So, here we are then.
Just a couple of weeks off the big due date and the time has come for me to once again step away from the keyboard, switch off the hard drive and put the feet up at home in preparation for our new arrival.
It seems like the past months have gone by in the blink of an eye and suddenly, here I am, about to do it all again and feeling anxious but very excited.
I remember when I was pregnant with Abbie, I felt like the nine months dragged by but this time I feel like it was only yesterday that I announced my good news. Yet, here I am, almost at the finish line.
Of course, this time it's been a bit of a harder task. I feel like I am the size of a house (thanks to those of you who pointed that out to me and those who did not) and as the weeks have progressed the pains in my back and my side have become almost unbearable.
I'm convinced my brain has shrunk to the size of a pea and I don't think I've had a comfortable night's sleep for the past two months and I know, I have become a major moan.
To everyone who has had to put up with me, thank you. I tried my best to keep it all in as best I could but everyone has a limit and once it was reached, it all came flowing out.
But now, with the due date in sight, I'm trying to get focused.
That said, I had thought I would feel a bit more calm this time, a little less nervous and a lot more organised but that is not the case. Once again, my heart rate races when I think about the task ahead.
I've spent the past week packing and repacking the hospital bag. But just when I think I'm all sorted I remember something else and then I start again for fear of forgetting something.
I've also been busy putting arrangements into place for Abbie. Last time, it was just Darren and I but now we have to consider our gorgeous little lady and where she will go and who will look after her while we are otherwise temporarily engaged.
The thought of having to be in hospital away from her literally brings me to the brink of tears every time I think about it but I know it will all be worth it in the end.
Also, my good pal St Gerard Majella - patron saint of pregnant women - has once again been working overtime in recent weeks as I have been having my usual quiet conversations with him asking for his help and support for the weeks and months ahead.
So today, I guess it's time for me to once again say a temporary farewell to you all as I head off on maternity leave.
As before, I will be leaving you in the very capable hands of my colleague and friend, Suzanne McGonagle, who will covering the column in my absence.
Please welcome her back again with open arms as she aims to keep you entertained each Friday.
And now I must sign off.
It's time for me to get into the zone, all the time hoping and praying that all will be fine when the big moment arrives.
It's time to add a new little face to our little family and embrace all the love, happiness, fun and mayhem that involves.
Wish us luck and keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we once again head off on this new adventure to meet our new little blessing.
---------------------------------
The end of February is almost upon us and so our thoughts turn to springtime and all the fun that entails.
However, while February is synonymous with being the month of love, it was also the month of food in Northern Ireland with foodies expressing their affection for their favourite local flavours as part of the ‘Love Local’ campaign.
One local business, which doesn’t shy away from proclaiming its love for local products, is neighbourhood coffee house Ground Espresso Bars.
Having traded for more than 14 years, Ground Espresso Bars are committed to the ‘buy local’ ethos, sourcing many of its brews and ingredients from local suppliers such as Suki Tea and Matthew Algie.
The independent coffee shop has been rapidly expanding throughout Northern Ireland, bringing its distinctive taste and values to communities across the north.
With 16 stand-alone stores and concessions around Ireland, Ground Espresso Bars are currently operating in locations including Belfast, Coleraine, Portrush, Bushmills, Ballymoney, Ballymena, Cookstown, Banbridge, Enniskillen, Magherafelt and Bangor while a new stand-alone store in Belfast city centre is due to be open soon.
To celebrate how much Ground Espresso Bars ‘Love Local’, they have given the Irish News 10 £25 gift vouchers to spend in-store and online at www.groundcoffee.net
If you fancy winning a voucher, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com
Closing date for entries is Tuesday, March 1 at 12 noon.
(Q) Which season follows Winter?
Normal Irish News Rules Apply
------------------------------------------------
What's Hot?
Confirmed - Movie fans are celebrating after the making of Bad Boys 3 was confirmed. Starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, the first two movies made for great viewing.
Broadway - Cue the screams of joy. Disney has announced it is bringing a stage adaptation of the wonderful Frozen to Broadway in Spring 2018. The show will feature the same writers as the film and who knows, maybe a world tour will follow? That would be fab.
Mother's Day - Celebrate Mum’s special place in your life with a gift from Lidl. Whether it's a bottle of bubbly, a bouquet, beauty product or simply spoiling her with a tasty meal, there's lots to choose from.
So Not!
Missing wedding ring - Declan Donnelly has sent fans into meltdown after appearing on TV at the weekend without his wedding ring. He was later forced to deny he had split from his wife, claiming left it in a dressing room adding "it's only a tiny thing".
On/ Off - I'm getting a bit bored of the Celebrity Big Brother romance between Stephanie Davis and Jeremy McConnell. Since leaving the house, the couple have split and rekindled their relationship more than other people do in a lifetime.
----------------------------
Competition
The winners of the LVL Lashes competition are Anne Marie McCrory from Belfast and
Marie Grimley from Armagh.
----------------------------
Easy Peasy Recipe
This week’s Easy Peasy Recipe is Garibaldi Biscuits
You will need:
4oz caster sugar
4oz softened butter
1 separated egg
8oz plain flour
handful pinch mixed spice
2oz currants
3tbsp milk
To Make:
Preheat the oven to 160 degrees celsius/Gas Mark 3.
Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
In a bowl, cream butter and sugar together. Add the egg yolk and combine.
Add the flour, mixed spice and currants and mix. Add enough milk to make a dough.
Roll the dough out onto a floured surface and cut out the biscuits with a biscuit cutter.
Place onto the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
Remove biscuits, brush with egg white, sprinkle with sugar and bake again for 10 minutes or until golden-brown.
Remove and allow to cool.
Do you have an Easy Peasy recipe you would like to share?
Are you the queen of quiches, magnificent at muffins or can you turn out some nice scones?
If so, then we want to hear from you.
You can send your name, address, contact number and recipe (plus photo if possible) to:
Easy Peasy Recipes,
Suzanne McGonagle
Irish News
113-117 Donegall Street,
Belfast,
BT1 2GE
or
s.mcgonagle@irishnews.com
