34 Weeks Today!

OK, I started a diary entry tonight but for some reason felt extremely ill half way through writing it, so I will be back tomorrow with the finished version - or so I hope!

Stay tuned...

TAKE TWO:

This week marks my 34th week of pregnancy – Only 6 weeks to go!!! I can’t believe how far I have come since I found out I was pregnant. It seems like a lifetime ago I was in hospital on IV fluids due to my hyperemesis (11 weeks). Whilst the hyperemesis has all but gone, there are some days it lingers and I require Zofran to curb the nausea; thankfully this is only a few times a week. I have calculated that, to date, I would have spent approximately $800.00 on Zofran (and that doesn’t include my freebies to the value of $350.00) – the price of feeling ‘well’ I suppose.

I have read that with labour looming, it would only be natural that I would be feeling just a bit nervous (oh really).

Apparently some of my concerns could be...

• Will I have a safe birth? Naturally I would think about this.
• Will the baby be OK? Again, I would imagine this was on every mother to be’s radar and I am no different.
• Will the pain be more than I can handle? That’s what the epidural is for!
• Will my labour drag on for hours, or will I even make it to the hospital in time? I can’t say I am overly concerned about this given I made it to hospital fine and within plenty of time during my pregnancy with Byron. Plus, my labour only lasted 9 hours from start to finish (with a nice halt of contractions in between) so the dragging of labour isn't too concerning.

Apparently my major concern doesn’t make the list of those ‘most likely’ so I have another fear I would like to add...

• Will the baby arrive on or before her due date? As I may have mentioned previously, I have my besty's wedding 5 days after my due date at which I am to play the role of ‘matron of honour’. Leaving health and wellbeing of bub aside, my gravest fear is that I will let my besty down (and myself for that matter) by not having the baby ‘on time’.

Today I had my 34 week appointment at the hospital + anti D injection. The midwife was a little un reassuring. During this appointment the midwife asked if there was any concerns I had about the delivery, given this would be my last appointment at the hospital before the birth of my baby. Naturally, I expressed my concern at going PAST my due date. I explained my situation (ie. wedding) to her. Well, the midwife noted (and noted again – she seemed to take some perverse pleasure in doing so) they will not induce for ANY social reason at all even if I go past my due date - not even if the event creates a very stressful situation (which I can assure you this would).

In my wisdom of trying to be positive I said to the midwife... "Byron came 3 days early so it’s probably more then likely that this bub might come early too, or at least by her due date". She responded with "not necessarily...it doesn't always go like that" WTF , you could at least humour me with "it will work out" or "don’t worry darling" ( Now I remember why I came home a day after Byron was born - I can't stand some of the midwifes!!!). Instead she opted on giving me a list of ‘natural alternatives’ to induce labour, like exercise, sex and nipple stimulation. Silly me mentioned castor oil and of course she was adamantly opposed to this, stating "Castor oil does not work!". If only she knew how well it worked with Byron! At least I have that up my sleeve.

So of course now I am stressing that things are just not going to go to plan.

Moving on to the important vital statistics for the day:

• Blood Pressure: 110/64
• Fundal Measurement: right on target at 34 weeks (she doesn’t think the baby feels that big – just average which is great news).
• Baby is head down (cephalic presentation) but not engaged - she is kind of just resting in the pelvic area.
• Fetal Heartrate: 136 beats per minute
• There was a little bit of swelling (oedema) in my feet, ankle and fingers but nothing to be to concerned about.

I guess you could say that everything is travelling along nicely. OK, there are some concerns, but at this stage I can’t worry my pretty little head about them...I think I will wait until around 38 weeks. My next appointment is at 36 weeks, when I have an ultrasound of bub followed by an OB appointment.

BBQ Baby Shower

I wasn’t going to have a baby shower for this baby but then all these things started rushing through my head...like will she think it unfair when she grows up that I had one for Byron and not for her...why does the first always get everything but the second gets nothing...its just not fair! – So a baby shower it was (well, I opted not so much for the baby shower but the BBQ/men can attend/baby shower – no games).

Today was the day!

Mum came around a little earlier to help me set up (and to finish cleaning the house). She arrived with rissoles in toe, a present and this massive big bear with a bright pink ribbon – my heart couldn’t but help melt when I saw him. He was just so big, soft and cuddly – one of those things you would look at in a shop and think how adorable but never consider buying for yourself.

After dropping off the rissoles (and a little play with Byron) Mum then left again and came back shortly after with a big bunch of flowers (awwhhh) and the cake – that I had asked her so nicely to organise for me. She didn’t fail to deliver on that front either. A nice big "It’s a Girl Cake!" with a cute little swan carrying a pink bundle of joy...


Byron, sensing that something was going on today, acted a little crazy for the better half of the day but eventually calmed down. I tried to monitor his intake of chips, lollies and biscuits but it became a little hard when everyone would give him something here and there (or he would just grab it himself when know one was looking). Oh well...he managed to fall asleep right on schedule tonight which was good.

As I might have mentioned, we weren’t really going to have any games as such. However, my sister did organise the game of "guess what day, weight and length" (she didn’t think ‘men’ would like to play games). My besty rang me about an hour before it was due to start and felt incredibly guilty that she hadn’t organised any games (or any thing for that matter) . So, in her usual style she came up with games, prizes and everything that goes with it in about 2 hours flat! We played some games and they appeared to be a success with all in attendance - including males :smile: (is people laughing a success??).

Trevor cooked up a great BBQ; nothing fancy, just some sausages and hamburgers with a few different salads for the side (plus hamburger rolls of course!). I happen to think there is nothing better then some sausages and rissoles cooked on a BBQ and am pleased to advise that others might have thought along the same line .

It wasn’t a huge gathering of people, but it was cosy and all the important people were there to help celebrate the soon to be ‘Lily’. She received some wonderful presents, which included:

• Giant bear
• Giant Garfield
• Beautiful gold bracelet with the bluebird and name plaque (like the ones that everyone had when they were babies)
• Bunnykins melamine feeding set + knife & fork
• Bunnykins pink bunny rug
• $50 (courtesy of my father who in his usual style just says "here buy something for......")
• Pink blanket
• 2 money boxes (both very different)
• Musical snow globe
• 2 beautiful outfits (size 00 and 0)
• 5 x size 00 and 2 x size 0 summer bodysuits
• 5 x size 000 singlets (various styles and colours)
• Romper size 0
• 3 x size 000 and 1 x size 0000 ‘all in ones’ (various styles and colours)
• Size 00000 white nightie
• 8 pairs of booties/socks (various styles and colours)
• Baby powder and baby lotion
• Pink pilchers size 000
• Pink towel and washer set
• Baby hat
• Bib
• Petite gold plated diamond encrusted (fake of course) door plague that says "Princess Sleeps Here" (courtesy of mum!)
• Book "What are little Girls Made Of?"

As you can see, she did well and for that she is so very grateful (and mummy too). Lily would like to say...

Thank you all for stopping by
But as I am a little shy.
I thought today I'd stay away
Mummy said that it’s ok.
Friendship is so hard to measure
But something mummy (and daddy) will treasure.
I hope to see you very soon,
Because in here there ain't much room.

Love always, baby Lily.

Promoting Children’s Development

Off I toddled today to the second instalment of the Triple P Parenting Course. Today’s session dealt with "Promoting Children’s Development". The theory being, that encouraging the behaviour you like in your child increases the chances of the behaviour happening again (information we all should know).

This is what I learnt today...

• Parents need to spend quality time with their children. It doesn’t have to be large chunks of time...just a few minutes frequently through out the day (in particular, time that is special to your child). Time that is special to your child will occur when your child approaches you to tell you something, ask a question or involve you in their activity. If you’re not busy make yourself available.
• Talk with you children. Share ideas and information with your child and show that you are interested in what your child has to say.
• Show physical affection. Affection doesn’t necessarily mean cuddles...it can be holding, touching, kissing, massaging and tickling. Affection in the first few years of a child’s life helps them form secure bonds with their parents and those around them.
• Praise your child. Adults like to receive praise; children are no different. When giving praise you need to:
- Be clear & specific
- Describe the behaviour you like
- Be enthusiastic/sincere
• Give your child attention. This can be through a smile, wink, pat on the back or just good old plain watching. These actions add to your praise and show a child how pleased you are with their behaviour. These are particularly good ways to give your child encouragement when praise is not an option (ie. you don’t want to embarrass them or they are too far away to praise).
• Set a good example. Children learn through watching others, so let them watch you! Set a good example and show a child how to behave. Do not expect your child to follow house rules if no one else in the family does.
• Use incidental teaching. When children approach you for information help or attention, they are often motivated and ready to learn. Just telling your child the answer to a question does not help them learn to think for themselves. Prompt your child to come up with the answer and see if you can help them learn more...for example, "what colour do you think it is?" . Incidental teaching promotes:
- Language
- Creative independent play
- General knowledge
- Problem solving skills
• Teach children to become independent. To teach children to become independent in various areas (like dressing, brushing teeth etc) you should follow these steps:
- Ask: Ask your child what the first step is in the activity
- Say: If your child doesn’t know tell them what to do
- Do: If you child doesn’t perform the task, help them. Stop helping once the task is started to let your child finish by themselves.
- Praise cooperation and success
- Repeat Ask Say, Do for each step.
• Use behaviour charts. A little extra motivation doesn’t go astray.

Today’s session proved interesting; well to me anyway. I was happy to know that I had been implementing many of the strategies to promote my child’s development in the correct way. By know means am I perfect...it is just nice to know that I am heading in the right direction.

I wonder what next weeks class will entail...

My Dearest Baby Girl

My Dearest Baby Girl

(by Me - Nicole)

The past 8 months have come and gone
and soon you will be here,
A little baby girl of mine to love, cherish
and hold near.

A baby sister so treasured and wanted
for the brother that awaits,
For years and years you will play together
and become the best of mates.

There are so many people who await your arrival
full of anticipation and bliss,
Waiting to coddle over your every whim
with lots of cuddles and of course a gentle kiss.

For the moment however you are mine
you exist inside of me,
I feel your life; movement and hiccups
and can’t wait to set you free.

Who will you look like –
Daddy, Byron or me,
Maybe a distant relative
way back in the family tree.

Whoever you are; whom ever you look like
it doesn’t matter at all,
All that matters is that you are wanted
my dearest baby girl so small.

Beached Whale!

Today marks 33 weeks of pregnancy – and the day my hormones/emotions went skew if.

It all started about half an hour ago when I was relaxing in a nice warm bubble bath. I haven’t felt the best today...mainly fatigued and cumbersome. I thought I would get in the bath and relax for a bit and then Byron could join me after.

Well that’s what I thought until I asked him to get in and he responded with..."I can’t get in there isn’t enough room!".

He then asked me to get out. I promptly burst into tears...an uncontrollable sob. Poor Trevor thought I was laughing at first and Byron thought I was pretending. To the eyes of a child (lets face it anyone’s eyes), I must have looked like a beached whale. I sure felt like one.

Byron got in and proceeded to tell me everything was ok and that he was sorry, but still I sobbed. Trevor promptly grabbed my towel and helped me out (whilst I muttered that know one was to look at me!). After I got out I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and proceeded to burst into tears again. My face looked engorged, my upper arms definitely had a tuckshop feel to them and my feet were a little on the swollen side. Trevor was a little taken aback, seeing as I am normally one that has my emotions under control, and sat me on his knee. Of course, I had to get up...didn’t want to break his leg.

I hope today doesn’t mark the beginning of an emotional rollercoaster. I am hoping this was a one off. Although, I am confident it wasn’t and there will be more of this to come (I am a little sensitive about my weight - I am 500g from the 80kg mark!).

I think I might head off now...and wallow in my own self pity!

Seaworld Adventure!

For the last 5 weeks we have been meaning to get to Seaworld to make the most of some special annual pass deals they have running. Well I am pleased to advise that we finally made it, albeit we were only there for a few hours. Of importance was the fact that we succeeded in achieving our main purpose which was to get the half price annual passes ($77.50 each) before the promotion ended on 31 July. Byron is under 4 so we don't have to pay for him for the whole of the next year so we thought we would make the most of it and use it as an escape through out the coming year. It is somewhere cheap (well we don’t have to fork out $60 each visit) and because of this we don’t have to feel obligated to stay the whole day...we can go for a few hours here and there, which is perfect for a littlie and baby (and mum and dad too).

We never told Byron we were going to Seaworld – firstly because he wouldn’t have a clue as to what that was and secondly, we didn’t want to get down there and be stuffed around re annual pass special and have to come home. I did tell him though, while I was getting him dressed, that we were going to see some sharks. Of course he was super excited about that. See, Byron is somewhat fascinated by sharks or anything for that matter that has sharp teeth (like dinosaurs or tigers).

So, we were a little surprised when the time arrived to see the sharks :unsure:. He screamed and carried on when Trevor and I went near the barrier to see the sharks or when Trevor picked him up so he could see the sharks over the barrier - he wasn’t going anywhere near the edge! He kept saying (or should I say screaming) "get away from there the sharks will get you" or "it’s dangerous". There was just no way he was going anywhere near those sharks! It was quite funny and a little embarrassing (yes people were starring and laughing). However, when we went to the viewing area underneath (ie. through the glass) he was fine...not a care in the world. It would seem the deep open water proved to be the problem.

Moving on from the Sharks, Byron loved to chase the "geese" (all birds, including seagulls and pelicans were apparently geese – odd when the boy knows what a flamingo is ). There were plenty to chase...especially those that tried to eat Trevor and my hotdogs!

Byron also had a go on a few rides. There is a modest area there for little kids, with about 6 rides or so. We only went on 2 today (there is heaps of time to try them all). He particularly liked the helicopter ride. Trevor said he kept commenting on how "very, very high" he was!

All in all we had a good day, and will make the most of a few more visits. Trevor and I are planning on going one day - just him and I; no children – so we can enjoy the adult rides.

Birthday Plans...

I braved the Target toy sales today and got some great bargains for Byron (birthday and Christmas) and some things for the baby :rolleyes:. As expected though, you would have had to have been there right on opening if you wanted to get everything on your list – lucky that’s when I arrived!

I have given some thought to Byron’s birthday party this year. Originally, I wasn’t going to give him a party but thought it was a month where he really should have a day just for him, especially when the new baby arrives a few weeks before his birthday.

Having been to a McDonalds, Hungry Jacks and home party so far this year, I have decided on a Gymboree party; I certainly won’t be having a party at home, especially with a brand new baby. Not that I have anything against Hungry Jacks or McDonalds, its just that I want something easy and different, so Gymboree it is. The focus at the Gymboree party is more on play and activity then 'food' – which at his age is perfect, especially when they are not inclined to think party equals lollies and chocolate (although all those things will of course be included in the party bags).

This will be his first party where I will invite his kindy friends. He ran off a little list for me tonight, which was lovely. I was pleased to know that I got an invite as did "daddy".

In keeping with the discussion of birthdays, I asked Byron what he would like for his birthday this year and the only thing he wants is "a smartie cake" – cheap birthday that is!