Author: Deborah

35 weeks pregnant bump

35 Weeks Pregnant

At 35 weeks pregnant I had a lot of period like cramps. I think I completely over did it over the bank holiday weekend with lots of walking. We went to hubby’s parents for the weekend and had a family get together on the Saturday for a baby shower. Little bubba was spoilt! On the Sunday we went to Bluewater and did several laps – it is definitely an exercise in itself. Bank holiday Monday we headed to Whitstable and did a lot of walking. By the time we got to the high street from the castle I was having to take it really slow and bend over when the cramps got too much.

Week 35 also saw the last few days at work and they were a killer. I didn’t have a problem (that much) the previous week, but sitting down all day was so painful! But Thursday soon came around and my annual leave started before maternity starts in a couple of weeks. So I’ve finished work and although I’m going to miss my colleagues and the job for a year, I’m so excited to start on this new adventure.

36 Weeks Pregnant

Over the weekend I was so incredibly exhausted. I had no energy to even do simple things like make a cup of tea or get up to fetch an ice pop. I napped and that didn’t even help. Each night I wake at least 4-5 times either for a wee or just because I’m in pain. The hip pain has returned even with a pillow between my knees and ankles. I’m also getting pain along my lower back/bum.

This week I have mostly been trying to keep active and clean the house. On Monday the bump yoga class started again and it was so relaxing and great to catch up with everyone. I’d definitely recommend a yoga class if you’re pregnant, even just for the relaxation. Tuesday I had my aquabump swimming class – I love being in the water! Every day I’ve got outside and walked for at least 30 minutes.

I’ve ticked off something that’s been on my to do list for ages – I’ve finally packed my hospital bag at nearly 37 weeks pregnant! It was about time. I’m also looking into a TENS machine at the moment, so I’ll keep you updated on that one.

I had my 36 weeks midwife appointment on Wednesday where we  discussed my birth plan. I’ve kept it quite loose as I don’t want to get my heart set on something and then it not go to plan. We’ll start off natural and see where it goes from there.

On Thursday I had a bit of a scare with baby not moving very much at all. I called the hospital and they said to lie down for 2 hours and count 10 kicks. I had 9 so we went in to be monitored. Obviously baby just wanted to put on a performance because as soon as I was hooked up it started doing huge movements. Consistently! Typical right.

This week

Baby is now the size of a – Honeydew Melon

My favourite moment was – Getting back to my yoga class.

My worst moment was – Not feeling as much movement as normal.

I’ve been feeling – Sleepy

I’m missing – Can I say work? I think it’s going to take a bit of getting used to. I feel so out of the loop already.

I’ve been buying for baby – Nothing for baby, just bits for my hospital bag – like sweets!

I’m craving – Not much this week.

I’m looking forward to – That nesting period so I can get the house clean and tidy! Everyone gets it don’t they? Please say yes!

Author: Deborah

Parmesan and thyme shortbread biscuits

I’m going to be honest and say I was really dreading biscuit week of the Great British Bake Off. I never really eat biscuits (except for the last 9 months!) and I’ve not made many biscuits or cookies before. I’ve also never iced a biscuit. Cupcakes yes, and I’ve also used royal icing on sugar cookies, but never anything like what they did in week 2 of GBBO.

Okay so I’ve kind of cheated this week by making parmesan and thyme shortbread. I know there isn’t any icing on it! Week 2 of the GBBO was 24 identical iced biscuits, a gingerbread story showstopper and Viennese whirls as the technical challenge. There was no way I was about to embark on a gingerbread story as in the show looked amazing (when they worked out).

I’ve eaten so much sugar recently that I really wanted to give something savoury a go. I also cheated with cheese – I only had grana padano in the fridge and it needed using up. These biscuits are ridiculously moreish. Not as much as the fruit shortcakes I’m currently addicted to (I’m blaming pregnancy) but they’re still really yummy. You could serve them as canapes with goats cheese or use them to dip in a soup. And you could also try other herbs like rosemary and basil instead of thyme.

Parmesan and thyme shortbread biscuits

Parmesan and Thyme Shortbread Biscuits

Ingredients

  • 75g butter
  • 85g plain flour
  • 85g finely grated parmesan or grana padano
  • 3 tsp olive oil
  • pinch ground black pepper
  • pinch cayenne pepper
  • 3/4 tsp dried thyme

Method

  1. Beat the butter until soft with a hand mixer. Throw in all the other ingredients and combine with your hands until it forms a dough. Roll the dough into a sausage shape about 20cm long and wrap in clingfilm. Pop in the fridge for about an hour to firm up.
  2. Preheat the oven to 150°C/130°C Fan/300°F and very lightly grease a large baking tray. Cut the shortbread into about 20 discs and place on the tray. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden.
  3. Leave to cool on the tray and then lift off on to a wire rack.

Parmesan and thyme shortbread biscuits

For week 1 of the #bakeoffbakealong I made a white chocolate and passion fruit drizzle cake. I wish they would do cakes every week – it’s my favourite thing to bake. If you want to take part you can find out more on Amanda’s week 2 bake along post.

Author: Deborah

White chocolate and passion fruit drizzle cake

I’m going to be honest with you, this is the first year I have ever watched The Great British Bake Off. I know, what’s wrong with me? But having started watching from the beginning I am hooked. I remember last year Amanda from Rhyme and Ribbons hosted a bake along so I jumped at the chance this year. I might not be able to participate every week once baby arrives but I’ll give it a good shot.

As part of the bake along, each week I’ll be doing one of the signature, technical or showstopper challenges. For week one I couldn’t resist doing a drizzle cake. I love passion fruit and white chocolate together and I tried it in my wedding cake testing.

I only managed to eat one slice of this before my husband devoured a good few slices and took the rest into work. More passion fruit and chocolatey goodness is needed. Actually, baby just wants all the cake!

White chocolate and passion fruit drizzle cake

White chocolate and passion fruit drizzle cake reipce

Ingredients

  • 150g soft unsalted butter
  • 150g white chocolate
  • 150g caster sugar
  • 200g self-raising flour
  • 3 medium eggs

For the drizzle icing

  • 200g icing sugar
  • pulp of 3 passion fruit
  • 1-2 tsp water

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 170°C or 150°C Fan and grease and line a loaf tin.
  2. Melt half the white chocolate in a bain marie and once melted, set aside to cool a little.
  3. Beat together the sugar and butter until pale and fluffy and then beat in the melted chocolate.
  4. Lightly beat the eggs and then add to the chocolate mixture little by little, mixing well each time.
  5. Sift in the self-raising flour and fold in using a large metal spoon.
  6. Chop the rest of the white chocolate and fold it into the mix. Pour the mixture into the loaf tin.
  7. Bake the loaf for 1 hour 10 minutes.
  8. Remove the cake from the oven.
  9. While the cake cools in the tin, sift the icing sugar into a bowl and add the passion fruit pulp. Add water a little at a time until you have desired drizzle consistency.
  10. Once the cake is cold, turn out onto a serving plate and add the icing.

White chocolate and passion fruit drizzle cake

If you want to take part you can find out more on Amanda’s bake along post.

Author: Deborah

Here’s my September Bullet Journal setup. I’ve kept it quite simple this month as baby is on the way and if it arrives early then my poor bujo will probably not be used for awhile.

Monthly Spread

September Bullet Journal monthly spread

This month I’ve made my calendar a little bit bigger and have taken away the habit tracker and next month log. The habit tracker is moving to the weekly spreads so see below for that. The following month is October, when baby is due, so I thought I’d give it a miss. I have however created a future log to use instead.

On the right I’ve included a blog tracker. I found that the content calendar last month was much easier to use online rather than in my bujo. A blog tracker shows me when I should be posting blog posts and video with squares around the dates. For social media I will add dots on the days where I do them.

Bullet Journal blog tracker

Future Log

I’ve opted for a future log this month to cover the next three months. Keeping it really simple I’m just going to add in dates here. A future log is somewhere to write down scheduled appointments that aren’t for the current month. I might use it for tasks that need to get done that month like writing all the Christmas cards!

I was going to draw a little calendar but who has time for that – there’s one at the front of my journal anyway.

Bullet Journal future Log and monthly memories

September Memories

I really enjoyed doing this in June so I’ve decided to bring it back for September. I don’t know what will happen in September, I have literally nothing planned in case baby arrives early. As of the 1st September I’m off on maternity leave so I have time to get ready for our little monkey and maybe do some baking.

Weekly Spread

Bullet Journal weekly spread

Bullet Journal weekly spread and meal plan

For my weekly spread I’ve gone back to one of my old designs. I have boxes for the days of the week along the top with appointments and weather. Tasks will be kept in one list and I’ll mark any with a star if they are important. I’ve added my habit tracker here and I feel like I’ll update it more often now it’s in my weekly spread.

I’ve added my meal plan here as I’m back to weekly meal plans. The monthly meal plan isn’t a goner as I will definitely be using it once baby has arrived. Just September and October may be a bit more unpredictable so I don’t want to plan too far in the future.

Author: Deborah

Only six or so weeks left and although I’ve got most things for baby I’m not feeling very prepared. I really need to get packing my hospital bag this week! Here’s my 33 and 34 weeks pregnant update.

33 weeks pregnant bump at Figsbury Ring

33 Weeks Pregnant

At 33 weeks pregnant, my app says baby is the size of a ferret. We went to Porton pet shop that weekend and they had ferrets for sale. One was very inquisitive and came to say hello. I can’t image baby being that size!

This week I got so uncomfortable while in bed. I’ve been using a wedge, v-shaped pillow and a dreamgenii and none of them helped the horrible pain in my hips. So I went back to basics with a normal pillow between my knees and ankles and that fixed it! I’m not getting any more sleep but I’m definitely not in as much pain.

I bought a supportive bump band from Mothercare this week as my bump has been feeling a bit sore. It’s definitely helped while out and about walking. It was only £10 so worth investing in.

This was my first full week back at work and although it hasn’t been stressful it has knackered me out!! My bump is getting too big to sit at my desk and the toilets are so far away. I could do with a maternity portaloo if there was such a thing!

34 Weeks Pregnant

We had my in laws down on Sunday for a wander around Mottisfont, which was stunning as always.

Flowers at Mottisfont

On Tuesday I had my Aquabump class followed by a maternity photoshoot with the lovely Hana who did our wedding photos. I can’t wait to see how they turn out!! It was a really hot day so we headed to Lee on Solent afterwards for an ice cream. That actually turned out to be a yummy banana milkshake at a cafe and stealing some of hubby’s sundae.

I had my 34 weeks midwife appointment on Wednesday and baby is measuring fine this week. Something showed up in my urine that could be a UTI but as I have no symptoms my midwife wasn’t concerned. If I do get symptoms I need to pop in to the the GP. She also handed me a Labour Information Pack from Emma’s Diary which has a few samples in it and a guide to labour and birth. At my next appointment we’ll be chatting about my birth plan so I’m going to give this guide a read to get some ideas.

This week

Baby is now the size of a – Butternut squash.

My favourite moment was – Going on our maternity photoshoot with our wedding photographer.

My worst moment was – Trying to deal with hip pain during the night.

I’ve been feeling – Calm and happy even though I’m uncomfortable.

I’m missing – Bread. Hubby wants couscous at lunch time so I haven’t been having bread and I really want toast with loads of jam!

I’ve been buying for baby – A cellular blanket and a few little clothes.

I’m craving – Ice pops. That’s all I want.

I’m looking forward to – Visiting family this weekend for an early joint 30th birthday celebration.

Author: Deborah

Third trimester bump shot in Figsbury Ring

Don’t get me wrong, I love being pregnant! But the further on I get the more pregnancy struggles I seem to run into. Here are just a few of the battles I’m dealing with during my third trimester.

  • Dropping things – Is it really worth picking it up? When it’s the car keys in the middle of a road, then the answer is always yes, but damn that was hard work!
  • Sitting at a desk – Baby loves to kick the desk as my bump is too big to sit comfortably behind it. Counting down the days until I can chill on my yoga ball instead.
  • Getting comfortable in bed – Spending the last few minutes turning over and readjusting, then realising that it was more comfortable on the other side.
  • Cravings – Wanting that food now and biting off hubby’s head when he doesn’t deliver it in time. I really wanted them pancakes!!
  • Shaving – I can’t even see down there so I’m basically taking a sharp razor and butchering myself.
  • Loo breaks – Why oh why is my desk in the office so far away from the toilets. I swear I spend more time waddling to the loo than actually working.
  • Shoes – Forget buckles and laces, it’s all about flip flops and slip on shoes. Thank goodness it’s summer.
  • Swollen fingers – I really really don’t want to take my rings off but my fingers turn into sausages in this heat!
  • Parking – I’m pretty good at parking now (thanks reversing cam!) but not everyone cares about being perfectly in the middle. I can’t remember how many times I’ve had to escape out the passenger door or squeeze my bump between wing mirrors.

What struggles have you had while being pregnant? Can you relate to any of these? Please tell me I’m not the only one!

Author: Deborah

Figsbury Ring

On Saturday we headed out early and visited a National Trust area called Figsbury Ring. We’ve driven past the sign for it lots of times and I decided that today would be the day we ventured in. It’s up a horrible single track road – baby did not like the bumps at all! When you get there it’s a lovely little walk around a hill fort. It got really windy up there but it has views out of Salisbury Plain and Old Sarum. Hubby chased me around with the camera taking lots of bump shots.

Figsbury Ring

We then headed to one of my favourite free days out in Wiltshire – Porton Garden and Aquatic Centre. It’s not your typical pet shop! It has lots of fish, snakes, tortoises, rabbits, birds, ferrets and more. It’s lovely to just wander around and see all the animals. We’ve been going for years just to have a look. And right at the back outside they have some gorgeous alpacas. They’ve had 3 babies recently and they’re adorable! There were a couple of alpacas in view but the babies were out of camera range.

Porton Pet Shop turtles

Porton Pet Shop fish

Porton Pet Shop ferret

After some cake and coffee in Porton, we went into Salisbury to Mothercare and a few other shops. I picked up a much needed bump support band and a few other baby bits. In Tesco we grabbed some sandwiches and continued our drive down to the New Forest.

We went to Fordingbridge before taking a turn towards Godshill. There’s a car park up a small road and it was pretty much empty. I was expecting summer holiday madness but there were just a few dog walkers about. We had our lunch in the car because I forgot to pack picnic blankets. We then headed out for a walk amongst the heather. It was so peaceful there.

Godshill New Forest

Godshill New Forest

Godshill New Forest

Godshill New Forest

After getting thoroughly popped by all the walking, we drove up to my Mum’s for a barbecue. We really need to buy a BBQ as I love having them so much when the weather is this good.

BBQ

It felt great to have a day out that wasn’t really baby related (apart from the pit stop at Mothercare). It was all about me and hubby having a lovely day out to ourselves.

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About me

Hi there, I’m Deborah. I live in Hampshire with my husband and spend my time baking, making and getting out in the fresh air. Find out more or get in touch.

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