Happy 9 Month Birthday!

Where is the time going? My beautiful baby girl is now 9 months old, she has now been outside in the world longer than growing inside me! Pregnancy days do seem like a long time ago and to be honest part of me wishes to forget them, but another part wants to cling to the few good times I had. 

Unfortunately I suffered with Hyperemesis Gravidrum, a debilitating and potentially life-threatening pregnancy disease which can lead to rapid weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration from to nausea and vomiting. My pregnancy days were very tough both physically and mentally; some days I didn't even have the energy to  move out of my bed and sometimes even sipping water would make me sick. I was prescribed numerous anti-sickness tablets and nothing really worked. My pregnancy with Lottie was far worse than with Ruby as  shortly after finding out I was pregnant, I ended up in hospital and was given intravenous fluids because I was so dehydrated and just kept being sick. I was one of the unlucky ones as the condition stayed throughout my whole pregnancy; I did however manage the odd good day and enjoyed being able to eat something or go out and about. I do miss my bump though!  I will blog in more detail about Hyperemesis Gravidrum around the middle of May when it is HG world awareness day.

If I reflect on the last 9 months, what have been my highlights?

• Initially having a fantastic home birth
• Falling in love with the girls more than I ever thought possible
• Seeing Ruby accept her sister and love her so much and vicaversa
• Managing to breastfeed Lottie and still going strong even now
• Learning to wrap Lottie in a woven wrap

I feel very blessed to have two amazing daughters. Today has been a really busy day; Lottie had an unsettled night, I can only assume its her teeth causing her to be in discomfort, although we have still not seen any sight of any little white teeth yet! Ruby did not have any teeth until she was 8 months old.

We spent the morning catching up with an old friend and her daughter who is a few months older than Lottie and has just started to walk. It is hard to believe that in a few short months Lottie may be walking; I don't want my baby to grow up! Ruby had a lovely time playing with the younger ones whilst I chatted to my friend. I can already see that Ruby has a very maternal and protective side, always checking the little ones were OK and passing them toys to play with. Ruby's favorite treat when we are out is hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows; today was no exception as we both had enormous drinks, its a good job I need to put weight on rather than lose it, judging by how many calories there were in that one drink! It was very yummy though!

We arrived home in time for lunch and played in the playroom with the Duplo, Lottie even helped out by taking all the animals out of the field Ruby had made; Ruby was not very impressed! We then met up with a lady who has taught me how to knit; prior to Lottie being born I wanted to know how to knit as I was a little upset that nobody had knitted any baby cardis for Ruby; so I took it on myself to make some for Lottie. I am nowhere near am expert but I am really proud of the items I have made for the girls, it has been easier than I expected and I would really recommend taking up knitting to anyone.

Lottie in one of the cardi's I made her.

Some of the things I have knitted for Lottie.

My mum has recently loaned me her sewing machine and despite never really using one I am going to have a go at making some cushion covers for the lounge and bunting for the girls room. Wish me luck!