BABY: A late pregnancy update - weeks 37 & 38

I wrote this post at the beginning of week 38 with no idea that at 38+6 I'd give birth to my gorgeous baby boy Henry. I'm going to keep the copy as I intended so it's as open and honest as possible!!

I honestly can't believe I'm 39 weeks pregnant this week (on publishing - I started writing this post at 38 weeks). I know the end is in sight, yet it still doesn't really feel completely real.
Even with increased braxton hicks it still isn't completely in my head that I'm going to give birth soon, like in a maximum of four weeks!

BABY: What's inside my hospital bags

We're getting so close to Bee's arrival and we are ready and waiting!!
As with many expectant parent's we are planning on a hospital birth (at home just sounds like extra hard work) so have been busily pulling together hospital bags for myself and Bee.

Personally I've loved ready other people's hints and tips on what they have packed to take with them, so hope that anyone reading will also find this useful.

So a bit about my birth plan (yes I know it could very well completely change on the day, but always nice to have a plan if you can). I'm hoping for a water birth at the New Forest Birth Centre, or at the very least spending some time in the birthing pool as I love being in water. I want to at least try and do it as naturally as I physically can with as little intervention as possible (fingers crossed guys and gals).

So this of course has added to what we needed in our hospital bag.
We've got two bags to keep us organised and make life easier, one for me - the wheeled mini suitcase, and our changing bag, for Bee's stuff.

BABY: Pregnancy update - May - weeks 32-36

Wow is time flying by now. I can't quite believe I'm 36 weeks pregnant now! It feels like only yesterday that I saw the words 'pregnant' on my test!! It's been a real mix of activity over the last few weeks as we get the final bits and pieces sorted ready for Bee's arrival. I actually think we are fully ready for Bee's arrival now having bought EVERYTHING on our list and collecting our travel system last week. You can see our nursery in this post.

I also had my baby shower at the very end of April which was so lovely. You can read all about it here.

I'm really quite proud of how much we're prepared - well as much as you can be for a baby and a huge change to your life. But I'm so so ready for this next chapter. I'm ready for the ups and downs. The sleepless nights. Bringing up a human being in a harsh and difficult world. But most of all for all the adventures, laughter and memories waiting to be made. I've never been more certain about anything in my life, I'm going to love being a mother.

I've had my 34 week check up with my midwife and all is looking good with baby, measuring at 34cm, 141bpm heartbeat and 4/5 engaged. Yes there is a chance Bee could move in and out of being engaged over the next couple of weeks but baby has stayed put for the last few weeks so fingers crossed we're getting ready to come out!

We also visited the New Forest Birth Centre in Ashurst, Hampshire as part of our antenatal classes. We were already pretty sold on midwife-led units but the visit really settled my mind and convinced me 100% that it is where I would like to give birth (if possible). The birthing rooms felt really calming and a nice environment, far from the clinical feel of a labour ward, but still safe, which is important to me as I know a true hospital feel will make me more anxious. I also really like the idea of being able to move and hate the idea of being tied down with wires. I know natural/water births aren't for everyone, and things could certainly change on the day but I'm feeling a lot more confident going in!

Some photos from the last few weeks.

LIFESTYLE: Summer Travel Essentials with Babies

With baby Bee on the way we've been really focusing on stuff around our home, and how a baby is going to impact our lives. We've sorted the nursery and playroom, and been working on making sure the rest of the house is baby ready and safe.

We've recently been thinking about our car and travel over the summer, especially with a baby on board. We have family dotted and friends dotted across the South of the country so will likely be doing a few trips in the car to visit people with Bee. That in mind, I've been getting organised to make sure we are safe and ready for travelling with a little one, particularly ahead of Bee's arrival - must have a car to get us to the hospital right!?!

I've collaborated with Point-S to talk about car awareness and making sure you are safe on the roads this summer.

FOOD: Summer Lamb

Lamb has to be one of my favourite meats, even if I do feel a little guilty eating it sometimes. I love it as a roast dinner - smothered in mint sauce of course! And it also makes a great winter dinner option, like in this mustard lamb recipe I blogged earlier this year.

When I was asked by Tasty Easy Lamb to share a lamb recipe that proves lamb isn't just for roasts I knew exactly what I wanted to make.

Lamb may be considered an autumn/winter meat, but with the right ingredients it's a fab summer meat too.

Inspired by Greece, I'm sharing my Lamb pittas, perfect for a sunny weekend lunch, or add wedges and buttery corn on the cob for a simple and easy dinner option on a hot day.