This week was your baby shower!

I made up an invite a few weeks prior (we called it 'A Bun in the Oven Afternoon Tea' because you're our little Bun... ) and sent it out to friends and family here and interstate/overseas. We wanted to celebrate your imminent arrival - but also to thank everyone for all their support over the past almost 8 months.

The day was quite beautiful - sunny and fine with a cool little breeze. Quite a typical Winter's day here in Brisbane. Dad had prepared an amazing feast for everyone, and I'd helped out with the cheese/fruit/dip platters and other snacks, as well as decorating the house for our visitors. It was a big effort and I was so proud of your Dad and how he'd organised the food - all homemade and delicious. Savoury sausage rolls and beef ragu pies (they went in seconds!), lemon tart, chocolate fudge cake (his famous recipe) with raspberry coulis, profiteroles with cream, caramel and chocolate sauce and some very impressive looking red velvet cupcakes. Amazing!

We had a wonderful day, talking to all those friends and relatives who were able to come and we really enjoyed providing some yummy food and a nice social occasion for everyone. One day we'll be able to show you the guest, menu and decor list - I'd better keep it in your Baby Book - we took some photos and will always remember everyone's company and kindness with some adorable gifts for you. Aren't you a lucky little baby? xo

What a busy time little person!

Your Dad and I continued to prepare for your arrival, and spend some time together going out to dinner. We tried Palettes on the first Friday night (it was a very good meal!). That night we also bought you a few lovely books and got inspired in Dymocks - lots of fun to see all those children's books which we grew up with. Your Dad was very impressed with author/illustrator Sean Tan's style. I have such a long list of books to get you sweety - it's enormous!

Dad started making things for your baby shower in Week 35, too - sausage rolls (beef and pork with some vegetables in yummy pastry), and profiteroles. He's such a great cook - I call him my Masterchef - you will be very well fed when you can eat solids. He also whipped up some delicious soups and they take pride of place in our chest freezer.

I speak to your Nana Di almost nightly to keep her updated on your progress, and also your Uncle Hamish once a week or thereabouts. We spoke to your Great Uncle John about a car, too. We had a midwife appointment with Jenny this week - she is a lovely lady and said you were breech this time around - head up and facing out! She gave me some exercises to turn you around. 

Week 36 saw more excitement, more food (wagu beef party pies with Dad's own pastry - yum!), lemon tart x2 (we ate one, and saved one for your party), amongst other things. We attended Mia's 3rd birthday party (found her a book at Dymocks - along with some books for you, again!). It was lots of fun and had many little kiddies running about. Ben did a great job of breakfast and the birthday cake. You always create a stir wherever you go - people ask about you! Particularly if we know your gender and if you have a name yet (we have a list and some favourites, but will name you when you arrive).

Dr Sheahan said you'd turned head down again - hooray! You kick me out the side, as you have your body on one side and limbs on the other. It's a funny feeling, sometimes a little painful too - my little ninja :) This was the week I started to struggle a bit at work, you seem so much bigger and heavier! I've been getting some pelvic/hip pain when I sit too long, and the old ankles, feet and hands are swelling up. But we will be so glad to meet you, it's all a temporary inconvenience - and I hope you love Dad's massages and his zurbits - and the way we talk to you all the time. Not long now wee one. xo

I am actually writing this well after the event, little Bun in the Oven, as we've had so much to do (and I get so tired each day!) that it's been hard to devote time to this.

Our very last antenatal class came and went in week 33, and we learned a bit more about baby care, what to expect from you as a wee one, and also some great exercises for me to get certain areas back into shape once you've arrived (I should be doing them now, but keep forgetting. Silly me)! The old body has had quite the upheaval, and it's not even over yet. We found all the information given to us at the classes very reassuring, so that even when things go wrong Mum and Dad will at least feel a little bit under control. Let's hope any problems are at a minimum, though my blood pressure was up (still normal, but higher than normal) during week 33 and I had some tests done for pre-eclampsia, but all was well.

This week your Dad and I went out and bought a nice little car seat at Bubs. Despite the fact we don't have a car. Luckily your great-uncle John is on the case! Dad and I have always been public transport types - never really needed a car (though it would have been great for holidays and trips here and there), so it will be a lifestyle change to finally have a vehicle and be able to take you to some fun places. We also purchased a lovely sling for you at Bubs - a nice sporty white one which we can take in the water if we like (maybe we'll go to the beach or the pool and have a little dip together). After our little shopping excursion we took you along to the Powerhouse at New Farm to take a look at the World Press Photo exhibition. It's always a great one to see, lots of interesting perspectives and we're always moved by some of the graphic images there from around the world.

In week 34 Dad started to work on your dressing table. We're thinking we'll whitewash it and put some funky wallpaper in the drawers to line them. Hopefully you'll like it! Though us liking it is more to the point at this stage - you'll doubtless have an opinion when you're older, I'm sure. We also spent time at our friend's Adam and You-Nay's celebrating their baby shower - she is due only about 3 weeks before your due date - exciting! You get a lot of attention at these events, and it's actually quite fun to show off my fairly large, round belly and talk about you. I also started a little book list of titles I'd love to have in your library. It's very gender neutral, as I'm sure you'll love reading about little boy and girl characters. Hopefully you'll develop my love of language and history and Dad's abilities at maths and science!

Dad and I have been trying to get out and do some nice things together - we've taken to having dinner as a Friday Night Date at a new place each time. We tried out Jeremy's in Week 34 - found it walking down Albert Street on a hunt for something new. It was lovely - a nice little restaurant with excellent service. We are hoping you won't mind coming out to eat with us at cafes and restaurants - it will be fun to order you a nice little babycino when you're a bit older.

How the time flies by!

It's very strange to think that you will come into the world in about 8 short weeks. I've been feeling more tired lately, you've been a lot heavier than you were (should be putting on about 200g extra per week at the moment, so you're fattening up!). This is making getting around the place a bit harder on me, but a bit of breathlessness and discomfort will be well worth it in the end. I just can't run up the stairs for the train (or run anywhere for that matter). We do a fair bit of walking though and try to eat healthily for the most part, which is keeping my weight right down.

I've been reading a great little book called 'Birth Skills,' which is basically about labour and natural, focussed ways to get through it. Daddy and I will have to start practising some of the techniques they suggest, as he will be very important in getting me through the day.

Our last two Saturday mornings have been taken up with Antenatal Classes - learning about becoming brand new parents. It's been quite fun and we've learned a lot, including all about labour and how to look after you when you are in the hospital and at home. We used a dolly loaned to us by little Mia to learn how to do up a newborn nappy, how to swaddle you when you're ready for bed, and how to take clothes on and off you (so you're comfy!). I think Daddy will enjoy giving you baths and massages in the evening. We have one class left to do and we are 'approved parents'!