e l x i v e

“The latent phase of labour is the time when changes in the body start occurring in preparation for actual or established labour. It is generally described as a period of time, not necessarily continuous, where there are painful contractions accompanied by thinning and opening of the cervix up to 4cm.” 

Bathing with Darcy is such a calming experience. My littlest water baby is at her happiest when surrounded by the gentle lapping of warm water and the soft fragrance of a herbal bath. It must be so comforting for her to return to the water; she lived within it for nine months and entered the world through it. Seeing her suck in her little lip as she sleeps peacefully in my arms brings me so much joy, the content on her face is so evident.

Littlest is a very serene baby, she rarely cries unless she’s in discomfort. I feel so in tune with her, maybe this plays a part? Kian was a colicky, restless newborn and I was a nervous, panicked first time mother. The difference between this stage between my two littles is remarkable, although it hasn’t negated the wonderment of them both.

I’ve found that herbal baths help me so much, both in terms of bonding with Darcy and with my personal, physical healing:

What it does for me:

Helps me to relax - the scent of lavender especially

Soothes my perineum - even though I didn’t tear, I did get a graze and these baths have eased my discomfort tremendously 

What it does for Darcy:

Reduces her newborn acne and milk spots

Moisturises her skin using all natural, baby friendly products

Soothes and relaxes her

Helped to heal her cord stump - it fell of in five days!

I recommend herbal baths to everyone, not just parents of newborns. The rewards are definitely worth it! Read below for the simple ingredients I use in these baths.

— Daphne

I’m laughing as I type this; this post was supposed to go up a month ago! And before anyone freaks out, yes, Baby D has been born already (intro post is on it’s way) 

I thought that I’d have the motivation to blog much sooner than I did, but I found myself longing to bond with the littlest, and savour her first few weeks as a newborn. Excuses aside though, here is how my last week of pregnancy went!

How far along? -  40+ 4

Best moment this week - Noa voluntarily coming to cuddle with me! I swear, she went from hating me to never leaving my side when I became pregnant. Dogs are so smart, it’s incredible how protective she is of me at the moment.

Miss anything? - My back not aching constantly LOL! And sleeping on my front/without being kicked awake, as much as I love her little flutters.

Symptoms - My mucus plug is still coming out, but in my heart I know she’s definitely due soon. I’ve also been having Braxton Hicks type contractions which is exciting.

What I’m looking forward to - Seeing how Kian will react to his new sibling!

Happy or moody most of the time - Happy, excited!

Baby in veggie/fruit terms - Pumpkin

                                      I N T R O D U C I N G  .  .  . 

✿   D a r c y    A i n a    ✿

Born:      12th March 2017

Time:      02:48 am

Weight:   2.976kg (6lbs 9oz)

Length:   49cm (19.29in)

L A B O U R    A L E R T ! ! !

Yes, if this post has gone up, I am definitely in labour and Baby D should be here any time soon!

I still have a few posts in my drafts including my 40 week Bumpdate so my blog will be on queue until the birth announcement.

So close, and yet it feels so far! I’m thirty-nine weeks now, Baby D is due in 6 days! It’s so crazy, my second pregnancy is almost at its end… I could have sworn I only just announced it haha! I ordered some oils today; clary sage and lavender as Lynda suggested. I’m looking forward to seeing how they affect me during my birthing process - we plan to use them for aromatherapy and massages so fingers crossed, everything should move forward quickly and smoothly. Speaking of Lynda, we had her flown over from London so she could be here for the birth, just as I had wanted. Everything is coming together, we’re so nearly there ♥

How far along? -  39 + 1

Best moment this week - Practicing inflating and filling the birth pool

Miss anything? - Being able to paint my toenails, put on socks and tie my shoelaces by myself

Symptoms - My mucus plug fell out today! As TMI as it is I had to let the mums in the Mum Chat know LOL! Lot’s of lower back pain still, but the heartburn has gone. I reckon it’s because she’s dropped (finally!)

Baby Purchases – A bedside cot and a teddy

Movement – Constantly. Lynda says it’s a common misconception that babies move less as they get bigger. They should move just as much, in similar patterns throughout your whole pregnancy. Any change or reductions to these movements and you should be contacting your midwife/OBGYN

What I’m looking forward to - Holding my darling baby in my arms.

Happy or moody most of the time - Very happy

Baby in veggie/fruit terms - Watermelon

That’s the question that has been playing on my mind for the past few weeks. Is there, or will there, be enough love in me for both you and your baby sister.

Now, I know everyone is about to jump down my throat screaming “Of course there is! How could you not love both of your children?!” But I don’t think they understand where I’m coming from.

I love you so much Kian. I’ve never loved anyone or anything nearly half as much as you and before I became pregnant with Baby D, I was sure that I would ever love something this much again. The love I feel for you is such a crazy, overwhelming feeling; it takes my breath away, it can make me cry, it amazes me.

How will this play out when she’s born? I already adore her, so so much, but it scares me that I might not love anyone as much as you. In my heart I know I love you both equally… but I still worry. Does this make sense? It barely does to me, a 9 month pregnant, hormonal, sleep-deprived emotional woman. 

I need to sleep, and then I need to hold Baby D in my arms and laugh at myself for ever doubting my love for someone so perfect.

There’s still quite a bit to do in terms of decorating hence why some rooms aren’t shown but this is what we’ve done so far! Kenji and his Dad have been absolute superstars about moving everything in and setting everything up. I wish I could’ve helped them a bit more but since I’m due in 9 days, I haven’t done much! 

Baby D’s (oops, I almost revealed her name!) nursery isn’t finished yet but I’m not too worried considering that she’ll be in our room for at least 6 months. When it’s done I promise to take pictures and share them.

You’re finally comfortable with sleeping in your room and your bed during nap times! Sleeping during the night is proving to be a bit more of a struggle, but I expected that since you’ve been co-sleeping with me since you were born. Fingers crossed we can transition you before your little sister arrives!

Throwback Thursday!

I was 30 weeks and 2 days in this update, feeling like a blimp (where did my feet go!) This was the week when Kenji and I were informed that the house may not be finished in time - the wrong roof tiles had been imported from Spain and the doors we had custom made didn’t fit the build! I swear, I cried a lot this week because I knew if we couldn’t move in before the littlest one was born, we’d be staying in the UK until I was comfortable with her flying, and who knew how long that would be! But, all was resolved (as you know, since we’re now in Sweden!) Anyway, onto the update:

How far along? -  30 + 2

Best moment this week - Christmas! ❅

Miss anything? - My bras actually fitting me! I’ve gone up 2 sizes this pregnancy.

Food craving - Anything cold, mostly Ben and Jerry’s Phish Food and ice chips/cubes.

Symptoms - Heartburn, heartburn and more heartburn. Also lower back pain which is super annoying at night

Baby Purchases – A lot of clothes and a little bedside Moses basket! Most of the bigger items have been shipped to Kenji’s Dad’s house and he’s keeping them until we’re ready to assemble the nursery.

Movement – Gosh, she never stops! Kenji and I actually filmed her rolling over when I was lying in bed, it’s the craziest thing haha.

What I’m looking forward to - Kian’s 2nd Birthday.

Happy or moody most of the time - Ugh up and down, mostly happy though!

Gender – Girl ❀

Baby in veggie/fruit terms - Cabbage

By the time this post goes up, Kenji, Kian, Noa and I should be on a plane and on our way to our new forever home in Sweden! It’s been a crazy stressful month trying to get everything sorted; I almost didn’t make it onto the flight! All will be explained once we’ve landed and settled, there’s so much to share and update you on.

Thank you for all the well wishes and patience, and here’s to a new start and an amazing adventure.

Love, 

Merry Christmas baby! I can’t believe yet another year has flown by so quickly, this is your second Christmas which means your second birthday is right around the corner! 

Today has been quiet; and after 19 years of hectic, drama-filled and family packed Christmases, it was perfect! It may not have been a white Christmas (is it ever in England?!) but it was definitely a cold one so we stayed in pyjamas all day but still pigged out on a huge dinner - I may or may not have eaten a pigs in blanket or two off of your plate because meat cravings plus pregnancy plus Christmas dinner does not a good vegetarian make. I’m really trying with this but it’s proving to be much harder than I thought.

It was amazing watching you open up all of your gifts now that you have a better idea about what Christmas is, although it’s safe to say you found the wrapping paper more exciting than the actual presents!

You’re asleep now, since it’s quite late and you were absolutely knackered. Kenji and I (and Noa and Baby D) are watching Love Actually and no, I’m not crying!

Sorry for this late upload, it’s been a stressful week in regards to the house and I haven’t really had much time for blogging. Everything is pretty much on track regarding the pregnancy - I met with my midwife again for a checkup and my rhesus immunoglobulin injection since I’m rhesus negative (my blood type is O negative). Baby is doing well and is head down, although this won’t matter much until I’m about 34 weeks. Still, its good to know that I’m on track for my pool birth!

Best moment this week - Watching Christmas films and decorating the tree with Kenji and Kian. Miss anything? - My father, he passed around this time last year so it’s a difficult period for me. Food craving - Mince pies and pigs in blankets - the latter is a bummer since I’m vegetarian now and planning to go back to being vegan after giving birth. Anything making you queasy or sick? - Nope. Symptoms - Super teary and bleeding gums, very annoying. Belly button in or out? - Still half in half out. What I’m looking forward to - Christmas! Happy or moody most of the time - Mixed at the moment. Baby in veggie/fruit terms - Aubergine.

Lynda, my midwife, is a hypnobirthing specialist. When we first met, I told her how traumatic your birth was; I was young, terrified, hooked up to drugs and I felt as if I had no control of my own body. She reassured me that giving birth doesn’t have to be scary as it’s a very normal and empowering event. 

It sounds strange to say now, but I’m really looking forward to giving birth to Baby D. My hypnobirthing pack arrived earlier this week and I’ve been listening to the playlist day and night. I also really enjoy colouring the pictures I was given, as does Kian!

My hope is to have Baby D at home, possibly in a pool, with just Lynda and Kenji there supporting me. Hopefully, this experience will be so much better than the first!