Happy New Year!

Roll on 2009!

The snow has started falling, and it looks set for a cold night ... the beers (Foster and alcohol free ones) are in the fridge cooling - perhaps they could just go outside?

Hope it is a good new year for everyone!

Love Little Tigger, Mum (Sarah) and Dad (Brett)

Week 33

The last couple of days have been nice and relaxing - well, the lying late in bed, reading good books etc part, but Mum still seems to keep going!!

On Boxing Day the garage had a big clean-out - the renovation gear was sorted out, bits and pieces thrown out and some more order was found. Not sure how long it will last though, but at least it is a start. Still more that could probably be done, but we'll save that for a rainy day! It was actually lovely and sunny, so Dad went and raked up all the leaves - but golly was it chilly! Brrrrr. Costa had fun being outside with Mum and Dad though!

Dad has made a start again with the renovations / finishing off stuff. All the cracks have now been sealed, so just another quick paint should do the job! The cupboard doors are back on in my room, so it is all coming together now. Meanwhile, Mum went out to see if she could snaffle up any bargains. Plenty to be had, but I think she was quite restrained ... hmm, that is unusual!! She did get a nice fluffy dressing gown, which will be good for the early morning feeds I imagine! She did also buy me a few bits and pieces, which is the main thing! I now have a mattress to sleep on, in addition to the frame! Hoorah!

The hospital bags are all packed - but I'm not planning on anything too soon ...???

Last night Mum and Dad treated themselves to Indian, and today to tea and scones at a nearby farm shop ... hmmm, fresh, warm scones!!! Must of made them feel guilty, and they then decided to go for a swim. Dad managed a lengthy 3.4km, I wonder if I'll inherit any of that fitness! Oh, Mum did 1.25km too ...

Merry Christmas!

Hoorah - Christmas Day!! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

Last night Mum and Dad went to The Ferry for a few celebratory beers (Dad) and water (Mum). Then it was off to midnight mass .... Dad woke up with a bit of a sore head, but after a lie-in came back to life!

Here are a few thoughts from Mum and Dad.

VIDEOS TO COME :)

Week 32

Well, what a week it has been. Lots (3) Christmas dinners ... no wonder Mum's tummy is looking bigger this week - maybe next week (after the main Christmas dinner, her belly might be extending past the bookcase!). Oh, I might be growing a bit more too, but who knows really!!

Another mid-wife appointment on Tuesday. Mum must be pretty lucky, as she had 3 midwives fussing over her. Too many really, she didn't know whose question to answer first! All is going well apparently.

Mum confirmed with work her finish date - 16th January. So that means only 11.5 days (half day on Christmas Eve) left at work. Certainly not long to go, but Mum thinks it will be busy finishing everything off!

On Friday night they went out for Dad's work Christmas Party. It was in the HUGE (and very impressive) castle not too far from home - Peckforton Castle (www.peckfortoncastle.co.uk). Certainly not something that you would do in Australia! There have been a few movies filmed there. The dinner was resplendent with a Court Jester and all! Dad was up singing christmas carols (Good King Wenceslas), but he didn't know the words!! He was also up to play a gazoo, but only succeed in laughing rather than make much noise - he claims it was quite difficult!? Seems like everyone else was laughing too!!

Mum decided on Saturday it was imperative to scrub the dining area tiles - much to Dad's disappointment. There is no stopping Mum apparently! Well, she claims it was something she has been wanting to do for the past couple months, ever since she first started ... well, at least it is done now I guess! Dad ordered her to stop on Saturday afternoon, and do you know what - she even listened!! But didn't stop her from finishing it off today! That Mum of mine can be difficult sometimes!

Jess and Gordie are up to visit for a couple of days now - on their way up to Glasgow. Another feast tonight planned. Dad is cooking his signature dish - steak and ale pie. He has even bought some extra of the special ale to complement the dish.

Dad is on holidays now ... Mum has a couple more days left. Bring on the holidays!

Week 31

... and boy is the time zipping now! 

Christmas is almost here, and I am making the most of Christmas parties. I like to celebrate with my Mum and do lots of dancing in her belly :) Dad finds it weird when I am dancing around, and doesn't like touching Mum's belly. He he, I keep him on his toes already!

Friday night Mum went into to Liverpool to celebrate Christmas with her work colleagues. Very nice bar/restaurant, especially the butterscotch tart. Unfortunately I found it a bit too rich and so gave her a bit of belly ache on Friday night and Saturday. My tastes just aren't that mature just yet!

On Saturday Mum and Dad drove down to Coventry to meet up with Mum's friend Katie. They hadn't seen each other since Nice, so they had a good 'ole chin wag! It was good to catch up again, and Mum is hoping Katie does enough smoozing at the meeting to get a transfer to Switzerland! Dad couldn't sit still that long, so went off exploring the shops. Maybe that is why I like moving about so much?? Still, Mum didn't see any sight of Christmas shopping ...

Everyone says that they have been 'sent to Coventry'. Apparently this dates back to the 17th century, when some soldiers of one of the Kings (Henry the 8th?) were shunned by the monarch and sent to Coventry. Humph, there's a bit of history for you!!

On Sunday Mum had a big baking day ... shortbread and banana cake (yum)! Maybe Mum's belly is not all me!

 Here is a shot of Dad having a rest on the weekend. They can be tiring. Apparently Costa thought so too ...

Aquanatal class ...

Mum took today off work, so we had a nice mid-week sleep in! Hoorah!!

In the afternoon Mum and I went along to her first aquanatal class. After the years of watching the old ladies do aqua-aerobics at Aquarena, it was finally her turn to give it a go. Well, surprisingly Mum found it could be quite tiring!! There was lots of underwater arm resistance work, which tired her arms out a fair bit. I imagine they will be a bit sore tomorrow.

Even in water, Mum is still quite unco-ordinated, and still managed to move in the opposite direction to everyone else. Some things never change, even if she is in the water! Ha ha!!

Week 30

Well it has been quite a lazy week for Mum this week - off from work sick all week. Most unlike her! There have been lots of bugs going around though, so one must have struck at the right time. Dad chose the right week to head away for work, and luckily by-passed most of it. Poor old Mum had to look after herself though - made sure I gave her a good few kicks to remember to look after me as well!

There were car troubles early in the week, but I think they've learnt from their past errors (i.e. doing nothing) and got it fixed. Something to do with the cam belt and a leaking water pump, but enough to say is that it is all running well now :)

Today we went out and bought a Christmas tree - hoorah! Hopefully they manage to keep this one alive longer than the last (although Dad still says there are a couple of green branches amongst the dead ones, and it hasn't died yet!!). Mind you, they did get 2 years out of the last tree ... Apparently this one smells a bit more than the last - hmmm, Christmas tree smell!!!

The blind man is coming tomorrow to put up the new blind in the bathroom. The bathroom should then be pretty much finished! Mum was busy finishing off around the window frames, and it is all coming up a treat. Dad was busy replacing light switches (only gave himself an electric shock once, otherwise, he was THE man!) and doing a few other finishing off jobs around the house. It was all quite rewarding according to them both :)

My pram and car seat arrived during the week - Mum was able to drag herself off her sick bed to put it all together. Dad found some funky curtain rails at B&Q, so it sounds like they are getting themselves all organised. I think Mum has plans for tidying up my room on her day off on Tuesday - don't know why it should be messy when I am not even in it yet??

Tonight Mum and Dad popped down to 'The Pickering Arms' for dinner with Ellie and Paul. Quite spur of the moment and it was good to get out of the house!

Even colder today ...

.... woke up and it was -7 deg C. It is now 10:45am and everything is still covered in frost! Brrrr, crank that heater up!

Week 29 & my golly gosh is it cold ...

  

... I think I will stay nice and warm inside Mum for as long as I can!!

We've just got home from the Christmas Markets in Manchester .... brrr ... it is 8pm and it is already -4 deg C. Bit of a worry that it is cold so early, but perhaps that might mean Mum and Dad get a white Christmas this year?? There were 5 markets in the city centre, but the best one was at Albert Square next to the town hall. There were lots of european stalls (aptly, since it was the European Market) and Mum and Dad indulged in some German sausages! Dad was a bit hungover from the night before, so wasn't tempted by the German beer ... that and it was a bit cold for drinking!! Mum bought a nice new wooly beanie from one of the stalls, it now covers her ears and keeps her nice and warm. Hurrah!

Yesterday was a busy day. Mum and Dad FINALLY made a choice on the type of pram they want, and have put in an order for one. Now it just has to be delivered in time (otherwise they won't be able to take me home from the hospital, since the car seat will be coming with it as well!)! Today Vicky and her Dad popped over with their cot bed, so it looks like they are getting all set ... but still plenty more to do (arrrrrgh)!!

This week Ellie and Paul popped around to visit Mum and Dad. They had some exciting news to tell ... they are pregnant as well, which means I will have a play mate not too far away.

Oh, they think they have the names all sorted now, but they are not telling ....!

Week 28

Brrr, another chilly day - there was even snow. Maybe this might point towards a white Christmas? Fingers crossed anyway!

Mum spent this weekend catching up with her friend Kate in London. They realised it has been a while since they last caught up! Kate spoilt Mum and gave her a pedicure in the afternoon - first time Mum has had one, and now has lovely soft feet :) In the evening Kate cooked dinner - great to relax inside where it was nice and warm!

Mum came home to find out that Dad had been shopping. Unfortunately he bought the same thing Mum had bought him for Christmas ... so it looks like she is not quite so organised now! Back to the drawing board for Dad's Christmas present!! Mum should never leave Dad alone!!

Last week Mum and Dad had decided on the type of pram - now their decision is all up in the air because of reports of research on the best type of prams for babies. Ahhhh. Hopefully it will just be something that is nice and snug for me to lie and sit in :)

Week 27

Another weekend gone by so quickly .... ahhh

Mum had Friday off to make up for working the following weekend. She and Nik went shopping in Chester ... geez, it has been a long time since Mum has been to Chester, and she had forgotten how good it was!! They had a good morning shopping, and Mum even got Dad's Christmas present - how organised is that!!!

Nik gave Mum a whole lot of baby clothes - it was like all her Christmases had come at once! Apparently I now have more outfits than the 2 of them put together. I will be the best dressed kid in Penketh!!

Today was a lovely sunny day (and a little chilly, but winter is only around the corner now), so Mum and Dad decided to head out for a drive. They were going to go to the tea rooms at the Cat and Fiddle (near Buxton), but decided to detour and go to Tatton Park. Golly, was it big!! It had a big old mansion on it, although that seemed closed for winter. The gardens were huge, and on their walk they spotted some reindeer! Some had really big antlers - Dad was going to put his body on the line for me in case they came charging at Mum - must protect Tigger at all costs! Oh, and his lovely wife as well! They also had lunch and afternoon tea there in the cafe. Mum surprised Dad and they shared a slice of lemon cake rather than a lovely rich chocolate cake. Mmmm, getting chocolate withdrawals already!

When they got home, they decided to tackle the shelves in the bedroom - they weren't quite a solid as expected, and they have now ripped a whole lot of new plaster off the wall - opps ... thinking now that bookshelves might be a better option, and will need to learn how to re-plaster where it has come off the wall. Hmmm ...

Anyway, to cheer themselves up, off to watch a nice light-hearted comedy!

Missing: Looking for 1 Bikini

Tonight we all went for a swim ... not an event which is so unusual in itself, although for the first time Mum and Dad sat on the 'sun-lounger's'  beside the pool. To Mum's surprise, she found that I had gotten so big that her bikini bottoms had disappeared from sight ..... arrrrrgh!!!

HELP - WE MUST FIND THEM!!

No more vacuuming!

Oh, I forgot to mention ...

On Saturday night my Dad told Mum that he thought it was time that he took over the vacuuming! My golly gosh, she almost fell over in surprise, Dad hates the noise of the vacuum!

My Dad must love me if he is willing to do the vacuuming!!! Hoorah!!

Week 26

Another week gone. Hmmm, the black is a bit deceptive I think (mind the shadows) - Mum is now starting to get lots of comments that she is popping out! Now I understand why they say black is slimming!

Last Monday was a big day for Mum - first off to the hospital for a glucose tolerance test (GTT). This was to see if I had given her diabetes, and if she would have to stay off the chocolate - luckily the results all came back ok, and I can still indulge my chocolate addiction that Mum has got me on! 

Then to the midwife - unfortunately this week it was the not-so-friendly one. Well, she is ok, but always seems a bit rushed. My heart was beating strongly though, and we both got a good report which is the main thing!

It has been another lazy weekend. Mum spent a bit of the weekend working, and well Dad just spent it in front of the dvd player. Geez, a few months ago he was an ironman, and now .... well, better not say too much, he did go out running in the cold, and both Mum and Dad went swimming on Saturday night!

Oh, Friday night was Bond night!! The new movie was ok, Dad enjoyed it more than Mum did, although I think she was a bit tired.

Today we all went on an excursion to Mothercare - Mum was quite surprised when Dad so readily agreed, but it appears he was after an excuse to get out of the house! We were looking at 'prams'. Golly there is a lot of choice, where does one start??? Well, both Mum and Dad have decided to ask a few people for their opinions. Mum started on a slippery slope, and posted her first question on an online forum .... 

Yay to Ash and Mel for getting married - we all wished we could have been back in Melbourne to celebrate with them.

Remember Remember

.... the 5th November, the gunpowder, treason and plot.

Bonfire Night! (well, Guy Fawkes Day actually!)

Well, it was certainly a good way to keep warm. Mum and Dad met up with some friends at The Ferry (a nearby pub). They arrived with seconds to spare before the bonfire was lit! Must say it was a pretty impressive bonfire, they must have been stocking up for a while! They were promised fireworks (by their friends), but alas none were to be let of. Just as well there were plenty going all about the neighbourhood which they could still see!

What a racket all these fireworks make though!

Week 25

Well, here it is again, the start of another week!

Mum is looking a bit bigger here, wondering if it is still the 'hang-over' from the conference belly??

Mum and Dad had a nice relaxing weekend - seems like the first in a while, with no renovations. Not to say that it is finished, but they are just taking a break.

They had a good time with Adam and Ann-Marie during the week. They went up to Conwy on Tuesday, and they got a taste of the winter to come - it snowed!! Brrrrr. That first cold snap is always a shock to the system! Mum did her best to cook up a feast each night - and we even got an early taste of the Christmas pudding - yum! For some reason no brandy this time around though :(

Week 24 + Conference Belly

Well, we arrived back in the UK today, back to normal sea level and rainy old Warrington!

Mum found the few days in Denver really good. There were lots of warnings about the altitude, and it was good advice to follow. Walking up a hill with a minor incline left Mum breathless!!

The conference went well ... although during Mum's presentation there was a blackout, and she had to start it all over again! Who does that happen to?? Ah well, it did win her the "Lights Out" award for a show stopping presentation!

There was sooo so much food ... don't know if it was because it was a conference, or if it was because it was just America. Tell you what though, the Americans can be a lazy bunch ... even all the toilets, hand basins and towel dispensers were automated, as was the ATM (see photo). We were driven to the shopping centre, because we were told it was a 40 minute walk - we only think she thought that because she had never walked it before - reality was about 15 minutes!

It was all over quickly, and back home. All the UK travellers weren't happy with Mum because she got to fly business class - oh it was nice! Got about 5 hours sleep on the way back, and hasn't felt too jet-lagged. Then in Heathrow she went for a shower, some (more) breakfast and then a facial - lovely. Tried to make the most of it, as it may be the first and last time ever travelling business class!

Adam and Ann Marie arrive tonight - will be good to catch up with fold from Australia!

Off we go ...

... to Denver.

Mum is off to present in Denver for work, so I get to go along for the ride. Mum is pretty excited to be upgraded to business class. Reackons it will be the first and last time in business. Oh well, gotta make the most of this pregnancy thing!

Oh, and apparently the shopping will be good too :) Mum plans to stock up on maternity clothes because apparently what is available in the UK is rubbish. Oh, and she better get Dad something too!

Week 23

         

Well, it has been a busy few days ... we have just arrived home from a trip down south. Auntie Mel and Uncle Andrew were in the country, so they all decided to catch up! 

First stop was London, where they caught a show - Chigaco. The semi naked women dancing and singing on stage kept Dad and Uncle Andrew awake, although the group was all pretty buggered. Mum and Dad were just buggered from the trip down, but at least Mel and Andrew had jet-lagged as an excuse!

Next morning they were up early, and after a nice walk in Hyde Park in the crisp autumn morning, it was off to pick up the hire car and a drive down to Brighton. It was still lovely and sunny, and nice for a stroll along the pier. Dad even got a bit burnt. Fingers crossed I don't inherit his fair skin!! Mum was tempted by the smell of the fresh doughnuts ... and so was a seagull that picked the doughnut out of Dad's hands!!

     

Saturday it was off to Leeds Castle, with a stop off in Hastings along the way! Just like driving along the Mornington Peninsula outside of Melbourne, so many towns with the same name! Hastings was another seaside town, but with a nicer feel than Brighton as it didn't seem to have all the tourist trappings. Leeds Castle was quite magnificent!

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end, and it was time to come home. Back to work again tomorrow.

Week 22

Here we are again, it is a Sunday night and Mum is knackered once more. I think she sometimes forgets that I am busy growing inside, and she needs to take a bit more rest!

Another weekend of the same .... painting, painting and more painting. Mum and Dad have both had enough, and have decided that they are going to take a break from it for a few weekends. They are off down south next weekend, for some well earnt R&R. Mum and Auntie Mel will get the chance to compare the size of their bellies!

Keith the Plastered came around yesterday and fixed the ceiling in their bedroom and finished off the painting in the stairwell. Mum wants him back to do all the tidying up, but Dad reackons it is better if they do it all - something about satisfaction of doing it yourself! He sounds like a wise man!!

Darren the Plumber is coming tomorrow to start on the bathroom. Mum and Dad are hoping he is a bit more reliable and gets the job done before Adam and Ann Marie come visiting in a couple of weeks. Dad is hoping that the tiles they have selected turn out ok ....

Week 21

Phew, what a busy weekend. Mum is knackered now!

More painting ... it is starting to come up good now, but it does seem never ending.

And shopping as well ... the tiles have been bought and picked up for the bathroom, to start in a weeks time.

Behaving

Well, back to the hospital for another scan today. Mum asked me to behave today, and I decided that I should show them that I can be good! Got the all clear, I am still growing and everything looks normal! Hoorah! They are still trying to guess whether I am a boy or a girl ... given they have a 50-50 chance of getting it right, you wouldn't think it is too hard?? Ah well, only about 20 weeks to wait until they find out!

After Mum's friend Nik told her what my movements could feel like, she is starting to think that she can feel me moving around. Apparently she is describing it at gas bubbling around the belly (rather than the behind). Hmmm, sure it wasn't another bad curry??

I'm Growing!!

Half-way through week 20, and it has happened ... a skirt doesn't fit my Mum!

I guess it will be off to the shops this weekend for a few new pieces for her wardrobe.

Week 20

Half way there ...! Another busy weekend with the renovations, paint is on all the walls and the curtains have finally been hung in the parents bedroom! Should be able to get a sleep-in now!

Take the good with the bad ...!

Well, the bad news today was that Geelong lost the AFL Grand Final to Hawthorn. Dad wasn't very happy at all, and wanted the radio turned off when the 'fat lady' sang. He wasn't too pleased with all the people ringing to gloat. Humpf! I don't know why Dad wants me to be a Cats supporter as well. Perhaps maybe I should barrack for the Hawks. That would make Grandpa Perry happy :)

The good news though is that I will have another cousin to play with. Hoorah! Auntie Mel rang up Mum today to tell her the news. Mum was a bit slow, and didn't realise Auntie Mel was telling her she was pregnant!! Ha ha! Mum and Dad are very excited for Auntie Mel and Uncle Andrew though, they were talking about it all day!

Being difficult

Today was the anomaly scan, or whatever that means. I decided to be difficult - just the start of things to come, trying to get them prepared!! What I mean by difficult is that I didn't want the ultrasound lady (sonographer?) to have a good look at me, so I kept trying to bury into Mum's tummy. Just showed off my long legs, although I did wave and take a bit of a drink!

Oh well, we will get to say hello to each other again next week!!

Week 19

Well, here we are again. Mum has just had a shower and is all clean after another messy weekend. I am trying to pop out, if you look closely! They had another busy weekend with the painting. Their bedroom is coming up a treat, although some curtains would be good so we don't wake up so early! Dad is doing a super job with all the walls!

Week 18

Well, here is Mum, not looking too great. She ate something dodgy, or some bug got her, and played havoc with her all day Saturday. She managed to keep some toast and ice blocks down today. I think I am developing a sweet tooth and taste for Vegemite!!

I promise you, I am growing in there ...

Hello Mum & Dad!

Well, today Mum and Dad went off to the hospital for their first look at me. For some reason Dad seemed convinced that I was just a result of a bad curry. Mum reackons it must have been a pretty bad one for the way she has been feeling on some days lately.

Dad was all eager - the ultrasound lady told him off for getting too close to the screen and blocking her view! Haha! I think Mum was more looking forward to going to the toilet once the lady had finished!

Mr first cousin!

Mum and Dad just heard the good news today - I will have a cousin to play with! Woo hoo! Auntie Serena rang up and told Dad she was pregnant. Mum has supersonic hearing at the moment, and heard the phone discussion from downstairs. Perhaps she has some of Clarke Kent's super powers?! She was upstairs in a flash to hear all about Auntie Serena's news! 

It is very exciting that I will have a cousin born around the same time as me! Well, I think it is about 13 days apart. Only, Auntie Serena doesn't know that just yet - won't she be surprised! Well, Mum and Dad certainly were surprised!! Just as well they weren't sharing their news this weekend as well, it might have been too much excitement for Grandma Mahar! They will just have to wait for next weekend!!

Visit from Oz

Don and Glenice Perry from Adelaide have been visiting Mum and Dad these past few days. They came and watched Mum do a run in Liverpool ... at that point I decided to let Mum know I really was around, and she experienced her first bout of ill feeling! Ha ha, she wasn't running that hard. Just had to pretend that she was slow (which is not too far from the truth either).

They all cooked up a good roast following the run. Don and Glenice were providing support on how to make the pork crackling crackle properly. I think Mum still needs a bit of work in that department!!

Dad was trying to show support and not drink too much alcohol. I bet he was looking forward to a good beer or two as well now that the ironman is all over. He is still recovering I think, is taking lots of naps still!

I wonder if they realised that they were drinking decaf coffee these past few days??

Superman ...

         

... is my Dad! Geez, I will have a lot to live up to!

13h 59m 43s - 3.8 km Swim, 112 mile Ride, 42 km Run

Today Dad complete the Nice Ironman, in 35 deg C heat. Phew! Mum is getting soft already (is it the British weather, or because of me??), and she couldn't stand so much sun and had to sit in the shade. How times have changed!

Mum was really proud of Dad today, and I think Dad was pretty pleased with his efforts too!

Discovery!

Well, this weekend Mum and Dad discovered I was about. Gee, weren't they surprised! It was Friday night ... the bottle of red that Mum was about to open quickly went back in the rack. Dinner was a very quiet affair - I think they were both in shock! Golly, how do you react to this sort of news??