Out of office on……

I thought it was time to add a new blog post to bring things up to date as it's been quite busy since the last post in early Feb! I'm now working for Ellan Vannin Chiropractic Clinic as a Chiropractic Assistant (basically receptionist/cleaner), with shifts on a Wed and Thurs morning in Douglas and a Friday afternoon in Ramsey. It's been really good to have a bit of routine and have a role that's really social...only issue is I have to stand for most of the shift (5-6 hours) so not sure how long I'll be able to keep that up! We had our 20 week scan on 17th Feb - it was a relief (and also still a bit scary and completely overwhelming) to see the little one was progressing as it should. Since then I felt my first rumbles and kicks, and now at 23 weeks I'm feeling kicks every day (normally at night after tea), Glenn's also felt them and we've even seen the kicks happening on my tum! Crazy to think what's going on, and that it's a completely natural process that I don't have any control over! So what with the pregnancy progressing it was time for us to seriously think about moving into a bigger place. We decided south would be the best location given that once baby is here I'll be based at home full-time, and as we currently only have the one car it makes sense (and would be nice!) to be near Mum and friends. So we spent a few weekends viewing properties in PE and PSM...some newer builds (Erin Crescent in PE, Creggan Lea in PSM) and also a few older properties (bungalows in Ballamaddrell) but nothing fitted the bill. However, we then heard about a bungalow up Ballakillowey that had been up for rent for ages but had not been lived in and the landlord was willing to negotiate on price. It was so different from anything we'd seen and fitted (most) of our criteria in terms of space, garden, homely. It was a bit neglected having been left for so long however it certainly had more character than anything else we'd seen. So, after negotiating with the agency (Harmony Homes) we secured a year let on 6 Viking Close 🙂 The start of March was busy with packing up and cleaning the flat (wasn't that sad to say goodbye!) and moving south to Colby 🙂 It hasn't quite been plain sailing with the house so far - we've had issues with the heating and washing machine and are still waiting for the hot water pressure to be sorted (it doesn't help that the landlord is based in Norway so nothing happens quickly) however, we already feel settled in and are both really happy we've made the move. Although Glenn's got a bit more of a commute now I think this was the best time to move as it's given us plenty of time to iron out any issues and get settled in ourselves before the little one arrives 🙂 I've already taken advantage of the patio and been sitting out whenever the sun shows itself! This week has mainly been more unpacking and getting bits sorted for the house. Jam, Don and the girls popped up at the weekend..Mum's currently away in Norway on a cruise with her friends Margaret and Tony. After initially being without her luggage as it was 'misplaced' by the coach company she's now enjoying the sights and -2 temperature!) I've now got midwife appointments every month and need to look into aquanatal and pregnancy yoga classes now that I'm starting to get bigger...anything that'll help keep me active, pain-free and potentially help with labour day is top of the list! We're also contemplating booking a 'pre-baby' holiday to have one last relax away from work etc before life changes forever so watch this space for updates! 🙂 Below are a few photos of the last month.