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Something tells me she wasn't quite ready to leave the beach...

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Bumpin'... 32 Weeks Filled with Love and Friendship

I love it when friends come to stay. In my 32nd week of pregnancy, this sweet girl, Kailee and her beautiful husband, Lachlan came to share a long weekend with us at the beach house.

It was the first time their little dog, Laramie (named after the American town in which they met) had ever seen the beach. He bounded along the shore, splashing about with our little Coco, his energy catching.

On one hazy morning, where the sea salt hung thick in the air we had a pancake cook-off. Kailee's tantalising orange and almond pancakes impressed the judges (Lachlan and myself) for a narrow win over Byron's strawberry and banana offerings.

We slept in each day, a true seaside holiday where this 32 week pregnant mama could relax in comfort with dear friends. The greatest highlight for me was seeing my friends, who travelled such a long distance by car. Though the duration of their stay felt more like a heartbeat than four glorious sun-soaked winter days, I am grateful that we could bask in the warm winter sunlight. She, 19 weeks pregnant with their first baby and I, 32 weeks pregnant with ours.

What greater joy than to experience this life-giving time with my dear friend at the very same time that she is expecting. I am so pleased they allowed us to take some maternity photos down by the shore. If I manage to catch up with my own pregnancy posts, I will be sure to share Kailee and Lachlan's gorgeous images here for you.

There's something magical about sharing your pregnancy with another pregnant mama, don't you think?

Bella xx

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Bumpin'... 31 Weeks by the Rock Pools

Sunshine, blue skies reflected on the water and laughter. 31 weeks has been colourful, playful and fulfilling. We've been to our first antenatal class and met some interesting folk who are also expecting their first babies. Some of the couples are renovating, moving or building new homes. To me, the inexperienced girl, this all seems to be cutting the deadlines very fine when a baby is due. I'm reminded that people are capable of remarkable feats when the time calls for it. Somehow we just seem to manage, we make do with what time and resources we have available to complete tasks and I'm often astounded at the achievements that people have made, ourselves included.

Pecan is reaching the size of a small coconut, tucked safely inside my belly as Byron, Coco and I wander the long, deserted shores of the golden beaches. We returned to the rock pools at low tide one afternoon where I rested with Coco, watching the skilful aerial display of different species of waterbirds.

Coco introduced herself (in true small dog-style, barking and wagging her tail) to a young family, who were fishing from the shore. It turns out the lady was a colleague of B's from the restaurant. To see this young family enjoying the vast, open beach together on a warm winter's afternoon was like having a personal glimpse into the very near future for us.

In a little over two months, we too will be a seaside family. With this gorgeous man by my side, I feel calm and ready.

Bella xx

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Our Seaside Christmas

the neighbours real Christmas tree // evening walks with festive nails // orange and pickled beet salad

he watches as I wrap presents // technicolor crab // the scent of summer

lobster, soft shell crab and prawns for lunch // a present arrives // skimming stones at eight p.m.

My Christmas holidays have begun. Every meal is brightly coloured with the freshest ingredients. Leafy greens from our garden, garnishes of coriander, sweet basil, orange slices and purple beets fill our plates. Long days are celebrated with hours at the beach skimming stones across the water with my best friends. Every day more gifts arrive in the mail. Brown paper parcels adorned with postage stamps and fancy handwriting. Oh joy!

Every street is filled with the sweet scents of tropical flowers. Mouths drip with the pink juices of ripe watermelons. Cicadas sing, wine flows, Bing Crosby crackles on the record player as we dine on dolmades, marinated chicken, and tapas in the backyard with friends and family.

How do you celebrate the festive season?

Summer is here and it feels like Christmas.

Bella xx

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