MY LAST DAY

Ok, it isn't my last day forever, and I will be back, but for the foreseeable future, I won't be coming to work at The Times anymore, and that is a surreal feeling! I am excited to have a bit of a life-breather. I know, all you mothers out there are laughing into your sicky muslins, in the knowledge that having a baby isn't a breather in the slightest. But a change is as good as a rest, as they say, so it'll be nice to have a new pace to my life.
To not have to sit on the Bakerloo Line (and then the District and Circle) for close to two hours everyday is going to be an amazing relief. And then, there is the whole desk thing, that's been getting progressively more uncomfortable. From now on, I'm going to keep my legs stretched, my back extended, and generally be a lot more pleasant to be around.
It is sad leaving the job though. I love all my colleagues and the work is fun and stimulating. Ho hum, but I'll be back, under my new 'working mother' guise.

And the celebrations begin

Look at these cute biscuits that were sent as a gift from the very lovely RobinaPRextraordinaire today. There are 4 more layers underneath, so we're all on a sugar high and loving it. So many work colleagues have been emailing and calling to wish me well, that it makes me feel a bit sad. Anyway, I'm sure once I'm lounging about next week, not a care in the world (in theory, at least), it will put pay to that work nostalgia. And my work friends will still be here when I return.
Last night we had another NCT class. This one was more relaxed and everyone seemed chattier and laughed more. We did some good Dad-on-Mum massage action, lots of swaying, which the boys all found hilarious, and contraction practise with a soundtrack that had a sharp noise that got progressively louder and then tailed off. The teacher, Ruth, gave the boys some useful encouragment phrases; the one I liked the best was 'Well, you'll never see that contraction again, it's gone. Well done.' She said to take each contraction separately and I'm going to try and follow her advice. Let's see how long I last before I crumple into a heap of panic and call in the anaesthetist. Anyway, there was lots of useful information, as before, and she always takes time to talk about the baby too, which I think is important.
With just over 4 weeks until Due Date (mine, not the release of the film, which actually looks very amusing), I'm starting to really believe that this baby is coming. I just need to put some art up on the walls of the nursery, roll out the rug and basically act on all these nesting instincts. DH won't recognise the flat after I've been home alone with a hammer and some picture hooks.

The Profile Diaries: entry number 5

Well here I am, with a big, stripy nearly-9-month bump. You will be sad to know that this will be the last toilet photography on the blog, because from next week, I'll be all warm and snuggly - and not restricted to a office bathroom mirror - at home. Oh yes, it feels great. Actually, it feels kind of normal. Despite me only having 2 days left at Times Towers, it's kind of like every other week. It's hard to imagine not doing the daily commute, or chatting to my work colleagues or writing news stories, such as the one I've just compiled on men's grooming. Did you know that one in seven men wears eye liner?! Me neither.
Last night, as I was falling asleep it suddenly struck me that this baby inside, this little person, is, well, it's own little being. I had this pointed out to me because after a long soak in the bath, a lovely massage (thanks DH) and some restful chat time, my body was feeling as close to a temple of relaxation as I've known for some months. When we turned off the lights every muscle felt warm, and soft. Then the Bear started kicking. I think it was saying, 'Oi, you might want to relax and chill but I'm my own person, you know, and actually, if you're asking, 11pm is playtime, so stuff your heavy muscles, I'm going to have a p-a-r-t-y.' I think it had a good time, because it was dancing for ages. It's fair enough, I suppose. The bear isn't me, and I'm not the bear. At the moment, my body is its home, but that doesn't mean we need to do the same thing at the same time. Clearly, this little bubba has a strong will (mmm, wonder where it gets that from?!) and it won't stop having a bit of a kick for anyone. In a way, it was kind of sweet. After a while, the bear calmed down, and wait for it, I slept. So actually, everyone ended up happy.
Although the bear has it's own routine and likes to do its own thing sometimes, it does at least sleep through the night. Really, it never wakes me up and only re-activates when I start talking in the morning - then, kicking resumes as normal. The bear is kicking now, in fact. It probably knows I'm typing about it and wants it's own say. Well, sorry bear, but you're going to have to make an appearance if you want to actually get in on the action.

Something else to clutter up the house - I mean, welcome the baby with...

This seems like a very nifty product to make life easier with a newborn. It's by Stokke and it's an attachment to thier already hugely successful toddler seat. I know it's hugely successful because two of our little friends (ages: 3 1/2 and 4 1/4) have them, and even us adults have been known to perch happily on their comfortable seat bottoms for long dinners and general down time. This, above, is to stop the baby-screaming-on-the-floor-while-you-eat situation. Apparently, little ones don't like being ignored. Big ones don't like being ignored either; I should know, I'm the Queen of give-me-attention. So I'm thinking the Pullen Bear will be too, and probably won't enjoy being in a bouncer on the floor while we all eat roast chicken. Maybe this is the answer? I won't be buying it now, I need to have this little bubba first, but it's on the metaphorical back-burner.
I am fully aware that I haven't uploaded my Profile Diaries yet this week. I would have done it today, but I'm wearing a denim dress and it doesn't really mould around the bump, so you'll get no sense of any shape changes. I'll wear something tighter and more bump-friendly tomorrow and will upload immediately. As an aside, I feel like my old self today. This dress has been around for donkey's years, and I'm wearing it with my Gap black/white stripy long sleeve (bought circa 2005) and a red Kookai cardigan (bought circa 1998 - I'm not kidding). This is a classic Alice combo and amazingly, the bump fits in treat. This outfit sure as hells beat the floral dress I wore yesterday. I mean, unbelievably, I actually received some positive feedback from people in the office, but pale pink (even over black tights) does nothing for one's bump proportions. I looked like a hippo, in a not very cute way.
I know that once Saturday rolls around and I no longer need to look 'smart' for the forseeable future, it'll be all Ugg boots and leggings - and I can't wait. Working out what to wear in the morning is an unfair obstacle to an already tiring day. And frankly, I'm over it.

While I struggle with my wardrobe..

French Connection decides now is the time to launch a maternity line. First thought (after, wow, that girl looks hot), is, er, 'couldn't you have thought about this maybe, I don't know, six months ago?'
The clothes are fabulous and for all my newly pregnant readers, they'll be on asos.com this week, so don't decline those festive party invites just yet. Seriously, there are some great dresses in the collection. They're as nice as I am bitter... just saying.
Anyway, moving swiftly on. Today is my last Monday in the office. Hoorah. I might be commiserating myself on missing the French Connection boat, but I'm jolly in the knowledge that as I write this, I have just 4.5 days left in the office. That includes one day that I may work from home, so it could mean just over 3 days left commuting, stretching in the toilet, getting 'haven't you popped yet' glances from people I don't know at The Times, and a general rush every morning as my body takes its own, slow, pace, and I invariably turn up late. I can't really imagine what it's going to be like not working for quite some time. I mean, my gmail account gets about three messages a day (if it's lucky), whereas my one at The Times, well put it this way, it isn't even 3pm yet, and I'm already on 200 odd. It'll be hard relinquishing my brain from all that internet chitter chatter. But I'm determind to hand my Blackberry back at the end of the week (RIP BBM), and I will try not to miss it a jot. I'm thinking that shopping will have to replace emailing for the first few weeks. What? At least I'm not going to start smoking!

After all that chat....

...the buggy arrived. It doens't actually look like this yet, it's more of a flat-packed box at the moment, but it's at home, ready to put together, and it makes me feel calmer and more prepared. The car seat has also arrived, so now we can legally take our baby home from the hospital. It is also currently in a cardboard box, but hey, hopefully the Bear will arrive after we've done the recycling!
We also have a poo bin. Thrilling.
I had a good midwife appointment yesterday. I hadn't seen Claire before, but she was attentive, gave me lots of time, and we chatted through everything that I've been experiencing over the past week or so. She has referred me to the birth centre at St Mary's, so I'll be continuing my ante-natal care there from now on. I'm intrigued to see this marvellous birth centre. It's meant to be fab and hotel-like, so I'll report back once I've done the tour (but presumably, before I get the t-shirt).
While the midwife was measuring me, the Bear decided to do a little dance. It was pretty amusing for all involved (I'm almost positive the little one was having a laugh at us from the inside too). So now, in my notes, it says something like 'lots of fetal movements reported by mother, and I saw quite a few myself too!' I think that was nice of her. Being a bit human, having a sense of humour and generally just being nice and friendly counts for a lot when you feel like a big house on two small legs.
I had a real wardrobe meltdown this morning. Dresses have become tops and tops have become, well totally redundant, and I'm always too warm, or too cold, and even with my 6 years as a fashion journalist, I'm never sure what to put my feet in, in this cold but sunny weather. So I tried on several outfits, had a mini (internal) strop and am now all in black. I'm never all in black. It's not me, but it was the least offensive option and thankfully, my body temperature seems to be resting somewhere around normal.
Tomorrow we are off to Bicester to buy DH a new suit. I'm playing the dutiful wife - mainly because I know there is a White Company there that sells cheap baby grows.

A doll in a plastic cervix

We had our first NCT class last night. It wasn't particularly well timed, seeing as it was DH's birthday and Spurs had some big match that the boys found hard not to focus on... but anyway, we made it to the house in Belsize Park and so began our education in getting this little Bear out into the real world.
I am happy to report that my group seems very nice indeed. Surprisingly, I think I was one of the youngest in the room. This says a lot about first time mothers in North West London, but was good, because there weren't any annoying ones, and everyone laughed together at certain things, so I think we'll get on and they'll be a nice support 'on the other side'.
We started by introducing ourselves, and talking about one positive thing we thought about the pregnancy. Ours was a kind of pathetic 'it's been easy', type thing, but there were some lovely stories about couples really connecting together and you could tell that everyone had enjoyed the experience so far. Despite being one of the youngest, I'm actually, on the paper, second in line, to pop. Obviously, due dates don't mean jot, so we'll see where I end up in the birthing order.
Ruth, our teacher, is enthusiastic, and managed to rouse a few glazed-over male eyes, despite all the technical terms and general information overload. We looked at the position of the baby (hence the doll) and did some collective breathing to teach us how it helps with pain; we were all leaning back on our knees at the time and had burning thighs. This was difficult enough with an 8 month bump, so I'm not sure how I'll cope during labour. But best not to think about that now.
Aside from the chocolate digestives, the highlight was probably the film she showed at the end about 'skin to skin' touch straight after the birth. It should little James who had just been born and managed to find his own way to his Mummy's booby. Amazingly, he then instinctively pressed down around her nipple to get the colostrum flowing, and we all coo-ed and ah-ed at the marvel that is childbirth. Another thing I didn't know is that when you are skin to skin with a newborn, the mother's temperature will rise or fall depending on whether the baby needs heating up or cooling down. Wow, isn't life amazing.
We finished with a relaxing, close-the-eyes type session, where Ruth talked about the fact that no wonder babies cry. They have always been carried, and never put down, they've haven't had to ask for food, thanks to a continual supply via the umbilical cord and they miss the reassuring sound mummy's voice, which has been the backdrop to it's life so far. It was rather moving in a way. And then we came home to watch Mad Men.
This was a good distraction, but didn't prevent me from lying in bed and rethinking all the information imparted on us earlier in the evening. The result of all this mental evaluation: 3 hours sleep.

The profile diaries: entry number 4

Sorry, I'm a day late on this. But the chair took precedence. Anyhoo, the profile diary is back to celebrate my 34th week (or 35th week coming, which is the way all the American sites refer to pregnancy time, and which is frankly, rather confusing). Look how much I've dropped. This picture has even surprised me! And that's saying something seeing as I inspect the bump every morning and evening. It certainly feels like the Bear's head is lower. Crossing my legs is a total chore these days, and I walk like a very slow OAP. But anyway, at least things are heading in the right direction.
This picture was taken in our new fashion cupboard. Notice how much nicer, and brighter it is than the hovel we inhabited previously. I am excited to finish work, but I'll miss it too. Especially the bonuses, like the two pairs of cream cashmere socks that I've just swiped for my hospital bag.
In non-materialistic developments, the Bear is EXTREMELY active at the moment and it's slightly freaking me out. It's hard bone against my soft tissue is a feeling that I can't describe. I love how active it is, I find it reassuringly, but the proding and the waves of movement that you can see from several metres away are certainly something to get used to.
It is DH's birthday tomorrow so I've been trying to dart around to get extra bits for him as I like to spoil the old boy on his big day. It turns out that 'just popping into town' after work, isn't quite as easy as it used to be. Yesterday, there were delays on the Bakerloo line so I was sardined in (not comfortable at the best of times) and then, after dragging my butt around the shops, had to run for the bus. I call it running, because in my head, it was a progression from walking, but in truth, I'm not sure I actually picked up any extra speed. Thankfully, the nice driver of the number 6 saw the whale coming and left the doors open. Then I collapsed (as elegantly as possible), into the first available seat and huffed and puffed all the way home.

The nursing chair: Before and After

Look! We have our chair back, and it looks so cheery. That's what I wanted. A happy, playful chair that gives the room a sense of fun. It is also extremely comfortable and feels very sturdy thanks to Steve The Upholsterer. I sat in it comtemplating the changes ahead for a good fifteen minutes yesterday and not a back pain or squashed diaphragm ache in sight! Now I just need one of those funky V pillows to wedge under my (weedy) arm so that I can support this bubba as it feeds.
I also did something crazy this weekend: I BOUGHT THE BUGGY. Yes folks, two sticking points (the chair fabric, and buggy conundrum) have been resolved in one fail swoop. I'll pat myself on the back to make it easier for you. I went for the bigger, more solid Cameleon in dark grey and cream, and it arrives on Thursday, so that is exciting. I also bought the car seat and a poo-ey nappy bin - both vital in very different ways.
It's exciting that things are finally coming together. Especially as I'm going to be done with work next Friday and then I can really focus on the bubba and getting the house ready. There isn't too much more to do, although I need nappies. Isn't that strange? I can't get my head around them. They're even more freak-inducing than the buggy purchase. You have to buy nappies before the baby is born. It's odd. I think I'll take Darling Mother for emotional support.

I hope I'm as creative as this Mummy

How brilliant are these pictures! They were done by a Blogger called Mila's Daydreams (click her name for more), I I think they are totally fantastic. There is so much joy (I hope!) in new motherhood, and this really sums up the fun you can have with your baby. I'm not sure what her background is, maybe she was a set designer before she had Mila, or maybe, she dressed windows? Either way, Mila's Mummy has the most fantastic imagination and I want my baby to look as cute as this while it naps. How she gets it into all these clothes and poses without waking the little tyke is beyond me, but I'll let you know if I manage anything half as fun in the coming months! What a lovely, happy Friday post for you!

Zzzzz

This is me today (although a bit less yellow). Wow, this pregnancy insomnia is driving me c-razy. I fall asleep ok, and then bam, 3am, and I'm wide awake and ready to tackle the day. Last night, I tossed and turned until about 4am and then I gave up and went downstairs. Two things kept me smiling. My lovely Celtic Sheepskin slippers and the fact that I got to Skype chat with lovelyfunnycousin Holly in Australia. It was actually the perfect time to catch each other, so at least I'll have company when I start doing those midnight feeds. I didn't get back to the land of zonk until gone 5am, so today I'm fuzzy-brained and useless.
Happily, I've done something extremely important re the pregnancy: I've booked my last mani/pedi and bikini wax. Vital, I'm sure you'll agree. Phew, at least that is in place.

Hats of to the miners

Clearly, this entry isn't massively baby related, but the rescue story of miners in Chile is all I can think about today. I jumped out of bed (not easy with the bump) and rushed downstairs at 8am today to watch some of the live footage. We - DH and I, I don't think the bear was aware of the news story unfolding in front of our eyes - couldn't believe the amazing scenes of recovery and strength of character that was being beamed live from Camp Esperanza. It really is a tale of survival, endurance and relentless love. Even DH had a tear in his eye as the youngest miner was reunited with his father.
I can't imagine what those families have been through over the past 69 days. And there I was thinking I was having a hard time, with the tiredness and the acid. Stories like these put your live in perspective. They make me think about the big, important things - and people. Seeing as we're on the cusp of becoming our own, new-look Pullen family, this story really makes you stop and focus on what is important.
I didn't mean to get all moral on you. If you're wondering about the Bear, it's fine, thank you very much. We're both looking forward to yoga tonight. For one, it's beats the England football match that we had to endure last night, plus my back is in need of a mammoth stretch.

So I bypasses the hearts...

And went for this spotty pram blanket instead. I know, this is extremely dull information to impart, but today I really don't have much to report. Unless, of course, you want to know about my bad sleeping, funny walking or achey thighs. See, the blanket is interesting, when you put it in context.
Funnily enough, I haven't bought the pram yet. This is mainly because I can get it as 'next day delivery' and for some reason, that freaked me out a bit. Seeing as the cot bed is now in situ (albeit boxed up) and the changing table has been constructed (thank you DH), I think now is the time to deal with the buggy. So I will go forth and order, and then report back with my findings.
On the sex front, no not that kind of sex, the sex of the baby, the last week has been all about BOY. Everyone has suddenly started saying boy again. It's very strange. Even Christian Louboutin (sorry to name drop) who I intereviewed last week was adament. He said, in his jolly French accent, that it's because I don't have 'any of ze pimples'. Mmm, I'm not sure pimples are a sure sign of girl or boy, but the rush of boy feelings has certainly got us firmed up on the name. It's been a struggle getting there, but I think, finally, we have one that we both love. And that will hopefully suit this Bear, if it does turn out to be a Mini Boy Boy.

The profile diaries: part 3

So here I am, 33 weeks and my tummy is getting bigger, rounder and lower. I've definitely felt the change in the past week. When I sit down, the bottom of my bump now rests on my thighs and crossing my legs has become somewhat challenging, which is actually no bad thing as I'm not in this pregnancy thing for varicose veins. What you can't see from the photo, is that the insides of my thighs are also feeling strange. It's as if I've done a mammoth session on the scary leg apparatus in the gym, and yet all I've actually managed - aside from sitting at my computer - is one brisk (ish) walk around Queens Park.
You don't imagine that at this stage, you're still going to feel weekly, sometimes daily, changes, but they are still happening.
Darling Husband had a productive weekend in the nursery. I actually helped put the candy cane style door knobs on the wardrobe, and then while I entertained some of the girls, he built the very chic (sorry, I really like it) chest of drawers. Then John Lewis came and delivered a whole heap of things, blind included, so now although most stuff is still boxed up, we seem to be moving in the right direction!
We took a trip to see Toby's lovely Grandma yesterday. It was a bit sad saying goodbye, as she doesn't live in the UK. A bit like my Nanna. It feels amazing that soon, we'll be making them both Great Grandmas, although sadly neither will be here for the birth. Hopefully, the bubba will make the long trip to Australia in the New Year, and DH's grandma will be able to come over pretty soon after it's arrival too.
It's funny, because this little bear is the first on both sides. That means, we are making siblings into aunts and uncles, parents into grandparents, and so on. It feels nice and special to have this privilege. The little Pullen is going to be one lucky little thing as everyone is so excited and has so much love to give. Let's just hope it's not a crier, or we won't have any visitors!

Hearing Mummy (that's me)

I don't need to read fancy studies (there are plenty, by the way, the most recent was done concurrently in China and Canada) to prove that this Bear knows it's Mummy's voice. We had a little conversation the other morning, and it went something like this. Actually, the start of the conversation was involuntary gurgling from my stomach. As my digestive system gets squeezed to infinity (and beyond) the noises seem to increase. So there I was, half asleep in bed, and my stomach started one of its orchestral symphonies. I'm kind of used to this kind of melody, but the bear had the shock of it's life. The minute my stomach started playing the double bass, the baby kicked and punched and felt like it was having a mild panic attack. It was kind of sad to feel, so I thought, maybe my voice will help soothe its fears.
I started talking. It felt pretty strange - me, alone in bed, talking to an unborn fetus - but the minute I started, the baby calmed down. I said things like, 'It's ok baby, nothing is wrong' and that seemed to do the trick. Until the next rumble gathered pace. Again, the baby didn't know what was going on it's is usually peaceful home (incidentally, we've give the bump an address: Bear Pullen, 1C Lynton Road, NW6 blah blah blah). So, I talked again in a soft, reassuring voice and it helped calm the little one down. Wow, I thought, as I lay essentially talking to myself in bed at 7.30am on a rainy London morning, my baby knows me, it likes me - it's probably the only person in the world who isn't irritated by my whine. Nay, it seems to like the whine.
It was a special moment and I feel that we are closer than ever, me and the Bear. I feel like a real Mummy-in-the-making since our chat the other morning, and, having watched a disturbing programme on children in care homes, I've realised I need to do this baby proud, and give it the best home - with DH, of course - that is humanly possible.

I don't have anything pressing to write about today

So I'm going to waffle on about my hospital 'look'. Yes, it's a pretty amusing oxymoron, as I actually plan to give birth in a pool and thus shall be naked for majority of my time at St Mary's, but when I do get dressed (and if I haven't succumbed to an epidural/c-section and will therefore be wearing a buttock-exposing gown) I hope to wear this nice, soft Topshop night shirt and my very comfy Celtic Sheepskin slippers. I think it's a good look. I will buy a pair of soft grey leggings in case it gets chilly in there, but if I remember correctly from visiting other new Mums, maternity wards are a notoriously warm place to hang out.
I've put the night shirt in the baby of baby bits of bobs (read: clothes) that I've accumulated over the past month or so. It sounds like I have lots, but really, it's just the snow suit, and a couple of pieces I've been given. All need washing so I'll start that lovely chore once work is in my wake (3 weeks, and c-c-c-c-ounting!)
I had a good yoga class last night. One of the ex-attendees arrived at the end with her new daughter Deja. The baby was absolutely gorgeous and the mother extremely interesting. She actually had a water birth at home and felt that the whole thing was much more comforting and relaxing than being in a hospital. I could never do an at-home birth, I'm far too much of a worrier (and cleanliness freak) to deal with all of that, but I liked hearing her story. Things are beginning to feel very real on the birth/baby front. I'm not going to be pregnant forever, there is a baby at the end of the tunnel, and I can't wait to meet it!

Does getting expensive baby stuff for yourself, make the baby spoilt?

I hope not, because I've hopelessly fallen in love with this Anya Hindmarch Baby Emergency Kit. It is a bit like a wash bag with loads of nifty sections inside to keep nappies, creams, clean clothes and the like. It is a stupid amount of money, which is why I'm pulling some strings and hopefully procuring myself this organisational wonder product without parting with any (or very little) money. I will report back on my findings.
So today is a very exciting one, because another bumpette has produced a baby. It is actually Benny Wenny's due date, but seeing as he was born early, he very kindly gave up his due date to another Mummy-to-be in the gang and yes, this morning, a little baby girl was born. Well done P and H! Can't wait to meet her.
My news is rather dull. I'm not as uncomfortable as I was last week although I'm feeling rather hot the whole time. I'm assuming this is to do with the 4.5lb of unborn child that is strapped to my front. Talking of which, my What to Expect When You're Expecting app told me that this week will be the peak of baby kicks and boy, is it right. Apparently, because the amniotic fluid is at an all time low, and my uterus has thinned out, AND the baby's bones are toughing up, this means lots of play time for the bear and not much for me! I'm totally not complaining, by the way. It's an amazing feeling to have your unborn child kicking about in your insides, it just puts one off their Weetabix somewhat at 8am.

The profile diaries: entry number 2

Mmm, another toilet shot, sorry about that. I suppose, if you think about it logically, it's actually pretty apt, what with the amount of time I spend emptying my bladder these days. Sorry, TMI, I know, but hey, I'm about to go through one of the most undignified experiences of my life, so a little bit of toilet talk is nothing these days.
So as you can see, or maybe you can't (sorry about the quality), my bump has definitely grown in the last 7 days. Rather than outwards, I feel like my side have increased, as if my uterus is spreading its wings and I now have bulges where I used to wear a belt. I can even feel the Bear kicking about in its new lateral conversion; it's a bit odd, to be honest. I love the bear's kicks, but kicking in your sides, well, it's never going to feel normal, is it?
As you can see, either foolishly, or brilliantly, I am still in some of my pre-pregnancy gear. I'm not sure if this reflects well on my previous wardrobe choices, but at least I haven't wasted money on empire-line smocks. Seeing as I've saved so much, DH and I have just invested in a Flip video camera. It's to document the little one, from day one (and before actually, DH wants the bump in all its glory wandering around the flat). I'm excited, I've never had a video camera before and this one looks totally foolproof, so I should be able to create some footage of my own once it arrives from Amazon HQ.
There is a lot of purchasing at this stage of pregnancy. I think it's to detract the mind - and body - from the fact that you're carrying around a 4.5lb child 24/7. Heck, it's helping me...

We need a what?!

We need an ear thermometer, apparently. The Big Shop, was a Big success - even down to the tiniest, most thermometer-y details. I thought I was losing DH at the first hurdle when we went to order the blind for the baby's room, and he spent the whole appointment on his phone 'checking the football scores.' Oh dear, I thought, this is going to be a long day. But he perked up when we got into the baby department, and actually had opinions on things like fitted sheets for the cot bed (to terry towel, or not to terry towel?), and was extremely interested in the coconut layer that sits somewhere between the springs and the rest of the bumpf in the baby's mattress.
Granted, I soothed his day with a quick trip to Uniqlo, where I circumvented the women's department and oo-ed and ah-ed as he tried on jumpers.
Then we treated ourselves to a lovely new rug (the baby got one too, obviously) and a decent coffee break and wham, bam, the shopping was done! Of course, we still have a few bits to get, but I feel safe in the knowledge that the bulk of the baby's stuff is arriving in a week and we can start unpacking (him) and washing (me).
The rest of the weekend pasted in a calm, if somewhat sleep-deprived manner. I don't think the orange juice before I go to bed, as advised by my GP to help with iron absorption, is doing anything for my acid attacks. Twice I woke up and built some kind of pillow/seat contraption only to find it less comfortable than being flat and acidy. So although we didn't do much, I'm still a bit whacked. So for once, I'm thankful to those pesky tube workers for striking today. It meant a day at home, and frankly, anyone who helps me achieve one of those, these days, deserves a medal (or at least a pay rise).

THE BIG BABY SHOP

It's happening tomorrow, and if I wasn't so darn tired (long, boring story), I'd be jumping up and down with glee. Instead, I'm amusing myself with this cute picture. Obviously, our trip won't involve two babies, but still, it's a sweet image for a Friday.
I have a list as long as my arm of things to buy, courtesy of Lovely Friend Amy. So I feel prepared and DH is actually quietly excited I think, or at least, not totally dreading the prospect. Especially, as we'll be heading to the baby department via Uniqlo so that he can get some new cords and stuff. I think he's really buying into this Dad Wardrobe thing. He already has two new coats and wants some jumpers too. I'm assuming there are going to be a lot of 'big walks' on the cards.
Anyway, we're going to John Lewis (where else?!), and we're going buy up big on the 4th floor. We're also investing in a Flip video camera so that DH can film the birth. Kidding, seriously kidding. It's so that we can film the little one as it grows up and hopefully enjoys it's life at our little Queens Park home.
The rib/diaphragm (who knew diaphragm had a 'g' in it?!) thing is still a right pain in the chest (ha ha) so I've decided that I'll be spending at least a day a week working from home from now on. Deputy seems to think this is totally fine, and she knows, she popped one out last August and found commuting while you waddle rather taxing too. So I'm relieved that there will be a bit of respite from this office-related body pain. Talking of which, I must dash, have another pregnancy massage to attend to. It's all in the name of work, you know. Boy, I do love my job sometimes. Toodle pip.