2014...

After reading some of the new year resolutions for 2014, I thought I would list a few things I would like to work on this year. 

Spend time enjoying our family - I head back to work at the end of January and I'm scared about how much time we will get to spend as a family. So we need to get the most out of the time we spend as a family, while we are together. 

Revamp the house - at the end of 2013 we started revamping the house to make it more "our home" and less "this is the place we have all our shit". I wanted to hang the professional photos we got done when Patrick was born and also hang some of the photos we have of the travelling we've done. I also wanted to declutter my kitchen and linen cupboard as well as purging our wardrobes.  I want this revamping to continue into the new year. I have plenty of ideas to make our house somewhere we are comfortable in but also proud to show off!

Revamp myself - for my birthday this year BJ surprised me with a $500 gift voucher at one our local shopping centres, so I could spend some money on clothes. Since breastfeeding takes away alot of your fashion choices, I wanted to stop nursing before spending the voucher. Luckily I have twelve months from August to spend the voucher and it doesn't have to be spent all at once! I've already used a little on a couple of new dresses and shoes and I want to continue to revamp my clothes (as much as I can afford, at least) but also start to get regular hair cuts again and even cut my hair short again?!?

I also need to continue to excerise even after I head back to work. This is going to be tough. I start work at 7:30am and finish at 3:30pm. We generally eat dinner at 5-5:30pm and then the kids are in bed by 7:00pm. Which means the only times I get to excerise is before I go to work, which means I need to get up at 5am or 5:30am, in order to excerise and get home to get us all ready and out the door by 7:00am. Or go after the kids are in bed, in the dark. I usually walk around the block, so any ideas are appreciated!

Get organised - as I mentioned with me starting back at work this month, dinner times and weekends will be sacred. So there are a few things I want to do to make sure I can spend as much time with my little guys when I'm at home. 

Get my meal plan finished and start using it! Have all the ingredients in the house for all the meals we will have for the week (hopefully fortnight), so I don't have to run to the store to get last minute forgotten ingredients. 

Hire a cleaner to come in once a fortnight. We can afford to hire someone to come in and clean the floors, bathroom and do some dusting and general cleaning. So now I just need to get some recommendations and hire someone!

Stay organised - do these things and stick to them!

I hope you all had a wonderful festive season and an enjoyable start to 2014! Here are a couple of photos of my boys on Christmas Day. 

The Monday Snapshot...

I never thought I would be the type of Mum to get matching clothes for my kids but I couldn't resist getting a Christmas outfit made for each of my boys. One Santa and one Rudolph. 

Please excuse the mess behind the kids, I saw an opportunity to get a photo while they were sitting quietly and I took it before cleaning up. 

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Nine months...

Hello Patch

I've had some technical problems which is why your ninth month is late. Hopefully these are all resolved now and you're tenth month will be on time!

You're ninth month has been a big one. Plenty of things going on with you and the family, with a few firsts. 

Your physical development has again grown in leaps and bounds, which blows my mind because it seems like you are doing things a lot faster and earlier than your brother but looking back through James baby book, and you guys are nearly the same age for each milestone. You do seem to perfect things a lot faster than your brother though and I put that down to spending more time left to your own devices. Your brother does take up a lot of my time (energy, patience :-)) and sorry to admit but you do get left on the floor to play by yourself a little bit. I'm so thankful that we have two days a week when James is daycare, that we get to spend one-on-one. Even though it does cost a little bit to send him to daycare, I do enjoy the "break" from toddlerhood and it's great to enjoy this time with you before I head back to work. 

You started commando crawling at the start of the month and have become very quick. Before I knew it you were crawling, sitting by yourself and now pulling yourself up on things. Mostly James' train table or your play table. You love this new view on the world and love to bash and grab anything in your reach. 

You also love making noise with anything in your grasp and seeing how it works. Whether it's rolling a toy car along the floor or pushing buttons on a noisy toy to start the music, your are exploring every inch of your world. 

You and your brother and becoming more adorable by the day. But this also comes with it's own hazards, as James works out how rough is too rough to play. I consistently need to remind him not to lay on top of you for a hug or not to grab you too hard around the neck when he comes in for a kiss. Now that you can move around, you are also starting to play with James' toys that are laying around. Even if James isn't playing with his toy, he will fly over and snatch it off you. I try to explain sharing to him but he doesn't seem to care and it usually ends with taking the toy away from you both. One of those things that will just take time. James does like to give you toys especially if you're upset, which is very sweet. 

This month you have also started teething, with your first bottom tooth right under the surface. It's been pushing up under your gum for the past week and I'm hanging out for it to appear. I can't get over how much drool you produce with these teeth!!

Only another three months until you turn the big one! Time is flying too fast!

Love always

Mumma

The Monday Snapshot...

Our rubbish bins get picked up on a Tuesday but since it's still Monday in the States this is James waiting for the rubbish truck to pick up our bin. I don't think we have missed a rubbish truck pick up since I've had Patrick. 

 

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Birth stories - PAIL Monthly Theme...

I've had two c-sections. Both were planned due to different reasons, but both ended up as emergency c-sections. 

When we found out I was finally pregnant with James, I was hoping for a natural birth. I was open minded about pain relief and medical intervention but I was also hoping this would be a last resort. I still believe that inducing a labour and certain pain relief (like epidurals) can slow down a labour and end up in a c-section, so I wanted to avoid these. I tried to eat right, excerise and talked to BJ about my plans for birth. Then around 30 weeks I had an ultrasound to check James' heart (which turned out to be fine) only to find out I had stage three placenta previa. My plans went out the window. Iwas scheduled for a c-section at thirty-nine weeks, only to start bleeding at thirty-eight weeks four days, which ended up in an emergency c-section. I still had a great birth experience and was over joyed at meeting our much loved little boy. 

When we found out about the placenta previa I was partly worried about going into early labour, having something happen to James and having a hysterectomy. But I was also slightly relieved. That there was no pressure on me to naturally deliver this baby. It's weird but even though I wanted a natural birth I was secretly worried I would 'fail' during labour and end up with a c-section. Now I had an excuse. 

When James was eight months, I found out I was pregnant again. I was in two frames of mind, try again for a natural birth or go for a planned c-section. I had a look at the risks of a VBAC, spoke to a lot of woman that had had a c-section the first time around and woman that had a vaginal birth. And how would we organise James when the time came to have the baby. I decided the sixteen months it would be, between births wasn't long enough for me to attempt a VBAC so I was booked in for another scheduled c-section. Five weeks until my due date (four weeks until scheduled c-section date) and I went into early labour. Four centermeters in and again I'm asked if I still want to go ahead with the c-section. All I can think about is the risks of having a VBAC and I know I'm not in the right frame of mind to push this baby out. I ask for the c-section.

I don't whether I have ever felt judged about having a c-section. I usually make light about it and say something like, "I got a sunroof installed" or "I'm too posh to push" or give my reasons for the c-sections. I think any regret I had about it, in my mind, has been compensated by the amount of pressure I placed on myself to breastfeed both boys. But at the end of the day, my boys are here safe and don't regret how they entered the world. 

Eight months...

Dear Patch

Once again I'm late for your monthly post. Did you know that I was born TEN days after my due date (something your Nanna reminds me of every year!), therefore I was destined to be late for everything in life but have a great excuse!

But back to your eighth month. Wow little guy you are moving now! You have worked out rolling plus doing a bit of pushing with your legs can get you most places. And your hand-eye coordination has improved out of sight, with most things left on the floor straight in your mouth! 

You've had a couple of firsts this month. Now that's getting warmer we have started swimming lessons! You loved your first time in a pool! Unfortunately the second and third times didn't go so great but you'll get better!

  

This month we moved you out of the capsule into a rear-facing car seat. You can see around you so much better, which means little conversations with your big brother and giggles coming from the back seat. Enough to make your Mumma's heart melt!

And lastly it was the first time you tried formula. We'll start weaning at the end of November and I'm nearly out of expressed breastmilk. So one Saturday when I had to go out, Dadda gave you your first taste of formula. You drank it down with no problems! Such a relief! I'm always worried about tampering with things like food and getting a bad reaction but you were great. So now we will go down the weaning path in less than a month, when you are around nine months and hopefully be finished by the end of the year. I don't like to rush so it's easy on both of us. A little part of me is looking forward to having my body back for the first time in nearly years (longer if you include TTC) but there is a little sadness since you'll be the last baby I'll nurse and that part of my life is over. 

You continue to be a great eater, happy to eat what ever we put in front of you. Such a change from your brother. We've tried most proteins and vegetables and now are moving up to have a small bit of our family dinners so you get a taste of what you'll be eating once you get teeth!

Your sleep continues to be good too with just the odd night of restlessness. Usually due to congestion, you just can't seem to shake the stuffy nose and phlem build up. Naps are good one week and ordinary the next depending upon when you wake up in the morning. Usually around 6am, since that's when Dadda gets up but sometimes you are up as early as 5:30am! You usually have two naps a day, anywhere from forty-five minutes to two hours long. You are a thumb sucker, just like James, and prefer to sleep on your tummy or side. 

The interactions between you and your brother continue to grow with James giving you plenty of kisses and cuddles or giving you a toy to play with. You just love your big brother and are happy to sit and watch him run around with a big grin on your face!

You are such a gorgeous smiley guy and a lovely baby. I can't wait to see what the next month brings as you get closer to the big 1!!!

Love always

Mumma

The Monday Snapshot...

Now that Patchy is sitting up for longer periods and grabbing everything in sight, means that my two boys are almost playing together! Sure James is trying to keep everything together and in order, while Patchy just grabs whatever he can get a hold of and give it a quick chew, but it's almost playing right!

Wordless Wednesday...

Wordless Wednesday...

The Monday Snapshot...

Sunny spring days and another walk down to the park. James has learnt the word "flowers" and now everything is "flowers". Plants, bushes, grass all get the name "flowers".

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Seven months...

Dear Patchy McPatch

Wow, seven months have gone since you unexpectedly came early and time has really flown. You have started to grab and hold toys over the past month or two without me even noticing. Happy to chew or wave your toys around once you get your pudgy hands on them. One minute you were helplessly batting things around and the next you are grabbing toys, hair and whatever comes into your view with real purpose.

You are now an expect at rolling and have also begun to pull yourself along to get into mischief or to get a toy. I can't put you down for a second before you start rolling away to follow your brother.  Your rolling was causing some sleep disruptions a few weeks ago, which have (hopefully) worked themselves out. 

You are sitting up by yourself more and love to see the world from a different view. You can't sit for long yet but we're working on your strength. You like sitting in your high chair rather than your bum.bo, your brother was the same way. 

You have been sick again this month, catching the flu from James. Your stuffy nose has been bothering you for the past two weeks and we had a couple of restless nights when you couldn't breath through your nose. You absolutely hate the saline and sucker but it works to clear your nose, so Mumma will keep using it. 

Breastfeeding is going great and we still have a couple more EBM feeds in the freezer to use before we start weaning in two months. Solids are going well too and this month we have added meat to your dinners. So far you have had beef (steak and mince), chicken, lamb and pork. I've also added more green veggies to your purées. Now that you are sitting up well and holding objects, we'll start with more finger food. 

Can't wait to see what next month brings!

Love you lots

Mumma

The Monday Snapshot...

When (toy) sharks attack!

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The Monday Snapshot...

Spring is here! It's the best time of the year, the days are sunny and warm and the nights are great. Terrific weather for sitting around the park. 

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Infertility in the headlines...

Even now, with our baby making days behind us, I find myself drawn to any news on infertility "breakthroughs", advances in infertility drugs or IVF studies in particular. Just because we are no longer affected personally by infertility, doesn't mean my thoughts and prayers have stopped for couples still dreaming of their happy ending.

For the past couple of months in Australia, two news reports have really caught my eye. Especially since BJ and I are living proof of the this study performed here in Australia. 

After the years we spent TTC naturally, then to go through an unsuccessful fresh IVF to finally get the magical BFP with a frozen transfer, I truly thought trying to conceive without all the hoopla would again end in us heading back to the old IVF clinic. But, thankfully for us, we didn't have to head down this expensive and emotionally draining avenue. And it appears we are not alone. 

Pregnancy more likely for some after IVF

 

After having James I was being discharged when one of the nurses who was signing off all our paperwork, casually said, "I'll see you back here in around eighteen months time for number two." At the time I smiled politely and thought, knowing my luck I'll never be back here other to visit. But I was back just shy of sixteen months with my second miracle boy.  

The second IVF headline that has caught my eye over the past week is one I haven't been affected by personally but does bring a lot of hope for couples who have ready been through some tough times. 

Australian woman receives ground breaking ovarian issue transplant

 

Such an amazing breakthrough that Aussie doctors have brought hope to woman and couples wanting to start (or contiune) a family after such tragic circumstances. 

These are truly wonderful stories!

Six months...

Dear Patchy

Sorry I'm a few days late with your six month post! The days seem to be flying now and everyday you seem to grow and get stronger. 

You are still breastfeeding like a champ and we have made the "exclusive six months" which was my goal with both you and your brother. Your breastfeeding journey has had it's ups and downs and I'm so glad we have made it this long and now we can concentrate on getting you to try new foods. 

Solids are going well. By the end of your sixth month you are having three solid meals a day, as well has four breastfeeds. So far you have had pumpkin, sweet potato, carrot, apple, pear, baby muesli, banana and yoghurt. Until you can sit up better, we'll continue to spoon feeding but I'm pretty keen to start baby lean weaning. You like to sit in your bum.bo or swing and feed yourself banana in your mesh feeder so BLW won't be far away!

You are gradually getting there with your sleep. You are now sleeping through from 7pm to 6:30-7:00am most nights, with the occasional early wake up around 4am. You have been going through a fussy phase with your naps and now you are struggling to sleep past forty minutes each time. You are starting to roll more in your cot and sometimes get into weird positions which is not helping. The power napping is really affecting your mood in the afternoons. The past couple of days have seen you go back to your old routine so hopefully we may have our good napper back! 

Your strength is improving and you really want to sit up all the time now. You must feel a bit left out when we are at the park or playing in the backyard and you're watching James run around. Not long now and you'll be running around too. You can sit but are usually hunched over and occasionally fall to either side. Don't worry, Mumma is always there to help. You love grabbing everything and putting said object into your mouth. Your favourite toys are Sir Pra.nce-A-Lot and any plastic rings which are easy for you to get a good hold of. We have moved you from the swing (which you hated) to the highchair or bum.bo for your solid meals to help improve your core strength and you are enjoying the change. 

This month we brought a double stroller which means more time at the park and more outings. You love being outside and having one-on-one time with Mum, while James plays at the playground. When we go out you are a very good baby and are happy to either have a snooze or just look around and take in your surroundings. Usually while chewing one of Sir Pra.nce-A-Lot's legs off!

You are the softest, sweetest baby around and I love you so much. 

Your Mumma. 

How do you feed your child...

I am lucky. Lucky to have fed my babies with (what I think) is the best food possible, breast milk. But I am also determined and stubborn. Because while breastfeeding seems like it should be so easy, it's hard work. I wrote about my breastfeeding journey back in March 2012, while I was breastfeeding my eldest son, you can read about our journey here.

Since that post, I have fallen pregnant again, weaned James off, gave birth (five weeks early) to another beautiful son Patrick and my breastfeeding journey #2 has started. 

Again I thought it would be so easy, I had breastfed James for ten months, I was a pro at this feeding business. Well just when you think you know what you are doing, life throws you a curve ball. Paddy was born five weeks early. My second breastfeeding journey began not how I envisage, with skin to skin contact and his first feed straight after birth. I couldn't even hold Paddy for fifteen hours after he was born and then it was only for a little while. He was so tiny, much smaller than his brother had been and since our main objective for the first days of his life was for him to gain weight, we couldn't even start trying to breastfeed until he was a day or so old and even then he was so tired all the time that I could only try nursing him every third tube feed! So frustrating.

My home for the first two weeks of Paddy's life

And where Paddy lived for the first two weeks

 

In all my communication with Paddy's doctor I always said if we needed to put him on a bottle to get out of hospital early, then that was always an option but this was truly a last resort. Every day the doctor would go through Paddy's chart and let us know if we could increase the millilitres he was receiving via tube. It was only after Paddy was weighed (every third day) that I was allowed to increase the number of breastfeeds I could give. I was so lucky that I had such a great supply of milk during all this time (though I was expressing every three hours) it was just working with Paddy and finding our own rhythm that we needed to work on. 

Six months on we are still going strong. All that pumping meant I have plenty of breast milk in the freezer so we have reached the six month mark exclusively on breast milk! My second last goal with breastfeeding now has been reached! My final breastfeeding goal is to reach the ten month mark again, with Paddy. After that time I will be done and happy that I have been able to feed my boys the way I wanted. 

The Monday Snapshot...

I finally bit the bullet and brought a double pram so I could get out more with both boys. I had been using my borrowed Baby Bj.orn but as Paddy is climbing towards the 7kg mark, it's getting harder and harder to carry him for a long time. Plus I used to walk four or five times a week and now because of our single pram, I might get one walk in on the weekend. Luckily a friend was looking at selling her second hand one, so I managed to get one for half the price of a new one! Today was the first time I've taken the kids for a walk to our favourite park!

Plus a bonus photo of James enjoying himself at the park!

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