"Oh are we nearly there??"

"Oh are we nearly there" a sentence often heard by my parents when we had just left the Cardiff juction of the M4 on the long bi-annual trip to see our grand parents in Yorkshire. However, the phrase has come to mind on several occasions this week as today I turn 40 weeks + 10.

I honestly can't complain though I have enjoyed most of these past 9 months and I have been in excellent health but as the days go on I am becoming extremely impatient and I have lost the ability to focus on anything.

Dare I say it but I am actually missing work (here's hoping my boss does not see this). This is my first child so as the days go on there are only so many lunch dates and coffees you can go on. Spending money is even difficult!! I am still pregnant so cannot buy new clothes, I do not know what I am having so I cant spoil my baby quite yet and do feel frivolous buying cosmetics, however my QVC account has been visited frequently (lets hope my boyfriend doesn't read this too).

These last few days have had some positive outcomes; I think if Martin Money read this he would be proud as I have begun to budget for Christmas, with several presents bought and I have taken advantage of the offers on cards and wrapping. With my nesting instinct still intact too even my skirting board shine can be seen from the moon!!

Upon reading back this blog a smile has returned to my face and I have put everything a little more into perspective I am a very lucky person to be blessed with the gift of pregnancy and after several sweeps already this week I will be meeting my gorgeous baby before the weekend is over and Ryder-Tyler family life can start a new chapter and I cannot wait to start the first page.

Due Date is it just a nice to have??

As I sit here and write my latest blog post I am contemplating whether my due date is just a nice to have date midwifes give you to work towards, when really any time from 38 weeks to 42 weeks could actually be your due date, a 4 week window!!! I am just 3 days away from that allusive date and not a Braxton hick in sight!!?? But surely my tummy cannot expand any further I am on my 6th bottle of Elemis Japanese Camilla oil! My hospital bag is packed and I have nothing left to nest!!

During a moment of insomnia last night I decided to refresh my memory on those natural (old wife's tales) ways to bring on labour, there are a few which I need to discount immediately; Acupuncture - my mum has still lost the feeling in her hand after accompanying me to Anti D vaccination; Castor oil- There are reports of Castor oil being used to bring on labour as far back as the Ancient Egyptians, though we don't know exactly how it works. The most commonly given explanation is that it acts as a powerful laxative. So when it stimulates your tummy it also stimulates the uterus (womb) and so kick starts labour. However this just makes me feel nauseous just thinking about it.

There are several though that I needed to investigate further;
Raspberry leaf tea/tablets - On the advice of some of my friends I have already started drinking the tea and have now replaced these with the tablets. Raspberry Leaf will work best if you start taking it when you're about 32 weeks pregnant, not before. That's because raspberry leaf can have a stimulating effect on your uterus (womb). If you start taking raspberry leaf at 32 weeks, it'll have plenty of time to build up in your system.
Eating Curry - Spicy food is often suggested as a means of bringing on labour, and many women swear by it. It's thought that curry can stimulate your tummy and therefore also stimulate your uterus (womb), and kick-start labour. There is no evidence that this works however my gorgeous mum is going to cook the Ryder curry special tonight just in case!!
Pineapple - Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain which is thought to help soften your cervix and bring on labour. Eating large amounts will probably stimulate your tummy, which could also stimulate your uterus (Tiran 2009). However on further research I found out I would need to eat 7 whole fresh pineapples so I have decided to give this a miss, a little extreme I thought.
Walking - Being upright encourages your baby to move down onto your cervix. Then as you walk, the rhythmic pressure of your baby's head on your cervix stimulates the release of oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone which helps to trigger and regulate your contractions. In the next few days you will mostly find me walking around my local neighbourhood.
Sex - Don't worry my pregnant readers I dont think they mean act out the pages of 50 Shades of Grey!! However there are three ways in which having sex could help you go into labour: Having an orgasm may help to stimulate your uterus (womb) into action. Having sex can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone that controls your contractions. Semen may help to ripen, or soften, the neck of your uterus (cervix) ready for it to dilate when labour starts. Semen contains a high number of prostaglandins, which are chemical mediators that can help to relax tissues.I have been thinking however due to size and shape at this stage of my pregnancy sex will be the easiest task, alternatively it is recommended that giving your partner oral sex may work better. It is thought that prostaglandins are absorbed more efficiently through the gut than through the vagina. (A man definitely did this research and I will be keeping this information to myself)!!
I also found a selection of other methods, which are rather bizarre that other mums are said to have found helpful. There is no evidence for any of these and I am very unconvinced but like a fool I am sure you will find me trying them out over the next few days:-

• Blowing up balloons: the theory is that the build up of abdominal pressure encourages labour to start.
• Bouncing on your birth ball or driving your car down a bumpy road would seem to put the same faith in shaking things up a little.

• Get a weepy video and have a good cry.
• Wear your best knickers (sod's law will ensure that your waters break in them)- Boux Avenue here I come!!

However I know that my baby will come when it is ready but I hope he/she knows mum and dad cant wait to meet you xxx


http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/labourandbirth/planningyourbabysbirth/naturalbringonlabour/

What's in a name??

Apon finding out I was pregnant I believed one of the most fun and easy things I would need to do is decide on a name. All these years that I had waited to be fortunate and fall pregnant, I had an abundance of names in my head and thought I would be spoilt for choice - how wrong could I be!!

As I started writing down my initial list I seemed to be crossing out more names than were left, due to friends' children, celebrities pinching my names and a mum and friends in the teaching profession where names have left good and bad tastes in their mouths. So it was back to the drawing board!!

I decided to stock up on name books and name apps and as I read through the introductions I realised it was not just the name I needed to worry about but the initials, whether we choose a middle name, will their friends abbreviate it or come up with a nickname? and also the background to a name; "Consider the difference it will make to a little girl to be told she is called Charlotte, not only because it means womanly, but also because it has encouraged others like Charlotte Bronte and Queen Charlotte to be strong and persevering." (taken from Babies' Names - Flame Tree Publishing).

Armed now with all this knowledge and information at my finger tips my search began again it is still not easy but between us my boyfriend and I have a short list for both boy and girl names and for my close friends who are reading this do not worry 'Tiger Lily Peaches Cream' did not make the cut, much to my dismay.

One thing we will keep in mind when we make our final choice is a babies name it is a life long gift and one of the greatest gifts we can give to the next generation.

PS. My baby is now the size of a pumkin!!

Nesting is this really happening to me!!

At 37 weeks pregnant I have finished work to take my fortnights holiday before my maternity leave starts. As you can imagine I am sadly not jetting off to Marbs, but I did think I would be lunching, shopping and just generally relaxing, however a strange force has taken over me the desire to clean frantically!!! I like a clean house but in the past this has never involved sorting cupboards and scrubbing floors!! All very alien. I also have developed a steam cleaner obsession can anyone recommend a good one??

I decided to look up this strange desire on many of the birth websites I have joined, and thankfully it is all normal (I breathe a huge sigh of relief). Nesting is common in animals and is considered to be a primal instinct to prepare for birth, though not all pregnant women feel it. Nesting can start any time in pregnancy, although it is common from around the 5th month. It’s often experienced in the last weeks when it is thought to be sign that you’ll be going into labour soon.

Nesting can be found in many forms you may want to wash the floors, sort out your cupboards, or buy vests for your baby, or you might feel compelled to knit baby clothes, pack and repack your hospital bag, or simply be at home.

Some women experience nesting subtly and may simply want to arrange their baby’s clothes in a drawer, while others, such as Bounty mum, may be overwhelmed by the desire for housework:

‘Since I woke at 7, I’ve been non-stop: I’ve scrubbed every tile in the bathroom, skirting boards, door frames, in fact anything that has stood still has been scrubbed and I still feel like I could go on for hours, but just ran out of jobs. I’m sure come 5 this evening I’m gonna be shattered and moaning about backache.’ http://www.bounty.com/pregnancy/health/the-nesting-instinct

However in our household my boyfriend also seems to have come out in sympathy, every door in the house has been painted, wardrobes built, ceilings painted and cars washed every weekend without fail. Sadly I don't think this will last when the baby arrives!! Anyone know a good cleaning company........????

Pregnancy and Weddings

I don't think I have met any mum or mum to be that during the course of her pregnancy doesn't get a wedding invite. And instead of what usually follows after such an invite, excitement about the day and the numerous shopping trips to find the perfect dress; along with the excitement of seeing a good friend get married mild panic sets in of what you are going to wear and how big will you be by the day!!!

My usual stopping ground for wedding attire was out of the question, Karen Millen and Coast where would I turn??

I turned initially to my new lust brands Isabella Oliver and Tiffany Rose however with the average occasion dress costing upwards of £150, I had to be realistic as my boyfriend has yet to make his first million and it was just the one wedding I had been invited to!!

So it was back to the drawing board, I trawled the Internet but nothing seemed right so it was time to go back to the wardrobe for what at the time would have had to be divine intervention however it worked!! As I pulled out numerous maxi dresses I found one I had bought in a small chic boutique and never worn!! And it fitted perfectly (perhaps why I had never worn it before??). It is also amazing how glamours and sexy a spray tan can make you feel!!

My friends day was perfect and I loved getting up the following morning minus a muzzy head just sore feet from dancing!! I think I will offer to be the designated driver in future weddings and trusting my existing wardrobe much more in the future!!

The Bride and my chic friend and fellow mum to be oh and me:-

No excuses

I am quite ashamed of myself as I write this post as I realise I have not updated my Sugar Glitter world since July!!! Huge apologies!! And sadly I cant even think of any good excuses!!

However do not panic I have lots of posts up my sleeve to bring you write up to date of where we are at with the pregnancy, maternity leave, weddings and nesting!! oh and birthing pools (I will explain in later posts).

PS My baby is now the size of a Winter Melon!!

'Ready to Pop' - Baby Shower

Baby showers have been a tradition in the US for a long time now, and are growing in popularity here, too. What better excuse is there for getting a group of friends together than to celebrate a new life?

Traditionally the shower will be organised by a friend or family member but being a slight control freak and a love of organising I have been secretly researching ideas for my shower since I saw the positive result on the test!!


There are a few companies out there that specialise in organising the event for you (so wish I had that business plan first!!) one of the best I have come across and a favourite of the celebrities is
'Before Baby'. Before Baby specialise in exclusive and exceptional themed baby shower party packages at home or work. They packages cover everything from a day of pampering to a classic afternoon tea. Stacey Solomon choose the 'Girls Playground' http://www.beforebaby.co.uk/girls_playground.php and Michelle Heaton choose 'Pretty in Pink' http://www.beforebaby.co.uk/pretty_in_pink.php


Sadly with most of my money going to my baby fund I will not have the luxury of employing a baby shower planner however my quandary is the theme to go for I have found some fantastic ideas on both British and US websites. And despite not knowing the gender there is plenty of inspiration.
Games to play

In this game you give all your guests a bib or baby grow for them to decorate and show their creative side for your baby to be.

Gorgeous cakes and treats-

And treats for your guests -

Watch this space for your invite.....

My Baby is now the size of a Pineapple

My baby is now the size of a Pineapple well so it says on www.thebump.com every week they describe your baby as a fruit or veg. However as the weeks go on I am beginning to realise this analogy will run out, surely 40 weeks will be Pumpkin!! as it only seemed like yesterday it was a peach!!

Therefore as the last few weeks of my pregnancy seem to be going quicker and quicker I am frantically trying to be as prepared for the birth as I can possibly be (especially if I have to prepare to push out a pumkin!!), so on Saturday Pete and I attend a 'Birth Preparation Workshop'. It is a class run by my fabulous yoga teacher Emma Thomas. If you are wondering how I got my boyfriend there I  seduced him to the event with the promise of tea and cake, it worked!!

By attending Emma's classes I have already felt the benefits of doing yoga through pregnancy so was determined to attend even if I only came away with one piece of advice to take with me into labour.
The session is described as "A chance for you and your partner to prepare for the birth of your baby", it sounded perfect as it is our first child and during the session we will be given the opportunity to:-
*Learn about the three stages of labour and active birth postures to help you in each stage
*Breathing techniques to ease the discomfort of labour
*Learn simple techniques to support and empower you both thought out the labour
*Understand the importance of mentally supporting your partner
*Gain further knowledge and understanding about Postnatal care and support

I have to admit we did all laugh as we did one of the first active birth moves on all fours in front of our partners and moved our hips in a figure of eight but to be honest I think it broke the ice for everyone!!

The session did not disappoint both Pete and I came away enlighted about labour even if we were alarmed at times and more prepared that we can support each other through the process. Emma encouraged us to write down the moves and tips that we felt would help us the most, so that we could add them to our birth plan.

For me however the things that I think I will focus on more than anything is the breathing as I have already tried this in work when dealing with a demanding boss!! and remembering to tell myself it is discomfort not pain and 'this moment will pass' and I have to go through it before we meet our gorgeous baby, 100% worth the journey!!


For more information on this and other pregnancy yoga classes please go to www.pure-yoga.co.uk

It is really happening I am going to become a mum!!

You may think I am slightly crazy as you read this post as yes for the last 6 months I have known I was pregnant; but up until this morning I think I have felt that it is some sort of dream. I have been very lucky with my health and have almost breezed through apart from the odd emotional melt down and skin break out. However I have woke up this morning at 29 weeks with a huge bump, mild panic and the huge realisation that giving birth is around the corner.

Will I be able to cope? Will I need and epidural at the birth? Can I change a nappy? Will I breast feed? Or will it be formula? Will my baby sleep? What nursery will it go to (yes even this question)? I think I need to breathe into I paper bag!!

I have tried to pin point why I have suddenly felt this gush of anxiety, was it our pram being delivered and Pete and I needing 2 hours to put it together and wishing we had both taken degrees in mechanics (and we are still unsure whether it is correct)!! our lack of nursery decoration; an unpacked hospital bag; my non existant baby wardrobe or stash of random sized nappies under my stairs??

As I sat with a very large cup of tea wearing my gorgeous Isabella Oliver maternity trousers which suddenly now fit me like a glove (they seemed huge when I bought them), I begin to take a few deep breathes and begin to write a very long to do list suddenly all I can feel is the movement of my baby and my worries and anxieties seem to melt away. I realise that as I approach 30 weeks it will not be anxiety I feel but sheer excitment, in about 10weeks I will meet my gorgeous baby!! And realise if any of those panic attacks appear again I should just use my yoga matra 'this moment will pass and I will soon meet my gorgeous baby'.

 I think it is time to start planning the baby shower!!

My Grandad Jack always in my heart

Yesterday we said goodbye but also celebrated the life of my amazing grandad Jack.

Last Thursday he lost his battle with Dementia and cancer, but right up to the last few days you always had a smile and a laugh for everyone and you were still questioning my dress sense.

Everyone who met you throughout your 88 years could not help but fall in love with your cheeky humour and generous nature. When you walked in a room it lit up you could lift me out of my darkest moments.

You were the best shopping partner; how we both just loved walking endlessly around the shops with no list just buying things that caught our eye. I will always remember the excitement you brought to Jo, Liz and I when we were very young and the Christmas paper had been forgotten but there was still the January sale in the local newsagent, 1/2 price annuals as treats that Father Christmas had forgotten.

I know you will be happy, as I am sure you will be with (Gran) Mollie running dances again together, waltzing into eternity. All I hope there are no betting shops as I am sure that will still cause a few tiffs between you both but I am sure the best whiskey will always be on tap.

I can't wait to tell my baby all about you and I just hope when they are growing up I will be able to give him or her the memories and experiences to treasure like you have given me.

Love you forever xxxx

Craving a sunkissed look in an Autumnal June

I think I speak for most girls out there at the moment (please feel free to correct me if I am wrong), the weather has been more like October than June and so faced with very few options of excursions we would usually turn to the TV for some escapism and yet all we are faced with is sport, sport, more sport and the odd episode of a murder mystery drama!! As we all come down from the high of the Jubilee festivities it seems like June as we know it has gone mad!!

I am craving an escape, so I have bought '50 Shades of Grey'!! and at least to look sunkissed so I decided to do some research into some of the newer tanning products I have come across and wonder with they will tempt me away from my faithful St Tropez Mousse.

I am huge fan of Leighton Denny so could not resist trying his new 'Sun Believable'. I purchased my 3 piece starter kit from QVC for £27.00 it included the mousse, mitt, exfoliator and

moisturiser.  Like his other products 'Sun Believable' does not disappoint. When you apply the tan it is slightly green in colour much more than St Tropez but this does not effect the result. I am very fair and it gave me a natural looking tan. The only thing I would say for those fake tan smell haters the smell is very evident when you put it on but completely disappeared when I showered the following morning. Definitely a repeat purchase.

The next product I went for was the Elemis Total Glow Gradual Tanning cream. I am a huge fan of Elemis, despite my bank balance often not loving this admiration, however I bought this as a duo and the price was very competitive, £29.76 (QVC). 

I love this product!! I have been using it as my summer moisturiser and unlike other gradual tanners it does not have a distinctive biscuit smell which makes it perfect for daily use. I am not as dark as if I was using a fake tan however if the sun does ever shine I will be confident to ditch my opaques!!

The last product I could not resist purchasing is a hot off the press product launched this summer from James Read the 'Tantalist'. Tanning expert James Read has worked with everyone from Lady Gaga to Clive Owen, and has bronzed stars for events such as the Oscars, Grammys and Brits. Based at the Sanderson Hotel's Agua Spa, Read has also tanned models for a wide range of fashion week shows.

So instead of despairing at the TV tonight I shall be bronzing up in preparation for an Autumnal June day tomorrow. I will keep you posted on the results.

http://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/2011/10/17/james-read-(1)

http://www.thetantalist.com/

http://www.qvc.com

Pregancy Treats Part 1

Sadly due to time and work commitments my boyfriend and are going to find it difficult to go on a Baby Moon so little treats will definitely be needed over the coming months.

My first one was last weekend, I think my boyfriend booked it knowing full well I would need to recover after a night under the awning!! He booked us both in the following day to St Brides Spa in Saundersfoot, West Wales.

www.stbridesspahotel.com

I've dreamt of going to this spa for many years and it didn't disappoint. Due to availability my boyfriend just paid to use the spa facilities but I had a mum-to-be facial.

Once we got there we were directed to the robing room where we were handed gorgeous fluffy towels, robes and slippers. Once ready to Spa we were shown the facilities.

After a herbal tea (well we were in a spa) we headed straight to the outdoor infinity pool, sadly I watched from a deckchair due to my bump **. It is the perfect place to unwind and admire the spectacular coastal views. The wonderfully relaxing water treatment pool is heated to body temperature providing a cosy haven, even on frosty winter days or British summer days!! When the tide is in, you will experience the optical illusion of the pool edge blending to the sea below, the views were spectacular.

Once I was called for my treatment my boyfriend continued to use the rest of the facilities in the thermal suite and I was taken to this beautiful tranquil room where I think on several occasions I drifted off to sleep. My facial was called radiant glow and my skin did look and feel exactly that afterwards.

At St Brides they use VOYA, a specialist marine spa company, have used many generations of acquired wisdom harvesting the sea to create an exceptional range of beauty and skincare treatments in harmony with nature. VOYA products encapsulate something of the sea in as pure a form as possible. VOYA offers a range of 100% certified organic and seaweed based products, designed to detoxify, re-mineralize restore and protect. So are perfect to use throughout pregnancy.

The experience was over too soon and I cannot wait to return, (hint hint Mr Tyler).

** The Thermal Suite & Hydro Pool are not available during pregnancy This package is available after the first twelve weeks of pregnancy or from six weeks after delivery.

Sleeping in an Awning 6 Months Pregnant!!!

I know I thought my days under canvas were over for 9 months at least however my boyfriend had other plans!!

After being washed out of Creamfields last year in a tidal wave of mud my boyfriend and I were determined to be prepared for this years festival season and bought a top of the range tent from a high street outdoor retailer however with my gorgeous bump getting bigger day by day I had put my festival plans on hold until Glastonbury returns next year.

However with the excitement of the Jubilee weekend in the air a brief glimpse of the sun my boyfriend headed up the attic to retrieve our outdoor equipment and before you could shout camping the car was packed and we were heading west down the M4 our destination was Well Park Tenby.

Destination reached and as per usual with the British Summer the glimpse of sun had turned into rain and gail force winds!! My boyfriends parents had arrived ahead in their caravan and greeted us with a much needed cuppa. After finding our British outdoor spirit it was Wellies on and we headed into town to hopefully come back after the showers had cleared to erect out tent and cosy down for the night. Sadly even after going in and out of many gift shops and a huge cream tea the weather was no better.

On our return to the caravan we decided to save our tent and boyfriend's parents set up the awning for us complete with blow up bed!! After filling up on some well earned BBQ (I am pregnant) and a few sparkling waters it was time to add the layers and slip into our sleeping bags. It was at this point I was longing for a hot toddy not a hot water bottle!!

Thankfully I warmed up quite quickly and it was lovely waking up to warm sun rays beating down on the awning, the smell of bacon in the air and the kettle whistling in the caravan. My awning experience had not turned out to be the night from hell I imagined!! Roll on Glastonbury 2013!!!

Today I will mostly be wearing my maternity wardrobe....

Yes the day has finally come maternity wardrobe all the way. I have resisted so far with only the introduction of maternity jeans (my waist line went in the first few weeks) as my faithful skinnys would no longer meet in the middle.

However, I have almost over night had to totally relook at my wardrobe, this is not easy on the bank balance as you can well imagine. This issue too is not totally understood by my boyfriend, he just sees it as yet another excuse to shop!! But there is only a certain amount of time I can get away with work dresses that seem to get shorter by the day especially when our summer seems to have finally arrived and opaque tights need to be put away.
In an effort to ease my boyfriends stress level I have been looking at ways in how to stretch my maternity wardrobe budget. I thought I would never look to Ebay to buy fashion especially second hand but I am discovering a whole new way to shop.

You may have already read about my current brand addiction Isabella Oliver however the cost does not match my coca cola budget!! However on Ebay I have bought some perfect wardrobe staples to satisfy my craving which despite being classed as used look like they should have still have labels. Is pregnancy turning me into a 'Secondhand Sue' or a 2012 savvy shopper?!? I will leave it to you the SugarGitterDreams readers to decide.....

£75 (Second Hand Sue Ebay £25)

£99 (2012 Savvy Shopper Ebay £30)

Pinterest -where have I been?!!

I have always been told that when you get pregnant a fog descends and you get 'baby brain' but I only thought it would affect my ability to remember things not completely miss things aswell!!

Am I already losing touch with up to date trends before my baby is born!! Noooo I am sure it is a blip!!

Whilst researching all things babies I read an article on Pinterest. A social networking site that allows you to post pictures of your own ideas and research through other peoples pins and boards!! I am in love love love!! Unlike other sites you request to join and about 24 hours later they send you the link, but it is worth the wait.

Within a few minutes I have built up ideas for the nursery and my baby shower without trawling through endless magazines and websites. It is also great if you are looking for a new look for your home, planning the perfect holiday or even your dream wedding. Check out my boards so far:-

http://pinterest.com/sugarglitter/#

I think I will be mostly spending this week adding pins and re pinning!!!

Happy pinning!!!

My new brand crush!!!

Following on from my previous post although I was confident that I would find styles to satisfy my fashion fix I hadn't expected to form a new brand crush!!!

My boyfriend had gone to Las Vegas on a boys only trip so I felt it only right that I had a treat too!! After all I am pregnant!! I had received a email from Isabella Oliver advertising a flash sale so no sooner than he had got on the plane I was logging on.

The styles all flatter your pregnant curves without having to stick to looser styles they make you feel and look sexy!! I was spoilt for choice and I did have to be careful as he had only gone to Vegas not around the world!!

When my delivery arrived even the packaging didn't disappoint:-

I felt thoroughly spoilt and special!!

Do I really have to wear leggings or sweats for the next 9 months arhhhh!!!!!

I rebel I rebel!!! Please do not let me become one of those mums to be who lose their self and style during pregancy!!! Surely there is more choice than sweats or legging?

Before becoming pregnant I was a high street regular but as soon as I found out I was pregnant and my waist began to expand it was as if my style went out of the window!!! But I am determind to find my way back!!

I sat myself down at my PC and began my hunt for a stylish pregnancy. Google brought up 1000s of options however this isn't as easy as you think, I shall not mention any names but do some websites think that as soon as us stylish high street savvy British women become pregnant we do not want to follow trends but where smocks that would not have looked out of place on the page of a Laura Ashley 1970s catalogue!!

However after some perserverance there is some stylish light at the end of the end of the endless websites of smocks!!

http://www.asos.com/ASOS-Maternity/ASOS-Maternity-Skinny-Jean-In-Faded-Leopard/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2209734&cid=5813&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Multi

http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=5380243&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208537&parent_categoryId=203984&pageSize=20

http://www.newlook.com/shop/maternity/clothing/john-zack-maternity-printed-midi-dress_255121219

I am half way there OMG!!!

I cannot believe I am now 20 weeks into my first pregnancy, where did the last few months go?? Oh yes I know fighting the symptom's of morning sickness and far too many hormones!! and overwhelming tiredness.

However, now I class myself as very lucky I feel well and have energy again well 9-5 at least and I am beginning to really enjoy my pregnancy and can't wait to meet our baby!!

We resisted the urge to find out what sex we are having, although if I am honest it is good that my boyfriend came with me because if it had been me and mum or me and one of my sisters I don't think we would have been quite as controlled.

Meet our gorgeous baby at 20 weeks:-

Feedback Thank You

Just wanted to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all my friends and follows who have given such positive comments about my blog and the congratulations on my pregnancy which I am really enjoying at the moment!!!

So I apologize in advance if I dedicate many a blog to the subect over the next 20 weeks!!

Yes I cannot believe I am half way there already and my morning sickness thankfully seems a distance memory. Bring on the birthing pool (well not quite yet)!!

If it is good enough for Victoria Beckham!!!

So how could I resist!!!

One of the pregnancy side effects I was concerned about was stretch marks but it was Victoria Beckham that came to my rescue. After the birth of her fourth child she tweeted about Elemis Japanese Camellia Oil and how amazing it was for preventing stretch marks. I could not ignore that advice so my gorgeous boyfriend bought it for me as my Valentine gift (I know romance is not dead when you are pregnant!!). It does not disappoint. It has become my daily dose of luxury for keeping those stetch marks at bay and the good news is it does not come with a celebrity price tag!!

Read her tweet below:-

http://yfrog.com/h0ryrhmj

Thank you Victoria x

Bump to Birthday

After a very stressful day in work one of my sister's really cheered up my day when she gave me my first pregancy gift. It is so gorgeous I wanted to tell you all about it and if any of you are looking for a gift for a newly pregnant friend this is perfect.

Bump To Birthday is published by 'from you to me' ltd www.fromyoutome.com Bump to Birthday inspire's you to tell you unique story of your pregnancy and your child's first year. I will be looking forward each week to putting my feet up with a cuppa and a few biscuits to complete my story so far. Thank you Jo xx

Welcome to Sugar Glitter Dreams

I've wanted to start a blog for a long time but always seem to find an excuse to put it off, what if no-one reads it, what if I run out of things to say ( my family believe this will never happen) or perhaps I won't have time to keep it up. Today I have decided to ignore all those thoughts and go for it!!

So if you are out there anyone I hope you enjoy my babbling and sometimes I hope it does make sense and maybe add some light relief to your hectic day.