the bump : 17 weeks

the baby space bump. photo by the baby space teen, who (much to his embarrassment) had to stand in the middle of the street to snap it.

This week I dreamed, in contrast to my other dream, that everyone was telling me the ultrasound showed a girl. What does this mean? Um, most likely nothing. But it's interesting how much emphasis we put on gender (myself included) isn't it?

I found the story about the Canadian couple who aren't revealing the sex of their child really interesting, but what I found most fascinating was not that they chose to keep it private, but that when they did, it became a worldwide story. Really?

But hey, when it comes to speculating about the gender and sex of my own unborn child, I am all about it. In fact, speculating about almost anything to do with my unborn child is an (almost) endless source of interest to me. What colour eyes will they have? What will their personality be like? It's the unknown, it's a surprise, and it's fun. Whatever the answer, will I value them more or less? No. Will I treat them differently? I hope not.

The always fabulous Jo just did a fun post about finding out the sex and I love how the parents-to-be in the video came up with such an inventive way of hearing and telling their news, and how excited they were.

Next week we have our 18 week scan and I'm pretty excited myself. But this time we're not finding out if the wee baby space baby is a boy or a girl. (Which won't stop me from scrutinizing the pics to see what I can make out!)

Yep, after finding out with the teen and the preschooler, I'd like this one to be a surprise. Also, you know, I'm pretty sure it's a boy ;)

How about you? What do you think about keeping a child's sex private? And did you/will you find out the sex of your wee ones pre-birth?

p.s You can read the Canadian mum's original article here.

inspired by : industrial chic

Juxtapose the hardy workmanship of industrial pieces with the casual luxury of soft ivory furnishings for a space that's practical to use and comfortable to relax in.

I recently found one of these spools on my street -- I think I'll paint the top with chalkboard paint for the baby space preschooler so he can draw up a storm. Would you repurpose found pieces for your wee one? Or do you prefer new?

image via modern handmade child and lila & tom.

room for kids : books and pigs and vintage things

Tina the Traveling Mama of Flying House recently created a wonderful space for her two boys aged 6 and 2 years-old. The boys' favourite part of their new room? Their matching beds.

The sun-drenched reading-nook is perfect for curling up with a picture book or three. Says Tina, "English books (and plenty now in Danish, Spanish, French, and Arabic) fill almost every inch, but books are kind of one of those things that you just cannot live without, if you ask me."

A sweet orange piggy bank from Tina's husband's boyhood cuddles up to a Moroccan picnic basket.

Artwork by Sarah Jane Studios and Studio Mela sit beside some of Tina's favourite childhood books and a flea-market-find mini suitcase.

A Moroccan cabinet brought from their last place of residence (Morocco of course!) adds Arabic interest to their new Danish space.

A Matte Stephens print joins the boys' artwork above the children's Ikea kitchen.

vibe
Cheerful retro-love meets practical purpose.

my favourite and my best : pink and grey

Pair a dash of sophisticated grey with a dose of baby pink for a look that's easy on the eye and friendly in the playground. (And doesn't that dip-dyed dress remind you of the curtains in this gorgeous space?)

1. Slouch jersey pant in pink by Ouch 2. Knitted ABC rattle by Alimrose Designs 3. Shirring striped sunsuit by Ouch 4. Baggy overalls in grey marle by Humble Bumble 5. Dip dye dress by Ouch 6. Studded batwing sweat top by Ouch 7. Candy casual shoes by Cheeky Little Soles. All available from Baby's Got Style.

the bump : 15 weeks

the baby space bump. photo by the really patient baby space teen.

Just quietly I was a little worried this week. I had a bout of what may have been mild food poisoning but I wasn't sure if it was, and I wasn't sure if our wee bub was okay. Fortunately I already had an obstetrician appointment booked for this morning and we got to have a little peek (can I say how much I am loving that our ob has an ultrasound gadget in her room? Love. It. Love it!) and there was the baby space baby, arm up, wriggling around and measuring large for dates.

Oh, and I had my first baby dream the other day. I had a dream that I gave birth naturally to a 10.1 pound baby boy! With blue eyes. I am now convinced that it's a boy but I'm not too sure the blue-eye thing is plausible unless the one and only grandparent gene for blue eyes (my dad's) somehow trumps two pairs of brown and one pair of hazel.... unlikely right?

p.s The teen turned 14 last week. Happy birthday to the sweetest eldest son ever :)

giveaway : bright star kids

Looking for wall stickers? Bright, cheerful, fun and removable wall stickers? Wall stickers that are perfect for adding maximum cuteness with minimum effort? Wouldn't say no to a snazzy set that is being given away?

Me neither. And thanks to Bright Star Kids you can say 'yes' because one baby space reader (could be you, has to be someone!) is going to win a $60 AUD voucher for the wall stickers of their choice. Noice. And this giveaway is open internationally. Hoorah!

To be in with a chance to win all you have to do is:

1) Be a follower of baby space (see 'Follow' panel to the right and click through instructions to become a follower). ETA 11/7/11: The 'Follow' panel seems to be down but you can still click 'Follow' at the top left of this page.

2) 'Like' Bright Star Kids on Facebook or follow BSKids on Twitter.

3) Check out the extensive range of wall stickers on the Bright Star Kids website then comment on this post telling us which wall stickers you would like to win and why. Sweet.


This is an international giveaway. One winner will receive a $60 AUD voucher for Bright Star Kids wall stickers. Giveaway closes on midnight the 7th of August 2011. Winner will be announced on the 8th of August 2011. Good luck!

my favourite and my best : rainbow storage

Neat and tidy storage solutions for the bedroom or the playroom (image source unknown. ETA: The Land of Nod).

Suitcase set in dark blue (other colours available), approx $9.95 AUD, and white KidKraft shelves, approx $149 AUD from Little YoYo Styles.

Cooper canvas cubes, approx $35 AUD for a pack of two, from Little Bird Decor.

the bump : 13 weeks

the baby space bump. photo by the baby space teen (such a good sport!).

So actually 13 weeks was last week but that's ok right? While I felt bleurgh from weeks 6 -10 I'm now feeling great, enjoying healthy foods like salads again -- which I could barely look at in the first trimester -- and having a good online shop around for maternity clothes (hello asos.com!). Of course I've started a wee bit of nesting; hauling the furniture around in the preschooler's room trying to decide on the best configuration for two, and considering bed options like the top image here with a kind of custom-made bunk and cot at the bottom. What do you think?

And by the way, have you seen this handy fruit chart? Such a cute way to picture how big the baby is. (Also, photographer Carolee Beckham has created a fabulous series chronicling her bump with fruit or veg in matching sizes.)

At 13 weeks the little thing is the size of a peach. Sweet.

Have a lovely weekend!