What a week! It's been so lovely! A real Turkish Treat!
It was my mum's 60th this week and the present from the family was a surprise trip to Turkey. It went down so well and she really had no idea...
In fact, I'd go as far as to say she thought we really didn't care and we'd forgotten all about it. When we all jumped out on her at the airport her face was a picture; she even shed a tear. Just knowing it's exactly what she wanted was a job done well by all.
The kids (Corey and my brother's two girls, Sadie and Tess) absolutely loved being away together. It's been so nice seeing them all have such a super time. They couldn't get enough of the sun, sea, swimming pool, slides, activities, the disco and ordering their own kid's cocktails.
Nothing makes me happier than seeing them having the holiday of a lifetime. Even baby bump enjoyed it as it kicked away nicely the whole week long.
Yes I'm starting not only to really feel the kicks but also see them. It was such a special week for Sam, seeing and feeling the baby for the first time. I'm so pleased we got that special moment together away on holiday.
It can be an uncomfortable experience being pregnant on holiday. Being in heat and dressing your bump to look good but also for comfort can be very tricky. Luckily, I managed to pack fairly well and felt stylish and comfortable most of the week. The only thing I couldn't avoid was strap lines from my bikini top. Finding a strapless bikini top for my ever-growing boobs is an impossibility, let alone finding a do-it-yourself version on the day. I'd rather have the strap lines than the mishap!
Choosing the right thing to eat abroad is essential when pregnant. Going for cooked carbs like pasta, bread and chips was the safest option. Obviously not the best and I'd rarely say this but not the preferred choice with the heat. All I wanted was fresh salad and fresh fruit, but that's the problem - how fresh is it and has it been washed with tap water? You have to be careful as my boys discovered! It's fair to say the healthy eating went out of the window and I don't regret any of the 20 ice-creams I had.
Now one thing I thought I'd miss more whilst being pregnant was having a few alcoholic beverages. I'm pleased to say it's not bothered me at all. In fact, it's been nice not drinking at events/parties, especially the day after...Not having the hangover!
However, I will admit I did miss an afternoon cocktail around the pool. I'd go as far as to say towards the end of the week I couldn't think of anything else apart from a minty, fresh mojito in one hand, book in the other as the sun beamed down! Instead it was a bitter lemon whilst fanning myself because it was hot and uncomfortable staying still for too long on the sunbed. Oh, and rolling off it every 10 minutes to go to the toilet... Not a good look!
As nice as it is to be away and have an amazing time with everyone, it's a good feeling to get back home to your own environment.
I'm desperate to crack on with the nursery now and get it all organised. My plan is to get it all sorted and ready before Corey starts back at school in September. He has his 11+ exams as soon as he returns and I want everything settled for him before the baby arrives.
Read more in Suzanne's fab pregnancy blog next week!