Bleucchhh...

We have good news and we have bad news.
The good news is that my pregnancy symptoms have hit big time. This is obviously a good sign. And they're right on schedule, which is another good sign. The only other time (other than Bella) that I've got this far along (how can it still only be 6 weeks! This is already the longest pregnancy ever) I had hardly any symptoms. However, these symptoms are just like the ones I had with Bella. Another good sign. Obviously things could change at any point, but the strength of the symptoms is making me feel just a smidgeon more positive. Only a smidgeon mind  you. We're still talking caution here.

And the bad news? My pregnancy symptoms have hit big time. BIG TIME.
I feel like absolute shit. Which is only aggravated by the enormous joke that is the phrase morning sickness.
24 hours a day sickness is a little more realistic.

I know that I should be grateful that things are doing what they should be doing, but honestly, I had forgotten just how bad I feel whilst pregnant and now I'm more than just a little panicked that I'm not going to be able to cope with the symptoms, Bella, Treefall and the blog.
I've thought more than a few times today that I'm just going to have to shut up shop for a few months - not necessarily the blog, but maybe the actual work side of it.
But then I also think that having something to focus on can only do me good. And that this time around can't be as bad as the last time, if for no other reason than the fact that I've got Bella - who seems to expect some kind of parenting from me! (take, take, take, with that girl!).

I'm really not moaning though (well maybe a little), and obviously I'm grateful that I'm in a position to feel this bad. But for the love of all that is good, can the morning (hah!) sickness just cut me some slack?

In the mean time I fear we may be having a little Blog Lite around here. Unless you guys can do the thinking for me (thinking makes me feel sick) and tell me what I should blog about! In fact that's an idea. All I need is one person to come up with a question or a theme every day for the next, well the next little while.
Please? Pretty please?

The Princess and the Pea set is available again in the shop - but it's only being made to order at the moment and takes about 4 weeks.

And I meant it about the question or theme thing - Me and the blog are looking for some serious help here!

Comments

[Michelle]

I don't have a good idea for a blog topic but I do have a good idea to help with morning sickness! Lemon drops. The sour flavor actually makes you salivate which is the body's natural defense to upset stomach and nausea (sp?). That worked for me (I have 4 children) and maybe it will work for you!

Good wishes to you and yours, Michelle.

[kim in Camas]

This is wonderful news! My fingers are crossed for you! Do what you need to do to get the rest you need.

[Wendy]

I've not read your blog from the beginning, so please forgive me if you've answered things like...

When you buy fabric just because you like it, how much do you usually order? Why that amount(based on the things you usually do with it)?

What's your favorite technique or tool?

How and when did you start sewing? Who taught you?

Did you sew regularly from that point on or leave it and come back to it later?

I love hearing how other sewers and crafters choose their projects and how they work. Is there a little story behind any of the items in your studio?

How's that for a start? Feel better. (Lemon drops and saltines worked for me too.)

[Amy Lu]

I will be a third voice for lemon drops. There were times that the sugary coating on them made my all-day-sickness worse, so I took to carrying fresh lemon slices with me in a small zip-loc. I also carried a stash of large zip-locs for those moments when nothing helped. (I thought of that after I was "sick" in a bed of tulips while walking by a busy intersection in town.)

Please don't worry about us. We'll sit here and twiddle our thumbs as long as we need to! Take all the time you need!

Still praying too....

[Anna]

I don't know if I'll ever have a chance again to say to someone - "congratulations on the nausea!"

B-vitamin lollipops (they are called Preggie Pops here in the US, but I'm sure they must have them over the ocean?) worked okay for me and my "morning" sickness. Well enough to recommend, in any case.

It occurred to me though as I was writing this that you might not actually want relief from the nausea? Since it's such a tangible sign of the pregnancy? Or am I the only twisted person that felt that way when I was pregnant? I sort of liked being sick because that meant there was stuff happening.

[Thimbleanna]

Hmmm. How 'bout having Bella guest blog? She could "tell" us what it's like to have a sick mommy (oops -- mummy). Or, she could show us the things mummy has made for her ('cause sometimes those that sew for others don't sew as much for their own.) She could give us a little tour of her favorite things??? That way mummy can rest. Wink-Wink.

[Christy]

This sounds terrible, but I'm glad to hear you're not feeling well! :) They do say that strong pregnancy symtoms indicate a strong pregnancy. I too had "morning" sickness 'round the clock and found that candied ginger and ginger tea helped ease it a bit.

As for what to blog about...Bella is always a beautiful blog subject. And you could post more about those lovely magazines and books you bought in NY. Or you could just take it easy and take a bit of a blog break.

[Katie]

I seriously walked around (in public) with lemon slices in front of my nose during my last pregnancy!! Everything just reeks!!

Congrats on the pregnancy sickness!! We're still praying for you!!!

Here's some quick blog ideas (I've only been reading your blog for a few months, so if you've already covered these---I'll have to go read your archives!!)

More corners of your home
Your favorite clothes (that hopefully you'll be growing out of!!)
More on sewing tips for those of us who are self-taught seamstresses

[Lera]

I don't have any questions for you (yet), but I wanted to congratulate you on your all-day sickness. Take it easy, Manda.

[Chris Howard]

I have been very quietly reading and saying prayers for you every day hon.

Hmmm...blog topic, blog topic.... How about showing us some stuff from you past? I'm totally fascinated by the fact that you used to be a carpenter.

[kritty]

Just because being queasy is a blessing, doesn't make it fun. I'm happy to hear that you are 6wks and counting!!

Let's see.....

Favorite read alouds or childrens books

Splat Girl calls it fabric porn- What are some fabrics you lust for or have?

Impressions of trips to the states?

Any creative rituals or habits?

Pix of Muses including Bella :)

[Millie]

blog ideas:

-very first thing you ever sewed

-explain "Head Girl" (is that top of your class, smartie?)

-what did you shoplift at age 11?

-post at least one mohawk photo. Please?

-let hubbie do a guest post (you haven't mentioned his new job)

Congratulations on being six weeks pregnant. That's really something!

[Harriett]

I echo using the Preggy Pops. See if you have them over there. If not, some of us will send you some! Cause it's great news about the symptoms being so strong - means a strong pregnancy I think.

[Lilbird]

Uuuummmmm..........PINCUSHIONS! You could blog some more about those!

Let's see......how's about:

All the things that are annoying you that wouldn't normally annoy you...lol....that's always funny.

Top ten albums you'd insist on having if you were stranded on an island

Favorite piece you've ever made and why

Favorite fabric designers

Your sewing machine......and your dream sewing machine

And lastly, PINCUSHIONS! :)

[Kathe Kramer]

Loving that you are feeling yucky, you know what I mean. There are some great blog suggestions already on the comments but I would like to know how you developed your wonderful way with color. And...do you like to cook? Take care!

[Lilbird]

Oh yeah - Saltines totally worked for my sister that barfed for nine months straight. I also remember talk of Lemon drops as well as seltzer water.

[Sweet Pea]

Oh that is good to hear - I mean, poor you but feeling sick is a good sign!
I really enjoy reading your blog and wish you all the best :)

[Jerusalem]

Oh I was sick as a dog with my 2 and nothing helped for the first 12 weeks then suddenly the meds the doctors prescribed became magic potions. But not a day before 12 weeks. Crazy!
I am loving all the blog ideas. None of mine are craft related, but still fun...
How about some dream blogs?
Dream Job
Dream Outfits - Morning, Noon, Night
Dream Vacations
Dream Houses
Magazine You Would Most Like To Be Featured In
Celeb You Think You Would Make The Perfect Best Friend For

Those are the sorts of silly things & list that help pass the time when you feel sickly!

[Jude]

Eat a gingernut while you are still horizontal in bed. This gives you enough oomph to get from bed to the kitchen. Then you eat cold, cold water melon cut up in a container ready to go. Ginger tea. Mint Lifesavers (Polos) always had one in my cheek - if I was sucking I was always feeling a bit better (my poor teeth). I'm so happy to be telling you this sort of stuff. I am hoping still to console you through elasticated waistbands, enormous pants, varicous veins, stretch marks....fingers, toes, legs and arms crossed!!!!!!!! I was thinking about you while I was gardening yesterday - I think I'm taking these blog-friendships too far.
Ideas...
Bella's clothes
Your garden
Where you shop (not on the net)
You must be near Knaresborough - great yarn shop, beautiful architecture, viaduct, river, Mother Shipton's Cave...have a day off/out...Maize Maze...
Or just a photo blog for a while.
Whatever you do - we will wait you out!
Jude ; )

[Amber]

Well..first off I'm glad everything is going well and you've made it to 6 weeks! I got horribly sick with mine (iv fluids due to dehydration, ect.) so nothing worked for me but I know ginger is supposed to help (I tried everything..sea sickness bracelets, ginger candy, even medication). I know how you feel about thinking making you sick - you poor thing. Just lay low for a while and rest up...we'll all be here waiting when you feel better...praying God's best for you.....

[Beth]

Oh, I'm so hoping for you!

peppermint tea?

[Alina]

I am glad to hear that things are progressing and the morning sickness has started. Hope it is not too unbearable :)

[Mama Urchin]

My mom always says it's good when you get sick. I recommend mint, ginger, and lemon. I remember with Tristan being happy I was sick but feeling oh so bad!

[QueenMum]

I know your misery, and your relief. I was so mixed and paranoid when I was pregnant with Iz it was terrible, and I only had one miscarriage! Good luck, take a break, blog about what's on your mind and if that's vomit talk about vomit. I'll laugh. I hated everything about being pregnant, am done now but still enjoy hearing that I'm not the only one.

[paper.string.cloth]

Loving the "yay for nausea!" chorus!
I bet you've never had so many people feel so happy that you feel so shit before!
Still crossing all fingers and toes for you love, and as for the blog, don't stress if you take a step back, post when you want to, don't post when you don't want to, and as for topics, I for one am DYING to see a mohawk photo, but otherwise, just your famous brand of honesty, and whatever you decide to share is fine by me.
Much love to you, Manda....
xxx