Lawson Time

In only four weeks I will be departing to the UK and it will be getting very close to meeting the baby.  In one hand this is obviously super exciting but on the other hand super sad as this means I only have four weeks of Lawson time!  So I am just going to have to enjoy every minute I can with them.  Last night was Alastair's birthday so had some food, swimming and dancing in celebration.

 We had all the toppings

 A delicious vegan birthday cake

And we could never have an evening without a little dancing.  The Lawson's now have 'Just Dance' the only video game that I just love.  I had a few dance off's, and I don't want to brag but I did win them all.  Another lovely evening spent with a very special family.

Lola Love

In Lola's golden years, she has become amazingly loving.  It is quite incredible, she seems to not only tolerate other dogs but even seems to like a few.  She also wants to cuddle not only when I am feeling sad but seems happy to all the time.  It is actually pretty amazing and something I have waited for for almost 14 years!

However, last night was a night that i really needed the cuddles.  A colleague of mine died after a motorcycle accident on Monday.  It has been a huge shock to me and of course the entire school community.  It has been so strange to come to school and not see him and quite unbelievable that he was just here last week.  Last night was one of the prayer nights (all part of the funeral), particularly put on for the school and the students and at the very last minute I was told I could not go as the temple would not allow pregnant women.  I felt horrible as I work very closely with his wife and well just wanted to be there.  It has certainly been a reminder not to sweat the small things and live life to the fullest.  But certainly a terrible way to be reminded.

Sugar Free, Booze Free

I am one lucky lady to have the friends that I do.  Last night Ruth and Adam had us over for a sugar and alcohol free dinner.  Now this is was an unexpected, unnecessary but much appreciated gesture.  They made such an effort to make sure all the food was on my new approved list of foods.  To make such an effort with the food is one thing but then for all only to have water with dinner takes it to a new level (although to be clear, I am not crazy and would not have minded in the least if they had a drink).

 I tried to make some extra special hummus, found this great recipe, even had tahini (a very hard ingredient to get here).  But prego brain got in the way and for some unknown reason without thinking I added half a cup of lemon squash.  You have never ever tasted hummus so foul in your life.  I was hoping maybe I invented some new amazing dip, but no never try this.

 The hosts, from day one of our arrival in Thailand they have helped us and continue to be super supportive lovely friends.

 Even Lola got an invite and she has been known to be a bit nasty to Bella in the past.  But she has totally mellowed in her old age, I think she has reflected and decided it is much nicer just to be kind.

A great evening out, a rare occasion these days, but one that we must try to do more often as imagine it will be an even rarer occurrence in a few months!

Times a Changing

Being pregnant and getting ready for the baby have brought a lot of changes to my life.  I have traded white wine for sparkling water, coffee for decaf and more recently chocolate for carrot sticks.  Not complaining, happy to do it (most days anyways!).

Yesterday was a big day of change for us.  We sold White Rider, my favourite car of all time...

...super fast, loud, pop up lights and well pretty much a timeless gem and put the money towards..

...a new crib and some paint for babies for room. Yep, times are definitely changing!!  Going to miss good old White Rider but super excited but baby's room :)

The Kings Coronation

This weekend was the new King of Thailands official coronation, a three day event that gave us a much deserved long weekend.  That is one thing I miss about working here, there are no long weekends and I do miss that.   I spent most of the weekend trying to eat very healthy and organise our house.  But did manage to get a fun games night in on Sunday night.

 Becoming a favourite of many, Dixit.  Jacqui made a ridiculous amount of delicious food and a fun night was had by all.

 Not long now before Kim leaves us for Japan.  We need to get a lot of Kim time in before she goes!

My Vegan Sunday but really Monday night roast.  I was so super proud of it.  My cauliflower cheese I thought was particularly nice considering I had never made it before.  And I traded regular mash for sweet potatoes, trying to keep my sugar down :)  Back to the grind today, but only six weeks left to go!

First it was the Wine

Giving up the wine was expected and obviously not difficult when you want something pretty badly.  Now it looks like all sugar and starchy things are going right out the window as well!   These last few months of pregnancy I shall be super duper healthy as today we found out that I have gestational diabetes.  Not the end of the world at all, possibly baby might be bigger but it shouldn't stand in its way of ruling the world one day.  

 My newest gadget to make sure I am doing okay with blood sugar levels.

In all seriousness, it is a super small inconvenience to bring into the world Lola's brother or sister to join our little family (and I really will be on top of it, and if I am not Luis certainly will be).  Bring on the broccoli!  

Getting Out

Since being pregnant I have been actively avoiding places and social settings that involve drinking.  I have found not drinking super easy as long as I am no where around wine.  Recently I have been called up on how ridiculous this is and how much I am missing out on.  So when that same good friend invited us out to dinner I was thrilled to get a little dressed up and have a night long over due with these peeps.

A lovely  mid week dinner to break up the binge TV watching and hang with some real life fabulous people instead.