Psychologists, Showers and School

Last Saturday I went to a session with a psychologist which looked at how life will change when the baby comes out. It is a session which is totally endorsed by my obstetrician and so is paid for by him and they recommend it to prepare yourself for the transition from a working class person to a stay at home mum. The lady who ran it started it up because she felt very out of her depth when she had her babies and so started talking to Booker and Keo about doing sessions with women both before they have their baby and then after having their baby.

There were 9 other ladies in the group (one of which I knew from church a few years ago - Libby Fraser). It was sort of awkward at the start and then people started to warm up to the chats which we were having. She spoke about the initial changes that will happen and expectations in the first few moments with the baby. It was a lot of 'what have you been told?' and 'what are you expecting' as well as building upon that of 'how will you feel' and 'is it normal to feel that way'. So very much a discussion based time. It was nice to hear that other women are in the same situation as me with being unsure of what to expect and expecting the unexpected. From the session I took from it trying to live in the moment and reminding yourself 'this too will pass', particularly during the hard times. But to also enjoy and soak up the good times and deliberately focus on the moment, not letting your head thoughts get in the way. It was quite good to hear and be reminded about. So a couple of weeks after the baby is due we will meet up again with her in smaller groups - around 4 people - and chat about how things are going, what have you noticed and learnt, etc. I'm glad that Booker allowed me to have this opportunity as I probably wouldn't have gone if I had to pay for it, etc.

This morning I had my baby shower. It was quite nice to be able to hang out with a wonderful bunch of girls. It was fun too to have 3 babies around too - so cute! I was really happy that everyone seemed to be able to chat and hang out, even though quite a few people were from different stages at church and school. It was only small with 11 girls but I think that worked well so everyone chatted. That's pretty much all we did - eat, chat, hang out. But that was the way I wanted it. James was wonderful and was a barista for us so was working hard in the kitchen making coffees and hot chocolates to orders as well as putting together teas. All in all I think everyone had a lovely time just hanging out. It was sad that Jens got sick so wasn't able to make it (but totally understand) and Rach from school wasn't able to make it in the end because of family commitments with her husband preaching at church - again totally understand. As well as Jenny and Julie not being able to make it down (also totally understand) but it was nice to see those who could make it. Bubble was quite spoilt too which was very lucky getting lots of little soft toys, blankets, wraps, etc. as you can see in this picture.

Pressies for Bubble

It is nice to know that Bubble and James and I are so loved by those around us. It was also very lovely to get a beautiful handmade quilt from Julie! What a lovely surprise (thanks mums for working together!) and such a special gift for Bubble. I love handmade things!

The amazing quilt

and my special husband. :-)

 This week at school I have been finding it a lot harder than other weeks. Just feeling very tired and run down a lot faster than I have before. Around 2pm each day I'm hitting a wall but need to keep going to 3:30. Fortunately I finished my reports (well round 1 of the process) so hopefully they won't have too many changes this week. I'm worried I'm going to be told that they are all too long (after last year being told they were all too short) and will be really upset if that comment comes back as I need to change every comment then. But hopefully they will be fine in length and it will just be a couple of changes to make. I have also marked all of my learning journal work which is nice to have done. Hopefully I will be able to remain on top of my marking. It's pretty crazy to think that this week is my last full week of teaching by myself. Next week I have from Wednesday team teaching with my replacement teacher.

I met the replacement teacher this week on Wednesday and she seemed nice. I am really hoping and praying that she will fit in fine and get along really well with my other Year 1 buddies. We will see how it goes. I'm sure it's quite hard to come into a close knit group of people so hopefully she will be fine. On Thursday we were supposed to have a planning day but she called up sick. My boss is keen for that to still happen, but it will depend on her availability. I hope she makes it a priority as there are a few unique children in my class and it would be good to explain some different things I have implemented this year like Maths Rotations and how I do Literacy Groups.

So I'm now at 34 and a half weeks. Crazy that I have only 2 more weeks of school, 6 more weeks until I get to meet Bubble. So surreal all that is going to happen in the next couple of months! It is very exciting but also quite daunting!

My tummy is getting bigger too! Last night I woke up and it felt like Bubble had broken one of my ribs. I was in so much pain as I rolled over. Fortunately that went down this morning. I hope that doesn't happen each night. Not so much fun!

Me in my new feeding top after the Baby Shower. Feeling big.

But I do still have an inny belly button! I'm hoping it stays that way!