Pregnancy update

I thought it was about time I share a pregnancy update here. I've just started my third trimester yay! I am 28 weeks which means about 3 more months until we get to meet our little one. Everything is progressing normally. I was however diagnosed with gestational diabetes at 19 weeks. The antenatal clinic requested I take the glucose test early as I'm in the high risk category due to my being South-East Asian and having strong family history of diabetes (both my parents had Type 2 diabetes). I've been able to manage it with diet and exercise so no drama. Sometime I think it's a blessing in disguise as I haven't gained much weight (3 kg since becoming pregnant!). My belly is quickly getting bigger every week that I'm slowly outgrowing my clothes (I only started showing at 6 months!). I haven't had to buy a whole heap of maternity clothes as I normally wear quite loose clothing. Sleeping has become a bit uncomfortable so I went out and bought a special pregnancy pillow (this one). I've had it for one night and it's been good. I'll probably work up until about a month before I'm due. I'll take my annual leave up until my due date and start my maternity leave from there. I'm quite fortunate that my workplace provides 20 weeks maternity leave at full pay and on top of that in Australia we get another 18 weeks of government maternity leave at minimum wage pay. I'll be taking off at least a year and will decide after that whether to return to work part time or not return at all.

In terms of preparations for bub, we've got most of the big things like a bassinet, cot, change table, capsule for the car and a pram. Most of these are bought second hand or given to us. We're going to try out reusable cloth nappies (these ones) and reusable wipes (this one) since some of our friends with kids recommended them. That's a lot of washing but in the long run it will save us money and the environment. I've also started to buy bits and pieces for bub especially handmade things that I can't resist because they're too cute hehe. I've also got a few sewing projects that I have to complete for bub - maybe when I go on leave. It's a nice feeling to be finally buying and making things for my own baby as oppose to gifts for others.

Bub has become quite active, kicking me harder everyday. I love feeling bub move around in my belly even though at times it seem quite tight. Maybe bub is doing a rolly polly or star jumps haha. I try to remember to take time out to bond with bub - talk to bub, sing to bub and sometimes read to bub. I'm having another ultrasound this week to check on bub's growth.

one. big. update

One day, we hope to have a house like this one...just keeping that dream alive

Hi there. It's me again, yes I'm still alive even though I haven't posted anything here in almost half a year! I'm still figuring out what I want to do with this blog. Initially its purpose was for documenting my crafting adventures/inspiration then over time I used it as an outlet for procrastination PhD-related thoughts. After finishing my thesis, my computer died and I found that I didn't enjoy blogging on my iPhone or iPad that much. Anyway let's update you on some major happenings in my little corner of the world.

1. I am officially DONE with my PhD! I had my graduation only a couple of weeks ago. I can't tell you how happy and relieved I am. Getting my PhD was something I wanted to do before I turned 30. Even if I don't get to use it, I'm just happy to be able to achieve my goal and prove to myself more than anyone that hey some dreams do come true. Of course there were a lot of sacrifices made along the way, on my part as well as my husband. I'm so thankful for his support and that of our extended families, I couldn't have done it without them.

2. The more exciting news I wanted to share here is...drum roll... wait for it...we're expecting our first baby! I am about 18 weeks now. I feel great. The first trimester was tiring but thankfully I didn't have any morning sickness. No major cravings and no issue with any food. The food I had to give up didn't feel like much at all. I can still fit into most of my clothes so I'm not showing much just yet. We probably won't find out the gender of bub. The most beautiful thing only happened recently. I can feel my baby moving! The first time it happened (about 16 weeks), I was lying in bed and I felt something in my belly like someone was poking me twice. The poking and fluttering have increased as the days go by. Every night before I go to bed, I spend some time 'bonding' with bub. Sometimes bub kick really hard and even my husband could feel it. We are so thankful to God to have gotten this far in this pregnancy. I can't wait to see bub at my next ultrasound on Friday!

and we're off!

I love these vintage wall flying swallows. Hubby gave them to me for my birthday this year, he's just the best!
Anyways just dropping in to say hello and goodbye! We are flying out today for our annual holiday. We're visiting our motherland Vietnam for 3 weeks. Excited because we haven't been back in 10+ years! We'll be making our way from north to south getting in touch with our roots, visiting families, eating good food and soaking up the scenery. I'll probably won't post until I get back so have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The Union Restaurant

Just posting some pictures of this cool place that Jane took me for my birthday. The Union Restaurant in Penrith is a relatively new and hip place to be. I really liked their decor - rustic meets industrial. I like the naked light bulbs, the giant mixer, the chairs...even the toilet was tastefully done. And the food was good too. Thanks for sharing this place with me Jane and thanks also for Mr Owl (as seen here).

Colour me mine

I'm so excited to share this with you! For my birthday this year, a friend who is very creative got me a gift voucher to paint ceramic at Colour Me Mine. She organised a Saturday night session for us and another friend a couple of weeks ago. I chose a split serving bowl and after pouring over all the inspiration pictures, I settled on a 'nature' theme (note my raindrops and flowers). This may look simple but it took me the full 3-hour session to finish it! They have special ceramic paint which you have to do three coats of to get an opaque colour. One of the girls finished a 'landscape' mug engraved with a bible verse and the other girl hasn't finished her 'doily stencilled' tile. She'll be back for another session. The studio glazed and cooked my bowl and it was ready a few days later. I'm very happy with the result and what a thoughtful birthday present!

handmade Christmas

This is my loot from Finders Keepers last Friday

My family have been doing kris kringle Christmas for the last few years (partners are included as well). This year hubby and I got boys so for their presents, I've been eyeing these handmade neck ties from Marcello Neckwear. Not to worry they don't read my blog, well not that I know of anyway. I love the tie made out of the vintage liberty print! team this with a white shirt and grey vest for a wedding perhaps. The checked one reminds me of the intended recipient so much, very hipster LOL. For myself, I got a couple of laser cut perspex brooches from A Skulk of Foxes, a pack of Ten to Sen washi tape and some Christmas cards. That 'craft is the new black' badge is a gift from my sister's craftsy workmate. There were so so many more cute. pretty. eclectic handmade things that I wanted but I had to be kind to my purse. I really enjoyed the market but I gotta say I've never seen so many trendy hipster-type people concentrated in one place LOL. I'll definitely be back next year!

Finders Keepers tonight!