Welcome To The World...

Welcome to the world, sweet girl. May the beginning of our journey with you be full of love, positivity and warmth.


A birth story in the near future will follow and many updates I am sure! But for now, we are soaking up these minutes and truly being in the moment. Enjoy the next few weeks of guest posts by some lovely people, they are wonderful reads!

Plenty of love, 

Our Journey; Post 7

Here we are! Week 39 is upon us. I honestly didn't think I'd make it this far, in the fantasy world of my imagination I thought our baby would be here by now. I also didn't believe my body could withhold the challenges and discomfort of pregnancy for yet another few weeks. I remember sobbing to Nick a fortnight ago... "I can't keep going! My body is broken, I can't make it". A little dramatic maybe, but honest all the same.

The last three weeks have been the biggest physical challenge I have ever faced. No wonder pregnancy and childbirth is likened to marathons and physical victories, I feel as though I have been dragged through race after race after race just getting through the daily basics. I certainly didn't feel like this towards the end of my pregnancy with Stella. I was eager to meet her, but could easily have stayed pregnancy another two weeks longer than the 42 I already was. Or perhaps it's a case of a deceptive memory, maybe I've forgotten how truly hard it can be.

The past few weeks have bought a number of new niggles with them. I began feeling incredibly dizzy, light headed, nauseous and unstable and this lasted for over a week. Frustratingly the midwives at our hospital couldn't figure out the cause of my extreme dizziness and made me feel stupid and embarrassed on a number of occasions. Eventually, with a visit to a really thorough and wonderful doctor she was able to give me a diagnosis of... Vertigo! Who would have thought!

Apparently the Vertigo is completely un-related to my pregnancy, although worsened by things like posture, back aches and bodily changes. She suggested a visit to a chiropractor for some therapy on my neck, but warned me that some people experience 'bouts' of Vertigo that last several weeks and then disappear. The dizziness has almost completely gone now, which is a total relief as I can walk around without feeling like I have downed a dozen cocktails.

Next on the niggle list is pelvic pain. Stella has began groaning when she sits or stands because she hears mama do it so much! I struggle to walk around the supermarket for more than ten  minutes and have a very distinct waddle. Oh pregnancy, the joys you bring!



Last night, Stella wrapped her present for the baby. She helped me with the sticky tape and we tied a pretty ribbon to the parcel before she placed it in the bassinet. I've also wrapped a sneaky little gift for the baby to give Stella upon their first meeting. That is a moment that I am anticipating with such elation, when two sisters meet for the very first time.

I am beyond ready for the birth now. I feel mentally prepared and our household couldn't be more willing to welcome a new little baby. Our bags are in the car, the bassinet sheets are crisp and clean and frozen meals fill the freezer. All we need now is the pain to start! This is the only time in my life I'll go to sleep at night and wish for pain to greet me!

We have tried nearly every DIY induction in the book, and everyday Nick asks me with cheek "Are you in labour yet?". Here's to hoping that the very last leg of our Journey is soon to eventuate...The final countdown is here!

Thankyou for following along with us and for all your kind words of support and excitement. I can't wait to introduce you to our newest baby girl very soon.
Plenty of love, 

A sneak peek.

Remember me talking about our maternity photo shoot? Well, I have some sneaky images to share with you! We are yet to chose our final images, and are having so much trouble doing so because we totally love them all!

Tanya from TK's photography did a wonderful job of capturing two people who feel very awkward in front of a camera. She calmed my nerves and made the morning lighthearted and enjoyable. I am so glad we had these done to look back on and reminisce.







I hope you enjoy the sneak peak! I can't wait to share more images with you. Head over to TK's Photography on facebook to browse more of Tanyas beautiful work.
Plenty of love,

Our Journey; Post 6

We have now entered the stage known as 'The Struggle'. Every morning, I struggle to get out of bed. Everyday, I struggle to keep up with Stella and everynight, I struggle to move from the couch and do anything creative.

These last 5 weeks ideally is the time to really just breathe and relax. My body is in agreeance, but my brain? Well, it has other ideas. I have an abundance of creative thoughts flowing at the moment, and can't seem to quieten the little voice of inspiration in my head. I have yearnings to make, write and dream stronger than ever before; perhaps my pregnancy hormones are to thank? Despite the intensity of which the creative side of my brain is working, my body is pushed to the limit. I lay achingly on the couch while dreaming of all the things I could, would and want to be doing.

The last fortnight, I have become the queen of complaints. If my feet aren't swollen or my back isn't aching then it must be the reflux, heartburn or insomnia. Poor Nick has become accustomed to the list of niggles and can usually tell by my tone of whinge what the matter is. Although, it isn't all bad. And I have a wonderfully supportive partner to remind me this each and everyday. He reminds me of the huge challenge my body is undertaking and never lets me forget the importance of my job; being a mother and raising a toddler.

Last night, after a routine visit with the midwives we found that my blood pressure has risen slightly. Which would explain perfectly the intense headache and dizziness the last few days has brought with it. Urine tests confirmed that there are traces of protein, so we are currently on 'pre-eclampsia watch'. Nothing too alarming, just time to really try to relax and monitor what my body is telling me and being a little more aware of a headache or suddenly swollen hands.





Our baby's movements have become our nightly entertainment. She turns and moves with enough strength to jolt my hand from my stomach! I have become so aware of her sleep and awake patterns that I can predict the times she is ready to start a break-dancing session and count down to the hour in which she regularly gets the hiccups.
 
I have only a few things in my mental to-do list before we are graced with this baby's presence, mostly they revolve around intensely cleaning the house and soaking up any 'child free' time I may get. Nick and I have jokingly created a 'pre-family-of-four' bucket list and try to tick things off that we may not get the opportunity to do again for a long while. Watch an entire movie, dine out, jump in the car and go to the supermarket without packing a bag...the simple pleasure we will soon hang up for the time being.

May the next 4 weeks hurry along at the speed of light! I am so very ready to hold our baby and to no longer be struggling with the challenges of pregnancy. Although I am totally impatient, I am also jiggling with excitement at the realisation that it is only that... Only 4 weeks. And then we will be a family of four!

I am looking forward to sharing with you the very last leg of the baby race and a birth story of course!
Plenty of love, 

P.S. How amazing are our maternity shoot photos? These are a little sneakpeak, as we are yet to choose our final images. Tanya from TK's photography did such an amazing job, we are so very happy with them!

Our Birth Wishes

Well, I told myself that today was the day. The day to sit down, re-read the notes I have written over the past 8 months and finally write my birth plan. With my first pregnancy, I didn't have a birth plan. I was young and intimidated and thought that having certain wishes for the whole process made me seem demanding and high maintenance. I didn't feel confident enough in myself to have a vision and goal as to how I wanted my labour experience to be. Of course, no labour can be controlled and rarely do plans actually go to plan, but having preferences and desires written down can really help your support partner and midwifery team to create the experience you are wishing for. Many people I've spoken with are quite 'anti-birth plan' in fact, choosing to go with the flow and trust their bodies. I respect this view entirely as I am sure that having a rigid plan that doesn't actually go to plan could be really disheartening. I guess part of me likes the idea of a plan because it makes me feel prepared for the unknown, it gives a little false sense of security. If I replaced the word 'plan' with 'wishes'; this would be a little more reflective of the concept. These are our ultimate wishes, assuming there are no emergencies and I am able to birth naturally.

I am so excited to share this experience with Nick, but just as nervous as any first time mother! I thought I would share with you all our birth wishes.


Pre-labour and early labour

* I would prefer to avoid an induction. I would like to wait as long as possible for the onset of natural labour and if necessary be willing to try natural remedies and 'old wives tales' in an effort to bring labour on.

* In early labour I would like to try water therapy for pain relief. Using the bath and shower if this is comfortable at the time.

* We would like to consider a full water birth, if this feels right at the time and the midwives and doctors are able to support this decision. I would like my partner in the water with me.

* I would also like to use heatpacks for early pain relief

* I would like to try to remain as calm and relaxed as possible using breathing techniques, music and meditation support from my partner.

* I am happy to have medical students attend my labour, however not to have them involved in decision making or procedures (stitches post-birth, pain relief administration)

* My partner and I would like to document our labour and birth experience with many photos and note writing.

* We do not wish to have visitors or phone calls during labour.

* I would prefer to have the lighting dimmed as much as possible during labour and after birth.

Second and third stages of labour

* I would like to be encouraged to remain physically active to cope with pain and to encourage the progress of labour. I would like to be reminded and encouraged to try different labouring positions.

* My partner and I would like to be kept aware of the stages of labour we are going through and it's progression as well as regular discussions about our options and feelings about the labour.

* If possible, I would like to avoid excessive monitoring that may restrict my ability to move freely. If it is necessary that I am induced, I would like as much time free from monitors whilst in the second stage of labour so I am able to remain physically active and move in a way my body is asking me to. 

* I am happy to have morphine and gas. I do not want to have an epidural. If I change my mind during labour, I'd like to be reminded of the advantages and disadvantages of both morphine and an epidural.
 
* I do not want an episiotomy and would really like to avoid tearing. I am happy to try positions in which this can be achieved and would like guidance and reassurance from my midwives during the pushing stage to avoid this. However, I would prefer to tear than to have an episiotomy or intervention.

* Nick would like to help guide the baby when crowning and place the baby on me. Nick would also like to cut the cord.

Post birth

* I am happy to have Syntocinon to assist with the birth of the placenta.

* I would like to have naked skin to skin contact with our baby straight after birth. I would like to be reminded to remove clothing from my top-half before beginning the pushing stage.

* Nick would also like to have skin to skin contact with our baby in the hours after birth.

* I would like to see a Lactation Consultant as soon as possible after birth and receive as much assistance as possible from a Lactation Consultant during the days after birth and once discharged.

* We would like as much time as possible alone with our baby before being moved into the maternity ward or showered.

* I would prefer to have our baby sponge bathed only for the first few days and no soap/lotions/chemical products used until discharge.

* We would prefer not to have visitors in hospital especially if we are discharged early. We have informed people of our decisions but please kindly remind anyone who comes to visit that we would prefer them not to do so when not in the hospital environment. We would like to focus on bonding, feeding and settling with just the three of us and the midwives support for the first 2 days we are in hospital.

And that's it! Our plan that may not go to plan! Our wishes and desires for the way we want to bring out daughter into the world. I am so ready, so nervous and so excited all at once. Let the next 6 weeks fly by! I plan to share with you the reasons behind some of the decisions we have made in our plan over the next few weeks. Did you have a birth plan written before labour? Feel free to link me up to your birth plan posts, I would love to read some others!
Plenty of love, 

Sweet Child Of Ours

Sweet child,

I have an idea in my head and a feeling in my heart about who you are.

 I can picture you asleep and imagine your soft voice. You are delicate and quiet; a humble and honest little girl. You seem shy and reserved although not afraid to stand up for what you believe. You are content with the small things and see beauty in the mundane. Your eyes always speak louder than your voice.

Of course, these predictions may be completely wrong. You may be as equally confident  and adventurous as your older sister...But I have a feeling in my heart of  how you might be.

Not long now until you enter this world; we have been waiting for you. Your blankets are folded and your bed is made. Our arms are waiting to hold you close, our hands are ready to stroke your sweet head.

Love surrounds you whilst you continue to grow inside, We can't wait to meet you... 
our sweet little child.

Our Journey; Post 5

Can you believe it! Week 31 is upon us, the final countdown is officially on! It really does only feel like yesterday that I announced my pregnancy to the world. Although it has flown by, I can't remember what it feels like to bend down without huffing or what my knees look like.

The above image is one of the very few I have snapped of my bump in the last four weeks, and it captures how I am feeling perfectly. A little flat, a little puffy, a little frustrated and a lot tired. I have become increasingly frustrated with how physically incapable I am of getting things done, How can a busy busy mama possibly slow down!

Despite my frustrations and exhaustion, I am still eagerly awaiting the arrival of our baby with my all. A small corner of our bedroom has become her sweet little nook with neutral colours and a whimsical feel, I often lay in bed and stare at the space she will soon occupy, wondering what our lives will be like. Her abundance of shoes are lined up neatly in the drawers waiting for her little feet to fill them, the swaddles and blankets have been ironed and folded neatly, waiting to be wrapped around her warm little body. I feel confident in saying we are almost completely ready for her arrival, with only a few small items to tick off the list and prepare.

The labour jitters are certainly upon me, and I swear they are responsible for the pregnancy insomnia that pays a visit every night. With my first labour, I felt that I was physically fit and that my body was ready to give birth. I was exercising regularly and rarely ever sat still and I think this played a large part in how smoothly and quickly my labour travelled. This time, however, is a totally different story. I am unsure how my unfit body will perform with the challenging task ahead of it. A birth plan from a few months back has been drafted and stashed away amongst a pile of papers in a deep drawer, I really must pull it out again soon and re-evaluate my goals, wishes and preferences.

Lately, Stella has taken to pointing at all the new baby items around our house and exclaiming "The babys'!". She doesn't seem to mind that a few of her baby items have now been reclaimed, as she has got grown-up girl items in replacement. I am confident in her ability to be a wonderful big sister, although still very concerned about how I am going to juggle the tasks revolved around looking after two children. I want nothing more than equality between my girls, and it is something that is often on my mind. How to best create this equality and spread my love, time and devotion evenly. This is something I have written about this previously, wondering how far my heart can stretch and pondering all that is involved with going from one child to two.

Birthing and parenting classes at our local hospital start next week, and in all honesty... I couldn't be more excited! Put me in a room full of big bellies and plastic demonstration dolls on a Thursday night over a cocktail in a bar anytime! I am in desperate need of a refresher when it comes to the stages of labour, pain relief methods and settling techniques for newborns. It will be interesting to see if the second time around really does come with more confidence, because at times I feel like nothing more than a 'newbie' all over again. The thought of holding a tiny newborn baby and bringing her home not only excites me, but terrifies me all the same.

As I sit here now, I can't imagine how our lives will be in nine weeks time. Busier, more intense, more challenging but also far more enriched. These nine weeks will fly by, and then... I shall be a mama of two. Oh. My. Gosh!

Looking forward to sharing with you the very last leg of our journey! 
Plenty of love,

In the bag...

Labour and Maternity bag? Packed! It feels so good getting this major 'to-do' finally ticked off my list. It gives a little peace of mind that no matter how busy we are leading up to the babys arrival, we are ready to just grab that already packed bag and run out the door.

My first pregnancy, I had my bag packed even earlier than this time around. By 25 weeks it was choc-a-block full and bursting at the seams, and it sat bursting at the seams for a whole 16 weeks longer. Looking back I can now see what I would change and what I would add or subtract from my bag to make my hospital stay more pleasant. So this time, my motto is "Minimalism". Considering the average length of stay for a public health patient with a natural birth is between 4 and 48 hours, it really isn't necessary to take five outfits and three pairs of ugg boots.

I thought I would share with you whats in my minimal maternity bag, and what I am yet to add. What did you pack in your hospital bag? Anything you forgot or wished you had thought of? Or like me the first time around, did you pack to excess?

In the minimal maternity bag;

* A large, comfy, cosy hoody. The one I purchased is actually made for maternity wear so it has a roomier fit around the stomach and an elasticised waist.

* Button down tops. There is nothing worse than needing to entirely strip off for feeding your baby in winter, button down tops give a little more modesty and warmth. Also, tanks designed for nursing with easy 'clip-down' access.

* BDDU'S. Big Dark Daggy Undies...enough said.

* Sleep and day pants. Rather than packing separate pyjama pants and trackpants, I have packed loose and comfortable track pants because lets face it... post-birth there is no difference between night and day.

* A pretty pair of PJ's. Every girl needs one pretty pair of pyjamas, baby or no baby!

* Nursing supplies; washable or disposable nursing pads (I purchased a combination of both), a nipple cream like 'Lanolin', nipple shields and nursing bras.

* Maternity pads, and lots of them.

* Travel sized Toiletries. Shampoo and conditioner, body wash, moisturiser, lip balm, toothpaste and tissues.

* Facewash and moisturiser (post-baby hormones can wreak as much havoc on skin as those teenage hormones we've wished goodbye!)




I still need to add a few finishing touches to my bag, mostly little comforts that will make our wintery stay cozier.

Firstly, a heatapack or hot water bottle. Hospitals can be surprisingly cold places. I also found with Stella that post-birth my uterus contracting was more uncomfortable and painful than I had expected. A heatpack helped soothe these niggles that came especially whilst feeding. My favourites include this cable knit hot water bottle by Sussan, and these sweet little printed heatpacks from Etsy.  Secondly, I am dreaming of these Peter Alexander homeboots for wandering around the cold hospital corridors with my baby in tow.  Did someone say 'push present'?

Other small comforts that I have deemed totally necessary are; A stash of my favourite lollies, my everyday makeup necessities by Glow Cosmetics and of course, my iPhone for endless photos, videos, breastfeeding apps, social networking and sharing our news with friends and family.




Of course, this is just the bare minimum, if you were expecting to stay longer you could pack more, and more elaborately. I found that when I packed far too much 'stuff', I struggled to find what I was looking for and ran out of room in my small corner of the maternity ward. It also meant that unpacking the bag once arriving home was a big, ugly chore.

I'll soon share with you what is packed in our baby bag for hospital; little all-in-one suits waiting for little feet to fill them!
Plenty of love,

Our Journey; Post 4

It's hard to fathom that in less than 3 months our baby will be here, greeting us with warm cuddles, sleepless nights and plenty of love. Compared to my first pregnancy, this one has flown by. Although it is a challenge to remember what it feels like to not be pregnant, I cant remember the non-pregnant me!

I am still struggling with a lack of physical energy, and have accepted the fact that this is motherhood; Feeling tired all the time is really just part and parcel of the journey. Instead, I am focusing on the best ways to deal with this lack of energy and learning how to pick myself up when it is really necessary. Admittedly, I have let the usual immaculate condition of our house slide a little and prioritised other areas that need my attention. Caring for Stella and ensuring her days are happy is my number one job, and also the one which seems to drain most of my energy. Second to that comes resting, relaxation and recreation; I am determined to enjoy this pregnancy and this stage in my life which I will one day look back on sentimentally. I don't want it to be filled with 'should haves'.

This is a similar attitude I am holding with regards to caring for our newborn, I am so beyond excited to have another beautiful life to nurture and welcome into our world. I don't want to look back in a years time and wish that I had soaked it up a little more or breathed it in a little deeper (which I sometimes do when looking back on my experience with Stella) I will be soaking up and breathing in all the beauty of this experience with every breath I have.

The past few weeks have been an exciting time for Nick, as he has been able to bond with our baby more and more. She has predictable patterns of movement at certain times during the day, with the most active being between 9pm and 11pm at night. This is one of my favourite times of the day, I lay down on our couch and just giggle with amusement at the jolts and wriggles that can be seen from the surface of my tummy. Nick often lays his head against my bump and talks with our baby, getting plenty of friendly kicks to the face in response.

If there are moments during my day when I can quietly lay and hold my hands on my stomach, I take them. Sometimes even catching the wriggles on my iPhone, so I can replay them back to Nick at the end of the day. I've found that this has really improved our relationship in regards to our pregnancy. It is very easy to feel as though you are experiencing something totally unexplainable, and at times totally alone. Likewise, it is common for fathers to feel as though they aren't included and are so isolated from the experience of pregnancy. We are both working to include each other as much as possible so that this experience is not mine, or his, it is ours. 

All in all, this pregnancy has been much like my first in that it is breezy. We haven't had any real health issues or scares and everything seems to be following the text books wonderfully. I am getting reflux, heartburn and Braxton Hicks, but this time around they seem far more manageable...just little niggles that remind me of the incredible job my body is currently doing. The next few weeks hold another appointment with our team of midwives, a glucose test for gestational diabetes and the booking of our maternity photoshoot!

I look forward to continuing the countdown with you all. 26 down, 14 to go!
Plenty of love, 

How far can my heart stretch?

This is the question that has been plaguing my thoughts a lot lately, it's one of my biggest insecurities about becoming a Mother of two. How far can my heart stretch? Do I have enough love to give two children the utmost adoration and care they deserve? 

I often ponder what our new lifestyle will be like once baby #2 arrives and find that I am becoming increasingly nervous about the concept of balance between my first born and second born. With being a SAHM and also having been single for the first 12 months of motherhood, Stella gets such a highly concentrated dose of 'Mummy'. She is used to having my undivided attention and sharing me with only a few household chores. As a mother it is important to me to spend the time I have during the day being physically involved with her play and exploration. Occasionally I'll leave her to chitter chat to herself whilst building towers out of blocks, but a lot of the time I sit there with her, creating my own tower by her side. 

I wonder how Stella is going to cope with the change of dynamics once the new baby arrives. Will she be able to cope with having her mama's attention elsewhere? With the extensive time and concentration that feeding can take in those first few weeks, I have a vision of being tied to the couch with a baby at the breast while Stella is feeling left out and vying for my attention by misbehaving, which will lead to feelings of resentment towards baby #2 as everyone is just paying it so much damn attention!

At the other end of the spectrum is the question of "Will I have enough room in my heart for another child?" I know I will (and already do) love this baby very much, but the love I have for Stella is overwhelmingly indescribable. Can I feel that for two children? How will my heart cope with all this intense love! In the late hours of the night when these thoughts are running through my head I often wonder, how does anyone successfully raise two children?! What have I gotten myself into!

I'm hoping my brain decides to rest up a little soon and leave my train of thought to more pleasant things, like cupcakes and bubble baths. I am really interested in hearing your thoughts on transitioning from one child to two (or three or four). Did you have these insecurities that kept you awake at night? How did you manage?

Plenty of love, 

We are having...

Another girl! A little Sister for Stella! It was confirmed with another scan that our bundle of joy cooking away is in fact a girl, and despite how convinced I was of having a boy, she is a she!

Having two girls with just a two year age gap seems perfect, there is only 18 months between my sister and I and we grew up very close. As children we hated each other as often as we were the best of friends. As teenagers we became each others confidant and support. I hope Stella and her little sister have a similar close bond. Oh and dressing two little girls...how exciting!


Plenty of love,

Our Journey; Post 3

This leg of the race I am going to term as the 'discomfort stage'. We have had some unexpected hot weather which in turn mixed with a big belly and an energetic toddler has created a huffy puffy pregnancy monster. I am finding that I am often short of breath and feel as though I have been running a marathon when really all I have done is bent down to pick up a toy. People have told me I'm glowing, luckily for them they aren't aware I'm just sweating. I am yearning for the cooler change in weather terribly and have already day dreamt a new wardrobe to match.

I am starting to look noticeably pregnant now and often hear the comment 'Oh my gosh, you are big!" It's a strange observation to respond to, do I smile and say thankyou? Or nod in agreeance and dismiss the question of twins? In my head I am screaming "Tell me about it! You try being this big and running around like a headless chicken raising a family!"

We excitedly announced the 'big reveal' to friends and family after the Morphology Scan a few weeks back! We are expecting another girl! However... Upon a visit to the doctor a few days ago she admitted that it probably couldn't be called either way. So although our little bouncing babe looks like it could be a girl, she may well be a boy. We are hoping to get another sneak peak and more confirmation tomorrow with another scan!

One of my favourite things about this pregnancy over the past 3 weeks has been the way in which Stella has started to take note of my growing bump. She reaches up and gives it a little pat in the shower with a slightly puzzled look on her face. "Belly Belly!" she'll exclaim as if to say "woah Mum, hold off the cupcakes a little hey?!"

I have begun to notice a pattern to the kicks and wriggles baby gives, with the most distinct being when I finally slump into bed at the end of the day and when Stella is sitting on my lap watching her favourite pre-bedtime television show. Our little unborn also reacts excitedly to the sound of her Daddys voice, giving a happy kick in response to his Goo's and Gah's over my belly.

It is hard to believe that we have now passed the half way mark, the count-down to baby and Journey to the end of our pregnancy is creeping up quite quickly. There is still a lot to be done in the way of preparation, and I am just waiting for the nesting instinct to hit me like a tonne of bricks. I am both relaxed and nervous at the same time; more nervous about the preparation to be done rather than the birth and beyond. I can't wait to start washing sweet outfits, crafting sweet nursery items and writing endless to-do lists!

I am looking forward to sharing with you the remaining 20 weeks of Our Journey!
Plenty of love, 

The big reveal.

Twenty weeks of pregnancy not only marks the halfway milestone but also marks the time of a Fetal Morphology Scan. The scan is more commonly known as an Anomaly Scan, but 'anamoly' sounds so daunting. The scans main purpose is to check for abnormalities in the babies morphology; physical development and growth.

This Thursday we are having our Morphology Scan, I cant wait to see our little un-born bobbing about excitedly on the screen again. Not only are we excited to see our growing life on the screen but we are also anticipating the big reveal! I have had many people ask me throughout this pregnancy (and my last) whether we are finding out the sex or not, and have been quite surprised at the strong opinions of others about what should be done. I have had many people tell me that finding out the sex ruins the surprise and makes pregnancy 'less special', which got me thinking of my reasoning behind wanting to know the sex. Some couples will chose not to find out, other couples will chose to find out. Neither one is the right or wrong way.

These are some of the reasons that led us to decide on finding out the sex of our baby...

1. Organisation. I am a chronic planner, I write lists about my lists and have tomorrows schedule planned yesterday. The same principal applies to my pregnancy, in a time of unknown and uncontrollables, I like to feel somewhat organised. Preparing for the arrival of a girl or boy gives me a chance to prepare clothes, nursery design and names...plenty of time in advance. It helps settle my nerves.

2. Bonding.  Bonding with baby, for me, seems to increase when I know the sex. It helps me visualise my little one and imagine life with them beyond birth. I feel closer to my bump knowing what little being it contains.

3. Personalisation. Similar to bonding, my partner and I are able to personalise our pregnancy experience, we can begin to collect the clothing and pick the final name. We can talk together about our little son or daughter and start personalising their soon-to-be surroundings.

Of course, finding out the sex of the baby is not for everyone. Some couples prefer the excitement and anticipation of finding out at birth, some family members would prefer not knowing. There are valid reasons for each and every persons decision.


Did you find out the sex of your children during pregnancy? Did you enjoy finding out after birth instead? Share with me your stories and opinions, as always I would love to hear them!

Plenty of love,