Babies Born June 2006 #41

Bath - you'll have to give me that recipe, it sounds delicious. Can you buy ghee? I work near all these indian shops so I could go and get some supplies. Hanoi, wow. These places are getting more and more interesting. They must have so many overseas jobs for people to be able to put in a preference. Do you and DH have a preference yet? I have just finished reading AuRevior by Mary Moody, true story about her life and turning 50, she decides to run away and live in France for 6 mths. Fantastic read. I am trying to locate the second one Last Tango in Toulouse.

Rory - did you chase up the accountant! My check cleared yesterday so I can do a bit of shopping tomorrow - YIPEE! Already spied a few things I want. How nice you got some extra "you" time today.

Nic - meet up sounds good, its nice that all the states are active in trying to get meet up organised. The constant wee stops are something I don't miss, were there any trees along this walk you could duck behind LOL!!! Tell us about the avo recipe, I love them and I can get them cheap from my fruit/veg shop - might have to stock up after you give me the recipe.

Maya - you do very well to still carry Oscar at that weight. Marley would only be 9 kg and I find her heavy! I have put her in the bjorn a few times for shopping but she now prefers riding the front of the trolley, much more fun and more people to wave at!

Just ate one of those yummy sticky cinnamon buns from Bakers Delight - bit sickly but so good!!! Has Kelly organised another meet up for next Monday? I heard the place was pretty good and had a good area for kids? Will definately go if its on.

Must go and start dinner.

Hi all,
Well it is the end of my working week.I always hang out for Weds lunch time, I am really enjoy my job but i am just so tired at the moment that my heart isnt really into it. I am fine when I am there and doing it, but the thought of going to work doesnt do much for me. Oh well only 6 weeks to go and my mat leave start so I guess I can trudge through until then.

Tori is going really well, I cant believe how much she talks now, her neew favourite word is me, with her finger stuck in the middle of her chest (so cute). She basically chats all day long now ( i have no idea where she gets that from ;) ).

bath- your big move sounds interesting, I would love to go and work in another country but at the moment it is not practical. Maybe one day, if you end up in singapore we are going over for a holiday in May so we can meet up.

Maya- I am hoping to wear the new baby more in the sling for the exact purpose of getting stronger so that I can wear him as he gets bigger.

Mel- Tori also had her first accident that left her with a mark on her face, it wasnt her lip though, she fell over at day care and hit her face on a flower pot, she ended up with a black eye and a graze over it.

I should really stop coming in here when everyone is talking about food, just makes me hungry. All the lovely ideas for dinner and cakes etc. I am actualley just about to go and cook a lasagne for dinner, as it is DH tafe night and I try and have osmething easy done so that I am not trying to cook while Tori is under my feet.
Nic- I hear ya on the toilet thing, I always need to go at the most inconvinient times, even if I have just been not long before.

My dad arrived, hence cutting my last post short!
Ok, where was I?
Ali - it's great that you have a short week! These kidlets with words are too cute. Oscar has been putting together the weirdest syllables, but no words apart from Dadda, Mumma and variations inbetween. You got a shoulder sling, didn't you? I have one (with a clip, probably should have got the ring one, though) and it's dead handy in the middle of the night when you need a quick comfort, as some other slings can take a few seconds too long and you've got a screaming baby by the time you get to them! I'm going to keep mine in the car from now on, as a Just In Case I Forget the Ergo measure. As much as I rely on my Ergo, you better believe that sometimes I forget the bloody thing!
Mel - I'm pretty sure that next Monday was a go-er at the Coach and Horses, 12.30pm. I hope so - I'm going to use it as a fortifier before heading into my old work for an exit interview.
Speaking of which - I finally got a call back about that and the girl says to bring my discount card and name badge. I said that I may not be able to find them because a few things have changed in my house since I last saw them, assuming she knew I'd been on maternity leave. She said "yes, well, I'll need them". Pretty much, I have no clue where my badge is! Anyway, turns out my interview won't be with her because she's not there on Mondays and Tuesdays and she says 'you can have the interview with one of the other managers if you don't mind'...umm, I don't even know her, let alone the other managers she mentioned! I'm glad I left - sounds like management is just as efficient as ever...not.
Oscar's awake again, bugger! Gotta go again, bet I don't get back on till after brigade tonight, though!
ETA: Yep, I was right. It's after midnight, sandwiches have been made, apple grated (for porridge tomorrow morning that DP makes and he leaves me my portion to share with Oscar), kitchen cleaned, aromatherapy kitchen and bathroom cleansing creme made, two dogs out (felt sorry for my favourite big dog, so he's still inside...and suffering from his neurotic itch...he's gonna get attention tomorrow for sure!), and my teeth are brushed.
Anyway, this whole 'pulling weight' issue has arisen again and it's an ongoing resentment. DP keeps trying to pull the 'well, you get up at 5.30 every day then', so today I asked him when I get to knock off in that case. He plays with Oscar, but when he gets ratty or difficult to please, he's mine. He hardly changes nappies any more and heaven forbid I suggest he actually fold some nappies! No, I'm not happy taking on all the household duties because my role in the home is also to study so that eventually I can go out to work and he CAN stay at home with the kids (once I've stayed home with them for long enough to let them go!). He conveniently forgets that bit. I'm afraid that I have made it all too easy for him, so when the going gets rough he can't deal with it (doens't WANT to deal with it) and expects me to make it smooth again. Newsflash - I've got work due, I've got weekend schools coming up and I need to read! So, I'm going to slowly do a lot more palming off. Not because I particularly want to lose time with Oscar, but because I have to. If I were a single parent, then I'd know where I stood, but having DP gives me a false sense of security, because whilst he is here, he isn't here IYKWIM. I'm venting. No matter how I say these things to him, he knows what I'm getting at and prefers to call it moaning and whingeing instead of what it is. A request for more help, please! I toyed with the idea of secretly getting someone in to do the clothes washing and hanging, but then I'd have to train someone to hang my clothes and nappies 'just so'! Vent over. No need to respond, I just feel better writing it out.
Anyway, DP flipped when he asked how much I spent on the credit card today at the aromatherapy place. I told him the truth, he asked how much I put on the credit card, but I didn't tell him how much I offset onto my eftpos account, the statement for which he never sees! I feel great having added a few things to my cornucopia. I've got ingredients for bathroom items, skincare, therapeutic use, kitchen, laundry, and just plan feelgood. Not to mention some bottles for gifts. And it doesn't just benefit me, it benefits all of us, so it's even more value than what he spends on beer every week!
I ordered a lovely pair of shoes at the shoe party last night. I feel a bit guilty, but I hardly ever buy shoes and I need incentives to keep slogging away in this house...that's before any study gets done, too!
I've had a good long whinge here...
Julie - how's things over there? I enjoyed your post from Ingerland, please post again!
My dad's coming over tomorrow to look after Oscar while I tend to two appointments, so that's one less thing to deal with. Last time I wanged him out by taking him swimming, and he slept for 4 hours after that. I won't do that tomorrow because a)it's a good excuse to get time with his grandaddy while he's in town and b) I'm trying to tee up a family play swim for tomorrow afternoon, especially as it's Dad's Day at swimming on Saturday.
Ok, gonna go now. Probably won't be on much tomorrow, but c'e la vie!
Have a great day!!

I feel a bit like this today: https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...15/ppuser/1424

Back when I have it all sorted ;)

OK, Niall asleep and Wade eating... and all is well.

Maya: Just remind me what constitutes a typical day for your DP? I'm feeling a bit snarly on your behalf. All I can suggest is that you simply don't do any more than the bare essentials. Adopt a bit of male blindness to housework/mess. Do not clean the bathroom. Do not do anything unless it reeeeeally gets to you (eg vacuuming) or that is absolutely imperative. And don't be grumpy about it just happily tell your DP that if it was really important then he would do it too... by him not lifting a finger to help with the housework then that's communicating to you that he doesn't see it as worthwhile. Regarding care of Oscar: yes! palm Oscar off to him as much as possible. Your DP is capable of doing everything that you do except BF so enforce it. I know it's hard to trust that they won't accidentally harm the baby in the process but LET GO. Why doesn't he change nappies? Does he want to use 'sposies? My DH has gone off using cloth but he was an excellent cloth nappy putter-onner when Verity was in them... but I'm a bit more lenient with my DH because I know that most days he has absolutely no "me time"... he walks in the door at 6.45pm every night usually to all 3 kids jumping on him and tries to eat his dinner before immediately helping to shower a pooey Niall... I get in the shower, DH undresses him, brings him in to me, then after I have washed him DH collects him and dries/dresses him... then he spends some time with Wade, then settles Wade in bed.... then he spends time with Verity, helping her with her homework... then he debriefs with me about our day (while we both look after Niall) then he might go online and pay some bills (I don't know how to use internet banking yet)... then he occassionally rocks Niall to sleep... then we both crash in bed (sometimes he goes back on the 'pute but this is usually to set up some music downloads these days) ... this is every Mon-Fri. Now I'm not posting all this to say "see how good MY DH is" I'm just hoping that maybe you could tell your DP that most dads with children don't get a free ride... they roll their sleeves up and do the hard stuff even though they have worked a 12 hr day. That's just life with small children and if your DP wants more children then he had better demonstrate a bit of a more 'hands on' approach or else it will a long time off, if at all. Ask him what kind of Dad he wants Oscar to be? Because as you know, he is already modelling a "hands off" approach to fatherhood to his son, is that what he wants Oscar to learn? Does your DP want you to be a "traditional wife" and stay at home and do it all while he goes out into the paid workforce and brings in the dough? (pretty much our family arrangement but it works for us at the moment, it's not forever).... what is his expectation? Does he still want to be a child and have everything done for him (and this includes having his son presented to him to play with and taken away when the toy needs to be "fixed" ie when the child is unhappy) Because what REALLY gets to me is men who want their cake and eat it to: they want their wives/partners to do all the domestic duties/nurturing AND they want them to study/work to increase the family income... it's just not on unless they themselves share the load.

Phew! Sorry maya :) I do know where you are coming from, my DH isn't perfect and it's taken 13 years of parenthood to get to where he is now, but he has always been able to roll his sleeves up and be proud that he is a more hands on Dad than his own was... it's all been guesswork for him, but that's ok, I really try not to criticise his mistakes if i can see that he had good intentions... that's the key :)

oh and my DH gets up between 5.30 - 6.30am too. And don't worry about that expenditure: as far as I can see you've earned it! Maybe you could tell your DP you don't feel valued unless you make purchases like this, you need a sense of reward for effort... I mean what can he say? All he has to do is value your efforts and the best way to do that is to actually share the load. And don't ever tell him that he is helping YOU by sharing the domestic duties and looking after Oscar's needs.... he is not helping you he is simply doing what needs to be done... by saying that he is "helping" you then that implies that the work is only your responsibilty, it's not. It is equally his. By changing more nappies he is not helping you, he is helping Oscar.

Bath I just tried to add to your reputation points with that post but was told I have to "spread some points around before giving it to you again" LOL! Well said.

Maya big hugs to you, it sounds like a sucky situation. You don't strike me as ever having been the wallflower, so I am wondering whether you have changed since you first got with DP? I mean, I can't see you taking $hit from anyone else, why take it from him? I am not blaming you but it sounds like you need to get back a bit of that fire I know will be in your belly and start spreading it around :(

Thanks chickies! That was a great way to top off a day of sorting through what needs to be done.
I had a counsellor appointment today (just decided to make it a regular thing since the thing with our neighbours, because hell, it's free through uni!) and that was REALLY good. Then I had an osteo appointment, and my back was all over the place, so I explained my frazzledness to her and she gave me some good anecdotes, too. The thing is, I don't need to look far for reasonable expectations being met elsewhere...my BIL is quite hands on. And they both work the same hours cos they work, mostly, at the same place! And he has 3 kids. So, I've got a plan of action. I'm starting with the basics. I've told him that 2-3 times a week, he is to settle Oscar to bed. I don't care how, he will find a way. I've no problem leaving them together, trust-wise. I know he knows what to do, so I never check up on them, apart from when I just miss them, when I'm away. No issue there. It's a matter of being able to get DP to take Oscar on! And I haven't made a bigger deal of it because I hate feeling like I'm trying to get rid of Oscar, instead of what I had set out to do; get Oscar and Daddy time happening. The counsellor helped me with some approaches to it and we just got back from a walk with the dogs, where I broached the settling thing. So, with the counsellor, we figured that initially there will be resistance and there will be a bit more grrrr, until he norms to the new expectations. Baby steps.
Thanks so much, though. I really didn't think I was asking too much, and somehow I end up feeling like I am after talking to DP. Gone are the blissful days he used to work in hospitals and all his communcation channels were open, or at least, receptive! Here is a man who definitely needs to reacquaint himself with his 'fenemine' side.
He's not going to like my new approach to start with, but here goes...
Oh, yeah, and the counsellor reckons I take on too much of everyone else's issues. No surprises there, really, but to hear it out loud is a bit of an eye-opener. I was going to download some application forms for a course he was thinking of doing and she said not to. I broke my new rule (rule as of today) and sort of reminded him about that closing date by saying that he might have missed the RMIT open day. Then he admits he doesn't want to do it after all, because it will take too long. So, counsellor was right. Why should I do all his footwork for him? If he wanted to do it badly enough, he would have already been onto it. And if he did want it but expected me to do it all for him, then too bad, I have my own deadlines to think about. And my worry about this closing date was for nought anyway, cos he's not interested anymore...and he hadn't bothered telling me. So, it's all this self-imposed responsibility that I have to shed.
Oh, well, I'll get there. I'll have to use my oils to get a good harmony blend happening while I shift a few expectations around...
As for nappies - HE was the one who converted ME to cloth! That's what I don't get. He doesn't want to use sposies. He just says that nappies are my job. What gets me is that he gets narky when I ask to CHANGE a nappy, let alone fold the terries.
I am making him sound like such an ar$ehole, which of course, I think he is being, but as you all know, it's a very one-dimensional portrayal of a partner when one vents on BB! He doesn't exactly make up for it, domestic labour-wise, but I wouldn't be with him if I were being mistreated. I just get criticised a lot lately and no-one likes to feel cornered.
Better see if Oscar wants his second nap...even though it's getting a bit late for that. I might make it a power nap and wake him up early from it (I HATE doing that!).
Mel - I couldn't help buying a funky hat from the Monash Market today...the traders must have seen the weather forecast and come out in droves, cos two weeks ago no-one was there!!

Bath - I was standing up applauding what you wrote, it made lots of sense. Its nice to hear another DH being so helpful with the kids. I feel sometimes I don't appreciate everything my DH does around the house and with the kids. I get to go out alot with GF's while he looks after the kids and he never complains. The girls are very close to him and he loves spending the time with them. I think we need to nickname you Yoda (the wise one!).

Rory - well said too!

Maya - I am really glad you got to talk to someone about it, esp someone not involved with either of you. Sounds like they gave you some excellent tools to help you and DP work through things. DP should want to spend time with Oscar too, and not see it as an inconvience or a chore. Does he ever change nappies without being asked? I know you will find a way to make this happen in a positive and encouraging way. We are right behind you. Hey well done on bagging a bargain at the market, I really miss them they have such great stuff! You should have come to the hospital to visit me for coffee! Next time.

Been searching the net for a house to book for a weekend away next week and looks like we found a beautiful one at Rye. Just put the request in so hopefully its not booked. They have a winter special of pay for 2 nights, get another free! I am so looking forward to it, we are going with my brother, SIL and their kids. We have been looking for weeks and found a great one at Barwon Heads but it was booked. Might have to go there next time. If anyone is looking for a holiday house, check out Stayz dot com dot au and you can search Australia wide.

Time for coffee!:)

Mel - Rye sounds nice...how conveniently close to the hot springs...!! There are some nice ones at Sorrento. For further afield, check out Bear Gully, there are cottages (look exxy, especially as there is a helipad there!), but there is a place called Wirrega (with a dot com ;) ) and it has beach front access - huge house with a kitchen to die for (rustic, gourmet).
I did think about going to the hospital next time, but I tend to make my osteo appt for straight after and that's in FTG. I could go before if I leave Oscar with someone early enough. Unless he pulls another magic trick of staying asleep for 4 hours after swimming before my appointments!
The counsellor laughed yesterday (in a warm way) when I said that if I remind DP of the closing date then I will feel less responsible for it and she said "less responsible than the actual zero responsibility you have", and it was an epiphany.
He does do stuff with Oscar, but he forgets to change nappies when he takes him, unless he's minding him and I'm not around (ummm, sound like he might be relying on my to take care of the fiddly bits if I'm around???). This is the man who earned a squillion brownie points when I didn't have to change a nappy for an entire week when Oscar was born. This is the man who used to sit and fold nappies so that I didn't have to. When I changed the fold (and then over to terry flats instead of flannel flats), he silently opted out and I only realised earlier this year. At least he finally came out and said "it's your job", even if that was a crap thing to say! We concluded yesterday that DP doesn't take to gentle example or persuasion. I also decided that there was to be no more begging of him to join Oscar and I in family play swims. If he feels left behind on Dad's Day and gets chastised by the teacher, he can wear it. And if the teacher says to me that it's important for dads to be involved I'll tell her that he knows. So, I have to put the foot down and be a cow for a while. It's reminding me of the whingy girls who used to come up for horse riding lessons where I agist. I would get the ponies and tack them up and they would ride. We decided to let them tack their own ponies up, and some of them were charged with collecting their own from the paddock...they HATED it! The sour faces on them! They wanted to fun of riding, but none of the rewarding hard yakka that goes with it. We decided that they only knew a fraction of the fun of horses because the riding bit is what you do when you've looked after a horse and made it rideable. I reckon it's the same with kids. If you only do the 'fun' bits, you can't take credit for much else than making the kid giggle for a while. His father was so hands on, that's why I don't understand. He worked from home and took care of the household while MIL did her volunteering out of the home. Ooooh, I might use that one, when I'm feeling gentle enough to bring it up (otherwise, it WILL backfire if I'm being vengeful!). His brother's been doing it since he was 19, so DP should eat his own words of "build a bridge, get over it" (that one I can use when I'm feeling vengeful!).
The things I do because I cannot bear when they get out of hand are the bathroom (I'm a water girl, I need my water space to be CLEAN!!), the rug and the kitchen (free space on the benches, or I get lazier and lazier with dinners). So, I end up buckling and doing them, just to live hygienically.
Sorry, I've been whinging here for two days. I feel better now because I have some action plan and I shouldn't need to bring it here anymore!
I have a Tupperware lady coming today to have a 'chat' about demonstrating. My own Tupp lady (from when I had a party ages ago, as a favour for a friend of a friend) and I got along really well and I mentioned that I was keeping demonstrating open as an option. So, she's 'dobbed' me in and her higher up will be round here later. It's not something I would do during semester this year...not a good time to take up a new time taker upperer! We shall see. Then I'll be like you, Nic!
Better go and see what I can get done while Oscar sleeps. Maybe make a haircut appointment. Sounds good!

IK- i couldnt agree with you more about partners lack of input. I've brushed on it many times in here so your not alone, i continue to battle dh with his roles and responsibilities as a husband/ father/ adult in general actually!
I think my dh is a bit old fashioned when it comes to roles. He see's himself as the bread winner, he works hard to bring home the bacon therefore i should take care of everything else. I do all the bills, banking, chores, shopping and looking after children and pets.
But i don't like this title! He has even gotten his nose out of joint with me going and doing my tupperware parties because then he is stuck with Nixon and doesnt get "his time" and "my time" is my tupperware time, doesnt see it as me working but having a party or something i dunno. It actually appaules me that he see's spending one on one time with Nix as a chore. When i put it forth to him he try's to re gain himself but too late i know how he thinks.
BUT after saying all this in the last week DH has taken the dogs on 4 walks, and minded Nixon a number of times and said how fun it was, maybe something is tapping on his brain afterall!
Sorry i've gone into my own vent here but Bath hats off to you and DH for such organisation around the family. Maybe its gonna take out partners a few more years and a few more kids for them to realise what having a family and a house is all about???????

Mel- Av dip is just 2x avacardo's, 1/2 chopped spanish onion, 1 glove of crushed or chopped garlic, 1/2 tsp dry chilli powder, flakes or actual chillies (depending on what u have) some lemon zest and a lemon squeezed, bit of salt. Ofcourse if i was doing this at a tupperware party i would be using all my fab products but quiet sure it tastes the same however u chop it up! Its very easy, yummy and quiet good for you, exept if u eat it with some corn chips or something!

Nixon was so cute last night on getaway there were some lepards or tigers on the show. Nix seen it, went into his room and came out with a little soft toy or a tiger and handed it to dh! Smartie pants lol!
then when i was laying on the lounge he thought he was hilarious blowing raspberries on my belly, i was in stitches laughing, where do they get their little personalities from!

Ali- 6 weeks of work to go you must be cheering about that. I have 2 weeks of 2 days a week left. Then one month of 1 day a week. Tup parties i am doing up until end of Sept. I figure if i stop doing everything i'll be waiting for bub to come early, im going about my life as normal and if something happens well everything will be thrown up in the air but so be it!

Bath - forgot to say how funny the picture was, how true the saying is!

Maya - I hope things with DP start to improve for you. We'll have to do coffee next time. They have really good coffee too.

Nic - I am definately going to try the avocado spread, sounds very addictive. How cute with Nixon, he is a very clever cookie. LOL about the raspberries too! Marley has taken a liking to hair brushes and tries to brush her hair (usually with it round the wrong way), it keeps her amused for ages.

Ali - poor Tori having a black eye! They are always in the wars lately. How exciting only having 6 weeks of work left, you must be hanging out.

I am babysitting my MIL's 2 dogs today. She is having visitors and they are a bit crazy when visitors come. The are cute little things, Tibetan Spaniels. Like little teddy bears. They have been very good, just lounging around except when Marley is awake chasing them!

Had a bit of drama this morning. Next door neighbour phoned to say her husband had fainted and collapsed. He had major bypass surgery at the end of May so she was very upset crying on the phone as she couldn't lift him (he's a big man), she was hoping DH was home to help. Of course he wasn't so I told her I would ring an ambulance. They arrived within 5 mins, but I didn't know whether I should go over or not. Marley was in bed and Chelsea was inside with the dogs. I decided to wait until the ambulance left and I rang her. He was OK, he had a high temp and they wanted to take him to hospital but he refused - stubborn old bugger!!! She just has to keep an eye on him but she wished he had of gone just to get checked out further. She apologised for ringing but I told her to ring if she needed anything else, poor thing, she was very worried and I really felt for her.

Booked our weekend away next week. The Rye house was booked, which was really frustrating as it didn't indicate that on their calendar. Went with our second choice, so going to Barwon Heads. Place is beautiful and really modern and super clean. The lady who owns it rang me today to confirm it was available and even gave us a discount. Its only costing us $340 for the weekend (split between both families only $170). Haven't been to Barwon Heads before so really looking forward to it. Hope the weather is nice so we can go for lots of walks near the beach and river.

Was supposed to be going out for my monthly dinner with the girls but my brother who was going to babysit had to cancel! So the girls are coming here for dinner instead, Thai takeaway. DH will be going to work about 8pm so it will be nice not to go out but have some company.

Hope everyone else has a good night!

Hi all

i am missing my Junies! - don't get much time on here at the mo though can't complain as i'm doing nice stuff with nice people so really shouldn't be like that.
Lots going on in here!
Will has finally started walking - well he can do 3 or 4 steps then falls over but is so proud of himself. He can stand for ages now without holding on so i'm so chuffed! he has really bad nappy rash at the mo though which he's never had before so i'm not sure why. He is doing loads of poos that smell like bacon! even though he hasn't eaten any. I'm going to feed him stodge tomorrow and cut down the weetbix and fruit for a few days and see if that helps. Poor mite was really poorly last weekend and we spent saturday evening in an NHS (uk version of public health system) walk in place for him to get checked out as his breathing was so awful. He had a chest infection so has been on antibiotics all week, just finished so i don't know if thats affected his tummy.
We got the boys christened last Sunday and it was really nice. Just us, my parents, james parents and sister plus kids and my best friend and her kids and it was a lovely private, quick, informal ceremony in the church where we got married and the vicar was great. We had a little dooo back at mum and dads which was kind of nice but i found it abit stressful as there where so many kids and so many breakables! Oscar went into hyperdrive and so many ornaments/glasses were under threat but fortunately the weather was kind and let us move into the garden at that point so the only 'victim' was a fuschia bush.
Last Friday night i went out and met up with all my old friends in a pub and a load of us stayed out until 3am dancing in a 'club'!!!! Not the kind of dressy tarty club but a place called the irish which is strictly jeans place where we used to go when we were young (those were the days!) and none of us had any kids. It was great fun and i'm sure i danced like i was having some kind of episode but i had a great time and no one had a camera so no evidence of it!! Saturday was such a looong day as we were so tired. Bless my mum who got up early so James could go back to bed! (i didn't even stir when Will woke up - James had to do it all!). My legs ached until a day or so ago so hopefully danced off all the beery calories!
Mel - have a fab weekend away
Bath - great post re hubby, wow, Hanoi - sounding very exotic now.
Maya - hope your DP pulls his head in soon and gives you more a hand than he has been
Ali - yep, Will got a bassinet and fitted fine - v grateful for having a small bub! Yay for only 6 more weeks of work for you
Nic - Nixon sounded so cute with his leopard fetching!
Hi to everyone i've missed. Hope everyone OK and having a good day - have a great weekend ladies
Julie x

Bath - did you see the ad for the Thomas & Friends concert over the Sept holidays? I thought of you the minute I saw it.

Maya - checked out Wirrega, how gorgeous is it? Do you have any idea how much it costs to hire? It didn't have anything on the website, just to contact owners. Would love to stay there one day.

Julie - go you disco diva!!!!! How much fun are you having!!! Thats great news that Will is taking his first steps, you mum and dad must be stoked. How is his nappy rash now? The christening sounds lovely having just family and best friend, much more intimate. Looking forward to hear some more stories of your nights out, they sound so much fun.

Just had my aunty and uncle here for atea, made the yummy cake I posted about last week. Hot out of the oven with butter. My uncle took Chelsea on her swing set so she was very pleased. Marley has her own swing on our decking so she had a swing too. I've cooked a yummy veg curry for dinner which I did this morning to let the flavours develop (smells pretty good) and just did some stewed rhubarb and apple for after dinner.

Who's going to Vic meet up tomorrow?

Good question - Bath, are you heading to Ringwood tomorrow? Mel, you? I am - gonna have a swim in the morning (either with DP close to home, or at Ringwood to justify a trip out there - it's a better pool cos it's a hydro one), then head off to my 'exit interview' nearby at the big shopping centre for my old job. I need the change in scenery, I've got a lot on my plate.
Julie - the christening day sounds like it was lovely :) I love that it was at the same place as you got married! Fantastic to catch up with your mates, too - you know that things will never be the way you left them, but it doesn't hurt to relive those moments from time to time!
Mel - from memory, Wirrega was around the $1000 mark for the weekend, but it doesn't cost much more to just hire it out for an entire week. The place was on the market when we were there, but we were told it would be retained for hire because it was so popular and booked out all summer long (read: great money spinner!). It's divine and fantastic for kids. Afternoon tea sounds really quite cosy!
My dad is having an episode. My mum came down but decided she couldn't take it anymore (he often can't physically get out of bed and she called him lazy - a hell of a way to treat someone with major depression, when their medication makes them drowsy!) and left. She didn't tell him, though, she told me, right before she headed back to East Gippsland. So, when he found out, he just went into meltdown. I was so worried about him last night. And still today - he hasn't eaten much and hasn't drunk much water. I was trying to get onto Nurse On Call but their lines are tied up. He is in a bad way. I had plans to go out last night to a comedy show but had to cancel...like I was going to enjoy a night of laughs with my dad sobbing on his own and left with the dog he can hardly take care of! Anyway, tomorrow's lunch should be good for my mind.
I went to my riding club's rally today, as I was on duty to close up the grounds. Oscar loved it - watched the horses go round and over the jumps, then I let him loose in his gumboots and puddle suit to get really muddy. Can't wait for MIL to get back so that I can get some pony-time happening again. There's a new member who has a Fresian stallion...oh...my...god!!! The most divine equine visual experience, every inch of black shininess, and flowing black mane and tail. Otherwise known as an equestrian orgasm! Maybe with next year's tax return (or Tupperware money!) I can order a foal????? But I digress. Oscar had loads of fun while I justified my Vice President title!
This has taken ages to write, a friend dropped in and we'll head up there later for dinner (they're up the hill from us). Oscar's been asleep this whole time, so we might even get an early bedtime out of him...we shall see.
I've done heaps of tidying up around here, so I'll get some study done while the getting's good...

Hiya girls - gotta be quick (again)
Have fun at the meet up today - am so jealous, but I am at work.......

Good morning girls gotta make it a quick one too:

Mel: thanks for the heads up on Thomas... I'll look into it! Sounds great :)
Julie: I LOL at: "It was great fun and i'm sure i danced like i was having some kind of episode but i had a great time and no one had a camera so no evidence of it!!" Sounds like you are having the best time, good on you, you deserve it :)
Maya: Would love to go today but can't... MUST catch up on housework... everything is out of control. Parent teacher interview tonight too. Loved your horsey tangent :) My step mum and dad have horses that they are often too busy to ride... I often wonder about the logistics of moving back up to where they are (Tamworth) and maybe even securing a horse for verity. i think she would be a good rider... two key attributes: compassion and strength.
Rory: yoyo biscuits are ready for Wednesday! I had a big baking session yestrerday.

boys squabbling over the new Thomas train that arrived in the mail this morning (recall replacement)... and I had also better get back into the swing of things housework-wise.

Meet up was great, not many of us though. Kelly, Divvy, Sammi-j, Relle, Maya and me! The kids had a ball on the playground except for this crazy little girl who insisted on trying to pick up everyones babies. She was only about 3-4 yo but tried to pick Oscar up a few times till she worked out he was a bit heavy, but she wouldn't leave them alone. Food was good, company was great, kids had fun, what more could you ask. Kelly has rebooked for 2 weeks time.

Maya - did you go to your exit interview? Give us the goss!!!! Sorry I totally forgot to talk to you about your dad. How is he? Must be very hard for you knowing what to do. Does he see someone professionally? He is lucky to have a very strong daughter to help him along.

Bath - haven't had yoyo's in years, what other goodies did you bake?

Rory - hopefully you can join us another time? When do you finish work?

Got in the door and put Marley to bed, she was so tired. Chelsea is tired too but happy to chill out watching ABC kids with an apple! My junk mail arrived today so time for check it all out with a coffee!

Well, he didn't like it when he was thrust upon, but he did so well! I'm talking about putting Oscar to bed...he did it! He tried to say that he would try for a bit then he'd hand him over to me cos he had to get up early. I said I didn't care, he was going to find a way to get him to sleep, because he just has to. I said that I understood it could be messy to start with, but there was only one way around that. Oscar was NOT happy to know I was in the house (in study with door closed) and it was heartbreaking to hear him, but he really didn't take that long to realise that it was the way it was, non-negotiable. He got cuddled to sleep in bed with Daddy and things could be a lot worse than that! My two boys are snoring next door and I'm so proud of them.
Anyway, moving right along.
Mel - don't worry, it was good to be away from the mountain and thinking about things other than my dad and his depression! He's getting there, VERY slowly, though. He is seeing a psychiatrist that a Monash GP referred him to, and tomorrow I'm going to make a call to that GP to let him know what's going on. He's still angry at my mum. But he was acting weird towards her on Saturday, and whilst I have infinite patience with him when he's like that, my mum can't handle it and won't be so understanding so she had to leave. He doesn't realise that his words and actions were hurtful (the selfish nature of depression!), so I might let him know about that tomorrow, although he'll try to make out that it wasn't that bad. Really, it comes down to the both of them taking responsibility for their feelings and actions.
My exit interview was good - the manager was really nice and didn't even mention that I was an hour late! I did the rounds and caught up with some former colleagues who were so happy that I'd resigned and escaped the hellhole! I didn't hand over my discount card, I told her that it was at home with my badge, cos I wanted to see how it would go first. She was really unimpressed with the fact that I never received any staff correspondence and said she'd follow it up.
Mmmm, junk mail...I should get what's in my dad's letterbox! I just got my Saddleworld catalogue today...it's a substitute fix. It's not a great substitute actually cos it's completely solicited mail, not junk mail!!
Ok, I've done a bit of study and I might pack it in to go to bed. I really need to do more study (it's not like I've done bucketloads and deserve a rest!) but I've left it a bit late in the night and I'm fading fast.
Plus, those two boys snuggled up are making me long for the sack myself.
Rory - reckon I might try to make myself another wrap where I can tie Oscar to my back...I'll let you know how I go. Having a few slings and carriers to choose from is a good idea because you get to vary the muscles you use in baby carrying when you've fatigued from one way. As I'm avoiding carrying Oscar on my front in the Ergo, a back wrap could be all I need and then the Ergo is freed up for a while :) Plus, he was walking around Myer today while I pushed the buggy...hopefully there's more where that came from, from now on...
Goodnight girls!

Maya glad your dad seems to be getting the help he needs - honestly mental illness in one of my children frightens me more than a terminal illness - I have seem how tough it can be so hugs to you. Glad Oscar got to sleep ok - and glad DP is stepping up to the plate in that respect. If you want #2 anytime before Oscar is able to be reasoned with (which I hear can be at about age 20 LOL!!) then your little one is going to have to learn that dad is boss too.

I have been checkingout Ergos on ebay - I might keep my eye out for one and see if I can get one 2nd hand (I know it sounds cheap but I want to keep AS MUCH of this bub's baby bonus as possible - I am treating it like a kind of competition LOL!

Mel it sounds like the meet up was great - I hope I can make the next one :)

Bath, I am so looking forward to the yo yos! My appointment tomorrow is at 8am so I should be at your place sometime after that - what time are you home from Wade's kindy drop-off?

Julie congrats on Will walking - I still have a Jason Laz-e-Boy here LOL

Howdy to Ali, Nickers, and everyone else (wave!!)

better go - just about lunch time.....