Magnus

Dear Magnus,

Well what a little surprise you were baby boy.
Arriving 9 days early on Monday 11^th September at 11:11am.

Having been out for lunch with Mum and Dad on the Sunday and feeling very strange, when we got home I thought something was up so I called the hospital and they wanted to get us in.

Within a matter of minutes of being there my waters broke, quite embarrassingly all over a midwife, and then we got moved to the labour ward.

I have to say my whole birth plan went straight out the window.

Stating through my whole pregnancy that I wanted a water birth, but nope, actually being there, with the contractions and the worry of you being early I just wanted gas and air and all the pain relief I could get.

And then the wait happened.

16 hours later, a few injections, some vomiting and your dad having a cat nap on some bean bags I was told I was 10cm and asked was I ready to have a baby.

With a ‘Let’s do this’, 18 pushes later and within 20 minutes there you were, in my arms, this wonderful, overwhelming squidge that I couldn’t love more.

Weighing 7lb10 and measuring 49cm long you were just perfect.

Already rocking your Mum’s frown and looking the spitting image of you Dad (minus the beard) you have instantly changed our world.

Don’t get me wrong it hasn’t been all rainbows and unicorns. We have had tears from both of us, sleepless nights and far too many pure panic moments of ‘am I doing this right’. But I wouldn’t change it for the world.

I’m pretty sure I am now 80% coffee and 20% wreck.

I’ve never known bags under my eyes like it and I can’t say I look anything like me at the moment.

Things are flabby, swollen and out of place and this is nearly 3 weeks on.

Though in all honesty I’m proud.

I am proud that my body has produced such an awesome little human.

I am proud that through everything I was told when I was younger that my ‘Imperfect body’ was able to make you.

I’m proud that for 9 months I carried you and that my body gave me (though now slightly battered and stretched) you.

Your Dad is a natural with you, and seeing him hold you for the first time made me love him even more. I can’t thank him enough for being so supportive and incredible through everything.

This whole thing will be testing at times, but as long as he knows deep down that the love is always there, that’s all that matters.

Welcome to the world my gorgeous little man.

Your Dad and I couldn’t be more proud or love you more.

Pumpkin

Dear Bump,

This little letter will be short and sweet as I'm slightly struggling with this lower back pain, and trying to type whilst bouncing on the gym ball is proving quite tricky.

However, 38 weeks down, two weeks and counting to go bundle!
This past week with all the wiggles and movements you could surprise us with an early visit, which secretly your Daddy and I would love as we can't wait to meet you.

Nana and Papa P have been growing the vegetable that represents you this week...the Pumpkin!
And looking at the size of my bump I would have to agree with the internet.

After the lows of last week, week 38 has been actually ok.

Things are changing at home.
We have gotten a bigger bed so we can have lots of cuddles when you need them in the middle of the night and also for me to crash out when you sleep, which you will do won't you bump?

The final washes are taking place for your clothes.
Trying to work out what to take for your first outfit is proving quite tricky.
Kick me once for the grey onesie and twice for the cream ducklings.......waits in anticipation.
If you don't let me know we will just spin round and point.
Either way you will look beyond cute.

Not long now bundle until you are here.

Cauliflower

Dear Bump,

You are now the size of a Cauliflower according to the internet.
Though in my opinion and just from looking at me I would say you are more like the size of a giant pumpkin! 

The letters have been on stand by due to so many things changing in your parents lives. 

We have finally moved into our own little place, though it was stressful, it is also a huge relief. 
Your room looks amazing, it is full of neutral tones and woodland creatures. 
We can't wait for you to see it.
Which (quite crazily) isn't too far away now. 
If you arrive on your due date we will see you in only four more weeks time! 

Over the past few weeks you have given us a few scares which have resulted in tears and hospital visits.
The midwives have been incredible and put our minds at rest by reassuring us that all these 'little hiccups' are perfectly normal.
There is no such thing as a straight forward pregnancy, plus it also means I have some new snazzy stretchy bands that wrap around my ever growing bump...aka you.

Having your due date basically on our doorstep now is making your mum feel so uncomfortable. The waddle, the sleepless nights, and the constant need to graze is ever so real.
Not to mention the twisted pelvis which hasn't helped the situation, but hey it will all be worth it when we finally get to meet you.

If you can do me a huge favour though, can you stay out of my ribs.
It is beyond uncomfortable and there is nothing I can do to shift you. I can't imagine it being that comfortable for you either, so that would be amazing.

The count down is on Bump.
Keep growing (well not too much bigger otherwise I may develop my own gravitational pull).
Keep wiggling as it makes my tummy look funny.
And keep developing into the awesome little human you are.

Can't wait to meet you Cauliflower

Another Step Closer to 30

So the BIG Twenty Six is just around the corner, 13 days to be exact, and in all honesty I don’t really know how to feel.

       

Turning 26 is a pretty big milestone, well saying that I guess its not one of those highly celebrated numbers, but for me, 26 is one that I have somewhat been apprehensive about...almost to the point of dreading. 

Once you reach 26 you are no longer allowed to say, 'I'm in my early 20’s', I mean blimey 4 more years and I’ll be 30!!! How did that happen?!

Whilst trying to get my head round that fact I realised that age is just a number. 

Why am I worrying? 

On the morning of Tuesday 3^rd May I will be no different. 

Physically I will still be a little bit chubby. 

Mentally I will still be a little bit childish. 

                                  

                                                 

And I find it very unlikely I will wake up knowing where my life is going...trust me if I do I will let you know.   

So what is the plan to make the most of this next step closer to being 30? 

Let’s stress less! 

25 was a very stressful year. I’m pretty sure I have acquired several stress lines (face and stretch) from this milestone age. I’ll be whipping out the yoga mat, lighting a few more 'de-stress' candles and to be honest not giving so much of a monkeys about other peoples dramas. Work, Bills and Debts I’ll pop in a little bag at the back of my mind and focus on having fun! 

       

Ditch the podge! 

Well, I am extremely excited about this. I have recently really kicked myself up the bum (sounds like an interesting position) but yeah...I have dropped just over a stone and I couldn’t be happier. Bike every night, no crappy crap and nearly 4 litres of water a day! We are on the right path people. It is just continuing with it. Fingers crossed slightly skinnier Suze is making a come back! 

                                       

                                                                   (And yes that is me) 

Adventure Time…com’on grab your friends!! Blimey I love that programme!

I need some adventuring back in my life. This time last year Beardy and I were travelling around the world and it was incredible!! I think mini adventures are needed to release my inner Fin and Jake. Amsterdam? Berlin? Paris? Who knows…Any ideas guys chuck them my way. 

       

Even though 26 is still a terrifying number and I guess I’m still not fully ready for it, I can’t help but feel if I face it with the right mind set and positive vibe....then sod it! A number is a number. 

Let’s fill this 26^th year with as many memories and fun times as possible. 

Valentine's Day...Cute or Fad?

Oh Valentine's Day...what are your thoughts? 

I guess I'm a bit of a love grinch when it comes to Febuary the 14th. 

        

Now this is not because I don't believe in love, or I'm not in love myself. That couldn't be further from the truth. I guess my issue is simply this; why make a huge deal out of one day, when you should celebrate your love all year round...see I can be soppy too. 

One of the earliest, and most popular symbols of the Valentine's day is Cupid, the Roman God of Love. Since when have we needed a flying, naked, mythical munchkin helping us tell our loved ones how much they mean to us? 

        

                                                                                  (Elegance at its finest) 

Why do we feel the need to spend so much money on material bits and bobs when the day is meant to be about a wonderful feeling?

I get it, we all love to feel loved, but why not show it everyday in small simple ways?

When I feel poorly and Beardy brings me a cup of tea...that to me is love. 

When we can't stop laughing at the most random, stupid things ...that to me is love. 

Knowing that if ever I needed him, he would be there for me...that to me is love. 

When you are both struck down with food poisoning in the middle of a foreign country and you just lay in your pants on a bed holding hands...that to me is love (too much information? But you get the idea). 

Some times it's the little things that mean a great deal more. 

        

If you want to make the big gestures on the 14th February, the proposals, the cards and the cuddly toys, then go right ahead you loved up lovelies. 

Just promise me one thing...that you make sure you continue the love for the rest of the year. 

Deal? 

Awesome! 

Anyway on a plus side for all of us 'Non Valentines Lovers', on the 15th we can snap up all those half price flowers, chocolates and ice cream! Love is truly in the air! 

        

Cynic or not we wish you a very Happy Valentines day!! 

Let’s keep it going

As we are now coming to the end of January it’s around this time of year where we either quit the health kick and go back to our old ways or we push through and keep going. 

Let’s put it out there, chocolate and a sneaky glass of wine or two may have passed by my lips, but the healthy meals and the exercise are well and truly here to stay! 

So here are my 5 top tips to ensure the inner glow continues on into 2016. 

Preparation 

This is key to ensuring you stay on track! 
Take those few extra minutes to prep tomorrow’s lunches. 
No one wakes up in the morning and thinks ‘Oh Yay, time to make a healthy, nutritious and tasty pack lunch’…well maybe some people do, but if you are anything like me and wake up looking more like a mole, dishevelled and grumpy, that is the last thing on your mind. Coffee perhaps, but definitely not lettuce!   

                      

Mix It Up

Being quite the newcomer to the world of exercise (well for a good few years anyway) I am loving finding new and fun ways to ‘feel the burn’. 
Finding exercise you enjoy is key to keeping to a routine. 
For the past few weeks I have just stuck to the bike and the weights, but there is only so much cardio and squatting a girl can do before she gets a little bored. So I’ve started to look a little further a field and I’m loving it.
Yoga is becoming a major love of mine. Being someone who struggles with nerves and anxiety this is not only a great way to improve how I look on the outside but it is also helping me on the inside. It’s a great way of having some ‘me’ time and helps give me the chance to put things in perspective. I’d highly recommend Yoga with Andriene on Youtube. Her Yoga Camp is a great way for beginners to get involved. So mix it up!

                     

Meal Plans

Plan out your evening meals for the week.
Grab some cook books (Get the Glow Madeline Shaw, Lean in 15 Joe Wicks or Gizzi’s Healthy Appetite) are some of my favourites to ensure a healthy but beyond yummy evening treat.
This doesn’t only ensure your fridge is packed full of the goodies you need, but also gives you something tasty to look forward to whilst you plough on through at work.

                      

Keep Hydrated

Water has become a very close friend of mine and it should become one of yours.
Having a 2L bottle on my desk at work has worked miracles.
I’ve marked it with little time slots. Sounds a bit nutty but honestly it’s a great reminder to keep hydrated and just to get it down.

2L sounds like an awful lot but the benefits don’t even compare. 

Clearer Complexion, Boots Your Immune System, Flushes Out Toxins 

The list honestly goes on. If you think water is a little bland, why not infuse it with fruits and veggies? My personal favourite is Lime and Cucumber. Odd combo I know, but trust me.   

                                           

Just Keep Going!

Whether you are going it alone, getting healthy with a friend or fighting the flab with a partner, just keep pushing to reach your goal! 
Sounds cheesey I know (and that’s a healthy cheese by the way) but by encouraging each other and keeping positive, in an odd way, it makes you more likely to succeed as you won’t want to fail. 
I’m fortunate enough to have beardy pushing me to keep going, and trust me he can be strict when it comes to exercise and sneaking chocolate. 
But there are so many Bloggers, Instagrammers and Youtubers out there who are also there to support you. Carly Rowena, Samantha Marie, Vivianna Makeup, Kayla Itsines and Happy Healthy Sophie just to name a few. 

                        

So come on guys. Let’s not have another January fad and keep pushing forward for a happier, healthier you! 

Much love x