Hopefully we haven't got too much longer left of us being a family of three.  At 39 weeks pregnant I am now well and truly ready to meet the new addition to our family.  My hospital bag is packed, the baby things are down from the loft and we are all looking forward to meeting our new arrival.

However for the last two years we have been a three.  A little family.  Just Mr E, Mads and I against the world.  We have had some incredible times on our journey into parenthood, and I thank the stars every day that I was chosen to be her Mummy.  While I have no doubt our adventures will continue to be as exciting when we are a four, there is a part of me that can't help but feel a little bit sentimental about the fact that we haven't got much longer left as just the three of us.

With that in mind this weekend just gone we decided to have a day dedicated to our little Mads.  Although she won't remember it, we wanted to make sure that we spoilt her rotten, had lots of fun and enjoyed one of our last Saturday's as a threesome.  She can look back on the photos when she is older and see what fun we had.

We got up and went to Baby Ballet- something which we have only been doing for a few weeks but that Mads already loves.  Her little hand clutches mine to begin with as she gets really shy but she soon gets into it and loves dancing, jumping and running with all of the other little girls.

After Baby Ballet we headed over to our local ceramic cafe to do some painting and to make a little something to remember the weekend by.  We chose a star trinket box, that will be perfect for her new room and set about painting it which was great fun, apart from the fact she had a tantrum cause she kept wanting more paint opened!

Painting her trinket box with Daddy.

Our finished trinket box will be ready in a week or so once it has been glazed in the oven.

We then headed out for some lunch in a local pub.  As it was Mads day she was allowed whatever she wanted so of course she chose a fruit shoot, pizza and ice cream!

The pub we went to is in a marina so we went for a walk to have a look at the ducks and the boats.

39 week bump.

Before laughing our heads off on the way back to the car with Daddy being a 'horsey.'

We then came home and relaxed on the sofa while Mads had one of her massive three hour naps.  I certainly will miss those when the new baby gets here!

I love this little girl so much and I know she is going to be the most excellent big sister.  I know that our lives are going to change dramatically having a new baby in the house, but I also know that she will take it all in her stride and while it may be tiring and occasionally tough in the early days, we will settle down into being a family of four.

I can't wait.  But I will also remember one of the last weekends of us being a three forever.

I can't thank my little lady enough for the last two years and for making me a Mummy.

We love you Mads.

When Mads was born we had lots of blankets as I have a bit of an obsession with the idea of keeping them cosy.  My favourite one was the softest, snuggliest pink blanket from John Lewis.  I used to use it when she was in her pram or her car seat but for some reason it ended up in the loft.  When I went to take it down for the new baby I found that some moths had been at it and there were holes in it.  Grrr.  

Therefore I was on the lookout for a lovely blanket for the new baby.  I had this idea of patchwork but if you have any idea from being a reader of this blog, I am not the most domesticated of people and can't sew to save my life.  Therefore I asked on twitter if anyone knew where I could get nice baby patchwork blankets.

I was recommended @optforoptimism by quite a few people.  Her website is Stepford Stitchers and she is one talented lady.  I told her what I would like, a Cath Kidston style blanket, and she soon set to work.  Within a couple of weeks my blanket had arrived and it is just gorgeous- I am so pleased with it and it will be perfect for keeping the new baby snuggly in her car seat.

The blanket wasn't intended for Mads but she seems to be 'looking after it.'

Sophie makes handmade quilts, Cwtchies (taggies) and bibs, and she can do them in all shapes and sizes.  Her Cwtchies are just gorgeous and made with really high quality materials and she can personalise them and the quilts as well.  We chose not to get our quilt personalised as we weren't 100% sure of the name of our impending arrival, but as soon as our little lady is born I will get a personalised Cwtchie for her.

I definitely recommend that you check out Sophie's website and follow her on twitter as not only is she is super talented she is also a really nice lady.  I made the decision not to do giveaways on my blog anymore as I want my blog to be a personal record of family life, however when Sophie asked if I would like to giveaway one of her lovely Cwtchies on my blog I had to break my rule and say yes as I think she is fab, and I really feel strongly about supporting small businesses.

She is giving away one Cwtchie.  

All you need to do to be in with winning is follow Sophie on twitter @optforoptimism and tweet 'I want to win a gorgeous Cwtchie with @optforoptimism and @mummydaddyme.'

Make sure you leave a comment below so I can enter you in the competition.

Thats it, told you I don't like competitions- so easiest entry ever!  You should definitely go and support Sophie as she really is lovely.  

Competition will end on 21st February and I will draw a winner at random after this time.

Good luck!

I am now 38 weeks pregnant which technically could mean that Baby Number Two could arrive at any time.  I don't actually think this will happen as my body hasn't experienced labour before and I had Mads at 39 weeks via elective c-section without so much as a twinge- but still I think it is about time I got prepared.

With that in mind, this weekend I finally got round to packing my hospital bag.  I most certainly am not one of these ladies that pack their bags ridiculously early, in fact I only live about 7 minutes drive away from our hospital so even if I was to go into labour I definitely would have time to get everything packed.  Still, there is something really exciting about deciding on the little outfits that our new little lady will wear on the first day she is born and when she first meets her big sister.

Also because I am having another caesarian we will more than likely be in hospital for a couple of days, so I am all stocked up and ready now.  Unless I discharge myself after a day like last time which Mr E has told me in no uncertain terms that I am not allowed to do.

Due to the fact that the hospital is so busy, my section isn't for another couple of weeks, so hopefully I won't go into labour beforehand, but if I do my bag is packed ready.  And I am so ready as well to meet our new little person and also not have this big heavy bump anymore!

I have tried to pack as light as I can but I still have managed to fill two bags worth of things.  My hospital bags are by Pink Lining, and although one is meant as a laptop bag, for the purposes of my hospital stay it contains all my toiletries, breast pads etc.

I have got a few little babygrows of different colours etc for the hospital.  I have decided that baby's first outfit will be the most adorable little floral vintage babygrow from The Essential One. It is incredibly soft, and comes with a matching hat so perfect if it is a bit chilly in the hospital.  I chose this one partly because it was so cute and partly because The Essential One make by far the softest and comfiest clothes I have found.  They also come with little matching bags, so I have put a couple of scratch mitts etc in the bag to take with me, and an extra hat.

I also have another couple of babygrows as well, all being well we should only be in hospital two nights but to be on the safe side I have 4 babygrows with me.  I also have her little going home outfit as well and a snow suit for when we put her in the car.  Luckily I didn't have to buy this as Mads was born in December so we have her old one.

I have four vests for the baby packed, all washed so they are nice and soft, I went for short sleeved ones as last time I remember the hospital was boiling.  

I have the usual things like breast pads, a pack of nappies and toiletries for me like shampoo as after 24 hours with a c-section they encourage you to get up and have a shower.  Which is the most painful thing ever but you soon get used to walking again!  I have only taken one pack of nappies as they take up so much space but there are shops about so I am sure if I got desperate Mr E could go out for me! 

I am planning on breastfeeding all being well, and last time for a good week or so it was so painful it made my toes curl.  I didn't buy Lansinoah cream for a few days afterwards last time, when I sent my Mum to the shop for emergencies!  This time I have been prepared and will be slathering it on in the hope it does some good.  I don't know if it does or not but I am willing to try anything.

I have the usual big old sanitary pads as after a c-section you still bleed a fair bit, I was suprised last time to be honest.  And I have big big pants in a couple of sizes bigger, not particularly attractive but when you have a big scar on your bikini line it is important to think practically not fashionably!  I will probably have to wear these for a good few weeks.

I bought a new nursing bra the other day to keep me going for the time being, but I will wait and buy a couple more when I know what size I will be properly.  My lovely Grandma bought me some great PJ's from Primarni, (Primark) two big shirts that will be great for breastfeeding as I can just open them up when she needs a feed.  Also a couple of little camisole tops to go underneath, they aren't breastfeeding ones but I don't think it hugely matters, I didn't wear breastfeeding PJ's last time and I was fine.

I have a massive muslin cloth that I bought in a pack of three, they are brilliant for wiping up baby sick, covering you when you are feeding in public or even for putting over the baby if they are slightly chilly.  I highly recommend getting big ones as they seem to have a purpose for everything.

Finally I have a gorgeous knitted blanket from The Essential One, which is so comfy and although we have lots of blankets, we have chosen this one to keep her snuggly in her car seat on the short journey home from the hospital.  It is lovely and chunky, and comes in really nice bright colours.

Besides that I have things not shown in the photos- of course my camera, a couple of magazines that I am yet to buy, my phone charger (to make sure I can tweet and text!) and a present for Mads from her little sister.

And that's it.

I think I am ready.  I feel ready for this baby.  With under a couple of weeks to go I am getting nervous and just want our new arrival here safely and soundly.  I am nervous about having another section as I know what to expect, but I have the world's best husband who I know will look after us all, and make sure we recover well.

I can't wait to meet our new little girl.

PS- Did I forget anything?  Make sure you let me know if I did!

At the start of this year I set myself a little project, a photo a day for the whole year on instagram.  However I wanted to do it a little differently, I wanted to make sure that I remembered the little things in life that I should be grateful for.  Sometimes when you are tired or having a stressful day, you forget how lucky you are.  

So I have done the first month of my 'I am thankful for...' project on instagram and I have found it really nice, it is lovely to pick out even the smallest parts of your day and realise the little moments.  I am really enjoying reflecting and feeling thankful for the little things in my life.

1.  #iamthankfulfor...my husband.

2. #iamthankful...Time to relax and put my feet up (and do some freelance work) while Mads is at her Auntie Paula's for the morning.

3.  #iamthankfulfor... Days out with my three favourite ladies- my mummy, sister and Mads.

4.  #iamthankfulfor... The chance to be this little lady's mummy. I will never ever take it for granted.

5.  #iamthankfulfor... Relaxing days with my little family not doing very much. We popped to Waitrose and then my hubby treated me to a lovely pressie for my camera- now we are at home relaxing while Mads has a nap.

6.  #iamthankfulfor... Comfort food, sometimes you just need it. And the fact my husband cooks most nights.

7.  #iamthankfulfor... the snuggly 45 minutes we get before my husband comes from work. She wakes up from her nap, and we cuddle on the sofa watching television and talking about what is on. She is all sleepy still and so affectionate and I love these times together.

8.  #iamthankfulfor.. The fact that we have lots of friends and toddler groups in our area so me and my girl can go out and have fun together. I relish these moments just the two of us.

9.  #iamthankfulfor... The snuggly bedtime routine I have going on with these two. It's my favourite time of the day. Lots of fun, giggles, cuddles and kisses. Plus then we get to relax! ;)

10.  #iamthankfulfor...The fact we go to my grandparents once every couple of weeks for dinner. I absolutely adore them and so does Mads. We are so lucky to have them in our lives and they treat us all the time.

11.  #iamthankfulfor...Nights away in nice hotels with my little family. Just off swimming now. :)

12.  #iamthankfulfor...Snuggly evenings on the sofa with my lovely husband. Just about to watch silver linings with Bradley cooper which is supposed to be amazing.

13.  #iamthankfulfor...The little things my husband does for me, and he does a lot. Like running me a surprise bath and putting candles in there.

14.  #iamthankfulfor...Simple pleasures. Watching the magic in someone's eyes as she experiences snow properly for the first time.

15.  #iamthankfulfor... Snuggly lunch dates by the fire with my gorgeous hubby. It's lovely to have some child free time to enjoy each others company.

16.  #iamthankfulfor...My Christmas pressie from work has arrived and I'm so excited to have an iPad of my own as mr e has our one. Thankful to work for a company who really treat their staff all the time.

17.  #iamthankfulfor...My husband answering my twitter plea and getting me cookie dough ice cream. He's a Goodun.

18.  #iamthankfulfor...The fact that this little lady will be happily watching tv or playing with her toys but will often come up to me for a cuddle and a play with my ears. She is so affectionate. When she wants to be. ;)

19.  #iamthankfulfor...Snowy days with my little family. Although we could only stay out half an hour as it was so cold.

20.  #iamthankfulfor...Sunday mornings popping over to see my Dad. Nana and Grandpa are currently playing 'sleeping bunnies' with Mads.

21.  #iamthankfulfor...Getting into my cosy, comfy bed at the end of a long day. There's nothing like your own bed.

22.  #iamthankfulfor...Being snuggled up at home in the warm when it's so cold out. We have been baking, playing and now having a 'tea break.'

23.  #iamthankfulfor...Days to myself as my little Mads is at a family friends today. Had my hair done and relaxed, had my fringe put back in.

24.  #iamthankfulfor...The fact that my mum, stepdad and sister live nearby so we can go sledging in their garden!

25.  #iamthankfulfor ... Dinner out with lovely friends, chatting and putting the world to rights.

26.  #iamthankfulfor... Relaxing Saturday nights watching trashy tv and eating copius amounts of biscuits.

27. #iamthankfulfor...Lazy Sundays having lunch with great friends.

28. #iamthankfulfor ... Morning swimming sessions then out for lunch with my Mummy and Mads.

29. #iamthankfulfor ...  Wonderful friends who love my daughter as if she was their own, who look after her every week without charging us a penny and who take her on girly shopping trips and spend a fortune on her in Baby Gap. We are very lucky to have some incredible people in our life.

30.  #iamthankfulfor ... A chance to sit and relax for an hour. In a Starbucks. Reading my book. ON MY OWN. ;)

31.  #iamthankfulfor ... little moments with her Great Grandma.

So thats it, things I was thankful for in January.  It is nice to remember the little things and realise how much you have got to be grateful for.  

After all, we have so much.