babies Born June 2006 #51

need more time to catch up but just popping in to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY BATH!! i hope u had a fabulous day with the family!
BBL

It was a pleasure to celebrate it with you. A wonderful night and the food was delicious. Your DH certainly did a brilliant job organising it all. Brownie points for many years to come I think lol!!! It was so good to meet your sister, she is just beautiful! Very much like you. I am still having visions of her chocolate canolo - that was a crack up!!!! Ali is down next so might have to start planning. I totally agree that a disruption free evening is bliss - pity it can't happen more often.

Amanda - I might have to get my DH to talk to yours and Bath's DH for inspiration!!! Not sure he would even know where to start.

Just finished watching the Masterchef finale and was in tears at the end. My favourite won and the ending was really emotional. Even one of the male judges was crying and that just tipped me over the edge!!! Thankfully DH had already left for work so I just sit with my tissues and blubber lol!!!

Enjoy your week girls!

Good morning :) my mother is staying and I can't stay online long (anti-social I guess) but I just had to say that I was getting teary too watching MasterChef and I only had seen the Final and the semi-final! Imagine how I would have been if I had watched the whole series! Probably just like you Mel! Wasn't it priceless when her family came out? I didn't realise they were kept apart for so long. I'm so glad Julie won... and look forward to buying her book "My Family Table" if it happens. :clap:

i wish it was the year for dh organising birthdays, so far (as far as i know) I have done all the organising for my 30th in 2 weeks. DH has done the organising in the past though which was always very nice.
we just had my mums 60th party a week ago, we planned it for 3months and tried keeping the surprise but my mum is such a snoop she started sussing a few things out about a week before the party! But we had some old friends there she hadnt seen in years which was a real surprise for her.

Mastercheif was great, esp when Julie's family walked in, i got teary too!
you know what else got me teary this week. Recruits! watching those hard working men and woman finally graduate and become police officers!

Nixon has a Paed appointment in a couple of weeks, just a few things concerning me about his behaviour and development which i would like to get checked. it may be nothing, i hope it is nothing but i just know when you feel somethings not right its best to check. i thought for a while his snoring wasnt right but took a long time to get it seen too.

did you guys have your kids checked for their 3yr assesment yet? i just realised Nixon never had his 2yr check, nor did Tyron have his 12montn or 18month check so both boys are going on Monday, talk about slack mum!

also had parent/teacher night at Nixon's daycare which was good. They were very nice and very encouraging and in a nice way told me Nixon's language is a litte behind. some children cannot understand what he says to them and it at times creates a barrier between his interacting with them, and he also gets frustrated! they gave me a sheet with letters and sounds to go through with him and give back to them with the ones crossed off that he can make/say so they can help work on the others with him.

Rory- how exciting TTC3! i hope it doesnt take too long, are you trying for a pink bundle?! I still havent fully convinced dh to have a 3rd. and as much as i want to i dont know when i'll be ready. i thought trying around oct/nov would suit but now oct/nov seems way to close so dont think it will be happening that soon.
Maya- OMG i just looked at your ticker and your almost 30weeks wow!!

Just popping in to say I have sighted our own Coolabahdee posting in BB today :hello: How's it going chicky?


BIL is staying with us because my other BIL is in hospital and DH can't take any more time off work to visit. Otherwise all is well.

Thankyou again my dear Melbourne Junies for the Perfect Potion voucher that arrived recently :grouphug: I'll let you know what I buy... my essential oil collection really needs restocking so it truly is the perfect gift!

Hi all!
I didn't think the voucher would go astray with your oils collection, Bath ;) They've got some cheap workshops as well, if you wanted to sign up for one of them. Hope your BIL is ok.
Dee - I saw you were in Melbourne recently, albeit under not-so-fortuitous circumstances. I actually thought of you and your family during that time, not knowing there was a connection, and I'm glad you're back in Oz!
Nic - I didn't even know there was a 3 yo assessment! Not inclined to do it, though, if there is - not after the last one at 2yo that was done really badly. If there's something bothering you about Nixon, it's a good idea to get it checked out - better to act on mummy intuition than leave it and beat yourself up later, you're right!
Oscar is loving life ATM. He has come to terms with the baby idea and last night was talking about having the baby in the bath, taking it out and putting clothes on it after its bath (like he does after baths)...though he hasn't quite grasped that it's a birthing pool, not really a bath, that will welcome his sibling! Especially cute yesterday when he wanted to help me with a shopping bag that was heavy and I told him it was too heavy for him - he said it was too heavy for me because it hurt the baby and hurt me! He had the right idea, he just would not have been able for carrying that bag! He is getting more and more out of the new creche and tomorrow will be his 5th time there (and I get a prenatal massage AND a visit to friends with no interruptions, yum!). His language has developed really well in the last 5 or so months, and his physical development is out of sight. He does somersaults wherever he happens to be, balances on the most precarious edges and jumps well from heights. If I could afford it I'd send him to diving classes for 3-5yo that are offered by a diving club off the mountain. I might ring them anyway to see what's involved for parents (cos I could always use the hydro pool if they take the kids on without parents having to be there).
He's being the most challenging yet, mainly because I'm preggers with a very dodgy pelvis and can't just grab him when he's doing something dangerous! Anyway, that's the wrap up on the human dynamo!
Mel - how's Marley and her loo trips going?

LOL I have seen that too Bath, she and family might be moving to mackay :dance: it would be very nice to have a junie around...

BHL looks like he might be getting a promotion, to superviser or both his and another site, it will mean less tool time and more paper work which I know he will miss the tools but like I said to him if they are offering you this and you havent even finished your probation then I think they really think you are worth it and that he would be silly to knock it back, plus it would open up more and better job in the future if he ever wants to find a new job... it is more money but would no longer be even time, he would be 5 days on and 2 off but as he has a family the boss has said that they will try to make it 4 on and 3 off, which would mean its a long weekend every weekend, so i think that pretty good...So he will let me know tonight if he has decided to take it, which I am sure he will...

better go i can smell dinner burning and the kids are still outside even though its now getting dark...

Bath - how are things now your mum has gone? Hope BIL is on the improve. Have you decided what to do with your voucher yet?

Nic - what are you doing for your 30th (you spring chicken!!!)? I saw the pics to your mums party and it looked like she had fun. Surprise parties can be such hard work. I agree with Maya, go with your gut. If something is telling you its not right, then do what you can to find out. At least you can put your mind at rest. I haven't done the 3 year assessment either. I did all of them with Chelsea but not with Marley. She did the 2 year one. Its great that the day care have given you some tools to work on his speech. I'm sure he'll pick it up with some more practice.

Maya - your little man is such a sweetie!!! And a daredevil!!!! So great that he is loving his new creche, its always a nervous time when they start somewhere new. Enjoy your massage. How is the pelvis going? Marley's TT is going pretty well. Wees appear to be no problem. We went to a park the other day and she needed to do a wee and I told her there was no toilet and she would have to go in the grass. The look on her face was priceless!!! She did and thought it was hilarious. When we got home she went and put her gumboots on and told me she wanted to go and do a wee in the grass :doh: I had to explain that you only do wees on the grass when there is no toilet around. She is still doing poo in her pants - I am going through undies at a rapid rate. Can't do the cleaning out of them, its disgusting so I just chuck them out. I'm glad she does relatively firm poo!!!

Tali - DH must be doing a great job to get a promotion already. 5 on, 2 off is not so bad but if they give him 4 on, 3 off then even better. How are you settling in?

Marley is going for a hearing test today after her 2 perforated ear drums recently. The GP doesn't think they are damaged but wants to be sure. It will be interesting to see how she copes with it, she's not overly keen on strangers and they will probably want to put something on her ears which she is not going to like!!!!

I am off to Sydney on Friday for a girls weekend away. I am so looking forward to it. Nic, if I had more time I would have suggested we catch up. We are heading up Friday afternoon and home late Sunday afternoon. It's been a long time in the planning and I can't believe its only 2 more sleeps!!! I can't wait to wake up and not have to get out of bed and make anyones breakfast ;)

Must go, Marley wants her lunch!

MIL had a heart attack last week. a mild one thankfully but still was a shock to all. she moved house on Tues and on thurs whilst at home (she works FT but had a week off work) she started vomitting. she couldnt stop hours later so SIL took her to hosp. dh went down and they ust gave her a needle to stop vomitting and sent her home. she spent the night with us and looked so horrible the next morning. she said she had really sore arms and chest, SIL took her to her doctor, she did a blood test and it came back she had a heart attack.... went back to hospital and within a few hrs had a stent put in. this was the better option they were not sure at that stage if she would need a bipass. she came out on monday and apparently will ahve 2-3 more stents put in in the near future. she had someone staying with her for the next few weeks and a month off work (not sure she will go back) lucky it was mild and she didnt have a big episode whilst on her own.

turned the big 3 0 today! have had a lovely day so far, went to the gym first thing, dh took the day off work so we went to swimming with ty then had a coffee, then i went to the hair dressers, then after Ty's sleep went to a lovely lunch then had a spray tan! picked Nix up from preschool and had some cake!
tomorrow having family lunch then the big celebration begins, going to cronulla rsl for coctail then italian restaurant with 25 friends! ive lost 7kgs in the last 3 months so feeling really good about myself and have been looking forward to turning 30! (feels like ive been in my 20's forever!) the boys bought me a $200 pamper voucher and dh bought me an ipod! (which he later said i can swap for a GHD if i prefer!!) i like the ipod but think i'd use the ghd more, anyway havent opened it yet cause ive been out all day.

i hope everyone is well

:happybirthday: Nic! :D

That's worrying for your MIL... so good that she is close so you can help her though. A friend of mine died of a heart attack last Sunday co-incidentally. She was only 39. She was overweight, lived by herself, fell in the bath/shower and couldn't get out. Had cold water running on her all night :( In the morning she finally roused her neighbour who called an ambo. She had hypothermia and died in hospital after a heart attack the follow day. Sure makes you appreciate life!

But I'm so happy for you that you are having a lovely day :) The 30's are ACE!!! :thumbsup:

I'm going into Crown tonight to a BB meetup and will be meeting Sushee! :dance: If any Melbourne girls would like a last minute night out feel free to join us! :D

For the WA girls: I've just started a thread HERE. Am thinking of doing a trip to Perth. ETA: the link doesn't seem to work... the thread is in the Member Meetups section... at the top of the State-by-state discussion threads.

Nic - looks like you had a fabulous birthday. Your early morning workouts look like they have worked wonders, you look amazing! Sorry to hear about MIL, thankfully she is ok. Must have been very scary for everyone. Did you swap your ipod for the ghd? They are the best investment. How did you pull up after your big night out?

Bath - so sorry to hear about your friend, that very sad. How did meetup go with Sushee? Been following your thread about going to WA, hope you decide to go as I'm sure you'd have a wonderful time.

Had my girls weekend in Sydney and we had a ball. Hotel we stayed at had the most amazing views of the Harbour Bridge. It was a very busy weekend, lots of walking and eating! We went to Darlinghurst, Paddington, Kirribilli and The Rocks. I love Sydney's public transport (I never catch public transport here), it was so clean on the trains and the bus drivers were very helpful. It was so nice to wake up in the morning and not have to get up and make anyone's breakfast. I couldn't manage a sleep in but I got up and made myself a coffee and jumped back into bed with my book. It was heaven! Kids were very happy to see me home and even more happy when they saw I bought them home presents!! DH did a great job and everything seemed to go smoothly. I am heading up to Brisbane in September for a christening (booked ticket today :dance:) and will enjoy 7 days of kid free bliss - and get to meet my beautiful god son. DH says I owe him big time ;)

How is everyone else travelling??

I see Julie is heading off on holidays with her family, hope she enjoys the sunshine.

Better go, dinner almost ready.

Hiya Mel :) Your Sydney trip sounded divine, especially the bit about hoping back into bed with a book! :thumbsup: I hope your trip to Brisbane in September is as enjoyable :)

My meetup last Friday with Sushee, Rouge and Lulu was sooo much fun! We found a night-cubby pub in Crown which was playing a strange set of songs including 80's so Sushee and I even had a dance! It was just one of those nights where everything fell into place... didn't get home until just before 3am. Looking forward to doing it again in Perth on my old stomping ground :dance:

Boys fighting over Lego...

Hi all , been busy and I am sorry to come in here in vent but I know you girls won't think I am being silly or selfish. AF is 3 days late (I have been clock work-regular for ages) and STILL no positive pg test :wall: Now I am getting annoyed!

but aside from that all is well :)

Fingers crossed for you Rory.

Bit late for me to be up, but I couldn't resist ;)
Rors - fingers crossed here, too!
Oscar update - he's making me melt or laugh more often than not! I've managed to ditch a lot of the snappiness I had with him for the last 6 months, and we do a stack more cuddles and kisses :) His language has just taken right off and he's so intelligible, coming up with the cutest expressions, like "come on, mummy, let's get up, let's get outta here and have breakfast", when all I want to do is lie in... soon I'll be bloody mind-reading again and having to intuit needs instead of just listening to the words expressing needs...I'm tired just thinking of it! But at least this one will take a while before it's ready to add to the roaring down the hallway, or yelling out "Mummy, mummy, mummy, I want peanut butter toast!". Take the good with the not so good...
So tired, must to bed. Good to read from some of us :)

Goodmorning girls :)

Rory! :hug: Hope you have an answer soon!
Maya: You must be tired... hope you are taking it easy. It is a cute age ATM with our June babies :) Niall throws the odd tanty but he is starting to be able to be reasoned with. You'll fall in love with your new little bubba too so don't worry about that! :) (in terms of having to mind read again LOL)

DH is home sick... his brother is in hospital still with complications of being an alcoholic (involving regular trips to Dandenong) and another brother is coming from Sale to stay with us this weekend... ugh... uncharitable of me but I really struggle with his presence. He demands lots of attention, is really loud, smells of smoke and is also a chain coffee drinker... at least 10 cups a day... maybe I'll be mean and just let my Maconna jar run out and not replace it this time. *devil horn avatar* DH says he is ready to leave Melbourne now LOL (infuriatingly I know that's just a throwaway remark) :wall:

Maya wow in your 33rd week already and youve passed Nixonsa gestation:D

any more news Rory?!?!

ive had a hectic week of getting Nixon to paed, speech assesment, CHN etc, all of them think he may have a form of autism..... his speech is behind and we start speech therapy this Thursday so hopefully this will help, it might be a while off getting him seen at the diagnostic clinic, feel like ive been going around in circles a bit with it all.
He is such hard work and although im not sure if its autism i think something is there he needs help with. But in saying that ive read a lot about autism, he has a lot of signs but then again he can make eye contact, and do other things so if it is i think it would be mild.

i got all his hospy docs from the Mercy, was a bit teary reading through them, brought back lots but main reason i was wanting them cause he had seizures at 2 days old, i didnt remember much about it all cause it was such a blur but his documents say that it was a possible grade 2 haemmorhage...... so i think this may play some sifnificance in what we are going through now.
I honestly thought we were past all the premmie related stuff. granted he had it pretty good compared to many other bubs and their struggles but its seeming like more of it could be coming out now, where i thought we would be beyond this now.

:hug: Nic - I was reading this week about a study linking premature birth with anxiety and depression, so it wouldn't surprise me if what you're going to through now is also related...it would s*ck, but would explain things better, no?
I've actually been thinking about you in the last week and a bit, precisely because of where I'm at in the pregnancy! My pelvis is giving me the absolute *****s and sometimes I get so much movement from the baby that I feel just about 'ripe', then realise 32 weeks is WAY to early to be feeling ripe...then have another realisation that you already had Nixon by this stage. I remember how hard it was for you to stick around in the thread while the rest of us talked about the rest of the pregnancy you should have been sharing. So I guess a few more weeks of osteo and acupuncture can be tolerated to get me through to term.
I'm a bit conflicted about Oscar's activities for the remainder of the year and next year. I think he'd really love the Kinderdive, but apart from the money, DP thinks it would be too much for him. So far he has playgroup (Monday), swimming (Thursday night) and Kindergym (Friday morning) and creche on Wednesdays. By Sunday he's asking for swimming or Kindergym and we've got a whole 4 days before either of those things can happen! The only thing is that the diving is on Sat mornings and all his activity would be squished into the latter end of the week...but it might be enough to take him through the quieter part of the following week...who knows? Once the baby's born and I'm out and about again (wanting a longer rest this time before hitting the road again), I can take him and the newbie out to my horse and give him better riding lessons, with the baby in the sling, so that might give his brain something suitable to wrap itself around...and it's absorbed into the cost of keeping my horse.
Any other Junies needing something for their brains to chew on that you can't provide ATM?
Kinder is another thing all together that will depend on study, where we are living and what this next child is like. All up in the air! I'm not keen to push him into 3yo Kinder, actually.
Bath - Hope you're not too strung out with what's happening with BiL. Yeah, the mind-reading is timely! I know I will, I just hope I have the support (from DP) and energy to stay as engaged with Oscar when the time comes. I think planning the homebirth is a good step to ensure that because one of my main focusses is making sure he can be here and be present for the actual birth (even if it's night and he sleeps through labour - he's not a grumpy waker). I feel this will really help with the transition and help the three of us (me, newbie and Oscar) be really connected.
It's late, I want to have dessert (I have an excuse for extra ice-cream! I ALWAYS want it, but I can blame the pregnancy for indulging!) and go to bed.
Have a good week everyone, and Nic, thinking of you and hoping you find satisfactory answers :hug:

Nickers hope it all goes well with Nix on Thursday - please let us know ;)

Still not BFP for me - I last tested on Saturday (week after AF was due and got a BFN) but I think I will test tomorrow because this is just getting silly. I have a doc's appt on Saturday morning either way - maybe to say "what the?" and maybe for a referral to the Mercy (fingers crossed).

Gotta fly girls - this keyboard is giving me the $hit$

Morning girls :) Today is the last day of winter... Spring will be a nice change but I'm dreading Summer.

Rory: did you still go to the Drs? I read in your other thread that AF has paid her visit? I'm sure you won't have to wait much longer to get your BFP. :goodluck:

Mel, Maya and Rory: I went into Melbourne Central on the weekend and went to Perfect Potion ;) Just wanted to thank you all again for the voucher :grouphug: I decided to replenish my dwindling essential oil collection and bought the set of 7 Chakra oils plus a gorgeous vapouriser. I wanted something permanent to commemorate my b'day and you girls. Everytime I use the vapouriser I'll think of you all. I'll take a photo soon so you can all have a sqizz. Thanks again chickies.

Also, I have picked up a very groovy booklet that lists all the events for kids at the Arts Centre over the next school holidays... some of the events are free like a mini play for kiddies that involves one of the gallery lifts and lots of strange creatures and people popping in and out of them! Only goes for 12 minutes so our energetic toddlers won't have to sit still for long. If the weather is nice we can wander over to the Botanical Gardens across the road again :) If anyone is interested in joining us PM me.

Bath - I'm so glad you found some lovely things to buy at PP! I love the idea of the chakra oils :)
I'll see how I"m feeling closer to school holidays as to whether I take Oscar to the city by train (and not going to venture in by car!), the program sounds really good.
Fingers crossed, Rory!

Oooh Maya I didn't realise how 'far' you were! 34 weeks! You were so compact last time I saw you that it's kinda slipped by me! Maybe i should consider a trip up the hill to see you in the hols too? I really should start filling in my diary now or otherwise the holidays will arrive and I'll just be lazy like I usually am.

35 weeks this week, actually! But, according to Tiger airways, I'm 33ish weeks ;) I've popped a ligament or strained a muscle (whatever it is, my body is sending me a strong message!!) and I feel like I'm 50 weeks pg :( Have to rest because it hurts to sing and I have my big gig on Friday night, eek! It's my last busy weekend - after this I scale right down, cos the current pace is just dumb. The last gig on the 12th will be a fun thing (I hope). I think because I'm not carrying very big there are people who think I'm being a drama queen for limiting myself at this stage :rolleyes: My mum has been MUCH better this time than last - she's realised my SPD is real, and when my parents were down this weekend I didn't have to do a THING...not even clean the kitchen one bit :)
I'll check out the local library program, there's usually something on at Burrinja, too (local arts centre), but it's a bit of a walk from the train stations (closer to Tecoma, about a km away) - great cafe, though, and a lovely space.

Hey speaking of small bumps Maya I was just reading Trish's birth story... it's amazing! (it should still be in the New Posts area)... anyway what an inspiration for those hoping for minimal intervention! Her small bump produced a 9 pound 5 ounces baby girl! I met Trish at a BB meetup a few months ago... beautiful person. And yes! slow down! LOL When is your Eltham gig again? I was considering bringing Verity along.

Will look it up!
Eltham gig is this Friday, 4th Sept :) Would be great to see you there!

Maya: I wasn't sure where I was going to be this Friday... DH was meant to be taking a week off work and I was considering having a bit of a "get away" either over to Perth or up to NSW to see family. But given that DH seems to be working this week I'll seriously consider coming up to Eltham then! :D

Bath- we will be in Melbourne in the next school holidays so if you do get a meet up organised we would love to come along. We arrive on the Tuesday of the 2nd week of the Melbourne school holidays ( I think) so if you guys get something organised for that week then I would love to meet you all :)

Ali: Yes! Of course!!! We must meet up! Where are you staying??? :D

I meant to say something about that, Ali - I thought it was later this year, like November or something; it's snuck up on me! You'll be here for Footy Fever ;)

Rory - sorry to hear AF reared her ugly head!!! I'm sure you'll get your BFP soon enough. Fingers crossed for you.

Nic - sorry to hear things haven't been going so well for you. Just know we are thinking of you and come in here and vent if you need to. I can only imagine how frustrating specialists appointments must be.

Maya - boy this pregnancy is flying by but it probably doesn't feel like that for you! Regarding the kinder thing, Chelsea never did kinder. She did a kinder program at creche and Marley will too. The kinder days don't fit into my work days so I can't really do it anyway. Chelsea hasn't seemed to have suffered any so Marley should do alright. I love Burrinja, let me know if they have anything on a Wed over the school holidays, I am busy both Monday's and then work the rest. Glad to hear your parents are helping you out, make the most of it ;) One last gig, you are doing well to keep going. I remember seeing Clare Bowditch on stage with her twins and she was huge!!!! Wonder how if affects your singing when you get that big. Have a wonderful last gig! I will get along to one of them one day.

Bath - so glad you got what you wanted. It sounds perfect. The smells will remind you of us lol!!! Could we maybe organise a meet up with Ali on the weekend? How is your household faring with footy finals looming and the Dogs in with a very good chance?

Ali - how exciting, are you looking forward to your trip? How did you go finding a babysitter? Hopefully you have time for a Junies meet up, would love to meet you and the kids.

Things have been very busy lately. School activities are taking up alot of spare time. They had book week last week and dress up day. Chelsea went as Grace the Glitter Fairy. We had a Tupperware fundraising night which was great and we raised enough to get our christmas raffle gifts. We are also organising a Twilight Market at the school in October so Maya, if you know of anyone who wants a stall to sell anything at all (car boot selling also welcome), just give them my number. It will be on Thurs 22nd Oct. We hope to get lots of local people selling their goods. Fathers Day breakfast at school and the stall, so another busy week. Girls are doing great. Chelsea sang in the church choir yesterday and did a great job. I love listening to them sing, they do it with such gusto. Marley is still little miss cheeky. She is a real favourite at creche, they just love her "out there" personality. She is doing wee in the toilet no problem but poo is still a problem. None done in the toilet yet :wall: It is very frustrating but I know she will get there eventually (wish it was sooner rather than later!!!).

Hope everyone is well.

Better go brave the rain and pick Chelsea up from school.

I am very excited about coming to Melb, and really hope I get to meet up with all you lovely ladies. We are arriving in Melb on Tuesday 29th Sept and flying out again on Wednesday 7th October. We are staying on Wellington Cres in East Melb, so we are lovely and central. We dont have any firm plans as yet- my SIL and I have a few good shopping trips planned, and want to go out Dancing 1 night (any ideas let me know), we are heading out to the crown one night for a look round, probably the sat night- we will get a siter in that night to have the kids, and we want to go down and see the penguins. Like I say though other than that we are just going to take it as it comes.

Just quickly as I am about to go out and collect AFL tickets for this weekends game between Footscray and Geelong (Father's Day gift for DH... he doesn't know it yet!)

Ali: I met up with Lulu, Sushee, Niliac and a friend recently at Crown and we had a great time dancing etc. I am happy to relive this with you LOL I'll PM you when I get back.

Bath- that sounds awesome!! I am getting very excited about my holiday now. Looking forward to clothes shopping for the new skinnier version of myself too- although not too much because hoping to get utd soon.

Melb girls- Do you think we will need to hire a car to see Melb at its best, or are we better of walking and using public transport?

Are you going to stick to the metropolitan area Ali? If so I personally wouldn't hire a car... but then again I don't drive. It's soooo much more enjoyable just to sit back, say in a tram, and watch the city scenery as it passes by than struggle with maps as you drive and dealing with some of our unusual road rules like the hook turns etc. You can travel all day in all zones on all modes of public transport for under $10 a day per person I think... $2.50 on a Sunday ... that wouldn't even cover petrol if you were driving. ETA: a free tram circles the city too.

Wow, long time between posts girls.

Maya - was hoping you'd been in to update us on the rally. It looks like it all went well? Would love to hear some details.

Ali - I agree with Bath (and I'm not a fan of public transport!), if you don't know your way around it can be so time consuming and hook turns are horrid.

I finally have a breakthrough with the TT. Marley finally did her first poo on the toilet :dance: :dance: Yesterday I was heading out and I could see she wanted to do one, but being as stubborn as she is, didn't do it. Took a change of clothes just in case. Got home and dropped her off with DH and went to pick up Chelsea. When I got home, she was at the window with the most excited look on her face, banging on the window. I got inside and she raced over, talking 100 miles an hour telling me. I couldn't understand at first as she was talking so fast. When I finally got it, I gave her a huge hug and she was so proud of herself. She kept telling me she was excited!!! Hopefully this is the start of her finally doing it in the toilet - and not in her undies!!! Very proud of my little devil :clap:

Yay Marley! :cheer: LOL I'm sure that was a pivotal moment Mel, she sounded so proud of herself! :D

I'm just about to do the school run... but if you haven't already noticed I've given up on the gallery in BB getting fixed and have resorted to booting up FaceBook again. If anyone here would like to add me I'm Bathsheba Smith in FB.

Better dash!

She certainly was Bath :)

I am loving your pics!! Its so nice seeing the kids progress from their newborn pics to now. Niall is looking more like Wade now, his face has changed. And you girl!! You haven't changed a bit, still as gorgeous as ever!

Well girls, I am off to Brisbane tomorrow :dance: Still got so much to do. Hair app, back bags, hopefully not forget anything!! Type DH a list of what he has to do during the week (his request, he is worried he will forget something) and pick up some last minute things from the shops. I'm sure DH will be fine but it will give him an idea of what I do during the week. Difference is, he has the week off! Last time he was away, it was for 8 days and I still worked as normal during that time and the house ran like clockwork!! I'm not expecting it to go that well for him lol!!! I told his mum to expect him over for dinner a few times as his cooking is pretty disatrous!

Take care girls!!!

Oooh have fun Mel!!! :D Enjoy your flight... I would LOVE to be taking off somewhere! Enjoy being served and eating food that you haven't had to shop for and make! I'm sure your DH will cope just fine ;) Looking forward to reading your post-holiday debrief! :hug:

Hi all,
Mel - I know you're having a great time, wanna hear about it when you get back! I know, I haven't reported on last Monday yet, I'm still processing...will formulate something soon (have frantic boy who needs help with a bath and bed cos DP is getting drunk with BiL...grrr)
Ali - I'm a bit late on this one, but if you're not travelling further afield, stick with PT!
Well, I'm on the home straight now. Have my birth pool that I've borrowed from my wonderful friend (who's a BB doula, actually!) and I've got my salt lamps ordered (cheaper than getting 2 or 3 of the candles I was going to get...on eBay, of course ;) ), so I'm all set. I've been having niggles and today BxHicks. My last gig for the Healesville venue was last night and I'm glad, cos it was hard work getting all those breaths in! Oscar seems to be adjusting well to talk of the baby beign in the house and needing his help with the baby. He's also not upset by the idea of sharing 'babu' anymore, which is ace, cos I'll need his help! He's helped keep my boob size down this pg.
I've been keeping my brain active here on BB, as well as IRL with this Birth Choices stuff. I made it into a Fairfax Leader paper and look set to be in one again shortly (with my local MP and other local activists, including Kazbah!). I've been tangling with some engaging material and it means I'm more tired than I would be otherwise..sigh!
Better go, I'm about to be attacked by a light sabre (my mum insisted that Oscar needed one cos his friend had one and I wasn't going to get him one...grrr...).
Hope everyone is well. Amanda - how are you going?
Have a good week!