20 Weeks!

How far along? 20 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss?: -4kg from pre pregnancy weight
Maternity clothes?: I love long maternity singlets!
Stretch marks?: No new ones. My ones from first pregnancy are still very faded Sleep: Bit of insomnia at night, but sleeping okay (when Leo doesn't keep me up)
Best moment this week?: Seeing beautiful bubba at our scan! Gorgeous little man
Miss Anything?: Funnily enough I miss alcohol and I was never a big drinker
Movement?: Little cutie is an active bub. Feeling (and seeing!) lots of movements
Food cravings?: Sandwiches! With salad, ham, cheese, chicken...whatever I can get my hands on!
Anything making you queasy or sick?: Beef and just general morning sickness
Have you started to show yet?: See above picture ^-^
Gender?: Boy
Labour Signs?: No
Belly Button in or out?: In. Although it's getting very deep!
Engagement ring on or off?: On
Happy or Moody most of the time?: Very happy :)
Looking forward to?: Picking the name and our 4d scan early next year!

Bubs #2 is a.....

Boy #2 is on his way!!

That's right, a beautiful baby boy. We could not be happier :-)
I cannot believe that in just a few short months I will have two gorgeous little men to dote over, I can't wait to see the friendship between Leopold and bubs develop and grow. I think it will be beautiful.
Our scan went great and everything is looking perfect, he had his little ankles crossed and (as you can see in the picture) likes to have his hands on his face. Just like his big brother always used to in ultrasounds!

Now to get started on picking a name, not going very well and the moment, and sorting through mountains of Leo's old clothes. Not going to stop me from buying lots of adorable new things though haha!

Madeleine xoxo

Tomorrow!

So I'm 19+4 weeks pregnant and tomorrow is the day of our 20 week morphology scan! I could not be more excited :-)
I keep getting little butterflies in my tummy (some of those are little baby kicks, which are getting stronger all the time now!), partially with nerves and partially in anticipation of seeing our bubba and hopefully finding out the gender.
People assume that because I have a boy I want a girl this time, but that is simply not the case. I actually would really love another boy to provide Leo with a little brother so close in age (they'll be 22-23 months apart eek!). However, I have had a strong feeling the whole time that I am carrying a little girl and will of course be thrilled if this is true. Looking forward to baby shopping and planning for our new addition. I was very disorganised first pregnancy and having a toddler means I don't really have the luxury of sitting around reading maternity magazines and day dreaming.
I know everything will fall into place though :-)

We're also talking about buying our first home in the new year and this is just about the best thing for us! We're in a very small 2 bedroom house at the moment (technically 3 bedrooms, but one is a study/storage room) and we don't even have space for a cot here! I'm also really looking forward to knowing we are providing for our kiddies in the future AND decorating!! Expect to see a lot of inspirational pictures here in regards to that haha.

Gotta head of to bed soon, but some cute pictures of Leo before I go!

Love his little cheeky face!

Giving me death stares as I kept interrupting his relaxing time

That's a couch on either side of him, this is where he chose to sit

Madeleine xoxo

Ramblings

Pretty darn sure no one reads this blog or has any interest in it at all. That makes me a little sad, but at the same time determined to keep blogging. It's a journal for me and nice to have this record of my day to day life, Leo growing up, my pregnancy and everything else.

Will be doing a fun weekly pregnancy update from this Friday (19 weeks) onwards which I am looking forward to ^-^
I'm also getting into the Christmas spirit and having a lot of fun decorating and shopping (so unlike me as I am not a Christmas person).

In other news, I have a shocking cold (as does poor Leo) and it is awful to be pregnant, constantly dribbling from the nose and coughing non stop in Summer weather -_- Hopefully that ends soon!

I will do a proper blog post on Friday, but until then...

Madeleine xoxo

I can't get enough of this beautiful boy!

My gorgeous Leopold is almost 18 months and I cannot believe we are about to celebrate his second Christmas!
He is definitely in toddler mode now, chatting my ear off constantly, learning new things every day and in general he is an absolute delight (although we are hitting the terrible-twos a little early and get the occasional full on tantrum).

He is also finally sleeping well about 75% of the time and for those of you that read this blog and know Leo's sleeping patterns this is amazing. Still not making it all the way through the night, but much improved. I can not recommend baby massage enough, it is simply amazing.

I just love him and his cheeky face so much (and I refuse to cut his gorgeous curls!) so here is some Leo spam for you!!

Madeleine xoxo

What an exciting month!!

Wow December is really shaping up to be an amazing month for our family.
It is Leopold's second Christmas this year and we are so excited to see his face light up on Christmas Day when he opens all his presents (thoroughly spoiled little boy). We're doing three family celebrations this year, plus our own tradition of Christmas morning being just us. The shopping is nearly all done and I'm really looking forward to writing everyone's cards and wrapping all the gifts!

The 19th of December is the date I am most looking forward to though as it's our 20 week scan! I'll be 19+5 weeks pregnant and hoping bubs cooperates and we get to find out the gender. I would love to give Leo a little brother, but have a feeling we are having a baby girl :) Either way so fun and so much to look forward to.

This we'll be our last holiday season as a family of three and that is so amazing and scary. Time really does fly once you become a parent.

Hopefully I get a chance to do another update before Christmas is over, but if not I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday!

Madeleine xoxo

17 Weeks

Wow time is really flying by. I'm 17 weeks and 3 days (in a couple of hours). Pregnancy is going well. I still have morning sickness, but it more controllable now thankfully. I did end up in hospital on fluids once, so glad that hasn't happened again!!
Very excited for my morphology scan in just over 2 weeks, definitely going to find out the gender!
About to start counselling for PTSD from Leo's birth and that whole experience, hopefully that will help me come to terms with what ever happens during this birth, although we are planning a totally natural, no-low intervention birth at our local hospital. I really trust our doctor and am just hoping I come away from everything knowing I was respected and did my best

Bubba at 12 weeks 3 days

17 week belly!

Leopold is going great, learning so much and growing so fast. He is obsessed with fruit, sushi, The Lion King, all animals and baths at the moment. He will be 18 months on the 21st of this month and I can hardly believe how fast this year has gone. Leo is still breastfeeding like a champ, with no sign of weaning despite the pregnancy and thanks to baby massage is finally starting to sleep a bit better. So proud

Writing a reminder to myself right now to update this blog more regularly, before I know it this baby will be here and I doubt I'll have the time with 2 under 2 hehe.

Madeleine xoxo

Announcement!

I have really been bad at these regular blog updates! But I do have a good excuse.
Things have been very busy in our household because...we are expecting! Yep bubba #2 is on his or her way. We are so excited!
I am 15w3d today (nearly 4 days given that it is 9.30pm) and so far it has been a very difficult pregnancy. Constant nausea, lots of all day/night sickness. I have even been admitted to hospital for fluids due to severe dehydration! All worth it of course and as long as I know my baby is healthy I will deal with it. Thankfully it *seems* to be letting up a bit, which is good, because juggling a 17 month old and this kind of morning sickness is hell!
A very much wanted and planned baby, but still a big suprise as it happened so fast! I have a big baby bump already (pictures soon) and am feeling my little jellybean jump around a couple of times a day which is exciting.

Anyway, so that's why I have been absent. Plus this hectic holiday season always leaves me exhausted. Hopefully I get to blog a bit more from here on out as I would love to use this blog to document my pregnancy!

Madeleine xoxo

30 Questions About Me!

1) What’s your full name? | Madeleine Charlotte W
2) How old are you? | 21 (May 20th)
3) What’s your starsign? | Taurus-Gemini
4) What’s your hair color? | Naturally mid brown
5) What’s your eye color? | Green
6) Have you ever been in love? | Still am :)
7) Who was your first crush? | A boy named David in prep
8) How long was your last relationship? | My current is 4 years and 5 months and going strong!
9) Ever cried over a boy? | Yes.
10) Are you missing someone? | Always
11) Do you drink? | Not really
12) Ever been so drunk that you don’t remember all the night? | Not all the night, just parts of it
13) Ever tried drugs? | Yes, big regret
14) What scares you? | Losing a loved one
15) Do you believe in fate? | Absolutely.
16) Do you believe in karma? | Yes.
17) Who did you last speak on the phone to? | My dad
18) What’s your favorite film? | Breakfast at Tiffany's
19) What film did you last watch? | 21 Jump Street
20) What books are you reading? | At the moment, 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series
21) Dogs or cats? | Both
22) Night or day? | Night
23) What can’t you live without? | My family
24) Any piercings? | I have 5 in my ears currently and have had my nose x3, my belly button, my snake bites, my labret and my verticle labret. I want my nose again!
25) Any tattoos? | One, 3 stars on my inner right forearm. I have plans for many more though
26) What attracts you to the opposite sex? | Good sense of humour, kind, considerate, good hygiene, athletic
27) Who did you last kiss? | My fiance
28) What’s the last song you listened to? | I'm actually not sure
29) What turns you off? |Any form of discrimination, stupidity, bad personal hygiene, rudeness
30) What did you want to be as kid? | A vet!

Wishing!

I wish I could be like some of the Supermums I know. Super productive, never yell and always maintain gorgeous, bouncy hair. However, the most I can manage at the moment is a fed and slightly clean toddler, clean (but not folded) washing and chicken sandwiches for dinner.

I have all these ideas of baking, knitting, clean sheets, nice smelling carpet, lots of fun activities organised for Leo and it just never seems to happen. Sure every day we read, do puzzles, play with his room full of toys, run around outside (often kicking soccer balls or blowing bubbles), but it is rare I get it together to even set up drawing, water play etc for him. I hate these feeling of not being good enough *sigh*

But, I know it's all down to time management, so as of tomorrow I am deactivating my Facebook (such a time suck!) and getting my act together to be a better and more productive housewife and mother. Wish me luck! I'll be sure to post pictures of my baking attempts and our fun craft activities

Madeleine xoxo

Just because of the cuteness!

NAWWW!! I love him

Madeleine xoxo

My Favourite Things!

I've decided it is time I write a list of the items that have been most useful to me these past 16 months, perhaps in the hope that some day, some body, will read this blog:



Breasts: Breastfeeding has definitely been a amazing experience for me and so much easier (once I got the hang of it!) and more cost effective then bottle/formula feeding

Playmat: This Ikea Leka Play Gym was such a life saver before Leo was crawling, it would keep him entertained for so long!

DVD: In The Night Garden has been a consistent big hit with Leo, he just adores it. The whimsical characters, colours and upbeat music even mean I don't get frustrated having it on from time to time. Definitely good when I need to get something done and a clingy toddler is making it impossible!

Moses Basket: This 'Lil Baby' Moses Basket from Big W was so amazing the first few months of Leo's life, we'll definitely be using it for bub #2! It is super cute as well

Bottles: Cherub Baby bottles are the most amazing bottles I have used, by far! I love that they are glass and therefore don't need replacing. And the adorable colour change sleeves on the outside make it easier to tell if the bottle is the ideal temperature. We own 5 and I know we will be adding to that collection soon

Baby Carrier: Our ergo (in black) has been probably my best purchase overall. Leo loves it, I love it, even Gaz loves it. It made baby wearing so much easier and in most situations is more practical then a pram. So awesome!!

Well there you have it, I could probably think of a million more things, but these few products (and female body parts!) have all been life savers for us and I cannot recommend them enough.

Madeleine xoxo

LOVE

So much joy and excitement coming our way. Next year is going to be truly amazing <3

Leo is now nearly 16 months and just the most amazing little boy. I took some new pictures of him today so will definitely have to do another update on him soon
Feeling pretty tired tonight so this post will just be short and sweet. Hopefully my next one will be more exciting!!

Madeleine xoxo

Us

Leopold and I from his birth until 13 months (I need some new photos of us!). He truly is my everything. It's amazing how something so small can change your life forever <3

I am really disorganised

So I think we can establish that this blog won't be updated daily. That's okay though, I'll just do it when I have the time. Between mummy-stuff, wedding planning, appointments, errands and catch ups with friends I barely seem to have time for anything right now. The house is a mess, my business is hardly flourishing because I never make time to promote myself, but at least Leo is fed and happy.

He is sleeping so much better now. I'm hoping that he'll drop his dreamfeed soon, but given that he has some issues gaining weight (mostly genetic) I'm happy he is still getting that extra feed once a day. It is just such a change to not have to tend to a screaming toddler 6 times a night! Makes a huge difference to my overall mood. I wish he still enjoyed bedsharing, that would definitely make my life easier!
I like that he has put himself into his own routine. I never had to stress or force him, he just did it naturally by himself (I think most babies do given the chance). At the moment he wakes at around 7.30am, has some cuddles and nurses for awhile, then breakfast, nappy change and I get him dressed. Our mornings are usually pretty relaxed. He follows me around the house while we do housework, we snuggle up with a movie...Then he has a morning snack, cuddles and goes down for his nap at around 11.30am.
His sleep is usually around 1 and a half hours, so he gets up, has lunch and another nappy change. Usually the afternoon is when we go into town and run errands or catch up with friends. If the weather isn't nice or we have no plans I still like to take him outside for at least 20 minutes to play with the dogs and get some sunlight. I try to limit television in the after too so we read stories, listen to music and dance, play with blocks, do puzzles or drawing or just play with his different toys (and quite often saucepans and spoons too). Then it's afternoon snack, maybe a bottle or another boob feed as well. As the afternoon wears down I find some tv or quiet reading stops Leo from becoming too over stimulated. When G gets home things are easier because they can play while I make dinner.
Dinner is usually at around 7pm, some nights Leo has a bath, but he is always in bed before 8pm with a bottle and a story. Once he goes to sleep I finish any housework I have to do, go on Facebook, watch a movie with G and eventually get myself ready for bed.

My life feels so busy already I can imagine that Leo's fairly set routine will come in handy when we throw another baby or any study I want to do into the mix!

Madeleine xoxo

Missing Leo

My baby boy is at his nanny's (mother in law) and I miss him. I feel like I have nothing to do when he isn't here, although there is plenty I can and SHOULD be doing.
Today is such a beautiful day, Spring starts officially tomorrow, but it feels like it has come a little early this year :) Perfect day for a nice cup of chai and hanging washing on the line. And that is exactly what I intent to do.
Madeleine xoxo

Just Leopold, growing, learning, playing, nursing and being generally amazing. I still find it hard to beleive he is over 14 months old now. He fills my days with joy and I would not change having him for a second (even when he wakes up at all hours of the night!)
Madeleine xoxo

Busy, but happy!

Life has been very hectic of late. Hence my reason for not blogging more. Between SAHM stuff, wedding planning, my business, social obligations, I'm barely getting any time just to myself!
I'm loving it though. Everything is so amazing right now.

Leopold is walking and running everywhere and growing up to be so loving and smart. He seems to have a few social issues (introvert perhaps?) and doesn't cope well with leaving the house for long or any changes to his routine. He plays beautifully be himself though and loves being read to and helping me clean the house (very adorable).
I'm enjoying watching him grow up, although I do miss when he was just a delicious, squishy newborn instead of a tantruming toddler!

The wedding planning is coming along well. With less than 7 months to go I'm becoming quite nervous, but the excitement definitely outweighs any fears I have. I can't wait until the big day.

That's all from me for now. Hoping to get the time to do a proper blog entry later tonight <3

Madeleine xoxo



New Beginnings

So here we are, again. New blog, new beginning.
I'm going to start with the basics, the simple facts about me.

I'm 21, engaged to my partner of 4 years, G, and I have a 1 year old son, Leopold.
I'm a SAHM, but also run an online Tarot divination business. I'm currently planning my wedding (set for early Autumn next year), house hunting, and thinking about baby #2. Also I'm considering going back to work part time in childcare to help support my family (and my serious shopping addiction). I have a tendancy to ramble.
I'm passionate about all things birth and parenting related. People often say I'm a 'crunchy' or natural mum. I don't particularly like labels. The only thing I know for sure is that although I may not be a perfect parent, I am a good one. I am still breastfeeding Leo, although he is self weaning and prefers food and cow's milk over booby milk now, feeding purely for comfort. We co-slept/bedshared exclusively until he was 6 months, and then he decided he wanted his own space and now sleeps mostly in his cot. I baby wear, absolutely love my ergo, but my pram definitely comes in handy. I just do what feels right for both myself and Leo and ignore any and all judgement that comes my way.
I hate CIO and other controlled crying methods. It has never sat well with me and never worked for Leo (in times of desperation I have attempted it) and still cuddle him to sleep. That is what works best for our family and I have no regrets about my decision to practive attachment parenting methods with him. He is a very happy and relaxed baby, when he isn't teething!

Anyway, I hope this blog will offer insight into my life, the life of a young and busy mum and intend to focus it around my daily routine as well as my beliefs, passions, thoughts and feelings. I may even include a few tips for fellow parents. I hope others will follow my journey of learning to handle a toddler and stave off insanity!

Madii
xoxo