28 Weeks pregnant my guest blogger is back!
28 Weeks pregnant my guest blogger is back! 2018
28 Weeks pregnant my guest blogger is back! Over to Chelsea.
The nursery is now pretty much complete! We had our larger second bedroom plastered silky smooth, painted in a soft light grey using Farrow and Ball and I’m very lucky to say my clever husband has hand painted a mural of the ‘original’ Winnie The Pooh.
The mural consists of a waving oak tree bristling in the ‘wind’ with Pooh flying up towards the honey bees nest whilst grasping a blue balloon. I’m in Love!! We haven’t gone completely Pooh crazy, just the odd touches whilst still keeping a neutral feel with grey and white star curtains, a white cloud ceiling light with beaded raindrops and grey and white cloud bedding.
The hardest essential we purchased was the baby monitor. We found this extremely difficult as there are so many on the market with mixed reviews, every item had 5* and 1* ratings. Eventually, we decided on the Motorola MBP44 Digital Audio and Video monitor, so good so far, let's see if it lives up to expectations…
We went to a wedding recently and I forgot my wedding outfit…..!!! Baby brain to the max! Luckily I had a jumpsuit I was planning to wear the next day with me so I whipped that out and hopefully I rocked it for the day!?! Pregnancy gives you allowances and everyone's nice to you, I had so many offers of drinks for that day, I was a cheap date with my soda water and elderflower cordial, 50p a drink! Bonus for them, bonus for me!
The day and night before I had Braxton Hicks, which became extremely painful so I rang the midwife in a panic who put me through to the labour ward. I was getting cramps every 10 minutes towards the end so I generally thought I could be in labour at 29 weeks. After a while, they finally cooled off and I started to relax, my little cherub is still bouncing around and was ready for the wedding antics to begin so we went to the ball!
Pregnancy hormones rattle inside your head, which makes you feel annoyed, irritated, upset and lovable all at the same time, I think my body is going through fight or flight mode protecting my baby’s surrounding area. I have no idea why though, our baby life is filled with joyous and caring family and friends who love them before they even know what love is.
Pregnancy is wonderful and strange all at the same time and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Onto the third TRIMESTER...
read Chelsea's other blogs here! she'll be in the studio for her bump photos soon!
Pregnancies diaries Week 37/38 MLBU birth
Pregnancies diaries Week 37/38 MLBU birth 2017
The end is in sight and so is my MLBU birth, very soon we'll be seeing Baby M and the back of having hundreds of pillows in the bed, waddling and back ache. I fear I'll have to come to terms with more stretch marks. I know they're to be celebrated but I don't think I'm kind to myself and will feel very conscious of them. Still I know I can't do anything about them it's just one of those things.
On a positive note my iron levels are up and my MLBU birth is round the corner. My hospital bag is packed, give or take a few things and birthing plan sorted. I've finished work and officially on maternity leave plus Jasmine has started back to nursery so my days are slightly lighter and princess role play has calmed down!
My focus has been organising Jasmine's 3rd birthday party which was a success thank goodness.
Andy questioned whether it was the longest children's party ever but we got through it. I completely have every admiration for the bakers out there. I managed to make a butterfly cake for the family gathering we had last week, as requested, but not quite sure it would make a local cake competition let alone GBBO! Still, it was edible with lots of sponge, buttercream and sweets. For the kids party I admit I cheated and bought a cake. I just didn't have enough time, energy or creativity to bake again! As it was Andy and I spent a day prepping everything and hoping the rain would stay away. And it did.
Sadly I've finished my pregnancy aqua course, however I'm keeping myself going by fitting in a few pregnancy yoga classes. My back pain has been pretty uncomfortable at times so anything I can do to ease it is worth motivating myself. We've even started sleeping with our pillows at the bottom of the bed so I can lay on my right side and we can still cuddle! One thing I've managed to avoid is any swelling to my feet and ankles and I can still bend down. Result!
I'm also conscious that I need to practice breathing and properly get into the right mindset for birthing. Some might not agree and just say go with it, however I like to feel in control and prepared as much as possible. Which reminds me I need to buy that first 'going home' outfit for Baby M!
I'm now trying to put my feet up more although it's difficult with a 3 year old, when there seems to be washing, ironing and cooking to be done constantly.
Oh not to mention playing, crafting and pretending. Still we're thoroughly excited about meeting Baby M soon. All I'll say is watch this space as next time I blog I may be introducing our new arrival. In fact feel free to guess her weight, eye colour and the most important of all, will she be born with or without hair.
Goody luck Ali I am super excited for you guys to meet baby M soon! Read all of Ali's other guest blogs starting here
Pregnancy diaries - 35/ 36 weeks pregnant bump shoot
Pregnancy diaries - 35/ 36 weeks pregnant bump shoot
First things first the pregnant bump shoot bump shoot. The morning of the shoot was a little hectic. Well, Jasmine was her usual self, playing with her toys while I got myself showered and beautified for the photos. In my usual style I was having a clothing meltdown which was heightened by the fact I'm pregnant. I'm sure some of you can relate. I ended up bundling several items in the car and then dashing out of the drive only to realise I needed petrol. Not only were we running late, I had the moment of 'oh s**t' I have no bra on. Not my usual move but necessary to avoid strap marks before the photos. All I can say is thank goodness for pay at the pump! Arriving late, Jess welcomed us in and we had a fabulous time and loved every minute. A relaxed shoot with lots of fun for Jasmine. Thanks Jess. Oh and in pure Bridget Jones style, afterwards I realised that my underwear was back to front!
later in the week I had a midwife appointment which was slightly manic, mainly because Jasmine just couldn't keep quiet or still to the point of her toppling over backwards on a little stool. Anyway, iron levels aside, Baby M is tracking a similar size path to Jasmine at this stage and my blood pressure was normal. Oh and we're engaged head down. A birth plan was mentioned too which I smugly said I'd prepared one and wanted a water birth in the MLBU. With that we were free to go!
Despite having a sore back and experiencing pretty intense cramp in my calf muscle I decided it would be a good idea to get on my bike. Well, I rode Andy's bike and he was on mine with Jasmine on the back. It wasn't as if we were tackling a 100 miler but the exercise and fresh air was nice. All 4 miles of it!
Work has been busy which is good but has taken it out of me a bit. Massage can be pretty physically draining. Also with a baby that doesn't stop moving you get tired quickly. Oh and occupying an almost 3 year old comes with challenges! Growing has also increased, as Baby M is putting on fat. My tummy is getting tight, hello stretch marks 😩 I must say though the foot and back rubs have finally been introduced by Andy. We've also been practising breathing and visualisation before bed which really helps get us off to sleep. The only down side is that I wake so many times because my back hurts or I need the loo. Then I have to tackle the millions of pillows tucked between my legs before I can move. Which then means getting back into to bed is impossible! Oh well only 4-5 weeks left until we see Baby M. We are so excited now we just want her here.
read all of Ali's guest blogs here or to book your pregnant bump shoot / mini maternity package book in by using my contact page.
Jess
Pregnancy diaries - 33/34 weeks pregnant third trimester
Pregnancy diaries - 33/34 weeks pregnant third trimester
I am in my third trimester! Birthing, does my mind feel in control? At the moment on and off! Although I think that's more a reflection of how I'm feeling at the moment, as I know I can do it. In fact, the birthing toolkit workshop with Jackie Heffer-Cooke from the Orange Grove was brilliant and has refreshed our minds on lots of things. Andy is confident he knows how to breath down and out of his vagina so all is good! I feel more comfortable about it all too and at the end of the day Baby M has got to come out sooner or later. Fingers crossed we can make it another relaxing natural birth.
It feels like these past two weeks have been long and tiring. I've experienced a day and night of rib pain which I can only liken to having a broken rib (not that I've had one). I managed to stretch that out, only to be greeted with excruciating abdominal pain. Now I like having a bath but spending two hours in one trying to ease the pain and get Baby M to move was not my idea of relaxing. I am lucky in that I made a teary call to my mum who came and took me to the doctors as well as looking after Jasmine for a day or two. I wasn't concerned for Baby M at all I just wanted to understand where the pain was coming from.
My instincts were telling me the baby position, stretching muscles combined with overdoing lifting Jasmine. Oh, and I did find myself in a pit of foam blocks at Mini Springers (gymnastics at UEA) which wasn't easy to get out of. Probably not my finest hour! In the back of my mind, I had thought appendix which the GP did mention. The whole scenario ended up with Andy taking me to the hospital Delivery Suite, who was brilliant, and made a number of checks. Four hours later nothing was conclusive, but my mind was happier and the pain had subsided. Touch wood, since then all has been fine. Aside from having a cold. Oh, pregnancy, the gift that just keeps on giving!
Onto nicer things, we'd been visiting family in Lowestoft and on returning home I was welcomed by 'Dixie' the cutest little caravan sitting in our drive all set up by Dolly & Belles for a baby shower afternoon tea. A couple of months after Jasmine was born we did a course of baby massage. I made some great friends and three years on five of us still catch up which is great for our sanity and lovely to see the kids grow up together. They were behind this surprise, oh and of course Andy loves being in on a little secret mission too! Thank you lovely ladies for 'showering' me with baby love.
I've read that from now till birth my weight gain will be Baby M and not me. Mmmm, best stop eating those pastries and icecream now then! Roughly about half a pound a week and she's gaining brown fat which isn't the wobbly stuff we get, it keeps the baby warm and protects against hypothermia in the first few weeks after birth. All very clever stuff in my eyes. That aside probably a good idea to get any photos taken now before my face fills out like a doughnut!
The lovely Jess Wilkins has worked her magic and finally shot the infamous bump! All will be revealed in my next posting.
Till then I'll leave you with a little meme which made me chuckle ... 'You know you're in the 3rd trimester when you drop something on the floor and walk away muttering 'f**k it!' Oh I'm definitely in that place!
Wanting to book a bump, baby and beyond shoot feel free to message me via my contact form for a chat.
best wishes
Jess
Norfolk Guest blogger the pregnancy diary part 3 - 22 weeks pregnant
Norfolk Guest blogger the pregnancy diary part 3 - 22 weeks pregnant
Week 22 and I've definitely grown. Luckily the dungarees still fit and I've dragged out my old maternity tops too. It feels like time is flying by. We have four months left till the little lady arrives and in some ways that seems a way away and in others it feels like we need to get our skates on to prepare! Nesting has almost certainly commenced. Lounge and kitchen have been spring cleaned and the bedrooms are underway. I should be on first name terms with the ladies at the charity shop!
Our experience at the Sonography School was brilliant. We had two trainees 'surf the bump' which was great. Nothing beats seeing your little one moving around. I love how clear you see the spine and its movements. Plus the skill required in learning to use the equipment is pretty impressive as you have to almost think in 3D to get the right angle on the scanner.
I was lucky enough to win a launch 'like & share' competition for The Barns Beauty Rooms in Norfolk (Sprowston) last month and I'd booked my 2hrs of relaxation this week. The facial was dreamy and my skin was in need of some hydration. I then had a soothing massage that completely relaxed me, to the point of feeling wiped out when I got home. This leads me nicely onto napping! I'm feeling much better now aside from afternoon tiredness. So much so to encourage Jasmine to have a rest we both snooze together. I now feel like a toddler and when I wake, I'm refreshed like a Duracell bunny!
https://www.facebook.com/TheBarnBeautyRooms/
Jasmine has tuned in more to the baby. Her latest thing is pretending she has a baby in her tummy that miraculously pops out every so often. If only! She also likes to blow raspberries on my tummy which she finds hilarious and gets the baby squiggling too! Movements have stepped up a gear and usually happen around 5am or if there's a sudden noise. Which in our household happens quite often.
My husband also can't get over the idea that the baby could be moving in my tummy without me knowing when I'm asleep! I read somewhere that mums are superheroes and our super power is growing another human. Oh so very true.
I hope you have enjoyed my pregnancy diary part 3 - Till next time where we may have thought of some baby names and how we're gonna approach this birth.
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Ali other blogs can be found here and her scan blog too.
Guest Blog: Top Tips for Juggling Motherhood & Self-Employment By Serena Fordham
Guest Blog: Top Tips for Juggling Motherhood & Self-Employment By Serena Fordham 2016
Being a self-employed mum of a toddler and a newborn can be very challenging at times, especially if you're juggling motherhood & self-employment
If you are a mum who works for yourself, then I am sure you can relate to the conflict your brain has between spending time with your children and working on your business. I know I constantly feel guilty that one of these is suffering, as I haven't got enough time in the day to do everything...
...and as for household chores, sometimes I just give up!
Serena and family photo by me / Jess Wilkins Photography
Here are my top 10 tips for juggling motherhood and self-employment
1. Make lists and prioritise. I like to have one list for both business and mum stuff as to not confuse myself by using separate ones. I also put everything in my diary so nothing is missed!
2. Find amazing childcare. I am lucky to have my parents and in-laws to look after the children whenever I need to. Although I still feel guilty when leaving them for a business related appointment!
3. Prepare bags, clothes, lunches, etc the evening before. The mornings are most crazy!
4. Schedule in work time when the kids are in bed. A few hours every evening can clear my work to-do list as well as a full working day will!
5. Outsource work and ask for help when needed. I have 3 amazing ladies who help in my business, and they make me feel like all is not just on my shoulders. Plus, self-employment can be pretty lonely at times, so having a team to support me is lovely!
6. Network with other self-employed mum's who are in the same boat as you! Her business brew is a great group to do this – details can be found here.
7. Have a box of crafts or games that the kids can do themselves. This will keep them entertained if you have to make a business call or complete work when they are around! Even short bursts on a tablet, or half an hour in front of CBeebies, isn't going to do any harm either!
8. Schedule quality time with the family. Time with your family is very important as your kids grow up so fast. Even a quick trip to the park, or reading them a story makes all the difference!
9. Don't beat yourself up if everything isn't done. No woman is superwoman (even though we like to think we are!) just move stuff to next weeks to do list!! (It’s not the end of the world!)
10. Make time for yourself. All this juggling can leave you shattered, so make time for yourself. I like to get my nails/hair done, visit the spa, or have the occasional afternoon tea! Although a long soak in the bath (with no kids) is even a nice treat!
I hope these tips will help you when trying to juggle motherhood and self-employment!
Serena For
dham is known as “Norfolk's Admin Super Woman” and assists her clients across Norfolk and the surrounding areas with administration, bookkeeping, event management, project management, and writing tasks. To read more of her blogs check out: www.serenafordhamspaservices.com/blog/
Serena is also a published children’s author of ‘Imaginary Deedee goes to the park’, and organises and hosts a monthly women’s networking event called ‘Her Business Brew’. She is also a Director of Buy Local Norfolk and an ambassador for 3 charities. Find her at:www.serenafordhamspaservices.com
Peppa Pig World is it good for babies as well as Toddlers?!
Peppa Pig World is it good for babies as well as Toddlers?!
Yes, it is awesome for all ages!
We went to Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park recently. My two children aged 2 & 4 years old loved it. We saw children of all ages from newborn, crawling babies and little ones toddling about/ We also saw 4 large groups of school children around 10 years old whizzing about.
We booked their 2 for 1 short break offer and stayed at a nearby hotel, it costs us around £230 for 2 nights hotel, breakfast and 2 days entry to Peppa Pig world. We were delayed on our first day (Lila had travel sickness ) . This meant we got their later than planned. Our first day was from midday until 5.30pm closing time, and day two from opening time 10am until closing again. Time really did fly by. I believe you need the two days to discover all that Peppa pig world and Paultons Park has to offer.
I found their website a bit rubbish to be honest , the app you can download is good and helpful! The opening times vary over the year , we went term time when it is open 10am - 5.30pm . Therefore, we hardly queued longer than 10minutes for any ride. I can imagine going at peak times with small children must be hard. My two found it hard sometimes to 'wait for your turn' if you have non school children I would go term time.
There is a great soft play area if you need to get out of the sunshine for a while- take socks for the kiddies !
Also we went on a lot of the rides in the afternoon, and that might have helped with queue time, as i imagine the smaller children nap or go home earlier.
We spent the morning in the splash park, jumping on trampolines, and bouncy castles. There is lots of room for picnics and pretty gardens and some animals and birds to view.
I really did not rate the food from the station cafe it cost us £22 for 4 of us to have some lunch which wasn't very filling. The next day we popped to Sainburys and took lunch with us - much cheaper option! which leads me onto...
Here are my top tips for making the most of Peppa Pig World
- Book the 2 for 1 option
- Take a packed lunch or at least lots of snacks
- The lockers are £1 which they keep , handy though to save time popping back to car
- Take swim suits for your children to play in the big splash park at Paultons Park and the muddy puddle area at Peppa pig world (sadly there are no proper changing rooms)
- Take socks for the soft play area - my two loved it !
- have lots of fun Peppa is not my favourite tv show but the place is awesome we had lots of fun!
- Take a small bag for belongings and leave a backpack/ big bags on the pushchair, we left our pushchair loads to go on rides , it was handy to have our stuff safe on me.
Jess x
To book a shoot with me contact me here.
Natural Way Therapies - Hypnosis for childbirth
Natural Way Therapies -Hypnosis for childbirth in North Norfolk
Hi there I’m Gem Fisher from Natural Way Therapies in North Norfolk, I help parents-to-be use hypnosis for childbirth. Jess has kindly allowed me to be a guest blogger on her site so I can introduce myself to all you lovely ladies.
I am a Clinical Aromatherapist and I also teach Hypnosis for childbirth, I generally work in North Norfolk around the Holt and Cromer area. I like to be flexible and work both in therapy rooms around the area or travel to ladies homes. I love making people happy and it’s really rewarding when I can literally see the stress fall off them as I work with them, it always makes me smile when I come away from giving a treatment just as relaxed as the person receiving it.
I work in a very holistic way taking into consideration my clients life as a whole. I have a special fondness for treating my pregnant clients as I am fully aware of the strain pregnancy can put on the body having had four children myself, the increase in the hormones progesterone and relaxing can make you uncomfortable in your back and pelvis, this can also account for the fluid retention some ladies suffer with, massage can help ease the aches and pains, increase circulation to help relieve fluid retention and increase the suppleness of your skin helping to decrease the risk of stretch marks.
I have been thinking lately I’d like to extend my reach to the Norwich area, I have looked into the possibility of seeing clients at the complementary health clinic, I can offer 1/2 hr neck & shoulder, aromatherapy facials, face & scalp massage, 1 hr full body or even a nice foot and leg massage as a treat.
I charge £20 for a half hour or £40 for the full hour.
If you would like to contact me to book a Hypnosis treatment or discuss any queries you can do so on 07826595011 or email me on gem@naturalwaytherapies.co.uk or take a look at my website www.naturalwaytherapies.co.uk I look forward to speaking to you all soon.
To book a shoot please contact me here.
Jess Wilkins Photographer - Baby Photographer
Jess Wilkins Photographer - Baby Photographer
It is time to make you go all broody with some images from just a few of my newborn sessions in April.
May is set to be very busy - is it another baby boom? Either way i am getting my weekly fix of babies - yeah !
First up little Lottie with her 2 big brothers and they were very smitten and proud. Sibling images are becoming a firm favourite as i know how much they mean to parents .
Isla came to see me last year as a baby , she is now 10 months and soooo smiley ! She whizzed through her session and showed off her toothy pegs !
Below is baby Flynn he was 8 weeks old at the shoot, born 10 weeks early . He melted my heart , he was still squishy and sleepy and we breezed though his session. He is coming back for my baby plan , this time i might steal him !
Another little dude i could have happily kept, was Leo ! I loved his cool little head of hair , grandma came along too and had her photo taken with him. Many of us reluctant to be photographed but i always say , its more for your child.
I am loving all my new blankets and fabrics, I had to replace some that had been well washed from baby poop and wees, its also an excuse I use to go on a prop spending spree. I feel the neutral and natural colours will work so well with a fresh new baby.
I will end this blog with a few FAQs I often get asked:
When should i book the session? Ideally before the baby is here as I work part time I get booked up quite quickly, but after your 20 week, scan or sooner is fine.
Why does a newborn shoot take 2-3 hours? I do not rush, it can take time to get sibling shoots and to then settle a baby into a deep sleep. Along with blankets changes, feeds and nappy changes time soon whizzes by!
How much does the session cost? The newborn session packages start from £275 ,
What training have you had? I have trained with one of the UK’s leading newborn photographers and have been approved by the British Association of Newborn Photographers. I am also fully insured.
My baby is 3 weeks old am I too late to have a newborn session? No not at all, ideally we photograph newborns in the first 14 days because they are still very sleepy and curled up from being in the womb. However, I book newborn shoots up to 4 weeks old. If the baby was premature than the baby can be older, we aim for under 4 weeks as babies are usually still sleepy but also they do change quickly.
Do i need to bring anything like hats etc ? Not really, unless you have anything special to have photographed with your baby. I have hats, headbands here at my studio in Sprowston Norwich. , I will also send you an info pack when you book which covers what you need to bring.
Are siblings allowed to the shoot? YES! I love capturing families and the love between siblings. I do ask that if possible one parent can take the older siblings out to the park so they do not disturb the sleeping baby. There is no extra cost, although the majority of the session is dedicated to the newborn baby.
How long do I have to wait to view my gallery / images ? Usually, your gallery link will be sent within a week but no more than 2 weeks. Please see my full price-list .
for more information or to book a newborn shoot email me at info@jesswilkinsphotography.co.uk or you can use my contact form.
British Association of Newborn Photographers
British Association of Newborn Photographers
I am pleased to announce I have been accepted by the British Association of Newborn Photographers. When I launched my photography business after having Lucas I knew I wanted to capture newborns, I’d taken many photos of him and love looking back and seeing how much he had changed.
I started off with simple, basic images but admired some of the leading newborn photographers. I researched into this area and booked some training where I was shown some poses and how to handle babies safely.
I have since had further training, to me, it’s extremely important to invest in training to push yourself forward and develop, but most of all, to be confident and know how to pose babies correctly and safely.
Many of the newborn photos you see online are composites, a merge of 2 or more images into one. What you don’t often see is there is a spotter (mum or dad) nearby in case the baby stirs and to ensure the baby is happy and safe.
Below is an example of a composite. Sometimes the baby’s head,in this case, my Lila needed a bit of support, looking at the final image you wouldn’t necessarily know what steps the photographer (me) took to ensure the babies safety.
When looking for a newborn photographer it is important to look that they have had training. There are some poses I will not attempt such as the frog pose . I haven’t had the training to undertake this, and therefore under no circumstances would I attempt it . It also does not fit my style, and again when looking for a Newborn Photographer check out their galleries and see if they produce the images you want on your wall.
To find a photographer in your area who is approved by the British Association of Newborn Photographers check out their website and look out for their logo too.
I now only have one slot left for a Newborn photo session in July when i'm back at work. Once you have had your 12 week scan please get in touch if you wish to book a Newborn shoot my price-list can be viewed here.
I still have a few spaces left for the Baby and Child Portrait Mini Sessions taking place on the 6th July , these are not suitable for newborns but for babies 4 months old plus, they great for toddlers and sibling shoots too!
Jess xx
2013