

 

It has been rather hot in London and my feet have been struggling a little. This morning I couldn't find a pair of shoes that fit. I was ready to go out in flip flops when I had a Cinderella moment, thankfully a pair of jelly shoes that my mum recently bought for me fit like a glove. And I got to show off my newly pedicured nails. It's all about pale colours these days, in London at least. The big nail colour of the moment is white/cream but I opted for a dark plum colour. I am not very tan and white would have been too light for my poor feet.

The hair looks nice, I think. Same colour as usual and straight for a change.

Now, it's waiting time....

By the way, it doesn't look like Baby O will be born on the 10th, unless I am going to have a very short and quick labour! It's already almost 23.00 o'clock in London...So sorry for the person who voted for the 10th. Next guess on the poll is for August 16th. We will see...

Full Term

I am now officially full term! Baby O could be born any minute now and won't be considered premature. Technically, I am not due until August 29th but I wouldn't be upset if Baby O decided to come a bit early.

Life has been quite hectic lately with the Olympics but I have been trying to enjoy it as much as I can. Surely I am very slow and get tired very easily but I am trying to stay active and live my life as much as possible. London is just beautiful these days, even more than usual! It would be a shame to lock myself in the flat until Baby O comes.

As you can see from the pictures below, I am rather big! The bump, I mean. Thankfully, however, I can still carry this belly fine, it's not too heavy and doesn't hurt my back too much. I can walk and sleep just fine. Nausea, indigestion and heart burn are still there but they are part of the game, so I can't complain. The iron tablets I am taking seem to be helping a little and I am not as out of breath and weak as the last few weeks.

Now, let's hope the next couple of weeks are going to be smooth! Th clock is ticking...

London 2012: Volleyball

Yesterday, Rob and I headed to Earl's Court for the Women's Volleyball Quarter Finals. But first, we stopped by our friend Steph, who leaves just few minutes away from the Exhibition Centre, and spent some good time with her and baby Juliette. Both Rob and I held Juliette and even got to see a diaper-change in action. Rob is freaking out at the idea of changing diapers and really appreciated seeing it first hand. He feels more confident now. We will see, as he will most probably be the first one to change baby O at the hospital. I loved chatting with Steph, it's so nice to have a friend who is experiencing motherhood for the first time like you, and it was very nice to see Juliette who is growing so fast, she is just adorable!

After an hour with the girls, it was time for us to head to the Exhibition Centre. Outside it was packed but thankfully my 9th month bump got on the way and everyone was super nice and attentive. We were allowed to take lifts instead of stairs and they were all so sweet telling me that if anything happened that night, there were loads of doctors on site. I felt ok and protected. I must confess, I did have some shocks (I don't think they were real contractions) during the games but nothing to worry about. Two people voted for the 7th of August on the Baby O's birthday poll and I was ready to make those two people the winners last night...but, I am afraid it didn't happen. The next guess in the poll is August 10th. Wouldn't it be nice if Baby O was born on San Lorenzo's Day? Instead of admiring the falling stars I may be staring at the ceiling asking for help from above!

Back to yesterday evening: we watched two games: America vs Dominic Republic and Italia vs Korea. The Americans won easily, 3-0, while the Italians made me suffer quite a bit and lost in the end, 1-3. Despite the loss, we had a great time. I really enjoyed the games, the atmosphere, and all the attention me and Baby O got. Also, the sausage baguette we ate was delicious too! 

America vs Dominic Republic

The Italians entering the field. Nice memories of me playing...not at the Olympics, though!

Italia vs Korea

So, our Olympic experience ended yesterday and we loved it. I am sure we would have gone to more events if I wasn't so heavily pregnant but I am still quite satisfied with myself. I didn't think I was going to be able to make it, but I did and it will be nice to tell Baby O that somehow she was at the London 2012 Olympics. I am happy with the way I have been throughout this pregnancy, no major freaks out and no silly panic so far; I am sure the British motto *Keep Calm and Carry On* has played a big role here! Hopefully, I will stay strong throughout the final leg of this journey! Fingers crossed!

In Position!

Hi folks, I had two doctor's appointments in the last couple of days, so I thought to give you an update on the status of Baby O and mama.

I saw my GP yesterday. He called me last week to schedule an appointment. Apparently, he had received my blood results from the lab and wanted to see me. I knew exactly what the matter was: iron! My iron level had dropped in the last few weeks; so far I had been able to avoid iron tablets (which I hate!) but not this time. As soon as I entered his room he said: *There is no iron left in the tank!*. And we both smiled. Nothing to worry, really, as this is rather normal at this stage of pregnancy. But I have to admit, I have been feeling quite exhausted lately. So, he prescribed me two/three tablets per day and I started yesterday evening. We will see if I will get a burst of energy! 

This morning, instead, I saw the midwife. I really like her, she never makes me feel rushed and is a very lovely person. She first checked on me and then the baby. We are both doing well. And the big news is that Baby O is in position! She has been cephalic for quite some time but now her head is very very low. This doesn't necessarily mean that she is ready to go, of course, but it's a good sign. The usual checks were all ok and it was nice, once again, to listen to baby's heart, strong and loud as usual.

I managed to write my birth plan last week and showed it to the midwife this morning. She said it was perfect: just one clear page. She told me that sometimes mums get so descriptive and write four/five-page birth plans and it all becomes a bit complicated when the moment comes. I am not a big writer, I always use headings and try to be as concise as possible. My birth plan mirrors my habits. We will see if we will indeed follow it on the big day! Lots of things can happen and change.

And, on a different note...I did weigh myself...and.......it looks like I have put on almost 12 kilos!!!!! Hopefully, this is mostly baby and placenta weight! I must look pretty big though as on my way back home from the surgery I was stopped by a guy who said: *No long to go! Good luck!* I thought it was sweet though and I do really hope we are getting very close to the big moment!

36 Weeks

Today I am 36 weeks pregnant. This week is a crucial one as at the end of it I will reach an important pregnancy milestone: Baby O will be considered full-term and I could give birth any day. Life is getting a bit more complicated; I am always tired and out of breath. I need to rest very often and spend a lot of time on our rocking chair (thanks Ila!). 

I have definitely become bigger, as you would expect, and the bump is now rather prominent. Thankfully, I can still wear normal clothes, dresses are surely the most comfortable option. I haven't weighted myself in a few days, our scale doesn't seem to be working properly (or so I say!), but I have a midwife appointment next Tuesday and I will definitely check the damage :) 

Thankfully I can still sleep fine. I usually fall asleep on my side but then I tend to turn on my back in the middle of the night. I do take a couple of trips to the loo but I can safely fall back asleep. So, I can't complain. 

I am getting slower and slower and walking has become a bit of a chore. But it is good to get out of the flat whenever possible to get some fresh air, so I try to force myself out every now and then. 

The annoying bit is the nausea. I am never really hungry and do not enjoy eating. I have troubles digesting and have a bit of heart burn every now and then. What a joy! 

Moreover, something has started. I don't know whether they are the *famous* Braxton Hicks or not but I have started to have tightening pain in my lower belly. The tightening is short but it is quite uncomfortable, sometimes it even makes me scream...I wondering how loud I am going to be during real labour! I am taking them as a sort of rehearsal and try to practice my breathing techniques, although I am not really sure how prepared you can really be once the real thing kicks in! I have to say, I am still quite relaxed but I am getting more and more aware that the big moment is approaching. 

This is why this morning I finally wrote my birth plan. I have used all the headings suggested by the midwife at the antenatal class and will discuss it with my midwife at the appointment next Tuesday. Writing what type of delivery I would like to have and what types of pain relief I will want to try made the all thing much more real. Let's hope it is not going to be too long and too painful!

Mum and grandmum's visit

Mum and grandmum have now left. They arrived last Tuesday morning and left this afternoon. Their company and help have been invaluable. During their time here they have cleaned the flat, hand-washed all Baby O's clothes and bed linen for the Bugaboo and crib, ran loads and loads of laundry, ironed, washed the curtains (which I had never done since we moved to the new flat!), stitched curtains and tea towels, embroidered bibs, and most of all kept me company. I am now officially on maternity leave and the flat is empty without them. I miss them already. 

Here are some pictures of them in action:

And a close-up of all the bibs they made. I can't decide which one is my favourite...

Aren't they adorable?

List of Don'ts

When I moved to England, almost nine years ago, I came up with the idea to write a list of things that I wouldn't want to do one day as a parent. You know those things that you really don't like about your own parents and their behaviour, and you promise yourself you'll never do it as a parent? Well, my concern is that I will forget one day and will end up acting exactly the same way. Anyway, eight years and a half later and I haven't written that list yet. 

However, I have now come up with another list. A list of things that I want to try to avoid when Baby O finally comes, things that I see other parents or grandparents doing and that I really don't like. I know my mind will go blank as soon as our little girl arrives and that most probably I will end up doing and saying these things anyway, but if I have this list to go back to, hopefully I will take it into consideration and remind myself what used to bother me before I became a full-time mum, devoted to our little princess! So here we go:

1. Do not ALWAYS and ONLY talk about your baby. Surely there must be other interesting topics of conversation, otherwise how would have you survived until now? 

2. Do not be a fool and think your baby is the -EST: best, nicest, biggest, smallest, tallest, shortest, fattest, funniest, smartest...and the list goes on an on!

3. Do not complain if she doesn't sleep enough, eat enough, talk yet, walk yet, is clean and potty trained yet...She is just a baby, she'll have time to develop all her skills. There is a time for everything. 

3. Do not compare your baby with other babies. They are all different. 

4. Yes, you are a mother now, but do not forget you are still a wife, a friend, a daughter, a grand-daughter, a niece, a cousin, a colleague...you have lots of roles to play.

5. Do not think your life is over. You can still, and indeed must, get excited about potential trips, holidays, exhibitions, festivals, concerts, dinners out...And if you can't or do not want to bring the baby along, what are nannies, baby sitters, grandparents and friends for? 

6. Do take care of yourself. It is still important to look beautiful and healthy. So treat yourself to a nice manicure and pedicure every now and then, keep your hair clean and shiny, look after your body and be fashionable. You have a baby, not a disease. And keep eating healthy and get your body back on track as soon as possible! 

I am sure with time I will update this list and add more items but this is a good start for now. Mums out there, do you agree with me? Or am I being completely unrealistic?

London Baby Shower

Today was the day of my London baby shower and what a day that was. I had such an amazing time.

I had been looking forward to today since the moment Natalie set a date for my baby shower but when my Italian baby shower got cancelled (oh well, postponed) for the reasons you already know, I got even more and more excited about this London do. So this morning I woke up and after a lovely breakfast with Rob I got ready. I tried a couple of outfits on and finally went with this one. I wanted something sweet and with pink touches, of course! So I picked a blue dress and pink accessories, shoes, cardi and bracelet.

When my girlfriends saw me they were all kind of shocked at how big I am. The bump keeps growing and growing, I wonder if Baby O will be a big baby or this is just a fake :)  One thing for sure I hope to get my body back as soon as possible after the big event. 

The baby shower was simply amazing. We ate lovely food, chatted as only good friends can, had fun playing a game, opened gifts and took a stroll around Barnes. 

Natalie organised such a fun game. She printed photos of famous people when they were babies/kids and we all had to guess who they were. Some were very easy but others took some time to identify. It was so much fun! 

And after playing the game, Baby O and mama had the most fun opening the gifts! Look at all the wonderful things we got: a Dior milk bottle with its case (how chic is this??!!), sleepsuits with union jacks and tea-cups, stickers to mark every month birthday, a clay baby prints kit, cardigans and a super sweet pink and blue dress. Also, my lovely friends brought gifts for my recent birthday; I got a mother-to-be set of organic body products and a book of the best tea houses in London. My girlfriends and I have already decided to use this book to start a new series of monthly afternoon teas around London. I can't wait! I feel so fortunate to live in a cool city like London and most of all to have such amazing friends.

To thank my girlfriends I made little thank you bags with white, pink and black cupcake cases. And ladies, if you are reading this: Thanks again for such an amazing day, you are the best! 

Antenatal Class and Tour of Birth Centre

A couple of days ago Rob and I attended our first antenatal class. The topic of the class was Labour, birth, pain relief and relaxation. It was an afternoon class that ran from 1.00 to 4.00pm. Before heading to the community centre were the class was being held, we made a stop at our local cafe' for a lovely brunch and then off we went to Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre. I really like this place, it's modern, it's vibrant, it's colourful and it's very welcoming. I mentioned it before on this blog as they also have a nice nursery. In fact, while we were there we collected all the information about the nursery, just in case. We have actually decided to have a nanny for the first few months when I'll go back to work as we think it would be better for Baby O to stay in a familiar environment, she will be only 5 months old! I already know it won't be easy to go back to work at the end of January, even if part-time, but at least I hope to feel more comfortable knowing that our little baby is at home with a trusted person. We have already found a nanny we like, let's hope the transition won't be too painful for us!

When we arrived at the centre a few couples were already there and many others arrived soon after. It was nice to see all those bumps gathered in the same room and it was very sweet to see all the husbands and dads-to-be sitting next to their partners, eager to learn something. I have to say, I didn't find the course particularly enlightening. The midwife who gave the presentation and showed us the videos was very nice and offered a lot of details but nothing I hadn't really previously read about somewhere else. I believe these courses were very useful back in the days when information was a bit less spread, but these days with the internet and all the magazines and books available on the topic, I can hardly imagine a mum-to-be who doesn't already know all the details of labour! Rob, however, found it very useful and apparently learned a lot. In fact, most of the questions came from the boys! It's endearing to see how men these days want to be more involved, participate and try to understand what their partners are going through. All in all it was a lovely afternoon with nice couples, about 12/13 couples in the room, and delicious biscuits and fresh juices.

Once the class was over, we took a stroll along the Southbank and shopped a bit. We then had a very early dinner at Nandos, always a favourite, and finally walked to St. Thomas', the hospital where Baby O will be born, for the tour of the maternity unit. This was the best part of the day, we really enjoyed the tour. The hospital is in an amazing location, right opposite the Parliament and Big Ben. All the labour rooms are single and en-suite and have a couch for the partners who want to stay overnight. They all have gigantic windows overlooking the Thames, I suppose it will be nice to enjoy the view at least, while in excruciating pain! Opposite the labour and birthing rooms are the pool rooms; I am still not sure whether I will be using one or not but I guess it's nice to at least have the option.
So, we left the hospital with a big sense of relief. Don't get me wrong, of course, it is still an hospital but it is kind of welcoming, especially the Home to Home area and the garden room, where Rob said will be spending most of the time. And the midwives all had smiles on their face, let's hope we will be lucky with the ones on duty the big day!

Below is a virtual tour of the maternity unit at St. Thomas', if you'd like to have a look.

Guess Baby O's birthday!

If Baby O is like her mama, she could be born as early as the 22nd of July (due date August 29th). Yes, that's right, I was born a month and a week before the due date. One night, while my mum was peacefully sleeping, her water broke and a few hours later baby Valentina was born. And this is why I have tried to get organised in time, you never know. Of course, she may decide that she actually likes swimming in mummy's belly and wants to stay in there for a bit longer than the due date too. Who knows, only time will tell us. One thing for sure is that they usually induce you to labour if baby doesn't have any intention to come out and is still in mum's body one week after the due date. So the potential dates post/ante quem for us are: July 22nd and September 5th.

In the meantime, we can only guess when this will happen. If you have a feeling, or a favourite date, or simply would like to play a game, please participate in the poll below. And there will be prizes for the winner(s)!

Guess Baby O's Birthday

Week 34: We are growing!

Yesterday I entered week 34, only six weeks to go (or hopefully less!). Time doesn't really fly when you are pregnant but it's good to see that it still goes by. And if I think of the first four months and all the nausea and sickness, in all fairness, it does seem like ages ago and I have kind of forgotten all those bad moments. People did tell me I would, but I never thought I could forget how sick and bad I felt for three-four months...well, the good news? You do forget and I suppose that's why you end up having more than one child! 

A little update on the bump and how mama and baby are doing.

As you can see from the pictures, we are growing! I have just weighted myself and it looks like I have put on almost 10 kg! Everybody told me that from month 7 we (me and the baby) would have grown and grown and grown, and I guess they were right. The bump is definitely bigger and heavier; however, I must say, I can still walk fine and my back doesn't hurt too much. My legs are chunkier and the face is a bit swollen too but otherwise I don't feel terribly big and bloated, let's hope I don't *explode* in the last month! I am still able to wear some of my normal clothes. This stripey dress, however, is a maternity number which I think, and hope, to be able to wear even when I won't have this bump anymore. I hate wasting money on maternity clothes.

I am off work at the moment as I took days off thinking to be able to go to Italy (sad face!) but I am not really doing much. I get tired quite easily and need to rest often, so I am mostly at home trying to sort a few things out. I have had a long to-do-list on my desk for quite some time and am glad to be finally able to scratch some of the things off the list. Still a way to go but it's a start. 

I do try to go out every now and then though, it's good to get some fresh air and a little bit of sun. This morning, for example, I took a nice little trip to Earl's Court and visited my friend Steph, her mum and lovely baby Juliette. I had a great time, we chatted as only girls can, went to the park for a bit and ate delicious chocolate croissants. I got to hold Juliette for a bit and for a moment I imagined to be holding my own baby girl, it will be amazing to finally have her with us!

The annoying bit of this week is that I am quite nauseous; this morning I woke up and the nausea was so strong I thought I was going to be sick straight away. But it looks like the "four-month training" I had at the beginning of the pregnancy is helping me to cope with it now. I was strong and went to the kitchen and still enjoyed a lovely cappuccino and two chocolate muffins instead. I must say I am not very hungry these days but I try to force myself a little because I know that baby O needs nutriment and I am her only source of energy at the moment. I mostly crave fruit and sweet treats, I have been devouring so many ice-creams lately!

As for my mood, apart from the little disappointment for not being in Italy at the moment, I am very happy and excited to see this little girl. We are ready for you love, whenever you are...

Hospital Bags Ready!

Today I am 33 weeks pregnant and have finally finished packing our hospital bags, one for mama and one for baby. I will be full-term soon and there was really no need to procrastinate this any further. In theory, Baby O may decide to come any time soon and I doubt I would be lucid enough to pack while in the middle of contractions. So here we go, these two bags are now at the entrance of our bedroom, ready to go. 

I followed the list provided by the hospital, but please let me know if you think I am missing something.

RED BAG - for mama: 

toiletries

towels

sanitary pads

underwear

nursing bras

breast pads

nightwear

dressing gown

slippers

comfortable clothing to go home

personal effects (e.g. ipod - camera - book - games) - to be added, actually. Still need them these days.

snacks (not too bothered by this as there are shops in the hospital but I put some cereal bars in it, just in case)

BURBERRY BAG - for baby:

cotton wool

nappies

wipes

vests

nightdress/babygrow

hat

socks/booties

clothing to go home (I selected three outfits for hot, warm and chilly weather)

blanket

Is this all I need?