tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63611146393659064752024-03-19T08:23:07.100+00:00Made By WhoHelena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361114639365906475.post-36238019295867538352013-01-03T11:42:00.000+00:002013-01-03T11:50:05.416+00:00And we're back!!!Sorry everyone about the silence. I was having a baby!!!<br />
Clara Soeiro Schneider was born at the 20-12-2012 (how cool is this date???), with 2.94kg and 54.5cm (I know, supermodel, right?)<br />
She came into this world by a c-section delivery, due to the fact she was breech all the way through pregnancy.<br />
The operation was really great, I was super confident and the Homerton Hospital medical team did a great job. They made me feel comfortable and secure and I have nothing to complain about. They even accepted my requests: having my baby girl delivered onto my chest straight after she was out of my tummy, waiting till the cord stopped pulsing to be cut and allowing me to have skin to skin with her before taking her to measure and weight.<br />
After we left the theater, they took me to a recovery room, where she had her first feed. It was so magical, having my daughter over me, happily feeding as if we knew each other since forever.<br />
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The following 48 hours at the hospital were not that great. I couldn't sleep at all (I can handle my baby crying but definitely NOT 8 babies crying at the same time!). I was surprised by the number of moms that were bottle feeding their babies. It's clearly the culture of this country, they have lots of issues about breastfeeding, it is not that common.<br />
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Saturday the 22nd we came home with our little princess. It took us a couple of days to adjust ourselves to the new life, to stop crying every time she cried but now I can say we are doing really great! Husband has been the best dad ever, so caring and loving, he's been a huge help! And me, well, I still spare on tear or two when Clara screams for no apparent reason but I'm super proud of the way we are doing things.<br />
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We are sleeping well at night, she only wakes up twice, so we can have a reasonable amount of hours per night (enough not to become zombies). And during the day she is a champ! Sleeping with loud music or TV, lights on e even the washing machine on!<br />
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As you can see we are pretty much in love with our girl. She is the sunshine of those wintery days. Everyday she learns something new, it's a new expression on her face, a new look, a new smile. She is getting really chubby with big cheeks!<br />
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She is the sweetest little thing, just perfect.<br />
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Today she turns 2 weeks old. And I know... time flies...she will be in university in blink of an eye!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYRfnpiGSGD3g3woCq0U7UgclyvwwdJ6bbPBB8p-rLl6RIQmmtzqrAuQLMc4z1ksKcja1WkyTTDBl8X1sVhXgbbCjVOT-suwJMEDUJfdOcHicQkdMCu2UGBEAIHg4a0Y_9cVXDP33SXbT/s1600/Clarotinha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYRfnpiGSGD3g3woCq0U7UgclyvwwdJ6bbPBB8p-rLl6RIQmmtzqrAuQLMc4z1ksKcja1WkyTTDBl8X1sVhXgbbCjVOT-suwJMEDUJfdOcHicQkdMCu2UGBEAIHg4a0Y_9cVXDP33SXbT/s1600/Clarotinha.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clara - 1 week old in her very cool outfit chosen by her dad</td></tr>
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<br />Helena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361114639365906475.post-74154264701457936702012-12-19T17:54:00.000+00:002012-12-19T18:20:59.231+00:00A letter to you (2)Honey,<br />
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Mama cannot put down in words the love I feel for you right now. You are the centre of everything. You are the only thing in my mind and heart and I can't stop thinking about you.<br />
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I feel you moving inside me and think this might be the last day we have this kind of relationship. That probably from tomorrow on, I will see your face, and hear you crying for me, will hold you in my arms and tell you that we will be alright, that we are a team now and you will never be alone.<br />
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If everything goes like we have planned, tomorrow we will have our c-section and you will be out into this world. I know, maybe you will still turn last minute, but I keep feeling your head right up my stomach and believe you will stay where you are. I have to confess that I got used to the idea of having you tomorrow with me and am super excited right now.<br />
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Oh, Clara, it's not gonna be easy, I know. I'm a bit terrified of staying 3 days at the hospital without your father. He doesn't know that, but he is my big source of strenght. Him and his kind eyes and sweet voice, the minute he holds me, I feel safe. You will see, he will charm you as well. You will love his cuddles. I can visualize waking up in the middle of the night and seeing his silhouete, holding you, telling you his little secrets.<br />
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Only one more day, baby, one more. Hold tight little angel, we will live quite an adventure!<br />
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Love,<br />
Mama.<br />
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<br />Helena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361114639365906475.post-10261994864417534112012-12-18T10:10:00.001+00:002012-12-18T10:15:53.736+00:00Hopes for a better world for you<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My mind currently goes back to the victims of that horrible massacre in Connecticut. Now that I have a new human being growing inside me, I deeply feel for those mothers and fathers who lost their children. I can't even read the articles or see the news about what happened in that school that day, it only makes my heart hurts so much.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And I really can't stress myself this week. This is a crucial week for all of us. Week 38, almost there! And I am and will be happy about it!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's funny how we (as parents) think we can decide everything. That we have the power over our small babies. But since the womb they are there to show us that we have no control at all over our lives anymore. From now on, it's their rules and you have to follow!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was planning a very relaxed natural birth. I was so curious about it, being so different from every birth story I ever heard, that I really wanted to try. I wanted to be in water, with my husbands hands massaging my back, breathing deeply, making cow noises, no medications, just the three of us connected to this miraculous event that's birth. But, at 37 weeks and a half, baby decided that she didn't want to be born that way. "No way" she might have thought "This is too hippie, I'm a super modern girl and I don't want to be dropped in water!" Well, my little stubborn girl decided she won't turn upside down! It is comfy the way it is, she is there sitting down, waiting the right moment to meet her parents and well, it's just to much hassle to be upside down anyway!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And here we are. We tried everything you can imagine for turning this baby. I did acupuncture, moxibustion - a burning cigar that goes very near your small toe for 15 minutes and it's supposed to open more space on your uterus so baby could turn - I was upside down myself for 1 minute everyday, and we went to the hospital for a ECV.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ECV (External Cephalic Version) it's a technique done by doctors where they kind of grab the whole baby from outside your belly and just try to force them to turn. I know, it doesn't sound right ans IT IS NOT. OMG, how much that thing hurts!!!! I felt like they were tearing me apart, changing position of all my internal organs... And baby didn't turn. She is SO her father's daughter.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm not surprised if the turns last minute just to make a statement!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know lots of mothers out there will say that it's still possible to have a natural vaginal birth even with a breech baby, but I'm just too scared now. I'm already worrying a lot why she didn't turn, is there's something wrong with her and etc. I believe not even all the relaxing tapes in the world could calm myself down to try to have a natural birth with her in this position. So we are going for an elective cesarean. And because I complete my 39th week at Christmas day, they scheduled it for the 20th, two days from today!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can't wait to meet my baby girl, my sweet angel, my little best friend! Can't wait to hear her cry at the theater room, all purple from the birth. And they will put her over my tummy and she will make a huge effort to try to open her tiny eyes to see her mom. And I'll tell her how much I already love her and how excited we are to meet her. And I will feed her for the first time in my life, feeding another being with my own body, and we will become friends, and we will have good laughs during the course of this amazing experience that's parenthood.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One friend of mine wrote me a lovely e-mail and she said: "<span style="background-color: white;">but soon she will be in your arms and it will seem like the universe has revealed its grand purpose for you". She's right, this is the meaning of life, raising other humans so they can be part of the society.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Even the society not being great, and stupid things like giving guns to boys who are so angry, so scared themselves is a very dangerous thing. Even people being greedy, competitive, liars. Even with all the horrible things that happen in this world, it is still a wonderful place to be.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And I'll show little Clara all the good things this world has to offer. Love, laughs, beautiful landscapes, music, compassion, dance, friendship, furry animals, everything!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Can't wait to meet you baby. It's getting very close now. Love you,</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mama.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Helena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361114639365906475.post-89742970484324385002012-12-06T12:21:00.000+00:002012-12-06T12:21:30.209+00:00Clara's Nursery RoomBuilding the nursery was huge fun! For the first time in my life, I could plan a room from scratch. To think about every single detail and go for it!<br />
I'm super happy with how it looks, it's exactly what I had in mind, it's just so cute!<br />
I really wanted her to have a few things from the places where her mom and dad formerly lived, that's the result:<br />
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Her Eames pink elephant was a gift from my dearest friend Silvia. Her husband and her were part of my daily life here in London for more than 2 years before they decided they would move back to Brazil to have their little girl <span style="font-size: x-small;">(who might be born at any time now)</span>, breaking my heart in little pieces.<br />
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The cot mobile and blanket are from Mamas and Papas, a shop I simply adore in London. They were also presents from dearest people who I simply can't thank enough for their generosity. The owl was a surprise gift from two adorable girls to whom I lent our house for a few days.<br />
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Here it comes the Scandinavian team. The cot bumper and changing mat are from Sweden. I got them from an super cute online shop called <a href="http://www.themodernbaby.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Modern Baby</a>. The owner of this shop, Suzanne, it's the cutest lady I've ever met, mother of two little ones. I totally recommend you go check her shop NOW!<br />
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Finnish Marimekko little suitcase was also a gift from my lovely friend Pinja, from <a href="http://pinjacolada.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Pinjacolada</a>. It's just SO cute!<br />
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On the wall, we will have Olga, a blue monster originally from Liniers, an Argentinean illustrator who I love. I couldn't find any of his posters to buy so I redraw it myself. We also have the cutest little squirrel from an English illustrator <span style="font-size: x-small;">(sorry, forgot her name!).</span><br />
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The latest purchase is my gor-ge-ous Eames lounge chair that's just breathtaking! So beautiful, so comfortable! Can't wait to spend my days and nights nursing her on our chair! Thanks husband!!!!!<br />
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This is where we will spend our days from now on. I believe our little Clara will be very happy here!<br />
I hope you liked it!Helena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361114639365906475.post-2574466017325313152012-11-28T16:32:00.002+00:002012-11-29T07:58:34.506+00:00This post is for youClara,<br />
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This is the first of what I hope will be a new series here on the blog: Posts just for you, Clara. At the beginning of pregnancy, I was writing quite a lot for you, but as usual, mama gets busy, and stops her very cool projects.</div>
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So I'll keep writing to you here, this way, you may find this website one day and be delighted by how much mama loves you.</div>
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Dear baby inside my belly, we are almost there. I absolutely can't wait to see your face, your eyes, check if you have one pointy ear like mine, kiss your fingers, bite your chubby tights, feel your smell.</div>
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I can't even describe how much I already love you and we haven't even met in person yet.</div>
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I wonder if you'll recognize me after you get out my tummy. If you'll look at your dad and know he's the guy that every night tells you secrets that only the two of you can hear. If you will know how much joy you brought to our lives since you started growing inside my belly. </div>
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We know it'll be tough. I know I will daily cry of fear: is she too warm? too cold? hungry? sick? I know this will be my life from now on. But I'm also very sure we will have lots of fun together.</div>
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That you and your dad will be best friends, I already can see you two conspiring against me, and giggling like teenagers. I can imagine the clear picture of you, holding your shovel and bucket going to the beach to build sand castles. I can see you making funny faces when your front teeth start falling and that we will laugh out loud with all the super funny things you will say.</div>
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I don't know what the future holds to us, your mama and dad are not very keen of settling down, you will soon sort this out. But I'm very sure that wherever we live, we will be the most happy family on the block and that our house will be filled with love. </div>
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I love your dad very much. He's an awesome guy. He is very handsome, you will totally fall in love for him. He's also super funny and silly, and he loves to make me laugh and soon he'll do that to you as well. My heart melts when I imagine the two of you together, it will be really cute.</div>
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Can't wait to hang you drawings on the fridge, to prepare your lunchy to go to school, to eat popcorn and watch a movie under the blankets with you. I love you baby girl.</div>
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We have only one month to go now. 4 weeks and you will be into this world. And I promisse, baby, I promisse you I'll be here to look out for you always.</div>
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Cuddle up yourself, honey, because it's cold outside and we will soon be united.</div>
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Lots of kisses, </div>
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Mama.</div>
Helena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361114639365906475.post-41466939758065713412012-11-27T18:15:00.001+00:002012-11-27T23:46:00.943+00:00A Most Curious Kids Fair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgifAidn3We3VDVe3dkiDjFs9kpWTDq5UmloV5ypNePHsRuJWNqZYygrba21RnsvFl4Ud75T0xZOVaJV3xlIH8-IuZ7zbkQd6bln1R_XAle3Zg2U25zHCrk7KkRBLyXL1u9zIPShKPoYgs/s1600/curious.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgifAidn3We3VDVe3dkiDjFs9kpWTDq5UmloV5ypNePHsRuJWNqZYygrba21RnsvFl4Ud75T0xZOVaJV3xlIH8-IuZ7zbkQd6bln1R_XAle3Zg2U25zHCrk7KkRBLyXL1u9zIPShKPoYgs/s1600/curious.jpg" /></a></div>
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If you're in London and love kid's stuff, you just can't miss the <a href="http://amostcuriouskidsfair.co.uk/" target="_blank">Most Curious Kids Fair</a> in Bethnal Green this Saturday.</div>
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It's gonna be full of great brands, adorable products and the most desirable things for your child.</div>
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I've been following them on facebook for a few weeks and I'm delighted how they managed to collect so many cool people to sell on the fair, so cool!</div>
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I've been saving my lunch money so I can get something cute for baby girl! I jus't can't wait!</div>
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I hope to see you there!</div>
Helena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361114639365906475.post-15062804147935930662012-11-19T19:45:00.001+00:002012-11-19T19:47:02.239+00:00 Do you wanna go for a walk with me?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you could join me today at the park I was going to tell you I woke up this morning feeling blue.<br />
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That it makes me a bit guilty to fell like that and that I don't wanna baby girl to think this mama doesn't love her (which I do, VERY MUCH) but I got a bit tired of being pregnant.<br />
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Walking on yellow dry leaves, I would tell you that I'm feeling huge and tired all the time. That I've been sleeping so badly lately, that my head spins and spins with worry and that I just can't breathe.<br />
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We would sit on a bench to recover from the walk and I would confess I'm constantly hungry but feel horrible after eating, and complain a bit that there is no more empty space inside me. You would tell me to be patient, that I'm almost there, that there's only 5 weeks to go, and I would feel shy and ashamed that I'm filling your ears with my complains.<br />
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We would for sure curse the weather which is not helping much, being so dark, so cold. We would walk a bit more till the Pavillion to grab a coffee and warm up our frozen hands. I would smile watching the kids feeding the ducks and my heart would melt thinking on Clara in a red winter jacket, throwing bread on the lake.<br />
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That would be nice, if you could join me.<br />
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<br />Helena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361114639365906475.post-70437117192672741572012-11-17T10:40:00.004+00:002012-11-17T21:28:10.566+00:00Why mamas love a dirty talk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.gnappies.co.uk/shop/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/g/j/gjoy_square5152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.gnappies.co.uk/shop/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/g/j/gjoy_square5152.jpg" /></a></div>
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That's the deal, we all knew that soon or later this would happen, I know it doesn't smell good, I know it's nasty, but c'mon, let's talk about poo.<br />
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If there is something I was not even thinking twice about my motherhood journey was that, YES, we were going to use disposable nappies. I was "that's it, c'mon, we're already all by ourselves in a foreign country, we don't have help, soon husband will go to work and I'll alone take care of this baby. So, let's make life simple and use nappies!"<br />
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At the same time, you have to agree with me, this "all eco" moms, they are very nice and everything, but there is also something nuts about them. I saw a doc the other day about families that don't use nappies at all. They have learned how to see by baby's expression that a pee or poo is on it's way and they ruuuuuun to the toilet or the nearest bush, spread little baby's legs so baby can do his business.<br />
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I was all about "this is nuts", there will be poo on the floor, what about the water they use to wash so many baby clothes, blah blah blah. I was trying to stick with my guilt about using disposable nappies with honour till the end.<br />
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Well, I received one little email from another pregnant friend asking about nappies, and that was it, I started thinking. Of course, I want to be practical, I want baby to have a soft, clean, squeezable lil' bottom but will I sleep well knowing that disposable nappies are the third largest contributors to landfill in the world and yet only 5% of the population uses them? That a single nappy can take up to 500 years to biodegrade? And that in the UK only, 10 million nappies are binned everyday?<br />
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And yet, I remember that image of a poor tired mom running through the house with a baby already peeing himself, trying to reach the toilet in time, and it still makes me laugh.<br />
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Well, that's how I found <a href="http://www.gnappies.co.uk/" target="_blank">gNappies</a>. They are a mix of a 100% cotton nappy cover, with disposable inside liners that not only promisse to be 100% biodegradable, but also to be gentle and effective for your baby.<br />
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I still don't know what this family here will do. And I also don't want judgmental eyes at me if you meet me for a coffee and I'm using normal nappies (not me, hahaha, baby!) but it surely makes me think.<br />
I might give it a try. Who knows, maybe this baby girl will come to the planet already helping to save us all.<br />
<br />Helena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361114639365906475.post-47125787795934692932012-11-15T17:15:00.002+00:002012-11-15T17:15:44.892+00:00The coolest baby in the blockI absolutely love a baby in pajamas. There is nothing cozier, cuter and let's say comfortable than a baby in cotton all-in-ones. I believe babies should wear only comfy clothes. I wish we adults could only wear pajamas as well, but this may sound a bit freak :p<br />
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Good news are, here in Europe, there are lots of baby clothes brands that agree with me. That babies should be all day in 100% cotton, stretchy outfits. But the best part is that there are people out there fighting against the pink-blue dictatorship who think kids should be fun and wear cool prints.<br />
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I'm all about repeating patterns in the moment and am in absolute love with these brands.<br />
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Here there's a little selection of my favorite baby brands:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bobochoses.com/" target="_blank">Bobo Chooses</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.meandi.se/" target="_blank">Me and I</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://polarnopyret.co.uk/" target="_blank">Polarn O. Pyret</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxN-TXgFR8tmthJdJPkTfsTUm1tYvzHKLBB-k3RdH6GYga179zp6fm6FWHNG1KbGvusR679yfGwBB9aypOYvJ3K0fC2S13Ft9hJ4ZD3h8l0hGKv5bWedmkTeUnG-eoDxz__O2ObaD8tdEb/s1600/blog_beau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxN-TXgFR8tmthJdJPkTfsTUm1tYvzHKLBB-k3RdH6GYga179zp6fm6FWHNG1KbGvusR679yfGwBB9aypOYvJ3K0fC2S13Ft9hJ4ZD3h8l0hGKv5bWedmkTeUnG-eoDxz__O2ObaD8tdEb/s1600/blog_beau.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.beauloves.co.uk/" target="_blank">Beau Loves</a></td></tr>
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Biggest trouble with those brands is that it's kind of impossible to have a competitive price with big brands (read: GAP), and we, new moms, know how quick our babies will grow so it's kind of complicated to have only cool and bold clothes. But, in my opinion, is already good enough to have people out there trying to make a difference and have a market for cool kids who have personality since the crib.</div>
Helena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361114639365906475.post-24730725891613042342012-11-14T10:21:00.000+00:002012-11-14T10:21:54.137+00:00And her name is...Only 6 and a half weeks to go and things are getting pretty real around here.<br />
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It's almost there. Baby is getting big, and life is getting more uncomfortable.<br />
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I had the best pregnancy I could ever imagine (so far), being super active, full of energy, I didn't get nauseous at all. But now, at this very end, I'm a mess. Super tired, baby is pushing my belly so hard that hurts, constantly peeing, difficulty to sleep. wow, the list is getting bigger.<br />
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Well, I believe is only normal, as there is less space for her inside my uterus. Of course, the lack of comfort is proportional to the anxiety now. Look, I'm super calm, but can't deny I'm getting a bit anxious for her to arrive.<br />
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I was putting all my focus on arranging her nursery room, buying her stuff, but right now things are kind of done and all I need to do is wait. <i>(LIE: I still need to pack the hospital bag!!!!!)</i><br />
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I finally finished the door sign I was doing for her. When I first got pregnant I had a dream that I was going to do all by myself, sew the cot bumper, cushions, everything! But - of course - I didn't. Although, I'm glad I made her two little but very important things: her door sign and an illustration we still need to frame.<br />
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Both items contain something that I believe was the most difficult decision of my life: finding her a name. Naming a child can be so tough!!! But we got to an agreement and, really, I can't imagine her having any other name right now. It's SO her!<br />
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Are you curious? Here it is!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZN83RJSac6DafXbygat2C-GbOb_ah13oXVhRHesCzXDEEu_aLiqCwVnTxtIjIxqB-OOLqNOXLdCf6imhb7qqLJe4sycAKnq6IAmiEa1hw_humxOnwWYkUz2SboFaxO9VkGKojmgTOCLvm/s1600/P1050057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZN83RJSac6DafXbygat2C-GbOb_ah13oXVhRHesCzXDEEu_aLiqCwVnTxtIjIxqB-OOLqNOXLdCf6imhb7qqLJe4sycAKnq6IAmiEa1hw_humxOnwWYkUz2SboFaxO9VkGKojmgTOCLvm/s1600/P1050057.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kdgOKBdB4T_GgtXCzcOhnBe5KB3oIGNa0QAi0jtz32bbbYrarR6n9S7ZN736Ma4wyX9Nq2xG4IST7AHJ4aJ9yJ6c5VRBDpeKaLX_6s9takZGcvEtRo2njGiWNb2gZSj2MkjueVLit2-X/s1600/P1050058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kdgOKBdB4T_GgtXCzcOhnBe5KB3oIGNa0QAi0jtz32bbbYrarR6n9S7ZN736Ma4wyX9Nq2xG4IST7AHJ4aJ9yJ6c5VRBDpeKaLX_6s9takZGcvEtRo2njGiWNb2gZSj2MkjueVLit2-X/s1600/P1050058.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfHnZgow0feyhdgPKSuUacQbCSxW1oowllDd7TNQb81Sd9lHfn8U8CbWg8uH4paYO8yao-C2mpPqpjOLdCNK0u5To6uo0HvxrKJ26R7gFhRViRqopZGfgRyWNCi9bjqDWdenyZgHkf1dv/s1600/P1050059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfHnZgow0feyhdgPKSuUacQbCSxW1oowllDd7TNQb81Sd9lHfn8U8CbWg8uH4paYO8yao-C2mpPqpjOLdCNK0u5To6uo0HvxrKJ26R7gFhRViRqopZGfgRyWNCi9bjqDWdenyZgHkf1dv/s1600/P1050059.jpg" /></a></div>
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Clara is a latin name, and in portuguese means clear, bright, luminous. I know she will have a bit of a problem with her name if we keep living in English speaking countries but she'll be alright!</div>
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She will be happy we are passing to her a bit of our<i> brazilianity</i> and will feel special.</div>
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Be welcome, Clara! Your home is ready for you.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The picture frame I'll post later when it's on the wall :)</span></div>
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<br />Helena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361114639365906475.post-39783357568282996222012-11-07T09:51:00.001+00:002012-11-07T09:51:32.981+00:00Getting close...Yesterday one friend of mine got her baby 3 weeks before her due date. WOW. It made me think that our little girl can be at home with us sooner than I think. Husband says that she won't, that if she is just like her mama, she'll be a lazy litte girl who will only wake up at last minute.<br />
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The point I wanna get is that it is very close. Only a few days more than 7 weeks. 7 weeks!!!!!<br />
And to think that when I realised I was pregnant I had to keep secret for 12 weeks and it just looked like eternity to me. 12 loooooooong weeks keeping the secret out from everyone. It was hard.<br />
<br />
And now things changed so much, I'm big, the belly is the first thing people notice about me. Baby girl has a name, and a room for her, so many things, more clothes than her mama. She's already our number one priority, everything we do and plan is for her.<br />
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I can't even imagine how it might feel to finally see her, squeeze her feet on my hands, kiss her head, see her opening her eyes and feeding her with my own body. It's truly amazing.<br />
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Hey baby girl, it's Mama here. Look, we are crazy about meeting you. Your mama and daddy already love you very much. If you think it's funny to arrive at New Year's Eve, so do it. There are gonna be fireworks in the sky to celebrate your arrival, sweet pea.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbOwsgYi31LjiYbI4_bOHBMtJmKlpT69f_ry1sMrO2UkOJvYh58ge06nvxvtEj2Qv9Ur5dgwXFW-6hlc7mTZCsyOo7SmFcGuncBVwHmKnbnb6vF200EQnm7-A8_M1nkAIHhD0vwG6nfuf/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-11-07+at+09.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbOwsgYi31LjiYbI4_bOHBMtJmKlpT69f_ry1sMrO2UkOJvYh58ge06nvxvtEj2Qv9Ur5dgwXFW-6hlc7mTZCsyOo7SmFcGuncBVwHmKnbnb6vF200EQnm7-A8_M1nkAIHhD0vwG6nfuf/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-11-07+at+09.48.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victoria Park, London. 32 weeks.</td></tr>
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<br />Helena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361114639365906475.post-47936248165518658332012-11-05T17:44:00.002+00:002012-11-05T17:44:51.769+00:00PinkEverything is pink when we are talking about baby girls. All the gifts you receive, the toys, the dresses. It's like a pink dictatorship.<br />
At the beginning, when planning her nursery, I was trying very hard to avoid pink. I just thought it was way too normal. Also because you have to be really careful with pink shades, there are a few shades of pink that are just sickening!<br />
So, I was tending to go to yellow all the way. But it was after planning her baby shower that I realized that yellow and pink go really well together. Not any pink, but one particular shade of pink that I love.<br />
And that became a little obsession to me. Pink and Yellow obsession.<br />
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And that's what I've just found on etsy:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjRoqrPcAo_ZwUBd_ZDxffMQaBD7ZqRN9w8YyZemhuhWtANpCZcHbh4FnpUR699GaEFBGrbXltdIr2Rk686TxAHnpmxQGpSkjGtUY6ahzzL25jzF-4QubGeA5cOddSiNQyidO1OCx-V4W/s1600/pink_blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjRoqrPcAo_ZwUBd_ZDxffMQaBD7ZqRN9w8YyZemhuhWtANpCZcHbh4FnpUR699GaEFBGrbXltdIr2Rk686TxAHnpmxQGpSkjGtUY6ahzzL25jzF-4QubGeA5cOddSiNQyidO1OCx-V4W/s1600/pink_blanket.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.etsy.com/listing/113168015/baby-bedding-baby-comforter-toddler</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJVez2wCfEqOvhIVWVozKMabn93CoL99V7nDxzG8qrrVQZKt_2l5noxH277qjuqIRKl0U9GO-IldlP8z3D6fZCI9q2Qg50zaWlyrBRIIcmfWe1gysj5-rM01hLxy8UdCpGVt9TBUuPsqY/s1600/pink_rug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJVez2wCfEqOvhIVWVozKMabn93CoL99V7nDxzG8qrrVQZKt_2l5noxH277qjuqIRKl0U9GO-IldlP8z3D6fZCI9q2Qg50zaWlyrBRIIcmfWe1gysj5-rM01hLxy8UdCpGVt9TBUuPsqY/s1600/pink_rug.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.etsy.com/listing/101952166/round-rug-floor-crochet-100cm</td></tr>
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They are going to look heavenly with the yellow cot bumber and changing mat from <a href="http://www.fargform.com/" target="_blank">Färg & Form</a> that I already got:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ws4Btmg37VkVjcUwEdkB3WZBeAYSHRJesjhbXWzJYwN6GVnEnAnszqEqMJIzTwJhRIaDx8vECEexhrfjZ7RjckHaG7wX5gspVFEwYdXXKnXdxqfM7LMt5F81MAZrk3uFvlSynaG_E03N/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-11-05+at+17.38.24.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ws4Btmg37VkVjcUwEdkB3WZBeAYSHRJesjhbXWzJYwN6GVnEnAnszqEqMJIzTwJhRIaDx8vECEexhrfjZ7RjckHaG7wX5gspVFEwYdXXKnXdxqfM7LMt5F81MAZrk3uFvlSynaG_E03N/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-11-05+at+17.38.24.png" /></a></div>
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They are both quite expensive so it's more like a treat. Even more because not even one of them are on my essentials item's list. Let's see... Does the fact that it's my birthday next week a reason good enough to commit such a crazy act?</div>
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Oh well... dreams, dreams, never ending dreams.</div>
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<br />Helena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361114639365906475.post-85534536200526160122012-10-24T14:55:00.000+01:002012-10-24T14:55:11.441+01:00Very Stylish BabiesEvery new mum knows the huge market out there of evil-gorgeous-overpriced products, targeting us, new mums, those who have just waited too long for this precious baby to come to the world, who are willing to give everything to their kids.<br />
Okay. Now you add the fact that there are designer mums to the equation and try to figure out how dangerous this might be.<br />
Because now, not only a totally unnecessary item is SO necessary BUT, at the same time, it NEEDS to be beautiful and in harmony with your house.<br />
Those bastards, they really know how to catch a mum's heart (or wallet).<br />
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*giggles<br />
**tears<br />
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Lucky me I have a friend who told me very wise words as soon as I got pregnant: a baby needs very little, almost nothing, just a pair of breasts and some warm clothes.<br />
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I've been using those words like a mantra, every time I see a perfect piece of design like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaCJ3eTeRBRT4LeqeFmT0kt-8hr9l_AkNcmJ-vh2E3-UR5dQ1GO0PxbPTSANPTBrlrZckjF5Nbgt4w0wpHjpOPra7qUJSXpB1USZg-S4m7H23t6KtjZmo6wVMzQkaTx6KfyttiufN86l-/s1600/highchair2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaCJ3eTeRBRT4LeqeFmT0kt-8hr9l_AkNcmJ-vh2E3-UR5dQ1GO0PxbPTSANPTBrlrZckjF5Nbgt4w0wpHjpOPra7qUJSXpB1USZg-S4m7H23t6KtjZmo6wVMzQkaTx6KfyttiufN86l-/s1600/highchair2.jpg" /></a></div>
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The most perfect baby high chair, that brilliantly match our dinner table chairs, with the most simple and yet pretty design I've ever seen. Oh, and very, VERY expensive.<br />
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The design studio behind this beauty is the Spanish <a href="http://www.ovobymicuna.com/#/gallery" target="_blank">CuldeSac</a>. A big high five to them. Unfortunately this is not for this mama here, but surely it's something I can dream about it.<br />
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What does make you heart melt?<br />
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<br />Helena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361114639365906475.post-31478949020261366692012-10-22T22:33:00.001+01:002012-10-23T11:54:51.844+01:00My birth plan: Do it with love!There are lots of fears and concerns about becoming a parent. There are no rights and wrongs, there is no book that's gonna teach you how to become a role model to your kid. Or to yourself.<br />
Now, I'm more into the "role to myself" part as baby has not been born yet. First: the birth.<br />
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Since we live in England and here the antenatal care and birth are mainly ruled by midwives in a more natural way, I decided I will go all hippie style and try a non-medical birth. I've been reading books about how to deliver a baby naturally, with no intervention, how to cope with the pain, the concerns, and mainly, the judgement.<br />
Where I come from, in Brazil, I would have had a planned c-section for sure. It's the way things happen there, beyond being good or bad for baby and mother, it's just the way they do it. And even having your belly cut 7 layers of flesh, I have to say it's a bit comforting to know I would go to the hospital at the planned time, and after 2 hours I would have my baby girl in my arms.<br />
Ot the other hand, I'm planning to go for the full longest pain I've ever been through. But I'm happy with my choice. I believe I can do it as many women have been doing for thousands of years. I might just need a bit of support from people I love, that's all.<br />
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I've been trying to convince myself that with love everything is possible. No hard words, no screams, non unnecessary fear. That I will, together with husband, love and cherish this moment, treat us with respect, try to laugh, try to praise him and tell him every single moment that he's the best partner I could ever ask, and that together we can deliver this baby girl the best way we can.<br />
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And that if I just can't, doctors and nurses will be there to help me, in any sort of way to bring baby girl to the world. And it doesn't matter really if they have to use this or that instrument to help me, I don't care and will not be frustrated, I just want my little baby in my arms healthy and happy.<br />
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See you in 2 months, baby girl.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OdwJtVY2yS1m0_xOSiaGmaePAUrxaN-94nrzBrqle1xOjony28ChaCYTbU1IeBWJKICd7D3qCCZ39dJ5ioImTrUcsAArOlZWaWBXYErZ_1DHhZORr3o-ZclsN2mfNxZ5KSu3uEI9u9MC/s1600/hippie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OdwJtVY2yS1m0_xOSiaGmaePAUrxaN-94nrzBrqle1xOjony28ChaCYTbU1IeBWJKICd7D3qCCZ39dJ5ioImTrUcsAArOlZWaWBXYErZ_1DHhZORr3o-ZclsN2mfNxZ5KSu3uEI9u9MC/s1600/hippie.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my hippie mama trousers, or "paaaants" how they call in San Francisco, with 26 weeks</td></tr>
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<br />Helena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361114639365906475.post-34651601995064216512012-10-21T23:37:00.001+01:002012-10-21T23:50:17.572+01:00WHO'S BACK IN THE HOUSE?I am!!!<br />
I couldn't find time to change the blog's layout. Between the trip to San Francisco, the journey home (Brazil) to show everyone the belly, the return back to London and all the preparing to the arrival of baby girl, I'm totally without any spare time.<br />
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But this girl <a href="http://www.mamadalston.com/" target="_blank">here</a> inspired me to come back writing again. Even with an old layout. Yes, I still want to share my mama thoughts and ambitions, fears and silly wishes for this baby girl who's joining our family in December.<br />
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This is the latest picture I have, it's been ages ago, I was 26 weeks by then (I'm 30 today!) but it's a picture I love. It has everything I like, beautiful beach, warm weather, great smile in my face and my pretty baby inside the belly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqeftJD1n7Ku0HTUKJZp1T7KGKyN0NYfn-ltrZu_yHUZKl2SXK2YysGzSCIIeMYz_s5IWsDwhPa_AHRnALZivuY-ULR9a5bsQg1yqC9_g4jgnqUcJoY_KjV4blVYgcNYCkBW0EkIG3f2q/s1600/mini_praia_26+semanas3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqeftJD1n7Ku0HTUKJZp1T7KGKyN0NYfn-ltrZu_yHUZKl2SXK2YysGzSCIIeMYz_s5IWsDwhPa_AHRnALZivuY-ULR9a5bsQg1yqC9_g4jgnqUcJoY_KjV4blVYgcNYCkBW0EkIG3f2q/s1600/mini_praia_26+semanas3.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm bigger now, and here in London the weather is much MUCH colder and it's a bit difficult to show the belly around, but I promisse to take more pictures.</div>
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I'll also show you how the nursery room is looking now, it's SO cute! I have what they call nesting syndrome. I just can't stop building stuff for her. I believe this week I might take some photos of the nursery to show you guys how cute is our sweet girl's room.</div>
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It's good to be back, I won't be that far, I swear.</div>
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Love, xx.</div>
<br />Helena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361114639365906475.post-25506859687132228712012-09-07T09:11:00.002+01:002012-09-07T09:11:55.547+01:00COMING SOON...This blog is under (re)construction!!!<br />
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I was just about to shut this page down due to my lack of posts and also my lack of readers, but I decided I'll try harder, I'm not the kind that quit and I also love having a space to talk.<br />
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So, I'm gonna shake it up things around here.<br />
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New design and new topics. I'll focus on my role as a mom-to-be and the challenges I'll find through pregnancy and as a first time mother.<br />
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I'll share frustrations, cuteness, doubts, tears, smiles and love.<br />
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Please, be patient, this might take a few weeks to be done and I don't work well under pressure.<br />
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To be continued...<br />
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xx, HelenaHelena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361114639365906475.post-15669791074265426092012-08-13T23:19:00.000+01:002012-08-13T23:19:11.937+01:00Dear blog,<br />
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Sorry to use such a harsh word but I really suck writing a blog! I shouldn't, but I do! I'm always leaving you behind, forgetting to post, prioritizing other stuff in life. I'm always apologising my lack of posts here so, maybe, I should forget about blogging.<br />
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Yes, maybe I should. I have only 8 followers, very little page views, and I'm aware this space is just not interesting enough to catch people's attention. Life is too busy and this blog is just too boring.<br />
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BOHOOHelena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361114639365906475.post-32078179347458349322012-07-20T18:20:00.001+01:002012-07-20T18:20:36.707+01:00Things I love...and hateI though this could be fun:<br />
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Helena loves:<br />
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Coffee and Milk, at any time of the day or night.<br />
Mothers praising their kids saying how good they are on something <span style="font-size: x-small;">(today I heard at the swimming pool one mama talking to her boy, saying he was swimming like a pro and that made my day)</span><br />
Midweek movie date nights with husband<br />
Sleeping on a clean bed with fresh bedsheets<br />
Long walks with nowhere to go<br />
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Helena hates:<br />
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Injustice<br />
Movies with extreme violence and torture<br />
Wearing a swimming hat and goggles<br />
Liquorice<br />
Bad kisses on films<br />
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I also love her very much<br />
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<br />Helena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361114639365906475.post-60573772479136078082012-07-19T12:53:00.002+01:002012-07-19T12:53:53.242+01:00Love in doubleYesterday I had one huge surprise that completely made my day.<br />
I went to the doctor for a normal pregnancy check-up and I heard my baby's heartbeat.<br />
I can't describe the cloud of happiness that has filled me up immediately. It was the cutest thing I've EVER heard, that fast little heart healthily beating inside my belly. It's true, I have two hearts now and the love I feel for husband is now double the size.<br />
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I was a bit upset he was not there with me, it was not his fault, poor man, it was just that we couldn't know I would hear baby's heart. He was so jealous that I've heart our baby and he hasn't.<br />
And this made me think, for us, mothers is so easy to love this little human being that is growing everyday inside us, our bodies change so quick, our mood varies, it's the craziest thing, but there is a constant reminder every second of your life telling you, there is a baby inside you and he is yours.<br />
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But for fathers it might be so strange. They don't change, they don't get fat or have cravings. They are just fathers and all of a sudden the pressure of being the provider of the family, to be responsible, to do the right choices, it comes like a brick wall smashing them down.<br />
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Husband has been outstanding since we discovered we are expecting a baby. He has been the most lovable, carrying, sweet man in the world. He is passing though an extremely hard professional moment in his carrer but has been holding the stress very well not to show and pass the anxiety for the baby. I love him more and more, and now that I've realised I have two hearts everything made sense, I love him for two, cause our baby loves him very much as well.<br />
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I'm on the 17th week now, and I can't believe in only 4 weeks we will figure out if it's a boy or a girl. And we will be able to think about names, that has been so difficult to choose.<br />
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Love for you all.<br />
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<br />Helena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361114639365906475.post-82459767996990726282012-07-09T23:25:00.000+01:002012-07-09T23:25:41.629+01:00Back from BerlinFirst of all, I would like to apologize for that post where I was all anxious about baby shopping and arrangements. Now, after that crazy wave has gone, I see how silly I was on wasting my nights of sleep and precious time worrying. I believe I just let me overwhelm a bit with thoughts.<br />
Exactly the same thing has happened by the time husband and I got married. Somehow I let myself be swallowed by the consumerism machinery. And in the end, it took me a good few nights of insomnia and liters of tears speared to realise that we don't follow the rules and our way of doing things is special, it's ours. So, I promised myself I will stop looking to to-do's or to-buy's lists on internet and will do our way with the baby as well. And our way is so much nicer!<br />
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This afternoon we had a quick visit to a kid's shop I love to check out the sales. Unfortunately the nursery furniture was not included on the discount, so we left empty handed. But it was good to go with husband to see cute stuff. He is amazing, I love him so much. He got all excited with the winter clothes, hahaha, we had a great time together, looking for stuff for our little one. No rush, no obligations, no pressure, just two parents having fun, holding hands and imagining our cute boy or girl using all that cute winter gear :)<br />
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About our trip to Berlin: It was amaaaaaaaaazing! Berlin is one of my favourite cities in the world, what a great atmosphere it has! We had a great time, saw some good friends, ate well, visited lots of interesting places, saw Pearl Jam and gave each other lots of kisses and hugs!<br />
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We don't have many pictures, we were not in the mood for photos, don't know why.. but here it is what we got:<br />
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<br />Helena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361114639365906475.post-20931882460126489012012-07-04T08:23:00.002+01:002012-07-04T08:23:24.277+01:00We can do it!!!!Heading to Berlin today! Yeeeey! The best of living in London is being able to travel that often!<div>
Our baby-in-the-belly is definitely a traveller! </div>
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I might not find time to publish many posts on these 4 days in Berlin, I'll be too busy having fun! So, I will leave you guys with an amaaaaaaaazing DIY that my friend Pinja from <a href="http://pinjacolada.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/diy-child-swing.html" target="_blank">Pinjacolada</a> kindly shared with us.</div>
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DIY child swing</h3>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's a little summer challenge for you! I put together somekind of instructions for this </span></i><i style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">DIY children's swing. The model of this swing is a DIY version of a finnish children’s swing from somewhere between 70's and 80’s. My mother made a swing like this to me <a href="http://pinjacolada.blogspot.fi/2012/02/long-time-ago.html" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">when I was a kid</a> and now she made one for my daughter as well. Here are instructions to make your own children’s swing. </span></i><i style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">f you get into making one with this instruction or your own please send me a photo of the ready swing by the 3rd of August nd I'll put together a gallery and maybe also a little competition/lottery with a prize!</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You need:</span><br style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Strong fabric for two main parts that are sewn double-layered</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 98 x 30 cm (2 pieces) and 106 x 30 cm (2 pieces)</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- 430 cm bias tape to close the sides</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- 1 sheet of plywood 4 mm thick 28 x 28 cm</span><br style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- 2 x 250-400 cm minimum 5 mm thick nylon rope </span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Check the rope length depending on how high you want to hang the swing)</span><br style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- 4 x 34 cm round profile wooden sticks, width about 2 cm</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Please notice that the swing with these measures is for a child between about 1-2,5 age -depending on a child's weight. To make the swing stronger you can try to use thicker wood sticks and thicker rope (you can check the weight limit of the rope while buying) with well sealed knot closings. </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The measures are not very exact ones and you might want to check them while sewing your own swing to see that for example the side heights match with the width of the wooden sticks. All the measures are marked in centimeters.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Start by cutting the fabric: 2 x A. 98 x 30 cm and 2 x B. 106 x 30 cm. The swing is stronger if the fabric is sewn double-layered so cut 2 pieces of fabric for both parts. Cut also the feet holes for the B part. Sew the double sided parts of both pieces together by closing them with the bias tape all around the sides. Sew the bias strip also around the foot holes of the B part.</span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Place the sewn A. and B. parts on top of each other as a cross (picture) so that the B. part (with the foot holes) is under the A part and inner sides up. Sew the parts together in the middle, but only on 3 sides (shown with red dashed line). Leave one side open for placing the plywood sheet on the seating area. </span></span></i><b><br style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" /></b></div>
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Sew the alleys for the wooden sticks. Before sewing check the measures with by folding the fabric sides around the wooden sticks and see that the sticks on the B come on top of the A part sticks (see the photo).</span></span></i></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. Sand the sharp ends to make them smoother with sandpaper. Drill holes from about 1,5cm from both ends of each stick. You can check this measure when the sticks are in their places. Holes need to be wide enough that the rope can fit through. </span></span></i></div>
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<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. Add the plywood sheet on its place.</span></i></div>
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<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. Add the rope pieces on their places. Put one rope through the swing’s right side holes in front and back. Close the rope to its place by making a strong knot where the rope comes out under the wooden sticks. Add the second rope to the left side of the swing through front and back holes and add the similar knots. Adjust the length of ropes on both sides to be exactly the same to get the swing balanced. You can seal the rope ends next to the knots by melting the ends with a hot iron for example.</span></i></div>
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<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. Make loop knots for hanging in the middle of both ropes and the swing is ready!</span></i></div>
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That's sooooooo cool Pinja! Thanks so much! I don't know if I'll be able to finish mine till August but I'll try! Can't wait to give Mini his/her very own swing!!!</div>
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If you guys feel adventure enough to do one yourselves, please don't forget to go to her <a href="http://pinjacolada.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/diy-child-swing.html" target="_blank">blog</a> and send pictures for the competition :) </div>
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See you guys next week :)</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div>Helena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361114639365906475.post-18796594440739621862012-07-03T10:36:00.003+01:002012-07-03T10:37:18.465+01:00Mama be nutsI couldn't sleep well last night. I was the whole night designing in my head how it's gonna look the baby's nursery room. Call me crazy but I can get very overwhelmed with those kind of stuff sometimes.<br />
How to cope with the wish of a perfect nursery and a tight budget?<br />
What is truly important to buy and what is not?<br />
<br />
I've started looking for ideas online and I have to say there are lots of gorgeous things on the web and I just start panicking with fear of not being able to make it that pretty.<br />
<br />
We rent our house and here in the UK landlords can be a bit tough. Will I be able to hang things on the ceiling or put shelves on the wall? Is there a need for a sofa bed in the nursery?<br />
<br />
Oh dear, my head was flipping around with possible positions for the cot, and color schemes, and the will of sewing it all by myself, cushions, curtains, blankets. **sigh**<br />
<br />
How do you people do it???<br />
<br />
I was so overwhelmed this morning that I came up with an amaaaaaazing idea. A new series on the blog, to stir things up again (this blog's been so dull lately!).<br />
It's gonna call: <b>Mum Like You</b>. A new series of interviews with women who had inspired me to start this new journey as a mum-to-be. Beautiful, intelligent and talented women who have to split themselves in half everyday between being a good mother and a professional, or a wife, or a housekeeper. How this amazing super mum do it? What are <span style="background-color: white;">their secrets?</span><br />
<br />
I thought this would be a good way to help new mums-to-be (like me) to be less nervous with what comes next, less anxious with the future.<br />
<br />
I'm sending today the questions to a couple of girls I know who I truly admire. Let's hope they answer and maybe soon we will have lots of good advices to share.<br />
<br />
For now, I leave you guys with gorgeous nursery rooms I've found online:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcV9r2byZhg/Tj_0l9kdMLI/AAAAAAAADCE/tDeURvzZbmQ/s1600/nursery-kids-room-crib-furniture-design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcV9r2byZhg/Tj_0l9kdMLI/AAAAAAAADCE/tDeURvzZbmQ/s400/nursery-kids-room-crib-furniture-design.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://www.chiccheapnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/room_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://www.chiccheapnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/room_3.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://alistbaby.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/DSC_1738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://alistbaby.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/DSC_1738.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://i-cdn.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/ohdeedoh/2009-01-08-emma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://i-cdn.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/ohdeedoh/2009-01-08-emma.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8028/7414671004_9176d9192b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8028/7414671004_9176d9192b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.babydeco.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Vintage-nursery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.babydeco.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Vintage-nursery.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://i-cdn.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/ohdeedoh/2009-01-08-emma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><br /></i></b></a><br />
<a href="http://alistbaby.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/DSC_1738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><br /></i></b></a>Helena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361114639365906475.post-27308739527804892522012-07-02T23:28:00.000+01:002012-07-02T23:30:06.197+01:00Big NewsHello everyone,<br />
<br />
I'm so sorry for neglecting the blog like I did. I hope the reason is good enough for you to forgive me:<br />
I AM EXPECTING A BABY!<br />
<br />
I didn't want to tell you guys before I completed 12 weeks, so I decided it was easier to stay away from the blog, otherwise I wouldn't be able to keep the secret.<br />
<br />
I'm entering the 15th week now. I already have a small bump, witch I am sooo proud.<br />
I'm feeling super good. No morning sickness, no side effects. Just suuuuuper tired, but that gives a good excuse for extra naps during the day.<br />
<br />
Husband and I are thrilled, over excited with the news. We already love our little one like crazy!<br />
We will only know if it's a boy or girl on week 20, so for now on we call him/her Mini, like a mini version of us.<br />
<br />
I imagine him a boy, blond like husband, with cute blue eyes. Husband imagines a little girl, with black straight hair and little black eyes, so we will be happy with any :)<br />
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Another good news are that we finally have internet at home! Yeeeeeeeey! I'm full time conected again so, I promisse our posts will be much more frequent. I will fill you up with baby news, maternity wear, photos and ideas for the nursery.<br />
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Can't wait for this new journey to begin :)<br />
<br />
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<br />Helena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361114639365906475.post-28175936533036795432012-05-31T11:38:00.000+01:002012-05-31T11:38:03.559+01:00Be kind!Hello!<br />
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Today I was thinking about what blogging means to me. As many internet maniacs, I do read tons of blogs per day. Most all of them are from girls, around my age, moms, creative minds, who love arts, beautiful houses, kids and life.<br />
You can find the links on the right bar of this page and you might see how they are all vey positive about things, and live their lives with a great atitude. They were the reason why I decided to start blogging.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I'm amazed by how much they share about their personal lives online. Kids pictures, home pictures, feelings, family problems, parenting choices. And then, I realize how brave they are, because you need to have lots of courage to open your life and hear on the internet. I have only 8 followers and mainly they are all my friends so I never hear hard words here. But These girls, they have hundreds sometimes thousands of views per day and people are sometimes so mean, I don't understand.<br />
<br />
People judge and judge, they are not scared of saying online that someone else is doing it wrong or being stupid. I can't believe how full of themselves people can get when they are anonymous. And I feel for these girls, like, I feel really sorry that they have to hear from some sort of idiot that they are raising their kids wrongly or something very strong like that.<br />
<br />
It was not once that I've heard them commenting about hard comments on their posts, you can feel that they are hurt, and I can only applaud them for being so brave.<br />
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I don't know if I could. It's a thin line between being personal and way too personal on the virtual world, and sometimes we cross the line and say too much about ourselves.<br />
<br />
For example, I have tons of good news this last month and sometimes I prefer to keep away from the blog so I don't tell too much. But at the same time, this is what this blog is for, isn't it? To keep friends updated about my life in the UK.<br />
<br />
Anyway, as I said on my previous post, this blog will be a bit quiet for a while, till I stop working on this big project and have internet at home. But very soon, friends, very soon we will be back at full speed.<br />
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For now, let's think about being kind with people even when we don't agree with their lifestyles, let's respect and let the others be.<br />
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Lots of love,<br />
HelenaHelena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361114639365906475.post-27348222252005287792012-05-25T16:09:00.000+01:002012-05-25T16:09:03.324+01:00:(Hey Blog!<br />
<br />
I apologize for the lack of posts here. I'm still without internet at home, and am VERY busy with life.<br />
But next week will be my last week in this job and I'll be more relaxed and full of stories to catch up!<br />
<br />
Sorry again,<br />
See you in a few weeks.Helena is...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04007832351399283755noreply@blogger.com0