Hi everyone,

Wow, what a week!! First of all, thank you for all the concern and support you gave me. I am happy to say that Sophie is all better and that we finally came home from hospital yesterday. It appears she just had a bad virus, which apparently has been going around young babies over the past few weeks. She ended up having a lumbar puncture (performed by a Resident student dr who had never done one on a baby before - VERY SCARY - but he did a fantastic job!!) I really didn't want her to have it done, but in the long run that was the only test that showed up what was wrong with her. I had never really considered how difficult treating babies must be for drs, etc. It took 5 goes before the dr in A & E could get the I.V. into her hand as the veins were so small (and after all that, it clotted and blocked so they had to take it out that night and do it again!!!!) Anyway, it has really made me appreciate the public health system and how desperately we need money spent on our hospitals.

Roxxie - everytime I had to walk past the Maternity waiting room at the RHH over these past few days I have thought of you sitting there waiting to be induced having your irregular contractions. My mum walked past a lady on Tuesday who was standing in the hallway, almost doubled over and in obvious pain. She stopped to ask is she was ok, and the lady vomitted everywhere. Mum went to get someone to help, and after a few minutes FINALLY found someone, who apparently complained more than she showed concern. Absolute shocking!! Hope Lacie is doing well!

I finally have time to catch up on some personals...

Cass - Sophie grunts, moans and squirms both when settling and waking. She also cries heaps more when hungry than DS did! Sophie is also awake most of the day (but fortunately sleeps nearly all night) except when she is being held (which she absolutely LOVES) or when in her carrier. Makes it very hard to get anything done. Regarding weight - Sophie was weighed by HCN last wed and had only put of 60g in 2 weeks. Then only 3 days later when she was weighed at the hospital, she was 400g heavier!! Think the HCN stuffed up somewhere!

Queen Bee - I haven't managed to lock myself out of anywhere yet, but my brain just seems so full of fog! I can't write a shopping list to save myself, let alone get around the supermarket and actually get everything I need!! Fortunately my mum is still here - she was supposed to go home on Sunday but due to our hospital stay, she has stayed to look after DS.

Deedles - Sophie was also using my boobs as dummies, which was driving me crazy as it meant she was getting too full and spilling after every feed, and then wanting to get back on the boob an hour later!!

Thrilled - what a crack up!! Sophie nearly always cries when she has a dirty nappy, so I never have to smell it for long!!

Shell1 - I was swaddling Sophie in a muslin wrap, and then have a woolen blanket and sheet on her cot, but she constantly wriggles out of the swaddle. So, I have bitten the bullet and put her into a sleeveless, fleecy sleeping bag that was DS's as I was worried she was getting too cold. I also always pull the 'mittens' over on her bonds growsuits - mainly to stop her scratching herself but also to keep her fingers warm.

M2W - I am dreading my mum going home on Saturday and having my first week with DH back at work and a toddler and a baby that doesn't settle. I too will have to get the the Baby bjorn back out for the afternoons when Sophie won't settle and DS starts getting cranky - which will probably be every afternoon. Is it sad to say that I think I am REALLY going to love my tues and thurs when DS is in care?

Feijoa Mum - thanks for your concern re: Sophie. I never want to have to go through it again but it could have been so much worse.

Jandals - hope Toby is better and that his tummy pains have eased up. I seriously thought Sophie just had wind/colic on friday but knew that having a temp wasn't normal. When DS was a bub someone told me to give him a tablespoon or two of cooled boiled water and then to 'cycle' his legs for a few minutes and within 10mins or so he would always do a poo!

I apologise if I have missed anyone. xx