That being said, it has been a really good month - even if my bank account is feeling a bit sore at the moment. I've managed to cram a lot in, spend most days laughing and smiling and have got to explore some new places. On top of this, I actually celebrated my birthday properly for the first time in four years, which was pretty great.
I've been so busy this month that my blog has suffered a bit, but I couldn't let the month pass without a recap of some of the good things that have been making me smile.
2 - Getting used to driving has meant more days exploring and getting the husband out of the house on his days off. Not to mention the fact that the Yorkshire weather has mostly been kind this week (not including this month) so we've been to some really pretty places.
3 - I've really been feeling my look recently and it has left me happy and feeling positive. I've managed to grow my hair, get it to a colour I like and take care of my skin (even though my hormones are all over the place at the moment). Expect more selfies and for me not to be sorry about them.
4 - for the first time in four years, I actually celebrated my birthday properly because I felt well and happy enough to do so. Not only did the husband and I have a joint party the weekend before, which was a lot of fun, I went out for lots of free cocktails on my actual birthday. I was going to write a blog about the bar but I forgot to take photos (I think that's an excuse to go back).
5 - I'm lucky enough to have some incredibly lovely and considerate friends who spoilt me on my birthday. I wasn't expecting gifts but was treated to some perfect presents that made me a bit emotional and that I am continuing to enjoy.
6 - More days out and spending more time with my husband will always make me happy, especially when we can actually both get time off to go to family events together. I've had to go to my last few on my own but being able to drive down to the south west has made life much easier.
7 - I went to the beach and swam in the sea. If you read my blog about my trip to Scarborough, you'll know how amazing this makes me feel and how much I miss being able to sea swim every day.
8 - A little thing, but discovering alcoholic ice lollies is a game changer. Honestly, ice lollies are amazing anyway, but when they also contain gin or prosecco, they are actually sent from the gods. With it being so hot recently, these saved my life.
9 - The husband and i travelled to Devon for our nephew's christening, which was amazing. It was awesome to see my family and get cuddles from the happiest baby ever. It was also really lovely to go back to the church we got married in, especially as we haven't stepped foot in their since the day we got married almost three years ago.
10 - Another small thing but one that has made me feel more like myself is that for the first tkme since my operation, I've been able to grow my nails without them constantly breaking. Rapid weight loss following my gastric band procedure has meant that my hair has been shedding badly and that my nails have been weak, however, since starting to take pre-pregnancy vitamins, this has totally changed and I have lovely soft hair and nails that are once again long and strong. I now feel totally like myself.