Babies Born in June 2006 #8

Hey girls,
Sorry i have been mia lately.....I have been organising the wedding plus looking after my DD all day. Makes it very hectic here!!!
Well i managed to pull the wedding all together in 1 day for under $5000 not including my dress. DF is happy about that as the average NSW wedding these days is 10-20 thousand dollars.
So i have 2 bridesmaids 1 juniour bridesmaid abd 1 flowergirl.
I think i have done pretty good but obviously my mother doesn't think so, we had the biggest fight on the phone yesterday. I got so upset....it was as if i didn't know what i was doing and who i was getting to help me mum despises. She still treats me like i'm the 12 year old that she threw out of home...i am 21 now and i think i am a big girl but she just seems to be putting me down in every possible.

Tarleha seems to be getting better with her reflux as the days go by. She is giggling and laughing as many of your bubbies are too. She is 9 weeks old and everyone reckons she will be crawling in a couple of weeks and definetly walking by christmas...thats my clever girl.
She is feeding good, sleeping well and loving bath time.
But yeah very busy here and feel down as my mother always puts me down, so sorry if not on here much.

:dance: Kristee-Lea - 21
:babygirl: Tarleha Maye 29-06-06
:heartbeat: Tying the knot on 7th April (Easter Sat)

Hi girls, Well having one of those nights. Well doesn't happen very often so I'll cope. Well it sticky and pouring down with rain. I've just put Nathan down again. He's got a bit of a cold and is having a hard time breathing out of his nose, poor little thing. Well we are out in the lounge tonight, no need for DH and I to both not get any sleep.
Anyway I'm awake and can't go back to sleep, very annoying but I thought I'd pop back on and write you guys a message and upload a few photos onto the site, which I have now done so you can all take a peak at my terrible sewing skills and check out the nappies I have madem, they work really well no leaks. I made them AIO with the waterproof PUL. I'm actually very proud of myself as I didn't have a pattern and just looked at the nappies I bought from ebay as a guide.
I'm going to make more but have to wait til we go back into the city to get to spotlight to pick up some more materials. Don't look too closely at the sewing, it would make my mother turn over in her grave, not that she's dead...yet. Well I'm going to try to go back to bed.
Good luck with the wedding plans Kristee and with your mum, lol.
Night night
Dee

Hi girls.2

Bath - I didn't mean you look down on it; I was actually referring to my sister & mother. For us to afford the education that I want to give Ryan, I need to go back to work. Also having a house where we can decorate his room, don't have to ask to make changes to it etc :) I agree some women with hubbys on great $$ go back to work for the wrong reasons. Some of them go back because it’s what they need to do for their sanity. They can’t cope with “just” being a mother. And need to be further defined by their work.

Ali - those house prices are crazy. We’re looking at paying at least 300k :( if we looked in "better" areas of Canberra we too would be paying 400k min :(. But at least a place out here is a foot in the door. Also at this stage Ryan will be our only child. Perhaps if we wanted a second we'd wait longer, or have a bigger gap between kids.... who knows. Matt goes through phones pretty quickly too but more because he gets sick of them GRRR.

Heaven – Doesn’t it suck when you hit your limit and they shape you?? I wish it was raining here minus the stickyness. Well done on making the nappies! When I get a moment I will go & have a look 

Rac – you are the personals queen. I’m glad to hear your keeping busy & that Ronan is doing so well!!

Rory – Flubby is such a cute nickname :)

KL – Good work on the wedding. I’m trying to convince Matt that we should head to QLD for one of those packages. $3000 and you get 5 nights accommodation, hair, flowers etc……. Good to hear Tarleha is doing so well!!!

Me – well Matt and I have bought a ring but when he actually asks is still to be a surprise dammit. I want to wear the ring now it’s so pretty. So maybe I’ll have some neat news soon. Fingers crossed I get this job and then I’m sure I’ll truly be out of my very long rut!

Aren't babies wonderful! Rac, Ronan looks absolutely gorgeous!! I can't tell you how glad I am he is all ok!!

Candy, how nice to have a ring! DH and I married when we were 20 and 21 so "we wus poor" and couldn't afford one (not that he would get me one now - I have my mum's engagement ring which my dad made her - he was a jeweller - so that is enough for me). House prices are insane, aren't they? We were luck to buy our house before the boom in 1999 for $105k - can you IMAGINE a house less than 20ks from melbourne for that price now?? As it was, we were stretching to afford it at the time - my salary was only $22k back then - it took me 5 years working as a lawyer before I earnt what a teacher's starting wage was - and to think I did law instead of teaching for the money! (LOL!!)

I do hope you get the job - I understand the need for security for your family. That's kinda why I am starting work from home and will be going out to work while DH stays home with Flynn - I can earn more than DH and I really want to provide for our little family. Plus I am really keen to get back into my career - it's funny what you said about being "just" a mum cause when I was about 4 I asked my mum if she ever wanted to be anything else other than just a mummy (LOL!) Oh the irony - I have probably told you girls this before but my mum was widowed at 36 with no steady "career" job, couldn't drive a car, etc etc. She ended up doing a tremendous job raising me on her own and working heaps of crappy jobs to look after me but really drummed into me how I needed to have a career to secure my kid's future. So I really see both sides to the whole work thing - I am almost "hardwired" to be career minded but at the same time I absolutely LOVE being with my son and want him to be looked after by his parent/s. I suppose that is why I have told DH I don't want him working full time till our youngest is at kinder. My god, my feminist sensibilities would be on edge if I heard a man say that to his wife! I am such a contradiction:)

Ohh, Flubby is awake and cooing - better go get him.....

Back now - lamb-boy is sitting next to me in his rocker (lamb-boy because he sounds like one when he cries - hehheh)

7th Heaven you did such a good job on the nappies! My ma bought me a sewing machine for my birthday and I am going to try getting into sewing myself. My outlet for my disappointment at not being able to make gorgeous dresses for my child (have you seen how many patterns there are for girls compared to boys - it sucks!) is to make them for my friends' daughers - luckily there are lots of girls in our circle.

KL that is an amazing effort on the wedding! Do post pics when they are available. And don't listen to your mum - you do what is best for you and your family now. I know it's hard (I had awful trouble with my mum when I first got together with DH and again while pregnant) but YOU are a mummy yourself now :hello: I read somewhere that because of the "closeness between mothers and daughters mums often say things to their duaghters that they wouldn't say to anyone else because it is their "right". Like the other day I was talking to MIL - her daughter (my SIL) got married in Sth Amercia while on holiday and had no family there cause she wanted a personal ceremony with just her and her DH. MIL was upset and said "I don't see how much personal you can get - I gave birth to her - why couldn't I be there?" So KL< you are not alone in the world of annoying mums:hug:

Ali, should a serial phone killer like you have a flip top phone - more moving parts to snap off:p My DH drowned my phone recently - lucky he doesn't have his own to kill also cause I'm sure he would have LOL!!

Bath, aren't brand name kids clothes expensive! I was astounded to see "seed" t-shirts for $70!!! Luckily I am the Op-Shop-Legend and have bought Flynn and entire wardrobe of designer gear for nix! ATM he is wearing oshkosh jeans, a peter rabbit polo and a cool black bonds t-shirt - and only the t-shirt was a non-oppy! I have a fixation ATM with buying oshkosh and pumpkin patch overalls - I think I have enough for two children!!

better go - there was a rumble in the nappy that needs investigating

ciao bellas

don't get me wrong, I love being home with ryan, I just want everything I can possibly provide him with. I've always been the provider in my past relationships and part of what has contributed to my PND has the fear of suddenly being dependant on someone else no matter how much I love Matt, and trust him to provide for us, I can't help but be terrified of not making some money for my family!

Candy: Has Matt decided what he's going to do about that job in China? I might have missed it if you posted about his final decision. Sounds like he's decided not to go?
Regarding careers: I agree wholeheartedly about needing another role besides motherhood to define you as a woman... I can't wait to continue and complete my study so that I can work again as a teacher... I really miss peer recognition and mixing with lots of people outside the home... oh and also a little extra money I guess. Depending on Niall's ability to cope I plan to take on a few subjects perhaps toward the end of next year... not sure.... which will mean some kind of care for him. My problem is because i have worked in the industry (childcare) I know the challenges (for both the child and the parents) and I'm very particular about the quality of care AND I'm not happy with what's available in our area... so there's lots of thinking to be done about the whole issue.

Well I've just made my DH a heart-shaped layered sponge cake for Father's Day... I've iced it too and now I'm wondering if I could hide it somewhere and keep it a secret until Sunday or let him see it tonight. Hmm, not sure, could take it next door to our neighbours if I really wanted to I guess.

Hey IK... can I smell a bushfire? All our windows are open and unless somebody is burning something it really smells like a distant fire...

Niall waking... long overdue for a feed... back later.

Hey girls,
Thought i better get on here and see what is happening since DD is asleep, she is sooo unpredictable!!!
7th Heaven I know how you feel. DD has just recently had a cold and she had so much trouble breathing i was afraid to go to sleep in case she stopped breathing all together which she has done twice mind you!!
Litllerigger: I understand about the education issue. I am starting to wonder whether we will be able to afford sending DD to the school i want to as it's so expensive...plus getting married will put a hole in our pockets.
Candy: Keep trying to convince Matt to let you go on the holiday to QLD. The packages are so good. I have been on one to Noosa before and it was lovely. We are going to use the one to Palm Beach Sunshine Coast as a temporary honeymoon as we are going to be short on cash. Overseas is looking good when Tarleha is a bit older though.
Roryrory: I will definetly post pics but won't be till next April...seems so far away but is so close at the same time. I know i shouldn't listen to my mum and take it to much to heart, but it is so hard i really want to forgive her for all the nasty's she has done and said but she just keeps doing it over and over again. But i am glad i am not alone with this issue.

IUs: Well the wedding plans are frazzling my brains out and all DF can say is he is stressed out because he has to pay for it....if that is all he is worried about maybe i should have made it expensive as i could get.
Tarleha is trying really hard to crawl now...gets the legs going but can't get the arms under control. face planted the carpet a couple of times LOL.
For all you Melbourne girls what are the wedding dresses likke down there? are they nice, reasonably priced? Any one else not from Melbourne let me know where you are from and what the dresses are like and prices. Please it would be greatly appreciated. Its going to be hard to have a great wedding as DF and i are hoping to fall around that time so i spose it would be ok if we did but i really wouldn't mind if i wasn't preg for my wedding. We were going to start trying Jan/Feb next year so don't know whether to change it or just let nature take it's course on that one. What would you girls do personally?
Any ways gotta run as the rug-rat has just woken and needs my attention...she is just a sook!!!

:dance: Kristee-Lea - 21
:babygirl: Tarleha Maye - 29/06/06
:heartbeat: Tying the knot on 7th April 2007 (Easter Saturday)

KLR- I'll pm you with where i got my dress from (not sure i am alowed to post it here) But are u looking for a new or 2nd hand dress? I am getting my wedding dress dry cleaned next week in hope to sell it.... (oh and i was 6weeks pg in it i had rouging across the belly so even if there was a small bump it would be hidden)
Racs- well we took a coupld of pics of Nixon in his outfit so i'll let u all know when i get a chance to put them on the website.

hi everyone else, sorry will have to post again later when i have more time
will check out your website soon.

Kristy- Great job in organising the wedding so quickly and for such a good amount of money. THe organisation of my wedding is still vey fresh in my mind. Don't worry time will fly and before you know it, it will be April.

Rory- You a probably right, a mobile phoone with moving parts is probably a very bad idea!! Oh well, I am just going to have to learn to be more careful, I cant live without my mobile.

Candy- I hear ya on relying on someone else to support you, this is the first time since I was 15 that I havent had a job (and for much of that time I worked 2 jobs) so for the first time in 11 years I am not getting my own income, its really kinda scary isnt it!

Nic- I hope that you & your DH enjoyed your mini-break with Nixon.

We have had a fairly quiet day, DH had the day off which was nice. I went to weight watchers this morning and I lost 2.6kg this week...wooohoo.
Tori had her first sleep in her big cot today, was very exciting but sad at the same time, I cant believe how quickly she is getting big... they don't stay little babies for long really do they? We have also been trying to get her used to going in her carrier (like the baby bjorn, but we have the damaro(sp) because when we go to Bali it will be easy to take her out in that than negotiate the pram around. She did quite well in it, and seemed to be happy to be upright and looking out at the world.

Ok updated my website with some more pics if u want to have a look.

we had a nice short break, the weather was supurb, we went for a walk along the beach thismorning b4 driving back.

Rory- I am infact still having some feeding problems. Each time it happens i get one step closer to thinking of giving up bf. my original goal was to get to 6 months, now i am just trying to get to 5 months, but even day by day now is an acheivment. He did it to me once yesterday and once again today, its very distressing for both of us, his face ends up wet from tears and red and exhausted from fighting it. I try to comfort him, settle him down then he starts back up again. I am not sure if its because i have to still use nipple sheilds half of the time and maybe he isnt getting it as quick as he would like. but i have crap nipples for bf and find it really hard without the sheilds. I can now do one side without it but not after him coming off 5-10times and lots of awkward carry on.
Candy- I am sure Matt is waiting for a perfect moment to pop the question! Oh how exciting, the suspense of when would be a killer!
KLR- Wow Tarleha must be very developed already almost crawling! Nixon hasn't yet learnt to roll/sit etc. Like you Racs although Nixon is earlier when it comes to development they are still in the same range as the rest of the June bubs, Nixon should be 3 months old now and i think he is pretty spot of a 3month old
Dee- How cool is the nappy! your very clever i dont even know how to sew a button onto a shirt
Racs- Love the updated pics! Ronan has big blue eyes! I agree that little Pooh outfit is gorgeous.

Adding photos to photo page as I type...
Sorry, Bath, don't know what the smoke smell might have been - I was on the other side of the world today!
Allow me to explain...Peninsula Hot Springs. Melbourne girls - it is a MUST DO! I am quite blissed out, despite Oscar having a bit of a crying/screaming session midway through our day. That only took up a fraction of the time that we were there, though, and he was either splashing with us in the water ('us' being my GF and I) or asleep in the pram (he tired himself out with the crying and I think he was just overtired/stimulated because he wasn't hungry and wasn't cold and wasn't wet in the pants!). We even took the scenic route to get there - the Flinders way through the back of Cranbourne and it was just divine. My only gripe is that when Oscar was crying a staff member came out and ushered me into the change rooms, supposedly concerned that Oscar had wind and that I needed a more comfortable place to feed (he wasn't hungry, but I thought the boob might calm him down...no go - and I can actually feed anywhere, don't need a 'comfy' chair anymore), so there I was propped up (she'd put my feet up!) and she took Oscar from me to try to quiet him (ha! didn't work!), gave him back and left me in an echoey room, not even comfortable. Shortly after she left I got up, got him a bit quieter and then went outside again. He calmed down enough to doze off, but after a couple of attempts I decided he wasn't asleep enough to put down so I waited a bit more. Once I was convinced he was asleep I put him in and went to join GF in the hot pools. That lasted about 5 minutes before he woke up again (not asleep enough to ignore the dummy falling from his mouth!). Got him back to sleep quickly enough the next time and he stayed asleep for about 2 hours, so we enjoyed the rest of the pools (including the COLD plunge pool!), a late lunch (scrumptious) and I fed him after I had polished off a latte and my share of the cake. Pretty good going for Oscar's first aqua activity. He seemed to quite enjoy the water, so he should be fine for the Daylesford weekend in two weekends' time. ANyway, I didn't appreciate being shepherded away and TOLD my son is colicky. Had I not already been conscious that other patrons may be annoyed at a crying baby I would have had words, but I was a bit confused myself as to how to settle my boy, being that it's not often at all that he works himself up like that (last time being his shots, really). Talking to some patrons later, they didn't even mind, they felt sorry for me! They were all asking how old he was etc. I suppose there would have been some people who thought he was a spoilt child, but they can bite me. Also, because he sits up quite straight and fully supports his own head, they probably assumed that he was older than he really is. I mean, I couldn't have hoped for a better day out and first time in water for a 2 and a half month old! And the nerve of the staff member trying to tell me I was tense and needed to relax...I was doing fine before she came and took me away!
They're starting works on a family area and when that's opened they won't allow children under 5 in that area. That's fine, I can understand that, because it's close to the private pools area, but meantime, without a no-child policy or child-friendly area, they can deal with it. Anyway, there was another baby crying later on, so I wasn't alone. My GF was trying to help, too, so there was no need for staff to make a mountain out of a molehill.
HOWEVER, I am still blissed out by the water therapy and my skin feels great. I wore a very vintage swimsuit, too, so I felt great in my old/new figure with my plump baby in his new swimmers.
So, THAT'S why I was on the other side of the world.
Congrats, Ali, on the kilos!
Heaven - nice work on the nappies! I'm going to have to see about making me some, too! But they won't work out nearly as great as yours cos I haven't sewn much in the last 8 years...
Racs - they are some VERY cute photos!
Identity and being a mummy - I can understand women needing something else. For myself, though, I don't think this will be an issue. I have always avoided defining myself by what I do and have more defined myself by what I am and taking those qualities that I enjoy about myself into whatever I do. I do this because I see friends and others who define themselves by their degrees, houses, friends, jobs, cars etc and to me, that's not enough and if that other thing becomes unstable, what of their identities? I can take WHO I am wherever I want. I"ve never had a career, so have been unable to define myself by that, never had a fab car (I did think my old Falcon was fab, cos she could tow my horse and when I lost it I did miss my horsey freedom and still do), never been close to even qualifying for a home loan, my friends complement me but don't define me etc. Being a mummy is kind of an extension of my nurturing bent - I've nurtured horses, dogs and now a little person. I think I've done myself a favour in being multi-faceted in my non-work life, like brigade, horse riding, riding club, music etc. They are all things that I can continue being involved with whilst raising Oscar and, indeed, he is easily integrated into that life. I think that because of all of this I'm in no danger of being painted into a corner. I wasn't always so active. It changed after I heard a song by my favourite local songwriter, Tiffany Eckhardt, where she sings about not waiting till it's too late to let your loved ones know you love them ("Let it Rain"). The line that, in hindsight, changed my life when one day I sang it, realised what I was singing and couldn't finish the line cos I was crying was this: "and it makes me wonder why I've filled up my life so there's no room for people in it". I had friends and my horsey life, but I felt that I had wrapped myself too much in the horse world and that there were other things I wanted to do, and to hang out with my non-horsey friends. That's when I got back in touch with my GF's family, after drifting away from them for nearly a year, and got back into music, joined the fire brigade and started to actually live a bit fuller :)
If I never went back to work I wouldn't care cos I still make a contribution to my world in my own little (free!) way. Actually, I'll email you all a little inspirational tip I received this week - it resonated with me strongly.
It was a bit of a shift to make in my head to be dependant on DP when I went on (unpaid) maternity leave, but I got over it and it's part of life, I suppose. I'm more flexible than I thought I was! That said, one day I will work in a career, and I look forward to that. DP can't wait to be a stay at home dad, but he'll take over when the kids are out of toddlerhood.
A bit like you, Bath, we know we can be a happy family without having the 'must haves' - we're still breathing without a flat screen TV, without a less than 10 year old car, without aircon, without designer duds, without 'nice holidays' etc. Like the Jack Johnson song, 'we got everything we need and baby, everything we need is enough'.
I'm going to stop typing now cos I think the waters I took today have made me all sentimental and waterlogged!

Hey all june mummies...

Today has been tiring, got no sleep last night (ok, i lie, i got like 3 hours...) so knackered, but promised myself i had to get all my washing done as its meant to be raining this weekend, and i was soooo nice today (24*C!!) Had to take declan to gp at the childrens hospital, he had a rash on his neck which spread over his whole body by lunchtime. I swore it was german measles, but dr reckons its eczema... Who knows?? I would rather it be the latter, but i dont hink its eczema, iv never seen it spread like it did on my poor lil man...

I cant put Anneliese in her cot just yet, Declan still doesnt want to go in a bed, and i really dont want to push him. Anneliese is still small enough to fit in her cradle, so im going to leave it as long as i can. What makes it harder is my 3yo and 17mo have to share a room... I can just see them never getting too sleep... Grrrrr...

Hi Girls, going to bed very shortly since I've been up since very early this morning. Well it is still raining here, boohoo...Makayla's Birthday party is at the Lions Park tomorrow afternoon and I very much doubt it will be dry enough, I have 18 children coming not counting my own to play in the totally revempt and newly reopened park. I can move the party to the youth Centre But it limits What we can play, unfortunately as I was going for a very relaxed play date kinda party with a couple of party fav's like pass the parcal and pin the tail. I didn't even do a Pinata this year (Very slack mummy) It will be good anyway.

I usually make the cakes too but being the slack mother I am I ordered on instead. I had to laugh though as I ordered her cake from our Bakery here in town and I wanted the cake to say Happy Birthday Makayla, but he said no he couldn't do that, I said "Sorry" he said "no we are practicing Jehova Witnesses and it is against our religion and I would be"... now get this "Morally corrupt to do that. I can put Birthday Makayla or just Makayla if you like but not Happy Birthday". I was astounded. Now I'm sorry and I really don't want to offend anyone here but I have had quite enough of this from Jehova witnesses in town, of which our Dr in town is one and will not take my blood to check my thyroid function as I believe it has a lot to do with my weight issues, (Sisters are both skinny, mother is now skinny after starting on Thyriod drugs, I have symptoms.) I just wanted it tested. oh and still charged me for the consultation. Who are these people that they feel it is their God given right to bible bash me in my everyday life. I am a good person, I don't drink and Drive, I don't do drugs or abuse my children and I am a sometimes practicing Anglican Girl (We only have a Babtist Church and A Catholic Church in town, open once a fortnight) but I certainly do not inflict my chosen religion and beliefs on others. It's a Birthday cake for Goodness sake.
Now my above statement is in no way meant to insult anyone in here, I am just venting at the fact that I live in a very very small town with no choices but to get what I'm given and it's not fair. Vent over.

Big hugs and hello to everyone and thank you for the praises for my Nappies.
Good to see you back Rory
Hi Racs, photos are gorgeous as are yours Ik
Ali congratulations on the weigh loss, You go girl.
Yummy yummy Baths, can I have some, lol
Careers well as you all know I have applied through QTAC to do Teaching (Grad Dip) next year at QUT. I really don't think I will get in though because the competition is so high for external places. I really haven't worked much in the last few years so I won't have too many points and my GPA although okay was not great and they required a 97 last year and mine is only a 94. But I really want this. I love Nursing, but with five children and a shift working hubby it's just not practical and Teaching has always been a very favourable second in my book. I think that motherhood does define you as a person because you really find out and face your weaknesses as a person as well as your strengths although we as mother's tend to hon in on our weaknesses and let them take us down all too often. Working is an outlet for me. I get to play with the grown ups and get paid for it. But I also love being home with my lot and am glad the I don't have to work.
My DH is a high income earner and we pretty much have all the mods and cons that go with the salary, and I have to say I like it. I like our sorta finacial freedom, I love that we go on expensive fun filled family holidays and that $1000 doesn't really mean alot to us (we have lived on the other side of it and survived) but I would give it all up to live in the city. To give our kids better access to education and sporting choices. Me doing Teaching is a way to get that dream. Great child friendly hours. Michael can get a Town job or open his own Electrical Business, Ooohhh and I could be his Sexy sultry secretary. LOL. Well I'm waffling, better go to bed.
Night Girls
Dee

Good Morning girls ... hahaha Dee (Heaven) you crack me up! Really enjoyed reading your last post... I'm not offended at all by the Jehovas views; if they didn't interfere with what you needed (ie just a simple "Happy Birthday" on a cake and a little blood taken) it would be funny, just reading it I mean LOL Sounds absolutely crazy! something out of a comedy... some columnist could get a lot of mileage out of it all (once again not meaning to offend anybody of that faith). I consider myself a Christian, pure and simple, don't adhere to any particular organised religion... would send my kids to any Christian school if it was good and be happy with the religious instruction provided... anything from Catholicism to Quakerism is ok with me as long as it's essentially Christian and not Fundamental (extremist)... although even the Jewish faith has a lot that I agree with...anyhow I've gone off on a tangent... Hope your party goes well and the rain holds off so you can take them all outside to let off a bit of the sugar rush! And fingers crossed that you gain entry into your course... are you doing Secondary or Primary education? I still haven't made up my mind which one I'm going to do... I've had experience with Early Years Learning so that would be easier but I can imagine working with older children being very interesting too.

Well DH and DD are at Little Athletics ATM so I'm at home with the boys just like any other day of the week but as soon as they get home I'm outta here quick as a flash! I think I might go up to Savers (Huge Op Shop) and look for treasure :)

Wade needs potty assistance... back later...

Dee. LOL!!! My DH's family are Jehovah's Witnesses and it cracked both me and DH up. That is one of the maddest things I've heard. How illogical - I will sell you the cake, and thereby aid-and-abet and gain financial profit from your morrally corrupt shin-dig, but I will not write happy birthday! I'm real sure his God saw the distinction in that!!

(As Dee said - this is not to diss anyone's religion - but people should leave others to their own beliefs. And I don't think your baker-man was, cause like I said, he was happy to take your money....)

Sexy sultry secreatry - I like that!! :)

Poor Simone - hope your lil- man gets better. Mine has a manky eye (which appears to be clearing with eye drops) and that is worrying enough!!

IK, your post made me think of a musing I had the other day on the way back from mothers' group. Mothers contribute so much to the world - even our little mum's group who had just spent the morning eating cake and talking - we are the ones who glue society together. We are the ones who organise kinder fetes, sew name labels onto clothes, set up social events for our DPs and DHs (we all know single/divorced men have less connected lives), buy our MILs mothers day pressies, stay home when kids are sick. And that is whether we stay at home or go out of the home to work, but the ones who stay home get to do more of that sort of stuff.

Part of me would love to stay at home forever but the other is itching to get back into it. I had lunch in the city yesterday with 2 lawyer friends in a lawyer cafe (just near the barristers chambers) abd sat waiting for them reading the Fin Review while BF. It felt really good to (sort of) be in both worlds. Hopefully working from home one day a week, then building up to more steady parttime work will do that....

Nickers, you are doing so well to last as long as you have - you should be proud! I am going really well with BF but every day I thank my lucky stars it has been so easy for me and Flynn, and I totally know that next time could be different for me. Your perseverance is a real inspiration:hug:

Ali, 2.6kg is amazing - how many points are you on to have managed that!! I hope you were'nt being silly and starving yourself:p I really do want to get back into losing weight - I am so sick of not being able to fit into my old pants (and we're talking a realisic size 14 here girls, nothing silly!) DH is away next week working in country victoria with a mate so I am going to make a real effort to turn over a new leaf while he is gone.

Nickers I tried emailing you but your hotmail account seems to be down. PM doesn't work for me either, for some reason.

gotta go - DH has me on lounge-room painting duty while he stains the skirting boards

ciao bellas

rory u can email me at nicole@newschool.com.au
sorry was gonna write but Nixon is calling. be back later

Hey all June Mummies,

Nickers: Thanks for PMing me about your dress, i have sent you a reply back now.
Tarleha has always been advanced for her age since birth! Her Peaditricion was soooo amazed at how advanced she was at 6 weeks!!! Tarleha has rolled but absolutely hates it so doesn't do it much.
I'm sure Nixon will pick up and be crawling before you know it.

Ali25: It wasn't easy planning the wedding so quickly, but i thought if i got it out of the way i could relax a little bit.
You are lucky that your DH was able to have the day off my DF refuses too.
Congratulations on loosing 2.6kg in a week!!! Got any secrets?? I am averaging 1 kilo a week.
How exciting and sad that Tori had her first sleep in her big cot. I can't wait till i can put Tarleha in hers but we have to wait for it to arrive as we have ordered it from QLD.

Simone: Sorry you had to take Declan to the Doctors. My DD had a rash to but it didn't spread as quickly and i took her to our GP and he said it's normal for some kids.

7thHeaven How did Makayla's Birthday party go? Was it still raining? You aren't a slack mother there is only so much you can do.
That is sooo silly and funny at the same time that they can't put "Happy Birthday Makayla" on it. Yeah i think some people can take their religion to far. Feel free to vent i don't think the people in here will judge you on how you percieve other religions especially if they are bible bashing you with their religion. Personally i am a Christian but don't act like that is how everyone should behave and have that religion. I mean i broke the so called rules....i had sex before marriage OOPPS.

Us: Well DD is deciding that it is never sleep time it is alway play time. So we have had many discussions about this!! She is feeding more now so thats good.
I am still copping crap from a lot of people about the wedding, i just have had enough i feel like punching them out at times.
I think half their problem is the age gap betwenn me and DF and the other half maybe jealousy as i'm happy and they aren't...i dunno.
I'm am still wondering if i should BD when originally planned or to wait till after the wedding...well i want to loose fat from #1 before i get married so i spose if i fall no-one will know they would just think i haven't got rid of all baby fat from #1.....what do you girls think????
Any way enough venting from me.

:dance: Kristee-Lea - 21
:babygirl: Tarleha Maye - 29/06/06
:heartbeat: Tying the knot 7th April (Easter Saturday)

Rory- No need to worry about me starving myself :p I have been eating between 26-32 points a day, I think that I am just making better food choices now that I am making myself accountable for what I am eating by writing it down. I guess it is one good thing about doing ww while bf, you can still eat a fairly decent amount of food- you just need to be sensible about what you are eating.

Bath- It is a tough choice to make between teaching primary/ secondary. I am trained to teach years 1-7, but could go up to grade 10 if I chose. For the last few years I have taught junior primary (1-3) but starting to feel the need to branch out and try a different age group maybe a year 4 or 5 class. Eventually I would like to become a literacy specialist working with Aboriginal students to get through year 11 and 12 and into further education, there is a program here run in some high schools called Follow the Dream, set up for this specific purpose.

Dee- Good luck with the party today, I hope the rain holds off and it is a lovely day. I cant believe the baker, like the others said happy to take your money for a birthday cake but not prepared to write happy birthday on it. I dont have a problem with any religion that anyone wants to follow but believe that it should not be thrust upon others, especially when they hold positions of power such as a Dr.

IK- Your day at the hot springs soudns divine, except for the silly woman who thought that you didn't know best for your own child. Glad to hear that Oscar enjoyed the water for the most- part. I cant wait to take Tori for her first swimming experience.

As for me, feeling like a bit of a sad sack today- can't quite put my finger on it. I think I am just having one of those days where I feel forgotten, just a mummy. My friends seem to think that because I have a baby now I am not interested in doing things on the weekend, so I guess I am feeling a little housebound- DH has gone to catch up with a friend so it feels like just another day of the week for me. Anyway Ill get over it, I might go outside and enjoy the sunshine for a little while.

Hi girls,
Thought I'd pop on quick and tell you about my day.
The party although moved indoors to the youth centre was a blast, the kids all seem to have fun. I ended up with 24 kids including mine. We played musical chairs and pass the parcel and musical statues. The cake was gorgeous and really delicious, I'm just downloading some photos now and will pop a few on the site. Stupid me only put 7 candles on the cake and had to be corrected by 16 8 year olds, so silly, took all the photos with only 7 candles, hehehe. We gave all the kids a Helium balloon with their loot bags to take home, It was a hit. My sister and family came over for the party.
Now we are supposed to be at the schools fundraiser - Bush Dance, but I and the three younger ones are so tired.
Michael is no longer working in Outbye/ Maintenance (mostly surface) he has shifted to the long wall (all underground), which is good experience to add to the CV, so he now works Days 7am to 7pm and nights 6pm to 6am, which brings him home most days now by half past the hour so I'm getting the kids and I up early (not much earlier for me) to make Michael Breakfast of bacon and eggs - the works and Pancakes for Makayla since it is her Birthday tomorrow aswell. That way we can do their pressies and special breaky over with early so Michael can go to bed.
Education I have applied for Early Years and second option of Middle years although I think I'm going to change my preference to Middle years. Which up until I submitted my application was my first preference. The Qld system has all changed now You now have three options, Early years (Birth-Gr3) birth to 8yrs, Middle Years (Gr4-9) 9-14 and Senior years (10-12) 15-18. I will do one year Grad Dip and then Hopefully be working and do one year Post Grad Degree (inservice). When I was going to Uni I ended up getting a job as a House Mistress at the Glennie School. I was a House mother to grade 8 and 9 girls, I loved it, it was the best little job, a roof over my head, 3 squares and 2 snacks a day. But I just don't think I really want to teach High School. I prefer Primary.

Hi Girls, You've got to be kidding, No one has checked in here in the past 24 hours, Where are you all? Oohhh I don't have a life, lol. Made some Nappy Covers for some plain AIO I Bought. Daughter loved her pressy and Hubby liked his too, nothing special since he DID just get a week away playing Golf. Kids are all asleep Hubby's on night shift and there is nothing on the telly worth watching. Ho hum, think I'll go surf eBay, hmmm my favourite shop, lol.
Bye Dee

Howdy all, how was everyone's fathers' day? Mine was good - bought DH 3 pressies (book on woodworking tools, darrell lea chocky bag and a garden plaque that sayd "this is in memory of all the lovely plants killed by my wife" - I am a shocking gardener!) and visited my mum and stepdad for lunch.

7th H - I reckon primary teaching would be so much better than secondery teaching. DH will do a dip ed once kids are grown and he is keen on teaching secondary science/maths (with science and engineering degrees he will be a shoe-in, as very few "maths" teachers in Victoria have actually done maths at a uni level) but I keep trying to convince him to do primary as well. Imagine how good a 6 foot 6 male primary teacher would be for all those little boys with no male role models. But he is not convinced - hopefully a few years home with kids will change his mind.

Ali, you have inspired me! DH is away all next week (leaving tomorrow) so I am going to be a new woman when he comes back. 26 to 32 points is massive when you are used to 20 points. Sorry you are feeling down - I sometimes feel "blah" too - think it goes with the territory!!!

KL, I know it's hard but ignore the bad vibes re: your wedding. DH and I had a terrible time from both our families when we married (nearly 13 years ago now!!) and to this day give every to-be-married couple the same advice - don't listen to what anyone says (including us!) you do it your way!!

better go, even though DH is watching terminator 3 (not my favourite of the series) I had better go spend some quality time with him:hello:

ciao bellas

Im here! just checking up but theres not much to check up on!
Happy Fathers day to all the dads out there.
DH had a nice day, made him breakky in bed, then he had to go change an xbox game that i got him which was wrong so he took Nixon with him.
we had a bbq for lunch just us.
Dee- sounds like Makayla had a lovely bday party, i am still stunned about the wording on the cake though. they must loose a lot of business that way i am sure of it. Sure be what u want, beleive in what u want but do not force others to believe the same as you.... quiet gobsmacked actually.
I am determined to start my health kick PROPERLY tomorrow. (i plan to go for a walk but weather permitting think its suppose to be crap)

well fathers day here was quiet. Matt has the flu which means no sleep since about tuesday for me :( his snoring & coughing is worse than him talking in his sleep!!

Dee - I just can't believe the cake people. Its one of my pet hates when people push their beliefs onto others. where I lived in wollongong I regularly had the same ones visiting until I met them at the dooor with my big dog. I had told them so many times I wasn't interested, I was jack of it. Love the idea of the balloons BTW :)

thats the end of my personals simply because ryan is going psycho :(

*hugs*

ps new pictures :)

Hi all,

Just caught up on all your posts, gee you gals make me laugh.

I've been away for a few days visiting my Nana (with my Mum) - it was wonderful to have another pair of hands to help, Mum lives on an island 10 hours away, so don't get to see her very much. Mum made Alexandra a beautiful patchwork cot cover, it is amazing. I love all the traditonal country stuff! (It took her six months to make).

Alexandra had her shots on Friday, I told the dr that I had been having sharp stabbing pains in my tummy, and had blood in my poo so I need to go and have another colonoscopy - YUCK..Not happy about having no food, no drink for 24 hours (pre-op). We all know how thirsty you get when you breastfeed....I hope this does not impact my supply, will ring the ABA and find out. Also, I wonder if the general anestetic I need to go under will affect my milk? I'm sure lots of breastfeeding women have operations.

Donna - I have emailed you.

ali- congrats on the weight loss - keep going we are all behind you.

Dee - glad the party was a success, despite your (funny) barriers! Our children don't know half of the things we go through to ensure their happiness!!!

Must run, a thousand things to do today...

ETA: Three posts whilst I wrote this essay! Sorry girls...


Gooooood morning girls :) As you all know (from the questionairre we did) I like Mondays... don't really know why... I just get a good vibe on them and also my "luck" is usually better on a Monday than any other day of the week... I also read that it's the day of the week for Cancerians, probably due to it's association with the Moon (day) and the moon is the planet for Cancerians but I only half believe in all that superstitious nonsense anyhow LOL

IK: Sounds like your day spa experience was largely enjoyable... shame that woman tried to shunt you into a room... she probably didn't have children of her own. Not always the case but help and understanding usually comes from people with children however recently we've received poor treatment from those who have had children and should be more understanding. I've been spending a lot of time lately dwelling on how quickly some people forget the challenges that come with having a small baby. I also received your Email Tips... very true, I do often forget the impact I have on my children... you kinda get caught up with meeting their needs such as meals/clothing etc and because they don't often express their appreciation you can forget that what you are doing is going to shape who they are for the rest of their lives... I've found that once the learning curve of meeting the needs of my children has flattened out a bit (as it has now) I get bored a lot of the time. I have to be careful I don't wish this precious time away. My most precious childhood memories are time spent with my grandparents as opposed to time spent with my parents... and includes simple activites like having afternoon tea with Nana talking about how she made her biccy's and cakes... she gave me the kind of attention my own mother didn't seem capable of. Mum thought I needed and would "appreciate" a whole other set of things like golf lessons, which she paid a lot of money for, but there's no fond memories there!

Rory: I agree, once your DH has had more exposure to younger children through his own and their friends he might decide that teaching primary school children to be quite fulfilling... you certainly have the ability to "make a difference" and shape their attitudes more when they are younger. Also think back to memories of your teachers... are the strongest ones of your primary level ones? I'm not saying that it's a teacher's job to shape personalities but if you can raise self esteems and instill a love of learning with young children it's something that will be appreciated for the rest of their lives. With older children and teenagers it's more (I think) convincing them that they don't have to subscribe to the worst aspects of peer pressure... I know it's a cliche (peer pressure) but I'm seeing it with my daughter and it's mighty powerful and is starting to affect her approach to learning unfortunately. I was happy to be a bit of a black sheep at school... one of the weird ones at high school who used to hang out in the Art Department... so I'm a bit dismayed that my DD is more prone to conform... anyhow, it's all very interesting and challenging and I can't wait to get back into it after I get my Grad Dip.

Father's Day: We had a great day! DH got a bit of brekkie in bed with the newspaper and whilst he was doing that we heard the sound of a steam engine outside and Verity and I opened our front door and could see in the distance a puff of steam and heard more "chug chugging" ... ooooh what's going on??? we thought and I rang MetLink (rail people) but they didn't know so DH got up and surfed the net until he discovered that Hurstbridge (outer NE suburb of Melbourne, in the Hills, virtual country side) were having a Wattle festival and there were going to be steam engine rides! Well we love that kinda thing so we got ready and off we went! It was so much fun and cheap at only $2.50 a ticket for DD, DH and I (boys free) for about a 40 minute round trip on the train in our carriage... the engine was a bit like Harry Potter's big and black circa 1920. Then we went into the festival and had yummy veggie burgers for lunch during which the Wattle fairy came over and said hello to Wade who was very shy... then we saw all these vintage cars whilst listening to local bands play and there was an Breast Feeding Association stall with a baby change station set up inside so that was handy! bought a raffle ticket... had a look at a few other things then Wade started to get tired so decided time to go home.... passed the train again on the way.... then all three kids fell asleep in the car within 5 minutes! I whispered to DH "park the car at the supermarket and I'll do a quick shop" which i did without them waking up!!! Even DH fell asleep and thought i'd only been gone 5 minutes but it had been nearly half an hour! Got home and had the father's Day cake that I made and watched a DVD after the kids went to bed (nicole Kidman's The Hours).

Whew! better go deal with Niall now... hope you all had great weekends... what's the weather going to do today Melbourne girls??? Not good for washing hey?

Cee Cee - defintely give the ABA a call! You may get advice that you cannot breastfeed, but if you express plenty (even if you have to hire a pump for the time before and after the op) then you will be able to go back to bf'ing afterwards. Speak to a counsellor to get a better opinion, though:)
Fathers Day - weird. DP had a chainsaw course and was away overnight and didn't get home till about 7. Oscar and I went to Knox and I got two photos enlarged, one for DP and one for my dad. Got home and caught up in some cleaning and didn't get round to calling MIL (was talking to my GF about how I never see her and she's around the corner - my mum laments that she lives in the country and doesn't get to see her favourite boy...MIL is literally up the road, but was sick last week-unbeknownst to me until last night-and DP says she's a busy lady, as if I didn't already know). Cleared the table, candles lit and tried to feed DP but he was between the computer and dinner. Bit of a grrr, but didn't want to make any issues cos I was trying to gauge if he was thinking about his dad - like pulling teeth when I asked him how he was feeling etc. He was put out that Oscar was grumpy (I would be too if I was full of win, my belly stabbing at me and no words to let mummy know what was wrong and to please fix it!), never mind the fact that I have been with Oscar and his discomfort for 3 whole days (hot springs episode, Saturday night, Sunday morning and then last night). Anyway, I got to talk to my dad, who's coming back from the country today. I spoke to my mum afterwards -had to make two phone calls cos Oscar got upset in between and I called my mum when he fell asleep.
Anyway, I think I'll strap the boy to me and walk to the chemist to get some Infacol. It's worth a try. The poor little monkey has been wriggling all night in his sleep and letting out little farts, between little airy burps and some possetting :( I just can't think of anything I'm eating that might be doing it to him, or if it's just one of those things. My boobs haven't been overly full, so maybe he's just taking in air from force of habit. Or maybe he's disguising my let down by the way he feeds. He's a trooper, though, he's trying to deal with it. But he doesn't have to be like his daddy and grandmother and be stoic - if it hurts then cry, dammit!
Anyway, I wish I could have given DP a better Fathers Day, but that would have involved removing the chainsaw course from his life and bringing his dad back, I suppose.
Well, Oscar still asleep so I'll go to the loo and then see how he's going.

BAth, i know what you mean by the weather, im debating whther or not to do my washing. The weather stuffed up our plans for yesterday, but we still had fun. We were planning on having a picnic in the Botanical Gardens, but it was pouring, so me, DH, our 3 kids, my SIL and BIL and their 2 went for a massive drive. We went from home (Tullamarine) along the Ring Road/Princes FWY to Geelong, then Tourquay, then down to Bells beach, then down the Great Ocean Road to Lorne. It was breathtaking, and the weather made it even more spectacular. We wanted to go to the 12 Apostle, but once we found out it was still 100kms from Lorne, we decided that was enough driving!! On the way back stopped into Geelong to visit some family, then home. Slept well last night, as DH went out with BIL sat night (to Bar20, naughty boys... (strippers)) They had both had abit to drink, and being p-platers, couldnt risk being the slightest bit over... Still had a ball. Got DH a new suit, shirt and tie... That boy costs me a fortune!! :)

Hello all

IK, there must be something in the air - Flynn was windy ad upset yesterday too. I gave him some infacol, but I'm not sure it made any difference cause his wind seemed to have died down by his next feed and I ended up giving him the infacol "just in case". I felt awful about doing it - silly I know, but I didn't want to medicate him for no reason....
I checked out your site yesterday - Oscar is just gorgeous!!!

Bath, I am like you - a ancerian who loves mondays - I think because it is a chance to start afresh.

Ceecee, I hope you are ok - colonoscopies are not nice at all!!:hug:

Did my first bit of "working from home" - not bad but hard to draft documents when you don't have a printer. Must rectify that soon - off to Harvey Norman to buy a microwave today so will check out printers....

ciao bellas

Ceecee - talk with your anathestist - when I had my gallbladder out I expressed enough for the 24hr stay and pumped and dumped the feed after the op (probably the equivalent of two or three feeds I was so full and had skipped a few while prepping and op etc) and then cause the nurse freaked out (she was completely unsure about whether I should be feeding that soon after anaesthetic) the following feed as well but once home the next day was feeding again. The painkillers I was given by the anaethatist were bf friendly. my surgeon told me the anathestist is the key.
hey Ik - hope the infacol works for you - I think with some bubs just everynow and then they have a bad couple of days with wind etc for no apparent reason and then everything is fine again - mine have both done this everynow and then but otherwise are generally placid bubs who digest, regurgitate and poop with relative ease and only get worked up about things like - not being able to hold their fist in their mouths or "I've been in this spot long enough" - stop what you are doing NOW and come get me.
Anyway hope little Oscar is feeling better soon.

Bath - sounds like you had a great Father's Day. Interesting point you make about Verity and peer pressure. I must say I find I am most scared about making it through the teenage years without major incident - it just seems to be getting more and more common for young ones to go off the rails so to speak and how do we avoid this is constantly on my mind even though there are a few years yet.

Anyway I hear the call of I've had enough time in my bed please so had better go play.

Hope your week's are off to a good start.

Awww don't worry about the Father's Day thing too much IK... it took my DH a few years to get into it, been a few "write offs" with Mother's Day as well. Also maybe the walk in the sling will help Oscar's wind... Niall doesn't suffer from it usually but when he does it's because I've laid him down too soon after a feed.

CeeCee: Why do you have to have a colonoscopy? For piles or polyps? I've read about them because polyps are sometimes genetic and they are on my mother's side and every time i see blood in my poos I wonder... hopefully it's just the piles of pregnancy. Hope the anaesthetic doesn't interfere too much, let us know how you go and what the ABA say.

Just got back from the newsagency where we collected our free Wiggles DVD using a token from the Herald on the weekend... as soon as we got home Wade took himself to the potty! Good boy, he's almost trained now, just has a nappy overnight.

Niall's napping and I hope Wade has one too... he's just starting to get a bit ratty...

ETA: Jaspen: yep, it's already getting a bit tricky (Peer pressure) and the best advice I can give is to talk about values and moral behaviour from a very early age. Be a good role model.... the "do as I say and not as I do" won't work; your kids will pick up on all your bad habits! (it has embarrassed me on occasions). It's just starting to show results with Verity: she seems to have absorbed alot of what we have discussed about honesty and "doing the right thing" from when she was as young as 3yo. Also it REALLY helps to make sure that the school your children go to focus on morals and ethics. If children see poor behaviour being ignored or that kids "get away" with poor behaviour such as bullying they soon learn to simply "look out for number one" which really isn't a good message. Verity's school is especially onto bullying and negative peer pressure so it's not so much as simply wanting to wear inappropriate clothes etc.

Baths - what a great fathers day! We did the foot print on canvas, you were right, the hands were just too hard! DH LOVED them regardless.

We were all on the Northen Beaches however the drive home took almost 2 hours as Ally decided to scream the whole way.. we stopped three times to console her and nothing worked... She hates the car...as such we have decided that I will fly to Byron for Xmas (not drive as planned). DH will take the dog in the car I will fly with Ally.

Candy - you poor thing! Maybe get him to try some nasal sprays as you need your sleep!

IK: ummm... wonder what is wrong with Oscar, do you think it is wind, it maybe a growth spurt? In the book baby love they write that it is common for babies to go through an unexplained crying period at 6-8 weeks, which they put down to a growth spurt... I know he is just over 8 weeks, but maybe he is just a little late?

I think everyone thinks it is wind when a baby is unsettled, mine rarely burps (but does loads of farts), my sister, nana, and mother all told me "she has wind", but she will never burp for them so they still say "wind"...just the other end! Hopefully the infacol will help, if not, lots of cuddles in the HAB is sure to at least comfort him till he gets over it..

So, we are calling our little girl Ally now, it seems Alexandra is too hard for the family to remember (they call her Alexandria, or Alex). Alex is an 'adult' name, so Ally it is till she grows up and can choose whichever version of her name she wants.


OHHHH... three posts since writing...
Jaspen - re: anathestist - that is an excellent idea, I will definately do that..thanks for sharing your experience, it sounds like I should be able to BF still...

Baths - I need the operation as I have had somach pains and blood in poo.. Also both my grandfathers and father have bowl cancer, so it is in my family.... darn! If you have blood in your poo, you should have it looked at...it is not too bad an operation and it is better to be safe. Bowel cancer is very treatable if you catch it early.

ABA just wrote back and said "There are only a very few medications that are problematic while breastfeeding, but it is best to check with your health professionals and the drug information line." So I will see what the medications are with my consultation and let you all know how I go.

whooo just went on a walk along the nw path they FINALLY put in near my house! i chose to go the steeper way today, wow was it steep! only went for 30min cause forgot to take the rain thing for the pram and wasnt too sure if the weather would hold off. it did thankfully.
have sent out the christening invites now, next is to find a nice outfit.
oh darn Nixon is grumpy , be back later....

Hi ladies!

Sorry I've been MIA - had the Baptism on Saturday and it went well. I sent photos via the BB group email only got a message that a couple wouldn't go through and Dee78 was one of them. Dee if you want to see them please email me!

Aleise is stirring so I have to go - will catch up on personals soon. Take care.

Ooooh Neeny! gorgeous piccys! Wonderful to be able to put a face to the name! Looking great there darl! What a lovely group photo and Aleise looks so relaxed :) And what cute cousins she has! Looks like you had a lovely day! Well done!

Nic: yeah, we had a brief show of sun... I'm going to be optimistic and hang out some washing soon... probably should check the BOM site first though... Good on you for tackling that hill LOL a good walk can do wonders :)

ETA: also we got a humungeous water bill the other day! $120!!!! guess it was all that time I spent under the shower when pregnant trying to relieve varies aches/pains and itches! Am doing our nappies today... using the grey water to rinse them... wish we had a hose to connect it to the garden too!

ETA #2 Ok Melbourne girls the Bureau of Meteorology site shows no rainfall for this afternoon... bit of sun ATM... get that washing out now... could be a wet week ahead!

Back again! Just had to feed Aleise.

Heard on the radio that Steve Irwin (Croc Hunter) died whilst diving off Port Douglas. Seems a Manta Ray barb pierced his chest whilst filming a new documentary. Feel very sorry for his kids Bindi and Bob and of course his wife Teri. I guess they'll have to adjust their Australia Zoo adds too. What a tragedy. :crying:

Cee-Cee: you have to have an operation darls? Hope it goes well for you. I actually had to bottlefeed 'cause of medication reasons - no drama if you have to start doing that but hopefully you won't have to.

Bath: Sounds like Verity's school is a good one. Great to hear that Wade is toilet tained - I am sooo looking forward to that!

Simone: Glad to see you in here again. HOpe Anneleise is doing well now.

Well that's all I can think of - got stuff to do so I'd better choof off now.

Take care and Hugs all 'round.

oops - spent a bit of money on my 'walk to the chemist'...and I've just realised that I forgot to get the infacol! Oscar is happily asleep in the HAB and has been since I left at about 2.30pm. Because I was cooking for Fathers Day last night I didn't put him in the sling (bit of a hazard for him!), but it certainly occurred to me that the HAB would settle him. Had DP not been so grumpy and tired I would have asked him to wear Oscar. I think I can avoid the Infacol scenario. I'll try the teaspoon of cooled boiled water should we have another episode.
Anyway, back to what I bought. A half litre can of Shanghai Red paint...for our front door - cheaper than a new door and DP won't buy a new one anyway; 5 bottles of cheap acrylic paint, paint brushes with palette, wooden shapes for kids' rooms, 2 8x10 art boards and a bank draft for La Leche League subscription for my sister in NZ. DP is so going to sneak into my wallet and cut up my card! However, I also picked up the TaxPack and I hope to get back enough to pay my car rego, riding club membership and put some on the card...
Lovely photos, Neeny! I'm thinking some kind of party to welcome Oscar to his world might be appropriate.
Better get going and tidy up my purchases - set them up so that DP doesn't chide me for having gear for hobbies I never properly take up!

LOL, IK, with hobbies you never properly take up! I am like that but conveniently so is DH. I have the book for you - it's called "Refuse to Choose - what do I do when I want to do everything?" by Barbara Sher. She basically says there is nothing wrong with being a "scanner" - someone who is interetsed in a million things, go off on tangents, are afraid if committing to one thing/job/hoby/etc in case they miss out on something better. She just says - go with it, some of the best minds in history have been just like that.

Neeny, re: Steve Irwin, I feel awful for their kids too - I was 9 when my dad died and Bindi is only 8 while her brother is 4. Poor little lambs. Friends of friends had a similar family tragedy - dad was driving car, mum in front seat, 8 y.o girl in back. There was a horse in the middle of the road at night as they rounded a bend - straight thru the windscreen. Poor Leigh (the mum, aged 33) died, little girl seriously injured, dad unhurt (physically, but you can imagine emotionally how he felt). Luckily their other 4y.o girl wasn't in the car, but both little ones still lost their mum.:crying:

I just put bubby to bed, and I have a question for you all - Flynn loves his dummy - we give it to him when in the car trying to stave of a feed til we get home, at the doctors when crying would suck, etc, and half the time uses it to go to sleep (the other half I put him to bed when sleeply and he falls asleep without it). As you guys know he isn't (yet) prone to uncontrollable crying fits. I had always thought I would use the dummy when one of those comes up, though. Sort of like the ultimate WMD you use when everything else (bath, massage, singing, brick on head - just kidding!!) doesn't work. But now it has become part of his daily routine, though when just hanging around with me he doesn't use it. Should I try and "break" his habit now, so my WMD plan works when the crying fit appears? Am I being silly, and should I subscribe to the "what keeps baby happy keeps us all happy" mantra my FIL and mum seem to push. I (obviously) don't have any great moral objection to dummies on principle, but I think I am worried about the whole "sleep association", dummies are bad habits and cause problems later school of thought. What do you girls think? I am totally cool if some of you say they are the worst thing in the world - I really want to hear your views so I can make up my own mind. Like I said, dummies seem to be "in" or "out" depending on your theory, but I would like to know what you have all heard/thought/experienced.....

He just woke now, obviously lost his dummy........

Back again - he stoped once I popped it back in, gave a little "eeow eeow eeow" noise while I patted his head (he makes that noise when he sucks his dummy when tired and/or angry) and calmed down. See what I mean - is this going to be a problem? Probably, I know. This week DH is away so if I am going to break his habit this is the time to do it.

ciao bellas - look forward to your views

Just a quick one I'm back online and will catch up soon.

hugs xoxo

Rory: Regarding dummies, from my experience they are a two edged sword (continuing the WMD theme hehe) fantastic and frustrating. Both Verity and Wade used them and were reluctant to give them up.... infact Wade still demands one at bed time. If you don't mind them ruling your life (for good or bad) then stick with them and you will probably bless them as much as blast them! Let me do a list of pros and cons for you (my usual strategy when making tough decisions like this LOL):

PROS:
* Brilliant in the car especially when you are on a freeway and can't stop or during a long interstate journey and just need to get to where you're going because you're exhausted etc.

* Excellent on Public transport especially when people are giving you foul looks because your baby is throwing a tanty.

* A God send when you've both had big days and need to crash immediately and just can't face hours of pat pat patting on the bottom etc.

* Useful in the supermarket, and other shopping expeditions when you need to stretch them out just a little bit longer.

* Soothing when teething, although you will need to replace them more often because the child will chew them.

* Excellent in raising immunity because they will introduce many germs into the mouth which the body will contstantly fight!

* A good alternative to thumb-sucking because at least you can wean them off it... although i guess a child could then go for the thumb if he was insisting on sucking something... though mine never did.

CONS

* Incredibly infuriating as you find yourself being woken up every time the dummy falls out of the child's mouth at night... this goes on until they can put it in themselves... however then you will still have to get up several times a night to find the lost dummy that gets between the blankets or falls onto the floor. This is a huge issue.

* Replacement cost. Our children only liked NUKs which at $6 each are not cheap and I'd say we've been through 30 at least for the 2 children.

* You will spend a lot of time looking for them. They will turn up in the most unlikely places. We found 2 in the garden recently... pockets of jackets/cargo pants pockets/toy boxes/ underware drawers/ kitchen cupboards/ behind fridges/ laundry baskets/ under lounge chair cushions etc are all likely places.... you will be looking in all these places frequently and when you least have the time to!

* Many people will tell you that they are "not recommended by dentists these days". You will hear conflicting information... you will then hear (like I did recently) that your child has developed a lisp because their front teeth don't close properly.... this was by our dentist.... but good news is that the teeth will improve if he stops using it.

uh oh... gotta go... Wade is having trouble on the potty.... that's a bit to get you started though rory!

ETA: oh BTW Niall has shown no interest what-so-ever in a dummy so far and I think this time around we might have a go at avoiding them. I never judge people for using them though! As I have said above, at times they have been invaluable. I wonder though, if as a compromise, you could save them for, say, car use only... avoid the sleep association thing which seems to be the worst aspect of them.

DUMMIES... Xander used them, Declan wouldnt go NEAR them, spat them out whenever we tried to settle him with them, and xander would run off with them, as we "traded" his for a toy when he turned 18m... Anneliese sucks on hers for a lil while, then spits them out... Its all personal preference, im lucky ours like the cheapie $1.60 ones :D