New Arrival

I would like to welcome my new arrival Joel Luke Alain Edwards who was born this morning at 9.37 am, weighing 8lb 15 oz. 

7 hour labour which was incredibly painful with just gas an air and a sudden entrance with an added rip so you can imagine how that felt. I think it even shocked the midwife at how quickly my baby boy came out. My reaction was uh I did it, it's over.

I just know I never want to go through birth again I've now done it twice, both very different but equally painful.

Dreaming while pregnant

I had a very weird dream last night, baby was moving in my belly a lot then I could see a hand clearly then a foot then his / her face protruded out. I could actually hold the baby which was a little freaky, it was like baby wanted out but not in the normal way.

It went on I think I was at a work place not my real work though and a midwife came to see me who took blood but didn't have a room to examine me. I didn't sleep long enough to know what happened.

Maybe this means baby is ready to come out or maybe not who knows. I have had some strange dreams during this pregnancy some baby related others not, but recently sleep has been so rare I'm surprised I actually had a dream at all.

Only 1 week and 5 days until due date.

Week 37

Wow week 37 and oh my I feel it, starting yesterday I've had lower back pain which is making it impossible to move around, for three nights in a row I have not slept very well if at all as I feel so uncomfortable plus the thought of the birth ahead is scaring me, every twitch I think it's the start, I know it's going to happen but it's the waiting of when it will.

I'm too scared now to venture out on my own, I don't remember feeling this way in my first pregnancy but I don't think I found it as painful to walk about and the weight of my belly is overwhelming at times it forces me to sit.

I am ready for the baby to come now as I want my body back as I hate having the restrictions on what I can do. I now know how old people feel when they struggle to walk, bend or just don't have the energy to do every day things same for larger size people how can they be happy to struggle to even get dressed, I know pregnancy is very different but it certainly gives you a taste of what others have to put up with day after day.

Getting into Instagram

I signed up months ago but as I was trying to get to sleep which has been impossible with a baby punching me from the inside of my belly and the awful heart burn I keep getting at night I thought I would have a play around with some recent photos I had taken of little man.

As the time has disappeared From 30 minutes to an hour I ended up finding friends on there and even some strangers started following me. I had no idea the huge community of people sharing photos existed. I think I could get into this it's much better than twitter.

I haven't many photos up yet but you can find me under littlebluefeet.

Week 35

All last week I felt exhausted but it didn't help when coming down with a winter bug it's made it impossible to sleep especially with pregnancy pains on top.

I saw the midwife yesterday and all okay although baby is laying to my left side which explains why it hurts to lye that side and walk as baby's head is resting on pelvis so I've been told I need to walk more to help baby move down which is easier said than done as I find it painful to walk with the pressure.
Good news is I have 5 weeks to go, I've
now finished work and its the countdown to Christmas :)

34 weeks

I have reached 34 weeks and my god do I feel it, the hip and leg pain is just horrible so I decided to Google it and it came up with Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) which doesn't sound good as it can cause permanent problems. Think i'll mention it to my midwife although can't expect much help from her as I bet she will say it's normal even though I didn't have this problem in my first pregnancy but we shall see.

I have one week left at work which is amazing, all of a sudden it's here but I need it as it's becoming harder and harder to get up in the mornings then driving 30 minutes for a full day in front of a computer screen. I will miss using my brain for a few months and adult interaction but I am looking forward to having December off to spend with Ollie, getting ready for christmas and the new baby, but also I am hoping for rest before going back to feeding through the night and juggling two children.

My Top Bargain Shops

My Outfits under £20 came from a mix or one of the bargain shops below; 

• Store Twenty One

• Select

• Peacocks

• Matalan

• New Look

• Asda - George

• Tesco Clothing

• Boohoo 

My Outfits under £20 posts:

• Showing off my bump 

• Twelve bargain outfits under £20

No Idea????

I have been watching Gok's fashion programme which I think are repeats but he tries to get bargain buys on the high street to compete against Brix who puts designer outfits together but OMG does he really think every day women would actually spend what he does. 

Yes the designer outfits are put together costing thousands but the high street outfits still work out in the hundreds. The best thing on the show are the Road testers as they are much cheaper that the majority of the watchers may actually buy like the lace dresses test which had a price range from £17 to £50 (that's more like it). 

I find some of the fashion magazines are the same I can imagine the market for mags like Glamour are for teenagers to twenty something even though I'm 31 I only buy the magazine if it has free Benefit make up or something similar free. The pages are filled with expensive designer fragrances and fashion......really what teenager can spend that much unless they have rich parents it's absolute madness.

Why do we not have more programmes or magazines that cater for real men/women and real bargain budgets. If you look over many of my posts you can find bargain outfits that can actually look much better than spending hundreds or thousands on one item. I've actually had complements on some of my outfits that may have only cost me a fiver.

7 weeks to go

Today I have turned 33 weeks and not feeling much better than last week just more emotional, stressed, tired and the thought of birth is scaring me probably because I now know how horrible it can be. The thought of all that pain.

On a better note just two more weeks at work to get through then hopefully I'll be able to relax a little more, I hate having to get up and feeling like I haven't slept to then spend all day in front of a computer screen, I am ready to stop.

I'm not sure how much rest I will be getting though with a 19 month old toddler, he's hard work and wanting my constant attention but all I feel like doing is sleeping. It was easier first time round as any spare time I could rest, sleep and just watch tv if I wanted.

7 weeks until due date and 5 weeks until Christmas where is the time going.

Week 32

32 weeks

8 weeks to go although I had a dream I had the baby early and it actually popped out, that might not be so bad although I seemed to be out at the time with strangers surrounding me. Anyway I had strong urges to clean on Saturday that may not be a good sign, then I panicked that I don't seem to have any definite names to call a boy or girl, I then had to wash the Moses basket bedding so I am prepared for an earlier arrival, it might not happen but I think with the way I feel at the moment makes me think it will. My hospital bag is pretty much ready aswell.

I've had a lot of pressure down below, I woke with what feels like I am swollen and bruised it actually made me cry as when walking it hurt and legs feel weak. Breathing is another difficultly so sleeping is becoming brief and broken.

During the weekend I had braxton hicks contractions, it is not pleasant and I became very tired, irritable and pretty fed up. 

This pregnancy has definitely been harder to cope with, last time I was uncomfortable and I remember not really enjoying the pregnancy but I don't remember being in pain like this one and having such a low mood most of the time.

30 weeks plus 3 days

OMG I am so so tired, I can't seem to sleep through at night as I'm uncomfortable. I can't sleep in my bed without getting achy hips plus I'm stuffy so find it hard to breathe. I've ended up sleeping on the sofa surrounding myself with pillows.

In my thirtieth week I am aches and pains, exhausted, moody, heavy and still expanding, can't walk too much or far otherwise I feel like the baby will just fall out with the pressure I have combined with sciatica, swollen feet and weak knees.

To top it off I still have just under five weeks of full time work which adds to the exhaustion and irritation, while coping with Braxton hicks (so uncomfortable) when trying to concentrate on work and trying hard to be nice to others when you feel pants.

What an experience women have to go through, has anyone actually enjoyed pregnancy?

It's hard going so I do wonder if women feel the same or do some have it harder than others. I'd love to know how you feel or felt during pregnancy, please leave your comments.

Midwife Moan

Has anyone had really good midwife care during pregnancy?

My second pregnancy and now at 30 weeks I have seen two different midwives the current lady seems young and very un-organised and I'm actually shocked she is qualified.
My first appointment with her she was answering her mobile, calling reception to help with the computer system and not really listening to me at all then to top it off while listening to my baby's heart beat she kept the door open so people could walk in and out, I was not impressed in the slightest laying there with my belly out.
Second appointment I was her first appointment but I had to wait 20 minutes before seen. She forgot her midwife number so I couldn't get my MAT B1 form which I have only just got a month later and she continued to answer her phone, it's so rude.

I had my 3rd appointment with her last Friday and still very un-organised she decided to tell me I was suppose to go to hospital to get my bloods done........what! why the hell didn't she tell me before. She wanted me to go there and then so I had to notify work and when I arrived at the hospital I was told the midwife should have given me a blood card aaaggggghh! How the hell has this woman passed her exams she doesn't have a clue.
She wants to see me in another 5 weeks and this time said I'd have to get bloods done again before the appointment but I bet she won't even have the results from the set I just had done and I don't have a blood card again.
I'm thinking I won't bother especially when they are capable of doing my bloods at the surgery, they did in my first pregnancy.

My first pregnancy I had the same midwife for 4 months who was pretty good and then they transferred her and I ended up seeing someone different at each appointment who didn't have much of a clue as they were just cover for a short time.

Well only 10 more weeks and I wont have to see the midwife again.......hopefully :)

All About Books

Since reading the Fifty shades trilogy in July I have really got into reading, I couldn't put those books down and when finished I missed reading so much I went on the hunt for another book and I was recommended 'Bared to You' by Sylvia Day which at first wasn't easy to get into but then I was gripped yet again, it was very similar to Fifty Shades and made you wonder if it was a little copied but it still made you want more so when it ended suddenly and then find out a sequel was to be published aagggghhh! so annoying I just wanted to read a book and finish it but now I have to wait for the next one to come out to see what happens and I've heard it will also be a trilogy.


While I have been waiting for the second instalment of Sylvia Day to come out I have read a book I have had in my draw for years by Danielle Steel - Johnny Angel which was very easy to read and I managed it in a week over my lunch hour at work. I'm not sure why I didn't read it before now, but it certainly ended with a tear in my eye so I would definitely recommend it.


This week I have started Lucky by Alice Sebold who is the writer of the great book 'The Lovely Bones' which I read many years ago and must say the book is much better than the film. 'Lucky' is about Alice's true experience of a rape which is quite stressful to read as you can imagine how she must have felt at the time.

I'm quite proud of myself to be on my 6th book in 3 months especially when I haven't really been a great reader in the past but hopefully I will continue the buzz of reading from now on and to think it was all due to Fifty shades.

If anyone has any recommendations of books I can put on my list then please let me know.

27 Weeks and 13 to go

Can't believe how quickly this pregnancy is going only 13 weeks and I'm a mum of two (that's if on time). Just 7 weeks of work to get through then I can spend some time with my little boy can't wait.
We didn't intend to but we brought a double buggy the other day which makes it all too real we will be a family of four in just 3 months.
I was just browsing in mamas and papas and noticed some buggies were more that half price so after a demo and seeing if it could fit in the car we are now owners of a double buggy.
It's making me think in the next few weeks I better wash everything we used for Ollie and get the Moses basket out so we are ready for the arrival as it's going so quickly now.

Being Creative With Jewellery

I've been posting my handmade jewellery on my facebook page, I have added a selection of drop earrings of all colours and sizes but have many more to add so keep checking my page.

I'm selling them for £2.95 each with a complementary gift bag. Postage is £1.95.

Take a look at my Earring album and let me know your thoughts. I will be adding necklaces and stud earrings which would make great stocking fillers with Christmas approaching with only 89 sleeps to go

Other products include greeting cards and hanging soft animals so check out my facebook page

Maternity Leave....How Long?

I was reading an article about how long you should take off for maternity apparently we are lucky in the UK as we can have up to 52 weeks off as places like Spain, the Netherlands and France only get 16 weeks off, while in the US it's just 12 weeks. I had no idea other countries had such little time with there babies but of course us Brit's can't always take a full 52 weeks due to finances mainly and I guess how you feel about motherhood a lot of women can't wait to go back to work especially if very career focused.  

About 20 % of UK women work just before delivery and return within one and two months. I can imagine if you are very career minded and are in a top position it would be extremely damaging to have a full year off. Some women CEO's go back only after a week, people take more going on holiday that's madness.

I couldn't have gone back after a week I wouldn't have been capable to do my job as I hardly slept the first week, I was in pain due to stitches after a forceps delivery and couldn't even sit down at times, emotionally I was all over the place being a mum for the first time well it hit me hard so how these women do it I don't know do they hand the baby over straight away for someone else to look after?

With my first baby I left 3 weeks before my due date but I was ready to leave before as I found it exhausting.  I was lucky enough to take a full year off but it definitely does take it's toll on your career. Before I was pregnant I had the opportunity to go down the path I finally wanted to in my company and they offered to pay for recognised courses to help my development but I then had to turn it down because I found I was pregnant and my exams would have been around my due date and I thought it would be impossible but thinking about it I bet many women would have still gone ahead. I then took a full year out and once back I found the company had moved on and made many role changes and my opportunity had disappeared completely and I was back to where I had started it felt like I had started a new job which was extremely hard to come to terms with as now I feel I missed an opportunity that I will never get back again and have to settle with being told what to do which isn't easy if you have some ambition.

Then again I don't regret having a year with my baby I didn't miss his firsts which made me incredibly proud and moments that you will never get back so it's extremely difficult to decide how long to take as it is pretty much a decision over your baby and your career.

I'm pregnant for a second time and this time as I would like to spend some time with my son before the second baby arrives so I will start my maternity 5 weeks before my due date and as I've already damaged my career I would still take another year if possible the only thing that will stop me is finances.

What A World

I think I'm naive when it comes to the working world now I feel I've had a year out and everything has changed it's a lot harsher, employers don't really care anymore, a lot more is expected of you. I think the attitude now is that your lucky to have a job so deal with it.

But then again people looking for jobs are just as bad, my work are employing for my maternity cover and 2 out of 3 of the interviewees didn't turn up the other day even after asking for a more convenient time for themselves to attend.
What is going on people they just don't seem to care about others anymore its awful. And I'm bringing a second child into the world it worries me as if it's like this now what will it be like when my children are adults. It's a scary thought.

In my grandparents or even parents era jobs were for life if you wanted and the world seemed a safer, nicer place but now I'm shocked by employers, employees and just everyday..........what is going on.

Ho Ho Ho!

Ho ho ho! You will all love me as I've started a Christmas countdown Only 3 months, 2 weeks and 2 days to go woohoo!

I've only started thinking about it as my second bubba is due 5th January so I better make sure I'm prepared as it could happen earlier than I expect especially at the rate I'm growing. Shops have already started filling the shelves with Christmas and I keep seeing signs and leaflets for Christmas parties and dinners. 

I do love Christmas but this year will be very different as I will be ready to pop so I can't imagine I will want to do too much especially shopping in town for presents, I think I will be glued to the laptop on my sofa. I'm hoping someone else will cook as well.

Any way enough about Christmas in this mini heatwave today - I just wanted to remind you.

My Pregnancy Progress

Week 21

On 29th August week 21 my little baby started giving me proper punches and kicks inside my belly. Even my husband could feel it which was nice to share.

Over the past few weeks I have been getting pains in my left leg when I walk or stand for too long but it took a turn for the worse this week my bum and thigh had shooting pains and the aching was horrible and now that keeps happening, I found it hard to walk the other night. I read that it could be sciatica, oh what joy's this pregnancy is bringing me, people keep telling me that it can get very painful. 

I'm also finding it hard to breathe and not just at night, I'm feeling so heavy and the pressure is just so uncomfortable. 


I'm worried that if I'm feeling so uncomfortable now how will I be in a couple of months. I am now just into week 22 so only 18 more weeks to go.

Has anyone else had sciatica? If so what did you do to make it easier to cope with?

Scan Day: He or She?

I had my 20 week scan today and baby is looking to be a healthy little bundle but he/she wasn't giving anything away and kept his/her legs crossed the whole time and even made the sonographer work hard getting all the measurements by being in awkward positions.

I came away disappointed as I wanted to know the sex of the baby and even the scan photos weren't very clear as you can't make much of the baby out just his/her spine, but I'm not sure the sonographer was much help anyway and not too friendly maybe because Ollie was with us causing trouble and making noise but what are you suppose to do, we had to take him with us.

As the evening has passed my disappointment has disappeared it is actually quite exciting not knowing the sex.
In my first pregnancy I had a surprise boy after being told I'd have a girl so I probably wouldn't have believed them much anyway.

Just another 135 days or so and my surprise will be here.

Showing Off My Bump

I am now 20 weeks pregnant and my bump has ballooned so my clothes have become tighter or even too small so I treated myself to some bigger sized clothes. 

I'm not too keen on maternity clothing as they are so expensive for the time you will actually wear them so I just buy a bigger size.

The Outfit

• Black with white dotty leggings £8 in Asda - I bought these a couple of weeks ago and have now seen them half price in the latest sale grrrrrrr! very annoying for a bargain hunter. I was worried what I would look like in patterned leggings as I didn't want to look silly but I love dots.
• Teamed with a simple black vest £3 in Asda
• My sandals are pretty old now as I have had them a few years but they were from H&M for £5.99

Total cost of outfit £16.99 

Shop Asda sale

Baby No.2 Week 18 -20

My diary over the last weeks

Week 18: 07/08/12 - I think I've had a few flutters today from baby more than normal- last couple weeks had one or two but wasn't sure if it was baby or not but I'm pretty sure it must be today. 

I've been feeling so incredibly tired today well pretty much from week 17 but I thought it was down to intense concentration at work, but 4 days off and this morning I just wanted to sleep. 

Week 19: Most of the week I have been so tired and angry towards other people, but it was a tough week as I mentioned in my last post.

I'm finding I keep waking up in the night, I guess preparing me for those sleepless nights ahead.

20 weeks

Week 20: 19/08/12 - I felt proper movements this evening which makes me feel better as I know things are okay but it also makes it feel very real.
I have to go through all that pain in 20 weeks or so - scary.

21/08/12 - Look at my bump it's huge and it's becoming uncomfortable and heavy as are my boobs.

Can't wait for my scan on Thursday :)

What a week..........

I'm now 20 weeks pregnant (well as of tomorrow) can't believe I'm half way but it sure is tiring creating a person in your belly, I just want to sleep but that proves difficult when working full time and having a toddler.

It hasn't been an easy week either due to other people. Why do people in this world have to make others a misery it's just so un-necessary. Is it because it gives them some sort of satisfaction, power, or maybe they just don't realise they do it but I'm expected to be nice to them but really how the hell are you suppose to be nice to someone who makes you feel like you will explode with anger and you just want to punch them.

I hate being a person who is expected to just get on and deal with it no questions but after being on the earth for 31 years I'm pretty sick of it. Maybe I should become a bitch, seems like that's the only way you get anywhere..... Ridiculous.

On a lighter note my little man turned 16 months and has started to say lots of words which makes me feel so proud. He says bubble, zebra, man, bathroom, giraffe, duck, doggy, and mostly daddy.

I also only have 14 weeks at work until I bugger off on maternity leave, oh I can't wait. Hopefully life will be easier then.

Baby No 2 - Week 17

Week 17 I can't believe it, the past few weeks have flown by nearly half way omg. I'm not feeling pregnant but fat at the moment, I can't believe how much weight I've put on already I'm actually only half a stone away from what I was at my heaviest with my first pregnancy now that is scary as I will be huge at the end of this one. Even my breasts are bigger I'm wearing the size I wore when breast feeding last time.

At least the sickness has gone, that was awful although I'm still feeling incredibly tired especially this week, but other than that I'm okay.

I'm starting to think of names but I never can settle on boy names. In my last pregnancy we were told we were having a girl and we had several girl names we liked and narrowed it down to Poppy or Evie but we only had one boys name "Ollie" as a just in case back up - which was a good job in the end as we had Ollie. 

Only another 23 weeks to go.

 

Fifty Shades........

I have joined the latest craze that involves the name Christian Grey, I'm not a huge book reader but because of all the hype around the fifty shades trilogy I was intrigued to see what all the fuss was about.

I wasn't all that impressed when I read the first couple of chapters but it did get interesting when I reached chapter five but I wasn't sure I'd continue onto the other books so it obviously hadn't gripped me at that point but OMG (in shouty capitals) it all happens in chapter eight.

I became hooked from that point trying to find a spare half hour here and there as I just wanted to carry on ( not so easy when a full time working mummy).

I'm very nearly at the end of Fifty Shades of Grey and wanting more so I have purchased the second book.

I'm not entirely sure what it is about the book, I know it's been labelled women's porn which yes it has a lot of steamy moments but I think it's the thought of a man making you feel the way Ana does....the butterflies, the intense pangs, the mystery, excitement and someone wanting to give you everything. It makes you feel or imagine what Ana must be feeling at certain moments of a slight touch or a stare from Mr Grey.

Well I know it's not just me but many women out there wanting a Mr Grey ( minus the red room....maybe) I think men should start reading it.

What does everyone think about turning the book into a movie?

I'm not so sure as I think we all probably have our own image of the characters so a visual may actually ruin it.

Party Dress

It was my mum's birthday last weekend so I needed a new outfit because nothing fits me at the moment with putting on baby weight already so I had a raid in Matalan. 
I didn't want to wear black and luckily found a colourful stripey dress as in the picture they do not seem to have it on the website maybe because it was in the sale for £15. It was longer at the back and shorter at the front. I think next time I wear this I will get a minimiser bra as they look huge :(

I teamed the dress with these fab Block colour wedges £20 they are fairly comfortable but I  wouldn't want to walk or stand for too long in them. They work really well with the dress.

Week 13

Week 13: (30/06 - 07/07)

I've still been incredibly emotional this week I've found it so easy to cry especially at the beginning of this week but maybe because I have been very very tired as well.

People are really annoying me like neighbours, people on the roads, work even a client who I called was so rude I just felt angry and didn't want to speak to anyone after that.

So I'm emotional, angry and tired when will this come to an end so I feel normal again. One good thing this week I haven't felt too sick.

This pregnancy is defiantly harder than my first and I thought the last one was bad. 

Maybe it's a girl :) 

183 days to go until due date.

Outfit No.12 Under £20

It has been a few weeks since my last outfit but truth is I am pregnant with my second child so I can't actually fit in anything.

The Outfit

• Strappy patterned top from Asda an unbelievable £1.50, it's in the latest sale originally £6 then £3.
• Brown leggings I think these are Primark but I have had them a long time so the label has worn so I'm guessing they were about £4.
• Brown sandals from Asda £2.50 again in a sale but last year they were originally £5.

Total Outfit Cost £8.....BARGAIN

 What do you think?

I Have Some News.........

12 WEEKS

OMG......I am Pregnant with baby number 2 and already showing.

I have recorded my thoughts over the last few weeks on my phone but now the first scan has been done I can publish the start of my pregnancy diary no.2, (5 - 12 weeks).

07.05.2012: Had a positive pregnancy test. I just knew I was as over the last couple of weeks I felt funny, weak, shaky, funny taste in my mouth, weeing a lot and dark patches around my eyes appeared. Also had nausea on / off plus tired which I always am anyway but a different tired, I also hear a heart beat in my ear which I got with Ollie (very odd symptom) I would estimate that I am 5 weeks gone (same time when found out about Ollie).

I have mixed emotions felt pretty shaky when I saw 2nd line appear and then showed hubby omg what will we do as we've just made life even harder for ourselves.

I feel a little embarrassed as we aren't good financially so it's not a good time and I've only been back at work a month but I am kinda excited as we are extending our family, but boy will it be hard work. I actually did have tears as I'm not sure I feel ready for a 2nd and to go through that pain again scares me and pregnancy at work again.

No turning back now uh oh! Can't tell anyone yet, I'll do a 2nd test in the morning to make sure .

Weirdly mum last night looked at my belly and said you aren't pregnant are you as looks hard not blubbery as I was complaining about being fat, looking at pics when pregnant with Ollie I already look 16 weeks.

08.05.2012: 2nd test positive. Kept feeling rather excited today.

10.05.2012: Feeling very sick throughout the day, at one point I had to get up and go the bathroom at work cos I was worried. Very tired. Felt very sick again in evening oh it's happening already.

12.05.2012: Told my mum, I think she was a little shocked.

14.05.2012: Paul told his family so at least out now just got to wait another 6 weeks until scan to tell everyone.

Week 6 - horrible week very emotional feeling very sick. So tired, feel fatter and keep feeling hungry.

Week 9 - been feeling ill last few days not sure if it's related to pregnancy (jubilee weekend) taken day off work as really can't function it, just feel so weak. Past few weeks I've been feeling very sick, emotional and tired. My tummy goes hard sometimes which I'm sure is too early - I'm feeling like I did in late pregnancy last time. Think I've put on another 3lb as well so up to 12st 3lb. I feel like I need to hide the belly especially at work.

08.06.12: First midwife appointment checked weight-which was lower than I thought. I had a blood sample well kinda asked her to as I wonder if I'm lacking in iron as I've been so weak, dizzy and low this week - called work and said I'd be back Monday.

10.06.2012: so emotional today cried before work cos I couldn't face it and fought hard all morning to keep it in then broke at lunch plus feeling sicky and have a cold. Not enjoying it at all but can't wait to get scan date through the post to actually see bubba on the screen.

16.06.2012: Evening feeling so big and uncomfortable.

17.06.2012: OMG what is going on with me Ollie is being naughty and I really can't cope today burst into tears - just feel so low and emotional.

Belly feels so heavy especially when walking feels like im further along.

19.06.2012: Heart burn, keep waking up, out of breath when walking and sure I feel flutters already. Loving strawberries, crisps can't drink tea especially at work (same happened with ollie)

23.06.2012: Am I having twins? I feel bigger, nausea is worse I think and so very tired....I keep thinking it now....find out Tuesday.

24.06.2012: Woke up feeling rough today I'm not sure if it's hayfever or a cold but want to be lazy. I'm so hungry today just want to keep eating.

12 week scan

26.06.2012: SCAN DAY. Not a good start to the morning Ollie up at 6am then started to get very naughty, I'm just too tired to deal with it.
Scan at 10.20am an all is great with one not two strong heart beat and very active little thing, he/she was on it's belly then spun round. I didn't get any feeling of what the sex could be like I did Ollie. Felt much more positive after seeing the little person on the screen.

Freebies and Sales

This week I bought two copies of Glamour magazine as they are giving away free Benefit make up worth £10-15, so I picked up the Mascara and the Pore perfector...I love freebies.

Glamour has listed 100 dresses under £200

Some nice ones on there but £200 you must be joking I can find dresses that are just as nice for a lot less, but to be fair you will see the odd one under £25.



Dorothy Perkins have up to 40% off maxi dresses at the moment, here are my favourites and most are under £25:

• Animal twist knot maxi dress Was £35.00, Now £20.00
• Red poppy print maxi dress Was £32.00, Now £20.00
• Navy leaf print maxi dress Was £28.00, Now £22.40

Animal Twist

Red Poppy Print

Navy Leaf Print

Summer Sales are now on, check out:

• up to 50% off Store Twenty One 
• up to 70% off Select 
• up to 30% off Matalan

Picking the Right Footwear to Help Your Child’s Feet Grow

Babies feet are soft and supple and do not require baby shoes until they are around 11-13 months and are starting to walk. Prior to this it is best to put your baby in a cosy pair of socks and bootees which are less constricting than shoes and will not damage the foot development. Make sure never to use bootees or all-in-one suits and pyjamas with feet if they are too tight.




Image courtesy of Vertbaudet


 

 Once baby starts walking most new mums are out there buying the first pair of shoes; but before you do remember that baby’s feet grow quickly and you may need between two to three pairs of shoes or more in a year. New shoes should be wide enough for the foot to sit flat in the shoe as your baby's feet have not yet developed an instep, or more accurately, the instep of a baby is still covered by a layer of baby fat. Buy a shoe which has around 4cm of space above the big toe to allow room for growth. Your baby needs to be able to wiggle toes and use them in a gripping motion, essential for learning to walk, making it so important that baby shoes always fit properly.


The best type of shoes to buy has non-slip soles and an uncomplicated strapping system. For example, canvas shoes are ideal for summer months as are sandals. For the wintertime you can buy fleece lined lace-ups for little boys and for girls shoes, the traditionally adorable Mary Janes.



Your little one will be most comfortable in shoes made from a soft conditioned material which is well lined. Check frequently that your child is not outgrowing their shoes by monitoring that 4cm space above the big toe. Check that the foot is not being squashed in a shoe which has become too narrow. If your baby starts to grizzle when you put on his shoes or if she has red marks or the beginnings of a blister, these are surefire signs that your baby needs new shoes.

 Babies grow at a rate of knots as do their feet. It is so important in later life that a baby is brought up wearing correctly fitting shoes. The right size of shoes gives support to the foot and helps the baby to walk confidently. Baby shoes should always be correctly fitted. Remember when you are up sizing on shoes to do the same for socks.






Image courtesy of Vertbaudet

Shoes with a soft and supple sole are best to help your baby take those first new steps. Try to avoid using hand-me-down shoes as they will be moulded to the foot shape of the original wearer and will not give your baby the required support.

Looking after your baby’s feet now is a worthwhile investment to give baby the best possible start in life.
 Vertbaudet offers a range of baby clothes, children’s clothes and home collections for your little ones. Their Summer Sale is now on, with hundreds of items reduced by up to 60%, so hurry while stocks last. Shop now at http://www.vertbaudet.co.uk/shop/summer-sale.htm

Bye Bye

One of my mummy friends is off to Australia today to live, i'm feeling quite sad as over the past year especially while on maternity leave we used to meet up and go for a coffee and a chat, walk to the sure start groups and let our boys play. I guess all good things do come to an end but I'm hoping we will always stay in contact as we do have the Internet and skpe to catch up on and maybe one day we will be able to go out there and see them. Last night was our last catch up before they fly off to another world.

Oh the thought of a new life somewhere across the world seems rather appealing. You have bigger houses for less, a very laid back way of living, BBQs can be everyday and so many places to visit.

I guess once a chapter has ended a new one will always begin for us all. Wish my new one would start.

Good luck Alison, Marc and little Owen x

Me, Ollie, Owen & Alison

Summer Bucket List

Bucket List for the summer

Only 20 things to do this summer......

1. Go to the zoo
2. Make a sandcastle
3. Paddle in the sea
4. Spend more time with my hubby
5. Go swimming
6. Have a BBQ
7. Go to the park more
8. Make an effort to eat olives (hubby loves them)
9. Wash my car
10. See family more
11. See friends more
12. Eat something new
13. Try using skype
14. Make cupcakes
15. Get the recipe books out and cook
16. Get creative again
17. Do something for charity
18. Make my little man laugh
19. Learn something new
20. Clean the house

I'll add more when I think of them, what's on your list?

No reason

I've no topic to write about but I'm feeling very fed up with life at the moment so I need to get a few things off my chest.
With only one of us working (me) people kept saying go to citizens advice as you maybe able to do this, that etc so the hubby went yesterday and nothing they can recommend or advice they can give to help us out......really.
I'm shocked at all those people out there that don't even try to work get so much more it doesn't make sense and really not fair as they seem to have bigger houses to shelter their tens of kids and still get holidays, big tvs, cars and even pets (they aren't cheap).

Another thing getting me at the moment is being back at work after a year out - it does not work. It may for some if they have a good career but I guess they wouldn't take that long off if they did.
I've not felt welcome and more like why are you back. In a year a company can change quite dramatically so to be expected to just fit in isn't easy and people my god they can change if given a little more power.

What else can I moan about.......badly built houses, feeling fat and frumpy, mortgage companies that don't help when you ask for it uh I need some happy thoughts can anyone help me with that?

Outfit No.11 Under £20

A glimpse of sunshine yesterday, so out came the summer top but in case of rain I ditched the sandals and went back to my boots. I wore this at a Jubilee Gala.

The Outfit

• Strappy navy with blue dots top from Asda £5, great summer top.
• Navy jeggings Primark £8
• Tan boots from Tesco £5 (mentioned before were £18)

Total Outfit Cost £18

 What do you think?

Aaaghhh!

In the past couple of weeks I have been feeling so angry

A parking ticket was issued to me in a car park that said it was FREE for up to an hour....What! why why why did I get a ticket I asked the attendant if it's free for an hour
"oh you have to print a ticket and leave in your car" and where are the machines?
" well there is 1 (only 1) next to the entrance of the shop"
Ridiculous you can't even see it when you are at one end of the car park and how are you suppose to know you need to print a ticket
"nothing I can do"
Makes me soooooo angry.....I just paid it and they charge £2.95 extra for using debit and credit card madness. I am defiantly going to appeal.

Another anger moment, I was driving behind some kid in his spruced up Golf (how they afford it I don't know) and he was throwing his rubbish out the window crisp packets, bottle lids, wrappers, I just don't understand it why wouldn't you just wait for a bin. I actually hate people who litter it is just un-necessary.

Sorry I just had to get that off my chest.

Day 31: Why do you blog

Day 31 of the 31 day blog challenge - Why do you blog

Oh last day of the challenge.

I started way back in February 2010 to capture my thoughts and feelings throughout my pregnancy so I can look back on it like a diary I guess. I'm not sure why I started but anyway I decided to carry on as being a mum is a huge life change (more than I ever imagined) and it's a way of expressing or even writing down any frustration or rants of a day which always makes me feel better if I have no-one to talk to.

My very first blog post at 33 weeks pregnant

It has also been a learning curve as I didn't realise the huge community out there. As well as Little Blue Feet I have a blog called Mummy Beautiful this is so I can write about my passion for clothes and how frustrated I feel with programmes on TV that put outfits together on the high street and think everyone had £100-200 to spare so I have put a collection of outfits Under £20 (Latest is Outfit 10)


I haven't been posting as much as I used to as now I'm working I don't get the time but I will try as I would love to keep both blogs going.

Day 30: What's in your makeup bag

Day 30 of the 31 day blog challenge - What's in your makeup bag

I have one big make up bag that has different coloured eye shadows, lipsticks and glitter and make up brushes but I tend to use the same make up palette each day so I probably don't need evertything I have but you never know.

I used to do Avon so I have loads of make up from those days, I try many different ranges from cheap Collection 2000 to Benefit.


My everyday make up: 

• Pressed powder (Boots 17)
• Black eyeliner (Barry M)
• Mascara (Avon)
• White eyeshadow (Benefit)
• Rose blusher (Collection 2000)
• Erase paste (Benefit)

Day 29: Where have you travelled

Day 29 of the 31 day blog challenge - Where have you travelled

I love this post as travelling is a passion. Through my teens I went on beach holidays with my family like Calella in Spain, Majorca, the Canary Islands - Grand Canaira and Fuerteventura. I went to Magaluf twice first time with friends after A level exams and second time with my family and my other half which was actually better than the first time with friends. With college I went to Barcelona which I would quite like to go back to.

My first holiday with my husband was to Corfu (2000) which was really nice he's not really a beachy person so we travelled around the island to see more of it and even ventured to Albania which wasn't far. We did the same with Lanzorite (great hol) and visited all the sights.
Through my twenties my husband and I lived for our next adventure so we would have long weekend breaks to cities in Europe like Amsterdam, Prague and Paris. We also randomly spent days or weekends in UK towns and cities like York, Lands End, Conwy, Bournemouth and Dublin, Ireland.

New York 2006

One big holiday which we dreamt of was New York and we finally got there in April 2006. It was amazing I was quite overwhelmed by it as it was like you just walked onto a film set very surreal I would definitely go back we even considered running away and getting married there at one point. I would love to go there one Christmas as it looks amazing.




 

Annecy

My husband is half French so he has family that live in France so we have been several times to Annecy which is very close to the Alps. It is a beautiful place with lakes and mountains. 

From here we have travelled to Chamonix, Megeve, Italy and many other towns in and around the area. Ollie has been twice already in his first year being in this world once at Christmas and unfortunatly the other was for a funeral.

 

 Ibiza 2008

July 2008 we went to Ibiza which was a different holiday to our previous ventures but still amazing as we are huge dance fans I'm not sure why we left that one so late. We got there dropped our bags off and went straight to see the DJ Tiesto do his thing in one of the big clubs. By the end of the week we were exhausted with too much partying.

South Africa 2009

Another big holiday was our Honeymoon in May 2009 we went to Cape Town in South Africa. We tried to cram in as much as possible by visiting Table Mountain, shanty towns and Robin Island. It was another surreal place as walking on the Waterfront you could see seals in the water, while on a trip to the Cape of good hope we saw baboons in the road, a snake while walking around. It felt like we were so far away from home which was brilliant, the only thing I regret not doing was going on safari (other holiday maybe).

Scotland 2010

On our first Anniversary (2010) we travelled around Scotland from Fort William - Loch Ness - Inverness - John O Groats - Ullapool - Skye - Fort William - Edinburgh. It was a very busy week but a great one I can't wait to do something like that again.

That same year we spent a week in Brean, Dorset with friends then I found out I was pregnant so holidays will be very different from now on.

Hemsby 2011

Bournemouth 2011

Last year we spent a weekend on the east coast when Ollie was only 2 months just to get away and then again with my family in Bournemouth later in the year. At Christmas we went to France to spend with the Hubby's family.

I don't think we will be having a holiday this year but we have many places on our list we would love to see so we haven't finished yet.