17th June 2006
Deano & I went to the Foo Fighters concert in Hyde Park, London. Whilst
queuing we somehow got onto the topic of starting a family and basically we
both said we were ready. It was a very strange, but lovely feeling knowing
that we’d decided to start our family! We said that my next pack of pills
would be my last.
23rd June 2006
Was the date I had my last Pill – was feeling really happy. Even failing
my H15 Supervision & Sales Management exam didn’t dampen my spirits. Well,
it did a bit!
26th June 2006
1st day of my last Pill induced period. Start prepping myself by
stopping drinking alcohol and not eating peanut butter.
July 2006
Deano & I go on holiday to Rhodes and love every minute. We have our 10
years of being together anniversary whilst away and wonder how long it will
take us to conceive. Having looked at a few websites and having spoken to
Sarah we reckon it’ll be about 6 months.
31st July 2006
Date of first real period. I’m still upset and have a couple of tears.
Well, we didn’t conceive on holiday but we hadn’t really thought we would.
Have peanut butter at my next opportunity!
August 2006
Decide to employ a bit of military tactics and invest in Clearblue
Ovulation Sticks. Reckon I’ll be most fertile around day 17. Will start to
use ‘Wee sticks’ from about day 12.
Disaster strikes in the week where I’m likely to be most fertile – Deano
has a water infection. Wee sticks tell me my LH surge is on 17th August (day
18) but things aren’t good for Deano. We try again the following day and
fail. We both got a bit upset but thought we’ve always got next month to try
again!
August 31st 2006
I’m off to Birmingham on a corporate hostility event on 1st September.
Know I’m going with my boss, Michelle, who loves a glass or two (dozen!) of
Pinot Grigio. I arrive home to Deano and say that I’m going to do a
pregnancy test so that I know if I’m good to drink.
I go up to our en-suite bathroom where Deano follows. I do the test and
wait. There’s a really faint line on the test in the ‘Pregnant’ panel.
Surely not! Deano & I look at each other and don’t believe what we’ve seen.
We’ve decided to have a lovely curry from the Shamrat that evening so we
order chicken dhansak, chicken tikka massala, plain naan and bombay aloo.
We’re told it’ll take 25 minutes so we decide to go to Tesco to pick up
another pregnancy test as we really didn’t believe the previous result!
We pick up two tests in Tesco and decide to do one on the morning of
Friday 1st September. Curry is absolutely lush as usual, however, no sooner
than I’ve put my fork down my belly really hurts. I put it down to my IBS.
Friday 1st September 2006
I do the test as planned. OH MY GOD – the line has appeared again to say
I’m pregnant. Deano and I believe it this time but at the same time can’t
believe it! We’re so chuffed and have a lovely cwtch before we both have to
go to work. As I’m away in Birmingham that evening and knowing what we know
I get really sad that I won’t see Deano until sometime Saturday.
Pain in my tummy persists all day and night – maybe it was fate but it
meant that as it was known I was in pain it didn’t look bizarre that I
wasn’t drinking. Menu choice probably not good for someone in the family way
– smoked salmon for starters, chicken for main course (can’t see that would
be a problem) and chocolate mousse (which was quite runny).
Saturday 2nd September 2006
I arrived home about 2:10pm and Deano & I have a really loving afternoon
where we just lie in each other’s arms and talk about the fact that we’re
expecting.
Deano feels the need to give ‘the being’ a name. He calls it ‘Quintus’ –
what?! I go along with it so that is how we refer to the thing growing
inside me!
We work out we must have conceived on day 16 which was just the most
perfect evening lying together and listening the Snow Patrol’s song ‘Chasing
Cars’.
Monday 4th September 2006 – Sunday 10th September 2006
I call my doctors to find out what I need to do now. I have to supply
urine sample for them to confirm I’m in the family way.
I spoke to my dad in the evening – found it really difficult not to tell
him. Deano & I have decided not to tell anyone until I’m 12 weeks gone.
There are so many people that we love that we speak to during this week
that we’re dying to tell – my parents, Dean’s parents, Sarah, Jon, Vicky,
Adam, Dave but we don’t. Having Dean’s sister Holly over for the weekend we
both found it really hard not to tell her as we know she’d be pleased.
Found out that Dean’s Auntie Bub’s recent operation for breast cancer
wasn’t as successful as we’d thought and that she needs another operation
and chemo. Want to tell Dean’s parents to cheer them up but know we still
need to keep it quiet.
Pregnancy symptoms start during this week from being the most spotty I’ve
been since a teenager (I thought I was meant to get a bump in my belly not
on my face?!), to crying at the most ridiculous little things (forgetting to
buy friend Josie’s birthday card whilst out shopping), to being soooo tired
I’m asleep by 9:30pm on the sofa most nights! I am also painfully
constipated – joy!
One absolutely lovely feeling about being pregnant is that I feel an
overwhelming sense of calm – that feels lovely!
Monday 11th September 2006
This is my first day of actually blogging! All things before this date
are a summary.
My left nipple is acting strangely – Deano finds this absolutely
hilarious! I find it annoying!
Drop off urine sample at the doctors and am told to call on Thursday
after 2pm.
Constipation is now all gone thankfully. Still really tired though!
Tuesday 12th September 2006
Nausea not great this morning – spend a few minutes heaving in the
bathroom. Not nice.
In work today Helen broke out the Quality Street one of our former
colleagues gave us. Realise I can’t eat my favourite flavours anymore as
they’re all the nutty ones. Christmas is gonna suck!
Get upset when I get home as Deano asked me to pick up dessert and wasn’t
happy with my selection of melon! Honestly, I can’t believe how easy it is
for me to cry – what’s that about?!
Left nipple back to normal again though so that’s a relief! Speak to Mark
& Jen who’ve not long seen the arrival of Baby Emma. Jen relives birth
trauma not realising that I’ve got it to look forward to in 7 months time!
Look forward to being able to tell Mark & Jen as we know they’ll be really
chuffed for us.
Have strange fear today about the possibility of it being an ectopic
pregnancy. Put these thoughts out of my mind as best as I can but still
wonder if Quintus is lodged in the right place.
Wednesday 13th September 2006
Had a meeting for a couple of hours this morning with Jo, Amy and Helen.
Helen brought back a coffee following a break and I have no idea how I
managed to stop myself from being sick. The smell of coffee is like the work
of the devil to me right now. I’m even going off tea! Anyway, I didn’t
realize Helen had brought a coffee in so I happened to comment that I could
smell coffee – Amy overheard me and thought I’d asked Helen if she’d “done a
guff”. Hilarity ensued and thankfully my nausea passed. Concluded Jo’s
husband, Paul, is ‘King of Trumps’ as he can play tunes with up to 12 notes
when he breaks wind. Impressive!
Miss Deano today as he’ll be out by the time I get home from conference I
have to go to in Cardiff. He’s left me a lovely note though so this cheers
me up!
Speak to Sarah who is 5 and a half months pregnant and having a few
issues with cramps, heartburn, sleeping position, etc. – wish I could tell
her mine but I’ll have to wait a couple more weeks yet.
Deano & I are both looking forward to speaking to GP tomorrow as it will
be nice to have it confirmed as actually happening.
Keeping my fingers crossed still that all is ok!
Thursday 14th September 2006
I was poorly today with sickness and diarrhoea which means I wasn’t up
to going to work.
Don’t think Quintus related so that’s good. Spend most of the day in and
out of the bathroom and in and out of sleep!
I called the doctors today and the Receptionist said that my notes said
that I needed to make an appointment to see the GP (in other words positive
result!). Appointment made for Monday 18th September at 5:30. Hope they
haven’t found anything untoward in my sample as Receptionist didn’t actually
say more than instructions are for me to see the doctor. Will try not to
worry – I know Sarah’s results found E-coli present so hope it’s nothing
like that.
Friday 15th September 2006
Got up and felt fine if a little nauseous but I’ve got used to that so
didn’t think much about it. Got out of my car and started my walk to the
station when overwhelming need to be sick came over me. Was sick 3 times on
the way to the station – how embarrassing?!
Note to self: take Pregnacare in the evening not in the morning!
Stuck with it though and waited for the next train as I’d managed to miss
(by seconds) my usual one. Felt like crap the whole way and did not feel
good at all in work.
Had to by a return ticket today as my weekly pass was no longer in date –
totally forgot day returns have 2 parts and managed to forget to take it out
of the machine. I only realised this when I got to Bristol and upon
realising burst into tears. What a sad act. Can’t believe what ridiculous
little things make me cry!
Got sent home by ‘Mum’ Helen so bought my single fare and had a lengthy
journey home. Felt better after having a nap.
Off to JC and Vicky’s tonight for their ‘We’re Getting Married a Year
from Today and JC’s I’ve finished my dissertation’ party. Will try to eat as
sensibly as I can.
Sunday 1st October 2006
Lots has happened since I last blogged – Deano & I went to Tenerife on
holiday. Had a nice time but I wasn’t particularly well whilst I was there.
Morning sickness is well and truly underway and I feel rubbish pretty
much all the time. Deano has noticed that I’m not myself despite the fact
I’m still overjoyed that I’m pregnant. I feel like I’m being a rubbish wife
as I’m just knackered all the time and feel like doing very little!
Many people are now aware of our news, both our families, Jon & Vicky,
Sarah & Mark, my work (couldn’t disguise morning sickness there!), Mark &
Jen and Dave. All have been really chuffed for us and some have possessed
‘witch-like’ intuition and had already guessed – Dean’s dad, Dave and Mark
Howell-Jones all had hunches. Vicky couldn’t believe that she’d not picked
up on it as she’s thought about so many things which should have given it
away to her. Holly was super excited about becoming an aunt and both sets of
parents are delighted which has been lovely. Both grandmothers to be are
already planning for the new arrival and I think Baby Magill will be spoiled
rotten by them!
Sunday 8th October 2006
Midwife came to the house today. She’s called Helen and is really nice.
I have decided to give birth in Midwife Led Unit at the Heath Hospital as it
sounds like a nice environment. If baby or I get into difficulties then the
Consultant Ward is only a ride up 2 floors in the lift. Blood pressure is
normal and my urine sample showed no sign of protein so I’m happy about
that. I became quite upset when we were discussing testing for Downs
Syndrome as I find it a difficult thing to think about. I don’t have to
decide until I go for my 12 week dating scan, but having spoken to Deano
we’ve decided that it’s best to do the blood test and hope to god that it
comes back low risk.
My work trousers are getting really uncomfortable now so I need to start
looking for maternity trousers! I’ve made some purchases already – 2 pairs
of size 8 boarding trousers which I can wear now, a pair of jeans to grow
into (as they go around the bump) and a beautiful silk evening dress which
I’ll probably wear to my Sales Support Recognition Gala Evening in November.
More people know now about our news, Ads sent us a nice card, Josie was
shocked but definitely excited, Gary who I used to work with at Ashwood
Financial Services thinks it’s great news and when Deano went to Boyz Night
on Thursday, Colesy, Hywel and Garabaldi true to form mocked us in a sweet
way. Met Andrew Holland who used to work with me as an Account Executive
yesterday and he thought it was lovely – he really wants a baby too, bless
him. Emma (Maiwell) surprisingly hasn’t phoned me since finding out though I
hear she’s not been feeling very well.
Deano travelled down to Brighton to see Ben yesterday so it was lovely to
have him back today. Quintus and I really missed him.
Deano’s job is to rub my stretch mark cream into my belly every night and
it’s really nice to have him involved with doing little things like that.
Getting to work has been a struggle this week as I’ve still got morning
sickness but it seems to be a bit less severe now – thank god! My tiredness
is making revision something I could really do with out but I’m not going to
stress over it – I can only do what I can. Looking after baby and I is
what’s important now rather than future career.
On a positive note my boobs are getting bigger – woohoo!!!
Saturday 14th October 2006
Bleeurghh. That’s how I feel! All day nausea really sucks.
Mam, bless her, made me homemade Gingerbread Men as ginger is meant to be
good for nausea. They are totally yummy (Deano agrees).
I’ve also been about as useful as a chocolate fireguard around the house
and revising has not gone particularly well. I’ve got a few more days to go
until my exam though so all is not lost. At the moment I will probably
manage to write my name on my answer paper – oh god I hope I’m not sick
during my exam!
This week I’ve mainly been in a coma and just going through the motions
of going to work – I may have been there in body but certainly wasn’t in
spirit!
Jen has sent me some really sensible books on pregnancy and it’s nice to
know that now I’m at week 10 Quintus is officially a foetus – aww!
My dating scan date has come through now so Deano and I will be off to
see Quintus for the first time on Monday 23rd October 2006. Got a feeling we
might get misty eyed at seeing our little one.
Monday
23rd October 2006 (Week 12)
Deano and I were experiencing a mix of emotions this morning somewhere
between nervousness and sheer excitement!
Thankfully the scan went well and our baby was brilliant posing away for
photos! When I spoke to Mum last night she instructed Quintus to give her a
wave and her wish was fulfilled (see scan picture number 2)!
We spent a lovely weekend up in Hull with Mark, Jen and baby Emma. Emma B
is a very lovely baby and I can only pray ours will be as well behaved!
I had my exam last week which did not go brilliantly unfortunately and I
really don’t see me re-sitting in April seeing as it’s a bit close to babe’s
due date.
Morning sickness appears to have disappeared – thank the lord! I seem to
be much more like me again though I can still sleep at any given opportunity
(no change there then!).
I now have a bump! It’s not a particularly big bump but it’s a bump
nonetheless. It came out of nowhere though – I went to bed on Thursday just
looking fat and then Friday morning there it was!
I
have put on 4lbs in my first trimester which I don’t think is too bad
considering I’ve been eating lots of cheese, bread and potatoes!
My blood pressure was fine today but I’ve obviously got to wait for the
results of my blood tests and urine sample. Hopefully, all will be okay with
those.
Sunday 29th October 2006
Though I’m not feeling so nauseous anymore I am still being sick which is
a bit mean. Talking of mean I’ve been a right moody cow and Deano has
started to call me Rage Against the Machine!! Thursday was particularly bad
– I wasn’t feeling too well and my performance at work was not great – cried
on the phone to Deano and had a chat with Sarah and felt loads better after.
We put it down to being overtired!
I am able to do more and have done a decent amount of housework this
weekend so I’m a bit more useful now. We’ve still got to sort out the baby
room as it’s still a warehouse for Deano’s toys!
Deano and I are saving for Baby Magill’s arrival in our money box that
Alma gave us – can’t believe how much stuff there will be to buy! We won’t
start collecting anything though until we’ve had our 20 week scan. Talking
of which the date for that is Monday 18th December at 11:20 and I for one
can’t wait to see our little one again.
Tuesday
7th November 2006
Am definitely getting bigger now with a more noticeable bump! Got several
black tie do’s this week and when I tried my dress on realised there’s no
turning back time for my waistline!
The weekend was great because I can now eat curry quite happily again so
I enjoyed going out to The Raj with Sach and Himali. My brother and Nerys
came down and it was really nice to see them both. We threw my brother a
birthday tea so Mam and Dad came over as did JC & Vix. Had a Pictionary war
– boys vs girls – girls won comfortably. If Quintus is a girl then she’ll
have to maintain the legacy! Although Deano’s drawings delivered points
every turn – when the boys actually had a go!!!
Went to a fireworks display on Sunday night and pregnancy has definitely
made standing up a bit more painful in the back area. I probably need to
stand properly rather than doing my usual ‘duck’ look!
I still have a short fuse which is not a nice trait. I’ve become this
random ranting person particularly at the train station. Trains have been
awful this week – must remember to write to complain…
I feel the best I have done for ages – no morning sickness since Friday.
Woohoo! My gums are bleeding quite a bit though but apparently this is
completely normal – as are nose bleeds. Nice!
All of a sudden I can’t remember the last time I had a poo – was
definitely before my brother was down. Hmmm.
Monday 13th November 2006
I’m still feeling really good now no more morning sickness. I’ve had a
few headaches which haven’t been so great though.
I had two particularly late nights – one for the Sales Conference and the
other for Ads’ 30th. Both events meant seeing lots of people who have just
found out that I’m pregnant so I feel all talked out about pregnancy! It’s
was so cool catching up with people who I haven’t seen for ages and they
were all so excited for Deano and I.
Deano looked most handsome in his DJ and thankfully my dress still fitted
me!
Blood and urine test results came through on Saturday and thankfully are
completely clear. Phew! Bit nervous about next week’s blood tests for Downs
Syndrome but hey I’m sure it’ll be fine.
I am still a little bit ‘fiery’ – I have nearly got out of my car a few
times to give some idiot drivers a piece of my mind! Deano is still
referring to me as ‘Rage against the Machine’!
I know it’s only Monday but I’m really looking forward to the weekend as
it’s the first one in ages where we haven’t had big plans so we can just
relax :)
Tuesday 21st November 2006
Had quite a good week in work - went on my Recognition Dinner and was
presented with my award by the MD which was pretty cool.
Got home from work on Friday very tearful though I don’t really know why!
I’m dealing with a girl in work who needs to have an abortion (for health
reasons) but it’s not that simple and I have to admit that it’s probably not
the best topic for me to be dealing with right now. I’ve also got to put
someone on Disciplinary and get rid of 2 temps. So when I say I had quite a
good week in work on reflection it was probably a mixed bag!
Alma popped round on Friday night with some Maternity Wear for me which
was really lush of her. Cried on her and Dean – how embarrassing! I think I
was getting anxious about the blood test for Downs Syndrome which I had
yesterday. At the moment I am praying that I get a letter from the hospital
rather than a phone call as it means there’s something wrong if they call.
I’m not likely to get a letter until early next week so this could be the
longest week ever. I’m not sleeping properly either which I think is related
to my stressing over it. I did however lapse into a coma yesterday after
having blood taken – wuss that I am!
Deano was the cutest thing though yesterday and brought me home a bunch
of gorgeous lilies to cheer me up with a lovely card – bless him.
I’m looking quite pregnant today – more so than yesterday! It’s probably
just all the food I ate on the weekend catching up with me!
Headaches appear to be the biggest issue for me at the moment – I’m
wondering if it’s something to do with my sinuses. May ring the midwife on
Thursday if things don’t improve although I haven’t had a headache since
this morning (that’s quite good!).
Wednesday 29th November 2006
Thank the lord my results came back on Saturday and it showed I’m low
risk for Downs Syndrome. I know it’s no guarantee but it’s a hurdle that
we’ve crossed now.
Bump is definitely growing and on Friday last week started to feel
Quintus ‘playing’ in my belly! It’s a weird but wonderful feeling – kind of
like feeling really nervous but so reassuring that it’s literally alive and
kicking in there!! Even Deano was able to feel it the one night which was
lovely for him too.
Friday night was awful coming home from work. My train was delayed, then
only 2 carriages turned up instead of 4 so it was absolutely rammed. Came
over very dizzy and thought I was going to pass out on the train so got off
at the first stop that I could. I called Deano as soon as I sat down and
promptly burst into tears! Trains are really irritating me know and I don’t
really know what to do about it.
I went to see my sister, Katherine, on Monday evening so I spent a couple
of hours with her Simon and the girls which was really lovely. Jessica has
died her hair black as she’s definitely her mother’s daughter! Tirion was
just hilarious being ‘naked girl’ and She’s also copying my sister by
shouting to her dad, “Si!” rather than Daddy! She was then unable to say my
name properly, she was calling me Carrot or Auntie Cow and wouldn’t have it
that it’s Auntie Caro! She did enjoy having cuddles from Carrot though!
Bless my sister though as she’s started knitting the baby a hat and a
blanket – Mum had to be sat down when I told her my sister was knitting as
Kath has never been able to knit (she does it backwards!).
Headaches don’t seem to be as frequent at the moment but I did have one
again yesterday but thankfully nothing came of it.
I can’t believe that this week I’m 4 months pregnant – time is flying up
to Christmas so it will soon be 5 months!
Found out today that I am able to have off all of Christmas week plus the
Friday before. However, when I told Deano this he told me that he’s in work
on Christmas eve, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve. Sucky!
Monday 11th December 2006
Only four days until I get my H15 results, only one week to 20 week scan
and only two weeks until Christmas!!
Not a lot to report on the Quintus front except he/she likes playing when
I’ve been lying down or sat still for a while which is kinda nice for Deano
& I.
I am also officially giving off the pregnant belly look as people keep
commenting on how it’s growing!
To get into the Christmas spirit this weekend I put up our decorations,
made my cake and watched Santa Claus the movie with Vix which was cool! I
feel the need to watch Love Actually and It’s a Wonderful Life to feel
really Christmassy.
Had some energy return this weekend which meant the house got thoroughly
cleaned – hurrah!
I’m anxious and excited all at the same time again about next week’s
scan. I really, really hope everything is ok as I can’t bear the thought of
not being with Quintus I’m too attached now. Is it weird that I love him/her
already? Deano is still lush at giving Quintus and I hugs and kisses which
is very reassuring particularly when I feel like a mutant and never going to
get my waist back!
Monday
18th December 2006
Dean & I went for our 20 week scan today and we’re relieved that they
couldn’t find any anomalies with Baby Magill.
We can’t believe how much of a squirmy worm Baby is as it wouldn’t keep
still whilst the sonographer was trying to measure it! It fits in though
with the fact the Quintus keeps moving about when I’m sitting or lying down
– such a lovely feeling at the moment but in a few weeks when it starts
kicking me and punching me I’m sure it won’t be so lovely!
Whilst the scan was being done we could see one of my blood vessels and
baby was using it as it’s very own bouncy castle – most amusing to see!
Sex of baby is unconfirmed but we have our suspicions…!
On the way back home we popped in to see Alma who showed us the boxes of
stuff she’s been collecting for baby – there’s bottles, sleepsuits, shampoo,
baby bath, scratch mittens, a photo album, booties and all sorts of cute
baby stuff.
Being a bit superstitious the boxes will stay at Hayden and Alma’s until
much later in the pregnancy. Bless her for putting all this stuff together
for her grandchild though – what did I say in an earlier blog about this
child being spoiled!!
Results
of the exam I sat in October have come through and I’m really chuffed that I
managed to pass – god knows how I managed it. This exam was important to me
as it opens more doors to me for when I try to relocate my career nearer to
home. I’m a realist so I know I’m going to find it difficult to leave the
baby for 12 hours a day, 5 days a week so the solution is to find a job
nearer to home.
Dean & I went over my sister’s on Saturday night to celebrate my Mum and
Dad’s 40th Wedding Anniversary. We had a lovely evening and Jess and Tirion
were certainly entertaining! Wonder if Quintus will turn out like Tiri who
is so full of beans I don’t know how my sister and Simon keep up with her! I
guess she is 2 so it’s kind of expected.
I think my non-maternity jeans will have to be relegated soon as they’re
pressing uncomfortably on my uterus now :(
Tuesday 2nd January 2007
2007 is here! The year Baby Magill will be born and I’m really looking
forward to meeting the little one though still really anxious as to whether
Quintus will come out alright. I guess that’s normal to worry about and that
I’ll continue to worry about it until baby is born.
Christmas
and New Year have come and gone (far too quickly) and I’m back in work –
rubbish.
Baby Magill had Christmas pressies which I find a bit mad – obviously
pressies came from both sets of grandparents, no surprise there then! Even
the Great-grandparents got in on the act by bringing a lovely knitted
silk-lined pram blanket over from Ireland.
In addition Grandma and Papa Magill have bought Quintus a travel system
which is totally awesome. Gonna take me some time to figure out how to use
all the features!
It was lovely seeing lots of people over Christmas and some very cool
news came from the Dave & Annwen camp as they got engaged just before
Christmas whilst they were in New York. Exciting!
Mark, Jen and Baby Emma were down staying with JC & Vix and Emma is still
a great advert for good babies everywhere. Please give us one that’s as good
as her!!
Deano has some concerns about life postpartum as he doesn’t want his (or
our) lives to be all about baby. We just need to be sensible about it though
and ensure we still spend time with friends, have alone time with each other
and spend quality time with the little one – we just need to find a balance.
Sounds simple in theory but I know it will certainly be a challenge! Life is
going to change no doubt but we’ll make it work for us.
Luckily we have fab family and friends around us who will be the best
support group for our family that we could possibly hope for.
Tuesday 9th January 2007
I feel quite huge! Lots of people have been noticing my bump is growing
by the day and commenting on it. It’s kind of nice but I’m still wondering
if my size figure is lost for good! Must make sure I do my pilates
regularly.
Someone on the train has even offered me their seat which means it’s now
obvious through my coat!
Baby Magill is now packing quite a punch which is quite reassuring to
know that it’s playing around in there.
Appointment has been made to see the midwife in a few weeks so I should
receive my MAT B1 certificate so I can tell work when I’ll be starting
maternity leave.
Checked on best friend Sarah yesterday to find out if there’s any sign of
Baby Howell-Jones yet but bless her not yet! Will have to keep a close eye
on that one.
I have made my hospital bag checklist so I can work out what I’ll need to
get together in preparation for packing. Thankfully there’s not too much but
I’ll probably start working on it now whilst I’m still feeling pretty
mobile.
My legs puffed up yesterday which wasn’t particularly pleasant but a
nice, relaxing bath and some cooling leg gel seemed to do the trick.
Some lovely news came this week – Susie (who was my Chief Bridesmaid) got
engaged to Gareth.
Our friend Dave asked Deano to be an usher at his wedding in November
which is also very cool.
Can’t believe how many weddings we’re going to this year – gonna need a
lot of outfits!
Monday 29th January 2007
Well, a lot has happened since the last time I blogged! Baby Howell-Jones
put in her first appearance on Thursday 11th January and is called Evie
Grace. She is very dinky as she only weighed in at 6lbs, bless her! Deano
and I have been to see Family Howell-Jones and they were all well. Sarah
will be keeping me informed of learning to cope with her new found parent
status.
Deano has had his head down revising and generally doing brilliant work
on his Masters degree – the boy’s got talent so there’s no stopping him!
Quintus definitely LOVES the Deano as it springs into action whenever
he’s near. It’s really cool and now you can visibly see my belly move
whenever the squirmy worm starts beating me! One funny thing happened the
other night – I was asleep and cwtched up to Deano and Quinnie was kicking
him and keeping him awake. Ha ha ha!
We have now bought a few things to prepare for the arrival of Baby Magill.
Not particularly glamorous I’m afraid – breast pump, changing mat, top and
tail bowl and a blanket!
We’ve been wedding suit shopping with JC & Vix for their wedding and
helped JC pick out a really lovely choice of outfit for the big day. They’re
gonna look lovely.
Deano & I went to see Susie on Saturday at her and Gareth’s new pad which
is very lovely. Sadly one of their puppies which they can only have had for
a few weeks died on the Saturday night having been in intensive care for the
4 days previously. Bless poor Frank. At least Molly the dog seems fit and
healthy.
My crazy sister has a new edition to her family – Thor the Parrot.
Random!
I went to see the midwife on Thursday last week and thankfully my blood
pressure, urine sample and baby’s heartbeat were all fine. I am a little
scared, however, from the chart of growth that is being plotted Baby Magill
is looking to be a 9lb10oz monster at full term. OH MY
GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday 6th February 2007
We’re in week 27 which I think means we’re officially into the third
trimester of the pregnancy – not too much longer to go now – ish!
Baby stuff is now beginning to take over the house as we’ve now got the
crib, stuff for feeding, washing and clothing Baby Magill as well as the
travel system that has lived here since Christmas.
Deano is making a shepherd’s pie to his mum’s recipe for us for tea this
evening which is promising to be good. I’ve begun to get indigestion if I
eat too late on so food like shepherd’s pie is great for that.
I went to see baby Evie last Thursday who is now 7lb and getting to be
quite strong. Sarah seems to have had a few issues with her midwife which
resulted in her getting an infection – not good.
On Saturday I went with Vicky and the other bridesmaids to go bridesmaid
dress shopping. All will look lovely and I was very jealous of them all
because all of them have waists!
I wasn’t feeling too good on Sunday so went back to bed for a bit and
bless my lovely Deano he went out grocery shopping for me without even being
asked. I’m a lucky girl.
I had a couple of interesting things come up today. The first of which
being that at the end of February I’ll be joining a car share which means I
don’t have to commute on the train in the last few months of pregnancy.
The second was that the Area Sales Manager for Halifax in Cardiff wants
to meet up with me before I go on maternity leave to discuss the possibility
of my getting a role as a Personal Financial Adviser within a branch in
Cardiff should a vacancy come up. It’s nice to feel that someone will be
interested in me post pregnancy.
Thursday 15th February 2007
I have now had the experience of Braxton Hicks contractions – very weird.
I’m really well at the moment and I seem to be needing slightly less
sleep.
I went to see the midwife again today which went well – my BP was normal,
baby’s heart was strong and rhythmical. Yet again was wriggling whilst the
midwife was trying to listen to it! Baby Magill now weighs 3lbs – how is
that possible!!
Crazy (but lovely) Mother-in-Law came bearing more gifts so we now have
Milton, more breast pads, a storage bin in the shape of a bear, a V-Tech toy
thing (both from the Macken children) and baby monitors!!
Deano won on the Premium Bonds, only £50 but that’s all good. His premium
bonds were a gift from his grandfather when he was a baby so it seems
poignant that his numbers should come up on them again now.
I had my legs waxed for the first time on Sunday as I’m rubbish at
bending all the way down to my ankles now I have this bump in front of me. I
am liking the results and think I may keep doing it after pregnancy.
Deano and I had our 10th Valentine’s Day yesterday and we had a low-key
but lovely evening in. We had a curry from the Shamrat which was all good.
Talking of curries which are all good – we went with JC and Vix to the
British Raj on Sunday and had an all you can eat buffet. So good and so
full!!
Have purchased my first nursing bra and am waiting for it to be
delivered. More on that next blog session!
Wednesday 21st February 2007
Nursing bra arrived – it’s weird and not particularly attractive! Can’t
believe I need to buy more of these hideous articles!
Also bought the nightshirt I’m going to wear for the birth – again
another unattractive purchase!
On Sunday we had my folks, my sister and the girls over my house for a
birthday tea for my mam that was really lovely. Jessica looked really grown
up – can’t believe she’s going to be 11 on Saturday. Tirion was really funny
and introduced me to ‘Cowbag’ (a rucksack in the shape of a cow) which she
takes everywhere apparently! She did make us laugh when JC & Vix came over
and she launched herself at them when they came through the door to give
their legs a hug. Thing is she’d never met them before!
Dave, Annwen and the boys came over Monday night for tea and that was
nice too – the boys did really well with their tea and I think they enjoyed
playing with Deano’s Star Wars models, although I think they preferred the
nutcracker!!
Baby Magill is active as hell and has found my ribs. Great! Better her do
that though than go quiet as that freaks us out.
My iron count came back fine - 11 point something which is good.
Monday 5th March 2007
Week 31 – can hardly believe it.
So much has been going on! Car share has started which I feel is giving
me my life back as I’ve been getting home about 5:30 and having no stress
thinking, “Am I going to get a seat today”. Brilliant!
We had a busy weekend with Mark, Jen and baby Emma staying here over the
weekend. Emma was so good and I can’t believe how much she’s grown up since
I saw her last at New Year. They brought a haul for us as well, like
clothes, books and swaddling blanket which was lush.
I had my Ranger Reunion meal on Saturday night which was really good. I
was quite apprehensive about going but it was really nice to catch up with
people that I haven’t seen for 12 years. It’s amazing how little people
change and how much people remember!
Quinnie is now huge and pressing against my stomach which made me sick
during the night last night which really wasn’t very pleasant! I’ve bought
some Gaviscon which I hope will do the trick as I haven’t been able to eat
anything all day.
Deano hasn’t been too well, bless him, with a terrible cough so we’ve
both been keeping each other awake at night!
Birthday’s aplenty recently with my mum’s, Dean’s dad, Jessica and JC’s
all in recent weeks. No party tea for us next weekend though as it’s no-ones
birthday – mother’s day and Ric’s birthday the weekend after though!
Wednesday 14th March 2007
I went to see the midwife on Thursday and all was well with Quinnie & I.
Baby Magill is about 4lb7ozs now and it does feel like there’s far less room
in there now for it to move. Baby has started to do something weird to my
belly by favouring the right hand side making me look all lopsided! Most
embarrassing that it did it during a meeting yesterday!
Also loves kicking me in the ribs which is quite painful at times. Little
meanie!
Deano and I went to the Midwife Unit at the hospital last night for the
Bump to Birth workshop which, quite frankly, terrified me!
It went through the phases of labour, pain relief and we were able to see
the rooms and birthing pool at the unit. I’m still not sure about the whole
birthing pool hoopla but I’m not ruling anything out at this point.
Deano was also a little freaked out and is thinking about heading to a
Greek island whilst I’m going through labour so he’s not anywhere near me!!
Needless to say I had a few choice words to say to him on the matter!
I had a couple of Braxton Hicks contractions in work which was a bit
bizarre but not painful.
The baby room is now looking pretty good and Deano put together the crib
which was his when he was a baby. There was this strange but lovely feeling
that his parents were doing the very same thing 29 years ago – made me a bit
sentimental.
We’ve made some more purchases for baby – they now have a 4-way baby
carrier and 2 Grobag sleeping bags. All of which great deals from Ebay!
I’ve got a meeting next Tuesday with the Area Sales Manager for Halifax
to discuss my suitability for a Personal Financial Adviser role in Cardiff.
Hopefully, something good will come of this meeting so I’ve got my fingers
crossed!
Tuesday 20th March 2007
Only a calendar month left in work now so it’s getting closer to handover
date.
Sarah and baby Evie came round to see us on Saturday – it’s lush seeing
Sarah so happy and natural with her new found role as a mum. I only hope I
take to it as well as she has.
Mother’s day was Sunday - Baby Magill is incredibly talented as it had
managed to tell Deano what card to get me, what to write in it and the exact
book to get me. Totally lush – I loved Mother-to-be Day and I so love Deano!
Both sets of grandparents had stuff to give to us for the baby – this
child is so lucky! We were also given an outfit from a friend of Alma’s
called Marion who wanted to give us something as she had a lamp which we
were throwing out! Bless her, she didn’t need to do that as it was just
going to a car boot sale or charity shop.
We also got baby some things – a Mamas & Papas bouncer, a mobile and some
more bedding.
I had my meeting today with Philip Howells from Halifax who’d also
brought along a fellow Sales Manager, that threw me a bit. I think they
liked me as I’ve been asked to go and spend some time in a branch before a
2nd interview is arranged. It was less of an informal chat than it was a
formal panel interview but I think I came across alright. Watch this space I
guess.
Friday 30th March 2007
Well the baby bedding washing is all done, I can’t think of anything else
we need to buy apart from snacks for Deano so I guess we’re pretty much
ready now! I’ll be packing my hospital bag this week.
Baby room needs to be finished but that’s not far off now – think Deano
will tackle the remainder this weekend though he may well be busy with
coursework for Uni as he was last weekend. He’s got to fit in car shopping
as well so he’ll be a busy little bee. As long as he has some ‘playtime’
though he’ll be just fine!
I went to see the midwife yesterday and that went fine. Had a student do
my measurements though and am not entirely convinced that it was correct but
if she was right then our little one is now about 6lb 3oz! Blood pressure
and urine sample all good. Next time I go I have to have blood taken so they
can see if I’m fit enough for labour without having to give me any extra
iron, etc.
I’ve got so much to do though psychologically before the baby comes –
I’ve got my assessment for the PFA role on 12th April so I’ve got some
reading to do for that, I’ve yet to do the handover of my job to anyone yet
as my boss changed her mind as to who would be looking after things for me
whilst I’m on maternity leave, and I’ve got some baby books I want to read
before our little bundle arrives. Also, it’s JC’s stag weekend in a couple
of week’s time, Susie & Gareth’s engagement party tomorrow night, my dad’s
birthday on 13th April, my brother will be coming to stay for a couple of
days after JC’s weekend and I’ve got the assessment centre which I need to
go well. So much is happening before our due date it’s a heady whirl! I just
need to make sure I don’t get stressed out now as I don’t want the baby to
be affected by my stress levels. Another thing I’m looking forward to doing
is planning what we’re going to do with our back garden but I’ll probably
leave that until I’ve finished work.
It is feeling more and more like the end is in sight and Deano and I
absolutely can’t wait to meet our little one so that’s really keeping me
going.
I had an interesting day today spent observing a Halifax Financial
Adviser – I think I could do it but I need to re-hone my skills to be able
to give advice. There are some things I’m quite happy that I’ll have the
adequate skills for, e.g., talking to customers and building strong
relationships with other branch colleagues (which can be crucial to being
successful). The product side of things I should be able to learn and they
seem quite straight forward from the sounds of it.
It’s weird that more and more people (that I don’t know) are asking me
how much longer I’ve got left until the baby is due whereas before they
would ask how far gone I was – just a little observation of mine!
I’m still feeling good though and in fairness I’ve not been too bad with
indigestion which I know plagues many an expectant mum. Tonight curry is on
the menu! Mmm, curry…!
Sunday
8th April 2007 (Easter Day)
How much chocolate is in the house?!!! I think we may be having a
chocolate baby!
Even before Easter I was a bit of a chocolate fiend as I’d ‘stolen’ some
of Deano’s chocolate. Like his mini eggs, the last of his selection box and
there’s probably been more than that if I really think about it. I have
bought him a curry to make up for the mini eggs but don’t think I’ve repaid
him for the choccies from his selection box!
Deano & I were meant to be going over Hayden & Alma’s for Sunday lunch
but sadly Hayden isn’t very well :( Alma has brought lunch around for us
though so we’re cooking and she’ll come back later to collect! Best laid
plans and all that… My offering was going to be cornflake cakes with mini
eggs on top – how old am I?! It’s hardly cordon-bleu, but it’s fun and
tasty.
Baby has had Easter presents as well from Papa and Grandma – some cute
knitted cardies, bibs and a duck sleepsuit with matching hat!
Hospital bags are all packed now so we’re ready to go when Quinnie tells
us it’s time.
Deano has a new car which is very Quintus-friendly (a 2003 Mondeo turbo
diesel), we need to fit one of the car seats we’ve got so that Deano can
drive baby and I home from hospital.
Saw Josie this week which was cool as I’ve not seen her in a while. Her
first words to me were, “Oh my god, you’re huge… and blonde!” Ha ha ha!
We’ve also had Vicky over this weekend as JC is away at an event. Deano
made us a kick-ass curry Friday night (recipe courtesy of next door
neighbour, Himali) which we’ll have to have again really soon as it was sooo
good!
I’m now at the point where I’m longing to know that our little one is
going to come out healthy – I’m not looking forward to labour (obviously)
but I just want to know our baby is okay. We both can’t wait to meet it!
Well, Deano and I have some work to do today. Deano needs to work on his
essay and I need to prepare for my assessment centre on Thursday. As soon as
that’s out of the way I can relax. I don’t think Deano can though as he’s
got more coursework and exams to do before the Quinster comes. Poor dab.
Mam & Dad are coming over later which will be nice. They gave me vouchers
for Christmas as I wanted to have a pair of bay trees to go either side of
the front door, however in December it’s not a good time to be buying those
sorts of things. Well, I have managed to spend the vouchers now but I didn’t
end up getting bay trees, I went for a pair of buxus topiary shrubs instead.
I’m looking forward to showing Mum and Dad their pressie to me when they
come over.
Sunday 15th April 2007
Well this past week has flown by and I only have one more week left in
work – woohoo!
I had my assessment centre on Thursday which went better than I thought
it would do but I’m not counting on having done well in it. Did my best
though so that’s all I could’ve done.
Deano was away this weekend for JC’s stag weekend in Manchester which
sucked as I missed him a ridiculous amount! Whilst he was away though I went
out with Mam and Dad for a meal for Dad’s birthday, went and confirmed the
details with the florist with Vix and then had a good chat over a Starbucks
and then had Emma over last night for a Chinese and dvd. I was meant to have
seen Sarah this morning but I had terrible diarrhea through the night and it
didn’t stop until 11am. Mean! I think my body may well be preparing for
labour as I don’t feel ill and I don’t think it was anything I’d eaten.
Maybe I was just lovesick for Deano!
My brother has come back with Deano so he’ll be staying with us for the
rest of the week. He dropped a bombshell on me though this evening by
telling me he’s getting a motorbike soon! I’m sure lots of people have
motorbikes and don’t have accidents but that won’t make me worry about him
any less.
Deano & I were supposed to go out for our anniversary on Thursday as we
don’t know what the situation with Baby Magill will be – will it be here/not
here, etc. However, I felt rubbish on the night, my legs had swollen up and
I had major back and pelvis pain. We just had a Shamrat instead, but that
was still nice.
Monday 23rd April 2007
I went to see my sister and the girls last week which was nice. Tirion
was trying to see the baby in my belly so she lifted up my top, looked very
confused and said, “Baby Gone?” So cute! Jess looked lush and quite grown up
with her new bob but sadly Kath wasn’t very well. Hopefully she’s feeling
much better now.
Today is my first day of maternity leave and I have to say it’s probably
not been a typical day! I found out last week that I’d been successful in
securing the financial adviser role with Halifax so I went to meet my new
boss this morning to discuss salary, where I’ll be based and when I’ll
start. All of this is pretty much up in the air at the moment though as he’s
not sure where the next vacancy will appear. Watch this space I guess! The
feedback he gave me from the assessment centre was really good so I’m
feeling quite chuffed with myself!
Last week saw my last week in work and it was quite strange as it’s not
for certain that I’ll be returning there after hearing about the job at
Halifax. The management team got me a picture frame and room thermometer in
a fancy Winnie the Pooh design, my team got me vouchers for Oasis so I can
spend them when (and if) I get my figure back and Michelle got me some
lovely flowers and silver earrings so I feel well and truly spoiled!
Poor Deano has had so much to do this past week with Uni work but
thankfully he’s got the main bit out of the way. We’re going to have a nice
night in this evening over pizza and we’re going to watch Casino Royale –
I’m really looking forward to it. Deano bought me curry on Saturday to
celebrate my new job success and we had a lovely time. (Well my brother’s
gone back home now so Deano and I have returned to usual food eating habits
– always a struggle finding things that my brother likes as he doesn’t eat
many of our staple meals.)
My visit to the midwife last week did not go brilliantly as Baby Magill’s
growth plotted higher than the top growth line of my chart again – I’ve to
go back to see her this week to check this and if it’s still above then I’ll
be referred for an ultrasound. Apparently, there’s more chance of an
obstructed labour if it’s too big for me. I don’t particularly want a
caesarian but if that’s what it’ll take to deliver my (not so) little one
then it’s something I’ve got to do. I’m trying not to think about it too
much and I’m sure Quinnie is fine. I have been saying my prayers though this
week to ask for baby to be here fit and well. Deano and I aren’t getting too
anxious though as that won’t help.
I’m not even feeling remotely like Baby Magill is going to put in an
appearance soon – knowing my luck it’ll be a couple of weeks late!
Monday 30th April 2007
Still no sign of the arrival of Quinnie! Deano is getting very impatient
now bless him and keeps holding my belly saying, “COME OUT!!” I think baby
will be a little while yet.
My first week of maternity leave I kept myself busy and I’ve begun to
enjoy it now which I wasn’t the earlier part of last week.
I went to see the midwife on Thursday and thankfully the little one
measured far more normally so there was no need for me to be referred for a
scan. However, I had glucose present in my urine which is probably down to
the Milkybar easter egg that I scoffed last Wednesday night! To be on the
safe side though the midwife has said I’m to avoid sugar this Wednesday so
that I should (hopefully) get a clear urine test this Thursday.
Deano & I had such a lush weekend. Friday night we went out for pizza and
had Chicken Supreme with jalapenos that Deano didn’t think was spicy enough
for me so piled on the crushed chillies in an effort to get Quinnie moving!
We then went over to see Hayden & Alma as we hadn’t seen Hayden for quite a
while. We watched a montage of home movies starting with Alma when she was a
girl right up to Dean’s christening. It’s really cool that they’ve got a
record of some poignant moments in their lives – I don’t think my folks have
anything like that which is a shame.
Saturday we had to go to the garage to have a few things on Dean’s car
sorted, then we went looking a bicycles for him so he is now the proud owner
of a new push bike! So far he’s been out for a ride each day and has
discovered a really nice local lake for us to walk the baby round. There had
been mention of a picnic at Roath Park but time was pushing on so we had
some Asda sandwiches in the car down Cardiff Bay. Not quite the romantic
picnic we had planned but we were together so that’s all that mattered! When
we got back home Deano fitted the car seats so both our cars are ready for
the arrival of the little one. We rounded the evening off with the lovely
jeera chicken curry recipe of Himali’s which always goes down well.
Sunday we didn’t do a huge amount but I managed to cook lunch whilst
Deano put up the blind I bought for the dining room. Great team effort!
I know the weekend doesn’t sound terribly exciting but it was just lovely
being with Deano and we savoured the possibility that it was our last baby
free weekend.
I’ve not got too much planned for the week ahead, I ran some errands
today and JC is coming over for tea this evening, I’m meeting Sarah & Evie
tomorrow, Wednesday Deano & I are going out with Ads & Debbie, Thursday I’ve
got the midwife and Josie’s stopping by for a cuppa and then Friday it’s our
5th wedding anniversary (where does the time go?!). I’ve bought Dean’s
pressie and I’m praying that it’s ok, I’ve no idea what I would like so I’m
sure I’m doing his head in! Possibly something nice from Tiffany & Co but
I’m not really sure what I’d like!
Sunday 6th May 2007
Well the week came and went as planned above and I had a good time. Deano
liked his digital camcorder that I gave him for our anniversary so that’s a
bit of a relief. We had a nice bath together and a lush curry so we had a
lovely time on our anniversary. I demolished the Maltesers Deano gave me in
pretty swift order – no change there then! Maltesers is not my actual
anniversary gift in case you’re wondering! Deano also bought me gorgeous
lilies and will take me on a shopping spree when my have some idea what my
postpartum size will be.
At my appointment with the midwife on Thursday there was nothing exciting
to report – no real change from the week before but at least my urine sample
showed no glucose this time. Baby Magill still needs to drop quite a bit but
that could happen during labour itself. Due date is tomorrow but I don’t
think there’s anyway our little one is going to see it – more likely to be
the week after which is a bit annoying.
Deano & I just want our baby here now, even though all of a sudden I’m
petrified of dying during childbirth and not ever getting to see him/her.
I’m trying all the things that are suggested to bring baby along but all
to no avail (sigh), I know it’ll come when it’s good and ready – it’s
obviously got far too comfy in there!
Anyway, all being well I hope the next time I blog Baby Magill will be
here, will have a name of his/her own and Deano & I will be parents! Fingers
crossed that it happens soon.
I’ve not got a lot planned for the week ahead as I was kind of expecting
to have a little person to entertain but I’m sure I’ll keep myself occupied.
There are some cupboards that could do with cleaning!
Monday 14th May 2007
I can’t believe that there’s still no sign of Baby Magill. I’m convinced
it’s a girl now and that she’s busy in there doing her hair and makeup or
practicing being fashionably late for social functions!
At the appointment with the midwife all was well with both of us and the
baby still only 3/5ths engaged. The midwife will be coming this Wednesday to
do a stretch and sweep to encourage my cervix to start contracting. If that
doesn’t work then I’ll be booked in to be induced no later than day 13 after
the estimated due date (I think that’s Sunday). So, no matter what by this
time next week our baby will be here – woohoo!
I’m getting loads of Braxton Hicks contractions, nesting instinct has
well and truly kicked in and I’ve been more hormonal as I was quite
irrationally upset on Saturday that nothing was happening but I’m feeling
positive again now. I’m not entirely sure but I think that the mucous plug
(nice!) is starting to break down as there have been some jelly-like
consistency appearances when I’ve gone to the bathroom.
The weekend was good – Mark, Jen and Baby Emma were down to stay with Jon
& Vix so we spent a fair amount of time together. Also, Annwen and the kids
were down with Dave so the 11 of us went out for Sunday lunch which was
scrumptious! It was a shame that Quinnie hadn’t arrived for them to meet
with the little one. Hopefully, the Bateman family will be coming down the
first weekend in June so they’ll get to meet then.
I’m baking a cake as I write this which seems very Stepford-Wife of me.
As my mum says, “it’s a sign that you’ve not long to go when you start
baking cakes or feeling the urge to turn out a cupboard. At the very least
you’ll have a nice cake and tidy cupboard!”
Again, I’ve not got a lot planned for this week but at least I know
something will be happening. All of a sudden I’m freaking out about labour –
how the hell am I gonna get through that and will Deano disappear off to
Greece??!!
Friday 25th May 2007
SHE’S HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ilyssa May Magill was born on Thursday 17th May 2007 at 8:50am weighing
in at 7lb 15.5ozs.
Labour was short and sweet thank god! I had 'period pains' after having a
stretch and sweep done by the midwife on the Wednesday morning so thought
nothing much of it.
Deano had a Safety Day which he was going to be presenting and would have
to get up early on the Thursday to go and sort things out there. We decided
to go to bed early (about 11:30pm) to try and get a good night’s sleep.
From about midnight I was getting twinges every 10 minutes but I was
ignoring them and trying to sleep.
About 2am Dean’s car alarm went off twice which we thought just typical
when he needed his sleep.
Then, my waters broke in spectacular fashion all over our new mattress at
4am so we called the hospital to let them know and to get some advice as to
what we should do (about the fact I was in labour, not what to do about the
mattress!!). They said it could help to take some paracetamol, walk around,
take a shower, sip on water, etc., and to give them a ring in 12 hours to
let them know how things were progressing.
As I didn’t really believe I was in labour (I thought it was false
labour) Dean tried to go to sleep on the sofa whilst I was in and out of the
toilet and trying to walk when I wasn’t on the toilet but it was very
painful. I asked Dean to walk with me but he replied, “I’m zonked and need
to get some sleep!” I was fine with this as I still believed he would be
going to work as the midwives drum it into you not to go to the hospital too
early and as I said I thought I was in false labour.
I thought I’d try having a shower which was an interesting experience. I
only got as far as washing the shampoo out of my hair and decided that I
couldn’t stay in there any longer. I started bleeding bright red blood soon
after though and it frightened me so I called the hospital again whilst Dean
was asleep and they said if I was worried that I should come in to be
assessed - this was about 6:15am. I woke Deano up, we got ready (meaning we
both just threw some clothes on) and we put the bags in the car and got to
the hospital at 7am. After what seemed like the longest walk of my life from
the car park to the concourse in the hospital Dean decided to get me a
wheelchair so that he could zoom me up to Maternity Admissions. When we
arrived there they checked my pad first of all and thankfully it was just a
bloody show rather than a blood loss to be really concerned about - at this
point I was having contractions every 2-3 minutes. They then listened to the
baby's heart rate and each time I was having a contraction her heart rate
slowed down so they decided that I needed to go to the Consultant Led Unit
rather than the Midwife Led Unit so that they could continue to monitor the
baby as apparently they don't use continuous monitoring on the MLU. The
midwife then checked me and was shocked to see I was 7cm dilated so she soon
got me some gas and air! Whilst they were still monitoring the baby and
organising my transfer upstairs to the Consultant Led Unit I felt the need
to push - Deano went to let the midwife know and they whisked me upstairs.
Deano asked if he should go and get our hospital bags and they said no, he
shouldn't go anywhere! The midwives were great and Dean was so supportive
and brilliant that by 8:50am Ilyssa was born. Amazingly, my downstairs area
survived intact! I’ve got a bit of a graze but that’s about it so I feel
like I got away with it lightly.
I had to stay in overnight with Ilyssa as she wasn’t feeding properly.
However, she got the hang of sucking on the Friday and we were able to come
home at 4pm.
We're a week down the road now and life is an endless circle of feeding,
burping, changing and cuddling the little one and I have no idea if what I'm
doing is right! Visitors come and go and it all seems like a bit of a blur.
I am persevering with breast feeding but I can understand why people give up
as you can feel a bit of a prisoner to it. I’ve managed to get out a couple
of times on my own but not for any length of time before needing to come
back and feed Ilyssa.
It’s really difficult getting around to things when you’re in this
zombie-like state but I’m slowly getting there. I need to sort out our birth
announcement cards ASAP as I’m very aware we haven’t sent out any ‘Thank
You’ cards for all the wonderful presents and acts of kindness that we’ve
had from people.
Emotions are obviously a bit of a rollercoaster but I do feel that we've
been incredibly blessed. I’ve been anxious about various things like is she
feeding ok, why hasn’t she pooed yet, what is she crying about, etc., so I’m
trying to read as much around the subjects as I can as this tends to offer
me some reassurance. Deano again is brilliant at pep-talking me whenever
I’ve got a bit tearful.
He’s such a great Dad and I’m so proud that this is my family. I still
can’t believe she’s ours and I’m so happy that we get to keep her!

Monday 11th June 2007
Lots has happened in this time - Sarah managed to burn herself
horrendously by knocking a cup of coffee into her lap and had to receive
daily treatment at the Burns Unit at Morriston Hospital, Swansea.
Thankfully, baby Evie was well away from the coffee so she was safe and
sound. Sarah is now making a good recovery. I managed to injure myself too
by falling face first onto a radiator whilst putting away Ilyssa’s activity
gym and putting my tooth through my bottom lip. Had to have dental treatment
as I managed to crack and chip my tooth – all of this just 10 minutes before
the South Wales Echo photographer was coming round to take Dean, Ilyssa and
my photo for the birth announcements. The article was not what I expected as
it was a huge article taking up most of the page and the photographer
airbrushed my bleeding lip so that I looked (vaguely) normal! Ilyssa and
Deano look fab in it though.
Deano and I have been out on a date together without Ilyssa to celebrate
the fact he’s finished his 2nd year of his Masters. It wasn’t the easiest
thing to do going out without her but she was in safe hands with her
Grandma. There were a few tears from me but I was soon enjoying going out as
a couple.
Dean’s back at work now so I’ve been getting used to looking after the
little one without having another pair of hands, and I have to admit that
it’s not so easy!
I have given up breastfeeding now as Ilyssa is a hungry Magriller!! I
just couldn’t keep up with her. It was earlier than I’d wanted to, but it
coincided quite well with the fact that I was going away on Saturday for
Vicky’s Hen Night at Center Parcs so would be taking my boobs with me too!
Ilyssa seems far happier now she’s on formula, it means Deano can get
involved more now and I get a lot more freedom. My boobs went like rocks
though and were leaking like mad but the worst of that appears to be over.
Vicky’s Hen Night was good fun and I think it did me the world of good to
rediscover ‘me’. It meant that I was able to recharge my batteries and come
back home more relaxed. Of course I missed Deano and Ilyssa but it was only
one night and I’m glad that I did this when she’s still so new – I think it
would only get harder the longer you leave doing something like that so at
least it should be easier the next time something comes up where I have to
go away.
Deano of course coped admirably though I’m not sure what kept him up more
in the early hours of Sunday – Ilyssa needing to be fed or his car alarm
going off (no the car hasn’t been checked yet!).
Well, I have never felt less attractive in all my life – I’m still
bleeding, my boobs leak, I’m at least a stone overweight, my hair needs a
cut and colour, I’ve got a fat lip and my tooth doesn’t look quite how it
used to and to top it all I think I’ve got piles!! If Deano can love me and
fancy me whilst I’m like this then I’m a very lucky girl indeed!
Wednesday 20th June 2007
Ilyssa is now smiling! In particular she loves smiling at her daddy which
makes me feel a bit left out as she doesn’t smile at me so much. It made me
melt last Friday when it was really obvious that she was actually smiling
voluntarily. She’s also becoming a lot more aware generally now so she’s a
bit more ‘fun’ and she loves sitting propped up on the corner of the sofa!
She’s doing really well and at her last weigh in she came in at 8lbs
11ozs, so she’s probably around 9lbs now. She’s beginning to grow out of
some of the smaller Newborn size clothes so I’m going to have to think about
boxing some of her things up ready for the next baby?!!
I’m glad she’s putting on weight though, as recently she’s been being
horribly sick. Touch wood, she’s not been sick the last 3 days so hopefully
that problem has gone.
As for me I’m recovering well as I’m no longer leaking and my piles
treatment seems to be doing the trick! We’ll both be checked out by the
doctor on 5th July.
It was Deano’s birthday on the weekend and we had a barbeque at the house
which was a sedate affair but I think he enjoyed himself. The pressies that
Ilyssa and I got for him seemed to go down well so I feel we did pretty
good. It was also Father’s Day which meant that Deano, Hayden, my dad and
Papa all needed cards from Ilyssa and of course pressies!
Deano and I have noticed that the 17th of some months has been quite
poignant. For example, we decided to try for a baby on 17th June last year
and the same date this year we were celebrating Father’s Day. Ilyssa was
also exactly 1 month old on Father’s Day. When we were trying for a baby
August 17th was the date of my LH surge and exactly 9 months later Ilyssa
was born!
I now know that I’m not going back to work at Clerical Medical as my new
boss called to say he would like me to start end of July/beginning of
August. Watch this space.
We’re getting out and about quite a bit now which is so much easier as
Ilyssa’s bottle fed. Alma has been able to baby sit for us a couple of times
so Deano and I went out for a meal together on our own and again with Adam
and Debbie last night. It’s quite nice being able to be our old selves and
not just our new persona as parents.
It’s great that Alma has looked after Ilyssa for us but I don’t want her
to think we’re taking advantage of her. Not that she would think that as I
know she loves any opportunity to be with her grandchild. I think that Alma
and I have become a lot closer since I’ve been on maternity leave and it’s
nice that I get on so well with my mother in law.
Some really irritating things have happened recently though – our washing
machine bit the dust on Thursday and what’s the most upsetting is that I’ve
lost the diamond out of my engagement ring :( I need to check our contents
insurance to see if I can claim.
Thursday 6th September 2007
I’m ashamed of myself because I’ve not blogged since June! In my defence,
so much has been going - on looking after Ilyssa and returning to work.
Little Ilyssa May is doing so, so well and she’s now 12lb 8oz but still
in 0-3 months size clothes. She had her 3rd set of injections today but
thankfully she’s ok.
Ilyssa is ridiculously smiley – it’s as if she’s swallowed a coat hanger!
She’s now able to grab things with both hands and her hand eye co-ordination
is coming on well. She’s got a lovely little giggle and I can’t stop looking
at her and smiling.
Deano is a fantastic father and adores her soooo much – I love seeing
them together. They have a special song – Twinkle, twinkle little star –
which never fails to cheer her up whenever she’s grouching. She’s teething,
bless her, so she chews on anything and everything within her grasp (usually
her hands or my hair!).
Everyday she’s getting stronger and I don’t think it’ll be too long
before she’ll be able to sit up by herself. She absolutely loves standing up
and her door bouncer is always a winner with her.
Ilyssa’s favourite toys are: Flo her dolly, Cecil the caterpillar book,
Tigger on her activity mat, Hugh Heffalump and her new ladybird book.
The furthest Ilyssa has been is Center Parcs with daddy and she so loved
the pool. She looked so cute in her little bathers and orange inflatable
seat!
She’s now full time at Grandma’s and she gets on well with the other
kids. In fact she’s off to Eiriana’s 5th birthday party on Saturday – social
butterfly that she is!
The housework has somewhat gone to pot since my return to work but I’m
sure that’ll get better when I’ve finished my exams.
We’re starting to plan what to get her for Christmas so I’ll be compiling
a wish list for her very soon.
I promise to blog more regularly so expect more next week in the run up
to Jon & Vicky’s wedding.
Sunday 23rd September 2007
Well JC & Vix’s wedding has come and gone and a fabulous day was had by
all. Both bride and groom looked fantastic on the day and Deano’s Best Man’s
speech was very entertaining though he struggled to get through it towards
the end as he was getting choked up – the pineapple that he is!!
Speaking of JC, I omitted to mention in earlier entries that Ilyssa
dribbled into Jon’s mouth one day when he was playing ‘Superbaby’ with
her – gross yet he still loves her!
Ilyssa May has been an absolute joy this weekend and that’s a good job as
poor Deano is suffering with a rubbish cold. Hopefully he’ll feel better by
the morning as he has another Journey Day (yes, they’re still going on).
Ilyssa has also had a bit of a cold this week but nowhere near as nasty as
her dad’s thankfully.
She’s now 18 weeks old going on 19 weeks and getting stronger every day.
She’s still not quite sitting up on her own but she’s very nearly there.
Ilyssa has great fun with Emma (Bateman) last Sunday and found her every
word hilarious, although Emma must have said something Ilyssa found
offensive this one time as she slapped poor Emma across the face!
I have now passed all my exams at work which I’m really pleased about and
it’s actually meant that I’ve had a whole weekend when I’ve not had to
revise. The housework has definitely benefited from that! I’m off with the
little one tomorrow too which will be an added bonus.
We went to see Sarah and Baby Evie yesterday, Evie was a bit under the
weather though so not quite herself. Sarah seemed quite down, I think it’s a
lot to do with the fact that she’s back in work now and missing her little
girl. She’s looking forward to cutting back on her workload and going
part-time.
I went a bit bonkers on things for Ilyssa this week as I bought her a
lovely outfit with tights as it’s getting colder in the mornings now, a
coat, shoes, mittens and a cute hat. She’s gonna look lush! Also picked her
up a book and some sleepsuits. She’s still in 0-3 months size clothes even
though she’s 4 months old now! She’s quite dinky but she’s got long legs –
that’s something I’ve never had. She’s so her father’s daughter!
Monday 1st October 2007
I’ve been off since last Wednesday and have had such a lovely time just
playing wife and mother for the last few days. Ilyssa has been such a little
treasure and we’ve done loads! I took her to Baby Clinic last Wednesday
morning and met the new health visitor who was super pleased with how our
girl is coming along. Ilyssa now weighs 13lbs 4oz and is following the line
on her chart nicely. I spoke to the Health Visitor about weaning the little
one and she’s happy for me to do so. Plan at the moment is to start on
Saturday as I’ll be off then for 2 weeks which should give us all chance to
adjust. I can hardly wait for our kitchen to be redecorated in 20 seconds
flat by one small pot of Petit Filous!
After clinic Ilyssa and I went to town to pick up Halo 3 for Deano (yes,
I am an Xbox widow again) and birthday pressies for Sarah & Annwen. Thursday
we met my sister & Tirion in Cribbs Causeway and had a lovely time. Ricky &
Kate were down on the weekend so it was great to see them too.
Ilyssa has started blowing raspberries! Really quite amusing to us but
it’s a good stage of her development for formation of speech. She’s also
moving about quite a bit more now and loves trying to ‘help’ holding her
bottle when feeding her!
I had a bit of a cry last night as Lyss did a face that was so my nan!
I’m sad that nan’s not here to meet her but as weird as this may sound I
feel like she’s here again which is lovely as I’ve not seen her for 17
years. I know, I know I sound bonkers but it’s how I feel. God I’m welling
up again now just thinking about it.
I’m off to Leeds on Wednesday until Friday this week which is a bit mean
but Team Magill will come through!
Saturday 13th October 2007 (2am – up now as I’m not v. well)
Well Leeds for me wasn’t so bad –same cannot be said for poor Deano
though! Ilyssa became the girl who didn’t want to go to bed, work was a
nightmare for him and his car broke down on the motorway, bless him!
We’re both now suffering with really annoying colds, which thankfully
Ilyssa hasn’t caught (yet!).
Week one of Ilyssa on solids was absolutely hilarious. We started her off
with baby rice which is white like her formula so it isn’t too messy , The
same cannot be said of carrot however, which made her look like a baked bean
after only 2 spoonfuls on Tuesday! I couldn’t stop laughing when she
actually said, “Bleugh!” and started retching. The faces she pulls when
she’s having food are most amusing, but at least she’s not pushing the food
away.
She seems to like pureed apple though and is still getting used to her
training cup which she has her juice from. Today she’ll be having solids at
2 mealtimes rather than just the one.
Ilyssa’s array of sounds is increasing by the day and it is sounding like
she says, “Hiya.”
She was able to stand unaided on a couple of occasions by supporting
herself on her chair at Grandma’s and up against Evie’s activity desk. She’s
far too small to be able to do that, but she can - the strong little thing!
The most bizarre news of the week is that Deano has been asked by work to
go to India for a week!!! Awesome opportunity for him and definitely one he
can’t pass up even though I’m also going to be away in Leeds again that
week. Don’t panic – Ilyssa will be staying at her Grandma’s house so we know
she’ll be well looked after and treated like a princess!
I’ve got one more week off left before I go to Leeds for 3 weeks and
Deano will be joining me at home from Thursday so we can have some really
good quality family time which I’m really looking forward to.
Ah well, best get myself to bed again and try not to wake Ilyssa up with
my sniffing and coughing. Lovely!
Sunday 18th November 2007
Well Deano didn’t need to go to India as the trip has been postponed
which was good for us in reality.
My 3 week stint in Leeds has come and gone and it was very difficult for
the 3 of us, but it was definitely made easier by the help Dean’s folks were
able to give us.
Whilst I was away Ilyssa got her first 2 teeth through – just in time for
Halloween so she was nicknamed ‘Fang’ for a little bit! Though she was
always lovely, Ilyssa gave Deano hell some nights waking up at 4 – 5 am.
Thankfully we seem to be getting through that phase now.
Dave and Annwen got married whilst I was away and it’s totally mad to
think that Dave is now a husband and father!
Ilyssa was 6 months old yesterday – where has the time gone?! In some
ways it feels like she’s been here forever but mostly it’s just flown by. As
she hit the half year mark it meant that she spent her first night in her
cot in her own room and she did really well bless her cotton socks!
She’s eating solids pretty well now and porridge is a definite favourite!
She’s having 3 meals a day now and she’s doing well. The Health Visitor was
happy with her progress when Alma took her to clinic on Thursday and our
little girl now weighs 14lb 10ozs so she’s still quite dinky really.
Ilyssa is a regular action woman now and it takes ages to dress her as
she’s busy rolling off to wherever she sees something that interests her.
Shiny stuff is a definite attraction for her! She’s loads better at sitting
up unaided and can push herself up on all fours now albeit briefly. Won’t be
long until she’s able to crawl so we’ll need eyes in the back of our heads!
We love Ilyssa’s personality – she’s really smiley and chatty. She often
says ‘Dada’, ‘Mama’ and ‘Alma’ now which can just make us melt.
Our washing machine has died so we’re waiting for our new one to come
Tuesday – can’t wait! We so need a washing machine, particularly now that
Lys is on solids – it’s impossible to keep her clean so she goes through
clothes like nobody’s business!
Ilyssa has a new toy, a maraca, which she love, love, loves! At the
moment our girl is snoring away on her Dad’s lap as content as can be and
they look so lovely together.
I love my family!
Wednesday 28th November 2007
We have a washing machine and it’s awesome! Sorry – had to put that in!
Our little girl is doing well but the new challenge is getting Ilyssa to
sleep properly through the night. She’s been waking up out of habit at
ridiculous o’clock which is tough for us when we’re working. We’re doing the
controlled crying technique and she does seem to be getting there.
She is action woman extraordinaire though and today she propelled herself
out of her ‘inflatable doughnut’ which helps her to sit up. Thankfully she
was fine.
She’s got a cut on her head at the moment following an ‘incident’ with Jo
and a box of Christmas crackers yesterday! It was a total accident and our
girl is fine – I think Jo was more upset bless her!
Work has been tough – it’s really tough being observed day in day out for
3 weeks and it’s been a steep learning curve. Thankfully, I don’t think I’ve
made too much of an idiot of myself! I’m really looking forward to starting
in Newport on Monday out on my own and I’m happy with the target I’ve been
given for December. Due to a restructure that was announced yesterday I’m
not sure who my manager will be in the new year so that feels a bit weird.
Deano has been a busy, busy boy and we’re both absolutely knackered! I
think Deano really needs a holiday, hopefully he’ll have a decent amount of
time off over Christmas so he’ll have chance to relax and unwind. We’ve both
been getting back late from work recently and it makes us feel really guilty
as parents as we’re not able to spend the time we’d like to spend with the
little one. Alma has been great for not being annoyed with us picking Ilyssa
up late.
My poor girl is crying at the moment – Deano’s just put her to bed and
she’s less than impressed about it! Her dad’s just gone in to see if she
wants some milk and it appears to be doing the trick – fingers crossed!
Wednesday 2nd January 2008
Well the year of our lord 2008 has arrived! I can’t believe that I didn’t
blog once in December, but it was so busy I didn’t find time to do it –
naughty girl that I am!
I’ve started my new job properly in my own branch – unfortunately I
missed target for the month which I am absolutely gutted about as I was
doing all I could to get the business in, I just didn’t get to see enough
people. I’m going to work my socks off in 2008 though and try to build
myself a good structure and really try to fit in well at the branch and
hopefully it will all work out.
Deano was finding work quite stressful and has been putting in a fair
amount of extra hours so it was great that he had time off over the
holidays, so we were able to regroup and enjoy our little family unit.
My gorgeous little Ilyssa May is coming on great guns as she started
waving to people on 23rd December, got one of her top teeth through on
Boxing Day and began to crawl properly on New Year’s Eve! She’s now on Stage
2 food which means she now has food with a bit more taste and texture. So
far no particular favourites for main courses as she’ll eat pretty much
anything, but for dessert any flavour Frutapura is an absolute winner for
our girl.
The 3 of us had a lovely time together over the holidays and Ilyssa has
been a bit of a ‘mummy’s girl’ wanting lots of hugs, kisses and attention
from me which I’ve been more than willing to give to her. I really felt like
we re-bonded so I don’t feel so much like a bad mother as I’ve been able to
spend quality time with her. I normally feel really guilty about being a
working mum who only usually gets to see her girl first thing in the morning
and last thing before she goes to bed.
Ilyssa was spoiled like you would not believe on Christmas Day – sooooo
many presents! She didn’t really know what to make of it all and I have no
idea where it’s all gonna go! She wasn’t really herself though on Christmas
Day as she was teething so she was a bit grouchy but still quite a smiley
little thing.
My favourite Christmas pressie was a black and white photograph in a
lovely dark wooden frame that Deano took a while ago of Ilyssa’s shoes all
lined up against her dresser and the lighting is absolutely perfect in the
shot. It was a really personal present and it brought a tear to my eyes –
how lame am I?!
That said, for me, spending time with Deano & Ilyssa was what made
Christmas for me.
New Year’s Eve saw a nice little gathering at ours of JC, Vix, Susie,
Prosser, Mark, Jen and a sleeping baby Emma. We ate, drank and were merry
and had great fun playing ‘Rapidough’ which is like Pictionary done with
play-dough. Unfortunately, the boys won so the girls need to raise their
game next time round. Will have to hope that Ilyssa will be artistic and
creative so that the girls of the future will win out!
Went out for the usual New Year’s Day meal at the British Raj which was
really nice and a tradition that I hope will still continue in future years.
My New Year’s Resolutions are (in no particular order!):
1. Get my body back! Think Weightwatchers and exercise class will do
this.
2. Hit target at work
3. To be more house-proud
4. To go out with my friends more
5. To blog more
6. To be the best wife and mother I can be
In other words in 2008 I am going to become SUPERWOMAN!! Think I can’t do
it? - well I’m going to do my very best!
By the way - happy new year!
Tuesday 15th January 2008
Well I’ve made a start on my New Year’s resolutions in that I joined
Weightwatchers this evening and I’m going to classes with Jon & Vicky so
that covers resolutions 1 & 4. I’m also blogging 13 days after I last did
which isn’t too bad!
Resolution 6 is something I like to think I’m always doing but number 3
definitely needs work! As for hitting target at work I’m doing the best I
can there at the moment.
I’m missing my girl today as I’ve not seen her since getting her ready
before leaving for work this morning. I guess Tuesdays might often be like
this now that I’m off to Weightwatchers. I’m 10st 11lbs and my goal weight
is 9st 6lbs so fingers crossed that I get there soon – my hope is to get to
10st by Ilyssa’s 1st birthday in May.
Ilyssa now has 4 teeth (top 2 have a gap between them just like me - poor
thing) and I think I can see another incisor coming through. She is pulling
herself up to standing now and nothing is safe!
There’s a trailer on Paramount at the moment for a stand up show by the
comedian, Lee Evans, and every time it comes on Ilyssa giggles! I have no
idea why but it’s in exactly the same place each time – the little weirdo!
She pulls her hands up to cover her eyes to play ‘peepo’ with us which is
dead cute. Last night the little minx didn’t go to sleep until 10:30!! I’m
not sure if it was anything to do with her teething but she was a fizzy as a
bottle of pop all night!
Cow & Gate Frutapura desserts are an absolute winner with Ilyssa so it’s
nice to know she loves fruit. She’s been having more finger food and is
getting used to feeding herself which is great to see.
Deano has been working hard covering his boss recently so he’s been
getting in late quite often and having to take calls from work over the
weekend. I know we’ve only just had Christmas but I think a break away would
do him the world of good. I may need to organise something even if it’s just
for a weekend.
My dad is still off work due to his blood pressure – the improved reading
today was 151 over 100 which sounds a bit steep to me! It may well end up
being that he doesn’t get to go back to work at all considering he’s
retiring in April.
Speaking of retirement, I don’t think I’ve mentioned it before that
Ilyssa already has a pension! I’m only putting in £20 pm into it at the
moment but it’s there working for her. I’m proud that as a parent I can
ensure she’s always got money for now, money that she can spend soon, money
for a few years down the line and money in her retirement. I’m not saying
that it’s vast sums but it’s a great structure for her to have in place and
when she’s older she can take things over.
Ilyssa’s favourite things now are Tigger toy or one of her high top boots
to distract her whilst she’s on her changing mat, her Fisher Price pull
along telephone, stacking cups for the bath and her dry set of stacking cups
for the lounge, her maracas, shiny stuff and wires for some bizarre reason!
WARNING! DEANO BLOG ENTRY – Tuesday 29th January 2008
Since Caroline has failed to blog for a fortnight I thought I’d make a
quick entry myself. So here goes…
It has become apparent to me that girls are genetically programmed to be
the way they are. Understand that I’m not being mean or at least not
intentionally. Ilyssa is exhibiting all the non-physical signs of being a
girl. She has a very strange obsession with shoes, so strange in fact that
at times they are the only things that will keep her still we’re when trying
to change her. She loves anything shiny and will try to get her hands on
whatever it is as quickly as possible! She is also completely nuts and
beyond any logic that I can grasp, but maybe that’s just a baby thing…maybe.
Still, she’s as cute as hell and I can see that she’s gonna cost me a
fortune! (Yet another girly trait!!!!!)
Couple of other milestones:
Ilyssa managed her first tiny sentence on the weekend - she said “Hiya
dada”.
She’s crawling at a decent speed now
We’ve had to start baby proofing
She is making clicking sounds with her tongue
Wednesday 6th February 2008
Back to normality again rather than guest entries by the Deano!
Not a huge amount to report really – Ilyssa is doing well, she weighed in
at 16lb 9ozs at clinic on Thursday. The Health Visitor, Debbie, was really
pleased with her progress and says she’s quite forward so of course we’re
proud parents!
I’ve joined Weightwatchers and so far I’ve lost 4lbs – only 14 more lbs
to go to get to goal!
Ilyssa has said “Tigger” a couple of times now which we thought was
pretty cool!
Some scary news this week in that Deano’s father managed to have an
accident on the M4 and has written of his and another person’s car – thank
god, Hayden managed to get away near enough unscathed. Just a bit of
bruising to his ribs from the airbags and of course a bit shaken up – he’s
very, very lucky indeed.
I’ve signed up to do the Race for Life in June and I think I’ll run it.
Best get started on some training then hadn’t I?!
More teeth for Ilyssa seem to be coming and the poor dab has a cold at
the moment. She was a complete ball of snot a couple of days ago, but now it
just seems to be a bit of a cough remaining.
Monday 17th March 2008
Today is Ilyssa’s 10 month birthday! I’ve had the day off with her and
we’ve had a lovely time together. She’s gone to bed now, pretty as a picture
bless her heart.
Even though she is 10 months now she is only just moving into 6-9 month
size clothes! That means slightly bigger clothes to wash!
Speaking of that Deano & I are checking out getting a cleaner as
something’s gotta give! Working full time, looking after the little one and
trying to keep on top of the housework just isn’t working out too well at
the moment.
Saying that work for me is not going particularly well, but I’m doing my
best to turn that around. I guess it just won’t come naturally to me. I’ve
moved branches and hopefully things will work out better there.
Ilyssa had Sunday lunch with us yesterday that her daddy had made. She
absolutely yummed it up – she couldn’t get it to her mouth quick enough!
She’s standing on her own well now so it won’t be too long before she
starts walking. She’s such a little terror but an absolute pleasure all
rolled into one. I’ve managed to lose the sky card because of her!
She loves pretending to be on the phone and often likes to speak to her
Daddy and Nana.
It’s Easter this weekend and Deano has bought her something and I’ve
bought her a couple of cute outfits. I don’t know what else we’re up to as
yet.
Deano is nearly recovered after having the flu so it will be great to
spend the long weekend together and able to go out and about and get things
done.
Ilyssa is cruising around the furniture now and can even climb the
stairs. Uh-oh!
She is also giving us kisses – mainly on weekends which is a bit random!!
Tuesday 15th April 2008
Yeah, yeah I know – it’s been nearly a month since I last blogged. I am
the rubbish one!! All I can say is that work takes a lot out of me and the
last thing I want to do when I come home is sit in front of a PC. I can’t
believe that we’ve had to take on a cleaner!! Now that confession is out of
the way I can get on with it!
Baby Ilyssa is getting much less of a baby and is becoming more of a
toddler every day. This has its good and bad points, but in her daddy’s
words, “She’s more of a person now”. Some of the bad points are screeching
when she doesn’t get her own way, not going to bed as easily as she used to
as she may be missing something and being very sparing with her kisses! On
the plus side she’s now able to clap hands, play hide and seek and she
absolutely loves walking up and down the lounge holding onto her dad’s
hands. Her fine, blonde hair is getting longer and we have to put a couple
of clips in it to ‘train’ it. She looks dead cute, bless her.
Now she’s walking a lot more, Deano & I thought it best to get her feet
measured so we could get her shoes designed for walking in so that her feet
are properly supported. Ilyssa is a size 2.5F and she had the choice of only
2 pairs of shoes. We only bought the one set but I may need to get her the
other – it would be rude to leave them there! The people at Clarks took her
photo of her trying out her shoes in the shop, and I was the proudest mum
ever when she walked out of the shop, holding onto one hand of Deano’s and
one of my hands, wearing her new shoes.
Quite a bit has happened this last month – we had Easter and Ilyssa
absolutely loves Milkybar buttons. She’s only allowed a couple a day. How
mean are we?!
Deano’s dad has moved back home after his stint at Heathrow T5, which he
took us all to see a couple of weeks back when we were up in London for the
family rugby game. Of course our side won!! Our trip to London was the first
time the 3 of us have gone away together. It was definitely a learning curve
as to how much we need to take away with us for the little one! We stayed
with her Uncle Ricky & Auntie Kate and Ilyssa terrorised their poor cat,
Star. We’re back there again next weekend, all I can hope is that Star is
prepared!
Ilyssa keeps saying ‘Alma’ instead of Grandma but I’m sure she’ll grow
out of it – she just hears the other kids that Alma looks after call her
that and has obviously picked it up from them.
Deano is very busy with work at the moment and is off to Amsterdam next
week – I have the joy of Cwmbran. Lucky me! Thankfully, work for me is
beginning to pick up and April has been my best month for sales and today
was my best sales day. Just gotta keep building on that every day.
It was Dad’s 65th birthday on the weekend so all the family was there
which was lush. Ilyssa had loads of fun playing with her cousins and I
really hope they become firm friends. Being his 65th last Friday was the day
that Dad officially retired – I expect to ‘lose’ him to the lawn bowls club
from here on in!
Speaking of birthdays, Ilyssa will be a year old in a month and 2 days
time – I can hardly believe it! Anyway, we’re planning a special day for our
special girl to include a barbie, fairy cakes and jelly & blancmange. There
will be balloons and pinkness! We have no idea though what to get her for a
pressie as yet so that’s still a work in progress and I guess we’d better
work on her gift list! No doubt she’ll get spoiled silly.
Wednesday 14th May 2008
Deano & I had an amazing time up in Stratford for our anniversary. We
missed Ilyssa loads but it was so good being able to drink wine in the
afternoon, read the papers and go out for a meal in a ‘grown up’ restaurant!
It was so lovely seeing her when we got back.
Ilyssa is getting really good at walking on her own now and showed some
impressive pace following Deano out to the kitchen last Sunday. Reason
behind this was that he was taking a plate out which had the remains of a
chicken bhuna and tikka massala. Ilyssa had had a few mouthfuls and loved
it! I can’t believe she ate proper curry and the spiciness didn’t phase her
at all! Just have to mention here that we managed to lose one of Ilyssa’s
first shoes – god knows where it is but there’s no sign of it anywhere!
We’re a bit worried that she may have developed eczema on her face, and I
have my suspicions that it may have been triggered by cow’s milk. I’m taking
her to the doctors tomorrow for some booster injections so I’ll get some
guidance. She’s possibly got hayfever too so I need to check on that also.
Miss Magill is now giving kisses on request which is really cute. She’s
really funny to take around Asda as she keeps talking and laughing at the
people who work behind the pizza counter!
Deano and I are getting food, etc., ready for Ilyssa’s birthday party on
Saturday. We really can’t believe our girl will be 1! We’ve just ready over
my entries this time last year which made us laugh and also made me quite
sentimental.
Deano has pointed out that there were a few things that were missed from
my first entry after Ilyssa was born so over to him now to update…
Somehow during the course of things, we’ve managed to miss out on a
couple of somewhat amusing little details about the night of Caroline’s
labour… When her waters broke in the middle of the night I received a swift
elbow in the ribs to wake me as she shot out of bed whilst simply announcing
“My waters have broken”. Now I was confronted by a mixture of feelings at
this point. Excitement and revulsion. Excitement in that our baby was on the
way. Revulsion because of the wet mess next to me in bed. So I checked that
Caroline was alright and then proceeded to strip the bed and clean up. I
then rang my parents to let them know what was going on. When my mum asked
me what I was going to do next I answered “Well I’m gonna get some vanish on
the mattress to try and sort out the mess”, this as you can imagine this
resulted in an ear bashing.
A little while later Caroline and I end up getting into a slightly heated
debate about whether she was in labour or not. I think this was after the
first phone call to the hospital to inform them that her water had broken. I
was certain that Caroline was in labour and she though otherwise. So I
decided to get the little checklist card that we were given. I went through
each point and as I suspected she was indeed in labour. For some reason this
still wasn’t enough for Caroline, so having had enough, I went to sleep on
the sofa…
Finally got to the hospital and we had a very long walk to the concourse.
Not in terms of distance, but in terms of how long it took Caroline to get
there. Bless her every couple of steps she stops because of the pain. I
suggest to her that I should go and get a wheelchair. “No, I’ll be alright”
is the answer I get back. So after the harrowing trip to the concourse she
decides that maybe a wheelchair would be a good idea!!!
Clearly as a bloke I have zero clue as to what is right or wrong and I
certainly have no good ideas. That’s my experience and sadly some of it is
true!
I have no idea where the time as gone in this last year. It seems like
only yesterday that Ilyssa was a bump in Caroline’s tummy and now she’s
walking around the place like she owns it.
Monday 7th July 2008
Ilyssa’s first birthday whilst successful in many ways was not good for
the birthday girl herself as she was very poorly following her booster jab.
She spent the morning being super sick but kept a smile on her face for the
day at her various parties.
Her birthday presents were fab! From us she had a dolls house, Birthday
Girl ornament and 1st birthday photo album. To go with her dolls house she
had a matching farm, grocer and florist. Other presents included a swing
from Grandma & Papa, a slide from Nan and Gramp, a diamond necklace from
Uncle Rick and Auntie Kate, a pair of Converse trainers from Auntie Holly
and Dan, a musical tortoise(!), clothes and lots of money! She was of course
the most spoiled girl in the world that day. We’ve put the slide together
now and she really squeals with joy going down it and even loves sending her
dolly down there.
Speaking of Ilyssa being poorly she’s just got over a bout of sickness
and diarrhoea that lasted nearly a week. We were all really worried about
her as it’s really the first time she’s been proper ill. The poor dab could
only manage sitting on my lap for at least 4 days as she was too weak to do
much else. She went to the doctors who prescribed her liquid paracetamol and
within a few days she was back to her usual self.
Or was she…? She’s started screeching when she’s not happy about
something and has proper tantrums (highly annoying!). Yesterday, in
Mothercare, she had an absolute fit and sounded like she was being murdered!
I had to march her out of the shop whilst she was creating the racket with a
Deano just as embarrassed bringing up the rear! I was really annoyed with
her and it’s really the first time that she’s actually embarrassed me. Oh my
god the whole shop was looking at us like we were terrible parents. The
shame!
Ilyssa is a lot more loving now though and she registers this in a much
more tactile way with us – be it a kiss, a hug or she’ll come and rest her
head on your lap and say, “Aaaah”. Cuteness.
She does have some more words, if you can call them that, to add to her
repertoire like, “Ilyssa” and a particular favourite of mine, “Moo”, when
you ask her what sound a cow makes. Her favourite song at the moment is
“Incey Wincey” and she’s so cool doing the action for the spider.
We now have a fun place to take her called Jump which is a big soft play
arena – she really loves the ball pits. Whenever she goes though she manages
to find some other unsuspecting baby or toddler to go and hug. Much to her
father’s disgust they are usually boys!
She enjoys going around the block on her quad bike that she had for
Christmas from Auntie Holly. She can put Lego bricks together now too.
Ilyssa really likes Deano’s scones and is mad for curry! I bought her a
new cereal yesterday and it is definitely a hit. One thing that she is
completely addicted to is dried fruit – she has a little box each day and
she’s always so sad when she’s had the last one that she has to demolish the
box afterwards to check she’s not missed any!
Deano is doing well at work and is waiting for his company car to arrive.
He’s ordered an Audi A4 and he’s always wanted one so I’m dead chuffed for
him that he’s finally going to have one. As for me and work I’m having an
awful time but I don’t want to think about it as I’m on leave this week.
Deano’s mum and dad have gone off to Florida for a couple of weeks so
it’s been great spending time with the little one. This week from Wednesday
Deano will be off with me so that will be nice. We haven’t any plans as
such, I think we’re going to go and visit his sister, Holly as she moved in
with her boyfriend on the weekend. Apart from that we’re free and easy so
will just have to make sure we make the most of it.
Tuesday 29th July 2008
Time off is officially over for both of us now – boo! Feels like I’ve
never been away although I’ve been sicky-bad the last couple of days but
feel I’ll be fine to go back to work tomorrow.
Ilyssa is teething again and I think she’s got a few coming through at
the same time, poor little lamb.
Deano put up the swing she had from her Grandma and Papa for her birthday
on the weekend and she loves it! It’s got a canopy to shield her a bit from
the sun and it took Deano ages to put it together. Totally worth it though.
She also loves playing on her slide from Nan and Gramp though it’s a 2
person job to play as one of us needs to go at the top and the other needs
to catch her at the bottom of the slide.
Thankfully Ilyssa seems to be out of the screeching phase – you just need
to make sure you distract her with something else! She’s really funny now if
you do something she doesn’t approve of as she will point her finger at you
and shake her head to say, “No”! She also says “Yes” and “No” and she will
nod her head or shake her head to answer questions put to her. A favourite
question of ours to ask is “Do you love …?”. She is quite mischievous though
and will sometimes answer the question with a “no” and a big smirk on her
face, which of course Deano reacts to and ends up with a string of laughter.
She is role-playing a lot for a 14 month old as she likes to feed and
change her dolls. She is a caring little thing and I know I’ve said it
before, but she’s really loving even though kisses from her are few and far
between.
Ilyssa is also showing a keen interest in dancing at any opportunity so
I’m sure we’ll soon be signing her up for dance classes with Auntie Holly –
I can see her in a little pink leotard now!
Deano had a little surprise for Ilyssa last week – he had a chair made
for her (in her size) to match our leather suite. I thought that was just so
thoughtful and our girl loves climbing on and off her new chair. She looks
really funny watching TV in her seat.
Monday 15th September 2008
Wow – a year exactly since JC and Vicky’s wedding and well over a month
since my last update!
Gorgeous Ilyssa May is getting bigger and we’ve finally moved her up into
9-12 month size clothes! She’s still a dwt considering she’s 16 months old
in a couple of days.
She may be small but she’s got a big personality. She went to Eiriana’s
5th birthday party on Saturday and she was joining the fun and dancing at
any given opportunity bless her!
She’s started saying, “What’s this”, “Shoes”, “Toast”, “Horses”, “Fish”
and she’s saying her name a lot more now too. I haven’t heard it myself but
Grandma tells me she said “Papa” the other day.
She’s such an affectionate little thing and she waves, blows kisses,
gives hugs and she’s always got a kiss for her daddy. ‘Periscope waving’ is
Deano and my favourite of all her waves!
I mentioned her dancing in my last entry and just to mention to that
she’s added in dancing feet – comedy.
Deano is beavering away in work and lift-shares with Deb so that should
save him some dollar. He’s had his new car now too, it’s lovely. I’m not
sure if I’ll ever be allowed to drive it though! He’s going to call the Audi
“MK” short for “My Kit” as it’s like Kit the car from Knightrider! My work
is sapping the life out of me and all I’ll say is I need out – quick! We’re
all off to Center Parcs next Friday for our first family holiday and though
I’m looking forward to it I hope I’ll be able to switch off from work and
the feeling of impending doom!
Deano and Ilyssa went out last Saturday for a walk around Roath Park and
she was holding on to Dude the dog’s lead which looked quite amusing
apparently!
She is loving books and she has a habit of reversing on to your lap for
you to read with her. Climbing is also a hobby and she can get on the sofas
now – uh-oh! She gave her Grandma heart failure the other day by climbing on
to the top of the arm of the sofa in the play room when she wasn’t looking
for a second and Ilyssa was dancing on it!
Friday 28th November 2008
Yes, I am rubbish for no updates for ages but here’s a quick rundown of
what’s been happening:
- Went to Center Parcs – had a fantastic time. Going again next year but
have booked into fancier accommodation. Ilyssa looked super-cute in her
bathers and was really confident in the water.
- Ilyssa was very poorly for a while after our holiday and we had to get
her seen at Bupa by a specialist. Super-scary but thankfully the growth is
nothing for us to worry about. Just got to keep an eye on it in case it
flares up again.
- New but old job at Clerical Medical starts on Monday for me. Feeling
quite nervous but glad to be out of Halifax. Glad that nightmare is over.
- Deano is working all hours under the sun and is not getting chance to
do his dissertation. Uh-oh.
- JC & Vix are expecting!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Sach and Himali have had their baby daughter, Tenisha.
- I’ve done my Christmas shopping!
Onto stuff about my gorgeous-but-bonkers girl, Ilyssa now! She is saying
so much now, including some things I’d rather she couldn’t say! Mainly
though she’s saying, “What’s that?”, “Oh no”, and “Oh no waayyy”. “Shoes” is
very much a favourite and just demonstrates how much of a girly girl she is!
The latest thing she’s been doing though is saying, “Shhh!” when one of
her toys is lying down as if sleeping. That’s a particular favourite of
mine.
Ilyssa points to her cheek now to ask for a kiss and loves giving her dad
multiple kisses. They do say a girl’s first love is her father!
She plays up quite a bit now – only natural seeing as she’s a toddler.
Unfortunately, some of that involves hair pulling and hitting. Not big, not
clever, not attractive. It’s quite hard to deal with actually but thankfully
she hasn’t done it for the last couple of days.
Ilyssa’s getting a lot easier for us to understand whatever it is she
wants, as now she will take us by the hand and drag us to the sink or fridge
if she wants a drink, or point to the cupboard in the utility room for a
snack, or whatever toy she wants to play with.
Our girl is fiercely independent and has become pretty good at feeding
herself with a spoon. Today she ate alphabetti-spaghetti by herself with
minimal mess.
Deano and I are such very proud parents and her smile always lights up
the room for us. Awww!
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