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My Little Loves

Toilet Humor – “It’s not easy being green!”

Kermit is so right! When morning sickness becomes so much more than morning sickness and you start to dream of clean toilet’s!

My little’s are toilet experts. The typical little’s that could write a book about ‘the toilets of the world’ – I’m sure most parents would agree we like to know the nearest location at all times, for the ‘just in case’ moments but ideally if they leave the house at 8am to go for milk, we would like to think by 8:15am we are not racing through the supermarket trying to ‘make it on time!’ I really do think this is why you only see Mama’s entering Trolly Dash, It is our super quick skills and genetic make up that make us so competitive!

That being said – Since becoming pregnant, I can no longer blame the little’s for needing to know where the nearest toilet is at daily outings. I am now the guilty one. I need their little legs to keep up with me to save me from puking in my shopping basket in the supermarket (will save that story for another post) and I need to use every stubborn bone in my body to keep it down at all costs until I have safely reached my destination!

Disclaimer – I am super thankful for the cleanliness of Dubai bathrooms and will remember at Christmas time to tip those toilet ladies for all their help!

The dreaded words from the DR – “Yes, You have Hyperemesis Gravidarum!”

“Really?” “Again?” “3 times?” How unlucky could one person be?

The exact cause of Hyperemesis Gravidarum is unknown. Which is possibly one of the most annoying things to hear. How can you prevent something occurring when you don’t even know how it started? I literally tell people “I am allergic to being pregnant” and I don’t mean it in a “I cannot be bothered way” I really do mean that my body just decides to give up on me every every time. 

This time around I have had far more meds (the lush kind- that help some what) rather than the two pregnancies previous were it got so bad I had to give up work and live between the sheets in either hospital or home. So I am thankful for these magical pills. While they have not totally stopped the nausea they have made my life much more livable and have cut down my vomiting to only a few times a day. So they are a big relief and they give me a chance to eat small amounts and hope for the best!

I am now just over 21 weeks and have lost 6.5kilos since before I became pregnant. Do I have a bump? Yes, I do – But I do worry that baby is not getting all the nutrients they need (even though I am reassured baby is) It doesn’t make you worry any less as a Mama.

According to the Pregnancy Sickness Support group in the UK. If you have had HG on one of your pregnancies you have an 84% chance of developing it again on future pregnancies. These are quite BIG stats and obviously this is something to think about when deciding how big you would like your family to be. I know selfishly that I could not do this a fourth time around… So this is it for us.

3 will be our magic number…

I should also point out that YES I realise I am 100% one of the lucky ones. I (ok we) managed to get 2 blue lines on the biggest test we could take as parent’s and I am so very grateful for those lines 2 blue of happiness. Getting those lines made us lottery winners from the get go, to say the least and you know what? If I have to feel like this for another 18 weeks. So be it! Lets hope though for the sanity of our house hold – this is not the case. That everything keeps progressing beautifully and that I start to feel some relief.

To the Mama’s out their how have suffered or are suffering. Hats off to ye!

I am in awe of anyone going through this and I realise how lucky I am that my little’s are old enough to let me have a rest when needed – It would not be so easy with toddlers or indeed another baby in tow. Remember to ignore any comments of negativity. It is not normal. You are not being a drama queen. It is not JUST morning sickness. No GINGER does NOT cure EVERYTHING! This may not stop at 12-16 weeks. This may continue for the whole pregnancy and if any of these occur… Get HELP. You are not alone and there is help there for you…

My own HG experience while it is not normal, it also isn’t rare. There are countless of women going through this daily and many who’s struggle is greater then my story.

I 100% feel for these women…

The wish to have just one pregnancy go smoothly and not make you feel like a train wreck is so strong but eye on the prize as they say! As hard as that is for you or I to hear…

It will all be worth it in the end!

 

Love, Helly xx

‘Whoops I missed a week again!’ – Hello Week 18…

 

How far along? 17 Weeks – Whoops I did it again! Hello 18 weeks!

Size?  As per my Ovia App (if you are pregnant click here to get app) Baby is now the size of a sling shot. It feels it too!

Maternity clothes? Still living in comfy organic shorts from Mummyista.

Am I Sleeping? Oh. You know. Every night I attempt to cram 8 hours sleep into 4! I can’t stress enough how helpful the BBhug is! I absolutely adore her, yes she’s a girl – she must be considering how helpful she is! In all seriousness though, I managed to get burnt sitting in the shade this week and have really struggled all week with sickness. This pillow is my only saving grace!

Best moment this week? My little sister had her baby! She is the most beautiful little girl in all the world! Welcome to the world baby Aisling. You are so loved!

Miss anything? Considering my sister’s news this week. I am 100% missing Australia and being there to coo over our families new addition.

Any Movement? I felt, like properly move for the first time this week and it was so lovely. I actually didn’t remember what it would feel like (even though this shouldn’t be new to us) every step certainly feels new. There were no poetic fluttering butterfly wings, it was a stronger kind of tummy rumble. It seems to happen in the evenings once I’m in bed trying to catch up on water that I haven’t drank enough of during the day. So reassuring to feel.

Food Cravings? I have become obsessed with Marks and Spencer’s Crumpets with like a pound of butter. Its my go to when I’m not feeling great and then know I need to eat. Hoping some Veg cravings hit me soon.

Looking forward to? One of my Bestie’s is having her baby this Thursday in Dubai and the whole family is so excited. It is their first baby and they haven’t found out the gender so it makes it even more exciting.

Pregnancy related Item I have loved this week? Not sure if I can class this as pregnancy related but I wouldn’t have got through this week without Vitacoco. A coconut oil that can be used for so many things, but for me I have lathered it all over the sunburn and on the belly as it leaves the skin so soft. Thankfully the smell isn’t to overbearing so I haven’t been sick smelling it.

Also loving a parcel I received in the post from Pureborn. Our Littlest Love’s first box of Nappies came in the post and they are just perfect! It truly is lovely receiving gifts for this growing baby as it makes it all feel so real. The Nappies are not only super adorable and dare I say ‘on trend’ but they also made with biodegradable plastic and with 100% pure organic, super soft, and bamboo pulp means the earth is also happy! You can purchase these from Mumzworld.

1 thing I am currently having trouble with? The sunburnt back and Hypermesis is kicking my ass for my 3rd pregnancy and I just cannot wait for Jan to say “I survived it 3 times” and feel excited about the outcome! Stay tuned for a post about this also – Its one I have poured my heart into as I never thought It would appear 3rd baby later!

1 moment I loved this past week? It was Aoibhie’s 5th Birthday and our 10th anniversary so we decided to go to the Anantara on the Palm for a stay- cation for a few nights and it really was incredible. We got a room in the lagoon so you can walk into the pool. It was like escaping to Thailand without having to step foot on a plane – My favourite kind of break away.

1 thing I plan to do for myself this week? This is going to sound awful. Feral even. I just haven’t had the energy to brush my hair properly. I literally get into the shower and was it and then throw it into a bun. It has gone out of my control and as much as it upsets me. I really don’t care enough to try fix it myself. I will delve more into the cons of still being sick on week 18 but for now I will just say ‘Anything for an easier life!’

In other news – I finally got asked this week when I was due! Yay! People can see I’m pregnant!! Granted at the time I was wandering around DB Babies in Mercato Mall looking for gifts for friends expecting (there is a great choice). So if ever there was a safe time to ask this question. This was it! ha…


Love, Helly xx

16 Weeks – “Baby or Burgers?”

Apparently this is the ‘feeling good’ week in pregnancy as nausea should subside and mood swings will have lessened and, if you are one of the lucky mama’s to be, your skin and hair will be glowing.

I say BS! BS to all those things!

Nausea is still at an all time high, meaning the only glow I am getting is from the afters of a little sink loving (which happens all to often). My hair is in dire need of attendance and don’t get me started on my teenage skin. I would love to tell you that the mood is getting better (I think it has a wee bit) but secretly I think I’m to tired to get annoyed. My Little’s are killing each other and normally this would equal a telling off, turn into really mad Mama and then on to time out! This week I have been a little more Irish Mammy and all they have heard from me is – “You made a show of yourselves” and “Wait til I tell your Daddy!”

How far along? 16 Weeks

Size?  As per my Ovia App (if you are pregnant click here to get app) Baby is now the size of an action figure. Just wait until baby grabs your finger with its kung fu grip!

Maternity clothes? Have not purchased anything new this week. Still living in comfy organic shorts from Mummyista.

Am I Sleeping? I am exhausted (even the days we do nothing) and seem to be in bed before 8pm most evenings. I tend to sleep then and wake between 5 and 6am. A bit early obviously but I’d imagine my body isn’t used to this much sleep! Also seem to be having nightmares a lot more then usual. The kind of dreams that you are running so much you wake up feeling sore! Whinge, whinge, whinge! haha

Best moment this week? Finding out one of my besties is due a month after me for the 2nd time… Love being able to chat to someone at the same stage. 

Miss anything? Food. I really am missing food. I want to eat everything but I just don’t want to see my favourite options a few hours later 😉

Any Movement? A small bit of movement in the evenings when I get into bed.

Food Cravings? Does Ice count as food? Have also eaten a lot of skittles this week!

Looking forward to? Hearing news! I have two friends and my little Sister due this month! The excitement is like nothing else!!

Pregnancy related Item I have loved this week? Love Love Loving my new BBHugMe pillow from Bebeetmoi (an organic baby boutique on instagram). It really is getting me into the right position to sleep. Have to do a blog post soon on this must have!

1 thing I am currently having trouble with? Hypermesis is kicking my ass for my 3rd pregnancy and I just cannot wait for Jan to say “I survived it 3 times” and feel excited about the outcome! Stay tuned for a post about this also – Its one I have poured my heart into as I never thought It would appear 3rd baby later!

1 moment I loved this past week? Getting out of the house! Helen from ‘The Mothership DXB’ hosted an event #motherhoodyourway and myself and my friend Paula (who is due any day) did not want to miss it. The panel of women – Kate from TKD Lingerie, Sarah from luxe carriers, Hazel from babies and beyond and Joanne Jewell of mindful parenting UAE all gave insights and advice for pregnancy and the journey after pregnancy! All while the Little’s got a free play at Fairytales (one of their favourites) so all and all it was a really helpful morning.

1 thing I plan to do for myself this week? I am going to go back to IKEA. Mr O is gone to France and If you are following me on Instastories you will know how much I love Ikea. Not only as I love walking around and picking up ideas and bits. No. I love that If you have a family card – the kids are looked after for 90min. For FREE! Oh and did I mention they then get an ice-cream after their play? Honestly – Music to my ears.

In other news – They say at 16 weeks, you are getting to the point where the blob in you’re belly has more people thinking “baby” and not just thinking “burgers.”

IMG_3454

Considering I am definitely not eating any burgers (sadly) my challenge now is to try and embrace my body’s new shape and think of every pound I am putting on as a sign of good health for the both of us. So this week I will attempt to eat more (and attempt to keep it down) and start to embrace it!

Love, Helly xx

15 weeks – because 14 weeks was too hard to write about…

15 weeks. Yes I missed 14 weeks. Truth? Week 14 was my worst week yet! I was super emotional. I missed my village of women. I hate that everyone is on holidays. 11 weeks of Summer hoilidays started to hurt. I hated the smell of anything. The heat is rising so much that Dubai feels like it moved a little closer to the Sun. I had major Mammy guilt and just felt down right awful about myself.

How far along? 14 weeks  15 WEEKS

Size?  I started using an app called Ovia Pregnancy and the explanations for things are so much fun! This week “Baby is now the size of a box of crayola crayons, and will end up being just as colourful!” – So funny! I am definitely getting loads bigger, but I still can’t imagine a tiny person growing inside me who is sucking their thumb or turning somersaults.

Maternity clothes? Currently loving all items from MUMMYISTA which will be opened in Dubai in September. Very excited for the Mummy behind it. I will be sharing my favourites with you all very soon!

Am I Sleeping? No! Or very awkward and little sleep. I have just opened the mail this morning and recieved a Pillow that I will share on Instagram and Snap Chat later. Once I have tested this out I will let ye know how I got on with it and hopefully next week I will say YES to the sleeping question. I live in hope 😉

Best moment this week? I recieved my scan and blood results back lest week from Genesis. My screening for Down’s syndrome and other things they check for show that I was ‘low risk’ at the end of the day we would have loved any baby we were given by God. However, it really is all you want to hear from a DR. That you’re baby is well and to keep doing what you are doing. So as much as I felt getting sick all the time and barely eating or drinking would have to have some effects on a growing baby. Apparently baby is still getting enough nutrients to survive and thrive! Happy – Happy News!

Miss anything? Cooler climates. Really praying for a long Dubai Winter this year! Right now I know my friend Irene from Gingham and Sparkle is laughing at me saying ‘Ya Right!’That is all I am hoping for this year.

Any Movement? As insane as it probably sounds at 15 weeks – YES! Feeling baby move after a cold drink or Ice-Cream. This only happens if I am still though. Im sure it moves all the time but as it is so small I just dont notice If I am up and about.

Food cravings? Cereal and anything that I can drowned in MILK!

Labor signs? No. Hoping this question will stay No for quite some time 😉

Any Symptoms? Still sick, growing daily in the bump and bum, awful skin and general tiredness.

Belly button in or out? In – I don’t think it came out on the other two Little’s either.

Looking forward to? My village of Women returning to Dubai through out August. Honestly – It has been a loooong Summer without them.

Favorite wardrobe piece to wear right now? Would it be wrong to put PJS? To be honest PJS and dressing gowns have seen me through this awful week…

Pregnancy related Item I have loved this week? A new brand coming to Dubai in September ‘MUMMYISTA’ be sure to click follow for some great pregnancy and mummy tips but also some gorgeous ranges of clothes. I am currently loving and living in the organic shorts!

1 thing I am currently having trouble with? Nausea 24/7 – Shock! On a plus only sick in the morning and evening now. Which means enjoying a few hours sickness free in the day.

1 moment I loved this past week? This may sound insane. Summer Clean! As we didnt leave the house all that much, I turned the Little’s into cheap labour! Kidding! (kinda) but we did all work together and try and sort out the house room by room. There really is nothing like a clutter free house and the gorgeous smell of dettol!

1 thing I plan to do for myself this week? I went to the Marina Mall in Dubai yesterday and purchased ALOT in Clinique. Did I feel guilty? Not even one little bit (Sorry Mr O) I just needed to start feeling like a proper girl again! ha.

Saying goodbye to Week 14 and already counting down what is left of Week 15. Really hoping that Week 16 is the week that I can walk past toilets and sinks without having to stop.

Thank you for reading!! I promise to make Week 16 much more exciting 😉

Love, Helly xx