This One, Baby Moo So Far

Family photo, myself as a baby and my 4 older siblings <3 font="">

BABY MOO2 (current) SO FAR:

I felt no hesitation in telling friends and family, but wanted to keep this pregnancy from going "public" for as long as I could. (read: public = Facebook & blog). I felt the need to protect my baby and my own emotional state from prying acquaintances asking me how I was.

I found out a few weeks later than I could have, but as I wasn't regular, and so far had no pregnancy symptoms (except if you count craziness), I had no idea how far along I was. Because of that I got a dating scan (seriously, I had no idea), and was guttered to find out I was only 8 weeks. I thought I could have been anywhere up to 13 weeks, and thought maybe I was blessed and had skipped through that first trimester without morning sickness.

When I told MrMoo he was going to be a Daddy again he responded with "I know".

The sickness hit. I prayed hard. It stopped. I was terrified. Then it resumed a few days later but on a much lesser more manageable scale.

In hindsight I can now see that having a toddler through morning sickness is a blessing, it meant I constantly had snacks around and was eating regular meals at regular times.

Milla learnt to eat with her spoon after having a mummy dashing to the bathroom regularly.

I didn't spew once in our toilet. I couldn't bear the thought of sticking my head down there.

I thought my morning sickness was so different to my previous pregnancy and therefore I was probably likely to have a boy. I can see now that it was mostly my situation that had changed (no ear infection, constant snacking and meals with the toddler) rather than the actual sickness. Until a few weeks ago I was convinced I was having a boy, but after a night of dreams where I had two little girls I woke up convinced this baby is a girl.

Before our first I didn't know what it meant to love a child, then I worried I couldn't love another like I do her. Now I know, love is infinite, it just keeps growing. I already love this baby so completely. 

We have our anatomy scan tomorrow, and I am so excited to see this little kicking baby who is stretching me out all over again.

Please pray for us and the wellbeing of our family xxx

"Cool" Crochet Doily

After our first year of marriage MrMoo and I attended a one day marriage / family life workshop with some dear friends of ours. The course covered many areas of relationships, each came with its own discussions to have as a couple, goals to set, things to correct and praise to give. 

We loved the course and have since done one on parenting under 5's. We love doing things together than can build up our family and give us helpful positive advice, along with getting on the same page.

From that marriage course one of the main goals I remember setting is that I wanted to turn our bedroom into a place we want to be. A sanctuary, haven type place that we could relax and find comfort in.

Confession:: I'm not a naturally tidy person, I have to put a lot of energy into keeping our home clean and tidy for MrMoo (he loves a tidy home). As a result, our bedroom is often neglected because we don't have any visitors there. I focus on keeping the living areas, kitchen and bathrooms clean instead. 

For the last 3 years since the course I have been slowly working to change that. We have bought new duvet sets, sheets, last year I finally put some photos on the wall in our bedroom and a string of bunting. 

More recently we finally got two matching bedside tables and lamps, and have just crocheted some bright (yet deep) green cotton doilies to go on top. 

I was so ridiculously proud of myself. Often its the small things that make a difference to an atmosphere. The tiny touches that turn $15 Warehouse shelves into something that feels personal and comfortable next to our beds.

For a week after making them I would say "Good night, I'm just going to put my glass of water on my doily"

"Cool" Mr Moo would reply sarcastically.

I got the impression that he wasn't as fond of my doily as I was (crazy!) so when I apprehensively asked him if I could make a matching one for his side I was surprised and thrilled when he said yes, but requested a square one instead.

I CAN DO SQUARE! 

As for the bedroom, we're getting there. I plan to give our room a lot of love an attention over the next few months as we prepare for a baby moon.

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 THE DETAILS:

I found my circle doily pattern from Pinterest.  Hers is a lot more flatter (stretched out, chrisper etc) than mine. I did try "blocking" for the first time. Is that the effect it is supposed to achieve or has the original maker done something different? Would love to hear your thoughts on how I could achieve that look too!

Follow my Sophie Slim Pinterest boards and see other crochet inspiration!

Linking in with crafty Show & Tell 

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MORE:
Did you see the crochet owl purse I made last week? If you would like to purchase one let me know!

Christmas LOVE BOMBs

From October to mid-December The Sisterhood were organising themselves to surprise-LOVE BOMB some beautiful ladies just in time for Christmas! They didn't necessarily need these gifts, but we wanted to show that they were cared and thought about and to hopefully encourage each of them on their individual journeys.

Every woman is different as is each situation so we tried to use whatever information we could get about them to design their LOVE BOMBs just for them. Some needed some time alone or to relax, so we sent them magazines and wine, others needed some pampering so we sent them beauty products.

In November we decided to send their kids some gifts as well so with a few donations specifically for the kids we were able to put together some pretty awesome parcels! A few physical donations came in for these, but most of the kids parcels are made up using previous financial donations for specific gifts that we were told they would love!

We also ended up contributing some of the food items donated (not pictured) to a food hamper for a family in Christchurch. 

Each LOVE BOMB was sent wrapped in Christmas paper with beautiful handmade cards, an encouraging message and Sisterhood poem. 

Here is a photo bomb of our LOVE BOMBs! Thank you so much for being involved with The Sisterhood and for sticking with us! 

If you did anything to help this effort, my sincerest thanks! 

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Special thanks to Post Haste Couriers for sending all of these gifts FREE of charge (and for sponsoring us for another 6 months!!)

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The Sisterhood are currently in the midst of organising a national KINDNESS DAY on February 16th, 2013! Be part of it too!

Love, Sophie xxx

READ MORE:
The beginning of The Sisterhood
How to Join The Sisterhood
Sisterhood on Facebook
See inside other previous LOVE BOMBs
Our Latest Mission:: Kindness Day 2013

Avoid an Iced-Chocolate disaster on Date Night!

We have been so spoilt this weekend, two date nights! In a row! 

Once again my Mum was over from the Westcoast and while she stayed at our house and started a puzzle we skipped to the car singing "if you're happy and you know it.." well. Not really, but we were excited and jumped at the chance to disappear for a few hours together!

On our second date night, Monday, we ended up sitting in the hot sunshine as it fell behind the southern alps. Absolutely beautiful. MrMoo had a little rainbow on his forehead. 

He had a mango smoothie and I narrowly avoided an iced-chocolate disaster. 

Thats what I'm really here to share about today. See, iced-chocolates matter. In fact, I've had four of them in the last week. Thats not my normal consumption rate of them but I feel like i'm becoming a bit of a pregnant connoisseur. 

I have discovered while ordering its best to ask what kind of iced chocolate you're going to be getting. As far as I can see, there are two different ones on the market and prices and menu boards do not make any distinction between them.

The first iced chocolate is the sad one. Still (over) priced at around $6 you're getting chocolate milk and ice. Wapwaaow. 

For the same price at any resonable establishment you might luckily be in for iced-chocolate number two, my obviously preferred favourite which I will happily shell out $6.50 for. She consists of milk and chocolate, some sort of chocolate swirl on the inside with a little bit in the bottom, ice-cream  topped with cream and sprinkles. 

Ahh, yes please. A dessert in a glass. Just what my unborn child would like please.

Last night, I narrowly avoided the first (sad) chocolate. 

While ordering I asked "what comes in your iced chocolate?" 

Uhhhh... they look stumped.

"Does it have a chocolate swirl in it?"
"No but we could put one in if you want"

"Does it comes with icecream or whipped cream"
"We could put icecream on if you want it"

"What about sprinkles?"
"no but we could do them?"
"Yes please! I'll have that!"

To which MrMoo butted in and said "Sorry, she's pregnant"

C'mon ladies, advocate for your iced-chocolates! Don't settle on a glass of cold milk! Can I get an amen ladies?

How do you do yours? Leave a comment and let me know!

See our latest Date Night with the moo2s  the last time Mum was in town!
P.s - its our 4th anniversary this week! Any ideas what we could do to celebrate?! (pps, we'll be without Milla! 3 dates in one week!! WHO ARE WE?!)