nearly there

Well we're at the final countdown. With less than a week to go until the due date and no more than 2 weeks, regardless, due to Italy's policy of inducing you after being a week late (apparently)... he can't come soon enough.

I get the impression he is getting very squashed and uncomfortable in there as I spend about 6 hours of each day being prodded in the ribs and bladder and experiencing what feels like a baby elephant trying to turn around in a bumbag attached to my stomach. 

My mum arrived on Friday so she has been giving us 'lessons' on what to expect, massage techniques and breathing exercises which has been great as we haven't had any antenatal classes here due to the language issue. 

But the sun is out, we are prepared and I am in good health with no complaints at all so there really is nothing to do but wait! Thank you all for your emails and calls and gifts (that have made there way from as far away as NY, thanks Patsy). 

The next entry will include a picture of the little man we've all been waiting for! Lots of love. Kx

nine weeks and counting

Just nine weeks to go! I can't believe how close it's getting. 

I am getting pretty big although I look around at other pregnant women as far gone as me and I'm not nearly as big as some of them so I can't moan about the load I'm carrying around. Anyway, this little boy certainly is full of beans. At the moment he seems to move non-stop all day and night. I reckon he knows his time is running out and soon he won't be able to move around even if he wants to as he'll be too big. It's funny feeling a head or elbow sticking out - and even weirder SEEING it. I love it!

I'm still trying to work out about where I'm going to have him and how it will all work. It certainly isn't easy in a foreign country without health insurance... but I keep thinking that wherever I end up, they'll do their best and I've always been told I have a child-bearing figure so hopefully now I can prove that true! Fingers crossed as they don't even offer gas and air over here as pain relief. 

We have set up a little part of our room for Luca for when he arrives and it looks so lovely and cosy it's making me want to have him here even more than I already did. Nick reads stories to him and I talk to him during the day around the house so it really feels real now. Especially as we have a name for him and things in place for when he gets here!

We have our final scan next week... and it won't be long now before I can update pictures and videos of him onto this... I'll keep you posted as best I can.  Lots of love. Kx

getting bigger by the day

Well I've hit 25 weeks and am certainly growing! I can't see my feet any more and the little man inside me is full of energy. Even at this stage he wakes up each morning with Nick and me and kicks around a bit before settling back down until Nick gets home (that's the usual pattern). I am already beginning to feel outnumbered, as he obviously can't wait to get out of there and start being his dad's side kick.

But all is great in Rome. When it's not raining monsoon-style it's glorious and sunny and the visitors we've had have been perfect and lovely to see. Tan and Colin are here this weekend and then next Sunday we're heading back to the UK for Christmas (just a week). 

This pic is of my bump a month ago but it's the only pregnant shot I have at the moment. I'll surprise you all in person! Lots of love. K&N xxx

it's a boy

Well as you all probably know by now, we found out last week it's a boy! Great news as it's what we suspected so have already adjusted to the idea. All is good here. The bump is growing and it's getting colder in Rome, but all is peaceful and calm. More soon. x

p.s. here's his hand from our recent scan – maybe not the most amazing picture you've ever seen but we love it :)

bye bye bingo

My dad leaves today after a week. He has suffered my hormones more than any other (Nick disagrees this point which makes me worry) and despite doing all of the washing up and buying cute Ethiopian outfits for baby Russell has had a sinister Kate following him around for the last 6 days barking at him. Sorry :) If I give you my Mandarina Duck sunglasses will you still like me? Safe trip home. Love you. Kx

baby names

As per Jess' request, please add any suggestions you have for baby names here. As you all probably know, the main runners are currently Luca and Lola. But all suggestions welcome... just click the comment link below. Ta Jess, will add Carla to the mix, although she is a dodgy character in EastEnders isn't she? x

a visit from mary and kate

We had a lovely visit from Mary and Kate, during which they walked about 10 miles a day and managed to eat about 986 variations of fried courgette flower. They also brought home-made chutney, 5 pots of marmite and the cutest baby clothes. Thank you! x