When you find you have something in common with someone it's an instant bond between you, I'm not talking anything deep here but for example other dog owners will stop and chat when I'm walking Willa and I'll happily chat back. Now if someone on the street came up and started chatting to me I'd smile politely and back away quickly. Because you have something in common there is a small link of trust and interest between you. I'm discovering that I'm about to have something in common with thousands of people - a new baby. Now this is no small link, suddenly people are handing us advice left right and centre, sharing lots of stories (some sharing a little too much) and I've discovered that my stomach is no longer my own but is public property now for anyone to pat as there is a baby in there. Those are some of the less attractive elements but there are some great advantages. Anytime I have a question I have a huge range of people who will more than happily answer it and tell me yes it is normal for your baby to boot you in the ribs and pelvis at the same time (though I still haven't figured out how). Also anytime I need to moan or am having a bad day there are a lot of shoulders to cry on. The biggest example of this is Facebook. If I post about sewing or climbing etc I'll get one or two comments, but if I post about being pregnant there are loads of people who comment on it with advice or stories of their own. Having a baby is a bit scary and we're really fortunate in that we have a close family and good friends who we know are there for us, but I am enjoying the mummy club too and it's nice to know there are lots of new parents out there winging it like we will be soon. Below is a picture of Mike with our niece Sophia, can't wait 'til our little one is here!

I’ve realised I need to open my eyes to things around me. Whilst this statement could lead to profound discussions on observing human behaviour etc I just mean I need to keep my eyes open – literally. I really enjoy sewing and hence I thought I had a good idea of what fabric shops were around Leeds. However, when I needed to buy some upholstery fabric I found that not one of the shops I went to sold any. Asking around I discovered some great shops that I actually drive past every week but never noticed were there.

On my way to one of these shops recently, I walked past a sign that said curtain factory shop. As the shop I wanted turned out to be closed I thought what the heck and decided to have a look. I followed various signs that pointed to the back of a large building that obviously used to be a mill but was now a selection of offices and businesses. The last sign pointed to a fire door with no sign on it, so very cautiously I opened the door hoping that I wasn’t about to walk into the wrong place. I found myself in a dark stairwell with a little sign pointing up the stairs for the curtain shop. I walked up several flights of stairs, passing shady unused floors and getting more apprehensive as I went until I found a door with a small printed sign announcing that it was indeed the shop I was after. Going in I discovered rack on rack of every kind of curtain fabric you can think of, all presided over by a dignified elderly gentleman who obviously wants to help but thinks that customer service is telling you a lot of information you really didn’t need to know. He was however very friendly and more than happy to sell me what I needed.

As I was paying he mentioned that there was an upholsterers shop at the base of the stairs, and as I had to walk past it I thought, why not pop in? How I had managed to walk straight past it on the way in and not see it I really don’t know. Once again I found a very helpful guy in there and a mound of gorgeous fabrics that made me want to spend a lot more than I should. Thankfully I kept my self control and only came away with a sample of some fabric that I love but have no idea what I’d use it for – oh well. You can dream.

On my way back to the car I found a shop that sells lots of shabby chic/east of India stuff (which I really like) and had a look around it for a while. I’ll definitely be popping in there again when I need to buy some presents.

I discovered all three of those shops because the shop I initially wanted was closed and I happened to walk past them on my way back, however I have driven down that road hundreds of times and never spotted one of them until now. I wouldn’t have seen the upholsterers if it hadn’t been pointed out to me. I’ve realised that when I want something I automatically go to the shops I know (usually big chain shops) or more often I reach for the internet and troll through ebay and amazon. Because I have these resources so easily to hand I’ve become blind to all the little shops that I pass in the towns I go through, which is a bit of a shame really. So, I am resolved to open my eyes a little more and try and consider the little shops before I charge off to the big ones, and hopefully I’ll discover a few more treasures that I didn’t know were out there.

Recently, to get me out of the house and thinking about something other than online advertising and housework I took a floristry course and though I was looking forward to it I was surprised at how much I learnt and at the standard we were working to. We covered the basic things a florist would need to know how to make, from extravagant bouquets to funeral wreaths to button holes, we had a go at everything. Not only did I enjoy it but I was surprised to find how easy a lot of it was - I found that I could put together arrangements that looked gorgeous without having to sweat over it for hours and take it to pieces 5 times (as I usually do at home). Now to be fair I was following instructions for most of the arrangements and the flowers were all provided, but I started to understand the rules to creating these arrangements - how some need to have flow and others need symmetry, how sometimes you work in pairs and at other times you do anything but pairs. Also things like making the most of the greenery you have will really come in handy - be warned I might start raiding gardens as ours doesn't provide much greenery. I'm not saying I could set up as a florist, nor do I want to, but I think I'm going to take greater pride and pleasure in the different arrangements I do at home.

One of the things I loved about our wedding were the beautiful flowers, especially my bouquet and doing similar things (though I didn't do bridal bouquets) made me really appreciate the time effort and taste that went into those beautiful creations.

Going home. We were up bright and early at 6 and out of the rooms by 6.30. Our last stroll across the island and then the boat ride to the airport gave us a final look at this paradise. It was fun to see all the other resorts and islands we passed on the way, there is one island that has a single palm tree sticking out of it.

The flight home was fine, no fainting fits for me this time and Mike and I enjoyed watching the films and playing games together for a while. We had a rude awakening when we got out of the airport at Manchester, it was howling wind and raining too. Oh well, it just made us appreciate the time we spent in the Maldives. However coming home was quite nice as Charlie (the cat) was obviously very happy to see us and we had a mini Christmas sat around the tree unwrapping presents.

We did not want it to end and we'll really miss all the snorkeling and the sunshine and our lovely villa, but it's been a lovely holiday and now it's a great memory. I always thought all those tv adverts were lying, but the Maldives really is a little bit of paradise and I loved it.

I have to say husband of the year award definitely goes to Mike, not only for planning a fabulous trip down to the last detail and making the whole thing a brilliant surprise, but for taking me to somewhere he knew I really wanted to go and making it all so special. Thank you!!!!

 

Today was relaxed and fun. We went for our last snorkel along the reef and then mucked about in the water for a while. I'm really going to miss swimming in such a clear beautiful sea. Snorkelling has definately been one of the best things about this holiday.

We went for a last walk around the island and admired everything as much as we did the first time. On our first night here we saw a manta ray chasing this long pale fish with black tips on it's fins. Because of the way it looked we joked about it being a shark, however we were surprised to learn later that this really was a shark - just a baby one, but a shark all the same. I managed to get quite close to one today as we walked around the island, but we have seen them when we're swimming too. Its a bit of a thrill to swim with sharks, even just baby ones. 

I love all the different creatures we've seen here. I got a surprise the first few days when I saw a large bird standing on the edge of the water, it turned out to be a heron and it seems they are quite common on the island. We managed to get quite close to one today as it was just outside our villa. Another fun creature are the geckos that run around, mostly at night. Some are small and pale, but others are larger and quite bright. I love how they run and then spot you and stand still for ages hoping you haven't seen them. The little crabs on the beach do a similar thing - when they see you coming they charge for their hole and then they pause on the edge of it for a second and then dive down it. You can imagine them muttering obsenities about you as they scuttle to safety.

I've loved how relaxed and peaceful it is here, one thing I'll miss is walking around without any shoes on. I know it sounds silly but there is something liberating about not having to put on shoes, jacket, scarf, hat, gloves etc and then scramble for keys, wallet and your bag before going out the door. Here we just pick up the key and walk out. It really makes for a very relaxing holiday, so much so that though I was thinking of going for another massage today I really dont need one - I'm not tense or stressed, just peaceful. That's what I love about this place.

 

I touched a turtle!!! I swam with and touched a wild green sea
turtle!! It was amazing! Okay, a lot of exclamation marks but I think
that was the highlight of this trip for me. We went on another trip
out to the far reef and this time we followed the rest of the group.
The guide showed us some of the areas where the larger fish swim and
we even peeked a lobster hiding under some coral and trying not to
look tasty. Mike called me over on our way back to the boat and was
obviously excited, I looked down and could see a turtle about 60cm
long swimming along the bottom of the sea. I thought that would be as
close as we would get, but to our delight he decided to swim over the
coral and up higher so of course we all followed. It was amazing to
see how gracefully they move through the water, especially considering
what an odd shape they are. One of the group grabbed hold of him and
was towed along for a little bit, but I thought that a little cruel as
he obviously didn't like it. We swam with him for ages and then I
found myself next to him, so I put my hand on his shell and swam along
with him for a bit. It was incredible! Mike got really close too and
we both were so excited about the whole thing. I've seen turtles in
aquariums and on tv, but swimming with one in the sea was the best!

Apart from our excitement on the reef trip we had quite a relaxing
day, taking a little stroll along the shore, visiting the gift shop
and reading for a while too. It's great to take some time just to
savour being here. When it gets too hot we can retreat to our room and
put the air conditioning on, but as our room is really nice I don't
feel that that's a bad thing. It really is paradise here.

 

The video of me touching the turtle is all over the place, but it's hard to keep up

with a turtle and film at the same time. It was amazing!!!

 

I touched a turtle!!! I swam with and touched a wild green sea
turtle!! It was amazing! Okay, a lot of exclamation marks but I think
that was the highlight of this trip for me. We went on another trip
out to the far reef and this time we followed the rest of the group.
The guide showed us some of the areas where the larger fish swim and
we even peeked a lobster hiding under some coral and trying not to
look tasty. Mike called me over on our way back to the boat and was
obviously excited, I looked down and could see a turtle about 60cm
long swimming along the bottom of the sea. I thought that would be as
close as we would get, but to our delight he decided to swim over the
coral and up higher so of course we all followed. It was amazing to
see how gracefully they move through the water, especially considering
what an odd shape they are. One of the group grabbed hold of him and
was towed along for a little bit, but I thought that a little cruel as
he obviously didn't like it. We swam with him for ages and then I
found myself next to him, so I put my hand on his shell and swam along
with him for a bit. It was incredible! Mike got really close too and
we both were so excited about the whole thing. I've seen turtles in
aquariums and on tv, but swimming with one in the sea was the best!

Apart from our excitement on the reef trip we had quite a relaxing
day, taking a little stroll along the shore, visiting the gift shop
and reading for a while too. It's great to take some time just to
savour being here. When it gets too hot we can retreat to our room and
put the air conditioning on, but as our room is really nice I don't
feel that that's a bad thing. It really is paradise here.

 

The video of me touching the turtle is all over the place, but it's hard to keep up

with a turtle and film at the same time. It was amazing!!!

 

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It's Christmas and it doesn't feel like it at all. It's hard to think
of jack frost nipping at your nose when it's 30 outside. We do have a
very small tree - 6" with sequins on it, which Mike bought from work,
which helps add a festive tinge. I'm not complaining however as being
here is so lovely. Our presents are waiting for us when we get back
and for now I'm enjoying the best Christmas present I've ever had.

We've had a lazy day today, recovering a little from all the
activities we did yesterday. We did go for a refreshing snorkel before
calling my parents on Skype to say merry Christmas. It was odd to see
them as this all feels like a dream and they are a bit of reality,
however it was lovely to chat and show them where we are. That felt
like Christmas.

We went for a walk a little before sunset and took the camera with us
as the light was so nice. We had fun striking funny poses and
capturing the scenery. It really is beautiful here and it's nice to
think we can take something more than memories home with us.

We also called Tom and Becky over the Internet and got to chat to them
a little. I got a chance to thank Becky for the brilliant package of
summer pregnancy clothes which have really helped out! It was great to
chat to them and see little Holly too.

Dinner was lovely - we had a candle lit dinner on the beach under the
stars - so romantic and very enjoyable. It was not a traditional
Christmas dinner but we really loved it. It was so relaxing to hear
the waves and see the stars whilst we ate. Heaven.

Christmas eve! Mike and I were laughing as we walked along the beach
singing winter wonderland - you can see why that's not such a hit out
here.

We had a very active day starting with a paddle round the island on a
two man kayak, plus mucking around jumping in and out of it. It was
great to get to see the island from a distance and to glide through
the clear water. Then we decided to do the whole of the snorkelling
route which was lovely as the water was a lot deeper than we've had
before so you could just drift over the coral watching all the fish.

After lunch we went for a 10 min boat ride out to a reef which is
huge! It was amazing, the range of coral was beautiful and there were
more fish there than we'd seen before. Loads of surgeon fish were
attracted to this one rock that was obviously covered in something
tasty and we spent ages just watching them all. Mike (being the big
kid he is) decided to chase them like pigeons and so swam right
through them making them scatter. It was a great trip and I think
we'll do it again.

For some reason they celebrate Christmas eve here, not Christmas day,
so tonight's dinner was the big event. I have never seen such a
massive array of food or such effort put into displaying it. There
were flowers made of fruits everywhere with displays of fruit in ice
tunnels. There was santa carved into a watermelon and large santas on
all the walls. There was a full size Santa in his sleigh complete with
horse (it seems they couldn't get Rudolph). There was a fruit stand
with a display of fruit taller than Mike and a cheese table with
breads etc beautifully displayed. The best however and the most breath
taking were the desserts - a massive gingerbread house with cookies on
the roof, Santa sat on Yule logs, dolphins jumping out of chocolate
pudding and fruit, chocolate and fans of icing everywhere. The range
of desserts was amazing too and though there were 7 different things
on my plate (small portions!) I didn't eat half what I could have.
Very yummy and very impressive.

Given the large dinner we've just had I think we'll turn in early
tonight after mike has finished his shower under the stars. It's been
a very busy day and we're both pooped and a little (and in some places
a lot) sunburnt. This is the strangest Christmas eve I've ever had,
but it's been a fun one.

 

I had a lovely massage at the spa this morning. The spa is over the
sea so you can look down and admire the fish as you're relaxing. Mike
had promised me a massage as a Christmas present (as if this trip
isn't enough, but I'm not complaining) so I went in yesterday and it
turns out that as I'm pregnant there's only one massage that I can
have. I spent an hour having coconut oil massaged into me and feeling
so relaxed I had to be careful not to fall asleep and miss it!

I've never showered in the sun before, but I did today which was
glorious, though a bit odd. I quite like the half outside bathroom,
but I don't think it would work in Britain. After lunch we set off for
our boat trip to the local reef which is meant to be great for
snorkelling. It had started raining a bit after lunch but we decided
it was clearing up and so set out without a waterproof or an umbrella.
No sooner were we out the door than the heavens let loose! I think I
know what monsoon season is like now. We decided to walk down the
middle of the island to the reception where we were supposed to meet -
20 min later we were standing next to a map at the other end of the
island, soaking wet from head to toe and realising that we'd come too
far - half the island too far! Thankfully we both saw the funny side
and when we finally stumbled into reception we were able to do so
smiling sheepishly. At least the floor is sand so we didn't leave a
puddle, but we did on the seats.

As the rain wasn't letting up the trip was cancelled, so we played the
pregnant card and got a golf cart back to the room which was really
fun. We went such a strange route and got to see more of the middle of
the island which is mostly a plantation.

When the rain started to ease we went for some drinks and then decided
we had to do some more snorkelling. We went all along the reef and
through bits we hadn't seen before. The fish were amazing, so many
different varieties in so many colours, it was beautiful. I got a
right fright when I was drifting along and suddenly spotted two lion
spine fish (I think that's what they're called) right in front of me.
I'm fairly sure they're poisonous, so I made a quick departure. We
swam for about two hours right through the sunset which was beautiful.

We were a bit chilly when we got back as the sun had gone down and it
wasn't as hot, so we were very thankful that we'd warmed the jacuzzi
up. Getting into a hot jacuzzi is heaven when you're chilly and we
made the most of it. I love having our own jacuzzi, ahhhh...

Dinner and a film made a nice end to a mixed but fun day. With luck
we'll get to go on that trip tomorrow, we'll see...