Kaileys Christening and other stuff...

On the 18th February, we had Kailey's christening at a church near us. It was a lovely ceremony. Our friends joined us and besides for the special occasion, it was a wonderful excuse to hang out with everyone on a Sunday afternoon. After the church service everyone came back to our house and we got to celebrate with champagne (cider for me) and other nibbles.

Things have been going well, I still cannot believe where the days go. There is so much to do with Deric leaving in a few weeks and us leaving soon after that. We are now working on Kailey's visa to be in South Africa! Why she needs one I have no idea, its not like she is going to work there.

This next weekend we go visit Deric's sister and niece in Virginia - Kailey's first time out of North Carolina. We are going to show Mom Washington DC, and show our baby off to Dawn and Lexy.

Kailey is now 4 weeks old, has gained 2 pounds and weighs in at 10 pounds now. She is at 3 hours between meals and we are pushing 4 hours at night (I never thought I would be so grateful for 4 hours sleep before. Imagine having 8.... ohhh the thought is just too exciting to even entertain)

She is so much more alert, and is looking at everything. She is such a calm baby, only cry's when there is something to cry about. We are blessed!

Last night we had such a great evening - we had our neighbour's Stephanie and her 3 kids over as well as Oriana and her son for dinner. We made a fire pit, sent the kids out in the forest (our back yard) to get fire wood. After dinner toasted marshmallows and hung out in the cold, all wrapped up around the fire. It was just what we all needed and such fun.

As for this next week ahead, I have a long to do list and have given in to the fact that if I get a 3rd of it done it will be a good week. How life has slowed down! I realized I moved to London 5 years ago today!

Another week of first for Kailey

Finally I write!

Well, we have survived the first 2 weeks of being parents! It does take a while to get use to this new little person who sweeps her way into your lives... but we are on track. Besides for a few sleepless nights we are coping very well.
Deric was home for the past 2 weeks and went back to work today. I cant begin to tell you how quickly the days go by. Since I feed her every 2 hours, as soon as I am done, nappy changed, and calmed her down.... its time to start again.
But once again I have to say she is amazing and we all cant stop staring in amazement at her.

My Mom arrived last Saturday (just another person for Kailey to wrap around her finger) she is helping a lot and giving me a few extra hours a day sleep.

Week 2 with Kailey

Kaileys First Week

Strange to think this time last week I was in the hospital waiting for Kailey to arrive. Now a week later I am addicted to her in every way.

Everything is going well - we have had our doctors appointments, which all turned out well. She has had her fist play date with Lorelia, Rachel's daughter who was born just 3 weeks before Kailey.

I am so grateful to have friends like I do here! Oriana, Rose, Jenn, Dani, Brooke all helping out with meals (something I have just not thought about) You have no idea how your brain becomes mush when you are so focused on this little miracle. Thank you guys so much for all your help so far..... I am so lucky to have you all.

My mom gets in on Saturday. I have not seen her in over a year, so its going to be great. The timing of this whole experience could not be better than it has turned out.

Deric is very into been a Dad, Kailey has him completely wrapped already (as she she should) and it is so wonderful to watch him with her. I cant believe he has not had experience with babies before, he is a natural.

Thank you to everyone who has sent best wishes, parcels, cards, gifts, flowers ......... We appreciate it all so much.

Kailey's first week

Introducing Kailey Theresa Holbrook

It's Time

Just a few hours after posting the polls from work - my water just broke. It's 4:20am now so I will have a baby in 24 hours!! (Yikes)
After spending the day yesterday at the Spa for my Birthday (compliments of my wonderful husband) She has decided that its time. My wish came true, all I asked from day 1 was that she would not be born on my birthday, the day after is a good compromise.

I am pleased to say Deric is doing well!!!

Next time I post, will be in a few days hopefully with photos for you all.........

Wish me luck - we are leaving soon for the hospital.

Here is a poll they took at work for when the baby is going to come....... Those above the line are in my good books - the rest of you............

JOANNE'S "BIG DAY"

1/27 Deric
1/31 12:00 AM 7 lbs 12 oz Amy
1/31 5:00 PM 8 lbs 2 oz Lori (side bet, it will be a boy!)
1/31 4:30 AM 8 lbs 1 oz Tracy
____________________________________________
2/1 7:16 AM 6 lbs 3 oz Kara
2/1 3:00 AM 6 lbs 5 oz Karen
2/2 10:00 PM 7 lbs 4 oz Brooke
2/2 10:53 AM 7 lbs 10 oz Erin
2/2 8:30 AM 7 lbs 13 oz Rachel
2/3 5:00 AM 8 lbs 4 oz Rose
2/3 5:00 AM 8 lbs 2 oz Jenn
2/4 11:00 AM 8 lbs Oriana
2/5 6:00 AM 8 lbs 6 oz Dani (shame on you Dani)

AHHH Progress!!!!

Well I am at 1cm dilated..... just 9 to go......I will spare you all the the gory details, but we are very happy with this for now. The next question is how long will I stay here! What I am hoping for and what we will get are 2 different things, but its all moving along.... We will keep you updated!

Right now I am relaxing and keeping calm. The weather has taken a turn for the worst - so I don't think I'm going to get all those walks in I was planning. (I know, since I left London I have become soft!!!!!)

Check out my Slide Show!

I have 2-3 weeks left!!! I am massive!!!

I cant believe how quickly time is going now. At least now I can chill out and not go to work, maternity leave starts on Monday. I am sure I will still be meeting the girls for lunches and then coming home for my afternoon nap - I know what your saying 'enjoy it while you can' and I will!

Feels so strange for Deric and I to have so little to report - usually we are traveling and getting around. But now....... we have to stay close to the hospital just in case!
We have booked the baby's christening on the 18th February, we had to attend classes over the past few weeks. So now that that's over we have done all the classes we need to do. Birthing (7 classes), infant CPR (1 class), and christening (2 classes)... done! And I am sure everything we learnt in these classes will be thrown out the window the day the baby comes.

Its been a while

I have had every intention of writing, but lately I get home and just veg... poor Deric, his wife is such fun lately!!
I have my last day of work tomorrow, bigger bonus is its a half day. Then I can chill and finally spend time reading all those books I should have read a while ago.
My last doctors appointment was good, we are at 37 weeks (2-3 weeks left)- I am progressing well, but she still needs to get bigger before I start wishing her into the world. The problem is I don't think there is enough space! I waddle around, and when I walk to the loo I am grateful for the rest when I get there. But we are so excited for our new beginning.
I will send some updated pictures soon, so prepare yourselves for my ever expanding body. I am 108cm/42" now (I started at 73cm)
Thank you for all your emails and comments that have come in lately - I so enjoy reading them
Cheers for now

Happy New Year

Our New Year was very LAME considering what we have done over the past few years! I did surprise myself by staying up till a whopping 12:05am though. Quite an accomplishment!

Deric and I went back to work today. I will officially be stopping work on the 16th January..... just time to do nothing! I am counting down the days. As Tash says 'no one thanks you for staying up to the end'.

I am in the Braxton Hicks phase of the pregnancy (36 weeks) - I am forever waiting for a contraction to be over. But they say its the body's way of practicing for the real deal (who knew there was so much to pregnancy!)

This year should bring new beginnings to all.
With Sarah and Zack, Mikey B and Kelly, Corey and Todd either having just received their bundles of joy or waiting patiently for them. There are also so many of you guys moving country or homes (what is it with our friends and family moving around so much?)

Also Claudia and Jannes getting engaged on the 27th Dec... Congratulations......I could not be happier for you both!

I wish you all the most wonderful year!

Baby's Room is Done!

We are ready - the baby's room is done. We decided on Safari - so there are animals everywhere!!!

I also had my baby shower two weeks ago, it was a surprise given to me by my friends in NC, Oriana and Rose..... they tricked me by getting me to Oriana's house. Her husband called and told me he had to take Oriana to the hospital - asking if I could I look after their baby!!!! I threw some clothes on and rushed over there with no make up on!

I arrived, they opened the door and there were a whole bunch of wonderful friends all standing at the door shouting surprise!!!!

They also got hold of some of my USA, SA and London friends emails, who emailed me their wonderful thoughts of us..... needless to say I was in tears as they were read out!

THANK YOU ALL!!!! I am so lucky!

I have not seen the pictures from that yet - they are doing something sneaky with those too!! I'll post them when I get them!