Do it!

I know I said don’t do it...but now I think I have changed my mind!

The carpet is laid (stairs were finished today) and it looks and smells wonderful. So far I have unpacked most of the boxes etc but there are still a few more to go (my target is for Wednesday - fingers crossed)! It feels great to have a nice clean, de cluttered house! I just hope it stays that way.

For the record, I have this incessant cough at the moment...you know the one that just lingers and won’t go away. It is driving me absolutely nuts. I just can’t stop coughing and its getting to the point where it hurts (I think that means it is time to see a doctor). Poor Byron; I was reading his bedtime story tonight and I think it took 4 times longer to finish it. I am surprised the poor thing could understand the story with the constant pausing for breath while I coughed.

That’s it for me...nothing much else to report.

Don’t do it...

Don’t do it...that is, don’t carpet your house when it’s fully furnished!!!

Oh my god, am I exhausted and there is still so much to do. I feel like I have moved house – yet I am still here (ie. no new house to be found). My family room is full of boxes and crap waiting to be unpacked. My kitchen looks like a bomb hit it and my laundry is even worse! At least I can say the bedrooms look good (mind you everything that goes into them – except furniture is downstairs in boxes waiting to be unpacked).

This wasn’t exactly my idea of spring cleaning – packing everything (and I mean everything) up out of the carpeted rooms (which are all rooms but the laundry, family room, kitchen and bathrooms) and moving it outside. Unfortunately though, it really had to be done, so I guess there is no time like the present – I just wish the present was the past and the future was here so that all my boxes were unpacked and put back!

I do love my new carpet though – I love the smell and the feel of it under my feet...just lovely! Now I have to protect it from the kids. As Byron would say "there is no juice, no water, no ice, no milk and no bikkies on the new carpet!" For the last two weeks I have been drumming into his head an endless list of ‘don’ts’ for the carpet. Hopefully he has got the message. Time will tell (Note: I have the special carpet cleaner at the ready).

Not only was it carpet laying day, it was Byron’s first ‘real’ swimming lesson. He had swimming lessons up until he was about 18 months old but they were fun lessons not real learn to swim lessons. He really enjoyed himself; especially since he was the only kid that showed up today (normally 4 to a class). He had his own private tuition. Due to packing etc I regrettably didn’t get to take any photos. I will be sure to have the camera at the ready for the next Saturday morning lesson.

Unfortunately, Byron wasn’t able to have a daytime nap today which so far has proved disastrous (which I had expected). He was so worn out from swimming, moving, people and the heat that today was a day that most certainly warranted a day sleep but nope...no where for the poor darling to sleep. You might have remembered those night terrors Byron suffered a few weeks back; the main cause being over tiredness. Well, I expect them tonight and so far he is delivering – he has been crying, thrashing about and very restless. He is now asleep on my bed – I had to do something; his crying and carrying on was waking Lily so I had the both of them going at once (and of course Trevor is not here!).

Oh what a day...

Before I go, I have to wish my beautiful Lily a...

Happy 2 months!

We have hit the time when things are supposed to get better; and better they are getting. She is feeding much better, although there are days when she is still a lazy so and so. She is sleeping more at night. On average, she sleeps for a good 6 hours straight (say 9pm to 3am) which is excellent. She is growing so beautifully and is even starting to share the odd smile (finally)...

Home safe and sound...

Before I say anything at all, I just have to say what a wonderful, contented, happy baby I have – the best baby in the world I say this based on the fact that she didn’t make a peep (yes, not a peep) during the 13 hour journey down and the 12 hour journey back (see I’m not biased). She was wonderful. Byron on the other hand is a whole other story...

We are home from the road trip to Sydney; safe and sound and all in one piece – although maybe not in one piece as I suspect I may have lost a little bit of my hearing. We actually arrived home on Sunday but as you can imagine, the last thing I wanted to do was get on the computer (oh and I only got my computer back on Tuesday and was only allowed restricted use with Trevor making me go to bed early – pfft to him I say!!!).

Byron was pretty good on the way down...he slept for the first hour or two and that was it. He was pretty much awake for the rest of the trip. He talked a lot, looked out the window, ate (if he could, he would have eaten all day long), played with this leap pad and also with his playskool video now (mini tv) toy. At one point, 2 hours into the tip, he pipped up with “are we there yet?”. Needless to say, I didn’t have the heart to say “no darling, we still have 10 hours to go!”.

The trip back was somewhat of a nightmare. Poor Byron had a very croaky voice from talking way to much and I suspect he also had a viral infection. He had a horrible runny nose and bags under his eyes. He was just out of sorts, which wouldn’t have made for a good car trip in any event – let alone a 12 hour one. In between crying and winging, all he wanted to do was eat (it was lucky I had supplies). Next, all he needed to do was go to the toilet. However, every time we pulled over to the side of the road he suffered ‘stage fright’ and just couldn’t go. At one point, we pulled over to a rest stop...you know the ones with the eco toilets. Byron couldn’t use the toilet due to a fear “that he would fall in”. All I have to say, is lucky for the servos and ‘real toilets' – he didn’t seem to have a problem with them thank god!

Ok...he’s 3 – barely 3 for that matter. It is hard for 3 year olds to focus and sit still for any length of time. In the circumstances, taking age into consideration, Byron really wasn’t that bad. Hey, we made it home didn’t we??? Not sure though, we will be rushing to go on any road trips soon.

Stay tuned for the wedding details...

8 weeks and needles

Eight weeks yesterday...that’s how old my baby is...8 weeks! I know I have said it before, but I’m going to say it again – I don’t know where the time has gone. I went to visit a friend yesterday who just gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Looking at this tiny baby it was hard to believe that Lily was that small. But she was...smaller in fact; thank god for photos or you would just simply forget.

Today I took Lily off for her 8 week check up and needles. I wasn’t looking forward to the whole needle ordeal. From memory, Byron wasn’t really affected by the jabs in the leg. He grizzled for about 10 seconds and was as happy as larry after that. I knew Lily would be different, and that she was (maybe cause she is a 'princess').

She was a little fussy during the weigh in and measure up, because as usual, despite only being fed a few hours earlier, she was hungry again. So, by the time the nurse was ready to give those needles she really wasn’t happy at all. It goes without saying, that my little princess screamed blue murder when they popped those 3 needles into her legs (one in one leg; 2 in the other). Her little shriek was accompanied by a tomato red face and to make it worse; real tears. Yes, real tears – enough to break anyone’s heart – especially mine. To ease my mind, I just kept thinking of how important her needles were and that she wouldn’t remember this day. Heck, all it took was a little booby (and probably the Panadol) and she was fine; although she did gulp that little sigh for a few minutes whilst feeding – trying to calm her self down I suspect.

During the course of the rest of the day, she was out of sorts and a little upset which is to be expected.

Now for the statistics...little Lily (who is getting on the larger side) now weighs 5300grams (that’s a gain of approximately 2kgs since birth); is 58.5cms long (gain of 8.5cms) and has a head circumference of 40cms.

For comparative purposes, I looked up Byron’s little book...at 8 weeks, he was 5400grams, 61cms and with a head circumference of 40cms. Considering Lily weighed less then Byron when born, it is fair to say she is doing ok in the weight department. She is my chubba guts, and she is sure living up to the name!

Wish me luck...

Wish me luck...we are going on a ‘road trip’ with the kids to Sydney. What you say? “Are we mad?”...you could say that. To be honest Trevor and I are cringing at the moment over the thought of travelling 12 hours in the car with a 3 year old and new baby.

The trip is just a fleeting visit for my brother’s wedding on Saturday, so you could say that it is an obligatory visit rather then a holiday. Obligatory visit or holiday, the trip has to be made and we have taken the very brave (note the emphasis) option of driving (well it really wasn’t an option - when you factor in 3 return airfares plus car hire ($$$$) for a three day visit, driving seemed like the only option).

So here we are waiting to go (only 7 hours to go...yippee) – wish me luck!!!

First smiles...

I would like to say its official but I’m just not sure...

I think (well I know...maybe I don't) I saw a smile (not the jerky wind smile which had been so prevalent to date) last Tuesday (10 October 2006). Mum said (and she was adamant) she got 2 smiles not long after, on that same day.

I read that babies almost always smile by accident the first time they do it, while exercising their facial muscles or passing wind. I know it wasn’t a wind smile (I have seen many of those so far), so I guess that leaves an accident. Yes, I think that is what I saw...an accident.

The reason I say accident, is because over the last week or so, I have been putting on my best smiles, starry eyes, gar gars, ooohs, ahhhs and singing voice in the hope of getting more smiles. So far, my success has been very limited to the odd smirk; slight but noticeable, but not that beaming smile I saw last Tuesday (maybe she doesn’t like my singing!).

Apparently the reaction they get from you – to the accident - (ie, enormous smiles, whoops of joy, big eyes, lots of talk) is so exciting they try a smile again pretty soon. Hmmm how soon? I am trying but I guess I must not be exciting enough.

With each tiny smirk (I think I am trying to see a smirk that might lead to a smile), my hunger grows for more. I want more!!! I want to see those big blue eyes sparkle with happiness; those little chubby cheeks move ever so slightly. I just want to see a big cheesy grin. I am desperate for more.

Lily is 7 weeks and 2 days. Byron was well and truly smiling away at this age, having cracked his first smile at 4 weeks. I won’t lie; the seed of doubt is planting in my mind (the one that all parents get when their child doesn’t quite fit within the ‘normal’ development guidelines) that she might never get there. I know this is crap and that she will get there; for now though I am eagerly waiting to officially say...she has smiled.

Night Terrors

Oh my...what a night! Between Byron and Lily it is fair to say that Trevor and I didn’t get much sleep. Naturally, when there is a new baby in the house one expects to be sleep deprived, and that we were. However, Lily wasn’t the cause of the sleep deprivation; Byron was.

A bit of background might be helpful. Byron spent the day with Nanna and Grandad Bruce. They took him to a park, then on a steam train ride, then to the park again (note: it was 30C and hot). It goes without saying that when he returned home late afternoon he was tired – over tired. It was too late for a nap (and he didn’t want one in the car) so it was a nice early bath, some dinner, a story and then to bed at around 6.30pm.

Trevor and I thought – sweet; he would be off in dream land in no time – out like a light. How wrong were we? Completely!

It took him a little while to get to sleep, but that is nothing out of the ordinary for Byron who generally likes to chat and read for a while. Finally he fell asleep but to our dismay woke up crying and carrying on 2 hours later and then, every hour after that until just after 2am (resulting in Trevor sleeping next to Byron's bed - on the floor).

It is fair to say that when he woke up (well we thought he was awake), he was somewhat disturbed. He was thrashing around in bed, talking, crying and just generally appeared distressed. I tried to comfort him but got absolutely no where, so Trevor tried. He didn’t get to far trying to console him either (in fact, I think it was him who needed consoling afterwards; his anger was ripe). Naturally, we were both getting agitated ourselves; especially at Byron who we thought was just being ‘difficult’. Whilst I thought he may have been ‘asleep’ at some point, the more he carried on the more I thought, no way he must be awake particularly given the way he was carrying on.

Last night was not an isolated event. He was somewhat difficult on Saturday night – although no where near as bad as last night.

In the midst of my tiredness and confusion today I rang the child health centre just to make sure that I didn’t need to take him to the doctor (which my mother suggested I do – the doctor that is). I was advised that he was most likely suffering from night terrors! Apparently, (according to Dr Google) a night terror is a sleep disturbance that can be very upsetting to parents (oh you think!). When children have night terrors, they usually scream or cry out and appear to be frightened, as if they're reacting to a nightmare. They may sit up in bed, thrash their arms and legs, and seem terrified (hmmm this was Byron). When parents try to calm their children during night terrors, they often find that their children do not seem to recognise them and do not respond to them (tick). This is because children having night terrors are still asleep. Their eyes may be wide open, but in fact they are asleep.

Dr Google - What Parents Can Do?

*Go to your children. When parents hear their children cry out, they should go to them as quickly as possible. Parents can try to comfort their children by holding them close or by rubbing their backs. Children may not even know their parents are there, and parents may not be able to comfort their children, but parents will be able to keep their children from hurting themselves (how scary). Parents should follow their children's leads. They should comfort their children if they seem to want it, and should let their children be if they don't seem to want comforting.

*Stay with your children. It's important that parents stay nearby until their children resume quiet sleep. Some children get up and walk around during a night terror. If this happens, children can easily get hurt.

*Make sure your children get enough sleep. Night terrors happen more often when children are very tired (seems to be the major factor for Byron).

*Don't try to wake your children. As long as children are not hurting themselves, there is no need for parents to wake them. Parents' attempts to wake their children may prolong the night terror (oops...we tried waking him constantly).

*Turn on a light. This will help calm parents down and will be comforting to children should they wake up (must remember this one).

*Remain calm. It's important that parents try to remain calm because their anxiety may frighten their children if they do wake up (HUH - who thought of this rule? Rather difficult at 2am).

In a bid to avoid a repeat of the last few nights, I:

1) made sure Byron had a day sleep and wasn’t to overtired;
2) got him ready for bed by 7pm; and
3) gave him a lovely massage with some essential oils at bed time.

So far so good...he hasn’t woken up yet.

Edited to add: we managed to avoid any repeats and he slept through – still muttering in his sleep every now and then…but no night terrors. Thank God!!!

Oh my back!

The Chiropractor put it like this..."sometimes I see 60 year olds with the 'straight spines' of 20 year olds and sometimes I see 20 year olds with the spines of a 60 year old". Me...well I fit more into the latter rather then the former.

When he showed me the results of my x-rays, I nearly died. I couldn’t believe that it was my spine (the curvy one) I was looking at. The pelvis yes (which oddly looked warped even to me) given my history, but not the spine – how could that be?? Apparently, I look to have injured my back about 5 years ago (by the looks of the degeneration). I of course have absolutely no idea how that might have happened.

He also commented that it was inevitable that I would develop SPD.

As it stands, I have phase one subluxation degeneration of the neck and mid back area which essentially means I have a misalignment and malfunction of the soft tissue damage and nerve irritation. The prognosis is that it can return to near normal with appropriate chiropractic care. It’s the lower back that is the real problem. Apparently, I have phase two subluxation degeneration of the lower back. Basically, the physiology of phase two is disc narrowing, calcium deposition, bone spurs, and nerve irritation (huh??). With appropriate chiropractic care I can expect a slowing or stopping of the degeneration. With out treatment it is an odds on beat that I will get osteoarthritis (in the spine).

Now that ‘we’ know what is wrong with my back we can work on treating it. My chiropractor is hopeful that with treatment (at least 2 sessions a week over the coming weeks) I will see vast improvements. Whilst I am not in a great deal of pain at the moment – there are times when I do have back aches which are more prominent now then they were – it is important to treat it to ensure the degeneration doesn’t progress.

Today was my second session. Whilst I didn’t notice any improvements from the first session, he did (ie. reflexes etc). It will be a slow process but we will get there (so he thinks).

I have just joined the gym and will probably start going in a few weeks time. My focus now that I have had Lily is to my fitness and wellbeing. I got quite sick in the winter following Byron’s birth and I don’t want any repeats this time around. So off to the gym I go, plus the chiropractor as well. I guess that only leaves the healthy eating (hmmm I think that will be the hardest obstacle of all!).

The results are in...

Well the results are in and it’s all good news...

Lily doesn’t have reflux, which would be the main cause for urinary tract infections. She still has dilation on the left side which is continuing to improve. In the circumstances the doctor advised that he didn’t think it was necessary for her to continue with the antibiotics. I was a little bit sceptical (you would think I was the doctor) because I really don’t want her to suffer with any infections, but he did reassure me that it would be fine. In another breath though; he commented that, should she get any sudden fevers she should have her urine tested as soon as possible.

She does require a further ultrasound in three months time which is accompanied by a follow up appointment. If all goes well, her dilation should have reduced further. In the meantime, I am crossing my fingers that she will not suffer from any infections.


****************************************************

Today was the first day I met my new mother’s group at the Child Health Clinic. There is a lot more mothers this time then there was in my group with Byron (whom I still happily catch up with when I can). There is also a lot more little girls (there was just one girl in my previous mothers group).

I am grateful that I get to be a part of this group as ordinarily they only allow first time mums to participate (I am the only mother with 2 kids). For me, I consider it invaluable to have the opportunity to communicate and share your experiences with other mums. Lets face it...when you have a baby (or children, as is my case) you really want to talk about them (constantly), much to the dismay of your childless friends. Just because I am not a first time mum doesn’t mean I know it all. In fact, I think I have felt a little bit more out of my comfort zone with Lily then I did with Byron. Merely, I think, due to the fact that she has had some health and feeding issues, which I didn’t have with Byron (oh and she is a girl!).

I guess time will tell as to whether we all continue to meet after the course is finished at the clinic, and whether we develop lasting friendships. I sure hope so...

Lily's MCU...

Oh my, the ‘visits’ continue...

Today Lily had her MCU (Micturating Cysto Uretherogram) to see what, if any, further treatment is required for her kidney dilation.

The MCU test was carried out in the Medical Imaging Department at The Children’s Hospital. In this examination, a series of X-Ray films were taken of Lily’s bladder and kidneys.

The test was performed in a room with a high metal table and a large camera above it. The camera was linked to a television screen where an X-Ray image of the bladder, kidneys and ureter were observed.

Poor little Lily was undressed and placed in this tiny little hospital gown (with the opening at the back). They laid her on the BIG table, cleaned her ‘little bits’ with an antiseptic solution and then inserted a catheter into her bladder. The catheter was connected to the bag of contrast liquid (ie dye – although it looked like water).

Apparently (because lets face it I had no idea) as her little bladder filled, the contrast liquid made the bladder look like a black balloon. This was watched on the TV screen and a series of X-Ray films were taken in different positions. Once the bladder was full, X-Ray images of the kidneys and bladder were taken. Pictures were also taken as it emptied (ie they waited for her to wee for which she was some what obliging - they were hoping for a little bit more although they did get enough to see what they needed).

Lily cried pretty much the whole time. I suspect though, that this had more to do with being hungry and naked then the actual examination itself (that is what I would like to think).

Now we just wait for the results tomorrow...

I had my 6 week check up today. Grrrr much to my surprise I was required to have a pap smear – no fair I say! I only had one in November last year but it seems it is the done thing these days (didn’t happen with Byron) that all women be given a pap smear at their 6 week check up. The good thing is there will be no more poking and prodding for at least another 2 years. For that I am happy. Anyway, all is well on the after birth front.

I guess now the whole pregnancy and birth thing is a distant memory, which is kind of sad (strange as it may seem). Now for the next chapter – getting fit or at least losing 6kgs because lets face it; the whole “I just had a baby” excuse will soon be wearing thin!

Computer Withdrawals & Chiropractor Visits

My poor computer - oh how I missed you so!

Thanks to a virus my computer (in particular the internet) was out of action for a good 4 days. I will be honest; I was completely lost with out it. I didn’t know what to do with myself when I had that 5 minutes spare here and there (hmmm there was the washing, maybe the ironing and the dusting, vacuuming – the list goes on). It was like my connection with the outside world was gone. I couldn’t pay my bills, check my emails and worst of all...talk to my cyber friends. My ‘right hand man’ was gone.

Does this make me a sad and sorry case? About 5 years ago I would have sad yes, but today I would say no. I reckon at least 1 in 3 people would have withdrawals if they couldn’t get near their computer (mainly the internet for a few days) – go on...ask around; bet you couldn’t handle it!!!

It made me realise just how much the world has changed in the last few years. Its amazing what we come to rely on in our lives – internet, mobile phones, cars, pay TV (that would be Trevor’s top of the list not mine). I wonder what it will be like in 5 years time???

Now that my dear old trusty computer is fixed (although there are still a few kinks), I can move on...

Monday (yesterday) marked Lily’s 6 week birthday. I can’t believe she is 6 weeks already. For the record, she:

• Now weighs 4660grams
• Is 56cms long
• Has a head circumference of 39cms
• Is on the verge of cracking a smile (although I really thought she cracked one for me today but I couldn’t be sure...then mum (nanna) decided she got 2 smiles in a row – still not convinced they were proper smiles - However, I don’t think they are far away).

Lily had another appointment with her chiropractor today and I had my first visit. He presented ‘his findings’ following his examination of Lily from last week. It seems that Lily’s ligaments, which hold the sacroiliac joint (around the pelvis), are stretched or sprained, allowing the joint surfaces to separate. This disturbs the body’s balance, nervous system and her spine right up to her shoulders and neck and also her cranial system. This can result in (just to name a few):

• Jaw problems
• Neck pain
• Fatigue

Now that he knows what the problems are he can ‘fix’ them using some palpitation and manipulation as well as his little metal spring-loaded activator instrument to perform the adjustment (which he wears on his belt like a carpenter would wear a hammer!).

He noticed there had been some improvements in her since the previous visit, particularly her tongue (which wouldn’t roll properly on the left side). He suggested she come twice a week for the next 2 weeks and that should be all that is required for now.

As for me, I think I will be a whole other kettle of fish. To cut a long story short, my SPD has played havoc with my back, which to him was no surprise (gee, I wish someone could have warned me). He examined me (findings still to come) and decided that my body and reflexes were responding normally in some areas and not so in others, which he indicated was somewhat worse then your body either responding whole heartedly or not at all. So he decided to send me to get some x-rays just to make sure there was nothing untoward with my back (my first x-rays ever, which was a strange experience - I have never had a broken bone, sprain or anything requiring x-ray vision: touch wood).

I must admit, he performed some manipulations of my back which were a little strange and at one point a little uncomfortable. However, they seemed to have the desired effect (re. reflexes) and he was happy.

I am hopeful that over my coming visits things will improve...watch this space!

Lily and The Chiropractor

Ok, so I mentioned yesterday, at the suggestion of the lactation consultant I decided to take Lily to see the special ‘child friendly’ chiropractor.

Today was the day - our first appointment.

Although apparently one of the best around I still managed to ask him at least 4 times whether he dealt with babies much (needless to say he has been ‘doing’ babies for well over 10 years – some as early as 2 hours old) - you can't be too careful!

Today’s session really was an assessment of her condition so to speak. The paperwork was interesting. They wanted to know what type of labour I had; whether she was chemically induced; was she posterior; were there any drugs involved; was there intervention (ie –c-section; forceps; ventose). Labour has a major impact on babies ‘alignment’. Apparently...

“Babies are a bundle of reflexes; these reflexes are controlled by the nervous system. Any compression to the nerves from birthing trauma, long difficult labour or cranial moulding problems can interfere in these nervous system reflexes. This may lead to problems with feeding, colic, restlessness, irritability, ear infections, colds and many other unnecessary symptoms.”

From his examination of Lily it was quite obvious to him that she had some nerve and reflex issues, particularly on the left side (hence the feeding issues on my right side). He noted that in all likelihood she was uncomfortable lying on that side (hence the squirming). There was a lot more said but I just can’t really remember what it was. Lets just say she has ‘issues’.

I will be honest; it wasn’t anything like I really expected i.e. there was no back cracking involved. He explained a few things to me; picked up Lily – talking baby gibberish like a pro – whilst carefully feeling her spine; taking note of reflexes and muscle tone. It was almost as if he wasn’t doing anything really – but he was.

Apparently infants do not carry any previous health complaints and therefore when seen early (apparently the earlier the better – like within hours of birth) their problems can be identified and corrected relatively easily. It won't happen over night; we do require some more sessions, but he did say that I should see some improvements with the feeding over the coming week and they will improve within a few more sessions.

I guess we will see...

On a side note, I mentioned my issues with the SPD and my back and of course he made sure I made an appointment for myself with Lily next week (WOW more $$$).

Before I sign off I also wanted to mention that I caught up with the lovely Kyles today (given I was over her way). It was a lovely fleeting visit and hopefully there will be many more to come!

I'm a Jersey Cow!

I have come to the realisation that I am a jersey cow...yep that’s right; I am a "small, honey-brown breed of dairy cattle that is renowned for the high butterfat content of its milk, as well as a genial disposition". Well not sure about the high butterfat content but definitely have the ‘genial disposition’.

Here’s a snippet of the last 24 hours...

We fed at: 3.30pm, 6.30pm; 8.00pm; 11.00pm; 3.30am; 5.30am; 7.30am; 11.00am; 3.30pm (would have been earlier but for a lactation appointment stuff up); 6.30pm (left side) and 7.30pm (right side) don’t think there was a lot of milk at this stage. It seems that Little Miss Lily likes to eat. And eat a lot she does.

I wouldn’t mind so much if it was all plain sailing, but as I have previously mentioned its not. We are still having dramas with that right side. With the vasospasm, mastitis and low supply it just seems to be an up hill battle with a little bit of wind resistance to boot.

Today, I was supposed to have *another* (note we have had 4 so far!) appointment with a lactation consultant to discuss further what I can do. It seems the lactation consultant and myself had a miscommunication which meant we couldn’t meet. No dramas really except Lily was somewhat starving. I spoke to her over the phone this afternoon and she provided some good advice. She suggested that it might be beneficial for us to see a paediatric chiropractor for some ‘re-alignment’. It was actually uncanny that she had mentioned this because I had read that it was beneficial for babies having some difficulty with feeding, and it was something that I wanted to raise with her.

She gave me the name a good paediatric chiropractor (cause lets face it, I wasn’t going to get ‘any old’ chiropractor to snap Lily back into line). After telephoning them, it turns out they had a cancellation for tomorrow so we are able to be seen sooner rather then later, which is great. Hopefully it will work. I guess tomorrow we will see.

In the meantime, I purchased an electric breast pump ($199 later). Whilst expensive, I consider it will pay itself off in due course – especially considering formula costs $20 a week. I figure I needed a little bit more help then the manual pump could provide me. Don’t get me wrong, the manual pump works well. It’s just with my up hill battle, plus resistance, I think I needed a little bit of push power so to speak, and push power it provides. I was able to express 125mls earlier this afternoon with no dramas, albeit I did skip a feed so it goes without saying there would be more milk then normal. Hey 125 mls is 125 mls and I'm excited (can't you tell I have a life).

Ok, so I am not exactly a Jersey Cow (durr) but I sure do feel like one at the moment...all in a days work I suppose and of course for a good cause.

Byron

Byronism of the Day...

As I have previously mentioned, I have this massive cold sore on my lip. This cold sore seems to be of interest to Byron, who is always looking at it. Today, after he got out of the shower he said to me, “I have a cold sore and you can have a warm sore” - If only it was that easy.

Speaking of Byron, I took him to the GP yesterday for his 2 ½ - 3 ½ year required health check. Officially, he is:

• 14.9kgs (average weight)
• 98.7cms tall (above average height - the doctor commented that he would grow to be around 6ft tall)
• Within normal limits for vision, speech, gait, cardiovascular, development (wherein she commented he had a “[i]huge vocabulary”[/i]). It is also good to know that his ‘boy bits’ are within the normal limits.

He does have a tendency to talk quite loudly at times, so at my request she referred him to get his hearing tested. I made the appointment today for 24 October 2006 and nearly died at the cost - $170!! Unfortunately Byron was born before the compulsory hearing testing of newborn babies was bought in, so I guess we just want to make sure everything is in order in that department, which I am sure it is.

Before I go, I wanted to mention that Lily made her debut into her 'big bed', in her own room, last night (at 5 weeks). I was hoping it would enable me to get some more sleep, ie. I couldn't hear her incessant grunting and squirming because she was in her own room...but so far it hasn't worked - she wants to eat more instead.

Kid's birthday parties - oh the joys!

I was one of these parents (pre children off course) that swore black and blue that I wouldn’t let my kids have a birthday party every year. I didn’t have one and I turned out fine. In fact, I only really had a handful of birthday parties during my childhood and adolescent years. That however, was the done thing back then – none of my friends had parties every year. Generally you got a party every few years or so for the more ‘important’ birthdays.

Oh how things changed when the children arrived...

When Byron came along and he nudged closer to that big ONE I couldn’t wait (or resist) to plan his party and organise the perfect cake (which I of course would make from scratch). We would have a BBQ at the park; I would invite all his little friends (from mothers group), his relatives and some of my friends – it would be perfect (and that it was albeit a great deal of hard work!).

Speaking of cakes, in the months prior to his birthday I remember searching high and low for the Women’s Weekly Cake Cookbook but to no avail (apparently there was a shortage in the months leading up to his birthday). Eventually I was able to borrow one until I could find my own. I remember studying the pages, working out what cake I could make him for his birthday (like he would care!!). I guess I wanted it to be like it was when I was a kid. Although I never really had many birthday parties, I know mum always tried to make a cake. I specifically remember on my 6th birthday (one of the years I had a party) mum made me a rabbit cake (and of course it looked exactly like it did in the book).

There were many cakes I would have liked to have made him but lets face it, I didn’t think my culinary attributes would enable me to. So in the end, I made him a number 1 cake. It turned out quite well – took hours, but the feeling I had at the end was well worth it.

After his first birthday I decided I wasn’t going to give him a party for his second birthday but alas, when it was nearing I couldn’t resist. This time however, it would just be a small gathering at home (and that it was, although there still were a few children). Again, I searched the cake book (finally managed to get my own) for the perfect cake. I can’t remember what I picked, but in the end I never made it. I think the reality of having a 2 year old (and being 7 weeks pregnant) took its toll and I never even made him a cake – my mother did!!!

Shock horror...I decided that I definitely wouldn’t be having a party for his 3rd birthday (remember, he doesn’t need a party every year). Nonetheless, as it rolled around I of course changed my mind – there is an obvious pattern emerging here. However, my rational this time was a little different; a new baby. I figured it only fair that he have his own party or special day. I was worried that the new baby would be stealing all the attention and therefore it wouldn’t hurt for him to have his ‘own day’.

This year I definitely wanted something low maintenance, not at home or in a park, so I opted for a Gymboree bash and boy am I glad I did. It was truly a great party the sentiments of which were echoed by all the mums and dads. In all, he had 14 little friends in attendance. It was a sight to see them all running around screaming, singing, dancing and climbing (and boy was it loud). The hostess was an absolute gem, who took complete charge, leaving me to enjoy the party with Byron. The best part of having the party there was leaving when the other guests did – no cleaning required.

I guess that leaves the cake. When I would ask Byron what he wanted for his birthday he would always say without fail “a smartie cake”. I consulted my cake book and found the perfect cake to make – a piñata cake that had smarties all over it. I had all intentions of making the cake and indeed was quite excited to do so. However, I never envisaged getting mastitis the day before I was going to make the cake, or at least get all the required ingredients, so out the window that plan went. Needless to say, I was quite upset about it.

In the end mum organised a plain chocolate iced sponge for me, which meant all I needed to do was decorate it. I decorated it with Byron’s 3 favourite things...smarties, freckles (come to think of it, they are my favourite) and hundred’s & thousands. It seemed to be a hit with him and the littlies – there was never any further mention of the piñata cake – he was happy with the cake I ‘made’.

I have already picked out the cake I WILL (note emphasis) be making Lily for her 1st birthday next year.