my pregnancy journey...yummy mummy is here!

It's been approximately 2months since I did my Ellen DeGeneres style dance out of hospital and back home!! For those of you who don't know ...i had a lovely baby boy Aaron in September, 8pounds 6...

He is *so* adorable, a real blessing.... I've now recovered from the trauma, somewhat regulated my sleep pattern, stitch's all healed up (TMI...HAHA)and am ready to blog again...

My Pregnancy...a synopsis


First Trimester

So I'm thinking, either i have a urine infection (constantly going to the bathroom) or i need to take a pregnancy test. All I knew was that something wasn't as normal, and low and behold, i was pregnant! we where kinda planning it, but i didn't think it would happen that fast (what do i mean by kinda planning lol...i know what i mean!)... I experienced a mix of emotions... happy, grateful, but also thinking omg! my life is sooo over....!

I didn't really have any cravings at that point, just really knocked out,i could literally sleep for the whole day, it was a cloud of heaviness over me, like Ive never been that tired before, i couldn't function!....To top it off i suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum which is basically excessive morning sickness, vomiting twice, thrice a day..not cool! Imagine eating, and throwing it back up 15mins later, all the time!



Above is a my brother and i at the Ghana v England match on the 29th of March! The next day i went to hospital with painful cramps, that progressed into bleeding, that progressed into crying..before this point i wasn't so attached to the idea of being pregnant, it was still early days,still overwhelmed, not quite hit home yet (i have delayed reactions alot...) but when in hospital,i nearly broke down with the thought that i could be losing my baby,i really did think i was having a miscarriage. Scary time. Only by God's grace.

Second Trimester



I was bridesmaid for my cousin Gemma! not a good look, the disconnection between my mind and body...the tiredness returned! I was anaemic by this point, just really really worn out! Great wedding tho!




By the end of the trimester, i was big, couldn't really sleep at all, as i started to get really severe heartburn, ouch ...the wonderful memories...(blank stare) my skin looked great none the less, and i had developed a love for all things Cheese and Tomato...and canned pineapples, it was so funny, like that was all i wanted..all the time..

Third Trimester

Diagnosed with gestational diabetes, which was really annoying as i had to take my blood sugar 4times a day and always see the consultant in hospital, which itself is a long boring process...always seeing the midwife, piercing me every moment!taking metformin every moment... yikes....it seems like I'm complaining, and at the time i didn't really moan, just internalised the whole experience, as i didn't want to seem ungrateful, pregnancy is a blessing after all...but gosh, it was just getting too much! i just wanted baby out! pregnancy and Teiko don't mix.I kept staring at women with more than one child thinking, why would you go through this..

Very hormonal, and crying alot, and wow the road rage..poor drivers...and people kept asking whether I was sure im not having twins...urmmm like seriously..really?? ..(blank stare..sigh)...ohh the memories ;-)





I did a photoshoot, it was really fun (my facial expression may suggest otherwise) but really it was fun..i think in that photo i was still about 3 weeks away from having Aaron...

It was hard to walk, and i felt so heavy, and my skin went from beautiful glow, to mild acne(i want a clarisonic plus for Christmas;-)... I was kinda anxious, i read way to much information, and went on way too many pregnancy forums, so i had all kind of things going on in my head! i kept saying..what if...what if...what if..read this! ohmygosh she had a 10lb baby..ohmy gosh they cut her open..ohmygosh they left her on the labour ward to deliver her own baby..and such..I must have been so annoying (poor husband) haha..



This picture was a few days before I was induced, we went to a friends wedding, i had just done my weave like a day before (bad bad bad idea!) I had initially chosen braids to be my "birth hairstyle" but after one braid, I was too impatient to sit there for hours and hours and changed my mind and went for the weave..it was so tight..bad move!plus I was sooooooo unbalanced, its funny looking back how much your body has to adjust for you baby. Aaron pressing down and me just about managing to roll out of bed...! My pregnant face in full force! And of course my raging hormones,




Tests before I was induced, to check baby, and I. Had to be strapped up for about an hour.In the end my labour was only 3 hours long, really painful,just gas and air! Childbirth is the worst kind of pain! But bravo i got through it! And you do kind of (i said kind of) forget the (majority) of the pain! When you see your baby, its all worth it..the most amazing moment seeing him, God is amazing!

Ma little baby is born! ...

;-)


10mins old with daddy...


3days old...


1month old...


2months old....



His nickname is zoolander...he loves to pout!!!

At the time pregnancy felt like one of the worst periods of my life!plagued with all kinds of complications..But God is so faithful! Prayer was enough! He is such a good little baby, and he has made me a far more patient woman. And also increased my faith, every time I look at him I realise how wonderful God is for my gift! He is so worth every moment of discomfort I felt. Coming home was nice, but a shock, I am still exclusively breastfeeding, and have only expressed once, meaning i have not had a full night sleep since, meaning "zombie mode" is a frequent occurrence...my church cooked dinner for us everyday for two weeks when he was born(thank u ladies), which was so great because i got into a nice routine with Aaron and enjoyed some amazing food!

Its just really wonderful being a mother.



Complete with baby dribble patch!

I'm now being the best and yummiest mum I can b...

LOVE

Teiko and Aaron xx

Pink October....

This October, women everywhere join together globally to raise awareness of the reality of Breast Cancer. We need to continue to be vigilant and aware that Breast Cancer unfortunately continues to take the lives of millions of women around the world annually, it does not discriminate!

Whether or not you know of anyone who has unfortunately been affected, as a woman it is essential you check your breasts on a regular basis....




..it is in your best interest to seek urgent medical attention if you notice anything unusual as early as possible, as early detection can mean the difference between life and death. It is said that if a breast cancer is detected early, it is 98% curable.

Look out for these signs...

* a change in how the breast or nipple feels
* nipple tenderness
* a lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area
* a change in the size or shape of the breast
* a nipple turned slightly inward
* the skin of the breast, areola, or nipple may appear scaly, red, or swollen
* may have ridges or pitting
* nipple discharge




Cosmetic giant Estée Lauder's spokeswoman, British bombshell Elizabeth Hurley, raises awareness for the cause. Elizabeth, whose own grandmother died of Breast Cancer is a worthy role model! No doubt we will be purchasing some pink goodies!



OPI have also launched a "Pink of Hearts" range to mark the month. Its high gloss and chip resistant and is a brilliant way to light up the gloomy October days!




There are also events/initiatives taking place globally....

GHANA



More than 2,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Ghana every year.

Dr Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, is the Chief Executive Officer of Breast Care International, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to the establishment of Breast Cancer centres throughout the country. She states that "a woman dies from the disease somewhere around the world every 68 seconds".




If you are in Accra towards the end of the month, Hype Prodcutions have organised "Red Lipstick", a concert consisting of all female African artistes. They will be performing at the Dome on October 29th, with a percentage of the proceeds going towards raising funds towards the cause.




NIGERIA



Burlesques Princess, and the Pink Pearl Foundation have teamed up to create CAMP DIVA! A course which will be offered to female cancer survivors and their friends and family. The class will incorporate dance and empowerment exercises as featured in our regular programming and also a tailored group routine specific to the participants.

Recognising the effects both physically and emotionally on not only the diagnosed but those friends and family who provide support though the difficult journey cancer presents, the class offers participants the opportunity to bond while having fun releasing their inner ‘Diva’. Camp Diva aims to empower women through mental and physical health promotion and reinforce positive self esteem.



The sessions will take place on the mornings of October 27th- 29th 2011 in Lagos Island, and will be free to all participants. However, due to a limited number of space, participants are asked to pay a fully refundable amount of N1,000, which will be returned at the start of the sessions. Interested participants can email: info@burlesque-princess.com or call Niqua: 08078764223 for more information and to register interest in attending.

More information is available on www.burlesqueprincess.blogspot.com

UK




Two days to get your outfit ready!!! The Amber Bar in Moorgate is hosting a Pink Cocktail Party to raise funds for our vital research on October 20th!



Starting at 6pm guests can expect pink champagne, pink cupcakes, pink cocktails and pink decorations. There will be complimentary goodie bags and hand massages and also the chance to win fabulous raffle prizes.

For more information check out www.againstbreastcancer.org.uk

USA



Another cosmetic giant, Procter & Gamble, responsible for products such as Olay, Pantene, Crest, Secret etc, have teamed up with the National Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation to raise awareness and educate on early detection.




You get a $10 dollar rebate, and $10 for NBCF when you spend $50 on their products. And if you "Like" the facebook page (facebook.com/p&gunitedwebeautify) 10cents will be donated!

If you log onto P&G's My Black is Beautiful site, www.myblackisbeautiful.com you can read the stories of four breast cancer survivors, like Kelly Broussard.



Broussard was only 22 when she discovered a lump under her armpit, she illustrates that Breast Cancer can strike at any age. We thank God she is now all clear after two lumpectomies and radiation treatment.


Be aware of Breast Cancer and self examine!


Stay Blessed x Teiko

my Pageant Queen...

i love beauty pageants, eye candy really.. although i mustn't forget that talents, skills and other non physical factors are important when deciding on the winner.....pageants have been going on since the 1800s and it seems like there aint no stopping them...

so....i was delighted to hear that my cousin Raquel is a contestant for Miss Ghana UK 2011! i have mentioned her before in a blog entry cos shes super smart, organised and talented, as well as a stunner! i asked her some questions to expose you to the beautiful Miss Raquel Larnyoh!



Tell us about yourself and why you want to b ms Ghana 2011?

My full name is Raquel Nueki Larnyoh, I am 21 years old, I am entering my final year at the University of Essex where I am studying Bsc Marketing and Finance I also work part time in banking. I love acting and I am pursuing a career in this field; I recently secured my second professional role in a London- based theatre production which I'm really excited about as it is also a lead role.



I want to be crowned Miss Ghana UK 2011 as I am a true representation of the term 'UK born Ghanaian'. Not only can I relate to others like me who fall into this and similar categories- I have the necessary drive and proficiency to empower them to aspire to be a people greatness and change.
I am often faced with doubtful responses when I mention my career aspirations alongside my degree, but my love for business and drama affirms my chosen direction. I am a young woman of no limits and will be whatever I want to be and this is the sort of mentality I want to endorse to my generation.
My main interest is Ghana’s current economic growth and ensuring UK Ghanaians are equipped with the necessary skills and resources to be a part of this development. I believe this is essential in ensuring that Ghana is safeguarded from the negative effects that growth can bring.
For me Miss Ghana UK is way beyond a beauty pageant; I am not putting myself forward as the most beautiful Ghanaian in the UK in fact that can’t be done, those around me are often subjected to my constant boasting of Ghanaians being the most beautiful people. Instead I put myself forward as one of the many Ghanaian beauties across the UK, beauty not being defined upon just physical attributes but also substance.

What are ur 5 favourite things about Ghana?


• Peace and togetherness- I am very proud of Ghana’s peaceful land, amongst all our deep rooted cultures and customs from the numerous tribes, we still live in harmony. I love the fact that every elder is my Aunt or Uncle in Ghana; and how I can easily begin a conversation with people I have never met before, still receiving the warm welcome no matter where I go Ghana. It’s these sorts of values I want to ensure is upheld in the UK.
• Food- yes most Sunday’s you will catch me back at home from university for my weekly fix of mum’s fufu and light soup. I love pepper as well and eat sheeto with everything- at one point it was even used as the spread in all my sandwiches.



• Cloth- African fashion is one of my new found loves. I am always impressed by the infinite styles, patterns and colors depicted in our traditional wear.
• Market life- where anything and everything is possible, I always learn something new about Ghana at Makola market in Accra (no matter how freaked out I am by my peoples culinary tastes!).
• Nightlife- Central London hasn’t got anything on Accra on a Friday night believe me.

What activities and experience do u have that will assist u with the role of Ms Ghana?

Both my academic and performing arts background will assist me in the role of Miss Ghana. I feel my business mind gives me an edge allowing me to define a clear vision which I have already begun to execute. My acting also enables me to present myself accordingly to fit and adapt to any environment I may find myself in when having to represent Ghana. With these skills combined I am confident and can assure my competency in fulfilling the role of Miss Ghana UK.




What do separates u from the other contestants and how will ur contribution be different?

What differentiates me from the other contestants is that I am already putting my vision into action; my worst nightmare is to find myself making promises and not seeing them through. So under the guidance of Ghanaian Londoner’s Youth Entrepreneurs Program I am already developing my social enterprise where I am learning how to home in on all my ideas as to not try to do too much all at once. I also stress the fact that I am not offering a charity but the tools my generation need to achieve their goals and career aspirations which will inevitably create Ghanaians in a position of power to give and add value back to our homeland.



Finally how do u find out more about u and support Raquel for Miss Ghana 2011?

You can find out more about my cause for entering Miss Ghana UK on the info section of my Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Raquel2winMGUK11
if you support my vision please ‘like’ and of course feel free to make contact- I’m always open to ideas and of course more questions! I’m also using the page to keep everyone updated on my movement’s right up until the live event on Saturday 3rd September 2011 at Troxy, 490 Commercial Road London. If you can make it down please do, I will be posting info on how to get tickets on my page in the coming week..

Hope u love her as must as i do....

www.facebook.com/Raquel2winMGUK11

x Teiko

POP ...its a colour explosion...!!

This weeks weather has been typically British, on one day I was sporting a floaty maxi dress, with boots which traditionally only saw the light during autumn, a umbrella in my bag and my biggest pair of shades above my head…..only in England i say! ...I always looked forward to my July birthday, guaranteed sun, high moods and weekends of fun and events…I guess the weather is doing its own thing once again…

…on a brighter note, the world of Fashion has had a colour explosion... beauty and fashion houses have embraced the trend so well, I just had to share…

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First things first don’t be afraid to clash brights…two/three/even four contrasting shades works better than you would think as Ms Lewis illustrates so well…


Neon shades


Solange Knowles



Another thing i l.o.v.e about colour is that it works so well with all skin tones...no excuses..brighten up the day even if the weather suggests otherwise...



Curvaceous Liv Tyler in blue


Kelly Rowland



Jo Whiley radiates in orange



Frieda Pinto in Oscar de la Renta

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When it comes to make up don't hold out.....we don't want to walk around like clowns but there room for some bold moves...here are a few of my favourite..







pink lips are in full swing...YSL has an amazing Fuchsia lipstick i highly recommend..




feeling bold...Givenchy in tangerine...dreamy





Looks amazing on darker/olive complexions. If you are lighter then add a touch of bronzer to warm things up...

Bolder still..?



BEAUTIFUL!



www.limecrimemakeup.com




CLASSIC RED






Try Chanel lipstick in New York red...show stopper!



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And if you don’t want to go wild with your wardrobe or bold on your face, you can always rely on accessories to do the trick…Ankara is ofcourse the epitome of all things bright and beautiful…bangles, earrings, bags.. stand out from the crowd…



...i adore mine!....Fulani style earrings...



i love









*Fierce*


my personal favourite...the headwrap...

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we love the green...


www.theorganicpharmacy.com ...





Keep your nails bright and beautiful!

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Finally i'll leave u with women have gone all out..i love their hair! enjoy..















stay inspired ...love ya x Teiko x