Guess the baby - Cast your vote!!!

Well it's taken a couple of weeks to get these together but here's a couple of pictures of Julie (top-left), Kory (top-right) and me (bottom) as little babies :)

For a bit of fun cast your vote here on who you think little Kory looks like, his mummy or daddy.

James

Baby Update - Day 11

Well this morning I was just chilling out on mummy and daddy's bed, minding my own business, when along came this big panda and gave me a HUGE backwards hug!! Mummy says the he is called Peking and he's a very friendly panda!!

Once I had got over the shock, we decided to get all wrapped up and go out for our first walk in my pram. We didn't go far as mummy still hurts lots from the operation, but we went around the area where we live for about 20 minutes. Daddy insisted on "driving" my pram like it was a rally car...did he think I'd be impressed??!!

This afternoon I've been a bit of a grouch, I just can't get comfy in my moses basket, and really just want some cuddles!! I think they might be trying to keep me awake so that I sleep more tonight...they wish!!

Kory
xx

Bump Update - After 1 Week

Just for amusement, I thought I'd post a picture of me exactly one week after having Kory. I've lost 2 stone since the day I had him, which is more than I expected to right away, just shows how much water I must have had on board. So now I only look about 14 weeks pregnant! Hopefully it'll keep falling off as fast.

Julie.xx

Baby Update - Day 10

Just check out what I walked into the living room to find today!! Daddy showing Kory how to use the laptop, I couldn't believe it! Poor kid is going to be on the Xbox before he knows it!

Anyway, I feel like I have deja vu, writing about coming home from hospital again today! As James reported, I was re-admitted on Sunday with a suspected blood clot on my lung and they had to run tests on me which involved radioactive gases and having to express milk which I found painful and stressful! I then wasn't allowed to hold or cuddle Kory for 24 hours, which broke my heart when he was crying. He was a star though and behaved for his daddy for most of the day.

Today we went on an outing (expidition??) after our last midwife appointment. We went into town to visit my work and let everyone have a wee cuddle. Kory took a shine to Jackie and crashed out in her arms! If you're reading this Jackie, you are welcome to babysit any time!!

After work, we headed round to the registrar place to register Kory's birth, so he is now all official and legally Kory James Buckingham! Sounds pretty stupid, but it was really nice making it all "proper".

When we left there, we were walking down the street and walking towards us was Billy Connelly! I wanted to nudge James and say "LOOK" but he was looking right at me so I didn't and James didn't see him. But as he passed he was getting a good look at Kory (who was strapped on to James front) and smiled!! Made my day!

We were only out for a couple of hours, but I was knackered, was the most I have been standing or walking in a long while, and probably more than I should have been doing!

We came home and chilled out, then bathed Kory and put him down at 9:15pm. The ever sleeping baby is now sound asleep and will hopefully give us another long nights sleep!!

Julie.xx

Baby Update - Day 8 & 9

Well we had a bit of 'excitement' over the weekend.

Julie had her routine checkup with the midwife on Sunday morning and mentioned that she's been getting a bit of discomfort in her chest again. (She had it while we were in hospital but by the time we'd left it had gone).

Alarms bells started with the midwife and before we knew it we were both packing bags and heading back to the hospital.

The last couple of days have been spent with Julie having x-rays and scans for potential blood clots. At 17:00 this evening though we got the all clear and off we went back home.

The only down-side to the whole experience is that Kory is now on bottles until Julie's flushed all the drugs from the scan out of her body. (she was injected with some kind of radioactive chemical). She had enough warning this time that she could express a reasonable amount of milk and thankfully he's taken to the bottle fine. It's going to take about 24 hours for it all to go through so in the mean time Daddy is taking control. Poor kid!!!! :D

James

Baby Update - Day 7

Kory here again, giving all my fans out there an update on all my goings on.

Daddy's been telling me that the video he filmed of me from the hospital went down really well so I asked him tonight to make another one.

I thought I'd do a little song and dance for you all in my new bouncy chair. I think I've got the moves but halfway through starting to sing I realised that Mummy had forgotten to put my microphone in my hand :(. Naughty Mummy!!!

Today Mummy & Daddy took me out for my second outing into the big world. They took me to a very big building they call the supermarket.

Daddy put me in his new toy which strapped me onto his front. It was quite comfy actually, so much that I don't remember actually going into the supermarket.

Mummy and me were a wee bit tired this afternoon so we both went for a little sleep. At 18:30 I woke up and Daddy & me went upstairs to get Mummy up as well. We then all went to have my bath, got me into my pj's and then went downstairs to have our dinner.

Time for me to go to my bed now. Night night everybody and talk to you all again soon.

Kory
xx

Baby Update - Day 6

   

My god has it almost been a week??? The past 6 days have just shot past.

As you can see we're both a wee bit tired just now. Nothing to do with Kory (he slept another 6 hours last night) but I think it's just the busy week and the change in our usual routine which has caused a few sleepy eyes.

Julie has been a bit stiff today. After yesterday's expediation out I think we've both realised her limit, and it isn't very far just now.

Nevertheless another busy day was had by all. Charlotte, my cousin, who is currently on here honeymoon touring Europe was in Aberdeen for the day. Stuart (her new hubbie) and her were going to see a Van Morrison concert at the Music Hall so decided to pop in and see the new member of the family on the way.

Just noticed tonight that Kory's feet are now fitting into his baby grows. Scary how quickly he's growing if that's him after six days. We've also noticed that he's now starting to hear things. I was whistling to him tonight and he was looking (roughly) in the direction I was from him.

Julie has been feeling quite emotional. Little things are just setting her off into tears. I believe they call it Baby Blues but it's very strange :)

Oh well it's all fun anyway :D

James

Baby Update - Day 5

Hello!

I'm back in the land of the living, having lived in a bubble for the past week!!

This morning my community midwife, Shona, who I have been seeing all through the pregnancy came round to see us. I got all my "clips" out of my wound, even though I was only meant to get half out, apparently it's healed up so well, she just whipped them all out. Scared I pop open now!

Today we went on our first outing, nothing exciting, just to Mothercare and to James' work, but shhhhh, don't tell the midwife, she'd shout at me!

Kory is a great wee guy, so sweet, and most of the time is just a happy contented little thing. Last night we got 6 hours of sleep, and today he's slept most of the day and even sat awake in his chair for about an hour while we had dinner!

Will be interesting to see what tonight brings! But anyway, here's a couple more pics for the fans of our car outing today and of him in his chair being a good boy!

Julie.xx

Hello World!

Hi Everyone

I've just managed to prize the laptop away from my mummy and daddy for a wee minute, just long enough to say hi to you all and thanks to everyone for their lovely comments on my daddy's posts over the last few days.

Today was a good day, I went on my first journey into the outside world and came to what mummy and daddy say is my home. It's pretty cool here, I even have my own room! Although they are making me share with them for a while until they don't panic every time they can't hear me!

Mummy is finding having me at home a bit strange, she was quite happy in her little bubble at the hospital. She's been crying loads since we came home - WOMEN! Is this what I'm going to have to deal with!??! I better be careful what I say, I have to rely on her for food just now!

I've put on a few photos of me being cute over the past day or so for all of you to have a look at...just say if you're bored looking at me!

Bye for now
Kory.xx

Baby Update - Day 3

Morning Everyone.

I thought I'd add a bit extra to my entry today. So here's a little video I took of Kory snuggling up with his mummy (and hand) yesterday afternoon. You need Quicktime to run it so if you can't see anything above you can download it at Apple's website.

Well Julie and the baby are still in hospital :(. She was due to have her test yesterday morning but ten minutes before the scan the midwives asked her to extract 24 hours of milk. That amount in 10 minutes is nuts as it is but the reason they wanted her to do it was because the scan can let off a bit of radiation.

That's fine but when you can't take that much out the only solution is the baby goes on to formula. He's taken to breastfeeding so well we don't want to ruin it so she's refused the scan.

Instead she's getting an ultrasound on her leg which should hopefully be today (Wednesday).

Again, if everything is a-ok then we'll have them home tonight :)

Better go, I've got to be at the hospital in 30 minutes.

James

Baby Update - Day 2

Another busy day at the hospital today.

The morning started with me getting my first baby bath lessons with the midwifes. I have to say I was quite impressed with myself considering I couldn't even pick up a baby two days ago.

Our first family member visiting session kicked off at two o'clock. Kory met his Grandad Jim and Trisha for the first time followed at three o'clock by Gran Sheila, Auntie Laura and Tom. The hospital only allows three visitors per patient at a time so it was a bit of a juggling act.

Everyone fell in love with him straight away. I would say it was because of those 'give me a hug' eyes but they were bearly out for two minutes the whole time. Far too much sleeping to be had :)

We got some cracking pictures today and finally one of Julie, Kory and me together.

Overall the baby is doing great. He seems very happy with everything and only really cries when we change his nappies or he wants fed. Fingers crossed that carries on as he let Julie get five hours sleep last night.

Julie on the other hand has been getting a bit of discomfort in her chest. She's going to get some scans tomorrow to make sure there isn't anything like blood clots. If that comes back negative then she'll be allowed out tomorrow night, otherwise it's back to the bedroom for her. On a postive note her blood pressure is fine and the swelling is starting to really go down now.

Really starting to miss not having her at home now though so here's hoping that tomorrow brings us some more good news.

That's all for now.

James

Baby Update - Day 1

Well here's a quick update on how today went.

The baby has spent the vast majority of the day sleeping, probably catching up on the lack of sleep he had last night and shaking off the drugs from the morning before.

Julie got about three hours of sleep. Less than she really needed but something she's unfortunately got to get used to (and me as of Tuesday (gulp!!!)).

Hannah and Jenni came to visit us in the afternoon. They just loved him. Kory also got introduced to his first girlfriend, Holly (Hannah's little 3 month daughter). You can see how they got on at Hannah, Ian and Holly's blog.

Kory slept the whole time they were there and typically, decided to wake up the moment Jenni left. The rest of the afternoon was spent with lots of crying, feeding and nappy changes :)

Our neighbour Jane popped in at night with a wee pressie for Kory and to say hello. She's also got a little 18 month daughter who we'll need to introduce to Kory at some point.

And that's been our day.

Tomorrow is family day. Kory meets his new Gran, Grandad and Auntie Laura.

Thanks everyone for all your comments, phone calls and text messages. They've all been nice to receive and read. Sorry I've not had time to reply to you all but hopefully once we both get a bit of free time (hehe) we'll send you all a reply.

In the meantime I'll try and put as much on the blog as possible :)

James

Easter "Bunny" Arrives Early

Well here he is :)

Three days earlier than he should have been but at 06:50 this morning Julie gave birth to "Bunny".

Julie started getting a bit worried on Thursday that the baby wasn't kicking much. A quick scan on Friday showed that he was having a lot of irregular heart patterns. Julie was induced at 16:00 on Friday and the "fun" began.

Things didn't exactly go quite as we would have liked it to go though as both Julie and the baby started having problems around 05:00 this morning. This meant they had to perform an emergency c-section to get him out.

Everything went well though and both Mum and baby are doing fine.

We've named him Kory James. Kory after a small town on the island of Arran (nice balance of Scottish with the English surname) and James after his daddy :). He's weighing in at healthly 7lbs 9oz.

Who do you think he looks most like Julie or me?? :)

Julie is being kept in hospital for now but should hopefully be out by Tuesday. I'm just looking forward to getting them both home safely and starting to settle into a routine.

In the meantime I've got a whole night sleep to catch up on so I guess it's time to hit the sack.

James

A sad family loss

When we first setup the Buckingham Blog back in November the main reason was really to let everyone know our latest news.

With the news of the baby dominating the articles everything has, thankfully, been pretty positive. It's great that we can come online and tell you all our happy news. Unforunately, such in life, the happy has to come with the sad, so here is our first (and hopefully for a while our last) one.

Tonight our family dog Sandy passed away :(.

He'd started having fits on Monday morning and over the past 24 hours had very quickly deteriorated. It was apparently a brain tumour but thankfully everything was sudden and hopefully as painless as possible for him.

He was a energtic, loving, bouncy character who wouldn't hurt a fly and I believe he had a fantastic life. How many dogs can say that they went for a walk up Ben Nevis for the day and still want more? :) The big age of 14 is not bad going either.

This may be rather poetic of me to say but it's times like this that bring back what's important in life. Sandy passing away so close to the baby arriving really opens your eyes to this. I'm sure when Bunny does arrive he'll shine a great big light on the sadness we're all feeling just now.

Rest in peace Sandy-boy, we'll all deeply miss you. Enjoy those doggie heaven walks :)

James

Clock Block Screensaver

One of the guys at work has this really cool screensaver setup on his machine just now.

It's basically a clock but the way it's been made is really clever.

I've installed it at home now but I thought "what the hell" I'll stick a link to it on the blog so everyone can have a nosey :)

So here you go - Clock Block

James

Bump Update - Week 39

How low can the Bunny go!! He feels so low down he's gonna pop out. I know that is the general idea, but feels like he coming out the wrong bit!! I have to carry my tummy in my arms it's so heavy!!

Anyway, not a lot to tell, had midwife here on Saturday and she took blood from me to test for pre-eclampsia as I have all the signs on and off, although they don't all appear at the same time. My midwife has just left today and the blood came back clear, so no pre-eclampsia...yet! My blood pressure is up again though so she's coming back on wednesday and will take more blood then to see if things are changing. They're not worried and hopeful of labour naturally before they need to step in, as baby is "as low as he'll get before he falls out"

I feel very tired, slept on couch last night thanks to Mr Grumpy Dinosaur in the middle of the night. I gave up and got out of bed!! Goodness knows how James will cope with being wakened in the night by crying baby if he gets that stroppy with me wriggling! Time will tell!

Other than that, I guess nothing I wouldn't expect at 39 weeks pregnant, feel sick, sore, uncomfy, my back is agony, feet still swollen and seem to have permanent popping ears and pins and needles in all my limbs. Get out NOW baby!!

I've been trying all the old wives tales I can think of, only the driving on bumpy roads to try now, but I think he is just too comfy in there to be bothered to come out. Even though everything is ready, even his mobile in his cot (sooooo cute, plays how much is that doggy in the window!!) Just need this little munchkin out.

Julie.xx

Game of the Month - Globz

Not a game as such but a website full of them.

I've been visiting Globz for a couple of years now and think it's a great little site to pass 5 minutes during your lunch break.

A couple of favourites are -

The Dancer
Viral Pursuit
and if you can find someone else to play with give Trackwars a go :)

James

Bump Update - Week 38

Not a lot to report this week I don't think. Two photos this week, as I realised I look crap in most of them, so took a normal pic first to have at least one of me pregnant but not side on!

We completed our "list of things to get for baby" today, with a visit to Babies r Us and got blankets and sheets for the cot. So will get them washed.

We also went to get a door frame bouncer (thanks to Kelly!) for the baby. It's really cool, it's Tigger!! For all who know me, you'll know I've been really restricted on the Pooh stuff so far, but couldn't resist this

It's still snowing on and off here, which is doing my head in. Hard enough to walk now, let alone in snow and with no laces in my shoes!!

My blood pressure is apparently lower than it was, but with some stupid student taking it and not even puffing it up properly, I'll reserve judgement on that! Just waiting for him to put in an appearance now! Hurry up baby, I'm bored and you are fully cooked now!

Julie.xx

Julie's Poor Foot

Just thought I'd post you a photo we took of my foot earlier in the week. How swollen??? Poor foot, it can't even get in shoes now and the swelling goes up to my knee. Quite disgusting actually!

James says it looks like cabbage patch dolls feet, where there is stitched on toes!

Julie.xx

Congratulations Charlotte

Julie and I would just like to pass on our congratulations to my cousin, Charlotte, on tying the knot to Stuart in sunny Oz today.

All the best in your new life together as Mr & Mrs Masson.

Update: Check out their wedding photo's here

Love
James & Julie

It's my birthday

It's my 27th birthday today :). Not one of the milestones in life but I still feel a lot older today. It must be the call of Fatherhood on the horizon which is doing it.

Julie bought me the Chronicles of Riddick and Pitch Black on DVD, I got money from my Mum & Dad, Sheila (my mother-in-law) & my nan. I also got some vouchers from Laura (my little sister-in-law).

The guys at work got me a card and this great cake. I'm not usually a big fan of chocolate cake but this one is really nice. I just need to make sure I get a couple of slices before Julie finishes it off :).

Thanks everyone for the pressies.

Julie bought us some yummy Domino's pizza for dinner and now I'm just going to chill out for the rest of the night in front of the box.

James

Cool gadget of the month - DVD "screensavers"

I just got these cool new DVD's through the post yesterday. They're basically screensavers for your DVD player but with a cool twist.

There are three different themes out just now but all you do is stick the DVD in your player and then sit back and watch as your television turns into your very own little fireplace, aquarium or bird cage.

I've bought us the fireplace and aquarium versions but see if you turn the lights down, put a bit of music on and turn the fire on it strangely feels like you've got one in your living room AND no mess to clean up afterward :) Bonus!!!!

Julie found them a little while back after a couple of her friends recommended them for babies. Apparently they're just hypnotised by the movement of these things and keeps them amused for hours. It must beat the traditional "putting them in-front of the washing machine" trick for the parents as well.

If you're interested I bought them over at Play for £6.99 each. Not a bad price really considering how much it costs to get a real fireplace/aquarium setup.

James

Bump Update - Week 37

Into week 37, and a fully cooked baby!! Yippee!! Come out now Bunny!! I feel gigantic now, sitting hurts, standing hurts more and lying is so uncomfy I want to sit or stand!!

Had to call out a midwife to the house on Saturday, because on Friday my left foot totally ballooned to about 5 times it's size. I was worried. She came and took blood pressure which was up loads since the Wednesday when it was last checked. So apart from that all seems ok, so she is coming back tomorrow (monday) to check me again just to make sure it doesn't go above 90.

The midwife said as long as we get me past 37 weeks, if my blood pressure keeps on the up, they'd just induce me. So I'm not worried about anything! Might even have him early.

I have done nothing all weekend long, I'm not allowed!! James has been brilliant, doing all the housework and making me sit watching telly. Although, me being me, I find it so hard to do, and not interfere or just go and do things myself. Oh and I get bored too! Goodness knows what I am going to do all week home alone and not able to potter about.

Have dentist tomorrow (yes, again!) as my filling came out on Friday, so need that topped up again to last a week till I get the damn tooth out. Although at this rate I won't make it to that appointment anyway. How complicated!!

Julie.xx

Finished work & Midwife Update!

Yippee!! I have finished work! Not sure what I am going to do with myself until bunny arrives right enough!! They decided to embarass me by giving me presents on Wednesday, a "bunny" teddy that is all touchy feely, and vouchers for Next, so might have to treat myself to something after baby is here and I might get into normal clothes!

The maternity issue was sorted out on Wednesday morning, or so I thought until today. They agreed to pay it in a lump sum which is fine, then I get a letter today telling me how much and it's bloomin' wrong!! How can one company screw up so much!

Anyway, midwife on wednesday went ok. Blood pressure is up again, and at the time I felt great and swelling was down. Now swelling is back and something is definately happening. I have had painful "contractions" for the past couple of days on and off. Started at 5pm yesterday and carried on at around 15 mins all through night, and now nothing, zippo, nada! GRR!!

Midwife did her usual prodding around and found this naughty baby is back-to-back, which means unless he turns, I'm in for an even more painful labour than a normal painful one!!

Julie.xx

Bump Update - Week 36

What can I tell you this week? Physically I feel great - well ok, maybe that is an exageration, but better than I have in a while. I had the cold from hell last week and obviously couldn't take anything for it (anyone notice someone just keeps dumping on me from a great height??!!) but I have managed to fob it off and onto James now, so I feel better!! I have some pregnancy aches and pains, but nothing I wouldn't expect at this stage. Waddling like a duck and can't go far, but apart from that, seem ok. Even my feet look more normal!

The only real thing getting to me now is my work. In the year I have been there, I haven't got stressed about anything really, and they go and choose an 8 month pregnant moment to p*** me around. I can't be doing with it and I won't stand back and let them. James and I saw citizens advice people today and now know exactly where I stand, so they had better not try and screw me over! If anything you'd think they'd be being especially careful with a pregnancy situation as it can so easily go wrong, but nope! So that is getting to me now, very anxious about the whole thing and really could do without it.

This weekend Jenni came up for the day on Saturday and went to Pizza Hut for lunch. It was lovely to see her (again at our house, we really must go to hers!) and she brought a lovely box of goodies with her, a bib, socks, vests, bunny photo frame, along with lots of essentials like wipes, cotton wool, disposable knickers, breast pads and baby rash cream and nasal drops for when he gets a cold! Oooh and the cutest little baby nail clippers!! It was a really fab and thoughtful present.

She had also gone into Ikea on her way up and picked up a chair I had my eyes on for the baby room. James built it up and it looks great and is well comfy for those nightime feeds. Jenni - if you read this, thanks a million for both things! Think I've waffled enough now, until next week.....

Julie.xx

The Pram Arrived!!

Finally!

We have a pram and carseat and pushchair for Bunny. Thanks Mum!!

After 8 weeks waiting and eventually a chat with the managing director of the company I ordered from (Two Left Feet) who had seen posts online of me moaning about bad customer service they had given me, the pram has arrived! The wait was kind of worth it, because I love it!

For those of you not in "the know" it's a Jane Matrix Powertrack 360 in Titanium! It's basically like a transformer, a carseat that turns into a pram!

The top picture is of the carseat, lying flat with hood and cover clipped on making it a pram. The picture on the right is the carseat on the wheels lying flat. It can be used in the car like this, meaning baby isn't all scrunched up for long periods of time.

The pic on the left is of the carseat sitting upright for when he is bigger and the below is just the same but with the cover on. We forgot to take a photo of the pushchair before we pulled it apart!

They say that Dysons are hoovers for men, well this is definatly the Dyson of the pram world! James has spent the evening playing with the suspension, front/rear braking system!! Reading through the manual, you'd think it was a car!

Not quite sure where it's going to live yet, but it's a nice "feature" in the living room for now.

On another note, midwife appointment went ok this week, blood pressure is up again, my feet grow by the day but on the whole it's all ok. Nothing too unexpected for 4 weeks to go, ARGH! I still have this stinky awful cold, can't smell or taste anything and it's driving me nuts!

Julie.xx

Mango & Chicken

Here's a strangely-yummy recipe which one of the guys at work managed to get from the restaurant we went to for our Xmas party. It makes loads of sauce, probably enough for 3 or 4 chicken breasts, so do the top part for EACH chicken breast but only do one lot of sauce, or you'll be eating mango sauce forever! I've put below what the recipe says, but I only used 1 leek and it was more than enough, but I'll let you decide!

----

1 chicken breast
1 streaky bacon rasher
2 slices fresh mango
4 x leaves fresh basil

- Stuff chicken with bacon , mango and basil

- Butter a piece of tinfoil season the chicken with pepper and roll in the tinfoil.

- Cook in 180 degree oven for 15 minutes (or until chicken cooked)

Sauce - 250 ml. good chicken stock
250 ml double cream
2 leeks chopped finely
1 fresh mango sliced
cook the leeks and the mango in stock and cream for 15 minutes (do not boil) then blitz in a processor.

It's a really strange combination of ingredients which actually works quite well. God knows who thought of this one though.

If you give it a shot let us know what you think.

James

Bump Update - Week 35

If it weren't for all the non pregnancy things wrong with me, I think for the first time I feel ok! However, I have thrush (from the antibiotics I had for last weeks toothache!) which is driving me nuts, I have a bloomin' cold now, my filling is verging on coming out now, the heartburn is still kind of lingering and my work are stressing me out about maternity pay - if you don't know already, it's too long a story for here! Oh and the pram company are messing me about too, so I have cancelled my order with them and found another company.

Pregnancy-wise, I'm knackered, my blood pressure is high and being checked again tomorrow, have protein in my urine, and am swollen up. In fact I can't get most of my shoes on now, my feet are so huge! Sleeping is a nightmare, I have one leg that twitches, ARGH!

Other than all this, I feel great - know that sounds odd, but I actually do. I think I'm just getting used to all this stuff at once. Thankfully only 3 days left at work, yippee! I just can't wait till bunny is out and I no longer solve one illness to cause another 2. And then I won't be pregnant any more, woohoo! Had an ante-natal class today on breastfeeding....was quite interesting.

That's all my moans for this week folks, tune in next week for another installment!! I'll maybe put an update on after midwife this week.

Julie.xx

Bump Update - Week 34

It's not been a good week...in fact it's been the week from hell! I had a filling come out last Wednesday after dinner, which hurt, so I went to dentist to get him to top it up on Thursday. On Friday is was very sensitive and a bit wobbly but I thought I could cope with it till Bunny arrives. I spent half the weekend crying and the other half popping paracetamol, and on Sunday night I was in the most pain I have ever been in.

Went back to dentist yesterday and he gave me injections, much to his dislike and drilled in and cleaned out the inside and put in a temp filling to last 3 weeks. Unfortunately, it was rather more temporary than that and it came out last night! So I was back today and now have a yummy (not!) clove filling in it. Hopefully it'll stay put and not cause me pain till I have this baby. If it hurts now, I've to get the tooth out.....

So anyway, not done a whole lot else, just work and dentist, oh and I squeezed in an Anne Summers party on Saturday night!

Julie.xx

Buckingham Blog Version 1.1

I've added some new features to our Blog this weekend. Here's a quick run down on what's what:

Fun & Games - I've added an extra section under the "Previous Posts" called Fun & Games. We've mentioned a few online games on here in the past but to make them a bit easier to find in the future I've put them all together in one complete list. That way you don't need to trawl the archives to find them ;)

Your Thoughts - One of the major problems of the blog just now is that you can't pop on to say "Hello" and tell us how you're doing. I've added a section called "Your Thoughts" under Fun & Games.

You can tell us any news instead of it being all about us or tell us what you'd like us to post. To use it simply put in your name and a little message and it will be added to site. You can still comment on each post as before.

Email article to a friend - You'll now find at the bottom of each article a little white icon. This allows you to send that particular article to an email address. Don't know how useful this is but I thought I'd add it anyway :)

James

Bump Update - Week 33

Here we have Sunday's picture. We have been having internet problems and I've been very tired so not got round to doing this until now.

Not a lot to report, we had our visit to the labour ward last Tueday night, thankfully no noises to be heard, and it wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be. Still not planning on hanging around any longer than is medically necessary! Saw my midwife on Wednesday, who decided I was showing signs of pre-eclampsia due to protein showing up and me going up like a balloon. However I saw her again today and all seems to have settled down again, which is great news.

I have changed my maternity leave dates, I now finish work one week earlier than I was planning to, but due to work politics, I've had to move the date my actual maternity leave starts on by 2 weeks. I now finish on 2nd March, only 8.5 working days, yippee!! I'm even doing a handover tomorrow just in case I vanish early!

Had my 3rd ante-natal class today, which was girls only, and apart from getting to know them a bit, it was a waste of time, all just common sense really!

Julie.xx

Another addictive game

Games seems to be quite popular on here so we've found another one to get your teeth into.

It's called Gold Strike and can be found at: http://www.flasharcade.com/game.php?goldstrike&1. We've both been playing it for a couple of weeks now and it's VERY addictive (would you expect anything else from us :) ).

Julie's managed to get to Level 9 and I've got to Level 7 once or twice. We've not been watching the scores but let us know how you get on and we'll see if we can beat it ;)

James

Midwife Update!

Just thought I'd post here as I know everyone reads this instead of emailing loads of different times!

As you know I have been off work this week with "tummy problems" Well I am going back on Monday, which is the good news (??), but doc still wants to keep an eye on me in 2 weeks time as it's really running me down.

Had a routine midwife appointment today...and I am showing signs of pre-eclampsia and have to see her on Tuesday and again the following Wednesday just to keep an eye on things!

But on the plus side, we have a clever Bunny, he's managed to ask for directions (very un-male like!) and got himself round the right way. Now so long as he stays put, we'll be fine!!

Baby's heartbeat is good as well, 156bpm.

That's all folks ;o)
Julie.xx

Baby Update - Week 32

Here's this weeks pic. Sorry it's late for those who noticed! Not been well, still am not. I've been signed off work for this week to try and get myself some rest so that I (in docs words) "don't end up like a wrung out shammy" by the end. Not eating and not sleeping obviously isn't good at the best of times but not good for baby. This all stems from stomach problems that I have. Have to see doc again today and see what he says.

Tonight we have antenatal class number 2 which is at the hospital for a look round the labour ward and to find out about pain relief. If it's anything like last weeks class it'll be a real eye opener!

Had James' mum up for the weekend just passed - she brought loads of clothes for baby, mostly from Monsoon, yummy! We didn't do very much, went a wonder round the Winter Gardens and a drive out Deeside then to Stonehaven. She headed back home on Sunday afternoon, then we went to Mothercare and that was our weekend!

Julie.xx

Baby Update - Week 31

James here again with our weekly baby update. I've been a bit quiet on the old blog recently so I thought it was about time that I popped back on and said "Yes, I'm still alive". It just so happens that I've not really had a lot of news, nothing that Julie hasn't mentioned already.

Anyway, not a lot to report on the bump-front apart from the fact that it's quite literally now sitting at the front of Julie. If you were to look at her from behind now you wouldn't know that she's actually pregnant. Quite a neat little package really.

The baby is still kicking and punching away and we think we've started to feel a few limbs sticking out now. All quite exciting actually!!!

We're a bit worried about the fact that he seems to be sitting across her stomach rather than pointing down now. Not that I know a lot about this but he should have been pointing down the way by now. Being that he's been two weeks ahead with everything else it's strange that he's now three weeks behind on this one.

Bit of a reality check coming up this week; for me especially. We've the first ante-natal class coming up on Tuesday night. There are five in total with daddy coming to two of them. I'm guessing that we just meet the other mums & dads this week, get a bit of a prep talk from the midwife and practice our breathing. Correct me if I'm wrong on this one because nobody has told us anything apart from where to go and what time.

Anyway, think this blog is getting a bit too long. We'll let you know how we get on later in the week.

James

All We Need Now Is A Baby!

Well thanks to James and his hard work yesterday, Bunny's Room is finished!! The carpet was fitted in the morning and then James came home from work and built the furniture, and it is complete! I am so delighted with it, that tonight (yes I know, Saturday night!!) I went and sorted out all his things and put away his clothes and folded all blankets etc. It seems so much more real - very scary and exciting!

I've popped some pics on so you can all see what's what!

We'd also like to thank eveyone below who contibuted to this room looking so fab (this is going to sound like an awards acceptance speech!)

Carpet - My Mum, Sheila

Bedding, Curtains & Border - My sister, Laura

Cot & Matress - James' parents, Chad & Coral

Chest of Drawers & Wardrobe - My Dad, Jim & Tricia

Thanks to you all - it's very much appreciated and I'm sure Bunny Boy will be happy in his room!

Julie.xx

Bump Update - Week 30!!

Well that's me hit the 30 week mark in pregnancy and also hit the 26 mark in life as it was my birthday last week!! Laura and Colin were here for that, and the 4 of us went out for an indian. It was really yum....at the time!! The baby got the hiccups afterwards (poor Bunny!!) and I had heartburn and was up half the night. So think that'll be my last indian till after he gets here.

I had a midwife appointment on Wednesday last week, hadn't seen her for ages! Blood pressure is still "shockingly healthy" and had blood tests and wee samples taken which seem fine. Laura came in with me and was able to hear baby's heartbeat - she cried!!!

The midwife had a squeeze about my tummy and said baby is currently lying breech, but still plenty of time to move him around. He is now measuring pnly 2 weeks ahead of what he should be, which is a big improvment on 4 weeks!! His heartbeat is 130bpm.

She also says I have RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) in my left leg, which has been driving me nuts in bed at night, and sciatica in my right leg. Feel like I am falling apart! Finding it very difficult to sleep with all these ailments!

We ordered the carpet for baby's room at the weekend (thanks mum!) so that is being fitted on Friday. I am so excited as then we can build the furniture and then I can sort out the cot and see what clothes I have for him instead of them all being in bags everywhere.

This week we have Kelly Pete and Jasmine coming to visit (James sister, hubby and kid!). They arrive on Thursday night and go home on Monday. Not sure yet what we're going to do though, so watch this space!

Julie.xx

Bump Update - Week 29

I feel like I should probably write something good this week, but really there isn't much good to say! Still feel yuck most of the time. Have the midwife this week (Wednesday) for more blood samples and an update. Not seen her for ages, but after this I think it's every 2 weeks. I also got the times through this week for our ante-natal classes and our hospital visit. So we're looking forward to that, they start on the 25th for 5 weeks. Hopefully time will seem to pass faster then!

Baby's movements have changed from kicks to more wriggles now, think space must be getting tight! And despite plastering myself in all sorts of lotions and oils - I have stretchmarks - wonderful!! My dolphin has also officially become a killer whale, having grown from 6.5cm to 9cm since I've been pregnant. ARGH!!

Had my dad up to visit this week, although he only came for dinner and then stayed in a hotel overnight. He had visited Ikea for us (I STILL can't travel, grrr) and bought the furniture for the baby's room. As we still have not got the carpet for there, it's sitting in boxes waiting to be built. Getting itchy feet on it though as the cot currently looks like a dumping ground and I just want to put things away and be organised!!

We have Laura (my sister) and her new boyfriend coming tomorrow for a few days. He's brave coming to be interrogated by the big sis ;o) It's my birthday while they are here, so we're going out for a meal on Wednesday to allow me to get my corriander fix!!

Julie.xx

Bye Bye Froggies

It's a sad day in the Buckingham household today as we say good bye to two dear...dear friends, Georgie and Froogle. Our Racing Frogs.

With the help of Julie and me, we've seen them both grow over the past three months from tiny tadpole to lean-mean elite hopping machines. Never willing to take anything less than first place in their daily races, both have dominated their froggie groups and leagues since October last year.

After 240 frog days (3 days for every human day) both can now enjoy a happy retirement on the sunny banks of Lily Pond drinking their Frog Juice and eating their Chocolate bugs. Have fun guys, we'll miss you!!!

James

Baby Update - Week 28

Happy New Year Everyone!!

Not a lot to report on the baby front really, just thought I'd post a "before" picture as well this week, to remind myself and everyone that i didn't always look like this!! It was taken when I found out I was pregnant and started taking a weekly pic. Not been sleeping much this past couple of weeks, can't get comfy, keep waking up at strange times wide awake and can't get back to sleep, then feel like poo for the rest of the day. And my "morning" sickness is back too. Wonderful! Oh well 12 weeks to go (or being pessimistic, no more than 14!)

Our New Year was pretty uneventful to be honest, just a drunk neighbour we had to phone the police out to, that's it!! I haven't been feeling well, so we just got yummy food in and sat looking at each other :o) Oh well, we've never had New Year just the 2 of us before, and doubt we will for a long long time to come, so in a strange way it was nice.

Hope 2005 brings you all your wishes!
Julie.xx