Meeting Little E

Jasper and Little E

While away for the weekend getting our girls Day Care sorted for when we move, we finally got to meet Little E - my first ever nephew and the first cousin for Ellie, Kahlei and Jasper.

Such a beautiful little boy. Jasper and Little E are just under 2 months apart and my Little Man looks SO big next to his cousin.

The girls thought he was adorable. I have tonnes of photos of Ellie taking pics of him or Kahlei giving him kisses as he peacefully slept. Bless. I have wanted them to have a cousin since Ellie was born, as I know how close I am with Case and I wanted them to have that special relationship.

I am so excited that we will be all living in the same time. I hope they will spend lots of time together and be best friends.

Already buds

Playing along with Fat Mum Slim's Point and Shoot

{52 Weeks} Week 17: Pregnant

Of course, I am sure you all realise by now that I am pregnant, so the title of today's post might be a little pointless ;) but, as my last pregnancy enters it's last week I am still amazed at the things that still take me by surprise and thought I might share some of my thoughts and musings (okay, ramblings) about pregnancy for this; my last belly shots for my {52 Week} Project.

The idea for this post came to me the other day as I went to the shop on my own and noticed myself in the reflection of the window. I know it's general knowledge that heavily pregnant women waddle, but I don't feel like I have been. When I go out with the girls and hold their hands, I feel there might be a tiny sway but no waddle, so imagine my surprise when I saw myself walking across the road in full waddle. Like extreme waddle. Like each step made my whole belly point in the opposite direction than it had been. 

I know I have a huge bump, I can feel the discomfort all the time and yet I often manage to walk into doors, walls, furniture... I have no idea how it happens.

I can't fathom how this little man can be comfortable tucking his feet up under my ribs, sticking his butt out and jamming his head into my bits. I know it's nothing short of painful for me, but for some reason this is his favourite position.

And why has my husband had all the weird cravings through out all three pregnancies? I don't think I am complaining, although I will never have a great strange craving story to tell in years to come.

During all three pregnancies I have wondered wondered about these women who love being pregnant. Who glow and feel amazing. Are they real? Or do we feel like we should feel like that since we're growing something so amazing? I have never felt great, never had a glow, never ever loved it. I remember feeling bad going through my pregnancy with Ellie, wondering why I wasn't a glower but I have since come to accept I just have crummy reactions to pregnancy!

Another thing I am currently wondering about is how is it that something so small and so light when you finally hold them in your arms feels a whole lot like carrying an elephant? I can't believe the pain this little thing has had me in. Women who suffer through SPD and then decide they can put their body through that again for another bundle of joy are amazing. This pregnancy has done me in. I simply can't imagine going back.

And do we get our brains back? I don't feel like I have. But, this time around my baby brain is sooo different to what I had with the girls. With them my head was constantly fuzzy, like I was walking around with a cloud stuffed in my head. I knew there were things I couldn't remember, I knew that I should know what a certain word was but simply couldn't get my thoughts going. This time around it's kind of just nothing. I don't realise I am forgetting or that I should know something or other or that I should be thinking.  There's just no energy left for such things.

Mostly, I am amazed that my body can grow these perfect little people. Amazing that all this pain, discomfort and weird body stuff is worth it a thousand fold because at the end there is something so beautiful and precious and you forget and go through it all again (well, until you stop, hehe).

And that, dear friends is my pregnant brain-spew. If it makes no sense refer to the part about baby brain...

 

What a day..

Well... It's been a day and half here! Last night was a shocker with Kahlei barely sleeping and James and I both being sick, so it's safe to say I wasn't in the best of moods this morning. It all seemed to start well, Kahlei finally fell into a good sleep (much to my frustration, it was at a time when I couldn't be sleeping too) and Ellie seemed to be in high spirits, even though I am sure she must have been disturbed last night.

Everything went as normal, we ate breakfast and James went off to work and Ellie and I made the bed before I turned on the TV for Ellie to watch In The Night Garden. As the show started, it all fell apart. I don't even know why - all of a sudden Ellie was screaming, crying, carrying on and throwing her arms about in the air. No amount of Igglepiggle stopped the racket (and boy can that girl SCREAM - I mean piercing straight into my brain)! Somehow, we pulled ourselves together to go out as we were about to run out of nappies, which we seem to be doing a bit lately. Where once we had boxes and boxes we now seem to be living one bag to the next - it's a tad stressful.

So, we went out and the girls were perfect (thank goodness)!  I was thinking we'd come home, I'd pop both girls in bed and have a sleep myself and it seemed to be going that way. Both girls went to bed without a peep. 5 minutes later Kahlei was awake and playing with her mobile and being generally noisy, so I decided to get her up and put her in bed with me. I gave her a feed and thought she would sleep, but instead she started chatting to me. Now, I love to hear her gorgeous little chatterings, but I was seriously so tired, I just wished she would stop!!

By the time Ellie got up there'd been no sleep for me... For whatever reason Ellie got up in a terrible mood and Kahlei decided she was actually extremely tired and grumpy (*sigh* go figure). Arsenic hour in our house normally starts at about 4.30 pm and reaches it's peak at 5.30 pm if James hasn't come home by then. Today, it began at 1pm and didn't end until about 5.30.

Once things had calmed down I prepared dinner, James and Ellie fed Kahlei a bottle and all seemed right with the world. Until I got dinner on the table. I was just about to sit down when Kahlei started whinging, I figured she was ready for bed, as she should have been and picked her up as she projectile vomitted ALL over me! I have serisouly never seen a baby vomit that much. She was covered, I was covered, James was kind of laughing and somewhat frozen from shock. As was I. Then she started heaving again, so I did the only logical thing (in my shocked state) and turned her around. Now I am covered, she is covered, the rug is covered... Good move...

I was standing there saying to James "Help?" and he had no idea what to do! I quickly sat down with her on my lap to try and calm her and she brought up another litre of projectile yellow vomit (okay, maybe not literally that much but it was heaps). After which she started chatting and smiling, obviously that did the trick.

Since she was obviously feeling better we got in the shower, which caused a tantrum from Ellie who also wanted to be in the shower - not eating dinner with Daddy.

After the three of us had a nice warm shower things finally settled down. Both girls had a story and went to bed and they're still sleeping now. I just hope we have a good night tonight!

Before I go off to bed: Digiridoo Scraps is having a CT call. If you love digiscrapping, being a part of a fun community and the chance to work with kits from awesome designers then I suggest you apply!!

Gone in a Flash

The past six months have simply flown past. It's hard to believe that Kahlei is 6 months old already.  She's starting to get bigger now - her 0000 suits will have to go away now, some of the bigger suits still fit, but it's a stretch and she has the cutest chubby cheeks.

I love watching her take things in - you can just see her absorbing everything around her. Getting moving hasn't been much of a priority for her, she has been happy to go at a slow steady pace and concentrate on filling her little brain with as much information as she possibly can. Only recently has she started the kicking of her legs in anticipation of moving while having tummy time, or pulling her upper body up when she wants to sit up or the constant rolling to get where she wants to go. She's also started putting her dummy back in and can sit on her own for 30 seconds. Clever monkey. I am enjoying the fact that she's taking her time to do these things. At this age Ellie was well and truely sitting and almost crawling - she was in a hurry to be on the move and independent and while I was a proud Mumma things go way too fast in the first place without the bub fast tracking things as well!

Although, Ellie would be happy for her to hurry up a bit. She's forever telling Kahlei "Walk" and showing her with slow, deliberate moves exactly how it's done.

The only part of her 'taking it all in' approach that I worry about is when Ellie's throwing an award winning tantrum and Kahlei is sitting there smiling and taking in every little aspect. Here's hoping she won't be an even bigger Drama Queen than The Diva herself!

Look how much she's grown!

And before I go to bed (I'm writing this the night before because tomorrow we're getting in the car and going away - yay), tonight we did a 'bed swap' before story time:

My little girl in the big bed and my big girl in the little bed :)

<3

Tuesday's Tribute: Baby Brain

My youngest child is almost 5 months old and my brain is yet to be returned to me in it's former 'thinking' state. I thought the fog had lifted. I was wrong.

It's Tuesday? Really?

I had no idea until I started reading blog updates and there were some Tuesday Tributes.. Wow.

So, thank you baby brain for leaving me in an eternally confused/surprised state!

Tuesday's Tribute: 20 Months

Tuesday's Tribute is now being hosted by Angie at Seven Clown Circus

20 months ago Ellie Kara made her entrance into the world. Or more specifically, became my world. I remember those first few minutes, laying on the operating table, waiting and willing her to cry. The relief that spread through me.

Lately, I have written a few posts referring to the speed at which both Ellie and Kahlei have grown. And this evening I have looked at 'old' photos of Ellie, marvelling at the speed at which she developed, right before my eyes.

In 20 months Ellie has gone from a helpless babe to an independent, strong-willed, funny and amazing toddler.

From a colicky, windy baby who never slept to a (practically) perfect angel who now goes to bed, falls asleep on her own and stays asleep all night. I thought that would never happen.

In 20 months Ellie has developed her own personality, revelling in the discoveries life has to offer her. Exploring her world at every opportunity and learning all she can.

From those first few rolls on her play mat, to her first steps at almost 10 months to this running, twirling, stair-climbing, jumping, dancing ray of sunlight, I have been there for all of these amazing milestones and yet I still find it amazing to look at her now and see all that she can do and realise just how much she is taking in.

20 months of cuddles and kisses with my sweet baby girl. 20 months of learning, struggling, laughing, crying - for all involved.

Who know such a small amount of time could open your eyes, mind and world to so much.

The best 20 months of my life, so full of joy and light.

Ellie, moments after she was born

Ellie today, sitting on her potty

And having a big bath (with Mummy & Kahlei)

Developmental Milestones

I used to put up these development lists from Raising Children for Ellie all the time, with what she was doing bolded, but I haven't done it since she was about 13 months I don't think. So, I thought it was time to update Ellie's milestones and start on Kahlei's, with a photo of them from yesterday when we were all out the front.

Kahlei:

The 4th month

By the end of this month, your baby:

… should be able to:

• on stomach, lift head up 90 degrees


• laugh out loud


• follow an object in an arc about 15 cm above the face for 180 degrees (from one side to the other)

… will probably be able to:

• hold head steady when upright


• on stomach, raise chest, supported by arms


• roll over (one way) - I never get to see it, though!!
  


• grasp a rattle held to backs or tips of fingers


• pay attention to a raisin or other very small object


• reach for an object


• squeal in delight
  

… may possibly be able to:

• keep head level with body when pulled to sitting


• turn in the direction of a voice, particularly mummy’s


• say ah goo or similar vowel consonant combinations - She is the biggest chatterbox. Especially when Ellie's around
  


• blow a raspberry (make a wet blowing sound with lips placed together and vibrating)

… may even be able to:

• bear some weight on legs when held upright


• sit without support


• object if you try to take a toy away


• turn in the direction of a voice

Ellie:

The 19th month

By the end of this month, your toddler:

… should be able to:

• use three words
  


• point to a desired object

… will probably be able to:

• ‘feed’ a doll


• use six words - Oh, yes, she is picking up words at an alarming rate at the moment! Last night I tried to teach her Rhinoserous "Rhiionon" hehe
  


• walk up steps

… may possibly be able to:

• build a tower of four cubes


• identify two pictures by pointing
  

… may even be able to:

• name six body parts - She loves doing this and has started showing us what's what on Kahlei, which Kahlei thinks is hilarious
  


• wash and dry hands

Ahh, my girls are growing up.

It's funny to look at Kahlei and know that in 15 months she will be a little person, just like Ellie is now. It never ceases to amaze me how much these little minds and bodies learn in such a short amount of time.

Kahlei's Birth Story; 4 Months on...

Kahlei is 4 months old today! I can't believe how fast time goes when you have kids.

I have mentioned a few times that I will write Kahlei's birth story at some point and have decided to mark today by sharing it.

It was dark when James and I got up on the 4th of December. I could feel the flutterings of nervous butterflies as I showered and dressed, but somehow they seemed muted; far away. Mum and Dad were here to be with Ellie, so they got up to see us off, waving bye to mum was probably the most overwhelming moment, as I panicked about what was about to happen, knowing that there was nothing I could do to stop it.

We arrived at the hospital before 6am, as requested by the anesthetist, and I was shown into my room by a midwife. She checked my bloodpressue and gave me a gown to put on before leaving us to rest and await our time...

It seemed like ages before anyone came by to get me ready to go to theatre. I tried to rest but felt too nervous and excited.

Eventually, I had my stocking put on (to help stop blod clots) and was wheeled down the halls, into the elevator and down to theatre. Along the way, James left my side to wash up and dress in scrubs. I was taken in to meet the surgical team and have my spinal block put in. The nurse stood in front of me, talking to me, trying to keep me calm and still as the anesthetist got to work sticking a needle in my back. At first it was fine, but he was unable to get it in the right place, so he tried again. And again. The more he tried the more it hurt. Eventually, I felt as if I was having my spine scraped and was having shooting pains seize my right leg.

The one thing I didn't want for this birth was to have to be put under while I had my baby. I didn't want to miss out on that moment, where all you can do is hold your breath and wait for that little cry to cause relief to wash over you. I didn't want to miss out on seeing her in those first few precious moments of her life, so when he told me he had no choice but to put me to sleep I had a single tear slip down my cheek. I should have learnt from last time  not  to think about what I didn't want (ie an induction & c-section) because that's what I do get.

I laid down, he placed the mask on my face and then... nothing.

I awoke like they do in the movies. Everything was blurry and a far off female voice was calling my name over and over. I was uncomfortable, my throat hurt. I tried to open my eyes, the woman calling my name was nothing more than a haze fussing by my side. I thought I was dreaming and as I do when I am uncomfortable in bed, I tried to roll onto my side. Suddenly my stomache burned, a pain like nothing I had felt before made me freeze. I was confused. Scared. I had no idea what was going on. Honestly, I can only remember those first few moments and then I must have fallen back into a drugged sleep. All I know is that I had no idea I had just had a baby. I didn't think to ask if she was okay, that point makes me upset whenever I think about it. My first thought should have been of the baby girl I had just had, I should have asked about her the instant my eyes opened.

I was wheeled back to my room; where my husband and newest daughter had been waiting for some time. Apparently, I had remained in recovery for 2 hours. Kahlei was laid in my arms and the first thing I saw was her bright red hair. She appeared to have marks on her head from forceps, but I couldn't understand why they would need to use them for a c-section. I fed her, all the while feeling like I was in a dream scene, I was groggy and unable to keep my eyes open. I would be talking and partway through a sentence would drop off. I could feel it happening but was helpless to stop it.

My pain was much worse than it had been with Ellie. I later found out that a different doctor actually performed the operation and it sounds like she was only learning and was maybe a tad rough. I kept pressing my pain medication button and falling asleep. Luckily, I managed to be awake when Ellie arrived to meet her new sister and didn't miss out on her giving her a beautiful kiss.

Frustrated by my inability to stay awake, I talked to a midwife who came in and discovered that my using the pain meds was causing me to relapse into the cloud which surrounded me. Of course, now that I look back it makes sence but at the time it didn't cross my mind once. I was disappointed I hadn't thought to say something sooner and ended up missing practically the whole first day of Kahlei's life, not just the first two hours.

But, in the end I had a perfect, beautiful baby girl who was healthy. What more could a Mummy want?

Day 49, 50 & 51

Day 49: Favourite Toy

Day 50: A Peek Over the Fence

Day 51: Thoughtful

Day 40: Angel

New Bubba

Kahlei Aurora Hopkins - 4th December 2008

I'm to tired to actually write anything right now, so that'll have to come another day.

1...

Since seeing the anesthetist yesterday, everything suddenly seems so much more real than it has previously. Now, I am feeling pretty nervous and scared.

He told me of the possibility of having to be put to sleep for the procedure, which completely freaked me out - I mean, I know it could happen but I felt like he was pretty much saying that he thought that's what he would have to do, but I might have just overreacted.

I really don't want to be knocked out for it. I want to know she's okay, hear her first cry and see her. I don't want to wake up and not know what happened, where my baby is or if she was alright.

Today, I saw my doctor and he did well to allay my fear somewhat, he gave me a script for some sleeping pills for tonight, which also contain something like Valium which will help me be a little calm...

I was feeling better and then we came home to a whole big issue with our neighbour, which stressed James and I out and that has triggered me worrying about tomorrow again!

So, the next time I write I will be the mother of two girls! (Well, assuming the ultrasound was right ;), until then, some pictures of my gorgeous girl on her last day as an only child!

Size Doesn't Matter

Does it?? Really???

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(and you all thought it was gonna be dirty!)

Ellie's currnet nappy (walker) next to one of Bubby's newborn. Aww.

You really do forget just how tiny a new baby is when you bring it home when you've got a walking, talking, independent little miss wandering around!

Finally!!

Yesterday was a big day for the three of us. We eventually got on the road (after some stressful moments on the phone with Mum, a change of plan and some directions), Ellie slept for most of the trip which was great.

We met Mum, Ethan, Caleb and DJ (Mum's long-time friend from school) at Cockington Green. I'd never been there before, it was so amazing. It was really hot, though, so we did it quicker than I would have liked just to get out of the sun and heat.

Ellie had a great time playing with Uncle Max and Uncie Caleb, especially after lunch when they ran around on the grass - it even drew a crowd! So cute.

Mum and Ellie came with us to the UltraSound, which was lovely, Ellie even looked at the screen a few times! The lady was lovely and it was a very relaxed environment. I would recommend Bundles to anyone wanting a great 3d scan experience. This Bubby didn't want any face-on pics and had arms, legs - everything up in front of it's little face, just like Ellie did when we had her scan. So, we have lots of nice piccies of Bubby's hands and feet. I'll put some up soon. 

The thing we wanted to know we found out practically straight away, I was so thrilled that it was so easy, I was very nervous that it would take too long and we would miss out.

BUT ...

 

 

 

Getting a little organised...Or trying!!

I am in the middle of starting a meal plan and putting recipes into categories to see how it might work into our lives. I have had some dishes I have wanted to make but I never remember to write down the ingredients that we don't have so I get stuck making the same types of meals over and over.

I also hope that this will mean life will be just a tad easier when Bubby comes along. I am going through a lot of recipes for my slow cooker, which we got as a wedding pressie and have honestly never used. Right now it is sounding like a good option for some days!

I'm also going to start a list of things we need to get for Bubby/Ellie over the next 3 months, I had a comprehensive list for Ellie before she was born but it was saved on the laptop before it decided to have a meltdown so I don't have it anymore. Obviously, there wont be nearly as many things on this new list, but it would have been nice to see what was on the last one and maybe just edit it.

Ellie's First Painting Experience

Ellie and I had a great morning painting with some finger paint I made with water, corn flour and food colouring. It's the kind of paint that is more for squishing over the paper rather than actual painting. She was all for eating the blue paint after I put some gloops on our flattened Huggies box. She was looking MEGA cute wearing a t-shirt Daddy wore while we painted the house to keep her clothes clean with blue paint on her nose. Once she saw me swirling the paint around on the cardboard she got the idea, however! She got into it more than I even imagined she would! She was painting full-bodied! I love watching her explore all these new and exciting messy things!