Love him the most....

I love him when he's smiling and happy and garbling away... but this is how I love him the most!!!

Super Lazy!!!

As we come into the Silly Season and I have things on every weekend, I am realising how fast time is actually going!

My little man turned 10 weeks old today.. By the time Christmas is here he is going to be 3 months old... 1/4 of the way to 1! It's freaking scary!!!

He's coming along beautifully. He was weighed in the Clinic today and has come in just under 6kg! He no longer stays in one place when he's on the floor... he shuffles his position around! He's starting to attempt rolling onto his side and is still only waking once a night for a feed. (Except during his growth spurts... which drive me insane!)

In the last month we've spent just over a weeks holiday at Nambucca Heads with Stu's Parents, Gone camping at Tweed Heads with Mick & Kylie and this weekend we'll be chilling at home trying to tidy up the yard a little! (Fingers crossed for a happy baby so I can be of some assistance too!)

We have decided to try and cut some expenses.. as everyone knows things are tight everywhere! The Foxtel has been suspended ($90 a month saved - I couldn't bring myself to cancel it just yet!)
The Home Phone plan has been changed ($40 cheaper a month!)
A food plan has been created... (big savings there.. cause I take a list with me!)

oh - and then interest rates go up!!!

Bye bye savings!!! I'm thankful though that I don't have to find the extra money to cover the repayments.. it's already there!


Back onto Baby.. I could set my clock by him.... Feeds at 2am, 6am, 8am, 10am, 12 noon, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and a top up at 7pm! It would be better if he would sleep for a bit longer than 30-40 mins between each of those feeds.. but we make do. He's super happy, smiley, almost laughing, and loves to box! His hands are in a fight pose almost all the time.. clenched into little fists! The only time he's relaxed is when he's in the bath or sleeping! He's amazing and I love being a mummy... but... I'd kill for a full nights sleep!!!

Melbourne Cup.... Cadbury!

I had a Piccolo of Sparkling Moscato Rose' (really nice FYI!)

Half a glass and I was feeling rather warm!

Glad I got them to put ice in my glass to water it down a little!!!!

Camping.. with a 5 week old....

..not too bad!

We hired a camper trailer which made things so much easier. The set up which usually takes both of us an hour plus... Stu had it done in an hour by himself!

I'll put some photo's up soon! I'm too tired and while bubs is sleeping I have to do some stuff round the house.. cause we have guests for dinner....

Never ending!!!!

Photo Shoot!!!

More Firsts....

Today is my first day at home alone with Bubba as Stu has had to go back to work. I made sure there were no tears as he left cause he feels bad enough already about having to go back to work - and I've managed to keep them at bay so far!

I did my best not to rely on Stu while he was home as I wanted to make sure I could do it myself - the same with the night time feeds and such - but it was nice to know that he was here and I could pass Zeke off to him if I needed to pee... had to eat... needed 5 mins me time! I'm now going to have to multitask... and listen to a bit more crying I think!

Because I'm crazy - I'm going out with him today too!!! Meeting with my friend Nikki who had her little Rylee a week before Ezekiel. We're having some coffee and cake (which will be our weekly date followed by a visit to the drop in clinic to weigh both bubbies) and then I have to get a few groceries... Should be.... FUN!

I've not driven with him in the car as yet... so that will be interesting.. I've really not pushed the pram either.. I think Daddy enjoyed doing that too much! So it's all me today! Wish me luck!

At least I don't have the hassel of taking formula etc with me as Nikki does.. Boobies are all good for my little man! He's feeding so well that I have not been able to replenish the stockpile that was in my fridge! I'm hoping we don't have any spac attacks anytime soon that require extra milk that the boobies don't have! I do have three lots in the freezer.. but was hoping to save them as the start of my stockpile for going back to work in the new year (seeing it lasts 6 months in the freezer!) I will have to give bubs the two small bottles that are in the fridge sometime today (will make it up to a full feed) and then should be able to express again!

We had some photo's taken yesterday.. I can't wait to see the finished product! It's going to make some grandparents very happy at Christmas time.. If I can stop them printing copies for themselves before then! Got a really nice family shot... He wasn't co-operating very well but we still managed some good photo's of him! His cord stub also fell off yesterday! So happy.... means I don't have to work around it anymore!!! WE HAVE AN INNY!!!

One week old already.... :(

Mummy's scared!!! It's going too fast already!!!!

I think we're kinda in a routine! He's a good feeder. Every 3-4 hours. I can almost set a clock to him... I'm not going to count my chickens just yet though cause it's all bound to change!

Off to the hospital tomorrow to see the Physio's about his little foot (slightly turned in cause of how he was in the womb.. just needs to be exercised out) and to be weighed again to see how much MORE weight the little heffer has put on!!! (He was up 100g from coming home Sunday to Tuesday afternoon!)

As for me... the weight just seems to be melting off...

From Induction Day to coming home I dropped 8.9kg (brought almost 4 of it home with me though!) and since have lost a further 4.1kg... they're definately right about breastfeeding helping!!! Just need to figure out how to fit some exercise in to tone things back up now.... hrmmm....

Introducing... Ezekiel Martin

Arrived at 1.53pm on Thursday 23rd September 2010, weighing in at 8lb 9oz, 51cm long with a head circ of 36cm.

Birth Story!!

41w 5d

Wednesday 10am

ANC visit to discuss options as overdue. Dr asked me when I wanted to be induced - to which the answer was.. "Now would be great!!" and it turns out that it was because my blood pressure was 155/100!!! He got me to do a pee sample and go and get some bloods done at pathology and then report to Birth Suite. Stu had come up to the appointment after doing a work job - so had to go back to Redcliffe (30 mins) drop off the work car.. get our car and all the hospital stuff and come back. I text my mum while I was waiting for bloods and she arrived about the same time as I reported to Birth Suite.

They put me on the CTG to do a trace and then did an internal to accertain I was not ready for business - AT ALL - so they inserted a Cervadil to soften things. They waited for Stu to get back and it was all done and in by 12.30. They monitored me in BS for a while to check that the Cervadil wasn't causing issues for bubs and then sent me to the ward. Mum and Stu did some car swapping and manouvering and got me some Macca's on the way back.. which I ate.. and then ate my hospital dinner too!!! (oops!!)

The Cervadil is supposed to be in for 24 hours.. and soften the cervix enough that they can break your waters and go from there at the 24 hour point.. well... my body wasn't happy about that.. It decided that it wanted me to start contracting pretty much straight away. I went from 14 mins to 7 mins to 3 mins!! That said we were out wandering the car park and trying to get things going! The actual Cervadil thing fell out around 11pm so they took us up to BS again to do another internal to see how the progression was going... 2cms... BLERGH! The pains were uncomfortable, but nothing really in the scheme of things. They gave me some Panadol and told us to get some sleep. Managed maybe 2 hours.

Thursday 7am

Dr came in and broke my waters in the hope it would speed things up... well.... it did... for a little bit - but then it all just SLOWED! They mentioned the Syntocin drip and we discussed how I wanted to labour and deliver etc... and it was all put into place to happen if the labour hadn't progressed by 10.30 which is when I was due another internal... (there is no such thing as dignity anymore.. seriously!) Had a canula put in (that was ouchy too!) and more bloods drawn before they got me situated and started on the drip at 11am. Bubs was engaged and ready and cause they couldn't get a good trace off the CTG we had the head clip thing done. (Sorry honey... they said it wouldn't hurt!)

Thursday 11am

Internal from 10.30 showed that I had gone to 3cm... Whoopdy doo!!! They 'stretched' me to 4... and then started the drip. It goes in increments 1, 2, 4, 8 and so on. I started contracting straight away.. I managed it without pain relief until they had increased the drip to 4 (I remember Stu saying they'd missed a step!) At that point she came back in and gave me the gas.. 30 good stuff /70 oxygen. We also removed the dress I was wearing and got me up and into the position that I wanted to labour in... Hands and knees.. over the bean bag on the bed... and I didn't move from there until after the birth! I remember saying I wanted to go and wee... but then things heated up.. and I'm pretty sure I pissed myself... multiple times! She asked if it had relieved the pressure so I guess I did anyway!!! I don't know when they did it but they so nicely turned the gas up to 40/60 at some point... obviously I was getting too loud or something!

Thursday 1pm (guessing!!)

The paperwork in my folder said this is when I hit 10 cm... so I'm guessing it's when the urge to push started... and they said to go for it!!! I asked for an Epi... (too late!) Told my mum she was a martyr..... sorry... effen martyr! (she was going to leave but we really needed her to be there! she kept asking Stu if he was okay with it...)

The gas at this point and my breathing were the only things I could concentrate on.. the contractions were so strong and fast.. there's just no room left for you to think about anything else. It didn't help me to moan and groan and grunt either.. cause that just took away the focus on the task at hand.

I obviously shit myself.. cause I heard her say that she was going to wipe me... cheers! Should have just done it!!! and I can still feel the fingers of them trying to stretch my perenium cause it just wasn't working right! that was fun too... They had to keep moving me back up the bed cause I kept bearing down and pushing myself back instead of pushing bubba out.. It's all instinctual.. but it took a bit for my brain to catch up to what it was supposed to be doing... I think hearing the Dr say something about forceps helped me regain my focus. Especially when I hadn't heard the Dr come in... turns out that with my contractions bubs head was going in and out and his heart rate was dropping each time. So much so that the machine was alarming and they just turned the noise off so Stu wouldn't stress over it!

There are no words to describe the actual birthing sensation... OMFG fits well here though. It's just a burn that you have to push through... there's no way around it... nothing you can do to stop it - other than push through it. I heard them say the head was out and to do another few pushes and then the shoulders were out and gush... it was over! (I wasn't dropping cause he was plugging the escape route! All the waters were up behind him!) Stu said the rush was on to get him over to the baby crash cart cause he was purple. They shoved the scissors to him and got him to cut the cord and then we waited for the cry.. for what felt like forever... I was still out of it cause to me.. I didn't know there was other stuff going on so was still trying to figure out what was happening!! It's like an out of body experience - 'cept... you don't leave your body! After being in that position and pushing for almost an hour it was really really hard to turn over... I almost ended up off the bed... I had to be lifted over so that I could get the placenta out.. One push and it was done. They brought bubby over to me.. but he was wrapped and I wanted him naked! Skin on Skin dammit!!!! I was instantly smitten. Stu was in tears... so was I... Mum was in charge of the camera!!!

Thursday 23 September 2010 1.53pm - Our lives changed forever! No longer just us.. now us three! A family in the real sense of the word. A little life, created in love that is ours to cherish forever and ever.

40w+3d

So....

Knock Knock....

Hello....

Where are you....

I really really really want to meet you....

You've been SUPER DOOPER active in there the last few days... is this because you're running out of room or are you looking for that big flashing green 'GO' button that I keep telling you to press??

Well.. I've had breakfast... so that's a good start for the day - so you can start your decent now if you like... We really don't want the Dr's at the hospital to induce us cause that hurts alot more than what it has to if you start things off normally little man...

Going to take some more panadol now to combat this ear pain..

So...


HURRRY UP... (you know - like the blackboard used to say in Mr Squiggle!)

Due Tomorrow.....

You know what I have realised this morning - while leisurely eating my toast and jam for breakfast - after waking up at 6.. and cuddling with Stu for 30 mins.. and then watching the news in bed until he left for work at 7.30.... I'm not going to be able to do this for much longer......

It scares me to think of how much is going to change when those pains start and we have to head to the hospital. I know the benefits of having a child will FAR outweigh the negatives (although I may require reminding sometimes!!!) but I like it just being Stu and I! I like the split decisions of lets go out to dinner instead of cook - or i'll just duck to the shops quickly.. just need my purse and phone... It's not going to be so simple anymore!!!

I was pretty lazy yesterday too... Went back to bed and read for a couple of hours after Stu had left for work.. then watched some TV... then ate... then had a bath... I could have easily cooked something for dinner last night.. but it was just easier to go to the local for the two for one dinner!

I'll be going from washing twice a week (sometimes only once!) to daily... the sleep pattern isn't going to change too much cause I'm up every two hours without fail to pee anyway.. but it's not like that during the day.... I can rest in the day time! Most of our meals will have to be either quick and easy, or slow cooked so that they look after themselves... or.. I'll just spend Sundays cooking and we'll reheat during the week! I'll probably end up with my groceries being delivered cause it's just too much effort to go to Woolies to get them myself! Checking the mail will be a 'Stu Job' on his way home from work!

All the apparent negatives aside... I am soooo looking forward to meeting this little man. I can't wait to see him and hold him and love him (more than I already do) I can't wait to learn about his personality, and to teach him things, and see whether he's picked up Stu's or my brains... (God I hope it's Stu's!!!) I also can't wait til he sleeps through for his first night... I think that is going to be just AWESOME!!!! (will be a long time coming though - and I'm prepared for that!) I look forward to seeing all of my close friends and family become part of his life - I can't wait to see him smile when he starts to recognise faces... I can't wait to have our first family holidays and camping trips - and realise that we are now our own family unit.. we don't just slot into our parents lives anymore - we are the parents now! It's mind boggling.

I'll leave here in pain.. and come home with a little miracle!

Today is Sunday right???

Because yesterday felt like Sunday and now I have a full day - with nothing to do - and no idea what to do....

I could go to the markets... but... there's nothing that I need from there....
There's a fundraising thing in at South Bank today too... could go into there and have a looksie...
Could clean the house.... (or not!) Stu and Mum can get in and do it while I'm in hospital! (The washing is however up to date so that's all that matters!)
Could take the dogs for a walk.. but they're so full on I'll probably pull something!
Puppies need a wash.. but again.. that means injury! (I see a hydrobath visit in their future!)
Could go for a drive.. but to where.. and what would we do when we get there??

Doesn't help that my darling is still in bed asleep - but I want to give him as much of that as I can as it's all going to change soon... and he'll be up at sparrows fart with me every morning!

It's such a gorgeous day today too... Would be a shame not to use it well...

Dropped??

9 days to go.... HURRY UP!!!

So.. we're at the 9 days to go mark!

Can this go any slower???

Today would be a cool date to be born... (08/09/10) but unless I'm going to have a full labour no longer than 7 hours start to finish.. I don't think it's going to happen!

Stu for some reason has written in an old work diary that it's going to be tomorrow (09/09/10) but upon my clinic visit today, I've been assured that everything is still very clearly closed for business so not thinking it's going to happen either... that said.. I have cleaned out the fridge, done groceries and all the washing just in case.

My next hospital visit is scheduled for the 22nd.. which puts me at 40weeks and 5days at which time they'll set an induction date for me (oh joy!) if the little mister hasn't made his grand entrance! Fingers, toes, everything crossed that it doesn't go that way! I want to try and do this naturally.. and that includes the 'going into labour' part!

Until then I am trying to enjoy my relax time (even though I'm bored out of my brain!) cause I know that I don't really have THAT much of it left!

Can't wait to have the little blue bundle in my arms though!

It came... and went....

My chosen date has passed.... Bugger!!!!

When I went to see the Hospital yesterday - I asked ever so nicely that they remove him so I can meet him but for some reason they don't want to! He's doing just fine is their excuse - not too big - not too small - HB perfect so he has to stay put... I don't agree with them but... not much I can do about it!

Yesterday was Stuart and my 3rd anniversary... I seriously have to think really really hard to make out anything BIG that we've done in the last three years.. It seems that time has just melded together and we've just been floating along... well... apart from growing a baby this year! I'm pretty sure though that it's a good thing that time flies.. It makes me feel happy anyway.

Stuey still had to go to work yesterday - but I went down after my hospital appointment to have lunch with him. We went to Outback Jacks at Redcliffe.. it's like Lonestar - but without the Pumpkin Soup... Really nice!!! They have a 1kg Rump (and sides... so 2kg of food really!) that you have to eat in 30 mins to get a 1/2 price T-shirt and a photo.... the record stands at like 4 mins for a guy up in Townsville and 12 mins for a chicky on the Gold Coast... No way in hell would I ever be able to shove that much food down in that little time without bringing it all back up again later!!!! I'm a tad excited though cause they'll be opening one in Morayfield soonish... so that means if we want to go out for a good steak - we don't have to go to Aspley... or Hoggies (which I don't like their steak anyway!) we can go here!

I know it's shocking to say - but I didn't realise how nice the Redcliffe waterfront is. Rather picturesque! Not that I would ever want to live there - as you still have to drive through Deception Bay to get there... but... it was nice.. and it is my intent to go down there once a week with bubs to have lunch with daddy and a walk along the water... so bubby... hurry up so we can do it okay!

This week...

So far so good...

Have been having some monster Braxton Hicks and ligament stretchy pains... Everything getting prepared!

Have managed to cook every night but one... I just wasn't feeling well so Stu nuked some pies and had them...

Went shopping yesterday and got Birthday presents for 3 and Fathers Day gift for $150... pretty stoked with that effort!

Found out during the week (by playing with Etax) that Stu's going to have to pay tax this year.. which he's pretty bummed about.. We're leaving it til October and will put them both in together with the accountant in the hope that he can find some more deductions so we won't have to pay as much or at all... Just don't have the spare dosh for you Mr Tax Man...

Off up the coast again tonight so that we can help out with the tiling etc still to be done.. I'm looking forward to being apprentice... (ie.. wiping up the goop!) I do such a better job than Stu.. other than the fact I can't mix the goop... or carry tiles... or do anything... I still do a better job though!

Hoping to have the little man next week (1st September is my pick!) so it'll be the last helping I'll be able to do... Stu may want to escape the madness... he can go if he wants!

Have some washing to do... and pack up some gear for the weekend... then I might just be lazy and sit on the couch for the rest of the day!!!

(Might put TB 3 onto disk and watch it again... that would be fun!!!)

37 weeks today!!!

Hello My Little Man...

You are officially all cooked today. Everything is in working order and you're ready to enter the world whenever you feel like it without any complications... The next three weeks that you're supposed to stay in are in aid of weight gain... Up to you how long you're in there as far as i'm concerned.. but please don't get too fat... I have to get you out somehow!

I can't wait to meet you - and get some of my body back! (Yes.. I know the boobies are all yours... be prepared to fight daddy for them... )

Love you already!

Mummy!!!

Pamper day!

I had an impromptu pamper day yesterday... It involved a massage and haircut & wash... :)

I didn't realise how sore I was... My arms - from the wrists up to the elbow - ouch... Thighs.... OUCHIE, Calves - OMG! and my shoulders!!! Bleep!!! I was however surprised that my back wasn't too bad.

I love having massages.. and having pregnancy massages - although they aren't as relaxing - as you're on your side and have to roll over half way through - still feel just as nice. I can't wait til after bubby and I can go and have a proper one.. laying on my belly and falling asleep on the table!!!

I thought it best to have my hair trimmed while I had the time and opportunity - but in doing that I learned that my hairdresser is going elsewhere in the new year... (out onto the P&O ships to work in the salons!!! very cool!) so I'm going to have to find somewhere else... I am seriously considering just going to the salon at the Tafe... She said that the haircuts there are like $5 and you can get a full colour for around $20... That sounds pretty good to me - and I can put bubba in the pram and walk there!

Feeling quite tired today.. Was up every two hours without fail last night going to the toilet... and then having to get comfortable again was annoying. With my hearing.. If I lay on my good ear I sleep really well.. but because I favour that side, my right hip gets very sore... so I try to alternate... but... then I hear everything and can't get back to sleep... I'm considering kicking Stu out to the spare bed so that I can spread eagle and not worry about the noises!!!

I was going to wash today but the weather is still suspect so that will wait til tomorrow... so all I have to do today is put dinner in the slow-cooker... That will mean that I'm going to be starving all day as it's going to make the house smell yummy!!!

I'm looking forward to puppy cuddles though! I think Bundy has finally realised that somethings happening and things are going to change as he's been so cuddly and really really well behaved for the last few days... touch wood it lasts!!!

Have a good day everyone!

Feels a little like this today....

Aragorn: Gentlemen, we do not stop till nightfall.
Pippin: What about breakfast?
Aragorn: You've already had it.
Pippin: We've had one, yes. What about second breakfast?
[Aragorn turns and walks off in disgust]
Merry: I don't think he knows about second breakfast, Pip.
Pippin: What about elevenses? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? He knows about them, doesn't he?
Merry: I wouldn't count on it.

Sending Labour Hormones to my friend Sal...

My neighbour (across the road and to the left...) is due today.

They decided that she needed to be induced due to bubby's size (9 1/2 pounds!!) and she went into hospital for that on Monday.....

Monday - Cervadil - didn't work.....
Tuesday - Gel - didn't work.....
Today (her actual due date)- More Gel - maybe working? Not sure yet...

They've got another two processes up their sleeves should this lot of gel not work.. If they also don't work she's either got to chose from... well... go home and wait for it to occur naturally or C/S...

I feel so very sorry for her and want to send her all the funky pains and pangs I'm having in the hope that they will help little Sophie head on down!

Fingers crossed for her.... and me... that I don't have to go through this stuff and just have Mr Z-man naturally!

Nesting much????

I've cleaned out and re-organised the Laundry Cupboard of all things... I have also wiped down the walls and removed any and all dust in there that I could see.....

I know I should do some vacuuming.. but... I might leave that for Stuey!

Who feels like a heffer???

Change!!

I've decided change is required...

Considering everything else is going to change in the coming weeks... why not the blog too!!!!

I kinda like it!

Cooking up a storm!!

I've been told that because I'm now not working there's no excuse for us to have as much take-out as we were having... I can assure you that I can find plenty of excuses.. but I understand where the boss is coming from!!!!

For tonight I've made a Lasagne... which is HUGE!!! It's definately going to spill in the oven so it'll be in a bigger tray for cooking!!! It will also leave us with a second and maybe third/fourth serving that can be frozen for zombie baby days!!! That's my plan with the Beef Strog and Lamb Casserole I'm going to be making other nights this week too! Enough for dinner... for Stu to take some for lunch and two other servings to put into the freezer!

Will try and make sure the Silverside I get for Mum's birthday dinner next Monday is big enough to feed the 8 of us.. plus some leftovers... I might have to cook two!

Less than 40 days to go.....

It's starting to hit me now that our entire lives are going to change in less than 6 weeks!!!

I've finished work.. so that's the first good thing. It's enabling me to be able to rest and potter around instead of coming home from work and being too tired to even cook dinner.

We had our baby shower yesterday and it was a great turnout. A lovely afternoon at a beautiful location. I feel very lucky to have so many great friends and family who are all wanting to be a part of our little man's life. We also got showered with many gifts - which were not expected at all. Everyone was so generous! (Although - you could have washed the clothes and wraps for me!!! he he he!!!) I don't think that there is anything that's been brought that won't be used.

The only downside was how exhausted both Stu and I were last night... we managed to reheat some sausages and rissoles.. and boil the kettle to make some deb (instant potato has become my bestest friend lately!) We then rolled into bed and stayed awake til 8.30 so the dogs could be put out to do their thing and then I think we both pretty much zonked out! I was pretty stoked when I woke up at 6 to go to the toilet thinking it was 3 and hoping that I would be able to get back to sleep!!!

The weather is a bit dodgy today but because my darling put up my undercover washing line... I can still do some washing!! woot woot! (must be nesting cause I don't get excited about washing... like... ever!)

I'm still buggered and will be eating sponge cake and sausages for the rest of the week.. but I'm content. I'm very thankful that today is a Public Holiday for Stu so that he can get some rest before having to go back to work tomorrow.

On the baby front - He's doing great. Had a scan on Friday to check his sizes etc due to the Gest Diabetes and he's within range. My readings have been really low of late so I've been eating some bad food to try and get them back to where they need to be... Haven't had any Hypo attacks or anything.. just feeling mega tired! I have a hospital appointment on Wednesday, the next one will be in two weeks and then it's weekly visits from then on until he makes his grand entrance! Despite the pain.. I can't wait to meet him!

Hope everyone is doing well! Will keep you updated!

7 and a bit weeks to go...

We're on the countdown.. and I tell you... it's just not going fast enough for my liking...

If it's not the fact that I can't sleep cause of a) multiple pee trips or b) can't get comfortable... or c) cause bubby thinks it's playtime.... it's that he sit's up under my ribs and makes thing very very annoying...

I am also starting to get sore hips and back.. and I had the worst leg cramp EVER yesterday...

I am sooo tired and very thankful that my temp work finishes up at the end of this week. I know that I should be trying to get another couple of weeks from them so that we have a bit extra of a buffer.. but... nope... I just can't do it. (Even though they are only half days!!)

I haven't cooked dinner in over a week... we've had take-out - or stu's just reheated stuff.. I'm back at the early days point of having no idea what I want to eat until I actually want to eat it... Definately makes planning a menu hard. I am determined to cook something for dinner tonight after I finish the blog update.. We'll see how it goes! (If not... Stu can zap a pie!)

We went for our 3d scan a couple of weekends ago... and although I am biased.. and have to be... I think he is gorgeous! He's a definate mixture of the two of us.. Stu's eye's and face, my nose and chubby cheeks (just for grandma's and aunts to squeeze!) Chubba chubba lips too - not sure where they have come from! He's in love with his hands... always up around his face.. and there was a point that he was having a good ole munch on them! Fingers crossed this helps him to self settle once outside the womb!

I have also been given.. and purchased some cloth nappies... (given flats.. and purchased modern cloth ones..) I wasn't going to, but went to a baby expo/garage sale thing on the weekend and there was a lady with a stall there.. and they were just REALLY cute!!! Very expensive so I don't have many - and I don't intend to use them all the time.. just in case of bad rashes, or if I run out of dispo's or if I feel like it! I just think that using 1 a day will help to reduce our costs for nappies... as they aren't too pleasant on the bank balance...

We're all set to go with the Nursery. I have my hospital bag and nappy bag packed and sitting out near the computer... ready to go! I know there are still a few weeks to go - but it is never too early to be prepared right? The one thing I haven't done yet.. which is freaking me out a little, is putting the capsule into the car... Having car seats in there was never a problem, cause those were big kids... kids that could partially look after themselves... this little man when he comes home is going to be solely reliant on me.. and Stu... and that is just plain old scary!

We're having our baby shower on the 8th August at Sandgate. Can't wait to have that over with! I know it will be a lovely afternoon though.

So yeah - what was it I was going to do now...... ahhhh... cook - that's right... best get off my growing arse and do it eh?

Hope everyone is well!

Sleepless nights are starting!

So.. it's now becoming increasingly more difficult to get comfortable at night...

It downright sucks!!!

I fell asleep cuddling Stu at about 7.20 last night... Woke up at 10.30 to go to the loo.... and then had the most interrupted sleep EVER for the rest of the evening...

If it wasn't Zeke kicking and moving around.. it was my inability to be comfortable.. or the freaky dreams!

I have also realised that I only have just over 10 weeks to go... hoping that I come a little early... 8 weeks... and that is just SCARY!

Antenatal classes begin tonight (if I can stay awake in it!) and there is still so much to do! I have more stuff to buy, 2 1/2 weeks of work to go, hospital bags to pack.. clothes to wash and I still have to mentally prepare for what's to come (I'm sure the classes will help with that one!)

Golly Gosh! I know he's in there and has to come out at some point.. but did it need to sneak up on me like this? He's going to be mine.... I can't hand him over to anyone else as he's my responsibility... He's so innocent and reliant... are Stu and I ready for this?

You Tube....

I've been scaring/scarring... (whichever way you want to look at it!!!) myself with birth video's tonight...

There's just obviously nothing good on TV to watch you see!!

OUCH....

One word is all I can say....

and...

THANK GOD FOR PAIN RELIEF!

Hospital Visit

I had a hospital visit today....

All is good!!!

Size is great
HB is great
Sitting Breech which is why i'm getting pummled on one side of the belly ALL the time!
Even my blood flowed freely when they took it to check my levels!

My blood-pressure is fine, as well as my HB, and my sugars...

Do we think things can continue to run this smoothly????

Food bags started to leak a little over the weekend... so I have now handed that function over to motherhood... Nothing bad yet though thank goodness!! I think I've started to get Braxton Hicks... I can feel everything tighten and then relax.. doesn't hurt.. a little uncomfortable.. but that's okay.

Looking forward to dinner with Kylie and Niamh tonight... although I am going to be salivating over dessert!!!

Shopping with Sal (pregnant neighbour) tomorrow... Dinner with Stu's old work colleague Brooke tomorrow night

Work on Friday

Beach on Saturday

Afternoon session (minus the session for me!) at Clowntown on Sunday

Work Mon, Tue & Wed

Stu's new job Thursday...
Ryndell's visit Thursday

Work/Visit with Rosemary Friday

and NOTHING next weekend!!!! I might be able to have a bath, read a book and relax!

Hope everyone is having a good week!

Baby Purchases!

I found a rocking chair today....

It's a creamy leather like material - very soft... reclines too... with a rocking ottoman!

Best part... On sale - floor stock!!

The other ones I've looked at have been $400+

I'm pretty pleased with my $280 purchase....

Until bubby arrives it might just have to take up residence in front of the computer so that I can watch all the movies I have on here in comfort!!

It's June....

1. I turn 25 this year... a quarter of a century... the only good thing that will come out of it - is a reduction in my vehicle insurance and no extra age penalties if I have an accident...

2. I've been pregnant for almost 6 months... only a few to go and I'll be a mummy... (not just a fur-mum)

3. I am working again.. for the first time in 2 years! I am exhausted but enjoying adult company and interaction... while performing a task that is pretty mundane but stressful at the same time... Going to go and get my hair done today with my first pay check! It's been 4 months!!! It's looking pretty bad!

4. I am getting fatter but not putting on any weight... It's surreal.... granted the shape of the fatness is very pregnant belly like.. but I'm still not completely comfortable with it... Put on my fave jeans yesterday and couldn't bend down to do up my joggers with them on... woe is me! I'll have to stick to the maternity ones now I think! (which reminds me.. I have to get them taken up.. they're too long!)

We have such a busy month this month!

This Saturday we have a Naming Day in Ipswich.. and are going to swing by a friends place in Gatton on the (round-about) way home. Next weekend we have a Baptism to attend. The weekend after that is Stu and Mine to do birthday stuff on.. not sure what we are doing or where we are doing it yet... any idea's would be great! (I was thinking massage... and lunch somewhere nice... and maybe go to a movie in the afternoon... S&TC2!!! he he he) My next antenatal visit on the 23rd which will include a referral to go get more blood drawn!

Maybe the last weekend we can head up the beach - either at Bribie or Double Island for a daytrip.. cause the car should be fixed by then!! (Darn Gearbox!)

So that's June accounted for... weeks 25 to 28 accounted for!

July includes my 3d scan on the 17th... (going to be very cool!)
August is the pre-baby party!
September.... you'll be arriving... I hope you're cute!!!

I'm back at work.... (YUCK!)

I went to see Julia Ross on Monday to register for some temping.. and yesterday I started with a company to do 4 days of Data Entry... pfft... so not! How about two days training and then two days on my own doing the role... for END OF MONTH!!! I know I'm going to stuff up big time.. but hey.... 2 days people! No policy documents for me to follow... No screen dumps in a document as a visual aid.. and..... the topping!!! No-one else does the role... so there is nada assitance available to me while this girl is away.. and then they want me to come back for a week in June and do it all by myself while she's on Holidays.... sure sure!!!

The highlight of my day yesterday - apart from the Scrummy dinner at B&P's place... was at lunch.. I was sitting reading my book with my arm rested on the top of my belly and my legs up and a certain little mister didn't like it and kept trying to kick my arm off.. Thank goodness I was alone in the room.. cause I was having a quiet little chuckle to myself!! I know I won't be laughing once we hit the ribs.. but for now.. it's pretty cute!

Have a good weekend everyone!

Gestational Diabetes

Stu and I were out on Wednesday Morning.. we had both the cars cause I was going elsewhere after we'd been to our appointment and he was going to the doctor... well... the line up at the doc was .... LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG .... so he decided to go back later in the afternoon - worked out much better!

Both cars needed fuel so off to the Caltex we go! $200 later... both full... coke and mars bar each! and then... ring ring.... Jessica needs to call the Antenatal Clinic cause her sugar was too high in the test last week... she needs to see the Diabetes Clinic to get a diet and finger pricker etc to use for the REST OF HER PREGNANCY!!! I really really REALLY enjoyed that last ever full coke and mars bar... and you know what...

The world is cruel...

My wrapper is a winner.... and I can't use it....

True Blood!!

Season 1 has been watched and re-watched... Love it...

Season 2 has been on my computer for ages! I have watched it many times and really like it.. (except for the Maryann storyline...)

I picked up a copy from JB's last night so that I can watch it in bed... I don't know whether it will be different.. cause I'm more comfortable and relaxed or not.. but... I am looking forward to the extra's on the disc's that I haven't seen before...

Can't wait for Season 3 to start in June... before that happens I need to do some swapping with the channels I have on Foxtel! No longer doing the day care from the end of next week so I don't need the full whack of kiddies channels anymore... WOOHOO!!!!! So i'll be swapping it for the Movie channels instead... cause that's got Showcase... and TB!!!

Small things keep this little duck amused!

Kick Kick Kick!!!

So I obviously missed the flutters.... I graduated straight onto Kicks!!! Although.. I did ask very nicely that he make his presence known on Mothers Day... but Noooo!!! He waited until the Monday morning just before I got out of bed! It's the strangest, most wonderful, weird and awesome thing I have ever felt!!! and he's been going for it ever since! Tuesday night Stu got to feel him... I love it when the only emotion you can find is to laugh.. and that's just what he did! It was an amazing little moment! I had to have a Glucose Tolerance Test done on Thursday this week. (they do it for the 'fat' people early.. and then the Challenge Test at 28 weeks!) My veins decided not to play nice, but Zeke enjoyed the sugar hit... he must have tuckered himself out cause when I tried to get kicks from him Thursday night - he just ignored me!

Yesterday (Saturday) we went for a drive up to Maroochydore... (I wanted a Spud from the Plaza... sad.. but true!) We stopped at Mooloolaba and sat to watch the water for a while.. and then had some ice-cream! YUM!

This morning.. Stu has decided to show full symptoms of the Flu!!! and mine have started.. I am just sooooo bloody pleased! At least he can medicate! I'm stuck with Soothers and Chicken Soup! BORING!

He seems to think he's going to work tomorrow.. but that's not going to be happening! At least 2 days bed rest and drugs for him.. Need him to be well incase I need to be looked after!

Zeke is kicking me at the moment so he must want to say Hi!!! I was watching my belly last night while he was doing it... the pop pop pop is just sooo funny!!!

Anyway.. enough from me! Hope everyone has had a good weekend!

It's a Boy!!

We are having a blue baby!!!!

His name is Ezekiel Walker Martin and we can't wait to meet him.

Felt the first movements this morning which was nice... a couple of kicks on the left side just below my belly button!

Very excited for Stu to feel them soon!

First Maternity Clothes!!

Today I actually found some maternity clothes I like!!!

A cotton top thing, some leggings and a maxi dress....

There's a shop at Brendale that I went and had a look at that has some awesome stuff... quite expensive but really good quality!

It's funny though how maternity clothes make you look more preggers than you are!

2 more sleeps til we see bubby again!

I want a Doppler!!!

My neighbour Sal who is 4 weeks ahead of me hired a doppler when they found out about their baby!!! She was kind enough to let me borrow it last night as Stu's not heard the heartbeat since the 12 week scan and was a little disheartened when I got to hear it without him when I went to the Doc last week. How much fun is it!!!! I want one!!!!

I had to have a trial run when I got it home that afternoon... and I found it straight away. So strong and fast!!! But then little bubba decided that it didn't want to be found later when Daddy was wanting to have a listen! I seriously think we chased that child around my belly for a good 10 mins before finally being able to hear! We managed to get some good sound bites thanks to our mobiles and proceeded to send them to Family so they could have a listen... all but my mum who doesn't like technology and won't activate that stuff on her phone!!! (Now she just has to wait!)

Going to try and get it off the phone and onto the net somehow tonight.. so that we can share it. For the people that have heard it.. it's brought back memories.. or excited them.. or made them cry... I think it's a blessing to be able to share my experiences with others! I just wish I could count and do maths well enough to be able to figure our what its heartrate was!

Can't wait for next Friday to find out what we are having and to make sure that everything is going well! Can't wait to go shopping for clothes etc... and some decals for the walls!

20 weeks tomorrow means that the half way point has been reached.. and it's all down-hill from here!

Cheeseburger....

You would expect it to have Cheese on it right.... I'm not being unrealistic here????

Well it DIDN'T!!! GRRRRR!!!!

19 weeks today

Almost half way.... almost!!!!!!

Had a massage yesterday... it was goood!! BUT... god it was hurting in the afternoon and through the night. It seems my muscles don't like to be released and relaxed... they like being tense!! Spending the day in bed with the pooches today... even though there is a pile of washing... heaps of housework and a few errands that really need to be run! Oh well.... they will survive without me!

I went for an interview yesterday, yes, it is a casual position... but it doesn't start til end May and is only offering 10 hours a fortnight.... back to the drawing board I think!!

It's been a busy week this week.... I was crampy on Monday, more than usual... so went to the dr. Turned out I had a UTI starting so have been medicated and all is good now. Got to hear bubby's HB on the doppler to make sure all was okay. Very strong and very cool!! Had a blood test to check my levels. Stu got jealous cause he wasn't there. I got most of my hair chopped off and I'm loving it!! Had to go back to the dr on Wednesday to get my results... everything is fine but my cholesterol... it's only slightly high... oops!! And then yesterday with the massage and interview.... Can't wait to have Stu home for 3 days!!!

Baby has made it's presence known.... Jeans aren't comfy anymore :( Interview skirt which fit just fine on Wednesday was tight and really uncomfortable yesterday.... I feel huge already... and it's only going to get bigger!

Scan in 14 days... make sure we can see between your legs little one!!!

First Clothing Purchased!!!!

I went shopping with Mum today... and got busy!!!!

I got two neutral onesies with long sleeves but no legs...
Two Bonds Wondersuits.. in white... sooo cute!
Singlets, Socks, Mittens and a couple of little bonnett things! White!

I also purchased some very lovely maternity bra's and a Bonds singlet thing with a built in bra thing.. I think I may live in that one!

We are setting up the nursery on the weekend... SOOOO Excited!

We've decided to delay the move... the market isn't looking promising at the moment and with interest rates going up up up... no one is going to want to buy. In any case.. regardless of the neighbourhood, our little house is very comfortable and has everything we need.

I just can't wait to have a little bubby home with us... so the crying at all hours can piss off the neighbours!!! (not the only reason of course!!!)

We will be up the coast before prep starts for this one... DEFINATELY!!!!

Attack of the Hungers!!!!

I guess that our little bubba is growing cause I'm STARVING... all the time!!!!

Yesterday... I had toast for breakfast, potato bake and 1/2 beef pide (at the shops) a large coke, corned meat, mash and greens, ice cream and milo!!!!

So far today... I've had toast, left over corned meat and mash, left over beef stew and some chocolate easter eggs.... I'm still hungry!!!! Grrrr....

I'm going to do my best to not eat anything else until dinner... even though... I've kinda already eaten my dinner!!!!

I've not been putting any weight on though which is interesting... I'm still 6kg under my pre-preg weight.

Mmmmm.... What to have for dinner???

I'm so not going to make it!!!

I'm cooking dinner!!!!

I know it may sound strange.. but I've not been able to cook anything... (unless it's in the slowcooker or oven)

All meat has had to be cooked outside to then be eaten.. with me in the bedroom so I don't smell it... (I can deal with Bacon though!)

BUT!!!

I've just made Chicken Caccitore (no... not from scratch... I love jars!)
I cut the Chicken
I browned the Chicken
I stirred the Chicken and
I added the sauce...

I even want to eat it!

At least we now know that Chicken is safe... not sure about anything else yet... but YAY!!!



Had the day with Mum and the boys today (with the daycare kids.. we went to a playhouse... didn't see them for like 3 hours!) She's pretty adamant that I am showing.. although.. I just still feel fat. I wish that I could feel some movements.. but I have no idea what I should be 'feeling' for! I'm tempted to go to the GP for a referral just so I can go see bubs again. It's another month before our next scan and I'm getting impatient! Can't wait to find out if we're having a little Ezekiel or a Cadence! It's about half/half from all our guessers! If it's a girl I have a heap of hand me down clothes in the pipeline... If it's a boy... I get to go shopping!!

I'm trying to get some temp work for the short term.. (early August I think would be a good time to finish up!!!) It seems however people are scared of hiring a pregnant woman. That's fine.. but isn't that discrimination??!! I don't mind. We're good without it, but it would definately make things a little easier if it could be done. I only have after school care three days a week from next week... I'm pulling in the big dollars now! (2/3 of my income was one family and have moved to Emerald.. the other day time care was worried about getting a place once I take my leave, and we've found one and I have pushed her to take it. I'd rather they stay happy than stressed!)

Well... I'm going to go and eat some of my dinner.. I know it's early.. but I'm hungry (ALL THE TIME!!!) I might have another serving when Stu gets home and wants his!

What a SHIT week!!!

So... this pregnancy thing is supposed to be fun.. isn't it? Supposed to be glowing and all that CRAPOLA!!!

I ended up with a Golden Staph infection in my ears this week... 2 trips to the specialist, deafness for 2 days and really strong antibiotics.... and still not feeling 100%... and... ended up with 'other' girly problems from the drugs.. I WANT THE GOOD STUFF ALREADY!!!

I am still feeling nauseated.. but now only when I don't eat.. but the problem with that is.. I have no freaking idea what I feel like eating most of the time. If I had any desire to eat food... that would be great.. The only thing I crave is Fried Rice and Chicken Chow Mein... but i'm worried I'm going to get sick of it soon...

We are going camping over easter and I am so concerned about what I am going to eat for 4 days!!! No chinese takeaway where we are going!

Feeling terribly bloated and horrible... Can September be next month?????

Second Trimester is here!!!!

I've finally hit 13 weeks! Hopefully from this point forward things will get better.. I'll feel better... I'll get some energy back and start to get even fatter!!!

Busy week last week!!! Wednesday was the first Hospital Appt. The midwife was lovely and I think Caboolture is the right choice for us. Thursday was my 12+5 Nuchal Transluesancy (or NT!) scan. Where the progress of bub is checked along with the likelyhood of Downs Syndrome. Bubs was very active... (thanks to the gross OJ I had to drink!) he/she kept bouncing around turning away from us and not co-operating with the Ultrasound Lady! HB was 158 which is good and it's measuring 65mm! Everytime she honed in on the HB so we could hear it... bubs would move... we got a little bit though which was like the sweetest sound ever!
The last few days have been good for me.. I've not been bounding around the house full of energy but at least I've been able to eat 3 meals a day and drink my required amount of water without feeling sick... This peeing thing is really annoying though... and freaking constant!!!! (yeah.. I hear you.. "and it's only going to get worse!")

I'll go to the Dr's today or tomorrow to get the results of the NT scan. The report in with the films says that I am low risk which is good. I didn't think there would be a problem, and the real reason I booked us in for one is so that I could see bubs and get another little picture!!!
Here's to a big week of work.. and hopefully continuing to feel like this... instead of spewy 24/7!

Next scan is booked for 7th May, which is actually Soni's birthday.. so in the theme of 'free' birthday presents.. the mums can come along and see bubs! And... we'll find out what we're having! (I hate surprises.... !!!)

Surprise...

Hello! You may see the little addition to your right... I'm sick as a dog and over it already... but we are both very happy! I knew we shouldn't have gone on holiday before Christmas!

I'm running a bit of a Fbook experiment.. I've put the ticker on my profile but am not going to say anything on my status.. I want to see if anyone actually notices! We'll be giving leave to the parents to pass on the good news... oh.. from tomorrow... It can be Rod's Birthday present.. to tell the big secret!!! :)

First hospital visit next Wednesday... Can't wait to hear the little heartbeat!

First Scan pic... (approx 9 weeks!) Heart beat was 171!!! Nice and strong.. It was jumping around and stuff... Sooooo surreal!

Really wants Thai...

That is all....

New Year.. Lots of Changes!!!

It's been a rather ordinary start to 2010... with both Stu and myself being sick.. Awful flu like sickness which had us both in bed for a few days.

Thailand has been cancelled.... instead we are going to be moving back up to Caloundra. We are so excited about it. The date for the move isn't set in concrete yet as we still have work to do here before we can put the house on the market - and we need to wait for the tenants to move out of the house we are moving into up there. Somewhere between mid year and the end of August anyway!

Hopefully we can get what we want for the house so that we can clear all our debts and just be able to rent and save a deposit for the new house! Can't can't can't wait to be back up the coast!!!!

All of the reno pictures so far are on my Facebook page... have a squiz.. it's looking really nice!

We've become hermits due to the sickness and work that's required around the house... but that's okay... I think we are both still recovering.

Stu's had some major changes at work including being given staff to manage... which is freaking him out a little! I know he'll be fine. Just needs to find his feet is all!

Oh.. and GE are stuffed! They put a suspension on my credit card that I got from them - oh - 6 months ago.. as they didn't have record of sending me their T&C's booklet etc. This is the only card we have that gets paid off as it's used.... and I go to use it and it's declined... twice... how embarrasment! I rang them and they explained what had happened.. and I was like.. geeze... thanks for the phone call guys - and he gave me $20cr!!! They turned the card back on (took 48 hrs to be active again!) because I had received all the information... Stupid twats! Gripe finished!

Best get the kiddies lunches ready! They are playing so nicely for me at the moment!!!